#I Became the Bloodthirsty Male Lead's Mother

[waaanderingluna]

🥀 𝕴 𝕭𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖒𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖛𝖎𝖑 𝕸𝖆𝖑𝖊 𝕷𝖊𝖆𝖉

[skytroops]

This was going to have a more formal introduction involving a drawing of the deceased cats that explained things, but yer man here is already exhausted so it'll come later.

Welcome to my Clan Gen challenge, in which I play the Warriors fan-game Clan Gen (which can be downloaded here) and draw my clan once every in-game year to see how the clan and its cats has changed over the course of its story. Clan Gen is a life sim, in which you have control over a clan of cats and help them survive against the whims of RNG every moon. The actual in-game cats don't have much in terms of personality and relationships so a lot of what I've written down for them is original. If you've played the game, you'd probably know that lol

So this is Strike, a clowder of cats named after the striking of waves. The founding members were sent dreams of a shooting star that leads them to their new home in the form of an old shipwreck.

The clowder had a trio of co-leaders in the very beginning; Coatidance, Fumblefreckle, and Kestrelwhisper. My game follows my fanclans' terms rather than the canon ones, so their afterlife is the Glory Star rather than StarClan and so on.

Fumblefreckle | male | 135 moons old | shameless / excellent mediator Fumblefreckle co-founded Strike with his friend, Coatidance; and his mate, Kestrelwhisper. However, Coatidance died not long after the group began to settle around an old shipwreck. She became the group’s spiritual guide, leading any future dead to the afterlife. Fumblefreckle was heartbroken, but things only became worse when Kestrelwhisper wandered off in the middle of the night and was found dead the next day. His death wasn’t seen as suspicious, as the clan’s herbalist supposed he had simply died of old age. Before Kestrelwhisper’s passing, Fumblefreckle was a much happier and bright cat but now has become rather distant. He tries to distract himself by keeping himself busy via mentoring, but hasn’t worked great. His age may also be causing him to make some. . .recent questionable choices with the recent apprentices. He sees Gravelspeck and Suncrawl almost like daughters he and Kestrelwhisper never had. He has mentored Cloudlight and Tawnyripple, and is currently the mentor of Shrubpaw. Bluesplash | female | 74 moons old | ambitious / great speaker The clan’s one and only herbalist. She is Cloudlight and Suncrawl’s mother, but she has always been more interested in healing over her kits. Despite this, she does get along with her daughter and the young warrior Snipleap. She has a small mutual crush on Randy, and also thinks Gravelspeck is cute. She is a little worried about the clan’s future as she hasn’t any any sign about obtaining an apprentice yet and Fumblefreckle still refuses to assign a co-leader moons after Kestrelwhisper’s death. Randy | male | 109 moons | bloodthirsty / good speaker Originally a kittypet, Randy wandered the Man village for most of his life and surprisingly keeps a good amount of friends. One of these friends, a fellow kittypet named Sprout, vanished one day and Randy went out to search for him. After asking around for while, he found out that Sprout had been seen with the new clan. Randy made his way there and found Sprout–now Halfsprout–, who was more than happy to see him. As they talked, neither of them noticed a fox was stalking them until it attacked. Halfsprout was fine, but Randy was left with a mangled tail. Halfsprout rushed him to Bluesplash, who sadly had to remove some of his tail. As he recovered, Randy realised that his age was quickly catching up to him and decided to stay in the clan. He also grew attached to Bluesplash while he was stuck in the medicine den. Once he recovered, Fumblefreckle offered to give him an apprentice which he accepted. He is the mentor of Scorchpaw.

Gravelspeck | female | 83 moons old | strange / good speaker A lady who couldn’t catch a break for most of this year, despite the nice beginning. She spent a lovely night with her best friend (and crush), Brownstripe–then watched a clanmate, the young Clayfeather, fall into an icy river and drown while out on patrol in the same moon. Then she lost Brownstripe the next moon while out on patrol when he became trapped in a Man-trap and was taken away. Gravelspeck believed that she was cursed and refused to go out on group patrols, fearing that something horrible would happen. She had been given Brownstripe’s apprentice, Snippaw–and they bonded over their shared loss. Thankfully, Brownstripe returned two moons later and is slowly able to convince Gravelspeck to patrol with him. There, he eventually confessed his feelings and they happily became mates. When a loner, overwhelmed with caring for their kits, asked the clan to take the kits in–Gravelspeck was quick to take them in. She is Snipleap’s former mentor.

Halfsprout | male | 66 moons | careful / good teacher Originally named Sprout, he lived happily with his owners in the nearby Man village. He kept mostly to himself, but he was good friends with the wandering Randy. However, Sprout has a weak immune system so he has spent a lot of time sick. This caused his owners too much time and energy, so when he fell sick with whitecough again–his owners decided to abandon him. He was left on the side of the road to fend for himself. Sprout chased after his owners’ dragon, screaming and catching the attention of a Strike patrol. He was accepted into the clan, but he still deeply misses his owners. He hasn’t done much other than attract Randy to the clan and fall ill a few more times.

Brownstripe | male | 55 moons old | calm / fantastic hunter While he is a great hunter, Brownstripe is otherwise a rather ordinary tom. He was captured and taken away in a Man-trap early in the year, but was released after being neutered. Before being taken, he had Snippaw as his apprentice and they didn’t get along well, as Snippaw loved to make fun of him and was generally disrespectful. He is very grateful to Gravelspeck for finishing Snippaw’s training in his absence. Speaking of Gravelspeck, he simply adores her. He had hoped they’d have kits together, so he was very frustrated when he realized he could not sire anymore. His frustration became worse when Gravelspeck very openly decided to take in the loner’s kits. Fumblefreckle saw this, so he appointed Lightpaw to him in hopes of bringing Brownstripe closer to his kits. He is the former mentor to Snipleap, and is currently Lightpaw’s mentor.

Suncrawl | female | 20 moons | loving / good hunter The clan’s (literal) golden warrior. She grew up alongside her brother Cloudlight, and Snipleap as the clan’s first apprentices. She was apprenticed under Kestrelwhisper, and spent a lot of her time with him and Fumblefreckle before the former’s passing. She reminds Fumblefreckle of Coatidance and spoils her. While both Cloudlight and Snipleap both deeply care about her, she doesn’t feel as strongly in return. In fact, she is rather shallow and entitled and likes her mother best. She objected to Tawnyripple getting an apprentice, as she thought that she or her mother were more capable.

Cloudlight | male | 20 moons | vengeful / good speaker Cloudlight is a grumpy young tom. He was mentored by Fumblefreckle, but he felt left out whenever his mentor spent time with Kestrelwhisper and Suncrawl. He loves his sister, but doesn’t understand why she seems to prefer their mother’s company when their mother hasn’t been the most affectionate towards them. As fresh warriors, he and his sister even chased a dog off clan territory together. Thankfully, he also has Snipleap and Tawnyripple as close friends. He stood up for Tawnyripple when the younger warrior was given an apprentice.

Snipleap | male | 18 moons old | righteous / great hunter Snipleap was more jovial when he was younger and always made fun of Brownstripe with Suncrawl. He would go to regret his actions when Brownstripe is taken by Man and sees how his new mentor, Gravelspeck, is effected by Brownstripe’s absence. He wished he had been given one of the new apprentices, but he stood up against Suncrawl and Bluesplash when they disagreed that Tawnyripple was capable of mentoring at such a young age. Tawnyripple | male | 13 moons old | fierce / great teacher Tawnyripple was the only kitten when the clan was founded, so he has spent most of life being babied by his clanmates. Fumblefreckle was his mentor when Kestrelwhisper died, so Tawnyripple spent a good chunk of his apprenticeship having to be trained by Cloudlight and Snipleap. In hopes of fixing his mistakes and helping Tawnyripple gain more respect with his clanmates, he gives the new warrior an apprentice; Deltapaw. This had the opposite reaction. Suncrawl and Bluesplash objected, but Snipleap and Cloudlight stood up for him. He is Deltapaw’s mentor. Lightpaw | female | 6 moons old | childish She, alongside her siblings, were born to a pair of loners. When they were 3 moons old, their father was struck down by a dragon while they were travelling for better hunting grounds. Their mother was quickly overwhelmed with caring for a full litter, so when she heard of Strike, she left them there. Lightpaw took her new home and family in her stride and quickly decided that she would someday become the next leader. She is highly competitive with her sister, Scorchpaw. Lightpaw is Brownstripe’s apprentice. Scorchpaw | female | 6 moons old | strange The strongest and rowdiest of her litter, Scorchpaw was close to her father before he died. She fell into a deep sadness in his passing, but has been processing her grief through competing against her sister, Lightpaw. Scorchpaw is Randy’s apprentice. Shrubpaw | female | 6 moons old | childish Shrubpaw was the most heartbroken when her mother left, and has become rather stand-offish towards her adopted parents. From what she’s seen of Fumblefreckle, she isn’t pleased that he chose himself to be her mentor. Shrubpaw is Fumblefreckle’s apprentice. Deltapaw | male | 6 moons old | strict Deltapaw believes himself to be the most mature out of his litter, but he very sorely misses his parents. He is trying to keep an aloof demeanour and pretends to not feel upset by Tawnyripple becoming his mentor. Deltapaw is Tawnyripple’s apprentice.

[shypotato-translations]

QTVW Chapter 1

Future* President Fiancee (I)

----

A young girl with a bit of youthfulness on her face, leaned in and kissed her on the lips, with a smile on her lips, she said: "I... love you"

Mulan blinked, lips trembling, she wanted to say something, but was interrupted by the voice inside her head. That voice was cold and mechanical, without the slightest emotion, it said:

【Mission accomplished, cutting the corresponding memory of system host Mu Lan ; System host Mu Lan, This body withdrew from the role of cannon fodder "Yao Mu Lan".】

【Earn Points: 100 Points ;

Accumulated Points: 100 Points ;

Skill Collection: Beginner Cookery ; 】

【Forcing entry to the next mission world ;

Random selection of new missions in progress….

New mission download completed, official host time transfer. 】

After a moment of heavenly distortion, Mu Lan opened her eyes.

She sat up and took a quick look at her surroundings.

This is a bedroom of about 50 or 60 square meters, a luxurious bed beneath her, which occupies a not insignificant space on one side of the room, a white wooden closet on the right side of her body, and on the left-hand side, a half-covered light blue curtain.

