#The Great Gama

[travsd]

Born Today, Two Unique "Fighting Men": Arthur Cravan and The Great Gama

Very much ahead of his time was Arthur Cravan (Fabian Avenarius Lloyd; 1887-1918) a hoaxer, boxer, Dada artist, critic performer, poet, adventurer and nephew of Oscar Wilde. One reads about Cravan’s doings with awe, for the combination of elements is like some kind of mixture of Andy Kaufman, Alfred Jarry, Jack London, Ambrose Bierce, Sadakichi Hartmann, Muhammad Ali, and a few others, I am sure…

[principiumindividuationis777]

[kharmii]

Some of these will surprise you.

George Washington:

LOL, Hercules with a baby face:

[onlineviolence]

thinking joyfully about gabriel and gamaliel. jailbirds

[racefortheironthrone]

How... hm, how to put this... how aware were rulers of regarding other nations in the medieval and early modern periods? Like, would the ruler of Portugal know who the Timurids were? Or what was going on in Muscovy at the time? Like, how far east and south did their knowledge go before it turned into "Here Be Dragons" legend and rumor? Did they know who the Mali and Songhai were?

The answer is that it depends, largely due to differing geographies and trade patterns and time periods. For example, the ruler of Portugal might well know who the Timurids were - if it was after Vasco de Gama's "discovery" of the Cape Route to the Indian Ocean, because it's just a quick jaunt up the Indian coast to get to the Persian Gulf.

I doubt the King of Portugal would have much to do with the Tsar of Russia, but Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I of England definitely did - because the English government had chartered the Muscovy Company in 1555, which ferried diplomatic exchanges between Ivan IV and Elizabeth I along with the huge cargo of wool for fur and fur for wool.

And certainly the monarchs of western and central Europe would have been familiar with the kingdoms of eastern Europe, because they were all fucking inbred relations of each other.

For example, Louis the Great was King of Hungary, Croatia, and Poland, but he was also of the House of Anjou and his brother was the Duke of Calabria who married to the Queen of Naples, who also was the Countess of Provence and the Princess of Achaea. - and after his brother was assassinated, Louis invaded Naples and claimed the title of King of Naples, Sicily, and Jerusalem!

Similarly, Henry III of France was elected King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania in order to keep out the Hapsburgs, and Henry's mother was Catherine de Medici. So there was probably a lot of knowledge of different countries just from family letters...

As for Mali and Songhai, the Portuguese and the Dutch "traded" extensively with West Africa in the 15th-17th centuries. So they certainly would have traded with the Mali and then the Songhai Empires. But I doubt the Tsar of Russia would have known much about them, and so it goes...

[h3rmess]

WHERE OUR BLUE IS

Written by @h3rmess ✰

Masterlist

S1 : Chapter 6 - The Boy with Ten Shadows ☆

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Waking up the next morning, the view of the vibrant flora outside made me feel inspired to do my very best that day. The various colours stood out, each individual plant making their own statement. I wanted to make a statement. I wanted to show the world how powerful I truly am.

Feeling energized, I got out of bed and did my typical morning routine; I showered, got dressed into my new uniform, and did my hair. My hair sat in its usual manner, my bangs covering my forehead as the rest of my hair grazed my shoulders. I grabbed a breakfast bar from a box I had bought the day before and ate it as I left my dorm. I was greeted by Kugisaki, who gave me a smile.

"Good morning, Okumoto!" She waved at me as I waved back, offering a slightly awkward smile.

"Good morning, Kugisaki." I responded softly as she handed me a carton of strawberry milk.

"This is my favourite flavour." I inspected it joyfully. "Thank you."

"I asked Itadori, actually. But no problem! If we're going to be friends, we need to know these things about each other."

"Yeah, I guess we do if we're friends."

"Yes! We have made progress!" Nobara celebrated under her breath, looking excited. "Let's go!" She latched on to my left arm as we walked towards the field.

We went into the changing rooms and changed into our usual gym wear. I walked out of the changing room and went to sit next to Nobara on the bleachers. Gojo stood in front of us all on the field, getting ready to make an announcement.

"Okay, everybody! The sister school exchange event is coming up in a few weeks. I want to make sure that we, as Jujutsu Tech, win against the Kyoto students. We will be undergoing hard-core training. Don't hold back at all. Use all your power. The only rule is that you can't kill anyone, got it?" He announced as we all nodded.

"Great! Now, like I said yesterday, I really want to see that fight between Megumi and Seiko. I believe that with your prior training, you should be able to take on Megumi, Seiko. Give it your best!" Gojo finished as I got up from my seat. Nobara and Maki cheered me on as I stepped down the stairs and onto the pitch. I removed my hoodie, revealing a fanny-pack that sat over my right shoulder and under my left arm.

"What's the bag for?" Yuuji asked from the bleachers. I gave him a sly smirk, moving my eyes to look at him.

"You'll see." I responded.

Megumi's POV

Okumoto opened her bag and removed... two poker tokens? I looked at her, confused as she clutched them in her hand and got into a fighting stance. I readied myself to summon my shikigami.

"Ready, set, fight!" Gojo announced. I summoned Gama and Nue, running towards Okumoto. She stood, pointing her finger out like a gun once again and pointing it towards me. I closed my eyes as she shot a high-pressure beam between my eyebrows. The pressure made me feel dizzy for a moment, making me lose focus. She appeared behind me, completely throwing me off. I pondered how that was possible as she took a hit, which knocked me to the ground.

She appeared in front of me again, and I figured she must be using teleportation of some sort. I analysed her moves, getting Nue to cover for me. Nue swooped over her, knocking her over as I ran in to attack.

I was about to land a punch, but she rolled over to dodge my attack. She's so fast! She got up, running towards me with her right hand raised to the sky. "Configuration!" She chanted, a staff similar to Maki's appearing in her hand.

The air felt less dense as she came to attack me. Could she have done something to the atmosphere? It couldn't be teleportation... I saw the staff being formed in her hand. She lunged to attack me, striking me repeatedly. Not only was she fast, but she was very strong. Her hits left an impact like no other I had received. It was as if the surface of my skin had become numbed, and she was hitting me from the inside.

She kept attacking until Gama's tongue caught her arm, restraining her momentarily. She broke free of its hold easily as I regained my balance, positioning myself to defend. I summoned the fleeing hares. This would help me to create an opening, I thought.

The rabbits surrounded her within and instant as I prepared to attack. I felt a long object hit the artery in my neck. I turned around to see Okumoto, standing behind me with a smirk. She attacked me once more, knocking me to the ground in ease.

As a final blow, her staff plummeted down to my chest as if she were stabbing me. She stood like Neil Armstrong, as if she had conquered the world. The staff she had disappeared before my eyes, each particle floating away. What is her cursed technique?

She held her hand out, offering to help me up. I flushed in embarrassment as I took her hand. Once I had stood up, Okumoto shook my hand and bowed.

"Good fight, Fushiguro. You use the Ten Shadows technique, right?" She inquired as I nodded in response.

"I still can't figure out your cursed technique..." I responded inquisitively.

"I wouldn't expect you to know what it is. It went extinct two centuries ago. I am the embodiment of a miracle, or so they say." She responded, walking over to Gojo and the other students.

"Amazing fighting you two!" Gojo exclaimed, jumping up suddenly. "Seiko, you used your technique amazingly!"

She bowed as she replied, "Thank you. I couldn't use all aspects on Fushiguro since they can be dangerous, but you'll definitely see them in battle."

"Seiko, what is your cursed technique?" Yuuji asked her as she stood with her hands on her hips.

"Has anyone figured it out?" She asked around, everyone remaining silent.

"Her cursed technique is something unique to the Okumoto family's lineage." Gojo started. " In the 19th century, there was a special-grade sorcerer called Okumoto Gekido. His cursed technique consisted of atom manipulation, otherwise known as illusionary reality."

