#Shahin the Phoenix

[shahinnasirinia]

Recovery

The Importance of Recovery for Professional Athletes Professional athletes are known for their rough and grueling training schedules. Whether they are competing in high-impact sports like football and basketball, or going long distances like marathon runners, these athletes push their bodies to the limit. While it’s easy to focus solely on training and competition, it’s important that…

[oc-smashorpass]

There are perks to being the host of the phoenix spirit: becoming the ruler of the Garuda tribe, vast power over fire, a divine form, and near-immortality via constant regeneration. However, the cost is the death of the previous spirit holder, in Shahin's case, his own adoptive mother who burned to ash in front of his eyes. The emotional anguish of that day warped the once sheltered young man into a tyrannical king who cannot be assassinated due to the cruel 'gift' of his phoenix powers.

Shahin is a smooth-talking and conniving ruler with no hesitance to turn his wrath on his own subjects.

He's insufferably smug and hedonistic, indulging in every fine pleasure while his people struggle in the intense desert climate. Masked behind his grandeur, however, is a deeply lonely individual whose nature to push away others to prevent a repeat of that fateful day compounds his craving for affection he once felt, further spiraling his emotions he channels into conquering other nations.

OC by @takis-breathing-dragon !

First art by @birdkings !

Second art by @lavenderarts !

[female-buckets]

Griner, the June WNBA Cares Community Assist Award recipient, is the second consecutive Mercury player to win the honor. Mercury forward Brianna Turner received the award last season.

Since rejoining the Mercury in February 2023 after being wrongfully detained in Russia, Griner has focused on two service initiatives: Bring Our Families Home (BOFH), a campaign comprised of families of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas that advocates to spread awareness about their cases and safe return home; and the BG Heart & Sole Shoe Drive, which supports unhoused individuals in the Phoenix community.

Throughout the 2023 WNBA season, Griner teamed up with BOFH to tell the stories of wrongfully detained Americans abroad. The campaign launched in April with the unveiling of a mural at the Mercury’s home arena, Footprint Center, that featured the face of Griner and more than a dozen detained individuals. The 30-foot-wide painting features a QR code that directs to www.BringOurFamiliesHome.org, educating fans about the mission and how to get involved.

Griner and the Mercury hosted families and friends of wrongful detainees at Mercury games in Phoenix and around the country when the team visited other markets, and incorporated in-game PSAs and social media content to keep the names and stories of those detained top-of-mind. Additionally, the BOFH logo was affixed to the Mercury’s home court the entire 2023 season.

As part of the partnership with BOFH, the Mercury set up a letter-writing station at every regular season home game for fans to draft handwritten notes of hope and encouragement to those detained and calls for action to elected officials to continue to work to bring individuals home. Other WNBA teams also participated in the letter-writing campaign at their home games against Phoenix.

Griner founded the BG Heart & Sole Shoe Drive in 2016 to provide new and lightly used shoes to unhoused individuals in the Phoenix metro area. In partnership with the non-profit Phoenix Rescue Mission, Griner’s initiative collected and distributed nearly 3,000 pairs of shoes this season, in addition to other necessary items such as shirts, backpacks, hats and hygiene products.

Additional highlights of Griner’s efforts in the community during the 2023 WNBA season are included below:

BOFH awareness for families: The Mercury content team, on behalf of Griner, elevated the voices of families of several currently detained individuals including family of Zack Shahin, Emad Shargi (returned home in September 2023), Morad Tahbaz (returned home in September 2023), Luke Denman, Austin Tice, Eyvin Hernandez and Alexandra Forseth (co-founder of BOFH campaign).

BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive: Before Phoenix’s first home game of the season, a Mercury season-ticket holder inspired by Griner’s commitment donated 452 pairs of shoes that had been collected in the offseason. On May 26, Griner participated in the first shoe distribution of the season, at a soup kitchen in downtown Phoenix. On Sept. 6, the Mercury hosted its second distribution event at the St. Vincent de Paul Washington Street Shelter in south Phoenix.

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award is awarded monthly during the season to the player who best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community. In recognition of Griner’s commitment to the community throughout the 2023 WNBA season, the WNBA will donate $20,000 to be split among charities of Griner’s choice: Bring our Families Home and Phoenix Rescue Mission.

[my-series-a-writings-account]

Character Post; Ryan Phoenix

Ryan Phoenix

Age: 13

Birthday: July 9, 1991

Residency: 2 Malrose Crescent, Greater Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Occupation: Student, Second Son of the Phoenix Family

Species: Human [REDACTED]

Gender: Cis Male

Sexuality: Bisexual

Powers: Elemental Base - Fire

Status: Alive and Active

Allies: [REDACTED]

Enemies: [REDACTED]

Family:

Paul Phoenix (Father)

Yorick Phoenix (Brother)

Robert Phoenix (Cousin)

Frank Phoenix (Uncle)

Amal Shahin-Azad (Aunt)

Arthur Phoenix (Grandfather)

Goals: [REDACTED]

Appearance:

Brown Hair; short, curls when longer

Small nose; Button, Flat

Blue Eyes, Large, Round

Above average height; recovering from substantial health concerns, slightly below average weight

Likes to wear Red, White, Black, and Blue

Relationships: [REDACTED]

His Story: [REDACTED]

[thelockin]

New Video Playlist "Welcome to the Realness" on Youtube

TRACKLIST

Ramson Badbonez “Stay True” ft Reks, Ruste Juxx & Blacastan

Tru Trilla “Word of God” produced by DNA Beatz

Ramson Badbonez “Black Hole Cypher” ft Kashmere, Truemendous, MysDiggi, Micall Parknsun, Joker Starr, Gee Bag, Confucius, Jehst & Phoenix da Icefire

Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown “Shake Things Up”

Belles in Monica “Y’All Under Surveillance” (G-Sharp Remix Cuts by DJ Devestator)

“Lame Duck” (Shahin Remix) ft Tru Trilla, Fly Kwa & Prince Ak

Anthony Kannon & Frost Gamble “Make It Rain”

Tru Trilla “God’s Partical” ft Middy Murdock produced by Jamal Nueve

Ramson Badbonez “Lead by Example” ft Recognize Ali, Skyzoo & Juxx Diamondz. Cuts by DJ Jazz T

Justo the MC & Brelstaff “High”

Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown “Cosmic Soul”

