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tarotwithlove · 2 months

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PICK A CARD ⋆ if you were a deity...

in this reading, we will answer the following:

what are your powers/abilities?

what would you be known and worshipped for?

what would your followers and worshippers be like?

reminder that this is a general reading and messages found here may not apply to everyone. take what resonates, leave what doesn't, and don't force anything if it does not fit.

BOOK A READING WITH ME · BOOK A 2024 YEAR AHEAD READING WITH ME (GENERAL OR NSFW) · LINKTREE · 18+ PATREON · TIPS ♡ tips, bookings, and feedback are highly appreciated!

GROUP ONE

cards · eight of cups, seven of swords, knight of pentacles, the chariot (reversed), the fool, ten of pentacles, page of wands.

channelled songs · safer in the forest/love song for poor michigan by la dispute. runway by mariah carey. sky by spillage village. identity by taemin.

my dear group one ♡ if you were a deity, you would be one with the power of resurrection. you would be able to raise people, animals, and all other forms of natural life from the dead. for some, this power of resurrection is much like that of the christian god who, most noticeably, resurrected jesus christ. for others, this power of resurrection comes more in the form of persephone's, who, with her appearance, 'resurrects' the world by bringing forth spring.

as a deity, you would be known for being somewhat of a frugal and humble god. i'm thinking of xie lian from heaven official’s blessing by mxtx, who often closely involves himself in the matters of humans even when he should not. even at the risk of his godhood. you would be known as a god who goes out of your way for your worshippers, with your worshippers knowing that any attention they give to you you will give back to them tenfold. a deity who would rather live in ruins, amongst nature, than in a mansion - and, thus, you would be a deity of the common people.

your followers would worship you with flowers and offerings of honey. using these things to primarily ask you to help them with as they embark on new avenues. much like lord ganesha must be worshipped before one starts something new, this is how and why your followers would worship you. coming to you to ask you to ‘resurrect’ and bring life into their new businesses, new jobs, new career opportunities, and new academic pursuits more than anything else.

once again, your followers would mostly consist of common people. these are humble people who want to better their lives, and the lives of the people around them. as you are seen as a selfless deity, you may have a reputation of being a deity who helps selfless people above anyone else. and so you will attract worshippers who are family and community oriented; worshippers who want to use the wealth and success you bless them with primarily for the betterment of others -- for example, worshippers who ask you to bless them with new job opportunities so that they may better look after their aging parents, or worshippers who ask you to bless their charity organisation so that they may truly uplift the community.

GROUP TWO

cards · queen of pentacles, judgement, nine of wands, the high priestess, king of wands, the hanged man, eight of wands.

channelled songs · amino acid by nct 127. free by florence + the machine. babygirl by maeta. all i wanna do by moonbin & sanha.

my dear group two ♡ as soon as i pulled your first two cards, the goddess lakshmi came to mind, who, upon consideration, is much like the queen of pentacles herself. you would be a deity with the power to bring success, abundance, and prosperity into your follower’s lives. as a deity, you would be abundance personified, and everything you touch turns to gold -- metaphorically, of course. your power is so great that you could turn a single grain into a field of wheat, ready to harvest; a single dollar into a fortune; a house into a home; a cold-hearted businessman into a humble monk devoted to spirit.

you may be known as one half of a pair of deities, much like lord krishna and radha or zeus and hera. that you are partnered with another powerful deity makes you even more loved and revered by your worshippers; makes you even more powerful in their eyes. you will be known as a deity of love. as a deity who does anything for the sake of love and in the name of love. as a deity who is moved by the love of others.

story may pass, from worshipper to worshipper, of times when you went above and beyond for lovers. of times when you were so moved by a lover's desperate pleas that you granted them a great boon.

thus, many of your worshippers may be young lovers who come to you to ask you to bless them in love, to bless their marriages, and to keep their lovers safe. your worshippers may have an idealised image of you, as this supreme love deity -- the love deity above all love deities -- and while this may not be why you primarily made yourself known to humanity you will be moved by their love -- too moved to ever truly ignore or deny them. they may be a bit naive, and you may often try to open their eyes to the realities of life without jading their hearts to the beauty of love.

once your worshippers start to worship you, they cling to you. even people who may have hopped from deity to deity, going to whoever may provide a certain blessing at a certain time in their life, will stick to you, loyally, until they die.

GROUP THREE

cards · the world, the moon (reversed), eight of wands, the world, king of pentacles, the hierophant, two of swords.

channelled songs · tulsa jesus freak by lana del rey. ain’t equal by megan thee stallion. dedication by epik high. say it by flume & tove lo.

my dear group three ♡ if you were a deity, you would have the power of flight, as well as the power to communicate with and command flying animals -- birds, primarily, but also flying animals significant to the culture of which you belong. you will also have the power to appear to people in their dreams, and it is through dreams -- and visions -- that people will receive your messages.

you may not have many devout worshippers, but that is how you like it. you are a nomadic deity, who finds greater pleasure in travelling from place to place and helping whosoever may need your help, rather than confining yourself to a singular place of worship and to only helping those who ask for you specifically.

you seem like a mysterious deity. one who works in secret. you will often go to temples and places of worship that are not devoted to you, listen to prayers that are not meant for you, and grant blessings to people whose prayers have gone unheard by the deity they were meant for. the old man who spent the last ten years asking vishnu to please be reunited with the son he was separated from? you will grant him this boon before he passes. the young woman who spent the last three months asking artemis to please bless her with a job? you will grant her this boon. the girl who spent the last year praying to god to please bring her mother a good partner? you will grant her this boon.

you will do all this selflessly. never taking credit. happy enough just to have done a good deed and brought a blessing to someone who you see as most deserving of it. you will go from place to place, playing your flute -- or instrument of choice -- doing what you can in any way you can.

though while you may never take credit, there may always be signs that it was you who answered this prayer instead of another deity. a particular scenario is coming to mind, at this point where i asked what your worshippers would be like: a young man joyfully tells a priest of how his prayer has finally been answered by god. this priest listens to him, with a gentle, knowing smile. when he finishes, answering the priest's leading questions here and there, this priest says, "why, that was not [god] but rather [group three]."

people will have specific dreams before they are about to be granted a blessing by you. wake up with a strange, particular feeling. they will see birds or a particular bird that is associated with you. signs of you will be all around them but, as you are not a particularly well-known god, they will disregard it as coincidence or find a way to attribute it to their deity of choice.

because of how little-known you keep yourself, many of your followers may be older spiritual people who have devoted themselves to the pursuit of god. priests, monks, religious teachers, intellectuals and avid readers, not the average layperson. there may not be any temples devoted to you, but your worshippers will keep shrines to you neat and clean. doing anything to keep memory and worship of you alive, in any small way possible.

GROUP FOUR

cards · the fool, ten of pentacles, eight of cups (reversed), ace of cups (reversed), queen of swords, death, three of swords (reversed).

channelled songs · sounds from hell by dj rozwell. nanana by got7. odd sense by vixx. area codes by kaliii.

my dear group four ♡ as a deity, you will have the power to grant eternal youth and immortality to others. in some instances, this power may take the form of you ensuring that your worshippers gain immortality and live on through their works and legacy. the fool is a card of new beginnings, limitless potential, and youthfulness, and this manifests as you being a deity of the dead. or a deity of the underworld. ushering souls from one world to the next. preparing souls to transition from one life to the next life, or from life to the afterlife.

of all the groups, your messages have been the hardest to channel. and this is likely because of the nature of the deity you would be. this god of death. a god enshrouded in mystery. a god who would be revered and feared in equal parts, with many things you are known for being misconception and misunderstanding. or from an unwillingness to research or understand you for fear that this would welcome you -- and, thus, welcome death -- into one's life.

much like hades, you would be worshipped as part of funeral rites and rituals. you may have a small devout cult of worshippers, but generally, most people worship you only when they are faced with death. they worship you on their deathbed, asking you to make their death a peaceful one and guide them to a peaceful afterlife. they worship you, desperately, at the bedside of their loved ones. they worship you in the days after a death.

as a god of death, the afterlife, and the underworld, perceptions of you would be conflicted. you would be seen as a fair but cruel deity, as, of course, you are only doing what you must to keep the natural order of the world in line. you are only doing what you must do. but death is cruel. and in the throes of grief, people may often curse at you, asking, "how could you do this? how could you let this happen?" even when they understand that this is what must happen.

most hold disdain for you. others a fearful respect for you; a distant awe.

your worshippers, on the other hand, will be people who, in accepting the inevitability of their death, truly love life. they may dress in dark colours and be cult-like in their worship of you, keeping the true worship practices of you private and passed directly from worshipper to worshipper or family member to family member. your worshippers may have a reputation for being dark, evil, or demonic -- when, much like you, they are simply misunderstood.

i envision your followers gathering in a forest to dance, laugh, and engage in worship of you. depending on the sect, they may make sacrifices to you, in the form of slaughtering animals, offering up their own blood and life force, and promising their lives to you.

#**#tarot #pac #pick a card #tarotblr #witchblr #witch of color #tarotcommunity #tarotcreator #tarotonline #divination #channelled message #channeled message #channeled reading #spirituality #spiritualism

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abookishdreamer · 2 years

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Worldbuilding: The Neighborhoods of New Olympus!

The neighborhoods/district that make up this fantastical populous city of New Olympus has the aesthetic & is heavily inspired by more than a few gods in the Olympian Pantheon.

The list of neighborhoods/districts are as followed:

Hearthwood- it's inspired by Hestia (goddess of the hearth & home). Nicknamed "The 'Burbs," this neighborhood is quaint and relaxing with serene woodlands, parks, schools specifically catered to home economics, & affordable homes, cottages, apartments, and brownstones. Many of the hearth goddess' nationwide businesses are here. If you're in the mood for a hot homestyle meal (The Hearthside Diner), to taste a sweet baked treat (Hollyhock's Bakery), to glaze a bowl (Sparkling Ember), or to partake in a coffee drink (The Roasted Bean). With its low crime rate, this neighborhood is all around the perfect place to raise a family. An ivory statue of Hestia holding the torch of her eternal flame is here.

Chant du Cygne- it's inspired by Aphrodite (goddess of love, sex, & beauty). This neighborhood has an intimate and distinct Parisian flair with bistros, french themed restaurants, boulangeries, & patisseries. There's also clothing boutiques and shops as well as hair salons, nail salons, make-up studios, & a school for cosmetology. Lover's Beach is here- with bright teal waters & glittering peach pink colored sand. There's also an adult nude beach. The goddess' strip club (The Sweet Spot) & nightclub (Dove) is also here. Some street food includes chocolate covered strawberries on a stick & mini poached pears with a honey glaze! Many statues of the beautiful goddess are located here- like the ivory & gold one of her rising from the sea, wearing a seashell bikini.

Queenstown- it's inspired by Queen Hera (goddess of women, marriage, childbirth, & family). Much like the Queen, this neighborhood is very chic, fashionable, and sophisticated. Pricy condos, houses, mansions, brownstones, and townhouses are here as well as many upscale clothing stores & boutiques (like her fashion brand Luxuria) and bridal shops. The office to obtain a marriage license is also here. Many of the Queen's nationwide businesses like her spa (Tranquil Lily) & her modern and upscale nightclub (Lapis Room) is also here. There are many statues of the Queen, including an Imperial Gold structure depicting some of her symbols- like her royal crown & lotus tipped staff.

Lunar- it's inspired by Artemis (goddess of the hunt, moon, archery...). Many of its businesses (like hunting apparel stores) are open 24 hours a day. There's a small motel called the Nocturnal Inn as well as the goddess' amusement park (LunarWorld theme park). There's a gigantic statue of a full moon (built out of moonstone) here.

Solar- it's inspired by Apollo (god of the sun, music, archery, poetry...). The music themed amusement park (Lyreland theme park) is here as well as dance studios, music shops, karaoke bars, performing art schools for kids & young adults, pharmacies, doctor offices, and urgent care facilities. Some of the god's nationwide businesses like his record company (Right Note Records), tanning salon (Gold Rays), & nightclub (The Melody Lounge) are also here. Many statues of him are here, including one built out of gold & ivory, which depicts him holding his iconic lyre.

Tsunami- it's inspired by the sea god Poseidon. This neighborhood has an aquatic aesthetic & it includes many seafood restaurants- like The Crab Shack, The Oyster Garden, The Pearl Harvest, and The Waterfront Avenue. There's also sushi bars, massage parlors, indoor pools, aquariums, his nightclub (Tidal), his strip club (Atlantia), his casino (Deep Trench), & the biggest water park (Wild Water Typhoon).

Shadowstone- it's the smallest and least populated neighborhood in New Olympus, inspired by the god Hades. It's mostly filled with apartment buildings, The Moirai's tailor shop, a few smoke shops, & funeral homes. There's one singular statue (built out of platinum) which depicts his bident.

Arcadia Heights- It's Inspired by the messenger god Hermes. On the corner of Mercury Road, there's the largest Airopolis store (his sneaker brand). This neighborhood holds the city's largest bank (The Bank of Olympus) & the headquarters of the OPD- Olympius Delivery Service. His nationwide businesses like his casino (Caduceus Palace), his amusement park (Talaria Themepark), and his gym (Fit to be a God).

Skyline- this neighborhood is inspired by Zeus (god of the sky, thunder, & lightning). It's very high end, expensive, and first class- only the wealthy can afford to live here. The average price tag for a mansion here is about five million drachmas. Towering sleek skylines, opulent mansions, high end apartment buildings (like Bolt Towers) decorate this neighborhood, including several of the King's establishments- like eateries (Olympic Chef- fast food, high end restaurant- The Crown), casino (Zenith), hotels (The Grand Eaglepoint), amusement park (Firebolt), & nightclub (Ethereal).

Little Athens- this neighborhood is obviously inspired by the goddess & her patron state of Athens. The aesthetic is complete with Greek revival-style mansions, brownstones, townhouses, condos, museums, libraries (Olive Branch), bookstores (The Silver Owl), as well as being the location of the second largest military base in the country.

Little Sparta- this neighborhood is inspired by Ares (god of war). There are many activities to enjoy here like sword fighting, checking out the local gun range, checking out the bar (The Crushed Skull), and getting some ink at the tattoo studio (Blood & Ink). The annual gyro eating contest is held here as well as the Tough n' Buff Pageant (a bodybuilding competition).

Forgia- this neighborhood is inspired by Hephaestus (god of the forge). There's a similar aquatic aesthetic like the Tsunami district. His themed amusement park (Ember Kingdom) is here. The headquarters for his tech company (iCHOR Tech) is located here in addition to automaton toy shops, Aitnaios beach, tech repair shops, & his restaurant- The Bronzestreet Kitchen.

Mania- this neighborhood is inspired by Dionysus, the god of wine. New Olympus' most popular nightclub (The Void) is located here as well as his strip club (Delirium). There's bars, jewelry stores, restaurants, liquor stores, & brothels.

