#basil st cloud

[mentalcurls]

Books I read in 2025 The Riverside Trilogy: Swordspoint, The Privilege of the Sword & The Fall of the Kings by Ellen Kushner and Delia Sherman

[martyrbat]

god i love the clayfaces, this just makes me want to do a massive reread of them all...

[swan2swan]

Not to Sequel-hate, but I picked up on another problem with the ST:

Most of the planets just kind of existed.

In ANH, Tatooine is the hot and miserable desert planet. People are scarce, and the ones you find are hot and cranky and wear weird clothes. A later movie shows that there's also a giant pit monster. The Death Star is the cold castle planet. And Yavin is just kinda...trees and pyramids.

But then you have Empire. Hoth is a frozen iceball with deadly storms, fuzzy dinosaurs, and scary Abominable Snowmen. Dagobah is a swamp with dangerous monsters in the depths, deceitful goblins, and sucking mud. Then Cloud City is beautiful, but has a terrifying abyss.

Finally, Endor has dense jungles for a realistic final battle...filled with teddy bears. And treehouses. And traps. Catapult, hang gliders, giant logs, it's a PLACE.

Think, also, of the prequels. An ocean with dangerous sea monsters, a desert of drag racers, a giant city. A labyrinthine termite mound, an ocean of endless rain. A world of lava. Think of how each world's environment was utilized.

Now, to the sequels.

The best environments I can think of are the opening of Rey's story in a war-blasted wasteland; the darkened sky of Starkiller; the watery depths of...whatever that planet was in 9...and the dark nightmare of Exegol.

Porgs aside, did Ach-To feel special? Did Crait have any true...okay, the Falcon chase through the crystal caverns was cool, but Crait still didn't feel unique outside of appearance.

Contrast with Rogue One, where Scarif REALLY felt utilized with its beaches, tall trees, and the rushing wave of heat from over the horizon. Jedha's cliffs being torn apart, the rainy cliffs of Eadu...it could have used a monster attack somewhere, but everywhere felt special. Solo, too...Mimban's mud. Corellia's industrial zones. And while Kessel was a letdown on the surface, at least it had the Maw.

Thinking about it in this way...this also really helped The Acolyte. The shores of Definitely Not Ach-To provided a much richer environment...the sense of isolation, the sexy swimming, the claustrophobic caves...I can complain about the show, but the ENVIRONMENTS felt adventurous. Kinda. Not so much when they were following Basil.

[1-million-interests]

HUNGER

and i walked from kings cross station

with a bag of grilld in hand

running my tongue along my canines

biting down on it as hard as i could

willing my teeth to be sharper

willing my teeth to be sharp

willing my teeth to be so sharp they could cut

sharp enough to shred my cheeks

sharp enough to vivisect my lips

without me even making a peep

a silent and terrific wound

like the cattle’s throat as it is slit

by the fingernail of the shochet

and I walked through darlinghurst

with a small grilld box in my hand

stretching my cardigan with the width of my bones

the vastness of my hunger

the expanse of my soul

sweat pooling into the underwire of my bra

tits weighing down my every step

resisting scratching at the ingrown hairs under my arms

between my legs

and i licked my teeth and tasted my blood

and i thought of closing my jaw down on that burger

of sinking my teeth into its meat

of slicing through its juices

as it spurted hot and heavy down my throat

and i wanted to get naked

and i wanted to get hairy

and i wanted to stuff the whole burger into my wet maw and take off my shoes

and step on broken glass with rough, calloused feet

and plant my hands into

through

the earth

and pull up my animal corpse through the cement

to grip her with claws by the belly

by the hair

and step into her body

feet first

and don her skin, her leather, like armour

and i walked up surrey st and i willed and i wished and i prayed to be naked

for my clothes to shed and flake away like the sunburnt skin on my shoulders

to feel the pressing breath of the night

to feel it travel down the back of my neck

between the soft hairs along on my spine

and to feel drool drip down my chin

my lips sticky and wet with it

to see my own hot gulps of air expelled from my chest in front of me

white steam dancing around my nostrils

white steam clouding my vision

and i walked into his home and took a deep breath

smelling the yeast and onion in the burger i held in my hand

the smell of men and their sheets

hot showers and rotting basil plants

and suddenly i was human again

i was girl again

the wailing in my ears was gone

the guttural cacophony of howls

vanished

and i sat at his table, cold burger slowly breaking to damp pieces in my mouth

and i was no longer hungry.

[crimsonblackrose]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the ask box for the last 10 people who reblogged something from you. learn to know your mutuals and followers. <3

Omg how long has this been sitting in my inbox? I didn't see it. I'm so sorry, and thank you. I'm going to go with things back home that while I'm here that are bringing me some level of happiness.

1. The sound of the wind through the leaves of the trees, the buzz of the bees as they amble about the flowers that are in bloom and the smell of said flowers. I have to hike through a garden so full of life to go anywhere and it's bringing me so much joy. 2. Friendly cuddly animals. There's something about a giant st. Bernard that's excited to see you and demands cuddles even if it means getting totally slime-d, or a sweet calico cat that the shelter said was mean running towards you in excitement to ask for pets because she's just so happy, or to step out of a car and find a flock of chickens that have come running to say hi. 3. Food. My aunt grows a lot of her own food so every meal is a delight. She's made: eggplant lasagna, a cauliflower crust pizza bursting with veggies, she makes this delightful tea that she switches up with fresh herbs from her garden, the current iteration is basil and parsley, we had salmon patties and have made two pies a strawberry rhubarb and a blueberry and peach. We also went to the local ice cream shop that's only open part of the year and got the soft serve sherbet that has been my favorite since I was a kid. 4. The coops atmosphere. Honestly have never felt super comfortable sleeping at my aunt and uncle's house ever since I was a kid. It's generally full of people I don't know, souvenirs and gifts from my uncle's work with spooky stories generally attached, ghost stories and horror films and then just a vast emptiness that makes me feel a bit like courage the cowardly dog. I've been told countless times the house itself is haunted. And generally I'm put in the one room that no one has said is haunted. But it's summer and that room does not get AC so my aunt and uncle instead have put me in the coop. The coop used to be a chicken coop but then at some point my aunt and uncle refurbished it into a pool room and then decided it was nice enough there to sleep there during the summers because they put in AC. And the atmosphere is something. There is a big pool table, of course, a fire place, air conditioning, a bar, a ye olde fridge full of beer, old school bar art, more souvenirs and gifts from my uncles work which includes more wall space of masks,and because my eldest half-cousin refuses to ever sleep in the house and only sleeps in the coop when he visits the coop is full of all these horror b-movies and cult classics to watch. The atmosphere is fun, the bed is comfy, and it's remarkably spooky despite not being haunted, and I really do get why people like it. I just kinda wish I was sleeping in there alone. 🤣It's like a cool experience I want to share but also be like okay was that sound the wind or do you think something's prowling around out there? It's got wifi, it's got cable tv (I watched part of Clueless yesterday and it was great), it's got AC and a fridge, it's got games, it just really needs a bathroom. 5. The sky. I'm in rural farm country which means there big open spaces and just large swaths of sky without as much light pollution. It's not as much stars as I saw at the home I grew up in, or where I lived in South Korea, but there's still more than there are where I currently live. And during the days where I've been floating around in a pool I can stare up at the sky and watch the clouds just go by and birds soar past. And at dusk there's just so many fireflies/lightning bugs around.

