#Spatial serenity

[nekez]

[ Brutalism and Nature ]

Yumin Art Nouveau Collection (Yumin Museum of Art) (Tadao Ando, 2010) Seopjikoji, Jeju Island, South Korea H.Min, Contax T2 + Centuria 100

[archisphere]

Note: Visualisations made with AI.

The Serenity House, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland,

Courtesy: Fatemeh Abedi

[circeyoru]

Shadow and Void _ Part 2

[Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x Enemy Monarch!Reader]

Arc 1: Part 1 ― Part 2 (here) ― Part 3 Arc 2: Part 4 ― Part 5 Arc 3: Part 6 ― Part 7 Arc 4: Part 8 ― Part 9 ― Part 10 ― Part 11

Before Jinwoo woke up from his encounter with the Architect, Ashborn showed him something else or told him something else other than the war Ashborn was in. There were moments where it was showed Ashborn with someone. 

Ashborn was in a world void of war and violence, serenity and calmness as far as the eye could see. The ruler of such a place was a misty figure that barely reached Ashborn’s chest. The misty figure would reach out a hand to Ashborn and drag him around, showing him all sorts of stuff like a child, it almost resembles Earth’s nature. 

The misty figure seemed ignorant of what Ashborn is and floated around like a ghost. If it wasn’t for the fact that this misty figure didn’t share any trait of an extracted Shadow, Jinwoo would be thought this figure was one of them. 

“Monarch of Void. You can’t keep me here forever.” Ashborn spoke in the softest tone possible.

“How many times do I have to tell you to call be ‘               ’? Aren’t we close enough for that?” The misty figure spoke, the voice all echoy and mythical as if everywhere and nowhere at the same time. “And for your information, I can keep you here forever. No one can enter my domain without my permission.”

“We aren’t close enough that you’d put me over your own safety nor I yours.” Ashborn sighed. “And the war is ongoing. Blank.”

The misty figure seemed to pout, how Jinwoo figured that he has no idea, “Now calling me that is just…. Whatever….” The figure turned away without a care, “So what if the war is ongoing, just let them fight to their heart’s content and we can take whatever’s left.”

Ashborn got up from his seat and headed to a direction, “I will not stand idly by.”

“You can’t leave! I forbid it!” The figure’s shout made the King of the Dead stop in his path. “If you leave… You’ll regret it! It’s all over!”

“What aren’t you telling me, King of Mist?”

The misty figure held back, staying silent. 

“You know you can’t always stay like this, yes?” Ashborn questioned, he continued without looking back. “You’re strong but you choose to hide it and lend others your strength. You know to side with the strong and aid them in return for security and safety. But what if, one day, you found someone to side with no matter their strength? And your former clients come back to bite?”

You stayed silent but muttered, “There won’t be a day. I will always prioritize myself and my survivability.”

Ashborn chuckled, “You say that now, but you never know the future. We, Monarchs and Rulers, have been here since the beginning. There can always be change. Monarch of Void.”

“...”

“There will be a time where you have to pick a side and I mean your priority won’t be just yourself.” Ashborn spoke in a lecturing manner. “Remember well, if they can’t have what they want, they would rather no one else has it.”

With a wave of a hand, a vortex opened before Ashborn. “I’ll… Keep it in mind…” The figure’s voice seemed to have cracked, “You may leave… King of the Dead.”

Then the memory played back to the war and Ashborn’s betrayal. The words of that misty figure rang in Jinwoo’s mind the moment he in Ashborn’s form was impaled. Jinwoo deduced, that misty figure already knew about the betrayal and tried to keep Ashborn from getting hurt but it wasn’t enough. That mysterious figure was the Monarch of Void and King of Mist, a master of spatial magic. 

“You’re the King of Mist, Blank, aren’t you?” Jinwoo questioned. 

“You have no right to call me that…” You hummed, “Not unless you’re Ashborn. Which you don’t appear to be.” Your eyes glowed when you stared at him, “You have a great Shadow Army and great abilities, but you’re not Ashborn. Vessel.”

Jinwoo crossed his arms, this was a bad spot to begin with. It was obvious you held nothing but annoyance towards him and maybe impatience since you kept calling him ‘Vessel’ or ask when Ashborn was going to appear. Meanwhile, he didn’t like you too, you are a Monarch and the cause of Chairman Go’s death. The barrier around his office was your work and you were there when Gunhee died, he even protected you, for some unknown reason. 

He prevented you from leaving through whatever gate that Monarch of Frost left through and thus you were pinned to the wall. Yet, if memory serves correctly, you have a misty form that could escape anytime. The question was why didn’t or haven’t you retaliate even when you were in pain?

“I’ll give you protection.” Jinwoo tried to bargain as he recalled what little information the memory flashback from the Double Dungeon gave him. “In exchange, you stay by my side.”

Your eyes blinked twice and glanced over to the daggers impaled into your vessel’s flesh. You have taken over this body completely so you do feel pain and the blood lost will be fatal. “Whatever you’re doing now is contradicting your words, Ashborn’s vessel.”

His eye twitched at the name, “Call me Jinwoo. Or Hunter Sung, even.” He thought for a second if he should let you go, but if you wanted to escape, you would have. So he summoned back his daggers and made them disappear. He took out a healing potion from his System’s store and handed it to you. “Now will you believe me and agree to my terms?”

Hesitantly, you took the potion and inspected it before drinking it down in one gulp. Within seconds of its consumption, you felt refreshed and energized that you let out a hummed moan. You exhaled and relaxed yourself, it was a familiar feeling. Perhaps it was because Jinwoo was Ashborn’s vessel that’s why you could be this way with him. “Logically speaking, I should be your enemy, wouldn’t it be… Beneficial for you to cut down the numbers?”

“You’re knowledgeable of what I want and need to know, so it’s better for me to keep you by my side.” Jinwoo answered easily, it was the perfect cover story until he could sort out his thoughts regarding you. “And I know you can make your targets more powerful.” Ever since his eyes first laid on your misty form in Ashborn/his memories, he wanted to keep you by his side. “I saw Ashborn’s memories.”

