#Church of the Defence Forces

[shehurtslikehell]

for some reason, pro-israel posts have been popping up on my dash so let me give some of y'all an insider perspective.

have travelled to gaza with my mother, it was not easy getting in, the israeli state restricts citizen access to hide the constant atrocities they commit there. i was continuously hassled, i took off my hijab to make entry easier and still it took three days to gain entrance. when i entered i found the city of gaza in complete and utter apartheid.

we stayed with family friends. there were constant roadblocks and security checks which no one was allowed through, one of which was outside a old man's house, forcing him to travel 10 kilometres to access the main part of town. the military presence was constant and terrifying, looking at a soldier the wrong way would cause a confrontation, one you weren't likely to come out of peacefully.

worst of all, i stood in a market place. it was me, my mother and our family friend. we wanted to try the Kibbeh at a stall and all of a sudden, the israeli military rushed the place. we cowered, we prayed, we ran. a bullet hit the wall mere inches from my head. eventually, we found shelter in the dilapidated room of a house bulldozed by the israeli government.

i will never forget this experience, it has caused me more pain and trauma than anyone will ever know and this is why the misinformation and narratives the west keep pushing vex me incredibly.

i don't like telling this story, i don't like reliving this, i don't like potentially demonising and blaming jewish people, many of whom i know do not support the occupation of palestine.

but it needs to be said: israel is a terrorist state and always has been.

forced sterilisations, rape, murder, abduction and these are only a few of the war crimes they have committed.

my heart will forever belong to palestine, to the palestinians, to al-aqsa and the dome of the rock and the olive trees and the churches.

please stand with palestine, this is not terrorism nor is it unwarranted. this is defence and an attempt at decolonisation.

from the river to the sea.

#palestine #israel #is not real

[women-throughout-history]

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

Born in 1648, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz demonstrated a remarkable aptitude from a young age, displaying an insatiable curiosity for learning. By the age of fifteen, Sor Juana had already distinguished herself as a prodigy, captivating the court with her profound understanding of diverse subjects ranging from physics to philosophy, theology, and mathematics. Her family’s influential status gave her the position of lady-in-waiting at the colonial viceroy’s court.

Despite societal expectations for women of her time to pursue marriage along with numerous proposals, Sor Juana opted for a different path, choosing instead to dedicate herself to a life of religious contemplation and intellectual pursuit. In 1667, she entered the Carmelite convent, seeking a space where she could explore her passion for learning freely. However, it was not until she joined the Jeronymite order in 1669 that Sor Juana found the intellectual freedom she craved. Within the confines of the convent, she was able to host intellectual gatherings and engage in scholarly pursuits without constraint.

Sor Juana's commitment to learning did not go unnoticed, and she soon found herself entangled in ministerial debate and discussions. In 1690, she became involved in a dispute between bishops, defending her right as a woman writer to engage in intellectual discourse through her famous work "The Answer." Despite her eloquent defence, the Church, influenced by patriarchal norms of the time, ultimately forced Sor Juana to relinquish her literary pursuits and renounce her extensive library. Her decision to sell her cherished books and instruments and sign a document in her own blood, writing "Yo, la Peor de Todas" ("I, the worst of all women"), which stands as a poignant symbol of her defiance in the face of censorship and oppression.

Even in the midst of adversity, Sor Juana remained committed to her principles and to serving others. During an epidemic, she cared for the sick and infirm, demonstrating compassion and selflessness until her own health deteriorated. Sor Juana's legacy as "The Nun of Mexico" and "The Tenth Muse" endures through her extensive body of work, which encompasses classical drama, comedy, satirical poetry, and sacred and profane verse. Her writings continue to inspire generations of scholars, artists, and feminists, embodying the enduring power of intellect, courage, and resilience in the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

https://public.websites.umich.edu/~dfrye/SORJUANA.html https://www.philamuseum.org/collection/object/39031

#sor juana inés de la cruz #sor juana #mexico #spanish golden age #women in history #colonialism #history #jeronymite #sor juana ines de la cruz

[scotianostra]

31st March 1652 saw the Honours of Scotland saved from Cromwell's forces at Dunnottar Castle.

In 1651, during Cromwell’s occupation of Scotland after his victory at Dunbar in 1650, our crown jewels The Honours of Scotland were spirited from there and used at the coronation at Scone of Charles II as King of Scots. From there they were taken for safekeeping to Dunnottar Castle. It was on March 31st when Cromwell’s troops laid siege to the castle this story happened.

The Honours of Scotland were made up of the crown, the sceptre, and the sword of state. The gold crown, decorated with gems and pearls, was made from Scottish gold, and the sceptre was a gift from Pope Alexander VI to James IV, while the sword was also a papal gift to James IV, presented by Pope Julius II. The regalia were used for the coronation of Scottish monarchs from Mary Queen of Scots in 1543 until Charles II in 1651.

The story began in 1651, following the crowning of Charles II at Scone, in Perthshire. 38 kings of Scots had been inaugurated and crowned at Scone, on top of Moot Hill, but Charles II was to be the last. Oliver Cromwell’s army by this time were marching through the Lothians, near Edinburgh, and were intent on capturing the crown jewels and destroying them, just as they had done to the English crown jewels.

The Honours and some Royal papers were brought to Dunnottar Castle for safe keeping by Katherine Drummond, hidden in sacks of wool. Sir George Ogilvie of Barras was appointed lieutenant-governor of the castle, and given responsibility for its defence. By November 1651, they were being besieged by Cromwell’s army and it was obvious to the small garrison that the castle would be captured sooner or later.

Elizabeth Douglas, wife of Sir George Ogilvie, and Christian Fletcher, wife of James Granger, minister of Kinneff Parish Church hatched a plan that saved the royal regalia. Firstly, the king's papers were removed from the castle by Anne Lindsay, a kinswoman of Elizabeth Douglas, who walked through the besieging force with the papers sewn into her clothes. Then over the course of three visits to the castle, Christian Fletcher carried away the crown, sceptre, sword and sword-case hidden amongst sacks of goods. Fletcher and her husband then buried them under the floor of Kinneff Parish Church.

For eight years the Honours were kept at the church in secret, with Cromwell scouring the country and believing the rumours that the jewels may have been smuggled abroad. Once every three months the Regalia were dug up at night to be aired before a fire and preserved from damp and injury. Wrapped in fresh cloths, they were buried again.

At last, during the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, the honours were removed from Kinneff Church and returned to the king. Christian Fletcher was awarded 2,000 merks by Parliament as a reward for saving the Honours. Parliament noted that the award was “because she was most active in conveying the royal honours…out of the castle…and that by her care the same was hid and preserved.” However, the sum was never paid!

#scotland #scottish #history #crown jewels #honours of scotland

[gaslightgatekeepgirlbosscombat]

Group G, Round 2, Poll 1:

Propaganda under the cut

Lila Pitts

She borrowed her best friends ten year old and travelled 30 years into the future to when her ex boyfriend lived and (with the ten year old being in on it) pretended that the kid was hers with the ex boyfriend and made him look after him. She did this instead of telling the ex boyfriend that she was pregnant. I need to stress that it had been like a couple of months since she saw the guy and she showed up and was like oh yeah it’s been ten years and this is your son time to step up deadbeat. The kid wasn’t even the same ethnicity as either of them. He fell for it???

Edelgard von Hrelsveg

1) She started a war against the church, lied to her classmates, and wields a giant axe 2) War Crimes :)

1. Starting the war (planning, preparation, or waging a war of aggression) 2. Invading the Alliance (the deliberate attacks on property of neutral states) 3. The imprisonment of Rhea (the mistreatment of prisoners of war) 4. The imprisonment of Rhea (the taking of hostages) 5. Forced conscription or death (the mistreatment of civilians, civilian labourers forced to support war effort/slave labor) 6. Turning people into crest beasts (biological warfare experiments on humans) 7. Using crest beasts (the use of chemical and biological weapons in warfare) 8. Wanting the Nabateans dead (genocide) 9. Keeping the citizens in Enbarr during a battle (the use of human shields) 10. Petra is a political hostage and possible enemy (Compelling a prisoner of war or other protected person to serve in the forces of a hostile Power) 11. Attacking the monastery (intentionally launching an attack in the knowledge that such attack will cause incidental loss of life or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects) 12. Attacking the monastery (intentionally directing attacks against buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science, for charitable purposes, historic monuments, or hospitals) 13. Gathering soldiers disguised as merchants and pilgrims at the monastery for infiltration (the feigning, before an attack, of non-combatant status) 14. The stealing and using of crest stones (the abuse of corpse) 15. The killing of Claude (killing an enemy who, having laid down arms, or having no longer means of defence, has surrendered at discretion)"

Literally a girlboss (emperor) building her empire (conquering the continent)

"Gaslight: when confronted by Dimitri about her working with the people that caused a genocide said “I had nothing to do with that.” and “Why bother with this? Stay silent and fight.” Gatekeep: when battling Claude she said “But without sufficient knowledge of this land's suffering, I can't entrust Fódlan to you!” (Which is funny because Claude gets to be the only lord that learns the true history of Fodlan) Girboss: starts a war of conquest so that she can rule over the entire continent "

#round 2 #group g #edgelgard #fire emblem three houses #fe16 #fe3h #Fire Emblem #Lila Pitts #The Umbrella Academy

[ahaura]

Hamas rockets caused the hospital explosion

I looked at the article that you screenshotted from Al Jazeera, published on Oct. 19, stated the following:

Based on a detailed review of all videos, Sanad’s analysts conclude that the flash Israel attributed to a misfire was in fact consistent with Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system intercepting a missile fired from the Gaza Strip and destroying it in mid-air.