"Basically, I can conjure existing atoms together to create new objects. That why the weapons I use come out of nowhere, even though they're coming from somewhere." She explained as everything began to make sense.

"If that's so..." I started, "then how did you basically teleport behind me."

"That another part of my cursed technique. I have learnt so much about it that I can communicate with the earth and the space around it down to an atomic level." She continued.

"So what you're referring to is the manipulation of the space within earth. As the law of conservation states, energy can not be created or destroyed, only transferred, so everything remains within balance as Seiko uses her cursed technique. By using up free atoms within the earth's atmosphere, Seiko is able to make portals using the tokens she carries. They are imbued with high levels of cursed energy to make them as effective as possible during battle." Gojo added, "This level of understanding is extremely rare for someone of your age. You must be really smart."

She looked down slightly, thanking Gojo for the compliment.

"Although, I'm sure there is another step you could take to reach the full potential of your power..." He smirked to himself.

"You'll have to figure it out yourself. That's what happened to me, after all. On the verge of death, you grasp the true essence of cursed energy!"

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TAGS ~

@nyxlai @inlovewithlondonn @sad-darksoul @eternalalmondd @httpstoyosi @vivi-loves-penguins

[whencyclopedia]

Portuguese Cochin

Cochin, located on the southwest coast of India, was a Portuguese colony from 1503 to 1663. Known to the Portuguese as Cochim, it was one of several important cities on India’s Malabar Coast and a great trade centre for spices like pepper. Cochin was the administrative capital of Portuguese India until it was replaced by Goa in 1530.

A fort was built at Cochin in 1503, the first in Portuguese India, as the Europeans used the city as their first headquarters in the East. The great explorer Vasco da Gama (c. 1469-1524) spent his last days in the city, and it remained a lucrative hub of the spice trade into the 17th century. The city was taken over by the Dutch in 1663, then the English in 1814, and finally gained independence with the rest of India in 1947. Today, the city is known as Kochi and is the most prosperous port in the Kerala region of India.

Vasco da Gama

In the 15th century, the Portuguese colonization of Madeira in the North Atlantic from 1420 was the first in a series of colonial stepping stones that eventually led to India. The treacherous Cape Bojador in West Africa was negotiated in 1434, the Azores were colonised from 1439, Cape Verde from 1462, and São Tomé and Principe from 1486. In 1488 Bartolomeu Dias sailed down the coast of West Africa and made the first voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, the southern tip of the African continent (now South Africa).

The famed Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama followed in Dias’ wake and pioneered a maritime route from Portugal to India when in 1497-9, he sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, went up the coast of East Africa, and crossed the Indian Ocean to arrive at Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the south-west coast of India. His voyage, supported by King Manuel I of Portugal (r. 1495-1521), was intended to find a legendary Christian kingdom in the East and to give Portugal direct access to the Eastern spice trade and cut out the Arab middlemen traders. The first aim ended up being an illusion but the second was indeed achieved. For the first time, Europe could access by sea a trade which had been going on for centuries but which channelled luxury goods through the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf to be then taken by camel caravan to the Mediterranean. Such goods as pepper, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon were immensely popular in Europe and expensive.

Vasco da Gama, through a mix of inexperience, lack of trade goods, and Indian confidence in the status quo, failed to establish friendly trading relations with Calicut. A second Portuguese expedition, this time with 13 ships and 1500 men and commanded by Pedro Álvares Cabral, set off to repeat da Gama’s feat in March 1500 and was given the brief of muscling-in on Muslim trade by sinking any Arab ships they came across. Vasco da Gama sailed for a second time to India in 1502-3, this time with 15 ships. A result of this voyage was more trouble with the ruler of Calicut, but a trade treaty was agreed with Cochin further down the coast.

Continue reading...

[casp1an-sea]

The complete Legend’s synopsis on Han Solo’s Backstory and Lineage :)

———————————————

Everyone has a depressing backstory, including Han!

@stealingpotatoes you awakened and something in me, I don’t blame you if you don’t read this all it basically became a research project

Yes Han is allegedly related to Corellian royalty, Berethron e Solo. One account says he was King and Prince Admiral of Corellia who helped build a democratic government system. The other says he was King of Corellia and he was seen as a lunatic who pushed against the democratic transition. The first account is what is on his official fandom page and is what is used in the more recent book “The Courtship of Princess Leia” (my favorite book) but Han’s bloodline was also mentioned in “The Paradise Snare” so I will have to double check the book to see if their was a retcon.

The reason why the relation is alleged is because a man by the name of Korol Solo (Han’s great grandfather) claimed to be the descendent of King Bretheron, but he was thought to be a pretender and hung for his crimes. The books make it unclear if Han is actually related to the King or not and they never outright answer the question, but most people assume that he is. Han’s grandfather Dalla Solo/Suul also known as Dalla the black was an infamous pirate, notorious kingpin, and famous murderer. Some times Han’s Grandfather is referred to as Denn Solo and it is assumed Denn was Dalla’s public identity. Also Dalla’s illigetament grandson is this really annoying new republic politician and president of the Alderaan Council named Threkin Horm, whom I despise. Han and Threkin actually hated each other, and had no clue that they were related until C3PO figured it out when he was researching Han’s lineage. 3PO revealed this to Threkin after Threkin had publicly disgraced Han’s grandfather, revealing to him, that his own grandfather was the same person.

Anyway, Han’s parents were Jonash Solo and Jonash’s wife Jaina. (Where Jaina got her namesake) It is believed that Dalla changed the family name from Solo to Suul to separate them from Korol. So Jonash was born as Jonash Suul and later, changed the family name back to what it was originally. What happened to Jonash and his father is inconsistent. Most accounts claimed That Jonash and his father (being referred to as Denn) were kidnapped by pirates when Jonash was an infant. And Jonash survived and fathered Han. But another account claims the family was attacked by pirates, so split up. Jonash’s father (still being referred to as Denn) took Johnash, and his wife Tira Gama Solo took Jonash’s twin sister, and the family was never reunited.

Jaina’s story and lineage is unknown.

Han has a little memory of either of his parents, as he was orphaned at a young age. his first distinct memory was being alone at a Corellian space port around the age of two. (if you look at Jonash’s page on Wookieepedia it says Han was orphaned at seven, that is incorrect, I read the book, he was two) He has vague memories of them, mostly his mother, but a lot of them he blacked out, as they were too traumatic, and to this day he does not know what happened to his parents.

he was picked up from the space port by gangster Garris Shrike, and basically turned into a child slave. He would either be sent on pickpocket or begging duty, and he would have to bring a certain amount of money or merchandise back every day. As he got older he would be sent to break into houses and steal things as well. And if he didn’t do what he was told he would be severely punished. One of the punishments mentioned was Devaronian blood-poison, which was caused by this gem Garris had on his ring, if the gem came in contact with the skin, it caused excruciating pain, and if it got in contact with the blood stream, it would release a poison, causing you to be really sick. Making it a popular torture tactic. This punishment was only used in extreme cases, but I do believe Han said it was used on him at least once. Other punishments included physical beating. 

Anyway Han’s mother figure was Garris’s cook Dewlannamapia or Dewlanna for short. She was a wookie and that is how Han learned the language. We love her, she is Han’s mother, enough said. She was actually the one that figured out Han’s last name because she beat Garris in game of cards so he had to tell her. She cared for Han. She made him learn to read and write and study all subjects, even though he wasn’t allowed to. She took him to the medic when he was sick even though Garris said no, and it was a good thing as it turned out, he was really sick and probably would’ve died. 