[micaiahfalkov]

starter for: @tomasespinosa

location: agrilands

Tending to the garden was cathartic. Micaiah had always loved working in the gardens, even back in St. George. Planting seeds and watching them sprout from the earth into something that would feed his people. When they'd arrived here, in all of the confusion and chaos, the agrilands had become the only place where he could feel calm.

Just like today. They had noticed that a storm seemed to be brewing, with thick, grey clouds looming over the horizon so they had spent most of their morning making sure the garden could weather the storm. They had just covered up the basil plants with a tarp when they noticed a figure passing by.

"Oh, Tomas." It was no surprise seeing the chief officer of the agrilands here. This was where they had first met, after all. Micaiah awkwardly got back to their feet, using the planter box as a support. Their stiff prosthetics weren't made for this kind of movement. "Are you busy? I could use some help here. The storm's coming in quicker than I thought and the tomato plants need some more support. And some of the plants need to be brought inside."

Micaiah wiped some sweat off their brow as they looked around. The garden was big, though nothing compared to the farmlands. Still, making it weather proof wasn't easy work. "But if you have too much to do, it's alright. During times like these, being in charge isn't easy, is it?"

[brookston]

Holidays 3.22

Holidays

Age Is Just A Number Day

Arab League Day

Army Day (Philippines)

As Young As You Feel Day

Baltic Sea Day

Banned in Boston Day

Bihar Day (India)

Captain James T. Kirk Day

Cinematograph Film Day

Cornstarch Day

Daffodil Day

Day of the Berlin Bear (Germany)

Day of the People’s Party (Laos)

Earth Day [Original Date]

Emancipation Day (a.k.a. Día de la Abolición de la Esclavitud; Puerto Rico)

Festival of Immortality

Gryffindor Pride Day

International Day of the Seal

International Goof-Off Day (a.k.a. National Goof-Off Day)

International Gurjar Day

International Taxi Driver Day (Russia)

John Magufuli Day (Tanzania)

Labour Day (Christmas Island)

Laser Day

Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day

National Badminton Day [also 3.30]

National

National Day of the Podenco (Spain)

National Day of Work-Integrated Learning Day (Canada)

National Donald Day

National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day

National Ride2School Day )Australia)

National Sing-Out Day

National Tree Day (Sent Maarten)

National West Virginia Day

Newlyweds Day (Serbia)

Plane Tree Day (French Republic)

Resident Evil Anniversary Day

Stamp Act Day

Stanley Cup Day

Sun-Earth Day

Talk Like William Shatner Day

Tuskegee Airmen Day

World Cloud Security Day

World Coma Day

World Day of Metta!

World Doula Day

World Mime Day

World Organic Research Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Bavarian Crepes Day

Brewing Water Day

Coq au Vin Day

We Love Broccoli Day

World Water Day (a.k.a. World Day for Water; UN)

4th Friday in March

Friday of Sorrows [4th Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

Pliny the Younger Day (Normally 1st Friday in February but moved in 2023)

Wear a Hat Day (Ireland) [4th Friday]

Independence & Related Days

Bihar (State founded; India; 1912)

Malus (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

Nowruz (New Year) [Day 3, Around Spring Equinox] (a.k.a. ... 

Dita e Nevruzit (Albania)

Nauryz Meyramy (Kazakhstan)

Navruz (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan)

Nevruz (Albania)

Nooroz (Iran)

Novruz (Azerbaijan)

Festivals Beginning March 22, 2024

Barcelona Beer Festival (Barcelona, Spain) [thru 3.24]

Bluebonnet Brew-Off (Dallas, Texas) [thru 3.24]

California Artisan Cheese Festival (Santa Rosa, California) [thru 3.24]

Hammond Smokin’ BBQ Challenge (Hammond, Louisiana) [thru 3.23]

Hermann Wurstfest (Hermann, Missouri) [thru 3.24]

Kirkland Wine, Beer & Spirits Walk (Kirkland, Washington)

Lollapalooza (São Paulo, Brazil) [thru 3.24]

Litchfield Restaurant Week (Litchfield, Connecticut) [thru 3.29]

MN Brewers Conference (St. Paul, Minnesota)

Salzburg Easter Festival (Salzburg, Austria) [thru 4.1]

Sydney Royal Easter Show (Sydney, Australia) [thru 4.2]

Ultra Music Festival (Miami, Florida) [thru 3.24]

Vossa Jazz (Vossevangen, Norway) [thru 3.24]

Feast Days

Anthony Van Dyck (Artology)

Anton Raphael Mengs (Artology)

Attis Arbour Intrat (Procession of Pine Trees, dedicated to Cybele, Ops for Rhea; Ancient Rome)

Basil of Ancyra (Christian; Saint)

Benvenuto of Osimo (Christian; Saint)

Catharine of Sweden (Christian; Saint)

Clemens August Graf von Galen (Christian; Saint)

Darerca of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Deogratias, Bishop of Carthage (Christian; Saint)

Dies Violae (Laying of Flowers at Tombs; Ancient Rome)

Epaphroditus (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Cybele (Attis’ self-mutilation; Ancient Rome)

Festival of the Entry of the Tree (Ancient Rome)

Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

John Frederick Kensett (Artology)

Jonathan Edwards (Lutheranism)

Justin (Positivist; Saint)

Keep Richards Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Lea of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas Owen (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas von Flue (Christian; Saint)

Paul of Narbonne (Christian; Saint)

Pretend to Be Sober Day (Pastafarian)

Rite of Eostre (Everyday Wicca)

Quinquatria, Day 4: Poet’s Day (Pagan)

Rosh Chodesh Nisan (Judaism) [1 Nisan]

Slightly Silly Day (Pastafarian)

Toothbrush (Muppetism)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Shabbat Zachor (Remembrance) [13 Adair]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

All Shook Up, by Elvis Presley (Song; 1957)

Apostrophe (‘), by Frank Zappa (Album; 1974)

