#Thunder Croft

[fandomnerd9602]

Uncharted Territory

Lara Croft x Drake!Reader

For @deafeningsharkslimeempath

Outside the pub windows was the blurring neon glow of London. Inside, the fire crackled merrily, casting flickering shadows on the worn wooden beams. You nursed a pint of ale, eyes following the curve of Lara's neck as she sipped her tea.

"Lost in the Amazon again, I see," she teased, her lips quirking in a smile. Her braid swung back and forth as she leaned closer, the firelight highlighting the emerald flecks in her eyes.

It wasn't every day you got to share a fire with Lara Croft, world-renowned adventurer and the love of your life. You chuckled, taking a swig of my ale. "Just trying to decipher a cryptic pirate journal Nate unearthed from his latest escapade. Apparently, there's a hidden fortune of Captain Kidd somewhere off the coast of Madagascar."

Lara scoffed, a playful glint in her eye. "Knowing Nate, it's probably buried under a pile of bad puns and empty rum bottles."

You couldn't help but agree. "Sounds about right. Though I wouldn't put it past him to actually stumble upon the loot by sheer dumb luck."

You both fell silent, a comfortable silence settling between the two of you. Dating Lara meant a life far removed from the quiet bookstore job. Her adventures brought danger and excitement. Yet, there was something undeniably thrilling about holding her hand as she recounted tales of dodging booby-trapped temples and outsmarting ruthless mercenaries.

"Are you coming, (Y/N)?" Her voice broke the stillness, her gaze softening. "To Madagascar, I mean."

You hesitated. The thought of Lara facing another treasure hunt alone gnawed at your soul. But you also knew she craved these challenges, that her curiosity and thirst for knowledge were as vital to her as air.

"Not this time, Lara," You give her hand a squeeze, not wanting to let it go. "That's Nate's turf. You know I wouldn't want to steal his thunder."

A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, but she quickly masked it. "Of course," she said, her voice light. "Besides, I don't think that island could handle two Drakes running amok."

"True enough. Though I might send Sully along to keep him out of too much trouble."

Lara laughed, her giggle was the only thing that made your existence feel like it was something. "Do that. And tell him to pack plenty of wisecracks and rum."

The rest of the evening unfolds in a warm haze of conversation and shared laughter. Reminiscing about past adventures, from misadventures exploring lost Mayan temples with Nate to Lara's encounter with a mythical serpent in the Peruvian jungle.

As the fire dwindled to embers, Lara leaned her head against your shoulder. "You know," she whispers in your ear, "the flight to Madagascar doesn't leave until the morning"

"That's still a couple hours away" you gaze meets her.

"I think we can find one or two ways to make the time fly" she gives you a wink. "My flat's not far from here"

"Lead the way" you gather up your supplies and take her arm in yours.

And with that, you and her slip out into the night, your footsteps blend together into the London streets. One little night together, a bit of wine and a whole lot of mischief.

You are (Y/N) Drake, brother of Nathan Drake, and boyfriend to the bravest, most extraordinary woman in all the world.

[noaasanctuaries]

🥁 Drum roll, please! 🥁

We would like to introduce you to the winners of the 2023 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest.

Sanctuary Life

1st: Douglas Hoffman in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

2nd: Jean Zuo in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

3rd: Douglas Croft in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Sanctuary Recreation

1st: Chuck Graham in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

2nd: Daniel Eidsmoe in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

3rd: Bryan Dort in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Sanctuary Views

1st: Bruce Sudweeks in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

2nd: Martin McClure in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

3rd: Courtney Stanford in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

Sanctuaries at Home

1st: Laurie Santoro

2nd: Tina Morrison

3rd: Jenn Fletcher

Sanctuaries Around the World

1st: María Rodríguez-Salinas

2nd: Lawrence Alex Wu

3rd: Kayvon Malek

Congratulations to all the outstanding photographers who entered our 2023 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest. Don’t forget to check out the winners and honorable mentions on our results page:

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we feature each winner in our #EarthIsBlue campaign!

[jadegretz]

Harley Quinn: Mischief in Gotham by Jade Gretz

Gotham City shimmered under a sickly moon, its neon glow a macabre reflection of the chaos swirling within Harley Quinn's head. Tonight was heist night. Not just any heist, mind you, darling. This was a love letter to her beloved Puddin', a chance to snatch the Ace of Spades from the heavily guarded vault of the prestigious Royal Flush Casino. Why the Ace of Spades? Because Joker, oh Joker, always had a thing for theatrical exits.

Harley, clad in her signature red and black jester suit (with some strategically placed sequins, because a girl deserves to sparkle!), bounced with manic glee outside the casino doors. Her trusty mallet, Big Bertha, rested comfortably on her shoulder, a giant lollipop peeking out of one pocket. Tonight was going to be a hoot!

But wait, what was that? A lithe figure materialized from the shadows, emerald green catsuit shimmering under the harsh streetlights. Catwoman. Now, Harley had a grudging respect for the feline fatale, but tonight was Joker night, and she wouldn't let anyone steal her thunder.

"Scram, kitty-cat," Harley purred, a dangerous edge lacing her voice. "This caper's all mine."

Catwoman, ever the pragmatist, rolled her eyes. "Move aside, Harley. This isn't the time for your usual theatrics. We need to work together."

"Together?" Harley scoffed. "Did the Bat cancel his nap time or something?"

A low growl echoed from a nearby rooftop. Yep, there he was, the ever-brooding Batman, his cape a menacing silhouette against the night sky. Tonight, however, something felt different. His usual stoicism was replaced by a flicker of… fear?

