#How To Reach Statue Of Unity

[artisticprocrastionator]

🎶[See the sky and all the land together again]

[See the way the earth can stay below]

[Who do we think we are?]

[Everything plays a part]

[There are some things we are never meant to know.]🎶

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Little about me, I’m a big fan of Tally Hall! I especially love their Album Good & Evil (def should go listen to it!)

Never Meant to Know became one of my favorite songs when I first listen to the album, and even more when I started playing Block Tales. I just feel this song represents Cruel King perfectly, and I really wanted to do a post on this.

Below this is me going into a lyrical analysis of the entire song and how they relate to Cruel King.

Why did this song make me think of Cruel King???

I see this song as Cruel King’s reflection of the events that transpired. He points out his flaws and how they led to his downfall. This song, from how I interpret it, is Cruel King coming to terms with his death and understanding that there are some things he is never meant to know.

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Lyric Analysis:

(If it helps to follow along with the song, go right ahead!)

[Woke up today with the lay of the land. Feather in cap and the sun in the sand. It was easy, it was easy to understand]

This is before Cruel King’s became influence by the dagger.

He saw himself as a righteous King that was proud of his Kingdom and himself for his accomplishments.

This was a period where everything made sense and everything was perfect. He wakes up every day knowing this and it was a routine he fell into.

[Everything suddenly falls out of sight. Every attachment is made of the light. That you offered, you have offered to give me life]

This now takes place to kinda the present of the events of Block Tales. Player breaking in, attacking his guards, and ultimately leading to Cruel King’s downfall.

However, he is now reflecting back on this as a sign that player was the salvation to his problem that offer to help him out of his darkness, but Cruel King refused player’s light and continued to go down his dark path.

[See the sky and all the land together again. See the way the earth can stay below.]

All Cruel King wanted was to protect his people and to see everything in harmony. The sky and land coming together represent unity which is what Cruel King wanted. It was something he wanted to see.

The earth line I kinda perceive as his status. He is the king and looks over everything so the earth to him always seems beneath him. This can probably mean Cruel King not worrying about a potential threat that can harm his kingdom or that he so high above everyone else he never sees anyone strong enough to bring him down.

[Who do we think we are? Everything plays a part. There are some things we are never meant to know]

Cruel King now understands he had no power in stopping fate. Even him, a king, a guardian of the ice dagger, was inevitably to the outcome of his kingdom and himself.

Even though he may not understand why it happened to him, it is just something he will never have an answer for and have to be content with that thought as everything happens for a reason.

He hopes his reflection will reach other people and prevent the same thing happening to them

[Having enjoyed all the meat from the bone. Is perfectly equal to being alone. It was even, but you breathe and I turn to stone]

Even though he was wealthy and was granted with anything he could have, he still felt empty inside as he had no one to share his wealth. Being king was just the same of being alone, and later Cruel King admitted he wished he had connections to talk to.

However, at this time, being alone was something he was okay with because it would kept everything in balance and avoid any possible trouble for his kingdom.

That was until player would enter and attack his palace. Seeing Player terrified Cruel King as his worst nightmares became true and that the Player was here to take down Blackrock and him.

[Everything suddenly looks like a sign. Easy to see from the outermost clime. I believe in what I leave in the way behind]

This is Cruel King acknowledging his spiral into madness and paranoia due to the ice dagger’s influence. Everyone and everything seems like a sign to Blackrock’s demise.

It was clear to everyone on the outside that nothing was going to happen and it was just Cruel King’s own delusions and paranoia.

This would ultimately make Cruel King to make irrational decisions to stopping this upcoming threat (such as exiling Banished Knight and imprisoning prisoners who question him as potential examples).

[And all the parts combine to one. And all of us around the sun. Everything will fall away. To order from the disarray]

I interpret this part when Cruel King is in possession of the Ice dagger. He feels it all aligning again as he saw that the Ice dagger can help stop the fall of his kingdom.

Everything would be perfect again and he would be able to rewrite history to prevent its fall with the Ice Dagger.

[See the sun, the shadows cast. From all the times I floated past. See the ocean spinning out. With all the hope and all the doubt]

However, he is not aware that the powers of the ice dagger is actually harming his kingdom and his people with them being the forefront of the disasters he will unintentionally inflict on them.

Though he is seen as “the sun” that brings light to his people, his sun is unintentionally putting them into darkness that prevent them from seeing his light.

His people are hopeful that the King will solve these issues and try to believe the King has nothing to do about it, however, there is doubt.

[See the sky and all the land together again. See the way the earth can stay below. Who do we think we are? Everything plays a part. There are some things we don't understand. Reasons on the other hand. There are some things we are never meant to know]

This restates the chorus again, but I feel these last few lines tie up Cruel King’s overall thoughts (almost like this is him talking to us).

Even after his death and the (potential) fall of his kingdom, the world keeps moving on unbothered. Everything is still in order dispute Cruel King’s believing that everything was in shambles.

Cruel King’s understand that he had no power in stopping fate and as painful as it is to come to terms with that, everything happens for a reason. That reason is not in his grasp and something he’ll have to deal with. Now that he is dead, he has to accept the fact that Blackrock will fall and he’ll never have a reason why his kingdom would fall, but sometimes, there are some things that he is never meant to know.

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Extra notes:

Here are song other songs on the album that I like a lot!

&

You and Me

Who You Are ⭐️

Hymn for Scarecrow⭐️

Turn the Lights Off

Misery Fell

[jingerpi]

theres more to this than i can properly express right now but theres something interesting about how "awareness" efforts interact with mental health/disability issues within a wider oppressive society. People have rightfully brought attention to the way that some disorders are now seen as less serious due to their normalization, things like depression, anxiety, adhd, etc... are often made out as quirks rather than conditions which can be disabling. To some extent, this awareness can still be helpful, and I think many would default to being in favor of it, viewing the de-emphasis of these disorders as an unfortunate byproduct. I'm not here to say that awareness is bad, but I do think we should take a look at the other side of the coin and consider what that tells us about the situation. When some disorders are accepted as normal, as acceptable to have, what does that say about those disorders that don't reach the same status? Are they brought up along side those other disorders? or are they pushed down into the depths of social taboos? I would argue in many cases its the latter. Look at how popular sentiment treats schizophrenia or NPD. These conditions are deeply dehumanizing labels which people treat in a way so vile its difficult to even describe. the terms for diagnosis themselves become synonymous with evil or bad people. If you're being rude or uninformed you're "psychotic", if you're abusing someone you're a "narcissist", similar can be seen with ASPD and how people use the term "psychopath" and "sociopath" These disorders are pushed so far away from any form of real acceptance that its hard to believe psychiatry and these awareness efforts are working to truly destigmatize mental differences and help people. Rather, what it appears to be doing is simply shifting the line. Shifting the line of whats considered acceptable, whats a normal human (dis)order, and whats an evil disorder thats exclusive to inhuman caricatures. In the process of moving the line like this, changing the boundaries for which disorders are accepted, not only does it enforce that the boundary deserves to exist, and that these set of disorders are really extra special bad™, it also loops back around to where I started this post, to issues like anxiety and depression. To become accepted in a deeply ableist society, we can't simply change what we views as acceptable behavior or disorders, we have to change the disorders themselves, reshaping them to fit into the existing accepted standard. We mold conditions into pretty little shapes to allow for their acceptance. This might sound strange in some ways, but its really nothing new. Many other social groups have long been fighting the battle between assimilation and liberation, where you either give up part of your distinctness to fit into an oppressive system, or you fight the system as a whole to fundamentally change it and who its for. What I'm saying here is that the same struggle between liberation and assimilation applies to mental health awareness and disability rights issues. We can't simply fight to have depression recognized as a "normal person disorder", that puts down people still classified as having "bad person disorder"s, and it white washes realities of depression and just how serious it can be.

We have to actually work to undo the systems that classify people as fundamentally not deserving of respect or autonomy in the first place. Its a dialectical "unity of opposites", people are pushed out of personhood for the sake of reifying those who are accepted into it - and conversely, accepting certain specific groups into the accepted class actually enforces the barrier further, legitimizing it as a real distinction, when its entirely constructed.

[lovedbysolaris]

Through Ash and Iron (14)

Jinx x Reader x Caitlyn

Summary: Through Ash and Iron plunges you into the heart of Piltover’s gritty streets, where you’ve always felt the weight of your family’s failures. Rejected from the Junior Enforcer Program, your anger burns brighter than ever—until one fateful punch changes everything. The eyes of Piltover’s elite may look down on you, but it’s the wild eyes of Jinx that truly see you. She’s chaos personified, and you’re drawn to the destruction she promises. But that’s not all. Caitlyn Kiramman, a poised enforcer with a soft spot for rebels like you, offers you a chance to rewrite your future—if you can control the rage you can’t seem to escape.Torn between the order Caitlyn represents and the dangerous freedom Jinx offers, you stand at the crossroads of two worlds. As your power grows, so does the tension between these two women. One promises a chance at belonging, while the other ignites a fire you didn’t know you had. But the choices you make will change everything—not just for you, but for both cities teetering on the edge of war. Who will you choose? And how much of yourself will you lose along the way?

Warnings: Violence duh, gay panic(lol), cursing, all that jazz (whatever you seen in Arcane is what you gon see here)This is also a slight AU.(She/her)

Word Count: 3.5k

Im back, but will dive right back into hibernation lol. It was supposed to snow these last 2 days and sadly it didnt hit my side (Texas baby) and i am so upset- i got to see snowfall again after YEARS and me loving nature i cried lol. But enjoy!

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A few days later, your injuries behind you, you found yourself padding through the polished corridors of Piltover’s grand tower. This was Caitlyn’s section, her domain. The enforcers posted at regular intervals straightened at your approach, their eyes flicking toward the scars still faintly visible beneath your shirt, and you offered them polite nods in return. Their expressions held a new measure of respect, perhaps even awe; so much had transpired in so little time.

When you reached the doors to Caitlyn’s office, you gently rapped your knuckles against the polished wood, then slipped inside. She was already mid-conversation with a man you’d never seen before—pressed suit, serious features, and a briefcase clutched in one hand. Tension radiated in the space. Caitlyn looked livid, her jaw set tight as she spoke in clipped tones.

“…I need legal grounds to act,” she was saying. “I won’t jeopardize what we’ve built, but I will not let Mel roam free any longer.”

The man exhaled slowly, turning as you entered. You saw Caitlyn’s eyes soften slightly the moment she noticed you. You approached her, circling an arm around her waist in a gentle but public display of unity, and glanced questioningly at the briefcase man.

He introduced himself formally, explaining, “I’m assisting Commander Kiramman in bringing Mel to justice. But, ah, I’m afraid nothing can be done until… the wedding happens.” His voice wavered at the last part, anticipating your reaction. “Once the vows are official and there are witnesses, your status changes legally and strengthens our case. Until then, our hands are tied.”

You felt a swell of annoyance, rolling your eyes at the formality. “I see,” you muttered.

Caitlyn’s composure snapped back into place. She squared her shoulders, and that familiar Commander presence filled the room. “You have your orders, then,” she said curtly, her voice a razor’s edge. “Make the arrangements. I want every legal thread in place. I won’t tolerate any slip-ups.”

The man gave a clipped nod, gathering his papers and briefcase. “I’ll be in touch,” he said, before stepping out.

Caitlyn watched him go, then let out a ragged breath. Instantly, you pulled her closer, one arm still around her waist as you tilted your head to press a kiss against her temple. She melted, tension easing from her shoulders.