“Bismillah” (Qadir Remix) ft Justo the MC, Johaz of Dag Savage & Sleep Sinatra

Tru Trilla “God’s Sympathy” ft Fly Kwa & Confucious produced by DNA Beatz

Belles in Monica “Meltdown” (Mr Krash Slaughta Massive Meltdown Remix)

Ramson Badbonez “Rap to the Future” ft Dizzy Dustin, Mr Hooper & Moka Only. Cuts by Kompoze

Phoenix da Icefire “Dark Rainbow Light” (Tone Spliff Remix)

Tru Trilla “God’s Mercy” produced by DNA Beatz 

[trained-trainwreck]

Lets read a true ending, See where Shahin's end game lays

Lets read a true ending, See where Shahin’s end game lays

Dawn broke over southern Quel’thalas this morning much the same as it had for the last ten thousand years. Golden rays of sunlight filtered through thickets of trees and washed across the landscape, bringing the warmth of the sun to the entire valley. Despite his best efforts, Shahin found himself stirred from his sleep by the brightening sky and heaved a heavy sigh as he lay in bed and tried in vain to go back to sleep. No such luck. Resigned to his fate of being awake at dawn, he rolled over and gingerly swung his legs out over the edge of the bed until bare feet met cool stone floor. He took a moment there, sitting upright with his fists balled on either side of him, grit his teeth and braced himself for the next part. With a grunt of exertion, Shahin pushed himself to stand only to be met with a stab of pain in his left knee as it buckled and he collapsed to the floor with a shout.

Cursing furiously, he lay on the floor for a few moments and clutched at his knee as the sharp stabbing pain eventually faded to a dull throb. His right hand blindly fumbled to the top of the night stand at the side of his bed and he hauled himself to his feet, glaring down at the offending joint as he put all his weight on the other leg and hobbled his way to the bathroom. Each limping step was precarious as the slightest amount of pressure on his left leg was met with another sharp stab of pain, but he wasn’t about to let any of it change his morning routine. Bath first, then shave, then get dressed for the day. By far the bath was his favorite part. It was easy to just sink into the embrace of scalding hot water and just relax as the aches and pains that plagued him just ebbed away. Shahin lay there for what felt like an hour, thistle cigarette dangling loosely between his lips, and just…was.

His mind wandered back to the fateful day that had left him in such sorry shape- the day the healers had told him his knee was damaged beyond repair, that the nerves and tendons were so far gone that even a prosthetic couldn’t help, and that the fel corruption had set in so deeply that it was irreversible; his body was doomed to slowly deteriorate and nobody seemed sure exactly how long it would take. He sank deeper into the tub as the emotions of that day came flooding back over him. Fear, anger, doubt, resentment…and then numbness. His entire life to this point had been dedicated to waging war in the name of the State, dedicated to bringing wrath and ruin upon those that would dare pose a threat to Quel’thalas. They had offered their sincerest apologies, of course, and promised to do all they could and find a solution Little more than fluff.

Idly his fingers traced over the ugly scars that crisscrossed his destroyed knee and wound up his leg from the middle of his shin to his lower thigh. All these years and still did they pulse with the faint glow of the Fel that had ruined him. A frown twisted across his lips that was followed by another heavy sigh as he pulled the drain and heaved himself up and out of the bath tub. Several moments of struggling later, he’d secured himself a towel to dry off with and hobbled over to the sink which he used to brace himself as he looked into the mirror. Sullen eyes stared back from his reflection, following the lines of the scars on his face up to the silver streaks that had formed in his hair at his temples and flared out running back just above his ears to the back of his head.

He felt several centuries older than he was and it showed.

Shahin shaved in silence, each stroke of his razor blade the only sound in the room apart from his steady breaths. Once that was done, he hobbled back out of the bathroom and toward the small armoire that was set up just a few paces from the foot of his bed. Just like everything else these days, the process of dressing himself was an ordeal. His shoulders complained as he pulled a shirt up and over his head and secured his trousers in place, followed lastly by his boots. His fingers ached as he retrieved his knee brace from the bottom of the armoire and secured it snugly in place. Lances of pain shot up from his knee and through his hip as he tightened the laces and straps that held it to his leg that grit his teeth and forced a muttered curse out of him. He rested there a moment, half-sitting at the foot of the bed, and then turned his attention to the one object in his bedroom that earned more of his ire than anything else:

A simple wooden cane.

To him it was the most painful physical representation of what he had been reduced to, a beacon to broadcast all around him that his brace was no temporary measure. Frustration bubbled up in his chest as he snatched up his cane with a furious scowl and made for his office with all the expediency he could muster. Truthfully, Shahin’s office was little more than ten feet across the hall but getting there felt as though it took forever. He set the offensive thing aside as soon as he was across the threshold and limped around behind his desk to sit down. Several letters had been left there addressed to him, each bearing a different name and a different seal. Some in the Sunguard had taken to writing him after his discharge. An appreciated gesture, truthfully, but one that tended to stir more unpleasant emotions in him. All he wanted was to be back with them, to take the field again just one more time in defense of his kingdom and his colleagues…but it was not to be.

One letter, however, caught his eye.

Immediately, Shahin tore the envelope open and pored over its contents. His ears perked and a wide smile spread across his face; Thanidiel had written to him for the first time in quite a while. Business with the Order had kept her quite busy, but she still found time occasionally to keep her colleague up to date with the goings-on, the changes the Order was going through, and all of the things he’d missed out on while he was languishing in the countryside. This time, the letter was even better; she was coming to visit. It was a rare occasion when Thanidiel Highdawn graced his home but each time never failed to lift his spirits. He knew her well enough to know she could be honest with him, that she would not pity him, and that she could understand his frustration.

Good news.

Mood lifted even a little bit, Shahin set about answering his correspondence. He was genuinely glad to know things were going well for the Sunguard, that life outside of his personal bubble was moving forward and in a positive direction. Before he knew it, it was lunch time. He was behind schedule. Another grunt of effort, several muttered curses, and a glare at his cane later he was out of the office and making his way to the front of the house. He reached for the knob, closed his eyes, drew in a deep breath, then exhaled. What was to come had become almost a ritual. As the door swung wide open he squinted his eyes and brought a hand to his brow to shield his face from the afternoon sun. In the distance, down the winding path that branched off from the main road to his property, he could make out three figures walking abreast coming toward the house.

A wide smile overcame him as they came closer.

