#this is like part 8746

[finnzcorner]

Did I just give Jimmy two corsets for this upcoming drawing? Yes, because they deserve it.

[petit-etoile]

everything i see, everything i feel (you are my universe)

pairing: astarion/tav wordcount: 8746 content warnings: astarion is not a vampire nor ascended & tav is not the dark urge but i use pet names from his ascended route because i think they fit & some of the dark urge connections are necessary, brief mention of tav being raised as a child soldier by gortash, tav is gender neutral, nearly 8k of pure smut other tags: alternate universe - royalty, character study, porn with plot, dom/sub undertones, mi.ssionary style, do.ggy style, riding, cr.eampie, marriage proposal, sort of archiveofourown: here. note: depending on reception & if i have time, there may be a part two or a prequel. i ended coming up with lore for this verse so i like it a lot. summary: ‘We are the Prince and his Shield,’ Astarion tells you sweetly, voice melodic in your ear. ‘This will be our world. You were made for me, and I was made for you, and we will do as we are meant to do.’

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You can already tell what kind of evening it will be just from the way Astarion looks at you from beneath his eyelashes, so coy and pretty and unabashed in the way he glances over you. Whatever happened tpday at court has pleased him. He practically purrs when he steps past you to enter the sanctuary of his expansive bedroom.

‘You’ll come,’ he murmurs, ‘won’t you, darling?’

You’ll play his game because he likes it. You keep your lips pressed together in a firm line despite the way his hand slides gracefully across your waist, warming the chainmail that you wear dutifully every day so that you can keep the crown prince safe. He pouts when you pretend to not notice the playful mood he’s in. And when you change your mind after only a few minutes, Astarion will wear the same mischievous frown and think he has claimed victory over you once more.

You recite your vows to yourself to keep your mind from wandering, but it’s difficult. I am the Sword of the Crown, the Shield of the Realm. I serve no one but the Rightful King, the First of His Name, the Soul of Truth, Astarion Ancunin. It’s…admittedly hard to remember the rest. You’re distracted by the most impure thoughts. Memories of nights before. The taste of him on your tongue, the feel of him between your thighs, the sight of him as he grinds above you, the gleam of his skin as dawn begins to creep over the horizon. You squeeze your thighs together and try to wait out at least five minutes before you cave.

You peek down the hallway. There are no other guards skulking around at night. You’re not technically supposed to leave your post, but if the prince commands it… Well, it’s an excuse. You rush inside before you can feel the call of your valor and close the door after you with a soft click. Astarion sits with his legs crossed at the edge of his bed. He grins. It’s almost as predictable as you are, but you would never admit it.

‘You called, my prince?’ you ask carefully, trying to keep your tone even.

‘I did,’ he says with a delicate shrug. ‘I thought I could use entertainment, and you were there…’

You smile beneath your helm. You were always there. Astarion tries to hide it a little too much, but there’s no one else he would seek out to keep him entertained when his mood is like this. He tries to play into the expectations everyone has of him. That he’s ambitious, unpredictable, easy to rile up. The truth of the matter is that Astarion longs for you in a way that he will never admit except into the curls of your hair when he thinks you’ve fallen asleep. You care for him  —  love him  —  and there’s nothing you adore more than the way he laughs around you as though you were born for him and him alone.

‘I take it the court wasn’t too uneventful,’ you say.

He grimaces. ‘I saw Lord Gortash, unfortunately. I believe the sight of him has ruined my week.’

‘So cruel,’ you hum. You touch the buckles of your cape and release it from your bodice.

‘It’s true, isn’t it?’ Astarion asks defensively, playfully.

You touch the latch of your armor. ‘He’s head of the city guard.’

‘I ought to fire him,’ the prince says darkly. ‘Hire a new one.’

‘Who would protect the city instead?’

‘You,’ Astarion says without pause.

‘Alas, I am duty bound to serve the prince,’ you disagree. You pull the weight of your chest piece off your shoulders and drop it to the floor. ‘How can I serve the city when my mind is filled with nothing but you?’

Astarion smiles, a true smile. ‘Oh, you honor me. You truly mean every word.’

‘Without question,’ you promise.

You think about kneeling before him and looking up at him, but your chest piece is still in the way. You pull and untangle and twist until it all slides to the floor, leaving you in a simpler top. His honor, a single white rose, is pinned to the front of your shirt. You can still remember the day he gave it to you, the day you knelt in the throne room and he pressed his sword to your shoulder to claim you.

‘You are mine,’ Astarion says slowly.

‘I am yours,’ you repeat fondly.

‘Until the end of time?’

‘Until the end.’

‘And,’ Astarion begins playfully, ‘if I asked you to please me?’

‘I would be duty bound,’ you reply.

‘Then may I ask you to please me?’ he murmurs, eyes dangerous.

Astarion practically preens under your careful attention, his eyes unwavering as he watches you. You take your time. You remove the rest of your armor slowly, savoring the hungry way he watches. Even in court when you are his shadow, Astarion barely hides it. The hunger. The longing. The darkest of desires. He would claim you in public if it wouldn’t be a scandal.

You lower yourself before him, groveling on your hands and knees. You place your head in his lap and sigh when he threads his fingers through your hair. These are the moments you live for. When he is no longer a prince and you are no longer a knight. You are you, and Astarion is Astarion.

You don’t have to wonder where his mind is. Not during times like these. He’s anxious to feel you, but you take your time in this. You slip his fancy boots from his feet then take your time undoing his belts and buttons, sliding everything down his lean legs with careful intent. His cock greets you, already half hard and growing still.

It still makes you nervous, deep down inside. Astarion is a prince and the pinnacle of perfection. He could have any duke or duchess he wanted, yet it’s you he takes care of when the standing watch for hours on end from dusk til dawn has caused your bones to grow weary. The least you could do is love him like this. You lean forward and kiss the side of his cock, and Astarion’s fingers tighten in your hair.

‘Please, your highness,’ you whisper.

You are perched at his feet still awaiting commands. Like a good little pup. You shiver.

‘Go on,’ Astarion encourages.

You barely stick the tip of your tongue out and watch as his cock throbs in anticipation. This is dangerous. Obscene, even. You’ve seen him hundreds of times yet it still excites you. Carefully, you take him into your mouth and admire his debauched moan.

You have half a mind to tease him, but when you glance upwards at him, he’s as pretty as an aasimar. Or something worse, but you don’t give yourself much time to think about it. You know his desires. What he enjoys. What he tolerates for you. You know Astarion likes your little hums as you glide your mouth over his cock. He likes being pampered more than anything.

Astarion’s hand is tender as he moves your bangs out of your eyes. It’s the eye contact he wants. He likes to see and always acts like it’s the first time. He holds the edge of your jaw while you rub the tip of his cock against the inside of your cheek, eyebrows scrunching. It’s divine for you as well.

Astarion lives for the pomp and circumstance, absolutely devours court rumors with a delight you barely understand  —  but he would let his kingdom fall into the Underdark if it meant he could spend every hour of every day fucking you.

It’s the same for you.

It always has been ever since your coronation.

You were not like the other knights who were born into houses of servitude, second born sons and daughters who were the spares of their family names. You were given to Astarion by Lord Gortash as a way to buy favor from the crown. You were once his favorite, well-trained dog.

But unlike Lord Gortash, you are coveted by the crown in a way no other knight has been before. Astarion kisses you every morning and finishes against your spine every evening. But he is your salvation, your savior, and you are on your knees to show what that means to you.

Astarion stirs beneath your ruminations, his thighs tensing beneath your elbows, his hips doing those unconscious lusty jerks that you like so much. His head falls back as he gets lost in the feel of your tongue and mouth and he moans so sweetly that it almost distracts you from your ministrations. You take his cock as far back into your mouth as you can manage, closing your eyes to squeeze out any embarrassing tears that might threaten to fall. Like the prettiest bird, he sings for you.

‘Wait,’ he moans. ‘Not yet, I want  —  ’

You pull away from him as commanded, licking your lips clean of spit. His hands dance frantically against your shoulders as he pulls you up against him, cock hard against both of your bellies. He kisses you hotly, one hand fisting in your hair and the other tugging uselessly at your shirt.

‘You are needy today, my prince,’ you whisper against a barrage of kisses.

‘You were too perfect,’ he whines. ‘Always perfect for me.’

You laugh against his cheek. ‘You did say to please you.’

‘And now I’m saying to get on the fucking bed,’ Astarion fusses. ‘Oh, and clothes off. I want to see you.’

‘Yes, your  —  ’ you begin.

‘You,’ Astarion accuses with an affectionate pinch to your side, ‘are being quite the obstinate charge tonight. I want to taste you and be tasted in return, but be familiar with me, my love. Come back to me. Share my bed.’

You are in the middle of doing as he requests, sitting with one leg on either side of his thighs when he slides his hands to your waist and forces you to roll to the side. He pushes you further into the many adorning pillows of his bed and starts devouring you, his mouth dancing from your neck to your collarbones while he tears your shirt apart with his hands, though he does slow down enough to place the white rose on the bedside table. He pushes his palms flat against your chest and leaves bite marks and bruises across your chest and down your belly, chasing after you as you try to squirm away. Astarion finally takes interest in leaving his mark on your throat.

You set to work pushing your leggings and small clothes down your thigh, but Astarion, in all his impatience, gets in the way of that too. He presses his thigh between your legs on purpose, rolling his cock against your hip while his thigh applies almost perfect pressure to the most sensitive parts of you.

You moan and turn your face away, but Astarion chases the sound. He nuzzles your noses together until you look at him, bleary and dazed, your bottom lip caught between your teeth. He rolls his hips again with intent. He catches the sound of your moan on the tip of your tongue and returns it, his own ragged breath warm against your cheek.

‘There you are, my love,’ he whispers deliciously. ‘I’ve missed you. My treasure, my pet…’

‘Yours,’ you moan.

‘Mine,’ Astarion agrees. ‘All mine.’

He drags his fingernails across the swell of your hip, and you can’t help but chase the curve of his wrist. Your cheeks burn, but you’re tempted to beg him. To ask if he’ll please you with his hands. You want to feel his fingers pressed up inside you, to feel them curl and twist. You want it more than anything else you’ve ever wanted to. Astarion watches the way you twist and turn with a small smile on his face. He pets your hip and slides his fingers between your thighs. You can feel the cool of his jeweled rings against your heated flesh.

Astarion is grateful for your reckless display. He acquiesces to your silent begging, brushing his fingers between your folds and pressing the tip of his middle finger against you. He watches with delight as you grind against the pressure. His cheeks and the tips of his pointed ears are ruddy, and though he’s pretending to be controlled right now, you can hear how shaky his breath has become.

And then, like a god answering a prayer, he presses a finger inside of you so painstakingly slow it’s almost maddening. You mewl, watching his expressions in fascination, because his own mouth falls open as he cranes his next to watch. He adds another. He twists and twirls his fingers as deeply as he can reach it. His eyes flutter with desperation. He’s so beautiful that you can hardly stand it. You want more, so much more, and you press your wrist against your mouth to keep from begging.

‘Don’t hide from me,’ he says hoarsely. ‘I want to hear everything. Please, sing for me.’

‘More,’ you whisper thickly. ‘More, I need more, I want more.’

He kisses your jaw sloppily. ‘I’ll give you everything.’

‘It’s not enough!’

‘You’ll take it,’ Astarion tells you. ‘You’ll take what I give.’

‘Astarion,’ you weep. ‘I want you. I want  —  ’

This time, he might as well have ripped the rest of your clothes with his haste. You aren’t sure what he does with them, you just know that you’re naked and in his bed, surrounded by all his pillows with your thighs slick from how wet you are.