A few sunlight shines through the curtains into the house, reflecting the whole room eerily.

This room is arranged very monotonously, cold tone is the theme color, although gloomy cold silence, but from its details, it is not difficult to see that this is a woman's room.

After Mu Lan finished viewing it, a huge wave of plots and memories came to her mind.

Mu Lan collapsed helplessly on the ** and endured the headache-inducing pain. When the pain faded away, Mu Lan breathed a sigh of relief from exhaustion.

From the plot, it is known that she is now crossing this novel world, the background is set in the future world more than a thousand years later, that is, the thirty-second century.

From within the plot, it is possible to know, the novel world she is crossing now, The setting is set more than a thousand years in the future, that is, in the thirty-second century.

In this world, the setting mentions: because of the uncontrolled exploitation and destruction of the environment, finally in 2372, an extremely severe existential crisis broke out, after this three-hundred-year-long crisis, all women have lost their fertility, after a long research, human beings invented genetic fertility technology.

And after five hundred years of development, mankind abandoned the male-female marriage system and changed it to a society where women and women, and men and men could legally marry.

Although this society is set up very new, the content is completely old-fashioned.

The plot is similar to the modern society of the president's maid novel, the novel tells the story of a tangled love between the young and wealthy president of a rich family and the poor and beautiful maid thousand years later.

After reading the plot, An Mu Lan, her throat spurted out a mouthful of old blood.

Such a stupid and brain-damaged novel, coupled with countless depictions of bad scenes, It is obviously an NP□□.

An Mu Lan felt that this plot was not too helpful to her, so she began to absorb the memories of the original owner.

The name of this body that Mu Lan crossed this time, after the system forcibly changed, is called An Mu Lan, the real sister of the president of the An family.

In the original novel, it is written that this An Mu Lan is a very dark character, always trying to destroy the love between the brothers and the lovely maid, and finally thrown into the mental hospital by the impatient brothers.

And in the original owner's memory, it is rather a detailed filler of the plot that was skipped in the novel.

In the An family, although An Mulan has the status of a young lady, An Mulan is not liked by everyone in the An family.

Because An Mulan's mother, who was picking her up from home, died in an unexpected car accident. This led directly to, An's father's dislike for this daughter.

The father's behavior directly affected the attitude of her four brothers, who either beat or scolded An Mulan, while the servants also did not look at her as a young lady.

When An Mu Lan reached the age of eighteen and was officially able to live alone, she was unknowingly betrothed by her father to a woman who had come up through the ranks of the commoners, the president of a small company that cooperated with the An family, the villainous BOSS of this novel.

The villainous BOSS herself is very good, but the original owner, An Mulan, does not like women, and although An Mulan grew up in a bad environment, she was also raised by a wealthy family, and she has a physical aversion to those commoners.

Thus, An Mu Lan was completely desperate after learning this news.

She took it upon herself to plead with her brothers, but they ignored her completely and made mocking and sarcastic remarks.

Then she went to beg the fiancée, and the woman was quick to agree, immediately.

But An Mulan ruined Father An's plans and brought his displeasure with her to the forefront, and he locked An Mulan in his home, forbidding her to go anywhere or see anyone.

After four months of perseverance, An Mu Lan begged and cried to her father, saying that she was willing to marry a woman. But it was too late, her fiancée had already married someone else.

Father An had to look for a new marriage partner and ended up marrying An Mu Lan to an old man in his fifties.

An Mu Lan muddled through her marriage, she was worn down by life and had resigned herself to her fate.

But on one of her visits back to the An family for the holidays, she meets the heroine, the maid, who begs to her for help in a low profile.

Seeing that she was in the same situation as herself, An Mu Lan took pity on her and offered her a helping hand.

The maid escaped and was captured by forces outside the An family, and it took a great deal of effort on the part of several male protagonists to get her back.

After the maid was rescued and confessed to those in her harem, she washed herself out and discredited An Mu Lan, crying as she told the so-called 'truth', An Mu Lan was hated by her four brothers. They teamed up to bring down An Mu Lan's husband's company and put the isolated An Mu Lan in a mental hospital.

And even in the mental hospital, An Mu Lan still had a very hard time, because the maid's harem was not only the brothers of the An family, but also the young masters and sons of other powers. They had arranged for many people to torment her and make her life worse than death.

When An Mu Lan was dying, she was only thirty years old, but had aged as a woman of fifty, and she died with her soul as the price of revenge on those who had harmed her, to repay it all to everyone who had wronged her.

This is the system's choice out of the cannon fodder female counterpart, as the price of using each other's body, she must fulfill the female counterpart's wish to do so.

For Mu Lan, this task that the female counterpart, An Mu Lan, wants to take revenge on, is not too difficult. She had crossed over to this world just a short time after her eighteenth birthday, still early in the plot, and she would have a long time to plan.

And according to the original owner's memory, in a few days' time, Father An was going to tell her that she had been arranged to be the fiancée of a president.

After learning this news, the original owner became very ill, and so she was deeply affected by this event.

But for Mu Lan now, it's a good time because this fiancée, who is also the main object of her mission, is the villainous BOSS she needs to raid.

In the novel, there is no direct description of this villainous BOSS, only a few side-stories.

In the novel, the villain is a fatherless orphan who has worked her way up through the common ranks and has been involved in the mob and the military, both of which are very powerful.

At the age of twenty-one, she created a new clean identity, with which she started a company and then, a few years later, she built a huge business empire.

By the time she was twenty-seven, she had used that money for, again, to enter politics and make her way in this future world.

Overall, she is an amazing winner in life. Even by the end of the novel, the character's role is only downplayed and even the heroine's powerful harem doesn't dare to take it head on

In contrast to her glorious life history, her personality is depicted differently. When she is mentioned in the novel, she is always associated with the words sinister, cunning, murderous and bloodthirsty.

There is no doubt that this woman is a very qualified villain boss, but as the target of the raid, it is a total headache, leaving Mu Lan with a burning feeling of having nowhere to go.

Mu Lan sighed helplessly, then got up and got dressed and washed up. When she looked up and saw the young figure in the mirror, she silently told herself: from now on, she was An Mu Lan, and she would make those who had harmed her, all pay the price.

After this, she walked to the living room, where, fortunately, she did not see the leading characters, and she sat alone at the table to finish her cold meal before returning inside her room.

She turned on her computer and wrote down everything she remembered about what was going to happen.

The trade secrets and evidence of the crimes, all of which she outlined, were sent to a newly registered private email address. Then a list of several major powers in this future world, all detailed down.

After this, she looked through her □ and found an extremely large sum of money in it, some of which she used to buy things like surveillance cameras and the rest was transferred to a new account to prepare for the transfer of her assets.

That afternoon, she dressed up and went out and spent a small amount of pocket money to ask some children aged seven or eight to help her send the confidential emails anonymously to a designated mailbox.

For example: she sent confidential documents related to the An family to the opponents of the An family; she sent evidence of crimes committed by the mob forces to the opposing forces ...... She sent all the company secrets that had harmed the original owner to the arch rival company, and after this, she just had to watch the progress.

Later that afternoon, An Mu Lan returned home, placed the sophisticated surveillance cameras she had purchased in various corners of the house, filmed the heroine's love affairs with her brothers, and spent several days stitching together the videos and sending them anonymously on the heroine's campus network.

I believe the heroine will be in trouble for a long time after this.

Whereas in novels, when the heroine is written, she is portrayed as a virgin and pure, etc., the exposure of this video will make the brain-dead male protagonists, realize the truth of the matter.

After An Mu Lan had done all this, she was temporarily relieved, no matter what, this task of revenge for the original owner had made initial progress. Next, it was time to raid the villainous boss.

At dinner that day, Father An told An Mulan about her ''fiancée'' at the dinner table and warned her that she would be a guest at the house the next morning, so she had to behave herself.

An Mu Lan's face was expressionless by habit, and she nodded in response.

After dinner, An Mu Lan returned to her room, where she lay down on her ** and began to think.

From the plot of the novel, as well as from the memories of the original owner, it can be concluded that the villainous boss herself, is a very outstanding character, she is tough and has built a career with her lowly origins; she is bloodthirsty and cold, and will do anything to achieve her goal; at the same time, she is also a woman with a very strong desire to control, and is used to having everything in her hands.

Such a woman, to rip her off and go against her will only lead to a worse death, so one has to choose to act in the opposite direction, that is, everything to her liking.

The villainous boss, who grew up in a poor environment due to her living in a slum, hates men and prefers a small, soft girl who must be clean and well-behaved, but must have been brought up in an excellent education, with refined taste and decent behaviour.

This being the case, a decision was made in An Mu Lan's mind.

At around 10am on the third day, An Mu Lan sat quietly on the sofa, her long, black, cascading hair adorned only with a diamond crown, the rest of her hair falling smoothly over her shoulders. She wore a beige bubble dress and looked as delicate and small as a doll in a window display.

The doorbell rang and behind Father An came a tall, voluptuous young woman with a cool, pretty face.

An Mu Lan stood up with graceful posture under the beckoning motion of Father An and walked up to this woman.

Her round, dark eyes fell gently on the other woman, and without waiting for a response, she immediately lowered her head slightly, her long, arched eyelashes trembling gently, her fair, baby-fat cheeks tinged with a blush that aptly showed her shyness.

Father An smiled with satisfaction as he introduced her, "This is the president of Qitian Company, Ling Xihan, President Ling, and this is my daughter An Mulan"

Ling Xihan pursed her lips in response and said, "Hello, Miss An."

An Mulan raised her head obediently, with a smile at the corners of her mouth, revealing two small dimples on either side, slightly opening her lips and greeting politely, "Hello!"