Jinwoo noticed the visible flinch and frozen state of your form when he told you that information. You appeared puzzled, your eyebrows furrowed together and your eyes looked down in deep thought, even your lips were pressed together. “There’s no way Ashborn would… He was serious? A successor…? Not a vessel?”

He couldn’t understand the phases you’d mumble from time to time. What he does know was that you were too fixiated with Ashborn. While he was grateful for this otherworldly being for giving him all this power and the opportunity to meet you, he didn’t like how you were this concerned with Ashborn when he was in front of you. 

Jinwoo flinched as he turned around, his expression that of confusion. Why was he having such thoughts? What’s it matter what you were concerned with so long as you’d be making him stronger and giving him more power to protect his loved ones? Plus the protection he offered you, was it because it was a leverage for you to stay simply because you’d be targetted by the other Monarchs? Or was there more to his own words?

“Fine, I’ll take your offer.” Your words snapped Jinwoo out of his thoughts. You waited until Jinwoo turned around and composed himself for whatever reason you didn’t care for. As long as you’re next to this Jinwoo, Ashborn’s vessel and maybe successor, you have a chance of atoning for what you did to Ashborn. Perhaps a chance to see Ashborn even for a while. 

“Great. Cool.” Jinwoo nodded. He controlled the urge to smile or raffling your hair that looked misty and soft. Instead, he rubbed the back of his neck, “So, do you have a place to stay, or do you stay in some dimensional crack?”

“I have an apartment. There’s no need to worry.”

There goes his idea to have you close monitor you in close range. There was another idea… “I’ll send some Shadows on you. I can’t have you warning the other Monarchs or betraying me.”

You eyed as some Shadows moved from Jinwoo’s into yours, feeling the added weight on your form and the chills. It was a familiar feelings. Jinwoo does remind you of Ashborn but different. “Betrayal would suggest that we are close, friends even, in your human terms. So I believe the phase ‘stabbing you in the back’ would be more fitting.”

Jinwoo shrugged while internally fuming, “The idea is not to have you be a disadvantage to me or cause one.” His eyes glowed and bloodlust was released, “That understood?”

As hard as it was, you stood your ground. You laughed at yourself mentally. An enemy is still an enemy. This human was picked by Ashborn himself, so you shouldn’t have underestimate him. Even more so when he is going to be the successor instead of a mere vessel. Shamefully, you bowed your head in the form of a bow of submission. “Understood.”

Note: I've decided to continue this and turn it into a series. There's more parts to come and it will be heavy manhwa focus, plus some scenes and events will be moved around. Do join me on this journey!

Also. Happy Halloween!

Circe Y.

My Works: MASTERLIST

Taglist: 

@o-qi-shisme @2021animeandwebtoons @mochinon-yah

[venny-the-chubbyblack-writer]

Title: The Weight of Heartbeats

Part of the: kny blind date series

—————————————

Gyomei Himejima was nervous, though he would never admit it to himself. The man, towering and silent like a mountain, was unused to the feeling. As a Hashira, he had fought demons and seen horrors unimaginable to others. But tonight, he faced something entirely different: a blind date.

He could still hear Shinobu’s teasing voice from earlier in the day. “Even someone as strong as you needs someone to care for them, Himejima-san. Perhaps this will be a chance to open your heart a little.”

The subtle push from Shinobu had felt oddly compelling. So here he was, waiting outside a quaint little tea house, the lanterns casting a warm, flickering light against the night sky. His prayer beads rested loosely in his large hands, the soft clinking of each bead a source of comfort as he waited. He listened to the soft sounds of the town around him, trying to keep his mind calm and steady. Though he couldn’t see, he knew how much the world could still be painted through sound, touch, and smell.

And then he felt her approach.

Gyomei could sense her before she spoke—a soft rustling sound of fabric and the distinct, warm scent of vanilla and cocoa butter. When she greeted him, her voice was rich and kind, with a hint of nervousness. “Hello, Gyomei-san. I’m (Y/N). It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Her voice was beautiful, he thought, smooth and comforting. Gyomei nodded respectfully, smiling softly as he turned towards her, though his unseeing eyes gazed somewhere beyond. “It’s a pleasure, (Y/N)-san. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”

(Y/N) couldn’t help but feel the same butterflies in her stomach. Gyomei was as large and imposing as she’d heard, with a calm, serene aura that only added to his intimidating presence. Yet, his gentle tone and respectful demeanor softened her initial nerves. She found herself adjusting her clothes self-consciously, hoping her figure—a chubby, full-figured Black woman—wouldn’t be off-putting to him. She wasn’t used to blind dates, especially with a man like him, but she’d agreed at her friend’s urging.

She led them to a table inside, the warm lighting and quiet ambiance of the tea house providing a cozy, intimate atmosphere. She noticed how Gyomei, though he couldn’t see, moved with an incredible sense of spatial awareness, careful not to bump into anything. When they sat, the server brought their tea, and (Y/N) took a deep breath, relaxing bit by bit.

As they sipped, the conversation began to flow. At first, they kept it light—talking about favorite teas and childhood memories. But gradually, their topics deepened.

“Do you enjoy your work, Gyomei-san?” she asked after a lull in the conversation, curiosity lacing her tone.

Gyomei nodded slowly, his expression contemplative. “Yes, though it is difficult. There is… a heaviness to it, knowing that every battle could be my last. But it is a burden I willingly bear to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

(Y/N) felt a pang of admiration and sorrow. “It must be hard to carry that alone. I mean… you’re human, too, even if people see you as a hero. I imagine it’s lonely sometimes.”

He paused, the weight of her words settling on him. She had touched on something he rarely allowed himself to think about. “Yes, it can be. But I have my fellow Hashira, my comrades. And now… I am grateful for this moment, for your company.”

Her cheeks warmed at his words, her smile widening. She realized how rare it must be for him to speak openly about himself. Gyomei was someone who held his feelings close, but he seemed to sense that she would listen, that she cared.