Your eyes watch your star’s every movement. He rids himself of his finery as well, shrugging out of his layers until there’s nothing left. The moonlight hits his skin prettily, almost as dainty as the way his eyes catch in the candlelight. He chases you, chases your mouth, presses his cock against you and ruts for a moment. You can’t help but be dizzy with lust yourself. You leave your own marks across his collarbones and chest, mindful of his neck and what skin would peek above his elegant collars. You wonder how he’ll take you. Astarion has always been the creative type. Sometimes you’ll ride him, and sometimes he’ll ride you until you see stars. Despite his urgency, he seems tender tonight.

Astarion wants to make you feel good. He wants to find your heat and bask in the warmth. You can tell in the way he watches your face ever so fondly. He’s always been so good at masking how much he prefers you to anyone he’s spoken to before. You’ve stood and listened as the perfect guard during meetings with dignitaries from neighboring cities, and Astarion always spoke to them with practiced politeness bearing a practiced albeit bored undertone. Yet with you, he seems to hang onto your every word. He takes it in until there was nothing left to share. He cares when you are supposed to be nothing more than a knight at his door.

‘I have a gift for you tonight,’ Astarion says suddenly. He blushes. It’s adorable how much it’s unlike him.

‘What is it?’ you ask.

‘Patience,’ he complains, but he doesn’t mean it.

Astarion reaches for something just beyond your sight, and when he sits back up, you feel as though someone has released a cage of birds in the pit of your stomach. He holds out a small silver band for your inspection. ‘A warding ring,’ he explains. ‘I had my Master of the Arcane enchant it for you  —  for us.’

‘Kiss me,’ you whisper. ‘Please.’

‘Put it on first,’ he insists. ‘For me.’

Something must show on your face, because he’s quick to show you his own hand. There is a matching silver band there, and it causes your heart to swell so much you think your heart will give out. Astarion, with great care, slides the band onto your finger and then looks at you, hopeful.

‘Whatever you feel, I shall feel,’ he says like a promise. ‘You and I, together.’

You guide his mouth to yours before you can do something silly like cry. When you touch his chest, intent on finding his heartbeat, you can feel it so frantic against your palm.

What is a better story than a prince and his knight? A savior and his sword? The bards will sing forever about the prince and his favored knight, their matching rings, their sacred vows. You ache with longing. You surge with love. It is all Astarion’s fault.

You push your hands through his thick curls and guide him to lie on top of you. You can feel the ring humming with magic. Though you are sure this isn’t its intended use, you can’t help but feel nervous.

You take him into your arms. He collapses into you and your only thought is that it’s a little poetic. You have caught a star as it fell from the sky. Now, it rests in your hands again and again and again until, slowly, you cannot exist without one another. His mouth finds yours, and your hands with the matching rings reach out for one another as though choreographed. Astarion presses you against his sheets and you willingly let him devour you once more. It’s all you’ve ever wanted.

Astarion kisses down your chest again. He kisses your tummy and all the muscle you’ve earned from being a knight. He kisses every scar from every battle you’ve ever endured all the way down to your hips, to that warm core that lies between them. You moan unapologetically, head rushing until you’re almost positive you’re going to faint. Astarion presses a kiss between your legs, growls as though he was a man starved before finding you, and takes you into his mouth.

It’s a little romantic how you’ve grown together. You were each other’s firsts  —  Astarion taught you how to kiss, and you taught him how to fondle someone else’s body without feeling shy about it. You had first used your mouth on him, but he had taken all of the knowledge you had given and weaponized it against you the next moment that he could. He’s determined to please, desperate for compliments, hopeless in all his endeavors to please you almost as much as you’ve pleased him. But unlike you, Astarion is selfish and he reaches for fruit to pluck that anyone else would have discarded as soon as something better came along. He chose you.

He licks and bites and nuzzles and feasts upon the very fruit of you, groaning at how you taste. It’s his favorite taste in the world, and he would brag about it if it didn’t make your cheeks flush. He laps at your folds hungrily and squeezes the thickness your thighs until they’ve bruised.

‘Little star,’ you whine, pressing your hands to your eyes. ‘Please, please.’

His tongue is like torture. Astarion never does anything without fully committing, and from your time together, you know he’s memorized every little thing he can do to drive you absolutely wild. He’s pulled your legs over his shoulders, his fingers moving on after bruising them to dig into your hip bones, and he hums so prettily for you.

Even you aren’t sure what you’re begging for. You want Astarion to stop teasing you so insistently. You want to feel his heartbeat, you want to taste his lips. There’s a part of you so empty and full of longing that if you wait any longer, if you withhold anymore, you might lose yourself. The only thing serving to ground you to this world is depravity, twisting carnal lust, and the depths of your love. You shiver under his touch and moan even as you try to hush it.

‘  —  star!’ you cry sharply.

You try to twist out of his grasp, crying at how determined he is, but Astarion simply drags you back down to where he is as if it’s nothing to him. He doesn’t stop torturing with your tongue until you’ve choked out a sob and chased your release, chest heaving from the effort. He doesn’t let you go for long either, climbing up your body so that he can press encouraging kisses to your jaw, pushing your damp curls back from your temple.

Astarion pushes his nose against your ear and breathes in, almost so desperate to have memorized your very scent. It’s always been his little habit. As if just by knowing your smell, he is able to do whatever he needs to accomplish in this world.

‘You,’ he murmurs between kisses, ‘are always so magnificent for me.’

You reach for his hip, the back of your knuckles sweeping against his sharp bone. ‘I want to do the same for you,’ you say shakily. ‘Let me have you, please. It’s all I want.’

He moans, soft and quiet, and settles between your legs. He kisses you again with that same hunger. The same, almost desperate kind of lust. He presses you so far into his sheets that you’re not sure you’ll ever be released from them again. And you think you would be fine with that. There’s nothing more that you want than to stay here with him. His hands joined with yours, your hips pressed to his, forever until the world has ended.

You slide your hands across the broad sweep of his shoulders and feel as his muscles shift. He is so gentle with you even when he doesn’t have to be. He’s cautious, meticulous, almost ridiculously polite because it’s you. His love is like an apology for everything you’ve been through, and when he cradles the back of your head, you lean into his touch.

‘You are mine,’ he says tenderly. His thumb sweeps across your cheek.

‘Take me,’ you say hungrily. ‘I am your prize.’

‘You were created by the gods for me,’ Astarion tells you sincerely. He sits onto his knees and pulls your hands flush against his stomach. ‘Look at how well you fit against me.’

You were never one to be shy before, but his praise causes you to turn your cheek aside and look away. He pushes his hands up your thighs, searching, admiring. He says pretty words, but he’ll never understand if you were to repeat the things he’s said back to him. Underneath that prestigious bravado and practiced façade, Astarion still understands little of his own divinity and worth. You’re thankful for him as much as he is for you, and you allow him this. He finds his worth at your core and marvels in it, allowing you to see him as Astarion. Like a mortal making a deal with a cambion, he reaches for you.

‘Do you want me inside of you?’ he asks in a graveled voice.

‘More than anything else,’ you reply, choking on how thick your want is. You think about how it feels every time he’s claimed you and shudder. ‘Please.’

‘I am going to get lost in you for hours,’ Astarion promises. He smiles, dangerous and dark. ‘When you return to your post, you’ll feel me still. You’ll be sorer than you’ve ever been.’

You are so aroused it’s painful. You ache and twist, spreading your legs so that he might take you then and there without so much as a second thought. You need the closeness. His grounding touch. His cock, as much as it would embarrass you to say aloud, has been on your mind ever since he invited you inside his room. He strokes your hip.

‘You’re shaking,’ he says fondly.

He leans forward and kisses you. He connects with you like that, nose brushing yours affectionately, before he stares at the little shivers you’re now aware you’re doing. He sees everything, knows everything. It delights him.

And then he slides his cock into you. Slowly, agonizingly, inch by inch. He squeezes your hip in encouragement, but you’re too full and he’s too thick for you to manage any coherent thought. He’s determined to reach the deepest parts of your core.

Astarion speaks through gritted teeth. ‘You are perfect.’

‘No,’ you say. ‘You are.’

‘I like to watch,’ he says honestly. ‘I like to see how you take me. You’re so tight here, did you know?’

‘More  —  ’

‘Use your words for me.’

You swallow. ‘I want you  —  to fuck me.’

‘You’ve been a good pup,’ Astarion says with a small laugh. ‘I’ll make love to you until dawn calls.’

For the faintest few heartbeats, this is the only way you want to exist. He is pressed inside of you, and you are surrounded by nothing but him and his scent and his bed and his pretty words, longing so intently to memorialize this moment. Astarion is haloed by the silver moonlight. He shines prettier than the crown he wears at court.

He shines brighter than the stars.

You’re aware of how fragile your breathing sounds. You forcefully drag air down into your lungs and hold his gaze, so warm and soft when he looks at you. You don’t know why it’s so different this time with him, but you reach out until he entwines your fingers together and you lose yourself in a way you haven’t before. You don’t realize you’re crying until he coos at you and calls you beautiful.

Astarion only moves once he’s assured you’re not in any pain. He’s conscious of the way you tense, but you shake your head and try to dry your tears.

If you’re being honest, you aren’t really sure why you’re so emotional tonight.  You’re ignoring what the rings promise on purpose. A meaning that you are too nervous to confront. You know it’s how much you wish this was your fate. It all comes to a boil when he leans forward and kisses the tip of your ear. Astarion wraps his arms around you and moans softly in your ear, the heat of his cheek flush against your temple.

‘I love you,’ he whispers.

‘I can feel you,’ you whisper back, voice uneven. ‘All the way inside.’

‘Our souls are touching tonight,’ Astarion promises you. ;This is what I want to give you.’

Once he’s assured that you’re fine, Astarion begins moving inside you. You still feel overly full. It’s almost difficult to breathe, that you’re so aware of how deep his cock is inside of you  —  as if it’s the first time you’ve experienced him before. He murmurs encouragement into your hair and ruts further and further, but when you press your fingers against his biceps, you can feel how he’s shaking too.

‘Let me be yours,’ you say softly, eyes fluttering closed. ‘Let me be with you, Astarion, please.’

‘You are my pretty consort,’ Astarion says fiercely. ‘You belong to me, and I to you.’

His consort, his knight. The one he comes home to, that he ignores all the other lovely people at court for. The idea of it makes your blood warm, makes you feel a little wild and different. You rock your hips back against Astarion’s. Feeling him lose what little of his control pushes you over the edge. You start mumbling nonsensically, thank you, thank you, my prince, my star, thank you, I feel it, Astarion and he growls low in the bottom of his throat. His hips stutter against yours and you know with a little wiggle, you could make him spend then and there.

It’s only when Astarion pushes into you as far as he can go, the tip of his cock pressed as deep into your core as you can handle it, that you remember what a devout worshiper you are. You’re fully aware of how your spine protests the way your back arches up off the bed. You feel Astarion’s mouth hot and desperate against the side of your throat, his hands slowly sliding down your skin to grip your hips, the tips of his fingers digging in harshly to the curve of your ass.

When you dare meet his gaze, you’re mesmerized. 

Astarion has always been the most beautiful person you’ve ever set eyes on. The height of his cheekbones, the way they flush when you moan his name. His uneven smile, the way his teeth point when he laughs. His intense eyes that take in even your faintest moves. He is sharp and calculated, cunning and keen on dramatics  —  but underneath, you can see the gentler side. The warmth in his gaze. The way he laughs ugly with you instead of with practiced finesse. You fit rather well together. Perfectly, like a puzzle. Intoxicatingly. He catches you staring and his breath catches in his throat.

You must be quite the sight as well. Astarion always lavished you with the utmost attention, often buying you things you’d never need as a knight. Rings, gowns, circlets and other finery to wear with him on your occasional strolls through Baldur’s Gate when you were off-duty and carefree.