[lovelycoralmentality]

Manhwa

Who made me a princess -> chapter 89

Devil wants to hug -> chapter 49

To Be or Not to Be -> Chapter 63

The reason Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion -> chapter 147 (fin)

Shadow queen -> chapter 38

The justice of villainous woman -> chapter 113

Silent lover -> chapter 19

The Villainess reverses the hourglass -> chapter 45

Charlotte Has Five Disciples -> chapter 43

The grandmaster of demonic cultivation -> chapter 175

Beware of the villainess -> chapter 58

I became the villain's mother -> chapter 36

The Twin Siblings’ New Life -> chapter 39

Death Is The Only Ending For The Villainess -> chapter 44

Actually, I Was the Real One -> chapter 32

Am I the daughter? -> chapter 47

I Want to Be You, Just For A Day -> chapter 44

Please Throw Me Away -> chapter 40

The Villainess Lives Twice -> Chapter 38

Youngest Princess -> chapter 44

Daughter of the Emperor -> chapter 207

Virtues of the Villainess -> Chapter 34

When the Villainess Loves -> Chapter 38

saving the Villain Who was Abandoned by the Female Lead -> chapter 21

The Antagonist's Pet ( The Pet of the Villainess ) -> Chapter 56

The Monster Duchess and Contract Princess Manhwa -> Chapter 74

The Newly-wed Life Of A Witch and A Dragon -> Chapter 17

My Husband Hides His Beauty -> chapter 32

I'm the Ex-Girlfriend of a Soldier -> Chapter 21

This Girl is a Little Wild -> Chapter 50

 I don't want to be Empress! -> Chapter 58

This Villainess Wants a Divorce! / survive as the hero's wife-> Chapter 87

A Villain Is A Good Match For A Tyrant -> Chapter 38

The Garden of Red Flowers -> Chapter 28

Is It a Fortune or Is It a Woe? -> Chapter 30

The Young Lady I Served Became a Young Master -> Chapter 23

Seduce the Villain's Father -> Chapter 43

Blinded by the Setting Sun -> Chapter 21

The Duchess with an Empty Soul -> Chapter 63

Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp -> Chapter 126

I Raised Cinderella Preciously -> Chapter 37

Once more -> Chapter 27.5

Your Majesty, Please Don't Kill Me Again -> Chapter 23

My Sister Picked Up the Male Lead -> Chapter 37

Beware of the Brothers! -> Chapter 45

the lady and the beast -> chapter 39

Everything was a Mistake -> Chapter 32

A false confession -> Chapter 45

Elskar -> Chapter 32

The Detective Of Muiella -> Chapter 104

This Is An Obvious Fraudulent Marriage - Chapter 59

Daisy: How to Become the Duke’s Fiancée - Chapter 35

I Became the Ugly Lady -> Chapter 5

The Lady's Butler - Chapter 25

Royal Shop of Young Lady - Chapter 34

Choose Your Real Daddy Tyrant - Chapter 11

The Sunny Lead was Raised as the Villainess - Chapter 1

Princess is a Bloodthirsty Surgeon - Chapter 58

Guide to a Male God Chasing his Wife - Chapter 21

Princess Tomboy & Prince Grumpy - Chapter 90

Living As The Emperor's Fiancé -> Chapter 28

The Foodie Next Door - Chapter 47

I Raised the Beast Well - Chapter 14

The villianous queen wants to level up - Chapter 0

National School Prince Is A Girl -> Chapter 83

Wendy the Florist -> Vol. 2 Ch. 1

What Kind of Empress is This? - Chapter 42

Revenge Wedding -> Chapter 36

I Gave Birth To A Murderer’s Child -> chapter 15

The Black Haired Princess - Chapter 39

Perfect Adaptation Chapter 2

Uniquely You - Chapter 11

Too Close - Chapter 88

Limited Time Princess - Chapter 27

She's my type - chapter 31

Lady Beast - Chapter 77

Read The Tyrant Falls In Love (Can Can) -> Chapter 56 

Mismatched Love - Chapter 15

Happy Ending for the Time-Limited Villainess - Chapter 9

I'll Do That Marriage - Chapter 21

Don't Provoke The Crazy, Dumb and Villainous Consort - Chapter 23

The Daughter of the Elemental King - Chapter 45

The Golden Haired Elementalist - Chapter 38

I Became the Hero's Mom - Chapter 26

Beatrice - Chapter 49

The Stereotypical Life of a Reincarnated Lady - Chapter 51

Cheerful Countess Sisters - Chapter 24

It Looks Like I've Fallen into the World of a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 32

I'm Stanning The Prince -> Chapter 42

Flowers Dance and Wind Sings -> Chapter 25

The Tyrant’s Guardian is an Evil Witch -> Chapter 23

The Goal is to Become a Gold Spoon so I need to be Completely Invulnerable - Chapter 27

The Villain's Savior - Chapter 74

The Princess in the Dumpster - Chapter 31

I Gave Birth to the Tyrant's Child -> Chapter 10

I'm the Male Lead's Female Friend -> Chapter 12

Villainess Maker -> Chapter 11

I Became a Maid in a TL Novel -> Chapter 36

I tamed the wild duke -> Chapter 4.1

The Viridescent Crown -> Chapter 33

A Night With The Emperor -> Chapter 7

The Villain Discovered My Identity -> Chapter 39

I Tamed a Tyrant and Ran Away -> Chapter 21

Charming and the Beast -> Chapter 4

The Emperor's Companion -> Chapter 72

I Saved The Cursed Duke -> Chapter 5

The King’s Beloved Daughter -> Chapter 6

The Precious Sister of the Villainous Grand Duke -> Chapter 11

The Way to Protect the Female Lead's Older Brother -> Chapter 20

Undercover Empress -> Chapter 35

The Flower That Was Bloomed By A Cloud -> Chapter 27

The Villainess Is a Marionette -> Chapter 21

Obey me -> Chapter 8

Stop Bothering Me, Emperor! -> Chapter 3

I'm a Martial Art Villainess but I'm the Strongest! -> Chapter 27

Angelic Lady -> Chapter 22

I'll Become the Tyrant's Tutor -> Chapter 6

Truly Refuse to Be a Witch -> Chapter 3

Father, I Don’t Want to Get Married! -> Chapter 15

I’ll Just Live on as a Villainess -> Chapter 3

Crimson Karma -> Chapter 82

The Fake Princess' OP Bunny -> Chapter 6

Reminiscence adonis -> Chapter 129

Not Just Anyone Can Become a Villainess -> Chapter 12

Lady Baby -> Chapter 125

[solecize]

.  .  .  𝑩𝑨𝑳𝑨𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑼𝑺  (PT20&FINAL) |  

— — jung jaehyun is the beloved captain of your university’s basketball team. you’re a freshman in the school ballet company and somehow get roped into giving him dance lessons. the issue is that your brother is lee taeyong aka jaehyun’s on-court rival, who broke his little sister’s heart. that’s where you, revenge, and a little bet come into play.

MAY 29TH. 2:29 PM KST.

the university’s contemporary ballet company was, in fact, loaded. with an inception dating back to the school’s own founding, they were fated for greatness from the start. they received a surprising amount of funding for an arts-related venture, mostly attributed to the fact that the dancers within the company simply deserved it for their work. their achievements ranged from international competition, two yearly productions, and more. therefore, even after a small presentation like the spring showcase, the company was more than willing to spend money on an expensive celebration party in the form of lunch at a high end restaurant. 

that’s why it was nothing but hilarious when the plan when up in flames—literally.

sooyoung was technically the first person who thought something was starting to smell like it was burning, but no one paid too much attention to it, as the team was being seated into their reserved table. however, coach jung didn’t take it seriously until her favourite male dancer on the team, bambam, pointed it out just a minute or two after. it didn’t take long for the fire alarm to be set off, forcing everyone in the fancy eatery to evacuate the area.

some of your fellow dancers were far too obnoxious when exiting the building, going to slow or literally dashing out the door. you were taken aback by the situation, unsure of what was exactly happening. thankfully, the may weather treated you all nicely, allowing evacuation to be under sunlight.

“but, we didn’t even get to order!” someone cried out, despite the fact that the entire company was left standing outside with the other patrons, as the firetrucks started to swarm in. if you could, you would’ve shoved a complimentary breadstick into her mouth.

you watched people began to enter the restaurant, arms linked with an aggravated sooyoung. it was curious that there didn’t seem to be any visible fire, at least nothing too big. you figured it was probably a small fire in the kitchen. coach jung sighed and clapped her hands three times, the same thing she used every time she wanted to get dancers’ attention.

“well, today’s celebration party has been ruined.” the older woman pursed her lips, clearly irritated by the outcome, as was everyone else. “this shall be postponed. everyone is free to go.”

the round of disappointing reactions surfaced, but she tsked them away. the others began to group amongst themselves, probably discussing alternate plans to their ruined lunch out. you sighed and took a look around, uncertain of what to do next.

beside you, sooyoung was busy typing away at her phone. “well, i was going to leave in like ten minutes for the game, anyway.” she shrugged. “y/n, i’m heading to there now. um, are you coming?”

she asked the last part tentatively and you knew why. however, you had to deal with your parents first, as you texted them about the sudden evacuation. why? no fucking clue because you were definitely regretting it now, seeing their texts flooding in about how you should come and see the game.

“my parents are bugging me about it,” you grumbled. “they’re talking about how i should come and support my brother.” the imitation of your mother’s voice was poor, but sooyoung still laughed. it wasn’t like you didn’t want to support taeyong, but you’d seen him play basketball a million times and he even told you that he doesn’t expect you there, at least not with jaehyun around. 

“why don’t you?” she cocked an eyebrow.

you couldn’t believe that sooyoung just asked you that. “what?”

sooyoung blinked innocently, as if not seeing any sort of issue with such a proposal. she was good at that, you’d have to admit, and would sometimes wonder why she went into dance instead of acting. 

“i’m serious! he’s your brother, you need to watch him play during his last national competition before he graduates,” she said, giving you a pointed look.

you didn’t really consider the fact that this was taeyong’s last year as apart of his basketball team. it was sad in a way, since you’d spent almost all your life watching your big brother shoot some orange balls into a net. while the two of you did not get along whatsoever for most of your lives, it’s been in recent years that you’ve grown close and you slowly started to become his number one supporter. even if you had some issues with his opponent, you wanted to be there for him.

sooyoung essentially saw right through your thought process and smiled. “well, that’s settled. let’s go—” as she started to pull you away, you realized that she did her signature sooyoung persuasion thing, “—and if it really bothers you that much, you can leave during the last quarter.”

there was always a different feeling during the finals. the air was heavier, as if weighing down on everyone’s shoulders. before each game, there would always be a few guys goofing around in the locker room or blasting music. today, there was none of that. there was only anxiety running through veins and the sweet taste of victory just so close, yet so far.

