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eluthanai · 2 years

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The Dark in the Woods

Phos sat meditating on the stone floor of her old cell in the mines below the nearly-completed Temple of the Flame.

Once the structure above was finished, this place where she and the others were first blessed by the Flame’s light was to be preserved. Though the ritual center of her people’s faith would move, and this place would see little use after.

Even before the change came, she felt wistful for the old improvised sanctuary. Despite her time bound here, this was where the Flame’s way was given. This was the first place hallowed since their liberation. The pain of her servitude, though not forgotten, had been diminished by the light that followed. Not all felt the same though, and the Temple above would be for all who sought the Flame’s warmth.

“A sacrifice from all for each, is freedom’s light command,” she half sang the line from one of her people’s liberation songs.

Suddenly the sound of washing came from the corridor beyond the cell wall. “O Flame, guide our path,” she heard Dendra intone before entering the space.

“I wasn’t expecting you to join me down here,” Phos said warmly as her daughter sat beside her.

“I wouldn’t have disturbed you,” unease apparent in her daughter’s voice. “The hunters have returned early and without game.”

Dendra's eyes were wide as her gaze flitted around the room, her tail twitching with agitation. She was afraid. Though having children of her own, Dendra quivered like a child.

“You didn’t say anyone was injured,” Phos said. “What’s happened?”

“Luo found me after returning with the others. He said a wasting disease plagues the deer, and that a shadow lurks in the woods.”

A shiver took Phos. “The light of the Flame shone forth in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.” she uttered both as affirmation and desperate prayer.

“The hunter’s counsel has asked for your guidance,” Dendra said.

“Why?” Phos sighed, running her hand through the hair between her horns. “Domos is the leader of the priesthood. Many cycles gone since I last filled that role.”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know, mother,” Dendra said. “You are the last of the Three, and they’re afraid.”

“Our people must learn to let power pass to others; that is the Way of the Flame. I won’t usurp Domos’s role.”

Dendra sighed, “Maybe, but Luo led the hunt this cycle and he asked for you. I think he needs his mother as much as he needs ‘Phos of the Lamp’.”

“Perhaps,” Phos said, “but ask Domos to join me. I trust his counsel as much as anyone trusts mine. This matter sits ill with me. I’ll be up shortly; let me finish my offering.”

After her daughter left, Phos completed the offering of rendered fat, and cursed herself as she stood for insisting the room remain unfurnished as it had been in the time of their servitude. “Too old to be sitting on the floor,” she muttered.

She ascended the stairway from the old mineshaft, and soon entered the central chamber of the unfinished temple. Only the oculus above the great fire was left to complete. Though no construction took place today to allow rituals in the space below.

The corridors were dark and empty now, yet it was easy for Phos to imagine the temple warmed by the Flame, her people gathered inside for ritual meals and offerings. As sacred as she found the cell below, this would make a much warmer home for the Flame.

Sunlight overwhelmed her as she stepped outside. As far north as they were, even late into the evening the summer sun shone brightly in the sky. In the time it took her eyes to adjust, Domos approached her.

“The hunters have gathered on the green,” he said. “I’ve heard their story, but I don't know what to make of it.”

“So far I’ve only heard it second hand,” Phos said. “I’ll let them tell me. Perhaps we’ll make something of it hearing it again,” she added and walked on to where the hunters had gathered, Domos in tow.

“Ma,” her son called, “I…” Luo was at the brink of tears before he embraced his mother then collapsed sobbing. “The forest was dark at noon, and the beasts are dying in the woods.”

Phos patted her son’s back, at a loss for words. Most of the hunters appeared weak, as though they hadn’t eaten in days.

“Had I not seen Poneros dead myself, I would have thought him stalking us in the forest,” said one of the older hunters as his body trembled. “The shadow that fell over us was a thick darkness; I had to light a torch at midday, and only after calling on the Flame to guide us could I see more than a few strides.”

“Troubling indeed,” Phos said, holding her son.

“It’s not the Skotia, is it?” Luo said, shaking.

Phos shuddered at the mention. The word meant darkness, but in the time of their servitude it was what they had called the influence Poneros used to bind their minds. It was unlike other magic they had known of. And while its power had been broken by the Flame, they knew little of the force that bound them.

“Please tell me from the beginning what happened,” Phos said.

“The deer were the first sign,” the older hunter said, “their bodies wasting, and lethargic. We went deeper into the woods seeking healthy game. A day’s journey and the wasting disease was only worse. A terrible sight to see them like that. Not one looked well.”

“The next day,” Luo said, still clutching his mother’s arm, “Many of the camp members became ill. We didn’t know if it was our nerves or if the disease was catching. But Eluthane depends on us for meat, so we continued.”

“The darkness came not long after. By midday our hunt was fleeing the woods. Afraid to sleep, we pressed through the night and the next day until we arrived here.”

Phos didn’t know what to make of the tale, but what she did know was, “Each of you should go to the Temple. If this disease is catching, it isn’t safe to send you about town, and there is no other place large enough to house you,” Phos said.

They nodded and began to depart for the unfinished sanctuary.

“We need to bring together the other priests,” Domos said, “and anyone that knows a bit of healing; we can’t see to all of them ourselves. If they are very sick they may need care for days.”

Phos nodded, “And the shadow?” she asked.

“Let us see to our people first, then the woods,” he said.

~~~

Before long, the priests and other healers had been summoned to the Temple, and the sick were laid up in the empty ritual rooms.

Few hunters had been healthy upon returning, and most had fallen ill since arriving at the Temple. Luo however found himself well, though a quarantine prevented him from leaving. Yet he found himself grateful not to be alone.

Unease weighed on him. Closing his eyes was enough to return him to the shadow he fled. His waking thoughts were a nightmare. He had never known the darkness his parents had faced. He hoped he never would. Now though, only the work he’d been given to assist with the care of his fellow hunters distracted him from his fear.

“Luo?” a voice called, and he startled. “I’m sorry,” said Aithos, one of the priests caring for the hunting party. The man came to his side and smiled, resting a hand on his back.

They had been friends as children; though they hadn’t spoken in many cycles, not since Aithos had left to study abroad.

“Are you alright?” Aithos asked.

Luo was surprised by the man’s touch, yet it put him at ease. “I will be, thank you,” he said, exhaling deeply.

Aithos smiled, “Good,” he said. “Are those the herbs I asked for?” he asked, gesturing to the bundle Luo carried.

Luo nodded, though his hands trembled as he handed the bundle to the priest. Aithos lifted Luo’s chin, concern clear in his expression. “Your party will recover. There are skilled physicians looking after them. The herbs I asked you for will help them sleep. They need that now more than anything.” The young hunter made himself smile, not wanting Aithos worrying about him when others needed his care right now.

“You’re cold,” Aithos said. “Go rest by the fire; I’ll let you know if I need your help again.”

Luo left the priest and headed for the central chamber, then stopped and watched Aithos walk the opposite direction, realizing how much he had missed his friend.

~~~

It was late at night and the sun was truly set by the time each of their patients had been seen, and Phos was sure they would survive the night.

She found herself walking the corridor of the hallway to the Temple’s central chamber, where a fire had been lit in the great hearth beneath the unfinished oculus. There she found Domos tending the Flame and Luo sitting nearby.

“I thought it fitting to light a watch fire even though this space is yet to be sanctified,” Domos said as Phos knelt before the Flame.

“The Flame’s light shines where it is called, if a space is hallowed or not. The lady of Eluthane will still keep us,” Phos said, then added, “You needn’t justify yourself to me.”

“Would that you filled my role at a time like this,” Domos said, looking pleadingly to Phos.

She shook her head. “I would not,” she said.

“Why?” Domos asked. “Our people look to you. You are the last of the three after all.”

“That’s true,” Phos said, “The three of us were the first to receive the Flame’s blessing, and the first to hear the voice of the Flame give the Hodos. Many cycles ago it became clear that we could take power any time we asked the people for it.”

“The people trust you,” Domos said. “You spoke with the Flame and called their power; of course we want you to lead us.”

“I could have been a queen,” Phos said, “Or maybe the three could have ruled together. Better than one perhaps, though had we come to disagreement we would have torn Eluthane apart. No it is better that no leader hold power over others for more than a cycle; that is the way of the Flame.”

Domos sighed and looked deep into the red fire burning in the hearth. “You’re right, of course,” he said. “And yet you still lead by not,” he said looking up at her. “Even still I’ve only been a priest a few cycles; I feel unprepared to lead in the face of…” he stopped short, not knowing what they faced.

“The dark in the woods?” Phos suggested, and shook her head. “You were elected to lead the priesthood because I and the other priests trusted you to fill that role. And for this cycle you will. But you are not the only leader in Eluthane, nor do leaders act alone.”

Luo chuckled to himself, “I guess I’m not the only one elected to lead their workers’ group feeling inexperienced.” He looked up and offered a sympathetic grin to Domos.

“I think the older hunters thought it would be fun to let me lead on my second cycle with them,” he added. “I accepted, knowing they’d help me along. Though had I known what we would face I would have refused.” Luo shook his head.

“None of us saw this coming,” Domos said, looking up at the hunter.

“Still someone is going to need to go back into the woods, and I’m afraid to.”

“Light of the Flame keep you,” Phos uttered as she pulled her son to her. “You are perhaps the only member of your party well enough to lead a group into the woods, but you won’t go alone.”

“You don’t intend to go yourself, do you?” Domos asked, alarmed.

“I do,” Phos replied flatly.

“But the darkness, if it’s the Skotia… You’re not so young, could you face it?”

“If it’s the Skotia, the Flame will face it. That power was broken before; it can be broken again,” Phos said. “Though I don’t intend to go just the two of us. I would ask you to send others with us.”

Domos nodded, “I’ll need to inform the Eluthane council, and ask them to release provisions for you. I’ll also ask the aid of the forestry counsel, I’m sure they will want to send one of their own.”

As Domos spoke, Dendra stepped in from a corridor where she had been lurking, “I couldn't help but listen in,” she said. “If you’re going to ask the foresters for help, I would like to volunteer,” she said.

“But your family…” Phos said.

“My husband and children are safe at home, but my mother and brother are heading into the woods.”

“Besides I’ve been stuck here since everyone exposed to the hunting party is under quarantine. The only help I can give in the Temple is to fetch herbs and water from the mine. But I’m not a housekeeper; I’m a member of the forestry team. Being exposed makes it logical that I should be the one to go.”

“She’s right,” Domos said, and Phos gave him a level gaze.

“I suppose so,” she said finally.

Domos suppressed a sigh of relief when Phos accepted her daughter’s aid, but there were more that were needed for this expedition. “As for priests,” he started, “I recommend Aithos. He may have only joined the priesthood recently, but his time studying herbs and mundane healing among the drow has made him the most skilled among us.”

“Isn’t he needed here? I can…” Phos questioned.

“I know you can call the Flame to heal,” Domos cut her short, “but you are also a mortal with limited strength. Take Aithos. We have enough healers to care for the sick, and I would be remiss if you didn’t take the best where you go.”

Phos laughed, “I see we were right to elect you after all.”

Domos chuckled in return. Then said, “We will need to make sendings to report our plans and request for aid to the People’s Council and workers’ councils in the morning. I would ask you to join me in the hallowed space below to cast them.”

To this Phos nodded.

~~~

The next day, replies came well before noon by messenger. Their plan accepted, and provisions for several days released, Dendra waited near the Temple entrance with her pack and equipment prepared.

It wasn’t long before the others joined her and they set out. The woods were a little way beyond the edge of town. Their path took them within sight of the forestry station, and she longed to stop there to retrieve some of her tools, but restrained herself. Her colleagues would be on staff there, and it wasn’t known if she could spread the malady the hunters suffered.

Even still, she was relieved to be back in the woods. The air of the warm summer forest carried her, though she found relief to be in the woods incongruous with the dread she felt for the dark her brother described. Even still as they walked it was hard to believe that anything could be… She stopped suddenly in her tracks.

“Dendra?” her mother called.

“These trees are sick,” Dendra said, gesturing to the yellowed pine forest.

“It looks like a blight,” Aithos said, coming up behind her, “Isn’t that relatively common?” he asked.

“It is,” Dendra said, “but I was here just a few days ago gathering fallen wood, and there was no sign of it then. It's spread to parts of the tree that aren’t commonly infected as well. For it to have spread this fast…'' she cut short. “Was the forest like this during your hunt?” she asked Luo.

“I… I don’t know,” he said.

“We need to keep moving,” Phos said. “Luo take us the way your hunting party went.”

Luo nodded, but before they could leave, Dendra stopped them, “Please, I need to collect samples. I want to compare them with other parts of the woods.”

Their mother nodded and Dendra went to work collecting and cataloging samples.