However, that is not the only or most recent information that has come out since then.

Today, Oct. 20: Forensic Architecture, has posted the following:

Preliminary analysis by FA, @alhaq_org & @earshot_ngo into the #AlAhli hospital blast in Gaza casts significant doubt on IOF claims that the source of the deadly explosion was a Palestinian-fired rocket travelling west to east.

In their thread, they state that "the fragmentation patterns may indicate the projectile came from the northeast—the direction of the Israeli-controlled side of the Gaza perimeter—and not from the west, as claimed by the IOF." They provide further evidence to support this claim.

I will echo what others have said: even *if* the IOF is not responsible for this particular missile, it does not change the situation on the ground. The genocide is still ongoing.

reliefweb has reported that as of Oct. 19, at least 4,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 15,000 have been wounded. Over 1,000 of those killed were children.

The Israeli State has still cut off water, food, electricity, fuel, and aid from Gaza, leaving them to starve and dehydrate to death. "Without electricity and fuel, clean water cannot be pumped into Gaza."

The IOF has a long history of targeting and murdering civilians, and lying about it. (See the assassination of Shireen Abu Akleh, the bombing of the Al-Katibah building, the March for Return, to name a few).

Other times the IOF has lied about bombing hospitals: - Israel Bombs Gaza’s Only Rehab Hospital: Staff Forced to Evacuate Paralyzed Patients After Shelling (2014) - Attacks on medical facilities and civilians add to war crime allegations (2014) - Israel used fabricated images to justify bombing al-Wafa hospital (2014)

WHO reported on Oct. 12 "documented 34 attacks on health care in Gaza since last Saturday that have resulted in the death of 11 health workers on duty, 16 injuries, and damages to 19 health facilities and 20 ambulances."

Oct. 13: Israeli air raids murdered at least 70 Palestinians attempting to flee North Gaza.

Oct. 19: UN experts call for the prevention of genocide. They go on to say that an UNRWA school located in Al Maghazi refugee camp that sheltered some 4000 displaced people was also targeted on the same day.

Oct. 16: Raz Segal, Israeli historian and genocide scholar, said "this is a textbook case of genocide."

As of Oct. 14, in the West Bank over 50 Palestinians have been murdered and 1,100 wounded by settlers and the Israeli army. Today, Oct. 20, the Times of Israel reports published 'IDF, settlers allegedly bind, strip, beat, burn, urinate on 3 Palestinians in W. Bank ' Today, Oct. 20, the number of Palestinians murdered in the West Bank is reported to have gone up to at least 81. (+ NYT also reports that more than 70 Palestinians have been killed)

Oct. 20 report: "the Church of Saint Porphyrius was hit in the late hours of Thursday by an Israeli air strike, leaving at least 16 dead and dozens injured at the compound of the Greek Orthodox church. Many Gaza residents had taken refuge in the compound as the war raged in the enclave."

#palestine #geopol #📁.zip

[limbobilbo]

The Gods and Religion in The Lands of Night

So I get really obsessed with fictional religions and put a lot of thought into the religion for my fantasy world, the lands of night. I’ve posted about it before but for a refresher: the sun went dark about 200 years ago and everything is kind of shit.

So without further ado, heres the religions and gods

The God Sons:

The God Sons is a traditional fantasy polytheistic faith. Their theology begins thousands of years ago when the parts of One God (who’s name is the symbol above which is unpronounceable so its called One God) awoke to sentience, becoming the 12 God Sons and in the process killing One God. God Sons worship in temples and have a large cannon of myths.

Javen, The King, first son, lord of order: Javen was (supposedly) the first of the Aspects of One God to realise his own sentience. He takes the role of a celestial king (not to be confused with the Golden King who is a completely different God). Javen is worshipped to maintain order and balance in the universe. He is worshipped by the Church of Alaric. Priests of Javen are all male and are expected to grow full beards.

Lance, The Thunder maker, sky shaker, cloud born: Lance is often depicted as a figure hidden inside the clouds, of sometimes as the sky itself. Lance is one of the lesser worshipped gods. He’s often seen as a representative of natural forces good and bad. Lance is not worshipped by the Church of Alaric. Priests of Lance, sometimes called cloudbearers, are known for their loud displays of worship frequently ringing huge bells and performing loud public hymns. As a result of this temples to Lance are not often placed in cities.

Sulgan, the eternal mother, the lady of life: Sulgan is often shown as Javen’s wife and/or sister it depends on the church. She is a preserver who is prayed to for goodness in life. (She was also the actual first aspect to be aware but that not spoken about). Sulgan is worshipped by the church of Alaric and is seen as Alaric’s spiritual mother. Sulgan’s Priests are both male and female however male priests are explicitly seen as less close to Sulgan, instead leading public prayer as well as performing labour and scribing work in temples of Sulgan.

Adwe, the stalwart, the knight of the gods, the armoured: Adwe is often depicted as an armoured figure wielding a large sword and a smaller dagger. Adwe is viewed as both a god of war but also a general symbol of defence and protection. He is one of the two God Sons associated with childbirth (the other being Sulgan). Priests of Sulgan are female, due to a story where Sulgan hands his dagger to the daughter of a king seeing her potential as a warrior, and are expected to carry a pair of bronze swords and a dagger. The dagger is never meant to be taken off unless it is needed to fight, however it must not leave the priest’s hand. Worshipped by the church of Alaric

Marthem, the martyred sky, the twice dead: Marthem is often depicted as a tall man with black hair, his arms spread out on a horizontal pole (similar to an image of a crucification). Marthem is referred to as ‘twice dead’ due to his first death at the hands of Lance creating the sky itself. His second death was the darkening which is where the idea of him being ‘martyred’. Marthem is not worshipped directly, he instead is often combined in worship with other God Sons (usually Lance) however in these instances of combined worship Marthem usually appears in different aspects. Worshipped by the church of alaric

Osgrey, the many faced, the schemer, thousand voices: Osgrey is often depicted as a figure in a cape and hood with an obscured face. Osgrey is depicted as a trickster god who has a thousand different identities. Osgrey is less publicly worshipped due to their lack of direct influence (except maybe knowledge and trickery). However priests of Osgrey do exist. Colloquially called faceless, priests of Osgrey are raised from young ages as a type of third gender and as adults wear grey face masks and large flowing cloaks. Faceless usually refer to themselves using ‘we’ and other faceless as a plural ‘they’.

Maela, the wise, the joybringer, the patient: Maela is often depicted as a tall woman wielding a baton. Maela is a goddess of plenty as well as craftsmanship, often being depicted as carrying crops. Maela does not tend to have temples or priests however she is one of the most commonly worshipped god sons by regular people as she is associated with manual labour and a lot of work.

Ael and Rel, the giver and taker, the child of life and the lady of death, plenty and few: Ael and Rel are depicted as siblings, with Ael (the brother) being depicted as far physically younger than Rel (the sister). Ael is often depicted a young child with long hair wearing a flowing toga like robe riding on the back or shoulders of his sister Rel, a long haired girl in a leather tunic. Ael and Rel are seen as representations of plenty and few. Despite the negative connotations of the things Rel represents, she is seen as a positive figure as God Sons followers recognise the importance of death in the cycle of life and maintaining of balance. Priests of Ael and Rel fit the gender of their respective God Son, however due to Ael’s depiction as an eternal youth, young men who become priests to him are ritually castrated.

