#like this 5 year old was frozen in time for thousands of years!!!!

[cl0wn-republic]

Hot Take but Cozy Glow and Starlight Glimmer should've switches places

Cozy should've been redeemed (SHES FIVE!!) while Starlight got to be one of the big bads along with Chrysalis and Tirek and got turned into a statue

Like the cult leader got redeemed but not the 5 year old??

I wouldn't be mad if they both got redeemed but since they chose the cult leader over the literal child im gonna be upset

[runespoor7]

hiii! for the ask game, an au where jc gets de-aged post-canon to his freshly traumatized 17 year old self? playing happy family in cloud recesses, wwx is brutally pulled out of his ‘the past is in the past’ bubble when he finds out. for extra knives, maybe wn tells him

1. I think it should be JL, and not WN, who tells WWX. JL is invested in JC (and in JC and WWX’s relationship)! WN is mostly invested in #getwreckedSLJ.

WWX doesn't really understand what JL expects of him - WWX’s heart leaped when he understood the content of JL’s letter, and his belly twisted as though he was going to be sick, but he managed to calm down enough to write a reassuring letter back to JL. (Surely that was what JL expected, right?) WWX had to sit on his own hands to keep from doing something stupid like grabbing a sword and flying off, and then he had to ask to LWJ to distract him, because it keeps buzzing, buzzing under his skin.

There's no new letter from JL. WWX forces himself to think it means everything went back to normal. And makes himself distracted (he loves his husband!) before his mind trips down the path of what if not. (JL wouldn't write then. He'd show up.)

2. There’s no second letter but JL shows up. WWX, who's been thinking that there was no reason for JL to come but if things had gone worst with JC, doesn't know what he looks like when he sees JL and doesn't really register the sound of people sliding their swords out.

“You have to come, why didn't you come! I had to leave jiujiu because you weren't coming, and I'm going to have to return to Jinlintai once I’ve brought you back, so grab your things, shibo. Oh, you don't need to take much, LP will put you up with what you need. What matters is going back so jiujiu can see you.”

JC is alive. JC is alive. Once the news break through the dull rushing sound in WWX’s ears, tension he didn't know had frozen his body seeps away.

The Jin disciple accompanying JL puts his sword away, under the misapprehension that WWX isn't ready to leave right away. LWJ says WWX’s name and presses his arm, and WWX nods fiercely. No time to waste, is there? Now JC wants him there.

3. There’s a disciple of YMJ as a welcoming committee when they fly down, or maybe two; WWX doesn't pay attention, he leaves JL and LWJ to deal with them - “hey, wait!” JL yelps, “do you even know where you’re going?”

WWX’s feet slow, stop. LP is changed. WWX isn't even sure JC left the infirmary where it once was.

JL catches up with an annoyed, worried huff. He sounds just like JC. “Here, this way.”

4. JC looks– JC looks.

WWX’s legs give up from under him.

JC looks at him with an intense frown, features almost twisted in desperation - WWX’s name on his lips. WWX scrambles on the ground, knees banging on the polished wood, fingers feverishly untangled as he reaches for the long-lost shape of WWX’s shidi, crumpled as discarded hopes, slight as a memory.

“You– why are you here?” JC's words fall like stones on WWX’s bones before WWX can reassure himself JC’s real. “They told me you live in Gusu. You don't even look like yourself, why did you come back?”

How like JC! One thousand words to cut through WWX like one thousand blades. WWX ignores him, fists his hands in JC's robes, presses his face against JC’s thighs. He needs to feel the warmth of JC’s body, make sure he’s not a ghost, not a dream.

JC's hand on his shoulder, shaking. WWX is suddenly reminded of JC’s hands pushing him down, this same JC throttling him. It feels like the last time they touched, did JC ever touch him after that, did WWX let him?

5. “I’ll fix it – I promise, JC, I’ll make it right,” WWX breathes, recklessly, helplessly. How easy it is to fall back into these old, dizzying habits!

JC’s eyes are full of shattered distrust and cloudy hopes, like he’s been told WWX lies, like he still believes WWX first.

[thgfanfictionlibrary]

In Panem AU Fic Masterlist (3)

Part 1 / Part 2 /

Created: June 6th, 2024

Last Checked:---

Phoenix Rising-burkygirl (ao3) Summary: Katniss and Peeta are growing back together in District 12 when they realize that even though the Hunger Games and the war are over, Panem's fragile peace still requires their protection. Regrets Only-c_r_roberts (ao3) Summary: I’m not sure how long we lay there like that, naked and entangled together. I think I even drift in and out of a light sleep, because the next thing I know, it’s the middle of the night and Peeta’s stirring beside me. When I open my eyes to him, it doesn’t look like he’s slept at all. The fire crackles in the old stone hearth, and the scent of smoke and pine and cold musty air fills the room. “Don’t get married,” Peeta suddenly tells me, his voice soft, but urgent. My heart breaks at the earnestness in his eyes. “At least not to Gale.” In Panem AU. Selfish-Pagedancer87 (ao3) Summary: “It’s really okay for there to be times when you stop putting everyone else first, and just do what’s best for you.” shoot straight-oakfarmer (ao3) Summary: 1. can't catch a break... or a pie *In Panem AU 2. frozen leap *Post Mockingjay 3. fleeing flowers *Post Mockingjay 4. crazy cat *Post Mockingjay Crack 5. peeta davidson *In Panem AU Crack 6. connecting with nature *Post Mockingjay 7. a thousand +101 word slow burn *In Panem AU 8. a picture’s worth a thousand +101 words *Fic Art 9. anything but goodbye *Canon Compliant 10. the pardon *Post Mockingjay Sister Wife-Alliswell (ao3) Summary: In a post war Panem, the male denizens of the districts sacrificed their life to free their people from the corruption of the Capitol, endangering the population of the country. The Sister Wife Initiative was put in place to encourage the procreation of a new generation. But no system is without flaw. Small Changes-endlessnightlock (ao3) Summary: Peeta and Katniss through the years as friends on the verge of something more. Soulmates-endlessnightlock (ao3) Summary: In The New Republic of Panem, your soul mark will pair you with your mate. What happens when the person you want has a mark that doesn't match? Swan Song-flythroughflames (ff) Summary: In-Panem AU. Capitol escort Katniss Everdeen and tribute stylist Peeta Mellark share a moment before their first Hunger Games. Taking in Water-flythroughflames (ff) Summary: In-Panem AU. "His work is back-breaking, his circumstances hellish at times, but he's lucky. He's alive and he has Katniss with him. He knows it could be so much worse." The Dark Cloud-LastLeaf (ao3) Summary: In an alternate timeline in which Katniss and Peeta are never in the Games, a misunderstanding throws them together one evening. But Katniss has a secret - one that threatens her way of life and any blossoming relationship with the boy with the bread.

[thisapplepielife]

Written for the @steddiemas challenge.

Let the Boy Be Merry

Prompt Day 5: Grinch vs. Holiday Cheer | Word Count: 3333 | Rating: M | CW: Language, Brief Talk of Kids (They Didn't Have) | Tags: Future Fic, Long-Term Relationship, Middle-Age Steddie, Christmas, He's a Grinch, But His Heart Grew Three Sizes That Day, Eddie POV

This one is also available right here on AO3.

"This is ridiculous!" Eddie screams as loud as he can, from the bottom of the ladder. Which is pretty loud. Eddie's not exactly known for his timid demeanor. Especially when he's offended, and this really offends him.

"Yes, Eddie, I heard you the first hundred times!" Steve screams back, from the top of the ladder. Stapling another string of lights to the house. 

He's been doing it for hours. Literal hours. It's cold, snow on the ground, and Eddie is fucking tired of holding the ladder, his fingers are frozen, even in his gloves. But he can't just walk off and let Steve fall to his death. 

"That's enough! You're gonna kill the power to the whole neighborhood!" Eddie yells, trying anything to get him off that fucking ladder.

Steve scoffs. Eddie hears him, even from all the way up there. 

"I'm not Clark Griswold!" Steve shouts back.

Eddie sighs. No, he's not. But that's what they are obviously using as an inspiration for this amount of lights. It's too much. A monstrosity, and they'll never be able to afford the electricity bill. They've been together for years, decades, and Steve still struggles with the idea that they have a budget. 

It drives Eddie insane. 

And about these lights? Eddie's done the math. This is going to cost thousands of dollars to run all month. Thousands of dollars. 

For Christmas lights.

Eddie doesn't approve of this, not at all. He's called Wayne to complain, several times, and Wayne just grunts, not as affronted as Eddie thought he'd be. Wayne understands not wasting electricity, he's the one that followed Eddie around the trailer turning off lights, even ones Eddie was sometimes still using.

"I hear you, Scrooge," Wayne had finally said, "but, can you afford it?"

Eddie had sighed, and muttered a begrudgingly quiet, "Yes."

"Then let the boy be merry," Wayne had drawled, and Eddie had wanted to pull his hair out. He could look even more like Wayne, if he did.

There's being merry, and there's…whatever Steve is, right now.

Eddie doesn't even like Christmas, so this is a hard time of the year in their house. Steve is always acting like they are in the middle of Rockefeller Center, all giant Christmas trees and ice skating rinks. And then there's Eddie, just sitting idly by, wishing for January. 