Because Han could read and write it actually gave him an advantage because most of Garris’s child slaves could not, so Garris would take him on these elaborate con schemes, where they would pose as a wealthy family and he enjoyed those because he got to go to school and he liked math and science and the temporary friends he made during that time, even if he was lying to them. This is where he meets Gram Bel lblis a prominent legends character, and Han becomes a sort of fan boy. Also these con schemes would often involve him flying in swoop races. (essentially pod racing but different, I believe faster and you don’t have to be as small. This sport is canon now as they show it in bad batch season two) and he would always win those 

There was this one time where he used his last name to find out that he had living relatives on Corellia, so he ran away and found they were super rich. His Uncle Randil Sal was deceased, but he met his aunt Tiion Sal-Solo like once, but she was mentally ill and when she saw him she instantly started crying, possibly due to Han’s resemblance to her twin brother, as she had never knew he survived the kidnapping by the Pirates. so his cousin Thrackan Sal-Solo took him away and refused to let him see her again. And his cousin was crazy. He would like throw rocks at small animals because he thought it was fun or something and he physically and verbally abused Han And Han had to follow every one of his demands. I think at one point he threatened to like cut off Han’s ear. So Han attacked him and demanded He tell him what he knew about the Solo family. When Thracken answered Han calmed down allowing the older boy to subdue him and lock him in a closet where he was for three days before Thracken turned him back over to Shrike who was definitely not happy that Han had run away.

Tracken and Han end up having a lifelong Feud, as an adult Thracken becomes an imperial and also starts a human supremacy group, I don’t make this shit up.

Anyway, when Han was 19 he planned an escape from Shrike, but he got caught and he was going to get shot, but Dewlana took the bullet for him and died in front of him :( 

and then he escaped and started using the alias Vykk Draygo. he became a pilot for this weird place that was a spice mining facility in affiliation with the hutts, and all of the workers were part of a cult were the people in charge of the facility would get them addicted to these pheromones so they would worship them, and wouldn’t leave. it’s a long story he basically just wanted to get enough money to join the imperial academy and then he swore to himself that after that he would never do anything illegal, and he’d live a respectable life.

He becomes friends with my beloved Muuurgh his co pilot on the job, I love him he’s such a precious boy. And also falls in love with one of the girls that was in the cult, Bria Tharen and he rescues her. They apparently have a child, but Han does not know until after he’s married Leia and this child is nowhere to be seen so I am assuming the child is dead. if you Google said Child you can’t find anything there isn’t even a name. But It Is is clearly stated in “Tattoine Ghost,” That this happened, Bria is name dropped and everything.

But back to the story, they went to corsocaunt and they planed to get married, but she snuck out in the middle of the night because she said he deserved better. she left him enough money to join the imperial academy. She later joins the rebellion and she committed suicide when she was captured rather than let herself be interrogated.

Han then uses the money to get himself an identification card, and change his retinal patterns so he could change his identity and get through imperial retinal scans (yes, he had plastic surgery on his eyes). And then he ended up meeting shrike again and killed him out of self-defense, using shrikes body to fake his aliases Death, which did not last very long I’ll be honest. And then he adopted his last name officially, joining the imperial academy as Han Solo. (he actually got to keep his real name because he’d done everything else under an alias)

unfortunately the next book skips over his imperial days and only addresses it in flashbacks but basically he was the top pilot, top of his class, he was on a ship that was ferrying wookie slaves, and there was a slave rebellion, and his commanding officer told him to kill Chewbacca and bring him back his skins so instead Han shot the officer (on stun) and helped chewie escape, which caused him to get dishonorably discharged from the imperial navy and blacklisted, forcing him to become a smuggler out of necessity, and Chewbacca refused to leave due to the life debt so they eventually became what they were in a new Hope

since honestly none of this interferes with canon aside from the Solo movie which I dislike this is the only backstory I can see for Han personally so I like using it in my sequels writings about Kylo as well, but of course, in Legends, Han marries Leia about eight years after return of the Jedi, and they have three kids, the twins Jaina and Jacen and then Anakin who is about a year younger. In legends Han said he wanted to have kids, because he wanted to be the father he never had. And that’s just beautiful. Unlike the sequels, Han does survive in legends, I’m not sure which is better. His life is very depressing.

I believe He’s still an orphaned slave in Canon too. It’s just less explored. Nobody ever talks about how terrible his childhood is.

That was way more detail than I originally intended

[wavecorewave]

What I am proposing, essentially, is that we engage in a kind of thought experiment. What if, as a recent title put it, “we have never been modern”? What if there never was any fundamental break, and therefore, we are not living in a fundamentally different moral, social, or political universe than the Piaroa or Tiv or rural Malagasy? There are a million different ways to define “modernity.” According to some it mainly has to do with science and technology, for others it’s a matter of individualism; others, capitalism, or bureaucratic rationality, or alienation, or an ideal of freedom of one sort or another. However they define it, almost everyone agrees that at somewhere in the sixteenth, or seventeenth, or eighteenth centuries, a Great Transformation occurred, that it occurred in Western Europe and its settler colonies, and that because of it, we became “modern.” And that once we did, we became a fundamentally different sort of creature than anything that had come before. But what if we kicked this whole apparatus away? What if we blew up the wall? What if we accepted that the people who Columbus or Vasco da Gama “discovered” on their expeditions were just us? Or certainly, just as much “us” as Columbus and Vasco da Gama ever were? I’m not arguing that nothing important has changed over the last five hundred years, any more than I’m arguing that cultural differences are unimportant. In one sense everyone, every community, every individual for that matter, lives in their own unique universe. By “blowing up walls,” I mean most of all, blowing up the arrogant, unreflecting assumptions which tell us we have nothing in common with 98% of people who ever lived, so we don’t really have to think about them. Since, after all, if you assume the fundamental break, the only theoretical question you can ask is some variation on “what makes us so special?” Once we get rid of those assumptions, decide to at least entertain the notion we aren’t quite so special as we might like to think, we can also begin to think about what really has changed and what hasn’t.

Fragments of an Anarchist Anthropology, by David Graeber

[adobe-outdesign]

I was wondering about this one specific 'dex entry and Occulture text for for Iron Hands:

It's oddly specific, especially due to the use of "certain athlete" and the lampshading of why it resembles Hariyama at all.

After some research, it turns out that it's likely because Hariyama is based off of the Great Gama, a famous wrestler. To quote Bulbapedia:

[herrlindemann]

Heavy Rock - January 2002

So close and so far at the same time. The capital of Portugal is today without a doubt the best place in all of Europe to see and listen to rock. Good venues for concerts, friendly people, excellent business professionals in a market five times smaller than ours, affordable prices and a most attractive and scoundrel city that keeps that old flavor under a galloping modernity that every day makes it more equal to the Europe of the euro. On top of the brilliant and fatalistic Pessoa in every corner of old Lisbon that he portrayed so well in his books. Good food, a lot to see and it’s next door.

Fool who misses it. I promise to cover many concerts in English, among other things because the films were never subtitled. Some say that if it had not been for those idiot kings that we have been suffering from century after century, the Iberian peninsula would be only one and as powerful as Germany. Can be.

The sports hall of Os Belenense (the third football team in Lisbon after Sporting and Benfica) is a privileged venue for five thousand people, located on top of a hill that has the Jerónimos Monastery under its feet, in whose pantheon is buried Fernando Pessoa and the navigator Vasco de Gama, who set off to discover half the world from the also nearby Torre de Belen, right on the Lisbon pier.

The place is full on the first of the two nights of the Germans, with Clawfinger as opening act, old acquaintances who have had to cancel their concert in Spain, scheduled for the following day, because the first date scheduled in principle, which was sold in a few days, a second had to be added, which caused them to cancel their scheduled show in Madrid. When I find out that they are going to open the concert I am very happy and a few minutes before leaving I chat with the singer and guitarist, the same thing that I had done a little earlier with Rammstein at the hotel. These interviews will be included in the next issue of Kerrang!

