#Red Salmon Complex

[shun-ie]

₍⁠₍⁠ ⁠◝ look of jealousy (mafuyu sato)

content : amab!reader, jealous!mafuyu, slight teasing, hickeys, biting, eating out, short rim job, unintentional orgasm denial, lmk if i missed any

[not proofread]

m.list !

the crowd screams as l/n y/n walks by the barrier that separated him from the fans. he poses for some cameras, holds some of the hands that were reaching out, and even letting them press half-heart hands on his cheeks. some of his band mates did the same in other areas.

he walks by his boyfriend, sato mafuyu and his group of friends. he smiles brightly and reaches over the barrier and pinches his cheeks, muttering a 'cute' before stepping away and continuing with his interactions.

mafuyu blushes lightly and smiles, watching y/n share a fist bump with the bassist and ascend up the stairs with the rest of the band. the drummer raises the mic to his lips while the others get into position, adjusting their instruments.

"this is dedicated to our dear fans . . ."

mafuyu's focus on his boyfriend drones out anything the drummer said. y/n catches a plushie that resembles a cute puppy and kisses it on the head before throwing it backstage toward a staff member, who caught it and placed it with other gifts from their fans.

l/n y/n is the band's guitarist and vocalist. mafuyu and him bumped into each other many times, before he sparked a one-sided conversation with the salmon haired fellow. their friendship started when mafuyu started responding to him.

a steady beat of drumming started, then sped up into a more complex one. the piano, electric guitar, and bass accompanied the beats, mixing into a more full rhythm.

mafuyu's eyes drift towards his boyfriend's fingers, fiddling and strumming at the strings skillfully before they ended up on his lips, mouthing words that went over his head.

uenoyama chuckles, seeing mafuyu stare at y/n so intensely, "easy there, you'll see him after this." he pats the shorter man's shoulder. "no need to stare so hard."

a blush blooms on mafuyu's cheeks as he averts his wandering eyes. "i'm not staring . . ." he quietly denies, returning his gaze on his laughing boyfriend, jumping up and down on stage. "i'm just admiring."

his friend shrugs and starts a conversation with kaji and nakayama. mafuyu takes his eyes off of y/n once, taking his phone out and typing out a message to send to said man, completely missing a moment that would go viral later on.

"i missed you so much," y/n mumbles into mafuyu's neck, hugging him tightly. "you so cute in my brown sweater," he pecks his cheek lovingly and pats his head softly.

mafuyu leans into the touch and buries his face deeper into y/n's hoodie. he mutters something inaudible, tightening his arms around his boyfriend, who tilted his head to the side in question.

"what's wrong bun?" y/n tries to pull away, only for mafuyu to press against him harder. he laughs it off and runs a hand down his back, feeling his spine under brown sweater. "you're so cute, it makes me want to bite you."

another muffled response leaves mafuyu, making y/n forcefully pull his boyfriend away. "what did you say just now?"

mafuyu tries to close their distance, prompting y/n to back up. the salmon haired male whines, trying to get closer. "no, what did you say bub?"

mafuyu huffs, mumbling under his breath. y/n leans in closer, straining his ears to hear what his boyfriend was saying. "what?"

"then bite me," mafuyu loudly proclaims. he clamps a hand over his mouth in shock. y/n blinks, huffing a laugh.

"is that what you really want?" he asks, bringing the flush male towards his chest, embracing him and swaying side to side. "you don't have to be embarrassed about it "

mafuyu plants his face in y/n's neck, bringing him down by the neck. "it is embarrassing . . ."

pants fill the living room as the t.v drones in the background. mafuyu sits prettily on y/n's lap as said male kisses up and down his pale neck. his flesh is decorated in saliva, red spots, and teeth marks.

mafuyu struggles to keep his eyes on his phone, his lids lulling shut from the tickles of pleasure on his sensitive neck. just as he was about to succumb into the teasing, his phone dings.

uenoyama :

your boyfriend's viral man @mafuyu

uenoyama :

[link]

kaji :

lmao you only saw that now?

kaji :

it's been all over the internet since the concert

mafuyu : what are you guys talking about?

mafuyu bites down on his lip as he clicks on the link his friend sent. the screen loads and a shun-gram (pfft-) reel pops up. in the video, y/n walks into screen, yelling into the mic. he then catches the eye of the original poster and looks them up and down with a smirk, as if checking them out, before walking away. the caption says, 'OML I SWEAR HE WAS ABOUT TO JUMP ME!'

he reads the caption and watches the reel over and over, a frown pulling down on his features. y/n notices his demeanor and slips his hands under mafuyu's sweater, tracing light circles around his flat tummy, "bubs, what's wrong?"

mafuyu simply gives him a view of his phone, a familiar emotion boiling in his body. he felt it twice before. once in a date, the second when they went to buy something from the convenience store.

y/n lightly chuckles, observing mafuyu's face after watching the reel. he lightly pecks his lips. "are you jealous?"

a pout forms on mafuyu's lips, he turns away and puts his phone on the coffee table. he feels y/n kiss his nape before laughing. "it's not funny."

"it kinda is. i wasn't looking at them," y/n grabs hold of mafuyu's chin and turns his head softly to look at him. "i was looking at you."

mafuyu turns pink and stands up. embarrassment fills him as he recalls the moment exactly. when he was typing out a message, he caught a glimpse of y/n's face. how could he forget such a teasing look. a look reserved only for him. he stares at a cackling y/n. "stop laughing."

y/n wipes a tear away and leans into mafuyu's stomach. he lays his cheek on the softness and wraps his arms around his boyfriend's hips. "you're so cute when you're jealous."

the t.v. hums them into a comforting atmosphere, the pitter patter of the rain against the windows brought a sense of nostalgia to their first date in the same exact living room. a movie marathon and sleep over.

mafuyu runs his fingers through y/n's hair, the pink in his cheeks slightly disappearing. "it's not cute . . . it feels bad to feel jealous about something like this. it's fan service."

"but that kind of fan service is only for you. i wouldn't go as far as checking someone out when you're right here. perfect for me," y/n says with a small smile. his words were genuine, they always were. mafuyu eased up and returned his smile.

y/n stuffs his face into his boyfriend's tummy and the latter yelps, flinching from the slight pain that bloomed in his lower abdominal region. "babe?" he rakes his fingers through y/n's hair, "that hurt."

"'m sorry," y/n mumbles out, looking up through his lashes. "you're just too cute, makes me want to eat you."

mafuyu pushes y/n off of him and snickers. he shakes his head and grabs his phone, going on the food delivery app. "well, i'm hungry. i'm craving pizza and milkshake."

y/n sighs, laying on the couch limply, "i'll eat whatever you want bub. just make sure it's chocolate milkshake." mafuyu nods, placing in their order. he puts his phone back down on the coffee table and sits beside his boyfriend's legs.

a few seconds of silence went by before y/n spoke again, "can i eat you out while we wait?"

"hng . . ." mafuyu lets out, hugging a pillow to his bare chest, staring up at the ceiling. y/n hums away, pressing his tongue against mafuyu's rim, licking and kissing, coating it with his saliva.

the salmon haired male fists at the pillow, flinching from the growing pleasure that shot up his body, leaving his mind in a hazy state.

y/n feels a hand pull him closer by the hair, his head being squashed in between milky thighs. he hears a muffled, 'm-more please'.

his hands squeezed at the flesh of mafuyu's thighs, leaving red handprints as he lapped at his puckered hole, tracing it with the tip of his tongue, before pressing his muscle flat against it and dragging it in long strips.

he could feel mafuyu's thighs shaking, closing him in more. he could feel his sweatpants constricting his aching member. he could hear every sound of music that left his boyfriend's tainted lips mixing with the series of sounds from the t.v they were supposed to be watching.

everything in the living room turned hot.

mafuyu didn't know what to grab as he let out a cry, his back arching off the couch. y/n slowly worked his tongue past the ring of muscle, feeling the spongy and hot walls.

whimpers entered y/n's ears like a favorite song on repeat, accompanied by occasional moans and words of want. he caressed mafuyu's thighs, comforting him and holding him throughout everything.

mafuyu protests as y/n pulled away, the pleasure he felt all falling into an endless abyss. "why . . ." he catches his breath momentarily and continues, "why did you stop?" his tone edging into a whine.

y/n huffs a laugh, crawling up in between his thighs and stealing a sweet kiss from him. "you didn't hear the doorbell?" he gets up after leaving a peck on mafuyu's cheek, adjusting his sweatpants, showcasing his boner. "as much as i want to keep going, our food awaits right outside the door."

mafuyu pouts to himself, watching as y/n beelined for the front door, cursing under his breath about his boner that doesn't want to calm down.

he hears the door being unlocked and opened, the small exchange of words before y/n came back with two boxes of pizza and their drinks.

y/n puts their food down on the coffee table and laughs at his boyfriend's expression. slowly, he kneels down in front of mafuyu's face and litters it with kisses, ending the attack with a long kiss on the lips that had mafuyu pulling him in more.

"i'll fuck you until tomorrow to make it up to you . . ." y/n offered, gazing at his boyfriend.

[lovelytsunoda]

954 // logan sargeant

summary: florida man fucks shy college girl. or, back home in fort lauderdale y/n’s welcome home party is sabotaged by her race winner brother, and it gives her a bit of a complex. at least her brothers best friend is there to make her feel better about it.

pairing: logan sargeant x female kirkwood! reader

warnings: straight up smut, kyle kirkwood is a lot to handle in large doses (but we love him anyways), feelings of anxiety, minor sibling rivalry, body image issues. i am going to hell, littered with spelling mistakes because of how fast I was typing and pure laziness to go back and fix it

author's note: 954 is the area code for fort lauderdale. and technically kyle kirkwood lives in jupiter, but for the sake of the story let's pretend he's also from lauderdale.

she sat at the edge of the pier, jeans rolled up past her shins as she started off into the horizon, watching the sun dip below the ocean line.

“it’s your party, what are you doing out here alone?”

she rolled her eyes, pulling her feet out of the water before following the voice. “why do you think? kyle hijacked it. I’m back home for less than a day and he’s already stealing the spotlight again.”

that was the way it always went in the kirkwood household: y/n came home from school, and everything was great, and then kyle waltzes in and suddenly everything is about him again.

logan shook his head, settling onto the pier next to her, a gentle hand resting on her thigh. she shrugged it off, anxiously twisting one of the rings on her hand.

“you know he doesn’t do it on purpose, right?” logan soothed “he loves you, and he hates that you feel like this.”

“i know. the inferiority complex is all me.”

“it’s not a complex, and your feelings are valid.”

she shook her head. “everyone tells me i shouldn’t have quit karting. even when it made me hate myself.”

she sighed, laying down on the pier, worn wood scratching at her skin, but not splintering against her baby pink tank top. “what am I doing with my life, logan?”

“hey, look at me.” logan encouraged, fingertips against her chin to angle her face towards him. “you are doing great things. deans list every semester, you’re a great artist and I’d be shocked if firms weren’t lining up to hire you as a litigator.”

“you’re just saying that.” she refused to meet his eyes. logan was kyles best friend, for god sakes. she’d crumble under his stare, his touch.

“but I’m not.” logan insisted, gripping her face now, making her look at him. she needed to know how wonderful she was, and he was going to be the one to tel her. “you are smart and funny and all kinds of wonderful, kirkwood. any guy would be lucky to have you, and anyone else should consider themselves blessed to have you as a friend.”

“you really mean that?”

“why would I lie to you, y/n?”

she barely had time to respond before logans lips were on hers. she was hesitant at first, unsure if logan really knew what he was doing. unsure if he was really kissing her because he wanted to or because he pitied her.

the intrusive thoughts didn’t stay long, however, as she snapped to attention and moved her lips against his, wrapping her body around his.

“jesus.” logan breathed. “those jeans make your ass look incredible. well, your ass always looks incredible, but these jeans are really doing it for me.”

she laughed at how red logan's face was, a shade that looked more salmon under the sunset. the pier was digging into her skin, and she was starting to get uncomfortable, logan's lips along her neck not quite enough to distract from the discomfort of what she was sure would become a splinter if their activities were not relocated.

somehow they made it to her bedroom without being discovered by the partygoers, much less kyle. the fairy lights tacked to her dusty pink walls were the only light in the room as logan backed her up against her bookshelf, securely caging her body against his.

she felt safe in logan's arms. protected.