#my writing #writeblr #writing community #writeblr community #worldbuilding #my worldbuilding #modern greek mythology #greek myth retellings

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mountphoenixrp · 2 years

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We have a new citizen in Mount Phoenix:

Inari, the Goddess of Foxes and Rice, whose origins stem from Ancient Japan. She is now the owner of Kitsunebi Karaoke Bar.

FC NAME/GROUP: Heize/ Jang Da-hye GOD NAME: Inari PANTHEON: Japanese OCCUPATION: Owner of Kitsunebi Karaoke Bar HEIGHT: Fluid WEIGHT: Fluid DEFINING FEATURES: There is something androgynous with the vessels Inari chooses. Even as a young kami, they didn’t have a preferred gender, but rather was comfortable with appearances of either. In all their forms however, they have a tattoo at the base of their spine, the symbol of their shrine. Their pure kami form is that of a snowy-white large fox, as big a bear, with nine tails tipped in red.

PERSONALITY: History would say Inari is one of the most beloved of the Shinto gods. Adored by man for bestowing them with the science of agriculture and blessing them with prosperity, people assume Inari would be kind, generous and thoughtful. To some degree they would be correct. But being the deity of foxes, many people would forget that Inari is also prone to mischief. Where once they would have taken their duty to protect and aid mortals in their endeavors, Inari now lives entirely for pleasure. They are playful, irreverent, and quite keen on leaving mortals to their own devices. However, they are still loyal to those they consider family. They have an inherent need to protect those they deem precious to them, at least once they remember who they are.

Inari is quick to laugh and difficult to ruffle or goad as very little seems to bother them or get under their skin. They are also quite enterprising—not to the point of greed—but to explore new avenues to generate money and wealth. It’s their money savvy that had perhaps earned their reputation for being a deity of prosperity.

While many would know of Inari, and consider them a friend, it is also rather common for said friends to not know a single thing about Inari beyond what they show them. Feelings and other deep thoughts are rarely disclosed even to those they consider their family, but one can pretty much determine Inari’s mood and emotions through their expressions. They are a paradox and that kind of mystery is what makes Inari captivating.

HISTORY: While most of the Shinto gods were busy with their creations and petty squabbles, Inari was a mere young kami, running untamed and wild at the foot of Mt. Inari. It was there that they were found by none other than Amaterasu-omikami herself, Empress of the Heavens herself. Taken under her wing, Inari was raised by the goddess as well as her then-consort and brother, Tsukuyomi-mikoto. Between the two of them, they taught Inari all the knowledge a kami possessed to be helpful to mortals.

Amaterasu guided Inari very early about how precious mortals should be. That even when the Empress herself started to resent the people that worshipped her, Inari remained steadfast. It was Inari’s idea to bless the people with rice. Aided by Amaterasu’s powers of the sun, brought bounty to the land of Japan. It was Inari’s idea to commune with the foxes that lived near the mountain where they were found and it was through Tsukuyomi’s guidance did Inari see them as companions and later on messengers. So much so that the fox became Inari’s symbol.

When chaos stirred and Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi declared war with each other, Inari took no sides. And rather than stay and try to mediate between the two, Inari fled from the Heavens and settled in the land of the mortals. They had come to know the ways of Man quite well and it was easy to blend in. For the past decades, Inari has lived this way, drifting from one vessel to the next, finding purpose in whatever and whoever they fleetingly encounter. But after years of pretending to be mortal, it would chafe against any immortal’s skin.

Thankfully, just as when Inari was wondering what had happened to the kami she once called her family had gone to, Inari hears of an island where people of her kind can live without having to hide their abilities. Curious and excited and just a little bit anxious, Inari sets off for Mount Phoenix, determined to rekindle the ties that they once held so dear and perhaps connect with all their missing family.

POWERS: As a god, Inari has superhuman agility and dexterity as well as heightened senses of smell and sight. Inari also has the ability to shapeshift into type of fox at will, not to be mistaken for their Kami form, that of a large fox, the size of a bear with nine, red-tipped tails. They can speak to, understand, and control all kinds of foxes, and can summon foxfire. STRENGTHS: Loyal, Tenacious, Curious WEAKNESSES: Impulsive, Willful, Irreverent

#kpop rp #krp #ksoloist #jang dahye #heize #mp; welcome

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billionairesitgirl · 3 years

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Do you have any tips to help someone who keeps failing? I have been trying for several years now to get started and feeling more and more hopeless every year. I have attended $$$ events, lost weight, moved closer to major cities. Then of course COVID struck and made things worse. Is there something I can do that can help me gain an "in" or are certain things just not meant for some girls.

KEEP TRYING !!!

Yes i screamed it... but that’s because thats the most important thing in succeeding.

Secondly Congrats on taking the steps and trying.....

(THIS MIGHT MAKE MAKE YOU NEUROTIC.... If you already are then DO NOT DO THIS)

The following is also important

1.) Have you asked your self why you keep failing?

Take a pen and paper and spend an entire day by yourself. Think, play things over in your head and Analyze.... This is probably the only time i truly suggested, over analyzing the crap out of your life, decisions, faliures and successes.

(a) What mistakes, do you keep making? or What mistakes do you think you keep making.

(b) what makes them mistakes

(d) who and/or what would this action work on

2.) List your obstacles ... Every single one you could think of...

Make 3 categories

.....Obstacles you have gone through - What caused it? who caused it? (Regardless of who caused it... You owe some responsibility... so still own up to it... But remember BE KIND to yourself...)

There is a fine line between being kind to yourself and completely absolving yourself of any responsibility when owning up to the responsibility of things gone wrong

......Obstacles repeated - How do you NOT repeat this Again?

.......Obstacles Imagined and Obstacles that could still happen (based on different things, character flaws, finances, men’s personalities, race, looks, nature) Get as detailed as needed.

Man plans and God unplans ...

However, as humans we have ability to at least create contingencies... try to come up with possible contingency plan and POSSIBLE action on how to still not stand still when one of those obstacles appear... Basically figure out another way to scale through, wiggle through, swim through... whatever way (As long as there is life, health and will... there is a way.... After all people have clawed out of dungeous using only a stick or even their finger nails)

3.) What have you tried that didnt work? or keeps failing... List it

4.) What ever #3 is that didnt work... What is the alternative that you haven’t tried.

5.) Clearly you see this as an investment if you have lost weight, moved etc... What is missing in the picture? (I don’t know you, nor have I spent time with you or know your thinking process or views... So this is something even if you dont know what is missing... You have to sit and think... Sleep on it, give it time but remain introspective but be mindful to know when clarity presents itself.

Being brutally Honest with yourself is the only way to know what is missing and where you are missing.

Example: I met a gorgeous black girl A few months ago. From the get go, I knew she was hypergamous... The men also knew. But there was something missing and i couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Until we were all talking with the men present.

She carried herself as a pretty girl, sweet and bubbly... But she made the mistake of trying to emulate the white woman’s countenance... So she could be doted on same as a white woman... I can’t explain this in detail.

But while it is good to emulate things noteworthy in other people... She lost her self and her own personal spark. As a black woman... She avoided the pitfalls of a stereotypical black woman (quote on quote)... in the process, she mistakenly lost her goddess quality and blended in with the rest. The men moved on from her.

My Point is: WHAT IS MISSING... Are your run of the Mill? What is your core

6.) Standard -

Do you have set standards? expectations of yourself and of the Men and of your surroundings?

Do you keep it? Do you up hold it or do you switch or lower it under pressure?

Not to give too much information... I refused to live in the poor neighborhood when i moved off college campus. I lived in a condo and lived Smack in the center of the wealthy part of the city. I was not in this lifestyle then... But it was simply my standards... And even though it meant staying on campus longer till i got it... I did that.

Example 2: I have friends who do not care what hole they enter to get entertained (granted you can meet people anywhere)... But I am not the type that goes out very often... So why will i waste my few outings in some frat boys bar or club. So I go to high end places.

Example 3: I met a man who recently sold his company with upwards of $80 Million... I wasn’t told... I was aware of the process and listened to him through the proceess complain about delay in the closing and trying to avoid tax etc

He was deperate to meet me in person. As a matter of fact the day he closed. He flew me to his city (I went cause i was bored). Long story Short... He is the type of man that got lucky... There isn’t much in terms of comparison... Thinks he knows everything, thinks himself black people’s savior and makes comments such as “If there were black women like you”... Has some racists views he doesn’t think is racists... I met his friends... I liked one (But he just recently got remarried and was the smartest of the bunch). They had pissing games who had thr most rolex collection etc... He was crazy about me... Still is even without so much as a kiss and i spent a weekend there. (Had my own hotel room)

But, I knew while the money was there, he was generous and was crazy about me... It would drive me nuts being with him and interacting with his friends... My standard here is that I won’t deal with any man who so much as stresses me mentally especially as I am a black woman... I won’t take nonsense.

My Point is : What do you compromise on that you do? It is a long road being steadfast to your standard... But it has been worth it for me.

Do not use anyone’s standard... Create your own and work on keeping it... Men will despise you for it... But respect you all the same.... It is a weird placed to be.

7.) What type of events do you attend. When you attend events, go out etc... What do you do? How do you approach these events? Do you wing it? Do you plan it? Are you fearless and confident or shy or just pleasant enough to exchange pleasantries alone? What vibe do you give off?

How do you dress? Different styles can come across different ways... Some ooze Sexy, some ooze elegance with a hint of sexy, some basic, some regular, some say just another event person

8.) Closer to Major cities : what part of that do you live? Even if you are not in the center of things... Where do you go when you go out? How often to do go to wealthy areas, who do you interact with there?

There is a plethora of questions who have to ask yourself.

With Covid I have met people (but then, I work for myself and have more freedom to move around and also take mini vacation in other cities) And I already have a network... So, I have a leg up -

But, I know girls here and people are also still meeting people.

What is stopping you? What avenues and methods have you tried? Have you thought outside the box?

Hopeless? No... Wrong direction... As you fail you learn things that dont work so that should make you hopeful.

Also, I am a big beliver in manifestation and law of attraction. Feeling hopless will only make things more hopless...It will attract more faliure...

Find ways to think more positively, ways to turn negative things into potentially positive things... In this case you do not have to be rational... Imagine everything negative happening has a positive...

e.g : A man cancelled on you = It wasn’t meant to be... It might have turned into a terrible situation for you... Thank God or the universe for saving you from whatever it is you arent aware of.

eg : Covid happening : Time to make more money, invest. Brush yourself up, level up some more, learn new ways to meet this men and become more resilient so you come out fire when, the world isnt tupsy turvy

e.g : Getting older: Perfect, the more sure and certain you become in yourself, the more you actually find out what makes you stand apart, the more you find out who you are and realize that whatever amount a man was going to give you last year, you’ve outgrown it with age, maturity, acheivements etc.

You get the gist.... NEVER FEEL HOPELESS

You can feel sad... But not hopeless... Dust yourself up and try again...

Maybe one day i will take time out to share some of my own short comings and faliures... Cause i think we share the successes much more; that people think there aren’t mistakes and faliures and short comings... I have had them, and I continue to work and fix them.

The only thing is after my introspection... and brow beating myself and figuring it out...i don’t like to dwell on the faliures... I put my self to work updating myself. Besides I think sharing more good news brings more good news and vibes... But, there isn’t anyone that can claim to not have had obstacles and faliures.

Finally: My sister beleives everyone has a destiny... But everyone is also capable of changing theirs...

With regards to your question... About certain type of girls ...

The Answer is NO...

Some people might find it harder, or lack the resources and know how

But trying, pushing ones self, acquiring knowlegde and doing whatever it takes (of course within reason and comfines of morality ) Is what makes the difference.

As i write... I know women who took their entire savings to go to ST Barts for New Year... (Would I? NO) But some would... My point is.

You will go as far as you are capable of seeing yourself go.

So if you want a change in your pattern... You have to break the wheel... Try something new you haven’t tried yet... And a new approach.

Question for you: “Gain an in?” Into what circle do you want an in? What type of man

#hypergamy, #datingtips #sugardatingtips #sugardatingadvice #levelup #levelupadvice #sugardatingtip #sugardating

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apollostears · 4 years

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don’t look, don’t touch | l. zhang

Request: A night out on your honeymoon turns into something more when others can’t stop touching what’s his.

Fandom: EXO

Pairing: Lay Zhang x black!reader

Warning(s): angst-ish, smut, light spanking, dirty talk, & swearing

Creator: maya

A/N: this took me forever to write and i am so sorry!! hope you love it!! xx

*gif not mine*

New marital bliss was a thing. Oh My God was it a thing! You had never seen Lay so at peace and happy then when you did after y’all had gotten married.

His energy matched yours and anyone from a mile away could tell that y’all were newlyweds. Well...almost everyone.

“You’re looking a little too sexy for dinner in a hotel restaurant.” Yixing’s voice was light as he emerged from the bathroom, his hands fastening his cufflinks.

You smirked at him through the floor-length mirror. “Is my handsome husband being a little possessive?” You teased, sending him a wink through your reflection as you applied some gloss to your lips.

Yixing wore a knowing smile on his face as he approached you. Coming up behind you, he caressed your curves through your silk dress and pressed himself up against you.

“Not all, my darling wife, i’m just feeling sorry for all the men that will never know what it’s like to have a Goddess at their side.” He spoke into your ear before pressing a kiss to the tip of it.

Rolling your eyes playfully, you couldn’t help but smile at his loving compliment. “You are such a romantic.”

“I can show you how much of a romantic I am. What do you say Mrs. Zhang?” Yixing was a devil and he knew that as he lightly nibbled on your neck.

You had to suppress your own desires as you wiggled your way out his arms. “Sorry baby, but it’s day four of our honeymoon and you’ve had me to yourself this whole time.”

Making your way across the room, you slipped your heels on and grabbed the shiny room key that matched the aesthetic of the building.

Peering over your shoulder, you saw your lover pouting. “The faster we eat, the faster you have me to yourself.” You bribed him with a light voice.

Yixing perked up a bit at that, grabbing the rest of his things and following you out the door.

That didn’t stop him from making a mess of your lips on the short trip down to the lobby. By the time the doors opened, his lips were glossy and yours weren’t.

“If I look a hot mess when we get off this elevator Yi, we fighting.” You warned, stepping off the elevator before him.

“Mhm, i’m sure.” He responded, placing a hand at the small of your back as the two of you walked towards the host.

The young male smiled at you two, ready to make a good impression. “Good evening, how may I be of service to you today?”

While Yixing handled the reservations, your eyes wandered to the decor of the resturant. Although a hotel resort was where you were staying, the place never lacked in its interior design. It felt like some high-end place off fifth avenue and you were so grateful that Yixing decided on something like this.

“Holy shit, [Y/N] [L/N], I can’t believe it’s you!” A voice you never thought you’d hear again, had startled you from your thoughts.

Shifting your gaze, you found the culprit. It was your ex, the one before Yixing, and he stood with a group of men in dress suits.

A soft smile found your lips and you gave a small wave. “Hey Ezekiel, long time no see.”

