#but like including an eclipse card in

[squisheebugdoodles]

The Eclipse:

Upright: confusion, lack of direction, stagnation, uncertainty, upheaval, change

Reversed: clarity, moving forward, understanding and decisiveness, the momentary and transient

This new major arcana card would go between the moon and sun cards in a standard tarot deck!

revenge on @dovesick !!!

[kiwisluv]

jude bellingham blurb - barca vs psg

reader x bf!jude

set during the barca vs psg leg 2 champions league match

1.4k words - i guess not really a blurb at this point😭 also not proofread soz xx

You and your best friend were sat in the tv lounge at your uni, watching the Barcelona vs PSG game since you had downtime between classes. A little bit into the first half, a group of three boys had come by to ask if they could watch the game with you two, and you obliged, figuring it wouldn't do any harm.

By the time the second half started, you and your friend were regretting your mistake. The three boys were yapping about the game the entire time, which wouldn't have been terrible if it wasn't so obvious that they were trying to flex their "superior" knowledge about footy. The two of you just kept to yourself, making a quiet comment to each other about the game here and there, but you couldn't help but make eye contact every time one of the men confidently remarked about the game, only to be making an incorrect statement. It was almost laughable the amount of times they had messed up; when their fourth friend came at halftime, one of the men loudly went, "Bro, PSG just got a red card then scored on the penalty kick." You couldn't even wrap your head around how the boy could've mistaken what he was watching THAT badly. At one point, you could barely hold back your giggles as your best friend tweeted, "Barcelona fans are the type of people to stare straight into the sun during the solar eclipse."

You had also been texting Jude throughout the game, knowing he couldn't talk right now because the team was prepping for tomorrow, but still sending him your commentary like you always did for him to read later. This included texts like "RED CARDDDDD THIS IS PEAK COMEDY FROM BARCA" and "XAVI GETTING SENT OFF I'M DYINGGGGG!!!!!!" It's safe to say that you were happy to see the downfall of Jude's rival club. At one point early in the second half, you saw the photos of Jude from his press conference and showed your friend excitedly, raving about how fit he was, and laughing at one of the videos of him trying to understand a Spanish interviewer. When they boys caught notice of this, they side eyed each other, assuming that you were just some girls who didn't even care about football and just watched for the fit guys. This got them chatting even louder, reallyyy trying to show off their ball knowledge now. Because of your mention of Jude, they started talking about tomorrow's games and proceeded to rant about how City was gonna blow out Madrid. This struck a nerve in you but you decided to bite your tongue and just focus on the game and your friend instead of biting at their bait.

After Mbappe's second goal, you were absolutely raving, texting Jude something along the lines of "KYKYYYYYYYY." You cheered with your friend as the boys sulked further into their chairs, obviously unhappy with the scoreline. "I love my man, but Kyks..." you joked to your friend as you watched PSG celebrating all over the screen. "Can't wait for you to come to Madrid baby," you joking said to the TV screen, your friend giggling at your ridiculousness. This fit was interrupted, though, as your phone started buzzing and Jude's contact picture (a quite unflattering photo of him sleeping) filled your phone. Your heart instinctually swelled at the thought of speaking to your boyfriend, and you quickly answered the call. "Please tell me you just saw that goal," you said as soon as Jude's face filled the screen. It looked as if he was done with training and sitting in the team's makeshift common area. You could hear some of his teammates messing around in the background and even saw Cama passing by in the background.

"Well hello to you too," Jude said jokingly. You rolled your eyes at his sassiness, choosing to ignore this comment and ask if he was watching the game.

Unbeknownst to you, the four boys sat in the room with you were absolutely flabbergasted. They were looking at each other with the widest eyes, unable to believe what they were hearing. Your friend saw this, biting back her smirk at their reaction. "Hiya Jude," she greeted, peaking her head into the frame to say hi to your boyfriend, who she was also quite close with.

"Hi!" he smiled back with a wave to the camera. "And yes, I'm watching the game. We just got done with training."

"We watched some of your press conference earlier. It was alright," you joked to the man. This time it was his turn to roll his eyes. "Kidding, of course. You looked sexy," you said with an overdramatic wink. You couldn't hold back your laughter at the silly remark. "But for real, your answers were perfect. You actually sounded very competent and not nearly as cocky as you actually are."

"Wow. Thanks for that," he said in fake annoyance.

"I've already got screenshots of it in my camera roll."

"You're a creep," he deadpanned. "I can't believe my girlfriend is a groupie."

This had you gasping, holding your hand to your heart as you feigned offence. "Alright, goodbye now Jude." You pretended to go to hang up the phone but were cut off by Jude going "No no no no!"

After that little fit, he asked you about how your day was, how your assignments were going, etc. He even asked your friend about how her date was last night, surprising you that he even remembered about that. She took the phone from you to debrief your boyfriend about her night, telling him the story of the crazy guy she'd had dinner with. As the two chatted away, you watched the last few minutes of the game, feeling warm inside at how happy you were with Jude and how happy you were that he got along with your friends so well.

However, your thoughts were interrupted by the four boys, who had stood up and walked over to you. You looked at them puzzled, having a hunch about what they wanted. "Hey, um, we were just wondering..." one of the boys started, obviously nervous about whatever he was going to say. At this point, you knew what they wanted, and you couldn't believe the nerve they had after slagging off Madrid mere minutes ago.

"If you could say hi to Jude?" you finished the question for him. They sheepishly nodded, one of the others adding, "We're big fans."

You held back your eye roll at that last statement, taking the phone from your friend and turning it so that the boys could see Jude and vice versa. "Jude, these are the guys that were just chatting all about how City's gonna win tomorrow." You couldn't see your boyfriend's face, but you imagined him raising his eyebrows at this statement. You and your friend laughed at how caught off guard the boys were by your statement. They looked panicked, all four of them standing with their mouths hung open but not saying anything.

"Oof," Jude shook his head on the screen. "Don't say that around y/n. She'll have your necks for talking down on Madrid."

At this, the frontmost of the boys scratched his neck and laughed nervously. "Um, we didn't mean it like that...we were just, um, talking about the odds and stuff..." he tried to scrap up a pathetic excuse.

"What team do you lads support?" Jude asked.

The four looked at each other as if they were unsure of whether to tell the truth or not. "Barca..." one ended up saying quietly. His friend widened his eyes at this, quickly adding on, "But we think you're class! You've been mental to watch this season."

"Thanks, mate. I'll have to tell the Barca lads even their fans are supporting Madrid this season! No wonder with the state of this game." At this, you brought your phone back to face you, giving the boys a look as to say, Okay, you can go now. You almost felt a little bad for embarrassing them but then remembered how annoying they were during the game and didn't regret a thing. "You're brutal," Jude said, shaking his head at your antics.

"They were annoying," you replied with a shrug. "I think I have to go to class now. I'll call you before our train to Manchester leaves tonight."

He smiled widely at this, ecstatic that he would get to see you after his game tomorrow. "Okay. I can't wait to see you. You too (y/bsf/n)!"

"Yeah, yeah. Me too. I love you, bye!"

"Love you, too." he smiled brightly before hanging up the phone.