He doesn't want to drag a real tree into the house. They're a fire hazard. And Eddie doesn't want to traipse out to the tree farm, cut a damn tree down, and pick up pine needles for a month. No thanks.

So, Steve finally relented, and bought an artificial one. And then Eddie saw how much that motherfucker cost, and nearly had a goddamn stroke. It's a plastic tree. It should have been twenty dollars. 

He leans his forehead against the cold metal rung of the ladder.

He's trying. It's just hard. He does the bills. He's going to be the one that has to look at those insane numbers on the electricity bill next month just for running Christmas lights that they can't even see from inside the house, and cut a check. 

"Hey, Grinch ass, I need more staples!" Steve yells, and Eddie grumbles, but passes him up another box from the step. Steve puts them in the front pocket of his gray hooded sweatshirt after he's reloaded the staple gun.

"Hate, hate, hate. Double hate. LOATHE ENTIRELY!" Eddie shouts, quoting The Grinch back at him. If Steve wants to call him The Grinch, Eddie'll be the fucking Grinch. 

Steve's almost forty, and he's on a ladder like he's twenty. It's stupid. He's going to get hurt. 

And, do you know how much a trip to the ER costs? Eddie's pretty certain Steve doesn't.

"You're too old to be up on that ladder!" Eddie yells up at him, and Steve laughs. He laughs so hard he has to hold onto the ladder so he doesn't actually fall off of it.

"How old do you think I am, dickhead?" Steve finally asks, "I'm thirty-nine. Not ninety-three, last I checked. I can still climb a ladder."

And he can. Eddie knows that. Steve's still in shape. Still active. Steve goes to the high school gym here in town almost every weekend and plays in the old timers basketball league with other men his age, or even older. Some of them are much, much older and still running up and down the court. So, Eddie knows forty isn't old. Eddie's forty, and he can still climb a ladder. Well, he could if wanted to. He definitely doesn't want to. 

"You're in the senior basketball league!" Eddie yells back, just poking at him a little bit more, just because he can.

"You got me there," Steve just says, smiling. "Give me another string of lights. If you're not too old to bend over. You're older than me, in case you've forgotten."

Eddie grumbles, he hasn't forgotten, and hands Steve another strand of lights.

So, the lights go up, one strand at a time. With Steve getting down and moving the ladder as he needs to, and then all the other decorations go out with them. It's a nightmare. He had to watch Steve and Robin make decorations for weeks. Carrying in sack after sack from the craft store. 

They made giant lollipops to line the sidewalk out of foam discs that they covered in colorful cellophane. They look good, even Eddie can see that, but they were a waste of time and money, he's pretty certain.

And they're putting holes in the lawn.

Eddie tried to put his foot down when they came rolling old, used tires up towards the garage. They didn't listen to him, they never do, and he had to watch as they spray painted them green, and stacked them up in tiers until they had fake Christmas trees. 

What sucks, is Eddie just knows he's going to be the one trying to dispose of the tires after Christmas is over. 

It's overkill, all of it.

And now, with the lights, Eddie just has to act complacent as he's basically hearing the electric meter whirring 'round and 'round, spinning like a faulty compass, all month long. 

It's torture. Pure torture.

Christmas morning is the usual tug-of-war. Steve wants to get up at six, and Eddie wants to sleep in. They don't have kids. There's no godforsaken reason for them to get up before dawn. They don't even exchange gifts. That stopped long ago, after Steve slowly realized Eddie is bad at receiving gifts, and even worse at giving them. 

So, they've opted out. 

Robin always brings Steve something perfect that Eddie could never compete with, anyway. 

But Steve likes a big breakfast on Christmas morning, always has. It's too much food. He always tries to get Steve to cut back, but Steve doesn't listen. Steve always makes the full spread, and eventually Eddie will roll out of bed, getting a cup of coffee and eating a huge plate of food that Steve's made. Pancakes, eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, ham steak, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, all of it. It's good. It's always good.

Just too much food, more than they can eat.

Eddie's still shoveling it into his mouth when Steve pushes a box towards him.

"What's this? We don't do gifts," Eddie says around a mouthful of hashbrowns, slathered in ketchup.

"You don't do gifts," Steve corrects with a smile. "I do gifts just fine."

Steve's teasing, and Eddie softens, just a little. He's been a dickhead, all month. He's not sure why Steve puts up with him at all. They are polar opposites, sometimes. Eddie, still loud and brash, and a little rude, and those are all things Steve Harrington outgrew as a teenager.  

He's kind, and thoughtful. And yes, he's fucking merry.

"I don't have anything for you," Eddie says, and he's embarrassed for the first time in a long time. Ashamed.

"I know you don't," Steve says. "I want you to have this anyway."

Eddie nods as he pulls the corner of the tape loose, and slides his thumb under it. It's a small kraft paper box, and Eddie pops off the lid, not sure what to expect. 

A thick, silver band wasn't something that had crossed his mind.

He looks up, finding Steve's eyes, a question on the tip of his tongue.

And Steve grins, but he looks a little uneasy, finally saying, "If you wanna marry me, we could do that, now."

Wayne was right. Eddie's been a Scrooge. A dickhead, a fucking Grinch, all month, no, for years, and for some reason Steve still wants to marry him. He will never understand why, but you can't explain love, he supposes. 

He just looks at the ring, a little stunned.

"I know you've always said," Steve continues quietly, looking down at the table, just for a second, before he looks back at Eddie, "that it didn't matter. So, I know none of this matters to you. Christmas. Marriage. All the unnecessary stuff. The things that cost good money for no good reason. I know that. But if you want to, I want to."

And Steve's chin quivers, just a little, the only thing giving him away before the first tears fill his eyes, and then fall. It's comical, that first tear. It's big, and is immediately chased by a few others. Hitting Steve's chin, and then his shirt. If it wasn't so fucking sad, it'd be funny.

"Steve, Jesus H. Christ," Eddie says, "of course I want to marry you. Yes," he says, picking the ring up out of the box and sliding it on his finger. It fits, but he knew it would. Because Steve doesn't get these things wrong. Not ever. 

They've been together for years, nearly twenty of them, and somehow Steve is still unsure that Eddie's all in? That he might not want to marry him? That can't be possible. No, way. Eddie doesn't need to get married. Just like he doesn't need a whole month of Christmas, or to go to Pride, or celebrate Valentine's Day. He isn't built that way. As Wayne would say, it isn't in his nature.

But somehow, somewhere along the way, he decided that what he thought was more important than the fact that all those things are important to Steve. 

It stuns him, suddenly. That this is still the case. He thought he'd grown up into a responsible adult. But, in some ways, he must still be that high school kid that was too good to go watch his friend play basketball. The one that'd rather Lucas just miss out on the end of the Hellfire campaign, than move it back a day or two.

Eddie scrubs his hand over his face.

He's really fucked this up, he realizes. For a long, long time. He'll do better, he will. 

Eddie gets out of his chair, squatting next to Steve's chair and both of his knees pop and crack. It's funny, Steve laughs, and Eddie does, too. 

"Don't say a word," Eddie warns, teasing him. It's clearly his karma for saying Steve was old when they were hanging lights. Now, his goddamn body has betrayed him. He had it coming, he's pretty sure.

He puts his hands on Steve's thighs, squeezing.

"I want to marry you. Of course, I do. I'm sorry if you thought that maybe I didn't," Eddie says, and he is sorry. So sorry. "I love you. So much. More than anything."

Steve smiles, gripping both his shoulders, "I wasn't questioning if you love me, Eddie. I know you love me. I was just unsure about the marriage part. I promise."

"I definitely want to marry you," Eddie says, and he means that. No, he wouldn't have thought about it on his own, probably, because he already feels married to Steve. He didn't need the damn government to finally catch up to make that true. But, yes, of course he wants to marry Steve, legally. He wants to be with him for twenty more years, and after that, forever.

As long as they've got.

"We can do something small. At the courthouse. In and out. Twenty minutes and twenty dollars," Steve promises.

Eddie shakes his head, he's not going to micromanage the cost of this thing Steve wants to do. Not this time, "We'll have the wedding you want, sweetheart. Even if it costs fifty dollars."

He's teasing, and Steve knows that, and Steve laughs as he's leaning down to kiss him. Eddie leans up to meet him, halfway this time. He's going to do that more often, try to meet him in the middle.

Later in the day, Steve is standing by the coat rack, and he says, "I'm gonna take the lights down, before it gets dark."

It's not an unusual statement. It's the compromise they've made over the years. The lights can go up, but as soon as Christmas morning is over, they gotta come down. It's ridiculous, and Eddie feels ashamed. What's a few more days? Honestly.

Eddie shakes his head, "No. Let's leave them up until after the new year."

And Steve smiles, big and bright.

That night, they stand on the curb, bundled up, watching the lights twinkle. Eddie can see the tree in the front window, and it's beautiful, too. Full, and decorated. Not like the sad, little tree he grew up with. It was probably worth the money Steve spent on it, he realizes. It looks real, especially from here.

And he's walked past it a thousand times in the house, never even really looking at it. Not seeing it. Not experiencing this beautiful thing Steve put in their house.

Steve has put a lot of beauty in Eddie's world, and Eddie regrets that he didn't take the time to notice it.