Lemea, the worship taker, the priestess of priests: Lemea is often depicted as a woman dressed the outfit of a priest, with the symbol of One God. Lemea is kind of hard to understand, as she is a god of worship. In God Sons theology, Lemea is responsible for relaying the worship of mortals to the God Sons. As such she is also seen as a messenger god, and is sometimes seen with a courier’s pack. Traditionally an ordained priest of Lemea is meant to inhabit all temples to the other God Sons in order to assist Lemea is the manifestation and delivery of worship.

The Ile (pronounced like eel), the singer of life, the will of the universe: The Ile is not a God Son in a traditional sense, it is seen as an unknowable force that permeates through all life. The Ile is seen by many God Sons worshippers as manifesting physically in the force of the five flames. The church of Alaric do not see the Ile as a God, instead seeing as a seperate force.

A note on the church of alaric:

The church of Alaric is the largest religion in the main region of the lands of night. They were founded soon after the darkening when the squire of the templar Alaric the Sun Lance declared that Alaric was a saviour sent by the God Sons.

The Alaricians (which is the term for the followers rather than the church) believe in a modified version of God Sons theology. This has caused conflict between the two groups.

The Old Spirits: I cant really go into great detail because the old spirits is an umbrella term for basically any god that is not a part of the major religions. One can not say that the nature loving druidic worshippers of The Deer Emperor are followers of the same religion as the human sacrificing violent followers of Mother and Father Wolf.

The Golden King:

The Golden King is the religion of the cities of the Mercantile confederation. The Golden King is seen as a godly personification of riches and plenty. In cities where his worship is common there is usually a statue to him, these statues are often placed publicly and are the focus of the loud public worship of The Golden King. The Golden King is depicted as a crowned smiling man wearing a long flowing cloak. In his right hand he is always depicted as holding a long axe. The two main things that differ in each depiction are his age (ranging from a young boy to an elderly man but most commonly a jolly fat bearded man) and what he holds in his left hand, which is usually a symbol of plenty in the local area, such as fish, wheat or livestock.

Worship of the Golden King usually involves lots of public performance, feasting, music and displays or worship with most public worship taking place on set feast days. Outside of these days worship often takes place in front of or around a statue of the Golden King.

God Killer Serpent:

The God Killer Serpent is a weird enigma. Its a being worshipped mainly on the foot hills of the spine and some speculate it originates from beyond the mountains. Worshippers of the serpent claim it exists beneath everything and will consume all when the world ends. Much of their worship is very private and worshippers do not often state their beliefs publicly.

The Underweld religion:

Ok so breaking the formal description here. The underweld are a race of subterranean rat people and their religion is too funny to not talk about. The underweld believe that everything and all races on earth were created by a God called MotherFather. MotherFather is destined to destroy everything however they will save whatever race dominates the earth when it is time for it to end. As such the underweld believe all races to be involved in an endless world spanning battle royale called the struggle.

They further believe that dying in service of the struggle frees your soul from your prison of a body and allows you to go to The Great Haven, basically super valhalla. As such Underweld are not afraid to die in battle and will willingly sacrifice themselves for the sake of the struggle. Even an Alarician First Squire would run if they heard 50 voices calling “for the great haven, today we die!” In unison.

Yes I will answer questions

#196 #196 campfire #worldbuilding #world building #fantasy world building #fantasy religion #fantasy worldbuilding #religion crafting #creative writing #writing #long post #lands of night #limbobilbo worldbuilding

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

The Princess of Wales' Year in Review: September

September 2nd - It was confirmed The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would be writing a foreword for a new GCHQ puzzle book September 3rd - Catherine was seen driving around Windsor, where the family recently moved September 7th - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined their children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - for a 'settling in' day at their new school, Lambrook School September 8th - Catherine was seen driving in Windsor, shortly after it was announced HM The Queen had fallen ill and members of the Royal Family, including The Duke of Cambridge, would be travelling to Balmoral to be with her. At 3:10pm, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Spetember 9th - Catherine was once again seen driving in the Windsor area. During a speech from King Charles III that evening, William and Catherine became the new Prince and Princess of Wales September 10th - The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, undertook a walkabout outside of Windsor Castle to meet with members of the public who had gathered to pay their respects to the late Queen September 13th - The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen arriving at Buckingham Palace, where they joined other members of the royal family to meet the Queen's coffin on its return 'home' September 14th - The Prince and Princess of Wales joined other members of the royal family at Westminster Hall, where the Queen's coffin was received to begin lying-in-state. The attending family members remained at Westminster Hall for a service for the Reception of the Coffin conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Westminster September 15th - The Prince and Princess of Wales undertook a walkabout in Sandringham to meet with members of the public who had gathered to pay their respects to the late Queen September 16th - The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Army Training Centre Pirbright to meet Defence Force personnel from Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who were participating in the events surrounding Operation London Bridge September 17th - The Prince and Princess of Wales attended a luncheon given by the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace for Governors-General September 18th - The Princess of Wales received Olena Zelenska, the wife of the President of Ukraine. Later, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended a reception given by the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace for Heads of State and Official Overseas Guests September 19th - The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined members of the royal family, foreign royals, Heads of State, official overseas guests and other family and friends attended the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey. The family and gathered guests then travelled to Windsor for the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II, which took place in St George’s Chapel September 22nd - The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Windsor Guildhall to meet personnel involved in the arrangements for the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II September 27th - The Prince and Princess of Wales made their first visit to Wales since becoming the Prince and Princess. They first visited the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which was the site of their first ever joint visit as an engaged couple and a return to the place where they first lived as husband and wife. Afterwards, the couple met local residents at Holyhead Marina Café and Bar. Finally, the Prince and Princess visited St Thomas Church, in Swansea September 28th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, received Amanda Berry September 29th - The Princess of Wales received Commander Philip Burgess and members of the crew of HMS GLASGOW at Windsor Castle. She later, in her role as Patron of the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, held an Early Years Meeting

#mine #royaltyedit #kate #yearreview #louisfirstday #london bridge has fallen down #windsor walkabout #bp22 #westminster22 #sandringham walkabout #pirbright #gg22 #zelenska22 #heads of state 22 #lilibet's funeral #windsor22 #wales22 2 #anglesey22 #marina22 #st thomas 22 #amanda berry 22 #hms glasgow reception #ey meeting 22 7

[disco-elysium-via-polls]

3. Charging rent just to live somewhere *is* pretty outrageous.

+1 Communism

LA FUMÉE, VOL 1. NO. 4 - The writer G. Martin remarks dryly that 'capitalists *love* wealth redistribution, so long as it's only redistributed *upward*'...

You flip back to the front of the magazine. The table of contents unfolds before you.

5. [Put the magazine away.]

Since we've leveled up Conceptualization, I head back to the wall, but we've lost our bonus from the evening light. No point trying this now.

The bookstore is also closed by now. Only one place left to go tonight.

🎵 Whirling in Rags, 12 PM

Looks like Lena and the Hardie boys are already gone.

It's a bowl. There's spit in it, reeking of tobacco.

Photos of men in overalls, toting guns and Union placards.

You see hawthorn bushes outside. Hmm...

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Can I help you?" He arches an eyebrow.

"About my bill for tonight..."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Got the 20 reál?"

"Yeah, 20 reál for the night."

"Not yet..."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Good. You got the room for the night, but remember -- you'll need *another* 20 reál tomorrow."

-20.00 reál

Task complete: Find money for rent and pay Garte

+10 XP

EMPATHY [Challenging: Success] - Take it easy on him. Deep down he really hates being the guy who has to remind you.

4. "Good bye." [Leave.]

Goracy Kubek is also gone from the kitchen. No looking into the shady brew.

Alright. Time to see if we can get those boots. First we need to get rid of Kim, so we'll pretend to turn in for tonight.

"See you in the morning."

"Bye."

There is some more stuff to look at in our room first, however. Perception shows us we can pick up this Empty Cassette Case.

EMPTY CASSETTE CASE

There used to be a tape in this case, but it was destroyed in a fit of rage. Something about the Etenniers' single Smallest Church in Saint-Saëns must have rubbed someone the wrong way. The label says the song was recorded in '43.

Words fail to describe how rank it smells in here. They should have sent a poet.

MIRROR - A mirror hangs on the bathroom wall. In it -- your face, adorned with *The Expression*.

2. [Electrochemistry - Impossible 18] Attempt to stop *The Expression* from happening.

This time I remember to put on my cool jeans and gloves before trying an Electrochemistry check.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY [Impossible: Failure] - Still not happening. It won't come off that easy.