In the forty-five minutes that they have been on stage, the Swedes show great professionalism and the new face of their music, more polished, direct, and less 'rapper' with a lineup just like the stars of the night: two guitars, keys, bass, drums and voice. Techno also emerges without losing the gray that put them on the map of the best European rap-metal.

Their latest album 'A Whole Lot of Nothing' is proof that they have brought their message very close to Rammstein, which a few times in the past opened for them when they climbed the charts. They must have treated them very well because now the Germans take them on tour whenever they can, and they are also generous in leaving them all the sound display that they later used. Of course not the pyrotechnic and light display; and therein lies the problem for the Clawfingers.

Because the most Rammstein staging teaches anyone. Good intentions, direct songs and the ordeal is clear is that they do not shrink and continue to make war.

Rammstein is the never seen. With one, if not the best, of the records of the year in their baggage and a lot of imagination, the sextet is a magnificent and impressive show both musically and visually. A lot of money and creativity at the service of a structure that is frightening due to the militaristic connotations of its clothes and postures. Together with the theatricality copied from the Catalans of the Fura del Baus, they create an explosive show where fire, a lot of fire, is also another great protagonist with distressing moments such as when in the first encore, with the theme 'Rammstein', the singer Till Lindemann remains in his burning suit for almost four minutes. The mastery of fire that these people have is incredible, forcing them to demonstrate all the fireworks to the government technicians before each performance. Seen and lived on stage, as I did, it scares a lot. As soon as the minutes allotted to the photographers were up, I ran off the stage as if the devil was chasing me, resembling a scene from 'Apocalypse Now'.

Eighteen songs as checkered as the hackneyed German mentality. It joins infernal industrial machinery that starts with 'Mein Herz brennt' from 'Mutter' to end with the version of Depeche Mode's 'Stripped'. Pure adrenaline that nails you to the ground while from all corners of the stage the fire is projected in a thousand ways (Valencians would have to wear them as stars of the next Fallas festivities) and they look like mutant beings out of a science-fiction movie to make an army of corpses dance. Nightmarish. Wagnerian music, in the classical sense, is like a single score with messianic choruses that tremble in the German language, giving that sinister theatricality that at times brings to mind the 'hail, Hitler' of the most sinister times in history, for course alien to the intentions of the group. The show could not be more heavy. They all form a mass in which no one goes off script and the solos are conspicuous by their absence, inheriting the old legacy of those pioneering German industrial metal bands such as Kraftwerk. Aware that they have made a great record with 'Mutter', they play a lot of it: 'Links 2, 3, 4', 'Feuer frei', 'Mutter', 'Ich will', 'Adios', 'Rein raus', ' Zwitter'… Almost the entire record falls. Moment of maximum intensity that is experienced when they download their great commercial hymn 'Du hast' and the staff bouncing like possessed. They connect with 'Buck dich' which includes the singer's little number hitting the keys from behind for a long time with a giant phallus that generously sprays liquid on those in the front rows. In the end, the drummer's ride in a rubber boat over the heads and arms of grief takes us back to the past because they copy it from what the American David Lee Roth did on his tours with a boat and a surfboard. The six say goodbye toasting with Champagne to the success of a party as brilliant as it is original. For the cretins who preach that rock is dying or that it has no way out, this is heaven open to a great future. The important thing is to squeeze the coconut to stand up to the owners of the circus, the Anglo-Saxons, who with projects like this it is not surprising that they feel threatened.

When a stewardess falls to the ground on a short-haul flight due to the violent shaking of the once imposing and now defenseless iron bird in whose stomach we defy gravity, it is to frown to say the least. They had warned that coinciding with the arrival to the peninsula of the men of the north also came the cruel winter of those of the plane, the snow, or the power cuts in Catalonia.

The storm had its vortex in the Palau Olympic de Badalona, a venue that was filled with, evil eye, nine thousand people eager to see one of the European monsters of metal.

If the capital had enjoyed the privilege of a concert presentation last spring for a limited number of people, this time in Madrid they were left with the desire, perhaps because there are no suitable venues to host this type of event. I know that we get very heavy with this matter, but it is so serious that it requires immediate solutions.

The fact is that Rammstein presented irrefutable arguments about why so different types of audiences like them beyond the gestation of him in the gothic scene. Thousands of people hypnotized by the grotesque, bloody, frightening and at the same time romantic show of the group despite the fact that they sing in German and 99% of the attendees do not even understand, it makes you think.

His repertoire unfolds with the perfection of a recently oiled industrial machine, it is a mechanical tune, reticent, a uniform whole supported by his risky bet on impact theater.

I'm still wondering how the hell do they not get burned by the continuous flames on the stage if I'm fifteen meters away and I feel in my retinas and complexion a burst of that infernal heat that contrasts with the icy outside environment.

By the account that brings you, for your safety and ours, almost everything in your show is perfectly calculated, but that does not prevent that when Oliver Riedel takes a boat ride through a sea of arms, he ends up taking a 'dip' in the masses when losing stability. It takes a second, but it's enough for my head to come up with the phrase: "don't try to do this at home".

[principiumindividuationis777]

[sweetestofchaos]

Blackthorn Ch 1 | M.YG

Pairing: Crown Prince Dragon!Yoongi x Crown Princess Impundulu!Keena Genre: Soulmate AU | Arranged Marriage AU | Fantasy AU | Fluff Word Count: 6.1K Warnings: None...very soft entry chapter Rating: PG16

Hello Princess -  Princess Keena and her envoy enter the Min Empire. There, Prince Yoongi and the Princess meet face to face.

a/n: Shout out to the great @sailoryooons for being my beta/banner maker! Also huge thanks to @nabiolive and @jessikahathaway for yelling at me to keep a special part of this chapter’s ending.

Taglist: @thickemadame​

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A sherbet colored sky, kissed with endless puffs of white cotton went for as far as the eye could see. Below, the land a mix of forest greens, sandy browns and deep greys were cracked with bottomless shades of blue. The air was crisp; it called to mind the bite of a fresh picked apple on warmer spring days. Light, weightless, disconnected from the turmoil left behind in a land a nation away. A given name, a title that held more power than any amount of gold sat coldly in a chest that heart was beating faster than the wings of a hummingbird. This was for the good of the people, the good of the nations; two different worlds coming together as one.

Beautiful ruby red and white klei eagles flew in a tight formation around a giant cape teal duck, its wings were a glossy muted grey with browner ones on its back. A spot of bright yellow hovered in the air, one single pale yellow eye peered into the modified gama attached securely to the back of the duck. The purple curtains were pinned down to keep the cool air from freezing the occupant tucked away inside. As the sun graced the sky with its warmth and bright light, a demure and soft silhouette was cast against the light fabric. The Citron Crane’s voice sang and echoed across the sky as the Min Empire’s shoreline came into view. Below on the coast, a small envoy of royal guards and emissaries waited with bated breath as the large cape teal, the size of four oxen, descended from the sky and sank into the water. The eagles formed a tighter barrier around the duck as the Citron Crane flew ahead while the duck paddled in the water towards the shoreline.

The crane stood at the water’s edge, its soft yellow wings reflected off the water’s surface before it shifted silently. A large man with rich oakwood skin and yellow topaz eyes, stood before the Min Empire’s envoy. His hair was twisted tightly in neat ropes of thick braids with gold and yellow feathers clipped to a few to show his high position in the Escistan’s royal guard. His robes were vibrant, fiery red and yellow, stitched together by careful hands. A large golden medellin rested in the center of his chest, a hamerkop with a bolt of lightning behind it carved into the metal, the royal sigil of Escistan. The head of the Min Emperor's royal guard stepped forward and hit his chest with a closed fist, a common greeting among soldiers.