“I know what it’s like to feel alone,” (Y/N) admitted, her eyes downcast. “People… they see me and make assumptions. I’m too ‘different’ for some.” She laughed softly, trying to shrug it off, but Gyomei felt the tremor in her voice. She was strong, he sensed, yet vulnerable, and her words resonated deeply with him.

“People often look but do not see,” he murmured, his voice soft and filled with understanding. “But I believe there is strength in our differences, (Y/N)-san. You are… radiant.” He hesitated slightly, as if gauging his words. “I can sense it in your presence. It is as calming as the sound of falling rain.”

(Y/N) felt her heart skip a beat. The way he spoke, so honestly and with such care, made her feel beautiful in a way few ever had. She’d always been proud of who she was, yet this moment made her see herself through different eyes, through his words. It was both unexpected and deeply touching.

“Thank you, Gyomei-san,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She cleared her throat, composing herself, and added, “I never thought… I’d hear something like that from someone like you.”

They talked for hours, the tea house quieting around them as the evening wore on. Gyomei listened intently to her stories, chuckling softly at her playful remarks and feeling a warmth grow in his chest whenever she laughed. He found himself entranced by her spirit—her wit, her kindness, and her strength. Though he could not see her face, he could imagine her expressions, the way her eyes might light up with every laugh, every word.

When it was time to leave, Gyomei offered her his arm, which she took gladly, and they walked back together through the cool night air. At her door, there was a pause, an unspoken tension between them, both feeling the tug of connection and the reluctance to part ways.

“I… had a wonderful time, Gyomei-san,” she said, her voice a soft murmur in the stillness.

“As did I, (Y/N)-san,” he replied, his voice as calm as ever but with a gentleness that made her heart race.

Before she could overthink, (Y/N) took his large, calloused hand in hers, squeezing it lightly. “I hope… we can meet again.”

Gyomei’s fingers tightened ever so slightly around hers, his expression tender. “I would like that very much.”

As she walked into her home, she leaned against the door, her heart pounding, a smile playing on her lips. And outside, Gyomei lingered for a moment, listening to the faint sound of her steps fading. He felt the warmth of her hand lingering in his, a reminder that perhaps, in this vast and often lonely world, he had found a kindred soul—a bond as grounding as the earth beneath him.

End

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I hope you enjoy this @thecreativeblueberry-blog 🥰

[kradogsrats]

Signs of the Fall, Pt. 1

Since basically... forever? Look, idk I wasn't around for the first half of this fandom so I don't know when Aaravos as "fallen star" was revealed. But presumably since then, it's been a big question mark as to exactly what that means.

We're told in places like the artbook that—along with whatever else it may mean—Aaravos being a "fallen" star means he's significantly depowered, and that his "fallen" status was a consideration in designing his look. So, reasonably, there should be identifiable features of Aaravos as a "fallen" Startouch elf, and we've collectively already spent a shit-ton of time overanalyzing them and what they mean.

BUT now that s6 is out and we have a chunk time seeing Aaravos before anything that would normally have been assumed to be his "fall" (more on that later), I wanted to return to some of the ones that have been most discussed.

The Eyes Have It

Previous assumption was that Aaravos's eyes not being the luminous Startouch pink outside of flashbacks was related to his status as a "fallen" Startouch elf and related to the darkening of his chest star:

This has not been cleared up by s6, where he is shown both with

and without the full-pink Startouch eyes

in contexts that are basically identical, aside from medium (one being a painting, and one being animated), in the same damn episode.

So what, if anything, does it mean?

First of all, I want to acknowledge that this may be entirely a choice of artistic convenience. Having arted a time or two, myself—characters without human-standard visual distinction between sclera, iris, and pupil are an unbelievable pain in the ass. A huge amount of microexpressions that humans subconsciously rely on to convey mood and intent are entirely down to the spatial/size relationship of iris and pupil to the surrounding eyelids. Leola and TMO are animated with full-pink eyes, with the irises barely distinguishable and pupils invisible, sure—but Leola has a shit-ton of emotional body language to compensate and let's be real, TMO is intended to be serenely inscrutable and alien.

It's just really, really hard to have a character convey the depth and nuance Aaravos requires when you're effectively barred from using one of the most critical aspects of facial expressions. Rather than fight that uphill battle, they may have chosen to handwave it in one context or another. (That is, the state of Aaravos's eyes is linked with his "fallen" status, and in the scenes with Leola they are meant to be different but it turned out to be way too annoying to handle.)

It could also, like Leola's single horn, be explained as a unique feature of Aaravos or this particular physical manifestation of Aaravos, except that they did go out of their way to include the full-pink eyes in not only the painted s4 flashbacks, but also the s3 promo art:

To be completely honest: I'm not convinced at this point that this is a feature we're meant to attach significance to. Unless we get additional context of another Startouch elf with eyes like Aaravos's, or conditions under which Aaravos is actually animated with the full-pink Startouch eyes... I don't think we can really know for sure.

Star Up, Star Down

In the same vein as his eyes, we've attached a lot of importance to the orientation of Aaravos's chest star. Since the Star primal symbol is actually used very rarely, and in just about every context up to s6 it was in its "upright" orientation—that is, the opposite of Aaravos's chest star. And like, obviously a fallen star would be upside-down.

It seems like s6 is determined to mess with us in that respect. For the most part, Aaravos's chest star is upright, or opening-down:

Until his grieving, when it is opening-up (and also darkened):

HOWEVER, when TMO appears in the same scene, their chest star is also opening-up, though lit:

We also get a LOT more usage of the Star primal symbol at the Starscraper:

And—excluding when it's on the floor so you can't know for sure what the "proper" orientation is—it is exclusively opening-up:

Also noteworthy is that we don't see the mark directly on Leola's chest, but on her clothing it is opening-up:

As is her star in the constellation:

So whatever the orientation is meant to signify—and unlike the eyes, I do think this is still significant in some way—it's unlikely that it's a strictly negative symbol. There's some other dichotomy at play that it's indicating.

