#independent. adventurers. particular.

[ziipzeepzop-eez]

help toka imprinted ((HIGHKEY I KNOW SHE DID)) on mr. mistoffolees (stray tuxedo neighbor cat who lives under our house) & chased them and i got dew and mud on my fresh white socks and she's NOT EVEN A TEENAGER YET????

[teaboot]

TOP 10 PERSONAL FAVE MOVIES TO WATCH WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE ASS

I don't like movies that stress me out because life is already stressful but I DO love catharsis comedy found family friendship fantasy and violence so here are my top 10 movies and series to have a good time watching

Numbered for convenience but not in any particular order

John Wick 1 and 2: An ordinary man grieving the loss of his wife gets dragged back into his past as a shadowy, invisible world of international killers for hire is slowly revealed to be living among us. A love note to set design, lighting, and choreography. My favourite part is fixating on the symbolism. DO NOT WATCH 3. 4 is okay. DO NOT WATCH 3. There is a dog death in 1 that will make you cry so skip that part if you have to. DO NOT WATCH 3.

The lord of the Rings, all 3, extended edition best watched if you're on the couch with the flu and expect to fall asleep OR if it's your day off and it's raining outside OR if you have like 5 people lounging around in pajamas

Six Underground: Essentially an hour and a half long car commercial music video with found family and a fresher take on acommon plot. Ryan Reynolds essentially writes and directs a Michael Bay movie where 6 independant criminals gather together to overthrow a violent foreign dictatorship. You show up for a dumb heist and walk out ready to build a guillotine. TW for violence, car crashes, chemical warfare, and genocide. A very cathartic ending. Does unfortunately do the whole "vague, impoverished middle-eastern country" thing but the citizens are actually show as human beings which is a nice change of pace and oh wow that's depressing isn't it

The Princess Diaries 1 and 2: A sort-of-a-loser teenage girl, played by a 2001 Annie Hathaway, learns that her late father was a king of a foreign nation and must become a confident and responsible leader for his people. There is a scene in the rain where you will experience emotions. Best watched with snacks. 2 features an enemies-to-lovers type deal with Chris Pine.

Ella Enchanted: A shrek-style semi-musical fantasy romance in which a young woman is cursed at birth to do everything anyone tells her to do. Features several Queen songs and dance numbers sung by Annie Hathaway and that guy who plays the sad dog guy in Hannibal.

Stardust: A huge loser travels from 1800s England (?) to a magical world in order to fetch a fallen star for the insufferable love of his life before she marries a massive douchebag. The huge loser? Charlie Cox. The star? A living person. Also a whole bunch of princes are ALSO looking for them as a race for the throne while discreetly killing each other off. And also a bunch of witches want to eat her so they can be young and sexy. 11/10. I used to watch this 10 minutes at a time on a YouTube channel that posted it in chunks filmed on a digital camera in their living room

The Last Holiday: Queen Latifah, playing someone played by Queen Latifah, has been working an underappreciated minimum wage job for years, living a safe and conservative life trying to lose weight and save money. Then she finds out she has months to live, and decides to finally quit her job and blow it all on one massive luxury holiday vacation complete with five-star dining, making friends and finding love and confidence along the way. It's definitely corny but it makes me so happy thank you Queen Latifah

Zathura: It's the plot to the original Jumanji but in space instead of the rainforest. But listen to me: There's a twist reveal at the end that you need to pretend isn't there. It is vitally important when you get to that part- and you will know what part when it happens- that you pretend it didn't. Otherwise, a fresh and enjoyable adventure for any age!

Redacted cause I haven't seen it in a long time and it may be worse than I remember, gotta rewatch

Bullet Train. You go in expecting a ham-fisted find-the-mcguffin style action comedy and are blindsided by excellent narrative symmetry and genuinely likeable characters. Fresh takes on old themes and creative action sequences. My little brother said "It's good", and he's a man who once sincerely argued that Lord of the Rings could have been better. It's fun and punchy violence with just enough smart stuff to not let your brain get bored

[astrofaeology]

Uranus in the Houses

paid readings | Masterlist

ᡣ𐭩 Please support me by reposting, liking, following met. Uranus is the planet which rules over innovation and social reform, it can represent where in life you break the rules and reform.

1st house Individualism and unconventionally are common characteristics of those born with Uranus in the first house. They may have a particular or eccentric style of presenting oneself to the outer world, and they are prone to rapid shifts in identity or appearance. Their independent spirit is motivated by a desire for autonomy and a refusal to submit to the expectations of others.

2nd house Uranus in the second house might bring about abrupt shifts and unconventional ways in financial affairs and personal ideals for natives. They may have fluctuating income, unexpected profits or losses, and a need to devise novel ways to generate resources. Their independence and ability to stray from tradditional financial institutions are critical to their perception of worth.

3rd house Natives with Uranus in the third house tend to think and speak in unconventional and different ways. In addition to having unexpected insights or changes in their local environment, their thoughts may be revolutionary or disruptive. Their learning style is often atypical, and they may have unusual interactions with their siblings or neighbours.

4th house Uranus in the fourth House might create instability, many moves, or an unconventional household arrangement in inhabitants' homes and families. They may demand more autonomy in their living circumstances or experience abrupt changes in their family relations. Their origins are typically linked back to an autonomous or unconventional definition of "home."

5th house Uranus in the 5th House encourages natives to exhibit their romantic urges and inventiveness in unique and often unexpected ways. They may have unconventional interests, relationships, and children, and they want adventure and unrestrained self-expression. Their romantic relationships may take unexpected turns or encounter rapid infatuation.

6th house Uranus in the 6th House brings about sudden changes and creative solutions in daily routines, health issues, and work routines. They might thrive in creative work settings, have erratic schedules, or practise alternative medicine. They often offer others odd or disruptive services.

7th house For people born with Uranus in the 7th House, relationships and partnerships are typically marked by unexpected agreements, a desire for freedom within the union, and unexpected attraction. They may experience unanticipated changes in their one-on-one relationships or attract peculiar companions. Traditional relationship ideals can feel restrictive.

8th house Uranus in the 8th House causes Natives to experience abrupt changes and disturbances in relationships, shared resources, and psychological depths. They might encounter unexpected financial arrangements, inheritances, or dramatic changes in their closest connections. They frequently take a radical approach to regeneration and power.

9th house Uranus in the 9th House is associated with beliefs, higher education, and long journeys for natives. They may challenge existing views, embark on unexpected intellectual journeys, or take advantage of unanticipated growth chances while travelling. They have a diverse and dynamic perspective.

10th house When it comes to their career, public image, and life direction, these natives have a distinct and often innovative signature which electrifys their presence. Their professional path may alter abruptly, and they gravitate towards unconventional roles or industries - and in the present day they work with technology heavily - it's all about change. Their goals are typically centered on encouraging societal innovation and change through their public contributions.

11th house When it comes to friendships, organisational connections, and humanitarian causes, natives with Uranus in the 11th House have a distinct and often innovative perspective. Their social networks may alter abruptly, and they gravitate towards strange groupings. Their goals are typically centred on encouraging group innovation and change.

12th house Such topics are surpressed and hidden in the 12th house. Humanitarian issues and the topic of rebelling against order may show up resitricted or hidden. These natives often rebel through their innerwork and perhaps through spirituality. This placement offers rebellion through unpredictiblity and flashes of insights.

DISCLAIMER: This post is a generalisation and may not resonate. I recommend you get a reading from an astrologer (me). If you want a reading from me check out my sales page.

@astrofaeology private services 2025 all rights reserved

[crldnvrs97]

in honor of mother’s day who do you think cat’s fave child is and why is it between bran and robb😭 lmao

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO CATELYN INDEED! 🥹

Catelyn’s favorite child is Bran, but her deepest emotional attachment is to Robb. That distinction matters, because favoritism and attachment aren’t always the same.

Bran is her favorite because of his nature and the particular relationship they shared. He’s curious, gentle, adventurous but not entirely intentionally reckless. He’s something of a dreamer. He’s at that sweet spot in childhood where he’s independent enough to be interesting, but young enough to still need and adore his mother. In the books and show, she’s very attuned to Bran’s experiences and pain, especially after his fall, and she quite literally drops everything for months to stay by his bedside. There’s an intimacy to that vigil, a desperate love that’s both protective and emotional.