“it’s been harsh since the playoffs started, but we still ran with it and made it this far.”

all members of the basketball team sat in front of jaehyun, who was concluding his usual speech and standing beside their coach. they’d never seen their captain so tired and hungry for victory, fueled by his own personal conflicts. the fire had been there for the past few games and while most of the members weren’t sure why, a select three did. 

doyoung, lucas, and sicheng sat on the front bench, along with their new starting small forward, kim jungwoo. they were the most worried out of everyone on the team, since all eyes were on them after johnny’s unfortunate injury. the usual centre was missing for whatever reason, despite the fact that anyone injured would normally make an appearance regardless to show their support, especially for a game like this.

“everyone, we are facing the panthers in the finals for the fifth year in a row. what is the answer to their traditionally rough style?” there was silence, only the coach’s eyes surveying his boys with expectation.  

when no one answered, doyoung slowly raised his hand. “no mercy?”

“play rougher?”

“play dirty?”

coach brought a palm to his forehead. “no, you buffoons!” he felt out a growl of annoyance. “the answer is simplicity. no matter how complicated their tactics become or how vicious their players get, our victory is going to be effortless. that means our basketball is going to be effortless.”

jaehyun looked at his father with confusion, trying to process what he was getting at. the panthers were known for playing ruthlessly, while the serpents adapted to whatever team they were playing, despite having a distinctly strong defense. the last time the boys played the panthers, the game was on a different level of run and gun, bloodthirsty plays. jaehyun realized where they went wrong.

“and you, jaehyun,” coach suddenly turned towards him. “i don’t know what’s gotten into you, but this post season has been murderous on your end.” this made many of the members of the team laugh, including jaehyun himself, but the coach didn’t budge. “i mean it, you’ve been in foul trouble almost every game!”

it was true, he’d essentially set a new record for foul counts. jaehyun became extra aggressive on the court, even mouthing off to the referees. it was like something came over him.

“it’s going to be especially hard for you to play straightforward on the court,” coach said, “but i believe it’s possible for you. there just needs to be a balance. it’s between playing as it is and playing the way you want. stick to the basics, go back to the beginning, but don’t lose your drive.”

the words hit jaehyun harder than they were meant to.

the only reason why you were glad that you came was because there was no one else who would have held your father back when he saw that someone accidentally elbowed taeyong, causing his nose to bleed. the man was about to stomp down the bleachers and cuss out everyone in sight. alright, perhaps it wasn’t the only reason.

taeyong played like his life depended on it. the fervor in his eyes ablaze was one that you rarely saw in him. he was a naturally gifted player and had been since he started playing, so more often, you saw pride and ease in the way he moved. today, he was challenged.

meanwhile, lucas played with a smile on his face. that was just him, the guy who set his foot on the court simply because he loved the sport. you remembered just how overjoyed he was when he was the only sophomore to be put on the starting lineup, albeit at the expense of an injured taeil, who was the original holder of the position. the fervor found in his eyes was because basketball was apart of him.

“are you kidding me?” jaehyun’s voice boomed, as he received yet another foul. 

you’d never seen jaehyun play before. sure, you’ve been to basketball games before for lucas during the season, but you’d never truly paid attention to jaehyun and focused on him. it was surprising because as you watched him now, you wondered how you could’ve possibly done so when he was so hard to miss. his style of play begged for attention. it was a cross of complexity and true fundamentals that made his opponents go, “wow, i can’t believe i fell for something like that.”

the score was tensely close. with eight minutes left on the clock during this last quarter, the score stood at a troubling 104-106. the panthers  were barely in the lead, which seemed to surprise a lot people because of the sidelined center, johnny. the devil himself appeared midway through the halftime performance by the cheerleading teams, resorting to supporting his teammates on the bench.

“let’s go, taeyong!” your mother’s shrill voice couldn’t overcome the other viewers around her.

you chose to not cheer for anyone—you knew better than to cheer for the panthers in the serpents’ home stadium and better than to cheer for anyone other than your brother in front of your parents. in fact, you’d been seated throughout the whole game. almost everyone around you was on their feet. sometimes you would politely clap after a particularly good play or when sooyoung was out during halftime with the cheerleaders. 

yet, jaehyun’s eyes still managed to find yours among the hundreds in the crowd. 

he was bent over, trying to catch his breath. he looked up at the bright lights that brightened the court, then across the crowd who’d been cheering for him for what seemed like years on end. his eyes scanned quickly. wait. he thought he saw something. jaehyun’s looked back at the last section, squinting closer.

your heart stopped. there was no doubt about it, as you glanced around you just in case. jaehyun was looking straight at you. the whistle blew and the ball was suddenly back in someone’s hands, causing him to have no choice but to tear his eyes away from you and bring his attention back to the game he was playing.

the sudden connection was unsettling. your breath became uneven. you didn’t even notice it, but you unconsciously brought yourself to your feet and started sliding your way out of your row. something that sounded like your parents’ objections attempted to bring you back to reality, but you ignored them. you needed to get out of there.

sooyoung stopped in the middle of her routine when she saw your figure turn to go up and leave the stands. johnny almost tried getting up. their plan was going to fail.

they weren’t the only ones that noticed your attempted escape because when jaehyun turned to look at you in the crowd again, you were completely gone. he felt a rush on panic in his bones and saw that you were trying to make your way out of there. the ball was in his hands; he was supposed to throw it in.

“FIND THE BALANCE, JAEHYUN!” bellowed the coach from the sidelines. 

he was going to do exactly that.

jaehyun dropped the ball and made a beeline for the bleachers. everyone around him barked questions and exclamations of confusion. the crowd murmured, watching the seprents’ star player suddenly abandon the game. was it nerves? was it because they were going to lose? the coach especially cursed and yelled questions, before calling a time out. 

he watched his son stride right past him. “jaehyun, we are about to win this game, WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING? THIS IS YOUR GAME!” 

that was right, it was his game. you turned around, at the exit at this point, because you wondered what the sudden commotion was. jaehyun was running up the steps, sprinting to catch up and make his way right towards you. your entire body was frozen and you weren’t sure what was happening.

behind all of you, the whistle was blown into again and it seemed like the game begun again. jaehyun slowed down, stopping in front of you. eyes were on the two of you, standing still at the top of the bleachers.

“what are you doing? you must be crazy, you have a game a play out there—” you began, but he cut you off.

“let’s go back to the beginning.”

words could barely leave your lips with all the emotions running in your head. “w-what?”

“can we try this again? the right way?” jaehyun gently grabbed your hand. he was sweaty, panting, and bordering on desperate to win you back. you could see it in his eyes and the energy between the two of your palms. “i know you feel betrayed. like, everything must seem like a lie to you after the bet, right? i want you to meet the real me this time.”

“just like that? like a reset button?” you asked.

“i wanted to do this after the game, but when i was watching you leave,” jaehyun lowered his head, “i knew i needed to do this now.”

the final buzzer went off and roars emerged from every corner of the room. the floor was practically shaking, as the crowd leapt to their feet. people were running down to meet the winning team, as music went off over the speakers. you and jaehyun looked over—the panthers won their first national championship in three years. taeyong was lifted to sit on top of the crowd’s shoulders, holding the trophy high and with pure bliss. the score was seperated by three points.  with johnny and jaehyun off the court, the serpents did the best they could.

“so, what now?” he asked, turning back to you. there didn’t seem to be a hint of regret in his eyes when all he was looking at was you.

you brought your lips to his.

“okay. this time will be different. i don’t know how this is going to end, but i’m glad we’re going to begin this the right way.” you told him and you meant it. it was like jumping into nothing but a bright light that blinded everything before you. however, something told you that it was going to be worth it.

FIN.

tag list: @i-hate-these-people​ @glitterystanz​ @jkuwus​ @jenojae  @csillagosegnelkul​ @imtaehyungry​ @theloouiisee​ @ikonictaelien​ @knisterlicht​ @seungkwanismyaesthetic​ @jaemingold​ @xysabella​ @sua246​ @ireallyjustneedcoffee​ @p-platonica​ @just-a-dream-40​0 @fuckthatfeeling​   @sehunights​ 

EXTRA.

if it was possible, the crowd cheered just as loud when jaehyun and y/n kissed on top of the bleachers. all attention was on them and a round of applause erupted. sicheng, doyoung, lucas, johnny, and sooyoung were especially delighted at the sight. on the other side of the court, taeyong watched the happy pair and shook his head, smiling. 

“aw, i guess our balloons and flowers in the back are going to waste,” sicheng pouted. the five of them, along with jaehyun, spent at least an hour decorating because they thought jaehyun was going surprise and talk it out with y/n there.

sooyoung grinned. “at least we got her to come to the game.

lucas folded his arms across his chest, looking at his friends. “wait, yeah. hey, how did we get y/n to leave her party with the ballet people?”

everyone looked at johnny.

the center sighed and began to relay the story of how exactly he earned sooyoung and lucas’ forgiveness. “so, what, i set a little something on fire? not a big deal.” after johhnny explained how he was the one that got the restaurant to be evacuated, everyone looked at him in complete shocked. 

“did you get in trouble for it?” doyoung’s eyes were wide.

johnny snorted. “no. my family owns that restaurant.” he looked back up to jaehyun and y/n, smiling softly. “the damages were only worth two thousand dollars, anyway.” it was a number that cursed them all.

[cursedserpenthq]

(zach mcgowan, 32, cis male, werewolf) Blimey! Is that (ARVED LESKE)? (HE) is the (LEAD VANGUARD) on the Cursed Serpent and has been onboard the ship for (TWELVE YEARS). Legend has it they are (DEVOTED & PERCEPTIVE), but don’t get on their bad side, because I hear they’re (FEROCIOUS & DEFENSIVE). Aye! Stop staring! (VED) has their (SABRES) out! (ooc: Gray, PST, 28, they, none)

THE CURSED SERPENT

Captain Bradway wasn’t always a captain, and Arved Leske wasn’t always a name that was known and feared through Port Royal and far beyond. First, they were a sea-hardened sailor with a good heart and a boy with a terrible secret, and little else. Scott literally pulled Ved out of the gutter, despite having witnessed the horror of a young werewolf mauling a few men to bloody pieces. They’d had it coming.