She caught your gaze, worry etched across her features. “I’m sorry about all this,” she whispered, voice so unlike her usual commanding tone. “I know it’s a mess. But after everything… I want you safe. Really safe. And I won’t let Mel walk free to threaten you, Jinx, or anyone ever again.”

You shook your head, letting your forehead briefly rest against hers. “Don’t apologize. I’m just glad I’m alive—glad we’re here. Mel can stay away forever, for all I care.”

Caitlyn’s eyes darkened. “No. That’s not enough for me. She abducted you, tortured you… threatened our future. I refuse to let her slip away without consequence. I’ve never felt this way—this protective—about anyone. And now there’s you, Jinx, Isha… This is my life. I’d risk everything—my rank, my position, everything we built—to keep all of you safe.”

Her voice cracked at the end, trembling with emotion. You cupped her cheek, your thumb brushing over her skin. “And we’ll deal with it,” you assured her. “I trust you.”

She exhaled, leaning into your touch. You felt her trembling slightly. In that raw openness, you wrapped your arms around her, holding her close, fingers tangling in her hair that had come undone from its usual ponytail. Her breath hitched, and you hummed a soft, comforting sound, feeling the frantic beat of her heart begin to steady.

After a moment, she pulled away gently, giving you a tender look. “Let’s get out of here,” she said, her voice still thick with emotion. “I wanted to show you some flowers in the tower’s garden—see if there’s anything you’d like for the… wedding.” Her cheeks colored at the word, but she bravely held your gaze.

You flashed a wry smile. “Are we sure Jinx wants flowers? She might prefer bombs and glitter.”

A hint of laughter crinkled her eyes. “We’ll compromise,” she said, stepping back and straightening her uniform. “Come on.”

The two of you left her office, walking side by side through the tower until you reached the skybridge leading to the gardens. The air here was fresher, a gentle breeze brushing past. But halfway across, you tensed: Mel was there, flanked by a small unit of her personal guards. They caught sight of you and Caitlyn at the same moment you saw them.

Mel’s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile as she drank in the sight of you. You felt Caitlyn stiffen, fury emanating from her. Mel took a small step back, her eyes never leaving your form, the desire in her gaze as potent and unnerving as ever.

Caitlyn lunged forward, her face contorting with rage, but you quickly wrapped your arms around her waist from behind, restraining her. “Caitlyn, don’t—” you hissed urgently.

Mel’s expression was calm, almost amused, though the tension among her soldiers was palpable. They shifted, weapons half-drawn. Caitlyn’s enforcers rushed forward, forming ranks at the foot of the skybridge, ready to defend her.

“You,” Caitlyn spat, voice cutting through the air. “Abducted them. Tortured them. Tried to ruin everything we’ve built. You’re lucky I’m using the law first, or Jinx and I would make you pay in blood.”

Mel arched an eyebrow, smirk slipping into place. “So I’ve heard,” she purred. “A wedding, is it? How… quaint. I wonder how Piltover itself will react once they realize their stoic Commander has tied herself to a—” She paused, letting her gaze drift meaningfully to you, then back to Caitlyn. “Never mind. Congratulations, my dear.”

You could feel the tremor in Caitlyn’s body, her desire to rip free and attack. Her strength rose, nearly prying your arms off her. It startled you; you had to muster that advanced shimmer-fueled power in your veins to hold her back. “Easy,” you murmured, eyes still locked on Mel.

Mel’s eyes flicked to you, locking onto your arm around Caitlyn’s waist. “I see you’re healing,” she remarked with a sinister calm. “No matter what I did to you, you come back stronger. I admire that. Perhaps one day you’ll realize we belong on the same side.”

The statement chilled you, stirring that old rage. But you forced your voice to remain level. “Don’t try anything until everything’s in place—legally.” You caught her gaze, letting her see the quiet fury in your eyes. “You know exactly what I’m capable of now that I’m free. And trust me, if you make one wrong move, you won’t get to enjoy the chaos you crave.”

Mel smirked, but her stance betrayed a flicker of caution. “I’m not here to fight,” she insisted in a measured tone, raising her hands slightly to calm her soldiers. “A war would tear Piltover apart, after all… something I hear you’d hate to see.”

Caitlyn’s breath hissed between her teeth, and she snapped, “You’d start a war if it meant controlling them. You can’t accept that they’re beyond your reach now.”

Mel took a single step closer, eyes dancing with dark amusement. “We’ll see.”

You carefully released Caitlyn, stepping in front of her and letting your own presence bleed intimidation into the air. Her soldiers tensed at your motion, but they recognized you. Fear licked at the corners of their resolve.

“I’m no longer chained in your dungeon,” you said calmly, eyes boring into Mel’s. “And I carry a new rage I’m not afraid to unleash. If that happens, your name, your face, your entire army will be wiped from the face of the earth—Piltover and Zaun included.”

A hush fell over the skybridge. Enforcers and Mel’s soldiers alike glanced at each other nervously. Mel herself maintained her poise, but you saw it—the faint flicker of something like fear in her gaze.

Caitlyn parted her lips, a barrage of threats on the tip of her tongue, but you felt her hand tremble against yours. You squeezed it gently, a silent reminder that this needed to remain words, not bloodshed—yet.

Mel exhaled softly, turning to her soldiers. “Let’s go,” she commanded, giving Caitlyn one last mocking half-smile. “Until next time, dear Commander.”

She and her unit withdrew, the tension lifting only when they’d fully vanished into the distant corridors. The hush was heavy as you and Caitlyn remained on the skybridge, your heart hammering, your blood blazing with adrenaline.

Caitlyn leaned against you, the fury in her posture slowly dissolving. “This isn’t over,” she whispered, but her voice was calmer now, resolved.

You nodded, casting a final glance down the empty passage where Mel had disappeared. “No,” you agreed, voice gravelly with intensity. “Not by a long shot.”

With that, you turned together, guiding Caitlyn away from the confrontation. There would be more battles to come, more nights of endless strategy and tension. But for now, the city’s lights glimmered around you—a testament to all you had fought for, and all you still had to protect.

You were in the cluttered comfort of your work area, sorting through gears, ribbons, and tiny shimmering baubles you’d collected in hopes of crafting a strange, mismatched bouquet for Jinx—something that felt like her rather than the typical flowers. The hum of a single lamp illuminated the pieces, and you hummed to yourself, losing track of time as you combined metal bits and bright ribbons into a small homage of your affection.

The door swung open without a knock, drawing your focus. Jinx stood in the doorway, her lean form draped in shadows. Her eyes glittered in the low light. You smiled at her, greeting her name in a warm rush—only to feel the atmosphere drop several degrees when she stepped closer, shutting the door behind her with a soft click.

“Why didn’t you tell me about your little run-in with Mel?” Jinx’s voice was deceptively calm, a dangerous edge lurking underneath. Something coiled within you, the same dread you felt whenever she was on the cusp of real anger. You swallowed, fumbling for an explanation.

“I… meant to, but—”

The rest of your words were swallowed when she moved in, swift and practiced, pinning you lightly against the workbench. Your back pressed into a half-finished contraption, and you stilled, uncertain. Surprised more by how controlled she was rather than openly furious. She stared you down, her eyes making you feel small and, if you were honest, a little thrilled at her intensity. You breathed shallowly, waiting, until she spoke again.

“You don’t keep things like that from me,” she whispered, leaning in until you could feel the warmth of her breath against your face. “You and Caitlyn matter to me. I won’t have either of you getting hurt without me knowing. If you hide something—anything—I’ll handle it. My way.” Her gaze bored into yours, reading every flicker of emotion. All you could do was nod, your heart pounding.

Jinx’s fingers found your chin, nudging your face down to maintain eye contact. “You’re my lover,” she said, voice thick with promise, “before you’re anyone’s hero. Don’t forget that.” You parted your lips, the quiet desire stirring in your chest, leaning in for a kiss. But her grip tightened just enough to guide your mouth away, denying you. A smirk ghosted across her lips, and you could almost taste the tease on the tip of her tongue.

She stepped back as smoothly as she’d approached, leaving you momentarily unmoored. “That’s your punishment,” she purred, amusement dancing in her eyes. A swirl of her hips brushed away from you, an unapologetic display of confidence as she strode toward the door. She turned back, waving a plain envelope that bore both your name and Caitlyn’s in looping script.

“Cute how your last name looks next to ours,” Jinx called, a giggle threaded through her words, then slipped out the room. You stood there, mind spinning, the half-finished metal bouquet still clutched in your shaking hands, uncertain whether to laugh or catch your breath first.

You followed Jinx into the hall, your footsteps soft against the metal floor as you tried to catch up. She didn’t make it easy, glancing back every time you inched closer only to flick her wrist and slip her hand away from yours. You frowned, pouting in that faintly dramatic way you knew might soften her demeanor—but she was in no mood to oblige immediately.

Finally, you managed to close the gap, your voice low and earnest. “I’m sorry,” you repeated, sounding a touch exasperated with yourself. “Really. I… I just didn’t want things to escalate further with Mel. You know how Caitlyn can be when she’s angry. I’ve never seen her that furious in my life.”

Jinx paused, turning on her heel so suddenly you nearly bumped into her. She was smaller than you but still exuded that fierce, contained power. She leaned in, her voice a hush. “Prove it.”

Your heart stuttered at the challenge in her eyes. Slowly, deliberately, you slid an arm around her waist, drawing her close. “I’m sorry,” you said, quieter this time, letting each word fall from your lips with weight and sincerity. “But you know we’re walking a thin line. One wrong move, and Mel’ll have cause to start a war none of us are ready for. And after seeing Caitlyn almost lose it…” You sighed, shaking your head at the memory. “She was at her breaking point. I couldn’t add to that.”

Jinx watched you, her gaze unreadable for a moment. Then her lips quirked into something mischievous. “You’ve gotten so soft,” she teased, though her voice held a fondness behind the jab.

You feigned a hurt expression, pressing your forehead lightly against hers. “Soft?” you echoed, sliding your free hand along her cheek and trailing light kisses from her temple down to the corner of her jaw. She gasped softly at first, but her lips curved into a shy smile. Your voice dipped lower. “I’m only saving my rage for when it’s really needed. Mel’s going to see it eventually—she won’t give us much choice. But right now, I have you, Caitlyn, and Isha to look after… I can’t leave you again.”

Jinx tilted her head back enough to meet your eyes. Her gaze flickered with that faint glow of purple you recognized in both of you when emotions ran high—an echo of the shimmer that pulsed through your veins. She drew in a slow breath, and a softness replaced her earlier tough stance. “I’m really glad I found you that day,” she murmured, referencing that moment of chaos when you first crossed paths, Garrett’s face meeting your fist. A small, fond grin tugged at her lips. “You punching that idiot was the best thing that happened to me.”

You let out a breathy laugh. “I had no idea it’d lead to all… this,” you admitted, the corners of your eyes crinkling in amusement.

For a moment, neither of you spoke, standing there under the flickering overhead light. Jinx’s eyes flicked between your pupils, reading the depths of your soul. Then, quietly, she broke the silence. “I love you,” she whispered, so softly you almost believed you misheard. But the sincerity in her gaze—her voice trembling just so—made it undeniable.

A gentle ache filled your chest, a warmth pressing behind your ribs. You let your hand drift up into her hair, pulling her close enough for your lips to meet. The kiss was slow, purposeful, a silent testament to everything you both had endured. And in that moment, the world shrank until it was only you and Jinx, hearts throbbing in sync.