But Robb is where her heart is most entangled, because Robb represents duty, legacy, and loss. He’s her firstborn, the child who made her a mother, the one who carries her family’s name and the future of House Stark. She sees so much of herself in him: his sense of responsibility, his pride, his ability to lead with both warmth and will. As the war drags on, her attachment to him deepens into something fierce and consuming. It’s not just maternal but political and existential. He’s not only her son, he’s her hope and her heartbreak. She follows him into war not only because she loves him, but because she believes in him. And then, of course, he dies as she watches. That moment is the culmination of her emotional arc. Everything unravels when she loses him. It’s the end of her world. “If anything befell you, I would go mad, Robb. You are all I have left." It’s so sad and tragic because she actually did. After his death she clawed her face with her bare hands then not long after she became lady stoneheart. Her grief had no language left, so it bled out through wrath. 

So while Bran is the child she loved most easily, Robb is the one she died for. One represents the joy of motherhood; the other, the cost.

[reasonsforhope]

By the time Sue Shusterman turns away from the bench at the overlook and back toward the trailhead, she knows the paddleboarders are out in force 300 yards away on the gleaming blue surface of Chatfield Reservoir.  

She knows the high runoff waters have flooded the roots of Chatfield’s willows and cottonwoods, and that the first spring-green layers of the foothills rise to the west like soft fabric. 

How she acquired these life-affirming memories is at first a mystery, since Shusterman is blind and is heading back toward the parking lot making her usual sweep of the path in front with her ever-present white cane.  

But then a friendly voice emerges from the phone that Shusterman is pointing toward the path from her other hand.

A little to the left to stay on the paved path. Looks like there’s a trail all the way down to the beach, about 75 yards, if you wanted to go. I’ll just be here watching, let me know if you need anything. 

The voice is from a live, trained human guide FaceTiming through Shusterman’s phone camera on the Aira ability-assist app. Sight-impaired people have been using Aira’s guides to make it easier to do anything from navigating an airport to filling out an online job form. Now, all 42 Colorado state parks like Chatfield are geofenced to allow any visitor to use Aira for free to stroll the trails with a helpful set of eyes. 

The Aira guides seemingly effortlessly offer what a blind hiker either needs, or wants. If there’s a dangerous steep drop-off on the right, they warn. If the hiker would rather know if the sneezeweed is in bloom or the sailboats are luffing through a turn, Aira offers that instead.

For Shusterman, trying Aira as an outdoors adventure for the first time, the allure was simple: “Independence.” 

“So she’s doing, I think, a phenomenal job of including the necessary safety things, but the perks of the scenery, too,” Shusterman said, as she paused during a conversation with an Aira guide based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “She’s doing great.”

State accessibility officials recently announced the expansion of Aira to state parks grounds, after previously providing Aira free for other state-related functions such as navigating a government building or getting help on an online site or filling out forms. Colorado cannot control the cellphone signal, though, so parks officials encourage visitors to try Aira at a familiar or close-in park space before ranging farther afield with it. Popular parks like Staunton or Golden Gate contain pockets where signals are not strong. 

For consumers buying access on their own, Aira costs about $50 for 30 minutes of assistance a month. Private employers and governments often buy package access to Aira and other accessibility apps for all employees to use. State accessibility coordinator Theresa Montano, who is blind and accompanied Shusterman on her Chatfield walk, said Amazon buys access so that sight-impaired shipping center employees can navigate steps to pack orders.

Montano uses Aira at her state job, saying the guides on the app can share her computer screen and help her get through an online task in 30 minutes that might take her four hours without help or through older accessibility tools. 

Adding Aira for state-owned lands was wrapped into the overall $250,000 budget for free Aira use on state property and with state websites. The additional utility is an obvious plus, Montano said. 

“This gives blind people the same opportunity to come and enjoy it by themselves or with their family if they want to, and be independent,” she said...

Shusterman walked away taking more from the big picture experience, rather than any particular scenic detail. 

“For me, it was, you know what, I could go for a walk on this path, and I could feel completely safe, and I would enjoy a nice walk and get some exercise, in an unfamiliar area,” Shusterman said. “It’s definitely a real confidence boost for me.”  

-via The Colorado Sun, June 11, 2024

[anim-ttrpgs]

Why You Should Try Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy Part 1: We Worked Hard on It

This is part 1 of a multi-part series of posts about the awesome features of Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy, in no particular order. I’m gonna be posting these every Monday until I run out of them.

Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy is a TTRPG by The Agency of Narrative Intrigue and Mystery (A.N.I.M.), a small independent studio. At the time of writing this, it is in open beta, but has been fully playable for over a year. This game aims to fill a niche that is extremely under-served and under-explored in the TTRPG space, investigation and mystery-solving gameplay, and improve upon the shortcomings of previous iterations of the concept by learning from them.

It is the product of over four years of work, over twenty years of combined TTRPG playing and designing experience, extensive playtesting and feedback, and support from our wonderful friends, families, and fans.

It was really way too big and ambitious of a project for a team of only 7 people (just 2 when we started), but somehow we’ve been able to pull it off. This game is going to come out extremely polished later this year, and even get a physical release soon after that, but you don’t have to wait that long to play it. It’s available for pay-what-you-want (including $0) on itchio. The itchio beta is updated relatively infrequently, but you can get guaranteed monthly updates by signing up to our patreon, as well as a bunch of other bonus material like short stories, adventure modules, and prerelease versions of our team’s other projects.

It’s also one of the last chances for myself, a disabled person who struggles to work a “normal” job due to disability, to become self-sufficient and support myself independently.

If you want to support unashamedly queer and disabled art in an industry choked by monopoly, and get a really good thoughtfully-crafted game out of it, here is your chance. Even if you have no money to give, it still helps us for you to download the free version, play it, talk about it to your friends, and/or reblog this post and others from this same account. Word-of-mouth is the only advertising we’ve got, and your good-will is my life-line.

[luthqrs]

doctor who big finish audio stories!

⚠️ this post is no longer being updated or monitored x ⚠️

you may have seen my nuwho books post and thought “well that’s all good and proper but i wanted the big finish audio dramas >:(“ fear not, because i have a collection of those too and i am still not allergic to sharing :)

also up for grabs: doctor who novelisations (x) and torchwood big finish audios (x)

a list of what’s there + how to play below the cut x

things you’ll find here:

new who + misc

the diary of river song (series 1-12)

the death and life of river song (series 1)

the tenth doctor and river song (series 1)

the tenth doctor adventures (series 1-3)

the ninth doctor adventures (series 1 + series 4 vol. 1)

unit incursions (episodes 8.04 + 8.05)

unit nemesis (series 4)

missy (series 1-4)

the eighth of march (3.01 + 3.02)

masterful + terror of the master

rose tyler: the dimension cannon (series 1-3)

the paternoster gang (series 1-5)

master! (series 1-3)

time lord victorious (008)

once and future (005)

tenth doctor adventures: dalek universe (3.02)

classic who

the eighth doctor adventures (series 1-4)

stranded series (series 1-3)

doom coalition (series 1-4) (exc. 3.02.... working on it)

dark eyes (series 1-4)

ravenous (series 1-4)

classic main range (134, 135 + 168)

companion chronicles: the second doctor (vol 1-3 / series 10, 12 + 14)

gallifrey (series 1-3)

!!! torchwood audios have moved. they can now be found here !!!

and how to access them

press play!!

if you like to listen at 1.5x speed like me, you can use an independent media player. on ios, press the 3 dots -> open with: [audio player of choice] (i use evermusic)

make and save copies of what you want even if you don’t have time to listen right now. don’t rely on this link always being here.

want something you can't have?

⚠️ this post is not currently being monitored or updated ⚠️

if there's a particular story/series you wanted to hear that i don't have listed yet, send me an ask or pop it in the comments x

happy listening! x

[sapionic]

Venus Synastry ASTROLOGY

When your Venus is in someone's house 8-12

Having your Venus in someone's 8th house makes them someone that comes through for you time after time. Depending on the particular zodiac sign in the 8th house will determine in what ways, but overall this is likely someone that has the capability of being loyal or consistent. They likely provide you with a strong sense of merging. Things with this person is likely passionate, intense, and interesting.

Having your Venus in someone's 9th house in a good sense is that this person brings adventure to your life. They may even propel you into a state of independence that you didn't have at first. This person is likely to show you things you have yet to discover. Whatever they show you can be something that sticks with you even after the connection dissolves because VENUS is value. Good synastry placement for tour guides.

Having your Venus in someone's 10th house makes them provide you with the ultimate stable dynamic, especially romantically. They have everything you need and want romantically. This would probably be more enjoyable to you than the 7th house synastry as the 10th house provides more and has more value to offer and bask in than the 7th house. You may enjoy how this person looks physically. They could have a lot going for themselves or they simply provide you with a lot. Good placement for family.