You feel nearly feral at this moment. It takes all your self-control to not rake your nails down his spine or bite his shoulder because you’re too full and he’s too much and you’re almost certain you’re going to explode, but you wrap your legs around his hips and pull him tighter to you until there’s almost nothing else he can do that grind uselessly, desperate sounds coming from both of your mouths as you try to hold on just a little longer.

Without thinking, without caution, you whisper, ‘Inside  —  Tonight, I want you to  —  ’

‘Gods,’ he chokes out. ‘You’ll be the death of me.’

‘Please,’ you beg. ‘I’ve been good. I’ve been  —  ’

Astarion burrows his face against your collarbone, whining unceremoniously. That’s when you can feel it, his cum, hot and warm, so wonderful and dizzying that you also forget to be dignified. Your fingers stutter against his skin, and if it was painful to experience, the only proof is the way Astarion hisses at the burn and coils dangerously beneath your touch.

‘That’s it,’ he soothes proudly. ‘You’ve done well, my sweet.’

You murmur, ‘So much.’

‘Don’t tease me,’ Astarion says. He pouts his bottom lip. ‘You’re quite beautiful, you know.’

‘Not as beautiful as you,’ you say.

‘Well,’ Astarion allows with a small laugh, ‘I am rather perfect, I agree.’

He groans when he pulls away from you, brow furrowed in concentration. He trembles with exertion, and whatever other plans he might have had are forgotten, for Astarion drops down into his sheets beside you in all his naked and exhausted glory and presses close to you, an arm thrown over your waist.

A pang of guilt hits you at the sight of his closed door. Your armor is thrown carelessly across this floor, and while you wish you could enjoy this moment of bliss with him, you must continue to do your actual duty of guarding the prince. You move, delicate, to stand up. Astarion wraps his other arm around you.

‘Where are you going?’ he demands tiredly. ‘The sun is not yet up. Come back.’

‘My post  —  ’

‘Fuck your post,’ he snorts. ‘Your only duty is to lie in my bed and look pretty.’

You open your mouth to protest, but Astarion fusses. It’s hard to deny him even though you know only what the Captain of his Kingsguard has instilled in you. The moonlight is a gorgeous embellishment on his skin, and the ridges of his body are enticing enough that you forget your vows for the time being. Your heart squeezes at the tenderness. Astarion welcomes you back into his arms without further complaint. It’s your turn to tuck your head against his shoulder, basking in the warmth of his body as he cradles you close.

‘This is where you belong,’ Astarion tells you plainly. ‘You and I belong in bed having forgotten our other duties forevermore. The kingdom may fall to rot and ruin for all I care. As long as I have you, I care not.’ He touches your hip.  ‘I know what you must be thinking. That it isn’t that easy. But it is that easy. I’m the prince and I want it to be so. I see our fate in my dreams.’

You allow yourself to daydream and doze for the moment. He’s murmuring sweet things into your hair, and your eyes are so heavy you know when you close them, it’ll be hard for you to wake up if you give in. The ache in your muscles is comforting. It’s a reminder of all the ways Astarion has ever had you, and you can’t help but wonder if this really is where your life was always meant to head.

You do fall asleep. Despite your best efforts to stay awake, you fall into a peaceful slumber with Astarion’s hand petting your spine. When you next awake, Astarion is no longer at your side. He’s sitting on the edge of his bed staring out of the window watching as dawn begins to peek through.

He hasn’t left you entirely alone. He’s draped his many fancy satin blankets over you and somehow managed to coax your head onto a pillow without waking you. You’re almost inspired to fall back asleep at the sight, but the view of Astarion basking in an orange glimmer keeps you from entering the depths of your mind once more.

‘No,’ Astarion says. He’s smiling. ‘Don’t move. I like the way you look.’

‘And how do I look, your highness?’

‘Sated.’

‘Come back to me, my love,’ you say. You try to hold one of your hands out, but you’re still so very tired from before. You press your cheek further into the pillow. ‘’m cold.’

‘I was thinking,’ he says.

‘Enough thinking,’ you whine. ‘I miss you beside me.’

‘Promise me something first.’

‘What shall I promise?’

‘That when I am king, you will help me create my new world,’ Astarion says, peering affectionately at you from over his shoulder. ‘A world where you are both my shield and my consort. A world where no one else like us has to get hurt.’

You start to sit up at that, blood suddenly rushing to your head as you try to think of what he means. Were you not already his Shield, extending your Sword to his greatest foes? Were you not already his Consort in all but proper name? You furrow your eyebrows, too sleepy and overwhelmed, but Astarion is quick to come to your side, to press kisses into your hair and against your ear and at the tears on your cheeks.

‘When I am king, there will be no need for us to hide like this,’ Astarion promises, petting his hand comfortingly down your spine. He shushes you. ‘I will sit on the throne and you will sit beside me.’ When he’s certain you’re done crying, he adds, ‘Or in my lap, if you prefer.’

Somehow, there’s only one thing you can manage to say. ‘I love you.’

‘And I love you,’ Astarion says. ‘That’s why I will do this for us.’

‘Will it go well?’

He hums. ‘Of course it will go well. I will be king. I will make it go well.’

You say again, ‘I love you.’

‘We are the Prince and his Shield,’ Astarion tells you sweetly, voice melodic in your ear. ‘This will be our world. You were made for me, and I was made for you, and we will do as we are meant to do.’

‘I promise,’ you say, ‘to help you.’

‘Then say no more, my love,’ he whispers. He kisses the side of your throat again and slowly pulls his silk sheets away from your skin. The cold morning air leaves a trail of gooseflesh down your spine, and he tastes every knot of it with his mouth and tongue. He gives you commands, ‘Let me have you again. You’re so beautiful in the morning light. I need you now more than ever. Gods, the things you do to me.’

You rock your hips back to meet his. It’s an alluring situation straight from your wildest, most longing of dreams  —  a world where you might sit alongside Astarion as he rules, no longer a simple guard dog to follow commands, but something else. Something sweeter.

It was like marriage but better. The thought of you and Astarion rising to godhood through his own determined means rather than falling into the same song the bards often liked to play on unrequited love. You allow him to trace his fingers down your stomach to that place between your legs, your warm core where you’re certain he’s found his divinity. Astarion presses his cock against your lower back and gives into his own avarice. He bites your shoulder almost a touch too rough and leaves a bruise in the shape of his teeth, reveling in your shocked cry.

You want him.

You want to be by his side, to kneel at his feet. You want to watch him dress in the mornings and fall into his arms every evening. You want to place his crown atop his brow. You arch your hips against his waist, and ponder about the creation of the empyrean heavens above. You will guide him to become celestial.

It’s with a near untamed fervor that Astarion tears through his sheets to get to you. He slides his knee beneath yours and pushes it forward, his breath warm and hiccuped against the blade of your shoulder. He doesn’t hurt you and he never would, but he slides his cock inside, the tenderness of earlier forgotten.

‘Be loud,’ he encourages you, groaning, his hand still scrambling against the arc of your belly. He sounds debauched. ‘Let them all hear. Let them know.’

He fucks into you like he wants you both to grow together. One body and one soul. You’re glad for it. It only intensifies the burn from the evening and pushes you to a place you’ve never been before. You’re almost certain you see sparks in your vision, but you do as asked. You don’t swallow down your moans. They’re taut, sharp, staccato ah-ah-ahs that match the sun’s rise.

It’s almost sweet how hard Astarion fucks into you. His princely demeanor is gone now, the control he tries to exhibit. He moans freely as well and kisses without meaning. Your shoulder, the back of your head, the nape of your neck, and he’s babbling things that don’t make sense. But you’re no better. Your cheeks are so warm you’re feverish, hands clenched in his sheets, and the pleasure borders on welcomed pain when he sits up behind you, knee still forcing you to be pliant, as he drags his cock in and out of you from behind. Astarion is watching again, one hand on your lower back, the other on your ass. When you try to hide your face in mild embarrassment, he scolds you.

‘Let me see you,’ Astarion rasps. ‘Let me see, I want to see everything  —  ’

So you let him, shifting and arching as much as your back will let you. Your muscles feel strained. Your mind is hardly there. But the prince has asked, and it would be rude of you to not heed his call. It’s not as though it matters. You’re easily distracted by the way he presses himself in and out of you, intoxicated by the gravitational pull he’s created between you. You can’t help but lean into his every touch, to mewl, to whine the exact way he likes.

You wonder what Lord Gortash would think of his loyal dog if he saw it now. You were taught the blade and the bow, how to use a lance and a shield, and you were never meant to be anything more than a warrior given to the ground so that he could get on the good side of the king. There isn’t much of your life you can remember before you were brought to the steps of the throne room and thrown down before the prince and his father. All you remember is looking up and seeing an angel smiling down at you.

So you arch your back and push up into your elbows, looking over your shoulder to catch Astarion’s eyes. He’s constantly looking between your face to make sure you’re alright and looking down at your hips where your bodies meet. He has the audacity to blush. It makes him look sweet and less severe.

‘More  —  ’

The fairest thought you have is that you’re not sure you can take more. There’s something ferocious building in the pit of your stomach, a volatile hunger unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Your almost delirious with how much greed is inside you, how you long to do this all day if you could. Sitting pretty on your hands and knees and belly while Astarion ravishes you  —  forgetting your duties and the kingdom  —  but it’s somehow worse than before when you’re aware that he would do the same. Gone is any sense of decency, replaced by something carnal, something infernal.

Just when you think he might be done with you, Astarion pulls out and drags your body along. He lays handsomely in the center of his pillows, a deep blue and rich satin and silk display, and pulls you into his lap. His bottom lip is ruined from where he’s bitten it in an attempt to maintain control.

He arranges for you as he likes. He tilts his head to the side as if looking upon a painting. Finally, he coaxes you upwards and whispers kind encouragements as you guide and slide his cock back inside of you. You aren’t sure how far it can go, but then it goes deeper and deeper and deeper until you’re sick.

‘Oh,’ you cry sweetly. ‘It’s too much. It’s too much, I can’t  —  ’

‘You can,’ Astarion promises, rubbing his thumb across your hip. ‘You can do anything. You were made for me, and I was made for you, and we were created for this.’

You sit atop him, your ass flush against his hips, and try desperately to not squirm in his lap. The wiggling makes it worse, you think. You feel swollen around him. He feels thickest inside of you. And you can’t help but lean forward as he rubbs his hands up and down your spine, kissing your temple and cheek and jaw. You can kiss him better this way. You can taste the sweetness of his mouth, taste his words.

‘I love you,’ you say over and over.

‘I know,’ he murmurs, kissing your tears.

And you do cry in this position, overwhelmed and stuttering. Astarion guides your hips back and forth across his so that he’s not necessarily drilling inside of you, but watching how you dance across his cock. He always watches so intently as if he’s afraid to miss anything you do. He guides you intently, humming, tensing beneath your thighs as you try to balance yourself with your hands on his belly.

Astarion moans at the sight. He sounds positively wrecked. You decide that you want to hear him sing for you again, so you raise your hips this time and slide them back down. You squeeze your eyes shut in concentration, treating it more like trying to hit a tricky shot with an arrow rather than taking and un-taking every inch of his cock. You’re trembling so much that you seek out his hands, guiding them away from your hips so he can tuck them under your thighs for help.

‘Ah,’ Astarion says hoarsely. ‘Fuck.’

And that’s how he helps you, his hands helping carry your weight so that you can bounce on his cock and enjoy every minute of it. The physical strain is worth it. You know Astarion likes to watch, possessive of the way you look and ride, and his eyes shine with a certain kind of deviance that you’ve grown to love.

It’s a long way from where you started as a poor soul standing on the steps, but you lean forward and kiss your raison d'être on his open mouth, savoring the way his bruised lip tastes in your mouth, enjoying just how much he enjoys you. The sunlight warms your skin and basks Astarion in a golden glow, so impossibly handsome that they should write songs about the way he looks after a night of lovemaking. He groans, trapping your bottom lip between his teeth and bites down hard enough you’re almost certain he’s drawn blood.

