#It’s hard for a short monarch in these trying times /j

[sunny-m00n]

Fun fact

My sona is how tall I am in irl jskdbkqwucbukeabc

GODS why are you so TALL

now I’m worried how many of our other friends are taller than me too-

[popsiclemania]

My 2020 in K dramas (+1 J drama)

I began watching k-dramas in 2018 but I’ve never watched as many shows, Korean or otherwise, as I have in this one. 2020 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I think what helps me really enjoy this over Bollywood+Malayalam+ American pop culture I grew up with is that a smirk on the wrong character’s face doesn’t make me seethe with rage and want to burn everything down. It’s not like growing up with SRK on screen and then having SRK wannabes leave you with lifelong trauma in reality. I can just move on. It’s removed enough from my everyday life but still familiar in a generic Asian family way. Does that make sense? It’s not perfect and it’s not free of its own harmful stereotypes and narratives, but there’s enough of the good stuff to make you stick around. This year I fell in love with Nana, Kim Hye Soo, Han Yeri, Park Eun bin, Ahn Eun jin, Kim Bum, Kim Yong ji, Flower Boy’s Go Dok Mi and Search:WWW’s Bae Tami. Cancelled Ji Chang wook (bye). Desperately missed Kim Jae Wook. Had thoughts on Hwang In Yeop, which were mostly heart eyes. Discovered J dramas and fell in love with Cherry Magic’s Adachi.

My year-in-review below:

LOVED

Into The Ring - I am so glad I saved this for a rainy day because it’s exactly the kind of upright citizen shenanigans my unemployed ass needed at the end of the year.

Goo Se Ra thinks the govt should work for the people but that doesn’t mean her own moral compass always points north. Her purpose is to make steady money, and I love seeing her go hard to survive and cobble together what she needs. The thing that really works for me is that she wants to be good, but she isn’t always. And you get to see her be disappointed, upset, embarrassed and hurt from being publicly kicked in the gut as she navigates a job where she appears, on the surface, to be a supremely confident, self-serving, accidental politician. What you see as her naiveté is mostly just her being a regular person in an environment dictated by backhand deals and rich people politics. She gets hit again and again, and you see what it does to her sense of worth to get back up again, how she grapples with her self. And through all this the show is funny?! Se Ra is what writers of manic pixie characters think they are doing and not doing at all. Love her friends, and Jang Hye-jin is *chef’s kiss*!

Hyena - Kim Hye Soo’s Jung Geum Ja is perhaps Se Ra’s older and darker contemporary.  Geum Ja is a survivor and will get what she wants and where she wants to, however many hells she has to cross. She’s single-minded about her success, ruthless and has no qualms about bending morals to get the outcome she needs. She’ll never compromise on who she is or justify how she lives, can build people up and also tear them down, but she also knows care and kindness.

I turned to Signal for more Kim Hye Soo but was disappointed in how the first few episodes seemed to shortchange her. May try again in 2021.

(Highly recommend @saltr0se​’s  fic series which just GETS Geum Ja so well. Fic writers are the best)

Search: WWW (Finished in 2020) - It took me half a year to finish this. I started watching Search in Oct 2019 and raced through the first 6 episodes because I couldn’t take my eyes off the rollercoaster of Bae Tami’s life. And then I had to take a break because it was a little too close to the frenetic pace of my own industry. As @drivingsideways wrote, a lot of Search is premised around ‘patriarchy? who dat?’, which is why watching its politics play out is so fascinating.  It’s also deliciously turmoil-y to watch a very clear-sighted, weathered Tami put on rose-tinted glasses for her romance and then frequently peer over them to evaluate whether it could actually meld into her life.

Catch The Ghost - Kim Seonho oozes charm and perhaps Startup was a showcase of how effectively he can be a typical male lead. But Catch is exactly not that. Go Jiseok and Yoo Ryeong have moulded their lives around to meet their most desperate wishes in life and in the process also left parts of themselves untended. There is guilt, pain and need. Now guess who will tend to whose wounds? Their dynamic is electric even when the central mystery flags towards the last few episodes of the show. I really hope Moon Geun Young is doing well and gets more amazing roles soon. She is so good here.

(Highly recommend @melonatures​‘s fic for putting that sizzling on-screen chemistry into words. HOW?!) Cherry Magic - Stories about painfully awkward people are my jam and Eiji Akaso gets Adachi’s shy, nervy energy so right. Cherry Magic is straight up just 12 hours of 🥺🥺🥺. 

Stranger/Secret Forest - I’ve been devouring the entirety of Agatha Christie’s work this year after Stranger reminded me how comforting murder mysteries can be. I love Bae Doona. I also love characters who don’t get social norms, not always because they are out to flout them but because that’s just not how their mind/brain works. (have to watch S2)

Flower Boy Next Door -  Honestly, the opening scene introducing Park Shin Hye’s character Go Deok Mi sold me on this immediately. An introverted, penny pinching copy editor living alone and working from home thanks to extreme social anxiety? Love. All the side characters are a lot of fun and I’ve never loved Kim Seulgi and Go Kyung Pyo more. It’s a warm show, slowly rounding off the sharp edges of every character.

JUST FUN

The Spies Who Loved Me -  It’s been a year of disappointing rom-coms and Spies kind of quietly turned it around for me. I want to be the fly on Yoo In Na’s wall as she figures how to play her characters. I’ve only seen her in 3 roles but somehow she always manages to be in character arcs that don’t short change her. Spies could’ve been and sometimes is the regular heterosexual fare, but In Na ups the ante over and over again, coming out on top as the smartest person in the room.

ENJOYED WITH *RESERVATIONS*

I have to watch A Piece Of Your Mind again because I don’t understand how Jung Hae In and Chae Soo bin built SO MUCH warmth and crackling chemistry with barely a kiss. I was iffy about how the whole AI thing started off and the tortured musician plotline (angsty male artists will forever be an eyeroll for me).

Park Min Young is a queen who never disappoints and When The Weather Is Nice is everything you want in a winter romance. My reservation was in how they explore so much of domestic abuse and the complex ways its traumatised the women in this family. I’m ok with the characters having imperfect ways of processing and understanding the violence, I welcome it. I’m not ok with the show dancing around whether the pivotal crime was justified/ self defence (it was).

A lot of dramas did this. I loved Han Yeri and Choo Ja Hyun in My Unfamiliar Family, I didn’t like the free pass the show gave their dad’s abusive character. 

Hwang Jung Eum’s comedy style is generally not my thing but she was pretty great in Mystic Pop-UP Bar. But I’m side-eyeing the sanctity surrounding motherhood. Maybe I should read more about babies and Korean folklore.

Hospital Playlist was my comfort watch through June and July. I think its wholesomeness and non-plot writing came at a good time for me. But I noticed then that the throughline for all main characters was moral superiority and hence what I then saw as *wholesomeness*. It’s kind of what makes it a grating rewatch in parts. Plus the real life of misogyny of Yoo Yeon Seok makes me want to push his angelic catholic character off a cliff. (For context, i was raised catholic). I want to continue loving Chae Song Hwa, and for that the showrunners need to stop cornering her with overbearing romantic interests (let that woman breathe! she literally ran away to another city!) 

Hospital is good at creating moments of comfort, so much so that I went to watch Reply 1988 after it, but had to drop it coz I couldn’t get into it. Maybe I’ll come back to it next year.

Once Again is what I call joint family propaganda. What it does well is lay bare the mechanics of living in a society that prizes the heterosexual family structure, the loops you have to jump through to hide when you break its rules and what happens when you are found out. I love the characters, their fights, their frustrations. I just don’t love the validation of joint families. (context: i grew up in an oppressive joint family lol). In my au, Nahee and Gyujin don’t get married again or immediately have children, but take the long route to figuring out how to love the person the other is. Gahee is openly dating Hyo shin and her parents have to figure out how to process her success and her romance. Young dal and Ok boon have to learn to stop dictating their children’s lives.  Joon sun runs his company from home, so his wife Hyun kyung can work on what she wants. Choyeon, Joori and Ga-yeon go back to being flamboyant AF and the market learns to not judge. Gyujin and Jaesok have to actually work on the relationship with their mother and what sent her into depression. Just a lot of learning involved.

Just Between Lovers was a nice watch, i just don’t get how Kang doo and Ha Moon So’s relationship will survive his constantly simmering anger. 

Crash Landing on You was so much fun until the main romance turned angsty, but it gave us North Korean soldier shenanigans and the epic romance of Seo Dan and Alberto Gu that we needed more of.

Tale of The Nine Tailed is probably what Goblin wished it was. I, however, will never be over Lee Rang. (Also, when can gods stop meeting their love interests as babies? Asking for my sanity)

I literally ignored everything in Oh My Ghost except Park Bo Young and Kim Seulgi and it was amazing. 

NOPE

Goblin, Dinner Mate, Oh My Baby and My Secret Romance were a whole lot of NO, NAHI, ILLAAA. 

I loved hate-watching The King:Eternal Monarch with the rest of k drama tumblr but someone please take away Kim Eun-sook’s access to gigantic budgets and all-star casts.

It was painful to watch Do You Like Brahms squander away its potential but I’m glad to be introduced to Park Eun bin. Age of Youth is next on watchlist.

More than Friends to me is only Ahn Eun jin. Someone give her amazing lead roles asap.

Why did Record of Youth do that to Park So Dam and her clothes? Just why

WANTED TO WATCH, BUT COULDN’T BECAUSE *INTENSE* 

World Of The Married, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay, Sweet Home, Extracurricular, Penthouse, Flower of Evil, Lie After Lie

WILL WATCH NEXT YEAR

SF8, Stove League, Birth Care Centre but I’ll start the new year with School Nurse Files coz it looks very good.

[wolfpawn]

Pride and Prejudice

Story Summary - Based on an idea I had that I submitted to Imagine Loki. Imagine Loki was raised on Jotunheim as Laufey’s son after the war, but an agreement was then made that he would wed Odin’s daughter so Odin could secure the alliance of Jotunheim through the marriage. Loki, in turn, was raised to be king of Jotunheim, but how he views Asgard is far different from how Odin’s daughter is raised leading to a clash of cultures as well as uncertainty between the pair of betrothed youths.

Chapter Summary - War discussions take place.

Previous Chapter

Tags - @peppermint-j @damalseer @perpetual-fangirl @tinchentitri @inspired-snowflace @raphaelaisabella @alexakeyloveloki @caffiend-queen @devilbat @nonsensicalobsessions @skulliebythesea @majoringinlife @salempoe @lotus-eyedindiangoddess @rookienumber98 @ivytoh @agarwaeneth @rosierossette  @arch-venus25

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“You will be staying here.” The mere manner in which Loki spoke those words told all present there would be no negotiation with regards the matter. The fear and horror in his eyes only added to it. 

Thor looked between his sister and her husband, concerned by the manner in which Loki spoke, not as though he was making an order simply because she was a woman but because of the manner in which he said it showed genuine fear. Before anyone could say anything else, he decided to speak, noting the odd look in Ella’s eyes telling him that she needed to speak with him. “Ella, I must speak with you with regards to something Mother gave to me to give to you.” He eyed Loki as he stated it. "In private."

“Very well, but only for a moment, I need to speak with Loki before he goes too.” Ella indicated to a small side room. “Did she even give you something?”

“Yes, this letter.” Thor handed her the piece of paper, folded and sealed with his mother’s magic. “What is afoot here?” “Too much to explain now but the short version there has been a slight issue with the eldest Laufeyson, Byleistr, who has taken a mate that is socially, though not strictly, out of bounds and has been sent to a far corner of the realm to quell unrest there but if I am honest, this news seems more unsettling now.” “How is something like taking a mate socially but not strictly out of bounds?”

“Focus Thor, time is of the essence.” 

Thor forced his thoughts of the matter from the forefront of his mind. “Do you think him to be part of it?” “I don’t know but we cannot rule it out.” “He would hardly do something to his own brothers.” “He took the love of one, so I would not put much past him.” Ella wandered over to a table that had an ice vase on it and in it, some of her favourite ice flowers. “Jotunheim is at a delicate stage. It is growing well but the growth could so easily cease if the current path is altered. Loki is seen as integral to this growth, now he and Helbindi will be gone and I worry what this will mean. Most know that his part in the realm’s growth is through the arrangements made with Asgard, something that has its objectors, so with him on a battlefield, it would not be too hard to make his end seem so tragic and him to be nothing more than a tragic casualty of war, Helbindi too. They are not hardened and experienced soldiers, it would seem logical that come a large battle, they could be two to high status kills that could easily occur. That leaves me, here, on the realm of the now enemy of Asgard again. A bargaining chip at best, or a loose end in need to tidying up, guaranteeing Loki’s line is demolished, no contenders, no competition.” She toyed with one of the flowers as she spoke, feeling the petals as she explained to her brother the concerns that she now had. 

“Would the realm turn so easy?” “You came here, you demanded they come and fight by Asgard’s side. If they were to be slain, you would have cost the realm two of its princes. For Asgard’s actions, in their grief, even those who would rather Loki on the throne, who are happy with this alliance, they would see it as justice, until they mourn as one should and they realise it is wrong but my head and body would long have parted ways by then and there are a lot of spells for a lot of things but I never found one to reverse that.” She ceased toying with the flowers and turned to face Thor again. “Do I think that Byleistr is indeed doing this? No. But…” “There is a chance.” Thor finished her sentence for her. “Father always said it, to assume every scenario, especially the worst and prepare for it, so that should we be misfortunate enough to encounter it, we are prepared.” He looked at the vase his sister had been by, it’s flowers glistening in the bright sun. “So prepared we shall be.” 

“Protect them, Thor. They don’t know how to fight as you do. You court danger, to a foolish degree but they have not seen fighting as you have. I rarely fear for you now. You have seen war, it almost seems to be your element, they merely lived in the result of it. The training they do is practical but not moulded by experience,” Ella pleaded. Thor swore to her that he would. 

* Ella watched as Loki readied in his rooms, the etched skin of his back catching her attention as he did. 

Loki, sensing he was no longer alone, turned to see her behind him. “That letter needed a lot of explaining.” 

Ella could hear hurt in his voice. “I was catching Thor up on a few matters of importance.” “You thought it more important to tell him than to speak with me?” Loki growled. “Was there even a letter?” “Yes.” She held up the letter in question, her mother’s seal clear to see on it. “But it was more complex than that. I could not discuss this with only the two of you at once.” “Why?” “I am worried as to your reaction.”

“The reason I said that you were to stay in the hall…” Loki began. 

“You do not need to explain that to me, I know you think me unable to fight.” “It is not that.” Loki walked forward. “I am very much depending on you making good on your statements as to your ability.” Ella frowned. “Then, why?” “If we fail, as well we could, I need you to be here, to try and hold the palace long enough to make sure you do something for me.” “What?” Ella was fearful of what Loki was asking of her. 

Loki looked around for a moment. 

“I soundproofed this room, I told you that already.” 

Loki inhaled. “If we fail, if it happens that they take Jotunheim, I know you can escape, I trust you to, I want you to. But only if you do something for me first.” “What? I am not agreeing to it unless you tell me what it is,” She insisted.

Loki inhaled. “I need you to ensure my father’s death is painless.” Ella’s eyes widened. “You’re not stupid, you know what will happen if an enemy were to get to him.” 

Ella nodded as she felt an immense tightness in her throat. She knew what happened many monarchs on different realms that were overthrown. They suffered terrible deaths and their bodies used to mock them and their people. She knew that her parents would rather fight to their deaths but that age had taken their ability to do so with any sort of honour from at least her father, so she knew of the potion her mother had that would end it, should such a time come and set their bodies alight to join those in Valhalla. “I don’t want to but, yes.”

“I can assure you, I don’t want you to either but I know you would do it with honour.” “There is no honour in killing old sick men.” She paused, wondering if she should mention to Loki the conversation she had with Thor. 

Loki studied her. “You’re apprehensive.” “I worry as to how you will take what I wish to say.” 

“You never lie to me, please continue that tradition.” “I worry. You and Helbindi will go to this battle, Byleistr is not currently available, what occurs when he does become so and most importantly, is his loyal?” “You question his loyalty?” “You don’t?” 

Loki licked his teeth. “I do not think he would but I can see your reason for thinking so.” He sighed before leaning forward slightly. “If it comes to pass, if he returns here and is not our ally…” “I will have two blades ready for him and they will find purchase in him as they did in the ice statue,” She swore. 

“While I do not doubt that, know that I expect you to survive this. If all comes falling down, flee.” 

“Why, is there a place you think to meet me?” 

“Nowhere.” “That is an actual place.” 

“If they get to Jotunheim, it is only because I am dead and not a moment before,” Loki assured her. He could see her feel uncomfortable at such an idea. "It will surely be fine. I fully intend not to die." 

"Good, you have so much yet to achieve. Jotunheim needs you as its king. You will be the one to bring it into its prosperous future." 

Loki smiled at the confidence she had in his part in his realm. "Ella?" She gave him her full attention. "Is it wrong to admit I am fearful?"

"Of battle?" He nodded. "Wrong? Absolutely not, you would be mad were you to think anything other than fear. War is not a game. It's not some silly exercise after which all return home as though nothing happened. Many will not return and many more will return either without some part of body or mind and perhaps missing a bit of both." She walked over to him. "Please, please return."

"I will endeavour to do so." He gave a small smile. "If only to irk you further."

Ella scoffed playfully. "Well, we all have prices we are required to pay in this life." She smiled for a moment before becoming serious once more. "Promise me that if Thor goes berserk, you keep out of his way and never attempt to engage him."

"How…?"

"Do not look at him, whatever you do, stay behind him, encourage him towards the enemy and under no circumstances, do you or any of the Jotnar look him in the eye or engage him. He will not be reasoned with and you will not win such an altercation, do I make myself clear?" 

"Yes."

"Tell Helbindi and have all Jotnar informed. If he lands near them whilst in it, snorting like a bull or boar, simply keep looking at the ground and he should not see any as a threat. Don't do anything foolish. He's an idiot at the best of times, there's little difference between when he is fully cognitive and when he is Berserk but there is a difference, so don't risk it."

"I will relay the message," He promised. "Don't let any disrespect you in my absence."

Ella scoffed. "They will soon learn not to if they try." She gave a small smile. "Loki…"

The sharp knock on the door brought them out of their conversation and back into the harsh reality of what was occurring. A moment later, Arden entered. "I fear it is time to depart."

"Then we best do so. I fear I dallied speaking with my mate so my attire is…" He looked down to see light armour and regal trimmings in him, the last of Ella's seidr glowing away as he did so. He looked at her again as she eyed the armour, ensuring its strength. "Thank you."

"I just wish for you to be safe."

Loki nodded and turned to face the door. "We will be. This will be over soon. Asgard, Alfheim, what stands strong of it, Vanaheim, Jotunheim, it is a powerful alliance, we will persevere, wait and see."

"I know but I will fret regardless." Sadly Ella walked beside Loki as they left the room. 

They joined those gathered in the hall of the palace, Laufey, weary and worried looking. When he saw his middle son and his mate coming towards him, he gave a small nod. “War is not something I wish for you to experience, it is not something anyone should but it is the situation that is occurring now. I wish I could go in your stead and not subject either of you to the brutality of it but we need to protect Jotunheim, if Alfheim falls, we fall.” Loki nodded at his father’s words. “I am sorry.” Feeling weak and sorrowful, Laufey stumbled slightly. Luckily, Thor and Helbindi were close enough to steady him. 

“Father, we will be fine, go back to your rooms and rest,” Loki suggested. 

“No, I…”

“Ella,” Thor gave his sister a slight nod after calling her. 

Smiling slightly, she used her seidr to create a chair of an adequate size for Laufey. “My King, please.” 

Satisfied, Laufey nodded and place himself as best he could in the chair to see off his sons. “Better.” He sighed. 

“Just rest, Father. We will be home in very little time.” Helbindi promised, though there was a slight fear in his eyes. 

“Yes.” Laufey nodded solemnly. 

“Heimdall,” Thor bellowed out, startling many around him. “Five minutes.” 

“We best get to the army then,” Loki ordered. He turned to look at Ella one last time. “Be safe.” “You’re the one going into a war, I should be saying that to you.” She leant up and kissed his cheek. “Just come back.” 

She walked over to Thor and leant up slightly and did the same. “Don’t be too stupid.” 

“You always say that.” “And you always come back, so I am not changing it now.”

She stepped back to let them leave before noticing Helbindi standing to the side with a facial expression that made her laugh. “Are you feeling a little left out?” “I feel somewhat so, yes.” He confessed. 

Laughing slightly she walked over and he bent down enough for her to give him one as well. 

With that done, the men went towards where Heimdall would transport them. As soon as they left the hallway, Ella used her seidr to move herself and Laufey to a balcony overlooking them. 

“That is a very useful ability,” Laufey commented. 

“I thankfully use it more for convenience than anything but it can come in handy in many ways.” 

“Has my son made you promise to dispose of me if this all fails?” Ella looked at him solemnly. “Good, it saves time to have it arranged in advance.” There was genuine relief in his voice. 

“It will not come to that.” “I hope not, for all of us.” 

[grither55]

The Princess and the Peasant - (An Azula Epic) - Chapter 69 - Lessons in Combat

Around four hours later in the training room.

Elle released a cry of surprise while backing away in combat robes with a wooden stick in hand.

While just barely avoiding the swing of her girlfriend’s own training sword.

Only to gulp meekly when Azula’s authoritative voice resonated into the air.

All the while Zoe watched from the sidelines with a bored look in her hazel eyes.

“That was pathetic Elle! If I was really trying to kill you would have died to that strike!” Azula lectured in a strict voice with a deep scowl on her lips while her serving girl hastily bowed at the hip.

“Sumimasen Azula-sama!” Elle exclaimed with a nervous swallow while she bent her head in reverence only to hear her master sigh fondly.

“You’re going to have to do better than that if you want to survive on the battlefield. Again!” The princess called out in a commanding voice while she stared hard at her gulping servant girl.

“Yes princess!” The blonde-haired girl answered in a loyal voice with her training stick in hand while forcing down her apprehension.

Only for her amber eyes to widen in fright when the powerful woman sprinted forward with speed that she couldn’t follow.

And then…

The teenager shook as she slid back with her stick in hand while a loud clanging noise echoed throughout the training room.

“Stop slouching!” Azula barked with a snarl while she loomed over her timid girlfriend as the small girl quivered under her domineering gaze.

“I-I’m trying Azula-sama…” The blonde-haired girl squeaked as she craned her neck to meet her princess’s demanding gaze.

“Well try harder!” The princess growled with a hand on her curvaceous hip while she delighted in how the young girl shook in her shadow.

