#ode to phoenix

[x-mensirens]

[blubellsys]

This is a post of all Bluebeller's tags, will be updated as needed!

[purinfelix]

new recruit ₊˚⊹ - charles leclerc

summary: the age-old tradition of Top Gun pilots spending the night before a mission at the local bar is interrupted by a new, boyishly charming, face w/c: 1.8k

taglist: @zowifi @musicallisto

a/n: y'all knew it was coming .. as soon as he dropped these pics i knew what i had to do (consider this a semi-ode to my top gun phase when maverick first came out)

The Hard Deck Bar never changes, and neither do its visitors. It's a fact you rely on comfortably whenever you get the call to return to the beachside town you've learned to call home after years of missions there. You push through the heavy wooden doors, sighing happily as you're welcomed by the sound of laughter and music as the evening comes alive - all against the backdrop of the golden sunset.

"Dice, is that you?" You whip your head around at the sound of your call sign - a gift to you from your lieutenant, an acknowledgement of your risky tendencies in the air. You break into a warm smile as you make eye contact with Phoenix - one of the only other female pilots on the team to whom you've grown close.

"You look well," you reply as you walk over to where she and several others stand.

Surrounding the pool table you're greeted with several familiar faces, some newer than others but all smiling regardless. You had gotten to know the other Top Gun pilots fairly well as one of the most experienced amongst the group, and the one most often called back for missions. It had come to the point where whenever it came time to take part in the old tradition of hanging out at the bar before your first mission briefing, it felt more like a family reunion than a group of coworkers. The only thing that set you all apart from the general public was the khaki uniforms you donned, decorated with multi-coloured patches celebrating your achievements.

"Did you hear there's a new recruit?" Hangman asked, the question clearly directed to you, as he potted a pool ball.

"Oh yeah, the admiral did mention it to me when he called me in," you replied before sipping your drink.

"Reckon they'll be any good?"

"Hope so, I heard this mission's one of the hardest we'll be on," Rooster scoffed from the other side of the table.

"Agreed, especially since they're going to be my co-pilot," you sighed.

"Sounds like Chief had enough of your risky solo missions," Phoenix laughed as she took her turn to play.

You could only smile shyly as she did, finishing the last of your drink before letting your eyes scan through the rest of the bar. Music from the jukebox floated through the air, joined by the loud laughter of the bar's regulars as they drunkenly joked raucously. It was nothing out of the ordinary and worked wonders in calming the nerves you inevitably felt brewing about the responsibilities you'd have to step up to tomorrow.

The bell above the doors tinkles again, announcing the arrival of yet another customer, but this one in particular catches your eye. Not because of his messy brown hair or the boyish air surrounding him - but because you've never seen him here before. You lean over to elbow Phoenix before nodding in his direction, and she turns to look at him too.

"Newbie?" she asks, and you nod before hopping off of the stool you've perched yourself on and waltzing over to where he's leaning against the bar.

You watch as his round eyes scan the menu intently, eyelashes batting as he squints to try and get a better look - it's almost endearing how lost he looks. Shooting the bartender Penny a sly smile, alerting her immediately of your plans, you take the seat next to where he's standing.

"You alright there?" you ask, and he turns to you with a shocked expression.

"Is it that obvious I'm struggling?" You pick up on his accent right away, though it takes you a little longer to locate it. Regardless, you're drawn in almost immediately by the embarrassed smile that spreads across his features.

"Just order your usual, Penny makes everything taste amazing anyway," you reassure him. He nods obediently, leaning over and mumbling his order. "I'm guessing you don't come here a lot?"

"Yeah, first time actually," his hand comes up to rub the back of his neck and you take note of the multiple string bracelets decorating it. What you don't notice though is the way his eyes scan over you, or more specifically, your uniform.

"Are you a soldier?"

"Close, army pilot." You tap the crest on your shirt.

"You must be good then," he smiles, pointing to your patches and it hits you that he might just be flirting with you.

"I am actually, thank you for picking up on that," you shoot back smugly, "how about you, what do you do?"

"Oh me, I'm just trying out some new things, travelling, flying lots." He nods, though the smirk toying at his lips tells you he's not telling the whole truth. You don't care enough to press on though, as you shift on your stool. You don't care enough to press on though, and at that moment his drink order slides across the bar to him.

"You haven't told me your name yet," he's the first to break the silence this time, before taking a sip of his drink. He lets out a surprised hum as if to tell you that you were right about Penny's bartending skills.

"Everyone around here calls me Dice," you reply, gesturing around to the entirety of the room. This piques his interest.

"That's an interesting name."

"Well it's not my real name it's my call sign, it's a pilot thing," you explain and he nods thoughtfully, "it's because I tend to take a lot of risks while on missions."

"Interesting," he murmurs, "but these risks must work out for you." He points to your patches again and you laugh softly.

"I guess you could say so. What about your name?"

He pauses for a bit, almost as if he's forgotten his own name. "Predistinato," he finally says.

"Predi- wh- sorry could you say that again?"

"Predistinato," he repeats, laughing a little this time.

"Is that French or something?"

"Almost, it's Italian," he explains and all you can do is nod, unaware that you're silently mouthing it back to yourself. It certainly isn't a name you'll forget any time soon.

"Well, Mr. P," you say, slipping off your stool and dusting off your hands, "it was nice meeting you and helping you out with your order.""

You're about to give up on your plan before you hear him call out to you just as you're turning around.

"Hold on, Dice," he hesitates before finishing, "how about taking another risk?"

You spin back around and the expression on his face tells you he isn't finding this any less cringey than you are. "Pardon?"

"Do you think I could get your number?"

