#timeless legends who will never be forgotten

[maxsix]

Can I make a really sad nostalgic post about IKON again? As some of you may or may not know, they used to be my bias group. The events of 2019 changed the entire fandom overnight. I was not a Hanbin solo stan but he was so important to the group that everything sort of imploded after he left. I call it the Long Death because that's what it feels like. I know the members are still active and working, which gives me a lot of comfort, but it will always have this bittersweet edge to it all.

I got so sad today when I realised just how many old ikon tumblrs simply stopped posting or the users made a conscious decision to leave both the fandom and tumblr. It's seriously so sad looking at the time stamps of their last posts.

Anyway, if you are/were an ikon fan, I hope you are having a good day today and it would be nice to reminisce with anyone who wants to cry about it, haha.

[danaty-consolation]

What do you think of all stars so far? Most of the "old school" fans criticize that it's lack luster and that the pacing is horrible and, of course, comparing it to the original adaption.

It may be impopular, but I actually like that Davidpro decided to mostly only adapt directly the chapters, they haven't really added extra scenes compared to how the original did. I think the fast pacing suits UY weirdness very well and, overall, it just gotta show that the manga was already very good. I love the original and I'm glad it exist and it had the luck to have so many talented people that contributed to make such an iconic and timeless adaption, but I disliked how some of the old fans worship Oshii to the point of saying it was thanks to HIM that Urusei Yatsura was an icon and most of them even forget that Rumiko's manga was already an acclaimed masterpiece way before the anime adaption began, so All-Stars wanting to keep the adaption as similar to the manga as possible warms my heart. It will never replace the original, but is a good adaption for the fact that it's made as tribute to the manga instead of try to compete with the original.

Hi!

Well first, as you said the old anime had really good animation and they added a lot because they had liberties.

Even though it was aesthetically incredible and had some interesting concepts, there was a fatal error.

Their inconsistency with the characterization. Sometimes I liked Ataru's character and other times I freaking hated his actions and over-the-top rudeness. Lum was also very bland sometimes like the perfect girl men would worship, her sparky attitude most of the time forgotten.

Mendou was a war freak, something that made me uncomfortable because tanks are no laughing matter.

Shinobu also was sometimes unnecessarily mean and rude to Lum.

Megane's as a character just irks me because he never saw Lum as a human being, she saw it as someone to worship. As if she was an idol, an obsession. Let's not forget the abuse and torture he applies with his group to the main protagonist.

The characters were hurt just for "comedy", for Oshii's comedy that was all over the top. Oshii may be a incredible in animation, but he fails really badly in Urusei Yatsura and it's characters.

He tried to compete with the original Urusei Yatsura with his "male vision" but failed to appreciate the heart and complexity of Rumiko's Takahashi pen.

Oshii may be a person and legend in the animation industry but it has never been well known to such a degree as Rumiko Takahashi, her characters while flawed GROW in their own way. Her characters in Inuyasha, Mermaid Saga, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2. Kyokai no Rinne and Mao are diverse and flawed but they become better as the story goes.

The character in Urusei Yatsura don't grow as the story goes on, one episode Ataru grows, and the next episode after that one keeps him softer with Lum and then his character goes back to the next one to 0.

As if the episode before it never happened.

People don't remember the 80's anime because of the characterization normally, no they go for the aesthetic. We see the characters like buffons and over the top most of the time and laugh about their bad luck. Most of the time don't feel like real people since their flaws over shade their good points in a lot of episodes.

They are good episodes also, one's that show the characters good points but they can be counted, like 4 or 5...even 7 of 195 EPISODES!.

And with David productions, we have fun and the characters are flawed but lovable? They are more human! They respect their characterization, we know how each one is.

We know that Ataru is a flirt but a loyal guy with a girl he openly dates, that Lum is a lovable but jealous person, that Shinobu is cute but also goes with the looks sometimes rather than the feelings and Mendou is a rich boy who is trying to have a normal School life while having the mentality of a person feed with a golden spoon.

They had their errors but we also see their good side, we see them as friends.

The 80's anime is mostly another version of Urusei Yatsura. Less true and more experimental but lacking.

We are grateful that it exists because as I said, there are some good ones and cool concepts.

Oshii never perfected Urusei Yatsura, he played with the concept but never topped it. People who love Oshii's work are perfectly fine in liking that experimental face more but saying that he perfected Urusei Yatsura is a slap in the face for Rumiko Takashi.

Rumiko Takahashi, the princess of manga didn't write and draw Inuyasha, Ranma 1/2 (These two works were known globally and without Oshii's help) Maison Ikkoku, Kyokai no Rinne and Mao (which one's stood by themselves with little or no filler in their anime adaptations) just for people to call Oshii the one that gives her exposure and makes better her work.

I am so grateful the new anime adaptation is following the manga more closely and adapting the characters in a way that stay true to their original characterization while making them better as if Rumiko was writing them today with all her new experience.

I love UY All-Stars so much and I agree with your opinion because it is a love letter for Rumiko Takahashi's work rather than one where you only remember the art rather than the characters.

[transportaplooza]

1971 Plymouth Cuda in North Carolina

If you're a fan of muscle cars, get ready to be blown away by this legendary beast. With its bold design, thunderous engine, and unmistakable presence, the Cuda was more than just a car – it was a symbol of power and performance.

A Legend is Born

The Plymouth Cuda burst onto the scene in the early 1970s, taking the automotive world by storm. Building on the success of its predecessors, the 1971 model year represented a culmination of years of engineering excellence and design innovation. With its aggressive styling and race-ready performance, the Cuda quickly earned a reputation as one of the most formidable muscle cars of its time.

Power to Spare

The true heart of the 1971 Plymouth Cuda lies under the hood, where you'll find an array of ferocious engine options that are guaranteed to get your heart racing. From the potent 340 cubic inch V8 to the monstrous 426 Hemi, the Cuda offered a range of powertrains to suit every taste and driving style. With horsepower ratings that pushed the limits of what was possible at the time, the Cuda was more than just a car – it was a force of nature.

Racing Heritage

With its formidable performance and track-ready design, it's no surprise that the 1971 Plymouth Cuda was a dominant force on the racing circuit. From drag strips to road courses, the Cuda proved its mettle time and time again, cementing its status as a true icon of American muscle car history. Whether tearing up the quarter-mile or carving through corners, the Cuda was always in its element when pushed to the limit.

Legacy and Impact

Though production of the Plymouth Cuda ceased in the early 1970s, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of automotive enthusiasts around the world. From its timeless design to its legendary performance, the Cuda remains a symbol of an era when muscle cars ruled the road and horsepower was king. And while many years have passed since the last Cuda rolled off the assembly line, its spirit lives on in the hearts of all who dare to dream of unleashing the beast within.