Body Bling

This one doesn't come up as often, but it's suggested (at least in the artbook, IIRC) that Aaravos's body stars are brighter before he's "fallen," when he's at full power. Is this objectively true? Well... yeah, not really.

In arc two, they're very similar levels of brightness across s4-s6, independent of his chest star:

In arc one, the mirror effect tends to be more pronounced than the one scene where we see it in arc two, so it sometimes looks like they're not as bright. I think they actually are meant to be, though:

And then, of course, at the end of s2 when he's casting, everything is brighter:

So that doesn't seem related at all, except in the sense that magic is shiny. Maybe we'll learn something at some point about Aaravos's relationship to the primal sources that will explain that, but for now we can put this one to bed.

—

aaaaand I have actually hit the "images per post" limit so we'll be concluding in Part 2!

[bippityboppity69]

Cyran/Merlin-A cruel curse

This is another anonymous for a Cyran/Merlin angst with unrequited love.

The first time he had met the Magister Merlin had been his first day at the Serene Lyceum. Cyran had been in the library, gathering the books he would need for his classes. When he had reached for “An In-depth Study of Magical Barriers." He had met another hand reaching for the same book.

“Oh! Sorry about that!”

The first thing he had noticed was their mana. It was the richest, purest mana he had ever felt! How did they contain such power? Noting the long white hair wore back in a bun, a few strands falling out of place.

“I’m Merlin! Nice to meet you!” They had offered their hand with a bright smile.+

“Cyran.” He spoke, taking their hand. “A pleasure to meet you.”

How was he supposed to know that had been the actual Merlin? It was quite a common name for mages, some even changing their names to Merlin. Even then though, he had been in awe of their mana.

That had been the start.

He had run into Merlin several times after. They shared the same class schedule, had similar interests, and even the same inquisitive nature. Finding a good friend in the other mage, a kind comfort in an unfamiliar place.

Oh, if only his feelings had stayed at friendship.

Cyran realized the hold Merlin had on his heart when they had been studying in his room. Wanting some peace from their two hamster familiars.

“I understand I’m their summoner, but Dura’s sake! I want some personal space!”

He had chuckled at their rant, working on his class project. Jolting as white hair entered his vision, Merlin peeking over his shoulder. They had smelled like spring, their touch made his skin hum.

“Oh, is this your project?” They asked. “What is it?”

Swallowing past the lump in his throat, “It’s supposed to be a two way spatial warp.”

“Like a teleport spell?”

“No. More like a portal. One stone is the anchor and the other would be caller.”

Face flushing as Merlin leaned closer, curious about his blueprint. Heart pounding in his chest as they pulled back with a smile. Face flushing red as they smiled, remembering their words to this day.

“If anyone can do that, it would be you Cyran!”

It was that moment that made him realize just how much he loved Merlin.

Oh, but as much as he loved Merlin, he valued them as his friend even more. After all, he had seen several others fall in love with the mage, only to be rejected by Merlin each time. He asked them about it once. He could still recall the sadness in their smile.

“I would never inflict such a cruel curse on them.” Merlin tapped their head. “I will eventually forget, but I never known when. It could be tomorrow or fifty years from now.”

He silently prayed it would be neither of those.

“So it is best if I don’t. Better to refuse and let them move onto to someone who will remember and return that love.”

He understood their words. They were protecting themselves and others from a pain that could come at any moment. Nodding as he patted their shoulder, reassuring them. Crushing down his own emotions as he did. He loved Merlin, that he was sure of, but they would never love him back.

So he hid those emotions, part of him praying that Merlin would change their mind. That they would notice his affections for them. Yet, they never did. Not once throughout the years they spent together at the Serene Lyceum.

Love was cruel like that.

After graduation, they had grown apart. Merlin went to explore the world, to discover their past. Meanwhile Cyran went to Cedartown, under the tutorage of the royal court mage. A highly sought after position.

Occasionally he thought of Merlin. He wondered how they were doing. If they were taking proper care of themselves. Sometimes his thoughts would wonder.

Imagining a different life, where Merlin did not view love as a curse. A life where he could hold their hand and laugh with them. Where he could run his hands through their white hair as Merlin curled up next to him.

He wanted to be in that reality.

When he had seen that same head of white hair, it had filled him with hope. Was that truly Merlin? Only for that hope to get crushed to dust as he met them.

Those eyes did not recognize him.

However, Merlin’s two familiars did know him. Hammie had cheerfully greeted him in a whisper, explaining that Merlin had gone through a reset. They did not remember their past life.

“Ah. I understand.” Cyran whispered to Hammie. Heart wailing at the news. “Make sure to show them around the festival, it is beautiful.”

Hiding his sorrow behind a smile. Why did he think this time would be any different? Perhaps…perhaps Merlin had been right that day.

Maybe love was a cruel curse.

[cloudninetonine]

My depression is kicking my arse rn, like, at dangerous levels ouhgfofiu

So here's a little vent story <3 It is angst <3

If I don't feel better soon you're gonna get more angst posts

Warnings: Implied character death(s), implied child/teen death, descriptions of gore and implied fight with monsters, implied self sacrifice (???), description of missing limbs (arm and eye)

“...(na…me)?”

The pain was unbearable, your body broken and bloody on the sands of Hyrule shore as you stared at the endless expanse of midnight blue with dotted points of spatial beauties staring back at you. You could almost feel the pity, the sadness and the mourning all the way from down here, on an earth you didn’t quite know in a universe that wasn’t your own.

Shuffling sounded from your right, the sound of something heavy dragging through the sand slowly getting closer and closer until finally the presence was right next to your, a hand resting on your arm- well, what was left of your arm. That was gone, the stump bleeding profusely with the jagged chunk missing from your side that seeped the red onto the once pristine beach beneath you.

…you were so tired.

In so much pain.

…this was it, wasn’t it?