~~~

Luo had been anxious about returning to the woods since escaping with his hunting party. Then when Dendra highlighted that illness was in the trees as well, his unease mounted.

Nominally he had been asked to lead their expedition. Even still he found himself deferring to his mother wherever he could. So far she had spared him one of her lectures, yet he worried that his deference annoyed her.

With the stress of the expedition, he found his mother and sister intimidating, so it was a relief when Aithos decided to walk with him. Though Luo had missed him, he felt unsure how to talk to the man since his return. Yet the priest chattered with Luo now as easily as though he had never left.

“See that plant over there? The one with the conical blades and the purple flowers?” Aithos was saying.

Luo nodded as he looked in the direction the priest was pointing.

“That plant has an edible bulb,” he said, “It's a bit pungent, like an onion.”

Luo smiled in spite of his worry. His friend had always been fascinated by this sort of thing. Ever since they learned that dandelions were edible as children, Aithos had taken an interest in wild plants. Despite the dread they faced, hearing his old friend's voice eased his mind.

“Hmm,” Aithos said, placing his hand on Luo’s shoulder to get his attention, “What animal leaves droppings like that?”

Luo blinked. He hadn’t been paying attention. It was the sort of thing a hunter notices, but lost in his thoughts he didn’t see it until he was made to.

Coming closer he took a look. At first they didn’t seem like anything he recognized. “I think it’s one of the sick animals. Caribou probably, though they're not holding together the way you’d expect.”

“I see,” Aithos said. “If it’s a sick animal, I’d like to see it. Do you think you could help me find the one that left this?”

Luo looked to his mother. They had already been walking most of the day, but it would be hours still before the sun set.

“It's a good idea to look into,” she said. “We had probably better set up camp before it gets too much later anyhow. We’ll set that up while you go.”

Not far from the droppings they found a narrow path used by wildlife. Luo scanned the area for signs of the direction the deer went. A bend in the underbrush suggested something had recently moved through there. The ground on the path was covered by fallen pine needles occasionally disturbed, exposing the soil below.

“This way,” Luo beckoned Aithos to follow.

The path carried them for some time as Luo watched for signs that the animal had left the trail. Eventually they heard something move around a bend. Luo stopped and drew his bow as they rounded the path, and his body tensed, afraid of what would meet them.

Aithos caught his arm. “Stop, it's just a deer,” he said as the animal tried to stand and failed.

Luo exhaled deeply as he lowered his bow. “Thanks,” he said.

Aithos patted his back, “Are you alright?” he asked.

Luo rested his arm on Aithos’s shoulder, letting himself lean into him a little as he caught his breath, finding comfort in his friend’s touch. “I will be,” he said.

Aithos rubbed his back for a moment as Luo’s breathing returned to normal. “Good,” he said. “I need to examine the animal; can you help hold it down?”

Luo nodded as his wits returned to him.

The caribou struggled only for a moment before it lost strength to resist. Aithos ran his hands over the animal's neck, and examined its mouth and eyes.

“Did you study animal medicine?” Luo asked as the priest worked.

“No,” Aithos said, “but there are enough similarities between people and animals that I have an idea of what I’m doing.”

Luo nodded. “And?” he asked.

“Well despite the droppings, I’d say this animal hasn’t eaten in several days. But also, when people are sick there are parts of the neck and throat that swell. If deer are similar, I can’t find them.”

“What does that mean?” Luo asked.

“I don’t know. But the hunters were the same. Clearly ill, but certain signs were missing that indicate disease.”

Luo shivered, “We should go. I want to get back to the others before dark.” Aithos agreed.

~~~ Not far from the trail where they had departed, Aithos and Luo found the others camped near a narrow stream of snow water from the mountains above.

Phos sat praying near a fire while Dendra examined the plant samples she had gathered.

“What did you find?” Phos asked as they approached.

Aithos described the animal they found wasting away as the others listened.

“So it is the same with the trees then,” Dendra said.

“What do you mean?” Luo asked.

“It's just these needles I’ve been looking at. With a blight you would expect to see color banding, or spore dimples, but there aren’t any. From afar the trees look blighted, but it's almost as if they’re just dying.”

A chill ran through the camp. Aithos watched as Luo left his side to sit on a fallen log; his tail twitching in agitation. Signs of distress were apparent on the others as well.

Aithos sat on his own and took food from his pack to distract himself from the apprehension that gripped him. The others did so as well, and at least tried to eat in silence. Before long though his appetite failed him. Standing, he unstrapped his kettle, filled it from the stream, and heated it by the fire. Then, withdrawing a bundle of herbs from his pack, he selected a few and added them to the water.

Twilight was coming on as he finished preparing the tea, which he took to the others. “This should ease your sleep,” he said, offering the kettle to Dendra and Phos.

“Thank you,” Phos said, taking it and pouring cups for her daughter and herself.

When he took the kettle to Luo, the hunter jumped as he approached. “I’m sorry,” Luo said, catching his breath.

“Are you alright?” Aithos rested his hand on the hunter’s back, and he could feel the man next to him trembling.

“I…” Luo stammered, “I’ve never been afraid of the dark before, but tonight it’s oppressive.”

Aithos draped his cloak over both of them as he sat with an arm over Luo’s shoulder, and the other man collapsed into him weeping as Aithos stroked his back.

After a moment, Aithos unfastened his horn lamp from where it was tied to his hip. Lighting it, he uttered a blessing, “Joyous I rest in Flame’s light. Steadfast her ward preserves my will.” As he spoke, he drew his hand from the lamp and touched the cloak covering them. Suddenly it shone, and a pool of warm red light filled the clearing.

“The Flame’s light will guard us tonight,” he said, and Luo smiled weakly, though worry still showed on his face. Aithos hesitated. He liked Luo. He had for a long time. But he wasn’t sure the hunter could feel the same. Still he offered. “If you like,” he said timidly, “I can stay with you tonight.”

Luo grasped his arm and whispered, “I’d like that,” through his tears. Then pulling him into an embrace, Aithos finally felt the hunter relax.

~~~

Phos was relieved when morning’s light returned to the woods. Nights were short this time of year, and she sat silently to let the others rest as long as they could.

She smiled as she realized Luo and Aithos slept in each other's arms. It was the first time her son looked truly relaxed since escaping the woods the other day.

As quietly as she could, she arose and prepared a small fire for a morning offering. After heating a kettle she performed a ritual cleansing with ashen water. Soon the others began to stir and joined her.

“Oh Flame, keeper of my will, may your light guide our path,” she said, breaking a piece of bread and offering part to the fire. The remainder was passed around and each partook.

“How long before we reach the place where your team turned around?” she asked her son.

“Not too far, actually,” Luo said. “We had spent most of our time hunting before. Our path yesterday was far more direct.”

“Good,” Phos said, “we’ll take down camp and leave soon.”

“We really should try to eat before going,” Aithos said.

“I’m not sure I could.” Phos’s stomach soured at the thought of eating more than the morsel of bread from the offering.

“We can’t travel all day nor face the darkness hungry. I have herbs that can stimulate appetite; let me make a broth. At least that much will help.”

Food was the last thing Phos wanted now, but she knew Aithos was right, and she nodded.

Luo offered to help the young priest, which appeared to amount to following the young priest around while he worked and holding the occasional lid or spoon.

Before long the broth was prepared. After drinking, Phos’s stomach churned, and she was afraid it had only made her sick. But after a moment her nausea abated. Her appetite whet, she was able to eat a little more. “We had better move,” she said after eating. “Summer days are long but not endless.”

Again Luo guided them along the branching paths of the forest which he had traveled before. While still morning, the daylight seemed to dim, though no cloud obscured the sky, and the illness that plagued the forest worsened the further they went.

“The place we were forced to turn back is a little beyond this hill,” Luo said. His voice trembled as he spoke, but Aithos rested hand on his shoulder, and the hunter smiled as his gaze turned to the young priest. “Right,” Luo said, nodding, “Onward and upwards then.”

The path was steep, but soon cresting the hill, a valley stretched on before them.

“The trees!” Dendra cried looking out. “The forest is no longer dying here; it’s dead. This will take generations to recover, if we can help it at all.” She sank to her knees as tears fell to the dusty path.

“We will help it,” Phos said, raising her daughter up. “We will face the darkness, and we will help it. Eluthane will help it,” she said.

She fell into her mothers arms as she stood still sobbing, “It’s dead, so much dead,” she whispered. And Phos stroked her daughter’s back.

“More will die if we don’t continue,” Phos whispered. “We must save what we can.”

Dendra nodded, wiping the tears from her face. Breathing deeply she looked to her brother, “Down we go then.”

As they descended, the darkness deepened, when suddenly the world before Phos disappeared in the blackness. The sun was still overhead, though it appeared a dim star in an empty sky.

“Luo!” Phos called for her son, knowing his trauma.

“Mother?” her son’s voice quivered, “I’m with Aithos. His lamp gives us a little light. Can you see us? I don’t know where you are.”

She could see, just faintly, a burning light ahead of her. Lighting her own lamp, a pool of light surrounded her. The darkness seemed to press its weight against her, yet the light of her lamp persisted.

“Dendra!” She called, “Dendra where are you!”

“I can’t see anything, Mother help!”

Phos turned to the sound of her daughter's voice. Her sight extended only a few feet, but where she looked only dead trees were in her path.

“Aithos and I both have our lamps lit, can you see them?” Phos called.

Suddenly a terrible roar filled the air. “Dendra!” Phos howled.

Fear gripped the elderly priestess as she sank to her knees and recited a prayer in desperation. “The light of the Flame shone forth in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.” As she uttered the prayer an aura of light rose up from the Flame that danced on her lamp, pushing back the darkness surrounding her with dawn’s light.

“Mother!” Dendra called. Phos saw her now, where she had lost the path in the darkness. But then she turned as her daughter pointed back toward the path. “Dragon!” Dendra cried.

Turning, she beheld a towering dragon standing before them wreathed in shadow. Luo and Aithos stood at the dragon’s feet, bow drawn and lamp held aloft.

“Oh Flame be my shelter!” Aithos called, and at the same time as Luo loosed an arrow, a great radiant Flame burst from his lamp as an arrow struck the dragon’s wing. The shadowy form reeled in pain then roared as it retreated.

“A dragon?” Aithos cried. “Has Liliq come after us at last?”

“I don’t think so,” Phos said. “I doubt a god could be turned back by such an assault as you provided, though a mortal dragon seems no more likely.”

“How do we fight a dragon?” Luo asked.

“We don’t. At least not any dragon I’ve heard of. Yet we must face it again,” Phos said, “at least to persuade it to leave Eluthane in peace.”

~~~

They had come further now than Luo had come with his hunting party. Even still, he led them through the woods. Though the darkness pressed around them, his mother’s lamp shone with the Flame’s light, enough to see the way the dragon fled.

“Odd,” Luo said as the dragon’s tracks led them off the path. “Why didn’t the dragon fly away?”

“Did we injure their wings?” Aithos asked.

“I don’t think so,” Luo said. “Not enough to stop them from flying.”

“It's almost as if they forgot they were a dragon,” Dendra said.

“You…” Phos started and hesitated, “You might be right. Dragons, even mortal ones, are ancient cunning beings. This one seems more a beast than any lore I know would suggest.”

“If that’s true,” Luo said, “we will meet them soon enough if they continue this path.”

“You mean the mountain?” Dendra asked.

“I mean the cliffs,” Luo said. “On a lucky hunt we corner game here. The dragon is heading straight for them.”

Though Flame’s light allowed them to see their path, the darkness before them became darker than black, the world beyond a void. Phos started singing the songs of her people’s liberation and the light of her lamp burned brighter, and again still as the others joined in the song.

The light of their lamps pressed back further as the song progressed. Then the cliffs and dragon came into view. Dendra and Luo both raised their bows and Aithos his lamp.

“No,” Phos said in almost a whisper, “lower your weapons. We mustn't harm them.”

Then continuing her song, Phos pressed forward, and the dragon roared, yet no breath of fire came. Persisting in her song, the light of the Flame was wreathed about her as she neared the shadowy dragon.

New bonds they forged made from trust Together now to fend And called the Flame to aid them Poneros’ rule to end With fire held against the sword For lord no more to bend

She continued and reached out toward the dragon as she sang the final chorus.

For together alone we shall be free, we shall be free! For together alone we shall be free.

As the last lines were uttered the dragon reached their claw to the priestess’s outstretched hand, and the light of the Flame enveloped them both.

Where once was shadow now a great brass dragon shone in the evening sun as both Phos and the ancient being sank to the ground.