In the records of automotive history, few cars can match the raw power and unbridled performance of the 1971 Plymouth Cuda. With its menacing looks, thunderous engine, and legendary racing pedigree, the Cuda remains a timeless icon of American muscle car culture. Whether you're a die-hard enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the thrill of the open road, the Cuda is sure to leave a lasting impression that will never be forgotten.

[thechanelmuse]

My Book Review 

In her interview with The Atlantic, veteran music journalist, Danyel Smith, said: "To just shine bright on behalf of myself is new." A number of our musical greats never experienced that lasting impression in the end on a timeless centerstage or their light was dimmed in exchange for their obstacles being elevated instead. This book presents them their vibrant bouquet as a start.

Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women In Pop is the music biography I’ve always longed to see as a book pay homage to our stapled Black American female powerhouses — from ‘60s girl groups to solo acts (not limited to those pictured above) — who head their own chapters in this book, with many of the other iconic songbirds weaved throughout to create a beautiful tapestry that holds each other’s imprints at some point in their own musical journey.

Danyel manages to tie in her own story as well, shaping this into an unconventional, fitting read. We see the pivotal stages of her blossoming into a young music enthusiast leading to her coming-of-age and veteran career in music journalism. Peeling back the layers of our highlighted vocalists that experienced pivotal highs and dipped lows, Danyel never shies away from their lasting impact and the beauty of their humanity and incomparable craft. She also unveils many intimate moments of her own journey where our legends are taken along for the ride, playing a part in her life that's highly relatable in so many ways because haven't we all done it? The song that got us through dark times? Takes us back to a nostalgic moment?

In the concluding chapter, she affirms a stance that is undeniable:

“There is this deep fear of stopping. Of resting in the rests. [...] Because if we stop, we will be forgotten. That is the fear. And it’s not an irrational fear, because so many Black women and so much of Black women’s work is undervalued and strategically un-remembered. We cannot sit quietly while everyone dresses like us and sings like us and writes like us and just kind of steals us from ourselves. That’s the part that makes us tired. But what’s even more heartbreaking than that is the thought that people may not truly know us, or the details of our lives. What if no one ever gets us right? What if our spirits and stories are never truly known? It could so easily be that we—except for our songs, our art, our children—were never here at all.”

We must take the lead in upholding our stories, especially those that are the history of our lineage, to sustain our presence for future generations even after we've passed on. A firm platform with an endless spotlight. Shine Bright is a celebratory playlist that I will cherish in my collection. Thank you, Danyel. Now if only this can be turned into a documentary as well. *cough cough* 👀 

Photoset: The Dixie Cups, Etta James, Leontyne Price, The Supremes, Labelle, Phyllis Hyman & Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, The Sweet Inspirations

[audiofictionuk]

New Fiction Podcasts - 27th April

The Ten-Minute Storyteller Audio Book Want to hear some entertaining stories but don't have a lot of time? Here's your ticket to ride. The Ten-Minute Storyteller arrives packed with humor, pathos, humanity, and originality… in ten minutes or less. All stories written and narrated by Bill Simpson, an acclaimed novelist who has, after many years in the kitchen, perfected the <em>short</em> short story. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240418-03 RSS: https://www.omnycontent.com/d/playlist/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/3ab7ccb2-d0bc-4291-b89a-b139013c5e36/dd374626-fb20-40fc-990e-b139013cab9d/podcast.rss

Deathless Audio Drama It's been almost 10 years since we stopped dying. Let's talk about that. I interview people with unique relationships to immortality, attempting to answer the question of the decade: Does life still have meaning if it never ends? https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240415-02 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2328004.rss

Fables From The Forgotten Audio Drama Dive into a realm where myths, legends, and forgotten tales come to life! Join us on an extraordinary journey as we unearth the stories of the Crossover Tavern. Each episode we'll delve into a new diverse story of the patrons that enter the tavern, exploring their origins, unraveling their mysteries, and discovering the timeless truths hidden within. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240404-04 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f3cb8024/podcast/rss

Asunder Audio Book 20 years after the American civil war, former slave Marcus Riggs is trapped in a British Harbor after the Invaders came to enslave all mankind. Now the invaders are gone, and new Orders clash as humanity rises from the ashes...but are the aliens gone for good? (Science Fiction/Alternate History Adventure). https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240308-10 RSS: https://servingworlds.com/feed/podcast/asunder/

A Fairy Tale for Adults Audio Drama A wholesome fantasy adventure to delight your inner child! On a family outing with their kids Colin and Nia are accidentally teleported to a dimension where magic is real. To get home, Colin and Nia must go on a quest to find a unicorn, and the lost pieces of themselves. A Tales of the Forgotten Fiction Network Audio Drama Production. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240418-04 RSS: https://feeds.redcircle.com/459e3bc8-43a3-4538-819f-f7d1f950a423

Looking Through the Light Audio Drama Micheal and Tinny (two pestilential flesh borns) scour the universe looking for Micheal’s fiancé Claire while being chased down by the ”far superior” Lux, an alien made of light. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240418-05 RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/lookingthroughthelight/feed.xml

Acorralada Audio Drama Atrapada por un amor sin escrúpulos, con la actuación de Gloria González y Roberto Araya. Una historia llena de impulsos donde varias mujeres tienen encuentros de amor y desamor. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240415-03 RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/bPb78fd3

Mystic PI Audio Drama A 1940s style mystery podcast drama. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240417-03 RSS: https://feeds.redcircle.com/2445d63a-2437-4330-90ae-b0afadc28271

The Astonishing Adventures of the S.S. Bad Ship Audio RPG Follow along the adventures of the crew of the S.S. Bad Ship as they fly around the galaxy causing more problems than they solve. A new AP podcast from the Do You Validate Network featuring April Raygun, Caleb Zane Huett, Derick Marchel, and Samm Star with Joel Ruiz as the GM. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240420-01 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/523368/rss

TOUT SEUL Audio Drama Ancien dignitaire d'un régime totalitaire, JAN est conduit à la KARA, une prison inviolable qui se trouve aux confins du pays. Souffrant du traitement que lui infligent les gardiens et ses co-détenus du fait de ses anciennes accointances avec le pouvoir, il ne doit sa survie qu'à sa rencontre avec CAPY, son compagnon de cellule. Ce dernier va convaincre Jan de tenter l'impossible : s'évader de la KARA. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240421-02 RSS: https://tout-seul-fiction-sonore.lepodcast.fr/rss

Trader's Tales From the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper Audio Book Newly orphaned Ishmael Wang finds himself forced off the only planet he knows and thrust into deep space when he takes a job as mess deck attendant on a freighter that plies the spacelanes among the stars. Follow along as Ishmael works his way through the ranks as an interstellar merchant mariner from the lowest quarter share until he finally earns an owner's share at the helm of his own company. Along the way he finds a new family, a sense of purpose, and - eventually - himself.  https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240404-05 RSS: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/SBP3385419462