“The Min Empire welcomes you with open arms.” The man had fair skin, scares littering his hands and face. His outfit was muted grey, cream, blue and peach while his brown hair was pulled into a topknot. “I am Daehyun. General of the royal guard. I will take you and your company to the palace.”

“I am Aga, second in command of the Escistan army -” Aga crossed his arms over his chest and bowed his head. “-the Princess looks forward to her audience with his Majesty.”

Aga turned his attention to the duck behind him as its webbed feet slapped against the ground.  The eagles around the duck shifted and in their place stood six large men dressed in the same armor as Aga without the golden medellin around their necks.

“Bese kò ou.” Aga commanded over his shoulder to the duck.

The cape teal duck settled on the stony beach and four members of Daehyun’s group stepped forward to lower the gama from the duck’s back. Aga held his hand out with his palm facing outward and the small group stopped.

“No need.”

At his words, all heads tilted upward towards the sky and Daehyun was shocked to see a small formation of large brown birds still in the sky. The birds flew towards the ground, openbill storks, and shifted easily into servants all dressed in different shades of tans and yellows. Aga nodded his head and four servants walked over to the cape teal. Aga watched as they easily untied the gama and situated it over their shoulders without the Princess being jostled too much.

“Ale lakay.”

Aga waved his hand towards the sky and the duck flew away with a soft quack that whistled. He reached into the brown pouch on his hip and pulled out a small, smooth, round bead, the size of a walnut and the color of fallen snow. Daehyun watched as Aga threw the bead to the ground and it split in half with a small spark. In its place, between the broken halves a black Vlaamperd horse stood strong and unphased.

“A Charoite bead? I’ve never seen one in person.”

“Many in our lands,” Aga pulled himself onto the horse's back and motioned for his company to do the same. The members in Aga’s party pulled a Charoite bead from around their necks and threw it to the ground. Ten Vlaamperd horses stood in place and waited as their riders jumped onto their backs. Aga fell into Daehyun’s formation with the rest of his own people. He kept his eyes on the Princess’ gama as he passed and took his place at the front of the formation. “Lead the way.”

The journey to the palace was silent, the steady clip clop of horse hooves acted as a cadence. The path to the capital was filled with wide planes of grass, wheat and wildflowers. Farmland stretched on for miles, different crops created a colorful backdrop as the empire came into view. Women and men alike stopped their daily chores as the procession passed by. The outskirts of the capital were well taken care of. The people weren’t dressed in the finest of robes but they weren’t dirty or covered in rags. From his place above the ground, Aga took notice of a large box that many of the younger villagers sat in. It seemed to hold sand from the beach for them to play in. 

Horns and drums signaled their arrival as they passed the gates to enter the capital and the townsfolk were lined up on the side of the marketplace, pushing each other to get a better glimpse of the passing procession. A large golden dragon, the sigil of the Min Empire, embroidered on the banners of the procession gained everyone’s attention. Deep blues, vibrant purples and radiant golds dazzled the common folk as a single gamma was carried past by four strongly built men, not from this region of the world. They were outsiders, their dark skin tones a stark difference to the lightly tanned faces shielding them. They were honored guests being led to the palace by the Emperor’s very own royal guards. 

Aga rode with a purpose and once he passed through the town, he let himself breathe properly for a moment. Once at the palace gates, the procession came to a smooth halt and Daehyun announced the arrival of their foreign guests. As the gates opened music started to play and the procession continued to march into the palace’s open courtyard. 

The stonework was inviting as it led towards the steps of the emperor’s throne room where he sat proud with his wife - the empress - and his only son, the crowned prince by his side in front of him. As drums banged out a traditional greeting as the procession came to a full stop in front of the steps and Aga unmounted from his horse. 

The gamma was lowered to the ground and Aga walked over as the curtain was pulled back. From his seat at the front of the throne, the crowned prince, Yoongi, watched as the man held out his hand. A breeze blew through the palace, freshly fallen dogwood petals caught in the current. As a small dark hand, rich and smooth like the brown obsidian gems in the north, poked out from the gamma, Yoongi’s dragon growled low in his chest. Princess Keena emerged from the carrier and the petals seemingly danced around her. Yoongi couldn’t get a good look at the young princess, for her face was covered by a bold orange veil that only showed her warm brown eyes, lined in thick charcoal. She was stunning and Prince Yoongi couldn’t look away.

As the guard led the Princess up the steps, the rest of the procession followed before the head attendant announced the Princess’ arrival at last. Her royal garb was bright, brighter than any sunrise Prince Yoongi remembered seeing. The clothing was different, two main articles, a skirt and blouse joined together by short and long pieces of fabric wrapped at the Princess’ waist while a large strip of woven fabric rested across her left shoulder. A matching headdress sat on the Princess’s head; braided fabric twisted and piled into a crown with the veil attached neatly.

Princess Keena removed her hand from the guard; golden bangles and rings caught the light as she crossed her arms over her chest with her hands on opposite shoulders before she offered an eighty-degree bow, her eyes downcast to the floor. Beside her, the guard dropped to one knee and crossed his arms over his chest as well, lowering his head.

“The nation of Escistan gives thanks to the Min Empire. May the sun grant you many bright days ahead.”

The princess raised to her full height and the guard behind her did the same before he rolled his shoulders. A small group of emissaries came forth, carrying large chests filled with a cornucopia of rare goods from the foreign nation. One by one the chests were opened before the royal family and the Princess looked on with a smile hidden behind her veil as the Emperor's piercing copper eyes shined brightly.  

“My father sends well wishes and hope for endless joys in the days to come.” Princess Keena, motioned to the large man beside her, “- Aga, is my father’s testament to our nation's strength. He will teach your army the way of our warriors.”

The Emperor smiled, a single dimple sunk deep into his skin. He clapped his hands, covered in small jade and pearl colored scales, as he looked at the gifts before him, his blood red robes swayed around his wrists.

“Your tributes are as beautiful as they are rare. I hope our alliance with Escistan will only grow stronger during your stay, Princess Keena. The Min Empire welcomes you with open arms!”

Emperor Min stood from his seat, and everyone dropped to a bow while the Princess lowered her head, with her hands clasped in front of her. Emperor Min offered his hand to his wife and helped her stand before he turned his attention to the Princess again with an unknown light in his eyes.

“The Empress has hand selected your attendants; they will help you settle into your chambers at once. We shall hold a banquet in your honor tonight and welcome you once again to the Min Empire!”

The Emperor’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he stared at the princess, and he ran his tongue over the sharp fangs in his mouth.

“Your attendants will be shown to their quarters and will teach your new hands the customs of your nation. Do you have any requests for me?”

“Thank you for thinking of my comfort, your Majesty. I have no requests.”

Satisfied with the Princess’ response, the Emperor exited the throne room with the Empress on his arm. Prince Yoongi stood to his full height and walked down the set of steps before he stopped in front of the Princess. Prince Yoongi kept his face neutral as he offered his arm to the Princess.

“Allow me to show you the way to your chambers, Princess?”

Princess Keena bit her lip to keep from laughing at Yoongi. He was much more serious than she thought he would be. She nodded her head once and placed her hand on the Prince’s forearm, the fabric of his red gangsapo the only thing that kept their skin from touching. The remaining members of court bowed deeply as the Prince and Princess exited the throne room and Aga stayed six steps behind the pair. Hoseok, Prince Yoongi’s personal guard fell in step beside him and the two exchanged a simple nod in greeting.

“Did you have a pleasant time during your travels?” Prince Yoongi stared straight ahead as he spoke and the Princess thought about her trip. It was pleasant enough, no one had been hurt or gotten sick.

“It was a long but safe journey, my Prince.”