Your tone was light, having no ill-will to the person who ultimately led you to your soulmate. “I never thought I’d see you again! How have you been?” He questioned, giving you a side hug, but not removing his arm.

“Very good actually, just here with my husband. How about you?”

Casual as ever, you naturally removed yourself from his extended embrace and politely waited for him to answer. The shocked look on his face bringing you more satisfaction than normal.

“Husband? You got married?” Mouth agape and eyes wide in shock.

Before you could speak, Yixing had appeared next to you with a firm hand on your waist. “Honey, our table is ready. Who is this?”

Ezekiel was in even more shock to see the handsome man that had became your husband. With a smile, you introduced the two and could feel Yixing tighten his grip on you.

“Nice to meet you but we have to go.” You barely had time to squeeze out a farewell before Yixing pulled you to y’all’s table.

You pouted at his behavior and kept a confused look on your face as you got ready to speak to him.

“So...what was that about?” You asked, picking up your menu to hide your face from his eyes. You wanted to seem causal about the situation, the only emotion showing would be confusion.

“They have that wine that you like, want me to order you a glass?” Yixing asked, smoothly avoiding the question.

Peering your eyes over the menu, you gave him a glare but didn’t press the issue. “Sure.” Your tone was clipped, but that didn’t seem to phase your husband as he hummed in response.

Men. You thought to yourself before focusing all your attention to the list of items in front of you.

Deciding what you wanted, you put your menu down and studied the man in front of you. Your husband was a work of art, incredibly gorgeous with an aura around him that couldn’t be touched.

He was power and just the very thought of his strength had you squirming in your seat.

Noticing this, Yixing raised his eyes over the menu. “Something wrong?”

His concerning voice went straight to your core as you put on a tight smile. “Nothing honey. Do you know what you want? The waiter is coming.”

You had already caught him coming up behind your husband and he was a little on the cute side, but very young. You’d call him adorable, a puppy.

Nodding his head, Yixing closed his menu and put it on top of yours just as the man had arrived.

“Good evening, my name is Lei and it’ll be my pleasure to serve you.” The young man had introduced himself, all his attention on you.

But you were too caught up in the way his name was like your husband’s.

“Awe babe! His name is like yours!” You cooed, looking at your man excitedly.

Yixing hummed in response, his eyes focusing on the male who blatantly disrespected him in front of his wife. Not to mention the way he was trying to pry on you like you weren’t on a date.

The young man’s smile was beautiful, bashful that you were cooing over him. “What’s your name beautiful?” He asked, shifting so his body would cover Yixing.

Pulled from your ignorance, you noticed what he was doing. The kid was trying to lay game in front of your husband and shamelessly check you out.

Just as you had prepared yourself to speak, Yixing was up and by your side quickly.

“Her name is none of your damn business. I’ll be sure to leave a comment with the manager about your behavior kid.” He spoke sharply, before turning to look at you. “We’re leaving, lets go.”

You were stunned to say the least and your movements were robotic as you let Yixing guide you out of the restaurant.

Once y’all stepped foot on the elevator, you had finally processed everything. Your husband was seething, he was tense as he stood slightly in front of you. You were unsure on if you should speak, but decided it might be best to do so.

“Yi...what’s wrong hun?” Your voice was soft, nonthreatening so you wouldn’t set him off.

“When we get in this room, I want that dress off and you on your hands and knees on the bed.” Yixing’s voice was stern, reigniting the flame in your belly.

Your mouth opened and closed like a fish, surprised at his dominating nature. He wasn’t always like this with you, but it never failed to take you by surprise.

Yixing didn’t appreciate your silence and he turned his head to the side and glared at you from his peripheral. “Am I clear?”

“Y-yes sir.” You stuttered out your answer and soon licked your lips after, feeling your mouth go dry from the thoughts of what he’d do to you.

The elevator bell dinged and the pristine doors slid open. Yixing stepped out first and you followed. Letting you in the room first, you hurried to the room and did as told. A chill ran down your spine as the cold air hit your bareback.

The electric blue panties you wore felt damp against your core as you waited in anticipation. Hearing the front door click and dress shoes hitting the marble floor, you craned your neck to see Yixing come in the room.

His tie was loosened and his top two buttons were undone. His hands worked to unfasten his cuff links and your eyes almost rolled back at the sight.

“Face forward.” He commanded, not even glancing your way.

You swallowed a desperate whine and did as he said. The expensive curtains were pulled back and you could see all the lights of Shanghai.

Pulled from your thoughts, a sharp smack to your ass cheeks had you jolting forward in surprise. “Ahh!” A cry of surprise escaped past your lips before you could stop it.

Another smack followed and your ass was caressed shortly after, blending the lines between pain and pleasure.

“I wanted to take my wife out on a date, but instead was met with men who couldn’t seem to tell who she belonged to. Now I have to mark what’s mine.”

You didn’t stop the small moan that escaped your lips as you clenched your pussy around nothing. Yixing was hardly like this, choosing to make love instead. Those guys must’ve really pissed him off.

“I’m ready daddy.” You assured, giving him the green light to do as he pleased.

Yixing hummed in content and you soon felt a dip in the bed behind you. Wet lips and cold fingers covered your ass, close to where you wanted him most.

“My good girl, always ready to please her daddy.” He cooed, his hand slipping between your legs to rub your mound. The other, pulling at your nipples.

Your back arched and you moaned, your hips rolling back for more friction. The sting of force that spread across your cheek made you moan even louder, having grown accustomed to the sharp feeling.

“Such a slut aren’t you? Wearing that dress, allowing men to look at what’s mine. This is what you wanted isn’t it?” Yixing roughly pulled at your nipple and slapped your pussy causing more moans to tumble from your lips.

Panties slid to the side, Yixing began to tease your wet hole, groaning at the slick that had already started to form.

“Fuck you get so wet.”

You slightly pushed your hips back, hoping to get his fingers to slide in. Noticing what you were trying to do, Yixing gave a dark chuckle and situated you so that the top half of your body was hanging off the edge of the bed and your lower half was draped across his lap.

The sound of fabric tearing sounded through the room and you were sad to see the electric blue panties tossed to the floor. “I’ll buy you more.” He muttered, silencing any issues you had with his abrasive behavior.

“I’m going to fuck you using my fingers; don’t move and don’t speak, understood?” Yixing spoke sternly in your ear, pulling at your hair a bit.

Your breaths were quick and short from his touch alone. You were sure you’d be feeling everything that he gave you tonight. “Yes sir.”

Yixing rubbed your clit a bit and you struggled to stay still, but when he suddenly plunged two fingers deep in your pussy, you really had to find some strength not to move. Clenching your fist around the Egyptian sheets, your hole clamped around Yixing’s fingers.

“Relax for me love, I got you.” He cooed, rubbing circles on your lower back to relax your muscles.

Letting out a deep breath, you focused on relaxing and tried hard not to make a sound as he pistoned his fingers through your pussy. Any other time, you’d feel self-conscious of the sounds coming from your hole, the slickness of your juices creating air pockets of noise, but you were so strung out you couldn’t care.

“So warm and tight—shit! I can’t fucking wait to replace my fingers with my cock.” Yixing’s mouth spewed vulgarities and you could only listen. His dirty talk made you grow wetter and you could feel the knot of pleasure forming.

Tears blurred your eyes as you reached a euphoric state, a third finger slipped through your barrier and violated you in the best way possible. A choked sob was held back in your throat with your teeth biting down on your tongue. Toes curled and back stiff as a rod, a wave of pleasure came crashing over your body as you shook with tremors and clamped around Yixing’s fingers.

“That’s it princess, good girl.” He praised, relishing in the way your walls fluttered rapidly around his fingers. Once you calmed down, he slowly removed his fingers and licked them clean, enjoying your taste.

Breathing heavily, your eyes were still closed as you came down from your first orgasm of the night. Gently sitting you up, Yixing cupped your face and brought his lips o yours for a passionate kiss.

Feeling yourself sink into his arms, you leaned more into the kiss and moaned at the taste of yourself on his lips and tongue. Yixing pulled away first, attacking your neck in love bites while you sat there in his lap, allowing yourself to be loved on and marked.

“You are everything to me Mrs. Zhang and I want the whole world to know.”

“Show them then.” You softly said, cupping his face in your hand and staring deep into his eyes.

Capturing your lips in another kiss, you felt yourself being lowered back onto the bed, a comfortable weight settling over you. Seperating for just a moment, Yixing made haste removing his clothing and shoes, tossing them wherever before climbing back on top of you.

“You ready?” He asked you, holding eye contact with you as he awaited your answer.

Nearly five years together and he still asks for consent, it makes butterflies erupt in you every time. Nodding your head, you smiled. “As always.”

Without further prompting, Yixing’s grabbed the base of his cock and slowly rubbed it against your folds, moaning with you at the feeling. “Please baby, I need you.” Whines spilled from your lips like an apology, desperately wanting to be filled by him.

With a smirk, he did as asked. With a swift snap of his hips, he buried his cock deep into your pussy. Your mouth dropped open and your breast were pushed upwards as you arched your back. Sweat had began to form and your pussy contracted wildly while moans pushed past your lips.

“Fuccckkk.”

Yixing gritted his teeth as he tried to focus on not nutting just from your face alone. He always told you how pretty you looked while getting fucked and if you kept squeezing him like that, he would surely buss quick.

“God, you’re so tight! Fit me so well baby, shit!” Yixing swore, slowly moving his hips back and forth to gain a rhythm.

In no time, Yixing was pounding into your pussy at a speed that border fast and slow. Pulling his hips back enough to snap them back into you, making his cock hit your spot every time. Your hands wandered his body while moans tumbled out, your nails dragging down his biceps before pulling him closer to you. This fuck was different than the ones you’ve had since being here. While it started off rough, Yixing is handling your body in the softest way possible.

His hands were positioned on either side of your head, gripping the sheets there. His eyes were mesmerized by the way your tits jiggled with each thrust he gave. It was becoming too much to bear. “I love you. I love you so much.” The words came from Yixing’s lips in urgency.

Tears had started to form again and you reached your hands up to pull him into a kiss. Using your tongue to caress the inside of his mouth, one of your hands began to pull at the hair on the nape of his neck. As his thrusts grew faster, you anchored your legs around his hips to hold on.

Pulling away, you struggled to catch your breath as the knot formed again. “R-rub my clit baby, i’m so close to cumming.” You cried, focusing on the feeling you were about to recieve.

Bringing a hand down to your throbbing clit, Yixing harshly rubbed circles on it, desperate to see you cum. “Oh shit! Right there, right there, right there!” You squealed, bucking your hips into his hand.

Watching your face scrunch up the closer you got to climaxing had Yixing’s cock twitching inside of you. The feeling itself made you moan and clamp down on him as you came hard. Feeling your walls tighten around his cock as you orgasmed, had him cumming right behind you with a violent yell.

Your thighs trembled as Yixing collapsed gently on top of you. The sounds of heavy breathing filled the hotel room while y’all tried to gather yourselves. Lazily, you began to run your fingers through his hair, feeling him relax even more.

“I love you forever Yi. That’s a promise I do not regret making.” You spoke softly, basking in the afterglow of love making.

Tilting his head to the side, Yixing looked up at you and kissed the valley in between your breast. “I am eternally yours and i’m sorry for reacting that way. I love you too much to let you go. You’re going to be the mother of my kids and grow old with me, I can’t have anyone else thinking otherwise.”

All you could do was smile at your husband’s slight possessive behavior. Marriage wasn’t going to be easy, but with him by your side, you could get through anything.

Taglist: @knjkitten @olamidey

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crimson-dxwn · 4 years

Text

At Odds: Chapter 3

Summary: Hey all, so I decided to change this from a Reader Insert fic into third person (?). Tbh I hate this chapter but it sets up some necessary things. Decided to just bite the bullet and just post since I’m probably gonna die in a snowy ditch in MT tomorrow.

Kal thinks about some things, Laseema gets the deets, and doc comes back to Kyrimorut

Warnings: Sexual harassment? idk there’s not much to warn for here. Slight mutual pining

Words: 4040

Kyrimorut, Northern Mandalore

Spring

Kal suspected the situation with Parja had been a lot hairier than the doc had let on; it was just a feeling really, he didn’t have any knowledge about anatomy or birth or babies. But he did have a keen eye for how people worked under pressure, and that woman had nerves of steel. Like he told her before, she was mandokarla, she had that rare combination of daring and compassion that he’d once seen in Etain. The right stuff. People didn’t realize that the right stuff was different in everyone. Besany had proven it when she chose to commit espionage against her own government, Parja had showed it every tough day with Fi when he couldn’t even remember his own name, let alone walk. Laseema raised Kad without even a question, because she loved the boy and Atin.

She had raged at him, managing to hit him in that well of self-loathing that he usually kept carefully covered with his hatred for the Empire. Etain and Darman, the men and boys he’d lost, being disowned by his own sons, all of it he could bear, but he couldn’t - wouldn’t - seem to forgive himself for anything. He felt like a failure in every way that mattered. He wondered when it would break him.

If he dwelled on his failures too long, he would drown in their sheer volume, and he realized that when Kal watched the doc work, he simply couldn’t recall any of them, or at least they didn’t weigh so heavy. And then somehow they’d fallen into bed together like two teenagers, practically ripping each other’s clothes off. It turned out that her sharp mind and nimble hands were good for more than just delivering babies. He didn’t think he could recall the last time he’d gotten that hard that fast - definitely before Kamino. A mistake, she called it. Maybe it was, but he couldn’t deny that there was an undeniable attraction between them.

“Buir?” Ordo’s voice rings out behind him and Kal turns to meet his eyes, finding concern there. Ordo had always been protective of him, more so the older they both got. His mind had a hard time reconciling how fast his boys grew up with how much time had actually passed.

“What is it, son?

“I...uh,” he says, “wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Fine, Ordo. Just seeing the doc out. Let’s get back to breakfast before it’s gone.”

They walk in companionable silence down the hall, though Kal can tell that something is bothering Ordo. By now, he knew all of his sons’ anxious tics and twitches as if they were his own.

“Something on your mind?”

Kal wasn’t able to wheedle it out of him, as they’d reached the door to the karyai and the chaos that made up breakfast time in the huge household. Ordo made his way back to Besany’s side, where Mird was still chirping and wagging his tail furiously and Walon was considering the scene with a shit eating grin on his face. Oh.

Guess he’d get to see the doc again after all.

Laseema, sitting with Kad on her lap, just rolled her eyes knowingly and shoveled a bite of food into her mouth. The blue twi’lek seemed to know everything before the rest of them, as if all the news and gossip of the family flowed through her first and then filtered out to the rest. Kal decides he can’t bother to try and comprehend women. It isn’t a new feeling for him.

He thinks on the hurry that the doc left in and what she’d said when he caught up with her. Kal was pretty sure he hadn’t done anything to upset her, after all she was just fine when he left her in his room. No, it must have been something else.

Walon Vau finally breaks the awkward silence.