In the middle was Nuellen, her arms laden with the morning’s purchases at the market. To her left was Kylora, laughing and smiling at some unheard joke shared between the three of them. At Nuellen’s right was Alna’cenia, the more serious twin, still smiling her trademark subdued smile. Pride swelled up in Shahin’s chest as they came closer and closer. Both girls had grown into beautiful young women, powerful and strong. Most importantly of all they had grown up in a world that knew peace, a world that was free of the Legion’s threat and free from the constant overhanging sense of impending doom. To him they were the beacon of hope that shined on the future of the Sin’dorei. Nuellen said something to both of them and they turned in unison toward the house. Their faces lit up and they both broke into a run.

“Ann’da!” the twins called out in unison as he waved to them.

This, he realized as he did each and every time they came home from market in the morning, was what it was all about. All the sacrifice, the pain, the frustration- it was all made worth it by the hope that these two girls would live long lives in peace.

He could live with that.

( @nuelleawanders, @thanidiel for mentions and thanks to @curiouslich for the ask! )

[draconicmatriarch]

[ethalarian]

Sitewrite 5: Concerning the Dead

C,

It’s been a long time. I don’t know why I’m doing this now of all times but I just feel oddly compelled. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wonder what happened to you, that I wonder why you just vanished into thin air. There is a part of me that wants to hold out hope that you’re still alive out there somewhere, that someday I might have the great fortune to see you again...but the rest of me, the realistic part of me, knows that’s probably not true. You’ve been gone for seven years now.

I still feel responsible.

I know. It’s stupid and I know you’d tell me exactly that and probably in exactly those words, but I can’t help it. I was your Captain. As such, my primary task was to see to your safety and I failed in that in so many ways I can’t even begin to count them. After you left, my life was just one string of failures after another. Friends, partners, lovers- I lost them all left and right until I just couldn’t take it anymore. Would you be disappointed in me for the way it all unfolded, the way I resigned my post and just let things run their course?

Sun above, I think it would kill me.

Things haven’t been all bad, though. I made the decision to come back home not too long ago and joined up with the militia- the Sunguard. I don’t know if you’d remember them or their former Archon, Felthier. I think they had just made their split not long before you-

Nevermind that. I’ve enjoyed my time here. They’re loud, they’re rowdy, they’re undisciplined but beyond that they’re family in a way I never imagined them being. Serving with them has been taking me back to the old days when we first joined the Seventh. I’d do anything for these people. I’ll fight for them. Die for them, if I have to, and not have a regret in the world.

Well. Maybe one. I don’t know if you knew Nuellen. She used to come around the Enclave a lot, spend time with us on the steps when we were on duty. I never would have expected things to go the way they have between us, but I’m glad for it. She’s been a comforting presence in my life and I don’t know where I’d be without her. Actually, I’d probably be dead in Gadgetzan were it not for her. She’s become very, very dear to me in this last year that we’ve been together and I hope that trend continues for a long time.

I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t terrified, though. Every woman I’ve ever gotten close to- it hasn’t ended well. I still have nightmares about you. About Arkaera. About Lillithane. I won’t let that happen to her- I can’t.

Fuck, I’m rambling now aren’t I? I was never good at these kinds of things but.

Really all I wanted to say, all I’ve ever wanted to say, is I’m sorry.

I’m sorry and I miss you.

-E

( @nuellen and @felthier for mentions )

[nuellen]

Site Write - Day 15

Free Write

“I’m fine... Don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t just stop worrying. Are you sure you’re okay? You came home panting; how far did you push yourself?”

“Far enough that the job was done. I’ll be fine, really.”

Nuellen’s chest swelled as she took a deep inhale, looking up at Shahin with a frown. He had come home from another battle where his rage had fueled him past his limits. He was reckless with his own life like this, and she could see it when he came to her bed with aching muscles and slept for near days on end. “This is going to seriously hurt you one day, if you’re not carefu--”

“Nuellen, please.” He sighed out and started to turn towards the stairs, “I really don’t want to hear it right now.”

Her brows knit together, lips pursing together and turning that frown into a severe scowl. Another breath was expelled with a loud huff, “Fine... Fine!”

She decided to take a walk, try to cool herself down; neither of them wanted to make a scene, it seemed, even though they both knew she was speaking the truth. The door slammed behind her, making the woman flinch, surprised by her own anger. Another breath escaped her, an attempt to calm herself with a sigh, turning toward the main street and started to walk.

It was hours later, lost only in her own thoughts and trying to reason with herself. It didn’t matter where the conversation turned, with herself, she knew she was right. She had to have patience with him though, there was no making him change in a day.. Or even in a few weeks. Or months. She looked up and noticed how dark it had gotten, groaning to herself. Likely the girls had been fed and put to bed by now, by Mellarue. She really had to think of some way to thank that woman. Fingers ran through her hair as she changed her course to head home.

As expected, the house was quiet. Much of the home had been dimmed, and the only animal that stirred was Ergrer, who lifted his head to greet her with a low warble. She smiled and gave his snout a gentle pat, letting the raptor snuggle back into his nest, walking over to give her wolves all gentle scritches behind the ear. Evina roused herself and tried to follow up the stairs, her nails click-clacking against the wood of the first step, stubbornly refusing to let Nuellen leave her. There was no easy way to carry a wolf, even one that only weighed a little under ninety pounds, up a set of stairs, but she managed it. They both walked into her room, where the ranger stood in the doorway as she looked ahead at the bed, hearing the soft snore of Shahin. At least he had managed to stay awake enough to change out of his armor.

She did the same, now covered with wolf fur, and climbed into bed next to him. He still seemed far too tired to recognize that it was her weight next to him. She sighed again and turned onto her side, watching him sleep; she snorted softly, amused that even now his brows were furrowed together as he slept. Her arm looped around his waist as she pulled him further into the bed, against her body, throwing a leg over his own to imitate what he often did with her. Her other arm tucked itself underneath his shoulders as she tried to shift her head against his own. This didn’t seem so bad, now that she had found the most comfortable spot. She wasn’t tired, but as she lay there, she gently let the hand wrapped around his waist roam across his exposed skin. Her fingers found the scar gashed across his stomach, lingering there as she thought about how it still bothered him, or at least having it exposed to the world did.

He stirred and shifted against her, head turning her way. Nuellen frowned to herself, leaning to gently press her lips to his forehead, whispering mostly to herself, “Take care of yourself, Ethalarian. I love you.”