"Catwoman's right, Harley," Batman rasped, his voice distorted by the cowl. "This is bigger than your usual joyride."

Ignoring the tremor in Batman's voice, Harley crossed her arms. "Oh, now you Bat-jerks want my help? After spending years trying to lock me away? Don't make me laugh!"

Before anyone could respond, the ground shuddered. An unnatural tremor, like a heartbeat from the depths of the city itself, rattled the buildings. Neon signs sputtered, plunging a portion of the st …(see the rest of the story at deviantart.com/jadegretzAI). For more supergirl, chun li, batgirl, tifa, lara croft, wonder woman, rogue and much more, please visit my page at www.deviantart.com/jadegretzai - Thanks for your support :)

[happygirl2oo2]

Queer Sports Romance Books Recs For Pride Month 🌈 (all are books I've either read or currently have on my own tbr list)

Hockey

Rookie Recovery (Bobcat Boys #1) by Jemma Croft and Lex Veia [mlm]

Vancouver Orcas interconnected series by Amy Aislin [mlm]

Hockey Guys interconnected series by Sarina Bowen [mlm]

Prove It by Stephanie Hoyt [mlm]

Fake Boyfriend interconnected series by Eden Finley [mlm]

Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud [mlm]

Chicago Thunder interconnected series by Jodi Oliver [mlm]

Don't Look Down (Best Laid Plans #1) by Jessica Ann [mlm]

Hockey Ever After interconnected series by Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James [mlm]

Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud [mlm]

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid [mlm]

Relationship Goals interconnected series by Brigham Vaughn [mlm]

Light Up the Lamp by Kit Oliver [mlm]

Puckboys interconnected series by Eden Finley and Saxon James [mlm]

Hot Shot (Orlando Storm #1) by Marissa James [mlm]

Breakaway partially-interconnected series by E.L. Massey [mlm]

Delay of Game interconnected series by Hannah Henry [mlm]

Offsides interconnected series by J.J. Mulder [mlm]

Roughing (Portland Seabirds #1) by Michaela Grey [mlm]

Stick Side interconnected series by Amy Aislin [mlm]

Let's Do This (IFU Hockey #1) by Loren Leigh [mlm]

CU Hockey interconnected series by Eden Finley and Saxon James [mlm]

Back to Center (Mohegan U Hockey #2) by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood [mlm]

Penalty Box interconnected series by Ari Baran [mlm]

Shenanigans (Brooklyn Hockey #6) by Sarina Bowen [m/f with a bi mc]

The Inside Edge by Ashlyn Kane [mlm]

Icebreaker by A. L. Graziadei [mlm]

Hockey Bois by A.L. Heard [mlm]

Three Is The Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud [mlm]

Not Over You by Samantha Wayland [mlm]

Wake Up, Nat & Darcy by Kate Cochrane [wlw]

It's a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson [wlw]

Off the Bench Duet Series by Kimberly Knight [mlm]

Car Racing

Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery [mlm]

Lights Out Series interconnected series by various authors [mlm]

Fast Love (Fast Love #1) by Kerry Lockhart [wlw]

Driven By Passion (Gamble Racing #2) by Renee Dahlia [mlm]

Redline (Redline #1) by Emma Barlowe [mlm]

Furious by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos [wlw]

Bowling

The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee [wlw]

Baseball 

The Prospects by KT Hoffman [mlm]

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian [mlm]

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes by Danielle Dawsen [mlm]

Volleyball 

We Got the Beat by Jenna Miller [wlw]

Always More (Sports #1) by Nicole Pyland [wlw]

Roller derby

Mighty Millie Novak by Elizabeth Holden [wlw]

Basketball 

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly [wlw]

Love and Sportsball (Atlanta Cannons #1) by Meka James [wlw]

Zone Defense interconnected series by Becca Seymour [mlm]

Fencing

Fence comic series by C.S. Pacat and Joanna the Mad [mlm]

Football

One Last Play by E.B. Neal [mlm]

Coming Out on the Sidelines by Dev Hahn [wlw]

Forward Entry (Sydney Swallows #1) by Aurora Crane [mlm]

The Game (Charleston Condors #2) by Beth Bolden

Atlanta Lightning interconnected series by Riley Hart [mlm]

Fumbled Past (San Diego Seals #2) by Cecelia Storm [mlm]

Onside Kiss (Domingo #1) by Octavia Jensen [mlm]

You Started It (Fan Service Series #3) by Hinsel Meyer [mlm]

Tigers and Devils (Tigers and Devils #1) by Sean Kennedy [mlm]

Roosevelt College interconnected series by Christina Lee [mlm]

You & Me by Tal Bauer [mlm]

Crushing on the Quarterback by Baylin Crow [mlm]

Tennis

Deuce (Tennyson Bend #2) by P.T. Ambler [mlm]

Soccer

You Don't Have a Shot by Racquel Marie [wlw]

Everything for You (Bergman Brothers #5) by Chloe Liese [mlm]

Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner [wlw]

Pull Me Under by Zarah Detand [mlm]

The Game Changer (Denver Defiant, #1) by Finley Chuva [wlw]

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber [mlm]

Finding a Keeper (Sports #4) by Nicole Pyland [wlw]

Don't Hate the Player by Shelby Elizabeth [mlm]

Endgame by Zoe Reed [wlw]

Hotshot by Clare Lydon [wlw]

Rugby

Attractive Forces by Jax Calder [mlm]