You don’t mind it. You welcome the rougher things, enjoy them as much as he does. You lean back, hands now behind you on his thighs, and try to not feel too self-conscious about how open you’re being with your body. You’re encouraged to do it. His reactions are what drive you to be better. Because Astarion’s eyes widen slightly to take in the sight of your legs spread apart as you sit on his cock, your skin shining with a delicate veil of sweat. He comes with a rough moan.

Gods, you could listen to the sound of him all day.

You fall forward onto Astarion’s chest. Your limbs feel like nothing after a night of increasingly more difficult sex, but it’s worth it for the way he spoils you after. Astarion kisses you nice and slow, lips and tongue and teeth, as if an apology for the roughness you willingly endured. He cradles you close to his body. He always seeks your warmth, always tries to press as close as he can.

It’s your turn to preen under his careful ministrations. Astarion pushes your sweaty hair back from your face and runs the tips of his fingers across your cheekbones and forehead, following the delicate lines of your bone structure. He lightly pinches your cheeks as if to savor the heat of your blush, but it doesn’t hurt when he does it. He kisses them better. He helps you slide back down into his sheets and takes note of the mess, smoothing his fingers against the bruises and love bites he’s left as gifts against your skin.

Astarion takes gentle care as he lifts your hand. He admires the ring on it and watches as he slides his fingers into yours so that his ring can crowd the empty spaces of your fingers. He kisses the back of your hand like a proper prince and then unceremoniously collapses down by your side, boneless and lazy.

‘You’ve made a mess,’ you accuse him sleepily.

‘I made you happy,’ Astarion corrects.

You reach out and touch his throat. ‘You’ve ruined your sheets.’

‘These sheets are perfect, my love,’ he murmurs. ‘Just like you.’

Later in the morning, after you’ve rested again despite your attempts to stay awake, you’re coaxed back into existence by Astarion’s lips dancing softly against the nape of your deck. You’re almost certain he’s going to ask for more  —  a thought that startles you  —  but instead he lifts you from the depths of his blankets and carries you to a bathing tub in the corner of his quarters. He lowers you into freshly warmed water, and you try to not let how much you long for him show.

‘The maids  —  ’

‘They’ve seen you,’ he says with a shrug. ‘But they did not care. You should have heard the way they swooned over us.’

He lavishes you again with rose petals and fancy perfumes and soaps. He guides a cloth over your skin and even massages a rather determined knot in your hip. You lean into his touch, eyes fluttering closed. You’d let him pamper you for the next month if you could.

‘I will have you like this often,’ Astarion warns. ‘Tonight. Every night. You have no idea what you’ve done to me. It’s like you’ve enchanted me.’

He’s climbed in with you at this point, tucked behind you so that he can style your hair in a plait. He likes the way it’s gotten long. You can tell how hard he’s thinking by how silent he is. His fingers trickle water down your spine and occasionally trace the shape of a petal against your skin. You shiver and allow him these idle distractions, basking in his touches and singing while he allows himself to wander in his lost thoughts. You fall asleep again briefly, lulled into a dream by the warmth and the relaxing scents of the many perfumes and Astarion humming softly in your ear.

Astarion washes your chest again to avoid having to leave the bath. He’s in one of his contemplative moods, eyes somewhere a thousand miles away, lips twisted in curiosity. You would’ve stayed forever as well, but the water is slowly getting colder and you’re beginning to shiver. You look over your shoulder at him. You watch as his eyelashes flutter and close as if he too is moments away from falling asleep, but then you see it. A sign of melancholic hope.

‘You and I belong together,’ you tell him.

‘We are the greatest match together the world has ever seen,’ Astarion agrees. ‘There is no one else.’

‘It is an honor,’ you say. You catch a petal in your palm and show him.

He pulls your fingers up to his mouth with his own hand guiding you. He kisses your palm and the petal, and then each of your fingertips one by one.

‘I’m doing this for you, you know,’ he murmurs.

‘You are doing this for us,’ you say, shaking your head. ‘We are a family.’

‘We are more than a family,’ he insists. ‘We are more than lovers. Our souls belong together.’

‘I’ve never been happier,’ you say.

Whatever world Astarion is imagining, you’re beginning to see it too. A world where being a king means more than throwing extravagant parties and hosting masquerades and balls and ignoring those in need. Astarion cares because you care, and that makes your heart squeeze dangerously. You are with Astarion when he usurps his father’s court. He had called them weak-willed men in front of his own council, his lip curled in distaste. They had allowed a shadow ruler to take his father’s place for years, had controlled the crown like a puppeteer would his prized puppet. And now, Astarion has pulled together enough favor to overthrow those who had betrayed him, who had betrayed you, and who had betrayed Baldur’s Gate most of all.

‘I believe you are sitting in my chair,’ Astarion calmly tells Ketheric Thorm.

The removal of the pretenders is fairly certain. Ketheric’s own daughter Isobel aids in his arrest. The installation of Astarion’s council is relatively easy with such esteemed replacements. Wyll Ravengard takes his father’s place as Lord Commander of the Flaming Fist. Karlach takes Enver Gortash’s place as leader of the city guard, betrayed as you were, and her eyes burn with heat when she pulls him from his tower. Gale and Shadowheart had been planning the entire thing for years behind the scenes, favoring Astarion against the old court. All you do is stand beside Astarion with your hand on the hilt of your blade though no one dared raise their arms against him.

Astarion’s coronation takes place later that week, and even with all the planning, he does not allow you to stray from his side. You are with him when meeting with the emissaries Lady Lae’zel and Lord Halsin and Lady Jaheira. You are with him during his fittings. You are with Astarion the night before when he fucks you so hard you see stars.

You are there the day of his coronation. He is dressed in brilliant reds and off-whites and wears a crown with rubies. You stand alongside him in the armor he commissioned for you styled after Dame Aylin’s and hold the sword gifted to you from the crown.

It is a wedding as well.

A wedding of peace and resilience. A wedding of love and understanding.You drop down before him to one knee and swear anew your vows, though now they taste sweeter on your tongue.  I am the Sword of the Crown, the Shield of the Realm, the Consort of the Chosen. I serve no one but the Rightful King, the First of His Name, the Soul of Truth, Astarion Ancunin. When you rise, Astarion kisses you.

[ao3feed-zukka]

These Things Unsaid

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3Bspeg7

by Erisenyo

[Zuko blinks. “It doesn’t matter if I’m dead?” That might very well be true, but it still…hurts. A lot.

Sokka waves Zuko’s question away with an annoyed flick. “Of course it matters if you’re dead,” he huffs, exasperated and reluctantly fond in a way that has Zuko’s shoulders dropping. “It just doesn’t matter what you say now.”]

 After shared letters and shared wanting and one perfect day—after fire and burning, battles lines drawn and hands extended and rejected in the cold of the North—what can there be left to say?

Or,

When dreams and longing and what-could-be break against the reality of war and what-is, where can Sokka and Zuko go from there?

Words: 8746, Chapters: 1/32, Language: English

Series: Part 2 of Burning Bright

Fandoms: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Underage

Categories: M/M

Characters: Zuko (Avatar), Sokka (Avatar), Katara (Avatar), Aang (Avatar), Toph Beifong, Iroh (Avatar), Jet (Avatar), Jin (Avatar), Azula (Avatar)

Relationships: Sokka/Zuko (Avatar), Iroh & Zuko (Avatar), Katara & Sokka (Avatar), Toph Beifong & Sokka, Azula & Zuko (Avatar)

Additional Tags: Canon Compliant, ish, Zuko's firebending gets even more interesting, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Angst, End game is a happy ending, But it still won't be straight there, no beta we die like jet, Canon-Typical Violence, Zuko's Canon Typical Childhood, Consensual Underage Sex, This is going to get pretty smutty, But with tons of plot

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3Bspeg7

[relentlesscarpentryinc-blog]

Carpentry Professionals Sculpting the Means For Skillfully Made Structures

Carpentry service providers are experts in the business of building and construction that are accountable for the property or even restoration of a residence, park or even any building through which hardwood is the major component. They get the services of skillful people for the various parts of building and construction for the exterior and interiors. These consist of the entire establishment, creating, cupboards, home windows, doors, wall surfaces, fencings, floorings, ending up, as well as decks, amongst numerous others. Carpentry specialists, similar to any primary professional, supervise of the methods and also procedures to become made use of in the completion of the development task adhering to the particulars of an arrangement. If you want to get the best Carpentry Services in Mokena, IL visit https://www.relentlesscarpentry.com/mokena-il-kitchen-cabinets.html or contact us.

Carpentry specialists are people or even staff members of homeowner and also designers that work with and also monitor the carpentry operate at development websites coming from starting to finish. They acquire development deals through providing proposals or even estimate to feasible private or even business customers. They analyze the property programs and also standards particularly on components, effort and also security to become capable of giving customers correct estimate. When their offers are approved, carpentry deals might right now tap the services of various other professionals, subcontractors as well as builders for the task. A carpentry professional's job typically begins along with the development of the skeletal property system.

Carpentry specialists generally choose the observing individuals for their skill-sets and also competence on details degrees of development:

- builders that create the skeletal system of the property making use of various methods including system framework, balloon framework or even lumber framework.

Masters - appointed to accomplish harsh carpentry like framework, formwork and also roof replacement and many more

Jousters - are the builders that connect the flooring beams. These are the vertical panels hooking up the structure of the design at the amount merely listed below the flooring.

End up builders or even joiners - are those whose job entailed creating the cupboards, furnishings, great woodwork, as well as parquets amongst numerous others.

Leaner or even molder - designated to create the doors, home window housings, fireplace mantels, and also walls.

Cabinetmakers - as the label indicates, they are woodworkers designated in bring in home furniture developed for storing

Contractors - construct the roof covering along with expertise on braces, shafts as well as trusses

Carpentry professionals are builders on their own that grasped there produced being pupils under carpentry professionals. Nevertheless, a productive carpentry professional typically acquires an excellent education and learning through receiving levels on building and construction scientific research, development administration or even free design one of a lot of others. Typically they obtain programs in website preparation, layout, building techniques, building management or even company as well as financial administration. They likewise go to instruction systems and also do work in a business which concentrates on the recruiting company.

Just before coming to be a carpentry specialist, you might need to initial job as an associate. Along with adequate knowledge, you are going to be offered jobs by yourself, or even you can easily create your very own firm. As a carpentry service provider, you additionally need to take care of the strain and also tension associated with this project and also has to be able to deal with issues and also choose as swiftly as feasible. This work likewise necessitates needing to be actually on call 24/7 mainly if adverse weather condition, disasters or even incidents develop.

Relentless Carpentry Inc 8002 189th St Mokena, IL 60448 888-575-8746

[arrowdaily]

Arrow’s seventh season has been an unusual one for stars Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards, who play the long-running CW drama’s central romantic couple Oliver and Felicity, aka Olicity.

With Oliver stuck in prison and Felicity and William hiding from returning big bad Ricardo Diaz (Kirk Acevedo) in witness protection, the two actors haven’t seen very much of each other. Basically, they’re experiencing the same isolation their characters are facing this year.

“It’s been a very, very unique year because I am in prison and because I’m not ‘kind of isolated’; I’m really isolated,” Amell tell EW. “It feels like there are two shows going on; There’s what’s happening out in Star City, and there’s what’s going on with Oliver. It feels like two very, very different things, but it has been a really interesting journey. It’s been a challenge for me thus far in a good way.”

“It kind of feels like a little bit of a different show in terms of isolation, of not working with the people I’ve gotten to work with over the last six years,” says Rickards. “[Stephen and I] haven’t seen each other in a while, so it’ll be fun to get [everyone] back together. We all like each other too much.”