“You can’t expect a girl who has never faced the battlefield to learn in two hours. It is going to take time.” Zoe advised in a stoic voice as she walked up behind the two while Azula turned to cast her a lazy glare.

“I am well aware of that Zoe.” Azula replied in a frigid voice only for her cold golden eyes to take notice that her companion was panting slightly.

“J-just a moment.” Elle stated as she regained her breath while Azula rolled her eyes down at her.

“Just go take your stupid breather peasant!” The princess ordered with a pompous wave of her hand while the younger girl smiled up at her.

Just before turning to scurry over to go get her medicine from her backpack.

“I’ll be there in just a second.” The blonde-haired girl chirped in a bashful voice while fishing for her medicine in her backpack as the royal woman regarded her coldly.

“Go sit down and take a short break.” Azula commanded in a stern voice with her arms folded over her breasts while her serving girl smiled gratefully back at her.

“A-arigatou gozaimasu Azula-sama.” Elle responded in a mousy voice before she padded over to a bench with her backpack in hand.

Before she took a seat as she took several puffs from her inhaler while the princess stared back at her with possessive golden eyes.

Only for Azula to turn her head when she heard the sound of an item being removed from the weapons rack.

“Perhaps in the meantime I can interest you in a real battle.” The captain spoke while striding forward with spear in hand while her monarch turned to regard her with a smug smirk.

“By all means. I could use some target practice.” The princess remarked in a sadistic voice with a fist planted on her hip while she confidently strode forward.

All the while her haughty smirk grew even larger when she took note of how her young girlfriend was gazing after her with unrivaled admiration in her innocent eyes.

“Now don’t get ahead of yourself princess. I am much stronger than the rabble that you are used to fighting.” Zoe quipped before she stopped opposite of Azula while the younger woman still wore a conceited smirk on her lips.

“So you are. But even so…are you really going to fight me with spear and sword?” Azula pondered with a brow arching inquisitively while Zoe gazed back with stony hazel eyes.

“Yes. I am.” The captain replied in a smooth voice while the royal woman released a loud scoff.

“You’re not going to use firebending?” The princess questioned in a snort with her hands on her hips as she confidently continued forward.

“No. I am not.” Zoe answered as she sunk into a combat stance with her spear clutched in hand while Elle watched in eagerness from her seat.

“You not only challenge your Crown Princess…the worlds strongest firebender to a duel and you say you will eschew your bending? Those are some bold words Zoe.” Azula spoke in a smooth voice as she lazily pushed her fists up off her hips.

Before she finally stopped just a few paces away from her strongest soldier.

“Your bending is unlike anything that I’ve ever seen. You may well be the world’s strongest firebender.” The captain agreed in a composed voice as she slid one foot back on the flooring while a haughty smirk formed on the other woman’s lips.

“It pleases me that we are in agreement soldier.” The princess purred with blue fire burning from her fingertips while her young girlfriend gazed at her in admiration.

“However, you are also a spoiled aristocrat with very little experience on the battlefield. In that regard…I would say that your disadvantage is just as great as mine. I’d say we’re about even.” Zoe commented with a smirk of her own while Azula golden eyes now flashed in anger.

“Just for that Zoe. I am going to make this session especially painful.” Azula hissed with a puff of blue fire spewing from her pursed lips while she gazed hard at the crouching soldier.

“You’ve got it backwards Your Highness. I am the one who’s going to be beating your ass.” The captain stated in a smug voice before she took off in a sprint towards the scoffing woman.

Just as the princess’s lips curved into revived smirk when she heard her serving girl call out to her.

“Azula-sama for the win!” The blonde-haired girl cheered with a fist in the air while she smiled innocently in the direction of her smirking girlfriend.

Just before Azula’s golden eyes returned to her charging opponent as she sunk into a combat stance of her own.

Before mere moments later a large blast of blue fire exploded in the center of the arena.

Only for her callous eyes to widen ever so slightly when the warrior leaped from the burning flames with spear in hand.

And then…

Slash!

The royal woman slid one step backwards as she stared coldly back into the soldier’s hazel eyes with her hand now grasping a hold of the tip of the spear.

“Please. You’ll have to do better than that Zoe.” The princess spoke in a pompous voice only for her golden eyes to narrow when her hand began to slowly push backwards.

And then she stared on in aggravation as the warrior stared back at her with determined hazel eyes while they grappled over the weapon.

While the monarch to release a dominant growl while she swung at the older woman with a burning blue fist.

Only for the princess’s eyes to bulge in shock when a powerful fist suddenly slammed into her armored belly.

And then the spear was just as quickly wrenched from her hand while she now glared back at her soldier with furious golden eyes.

All the while trying to suppress any indication that the blow took her by surprise.

‘She’s strong…’ Azula grudgingly thought as she wiped a droplet of spit from her lips while glaring hard at the other woman.

“I could say the same of you…princess.” Zoe retorted in a pleased voice with her spear in hand while Azula stared furiously back at her.

And then just like that the two sprang forward at each other once more.

“Azula-sama…” Elle murmured in a loyal voice as she chewed on her lip while she watched her master leap forward.

She knew that it was only a sparring match.

But she couldn’t stand to see her princess in even the slightest pain.

“You are going to regret that soldier!” Azula snarled just as they impacted once more while the soldier stared back at her with calm hazel eyes.

The two mighty female warriors now glared back at one another while the monarch shoved back on the soldier’s spear with her unsheathed sword.

“Unlikely.” The captain growled out with her strong hands pushing back on the younger woman while the princess’s domineering golden eyes burned a hole through her skull.

The two firebenders stood in a second grapple while they fought to assert their dominance over the other.

Only for the princess to pridefully hiss before an explosion of powerful blue fire suddenly lit up the arena.

All the while making certain that her young servant was out of their range of her attack.

The serving girl sat with her mouth in the shape of awestruck o while she held her arm over her face.

Just as the soldier rolled out of the way of the blue inferno while her imposing master now stood in the center of the flames with her intimidating golden eyes now staring down at the other woman.

“What was that you were saying about my disadvantage?” The princess taunted in a sanguine voice with fire burning all around her while she held her sword in her right hand.

While Zoe elegantly slid back on all fours while she gazed at the veil of flames with unhidden astonishment in her hazel eyes.

Only to regain her composure not a moment later while clutching her spear in her hand.

“That is a truly fascinating ability but it’s going to take more than that to stop me.” Zoe remarked as she slowly stood up while Azula gazed back through her veil of flames with an amused smirk on her lips.

“Is that so? Well then…” Azula commented with a haughty smile on her lips before gracefully bending fire in the palm of her hand.

While staring back with cold golden eyes as she watched her strongest soldier begin to charge her once more.

And then soon enough great fireballs of blue fire were being launched across the vast training room.

All the while the agile soldier skillfully dodged and rolled her way out of one blast after another.

And Elle still sat watching the duel with her mouth open in childish amazement.

The captain slid across the floor just as she evaded yet another fireball while the princess glared back at her with a flicker of annoyance in her golden eyes.

‘She’s good. No…better than good. But then…she wouldn’t be my second in command if she wasn’t, would she? But even so…I am better.’ The princess thought with her fist clenching on her blade at her hip while she reeled around to follow the other warrior’s movements.

“I’ll admit that you impress me Zoe…but even so…I am still superior.” Azula spoke in a supremely confident voice with a smug smirk on her lips just as her wall of flames burst to towering heights.

And then her sword lit afire while she took note of her serving girl cheering her on from the sidelines.

“Go Azula-sama!” The blonde-haired girl chirped with a fist in the air while the princess’s smirk grew even larger.

Just before turning back to her opponent while another plume of blue fire exploded before her.

The monarch smirked as she gazed out of her veil of flames while she watched her soldier become consumed in the inferno.

The flames burned across the floor of the royal barge arena.

And for a fleeting moment.

The princess almost pondered if she had killed her subordinate.

But she knew better than to think that.

Yet even so…

Only for Azula’s golden eyes to widen once more when Zoe sprung forth from the inferno like a living cannonball.

With tremendous skill and dexterity, the warrior dashed through the flames with embers of blue fire still burning on her clothing.

“The battle is not over yet princess!” The captain called out in a determined voice just as another blast of fire was sent her way.

All the while she continued to charge Azula.

Even when another fireball exploded directly over her body.

While the princes stared back with uncharacteristic bewilderment in her cold golden eyes.

“I demand that you kneel soldier! Bow before your monarch!” The princess ordered with a snarl escaping her beautiful lips while the soldier continued to charge towards her.

And then she released a larger fireball that exploded in the air while she covered her face with her sleeved arm.

All the while briefly glancing at her intended through the corner of her eye to ensure that the girl was unharmed.

Only for her attention to be swiftly regained when she spun around to watch in shock as the soldier sprung herself into the air off of her spear.

And then just as quickly it was thrown towards her with terrifying precision.

All while the warrior barreled through the air with sword in hand while her ruler glared up at her.

And then not a moment later Azula deflected the spear with a swing of her sword before quickly kicking the weapon aside.

Before she rapidly glanced over her shoulder to watch Zoe descending above her wall of flames.

Only for her golden eyes to widen in astonishment when the other woman plunged into the blue inferno.

And then not a second later she watched the warrior’s singed body drop through her flames.

Her mouth hung open in disbelief while she gazed down at the soldier as she observed her strongest subordinate roll to a stop before her feet.

And without even giving it any thought she quickly extinguished her flames with a lazy wave of her hand while she stared down at her panting soldier with pleased golden eyes.

“That was a foolish thing to do Zoe. Consider yourself fortunate that I like you enough to cancel out my flames.” Azula snorted as she sheathed her sword with a hand on her shapely hip while her callous eyes still gazed down at her warrior in concealed surprise.

The fact that Zoe survived plunging herself through her blue fire was nothing short of astonishing.

Just what was it about this one that gave her such monstrous stamina?

“Yes well…as you well know by now. I take combat seriously. Even if it is just a simple sparring match.” Zoe declared at long last as she stood up with her clothing now torn from the flames while Azula just smirked in response.

Only for both firebenders to turn around when they heard their young friend enthusiastically clapping from her seat.

“Wow! That was awesome! You’re both so amazing!” Elle cried out with a beaming countenance while she clapped her hands.

All the while the captain just turned to smirk smugly over her shoulder at the princess’s now irate face.

The flash of possessive jealousy in the monarch’s eyes was simply unmistakable.

“Are you implying that Zoe is anywhere near as amazing as me!” The princess demanded in a spoiled voice with her fists planted imposingly on her womanly hips.

While she glared hard at her now little servant girl’s now gulping face.

Only for the soldier to smirk even wider as she gazed between the two in entertainment.

“Now princess. You shouldn’t get mad at young Elle for having eyes for quality.” The captain taunted while sheathing her sword as her monarch now spun around to glare an icy hole through her skull.

���N-no Azula-sama! No one is as amazing as you!” The blonde-haired girl chirped with a bashful smile while the royal woman let out a haughty huff.

“Humph! You had best remember that peasant!” Azula exclaimed in a pompous voice with a moody scowl on her lips as she proudly glared at the nearest wall.

Only to turn her head not a moment later when she heard the training room door open behind them.

They glanced over their shoulders at the now opened doors to see both Mai and Ty Lee had entered the training arena.

And just like that Zoe and Mai were already glaring at each other in unconcealed distaste while the acrobat gazed at the young serving girl with concerned brown gray eyes.

“Azula please tell me the explosions that I just heard didn’t involve Elle.” Ty Lee spoke in a protective voice as she balanced on her crutch while Azula waved a dismissive hand in the air.

“Would you stop mothering the girl? I was simply having a spar with…” The princess responded in a cold voice only to glare down at her small girlfriend when her pet scampered under her arm.

“Oh, that was nothing oneesan! I was just practicing my new moves!” Elle declared in an innocent voice as she proudly held up her wooden sword while Azula rolled her eyes over her.

“New moves little sister?” The brown-haired woman asked in a tender voice with a smile already forming on her lips while she gazed warmly at the beaming teenage girl.

“That must be why Azula and Zoe look so roughed up.” Mai stated in a bored voice laced with a sliver of fondness while Azula cast her an irate glare.

“Please! The tiger monkey couldn’t defeat me even if I was asleep!” Azula snorted with a haughty flip of her hair while Zoe still sneered back at Mai.

“No one here knows more about taking a beating than you House Lin.” Zoe sneered with her arms crossing over her burned shirt while she smirked back into Mai’s twitching tawny eyes.

“Yep! Azula-sama and oneesan Zoe are teaching me the basics of combat!” The blonde-haired girl announced in a cheerful voice only for all but the bewildered captain to nearly fall over in shock.

“Oneesan Zoe?” The markswoman repeated with great distaste in her groaning voice while the acrobat held a hand to her forehead.

“Elle…” Ty Lee sighed with a fond shake of her head while Elle still smiled brightly.

“Don’t you have enough big sisters already?” The princess questioned with a roll of her golden eyes while her soldier gazed at her girlfriend in puzzlement.

“You are calling me big sister?” The captain asked in a calm voice with a flicker of hidden emotion in her cold eyes while she gazed down at the shorter girl’s cheerful face.

All the while making certain to bury the lingering pains of guilt knowing full well that hasn’t been there for her little sister as much as she could have.

But she knew better than to be angry with her strange young friend.

After all she already knew by now that Elle wore her heart on her sleeve and that the girl couldn’t have known about her struggling relations with Sia.

“If…it’s alright with you.” Elle answered in a timid voice as she shifted on her feet while Azula now stared at Zoe with jealous golden eyes while the older woman shook her head.

“No. It’s fine. It doesn’t bother me.” Zoe assured in a softer voice as she closed her eyes with a small smile on her lips while Elle beamed in excitement.

And both noblewomen continued to sigh in exasperation under their breath.

Only for Azula’s eyes to narrow when Elle surprised Zoe by wrapping her arms around the warrior’s belly.

“Good. I’m glad.” The blonde-haired girl stated in a gentle voice while the statuesque woman stared down at her with taken aback hazel eyes.

Only for the sound of Azula’s boot stomping into the flooring to cause all but the blonde to gaze her way.

“Zoe! Get off my pet!” Azula barked in a possessive voice with her teeth bared into a snarl while Zoe smirked back at her.

“Getting a little jealous are we princess?” The captain taunted with a hand on the smaller girl’s shoulder while the royal woman released a loud scoff.

 “I’m not jealous.” The princess growled with her arms over her breasts while her childhood friends sighed beside her.

“Right Azula. Of course, you aren’t.” The brown-haired woman spoke with a returning smile while her spoiled friend scowled at her.

Despite her reservations about Zoe.

She couldn’t help but admit that it was adorable that Elle saw a big sister in Zoe of all people.

It was just the way Elle was.

Pure and innocent.

“Now I have three big sisters’!” Elle chimed with a joyful smile on her lips as she hopped to her feet while Zoe gazed mockingly back at Mai’s annoyed face.

“Joy.” Mai muttered as she glared at the other woman through the corner of her eye while the acrobat patted the younger girl’s shoulder.

“And unlike House Lin I am actually a competent protector.” Zoe remarked as she puffed out her chest while Mai glared a hole through her skull.

“Do you ever stop talking shit Zoe?” The markswoman responded in a defensive voice while the princess groaned in aggravation.

“Do you ever get tired of eating it?” The captain jeered as she waved a taunting hand in the air while her monarch’s eyes twitched in annoyance.

“Enough! Or I will have you both put to the sword!” Azula shouted in an irate voice with a scowl on her lips while both noblewomen glared back at one another.

“So, what is Azula teaching you Elle?” Ty Lee questioned with cheer in her voice while Elle beamed up at Azula’s proudly scowling face.

“I’m learning how to deflect attacks with a wooden sword.” The blonde-haired girl replied in a chipper voice as she comically swung her wooden stick about while her girlfriend rolled her eyes down at her.

“Well! Hopefully Azula is taking your breathing condition into consideration.” The brown-haired woman spoke as she glanced at her friend’s glaring face only for the younger girl to speak once more.

“Don’t tell Azula-sama but I am going easy on her because I don’t want to embarrass her…” Elle whispered with a hand over her mouth as she leaned closer to the grinning acrobat while the three noblewomen listened in amusement.

Only for Azula to glare down at the back of her head with murderously narrowed golden eyes.

“Really? In that case next time I will be sure to fight you at my full strength!” The princess declared in a conceited voice while all but the captain shuddered in fear.

“Please don’t do that Azula.” Ty Lee pleaded with a wince while Azula huffed with her arms folded over her chest.

“Just you wait Azula-sama! I’ll be as skilled as a ninja turtle before you know it!” The blonde-haired girl exclaimed an adorable nod while the four women furrowed their brows in bafflement.

“A ninja turtle?” The markswoman repeated in a puzzled voice while she watched her adopted sister eagerly nod her head.

“I can already tell that this is going to be some sort of childish peasant trifle.” Azula snorted in a haughty voice while the acrobat lightly slapped her shoulder.

“Yeah! It’s a popular children’s television show back in my homeland! It’s about four turtles that were mutated into bipedal humanoids! And then they are taught the ways of the ninja by a mutated rat named Splinter!” Elle explained in an enthusiastic voice while her four friends blinked in confusion.

“Mutated rats and turtles?” The brown-haired woman asked with a curious blink of her eyes while the princess rolled her eyes at their young friend.

“See? What did I tell you?” The princess scoffed with another roll of her elegant eyes while her strongest soldier gazed at the girl in bewilderment.

“What is television?” Zoe inquired with a tilt of her head while Elle perked her head up once more.

“Well…a television is an invention that allows you to watch prerecorded shows and events on a screen from the comfort of your home.” The blonde-haired girl responded in a helpful voice while the four highborn women gazed at her with astonishment in their eyes.

Even Azula herself seemed somewhat taken aback.

Not that the princess would ever say as such aloud though.

“You mean…like your video games?” Mai pondered in an amazed voice while Elle offered her a chipper nod.

“Yep! Just like video games!” Elle exclaimed with a bright smile while Azula scrunched up her nose in concealed curiosity before scoffing loudly.

“Like I said. Peasant trifles.” Azula scoffed with a snide wave of her hand while both of her childhood friends rolled their eyes outside of her line of vision.

“That sounds amazing Elle! There are so many interesting things about your homeland!” Ty Lee chimed as she moved forward alongside her smiling little sister.

All the while Zoe gazed at the younger girl with a contemplative expression in her composed hazel eyes before she turned to gaze at Azula’s guarded face.

“Where are you from Elle? I have never heard of a television. Nor many of the other strange items that you have in your possession. Where is your homeland?” The captain questioned as she turned to gaze with calculating hazel eyes at the smaller girl’s now nervous face.

The two noblewomen and the princess paused in their step as they briefly exchanged a glance.

Uncertain if they should be sharing such a detail with anyone else.

But they also knew that Zoe would find out for herself sooner or later.

“Um…it’s complicated. You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you…” The blonde-haired girl trailed off as she chewed on her lip before the princess turned to cast the stoic captain a strict stare.

“My servant girl’s homeland is not something that you need to concern yourself with right now.” The princess commented with her arms folded over her breasts while the captain rose an entertained brow.

“Of course, princess. I’ll just ask you again later in private.” Zoe stated with a flicker of smugness in her voice while Azula glared at her through the corner of her golden eye.

“So, Elle…tell us about these ninja turtles!” The brown-haired woman requested just as the other three women tripped in their step while her adopted sister smiled with childish excitement in her amber eyes.

“Ty Lee! No one cares about my servant’s stupid peasant play!” Azula barked in a beyond arrogant voice while her serving girl turned to peer up at her with adorably concerned amber eyes.

“It’s not a play Azula-sama! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a show!” Elle chirped in a lovably informative voice as all three noblewomen sweatdropped while Azula scrunched up her nose in distaste.

“It is what I say it is servant.” The princess snorted in a moody voice as she walked with her serving girl pouting beside her while the acrobat smiled over at their young friend.

All the while Mai glanced at Zoe from over her shoulder while the soldier stared back at her with sneering hazel eyes as they resumed glaring back at one another.

“Bitch.” The markswoman spat while the princess’s golden eyes twitched once more as the acrobat sweatdropped beside them.

“Piece of shit.” The captain snapped back with fire spewing from her lips while her monarch stiffened as she walked between them.

Only for Elle’s cheerful voice to save them before Azula could lash at them once more.

“The ninja turtles fight crime and save the city together. They each have their own skill and unique personality!” The blonde-haired girl informed with excitement returning to her voice while the princess let out a snide snort.

“Turtles that fight crime? Is there no end to your childishness?” Azula taunted with a hand on her womanly hip while Ty Lee swatted her shoulder once more.

“Michelangelo kind of reminds me of Ty Lee. He’s easy going and he’s always in a happy mood!” Elle conversed with a hand under her chin as she ignored Azula much to her girlfriend’s aggravation.

Only for Mai to sweatdrop when Ty Lee smiled as widely as can be.

“You don’t say little sister? He sounds pink!” Ty Lee exclaimed with her hand on her crutch while Azula rolled her eyes back at her.

“Raphael is probably the most like Mai. He’s grumpy and he fights with knives.” The blonde-haired girl continued with a finger under her lip while the markswoman rose a curious brow.

“Good to know kid.” Mai sighed with a fond look in her usually cold eyes as she strode beside her young friend with her arms folded over her breasts.

“Does Raphael also get his ass kicked in every battle that doesn’t involve striking his opponent in the back?” Zoe remarked with a sneer while Mai’s face turned red in anger as she glared back at her once more.

“Would it kill you to try to be more civil with Mai?” The brown-haired woman complained as she gazed back at the soldier’s stony face.

“Considering that I have every right to open her heart I would say that I am being quite civil.” The captain replied with returning venom in her voice while the other noblewoman quickly backed away.

“And Leonardo reminds me of Zoe! He’s the leader of the group. He’s very skilled with a sword and he is the most dedicated of the four of them.” Elle quipped with a sunny smile while Zoe turned to glance at her with an appreciative look in her hazel eyes.

Only for Azula to release a moody growl as she tapped her muscular bicep while her golden eyes now shimmered in unhidden annoyance.

“Did you just compare Zoe to the leader?” The princess demanded in a spoiled voice with her fingers curling along her biceps while her soldier smirked smugly back at her.

All the while both Mai and Ty Lee could only sweatdrop over their leader’s entitled behavior.

Leave it to Azula to become offended when she isn’t likened to the leader of a fictional group of turtles.

“As I said princess. Young Elle has eyes for quality.” Zoe spoke in a satisfied voice with her fists on her hips while Azula turned to cast an icy glare through her skull.

“But Azula-sama! The character most similar to you isn’t one of the turtles.” The blonde-haired girl chirped as she padded alongside her annoyed master.