Tagged for mention: @shahin​ // @trained-trainwreck​ @thesunguardmg​

[prettygoodnames]

bird inspired names #2

Aderyn Meaning: bird Origin: Welsh

Aetius Meaning: eagle Origin: Greek

Alcyone Meaning: kingfisher Origin: Greek

Alondra Meaning: lark Origin: Spanish

Altair Meaning: the flyer Origin: Arabic

Andor Meaning: eagle + Thor Origin: Old Norse

Anne Meaning: eagle Origin: Germanic Alternate spelling: Ane

Aras Meaning: eagle Origin: Lithuanian

Arend Meaning: eagle Origin: Dutch

Arnold Meaning: eagle power Origin: Germanic

Arnulf Meaning: eagle + wolf Origin: Germanic

Arvid Meaning: eagle tree Origin: Old Norse

Astor Meaning: hawk Origin: Occitan

Asuka 飛鳥 Meaning: flying bird Origin: Japanese

Avis Meaning: bird Origin: Latin

Bertram Meaning: bright raven Origin: Germanic

Bibigul Meaning: nightingale Origin: Kazakh

Birdie Meaning: little bird Origin: English

Bran Meaning: raven Origin: Welsh

Circe Meaning: hawk Origin: Greek

Columba Meaning: dove Origin: Late Latin Related names: Coleman, Colm, Colum

Corbin Meaning: raven Origin: French

Crawford Meaning: crow ford Origin: Old English

Dove Meaning: dove Origin: English

Drake Meaning: male duck Origin: English

Dror Meaning: sparrow Origin: Hebrew

Énna Meaning: bird-like Origin: Irish

Falk Meaning: falcon Origin: German

Griffin Meaning: griffin Origin: English

Gull Meaning: god Origin: Old Norse

Guntram Meaning: war raven Origin: Germanic

Haruto 晴翔 Meaning: clear weather + soar, fly Origin: Japanese

Hong 鸿 Meaning: wild swan, great, vest Origin: Chinese

Jay Meaning: jay Origin: English

Jemima Meaning: dove Origin: Hebrew

Jonah Meaning: dove Origin: Hebrew

Lark Meaning: lark Origin: English

Linnet Meaning: linnet Origin: English

Merel Meaning: blackbird Origin: Dutch

Merle Meaning: blackbird Origin: French

Miu 美羽 Meaning: beautiful feather Origin: Japanese

Peregrine Meaning: traveller Origin: Late Latin

Philomel Meaning: nightingale Origin: English

Phineus Meaning: vulture Origin: Greek

Phoenix Meaning: dark red Origin: Greek

Raven Meaning: raven Origin: English

Robin Meaning: robin Origin: English

Ronne Meaning: raven Origin: Germanic Related names: Roan

Shahin Meaning: falcon Origin: Persian

Sparrow Meaning: sparrow Origin: English

Suzume 雀 Meaning: sparrow Origin: Japanese

Swanhild Meaning: swan + battle Origin: Germanic

Wolfram Meaning: wolf + raven Origin: Germanic

Wren Meaning: wren Origin: English

Zitkala Meaning: bird Origin: Lakota

[hereliesbitches--me]

Shahin leaned down to look her over with an icy leer, a hand on his chin. "So how much are you offering for your services?" He gestured to her crimson painted lips. "For someone as mouthy as you, I can't imagine much, but I am still willing to pay."

 Kia’s leaving was meant to be brief, it was the only reason that Rosie allowed herself to stay in place with the irritating Garuta king by herself.

     There was so little she knew about the bastard beyond what she could ascertain from Kia herself, or by snooping around the desert kingdom in disguise. Yet judging by the predatory arrogance that radiated off of the tyrant, what the celestial did know was that her patience wore thin quickly with his presence. Even before he opened his mouth and spoke with an ill-tamed tongue. In the meantime, she stood with her back to him, her ears tilted backwards as she rocked impatiently on the balls of her feet.  It was best to be calm, to give him no reason to try to converse with her while she bristled and tapped her claws irritably against her arms. Rosie did her damn best to focus on everything but the phoenix behind her, despite the uncomfortable chill that ached through her muscles, knowing how his uncivilized stare raked her backside like a prize. The tension builds to the point her knuckles went white, til he stepped around and loomed above her. The lecherous leering from above created a vile sinking in her stomach that ran her blood cold. His comment set her feral jaws to click and lock with the force in which she grit her teeth in a disdainful snarl,

“ Would it have killed you to not hear the sound of  your own grating voice  for a minute more until Kia came back?  I was enjoying my silence and the wall view until you ruined it.” Though his gesture to her reddened lips and lustful stare warranted the itching in her claws to flex and strike the smug look from his face, there bloomed a sudden thought in her ferocity that unfolds before his eyes. The gift she’s learned in mortality was the ability to alter her thoughts and presentation on the dime ; Within a blink the malice of her glare transformed into a sensuous , flirtatious flutter of lashes to match his interest. From her tense posture she unfurled with new placed confidence to push herself against the king with a raised head, meeting him head on to the exact image he inferred. The biting tone slipped to one more coy and sultry as she ran her slim fingers along the red feathers of his shoulders, her gaze now skimming over his bare build like an experienced judge does a stallion,   “ Oooh, who am I kidding.. How could I ever resist the charm like a specimen like yourself? How rich these colors are! How much strength must reside in these muscles of yours..”   She let the sweet honey of her tone set the trap of her feigned interest. Rosie purred audibly, the sound rumbling in her chest to the very fingertips that now lazily traced circles around the broad plane of his swollen chest. She pursed her lips thoughtfully, brows creasing,

“ Now just what price should I charge the great tyrant king for a night of entertainment? When im sure there are swarms of hens just dying to have you bed them? If I were a Garude, I'd say it was my honor and there would be no charge. But since I am no mere bird,”

Her fingers splayed across the center of his dark chest, palm flat with a burst of energy that shoves the king away with strength that should not belong to a woman so small. Her gaze, once coy and innocent, now looked indifferently with a half lidded stare as she stood with her arm still held out to the point his skin once touched her open, scarred palm. Her lips remained smiling, lazy and amused as she gives a low throaty chuckle of dismission,

“ No amount of coin would make you worthy enough to taint myself with your bastard breeding, i'm afraid. You could never survive me, and I wouldn’t want you even if you were the last man on Earth.”