Back inside, Steve brings him a mug of hot chocolate, and it's in the silly Christmas Vacation moose mugs Steve bought a couple years ago, the ones that Eddie didn't think they needed. They have plenty of mugs, but these made Steve smile, so they bought them even after Eddie's protests. Tonight, he takes a hold of the antlers, with thanks.

They make him smile now, too. Because Steve is smiling.

That night, Eddie lays in bed, taking inventory of all the things he's given Steve grief about over the last twenty years. It's a long list, he realizes. Sure, Steve holds his own. Doesn't let Eddie steamroll him, not easily, not at all. Steve hasn't been cowed, Eddie is sure of that. Steve just decided to pick his battles, and has let the rest just roll off his back. 

No Christmas presents? Sure, that's fine. No birthday cake unless he buys his own? That's fine, too. Steve always says he'll know best what kind of cake he's hungry for this year, anyway.

When Steve wanted another BMW, and Eddie said they couldn't afford one, Steve picked something else. Something cheaper. When the oven broke, Steve said he wanted double ovens, wanted the extra space, for when they had friends over. 

Eddie was on board until he saw the price of them, and then he balked. Not to mention the cost of having them installed, and Steve didn't press the issue. He just picked a new middle of the road, single oven, and went on with life. 

They could, though. They could have afforded it. The ovens, for sure. And probably even the BMW with a little creativity. Eddie's made sure they have money squirreled away. It's a response to his childhood, and he knows that. Steve never wanted for anything, and there were times, before Wayne, that Eddie wanted for everything.

Steve never seems to get his feathers ruffled by any of these slights, so Eddie has just kept running their finances exactly how he prefers. 

But they can't take it with them, and they don't have kids. 

And that suddenly knocks the wind out of Eddie.

Years ago, Steve floated the idea of a kid, of adopting, and Eddie hadn't entertained it as a real suggestion. They didn't need a kid. Couldn't afford one, anyway, and they were good, just the two of them.

He reaches over and shakes Steve awake.

Steve looks at him, half-asleep, "What? What's wrong?"

"Do you want to have a baby?" Eddie asks, slightly unhinged.

"No," Steve says, like Eddie's an idiot, "but we could practice trying to make one, if you want," Steve adds, reaching out, and patting Eddie on the thigh. 

It makes Eddie laugh. 

"Yeah, some practice sounds good," Eddie says.

And Steve rolls over on top of him, and Eddie forgets, just for a second, why he was worried in the first place. They're happy. He knows that, believes it. Even if they aren't always on exactly the same page.

Eddie will try to be on the same page more often. Even if it's in a book that he's unfamiliar with.

He's pretty sure Steve's too sleepy to follow through, but it's nice to feel the familiar weight of him covering his body, and Eddie just rubs Steve's bare back in soft, delicate strokes until Steve has fallen back asleep.

And Eddie is a man of his word, even if the only person he promised change to was himself. So, he does try. When Valentine's Day rolls around, Eddie brings home roses. And chocolates. And a teddy bear. It's a little bit much, but Steve laughs, and accepts it all. Giving Eddie a kiss, and nothing else, and that's more than fine with Eddie.

He's the one in the hole, here. The ledger is majorly off-balance, and that just won't do. He needs to settle up his debts.

For Pride, Eddie puts on rainbow-colored clothing of Robin's choosing, and follows Steve and Robin to the parade. He walks right beside them, his head held high. Happy, because they're happy.

When Steve comes home on his birthday, the living room is filled with black helium balloons, because while Eddie might be getting on board, it's still Steve's fortieth, and he's not about to miss this opportunity. No way in hell. There's a cake on the counter, shaped like a headstone. Eddie ordered it weeks ago. From an actual bakery, and paid for it, without complaining about the cost. Well, at least not out loud. He's complained in his head aplenty.

Steve has a grocery store cake in his hands. He hasn't realized yet that that's not gonna be necessary anymore. That's okay, Eddie will keep this up until Steve forgets there was ever a time he was responsible for buying his own birthday cake.

And when Christmas rolls around again, Eddie is up on a second ladder, hanging lights next to his husband. He's pretty sure they'll put up more than last year. He helped draft the design, drawing it on a piece of printer paper, in full color.

Steve framed it. Like it was art. Like it was important.

Maybe it is. 

Eddie's done trying to tell Steve what's important. He's going to let Steve tell him for a while.

Eddie gets down to get another string of lights, and he did replace the old incandescent C9's with LED Christmas lights, in the same style. Because they use eighty percent less electricity, which is exactly what Eddie, the old Grinch that he is, likes to hear.

Just because his heart grew three sizes that day, doesn't mean he's stopped looking at the electricity bill. He's not crazy.

Sure, the new lights cost more up front, but he's learned his lesson, and just opened his wallet and pulled out his credit card, keeping his mouth shut. They'll save money in the long run, and they'll make Steve happy. That's a win-win.

And really, that's all Eddie's ever wanted. To make Steve happy. He just got a little lost along the way.

Money is important, sure.

But Steve, definitely, means a little bit more.

Notes: I cried while writing this. I cried a little more while editing this. I don't know. Don't look at me like that. It is what it is, and sometimes life pairs you up with someone that doesn't exactly speak your love language. And you still love them anyway.

Several people have done the math on Clark Griswold's lights, and while none of them have the same end figure, it seems, at a minimum, he spent about $3700 to run his lights during the month of December.

And does that header image not look like it could actually be an older Steve Harrington, or what? I don't know if it's the jeans, or the watch, but as soon as I saw it, I was like, yep, that's the one for this day. (Credit: It's an Adobe stock image.)

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddiemas and follow along! 🎄

[weirdestbooks]

Countryhumans Oneshots

The United States of Idiots: 50 Times the States Did Something Super Dumb and Funny. And America's Reaction to His Kids Being Crackheads.

Sleepy Twin: Delaware is tired, and decides to take a nap on his twin New York.

Coffee: In America’s household, there is one rule. Don’t touch the Coffee Trio’s coffee.

Bonding: Delaware tries to bond with one of the newest territories, Hawaii.

Bonus Scene From Chapter 5 of Secrecy and Deception: "A British man talking about how the Declaration of Independence was important and great. He almost laughed but was not able to hold back giggles. Dad also looked incredibly amused by that. Britain would probably be getting a call from Dad laughing about this." -Missouri, Secrecy and Deception

Americanized: Oklahoma used to be the Indian Territory. Now, he's an American State that wants nothing to do with them. What happened to cause this? Based on @walkingtalkingcountries' headcanons!

Languages: America is very tired and forgets English.

A Reckoning With Oneself: Ireland is a very catholic nation and over a thousand years old. Therefore, being queer and accepting queerness is hard for him.

The Living Ghost of a Long Dead Brother: Sweden meets her long-dead half-brother.

Sammy and Sammy Junior: Polynesia is a very close family. They visit each other and hang out often. It's a shame when one of those meetings goes a bit sour due to an accident.

America and the Struggles of Having a Human Face: America has body dysmorphia. It's not something he's handled well.

The Frozen State: Lake Superior. Beautiful, but deadly. Michigan learned that the hard way.

Camping is Deadly: Florida is a great brother and friend. He's just not the best person to go camping with.

Dog Therapy: Alaska gives his nephew therapy with the help of his dogs.

Concerned Family: New Zealand was abused. He doesn’t think so. His family is concerned.

Arson: California likes fire. They also hate their brother.

Human Perceptions: Sometimes New Jersey just wants to pretend to be human. That does make things awkward when his human friends start talking about his family though.

A Dead Man's Flag: Delaware was the reincarnation of the son of Forest Finns. Due to his reincarnation-caused amnesia, he has very limited memories of the man he calls isä. But a gift from his uncle might spark a new memory to return. More importantly, he had a physical trace of his father.

Fuck Tourists: Hawaii hates tourists. America gets her a shirt.

Fear: Illinois is haunted by the threats of the mob, not that his roommate is aware. That won’t stop Michigan from comforting him as the nightmares awaken him again and again.

United States of Ameridad: America is a dad, and he loves helping and caring for each and every one of his kids.

Hawaii and the Celtic Nations: Hawaii visits the Celtic Nations, oblivious to their family ties.

The Sign: Germany has a funny sign. So does his father.

Finland's Wings: Finland gets a new flag. In doing so, he also gets a pair of wings.

The Thoughts of an Empire: Russian Empire was an awful person. He didn’t think of his son as a son. Just as a tool.

Southern Neighbors: Texas has a problem

impermanently: An angry man shoots and kills New York. It’s the first time a state dies.

The Burn Recovery: Alaska is hurt badly. Luckily, he always has his dad to help him.

Nieuw York: New Netherlands was murdered a long time ago. It’s really unfortunate who found her body.

The Parental Sibling: Delaware is sick. Luckily he has a big brother/father figure who can look after him

What's the Worst Way to Punish an Introvert?: Sometimes child abuse isn't as apparent as it seemed. Take this case of Finland and the Russian Empire.

America and his Cat: Just a little America drabble.

Tulips: Canada is picking up his boyfriend from the airport so they can spend a week together. (Not canon to my countryhumans universe, this is a requested oneshot)

The Fire Pokémon Club: Five countries have the ability to create fire. So why not make a club?