Behold the Man, by Michael Moorcock (Novel; 1969)

The Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg (Book; 1457)

Bosko the Speed King (WB LT Cartoon; 1933)

Bringing It All Back Home, by Bob Dylan (Album; 1965)

Bullwinkle Scores Again or Fool’s Goal (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 356; 1965)

The Clock (Film; 1945)

The Croods (Animated Film; 2013)

Defending Your Life (Film; 1991)

D-I-V-O-R-C-E, recorded by Tammy Wynette (Song; 1968)

East St. Louis Toddle-oo, recorded by Duke Ellington (Song; 1927)

The Egg Cracker Suite (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Swing Symphony Cartoon; 1943)

The Explorer, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Far Beyond Driven, by Pantera (Album; 1994)

Fist of Fury (Film; 1972)

Flames in the Sky, by Pierre Clostermann (Novel; 1951)

The Golden Touch (Disney Silly Symphony Cartoon; 1935)

Gutenberg Bible (Religious Text; 1457)

How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture, by Francis A. Schaeffer (Philosophy Book; 1975)

Luca (Pixar Animated Film; 2024)

Mr. Wonderful (Broadway Musical; 1956)

Much Ado About Nothing (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

Olympus Has Fallen (Film; 2013)

On the Border, by The Eagles (Album; 1974)

Pleased to Meet Cha! (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1935)

Please Please Me by The Beatles (Album; 1963)

Power to the People, by John Lennon (Song; 1971)

The Rules: All You Need Is Cash (TV Rockumentary Special; 1978)

Sing Smokey, by The Temptation (Album; 1965)

Sleepy Time Chimes (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1971)

Spring Breakers (Film; 2013)

Standing Room Only or Bullwinkle Sells Out (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 355; 1965)

Station 19 (TV Series; 2018)

Stealin Aint Honest (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1940)

Symphony No. 1, the Poem of the Forest, by Albert Roussel (Symphony; 1908)

Us (Film; 2019)

Today’s Name Days

Clemens, Elmar, Klemens, Lea (Austria)

Rosen, Rositsa (Bulgaria)

Lea, Leonarda, Oktavijan (Croatia)

Leona (Czech Republic)

Paulus (Denmark)

Viktor, Viktoria (Estonia)

Vihtori, Viktor (Finland)

Léa (France)

Elmar, Lea, Reinhilde (Germany)

Drosos, Drosoula (Greece)

Beáta, Izolda (Hungary)

Benevenuto, Caterina, Lavinia, Lea, Muzio, Onofrio, Nilda, Nilde (Italy)

Dziedra, Giedra, Ralfs, Tamāra (Latvia)

Gedgaudas, Gedgaudė, Kotryna (Lithuania)

Paula, Pauline (Norway)

Bazylissa, Bogusław, Godzisław, Katarzyna, Kazimierz, Paweł (Poland)

Drosida, Vasile (Romania)

Beňadik (Slovakia)

Bienvenido, Lea (Spain)

Kennet, Kent, Viktor (Sweden)

Lea, Leah, Lee, Leigh, Leighton, Parker (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 82 of 2024; 284 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 12 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Fearn (Alder) [Day 6 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Ding-Mao), Day 13 (Yi-You)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025)

Hebrew: 12 Adair II 5784

Islamic: 12 Ramadan 1445

J Cal: 22 Green; Oneday [21 of 30]

Julian: 9 March 2024

Moon: 94%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 26 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Clement of Alexandria]

Runic Half Month: Beore (Birch Tree) [Day 13 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 4 of 92)

Week: 3rd Week of March

Zodiac: Aries (Day 2 of 31)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 3.22

Holidays

Age Is Just A Number Day

Arab League Day

Army Day (Philippines)

As Young As You Feel Day

Baltic Sea Day

Banned in Boston Day

Bihar Day (India)

Captain James T. Kirk Day

Cinematograph Film Day

Cornstarch Day

Daffodil Day

Day of the Berlin Bear (Germany)

Day of the People’s Party (Laos)

Earth Day [Original Date]

Emancipation Day (a.k.a. Día de la Abolición de la Esclavitud; Puerto Rico)

Festival of Immortality

Gryffindor Pride Day

International Day of the Seal

International Goof-Off Day (a.k.a. National Goof-Off Day)

International Gurjar Day

International Taxi Driver Day (Russia)

John Magufuli Day (Tanzania)

Labour Day (Christmas Island)

Laser Day

Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day

National Badminton Day [also 3.30]

National

National Day of the Podenco (Spain)

National Day of Work-Integrated Learning Day (Canada)

National Donald Day

National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day

National Ride2School Day )Australia)

National Sing-Out Day

National Tree Day (Sent Maarten)

National West Virginia Day

Newlyweds Day (Serbia)

Plane Tree Day (French Republic)

Resident Evil Anniversary Day

Stamp Act Day

Stanley Cup Day

Sun-Earth Day

Talk Like William Shatner Day

Tuskegee Airmen Day

World Cloud Security Day

World Coma Day

World Day of Metta!

World Doula Day

World Mime Day

World Organic Research Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Bavarian Crepes Day

Brewing Water Day

Coq au Vin Day

We Love Broccoli Day

World Water Day (a.k.a. World Day for Water; UN)

4th Friday in March

Friday of Sorrows [4th Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

Pliny the Younger Day (Normally 1st Friday in February but moved in 2023)

Wear a Hat Day (Ireland) [4th Friday]

Independence & Related Days

Bihar (State founded; India; 1912)

Malus (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

Nowruz (New Year) [Day 3, Around Spring Equinox] (a.k.a. ... 

Dita e Nevruzit (Albania)

Nauryz Meyramy (Kazakhstan)

Navruz (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan)

Nevruz (Albania)

Nooroz (Iran)

Novruz (Azerbaijan)

Festivals Beginning March 22, 2024

Barcelona Beer Festival (Barcelona, Spain) [thru 3.24]

Bluebonnet Brew-Off (Dallas, Texas) [thru 3.24]

California Artisan Cheese Festival (Santa Rosa, California) [thru 3.24]

Hammond Smokin’ BBQ Challenge (Hammond, Louisiana) [thru 3.23]

Hermann Wurstfest (Hermann, Missouri) [thru 3.24]

Kirkland Wine, Beer & Spirits Walk (Kirkland, Washington)

Lollapalooza (São Paulo, Brazil) [thru 3.24]

Litchfield Restaurant Week (Litchfield, Connecticut) [thru 3.29]

MN Brewers Conference (St. Paul, Minnesota)

Salzburg Easter Festival (Salzburg, Austria) [thru 4.1]

Sydney Royal Easter Show (Sydney, Australia) [thru 4.2]