The arm falls now to brush invisible grit from her shoulders and chest, examining her claws in that instance of closeness. She hums and speaks evenly with ears standing tall yet again, “ Don’t disrespect me with such lowly offers again, tweety bird. Next time my response wont be as kind as this one. “

[shahinnasirinia]

Motivation: The Key to athletic success

What separates great athletes from the rest is not only their physical abilities but also their level of motivation. Motivation is the driving force that propels athletes to overcome their challenges and reach their goals. Without motivation, even the most talented athletes can lose focus and falter. Here are some key factors that can keep athletes motivated to achieve their goals. First,…

[creepingsharia]

Arizona: 28 Sentenced for Manufacturing and Distributing Synthetic Marijuana (Spice) in Tucson

Muslims who imported chemicals from China to make deadly drugs and sell them in smoke shops and gas stations across the Southwest.

Remember, in 2016, the son of an Osama bin Laden associate was among eight charged in a North Texas spice ring.

Do a search in your state, see who was busted in recent years.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

Thursday, December 17, 2020           

28 Sentenced for "Spice" Manufacturing and Distribution in Tucson       

TUCSON, Arizona – The last of twenty-eight defendants charged in two sweeping investigations into the manufacture and distribution of the controlled substance commonly referred to as “spice,” a synthetic cannabinoid made with chemicals, was federally sentenced on December 10 in United States District Court.

The twenty-eight defendants were charged and convicted of a variety of crimes including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to engage in interstate travel in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, and money laundering.

As part of their sentences, the twenty-eight individuals forfeited, among other things, six residences, one business, twelve vehicles, $532,158 in U.S. currency, and obtained money judgments in the amount of $1,335,402.

The National Institute of Health describes synthetic cannabinoids as human-made, mind-altering chemicals that are either sprayed or dried, shredded plant material that can be smoked, or sold as liquid to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices. Synthetic cannabinoids are often labeled as “not for human consumption,” and may claim they contain natural materials, however they are dangerous chemicals that bind to the same receptors in the brain as THC and may have unpredictable effects.

Two separate multi-year investigations conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol (CBP), U.S. Marshal Service (USMS), Tucson Police Department, South Tucson Police Department, Casa Grande Police Department and the Sahuarita Police Department, discovered that “spice” suppliers in Colorado and Arizona imported the precursor chemicals from China, and manufactured the controlled substances in Long Beach, California and Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. The suppliers then distributed the controlled substances primarily to local smoke shops in Tucson, South Tucson, Dallas/Fort Worth, and other cities, where they were ultimately sold to drug users. The twenty-eight defendants each pleaded guilty and were convicted and sentenced as follows:

On December 10, 2020, Madji Khaleq, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced to four years of probation for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues. $164,944 in United States currency and $25,320 in money orders were forfeited. Khaleq is also required to pay a personal money judgment in the amount of $75,837 to the United States.

On November 8, 2018, Ana Patricia Hidalgo-Hernandez, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced to time served in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Introduce Misbranded Drugs into Interstate Commerce.

On November 30, 2017, Najib Alghaithi, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to twenty-four months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance Analogues. $66,299 in United States currency was forfeited.

On October 20, 2020, Abdulkader Alghaithi, of Tucson, Arizona was sentenced to thirty-six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for Conspiracy Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance Analogues. The government forfeited Alghaithi’s vehicle and residence.

On July 12, 2018, Jamil Qasem, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to forty-two months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance Analogues. Qasem is also required to pay $40,000 to the United States.

On January 18, 2018, Mazin Saleh, 36, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to four years of probation for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud. The government seized $5,000 in lieu of Saleh’s vehicle.

On January 23, 2018, Muhieldin Muhieldin, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to three years of probation for Receiving Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On January 4, 2018, Nasser Farah, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to three years of probation for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.

On June 29, 2017, Davoud Shayan, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to time served followed by one year of supervised release for Introduction of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On August 15, 2017, Denice Michael, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to two years of probation for Receipt of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On January 23, 2018, Kholoud Hamdi, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to three years of probation for Introduction of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On January 5, 2018, Sharif Hamdi, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to fourteen months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for Introduction of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On June 21, 2017, Junior Jacklick, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to time served, for the Introduction of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On June 6, 2017, Qasem Mahmoud Shahin, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to two years of probation for Receipt of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On June 22, 2017, Adam Hassan, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to two years of probation for Receipt of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On February 21, 2018, Abdulaziz Shahin, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to twenty-seven months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance Analogues. Shahin is also required to pay $14,565 to the United States.

On November 8, 2017, Nasir Ibrahim, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to thirteen months and one day in prison followed by one year of supervised release for Receiving Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On August 9, 2019, Samuel Salomon of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to thirty-six month in prison followed by three years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. The government forfeited Salomon’s residence, two other parcels of land, his smoke shops, two vehicles, and $15,801 for the sale of a third vehicle. Samuel Salomon is also required to pay $1,200,000 to the United States.

On September 4, 2019, Daniel Salomon, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments.

On November 13, 2019, Ardell Addington, of Evansville, Wyoming, was sentenced to time served followed by three years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and Controlled Substances Analogues.

On June 18, 2019, Renee Salomon, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to four years of probation for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. Renee Salomon is also required to pay $50,000 to the United States.

On August 9, 2019, Rodolfo Alvarez Samaniego, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to two years of probation for Causing the Introduction of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On June 7, 2019, Mauro Acuna, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to three years of probation for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and Controlled Substance Analogues.

On January 22, 2020, Anabel Valdez, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to two years of probation for Receipt of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On March 19, 2018, Jose Edmundo Gradillas, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to two years of probation for Receipt of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On June 11, 2019, Alfred Manuel Gamez, Jr., of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to three years of probation Receipt of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

On March 16, 2018, Daniel James Garcia, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to four years of probation for Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances and/or Analogues and Conspiracy to Laundering of Monetary Instruments.

On July 3, 2018, Damien Ismail Sanchez, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to two years of probation for Receipt of Misbranded Drugs in Interstate Commerce.

The investigations were conducted by agencies participating in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The partner agencies include the DEA, IRS-CI, FBI, HSI, CBP, USMS, Tucson Police Department, South Tucson Police Department, Casa Grande Police Department and the Sahuarita Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Eltringham, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecutions.

CASE NUMBERS:          16-CR-1430-TUC JGZ (LCK), 16-CR-1431-TUC JGZ (LCK), 16-CR-1432-TUC JGZ (LCK), 16-CR-1433-TUC JGZ (LCK), 16-CR-2160-TUC JGZ (DTF). RELEASE NUMBER:    2020-111_ Synthetic Spices

[deriision]

Shahin just stands as close to Adara and she'll allow, arms positioned on his hips to really emphasize his rather prominent chest muscles. He had a cat-like grin, ever expanding, as he waited for her reaction. He was a phoenix accustomed to getting some sort of response from his flaunting.