India Gets Revenge: India does not like the curry that exists in England. She really shouldn't.

The Fires of Hatred and Passion Are Much the Same: France and Britain are somewhat enemies. However as time goes on, they become fonder and fonder of each other.

An Old Friendship: Morocco was the first country to recognize America's independence. The two countries have been firm friends ever since.

The Outlier of Oceania: Madagascar is not Polynesian, but her sister, French Polynesia, seems determined to drag her to Polynesian family reunions anyway.

The Boston Christmas Tree: On the hundredth anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, Massachusetts and Nova Scotia meet again in Boston.

[silentspacenstuff]

I've mentioned this character a number of times before, but now she's finally getting a proper introduction.

Name: Callisto Alioth Age: at the time she and Warp meet, she appears to be around 24 Earth years old; however, she is chronologically at least ten thousand years old   Sex: Female Species: Ezzari Height: 4'9" Weight: 122 lbs Orientation: Straight Occupation: Prior to being cryogenically frozen and sent from her homeworld, an apprentice priestess to her grandmother Theia; after her rescue from a slave auction, a maid in the house of Warp Darkmatter Homeworld: unknown Love interest: Warp Darkmatter Family: Theia (grandmother, deceased), Iapetus (father, deceased), Capella (mother, deceased), Blaze (son) Backstory:

Callisto was a member of the Ezzari, an ancient alien race that was one of the most powerful and advanced of its time; they were especially well-known for their creation of a unique and powerful fusion crystal made with an ingredient found only on their homeworld and known only to themselves. However, there came a time when the mighty Ezzari civilization would fall, and their numbers would be decimated. Callisto was placed in a cryogenesis capsule by her father Iapetus, in the hopes that his daughter would be spared the genocide of their people.

Approximately ten thousand years later, her capsule would be found in the jungle of Talera-5 by a team of archeologists, who took pity on the frightened young woman and allowed her to stay with them. Several days later, one of those archeologists would turn out to be a slave trader and sell Callisto to a black market dealer on Tradeworld to be sold at an auction.

When Callisto was brought out on the auction stage, the bidders were intrigued by the exotic beauty before them, especially a Raenok general named Skurj. Several bids were made for the young Ezzari woman, but Skurj managed to retain the highest bid until a muscular blue-skinned man by the name of Warp Darkmatter outbid him at the last minute. Though relieved the Raenok wouldn't be taking her, Callisto was by no means thrilled about being a slave to this cocky brute of a man and made several attempts at escaping from him once he brought her to his home. Though Warp would be injured by her during some of these attempts, he couldn't help but admire her fiery spirit in spite of his frustration.

In an attempt to win her trust, Warp decided to keep his distance from Callisto for awhile, but would leave her gifts by a garden pool she liked to sit by. She remained wary of him, but began to allow him to come closer. One day, while Callisto was massaging Warp's back, the latter noticed the former staring at a decorative urn with great interest.

"Oh, you like that old thing, eh? I found it on one of the moons of Altaari and thought it looked interesting. I have no idea what those odd scribbles all over it are supposed to mean, though."

"I - I know what it means," Callisto responded timidly. "It is in the language of my people." She began to translate the writing on the urn, while Warp listened with great interest.

From that moment on, the two of them would spend more time together, with Callisto telling Warp stories about her world and the Ezzari, and Warp entertaining Callisto with tales of his adventures across the galaxy. However, there came a time when Callisto told Warp something that would be the beginning of the end of the happiest time of his life since joining Zurg. 

"I'm pregnant."

Warp was of course shocked, but also happy he was going to be a father. Callisto, though also happy about her upcoming motherhood, knew something she didn't want her lover to know, fearing if he did know it would endanger her unborn child's life. So she kept it a secret, even as she grew more weak and tired as her pregnancy progressed. Warp was of course concerned, but Callisto assured him she was fine. The day came when a healthy baby boy was born to Warp and Callisto. As Callisto held her son for the first (which would also be the last) time, her smile faded and a tear slid down her cheek. Warp asked if something was wrong, to which Callisto responded, "It's nothing. I'm just tired. Do you think you could take him while I rest awhile?" Warp of course obliged, then asked if she knew what she wanted to named their son, to which she responded, "How about ... Blaze?"

Those were Callisto's last words before she closed her eyes.

She never awakened after that. 

Buzz Lightyear of Star Command and related characters (c) Disney and Pixar Callisto here is mine.

[hologramcowboy]

The Winchesters so Far...

Warning Spoilers Ahead

It's set in 1972...or the 60s...or 1978 or 90s. Seems none of the departments could really come together and decide or, you know, do actual research so you get all of them. Boom. 💥

In the instances where the show does attempt to nail the era appropriate vibe,  the characters look like they are dressed in cheap versions of wannabe 70s Halloween costumes.👹

John returned from the army with a full set of hair, in fact he even had it while serving. 💆

Samuel Campbell, Mary’s father is missing. Such Plot twist. Much wow. In case you forget, you’ll be reminded of this in just about every scene of TW so much so you’ll begin to hate him with the intensity of a thousand suns and, oh well, there goes your interest in the unfolding plot.

In true shocker fashion, John has barely met Mary but vows to help her find her missing dad. Did I mention he was missing? Because Mary and John do, in every scene of every episode and so does the rest of the cast. He’s missing y’all and we gotta get him back.

You know those clichè token characters that make you cringe? That's basically all the supporting cast of TW.

Big surprise, all the characters have daddy issues, so much so there's a reference to them every 5 seconds. This is totally not in attempt to copy SPN's formula, of course. 🤣

The Gang has a Mystery Machine, y’all. Not sure who the Scooby of the situation is but my money’s on John.

So far, Carlos is a crooner that sings off key and basically has no voice.  😒 Alas he’s the assigned Bard, y'all. He’s also the tragicomic relief. More tragic than comic.

Mary is a road disaster waiting to happen, she keeps focusing on her passenger rather than the road.

Mary is also petite and childlike to the point of not even remotely being believable as a hunter. She looks like the adopted child of the TW Scooby Gang.

It seems Velma, I mean Latika has no personality outside of being the book carrier. Whatever happened to creating diverse characters?

Ada seems like she teleported in from a different show due to the fact that her performance actually has layers despite her character being yet another clichè. #wastedtalent

Salt apparently traps demons now oh and demons are unkillable or so say Mary and John. How this lore is featured takes everything that made it captivating in SPN and reverses the effect. It's basically parody time.

The lines and storylines are so predictable and repetitive you can figure out what the characters are going to say before they even say it. Boom. Psychic.

John is tall, John is also stiff and often uses his body on screen as if he was a marionette or a model unsure of how to move next. In other words, the green ( green actor=newbie) in John comes out so much it’s very hard to suspend disbelief especially for those with a trained eye.

John also expresses his personal issues with the aplomb of a frozen ameoba, making the stakes of each scene very low and disengaging.

No SPN rip off would be complete without trying to recreate the "Saving people, hunting things" moment, trust John y'all, he was born for this, the lady Gaga way.

No monster featured looks even remotely realistic, in fact, it's like they purposefully sat down and asked themselves "how can we make this look as fake and as ridiculous as possible?" Mission accomplished, folks. Mission accomplished. This is a comedy, after all.

The editing, ah the editing, was it handled by a 14 year old with no previous experience? Or did Danneel decide to do it herself? That's it, isn't it? 😞

Instead of building the character arcs for John and Mary and slowly build up the chemistry this show has them oogling longingly yet vapidly at one another almost every scene, at the same time, their connection seems empty and devoid of any actual depth, feelings, commonalities due to the weak choices the actors make and the subpar writing.

The supposed big thing that connects them is that both dads are missing and both dads are hunters (John's is dead, I think?). So they didn't even bother researching and building a deep connection and just went for the clichè similarity as the basis of their "love story". That’s because they were to busy ripping off the SPN Pilot to care about actual storytelling.

Speaking of love story, though it's the selling point of the show and its theme, you won't really find it in anything within the show. The Meh glances exchanged between the lead actors ultimately communicate nothing. Did they model this couple after the Ackles dynamic? Is that what this is? Cringe. 🤨

Campy doesn't even begin to describe this prequel. It will defy your definition.

Carlos is the show's main attraction and yet he is not the lead.  That should tell you everything you need to know about TW's "diversity" casting.

You will be more scared by the musical numbers within this series than by its monsters or storyline.

This show is so confused on its genre and direction it will make your head spin.

Unsurprisingly, most of the performances on the Winchesters make it seem like the Actors were directly directed by none other Danneel Harris, oh sorry, Ackles, I forgot she is nothing without that last name. 🤡

The only believable chemistry I’ve seen on this show was between John and Latika, for a few seconds, when he told her they could be scared together in the Pilot. Major Awww moment, although the writing, once again, clichè and predictable. Which, I guess, are the actual main themes of this show, let’s be real. lol

Canon we lost you, no, canon, we buried you!! This series has nothing to to with our beloved SPN and saying otherwise is an insult to its legacy.

This whole series centers around a psychic bug empress lady and her insect like minions set on devouring the world. Yes, really.

If I missed anything it’s probably because my brains are fried from attempting to give this trainwreck a chance. Feel free to add to my list.