Ultra Music Festival (Miami, Florida) [thru 3.24]

Vossa Jazz (Vossevangen, Norway) [thru 3.24]

Feast Days

Anthony Van Dyck (Artology)

Anton Raphael Mengs (Artology)

Attis Arbour Intrat (Procession of Pine Trees, dedicated to Cybele, Ops for Rhea; Ancient Rome)

Basil of Ancyra (Christian; Saint)

Benvenuto of Osimo (Christian; Saint)

Catharine of Sweden (Christian; Saint)

Clemens August Graf von Galen (Christian; Saint)

Darerca of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Deogratias, Bishop of Carthage (Christian; Saint)

Dies Violae (Laying of Flowers at Tombs; Ancient Rome)

Epaphroditus (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Cybele (Attis’ self-mutilation; Ancient Rome)

Festival of the Entry of the Tree (Ancient Rome)

Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

John Frederick Kensett (Artology)

Jonathan Edwards (Lutheranism)

Justin (Positivist; Saint)

Keep Richards Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Lea of Rome (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas Owen (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas von Flue (Christian; Saint)

Paul of Narbonne (Christian; Saint)

Pretend to Be Sober Day (Pastafarian)

Rite of Eostre (Everyday Wicca)

Quinquatria, Day 4: Poet’s Day (Pagan)

Rosh Chodesh Nisan (Judaism) [1 Nisan]

Slightly Silly Day (Pastafarian)

Toothbrush (Muppetism)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Shabbat Zachor (Remembrance) [13 Adair]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

All Shook Up, by Elvis Presley (Song; 1957)

Apostrophe (‘), by Frank Zappa (Album; 1974)

Behold the Man, by Michael Moorcock (Novel; 1969)

The Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg (Book; 1457)

Bosko the Speed King (WB LT Cartoon; 1933)

Bringing It All Back Home, by Bob Dylan (Album; 1965)

Bullwinkle Scores Again or Fool’s Goal (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 356; 1965)

The Clock (Film; 1945)

The Croods (Animated Film; 2013)

Defending Your Life (Film; 1991)

D-I-V-O-R-C-E, recorded by Tammy Wynette (Song; 1968)

East St. Louis Toddle-oo, recorded by Duke Ellington (Song; 1927)

The Egg Cracker Suite (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Swing Symphony Cartoon; 1943)

The Explorer, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Far Beyond Driven, by Pantera (Album; 1994)

Fist of Fury (Film; 1972)

Flames in the Sky, by Pierre Clostermann (Novel; 1951)

The Golden Touch (Disney Silly Symphony Cartoon; 1935)

Gutenberg Bible (Religious Text; 1457)

How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture, by Francis A. Schaeffer (Philosophy Book; 1975)

Luca (Pixar Animated Film; 2024)

Mr. Wonderful (Broadway Musical; 1956)

Much Ado About Nothing (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

Olympus Has Fallen (Film; 2013)

On the Border, by The Eagles (Album; 1974)

Pleased to Meet Cha! (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1935)

Please Please Me by The Beatles (Album; 1963)

Power to the People, by John Lennon (Song; 1971)

The Rules: All You Need Is Cash (TV Rockumentary Special; 1978)

Sing Smokey, by The Temptation (Album; 1965)

Sleepy Time Chimes (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1971)

Spring Breakers (Film; 2013)

Standing Room Only or Bullwinkle Sells Out (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S6, Ep. 355; 1965)

Station 19 (TV Series; 2018)

Stealin Aint Honest (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1940)

Symphony No. 1, the Poem of the Forest, by Albert Roussel (Symphony; 1908)

Us (Film; 2019)

Today’s Name Days

Clemens, Elmar, Klemens, Lea (Austria)

Rosen, Rositsa (Bulgaria)

Lea, Leonarda, Oktavijan (Croatia)

Leona (Czech Republic)

Paulus (Denmark)

Viktor, Viktoria (Estonia)

Vihtori, Viktor (Finland)

Léa (France)

Elmar, Lea, Reinhilde (Germany)

Drosos, Drosoula (Greece)

Beáta, Izolda (Hungary)

Benevenuto, Caterina, Lavinia, Lea, Muzio, Onofrio, Nilda, Nilde (Italy)

Dziedra, Giedra, Ralfs, Tamāra (Latvia)

Gedgaudas, Gedgaudė, Kotryna (Lithuania)

Paula, Pauline (Norway)

Bazylissa, Bogusław, Godzisław, Katarzyna, Kazimierz, Paweł (Poland)

Drosida, Vasile (Romania)

Beňadik (Slovakia)

Bienvenido, Lea (Spain)

Kennet, Kent, Viktor (Sweden)

Lea, Leah, Lee, Leigh, Leighton, Parker (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 82 of 2024; 284 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 12 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Fearn (Alder) [Day 6 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Ding-Mao), Day 13 (Yi-You)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025)

Hebrew: 12 Adair II 5784

Islamic: 12 Ramadan 1445

J Cal: 22 Green; Oneday [21 of 30]

Julian: 9 March 2024

Moon: 94%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 26 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Clement of Alexandria]

Runic Half Month: Beore (Birch Tree) [Day 13 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 4 of 92)

Week: 3rd Week of March

Zodiac: Aries (Day 2 of 31)

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

Batman: A Means to an End

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/Hhvw2ip by Heathercheryl The Batman Strikes! After a few months of operating in the shadows, a horrific crime forces Batman into the spotlight. Now it's a race against time as Batman and the GCPD search for answers, the twist? If the GCPD solves it first, Batman's identity will be revealed to the masses. Batman will have to try and juggle his detective work, and his social life, which a mysterious villain is threatening. One thing is sure: things in Gotham will never be the same...   This is a relatively low-tech Batman set in his universe. I will branch out with more DC stories set on this same Earth, so stick around! Words: 2187, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Batman (Comics), Batman - All Media Types, DCU (Comics) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Characters: Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Silver St. Cloud, James Gordon Jr., Barbara Gordon, Jim Gordon, Ellen Yin, Harvey Bullock, Aunt Harriet, Lucius Fox, Zatanna Zatara, Giovanni "John" Zatara, Renee Montoya, Bella Reál, Oswald Cobblepot, Elaine Marsh-Morton, Edward Nygma, Basil Karlo, David Cain, Hamilton Hill, Peyton Riley, Roman Sionis, Ra's al Ghul, Talia al Ghul, Charise Carnes, Bridgit Pike, Lazlo Valentin, Vicki Vale, Cat Grant, Salvatore Maroni, Jason Bard, Peter Grogan, Gillian B. Loeb, Mackenzie Bock, Maggie Sawyer, Michael Akins, Clancy O'Hara, Crispus Allen, Natalia Knight, Sandra Woosan, Una Nemo Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Bruce Wayne is Batman, Good Parent Alfred Pennyworth, Gotham City is Terrible, Gotham City Police Department, Location: Gotham City (DCU), Jewish Bruce Wayne, Canon Jewish Character, Trans Character, LGBTQ Themes, Canon LGBTQ Character, Bruce Wayne Needs a Hug, Bruce Wayne-centric, Long-Suffering Jim Gordon, DC Comics References, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Feelings, Alternate Universe - Dark, Dark, Blood and Violence, Canon-Typical Violence, Blood and Gore, Blood and Injury, Detective Noir, Murder Mystery, Gothic, Tom King burned my house to the ground :(, Classic outfit Batman, Childhood Trauma, Heavy Angst, Angst read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/Hhvw2ip