Just because it has been a while since she’s had a good glance at some pecs, doesn’t mean she’ll take anything. Maybe.

Lips tighten into a frown, looking away from the egotistic man. They’re nice, she’ll admit that. But will she verbally let him know that? Definitely not. 

“Get out of my face, I have my son to look over, not you.” 

…They are pretty damn good though, his pecs.

[thanidiel]

Thanidiel Highdawn Info. Sheet

Appearance -

Gender: Female

Race: Sin’dorei

Height: 5’10″

Eye Color: Chartreuse Green

Hair Color: Platinum Blonde

The Facts -

Name Day: N/A

Occupation: Emberward of the Sunguard; Knight-Champion of the Blood Knight Order

Sexual identification: Homosexual

Romantic identification: Homoromantic

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Criminal History: Insubordination

Relationship Status: Some kind of shit with Bricini Lightwing

Favorites –

Favorite food: Sausage rolls

Favorite drink: Bourbon or tea

Favorite artist: None

Favorite scents: Smoke, the forest, the mountains, strong herbs, baking bread.

Favorite person(s): From most to least: Varric Highdawn; Cayvia Rosevale; Venelas Sunblade; Bricini Lightwing; Ithanar Islesun; Shahin the Phoenix; insert literally every Blood Knight she’s served with from here.

Randoms –

Ten facts about your muse:

⚫ Thanidiel is a bastard-child of the union between the Patriarch of an elder House, Xan’thos, and her mother. This knowledge is kept strictly between her, her mother, biological father and Rophyne Shan’dir.

⚫ Thanidiel was given the opportunity to recognise her noble-ties and be legitimised - this would have made her first-in-line for inheritance. She refused the offer and, furthermore, cut associations with her biological father.

⚫ Thanidiel is one of the original generation of Blood Knights established between Liadrin and the Magisterium.

⚫  Before she was sent to serve under the Prince’s banner following the fall of Quel’thalas, she was under the directive of the Inquisitors to cement new Sin’dorei ideology and remove opposition to the State by often violent means.

⚫ Thanidiel has been constantly in a military environment her whole life. The only time she has not been was a brief retirement that lasted about three years. When the orcs invaded Quel’thalas, her peace was ruined in the destruction of Emberbreeze Village, she reenlisted, and she has since thrown away the idea that there is anything right for her life than service.

⚫ In the early decades of her military-career, she was a darling of the Farstriders and many military functions were used as opportunity from attending members to recruit her into the organisation, as the elite of the Thalassian Military. She heartily refused time and time again until the offers were no longer extended.

⚫ As a long-long combatant and Instructor of the Order, Thanidiel knows a wide variety of weapon techniques and fighting-styles. She treats her skill in all manner of weaponry in the same fashion as an academic and multiple modes of science or history. Her area of true expertise is in shieldwork.

⚫ Thanidiel is a fitful person and does not discuss any truly personal thoughts with anyone. It’s not uncommon for her to take off for several hours in the middle of the night, sometimes not even returning until well into the new day, no matter how much she exerted herself the day before and with no answers on what she had been doing.

⚫ She is restrained, neutral and gracious to a majority of her associates with but very few people relatively actually reach close to her good regard. She covers it up with observations of service and other impersonal things than of character.

⚫ Thanidiel almost always has an article of armour in the form of a chain-hauberk underneath her overcoat in even the most lax of social settings. Along with that, she often ties a leather-sling around her left-wrist - her precision with it is quite deadly. 

Five Things -

Things they like: -  Fighting -  Hunting -  Exercise -  Stories -  Challenges of any sort

Things they dislike: -  Idleness -  People touching her face -  Non-Elven things or people -  Being questioned -  People appraising her for ill or good

Good habits: -  Practical -  Leader -  Brave -  Dedicated -  Organised -  Intelligent -  High Self-Efficacy -  Indomitable

Bad Habits: -  Risk Taker -  Violent -  Apathetic & Detached -  Arrogant -  Aggressive -  Hypocritical -  Addictive personality -  General Douchenozzle -  Brave

Personalities they gravitate toward: -  Irreverent -  Rational -  Extroverted -  Passionate -  Thoughtful -  Brave -  Independent

Personality types they avoid: -  Cowardly -  Lacking in confidence -  Dependent -  Irrational -  Overbearingly positive

Fears: -  Failing her people -  Performing inadequately -  People dying ‘on her watch’ -  Others making disastrous calls -  Quel’thalas falling (again)

Tagged by @felthier​

[trained-trainwreck]

If Shahin was made to be the leader of the Sunspear would he do anything different?

What a mess. Shahin drew in a deep breath as he stood at the threshold of the Knight-Commander’s office, staring down those heavy oak doors as he’d done so many times in the past. Usually if he was here it was after some colossal mishap on his part and the anxiety he felt was the anticipation of staring down the Knight-Commander’s infamous wrath. As he pushed the door open, he almost expected to see her sitting there behind her desk with her hands folded and fingers interlaced in front of her face as she always seemed to be when he entered. This time that was not to be. And never would be again. With exception of a couple empty book cases, a heavy oak desk, and the thick leather chair that sat behind it the office was completely empty. If he didn’t know better he’d say it had never been used.

Frowning, he stepped across the threshold, adjusted the carry bag he had slung over his shoulder and shifted the heavy box of personal items in his arms. Nothing about this seemed real, like it was all some kind of bizarre fever dream. He knew better. The funerals in the preceding week had driven home just how real it all was. In one fell swoop, most of the Sunspear’s command staff and several of their more senior troops had been taken from the Sunguard in a terrible and costly battle. Somehow the title of Knight-Commander had found its way to his shoulders and he was expected to step in and fill Sakialyn Emberstar’s shoes. How the hell was he supposed to do that?

A wooden thunk echoed in the mostly empty room as he set his belongings on the desk and his carry bag soon followed, discarded on the floor at the foot of her chair- his chair. Shahin leaned forward and braced his hands against the oak, fingers splayed wide, and hung his head. There was so much to be done. No point fretting about it now. He drew in another slow, even breath, exhaled, and set about getting to work. Personal effects were deposited in the drawers and distributed somewhat haphazardly over the desk top. Tomes, scrolls, manuscripts, and several thick books found their respective places on the bookshelves on either side of him. Maps were unfurled across his desk and pinned to the walls in several places around the room. Lastly, the crest of the Blood Knight Order was raised to hang alongside the sigil of the Sunguard- albeit just a bit lower on the wall.