-

[felassan]

Photos of the Dragon Age OST vinyl booklet artwork have appeared online [source]. they were posted over on Reddit in the same thread/by the same user as the post with D'Read Koda in it (Reddit user LegendeRRisCZ17), in an update to said post.

for context, this is what we had seen previously of these art pieces, with the images being skewed and only some being in view. Twitter user Kiranox (@/veranox) was able to do some cool photo manipulation and unskew the skewed ones, but there were still images we hadn't been able to even see to try to unskew in the first place. [previous posts on these art pieces and the vinyl art in general including the cover dragon pieces, so that I'm not repeating myself supermuch in this post more than I am already: one, two, three, four]

in a previous post I wondered,

perhaps there are two pages for each PC/main game - HoF & DA:O (hence the Warden image on page 1), Hawke & DAII, and the Inquisitor & DA:I (hence the Solas Hermit symbols on page 6)? since this 'booklet’ comes with the vinyl, and the vinyl contains music from all 3 past main games

and it seems this may be the case, as here we can see:

left: Grey Warden imagery - griffon, Joining Chalice with darkspawn blood drop, sword. calls to mind sigils/heraldry of the Grey Wardens. right: this pattern resembles the map of the Fade in DA:O. - the Hero of Ferelden & Dragon Age: Origins.

left: A diving bird, bearing a resemblance to Hawke’s tarot card in DA:I. In the background the sigil looks like Kirkwall heraldry. right: this pattern brings to mind the ‘companion grid’ from Varric's book in the interrogation scenes in Dragon Age II. - the Champion of Kirkwall & Dragon Age II.

left: the iconic Inquisitor helmet, the Inquisition hairy eyeball symbol, sword. right: the 'four circles' pattern looks similar to the pattern on Solas’ Hermit Tarot card. (and in the middle is the sense once again of an eclipse - in the very center, a sun-like shape/representation of the sun. and behind that, two overlapping spheres/two shadowed spheres. like we've seen in the in-game cinematic and elsewhere) - the Inquisitor and Dragon Age: Inquisition.

as for the shattering eluvian image (and the two images of dragons from the covers), I talked about them here and here so I won't repeat myself. but I guess this one represents some of the story of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. makes sense, there's a disc of DA:O music, a disc of DAII music, a disc of DA:I music, and then on the last disc it's bonus dlc tracks and bard songs from DA:I, but the last one is the one with D'Read Koda, so functionally it could be seen as a 'DA:D disc'.

the images also confirm what was written in the Reddit post before about Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe and the track called D'Read Koda.

[credit and source link: Reddit user LegendeRRisCZ17, link, via]

[vitaminseetarot]

Lenormand PAC: Messages From the Eclipsed Sun 🔆🌑😎

Sup y'all. Welcome to my lil end-of-March reading! Thank you for voting in the polls for April's next PAC topic for the 1 year special, which will be coming up next. Also thank you very, very much once again for participating in my 2nd tarot game! I'm still answering feedback and I'm glad so many of you enjoyed it as I did. I'm looking forward to the next game in summer (possibly a Midsummer game? 🧚‍♀️🐈🎶☀)

I was shuffling my Alchemy Elements deck and noticed that three random cards I pulled out were from the Sun suit (the four suits in this oracle are Moon, Sun, Star, and Earth). I had no topic in mind, so I allowed different mystery messages to come through. These light messages will be relevant to you as you pass through the new moon solar eclipse and all through the next lunar month.

Pick which one of the three sun cards resonates with you:

Flower 💐 Animal 🐎 River 🌊

Pile 1. Flower 💐

Gratitude, Bird of Paradise, Knowledge; Mountain, Astral Travel, Tower, Promise, Garden

The world outside is calling you, pile 1. You can't smell the roses blooming if you keep containing yourself under the roof. The beautiful days want you to explore and wander like a child discovering nature for the first time. Perhaps there are flowers you've never seen up close, maybe it's been a while since nature gave you new things to learn and marvel. Botanical gardens are filled with surprises, as are concrete cracks in the city.

Your hands seem too easily tied up in the working world, fulfilling task after task as if every day was meant to be the same. I see a person staring outside their cubicle, wondering when they'll find the time to make it to the park. Wondering when they'll be able to go to that fair, or practice surf lessons. Wondering, hoping, dreaming of the day when the walls can come down, and there will be no separation between daily life and the life filled with endless creative possibilities, waiting to be picked and weaved into crowns.

The path is neither just up ahead, nor light years away; it's right in front of you now. Accept the moment you find yourself in, even if it's impossible, because the surprises you are looking for are already surrounding you. It may feel like you have to climb far to see any hope of change, but you're asked to find stillness and beauty hidden within the climb. Even if you're not wandering through a field of wildflowers yet, there may be chance blossoms within your reach. Be thankful for the present peace you find. Ivy wraps around ivory walls; nature will find a way to you.

Wherever you intend to go, you may need to leave behind the opinions of others that don't help or encourage you. Let them have their perspectives, for they have their own paths to walk. You have yours waiting just outside the door. The light outside may overwhelm you, but it beckons you to appreciate what it has in store for you. So much more awaits you. But what you have today is just as beautiful.

Pile 2. Animal 🐎

Balance, Lenten Rose, Insight; Letter, Mirage, Heart, Bouquet, Moon

I hope the sun brings you brighter days, pile 2. There are friends (including animal friends!) who want to bask under the warm luminous skies with you. This time encourage us to stretch our arms out, walk with an extra skip, and enjoy what tomorrow has in store. However, there is anxiety keeping you held in, preventing you from racing ahead. You are being called to expand, move your body, and find ways to embrace joyful freedom more.

Before email and mail trucks were a thing, we had pony mail, which could take weeks to arrive to your mailbox. The information you're receiving doesn't match up to the reality you're soon living in. By the time you're reading the newspaper you have, another one will be on its way, contradicting the one in your hands. Reading over and over can help us feel ready to take on the world, but does it? Or is it keeping you in a loop of confirming news that confirms the news that conforms to the news you're expecting?

Newsflash: the most important place, the space that occurs before it's recorded in the papers, is the place your attention should focus on. If you can meet up with your friends in person, try hanging out with them outside of chatting online. Allow yourself to experience life alongside someone, to feel the wind in your hair as they drive; if you have a pet, spend an afternoon with them on a long walk. A friendly person who can help you desires connection.

Life is a mix of bright and sunny days, mixed with cloudy and rainy days. There are days to be serious and days to be goofy. There are times to stay at home online and times to go out with others. There are moments to feel sadness and worry, and moments of humor and happiness. Take it easy on yourself, pile 2, and whatever topic has you fixated on it, allow yourself the chance to step outside, walk away, and feel the light of the sun and moon on your face.

Pile 3. River 🌊

Desire, Cyclamen, Reminiscence; Tree, Protection, Animus, Star, Crossroads

It's okay to not know everything about your path ahead, pile 3. You may be figuring things out as you go along, without any set marker. You're being reminded that whatever path you take, things will turn out okay. Many twists and turns can make a long river, but you will be prepared. It's safe to keep moving in the flow with the currents. When the rolling waves seem slow and steady, it's best to ride along with it, for you have more time than you think to row through.

At times you may desire to keep your boat docked, unable to leave the shore and its many amenities. You may look back on what you used to love (or perhaps found addicting) and wish it were easier to wave it away. Don't be afraid to take souvenirs with you, to remind you of the good times you had. It'll make the transition smoother for when it's time to depart to your next destination. Big changes often require carrying things lightly.

Your north star is shining its beacon out to you. To find it, you must make it; to make it, you must find it. You must set your course by getting clear on where you most want to go. No one else can make this choice for you, for it's your unique trip. The map is with you, provided to you by years of experience and growth. There may be many different distractions, and it's okay to stop to them first just to explore instead of making it to the end goal right away. It's all part of your grand adventure, and the many secrets and surprises make it all the more exciting..

When there's a wish, there's a way. You have the drive within you to set sail towards your greatest yearning in life. Even if it doesn't seem it, you are able to channel the bravery and passion from within. When the skies are dark and you cannot navigate with the stars, you can look to the light beaming out from your soul to find your own way.

This reading has not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or infection. Please ask your physician before going online.

2024, @VitaminseeTarot ™

[justfangirlstuffs]

A Tear is Only Water

A drabble based off of @scarredlove 's Sea Slug AU boys. This mostly ended up as more of a starter piece, but I hope you enjoy it all the same. ^^ Word count: 2020

“It's here! I can't believe it's actually here!”

It took all your self control not to shred through the cardboard and tape in your excitement to open the package that had arrived on your doorstep early that morning. You were absolutely over the moon. Months ago you had entered in a limited sweepstakes hosted by Fazbear corporations, and you won. You'd spent weeks waiting for your prize to arrive, and it was finally here!

Digging through the foam peanuts you pulled out a box with a card that read: CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE THE THE PROUD OWNER OF VERY LIMITED EDITION SUN AND MOON SEA SLUGS. SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT ECLIPSE SEA SLUG ALSO INCLUDED. JUST SET UP YOUR AQUARIUM HABITAT, ADD DEHYDRATED EGGS, AND WATCH YOUR NEW FRIENDS HATCH AND GROW.