“...(name)...” The hand moved to grab your shoulder, dislocated from his position and painful as the person squeezed the area- you couldn’t blame him, you knew his body was probably just as broken as your own. “Are…are you…still- there?”

As much as you wanted to, you couldn’t turn your head- the pain from your neck was a dull thump in your throat but you knew it would be excruciating if you tried to move.

“Yeah…” You croaked, surprised but slightly happy you could still manage sound. “...can you…can you see me anymore?”

Wind sniffled; wobbly and scared, a normal reaction for the child he was.

A child…

His grandmother was probably so worried about him…

The sailor coughed. “They…they only took one eye…”

You choked on a sob, eyes watering. “An eye…?”

“...just one.”

Just one.

It was just one monster earlier. Then it was two, then three, then four, five, six- you counted 20 before you and Wind were finally overwhelmed, subjected to the unbearable torture that soon followed for what felt like hours after. You were sure the rest of the boys could probably hear your screams from miles away, probably heard the terror and the pleading as you begged for them to come and save you, rescue you from this horrid suffering.

…why weren’t they here?

Wind sniffed again, hacking a little right next to your ear- the feeling of liquid just grazing the shell as the young hero coughed up some blood.

“...I’m cold.”

A tear ran down your cheek. “...me too.”

You’d both lost too much blood.

It probably wouldn’t be long now…

The waves nearby crashed rhythmically against the sand in an almost hypnotic symphony that your ringing ears honed in on. White noise, calming and serene despite the aching agony that every last part of your felt, imagining yourself walking against the beach barefoot with the water just tickling your skin. The beach spanned on for forever, disappearing into the horizon as you continued to walk and walk without a destination. There was no need to think about the time passing as the sun began to set just off the coast, diving into the ocean and leaving a beautiful sunset that your eyes would memorise for all of eternity.

Wind grunted as he crawled a little closer, the feeling of his body burrowing into your less injured side a comfort in the isolating feeling that…death seemed to be bringing forth. His head was gentle to rest on your chest, curled into you like a child with it’s mother as they slept, your void arm trying to desperately wrap around him in an act to bring that feeling of reassurance.

…you instead moved your other to hold one of his hands, using as much strength as you could to interlock your fingers.

You could feel the warm blood drip, drip, drip, from his empty socket.

“...I’m tired.”

You slowly blinked towards the sky. “...me too…”

“...I don’t…think…the others are…coming…”

Your eyes blurred from your tears, running down your face like a gentle spring. “...yeah…”

The young boy sniffled once more, a silent teary hiccup leaving him. “...I’m gonna…gonna sleep…”

You tightened your fingers; Wind tightened his.

“....yeah me too, Link…”

The natural ambience was a nice thing to hear. The waves, the gentle breeze, the rustle of palm trees- you didn’t mind these sounds being the last things you heard. Natural and beautiful, like a lullaby sending you beyond, into the great unknown of death. It was calming. The frantic palpitations of your heart, fighting desperately to keep your battered body from buckling under the weight from all the pain, slowly falling into a more gentle pace that grew weaker and weaker with each passing second.

You glanced at the mess of blonde hair laying against you.

“...Link?...”

You could still feel his breaths, slow and weak against your chest, but you knew that wouldn’t last much longer.

You glanced back up at the sky, eyes moist from your uncontrollable crying- reflecting the ethereal glow of the stars from above.

“...Take me…”

Silence.

“...I know you can fucking hear me…” Anger was in your voice, mixed with desperation and fear. “...He’s already gone through enough…Let him live and take me…instead…I’ll go willingly…I won’t fight it…just don’t let him die….”

The stars blinked, something gold shot across the sky…A shooting star…

Your vision began to blur and darken, the world slowly moving further and further away as the exhaustion took over your entire being.

“...This is all…I’m asking…my only..prayer..

Let...Link...live…”

Fade to black.

[caixinliang]

Practice 1

assignment 4, concept art - light and shadow

. Blog post 01

For this Light and Shadow assignment, my aim was to illustrate how the identical elements of a scene can evoke diverse atmospheric changes based on the lighting:

Initially, variations in light prompt shifts in the color of objects within the scene. Additionally, alterations in color can exert a substantial influence on the audience's mood (e.g., vivid daylight, serene night, somber foggy day). These differences in the way light interacts with the scene contribute to the overall visual impact and emotional resonance.

The basic elements in this painting scene include:

Seaside; lighthouse; bench; hiker; dog; streetlamp; grass; stones; shrubs; pathway; distant mountains;clouds; ocean waves; seagulls.

Picture foreground and background relationships:

Black and white composition design - depicts the spatial relationships of objects in the scene through changes in layers and tonal gradation.

The following image illustrates the fundamental black-and-white relationships, as well as the foreground-background layering and depth of field that I have depicted.

This is all for now~

Reference:

Godzilla 8/5 (2014) Directed by Gareth Edwards [Monster movie]. American : Warner Bros. Pictures.

[caviarsonoro]

James Murray: Careful Now

Careful Now is one of those pieces that doesn't need to speak loudly to be heard. From the very first seconds, James Murray immerses us in a suspended universe where time seems to slow down and all that’s unnecessary dissolves. There are no obvious melodies or recognizable structures here, just floating layers, breathing vibrations, and silence that becomes a raw material of its own.

Technically, the piece is built around filtered drones, with extremely subtle spatialization that creates a sense of emotional distance, almost as if we’re listening to a memory. The lower frequencies act as an emotional foundation, while the higher layers drift like a luminous mist that never quite settles, though it’s always moving. The sound design is restrained, minimalist, and deeply expressive, Murray doesn’t fill the space; he sculpts it.

But what truly makes Careful Now a meaningful experience isn’t its technical precision, but its ability to hold us emotionally without telling us how to feel. It’s a piece that accompanies slow thinking, that doesn’t direct but embraces. Its beauty lies not in what we hear, but in what it allows us space to think, to breathe. In an overstimulated world, this work serves as a sonic refuge, a serene invitation to stillness.

[sailtomarina]

Matching Souls, Luna-style

Hermione didn’t believe in divination. Magic, yes, but fate? Destiny?