When you drew back, your foreheads touched, and the sting of tears pricked at your eyes. “I love you, too,” you murmured, speaking the words plainly and clearly for her ears alone. Nothing else needed to be said—the two of you simply breathed, letting that confession take root in the hush of the corridor.

The rhythmic click and clang of metal against metal filled the warm air of your little workspace as you carefully attached the final piece to one of your metal “flowers.” The creation was equal parts eccentric and lovely—a reflection of Jinx’s influence, no doubt. You’d gone ahead and made two bouquets: one for Caitlyn, one for Jinx. Each trinket “petal” was shaped from painted gears or shaped scraps of steel, creating a bizarre but charming bouquet.

You looked up from the workbench as the door clicked open. Caitlyn stepped inside, her hand resting gently on Isha’s shoulder. The little girl’s eyes instantly fell on the glimmering trinkets, but Caitlyn’s fell on you. A warm smile curved her lips.

“I never realized just how creative you could be,” Caitlyn teased softly, crossing the room.

You shrugged, lifting your goggles off your forehead and letting them rest around your neck. “All thanks to your partner in crime,” you joked, nodding at Jinx napping on the couch, half-shadowed by the open balcony door.

Isha, though, had other plans. She darted across the room with surprising stealth, launching herself onto Jinx’s lap. A small noise of alarm escaped Jinx as she jolted awake. “Kid!” Jinx yelped, bleary-eyed, but the surprise faded quickly into a sheepish laugh. She held Isha close, pressing a playful kiss to the top of the girl’s head.

You let out a low chuckle at their interaction, only to feel a light pressure on your shoulder—Caitlyn leaning in to kiss you. Her lips met yours with a soft familiarity that made your heart lurch in that comforting, welcome way. When she pulled back, her eyes flicked over the half-finished bouquet in your hand. “You’re full of surprises, you know that?”

“I try,” you murmured, smiling. “Besides, Jinx is the real muse behind these metal monstrosities. She’s the one who taught me ‘normal flowers are too boring.’”

Jinx’s voice drifted from behind you, still groggy but amused. “You’re lucky I have good taste,” she said, smirking around another yawn.

Meanwhile, Isha slid off Jinx’s lap, scampering across the room to your workbench. Her wide eyes shone as she studied the trinket ‘flowers.’ You laughed softly and reached for a particularly bright purple one, holding it out to her. Isha’s face lit up like a lantern, and she sprinted back to Jinx, waving the flower in her face in a triumphant display.

While your focus lingered on Isha’s happiness, Caitlyn took advantage of the moment. She slipped into your lap, one arm hooking around your shoulder. You felt the warmth of her body settle against you, the soft brush of her uniform grazing your forearm.

Her voice was a near whisper, meant just for you. “I never saw myself with such a family a few years ago.”

You teased her with a gentle roll of your eyes. “You were pretty invested in your job. ‘Commander Kiramman, the unstoppable law of Piltover’—ring a bell?”

She tried to laugh it off, but it came out as a faint sigh. “I was. Still am, sometimes. But… after we all marry, I’ve been thinking…” Her voice dropped even lower. “I might resign or at least step away from the Commander role.”

Your entire body went rigid with surprise. “What? Caitlyn—no, you’ve worked so hard for that position.”

“It’s just a thought,” she muttered, pressing a quick kiss to the corner of your mouth when she saw your alarm. “A fleeting one, maybe. But with everything that’s happened… you, Jinx, Isha. You’re my priority now.”

You shook your head, about to protest further, when Jinx’s mouth pressed a playful kiss to Caitlyn’s temple from behind, her arms circling both you and Caitlyn. She pressed flush against your back, murmuring, “Speaking of priorities, we should go see Vi and Sevika soon. They’ll want in on wedding details.”

You turned, enough to kiss Jinx’s lips in a half-twist. A quiet hum of pleasure escaped your throat. Caitlyn watched the exchange with an indulgent smile—though her cheeks pinkened slightly.

Your impromptu make-out session was cut short by a tug on your shirt from below—Isha, pointing at an unpainted gear near the base of the latest flower. You blinked, sheepishly grinning. “I knew I forgot something,” you said, picking up the paintbrush with your free hand.

Jinx clicked her tongue. “Lucky the kid’s here to keep you on track,” she teased, heat dancing behind her eyes. “Otherwise I’d punish you for that incomplete job.”

Caitlyn cleared her throat, fussing with her uniform as she tried to disguise the fact that her face had turned a few shades redder. “Don’t get any ideas,” she warned Jinx lightly, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips.

Jinx just snickered, stepping closer to Caitlyn with an almost predatory look. “Don’t tell me you didn’t like watching me kiss them…”

Caitlyn stiffened, her ears practically steaming. “I—it’s not that, I just—” She stopped, spotting the grin spreading across your face. Rolling her eyes, she glanced away, cheeks aflame.

You could barely suppress your laughter. The moment was so domestic, so absurdly sweet in its own way. This was your life now—full of warmth and teasing, with a bright-eyed child demanding your best, two fierce women protective of your heart, and the promise of a wedding that would seal your family’s unity forever.

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Hope you enjoyed! Sorry- its not proofread :(

[whencyclopedia]

A Brief History of Egyptian Art

Art is an essential aspect of any civilization. Once the basic human needs have been taken care of such as food, shelter, some form of community law, and a religious belief, cultures begin producing artwork, and often all of these developments occur more or less simultaneously. This process began in the Predynastic Period in Egypt (c. 6000 - c. 3150 BCE) through images of animals, human beings, and supernatural figures inscribed on rock walls. These early images were crude in comparison to later developments but still express an important value of Egyptian cultural consciousness: balance.

Egyptian society was based on the concept of harmony known as ma'at which had come into being at the dawn of creation and sustained the universe. All Egyptian art is based on perfect balance because it reflects the ideal world of the gods. The same way these gods provided all good gifts for humanity, so the artwork was imagined and created to provide a use. Egyptian art was always first and foremost functional. No matter how beautifully a statue may have been crafted, its purpose was to serve as a home for a spirit or a god. An amulet would have been designed to be attractive but aesthetic beauty was not the driving force in its creation, protection was. Tomb paintings, temple tableaus, home and palace gardens all were created so that their form suited an important function and, in many cases, this function was a reminder of the eternal nature of life and the value of personal and communal stability.

Early Dynastic Period Art

The value of balance, expressed as symmetry, infused Egyptian art from the earliest times. The rock art from the Predynastic Period establishes this value which is fully developed and realized in the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt (c. 3150 - c. 2613 BCE). Art from this period reaches its height in the work known as The Narmer Palette (c. 3200-3000 BCE) which was created to celebrate the unity of Upper and Lower Egypt under King Narmer (c. 3150 BCE). Through a series of engravings on a siltstone slab, shaped as a chevron shield, the story is told of the great king's victory over his enemies and how the gods encouraged and approved his actions. Although some of the images of the palette are difficult to interpret, the story of unification and the celebration of the king is quite clear.

On the front, Narmer is associated with the divine strength of the bull (possibly the Apis Bull) and is seen wearing the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt in a triumphal procession. Below him, two men wrestle with entwined beasts which are often interpreted as representing Upper and Lower Egypt (though this view is contested and there seems no justification for it). The reverse side shows the king's victory over his enemies while the gods look on approvingly. All these scenes are carved in low-raised relief with incredible skill.

This technique would be used quite effectively toward the end of the Early Dynastic Period by the architect Imhotep (c. 2667-2600 BCE) in designing the pyramid complex of King Djoser (c. 2670 BCE). Images of lotus flowers, papyrus plants, and the djed symbol are intricately worked into the architecture of the buildings in both high and low relief. By this time the sculptors had also mastered the art of working in stone to created three-dimensional life-sized statues. The statue of Djoser is among the greatest works of art from this period.

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[talonabraxas]

"When you make the two into one, and when you make the inner as the outer, and the upper as the lower, and when you make male and female into a single one, so that the male shall not be male, and the female shall not be female: . . . then you will enter [the kingdom]." – Jesus, The Gospel of Thomas

The Third LIGHT and Angel of Gemini

3. Gemini.—The Light of Interplay. This is a line of light beams, revealing that which opposes or the basic duality of manifestation, the relationship of spirit and of form. It is the conscious light of that relationship.

Keynote: ‘I’ [the soul] recognize my other self [lower self] and in the waning of that self ‘I’ grow and glow.

“This sign is sometimes called the "constellation of the resolution of duality into a fluid synthesis." Governing as it does all the pairs of opposites in the zodiac, it preserves the magnetic interplay between them, keeping them fluid in their relations, in order eventually to facilitate their transmutation into unity, for the two must finally become the One.” This is the energy that “relates” everything – it creates relationship, overcoming separation.

"Gemini determines the paramount influence within the fourfold influence of the Mutable Cross [for this present cycle]. The main objective of these four energies is to produce that constant flux and periodic change in time and space which will provide a field of adequate experience for the unfoldment of the Christ life and consciousness. This is the case cosmically speaking, and also from the standpoint of a solar system, of a planet and of a human being. The field of development for the lower three kingdoms is dependent upon the status and energy-distributing power of humanity as a whole." (EA 344) Notes of Interest: Humanity plays a pivotal role for the full flowering of the three lower kingdoms — so that the Lord of the World can take His next steps. When all Seven kingdoms are functioning as intended, then the Earth can fulfill Its true purpose (in the distant future) as the Base of the spine Center in the Solar Logos. Sanat Kumara, the Lord of the World, shall function as a soul-infused personality for a much larger Being termed the Planetary Logos. Our role for the three lower kingdoms of nature is to influence their higher development through our consciousness as we continue to evolve (keeping in mind that the vegetable kingdom is the most evolved of the three lower kingdoms).

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“Because the Ray of Love-Wisdom, the second ray, pours through Gemini it becomes apparent how true is the [esoteric] teaching that Love underlies the entire universe. God is Love, we are assured, and this statement is both an exoteric and an esoteric truth. This underlying love of Deity reaches our solar system primarily through Gemini, which forms, with the constellation of the Great Bear and the Pleiades, a cosmic triangle. This is the triangle of the cosmic Christ and is the esoteric symbol lying behind the cosmic Cross. There is ever the eternal triangle to be found behind the fourfold phenomenal appearance. Speaking symbolically and in the words of the Old Commentary:

"Upon the golden triangle, the Cosmic Christ appeared; His head in Gemini; one foot upon the field of the Seven Fathers and the other planted in the field of the Seven Mothers (these two constellations are sometimes called the Seven Brothers and the Seven Sisters. A.A.B.). Thus for aeons, the Great One stood, His consciousness in-turned, aware of three but not of four. Intent, with suddenness, He heard a sound go forth.... Arousing to that cry, He stretched Himself, reached forth both arms in understanding Love, and, lo, the Cross was formed.”

"He heard the cry of the Mother (Virgo), of the Seeker (Sagittarius), and of the submerged Fish (Pisces). Then, lo, the Cross of change appeared, though Gemini remained the head. This is the mystery."