Having your Venus in someone's 11th house means that they could have came to you. The connection could have started unexpectedly or in some type of spontaneous way. They provide you with support and a different style of doing things. They could bring forth experiences you didn't expect to experience. Internet friends would be idea for this synastry.

Having your Venus in someone's 12th house could have resulted in something between you two happening late in the day or the attraction was last minute, private, or with hidden intentions. It could take a while for them to vlaue you or understand if there is a connection here. Better suited for long distant connections or connections where there are no intentions on meeting. For instance, a webcam model and a viewer on her stream would be better fit for this synastry.

[dimonds456-art]

PLEASE GIVE US THE OLD MAN RAMIREZ LORE!!!

GLADLY

I have two other asks like this and I wanna answer them each independently so get ready fghdsjka

Soos worked alongside Dipper in the 80s, at first acting just as a friend and adventuring partner. While Dipper moved to Gravity Falls, Soos is a native and working as a janitor in the elementary school at the time.

They met at the arcade, where Dipper was trying to find a ghost haunting one of the machines, and he found very quickly that Soos was not only a good partner, but also a good friend. They bonded pretty fast after that.

Dipper was mostly chasing ghosts, but he would take interest in other anomalies as well, leading him to writing down and sketching this weird grafiti he found in a cave once, then translating it once he got home. While he heeded the warning not to read it aloud, Soos... didn't. Dipper yelled at him over it, fearing the worst, but then nothing happened, so whatever. Weird cave drawing.

That night, Soos meets Bill Cipher.

Bill was not as patient as he was with Ford in canon. Here, he told Soos about a dimension with all the answers only a couple months into their friendship, IF that long. Soos had the technical know-how to build it, and Bill gave him the blueprints one at a time in his sleep. Then, to avoid suspicion since they both knew Dipper would assume Bill was a malicious entity, Bill had him put those blueprints outside Dipper's door for him to wake up to, making him think a cryptid was helping him, thus giving him confirmation bias about that other dimension of weirdness.

Portal test happens, Soos gets pulled through, and he puts two and two together. He tells Dipper immediately about what he saw, which lead to him confessing everything. Dipper rightfully got mad at him for lying, which caused Soos to run. But at this point, he'd made a possession deal with Bill, and Bill uses Soos' body to torment Dipper.

Soos, wracked with guilt, immerses himself in the arcade. He plays games in a form of avoidance, eventually getting addicted to them as McGucket did the memory gun.

There is one game in particular, however, that was more addicting than the others. I'm picturing it as a bit of a sim, which IS strange for an arcade. This game talks directly to Soos, telling him that life would be better in a video game, to which he agrees. Things tend to just work out that way.

Over the next few months/years, the game takes pieces from Soos and transfers them into the game itself. Soos doesn't notice at first, only feeling more and more lost and depressed, especially after he goes to check on Dipper only to find him missing...? And yeah, of course he wants to search for his friend, but he not only doesn't trust himself anymore, but he also feels that pull back to the cabinet and just makes his situation worse.

After a while, the game asks him again if he would like to become a video game, to which he says yes. The game then offers to transfer the rest of him inside, and Soos freaks out. He didn't mean it literally, even if it still doesn't sound too bad...? But the change freaks him out too bad, and he refuses.

The game tries to do it anyway, resulting in a torn sense of self. Old Man Ramírez is that result, his entire life being viewed as a video game. He's unable to take anything more seriously than one would a plot point IN a game, and he often dissociates and daydreams when he's not actively running around looking for loot.

See, it turns out the ghost Dipper was looking for way back when? The ghost they caught was unrelated. There was still a different ghost inside the arcade machine, a ghost named Giffany. And Giffany refuses to let Soos go.

This brings us to modern day, when the Stan twins find out that Ramírez worked with the Author. They are able to figure out that Soos is in the machine, and dive in to look for him. Once they do find him, he rejects the machine and declares he's never gonna play a game again, before backtracking and admitting he might every now and then, but never to the point that he stops living again. They all escape, and though Soos is still extremely disoriented and needs to re-learn how to be a person, he starts being able to heal.

And yeah, in that "episode," part of the B plot is that everyone else's bodies are running around, reduced to their basic personalities intertwined with video game tropes. So like, Stan loves adventuring and causing trouble, so he just starts doing that and "scoring points" while doing it. Ford, who loves mysteries, starts basically dong escape rooms. Idk who else is there but Grauntie Mabel is trying to keep all the bodies together to make the transfer back easier.

Basically, instead of the memory gun, it's video games, and specifically Giffany. Soos becomes avoidant, thinking Dipper doesn't wanna see him, and feeling incredibly guilty over the Bill thing. His soul basically split from his body and it's kind of a metaphor for getting lost in the sauce, for lack of a better phrase fdshjk

[city-of-ladies]

Writer and traveler, Egeria toured Christianity’s most sacred sites during the late 4th century. Her account offers a unique and historically significant testimony.

The mysterious Egeria

Egeria and her writings fell into obscurity until a fragment of her Itinerarium was rediscovered in 1884. At the time, the author’s name was unknown, leading to much speculation. However, based on other texts and fragments, scholars eventually identified the writer as a certain Egeria (although variations of her name exist).

She likely undertook her journey between 381 and 384 and may have been from Galicia, which would make her the first known writer from the Iberian Peninsula.

Egeria was almost certainly a nun. While some argued that a monastic woman could not have left her order for such a long time, a wealth of evidence suggests otherwise. For one, she addressed her readers as “sisters,” likely referring to members of her religious community. During her travels, she attended services held for monks and consecrated virgins. Furthermore, the 7th-century Spanish monk Valerius referred to her as “a blessed nun.” He clearly saw no contradiction between her monastic status and her activities.

Egeria was perhaps a woman of high social standing. She had the resources to undertake such an extensive journey independently, seemingly unconcerned by its cost or duration. She was warmly welcomed by local clergy, especially bishops, and provided with guides and an armed escort.

However, some elements challenge this view. Egeria traveled without an entourage and often journeyed on foot or by mule. Whether she was wealthy or not, one thing is clear: Egeria possessed a remarkable adventurous spirit.

Egeria’s journey

Geographically, Egeria’s pilgrimage spanned a vast area, including Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor. Her journey began in Constantinople, and the preserved portion of her Itinerarium opens with her approach to Mount Sinai. She then traveled to Egypt, following the route of the Exodus, before returning to Jerusalem.

Her choices and flexible itinerary reveal a strong sense of independence. Egeria expressed genuine excitement at her discoveries, showing particular curiosity about the liturgical practices of the religious communities she encountered.

At the shrine of Saint Thecla, she met with a deaconess named Marthana—an earlier acquaintance—who appeared to be one of the shrine’s guardians. Saint Thecla, a prominent female figure in early Christianity, was known for teaching, healing, and baptizing.

"On the third day I arrived at a city that is called Seleucia in Isauria. When I had arrived there, I went to the bishop, truly holy from the time he was a monk; I also saw a very beautiful church there in that city. And as from there to holy Thecla, which place is outside the city on a hill, but flat, is about fifteen hundred paces from the city, so I preferred to go there to make the stay there that I was going to make. But there is nothing else there at the holy church except innumerable monastic cells of men and of women. For I found there someone very dear to me, and to whose way of life everyone in the east bore witness, a holy deaconess by the name of Marthana, whom I had known at Jerusalem, where she had gone up for the sake of prayer; she was governing cells of apotactitae* or virgins. When she had seen me, surely I cannot write down what her joy and mine could have been?"

This encounter illustrates the existence of networks among female religious travelers. Indeed, Egeria was not unique in this respect. Many women visited holy sites, sought out revered individuals, and some later founded their own monasteries.

According to Valerius, once her pilgrimage was complete, Egeria returned home and became an abbess.

Though her account was originally intended for personal use, it holds tremendous historical value. It is unique among pilgrimage narratives—not only describing sacred places but also capturing personal experiences. It also serves as a valuable source of insight into early Christian practices and the spiritual geography of the time.

If you enjoy this blog, consider supporting me on Ko-fi!

Further reading:

Berger Teresa,  Women's Ways of Worship, Gender Analysis and Liturgical History

Dietz Maribel, Wandering Monks, Virgins, and Pilgrims

Egeria, Journey to the Holy Land

“Egeria, Pilgrim, Traveler and Writer of the 4th century”

Plant Ian Michael, Women Writers of Ancient Greece and Rome : An Anthology

[psychicreadsgirl]

Pick a Painting : All about your next s/o

Pick 1 painting that draws you the most and I will tell you whatever I can pick up on your next s/o. If you are drawn to 2, then take a look at both readings. Remember that this is a general reading so not everything will apply. Take what resonates and leave what doesn't behind.