A cold smile spreads across your face as you skip back over to the bar and lean over to catch Penny's eye. As you do she walks over to the corner of the bar the two of you are seated in, reaching up and ringing the large bell hanging above it. Immediately, the entire bar erupts into a loud commotion of roars and whistles, with people lifting up their cups towards the man sitting across from you.

You can't help but laugh upon seeing his confused expression and all you do is point to the sign hanging between two beer taps. Disrespect a lady, the navy, or put your cell phone on my bar - you buy a round.

"Woah, disrespect? That's harsh," he smiles sheepishly, but you only shrug.

"Rules are rules."

"A round, for everyone?"

"Good luck, and see you around," you nod, patting him on the shoulder with a smug expression before turning to rejoin your friends at the pool table.

"Attention on deck!"

The heavy sound of several chairs scraping the floor in unison is the only thing you hear as you and the rest of the pilots stand at attention. Standing as still as you can, you watch as Admiral Bates marches to the podium at the front of the hangar.

"Good morning, and welcome to your special training detachment." His expression is stern and you watch as his eyes scan the rows of tables. "Be seated."

"Everyone here is a Top Gun graduate, I'm sure you know each other well enough to know that's true. You may consider yourself elite, the best, but that stops now. In here, you will all be treated like equals and you must prove your excellence to make the cut."

The air is tense and no one dares to look at each other as he talks.

"Today we begin with the introduction of a new face however, I'd like you all to welcome the newest addition to this mission." The admiral gestures towards the back of the room and several heads turn to the figure standing at the back of the room, who begins walking between the aisle of tables. His steps are heavy, confident, and almost eager.

"Despite being newer, he has proved his proficiency in every aspect required of this mission and so I warn you not to underestimate him."

The figure passes your table and you physically feel your heart drop to your stomach when he does. He's facing away from you, and he looks completely different when sporting the pilot uniform instead of casual clothes - but you're sure you'd recognise that messy hair anywhere, even though it's clear he's tried his best to comb it down.

"Please welcome Charles Leclerc. Call sign: Il Predistinato."

Of course, just your luck.

"Good morning," from the front of the room and under the bright morning light he looks different, but the boyish charm he seemed surrounded by last night still lingers in the way he smiles.

"Charles, why don't you take a seat next to Dice in the front row, you'll be co-piloting with her for now." Your eyes widen as the attention is suddenly turned to you, and scoot uncomfortably in your seat as he nears you.

"You look well" he murmurs, just loud enough for you to hear as he takes the seat next to you. You let out a low chuckle, not knowing what else to do other than nod a little awkwardly.

The admiral goes on talking, briefing you all on the aims of the mission, but despite your best efforts to focus you can't seem to. Not with the boy sitting next to you, the way he leans forward on the desk to listen attentively the same way he had last night at the bar, the way his deep brown hair falls onto his face as he does.

"Sorry about last night," you hear yourself whisper to him as you lean in, though he doesn't seem to be holding any grudges.

"No need to apologise," he begins, and you sit back with relief. "But next time, maybe you can pay for my drinks?"

You sigh in exasperation, as he shoots you a wink before turning back to the lesson. You could only pray he flew as smoothly as he spoke.

[mystiquesvendetta]

Can we talk about how everyone, Raven especially, sees Charles as this naïve, arrogant and credulous man who hopes for the betterment of the world while being “ignorant” to its faults when in reality if anything he is the LEAST naïve one of them all.

He’s had to grow up and deal with the weight of hearing everyone’s most violent, disturbing, disgusting and innapropriate thoughts and yet he STILL has hope. That’s the complete opposite of ignorant if I’ve ever seen it. He may have unrealistic expectations when it comes to bigotry and equality and all that but how can one still have hope for a world when he sees just how hopeless its society is on a basis?

There was a holiday fic collection I read where on Father’s Day (ode to his comic backstory) he found himself in his fathers study telling Erik about how his father had passed. In this adaptation it was suicide, talking about how he could feel nothing inside the body, the mind, but complete emptiness. It went into how both of them know just as well as the other how deep and harmful the darkness that can encompass one can grow to be. How Charles’ darkness and grief and negative intrusive thoughts could be worse than Erik’s, if anything rival it. Everyone in the original movie series sees Charles as this hopeful, ignorant man wanting to change the word and its ideologies himself, and it pains me that so many people see and write Charles as this truly (in Erik’s own words) naïve man, when in reality he’s the most aware one can be of the humans and society as a whole’s, faults.

This also goes into Charles is powerful as FUCK and could kill anyone in a split second at the stop of a heartbeat but rarely if ever uses that ability. Raven accusing Charles of so much in Dark Phoenix, along with Hank, later, truly breaks me because he’s always been looking out for everyone and never does anything for his own gain.

(Fic is the Father’s Day one in Holiday Fic collection by luninosity on ao3)

Thanks for listening to my daily Cherik rant.

[immortallitea]

Original Post Rules: “WIP Tag Game: Rules: In a new post, list the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it! And then tag as many people as you have WIPs.”

Hm. Uh.... I don't think I have as many people to tag as I do WIPs so I shall see XD

- And When the Gods Weep

- And So the Phoenix Rose

- Blank Pages

- A Twisted World

- The Worst Game Show Ever

- If I Should Die

- An Ode to the Soulmate

- Repeating (For Years to Come)

- The Caged Bird Sings

- Seismic Tremors

- Trouvaille

- We Are Living Echoes

- Remnants of a Bitter Life

- For Healing and Homes

- Who the hell likes living just to die?