1v1MeDM Audio Drama The board is set, the dice are laid out, it's time to ROLL! Join the Biscuit Wagon Crew on their wacky adventures in the realm of imagination. Will they find treausre, fame and fortune? Will biscuit continue to be cursed by every single door he ever opens?.........Probably. Tune in every month to find out! https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240421-03 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2355958.rss

Back Online: Up Against Time Audio RPG Back Online Up Against Time is a loose DND podcast about a few Aussie blokes who end up in Faerũn. There’s heaps of naughty words, jokes and violence so tune in and enjoy the ride. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240422-01 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f5216e84/podcast/rss

I Should Roll Audio RPG I Should Roll is an Actual Play podcast set in the Mass Effect universe, featuring eleven voice actors from three continents going on adventures across the galaxy. It's definitely Commander Shepard's favourite podcast on the extranet. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240422-02 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/524153/rss

Wanderer's Journal Audio Drama Wanderer’s Journal is a fantasy fiction podcast about Marigold and Pluto, two people from different backgrounds, and their unlikely friendship formed through a magical journal that links them. Each of them finds a journal, learns that their voice is recorded into it, and can be both read and played back to the other. Unbeknownst to them, they become a part of an ancient mystery, and see the world from new angles. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240423-01 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/wanderers-journal

Divorce Ranch Audio Drama June 1949. Heiress Mitzi Ballantyne has gone missing during her "Reno-vation" at the Sidewinder Resort. Detective Francis O'Connell, a Bible-toting bloodhound, would rather be at his Ma's sickbed. Instead, he steps off the train and into a den of liberated ex-wives who test his every nerve. Crooked cops, runaways, and divorcees collide in a female-forward, "west-of-center" take on the classic noir. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240422-03 RSS: https://feed.ausha.co/QQNx3U91v2mr

Queer Ghoul Audio Book Queer Ghoul is a bi-weekly podcast anthology of short queer horror stories. Each episode is a stand alone story of original narrative fiction featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Some stories feature campy-antics, while others are much darker and contain social commentary. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240423-02 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2126637.rss

Code noir Audio Drama Code Noir, les révoltés du Gaoulet, est une fiction inspirée de faits réels, qui raconte une révolte d'esclaves en Martinique au XVIIIe siècle. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240421-04 RSS: https://feeds.audiomeans.fr/feed/0bda7ae6-cdad-4f5d-8f04-b121426fc239.xml

https://media.rss.com/temps-de-sega/20240112_110140_f8cb6bdb018e06826a201a49cc33d406.jpg

TEMPS DE SEGA Audio Book TEMPS DE SEGA és una novel·la de dos bandolers que, fruit d'un robatori a un comboi reial de Felip IV, es veuran embolicats en una història que els portarà a conèixer els personatges polítics catalans més importants del moment, a patir la violència dels terços hispànics, a lluitar pels drets dels oprimits i a viure en primera persona la revolta dels segadors de 1640. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240418-06 RSS: https://media.rss.com/temps-de-sega/feed.xml

The Transmissions Audio RPG Actual Play dramas with high quality performance, editing, narration, sound effects and music. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240326-04 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/109256/rss

Dearest Audio Book Dearest is an epistolary podcast that hearkens back to the post-Civil War era of the 1870s with a mysterious love story that takes place along the banks of the Ohio River. Adapted from the 2007 novel of the same name by author and playwright Michael London, the story of Dearest unfolds its tale through a series of letters, each released per episode, echoing the date atop every letter. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240424-01 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f2482ea0/podcast/rss

Sixth Door to the Left Audio Drama Sixth Door to the Left is a infrequently updated anthology feed for short stories that needs to be told. Tone may vary greatly, as we ask the question: What’s behind door number 6? Sixth Door to the Left is a Divine Rodentia Studios production. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240426-01 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/sixth-door-to-the-left

Storm Runner - A Sci-fi Odyssey Audio Drama Beyond the civilized worlds lie the Five Rings, a cluster of planets racked by storms. Ezz Bennil is a storm runner, making her living off collecting the valuable crystals that form on these dangerous worlds with the help of her attentive (and somewhat reluctant) ship A.I., Boat. But a chance encounter with a deadly new threat forces Ezz and Boat to embark on an epic journey across the stars in an effort to save the world. Er, worlds. Plural. All of them. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240427-01 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/6ad64cf4/podcast/rss

[variousqueerthings]

ramble at the end of thirteen era

cool, well that's us done with whittaker era, and I do think it went by very speedily (less than a month).

I do see the critiques and the limitations of this era, however I think they may be much softened by time, especially with the specials coming after giving a little more emotional openness (not necessarily closure, but just acknowledgement) of the events of this era that make it feel like an ongoing character-arc and not a forgotten one, and with fifteen-era possibly taking on the timeless child concept, considering they hinted at that in church on ruby road, and hopefully turning it into something to be explored rather than plonked in front of the audience in a series of very long, somewhat tiring, oddly paced expositions

I can imagine it was quite frustrating having watched the six-part flux arc, which also tied into the timeless child arc and then have these three specials not really properly even allude to any of it, and it is a baffling choice

technically eve of the daleks and legend of the sea devils can basically be removed from the watch and I think nothing would be lost barring the thasmin scenes

all that being said, I think thirteen is a far stronger doctor as character than she's given credit for -- this could be me interacting with her as someone who's already affected by fan-reads of her arc, that is, someone who represses through positivity rather than through the more prickly iteration of twelve, and someone who was -- thanks to the specials for that -- deeply affected by the arcs she had in her era, but refused to show it At All Costs! but she has got an air of running on empty about her to me, and yaz calls out her misdirection and everything is fine attitude several times (even though she never does get real, clear answers for practically anything, which is very ten-with-martha coded of them)

I also think I rather quickly set graham, dan, and (I'm sorry bby) ryan aside in favour of yaz as the "real" companion of the era and it's fascinating that thirteen was her doctor in the same way that nine was rose's doctor. the difference being that thirteen blanket nixed the idea of yaz coming into her next life, which I'm going to be chewing on. I actually thought yaz would have made that decision, but apparently not and it does tie into my wider ways of reading thirteen as actually very closed off and refusing to be properly vulnerable (which makes getting carried to safety by yaz a very satisfying scene)

so yeah. some things to pull apart, some limits, some issues, which I think were mostly in pacing, and then I think in some more analysis of politics that is a whole other post. I do also note that there don't seem to be any episodes that are truly iconic for their narratives

there's demons of the punjab, which I think may be my personal strongest standalone, and season two I think both nikola tesla's night of terror and the haunting of villa diodati do some cool stuff, but I think they were neat for their historical contexts more than for the stories they told in the end -- sort of like how I think vincent and the doctor is good as an episode exploring vincent van gogh and is not a very good episode of doctor who (but I still like it for the vincent van gogh -- also I think all three of the thirteen-era episodes I mentioned are better at being episodes of doctor who than vincent and the doctor)