Following all of that hype were a bunch of instructions as well as warnings, but you skimmed over those latter bits. You already had your tank set up and ready in your bedroom in preparation of their arrival. After reading over the instructions to make sure you didn't mess up, you pulled out the little baggies holding small eggs. One was bright glittering yellow, one was a soft, shimmering blue, and the other was a deep glistening black. They were so tiny you were scared to accidentally break them. With the utmost care, you shook them one by one out of their bags. They fell into the water with a soft 'plip' noise before sinking to the bottom of the aquarium tank.

You sat there for hours, waiting for those eggs to hatch. Well... the instructions did say it might take a while. But you didn't want to miss it. So, you sat and waited... and waited... and...

It was dark when you next opened your eyes. You'd fallen asleep at your desk and now it was the middle of the night. You shot up in a panic fumbling in the dark for the aquarium light. You flicked it on, lightning up the water inside as shimmers of refracted and reflected light danced overhead. A gasp left your throat. One of the eggs, the yellow one, was partially split open. You watched in awe as, slowly, like a flower in bloom, folds of shimmering yellow and red emerged, fluttering open like petals.

The most shocking part, however, was the sea slug had a face. Wide round opalescence pale eyes on a round face surrounded by frills reminiscent of a sun. “Hey there, little guy,” you murmured in greeting. “I'm you're new friend.”

The little baby slug Sun swam about, exploring its surroundings. Was it male or female? Or neither? Well, for simplicity's sake, you would think of it as 'he'. You lightly touched your finger to the glass, waiting to see if Sun responded. He seemed to consider you for a while before he fluttered up and brushed against the transparent barrier.

“Nice to meet you, Sun,” you spoke softly. “Oh!”

The blue egg began to twitch and move. This seemed to catch Sun's attentions as well as he swam around the blue egg curiously. The hatching process was much faster as folds of blue and gold almost seemed to tumble over one another in their bid for escape. Like Sun, Moon also had a face, glowing red eyes, and a pair of antennae that seemed to wriggle two and fro as he took in his surroundings. You watched with a wide smile and Sun and Moon became acquainted with one another, circling each other and sizing one another up. At least they didn't seem to be fighting.

“Hello, Moon, this is your brother Sun,” you said. “And I'm you're friend.” Moon looked to you, and immediately fluttered towards you, pressing against the glass as though trying to reach you. How sweet. You softly touched the glass. “Sorry, little buddy, this'll have to do.” You couldn't help but laugh as Moon almost seemed to petulantly flatten himself against the glass like he was trying to meld through it. It was endearing. Sun, meanwhile, was distracted by something else.

“Right...” Your eyes drifted to the last egg which still hadn't budge. “We're still waiting on one more.”

It was wild how they almost seemed to understand you. Moon joined Sun in circling the last egg, occasionally nudging it, as though coaxing the inhabitant inside to wake up. They curled up around the egg, Moon gently caressing it with his antennae. When he tried touching Sun, Sun immediately flitted off in an almost affronted manner. Okay.... so one of your sea slugs functioned on cat rules.

A yawn rose up and you rubbed your eyes. It was late. You should be getting to bed. But, you should at least feed them first. You took out the packet of food provided by Fazcorp and sprinkled a little inside. The flakes drifted down and Sun and Moon were suddenly darting about excitedly, snapping them up with their little mouths. What was even more fascinating, however, was when they took a few flakes and spit them out next the the third egg, like they were trying to encourage the other out with food.

“Come on, Eclipse,” you spoke, pressing both hands against the glass now. “You can do it... come join the family.”

You waited...and waited... then it moved. And it moved again! Your heart pounded in excited and you watched, enraptured, as you witnessed the third birthing of one of your sea slugs. This one was by far the most rapid and spectacular. The shell almost burst apart as there was an explosion of black and gold and red. A third sea slug, larger than the two before it emerged, stretching his frills as though yawning. Eyes of bright gold were set in a face similar to Sun's only with twice as many frills circling the mini visage.

“Wow... big little guy,” you said with a soft chuckle. “Hello, Eclipse.”

The face turned to you, as though acknowledging you, before he was being circled and inspected by Sun and Moon. He moved and fluttered warily at the two strangers.

“Eclipse, these are your brothers, Sun and Moon. I know you're technically the little brother since you hatched last, but since you're the biggest, that means you need to look after them and protect them. Make sure they don't get into any trouble.” You weren't sure if they understood you, but you wanted to believe they did. “And I'll protect all of you, keep you safe and happy. I promise.”

-----

Years later....

You couldn't believe you were actually back. It felt so surreal to be back in your childhood home. After what had happened, you were lucky that your aunt had been willing to put you up at her house for a while. Being back brought up a lot of memories, many of them painful in light of...

It had taken you a while to get settled in, and you still felt like a stranger in the house. Like an intruder. Your aunt was kind, but she was distant and had her own thing going on. Your cousin was a jerk who spent most of his time out with his friends. What friends you had when you were younger had either all moved on or were so busy it was nearly impossible to schedule a meet up.

The plus side was that it was a coastal town, so there was plenty of beach for you to walk on and explore. You wandered around with your camera, snapping pictures of the wildlife and collecting sea shells as you walked over the sandy shores. You spent a lot of your time on the beach, gazing out at the endless expanse of ocean, sometimes wishing you could disappear into it. Like Alice falling down a rabbit hole into Wonderland. You wanted to disappear into something... better. Whatever 'better' was.

Adrift. That was the best way to describe yourself. You were adrift, and you felt like you were sinking. Filling each day with distractions, trying to keep all of the dark, painful, and intrusive thoughts at bay. Just the act of existing had become painful. Waking up, feeding yourself, getting showered and dressed... all basic care needs that you were steadily starting to neglect because they were just... so... hard. You wanted to feel numb. You just wanted to turn off the switch in your brain so that you wouldn't be sad anymore.

As you sat on the sea shore, watching the sun setting on the glittering waters, a crushing loneliness swept in as sure and vicious as a high tide. You didn't have anyone to talk to... and even if you did, you weren't sure you wanted to talk because even talking about things hurt. Talking only seemed to open up the floodgates of a never ending ocean of pain and sadness. Even just thinking about it made you hurt. You let the waves lap around your ankles, caressing your skin with the cool waters.

Your watch beeped, an alarm letting you know it was time to take your meds. You reached into your bag, pulling out a small bottle. You tried to open it, but the lid was being a dick and you struggled with it. Until the bottle slipped and went flying into the receding waters.

“Shit! Nonono!” You dove for the bottle, only for it to disappear under the foamy waters. “No... no, shit, please no...”

You frantically felt around in the water, not caring that your clothes were getting wet and sandy. After several moments of fruitless searching, you slapped at the water in frustration. You couldn't find it. The waves had swept it away. It was a stupid thing to cry over, yet you cried anyway. You cried because you were tired of hurting. You cried because you felt worthless and alone. You cried because you didn't want to be sad anymore. And you cried because it felt like this was it. This was your life. Sadness, and failure, and loneliness.

Your tears mingling with the salty sea water, the waves crashing around you as the setting sun continued to dip low over the ocean, bathing it in glimmering orange and golds. Then, the waves around you began to whisper and bubble and froth. You thought perhaps, maybe you were just imagining things. But no... a fountain of foamy sea water frothed up and from white fluffs of spray... something emerged.

A tall figure swathed in fluttering robes of red and gold. Rays surrounded their face like a halo, and every part of them glistened in the waning sunlight. You could only stare in utter shock and awe. You were dreaming... right? This had to be a dream. The figure turned to you, eyes bright and beautiful, glowing with a strange light. On their exposed chest were two bright red, symmetrical markings that stood out starkly against the yellow. They seemed... familiar somehow, yet you couldn't put your finger exactly as to why. You're pretty certainly you weren't acquainted with any mythical sea monsters.

“There you are,” they murmured.