- Lying liar

...So that comes in at 16 WIPs. Time to see if I have enough people to tag in the first place XD

@arrowheadedbitch @quackery-binx @the-autistic-spider @wandering-tides @misakisakuya @eryhenituse @jslmasaysmoneyisbest @darliiinqq @xarlutye @venus-dawnstar @blueteller @calethescammer @murasaki-cha @records-of-a-slacker @echoelena-ing @jaded-ghoster

That's enough people off the top of my head! Feel free to ignore this post if I tagged you :)

[gunsandspaceships]

Chiron

"Kheiron's name was derived from the Greek word for hand (kheir) and meant something like "skilled with the hands." In myth it was also closely associated with the word kheirourgos "surgeon."" (Source)

Fragment from "The seven physicians"

"Wisest and justest of all the centaurs" immortal Chiron, mentor of heroes. He invented pharmacy, medicine and surgery and taught Asclepius, the god of medicine, himself.

He lived in a cave on Mount Pelion until he was driven out of his home.

Statius, Silvae 1. 4. 98 "If there be any herb [to cure this illness] in twy-formed Chiron's health-giving cave."

Pindar, Nemean Ode 4. 55 ff "Then [Akastos] sought Pelias' son [Peleus], stealing his sword, the blade of Daidalos' (Daedalus') magic, to contrive his death by ambush; saved by Kheiron's (Chiron's) hand, the fate destined by Zeus he made his own."

Ho Yinsen, an Afghan surgeon, saved Tony in a cave using his innovative surgical methods after Tony was betrayed by Obadiah Stane, who stole his weapon and ordered the "wild centaurs" to kill him from an ambush in the mountains.

Propertius, Elegies 2. 1 "Medicine can cure all human pains . . . Chiron, son of Phillyra, healed the blindness of Phoenix."

Ho and the Ten Rings "healed the blindness of Phoenix" Tony by showing him what was really going on with his creations and that he couldn't trust the people in his company. Yinsen also helped Tony see his true self.

Statius, Achilleid 2. 96 ff "Also did he teach me of juices and the grasses that succour disease, what remedy will staunch to fast a flow of blood, what will lull to sleep, what will close gaping wounds; what plague should be checked with a knife, what will yield to herbs; and he implanted deep within my heart the precepts of divine justice".

"Chiron holding Achilles"

Chiron was wounded by a poisoned arrow while visiting the cave of the centaur Pholus. Even though Chiron was a master of medicine and healing, he could not heal himself from the poison and suffered excruciating pain for several days. He wanted to give up his immortality and die to stop the pain.

Chiron went to Zeus and offered to exchange his life for the life and freedom of Prometheus.

He died willingly so that Prometheus could go on living and continue his mission of teaching humankind and bringing it science and technology.

"Chiron sacrifices himself for Prometheus"

Gifs by @thepunisher

[florenceafternoon]

━。゜✿ jily fic recommendations ✿ ゜。━

These fics are set in the wizarding world but aren’t necessarily canon complaints.

For reference, anything in italics is taken from the summaries on ao3.

I ain’t missing you at all  (requires an ao3 account) by @blitheringmcgonagall

Set post first wizarding war. "Lily Evans disappeared just when the war with Voldemort ended. Nobody knows why she left. James Potter doesn't care. He hasn't missed her at all."

It reads like a character study. All of the repressed emotions are so well-portrayed that I could picture all their facial expressions and body language. The dynamic between Lily and the marauders really illustrated how she wasn't just James' girlfriend - she was their friend too. I just wanted to give them all a hug.

Up In Arms by @mppmaraudergirl

When Lily jokingly tells her owl to deliver a letter to "the love of her life", i.e. Marlene McKinnon, her owl misinterprets the directive and, to her horror, her ode to James Potter’s arms lands squarely in his lap.

The banter in this one is so good that it made my friend fall back in love with jily's dynamic and read fics again

Evergreen and Pine by @tinyluminaryzombie

Lily Evans is stuck in a closet with Sirius. All Sirius wants to talk about is exactly what she's trying not to think about: James Potter.

Or: A seven minutes in heaven that's more like seven minutes of sweet sweet interegation ft. Lily and Sirius.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by @jfleamont

Lily's an overthinker, but fear not, James knows exactly what to say to cheer her up.

Because Lily being a stress smoker is canon (to me)

All The Things I Would Do also by @/ jfleamont

Lily can't stop thinking about James' hands.

Anything Leda writes is great so do yourself a favour and go read her works

I’ve Got My Hate to Keep Me Warm by @dizzy–bird

When a mission for the Order goes badly wrong, Lily Evans must spend the holidays lying low in the middle of nowhere. The rules: no magic, no visitors, and absolutely no Christmas cheer.

And the kicker? She’s sharing the safe house with Order darling – and rival – James Potter, who just happens to be the reason she’s in this mess in the first place.

Kat's poem from 10 Things I Hate About You

Hemispheres by @ohmygodshesinsane

James Potter and Lily Evans have set aside their schoolyard animosities for the sake of the Order of the Phoenix, but when they are enlisted to race Lord Voldemort across the world to prevent him from corrupting the very nature of death, tensions run high. In all manners.

Lily's characterisation in this one is so good

No One Knows Us by @annasghosts

As Fifth Year begins, Lily Evans is certain of a few things: she’s proud to be a Muggle-born witch, despite what Petunia might think; Severus Snape is still a loyal friend and whatever confusing feelings she has as she watches James Potter strut around the castle must be squashed because he’s nothing, but an arrogant toerag.

In which Lily gets the dynamic character treatment that she deserves.

51 Minutes to Change Your Mind by @sosohh

When Muggle-Born Oliver Wood becomes an extremely successful cyclist for the British Cycling team, both muggle and magical ministries have to come up with a plan to make sure all is fair. Enter James Potter and Lily Evans.