I think that's also where people perhaps get lost. it's not easy to just go back and watch as iconic moments in storytelling or comfort tv (although it takes you away has frog. and that. that is my personal most iconic moment of this era! it's very good frog!)

there are a few episodes I'd excise from my own personal future watches, but but... it's far far less percentage-wise than m*ffat's run I can fucking tell you that! I think once I found my "in" for thirteen it was relatively easy for me to watch, because I knew where it was leading to with fourteen, and I knew most of the pitfalls already (spyfall part 2... geez, that one might be my hardest to work with, because these episodes give us the master, but the second half does so much wrong and that's before we get to the nazi bit), and I had some idea of the personality of this doctor, whereas finding all of that for m*ffat-era was very difficult for me over and over again, because it'd keep doing something interesting (most often when written by a guest) and then give you the most insufferable, dull, out of the blue nonsense, on and on and on. I was tired while watching m*ffat, and it was only knowing that I was making future decisions about how to engage with that whole era that made me not sometimes just skip several episodes at a time

I'll take having to make my characters work around bad pacing and misguided over-exposition that struggles to maintain character-work around the Lore any day, personally

Conclusion: yeah, I get why this series has its real fans. it has its real draws. I can also see why it had its struggles, both for general writing reasons, but also I think because people wanted doctor who to totally reinvent itself and at the same time stay exactly the same, and I think that would affect a showrunner who's maybe not... quite bold enough to really do whatever the hell they want and fuck the haters. it was always going to have people whining about it, but I suppose where one might get disappointed is in really wanting it to succeed in proving those people wrong -- and it never had quite the strength in writing to fully do that

that being said, I can see it building a soft cult status a la eighth doctor movie over the years. it does have its own fun odd little identity bouncing around in there

also that is the major upside of rtd taking over for a bit, this guy's been making stuff that's had vocal opposition since the 90s. whatever happens next, for good or for bad, it's definitely on his terms. that being said if there's one thing I feel coming out of thirteen's era it's that the idea of doctor who reinventing itself is the right sentiment, and one of the major ways to do that is to not have it be in the hands of the same showrunners and writers and directors who've been involved since 2005

new directors and writers have been slowly trickling in over the years, so now it is time to build to a new showrunner once rtd leaves- who knows, maybe someone who didn't start out as a fan in the 60s or 70s, but discovered it with the reboot

also will be doing a rating for these episodes, not anything special, but similar to what I did for the first whittaker season, and also a "pros" and "cons" list... interesting to dig into

[procrastinatorrex]

iv.

“They all think you’re mad, you know.” 

The inn was busy, but not overly so. The locals were well used to the gaggle of archaeologists who frequented their local watering hole each summer, and Percy got cheerful nods from more than a few patrons as he settled beside the only member of his team who ate alone. 

Firelight played over Dr. Ambrose’s face, disappearing into his dark curls and flickering into shadows when it flitted into the hollows of his cheeks. The man had a strangely ageless face, Percy decided; except for a dusting of dark stubble, the skin was smooth; pale, and perfect, but he just didn't look young. There was a tension in the angle of his jaw and the line of his forehead that never seemed to quite fade. Those blue eyes seemed to always be looking at something just a little too far away for Percy to make out... Something about the way the man looked into the fire spoke of a knowing that could never belong to youth. And yet… 

“Maybe I am.” The Welshman sighed, breaking into Percy's train of thought. “they think you’re a bit mad, too. Looking for legendary kings and all. You’re walking a thin line.” 

“I’m not looking for Arthur.” Percy insisted. 

“No? I’ve been reading your papers, Dr. Chevalier. It’s not difficult to see what you’re getting at.”

“No.” Percy insisted, stubbornly. “King Arthur is clearly a myth, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t based on someone– maybe more than one someone. There is often truth to popular legends. They found the site of the battle of Troy, didn’t they? That doesn’t mean everything written about in the Oddessey actually happened. It’s a perfectly legitimate line of research.” 

“There is often more truth in legends than people realize.” Ambrose agreed, softly. Then he shook himself, as though clearing a daydream. “Still, you’re risking a lot for this particular legend.”  

Percy frowned. “I suppose that’s true. I know you met Lee and Eli when you came on, I’m sure he told you about our conversations. I  just– I have a feeling about this site. It’s turned up so much material. Everything we can date is very tightly dated to the same period, even within the same century, possibly, and it’s the right timeframe, in the right sort of place. I can’t just ignore that.” 

Dr. Ambrose was silent for so long Percy decided he wasn’t going to respond at all, then finally he sighed. “There’s no castle in that clearing.” He said. “I can promise you that.” 

Percy blinked. “No castle. You’re awfully confident. Are you sure you don’t just think that because you want to go off looking for your high status burial? You do seem to specalise in those.” He meant it as teasing, but the other man shook his head sharply. “It’s not about that. He’s there. I know he is. If you let me, I can find him.” 

“All due respect, Dr. Ambrose, you haven’t found another potential royal burial since the double internment in Neave. What makes you so sure you can find one here in Gloustershire?” 

“I know. This time, he will be there.” 

Percy tilted his head. “Why?” 

Now Ambrose looked at him, really looked, and the sadness in his eyes made Percy gasp. It was like looking into a well dug in a forgotten age– all smooth, timeless darkness, with no telling what lurked in the bottom. “Because you’re here. All of you are here in the same place, at the same time. It’s never happened like this before, Percival. There must be a reason.” 

“How– did you know my…” but Dr. Ambrose was moving, a sudden flurry of limbs and swishing jacket, and before he could finish the question the man had vanished into the crowd.  “... full name.” He finished lamely, talking to no one. “How does he just know?”

Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 & Part 5

[electrivolt]

It is a legend long forgotten and lost to time, from the age when the trio of birds still held their title of titans, still were respected and revered and feared.

They had once been the embodiment of their elements, reigning above them, their influence on the oceans themselves the cause of many disasters. The people prayed to the guardian of the sea, prayed for safer journeys and clearer skies, for the elements to be quelled and the storms to be still. The guardian observed the destruction its titans were bringing, and answered the people's prayers, sealing away the elements and casting upon them a mortal, yet timeless form.

The titans were furious as their power was taken away, and so their guardian answered. Only the trust of a human would allow their seal to be cast away and their power to return, for they shall learn to be kind and shall strive to protect who they were supposed to watch over.