“Mird seems to think you two have something to announce,” he says, an amused look still on his patrician face. Vau sips his strig as if he has all the time in the world and Kal half expects the man to rest his boots on the table, only his manners are too good.

Ordo looks at his wife with a bewildered expression - he’s at a loss as to what to say, that much is obvious. The null is trying in vain to shoo Mird back to where Walon is sitting.

Laseema raises a tattooed eyebrow, still bouncing a silent Kad. Scorch and Sev are at the table in their shorts and undershirts, and they glance between their buir and the null ARC expectantly like two vultures. They’re ready for a fight.

“Spit it out, Ordo,” teases Scorch, oblivious.

“I’m pregnant,” Besany blurts out tearfully, and stands so fast her chair tips over behind her. Mird scrabbles backwards as she storms past it and out of the room.

If there wasn’t going to be a fight before, there certainly was now. Ordo, unable to stand seeing Besany upset in any way, rounds on Scorch. Kal does see a flare of contrition on his face, but Ordo’s imminent anger flips a switch in the commando and he clamps down, readying himself for what comes next. Vau’s boys always did have skewed self-preservation instincts. They were all feeling cooped up lately, and it was obviously making tensions run high.

“Enough,” he says, from the vantage point of his appointed chair. A harsh word from Kal is typically enough to make just about anyone who lived in the vicinity stop what they were doing, even two oversized grown men fighting over nothing. Ordo and Scorch remain standing, but their postures have relaxed, if only marginally.

“She wanted to wait to tell people,” Ordo growls, looking from Vau to Scorch to Mird and back.

“Ordo, son, why don’t you go make sure Bes is okay.” Maybe he wasn’t the best with emotion, but Kal could infer that she probably didn’t want to be alone right now. And it had the added benefit of keeping at least a few solid stone walls between Ordo and Scorch until the tension simmered down.

They ate in silence until Sev and Scorch traipsed off to get ready for the day and Walon decided to open his mouth again.

“Men need a good fight,” he says, staring into his strig, “been cooped up too long.”

“I think for once, you and I agree,” answers Kal.

“You may get what you wish for,” Laseema pipes up. Her mouth is set in a grim line. Never one to underestimate, Vau considers her with another vaguely amused look. “When I was in Keldabe, there was talk of an Imperial garrison being set up there.”

Vau’s amused look is gone. It was a surprise to both of them. Imperial transports had been making their way in and out of the system for a while, that they already knew. Mereel had been monitoring transmissions, but an occupation of the Mandalorian capital hadn’t been in the list of encrypted messages they’d managed to decipher. The Empire had been smart enough to ditch the dead Republic’s encryption after Order 66. Smart, he thought, but really kriffing inconvenient for them. Jaing and Mereel were only able to make out a word or two, rarely full sentences from the transmissions they were able to intercept. Nothing about a garrison.

He kicks himself for not utilizing Laseema’s skills earlier. Women could go where soldiers, even ones trained to infiltrate, could not. Twi’leks especially. As unfortunate as it was, the fact that her species was an oft-chosen one for slaves and servants had a sort of advantage. And something about Laseema made people want to tell her things. It might do for her to make another trip into Keldabe soon. Atin wouldn’t love the idea, but Kal had a feeling that Laseema would be on board.

“I believe it’s time for a proper recon mission.” Vau stares intently at Laseema, who returns his sharp gaze. She’s come a long way from Qibbu’s.

The mood on the planet, or at least what Kal had gathered from their excursions to Enceri, was becoming increasingly grim. Even more unsettling was the news trickling in from the core and the inner rim as Palpatine’s new Empire gradually tightened its hold. And to top it all off, the last time Kal had seen Mij Gilamar his old friend hadn’t cracked a smile the entire time. There was an outbreak in Sundari, something like Candorian Plague, sweeping through the shelters of people left unhoused after the Republic had taken back the city from Maul. It was the first time Kal had seen the man look his age. It was just another worry to stack on top of all the others.

----

Two weeks later, Keldabe, Mandalore

Spring

Keldabe is a mash of buildings and dwellings of various ages. Pale brick, duracrete, steel, even wood and thatch mix together on the blocks. It makes for good hidey-holes, places to meet in secret, in the shadows thrown by the rooms stacked on top of one another lining narrow alleys. Keldabe is the unofficial capital of the planet, and the oldest city, older than Sundari by far and located in a much more hospitable location.

Laseema is on Baker street, one of the oldest in the city, pretending to be just another citizen doing their shopping for the day, comparing prices and quality. It’s Keldabe’s market day, and the crowds make for good cover and good listening; the vendors are always eager to trade gossip for business. She even buys a pan of the sweet rolls that she knew Atin likes. Baker street, near the outskirts of the city, is one of the most popular and packed avenues, and every so often Laseema can see the gleam of a pure white helmet over hair and beskar-clad heads.

She still finds it hard to call them stormtroopers. They’re clone troopers, her brain tells her, you’re safe, it’s Atin’s brothers under there. But she is wrong, and these stormtroopers would haul her off to goddess knows where if they knew who she was connected to. A rush of cold comes over her and she burrows back into the crowd, away from the nearest white helmet. There are more this trip, almost twice as many as her last time in the city, some on patrols and others on leave, weaving through the throng of people with their helmets off, chatting with their buddies. Some are nat-borns, as Atin called them, and others are clones. You can tell the difference by the way they carried themselves. The nat-borns are sloppy, slouching, the ones who joke with their friends and flirt with pretty girls whether they were on leave or on duty, and more often wearing officer uniforms. The former clone troopers walk in solemn silence, forever in sync, without even their painted armor to distinguish them.

She has a mission here. She’d offered because she wanted to help and because Kal had asked, though he’d never make her do anything she didn’t want to do. But Laseema wanted to feel useful outside of making food and taking care of Kad. It felt like everyone else was in danger constantly and she felt horribly guilty being the one who got to stay safe at home.

She can handle playing the dumb twi’lek role. At Qibbu’s it had always been the most reliable way to get the best tips, and she played it well, even now, years after she’d danced around a pole. The downside was that it made her seem like an easy target, which is why she always approached the slimiest, fattest, slowest-looking officer she could manage. Laseema wasn’t big, but she was fast and now she had her knife hidden on her person for anyone who decided to try something. She hoped it didn’t come to that.

She already has good intel from the merchants she’s seen so far. But she wants more; to get it she’ll have to take on a proportional amount of risk. She is on Baker Street for its popularity, but also for its proximity to the bathhouse positioned on the corner at the end of the street. She has...unpleasant memories associated with such establishments that try to bubble up, despite knowing that this wasn’t that sort of place.

It’s old, made of cracked creamy yellow brick, with a domed top and big wooden doors. Surreptitiously, she brushes her hand up against the credits Kal had given her in an inside pocket of her tunic, and makes her way up the stairs and through the great doors. The old woman at the desk smiles warmly at her.

“Su cuy’gar,” the woman greets.

“Su cuy’gar,” replies Laseema. She can tell they are alone in the atrium out of the corner of her eyes, but gets up close to her nonetheless. With any luck, Kal had been able to contact her and smooth things along. If not, she’s prepared. Fortunately, few Mandalorians in the North, including Keldabe, were sympathetic to the Empire. Yet.

“A towel for you,” the owner says, handing the article to Laseema.

“Thank you.” She moves to press the credits into the older woman’s hand, but the woman pushes her fist back.

“There’s no need. Tell our friend Ayati says hello.” Ayati jerks her head towards the locker room on her right. “You’ll be working steam room two today.”

Laseema only nods and heads to the changing room, and quick peek reveals a worker’s uniform hidden within the folds of the towel. She stashes her old clothes and quickly dons the new tunic and cropped flowy trousers that were unisex and ubiquitous throughout the facility. Steam room two, she reminds herself. That must be where the good pickings are. It would be officers, preferably; the grunts never got the full scope of information, let alone plans for the future.

Grabbing a stack of towels, she exits the locker room and heads past the pools and baths, down a long hallway at the back of the complex that houses the private steam rooms. Numbered doors are cut out of the paneled wood wall. Laseema is alone in the hallway, standing outside steam room two, towels in hand. She positions her ear cone close to the crack between the door and its frame, listening.

Four voices, maybe five come from inside. Her heart beating is making her blood rush in her ears and she wills it to slow, unable to hear much over the sound of her anxiety. Finally, she can hear more of the conversation from inside.

“- not the worst place I’ve been stationed.”

“Me either.”

“You never know what you’ll get with these Mando girls with their helmets and armor on though”

“Just keep the helmet on!”

They laugh.

“- more troopers coming in a month,” one says, “Should add a little variety that won’t stab you in the back when you’re taking your pants off.”

More laughter. A bench creaks and Laseema holds her breath.

“New barracks better have nice beds than what they’ve got us in now-“

“Beds on the floor, what kind of savages-“

“It’s 1500. Better get back, boys.”

“Aye, captain,” come echoed voices

Laseema makes for a quick exit and then changes her mind. She can handle a little risk, after all, this wasn’t the worst situation she’d been in. And if it helped Atin and their family, the risk was worth it. A hand rattles on the doorknob as it opens and Laseema scampers to position herself where they’ll see her, a little down the hall, holding fresh towels in outstretched arms.

Four men exit the room and she keeps her eyes down, praying they’ll ignore her and keep talking. She thanks the goddess they’re in shorts and not naked. Atin had been...less than keen of this plan for multiple reasons, this being one of them.

Three take a towel without a word or second glance. Laseema is not so lucky with the fourth, who takes a towel and pauses to look her up and down. He’s one of the younger ones, tall with a forgettable pinched face.

“Now here’s something you don’t see every day.” She dares look him in the eye, remembering the knife in its sheath around her waist, hidden by her tunic.

“A Mandalorian tailhead?” The man’s lips twist into a smirk and he directs his attention back down towards her, amused by his own cleverness. “How much?”

“How much what?” Laseema knows what. She’s been asked before, many times. It’s a phrase men like him keep at the tip of their tongues, because in their minds anything can be bought, including - especially - people.

“For you.” He looms over her as the other men watch from a distance.

“I’m not for sale,” she spits out, barely containing herself. If she starts something here, she won’t be able to finish it, not four against one.

The man runs his knuckle down one of her lekku and she yanks it away, scandalized, and shudders. The man laughs under his breath. Laseema lets her eyes focus on a bandage that hangs half off his upper arm instead of on his face.

“I have to get back to work,” she says, still avoiding his eyes, “please excuse me.” And she walks away, slowly and calmly, barely able to restrain herself from breaking into a run. Atin would’ve broken his fingers one by one, she thinks, and I would help. It was probably best her husband didn’t know about her run-in with the tall imperial.

It was worth it, even for the small amount of information she’d gleaned. New barracks. More troopers. One month.

Back at the compound, Kal, Walon, Ordo and Laseema digest the information.

“Sounds like an invasion,” says Ordo, his mouth full of food.

Kal knew Laseema would pull through for them. Initially Atin had seemed a little put out by the notion but had said nothing, only shooting Kal an angry glance when she came home in one piece, if not a little shaken up.

“We knew it was only a matter of time.” Walon Vau somehow looks even more grim than usual. He runs a hand through his grey hair, thinking. “A month…”

“You know there aren’t enough of us,” Kal says, and Vau nods in agreement.

“I know,” he replies.

“Then we’ll just have to get creative.”

———

The long speeder ride from Keldabe to Kyrimorut gives her time to think.

She’d been lonely for a long time, at least as long as she can remember, the short sorry course of her dating life culminating in a few brief relationships that ended sourly. Long, punishing hours were usually the answer to any painful thoughts, and it had worked well for her, at least until Kyrimorut, where every emotion she’d worked so hard to ignore had threatened to spill over and drown her.

And there was Kal. At first she was sure he hated her guts, but the way he watched her work during Parja’s delivery and the absolute awe in his voice and on his features was as sincere as she’d ever seen. It touched a part of her that she’d thought was long gone, deadened by years of loss and rejection. Somehow she feels they had forged a small connection, that he understood in some small way that she couldn’t quite put a finger on.

She’d left the foolish hope of her twenties behind, and with it the illusion of finding someone who would and could keep up with her long hours and nights away. So far she’d been disappointed, but not surprised.

Kyrimorut was remote and well hidden, though not too far from Enceri, the nearest trading post, by speeder. She’ll have to face Kal again, but any apprehension would be easy enough to hide behind the real reason she were at the compound.

It feels like almost no time has gone by since she’d stormed out two weeks ago. Gently, she reminds herself that she is here for business and not to fall back into bed with the patriarch of Clan Skirata.

A familiar face answers the door when she knocks. Fi stands in the open doorway, looking much too chipper for a new parent.

“Sorry, baby factory’s closed.”

“Feels like I never left,” she replies, wishing she hadn’t.

“Come on in. You should stay for dinner, Atin and Laseema are cooking tonight and it’s bound to be something good. If you want your tastebuds burned off, that is.”

She laughs. “I’m Mando, how could I not?” Loving spicy food was practically a cultural requirement.

Fi leads her through the halls and they chat about he and Parja’s little one. Lael was a quiet little thing, much to the chagrin of his talkative father. They reach Ordo and Besany’s pod of rooms and Fi takes his leave, giving her a little hug and a peck on the cheek as he goes.

The couple is sitting inside, Ordo looking both elated and horrendously nervous at the same time. She wonders if he needs a garbage can nearby and make a mental note to have him sit in the delivery room when the time comes. Fainting husbands were a very unwelcome addition to the stress of a birth.

The appointment goes well, with the exception of Ordo’s constant questioning and Besany’s futile attempts to calm him down. She suspects some of his anxiety is compensation for the guilt of putting her in this situation. She’s been sick, and these soldiers aren��t suited to sitting around and watching people they love suffer.

“Only a few more weeks to go and you’ll probably be feeling better, cyar’ika.” Besany smiles weakly back at her, unconvinced.

A normal sonogram later, they’re both happy and relieved, fawning over the sono printout and she leaves them to it.

Much to her displeasure, Kal is waiting outside Besany and Ordo’s door. He’s wearing his armor, the gold of the beskar gleaming subtly in the morning light. Her stomachs drops into her feet at the sight of him, having to face him again.

“We’d feel better if you were here instead of alone in Keldabe,” he says. Kal’s hand is wrapped around her upper arm, gently pulling her back towards him. She can feel her heart pick up at his hand on her bare skin. “There’s some osik going on with the Empire and we’re not sure what it is yet.”

“I can take care of myself, Kal. Kyrimorut is too far from my patients and the hospital to make it work.” Never one to take no for an answer, he tries again.

“I don’t think you understand. They’re planning something big.”

“Why me?”

“What?” He stares at her, annoyance plain on his face. It’s always easy to get Kal riled up, but today it takes no effort at all. He must truly be concerned about what’s going on with the Empire; it gives her pause for the first time that day.

“Why do you want me to stay?”

“Bes is going to need you,” he replies.