The Art of Self-Defense by cgner (on ao3)

Gilmore Girls AU in which "after seventeen years of single parenting, she now has to manage a persistent James, nosy villagers, and a son who's all too interested in joining the Order."

[laurancezvhalkisser]

New Garrance Fic Posted!!

I have no idea how to do any of the tumblr post stuff to make anything aesthetic and fancy (yes i know im an internet grandpa), but please take this Garrance Angst for your thoughts!!

Title: Ode To What Could Have Been

Description: Years after the nether was destroyed, Laurance has been searching. That is, until he finds himself wandering through what remains of the village of Phoenix Drop

Tags posted on Ao3

https://archiveofourown.org/works/65460820

[jedineedlove]

The Four Symbols

"According to the archaeological evidence, the concept of the Four Symbols may have existed as early as China’s Neolithic period (some 6,000 years ago). This is based on some clam shells and bones forming the images of the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger that were found in a tomb in Henan." "I Ching (易經), a Chinese divination text also known as the Book of Changes, traces the roots of the Four Symbols back to the beginnings of the world. It alleges that they were bred from the famous ring of yin-yang (陰陽), which instils order upon the chaotic spirit of Taiji (太極)."

Four Guardians, Four Gods, Four Auspicious Beast

Each corresponds to a quadrant in the sky, with each quadrant containing seven seishuku, or star constellations (also called the 28 lunar mansions or lodges; for charts, see this outside site). Each of the four groups of seven is associated with one of the four celestial creatures. There was a fifth direction -- the center, representing China itself -- which carried its own seishuku.

The four Symbols hold significant symbolic meaning in cosmology and culture. They represent harmony and balance od the universe. The represent the harmony and balance of the universe. Each symbol governing a specific direct , season and set of elements. The symbols are associated with the five elements theory, which is crucial in traditional medicine , Feng Shui, and astrology. The also represent the cyclical nature of time, as they are closely tied to the Chines zodiac and the twelve Earthy branches.

The Four symbols paly a significant role in Shines astrology particularly in the Chinese zodiac, each symbol is associated with the specific year within the 12-year zodiac cycle, along with the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) The combination of the symbol and the element determines the characteristics and destiny of individuals born in the particular year. The four symbol also influence their astrological systems, such as the Eight Characters (BaZi) and the Four Pillars of Destiny.

I thought I compare the LMK versions of them to the real mythology.

Vermilion Bird: Symbol of the South

Vermilion Bird aka Phoenix or Zhuniao, is the symbol of the southern direction. It is associated with the season of summer and represents the element of fire. It is the symbol of rebirth, immortality, and prosperity. It is also often associated with love, beauty, and passion.

Color- Red

Time of Day - Midady

Appearance: said to have chicken’s head, swallow’s chin, snake’s neck, fish’s tail, and five-color feather. ;or A mythical bird with colorful plumage and radiant feathers.

Its seven mansions are the Well, Ghosts, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wings and Chario

Black Tortoise: The Symbol of the North

The Black Tortoise aka Black Warrior, Xuanwu is the symbol of the northern direction. Associated with the season of winter and element of water. Believed to bring protection and longevity. It is also associated with knowledge and wisdom and the control of water.

Color- Black

Time of Day- Midnight

Appearance: A giant tortoise with a snake wrapped around its back

 Its seven mansions are the Dipper, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Encampment and Wall.

Azure Dragon: Symbol of the East

Azure Dragon aka Blue Dragon or Qinglong, representing the easter direction. The ruler of the sky and is associated with the season of spring, the element of wood and is believed to being harmony and good fortune to those who embrace its energy.

Color: Blue- green

Time of Day - Dawn

Looks – serpent like body, deer-like antlers, fish-like scales and eagle-like claws.

The Azure Dragon as it is said that when the seven mansions in that area (Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail, and Winnowing Basket) are joined up, they form the shape of a dragon

White Tiger: The Symbol of the West

White tiger aka Baihu, is the guardian of the western direction. Associated with the season of autumn and the element of metal. Believed to represent strength, courage, and protection. Its is also associated with the celestial guardian of the west a powerful deity known as Xuanwu

Color- White

Time of Day- Dusk

Appearance: a creature with a tiger's body and lions' mane.

the White Tiger, and its seven mansions are the Legs, Bond, Stomach, Hairy Head, Net, Turtle Beak and Three Stars.

it was held to be the God of War. In this capacity, the White Tiger was seen as a protector and defender, not just from mortal enemies, but also from evil spirits.

A symbol of force and army, and so many things entitled White Tiger in ancient China are related to military affairs. For instance, the white tiger banner in the ancient army and the white tiger image on the Commander’s Tally. In the Han Dynasty, the White Tiger was usually carved on the stone relief of a tomb door, or on the lintel of a tomb passage with the Azure Dragon, to ward off evil spirits.

This puts a lot together and I'm impressed with the details that the show animators and designers put into their character designs.

Also..

Yellow Dragon: Symbol of Central

Yellow Dragon aka Qilin the symbol if the Central direction, and is associated with the season Midsummer and the element earth.

Color: Yellow

--

Comparing them they share the colors with the stones and the yellow dragon (central) seems to correspond with the jade emperor's yellow stone. Once again love the show details.

Nearly forgot about this and left it in the drafts wanted to post this then completely forget them.

[shirohige-pirates]

Birds of a Feather - Chapter List

Marco the Phoenix / Reader Multi-chapter story (you can also read it on Ao3 or Wattpad)

Includes: canon-typical violence, romance, smut, Marco blushing, cis-fem reader, devil fruits, Ace and Thatch are alive and well, a very small ode to monster fucking at the end.