“… in the fact of the pain and sorrow which are distinguishing qualities of our planetary life lies hid a secret mystery. Through this relationship [of Gemini and Sagittarius] and through the medium of the potencies pouring into our planet, a situation is set up which I might express in the words of the Old Commentary:

"When the dual forces of the cosmic brothers (Gemini) become the energy of the one who rides towards the light (Sagittarius) then the fourth becomes the fifth. Humanity, the link, becomes the Hierarchy, the bestower of all good. Then all the Sons of God rejoice." (EA, 356)

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"It might be profitable to you to bear in mind at this point what I have often told you, that the great White Lodge on Sirius is the spiritual prototype of the great White Lodge on Earth, of which modern Masonry is the distorted reflection, just as the personality is a distorted reflection of the soul

1. Gemini—forms a point of entrance for cosmic energy from Sirius.

2. Libra—is related to and transmits the potencies of the Pleiades.

3. Aquarius—expresses the universal consciousness of the Great Bear.

◊ ◊

The energies of this sign …”condition the soul within the form and subject it to those influences which will lead to the intensification of the ordinary evolutionary process and the consequent waxing of the soul light and the waning of the light in matter itself. This initiates the struggle which, in a human being, is consciously realized as being between soul and personality. This leads to a final stage in Capricorn [initiation into greater light and life].” (EA, 360)

◊ ◊

“Gemini is pre-eminently the sign of the Messenger [Mercury], and this sign produces many of the messengers of God as they appear down the ages, the revealers of new divine truths and the intermediaries between the fourth and fifth kingdoms” [human and soul kingdoms]. Gemini has mental agility and fluidity of mind … When there is facility of mental approach in any direction and in connection with the many opposites in manifestation, you have the emergence of the divine Messenger in his true character, able to comprehend extremes and to relate them divinely to each other.” (EA, 354) When opposites are brought together and are related to each other soul to soul, we become messengers of Truth. The Buddha and the Christ were two such recent Divine Messengers for Humanity. The Master DK on another turn of the spiral was a messenger bringing the Wisdom teachings of the east to the west, and set the stage for a new and contemporary Discipleship; Alice Bailey, born in Gemini, served as a messenger or communicator for these Teachings (from the Mind of the Master to aspirants and disciples). Returning to the theme of this sign, the Soul is ever the Divine Messenger to the personality, creating a bridge betwixt high and low, ultimately betwixt Spirit and Matter.

◊ ◊

"In the expression of the activity of this sign of duality, it is subjective energy we must consider as it produces objective effects. This sign controls esoterically the heart of our solar system and thus controls the pulsation of life which sustains all that is. Gemini is, therefore, connected with the heart of the Sun, just as Cancer is related to the physical Sun and Aquarius to the central spiritual Sun.

1. Cancer physical Sun 3rd aspect - intelligent activity of the Whole.

2. Gemini heart of the Sun 2nd aspect - love of the Whole.

3. Aquarius central spiritual Sun 1st aspect - the will of the Whole.

In Cancer, you have the intelligent synthetic consciousness of the mass, viewing it from the consciousness of matter itself and the awareness of all forms and atoms; in Gemini, you have an emerging recognition of duality, leading to experience and growth in all separative intelligent forms; in Aquarius, you have the results of the activity of Cancer and Gemini, producing a higher synthesis and a universal group awareness." (EA, 351)

◊ ◊ ◊

THROUGH THE PORTAL OF GEMINI

CONTEMPLATIONS ◊ DIAMOND SOUL PRACTICES

Christ in you is born anew in each and every Sign. The new Mind of Christ in you confers twelve new powers of the Self – of the True Soul. We meet the energy of the Solar Angel and Angel of Gemini as the third of twelve creative Christ or God powers – each a facet in the Glory Body of the One Self.

ATTUNEMENT FOR CONTEMPLATION ◊ Come into conscious alignment with the Soul, the Christ in you. ◊ Send forth a ray of love to connect with the group as a whole and then with “the great potency of the inner groups” (the Ashrams of the Christ) ◊ Light a candle, a living flame of light in your mind, to attune with and invite the Angels (of Gemini and Solar Angel) to further activate the 3rd great Petal or Light. In this Light we work with the following Contemplations and Diamond Soul Practices (as seed thoughts and practices) to continue unfolding the latent power of this Petal (energy).

◊ BEGIN YOUR DAYS in this month of Gemini with this third petal practice, a facet of the New Mind of Christ in you unfolding for fuller subjective expression. Ask – that these days be a living example of the Keynote: how can I be a Messenger of beautiful, harmonious inter-play in any given situation on this day? Beginning our day this way, we step into the sphere of unity ~

‘I stand in the fulfilled blessings of Gemini so that love can flow’.

◊ Attuned with the Angel of the third petal, allow the “light of interplay” to be activated and released in your mind, having the power to re-sol, re-soul, resolve. ◊ In your own life and/or your life of service, do you see an area or situation that is in need of alchemical resolution for the light of interplay to act as a soul solvent. Bringing Gemini Light to what is in opposition or acting as an opposing force, brings the light and life of the sun/son of solarization— of magnetic interplay to that which needs to be solarized or ensouled, thereby bringing a resolving influence, a solarizing and harmonizing power and energy to it. ◊ Bring to mind the area or situation identified. The personality will be thinking, feeling or acting one way (based upon older patterns that have not been solarized) and the Soul will think, feel, say or act a higher Way. Move into the Soul field and bring the situation into the Soul - into the Soul’s Way. Allow the Soul to work through it - to alchemize it with its powers, virtues, thoughts and action. [This diamond and indents that follow was edited 6-10-22]

NOTE: The power behind the work of “Esoteric Advent” is the Heart and Mind of Christ flowing through it. Christ is attuned with the loving Will of the Lord of the World, Who is in touch with the Planetary Logos and in turn with the Solar Logos in the Great Chain of Being. There are greater powers of Love and Higher Will and Purpose flowing through the Hierarchy for implementation by Humanity. If something is not yet resolved, hold it “lightly” and hold it in the Light, and know it will be resolved. The larger the issue, especially if on an international or world scale, know there is a larger plan for the Way of the future. In any and every case, know that a greater force of Good has been brought into play and will work its Way through eventually. Move into Faith - “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen”. The Plan of God — the Will of God will be enacted through all beings.

Once we learn to think with and as the Hierarchy, many of the inner disturbances will quiet down and we will not be thrown back and forth by forces of opposition or that which has not yet been re-souled / resolved.

◊ "When the dual forces of the cosmic brothers (Gemini) become the energy of the One who rides towards the light … then the fourth becomes the fifth. Humanity, the link, becomes the Hierarchy, the bestower of all good. Then all the Sons of God rejoice." Self inquiry: when the dual forces of Gemini are working rightly together – the Soul is in charge of the personality and the soul is gaining ascendency and is waxing. Think of examples in your own life where the Soul and personality came into right relationship after a conflict of opposing forces – where pain and sorrow had been resolved or relieved. What followed, what arose? Recall to mind what happened in you �� and the impact it had in your life and in your group and personal relations. ◊ Joined in the light of interplay, we heal these inner separations; we stand in a new altitude in relation to the situation. The light of interplay and the love released extends into all our relations. Recalling "holy instants to mind” brings into the present the power and blessing of Solarizing interplay.

◊ Consider the Angel of this petal saying to you (to us): 'We all live under the same Sun (objectively), and within the Heart of the Son of Divine Love (subjectively). You are a fractal of Christ energy, of Divine Love pouring through all creation, relating all opposites, uniting and overcoming duality, healing all separation’. Contemplate this deeply; allow it to be true.

◊ Uncover at least one line of connection among our many lines of relationship, asking for fuller integration and unification. ◊ When complete, place your hands over your heart - feeling the energy of your heart, knowing all things can be resolved - and are re-Souled when brought into the solar energy of the Cosmic Heart.

◊ "Gemini, as you may now begin to grasp, is related to the etheric body; it is the custodian of conditioning energy and the intermediary, as far as basic essentials are concerned, between soul and body. These are the two allied brothers. In the average person, the etheric vehicle is the transmitter of psychic energy, galvanising and coordinating the dense physical body and permitting, therefore, astral and mental control of the personality. When the man is upon the Path of Discipleship and, therefore, upon the reversed wheel, leading to initiation, the etheric body becomes the transmitter of soul energy and not of personality force; the powerful effect of the second Ray of Love-Wisdom—working through the subjective six rays, according to ray type—begins steadily to dominate the vital body, producing consequently the shift of force and of intensity to the centres above the diaphragm. The power of the personality lessens and wanes whilst that of the soul waxes and grows. There is much to be learned from the study of the dual activity—higher and lower—of the etheric body and its relation to and responsiveness to the constellation, Gemini ... It is ... an esoteric fact to be borne in mind and will be some day of real service to the astrology of the future, for some day astrology will be lifted up to a higher plane. True interpretation will come and true healing in all departments of human living through a proper understanding of the available potencies and energies pouring into the planet at any particular time." (EA, 352/3)

◊ Consider this last sentence in relation to the work we are doing in our deepening monthly and daily alignments with the Zodiacal Signs. Consider how significant this work is for bringing about the merging of the 4th and the 5th Kingdoms.

◊ "Gemini ... is one of the paramount zodiacal signs in that it is the major symbol of duality in the zodiac. It is the constellation Gemini and its inherent second ray influence which control every one of the pairs of opposites in the Great Wheel. Gemini, therefore, forms with each of the pairs of opposites in the Zodiac a third factor, powerfully influencing the other two constellations, and thus forms, with them, certain great zodiacal triangles. These only become of importance when considering the horoscopes of advanced human beings or esoteric groups, but eventually—when casting the horoscope of a disciple or an initiate—the esoteric astrologer will have to consider their potency. For instance, in the case of an initiate whose Sun is in Leo, the triangle of constellation energies determining the interpretation of the horoscope would be Leo-Aquarius-Gemini... (If the birth Sun is in Gemini itself, the conditioning triangle would be Gemini-Sagittarius and Pisces—the latter forming a part of this triangle because it marks both the end and the beginning ... "the Alpha and Omega...)." (EA, 346/7)

◊ Think of your own Sun Sign and its opposite Sign being in relationship; place Gemini in the Apex thus forming a Triangle. Now consider and imagine the 2nd Aspect of Divinity, Love, flowing through Gemini into your Sun and opposite Sign thereby "fusing in consciousness the polar opposites" (as described above and in the following diamond). With Gemini at the apex, attempt to experience this new triple energy configuration as one energy flowing through your etheric system. Sense it until it is present ... be conscious of the potency of the new energy now present.

Note: if you are new to Esoteric Astrology, the opposite signs are as follows

Aries - Libra; Taurus - Scorpio; Gemini - Sagittarius; Cancer - Capricorn; Leo - Aquarius; Virgo - Pisces (or vice versa).

For the Rulers / Transmitters of each Sign (exoteric, esoteric and hierarchical), go to Supplemental Reading tab, or Planetary Rulers and Musical Notes for Rays, Constellations and Planets.

◊ "This sign is sometimes called the "constellation of the resolution of duality into a fluid synthesis." Governing as it does all the pairs of opposites in the zodiac, it preserves the magnetic interplay between them, keeping them fluid in their relations, in order eventually to facilitate their transmutation into unity, for the two must finally become the One. It should be remembered that—from the angle of the final development of the twelve zodiacal potencies—the twelve opposites must become the blended six, and this is brought about by the fusion in consciousness of the polar opposites. Pause and consider this phrasing. The opposites eternally remain from the point of view of human reason, but to the initiate whose intuition is functioning they constitute but six great potencies because he has achieved "the freedom of the two," as it is sometimes called. For instance, the Leo subject who has an initiated consciousness preserves the individuality, developed in Leo, as well as the universality of Aquarius; he can function, if he so chooses, as a fully self-identified individual, yet possesses simultaneously a fully awakened universal awareness; the same thing can be said of balanced activity and consequent fusion in all the signs. This analysis constitutes in itself an interesting and far-reaching field of speculation." (EA, 347/8)

◊ Do this for yourself now with your opposite sign. ◊ You will come to know the "freedom of the two".