For countless years, there have been lineages of people, warriors that have earned the respect and trust of the titans, forging a bond with them in order to guard their people. It was this bond to let the titans return to their original form, and its burden placed onto the human so that no one may use this ancient power to bring forth more harm and destruction. Without a human to trust, a titan shall never return to its primal form, and without paying the price for it with their own blood, a human shall never be graced with a titan's true power.

Time however, is unforgiving. As the years passed and as times changed, these few trusted lineages have died out, and with them the knowledge has been lost, the legends spoken in tales forgotten, and the titans remain sealed away. There had not been a human able to forge that bond signed in blood since.

[xasha777]

In the arid vastness of the Balearic Isles, now a frontier for the most daring explorers and pioneers of the post-Earth era, Liana stood against the backdrop of a burnt-orange sky. It had been three centuries since humanity had fled its cradle, propelled into the stars by necessity and invention. The once lush Mediterranean archipelago had transformed under the relentless sun into a haven for sand and secrets, its past swallowed by time and technology.

Liana was part of the Interface—a league of hybrid beings tasked with melding the best of human intuition and mechanical precision. Her mission on the Balearic outpost was to uncover ancient data archives believed to hold keys to lost human technologies, essential for surviving the harsh conditions on new planets. The Interface had sent many to these islands, drawn not by nostalgia but by necessity, to dig through the digital remnants of a forgotten world.

Her face, a canvas of intricate circuits and flowing lines, was not just a mask but a sophisticated sensor array. It processed the environment, decoded languages, and interfaced with forgotten systems, all while preserving the humanity in her eyes—a window to a soul that technology could enhance but never replace.

As Liana traversed the desert-like terrain, her body armor—light yet resilient—mirrored the designs of ancient warriors of the region, adapted for the new age. It was built from self-healing composites, capable of withstanding the abrasive sandstorms that frequently swept across the islands.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the sandy plains, Liana’s sensors detected an anomaly beneath the surface near Es Vedrà, a mythical rock that was said to be magnetic, veiled in legends of compasses going haywire and electronic devices malfunctioning. She approached cautiously, her systems alert to any electromagnetic interference.

Digging through the sand, her hands found a hatch. It was sealed, with an encryption unlike any she had encountered—a linguistic puzzle that hinted at the ancient Internet era, possibly a safeguard left by technocrats who foresaw the collapse of their world. Night fell as Liana worked tirelessly, her fingers tracing the cold metal, deciphering its secrets through a ballet of sparks and lights.

Finally, the hatch hissed open, revealing a stairway that plunged into the depths of the Earth. With each step, Liana descended into history, her path illuminated by the soft glow of her internal lighting. Below, she found what had been lost to the sands of time—a library of data crystals, each a repository of human knowledge, from music and literature to blueprints of early spacefaring technologies.

As she interfaced with the first crystal, the room lit up with holographic displays, voices from the past speaking in a dozen languages, all chronicling the rise and fall of human civilizations. Among these, she found detailed maps of ancient Earth's climates, invaluable for terraforming new worlds and maybe, just maybe, turning the tides in humanity’s favor on harsh alien landscapes.

Liana knew her discovery was just the beginning. Each crystal held potential keys to sustaining life in the universe’s farthest reaches, and she was there, at the edge of discovery, where the past met the future in the timeless dance of survival and exploration.

In the stillness of the Balearic Isles, under the watch of constellations old and new, Liana stood—a bridge between worlds, a harbinger of rebirth. And as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, it was clear that humanity’s journey was far from over. The islands, once a hub of culture and beauty, now served a new role in the cosmic saga, as the cradle of a new era.

[mywifeleftme]

289: Gordon Lightfoot // Summertime Dream

Summertime Dream Gordon Lightfoot 1976, Reprise

Canada’s a nation whose two most beloved singers outside Quebec are both named Gord, and now they’re both dead. As long as Canada’s 75% white they’ll remain high up the ranks for a good while yet, but eventually even the Gords’ memory will fade. I can see the people of this land still singing “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” even after they’ve forgotten the name Lightfoot though, possibly even in some doggerel form in tents by the shore long after the notion of boats made of metal’s been lost, singing it as long as there are crews testing the waves and the elemental terror of a water that never gives up its dead. (Maybe “Bobcaygeon" will endure after the same fashion, as long as there are campfires, guitars, and constellations.)

There are plenty of other good songs on Summertime Dream though, a comfy old armchair of a record with a cold beer on a TV tray next to it. “Never Too Close” is my favourite of Gord the First’s pop songs; “Spanish Moss” is plenty of people’s moms’ and dads’ Song (and you could do worse if one of themses yers); “Too Many Clues in This Room” talks about an old sea man’s balls. It’s all tastefully arranged, though some of the keyboard accents slightly date a few numbers that might otherwise read as timeless.

My favourite little Lightfoot anecdote comes courtesy of my bartender/drummer pal Nick, who passed along that the legend was known to order a glass of Budweiser on ice, a concoction Nick now refers to as a Gord’s Gold. I’ve had one and it’s kinda weird, but feel free to spread the gospel on that if you see fit to.

289/365

[imaginaryshorts]

The Ebon Tresses of Eternity

Once upon a time, in a realm where imagination intertwined with reality, there existed a mystical portrait known as "The Ebon Tresses of Eternity." This black and white drawing depicted a woman with flowing, waist-length hair that possessed a life force. The intricately sketched strands cascaded down her silhouette, caressing her ethereal beauty and inviting curious minds to uncover its secrets.

Legend whispered that the woman in the portrait was a mysterious enchantress, blessed with the ability to manipulate time and space with a single touch of her delicate fingertips. Her name was Amara, an ethereal being shrouded in a veil of mystique. With her timeless elegance, she cast a spell on all who gazed upon her portrait, transporting them to a realm where dreams and reality embraced.

Amara's hair, the focal point of the illustration, held a captivating power of its own. Each strand captured every emotion the enchantress had experienced in her lifetime as if it possessed the essence of her existence. In the centuries that followed, countless art enthusiasts, historians, and seekers of truth pondered over the enigmatic masterpiece, questioning the untold tales that lay within the flowing ebony tresses.

According to ancient lore, it was said that those fortunate enough to decipher the hidden meanings within the drawing could unlock unimaginable wonders. Many ventured far and wide, dedicating their lives to studying the portrait's finite details—every intricate stroke, every subtle shading, and every nuance of the woman's expression.

As the generations passed, Amara's legend grew, captivating the imaginations of artists, writers, and poets alike. Some interpreted her as a symbol of timeless beauty and the ever-changing nature of existence. Others believed her flowing tresses represented the entwined threads of fate, forever entangled but never broken.