Softball

The Unexpected Dream (Sports #3) by Nicole Pyland [wlw]

Chess

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill [trans boy x boy]

Wrestling 

Alondra by Gina Femia [bisexual girl mc]

Lacrosse 

Catch and Cradle by Katia Rose [wlw]

Swimming

Tears in the Water Margherita Scialla [LGBTQ+]

[pttucker]

Anna Croft looked at their condition before suddenly speaking to me. "…Iris would've lived even if you didn't help." "I know. Perhaps Thursday's Thunder would've saved her. Isn't that right?" Anna Croft bit her lips at my words. Anna Croft was a more brutal woman than anyone else but she didn't lose those who were her 'own'. In face, Anna Croft's colleagues didn't die in the similar event that she held in the original novel. Rather, they awakened through the scenario. It was the other people who died. "It was Iris' chance to get a good sponsor and you ruined everything. The future I saw wasn't like this…"

First off, I love this little "Prophet Battle" happening between Dokja and Anna.

Secondly, that answers a question I had about Anna's powers. She's kind of like Dokja in that she knows what should happen, but what should happen doesn't account for Dokja himself.

At least for now. Idk, maybe if her Future Sight gains more levels she'll actually see how Dokja plans to interfere and can take steps to stop him. Which will be terrifying. My guy already has enough trouble as it is.

[scapegrace74-blog]

The Man from Black Water, Chapter 1

A/N  Thanks to everyone who voted in my unofficial straw poll.  As you can see, I’ve decided to write the Outlander / Man from Snowy River crossover next, mostly because it requires the least amount of planning or research.  You can thank 38cm of fresh snow and a busted knee for the fact I churned out this first chapter so quickly.  Subsequent chapters should arrive at a rate of 2 or 3 per week.

For those not familiar with The Man from Snowy River, it was a movie released in 1982, set in frontier Australia.  This might seem like the least likely contender for a crossover, and maybe it is, but Jim Craig, the protagonist of the film, and Jamie Fraser share a lot of similarities, as do Jessica Harrison and Claire.  Plus, I just really love the film.  It’s pure rom-com fluff with a side of horses and history - what’s not to love?

For those who do know the movie, I have essentially shifted it to 1880s Scotland and made the necessary adjustments, plus a few extra twists to keep things fresh.  I will include a full character mapping in the notes on Ao3, if you’re interested.

Rocky clods of Scottish earth struck the pine coffin, their percussion muffled by a steady downpour and dark clouds that stole the daylight from the sky.  Insensible to the punishing weather, Jamie Fraser knelt in the mud by his father’s grave, his lips moving in silent prayer.  Rivulets of rain stained his auburn hair to mahogany, dripping from his forelock like tears.

Lallybroch’s thin soil had to be convinced to permit Brian Fraser’s burial, as though protesting his untimely death.  A wooden headstone marked the callous details of the Highlander’s life in roughly carved letters:  

                                  Brian Robert David Fraser

                                Died of Accident – May 1885

 Next to the freshly turned earth, another headstone was already grey and weathered to the point that it could barely be read:

                                   Ellen Mackenzie Fraser

                       Gone Home to God – December 1882

At long last, Jamie rose to his full height and redonned his tweed bonnet.  He trudged to where Murtagh awaited him in his ramshackle wagon, feeling far too broken for his nineteen years.  Rollo, the family dog, followed faithfully behind him.

“United in death, the minister said,” he looked up at Murtagh who sat in his only Sunday suit, impervious to the rain.

“Superstitious rubbish,” Murtagh spat.  “Fit fer widows an’ glaikit fools.”

“Tis’ a nice thought, Murtagh,” Jamie defended, tugging at his waistcoat with reddened hands.

“There’s more tae life than death, lad.”

Rollo’s ears pricked up, signaling danger with a low growl.  Riding out of the clag were a half dozen men, their faces obscured by thick beards and low-brimmed caps.

“Wha’ do they want?” Jamie said, pulling his shoulders back to brandish the height and breadth he’d inherited from his father.

“Campbells, by the look o’ them.  Best go ‘ave a listen tae wha’ they ‘ave tae say.”

By the tone of his voice, it was clear Murtagh knew what was coming, but Jamie did not.  The Campbell ringleader, a man with a barrel chest and a thunderous voice, ordered Jamie from his land until he was man enough to farm it.

“Lallybroch is my place now,” his voice rose in defiance.  “I own it!”

In the eyes of the law this statement was patently untrue, and Jamie knew it.  Centuries of tradition saw Highland crofts passed from father to son, while the local laird technically owned the land and collected rents for farms that were considered next-to-useless.  With the arrival of English land barons and the introduction of sheep farming, crofters were being pushed from their holdings, either by ever-increasing rents or through outright eviction.  In Glenshee, Brian Fraser had been one of the last hereditary crofters, clinging to his birthright by sheer tenacity and hard graft.  Now, Brian Fraser was dead.

“Look!” the Campbell henchman bellowed so loudly his horse jumped. “Ye’ll gang down tae the Lowlands, and earn the right tae live up here, jes as yer faither did.”

Without waiting for Jamie to acknowledge this ultimatum, the men wheeled their horses, galloping away until the mist enveloped them.

“I dinna ken what they’d have me do,” Jamie railed at Murtagh as he loaded his meagre belongings into his godfather’s wagon.  “Da sold off the stock bit by bit tae pay their criminal rents. If I leave, wha’s tae stop the Duke from seizing the land outright?”