#1

Very easily depressed. Mental health is always a concern - doesn't mean they're bad people. Just that their mental health is particularly weak. Easily defeated and blue. However, they do feel things very deeply. Very emotional people. Very, very sensitive and intuitive - you won't be able to lie to them. It's like they have this 6th sense or can read your mind. Don't even try to lie to them - you'll just be caught. Not even a white lie please with these people - a lie is considered a really big betrayal to them. Though their mental health is weaker than average, they will be able to take bad news too. They aren't THAT weak.

Probably has a very creative or almost genius-like side. Very lost in their own world/sometimes will just go off and do their own thing. When they are focused on sthing, they will give it their all. The type to like not sleep for 2 days just to finish something --could be a video game, artwork, song, dance, Excel spreadsheet, code, math problem, clothing, etc.

Though intuitive - they can be kind of anti-social and don't really like to be around big crowds or people in general. Quite closed in and guarded. Think bc they can see so much of the truth they get really boggled down with that "negativity" or that "ugly" side of ppl that they don't want to be in contact with many ppl.

They have a lot of wisdom and knowledge - might not be like the typical "nerd" feeling, but they just know a lot about things that interest them. Could be some particular history or about some theory or painting or sciences etc.

They are shy with physical affection or don't like it that much. The mental connection is more important to them than the physical one. They may be asexual or some may struggle with their sexuality or sex in general.

#2

Life of the party. Very popular s/o and well liked by others. They probably have had many dating experiences -- might not mean they are a player. They probably don't like really heavy relationships and people who are too clingy.

They are really fun and adventurous. They are very playful and charming. They can be kinda forgetful too. They're warm and will remind you of the sunshine.

They sometimes can be ignorant of the world/others' feelings so can come off as being shallow or dense. They're either very intelligent academically or they do very poorly in school - sort of 2 extremes here.

They're either quite athletic or quite artistic. Generally they do have a decent physique like somehow muscular even if they don't work out much.

They're pretty laidback and overall chill. They definitely have very interesting stories to tell/share. Overall pretty independent people and somehow can make bajillion friends.

Sometimes they might not be the most reliable out there. They can often forget promises and also aren't the most responsible ppl out there. Likely to be late to meetings and dates. They can sometimes even forget to bring their wallet or keys.

#3

They can be kind of arrogant and self-centered. They are very confident of themselves, sometimes overly confident. They gotta be the one that make decisions in the relationship. They have a strong, commanding presence. They have this leadership aura like people just naturally want to follow them.

Likely to be quite successful in their career or comes from wealth. Can be kinda spoiled in some ways and also out of check with reality. Bad at saving money, a big spender in many ways.

A lot of people admire your s/o. They'll likely be quite good looking or charming - something about them that'll make people want to take a 2nd look at them.

They probably will dress quite well or at least in a polished way. Kinda classy or perhaps very street style. Either way they will have decent fashion and care a lot about their appearances. They will want you to also look presentable too, so no sloppy lazy attire when you go out.

They likely are friends with people of influence - could be famous or powerful or rich or all of the above. You might feel a bit overwhelmed by their connections or their lifestyle if you don't also have a similar background as your s/o.

They'll have some sophisticated flair/air about them. They are strong communicators and are quite persuasive. They know what to say to make your heart flutter. They may be manipulative though - so be careful.

There's probably some secret they are hiding - not sure what exactly but I don't think they want you to find out.

#4

They are very introverted and quiet. Very observant and detail oriented. Some may suffer from OCD or OCD-like tendencies. They can be obsessive over details. They can either be very very clean or be super super messy.

They probably will wear glasses or have prescription lenses somewhere. They may possibly have some tattoos or piercings or at least some prominent scar or birth mark.

They are pretty serious and aren't ones to really joke around. They can be sarcastic though. They may seem kinda gloomy but it doesn't mean they are very pessimistic.

They're probably night owls and hate the mornings. They probably won't like sweet things or will love them a lot - no between.

They can be kinda self-conscious and have a bit of low self-esteem. Could be bc they were bullied in the past or they felt they were really ugly before?? Possibly they were overweight when they were young and then teased a lot or bullied a lot so now they still got that trauma. Could possibly have suffered from some eating disorder too or went through some extreme diets.

Their physical health may not be that good like possible chronic illnesses or have gone through a major surgery/illness. Possible cancer survivor too.

They have a kind heart and probably love animals. They likely have a pet or if they can't have one due to allergies, then they would still like them.

#5

Definitely suffered from some trauma in their childhood or before they date you. This trauma will probably be pretty bad and severe - TW: sexual assault/physical abuse/violence etc. The abuse could have been very bad.

They are either in the healing process when they meet you or they're still deeply suffering from this trauma and won't admit it. Their inner child definitely needs healing.

They likely came from a family that was broken in different ways. Possibly the parents weren't available/died young or the parent(s) were abusive - could be verbal or physical etc. Or perhaps the parents favored the other sibling a lot and ignored your s/o. Siblings were very toxic to your s/o. Whatever happened your s/o did not feel loved by their family and/or they were deeply hurt by their family. They will likely have cut off from their family or will leave them shorlty after dating you.

They have a lot of sad undertones and when you look at them very closely, you know they have a story to tell. They are probably very animated/sociable so you might not even notice at first that they've suffered so much but when you look closer, you will sense that they've gone through a lot. If that's not the case they could be just very cold and a bit of a loner - like they seem strong on the outside but inside they are suffering.

They may not be super good looking but they have this attractiveness to them that draws people to them. They have that sort of mystery to them. However, they probably don't have many friends and stick to themselves.

They are interesting as a person and are self reflective. They have depth to them and can understand people well.

#6

They probably come from a traditional family or a very large family. They might have been in a religious family too or a cult.

They are either very close to their family or have completely cut off from them. There's no in between.

They can feel very lost at times. They aren't very sure of themselves. They have an innocent vibe to them. They also trust people easily, almost too easily. You'd want to protect them or look after them.

They are idealistic and sweet. They are gentle and probably have a sweet/angelic voice. They are friendly and loving.

They can be unrealistic so they will need someone who can ground them. They probably start a lot of projects and never finish them.

They need a lot of reassurance as they can sometimes lack confidence or get nervous easily.

They will probably have a rounder face or rounder features like rounder eyes, lips etc. They may be on the shorter side for height like shorter than average or they may just have a petite build like smaller bone structure. This doesn't necessarily mean they are very skinny - it's just somehow they will feel "Small".

They have a lot of youthful energy. They can sometimes say really dumb things even though they are clever. They're not very street smart. They probably will get lost easily. They also probably love food. They also are probably kinda lazy.

#7

They're probably very athletic or very into health stuff. They can be a fitness nut and they probably enjoy a lot of sports. They might even be some competitive athlete, possibly even an Olympian.

They seem to be able to do a lot of things like not just excel in sports. They might even have a creative side like filming videos or writing stories etc.

They enjoy travelling and love exploring. They love nature and being away from the city.

They're very daring and adventurous. They are very energetic and have loads of energy - almost too much.

They get distracted easily. They possibly suffer from ADHD or just have trouble focusing for long periods of time. They might not be able to sit still so they likely hated going to school (besides doing something more active).

They have strong golden retriever energy. They mean well but sometimes they can be too blunt. They also can sometimes be quite fiery and will definitely stand up for you when needed. They have strong protective energy too.

They also are probably romantic and will surprise you with little things. They will also remember anniversaries etc.

#8

They are very calm and collected. They are determined and responsible. They can be kind of boring sometimes. They stick to a routine and don't like to deviate from it. They are quite stubborn.

They are loyal to you. They are committed in the relationship. They care a lot about you but often have trouble expressing it to you. Sometimes you might feel like they don't love you but it's their actions that prove that they do love you. They notice the little details about you, including all your habits. They love looking after you and could even want to groom you somehow like maybe cut your hair/brush your hair/help you shave etc.

They can nag a lot and are passive aggressive. They can seem like a parent sometimes but they do mean the best for you.

They can have a controlling side. They're really into being efficient so sometimes they might forget that people have feelings.

To a lot of people they are workaholics. They also are quite responsible. If you're disorganized they will help you be more organized.

They're not romantic at all. They are very pragmatic so if you're thinking you're getting a romantic Valentine's Day, no that won't be the case. However they'll probably order your favorite food and help you clean up your place so you aren't tired after school/work/etc. They'd give you an expensive high tech vacuum instead of some necklace bc you really need one to clean up your place.