◊ Though MDK has not suggested this, you may also want to do the same with your Rising sign and its polar opposite. The Rising Sign affirms the energy with which you will most Identify as a Soul.

◊ "Gemini is, therefore, one of the most important of the twelve signs and its influence lies behind everyone of them—a fact but little realised as yet by astrologers. This will be more fully understood when the triangle of Gemini and two opposing signs is studied. Because the Ray of Love-Wisdom, the second ray, pours through Gemini it becomes apparent how true is the [esoteric] teaching that love underlies the entire universe. God is love, we are assured, and this statement is both an exoteric and an esoteric truth. This underlying love of Deity reaches our solar system primarily through Gemini, which forms, with the constellation of the Great Bear and the Pleiades, a cosmic triangle. This is the triangle of the cosmic Christ and is the esoteric symbol lying behind the cosmic Cross. There is ever the eternal triangle to be found behind the fourfold phenomenal appearance. ..." Reflect again upon the words of the Old Commentary "Upon the golden triangle, the cosmic Christ appeared ..." (EA, 348)

◊ Consider again your Divine Triangle (Polar opposites plus Gemini at the Apex). Invoke the Ray of Love-Wisdom to pour through your Triangle, reaching your soul-mind-brain / etheric system. Feel the purity of this energy coursing through you - all of you. ◊ This time, include a still more potent (higher) Divine Triangle with the energy of the Great Bear and the Pleiades: imaginatively stand with one foot in the GB, the other in the Pleiades, your Head in Sirius / Gemini. ◊ Doing this Super Soul (Cosmic Soul) alignment (several times) during the month of June (in Gemini), invokes and impresses the Universal upon the particular. See how it changes you.

◊ ◊

◊ We shall consider our nation / country in the hierarchical light of Gemini through the medium of the Keynote: ‘I’ [the soul] recognize my other self [personality self] and in the waning of that self ‘I’ grow and glow. See your nation as having both a Soul and Personality nature. Imagine the Soul of your nation waxing and growing and the personality of your nation waning. See the Soul of your nation "growing and glowing" as it gains control of the Personality through its over-lighting Presence and Soul-fusing power. See the peoples of your country, as Souls, invoking the Soul of your nation. See your nations' Soul values and principles playing out, being implemented by your nations' Personality. Sound a sacred Group OM. Throughout this month, invoke Gemini to pour Cosmic LOVE through the opposites for the purpose of "fusing in consciousness the polar opposites."

◊ If you know the astrology of your nation, after first linking with the Spiritual Hierarchy in your Soul Mind, hold the Sun (or Rising Sign) and its polar opposite in Mind using the above method. ◊ Another method is to work with the Soul Ray and Personality Ray of your country (if known). For example, the Soul Ray of America is Ray Two of Love-Wisdom and the Personality Ray is Ray Six of Idealism. Visualize Gemini bringing the two into interplay and then unity. ◊ In any event, whenever we see the personality of your or another country playing itself out more than the Soul, invoke the Soul of the Country (linking with the Spiritual Hierarchy and the Christ) to come into fuller play. Invoke and hold the Soul of your nation to do the right thing in a given circumstance, to express a needed value or principle that would bring the issue into a truer or higher resolution, e.g., "for the greater Good". This requires "creative thought". Little by little, the energy builds.

◊ A similar method can be utilized for any group in which you are vested or are a part. Call forth the Soul of the Group. Imagine the Group Soul in magnetic interplay with its Personality "fusing in consciousness the polar opposites." ◊ We can also imagine the souls of group members fusing their personalities with the Group Soul, stepping into magnetic interplay, and forming one unified Soul expression.

◊ ◊

◊ Impress your mind with the Light of Gemini—The Light of Interplay. Keynote: ‘I’ [the soul] recognize my other self [personality self] and in the waning of that self ‘I’ grow and glow. ◊ Impress and associate the above thoughts with the third petal. Open yourself to intuitive impression. Sound a sacred OM sealing in the new vibration and new awareness.

CLOSING: In gratitude, let us extend a beam of lighted Love to the Solar Angel and Angel of Gemini governing the third Petal of the ‘Heart in the Head’ Lotus ◊ As we consciously express the 3rd petal, allowing it to work in and through us, our groups and the world, we are widening the channel of connection and reception, and strengthening the livingness of the New Mind in Christ. The power(s) of this facet of the Soul-Self will increase and unfold with every true Soul expression and conscious application. ◊ Bless and Be Blessed !

Image: Jesus and Mary Magdalene

[ananiel]

So i decided to combine my two passions, lies of p and greek mythology, and i have created this Little piece as a tester, to see If anyone would be interested in stories like this. If You want more please let me know!

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The idea i was going for this piece was a hades like You, that's basically taking to role of hades and Carlo who takes the role oh persephone, and for him to be distant and for her to respect IT, but when he tries to warm up to her, She still keeps the same coldness, but to slowly, slowly warm up to the idea and basically to eachother, this is a bit of like, a final of this idea, and If anyone is interested în more of this story, or in general a story like this, please let me know, IT is my pleasure to write

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The grand halls of Olympus glittered with divine light, the gathering of gods and goddesses in full force. It was the kind of celebration that demanded the presence of every deity, even those who preferred the solitude of their realms. That meant she had to come.

Carlo had expected her to appear, but he had not anticipated the sight of her in full regalia—draped in dark flowing silk, her presence ethereal, her every movement commanding respect. It was ironic; for someone so removed from the rest of the gods, she carried herself with the kind of dignity that made it seem as if the entire world revolved around her.

He tried to approach her. Tried to initiate small talk, to do what a husband should. He had realized, far too late, how much he had done to push her away. He had spent so much time resenting their forced union, so much time whispering his distaste to Romeo, that he hadn’t seen how much effort she put into making the marriage work—until she stopped.

So he tried now, in the grand halls of Olympus, reaching for her hand in a gesture of public unity. But the moment his fingers touched hers, an unnatural chill spread through his bones. He nearly flinched.

Her hand felt like the brittle bones of a skeleton.

His breath caught in his throat. He turned to look at her, but she did not meet his eyes. She did not say a word. Just as quickly as he had reached for her, she withdrew her hand and continued walking, greeting the others with a polite nod, as if he had never existed.

She had done it on purpose.

Carlo clenched his jaw. That was what he had wanted, wasn’t it? To be rid of her touch? To not be reminded of his status as the consort to the Queen of the Underworld? And yet, why did it feel as though his own cruelty was now suffocating him?

When they returned to the Underworld, he made an effort. It was not much at first, but he knew he had to start somewhere.

He would bring meals to the judging room, quietly placing plates of food beside her as she worked. He would linger in the halls, watching as she ruled over the dead with a fairness even the mortals could not claim from their own rulers. He would sit beside Cerberus, scratching behind the monstrous dog’s ears as she worked, hoping for just a moment of acknowledgment. He would read through some of her cases and offer his opinions, even though she had never asked.

For a while, she said nothing of it. But she also did not turn him away.

One day, a particularly troubling case reached her desk.

A passion nymph had been brought before her, her long brown hair cascading in wild waves around her shoulders, her eyes sharp with desperation. She had committed a crime—not an ordinary crime of anger, nor one of survival. No, this nymph had killed.

The victim? A mortal general, a man of great renown. She had loved him obsessively, beyond reason. And when she could not have him, she ensured that no one else would. Yet, her plan had backfired in a way she did not expect. Instead of his soul being bound to her, as she had hoped, he had been deemed worthy of Elysium, the paradise of the afterlife.

And now she was here, in the depths of the Underworld, begging for his soul to be released.

"You have everything," the nymph accused, venom in her voice. "You are a goddess, a queen, a ruler of death itself! You have a perfect husband, a perfect life, and you can't let me have that? What if I want your husband, hm? What if suddenly my red-haired boy is not enough?"

The room fell silent. The other souls awaiting judgment looked on, their spectral eyes burning with curiosity. The judges themselves—the mighty figures who served under the Queen of the Underworld—remained composed, though there was a flicker of something in their ancient gazes.

Before she could answer, before she could decree the fate of the nymph, another voice cut through the chamber.

"I would never go for someone so bitter and jealous," Carlo snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut through the air like a blade.

The nymph turned toward him in shock. The Queen of the Underworld, however, remained still.

Carlo took a step forward, his hands clenching into fists. "You don't love him. You never did. If you had, you wouldn't have destroyed him. Love isn't selfish, it isn't possessive. Whatever you felt for him, it wasn't love." His green eyes flickered with something dangerous. "And don't you dare compare yourself to my wife."

The nymph paled.

For a moment, the Queen of the Underworld regarded him with an expression he couldn't decipher. Then, she turned back to the nymph and, in a voice as cold and final as death itself, delivered her sentence.

Carlo watched her, his heart pounding. He didn’t understand why he felt lighter, why there was a strange sort of warmth coiling in his chest.

But he did know one thing—he could no longer deny the truth.

He had made a terrible mistake.

And he would do whatever it took to fix it.

Over time, he did more than just linger.

He sought her out in the quiet hours, when the weight of her duties pressed upon her shoulders. He sat with her as she combed through the laws of the dead, making gentle observations. He played with Cerberus, and when she eventually sat beside him, her hand brushing against the hound's fur, he swallowed his pride and whispered, "I was wrong."

She didn't answer right away. But she didn't leave either.

And, in time, he no longer had to reach for her hand.

One day, she simply let him take it, warm and whole, no longer a skeleton of what she once was.

The Underworld, and their union, had changed.

But, finally, it had changed for the better.

[woolly-aph1d]

I don't know if it's canon, but i wholeheartedly believe that Erik removing the bullet out of Charles is what caused him to be disabled.

The (assumed) fact that Erik's care and love would be THE reason is crushing, and ironic, and it reflects his modus operandi so so well.

That's because Erik is a man who wants to rip the proverbial bandaid off. He sees the issue (or what he believes to be an issue) and eliminates it.

Bullet was in, and it was the cause of pain. So he removed it. He "got rid of the issue". Simple as that.

Wrong.

In that moment, he redacted all control he had over the missiles, putting his everything into removing the bullet that was hurting Charles. He put his all in hope that he will save him from more pain or even death. But it doesn't matter how focused or serene he was, how deeply inside he reached for the ability to not fall apart where Charles fell and instead redirect himself into a saviour. And it didn't matter whether in that moment, in all his body and mind, he felt that all of his training was for that exact moment. It never mattered and it never will matter because however careful and precise he was, he was not about to succesfully remove a bullet from a spine without any prior anatomical knowledge or skillset in the field. Erik's love and desperation in manouvering the bullet out was disastrous, no matter how sugar-coated with care it was. (but he doesn't know that, no)

But the bullet was not alone, it had a source.

He sees Moira, "You. You did this" he stated before trying to suffocate her. She was the one who shot at him, after all. She was holding the gun - the physical weapon and he saw her as guilty. He was the judge, he was about to be the executioner.

"She didn't do this Erik. You did"

It hung in the air like a giant stop sign.