Nearly two hours passed as he arranged things just so and finally took a seat in his chair. A knock at the door sounded almost immediately. Groaning, he pinched the bridge of his nose and heaved a heavy sigh for what felt like the five hundred and fifty second time already that day. He took a moment to compose himself, sit upright in his chair, and try to look somewhat respectable before he called out “Enter” as relaxed and authoritative as he could manage. Maybe it worked. Maybe not. Damnit, why did other people always make this look so easy?

Through the door stepped a tall, sharp-featured blonde Blood Elf woman. Even if she hadn’t been wearing the patch covering her right eye, she would still have struck an imposing presence; one that always seemed to ooze confidence and imminent danger. In many ways she reminded him of a jungle cat- beautiful, elegant, and far more dangerous than she appeared at a glance. Having crossed blades with her in the past, he knew all too well that confidence was warranted. Shahin visibly relaxed as she pulled the door closed behind her and took up a position of parade rest a few steps short of his new desk.

“You requested my presence, Knight-Commander?”

Use of that title made him cringe. He tried to hide it but it honestly felt like a futile effort.

“Thanidiel. Yes, thank you for coming on such short notice.” He gestured to a chair at her left. “Please, have a seat.”After she was seated, he continued.

“I’m not going to waste time with the formalities. I don’t have the patience for them, so we’re going to cut straight to the chase.” He paused for a moment. She arched a thin brow. “I have no idea whose idea it was to pick me for this position or why they did it, but I need an executive officer I can trust to be straightforward and honest with me.” He leveled a finger in her direction. “That’s you. We’ll sort the paperwork out later but I’m making you my Knight-Lieutenant, Thanidiel.”

For her part, Thanidiel did not look the least bit surprised or at all phased by his declaration of intent. She simply inclined her head in a slight nod, as though this had been expected all along.

“Of course, Knight-Commander. I assume you have orders for me.”

He nodded.

“I need to fill out the rest of my command staff to replace those lost. I have a few candidates in mind but I would greatly value your input as my XO. I want you to put together a list of recommendations, their qualifications, and your personal evaluation of their abilities and suitable roles.”

Thanidiel pursed her lips, likely already putting that list together in her head, and offered another nod.

“As you wish, Knight-Commander. If there’s nothing else, I’ll see to my duties.”

Shahin gave a wave of his hand. “Dismissed, Knight-Lieutenant. Have that list ready by this evening. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

She stood, saluted, turned on her heel and turned to exit as swiftly as she entered until his voice stopped her.

“Oh, one more favor if you please?” Thanidiel turned to look at him over her left shoulder. “Send for Dawnward Dawnbrook on your way out.” There was a brief moment of curiosity on Thanidiel’s face, her brow arched and her good eye scrutinizing him, before she nodded and left the room. No sooner than the door closed with a soft click did Shahin sink back into his chair and rub his temples with his index finger and his thumb. Barely two hours in and he could already feel a headache coming on. Duty was duty, however, and there was still so much more to be taken care of.

While he waited for Lirelle, Shahin retrieved several pieces of parchment and a quill from his desk to begin penning letters from his colleagues in the other branches of the Sunguard. One to Cerethien, one to Azriah, and finally one more to Vaelrin. Each letter was identical in its nature; a request from each of the unit commanders what exactly they required of the Sunspear both on the field and off. While to many this may seem a trivial matter of little import, to Shahin this information was vital and would give him more to work with when he began to fine tune his broader intent for the Sunspear. At the very least he hoped it would establish a foundation for rapport with the other unit commanders. Building trust was paramount at this stage in the transition.

That task finished, Shahin secured each of the letters in his desk until such a time that he could get some kind of seal for them. Not so much a matter of security as it was a matter of procedure and polite discourse. Seals seemed to make things so much more official. As the drawer slid closed he heard another soft knock at the door.

“Enter,” he called again as he righted himself and straightened his tabard and tunic as his next guest stepped through the door and closed it behind her. Shahin put on his best pleasant smile (and it wasn’t a terribly good one) as she took a seat. “Dawnward Dawnbrook. I know this is sudden, but thank you for being here nonetheless. It’s been a busy week for both of us.”

Lirelle reached up and brushed a stray strand of her shoulder length blonde hair out of her face and made herself comfortable, crossing her legs at the knee in front of her and leveling her sharp gaze at him. It was strange for him, a frequent visitor to the infirmary, to see her in something other than her mender’s robes that had been traded today in favor of a loose fitting cloth shirt, some equally loose fitting simple linen pants, and leather boots. Though she was tall and thin, gangly was almost the right word to use, Shahin knew for a fact just what an intimidating presence she could be and had been on the receiving end of more than one lecture and withering glare from the Dawnmender.

“I know you’re a busy woman, so I’ll keep this as brief as I can.” That seemed to please her a little if the more relaxed shift in her posture was any indication.

“Given the…unfortunate circumstances of the previous couple of weeks, I have been tasked with assuming the position of Knight-Commander for the Sunspear. This isn’t a position I ever expected to find myself in, but here I am.” He takes a breath and closes his eyes. “I haven’t had much chance to speak with you prior but I want our professional relationship to start off on the best footing it can, Dawnward Dawnbrook.” What a mouthful. “So. I encourage you to share any questions or concerns or…whatever else is on your mind. Speak as freely as you like.”

Lirelle arched a brow, centimeter by centimeter as she scrutinized him from her seat. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly and she leaned forward toward him as though to get closer and really take a good look. He tried to keep his expression as neutral as possible.

“Freely freely?” she asked, her tone thick with suspicion. “Or is there a catch?”

He nodded.

“Freely. You’re the liaison to my unit from the Dawnmenders. As such, your concerns are my concerns and you may your mind in my office without fear of reprisal.”

The other brow ratcheted up to join the first. He could see the deliberation in her eyes and watched as she came to her decision. Her lips turned down into a frown. She righted herself and took a deep breath in. Shahin braced himself. What came next could only be described as a verbal deluge and he was pretty certain Lirelle never even paused for a moment to take a breath at any point.