While this separation has created some challenge, it has also allowed both actors to take their characters in new, interesting directions.

“One of the themes of the season is that there are no heroes in prison, so Oliver has had to go against a lot of his instincts so far this year,” says Amell. “There’s an element that reminds of how beaten down he got in those first few years of flashbacks. I’ve [only] had one day on set this year where I’m not covered in cuts and bruises. It’s been very unique.”

Oliver’s prison stay will not only challenge some of Oliver’s growth from the past six seasons, but it will also force him to reconsider his views on criminals. “We see him examined this year in prison in a way that feels kind of like the logical evolution from what Chase tried to do to him back in season 5 where he got him to admit that he liked killing,” says Amell. “I don’t think Oliver has given a lot of consideration the moral and emotional complexities of criminals. He’s always just thought that if you’re a criminal, that means you are bad, period. Things aren’t always black and white, and that’s something we’re really focusing on his character learning. I hope that if and when he does get out of prison, he will take some of those lessons and take some of that empathy and apply it to being a better version of himself.”

However, Oliver isn’t totally alone on the inside. Sure, he’s surrounded by guys he put away like Bronze Tiger (Michael Jai White), Derek Sampson (Cody Rhodes), and “Brick” (Vinnie Jones), but there’s also Stanley (Brendan Fletcher), who “becomes an interesting ally for Oliver in prison and kind of his very mini-version of a team member,” says Amell.

Meanwhile, beyond the gates of Slabside maximum-security prison, Felicity is struggling with the isolation of witness protection because she hasn’t seen anyone from Team Arrow in months.

“It’s sort of that concept of your life changes and the people around you are the ones that matter, and not having them in it can really detrimentally affect your lifestyle and who you are and who you’ve become,” says Rickards. “It’s sort of that feeling that you can be surrounded by a million people but be so lonely if you don’t have the ones you love. I think that’s where we find pretty much everyone at the beginning of the season.”

Although she misses Oliver, that doesn’t mean that she has gotten over Oliver making a unilateral decision that would affect both of their lives. “She’s pissed, as she should be. That decision had her life completely remade and it wasn’t her choice,” says Rickards. “She’s upset, she’s hurt, she’s lonely, and she’s heartbroken. So, all of those intense emotions together don’t make for the best recipe.”

But, there’s hope on the horizon. When the season begins, Felicity misses being Overwatch, but that might end up being her saving grace. “I think there’s a void, like she has numbed a part of her heart so she can get over that because I think it’s just been so detrimental being away from her partner and her friends,” she says. “Overwatch is sort of what lets her come back in easier as the season progresses. That’s the tool that she uses to connect.” (Pun intended?)

[habibialkaysani]

fic meme

tagged by the wonderful @sophiainspace :)

What is your total word count on AO3?

320847 words. HOLY FUCK. and bar ~1000 of that it’s all legends of flarrow and a bit of killjoys and ssc.

How often do you write?

lmaooooooo I go from manic productivity (and I don’t use that word lightly just fyi) to the ink in my proverbial quill being dry for like - weeks or months. it sucks.

Do you have a routine for writing?

Nope. Get inspired, write a thing. Staring at a blank screen for a very long time seems to get me out of a rut more than I expect. /sophia

but I mean if I’m writing smut, it has to be either a) under my covers with the lights off in the night on my own or, conversely, b) in a public place, such as a cafe or on public transport. I know, it makes zero sense.

What’s your favorite kinks/tropes/pairing?

kinks - okay look I have this thing for (light) bondage/power play. and uh sex with some clothing still on? that has a name but I’ve forgotten what that name is. 

tropes - I have a soft spot for bed-sharing and soulmate aus.

pairings - laurel/nyssa, oliver/felicity, oliver/sara, oliver/laurel, diggle/dinah, black siren/nyssa, rosaline/benvolio, dutch/johnny, barry/iris, cisco/caitlin, oliver/sara/felicity, laurel/felicity, thea/roy, tommy/oliver, laurel/tommy

Do you have a favorite fic of yours?

I promise till death we part (like in our vows) (nsfw) is a fave just because it’s westallen and so extra and that is my boy bartholomew henry allen in a nutshell tbh. for sfw fics the break of dawn is a good one I think because I feel it’s kinda got a quieter feel to it but is still emotionally heavy, if that makes sense?

Your fic with the most kudos?

home (nsfw) is in the lead with 271 kudos (and zomg 8746 hits WOW). it’s olicity smut and I distinctly remember writing this fic on the train home from city of heroes which was a really nice weekend I had and I was smiling a lot back then. good times. 

Anything you don’t like about your writing?

lmaooooo can I say everything? ;) beginnings, for starters. I am SO BAD at them. I never ever ever know how to start and it’s a serious problem. titles are also a major issue lmao because I usually pick a song lyric or line from a poem. description is also really super hard for me and it takes a lot of effort. and certain characters I don’t write a lot - jax, ray, kendra, and also black siren altho I’ve started writing her more and it’s fun.

Now something you do like?

my dialogue is pretty good, I think? at least, when I write, I can kind of hear how it would sound in my head, if that makes sense. also I mean you gotta love my digs at the writers in fics like more time (a 4x18 fixit fic) and in catharsis (nsfw) I literally had black siren say this line: 

“It figures some useless white guy would take your chance for justice. Just one of those imbalances in the universe that happen because the fucker writing your story doesn't care about you.”

Tag some of your favourite writers: (ofc no one feel obligated to do the thing) @crollalanzaa @captainriphunter @therewas-a-girl @karasunovolleygays

[optimisticvibeworld]

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Announce ‘One Hand Up’… Certificate Program is more than just a job, 'Awakening Your Truth Within', define and offfer LoveLiving Awakening Certification Training Program, and publish LoveLiving Truth Within workbook for Employees.

Announce Sisterhood Ohana is teaming up with LoveLiving Wellness to provide an online Truth Within workbook for exploring passion-based architecture to produce your dream come true… 'Designed By Heart'.

Jeanne Rasmussen is the first member of Sisterhood Ohana to experience the joy of ‘Designed By Heart’ passion-based architecture. Social market… By exploring her Truth Within with the aid of LoveLiving Wellness online workbook, Jeanne discovered what she needed for her spiritual temple to include to bring her passion to life.

Announce Press Release ‘Join our environmental advocacy project ‘One Living Green’ as we deliver zero-waste Alternative Homes’.

Announce Sisterhood Ohana is proud to offer Alternative Homes Hawai’i’ On The Job training. As part of the business incubator that Julie Ellen Robbins Foundation serves, Single Mothers will be provided a Certificate Program as a benefit of their employment from the business incubator.

Announce… The first ‘One Hand Up’ Certificate Program project will be to build a scaled model of Jeanne's ‘Wétū’ on Hoku’s trailer.

Distribute Sisterhood Ohana brochures as invitations to Alternative Housing Community Conversation at Ka’apau Library on ???

Create Sisterhood Ohana Community Events calendar.

Manage Newsletter and Press Release Announcements.

Sisterhood Ohana announces ‘Wétū’ as our Alternative Home Model. Using passion-based architecture our Spiritual Temple design uses free wooden pallets salvage material.

Build our first project, ‘Wétū’ the Optimistic Vibe Basecamp. Currently under discussion, we are looking at possibly start building ‘Wétū’ the Optimistic Vibe Basecamp at 'Lorna's Garden' in Lapahoehoe.

Announce to HGTV our proposal presentation for Sisterhood Ohana’s weekly television show ‘Alternative Homes Hawai’i’.

Host a free workshop to the public at Lorna’s Garden to participate in a live demonstration of dismantling wooden pallets without tolls and free how-to construct lessons in building a scaled model of ‘Wétū’ the Optimistic Vibe Basecamp on a trailer pulled by our adorable VW Camper, HOKU.

Announce other workshops we are including in our series range from hearing from local Alternative Home professionals to alternative living enthusiasts.

Social market Sisterhood Ohana is quickly becoming the Alternative Home lifestyle experts on HGTV! Produce our first episode of ‘Alternative Homes Hawai’i’.

Announce Land Trust, collaborate with options, purchase 10 acres minimum.

Press Release… We are super excited for the land trust ‘ Garden In Paradise’ will be providing Sisterhood Ohana a location to prove the business incubator concept.

Then it’s off to the politicians, Tim Richards, Cindy Evans, Russell Rudermen, and the amazing Jen Ruggles, as we discuss 20 acres of state-owned land for Sisterhood Ohana to expand the function of Dr. Cliff Robbins business incubator.

We need your help!

Help Wanted, $15/hour plus Full Employee Benefits

Hire Sale/Marketing person to market Julie Ellen Robbins Foundation Land Trust by announcing via a presentation to HGTV that Garden In Paradise is a business incubator proving the concept of Self-Reliance. Invite each of the 1,700+ OV Facebook friends, 1,500+ LinkedIn friends, plus existing social marketing friends (Instagram, Google+, Tumblr, Twitter, YouTube, etc). From this that become our Friend we send them a video inviting them to join us in spreading the word… Each Task/Blog described above will be uploaded as daily social media to Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr, and re-directed to Post on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+.

 Crowdfund

Marketing/Sales Manager prepare individual press releases for Alternative Homes Hawai’i, and ‘Hoku’ VW Camper.

All social marketing goes through Patreon for crowdfunding purposes.

To reach our overall Crowdfunding goal each Employee invited to participate in our weekly Newsletter will issue a variety of blog/social marketing campaigns.

Deliver weekly blogs on the following Crowdfunding campaigns:

Kickstarter

We Fund

Seed Invest

Crowd Funder

Microventures

IndieGoGo

Sellaband

EmployeeShare

Go Fund Me

Social Marketing

The Sales/Marketing Lead will collect each Friday blogs from each Team Member describing an inspiring and uplifting part of their project. Social Marketer will create Newsletter and distribute to each Newsletter member, and each Like/Comment friend:

a)    Newsletter, issue a weekly Newsletter utilizing a collection of social media from the week’s Postings of Daily Vibe Updates.

b)    Host Weekly Contest. ‘Did Ya Know?’ is a playful engagement whereby we social market an inspiring suggestion each day. Make a contest of the daily engagement by awarding a ‘Did Ya Know?’ T-shirt on each Aloha Friday to the member of our audience that replied to our Twitter with the most inspiring comment of the past week.

c)    Build a Ground Swell. Strength in numbers, show a large and diverse following by giving away ‘Did Ya Know?’ T-shirts (?) to each person we interview for film documentary footage. The questions asked during the interview are strategically arranged so the answer is suitable for social marketing of our message.

d)    Inspire Audience.   Inspire those of our Audience coming to Hawai’i for HOKU to joins us before they leave the Mainland by social marketing our video tour guide. Inspire those of our Audience not coming to Hawai’i (yet) to follow us like a television show by regularly scheduling the release of our HOKU tour guides as part of a series they can follow our adventures in Hawai’i with stunning photos, exciting stories, and interesting people.

e)    Gather Volunteers. Publish HOKU daily online events with 'View from HOKU': People feel happiness from sharing wonderful montages of our social architecture vision because it makes people feel nurtured. Wisdom of Elders is among many other things, the way we talk and write about Seven Teachings as our voice to be heard. Honor Ancient Elders by the example 'View From HOKU' sets, very kind, beautiful, and different in a very great way because we touch people’s heart and soul. Free-spirited HOKU beach lifestyle suits the personality of our audience. HOKU beach adventures, him wearing cowboy hat, her wearing sarong. Be all that Optimistic Vibe stands for by posting daily passion-based 'Awakening Your Truth Within' Teachings from 'View from HOKU'. Be fearless, passion-based (makes it exciting to look forward to a new lifestyle), self-actualization (unlike anything our audience has come across), generous giving lightning rod, positive force, publish videos of pro-environment position. Publish Music For The People as ‘Awakening’, music and lyrics, and photo's with the colorful guitar and ukulele case, music with songs of very personal lyrics. Publish passion-based metaphors that are refreshingly unique and different. Share an optimistic vision and creativity that is inspiring with wisdom, words, and ideas that are comforting, especially a fabulous day in paradise with HOKU. HOKU travels island, action, not words, our optimism and spirit, a breath of fresh air.  Plein Aire, Meditation & Music, island art, and writing, very prolific, colorful music, text, and movement to highlight our Awakening message from the many wonderful sources of inspiration in your life, churn out quite a bit of different works, we color outside the lines, a lot. Inspire audience to love the way we think, as wisdom, power, strength, makes people want to Awaken. Tour Guides show the cool passion-based people in Hawai’i that people are glad to meet, people feel happiness.  HOKU delivers the gorgeous day the island brings to your Awakening.  HOKU makes it so people can see why OV Team is drawn to Hawai'i. People feel they are Awakening to have cool people in Hawai'i in their Ohana that people are glad to meet, people feel happiness. HOKU is a spiritual being, HOKU's spirituality is loved by our audience, it represents trust in fate, karma, and synchronicity in our Awakening, seen as the amazing gift we are, truly an angel of Awakening to others. It is nice what RJC writes in his journal about Awakening with ‘Just Be Happy’ through RJC’s connection to David. People see HOKU with others as excellent team work. HOKU delivers the gorgeous day the island brings to our audience's Awakening. HOKU makes it so people can see why OV Team is drawn to LoveLiving. People feel happiness from HOKU sharing messages, it makes people feel they are Awakening. HOKU inspires passion-based alternative lifestyle based on Awakening Your Truth Within with Garden In Paradise’s co-living international approach. People are drawn to OV Team's kindness and energy.