“Good. For your sake you had better refrain from comparing my beautiful likeness to filthy turtles.” Azula spoke in a snort while Mai rolled her eyes at the back of her head.

“So, if Azula isn’t a ninja turtle who is she Elle?” Ty Lee chatted in a chipper voice that had Azula glaring at her once more.

“Azula-sama is definitely the Shredder! He’s the villain of the story! He leads a group of evil ninjas and he’s always trying to kill the turtles in horrible ways!” Elle exclaimed in a comically serious voice as the three noblewomen now gazed mockingly in amusement at the princess’s humiliated face.

“The Shredder? Did you just compare me to a fictional character named the Shredder?” The princess questioned in a glacial voice while her serving girl still smiled up at her.

“Oh, but you don’t understand Azula-sama! They call him the Shredder because he slices and dices people!” The blonde-haired girl cried out as she swung her wooden sword in the air while her princess rolled her eyes over her.

“I had already gathered as much servant!” Azula snapped with a roll of her beautiful eyes while she allowed her young girlfriend to pad after her footfalls.

What was most fascinating to Mai and Ty Lee both was the seemingly endless patience that Azula had for their young friend.

Not that either of them had the courage to say as much out loud.

“And he also obsesses over the turtles and follows them wherever they go! Kind of like what you’re doing right now with the Avatar!” Elle chimed in a cheerful voice as Azula glared down at her with narrowed golden eyes while Ty Lee laughed in amusement behind them.

“I don’t want to hear one more word about this peasant nonsense.” The princess barked with a scoff while her serving girl pouted beside her once more.

“Oh, don’t be such a grump Azula! Elle is just trying to talk with us.” The brown-haired woman advised in a supportive voice as she patted her hand on the smaller girl’s shoulder while the blonde smiled shyly up at her.

“This voyage is starting to bore me.” The markswoman complained as she strode on with her tawny eyes gazing ahead.

And even though she would never say it aloud.

She couldn’t help but feel somewhat self-conscious after witnessing Zoe break through Azula’s defense.

She had just barely seen it through the window pane of the training room door.

But she saw it.

It only served as even more of a reminder that Zoe had bested her in combat twice now.

And despite her best efforts at telling herself not to care.

She tightened her fists over her robed bust while she stared on with a flicker of determination in her stoic eyes.

Perhaps…she has been out of practice for too long?

And with that she had already made her mind up that she would begin practicing more in private.

‘The next time we fight…I’ll show her.’ Mai thought with her lips pressed together while she gazed in annoyance at Zoe’s conceited face.

“I suppose now would be a good time to ask the boss if she has any other plans for the day.” The captain commented with a hand on her hip just as the princess opened her mouth to speak.

“I suppose we-“ Azula trailed off only for her eyes to narrow into a murderous glare when Zoe slapped her hand over her mouth.

“Not you princess. I was referring to the true boss around here.” Zoe taunted as she removed her hand from Azula’s angered mouth while she gazed smugly down at Elle’s innocent face.

All the while both Ty Lee and Mai sweatdropped as they too glanced down at the younger girl’s sweet face.

“Please! The tiger monkey…the boss?” Azula sneered with another roll of her eyes while she glared down at Elle’s chipper face.

“There’s no need to pretend princess. Everyone here knows that Elle’s your boss.” The captain responded with a confident smirk on her lips while the princess’s lips pursed into a wrathful snarl.

“Don’t tell Azula-sama but sometimes I am.” Elle whispered as she leaned close to Ty Lee’s grinning face only to jump in fright when blue fire suddenly flared up behind her.

“Is that right peasant? In that case I challenge you to a duel for dominance in this relationship. Do you accept my challenge or do you submit?” The princess announced with a smirk on her full lips while her lifelong friends sighed in exasperation alongside her.

“You’re insane Azula.” The markswoman snorted in a deadpan voice while her controlling friend paid her no mind.

“I accept!” The blonde-haired girl piped with a hand in the air as the acrobat shivered while her princess smirked maliciously down at her.

“Do you now? Very well then. Let the battle begin!” Azula declared in a smug voice while she ignored Ty Lee’s chiding stare.

“You’re on! Let the poetry battle begin!” Elle chirped with a joyous smile while Azula now scrunched up her nose in puzzlement.

“What? Poetry battle?” The princess asked in a scoffing voice while the acrobat giggled in amusement.

“Yep! I’ll write you a romantic poem and you’ll write me a romantic poem! And then we’ll let Ty Lee decide who won!” The blonde-haired girl cried out in excitement with a sweet smile on her lips while the princess’s golden eyes now twitched in annoyance.

All the while the three noblewomen listened to entertainment.

“There will be no poetry battle. This is a contest of physical might.” Azula retorted with her arms crossed over her armored chest while she rolled her eyes down at her petite companion.

“I think that sounds very pink Azula! Good idea little sister!” The brown-haired woman shouted with her hand on the smaller girl’s shoulder while her little sister blushed over the attention.

“A-arigatou Ty Lee.” Elle mumbled shyly as Ty Lee grinned warmly down at her while patting her shoulder.

“Of course, you would say something like that Ty Lee. You always side with the tiger monkey. I wouldn’t be surprised if you two were actually related.” The princess commented in a haughty voice while both girls smiled at each other.

“What sort of big sister would I be if I didn’t stick up for my baby sister?” Ty Lee stated in a tender voice with her arm over Elle’s shoulder while the younger girl adorably retreated under her armpit.

“Ty Lee…” The blonde-haired girl trailed in a lovable voice as she hugged the older girl’s side while the acrobat smiled softly down at her.

Only for the princess to turn and cast the two a cold glare through the corner of her eye.

“I don’t know princess. It almost sounds like you’re afraid that Elle is going to show you up.” Zoe quipped with a hand on her hip while Azula spun around to glare daggers through her skull.

“The Great Princess Azula fears nothing! Least of all not this one!” Azula scoffed with a pompous wave of her hand while Mai rolled her eyes.

“Does that mean that you’ll exchange poetry with me Azula-sama?” Elle pondered in a hopeful voice while Azula scowled down at her.

“I see. You won’t be satisfied until I dominate even your literature. Is that right Elle?” The princess declared in a conceited voice while her serving girl adorably twiddled her thumbs.

“T-that’s so Azula-sama.” The blonde-haired girl murmured under the acrobat’s arm while her big sister grinned fondly over her.

“Oh, very well! I shall dominate you at poetry. Just as do with everything else.” Azula spoke with a smirk returning to her beautiful lips while her servant girl released a cry of delight.

“Yay! It is going to be so romantic!” Elle swooned with a hand on her cheek while Azula released a snide snort as they strode along.

“Childish peasant.” The princess grumbled in a proud voice while she turned to glare over her shoulder with a barely perceivable blush on her regal cheeks.

The young handmaid let out a content sigh while she gazed at the older woman in adoration.

All while the other three highborn women gazed between the two in amusement.

Only for the acrobat to blink in surprise when she felt the smaller girl start to help her walk once more.

“Elle you don’t have to…” The brown-haired woman said in a gentle voice with a grateful smile on her lips while the petite girl held up her arm.

“I want to oneesan.” The blonde-haired girl assured in a loyal voice while she walked under the acrobat’s muscular arm.

“Thank you…little sister.” Ty Lee whispered in an appreciative voice as she strode with her little sister bracing her weight.

And for once Azula didn’t comment on Elle’s proximity to her chest.

Only for the five of them to pause when another person rounded the corner.

Very few people were permitted to venture into the royal corridors of the barge that were strictly limited to the four highborn women, and their young serving girl.

Unfortunately, Jiao was not like most people.

Both Mai and Ty Lee were surprised to see another woman in dark robes wandering their way.

“What are you doing here peasant! I don’t recall giving you permission to enter this quarter of the ship.” Azula remarked in a glacial voice as her childhood friends turned to her in curiosity while she glared at the lowborn woman.

“Your Highness…my lords and ladies.” The seductress greeted while bowing at the hip before the highborn women.

“You didn’t but I did. I told Jiao to make herself at home and that she could roam as she pleased.” The captain informed in a nonchalant voice while the monarch turned to cast her an icy stare.

“You what?” The princess snapped with a glower on her lips while the other woman bowed at the waist.

“Who is this Azula-sama?” Elle asked in an eager voice while her big sisters gazed at the girl in shared interest.

“Forgive me if I have offended you princess.” Jiao greeted with a practiced smile while Azula still glared at her.

“In the future you would do well to remember that it is I who commands this ship. Not Zoe.” Azula ordered in a beyond strict voice only for her eyes to narrow when the woman rose from her bow without permission.

“Joy. Zoe brought a friend.” Mai muttered in a displeased voice while for once Azula scowled in agreement.

“Oh, don’t be like that oneesan! We should always keep our minds open to new friendships! Hello! My name is Elle!” The blonde-haired girl chimed from under the acrobat’s arm while the markswoman sighed beside them.

“Elle’s right. It’s nice to meet you Jiao!” The brown-haired woman spoke with her usual friendliness while the strange girl quirked a slight smile.

“Hello to the both of you as well.” The seductress responded in a civil voice that seemed to win her points with the acrobat.

Despite Ty Lee’s reservations in regards to Zoe.

If nothing else at least the girl seemed tolerable enough.

“Did you need something Jiao?” Zoe queried with her arms over her breasts while all but her princess took note of her attentiveness.

Only to close her eyes in anticipation of the complaints that were sure to come.

“You said that this voyage would be exciting. It’s not. It’s boring.” Jiao complained with her arms folded over her breasts while all but Elle and Zoe nearly fell over in surprise.

Even Ty Lee was taken aback by the girl’s lack of restraint.

It was virtually unspoken that a commoner in the presence of high nobles and royalty should never forget to show proper respect.

Not that she cared much for such formalities.

And nor did Mai.

But Azula cared.

And that was all that mattered in the end.

Just when Azula opened her mouth to snap at the girl she could only scowl even deeper when her soldier cut her off.

“Princess Azula has a tendency to travel more slowly than I would like. But it will prove worth our while.” The captain stated in her usual blunt fashion while the princess glared at the back of her head.

“For you maybe.” The seductress sighed heavily as she walked beside the taller woman while the princess glared over in their direction.

“Perhaps a flogging will add some thrill to your day.” The princess spoke in a callous voice with her childhood friends shivering beside her.

Yet to the amazement of all of Team Azula the odd young woman seemed unfazed.

“It just might Your Highness.” Jiao replied with a shrug while Azula pursed her beautiful lips into a sneer.

“I see you’ve widened your vocabulary.” Azula snorted only for the acrobat to swat at her elbow.

“Oh, Azula stop. It’s not like you don’t let Elle speak her mind.” Ty Lee commented with a smile while Azula glared back at her before scowling down at their beaming servant girl.

“So, what are you supposed to be? A House Song servant?” The markswoman questioned with distaste in her cold voice while the other woman scoffed.

“Uh no. I’m not a servant.” The seductress replied with snap in her voice while the princess still glared at her through the corner of her eye.

“But you’re a peasant though?” The princess taunted in a conceited voice while the woman strode beside her soldier.

“There’s nothing wrong with being a servant! I find it quite enjoyable!” Elle chimed in a cheerful voice as Ty Lee smiled beside her while Azula turned to smirk back at her.

“Technically speaking. I am yes.” Jiao spoke with an air of an unspoken self-importance in her voice while she glanced up at her occasional lover.

“Well then. Go make yourself useful then and go scrub the floor.” Azula commanded in a dismissive voice with a wave of her hand while Ty Lee sighed once more.

Only for all but Zoe to gaze on in surprise when the girl hesitated to move.

The strange woman’s reason for pausing soon became clear when the princess’s golden eyes narrowed dangerously when the girl turned to her soldier for guidance.

“Jiao doesn’t have to scrub the floor. She already told you that she isn’t a servant. I understand that you have a fetish for watching girls scrub floors but I didn’t bring her along to do something so trivial.” Zoe remarked in a composed voice as she turned to meet Azula’s dangerous gaze.

The hall turned uncomfortably silent while the princess curled and uncurled her fingers over her biceps in clear displeasure over being openly defied.

And in front of a newcomer at that.

“I suggest you watch yourself Zoe.” The princess snarled with her beautiful lips pursing into a scowl while the soldier calmly met her glare.

“Of course, if you have your heart set on it. We could always go for round two.” The captain retorted with her face hanging in the princess’s line of vision while the royal woman exhaled flames through her nostrils.

“Judging by the burns on your clothing you wouldn’t survive.” Azula sneered in a pompous voice before she butted her head into Zoe’s while the soldier glared back at her.

Meanwhile the acrobat watched in a perplexed silence.

In all of her years of knowing Azula this was the first time that she has ever seen her express any desire to fight with one of her subordinates.

“I could say the same…judging by your reaction to that blow I delivered to your stomach.” Zoe stated in a smug voice with a smirk on her lips while Azula’s golden eyes flashed in anger.

“Tomorrow I am going to punish you for this defiance.” The princess commented in a regal voice while her soldier backed away with a scoff escaping her lips.

“I look forward to it.” The captain boasted before she turned back to her amused companion while the younger woman strode alongside her.

Azula briefly glared after the two before she resumed her walk with her arms crossed over her breasts.

All the while a moody scowl adorned her lips that only abated when she took note of how her young girlfriend was adorably gazing at her from under the acrobat’s arm.

Only for the silence to broken once more by the strange young woman accompanying the powerful warrior.

“You were the one that tried to murder Zoe? Weren’t you?” The seductress pondered in a silken voice while she gazed at the markswoman’s apathetic face.

“Yeah. I did. What of it?” Mai snorted in an abrasive voice with her tawny eyes glaring back at Zoe’s mocking face while she gazed between the two.

Team Azula could only stare on in confusion when the woman dramatically threw up a hand over her face while crying out in sorrow.

“I was so heartbroken that’s why! I was overcome with grief that House Lin had taken Zoe from me!” Jiao exclaimed in a melodramatic voice with a hand in the air while highborn women stared at her in puzzlement as she seized hold of the soldier’s muscular arm.

If only because it was obvious that the woman was crying crocodile tears!

“Yes well. House Lin will have ample time to lament her actions for many years to come.” Zoe growled with her hazel eyes narrowing into slits at Mai’s wincing face while Ty Lee shivered under her glare.

“I am so sorry that you had to go through that. I don’t know what I would do if I thought I lost Azula-sama.” The blonde-haired girl chirped in a sweet voice while the princess turned to roll her eyes down at her.

“Foolish peasant! That girl is crying crocodile shark tears!” Azula barked with a snort while Elle blinked in confusion.

‘Does Zoe actually tolerate this peasant’s behavior?’ The princess thought in disgust while the coy woman embraced the soldier’s bicep.

And the two noblewomen just gazed at the two in bewilderment as they observed the bizarre interaction.

‘Is this girl…Zoe’s lover?’ The markswoman thought with annoyance flashing in her tawny eyes while the acrobat gazed on in curiosity.

“Ah. But fortunately, my House Song squeeze is built stronger than even the best of House Lin!” The seductress declared in a brazen voice as she traced her finger along the older woman’s arm while the soldier smirked down at her.

All the while the princess nearly tripped on her feet in revulsion.

“Your House Song squeeze?” Ty Lee repeated in a dry voice with disbelief in her eyes while Jiao smiled slyly as she ran her hand along the noblewoman’s neck.

“How cute. A gold-digger.” The markswoman stated in a monotone voice while the princess released a snort of disgust.

“I must say Zoe. I am disgusted that you tolerate this peasant’s behavior.” Azula spoke in a cold voice while she watched in confusion as her soldier chuckled in amusement.

“But Azula-sama. You tolerate my behavior.” Elle piped in an innocent voice while Azula proudly turned away to scowl down at her.

“That’s because you’re a sweetheart Elle! You’re not after our money.” The brown-haired woman commented as she patted the smaller girl’s bashful face while smiled when her little sister hugged her belly.

“Jiao is a seductress. She specializes in seducing and draining the pockets of nobles such as ourselves.” The captain announced in a nonchalant voice while her fellow highborn women gazed at her with deadpan eyes.

“How charming.” Ty Lee replied with a hand on her womanly hip while the other woman smiled back at them.

“That’s right! And there’s no one more skilled at it then me.” Jiao cooed as she hung on Zoe’s chest while she felt Zoe’s hand sternly grasp onto her back.

“When I first met this little minx, she was working the wallet of some old man from House Wu.” Zoe spoke with an entertained smirk on her lips while she slid her hand down Jiao’s beautiful back.

The statement disgusted all but Elle as the three highborn women now stared at the shorter woman in distaste.

“I was. But then you came along.” The seductress purred with a smile on her lips while the soldier’s hand drifted down her back.

“Is that so? Perhaps, a whipping would teach this peasant her place.” The princess scoffed in a callous voice while the lowborn woman smiled widely.

“Anytime you want Your Highness. I love a woman that can play rough.” Jiao responded in an aroused voice as the two noblewomen shivered while Azula’s lips curved into a sadistic smile.

“Do you now?” Azula questioned in a smooth voice only to glance over her shoulder when Ty Lee swatted at her shoulder.

That was when she noticed that her young intended had adopted an adorably jealous expression.

“D-don’t you flirt with Azula-sama!” The blonde-haired girl cried out with an adorable look of anger in her amber eyes while the princess smirked in approval.

“It’s okay Elle. I’m sure that Azula was just teasing.” The brown-haired woman assured in a protective voice while the princess rolled her beautiful eyes back at her.

“I didn’t bring you here to scrub floors.” The captain spoke with a smirk before she grasped onto the smaller woman’s curvaceous ass while the acrobat blushed as she turned away.

“Then what did you bring me here for?” The seductress pondered with a sly smile while she was suddenly pulled forward in the soldier’s mighty arms.

“Okay! Well I think we should probably move along!” Ty Lee exclaimed with Elle also blushing under her arm while Mai stomped on ahead.

“Yeah. I have no interest in watching this.” Mai stated in a snorting voice while Azula just sighed in a disinterested fashion.

“You already know the answer.” Zoe purred with her hand on her lover’s ass while Jiao wrapped her arms around her neck.

“Mhm. So forceful.” Jiao cooed as she stared up into Zoe’s lustful eyes while Azula rolled her eyes at them as she strode ahead.

“Please! Just take the peasant to your room already Zoe!” The princess snorted with a dismissive wave of her hand while her soldier offered her a momentary smirk.

“I want to fuck you Jiao. Let’s resume where we left off. Shall we?” The captain drawled as her breath washed over the smaller woman’s while she squeezed her lover’s round ass.

“By all means then…fuck my face.” The seductress sighed as she stood in the older woman’s arms with her face in the warrior’s sweaty shirt.

It hardly bothered her any though.

Compared to the old men that she’s been with before Zoe.

It was nothing to complain about.

All the while the highborn women nearly stumbled in their step as they briefly glanced back at the unabashed duo.

“Well…that was blunt.” The brown-haired woman spoke with a crimson blush on her cheeks while her young friend still walked beside her.

“It pleases me that you see things my way. I can only hope that you are ready for an oral workout.” Zoe remarked in an aroused voice with her hand on Jiao’s smiling cheek.

“Oh Zoe. You know that I am ready to lick you out at any time of your choosing.” Jiao answered in a purr as she stepped out of the soldier’s arms while her lover smirked above her.

“I could care less that you want my gold. All that I care about is that you satisfy my desires.” The captain purred in an amorous voice while the smaller woman smirked up at her.

And Team Azula could only stare back at the soldier in surprise.

Not even Mai would have guessed that Zoe was the sort to engage in such casual sex.

And with a seductive gold-digger of all people.

“Of course. I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll even say I love you. If it gets me what I desire.” The seductress replied with a smirk on her lips before she turned away from the older woman’s amused gaze.

And then she walked after the bewildered Team Azula while her ass with her every movement.

“I am sorely disappointed in you Zoe. Letting yourself be controlled by a peasant.” Azula scoffed in a pompous voice while she rolled her eyes when Jiao glided past her.

“But Azula. We’re all controlled by a peasant!” Ty Lee chirped in a cheerful voice with Elle smiling sweetly under her arm while Azula glared down at the girl.

“I am going to be completely honest with you princess. I don’t care what you think.” Zoe spoke with sass in her voice while Azula now glared at the back of her head.

“I am going to pretend that I didn’t hear that.” The princess stated in an icy voice while she cast a glare at her soldier.

All the while rolling her eyes over the way her subordinate gazed after the seductress with aroused hazel eyes.

“Don’t interrupt me this time. Or I will defect to the Earth Kingdom just to piss you off.” The captain announced as she strode on ahead while the princess glared after her back.

“Some relationship there Zoe.” The markswoman taunted as the soldier stepped past her with a smirk on her lips.

“It’s more than you have House Lin.” Zoe sneered with her arms folded over her breasts while Mai’s eyes narrowed venomously as she strode past the other noblewoman.

Only for all five of them to gaze at the end of the hall to see that Jiao had called out to Zoe.

“That reminds me Zoe. I was browsing beach houses…” Jiao began in a sly voice while all but Zoe balked at her gall.

It was something that would have not went over well even with a woman as kind as Ty Lee.

And yet…Zoe didn’t even seem to care.

“Were you now?” The captain conversed as she walked beside the shorter girl with an entertained look in her eyes while the others gazed after her in disbelief.

And then not a moment later the two women vanished around the corner.

Azula could only snort in disgust as she resumed her stride with her companions following after her.

Only to turn around when she heard her young girlfriend spoke up to her.

“Azula-sama? Are you going to fuck my face when I turn sixteen?” Elle inquired in an innocent voice as she thoughtfully chewed on her lip while her big sister’s turned crimson.

All the while the princess smiled down at the smaller girl with something akin to fondness in her cold eyes.

“Of course, I will. But our relationship will have much more meaning than that.” Azula informed in a charismatic voice while she smirked down at her handmaid’s adorable face.

“That’s good to know! I can’t wait to turn sixteen!” The blonde-haired girl chirped as she walked underneath the acrobat’s arm while the noblewoman now directed her princess a scowling stare.

“Please don’t tarnish her sweetness Azula.” Ty Lee pleaded in sighing voice while Azula just smirked back at them.

And with that the four friends continued on to the rest of their daily activities.

A few hours later.

Azula sat in the throne room of her royal barge while she gazed down at her pilot bowing low before her pointed boots.

“What is your report royal pilot?” The princess questioned in an authoritative voice while she relaxed on her posterior with her palms folded in her lap.

“We will arrive at the destination within two days’ time princess!” The royal pilot reported in a dedicated voice as she knelt with her face nearly kissing the floor.

“Good. I recall that you requested a private meeting with me. What was it that you wished to speak to me about?” Azula responded in a smooth voice with her regal eyes staring stonily down at her skittish subordinate’s hesitant face.