Yoongi’s dragon coiled tightly around his heart when his title rolled off the Princess’ tongue. It was a pleasing sound. Yoongi nodded his head and spoke no more as the pair walked down long corridors that turned every which way. Guards, servants and council alike all bowed low as they passed. Some looked at the Princess for longer than was deemed polite and Hoseok kept a running checklist in his mind to report on later.

The Princess took the chance to glance at Yoongi’s profile. He was not what the Princess expected. The words he shared with her in his letters were the rawest form of his soul. He was rose petal soft and fruit with honey sweet but there in front of her, Prince Yoongi had a firm jawline enhanced by patches of black scales. His eyebrows were a dark contrast to his blond hair and the Princess wondered if that was a trait given to everyone or just dragons. What she had imagined to be dark brown irises were the blackest pits of tar that reflected the sun and shined just right behind small triangular eyes. Prince Yoongi was jagged, rough around the edges, but his written words told the Princess of a much softer, warm summer days side to him.

“Here are your personal chambers, Princess.” Yoongi stopped in front of two armed guards. They stepped to the side to show a set of large red oak doors with a blackthorn tree in the center of a beautiful hand carved and painted black dragon. “I hope you find everything to your liking. Please, do not hesitate to ask for anything during your stay.”

“Thank you, your Highness.”

The Prince fought the muscle on his face. He didn’t like that the princess had called him by such a formal title. He stared at the Princess for a moment and she stared back. Her eyes told him everything her words could not. She had changed his title because others were around. Yoongi moved his arm, turnt right side up before he pulled it back and allowed for the Princess’ hand to slide into his. Their palms touched and warmth filled the Princess’ cheeks. The Prince’s hand was hot, liquid heat ran beneath his skin and his nails were long, the tips filed to a blunt point. The Prince hadn’t broken his stare with the Princess and wrapped his fingers lightly around her hand.

“Will you allow me the honor of escorting you to the banquet tonight?”

“It would be my honor, your Highness.”

Yoongi bit his tongue and kept from speaking out while Princess Keena slowly pulled her hand from his. Her own nails lightly scratched Prince Yoongi’s palm and the Prince nodded his head as he took a step back, a shiver crawling up his arm and down his spine.

“Would you allow me to send a small welcome gift?”

“It would honor me, so.”

Prince Yoongi bowed his head and Princess Keena repeated the motion.

“Rest well, Princess.”

The Prince walked away with Hoseok right behind him while Aga grabbed the Princess’ attention. He looked at the doors and Princess Keena nodded her head, “Ou mèt tcheke, Aga.” 

The guards pushed open the doors and the servants inside all rushed to stand in a single file line as they heard the doors open. Aga walked into the room first and the Princess stepped inside after. She watched as Aga searched the room for any hidden dangers while the women cowered away from his stoic face. Aga nodded to the Princess and placed a hand over his heart before he bowed his head.

"Mwen pral-" Aga started to complain, and Princess Keena shook her head.

"Ou pral tcheke chanm ou yo epi tounen yon fwa ou fin etabli, Aga."  Princess Keena smiled as she motioned towards the women in the room and Aga sighed knowing that the Princess was right, she was in good hands. "Mwen nan bon men. Montre fanm sa yo respè yo merite.”

Aga pressed his mouth into a firm line at the Princess’ words and turned towards the four women in the room who were all equally confused by their shared words. Aga bowed quickly and left the room. Once the door shut behind Aga, Princess Keena turned towards the women and bowed her head.

“I am Princess Keena, daughter of King Baasi and Queen Tiali. Please lend me your hands and forgive me for I do not yet fully speak your mother tongue.”

The four women all bowed deeply and smiled softly at the Princess. Her dress was something they had never seen before, and it was beautiful. However, it was not something that the Princess could wear to the banquet tonight. The tallest of the four women stepped forward and introduced herself as Kim Yongsun and the others were Byulyi, Wheein and Hyejin. Yongsun explained to the Princess as she spoke slowly that they were to bathe and dress her for the banquet that night as well as give her a small lesson on their etiquette.

“I would like to learn your etiquette first. My attendants will be with us shortly to help with my undress.”

“As you wish, Princess.”

Yongsun led the Princess to a table that sat low to the floor where Hyejin sat with a small smile on her face. As the Princess sat and started her lesson with Hyejin, the other women bustled around the room as they put away the Princess’ possession. A knock at the door grabbed Byulyi’s attention and she rushed to the door. She opened the door and bowed a quarter of the way as she stepped back to allow Princess Keena’s servant to enter the room. 

Izaso, Keena’s head servant crossed her arms over her chest and bowed her head. The four other women did the same as Princess Keena stood to her feet. “Nou la pou ede. Ki kote ou ta renmen nou Princess?” Izaso questioned as she looked around the room.

“Izaso, sa yo se medam yo ki pral okipe bezwen mwen isit la nan palè a. Tanpri montre yo etap dezabiye mwen pou aswè a.” Princess Keena explained to Izaso and the other servants that they had to work together to get her ready for the banquet tonight.

Princess Keena watched as Yongsun lined her women up and Izaso did the same. Yongsun started the introductions and Izaso allowed for the servants under her to speak first. Alinafe, Fatsani, Limbani, and Chimika introduced themselves in broken Laibic and the Princess was proud. She had spent a few days prior to leaving her nation teaching her servant how to say simple Laibic phrases so that they could ask for help if they needed any.

As the women spoke, the Princess acted as the translator and together the nine women started the long process of readying the Princess for the upcoming banquet. When the Princess’ crown was removed, Wheein was surprised to see that the hair wasn’t straight like her own. Princess’ Keena had hair that reached down towards the floor and stopped at the small of her lower back. Her hair was darker than any ink within the palace and it smelled of the sweetest fruits and flowers. It was twisted into tight braids only a blueberry in diameter with golden metal wire wrapped around different braids. Small golden jewelry with different gemstones were also attached to the braids.

The shock on Wheein’s face wasn’t hidden fast enough and Chimika laughed before she showed the young woman how to carefully wrap the Princess’ hair so that it wouldn’t get wet while bathing. Once Princess Keena’s hair was piled on top of her head and wrapped messily in a headscarf, it was Fatsani and Hyejin’s turn to bathe the Princess. The private washroom was huge, smooth stones covered the floor and dipped down into a wide open pool of water. Rocks of different sizes lined the wall that blocked the inside from anyone who would have tried to look in. It was beautiful and the Princess felt excited at the thought of bathing. 

Hyejin reaches out to untie one of the wraps on the Princess’s waist and Fatsani was quick to stop her. Hyejin looked confused and Princess Keena smiled softly, she knew what Fatsani was afraid of. The Princess cleared her throat and focused solely on Hyejin as she spoke.

“Do you know of the Impundulu, Hyejin? It is known as the lighten bird in my nation. The Impundulu has ruled Escistan since the first rainfall.” Princess Keena motioned for Fatsani to remove her iborun and pele. “The mark of the Impundulu is a sign of royal blood. Every blood born Impundulu has these marks somewhere on their body.” Princess Keena thought over the words that would best explain her feelings and she cleared her throat.

“The mark of the Impundulu isn’t always pleasant to look at but it is a mark I wear with pride…I hope that these marks do not frighten you.” 

Once the Princess was finished talking, Fatsani allowed for Hyejin to help with the undress and made sure that Hyejin stayed in front of the Princess at all times. Hyejin folded the clothing and placed them on a wooden cart to keep from getting wet and when she turned back around, she covered her mouth, her startled gasp muffled. Princess Keena was faced away from Hyejin, her back fully exposed. Hyejin could see dark scarring that resembled ice crystals in the shape of wings. It was a beautiful and terrifying sight, the scars weren’t raised, they were placed directly along the slope of the Princess’s back. Hyejin thought back to what she had been told about the Impundulu and all that came to mind were Hamerkop's wings. 