~~~

Phos awoke to find Aithos examining her. “You’re awake,” he said, and sighed in relief. “Can you drink?” he asked, and Phos nodded. He poured a cup of some brew he’d made and passed it to her, and she drank. “You’ll need energy if we are to find a safe camp before nightfall,” he said.

“What of the dragon?” Phos asked after drinking.

“Still unconscious, though I don’t know how long before they rouse. We should go quickly.”

“No,” Phos said, sipping the tea. “They need our help. Please prepare to camp here tonight, and help me with the dragon’s wounds.”

Aithos hesitated. “Are you sure?” he said, casting a troubled glance toward the creature.

“By Flame’s light, yes I am sure,” she said.

He nodded. “In that case, may the Flame keep them,” Aithos said before he left to help the others set up their bed rolls.

The tea did rouse her faculties, and she found eating easier than it had been in the morning, and more satisfying. She considered the great dragon that lay next to her. Though the shadow had fled, the being it had possessed was left extremely weak.

She stood and rested her hand on the ancient one’s side. They were cold. She knew this dragon should have a breath of fire, yet they were cold. “O Flame, guardian of my will,” she said bringing forth her lamp, “warm and defend the life of this being.”

The Flame shone deep scarlet as she prayed, and though the brass clad creature remained unconscious, warmth returned to their breathing.

~~~

Luo sat in the evening twilight watching Aithos and his mother attend to the fallen dragon. Though darkness now fell on the valley, his fear no longer held him. He could still feel it at the back of his awareness, yet since Aithos held him through the previous night he found himself able to relax knowing his friend was near.

Lost in his thoughts, he almost didn’t realize that Dendra had sat down next to him. “Where have you been?” he asked.

“I’ve been using the last of the daylight to survey the woods,” she said, and showed him some samples she had collected.

Luo frowned. In the firelight he couldn’t make much of what she’d collected. Pine cones and dry plants as far as he could tell. “So how is it?” he asked.

Dendra sighed. “The forest is dead,” she said. “Well, mostly dead,” she corrected herself.

Luo looked at her confused.

“Throughout the area I was able to survey, the trees, undergrowth, and most animal life were all dead.”

Luo slumped where he sat as he took in the news of the devastation.

“But,” Dendra continued, “the seeds in these pinecones are still viable. The seeds of the other plants were too.”

“What does that mean?” Luo asked.

“It means that even though the mature plant life has perished, these still have a chance to grow. It means we can help the forest live again.”

He smiled. His sister’s optimism gave him hope that the animals of the forest would too recover in time. Though with so much of the forest devastated he didn’t know how long it could take.

They sat together silently for a while when his sister smiled suddenly as though musing on something entertaining. “So, you and Aithos,” Dendra said, looking at him with a grin. “You two have been cozy.”

Luo felt himself blush and was glad his sister couldn’t see it. “Oh, um… yeah I guess we have been.” He scratched his head behind his horns.

“So is it romantic, or did he just help you make it through the night?”

“Umm…” Luo said, realizing he wasn’t sure, “I don’t know.”

“If it helps…” Dendra paused. “Well perhaps it’s nothing, but he’s asked me about you a few times since returning to Eluthane. I know you two were friends but I got the feeling he likes you. I would have said something before, but I didn’t think you would return his feelings.”

“To be honest, I didn’t know I would either but…” he cut short. “I need to talk to him,” he said, leaving his sister’s side.

~~~

It was dark when Aithos finished applying a poultice to the various wounds the dragon had sustained while held by the shadowy force. He only hoped his work helped. The creature was incredibly weak despite their size, and he knew almost nothing of their anatomy.

He gazed into the fire they had lit near the dragon and found Phos calling the Flame for a blessing.

“I think they'll live,” he said to her as she finished her prayer. “They’ll recover with time and rest.”

“I hope so,” she said. “It would be a shame for one of the gods’ kin to pass this way.”

Aithos frowned, “You should rest as well; we won’t be any help exhausted.”

“I will soon,” she said. “I would like to make an offering to the Flame in thanks for her aid today. Would you join me?” she asked.

Aithos started to nod, but halted as he noticed Luo stand and walk toward them from where he’d been sitting with Dendra.

“I would,” Aithos answered, “but I think I might be needed by someone else.”

Phos looked in the direction of the camp and chuckled as she saw her son approach. “Go take care of him,” she said earnestly, and patted his hand.

Aithos nodded and left to meet Luo in his path. “I…” Luo started and paused as his tail twitched. “Would you walk with me for a bit?” he asked finally.

Aithos smiled and considered the man standing before him. “It’s dark; will you be alright?” he asked, remembering the night before.

“Your lamp should be enough for tonight,” Luo answered. Aithos nodded and followed the hunter on the path in the dark. They walked silently for some time before Luo eventually spoke. “I wanted to ask you about last night.”

Aithos stopped. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.” His hand tremembed as he realized he had left unspoken his feelings for the other man.

Luo turned and looked at him, his face lit only by the lamp light. “No, it’s not that,” he said, “I desperately needed you last night.” Luo reached out and fell just short of touching Aithos’s face. “When you held me last night though, I realized I had missed you, perhaps more than I would a typical friend.”

“I missed you a lot too,” Aithos responded.

“Which is to say,” Luo paused and looked down for a moment, “I think I love you.” he said, bringing his gaze back up to face him.

Aithos felt his eyes burn and his vision blurred as tears welled up. He took hold of the other man and buried his face in Luo’s chest, weeping. The hunter wrapped his strong arms around him, and in the comfort of the embrace he inhaled deeply the man’s scent, and clutched him tighter.

“I think I love you too,”Aithos whispered, “which is to say I have for a long time.”

The touch of Luo’s hand raised his chin, and the hunter gazed into his eyes and smiled before bringing their faces together. Gently he touched his forehead to Aithos’s then caressed his cheek with his nose, before finally they kissed.

“That was nice,” Luo said softly, as his lips came away.

Aithos chuckled and kissed him back; the hunter’s hand holding the back of his head. “Your mother and sister are just over there,” he said, feeling Luo’s hand travel the length of his spine to the base of his tail.

“Should we walk further on then?” Luo asked with a grin.