Public Relations

Marketing/Sales Manager manages media and press responsibilities:

What makes us newsworthy?

Contact Editors for lead business story

Press Release for HGTV appearance

Develop series of Press Releases

Schedule weekly Press Release

What are other large volume media opportunities are available for us to reach via Internet?

List of Newspaper Contacts

What are other large volume media opportunities are available for us to reach via Radio?

What are other large volume media opportunities are available for us to reach via Magazines?

List of Local Access Television Contacts

What are other large volume media opportunities are available for us to reach via Honolulu TV?

Contact Honolulu television

Press Release

Marketing/Sales Manager works with creative agency producing HGTV presentation and develop a series of press releases on the entire product line and service.

Prepare press releases for each new service introduction and participation in an event, and music performance.

[ao3feed-peppermom]

by imeanthatsprettysnazzy

It seemed... not right, somehow, to be using Spider-Man to make the whole ‘hunt’ thing his mom had set up easier. He was pretty sure it was literally just because of the obvious amount of effort that she put into the trail of clues, and that using his alter ego would feel like cheating.

And Mary Parker — Sabina Angeloff? — sure as hell didn’t raise a cheater.

OR

Peter Parker finding out about his moms mysterious past, featuring BAMF Mary Parker, Clingy, Helicopter Mentor Tony Stark, May Parker kinda freaking out, and Natasha Romanoff having a heart :)

Would 100% reading Trials and Tribulations of the Universes Saviour first, just so this makes sense

Words: 8746, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 3 of Universe 1425

Fandoms: Spider-Man (Tom Holland Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Iron Man (Movies)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M, Gen

Characters: Peter Parker, Tony Stark, May Parker (Spider-Man), Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Mary Parker, Richard Parker, Ben Parker, Yelena Belova, Morgan Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe), James "Rhodey" Rhodes, Happy Hogan, Ned Leeds, Michelle Jones

Relationships: Pepper Potts/Tony Stark, May Parker (Spider-Man) & Peter Parker & Tony Stark, Peter Parker & Tony Stark, Peter Parker & Morgan Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Peter Parker & James "Rhodey" Rhodes, Happy Hogan & Peter Parker, Peter Parker & Pepper Potts & Morgan Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe) & Tony Stark, Peter Parker & Natasha Romanov, Michelle Jones & Ned Leeds & Peter Parker, Mary Parker & Peter Parker, Mary Parker/Richard Parker, Mary Parker & Natasha Romanov & Yelena Belova, Ben Parker/May Parker (Spider-Man)

Additional Tags: Tony Stark Acting as Peter Parker's Parental Figure, Awesome May Parker (Spider-Man), Family Secrets, Found Family, Adorable Morgan Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe), i still can’t tag, also this is a weird story so the tags don’t exist, Natasha Romanov Is a Good Bro, Natasha Romanov Is Not A Robot, Natasha Romanov and Mary Parker are Sisters, and also yelena belova but she’s only mentioned, Mary Parker is Actually Sabina Annika Angeloff, Mary Parker is ex Red Room, The Red Room (Marvel), BAMF Mary Parker, Richard Parker is kinda Clueless, YALL PETER LOST A MOTHER AS WELL AS TWO DADS WHY DOES EVERYONE FORGET MARY FUCKING PARKER, Helicopter Mentor Tony Stark

[ao3feed-strangerthings]

honey gold (the room nobody lives in)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2y0uV6A

by slightlyworriedhuman

When he curls up on the brown couch with a book in hand, plucked from the same bookshelf he had retrieved the vinyl from, he absently thinks to himself how nice this is. It’s a much sweeter happiness than the drug that had been running through his veins what feels like forever ago, honey compared to blackstrap molasses. John Sebastian’s voice croons out a golden melody that almost matches the paint on the walls, and the music swirls around him as soft as a warm breeze, gentle and slow. It’s calm; it’s peaceful. Sanctuary.

And Steve is fine.

Steve is perfectly fine.

Words: 8746, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 2 of when there's no one even there

Fandoms: Stranger Things (TV 2016)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen

Characters: Steve Harrington, Eleven | Jane Hopper, Dustin Henderson, Robin Buckley, Nancy Wheeler, Jonathan Byers, Joyce Byers, Mike Wheeler

Relationships: Eleven | Jane Hopper & Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington & Dustin Henderson, Jonathan Byers/Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley & Dustin Henderson

Additional Tags: unreality, Dissociation, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, maladaptive daydreaming, Trauma, Angst, Post-Season/Series 03, character pov changes, Good Babysitter Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington Needs a Hug, heavy unreality, Hurt/Comfort, Synesthesia, Steve Harrington & Eleven are friends, Steve Harrington-centric, Eleven | Jane Hopper-Centric, kind of?

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2y0uV6A

[relentlesscarpentryinc1-blog]

Setting Your Carpentry Business in Motion

Getting your Business Level and Plumb

You possess innate creativity and carpentry school has sharpened your skills. Excellent opportunities exist for carpenters of every proficiency level to earn a sizeable income by opening a brick and mortar woodworking shop. Whether, a part- or full-time commitment, marketing courses have given you the framework to begin your new business boldly. No matter, if you've been employed by a big-box home improvement store, small local carpentry shop, or sub-contractor, if you are new to the business side of carpentry there are key elements you must consider when preparing to open your own doors. In order to maximize profit, acquiring basic business acumen is the first step to long-term success.

Define your Carpentry Niche

Poke around any online business directory and you see endless listings for carpenters. That's it, just plain carpenters. And, that's your competition. Assuming you intend to bring in new business, you need to separate yourself by defining your carpentry niche; custom cabinetry, high-end eco-friendly decks, perhaps business-to-business services. No matter the niche you choose, make it your primary business offering coupled with full-service carpentry skills as your secondary offering.

Define your Start-up Costs

How much capital will you need to start your business from the ground up? Cost of equipment, employees, advertising and transportation? Do you have access to seed money or will you seek financing? Unless you have substantial non-retirement savings, seeking venture capital or angel investors may be key to getting your business off the ground.

Determine your Business Structure

Will your business be an LLC (Limited Liability Company), Sole Proprietorship, Corporation or Partnership? Once you define your structure, you'll file your business with the office of the Secretary of State for your state.

Create your Business Plan

A business plan is essential if you intend to ask for bank or angel financing or venture capital. After you've completed the first two exercises in this list, you'll be better equipped to package your plan. Your plan should illustrate:

What type of work you'll do. What type tools you'll need. What kind of vehicle you'll need. Whether you plan to lease, buy or build workspace How you will market your business Get Funding

Do you have seed money to begin your business? If not, you need to secure funding. In addition to financing provided by traditional banks or credit unions, there are funding options you may not have thought of:

Find an Angel Investor. An angel investor is typically a single investor, who will take equity in your company (part ownership) in return for his investment.

Seek out Venture Capital. Typically more difficult (not impossible) to secure, individuals or businesses providing VC funding look for a stake in high-risk growth startups and would like private equity in your company.

Apply for Permits & Licenses

Will you perform as a sub-contractor or general contractor? Be sure to apply for a business license with your local Chamber of Commerce and get to know area, hamlet, village or county Department of Buildings - you'll rely heavily on their expertise when the time comes to apply for work permits and inspections.

Setting Up Office - Placing your Order with the Rubber Band Man

Whether you'll work from your back-yard workshop or lease workspace, you'll need to keep a base camp for your office activities such as estimating, drawing up contracts, filing paperwork, creating and maintaining invoices, tax records, etc. You may be just starting out but maintaining the utmost in professionalism is sure to keep you from losing profits and help you gain and keep satisfied customers.

Develop an Advertising/Marketing Plan

Cultivating new customers in today's plugged-in world requires awareness of the advertising and marketing tools at your disposal and how to use them to your advantage. A few money-saving and simple techniques include maintaining free local search listings, advertising on Facebook and Twitter, and building and maintain free company website or blog in addition to vehicle advertising. Also, taking concise marketing courses will help you tremendously as you develop your business' advertising planIf you want to get the best services in Mokena IL. You can visit Relentless Carpentry Inc or contact us. Address Relentless Carpentry Inc 8002 189th St Mokena IL 60448 888-575-8746

[maxwellyjordan]

Relist Watch

John Elwood reviews the cases the Supreme Court relisted after the long conference.

I don’t find much to be amused about recently, so let’s just do this. The Supreme Court relisted 17 cases after the long conference held on September 24. That’s a big increase in raw numbers from last term, but the numbers are inflated because there are a few groups of cases presenting the same issues.

 This week’s cases include:

A follow-on to last term’s First Amendment challenge to mandatory union dues, Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31 (Fleck v. Wetch, 17-886);

Two cases involving establishment clause challenges to a suburban Washington World War I memorial that is shaped as a cross, whose case numbers will attract attention from numerologists and conspiracy theorists alike (The American Legion v. American Humanist Association, 17-1717, and Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission v. American Humanist Association, 18-18);

A case presenting the question of when a private operator of a public-access TV channel can be deemed a state actor and thus be subject to First Amendment scrutiny (Manhattan Community Access Corporation v. Halleck, 17-1702);

Two cases involving whether the Medicaid Act creates a private right of action enforceable under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for beneficiaries to challenge states’ decisions to terminate certain service providers from the program — the name of the provider may give a hint why a fairly soporific issue has drawn six amicus briefs (Andersen v. Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, 17-1340, and Gee v. Planned Parenthood of Gulf Coast, Inc., 17-1492);

Yet another arbitration case (Kindred Nursing Centers Limited Partnership v. Wellner, 17-1318);

Ten cases addressing whether defendants sentenced under the then-mandatory Federal Sentencing Guidelines’ residual-clause definition of “crime of violence” have a retroactive right to be resentenced because they were sentenced under a guideline containing language resembling statutory language that Johnson v. United States held was unconstitutionally vague (Molette v. United States, 17-8368; Gipson v. United States, 17-8637; Wilson v. United States, 17-8746; Greer v. United States, 17-8775; Homrich v. United States, 17-9045; Brown v. United States, 17-9276; Chubb v. United States, 17-9379; Smith v. United States, 17-9400; Buckner v. United States, 17-9411; Lewis v. United States, 17-9490).