“Tis a hard country.  Makes fer hard men,” Murtagh shared in his dour philosophical way, slapping his wooden prosthetic leg for emphasis.

Jamie slumped on the wagon’s bench, pulling an oilskin over his shoulders to escape the worst of the rain.  With a flick of the reins, the old wagon bounced across the rocky ground, heading away from Lallybroch.  From behind him, Rollo let out a plaintive whine.  Jamie kept his eyes fixed forward, refusing to glance back in farewell.

***

Unlike Brian Fraser, Murtagh Fitzgibbons had no right to his home, customary or otherwise.  He lived a bothy high in Glen Isla, so old it appeared to have sprouted directly from the stony earth.  There, he scratched out a meagre living raising a small herd of scraggly sheep and reiving the occasional cow that strayed into the secluded glen.

For as long as Jamie could remember, Murtagh also distilled whisky, guarding the location of his still and the source of its water with religious fervour.  Only Brian Fraser had known the secret and had taken it with him to his grave.  

Entering the bothy with an awkward but surprisingly spry gait, Murtagh set about unsmooring the fire and grabbing an unlabeled bottle from the mantle. Jamie stood in the centre of the familiar room, feeling like he might cry.

“A toast,” Murtagh proposed as he filled two filmy glasses with a pale amber liquid.  Lifting his glass to the heavens, he then intoned:

Here’s a bottle and an honest man – What would ye wish for mair, man. Wha kens, before his life may end, What his share may be o’ care, man.

So catch the moments as they fly, And use them as ye ought, man. Believe me, happiness is shy, And comes not aye when sought, man.

The poem was by Robert Burns, and one of Henry Fraser’s favourites.  Jamie raised his own glass in reply and knocked back the entire dram.  It burned his already tight throat and smoldered in his belly, making him forget the damp chill of the stone hut.  Dashing away an errant tear, he filled both glasses again and gave his own short but heartfelt eulogy.

“Tae Brian Fraser, the best man I knew.  May I do honour tae him as his son by keeping Lallybroch in Fraser hands.”

Two drams of whisky combined with the sorrows and indignities of the day, making Jamie’s temper burn hot.  His adolescent ego licked its wounds, committed to revenge both sudden and complete.  He would pour his heart and soul into making Lallybroch profitable once again, and once that was done, he would track down those Campbell henchmen and offer them the rough justice of his fists.

“Ye should concern yerself wi’ keepin’ yerself alive,” Murtagh injected his usual dose of cold reality.  “If ye return tae Lallybroch now, the Campbells will shoot first an’ ask questions later.”

“They’d ha’ tae catch me first,” Jamie blustered.

“Shouldna be sae hard, considerin’ ye’d be on foot.”  

Seeing the lad crumple at the renewed realization of his dire circumstances, Murtagh took pity on him and led him outside to where a small corral hid in the lee of a rock face.  The old nag responsible for pulling Murtagh’s cart stood next to the feed trough, dwarfed by a dark bay gelding with inquisitive ears and a kind eye.

“I’ve no notion of his breeding,” Murtagh began, “but he’s a Highland horse, sure-footed as they come.  He’s yours.”

“I canna pay ye fer him,” Jamie sputtered, shocked by his godfather’s generosity.

“He’s no’ fer sale,” the old man insisted gruffly.  “A man wi’out a horse is like a man wi’out a leg.”

Brian Fraser would often say that his old friend was like a sea urchin: spiny on the outside but filled with tenderness.  Never had this truth been more apparent.

Jamie climbed through the fence, extending a hand until the gelding nuzzled it warmly.  Despite everything, he smiled, having always felt a bond with any animal.

“Thank ye, Murtagh.  Truly,” he said with the utmost sincerity.   “Does he have a name?”

Murtagh grunted in the negative.

“I shall call him Donas, then.  A wee devil tae help me rain misery down on those scabby Campbell louts and win back Lallybroch.”

“Dinna throw effort after foolishness,” Murtagh admonished.  “Ye’ve got a lot tae learn about bein’ a man, Jamie Fraser.”

[fyeahcompetentwomen]

Round 1 Roundup!

or, one post to find them all...

All four groups of Round 1 are now live! Find each group's masterpost with all respective links here:

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Plus, all 64 individual polls are linked below the readmore.

Group 1

Sarah Jane Smith vs. Leia Organa

Deanna Troi vs. Florence (Gunpowder Milkshake)

Jody Mills vs. Andromache the Scythian

Kim Wexler vs. Villanelle

Paris Geller vs. Dr. Maura Isles

Delenn of the Religious Cast and Chosen of Dukat vs. Sister Beatrice

Lisa Cuddy vs. Seven of Nine

Ziva David vs. Michael Burnham

Una Chin-Riley (Number One) vs. Evelyn Wang

Nyota Uhura vs. Moana

Alex Danvers vs. Olivier Armstrong

Barbara Howard vs. Joan Watson

Barbara Gordon vs. Dr. Helen Magnus

B'Elanna Torres vs. Esmeralda "Granny" Weatherwax

Raelle Collar vs. Parker

Lwaxana Troi vs. Sidney Fox

Group 2

Xena vs. Bad Wolf

Lindsey Boxer vs. Anna May

Siuan Sanche vs. Jules Callaghan

Ally McBeal vs. Eve Baird

Sidney Prescott vs. Kira Nerys

Jill Valentine vs. Susan Ivanova

Chrisjen Avasarala vs. Cameron Howe

Hermione Granger vs. Henrietta Wilson

Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman vs. Susan Sto Helit

Fujiko Mine vs. Naomi Nagata

Yu Shu Lien vs. Melinda May

Jane Rizzoli vs. Dr. Bernie Wolfe

Dana Scully vs. Death of the Endless

Erza Scarlet vs. Rhaenys Targaryen

Root vs. Anissa Pierce aka Thunder

Kara Thrace vs. Dr. Addison Montgomery

Group 3

Buffy Summers vs. Jocelyn "Joss" Carter

Scarlet (Gunpowder Milkshake) vs. Modesty Blaise

Moiraine Damodred vs. Margaret Houlihan

Elizabeth Swann vs. Laris (Star Trek)