That’s how Ved had existed, until then - tooth and claw. He and his mother fled the Luna pack when he was only a child, after his father tried and horribly failed to rise through the ranks. Not long after, she was slain during the full moon. Hunted, like an animal. Alone, Ved slunk and struggled his way through the world, fending off the cruelties of man and nature alike. It made him hard, but not heartless; Scott could see that, and, slowly, earned the trust of the half-wild creature he’d found. If it weren’t for Bradway, Ved wouldn’t be much of a man at all - or, he wouldn’t have lived to be anything. The old man was even able to secure a solution to Ved’s struggles to contain the beast he could be, aided by a sorcerer his researches had led him to. With that locked away, Bradway was confident that Ved would make an exceptional, if unusual, asset to his new crew. Ved wasn’t so certain - about losing that part of himself, terrible as it was, or about staying on with these pirates. It was Scott’s word, Scott’s faith, that got him onto the ship in the first place.

Ved quickly strove to be useful around the Serpent, and he was. But, as he grew, it quickly became plain enough that the boy had something fierce in him, something that could be frightfully destructive. Again, it was Bradway who brought him to heel. Not perfectly, perhaps, but. With sword in hand, Scott tried to show Ved what that power could do, when controlled, and what it meant to fight alongside and for your crewmates. Soon, Ved was joining the vanguard as they boarded and raided ships and fortresses. Eventually, he led those same missions, his prowess in close quarters proven over and over. It wasn’t that Ved enjoyed the murder and maiming; Scott would never have tolerated such a soul. He was simply suited to the task, stronger, quicker, sharper than any human, more resilient, sharper of ear and eye… and, from brutal experience, prepared to be merciless. Legends of his violence - some horrors truer than others - soon began to precede him, and the Cursed Serpent. Which suited the captain’s needs, really. These tales added some menace to their flag, made prize ships more likely to give in without a fight and merchants and fences less likely to haggle. Whether or not Ved likes being the subject of rumors and ballads is pretty damn irrelevant, at this point. Not much he can do to stop it all.

Ved’s always kept on the fringes of the crew, but not unpleasantly so; he’s just got a great deal to hide, and never wanted to test Bradway’s care and trust by getting too close, slipping up, and doubtlessly creating terrible problems for them both. In all his time on the Cursed Serpent, he’s never told a soul but Bradway what he is, or where he came from. He doesn’t plan to. Even among the vanguard, where his ties are truly battle-tested, Ved doesn’t believe for a second that a soul would stand with him if they knew the truth. And he wouldn’t even entirely hold it against them. At the same time, in some sad way, he’s wound up estranged from half of himself - from the animal that’s been bound and tied away under his skin for so long. It’s supposed to be a piece of him, it used to be; now, it’s a stranger, and the thought of releasing it has become more frightening than anything else. So, really, Ved’s hardly a proper werewolf anymore. But he’ll never be human, and that means he’ll never be free to live as he likes unless he keeps his secrets to himself. The Serpent has been his home for a good while, now. Honestly, he’s not sure where else he’d go, what else he’d do. If keeping most of the crew at arm’s length helps him avoid those questions, he’ll do it. The reputation helps with that. New recruits, certainly, tend to give the master of the vanguard a wide berth.

The death of Captain Bradway struck Ved from a few directions, all painful. Scott was more than a leader, more than a parent, more than a mentor and friend to Ved; he was his first real, meaningful experience of anything like kindness. Moreso, as the vanguard, Ved feels personally responsible for Bradway’s demise. Maybe he couldn’t convince the old man not to come along, but… if only he’d been closer, in that raid, there to look out for Scott the way the captain had looked out for him. Ved’s sure the rest of the crew sees some guilt there, some failure, whether or not that’s fair or productive. Maybe he’s right, maybe not. He certainly blames himself, and that’s been weighing heavily on him. Heavier than he’s admitted.

SECRET

Ved’s secret is nothing less explosive - potentially - than the fact that he’s a werewolf. He’s well aware of how his kind is seen by the world, and with all he’s survived and done, isn’t about to argue that the risk isn’t very, very real. Nor is he going to go around sharing this dangerous truth with just anyone; it’s under control, has been for years, and there’s no need for them to know. Not their problem. Captain Bradway made it his, and in doing so, made it possible for Ved to have a place that finally felt like home - he doesn’t expect anyone to be so understanding, especially given how long he’s been lying to them.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

THE MUTUAL SUSPICION For whatever reason, Ved and this character have never been able to establish even the comradely trust of sharing a ship. There’s just something off, not right, unsettling, and time hasn’t changed that. Ved’s not the type to avoid people, and that’s a hard thing to do aboard ship, anyway. But. Whenever he has to share space with The Mutual Suspicion, his hackles are clearly raised - and so are theirs. He won’t like being forced to work with them, or being pushed to take their word for anything, no matter who’s trying to convince him it’ll all work out. Captains included.

THE AUTHORITY ISSUE Ved never openly defied or disagreed with Bradway, never gossiped or backchatted about anything that passed between them, as captain and master of the vanguard. He also hasn’t started any problems shipside, with boatswains or first mates or anyone else of any sort of authority, since those early days. In fact, he tends to keep the rest of the vanguard in check. They tend to be some of the better-behaved crew members, while onboard the Serpent, at least. (In port, they’ve something of a reputation for rowdiness.) But. Times are changing, and the old captain’s gone. Ved’s not a big fan of change, generally, and he’s wary of what might become of the ship’s officers now that Bradway’s gone. Power does things to a person, and there’s power up for grabs. Those officers might feel the same about him, looking at the understated sway he holds over the vanguard. Or they might misread things entirely from the opposite angle, and presume he’ll just follow orders, as he always seemed to do when Scott was alive. Maybe he was Bradway’s dog, as they say… but Bradway’s dead, and mistaking Ved’s earned deference for any sort of thick-headed lackeyishness would be a bad mistake.

THE COMRADES IN ARMS Every ship needs a strong vanguard, a cadre of fighters ready to charge over the side and start a raid, by sea or land. This is one of the most dangerous and deadly jobs in their trade, and they know it. It’s among these people, this pack of bloodthirsty, easily riled pirates and butchers, that Ved wound up finding his purpose on the Cursed Serpent. Bradway feared that this role would draw out the worst in his werewolf find, and perhaps he was right to. Nonetheless, the old captain couldn’t deny that Ved was every bit as valuable as he’d hoped - there, at the front, in the thick of the fighting. It didn’t take long for Ved to win the confidence of the once-dubious vanguard, and he’s since come to a position of natural, informal leadership within this portion of the crew, risen there by virtue of his (supernaturally) powerful presence on the battlefield. The vanguard genuinely trusts Ved, his judgment, his skill as a warrior. As they all adjust to life without Bradway, some difficult questions might get asked. For instance - who do they respect more? Their leader, or their captain? This isn’t a conflict Ved will welcome, or encourage. But he also won’t take well to anyone trying to step on his fellows in the vanguard, just for speaking their minds - even if that talk smacks of mutiny and treason, it’s only talk. Right?

THE ONE WHO KNOWS BETTER Ved’s been on the Cursed Serpent since before Bradway was captain, long enough for at least someone on the ship to have gotten to know him more than most. While many of their crewmates beyond the vanguard do their best to avoid or ignore him, this character is familiar enough to read Ved’s rather reserved moods and reactions. Perhaps they’re not deeply acquainted, or, maybe it’s rather intimate - either way, there’s some odd, quiet comfort in this connection, for both parties. Whether or not they admit it, that’s for them to figure out. 

ANYTHING ELSE

Questions have been answered!

[dfroza]

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[marvin_walter]

Let the light shine on you.

#HelloFrom #Dolomites

5.19.21 • Instagram

the same Creator who made garden earth as the instrumental womb of the universe made our bodies as well, made in the image of our heavenly Father, equally as male & female. yet, with female being a special place where the mother’s womb resides to protect her seeds inside. and life truly begins at the genesis spark of conception when the seed of mother & father combine to begin to form a daughter or a son and infused with an eternal spirit. sex forms two bodies into “One” body as a marital bond of human connection, which is the reason that sex is sacred and to be reserved for marriage as a lifelong bond of faithfulness and trust. for the spiritual truth of our Creator doesn’t change, although Love seeks to change us from this inside out by giving us a new True nature through the Spirit in the True illumination of the Son.

we have to choose to become daughters & sons of eternal Light.

for people may want to choose to be their own god by making their own personal rules for life, yet this is not humility and will not prove to be what is best in the end. even though our Creator has entrusted us with the care of garden earth just as little ‘gods’ (and as kings & queens) as seen in Today’s reading of the Scriptures in chapter 10 of the book of John, yet to do so with hearts submitted to our True and eternal Authority.

A set of lines from Today’s reading of Psalm 139 for day 139 of the year that reflects upon how our Creator knows us:

As I took shape in secret,

carefully crafted in the heart of the earth before I was born from its womb.

You see all things;

You saw me growing, changing in my mother’s womb;

Every detail of my life was already written in Your book.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 139:15-16 (The Voice)

For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 139:13-14 (New King James Version)

to be accompanied by a poetic chapter of my personal thought-life that reflects upon youth with reverence & wonder

and the whole Psalm in The Passion Translation:

[You Know All About Me]

For the Pure and Shining One

King David’s poetic song

Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.

You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,

and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.

You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.

You read my heart like an open book

and you know all the words I’m about to speak

before I even start a sentence!

You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.

You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,

and in kindness you follow behind me

to spare me from the harm of my past.

You have laid your hand on me!

This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible!

Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.

Where could I go from your Spirit?

Where could I run and hide from your face?

If I go up to heaven, you’re there!

If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too!

If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there!

If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting!

Wherever I go, your hand will guide me;

your strength will empower me.

It’s impossible to disappear from you

or to ask the darkness to hide me,

for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.

There is no such thing as darkness with you.

The night, to you, is as bright as the day;

there’s no difference between the two.

You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside

and my intricate outside,

and wove them all together in my mother’s womb.

I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!

Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking.

It simply amazes me to think about it!

How thoroughly you know me, Lord!

You even formed every bone in my body

when you created me in the secret place;

carefully, skillfully you shaped me from nothing to something.

You saw who you created me to be before I became me!

Before I’d ever seen the light of day,

the number of days you planned for me

were already recorded in your book.

Every single moment you are thinking of me!

How precious and wonderful to consider

that you cherish me constantly in your every thought!

O God, your desires toward me are more

than the grains of sand on every shore!

When I awake each morning, you’re still with me.

O God, come and slay these bloodthirsty, murderous men!

For I cry out, “Depart from me, you wicked ones!”