4. [Let the mirror be for now.]

Let's make our way back to the body.

THE HANGED MAN - The man is decomposing visibly now. Every hour he looks less like a creature and more like a pile of intestines...

2. Try to remove the dead man's boots again.

THE HANGED MAN - The body is reluctant to let go of the boots -- as though they were its last bit of dignity.

CUNO - "Whoah. Cuno's little *sneak-pig's* back for the booty... "

CUNOESSE - "Yeah, fuck it to pieces for us. Liar cop!"

Pull on the right boot.

Pull on the left boot.

THE HANGED MAN - It's not completely useless. You're able to reveal a little more of the putrid polymer sock beneath the boot.

2. Pull on the left boot.

THE HANGED MAN - It feels like the leg is going to come off along with the boot, but you are able to get the boot to move a centimetre or two.

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - See? The corpse doesn't care if you try to take his boots. He doesn't need them. He's probably *glad* to get rid of them.

Pick up the body and try to shake the boots off.

Step on the corpse as you pull on the boots.

Try to twist the boots off one by one.

THE HANGED MAN - It's heavier than you'd think. You're forced to drop it back down immediately. The corpse lands on the ground with a nauseating thud, looking even sadder than before.

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT [Formidable: Failure] - Damn, you're out of shape... In your defence, the corpse *was* quite slippery.

2. Step on the corpse as you pull on the boots.

THE HANGED MAN - Something cracks in the left leg -- it really is about to come off. The leg, I mean. Not the boot.

VISUAL CALCULUS [Medium: Success] - You may want to slow down. Don't tear into it like that.

3. Try to twist the boots off one by one.

THE HANGED MAN - This is the right method. It takes some time, but eventually the boots come off -- with nasty slices of polymer sock stuck to even bigger pieces of skin and rotting flesh.

Item gained: Fairweather T-500 Boots with Rotting Flesh

CUNOESSE - "Look -- he's skinning the fucker up good. *Puukko* style."

CUNO - "Hell. Keep at it, pig!"

Take stock of the damage.

THE HANGED MAN - The legs look like they've been clawed at by wild animals. As for the boots -- you can't possibly do anything with them until you have cleaned and *disinfected* them thoroughly.

PERCEPTION (SMELL) [Trivial: Success] - Yes. These absolutely need to be washed before. The stink is incredible.

2. [Leave.]

FAIRWEATHER T-500 BOOTS WITH ROTTING FLESH

Don't smell these boots. Better yet, don't even *think* about them – unless it's to think about how you're going to get them clean, that is. For now, they're unsellable, unwearable, and just downright disgusting.

We can, unfortunately, interact with these.

BOOTS WITH ROTTING FLESH - These boots were probably left on the corpse because they were impossible to pull off while it was hanging. They're not exactly pleasant to look at right now, much less smell.

Look the boots over carefully.

Look at the soles of the boots.

Look inside the boots.

[Put the boots away.]

BOOTS WITH ROTTING FLESH - Graceful whorls cover the boots' glossy surface. These will be gorgeous once you get them clean.

2. Look at the soles of the boots.

BOOTS WITH ROTTING FLESH - "Fairweather T-500 / VE" is imprinted under each heel.

3. Look inside the boots.

BOOTS WITH ROTTING FLESH - Still just pieces of sock and rotting cadaver.

4. [Put the boots away.]

We need to find a kitchen to clean these in. I can only think of one... I'm sure Garte won't mind.

INDUSTRIAL STOVE - This industrial gas-powered stove has been used to prepare food for many hungry hostel guests. There are several pots and pans on hand.

SAVOIR FAIRE [Easy: Success] - Getting the corpse residue out of these boots is going to require patience. And also a huge pot full of boiling water, soap, and white vinegar.

Check out the cookware.

Check out the cleaning supplies.

Master chef out. [Leave.]

INDUSTRIAL STOVE - A commercial pot draws your attention. It's very large. Gigantic, even. It could be used to make enough stew to feed an entire city. And also to boil a putrid pair of death-boots.

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Medium: Success] - Far away, in the darkness of a makeshift morgue behind Station 41's lazareth, Dr. Nix Gottlieb cuts into the cold, dead feet of a murder victim. The veins are oddly black, he suspects a neurotoxin...

2. Check out the cleaning supplies.

INDUSTRIAL STOVE - There is a variety of soaps and bleaches in the cabinet to the left of the stove. There is also a bottle of white vinegar in the cabinet next to the fridge.

#disco elysium #gaston martin #garte the cafeteria manager #cuno #cunoesse #nix gottlieb

[dnickels]

Religion and madness developed parallel responses to the psychic stresses of modernity. Churches metabolised the technological innovation of capitalist society, turning railroads and telegraphs into instruments of evangelisation or metaphors for spirituality. Asylum inmates were equally resourceful, explaining that hydraulic tubes or telephones were conduits for the telepathic malevolence of demons or Jesuits. Theologians mimicked rationality in their defence of faith against it. The inmates Davies discusses did no less – the doctor of a man who said he had put Satan in a bottle admitted he ‘argues tolerably well upon his absurd premises’. It was easier for the mad, as for the religious, to describe the coherence of their system than to convince others of its correspondence with reality. One inmate ended his letter explaining how demons abuse electricity with the plea: ‘don’t imagine I am insane because I write this from a lunatic asylum.’

#how it feels to read and post on tumblr

[myguidingmoon-light]

How long, O Lord?

The seige on Gaza passed its 100th day this week. That’s over 100 days of brutal assault by a militarized power, backed by the largest, richest countries in the world, on a civilian population. We’re so far past any idea of self-defence (not that any country has a right to self defence against a territory it occupies anyway). It’s time to call it, as South Africa’s case at the ICJ so clearly demonstrates, what it is: a genocide.

But we also need to remember that this genocide didn’t start 100 days ago. Palestinians have been experiencing displacement, ethnic cleansing, false imprisonment, massacre, and the destruction of both vital infrastructure (power, water, healthcare) and cultural history (libraries, universities, mosques, churches) for 75 years now. It doesn’t really matter what the intentions of Israel, the US, the UK, Canada, or any other power behind these acts are—the result is the same.

How long? How long until a ceasefire? How long does it take to convince people that dropping bombs on civilians is not a solution? How long until Gaza is freed of Israel’s 17 year illegal blockade? How long until the checkpoints that choke Palestinian freedom are demolished? How long until the refugees who were forced out of their homes 75 years ago, many of whom still hold the key to their house, can return home? How long?

#free palestine

[lordsireno]

VsDestiny - RvB/Destiny AU info dump

Okay so yonks ago I said I'd info dump on the VsDestiny (RvB/Destiny AU) - Well better late than never- I've dug up the old doc :'D @randomfandoms153 this is basically for you because your tags reignighted my heart <3

The setting is basically RvB shenanigans in the Destiny world. The Red Clan and the Blue Clan live on the outskirts of the last city, since the Vanguard considers them too destructive to have in the tower (They can come in for bounties and the postmaster). They spend their days shooting each other in crucible or lazing about- until these 'Freelancers' bring along a bunch of drama. Project Freelancer is what emerged from the ashes of a failed offshoot of the Clovis Bray company, where the Director attempted to artificially make Guardians.

More details under the cut! Oh and other art can be found under #VsDestiny .

Reds:

Sarge (Titan class) is the foremost expert on Exos, being one of the top engineers from the Clovis offshoot in his previous life. He was brought on as a soldier but found to have great skill with robotics. These days his work is primarily subconscious, where he glazes over when in repair mode. Standard robots like frames are his passion to work on, and his favourite creation is Lopez, who he built from scraps. He’s always looking for bigger and better firearms to add onto his eventual robot army! His ghost is called 'Shotgun'.

Simmons (Warlock class) is an experimental Exo type made by the offshoot, and its partly why he’s so drawn to Sarge. He appears human until his first death on the fireteam, where the fake skin on his left cheek does not regenerate. The sight of exposed metal begins to cause mental degradation (DER), but it’s thankfully stopped by Grif and the antics of the other Reds. His Ghost is called 'Ghost'

Grif (Hunter Class) has the highest death count, solely thanks to Sarge. He uses invisibility to get out of chores, and has tired to use Blade Barrage to light an oven. His Ghost is called 'Oreo'

Donut (Warlock Class) enjoys creating a fashion and loadout for every occasion, and has a scary amount of grenade stacks. His Ghost is called 'Little O'

Lopez (Wears Sarge's titan armor) - While technically only classed as a frame, he is intelligent and made with Exo parts.