Verdict: The Winchesters is nothing more than a futile attempt to recreate key moments from the SPN Pilot in the hopes the audience would bite. No work or research went into this. They picked up the missing dad+ saving people hunting things spiel and tried to recreate it and did it so horribly I can’t even put it into words which is why I decided to try and make a light hearted post about it. They also copied every plot structure that worked but ended up parodying it to extremes without meaning to. The Winchesters is only sellable as an SPN parody and, even then, an extremely bad one.

For those who want to support my traumatized brain after watching TW, feel free to send me your favorite Jensen/Jared gifs or artwork to feed my art starved soul. Feed me. 💕

EDIT: Clarified one of the points.

[iviarellereads]

The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 42 - Easing the Badger(1)

(THIS PROJECT IS SPOILER FREE! No spoilers past the chapter you click on. Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For the link index and a primer on The Wheel of Time, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

(Dragon fang icon) In which we finally learn what that smell was.

PERSPECTIVE: Perrin enters Illian, it's marshy so there are bridges sometimes, he misses blacksmithing. He notices two palaces on either side of a large square, and Faile explains that the bigger one is the King's Palace, and the Council of Nine were allowed to build any palace as long as it's no larger than his, so they built the same palace two feet smaller in every direction. So it is with the relationship between the two, ever since.

Loial's presence isn't novel here, and he worries that Ogier come here so often, and from his own stedding at that. Perrin tells him Moiraine values him too much to let them just take him back if he doesn't want to go.

Perrin's hearing is sharp enough to hear Moiraine say "something is wrong in this city". Perrin wonders what he's not seeing. On closer inspection, he can feel it, in the way the people are acting, but nothing specific. Many people look angrier than they should be. They finally come to an inn called Easing The Badger, its sign a badger dancing next to a man with a shovel. Perrin assumes it's some old local story he's never heard.

Moiraine is known as Mistress Mari here, and she asks the innkeeper if people are angrier than usual. The innkeeper, Nieda, says the previous winter was harsh, she woke to ice in the washbasin a couple of mornings, even. A winter not seen in a thousand years here, surely, almost enough to make her believe in traveler's tales of frozen water falling from the sky.(2)

Nieda says that there's a new lord on the Council of Nine, Lord Brend, nobody remembers hearing his name before winter, but he was raised to the Council within a week of entering the city, and now he's the strongest of the Nine.(3) She has strange dreams about him sometimes, too, walking in strange places with staircases like mazes. Nieda says she does maunder on, she'll show them to their rooms, and then a nice dinner. Moiraine asks what ships would be sailing to Tear, and Nieda says, well, none! The Council forbade all ships sailing to Tear a month ago, and the King never contradicted it.

They go to their rooms, and Perrin worries at Moiraine's fear as Nieda talked. They all wash up and make their way back, and Loial tells Perrin the Ogier stonemasons left with their work unfinished last winter, very unusual. Soon, everyone’s down for supper, at which Moiraine is stiff and distracted. Also, the meal is focused around fish. Faile hates fish, so Perrin taunts her by smiling around a big mouthful of his, and Moiraine tells her to eat, any meal could be her last, especially with them.

As Nieda clears the fish dish and lays out an assortment of cheeses, Perrin smells something vile, the same something he smelled in a few other places this book. He sees six men with ordinary faces crossing the floor toward them. He yells "They have knives!" and before the bouncer, Bili, can even cross the floor, the group have taken out all six.(4)

Moiraine heads for the door, Lan intercepts her, and Perrin can just hear their conversation. Lan says he pledged to keep her whole, but she says she must go alone. He protests, but...

She cut him off. “Heed me, Lan. Should I fail, you will know it, and you will be compelled to return to the White Tower. I would not change that even if I had time. I do not mean you to die in a vain attempt to avenge me. Take Perrin with you. It seems the Shadow has made his importance in the Pattern known to me, if not clear. I was a fool. Rand is so strongly ta’veren that I ignored what it must mean that he had two others close by him. With Perrin and Mat, the Amyrlin may still be able to affect the course of events.(5) With Rand loose, she will have to. Tell her what has happened, my Gaidin.” “You speak as if you are already dead,” Lan said roughly. “The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, and the Shadow darkens the world. Heed me, Lan, and obey, as you swore to.” With that, she was gone.

=====

(1) Begin the sex jokes again! You may recognize this inn name from TGH chapter 9. Bayle Domon gets some trouble there before he goes off to meet the Seanchan. Even the places get recycled in this series where appropriate. (2) Yeah, consider Illian just about synonymous with Florida or the parts of California that don't bother to look a little north and west at their mountaintops. (I mean that as fondly as I can mean it for places I've never been and have no interest in seeing for myself.) The last time I read this chapter according to my notes was late in the winter, with the snow piled at least a good 2 meters/well over 6 feet deep. (You may have heard of lake effect snow, now multiply that to Atlantic ocean effect snow, that's what I get where I live.) (3) That's a suspicious rise to power. Do we have any clues to what might have happened in, oh, the last year or so, any people maybe freed from three thousand years of sleep who might seek power for themselves and be able to attain it without attracting any unwanted outward attention? (4) Ah, so the smell was Gray Men after all. (5) Er, hate to break it to you, but she doesn't have Mat anymore anyway.

[your-absent-father]

WIP INTRODUCTION: The Vanishing act

Progress: doing the outline. This isn't very high on my priority list

genre: mystery horror

themes: violence against women and other minorities, mental illness, also more when it is more solid

Tropes: mysteriously brooding anti hero, characters frozen in time, time loops, murder mysteries trough generations

content warnings: racism, murder, gore, many types of abuse, disturbing imaginery, suicide

Plot:

Amanda Reimann was gaslighted ever since she was 5 years old. She was sure, so sure, that the car her mother had killed herself in 1995 had been empty when it burned down in flames. She was close to forgetting all of it through therapy and getting adopted by the parents of her close childhood friend the Reimann's.

All of her memories started flooding back in when the circus, one that always appeared once a year like magic, came again to Amanda's hometown the same night she heard her adopted sister had gone missing traveling with her sister's best friend. To Amanda's shock, that day's new performers were like copies of the missing girls, and their mentor was like a carbon copy to Amanda's mother the day she killed herself. When talking to, none of them seem to regonize Amanda.

Amanda sets out to figure out the mysterious Circus Moirai's fairground, with the help of Kenji Okura, her sister's best friend's father, who is a detective in the edge of getting fired, and Tobias Akerman, the only person that believed Amanda 20 years before.

The investigators:

Amanda Reimann - the main character, birth name Amanda Martinsson. Paranoid young woman who for 20 years was lead to believe that her memories were only formed as a trauma response. Maybe a bit intense, but loving to her family, was it biological or not.

Tobias Akerman - Selene Martinsson's close friend and confidant. Has tried for 20 years to prove that Selene wouldn't kill herself, with dimishing results. A former boss in an agency whose first hire was Selene Martinsson, Tobias has ruined his promising life to give justice to his former associate, with every means necessary

Kenji Okura - father of Rea Okura. Kenji has always been a sceptic relying on hard facts, which come in handy with his job of being a private eye. He doesn't believe in anything supernatural, but he does believe in an hiher power, which he believes more than anything after Amanda Reimann shows him his missing daughter flying trought the air as a trapeze artist.

Moirai's fairground performers:

M - The mysterious ringmaster. No one really knows his name, background, or even remember his face. They only remember his silky dark voice that you can almost hear everywhere in Moirai's fairground, and the piercing blue eyes that seem to be looking straight at you, even when you are in a crowd of thousands.

Selene - master of any animals. Selene's fantastical animals started in the 90s only with horses but has incorperated other animals to her number trough out the years. She has been the crowd favorite for ages because Selene's delicate beauty and the beautiful dancing she uses while performing. Many have described her dancing like "a flame in the cold night."

Sara - Sara is one of two first time performers in 2015 show. Agile young woman, she and her trapeze partner soar trough the sky like they have always done so, Sara being the more experienced one of the two.

Rea - Rea is one of two first time performers in 2015 show. Even tough Rea seems to slip on every show of her first night of the show, she is still a talented woman willing to grow and learn. And of course the skill is there, especially when you have your best friend helping you.

Charlotte - dance leader. In carge of any type of show other might say is "normal". She and her back up dancers do a dance number right in the middle of the show. Charlotte is the right hand woman of M, informing everything going on to M himself. She is blinded by her loyalty, which some might mistake as Charlotte loving M. Charlotte was just K's firt performer.

Vicki - the clown of the circus. Vicki is an interesting person with one of the oldest and loved performances of the circus. She is almost always wearing her clown outfit, but it always feels differently off every time you look at her. When you talk to her, you can feel the fun loving person inside, if you get pass the slightly crooked smile.

Bettie - The fiery personality fit for the person in charge of the fire performance show and the fireworks at the end of each performance. Snoopy personality, is most likely to come talk to you after the performance. She may seem fierce but her personality is a total sweetheart.

Claudia - the fortune teller, one of the few notable faces outside the tent, only occasionaly making performance in front of an audience. Quiet and stern person who seems to have power over K, as she is the only person whose small cart didn't have his precense around it.

Lucas - One of the few men performers, showing audiences the old school gun man performance magic. There doesn't seem to be a target Lucas couldn't miss, there are only those Lucas chooses not to. He has everything you want in a southern gentleman, a real southern gentleman.