"i've been crazy about you for years now." logan growled in between kisses. "every night i came over to watch panthers games with your brother, and you were there in those tight little jean shorts, laughing and giggling with your friends. or when i'd stay the night and you'd walk past his bedroom door to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night, your skimpy silk top falling down your shoulder just enough to give me a taste of your gorgeous body. do you know how many times i've jerked off to the thought of you in kyle's bathroom? you're stunning, y/n. don't let anybody tell you otherwise."

her mind was reeling, and she couldn't find the proper words as she tugged at the collar of logan's button down shirt, pressing her lips back to his. logan sargeant was interested in her.

logan saw her for her, not just as kyle kirkwood's baby sister.

clothes were shed, buttons ripped off shirts. her head was spinning, elated and giddy and she couldn't find the words to tell logan how incredible she felt as his large hands squeezed her breasts over the mesh padding of her bralette.

she gasped, logan taking that chance to slip his tongue into her mouth, his fingers grappling for the clasp on her bra.

all at once, reality came crashing back down on her. she pulled away, hands flying up to cover her exposed breasts as the pale fabric tumbled to the hardwood floor.

she wouldn't meet logan's eyes, scared to know what he thought of her naked body. scared to see him stare at her and not know what he was thinking.

his eyes softened, the lust drawing back as concern seeped in to his irises. "y/n, pretty girl, you don't need to hide yourself around me. who made you think that you weren't sexy as all hell? i never want you feel like you have to be shy around me."

he gently gripped her arms, guiding her towards the wall length mirror hanging on the back of the ensuite door. logan stood behind her, lifting her chin so that she would meet his eyes in the mirror. placing his hands over hers, he gently pulled her palms off her breasts, exposing her bare torso to the soft lighting in the room.

"look at you beautiful you are, y/n. i'm serious."

"you're just saying that so you can get your dick wet." even as she said it, she knew it didn't sound like she meant it.

but even still, staring at herself in the mirror, all she could focus on was the way that she looked: the stretch marks on her breasts, the smattering of freckles up her arms (or were they moles, like the two on her back?).

"what will it take to show you how sexy you are, y/n?" logan rasped, undoing the button on her jeans. "should i make you watch yourself as i touch you?"

"yeah." her voice was shaky. "i think you should show me how sexy i am. clearly, i need reminding." where was this sudden boldness coming from?

"that;s my sexy, shy girl." logan cooed, tugging her jeans down her legs, kissing over her ass and down her leg before coming back up, eyes hungry at the sight of the young woman in front of him, panties hiked high on her hips and fairly see through as he slipped a hand over teh fabric and between her legs, teasing at the dampness beginning to form.

she gasped as logan slicked up his fingers, slipping them inside of her in one swift movement, working around the fabric of her cheeky panties. she was breathing hard, biting her bottom lip as she took in the sight in the mirror: logan's fingers flexing in and out of her, arousal running over his pale skin, his face contorted in concentration as he growled down her ear, telling her how tight she felt, and how good she was for him.

her own skin was rosy and flushed, a sheen of sweat beginning ro form as she felt her body heating up. there was something sinful about watching herself in the mirror, finally allowing herself to let loose a moan.

"that's my girl. don't get shy on me now, i want to know that you feel as good as i do." logan groaned, sucking on her neck. "touch me, baby. i know you want to. feel how fucking hard i am for you."

she loosened her grip on logan's wrist, internally grinning at the nail marks that she left behind in his skin before slipping an arm behind her, cupping his bulge in her hand.

she was floored. she knew logan was big (she could always see the outline in his swim shorts, forcing herself to stop staring before he noticed) but knowing that she had this effect on him?

it was a powerful thing.

"jesus, logan." she whined. "i need it inside of me."

logan's eyes sparkled. "what do you need inside of you, sweetheart? i need you to say it for me." he started pumping his fingers faster, his other hand moving to fondle her left breast, tweaking the rosy bud of her nipple between his fingers.

she sighed heavily, feeling her legs turn mushy as she leaned back against logan. "need your cock." she mumbled, unsure if she could speak any louder.

"what was that, darling? don't be shy now, i can't give you what you need if you don't tell me, love."

fuck you, she thought, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. she was clenching around his fingers now, unsure of hoe much longer she'd be able to last. but she needed him inside of her, felt like she might die if he wasn't.

"your cock!" she shouted. "please, logan, i need your big cock inside me, please, god, i need it."

why did she say that? she should never have said that. it made her sound desperate. but in a way, she was desperate, wasn't she?

logans fingers stopped their ministrations, pulling out of her and taking a trail of her juices with them. she thought her eyes were going to roll back in her head before logan laid her down on her queen bed, her hair fanning out behind her as he started to undo his jeans, resort shirt still hanging off his frame, face flushed and covered in a sheen of sweat as he licked her arousal off his fingers.

"do you have condoms, kirkwood? because i really don't want to have to go digging for them in kyle's room."

"please don't talk about my brother when i want you to fuck my brains out."

logan smirked. "not so shy now, are we, my sexy girl."

"shut up! go the ensuite, top vanity drawer on the left. you literally cannot miss the box."

she could have laughed, lying back on the bed and kicking off her panties as logan ran, half naked and dropping his resort shirt behind him, to the ensuite.

he stumbled back, tripping over discarded clothes and the fluffy carpet, triumphantly holding the box above his head.

"the whole box? how much do you think you're getting tonight, sarge?"

logan raised an eyebrow. "call me that, and i'm going to make you forget how shy you are and have you scream my name all night long."

[aeth-eris]

★ 2nd house & diets ★

★ aries in the 2nd house ★

your health thrives with bold, energizing foods that keep you fueled. opt for dishes like spicy tacos, roasted red pepper hummus, chili with beans, and roasted root vegetables for a satisfying kick. include anti-inflammatory foods like berries and leafy greens to help with aries’ natural intensity. high-protein foods (lean meats, legumes) keep your energy steady. supplements like B-complex vitamins, iron, and omega-3s support stamina and mental clarity. stay hydrated, and consider magnesium to support muscle relaxation and ease stress.

★ taurus in the 2nd house ★

you benefit from hearty, grounding meals that feel comforting. try dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stews, and whole grain salads to keep you feeling nourished and centered. foods high in fiber, like leafy greens and root vegetables, support digestive health. biotin and vitamin E are ideal supplements for skin, hair, and nails, while calcium and magnesium support bone health and relaxation. a daily multivitamin can ensure balance, as you enjoy the richness of a varied, nutrient-dense diet.

★ gemini in the 2nd house ★

light, versatile meals work well for you, helping you stay mentally sharp and physically agile. think veggie stir-fries with nuts, avocado toast, fruit salads, and smoothie bowls. foods rich in B vitamins (whole grains, nuts, leafy greens) help keep your energy and focus stable. include antioxidant-rich foods like berries to support brain health. B-complex supplements are helpful for mental clarity, and omega-3s can support cognitive function. staying hydrated with electrolytes can enhance focus and energy.

★ cancer in the 2nd house ★

comforting, nurturing foods help you feel grounded. dishes like creamy soups, stews, rice pudding, and cucumber salads are gentle on your digestive system. prioritize hydrating, water-rich foods like melons and cucumbers, which help balance emotional and physical well-being. a daily probiotic and ginger or peppermint tea can support digestive health, while calcium and magnesium help promote calm and relaxation. consider a multivitamin for balanced support, as consistent nourishment provides a sense of security.

★ leo in the 2nd house ★

vibrant, nutrient-rich foods support your radiant energy. try dishes like citrus-glazed salmon, honey-roasted vegetables, spiced oatmeal with fresh fruit, and colorful salads. include foods rich in vitamin D (mushrooms, fortified grains) and antioxidants like berries and bell peppers. supplements like vitamin C and zinc boost immunity, while vitamin D3 supports energy and vitality. a daily multivitamin helps you maintain a balanced diet, ensuring you feel both nourished and confident.

★ virgo in the 2nd house ★

your health benefits from simple, wholesome meals that nourish your body and mind. think lentil stew, roasted root vegetables, fresh salads, and whole-grain bowls with lean proteins. prioritize unprocessed, fiber-rich foods that are easy to digest. probiotics, as well as B-complex vitamins, help support gut health and mental clarity. magnesium can be beneficial for relaxation, and a multivitamin keeps your nutrient levels balanced. choosing foods that feel clean and light aligns with your natural inclination for wellness.

★ libra in the 2nd house ★

balanced, aesthetically pleasing meals are key for your well-being. enjoy dishes like berry-topped yogurt bowls, colorful salads, figs with honey and cheese, and well-plated grain bowls. include antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens, which support skin health. supplements like biotin and vitamin E enhance beauty from within, while a multivitamin helps maintain balanced nutrition. staying hydrated and incorporating herbal teas can help maintain harmony, keeping your body and mind in sync.

★ scorpio in the 2nd house ★

intense, nutrient-dense foods that feel transformative are ideal for you. meals like dark chocolate chili, pomegranate and berry salad, black bean and truffle tacos, and eggplant parmesan suit your tastes. include detoxifying foods like dark leafy greens and beets to support immune health. zinc and iron supplements help sustain vitality, while adaptogens (like ashwagandha or reishi) aid in managing stress. probiotics promote digestive balance, especially if you enjoy rich, bold flavors in your meals.

★ sagittarius in the 2nd house ★

adventurous, hearty meals that bring a sense of abundance resonate with you. dishes like grain bowls with legumes, holiday-inspired roast dinners, curries, and colorful salads are ideal for sagittarius’ expansive energy. liver-supporting foods like leafy greens and lemon water aid in detox, while probiotic supplements help keep digestion balanced. milk thistle or turmeric supplements support liver health, while a multivitamin provides a solid nutrient foundation. staying mindful of portions can help balance your love for indulgent flavors.

★ capricorn in the 2nd house ★

simple, grounding foods that focus on longevity suit your health approach. meals like roasted root vegetables, lentil stew, pickled veggie platters, and hearty bean soups provide lasting energy. calcium and vitamin D-rich foods (almonds, leafy greens) support bone health, which is essential with capricorn’s influence. supplements like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3 offer foundational support, while a multivitamin provides consistent nutrition. a balanced diet of whole foods helps you feel grounded and nourished.

★ aquarius in the 2nd house ★

unique, innovative foods keep you excited about health. try dishes like superfood smoothie bowls, acai bowls, dragon fruit salads, and kimchi stir-fries to satisfy your taste for the unconventional. antioxidant-rich foods (berries, nuts) support circulation and mental clarity. omega-3 supplements enhance focus and nervous system health, while probiotics aid digestion if you enjoy fermented foods. including B-complex vitamins also supports mental sharpness and energy, keeping you in sync with aquarius’ eclectic energy.

★ pisces in the 2nd house ★

soothing, gentle foods that nourish body and spirit are ideal for you. try dishes like miso soup, mushroom risotto, seaweed salad, and herbal teas to maintain balance and calm. hydrating foods with immune-supportive ingredients like ginger, citrus, and garlic align well with pisces’ sensitive energy. vitamin C and zinc help boost immunity, while magnesium aids relaxation and sleep. a fish oil or omega-3 supplement enhances mental clarity and emotional balance, supporting a sense of overall well-being.

★ sun in the 2nd house ★

your health thrives on meals that feel vibrant and energizing, so focus on nutrient-dense, hearty foods that support vitality and confidence. dishes like citrus-glazed salmon, honey-roasted vegetables, spiced oatmeal with fresh fruit, and lemony quinoa salad are ideal. include warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, and foods high in vitamin D (mushrooms, fortified grains) to boost energy. vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers) supports immunity, while a daily multivitamin and vitamin D3 supplement can help keep you feeling strong, especially in low-sunlight months.

★ moon in the 2nd house ★

comforting, nourishing foods that evoke emotional warmth are essential for your health. dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, seafood chowder, rice pudding, and cucumber salads provide the grounding and soothing energy you crave. prioritizing gentle, easy-to-digest foods supports your sensitive stomach. water-rich foods like melons, cucumbers, and soups are also beneficial. to support digestive health, a probiotic supplement and ginger or peppermint tea can be helpful. calcium and magnesium supplements also aid relaxation and emotional balance, providing a sense of stability and calm.

★ mercury in the 2nd house ★

light, versatile meals that support mental clarity work best for you. opt for dishes like veggie stir-fry with nuts, avocado toast, fruit and nut salads, or blueberry smoothie bowls to keep your mind sharp. a diet high in B vitamins (found in leafy greens, whole grains, nuts) supports nervous system health. staying hydrated is essential, so drink plenty of water and consider electrolytes if needed. supplements like B-complex vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s (for cognitive support) can help you maintain focus and energy.

★ venus in the 2nd house ★

you enjoy indulgent, beautiful meals that feel like a treat, bringing pleasure and harmony to your health routine. dishes like strawberry and goat cheese salads, berry-topped french toast, truffle pasta, figs with honey and cheese, and chocolate fondue are perfect for you. antioxidants (from berries, leafy greens) and foods rich in healthy fats support glowing skin and overall vitality. biotin and vitamin E supplements are excellent for skin, hair, and nails, while a daily multivitamin can help maintain a balanced sense of well-being.