Aeryn Sun vs. River Song

Dr. Beverly Crusher vs. Kathryn Janeway

Gabrielle of Poteidaea vs. Breanna Casey

Phryne Fisher vs. Shauna Sadecki

Ava Silva vs. Miranda Priestly

Galadriel vs. Yalena "Dutch" Yardeen

Regina Mills vs. Abigail Carmichael

Sara Lance vs. Nomi Marks

Mulan vs. Hera Syndulla

Myka Bering vs. Donna Noble

Philippa Georgiou (Mirror) vs. Éowyn

Cosima Niehaus vs. Violet Baudelaire

Group 4

Jenny Calendar vs. 13th Doctor

Madeleine (Gunpowder Milkshake) vs. Helena "H.G." Wells

Camina Drummer vs. Philippa Georgiou (Prime)

Raffaela "Raffi" Musiker vs. Jane Doe

Eda Clawthorne vs. Olivia Dunham

Daisy Johnson vs. Anne Lister

Anna Mill vs. Sophie Devereaux

Dr. Temperance Brennan vs. Ahsoka Tano

Catherine Willows vs. Lara Croft

Holga Kilgore vs. Sameen Shaw

Inej Ghafa vs. Evie Frye

Jadzia Dax vs. Lena Luthor

Annabeth Chase vs. Mildred Ratched

Laura Roslin vs. Shuri

Jo Lupo vs. Samantha "Sam" Carter

Claudia Donovan vs. Willow Rosenberg

[marleysfinest]

For the nosy asks 😙 34 and 35 🩷

of course my sweetness!

34. what I find attractive in women

god just. just everything. women are exquisite in every way. on a very personal level physically, I find femininity very attractive, like the bombshell look is gnhnhnhnnhngngngngngnhgngngnggggg. I love an accentuated bust and hips and thighs and and and. but the duality is good. basically angelina jolie is my perfect woman both as lara croft and mrs smith

35. what I find attractive in men

I fucking LOVE a dadbod. give me a man with a tum and a bum and thunder thighs and I'm on my knees every time without fail. like the feeling of grabbing the meat of a guys hips while he's fucking you is unparalleled. anyway yes men

ask me some nosy questions

[piotrbricks]

Lyla Croft & Joanna Thunder 🧭🌳

aka

What If… Johnny Thunder (main protagonists of LEGO: Adventurers series) had a daughter who’d team up with Lara Croft’s (from Tomb Raider) unknown younger sister.

🏹 Lyla Croft - on the left (tan/black shirt, black bandana, bow, lighter)

🗡 Joanna Thunder - on the right (black shirt, white bandana, machete, binoculars)

I must say, I really enjoyed building these explorers. And I like how they turned out.

And I think I found an interesting location and managed to do some quite decent photos 😊📷

Hope you’ll enjoy these two brave Adventurers!

[zealouscanonindeer]

A Jilted fellow

Dr John Watson:

Thundering steps echoed against wooden stairs, growing louder and closer by the second. No sooner was Holmes thorough the door than he, with hurried urgency inquired of any correspondence. On hearing of the lack of any word, Holmes’ demeanor remained the same stony pale emotionless slate as ever but I could sense the slight twitch in his half-lidded eyes, he was, in what seemed to be a few scarce moments of his lifetime, trying to get the better of himself and only somewhat succeeding.

He pulled his muffler loose and hung it against the coat rack first as he shimmied his lean sinewy frame out of his overcoat and pulled his deerstalker off his head.

He then proceeded, all in quiet contemplation to take a seat across myself in his usual lounging chair. He continued in his reverie until suddenly a thought struck him and I was for once an informed man on the matter and him, a mere novice.

“Watson, do you suppose that the female kind find for greater demand by simply jilting a fellow?”

“Correct me if I have misdiagnosed but I would deduce that you are this jilted fellow in question. “

The humor of the situation was more to my fancy than his for his expression turned grim. I added, more sympathetically this time,

“She didn’t make it?”

“A fine observation indeed.”

He countered, his chagrin and mild disappointment quite visible in his tone.

“I wonder what precipitated this absence. I thought she wished for… possibly she thought better of it.”

“I disagree, she isn’t one for indecision. Might I suggest you pay her a visit?”

He mildly shook his head.

" It’s done now, Watson. If she truly has had a change of heart, I shall not embarrass her by calling up on her.”

And with that, the matter was forgotten, although his deft, agile slender fingers giving birth to a rather melancholic tune as he continued playing betrayed him.

Meanwhile…

Mrs. Croft, with immense restraint, which for her was almost equivalent to physical pain refrained from viewing the contents of her wards unexpected communication from a certain gentleman. She gently knocked against the door of Emily’s room, slowly sliding it through the narrow slit between the door and floor. It was an efficient method rather than having the young ladies under her care, scramble through all letters, displacing them. She did, however happen to notice that it was addressed by a Mr. Holmes.