One fateful day, a young artist named Alessia stumbled upon the illustrious artwork while visiting an antiquities museum. Instantly captivated, Alessia became consumed by an insatiable desire to reveal the truths hidden within the strokes of the indelible drawing. Night after night, the young artist toiled by candlelight, sketching and analyzing every minute detail of Amara's portrait.

Months turned into years, and Alessia's dedication began to bear fruit. Suddenly, a breakthrough—she discovered an intricate pattern in the texture of Amara's hair. Line by line, Alessia decoded the complex maze embedded within the ebon strands. Each twist and turn told a fragment of Amara's story, a tale steeped in ancient wisdom and forgotten truths.

As Alessia unveiled the portrait's secrets, whispers of Amara's lost legacy resurfaced. Legends spoke of a mystical amulet hidden within a long-forgotten chamber, rumored to possess the power to reweave the fabric of time itself. It was said that only those who unraveled the profound mysteries hidden within the portrait could embark on the quest to locate the chamber and harness the amulet's boundless potential.

Inspired by the journey before her, Alessia embarked on a grand adventure. With her artistic prowess, unwavering determination, and the knowledge now etched in her heart, she set out to unlock pathways to the past and the future.

"The Ebon Tresses of Eternity" symbolized hope, uniting both dreamers and seekers of truths. Its timeless allure and the mysteries it held propelled generations forward, encouraging them to explore the realms beyond their imagination.

The legend of Amara, the enchantress with her alluring long hair forever immortalized in the captivating drawing, inspired the world to believe in the magic that lies within the arts—a reminder that even a single stroke of a pen can unravel a tapestry of endless enchantment.

[kiranholographicsblog]

From Lata Mangeshkar to AR Rahman: How Indian Music Legends are revived through Hologram Sticker Technology

The world of music has been irrevocably changed by technological innovations. In India, a country known for its rich musical heritage, this transformation is particularly evident in the revival of legendary artists through hologram sticker technology. From the immortal melodies of Lata Mangeshkar to the contemporary compositions of AR Rahman, these Indian music legends are being brought back to life on stage using cutting-edge holographic techniques.

Hologram sticker technology has evolved leaps and bounds, making it possible to create lifelike three-dimensional holographic projections of artists. By employing advanced visual effects and meticulous attention to detail, these holograms recreate the likeness and performance style of iconic musicians. The result is an awe-inspiring illusion of the artists returning to the stage, much to the delight of their fans.

Lata Mangeshkar: The Eternal Nightingale

Lata Mangeshkar, often referred to as the "Nightingale of India," is a legendary playback singer whose voice has left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry. Hologram sticker technology allows her timeless classics to be performed once again on stage. Audiences are treated to the ethereal experience of hearing the revered artist's voice while seeing her virtual presence in a manner that seems almost real.

AR Rahman: The Maestro of Modern Sound

AR Rahman, known for his groundbreaking compositions in Indian and international music, is another artist who has been resurrected through hologram sticker technology. His performances become a fusion of cutting-edge technology and musical genius, creating a surreal concert experience that captivates fans both old and new.

One of the significant advantages of hologram sticker technology is its ability to preserve musical legacies. For artists who are no longer with us, it provides a platform to keep their music alive, ensuring that their contributions to the world of music are never forgotten. This not only honors their memory but also introduces their work to younger generations who may have missed experiencing it in its heyday.

The resurrection of Indian music legends like Lata Mangeshkar and AR Rahman through hologram sticker technology is a testament to the power of innovation in the music industry. These holographic performances allow us to cherish the music that has shaped our lives and celebrate the contributions of artists who have left an indelible mark on our hearts. As technology continues to evolve, it's exciting to anticipate how this fusion of music and cutting-edge visual effects will continue to enchant audiences, ensuring that the music legends of India live on for generations to come.

[jim-fetter-illustrations]

We would rather Dream than act to achieve that dream, because we don't have the Balls!

Ya know,.... If the writing of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato had not contained so much truth about the human condition, his name would have been forgotten centuries ago.

But one of his most famous stories—the cataclysmic destruction of the ancient civilization of Atlantis—is almost certainly false. So why is this story still repeated more than 2,300 years after Plato's death?

"It's a story that captures peoples imagination, .....It's a great myth with lots of elements that people love to fantasize about. Kind of like all the religious myths when ya think about it.

But we know damn well our own society will never be as moral, spiritual, and a highly advanced, as the Atlantis utopian civilization like the one in the story, or any of the religious stories weh have been told throughout the ages.

So we dream of it being a real place that we'd like to believe in instead of this crime infested shit-hole we have made for ourselves to exist in.

Now Few, if any, scientists think Atlantis actually existed, But the legend of Atlantis is a "logical" one since cataclysmic floods and volcanic explosions have happened throughout history.

So we feel free to dream Atlantis was real, and maybe some day our own existence will be like the Atlantis story.

Which is more of a Pipe Dream in reality!

Ya see, Plato created the story of Atlantis to convey some of his philosophical theories. He was dealing with a number of issues in his life, his ideas about the divine verses human nature, ideal societies, and the gradual corruption of human society and why, and Atlantis was the perfect vehicle to get his thoughts out to the people.

So the legend of Atlantis is a story about a moral, spiritual humane people who lived in a highly advanced, utopian civilization. But they became greedy, petty, and "morally bankrupt," and the gods "became angry because the people had lost their way and turned to immoral pursuits.

Kind of like what is said by some to be happening today in a way.

As punishment, Plato says, the gods sent "one terrible night of fire and earthquakes" that caused Atlantis to sink into the sea.

Much like the Christian God did to it's creation by flooding the earth and drowning the despicable heathens.

Just like every religion on earth says their End Times will be like, because they didn't follow the rules of their Gods, and that's most likely where they got the idea from,...... from Plato's story about Atlantis.

So I guess it's true, and plato suggested it to, that the Gods don't know all things past, present, and future as their scriptures tell us, because if they did they would have never created such an immoral creature such as Man.

Giving us a clue that there really aren't any Gods, just Mankind emulating a God to guide the masses towards motives of greed?

People listened to the Atlantis story because it gives them hope, just like the stories in the bible do, because the moral platitudes in those stories have an aphoristic quality, seemingly timeless moral lessons. They therefore shape our view of the world, and can lull us into accepting things, and following things that are actually false and foolish.

Like the Atlantis story that eventually failed miserably because human being are greedy at heart and don't want others telling them what to do, so they get violent and disagree on just about every issue if they think they might not gain something.

Like we live today basically, not giving in on any issues and we want things OUR WAY or it's the highway, and every political party and organization, group and club wants the same damn authority over everyone else, so really none of them get what they truly want because ya can't please everyone's needs, that would be an oxymoron!