She couldn’t deny that she had taken a liking to this one.

The woman was loyal to the death and eager to please her.

And if you asked her. Those were good qualities for a person to have.

“Uh…well…” Nako trailed off in a nervous voice as she fidgeted only for Azula to roll her eyes down at her.

“How many times have I told you to not cower in my presence?” The princess lectured in a voice akin to a mother chiding her child while she gazed down at her kneeling subject.

“O-of course princess. I just…wasn’t sure if this was really worth your time…” The royal pilot stammered in a self-conscious voice as she shifted on her feet while her monarch sighed over her.

“And yet here we are Nako.” Azula sighed as she reclined on her throne with her golden eyes reflecting a greater patience than she had for most other commoners.

“Well anyway I uh…erm made something!” Nako blurted out in an awkward voice while Azula stared at her with deadpan golden eyes.

“You…made something?” The princess repeated in an uncertain voice as she sighed once more while recalling that her subordinate confessed that she liked to tinker with tools.

If it was any other peasant she would have responded with a cruel taunt.

Yet strange as it may be.

She found herself exercising a measure of restraint.

This one saved her life.

And she supposed that merited humoring the peculiar girl.

“Y-yeah. Here. Maybe you would like to take a look at it?” The royal pilot spoke in nervous voice as the princess sighed while leaning forward.

“What do you wish to show me Nako?” Azula asked after waving for her subject to stand while Nako hold out a metal box in her hand.

She scrunched up her nose in mild curiosity to find herself gazing down at a small box with numerous wires and a small turn dial.

And then she turned her cold gaze to her pilot for an explanation while the other woman nervously cleared her throat.

“After that terrifying experience getting ambushed by the enemy. I thought…to myself. What if we could create a way to prevent that from ever happening again?” Nako remarked with a thoughtful countenance while Azula’s brow rose in curiosity.

“Hm. You’ve managed to pique my interest Nako. Tell me more.” The princess commanded in a voice of absolute authority with a pleased gleam in her controlling golden eyes.

“It’s…communications device. That will allow us to reach out to other vessels to confirm that they are truly one of us.” The royal pilot informed with her hands folded behind her back while her princess’s golden eyes widened in intrigue.

“A communications device? And you…created it all by yourself?” Azula pondered in a stunned voice with the box in hand while she gazed between it and her pilot’s abashed face.

“I-I did yes. I tested it out with a duplicate that I built…and thus far both seem fully functional.” Nako confessed as she coughed beneath her hand while Azula held a well-manicured fingertip below her chin.

“I could have sworn that you told me that you weren’t an inventor.” The princess stated in a still taken aback voice while her subject turned red once more.

“Well I…wouldn’t compare myself to the Mechanist or anyone like that. But I can build a thing or two.” The royal pilot admitted as she shifted on her feet while the princess’s lips curved into a gratified smile.

“Evidently so.” Azula agreed as she reclined on her throne with the black box in her hand while she regarded her pilot in approval.

All the while leaving out the fact that she had the man in question detained under her service.

“Look I’m certain that it has its flaws…but perhaps if Your Highness deems it worthwhile. You could use it to locate the vessels stolen by the rebels.” Nako declared as she bowed her head in respect while Azula smiled as widely as can be.

“I approve of your due diligence Nako. I confess that you’ve surprised me. Very well then. I shall personally oversee testing of your…invention.” The princess announced as she set the device down while she gazed down to watch the woman drop down onto all fours.

All the while she stared down at her pilot with her golden eyes still reflecting her surprise.

To think that this skittish pilot of hers was capable of creating something like this.

Her subject didn’t even seem to realize the gravity of what she created!

It could very well be what helps her turn the tide on the rebels…

And win the war for good!

“Yes princess. I truly hope that it proves useful to you.” The royal pilot responded with her head bent in reverence only for her eyes to widen when she felt a hand pat her shoulder.

She glanced up to see her princess leaning down over her with a pleased smile on her crimson lips.

“Well done subordinate. If this pans out, I shall see to it that you are rewarded handsomely and receive full credit for providing such an advantageous invention to our war effort.” Azula spoke with a charming smile on her lips while she patted her emotional subject’s shoulder.

Only for her smile to grow even larger when her pilot lowered her face before her pointed boots.

“My princess! You honor me but I need no reward! The honor of serving you so closely is all the reward that I need!” Nako exclaimed with her arm over her chest while she swelled in pride when Azula’s hand lingered on her shoulder.

It truly was a rare honor to serve the Crown Princess so intimately.

That she knew for certain!

“Those are highly commendable words subordinate. I shall not forget your loyalty.” The princess assured with a vastly satisfied smile on her lips before removing her palm from her kneeling subject’s shoulder.

And then she lounged on her posterior once more while she glanced back down at the prostrated woman once more.

And with that her full lips curled into a beyond pleased smirk while resting her arms on the sides of her throne.

The Mechanist was an invaluable resource.

But an inventor that was loyal to her and her alone was even better.

Yes. There is much potential in this one she thought with a smile still on her lips while she stared down at her devoted subject.

Much potential indeed!

Later on, that same evening…

The princess sat alone in her study in her night gown concluding some paperwork with her pilot’s new invention seated on the far corner of her desk.

She suppressed a yawn beneath her hand before forcing herself to stay focused on the task at hand.

Just a little while longer and she will be able to join her serving girl in bed.

Only for her callous golden eyes to turn towards her door when she heard a faint rapping from on the other side.

She could only sigh as she leaned back upon her plush throne already knowing who was on the other side of her door.

“Azula-sama? Are you coming to bed soon?” Elle pondered in a sleepy voice while she heard her master’s sigh resonate through the door.

“It will be one more hour servant.” Azula answered in a smooth voice as she gazed at the door while she sighed when her pet pushed the door open.

“Another hour?” The blonde-haired girl repeated in an adorably appalled voice as she rubbed at her eyes while her princess rolled her eyes as she turned face her.

“Yes Elle. An hour. As the Crown Princess there is much that I must oversee.” The princess commented dryly with her hands in her lap only to arch a brow when her pet started padding over to her side.

Her icy golden eyes watched with a possessive gleam as she took in her serving girl’s mussed hair as well as her baggy pajama bottoms.

Just before raising her eyes when she observed the small girl stop before the side of her throne.

“Can I sit with you…until you are done?” Elle requested in a timid voice as she bit her lip while she adorably averted her eyes from her master’s dominant gaze.

“You’re going to pester me for the next hour if I say no. Aren’t you?” Azula questioned in a snorting voice while she watched her young girlfriend bashfully kick at an imaginary pebble.

“N-no?” The blonde-haired girl answered in an unconvincing voice while the princess let out a loud snort.

“Clingy peasant.” The princess snorted with in a refined voice while a smile began to form on her lips as she appraised her lovely pet.

“S-sumimasen Azula-sama.” Elle stuttered in a half-asleep voice only for her innocent eyes to sparkle in delight when Azula patted her thigh.

“Oh, very well. I suppose I could allow it. You seek my thighs? Is that right?” Azula purred in a regal voice with a charming smile on her full lips while she watched her pet flop down at her bare feet.

Only to smile fondly when the younger girl dropped down face first into her robed thigh while she lowered her hand into her yawning intended’s golden hair.

“P-princess.” The blonde-haired girl mumbled in a needy voice while she sat on her knees with her chin propped up on the much taller woman’s curvaceous thigh.

While sighing contently when she felt the older girl’s strong hand begin to pet her head.

“Look at you…coming here to fall asleep at my feet.” The princess boasted in a smug voice with her round posterior sinking back into her cushion while her fingers danced in her yawning serving girl’s hair.

All the while she allowed her young girlfriend to curl up with her face resting on the cushion beside her seated posterior.

“It’s worth it to be with you Azula-sama.” Elle replied in a soft voice with her face nuzzling her girlfriend’s beautiful thigh while long fingernails petted her hair.

While her sleepy amber eyes quietly admired Azula’s shapely posterior that seemed to mold so beautifully into the chair.

And if you asked her.

The view was more than worth kneeling for.

“Such a good pet. You truly are ever loyal to your master.” Azula cooed with her palm planted in her little admirer’s soft hair while her serving girl yawned into her thigh.

All while she found herself unable to fight the fond smile that was growing upon her lips.

“That’s so…princess.” The blonde-haired girl spoke in a barely awake voice while she smiled shyly under the princess’s petting hand.

“Hm. Go to sleep Elle. I will take you to bed when I am done.” The princess announced in a smooth voice as she leaned back in her seat with her strong hand in her small girlfriend’s hair.

“Oyasumi nasai Azula-sama.” Elle murmured in a noisy yawn while Azula sat over her with a refined smile gracing her crimson lips.

“Oyasumi nasai Elle.” Azula answered in a softened voice while she held her girlfriend face first into her robed thigh.

Only to glance down not a moment later when she heard a soft snore resonate from her girlfriend’s now sleeping face.

And then she affectionately rolled her regal eyes before she turned her focus back to her work.

“Oh, peasant. Whatever am I to do with you?” The princess sighed as she shook her head with her fingers resting in her innocent handmaid’s hair.

Truth be told.

Even she didn’t know the answer to that question.

This little peasant girl of hers truly was a vexing little thing.

But she would have no other.

Only this one will do.

Only…her Elle.

[critic-corner]

13 Contemporary Rom-Com Novels That You’ll (Probably) Love

Even though this is a mainly fashion and film blog, I do like to consider this a platform where I get to share my thoughts and opinions on anything of interest properly and well, reading is a big passion of mine. Even though I do talk about it on Instagram a little but, for whatever reason I don't on this blog.

Many of my reader friends ask me for recommendations, so I took this as an opportunity to create some book-related lists even though it's a little hard to do that because lists are never-ending. Anyway, I'll try. Also, don’t worry it’s not gonna turn into a book blog, it’ll just be a small segment of my entire blog.

You can click on the book title to get your own copy!

One Day In December

Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic... and then her bus drives away. Certain they're fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn't find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they "reunite" at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It's Jack, the man from the bus. It would be. What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered.

I have never understood the love at first sight trope but because this story travels for ten years where the characters get to know each other intimately, it worked out perfectly. My favorite part about the book was how you will see these characters grow and make important life decisions. By the end, I was so emotionally invested that I was sad when the book ended.

This is definitely one of my favorite contemporary novels. I have been recommending to all of my friends, even the ones that don’t read that often. If you are a rom-com fan, get this book because it’ll simply warm your heart.

You can get your copy on Amazon - paperback or kindle.

The Royal We

American Rebecca Porter was never one for fairy tales. Her twin sister, Lacey, has always been the romantic who fantasized about glamour and fame. Yet it's Bex who seeks adventure at Oxford and finds herself living down the hall from Prince Nicholas, Great Britain's future king. And when Bex can't resist falling for Nick, the person behind the prince, it propels her into a world she did not expect to inhabit, under a spotlight she is not prepared to face. Dating Nick immerses Bex in ritzy society, dazzling ski trips, and dinners at Kensington Palace with him and his charming, troublesome brother, Freddie. But the relationship also comes with unimaginable baggage: hysterical tabloids, Nick's sparkling and far more suitable ex-girlfriends, and a royal family whose private life is much thornier and more tragic than anyone on the outside knows. The pressures are almost too much to bear, as Bex struggles to reconcile the man she loves with the monarch he's fated to become. Now, on the eve of the wedding of the century, Bex is faced with whether everything she's sacrificed for love-her career, her home, her family, maybe even herself-will have been for nothing.

If you know me, you’d know that I’m a royal family nerd. So, when I came to know about this book last year, I was all over it because it seemed like a perfect escape. And while I was expecting it to be all cheesy, I was surprised by how realistic it seemed. Yes, it has been heavily influenced by the Kate-William romance, but that only added to the thrill of it. If you want a nice royal romance which also seems relatable, this is definitely the way to go!

You can get your copy on Amazon.

This Love Story Will Self-Destruct

Meet Eve. She’s a dreamer, a feeler, a careening well of sensitivities who can’t quite keep her feet on the ground, or steer clear of trouble. She’s a laugher, a crier, a quirky and quick-witted bleeding-heart-worrier. Meet Ben. He’s an engineer, an expert at leveling floors who likes order, structure, and straight lines. He doesn’t opine, he doesn’t ruminate, he doesn’t simmer until he boils over. So naturally, when the two first cross paths, sparks don’t exactly fly. But then they meet again. And again. And then, finally, they find themselves with a deep yet fragile connection that will change the course of their relationship—possibly forever.

This book was been marketed as When Harry Met Sally reimagined and I couldn’t disagree more. Apart from the fact that the two characters meet time and again, there isn’t much else relating this story with the movie and that’s not a bad thing. I just don’t want you guys to shocked like I was. Rom-coms have a fluffy, carefree vibe to them and technically, it has those aspects, but there is an underlying sadness to the story because of the female character (with whom I surprisingly found myself relating with, by the way).

I am that person who prefers character-driven stories over plot-driven ones and while this book doesn’t really fall in either of those categories, I fell in love with the two main leads. It’s been months since I read this book and they still casually pop up in my head every now and then, and I constantly find myself talking about them like they are real people. If you are a fan of emotionally-driven romantic novels, you might like this one.

You can get your copy on Amazon - paperback or kindle.

Unmarriageable

In this one-of-a-kind retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in modern-day Pakistan, Alys Binat has sworn never to marry—until an encounter with one Mr. Darsee at a wedding makes her reconsider.

One thing to always keep in mind before reading a retelling is that you cannot expect it to be amazing. At most, it can be great. I’m saying this because the ghost of the original and the eventual comparison will always be lingering over the book which will definitely hinder the reading experience. So, just go into it expecting a nice time, and not hoping to find your all-time favorite (if you do, then obviously that’s great).

Coming to Unmarriageable, the original premise of Pride & Prejudice fits perfectly on a Pakistani back-drop, or just any desi family. And while I was expecting to fall in love with the romance, I ended up enjoying the social commentary that Soniah Kamal did and that was probably because of how similar Indian people are. All in all, it was not the best Pride & Prejudice re-tellings (I think I’m yet to find that), but I sure as hell had a fun time reading it.

You can get your copy on Amazon.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

No one’s ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine. Meet Eleanor Oliphant: She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, the three become the kinds of friends who rescue one another from the lives of isolation they have each been living. And it is Raymond’s big heart that will ultimately help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one.

This is one contemporary novel that has managed to step out that genre and successfully enter the literary talks. I have been hearing about this book for over a year and absolutely fell in love with it. If you are not the best in social situations and have a hard time navigating through them, you might like it very much. The story is told entirely through her point of view so it was very interesting to see this lonely person find her way to life (albeit unknowingly). What surprised me was just how funny the novel was. This can easily become one of your favorites!

Also, I have to appreciate the cover designer of this novel. There are two covers and both of them are genuinely so amazing!

You can get your copy on Amazon.

Always Never Yours

17-year-old Megan Harper is about due for her next sweeping romance. It's inevitable—each of her relationships starts with the perfect guy and ends with him falling in love... with someone else. But instead of feeling sorry for herself, Megan focuses on pursuing her next fling, directing theater, and fulfilling her dream college's acting requirement in the smallest role possible. So when she’s cast as Juliet (yes, that Juliet) in her high school’s production, it’s a complete nightmare. Megan’s not an actress, and she’s used to being upstaged—both in and out of the theater. Then she meets Owen Okita, an aspiring playwright inspired by Rosaline from Shakespeare's R+J. A character who, like Megan, knows a thing or two about short-lived relationships. Megan agrees to help Owen with his play in exchange for help catching the eye of a sexy stagehand/potential new boyfriend. Yet Megan finds herself growing closer to Owen, and wonders if he could be the Romeo she never expected.

I was going into the novel fully expecting it to be cheesy or even cringey and got out surprisingly loving it’s realistic portrayal of human emotions. My favorite part was the female character and her straight-forward way of thinking, even though it sometimes prevented her from becoming vulnerable. If you are a Shakespeare nerd, I guarantee that you’ll have a ball reading this one.

You can get your copy on Amazon - paperback or kindle.

The Sun Is Also A Star

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story. Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us. The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

Another book that I expected to dislike but surprisingly didn’t. I hate insta-love stories, but weirdly enough this one seemed convincing to me. The characters were likable and do keep in mind that the demographic the novel was trying to reach was young adult and it worked perfectly for that in my opinion. One particularly great thing about the writing-style is the fantastic use of different POVs (point-of-view). If you've ever wondered about the life of those strangers that you only meet for 10 minutes or cross on the street, then I think you’ll particularly enjoy this one.

You can get your copy on Amazon.

My Oxford Year

Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of Oxford, this sparkling debut novel tells the unforgettable story about a determined young woman eager to make her mark in the world and the handsome man who introduces her to an incredible love that will irrevocably alter her future—perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks.

I went into this book expecting just another rom-com, my bad. I should have paid more attention to the fact that they mentioned Nicholas Sparks on the back cover and you should too because otherwise the second half will completely take you by surprise. This book has all the elements of a giddy romance - Oxford, with it’s Harry Potter-esque interiors, English poetry and amazing fleshed out characters. It will also (probably) break your heart, so keep the tissues close by.

You can get your copy on Amazon - paperback or kindle.

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun. Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air. Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

This is my second Christina Lauren novel and well, I had a ball reading it just as you’re supposed to with any of their novels. This one, in particular, stands out because not only is it well written but the characters felt oddly realistic. The first chapter did feel like the book will probably filled with all kinds of tropes because the female character is so fashionably eccentric but thankfully, non of that happened. It’ll make for an amazing weekend read!

You can get your copy on Amazon - paperback or kindle.

Vision In White

Childhood friends Mackensie, Parker, Laurel and Emmaline have formed a very successful wedding planning business together but, despite helping thousands of happy couples to organise the biggest day of their lives, all four women are unlucky in love. Photographer Mackensie Elliot has suffered a tough childhood and has a bad relationship with her mother, which makes her wary of commitment. But when she meets Carter Maguire, she can't stop herself falling for him, although his ex-girlfriend is prepared to play dirty to keep him. Mackensie soon realizes she has to put her past demons to rest in order to find lasting love...

This is first of the four in the Bride Quartet series and while I would literally suggest all four of them, just give this one a try first. There are a lot of things I like about this book, the main being the sisterhood that is majorly present in the entire series. Secondly, even though the female character has a dysfunctional family that leads her to being kinda sorta commitment-phobic, I like the relationship showcased is so healthy. Normally, in romantic books, there’s a lot of miscommunication to drive the plot ahead but this book works a nice example of how to showcase a healthy couple even if one of them (or both of them) are fighting internal battles. It’s a perfect cozy read!

You can get your copy on Amazon - paperback or kindle.

Practice Makes Perfect

Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face-to-face, they're perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they have kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as coworkers for one reason: to make partner at the firm. But all bets are off when they're asked to join forces on a major case. Though apprehensive at first, they begin to appreciate each other's dedication to the law— and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection does not last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it's an all-out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar...

This is one of the best workplace romances that I have come across and would highly recommend to everyone interested in that genre. It is a little cliche but it’s not trope-heavy which is definitely a plus. It has the right amount of heat and character development that a good fluffy contemporary demands. It’s just nice, fun ride!

You can get your copy on Amazon.

By The Book

An English professor struggling for tenure discovers that her ex-fiancé has just become the president of her college—and her new boss—in this whip-smart modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion.

If you couldn’t tell by now, I’m a sucker for Jane Austen re-tellings and unlike Unmarriageable, I really liked this one a lot. As I mentioned above, you can’t have your expectations with re-tellings high, but even if you expect some genuinely nice exploration of relationships (like Austen used to do, among other things), but in a modern setting then I think you will really like it. The fact that it’s completely from the female character’s point of view, makes the writing a lot more intimate. Give it a read, you may like it.

You can get your copy on Amazon.

The Upside of Unrequited

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love—she’s lived through it twenty-six times. She crushes hard and crushes often, but always in secret. Because no matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection. So she’s careful. Fat girls always have to be careful. Then a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly’s cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly’s totally not dying of loneliness—except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie’s new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. Will is funny and flirtatious and just might be perfect crush material. Maybe more than crush material. And if Molly can win him over, she’ll get her first kiss and she’ll get her twin back. There’s only one problem: Molly’s coworker Reid. He’s an awkward Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire, and there’s absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. Right?

Even though personally, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the book because I just didn’t find it engaging enough, I do know that a lot of you out there might love. Not only does it have wonderful LGBTQ+ representation, but there aren’t a lot of book written about introverted young girls who love romance but have zero first-hand experience with it. I liked that it was fairly realistic and the characters were fleshed out. I’d say give it a try, you never know, may find yourself in Molly.

You can get your copy on Amazon.

[jupitermelichios]

So you want to read Marvel comics

A while back I made a post of Marvel & DC comics that would make a good intro into the world of comics, and I thought it was time for an update. So here’s some more short run Marvel comics to try if you’re just getting into comics (or some recs for those of you who already are).

Press J to skip this post.

1. X-Club (2012) - 5 issues. 

I’m always a little wary of recommending Si Spurrier’s Marvel comics to new readers, because no matter what Marvel want him to do he writes in a universe largely divorced from continuity. That said, the Marvel universe in his head is a glorious mess of high camp, melodrama and comedy and I love it. X-Club is one of his best Marvel works, focussing on the scientists who surround the X-Men. Funny, silly and with some great character moments.

Written by Si Spurrier, drawn by Paul Davidson, coloured by Rachelle Rosenburg

Starring: Dr Nemesis, Kavita Rao, Danger, Madison Jeffries

Best for fans of comedy action

2. New Warriors (2014) - 12 issues

This book got cancelled just as it was really finding its feet, but while I would have loved to see more, they did a great job of wrapping up most of their plot threads in time for the issue 12 finale. Like all the best Marvel comics, this is best described as a romp, about superpowered teenagers taking on a villain called the High Evolutionary (whose whole deal is furries). I read it knowing nothing about most of the characters and was rarely confused, despite it being a sequal to previous New Warriors books. A great introduction to one of Marvel’s perennial teen teams.