[forwheniamweak]

100AD "...but those who were sent to Alexandria as interpreters, gave him only the books of the law, while there were a vast number of other matters in our sacred books. They, indeed, contain in them the history of five thousand years;..."Josephus Antiquities of the Jews Book 1 preface par 3

200AD "All the years from the creation of the world amount to a total of 5698 years, and the odd months and days." Theophilus to Autolycus book 3 ch 28

236AD "Since, then, in six days God made all things, it follows that 6,000 years must be fulfilled" Hipplytus Extant Works and Fragments Exegetical Interpetation of the visions of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar

254AD "After these statements, Celsus, from a secret desire to cast discredit upon the Mosaic account of the creation, which teaches that the world is not yet ten thousand years old, but very much under that, while concealing his wish, intimates his agreement with those who hold that the world is uncreated." Origen Against Celsus book 1

300AD "For when a thousand years are reckoned as one day in the sight of God, and from the creation of the world to His rest is six days "Methodius Extracts From the Work on Things Created par 9

350AD"Therefore, since all the works of God were completed in six days, the world must continue in its present state through six ages, that is, six thousand years." Lactantius Divine Institutes book 7

373AD "Although both the light and the clouds were created in the twinkling of an eye, still both the day and the night of the First Day continued for twelve hours each" (Commentary on Genesis 1, p. 287).Regarding the First Day of creation "No one should think that the Creation of Six Days is an allegory; it is likewise impermissible to say that what seems, according to the account, to have been created in six days, was created in a single instant," St. Ephraim the Syrian Commentary on Genesis I

379AD "(Some) have attempted by false arguments and allegorical interpretations to bestow on the Scripture a dignity of their own imagining. But theirs is the attitude of one who considers himself wiser than the revelations of the Spirit and introduces his own ideas in pretence of an explanation. Therefore, let it be understood as it has been written. St. Basil the Great, Hexaemeron 9:1, pp. 135-36

395AD "Moses, I say, who was born some thousands of years after the Creation of the world" Gregory of Nyssa Answer to Eunomius’ Second Book

397AD "At this command the waters immediately poured forth their offspring. The rivers were in labor. The lakes produced their quota of life. The sea itself began to bear all manner of reptiles...We are unable to record the multiplicity of the names of all those species which by Divine command were brought to life in a moment of time. At the same instant substantial form and the principle of life were drought brought into existence...The whale, as well as the frog, came into existence at the same time by the same creative power (5:1, 2, pp. 160-62) He (Moses) did not look forward to a late and leisurely creation of the word out of a concourse of atoms (1:2, pp. 5, 7). And fittingly (Moses) added: He created, lest it be thought there was a delay in creation. Furthermore, men would see also how incomparable the Creator was Who completed such a work in the briefest moment of His creative act, so much so that the effect of His will anticipated the perception of time (Ibid., 1:5, p.8). The Church Fathers were unanimous in asserting God creates immediately and instantaneously, that it is His word which produces all things and is not the property of the waters or earth to bring forth life. St. Ambrose of Milan - Hexaemeron 7:2, p.107

407AD "But the world, though subsisting now five thousand years, and..." John Chrysostom Homily 10 on the Statues par 5

420AD "The world was created by God nearly six thousand years ago,"Sulpitius Severus Sacred History book 1 ch 2

430AD "Unbelievers are also deceived by false documents which ascribe to history many thousand years, although we can calculate from Sacred Scripture that not 6,000 years have passed since the creation of man." Augustine City of God Book 12 ch 10

YEC is not the default or historic christian view and is actually a rather recent doctrinal development

while I doubt that, I also don't care. My opinion is dictated by what's in scripture, not what other people think

[becquereliart]

I'm rereading Swordspoint and listening to Tremontaine for the first time, so here are some of my Riverside doodles from last year. I wish these books were talked about more, I love them so dearly

[house-of-slayterr]

have you ever been thinking of worst ships in Gotham? Canon and not canon. For me personally oswald x zsasz could never happend, love them too much (it's also an open challenge to change my mind hehe). Do you have yours? Who do you think Maggie could never, in a billion years, be together with?

AN: I know you only said Maggie, but I’m on a roll now 😈

Maggie:

Clearly the “friendship” has sailed in many many directions for this girl. But if we’re talking romantic/sexual relationship, there are a few people she wouldn’t work well with.

Got starters, Oswald. Not just for the fact that he’s gay, but I simply don’t think they could ever have anything healthy there. She tolerate Oswald’s Yandre tendencies as a friend, but I don’t think she could handle it if that energy was romantic, let alone sexual. It would get toxic pretty quick.

Edward. Why? Because of the Riddler. For the most part, Maggie has really only interacted with his Ed persona. She’s heard of the Riddler through the others, but they don’t interact much. I don’t think she enjoys that side of him, she thought Ed was perfect and adorable as his little scientist self. In a universe where he never becomes a villain, maybe it could work. But she wouldn’t be able to stomach Riddlers ego and brash comments.

Not the question, but I do think if Ivy and her were introduced in a better way, they could have been a fun couple. I mean they both adore their plants, Maggie is just not willing to sacrifice Gotham for them. (This is also if we just ignore the plot line where Ivy is the same age as Selena because Ew, I’m still mad they did that to us)

Basil, obviously. I mean now we see it has blossomed into a Big Sister, Wise Little Brother sort of thing. But Basil couldn’t give her what she wants, what she needs. At least not without sacrifice on his part and she would NEVER ask that of him. Basil thinks he’s “incapable of love” but he’s just incapable of romantic or sexual love, clearly he has a familial and platonic love style. She’s not opposed to people younger than her, as long as their legal obviously. (For instance since she met Bruce and Selena when they were teens she would never in a million years try to justify anything after they turned 18. That’s just gross, and she was groomed as a kid so she would rather die) Maggie loves too passionately and fiercely while Basil is guarded and distant. It just wouldn’t work for either of them.