But Erik is the bullet, and he is in control of himself just as he was in control of it mere moment before it hit Charles. He can only change direction, never stop. At least not before he hurts someone, most likely someone he loves (and maybe not even then).

He shifts in his route, no less doomed than the previous one; he is searching for unity. "We are brothers" he believes, he also believes that "us turning on each other, it's what THEY want". And it doesn't matter who he means by "them" either, any would be good if it would align their paths. But just like in that deleted scene in the empty corridors their eyes meet, each of them knowing they were trying to reach the other briefly before turning around, neither of them willing or able to join paths, only to cross. Charles wants to be Erik's "friend" while Erik searches for an ally. Charles is the home and Erik is the battlefield. Its the status quo they cannot break out of.

Charles, no matter how daft and out of touch he is, stated the truth; "they were only following orders" and Erik knew that. He heard it before. He felt it before. He lived through it. Survived it.

He was not about to follow anybody's orders ever. He was his own man, ruled by his own emotions. Same emotions that took a hold of the bullet. Same disobedience and lack of order that took Charles' legs.

Its the modus operandi, that's the source of it all.

He will take what he sees for granted, and eliminate what he sees. Sometimes its a bullet, sometimes its humanity. Or all humans, because he felt a lack of humanity from them. He doesn't see his own reflection in Charles' eyes. He cannot see his own faults.

In front of him, he sees the big picture just right, but the devil hides in the details. Sometimes what ruins the system isn't a bullet lodged into it. Sometimes issues are internal and you can't rid of them.

Mystique is a proof of Erik's faults as much as Charles'. She is what destroys the ideal and points out the inevitable. Its the internalised phobia and hatered we see throughout the movie. Getting rid of humans isn't what makes it go away. It becomes the microsegregation of palatable and non-palatable mutations within the mutant group. Erik and Charles being privileged and shown time and time again manufacturing a standard for Raven to meet, without once allowing her a safe space to decide who she wants to be - who she chooses as her most authentic self. And Raven becomes a source of hurt and discrimination herself as she abandons her child for being outwardly mutant in appearance, because she can be privileged too, if she so wishes.

Erik will not save the world, nor mutants. He will not destroy, or turn it into ashes either. It will be the same movie with different cast. Same world with different faults for Erik to see.

Erik and Charles are on the edges of a society that has to accomodate truth and find respect, but neither of them give us the resolution. Maybe because neither of us know how to save our own world either.

If you were able to spend time reading me tripping over ideas and words, you have time to interact and maybe even donate to Farah who is in great need of aid in order to get basic necessities and save up to evacuate from Gaza in order to escape the ongoing massacre caused by Israel.

Please donate and help a person in need through this link,

https://gofund.me/3523e2a7

[sincerely-sofie]

🥀

Just curious on how it was while writing your story (since it reached such a character limit lol)

And I was wondering if you had any advice for those who wish to write a story like this? (Not the exact same, just how to write characters interacting lol)

(Referencing this ask game)

🥀 An answer to a question:

It's been difficult— this year's NaNoWriMo didn't go even half as smoothly as last year! Midway through November, I decided to give up on reaching 50k words for the sake of my health. Things shook out in a way that I could take up the challenge again, but by then I had fallen behind on my target word count, and getting back on track was no small task to accomplish. But I've kept at it, and even though I don't like the way this draft is going as I write it, I don't need to. Rough drafts exist to be edited, not to be published! :>

My top pieces of advice when it comes to writing character interacting are to find a way to know how they think, know what they want (and sometimes what they're afraid of) in a given scene, and to give them more depth than the story you're writing explicitly requires.

To write character interactions well, it's important to know how your characters think as well as how they feel. Being aware of what makes them tick is something vital to making them feel like actual people as you write them interacting with others.

In Better the Wool, Narinder is extremely haughty and proud— it's a trait that he's always had, but sank into much deeper after his imprisonment, and defines a lot of his interactions. He looks for ways to boost his ego and will readily belittle others to do that. If you hurt his pride, he'll lash out in response. He always has to get the last word in an argument. He doesn't accept criticism well at all. Egotistical behavior is his bread and butter, and it's largely rooted in shame. He has to act like nothing is his fault, or if it is then it was justified, because it's how he distances himself from his problems. Knowing that makes writing him both in and out of scenes with other characters much easier, and also allows me to recognize that a scene where he strays from his stubborn pride and is undignified and vulnerable will need to have a significant reason for him to behave atypically.

The Lamb, where Narinder is defined by his pride, is defined by her need for control. She is desperate to maintain the peace and unity amongst her followers, and perceives any bump in the status quo as reflecting poorly on her own worthiness as a person. Her need to control people is rooted in a need to keep people around her, as well as herself, safe. She might delegate tasks to others on occasion, but it's a struggle that she only survives out of necessity. Her giving up control of a situation, or even worse, passing it off to someone else entirely, is a choice she would not make lightly, and that's something I keep in mind during every interaction I write for her.

On the subject of knowing what the characters want, knowing what they need in contrast is a great help when writing interactions. Even if Narinder doesn't accept that what he needs is to set his pride down and make amends instead of getting back the Red Crown like he wants, it's always going to be needling away at him in the back of his mind during every interaction he has. This is a method of character development I learned from K. M. Weiland's blog, Helping Writers Become Authors. If you want to learn more about writing a Want vs. a Need, I recommend checking her stuff out!

As for giving characters more depth than your project requires, I like applying this strategy to my OCs the most, but it's relevant in fanfiction as well. I like to think up all sorts of trivia for characters— their favorite food and why they enjoy it (one OC of mine likes brownies with a pretzel crust, but hates brownies without it, because he grew up on his dad's recipe using pretzels and thinks that plain brownies taste bland without it), their thoughts on different concepts like family being the most important thing in one's life (another OC is fundamentally baffled by this idea because her society doesn't have nuclear families and the children in it are raised communally, so it's like asking her if the city she grew up in is the most important thing in her life), etcetera, etcetera. It's a way to get into the characters' heads more and have fun while enriching your understanding of how they perceive and interact with the world around them.

[volterran-wine]

Hello! I was wondering if you could explain in some detail about how the cloak coloring system works in your world building. What do the shades mean? How many shades are there? Who is wearing what color cloak? How you can 'rise up', etc etc. You do such a lovely job on detailing this interesting governing system and I think your idea on how the cloaks work would really come to life with your thoughts 🩷🩷 thank you and as always take care of yourself

• — 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐬

Thank you so much for your question sweet Anonymous, and you are correct about my worldbuilding being different from canon. For I do not think it would be wise or practical to create a strict system the way canon presents.

For me it makes no sense that the leaders would intentionally create a pecking order that can threaten the peace among the guards. Uniforms are created to foster unity, if everyone received a cloak that represented their worth it would just be pure chaos.

So, I only imagine there are three shades of the cloak, and it all comes down to what group you belong in.

Black cloaks, with gold & silver details: The Royals are the only ones permitted to wear black cloaks during official Volturi business. They allow themselves some leeway in how they look and function, but they do emulate the guard. Their Volturi Pendants are often custom made and unique, they are cast in pure gold.

Dark grey cloaks, with gold details: The Higher Guard wear these cloaks, signifying their more permanent fixtures within the guard. They are allowed some leeway in how they look and function, but they have to look uniform. Their Volturi Pendants are of a more intricate design than the transitionary guard and they are cast in gold-plated silver. Often these guards are gifted or have served Teh Volturi for an extensive amount of years.

Light grey cloaks, with silver details: The Transitionary Guard always wear the lightest colour to signify their placement within the structure. Their Volturi Pendants are also a far more simpler design than the higher guard and royals, they are cast in silver.

In short; if you are not a permanent fixture within The Volturi structure you wear the lightest shade, and the more permanent of a member you are; the darker the cloak.

I do believe there is a way for the transitionary guard to elevate themselves to the dark grey cloaks, but they would have to serve for centuries to reach that status. Felix is a great example of this in my opinion, and within my worldbuilding Santiago is well on his way to earning a dark grey cloak as well.

[childofflamesandmoonlight]

Help with Deity Dossier?

I did the wonderful Deity Dossier spread by @thiscrookedcrown a few days ago, and while I already have an idea who this entity could be, I would really appreciate a second opinion.

Thank you so much in advance!

Here are the cards I drew (plus some of my notes):

1. The Entity: The Emperor

This represents the spirit, deity, or being in question. The card can be drawn or selected, depending on if you know the nature of the spirit or a card that could represent them.

Leadership

Authority

Reason

Structure

Discipline

Masculine power

Maturity

Responsibility

Stubbornness

Protector

Experience

Knowledge

Confidence

Strength

Dominance

Father figure, boss, older brother, teacher, patriarch

Mind over heart, clear thinking

2. Their History: Temperance

These are past deeds or dealings the spirit has had with either other people or you that you should know about.

Balance

Moderation

Communication

Management of resources

Art

Healing

Testing the water

Patience

Two choices, two people, two sides of a conflict

3. Underlying Influences & Past Experiences: Four of Swords

Similar to Past, this represents influences that could be important to know. This may be an emotional thing rather than a past action. (Example: if previously betrayed by humans, a spirit is less likely to want to deal with humans.)

Inner reflection

Planning

Convalescence

Rest

Recovery

Solid foundations

Solitude

Self-care

Balance

Contemplation

Seclusion

Taking a break

4. Personality, Attitudes & Opinions: Four of Cups

General personality and/or how they think.

Depression

Self-indulgence

Denial

Turning inward

Moodiness

Lack of vision

Self-absorption

Escapism

Not seeing life's blessings and opportunities

Hiding

Discouraged, bored, dissatisfied, apathetic, unmotivated, weary

Having to find new motivation

Breaking the routine

5. Their Current Status: The Moon

Their current status. If a spirit is in trouble, this information would appear here.

Intuition

Deception

Imagination

Emotion

Fear

Illusion

Fantasy

Dreams

Genius

Artistic breakthrough

Confusion

Mystery

Subconscious

Uncertainty

Doubt

Losing your way

Darkness

Creativity

Magic

Inner wisdom

Lack of focus

Confusion

6. Their Health Overall: Page of Swords

The health of the spirit, deity, or being. (Example: A land spirit could be ill or ailing due to pollution.)

Vigilance

Diplomacy

Tact

Intellectual abilities

Talent

Youth

Messenger

Honesty

Truth

Integrity

Fresh outlook

Clarity

Cut to the problem

New phase in your life

New opportunity

Speaking up

Healing from past illness or injuries

Mental clarity to overcome challenges you face

7. Their Mental Health: Six of Pentacles

Their mental health or, possibly, their overall mood.

Generosity

Mentorship

Community giving

Hosting

Involvement

Charity

Sharing what you have with others

Needing help or offering it to others

Reaching out for help

8. What They Like To Do & Have Done For Them: Knight of Pentacles

This could be things they like to do for others, part of their sphere of influence, and/or things that could be used to connect with them or honor them. Think of this like hobbies or likes.

Patience

Long-term plans

Responsibilities

Slow progress

Financially conservative

Serious, dependable, experienced, mature

Parenthood

Love of animals

Financial success

Providing for others

9. Physical Manifestation: Four of Wands

Their physical health or how they could physically manifest. This is especially useful for finding out what deity is contacting you.

Happiness

Family

Unity

Blossoming

New life, new success

Prosperity

Celebration

Harmony

Engagement

Marriage, partnership

Completion of a project

Solidity, stability, security

Grounded

Resting

Recharging

Vacation

Peace

Radiant

Lively

Comforting

Confident

Joyful

Inviting, welcoming, sociable

10. What To Know: The Lovers

Things that are imperative for you to know. This could be used to see how working with this being could affect you in the future.