Written by Christopher Yost, drawn by Marcus To, coloured by David Curiel and Ruth Redmond

Starring: Justice, Speedball, Nova (Sam Alexander), Sun Girl, Scarlet Spider (Kaine), Hummingbird, Haechi, Silhouette, Water Snake, The High Evolutionary, The Celestials

Best for fans of young adult adventure

3. Angela: Asguard’s Assasin (2014) - 6 issues

This is the first in a 3 part series, followed by Angela 1601 and Angela: Queen of Hel, all of which are wonderful. Do you want transwomen? Do you want women of colour? Do you want women loving women while also having space-opera adventure quests? Then you need Angela and her wife Sera, here to bring you the good news of queer comic-book writers. Honestly I can’t tell you how good the Angela series is - you need to go read it for yourself. Plus it’s a veritable who’s who of Asguard, so a great introduction to that part of earth 616

Written by Keiron Gillen & Magueritte Bennet

Starring: Angela (Aldrif), Sera, Malekith the Accursed, Thor, Odin, Freyja, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Gamora, Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Heidall, Sif, The Warriors Three, Loki

Best for fans of high fantasy lesbians

4. Ultimates (2015) - 12 issues

How high can sci-fi get before it loops back round to being fantasy? This is a book which walks that line - sci-fi so metaphysical it’s almost philosophy, except it’s not because it’s Superheroes in spandex fighting an all powerful being in the universe’s silliest hat.

Written by Al Ewing 

Starring: America Chavez, Spectrum, Blue Marvel, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Galactus

Best for fans of high sci-fi

5. New Avengers (2015) - 18 issues

If any comic deserved 6 season and a movie it’s this 2015 title. When Science Super-villains A.I.M run out of funds they decide to sell off the organisation. Former New Mutant Sunspot has a massive fortune, a desire to save the world, and a flair for the dramatic. It’s a match made in heaven. (Fans of the book don’t despair, it got a sequel in 2017′s U.S.Avengers).

Written by Al Ewing

Starring: Sunspot, Squirrel Girl, Wiccan, Hulkling, Power Man (Victor Alvarez), White Tiger, Hawkeye (Clint Barton), Songbird, Red Hulk, The Maker, POD, Iron Patriot (Toni Ho), Red Hulk (General Maverick), Canonball

Best for fans of comedy drama

6. Royals (2017) - 12 issues

This is Al Ewing’s third appearance on this list, because he really is just that good a writer. This is the perfect introduction to the Inhumans, who are way more interesting than the TV show would have you believe. This is classic space opera - a warring family of royalty on an epic quest to save their dying race from certain extinction. I didn’t think I liked the Inhumans until I read this book.

Written by Al Ewing

Starring: Medusa, Maximus the Mad, Gorgon, Swain, Flint, Marvel Boy (Noh-Var), Ronan the Accuser

Best for fans of space-opera

7. Mockingbird (2016) - 8 issues

If James Bond were an american woman with superpowers, actual human emotions and a chemistry degree, he’d be Mockingbird. Silly, heartfelt and deeply touching in places, this is one of my favourite short comics. Aided by her current boyfriend and his pet Corgi, SHIELD agent Bobbi Morse solves mysteries, fights bad guys and tries to clear her ex-husband’s name for a murder he really did commit.

Written by Chelsea Cain

Starring: Lance Hunter, Mockingbird

Best for fans of light-hearted spy stories and geeky jokes

8. Iceman (2017) - 11 issues

I’m not going to lie, this comics was hard for me to read in places. Not because it’s bad, but because it’s good. Founding X-Man Iceman was outed as gay against his will in a controversial 2015 story. This comic follows him as he works out what his life looks like as a gay mutant, comes out to his parents, and kisses a boy for the first time. Well written and emotional, plus it’s always nice to see queer writers and artists working with queer characters. Warning that this comic deals with homophobia.

Written by Sina Grace

Starring: Iceman, Shadowcat, Daken, Oya, Hercules, Darkstar, Angel, Amp, Ghost Rider

Best for fans of drama

9. Hercules (2016) - 6 issues

Hercules is a laughing stock in the hero world, better known for his drinking than his heroism (even though he’s 10 months sober). Gilgamesh hasn’t left Herlcules’ couch for a month. But when terrifying new gods emerge in the modern age, the old gods are the only ones who can stop them. Epic in the old sense of the word.

Written by Dan Abnett

Starring: Hercules, Tyresius, Gilgamesh, Ire of the Crua before the Ice

10. Black Bolt (2017) - 12 issues

Black Bolt generated a lot of hype when issue 1 dropped last year, and it’s hardly surprising because this comic is something special. Betrayed by his brother, deposed monarch Black Bolt is locked away in the universe’s highest security prison. Depowered, trapped and tortured, he must rely on the help of his fellow prisoners to escape. If escape is even possible. Best read in tandem with Royals (above). Warning that the later part of this comic deals with past child neglect and emotional abuse.

Written by Saladin Ahmed

Starring: Black Bolt, Lockjaw, Absorbing Man, Metal Master, Blinky, Raava

Best for fans of emotional drama and prison break stories

[elvino00]

Keep Focus

It's hard to keep someone's attention, this post is trying to do so right now. It's getting harder too; the average attention span has gone from 12 seconds in 2000 down to 8.75 seconds in 2015.[1] Although it is much less the abnormally short attention span that is concerning, it is the consequences if this trend continues.

--- Hypothetical begins on paragraph 3 ---

Rather than focus on the present perhaps we should move to a further and bleeker time line. Now before we take a fantastic leap into a dystopian hypothetical, the positives and negatives of a short attention span must be show true. It is shown that people with low Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)are sometimes more creative than their counterparts.[2] It can not be ignored that ADHD is a mental disorder and most creative actions are just due to impulsive thought. Ofcourse ADHD is not just an affliction of a short attention span but most of it's more noticable qualities can be drawn from it.

------

[Note: this hypothetical is a slippery slope fallacy so please keep that in mind. Sorry about misleading you.]

Now, as we move into this hypothetical I'd ask of you to keep in mind exactly that; this is a mere hypothetical it is unknown if this would happen as such with these calculations or if it is even probable. Moving forward, it is the year 2118 and the average attention span is now a small 3.2 seconds. This would have detrimental implications on the education industry, and to a lesser degree others, at large. Students would have lower overall test scores and have a harder time learning. The whole educational system would have to change or suffer. Due to this those who have a longer attention span have an innate advantage and hold higher positions. All business advertising is reduced to short bursts of flashing colors and eye candy with the name of the product. In consequence of the low education rates and knowledge divide businesses become cooperate giants with work specifically designed to cater to the low attention span. Democracies begin to crumble under the skill shortage and monarchs, dictators, and oligarchs rise to power. This continues for years until the constant warfare and industrial mal-practice desamates the world and leaves nothing but ashes and nuclear fall out with the world lifeless and void. This is where I'm going to end the hypothetical as it would be too complicated to go further and the post is already long enough.

Citations

[1: https://www.wyzowl.com/infographic-human-attention-span/]

[2: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/j.2162-6057.1994.tb01191.x]

[temptation-narnia-chronicles]

Temptation

Chapter Fifteen

      Peter tore the blade from his shoulder and jumped to his feet immediately. All the soldiers passing by blurred in his peripheral vision, fading into thin air until all that remained were their echoed battle cries. Peter paid no mind to their evaporation, however. Instead, his eyes remained locked on the strange, poetic scene before him. The beast turned, blood dripping from his mouth, and said in the calmest of voices, "It is finished."

     A bizarre sense of relief washed over Peter at Aslan's words, as if they were the official epilogue of such a ruthless battle. Then, with a minute nod of his head, the lion motioned towards Eilonwy's body crumpled on the ground and Peter instantly snapped from his daze.       "E-Eilonwy!" he shouted, rushing to her side. Her body was limp and her skin pale and clammy as he lifted her in his arms. Though weak, she forced herself to her feet but clung to Peter for support, spluttering then sloppily swiping the blood dribbling down her chin. "Oh, Eilonwy, look at me! Just hang on! Please, Eilonwy!" Peter begged. His heart beat faster and faster at the sight of her, desperate not to let her slip away.       She sucked in a few deep breaths, trying to revive her lungs to functioning, before furrowing her brows at Peter in utmost offense. "Qu-quit your blubbering, I'm p-perfectly fine" she stammered, a soft smile gracing her lips. She may have been knocked down but she certainly wasn't dead. Yet. "B-but your waist...!" Peter protested. His hand skated down to the gash at her side, blood slipping from the wound to stain his shirt. Eilonwy shuddered at his touch, his palm warm and comforting, but she didn't have the strength to shoo him away. Nor did she really want to.       "Oh, shut it. It's j-just a flesh wound" Eilonwy replied with a roll of her eyes. Though Peter wasn't entirely convinced of her wellbeing, hearing her everpresent sarcasm fed him hope. With a light chuckle, he pulled her close and hugged her tightly. While it was everything she secretly wanted, a hug so tight wasn't exacly the best cure for a wound as severe as hers. At the sound of her wince, Peter quickly broke the embrace and muttered a sheepish apology. His cheeks burned bright red and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips; Eilonwy couldn't help but think how adorable he was.       The couple's intimate celebration was quickly cut short, however, when Susan and Lucy rushed into the scene. The littlest Pevensie surged forward to smother her brother in a massive embrace, overjoyed to find him relatively unharmed. Susan, however, was preoccupied with much more pressing matters.       Ice blue eyes immediately darted to the lion nearby, catching a glimpse of the witch's remains behind him. The sight sent a shudder down Susan's spine as she returned her attention to her family and friend before noticing there was something amiss. Breath hitching in her throat, she asked in a panic, "Where's Edmund?!"       Without a moment of hesitation, the trio blazed through the battlefield with panicked purpose. And there Edmund lay, dirt and blood smudged on his face, skin washed clear of all color, wheezing for every last breath. Grunting profusely, Ginarrbrik waddled over his body waving an ax, steadying his aim so as to kill the kid once and for all. Insulted by the creature's plans, Susan immediately felled him with perfect aim before skidding into the grass beside her dying brother.       Peter was spellbound. He had spent so long trying to protect Edmund and he still failed, his eyes welling with tears at the sorry sight. Susan tore his helmet off and tossed it into the dirt, resting Edmund's head on her lap and brushing the hair from his face. The eldest frantically glanced from his brother to his baby sister as she tore the cap from her cordial and carefully poured one tiny drop to Edmund's lips. His gasping paused. His brow furrowed. His parted lips met. Peter couldn't breathe.       Edmund remained horribly quiet and deathly still for what felt like centuries. Susan's throat constricted as she tried to restrain her tears, running her fingers through his ebony hair and praying for a miracle. Lucy tried her hardest to remain strong but the terror overtook her and she was inevitably seized by a despicable wail. Her little hand grasped  Edmund's and tugged it close against her heart as if her grip alone could revive him where her cordial failed. Peter, however, was the most broken of all. Images of the night raids back home and how nasty he had been began replaying on a loop in his brain. All those times he had shoved and shouted and scolded his brother, trying so hard to be the father that was no longer there. Now look what he had done. He had failed as a father, a brother, and a friend. He would never forgive himself for as long as he lived, and even after if there was such a thing.       Edmund's chest tensed, a weak cough breaking past his lips. His eyes creaked open, squinting into the sunlight, as he forced his vision to focus on the figures looming over him. The dormancy in his veins subsided, replaced by a sudden current of blood flow that nearly made him dizzy. Soon his boyish blush had returned to his freckled cheeks. A resounding happiness reverberated through the quartet, bouncing between the girls in a swell of love and laughter. Peter could hardly believe his eyes, his lungs forgetting how to function for a moment as he tugged Edmund into the tightest hug humanly possible. Hot tears rolled down the knight's cheeks and fell into the crevice between his chin and Edmund's neck. Then, he pulled away to view his brother's face and uttered with a teary laugh, "When are you going to learn to do as your told?" A simple smile graced Edmund's lips as the four piled into a mess of entangled limbs and grins and elation.       Eilonwy trudged closer, gripping onto the rock formations nearby as support. A warmth filled her heart as she played audience to the Pevensies' rejoice and suddenly all her reservations about the prophecy vanished. For so long she resented the future monarchs before she even met them, yet now she had faith that the four before her were satisfactory replacements to those who came before them. Yet it wasn't just faith that touched her in that moment. There was an inkling of something else, as well. Something which tugged at her chest and tingled in her brain. Perhaps they were more than just new royalty. Perhaps, though she knew it was impossible, but perhaps they were even contenders for family. A new family filled with hope and love and acceptance. A family not by blood but by choice. Her heart sang at the possibility.       Edmund suddenly caught sight of the hunched figure in his peripheral vision, then heard the soft padding of paws as the great lion approached. Awe-stricken, they watched as Aslan smiled to the siblings then turned to Eilonwy, ushering her closer as if he knew her thoughts. After all she'd been through, she didn't dare refuse. As she stumbled closer, Peter rushed to her side, followed by all of his siblings who wrapped her in their arms comfortingly. Everything at once seemed brighter and clearer, as if their hug was symbolic of unconditional acceptance and thanks. She returned the favor and buried her face in their hair, tears welling in her eyes. For the first time in a long time, she finally felt as if she belonged.       The longer they hugged, the quicker Lucy grew aware of the blood spilling from Eilonwy's waist. A gasp of horror caught in her throat and she immediately whipped her cordial from her side. The huntress sighed, her energy fading once more, and shifted her weight against Peter. Before he had time to react, Lucy was on tiptoes angling the bottle to her lips. In a matter of moments, Eilonwy coughed and felt her strength slowly return, the pain in her waist subsiding. Peter grinned, overjoyed to see her cured, and all three of his siblings immediately caught the outpour of love spilling from inside him. It was a very different kind of love than he felt toward them, a distinct and longing sort of affection that only Susan recognized immediately. Though her and Eilonwy hadn't always been the best of friends, she saw in her brother just how much he really cared for her and that in and of itself was enough to convince her of Eilonwy's worth.       A low growl rang from Aslan's chest, ushering everyone's attention toward him. He spoke not a word as he turned to a soldier petrified in stone and with a soft breath, thawed him. Instantly, Lucy was filled with wonderful purpose. She glanced fondly to her cordial before gathering her skirts and rushing to every injured Narnian she could find. Her siblings and friend watched with nothing but fondness as she conducted her healing, both of physical and emotional practice. As Eilonwy admired the girl's integrity, however, she suddenly became overly aware of Peter's hand still firmly at her hip. She glanced to him with inflamed cheeks and he quickly averted his eyes and distanced himself. Deep down, though, a part of her wanted him to stay. She wanted him to keep supporting her, keep holding her close so she could feel his steady breath on her neck and soft touch on her skin. She wanted it but knew it was wrong, or at least now that she was no longer on the brink of death. A tiny sliver of her wished she had died. That way, she would never have to face what happened next for she knew from this point forward, the future was hazy and that haze was even more terrifying than facing the White Witch herself.

[newstechreviews]

Princes Charles, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro are all in Tokyo this week, as foreign figureheads and royals from across the globe flock to Japan to watch Emperor Naruhito formally declare his enthronement on Tuesday.

The former Crown Prince took over the role on May 1, the day after his father, 85-year-old former-Emperor Akihito, abdicated the throne citing health concerns. Japan’s monarchs are expected to serve until death, but parliament passed special legislation to allow Akihito to step down. He was the first emperor to step down in more than 200 years.

Although Emperor Naruhito has been acting as emperor for almost six months, his ascension is not official until he completes a series of rituals, including Tuesday’s traditional enthronement ceremony.

Here’s what to know about this week’s celebrations.

What’s happening on Tuesday?

The main event will be held at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace on Tuesday when the Emperor will ascend the Takamikura throne, which stands more than 20 feet high. Clad in a dark orange robe, worn by emperors only on special occasions, Naruhito will declare his enthronement in a short speech, according to the Japan Times. Empress Masako, his wife, will be seated in an adjacent throne.

Important imperial regalia, like an ancient sword and a jewel will be brought to the ceremony.

Following the Emperor’s speech, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will offer congratulations, and lead guests in three cheers wishing longevity to the new emperor.

Approximately 2,000 people are expected to join the ceremony. Guests including King Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan are expected to attend, reports the Japan Times.

A royal parade — in which the Emperor and Empress will drive through the streets of Tokyo in a convertible — has been postponed until November due to Typhoon Hagibis, which hit Japan this month. More than 70 people were killed by the storm and its aftermath, according to Reuters.

The government announced on Friday that more than half a million petty criminals will be pardoned in honor of the enthronement. The Justice Ministry said the pardons will be granted because the occasion marks “an opportunity for the citizens of Japan to cleanse their spirit and start anew,” reports the Times.

This Tuesday is a public holiday in Japan.

Who is the new emperor?

Kōtaishi Naruhito Shinnō was born February 23, 1960. He is the oldest son of the former Emperor Akihito.

Emperor Naruhito grew up in Tokyo’s Imperial Palace with this siblings and parents.

He is the first Japanese royal to study overseas. After earning a history degree at Gakushuin University, where he wrote a thesis on medieval water transport, he spent two years at Merton College, Oxford. The book he wrote chronicling his time there, The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford, was re-issued in English this year.

Prince Naruhito’s hobbies include mountain climbing, jogging, tennis, skiing and playing the viola, according to the Associated Press.

What role do Japan’s monarchs play?

Japan is believed to have the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world.

Historically, the emperor was viewed as an almost divine being, believed to be descended from the Shinto deity Amaterasu, but the emperor’s role became largely symbolic after World War II. The country’s post-war constitution, primarily U.S. drafted, stripped Japan’s emperor of real political power and re-defined his role as a “symbol of the state and of the unity of the people.”

Today, the Japanese emperor has become a ceremonial and unifying figure, similar to monarchs in the United Kingdom, Norway and Spain.

The emperor is an important symbol for Japanese people. “The emperor is the means by which the Japanese define the national identity, what it means to be Japanese,” Ken Ruoff, professor of history and director of the Center for Japanese Studies at Portland State University tells TIME.

Ruoff says “Each emperor puts his stamp on his particular reign, and Naruhito will do that.”

Read More: Five Things to Know About the Modern Japanese Monarchy

Family affairs

Naruhito’s wife is a Harvard and Oxford-educated former diplomat named Masako Owada. Empress Masako is expected to take part in Tuesday’s ceremony.

The pair married in 1993, and the Empress has reportedly struggled to adjust to the pressures of royal life and battled stress-related illnesses, according to Reuters.

Naruhito has often jumped to his wife’s defense. “He is fiercely protective of his wife who has endured media bashing over her health issues,” Jeffrey Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University Japan, tells TIME.

In 2004, the Emperor surprised the country when he openly criticized the Imperial Household Agency, the government agency responsible for managing the royals’ lives, for their role in his wife’s health issues. The then-princess “has worked hard to adapt to the environment of the Imperial Household for the past 10 years, but from what I can see, I think she has completely exhausted herself trying to do so,” Naruhito said, according to the Japan Times.

The couple has one daughter, 17-year-old Princess Aiko. Although there has been much debate on changing the country’s succession laws, currently only males in Japan’s imperial family can take the throne. Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Prince Akishino, is next in line, and Akishino’s young son is second-in-line to take over.

[phooll123]

New top story from Time: Japan’s New Emperor Is Declaring His Enthronement on Tuesday. Here’s What to Know

Princes Charles, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro are all in Tokyo this week, as foreign figureheads and royals from across the globe flock to Japan to watch Emperor Naruhito formally declare his enthronement on Tuesday.

The former Crown Prince took over the role on May 1, the day after his father, 85-year-old former-Emperor Akihito, abdicated the throne citing health concerns. Japan’s monarchs are expected to serve until death, but parliament passed special legislation to allow Akihito to step down. He was the first emperor to step down in more than 200 years.

Although Emperor Naruhito has been acting as emperor for almost six months, his ascension is not official until he completes a series of rituals, including Tuesday’s traditional enthronement ceremony.

Here’s what to know about this week’s celebrations.

What’s happening on Tuesday?

The main event will be held at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace on Tuesday when the Emperor will ascend the Takamikura throne, which stands more than 20 feet high. Clad in a dark orange robe, worn by emperors only on special occasions, Naruhito will declare his enthronement in a short speech, according to the Japan Times. Empress Masako, his wife, will be seated in an adjacent throne.

Important imperial regalia, like an ancient sword and a jewel will be brought to the ceremony.

Following the Emperor’s speech, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will offer congratulations, and lead guests in three cheers wishing longevity to the new emperor.

Approximately 2,000 people are expected to join the ceremony. Guests including King Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan are expected to attend, reports the Japan Times.

A royal parade — in which the Emperor and Empress will drive through the streets of Tokyo in a convertible — has been postponed until November due to Typhoon Hagibis, which hit Japan this month. More than 70 people were killed by the storm and its aftermath, according to Reuters.

The government announced on Friday that more than half a million petty criminals will be pardoned in honor of the enthronement. The Justice Ministry said the pardons will be granted because the occasion marks “an opportunity for the citizens of Japan to cleanse their spirit and start anew,” reports the Times.

This Tuesday is a public holiday in Japan.

Who is the new emperor?

Kōtaishi Naruhito Shinnō was born February 23, 1960. He is the oldest son of the former Emperor Akihito.

Emperor Naruhito grew up in Tokyo’s Imperial Palace with this siblings and parents.

He is the first Japanese royal to study overseas. After earning a history degree at Gakushuin University, where he wrote a thesis on medieval water transport, he spent two years at Merton College, Oxford. The book he wrote chronicling his time there, The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford, was re-issued in English this year.

Prince Naruhito’s hobbies include mountain climbing, jogging, tennis, skiing and playing the viola, according to the Associated Press.

What role do Japan’s monarchs play?

Japan is believed to have the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world.

Historically, the emperor was viewed as an almost divine being, believed to be descended from the Shinto deity Amaterasu, but the emperor’s role became largely symbolic after World War II. The country’s post-war constitution, primarily U.S. drafted, stripped Japan’s emperor of real political power and re-defined his role as a “symbol of the state and of the unity of the people.”

Today, the Japanese emperor has become a ceremonial and unifying figure, similar to monarchs in the United Kingdom, Norway and Spain.

The emperor is an important symbol for Japanese people. “The emperor is the means by which the Japanese define the national identity, what it means to be Japanese,” Ken Ruoff, professor of history and director of the Center for Japanese Studies at Portland State University tells TIME.

Ruoff says “Each emperor puts his stamp on his particular reign, and Naruhito will do that.”

Read More: Five Things to Know About the Modern Japanese Monarchy

Family affairs

Naruhito’s wife is a Harvard and Oxford-educated former diplomat named Masako Owada. Empress Masako is expected to take part in Tuesday’s ceremony.

The pair married in 1993, and the Empress has reportedly struggled to adjust to the pressures of royal life and battled stress-related illnesses, according to Reuters.

Naruhito has often jumped to his wife’s defense. “He is fiercely protective of his wife who has endured media bashing over her health issues,” Jeffrey Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University Japan, tells TIME.