The new relists are below. For each of them, I’ve indicated the dates that the court distributed papers to the justices’ chambers for consideration as part of my pet project to see if distribution dates affect the likelihood of a grant.

In addition, two serially rescheduled (and once-relisted) capital cases are back again this term. I can’t wait to see what the court does with those. And we have one serial relist on hold waiting for a settlement to be approved.

We’ll be back next week, hopefully with a more mirthful installment. Thanks to Kevin Brooks for wading through the largest docket of the term to identify these cases.

  New Relists

Fleck v. Wetch, 17-886

Issues: (1) Whether it violates the First Amendment for state law to presume that the petitioner consents to subsidizing non-chargeable speech by the group he is compelled to fund (an “opt-out” rule), as opposed to an “opt-in” rule whereby the petitioner must affirmatively consent to subsidizing such speech; and (2) whether Keller v. State Bar of California and Lathrop v. Donohue should be overruled insofar as they permit the state to force the petitioner to join a trade association he opposes as a condition of earning a living in his chosen profession.

(distributed June 27, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Kindred Nursing Centers Limited Partnership v. Wellner, 17-1318

Issue: Whether Section 2 of the Federal Arbitration Act pre-empts the Kentucky Supreme Court’s newly announced rule holding that a power of attorney authorizing the holder to enter into “contracts of every nature in relation to both real and personal property” does not encompass arbitration agreements because those agreements instead relate to rights to trial by jury and access to court.

(distributed June 13, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Andersen v. Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, 17-1340

Issue: Whether the provisions of the Medicaid Act that require participating states to include in their plans the ability of eligible individuals to obtain services from any “qualified” provider, 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(a)(23), but grant states broad authority to exclude providers for violating state or federal requirements, 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(p), indicate that Congress clearly and unambiguously intended to create an implied private right of action to challenge a state’s determination that a provider is not “qualified” under the applicable state regulations.

(distributed July 18, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Gee v. Planned Parenthood of Gulf Coast, Inc., 17-1492

Issue: Whether individual Medicaid recipients have a private right of action under 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(a)(23) to challenge the merits of a state’s disqualification of a Medicaid provider.

(distributed July 18, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Manhattan Community Access Corporation v. Halleck, 17-1702

Issues: (1) Whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit erred in rejecting the Supreme Court’s state-actor tests and instead creating a per se rule that private operators of public access channels are state actors subject to constitutional liability; and (2) whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit erred in holding���contrary to the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 6th and District of Columbia Circuits—that private entities operating public-access television stations are state actors for constitutional purposes when the state has no control over the private entity’s board or operations.

(distributed September 5, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  The American Legion v. American Humanist Association, 17-1717

Issues: (1) Whether a 93-year-old memorial to the fallen of World War I is unconstitutional merely because it is shaped like a cross; (2) whether the constitutionality of a passive display incorporating religious symbolism should be assessed under the tests articulated in Lemon v. Kurtzman, Van Orden v. Perry, Town of Greece v. Galloway or some other test; and (3) whether, if the test from Lemon v. Kurtzman applies, the expenditure of funds for the routine upkeep and maintenance of a cross-shaped war memorial, without more, amounts to an excessive entanglement with religion in violation of the First Amendment.

(distributed August 22, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Molette v. United States, 17-8368

Issue: Whether, under Johnson v. United States, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit erred when it denied a certificate of appealability on a 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion regarding the application of Johnson to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines with regard to a defendant sentenced under the pre-Booker, then-mandatory guidelines.

(distributed June 21, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Gipson v. United States, 17-8637

Issue: Whether defendants sentenced under the then-mandatory Federal Sentencing Guidelines’ residual-clause definition of “crime of violence”—prior to the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Booker, when judges were given no discretion—have a retroactive right to be resentenced because they were sentenced under the equivalent of a vague statute.

(distributed August 9, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Wilson v. United States, 17-8746

Issues: (1) Whether the residual clause of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, U.S.S.G. § 4B1.2(a)(2), is void for vagueness with regard to defendants sentenced under the pre-Booker, then-mandatory guidelines; and (2) whether invalidation of U.S.S.G. § 4B1.2(a)(2)’s mandatory residual clause would retroactively apply to cases on collateral review.

(distributed August 9, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Greer v. United States, 17-8775

Issues: (1) Whether a vagueness challenge to the residual clause of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines asserts a violation of Johnson v. United States, such that it is timely under 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f)(3), when the residual clause was applied in a mandatory, rather than advisory, manner; and (2) whether the residual clause of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines is unconstitutionally vague when it was applied in a mandatory, rather than advisory, manner.

(distributed August 23, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Homrich v. United States, 17-9045

Issue: Whether petitioners who were sentenced as career offenders in accordance with the mandatory guidelines filed timely 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motions if they filed their motions within one year of Johnson v. United States.

(distributed August 9, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Brown v. United States, 17-9276

Issues: (1) Whether a 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion filed within one year of Johnson v. United States, claiming that Johnson invalidated the residual clause of the pre-Booker career offender guideline, asserts a “right … initially recognized” in Johnson within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f)(3); and (2) whether the residual clause of the pre-Booker career offender guideline is unconstitutionally vague.

(distributed August 23, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Chubb v. United States, 17-9379

Issue: Whether a 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion filed within one year of Johnson v. United States, claiming that Johnson invalidated the residual clause of the pre-Booker career offender guideline, asserts a “right … initially recognized” in Johnson within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f)(3) .

(distributed August 30, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Smith v. United States, 17-9400

Issues: (1) Whether a 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion filed within one year of Johnson v. United States, claiming that Johnson invalidated the residual clause of the mandatory career offender guideline, asserts a “right … initially recognized” in Johnson within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 2255(f)(3); and (2) whether, in light of Johnson, the residual clause of the mandatory career offender guideline is unconstitutionally vague.

(distributed August 30, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  John Elwood Buckner v. United States, 17-9411

Issue: Whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit incorrectly denied a certificate of appealability on the petitioner’s claim when he argued that the residual clause of the mandatory career offender guideline was void for vagueness after Johnson v. United States.

(distributed August 30, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Lewis v. United States, 17-9490

Issues: (1) Whether the residual clause of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, U.S.S.G. § 4B1.2(a)(2), is void for vagueness with regard to defendants sentenced under the pre-Booker, then-mandatory guidelines; and (2) whether invalidation of U.S.S.G. § 4B1.2(a)(2)’s mandatory residual clause would retroactively apply to cases on collateral review.

(distributed September 6, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission v. American Humanist Association, 18-18

Issue: Whether the establishment clause requires the removal or destruction of a 93-year-old memorial to American servicemen who died in World War I solely because the memorial bears the shape of a cross.

(distributed August 22, 2018; relisted after the September 24 conference)

  Returning Relists

Quality Systems, Inc. v. City of Miami Fire Fighters and Police Officers’ Retirement Trust, 17-1056

Issue: Whether, or in what circumstances, a defendant must admit that non-forward-looking statements are false or misleading, in order to be protected by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act safe-harbor provision for forward-looking statements.

(relisted after the April 20, April 27, May 10, May 17, May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14 and June 21 conferences; apparently held pending approval of a settlement agreement)

  Wood v. Oklahoma, 17-6891

Issues: (1) Whether a complex statistical study that indicates a risk that racial considerations enter into Oklahoma’s capital-sentencing determinations proves that the petitioner’s death sentence is unconstitutional under the Sixth, Eighth and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution; and (2) whether Oklahoma’s capital post-conviction statute, Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 22 § 1089(D)(8)(b), and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals’ application of the statute in this case deny the petitioner an adequate corrective process for the hearing and determination of his newly available federal constitutional claim in violation of his rights under the 14th Amendment’s due process and equal protection clauses.

(relisted after the May 17 conference; rescheduled before the March 2, March 16, March 23, March 29, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 10, May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, September 24 and October 5 conferences)

  Jones v. Oklahoma, 17-6943

Issues: (1) Whether a complex statistical study that indicates a risk that racial considerations enter into Oklahoma’s capital-sentencing determinations proves that the petitioner’s death sentence is unconstitutional under the Sixth, Eighth and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution; and (2) whether Oklahoma’s capital post-conviction statute, Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 22 § 1089(D)(8)(b), and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals’ application of the statute in this case deny the petitioner an adequate corrective process for the hearing and determination of his newly available federal constitutional claim in violation of his rights under the 14th Amendment’s due process and equal protection clauses.

(relisted after the May 17 conference; rescheduled before the March 2, March 16, March 23, March 29, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 10, May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, September 24 and October 5 conferences)

The post Relist Watch appeared first on SCOTUSblog.

from Law http://www.scotusblog.com/2018/10/relist-watch-128/ via http://www.rssmix.com/

[harryandmeghan0-blog]

New Post has been published on https://harryandmeghan.xyz/8746-2/

Meghan Markle is validated by the royal family but also by Prince Harry's friends Find out what one of them says about her

Meghan Markle is unanimous in the entourage of Prince Harry After the prince's family, the Duchess of Sussex met her friends And especially Nachos Figueras, who plays the role of captain in the Prince's team during the polo match this July 26 as part of the SENTEBALE ISPS Handa Polo Cup The athlete did not fail to share his happiness to see his friend alongside a young woman like Meghan Markle "She is lovely, she is amazing, I am very happy for her and Harry, they are lucky to have found and to have this new chapter in their lives," he told People

com And do the newlyweds seem to be happy with their wedding, according to him? "I think so, they look very, very happy" When she gave the cup to Nachos Figueras after the victory of her team, Meghan Markle gave a kiss to Prince Harry A kiss that is the first in public since their wedding on May 19th

The gesture of tenderness was immediately captured by the cameras and photographers present The two newlyweds appeared radiant with joy If the prince was covered with sweat in his Polo shirt, Meghan Markle was resplendent in a blue denim wrap dress

[damajority]

DaMajority Fresh Article https://www.damajority.com/international-womens-day-celebrating-saint-lucian-women-science/

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Saint Lucian Women in Science

PRESS RELEASE

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Saint Lucian Women in Science

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Saint Lucian Women in Science

Science and Technology (S&T) is playing an integral role in the Department of Sustainable Development’s lead in achieving sustainable development, through a call for Women In Science.

February 11th was observed as International Day of Women and Girls in Science and on March 8th Saint Lucia joins the rest of the international community in the observance of International Women’s Day (IWD).

To this end, the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) has collaborated with the Division of Gender Relations, as well as other stakeholders, to adopt an integrated approach to the observance of these two days. The main highlight will be to feature Saint Lucian Women in Science through non-print media. A call for Saint Lucian Women in Science both here and abroad has been placed on the recently published Facebook page – Science & Technology in Saint Lucia – https://www.facebook.com/STinSLU/. The feature will first be released on International Women’s Day (IWD), March 8, 2018 on this page.

Recognizing that Goal Number Five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) speaks to gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women, DSD takes the opportunity to celebrate achievements of Saint Lucian women in Science as well as the progress Saint Lucia has made towards gender equality. This will be a stride towards the increased recognition of outstanding nationals in the scientific and technological arena, particularly of our women. Moreover, this will document and promote public awareness of the contribution, and often pioneering efforts, of Saint Lucian women in various science-based and technological disciplines and professions.

The DSD would like to encourage Saint Lucian Women in Science engaged in pure or applied research, innovation and invention, education, policy making, planning and management – in both public and private

  Spheres – to be part of our commitment to #PressforProgress.

#PressforProgress is the campaign theme for IWD 2018, as the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report states that gender parity is over 200 years away. To contribute to the global momentum in striving for gender parity, DSD hopes that this call can translate into a mentorship programme for girls interested in pursuing Science careers through collective action and shared responsibility.