“So what you’re telling me is that you’re gathering up all your tools and closing up shop? Besany isn’t the only person who needs me, Kal. I can’t just quit my job and come live here, as attractive as that might sound right now.”

She can tell his frustration is mounting as his expression sets on his lined face. A tired, lonely part of her brain is begging her to just say yes, to let someone else take care of her for once instead of the other way around. She wants to stay with him, wants to feel protected, wanted, valued outside of her work.

What if the Empire did dare invade Mandalore? For some reason it seemed unfathomable until this point, having lived on the planet her whole life with the exception of medical school, she’s used to being surrounded by warriors; the idea of occupation has never even crossed her mind.

She’s seen the stormtroopers in Keldabe, but so far nothing has transpired. Talks with the Empire’s representatives were going well according to the Mand’alor - Fenn Shysa still believed that Mandalore could avoid occupation.

Taglist:

@clonewarslover55 @leias-left-hair-bun @cherry-cokes-world @wolfangelwings

@nelba @passionofthesith @808tsuika

#Republic Commando #Kal Skirata #OC #my writing #At Odds #At Odds 3

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aro-culture-is · 4 years

Text

terf spotting part 2

okay, so I figured it’s time to upgrade your terf-spotting toolbox. Pro-tip: apply these to EVERY POST ABOUT FEMINISM and you'll catch 90% of the TERFs on your dashboard

binary language is the biggest red flag. if a post refers to only men/women, you need to check it. seriously. anything that has “men are like...” “while women are...” is so so likely to be a terf.

check the urls. a huge amount of these assholes are obvious. look for words like “rad”, “womyn/wombyn”, “terf”, “female”, anything related to vulva/vagina/etc, and to a lesser degree goddesses, typically named, such as aphrodite or artemis

step one: look at their description.

does it include terf, swerf, radfem, tradfem, gender critical, nonbinary skeptic, or anything like that? at minimum they’re a transphobe. swerfs are very rarely not transphobic but like... do you really think they’re better than terfs? it’s just a slightly different pathway into being a terf usually. also, 2nd wave feminism = feminism minus trans acceptance (this is simplified). if they’re a “2nd wave feminist” they’re transphobic.

if it seems to give off a huge “women are superior” vibe, that’s more suspicious than not. words like misandrist pop up, and it might seem innocent to someone who isn’t used to terf-hunting

lastly, if anything else flags your attention, take note. a lot of “baby radfems” so to speak are exclus or mention “cishet” in the aphobic way.

step two: search their blog

whatever words you think will give you an idea of their attitude, look for that. common: “trans”, “transgender”, “gender”, “radical feminism”, “feminism”, “terf safe”, etc are tags you can check. if tumblr refuses to search for whatever reason, skip to step two and a half

look at the posts with a critical eye. sometimes this is easy - they reblog a transphobic comment that is easy to recognize as such (esp if you are trans. cis people, i’ll list more ways to recognize it), comment it, etc. sometimes, this is harder. does every post not directly imply transphobia, but constantly criticize trans people? hmm. what could that imply? (hint: transphobia) does every post involving a trans person talk down to them, describe them as confused, refer to how sad transitioning is, etc? or maybe there’s a shocking number of posts about detransitioning with some “good” looking sources? (detransitioning is, statistically, almost always because the person in question experienced so much transphobia after beginning to transition that they stopped for their safety. most of these link to a shitty study that labeled non-answers as detransitioned people). be critical of patterns.

step two and a half: searching for transphobia didn’t give a clear answer

if searching didn’t clunk out, look for other bigotry; these people rarely choose one minority to hate. often they tend to want a straight/gay only view of the world, so biphobia, panphobia, queerphobia, aphobia, and such are other avenues to check. search terms relating to those - “bi”, “pansexual”, “queer”, “asexual” - and read them critically. ask yourself what tendencies are shown in these posts.

if searching clunked out: try briefly scrolling through their blog. the easy avenue is that they reblog from a variety of blogs that do have these sorts of things clearly labelled - if every post includes a url that you’d want to check according to step one, it’s safe to assume this is a feminism to terf pipeline blog.

if nothing continues to jump out, decide where your instincts lie - if you’re wary despite this, don’t reblog a post they’re in!

step three: do something about it

okay, they’re a bigot. now what?

if there are other people on the post who seem suspicious, and there often are, do this for each. you’ll get good at doing it quick.

you’re gonna take a deep breath with me first. try breathing in for a count of 4 (however fast you want), hold for 4, out for 4, and hold for 4. repeat 4 times.

you’re gonna send this post to whoever reblogged it via messaging / asks / submit if you can, and tell them what you found. ask if they can delete it, or if you’re a little concerned about the person you’re sending it to, leave it with that. see how they respond. if you’re feeling especially brave, ask them to do the same for the person they reblogged it from. destroy the distribution of the words of a terf at their source.

hopefully they delete it or offer to - if they don’t, ask if you didn’t, and if they refuse, be cautious. don’t assume they’re transphobic or get defensive - explain that this is how transphobes on tumblr recruit. they sneak onto posts about feminism to target new feminists and convince them that trans people are destroying feminism, and that it’s important to give them no platform. if someone consistently gives transphobes a platform to speak on. as a trans person, I will assume that you are not an ally at best and one of them at worst. feel free to quote me on that.

if they delete it - great! good job :) offer resources like this post if they seem friendly and genuinely interested in no-platforming transphobes

if they don’t - okay. you’ve got a decision here. check their blog from step one first, and unfollow and block them if needed. if it seems like this is the only type of suspicious post, go with your instinct. unfollow for your health, send it directly to whoever they reblogged it from and see if you can bridge that gap, or a bunch of other options. do what you think is best, but NEVER send threats, never send messages from a place of anger, and never interact with someone who drains you on tumblr.

This is a basic formula I follow, and it works pretty damn well. If you have the Shinigami eyes extension for chrome or firefox, right click on the bigoted post where their username is, or on their title if the description speaks for itself, and mark them as transphobic. exercise caution - if you are a minor, don’t interact with blogs you aren’t comfortable interacting with especially.

and remember: posts about feminism are where they hide. feminism =/= good if it’s transphobic garbage masquerading as feminism now.

if you are someone who used to be in some way transphobic or otherwise bigoted, please double check your blog for those posts, delete them, and post that you did so because you no longer agree with those views.

#not aro #transphobia tw #transphobes fuck off challenge #and trans allies do better challenge #text #i've been seeing a lot more of these fuckers lately #probs due to valentine's being a thing #mod kee

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essays-for-breakfast · 4 years

Text

One Summer Day

Melizabeth Week Day 2: Past/Future

Elizabeth strolled down the busy avenue of Liones capital, exchanged smiles and polite greetings with passersby, and enjoyed the fantastic weather. The sky presented itself in a marvelous blue dress, dotted with a handful of fluffy white clouds that stood almost still without a breeze to carry them far.

She couldn’t have wished for better conditions on her birthday.

In a way, she found it odd to celebrate her human birthdays with the full knowledge that she had passed the same number Margaret had plastered onto the obligatory apple-pie with pink lines of cream and sugar a handful of times already. Elizabeth possessed memories of over three thousand years and had witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms and even the great war from millennia ago. The tiny number ‘seventeen’, regardless of how large the digits had seemed on her birthday cake, did not fit her in the slightest. And of her past seventeen years in this human body, only the last one held particular meaning in her vast pool of collected memories.

A merchant tipped his head and bowed with a gleam as he recognized her as the third princess of Liones, and Elizabeth answered with a twirl on her heels and a smile just as wide. Even though she had the powers of a Goddess and had fought on the front lines in the New Holy War alongside the Seven Deadly Sins, people remembered her as a princess first in foremost. Maybe her silver hair, a rarity this far away from Ishtar and the land of the Druids, or the fine, expensive silk of her white dress gave her identity away. Her identity in this life.

The one that counted.

A flash of nostalgia overcame her as she entered one of the capital’s largest plazas, an open field of cobblestone fenced by tailor shops and dusty taverns designed as a perfect square that had to make room for another building to house a small part of the city’s rising population. The first vendors had set up shop for the market this afternoon to sell fish and bakery produce to early customers, and the smell of their goods tickled her nose. Back when Elizabeth had been a child, she had played catch with Veronica between the crowds of people many times. Gilthunder had joined them every so often when he hadn’t stayed behind to train or play guard for Margaret.

That must have been after the Seven Deadly Sins had been framed for murder, when Gilthunder had begun to drown himself with his duties. After Meliodas had left.

No matter what life Elizabeth had lived, no matter where she had been born, Meliodas had always found her and had accompanied her every step of the way. She didn’t remember all 107 times she had met him, sometimes she had been too young when fate and their curse had arranged for their paths to cross, but she could recall enough. And once they had made out each other’s faces in the crowd, he had never left her side until she eventually faded from this world to be reborn and meet him anew. And because of his undying loyalty, the ten years of her life as adopted princess of Liones where he had been away felt all the longer.

Back when she had been a clueless little child, she had failed to realize what had been missing, but now she was certain it had been Meliodas all along instead of the call of adventure as she had told herself when she sat on her carpet in the middle of the night with a book in her hands because she couldn’t sleep. These years without him had given her precious memories as well, moments of happiness with her sisters, a caring father, and all the luxuries bound to the life as royalty. But Elizabeth had never felt complete until she had stumbled into Meliodas’ tavern to begin their journey.

Now this journey was over, and Elizabeth and Meliodas were freed from their curse to live out a life of peace far away from the hardships that had plagued their past. The question remained how long this life would last.

Elizabeth stopped in front of the graveyard running alongside the road, and closed her fingers around the spikes of the cool metal fence. Within the vast lawn square, rows upon rows of gravestones gathered in the shadows of a willow, plates of slate to remember the fallen of the Holy War and those who had passed since. One of these days, soon compared to the longevity of the Goddesses, Elizabeth would grow old and die to be buried in a graveyard like this. While Meliodas would live for centuries to come. To be spared the worry about losing him due to old age should comfort her, but a selfish part of her hated the thought of saying goodbye.

The smell of tulips from the vendor across the street pulled Elizabeth out of her dark thoughts, and she shook her head to free herself of the shackles of her troubled mind. She had no reason to worry. She had all she could have ever dreamed of, she was with the man she loved. And nothing, no threat, no war, no irony of fate could take this happiness away from her.

With newfound energy, Elizabeth turned and scurried down the street, almost running. She shot the crowds of people she hurried through apologetic glances, but never eased her pace. She had wasted too much precious time already.

Meliodas awaited her in front of the tall metal gates marking the border of the city, and a wide grin enlightened his face when he spotted her amidst the sea of faces. Elizabeth gave him no time to meet her halfway as she crossed the distance with so much energy one could think they had been apart for years and flung her arms around his neck to make them both stumble.

“Happy birthday,” Meliodas whispered into her ear, and Elizabeth pulled away to meet the joy in his expression with a frown.

“You promised me we wouldn’t count the years.”

“Yeah, but that shouldn’t stop me from wishing you a happy birthday. Besides, Bartra was eager to make sure the whole country knew what day it is today. He sure loves his celebrations. Don’t worry, I didn’t get you any presents this time around.”

At least he had kept this part of their agreement in mind. “I don’t need presents anyway. You already gave me the most important gift when you stayed with me throughout all these years and broke my curse. And you have overdone it with presents too often in the past. Do you remember when you bought me a white horse for my twentieth birthday back in Caerlon? Or the pure sapphire as large as my thumb?”

Meliodas grinned. “Course I do.”

They made their way through the gates and ambled through the fields of wheat and summer grass, their fingers interlaced. Elizabeth had walked these narrow, trodden-out paths a hundred times before, she knew each bend, pond, and crooked apple tree from her childhood memories. But the landscape had never seemed this lively and filled with hope. It had to be Meliodas’ presence that filled the air with energy, their shared laughter as well as their shared silence whenever they didn’t dare to taint the value of each other’s presence with words. The New Holy War had been won to allow peace to return to the land a couple months ago, but they hadn’t found the time for a walk like this. There had always been one or another issue on their mind that had demanded their attention, meetings and goodbyes, funerals and celebrations.

If this walk went on forever, if this sandy path between the fields never ended, Elizabeth could not have been happier.

When the sun had passed its peak and midday lay behind them, Meliodas and Elizbeth rested in the sun on a grass-covered hill, their faces turned towards the endless blue sky. Elizabeth snuggled her head against his shoulder and brushed over the fine lines of his palm. She remembered each contour better than those of her own hands.

“Meliodas?”

He hummed as an answer, his gaze locked onto the heavens, lost in thoughts and memories.

“You know how grateful I am for everything you gave me and for everything you did to keep your promise to me. I remember the pain of death and all the times I went through it. But I never suffered as much as you did. If I had been forced to lose you this often… I don’t know if I had possessed the strength to continue.”

“Sure you would have. I only made it through because I remembered your strength. Your determination during the Holy War moved mountains. It convinced the terrible Demon prince who knew nothing but violence to betray his clan and fight for peace. A measly curse wouldn’t have stopped you for a second.”

Elizabeth sat herself straighter to meet Meliodas’ eyes. “Still, I want you to know that even if you hadn’t done all of this, if you had moved on to avoid all this pain, I would have continued to love you. Nothing will change this. No matter the hurdles that come between us.”

“I will always love you, Elizabeth,” Meliodas said, and the truth in his emerald eyes could not have shone more brightly.

“Even when I’m so old that I can’t leave bed, and you have to spoon-feed me with oatmeal?”

“And long after that.”

He grinned that infectious grin Elizabeth loved so dearly, and she let herself be pulled down to rest her head on his chest. His heartbeat, echoed seven times through his chest, calmed her more than any music ever could. Together, they admired the cloudless sky up above.

The future was indeed bright.

#melizabethweek #nnt #nnt fanfiction #nanatsu no taizai #seven deadly sins #meliodas #elizabeth #melizabeth #my writing #hopefully canon-compliant

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nosleepstillweak · 4 years

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cruller

My favorite type of donut is a cruller. Pity the man that begins his own love story with a monologue about his favorite pastry, but I feel like there’s something to be said here. It’s not like your traditional cake or long john or eclair. A cruller is in an avenue all its own. For one, it just looks cooler. Who doesn’t like a twisty donut? The dough is shaped into this endless spiral that flakes beautifully in the oven. Furthermore, the consequent increase in surface area also leads to the creation of these little pockets that are the perfect space for the outer glaze to nestle into. Top the whole affair off with a flawlessly reduced jelly filling and it’s like eating ambrosia. This opinion definitely isn’t mitigated by the fact that a literal goddess is the one to serve me these treats every morning, yet I still face opposition.

“You’re just a fucking weirdo, Jason.”

These are the words of my donut-apathetic comrade, Malachi. He’s a bit of an old-head, if you were to ask me, but sometimes the bluntness of his responses are in my best interest. As of late, he has been the staunchest--and sole--opponent of my onset infatuation with the owner of our newly discovered cafe destination.