Rubbish.

Even though she’d seen the Hall of Prophecies for herself, was best friends with the “Chosen One,” it all seemed self-fulfilling. And true love? Soulmates? That seemed most dubious of all.

She believed in the love built on a firm foundation and grown over time, like the type of love she grew up seeing in her parents. She thought it was the type of love she had found in Ron. 

Until it wasn’t.

They said Slytherins were the snakes, when what Hermione should have really been watching out for were the two-faced badgers and sharp-taloned eagles. How dare Susan consult in Luna’s so-called love match reading; how dare Luna offer up Ron’s name as if he wasn’t already taken.

So here she was, sitting on a stupidly comfortable cushion inhaling incense she was certain did more to worsen her headache than open anyone’s “inner eye.”

“I’m so glad you accepted my offer for a reading, Hermione. Your match is somewhere out there, and we’re going to find them, whoever they are!”

She couldn’t help but glare at Luna’s outstretched hands dubiously where they lay palms up on the table. Hermione wasn’t sure what she had expected, but it wasn’t this. Maybe a crystal ball, perhaps cards, or even tea leaves. How was Luna supposed to see anything—not that she believed she would—just by holding her hands?

“This will only work as well as you allow it to, you know. If you don’t believe, then, well, I won’t see anything.” Luna’s voice was calm in her reprimand. 

It was her bluntness that lessened Hermione’s armor. She couldn’t really see what Luna had to gain by pretending. She might not make a lot of sense much of the time, seeing things no one else could, but Luna did make some uncanny observations. Hermione attributed her accuracy to a keen spatial awareness.

Now that she stepped back to view her breakup from a distance, she realized that her and Ron had been doomed from the start, Luna’s involvement notwithstanding. Hermione had just been too close to see all the warning signs. She must have felt at least some of that beforehand to have accepted Luna’s invitation in the first place.

“I just…I mean, this isn’t what I expected. How are you meant to see anything without any tools?”

“It’s an old spell that’s been in my family for generations. I say the incantation, take your sacrifice, and then we see what we see.”

Bells rang in her head.

“What kind of sacrifice?”

Luna’s serene smile was at complete odds with the next words out of her mouth. “An offering of blood.”

“Luna Lovegood! Is this blood magic?” Hermione hissed, infuriated that her friend would even consider dragging her into this. Blood magic was strictly forbidden at Hogwarts.

“Yes, but that doesn’t make it inherently bad. Blood magic is some of the most ancient and powerful magic in existence.” Luna tilted her head as if carefully considering her next words. “I would have thought you would know that given your extensive research and time spent in the library.”

Hermione knew she didn’t mean it as an insult, but it certainly felt like she was being called out by the Ravenclaw. She felt as if her intelligence was being challenged, and Hermione did not back down from any battle of minds.

Luna was right. Hermione had read several texts describing this particular branch of magic as neutral as any other type of magic—what mattered was the caster’s intent. Blood magic could be used to protect just as well as harm. She knew from her own experience that there were regularly used spells that could be just as damaging, like obliviate.

She shoved the warnings about taboos and so-called dark magic into the box alongside all the other rules she’d broken over the years with Harry and Ron.

“Just tell me what to do.”

With a delighted giggle, Luna wiggled her fingers until Hermione placed her hands atop them. Closing her eyes, she muttered a string of words that made little sense to Hermione. She felt a change in the air, though, as if all noise had been sucked out of the room leaving only their own deep breaths and the pounding of her heart.

Luna smiled at the end of her incantation and let go with one hand to pick up her wand. She used the tip to gently flip Hermione’s free hand over and cut a shallow incision along the thumb with another spell. As a bead of blood threatened to drip, Luna pressed her own thumb against it and closed her eyes.

Hermione couldn’t deny the strange pressure surrounding them that she hadn’t felt before. Remembering Luna’s words from earlier, she, too, closed her eyes and wished with all her heart to open herself to the other girl.

“Thank you, Hermione. I’ve seen what I need to see.” Luna blinked heavily, as if waking from a deep sleep.

“Which was?”

“The good news is that your soulmate is here at Hogwarts.”

“They are?” The fact surprised Hermione. She felt like she knew most of the students at the school. How had she not felt anything in all this time? 

Luna nodded in a solemn manner before continuing. “He is. The bad news is that he’s in a dark place right now. What I can sense, however, is a passion for knowledge and competitive drive that rivals yours. You share a great capacity for love, though that fire can burn just as powerfully towards hate.”

Hermione frowned at the revelation. There weren’t many students that vied for the top rankings. She wasn’t particularly close to any of them, and a few she either had never spoken to or outright avoided.

“That doesn’t sound so bad, I guess, other than the part about “hate”. When you say “dark”, is that literal or metaphorical?” 

Luna nodded approvingly at her question. “Both. In fact, if you make your way up right now to someplace where you can see the stars best, I have a feeling you’ll get to meet him.”

A place where they could clearly see the stars…that sounded like the Astronomy Tower. Hermione hadn’t been up there in ages, not since before Dumbledore’s death. She likely wasn’t the only one. The deck was bound to be deserted at this hour, but maybe…

“I think I’ll test out your theory. Thanks, Luna!”

Hermione snatched up her bag to make her way towards the tower. She was in such a hurry, she missed Luna’s parting words. 

“You’re welcome! Tell Draco I said ‘hello’.”

She’d confront Luna loudly the next day over a bowl of creamy oats, the entirety of the Great Hall staring at them with mouths hanging open. Her explosion would earn Hermione  the ire of their mutual friends as they rallied to defend the mild-mannered Ravenclaw. What she did not do was actually talk to the true subject of her outburst, who watched everything unfold with his signature arched brow.

It wasn’t until a week later that Hermione and Draco would be forced into a class partnership, and then a month after that they conceded to studying together outside of the library. A couple of months later, Hermione grinded out an apology to the same girl she’d screamed to at the start of the term, with an amused Draco watching nearby.