All countries, and in particular developing countries like Saint Lucia, need a much larger scientific and technological workforce to ensure sustainable socio-economic development. Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development Hon Dr. Gale Rigobert hopes that this venture will play a significant role in inspiring more girls as well as boys to consider advanced studies and careers in the scientific and technological fields.  These areas are crucial to assure the welfare and continued improvement in the quality of life of Saint Lucians, and the Caribbean region by extension.

Interested persons are invited to contact the Science and Technology Officer within the Department of Sustainable Development via email dgordon.rediv@gmail.com or phone (758) 451 8746.

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[joshnehs-blog]

Letter of Application

25 Airport Road Morristown, NJ 07960

March 23rd, 2017

2215 5th St. E. Menomonie, WI 54751

Dear IT Resource Manager,

I would like to apply for the Data Analyst Position that you advertised through Monster.com. My experience I gained in my Bachelor’s program of Information Communication Technologies will allow me to be an asset for your company.

I am an ICT student at University Wisconsin Stout, and am working on minors in both Enterprise Technologies and Journalism. These will all will come in handy for a data analyst at your company. By having the technical knowledge to navigate at properly discern all your data, I can right compromisable summaries beneficial to other employees.

I have worked for years as a Personal Computer builder and repairer at Milwaukee PC. This job has taught me the ins and outs of computer parts, and will be useful in case hardware problems become present at your company. I also volunteered a summer to being a lighting technician at my local church. This gave me experience working lighting preparation for stages, and working in live performances.

Thank you for this opportunity to apply for your opening. I look forward to hearing from you about this position. I can be reached on my cell phone at (262-312-8746) or through e-mail at nehsj5799@my.uwstout.edu.

[optimisticvibeworld]

'An Elder's Thoughts About Today' by Robert John Cook

Calling All Elders!

'Wisdom of Elders' has a long list of things to do!

Help us help you decide what you would like to work on...

Learn about Wisdom Of Elders. We are folks just like you and I. We are ready to help out. Take a look at workload and no matter where you live we will assist you in the easy to follow Next Step. Simply call us at today (808) 250-8746, or fill out the form below.

We need your help with...

Organize an amazing team of passion hard at work pulling together the tasks, budgets, and schedule to lift ‘Wisdom of Elders’ off the ground with Jeanne Rasmussen and Dr. Cliff Robbins, President & Chair of the Julie Ellen Robbins Foundation.

Announce… with an introduction by the University of Hawai’i Small Business Development Center in Hilo, we have partnered with Carbonaro CPA as our financial management team. And for the very important people we serve, for our employees we have selected ProService Hawai’i as the best in the state to bring full employee benefits to life for us.

Social market Sisterhood Ohana is teaming up with Wisdom of Elders’ business incubator, courtesy of the Julie Ellen Robbins Foundation, to provide the empowerment to a select group of Single Mothers.

Social market ‘Become a Member’ and enjoy the behind the scene features and benefits of Education For The People. Should you love wellness as much as we do you will really enjoy Meditation For The People. Should music be your thing, toss off your slippahs and join us down the beach for Music For The People.

Announce ‘One Hand Up’… Certificate Program is more than just a job, 'Awakening Your Truth Within', define and offfer LoveLiving Awakening Certification Training Program, and publish LoveLiving Truth Within workbook for Employees.

Announce Sisterhood Ohana is teaming up with LoveLiving Wellness to provide an online Truth Within workbook for exploring passion-based architecture to produce your dream come true… 'Designed By Heart'.

Jeanne Rasmussen is the first member of Sisterhood Ohana to experience the joy of ‘Designed By Heart’ passion-based architecture. Social market… By exploring her Truth Within with the aid of LoveLiving Wellness online workbook, Jeanne discovered what she needed for her spiritual temple to include to bring her passion to life.

Announce Press Release ‘Join our environmental advocacy project ‘One Living Green’ as we deliver zero-waste Alternative Homes’.

Announce Sisterhood Ohana is proud to offer Alternative Homes Hawai’i’ On The Job training. As part of the business incubator that Julie Ellen Robbins Foundation serves, Single Mothers will be provided a Certificate Program as a benefit of their employment from the business incubator.

Announce… The first ‘One Hand Up’ Certificate Program project will be to build a scaled model of Jeanne's ‘Wétū’ on Hoku’s trailer.

Distribute Sisterhood Ohana brochures as invitations to Alternative Housing Community Conversation at Ka’apau Library on ???

Create Sisterhood Ohana Community Events calendar.

Manage Newsletter and Press Release Announcements.

Sisterhood Ohana announces ‘Wétū’ as our Alternative Home Model. Using passion-based architecture our Spiritual Temple design uses free wooden pallets salvage material.

Build our first project, ‘Wétū’ the Optimistic Vibe Basecamp. Currently under discussion, we are looking at possibly start building ‘Wétū’ the Optimistic Vibe Basecamp at 'Lorna's Garden' in Lapahoehoe.

Announce to HGTV our proposal presentation for Sisterhood Ohana’s weekly television show ‘Alternative Homes Hawai’i’.

Host a free workshop to the public at Lorna’s Garden to participate in a live demonstration of dismantling wooden pallets without tolls and free how-to construct lessons in building a scaled model of ‘Wétū’ the Optimistic Vibe Basecamp on a trailer pulled by our adorable VW Camper, HOKU.

Announce other workshops we are including in our series range from hearing from local Alternative Home professionals to alternative living enthusiasts.

Social market Sisterhood Ohana is quickly becoming the Alternative Home lifestyle experts on HGTV! Produce our first episode of ‘Alternative Homes Hawai’i’.

Announce Land Trust, collaborate with options, purchase 10 acres minimum.

Press Release… We are super excited for the land trust ‘ Garden In Paradise’ will be providing Sisterhood Ohana a location to prove the business incubator concept.

Then it’s off to the politicians, Tim Richards, Cindy Evans, Russell Rudermen, and the amazing Jen Ruggles, as we discuss 20 acres of state-owned land for Sisterhood Ohana to expand the function of Dr. Cliff Robbins business incubator.

We need your help!

Help Wanted, $15/hour plus Full Employee Benefits

Hire Sale/Marketing person to market Julie Ellen Robbins Foundation Land Trust by announcing via a presentation to HGTV that Garden In Paradise is a business incubator proving the concept of Self-Reliance. Invite each of the 1,700+ OV Facebook friends, 1,500+ LinkedIn friends, plus existing social marketing friends (Instagram, Google+, Tumblr, Twitter, YouTube, etc). From this that become our Friend we send them a video inviting them to join us in spreading the word… Each Task/Blog described above will be uploaded as daily social media to Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr, and re-directed to Post on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+.

 Crowdfund

Marketing/Sales Manager prepare individual press releases for Alternative Homes Hawai’i, and ‘Hoku’ VW Camper.

All social marketing goes through Patreon for crowdfunding purposes.

To reach our overall Crowdfunding goal each Employee invited to participate in our weekly Newsletter will issue a variety of blog/social marketing campaigns.

Deliver weekly blogs on the following Crowdfunding campaigns:

Kickstarter

We Fund

Seed Invest

Crowd Funder

Microventures

IndieGoGo

Sellaband

EmployeeShare

Go Fund Me

Social Marketing

The Sales/Marketing Lead will collect each Friday blogs from each Team Member describing an inspiring and uplifting part of their project. Social Marketer will create Newsletter and distribute to each Newsletter member, and each Like/Comment friend:

a)    Newsletter, issue a weekly Newsletter utilizing a collection of social media from the week’s Postings of Daily Vibe Updates.

b)    Host Weekly Contest. ‘Did Ya Know?’ is a playful engagement whereby we social market an inspiring suggestion each day. Make a contest of the daily engagement by awarding a ‘Did Ya Know?’ T-shirt on each Aloha Friday to the member of our audience that replied to our Twitter with the most inspiring comment of the past week.

c)    Build a Ground Swell. Strength in numbers, show a large and diverse following by giving away ‘Did Ya Know?’ T-shirts (?) to each person we interview for film documentary footage. The questions asked during the interview are strategically arranged so the answer is suitable for social marketing of our message.

d)    Inspire Audience.   Inspire those of our Audience coming to Hawai’i for HOKU to joins us before they leave the Mainland by social marketing our video tour guide. Inspire those of our Audience not coming to Hawai’i (yet) to follow us like a television show by regularly scheduling the release of our HOKU tour guides as part of a series they can follow our adventures in Hawai’i with stunning photos, exciting stories, and interesting people.

e)    Gather Volunteers. Publish HOKU daily online events with 'View from HOKU': People feel happiness from sharing wonderful montages of our social architecture vision because it makes people feel nurtured. Wisdom of Elders is among many other things, the way we talk and write about Seven Teachings as our voice to be heard. Honor Ancient Elders by the example 'View From HOKU' sets, very kind, beautiful, and different in a very great way because we touch people’s heart and soul. Free-spirited HOKU beach lifestyle suits the personality of our audience. HOKU beach adventures, him wearing cowboy hat, her wearing sarong. Be all that Optimistic Vibe stands for by posting daily passion-based 'Awakening Your Truth Within' Teachings from 'View from HOKU'. Be fearless, passion-based (makes it exciting to look forward to a new lifestyle), self-actualization (unlike anything our audience has come across), generous giving lightning rod, positive force, publish videos of pro-environment position. Publish Music For The People as ‘Awakening’, music and lyrics, and photo's with the colorful guitar and ukulele case, music with songs of very personal lyrics. Publish passion-based metaphors that are refreshingly unique and different. Share an optimistic vision and creativity that is inspiring with wisdom, words, and ideas that are comforting, especially a fabulous day in paradise with HOKU. HOKU travels island, action, not words, our optimism and spirit, a breath of fresh air.  Plein Aire, Meditation & Music, island art, and writing, very prolific, colorful music, text, and movement to highlight our Awakening message from the many wonderful sources of inspiration in your life, churn out quite a bit of different works, we color outside the lines, a lot. Inspire audience to love the way we think, as wisdom, power, strength, makes people want to Awaken. Tour Guides show the cool passion-based people in Hawai’i that people are glad to meet, people feel happiness.  HOKU delivers the gorgeous day the island brings to your Awakening.  HOKU makes it so people can see why OV Team is drawn to Hawai'i. People feel they are Awakening to have cool people in Hawai'i in their Ohana that people are glad to meet, people feel happiness. HOKU is a spiritual being, HOKU's spirituality is loved by our audience, it represents trust in fate, karma, and synchronicity in our Awakening, seen as the amazing gift we are, truly an angel of Awakening to others. It is nice what RJC writes in his journal about Awakening with ‘Just Be Happy’ through RJC’s connection to David. People see HOKU with others as excellent team work. HOKU delivers the gorgeous day the island brings to our audience's Awakening. HOKU makes it so people can see why OV Team is drawn to LoveLiving. People feel happiness from HOKU sharing messages, it makes people feel they are Awakening. HOKU inspires passion-based alternative lifestyle based on Awakening Your Truth Within with Garden In Paradise’s co-living international approach. People are drawn to OV Team's kindness and energy.

Public Relations

Marketing/Sales Manager manages media and press responsibilities:

What makes us newsworthy?

Contact Editors for lead business story

Press Release for HGTV appearance

Develop series of Press Releases

Schedule weekly Press Release

What are other large volume media opportunities are available for us to reach via Internet?

List of Newspaper Contacts

What are other large volume media opportunities are available for us to reach via Radio?

What are other large volume media opportunities are available for us to reach via Magazines?

List of Local Access Television Contacts

What are other large volume media opportunities are available for us to reach via Honolulu TV?

Contact Honolulu television

Press Release

Marketing/Sales Manager works with creative agency producing HGTV presentation and develop a series of press releases on the entire product line and service.

Prepare press releases for each new service introduction and participation in an event, and music performance.

Easy Apply Online...