Love

Commitment

Partnership

Friendship

Attraction

Marriage

Unification

Communication

Trust

11. What To Avoid: King of Wands

Things that are imperative for you to avoid doing. Example: If a spirit hates blood, don’t give blood offerings. This could also be used to see how the spirit could negatively affect you in the future.

Power

Fire

Warmth

Charisma

Charm

Strength

Manipulation

Megalomania

Visionary

Rivalry

Spice

Popularity

Ambition

Greed

Selfishness

Tyranny

Being a bad leader

12. Positive Influences, Friends or Experiences: Six of Wands

What is helpful? What will help your relationship with them? This can be something that is not in the spirit or deity’s sphere of influence but still influences them. A deity might be one of fertility but their sibling could be a deity of war. That will somewhat play into how the spirit acts. Another example would be a spirit becoming powerful because a nearby coven is worshiping it.

Accomplishment

Recognition

Acknowledgement

Praise

Pride

Rewards

Being noticed

Achievements

Affirmation

13. Negative Influences, Enemies or Experiences: Five of Cups

Exactly as above, but the more negative side of things. What isn’t helping this spirit? What will not help your relationship with them? Do they feel used or not appreciated? The examples above also apply.

Negative thinking

Grief

Loss

Inclination to focus on the bad

Difficulty

Trouble letting go of the past

Former hardship, pain or heartbreak

14. Conscious Desires & Thoughts: The Hanged Man

What they want. This could be offerings or a general goal. This may be what they want from you. If they have an agenda they’ll admit to, it will be here.

Crossroads

Decisions

Potential growth

Discernment

Change

Letting go

Waiting

Sacrifice

15. Unconscious Desires & Thoughts: Nine of Cups

This is what they want but won’t admit to or what they don’t know they want. If they have a hidden agenda, it will be here.

Prosperity

Fulfillment

Good luck

Rewards

Bonuses and promotions

Happiness

Attainment of things they desire

Celebration

Wishes

Victory

16. Hopes: Nine of Swords

This can be a general list of hopes, a overall hope for the future, or what they hope to get from you.

Anxiety

Sleeplessness

Depression

Worry

Self-torment

Despair

Nightmares

Haunted

Guilt

Old wounds that have not healed

Stress

17. Fears: The Devil

This can be a general list of fears, what they fear for the future, or what they’re concerned about in regards to you or your life. 

Bondage

Failure

Obsession

Addiction

Depression

Materialism

Lust

Illusion

Temptation

Constraints

Harmful attachments, bonds and impulses

Bad habits

Codependency

[ultraericthered]

Don't believe in what you can see (but I see you, Liam!)

Had some random thoughts to spare regarding Moriarty The Patriot following my viewing of the "Scandal In The British Empire" arc.

This is a series that lives or dies based on how it characterizes and handles the main protagonist, what he does, what he believes, and what he's striving for. And given that the protagonist in question is THE Professor James Moriarty, that had to be a tricky thing to figure out. So I guess it speaks to the writing quality that I am very engaged with how William James Moriarty and his brothers operate and am absolutely on board with the fundamental sentiments behind the motivation and support the revolutionary societal reforms they seek to bring about as their goal....but I also disagree with the angle Liam has settled on and what he believes has to be done to achieve it. Quite vehemently, in fact.

For starters, he wants to destabilize British society through a barrage of well planned, coordinated and directed crime waves throughout the empire, even reaching elsewhere in Europe. It'd be an extreme rarity that such crimes be victimless, and though done towards the end of crippling the power, wealth, and status-based influence of the nobility, there are plenty of non-noble class victims claimed. As part of these crimes, Liam will either commit murders, arrange murders, orchestrate suicides, or just look the other way as an aristocrat is placed in a life-ending situation by his machinations. Breaking laws, ethical norms, and common sense regulations of civil society in ways that harms more than helps is very, very seldom a good, righteous, justified thing no matter what rationalizations could be made for it. Now sometimes I can't fault Liam for what he does (the poisoning of the Viscount was aided by him but mainly required he simply not save the guy just as he himself hadn't save a terminally ill child, Dudley Bale fell off the bridge on his own, etc.), but most of the time his actions fall squarely under the category of "illegal felony".

Then there's the fact that the envisioned crescendo hinges upon the Lord of Crime coercing the masses into unity against a common threat to their homeland and collective well-being, prompting a need to re-asses and reconstruct things under dubious pretenses rather than allowing the people to seriously look at and examine the full reality of their fucked up society to come to a clear-headed, informed consensus on a decided course of action to fix things. It's the same thing Lelouch did in Code Geass R2 and I wasn't entirely okay with that either. I just think it's dickish and not even sustainable in the long term, and to think "I just need to make victims out of enough people to the point where they'll all rise up to want and demand social reforms and changes in their ruling class' leadership, and meritocracy will kick in!" is surprisingly naive for a genius like Liam.

Then there's his hypocrisy. The title "Moriarty the Patriot" is because Liam, in spite of being a criminal mastermind, also cares greatly about Great Britain and has sworn allegience to the crown, believing the nation needs a healthy government, honest law enforcement, non-abusive abiders of Noblesse Oblige in key roles of society's upper levels working alongside commoners, and the monarchy and military kept in-tact in order to thrive. It's that last part that seems like a problematic area, as monarchy by definition puts those of royal blood and status above all other people, and it's been known to allow anyone close to or in the favor of the royals to play parts in shaping how the country is run and how society is influenced. So if Liam wasn't keen on deposing the monarchy and reforming government in Britain altogether, who's to say that, no matter what reforms his plan may yield, the class system won't continue to prevail, aristocracy won't continue to abuse its power, and society won't remain as cruel, unfair, and inequal as it was before? ..... Oh wait, we CAN say that!

Lastly, the senseless martyrdom factor. Liam never valued himself as a priority in his life, never saw in himself any worth to society at large beyond what he could reshape it into, and due to turning to aiding crime and plotting murder even at a young age, he believes his heart is too blackened and his hands are too unclean. So naturally, he plans on the fulfillment of his revolutionary vision to come along with the end of his life. Beneath all the ideals and the honest assessment of what ails British society and does great harm to so many of its people, Liam is driven by a personal desire to leave behind this harsh and unjust world, to give his life to his cause and seal the realization of his envisioned future with his blood, and to validate the self-image he has of an accursed, dreadful, loathsome villain who can bring into reality necessary change only through necessary evil. It's wasteful, corruptive, insensitive, self-loathing, self-destructive, and wrong. (Thankfully I do know Sherlock's around to talk him out of this.)

So yeah, I find the James Moriarty Brothers to be quite the compelling Villain Protagonists/antiheroes, and Liam especially. So much I want to laud him for and just as much I want to kick him for.

[beardedmrbean]

Vice President-elect JD Vance raised concerns on Sunday about the Syrian rebels who have ousted Syria's authoritarian leader Bashar Al-Assad, saying that some of the rebels are an "offshoot of ISIS."

Assad's regime collapsed this weekend after a stunning turnaround after nearly 14 years of conflict. The deposed Syrian leader reportedly fled the country as rebels took control of the major Syrian city of Homs as well as the capital Damascus.

Various rebel groups continue to operate in Syria, with different regional and international allies. The principle rebel group that has led the charge to depose Assad in recent days is Hay'at Tahrir al Sham (HTS), which came out of Al-Qaeda and is designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization. HTS was formerly known as Al-Nusra Front.

"As President Trump said, this is not our fight and we should stay out of it," Vance wrote in Sunday X, formerly Twitter, post, commenting on the situation in Syria.

"Aside from that, opinions like the below make me nervous. The last time this guy was celebrating events in Syria we saw the mass slaughter of Christians and a refugee crisis that destabilized Europe," Vance, who is currently serving as a Republican senator for Ohio, wrote.

The vice president-elect's post shared comments from Josh Rogin, a Washington Post columnist who covers foreign policy and national security.

"Syria is free. The rebels won. The people liberated themselves from tyranny. Freedom won. Russia, Iran, Hezbollah & Assad lost. Historic. The road ahead for Syria won't be easy. But it will be better than the past. The world should celebrate Syria's liberation & help it succeed," Rogin wrote on X on Saturday.

In a follow-up post, Vance added, "Many of 'the rebels' are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they've moderated. Time will tell."

Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment on Sunday morning.

What Rebels Have Said About Their Plans for Syria

Like HTS, ISIS did emerge from Al-Qaeda, but the groups have been at odds in Syria. Critics of HTS have said the militant group will rule Syria as an extremist Islamist state. But Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of HTS, has said that his organization aims for all Syrians to coexist in unity.

"No one has the right to erase another group. These sects have coexisted in this region for hundreds of years, and no one has the right to eliminate them," Jolani told CNN in an interview this week.

Jolani was formerly a member of the Islamic State in Iraq, which eventually morphed in ISIS. He founded Al-Nusra Front in 2012, but it became HTS in 2017 as the group tried to moderate its image.

"People who fear Islamic governance either have seen incorrect implementations of it or do not understand it properly," he told CNN.

While the majority of Syrians are Muslim, the country has vibrant and sizable communities of Christians, Alawites and Druze, among others. Assad's family is part of the Alawite minority.

How Syrians Have Reacted

This weekend, the rebels advanced into Damascus after capturing Homs, Syria's third-largest city. In Homs, thousands of residents poured into streets after the army withdrew, chanting "Assad is gone, Homs is free" and "Long live Syria and down with Bashar al-Assad."

Youths tore down posters of the Syrian president as rebels fired celebratory shots. Security forces left in haste after burning their documents, Reuters reported. Videos have circulated widely on social media of Syrians toppling statues of Assad throughout the country.

What Donald Trump Has Said

As Vance mentioned, Trump commented on Assad's removal from power in a Truth Social post

"Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer. There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place. They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead, in a war that should never have started, and could go on forever," the president-elect wrote.

"Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success. Likewise, Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians."

[imai-zumi]

Notes From a Reluctant Nationalist

Below is a small essay I wrote about nationalism, identity, and necessity. I hope you enjoy, try not to judge me too harshly.

-------------

I will admit to not thinking much about it when, during my seminal visit to India 26 primarily Hindu tourists; lured by promises of the Switzerland of India without the need for a Visa, were killed by terrorists in Indian controlled Kashmir. Such an incident was plainly horrifying, but I did not feel like it represented any kind of acute threat to my safety during my visit. The following days preceded much as they did prior to the attack, it was talked about, and the professor supervising my work seemed worried I may face additional scrutiny as a foreigner, but my skin affords me much privilege here and no one was even the slight bit bothered by my presence. I expected concerned outreach from people back home, but because the word was it was only domestic tourists that were targeted, and most people had a good enough idea of where I was in India that there was no need to double check if I had had been shot down by deranged gunmen. Things went as they had been, and although I could sense an uptick in nationalistic sentiment from what I was seeing online and from my colleagues (working with Sanskritists in India is an effective way to become acquainted with the right wing) it was nothing overwhelming or uncomfortable.