Through it all, Luna maintained a saintly patience, forgiving Hermione before being asked. She already had her maid-of-honor speech all planned out and had recently gone on a date with her own soulmatch.

But she told Hermione none of these things, nor Draco. She did, however, compliment them on their radiant auras. They were truly magnificent now that they’d found one another—almost as pretty as Pansy’s eyes.

WC 1304

DHR Month Prompt: Week 2 - Bonds, September 8 - Soulmates

Cross-posted on AO3

I almost forgot about this after skipping the freebie day on the 7th (others still submitted, so make sure you check those out), so I felt a bit rushed writing this out late at night. It's rougher than I'd like, but I still hope you enjoy my take on todays theme!

[rashima]

🌟 Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka: Your Gateway to Excellence 🌟

🌿 "Where the mountains whisper wisdom, and the trees nurture dreams."

Welcome to the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL), a place where academic brilliance meets the serenity of nature. Nestled in the heart of Belihuloya, SUSL is more than a university—it’s a transformative journey that shapes futures.

🕰️ A Legacy of Learning and Leadership

Since its establishment in 1995, SUSL has stood as a beacon of higher education in Sri Lanka. Rooted in history yet forward-looking, the university blends tradition with innovation to create a world-class learning environment.

📜 "Grounded in history, reaching for the future."

🎓 Explore Our 8 Inspiring Faculties

At SUSL, every passion finds its purpose. With eight diverse faculties, the university opens doors to endless opportunities:

1️⃣ Faculty of Agricultural Sciences – Empowering the future of sustainable farming. 2️⃣ Faculty of Applied Sciences – Diving deep into the wonders of science and technology. 3️⃣ Faculty of Geomatics – Leading advancements in spatial sciences and mapping. 4️⃣ Faculty of Management Studies – Crafting tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. 5️⃣ Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages – Exploring cultures, languages, and societies. 6️⃣ Faculty of Technology – Shaping pioneers in modern technological fields. 7️⃣ Faculty of Computing – Creating tech-savvy professionals for the digital age. 8️⃣ Faculty of Medicine – Developing compassionate healthcare leaders.

✨ "At SUSL, we don’t just teach subjects; we ignite passions."

🌳 A Campus That Feels Like Home

Imagine studying amidst rolling hills, lush greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere that inspires learning. The SUSL campus offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern facilities, fostering both academic and personal growth.

💬 "Find your focus where nature and knowledge converge."

🔬 Innovation for a Better World

SUSL is a hub for groundbreaking research and meaningful community projects. Whether it’s finding sustainable solutions or advancing healthcare, the university ensures that innovation serves humanity.

🌟 "At SUSL, research isn’t just about answers—it’s about impact."

🎉 A Life Beyond the Books

From cultural events and student societies to the thrill of sports competitions, SUSL is alive with energy and opportunities. Every moment here adds value to your journey.

🏅 "We don’t just educate minds; we enrich lives."

🌟 Your Future Awaits at SUSL

If you’re ready to dream big, work hard, and achieve greatness, SUSL is the place for you. Join a community that celebrates diversity, supports ambition, and shapes leaders.

📍 Location: Belihuloya, Sri Lanka 🌐 Website: www.sab.ac.lk 📧 Contact: info@sab.ac.lk

🚀 "At Sabaragamuwa University, every sunrise brings new possibilities, and every day is a step toward your dreams." 🌟 Reblog and let the world know about this amazing place! 🌟

[essential-music]

Tosca’s "Suzuki" stands as a beacon of timeless artistry within the downtempo and trip-hop genres.

This track, a gem from the Austrian duo’s discography, exemplifies what makes music transcendent: a delicate balance of technical precision, emotional resonance, and understated innovation. Without relying on nostalgia or fleeting cultural references, "Suzuki" deserves recognition as a masterclass in sonic craftsmanship.

"Suzuki" is a study in restraint. The composition unfolds with a hypnotic, laid-back rhythm that invites listeners into a serene soundscape. Its minimalistic structure—built on crisp percussion, warm basslines, and ethereal vocal samples—avoids the temptation to overcomplicate, allowing subtle shifts in texture to captivate without overwhelming. This simplicity is deceptive, as the track’s layers reveal a complexity that rewards repeated listens. The melody, soft and evocative, weaves through ambient synths and organic accents, creating a dreamlike quality that feels both intimate and expansive.

The production quality of "Suzuki" is nothing short of impeccable. Tosca’s meticulous sound design employs reverb and spatial effects to craft an immersive experience, where every element—from the gentle guitar flourishes to the controlled low-end frequencies—has room to breathe. The mix is pristine, ensuring clarity across diverse sound systems while maintaining a rich, enveloping warmth. This technical finesse elevates the track beyond mere background music, positioning it as a work of art that demands active engagement.

Emotionally, "Suzuki" strikes a rare chord. It evokes a contemplative calm, making it ideal for moments of introspection or relaxation, yet its depth allows it to convey something profound without saying too much. This versatility—its ability to fit seamlessly into a quiet evening or a cinematic narrative—underscores its universal appeal. The track’s restraint, far from being a limitation, is a testament to Tosca’s confidence in their craft. By forgoing abrasive elements like overpowering horns, "Suzuki" achieves a purity that feels both refreshing and timeless.

While firmly rooted in the downtempo movement of the late 1990s and early 2000s, "Suzuki" transcends its era. It contributes to the genre’s evolution by blending electronic and organic textures with a sophistication that feels neither derivative nor overly experimental. Its distinctiveness lies in its elegance—a quality that sets it apart from the more aggressive or avant-garde works of its contemporaries. In this way, "Suzuki" is not just a product of its time but a blueprint for what downtempo can aspire to be: emotive, accessible, and enduring.

In a world saturated with disposable tracks, "Suzuki" reminds us of music’s power to endure through craftsmanship and emotional truth. It is a sonic sanctuary, a testament to Tosca’s artistry, and a compelling argument for the lasting value of music that prioritizes substance over flash. For those who have yet to discover it, "Suzuki" is more than a song—it’s an experience that lingers long after the final note fades.