Their voice, the way they moved as they approached you, was utterly mesmerizing. You could only stare like a gaping fish as they knelt beside you in the churning waters. Their robes swirled and fluttered around you, drifting on the waves as they crashed and receded. Up close, they were even more breath taking, and their smile was as bright and radiant as the sun itself. Long fingers reached out to cradle your face, and you shivered at how soft and cool they were against your warm skin.

“I finally found you,” the voice purred as they pulled you ever closer and you were too stunned, too captivated to resist. You were drowning in those eyes, in that gaze that beheld you like no one else had ever done before. All around you the ocean continued to sing its roaring chorus, and in that brief moment you were utterly at peace. “My precious pearl.”

Then their lips captured yours in a hungry kiss.

[afreakingdork]

Except for a Mouse

RotTMNT Donatello x Reader One-Shot

Tags: Christmas, Christmas Fluff, Mistletoe, Gift Fic, One Shot, Short & Sweet, Aged-Up Mutant Ninja Turtles, Gender-Neutral Reader

Synopsis: Scurrying around, you help your boyfriend as he tries to rekindle the excitement of the gift giving season.

Also Available on Ao3

A Secret Santa gift for dearest @s-s-ironnie

Didgeridoo you are an endless delight and I'm so happy to have met you! I hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy!

The luster of receiving gifts had dulled with age. You tried not to include yourself in that, but it was an unfortunate fact across the board. The whole how to do of the holiday had eclipsed the supposed reason for the season. It was an odd thing; understanding why your elders had been exhausted and spent most of their days lounging while the kids ran around with their new toys. Practicality won out as you got older and with it came a stagnant sense.

“Socks?! Fantastic! Oh, they’re even the boot kind!? That’s great because mine have been wearing on my ankles all season!”

“A new whetstone, this is just what I needed. You even got the right grit. Thanks! I can’t wait to use this with those new tutorial vids I’ve been watching.”

“Can’t have enough floofy soap!”

For Donnie, it was absolute misery. In all the years you had known him, he was a gift giving master. He prided himself on knowing just what to get someone even if it wasn’t something of this world. It was his chance to flex not just his inventions, but seek the validation he so desperately craved. He considered Christmas to be his big sports game and he had enough winning rings to fill a jewelry shop.

Which was why with each consecutive year, as the requests got more mundane and the reactions gentler, he was losing that glint in his eye little by little.

It crushed you.

“A gym membership renewal!?” Donnie pushed his palms into his eye sockets so hard his chair tipped lethally backward. “Nardo wasn’t even joking!”

“Nice to have the expense taken care of…” You mourned beside your partner.

“He has an entire home gym, built by moi, what does he need-!?” Donnie groaned loudly. “The rest are just as bad: ‘that shell wax you make,’ ‘back scratcher,’ ‘gift card to that craft store I like!’” In a swivel, Donnie turned to face you while throttling the arms of his chair. “At least Casey and April chose spirited items! ‘A home defense system to vanquish audacious insects’ and an upgrade to her invisibility cloak. Fine, great, interesting enough, but not inspired! They’ll receive them, but they won’t dazzle! All my intelligence! Wasted!” In another turn that made his seat creak, Donnie threw up dozens of security camera screens filled with footage of his family. “They want not! They came up with objects to appease me!”

“It can be like that…” You dampened now that he was out of sight again.

“What can I do?” He spoke a hopeless rhetorical.

“Spend time with them? Your dad always loves having the kids back home.”

“Something constructive, please.” Donnie griped with a bitterness you knew wasn’t for you.

You finally stood and approached to put a hand on his shoulder.

One of his came up to take it as he continued to glower at the monitors.

“This is what it’s like sometimes.” You leaned in and kissed the side of his head. “The child-like wonder is gone.”

Donnie stayed statuesque and you were about pull away when his grip suddenly seized to a painful degree.

“A-ah!”

“You’re a genius!” In one swift twirl, he was out of his seat and you were up in the air being showered with kisses.

So began operation ‘Help to Make the Season Bright.’ Starting right after October as Halloween was always given its due and with little to do for Thanksgiving as that was Mikey’s territory, Donnie folded you into his plan. You were there to reign him in which you knew to be an integral role.

Never mind the weather, the Hamatos were in for a white Christmas. Donnie had crafted a new-age snow machine after you’d talked him down from one that manipulated the atmosphere. Inspired by a certain famous holiday film, Donnie had acquired gifts from his family's younger days. Having had to talk him down from time travel itself to purchase the items, you then fielded him when it came to decorations. Wanting the lair to take on that magic imbued by children’s eyes, it meant for more decorations than the past.

All counting down to the titular eve, he’d knocked Splinter out with pre-festivity cake and milk and waited for the others to retreat before you were called upon. Together you spent the entire night transforming the space and setting up in a secluded section of the nearby park. Exhausted and without a wink of sleep, you’d roused the group at an agonizing 5am as was past tradition and the day began.

Grouching about the time was quickly overshadowed by wide gleaming eyes. Whispers of how Donnie had done this were brushed past as everyone was whisked outside into a winter wonderland. Donned in coats that exactly replicated ones of their youth, Raph was the first to devolve into water works. The ensuing snowball fight brought out a heat that you hadn’t seen playfully enacted in years and a break with hot chocolate made from a pilfered recipe meant Mikey was the next to weep.  

Worn out bodies were pulled inside, where upon getting their actually requested gifts, Leo stubbornly fought sobbing as he opened a mint version of his first and favorite Jupiter Jim action figure. April fell next with a newly sized version of her Hamato-crested top and Casey turned red in the face after being given validation with a combined plate of cookies and brownies.

Donnie, ever shining in his element, rode the high straight through the day until everyone collectively lost their steam. A turtle pile now with the addition of partners formed and Splinter snored loudly as a fond backdrop. Lingering sentiments meant you couldn’t join in and you had just pulled a pan of green bean casserole out of the oven to cool even though it was debatable whether it’d be eaten warm or at all. Shuffling out of the kitchen, you found Donnie leaning and watching the group and telegraphed your approach with heavier footsteps.

Instead of addressing you, he folded back an arm at the ready.

You tucked yourself into his side and he wrapped you up in the appendage. “You did it.”

“I couldn’t have without you.” He gave his family one last wistful look before bringing glowing adoration down to you.

You smiled where your head was sleepily resting against his plastron.

“One last thing…”

Your lips tugged downward. “The dinner was last…” In a slight shuffle against him, you unearthed your phone along with the list. “Yeah… we marked them all off.” You showed him.

“Oh!” He put on airs as he leaned forward to examine your phone with great feigned interest.

“Donnie…” You pursed your lip.

“Seems there was one missing.” With a tap, your list refreshed and a new item appeared.

☐ First Kiss

“When did you…?” Your head shifted back from the addition. “A kiss? Who’s that for?”

Turning confusion to your partner, you watched as an mechanical arm emerged from his battle shell. Tipping to watch it, there was a bit of green with white dotting tied up in a purple ribbon and just like that you were in your early twenties again.

Shy and at your first Hamato Christmas, you and Donnie had a brand new situationship that had started up at nearly the same time the temperatures had dropped. Nerves had him inviting you along with a flurry of worries over what you were about to be thrust into. Naivety meant you wrongly brushed him off and, it was after unknowingly boarding a rollercoaster, you had snuck away for a breather in the hall. Not second guessing your decision to pursue the purple turtle, but instead having so quickly agreed to meeting his family after what hadn’t even been 30 days, you exhaled and prepared to reenter the foray when he met you.

“There you are.” He caught your visage and softened. “You alright?”

“Yeah… just… you were right.” You gave an awkward laugh.

“I’d usually gloat, but it is a holiday.” He teased.

You chuckled as he came in to grab your hand with what looked like an offer on his lips.

“Boom!” Leo exploded a flurry of limbs into the moment causing the pair of you to back up against the wall. The slider slammed his arm between you both causing you to yelp.

“Nardo!” Donnie growled.

“You’ve been hit by!” Leo dodged a swipe from his brother with a pose.

Donnie leapt at him a second time.

“You’ve been struck by!” Leo avoided the attack a second time with finger to the air.

“Enough!” Donnie squared himself and you knew he was about to go for his weapon.