[brookston]

Holidays 7.25

Holidays

Act Like a Caveman Day

Antifascist Pasta Day (Italy)

Bayreuther Festspiele begins (Wagner festival; Germany) [thru 8.28]

Be Adamant About Something Day

Community Day (Galicia, Spain)

CTNNB1 Awareness Day

A Day Out of Time (Last Day of the Year; Mayan, Galactic)

Ebernoe Horn Fair (Sussex, UK)

Feed the Country Ducks Day

Festival of Picaresque Animality

Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day

International AfroLatinx, AfroCaribbean & Diaspora Women’s Day

International Day of Solidarity with Antifascist Prisoners

International Red Show Day

International Sop Rapping Over Vocals Day

John Knill Day (Cornwall, UK) [Every 5 Years]

Jumatul Bidah (Bangladesh)

Jumat-ul-Wida (India)

Merry-Go-Round Day [also 5.17]

Mugwort Day (French Republic)

National African American Hepatitis C Action Day

National Campus Press Freedom Day (Philippines)

National Carousel Day

National Clay Day

National Day of Galicia (Spain)

National Hire a Veteran Day

National Houston Day

National Schizophrenia Awareness Day (UK)

National Video Game Team Day

Occupation Day (Puerto Rico)

Rain of Black Worms Day (Romania)

Red Shoe Day

Republic Day (Tunisia)

Rosiland Franklin Day

Santiago Apóstol (Spain)

Test-Tube Baby Day

Thread the Needle Day

Traditional Palestinian Dress Day

World Drowning Prevention Day (UN)

World Embryologist Day

World IVF Day

World Youth Days 2023 begins (Lisbon, Portugal; Roman Catholic; until 7.31) [Varies; @Every 3 Years]

Food & Drink Celebrations

Candles on a Cake Day

Culinarian’s Day

Frozen Fruit Freeze Day

Indie Beer Day (Australia)

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

National Wine and Cheese Day

4th Tuesday in July

Waterton-Glacier Science & History Day [4th Tuesday]

Independence Days

Abode of Heaven (Declared; 2018) [unrecognized]

Andany (Declared; 2017; Dissolved Sep. 2018) [unrecognized]

Commonwealth Constitution Day (Puerto Rico) 

Rathunis (Declared; 2011) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Anne (Eastern Christianity)

Christopher (Western Christianity)

Cucuphas (a.k.a. Cueufas, Cougat; Christian; Saint)

Feast of Formation of Saint Ann (Mother of the Virgin Mary; Byzantine Rite)

Furrinalia (Old Roman Goddess of Springs)

Glodesind (Christian; Saint)

Holbein (Positivist; Saint)

Hot Fudge Sundae Day (Pastafarian)

Ilyap'a Festival (Inca thunder god)

James the Great (Western Christianity)

John I Agnus (Christian; Saint)

Julian of Le Mans (Christian; Translation)

Magnerich of Trier (Christian; Saint)

Maxfield Parrish (Artology)

National Baha’i Day (Jamaica)

Nissen, Abbot of Mountgarret, Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Paul (Christian; Martyr)

Shylock Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Slippery Slim (Muppetism)

Thea and Valentina (Christian; Virgins)

Thomas Eakins (Artology)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

The Adventures of André & Wally B. (Pixar Cartoon; 1984)

Air Force One (Film; 1997)

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (Film; 2008)

Armor Wars (Film; 2025)

Back in Black, by AC/DC (Album; 1980)

Batman: The Killing Joke (Animated Film; 2016)

Broken Quest (Animated tV Series; 2013)

Caddyshack (Film; 1980)

China Grove, by the Doobie Brothers (Song; 1973)

A Chorus Line (Broadway Musical; 1975)

Drinking Buddies (Film; 2013)

Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century (WB MM Cartoon; 1953)

Fame, by David Bowie (Song; 1975)

First Lensman, by E.E. "Doc" Smith (Novel; 1950) [Lensman #2]

Good Burger (Film; 1997)

Hemingway’s Adventures of a Young Man (Film; 1962)

Justice League: Warworld (WB Animated Film; 2023)

Kill ‘Em All, by Metallica (Album; 1983)

Lara Croft Tom Raider: The Cradle of Life (Film; 2003)

Last Train to Clarksville, recorded by The Monks (Song; 1966)

Lego Scooby-Doo! Blowout Beach Bash (WB Animated Film; 2017)

Lucy (Film; 2014)

Maximum Overdrive (Film; 1986)

Paul’s Boutique, by The Beastie Boys (Album; 1989)

Porky’s Spring Planting (WB LT Cartoon; 1938)

Ruby Sparks (Film; 2012)

Seabiscuit (Film; 2003)

Step Brothers (Film; 2008)

The Tree’s Knees (WB LT Cartoon; 1931)

X-Files: I Want to Believe (Film; 2008)

Yes, by Yes (Album; 1969)

You Can’t Hurry Love, by The Supremes (Song; 1966)

Today’s Name Days

Jakob, Jakobus, Thea, Thomas, Valentina (Austria)

Ana, Yana (Bulgaria)

Beata, Jakov, Krsto, Valentina (Croatia)

Jakub (Czech Republic)

Jacobus (Denmark)

Jaagup, Jaak, Jaako, Jaap, Jako, Jakob, Jass (Estonia)

Jaakko, Jaakob, Jaakoppi, Jimi (Finland)

Jacques, Valentine (France)

Jakob, Valentine (Germany)