Hyejin made no comments on the Princess’s scars and Fatsani offered the Princess a hand to help her into the waters. When Princess Keena stepped into the water, she was surprised to find that the rocks on the bottom were heated which kept the water warm.

“Fire stones, Princess.” Hyejin had explained when she saw the Princess pause in her steps. “There are many magic stones and gems in the palace that make life more practical.”

Fatsani and Hyejin showed each other their methods to cleaning and Princess Keena enjoyed the extra attention. She had been worried that Hyejin would no longer want to be her attendant, but Hyejin showed no sign of leaving. 

The journey to the Min Empire was long and the air quality wasn’t always the best. The Princess felt dirty enough that the extra fussing didn’t bother her.  Once out of the bathing waters, Princess Keena was quickly patted dry before Fatsani helped her into a thin cream and gold dressing robe. In the main room, Byulyi and Alinafe discussed the best way to style the Princess’ hair for the banquet. Alinafe wanted to do a traditional style from the Escistan kingdom while Byulyi thought it best to do a hairstyle in favor of the Min Empire. Limbani was smart enough to suggest that they mix the two styles and when there was a knock at the door, Yongsun was quick to rush and answer it.

Hidden behind the white Hanji partition with golden leaves painted along the border, Princess Keena stood nude while Limbani massaged citrus and sweet scented oils to her skin before the Princess slipped her robe back on. While hidden, a male servant entered the room with a large box in his hands. He set the beautiful, decorated chest on the ottoman by the bed and left with a small bow of his head. Yongsun clapped her hands and called for the Princess.

“His Imperial Highness has sent you a gift, Princess.”

Princess Keena couldn’t stop the smile that danced on her lips. She stepped from behind the partition and walked over towards the large platform bed. The chest in front of her was no bigger than a large shoe box and it was decorated in gold paint and jade gems. 

“What do you think it is, Princess?” Izaso wondered out loud and the Princess had no clue. She thought back to the letters exchanged with Yoongi and one thing came to mind.

As careful as she could, the Princess opened the chest and everyone’s eyes widened at the items inside. A delicate pair of matching golden hair pins sat on top, a cluster of blackthorn flowers replicated by mother of pearls, yellow apetites and jades shone in the soft sunlight that came into the room. Underneath the hair pins a pouch rested neatly. Princess Keena picked it up and was shocked by the craftsmanship. The pouch itself was light weight, a little larger than the size of her fist. Its body was round with a squared neck that would be cinched by black silk strings. The purse was a soft lilac with a black dragon embroidered into the center, around the bottom of the bag golden flower petals lay while the dragon rested beneath a large blackthorn tree.

Princess Keena traced over the blackthorn tree and smiled. How many times had she spoken of her favorite flowers? The Prince remembered and that made the Princess’ heart flutter in her chest. Attached to the pouch was a gold tassel that had a large white moonstone encased in a beautiful cross stitch. When the Princess looked at it more, she saw that the moonstone opened and inside was hollowed out and stored two rings with thin gold bands and three white scolecite gems on each. “What is the name of this?” Princess Kenna asked and Byulyi answered that the pouch was called a Duru-Jumeoni and the tassel was called a Norigae.

Princess Keena set the Duru-Jumeoni aside and laughed, the chime like bells loud and clear as she stared down at the Min dynasty inspired Dashiki. Prince Yoongi had asked many questions about the type of clothing the Princess wore, and she had sent him a few pieces to see for himself in person. A Boubou in black and gold, colors that the Prince had stated he liked and a Kente, in red, black and gold to contrast the Boubou if he were to ever wear the two together. The Dashiki was lilac, white and a darker purple with gold and black beading embroidered along the rounded neckline and colorful patchwork on the arms and bottom. Princess Keena was impressed, the Prince had taken notes and put them to use.

“Do you like it, Princess?” Yongsun had asked and Princess Keena touched the garment lightly, the smile still on her face.

“These are very thoughtful. I’ll be sure to thank his Highness at the banquet.”

“Would you like to wear the hair pins tonight?”

“Oh! They would look wonderful with your hanbok!” Byulyi gushed and the women all nodded their heads in agreement.

Princess Keena allowed for the women to use her new hair accessories and she sat before the mirror while Byuyl and Alinafe applied mint and argan oil to the Princess’ scalp and hair before they started to style it together. Izaso and Yongsun took their time as they applied lip tint, eye liner and rouge to the Princess’ face.

“Èske rad yo pare?” Izaso looked away from the Princess’ face towards where the other women were smoothing out a lilac colored hanbok that had many more pieces than the Escistan Iro ati Buba that the Princess wore earlier. Wheein giggled as she grabbed the matching socks and shoes. Everything was ready; they just needed the Princess's body. 

Fatsani spoke up and answered Izaso’s question that everything was ready. Satisfied with Princess Keena’s hair, Izaso and Yongsun each placed a hair pin neatly in place before they led the Princess over to the bed and stepped back to allow for Fatsani and Hyejin to handle the dressing. Princess Keena removed her dressing gown and followed the simple instructions that Hyejin gave while Fatsani assisted with the unknown garments. The Princess counted in her head each item that was placed onto her body, and she was surprised that seven items didn’t feel heavy at all. Her range of motion was still flexible and when Izaso placed her dressing gown back on, the Princess sighed.

“There are five more pieces that need to be worn,” Wheein had explained. “However, we will get back to your etiquette lessons until it’s time for the banquet.”

Once again, at the desk with Hyejin, Princess Keena started her lessons while the rest of the women tidied up the room. Limbani came over the small desk and suggested that the Princess take a break and enjoy some refreshments that were brought in. Princess Keena agreed and Lambani carried a tray of small sweets over. 

“What you have in front of you is Yakgwa, a honey pastry -” Byulyi pointed to the deep fried treat. “- Bukkumi, a rice cake dumpling with sweet red beans -” Byulyi again pointed to another treat that was shaped like white half moons with colorful edible flowers on them “- and lastly, we have Dasik, a tea cookie!” Byulyi beamed, as she offered the plate of small colorful cookies to the Princess.

“These all look wonderful. Thank you for sharing them with me.” Princess Keean tried the Bukkumi first, and she enjoyed the soft and chewy texture. While she ate and practiced her etiquette, Princess Keena offered the treats to the women, and they all agreed that it was best to partake so that the Princess could show what she learned. 

Once the treats were eaten, Yongsun called for someone to take the empty trays away and Princess Keena started to get restless. The sun hadn’t set much, it was just past midday which meant there was still a lot of time that needed to pass before the banquet. 

“Would you like to rest before the banquet?” Yongsun offered and Izaso had started to protest when Yongsun motioned towards the bed.

“May I step outside for some air?” Princess Keena requested and Yongsun looked towards the door.

“I will ask for a guard to guide you.”

Yongsun stepped out of the room and Wheein jumped to her feet. “If you are going out, we need to finish getting you dressed, Princess.”

Princess Keena nodded her head and watched as Wheein and Hyejin rushed about the room, a different hanbok in their arms.

“So that your hanbok for the banquet doesn’t get dirty during your walk, Princess.” Byulyi explained as she grabbed matching socks and shoes.

"Izaso, Alinafe, Fatsani, Limbani, ak Chimika, yo ranvwaye ou. Tanpri repoze byen epi jwi aswè a."

Princess Keena’s servants crossed their arms over their chest and bowed their heads before they took their leave and soon after Yongsun came back into the room while the other women were dressing the Princess. 

“Minho has been tasked with escorting you, Princess. Your guard Aga is outside as well.”