“These twists taste like garbage. Admit it, you just have a thing for Donut Girl.” A key indicator of his disdain is the fact he continues to call her “Donut Girl,” even though her name-tag would lead me to believe that she actually goes by Sadie. Then again, given my previous history with “Pizza Chick” and “Gas Station Lady,” it’s fair to say that I haven’t necessarily made the best name for myself when choosing my romantic interests in the wholesale industry.

“Unsubstantiated opinions on Sadie aside, you can’t tell me that this isn’t a damn good donut.” I mean, he could, but he’d just be a liar. I take another bite in between sentences. “Plus, I don’t think you saw the way she looked at me this time. That was definitely some sort of signal.”

I can’t say that I’m not offended by Malachi’s responding scoff. “Yeah, a signal to round up all the idiots. I can’t believe you’re twenty-three years old and you still crush after women like you’re in a teen drama.” He scowls at me as I finish off the last of the half-dozen with a smile on my face. “Those donuts literally taste like sugar-coated metal.”

“Oh, heaven forbid they contain the slightest hint of high fructose corn syrup.” In traditional old-head fashion, Malachi is the type to complain about foods nowadays being too sugary; he gets a headache from eating a rope of black licorice. “Gather ‘round, folks, Old Man Malachi is mounting the soapbox again to preach about the dangers of processed foods--”

“Oh, fuck you, I’m leaving.” He, rather dramatically, snatches the coat off the back of his chair and storms out of the bakery. I can’t wipe the grin off my face when I remember that we literally work at the same office and will see each other again within the next ten minutes. What I find to be less amusing is the fact that he left me the entire bill, including his cinnamon-free cinnamon twists and extra-large black coffee. In lieu of my irritation, I take the situation as just a form of preparation: true love isn’t cheap.

“Here’s your bill.” A slip of paper slides across the table and then I’m blindsided by the sight of an immaculate Sadie smile. Now that’s priceless. I can’t describe it in words, but it’s just so… damn. By the time I’ve regained my senses, she’s gone off to help the next customer. I glance over the receipt, fishing through my wallet to produce the proper total and a hefty tip. My eyes widen when I catch something hastily scrawled at the bottom of the slip: a phone number. Next to a poorly-drawn smiley face, but that’s beside the point; the Sadie of Sadie’s Bakery just gave me her phone number. As I get up to leave, I even catch a glimpse of her smiling softly in my direction. I more than happily return the gesture. Malachi will come around eventually, but this train is definitely already in motion.

***

I have to hand it to Malachi because the first few weeks of my relationship with Sadie did actually feel like a teen drama. Our initial correspondence was nothing to write home about. I’d pick up a cruller every morning at the bakery and we’d chat for as long as it took for Malachi to spitefully gulp down his coffee and claim that we were running late for work. In between breaks at the office, I curated a myriad of internet bakery memes. Then, at night, I would bombard our text conversations with dancing donuts and cake icing videos and pretend to not absolutely lose my mind whenever she responded with a laughing face emoji. This continued for a while until I had to stage a self-intervention from giving myself diabetes. Sadie was surprisingly understanding and even offered to make me a sugar-free batch; had Malachi not physically taken my phone and responded with “no and goodbye,” I would have accepted.

In spite of his continued opposition, the train kept on moving. Sadie was actually the one who asked me out; I know, the misogynists are quaking in their boots. After she made the first move at the bakery, I wasn’t super surprised that she proposed the idea of dating one morning when I stopped by to pick up an office order. That being said, her delivery did not keep me from turning completely red and whooping at the top of my lungs in the otherwise moderately quiet cafe. I honestly still don’t know why Sadie got so embarrassed; she literally owns the place. All that being said, Sadie and I were officially a couple. Now, I just have to let Malachi in on it so he can be a supportive best friend and help guide me through my new--

“Jason, I love you, man, but this seems like a terrible idea.” Okay, ouch. This hadn’t been the first time he’d ever said these exact words to me, but for some reason, they hurt more this time around. “This is so sudden! I seriously worry that you’re getting ahead of yourself. What do you even know about this Sadie girl anyways?”

“Uh, well, for one, she runs the best bakery in town.”

“Debatable. Dinah’s Breakfast Cafe has killer pastries.”

“Unlike Dinah, Sadie’s smart and funny.”

“And you learned this from your 2 A.M. meme conversations?”

“Okay, either way, look me in the eyes and tell me she’s not beautiful.”

“Do you really want me to call your girlfriend hot?”

I throw a straw wrapper in his face and pout, genuinely upset. “That’s not the point and you know it.”

“Look, dude, I can understand that your initial feelings may be strong, but I just don’t wanna see you get hurt again. Physically or emotionally.” Malachi fixes me with a serious look and I suddenly feel like sinking back into my chair. “Especially after Gas Station Lady, I was hoping you’d make a little bit of a better assessment of things. I mean, like, do you even know how old she is? Friends? Family? Does she have any past relationships? Who’s to say that she isn’t hanging out with one of her ex-boyfriends right now?”

That last comment was a low blow and more than a little melodramatic, but I suddenly feel like I don’t know enough about Sadie to defend her. Now that I think about it, maybe everything is moving too fast.

“Just… be careful, man. Maybe reconsider. Again, the last thing I’d want is for you to get hurt.” Malachi shoots me one last sympathetic smile before walking out of the breakroom. Maybe there’s some truth to Old Man Malachi’s words. I stare at the cruller in my hand for a moment. When I finally move to take a bite, something inside leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The jelly filling doesn’t taste quite the same as before.

***

After that awful conversation, I decide it's best to have a heart-to-heart with Sadie. Our text conversations dry up for a couple of nights and I try to avoid the bakery as much as possible to give myself more time to think. However, as it turns out, the inevitable conversation didn’t end up being as painful as I thought it would be. Sadie actually laughs when I tell her that I don’t know anything about her; she says the same could be said about me. We spend the rest of the evening making donuts together and giving each other a basic autobiographical rundown.

Sadie Marissa Jenkins II is a first-generation British--it was at this point in our month-long relationship that I finally noticed the accent--immigrant who’d moved here in order to pursue her studies in culinary arts at the local university. She lives with her older sister, and her dog named Muffin, and she prefers riding her bike to taking the metro. She spoke of no past relationships and is in fact not currently cheating on me with another man. I was quite happy, and a little smug, when reporting my findings to Malachi.

“If you think she’s the one, then knock yourself out.” He’s speaking very nonchalantly for a man who’s wrestling with a stapler. “She actually gave me a free coffee this morning, so maybe she’s worth keeping around.”

“So free coffee is all it takes to get Old Man Malachi’s blessing?”

“Hardy-har-har.” He flicks a loose staple at my forehead. “This better work out, because I’m not picking your ass up again when you get dumped out of a pizza delivery car in the middle of town.”

“At least she didn’t run out of gas.” I jokingly shoot finger guns in his direction, snorting when he feigns a shot to the chest as he exits the breakroom. There are still a couple of crullers left over in the Sadie’s Bakery box on the counter so I help myself to one--and immediately gag. Okay, they actually do kinda taste like metal. They’re probably just stale from sitting out all afternoon. Yeah, that’s probably it.

***

I decide to lay off the crullers for a while and instead take the time to learn more about Sadie. What I learn instead is that both of us have pretty uninteresting lives, but I think it’s the thought that counts. Plus, her accent is precious and I can barely pay attention when we have midnight baking lessons at the bakery. These lessons are always followed by her getting into my car, me offering to drive her home, and us making out in the backseat instead. This goes on for several nights and I have never once complained about it. That is, until tonight, when she decides to take a chomp out of the side of my neck.

“What the--!” I instinctively push away from her and inspect the injury with my hand. My fingers come away smeared red.

“Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry!” Her hands hover over me as I frantically press the sleeve of my jacket to my neck to stop the bleeding. “I got carried away. Did I hurt you?” I mean, judging by the fact that I’m literally bleeding, I think it would be fair to assume that she did, in fact, hurt me. Nonetheless, I manage a smile.

“It’s fine, Sades.” Probably. The bleeding has stopped, anyways. “Honestly. I mean, it’s not like you said some other guy’s name, or something weird like that.”

“What? What other guy? When was there ever another guy?” Sadie jolts away from me like I’m made of fire. “What do you know about another guy?”

“Uh, nothing! It was just a joke.” A bad joke. “An American joke.”

“Oh. I see.” She nervously picks at the leather of the car seat, her teeth gnawing at her lower lip.

“Really, the biting thing was fine.” Probably. I lean forward and place a small kiss on her ear. “In fact, dare I say that it was kinda hot.” I don’t know what response I was expecting, but I was not physically prepared for the look that she gave me when I pulled away. Then, we were back at it again. From that point in the night on, it was just so… damn. Maybe I was just hallucinating before; I think the crullers taste just fine.

***

“You look tired.” Malachi inquires with a wink as he takes another sip of his morning coffee. To be quite honest, I probably feel worse than I look; after the whole biting incident and my subsequent flirtatious response, Sadie kinda took things into her own hands. I think it’s fair to say that what happened in that car stays in that car. Probably.

“I was just busy last night.”

“Busy?” Malachi snorts into his cup. “With Sadie?”

“Oh, shut up,” I tiredly flip him the bird, “don’t say it like that. We’re literally adults. It’s not like teenagers kissing behind the bleachers, or something.”

“Oh, yeah, sorry, I forgot when you got so mature. Just eat your damn cruller.” He shoves the half-dozen towards me and I nibble at one for a bit before taking a bite… which still tastes awful. Did she change the recipe for the filling? I need to talk to her about that. “Then again, maybe you’re right. I don’t remember them wearing scarves in August in teen dramas.”

I literally choke on the bite of cruller in my mouth. Okay, so maybe the biting incident wasn’t fine. You live and you learn.

***

“Uh, hey there, Sades.” I make my way into the sparsely lit kitchen of the bakery. “Whatcha’ up to?” My real question is, why does the kitchen look like a literal crime scene? There’s donut filling smeared all over the counters; there’s even some on the wall.

“Oh! Uh, nothing, just washing my hands. Cleaning up.”

“Did you cook something?” I look around the kitchen a bit. No pots or pans. Not even a baked good. “I don’t see anything.”

“N-No, not really. I was just preparing something for a batch I was going to bake tomorrow.” For a baker, that’s a totally normal thing to do. Probably.

“Alrighty, then. Should we head out now?”

Sadie smiles, but her face still seems tight. “Lovely.”

***

“Something’s off about Sadie, man. I’ve been getting these weird vibes lately.”

“Oh, so now you see it.” Malachi rolls his eyes, taking a bite into a fresh-baked, sugar-free twist. “Did you two have a fight? Does she not like it when you burp halfway through your sentences?”

“What? No, to both.” Well, actually, that’s a hard maybe on the latter. “Nothing specifically happened, per se, but, like, the vibes were off. She was acting really strange last night.”

“What’d she do, exactly?”

“Well, she…” Washed her hands? What exactly am I supposed to say in this situation? “...actually, never mind.”

“Good. Because, if you were about to say some kinky shit, I literally would’ve punched you in the face.” He chortles as I push hard against his arm. “Look, man, relationships are weird. Whatever’s on your mind, just work it out with her. Better now than later. Regret hurts like a bitch, dude.”

I stare down at the cruller in front of me and swallow thickly. “I think you’re right, man. I should just talk things out with her.”

***

Oh, god, I was wrong. I was so wrong. Screw talking things out. Malachi was right. Regret does hurt like a bitch. I should’ve listened to him, the first time. I wish I could go back and listen to him. I should’ve known something was wrong from the random nighttime hand washing. Or from the biting incident. Or from when any human woman found me to be conventionally attractive. Maybe that’s it. Maybe she’s just not human. She probably isn’t, given that she’s pulling this shit. She’s literally crazy, and I fell for it.

You wanna know what was in those crullers? The jelly filling: it wasn’t cherry or strawberry or whatever other random red fruit we thought it was. It’s straight-up human remains. ...Plus a shit ton of sugar and preservatives, but that’s beside the point. That’s why Malachi thought they tasted like metal. There’s iron and calcium in blood and bones; she was just feeding us metal. People. And I ate them! Almost every day! For two months! Oh my god, what’s wrong with her? What’s wrong with me?

Malachi, or Mom, or Gas Station Lady, if you’re reading this, just know that I love you all. Actually, this is an inner monologue; you’ll never see this. Poetic cruller bullshit aside, this is absolutely crazy. Oh god, she’s back. Oh god, she has a meat grinder. Why would she have a meat grinder? This is the worst day of my life. Oh god, this is the last day of my life. I’m about to die. She’s about to grind me into bits and make me into donut filling. Oh, god, oh, god, oh, god. I should’ve known better, I should’ve--

Fuck, Malachi, please, don’t eat the crullers. Don’t eat the--

***

“I knew there was something up with you!”

“Excuse me?”

“Oh god, he even told me that you were acting strange recently--”

“Malachi, please, calm down. What’s the matter?”

“Cut the bullshit, Donut Girl. What did you do to Jason?”

A pause. Then, she smiles. “Welcome to Sadie’s Bakery, the best baked goods in town. Could I interest you in a cruller?”

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girlbossagenda · 2 months

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How to be pretty on a lazy day

The way you dress and present yourself plays a huge role on how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you, it can also help you gain pretty privilege, but what if you are late for school or you're...just lazy? Maybe it's cold outside or you're in a tired mood. Today I'm gonna talk about staple pieces that can't be missed in a girly girl wardrobe.

୨୧track suits୨୧

Never really used them, but if they are the right color they can be BOMB, you just need to know for which style you're going for, if you are more for the street wear I suggest you to get a full pink track suit or a brown one, you can also get some with very cool logos, this to get an idea:

If you want to try something not so pink, you can change the color of your pants, wear suits with other colors but still a very feminine design or wear neon pants and a more neutral hoodie, the choice it's up to you!

Of you are more into y2k or the 90s, I suggest you to wear those velvet track suits or vintage adidas track suits!

୨୧Flare leggings୨୧

This has been rising in popularity, but low rise flare leggings can certainly highlight your look for a lazy day! It's going to make you look more clean, active and flamboyant!

୨୧Flower dresses/dresses in general୨୧

They're very feminine, and I suggest you that for shorted dresses you try to use a more flowy type and maybe a floral one too and for long dresses to keep it plain and simple, they can give a very mature and composed vibe.

୨୧Long skirts୨୧

This is similar to long dresses, but you can customize them more!

୨୧Uggs/cozy boots୨୧

They are easy to put and pull out and very comftable and match everything listed her by far.

Hiii bonitas, did you enjoy today's post? I sure did, I know a lot of you are fashionista, and I love fashion too so why not talking about it?this is the first part of another mini series, see you soon xoxo gorgeous.

-𝓐

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nexttrickanvils · 4 years

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NaNo Drabble Day 21

Prompts: Big City + Confusion

Ships: Felix x Annette (background Sylvain x Mercedes) Notes: Modern AU (same one as Day 9 and my Claudeleth fic Falling for You though obviously you don’t need to read those to understand what’s going on.) ---------

Annette knew she should have asked Mercie to pick her up from the train station.