See how they blaspheme your sacred name

and lift up themselves against you, but all in vain!

Lord, can’t you see how I despise those who despise you?

For I grieve when I see them rise up against you.

I have nothing but complete hatred and disgust for them.

Your enemies shall be my enemies!

God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart.

Examine me through and through;

find out everything that may be hidden within me.

Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares.

See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on,

and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way—

the path that brings me back to you.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 139 (The Passion Translation)

Today’s reading of Psalm 19 for the 19th of may (2021)

For the worship leader. A song of David.

The celestial realms announce God’s glory;

the skies testify of His hands’ great work.

Each day pours out more of their sayings;

each night, more to hear and more to learn.

Inaudible words are their manner of speech,

and silence, their means to convey.

Yet from here to the ends of the earth, their voices have gone out;

the whole world can hear what they say.

God stretched out in these heavens a tent for the sun,

And the sun is like a groom

who, after leaving his room, arrives at the wedding in splendor;

He is the strong runner

who, favored to win in his race, is eager to face his challenge.

He rises at one end of the skies

and runs in an arc overhead;

nothing can hide from his heat, from the swelter of his daily tread.

The Eternal’s law is perfect,

turning lives around.

His words are reliable and true,

instilling wisdom to open minds.

The Eternal’s directions are correct,

giving satisfaction to the heart.

God’s commandments are clear,

lending clarity to the eyes.

The awe of the Eternal is clean,

sustaining for all of eternity.

The Eternal’s decisions are sound;

they are right through and through.

They are worth more than gold—

even more than abundant, pure gold.

They are sweeter to the tongue than honey

or the drippings of the honeycomb.

In addition to all that has been said,

Your servant will find, hidden in Your commandments, both a strong warning

and a great reward for keeping them.

Who could possibly know all that he has done wrong?

Forgive my hidden and unknown faults.

As I am Your servant, protect me from my bent toward pride,

and keep sin from ruling my life.

If You do this, I will be without blame,

innocent of the great breach.

May the words that come out of my mouth and the musings of my heart

meet with Your gracious approval,

O Eternal, my Rock,

O Eternal, my Redeemer.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 19 (The Voice)

[piratethornton]

Pirates of the Clawribbean

Chapter 7: U Zornhain

Fandom: Zootopia

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Now Nick knew not to underestimate her, he almost always won their duels much to Judy's frustration. He eventually took pity on her and gave her tips where he could, and the crew watching (who always favoured Judy) would shout out advice and encouragement. Even Bucky and Pronk would try to distract the fox to give Judy the upper hand. She improved each day, reaching the point where Nick's easy smile was overcome with panic as he struggled to keep pace with a flurry of swift slashes from her.

Judy couldn't think of another time in her life when she felt so content; she had seen and done so much, yet there was more to come. She looked out to the glistening sea, reflecting the setting sun, and breathed in the sea air. She thought back to the time she first arrived on the Black Paw. She had been frightened and uncertain, and now she couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Even her view on the Captain had changed. Instead of a fearsome, cold-hearted pirate was a charming rogue eager to go on a treasure hunt, who had rushed aboard the Bloody Tusk to save her from Boarbossa and showed such concern for her safety. Someone she could very easily call a good friend.

"Enjoying the view?"

Judy jolted as the very fox she had been thinking about came up and leaned against the ship's edge next to her. She smiled up at him then gazed at the sea once more. "It's so big. I mean, I always knew it was big, but from here it's easy to believe that there's nothing else in the world."

"Yeah, it has that effect," said Nick, shrugging slightly. "...So, missing your fiancé?"

"Huh? Oh." Judy frowned guiltily. She hadn't given much thought to James Buckington for a while. "To be honest, I only agreed to marry him to help my family. If we find Captain's Maul treasure, I may be able to call off the engagement."

Nick smirked. "That bad, huh?"

"No, he's not bad, he's just...not for me." Her gaze moved to the horizon and became sad. "I do miss my family, though. I hope they're not too worried."

"What do they have to be worried about? It's not like you're on a pirate ship on a reckless search for buried treasure and occasionally almost getting killed by evil boars."

Judy couldn't help but laugh at that. "I'll have to be careful about what I say when I see them again." A thought occurred to her. "Is there anyone you miss?"

Nick was silent for a moment. "I only have my mother. She lives in Zootopia. Every now and then I visit her and give her a piece of treasure as a gift. She thinks I'm a high-ranking merchant sailor. Keeps her happy and gives her something to brag about to her friends."

Her curiosity grew a little. "Why did you become a pirate?"

He gazed intensely at the sea, his ears flickering slightly, as if contemplating how much to tell her. "When I was young I learned that foxes weren't supposed to be heroes. They were villains. So I decided to become one. When I was seventeen I managed to join Boarbossa's crew, and I was excited because I thought I was where I belonged. But then I saw what sort of mammal Boarbossa was, and I knew I had to get out. I met Finnick and Honey, and we set out to do piracy our way."

When he mentioned his crewmates, he managed to pull himself out of his melancholy and he leaned towards Judy conspiratorially.

"Don't tell anyone this, but compared to most pirates, we're pretty soft. We can find buried treasure and carry out robberies by stealth alright, but when it comes to 'plundering', we just put on a huge show, make the sailors wet their breeches and leave as soon as we can with their cargo to avoid any bloodshed."

Judy titled her head. "You've never killed anyone?"

"There have been...accidents, and moments of self defence, but we don't really like getting our hands dirty if we can help it."

"So... when you threatened to kill Ben and I-"

He gave a huge smile which had a tint of sheepishness. "Huge bluff."

"Oh, cheese and crackers!" She smacked her head into her palm.

"Yeah. We're pretty much all bark and no bite."

Judy gave a small laugh. "You are simply the worst pirates I've ever come across."

"At least we look good." He winked.

They turned their attention back to the sunset, Judy's eyes fixed upon the horizon. Jack had told her that the moment the sun disappears beneath the sea, a green flash can sometimes be seen, signalling the return of a soul from the Land of the Dead to the Living. The sun gently sank lower and lower until...it was gone, with no hint of green at all. She sighed softly in disappointment.

"Have you ever seen the Green Flash?" she asked Nick.

"Once, I think," he replied. "Out of the corner of my eye. The one time I wasn't looking."

Judy studied him for a moment. "Are you waiting for someone to come back?"

"My dad," he said quietly, staring out to sea. "I... heard rumours that he was taken aboard the Sea Vulture. I don't know how true they are, but I still watch out for it, just in case." He glanced back at Judy, who was reaching out a paw to touch his arm. He forced a laugh. "I get a rabbit on my ship and suddenly I'm all mushy. That's a dangerous gift you've got there, Carrots."

Judy stared at him for a second, then smiled back. "Don't worry. I'm in complete control."

"Shut up!"

"No, you shut up!"

The door opened and was quickly slammed shut again by Honey, looking thoroughly irritated.

" Nick Wilde, why did you let those dumb dumbs join our crew?"

"Honestly? They wouldn't shut up."

She growled in frustration then took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself down. "I've just been checking the map. We're about to reach 'u zornhain'. Care to translate?" she asked Judy.

"It's the song of death or destruction," answered Judy. "I don't know what it refers to, though. I assumed we'd know it when we saw it."

"Nathan's probably the expert thanks to Ben," joked Nick. "Right, Nate?"

He shouted the last part to the polar bear inspecting the rigging, who had fortunately made a complete recovery from his injury. His response to the fox was a snort and a tiny eye roll.

"Wait a minute," said Honey, suddenly looking worried. "It's a full moon tonight."

"Yes..." said Nick slowly, an eyebrow raised.

"Captain!" Bobby called from the crow's nest. "There's movement in the water!"

Everyone gathered on deck ran to the side of the ship Bobby was pointing to. Out in the distance swells in the sea could just be made out in growing darkness. Something was swimming towards them.

"Sirens," said Honey.

"Sirens?!" repeated Judy, sharing Honey and Nick's panic.

"Evil creatures banished from their own kind to the open sea," explained Honey. "They sought protection from bloodthirsty monsters in return for-"

"You can tell the story later, Honey," interrupted Nick. "We need to get everyone below deck. Do you still have those earplugs?"

"I have some," she replied, leading everyone to the door, "but I don't think I have enough for-"

A single, long note rang out from the sea, stopping the crew in their tracks.

"It's started," said Nick gravely.

The first note was followed by two others, and the ship jerked suddenly, causing the crew to stumble. They looked up at the helm to see Flash steering the ship toward the singing.

"Nathan, get Flash away from the wheel!" shouted Nick.

The polar bear was halfway up the stairs when the singing turned from a few simple notes into a sweet, haunting melody. Nathan stopped and gazed out to sea, utterly transfixed.

The door crashed open and Finnick, Ben, Yax, Bucky and Pronk rushed through, looking confused.

"What's going on?" demanded Finnick.

"Cover your ears and go back down," ordered Nick, hands slamming over his own head.

It was too late. A second was all it took for their ears to swivel and their minds to be taken by the sirens. Only Judy, Honey and Ben were unaffected, and Nick was digging his claws into his skull to try to escape the growing music. It was to no avail, and soon his hands dropped and his eyes glazed over.

"Oh no," groaned Honey, snapping her fingers in front of Nick's face in a futile attempt to wake him.

Judy looked about her. Almost every member of the crew were standing stock still, focused on the sirens and their singing. It was certainly on the most beautiful things she had ever heard, but she didn't feel compelled towards it, and she didn't feel any different.

"Why aren't we affected?" she asked.

"They're males," Honey answered, now inspecting Finnick. "One track minds."

"But Ben-"

The cheetah waved a paw. "Once you've heard Gazelle, no voice can compare."

"Gazelle?" asked Honey, confused.

"She's just an opera singer," Judy explained hurriedly.

"Just an opera singer?!" repeated Ben, flabbergasted.

"Did you say you had earplugs?" Judy asked Honey, ignoring Ben.

Honey sighed sadly. "Even if I had enough for them, now they've heard the song they won't work."

The hypnotised crew were now moving slowly to the edge of the ship all with dopey smiles on their faces. Judy ran in front of Nick and tried to push him back, but he simply shoved her out of the way, his eyes never leaving the sea.

"We need to get them below deck and restrain them somehow," said Judy. "Ben, can you take care of Flash?"

"On it," he replied, heading up the stairs.