This is why people dream of the Atlantis story, and most likely always will, because we human beings can't agree on most things humanitarian, and we are drawn to that which we will never get because of our Fool-headed greed we can't seem to control.

So we make up fairy tales about getting that humanitarian existence in another life after we die if we serve the God in this life.

.................... and people believe that fairy tale!

Like I have said, we would rather dream of it, then to have the balls to actually Act to achieve it!

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[allsoymadestore]

 Show Your Appreciation for the Queen of Rock with These 19 Tina Turner Shirts

The Tina Turner Musical T Shirt, Unique Rip Queen Rock N Roll Tina Turner T Shirt

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[durmstrangsbibliothek]

29th June 1899

The summer was wonderfully hot and the world had begun to turn the right way again. 

Albus could smell it in the air and in Gellert's scent of lemon, seafoam and mint: the world was about to change. It did not matter if for the moment it was still full of problems and jarring rifts; soon everything would be repaired and wrapped in harmony.

It would be the two of them, with their hands, who would push the whole world, if necessary, to keep it spinning the right way. Them: Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald, the most brilliant wizards of the moment, perhaps in history!

It was pure euphoria. He had never felt like this and was ashamed when he caught himself thinking that it was the best summer of his life, he had no right to think so.

It wasn't that Albus had forgotten all the suffocating problems that filled the Dumbledore house, he had simply encased them in a timeless bubble, promising that he would face them sooner or later, indeed, that it would be the first thing he would do as soon as the world would become a better one.

Things with his brother had not cleared up, but they argued less for the simple fact that there was no chance for it since the eldest of the Dumbledores was never at home; he had postponed all the quarrels to a more beautiful, simpler afterwards.

Albus stood behind Ariana braiding her hair. He narrowed his eyes, concentrating far more than necessary in inserting the purple flowers that his sister had picked in the garden into her braids.

Ariana was excited: it was a special evening, a summer tradition that was organised every year in the small village; according to some for centuries, according to others for years.

"Godric's Glimmering Gathering" was all about enjoying the summer, the starry sky, dancing and eating. All the inhabitants contributed to the feast in some way: someone brought a cake, another played the harmonica or the drum, Bathilda told old legends about famous wizards and witches to children, and Ariana had prepared flower garlands.

Aberforth had been tense about bringing their sister to the Gathering after the recent incident, but the feast was a family custom and not allowing her to participate would have meant disappointing and saddening her. They had then decided, after an afternoon of grumpy and tense talk, that the younger Dumbledore would return home with their sister in a couple of hours.

"Do you still love me?"

Albus was suddenly torn from the flow of his thoughts by Ariana's inquisitive and at the same time worried voice. He did just what he had been trying to avoid until then: he met her eyes in the mirror she was sitting in front of. It was as if he were looking into two pieces of sky: there were faint clouds of questions seeking answers. He turned his head quickly.

"Of course I love you, my little sister, you know that" he replied, however, without hesitation.

Ariana seems to think for a moment, as if she were trying to piece together a particularly difficult puzzle.

"So, you don't like my eyes?" she asked unsure.

Albus frowned without understanding exactly what she meant.

"You have beautiful eyes, Ariana, they're like Aberforth's and mine."

She let out a frustrated sigh as she wrinkled her nose.

"But then why... Ab said you never look me in the eye because mother is dead, but you said you still love me."

This time Albus was unable to respond immediately with spontaneity, in the end he said: "You can love and not look a person in the eye, love comes from the heart and the heart is blind."

If only he had known then how true that sentence was.

The Dumbledores left the house in silence. The two brothers knew that their sister cared as much about the evening as about the two of them getting along.

As they approached they were enveloped in a pleasant smell of bonfire, flowers, food, wine and laughter. And then the sound of a guitar. It vibrated as clear and warm as the summer night.

Gellert was sitting on a large stone near the bonfire. The flames were reflected in his clear eye and caressed his face with their golden light. He played and the others listened.

Where Oh where have you been my love?

Where Oh where can you be?

It's been so long, since the moon has gone.

Oh what a wreck you've made me.

Are you there over the ocean?

Are you there, up in the sky?

Until the return of my love

This lullaby

My Hope is on the horizon

Every face, it's your eyes i can see

I plead, i pray through each night and day

Our Embrace is only a dream.

As sure as days come from moments

Each hour becomes a life's time

When she'd left, I'd only begun this lullaby

He met his gaze and smiled and Albus told himself he wanted to look into those eyes for eternity.

His heart sang with the words of the song, but then Gellert concluded with the last chord and the little applause that erupted seemed unpleasantly loud to his ears.

The silence of the music was soon replaced by the hum of voices and the crackling of the fire. Albus, however, had not yet taken his eyes off his friend.

He came towards them and stood before Aberforth, his expression evaluating him, as if he were deciding whether to shake his hand or not; he decided not to.

"Nice to meet you, I am ..." he said, but the younger of the Dumbledore brothers cut him off.

"Gellert Grindelwald, I know. My brother hardly talks about anything else" he spoke flatly, but without particular politeness.

The young German wizard shifted his gaze for a moment towards Albus, barely hinting at a smile, then turned back to his brother.

"Yes, that's my name, Aberforth. Al told me quite a lot about you and your fiery spirit" he replied, his face still enigmatic.

If Albus' brother seemed nervous, Ariana was instead attracted to the stranger like a moth to the light. She spent most of her time in her house, surrounded by the same people, so anything that seemed even vaguely exotic to her immediately caught her attention.

She handed Gellert a wreath of flowers.

"I'm Ariana" she said.

Grindelwald scrutinised her carefully, accepting her gift.

"Oh, of course. How nice to meet you, Ariana, and thanks for this beautiful wreath."

The young Dumbledore girl laughed in delight. Aberforth put a hand on her shoulder, gently pushing her past Gellert.

"Come on, little sister, let's go and see Bathilda."

Then he turned to his older brother.

"Have a great evening, Al" he said with a sarcastic half smile.

Albus and Gellert were left alone, wrapped in the coloured shadows of the bonfire.

"I didn't know you played the guitar, your voice is beautiful" said the auburn-haired simply, but then his friend raised an eyebrow and he remembered a detail.

"Ah. Actually, I saw the sheet music in your room in the attic. I knew you played, but not what instrument" he corrected himself.

Gellert's smile widened and then he showed him his slender hands.

"I'm much more efficient as a pianist, long fingers, you see, but knowing a few chords on the guitar is often more practical than carrying an entire piano around" he explained.

Albus was about to reply with something, but at that moment a clearly not so sober young woman approached and offered them bottles of apple cider on a rudimentary tray.