In 2004, the Emperor surprised the country when he openly criticized the Imperial Household Agency, the government agency responsible for managing the royals’ lives, for their role in his wife’s health issues. The then-princess “has worked hard to adapt to the environment of the Imperial Household for the past 10 years, but from what I can see, I think she has completely exhausted herself trying to do so,” Naruhito said, according to the Japan Times.

The couple has one daughter, 17-year-old Princess Aiko. Although there has been much debate on changing the country’s succession laws, currently only males in Japan’s imperial family can take the throne. Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Prince Akishino, is next in line, and Akishino’s young son is second-in-line to take over.

via Blogger https://ift.tt/2W0ta4C

[itsfinancethings]

Princes Charles, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro are all in Tokyo this week, as foreign figureheads and royals from across the globe flock to Japan to watch Emperor Naruhito formally declare his enthronement on Tuesday.

The former Crown Prince took over the role on May 1, the day after his father, 85-year-old former-Emperor Akihito, abdicated the throne citing health concerns. Japan’s monarchs are expected to serve until death, but parliament passed special legislation to allow Akihito to step down. He was the first emperor to step down in more than 200 years.

Although Emperor Naruhito has been acting as emperor for almost six months, his ascension is not official until he completes a series of rituals, including Tuesday’s traditional enthronement ceremony.

Here’s what to know about this week’s celebrations.

What’s happening on Tuesday?

The main event will be held at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace on Tuesday when the Emperor will ascend the Takamikura throne, which stands more than 20 feet high. Clad in a dark orange robe, worn by emperors only on special occasions, Naruhito will declare his enthronement in a short speech, according to the Japan Times. Empress Masako, his wife, will be seated in an adjacent throne.

Important imperial regalia, like an ancient sword and a jewel will be brought to the ceremony.

Following the Emperor’s speech, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will offer congratulations, and lead guests in three cheers wishing longevity to the new emperor.

Approximately 2,000 people are expected to join the ceremony. Guests including King Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan are expected to attend, reports the Japan Times.

A royal parade — in which the Emperor and Empress will drive through the streets of Tokyo in a convertible — has been postponed until November due to Typhoon Hagibis, which hit Japan this month. More than 70 people were killed by the storm and its aftermath, according to Reuters.

The government announced on Friday that more than half a million petty criminals will be pardoned in honor of the enthronement. The Justice Ministry said the pardons will be granted because the occasion marks “an opportunity for the citizens of Japan to cleanse their spirit and start anew,” reports the Times.

This Tuesday is a public holiday in Japan.

Who is the new emperor?

Kōtaishi Naruhito Shinnō was born February 23, 1960. He is the oldest son of the former Emperor Akihito.

Emperor Naruhito grew up in Tokyo’s Imperial Palace with this siblings and parents.

He is the first Japanese royal to study overseas. After earning a history degree at Gakushuin University, where he wrote a thesis on medieval water transport, he spent two years at Merton College, Oxford. The book he wrote chronicling his time there, The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford, was re-issued in English this year.

Prince Naruhito’s hobbies include mountain climbing, jogging, tennis, skiing and playing the viola, according to the Associated Press.

What role do Japan’s monarchs play?

Japan is believed to have the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world.

Historically, the emperor was viewed as an almost divine being, believed to be descended from the Shinto deity Amaterasu, but the emperor’s role became largely symbolic after World War II. The country’s post-war constitution, primarily U.S. drafted, stripped Japan’s emperor of real political power and re-defined his role as a “symbol of the state and of the unity of the people.”

Today, the Japanese emperor has become a ceremonial and unifying figure, similar to monarchs in the United Kingdom, Norway and Spain.

The emperor is an important symbol for Japanese people. “The emperor is the means by which the Japanese define the national identity, what it means to be Japanese,” Ken Ruoff, professor of history and director of the Center for Japanese Studies at Portland State University tells TIME.

Ruoff says “Each emperor puts his stamp on his particular reign, and Naruhito will do that.”

Read More: Five Things to Know About the Modern Japanese Monarchy

Family affairs

Naruhito’s wife is a Harvard and Oxford-educated former diplomat named Masako Owada. Empress Masako is expected to take part in Tuesday’s ceremony.

The pair married in 1993, and the Empress has reportedly struggled to adjust to the pressures of royal life and battled stress-related illnesses, according to Reuters.

Naruhito has often jumped to his wife’s defense. “He is fiercely protective of his wife who has endured media bashing over her health issues,” Jeffrey Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University Japan, tells TIME.

In 2004, the Emperor surprised the country when he openly criticized the Imperial Household Agency, the government agency responsible for managing the royals’ lives, for their role in his wife’s health issues. The then-princess “has worked hard to adapt to the environment of the Imperial Household for the past 10 years, but from what I can see, I think she has completely exhausted herself trying to do so,” Naruhito said, according to the Japan Times.

The couple has one daughter, 17-year-old Princess Aiko. Although there has been much debate on changing the country’s succession laws, currently only males in Japan’s imperial family can take the throne. Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Prince Akishino, is next in line, and Akishino’s young son is second-in-line to take over.

[swipestream]

The Second Sweep: Hard Theology, Shonen Manga, and Superscience

Criticism (Brian Niemeier) – Nonetheless, I can sympathize with the rocket scientists, engineers, and network admins who groan at authorial violations of physical laws. That’s because I contend that the single most hamhandedly misrepresented and abused science in all of fiction is mine, the queen and mistress of all sciences, theology.

Now, hard SF usually provides a respite from the relentless drumbeat of theological illiteracy pervading the rest of pop culture, if only because hard SF tends to studiously ignore theological questions. The worst you get is a Big Men with Screwdrivers Meet Scooby-Doo story like Star Trek V.

When any other genre deals with theology or a related discipline like ecclesiology, soteriology, pneumatology, etc., it subjects your local theologian to a trial of Christian patience.

Science Fiction (John C. Wright) – The basic limit of Hard SF is the writer cannot violate no known facts of science: Venus is a sulferic hell with a temperature to melt lead, for example, and if the daughter of a monarch of Mars is going to look like a nubile maiden from Europe or India, except with bright red skin, there had bettter be some explanation involving parallel evolution or mutual interplanetary ancestors.

Now, working within these limits is fun, and it is fun to do research and get all the details of travel times and distances to nearby stars correct, or to make sure that what you are saying about higher mathematics or exotic matter properties or Einsteinian frame-dragging effects of rotating black holes is correct according to the latest theory.

But it is also fun to write about a nubile space princess being saved from an evil dinosaur of Venus.

Anime (J. D. Cowan) – We talk a lot about forgotten traditions and warped ones, but how about those still holding the line? You would be surprised just how well following a formula that works could hold tight for so long but as those in Generation Y know, Japan had managed it for an absurdly long time. Nowhere is this more obvious than in their most popular export: the shonen story.

In March a milestone was hit for two of Japan’s most popular magazines. While much was made about Weekly Shonen Jump reaching its 50th year of creating hits in 2018, this year marks the 60th anniversary for both Weekly Shonen Magazine and Weekly Shonen Sunday. It is hard to imagine from our perspective how a tradition could go for so long. These magazines started well after their format had all but went extinct overseas and yet they are still going to this day and running series that continue to get exposure all over the world. If you know Japanese entertainment then you know at least some of them.

Gaming (SEGA) – The Total War franchise pays homage to Predator with the latest Total War: Warhammer II DLC trailer.

Awards (The Emperor’s Notepad) – Commenting on my last post, where I gave a harsh beating to the previous Hugo short story finalist, Alexandru Constantin mentioned that he “can’t get past the stupid titles.” Yes, I have thought about that too, and it’s a common issue with these award-worthy stories or those that give off some kind of literary aspiration: they usually have humongous titles. It’s like they are trying to compensate for something, or perhaps it’s a way to mark the story as one of their own. It reminds me of that amusing observation about the length of a country’s official names correlating with how undemocratic it is (e.g., People’s Democratic Republic of Something or Other.)

Pulp (Hollywood in Toto) – Even if you’ve never read any of Leigh Brackett’s stories, or if the name sounds unfamiliar, you probably know her work.

Try “The Big Sleep” for Bogart fans, “Hatari” and “Rio Bravo” for John Wayne addicts and “The Empire Strikes Back” for everyone else.

Brackett’s career spanned several decades as a screenwriter, but to the science fiction crowd (George Lucas included), she was the Queen of Space Opera.

Brackett began making a name for herself in the pulp magazines of the ’40s. While you might sometimes hear these days that Brackett skated as a woman in a men’s field with her “masculine sounding name,” it was common knowledge among scifi readers that Brackett was a woman.

Criticism (Misha Burnett) – Superscienceis something that is impossible in our world, but which follows definite and consistent rules within the story. Superpowers in comic books, the abilities of vampires and werewolves, magic spells in urban fantasy series like The Dresden Files and The Rivers Of London, warp drives and phasers in Star Trek.

Superscience can be a lot of fun. Writers often construct scenarios where one superscience power is pitted against another one, or a hero must use his ability creatively to solve a problem. These are the kinds of plot elements that make for great late night drunken conversations at cons. Could the Hulk beat a sandworm? What would happen if Rogue from X-Men touched Sylar from Heroes? Could a Dalek become a vampire? (Exsanguinate! Exsanguinate! Exsanguinate!)

And while Superscience is often defined as (small m) magic in the story world, it is really just a variant form of technology in terms of how it works in the plot.

Amazon Woes (John Van Stry) – So, once again Amazon screws up at the end of March, deleting all new releases for a sizeable number of Authors. My last two books are now gone and there’s no way to get them back until Amazon figures out how to restore a backup.

  The Second Sweep: Hard Theology, Shonen Manga, and Superscience published first on https://medium.com/@ReloadedPCGames

[newstfionline]

Infinite War: The Gravy Train Rolls On

By Andrew J. Bacevich, TomDispatch, June 8, 2018

“The United States of Amnesia.” That’s what Gore Vidal once called us. We remember what we find it convenient to remember and forget everything else. That forgetfulness especially applies to the history of others. How could their past, way back when, have any meaning for us today? Well, it just might. Take the European conflagration of 1914-1918, for example.

You may not have noticed. There’s no reason why you should have, fixated as we all are on the daily torrent of presidential tweets. But let me note for the record that the centenary of the conflict once known as The Great War is well underway and before the present year ends will have concluded.

Indeed, a hundred years ago this month, the 1918 German Spring Offensive--codenamed Operation Michael--was sputtering to an unsuccessful conclusion. A last desperate German gamble, aimed at shattering Allied defenses and gaining a decisive victory, had fallen short. In early August of that year, with large numbers of our own doughboys now on the front lines, a massive Allied counteroffensive was to commence, continuing until the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, when an armistice finally took effect and the guns fell silent.

In the years that followed, Americans demoted The Great War. It became World War I, vaguely related to but overshadowed by the debacle next in line, known as World War II. Today, the average citizen knows little about that earlier conflict other than that it preceded and somehow paved the way for an even more brutal bloodletting. Also, on both occasions, the bad guys spoke German.

So, among Americans, the war of 1914-1918 became a neglected stepsister of sorts, perhaps in part because the United States only got around to suiting up for that conflict about halfway through the fourth quarter. With the war of 1939-1945 having been sacralized as the moment when the Greatest Generation saved humankind, the war-formerly-known-as-The-Great-War collects dust in the bottom drawer of American collective consciousness.

From time to time, some politician or newspaper columnist will resurrect the file labeled “August 1914,” the grim opening weeks of that war, and sound off about the dangers of sleepwalking into a devastating conflict that nobody wants or understands.

Yet a different aspect of World War I may possess even greater relevance to the American present. I’m thinking of its duration: the longer it lasted, the less sense it made. But on it went, impervious to human control like the sequence of Biblical plagues that God had inflicted on the ancient Egyptians.

So the relevant question for our present American moment is this: once it becomes apparent that a war is a mistake, why would those in power insist on its perpetuation, regardless of costs and consequences? In short, when getting in turns out to have been a bad idea, why is getting out so difficult, even (or especially) for powerful nations that presumably should be capable of exercising choice on such matters? Or more bluntly, how did the people in charge during The Great War get away with inflicting such extraordinary damage on the nations and peoples for which they were responsible?

For those countries that endured World War I from start to finish--especially Great Britain, France, and Germany--specific circumstances provided their leaders with an excuse for suppressing second thoughts about the cataclysm they had touched off.

Among them were:

* mostly compliant civilian populations deeply loyal to some version of King and Country, further kept in line by unremitting propaganda that minimized dissent;

* draconian discipline--deserters and malingerers faced firing squads--that maintained order in the ranks (most of the time) despite the unprecedented scope of the slaughter;

* the comprehensive industrialization of war, which ensured a seemingly endless supply of the weaponry, munitions, and other equipment necessary for outfitting mass conscript armies and replenishing losses as they occurred.

Economists would no doubt add sunk costs to the mix. With so much treasure already squandered and so many lives already lost, the urge to press on a bit longer in hopes of salvaging at least some meager benefit in return for what (and who) had been done in was difficult to resist.

Even so, none of these, nor any combination of them, can adequately explain why, in the midst of an unspeakable orgy of self-destruction, with staggering losses and nations in ruin, not one monarch or president or premier had the wit or gumption to declare: Enough! Stop this madness!

Instead, the politicians sat on their hands while actual authority devolved onto the likes of British Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, French Marshals Ferdinand Foch and Philippe Petain, and German commanders Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff. In other words, to solve a conundrum they themselves had created, the politicians of the warring states all deferred to their warrior chieftains. For their part, the opposing warriors jointly subscribed to a perverted inversion of strategy best summarized by Ludendorff as “punch a hole [in the front] and let the rest follow.” And so the conflict dragged on and on.

Put simply, in Europe, a hundred years ago, war had become politically purposeless. Yet the leaders of the world’s principal powers--including, by 1917, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson--could conceive of no alternative but to try harder, even as the seat of Western civilization became a charnel house.

Only one leader bucked the trend: Vladimir Lenin. In March 1918, soon after seizing power in Russia, Lenin took that country out of the war. In doing so, he reasserted the primacy of politics and restored the possibility of strategy. Lenin had his priorities straight. Nothing in his estimation took precedence over ensuring the survival of the Bolshevik Revolution. Liquidating the war against Germany therefore became an imperative.

Allow me to suggest that the United States should consider taking a page out of Lenin’s playbook. Granted, prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, such a suggestion might have smacked of treason. Today, however, in the midst of our never-ending efforts to expunge terrorism, we might look to Lenin for guidance on how to get our priorities straight.

As was the case with Great Britain, France, and Germany a century ago, the United States now finds itself mired in a senseless war. Back then, political leaders in London, Paris, and Berlin had abrogated control of basic policy to warrior chieftains. Today, ostensibly responsible political leaders in Washington have done likewise. Some of those latter-day American warrior chieftains who gather in the White House or testify on Capitol Hill may wear suits rather than uniforms, but all remain enamored with the twenty-first-century equivalent of Ludendorff’s notorious dictum.

Of course, our post-9/11 military enterprise--the undertaking once known as the Global War on Terrorism--differs from The Great War in myriad ways. The ongoing hostilities in which U.S. forces are involved in various parts of the Islamic world do not qualify, even metaphorically, as “great.” Nor will there be anything great about an armed conflict with Iran, should members of the current administration get their apparent wish to provoke one.

Today, Washington need not even bother to propagandize the public into supporting its war. By and large, members of the public are indifferent to its very existence. And given our reliance on a professional military, shooting citizen-soldiers who want to opt out of the fight is no longer required.

There are also obvious differences in scale, particularly when it comes to the total number of casualties involved. Cumulative deaths from the various U.S. interventions, large and small, undertaken since 9/11, number in the hundreds of thousands. The precise tally of those lost during the European debacle of 1914-1918 will never be known, but the total probably surpassed 13 million.

Even so, similarities between the Great War as it unspooled and our own not-in-the-least-great war(s) deserve consideration. Today, as then, strategy--that is, the principled use of power to achieve the larger interests of the state--has ceased to exist. Indeed, war has become an excuse for ignoring the absence of strategy.

For years now, U.S. military officers and at least some national security aficionados have referred to ongoing military hostilities as “the Long War.” To describe our conglomeration of spreading conflicts as “long” obviates any need to suggest when or under what circumstances (if any) they might actually end. It’s like the meteorologist forecasting a “long winter” or the betrothed telling his or her beloved that theirs will be a “long engagement.” The implicit vagueness is not especially encouraging.

Some high-ranking officers of late have offered a more forthright explanation of what “long” may really mean. In the Washington Post, the journalist Greg Jaffe recently reported that “winning for much of the U.S. military’s top brass has come to be synonymous with staying put.” Winning, according to Air Force General Mike Holmes, is simply “not losing. It’s staying in the game.”

Not so long ago, America’s armed forces adhered to a concept called victory, which implied conclusive, expeditious, and economical mission accomplished. No more. Victory, it turns out, is too tough to achieve, too restrictive, or, in the words of Army Lieutenant General Michael Lundy, “too absolute.” The United States military now grades itself instead on a curve. As Lundy puts it, “winning is more of a continuum,” an approach that allows you to claim mission accomplishment without, you know, actually accomplishing anything.

It’s like soccer for six-year-olds. Everyone tries hard so everyone gets a trophy. Regardless of outcomes, no one goes home feeling bad. In the U.S. military’s case, every general gets a medal (or, more likely, a chest full of them).

“These days,” in the Pentagon, Jaffe writes, “senior officers talk about ‘infinite war.’”

I would like to believe that Jaffe is pulling our leg. But given that he’s a conscientious reporter with excellent sources, I fear he knows what he’s talking about. If he’s right, as far as the top brass are concerned, the Long War has now officially gone beyond long. It has been deemed endless and is accepted as such by those who preside over its conduct.

In truth, infinite war is a strategic abomination, an admission of professional military bankruptcy. Erster General-Quartiermeister Ludendorff might have endorsed the term, but Ludendorff was a military fanatic.

Check that. Infinite war is a strategic abomination except for arms merchants, so-called defense contractors, and the “emergency men” (and women) devoted to climbing the greasy pole of what we choose to call the national security establishment. In other words, candor obliges us to acknowledge that, in some quarters, infinite war is a pure positive, carrying with it a promise of yet more profits, promotions, and opportunities to come. War keeps the gravy train rolling. And, of course, that’s part of the problem.

Who should we hold accountable for this abomination? Not the generals, in my view. If they come across as a dutiful yet unimaginative lot, remember that a lifetime of military service rarely nurtures imagination or creativity. And let us at least credit our generals with this: in their efforts to liberate or democratize or pacify or dominate the Greater Middle East they have tried every military tactic and technique imaginable. Short of nuclear annihilation, they’ve played just about every card in the Pentagon’s deck--without coming up with a winning hand. So they come and go at regular intervals, each new commander promising success and departing after a couple years to make way for someone else to give it a try.

No, it’s not the generals who have let us down, but the politicians to whom they supposedly report and from whom they nominally take their orders. Of course, under the heading of politician, we quickly come to our current commander-in-chief. Yet it would be manifestly unfair to blame President Trump for the mess he inherited, even if he is presently engaged in making matters worse.

The failure is a collective one, to which several presidents and both political parties have contributed over the years. Although the carnage may not be as horrific today as it was on the European battlefields on the Western and Eastern Fronts, members of our political class are failing us as strikingly and repeatedly as the political leaders of Great Britain, France, and Germany failed their peoples back then.

Congressional midterm elections are just months away and another presidential election already looms. Who will be the political leader with the courage and presence of mind to declare: “Enough! Stop this madness!” Man or woman, straight or gay, black, brown, or white, that person will deserve the nation’s gratitude and the support of the electorate.

Until that occurs, however, the American penchant for war will stretch on toward infinity. No doubt Saudi and Israeli leaders will cheer, Europeans who remember their Great War will scratch their heads in wonder, and the Chinese will laugh themselves silly. Meanwhile, issues of genuinely strategic importance--climate change offers one obvious example--will continue to be treated like an afterthought. As for the gravy train, it will roll on.

[benrleeusa]

[David Kopel] The American Indian foundation of American gun culture

Firearms Specialist Richard Vasquez is surrounded by a cache of firearms in the gun vault at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Tracing Center in Martinsburg, W.Va., in 2010. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

This essay is based in part on Nicholas J. Johnson, David B. Kopel, George A. Mocsary & Michael P. O’Shea, “Firearms Law and the Second Amendment: Regulation, Rights, and Policy,” 2nd edition (Aspen Pub. 2017).

It is widely agreed that the United States has an exceptional gun culture. Although Great Britain is America’s “mother country,” the two nations have very different arms cultures. Why so? Historically, two reasons were especially important in the early colonial period:

1. The practical differences between conditions in America and in Great Britain. 2. The influence of American Indians.

What today is called “American gun culture” is founded on American Indian arms culture. The convergence of Europeans and American Indians produced a new, hybrid arms culture. Although that culture has changed over the centuries, we can still find in 21st century arms culture the influence of the Anglo-Indian convergence along the 17th century Atlantic seaboard.

The English

Let’s start with the English immigrants, who began settling in Virginia in 1607 and in New England in the 1620s.

In England, there was no written, express guarantee of a right to arms until 1689, when Parliament enacted the English Bill of Rights. In America, arms rights were recognized in the Virginia Charter of 1606 and by the New England Charter of 1620. Geographically, the two charters covered all the future English colonies in what would become the United States of America. According to the charters, the colonists had the perpetual right to import arms, ammunition and other goods for their “Defence or otherwise.”

The Virginians and New Englanders also had an express guarantee of the right to use their arms at ‘‘all times forever hereafter, for their several Defences,’’ to “encounter, expulse, repel and resist’’ anyone who attempted ‘‘the Hurt, Detriment, or Annoyance of the said several Colonies or Plantations.’’ In practice, the colonists’ right of self-defense against invaders and criminals would need to be exercised through the collective action of the colonists, there being no British army anywhere near.

As history turned out, the willingness of Americans to be subjects of the British crown ended when the crown began violating its guarantees of American arms rights. The American Revolution began when Americans used their firearms to resist house-to-house gun and powder confiscation at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. The attempted confiscation was part of a royal plan to disarm America, set in motion by King George III’s October 1774 embargo on the shipment of firearms and gunpowder to America. (By that point, Americans considered their arms rights to have been guaranteed by the 1689 Bill of Rights, because the 1606 and 1620 charters had long since been replaced.)

Although Anglo-Americans of the early 17th century had a right to arms, the arms proficiency of those first immigrants was usually poor. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the English had been the greatest longbowmen in the world. But English archery had long since decayed.

Likewise, the quality of the English militia was uneven, at best. The despotic Stuart kings ruled England from 1603 to 1688. They were terrified of popular revolution and worked hard to disarm most of the population. Even under Queen Elizabeth I (who reigned from 1558 to 1603), militia training and practice were often desultory.