Summary: Life has not been kind to you. After a string of bad relationships, you're a little jaded and a little depressed in all honestly. The worst day of your life seems to be the turning point, but the roller coaster ride that follows could either throw you soaring free, or have you caged forever?

Table of Contents

|| Chapter 1: Pity || Chapter 2: Friendly Terms || Chapter 3: Coffee || Chapter 4: Azul || Chapter 5: Nameless Firebird || Chapter 6: Brothers || Chapter 7: Motor Running || Chapter 8: Page Turner || Chapter 9: Ruffled Feathers || Chapter 10: Teenagers in Love || Chapter 11: Condominimum || Chapter 12: The Firebird || Chapter 13: Drop-Off || Chapter 14: Marco || Chapter 15: Dinner || Chapter 16: Frustrations || Chapter 17: Pirated || Chapter 18: Carnival || Chapter 19: Amusement || Chapter 20: Oratorium || Chapter 21: Tension || Chapter 22: Old Flames || Chapter 23: Talk It Out || Chapter 24: Living Life || Chapter 25: Family || Chapter 26: Ivan-Cause || Chapter 27: Birthday Day || Chapter 28: Birthday Night || Chapter 29: Brotherly Deception || Chapter 30: Brotherly Rage || Chapter 31: The Library || Chapter 32: ...? || Chapter 33: Options || Chapter 34: Pretty Bird || Chapter 35: The Risk of D. || Chapter 36: Birds of a Feather

[kerizaret]

When it comes to Tsukasa and being sick my take on it is that if it's affecting him and only him, he IS going to try and push through it bc he's not about to let it hold HIM down. It's just another challenge in the life of a future star! No it doesnt bother him hes just taking a quick break! No the pain is bearable dont worry its fine! He's not leaving it unattended at all, per se, maybe takes something to help, but doesn't sweat it too much. So things like a headache, stomachache, dizziness, minor injury and so, that's fine for him, he'll work through it or he isn't tsukasa tenma (see: ode to your heart beginning. also phoenix kinda?)

But the moment where he's coming down with something that can possibly SPREAD and infect others, thats a different story. Oh he has a fever?? He's coughing?? He is closing himself in his room on medications and not going anywhere. Unless he deems it necessary to go, or hes not doing terribly bad, then he will leave but only with a mask, 5 boxes of tissues both wet and dry and a disinfecting spray/gel and also he's standing at least 2m away from everyone else at all times, constantly reminding them to wash hands and not touch his things unless he's cleaned them. And he leaves the second he's done with what he needs to do / feels a bit worse

He is NOT going to be the reason someone else is getting sick and he refuses to even risk it. Its fine if its just him because he thinks that he'll deal with it fine (50% chance it passes quickly and mildly and 50% chance it absolutely wrecks him over for at least a week. no in between) but he doesn't know how well others deal with being sick and he'd rather not accidentally cause someone a bad time

[whencyclopedia]

Qilin (Chinese Unicorn)

The qilin (麒麟, or simply lin 麟) is a Chinese mythical creature, frequently translated as "Chinese unicorn." While this term may suggest a one-horned creature, the qilin is often depicted with two horns. However, like the Western unicorn, the qilin was considered pure and benevolent. A rarely seen auspicious omen, the qilin heralds virtue, future greatness, and just leadership.

Throughout history, the qilin can be found in Chinese literature, art, and accounts of day-to-day life. As one of the Four Auspicious Beasts – alongside the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise – the qilin also embodies prosperity and longevity and has a heavenly status. References to the qilin date back to ancient Chinese texts, where this revered creature is regarded as a sign of good fortune and an indicator of a virtuous ruler. Its association with the philosopher Confucius (l. c. 551 to c. 479 BCE) underscores its significance as an auspicious symbol. Qilin imagery was favoured across various Chinese dynasties, and its popularity extends across other Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

The Qilin in Classical Texts

In the classic The Book of Rites (also known as the Liji, date uncertain), the qilin is listed as one of the four intelligent creatures along with the phoenix, dragon, and tortoise, often referred to as the Four Auspicious Beasts. Each of these divine creatures symbolizes different virtues considered essential for successful and harmonious coexistence. Broadly, the dragon symbolizes power and strength, the phoenix renewal and grace, the tortoise longevity and stability, and the qilin prosperity and righteousness. Together, these beings convey a collective message of good fortune and balance.

The Classic of Mountains and Seas (the Shanhai jing, 4th century BCE), a proposed mythological geography of foreign lands, mentions several one-horned beasts, but none are specifically identified as the qilin. The earliest known reference to the qilin in ancient texts can be traced back to the Western Zhou period (1045-771 BCE), which is the first half of the Zhou dynasty, the longest-lasting dynasty in Chinese history. The qilin also appears in the Shijing, also called The Book of Odes or Classic of Poetry, said to have been compiled by Confucius in the 4th century BCE, making it the oldest extant poetry collection in China. The Shijing contains just over 300 poems and songs, with some thought to be written between c. 1000 to c. 500 BCE. The piece in question, "The Feet of the Lin", appears at the end of the section that captures the voices of the common people. From Bernhard Kalgren's translation, The Book of Odes (1950):

The feet of the lin! You majestic sons of the prince! Oh, the lin!

The forehead of the lin! You majestic kinsmen of the prince! Oh, the lin!

The horns of the lin! You majestic clansmen of the prince! Oh, the lin!