They can sometimes be a bit petty and yes they do bear grudges for life...

[iwritenarrativesandstuff]

This entire scene emotionally destroyed me but there's one part in particular that was like taking a knife to an already open wound.

So, Gon shuts down after the reveal that Kite was dead all along and his stunned and racing mind is disjointed and contradictory. Most of his statements fit into roughly three categories of desperate thoughts:

Vehement inability to process that Kite is dead. From the statement being repeated multiple times to the amount of "no"s everywhere on these pages.

Taking the blame for Kite's death, in a frankly horrifying show of self-hatred (especially given the context of what comes next).

Blaming Pitou and proclaiming that he "didn't do it" in an attempt to absolve the weight of his guilt.

Heartbreaking. But there's one thought here that's a bit different.

Throughout all of this, Gon has been adamant that Kite, and by extension the situation, can be "fixed" - after all, most every issue that's come up before on his adventures could be resolved nicely. But now, suddenly, it can't. Gon can't stand feeling powerless or helpless, and now he finds himself more helpless than he's ever been. And we get this.

"Somebody help me."

Gon is independent. Gon has a burning need to prove his worth through his own strength. Gon has a bad habit of equating "taking responsibility" with fixing things all by himself and rejecting help from others.

Gon has never pleaded for someone to save him before.

And it's just. Holy shit. Holy shit - he's a kid. He's just a kid. And in just a few pages, he's going to make a despair-fueled decision to throw away his life just to regain any semblance of power over a situation that was doomed to be unfixable from the start. He says, "Let it end. I don't care what happens to me now.", because this is the only way he can think of to make his pain and his guilt and Pitou all just stop, by losing himself to all of his power instead of his grief.

[lionb00bfan]

Okay so hear me out, the lions with an s/o who uses a cane or has a disability? As someone with a disability there’s not too many people writing about them, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask, right? It’s totally cool if you don’t want to though.

Lions with a S/O who uses a Cane/has a Disability 

Ibuki

Ibuki makes the effort to not hover or make you feel incapable, but he’s always subtly making sure you’re comfortable. Whether it’s holding doors open or clearing obstacles in your path, he does it naturally

If someone stares or makes an insensitive comment, his calm but firm demeanor shuts them down immediately.

If you’re feeling tired or need help, he’ll offer his arm or shoulder with a reassuring smile. “Lean on me anytime; I don’t mind.”

Free

He loves tinkering, so don’t be surprised if he customizes your cane with fun designs or practical upgrades, like a built-in flashlight or even a self-defense feature.

Free always brags about how amazing you are. “Cane or not, they could take on the world if they wanted to.” You’ll never go without compliments with him 

Free has a knack for lightening the mood. If you’re frustrated about your mobility in particular, he’ll crack a joke to see a smile on your face 

Dolph

He makes sure all your outings together are accessible, researching locations in advance so you don’t have to worry about stairs or long walks.

Dolph always asks how he can help in certain situations, he doesn’t want to assume you can’t complete certain tasks, and he respects your independence but is ready to assist when needed.

Dolph quietly takes care of little things, like carrying heavier bags or adjusting his pace to match yours, without making a big deal of it.

Agata

Agata admires your determination and will, he looks up to you and how you put up with so much in the world. He’s your biggest cheerleader!

He’ll hold out his arm dramatically and say, “Your chariot awaits!” whenever you need help walking longer distances, always making it fun instead of awkward.

 If anyone dares to disrespect you or treat you differently because of your disability, Agata won’t hesitate to get in their face about it.

Miguel

He’s incredibly attentive, noticing when you’re starting to get tired or uncomfortable and suggesting breaks before you even have to ask

He for sure signs both of you guys up for workout classes that are accessible/accommodating to you, he doesn’t want to ice you out of his fun little hobby. If he can’t find any, he will make a plan himself.

Another admirer, he constantly reminds you how much he admires your resilience. “You inspire me every day, you know that?”

Sabu

Sabu’s not the type to fuss, but he’s always there when you need him. If you’re having a rough day, he’ll quietly take over tasks without a word

When you’re out in public, Sabu keeps a sharp eye out for anything that might cause you trouble, like uneven ground or careless crowds, steering you around them without saying much.

 Despite his tough demeanor, Sabu has a way of offering quiet, heartfelt encouragement when you’re feeling down. “You’re tougher than most people I know, and that’s saying something.”

Jinma

If something in your environment isn’t working for you, Jinma will calmly come up with a clever workaround, turning it into an adventure instead of an inconvenience.

 He thinks your cane is awesome and might even jokingly ask if he can borrow it to “look cooler.” He’d have a monocle and cane moment. 

Jinma’s laid-back attitude makes it easy to be yourself around him. He never pressures you to do more than you’re comfortable with.

Dope

Dope is very good with his words and he has a way of reframing things to make you feel better. “Everyone’s got their own challenges. Yours just happen to be visible, and that’s okay.”

Dope has all the time in the world for you. If you’re moving at a slower pace or need frequent breaks, he never rushes or gets annoyed

On tough days when you’re frustrated or feeling down about yourself, Dope is the perfect person to talk to. He’ll listen without interrupting and then say something simple but impactful, making the most challenging days manageable. 

Hino

He’s the type to walk beside you no matter how slow the pace, making sure you know he’s with you every step of the way

He’ll take you shopping for outfits or different canes to match, he’s gonna dress you up and take you around to show off. 

Hino notices even the smallest changes in your mood or energy levels and adjusts accordingly, whether it’s suggesting a break or offering quiet encouragement

[summerclementine27]

Ever Since New York 💫

Summer 2038

Summary: Harry is Y/N’s family friend, in particular, her father’s best and closest friend. The two have known each other all her life, but were never close, Harry always busy with his music career and y/n always too young to hang out with the adults when he was back in London for holiday.

Inspired by: Richard and Monica from “Friends”

Ages: Harry is 44 and y/n is 21 (she was born in 2017 when Harry was 23)

Warnings: smut, age difference

- I’m not good at writing smut yet, bear with me

Wordcount: 3.9k

You've always admired Harry Styles. Not as the global superstar everyone else sees, but as the charming, intelligent man who’s been a close friend of your father for years. There's something undeniably magnetic about him, something that draws you in every time he's around.

Of course, you have known him all your life. In fact, he was there before your own grandparents at your birth, having driven your father to the hospital. However, you two didn’t always have the close knit relationship everyone – including the media – thought you did, despite what you let on to your friends when you were bragging about being family friends with THE Harry Styles. After all, it was ever so easy to show up with signed copies of his album or to get a VIP ticket to a show, no one had to know how hard it was to talk to the pop star himself.

Your parents had you young, at twenty-three, which forced them into adulthood quickly. Meanwhile, Harry was on the verge of starting his solo career, so perhaps he just didn’t understand kids very well. He was always nice to you, Y/N, but he treated you more like an acquaintance than anything else. Even when you were seventeen, outsmarting all the kids your age and listening to old music that surprised everyone, including Harry, he remained distant.

There was that one time your parents mentioned at a dinner party that you had chosen the record to spin. Harry's surprise was evident, a moment that should have felt like a victory but only solidified the distance between you. He mostly talked to you about school and his work, but only when you asked. His responses were always polite, professional, and a little distant, as if he was talking to a child, not a young woman who admired him deeply.

You remember the embarrassment vividly from the time you asked him to sign a CD for your friend's birthday. It was a last-minute gift, and while he did it graciously, it left you feeling foolish and childish, as if you were just a little girl in his eyes, not someone he could see as an equal or a friend.

It wasn't until your 19th birthday that you started feeling more. Harry had gifted you tickets to see him in New York, and the gesture left you honored and feeling special. The idea of seeing him perform in such a romantic city seemed liberating and thrilling. You could hardly believe it when you opened the envelope to find the tickets, your heart racing with excitement and a sense of being seen, truly seen, by Harry.

However, the excitement was dampened somewhat when no one else could make it to America, and you ended up going with your dad. While you loved your father dearly, traveling with him turned what could have been an exhilarating adventure into something more mundane and familiar. The trip, which had initially promised a sense of independence and glamour, now felt like a family vacation. The presence of your dad, with his protective demeanor and constant dad jokes, kind of ruined any aspect of it feeling liberating.

After the concert, which was nothing short of spectacular, the three of you had dinner at Harry's hotel. The setting was intimate, the ambiance perfect for something special. Throughout dinner, Harry kept mentioning how grown up you looked. "You really have blossomed, Y/N," he'd said more than once, his eyes lingering on you in a way that sent shivers down your spine.