Anna (Greece)

Jakab, Kristóf (Hungary)

Cristoforo, Giacomo (Italy)

Jēkabs, Marika (Latvia)

Aušrinė, Jokūbas, Kristupas (Lithuania)

Jack, Jakob, Jim (Norway)

Jakub, Krzysztof, Nieznamir, Sławosz, Walentyna (Poland)

Jakub (Slovakia)

Jaime, Santiago (Spain)

Jakob (Sweden)

Jac, Jack, Jacki, Jackie, Jackson, Jacky, Jacques, Jimmie (Universal)

Coby, Colby, Diego, Israel, Jacob, Jacoby, Jack, Jackie, Jackson, Jaclyn, Jacqueline, Jacquelyn, Jacques, Jaime, Jake, Jakob, James, Jameson, Jamie, Jaquan, Jaqueline, Jaxon, Jaxson, Jim, Jimena, Jimmie, Jimmy, Kobe, Koby, Kolby, Santiago (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 206 of 2024; 159 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of week 30 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 16 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Ji-Wei), Day 8 (Jia-Shen)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 7 Av 5783

Islamic: 7 Muharram 1445

J Cal: 26 Lux; Fiveday [26 of 30]

Julian: 12 July 2023

Moon: 50%: 1st Quarter

Positivist: 10 Dante (8th Month) [Holbein]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 35 of 94)

Zodiac: Leo (Day 4 of 31)

[fbenvs3000w23]

Nature Interpretation Through Music

Using music as a means of interpretation is no new concept. The protest songs of the 60s and 70s provide a clear example of people using music as a hugely successful means of mass interpretation. This music reached a vast audience of change-thirsty youth, mobilizing them against the time's social, political, and environmental issues (Covach & Flory, 2018). The power of music as an interpretive force is undeniable, but how does this apply to our discussion of nature?

Well, if you consider music to be a combination of vocal or instrumental sounds combined in a way that produces beautiful form, harmony, and emotion, then wouldn’t nature be the purest and longest-playing symphony? Music is everywhere in nature. It’s in the rustling leaves, the whistling wind, the chatter of animals, the pattering rain, the billowing thunder, the trickling water, the crashing waves, and the sounds of footsteps.

Additionally, nature is everywhere in music. It’s in the sounds of instruments, the rhythm/ tempo, and the topic of lyrics. Nature inspires music. Take “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi, for example. Each concerto in the series represents one of the four seasons. If you listen to these concertos, you will hear representations of flowing creeks, singing birds, barking dogs, buzzing flies, storms, winter fires, and frozen landscapes, to name a few. “The Four Seasons” may be one of classical music's most obvious direct expressions of nature. Still, many others work off a similar premise, such as Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” which translates to “Moonlight” in English. Such representations of nature are also not limited to classical music. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong is a great example from late 1960s R&B, and “Summer Breeze” by Seals and Crofts is an example from 1970s folk rock. Lyrically, many songs have nature-related themes and inspirations. There is “Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot, “Bobcaygeon” by the Tragically Hip, “Where do the Children Play” by Cat Stevens, “California Dreaming” by The Mammas and The Pappas, and the list goes on.

Music doesn’t have to have nature in its theme, lyrics, or instrumentation to inspire thoughts of natural landscapes in its audience. Music triggers a part of our brain that helps us to remember (Baumgartner, 1992). I’m sure you all have specific songs that trigger memories of natural landscapes from your past. Likewise, I can recall many songs that transport me to places in nature. Despite growing up in the age of iPods and Apple Music, I listened to most of my music through CD players. Thus, many of my transportive tunes were, instead, transportive albums. Most notably, every song in the “Cheap Thrills” album by Big Brother and the Holding Company with Janis Joplin swiftly transports me back to the summer of 2016. I would lie in the back of my truck in the middle of the hay field or bomb around on my dirtbikes, all while repeatedly listening to the album.

I compiled a Spotify playlist of some of my favourite nature-related music. Have a listen. Who knows? Maybe you'll find your new favourite tune!

References:

Baumgartner, H. (1992). Remembrance of Things Past: Music, Autobiographical Memory, and Emotion. Advances in Consumer Research. 19. 613-620.

Beck, L., Cable, & T. T., Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and

Natural Heritage for a Better World. Sagamore Venture.

Covach, J., & Flory, A. (2018). What’s that Sound?: An Introduction to Rock and its History. W.W. Norton & Company. 

Gray, P. Krause, B. Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C. & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science. 291. 52-54.

[jadegretz]

Botanical Beauty: Poison Ivy's Lethal Elegance by Jade Gretz

Moonlight dripped through the skeletal branches of Gotham City's abandoned amusement park, casting eerie shadows on Pamela Isley, better known as Poison Ivy. Her emerald eyes, glinting with curiosity, scanned the overgrown foliage, not for prey, but for a rare specimen rumored to grow within the park's decaying heart. "The Widow's Bane," they called it, a plant said to embody misfortune as tangible as its toxic thorns.

Ivy scoffed. Misfortune? Mere superstition fueled by ignorance. Besides, what botanist worth her salt could resist the allure of such an anomaly? Her bare feet padded silently across the decaying asphalt, the scent of damp earth and forgotten laughter clinging to the air.

There, bathed in the cold moonlight, it stood. A twisted vine, unlike anything she'd ever seen, spiraled around a rusted roller coaster track, its crimson blooms drooping like macabre lanterns. An unsettling aura pulsed from it, a prickling on Ivy's skin that wasn't just the plant's toxins. Was it truly cursed?