Here, lin refers to the qilin, and its defining physical features are likened to regal offspring and relations. Karlgren calls this "a simple hunting song, and an exclamation of joy" (7) and suggests it was originally about a real but rare animal, such as a type of deer, which became a fantastical legend later. In James Legge's translation of the same poem, he notes that the qilin had a deer's body, ox's tail, horse's hooves, a single horn, and fish scales. The qilin's feet are not used to harm any living thing, even grass; it never butts with its head, and does not attack with its horn. As a popular and freely available translation, these notes are frequently cited and show the qilin as supremely peaceful and benevolent by choice.

In the 5th century BCE, we find the qilin, again mentioned as the lin, in The Spring and Autumn Annals, a historical record of events occurring in the state of Lu. This chronicle records that a lin was captured in the 14th year of Lord Ai's rule, 481 BCE. Later scholars analyzed and attributed great significance to this event, as Confucius himself, the compiler of The Spring and Autumn Annals, might have done.

From James Legge's translation of The Chinese Classics, volume V, 1872, page 832, (translator's square brackets):

In the hunters in the west captured a lin.

Continue reading...

[sitp-recs]

Happy Friday, friends! I’ve never done monthly wrap ups before but since Wireless pulled me back from a brief hiatus, I thought it would be cool to share some things I’ve been reading, that could use more love. 10 fics both old and new, Drarry and rare pairs, Wireless treats; pick your poison and have fun! 🙌

Drarry

Muscle Memory by @corvuscrowned (E, 7k) - brilliant concept perfectly executed, I’m so here for curse-breaking colleagues who fuck at the job to pass time and then forget about it every time 🤌🏼 genius and intriguing and captivating as per crow’s usual

There's something just beneath the surface, just at the periphery of Harry's mind. They've been here before — they've done this before. If only he could remember it.

And Embers at Your Lips by @nametheshadows (T, 15k) - sequel to one of my all-time favorite 8th year fics with insomniac roommates just as soft and healing as LLAYF. Gorgeous prose and all the kissing. Highly rec this series for A+ comfort food!

The sequel to Like Lightning at Your Fingertips: the kissing montage. And there’s that thing with Potter’s magic.

Rich Friend, Anon (E, 18k) - one of my faves from Wireless, pop star!Draco never gets old and both the pacing and the romance are perfectly developed! I live for Harry’s horny yearning and for their road trip together, kudos to casual Harry/Neville as a side ship!

As far as Harry can tell, Draco Malfoy is still rich as hell. He’s just not a wizard anymore. Featuring: Draco Malfoy trying to make it as a Muggle pop star, Harry Potter as our confused and horny hero, bad driving, good music, and the mysterious magic of falling for someone.

Waking Up Slow, Anon (E, 22k) - this ode to advent Drarry fics took my breath away with a charming Draco, fun dynamics, an enchanting Christmas shop and one of the sexiest smut scenes I’ve read this year, 10/10 recommend for hot & sweet magical vibes and lots of references as an homage to the classics!

'Twas the night before Christmas, although it’s July / Draco’s a shopkeeper, no-one knows why / There’s hiking and witch caves, freak snowfalls and more / Bad Christmas jumpers, nosy neighbours galore / Narcissa’s here too, but… something’s amiss / And what’s in those chocolates that’s making them kiss?

We Are Legend by Vaysh (E, 38k) - happy to report to @romaine2424 that I have finally read this epic apocalypse AU and am shooketh with its originality and serious tone. One of the most creative takes I’ve seen on animagus Draco, a poignant and devastating war story.

Eighty years into the future, Voldemort won. Harry Potter is a renegade wizard, Portkeying Muggles out of London to Hogwarts, last sanctuary in a Britain ruled by the Dark Lord. On a mission he encounters a powerful phoenix Animagus fighting on the Death Eaters' side. He recognises Draco Malfoy whom he thought long dead. But the differences between them are perhaps even greater than before. Cw: MCD

LA, Who Am I To Love You?, Anon (E, 42k) - I cannot believe this beauty was written for my lil Wireless prompt ♥️ perfect LA vibes, gorgeous aesthetics, horny ust and a fascinating take on both down and out bi Harry and out and proud bi Draco, we love to see it! Couldn’t have asked for a better story to fill my prompt, ty anon!

Harry’s summer in LA is not going as expected. Pansy Parkinson keeps inviting him to parties in the Hollywood Hills and harassing him to finally go to the physical therapist, Blaise Zabini keeps slipping new strains of his company’s magical weed into Harry’s pockets in hopes of an endorsement, and Draco Malfoy keeps having sex with everyone but Harry.

Rare Pairs

A Different Tune by November Snowflake (M, 8k) - very nice Dron get together, short & sweet with an undercurrent melancholy that I love, just what I needed before bed

Working in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office has led Ron to many strange encounters--but none more unexpected than this one. Cw: Harry’s dead

The Years Between by brummell (M, 14k) - another rare pair fave, this Rarry fic told from Ron’s smitten and jealous pov as he helps Harry recover from a coma is so deliciously raw and angsty. Gorgeous slow burn, the feels!

For both Harry and Ron, a wake-up call is just the beginning.

Things Remembered by avioleta (E, 17k) - best Snarry fic I’ve read this year, I’m low key obsessed with this hitmen + amnesia concept and how the romance develops so organically while they’re on the run. Intriguing plot, sexy ust and super scorching smut that made me salivate jfc 🔥

Harry wakes up in an unfamiliar bed, in an unfamiliar hotel room, and with absolutely no idea who he is. The man he’s in bed with has no memories either. But they think, maybe, they’re assassins, because they seem to be very good at killing people.