★ mars in the 2nd house ★

you need bold, energizing foods that satisfy your active and determined nature. spicy dishes like beef tacos, roasted garlic and red pepper hummus, chili with beans, and roasted root vegetables align with your high-energy vibe. protein-rich foods (like lean meats, legumes) help maintain strength. supplements like iron and B-complex vitamins can support energy levels, and adding a turmeric supplement helps reduce inflammation if spicy foods are a staple. staying well-hydrated with electrolyte support is also beneficial.

★ jupiter in the 2nd house ★

you enjoy hearty, abundant meals that feel celebratory. classic dishes like grain bowls with legumes, mac and cheese, holiday-inspired roast dinners, potato and leek soup, and bread pudding bring a sense of satisfaction. while you enjoy variety, aim for moderation to balance richness. antioxidant-rich foods (like berries) support immune health, while a daily multivitamin ensures a balanced nutrient intake. probiotics are helpful for digestive balance, and milk thistle or turmeric supplements support liver health if you enjoy occasional indulgences.

★ saturn in the 2nd house ★

simple, grounding meals that emphasize longevity and consistency resonate with you. meals like lentil stew, roasted root vegetables, pickled veggie platters, and hearty bean soups are ideal, providing sustained energy. foods high in calcium and vitamin D (almonds, leafy greens, dairy) support bone health, an area of focus with saturn’s influence. calcium and magnesium supplements aid bone strength and muscle relaxation, while vitamin D3 supports immunity. a quality multivitamin offers foundational support for your well-being.

★ uranus in the 2nd house ★

you enjoy unique, innovative foods that break from the traditional. superfood smoothie bowls, acai bowls, dragon fruit salads, kimchi stir-fry, and kombucha-marinated tofu suit your eclectic tastes. foods high in antioxidants and omega-3s (like berries, fish, nuts) support circulation and mental clarity. adding supplements like omega-3s and B-complex vitamins can help maintain focus and nervous system health. probiotics are also beneficial for digestive support, especially if you enjoy fermented foods.

★ neptune in the 2nd house ★

your health benefits from gentle, soothing meals that feel spiritually nourishing. dishes like miso soup, mushroom risotto, seaweed salad, lavender-infused desserts, and herbal teas help keep you balanced. focus on hydrating foods and immune-supportive ingredients like ginger, citrus, and garlic. vitamin C and zinc are helpful for immunity, while magnesium can support relaxation and sleep. a fish oil or omega-3 supplement is beneficial, especially if seafood is part of your diet, as it enhances mental clarity and calm.

★ pluto in the 2nd house ★

you’re drawn to intense, nutrient-dense foods that feel transformative and empowering. meals like dark chocolate chili, pomegranate and berry salad, black bean and truffle tacos, eggplant parmesan, and rich red wine risotto resonate with you. dark leafy greens, berries, and high-protein foods provide lasting energy. a multivitamin ensures foundational nutrition, while zinc and iron support resilience and vitality. adaptogenic herbs (like ashwagandha or reishi) can be beneficial for stress management, while probiotics promote digestive balance.

[beatriceportinari]

Art summary 2024

(2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

Busy year again this year so no big projects but I made an insane amount of stuff actually? Some of my favorite and most complex origami yet too :)

First off a whole bunch of aquatic themed folds as usual :) Really happy with my use of different papers and textures this year, I feel like I've reached a better balance of aesthetic and practicality. Also very happy abt this black background thing everything looks so nice...

(Sunfish, nautilus, red gurnard, jellyfish, toad, sea swallow, cherry salmon swirl, koi fish lantern)

Next up the creatures!!!!!!!! My darling xenomorph and my beloved manticore and my lovely facehugger...really happy with my folding results on these ones especially and on my paper choices too. I'll continue doing things with wenzhou paper next year and I WILL get some MC this time.

Also colored two izuna pieces :) Thanks again for the lines Lena and Csianme ^^

Also did a little animation! My favorite one yet the textures are so fun and he looks so silly...

And I even had 2 mini sewing projects which I never do :) one patterned bow and one jellyfish hat for a party

Thanks for enjoying my art this year, next year's first post will be the woodblock print hermit crab!

[thecheekyblog]

Let’s talk Health

So guys, i am turning 29 in a month and let’s be real my body is not what it used to be! Despite me working out 4times a week, fasting, and paying attention to what i eat, i can feel my body weakening in way. Not that i don’t feel healthy but I’m still having some back pain, less energy, and just like feeling my body more. And that is normal.

20 years old me and 30 years old me wont be the same! There are things that we need to do to keep up so we maintain our best self. My body wont be producing all the collagen that i use too, likes guys i can hear my BONESSS! And I’m telling that is is not giving!

After a bit a research, i realized that i was lacking nutrient that my body could not produced on it’s own or way less!

So here a list of Nutrients we need as bad gyals hitting our 30s, especially as black women

1. Vitamin D 🌞

Why? Black women are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency due to melanin reducing sun absorption. Low levels can affect bone health, immunity, and mood.

Sources: Sun exposure (15–30 mins/day), fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified foods (milk, orange juice), and supplements (2,000 IU daily if deficient).

2. Iron 💪🏾

Why? Many Black women experience iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue, hair thinning, and anemia.

Sources: Lean meats, beans, lentils, spinach, tofu, fortified cereals. Pair with vitamin C (oranges, peppers) to boost absorption.

3. Magnesium 🧘🏾‍♀️

Why? Supports stress management, sleep, muscle function, and heart health. Many people don’t get enough.

Sources: Nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark leafy greens, dark chocolate.

4. Calcium 🦴

Why? Helps prevent osteoporosis, which Black women are at higher risk for later in life.

Sources: Dairy, leafy greens, almonds, fortified plant-based milks.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids 🧠

Why? Supports heart, brain, and joint health while reducing inflammation.

Sources: Salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, omega-3 supplements.

6. B Vitamins (Especially B12 & Folate) ⚡

Why? Helps with energy, brain function, and red blood cell production.

Sources: Eggs, fish, meat, leafy greens, fortified grains, and B-complex supplements if needed.

7. Collagen & Vitamin C ✨

Why? Supports skin, hair, nails, and joint health.

Sources: Bone broth, citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries, collagen supplements.

8. Fiber & Probiotics 🥗

Why? Supports gut health, digestion, and weight management.

Sources: Whole grains, beans, vegetables, yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods.

9. Zinc & Selenium 💁🏾‍♀️

Why? Supports immune function, hair health, and thyroid balance.

Sources: Shellfish, nuts, seeds, Brazil nuts, and meat.

Supplement Recommendations:

Multivitamin for Women (with iron, D, and B vitamins)

Vitamin D3 (if deficient)

Omega-3 Fish Oil

Magnesium Glycinate (for stress & sleep)

Probiotic (for gut health)

Hope this helps my lovesss, until next time

[trans-rites]

Compleation, from Surgery to Paint Job

So like, in Scars block and before, Phyrexian oil is depicted as having several consistent properties. First among them is infection. This has been consistent throughout all of the oil's history in magic. Another is transformation. Phyrexian oil is actually a soup of nanobots that take the place of your bodily fluids, and in doing so, form a link to the oil's group consciousness.

Note that I didn't say hivemind. See, your mind remains, however changed. The oil doesn't puppeteer you (and if that does happen, you can probably blame Sheoldred. Sorry, Venser.) What it does instead is fill your mind with echoes of Phyrexian history, from as long ago as Yawgmoth and even before. In this way, you* remain. Only, you aren't quite the only thing in your body anymore.

*(I admit that in some depictions, Phyrexians are portrayed as mindless puppets—but in others, some self survives. What do we get from that? Up to you, but to my mind, it means either that it varies, or that those stories are from the perspectives of assholes. Or both.)

POV: You're Ashnod, and your boss is getting even worse lately Art by Jeremy Wilson

Still, whether you think Phyrexians are the people they were (or even people at all), one thing is inarguable: phyresis itself isn't compleation. Rather, the sickness compels you to seek compleation, like a salmon swimming upstream when it knows its time is soon.

Or at least, that's how it was.

So What's Compleation Then?

Well, pre-2023, compleation was the 'end point' of Phyrexian growth: the imago of the life cycle, a complex surgical process whereby your body would be transformed. Repurposed. Your skin may be replaced, or plated with metal sheets; your viscera filled with tubes and cables for more efficient transmission of fluids.

(Notably, if you happened to be a robot beforehand, compleation would often involve grafting flesh and bone to your already-metallic skeleton. Phyrexians are liminal creatures.)

Another truth: among incompleat Phyrexians (organisms born directly from the oil, or those infected by phyresis), compleation was an honour, a sign of maturity and rank. Only for enemies of Phyrexia is it a punishment.

After ONE though, there's (ironically) more just one answer.

Rona, Sheoldred's Faithful by Ryan Lee, a.k.a. 'easily one of my top five ways to wake up.'

See, ONE (and DMU before it) changed up a lot of New Phyrexia's art style. Gone were tattered, broken dolls like Shattered Angel, replaced with Elesh Norn's new 'mommy bait' design (Have you seen how she gets less 'gross' and more 'MILFy' with every new piece of art?)

Worse though, in my mind, is what happened to compleation. In ONE story chapters, Nahiri's hands just sort-of... turn into swords after her exposure to the oil. Meanwhile Jace, after being infected by a black Phyrexian of all things, begins developing Surgical Bay-esque stalks. Why? It's not like Phyrexia can't turn flesh to metal (read: Memnarch), but never like this.

Yes, there's excuses. Yes, Jin-Gitaxias launched a software update through the oil. And yes, it's possible to theorize ("Jace's blue mana caused changes in him common among blue phyrexians," "Norn's fear of flesh caused a design shift in Orthodox phyrexians," "Nahiri's arms just did that.") But I don't think we should have to bend over backwards justifying what to me reads as plain inconsistency.

And Boy Is It Inconsistent

Because there are recent cards like Vivisurgeon's Insight (Adam Burn), Evolved Sleeper, and the above Rona that honour previous depictions of compleation and phyresis! But—with no disrespect intended to the brilliant art and talented artists—cards like Furnace Reins (Brian Valeza), the story articles mentioned above, and heck, most of the March of the Machine card gallery do the opposite.

I mean, what's even happening in Furnace Reins? Urabrask's new black and red Gundam aesthetic is spreading over that minotaur like a mold! Where is that metal coming from?!?!? Or is there mycosynth making it that I just can't see? Am I going crazy? And am I wrong for being disappointed when story articles describe 'peeling off' Nissa's metal plates to reveal basically undamaged skin underneath? She's not even bald anymore.

Please don't mistake me for hating Magic story. Believe me, I couldn't write this essay if all I felt was hate. Magic has me climbing the walls with how much I care about it. But oh my god, do I get the feeling that not everyone at WotC feels the same way.

This is hardly a call to action, and certainly not a request to further harass anyone who works at Wizards. What it is is a composition of my thoughts and feelings on a subject I'm desperately passionate about, and the suggestion that you check out some Magic story that still very much deserves to be read. Places like MTG Lore are a great place to do that. You should also check out Transformation, Horror, Eros, Phyrexia, a friend's essay that I still think about regularly.

Thanks for reading. And remember, there's nothing normal about liking Phyrexians...

[tilebytiles]

star treatment - a.t. (part 2)

summary: there's a strange man named alex that has a strange obsession with you, and he makes the strangest offer of your life. word count: 3.2k warnings: none part 1

you had fallen asleep a while ago. the stars, although breathtakingly beautiful this far out in space, had eventually gotten tiring to look at, and your brain itched for something else. you were still too tense to talk to anyone else on the spacecraft, and alex was nowhere to be found, although you doubted you'd talk to him anyway. with no methods of entertainment beyond staring out the window, you fell asleep rather quickly, your imagination conjuring up strange dreams about the hotel you were heading to.

the only thing that woke you up was the sound of rustling clothes in front of you. drowsily, you forced your eyes open and your body to come up onto your feet. you were a little wobbly from trying to do so much so quick, but you regained your balance rather quickly and began to follow the journalists down the narrow aisle between the rows of seats. if there was anything science fiction films had taught you, you should have been floating through that rocket instead of walking. your feet, however, remained firmly planted on the carpet, a fact that was rather disappointing. floating would have been cooler.

the interior of the seating area was done in soft, warm colours, offering an inviting atmosphere. the seats were a navy blue with an off-white stripe down the center, and the walls were a shade of pink, something close to salmon, you thought. the floor was done in the same colour, but down the aisle was a red carpet. there weren't many seats, so the rocket could only house a group about the size of this one at any time. you didn't mind; the less people you had to awkwardly avoid, the better.

you realised the giant window at the end of the aisle that you'd thought was for stargazing was actually a port. as soon as you stepped into the giant see-through tube, you heard the door slide shut behind you, sealing you off from the rocket. you couldn't help but marvel at the empty chasm of space that surrounded you, as well as the moon that rested beneath you. from here, you could make out the complex building you were realising was meant to be the hotel. it looked futuristic and retro at the same time, an effect that wasn't hard to achieve; the architecture looked like the kind that was popular in the 70s, providing a sort of nostalgic feel, but it was sitting on the surface of the moon. this definitely wouldn't have been possible in the 70s (you could hardly believe it was possible now).

one of the journalists spoke up, shattering the awestruck silence. "he’s a bit mad for doin' all this."

the journalist beside him shrugged. "it’s kinda cool, though, don't you think?"