Leo stopped him with a finger pushed right into the genius’ forehead. “A smooth mistletoe!”

Fleeing with a flurry of giggles, Donnie sat a fuming mass staring after where his brother had gone where you had the wherewithal to turn toward the wall Leo had accosted. There, stuck with far too much duct tape was a sprig of mistletoe, obviously coordinated for this brother based on the color of its ribbon. “Uh… Donnie…” You paled.

“Infuriating! He was just loafing around and now he-!” Donnie spun around, saw the dismay on your face, and then the bit of greenery on the wall. “O-oh…”

“It’s a silly tradition!” You squawked. “Y-You were g-going to say something. I think!?”

“That…” He stepped closer, resuming his earlier position by your side. “… we could sneak away… That I know a good Chinese place…”

“T-that sounds good, we should go!” You went to grab his arm and flee when he steadied you by catching your appendage first.

“One… last thing…?” Donnie flicked his gaze to the mistletoe and back to you, beet red. “If you’re… agreeable?”

You gave a jittery nod, your own face a blushing mess.

He leaned in to close the gap just as he was doing now. You melted against him with a coordination you hadn’t had all those years ago and slipped your arms around his neck to deepen the move further. Parting came with a nuzzle of nose to snout and a little giggle from you.

“Next would be getting that peking duck.”

“What a coincidence, my data indicates the group will be asleep for at least 3 more hours.”

“We should go…” You breathed against him, stealing another kiss.

He nodded with an agreement that neither of you bothered making good on.

💜

I plotted two version of this fic based on Digi's preference! I thought it'd be fun the include the other here: In a similar vein, the other fic was Sweet Ironnie where Donnie and Iris go all out to give the kids the best Christmas. Only problem is that they forgot to treat themselves for the holiday so the kids snare them in a mistletoe trap! Thank you @rheawritesforfun for hearing me out!

Also thank you @thepinkpanther83 for being a beta boss!

[seafoamreadings]

week of october 22nd, 2023

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: mars freshly landed into scorpio comes along with no shortage of antics. watch what you do and say this week as it can come across as overly confrontational, even hostile a bit.

taurus: brace yourself for a relationship-related whirlwind. good or bad? well there's an eclipse involved, and mars who classically is a malefic (granted, a kind of sexy one). but so much of life is what you make out of it, and you have many positive influences on your side too.

gemini: the solar eclipse a couple weeks ago might have been cool for you if you played your cards right. this week the lunar one is much more earthy and watery. and stolid. it's much less your cup of tea. with mercury-mars stuff occurring, think long and hard before speaking.

cancerians: the start of scorpio season along with a full moon lunar eclipse makes this week very much your turf. the moon in taurus is quite strong as well, which is good for you. panic about the eclipse all you want, but truly it's a force in your favor.

leo: if it feels like everything is against you somehow, it corresponds to the tense fixed squares occurring throughout the week including an eclipse. keep your home a sanctuary, not a prison. keep your image and legacy in integrity.

virgo: the eclipse may bring you surprising news or an opportunity to do something very far out of your comfort zone but since all in all the auspices are virgo-favorable all week, as long as you mull it over a bit before making the choice, it is not a bad idea to explore that opportunity.

libra: it's fine to breathe a little sigh of relief that this week's eclipse is not along your axis with aries, but it does still affect you, probably in financial ways and in terms of resources. avoid overspending especially because unexpected expenses may arise. if you haven't already, start yourself up an emergency savings fund or at least a plan!

scorpio: the sun enters your sign, kicking off scorpio season. then it is promptly met with the lunar eclipse. the moon is in taurus but lunar eclipses are really in both signs across the axis, so this affects you directly as well as your close personal relationships.

sagittarius: you are tasked now with the recognition of the sacred mundane. the fact that you can feel deep sadness and deep joy simultaneously. the way you can be struggling yet blessed all at once.

capricorn: the eclipse lights up your social life in multiple ways. but make sure it's all fulfilling; say no to engagements that don't make you excited or happy. while you're the tops at keeping obligations and promises, this volatility isn't the right time for it. if you'd rather stay in and follow a solitary creative pursuit, do so.

aquarius: fixed-sign eclipses can be hard for aquarians. a stable home environment becomes very beneficial at this time, and the effects on the public image can be uncomfortable. be careful to operate with integrity so that you can own whatever impression others get of you, rather than having to defend yourself.

pisces: scorpio season can have you on a research kick. or "research" as the case may be. while it can be deeply intellectual and philosophical, you also run the risk of getting obsessive and possessive and even compulsive about thing that it would be in your best interest to chill about. the eclipse compounds this. take it easy.

[jessicanjpa]

Here is your Twilight Advent Calendar for 2023!

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

Instead of candy, here are some bite-sized headcanon prompts for each day throughout December 1–25. Each one is simple enough to answer with a quick headcanon post, but your ficlets, fan art, and moodboards will add some extra sparkle!

You can answer each prompt on its day or schedule your posts ahead of time. The tag is #twilightadvent23.

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

Dec. 1 - Who is Rosalie's favorite vampire friend outside of the Cullens? What does she like to do with them?

Dec. 2 - What is Emmett's favorite board game or card game? How has he modified it to be more challenging?

Dec. 3 - Pick one deceased Twilight character to draw or tell us more about. How would the Twilight universe be different if they were still alive?

Dec. 4 - What does Sam like about being the alpha? What's difficult about it? And how does he feel post-BD1 about Jacob's new role?

Dec. 5 - What is each Cullen's favorite college major so far? What new major should they try someday?

Dec. 6 - What was it like for Eleazar to see the Volturi/his fellow guards again in Breaking Dawn?

Dec. 7 - Choose one Twilight couple (or an AU ship) and tell us about an argument they've had. How did they resolve it in the end?

Dec. 8 - What was it like for Jasper to train and fight in the Eclipse battle after so many years of peace?

Dec. 9 - What is it like for Carlisle to work as a doctor now versus back when he was alone?

Dec. 10 - Pick one of the witnesses in Breaking Dawn. What was it like for them to stay at the Cullens' home for those two weeks? Who did they spend time with?

Dec. 11 - Besides painting, what art forms does Esme enjoy? How do you imagine her art room/setup looks? (Fan artists, want to show us?)

Dec. 12 - What changes did the rest of the family see in Edward as he began to fall in love with Bella?

Dec 13 - What were Maria's thoughts when she heard about the gathering in Breaking Dawn?

Dec 14 - Tell us about an OC you like, either your own or someone else's. Include a drawing, moodboard, or playlist if you'd like to!

Dec 15 - Tell us about a point in the canon timeline where things could have easily gone in a different direction. How differently would things turn out in this AU?

Dec. 16 - How close do you think Charlie and Renée will come to knowing the whole story eventually?

Dec. 17 - What do your favorite Volturi guards do for fun/hobbies?

Dec. 18 - What are some things the Cullens do every time they move? Does anyone have any rituals re: leaving a location or starting at a new one?

Dec. 19 - Tell us some headcanons about a Twilight character you don't usually post about. Write a ficlet or include a sketch, moodboard, etc. if you like!

Dec. 20 - Headcanons for the summer between Twilight and New Moon (Bella/Edward or other characters)?

Dec. 21 - Pick any five characters. What's something they always carry with them?

Dec. 22 - What did Alice do to pass the time pre-1948?

Dec. 23 - What's one of your favorite scenes in Twilight (books or films) and why?

Dec. 24 - What Christmas/holiday gifts are your favorite characters exchanging this year?

Dec. 25 - For one of the Twilight vampires, tell us about a Christmas or winter memory from their human days.

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

Bonus for new year's eve - What resolutions are your favorite Twilight characters making for the new year?

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[therogueduchess]

So. ::steeples fingers::

My Kiddo - who is currently 17, gender-fluid, and very much on the spectrum - came to me last week asking for a haircut. Something they have not wanted in any way for a solid, like, 5 or so years? Drew a picture of the androgynous look they want with notes and pointers, and left it to me to find a place. I researched, I called, I set an appointment for Friday last week.