            The tone distinctly changed on the morning of May 7th, where I woke up to many concerned messages informing me, before the news could, that India had launched retaliatory attacks into Pakistani territory, saying that it was a targeted attack on terrorist infrastructure meant to weed out those that may commit more acts of terror in the future. Dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor,’ complete with a highly stylized logo depicting spilled red powder representing the widows of men killed in the attack, the widows of all proud Indians. Even before Pakistan launched their retaliatory attacks into Indian territory, this gave me a deep sense of dread. Here is when the nationalism reached a fever pitch, and how couldn’t it? India was avenging the widows Pakistan had left them, a moral crusade if there ever was one! But I, as a non-Indian, only felt a cold apprehension. The next four days were restless ones. I would stay up until early hours refreshing reddit pages and Western news live blogs, hoping that the next update would say that the conflict had fizzled back into the kind of border skirmishes normal for the two nations. On social media I saw even Congress supporters calling for at least a reclamation on Pakistani controlled Kashmir and at most going right to the nuclear option that both nations hold over the other. This horrified me, these were the same people less than one hundred years ago, the level of vitriol and racism from both sides only served to make me sad and more anxious.

            On the third day of the conflict, I went on a trip to the Statue of Unity, quite the marvel. I was accompanied by my supervisor and a colleague both of whom, being Gujarati and Sanskritists lean to the right politically. And so, I gritted my teeth through a day of passive comments against Pakistanis and Muslims, was I wrong to still be having fun? People were dying to senseless conflict, and I was spending my time with nationalists visiting a testament to the Indian state. Friends from Canada began to voice their own opinions on the conflict, all of whom saw the India as sole aggressor. Was I wrong to even be here? Part of the grant that made this possible at all came directly from the Modi government, was I just another propaganda piece, was I betraying my leftist values? I like to think I did not. At heart I am a pacifist (however much this might incise other leftists), and death is a tragedy, and it seemed and still seems to me like India overreacted to a threat at their borders. Yet, I do not live in this context. What I perceive as a threat is a very real one to those who live here, and their cause is just. And was I not being just as vitriolic towards a threat on my own borders only months ago?

            Some weeks after the Pahalgam attack, Canada held an election. It was the culmination of one of the biggest political turnarounds in the countries history that began as soon as Donald Trump was inaugurated president in late January. I had voted by mail prior to leaving for India and for the first time in my life put a Liberal on the ballot, joining many other NDP supporters in doing so to stop the election of a Conservative. In the weeks leading to this decision Donald Trump had repeatedly undermined Canada's sovereignty, threatening to make us a cherished 51st state, to bring back the glory of the erstwhile American empire. The very thought of this sickened me, especially as a transgender person who would lose more than most in being subsumed by a growing fascist threat. Beyond that, though, there was another emotion. With this threat came a groundswell of national unity from coast to coast, even Quebec joined in on the fun! Boycotting American goods, refusing to travel, people writing war anthems, the maple leaf was reclaimed from the convoy, and the Trump-friendly conservatives plummeted in the polls. While we cannot discount the resignation of Justin Trudeau and election of Mark Carney of Liberal leader in causing part of this swing, it would likewise be foolish to pretend that this nationalist uptick was not due in part to the ‘Trump effect’ as it were.

And I joined in on these efforts. The idea of being forced to be an American kept me awake with anxiety, so I did what small part I could. I read the labels on grocery items to avoid American product, I proudly placed a small Canadian flag painted with the colours of the transgender flag in my window, I talked with classmates about how we would all resist should an invasion from the South happen. At the time, I thought little of it regarding leftism. Of course, common left-wing sentiment espouses that nationalism is a poison that rots and leads to the idea of one’s nation as above all others, it spits in the face of a society with no borders and offers fascism an easy inroad. But wasn’t I on the side of good? This was left wing nationalism. Well, not left wing. This was liberal nationalism, in service of preventing what would be sure to be a devastating Conservative government that would avail itself of Americas every whim. But that is not right, is it? The nation is an antithesis to a good leftist society, is it not? I am not the person to decide if left wing nationalism is a valid ideology, such political science is outside the purview of someone who analyzes narrative. It seems wrong though, doesn’t it?

It was not until I was sitting in my flat in India, watching as two nuclear armed nations traded blows while I was perilously close, that these thoughts became known. Watching as those online ended every comment with “Jai Hind!” and were so proud of their two optically perfect female military officers. It felt so far away from any place I could ever be, surely, I would never be a warmonger like this, I would not be clapping and praising the troops! But is that that not what I did just a month ago? “Elbows up!” being quietly satisfied when the Liberals promised to increase our defence budget, how was I any better? If American terrorists came to Banff and killed thirty souls, would I not be furious, would I not demand justice?

I will not pretend that the situations between India and Pakistan and Canada and the United States are more similar than they are. America and Canada have not come to blows since 1812, Canada has no nuclear weapons, and there is no religious tension that fuels the hostility between the South Asian neighbours. But still. Both sets of countries are comprised of people that are much the same but with so much pride for what they consider their own. At what point do we deny that pride?

I spent a Sunday post ceasefire in a park listing to live music. Soon enough a kind man who plays the saxophone at the event came and introduced himself to me, then me to the organizers of the event. I was given front row seats and even brought up on stage at the conclusion of the evening, much to my embarrassment. Through sitting and talking, I came to know that the kindly saxophone man was Muslim, confirmed when his wife and sons came to join him, dressed for prayer. He stood and delivered a jazzy rendition of the Indian national anthem and stood proudly when the organizers shouted: “Jai Hind!” echoed by the crowd, then: “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” likewise echoed. It felt aggressive, uncomfortable, a representation of the kind of religious nationalism I know I should reject with all my being, yet the saxophone man smiled on, and I too clapped for the performance.

[azspot]

I think of the good, decent, peace-loving people I have known by the thousands, and I wonder. How many of them are so afflicted with the wasting disease of normalcy that, even as they declare for the peace, their hands reach out with an instinctive spasm in the direction of their comforts, their home, their security, their income, their future, their plans — that five-year plan of studies, that ten-year plan of professional status, that twenty-year plan of family growth and unity, that fifty-year plan of decent life and honorable natural demise. “Of course, let us have the peace,” we cry, “but at the same time let us have normalcy, let us lose nothing, let our lives stand intact, let us know neither prison nor ill repute nor disruption of ties.” And because we must encompass this and protect that, and because at all costs — at all costs — our hopes must march on schedule, and because it is unheard of that in the name of peace a sword should fall, disjoining that fine and cunning web that our lives have woven, because it is unheard of that good men should suffer injustice or families be sundered or good repute be lost — because of this we cry peace and cry peace, and there is no peace. There is no peace because there are no peacemakers. There are no makers of peace because the making of peace is at least as costly as the making of war — at least as exigent, at least as disruptive, at least as liable to bring disgrace and prison and death in its wake.

Daniel Berrigan

[marta-bee]

Thought of the Day: Sin as Separation

For Christians today is a holy day, and that puts me in a reflective mood. So you'll forgive me if, instead of diving into the daily news, I wax a bit philosophical. It's all political in its way, but in the deeper sense of living well with the polis, with the community.

Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 Far from it! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for the one who has died is freed from sin. (Romans 6:1-7, NASB)

I know a lot of you grew up in churches that focused on how awful you were, how deeply in need of saving. In a lot of ways my church taught that, too. But I was lucky enough to have a few wise people who put a different twist on it. We are all imperfect, or perhaps just incomplete. That's what makes growth possible; if we weren't imperfect there would be no space to grow into.

And if there's a metaphysical blemish in that, something God felt he had to die to wipe out, it's a blemish I share with everyone who ever lived. But I also carry the reflection of God buried deep within me. So does everyone. There's something radical in that thought, that even people very different from me, people I have to fight not to hate, still have that bit of good inside them if they'll take the time to scrub off all the grime that's gotten plastered on top of it over the years.

To use the words of Martin Buber, the great Jewish philosopher, segregation substitutes an "I - it" relationship for the "I - thou" relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. So segregation is not only politically, economically, and sociologically unsound, but it is morally wrong and sinful. Paul Tillich has said that sin is separation. Isn't segregation an existential expression of man's tragic separation, an expression of his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? ("Letter from a Birmingham Jail," Martin Luther King Jr.)

The way I think about it, if we other ourselves from our neighbors, we're really othering ourselves from the imago dei they bear. So when Trump talks about the absolute monsters he wants to send to El Salvador even though they're "home grown," or when my own political compatriots treat people who voted for him, who even agree with him as if they're wholly unreachable or even unworthy of being reached, that feels like "relegating persons to the status of things." It feels like leaning into the "I - it."

Which doesn't give me permission to get all kumbaya-ish and look past the very real harm they're causing. There's a fine line between seeing that reflection of divinity still inside them, and acting like how they currently are isn't a sorry state. There's so much fear and anger and defensiveness. And yes, sin. So much separation. So much of it self-inflicted. So much of it keeping us at arm's length, and that's on a good day.

In Essentials, Unity. In Non-Essentials, Liberty. In All Things, Charity.

Growing up in the Methodist Christian tradition, I always thought this was from our theological grandpappy John Wesley. I've also seen it attributed to Augustine, though a quick internet search suggests it was actually the Lutheran theologian Rupertus Meldenius who put it in the form I find so recognizable. It's one of those bits of popular spirituality I think lots of people aspire to. We wish it was ours.

Today, it means making space for people to be different and still beloved. It means multiculturalism and diversity, along whatever axis matters in the current moment. Ideological, racial, spiritual, priorities, just personality-wise. People can be different and still share this core of American-ness or people-ness. I don't have to be like them in every detail. I just have to see the worth we all share.

At the same time, the whole project depends on other people giving what they can to this project, too. I'm not blind to the paradox of tolerance, and recognizing the worth in someone doesn't give them carte blanche to go on abusing those around them. Quite the opposite, it sets the expectation that they shouldn't, and that they're wrong when they do. But wrong doesn't mean worthless or ruined; it just means wrong.

That's what I'm aiming for. To see that worth, and to find a point we can connect, even as I work to fix all the harm they (and, yes, I)'ve caused. Even continue to cause. They're two trains running along parallel tracks. One doesn't do away with the need for the other, in either direction.

That's the closest I can come to gospel in these "interesting times." And I'm no saint, I'm scared and I still lash out. But what with Easter and all that's supposed to mean, I wanted to take a step back and try for a broader view.

More serious news tomorrow, I'm sure. Be as well as you can.

[conservethis]

I found this feather stuck inside a book of poetry by W.H Auden, next to a poem called “Reflections in a Forest”.

Here’s the full text of the poem:

Within a shadowland of trees

Whose lives are so uprightly led

In nude august communities,

To move about seems underbred

And common any taste for words;

When, thoughtlessly, they took to song,

Whatever one may think of birds,

The example that they set was wrong.

In keeping still, in staying slow

For posture and for social ease,

How much these living statues ow

Their scent-and-color languages.

For who can quarrel without terms

For Not or Never, who can raise

Objections when what one affirms

Is necessarily the case?

But trees are trees, an alm or oak

Already both outside and in,

And cannot, therefore, counsel folk

Who have their unity to win.

Turn all tree-signals into speech,

And what comes out is a command:

'Keep running if you want to reach

The point of knowing where you stand.'

A truth at which one should arrive,

Forbids immediate utterance,

And tongues to speak it must contrive

To tell two different lies at once.

My chance of growing would be slim,

Were I with wooden honesty

To show my hand or heart to Him

Who will, if I should lose, be Me.

Our race would not have gotten far,

Had we not learned to bluff it out

And look more certain than we are

Of what our motion is about:

Nor need one be a cop to find

Undressing before others rude:

The most ascetic of our kind

Looks naked in the buff, not nude.