Aithos chuckled, “Yeah, I’d like that.”

~~~ ~~~

When Phos awoke, she again found the others still asleep. She stood before the brass dragon in dawn’s greenish light. Then holding aloft her lamp, she offered a blessing before preparing a fire for her daily rituals.

As the others roused, she beckoned them over to share a meal with her and the Flame.

“The dragon’s still unconscious then?” Aithos asked as he and Luo sat down together by the fire.

“So it would appear,” she said, watching the creature resting beneath the cliff. “Though their breath does seem much easier this morning.”

“Do you think they will awaken soon?” Dendra asked as she approached the fire.

Phos shrugged. “Flame willing,” she said. “Whatever power killed the forest held the dragon directly. I can’t say what to expect after that.”

“Still,” Phos said, standing before the fire, “we should eat. I for one am very hungry after eating little for days.” Before eating, she again performed a ritual washing in order to make an offering to the Flame.

“Oh Flame, keeper of our wills, breaker of bonds,” she began, and the fire deepened to a near crimson Flame as she continued. “May your light ever guide our path of liberation and strengthen our labors.” As she spoke, she placed a bit of bread and poured a libation of wine onto an offering stone in the fire ring, which in time was consumed.

The meal she had set out was a simple one of cheese, bread, and onion, served with tea. They ate in silence for a while when a sudden rumbling shook the land. “What an odd spirit you pray to,” a deep resonant voice reverberated around them. Phos’s eyes met the dragon’s who now watched them.

“So you’re awake,” Phos said trembling. “Flame preserve us.”

“As you say we are preserved, though a rare thing indeed for people to call on powers other than my elder kin,” the dragon said in a slow drawn out speech.

“Who are you?” Aithos asked, his hands shaking as he clutched his lamp. Phos waved her hand for him to lower it. Yet he remained frozen in the dragon’s stare until her son took the young priest’s hand.

“We’ll be alright,” Luo said to Aithos as the priest relaxed and returned the lamp to the ground beside him.

The dragon's chuckle shook the ground, “Your friend is right,” they said. “Had I wished you harm I would not have spoken. As for my name? It’s not so easily spoken by your kind, but in your tongue I might be called Arete.”

The dragon paused, humming for a moment before continuing. “I am grateful to you, to be free from that shadow. Though I’m curious about the Flame you called. Powers of destruction aren’t known for their ability to preserve.”

“A power of destruction?” Phos questioned.

“Yes,” Arete said in their droning voice, “A primal force, that. I did not know it capable of hearing prayers, nor make answer. How did it come by your veneration?”

“It wasn’t that long ago,” Phos found herself shaking having to explain her faith to a god kin, “when we called to other gods with great need, yet for generations we were not answered.” She breathed deeply, stilling herself. “I’m not sure why we started praying to the Flame. Perhaps it was because fire was the one comfort we had. But no matter the case, the Flame answered. She rescued us from bondage, and as such we established a bond of reciprocity.”

“She?” Arete tasted the word as though pondering something, “I did not expect such a personal word as she.” They hummed again without speaking, taking in the information. “It would seem with the Flame as your patron, you have lifted each other. Interesting. The others may be curious to know.”

Phos didn’t understand what the dragon meant, though other matters weighed on her more. “What was it that possessed you, if I may ask?” she said, averting her eyes from the dragon’s watch.

“You may ask, though I do not know. I hardly remember how I came to your land. I did not know such powers still existed in this world.”

“Still?” Phos asked.

Arete smiled in a way that only a dragon can, and then appeared to think better of something, “Never mind that,” they said. “It grieves me to learn my elder kin didn’t hear you in your times of need. Yet I am glad for your patron’s rescue. Relieved that the blight I carried did not spread further,” the dragon said as they surveyed the dead forest.

“I’m curious though,” Arete returned their attention to the Eluthanai, “what do you make of my elder kin?”

Phos considered the dragon and thought carefully how to answer such a powerful being. “We respect them to be sure,” she started, “Some here make offerings to them, but as a people we have no formal cult for their worship.”

“I see,” Arete said. “It is no matter to me if you keep their ways, though extending offerings of friendship to the gods can be… helpful,” the dragon said finally.

“Your words are taken into account,” Phos said. “But our way can neither compel nor forbid such things,” Phos said. “The Flame works with any who value liberation, trust and benevolence. I suppose that is for gods as much as it is for mortals. But I don’t know what to expect from gods that left my people bound for generations.”

Again the ground shook as the dragon laughed, “Ha, ha, ha. I see my elder kin have much to atone for,” Arete said. “Though I wonder if perchance you would allow me to leave you with a gift? I am no god, nor am I strictly mortal such as god kin are. Please is there something I can bless to offer friendship to you and your Flame.”

Phos was at a loss, unable to imagine what they might ask a dragon for, but suddenly Dendra stood. “Please,” her daughter pleaded, “The darkness that followed you destroyed much life in the forest. Could you restore it?”

Arete hung down their head, “So much loss I cannot undo,” the dragon said. “However if there is any life to be found here, I can help it thrive.”

Then Phos watched as her daughter brought a bundle of cones and other seeds of the forest. “I’ve gathered these. The seeds are the only things to survive in the forest surrounding us. Could you bless them?”

The dragon nodded. “Place them before me, and I will.”

Dendra bowed lightly, and Arete greeted her likewise as she unfurled her bundle of seeds before them.

Then bringing their claw lightly over the bundle, the dragon spoke. “With regret I weep for the destruction I brought to these woods,” Arete said as tears fell from their eyes. “With heavy heart I ask the land’s forgiveness.” The tears flowed now onto the seeds and the soil below. “May the virtue of my blessing lend vitality. May the Flame preserve this land in my absence.”

Where the dragon wept, a sapling already took root from among the seeds. “Take these,” Arete said to Dendra. “Wherever you plant these, life will flourish.”

Dendra again gathered up the remaining seeds. “Thank you,” she said, weeping, “Thank you.” And Phos drew her daughter into a tight hug.

Then Arete looked at the sky as if reading something from the blue. “Would that I could remain with you, but the others must know of the power that befell me. May your Flame watch over you and your people.”

With that the dragon took flight and vanished over the mountain.

#gay #fantasy #story #tiefling #tieflings #magic #dungeons and dragons #dragon #forest #woods #Religion #faith #fire #flame #eluthane #greek #fiction #romance #queer romance #lgbtq #lgbt #homo #trees

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hexdphosky · 3 years

Text

❝The stars, the sky, it's all a huge hoax, a lie.❞

About ೋ

✧I'm Alex/Phos/Aven. Feel free to call me either one.

✧I'm a minor, I go by he/they.

✧I am transmasc, bi-demiromantic asexual.

✧This is my main Tumblr acc/blog. I rb a lot.

Fandoms ೋ

Genshin Impact

Honkai: Star Rail

Bungo Stray Dogs

Stray Kids

Sky: Children of the Light

Houseki no Kuni

Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun

Side blogs ೋ

WIP...

#pinned post #main blog #introduction post #genshin impact #sky children of the light #minecraft #sky cotl #genshin #houseki no kuni #hnk #skyblr #jibaku shounen hanako kun #jshk #tbhk

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pinktatertots99 · 5 years

Note

I’m sorry but can you do morgagoshe fluff with them as a family with new goshe and Morga as their children? There isn’t much stuff of them out there...

YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS HOLY FUCK i been waiting for this advantaaaaaage!!!! i love this headcanon stuff too!!!

i’ll be using some human names to differentiate like the last time i did this kinda fic.

morga 2.0: megan

goshe 2.0: gayle

morganite and goshenite tho have their names or least will be written with them because i...just really wanted to. consider em nicknames jkhsdfkhjs the names are more to differentiate the 2.0′s with 1.0′s. the kiddos are bout...8 or so.

______________

the seagulls caws echoed in the sky as morga looked up at them and to the ocean. only light wind flew through their long hair but was mostly sunny and warm. they looked to goshe who was busy unpacking in their tent, with gayle holding their bucket excitedly and megan seeming put off by the wind.

“ey guys!” morga exclaimed as they walked to them, gaining all their attention. “so, what does everyone wanna do today?”

“swim! no, fishing! no, kite flying!”

“s-stay inside?”

“maybe they should have lunch first morga?”

“hmmmm.” morga hummed as the three looked. “...how bout all?”

“REALLY?!”

“not fishing though gayle.”

“awwwwww!”

“and we’re gonna start by climbing the sand dune!“

“y-you sure morga? mean, the stuff though.”

“oh. oh yeaaah.” morga hummed as they looked around, seeing the familiar turquoise and blue dyed bob of hair. “OI PHOS!” they called out, bringing attention phos as they ran to em. “oi!!! your here too huh?” they asked as morga nodded. “we’re gonna go venturing. mind lookin over our camp?”

“just got done with scubba diving but sure.”

“good!” they put their thumb up. “now, steal any of my shit and i’m gonna break ya.”

“awwww ruuude i’d never!”

“i know you too much NOT to tell you not to.”

“hmph! such mean accusations.” they pouted as they sat on the blanket infront of the tent. “fine fine whatever delusional prevention your giving me i’ll abide.”

“good.” they stated as they started walking off with family in tow. wind picking up causing young megan to hide their face into goshe lightly as they walked. the waves picking up caught young gayle’s attention as their eyes sparkled.

“pretty!” they exclaimed as they ran it despite goshe’s attempt to call to them “careful!” morga watched as they filled their bucket with water, only for a wave to leer over their small form. rushing in they snatched them and put them back on the sand as the wave crashed onto the ground.

“ehehe l-lets keep a small distance alright bud?” morga asked, holding the others hand as they pouted but nodded. “kaaaay.”

continuing their walk all four stared up at the giant sand dune. “so, ready ta go gang?” morga asked. gayle raising their fist up excited while megan looked to it in horror, clutching to goshe’s leg as morga watched.

“uhh, me and meg might just wander bout here. that alright morga?” goshe asked, morga nodding lightly. “course. gotta enjoy the beach!” as the two started climbing goshe walked morga to the giant rocks close to the coast. “how bout we climb some rocks okay?” they asked, gaining a nod from the younger as both climbed one of them just in time for a wave to crash to it’s edge.

goshe watched as megan hopped off it only to start hopping on all the other rocks in excitement. this was their territory they thought to themself. as both slowly got away from the rocks they heard a light yelling that got closer.

“MMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEGAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!” looking up gayle seemed almost flying to meg, bumping into and rolling into the sand both laughing as goshe heard a familiar “GAAAAAAAAAAAAYLE WAAAAAAI-” only to see morga roll and flop face first into the sand, slowly getting up and spitting it out as goshe giggled.

“i guess they had fun?” goshe asked as they unzippled their sleeveless vest, handing it to morga who wiped themself off with it. “yeah ehe-” they looked up to see goshe in a crop top, feeling their face blushing as they pushed the vest back to them.

“y-you tease! not infront of the kids.” they joked as goshe chuckled. “it’s a waterproof top it’s fine haha!” morga shook their head lightly of extra sand, hearing a clunk to the sand. looking down they found a small dollar shell. “oh, maybe i can get some money in the sea market.” they joked, gaining the attention of megan. they smiled as they handed it to them. “wanna find more? maybe some shells?” they asked, gaining an enthusiastic nod from the other as morga got up. “alright, lets find some while walkin back kay?” they asked as gayle rushed to them. “i’ll help too!”

on the walk the four found more and more dollar signs and shells of purple, white and pink shade that megan took to only carrying themself. “oi phos!” morga called out, looking to see them in their grey and pink hoodie.

“OI!!!! YA THIEF ONLY GOSHE AND THE KIDS WEAR THAT!!!”

“I WAS COLD STINKY MEANIE TAKE IT BACK!!!” they threw it back at them, ultimately stopping their chase as goshe sighed humored while the kids laugh.

“GP phos is so funny!”

“yeah!”

“of course i am!” they exclaimed, patting both their heads. “gotta be the best godparent to my godkids.” they looked to morga smug and sticking their tongue out at them. “oh just go ya weirdo!”

as phos waved them off the four huddled into the tent, morga zipping the entrance as goshe took out the lunches in the two mini cooler bags, handing them to their respected consumer as leftover sand shuffled on the floor of the tent.

“so, everyone have fun?” morga asked.

“yeah! i wanna climb that hill again!”

“i-i yeah, i liked the shells.”

“you made quite a good day morga.” morga chuckled smooching goshe’s cheek at that. “well, i do make good ideas...when i can atleast.”