"well, sure, but imagine having these kinds of funds ... and you waste it on a lunar hotel?"

you hardly knew alex, but it made you feel a little uneasy to hear someone speaking ill of him. you wanted to speak up, but a third journalist beat you to it. "if anything, he's proving we can even do this kind of shite on the moon. it’s better than some of the stunts billionaires have been pulling."

"yeah, yeah, whatever, miles," the first journalist grumbled. "stop kissing his ass."

the journalist named miles rolled his eyes, then glanced over at you. you hadn't even realised he was walking beside you. he grinned at you and held out a hand for you to shake. "miles kane," he said.

you slowly shook his hand. "y/n l/n."

"you don't exactly seem like the reporter type. what’re you doin' up here with this pretentious lot?"

you liked him already.

"alex invited me," you told him. "i haven't really figured out why yet."

he nodded, seeming to ponder over the information you'd just given him despite it only being two sentences. "i’m sure we'll get along perfectly," he finally said, smiling at you again. "if any of these pricks cause you trouble, just lemme know."

"thank you." you smiled back at him.

when you made it to the other end of the tube, the door in front of you slid open, allowing your party of prose into the hotel. your eyes widened once you stepped through the door. the room you were in, which you guessed to be the main lobby, was absolutely gigantic — or at least, it felt that big. there was a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, illuminating the whole space with sconces mounted on the walls to light up the spots the chandelier couldn't reach. the walls were a warm, perhaps almost burnt, shade of orange, and the floor was made of lush carpet, the pattern almost hypnotising. squiggles of colour stretched from wall to wall above a black background. the wall to your right, close to the door, held floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing the moon and the stars in all their glory. to your left was the reception desk, the lift to its left and the stairs to its right. chairs and tables were scattered amongst the space, providing plenty of spots to sit and rest. mounted on the wall behind the reception desk was a flat-screen TV. you were impressed it could pick anything up out here.

your group wandered over to the reception desk, and to your surprise, someone popped out of the door that had an 'EMPLOYEES ONLY' plaque, grinning at you all. "pleasure to meet you!" he said. "mr. turner told me you'd be arriving."

alex’s last name was turner?

"hold on," the first journalist from before said, "you mean you've just ... been here?"

the receptionist nodded, still smiling. "we’ve had more than enough resources to last us, don't worry. and they're replenishable! but we can get into that later."

"there’s more than one of you?"

"all the staff were busy prepping for your arrival. we hope you enjoy your stay. let me be the first to officially welcome you to the tranquility base hotel & casino. my name's mark, and i’ll be your guide for the tour today."

you admired mark’s genuine enthusiasm. then again, you didn't think it'd be very hard to be enthusiastic about a job like this.

he came out from behind the desk and motioned for your group to follow as he headed for the open doorway across from the door you'd just come through. it opened out into a long hall, branching off into different rooms. "this is where the café is," he said, pointing to one of the sets of doors you passed by. "that’s where you'll be eating all your meals, although your options will differ depending on the time of day. that," he said, pointing to another set of doors, "is the gym. there’s all kinds of equipment in there, and it's completely free for all guests, so don't be afraid to stop by."

he continued leading you down the hall, pointing at different doors and explaining them. connected to the café was a greenhouse that provided different types of produce, and it was available to guests ("take a tour or let the little ones learn how to garden!" he had said). there was a library, a laundry room, and even something like a patio at the very end of the hall, allowing you to get as close to the moon itself as you safely could.

when you came back up the hall and squeezed into the lift, mark explained how the actual hotel rooms would be the last part of the tour; that way, you could all rest as soon as you got to your rooms. your first stop was the very top of the hotel, where you could see the large hexagonal neon sign spinning slowly on top of its pole. they had built a pool into the roof, complete with a ladder to make getting in and out easy, a diving board, various chairs set up, umbrellas that you weren't even sure were necessary and bathrooms and changing rooms, the latter of which were fully stocked with robes, bathing suits and pool toys.

heading down a floor revealed the hotel's partial namesake: the casino. the lights were significantly dimmer here than they were in the rest of the hotel, but they weren't so dim that you couldn't see at all. machines had been pushed up against every wall and were lined up perfectly around the room. it was almost overstimulating, and you were grateful you left when you did, although the aftereffects of all the lights remained in your vision as colourful blobs for some time.

your whole group was staying on the same floor. you didn't know if you were glad about it or dreading it. at least miles would be nearby, you thought. he’d been making the occasional quiet joke to you throughout the whole tour, and you did your best to stifle your laughter to avoid dirty looks from the others.

"i’ll talk to you later," he said, snapping you out of your thoughts. you hadn't even realised you'd made it to your rooms. his was across the hall from yours. you nodded and flashed him one last smile before unlocking your door with the key mark had given you and stepping inside.

the room was lavishly decorated. you almost felt guilty for staying there for free. a four-poster bed stood tall, the frame painted a creamy white and the mattress covered in a white sheet. a thin fabric, something like lace, hung from each corner like curtains. the blanket looked soft, inviting, and after many, many hours of being stuck in a rocket and sleeping in a (albeit comfortable) chair, slipping under the covers and taking a proper nap sounded heavenly. you forced yourself to hold off on that nap, though, and continued your exploration of the room.

the overhead light was built into the ceiling, and upon discovering a small remote on top of the chest of drawers across from the bed, you realised the brightness could be changed. there was a floor-to-ceiling window built into the wall across from the door, offering yet another stunning view. the closet that was built into the wall rested to the left of the bed, and to the right was a small nightstand. In the closet, you found all sorts of clothes. at least there was comfort in the fact that no matter what happened, you'd be well-dressed for the occasion. not far from the nightstand was a door, and when you opened it, you discovered the bathroom.

ah, yes. it was about time you took a shower.

the water was perfectly warm, and the shampoo smelled lovely. although it had only been a few days, you still felt gross for having gone so long without a shower; you guessed it was only because you were used to showering every day. when you finished getting cleaned up, you slipped into the cosiest pair of pyjamas you'd ever gotten your hands on and made sure to turn the light off before slipping into the unnecessarily fancy bed.

you wondered what alex was up to. you hoped you'd see him tomorrow, mostly so you could thank him for inviting you in the first place. although the concept of a hotel in space still felt a bit mad to you, you were beginning to realise it really wasn't as bad as you'd expected it to be. maybe you were even a bit proud of him.

•••••

the next morning — at least, you guessed it was morning — you made your first trip to the café mark had shown you. you had to admit, you were starving. although you'd been given snacks on the rocket, they were exactly that — snacks. they hadn't been near enough to keep you full, and now your stomach felt like it was going to gnaw its way through your entire body if you didn't get something to eat soon.

a few of the journalists were already in there, including Miles. you headed towards the counter, where the employee behind the till smiled at you. "what can i get for you today?"

"uh ..." you stared at the imposing menu on the wall, assessing your options. "can i have the egg croissant, please?"

"would you like a drink with that?"

"water’s fine, thanks." the employee nodded, punching your order in, and when the small number popped up on the digital screen sticking up from the till, your eyes widened. it was cheaper than you'd been expecting. you quickly fished your wallet out of your pocket.

once the transaction was complete, you headed for miles' table and sat across from him. he was scribbling something in his notepad, but when he heard the creak of your chair, his head snapped up. when he realised it was you, he grinned. "hey, y/n."

"hey," you replied. "what are you doing?"

"writin' down some notes for that article i gotta write. we’ve been here for less than a day, and i already have enough info to crank out a goddamn essay."

that made you laugh, earning a sideways glance from one of the journalists. it was the one that had been questioning alex’s motives before. you heard miles scoff, prompting you to look back at him with a raised brow. “trouble in paradise?”

he snorted. “hardly paradise with that prick around.”

“who is he?”

“james schwartz, also known as one of the biggest dickheads on the planet. old money — his dad runs the paper he writes for, and his dad ran it before that, and so on. heard he’s in line for the throne.” he shook his head. “he’s willin’ to do anything for a story. can’t keep a girlfriend for more than a few months, either.”

“what do you mean, he’s willing to do anything?”

he eyed you for a few moments, as if he was debating whether or not he should unveil james’ moral crimes to you. eventually, he sighed, leaning back in his chair; so much so that the two front legs rose from the floor. “the best of it, so to speak, is that he flooded some poor shop owner’s voicemail until they phoned him back.”

“and the worst?”

his lips pressed into a thin line, and his gaze sauntered over to land on james, who’d put a pair of headphones on at some point and remained entirely oblivious to your conversation. still, to be on the safe side, miles’ voice lowered, forcing you to lean over to hear him. “he dated a girl, some model from bristol. a couple of months later, she broke up with him, and then suddenly, her nudes were up on the Internet, free for all perverted fucks to see. he was one of the first to cover the story, and his article painted her in a suspicious light, spoutin’ some shite about how she shouldn’t have let anyone take such compromisin’ pictures of her. she quit modelling not long after. it was never proven to be him, but …” he shrugged and looked back to you.

your stomach churned at the mere thought of what he’d gotten away with. “surely someone questioned him?”

“if they did, he probably paid them to keep quiet. either way —” he dropped his pencil onto his notepad. “— i would stay away from him, if i were you.”

“don’t need to tell me twice,” you mumbled.

after your food had arrived and you’d satiated your hunger, miles suggested heading up to the pool for a quick dip. you agreed, although considering you’d just eaten, you didn’t think you would actually do any swimming. this notion seemed a bit funny to him, and he even asked if you were chicken, but he didn’t press the matter any further.

much to your delight, there were swimsuits in the dressing room, and you slipped into a black bikini on the off chance you hopped into the water. wrapping yourself up in a plush white robe that had the hotel’s acronym embroidered into the left breast, you stepped out onto the pool deck. miles was already in the pool, clad in a pair of black swim trunks and swimming from one end to the other, engaged in an intense race against himself. you plopped down onto one of the pool chairs and stretched your legs out, watching as miles swam to the edge closest to you with a grin. “the water’s lovely.”

“i’d rather not get cramps,” you said, making him laugh. he playfully splashed water in your direction, spraying small droplets onto your calves and the chair beneath you. the water was cold against your skin.

you heard the entrance to the pool open, making you turn and look over your shoulder. alex stood in the doorway, and when he saw you, he managed a small smile. “i didn’t expect to see you here.”

“i could say the same for you.”

“i was looking for miles.” he glanced around you and spotted the man in question, who offered an enthusiastic wave that was akin to one from a child. “mark said you’d be here.”

“you should come join me, mr. turner,” miles replied, assuming an exaggerated air of pompousness. “have you even tested your own pool?”

alex seemed to genuinely consider that question for a few moments. his hands slid down into his pockets, and his lips pressed together before finally parting to form the words, “no, i haven’t.”

and with that, he found himself in swim trunks exactly like miles’ less than a few minutes later. it was the first time you’d seen him in anything beyond his perfectly crisp suits, and it also offered you a chance to admire his physique. his abs were lightly defined, as were the muscles lining his arms; the veins in his forearms protruded, as if all they needed was a small push before bursting from his skin; his legs had about as much hair as you could have expected, and there was a light smattering of hair across his chest. draped over his chest, sinking into the dips of his collarbones, was a thin gold chain, the same one you’d seen him wear a number of times at the café.

miles whistled, snapping you out of the spell alex’s body had put you under. “she’s oglin’ ya.”