Your dad, ever the workaholic, left the dinner early, needing to catch a red-eye flight to make it back to the office by midday the next day. You had extended your trip to do some touristic things in New York, planning to visit galleries and museums.

With your dad gone, the atmosphere changed subtly. You stayed a couple more hours with Harry, feeling a shift in the dynamic. He seemed to be seeing you properly for the first time—not as a kid he occasionally babysat for a few hours or an angsty teenager, but as a young woman on the brink of adulthood. There was a shyness in his demeanor, a hesitation that was both endearing and exciting.

You found yourself sitting closer to him, the conversation flowing more freely. The fleeting touches, the lingering looks, the way his eyes softened when he looked at you—it all became more pronounced. These moments, though few and far between, fueled your admiration for him, making you yearn for a deeper connection

At one point, you made a comment that unintentionally shattered the delicate mood. "You know," you said with a playful smile, "I'm as old as your song 'Sign of the Times.' I was born the day after its release."

Harry chuckled, but the mention of your age seemed to remind him of the gap between you. The mood, which had been charged with a palpable tension, shifted back to something more reserved. The fleeting touches became less frequent, the lingering looks more cautious.

Despite this, the evening left an indelible mark on you. For the first time, you felt that Harry saw you as more than just his friend’s daughter. There was a connection, a spark that hinted at something more profound, something that could grow if given the chance.

Now a university graduate, you could hardly contain your excitement as you prepared to see Harry again at the summer party your dad had planned. The weather was uncharacteristically warm for London, with the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze that made the day perfect for an outdoor gathering.

You chose your outfit carefully, wanting to make an impression. You slipped into a light, flowing sundress in a soft shade of blue that accentuated your eyes. Your hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down your shoulders, and you wore a delicate silver necklace that caught the sunlight just right. The house was decorated festively, with colorful lanterns hanging in the garden, fairy lights twinkling, and tables adorned with fresh flowers and elegant place settings.

You were standing by the door, welcoming guests, when you saw Harry's car pull up. Your heart skipped a beat as you watched him step out, looking effortlessly handsome in a white linen shirt and tailored pants. As he approached, your excitement grew, and you took a deep breath to steady yourself.

You opened the door, and there he was, standing right in front of you with that signature smile that made your knees weak. "Y/N," he greeted warmly, his eyes scanning you from head to toe. "You look absolutely stunning."

You felt a blush creep up your cheeks. "Thank you, Harry. It's so good to see you again."

Harry stepped inside, his gaze lingering on you. "It's been too long. Congratulations on graduating, by the way. You must be thrilled."

"I am," you replied, closing the door behind him. "It's been quite a journey, but I'm excited for what's next."

He nodded, his eyes twinkling with something more than just friendliness. "Your dad's really outdone himself with this party. The place looks amazing."

You smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "He loves hosting these things. Would you like a drink?"

"Sure," he said, then leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "But first, do you mind showing me where the bathroom is? I could use a moment to freshen up."

Your pulse quickened at his proximity, and you gestured down the hallway. "Of course. It's just up the stairs, first door on the right."

Harry gave you a playful grin. "The bedrooms are up there too, right? Might need a quick lie-down if things get too wild."

You laughed, the suggestive undertone of his comment not lost on you. "Yes, they are. But try to behave yourself, Styles."

He winked, stepping closer so that his arm brushed yours. "No promises, Y/N."

You couldn’t believe what had just happened. Harry Styles, the man you had admired for so long, had not only complimented you but had also made a flirtatious remark that left you feeling exhilarated and... aroused. You replayed the encounter in your mind, the way his eyes had scanned your body, lingering on your neck and the curves accentuated by your dress. The way his gaze had followed you, filled with something more than just friendly interest.

You needed a moment to collect yourself, so you decided to test the waters. Spotting a group of guys chatting near the garden, you made your way over and joined their conversation, laughing and engaging in animated discussion. You kept an eye on the staircase, and sure enough, you saw Harry descending, his eyes locking onto you with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, you noticed his gaze lingering on the group of guys you were talking to. He seemed focused, almost possessive, as he made his way over. Your heart raced with anticipation, wondering how he would react.

“Mind if I sneak you away for a moment, Y/N?” Harry asked, his voice smooth and confident as he approached the group.

You smiled, feeling a rush of excitement. “Sure, Harry. Excuse me, guys,” you said to the group, who all nodded understandingly.

As you and Harry walked off together, you turned to him, curiosity piqued. “Is something wrong?” you asked, searching his face for answers.

He shook his head, a playful smile on his lips. “No, you just promised me a drink, remember?”

You raised an eyebrow, teasingly. “Was that all? You could have gotten that yourself.”

“Yes, but,” he paused, his eyes meeting yours with a mischievous glint, “it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without your company.”

You felt a thrill run through you at his words, and a smile tugged at the corners of your lips. “Well, I suppose I can’t argue with that logic,” you replied, leading him toward the bar set up in the corner of the garden.

As you poured drinks, you felt the tension between you grow. Every brush of his hand against yours, every shared glance, seemed to crackle with an electric charge. You handed him his drink, your fingers lingering on his for a moment longer than necessary.

“Cheers,” Harry said, raising his glass to yours, his eyes never leaving your face.

“To what?” you asked, clinking your glass against his.

“To new beginnings,” he replied, his voice low and filled with meaning.

“Hm” you murmured “Does this mean you’re making new music”

Harry chuckled. “No, silly. It’s because you graduated and all that.”

“Well, maybe new music too,” he added with a wink.

You laughed. “So, are you finally going to make a rock album?”

“I wouldn’t be capable of that, plus no one would like it,” he said, shaking his head.

“Oh, come on,” you teased. “Remember ‘Kiwi’? ‘Only Angel’? ‘Medicine’? You’ve got the rock star in you.”

“How do you know those songs?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “They must be older than you are.”

“Just as old,” you corrected him. “And I have access to the internet. You make good music.”

“Harry,” you said softly, looking up into his eyes. “I’ve always admired you, I hope you know. Not just as a musician, but as a person.”

His eyes softened, and he smiled. “That means a lot to me, Y/N. More than you know.

You felt a surge of courage, emboldened by the intimacy of the moment. “You know, I’ve always wanted to be closer to you, but I never knew how.”

Harry’s grip on you tightened slightly, and he leaned down, his lips brushing your ear. “Maybe now’s the time to change that,” he whispered, his voice sending shivers down your spine.

You thought he was talking about your recent conversations and how you’d been sharing more. “Yeah, we do talk more now, but I still get the feeling you’re holding out on me, like I’m too young to talk about certain things.”

“You’re not a little girl anymore, Y/N,” he said softly. “I see you.”

The words sent a thrill through you, and you leaned into his touch. “I see you too, Harry,” you whispered.

“I know you see me,” he said, “but I’m not sure I like how.”

You looked at him, confused. “What do you mean?”

“I feel like you see me as this intimidating, distant guy who’s uninterested,” he explained. “That might have been the case when I was in my 20s, but now I’m more invested in knowing more about you guys, about the family… my best friend’s daughter.”

The reminder of your situation made it a bit awkward. “Is that all?” you asked.

“And, of course, I couldn’t miss one of your dad’s famous parties,” Harry said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Of course,” you said, a playful smile on your lips. “Wouldn’t want to miss out on the free food and drinks, right?”

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not just that, Y/N. There are always certain... attractions at these parties that I look forward to.”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you felt your cheeks flush. “Oh really? And what might those be?”

He took a step closer, his eyes darkening with a hint of desire. “Well, there’s usually one person who catches my eye,” he said softly, his voice like velvet.

You swallowed hard, your pulse racing. “And who might that be?”

Harry’s gaze traveled down your body, taking in every curve before meeting your eyes again. “I think you know.”

Before you could respond, a friend of your mom’s came up and told you to dance with her because all the girls were dancing to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. You noticed Harry still looking at you as you joined the dance, but you didn’t talk to him again until later when people started to leave.

As you were fixing up the drinks station, you felt someone’s eyes on you. Turning, you found Harry leaning against the doorframe, a playful smirk on his lips.

“Having fun?” he asked, stepping into the room, his eyes never leaving yours.

“Trying to,” you replied, a little breathless from his proximity. “These parties can get a bit tedious after a while.”

“Maybe I can help with that,” he said, his voice low and suggestive.

You raised an eyebrow, feeling a thrill of anticipation. “Oh? How do you plan to do that?”