Theo Galavan. Oh boy, does she fucking hate him at the very least for how he treated Tabitha. Even if she never had relations with the girl, she still would hate how he treats women. Again, he’s Ego is too big for her to handle. I feel like this would be her snapping point in an alternative time line. She would 100% end up killing him and feeling nothing for it. That’s how insane he would make her with his “women belong in the kitchen attitude.” I’ll also tag on Hugo for the same reasons.

Victor Freeze, he’s devoted to his dead wife and she wouldn’t want to feel like second place in someone’s heart. She deserves more than that.

Two more henouable mentions for things that could have been fun. Fish or Carmine. We all know Maggie has daddy issues. She’s thrown herself at Roman Sionis just to help her friends, she would have pulled a Lisa and shared affections for Carmine. Sure it would start out as a “business” thing, but I feel like she’d enjoy his attention. It would be more on the romantic side of things. But with Fish, yeah, no self control. Maggie would think she’s hot as fuck. And she would have slept with her.

Victor:

As far as Victor and Oswald, I’m afraid you’re right. At least romantically they are not compatible. Don’t get me wrong, Victor CAN be romantic, but not in a way that Oswald deserves. Oswald wouldn’t settle for him. Also it would be inappropriate power dynamic, Oswald is his boss. If there were anything there, it would legit at best be a friends with benefits. Victor would see it as a way to blow off steam and “help” his boss out a little.

V:

I shouldn’t have to say it, but all the adult characters are off limits.

I think Martin is a tad younger than the others, so she wouldn’t do anything there either.

So that really only leaves Bruce. And while they make good friends, I don’t even think Bruce would consider her in that way, like he did Selena. I mean Selena is just a trouble street kid, V is a Zsasz. Alfred is tolerating barley of the friendship, that poor man would have a heart attack if Bruce and V started seeing each other. But also, V isn’t interested in boys. So her and Selena are destined to be together 😂, it’s all she’s got.

But, I also don’t think she would work well with Silver St. Cloud. She’s a rich girl, and Theo’s blood. V would resent her so much.

Basil:

Literally anyone. Oh dear god, don’t let this man date you.

Y/N:

Y/N barely works romantically with her husband 😂

But I guess Harvey. She sees him as like and uncle/father figure. Y/N is a weirdo with questionable morals, but family is important to her. She wouldn’t fuck up the good thing they have.

Again, Theo, she would kill him like first day.

I don’t really think Butch or her could ever be in a healthy relationship of any court. She looks down on him. He wouldn’t trust her, it just wouldn’t work out.

But on the flip side, relationships that could be fun are Alfred or Oswald. I know earlier I said the boss employee things is bad, but Y/N likes bad. She clearly cares deeply for the man, as he, her. If Oswald wasn’t gay, I could see them having something there. While inappropriate it would be fun. But with Alfred, she would be treated like a queen. Man’s love language is acts of service and he’s good at some many things. If she wasn’t a villain, I think Alfred could have fallen head over heels for the woman. She’s strong, confident and beautiful and that’s exactly his type.

Tag: @flaysthings @howl-fantasies

[allthingseurope]

St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow 

[haljathefangirlcat]

It was more than desire. There was something almost sacred about it, bright and consuming as the flames of a bonfire.

The Fall of the Kings - Basil St. Cloud/Theron Campion

[dansnaturepictures]

3/9/22-Brown Hairstreak and more at Shipton Bellinger and bits at home 

We had a third visit this summer to Shipton Bellinger today once again coming two weeks after we were last here the place that we saw our first ever Brown Hairstreak last year to see if we could see one. And I am so pleased to say we did see one along a wooded track as the sun came through the cloud well for a minute. We saw another nearby possibly the same one and earlier in the visit in the field we saw one in the hedgerow flying going out of view quickly that was the right shape, size and colour for one we couldn’t quite be sure but I fancy it was one too. An extraordinary butterfly that I was over the moon to see, such an exciting richly marked warm butterfly to see it felt like a late slice of summer bliss in an amazing wild one I have had. Last year we saw our first ever of this species here we didn’t know if we’d emulate it this year and what to expect with that but we have done which feels smashing. It’s my second latest butterfly year tick in a year ever behind my late September first Clouded Yellow of 2018 at Farlington Marshes.

Exactly the same as last year it’s butterfly species number 45 of my year, making my year list my joint highest ever. It’s amazing to have my 2019, 2021 and 2022 tied at the summit of my butterfly year list league table. This year I have had a fantastic year of butterflies getting so many big and precious moments, and I have been so pleased with the numbers of species seen when comparing to my other years many I’m so proud of too at different stages. There were those crucial could-go-either-way as to if we would see species, this being one, and of course a new one for me the Essex Skipper giving me that unique edge over all my previous years as well as every species I saw from that Red Admiral at Backley Bottom in the New Forest on a sunny January day to Brown Hairstreak today that all played their part to help me level my highest ever total for butterflies seen in a year. I feel so happy to have got here, to think there are only three butterfly species I’ve seen in my life that I didn’t see this year and two of them we didn’t really go anywhere we could see them, butterflies have captivated and enriched me this spring and summer again.

It was gonna be our last go at trying to see a Brown Hairstreak here this year no matter what so after the trip today  it was always gonna feel somewhat like the moment our butterfly year is reaching its end with a few sightings of some of the all season ones to come I hope and a few species still out but this is surely the last species we will see this year and it has been a phenomenal butterfly year for me again which I feel so lucky to have had. It’s a unique form of sadness to think it’s not long until you won’t see many or any butterflies anymore given what a big part of your life and a constant they become. We did see other butterflies well today though with a fair few Meadow Browns still about and Small Heath too in the field, with Speckled Wood seen well along the lane too. An interesting black ladybird with red spots which I took the sixth picture in this photoset of, hoverfly and mossy rose galls again after last time I took the fourth picture in this photoset of a pretty looking one were nice sights here today too.

Rose hips, blackberries, some blackthorn sloes what the Brown Hairstreaks like and other berries possibly dogwood were great seasonal sights here today. St. John’s-wort, red bartsia, wild basil, gorgeous viper’s bugloss which I took the first picture in this photoset of, shadows of rosebay willowherb, plantain I believe, melilot and bramble flower were great plants to see here today.

Bird wise a stunning view of a Kestrel and Swallows and House Martins in the sky which I made the most of late in the season of them being here were lovely moments. There were beautiful views here this afternoon which it was nice to see again including great panoramic ones and there was also a pretty sky with nice clouds scenes, broken sometimes as sun came through with it glowing nicely at the edge of the clouds well. I took the second, third, fifth, seventh and eighth pictures in this photoset of views here today. 