“am not!” you protested, glaring at him.

he only rolled his eyes. “there’s nothin’ wrong with admirin’.”

you didn’t say anything, only crossed your arms over your chest. it wasn’t like you needed to respond, though; the heat that spread across your cheeks like wildfire spoke volumes.

if you were being perfectly honest with yourself — which you did reluctantly — alex had always caught your eye. you mostly attributed it to the mysterious aura that he was always shrouded in, brought into existence by how little he spoke, how much he kept to himself, and the documents he primarily occupied himself with. even if you now knew what those documents had been for, there were still heaps of things that remained locked away from you. for fuck’s sake, you’d learned his last name from a complete stranger.

in some ways, his mystery was a siren call, coaxing you in for what you thought might be your untimely demise. if there was anything the piles of romance novels in your flat had taught you, it was that strange men — especially rich ones — shouldn’t ever be trusted with matters of the heart.

as alex lowered himself into the pool, though, you let yourself ogle for a little while longer.

[madlori]

Dinners with salmon

Hey fam, just felt like sharing some recent dinners. I've been trying to eat more blood-sugar friendly (lots of protein and fiber, complex carbs, fewer refined carbs, etc). Here are a couple of recent dinners.

I'm also on a bit of a salmon kick. I picked up a couple of pre-seasoned filets at Kroger but honestly it's much cheaper to buy plain filets (you can usually get them for about $5 each - Costco had big flats of them, like 8 for about $30, and they freeze well) and season them yourself. You can put just about anything on salmon. Or nothing at all.

On the left, I had an avocado to use up so I made two avocado toasts when I'd normally just eat one. I like avocado toast on Wasa crispbread. I put a very thin schmeer on it of either goat cheese or cream cheese, hummus in a pinch. Then the sliced avocado, drizzled with lemon olive oil with salt and dill on top.

I've also discovered that salmon is super easy and MUCH tastier in the air fryer! I make a little aluminum foil boat for it to ease cleanup. The one on the left is the preseasoned one. The one on the right I did with about a tbsp of melted butter, garlic salt, ground pepper and smoked paprika. Did it for 10 mins at 390 but it needed a couple more, tbh.

And on the right is a bowl of this week's Dense Bean Salad. I make a big container of it on Sundays and eat from it all week. I usually put it over some broccoli slaw, or shredded lettuce, or other greens. This one is chickpeas, black beans, cucumber, red onion, minced green olives, diced ham, chopped salami and edamame with some dill olive oil. When I eat it, I top it off with a little lemon juice, red wine vinegar, lemon olive oil and sometimes feta (I forgot the feta tonight).

Dense Bean Salad is a great thing to keep on hand. You can get really creative with it and the ingredients are cheap especially if you skip the meat ingredients.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Updated: May 24, 2025

Reworked Character #12: General Morden

POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised due to references to death, alcoholism, kidnapping, and torture.

Real name: Donald Humphrei Morden IV

Aliases: Devil Rebirth and Your Excellency

Occupation: General of the Rebel Army, Vice Admiral of the Marine Corps (formerly), Tactical Commander for the Intelligence Agency (formerly), Commander of the Middle Eastern Garrison (formerly), and Field Marshal of the European Garrison (formerly)

Retirement plans: Buy a secluded tropical island, build a cottage in the northern forests of New Brunswick, and raise more exotic pets

Special skills: Political science, wood carving, piloting the Hi-Do and The Iron, planning for ambushes and tactical assaults, and sniping with heavyweight firearms

Hobbies: Studying geopolitical events and romantic languages in his office during nighttime hours, reading classical poetry and Shakespearean literature, playing complex piano compositions, building wooden cabins, and hunting

Likes: His family, the Hi-Do, the fearless devotion of his army, finishing things straight to the end, and smoking Cuban cigars before leading off to a battle or going to bed

Dislikes: Ignorance, objectivity, people with no ambitions, governmental and military corruption, and a lack of proper etiquette and table manners

Favourite food: Creamed salmon spaghetti and maple walnut ice cream

Favourite drink: Scotch whisky

Sexuality: Heteroromantic sapiosexual

Gender: Male

Age: 49 (in 2022), 55 (in 2028), 57 (in 2030), 59 (in 2032), 61 (in 2034), 68 (in 2041), 70 (in 2043), 71 (in 2044), and 74 (in 2047)

Blood type: AB+

Weight: 249 lbs. (113 kg)

Design: He’s a 6’ 5” (195.58 cm) Canadian mesomorph with a chiselled musculature, an upside-down trapezoidal chest, and broad shoulders. He has limestone skin (it was once a rose beige), a cleft chin, a brownish mole on the left side of his nose bridge, sparkling sapphire blue eyes with flecks of blood red, and bushy eyebrows. He has wrinkles on his face, characterised by forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, and nasolabial folds. He has neatly trimmed, slightly messy caramel blonde hair with sideburns that closely resemble Morden's old Metal Slug concept art, a similar moustache that the impostor Morden Robot has in Metal Slug 4, and an encircling band of silver-grey in the centre.

When Morden becomes a cyborg after he was assassinated during the White Baby Crisis, he possesses a revolutionary self-resurrection mechanism. A rhombic dodecahedron microchip embedded in his spine springs into action whenever his vital systems fail. The chip emits a low humming frequency and flashes a cyclical pattern of blue, white, and red for precisely 50 seconds. After this brief interval, he awakens in a newly prepared cyborg body, fully restored and operational with all of his memories intact.

His right eye has been brutally gouged out, which is indicated by the heavy scarring from six stab wounds. This would be replaced by a cutting-edge, cybernetic implant, expertly crafted by the Amadeus Syndicate. The cybernetic orb's sclera has a dark, polished chrome finish, adorned with crimson micro-circuits that mimicked the appearance of veins. At its centre, a pupilless blue-grey iris radiates a soft, luminescent glow. When it transitions to a fiery amber, its intensified brilliance signals heightened alertness and strategic recalibration. Equipped with cutting-edge scanning and data-processing capabilities, this cybernetic implant enables visual recall of critical information, threat detection, and instant recognition of key objects and individuals for future reference.

General Morden wears a pair of rusty orange boxer briefs, a glossy black eyepatch over his cybernetic right eye, and a Persian indigo armband on his left arm, adorned with the insignia of the Rebel Army. He wears a feldgrau military beret, distinguished by a scarlet band with white piping and an embroidered emblem featuring a black dragon's head swallowing a winged gold sword. He wears a white dress shirt and gloves, a flame-coloured tie, a metal dog tag necklace with his name, and a brownish-black leather belt secured with a gilded snap-on buckle.

His shoulders are draped with an ankle-length Persian indigo coat featuring brownish-black cuffs edged with scarlet piping, golden maple leaf clasps linked by a chain, and a prominent fur collar dyed a pinkish-orange. He wears feldgrau army cargo pants, tucked into black combat boots with spike soles and lined with coyote fur. He wears a feldgrau military coat featuring a left-side white aiguillette, two breast pockets, and a scalloped rear vent with flap pockets. It also features scarlet cuffs and a turned collar with Persian indigo piping, gilt-brass buttons, and golden shoulder boards adorned with two vertical white stripes.

He wears five badges: a black bar with two vertical golden stripes and a horizontal white stripe above his left breast pocket; a gilded skull with draconic wings on the pocket flap; a silver circle with a scarlet X on a white-edged red-orange ribbon and a gilt-brass roaring dragon's head on an ultramarine ribbon, both on his left breast pocket; and a gilded six-pointed star with a scarlet-edged white circle hung on a jade ribbon, secured with a gold clip on his right breast pocket. Morden's belt supports a sheath for his combat knife and a secure strap for his military baton, featuring a white elephant ivory shaft, a scarlet velvet-wrapped grip, and flat-topped gilt-brass end caps, each set with 12 circular rubies.

He wears a drop leg holster for his Chiappa Rhino 40DS revolver and a black bandolier, slung over his left shoulder, holding .357 Magnum cartridges for the firearm. His military coat pockets contain a rose gold lighter, keys to his personal Space Tank, a silver wedding band, a golden engagement ring with a radiant cut diamond, and a treasured photograph of his late family in Central Park. The pockets of his army cargo pants carry around a pack of Cuban cigars, the Ajirabian Teardrop, a copper-hued flask of Scotch whisky, and a walkie-talkie. He wields an M20 rocket launcher, designed with a leather shoulder strap and featuring an olive green, tan, and dark grey camouflage pattern, which fires anti-tank missiles.

Morden owns the greyish-green Space Tank, a floating tank saucer emblazoned with the Rebel Army insignia on its front. Constructed as a birthday gift and token of allegiance by loyal Rebel Army members and the Pipovulaj, this vehicle incorporates advanced Martian and Tuatha Dé Danann technology. The Space Tank's upper body bears a striking resemblance to the Dai-Manji, while its dark grey chassis is reminiscent of the Nop-03 Sarubia's. The tank boasts extremely thick armour, a silver antenna protruding from its left side, and a gold-painted rim accented with a scarlet edge. Primarily serving as his personal transportation, the Space Tank can also be deployed on the battlefield when necessary.

It features a built-in metallic blue cannon that can only be activated by inserting the Ajirabian Teardrop into a designated slot within the tank. This action opens the front compartment, revealing a large cannon similar to the Denturion's, albeit slightly under half its length. When deployed, the cannon extends, allowing Morden to tap into the laser power of the Ajirabian Teardrop. It's capable of flight by hovering above the ground. The two circular parts of the tank can open to fire three red homing missiles, each with a black stripe near the tip, at a time. Similar to the Dai-Manji, it can also open a hatch on its underside while hovering, unleashing a death ray that shoots fiery energy bolts at its targets.

Character summary: Previously, General Morden was a compassionate, dependable, and reliable leader who deeply valued the lives of every soldier under his command. However, the tragic loss of his family, compounded by the government's and military's corruption and culpable inaction, ignited a desire for vengeance and led him to view indifference as the root of all evil. He seeks to topple an unjust system, even if it requires dismantling all governmental powers. His vision for the New World involves unifying warring nations under a rigid, authoritarian regime, achieved by overthrowing the Earth Federation and eliminating its allies through forced assimilation and strategic neutralisation.

Despite being a charismatic and adaptable leader with a strong sense of justice, he ultimately descended into ruthlessness and megalomania, becoming a bumbling madman. Upon encountering his enemies, he frequently erupts into mocking laughter, regarding them as feeble-minded and ignorant foes. Nonetheless, even in the face of humiliation and defeat, Morden’s dignity, charisma, and commanding skill always remains the same. Thanks to the immense courage he developed over years of witnessing brutal horrors during his military career, he remains unfazed by intimidation, even when it's genuinely serious.

Despite being an atrocious person who comes across as mean and cold, he’s surprisingly sweet and kind, especially towards those who support his ambition, work alongside him or are part of his family lineage. He shows respect to neutral parties interested in supporting his cause and engages in friendly conversations with strangers who treat him with honour and kindness. His approachable nature and keen intelligence allow him to connect with others both intellectually and emotionally, making him skilled at forming friendships. He doesn't trust people easily unless they manage to impress him, come across as honest, and are willing to act on their promises. He particularly enjoys sharing a few drinks with a potential friend or ally, which helps cement his trust in them. He's always assertive with those close to him and his soldiers because he doesn't want to undermine their loyalty or give them reason to think he's a liar. However, he's not above lying to adversaries to keep confidential information about his plans for the Rebel Army and his alliances a secret, even if he's tortured or aggressively interrogated for it.

General Morden is a man full of pride, often boasting about his greatest feats on the battlefield. Depending on the situation, he'll abandon his position behind the battle lines and fearlessly charge into combat. He lives by a personal code of honour that prioritises restraint, avoiding unnecessary violence whenever possible. He's willing to seriously scold anyone in the Rebel Army, including his friends and family, whenever they engage in meaningless violence that puts innocent people in harm's way for no good reason. He sees no point in engaging in behaviour that involves unreasonably toying with people and damaging healthy relationships, viewing such actions as foolish and repugnant. He isn't afraid to make sacrifices when necessary and occasionally spares or even helps civilians, showing a glimmer of empathy beyond his military duties. He's a tough, efficient, and introspective individual who can be demanding of his soldiers, yet he feels genuine empathy and understanding for his troops. Although he's prone to frustration when missions don't go as planned, he never gives up. Despite the challenges, he consistently demonstrates resilience and determination, always pushing forward to achieve his objectives.

He's an exceptionally intelligent and cunning strategist, always thinking several steps ahead of his adversaries. A skilled manipulator, he expertly entices others to do his bidding through false promises and strategic persuasion. However, he's highly resistant to manipulation himself, and his sharp wit and worldly wisdom makes him immune to naivety. If he discovers someone attempting to deceive him, he'll confront them directly and give them a nasty glare that conveys a clear message: he sees through their ruse, and denial will only worsen their situation. When he's drunk, he becomes sorrowful, careless, and overly attached around Sagan and Logan, grows increasingly agitated, and frequently mumbles incoherently and gazes blankly upwards.