A Dress with Pockets by PacificRimbaud (E, 25k) - a Panville classic recced by anon (ty!!), what a sexy and vibrant read! I LOVED Neville and their dynamics are brilliant and so funny, I just couldn’t get enough of these characters. 100% sold on this ship pls and thank

Pansy Parkinson needed a drink. And a shag. She didn't care in which order. Enter: Neville fucking Longbottom and his rolled up sleeves.

[a-child-of-chaos906]

Guide on devotional playlists!

(Note: English is my second language, there could be mistakes. Please be understanding.)

Making devotional playlist and listening it is one of the simplest way to connect and honour your Deity, plus it is a popular devotional act. It is simple, so if you have little energy, disabled, don't have time, it is a good, easy and modern thing to do, that everyone can do. But sometimes it's hard to decide what to add to playlist, so today I made a guide, how to make devotional playlist. You can add your additions, if you have one, it will be great! This guide will work for every God, Deity, Spirit, not just Netjeru.

I will go through it with my Patron God Sutekh and my playlist to Him and examples from that playlist.

I need to say with a little reminder, that everyones music taste is different and two playlists for same God will never be same, so be kind to each other.

You can put songs of any language.

1.) Songs directly about God.

It is self-explanatory. If it is a song about God, if it sings Their myths, or is about God without Their name, but it's clearly Them, it falls under this category. It is one of the simplest. For me those are:

Derek Fietcher – Set;

Канцлер Ги – Полынь и Ковыль;

Khepri – The Desert od Set;

Altay Tuna POLAT – Mercy of Seth, and so on.

2.) Songs that have Their energy, that feel like Them or Their symbols.

That could be one of the biggest categories, because there could be a lot songs that can feel like Deity. It could be Their aspects, symbols, animals, domains and just energy in general. For example, song "God" by Jake Daniels have big Sutekh energy for me with the lyrics themselves. List can be replenished with:

Alcest – Sapphire;

Watt White – Eye of the Storm;

Blackmore's Night – Storm;

The Score – Revolution;

Casey Edwards – Bury the Light;

Hollywood Undead – Bloody Nose;

Fall out boy – The Phoenix;

Adrian Von Ziegler – Ancient Storm;

Once Monsters – My Name Is...;

Ария – Дух Войны;

Halestorm – I Am the Fire;

And so on. It could be one of the biggest categories and for everyone it will be different.

3.) Songs that you think They will like.

Basically, songs, that don't have to do with the Deity themselves, but you think your God might like them. It could be specific genre, that associated with Them, like rock or hip-hop, that just have something in it. My examples are:

Ghost – Mary on a Cross;

My Chemical Romance – Na Na Na;

Glass Animals – Toes;

Rammstein – Sonne;

Bryce Fox – Horns, and so on.

4.) UPG.

This is a part, that will appear through your time with Deity, it is something that will feel to everyone personally. Maybe, a symbol, an animal, maybe, you will have special relationship. It is individual from person to person. In songs it could be a specific genre, that you feel to Deity and songs connected to your UPG. As well, it could be song through which your God gave you some kind of lesson.

For me, Sutekh became my parental figure, He became very special to be, so my playlist has songs from parental love, like:

My Indigo – Safe and Sound;

Three Days Grace – Unbreakable Heart;

Peter Gundry – A father's lesson;

Three Days Grace – Painkiller.

Song through which He gave me reminder and lessons to continue fighting:

The Score – Born For This.

And so on. UPG can be very different, and so are the songs.

5.) Ambient and nature sounds.

This part can be not for every God. Mostly, it is good for Gods with nature elements, to listen them. Like, for Sutekh, I listen sounds of desert and sounds of storm and rain. But ambient is more universal. It can be, again, ambient of some kind of nature place and event, like, again, desert, water, forest, it could be ambient of some general feeling, like dark, calm, energetic. There is a lot of ambient in videos and others people playlists. It can also be UPG.

For general Netjeru, I can recommend Egyptian music. For Anpu it could be more dark ambient, for Wesir calm, for Heru it could be royal.

Under this category also falls music for meditation. Music with calm rhythm, without words. I have another playlist for Sutekh, that is sixteen and half hours long with music that feels like desert and sounds of storm.

That is all I got so far. You can write down additions for categories, if you have!

I hope everyone will have a great day!

[adm-starblitzsteel-4305]

High school au

Students present their art projects

Graham is tasked to have the students make an art project in anything they love to, and she gave them 2 weeks before the deadline (she still sticking on an alcohol a bit and wants some time with Serizawa).

After 2 weeks...

At Art Class...

Ni, smug, to Godzilla, whispered: I have the BEST quality of art.

Godzilla, scoffed: Whatever...

The students present their art projects to Viviene Graham, who will be rated their different art projects.

Godzilla: *rates 100/100* *a painting of him and Mothra dancing on the starry night, a Van Gogh style, which catches Graham off guard*

Mothra: *rates 100/100* *a 50 foot long blanket beautifully hand sewn by herself depicting a majestic luna moth with floral patterns and a moon in Chinese style*

Kong: *rates 100/100* *a sculpture of Ilene Andrews wearing an impressive Greek robes with laurel crown and holding a book*

Rodan: *rates 96/100* *a glass painting depicting him and Minokawa in their pyrokinetic forms as phoenixes*

San Ghidorah: *rates 90/100* *a matching pairs of beaded bracelets, rings, necklaces, and anklets with golden and pure white pearls*

Ni Ghidorah: *rates 80/100* *a crude sculpture of him flexing his muscles with Tiamat in a somewhat erotic dance*

Ichi Ghidorah: *rates 96/100* *a 10 foot long carpet all crochet by himself*

Ilene Andrews: *rates 98/100* *an origami lantern depicted animals she loved to study*