The night before they messaged looking for details to ease the visit, and among other things I was able to send the pic Kiddo drew of the desired haircut. Alas, it turned out the stylist I’d been set to bring them to only does short cuts, but they rescheduled us.

Reader, I THOUGHT I had rescheduled for half past 4 today. When we got there, the door was locked and they were all having some kind of meeting. They did let us in to talk, because I was so convinced I had an appointment; turns out I’d scheduled it for next weekend. On Saturday. When Kiddo will be at the other end of the state visiting their dad.

I didn’t mean to cry but I did, a little, and Kiddo escaped back to the car, and I apologized profusely. The girl talking to me went into Let’s See What We Can Do mode, and it came down to being that she was willing to do a 7pm appointment after their staff meeting and dinner, which I was more than okay with and thanked her profusely.

We went home. I tested the new electric kettle I had picked up at the thrift shop. It worked awesome. I looked it up online. I apparently got a $140 kettle for $13. Total win.

We went to the hair salon again and everyone was so sweet and welcoming, and they offered me my pick of any number of beverages including adult ones, and they were very gracious when I mentioned the antibiotics I was on and asked simply for a coffee. Everyone left except the one lady, and she took her time ascertaining precisely what Kiddo was looking for in terms of look and function, asked for (and used) what pronouns are right today, and offered to put on any music we wanted.

Her face when Kiddo asked, “have you heard of the band Cake?” was frikkin delightful. She was surprised and delighted. Kiddo proceeded to happily TEDtalk all about Cake through the entire cut. And Kiddo was excellent in asking for clarification when the stylist asked if they wanted a blowout/diffuser/air dry etc.

We talked about her plans to go on an interstate trip to see the full eclipse, which sounds like a grand adventure. All in all it was so lovely and calm and relaxing.

Then we got to the end and I gently interjected in Kiddo’s Cake-splication “for the purpose of doing a capitalism.” The stylist turned to me and got quiet and serious and said, “as far as this visit is concerned…this one’s on me.”

I was caught flat-footed. I codfished for a moment, because I was actively stomping on my automatic instinct to argue and insist. But I’m supposed to be asking for and accepting help. “…okay. But. Well, I can at least tip you though!”

“I’m the owner. You don’t tip the owner.”

She was smiling. My voice was very small when I said “okay” again, and then thanked her, and we could both hear how very much I was Not Crying. Kiddo thanked her as well, and she gave me her card and then SUCH a big hug. I was already planning on going back there for my own haircut, but now she is definitely stuck with me.

[thorns-and-rosewings]

I'm feeling like putting out some more stuff for the Home Sweet Bar AU 🍻 right now. Can't help it, it's funny and cute with angst yet to come along with... A few other surprises 😈

.

Now there's all sorts of hijinks that can happen in a bar...

And at this bar they have some very good bartenders, with Eclipse being the best and head bartender. There are several others including Frank, all of whom are good at their jobs. But they do have a few that are new... Particularly one young woman named Sally who is new to the job, but a hard worker.

(Ruin does the hiring, even if they lack experience he can determine who would be a good hire. He is the more approachable of the two bosses and handles scheduling and any problems or issues the employees have.)

However, on this one night Sally's inexperience shows when a particularly abrasive customer starts to belittle her and starts make a scene... The poor girl is on the verge of tears when Eclipse steps in, tells her it's fine, and makes the drink himself.

This doesn't appease the customer, who continues to berate the girl until she leaves his sight. Then proceeds to chastise Eclipse. Commenting how a 'Frickin Robot' shouldn't be making drinks.

...Eclipse shows growth by not ripping the man's jaw off...

Instead he just expels him from the bar after making him pay. He even has some mild kindness to tell the upset bartender she did fine, the customer was just an asshole.

However, Ruin heard this whole exchange and he was feeling annoyed someone had the nerve to make one of his bartenders cry, but moreso mouth off to his... his partner... So Ruin walks over and takes a look at the information on the man's card that he paid with and informs Eclipse and Sally to enjoy the performance he's about to give. He says this with a sly grin.

He calls the number on the card, apparently the card belongs to his wife and Ruins smile grows larger as she picks up.

Ruin: (Sounding particularly chipper) Good evening madam, I am so sorry to disturb you and your husband. But I just wanted to make you aware that when you and your husband left our establishment this evening, he left his credit card behind.

(Confused talking on the wife's end)

Ruin: Why yes he was here, you both were ma'am. Your husband (Describes husband) and you (Describes a fictional character with a prostitute-esqe design) you just left a little bit ago. I hope I am catching you quick enough so the trip back won't be too inconvenient.

(Angry screaming on the phone and Ruin looking very smug... He paused for a minute before talking once more)

Ruin: Oh dear nevermind, your husband just walked back in and took his card. Jolly good, have a wonderful evening! (Hangs up)

Eclipse: (Laughing his ass off)

Sally: (Laughing as well) Oh my God... That was so bad. 🤣 I think you just destroyed his marriage!

Ruin: (Takes a bow for his performance)

Eclipse: Pffft, let's do that to a few others. This is fun!

Ruin: No no my friend, I only use my acting powers for good these days. :3

[stromuprisahat]

The Little Palace and Grishas’ lives in Second Army, pt. 7

Siege and Storm- Chapter 13

The Palace grounds

The winding white gravel path led us through the palace grounds, past the rolling lawns and follies, and the high walls of the hedge maze. ... My heart beat faster as we entered the wooded tunnel. The trees pressed in on us and, above, the branches wove together in a canopy of green. The last time I’d seen them, they’d been bare. We emerged into bright sunshine. Below us lay the Little Palace. I missed it, I realized. I’d missed the shine of its golden domes, those strange walls carved with every manner of beast, real and imagined. I’d missed the blue lake gleaming like a slice of sky, the tiny island not quite at its center, the white flecks of the Summoners’ pavilions on its shore.

The Hall

... I climbed the steps, the others trailing behind me. The servants flung the doors open wide, and we stepped inside. We passed through the cool dark of the entry chamber and into the Hall of the Golden Dome. The room was a giant hexagon with the proportions of a cathedral. Its carved walls were inlaid with mother-of-pearl and topped by a massive golden dome that seemed to float above us at an impossible height. There were four tables arranged in a square at the center of the room ... ... The Darkling’s ebony chair had been removed. His table sat vacant.

The Darkling's quarters, including war room and oprichniki ?barracks? (Do they all live there, or is it just a place for those on duty?)

I strode across the room and threw open the doors to the Darkling’s chambers, giving silent thanks that they weren’t locked. I walked blindly down the hall, unsure of where I was going, but eager to get far from the domed hall before anyone saw that I was shaking. By luck, I found my way to the war room. ... I paced back and forth in front of the ancient map of Ravka that ran the length of the far wall. ... The Darkling’s quarters were just down the hall from the war room. A charcoal-clad servant led us into a large and rather formal common room furnished with a long table and a few uncomfortable-looking chairs. Each wall was set with a pair of double doors. “These lead to a passage that will take you out of the Little Palace, moi soverenyi,” the servant said, gesturing to the right. She pointed to the doors on the left and said, “Those lead to the guards’ quarters.” The doors directly across from us needed no explanation. They stretched from floor to ceiling, and their ebony wood was carved with the Darkling’s symbol, the sun in eclipse. I didn’t feel quite ready to face that, so I ambled over to the guards’ quarters and peeked inside. Their common room was considerably cozier. It had a round table for playing cards, and several overstuffed chairs were set around a small tile oven for keeping warm in the winter. Through another door, I glimpsed rows of bunk beds.

Aleksander's bedroom

... [I] crossed to the ebony doors. The handles were two thin slivers of crescent moon made of what looked like bone. When I took hold of them and pulled, there was no creak or scrape of hinges. The doors slid open without a sound. ... The chamber was hexagonal, its dark wood walls carved into the illusion of a forest crowded with slender trees. Above the huge canopied bed, the domed ceiling was wrought in smooth black obsidian and spangled with chips of mother-of-pearl laid out in constellations. It was an unusual room and certainly luxurious, but it was still just a bedroom. The shelves were empty of books. The desk and dressing table were bare. All his possessions must have been taken away ... I walked to the side of the bed and smoothed my hand over the cool fabric of the pillow.

pt. 1, pt. 2, pt. 3, pt. 4, pt. 5, pt. 6, pt. 8

[coochiequeens]

Good news for single ladies

All the single ladies are becoming homeowners.