WIP's tag: WIP: Circus Moirai

Probably the one which I will update on you the lead lol. Only because its darl subject matters and the mystery aspect.

The pinterest. Might include spoilers

[reviviscencegruiform]

>The city of Gotham is a spectacular amalgamation of the old and new, part of that was slapshod attempts at putting electronic billboards up on crumbling architecture downtown. While uptown, the very buildings themselves were coated in screens with speakers mounted on them inundating the people below with jingles and ceaseless noise. The screens never went off nor the sound. (Secretly and absolutely not secretly at all it was also an antihomeless measure which had been voted against, but somehow still went up along with the new benches you couldn't lay on and spikes under the bridges). They are hysterically easy to hack.

So when the typical ads cut off all across the city everyone was expecting porn to come up again or some prank video where someone got severely physically harmed for views or worse someone's youtube video where they screech while destroying 5000$ worth of electronics they couldn't even dream of owning.

Instead they got a hazy jackolantern icon flickering as if it was analog instead of a crisp digital screen. Weird. Maybe it was something for Halloween? In unison all those speakers and what felt like some no one even knew about sprung to life. A countdown began on the screens. It sounded like something you'd hear in a horror movie. It wasn't screaming or chainsaws or even all that loud. It sounded like a little girl singing with steadily increasing droning backing vocals. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3.

A countdown to what? What was happening? No one knew.

2.

Had anyone broken out of Arkham lately?

1.

"People of Gotham," A voice like thunder echoes out into a sleepless city and it falls silent, it knew that voice. "Have you missed me?" On the screens appeared the horrifying visage of the Scarecrow. Gotham's personal boogeyman. His head tilted making the crow charms on his hat jingle and whoever was holding the camera adjusted it so he was better in focus. "I know whenever you hear those words it strikes a nearly primal fear in you at this point, but this year I bring good tidings. This year I bring you a chance to not just overcome your fears, but change your life at it's very nucleus." He held his arms open to them, as if embracing the whole of Gotham in what was a twisted fatherly embrace. "Across Gotham I have prepared various puzzles and challenges, none lethal...well, nonlethal to those with a basic common sense, but let's not needle. Solve them, complete them and win a prize. You may complete three. If you succeed at three then you have a chance to make a change in your life so few get in life. Succeed three times and you will earn the right to compete for five hundred thousand dollars to be spent at your own discretion, no strings attached. Those in second and third will be given smaller monetary prizes. The final twenty five will also be given the opportunity to compete for a grand prize." He giggled, it made Gotham quake. "It's a secret. You have until six o'clock to gather in the main square. Good luck to all who dare."

Then everything cut back to normal, like it haven't even happened. The city was frozen while those in it computed what just happened and what it meant.

Gotham came to life, a mad stampede to Gotham Central.

>Are you brave enough?

[capriccio-ffxiv]

nascent lost-shard fanfic planning document (re: Co WoLs/Co-Azems)

CALAMITY 1 | SHARD 5 Wind WWI style flying aces except it's magitek ornithoptor pilots partially fused to their vehicles with lots of mech anime parallels; co-WoLs are on opposite sides of a doomed war)

CALAMITY 2 | SHARD 12 Lightning Cyberpunk. Most developed AU. Emet-Selch is Gaslight Gatekeep Girlboss CEO of cyberpunk megacorp. WoL1 is an intersex Au-Ra hacker who is exactly 180.73cm / 5'10" tall (exactly halfway between min height m!ra and max height f!ra); WoL2 is [???] but a literal young child quickly taken by Ascians to be used as the core of a new AI meant to usher in the Rejoining. Story is about WoL1 initially press-ganged by [lesser Ascians? lahabrea? a Fandaniel?] to accelerate the process but who then decides to try to rescue WoL2 instead; fails, because WoL2 has at least partially drunk the RESTORE THE OLD WORLD TO SAVE THE WORLD kool-aid in this life. However, WoL2 leaves Emet-Selch with "you have already lost. you lost when this began, and when this began you had lost twelve thousand years hence. the circle must complete. the circle is complete."

CALAMITY 3 | SHARD 2 Fire [unknown]

CALAMITY 4 | SHARD 3 Earth debating a big Porom and Palum reference?

CALAMITY 5 | SHARD 6 Ice Stone age technology. An old Lalafell and a young Roegadyn man are trying desperately to cross the lands to get to the Circle of the Gods to plea to them for salvation. What before was an easy trek across lush and green lands is now a perilous journey through increasingly cold, hostile lands. There's nothing like the Sin Eaters because there doesn't need to be; the killing cold is enough. They start (Cantabury Tales / Hyperion Cantos style) with companions, but as they go, each companion eventually succumbs to the cold and freezes to death, until it's just the young man carrying the old man. By the time the young man reaches the Circle, the Old Man has frozen solid.

CALAMITY 6 | SHARD 10 Water it's either Pirates of Dark Water or it's horrible oil CEOs ignoring climate change until we all drown

CALAMITY 7 | SHARD 7 Astral Darkness [unknown]

[creative-soul-22]

Something I wish I had known earlier

I started having favourite characters and therefore becoming part of a fandom at the age about 4/5.

I started writing stories at the age about 9/10.

I started collection pictures of my favourite characters/movie stills at the age about 13/14.

I started making and editing videos about my favourite characters also at the age about 13/14.

I started out poorly. The first things I wrote were nothing but childish scrabbles about nonsense stuff my twisted 10 year old brain came up with. Most of my scrabbles from the past cringe me so out that most of them have been destroyed and thrown away (but my mum saved like my first scrabble I did in a booklet I made for her) By the age of 14 I saw Frozen for the first time and I wanted to write a story about a character like Elsa ever since. I made like 1,000 attempts (That is by the way my longest ongoing project).

Also with the movie stills. The first movie stills had the pause sign from the DVD player on it, the display structure fully visable because they were (not well taken) shots of the DVD player screen (Screenshots in their raw original meaning). They were taken by a digital camera from like 2003 with a tiny screen and a poor quality. Still I was finally able to capture my favourite characters, looking at their photos. They meant everything to me. I literally had an entire album filled with them.

Same for the videos. The first one was also shot from the DVD player with my Nintendo 3DS. Then tried putting music under it, timing it to the video (still couldn't put music under the video as it's sound, I had to start the video on the 3DS and play the music on the DVD player, also 3DS videos are silent without sound). That's how I started video editing.

Then, with the 3DS I also started photo editing, like putting a sparkle brush on it.

And still I was trying to improve my works. Did I watch Youtube tutorials? Not til this very day. Everything I do today is "handcrafted", if you want to call it that way and all the quality you see is coming from 10-14 year long journey of doing it. Literally learning by doing. You don't know how many times I have spent on recording movie scenes to get stills like this:

And often, even to this day, I decide to delete thousands of stills for the dullest reasons only to remake them months later (although I think it's time now to set up something lasting and I'm working on that). There is something someone told me in my youth:

"Being creative means you make 95% shit and 5% real good stuff. But you have to make that 95% shit to make the 5% good stuff".

The person was actually talking about dancing positions spefically because that was the task at this moment but still the message is universal so I changed the quote a bit.

So, you see, the things I do today have been there in my life for a very long time in my life. Basically my entire life, if you consider how young I was when I started having favourite characters and writing.

But the thing is, it took me a very, very long time to realize these are my hobbies. You know, for a long time, my answer to the question "what are your hobbies/interests?" was like "Reading... baking*... watching movies" because I was brainwashed by those kids whose answers were "Horseback riding! Ballet! Playing the (insert ibstrument here)!"

Watching movies wasn't considered a real hobby by my teacher in ninth grade (she literally said it would make us look lazy if we put "watching movies" as a hobby in our job application) so I felt like I had no hobbies. I was insecure about who I was. You know that was that time when the question "what are your hobbies/interests?" was a frequently asked question. I was 16-17 years old.

Until one magical day I realized that it was all there. Right before me. Ever since the description of my hobbies/interests always says to this day: "telling stories, writing texts, editing videos and photos, reading, acting, watching movies and shows."

Don't let anyone tell you your hobbies aren't hobbies. If you like doing something and you enjoy to do it in your free time it's your HOBBY.

*baking was considered one of my hobbies because I really enjoyed it at school and I was better at baking then at cooking although my cooking teacher in the last for 4 years of school was like HELL but that's a whole different story.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Fics Starting With the Word “The” (2) Masterlist

part one

The 5 Year Plan (ao3) - Misha_with_wings

Summary: After a string of heartbreaks and meaningless hookups with other people Dan and Phil make a pact.

If they aren’t settled down with anyone in five years they’ll get married to each other.

The Abstract Notion of Home - wallflowerchronicles

Summary: An American university AU.

The Art Of Teaching (ao3) - pasteldanhowells/fluffygayprince

Summary: Dan used to be into art when he was in high school but stopped once he grew up but started again and now has a website where he sells his art for money. Phil is a principal at a high school, and nobody is aware that he has a husband, someone he’s been with since he was a teenager. Something happens to the art teacher so Phil offers Dan the job, and Dan takes it. Phil finally introduces Dan to the rest of the school as his husband.

the bear (ao3) - dizzy, waveydnp

Summary: Seven year old Phil has an imaginary friend, and his mother is concerned.