"Honey." Judy jerked her head towards the rest of the crew. The badger nodded in understanding and went over to Yax. She pulled at his arm but he stood firm.

Judy walked in front of Nick again. "Come on, snap out of it! We want to get Captain Maul's treasure, remember? Maybe you can find something for your mother."

"It's so pretty," he murmured dreamily, his gaze never wavering. It was as if Judy didn't exist.

SPLASH!

"FINN!"

Honey grabbed a rope, tied it around her middle and jumped in after Finnick. Judy seized the other end and looked over the side of the ship to see Honey swimming after the small fox. Surrounding them were several creatures: grey-brown, sleek with flippers and a round, protruding muzzle. Their mouths were wide open as they continued their song and they were gazing longingly at Finnick.

As soon as Honey reached Finnick Judy hauled the rope back up, looping it around the mast for extra leverage. She felt something soar over her head and saw Bobby walking to the edge. She quickly tied off the loop and raced after him, snatching his tail. Though this slowed him slightly, he still steadily moved closer and closer to the water.

"Stop! Stop! You have to stop!" she shouted at him as he dragged her along the deck, completely unfazed by her actions. Then something in the distance caught Judy's eye. Several tall, thin fins were slicing through the waves towards the ship, and Judy's panic grew higher.

"Come on, Bobby!" she pleaded. There was no response. They were almost at the edge now, and she looked around wildly, searching for anything to help. She looked down at the tail in her hands and, because she could think of nothing else, clamped her teeth around it.

There was a yowl of pain and Bobby soared into the air. When he landed he observed his surroundings with an utterly bewildered expression, nursing his tail.

"What's going-?" He stopped halfway and put a paw to his head, groaning slightly. His face slowly turned back to the sweet singing as it began to reclaim him.

Judy wasted no time in grabbing his tail again and biting it. She quickly took her chance and dragged him to the door, halting only when she saw Honey scrambling back on to the ship with Finnick struggling in her arms.

"We have to hurt them!" Judy told her.

Honey scrunched her muzzle in confusion. "Huh?"

"They're distracted by pain!" Judy explained further, just as a panting Ben came back through the door.

"I've put Flash in the galley," he said, trying to get his breath back. "It should be a while before he comes back up."

"Get Bobby and Finnick below, too," ordered Judy. She bit Bobby's tail a third time when he started walking to the sea again.

Honey's eyes widened at Bobby's reaction, and experimentally gave Finnick a short, sharp smack to the head.

"Ow!"

Honey quickly handed the small fox to Ben. "There's sleeping draught in my medical room. Give them a swig and they'll be out like a light."

Ben nodded and took Bobby's arm with his free hand, then descended below deck.

Judy and Honey turned their attention to the rest of the crew, and an evil smile spread over the badger's face when she spotted the antelopes.

"I've waited so long for this!" She ran up behind them, jumped and slammed their two heads together. They slumped down, out cold. "Err...oops."

Only Nick, Nathan and Yax were left, leaning against the bulwark and gazing dreamily at the sirens. Yax was leaning over so much that he was dangling over the edge.

Judy grabbed some more rope. "Get Yax next, and keep an eye on Nick! I'll restrain Nathan!"

With one end tied securely to the mast, Judy looped the rope a few times around Nathan's legs and middle and fastened it off with a strong knot, knowing that even if she and Honey were able to cause him pain, they would not be strong enough to get him below deck. She plucked the rope, and once satisfied went back to Honey.

The yak and fox were now trying to jump over, and Honey was positioned between the two, one arm latched on to Nick's shoulder and the rest of her wrapped around Yax, desperately biting and scratching at his back, with the claws on her foot digging deep into the bulwark. Her attacks had no effect on his thick hide. Her mouth full of hair, she looked at Judy with huge, pleading eyes.

"Try his legs!" Judy told her whilst grabbing Nick and punching his arm.

"Ow!" Nick snapped his attention to his arm and rubbing it.

"Come on!" Judy pulled at his coat with all her might, managing to get him a little way from the edge, until his ear swivelled and he heard the song again. Almost mechanically, he turned back to the sea so Judy climbed on to the bulwark and pushed firmly against his chest.

Fortunately Honey had managed to deliver a successful bite to Yax's leg and was now tying him up. Ben had also returned and looked ready to collapse from a mixture of exhaustion  and stress.

"You two, get Nathan!" yelled Judy, gesturing her head to the polar bear struggling against his bonds. As Honey and Ben started hauling him in, Judy risked a glance behind her. The sirens' expressions were no longer serene, but murderous, and the song emanating from them was almost deafening. The sharks were slowly circling beneath her, creating a small whirlpool, the sight of which cause Judy to gasp and look away. The cloth beneath her fingers squirmed as Nick tried to get around her, but she clung on steadfastly. She made sure her feet had a good grip on the wood, crouched down then sprung back up against Nick, causing him to fall on his back and her to fall on him.

Nick's head smacked against the deck which roused him once again from his stupor, and their gazes met. Judy blinked twice, realising she had never noticed how green Nick's eyes were, but snapped out of her reverie when his look lost focus. She rolled off him, elbowed him in the gut, and lead him to the mast.

The poor fox had to endure several punches and kicks while Judy tied him up next to Yax. When she finished, she joined Honey and Ben in restraining Nathan, which took a considerable amount of effort but they were eventually able to bring him down. Judy ran and fetched the sleeping draught, and once administered the three hypnotised mammals fell into a deep and peaceful sleep, and the other three collapsed against Nathan's large form and sighed collectively in relief.

"What now?" asked Ben.

"They'll be asleep 'til morning, by which time the sirens will have gone," said Honey. "There's no point moving them, even if we were able."

"We'll have to take turns watching, just in case," said Judy.

The sirens' song continued, though there was now a hint of desperation that Judy couldn't help but feel a surge of joy from. Honey brought up the stew Yax had been preparing and they ate under the stars, listening to the mournful music and saying little. Ben fell asleep after his forth helping, and Honey offered to take the first watch. Judy rested against Ben's stomach, promising herself that at the first opportunity, she was going to study the map again for any other potential surprises.

[lecho]

QUEEN NANNY OF THE JAMAICAN MAROONS (1686 -1730?)

 Queen Nanny of the Windward Maroons has largely been ignored by historians who have restricted their focus to male figures in Maroon history. However, amongst the Maroons themselves she is held in the highest esteem. Biographical information on Queen Nanny is somewhat vague, with her being mentioned only four times in written historical texts and usually in somewhat derogatory terms. However, she is held up as the most important figure in Maroon history. She was the spiritual, cultural and military leader of the Windward Maroons and her importance stems from the fact that she guided the Maroons through the most intense period of their resistance against the British, between 1725 and 1740.

Queen Nanny is presumed to have been born around the 1680’s in Africa’s Gold Coast (now known as Ghana). She was reported to belong to either the Ashanti or Akan tribe and came to Jamaica as a free woman. It is possible that Queen Nanny brought slaves of her own, reportedly being of royal African blood. It was not uncommon for African dignitaries to keep slaves. She was said to be married to a man named Adou, but had no children. She died in the 1730’s. Moore Town is now the primary town of the Windward Maroons – it was founded in 1734 after the British destroyed the original Maroon town, which was known as ‘Nanny Town’.

Historical Maroon Identity and Culture Slaves imported to Jamaica from Africa came from the Gold Coast, the Congo and Madagascar. The dominant group among Maroon communities was from the Gold Coast. In Jamaica this group was referred to as Coromantie or Koromantee. They were fierce and ferocious fighters with a preference for resistance, survival and above all freedom and refused to become slaves. Between 1655 until the 1830’s they led most of the slave rebellions in Jamaica.

Spiritual life was of the utmost importance to the Maroons which was incorporated into every aspect of life, from child rearing to military strategies. Almost every slave rebellion involved African spiritual practices. Leaders, such as Queen Nanny usually practiced Obeah and were able to instill confidence in their followers. Spiritual practices such as Obeah (and voodoo in Haiti) evolved from Africa, and during slavery times were of great significance to the black population. However, under colonial rule as Western culture was imposed on the Caribbean, these African practices became ‘outlawed’ and took on negative connotations.

Among Maroon culture, their ancestors are revered and their importance to everyday life is recognized. The past is a source of pride which is both taught and shared. Amongst modern day Maroons, the history of their resistance against slavery is an extreme form of pride that forms a large part of Maroon identity. The story of the Maroons endurance and ability to hold off the British troops for almost eighty years is one that has never been repeated in history. What saw the Maroons through to freedom were their unfailing courage and determination. Their resistance to slavery drew on the strength of their memory of Africa and its culture. Their African culture and identity instilled in them great confidence and self esteem. So much so, that this diluted the stigma of inferiority imposed by the plantocracy. Therefore, the resistance against slavery by the Maroons was a defense of their culture and identity, their spiritual and political values and preservation of African civilization. This is why Maroon ancestors are an integral part of their day to day lives. At each annual Maroon celebration of the 1739 Peace Treaties there is a ‘private’ element of the festivities at which only Maroons may attend, where the ancestors are said to visit, including Queen Nanny who is honored. 

The Significance of Women Maroons On the plantations women did not escape the brutality of slavery. Marriage and partnerships among slaves were prohibited. For those that managed to form unions in secret, they were forced to endure the removal of their offspring who were separated from their mothers soon after birth and sold into slavery. Many women opted for abortions rather than see their babies endure the same fate (slavery) that had befallen them. Furthermore, women on the plantations were physically exploited by their slave masters by rape and other sexual practices that were often quite sadistic. They too endured hard physical labor within the household doing domestic work and rearing the children of their slave masters. Some occasionally worked on the plantation itself. 

By contrast, the Maroon women raised crops and were responsible for most of the agricultural output within their communities. The men hunted wild hogs and raided the plantations for food and supplies and to free slaves. Often, the plantations were ‘raided’ to bring back women into the Maroon communities, without which they would be unable to increase their numbers and ensure the survival of the Maroons as a race. There are legends of great women Maroon warriors who raided the plantations and freed slaves, wielding huge knives that they used to cut off the heads of the British. The strength of women in Maroon communities stemmed from their position within traditional Ashanti or Akan culture. The Ashanti culture was based on a tradition of warrior nations and a history of proud and respected women. Many Ashanti elements were retained in Maroon language and culture.