In the early 17th century, many English militia arms were centrally stored rather than kept at home. There were muster days, when a community would have to demonstrate that it had arms for its militia. But practice days were fewer. When trained, English militia were taught to fire in the general direction of the enemy rather than taking an aimed shot.

For European battles, this was no problem. Because armies fought in tightly packed formations, aiming at a particular target was unnecessary.

In Great Britain, there was little opportunity for commoners lawfully to develop hunting skills. In the British Isles in the 17th century, hunting was very strictly regulated by the bewilderingly complex Game Laws. These laws even differentiated the rules of hare-hunting from rabbit-hunting.

In general, anyone could kill “vermin” — which to the English meant rats, otters and certain other animals. For everything else, hunting was allowed only for persons of a certain socioeconomic level. In the 14th century, most middle-class people were allowed to hunt. But in the 17th century (when America was being colonized), the Stuart monarchs in England tried to impose much tighter restrictions.

To the extent that the English did try to hunt with firearms, their firearms were ill-suited for the job. In England and the rest of Europe in the early 17th century, the predominant firearm was the matchlock. It was ignited by lowering a slow-burning cord into a pan of gunpowder. To keep the matchlock ready to fire on a moment’s notice, the cord had to be kept burning.  A hunter could hardly have the element of surprise if he were approaching while carrying something that was burning. Until nearly the end of the 17th century, matchlocks were the predominant militia and army firearms in England.

Matchlocks were adequate for European warfare. Battles were generally known in advance. When lines of soldiers fired in each others’ general direction, no one was trying to be concealed.

But conditions in North America demanded a change. First of all, the early settlers had a greater need to hunt for survival. This is one reason that Anglo-Americans — far sooner than the English still in England — shifted from matchlocks to flintlocks. The flintlock’s ignition is much simpler than a matchlock’s: When the flintlock user pulls the trigger, a piece of flint is struck against a piece of steel, producing a shower of sparks that ignite the gunpowder. So a flintlock could be kept permanently loaded and always ready to fire in an instant. In ready mode, it does not reveal the user’s location. The flintlock was more reliable in damp or windy conditions. It was also simpler and faster to reload than a matchlock. It had obvious superiority for hunting in the forests of North America. Captain Myles Standish, an early leader of the Plymouth Colony, was America’s first famous flintlock user. A flintlock was three times more expensive than a matchlock, and in America, the extra price was well worth it.

Unlike England, America had no class-based hunting restrictions. The presumption was that everyone could hunt. Whatever restrictions might be imposed would apply to everyone equally.

An example of a neutral law was the Plymouth Colony’s statute against firing a gun after sunset. This was because when there was an emergency (e.g., an Indian attack), guns would be fired to raise the alarm. (That was how Paul Revere’s news that “The British are coming” was broadcast beyond the sound of his voice, on the night of April 18, 1775.) So Plymouth said that target practice, hunting and so on should be conducted in daylight and not when they might create a false alarm. An exception to the sundown law allowed shooting a wolf.

Since the days of Henry VIII, England had various laws that restricted firearms ownership by economic class — particularly, a minimum income level for handgun ownership. Although these laws were widely evaded in England, there is no evidence (as far as I know) of any attempt to impose or enforce such laws in America. (Race-based laws against arms possession by enslaved Africans and Indians, and occasionally against free blacks, did exist in some 17th century American colonies, and became more common in the 18th and 19th centuries, in the South).

In short, the conditions of settlement began to create a divergence between English arms culture and the emerging American arms culture: written rights, wide-open hunting, and an early transition to better guns that could fire reliably and rapidly.

The trans-Atlantic divergence was greatly accelerated by the example and influence of the Indians.

The Indians

American Indians got nearly all of their protein from hunting. Although the Anglo-Americans (English in America) did hunt, they were not as dependent on hunting because the Anglo-Americans had cattle-raising and Atlantic fishing as fairly reliable protein sources.

Not surprisingly, the Indians were highly proficient with bows (as the English had been long before). They could shoot accurately at moving targets and could shoot while moving.

Indian warfare was very different from European warfare. Whereas European battles were usually known in advance to both sides, Indians fought primarily with surprise attacks and small-scale raids. The European infantryman was trained to be an automaton, absolutely obedient to his officers; he had to stay standing in line, reloading his matchlock, while lines of enemy soldiers fired at him. The Indians, however, extolled individual valor in combat. In battle, each man was his own commander.

So for European warfare of the 17th century, mass, unthinking, unaimed fire was the correct doctrine. But for Indian warfare in the dense woods near the Atlantic seaboard, individual marksmanship and initiative were essential.

The Anglo-Indian Encounter

In the Western Hemisphere, just as in the Eastern Hemisphere, the control of territory was based on right of conquest. Whoever could take and hold territory by force of arms could keep that territory as long as they could defend it. To be sure, the various groups in both hemispheres made treaties and alliances, and often managed to resolve territorial disputes without resorting to force. But when push came to shove, possession was at least 9/10th of the law and possession was based on armed victory. None of this changed when Europeans began arriving in America. Indian territories, such as the lands of the Powhatan Confederation in Virginia, that had been conquered from  other Indians came under pressure from the Europeans. Warfare was endemic, with many shifting alliances between various colonies and various tribes.

Trade was also endemic. The Anglo-Americans had plenty of high-quality trade goods. For Indians, the most desired of these were firearms, right from the start of the early days in Virginia. (See Frederick Fausz’s “Fighting ‘Fire’ with Firearms: The Anglo-Powhatan Arms Race in Early Virginia.”)

Desire for the best European guns, the flintlocks, compelled Indians to develop a sophisticated and large-scale trade economy, according to Patrick A. Malone in “The Skulking Way of War: Technology and Tactics Among the New England Indians.” Eventually, the Indian fur trade economy would bring fur pelts from the trans-Mississippi, through a network of tribes, to Euro-American traders near the Atlantic seaboard. Whereas European colonists in some other parts of the world could get away with selling primitive firearms, the Indians quickly became sophisticated arms consumers, knowing and demanding quality.

The Anglo-Americans faced a dilemma in their Indian trade. On the one hand, firearms sales were often a sine qua non for trade relations with any tribe of unconquered friendly Indians. On the other hand, the colonists were desperate to keep firearms out of the hands of hostile Indians. The colonists enacted many laws to attempt to control the Indian arms trade, but they were exercises in futility. To the limited extent that the laws deterred Anglo-Americans from selling arms to the Indians, Indians could acquire arms from trade networks linked to New Netherland (Delaware to Albany) or New France (Canada down to New Orleans, via the Mississippi River). Indian wars continued until the late 19th century, and nobody’s policies, including those of the U.S. government, managed to prevent Indians from acquiring arms. (See David J. Silverman’s “Thundersticks: Firearms and Violent Transformation of Native America.”)

Especially in frontier regions, many colonists lived in a state of constant peril from Indian raids. Even when there were formal treaty relations with the most proximate Indians, the Indians might change their minds and launch a surprise attack. For example, Virginia was nearly wiped out by the Powhatan in the Second Anglo-Powhatan War, which began in 1622.

To defend families and communities, the colonists were on their own. The general 17th century model of Spanish and French colonialism centered on trade outposts run by the central government in Europe and protected by that government’s standing army and navy. The English approach, though, was usually to grant a charter to a joint stock company or to a proprietor, to create some basic rules for colonial governance and relations with the mother country, and mostly  to leave the colonists to fend for themselves. The English policy reduced the central government’s burden of expense for the colonies and forced the colonists to provide for their own defense.

Accordingly, most colonies enacted strict laws to instill and foster a firearms culture. This required changing the habits of some of the immigrants from Europe, most of whom came from places with much weaker arms cultures.

Of course the colonial laws included mandatory participation in the militia by able-bodied males and mandatory personal arms ownership for such participation. That part of the story is well-known. But the colonial laws went further.

Many laws required firearms ownership by any head of a household, even if the head were not militia-eligible (e.g., the head of the household was a woman or an old man.) Heads of households had to ensure that there was at least one firearm for every male in the household age 16 or over. This included free servants and indentured servants. Some colonies required that when a male indentured servant completed his term of service, his “freedom dues” (goods given by the master, so that the former servant could live independently) had to include a firearm.

To encourage settlement, the Carolina colony (today, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) induced immigration by offering immigrants freehold land ownership, along with strong guarantees of religious liberty. To receive the land grant, an immigrant had to bring six months worth of provisions to take care of his family while his farm was being cleared and cultivated. Also required: ‘‘provided always, that every man be armed with a good musket full bore, 10 pounds powder and 20 pounds of bullet.’’ (See “A Brief Description of the Province of Carolina” (London 1666), a pamphlet by proprietors encouraging immigration, reprinted in “9 English Historical Documents: American Colonial Documents to 1776,” David C. Douglas gen. ed., Merrill Jensen ed., 1955).

The Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered parents to arrange for arms training for all their children aged 10 or above, both boys and girls. Conscientious objectors were exempt.

Arms carrying was often mandatory for travel outside of towns and for attendance at large public events, particularly church services. Then, as now, unarmed church services were favorite targets for attack, because there would be lots of people gathered in a small space.

So one effect of the Anglo-Indian encounter was to foster a culture of widespread household gun ownership and widespread arms carrying. This was very different from conditions back in England, where the government was certainly not ordering people to always carry guns to the weekly (and mandatory) Church of England services.

Today, when we think of the ideal armed American, we think of a person ready to act responsibly without waiting for orders from above. He or she doesn’t stand in place, but instead can move and can engage mobile threats. Another aspect of the ideal is what one writer calls “the cult of accuracy.” (See Alexander Rose’s “American Rifle: A Biography”.) Such accuracy can include slow fire from a difficult distance — perhaps an arrow against a bison many yards away — or a Chris Kyle sniper shot from 600 yards. Rose traces the origins of the cult of accuracy to the popularity of the Pennsylvania-Kentucky rifle, which was first produced in the early 18th century by German and Swiss immigrants near Lancaster, Pa. They modified the traditional rifles of central Europe to meet American conditions and produced an astonishingly accurate, lightweight rifle perfectly suited for dense forests of the American colonies.

Yet the first Americans to participate in the cult of accuracy weren’t the 18th-century hunters of Kentucky. They were Indians of the previous century, who quickly transferred their traditional bow and arrow skills to the newfangled flintlocks.

Two volunteer units proved exceptionally able at finding and engaging King Philip’s very mobile warriors. Benjamin Church’s volunteers were 70 percent Indian. Moseley’s rangers were all from the social periphery: apprentices, servants, prisoners and Indians. Even when the volunteer units could not catch King Philip’s forces, they kept up a fast pursuit, so that the camps of King Philip and his allies had to be abandoned quickly. Stores of food, ammunition, gunpowder and other supplies had to be left behind. The war of attrition gradually deprived the Wampanoag and their allies of supplies and destroyed their morale, leading eventually to surrender.

Not until the New Englanders learned to fight like Indians could they defeat the Indians.

Colonial Massachusetts never repeated its error from the first phase of King Philip’s War. Thereafter, military responsibility within the colony was more equally shared. To the extent that armies for extended operations could be raised by paying well for volunteers, they were. As the English militia theorists (e.g., James Harrington, “The Commonwealth of Oceana,” 1656)  had predicted, a genuine people’s militia served the people. ‘‘A survey of Massachusetts records reveals no instance in which the colony’s rulers attempted to employ the militia as a police force, as a tax collector, or as an instrument of social control.’’ (See Timothy Breen, “Persistent Localism: English Social Change and the Shaping of New England Institutions,” 32 Wm. & Mary Q. 3d ser. 3, 23 (1975).)

A wider view of the history of American arms culture

American legal history of the right to arms has always paid attention to English legal history, especially the 1689 English Bill of Rights. Sometimes, efforts have been made to draw one-to-one comparisons, to assume that English law and practice about the right to arms must have been fully transposed to America. To the contrary, Anglo-American arms culture began diverging from English arms culture starting in 1606 and continuing ever since. The different environmental conditions in America were one cause; another was the distance from London and the necessity that the colonists take care of themselves. Accomplishing the opposite of what the despotic Stuart monarchs were attempting to impose on England, the Anglo-Americans developed a culture of near-universal armament, with a preference for guns that were more reliable, easier to conceal, faster to shoot, and quicker to reload.

The American colonists of the 17th century moved away from the European model that civic virtue in use of firearms meant standing in line, blindly obeying your social superiors and shooting with minimal skill a gun you didn’t even own. The American model was responsible individual initiative, widespread personal ownership of high-quality arms and proficient accuracy. The divergence between English and American arms ideals was a cause and an effect of similar divergences in social and political life, including a broader electoral franchise and less rigid class distinctions in America compared with England.

The colonists’ new arms culture was profoundly influenced by Indian arms culture, which the colonists imitated in many respects. Perhaps this weekend you may practice precise riflery on a 200-yard range. Or you may take a defensive handgun class that trains you to make quick individual decisions under pressure. Whether or not you like American arms culture, you shouldn’t think of it as something that was brought across the Atlantic Ocean by European immigrants. It’s true that those immigrants brought the firearms. Yet those firearms were quickly integrated into an arms culture that had already existed in America for centuries and that would eventually become the arms culture of American of all races. That was the arms culture founded by the first Americans, the American Indians.

[nancyedimick]

The American Indian foundation of American gun culture

Firearms Specialist Richard Vasquez is surrounded by a cache of firearms in the gun vault at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Tracing Center in Martinsburg, W.Va., in 2010. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

This essay is based in part on Nicholas J. Johnson, David B. Kopel, George A. Mocsary & Michael P. O’Shea, “Firearms Law and the Second Amendment: Regulation, Rights, and Policy,” 2nd edition (Aspen Pub. 2017).

It is widely agreed that the United States has an exceptional gun culture. Although Great Britain is America’s “mother country,” the two nations have very different arms cultures. Why so? Historically, two reasons were especially important in the early colonial period:

1. The practical differences between conditions in America and in Great Britain. 2. The influence of American Indians.

What today is called “American gun culture” is founded on American Indian arms culture. The convergence of Europeans and American Indians produced a new, hybrid arms culture. Although that culture has changed over the centuries, we can still find in 21st century arms culture the influence of the Anglo-Indian convergence along the 17th century Atlantic seaboard.

The English

Let’s start with the English immigrants, who began settling in Virginia in 1607 and in New England in the 1620s.

In England, there was no written, express guarantee of a right to arms until 1689, when Parliament enacted the English Bill of Rights. In America, arms rights were recognized in the Virginia Charter of 1606 and by the New England Charter of 1620. Geographically, the two charters covered all the future English colonies in what would become the United States of America. According to the charters, the colonists had the perpetual right to import arms, ammunition and other goods for their “Defence or otherwise.”

The Virginians and New Englanders also had an express guarantee of the right to use their arms at ‘‘all times forever hereafter, for their several Defences,’’ to “encounter, expulse, repel and resist’’ anyone who attempted ‘‘the Hurt, Detriment, or Annoyance of the said several Colonies or Plantations.’’ In practice, the colonists’ right of self-defense against invaders and criminals would need to be exercised through the collective action of the colonists, there being no British army anywhere near.

As history turned out, the willingness of Americans to be subjects of the British crown ended when the crown began violating its guarantees of American arms rights. The American Revolution began when Americans used their firearms to resist house-to-house gun and powder confiscation at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. The attempted confiscation was part of a royal plan to disarm America, set in motion by King George III’s October 1774 embargo on the shipment of firearms and gunpowder to America. (By that point, Americans considered their arms rights to have been guaranteed by the 1689 Bill of Rights, because the 1606 and 1620 charters had long since been replaced.)

Although Anglo-Americans of the early 17th century had a right to arms, the arms proficiency of those first immigrants was usually poor. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the English had been the greatest longbowmen in the world. But English archery had long since decayed.

Likewise, the quality of the English militia was uneven, at best. The despotic Stuart kings ruled England from 1603 to 1688. They were terrified of popular revolution and worked hard to disarm most of the population. Even under Queen Elizabeth I (who reigned from 1558 to 1603), militia training and practice were often desultory.

In the early 17th century, many English militia arms were centrally stored rather than kept at home. There were muster days, when a community would have to demonstrate that it had arms for its militia. But practice days were fewer. When trained, English militia were taught to fire in the general direction of the enemy rather than taking an aimed shot.

For European battles, this was no problem. Because armies fought in tightly packed formations, aiming at a particular target was unnecessary.

In Great Britain, there was little opportunity for commoners lawfully to develop hunting skills. In the British Isles in the 17th century, hunting was very strictly regulated by the bewilderingly complex Game Laws. These laws even differentiated the rules of hare-hunting from rabbit-hunting.

In general, anyone could kill “vermin” — which to the English meant rats, otters and certain other animals. For everything else, hunting was allowed only for persons of a certain socioeconomic level. In the 14th century, most middle-class people were allowed to hunt. But in the 17th century (when America was being colonized), the Stuart monarchs in England tried to impose much tighter restrictions.

To the extent that the English did try to hunt with firearms, their firearms were ill-suited for the job. In England and the rest of Europe in the early 17th century, the predominant firearm was the matchlock. It was ignited by lowering a slow-burning cord into a pan of gunpowder. To keep the matchlock ready to fire on a moment’s notice, the cord had to be kept burning.  A hunter could hardly have the element of surprise if he were approaching while carrying something that was burning. Until nearly the end of the 17th century, matchlocks were the predominant militia and army firearms in England.

Matchlocks were adequate for European warfare. Battles were generally known in advance. When lines of soldiers fired in each others’ general direction, no one was trying to be concealed.

But conditions in North America demanded a change. First of all, the early settlers had a greater need to hunt for survival. This is one reason that Anglo-Americans — far sooner than the English still in England — shifted from matchlocks to flintlocks. The flintlock’s ignition is much simpler than a matchlock’s: When the flintlock user pulls the trigger, a piece of flint is struck against a piece of steel, producing a shower of sparks that ignite the gunpowder. So a flintlock could be kept permanently loaded and always ready to fire in an instant. In ready mode, it does not reveal the user’s location. The flintlock was more reliable in damp or windy conditions. It was also simpler and faster to reload than a matchlock. It had obvious superiority for hunting in the forests of North America. Captain Myles Standish, an early leader of the Plymouth Colony, was America’s first famous flintlock user. A flintlock was three times more expensive than a matchlock, and in America, the extra price was well worth it.

Unlike England, America had no class-based hunting restrictions. The presumption was that everyone could hunt. Whatever restrictions might be imposed would apply to everyone equally.

An example of a neutral law was the Plymouth Colony’s statute against firing a gun after sunset. This was because when there was an emergency (e.g., an Indian attack), guns would be fired to raise the alarm. (That was how Paul Revere’s news that “The British are coming” was broadcast beyond the sound of his voice, on the night of April 18, 1775.) So Plymouth said that target practice, hunting and so on should be conducted in daylight and not when they might create a false alarm. An exception to the sundown law allowed shooting a wolf.

Since the days of Henry VIII, England had various laws that restricted firearms ownership by economic class — particularly, a minimum income level for handgun ownership. Although these laws were widely evaded in England, there is no evidence (as far as I know) of any attempt to impose or enforce such laws in America. (Race-based laws against arms possession by enslaved Africans and Indians, and occasionally against free blacks, did exist in some 17th century American colonies, and became more common in the 18th and 19th centuries, in the South).

In short, the conditions of settlement began to create a divergence between English arms culture and the emerging American arms culture: written rights, wide-open hunting, and an early transition to better guns that could fire reliably and rapidly.

The trans-Atlantic divergence was greatly accelerated by the example and influence of the Indians.

The Indians

American Indians got nearly all of their protein from hunting. Although the Anglo-Americans (English in America) did hunt, they were not as dependent on hunting because the Anglo-Americans had cattle-raising and Atlantic fishing as fairly reliable protein sources.

Not surprisingly, the Indians were highly proficient with bows (as the English had been long before). They could shoot accurately at moving targets and could shoot while moving.

Indian warfare was very different from European warfare. Whereas European battles were usually known in advance to both sides, Indians fought primarily with surprise attacks and small-scale raids. The European infantryman was trained to be an automaton, absolutely obedient to his officers; he had to stay standing in line, reloading his matchlock, while lines of enemy soldiers fired at him. The Indians, however, extolled individual valor in combat. In battle, each man was his own commander.

So for European warfare of the 17th century, mass, unthinking, unaimed fire was the correct doctrine. But for Indian warfare in the dense woods near the Atlantic seaboard, individual marksmanship and initiative were essential.

The Anglo-Indian Encounter

In the Western Hemisphere, just as in the Eastern Hemisphere, the control of territory was based on right of conquest. Whoever could take and hold territory by force of arms could keep that territory as long as they could defend it. To be sure, the various groups in both hemispheres made treaties and alliances, and often managed to resolve territorial disputes without resorting to force. But when push came to shove, possession was at least 9/10th of the law and possession was based on armed victory. None of this changed when Europeans began arriving in America. Indian territories, such as the lands of the Powhatan Confederation in Virginia, that had been conquered from  other Indians came under pressure from the Europeans. Warfare was endemic, with many shifting alliances between various colonies and various tribes.

Trade was also endemic. The Anglo-Americans had plenty of high-quality trade goods. For Indians, the most desired of these were firearms, right from the start of the early days in Virginia. (See Frederick Fausz’s “Fighting ‘Fire’ with Firearms: The Anglo-Powhatan Arms Race in Early Virginia.”)

Desire for the best European guns, the flintlocks, compelled Indians to develop a sophisticated and large-scale trade economy, according to Patrick A. Malone in “The Skulking Way of War: Technology and Tactics Among the New England Indians.” Eventually, the Indian fur trade economy would bring fur pelts from the trans-Mississippi, through a network of tribes, to Euro-American traders near the Atlantic seaboard. Whereas European colonists in some other parts of the world could get away with selling primitive firearms, the Indians quickly became sophisticated arms consumers, knowing and demanding quality.

The Anglo-Americans faced a dilemma in their Indian trade. On the one hand, firearms sales were often a sine qua non for trade relations with any tribe of unconquered friendly Indians. On the other hand, the colonists were desperate to keep firearms out of the hands of hostile Indians. The colonists enacted many laws to attempt to control the Indian arms trade, but they were exercises in futility. To the limited extent that the laws deterred Anglo-Americans from selling arms to the Indians, Indians could acquire arms from trade networks linked to New Netherland (Delaware to Albany) or New France (Canada down to New Orleans, via the Mississippi River). Indian wars continued until the late 19th century, and nobody’s policies, including those of the U.S. government, managed to prevent Indians from acquiring arms. (See David J. Silverman’s “Thundersticks: Firearms and Violent Transformation of Native America.”)