The Blind Boy (ao3) - jilliancares

Summary: Dan Howell liked to think of his entire life as a series of tragic accidents. Because really, how many people can say that they managed to become blind and obtain a supposedly Cute Boy’s hate all in the span of one year? And Phil Lester has not had the best school life, so in order to avoid bullying or a bad reputation, he refuses to take shit from anyone at this new school. Even if that someone just so happens to be blind.

The Chef - fiction-phan

Summary: “You’re a highly known critic and I own a restaurant but you’re the kid I used to tease in high school and oh sweet rosemary, you’re reviewing my restaurant?”

The Cherry Blossom Secret (ao3) - BlueFox1319

Summary: A secret lies in this hideaway, for when an almost mad artist and a grief ridden photographer meet.

Their worlds could either wilt or bloom with unknowing enchantment.

The Electricity That Went Out At Dusk (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Or the one where I give everybody powers, x-men style, and watch the awkwardness unfold.

The Elements - lettieewans

Summary: Very long ago that was a gift - to control one of the four elements, to have powers. Now that is what makes you a misfit, making you hide and survive. Unsatisfied with their postion, the benders start a rebel and a war that would change their life.

The Flower of Life (ao3) - worriedpeach (skeletonflowers)

Summary: For a thousand years Dan's regretted the choice he made in saving Prince Phil Lester's life, realizing far too late that love had never really existed for him after all. When the other gods get sick of the God of Death and the God of Life fighting, Dan and Phil find themselves chained together, forced to work out their differences in one way or another.

The Jacuzzi (ao3) - wantyoumorethanbreathing

Summary: Confusion swept over Phil as he stood frozen in the doorway for a moment, hand still on the doorknob as he tried to make sense of the sight in front of him. Then he noticed Dan’s hand that was working furiously just below the surface of the water and he felt suddenly very warm.

The One Where Phil Loses The Ring, But They Still Get Engaged (ao3) - tiniestbauble

Summary: A series of 5 times + 1 time, following Dan and Phil from 2009 to 2018, as Phil realizes he loves Dan and should marry him some day in the future, to finding the ring for him, to proposing to him without a ring to the time they finally do get engaged!

The Perfect Valentine's Day Gift (ao3) - pasteldanhowells

Summary: Dan and Phil have been planning a trip to Japan to celebrate their one year of being engaged, but that completely slips Dan’s mind when he tries to find the perfect gift for Phil for Valentine’s Day.

The Real Reason Why Phil Goes To Work - analphancones

Summary: Phil cheats on his wife with his sexy assistant, Dan Howell. Dan is young and hot and exactly what Phil’s wife isn’t, and Dan is just what he needs to make his problems better.

The Sand (ao3) - jerseker

Summary: Phil loves the kinetic sand, loves pressing it between his palm, loves running it through his fingers. He loves watching it fall from his hands bit by bit. He loves the sand and he needs to share it with everyone.

A fic inspired by the LessAmazingPhil video Kinetic Sand.

The Scariest Part (Is Letting Go) - huphilpuffs

Summary: Dan’s journey with sexuality continues long after he meets Phil.

the truth is rarely pure and never simple (ao3) - ZozeeWrites

Summary: dan is natural athlete, the top player on his college ice hockey team. no one knows that he is actually really smart and is transferred into the Honours Literature class. that is when he meets a literature nerd, phil, who just might be able to give his life a little more importance.

The Truth Runs Wild (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: “Is this Dan? I’m so sorry, I know it’s three in the morning but I have your friend Phil here, he won’t stop crying and he’s really fucking wasted, could you come get him? He said you broke up but I didn’t know who else to call. He just kept asking for you.”

The Way I See You - ineverhadmyinternetphase

Summary: Dan’s shocked when he realises that Phil’s self-conscious about the way he looks. Apparently Phil doesn’t know that he isn’t allowed to be sad when Dan’s around. So Dan takes it upon himself to fix the situation - by complimenting something about Phil’s appearance every day. Trouble is, Dan isn’t very good at hiding his teensy tiny crush on Phil.

The Swing At The End Of The World (ff.net) - uhnonniemiss

Summary: AU where humans are given a watch at birth that shows you how much time you have left before you die. The year is 2025, and Phil’s watch has ticked down to his final day, so Dan helps him carry out his last wish.

[sinvulkt]

Angstpril: 6. ABANDONED

how sin joined the jedi order

@whumpril - Alt.12 - words that can’t be taken back

*** ** * ** ***

It is said a Siegrind’s memory doesn’t entirely kick in before 5 years old. That they do not need it, that instinct and the Force are enough to survive without Flock. It is wrong of course: a misconception due to the unwell-known culture, to make Siegrinds appear dumb and savage compared to core-worlder.

One of my earliest memories comes from when I was three years old- or so the Temple Knights told me. My Flock was very small then: Just my parents and myself, far away from the luxurious planet that sheltered our species. I was too small to realise how unnatural such a small Flock was, however, and with the closed off nature of Siegrinds, it took me years before I learnt it. Before I became aware that Flock were meant to be more than one, that Siegrinds could barely bear living per group of three. By then, my feathers were grown, my spirit molded by the Jedi ideal. By then, it was too late for me to become a full-fledged Siegrind- and I knew without having ever stepped on it that my birth planet could never be my home. I would forever be, by the experiences that forged me, an outcast.

The young me was still blissfully unaware of that fact however, barely bothered by the tiny size of her flock. There was enough love from my parents to replace a thousand Flock members, and though running through the galaxy was hard, it was also exhilarating.

That memory, as most of my memories are, can be traced back to a single picture. It is drenched in the smell of fear, spoiled by the iron taste of blood. It happens in the aftermath of a fight, though I don’t remember which, and my mother is the centerpiece of it all. In it, she is holding my cheeks between firm, cold hands. She seems injured, and her wings are clipped, but no matter how hard I focus, I can’t remember her coat coloring. Only her eyes, blue like deep ocean water no sunlight has reached in years, survive in my mind.

She tells me things, likely about the Jedi who are going to take me away, about the new and safe life I’ll have in the Temple, about other idealistic absurdities no one ever believed but still held onto to keep hope. She tells me things, but no matter how many times I rewind the memory, I cannot hear her voice, nor her exact words. The memory is static- stuck in time, frozen for all eternity in a limbo between two lives.

There are two words however, that escape that rule. Two words that struck me, that looped in my head again and again until the voice that whispered them wasn’t my mother anymore, but my own voice.

"Remember me," she said.

And, like flood gates springing open, I remembered.

There is a particularity about Siegrinds, you see. A rite every adult must pass, but that I never will, for I am a lone-Flock. A rule no one knows but natives and outcasts. Jedi chose to isolate themself, spring high walls around their mind, so that Force Sensitivity would never affect them, or others. Siegrinds… Siegrinds embrace the Force, whether they are Sensitive or not. The Flock form a big looping bond that welcomes you or rejects you, but that is here, always present in the back of your mind, always feeding vital information about who is coming, who is thriving, who is sick or dying.

It tells you about your ancestors, about their history and how not to repeat their mistakes. It groom you into a group-oriented individual, until the boundaries between minds are unclear, and a Flock becomes one. Change and growth promote survival, and thus, children are taught orally, their bond faint and weak so that their ego may spread. But little by little, memories are passed, and while the child is different from the elder, both bear similar knowledge in their mind.

That day, my mother gifted it to me. Bits of her birth, bits of her culture. Bits of everything we both knew I would never be able to be. That day, my mother pushed on my side of the bond a closed vault I’d spent most of the end of my childhood hacking, containing a tenth of what a whole Flock would have given me, but so much more than what the Jedi would ever offer me.

She gifted me her knowledge, her memories, her sorrows and worries… and cut the lifeline that linked us.

The memory stops there, forever frozen in that single instant. Lonely blue eyes gaze at me, and I stared back confused, unable to understand why my Flock would mourn something still alive, still thriving… Until the link is mercilessly cut, and she disappears from my senses.

My mother was alive then, I am sure. Her primaries have likely long grown back now, and without a fledgling at her charge, perhaps she is flying free throughout the galaxy. Perhaps whatever obstacle made her leave home went away, and she came back to her planet, forgetting everything about the young chick she gave away. Perhaps she is six feet under, dead after years of slavery, of being one of those “pet birds” rich people enjoy.

I wondered, but I never seeked: once a bond has been consciously broken, why waste energy in trying to mend it back? That day, my mother gave me the gift of knowledge, and banished me from her Flock. That day, she stopped being my parents and left me in a foreign culture, cut away from all clans. The raising, the feelings and the memories she gave me: I will never forget. It is neatly sheltered in my mind space, a clue on my roots, a lost dream of what could have been…

The future however? The future has no yearning for those who left me behind, for those who pushed me away. It doesn’t care for their noble intentions, doesn’t bother with their self-centered pity. What has come to pass may never be changed, and it is just as well: for changing the smallest event would mean undoing our own persona.