Whenever he encounters a pair of glowing red eyes, he's tantalised by their whispered promises of safety and growth. Yet, he hesitates to follow, unsure if the allure is genuine or just a product of his own fevered imagination. He's a melancholic, cautious, and headstrong individual who shows mercy to his subordinates, excels at evading capture, and indulges in life's luxuries. Loyalty and camaraderie are paramount to him, but betrayal and cowardice from within the Rebel Army is an unforgivable offence. Morden’s intolerance for failure is absolute; those who deliberately falter face severe punishment or elimination. His ego is easily bruised by ridicule or underestimation from his enemies, threatening his self-image as a fearless warrior and exceptional leader. He has no qualms about torturing and executing enemies and traitors, whether publicly or privately, and considers advancements in military technology to be essential to achieving his objectives.

He struggles with mild alcoholism as a coping mechanism for the loss of his family, trypophobia triggered by honeycombs and decaying flesh, and the fear of dying a dishonourable and gruesome death. He views domestic cats as a far cry from their majestic ancestors and larger wild relatives, often going so far as to forcefully shoo them away. Although capable of aggression and violence, he usually maintains a calculating, serious, and calm demeanour. However, beneath his surface lies a volatile temper that periodically ignites into explosive outbursts when overwhelmed by intense feelings of rage, shame, and self-loathing. Despite his resolute ambition, he secretly grapples with the moral implications of his actions. His doubts are ever-present, but he consistently prioritises his goals over his conscience. His courage falters only when faced with extremely bleak circumstances or painful reminders of his family's tragic loss.

He generally tolerates his troops' actions against external parties, but draws a firm line when it comes to harming their own comrades. He's a strict disciplinarian, swiftly addressing conflicts and misconduct amongst his ranks. When issues arise, he demands accountability, forcing the offending soldier or group to apologise, backing this demand with the threat of demotion or public embarrassment. He finds it strange that his fanatic troops worship him like a god, but he tries not to focus on it, viewing it as a sign of extreme loyalty that encourages them to become better fighters. Although he cares about his soldiers, he's acutely aware of the rampant drug use among the cadets and fanatics. However, he pretends to be oblivious and unfazed, knowing it was their choice to use illicit substances. Nonetheless, he does occasionally intervene when the drugs distract his soldiers from combat, particularly when they engage in unnecessary property damage, violence against their comrades, slothfulness, and an intense libido that they desperately try to satisfy. Despite all of that, he views the Rebel Army as a surrogate family and enjoys celebrating victories and spending downtime with them.

He cherishes Allen's friendship, appreciating him as a trusted companion for casual nights out and lively conversations, but Allen's impulsivity and relentless drive for action often test his patience. He feels a pang of jealousy towards Allen, which he keeps secret, because Allen's family is still alive and well-connected, whereas his own family is either deceased or estranged. He considers Abul Abbas as a good friend and finds it inexcusable that many of his soldiers and commanders treat him with disrespect. Although he views Abul as a womanizing coward and is disappointed by his poor performance, he appreciates his loyalty to the Rebel Army's cause and willingness to fulfill his duties. However, Logan has made it clear that if he were to discover Abul's secretly committed atrocities within the Rebel Army, he would either immediately discharge him or order Allen to execute him on the spot.

He gets along well with Doctor Amadeus, who demonstrates genuine interest in his cause and the technological advancement of the Rebel Army. Although he admires her genius-level intellect, finding it captivating and beautiful, he’s sometimes intimidated by her calculating and enigmatic nature. His friendship with her is laced with strong sexual undertones, which he hates to admit because he prides himself on being a widowed husband who'll forever be faithful to his deceased family. However, he has embarrassingly fallen for Doctor Amadeus' sexual charm, which he finds electric and irresistible. They have shared a couple of exciting fornications together after long days of tedious and stressful work.

He secretly harbours a deep-seated fear of Rootmars, knowing she has the power to effortlessly crush him and his army if he incurs her wrath. Despite this, he holds Rootmars in high esteem, admiring her leadership skills and formidable reputation, even if their visions for the New World greatly differ.

He regards Ptolemaios with skepticism, stemming from his disdain for cults and religious extremism, compounded by their past confrontation during the Arms Deal Barrage. Additionally, Ptolemaios' reluctance to engage directly on the battlefield raises concerns, making him appear incompetent and indifferent to his hardworking, self-sacrificing troops. Nevertheless, he acknowledges his exceptional wisdom and deeply respects his unwavering commitment to leading the Ptolemaic Army. However, he occasionally pokes fun at his old age, expressing surprise that he isn't bound to a wheelchair—much to Ptolemaios' immense frustration.

He’s fiercely devoted to his younger distant cousins, Sagan and Logan, the only family members he remains in contact with, and will stop at nothing to ensure their safety and happiness. He’s extremely protective of Sagan and Logan, treating them like his own children. He goes out of his way to safeguard them, swiftly and aggressively defending them against anyone who poses a threat, causes harm or violates their personal boundaries. However, when Sagan and Logan disagree or get physical with each other, General Morden calmly intervenes, resolving their conflicts with a gentle yet firm, understanding, and patient approach.

He has zero tolerance for Sagan's habits of casually issuing death threats and making crude remarks about her comrades, whether jokingly or seriously. He's disgusted by her overtly sexual behaviour towards her platoon and enemies, but he chooses not to intervene, prioritising more pressing concerns. He also dislikes how Logan occasionally disregards Sagan's wishes, intentionally doing things she's explicitly forbidden, which often escalates into heated arguments or fights. Furthermore, Logan's tendency to engage in physical altercations with comrades and getting disoriented when exploring the wilderness consistently gets under his skin.

Morden and Tequila were once inseparable friends, sharing stories of their lives over drinks and exploring exotic destinations that Tequila had always wanted to visit. He deeply admired Tequila's worldly wisdom, courage, and profound insight into the human condition. However, their bond was severed when Morden's lust for global domination took hold, driving Tequila away and forcing him to turn against his former friend. The betrayal left a bitter taste in Morden's mouth, a painful reminder of the friendship he had lost.

He has a deep-seated hatred for Marco and Tarma as they foiled his nearly successful plan to achieve his vision of a New World during the Great Morden War. He especially despises Marco, who gouged out his eye at the end of the Great Morden War and played a role in getting the original Sagan killed during the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash. He knows that Marco will relentlessly pursue him until he's no longer alive, driven by the actions he took against him and his comrades in the past. He particularly can't stand Tarma because he always intervenes to save his best friend whenever they confront Morden in battle and he tries to kill Marco or when Morden issues specific orders to his soldiers to eliminate Marco.

Backstory: Donald Humphrei Morden IV was born on January 24, 1973 in New Brunswick, Canada. He hails from a long lineage of hunters, courageous soldiers, militant commanders, esteemed politicians, and wealthy businessmen. However, whispers abound that he's the direct descendant of a legendary Tuatha Dé Danann sovereign, fabled to have played a pivotal role in the downfall of Atlantis. The Morden name originates from a British family that served as royal advisors, food merchants, and nobles in the 19th century. Although they were of British origin, they resided in Germany, specifically within the Fortress of Königsdrache. From this strategic location, they exerted significant influence on the country's politics and military affairs. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Mordens distinguished themselves as exceptional leaders and skilled soldiers, renowned for their strategic intellect rather than brute force.

Some members of the Morden family are biologically related to the Wildgrube family, although there are no documented family gatherings. In the late 19th century, a Morden businessman, who owned a jewellery-making company that was on the verge of bankruptcy, invested in a Wildgrube-led mining expedition in the Upper Harz to search for silver, copper, and iron. In the early 19th century, exploratory hunters from the Morden family joined forces with Wildgrube cartographers on a major expedition to explore and map uncharted territories in the Canadian wilderness. During World War I, a high-ranking officer from the Morden family served alongside a recently promoted Wildgrube soldier in the trenches of France. Canadian and British Morden soldiers joined forces with German Wildgrube resistance fighters during World War II to combat the Axis powers. They supported the establishment of the Earth Federation, providing crucial financial backing and expert advice on sustaining global peace and security.

He was born into a large, middle-class Canadian family, being the sixth of eight children with three older brothers, an older sister, and a younger brother and sister. His siblings, from oldest to youngest, are Edmund, a successful woodcutting industry businessman; Quentin; Timothy, a Private in the Eurasian Garrison; Kourtney; Reynold; and Vanessa, a supervisor in food packaging manufacturing. His grandfather, Donald Humphrei Morden III, was a seasoned, worldly-wise veteran who retired after the birth of his fifth grandchild and subsequently pursued a career in hunting and sustainable meat production. His father, a Corporal in the North American Garrison, was known for his adventurous and carefree spirit. His mother, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps, balanced stern discipline with tender affection. Due to their demanding military careers, his parents had limited time with him and his six siblings, relying on his grandfather to provide regular care and support.

Although Morden keeps his childhood private, a few details have emerged. Remarkably, all of his siblings demonstrated exceptional intelligence, but Morden's rapid development surpassed them all. This stirred jealousy among his older siblings, who admired his swift intellectual growth, while his younger siblings looked up to him in awe. Despite this, he was incredibly close to his siblings, sharing countless hours exploring the nearby woods and enjoying board games together. Donald III taught Morden entrepreneurship basics, war history, and practical skills like hunting, wood-chopping, and shelter-building. Whenever his mother was home on leave, she would delight him with piano music, fostering a deep love for the instrument. At just 7 months, he spoke his first word: "papa”. Between ages 2 and 5, he demonstrated remarkable autodidactic abilities, exploring diverse subjects that he grasped with ease, including sociology and legal theory. By age 6, he had become a budding piano prodigy and began reading Shakespearean plays and sonnets.

At the age of 7, Quentin was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a condition prevalent in the Morden family. Tragedy struck again a year later when Reynold went missing during a nature walk, and his father was fatally shot in combat. Six months later, he stumbled upon Reynold's mutilated, rotting corpse, infested with maggots and covered in fungal growth. The gruesome sight triggered his trypophobia, and ever since, the image of honeycombs infested with bees and decaying matter would evoke unsettling memories of that incident. Before Morden turned 10, Quentin died from health complications. Just a month later, his mother was tragically killed in an unexpected airstrike ambush. At age 12, Donald III mercy-killed Kourtney, who suffered from multiple sclerosis and debilitating complications following numerous surgeries that severely impacted her health and mobility.

As Donald III struggled with a terminal brain tumour, he made the difficult decision to place Morden and Vanessa into the Regular Army's orphan program to ensure their care. Meanwhile, Edmund relocated to Saskatchewan with Timothy and a substantial inheritance from their mother, seeking a fresh start and a brighter future for themselves. The series of tragic losses had left the family fractured, and Donald's remaining siblings lacked the emotional resilience to keep the family together. Morden felt deeply abandoned and betrayed as Edmund and Timothy departed, leaving their dying grandfather and younger siblings behind. Vanessa, overwhelmed by grief, deliberately distanced herself from Morden. In contrast, the Regular Army provided Morden and his younger sister with stability and support, covering their essential needs. He wondered if he had more relatives and set out to find additional family members while balancing his education, but eventually abandoned his search when he couldn't locate any direct blood relatives.

He met his future wife, Penelope, in grade 11 and began dating her, forming a strong romantic connection. After graduating at the top of his high school class with highest grades, Honour Roll distinction, and six prestigious awards (five scholarships and one bursary), he went on to study geopolitics, jurisprudence, and Marxist sociology at university. At 22, he married his high school sweetheart in a shotgun wedding after learning she was pregnant with their daughter, Dorothy. Three years later, they welcomed their son, Peyton.

After graduating at the top of his class from university, he relocated to Riyadh and enlisted in the Regular Army Marine Corps. His exceptional leadership skills and tactical expertise propelled him to attain the rank of Vice Admiral. He then assumed roles as Tactical Commander for the Intelligence Agency and Commander of the Middle Eastern Garrison. Following his transfer to Cumbria in North West England, he was reassigned to the European Garrison, where he achieved the esteemed rank of Field Marshal. During his time in the military, he earned a reputation as being a tough, efficient, and caring officer of the Regular Army, and is held in high regard by his troops as he treated them with equal amounts of respect. He was also known for being a devoted and compassionate father to Dorothy and Peyton, and a loving and supportive husband.