Blue Clan:

Church (Hunter Class) awoke outside the city one day, and regretfully attracted other rouge guardians. He is an experimental Exo type and looked human up until his 'death', where upon he spoke through his Ghost Alpha (because it houses his true core) until Sarge fixed him.

Tucker (Hunter Class) While out patrolling, Tucker stumbled upon a young Eliksni. Unable to bring himself to kill it, and not willing to leave it alone in the elements (No other Fallen had been sighted in the area for months) he brings it back to Blue Base. Church complains about the alien smell, but after dealing with Caboose’s own attachment to alien things, didn’t fight about keeping it. It is dubbed Junior. His Ghost is 'Crunchbite'

Caboose (Titan Class) Has a strong connection to alien tech. No one knows how Caboose managed to sweet talk a Fallen Walker into coming home and joining the fireteam. Caboose claims he and Sheila have a special connection. He has the highest Guardian kill count, mostly thanks to Church. His Ghost is called 'Freckles'

Texas (Titan Class) is as terrifying a fighter and an enigma of a person as always. Likes to challenge people to 1v1 matches.

Freelancer:

The Director picked up the remains of the Clovis offshoot and merged it with his own plan to make artificial guardians for the universal defence force. His first creation was Alpha, an experimental exo with a copy of his personality. The ghost ‘alpha’ is actually just the personality core. 

His experiment forces Freelancers to bond to Fragments of the original Alpha, killing them, which links them to ‘the light’ and allows them to revive. However, the actual process isn’t as perfect as assumed. 

The Fragments are weaker than standard Ghosts and must remain out during the full revival. They can be destroyed by ordinary weapons, and unless requested, won’t heal injuries over time. 

When a Fragment revives its Freelancer, it temporally overrides their consciousness to allow the body to be moved from further harm, and to piece back together their mind. The more adjusted the Fragment, the faster this occurs and lets the Freelancer to resume control. Similarly, the less adjusted Fragments are prone to remaining in control even after recovery. As well, the more times the Freelancer dies, the more time it takes to revive them, as their minds begin to dissipate and have to be wholly supported by the Fragments to continue to live. 

York, North and Wyoming all seem fine, but when it comes to Maine the issue becomes apparent as Sigma puppets him much longer. When Carolina requests two, they fight over her revival. 

Washington was the last Guardian made in the program, before its complete collapse. His Deaths are: Original bonding, the MoI crash, Recovery One, and saving Tucker. His Fragment is Epsilon, and after the MoI crash, he refuses to accept its existence. He doesn’t summon it, using old school tech like flashlights and radios, and will always physically get in and out of his ship. If asked Wash only offers the explanation that he isn’t on good terms with his ghost. 

After his third death at the hands of South, he remains as Epsilon for two days. 

When he saves Tucker, the Blues learn of how Epsilon puppets Washington after death. Tucker is creeped out by how only Epsilon speaks, and how like Church it is. Caboose believes that Church is trying to communicate with him and tells Epsilon their early adventures. 

And thiiiis was as far as I got apparently! Feel free to expand/alter if anything takes your interest!

#RvB #red vs Blue #Destiny 2 #AU #Red Vs Blue AU #VsDestiny #Um humm Im not going to tag all chaacters #MonkeyWrites

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Hugh Tomlinson

Published: Mar 1, 2023

The evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has hit out at the New Zealand government for proposing to teach traditional Maori mythology as equal to modern science.

The government of the former prime minister Jacinda Ardern proposed adding Matauranga Maori, or “Ways of Knowing” to the science curriculum, provoking a furious row. The proposal was put forward by the ministry of education, led at the time by Chris Hipkins, who succeeded Ardern after her shock resignation in January.

In a letter to The Spectator, Dawkins, who has recently returned from a speaking tour of New Zealand, attacked the policy of equating Maori knowledge and religious beliefs, which date back to the 13th century and include creationism, with modern science.

Dawkins defended New Zealand scientists who had opposed the plan and faced censure and allegations of racism. A number of fellows at the New Zealand Royal Society, including Garth Cooper, a medal-winning biochemistry professor at the University of Auckland who is of Maori descent, resigned from the society last year.

Seven professors, including Cooper, wrote a letter titled “In defence of science” to the New Zealand Listener in 2021, acknowledging that Matauranga Maori should be taught in schools but should not be equated with modern science. The letter said that indigenous knowledge and beliefs were “critical for the preservation and perpetuation of culture and local practices” but that “in the discovery of empirical, universal truths, it falls far short of what we can define as science itself”.

Five Royal Society members reportedly complained that the letter had caused them “untold harm and hurt”.

“Perhaps the most disagreeable aspect of this sorry affair is the climate of fear,” Dawkins wrote, attacking the New Zealand government for “self-righteous virtue signalling”.

“New Zealand children will be taught the true wonder of DNA, while being simultaneously confused by the doctrine that all life throbs with a vital force conferred by the Earth Mother and the Sky Father,” he wrote. “Origin myths are haunting and poetic, but they belong elsewhere in the curriculum.”

The government has taken several steps to incorporate indigenous beliefs into government policy over recent years. In 2017, the Ardern administration granted legal personhood to the Whanganui River, closing one of New Zealand’s longest-running court battles. The Maori had campaigned for more than a century to secure legal protection for the river, and the ruling prompted other countries to grant legal rights to natural treasures.

Dawkins is a long-term critic of Matauranga Maori. In a 2021 letter to the Royal Society of New Zealand, he wrote: “Science classes are emphatically not the right place to teach scientific falsehoods. Creationism is still bollocks even if it is indigenous bollocks.”

[ Via: https://archive.is/TjzrP ]

==

The argument being made here is that it's "unfair" or even "bigoted" to not grant indigenous myths and legends "equality" in the science classroom, to be given equal time and equal consideration with actual science. That they are entitled to access to the science classroom as a form of "inclusion," despite never being subject to - and indeed, declared immune from - the process of scientific checking.

It does this through manipulation and exploitation of egalitarian instincts. This is the same tactic the creationists adopted.

Thus the creationists began to portray themselves as an oppressed minority. “Under the present system . . . the student is being indoctrinated in a philosophy of secular humanism,” one typical creationist complained. “The authoritarianism of the medieval church has been replaced by the authoritarianism of rational materialism. Constitutional guarantees are violated and free scientific inquiry is stifled under this blanket of dogmatism.” That is what a fundamentalist Christian state education official in Arizona was getting at when he said that if parents tell their children that the earth is flat, teachers have no right to contradict them. No one has a right to impose his opinion on others—and the idea that humans evolved from earlier species is, the Christians said, ultimately just some people’s opinion.

-- Jonathan Rauch, "Kindly Inquisitors"

But neither creationism nor indigenous myths are entitled to inclusion in the science classroom. Because neither has been subjected to rigorous testing or disconfirmation, and are therefore not science. No matter what sort of emotional exploitation creationists and activists try to pull. The only thing any idea is entitled to inclusion in is submitting itself to the competitive and contentious process of scientific checking.

Unfortunately, while the former is being kept at bay, the latter has made significant inroads at corrupting scientific education and inquiry.

#Richard Dawkins #creationism #science #Maori mythology #New Zealand #corruption of science #corruption of knowledge #other ways of knowing #indigenous ways of knowing #not science vs science #Matauranga Maori #indigenous creationism #corruption of education #religion #religion is a mental illness

[jefarawol]

Without delay I made my way for the first time to the Vault. Perhaps the only time I would enter her hallowed halls without bloodshed. I held my surprise at Aymeric's presence, and walked proud as he announced me to the Archbishop.

Your Eminence, it is my honour to present to you the Warrior of Light.

 I have heard the tales of your many grand endeavours. The lord commander has also been most effusive in his praise. I am Thordan VII, Archbishop of the Ishgardian Orthodox Church, and I bade you come here that I might offer my personal apologies. You will forgive me for not calling upon you as courtesy would dictate, but as you can see, my more sprightly days are long behind me. But I digress.

Your companions were wrongly accused of heresy and subjected to gross indignities. This, I am sorry to say, was the result of negligence on the part of our nation's protectors─negligence born of an excess of zeal. Is that not so, Ser Zephirin?

Yes, Your Eminence... Regrettably, it would appear that we of the Heavens' Ward were in receipt of erroneous information. Ser Grinnaux has ever been headstrong. He pressed charges before the truth had been ascertained, for which I most sincerely apologize.