#houseki no kuni #land of the lustrous #hnk #lotl #kingdom of gems #fanfiction #morgoshe #the pink one speaks #i made this

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kikuohanamybeloved · 3 months

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An entire video from a while ago about me yapping about the Sky x HNK shitpost and why I don’t like it 🧍‍♀️

I forgot to add these things:

-I might scrap this when the moth reaches Phos and the rest of the pebble gang

-I mixed up the words in the video and I was supposed to say “Kongo’s brother” rather than “Kongo-sensei”

-This is my first time trying out this type of inking style

-I should have tried more experimentation with the panels to make it more dynamic looking and studied from other manga artists like Haruka Ichiwawa or Ishida Sui (and lets the doodles go outside the box)

-I also messed up the ratio for the explosion impact frames so it looks uneven

#land of the lustrous #hnk #hnk fanart #houseki no kuni #lotl fanart #hnk phos #houseki no kuni phos #land of the lustrous phos #phosphophillyte #land of the lustrous fanart #skychildrenoflightfanart #sky colt #sky cotl #sky children fanart #sky children of the light #sky chibi #sky moth

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lady-griffin · 5 years

Note

Someone sent me a submit about your symbol post, perhaps because you don't have submit page (or maybe they sent me by mistake). I'll copy and paste what they said: [1/3] "I have no words regarding the analysis on the symbols! Fantastic essay by all standards! Just like to add: theta is also for thronos (θρόνος), meaning throne. Phi is also for phos (φως), meaning light, by extension fire because fire brings light (even though in ancient Greek the word for fire is pyr, πυρ).

[2/3] Light is the element of Apollo, who was its god, as well as (later) the sun’s. Light stands for truth, creation, nature, civilization, science, whatever humans build, but primarily for justice and politics, and Apollo is the mediator between humans and gods and protects the justice of humans (he doesn’t represent the gods’ justice, which belongs to Zeus).

[3/3] I don’t know what all this means to Martin and perhaps neither he in the books nor the show will show us. But it’s certainly interesting.“

Thank you for sending this to me!!! To my knowledge, I do nothave a submit option nor am I entirely sure how install one (?), so again thankyou for sending this in.

And thank you, to the individual that this was originallyfrom and who said my analysis of the GOT Symbols was a fantastic essay.

All around, I’m extremelythankful and appreciative.

I’m going to be breaking down some of these new potential meanings to the GOT Symbols and what it could mean for certain characters. Because when I learned about the additional meanings of Phi and Theta, I got really excited.

So this will be a short continuation of my GOT Circle & Spiral Post

Spoilers Below for S8E03 “The Long Night”

Whethe or not the creators themselves planned or knew about these additional meanings (or the one I brought up) is a bit irrevalent at this point. By that, I mean it would be really cool if this was all intentional, but either way they meanings do add weight to the symbols and almost develop into their own thing.

I know S8E03 “The Long Night” just aired yesterday, but it was myplan to post/respond before it happened… But I got sick and didn’t do it. Soeven though the Night King is no more. I’ll still be mentioning him somewhat below.

Let’s begin with -

Phi also being for forphos (φως), meaning light, by extension fire because fire brings light (eventhough in ancient Greek the word for fire is pyr, πυρ).

We know the Night King’s goal is to create an endless night (perhaps literal or perhaps not), so that connects verynicely to the WW motivations and how the upcoming war might be viewed as theLong Night. Which I’m assuming if the humans win or survive, will be marked by the upcomingdawn (it was).

And this also works withwhere’ve we seen the symbol in the show.

As soon as I read thatphos means light, I thought of Drogo’s Funeral Pyre.

The circle that isliterally set ablaze. This is the moment Daenerys gives life to her threedragons. In the religion of R’hllor, Daenerys is believed to be Azor Ahaireborn and her dragons are her “light bringer sword.”

It’s also interesting thatwe don’t see the dragons until the daylight of the next day, indicating that anew dawn (new time/new era) is now here. And it was speculated by the majorityof fans the dragons will be the key to defeating the WW, so it is interesting how things turned out. The dragons didn’t bring the dawn nor Dany.

But as brought up, light and fire are not the same. So maybe it is more fitting, than we think, that Daenerys and her fire, while can be related to light, aren’t the same thing as it. They weren’t the answer to the Long Night, because they’re not the light.

The light connection isalso relevant to Sansa to some degree as well, while more so in the books, some have linked Sansa to the dawn.

“When Sansa opened her eyes again, she was onher knees. She did not remember falling. It seemed to her that the sky was a lighter shade ofgrey. Dawn, she thought. Another day. Another newday.” (ASOS, Sansa VII).

This is more of a connection in the booksthan the show. And seeing as how the symbols are unique to the show, I want tokeep this overall essay (like the previous one) in relation to mostly just the show. So it’s mostly not important.

Though, the scene where we first see theCircle Necklace has some interesting implications with “light” and “dawn”.

Most likely not an on-purpose decision, in relation to all of this meaning of light and the Phi symbol, butstill….

Light is the element ofApollo, who was its god, as well as (later) the sun’s. Light stands for truth,creation, nature, civilization, science, whatever humans build, but primarilyfor justice and politics

Light being the element ofApollo further builds the bridge between the symbol and the idea that it couldrepresent the First Men. As the COTF, to our knowledge, didn’t really have a civilization,or at least not how we view civilization. In GOT/ASOIAF, humans are the race who are stongly connected to the ideas of civilization, society, justice, science, and politics.

This also plays into theidea of what Bran said in S8E2, that the Night King wants to kill him, becauseBran is the now the memory of all human life and civilization.The Night King doesn’tjust want to kill all humans, but completely decimate their mark on the worldand all memory of them.

Overall, it would be interestingif we do get a confirmation (even just a visual one that this symbol once belongsto the First Men, rather than the children.)

Because it just works out so neatlyrepresenting man.

Sansa, is one of the characters, who truly represents the human, political and non-magical aspect of the story (among others).

And the idea of Apollomade me think of Artemis, his sister, and when I thought of Artemis I thought ofArya, Sansa’s sister. Apollo = Sun//Artemis = Moon

“Sansa is your sister. Youmay be as different as the sun and the moon, but the same blood flows through both your hearts. You needher, as she needs you …” (GOT, Arya II)

That’s just really fun and a neat connection, as many charactes are associated with the sun or the moon. Hell, both Sansa and Arya can be interchanged with the Sun and Moon symbolism. But still it’s a fun connection to the whole Apollo aspect and the Phi symbol.

Creation

As mentioned before Daenerysliterally created life with Drogo’s funeral pyre.

While, the COTF also created new lifewith creating the Night King, who also creates new life, after death -- that’s more connected to the Spiral.

Truth

That could be implied to the truth Bran learns, that the COTF created the WW to destroy the First Men. Though that moment is far more associated with the Spiral symbol, since it’s present in that scene.

And while another bookconnection, Daenerys is referred to as the “Slayer of Lies.”

And this might be a stretch towards Sansa, but a lot of her journey is about her facing and dealing with the ugly and harsh reality of the world and all of its awful truths. And for the Creation aspect, one could argue she A. created that look and B. created this new version of herself in that first scene with the symbol.

Theta is also for thronos(θρόνος)

Theta representing/meaningthrone is what I want to talk about last, because that has so many compellingimplications and meanings.

Starting withDaenerys. Her dragons (created by funeral pyre) are her claim to the throne. AfterKhal Drogo died, Jorah urged her to sell the eggs and retire, not to pursue thethrone. Because well, how the hell was she ever going to get it? But Daeneryssteps into the flame nonetheless.

And after Jorah sees herdragons, he’s onboard with her plan to take the throne 100%. Both him andBarristan Selmy both state that she will take back the throne with her dragons.

For better or worse, her dragons are her throne and the way she will get the Iron Throne or even lose it.

The dragons and the Iron Throne are so closely tied together. From the literal Iron Throne’s existence being literally created by Dragon Fire to the Targaryens eventually losing their dragons due to the Iron Throne -- either their responsibilities as Kings/Queens or fighting one another for it.

Just look at promotional poster for Game of Thrones.

Whether or not intentional with the Phi symbol in Khal Drogo’s pyre, the dragons and the Iron Throne will decide Daenerys’ fate, one way or another. But it is so interesting how the symbol is there when she creates her dragons.

I’m really excited to see what happens next. Just because Daenerys, her dragons and the Iron Throne are just so intertwined at this point. Especially since we just had it confirmed, dragon fire was ineffective against the Night King. So...

The Night King, doesn’twant the Iron Throne, or any, but he does want to destroy human life. And a lot of the human-sideof this story, the politics, the suffering, the difficulties of war and so onare connected to the Iron Throne.

The connection to Sansa, is just wow (in my opinion). Theta is the one that visually looks exactlylike Sansa’s necklace, which really works with the idea of this necklace isSansa’s first Chain of Intent, in the symbolic/foreshadowing sense.

Which if it is, means it isopposite of Daenerys’ chain of intent, which is a three-head dragon pin/chain. Again,the three dragons are not just her Targaryen claim, but how she actually plans to getthe IT and a throne themselves in regards to how they give Daenerys power and status.

Sansa wearsthe circle necklace for a decent amount of time. It doesn’t just appear once with heror in one unimportant scene with her off to the side, it’s a part of her wardrobe. And somethingpeople automatically associated with her and the overall necklace and it has became an iconic look for Sansa over the years.

It just reallyremindsme of Sansa’s purple dresses, an indication that Sansa is royalty + those little scenes, indicating Sansa will be Queen, without her sayingshe is the Queen/King.

This does not mean Sansa will get the throne or anything like that, just to be clear.

But it’s interesting for one of the main political characters (involved in the political story) who wants nothing to do with the Iron Throne itself since the end of season 1, so she’s not even a major horse in the race, is involved with a decent amount of subtext of the idea of being a Queen.

Again, perhaps this necklace is is just showing Sansa growing up and evolving. She may not be a major poltical figure (vying for the throne), but that doesn’t mean she can’t change or affect the board.

Having her wear, a symbolthat can represent Throne is such an interesting choice, if they were aware ofthat meaning. But again, even if they weren’t and depending on how things workout, it will be interesting to see how this all lines up, looking back on it.

Especially since Daenerys doesn’t wear the symbol, but it is involved in the birth of her dragons and her true first steps in trying to take the Iron Throne. And Sansa wears the symbol, several times, but doesn’t want the Throne nor have any real claim to it.

And since season 8 has given us a lot of tension between these two female characters (and they are the only two remaining who are associated with it)...I’m excited for how that all plays out.

But like you said and I’ve said. It hard to know if this was all intentional. I don’t really think it all was, it would be more than a bit insane if it was. So we’ll have to see how things shake out in the end.

Perhaps these symbols will mean nothing, perhaps they were entirely on purpose or perhaps in the end they created their own meaning, outside the creator’s intent.

But thank you for letting me know about the extra meanings for Phi and Theta. And thank you @une-nuit-pour-se-souvenir for sending the message to me.

#une-nuit-pour-se-souvenir #GOT meta #game of thrones meta #got analysis #game of thrones analysis #Sansa Stark #Daenerys Targaryen #The Night King #Night King #Iron Throne #ASOIAF #White Walkers

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fr-owlistuff · 7 years

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crumbling

The consequences of disabling magic in Phos Myrrlathos are lasting and far-reaching.

Warnings: nsfw, mild sexy content, some violence, unedited as always

Magic was brutally bought to heel in the city of Phos Myrrlathos, smothered silently in the dead of night. It did not happen all at once, and trickles of it still clung to painted doorways and good-luck charms as the sun crested over the distant horizon.

Vigilant gold-plated guards roamed the streets that morning, and if their numbers had suddenly swelled no one remarked upon it. The scent of freshly baked bread took over the streets and fishermen carried their hauls up the hill to be sold in the marketplace. Gulls called to each other up in the sky as the city beneath them awoke.