The Legend of Queen Nanny Queen Nanny is credited with being the military leader of the Windward Maroons who employed clever strategies which led to their repeated success in battles with the British. She was a master of guerilla warfare and trained Maroon troops in the art of camouflage. Oral history recounts that Nanny herself would cover her soldiers with branches and leaves, instructing them to stand as still as possible so that they would resemble trees. As the British soldiers approached completely unaware that they were surrounded they would swiftly be picked off by the Maroons.

Maroon settlements were sited high up in the mountains with only a narrow path leading to their town. In this way, the British soldiers could clearly be seen on approach as they advanced in single file, allowing them to be picked off one by one. This method was particularly successful with large numbers of British soldiers being killed by a comparatively small number of Maroons. A famous legend about Queen Nanny is that during 1737 at the height of the Maroon resistance against the British, Nanny and her people were near starvation and she was on the brink of surrender, when she heard voices from her ancestors telling her not to give up. When she awoke she found pumpkins seeds in her pocket which she planted on the hillside. Within a week the seeds grew into large plants laden with pumpkins that provided much needed food for the starving community. To this day, one of the hills near Nanny Town is known as ‘Pumpkin Hill’.

There are two versions of the story of Nanny catching bullets. The first is that Queen Nanny was able to catch bullets with her hands, which was a highly developed art form in some parts of Africa. The other story is that Nanny was able to catch bullets with her buttocks and fart them out again. Renowned historian Edward Braithwaite suggests that the original story took a vulgar twist on account of British colonialists who were known to detest Nanny and were being deliberately offensive about her when they relayed this tale.

The last legend about Queen Nanny is that she placed a large cauldron on the corner of a narrow mountain path near the edge. The pot was said to be boiling even though there was no fire beneath it. British soldiers approaching would curiously look inside, fall in and die. Some were said to collapse and fall over the hill. There have been suggestions that the pot contained special herbs with anaesthetic properties, as Nanny was said to be an herbalist. Contemporary historians maintain that the pot was in fact a circular basin formed by the hollowed out rocks of the Nanny River, joined by the waters of the Stony River. The continuously flowing river kept the water constantly frothy, giving it the appearance of a boiling pot.

The Legacy of Queen Nanny Queen Nanny is credited with being the single figure who united the Maroons across Jamaica and played a major role the preservation of African culture and knowledge. She was hated by the British. Early historians wrote in derogatory terms about the Maroons, trying to present them as savages no better than animals. Queen Nanny was often portrayed as being bloodthirsty. Thickness’ journal published in 1788 described an encounter with a woman presumed to have been Nanny herself, wearing bracelets and anklets made from the teeth of British soldiers. “The old hag had a girdle around her waist with nine or ten different knives hanging in sheaths to it, many of which I have no doubt have been plunged in human flesh and blood”.

Much of the work compiled by Edward Braithwaite was instrumental in seeing Queen Nanny made a National Hero of Jamaica in 1976.This brought about a national recognition of the contribution made by the Maroons in securing liberty from slavery from the British.

The Windward Maroons with Queen Nanny as their leader are a role model for resistance, rebellion and survival. Queen Nanny herself is a symbolic figure for all those who suffer from oppression. Whilst Queen Elizabeth 1 dispatched the pirate John Hawkins on her own ship, the SS Jesus of Lubeck to Africa with orders to transport Africans to Jamaica, Nanny of the Windward Maroons was empowering her people to resist slavery at all costs. Therefore, Queen Nanny is the true Queen of Jamaica.

[evilrevan]

Sinner

@professorwillynilly thank you, darling, for this wonderful song. I decided to write about Reyvanna fleshing out bits of her conflicting feelings about Tunon a bit more. I mean, the song can be taken two ways- violently or sexually. Or both!  

Might come back to this song at a later date because it suits Reyva/Tunon.

*pardon any errors. Literally just wrote this before work and can’t edit it right away*

A bloody bruised child stood in the middle of the court of the court, heavy iron chains almost too big for the pitiful malnourished creature's wrists, ankles, and neck which lacked any fat or muscle after long undergoing extreme levels of stress and starvation. And yet, despite the blood dripping from the cuts along the dirty child's wrists or the black and blue bruises blossoming around the left side of her face; hatred and fire flickered from within the nameless' child's defiant brown eyes.

Like a lioness, the child had fought. Growling with such intensity and power many courtiers believed the child to be half beastfolk. An abomination.

In an instant, the child became a whirlwind of gnashing teeth, sharpened canines flashing as the little girl barely ten years old, lunged towards the nearest noble. A terrifying snarl rippled through the air. The disfavored soldier cursing as the chains slipped from her gloved fingers- incompetence ruling the woman for she believed the savage child incapable of trying to break away. Not after weeks of starvation and daily beatings. Jagged dirt encrusted fingernails brushed the surface of the nobleman's finery shortly before the disfavored soldier scrambled to grab a hold of the chaotic child's 'leash'. With a forceful tug, the skeletal child's body flew backward. Hallow brown eyes flickered darkly at the armored soldier. Eyeing the adult as if trying to decide how to rip apart the heavy iron armor encasing their body in a protective layer. It didn't matter if the child knew she wouldn't live through the encounter. Anger fueled the tiny body. Kept it alive. Revenge raging like a wildfire underneath earthen brown skin speckled with darker freckles all over her exposed skin.

A thunderous reverb of power crackled in the air, the floor shaking as something collided with the ground- harsh and commanding as a voice rose above the commotion.

Mutely the tiny girl listened a male's voice cascaded through the air, slicing through the tension and drawing all eyes upwards. Instead of feeling awe at the sight of a masked figure hovering in a cloud of red black smoke, the nameless child glowered. Within the walls of painted blood and death, the masked 'thing' ruled. The name Archon-of-Justice bouncing around the uncomfortably twisted false jungle.

Crazed voices whispered bloodied suggestions. Fed the bloodthirsty nature of the child as the thought of tearing apart the smokey creature's throat to shreds, feasting on iron rich blood and flesh- bits of sinew and bone poking from the bite wound tempt the primal nature of the little girl. Failure was an afterthought. The possibility of dying sweet and heavy like honey on her tongue.

Elongated warped fingers twitched. Brown eyes leering wryly at the odd humanoid talking to the purple thing of metal of things which weren't familiar to her. The name Tunon, Your honor, Kyros, Fatebinder... and other foreign words her mother had never taught her floated in the stagnant air of sweat and disgustingly fake floral scents.

With a sharp abrupt yank, the girl was dragged out from the center of the twisted jungle. But not through the same entrance dirt and feces smeared feet traversed. Deeper they traveled. Into the very belly of the beast.

Fatebinder. Reyvanna. A title and a new name. A third one. Bitterly she accepted both. Cursed the court and the Adjudicator as lessons were taught to her, questions answered as her narrow view of the world burst wide open.

Still, she seethed. Lashed out. Fought. For the longest time, the diminutive child wished the very Archon responsible for imprisoning her within the confines of the court, depriving her of the thrill of the wilds, death. Painfully and bloodily tearing every single organ which pulsed with life within his chest, saving the heart for last before sinking sharpened teeth into the beating muscle, blood dribbling down her chin as she savored her victory.

The gap in power between both of them rendered such ideas as nothing more than pipe dreams. Fits of fantasy.

Age tempered Reyvanna's edges. Hatred and loathing replaced with begrudging respect. It had been easy to hate. Easy to ignore how easily the Archon controlled every conflict brewing within his walls. The frigid detached emotional response ghosting along every word spoken with increasingly forceful intensity.

Shedding her former life, Reyvanna formerly Silent-Stepper of the Bounding Viper tribe, cursed her new sweetly dangling new challenges and occurrences her tribe had never dealt with before. It had been thrilling. The knowledge enlightening. Drowning in the blood of those who went against the wishes of the court, humming in glee as battle finally found her after so long.

In time the court was nothing more than a jungle of concrete filled with predators and prey constantly trying to outdo the others. Reyvanna found it easier to appear the predator she was. Flashing sharp teeth at her enemies, unnerving them as their facades cracked under her feral animalistic gaze.

Being in the court soon became... uncomfortable. Distracting.

Standing beside her fellow fatebinders just under the Adjudicator during a trial, conflicting thoughts and feelings burst forth like a poorly kept dam. The Archon of Justice's baritone voice sparked a flame of sexual fantasies. All of which Reyvanna denied. Filed away under sexual frustration just as the thoughts of what he sounded like under the sheets, caught lingering on the cusp of ecstasy drifted precariously in her mind.

Her kith claimed who they pleased. Rutted and mated in plain sight without a care. Modesty was of human design. Shame as well.

Erring on the side of caution Reyvanna squashed the arousing scenarios flickering behind brown eyes. The Adjudicator's voice driving the young woman insane during every trial. The sight of gray eyes peeking out from the dark holes in his mask sent shivers trailing along Reyvanna's spine. Leaving her to wonder if perhaps those were his true eye color or some spell to hide them away from curious eyes.

Admiration and respect melted away in a matter of months. Sexual frustration at the hands of the Archon of Justice toying with her insides, leaving her undergarments soaked in arousal and the all-consuming need to finish what he started. There were a few bodies willing to help. Other times she pleasured herself. Both situations left her unsatisfied. Still aching. Still needy.

A child's lust for blood became a lust for sex. Instead of the taste of blood on the tongue, Reyvanna wished for the taste of salt and sweat. Instead of eating chunks of flesh she wanted to bruise skin. Leave a mark. To claim a body shrouded in cloth and a face hidden behind a stark white mask. Reyvanna laughed. The irony crashing down like a lead weight.

The one thing she hated had become the one thing she wanted so desperately. Hatred gave way to another cardinal sin: lust. Just as he could have been the death of her physically two decades ago- he would be the death of her mentally. The crackle of power leaking from his voice, the subtle dips in his voice as he struggled to reign in his anger.... it threatened the fatebinder's mentality.

Nothing could fix it. Nothing short of shoving the towering archon against the nearest wall, a hungry greedy mouth latched onto his throat like a leech, her sharp teeth shredding apart bits of black fabric to reach the skin Reyvanna wished to taste, to touch, to bite.... to mark. Death, something she would have welcomed in the past, stayed her hands. Stilled her.

Torturous as it was, she suffered in silence. And when she could no longer bear it any longer, Reyvanna was the first one to offer to join Kyros' conquest in the name of the court. Distance would help..... she prayed.