“If you want actual honesty? There is a line between doing your job and being the bulwark the rest of us can rely on and taking unnecessary risks that put not only yourself, but those beside you in danger. A lot of the Sunspear do not seem to know where that line is, and while I don’t doubt that their intentions are noble, they can be really, really, really stupid. I don’t know if those helmets they wear aren’t soaking the blows to the head enough or something, but this seems to be a trend in this unit in particular. Just because they wear full plate and feel like they can handle anything doesn’t mean they’re invincible, and this paired with their lack of discipline, it’s a wonder that we haven’t lost more. I’ve expressed it before and now that you’re in charge, I’ll tell you. The Sunspear are quite literally our first wall of defence, and any cracks in that wall will be exploited by the enemy, to the detriment of all of us. Just as they need to be able to trust the Dawnmenders at their backs to keep them standing, we need to be able to trust them to protect us, and breaking the line to charge straight into the fight is bad for everyone, no matter how heroic it may seem.”

While he might have expected that much over time, he certainly did not all at once. Clearly Lirelle had no issue voicing her opinion when given an opportunity. Many of her concerns had been raised time and again by the Dawnmenders in the past; the very nature of the Sunspears’ presence at the front of the battle escalated their chances of injury significantly. However, there were several occasions where a lack of willingness to cooperate, glory-seeking, recklessness or some combination of the three had resulted either in more or greater injury than would have otherwise occurred. He was just as guilty of it as any of the rest.

“Well,” he began slowly, still recovering from what had amounted to a tirade, “for what it’s worth, I happen to agree with you. The Knight-Commander-” Shahin cut himself off and cleared his throat. “…the former Knight-Commander and the Sentinel were no slouches when it came to discipline, but I feel it may be necessary to try a somewhat different approach.” He sat back in his chair, bouncing his right leg as his elbow came to rest on the arm of the chair and his fingers curled at his chin. “I have always felt the Sunspear were more a collective of singularly skilled individuals as opposed to a cohesive unit. This is something I intend to rectify, I assure you.”

She seemed a bit mollified by that, but she does continue. “There’s also the issue of people brushing off injuries or illnesses, and I’m saying this in general. If you’d kindly remind them that our job is to take care of the Guard’s health, no matter how insignificant the issue might seem, I would appreciate that. Even if it’s minor, like a sprain, taking a few minutes to get it seen to can save everyone hours of time down the road. And with the amount of punching each other that they do, they’re the ones who need it most.”

Shahin inclined his head to her and leaned forward, lacing his fingers in front of him on the desk as he did so. “Consider it done, Dawnward. I know we can be a stubborn bunch and I do sincerely apologize for that. It’s in our nature, but I’ll see to it the Sunspear are reminded that even insignificant injuries are better to be treated than not. Getting them to actually follow through may be another matter entirely, but I’ll do what I can. Is there anything else I can see to while you’re here?”

A momentary pause followed. Lirelle’s lips twisted into an all-too-sweet-to-be-genuine smirk.

"Post the Sunspear training schedule in the Infirmary. The other menders will thank you later.”

“Done and done. I’ll even put in an official request that a Dawnmender or two be put on standby for our drill sessions, if you find that acceptable?”

The grin on Lirelle’s face widened into a smile.

“Oh, they’ll thank you for that too, I assure you.”

Odd. Why was she smiling like that? Surely previous leadership had made at least some kind of offer like this before, hadn’t they? Perhaps Lirelle was just being pleasant just as he was. Yes, that was it. At least he hoped it was, anyway. Whatever the case Shahin stood and leaned over the desk to offer Lirelle his hand.

“I hope this marks the beginning of a fruitful partnership, Dawnward Dawnbrook.” He paused a moment as she stood from the chair and shook his hand firmly. “And, please, call me Shahin while you’re in my office. I’m not fond of titles.”

“Lirelle,” she said, still smiling. “You’re not the only one.”

Business concluded, Lirelle turned and left Shahin standing at his desk. When she pulled the door open, she came face-to-face with Thanidiel. Both women exchanged greetings as the former exited and the latter entered, her hands full of several pieces of parchment and a couple of thick, heavy tomes she’d procured in her time out. They wasted no time getting down to business as she presented her short list of potential command staff candidates. The proceeding hours were spent debating and discussing the future of the Sunspear, mapping out the new and refined command structure to break down the unit overall into subunits to be organized on the battlefield with a clearly defined command structure. Their hope was to relieve some of the stress from unit commanders by issuing the task of providing the overall battle plan for the subunits to follow to them and leaving the execution of that plan to the more senior enlisted and their assigned subgroups. The exact composition of those subgroups was left to be flexible for the Sunspear to have the ability to interchange personnel fluidly and be able to easily identify the next in command in event of casualties.

That done, they then turned their attention to the training regimen for the Sunspear. Physical training was still an important facet, but both Shahin and Thanidiel agreed there needed to be more emphasis on the mental side. To that effect, they put together the foundation for what would be more time set aside to educate the Sunspear as a whole on battlefield tactics and command theory, further enabling the unit to maintain battlefield flexibility in the event of casualties at the higher level. Next they set to engineering a brutally difficult series of training exercises designed with one goal in mind; to entice tighter and more cohesive cooperation among the Sunspear. If they were unable to move and fight together as a single unit, there would be no success.

Satisfied with the basic roadmap, the pair of Blood Knights gathered all of their paperwork - an impressive stack of it, to be sure- and packed it away as neatly as they were able. Sundown was upon them and if they planned to present this to the Archon they would need to do so soon. Soon enough, the newly appointed Knight-Commander and his newly appointed Knight-Lieutenant found themeselves standing outside the Archon’s office. Shahin drew in a deep breath to steady his nerves.

“What’s the matter, Knight-Commander? You’re looking more green than usual. Nervous? You shouldn’t be.” Had it been coming from anyone else, Shahin likely would have taken offense. With Thanidiel, though, the wry fondness in her tone was reassuring. “It’s only your career at stake, after all.”

He laughed.

“Ever the comforting presence, Thanidiel.”

“Oh, come now. I’m not going to let you completely fuck this up.” Shahin glanced over his shoulder at Thanidiel and she canted her head to the side. “Or maybe I might. Knight-Commander Highdawn has a nice ring to it.”

He felt himself smirk.

“If this goes badly, I’m telling the Archon this is all your idea and I’m just a colossal idiot.”

Her one good eye glinted mischievously, giving away her good humor despite her usual stony expression.

“Oh, I think that will already be readily apparent to him.”

Another moment of trepidation passed as he summoned the will to knock once on the Archon’s door. He bade them to enter from the other side and Shahin reached out to take the knob in his hand.

Here goes nothing.

(( This uh. Turned into a thing. @vaelrin @curiouslich @sakialyn @thanidiel @retributionpriest @lissanaria @felthier @azriah for mentions and whatnot.

I think that’s everybody.

Thanks for another cool ask! ))