An unfortunate misunderstanding born of an earnest desire to serve Ishgard─but one which should never have occurred... For who could doubt the character of those who bested Shiva and drove the Horde from the Steps of Faith? Not I, that much is certain. That will be all, Ser Zephirin. I would speak with our guest in private.

Your Eminence? I─ As you wish, Your Eminence. That will be all for today!

The way Aymeric looked at me as he was forced to leave, I knew immediately one thing: he did not trust this man. Every defence I possessed was raised, but the question lingered in my mind..."Why?"

#FFXIV #Final Fantasy XIV #ffxiv hw #ffxiv hw retelling #hw #warrior of light #ffxiv aura #ffxiv gpose #final fantasy gpose #ffxiv screenies #ffxiv screenshots #ffxiv aymeric #aymeric de borel #wolmeric

[gaslightgatekeepgirlbosscombat]

Group G, Round 1, Poll 1:

Propaganda under the cut

Edelgard von Hrelsveg

1) She started a war against the church, lied to her classmates, and wields a giant axe 2) War Crimes :)

1. Starting the war (planning, preparation, or waging a war of aggression) 2. Invading the Alliance (the deliberate attacks on property of neutral states) 3. The imprisonment of Rhea (the mistreatment of prisoners of war) 4. The imprisonment of Rhea (the taking of hostages) 5. Forced conscription or death (the mistreatment of civilians, civilian labourers forced to support war effort/slave labor) 6. Turning people into crest beasts (biological warfare experiments on humans) 7. Using crest beasts (the use of chemical and biological weapons in warfare) 8. Wanting the Nabateans dead (genocide) 9. Keeping the citizens in Enbarr during a battle (the use of human shields) 10. Petra is a political hostage and possible enemy (Compelling a prisoner of war or other protected person to serve in the forces of a hostile Power) 11. Attacking the monastery (intentionally launching an attack in the knowledge that such attack will cause incidental loss of life or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects) 12. Attacking the monastery (intentionally directing attacks against buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science, for charitable purposes, historic monuments, or hospitals) 13. Gathering soldiers disguised as merchants and pilgrims at the monastery for infiltration (the feigning, before an attack, of non-combatant status) 14. The stealing and using of crest stones (the abuse of corpse) 15. The killing of Claude (killing an enemy who, having laid down arms, or having no longer means of defence, has surrendered at discretion)"

Literally a girlboss (emperor) building her empire (conquering the continent)

"Gaslight: when confronted by Dimitri about her working with the people that caused a genocide said “I had nothing to do with that.” and “Why bother with this? Stay silent and fight.” Gatekeep: when battling Claude she said “But without sufficient knowledge of this land's suffering, I can't entrust Fódlan to you!” (Which is funny because Claude gets to be the only lord that learns the true history of Fodlan) Girboss: starts a war of conquest so that she can rule over the entire continent "

Kouyou Ozaki

She's an executive in the mafia in the story (girlboss) who told this girl Kyouka that she could never be a good person and escape the mafia because she's a "flower of darkness" who "can only bloom in darkness" (gaslight) and stabbed the main character because she thought he wasn't being a good enough big brother to Kyouka (gatekeep)

#round 1 #group g #edgelgard #fire emblem three houses #fe16 #fe3h #Fire Emblem #bungou stray dogs #bsd #kouyou

[sjsmith56]

Decisions - Chapter 10, Lord Buchanan

Summary: Thorn plans a speedy coronation to strengthen control of his throne. When the Queen and Ladies arrive, Lady Falcon is presented to the King, drawing the ire of her father, Lord Dreykov. Forced to back down in front of the assembly he leaves. King Steven sends Lord Falcon back to his lands to protect them from any usurpers.

Characters: Lord and Lady Buchanan, Lord and Lady Falcon, King Steven and Queen Peg, Lord Dreykov.

Warnings: Minors DNI - contains sexual content which is not suitable for readers under the age of 18. References to forced marriage and servitude. Talk of sexuality.

Author notes: Image of Bucky Barnes (Lord Buchanan) in the banner above is from Instagram artist Nixakimbo. More backstory about Natasha’s father because we just know he’s not going to sit idly by while she marries who she pleases. The young woman with him is not named in this chapter but she becomes very important in later chapters, helping to drive the plot along with another MCU character who ended up being given a much bigger role in this medieval world. That’s where the muse took me, lol.

<<Chapter 9

🧼 🍺

Queen Peg and Lady Buchanan were at breakfast when the falconer approached them with a message from the King. He handed the rolled up paper to the Queen and returned to his birds of prey. Peg unrolled it, read it, and her face broke out in a smile.

"The war is over," she said. "Prince Thorn has regained his kingdom. The King has directed us to bring any wives of the lords who are staying with us to attend the coronation. They also require a priest to conduct the ceremony and to bring clothes suitable for the occasion."

"I will advise Lady Falcon," said Ileana. "I believe Lady Stark is also here. Is it safe to leave the castle?"

"The Queen's Guard will still be responsible for defence of the castle," said Peg. "We will take our own attendants with us. Alert the staff to gather in the throne room and I will make the announcement."

Ileana alerted the staff to spread the word about the gathering in the throne room. By the time she returned it was already full and people spilled out into the large corridor outside. Peg began talking.

"Could we get everyone at the front to come closer together?" she announced. "There are many still out in the corridor."

Finally everyone was squeezed in and Ileana was able to make her way to the front.

"Good people," said Peg. "I received a message early this morning that the war is over, the situation is resolved and a new King will be crowned for the Kingdom of Green Lands. There have been some losses, although I do not have the names of those who fell, and if your husband was one of the fallen you will be taken care of, I promise. The King has ordered me, and the wives of lords who have taken refuge here to journey to the battlefield and together attend King Thorn's coronation. Those of you who travelled here for safe refuge may return to your homes. Those who live here, specifically the Queen's Guard, will be asked to continue to defend the castle until the return of the King and me."

"Your Majesty," shouted one man. "What of the church?"

"When they refused to recognize my authority and left the kingdom to fend for itself the church forfeited all their rights," said the Queen. "You may still worship at their places of worship if you wish to continue with the old church but we are starting our own church with some of the priests that remained. It's goal will be to help the kingdom raise the standard of living for everyone instead of making itself rich."

There were several murmurs but the Queen noticed most of the facial expressions were hopeful rather than upset. Satisfied that she could leave the castle under the protection of the Queen's Guard, she and the other ladies prepared to join their husbands on the battlefield then go on to the coronation. Ileana decided on wearing the same gold gown she wore to Lord Falcon's investiture. Alice packed it for her as well as two other regular gowns. She laid out the riding clothes for her to wear on horseback but Ileana looked at her breeches.

"I'm going to see the Queen before I change into the riding clothes," she told Alice. "I won't be long."

Hurrying to the Queen's quarters she was admitted and saw Peg also contemplating whether to wear riding clothes or her breeches.

"Is it too much too soon to ride into the battlefield dressed like the men?" asked the Queen. "I've become used to wearing them this past week."

"The women archers that Archer Barton recruited dressed like men," said Ileana. "I think if we rode in our breeches it would show them we are with them. We can change into our traditional riding clothes once there if anyone grumbles about it."

"I suppose you're right," she said. "Pass the word to the other ladies that we ride in breeches."

Soon they were ready to leave, with every lady wearing leather breeches to ride. Most were armed with a Queen's pistol or a sword. The King sent some men back to escort the women to the battlefield and at first they were surprised to see them in breeches and with arms, but when they saw how well the women rode it felt more natural to them and they held their tongues. When they rode into the combined camp of the King and Lords it made no difference at all as most of them smiled broadly at the arrival of their ladies. Surprisingly the men looked clean and refreshed themselves.

"We found a hot springs, not even half an hour from here," said the King to the women. "After so many days of fighting it was well worth the trip to cleanse ourselves in its waters. If you wish to go we would be happy to escort you there and guard your presence so you may enjoy it for yourselves. I'm of a mind to build a pavilion there, a respite home for those who wish to rejuvenate themselves."

Peg looked at Ileana and mouthed the word "Spa", which brought them both almost to laughter. The plan was to stay at the battlefield in the tents that had been erected for their shelter until word was sent that Prince Thorn was ready to receive them. The priest who accompanied the Queen, a monk by the name of Erasmus, went on to prepare the new king for his coronation. The Queen brought him specifically as he had approached her after the departure of the bishop to ask if she objected to him simplifying worship in the church. He made it clear he did not serve the King or herself but rather the Truth and God. He had always felt there was too much mysticism in the rituals of the church and wanted it to appeal to the sensibilities of everyone. After the monk's departure the King gave everyone the freedom to escort their ladies to their tents and conduct themselves as they wished. For many this command was accepted with large smiles.