“Thank you, Yongsun.” Princess Keena smiled brightly and held onto Hyejin and Wheein while Byulyi helped her into her footwear. The hanbok that the Princess wore was cream colored with light and dark shades of pink throughout that tied everything together. Princess Keena waited while Yongsun opened the door and Aga stood tall in a fresh new uniform that matched the guard beside him. "Koulè yo kostim ou, Aga."

Aga smoothed down his new uniform and grunted before he offered Princess Keena his arm while the guard beside him bowed deeply. “I am Choi Minho and it would be my honor to lead you through our gardens, Princess.”

Minho was charming, he had a strong face and eyes that were very expressive. He was older than Aga and that made the Princess trust him more. Princess Kenna bowed her head as she placed her hand on Aga’s arm.

“I leave myself in your care, Minho.”

Minho led the way through the palace with the Princess, Aga, Wheein and Hyejin in tow, Servants and guards alike all stopped and bowed when the Princess passed by. She kept her head held high and once outside in the fresh air; Princess Keena inhaled the flora scents around her. Many scents she had not smelled before and it was all a little overwhelming. Wheein stepped away to grab another round of refreshments for the Princess while she enjoyed her time outside. Minho led the Princess to a small gazebo that was on the edge of what looked to be a cherry blossom garden. Each breeze lifted fallen petals into the air and Princess Keena watched with sparkling eyes as the petals waltzed around her. Princess Keena sat on the pale green bench and stared out at the cherry blossom trees, as a million different thoughts swirled in her mind.

“Princess, would you care for some tea?” Hyejin offered as Wheein stepped into the gazebo.

Princess Keena nodded her head in thanks and waited silently as a cup of tea was poured for only herself.

“Minho?”

“Yes, Princess?” Minho turned to face the Princess and watched her with wide eyes.

“How many gardens are on the grounds?”

Minho thought for a moment, of course he knew the answer, but he had to check with himself to make sure. “Six gardens, Princess. I have been told that a seventh garden is in the process of being added.”

“This is a beautiful place. It’s peaceful and offers a sense of comfort.”

“Her Majesty is very fond of cherry blossoms.”

Princess Keena turned her face upward, reached out a hand and a cherry blossom petal fell into her palm. Aga watched with a fond hint of some memory in his eyes as the Princess closed her hand into a fist and pulled her hand to her chest. She whispered a quiet wish to the petal and opened her palm with a soft smile on her face. The breeze blew; up, up and away the petal went as it carried the Princess’ unknown wish. 

The petal was carried on the wind, lightly and surely as it soon found home on the shoulder of Prince Yoongi. He sat by his window, the sunlight warmed him from the outside in, with his eyes closed. When the petal landed on his shoulder, Yoongi’s eyes opened slowly, and he glanced at his shoulder. The petal stood out, small, pink and fragile against his blood red robes and he carefully plucked it between his fingers. 

Prince Yoongi stared at the petal silently and turned his attention back to the sun outside. He sighed and reached his hand out the window, before he parted his fingers and let the petal continue its journey. He watched the petal as it flew alone, and he frowned to himself unsure why he felt a sudden rush of longing.

“Hoseok!” Prince Yoongi called out and shortly after, Hoseok appeared beside him right outside of his window. “Where is the Princess?”

“Princess Keena is in the cherry blossom garden.”

Yoongi blinked slowly at the information and stood from his seat. “Let’s go.”

“Wait! Your hair!” Hoseok grabbed the sleeve of Prince Yoongi’s gangsapo and climbed through the window. “Her Majesty will have my head if I let you walk around with your hair like this.” Hoseok pushed the Prince towards his vanity and quickly fixed his topknot before he deemed the Prince good enough to be seen outside of his chambers. 

Together, Prince Yoongi and Hoseok left the bed chambers and made their way to the cherry blossom garden. In the distance Prince Yoongi saw the Princess under the gazebo as she chatted away. Prince Yoongi fought the smile that tugged at his lips and the moment Minho saw him, the older man cleared his throat and bowed deeply. Princess Keena looked in the direction of which Minho was bowing, and she rose to her feet while the others around her bowed. 

Prince Yoongi stood before the Princess and she gave him a pleasant bow before she greeted him with that charmed smile of hers. The Prince stared at the Princess and bowed slightly, “Hello, Princess.”

[ltwilliammowett]

The Caravel

The caravel began as a fishing boat with Latin sails in Portugal in the 13th century. At the beginning of the 14th century, before the time of the great Portuguese discoveries, the same name was used for a two-masted, Latin-sailed merchant ship with forecastle and hut for Mediterranean and coastal voyages. After land links to India had been severed by Turkish occupations and the Mediterranean voyage had lost its importance, Portugal became the nation that intensively sought a southern sea route to India. Prince Henry, known as Henry the Navigator (1394 to 1460), was a far-sighted promoter of shipbuilding and shipping. He deserves credit not only for initiating the further development of the caravel, but also for founding a state-supported observatory and a navigation school at a very early stage.

From the two-masted caravels, the relatively slender three-masted Latin sail caravels (caravela latina) emerged, which were better suited for longer journeys and had exclusively Latin sails on all three masts. A typical feature, to which the name of the ship type is also attributed, was the Kraweel construction, in which the ship's planks butted together directly at their longitudinal seams, so that smooth surfaces were created on the outside and inside of the ship's side walls. The seams were caulked so that the ships took little water even in a swell. In addition, the smooth outer skin could be better protected against fouling and worm damage. Another feature of the caravel was the relatively high stern.

A caravela latina, by Stephen Biesty (x)

Under the influence of and in continuation of Roman traditions with divided square sails, the development of the three-masted square-rigged caravel (caravela redonda) took place during the 15th century, with square sails on the bowsprit, foremast and mainmast. Above the mainsail on the mainmast was the topsail. Because of their favourable steering characteristics, square-rigged caravels always had lateen sails on the mizzen mast. From the 14th to the 16th century, caravels were among the most seaworthy sailing ships, including four-masted caravels. Some consider this a forerunner of the galleons.

Reconstruction of a Caravel of Christopher Columbus. Drawing by Julio Guillen Y Tato (1897-1972), 1932 (x)

Vasco da Gama's ships were also caravels. Of the three ships with which Columbus sailed along Central America in 1492, the Pinta and the Nina were probably caravels, the Santa Maria was probably a Nao. He gave the speed in his diary as up to 15 Italian miles per hour, which is about 11 knots. So it was pretty fast, if you can call it that. The usual Portuguese caravels had a carrying capacity of 50 to 60 tonnes, and later a much higher capacity. Thus, the ships of the Magellan also included larger four-masted caravels.

Because of its advantages over Holland, the caravel construction method soon became the determining construction method for wooden ships throughout Europe. Thus, in 1460, the first "Karvielscheepen" were built in Holland in considerable sizes for 400 loads (800t) carrying capacity with a length of about 43 m and a width of 12 m. In the first half of the 16th century, Lübeck and Gdansk took a leading position in the construction of large Caravel ships.

Square-rigged caravels (here caravela armada) fighting and escorting naos in India Armadas, in: Livro de Lisuarte de Abreu, c. 1565 (x)

A little later, however, the carrack and later the galleons took over and the caravels became less and less important. But not completely, because as a caravela armada - an armed caravel - it remained in service with the Portuguese until the 18th century and was nothing other than a larger cross sail caravel. The Portuguese used it as an escort on the Brazil and India routes as well as to protect shipping with the Atlantic islands, it was used to monitor the Straits of Gibraltar, but also for coastal protection and anti piracy.  

[kodanshamanga]

NEW Kodansha Digital:

⚔️Gamaran, Volume 19⚔️ By Yosuke Nakamaru

❌Gama has his reasons why he can’t lose—the vow he made nine years ago to kill his father! Finally, the story behind the event that sealed young Gama’s fate forever is about to be told…