Alongside Sagan, Logan, and other key figures in the Arms Deal Barrage, he learned about the Regular Army's deep-seated corruption. However, he kept this knowledge a secret, fearing for his life, military career, and the safety of his beloved family. He was primarily responsible for conducting investigations, planning attacks, and launching ambushes against the Serapion Fellowship while serving as the mission commander for Sagan and Logan. However, he did join the fight once Tequila reached the fortress first and initiated a devastating bombardment. When inside, he, Logan, and a small unit of his loyal soldiers faced what they believed to be Colonel Hilde Garn piloting his Metal Strider in a rising elevator, skillfully dodging the downward bullet sweeps and homing missiles. Despite their efforts, they soon realised that the Metal Strider was a decoy, allowing Hilde Garn to launch an ambush with guerrilla fighters and special forces operatives against their group. In the end, Morden and Logan were the only ones to emerge alive, fiercely fighting off their attackers and achieving victory.

In 2023, during a trip to Ottawa, the Central Park bombing shook the city, claiming the lives of many innocent victims, including Penelope, Dorothy, and Peyton. Having survived the devastating attack, Morden discovered that it was allegedly linked to an intelligence failure within the Regular Army and widespread corruption within the government and military at the time. After relying on alcohol to cope with his sadness and anger, he resigned from the Regular Army, retreated from public view, and began secretly planning a rebellion. Many loyal followers from his Regular Army days chose to stand by him, and with the support of Sagan, Logan, and his most trusted soldier, Allen O'Neil, he initiated plans for a coup aimed at rooting out corruption within the government and military.

He assumed the rank of General and formed the Rebel Army, drawing support from disillusioned Regular Army personnel and multiple radical organisations sympathetic to his ideology. During his time building up the Rebel Army, Sagan and Logan transferred ownership rights of the Fortress of Königsdrache to General Morden. As the last remaining Wildgrube family members, Sagan and Logan originally inherited the Fortress of Königsdrache, but chose to bestow it upon General Morden as a token of gratitude and respect. Morden was also gifted six exotic pets by his most loyal men: a serval named Othello, a Burmese python named Sycorax, a blotched blue-tongued skink named Troilus, an African grey parrot named Cymbeline, a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog named Banquo, and a capybara named Desdemona.

His mental state deteriorating, he amassed power and resources for a large-scale offensive. In 2026, Morden initiated his coup d'état, seeking to dismantle the Earth Federation and its alliances and establish global dominance. The Rebel Army, led by General Morden, swiftly defeated the Regular Army and seized control of all major cities worldwide within 170 hours. Upon receiving intel from Sagan and Logan that the Regular Army had begun mass-producing a Super Vehicle, codenamed “SV-001”, following successful testing, Morden launched a strategic attack. His objective was to destroy the factories manufacturing the SV-001 and capture the units already built.

He ordered some of the Rebel Army's inhumane and dirty war crimes during the Great Morden War. These included the prisoner abuse scandal and the doll bomb operation. He ordered his men to kidnap civilians and use them as human shields in the middle of the battlefield. Additionally, he orchestrated Operation Satchan, where young girls recruited by the Rebel Army were given dolls containing explosives. The girls, referred to as Satchan, would approach enemy soldiers and detonate the explosives, resulting in their own deaths.

As Marco and his resistance attempted to approach the Rebel Army's base of operations, he and his forces launched a surprise ambush, intent on halting their progress and clearing the way for Morden's plan for global dominance. By eliminating the resistance, Morden aimed to unlock the Metal Slug's full potential without further interference. He would be responsible for brutally executing Tequila, Gimlet, and Red Eye in front of Marco and Tarma, shooting them in the head with his Chiappa Rhino 40DS revolver. Before the execution, he gruesomely gouged out Marco's left eye and then ordered Allen O'Neil to sever his left arm.

In the final showdown of the Great Morden War, Marco gruesomely gouged out General Morden's eye, avenging the torture he and Tarma endured and the execution of his comrades and friends. The Great Morden War served as a stark wake-up call for the Regular Army, prompting a significant shift in their approach to counterterrorism. In the aftermath of the war, the Regular Army began to take terrorist threats with utmost seriousness, reevaluating their strategies and protocols to prevent future attacks. He felt a sense of pride knowing that his efforts had contributed to the Regular Army taking terrorism more seriously, marking a small but positive change.

After escaping imprisonment with support from the Rebel Army and Pipovulaj, he secretly allied with Doctor Amadeus to exploit her knowledge of Tuatha Dé Danann technology and bioweapon development. This alliance would pave the way for the mass production of specialised cyborgs and lethal mechanical constructs for Rebel Army use, the enhancement of Königsdrache Fortress through the integration of mechanical and defensive upgrades, the creation of Wysteria, the revival of Tequila, Gimlet, and Red Eye, and the development of terrifying creations such as the Flying Killers and Mutated Soldiers. He planned to utilise Wysteria as the ultimate bioweapon to achieve global dominance, and deploy Tequila, Gimlet, and Red Eye as super soldiers to serve the interests of the Rebel Army and Amadeus Syndicate.

When he formed an alliance with Doctor Amadeus, General Morden was gifted a canine experiment resembling the Flame Hound from Metal Slug 3D. The experiment that sealed their bond, named Enobarbus, possessed the ability to breathe blue fire. This gesture was Doctor Amadeus' way of showing respect and gratitude toward their newfound alliance. This is made possible by the dog's salivary glands, which produce enzymes that generate heat and flames when they react to oxygen. This canine experiment is a 8’ 1” (246.38 cm) burly wolf with razor-sharp silver-grey teeth, prominent fangs, glowing amber eyes, and a thick Prussian blue coat that gradually transitions to a watery blue and pure white at the ears, paws, and tail tip.

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stealing this fun oc tag meme from @dragonologist-phd because of COURSE i'll take an open tag as an excuse to talk about my blorbos. i'm gonna tag @clown-femme because i neeed to hear about one of your blorbos. any of them, they're all fantastic ;w;

and with that, it's danny time bitch

General

Name: Daniel Suárez

Alias: kind of an intense way to say nickname, but he goes by danny in most situations (using "daniel" makes him think he's in trouble)

Gender: cis dude (he/him)

Age: 30

Spoken Language: english and spanish

Sexual Orientation: bisexual

Occupation: currently a corner store cashier, but he's done a lot of various odd jobs over the years...tried his hand at a corporate business internship and quit after three weeks. dicked around with a pharm tech job for a while and fucking hated it. his ideal job would be as a sous chef at a friend's restaurant, but he can't muster the energy to even begin going in that direction

Favorite...

Color: he's certainly accumulated a lot of salmon pink shirts...mustard yellow too, he likes those colors but kinda muted, dusty tones typically

Entertainment: keeping up with every cooking show on the planet, having opinions about them, and contributing to cooking forums very aggressively

Pastime: am i being too predictable in saying cooking. i promise he's more multidimensional than i'm making him out to be but he really does love cooking

Food: spicy tonkotsu ramen with like three hundred ajitama

Drink: black coffee for everyday, horchata as a treat, dry red wine for indulging, paloma for getting sillay

Have They...

Passed University: he dropped out of business school in his last semester a la No Dad, This is Your Dream

Had Sex: yup

Had Sex in Public: post-canon, yes :3c fucks [REDACTED] in the bar bathroom because i said so

Got Tattoos: yeah, he's got a botanical tattoo on the side of his upper right thigh

Got Piercings: yep, two ear lobe piercings; he's tried cartilage piercings but he can never get them to heal

Got Scarred: two pretty big and visible Vice-related scars, one around his neck, the other a big hypertrophic scar across his stomach. he's got some faded self-harm scars, too

Had a Broken Heart: romantically speaking nah, he hasn't really been with anyone he was super invested in and was typically the one to end things. perhaps that will change...

Are They...

A Cuddler: absolutely, especially if he's close to someone (i.e. gen and rami and a certain someone post-canon). like yes he's a cuddler but he's also just. very touchy. always has his hands on people's shoulders, always laying in someone's lap on the couch. very physically affectionate, that man.

Scared Easily: i was gonna say it depends but when i think about it, he's really jumpy lmao. kinda always off in his own world and easily startled by people talking to him, hah. also he's like. terrified of ghosts lmao

Jealous Easily: sort of? like not deeply, just kind of in a bratty way sometimes

Trustworthy: let me be so honest danny does not give enough of a shit about anything to lie. you know exactly what you're getting with him and he'll say it right to your face he just doesn't caaaare. he'll absolutely fucking gossip though, but only with his select people. he doesn't really spread gossip out of malice, he just likes talking about people and giving his opinions. that's his enrichment

Family

Parents: his mother passed away when he was 9 and he fucking hates his dad lmao. had a falling out when he decided to drop out of college. he's always had a bit a complex because his dad was always comparing him to his brother, who was basically a model student. danny was never "bad" he was just average, which was essentially a sin in the suárez household. nothing danny did was ever good enough for his father, even when he was young. danny felt like his mother was the only one on his side, so after she died, he truly felt alone in his home

Siblings: he's got an older brother by roughly 5 years, david. they're not on speaking terms due to the whole Falling Out With His Dad thing. david took his dad's side in the falling out Of Course, so danny said fuck you lmao. their five-year difference lead to danny always feeling like the annoying younger brother because. well. he was. but david always verbally shamed him for it and acted like they weren't even siblings half the time. in theory danny's open to the idea of patching things up with david (separately, not involving his father), but david would have to be the one to initiate it, which seems unlikely

Children: nope, and he doesn't really want any. he doesn't dislike kids but he can barely take care of himself, so. not the best idea.

Pets: orange and white tabby named peaches, love of his life, he would do anything for that fucking cat, and does. she 100% eats better than he does when he's in the throes of depression. he adopted her shortly after he dropped out of college because he longed for a purpose lmao. not to end on a sad note, but he's not afraid to admit she was sometimes the only thing keeping him alive. here's a faceclaim for peaches so this isn't so depressing

[chromatichorizon]

Abstract

The depictions of the future in videogames are not neutral. In particular, the way Indigenous cultures and peoples are developed in these settings often reflects constraints of imagination reflective of settler colonial ideologies.

The most prominent depictions of Indigenous peoples and cultures in games, such as Red Dead Redemption II and Assassin’s Creed III, usually position us in the past. Portrayal of Indigenous people in the future is mostly achieved through self-representation in games of a smaller scale, such as the works of Anishinaabe game developer and academic Elizabeth LaPensée (2021). In the games examined here, Indigenous cultures are more present than Indigenous peoples. Comparing the depictions of Indigenous peoples in Overwatch, inFAMOUS Second Son, and Horizon Zero Dawn, I examine how the mentalities of settler colonialism impact the imagined futures depicted in these games.

All three games take different approaches to portraying Indigenous peoples. Overwatch touches on Māori, Australian Aboriginal, and Native Americans peoples in ways that can be considered appropriation or erasure, though they have improved from the depictions at release. In inFAMOUS Second Son, the player can make choices that lead to the eradication of a fictional Native American nation, the Akomish. The game’s setting of Salmon Bay, Washington, has its own history of occupation by the Duwamish people that is subsequently erased (Thrush, 2017). Horizon Zero Dawn is set further into the future, using aspects of current cultures to give depth to future societies. However, they all demonstrate a reliance on stereotype and a separation of Indigenous cultures from Indigenous people. None of the depiction of Indigenous people or Indigeneity in these works are inherently bad. Within the narrative, to varying extents, there are justification or condemnation for events of Indigenous oppression. In some cases, the more problematic elements can be avoided depending on player input.

While justified within the dystopian narrative of the games, each of these games displays a continuation of the logic of “elimination of the native” (Wolfe, 2006). Elimination is achieved through redefinition as well as outright erasure. The complexity of Indigenous existence is subordinated to the use of Indigeneity as a tool to convey certain messages to a contemporary audience. Developing an understanding of these constraints and their effects are necessary to envision a more radical Indigenous future in games.

This was first published in March 2023 - I'd be interested to hear this (Dharug - Aboriginal Australian) writer's thoughts on HFW.

[neuship-zone]

Intro post + DNI and Userboxes

Heya, you can call me Damien. This is my sideblog. As you've probably guessed, I'm a neutralshipper. This is blog is dedicated to asking and answering questions about shipcourse, discussing darker topics in fiction, and ships/fandom stuff in general (because I am NOT clogging my main with that stuff).

The first week of every month will always be (mostly) shipcourse-free

Well, this is a new rule so take it with a grain of salt rn

I am multifandom, and I am willing to talk about ships in all media (provided they aren't incest, adult-child or FNAF because I dislike them), as well as general darker themes such as paraphillias and abuse in fiction (tagged with tws ofc). I may also talk about my own works/planned works when relevant.

Feel free to block any tags related to content you don't wanna see.

I always tag relevant fandoms. Feel free to block any that you don't want to see.

Asks are tagged #asks

Anon hate gets tagged as well

I post #hot takes where I'll yap about an opinion I deem unpopular for a bit

Shipcourse posts will be tagged #shipcourse with any relevant stances (eg proship) also tagged. The stances tagged do not indicate my views unless otherwise stated.