Battra: *rates 93/100* *a traditional sketch of himself in a rock style outfit with SpaceGodzilla but the sketch has small bits of mistakes and it's also a Jujutsu Kaisen anime art style (he didn't meant it to draw out of question, earning a giggle from Mothra*

Na Kika: *rates 94/100* *a handwoven basket made of plant materials big enough to carry stuff*

Tiamat: *rates 83/100* *a simple white shirt with colored prints of hers and Ni's lovewriting and some...lewd words*

Minokawa: *rates 100/100* *a traditional Maria Clara dress with details like sampaguita flowers with matching accessories and a fan all sewn by herself*

Scylla: *rates 91/100* *a Greek sculpted vase depicting her in her monstrous form as Scylla from Homer's The Odyssey*

Behemoth: *rates 98/100* *a surrealism paint consisting of a tree with different colors depicting emotions*

Barb aka Queen MUTO: *rates 79/100* *a messy portrait of herself and her...irresistible family painting, she explains their unhealthy relationship, which cringed Graham out of spite*

Trapper: *rates 95/100* *a sculpture made out of animal bones and teeth he found when he, Bernie, and Ilene are on a beach collecting some wildlife stuff*

Bernie: *rates 91/100* *a digital portrait od him, Trapper, and Ilene in a pop art style (Ilene never knew he is good at this)*

Phosphera: *rates 94/100* *a glass sculpture of herself and San with golden glitter*

SpaceGodzilla: *rates 75/100* *a crude and messy glass art of himself alone sitting on a crystal-like throne*

[heavenangelblog]

as promised, according to the past post, movie list:

my favorite action movies:

Straż nocna and Straż dzienna

Skyscraper

Die hard

two old Hellboys

Ice road

Monster hunter

Priest

Unleashed

The darkest hour

Maze runner

Kick ass (only the first one actually and it's my guilty pleasure, don't judge me)

Valerian

Duel 1971

Watchmen and bunch of Marvel movies

Rollerball

Hunger games

Returner

Independence day (sentiment)

Ghostbusters

Tim Burton's Batman

Demolition man

Red

Wild wild west

Tank girl

old Twister (new one is a disgrace)

Free guy

Charlie's angels

Operation dumbo drop

Arsene Lupin

The silent hour

Jurassic park/world

Uncharted

Indiana Jones

The rocketeer

Robin Hood 2018 (it's a secret why)

Salt

Mad Max

Speed

Blue thunder

old Judge Dredd

Equilibrium

The fugitive

The purge?

Atomic blonde

Ambulance 2022

biography or document:

Napoleon (even tho it was disturbing, it's worth watching for few scenes)

Extremely wicked, shockingly evil and vile

Iris

Frida

Marina Abramovic

Sayat nova

Grey gardens

Dangerous minds

Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds

Purple rain

Girl interrupted

The Ron Clark story

Advanced style

Queen: days of our lives

Królik po berlińsku

Cleveland abduction

comedies:

Addams Family

Elvira

What we do in the shadows

Buster Keaton movies

3 men and a baby/little lady

My big fat greek wedding (last one wasn't the best tbh)

Les nouvelles aventures d'Aladin

The first wives club

Freaky friday

Mean girls

Maverick

Galaxy quest

Ciacho (sorry not sorry)

Sydney White

Sahara

*wondering what it all means about me, probably nothing good but paints a pretty good picture of my humor

dramas:

The last legion

Marrowbone

Alice, darling

Klass

Shutter island

Judex 1963

Secretary

Cloud Atlas

A patch of blue

Truman show

Times square

The monuments men

The fall 2006

Robinson Crusoe 2003 (the french version)

Renaissance man

Race the sun

Frantic

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind

Breakfast club

Hello my name is Doris

Little miss sunshine

En Duva satt på en gren och funderade på tillvaron

The beniker gang (if someone has a link where I can watch it - I beg you)

Click

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar

Under the Tuscan sun

Flight of the phoenix

Wes Anderson's movies

Dead poet's society

Christmas movies:

Santa and Pete

It's a wonderful life

Grinch

Elf

fantasy movies:

Hobbit and LOTR (including animated one)

Krull

The watchers

Red riding hood 2011

Dungeons and dragons

Gods of Egypt

Kate & Leopold

Paradise Hills

The princess bride

Warcraft

Fire and ice

The scorpion king and all Mummies

League of extraordinary gentlemen

The shadow 1994

Night at the museum

The 10th kingdom

surreal movies:

Blood tea and red strings

Meshes of the afternoon

Paprika

Destiny to order (also looking for a link)

This is me... now

The cell

Twin peaks: firewalk with me

romantic movies:

Red white and royal blue

Penelope

On - drakon

Stranger than fiction

A lot like love

Ode to joy

My policeman (but it's complicated)

Byoo-tee In-sai-deu

Five feet apart

Me before you

My monster

The notebook

The family Stone

Emma 1996

horrors and thrillers:

A quiet place

Bird box

Priest

Van Helsing

Last night in Soho

The lost boys

The village 2004

Zombie express

No exit 2022

The silent hour

Blink twice

sci fi:

Star wars

John Carter

Atlas

Mortal engines

Cloverfield 2008, The cloverfield paradox 2018 or Cloverfield lane 10

Alien Romulus

The invasion

favorite shows:

High potential

From

Grotesquerie

Fallout

Heartstopper

Gen V

The crowded room

Into the night

Czterej pancerni i pies

Don Matteo

Call the midwife

first series of Stranger things and Orphan black

Buffy

My mad fat diary

Poirot

OITNB (but not to the very end)

TBBT

The Simpsons

United states of Tara

AHS Freak show

few episodes of Black mirror

The last of us

LOTR (mixed feelings about it)