No one saw the shadows that pulled people from their homes, slung their limp forms over broad shoulders and then vanished into shadowed alleys. If anyone noticed how the guards seemed focused on certain shops or houses, they soon forgot about it. Children danced around the newly erected obelisks spread throughout Myrrlathos, and busy parents either whisked them away or smiled, amused, down at them.

The day dawned bright and resplendent, with blue skies and nary a cloud in sight.

Marrok’s eyes swept over rows and rows of all kinds of flowers and plants, taking in the withered shapes of what had been perfectly healthy specimens only the day before.

His calloused fingers gently touched the stems and leaves, and he watched some of them turn to mulch in his hands. Dead, all dead. And he couldn’t do a thing about it.

His lined face spoke of a deep weariness. He closed his eyes and tried not to give into the deep sense of uneasiness rising from his chest.

Hircine was gone; Marrok had kept the younger man tethered to this existence and away from that cursed forest for as long as he possibly could. He still didn’t know what was going on, but what he did know was that Hircine now roamed free and unprotected.

He had met Hircine a long time ago, when no lines were carved onto his face, in a shadowed clearing where sunlight fought to reach the forest floor. He’d found the small spirit trapped and injured, and had nursed him back to health. Hircine, he later learned, was a fey creature, a gentle and innocent spirit born of the forest, but shackled to it. The forest was a harsh mistress, even to those who worshiped her.

And now the forest would claim him again.

Marrok’s hands shook as he locked the door behind him. He hesitated only for a second, unaware of the eyes that tracked his progress, before heading for the Ebon Forest.

His breath ghosted in the air and he huddled into the blankets all around him.

It was so, so cold.

Ashkiin shivered and blew into the warm cup of tea in his hands. The heat seeped from the cup into his skin, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the cold. Nothing was.

His fire was gone. He recalled the feeling of repulsion that had once overtaken him at the sight of the flames he conjured. The day burned bright and welcoming outside his window, but for once he had no desire to wander the cobbled streets performing for an audience of awed bystanders. Not that he could anyway, not as he was.

A masked head landed gently on his shoulder and Ashkiin sighed at the feeling of fingers ghosting over his torso and finally resting on his hips. Lips nibbled lazily at his neck, and a pleasant shiver ran down his spine. He let out a raspy moan when teeth bit down a little less gently and dragged over the sensitive skin beneath his ear.

He felt like he was being consumed.

Sometimes it was hard to even remember his own name, but he didn’t mind it. His old life was behind him and he welcomed whatever came next.

Kastian’s eyes glittered beneath long, dark lashes and the feathers braided into his hair caught the light, contrasting with his darker skin. Wild. Feral. Beautiful. Ashkiin’s blindfold fell down onto the sheets and his fingers tingled with the need to touch, to see.

At first he was confused by the bright shape in front of him, but then he blinked once, twice, and felt the whole world cease its motion. Shock hit him like a punch to the gut as he looked down at his unfurling fingers. His hands. His arms.

He could see.

“Magic always demands a payment, whether you know of it or not.”

He looked over at the man by his side, let his eyes drink him in like a starved man. Ashkiin reached out.

Suddenly the bright day outside held a newly awakened appeal.

Downstairs, in a cramped room whose walls were decorated with bleached bones and overflowing jars of teeth, Brimstone grimaced down at the wooden table in front of her. Her bone runes were spread out all over the table and Brimstone’s eyes followed a path between them, reading a story no one else could follow.

She might appear ageless, but her hands were no longer those of a maiden. She leaned down, the bones in her hair clinking together as she took one of the runes into her hand. A cold smile stole over her lips as she observed the rune.

“Not long now, sister.”

There was a barrier in front of him.

Oleksander frowned, stretching out his arm to assess the anomaly. His fingertips tingled as his hand went in, and none was more surprised than him when nothing happened. He was too used to things blowing up in his face; sometimes literally.

His frown became more pronounced. Something wasn’t right here. Taking into account that he was about to enter the heart of the Lysistratum Imperium, Phos Myrrlathos, he knew that this wasn’t good news - especially for his business.

He edged closer to the barrier and narrowed his eyes. His blindfold made him appear weak and blind; and he was blind. Sort of. But he wasn’t weak - or dumb.

The golden bracelet around his wrist was nothing to gape at. A circular band of gold-plated metal, there was absolutely nothing interesting about it. No runes, no gems, no engravings. Oleksander studied it for a minute before launching the bracelet over the barrier.

When it landed on the other side, the gold plating had disappeared, and a band of metal wire stood in its place.

The curses that burst forth from his mouth would have made a sailor gasp.

She looked for him for hours, frustration and fear mingling in her chest as the sun went down.

The Underbelly was reeling from the sudden lack of magic, traders and relic collectors, potioneers, alchemists and spell-weavers running around like headless chickens. The illegal Underbelly marketplace was in shambles. It would not be opening up any time soon.

LittleRed had seen more people assassinated today than she’d seen in the whole previous year. She knew Underbelly opportunists would seize the chance get rid of rivals and enemies, especially those who relied on magic.

She just prayed she’d find him before the rest did. She prayed it wasn’t already too late.

His house was empty, his bed unmade and the sheets twisted around themselves. Everything else seemed untouched.

And so it would remain for weeks and months to come. LittleRed would come back the next day and the day after that and many other days following the disappearance of Vasilisk; she would turn the small house upside down in a frantic search for any sort of clue. For any sign that he had gone to ground, had protected himself, had known what to do. She would ask around for news of any kind, but Vasilisk would remain stubbornly elusive.

As far as anyone knew, friend and enemy alike, he had simply disappeared.

They saw him in brief glances, a vague shape in the corners of their eyes that wasn’t quite right.

He stalked their fields, stepped over their crops and spirited away their cattle.

They only found the blood later, and bones sometimes. Other times they found nothing at all except for the hair-raising feeling of being watched.

There were tales of fey green eyes in the dark. Of blood-splattered fangs flashing in the moonlight. Of howls echoing in the space between the trees.

They knew nothing of the hunger in his belly. Of the painful shivers and ripples of wild magic under his skin. Of being teared apart and pulled together too many times.

There are roots digging deep into the crevices of his mind. He doesn’t know how much of himself is his own anymore. He was gobbled down and what spit him out kept most of him in its greedy belly.

Now it was his turn.

#lysistratum imperium #blacktalon witches #this one doesn't have vox in it #WOAH #go owli!#clan lore

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webkitvn · 4 years

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Chapter 2: I hankered to meet him

The sun gradually was falling down behind mountain ranges in front of my house, the bright and blazing orange-red palette in the part of the sky overwhelmed me, I’m really nuts about sunsets. Rice fields in the valley below were swaying in the wind as well as flocks of birds flying to the horizon. The stunning setting made me loosen up while I was longing for his call because we hadn’t still chosen the venue for our date, I waited in vain for the phone to ring, but it didn’t. Eventually, I had to be proactive to make a phone call to Khanh.

A low-pitched and warm voice heard from the other end of the line, “Alo, Khanh speaking, who's calling, please? ”.

“This is Hien calling, we are gonna meet at 7 pm in the Royal tea shop near my house, is it ok for you? or do you have any recommendations? I said to him.

“Ok, no problem, it depends on you, by the way, would you like to invite some friends?, it’s much fun getting more people”. He replied.

I refused his suggestion again as I just wanted to have a private conversation with Khanh.

I hurried to take a shower, shampooed my hair. I decided to opt for a floral dress, donned a black blazer, which I paired with a pair of flat shoes, my hair cascaded over my shoulders, I styled my sleek tresses in loose waves, and last but not least, I sprayed some perfume on.

“And now, I’m ready for the outing”. I talked to myself.

I headed to the rendezvous first and ordered a cup of bubble tea with extra black tapioca pearls, in fact, I’m a self-admitted milk tea addict, the feeling of chewing tapioca pearls makes me bubble over with excitement, they are chewy, fragrant and really delicious. I sat waiting for Khanh while I was listening to some tunes on Spotify, country music has always been my favorite genre, it’s profoundly soothing, melodic and upbeat, I wore my headphones with a high volume, it seemed so perfect when I enjoyed the crisp weather as well as a windy evening, looked at people bundled themselves up in thick coats, traveling leisurely on the streets in the town, sometimes brisk winds blowing hard through my hair made me shiver with cold. I can't have this feeling again as I returned to Sai Gon. In that time, I absolutely forgot all of my problems and escaped my hectic workload as well.

After a while, he finally came. For the date, Khanh kept it casual in a pair of ripped jeans, a warm coat along with a grey polo, he rocked dark blue sneakers and he had a new hairstyle, too.

“ Khanh, I’m over here”. I said sharly.

“Have you been waiting long?”. He asked me.

“I’ve just arrived, you need to go inside and order your drink at the counter”. I answered and smiled back at him.

We had a long chat with each other, memories of schooldays came flooding back when we recollected corny stuff, most of our classmates tied the knot and had children. Even the two of them divorced, how quickly time goes!. Everything changed, so did we.

“ We haven't met each other for ages, the last time that I’d met you 2 years ago in the class reunion, but I got stuff so I had to excuse myself and left the meeting early, then, everybody headed to a karaoke bar”.

“I actually didn’t remember, it had been for a long time ago”. Khanh said coldly, as though he'd completely forgotten all old things in the past.

“What’s about your business?, you’re in the sweet soup business but you changed a lot of your business location, are you afraid of losing a considerable number of customers”. I asked him.

“To be honest, you know, the town is a sparsely populated region, it’s rather small as well, therefore it is not difficult for patrons to find my sweet soup shop. But now I run my business by myself and my mom opened another store in the housing estate”.

“How many kinds of sweet soups are you selling?. You’ve taken care of everything in the store from preparing ingredients, cooking to serving customers, so have you ever felt worn-out?. I said.

“I haven’t had plenty of customers as well as my store is on a small scale, hence there is no obstacle to me running the store, I work all month in a row without a day off. How about you?, what are you doing for a living in Sai Gon”.

“I’ve worked as a Marketer, I specialize in searching for ideas, taking care of customers, managing fanpages, advertising products on social media and other stuff. Moreover, I also run an online business to earn more cash, I trade in garments. To be frank with you, I have a great ambition in life, sometimes, I’m really stressed and under pressure in order to meet or overcome the sales target, KPI of my company. Life will always be harsh if you don’t work hard and try your best amid the hustle and bustle of Sai Gon.” I replied back and sent him a warm smile.

“Actually, in the past, I worked my fingers to the bone in the hope of earning more income, but now I’ll work all month, then I’d like to spend a few days traveling, I don’t want to toil too much any longer”. Khanh said.

After listening to words Khanh’s just said, I realized that we are as different as chalk and cheese, I’m a perfectionist, I have great aspirations to earn a lot of money, I want to get a house in Sai Gon, I will be able to afford to buy a car in order to take my children to school or taking my mom traveling without worrying about the weather, unexpected rains, the blazing sunshine or strong winds, moreover it’s much safer than a motorcycle.

I wondered why Khanh doesn’t think about hiring employees and expanding his work. His business location is quite narrow and small, he takes advantage of the sidewalk in front of his place to put plastic tables and chairs. It appears that he doesn't want to develop his business to boost revenues. Khanh should have figured out how to diversify sweet soups, decorate the store, or launch marketing campaigns in order to attract more customers.