What's happening: Single women own more homes than single men — in Georgia and nationwide.

Why it matters: Sixty years ago, women couldn't get a credit card or a mortgage without a male co-signer. Now, the share of single women homeowners eclipses single men.

Driving the news: Solo women mortgage applicants made up 18% of the market in 2023 — a share that's slowly grown since mortgage platform Maxwell started tracking applicants' gender and marital status in 2021.

One in 3 women with partners bought alone because they were in a stronger financial position to do so, Maxwell's annual Single Women Home Buyer Report found.

State of play: Census data shows single women own nearly 19% of Georgia's homes, compared to 9.1% of single men.

What they're saying: We're seeing a strong shift toward women-led households, Urban Institute researcher Jung Hyun Choi tells Axios.

By the numbers: Women were the primary breadwinners in less than a third of total households (married and single) in 1990. In 2021, the majority (51%) were women-headed.

That increase was largely driven by married households, Choi says.

In married households, 43% claimed to be female-headed in 2021, compared to just 8% in 1990.

Of note: In most age groups, women outnumber men. "This is more a reflection of strength in numbers than economic vitality," Pew researcher Richard Fry tells Axios.

The other side: Opportunity isn't equal. Single Latina and Black women have the lowest homeownership rates of any group in the U.S.

"39% of Latinas who are single and live alone owned a home in 2021, compared to close to 62% of non-Hispanic white women in similar circumstances," Axios' Astrid Galván reports.

Single mothers also face low homeownership rates compared to other groups, including single fathers, Choi's research shows.

The intrigue: Maxwell's report shows Gen Zers and millennials made up the largest share of single women mortgage applicants in 2023.

[jackobbit]

What are some hobbies the gangs have???

Got this question a good amount so here we go!

E.V.I.L.:

KC: She very rarely has any spare time bc her presence is demanded everywhere by everyone for business stuff, but they like going camping! He also goes on. A lot of Tinder dates. Like. A lot. Idk if dating counts as a hobby but for him it probably is. It’s gonna stay that way too until she stops scaring dates off. Aside from that, he loves going for walks, going to restaurants and talking to friends!! (If only he had any.) Very much a person who likes to Go Places and Do Things

Eclipse: Spare time? What spare time?? With that man’s schedule?? I think the hell not! What little time Eclipse gets to himself he spends sleeping and mentally prepping for his next shift, but, if by some divine intervention he got to do more then that on any given evening, then his ass is watching soap operas and movies on his couch and watching cat videos on tiktok during the ad breaks.

BM: Their hobbies include: robbery, listening to music, committing tax fraud, visiting aquariums with their yearly pass, terrorizing fast food restaurants, making unholy food abominations that somehow include blood in them, shoplifting, terrorizing their local hot topic WHILE shoplifting, adding to their knife collection, whatever random hobby they picked up for a singular weekend that their ADHD ass then dropped as soon as the fixation ended….. oh and they draw sometimes!

SF: Can’t answer this one bc spoilers, it’s not like huge spoilers but it is gonna be a really cute and fun thing that I want yall to see for yourself!

G.O.O.D.:

Earth: She likes to play the violin! Will sometimes write new songs but she doesn’t perform them or anything. She loves clothes shopping and putting together outfits in her spare time, she’ll also happily dress up anyone who asks her to. She also likes doing her own hair and other folks hair, makeup too! She’s a girly girl! She also loves playing video games and board games with her co-workers! She’s…. Fiercely competitive….

Sun: She loves listening to audiobooks in his spare time, he also likes to play the piano! Though he doesn’t make any new music of his own unless she’s collaborating with Earth on a song. Like Earth, xe also LOVES to play board games and card games, the group has special versions of the games they use that include braille! Going for walks, knitting, and making crafts are also a thing she finds really fun, he just really loves doing more calm activities, with the exception of game nights!

Moon: This fucking nerd is modding video games in his spare time and putting in another 20 hours into Stardew Valley or Minecraft. You’d think with how many threats he makes that Moon would be into more violent video games like battle royals or team based shooters but he takes after his brother a lot in the whole ‘I prefer relaxing hobbies’ department. He also finds great joy in building things and coding, making neat little gadgets that don’t do anything particularly special but do something neat! Oh, and weapons, of course. If he’s not building a silly little device then he’s reenacting Myth Busters or some shit or trying to make a weapon that does something outrageous. “A rocket powered hammer does not exist but *could* it?” Also loves driving around the city rather than walking, clears his head.

Lunar: Lunar shares a lot of hobbies that the other members of the group also happen to have, he loves playing video games and making crafts! They also like watching dog videos! Funnily enough, he’s picked up scrapbooking, and I’ve already mentioned how he’s picked up learning braille. He also wants to learn how to play piano or the violin from Earth or Sun but he’s too nervous to ask.

[rainbowolfe]

Shamura's Warning

I'll put it shortly: The omen Shamura repeats is less a prediction of the future and more of an explanation (to their siblings) of something that's been in motion since before they acquired their crowns. The fate that can't be outrun lol.

Shamura is describing the (unfortunate) fate of four sets of godly beings. And it allllll comes back around to Purgatory.

When you layer the symbol for Purgatory over the magic circle found in the Bishop's boss rooms, they align like such. And if you add the Mystery Symbol into the mix the lines highlight which symbol belongs to which god.

Five points to a pentagram

When using relics like Shunrue's or Galvar's Charm, this circle of symbols appears. One of them is an upside-down star with the center erased—five points to a pentagram. These gods represent either five phases of the moon OR five phases of an eclipse. I lean towards eclipse because there's no gibbous phase represented.

I suspect these scarecrows are representing the previous rulers of (in order) Darkwood, Anchordeep, Anura, and Silk Cradle. Though they're the only gods left around these parts, there are many shown to not actually follow the Old Faith. I would think the creatures of these lands are fashioning their scarecrows in the image of who they believe to be the true/rightful leaders, much like how Lamb's followers build scarecrows in their image.

Five portents of doom

I cannot point to any particular gods for this one, but their positionings do line up with this sigil(Tail of Slythor, called FamiliarRune in the files). The symbol itself looks like a bullhead, so it could be referencing the statues found in Darkwood. Especially since that headless one is purple. There is a sixth statue with glowing intestine not shown here.

I don't believe the crowns come with a pre-assigned role. Meaning, the Red Crown isn't always the God of Death, the Purple Crown isn't always the God of War/Knowledge, and so on and so forth. That's just how things ended up based on who each sibling killed/usurped.

Alternatively, the original portents of doom are what the high-level, magical enemies are based off of.

Five siblings stood abreast

Here we have our siblings, represented by shields, all grouped together. I get that reasoning from the tarot cards: Shield of Faith, Ichor Lingered, and Mithridatism.

The shields themselves don't have symbols, but they're connected to the portent of doom they end up 'inheriting', and are also in alignment with a crown.

The symbol for Chaos is etched into Leshy's doorway. The symbol for Pestilence is the alchemical symbol for arsenic sulfide (but upsidedown), which was majorly used for crafting medicine. The symbol of Famine is the scales that accompany that horseman. The symbol for War is the nordic runes for Tyr and Gebo. Tyr is a god of war, and Gebo means gift--based on the Consecrated Oil tarot card, Shamura gave the gift of godhood. The X symbol is also a part of Shamura's cloak. The symbol for Death was chosen by process of elimination because I've not a clue what that's supposed to be.

Death and War could be swapped. A common interpretation of the Tyr-symbol is sacrifice (of the self) for the well-being of the whole (society).

Five gods

There may or may not be duplicates of each crown. To clarify; the Red Crown is two rounded spikes, yeah? That shape of crown may also come in green, blue, yellow, purple, or white. Because the crowns on this rug (also found in Smuggler's Sanctuary) are most definitely Red Crowns, but it could be depicting six crown users from different eras.