Especially in frontier regions, many colonists lived in a state of constant peril from Indian raids. Even when there were formal treaty relations with the most proximate Indians, the Indians might change their minds and launch a surprise attack. For example, Virginia was nearly wiped out by the Powhatan in the Second Anglo-Powhatan War, which began in 1622.

To defend families and communities, the colonists were on their own. The general 17th century model of Spanish and French colonialism centered on trade outposts run by the central government in Europe and protected by that government’s standing army and navy. The English approach, though, was usually to grant a charter to a joint stock company or to a proprietor, to create some basic rules for colonial governance and relations with the mother country, and mostly  to leave the colonists to fend for themselves. The English policy reduced the central government’s burden of expense for the colonies and forced the colonists to provide for their own defense.

Accordingly, most colonies enacted strict laws to instill and foster a firearms culture. This required changing the habits of some of the immigrants from Europe, most of whom came from places with much weaker arms cultures.

Of course the colonial laws included mandatory participation in the militia by able-bodied males and mandatory personal arms ownership for such participation. That part of the story is well-known. But the colonial laws went further.

Many laws required firearms ownership by any head of a household, even if the head were not militia-eligible (e.g., the head of the household was a woman or an old man.) Heads of households had to ensure that there was at least one firearm for every male in the household age 16 or over. This included free servants and indentured servants. Some colonies required that when a male indentured servant completed his term of service, his “freedom dues” (goods given by the master, so that the former servant could live independently) had to include a firearm.

To encourage settlement, the Carolina colony (today, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) induced immigration by offering immigrants freehold land ownership, along with strong guarantees of religious liberty. To receive the land grant, an immigrant had to bring six months worth of provisions to take care of his family while his farm was being cleared and cultivated. Also required: ‘‘provided always, that every man be armed with a good musket full bore, 10 pounds powder and 20 pounds of bullet.’’ (See “A Brief Description of the Province of Carolina” (London 1666), a pamphlet by proprietors encouraging immigration, reprinted in “9 English Historical Documents: American Colonial Documents to 1776,” David C. Douglas gen. ed., Merrill Jensen ed., 1955).

The Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered parents to arrange for arms training for all their children aged 10 or above, both boys and girls. Conscientious objectors were exempt.

Arms carrying was often mandatory for travel outside of towns and for attendance at large public events, particularly church services. Then, as now, unarmed church services were favorite targets for attack, because there would be lots of people gathered in a small space.

So one effect of the Anglo-Indian encounter was to foster a culture of widespread household gun ownership and widespread arms carrying. This was very different from conditions back in England, where the government was certainly not ordering people to always carry guns to the weekly (and mandatory) Church of England services.

Today, when we think of the ideal armed American, we think of a person ready to act responsibly without waiting for orders from above. He or she doesn’t stand in place, but instead can move and can engage mobile threats. Another aspect of the ideal is what one writer calls “the cult of accuracy.” (See Alexander Rose’s “American Rifle: A Biography”.) Such accuracy can include slow fire from a difficult distance — perhaps an arrow against a bison many yards away — or a Chris Kyle sniper shot from 600 yards. Rose traces the origins of the cult of accuracy to the popularity of the Pennsylvania-Kentucky rifle, which was first produced in the early 18th century by German and Swiss immigrants near Lancaster, Pa. They modified the traditional rifles of central Europe to meet American conditions and produced an astonishingly accurate, lightweight rifle perfectly suited for dense forests of the American colonies.

Yet the first Americans to participate in the cult of accuracy weren’t the 18th-century hunters of Kentucky. They were Indians of the previous century, who quickly transferred their traditional bow and arrow skills to the newfangled flintlocks.

Two volunteer units proved exceptionally able at finding and engaging King Philip’s very mobile warriors. Benjamin Church’s volunteers were 70 percent Indian. Moseley’s rangers were all from the social periphery: apprentices, servants, prisoners and Indians. Even when the volunteer units could not catch King Philip’s forces, they kept up a fast pursuit, so that the camps of King Philip and his allies had to be abandoned quickly. Stores of food, ammunition, gunpowder and other supplies had to be left behind. The war of attrition gradually deprived the Wampanoag and their allies of supplies and destroyed their morale, leading eventually to surrender.

Not until the New Englanders learned to fight like Indians could they defeat the Indians.

Colonial Massachusetts never repeated its error from the first phase of King Philip’s War. Thereafter, military responsibility within the colony was more equally shared. To the extent that armies for extended operations could be raised by paying well for volunteers, they were. As the English militia theorists (e.g., James Harrington, “The Commonwealth of Oceana,” 1656)  had predicted, a genuine people’s militia served the people. ‘‘A survey of Massachusetts records reveals no instance in which the colony’s rulers attempted to employ the militia as a police force, as a tax collector, or as an instrument of social control.’’ (See Timothy Breen, “Persistent Localism: English Social Change and the Shaping of New England Institutions,” 32 Wm. & Mary Q. 3d ser. 3, 23 (1975).)

A wider view of the history of American arms culture

American legal history of the right to arms has always paid attention to English legal history, especially the 1689 English Bill of Rights. Sometimes, efforts have been made to draw one-to-one comparisons, to assume that English law and practice about the right to arms must have been fully transposed to America. To the contrary, Anglo-American arms culture began diverging from English arms culture starting in 1606 and continuing ever since. The different environmental conditions in America were one cause; another was the distance from London and the necessity that the colonists take care of themselves. Accomplishing the opposite of what the despotic Stuart monarchs were attempting to impose on England, the Anglo-Americans developed a culture of near-universal armament, with a preference for guns that were more reliable, easier to conceal, faster to shoot, and quicker to reload.

The American colonists of the 17th century moved away from the European model that civic virtue in use of firearms meant standing in line, blindly obeying your social superiors and shooting with minimal skill a gun you didn’t even own. The American model was responsible individual initiative, widespread personal ownership of high-quality arms and proficient accuracy. The divergence between English and American arms ideals was a cause and an effect of similar divergences in social and political life, including a broader electoral franchise and less rigid class distinctions in America compared with England.

The colonists’ new arms culture was profoundly influenced by Indian arms culture, which the colonists imitated in many respects. Perhaps this weekend you may practice precise riflery on a 200-yard range. Or you may take a defensive handgun class that trains you to make quick individual decisions under pressure. Whether or not you like American arms culture, you shouldn’t think of it as something that was brought across the Atlantic Ocean by European immigrants. It’s true that those immigrants brought the firearms. Yet those firearms were quickly integrated into an arms culture that had already existed in America for centuries and that would eventually become the arms culture of American of all races. That was the arms culture founded by the first Americans, the American Indians.

Originally Found On: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2017/11/21/the-american-indian-foundation-of-american-gun-culture/

[wolfandpravato]

The American Indian foundation of American gun culture

Firearms Specialist Richard Vasquez is surrounded by a cache of firearms in the gun vault at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Tracing Center in Martinsburg, W.Va., in 2010. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

This essay is based in part on Nicholas J. Johnson, David B. Kopel, George A. Mocsary & Michael P. O’Shea, “Firearms Law and the Second Amendment: Regulation, Rights, and Policy,” 2nd edition (Aspen Pub. 2017).

It is widely agreed that the United States has an exceptional gun culture. Although Great Britain is America’s “mother country,” the two nations have very different arms cultures. Why so? Historically, two reasons were especially important in the early colonial period:

1. The practical differences between conditions in America and in Great Britain. 2. The influence of American Indians.

What today is called “American gun culture” is founded on American Indian arms culture. The convergence of Europeans and American Indians produced a new, hybrid arms culture. Although that culture has changed over the centuries, we can still find in 21st century arms culture the influence of the Anglo-Indian convergence along the 17th century Atlantic seaboard.

The English

Let’s start with the English immigrants, who began settling in Virginia in 1607 and in New England in the 1620s.

In England, there was no written, express guarantee of a right to arms until 1689, when Parliament enacted the English Bill of Rights. In America, arms rights were recognized in the Virginia Charter of 1606 and by the New England Charter of 1620. Geographically, the two charters covered all the future English colonies in what would become the United States of America. According to the charters, the colonists had the perpetual right to import arms, ammunition and other goods for their “Defence or otherwise.”

The Virginians and New Englanders also had an express guarantee of the right to use their arms at ‘‘all times forever hereafter, for their several Defences,’’ to “encounter, expulse, repel and resist’’ anyone who attempted ‘‘the Hurt, Detriment, or Annoyance of the said several Colonies or Plantations.’’ In practice, the colonists’ right of self-defense against invaders and criminals would need to be exercised through the collective action of the colonists, there being no British army anywhere near.

As history turned out, the willingness of Americans to be subjects of the British crown ended when the crown began violating its guarantees of American arms rights. The American Revolution began when Americans used their firearms to resist house-to-house gun and powder confiscation at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. The attempted confiscation was part of a royal plan to disarm America, set in motion by King George III’s October 1774 embargo on the shipment of firearms and gunpowder to America. (By that point, Americans considered their arms rights to have been guaranteed by the 1689 Bill of Rights, because the 1606 and 1620 charters had long since been replaced.)

Although Anglo-Americans of the early 17th century had a right to arms, the arms proficiency of those first immigrants was usually poor. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the English had been the greatest longbowmen in the world. But English archery had long since decayed.

Likewise, the quality of the English militia was uneven, at best. The despotic Stuart kings ruled England from 1603 to 1688. They were terrified of popular revolution and worked hard to disarm most of the population. Even under Queen Elizabeth I (who reigned from 1558 to 1603), militia training and practice were often desultory.

In the early 17th century, many English militia arms were centrally stored rather than kept at home. There were muster days, when a community would have to demonstrate that it had arms for its militia. But practice days were fewer. When trained, English militia were taught to fire in the general direction of the enemy rather than taking an aimed shot.

For European battles, this was no problem. Because armies fought in tightly packed formations, aiming at a particular target was unnecessary.

In Great Britain, there was little opportunity for commoners lawfully to develop hunting skills. In the British Isles in the 17th century, hunting was very strictly regulated by the bewilderingly complex Game Laws. These laws even differentiated the rules of hare-hunting from rabbit-hunting.

In general, anyone could kill “vermin” — which to the English meant rats, otters and certain other animals. For everything else, hunting was allowed only for persons of a certain socioeconomic level. In the 14th century, most middle-class people were allowed to hunt. But in the 17th century (when America was being colonized), the Stuart monarchs in England tried to impose much tighter restrictions.

To the extent that the English did try to hunt with firearms, their firearms were ill-suited for the job. In England and the rest of Europe in the early 17th century, the predominant firearm was the matchlock. It was ignited by lowering a slow-burning cord into a pan of gunpowder. To keep the matchlock ready to fire on a moment’s notice, the cord had to be kept burning.  A hunter could hardly have the element of surprise if he were approaching while carrying something that was burning. Until nearly the end of the 17th century, matchlocks were the predominant militia and army firearms in England.

Matchlocks were adequate for European warfare. Battles were generally known in advance. When lines of soldiers fired in each others’ general direction, no one was trying to be concealed.

But conditions in North America demanded a change. First of all, the early settlers had a greater need to hunt for survival. This is one reason that Anglo-Americans — far sooner than the English still in England — shifted from matchlocks to flintlocks. The flintlock’s ignition is much simpler than a matchlock’s: When the flintlock user pulls the trigger, a piece of flint is struck against a piece of steel, producing a shower of sparks that ignite the gunpowder. So a flintlock could be kept permanently loaded and always ready to fire in an instant. In ready mode, it does not reveal the user’s location. The flintlock was more reliable in damp or windy conditions. It was also simpler and faster to reload than a matchlock. It had obvious superiority for hunting in the forests of North America. Captain Myles Standish, an early leader of the Plymouth Colony, was America’s first famous flintlock user. A flintlock was three times more expensive than a matchlock, and in America, the extra price was well worth it.

Unlike England, America had no class-based hunting restrictions. The presumption was that everyone could hunt. Whatever restrictions might be imposed would apply to everyone equally.

An example of a neutral law was the Plymouth Colony’s statute against firing a gun after sunset. This was because when there was an emergency (e.g., an Indian attack), guns would be fired to raise the alarm. (That was how Paul Revere’s news that “The British are coming” was broadcast beyond the sound of his voice, on the night of April 18, 1775.) So Plymouth said that target practice, hunting and so on should be conducted in daylight and not when they might create a false alarm. An exception to the sundown law allowed shooting a wolf.

Since the days of Henry VIII, England had various laws that restricted firearms ownership by economic class — particularly, a minimum income level for handgun ownership. Although these laws were widely evaded in England, there is no evidence (as far as I know) of any attempt to impose or enforce such laws in America. (Race-based laws against arms possession by enslaved Africans and Indians, and occasionally against free blacks, did exist in some 17th century American colonies, and became more common in the 18th and 19th centuries, in the South).

In short, the conditions of settlement began to create a divergence between English arms culture and the emerging American arms culture: written rights, wide-open hunting, and an early transition to better guns that could fire reliably and rapidly.

The trans-Atlantic divergence was greatly accelerated by the example and influence of the Indians.

The Indians

American Indians got nearly all of their protein from hunting. Although the Anglo-Americans (English in America) did hunt, they were not as dependent on hunting because the Anglo-Americans had cattle-raising and Atlantic fishing as fairly reliable protein sources.

Not surprisingly, the Indians were highly proficient with bows (as the English had been long before). They could shoot accurately at moving targets and could shoot while moving.

Indian warfare was very different from European warfare. Whereas European battles were usually known in advance to both sides, Indians fought primarily with surprise attacks and small-scale raids. The European infantryman was trained to be an automaton, absolutely obedient to his officers; he had to stay standing in line, reloading his matchlock, while lines of enemy soldiers fired at him. The Indians, however, extolled individual valor in combat. In battle, each man was his own commander.

So for European warfare of the 17th century, mass, unthinking, unaimed fire was the correct doctrine. But for Indian warfare in the dense woods near the Atlantic seaboard, individual marksmanship and initiative were essential.

The Anglo-Indian Encounter

In the Western Hemisphere, just as in the Eastern Hemisphere, the control of territory was based on right of conquest. Whoever could take and hold territory by force of arms could keep that territory as long as they could defend it. To be sure, the various groups in both hemispheres made treaties and alliances, and often managed to resolve territorial disputes without resorting to force. But when push came to shove, possession was at least 9/10th of the law and possession was based on armed victory. None of this changed when Europeans began arriving in America. Indian territories, such as the lands of the Powhatan Confederation in Virginia, that had been conquered from  other Indians came under pressure from the Europeans. Warfare was endemic, with many shifting alliances between various colonies and various tribes.

Trade was also endemic. The Anglo-Americans had plenty of high-quality trade goods. For Indians, the most desired of these were firearms, right from the start of the early days in Virginia. (See Frederick Fausz’s “Fighting ‘Fire’ with Firearms: The Anglo-Powhatan Arms Race in Early Virginia.”)

Desire for the best European guns, the flintlocks, compelled Indians to develop a sophisticated and large-scale trade economy, according to Patrick A. Malone in “The Skulking Way of War: Technology and Tactics Among the New England Indians.” Eventually, the Indian fur trade economy would bring fur pelts from the trans-Mississippi, through a network of tribes, to Euro-American traders near the Atlantic seaboard. Whereas European colonists in some other parts of the world could get away with selling primitive firearms, the Indians quickly became sophisticated arms consumers, knowing and demanding quality.

The Anglo-Americans faced a dilemma in their Indian trade. On the one hand, firearms sales were often a sine qua non for trade relations with any tribe of unconquered friendly Indians. On the other hand, the colonists were desperate to keep firearms out of the hands of hostile Indians. The colonists enacted many laws to attempt to control the Indian arms trade, but they were exercises in futility. To the limited extent that the laws deterred Anglo-Americans from selling arms to the Indians, Indians could acquire arms from trade networks linked to New Netherland (Delaware to Albany) or New France (Canada down to New Orleans, via the Mississippi River). Indian wars continued until the late 19th century, and nobody’s policies, including those of the U.S. government, managed to prevent Indians from acquiring arms. (See David J. Silverman’s “Thundersticks: Firearms and Violent Transformation of Native America.”)

Especially in frontier regions, many colonists lived in a state of constant peril from Indian raids. Even when there were formal treaty relations with the most proximate Indians, the Indians might change their minds and launch a surprise attack. For example, Virginia was nearly wiped out by the Powhatan in the Second Anglo-Powhatan War, which began in 1622.

To defend families and communities, the colonists were on their own. The general 17th century model of Spanish and French colonialism centered on trade outposts run by the central government in Europe and protected by that government’s standing army and navy. The English approach, though, was usually to grant a charter to a joint stock company or to a proprietor, to create some basic rules for colonial governance and relations with the mother country, and mostly  to leave the colonists to fend for themselves. The English policy reduced the central government’s burden of expense for the colonies and forced the colonists to provide for their own defense.

Accordingly, most colonies enacted strict laws to instill and foster a firearms culture. This required changing the habits of some of the immigrants from Europe, most of whom came from places with much weaker arms cultures.

Of course the colonial laws included mandatory participation in the militia by able-bodied males and mandatory personal arms ownership for such participation. That part of the story is well-known. But the colonial laws went further.

Many laws required firearms ownership by any head of a household, even if the head were not militia-eligible (e.g., the head of the household was a woman or an old man.) Heads of households had to ensure that there was at least one firearm for every male in the household age 16 or over. This included free servants and indentured servants. Some colonies required that when a male indentured servant completed his term of service, his “freedom dues” (goods given by the master, so that the former servant could live independently) had to include a firearm.

To encourage settlement, the Carolina colony (today, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) induced immigration by offering immigrants freehold land ownership, along with strong guarantees of religious liberty. To receive the land grant, an immigrant had to bring six months worth of provisions to take care of his family while his farm was being cleared and cultivated. Also required: ‘‘provided always, that every man be armed with a good musket full bore, 10 pounds powder and 20 pounds of bullet.’’ (See “A Brief Description of the Province of Carolina” (London 1666), a pamphlet by proprietors encouraging immigration, reprinted in “9 English Historical Documents: American Colonial Documents to 1776,” David C. Douglas gen. ed., Merrill Jensen ed., 1955).

The Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered parents to arrange for arms training for all their children aged 10 or above, both boys and girls. Conscientious objectors were exempt.

Arms carrying was often mandatory for travel outside of towns and for attendance at large public events, particularly church services. Then, as now, unarmed church services were favorite targets for attack, because there would be lots of people gathered in a small space.

So one effect of the Anglo-Indian encounter was to foster a culture of widespread household gun ownership and widespread arms carrying. This was very different from conditions back in England, where the government was certainly not ordering people to always carry guns to the weekly (and mandatory) Church of England services.

Today, when we think of the ideal armed American, we think of a person ready to act responsibly without waiting for orders from above. He or she doesn’t stand in place, but instead can move and can engage mobile threats. Another aspect of the ideal is what one writer calls “the cult of accuracy.” (See Alexander Rose’s “American Rifle: A Biography”.) Such accuracy can include slow fire from a difficult distance — perhaps an arrow against a bison many yards away — or a Chris Kyle sniper shot from 600 yards. Rose traces the origins of the cult of accuracy to the popularity of the Pennsylvania-Kentucky rifle, which was first produced in the early 18th century by German and Swiss immigrants near Lancaster, Pa. They modified the traditional rifles of central Europe to meet American conditions and produced an astonishingly accurate, lightweight rifle perfectly suited for dense forests of the American colonies.

Yet the first Americans to participate in the cult of accuracy weren’t the 18th-century hunters of Kentucky. They were Indians of the previous century, who quickly transferred their traditional bow and arrow skills to the newfangled flintlocks.

Two volunteer units proved exceptionally able at finding and engaging King Philip’s very mobile warriors. Benjamin Church’s volunteers were 70 percent Indian. Moseley’s rangers were all from the social periphery: apprentices, servants, prisoners and Indians. Even when the volunteer units could not catch King Philip’s forces, they kept up a fast pursuit, so that the camps of King Philip and his allies had to be abandoned quickly. Stores of food, ammunition, gunpowder and other supplies had to be left behind. The war of attrition gradually deprived the Wampanoag and their allies of supplies and destroyed their morale, leading eventually to surrender.

Not until the New Englanders learned to fight like Indians could they defeat the Indians.

Colonial Massachusetts never repeated its error from the first phase of King Philip’s War. Thereafter, military responsibility within the colony was more equally shared. To the extent that armies for extended operations could be raised by paying well for volunteers, they were. As the English militia theorists (e.g., James Harrington, “The Commonwealth of Oceana,” 1656)  had predicted, a genuine people’s militia served the people. ‘‘A survey of Massachusetts records reveals no instance in which the colony’s rulers attempted to employ the militia as a police force, as a tax collector, or as an instrument of social control.’’ (See Timothy Breen, “Persistent Localism: English Social Change and the Shaping of New England Institutions,” 32 Wm. & Mary Q. 3d ser. 3, 23 (1975).)

A wider view of the history of American arms culture

American legal history of the right to arms has always paid attention to English legal history, especially the 1689 English Bill of Rights. Sometimes, efforts have been made to draw one-to-one comparisons, to assume that English law and practice about the right to arms must have been fully transposed to America. To the contrary, Anglo-American arms culture began diverging from English arms culture starting in 1606 and continuing ever since. The different environmental conditions in America were one cause; another was the distance from London and the necessity that the colonists take care of themselves. Accomplishing the opposite of what the despotic Stuart monarchs were attempting to impose on England, the Anglo-Americans developed a culture of near-universal armament, with a preference for guns that were more reliable, easier to conceal, faster to shoot, and quicker to reload.

The American colonists of the 17th century moved away from the European model that civic virtue in use of firearms meant standing in line, blindly obeying your social superiors and shooting with minimal skill a gun you didn’t even own. The American model was responsible individual initiative, widespread personal ownership of high-quality arms and proficient accuracy. The divergence between English and American arms ideals was a cause and an effect of similar divergences in social and political life, including a broader electoral franchise and less rigid class distinctions in America compared with England.

The colonists’ new arms culture was profoundly influenced by Indian arms culture, which the colonists imitated in many respects. Perhaps this weekend you may practice precise riflery on a 200-yard range. Or you may take a defensive handgun class that trains you to make quick individual decisions under pressure. Whether or not you like American arms culture, you shouldn’t think of it as something that was brought across the Atlantic Ocean by European immigrants. It’s true that those immigrants brought the firearms. Yet those firearms were quickly integrated into an arms culture that had already existed in America for centuries and that would eventually become the arms culture of American of all races. That was the arms culture founded by the first Americans, the American Indians.

Originally Found On: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2017/11/21/the-american-indian-foundation-of-american-gun-culture/