Posts about triggering stuff will be tagged as "tw _____" or "cw _____"

I DO like monster/robot x human and non-sexual selfcest (between adults ofc). I consider myself a lightshipper.

Occasionally I post about paraphilias and ask questions to radqueers. Such posts are tagged #pro para and #radqueer respectively, but please note that I am not a rq and don't really support them.

Here's a up-to-date list of all the fandoms I know I'm in:

This should go without saying but yes, I like TCOAAL and will post about it. If you hate that game, this is your warning.

I also occasionally post about the Boyfriends webtoon (although I don't consider myself a part of the fandom).

My pfp is a neuship/peacefic flag made by @slowlyshamelesscolor

My new banner is another neutralship flag made by @dupsydidahop

My old banner was a (likely unserious) anti-discourse flag made by @femmefarmer

Link is here:

Feel free to ask me questions about my views on shipcourse. All views are open for debate, but hate/harassment will NOT be tolerated.

Generally, I:

- am ship and let ship

- encourage blocking

- do not support darkships (i.e I don't encourage darkshipping. I don't actually care too much if you are a darkshipper)

- do not believe fiction affects people on a 1:1 basis (mainly because I'm an aroace fictosexual and so am living proof that that's kinda bs)

- am STRONGLY anti-harassment, pro-mental health, pro-para (and pro-recovery), and anti-xenosatanist

- will ask questions to anyone, even people I disagree with. I am always up for discussion unless the discussion is going nowhere and/or negatively impacting my health

!!! DO NOT SEND ASKS FOR DONATONS !!!

They will be deleted. I don't generally reblog donations, but my main blog, @felix-01000101 should have some there (including a masterlist of Palestinian/Gaza donos if you want them)

Note:

This blog uses the following definitions:

Proship - someone who is generally anti-harassment and SALS, and believes taste in fiction does not dictate IRL beliefs, may or may not like or support comships/darkships

Antiship - someone who believes fiction DOES dictate IRL beliefs, generally does not believe in SALS, may or may not be anti-harassment

Comship - A ship that is "complex" (Comship = complex ship). Examples include enemies to lovers and monster x human. A comshipper may or may not be proship.

Darkship - A comship that would be illegal in real life (eg incest, minor x adult), or otherwise problematic or "dark" (eg abuser x victim). Darkshippers are usually proship but not always.

Neutralship/neuship - Someone who is neither antiship nor proship. They may be antiship or proship leaning, but choose not to label themselves on either side.

(Note that these are rather loose definitions, since these are essentially labels people choose to use, and as with all labels, usage can get tricky)

DNI:

There is no DNI for this blog, but I block freely. Obviously, both antishippers and proshippers can interact, but I will not be making any posts or reblogging stuff that promotes darkships, as they make me uncomfortable and I don't personally support them.

Credit to @pleasantcherryblossomtreenight for most of these ^^

[differentcoloredcontacts]

Class 1-b and random videogames they like <3

Awase - mario cart, something about hitting his friends with red shells and stealing first place last second really makes his day <3

Sen - he doesn't play video games by himself a lot but him and the rest of the common sense kings have game nights where he is either so good that its scary or so bad that its laughable... worse part is no one knows which it will be that day.

Kamakiri - any fps game really. Halo, cod, fortnite, as long as he gets to cuss out 12 year olds in the lobby hes happy.

Kuroiro - gothic horror games that dont rely on jump scares to scare you, so like Little Nightmares and games like that.

Kendo - she likes a mixture of different types but mostly open world and cozy games. She mostly lets game osts run in the background while she does other stuff.

Kodai - splatoon. Specifically the story mode and salmon run. She used to play ranked and turf wars but she got too good at it so she stopped lmao. Seriously though she is scary good at this game and this game only.

Komori - farming sims. Specifically ones like stardew valley or sunhaven. She will stay up til ungodly hours and just be like "i need these fucking turnips to grow damnit.."

Shiozaki - simple moble games like flappy bird or crossy road, other than that she doesn't really play video games

Shishida - grandpa mindset so he doesn't know what a video game is, loves playing board games with his friends though

Shoda - i dont think he plays a lot of videogames but he is strangely good at multi-player games, shoda wins the class mario cart tournaments every time and he doesn't even know how to drift

Pony - Tomadachi pet games (idk if thats what they are called lol) where its just a little pocket pet that you have to keep alive, she will get stressed if she forgets to feed it and its actually adorable <3

Tsubaraba - LOZ:Tears Of The Kingdom

Nothing more needs to he said...

Tetsutetsu - save the princess type games because its manly to help those in need of saving. (He also has over 5000 hours in hello kitty island adventure)

Tokage - idk why but I feel like she has hundreds of games no one has ever heard of. She only has like 5 or 6 hours in most of them but theres one shitty as game she lets rot in the corner thats her favorite. How tf do you have 20000 hours in 'block game HD'

Manga - Genshin Impact. He downloaded it as a meme at first but then he got invested in the storyline and characters backstorys. Definitely found himself crying at 3am because of the inazumas mushrooms backstory (they do be dead kids tho)

Honenuki - I dont think he plays a lot of videogames but when he does, he sucks. Idc how many hours he has in whatever game he will find a way to lose every time. Its kinda sad to watch honestly. T-T

Bondo - those games where you start off with boxes full of shit and you have to organize it in the room or you have to organize the water by color. Stuff like that

Monoma - classic save the princess type games. Mario, Loz, ect. He needs to feed his savior/ superiority complex and these games do it quickly

Reiko - horror games that dont look like horror games. Like they start off all pastel and cute then over time it gets darker and darker. Like omori.

Rin - he only plays videogames with people. (So the common sense kings game nights and class mario cart tournaments) but he does play solitair and sun haven rarely. Also if pony for some reason cant take care of her virtual pets today she gives them to rin because hes the best virtual pet sitter. <3

Idk why but for some of the class on this I struggled so badly </3 I still like how most of it came out tho.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this press release from the Department of the Interior:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding more than $6.4 million to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native Tribes to benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. This year’s funding will support 35 Tribes for conservation projects across 15 states, benefiting a wide range of wildlife and habitat, including species of cultural or traditional importance to Indigenous communities. 

Examples of projects approved this year include:

Sitka Tribe of Alaska (Artificial Intelligence for Subsistence Salmon Monitoring and Management) - $200,000 to install artificial intelligence enabled video that will produce automated real-time counts of Redoubt Lake sockeye salmon, reducing real-time monitoring costs.

Navajo Nation (within Arizona, New Mexico and Utah)(Estimating Abundance, Preserving Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Resolving Human-Bear Conflict of Black Bears on the Navajo Nation) - $100,000 to assess black bear population on Navajo Nation lands, preserve Traditional Ecological Knowledge in effective habitat management and minimize human-bear conflicts. 

Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California (Tribal Wildlife and Postfire Restoration for Habitat Connectivity, Pollinator Species and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Plants around Feather Falls) - $197,300 to restore and manage ancestral lands which were devasted by the 2020 North Complex fire, including hiring staff, expanding the Tribal youth program and developing a restoration plan that incorporates Traditional Ecological Knowledge to prioritize culturally significant and endangered species such as the California spotted owl, bald eagle, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog and California red-legged frog.

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians (within Minnesota) (Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians White-tailed Deer and Golden-winged Warbler Critical Habitat Restoration Project: Setting Back Forest Succession to Promote Early Successional Wildlife Species) - $199,872 to create 350 acres of early successional forest habitat, supporting deer population recovery and increasing habitat for golden-winged warblers during breeding season.

Omaha Tribe of Nebraska (Tallgrass Prairie Resource Management) - $199,965 to hire staff to restore, maintain, and enhance habitat for ecologically and culturally significant wildlife species within the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska reservation, including invasive species removal and buffalo management.

Seneca Nation of Indians (within New York) (Seneca Nation Wood Turtle Survey) - $42,713 to tag wood turtles, a culturally important species, with GPS transmitters to track and map home areas and nesting grounds. 

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (within North Carolina)(Leveraging DNA Sampling to Understand and Manage Resources) - $200,000 to continue cutting-edge non-invasive resource management techniques and use environmental DNA (eDNA) and a variety of non-invasive methods (camera, trapping, acoustics, etc.) to evaluate and manage bear populations, sicklefin redhorse, native brook trout, bats, otters, fish, aquatic communities, birds, and amphibians.

Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe (within Washington) (ESA Species Critical Coastal Habitat and Traditional Fisheries Restoration and Monitoring) - $198,928 to continue improving the conservation status of the western snowy plover and streaked horned lark and implement essential fish habitat assessments, eDNA and visual monitoring and restoration actions to support climate resilience and adaptive capacity of these species on Tribal lands.

[theblackdahliaemporium]

Salt of the World

Salt is a classic representation of Earth. In rituals, it is often associated with protection or cleansing.

House witches sprinkle salt in doorways or the corner of rooms to protect your home.

Use salt water to purify crystals, wash your floors or in a spray bottle to cleanse your space.

Table Salt:

One of the most common types of salt, this is what you’ll typically find inside a salt shaker. Table salt is generally mined from underground deposits, dissolved in water, and purified to remove any trace minerals before being re-hydrated to form the final product. This process creates an even, fine-grained texture and clean, consistent taste.

**Ionized salt vs non-ionized - Iodized salt is simply table salt that’s been treated with sodium iodide. It was developed in the 1920s to prevent iodine deficiency, a condition that can cause thyroid issues. Some chefs do note a slight chemical aftertaste from the added iodine.

Kosher Salt:

A great alternative to traditional table salt, kosher salt offers a flakier, coarser texture and clean, bright flavor. This additive-free salt variety gets its name because it’s used during the process of koshering meat. Because of its larger grains, kosher salt takes slightly longer to dissolve than table salt, which means that it offers enhanced texture when used to season meats and vegetables.

Fleur de Sel:

Fleur de sel is a French phrase meaning “flower of salt.” It’s used to describe a uniquely delicate salt variety from the coast of Brittany, where the crystals are hand-harvested from the surface of saltwater ponds. This production method means that fleur de sel is lower in sodium and higher in mineral content than most salts, so it offers a lightly briny flavor.

Epsom Salts:

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. It’s a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical structure.

::Rock Salts::

Sea salt:

Sea salt is made by evaporating seawater to produce large, irregular crystals or flakes that can come in a variety of colors. Because it’s less processed than table salt, sea salt offers a more complex mineral flavor profile, which is strongly influenced by its geographic origin. Highly versatile in the kitchen, sea salt can range in texture from fine flakes to coarse crystals, and in flavor from briny to lightly sweet.

Himalayan Salt:

It’s easy to spot Himalayan salt; this variety is noteworthy for its striking, salmon-pink hue. Recognized as the world’s purest salt, Himalayan salt is mined high in the mountains of Pakistan. Rich in minerals, it offers a complex flavor and large, hard grains (put the crystals in a grinder for best results in the kitchen). Because it’s dried at high temperatures, Himalayan salt is exceptionally strong and stable; it can be carved into boards, bowls and other cookware.

Hawaiian Salt:

Another region known for its colorful salt is Hawaii, which produces a red sea salt known as alaea salt. Alaea salt is made by combining Hawaiian sea salt with red volcanic clay. Popular in Hawaiian cooking, this salt is relatively low in sodium and derives a mild flavor from the mineral-rich clay. Thanks to its eye-catching color, it makes an exceptional finishing salt. It’s also one of the key ingredients in my Slow Cooker Kalua Pork.

::DIY Ritual Salts::

White Salt: Any household salt +

Eggs shells (cascarilla powder)

Jasmine flowers

White rice

Red Salt: Himalayan or Hawaiian salt + dried flowers or peppers picked to suit your intention

Rose

Hibiscus

Pink Peppercorns

Cayenne

Chipotle

Adobo

Black Salt: Salt of your choice +

Ash

Peppercorns

Chasteberry

Purple Salt: Salt of your choice + dried flowers based on your intention

Lavender

Violets

Echinacea

Iris

Green Salt: Household salt of your choice + any assortment of dried herbs or plants based on your intention, such as:

Rosemary

Basil

Sage

Thyme

Oregano

Parsley

Pine

[beautyandlifestyleblog86]

Grilled salmon and brown rice salad:

Ingredients:

- 1 salmon fillet

- 1 cup cooked brown rice

- 2 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, kale, arugula)

- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced

- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. Once the salmon is cooked, flake it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad.

5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine.

6. Serve the grilled salmon and brown rice salad immediately.

This recipe is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and the brown rice provides a good source of complex carbohydrates to help keep you full and energized. Enjoy!