At home this morning Robin and Blue Tit were brilliant birds to see in the garden, with sunflower, borage, possible cress, roses, sedum, black-eyed Susan, fuchsia and hebe enjoyable to see in the back garden. It was good to see nice yellow flowers on the way to and home from Shipton Bellinger today on road sides. I had a great session of watching and photographing birds out the front when home this evening, seeing masses of Starlings, Goldfinch, House Sparrows and Collared Dove come onto the balcony to feed with the unique sight of a Magpie on a street light I do like looking at and photographing birds on street lights. I took the final two pictures in this photoset of House Sparrows and the Magpie. There were some interesting sky scenes tonight with nice layered clouds at dusk. I enjoyed seeing a pretty Small Blood-vein on a cupboard in the kitchen tonight, following the recent Blood-vein it was nice to contrast it. I recognised this Small Blood-vein straight away as one of the first moths I liked having in when I got interested in them a lot again was a Small Blood-vein I had in my room in 2018 over the summer. Another one where the date of this in 2018 is a recent one - 30th August - and it stayed around for a few days that one so its a similar time of year to seeing this one. 

Wildlife Sightings Summary for Shipton Bellinger: My first Brown Hairstreak of the year, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Speckled Wood, I seem to recall Small White butterfly too, Swallow, House Martin, Carrion Crow or may have been Rook I didn’t quite see enough of it to confirm, Kestrel, the ladybird, possible flies and hoverfly.

[lostmousemaid]

Return to St. Ninian’s

A Redwall fanfiction by Lost Mousemaid

Approx. 2,500 words

****** ****** ******

The multitude of freed slaves and rescuers had spent the duration of the day traveling north toward Redwall Abbey, but Matthias knew they would still be unable to make it to his home by nightfall. Matthias and Orlando discussed briefly whether to travel until they reached the Abbey later in the night, but Matthias decided against it.

“We should rest and return home first thing in the morning. There will be a great deal of excitement once we return, so we should all at least have had enough sleep.” Matthias smiled at Mattimeo and placed a paw on his shoulder. He found himself doing this often since they were reunited in Malkariss.

Orlando looked behind him at the creatures following in their wake. The woodlanders appeared much healthier since their rescue, but still they were thin and weary. Every meal he had shared with his daughter he had scooped an extra portion to her while she was glancing away. Still, she was much thinner than when they had shared their home in the mountains. “You make a fine point, warrior. I’m sure we will all enjoy the food from your legendary tables when we arrive in the morning.”

Matthias called to the woodlanders behind them, “My friends! We will travel north a while longer. When we reach the old church of St. Ninian’s we will settle there for the night. The building is running down, but it may be nice to have a roof over our heads tonight. We will return to my home Redwall in the morning, and you are all welcome to call Redwall home too.”

A cheer rose from the creatures at the knowledge that their journey would soon end. Elmtail and Sam spun in circles with excitement. Sam called to his new friend to climb a nearby tree with him to see if they could spot the Abbey from a distance. Jess smiled fondly at the pair as they scurried off the path and rushed up a nearby oak tree, their chattering fading into the foliage above them.

Matthias had seen Mattimeo’s carefree expression change upon mention of St. Ninian’s, but he did not press him at that moment. He motioned to Orlando to give him some space, and the warrior mouse pulled ahead of the group, knowing his son would follow his pace.

Once they were out of range and could not be heard by those behind them, Matthias asked, "What’s the matter, Matti?”

Mattimeo opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it firmly. He looked back over his shoulder at Cynthia, who was walking beside Cheek. The two had become fast friends. Cynthia enjoyed his lighthearted mischief and found comfort in his company.

Not so long ago, not so far from this place, Tess had chided Mattimeo for his ill treatment of the young vole. Although he was not much older, he had been careful with the way he spoke to others and expressed his emotions and intended to stay on his best behavior, just as he had promised. He looked up at his father with a weak smile. “I’m fine. I’m just concerned for my friends. That morning after the feast, that is where they kept us. St. Ninian's. I don’t know if they would want to go back.”

Matthias felt a lump form in his throat. St. Ninian's had been crumbling into decay even when he was young, but once it had been the comfortable home to his friends the churchmice before it has been overrun by Cluny and his rats. It had not occurred to him that Slagar would have held the young ones in the church before continuing south. He wondered at the strength of the Churchmouse twins who had been born there and once called the church home. Even now they were laughing between themselves as they listened to Basil exaggerate the story of adopting the name Stag Hare. Matthias might have enjoyed a laugh too, as the story was much more elaborate than when he had met the retired foot fighter many seasons before, but he was not in the mood for laughter.

The warrior mouse was surprised that his grief for Slagar's scheme had not waned, even though Mattimeo was back safely in his company. He was aware that his son was trying his best to follow his example, but Matthias knew his young one: Mattimeo did not want to go back to the church.

“Where would you think your friends would like to sleep tonight?” the warrior asked quietly.

All around them was the peace of Mossflower woods. Moths had begun their lazy flight in the warm autumn air and crickets chirped their afternoon song in the distance. Mattimeo’s eyes wandered over the scenery before him.

“Why don’t we camp in the grass beside the road again? It hasn’t rained and the ground is dry. It’s warm too, after today.”

“That sounds like a splendid idea to me. You should ask our friends what they think.”

Mattimeo turned on one paw and made his way back to where Auma and Orlando were strolling quietly with one another. “Orlando, Auma, what do you think about—”

Walking quickly up behind him, Matthias cut him short. “No, Matti—ask everyone.”

Confusion crossed the young mouse's face for a moment. “But dad, you’re in charge.”

Matthias placed his paws firmly on Mattimeo shoulders and slowly turned him toward the crowd. “Not tonight, Mattimeo.”

…

The freed slaves relished at the idea of resting under the bright stars instead of the confines of a ruin. Suddenly, they all fell into their nightly routine. Jess led a group of the squirrels and otters in search of ingredients for their evening meal while others prepared the clearing for their night’s rest.

Tess ran up to Mattimeo and grabbed his paw. “Come on, Matti, let’s find some firewood. Orlando says he’s making a wild vegetable soup tonight!”

Basil watched the two mice run off together and nudged Matthias gently. “Did you notice, old chap? He hasn’t let go of her paw yet.”

Matthias could not help but laugh at his old friend. “Don’t get started, Basil. Don’t do to him what you did to me and Cornflower.”

Basil’s ears stood straight up in indignation. “What! Me? I say, sah, I never once made a comment regarding you and your goodwife.”

“As I recall,” Matthias taunted as he began assembling a fire pit, “You said something to Cornflower about being a 'pretty little filly' who anyone would be lucky to settle down with. You said it pointedly to someone. I wonder who that was, again?”