I know I shouldn’t force my thoughts on others, everyone has their own opinions about how to live. There are people wanting to make a bunch of cash, they feel content with their lives, but on the other hand, others just would like to live in clover and have a stable job, who have no yearning to get rich.

I thought too much, shook my head and came back to reality.

I had a long conversation with him, I perceived that Khanh hasn’t had feelings for me, I’d better keep my affections, beautiful recollections and this relationship platonic. A platonic friendship was a good choice, which made me more relieved.

After more than one hour of chatting with each other. “ Have you eaten dinner?. Why don't we go eat something outside?. Khanh asked me.

“I haven’t, what would you like to eat?, could you recommend something well for me?. I occasionally visit my home, so I don’t know much about delicious snack stalls and food joints in the town”.

“It’s up to you, but good eateries are really far away”. He said back, showing off his tiny cheek dimples.

It seemed that we were at a loss for words, the feeling of embarrassment enveloped us, I glanced at the food joint a few meters away, the store sells pho bo, bun cha ca ( beef noodle soup and fish cake noodle soup). We decided to head to that store and ordered food.

Two bowls of steaming fish cake noodle soups that the shop owner brought us, seemed to get rid of the cold air outside.

“Do you regret anything?”. Khanh suddenly asked me while we were eating.

“I just regret choosing the wrong major and I should have studied harder in college. The business administration major that I studied, is too broad and rather general”. I replied instantly.

We finished off our meal and came back home, the reunion between him and me came to an end. Khanh paid for the meal, we stepped outside and said goodbye to each other. I stood on the pavement seeing him leaving, then I decided to ride my motorcycle around the town before heading back home.

The fresh air at night made me comfy and very laid-back, the darkness covered the whole town, street lights shone bright on the roads, the market was completely deserted, there had been just the murmur of the wind and some street cleaners were cleaning off litter on streets.

When I got home, I threw on my sleepwear, headed towards the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face, I got ready for bed. I rolled myself up in the blanket, then unlocked my phone and sent Khanh a text.

“ Thank you for seeing me tonight, we always will be good friends, won’t we?.”

I waited for a while to check whether Khanh texts me back or not, but he didn’t.

“ I’d better close the past, live each day to the fullest and look forward to the future”. I thought and felt more relieved. I locked my phone, closed my eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

View more: : Chapter 2: I hankered to meet him

source https://kimienglish.com/chapter-2-a-date-with-him/

#learn english #learning english

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quell-tea-salon · 7 years

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SolidS QUELL Party (SQP) event report~! (Warning: I ramble. A lot.)

The concert was over a month ago and unfortunately I have a memory on par with a goldfish, but it was one of the best experience I’ve had in Japan so far and I’ll try to recall as much as I can ;;;

The event took place on July 16th at the Kokugikan in Ryogoku. I was blessed enough to win tickets for the afternoon session, and arrived early to queue so I could enter the hall without standing in the sun for too long. There was a booth outside selling official concert merchandise like character goods and light sticks; I didn’t buy any, but there were loads of people near the booth who had laid out their purchased merchandise for trading (since most of the character goods are blind boxes). I should’ve brought along my SolidS merch to give away, since I’m really only into QUELL. (OOT: QUELL and SolidS are usually grouped together in blind box merch. I love everyone in QUELL so my chances of getting something I like is preeeeeeeetty high, but for some reason I keep getting Shiki?! So if anyone wants Shiki merch, let me know. I have... lots.)

There was probably life-sized standees of the characters somewhere in the lobby but I couldn’t find them ;; I went to look for my seat which was on the 1st floor and quickly realised that half of my view of the stage was blocked by the speakers...grr. Couldn’t complain too much though, since I was lucky just to be there. The photos above were taken while waiting for the rest of the crowd to take their seats. In the meantime, SolidS and QUELL PV’s were played on the projection screen. Every time SolidS appeared on screen, the audience screamed lol. There was some noise for QUELL too, but definitely not as loud... I was quietly cheering for my sons in my heart ;w; Started chatting with the girl sitting next to me and found out that she was a SolidS fan (of course), and that her favourite was Dai-chan (good taste). I really wanted to give her my SolidS merch.......

About 15 minutes before the show started, the two Lizz squirrel mascots (purple for SolidS, blue for Quell) emerged on stage, dressed in sumo gear (in reference to the venue, which is usually a sumo wrestling ground), to say hi to the arena audience. They were so big and round... ;w; I was super jealous of people who had tickets for arena seats, they got to be so close to the stage!!

The lights dimmed and SolidS appeared on stage as the audience went crazy. They opened the set list with KARA DA KARA, followed by Quell’s HIKARI. My heart was about to beat out of my chest, I was just so happy to be able to see my Quell sons in the flesh ;_______; I don’t know if my seat position in relation to the speakers had anything to do with this, but I couldn’t really hear the vocals well ;_; The music was too loud and vocals sounded muffled.... Nevertheless, getting to hear the groups sing live was a magical experience.

Next, everyone came back out onto the stage for introductions and opening talk (while admiring the 360 degrees seating). I only realised this after the concert, but they were all dressed in the same clothes as the characters in the official concert art! SolidS all slick and deadly in urban monochrome outfits, and Quell looking all breezy and relaxed in loose charcoal and blue. The twins of course were wearing matching clothes, down to the accessories....... ugh... angels..... Nogami even had Ichiru’s hairstyle T_T

The Lizz squirrels popped up on stage occasionally and the cast members gave them lots of love; Takeuchi kept hugging the Quell Lizz and squeezing his tail lol (he really loves cute animals). Nishiyama and the twins took turns holding his hands or gently guiding him around the stage (family aura!!). SolidS......... grabbed their Lizz by the crotch....

Moving on to the solo performances. Shiki took the lead with Tide, followed by Tsubasa with Canaria. I wasn’t familiar with any of the songs, but i could tell that the audience loved them. I don’t particularly appreciate Eguchi and Saito’s singing styles, but they had a lot of energy and really knew how to work the crowd.

After that, it was QUELL’s turn. First to perform was of course Shu, with End of Night. Takeuchi was completely at home on stage, strutting around and engaging the audience. I was surprised that he had backup dancers and i don’t know if he was meant to know the choreograph, but he danced along with ease and at other times swayed his hips in a way that made my inner mom voice want to yell at him to behave lol (I can’t help it, he’s so young). In recordings, Shu’s vocals are bold and precise; during the concert, Takeuchi was singing as himself - messing around with the melody, using short, breathy notes, and just having lots of fun. It sounded very different from the recorded version of End of Night, but it was a great performance regardless.

Issei took to the stage to sing Hoshizora (starry sky) as the audience changed their light sticks to blue. IMO Shugo gave the most solid performance of the show. Issei’s voice was clear and powerful, but sweet and delicate at all the right moments. And he thanked us for showing him a beautiful starry sky with our light sticks T_T At this point the CD actually hadn’t been released yet so all we had was the demo. The full song was incredible. FYI, Shugo played the guitar for Hoshizora; I would’ve died if he had actually played the guitar at the concert too...

After the song, the rest of Quell joined Issei on stage. Ichiru ran STRAIGHT at Issei and gave him a tackle hug T___T I can’t deal with these two...

The next segment was SoriRaji (SolidS radio) and QueRaji (QUELL radio). Again, my memory is pretty fuzzy, but I’ve tried to jot down as much as I can remember.

Eichi was probably nervous and kept messing up his lines. The twins cheered him on together with “Eichi, faito!” godddddddd so cute ><

Question for Shu: When did you realise that the twins had opened up (to you/Quell)?

Shu: I took a nap on the sofa one day, and when I woke up I found the twins asleep next to me

Ichiru: WAAAAAAAAAAAAA DON’T SAY ANY MORE

Issei: You looked so comfortable sleeping there, we couldn't help joining in...

Ichiru: Though it was creepy waking up to find Eichi STARING at us

Eichi: I was so jealous!!! I wanted to join in but there wasn't enough space on the sofa ;_;

There was a question directed at Shu, I don't quite remember what it was but it had something to do with Shu's schedule being busier than the others and whether it was hard for them to spend time together.

Eichi: Shu's usually the first one awake and out at work before the rest of us are even out of bed.

Twins: We should try to get up earlier sometimes and have breakfast together!

Shu: *Weeps into hands* My children are precious... (#Mychildrenareprecious became the official twitter hashtag for SQP lmao)

Question for the twins: What kind of cakes do you like?

Issei: I like mille crepe and cream puffs

Ichiru: I like cream puffs too! And mont blanc, and chocolate cake, and strawberry short cake! Anything with whole strawberries on top!

Mom, dad & audience: Aww...

Ichiru: W-what?! I just like desserts with lots of cream, what's wrong with that?!!!

Shu: That's cute ^^ I don't eat a lot of sweets but if I had to pick one, it'd be rare cheese cake

Eichi: Ti. Ra. Mi. Su <3

Question for the twins: Issei, as the older sibling, have you ever wanted Ichiru to call you "oniichan?"

Issei: I’ve never really thought about it before and I don’t think that it’s necessary, but now that it’s been mentioned I kinda want to hear it...

Ichiru: .....Hear what

Issei: You calling me oniichan

Shu: I’m filming this :)

Ichiru was reluctant ofc, but after some prodding from mom and dad (and the audience)...

Ichiru: (smol voice) .....Oniichan

Shu, Eichi, Issei: *FIST PUMP*

Audience: *DEAD*

Question for everyone: If QUELL was to go on holiday together, where would you go?

Ichiru: Okinawa!! I reaaaaaaaally wanna go to Okinawa!!!

Shu: *fond dad face* Let’s go ^^

Ugh they were 1000000% Happy Family, it was the CUTEST thing to watch.... I was trying not to die from how cute the twins were and it was reassuring to see Shu also trying his best not to burst into tears whenever the twins did or said something cute (which was ALL THE TIME).

I don't remember much from SoliRaji (SolidS radio), but #PHO~! became the other designated SQP tag because Shiki kept yelling that word LOL. It started with Shiki answering a question about his favourite south east asian food or something, and his reply was Vietnamese pho ("PHOOOO~!!"). That became a running gag throughout the rest of the concert wwwww Dai answered Thai green curry :3c

And oh, in response to a question about who had the biggest hands in SolidS, all 4 pressed their hands together to compare sizes (Tsubasa and Dai even snuck in a lovers grip). Cue lots of dying screams from the audience, haha. In the end, Shiki was the largest, followed by Rikka, Dai, and Tsubasa (obviously based on the seiyuus hands, though I was surprised that Hanae’s hands were bigger than Umehara’s).

In a nutshell, Eguchi and Umehara were wrecking havoc by running their mouths, so Saito had his hands full running damage control... as usual ww

After a short break the show continued with the solo songs, starting with Rikka’s Good Night My Darling. I always enjoy hearing Hanae sing live, he has such a pretty voice! Next was Dai’s Jinsei Hard Mode. Umehara’s singing improves every time I hear it... and obviously we all know he’s ikemen, but in person he’s even more gorgeous, goddamn.

Ichiru’s Akaku Somaru Sora (red sky) was as energetic and straightforward as in the CD! Tbh i think singing as Ichiru stifles Nogami’s skills (apparent when you hear Nogami singing in his own voice, and yes, that’s Shugo next to him) but he’s great to watch live and i LOVE that he waves enthusiastically at the crowd as Ichiru!!

When it was Eichi’s turn to sing his solo, Niji (Rainbow), we were all super excited because the song’s demo isn’t even out yet, and here we got to listen to it live, in full!! It was a fun, summery pop tune, befitting its title, and the whole time Eichi was hopping around and waving at the audience with a huge smile. He really was emitting rainbows and flowers T___T Nishiyama’s not the strongest singer in QUELL, but he definitely embodies Eichi’s cheerfulness.

SolidS returned to the stage to perform Tokyo LOVE Junky, followed by Quell with Aoi Mizu. I had mixed feelings when I first listened to Aoi Mizu since it felt completely out of place on a Quell album, but i figured they probably needed at least one upbeat concert-friendly song, and sure enough it seems like Aoi Mizu was written for this purpose. It’s definitely a lot easier to shake your light stick in time with the song compared to Hikari, or even Believer ^q^