While a groom came for the horse that Ileana rode Lord Buchanan offered her his arm and escorted her to his tent. Expecting to see something rough and primitive she was amazed to see a tent constructed out of painted canvas with a peaked top so rain could fall off. Inside was a large bed set atop a wooden platform with sturdy crates underneath. To the side was a sitting area made of large cushions on top of a canvas covering rough cut furniture built from trees cut from the nearby forest. One full side was open to the outside but when Lord Buchanan nodded at one of his servants they pulled a curtain across so the couple were alone. Immediately he stood in front of her and embraced her fully with deep kisses.

"It hasn't been long, my love," he said, after taking a brief moment between kisses, "but it feels like an eternity since we shared our marital bed. Come, I need to taste you and claim you as mine own once again."

Quickly they undressed and got under the covers where he gazed at her for some minutes, tracing her face with his fingertips and touching her hair, which she had unbraided and let loose.

"I missed you, James," Ileana whispered. "I worried about you on the battlefield."

"I survived," he said, then he looked down before looking her in the eye again. "There was something I didn't tell you when we married. There was an enchantment upon me, where I turned into a great white wolf. It was done by an evil man, a sorcerer, who tried to use me to kill the King. Only Steven's great love for me as a brother brought me out of the enchantment, but I am not cured of it. To rescue Prince Thorn it became necessary for me to assume the skin of the white wolf once more. The Sorceress implanted commands in my mind to allow my men to return me to human form. At first, it didn't work, and for a time I thought I would be a wolf forever, destined to love you and the child I hope you carry, from afar."

"Is that why you rode under the banner of the white wolf?" asked Ileana, her hand at his cheek.

"It was," he said. "I knew my wolf form would likely be needed. There is a hope that I have broken the enchantment as I killed the sorcerer who laid that curse upon me. I haven't tried to assume the form since but if ever I go away and a white wolf comes to you with recognition in its eyes say the words Longing, Daybreak, Homecoming. It will restore me to human form because the Sorceress also instilled your face deep in my mind as my mate, my one and only true love."

Pulling her face to his they kissed deeply. Their tongues explored the other's mouth and their bodies intertwined as they felt the comfort of her soft skin and his body warmth joining together. She pushed him backwards onto his back and took him into her mouth as he caressed her hair before pulling her off and positioning her on top of him. He wanted to see her in her glory, her hair falling like a wild forest nymph over her face and breasts. Her eyes filled with desire as they thrust together in the merging of their bodies and he firmly grasped her body at the hips rolling her forward over the part of him that would excite her being. She held her own breasts and then put her hands down to his hands before leaning over and kissing him sensuously as she moved her body into his. With soft whimpers and moans he felt her excitement building and caressed her breasts while touching her spot with his thumb to bring her to the crest of her passions. Her cry of joy at the release spurred him and he lifted himself hard into her, sending his seed deep into her with a cry of his own. Pulling her down onto his chest he kissed her head and stroked her hair as she clung to his body after they had returned to a state of contentment and peace.

"My wife," he whispered. "Thank you for staying with me. I truly don't think I could have survived if you had returned to your world."

"My James, my husband," she whispered back. "It was the only choice. As much as I will miss my world, you are my world now and I couldn't leave you behind."

Repositioning herself to lay in his arms Ileana and Buchanan laid quietly as they heard the sounds of the camp all around them. Elsewhere they could hear the sounds of passion as other lords and their ladies resumed their marital activities. It struck Ileana as funny that in her world the sounds of passion between a couple were to be kept private but in this world it seemed to be part of everyday sounds. Buchanan asked what was so humorous and she told him.

"I have no answer for you," he said after some thought. "Perhaps, in your world a certain morality has been imposed upon you that says what happens between a couple is something to be hidden. Certainly, the church in recent years has come down against a woman coupling with another woman, or a man coupling with another man. It makes no difference to me and I was heartened to hear the Queen's Guard gives a place to those women that the church, or perhaps I should say the Bishop because the remaining priests seem indifferent, deemed deviant. I wouldn't make love to you in full view of my men, or our children because I want you for myself and no one else. Yet, if they hear us outside these canvas walls it gives me no trouble for in here, it is just us two, as it should be. It is the sound of life as normal, I suppose."

"My Lord Buchanan," said a voice outside the walls. "The King has requested the presence of yourself and Lady Buchanan at a meal in his pavilion. One hour hence."

"Thank you," called Buchanan. "We serve at the pleasure of the King."

He looked at Ileana and kissed her. "Gerard has already prepared a bath, knowing my intentions after you arrived," he said. "We will wash your ride off of you and be ready to be dressed for dinner. I trust you brought Alice with you."

"I did, my lord," she replied, "and several gowns. It will feel strange to wear one as none of the ladies at the castle have worn anything except breeches since the war began."

"I thought there would be more of an outcry against them but there was very little," he said. "It's possible you may be able to wear them more often. They have grown upon me, I must admit. But I do like to see you dressed in a gown as well. It is something we will have to work out between us."

A dressing gown was draped on the chair next to the bed for each of them and the pair donned them. Pulling back a tapestry Ileana was impressed to find a small room with a bathtub made of thick canvas treated to be impervious to water. Buchanan held her hand as she stepped into the warm waters and sat, watching as she bathed for it wasn't big enough for them both. Gerard informed Buchanan from outside the small bathing room that his clothes were ready and he left to get dressed. Upon his exit Alice entered and ascertained which gown Ileana wanted for the meal. She excused herself and returned shortly with a drying cloth, helping her lady out of the makeshift tub. Lifting another tapestry Ileana was surprised to find a dressing room set up just for her. It seemed strange for Alice to be attending to her once again.

"Alice," said Ileana, "this seems strange to have you dress me. I had become used to dressing myself. What did you do with yourself during the war? I never really considered you, I'm sorry."

"M'Lady," said Alice, "I found a place with the doctor, a woman from your time. She was most kind and instructed me in wound dressing and care. She thinks I may have the ability to become a midwife, which is an honoured profession for a woman."

"That's wonderful," exclaimed Ileana. "Will you explore that possibility further?"

"I would like to," said Alice. "Perhaps I can learn enough to become your midwife, M'Lady."

"I would like that also," said Ileana. "Your future husband could join the Buchanan estate and you could both serve all of our community."

Alice smiled and finished tying the back of the red dress. She styled Ileana's hair and then opened the tapestry out to the main part of the tent, which once again had one side open to the fresh air. Lord Buchanan rose from his chair and smiled warmly at Ileana, back in a dress again. Offering her his arm they walked to the King's pavilion and joined the other lords and ladies present there. Lord Buchanan saw Lord Falcon and his bride off to the side looking somewhat unsure.

"Sam," said Buchanan, "you have every right to be here. You are confirmed as Lord."

"It's not that," said Sam. "Natasha's father is here. They haven't spoken for over two years and we don't want to cause a scene at a happy celebration."

Sam pointed across to the other side of the pavilion where a large, florid man with a large tankard of beer was standing giving his opinion to any who would listen. He recalled the man was one of the last of those who rejoined the battle after the trebuchets had been destroyed and instantly disliked him. A widower, his companion for the meal was a young woman whose father had seen an opportunity to marry her off to strengthen ties between the two families but she didn't look happy about it and Buchanan felt distasteful about the whole practice.

"Let's go to the King," said Buchanan, "as your lady still has to be presented to him. Once that is done her father cannot make a scene or he risks offending the throne."

Together the four made their way to the King and Queen. They sat on chairs set on a raised platform built for the occasion. As they approached the King smiled broadly at them.

"Lord Falcon," he said with a smile. "The Queen told me of your marriage. You wish to take one of her best fighters away from the castle?"

"Your Majesty," said Sam, bowing. "May I present my wife, Natasha, Lady Falcon, also of the Queen's Guard. She will serve again when required."

The King stepped down and took her by the hand. "Lady Falcon," he said. "We are certain you will be happy with your Lord. He has served us well these many years and is a man of great honour."

Lady Falcon curtsied low. "Your Majesty is very kind," she said. "He is the best of men and I am a fortunate woman."

Buchanan looked towards Lady Falcon's father, noticing his frown. He came forward towards the king.

"Your Majesty," said Lord Dreykov, "why is my daughter being presented as the wife of your falconer? For two years she has been missing with her sister. I have not given permission for this marriage."