“You, of course,” the hare chuckled. “I bet you’re as anxious as a beetle in a bottle to get young Matti back to his mother.”

Matthias nodded sagely. “I’m just as anxious to get back to her, myself.”

…

Orlando’s cooking was as good as Auma had said it was earlier that summer. The young badger wrapped her paws around her father’s forearm. “I told them that it’s our secret that you can cook, dad, but I guess everyone knows now.”

“As long as everyone is fed and no longer hungry, they can say whatever they’d like about my cooking to anybeast.” Orlando wrapped his cloak around his daughter's shoulders. “But now, it’s time for rest.”

Slowly the weary travelers settled down for the night. Moment by moment, the increasing sounds of soft, deep breathing and loud, raucous snores filled the air. Mattimeo had laid down near his father but sleep evaded him and he rolled about restlessly. When he opened his eyes, he saw his father lying on his back, wide awake and staring at the quarter moon.

Mattimeo sat up and looked skyward with him. The moon hung luxuriously in the velvety darkness surrounded by wisps of clouds.

Careful not to wake any nearby creature, Matthias whispered, “Are you having trouble sleeping, Matti?”

Not taking his eyes from the sky above him, Mattimeo nodded.

The warrior stood and held a paw out to his son. “I can’t either. Let's go for a walk.”

…

The warriors walked silently side by side further north along the road. When St. Ninian's came into view, Mattimeo stopped suddenly and made to turn around until his father’s voice stopped him.

“Do you remember when you were young? When you couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t either. We would stay awake all night in the gatehouse. We would play games, and I would tell you stories, and most importantly—we would talk to each other, Mattimeo.”

The young mouse turned slowly back toward his father and kicked languidly at the dirt of the path. Matthias did not know why he was struggling to begin this conversation, but he knew he could not postpone speaking honestly to his son any longer.

"When did we stop talking to each other? I've always loved you. I want to know—I need to know—why? I don't want to go home without knowing that I'm the best father I can be to you, Matti."

Mattimeo looked at his father's expression. For the first time in many seasons, he felt he could speak sincerely. The words burned his throat, but he began to speak. "I don’t know what happened, dad, I don’t. One day I just—” He pinched the bridge of his nose, desperate the stop the tears from welling in his eyes. “One day I didn’t feel like I could tell you the truth anymore. I felt like everything I said was wrong, like I couldn’t do anything right and I would never be a warrior because I couldn’t be like you.” Mattimeo turned toward the darkness of the woodlands while fidgeting nervously with his paws. “I started talking to Martin instead."

The words broke Matthias's heart. He saw so much of himself in his son. He remembered how he felt sitting dejected under Martin's tapestry while Abbot Mortimer lectured him on his deepest emotions, telling him that the days of warriors had long passed. He wanted to encourage his son to speak further, instead of silencing his passions. “You talk to Martin?”

Mattimeo began casually walking forward again. “Yeah, I mean—not always. But for a long time I have. Whenever I was alone in Great Hall I would feel his presence there and I would talk to him. Now I talk to him no matter where I am.” He paused. “You must think that’s strange.”

“No, Mattimeo. I talk to Martin, too. I have since I was young.”

Mattimeo turned back toward his father, a look of awe on his face. “You did?”

Matthias smiled as he saw the spark of admiration in his son’s eyes.

“I still do.”

Mattimeo suddenly increased his pace toward St. Ninian's. Matthias followed behind, careful not to interrupt his son’s lead.

Upon reaching the church, Mattimeo pushed the doors ajar to allow the moonlight to flow into the lobby. He stood silently inside the entrance until his father stopped beside him. The inside of the building was dark, with crumbling architecture illuminated by the light streaming from the door. Even with the fresh air from the woodlands blowing in, the two mice could smell the molding books and rotting wooden furniture from where they stood, along with other smells more abhorrent to imagine. The glum reverie was only broken by the hushed breathing of the two mice until Matthias spoke solemnly.

“Mattimeo—I will not ask you to tell me anything you want to keep to yourself, but if you want to tell me something, I am here to listen to you.”

His son pointed to the far wall that was completely shrouded in darkness. “There. The fox chained us there.” His paw dropped back and his side. Matthias heard his son's voice break.

It made Matthias sick to his stomach to see the place where his son had woken in a stupor after the midsummer feast only to find that his life was forever changed. Although the fox was defeated, Matthias felt rage building in him anew.

“I didn’t want to come back here because I didn’t want to see it again," Mattimeo whispered.

Fighting the image of the harlequin mask from his mind, Matthias brought his thoughts back to his son, who was standing beside him, free and safe. “Why did you?”

“Because, dad, I want to be as strong as you are and not be scared of anything.”

Matthias stepped in front of his son and looked earnestly into the young mouse’s eyes. “Can I tell you a secret, Mattimeo?”

The seasoned warrior waited for his young son to nod in approval before continuing. “I am scared of many things, Matti. I was scared of Asmodeus. I was scared of Cluny. I was scared of losing friends that I have lost. And mostly, I was scared of ever losing you.”

He took a deep breath, ignoring the images swirling in the darkness around him. He knew they were figments in his mind. “The moment John told us you were gone was the most scared I have ever been in my life, and the most disappointed and angry I have ever been in myself. Matti, it is not wrong to feel these things, and it’s alright to be honest with those close around you who can help you. And even if you defeat your enemy, sometimes that still isn’t enough to take that fear away.”

Mattimeo had never seen his father so vulnerable. He swallowed, struggling to bring forth words. “What do you mean, dad?”

“I barely had the courage to walk into the bell tower again after the battle with Cluny. Just the memory made my heart race, but they named a bell after me so I felt a responsibility to be there when they hung it. It was difficult for me, and as far as I know no one knew how hard it was for me to be there, except your mother. Sometimes even the memory of fear is enough to open deep wounds. If you fear the memory of Slagar, or of this place, there is no shame in that. You are a stronger mouse than I am to walk here on your own.”

Mattimeo stared into the darkness, his eyes unable to focus as they watered. Matthias continued. “There is a very heavy burden with being a warrior, and I'm sorry you have to bear it. Many of our closest friends do not have the fortune to return home with us or celebrate our victories. Many creatures around you expect you to put on a brave face even when you are falling apart in your heart. I truly believe that is a quality in a good leader, to hide how you feel to encourage others—but Matti—you do not have to fall apart alone. Please remember that. If you felt you couldn’t speak to me before, I want you to know that you can. I never wanted you to feel as alone as I did when I was becoming a warrior.”

Mattimeo’s jaw began to tremble, and Matthias wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close.

“There is more than one way to be a warrior, son. I need you to see that because you are one, too.”