As a youngling, I curled around the memory. It kept me warm when I felt cold, kept me steady when I felt unbalanced, kept me focused when I wandered. I didn’t understand why many of the other Initiates held so little interest in their own roots, or why I was scolded for attachment. The mind-vault gave me an objective , a construction to beat in order to gather the precious knowledge held inside. Ironically, its keyhole taught me just as much, if not more, about the Force and who I was than its very content. When I was captured, my ancestors' brush with slavery helped me survive more than once. It taught me how to bow my head in time, how to convince my Master about the benefit of unclipped wings, how much I could get away with and which lines I should never cross. As a Padawan under Aheka, it reminded me of Flock-bonds, of ages-old rituals and of the virtues of trust.

All throughout my life, this memory at the root of it all, I followed my mother's last request and I remembered.

I remembered.

And I moved on.

[heavenridersindia]

Explore the Enchanting Spiti Valley with Perfect Travel Packages

Introduction

Nestled in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is a breathtaking destination that offers stunning landscapes, serene monasteries, and an unforgettable adventure. Known for its unique culture and mesmerizing beauty, Spiti Valley has become a popular choice for travelers seeking an offbeat experience. With various Spiti Valley packages available, planning your trip has never been easier. In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to discover Spiti Valley, the highlights of this magical region, and how to choose the perfect package for your needs.

Why Choose Spiti Valley Packages?

Opting for Spiti Valley packages is an excellent way to ensure a hassle-free and well-organized trip. These packages typically include transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided tours, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey. Here are some reasons why choosing a package is beneficial:

Convenience: Everything is planned and arranged for you.

Cost-effective: Packages often provide better deals than booking everything separately.

Local expertise: Guided tours offer insights and knowledge about the region that you might miss on your own.

Safety: Traveling in a remote region like Spiti Valley can be challenging, but packages ensure your safety with experienced guides and drivers.

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is accessible throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.

Summer (May to September): This is the most popular time to visit as the weather is pleasant, and the roads are clear. You can enjoy trekking, camping, and visiting monasteries.

Winter (October to April): If you love snow and adventure, winter offers a different charm with frozen lakes and snow-covered landscapes. However, be prepared for harsh weather conditions and limited accessibility.

Top Attractions in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is brimming with natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some must-visit attractions that should be part of your Spiti Valley package:

1. Key Monastery

One of the most iconic monasteries in Spiti Valley, Key Monastery is perched atop a hill overlooking the Spiti River. This ancient monastery is not only a place of worship but also offers panoramic views of the valley.

2. Chandratal Lake

Known as the “Moon Lake,” Chandratal is a crescent-shaped lake that captivates visitors with its crystal-clear blue water. It’s an ideal location for camping and stargazing.

3. Dhankar Monastery

Located at an elevation of 3,894 meters, Dhankar Monastery is an architectural marvel. It offers stunning views of the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers.

4. Pin Valley National Park

For wildlife enthusiasts, Pin Valley National Park is a must-visit. Home to rare species like the snow leopard and Siberian ibex, this park is a paradise for nature lovers.

5. Tabo Monastery

Tabo Monastery, often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas,” is over a thousand years old. The monastery complex houses ancient murals and statues, making it a significant cultural site.

Choosing the Right Spiti Valley Package

When selecting a Spiti Valley package, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs and preferences:

Duration

Spiti Valley packages vary in length, ranging from short 5-day trips to extensive 15-day adventures. Choose a package that fits your schedule and allows you to experience the highlights of the region without feeling rushed.

Budget

Packages come in different price ranges, catering to various budgets. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious experience or a budget-friendly adventure, there’s a package for everyone.

Activities

Consider what activities are included in the package. Some packages focus on cultural experiences, while others emphasize adventure activities like trekking and camping. Ensure the package matches your preferences.

Group Size

Packages can be for small private groups or larger groups of travelers. Decide whether you prefer a more intimate experience or don’t mind traveling with a bigger group.

Reviews and Ratings

Before booking, check reviews and ratings of the package provider. This will give you an idea of the quality of service and overall experience.

Sample Spiti Valley Itinerary

Here’s a sample itinerary to give you an idea of what a typical Spiti Valley package might include:

Day 1: Arrival in Manali

Arrive in Manali and meet your tour group.

Overnight stay in Manali.

Day 2: Manali to Kaza

Early morning drive to Kaza via the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass.

Overnight stay in Kaza.

Day 3: Key Monastery and Kibber Village

Visit Key Monastery and explore Kibber Village, one of the highest villages in the world.

Return to Kaza for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Dhankar Monastery and Tabo Monastery

Drive to Dhankar Monastery and then to Tabo Monastery.

Overnight stay in Tabo.

Day 5: Chandratal Lake

Drive to Chandratal Lake, set up camp, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Overnight camping at Chandratal.

Day 6: Return to Manali

Drive back to Manali, taking in the beautiful views along the way.

Overnight stay in Manali.

Day 7: Departure

Leave Manali and return home with memories to last a lifetime.

Tips for Traveling to Spiti Valley

To make the most of your Spiti Valley package, keep these tips in mind:

Pack Appropriately: The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes.

Stay Hydrated: The high altitude can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water.

Acclimatize: Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness.

Respect Local Culture: Spiti Valley has a rich cultural heritage, so be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Be Eco-friendly: Preserve the natural beauty of Spiti by avoiding littering and using eco-friendly products.

Conclusion

Spiti Valley stands out as a unique destination, seamlessly combining adventure, rich culture, and stunning natural landscapes. By choosing the right Spiti Valley package, you can ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring ancient monasteries, camping by pristine lakes, or simply soaking in the breathtaking landscapes, Spiti Valley promises an adventure of a lifetime. So pack your bags, book your Spiti Valley package, and get ready to embark on a journey to the “Middle Land” that will leave you with cherished memories forever. Originally Published here:

[hurryupmerlin]

There's a lot going on in my life and today has been hard, cos I spent all day fighting a mental breakdown. I mean, it was just a question of time, really. I've felt it coming for weeks. But I still wish I could feel something else.

So here's a diary entry in hopes of someday reading it and thinking "man, things have be shit but it turned out just fine after all."

In January I posted my to do list for 2024 here. More than half a year has passed since then and unfortunately nothing from this list is checked off and there has been gradually less good news to report with each new month.

All my life I have never had the stamina to learn an instrument. When I stumbled across Handpans, the opportunity arose to change that. I've since been to two beginner workshops and the organizer was gracious enough to lend me a handpan for a month. I was really motivated to follow through with his 17-days-challenge because I knew if I could manage to play every day, even if it was just a few minutes, I had a real chance of forming a habit and finally fulfilling my dream of mastering an instrument. But my days were long. I set up the handpan a few times at ten o'clock at night or even later, completely exhausted. And then came the executive dysfunction. Every day I see her standing there. Every day I want to play it. Every day something in my head blocks me of setting it up. The fear of having to explain to Pierre that I've only played it 5 times this month eats away at me. I want to play. But I can't. And in four days, the month will be over and I'll have to give it back. He'll then ask me if Handpan isn't for me after all. And I'll say: "Yes, it is. It makes me happy. It's fun. It's healing something inside of me. I can let go of the world when I'm just playing for myself. But my broken ADHD brain won't let me and I don't have the money to buy my own and stash it in the closet for the few times a year that I have the strenght to set it up and play." It feels like losing. Like I missed my one chance for something great, that could've changed me for the better.

When I moved into the house, I had these fantasies of sitting at my desk in my tidy, light-filled beautiful room. Drawing digitally, writing, singing. Painting on canvas and composing music. But my aunt interfered in my life and the building site has been frozen ever since. I live between masking film and plaster dust. I've been incapacitated and feel so powerless and helpless. I want progress. And I want my art back.

And then there's the matter of the dog. That goddamn dog Kröte. My colleague told me there's a technical term for when you make a terribly bad financial decision and then cling to it, pouring more and more money and resources into it in the desperate hope of turning it around. She couldn't remember the term, tho. I could be so happy with just my own dog, but instead I've brought this beast into the house. Because of which my own dog has to spend every day alone at home and because of which my neighbors hate me. Because of which my house stinks of piss and because of which my ears are ringing with barking.

My car has been giving me problems since September last year. I've lost track of how many thousands of euros I've spent trying to get the recurring fault fixed. Something between 4500-6000 euros. Most recently it was in the workshop for a month. What's more, after every repair, another new fault occurs. I can't take any more. Emotionally and financially. My aunt's friend is urging me to take it back to his garage. But I thought I'd made myself clear when I said "if it's not fixed this time, I'll keep driving it until the engine fails and I break down." I was supposed to bring my car over today. Which of course I wasn't told directly again, but via the old game of wisper down the lane. Which I said before I will not accept any longer. I put my cell phone on airplane mode afterwards. I can't do it anymore. It's Saturday and I finally needed a day off. I've been borrowing spoons from the future for days - my body told me very clearly that I had overspent.

Things aren't going well at work either. It's not news that we're bankrupt. But the way our bosses and colleagues treat us graphic designers is now unacceptably disrespectful. I am the only employee left who is still interested in contributing her own ideas in order to offer the company advantages and new opportunities. That makes me stand out - in a negative way. Because thinking along might officially be required, but since it also shows where the problems lie, it's actually unwanted. The very real fear of losing my job while being in debt so badly is gnawing on me every day. I am on the hit list. They just need me to finish a few projects first.

Despite all this I cling to hope.