Harry stepped closer, his gaze intense. “I have a few ideas. Care to join me for a walk? Maybe we can finish off our conversation.”

“Is there any more to say?”

“There is always more to say, especially with me and you.”

You hesitated for a moment, your heart pounding in your chest. Then, with a small nod, you agreed. “Alright, let’s go.”

You followed Harry out of the kitchen, slipping into the shadows of the garden. The night air was cool and filled with the distant hum of the party, but you led him to a hidden corner where your dad had abandoned the project of fixing the old tree house when you left for university. This forgotten part of the garden was shrouded in darkness, a secluded haven where no one would think to venture.

The night air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warmth of the house. The garden was beautifully lit with fairy lights, casting a soft glow over the flowers and trees. You walked in silence for a few minutes, the tension between you growing with each step.

Finally, Harry stopped near a secluded bench and turned to face you. “Y/N, I want you to know something,” he began, his voice serious.

“What is it?” you asked, your curiosity piqued.

“I’ve always seen you as a remarkable person,” he said, his eyes locking onto yours. “Not just as my friend’s daughter, but as someone truly special.”

You felt a warmth spread through you at his words. “Thank you, Harry. That means a lot to me.”

He took a deep breath, as if gathering his courage. “But ever since New York, I’ve been seeing you in a different light. You’re not a little girl anymore. You’re a beautiful, intelligent woman, and it’s hard for me to ignore that.”

Your heart skipped a beat. “Harry…”

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from your face. “I don’t want to scare you or make you uncomfortable, but I can’t pretend I don’t feel something for you.”

You swallowed hard, your mind racing. “I’ve felt it too,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “But I didn’t think you saw me that way.”

“I do,” he said firmly. “And I want to explore this, if you’re willing.”

You nodded, unable to find the words to express how you felt. Instead, you leaned into him, your bodies close, the electricity between you palpable.

Harry’s hand cupped your cheek, his thumb stroking your skin gently. “You’re so beautiful, Y/N,” he murmured, his lips dangerously close to yours.

Your breath hitched, and you felt a surge of excitement mixed with nervous anticipation. “Harry, I…”

Before you could finish, his lips met yours in a soft, tentative kiss. The world seemed to stand still as you melted into his embrace, your hands finding their way to his shoulders.

The kiss deepened, growing more passionate as the minutes passed. Harry’s hands roamed over your back, pulling you closer, and you responded in kind, your fingers tangling in his hair.

When you finally broke apart, both of you were breathing heavily. “I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” Harry confessed, his forehead resting against yours.

“Me too,” you whispered, your heart racing.

He smiled, his eyes full of warmth and affection. “Let’s not waste any more time, then.”

Harry took your hand and led you through the garden, sneaking past the remaining guests. The soft hum of the party faded into the background as you made your way to the front of the house. Your heart pounded in your chest, a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside you.

Once you reached his car, Harry opened the passenger door for you. “Get in,” he said with a mischievous smile.

You slid into the seat and quickly pulled out your phone, sending a quick message to your mom. Left with Elizabeth; couldn’t find you. See you later! It wasn’t a complete lie, just a small omission of the truth. You figured you’d have to tell your parents eventually, but tonight wasn’t the night for that conversation.

Harry started the engine, and you felt a surge of adrenaline as he placed his hand on your thigh. The touch was electrifying, sending shivers up your spine. He drove with a purpose, the car moving swiftly through the London streets. The tension between you was palpable, each passing moment heightening your anticipation.

“Are you okay?” Harry asked, his eyes glancing over at you, his hand giving your thigh a gentle squeeze.

You nodded, your breath catching in your throat. “More than okay,” you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.

Harry smiled, his focus returning to the road. His hand remained on your thigh, the warmth of his touch seeping through the fabric of your dress. The city lights blurred as he navigated through the streets, the car’s speed adding to the thrill of the night.

The journey to Hampstead Heath felt both endless and too short. You were acutely aware of every turn, every stop, and go, the anticipation building with each passing second. Harry’s hand occasionally moved, his fingers tracing patterns on your skin, driving you wild with desire.

When you finally arrived at his house, Harry parked the car and turned to you, his eyes dark with intent. “Ready?”

You nodded, unable to speak, your heart pounding in your chest. He leaned over and kissed you, his lips capturing yours in a moment that felt like a promise of what was to come.

He got out of the car and quickly moved to your side, opening the door for you. You stepped out, your legs feeling a bit shaky from the excitement. Harry took your hand and led you to the front door, unlocking it swiftly.

Once inside, he closed the door behind you and turned to face you, his eyes filled with desire. “Come here,” he whispered, pulling you into his arms.

You felt a surge of courage as you wrapped your arms around his neck, your body pressing against his. “Harry, I’ve wanted this for so long,” you confessed, your voice trembling with emotion.

“I know,” he murmured, his lips brushing against your ear. “Me too.”

With that, he lifted you into his arms, carrying you through the house. You wrapped your legs around his waist, your fingers tangling in his hair as he kissed you deeply, his tongue exploring your mouth with a hunger that matched your own.

He carried you up the stairs and into his bedroom, gently laying you down on the bed. The room was dimly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere that made your heart race even faster.

Harry stood at the edge of the bed, looking down at you with a gaze that was both tender and filled with desire. “You’re so beautiful, Y/N,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.

You reached for him, your fingers fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. “I want you, Harry,” you whispered, your voice trembling with need.

He helped you, shedding his clothes quickly before pulling you close again. The feel of his bare skin against yours was intoxicating, every touch sending waves of heat through you.

He led you to the bedroom, the journey a blur of heated kisses and wandering hands. When you reached the bed, he gently laid you down, positioning himself above you. His eyes met yours, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still.

“I’ve wanted this for so long,” he confessed, his voice a low growl.

“Me too,” you admitted, your voice barely more than a whisper.

He kissed you again, his mouth trailing down your body, leaving a path of fire in its wake. His lips found your breasts, teasing your nipples until you were arching into him, desperate for more. He moved lower, his mouth worshiping your skin, until he reached the apex of your thighs.

You gasped as he spread your legs, his breath hot against your most sensitive area. His tongue flicked out, tasting you, and you cried out at the sensation. He took his time, exploring every inch of you with his mouth, driving you to the brink of madness with his skillful ministrations.

When he finally entered you, it was slow and deliberate, every inch of him filling you completely. The pleasure was overwhelming, and you clung to him, your nails digging into his back as he moved inside you. His rhythm was perfect, each thrust sending you higher and higher until you were both lost in a haze of ecstasy.

As you came together, the world seemed to explode around you, every sensation amplified. You held each other close, riding the waves of pleasure until they finally subsided, leaving you both breathless and sated.

Harry collapsed beside you, pulling you into his arms. You lay there, tangled together, the afterglow of your lovemaking wrapping around you like a warm blanket. In that moment, everything felt perfect, and you knew that this was just the beginning of something incredible.

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hope you enjoyed reading :)

[judgeanon]

Beyond Secret Origins - Batgirl #8 Review

So last week Brombal and guest artist Isaac Goodhart completed their definitive take on Lady Shiva's origin in BATGIRL #8. But did they really?

Here's some late night thoughts on it, reposted from a different site. The short of it is that, although this is a very enjoyable issue on the surface, the more I think about it, the more I think it just hurts Shiva in the long run. And the ending in particular really pissed me off. Why? Well...

For starters, this issue moves at a briskier pace than the last one, showing Ming and Mei travelling the world, honing their skills in preparation for their bloody revenge on their shithead uncle. Shiva's monologue grows a little too flowery, but I appreciate the way the panels visualize Mei's drifting thoughts. While Ming is focused purely on past tragedies and training for vengeance, Mei can be seen more concerned with looking to the future, to the flow of water, and of course, to her own sister.

And just in case they were being too subtle about it, the next page has Shiva straight-up point out that she was training for revenge, while her sister trained for her salvation. Mei, not without reason, worries that her sister will become something terrible, but we haven't seen her act on it yet.

The setting changes to (sigh) Detroit, where things further pick up with the appearances of MY BOYS, Richard and Ben, looking straight out of Streets of Rage as they sign up for an exhibition match with "The Deadly Woosan Sisters". See, in one of the other small goals of this origin, Brombal establishes that the last name Woosan is "nonsense", a fake name just like Sandra and Carolyn, chose to reinvent themselves in the US. There's even a fun little nod at how the name Woosan shifted to Wu-San over the years, with the ring announcer immediately messing it up:

(Also, I admit, it did give me some slight PTSD to see Shiva in a fighting ring again, but mercifully things go a lot better here)

The four kung-fu fighters have a duel, where it's revealed that they all trained under the O-Sensei, and after the sisters make short work of the fellas, they all strike a quick friendship. Mostly thanks to Carolyn, who takes a shine to Ben Turner because, I mean, who wouldn't? They next head to a restaurant, where Sandra's intensity gets the better of her and she basically trauma dumps on the guys the way only a deadly martial artist can. And in private, Carolyn outright suggests that they abandon their vengeance and become something more heroic.