But she knew that her friend was busy with that after-school job of hers and she didn’t wanna bother Mercede’s fiancé either. So she’d find their place on her own…

Too bad whoever made Garreg Mach’s streets was some kind of evil confusing wizard!

“Okay so I gotta take a left on Cethleann street… or wait is that West Indech Avenue?”

Annette tried to pull out the GPS on her phone but honestly it seemed just as confused by the street layout as Annette was.

All she wanted was to find her best friend’s place and now she was lost. Guess she should just swallow her pride. It’s late afternoon so Mercie’s probably at work so guess she’ll call Sylvain.

“...”

“Yo this is Sylvain Gautier!”

“Sylvain, hey this is...”

“I can’t answer my phone right now so leave a message and I’ll try to get back to ya, okay? Oh and if you’re someone I uh… *cough* spent some time with, you should know I’m happily taken now!”

Annette groaned just before the beep but she sighed and told him that she needed a ride and where she (thinks she) is.

Well, guess she’ll kill some time while she waits. Annette finds a spot where she can sit down and unloads her guitar case off her back. She’s glad that her mother gave her some money to keep herself afloat but it didn’t hurt to get some extra right?

Now what song should she go for? Boxes? Swamp beasties?

She looked across the street and spotted a little cafe. Oh maybe the Steaks and Cakes song.

“...Ohhhh…. Today’s dinner is steak and then a cake that’s yummy yum… Now it’s time to fill my tummy tummy tum!”

She continued playing, switching to other songs but always coming back to Steaks and Cakes (okay maybe she was getting a little hungry but she didn’t want to run off somewhere in case Sylvain showed up to pick her up.) She was starting to attract some on-lookers, among them was a very intense looking guy with blue hair.

“Oh, this mountain of sweets and treats that I long to eats… Oh, stacks of steaks and cakes and crumbs and yums!”

A few people left some tips and walked away but the blue haired guy stuck around. Weird, he didn’t seem like the type to enjoy the silly songs Annette sung…

Unless… oh no… he wasn’t one of those jerks who make videos of people to make fun of them was he!? Was Annette gonna wake up tomorrow to find out she’s the viral laughing stock of the internet!?

The worry ended up affecting her playing and the crowd she picked up started to leave, including the blue haired guy. Oh thank the goddess!

With that, Annette puts away her guitar, lifts up the case, and continues to wait for Sylvain.

A few minutes pass and she spots the blue haired guy again, leaving that little cafe with a bag of (what Annette assumes are) baked goodies. She could hear her stomach growling at that thought.

She hasn’t heard from Sylvain at all so maybe it wouldn’t hurt to run up and get something really quick. Right? Yeah totally and she could always just call him again if he gets here and is looking for her and…

“Here.”

“Huh!?”

Annette looked up and saw the serious guy in front of her with that bag of food.

“You kept going back to that food song so I figured you were hungry. Don’t know why you didn’t just go to the cafe yourself but...”

She stared at him and then back to the bag. Was this a joke? Was he messing with her or something? But she was hungry…

“Oh uh… thanks.” Annette said as she took the bag from his hands

The two stood there in awkward silence, both blushing and unsure whether or not to keep talking.

“...I… should go...” He said

But before he could walk away, Annette grabbed the sleeve of his jacket.

“Wait, wh-what’s your name? I’m Annette, by the way.”

He looked a little unsure about giving her his name but he turned to her anyway.

“My name’s...”

“FELIX!”

The two turned to the new voice and saw Sylvain leaning out of his car window and waving at both of them.

The guy, Felix pinched his nose and groaned while Annette just looked at both of them in shock.

“W-wait, you two know each other!?”

“We grew up together but I haven’t seen him since college. Crazy seeing you again here, man. Dude, I’m taking Annette here to my place, you should come along!”

“I’m not third-wheeling with you and your latest victim.” Felix said with bite in his tone

Annette turned a deep red, “W-wait it isn’t like that!!! He’s engaged to my best friend and they’re letting me stay at their place for a bit!”

Sylvain just laughed as he flashed his engagement ring, “She’s right man, I’m spoken for, now! Come on, let’s just hang out for dinner, you can meet Mercie when she gets off work!”

Felix sighed and grumbled a “Fine.”

Annette quickly followed to Sylvain’s car, taking a seat in the back while Felix took the passenger’s seat.

“So Annette, aside from getting lost, how’s Garreg Mach been treating you?” asked Sylvain

“Oh it’s uh...”

Annette glances over at Felix who immediately turns red and looks away.

“It’s… been interesting.”

#Fire Emblem Three Houses #Felix Hugo Fraldarius #Annette Fantine Dominic #Felix x Annette #Feliannie #Anvil Writings

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noliereyes · 5 years

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illumination | flashback 004

in which magnolia jane reyes learns a thing or two about a thing or two. ( flashback set during the 72nd games )

Nolie arrives for her parade prep session and is quickly fussed over by a tiny group of Capitol women. It’s the kind of thing Nolie lives for, laying back and letting people wash her hair, wax her legs, scrub her body, paint her fingernails. She chatters to them about life in Two, about being a young Career, how she hopes she’ll be the next Finnick Odair “but even cuter!”

It’s the first big piece of work she has to complete, the first major show. It began with the arrival in the Capitol, where she waved and smiled and held Miles’ hand and let people fuss over her. Where she tried to be strong and tough but also cute and soft. Now, she changes a little more, becomes the person the stylists want from her, a compliant, soft little girl. She is content to lay back and let people mold her, for now. She knows who she is, even if everyone else thinks they know her better.

The head stylist, Chenille, meets her in the Remake Centre soon, a tall, stern-looking woman who roughly tips her chin up to examine her face, and pulls her hair into curlers with tugs so hard she nearly cries.

“You will not cry.” she says, firmly, with another tug.

“No, I won’t,” Nolie chokes out through a closed throat, blinking the tears back.

Chenille soon dresses Nolie in a soft, flowy dress, a laurel wreath crown, golden wrist gauntlets. Her hair is fashioned into soft curls and her makeup shines a glimmering gold. She wears gladiator sandals and carries a golden bow, a quiver of golden arrows on her back.

She is Artemis, sister of Apollo, the goddess of the hunt, and she rides this feeling as she holds Miles’ hand, riding down the Avenue of the Tributes that night.

The cheers echo in her ears long after she falls asleep.

Anything that Nolie was supposed to be doing went out the window as soon as she enters the training centre the next morning. She nearly skipped in, her long hair fashioned into two long braids bouncing over her shoulders. The moment the head trainer dismissed the tributes to begin training ( as long as they didn’t kill each other, of course ), Nolie launched into a series of cartwheels down the mats. That would be impressive. For sure. She could just see Sponsors’ Weekly now. Look at her tricks! Her acrobatics!

Miles had her by the collar within minutes, dragging Nolie off to talk behind the sword racks.

“You need to stop that,” Miles hissed. “I already have my work cut out for me. The pack doesn’t want you.” Nolie’s heart dropped, as she looked over to the others. There was a soft-looking blonde girl twirling a knife between her fingers with a sigh. A boy attacking a training mannequin with a spear. And the pair from Four, laughing as they sparred with trainers side by side. “I’m going to do my best, but look, you’ve got to be less like a little kid.” Miles took the elastics out of Nolie’s braids with a snap, tousling his sister’s hair out again. “Get it in a bun or whatever you girls do, I don’t know. Pigtails are for kids. You’re not a kid. Not here.”

Nolie stays silent a moment. He’s right, and it makes her insides twist to admit it. “I didn’t put my hair like that, you know.”

Miles laughs. “I know. Look, I…” he shakes his head. “Just try and be impressive, but stay in your lane. If you want to do a bunch of those spinny-kicky-things in your Private, then fine. Enobaria, Fell, Ares, hell, even Enid - they’re not going to support you if you keep pulling the shit you pulled in the train. And you need them.” He patted Nolie on the shoulder. “Get going. And learn some survival.”

“Survival is boring,” she whines.

But she shuts up, walks to the gauntlet and waits her turn. When the course clears, she leaps up and onto it, dodging the Gamemakers with their sparring staffs, leaping effortlessly from block to block. Elliana and Gill both raise their brows, impressed, and Miles Reyes sighs with relief.

Maybe they’ll take her in after all.

Nolie soon gets the hang of what training is.

As a young Career, she’s surprisingly found a number of advantages that she doesn’t think the other tributes have. She’s young and small and cute, and so it’s easy to get some of the other trainers to teach her skills. But she has the focus and ambition that can only be found in Two’s Academy, which helps her hone in on these skills.

It’s the mentor from One who Nolie latches onto the most. Glitter is tall and pretty and has a little daughter who is around six years old, and Nolie strikes up a conversation with her after watching her in a hand to hand warm-up. It quickly grows to Nolie following Glitter like a lost puppy. Both of them know their way around a set of daggers, and as soon as Glitter says that she can teach Nolie how to snap a neck, her eyes widen.

Finally, some place for her acrobatics to become deadly.

“Yeah, you need be fast,” Glitter says, surveying the girl in front of her. “Sometimes who makes it out of a fight alive depends on who is faster.”

“Don’t worry, I’m very fast,” she assures the older woman. “How do I do it?”

Before she knew it, Nolie was launching herself up onto the backs of the training mannequins, snapping their heads into grotesque angles. She catches Miles’ eye as she rips another one, the foam tearing with a sickening crunch, and grins. Perhaps she’s got this after all.

When Nolie takes to the training centre again for her individual assessment, she’s bursting with well-earned confidence. Miles worked his magic and the Career pack agreed to take her in. Against her wishes, she had kept her head down and worked survival, worked on hand to hand combat and self-defence, practiced dodging and leaping and running. It was hard to keep her mouth shut and take her mentors’ advice, but she did: focused on being faster and harder and more skilled.

She took advice from anyone who had anything to offer her: it didn’t matter if they were tributes or trainers or mentors, if they were from Two or not. And she’d brushed up briefly on her knife work- enough to send a pointed reminder to the other tributes that she was like no fourteen year-old they’d seen before.

After all, Fell had reminded her she’d only have a week to get four years caught up. So she was ready to take all the advice she could. It was time to see if it’d pay off.

Miles goes in first, and Nolie is left on her own for ten minutes. She settles onto the floor to stretch for only a moment before she hears a sharp laugh. “Hey, tiny,” the boy from Four, Gill, taunts as soon as Miles is out of earshot. “You think you’re gonna get score as little as you are?” All of the tributes remaining turn to stare at her, and even though Nolie’s ears burn, she keeps herself calm. Gill is all talk, she’s learned that much this week.

“I’ll outscore you, that’s for sure,” she says coolly, delicately crossing one leg over the other. Her hair is twisted into two little space buns on either side of her head, and it somehow makes her look infinitely sassier as she looks him up and down, brows raised.

The girl, Elliana, laughs. “She burned your ass,” she cackles to Gill, before turning back to Nolie. “You’re alright, guppy.”

Nolie enters the training room with plucky confidence, a skip in her step as she centers herself on the floor. She curtsies to the Gamemakers. “Magnolia Reyes, District Two. Let’s get this party started, shall we?” she asks, and takes off in a series of acrobatic tricks across the floor. A cartwheel, a back handspring, a roundhouse kick directly into a training mannequin, slamming it into the ground. For Nolie it was about building up adrenaline, about building up speed and force by propelling her body. She was small, but she was all muscle. She could pack a punch when needed.

The routine was a dance, from leaping onto the backs of the training mannequins, to lobbing knives into targets. The transitions between stations were polished and perfect, Nolie judging the room as she went. Whenever someone looked bored, it was time for an aerial, to leap from the gauntlet in a perfect back tuck, to do something to keep all eyes on her. Music plays in her head, a symphony swelling into a crescendo as she left shredded mannequins and stabbed targets in the wake of her whirlwind.

When she’s done, Nolie curtsies once more, waving and smiling cutely as she leaves.

She scores a nine, the same as Miles and beating both tributes from Four and the girl from One. The grin on her face grows as she takes in the shock on her mentors’ faces. They’re more impressed than they were when she stepped onto the train, and that’s enough for her now.

Maybe she has a shot at this after all.

#the tricky thing is yesterday we were just children ; ( history )

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sugar-petals · 6 years

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Simulacrum of Dawn (m)

simulacrum: resemblant image or representation of reality, mirage

— summary: A beautiful incubus comes to warm you up at night. He resembles your boyfriend Jimin an awful lot. — pairing: sub!Jimin x Dom!Reader | fantasy au | 2.4k — warnings: loss of reality, smut, prostitution, coarse language, infidelity: unclear

Dusk.

The heating does not work.

It just stopped without any warning. Not one. To hell with this old flat.

To hell with this cruel city, too. The brothels, the clubs in the district.

In fact, screw everything about his day.

You hope that the new windows seal in the warmth for at least a few hours this night. Last Wednesday the same incident had spoiled date night with Jimin, but had somewhat solved itself.

The problem wasn’t uncommon anyways. Well, fuck. You learned that it usually takes four to six hours until the rusty boiler makes a grumbling recovery. If it doesn’t, freezing to death is not part of your plan.

You turn the control valve all the way up to the stop. When the heat returns during your sleep as you predict it, you want the maximum capacity to kick in. Heck, you want a giant explosion of heat.

The television flickers at the other end of the room while you sort through your wardrobe, looking for a sweater and other cozy knit to slip into. Two fleece blankets from the living room serve as a decent barrier under your duvet. If you could only remember where the electric one is.

The news anchor behind you monotonously announces more bad weather and difficulties at New Year celebrations in Seoul until you switch off. Driving delivery after the holidays will be a tough job. You send Jimin a goodnight message and a selfie. “Love you, babe. How’s the beach? It’s cold here.”

“I hate the beach. You’re missing. Think about our last night. Don’t forget it,” he texts back fast with a little heart emoji. A selfie pops up one minute later. It shows Jimin in his saffron yellow bathrobe, chest wide exposed. “Or just try this. Warm greetings from Busan,” the caption says. He writes that he goes to bed now, promising to visit the upcoming weekend. His car will be fixed by then.

Police sirens blare outside like howling wolves. Winter Seoul is busy, sick, and preoccupied outside, and so is your head. It’s hard to pass out since a bone-chilling cold creeps into the room already. Frostbite, here you come. December sucks so much. The snow has to melt already. So the new year will be better for you and Jimin. The gaudy stores downtown redecorate already. It’s that’s what you want for the New Year as well.

The lingering image of him helps you ease down your pants a fair bit, hand reaching between your legs to create the much-needed, long-absent stimulation. He needs to come back as soon as possible. You hurry to warm up your body at least a bit. The temperature in the room keeps falling regardless, leaving the tip of your nose icy cold and red. Pulling the heavy duvet over your head is silly, but it does help. But fear can’t be veiled just like that.

What if the heating won’t come back later this night?