"Something to drink, you handsome boys?" she laughed boldly. Dubledore blushed, the other smiled. She left two bottles in their hands and disappeared with a gleeful giggle. Gellert took a sip of cider and frowned in amusement: "How does anyone get drunk on this, it tastes like apple juice."

Albus laughed heartily.

"Well it's certainly nothing compared to German beers, but we're in Godric's Hollow, in a small remote village in England, so you'll have to settle for it."

"Hmm" murmured the blond and invited his friend to sit on the grass next to him. He looked at him from head to toe and Albus gave him a questioning look, then smoothed his vest and ran a hand through his hair with a smile that was half embarrassed and half amused.

"Oh, it's my father's old vest. You can tell it's not mine, but I didn’t want to leave it to the moths. So ..." he explained and regretted the vanity dictated choice a little.

"No, I agree with the young cider-lady: you look handsome and your hair looks good a little longer like this" Gellert said instead, silencing him and suddenly warming his heart.

He would have liked to return the compliment, but he feared that the festive atmosphere had made him too lightheaded and that if he spoke, all the thoughts that had recently been beautifully nourished by his heart would flow from his lips. If he had spoken he would have told Gellert that he was shining like the moon. If he had spoken he would have told him that when he lay on the Persian carpet in the attic, with one elbow propped under his head, talking about their amazing discoveries, he looked like Apollo of ancient Greece. Gellert probably would have liked more to be compared to a Norse god. In any case, Albus said none of this, his flushed face hidden by the dancing of the flames.

He then moved his gaze, followed by Grindelwald, towards Bathilda who made Ariana pirouette holding her hand, while his brother closely monitored the situation.

"He doesn't like me," Gellert said, but he didn't seem to mind it.

"He's worried," Albus admitted with a sigh.

"He's jealous" the blond put the simple truth into words.

Dumbledore returned to sit next to him after retrieving a bottle of elf-made wine from an abandoned wooden box.

"At Hogwarts he was always competing with me, for no reason, really. Aberforth is not stupid at all, he has his strengths, but rather than concentrating on them, he feels the need to compare himself with me all the time" he said and by doing so he realized how much it bothered him.

Gellert stole the bottle from his hands and took a sip which he accompanied with an "ah much better".

"Well, he is even younger than us and has a fiery temperament. We will change the world and he will find his place in it."

Albus nodded: "Yes, he will feel better in a better world. And I hope the same thing can also be true for my sister."

The blond was silent for a while, thinking.

"Ariana. She's an obscurial" he spoke then.

Albus turned abruptly towards him and out of pure instinct pressed a hand to his mouth.

"Gellert!"

He didn't know if he was more surprised that the young German wizard understood the nature of his sister’s condition after just one glance or about the fact that he dared to talk about it so loudly.

The blonde fell silent and Albus's hand slid along his lips and chin until it fell to the ground, he was out of breath for some reason.

"She shouldn't have to hide, she is a victim of a terrible injustice" Gellert spoke, his voice serious, but not offended.

The young English wizard's head was spinning, he was beginning to feel the effects of the wine.

"We will rebuild the world and then my sister will be free, maybe she will be cured, but until then no one can know" he murmured.

His friend stood up and held out his hand.

"If you don't find joy at a feast, you have to go look for it somewhere else" he said.

"Let's go, Al."

Albus took his hand, his touch was hot and when he let go of it the fresh air tickled his fingers. So they walked into the night in search of joy.

They looked for it on the bridge over the small river that flowed merrily in the darkness and under the starlit sky.

They sat on the stone ledge and let their feet dangle, passing the bottle of wine.

"Like this" Albus said, letting his thoughts capture the feeling of that moment.

"This is how it has to feel. I want the world to be beautiful, perfect, as it is right now. Everything is free and yet in its place: the stars and the moon in the sky, the river in its bed, the darkness in the night and us here with the mind full of thoughts that will make all the difference" he put into words the harmony of what he felt.

Gellert silently nodded at his side, then pointed his wand at the crystal clear water below them and the river lit up with thin strands of blue.

"What do you think it is?" he asked him.

Albus thought about it for a moment, then smiled and simply replied: "It's magic."

The other returned his smile, the way they shared thoughts was wonderful.

"Exactly" he said.

"And look at how it flows, free, without barriers, without constraints: like a river."

He moved his wand almost imperceptibly, the water turned as black as the night and Gellert got off the stone ledge and took a few steps on the bridge.

"But..."

Dumbledore turned towards him and followed him with hasty steps because he had understood what the young German wizard meant and the reflection was so fine, like a  silver thread that had just pierced the night. He stopped in front of him, their eyes chained.

"But it's an illusion" he said.

Gellert took another step towards him, it was as if their minds were physically brushing.

"It is" he breathed.

"Because magic is not free. It is hidden, crushed, by this society that does not even know about our existence, which suffocates us, according to which only Muggles have the right to live without care. Carelessness has ever been the source of all injustices of this world, but we care, we want to change things and together we will create something better, something great."

Albus looked at that wonderful mind, that wonderful person, that wonderful vision in front of him and found only one suitable thing to say.

"Beautiful."

For everything else there were no words, but he still wanted to talk, he wanted to tell Gellert everything he made him feel. He leaned towards him, but when their lips were about to touch his courage, his noble Gryffindor soul faltered, unsure.

But a proud son of Durmstrang never backed down.

Gellert kissed him.

All thoughts dissolved in the night air, in Albus's mind there were only the lips of the other young wizard that captured his. Their kisses tasted of the sweet elf-made wine, of summer, of magic and of freedom.

For a few moments there was only silence, but then Dumbledore heard the water of the stream which reminded him in a whisper that he was not dreaming and so he took a step back, incredulous and out of breath.

Gellert watched him, his chest rising and falling as fast as his. His eyes were the night sky and a star.

He couldn't do otherwise, Albus kissed him again and when he placed his lips on his he clearly perceived Gellert's smile. And he too smiled in joy.

[3-frogs-in-a-trenchcoat]

dragons: the nine realms just make me feel so incredibly empty

you’re telling me all of hiccup and toothless adventures, conflicts that were so devastating at the time, were voided, what’s left of them turned to legend and myth? the mourning of a friendship that could’ve otherwise changed history, lost to time? That his dream that dragons and humans could live together was never fulfilled and can never come true because of modern human’s refusal to accept differences? that despite his efforts, 1000 years later dragons will still be hunted to extinction if found? He and his friends were forgotten and all that is left is a viking helmet owned by a kid that may or may not be his descendant who just happened to befriend a night light dragon, unknowing of those who came before him with the same mission? The fact that timeless struggles of acceptance, tolerance and finding your own path that were once so relevant to the shaping of a new way of life cannot apply to the present in the same way with the same effect is just so crushing.

Nah I literally can’t handle this