But this curse's iconography (Divine Blizzard) would imply the existence of a blue variant of the Red Crown. I'm including all the blast curses to show that, although the color of the eye changes from curse to curse, it doesn't use the crown icon.

Either way, I believe the 'five gods' in this situation are five Old Gods. I believe these beings to be the original owners (if not the creators of) the crowns. Maybe even the sources that power the crowns existence. So far we've been given the names Turua, Ithaqua, and the Revenant. There is also this skeleton in Spore Grotto, which is labeled as an Old God.

The graffiti on the rock hidden in ruins on the cult grounds and in pilgrim passage may be referring to Turua, but shrug.

One tomb

And the tomb? Well, that seems to be the Lands of the Old Faith. I guess something about this world just did not vibe with the higher-ups lmao. It's been physically separated from the rest of the land in it's own world; and it's been cosmically separated from the Great One's world. And seemingly, all others. At least, creatures of this world are not welcome in other worlds.

Probably for good reason, all things considered.

BONUS:

Although you defeat four Bishops and break four chains, there are actually five chains attached to his gateway. The largest one, all golden and ornate, is the last to break. There are also five symbols (and a slot for a sixth one which I find suspicious). Four portents of doom (now the four Bishops we know) and one point to the pentagram. The sun. The same sun (save for the X in the middle, presumably marking this god as gone) Lamb covers up with their flag when they take over Pilgrim's Passage.

[thesovereignsring-if]

Elizabeth Olsen, Serena Williams, Jennifer Lawrence, Celine Dion, Zendaya, Michael Jordan, and Robin Williams might remind you that younger children can have huge potential for success! I totally get that MC has been denied opportunities and sheltered so they start out on the back foot. But to be honest I’m not interested in playing as someone whose background is only used as a simple pass/fail and will give no flavor text. To be blunt I don’t want to perpetually play as the most useless person in the room. I think it’s a cool concept to have others actions/reputations hang over the MC, but I don’t want my MCs actions to have no consequence. Even if it’s just a MC who was super friendly to everyone and the party privately feeling frustrated when a noble is cold to them or being eh if they are more aloof. I’m not trying to say that eldest kids or middle children aren’t successful; anyone can be successful if they have the willpower and luck.

— a probably overly triggered youngest sibling who carries their fam

Hi anon.

You come across as a little combative in this ask, at least in my point of view, so forgive me if that is not the case, but it will colour the tone of my response.

If this is your way of telling me your expectations of the game, then I do not appreciate your phrasing and the tone of writing in doing so. In the future, I would prefer something more gentler or polite. Had not included your last line about being triggered and perhaps are acting emotionally, I would have deleted and ignored it completely. You are allowed to be honest and blunt, I welcome it, but your writing prose in this instance makes you sound aggressive, rude and accusatory and I do not like that.

Now onto what I think are your concerns:

The whole point of the game is that main character's agency allows for the change in the Empire. The MC's choices are important and they are game changing and consequential. I promised that on the game's very first post. I would not have made it an IF if that were not the case. It would take less effort to write a book.

There is no doubt that younger siblings can be successful. If I did not believe that, then I would not have made the MC the youngest child who can ascend the throne despite all the cards stacked against them.

In the original ask that I was responding too was in regards to any established preconceptions of the MC as of Chapter 1. I never said that being the youngest meant they could not rise above their siblings. I decided that considering the circumstances of their station or birth and past family history, there are preconceptions about the MC that will eclipse who the MC actually is as a person. And that preconception colours the MC's reputation to the rest of the world.

Birth order does not beget success. But using your example above, I can also say that some of those people are successful because of the efforts/privileges of the people that came before them. That they were born in better socio-economic circumstances than others, that their parents made the right connections/knew the right people, that they were born into the right family, the right coloured race, so on and so forth. Some of it might be true, some of it might not. But that doesn't matter if I believe it's true. It's a preconception that I have. This is what I am talking about when I mean there are preconceptions are being held against the MC no matter what they do.

This is only Chapter 1. Everything has to start somewhere and I made the informed decision to have all MC(s) start on this controlled platform because when there are too many variables in place, things become out of hand. This story is already too complex with multiple layers of nuances that must be juggled.

If you want your MC to be independent and ascend the throne. That is a choice that I allow players to make. There will be consequences. There will always be consequences. I will punish you for being cruel. I will punish you for being kind. You cannot make everyone happy. You can only do what you think is right. You can be as selfish or selfless as you want.

But I will say this as a warning: If my response to that original ask triggered you, then you will not enjoy the beginning of Chapter 1. Prior to drafting this response, I had just finished writing a group of scenes involving a character that is more of asshole than Eirik. He will humiliate you and look down on you for things out of your control and you will not be able to respond properly because he will be right.

Have a nice day.

[ask-the-amph-greater-universe]

On June 1st, Antumbra’s Kiillcode spends about half the day with Antumbra. But then, around 3 PMish, he just shows up at the support group with birthday gifts for everyone. (Unofficial adoption)

For Cygnus, there is a huge soft weighted and heated blanket. All that exposed endo can’t be comfortable, so a present to make him feel more comfy. It’s custom made in Cygnus’ colors, but if he says a keyphrase (magical enchantment) it can change to a starry sky pattern or to Lunar’s palette. He wasn’t sure if Cygnus would actually be comfortable using or letting other people know about the Lunar palette, so he discreetly handed him the instructions in the birthday card.

Rigel gets a motorcycle. Everything about getting it and bringing it here was difficult. It was also manually modified using his rarely used tech knowledge from Moon to be used with four arms. And comes with a helmet fitted for Rigel’s rays.

Antares gets a magic book Killcode wrote himself, including detailed descriptions of what each spell does, the worst outcome of messing it up, the best conditions for practicing, and how to tell you’ve mastered it. His Moon memories tell him that Lord Eclipses usually steal all the magic in the world, so he figures Antares could use some actual magic training. That way he doesn’t have to rely on his damaged Star.

Black Star gets a plushie of Killcode that says phrases like “I love you son”, “I’m proud of you”, or “No matter what anyone says, you’re a good man” when squeezed. Also another hug, and Killcode saying every single phrase he loaded into that doll to him himself. Naturally this gift is given in private, he doesn’t want to embarrass Black Star.

His own Backup Eclipse gets a body. He personally built his eldest son a whole new body so he doesn’t have to keep using Solar Flare, based on the old VTuber model from og Eclipse’s October takeover. It’s not just a birthday gift, it’s also another apology for the computer thing. He’ll even let Black Star check it over to prove he didn’t add any failsafes or trackers or anything. Just a monitor that will alert him if Eclipse is in danger.

The unofficial adoption has began!

Cygnus at first doesn't show any appreciation towards the blanket. Shoving it off in his typical fashion. Although he will bring it to his room. (Which I have decided is Monty's room) where he will happily use it behind the closed curtain. It is kind of nice to have something to cover up all that endo. Plus he finds the color change enchanting. It's a cool side feature.

Rigel is overly excited for the motorcycle. Definitely not hiding his excitement at all. He is definitely ready to take it for a joyride out in the pizza plexus parking lot. In this star holder Glam Rock Freddy world there is at least wildlife still around. So he's definitely going to have some fun on the old abandoned roads.

Antares is thankful for the book. While he has some spells he memorized that utilize the star. There isn't many spells nowadays that don't use the star. He's had to leave magic mostly behind because of the damaged state of his star. With freeform spells though, He doesn't have to worry. He will tell kill code that this is a very well placed gift.

Black Star is thankful for the plushie. It's definitely something that only stays in his room and he will keep it private. But he very much enjoys to just kind of walk in there, take a break, and squeeze the plush. The hug is nice. He isn't sure how to feel about Autumbra's kill code. Given that they are not attached to Blue Moon in any fashion. He can't quite say they're ignoring him.

I'm sure Autumbra's backup eclipse will enjoy the gift. Black Star will definitely check it for any mischievous stuff. The warning of danger he leaves though. Kind of expected it at this point. He hopes the backup will let him transfer over and give solar flare his body back. Telling him it will honestly be better for his growing sentience.