Sandra reluctantly agrees, and we get to the most delightful part of the issue, as Brombal and Goodhart insert Carolyn into a handful of moments taking straight out of the original RICHARD DRAGON, KUNG-FU FIGHTER, including an appearance by the PREYING MANTIS from #9, the ski assassins from #16, and a bit more. It is an absolute blast of a montage, beautifully rendered by Goodhart and Spicer, and I never would've expected them to go this hard on homaging Shiva's early years.

But once the initial blast has passed, a nasty problem emerges: in this new version of her story, this is no longer Lady Shiva's early years. This is now Sandra and Carolyn Woosan's adventure years. This retcon puts everything that happened in that original run before Shiva was even Shiva. And while giving Carolyn more characterization and a bigger role in Sandra's life beyond just being the object of her revenge is a very laudable goal, it unfortunately sacrifices Sandra's own characterization in the process.

Because the whole reason why Sandra joins the Kung Fu Fighters in this version of the origin is because Carolyn is actively trying to prevent her from becoming Shiva. And that, in a way, turns Sandra into a passenger in her own origin story. It turns a character who, in the original KFF run, was fiercely independent and on her own journey of self-discovery into her sister's sidekick following her lead at all times while snarling and yelling about how much she wants a revenge that she seems reluctant to act upon.

As cute as it is to revisit all those old KFF moments, this version of Shiva's origin taints them by implying that all her adventuring was less about trying to find what to do with herself after attaining her revenge, and more about just making her doomed sister happy.

Furthermore, there's a one-page scene where Sandra gets a very striking vision of Mahakala that seems to frame her eventual transformation into Lady Shiva as both inevitable and abominable, a tragic fate that only Carolyn's kindness is keeping at bay.

And I think that may be one of the purest forms of one of the things I've most hated about any and all attempts at retconning Shiva's origin: the idea that her turning into Shiva was her destiny rather than her own choice.

If you assume that both Sandra and Carolyn were completely normal girls in the original KFF run, and there's nothing in there to really suggest otherwise, then there's a thousand different ways Sandra could've chosen to enact her revenge on Richard Dragon for Carolyn's death. But she made two very important choices. The first was to become a better fighter than Richard to get her revenge. The second was to remain Lady Shiva once the score was settled.

Now, you could very effectively argue that becoming Lady Shiva was a terrible coping mechanism, since she herself admitted that without danger, her life was empty. But it was still her choice, and we know that eventually, it led to her being able to find peace. I'm not going to say that becoming an invincible amoral kung fu mercenary was the best way to deal with her sister's death, but that was how Sandra chose to deal with it, and to turn that into a creeping horror that she's destined to become feels like robbing her of that choice.

It's one thing to have Carolyn express that fear, but the vision in this issue is purely from Sandra's perspective, and that takes away almost any ambiguity. It presents her transformation as a purely tragic event, but to me, the tragedy of Shiva was never Sandra becoming Shiva. The real tragedy in Sandra's life is Carolyn's death. Becoming Lady Shiva and then staying Lady Shiva is how Sandra chose to deal with that death.

And speaking of which, the last portion of the issue is dedicated to Sandra's first encounter with David Cain, and it goes about as well as you would expect. David, who here has been stalking them for years, makes his pitch: to help Sandra reach the perfection and vengeance she craves. The only price being bearing his kid. Sandra rejects him, only for David to reveal that he's already killed Carolyn in her sleep, and then the issue just... ends.

It just ends.

That, to me, is the other glaring problem with this issue. To sell this mini arc as the definitive absolute complete origin of Lady Shiva and then end it *literally on the exact moment where Sandra becomes Shiva* feels like getting violently short-changed. Sure, there's some teasing at the end that Shiva intends Cass to carry on her mission of revenge somehow, so obviously there'll be more to this, but if that's really where they're going, that's just further stealing agency from Shiva's own origin.

If we take this tease at pure face value, it means in the last fifty years we'll have gone from "Shiva gets her revenge and has to decide what to do with herself afterwards" to "Actually Shiva never got her revenge at all, on either Cain or her uncle, and she's going to get her daughter to do it for her". Which sucks for a myriad of reasons. If the whole point of this origin is going to be Shiva passing on the buck of a revenge she had years to fulfill over to her daughter, it just makes Shiva a lazy asshole. Not to mention that it's a quest destined to fail because, c'mon, really? Cass is gonna take revenge? Cass?

Look, it's already a hard sell for me to put this much effort into an origin that I don't think Shiva actually ever needed in order to have good stories. But to spend this long meandering around it while also chipping away at all the most unique things about Shiva's journey without really adding anything better to it, and then to have the absolute gall to not even reach a conclusion in the same arc, it's some insult to injury shit. We'll need to see where it goes but it really doesn't sound like it's gonna go anywhere nearly as interesting as Shiva's original journey.

What's strange is that, in a lot of ways, #8 is the most purely entertaining issue of the whole run so far. It's visually gorgeous, packed with cool action, brimming with fanservice and at its peak, it's a breath of fresh air after the constant dread and grimness of the previous arc.

But at the end of the day, with each re-read of this issue, all I can see is a bunch of really good intentions taking Shiva down some very bland, lame paths without even having the courtesy to take it all the way to the end of the line. As much as this new origin tries to correct a lot of mistakes with Shiva's backstory and development, it ends up falling into a lot of the same potholes that Gabrych fell into regarding Shiva's agency.

There's more revelations coming, for sure, but so far, I just don't think this all-new, all-encompassing origin does nearly as much good to Shiva as it seems like at first sight.

[ariqxwz]

INTRODUCING… RICH!READER

— Best paired with gangmember!chris

𝜗℘ㆍ Sophisticated, Shy, Ambitious, Sweet, Independent, Gentle, Observant, Quiet, Confident, Humble, Reserved, Polite, Charismatic, Thoughtful, Caring, Loyal, Generous, Elegant, Modest, Soft-spoken, Intelligent.

RICH!READER who always dresses in designer clothes but still manages to remain humble.

RICH!READER who prefers quiet nights at home rather than attending fancy parties.

RICH!READER who has always been expected to follow a perfect, curated life filled with success and wealth. But inside, she’s questioning everything—her identity, her place in the world, and what truly matters to her. The only comfort she finds is in the moments where she can forget her role and be herself.

RICH!READER who doesn’t like to show off her wealth, but everyone knows she’s got it.

RICH!READER who finds comfort in small, thoughtful gestures rather than extravagant gifts.

RICH!READER who spends most of her time at high-end galas and events but finds herself daydreaming about simple adventures like taking a spontaneous road trip or sitting on the beach without anyone recognizing her. She feels torn between her family’s expectations and her own desires to break free.

RICH!READER who enjoys spending time with people who see her for who she is, not just her wealth.

RICH!READER who has a soft spot for underdogs, always trying to help those in need.

RICH!READER who has always been surrounded by luxury, but finds herself most at peace in the quiet, unnoticed moments. She doesn’t flaunt her wealth, preferring to keep it low-key while quietly helping others without seeking attention.

RICH!READER who can read people in an instant but still chooses to listen before speaking.

RICH!READER who’s the first to pick up the tab when her friends are in need, but keeps her own struggles hidden. She’s learned that money can’t buy happiness, and though she has everything anyone could dream of, she often feels a deep sense of loneliness.

RICH!READER who values intelligence and kindness over money and status.

RICH!READER who’s known for her elegance, but her heart is full of warmth and compassion.

RICH!READER who is used to being in the public eye due to her family’s status but has learned to hide behind a mask of composure and confidence. Despite the fame, she craves authenticity and is drawn to people who see beyond her money.

RICH!READER who is used to people wanting something from her, but what she really craves is genuine connection. She’s learned to trust very few, and while she appreciates her family’s love and wealth, she wishes for someone to see her beyond the wealth and admire her for her mind, her heart, and her personality.

RICH!READER who crossed paths with Chris when she needed help finding a particular street in the city. She was used to being surrounded by people who were eager to help her because of her status, but when she turned to him, he didn’t give her the usual pleasantries. Instead, he gave her a quick, unbothered response, which only made her more curious.

© ariqxwz