Intrigued, she reached out, brushing a finger against one of the velvety petals. A jolt of icy pain shot up her arm, followed by a wave of nausea. Panic flared, but before she could retreat, the thorns dug into her flesh, drawing a bead of glistening green blood.

Then, darkness.

When she came to, the amusement park seemed different, darker, as if bathed in a perpetual twilight. People walked around, their faces etched with despair, muttering incoherent phrases. A feeling of heaviness descended on Ivy, an oppressive cloak of negativity. Had the Bane's curse seeped into her?

The first victim was an aspiring comedian, his jokes landing with thunderous silence. Then, a couple arguing on a park bench, their words twisting into venomous insults, the fight escalating to violence. Despair hung in the air, an invisible contagion spreading with each touch, each interaction.

Ivy knew she had to act. Ignoring the throbbing pain in her arm, she focused on the plant, analyzing its structure, its energy flow. It thrived on negativity, amplifying it a hundredfold. But wi …(see the rest of the story at deviantart.com/jadegretzAI). For more supergirl, chun li, batgirl, tifa, lara croft, wonder woman, rogue and much more, please visit my page at www.deviantart.com/jadegretzai - Thanks for your support :)

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Tuesday 13 August 1833

7

11 ½

fine morning F69° at 8 when Madame Decantes came and packed the Imperials - breakfast - took Thomas and off at 9 ¾ - in fiacre from the boulevards to rue St. V- M. Audoin came at 10 ¾ and sat 1/2  hour with me - very civil will look after my apartment and books and do all he can for me – the jardin des plantes serrurier came at 1 – to put another lock on the front door – Crochards’ commis and another man came with him at 2 ¼ - brought my books from M. Audoins – one man staid till about 4 ½ arranging putting papers over my books and sorting and tying up the periodicals – sent Thomas home about 3 – then set to by  myself and tidied the whole place – folding up all my newly bound books in paper – busy till 7 ¾ - then home in fiacre at 8 ½ - Thomas had set off for me, and took another fiacre – dinner at 9 – Eugenie’s mother with me ½ hour – somehow these people never can get away from me – came to my room at 10 ½ - wrote the above of today – fine day till between 3 and 4? then rain and wet the rest of the day with much thunder and lightning from 7 to near 10 – F69° in my bedroom now at 11 10 – Eugénie put into the post soon after I was gone my letter to IN- (written on Sunday tho’ dated yesterday) to the care of Mr. Fisher Petergate York Angleterre’ and ditto to ‘Mrs. James Dalton Croft Rectory Darlington Durham Angleterre’

[pttucker]

His voice was fading away, yet it was definitely not the voice of a man preparing himself for death. Almost at the same time, roars of crackling thunders could be heard coming from the far side of the heavens. They did not belong to Indra's thunderbolts. The space-time was distorting, and the noises were generated by something crossing over a gigantic Gate. Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't see that spectacle, but Anna Croft witnessed it in his stead. It was an army enveloped in pitch-black darkness; a single realm buried deep inside an ancient Myth was currently crossing over to this world. – Yoo Joonghyuk, you stupid bastard!! Yoo Joonghyuk heard the loud yelling from the one standing at the forefront of that army and spoke up. "…Because I have allies in this turn who won't betray me." [Nebula, < Underworld >, has joined the 'Great War of Saints and Demons'.]

Joonghyuk! You’re not allowed to yell at Dokja when you do stupid stuff like this!!!

Awww, but he trusted Dokja to come in time to save him.

BUT STILL DON’T DO THINGS LIKE THIS JOONGHYUK!

But also that was awesome and Dokja is totally gonna fanboy super hard over you destroying one of the strongest constellations of Vedas in a single strike. Right after he gets done cursing you out and grumbling with Sooyoung about what an idiot you are.

THIS WAS NOT PART OF THE PLAN JOONGHYUK!

But it was very Protagonist of you.

[lehazard]

It was a frigid and bitter night that rolled in as the sun made it's hasty retreat. The wind that accompanied it chilled him to the bone. Darker were the skies as a storm creeped it's way closer and closer. That distant crack of thunder a warning. When it rained, it poured; didn't it? Not a moment's peace offered amongst the carnage and chaos. Not even outside the hellhole they fought their way out of. They weren't prepared for this op, unable to properly secure the area and exterminate the threat. Not without some drastic measures taken. And he would take them. "Set the it off." Dionte called out, preparing for the blast. Though it doesn't come. Instead he's met with the voice of his unlikely companion.

@croftborn ❝ you’re making me destroy a historic building here! ❞

He should have gotten the fuze back when Lara had found it after the skirmish.

"What?" The agent almost sounds surprised at the woman's hesitation. Scared expression twisting visibly as he snapped his gaze over to the younger. They had planted the charges, carefully so to ensure the entire structure was to collapse in on itself, trapping whoever and whatever left inside. All with the obvious exception of his own team ( they were his responsibility on this op ) .

"One piece of history lost. Or risk this wiping out the local population, further, even. Because that is what will happen if we don't block it in now. You've seen what it can do." Words were stern and quick, spoken over the sound of the storm that stated to finally break. There wasn't time for arguing. If the brunette wished to lash him for his brash course of actions, then so be it, but LATER. When time was not so precious and the stakes weren't lethally high. "You can make more discoveries later, but you cannot undo the damage this will cause if it spreads to people."

"The charges, Croft," he presses again, tone shifting as the seconds ticked pass. Mere seconds too long. "Set them off!"