"Your permission is no longer required," said the King. "Your daughters were admitted into the Queen's Guard, which removed all prior ties on them. They became free women, with the ability to decide for themselves. The falconer, if you had bothered to attend the ceremony, is now Baron of Eden Vale, Lord Falcon, and your equal. The marriage has been sanctified by the church and I have received her as Lady Falcon."

Lord Dreykov sputtered and fumed, drawing dark looks from the King. "This is an outrage," he roared. "I won't stand for it."

"Are you challenging your King?" asked Lord Buchanan coolly. "Speak carefully, Lord Dreykov. You are close to declaring yourself an enemy of the crown."

Lord Dreykov looked around and noticed that many he had considered friends were drawing themselves away from him, leaving him alone in front of the King. Even the young woman had disappeared. His face grew red and his whole demeanour became defiant.

"By my recollection you became Lord of the North Lands after you offered fealty to my father," said King Steven. "Also by my recollection you were one of the first lords to submit to Thanos, the mad Titan after he slew my father and seized control of the kingdom. You were also the first lord to leave the battlefield during the fight against Prince Loke and the last to return. If you do not wish to continue to offer complete fealty to me, then I would happy to remove you from the responsibility of your lands. You have no sons to pass your title to. How you answer now will determine whether you stay as lord or not."

At first he was defiant then he bowed low before the King. "I apologize for my outburst," he said civilly. "I will not stand in the way of my daughter arranging her own marriage. Nor will I object to my other daughter's choice. I am pleased they are both safe and have been under your guidance and care these past two years."

Dreykov backed away, grabbing another tankard of beer, then retreating to the other side of the tent. The young woman had disappeared and a servant whispered to the King that she was riding to the castle to present herself to the Queen's Guard.

"You may have started something," said Peg, in a low voice to the King. "I am sure many of the Lords will not be happy about it."

The King sighed. "Let's get this meal going. Perhaps with a full belly they may be more amenable to the changes I plan on bringing."

A servant called everyone to eat and they stepped outside where a large table had been set up piled high with food. The mood did improve once people ate and the meal finished with no more challenges or problems. An emissary from Thorn brought the news that his coronation was set for the following afternoon and the assembled lords and their ladies would be welcomed starting that evening if they wished to proceed.

"The Prince seems to have worked quickly to prepare his castle for his coronation," announced the King. "He has invited those of you assembled to begin arriving at his castle starting tonight."

"If we choose not to go?" asked Lord Dreykov.

"Then go to your estates," said the King. "See to your tenants, your lands, and return to your castles. I don't require your attendance at King Thorn's coronation to confirm your fealty to me."

"By your leave, your Majesty, I choose to return to my lands," said Dreykov, bowing low.

Two other lords also begged to be allowed to return to their lands which the King granted. After they left the King beckoned Buchanan and Falcon to him.

"Have your men left the field of battle yet?" he asked. "Dreykov's lands border both of yours and I wonder if he has ulterior motives for leaving early. He was not at either of your investitures and I know he complained bitterly at not being given either of your lands. The other two lords live at the other edge of the kingdom and I know they worry about bandit incursions but Dreykov...I do not trust the man. The Sorceress has become aware of talk of discontent at the changes I wish to bring to the kingdom and he is at the centre of much of the talk."

"My men are still here," said Buchanan. "What are your wishes, your Majesty?"

"Send them back, but have them be on alert for any raids on your tenants," he replied. "Captain Rhodes is trustworthy enough to send in your place. Sam? Your men."

"I already sent them back," he said. "Although most fought well during the battle against the outlanders there are some whose loyalty was questionable. They may be easily swayed to join Dreykov if he dangles enough gold to them."

"I believe him to still be angry at the marriage between his daughter and yourself," said the King. "I can send a company of my men back with you and your knights, if you wish, to protect your lands. Your lady may stay and represent you at the coronation. King Thorn will understand if you must go back. I hate to ask this of you but Dreykov acquiesced too quickly in the matter of his daughters."

"Your Majesty, I trust your assessment of the man," said Falcon. "I will take you up on your offer and leave immediately. I will apprise Lady Falcon of the situation and trust her to represent me at the coronation. If the situation develops as you suspect I will send a messenger hawk."

Falcon bowed to the King and pulled his wife, the Lady Natasha, with him to their tent. Only a short time before they had reunited as the other Lords and Ladies had, enjoying the touch of each other once again but this time his face was dark as he changed out of his finery and into his battle clothing once more. His dresser maintained a stony face of indifference as the couple discussed the dilemma.

"The King believes your father intends to attack my properties as revenge for me wedding you," he said with directness. "You must stay and represent me at the coronation while I return to my lands with a company of the King's men and what knights I can round up that haven't already left."

"My love," said Natasha, "let me accompany you. I am well versed in the fighting arts and can be as good a soldier as any of your men."

"I have no doubt about that my love," said Falcon, stopping to caress her cheek, "but the King has commanded you stay for the coronation. After, if you so desire and I still live, you may come and prove your worth on the battlefield. It would not bother you to fight your father's men?"

"Some of them, yes," she admitted, "for there were several who didn't agree with his treatment of me and my sister. They showed us kindness and taught us to fight. I may be able to convince them to lay down their arms. But most were of the same nature as my father, cruel men who saw us as useless appendages made to adorn their person."

"I will send a messenger hawk if I need more help," he said, as he belted on his scabbard and picked up his thick leather gloves. "Until then be Lady Falcon, beloved wife and do your duty at the coronation."

He kissed her, tenderly, then fiercely before leaving. She didn't cry but she wasn't happy. The dresser, a young man name Tom, watched his mistress intently.

"M'Lady," he said. "If you wish, I could arrange to have your battle gear brought from the Queen's Guard, ready for you to change into immediately after the coronation. My sister is in the Guard and speaks highly of your skills as a warrior."

She smiled at the young man. "Who is your sister?"

"The maiden Lena Cooper," he replied. "I am Tom and was supposed to succeed my father in his barrel making shop when your father saw her and wanted her as his mistress. My father refused and was imprisoned by yours. Lena and I left that night. Lord Falcon was still Sir Sam Wilson and kept us hidden in the falconer's cottage. Then he brought us with him to the King's palace. My sister joined the Guard immediately. M'Lord asked if I would stay as his dresser, despite my lack of knowledge. He has been a most kind master and I wish to repay him."

"Advise my dresser to prepare my clothing for the coronation. I will leave within the hour. Then send for my battle gear and my sister, the Lady Yelena as well," said Natasha. "She will want to be of assistance in this matter. As soon as the coronation is over I will return here, dress in my battle gear and join my husband in protecting his lands. Your sister is a sweet young woman and has been a good student in the fighting arts. She isn't ready for battle yet or else I would say to bring her. Thank you, Tom."

Natasha left to search out the Queen, as she was her commander, to let her know of her intentions. When she found her the Queen was in the process of arranging for other members of the Queen's Guards who had been wronged by her father, and there were several, to be part of the company the King was sending with Lord Falcon. When Natasha declared her intention the decision was made to bring them to her tent and await her return from the coronation. She would be in charge of the first unit of Queen's Guards sent to assist a Lord in securing the sovereignty of his lands.

Chapter 11>>

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[discoevsky]

The Blue Castle chapter 19

Chapter 19:

Montgomery has this way of providing dry commentary through observations. Here Dr. Stalling rebukes Valancy for not coming home. Montgomery remarks on his character as one where “when he could not understand a thing he straight away condemned it”. That’s a powerful line describing a man who is supposed to be a religious representative. It draws a direct connection to medieval priests and the practice of using fear to control. It’s also Montgomery’s irony coming to play that a man of the church, one who is supposed to be most benevolent and forgiving, dares to condemn what he doesn’t get rather than try to understand.

This chapter also beautifully captures a woman’s role in religion, any religion really. For the most part, women don’t really have a religion they wholly belong to as most are ready to shun and shape them into models for the patriarchal society. Dr. Stalling’s control over Valancy, the futility she feels around him, the sudden cowed behaviour, and submission that goes against her will really capture how religion plays into the patriarchal control over women. Valancy goes from a woman who makes her own decisions, to a woman who is forced to bear the weight of society’s shame. As Montgomery puts it, under Dr. Stalling, Valancy looses her soul (ironic, who’s the real devil here), and only when she stands up to him does she regain her soul. And again, we see how words play a role in dictating Valancy’s life. In Dr. Stalling’s case, it’s against her. But Foster’s words and Abel Gay’s defence help guide her to stand up for herself.

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