We were asked to participate in a recording for the Tsukipro anime that’s airing in October. They wanted us to yell out the characters’ names or scream “kya~!” to use during actual concert footage in the anime!!! They were only recording for SolidS in the afternoon which meant that Quell’s would get done during the night show... I wanted to be there for Quell too >< Anyway, SolidS took turns going up on stage and used hand signals to indicate when we should start/stop yelling. Each recording lasted 30 seconds iirc? The audience was happy to comply haha, we went WILD. Shiki went first, then Tsubasa. When it was Rikka’s turn, Hanae wanted some variation lol he asked us to whisper when he put his hand down, and tune up the volume as he raised his hand. It was a lot of fun, I was laughing half the time because he was contorting his body (bending over backwards etc) while moving his arm, just being a clown really. We did our best to match his hand movements and got praised for it at the end :3 Lastly, Umehara got up for Dai and his first words were “Don’t call me Dai-chan” JKSDGJLHGDFLJ CUTE he used the same system as Hanae and ofc most of us screamed “DAI-CHAAAAAAAAAAAAANNN” ^q^

The show came to a close with the obligatory event ending song Sexy☆Sense. Obviously performed by SolidS as it’s their song, but Quell stuck around to join in. There was a lot of activity on stage but I mostly kept my eyes on the twins ;w; I have to admit that SolidS’ music is not really my taste, but Sexy☆Sense is super catchy and it’s hard not to sing along. A supercharged ending to an amaaaazing concert!!!

I’ve pre-ordered the SQP DVD so that I can watch what happens in the night session >< Can’t wait!! To those of you who managed to survive my TL;DR, thank you for your patience!

#QUELL #SolidS #tsukipro #SQP #takeuchi shunsuke #nishiyama koutarou #nakamura shugo #nogami sho #eguchi takuya #hanae natsuki #saito souma #umehara yuichiro #event report

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hotvideo · 7 years

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“Green Eyes” (1978)

A MOVIE-OF-THE-WEEK THAT RAISES AWARENESS FOR ALL THE KIDS SPAWNED FROM AMERICAN HOT SAUCE DURING THE VIETNAM WAR, AND HOW A LOT OF THEM ENDED UP HOMELESS, GLUE-SNIFFING ORPHANS.

BACK IN VIET-FUCKING-NAM, MAN, IF YOUR NUMBER GOT CALLED, IT MEANT YOUR ASS. SOME GUYS TRIED TO BEAT THE DRAFT BY GOING TO COLLEGE OR KNOCKING UP A GIRLFRIEND AND GETTING MARRIED; OTHERS TRIED TO COP SOME RAGTIME ABOUT BEING BORN WITH FLAT FEET OR SHOWED UP TO THEIR ARMY PHYSICAL IN A DRESS, BUT THE CHANCES OF THOSE METHODS WORKING WERE SLIM TO NONE. AS THE WISE OLD NEGRO SAYETH: MAN SAY GO, YOU GO.

I DON’T KNOW IF VIETNAM WAS THE FIRST MODERN WAR BEHOLDEN TO THE LAWLESS SPIRIT OF SEX, DRUGS AND ROCK’N’ROLL, BUT IT WAS CERTAINLY THE FIRST WAR SOLD AS SUCH. FOR THOSE OF US WHO WEREN’T THERE, WE’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH PLATOON ENOUGH TIMES TO KNOW THAT AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN VIETNAM COULD ONLY PROCESS THE HORRORS THEY WITNESSED DAILY– AND, IN MANY CASES, CONTRIBUTED TO – WITH THE AID OF BOOZE, DOPE, MOTOWN AND SEX WITH PROSTITUTES. WHAT WE THE PUBLIC HAVEN’T FAMILIARIZED OURSELVES ENOUGH WITH IS STORIES ABOUT THE AFTERMATH OF THAT HEDONISTIC DEATHFEST, AND WHAT WAS LEFT BEHIND AFTER THE LAST U.S. CHOPPER FLED SAIGON. “GREEN EYES”, ALTHOUGH TOLD WITHIN THE FRIENDLY 1:33:1 FRAMEWORK OF TELEVISION, ATTEMPTS TO SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS PERIOD.

THE FILM BEGINS IN THE BACKWOODS OF SOME COUNTRY BUNGHOLE, WHERE PAUL WINFIELD (A HERO AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT A SANDWICH), A CRIPPLED VIETNAM VET, PAYS A VISIT TO THE HOME OF ONE OF HIS BUDDIES FROM THE SERVICE. IT’S A LITTLE SUPRISING WHEN THE PERSON WHO ANSWERS THE DOOR IS WHITE AND DOESN’T CHASE PAUL OFF WITH A 12-GAUGE. YEAH, THE PARENTS OF THIS DEAD SOLDIER MUST BE QUAKERS COS THEY LAY ON REAL THICK WITH THE OLD “OUR SON WAS KILLED FOR NO REASON” BUSINESS. PAUL, JUST BACK FROM HIS TOUR OF HELL, TELLS THE BEREAVED THEY’RE WRONG. DEAD WRONG.

IT’S BEEN SAID THAT THE BOND A SOLDIER MAKES WITH ANOTHER SOLDIER IS DEEPER THAN ANYTHING HE’LL FORGE ANYWHERE ELSE, EXCEPT MAYBE PRISON. PERHAPS THIS REFLECTS THE GENERAL OUTLOOK OF SOLDIERS, WHO, BY AND LARGE, ARE IMPARTIAL TO THE POLITICS OF ANY WAR THEY FIND THEMSELVES FIGHTING. IDEOLOGY IS FOR POLITICIANS; FOR EVERYONE ELSE, SURVIVAL IS THE MAIN MOTIVATION.

PAUL RETURNS HOME TO THE SOUTHSIDE OF SOME POOR AMERICAN CITY AND CAN’T CATCH A BREAK. NOBODY WANTS TO HIRE HIM BECAUSE HE’S A CRIPPLED VETERAN. WHEN PAUL GETS TIRED OF PLAYING PINBALL WITH THE OTHER JOBLESS MOTHERFUCKERS, HE BEGS HIS MAMA TO GIVE UP HER “KNEES MONEY” SO HE CAN RETURN TO SAIGON AND REUNITE WITH THE MOTHER OF HIS CHILD. MAMA HAS A COW, URGING PAUL TO FORGET ABOUT THAT CHAPTER IN HIS LIFE.

“No half-breed child of a Chinese slut is gonna throw out what I done spent my whole life scrubbing toilets for.”

-Mama

BUT PAUL CAN’T GIVE IT UP. THE BABY BOY, HE’S BEEN TOLD, HAS GREEN EYES JUST LIKE HIM, AND IT’S HIS MISSION TO FIND HIM.

PAUL GETS HIS ONE-WAY TICKET BACK TO SAIGON, WHERE SOME GRAINY STOCK FOOTAGE IS INCORPORATED BY THE FILM’S EDITORS BECAUSE “GREEN EYES”, MADE AFTER SAIGON HAD CLOSED OFF TO THE WEST AND BEEN RENAMED HO CHI MINH CITY, WAS MOST LIKELY LENSED ON AMERICA-FRIENDLY SHORES LIKE THE PHILIPPINES.

PAUL TAKES A CAB TO A SECTION OF SAIGON KNOWN AS “SOUL ALLEY”. THIS IS WHERE HE AND OTHER BLACK G.I.’s STAYED DURING R+R STINTS.

A BUNCH OF LITTLE THIRD-WORLD EXTRAS MATERIALIZE, KNOWING PAUL IS AN AMERICAN AND MIGHT HAVE PENCILS AND CHICLETS.

PAUL FINDS THE APARTMENT WHERE HIS BABY MAMA STAYS, BUT NO ONE’S HOME.

HE CHEERS UP WHEN HE’S GREETED BY HIS BABY MAMA’S COUSIN, FANG. THEY PROCEED TO DO A CONVOLUTED HANDSHAKE SLASH BOOGALOO THAT PAUL NO DOUBT TAUGHT THE LITTLE SLOPE LATE ONE NIGHT WHEN HE WAS HIGH ON REEFER.

FANG INVITES PAUL IN TO SPEAK WITH MAMA-SAN, BUT SHE’S TOO DISTRACTED TRYING TO FISH A BUFFALO NICKEL OUT OF HER TEA TO ANSWER ANY OF PAUL’S LINE OF QUESTIONING.

TROUBLED AND RESTLESS, PAUL TAKES A WALK TO CLEAR HIS HEAD. HE FINDS A PARK AND SITS DOWN. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, PAUL GETS PROPOSITIONED BY A FRIENDLY LADY OF THE NIGHT. HE TELLS HER HE’S TOO BROKE TO FUCK; IF HE NEEDS A TUGJOB LATER, HE’LL DO IT HIMSELF.

WHEN THE CHICK SPLITS, A LITTLE KID COMES OVER AND TRIES TO HUSTLE PAUL, PRETENDING THAT HE’S SEEN PAUL’S CHILD. THEN HE STEALS PAUL’S ARMY JACKET. PAUL CHASES HIM, BUT WITH HIS BAD LEG HE CAN’T CATCH UP.

THE NEXT DAY, PAUL BEGINS CANVASSING THE UNDERBELLY OF SAIGON FOR HIS BABY MAMA. HE STOPS AT AN ORPHANAGE, WHERE HE MEETS THE DIRECTOR, AN ENGLISHWOMAN (RITA TUSHINGHAM, THE KNACK... AND HOW TO GET IT) WHO OFFERS HIM ARMY RATION LEMONADE.

SHE GIVES PAUL THE SKINNY ON ADOPTION IN SAIGON, A SOUL-CRUSHING MASS OF RED TAPE THAT MAKES AMERICA’S SYSTEM LOOK CIVILIZED.

MISS RITA ALSO TELLS PAUL THAT HIS SON WAS MOST LIKELY ABANDONED BECAUSE OF HIS BEING PART BLACK. TO KEEP THE CHILD WOULD HAVE BESET THE MOTHER WITH A FAR MORE TRICKY STANDING IN VIETNAMESE SOCIETY.

AT THIS POINT, PAUL WANTS TO BURY HIS HEAD IN A BOILING POT OF PHO AND PEACE OUT. HE DISTRACTS HIMSELF WITH A COMBAT FLASHBACK, THE CLASSIC DRIVING-DOWN-SOME-COUNTRY-ROAD-AND-HITTING-A-LANDMINE NUMBER.

THREE-QUARTERS OF THE SPECIAL EFFECTS BUDGET DOWN THE TUBES.

PAUL NOTICES THE PALLETS OF CHEAP CLOTHING IN THE MARKETPLACE ARE ALL MARKED WITH THE SAME STENCIL.

PAUL VISITS ONE OF THE ORPHANAGES MISS RITA MENTIONED. HE FINDS AN OVERCROWDED ROOM AND A BUNCH OF UNSUPERVISED KIDS TEARING THE PLACE APART.

WHEN PAUL APPROACHES THE ADULT IN CHARGE, HE FINDS HE’S SPEAKING TO A FUCKING BLIND PERSON. DAMN. SUBTLE.

PAUL WRITES A LETTER TO HIS MAMA, TELLING HER ABOUT THE THINGS HE’S SEEN IN THE ORPHANAGES, AND THE KIND OF POVERTY THAT DOESN’T COMPARE TO ANYTHING HE KNOWS BACK IN AMERICA.

THIS IS THE PART WHEN “GREEN EYES” ESSENTIALLY BECOMES AN ADVERT FOR UNICEF.

PAUL BUYS A BUNCH OF BANANAS AND FEEDS THE LITTLE MONKEYS. HE STARTS SPENDING MORE TIME WITH THEM. IT GIVES HIM A SENSE OF PURPOSE.

THEN HE RUNS INTO THE LITTLE FUCKER WHO STOLE HIS ARMY JACKET. THE KID, CALLED TRUNG, KNOWING HE’S GOT ABOUT TWO SECONDS TO LIVE BEFORE PAUL’S BIG BLACK FISTS COME RAINING DOWN, PROMISES TO HELP PAUL FIND HIS SON.

“Kid, you ain’t worth the skin on my knuckles. Where he at?

TRUNG TAKES PAUL TO A BAR TO MEET A FIXER, ONE OF THOSE GUYS WHO KNOWS PEOPLE AND HOW TO PROCURE THINGS.

THE GUY TURNS OUT TO BE PAUL’S OLD ARMY BUDDY, MIAMI BEACH. THIS CAT FAKED HIS OWN DEATH TO GET OUT OF THE SHIT, MAN. NOW HE’S BLOWING PAUL’S MIND, TALKING ALL KINDS OF TALK ABOUT HOW SAIGON’S A GAS -- YOU CAN GET ANYTHING YOU WANT. PICK YOUR POISON.

MIAMI BEACH SENDS PAUL AND THE KID TO THE COUNTRYSIDE TO RENDEZVOUS WITH THE RICE PADDY CONTINGENT.

ON THE WAY, THEY HAVE TO BRIBE SOME CHECKPOINT GOONS WITH OLD LOTTERY TICKETS TO GET THROUGH.

WHILE TRUNG GOES DOOR TO DOOR, PAUL LAYS BACK IN THE CUT AND REALIZES HE KNOWS THIS VILLAGE INTIMATELY.

ONCE UPON A TIME, HIS PLATOON BURNED IT TO THE GROUND SO THEY COULD BEAT A RIVAL SQUAD ON BODY COUNTS AND WIN A CASE OF BUDWEISER.

MORE OF THE SPECIAL EFFECTS BUDGET IN ACTION.

OBLIGATORY “NOOOOOOO” SHOT.

PAUL’S PRETTY BUMMED OUT WHEN HE RETURNS FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE. MIAMI BEACH DRAGS HIM TO A PARTY AT SOME RICH BROAD’S HOUSE, SELLING IT AS AN IN TO THE EX-PAT BREAD THAT WILL HELP HIM FIND GREEN EYES.

ON THE RIDE OVER, MIAMI’S CHERRY BENZ GETS ATTACKED BY SOME HUNGRY OLVIDADOS.

THE PARTY’S PRETTY HAPPENING. PAUL CAN’T GET OVER THE HORS D’EUVRES SPREAD, ENOUGH FOOD THE TO FEED ALL THE ORPHANS IN SAIGON. OH, THE IRONY! AND... AND LOOK AT THOSE JUGS! JESUS! ILSA, ILSA!

EVEN THE BUDDHISTS ARE SATED.

PAUL ISN’T HAVING ANY OF IT. ACROSS THE LAWN, HE RECOGNIZES MISS RITA FROM THE ADOPTION AGENCY HAVING A SIMILARLY TERRIBLE TIME. THEY CONSPIRE TO STEAL SOME TRAYS OF FINGER FOOD AND FEED THE LITTLE MONKEYS OUTSIDE THE GATE.

THIS PISSES OFF THE PARTY HOST SO MUCH, PAUL AND RITA ARE ASKED TO LEAVE.

THEY WALK THE STREETS UNTIL CURFEW. WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES TEN, RITA SAYS SHE HAS TO GET BACK TO THE ORPHANAGE AND PUT THE BABIES TO BED. PAUL ASKS IF HE, TOO, CAN HELP PUT RITA’S BABIES TO BED. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT BABIES PAUL IS REFERRING TO, OR IF, IN FACT, HE MEANS RITA’S PRIVATE PARTS.

PAUL SPENDS SOME QUALITY TIME AT RITA’S ORPHANAGE, WHERE HE TEACHES SOME OF THE KIDS HOW TO PLAY BASEBALL. RITA TELLS PAUL THE SAD NARRATIVE OF A STREET KID’S LIFE IN SAIGON, ESSENTIALLY THAT HE LIVES ON GARBAGE UNTIL HE’S FIFTEEN, WHEN HE JOINS THE ARMY TO ESCAPE THE STREETS. FIFTEEN?! THIS GIVES PAUL A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON TRUNG AND HIS ILK.

LATER THAT NIGHT, AFTER THE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PUT TO BED, PAUL AND RITA SMOKE SOME OPIUM AND RAP INTO THE WEE HOURS ABOUT GREEN EYES AND ALL THE COLORS IN THE SKY, AND HOW LIFE CAN BE SO FLY WHEN YOU’RE HIGH ON THIS MAGIC CARPET RIDE.

“Do you fancy a shag, Othello?”

THE NEXT DAY, TRUNG COMES OVER FOR LUNCH.

HE STUFFS HIS FACE WITH PAPAYA AND ALMOST FORGETS TO TELL PAUL THAT MIAMI BEACH HAS MANAGED TO LOCATE PAUL’S EX OLD LADY, LEI-CHAN.

“The hell you say?! Put that fruit down and talk to me, boy. That damn papaya can wait, but my son, goddamit, my son can’t...”

TRUNG TAKES PAUL TO A HELLISH MARINA WHERE INSIDE EVERY CARDBOARD SHANTY SOMEONE’S EITHER SHOOTING A SNUFF FILM OR PERFORMING A CAT ABORTION.

YES, FRIENDS, BY DONATING JUST FIVE DOLLARS A MONTH, YOU CAN ENSURE THAT A BEAUTIFUL CHILD LIKE THIS ONE RECEIVES THE BASIC FOOD AND NOURISHMENT IT REQUIRES TO SUBSIST IN THE HARSH CONDITIONS OF LIFE IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD.

THEY FINALLY GET TO THE TENT WHERE LEI-CHAN IS BELIEVED TO BE. PAUL TELLS TRUNG TO WAIT OUTSIDE.

IN THE BOOM-BOOM ROOM, PAUL DISCOVERS HIS EX. SHE LOOKS TIRED AND FUCKED-OUT. A BABY’S CRYING IN THE CLOSET. COULD IT BE?

SWING LOW... SWEET CHARIOT... NOPE, IT’S SOMEBODY ELSE’S BABY. A PILOT FOR AIR PHILIPPINES, LEI-CHAN EXPLAINS. THE DUDE WAS SUPPOSED TO SEND FOR THEM THE PREVIOUS WEEK BUT GOT TIED UP IN A MONSOON.

“Green Eyes is dead. I am sorry. He get fever. That was that. And Paul, if you like to feel better, I give you fucky fuck for ole time sake.

PAUL OPTS OUT OF THE FUCKY FUCK AND LEAVES THAT BOOM-BOOM ROOM A CHANGED MAN. PART OF HIM IS DEAD, A MUCH BIGGER PART THAN WAS ALREADY DEAD, BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, PART OF HIM IS NOT DEAD.

HE TAKES THE TOY HE WAS PLANNING TO GIVE GREEN EYES, ONE OF THOSE DISTURBING WIND-UP MONKEYS THAT PLAY THE CYMBALS, AND BURIES IT IN THE GROUND, UPSIDE DOWN. SEMPER FI!

PAUL STOPS BY MISS RITA’S TO SAY GOODBYE. HE ASKS IF SHE’S SEEN TRUNG. SHE HASN’T, BUT WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE BOY BELIEVED PAUL HAD FOUND HIS SON AND NO LONGER HAD ANY USE FOR TRUNG. ALTHOUGH HE’S WORRIED HE’LL MISS HIS FLIGHT BACK HOME, PAUL DECIDES TO LOOK FOR TRUNG AND SAY GOODBYE. HE HAILS A TAXI AND TAKES IT TO THE MOO-GOO-GUY DISTRICT.

TRUNG APPEARS SITTING ON A BRIDGE, WEARING A BALLOON ON HIS HEAD AND EATING WHAT LOOKS LIKE GRILLED PUPPY INTESTINES ON A STICK. HE ASKS ABOUT GREEN EYES. PAUL TELLS HIM THE TRUTH, THE BABY TRUNG HEARD WAS SOMEBODY ELSE’S.

“I think I have the rest of my day to hear this American story, but I only have three more seconds to finish this fried plantain before it congeals and turn to athlete’s foot.”

“Say, Trung, man, I just missed my plane because of you, man. So what’cha doin’ with the rest of your life? How about we catch a ferry out of this here and go exploring, man. I hear that Malay pussy is outta sight. Like, they know how to take care of a brother. And after that, we’ll set sail for Brazil. Man, the bitches down there ain’t even got hair... down there.”

THE END.

#tv movie #vietnam war #paul winfield #big box vhs

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