Year: 2000

Composer/Producer: Richard Dorfmeister, Rupert Huber

[chicagosavant]

lol-Thrawn thawts….

—Derriel Book (the Shepherd from Firefly/Serenity) IS JorgCar’das….Change muh’mind…

—Tyber Zann IS an Operative gathering Intel on the Galactic Empire (lying across the other side of a spatial anomaly) for the CoreParliament…

—BlueSun Corp is aligned with BlackSunSyndicate…and are both involved with a Reaver-Vong-Chiss Skywalker-Navigator-RiverTam-other female human psionics-exploitation scheme…

—Luthen Rael and Thrawn (not from Rebels/orAhsoka series Thrawn) MUST have some sort of confrontation…I mean, the whole ArtHistorian foil just seems way too *convenient*…

—Kelts in Space weaves into this tale so seamlessly….

—CintaKaz is my new GrrlCrush, and lover of my biSexxy Keltoi OC advanced practice medic…(I NEED Cinta to survive the GalacticCivilWar—personal AU-is that she’s a Dathomiri Witch…)

—Somehow Severence’Tann-is related to Kung’urama’nuruodo (altered to Kivu’Rama’nuruodo)-is related to Borika-Thrass-Thrawn…

[himalayanarchitectureandplanning]

A-Frame Retreat: Elevating a Homestay with Contemporary Mountain Elegance, Bhimtal.

The design of this project reimagines an existing unremarkable RCC standard homestay —by introducing a striking mountain architecture, based on A-frame technology. The conceptual design approach reinvents saddle-roof tradition ( snow/hail/monsoon resistant) with an innovative spatial quality, abundant natural light, and a seamless indoor-outdoor user experience.

The principal of the project came to HAP as he was looking for the design power of a team of architects who understand mountain terrains, local traditions and who are able to balance aesthetics with functionality in the lightweight A-frame structure technology.

The infographics show the conceptual steps we took with the triangular form with 65-degree angles, ensuring both structural integrity and a striking contemporary mountain character.

With our new team members Pavani & Santosh ( both from South India), we hope to take this exciting project further to the next level in 2025, following the sustainability guiding principles -locally sourced materials, passive climate control strategies, and energy-efficient design, while keeping beauty at the core of what we create in the serene hills of Bhimtal.

[kmp-modernfurniture]

Every room in this exceptional project by @vivify.studios serves as a visual testament to serene sophistication. The striking marble staircase greets guests with an aura of grandeur, setting the tone for the luxurious yet minimalist design that pervades the home. Each element has been carefully curated, seamlessly blending light, material, and spatial awareness to transform simplicity into an art form.

Meticulous attention to detail has been paramount in crafting an environment that feels simultaneously warm and sleek—intimate yet expansive. The use of bespoke furnishings enhances the overall aesthetic, ensuring that each piece contributes to a holistic sense of tranquility. Natural textures mingle with rich finishes, embodying a lifestyle that appreciates elegance in even the smallest touches.

[silpihandicrafts]

Why You Should Personalize Your Custom Pooja Mandir for Spiritual Connection

Creating a Custom Pooja Mandir for your home is more than just a decorative decision; it's a step towards enhancing your spiritual connection. Whether you reside in Dallas or any part of the USA or even anywhere around the world, a personalized space for worship plays a pivotal role in your daily rituals. It offers a serene haven where you can pause, reflect, and reconnect with your spiritual roots. The process of selecting the right materials, designs, and even Hindu Pooja Items is not just about aesthetics but about personalizing a space that resonates with your devotional practices. In this article, we'll explore why personalizing your pooja mandir near me or elsewhere is essential for deepening your spiritual connections.

The Importance of Personalization in Spiritual Spaces

Reflecting Personal Beliefs and Values: A Custom Pooja Mandir in the USA or all over the world is a reflection of your individual beliefs and spiritual values. Personalizing this space allows you to incorporate elements that hold significant spiritual and cultural importance. Whether it's through the choice of wood, the design carved into the mandir, or the specific arrangement of Hindu Pooja Items, each detail can enhance your spiritual experience, making every prayer more meaningful.

Enhancing Focus and Spiritual Connectivity: A personalized Pooja Mandir serves as a focal point in your home, helping to enhance your concentration during prayer and meditation. When you tailor your worship space to your preferences, it becomes easier to shut out the daily distractions and focus on your spiritual practices. This dedicated space can help cultivate a routine that enhances your connection to the divine.

The Role of Accessibility and Comfort

Having a Pooja Mandir within the comfort of your home, especially one that is customized to fit your spatial and aesthetic needs, improves accessibility. For families living in Dallas or elsewhere in the USA, it provides a convenient way to perform daily rituals without the need to visit a communal temple. This aspect is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or mobility issues, ensuring that spiritual practices are never neglected.

The Significance of Aesthetic Elements

The aesthetics of a Pooja Mandir are crucial as they contribute to the atmosphere of reverence and peace. Selecting the right colors, materials, and designs, which are available through services that custom mandirs in Dallas Texas or online, can create an environment that uplifts your spirit. The beauty of the mandir can serve as an inspiration during worship and a constant reminder of your spiritual commitments.

Choosing the Right Accessories

When personalizing your mandir, choosing the right accessories, like Hindu Pooja Items, Dallas, or other places, is essential. Whether you Buy Pooja Items Online or in local stores, selecting items that resonate with your traditions can make your worship more authentic and fulfilling. From incense holders to ritual bells, every item holds a purpose that enriches your prayer experience.

The End

Personalizing your Pooja Mandir not only beautifies your home but also deepens your spiritual practice, making every moment of worship uniquely significant. As we tailor spaces for our spiritual needs, we create environments that reflect our deepest values and beliefs, enhancing our connection to the divine. For those looking to embark on this enriching journey, Silpi Handcrafts offers a range of options that subtly blend tradition and personalization, ensuring that your spiritual space is as unique as your faith.