The typical minus degrees in this borough are unrelenting. Just like the people here. Jimin should be next to you right now with his little crinkled nose and bubbly laughs, just making everything easier. Pressed against you fending off the dire cold. But Busan is so far away, and he’s lonely at the beach.

Your orgasm arrives flat and unsatisfying. Just an empty shudder. You know that Jimin is the one when even he’s better at pleasing you than you can please yourself. Part of your sex drive is already dead, that’s what the cold can’t take from you. And, at least you’re more tired now. Winter got outsmarted twice.

Since last week there’s construction work at the avenue, so the people are redirected to the side roads. That’s good for rest these days. Sleep starts to come once at least the police sirens lapse into silence. Seoul nonetheless keeps on raging and frolics in the neighborhood, leaving the acerbic prostitutes in fur coats and platforms well-tipped.

It’s a sad but flourishing business after Christmas is over. Less austere than how it is all year round. But the red-light district is still more wretched and forlorn than ever, darting continuous voices of dictatorial pimps and neon rays into your room from below. The prospect of sleep fades. It’s getting unusually loud.

Because the window is open.

An immense heat gives you a screaming start, kicking away all the blankets. You glance around the room in panic. Is there a raid again, and they got the wrong room? No, the answer is at the window. Perched in the frame sits—

Beloved Jimin.

Dressed summerly in gold, playing with his locks like a little cherub. Really, is it him? The midnight haze won’t let you tell.

“Is there a problem?” he coos from gentle lips. “I’m at your service, Lady Kwon.”

He knows your name. The voice it the exact same, too. It has to be Jimin. You can trust your eyes when your ears say yes, his soft timbre is one of a kind. How he came here, why it’s through the window, the heat, the debonair attire: You fail to grasp. Maybe it’s the latest fad in Busan. But it doesn’t matter. Your urgent wish came true, he’s here.

“I just want you close... stop fooling around at the window.”

He detaches from the frame, descending light and elegant to the carpeted floor.

“As you wish. Yes, I should probably close it as well,” he concurs benign and turns the handle with a gentle flick of the wrist. How you love the way he speaks. The flat has been so desolate without it.

Jimin lays down next to you sans his tiny sandals that he slid under your bed. For some reasons, he gives off massive waves of heat. That’s not normal. He is dressed so differently today, very ‘genteel’ as your co-driver Namjoon would say, and doesn’t smell the same. Like he doesn’t belong in this part of town, and escaped the burden of his former life. But kissing his chubby cheek creates the same kind of elevated feeling you always get. It’s him, you know it.

“Everything in best order? How do you feel?” he beams at you, tracing the spot where your lips just left with one bejeweled hand. Jimin never had a penchant for that, but it suits him.

“Shitty, that’s it,” you crawl over to him on all fours, closing the painful distance. “Babe... I missed you tons. Can’t get off without you.” His smile dwindles as you say that. Jimin knows how much his absence hurts. “I need you. Can we?”

“My delight is to always please you. Are you warm? I’m ready”

“Yes, I’m warm. Poetic today?” you climb on top to have tender seat just at the vertex of his thighs. The golden vestment hangs low from his shoulders in a waterfall, ends just inches before you.

“Everything for my splendid Goddess.”

Jimin marvels at you with big eyes. He begins to fumble at your knees as if trying to peel off the paisley pattern from the pants could work. The heat is unbearable. That golden garment needs to be off without much further ado, otherwise this drought would end it all.

You slide off the velvet cascades and damask drapes, hungry to take in what’s underneath. The luscious body you’ve been craving. Firm, compact, flawless. It takes forever to peel off your own layers of clothing. Your heartbeat is going beserk. No more ice crystals at the window. The room has turned into a sauna. This is not Seoul. You lean down to have Jimin suck off your breasts.

His skin is almost scalding hot, his lips, the nose against your collarbone. You fear that he’ll burn you, but even his red-hot lips don’t leave a trace around your nipples as he savors them. He’s just hot to the touch, and you absorb it all. Jimin, he’s your fiery little cherub. Like the sun had decided to enter a human body just to lay down in this bed.

Your chest feels set ablaze under the gentle brush from his blonde hair while he keeps sucking, kissing, and giving off sweet moans. Finally. You thought that would never resound in this flat again. His lips are so overwhelmingly soft and big, and part wide to cup your breasts. The jacquard of Jimin’s wide trousers slips down rigidly, slowly under a lascivious pull. He’s hard against your abdomen.

“Jimin babe, stop for a minute. We need a condom.”

“I would wait forever for you,” Jimin pulls off your breasts with a content smile. Whatever he had for breakfast, it must have made him this way. You reach to rummage in your nightstand for the familiar little stack. Unused since the last week, waiting for times when you’re yearning for him. This took so long. The thin latex feels like melting on him, but it doesn’t.

The eager heat disseminates when you sink down on him. The fire inside makes for an exciting flare, easy to take in. You’ve always been grateful for the handy size. Jimin’s golden necklaces and bracelets tingle with every sway of your hips going in circles. Ra, crowned falcon god of the sun devoured by aeviternal Nut, Goddess of the firmament. Your skies encapsulate the luminous and pulsating firmness. You bury your teeth in Jimin’s neck until his light gives birth to vibrant stars with little drips. He only pulls out after his hands between your legs have found the craving spot, making you bend forward under little circles.

You pull off the condom, deliver a dozen firm pumps with two hands around him. Jimin is repeating your name over and over again. Your belly feels wet with his cum. He lies next to you singing after calming down a bit, chanting words unknown. It’s a language sounding familiar in a way because you feel what he means, but foreign in its syllables. It’s not the slang from the cold avenue. You caress his hair, his cheeks. And play with his adornments.

He really smells much sweeter today, like chamomile. December is so much more appealing tonight. The brothels don’t matter. They will cease one distant day, and life will be better for everyone. Every woman and every man. Whatever they construct in the street, it must be something good. The neon advertisements, all the red lights, you know they shine as warm and bright like him and your love.

The soothing heat only ceases when Jimin comes to rise at the edge of the bed, saying he must leave after a small kiss. And another. A third one. It paralyzes you. That cannot be. It can’t. He only arrived just now. You protest, but he already topples toward the window barefoot.

“Please don’t leave. Why do you leave?”

Jimin ruffles his hair back into place. His necklace consoles you with little clinks when he turns the handle, letting in the dreaded breeze. But you’re still warm in bed. He left enough comfort for you.

“Goodbye,” he smiles, “we’ll meet again.”

And at the next blink, the frame is empty. The window closed. The breeze abated, so did the flashy neon signs.

It’s dawn.

He’s gone, no trace. You turn around to get the last dose of sleep you can get, even if every thought returns to torment you with questions. At one point, you’re too tired to care. The haze of sleep descends at last. It’s dragging you down into an abyss. Not dark, but golden. It’s like you can still hear his voice somewhere, it’s eerie. But also a solace you knew the last days needed.

You want to hit the snooze button in your delirious state as it rings. Instead, you almost knock over a hot cup of camomile tea on your nightstand. There are fresh croissants with butter, too. And toast.

“Easy, easy. Good morning,” a soft voice soothes next to you. It’s familiar. You turn around.

“Jimin?!”

“Hey, jagiya. The car got fixed yesterday.”

He’s in his yellow pajama. Hair messy, lips a bit chapped. A bit tired overall.

“Didn’t you leave just this morning?”

That raises his brows.

“Y/N... I know your fantasy is very intricate. But this has to be a joke. I left last week!”

Astounding. You feel the electric blanket at your side as you turn towards him. Of course, he took it with him to Busan.

“When did you get here?”

“I slipped in when it was starting to get really warm in here. I don’t know when exactly. But I left the heater this way. You turned it up this way with good reason, right? You said it’s cold here. So I switched on the blanket, too”

Indeed the radiator is busy rumbling at the wall. The room’s all stoked up, window steamed.

“Yes, right. But you really showed up here this early?”

“Well, hm. Maybe around midnight. You were really clingy against me for hours. At sunrise I left to make breakfast, ventilated for a bit. Just now I slipped back.”

“Did I say something to you earlier, or...?”

“I just know you said I’m poetic while you were sleeping. That was super funny. Y/N, what did you eat the evening before?”

There isn’t much you can say. Better than sleepwalking. Jimin breaks one croissant in half and distributes some jelly on it.

You stand up to turn down the control valve of the heater, then start eating next to him. So the car did get fixed. The beach wasn’t so boring, he made pictures. He shows them on his phone until only a couple crumbs of toast are left. The sun is brilliant through the receding steam on the window glass. Jimin switches off the electric blanket and says you’ll go and see the fireworks at the Han River, he got tickets for the fair.

The police sirens are now closer than ever. Business as usual. A dusty concrete mixer rattles down the avenue but gets stuck in traffic. In the bathroom, the shower started running. Chances are that Jimin’s bathrobe will get its great moment in ten minutes. The teacup is empty when you check the space underneath your bed with one tentative arm.

And there are shoes.

Panic-stricken, you raise them from the ground and glance over the edge of the bed.

Just Jimin’s red sneakers.

350 notes · View notes

amaris-october · 6 years

Text

ANISE STAR APOTHECARY. Dried Herbs. For Clarity, Awakening & Clairvoyance.

Tied to the familiar taste of black licorice, Anise is known to suddenly snap you out of the mundane mindset & shift your attention to something new. It 'awakens' your mind to bring clarity to a situation, as it helps you "see" past the current view & bring a better understanding from a new angle. Conjuring spirits or trying to contact other dimensions is enhanced with the powers of Anise, as its crisp aroma takes us to new vibrational levels, helping us to better tap into our subconscious mind & see things through the mind's eye. It elevates our spirit & protects the aura, so that we may find comfort in journeying into the unknown. In the shape of a star, it creates the image of a pentacle, bringing awareness to the associations of the mystery of the occult & the potential we hold when we are 'one' with all things around us. Anise can intensify our dreams & strengthen our connection to spirit.

Botanical Name: Illicium Verum

Element Correspondences: Air / Water

Planetary Correspondences: Mercury / Jupiter

Chakras: Third Eye (6th) / Crown (7th)

Zodiac Correspondences:

Magickal Uses: Clairvoyance, Luck, Spiritual Offering, Protection, Power Generator, Banishing Evil, Consecration, Death, Ritual, Burial, Divination, Psychic Development, Happiness, Clarity, prophetic visions, lucid dreaming, witchcraft.

Magickal Tip: Add Anise to a hot drink to enhance prophetic visions & spirit communication. During Samhain, decorate with Stars of Anise as an offering to the spirit realm. Make a necklace talisman of Star Anise when the veil is thin for protection & psychic awareness.

Holistic Uses: A salt bath of Bay Leaves & Anise, help to relax the body, detoxing the mind of stress. Add to food to help with digestion issues.

* Please Note: Anise Stars may not be whole & are often broken up.*

CHAMOMILE FLOWER APOTHECARY. Dried Herbs. For Calming, Peace & Blessings.

A bright, cheerful & calming herb, popularly used in tea to help one relax, Chamomile has also been used for centuries as a key ingredient in spells to bring about blessings & prosperity. When burned as an incense, it illuminates the mind to match a higher frequency, making new avenues for abundance & good luck to flow in. When mixed with lavender in a face wash, it can be used to cast a spell of beauty & youth. In ritual or celebrations honoring the Sun, Chamomile can be used as a talisman or offering. The Summer Solstice reminds us to take it easy, soak in the sun & relax, so try adding some Chamomile to your Litha Ceremonies. Anoint your altar candles with a mix of olive oil & crushed chamomile flowers, 'wrapping' them with the power of the Sun. Smudge a new home or space with the smoke or scent of chamomile, to welcome cheerful blessings, peaceful vibes & happiness.

Botanical Name: Matricaria Recutita

Element Correspondences: Water

Planetary Correspondences: Sun

Zodiac Correspondences: Leo

Magickal Uses: Illumination, Prosperity, Blessings, Honoring the Sun, Litha & Summer Solstice, Purification, Peace, Meditation, Youth, Calming, Sleep, Energy Clearing, Joy, Healing, Inspiration, Centering.

Chakras: Solar Plexus (3rd) Holistic Uses: Frequently used to calm anxiety & stress. Prepared as a tea or used in a bath, it soothes nerves & calms the mind, for better focusing or sleep. Added to tinctures & smudge spray, Chamomile helps one to relax. Also may be used to counter an upset stomach.

CINNAMON CHIPS APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Prosperity, Money Drawing & Strength.

For centuries, cinnamon has been used in all kinds of spiritually protective rituals, magic spells and potions amongst several cultures, as it is known for stimulating the Sacral, Solar Plexus & Crown Chakra, inspiring spiritual insight, psychic powers, healing and of course protection. However, one of it's main intentions in magick is to propel success or bring in abundance, as it's spicy & warm scent can work to spice up your own energy, thus raising your vibrations, warming the spirit & projecting positive energy, which in return will find it's way back to you three fold.

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum Cassia

Element Correspondences: Air & Fire

Planetary Correspondences: Sun / Mars / Mercury / Uranus

Zodiac Correspondences:

Magickal Uses: Spirituality, Love, Protection Money Drawing, Passion, Luck, Power, Success, Strength, Prosperity, Healing, Psychic, Warmth, Sex Magick. Mabon, Samhain & Yule Rituals.

Magickal Tip: Add Cinnamon to a food dish or hot drink to promote the element of Fire, bringing an abundant drive to your energy & attracting prosperity. Holistic Uses: * Cinnamon can be a mild skin irritant. * Cinnamon repels insects if kept in cabinets. Cinnamon Tea or Cinnamon Gum can help with digestion, motion sickness or stomach issues.

CORNFLOWER APOTHECARY. Dried Herbs.

For Psychic Awareness, Self Knowledge, Ritual.

Cornflower's natural indigo coloring vibrates to heal the Third Eye Chakra, working to awaken one's psychic awareness, enhance self knowledge, heal intuitive blocks & access inner wisdom. Cornflower is a powerful took for Indigo Children that seek their spiritual connection, when carried as a talisman, consumed as an herbal tea or used in meditation rituals for spiritual abundance.

Botanical Name: Centaurea Cyanus

Element Correspondences: Earth & Air

Planetary Correspondences: Venus & Saturn

Zodiac Correspondences: Cancer & Virgo

Magickal Uses: Psychic Awareness, Ritual, Third Eye Awakening, Self- Knowledge, Spirituality, Abundance, Love, Magick, Fertility, Growth, Creativity.

Chakras: Throat (5th), Third Eye (6th), Crown (7th)

Magickal Tip: Add Cornflower to tea to help aid in divination practices & psychic development.

Holistic Uses: A Cornflower tincture or tonic can be used to help heal weak eyes or blemished skin. Cornflower petals can be used to create natural dyes.

DRAGON'S BLOOD RESIN APOTHECARY.

All Natural Incense. For Manifestation & Spell Power.

Dragon's Blood has long been used in magick to enhance rituals & strengthen manifestation power in spells, whether dealing with issues of banishment, love, healing or clairvoyance, Dragon’s Blood is a powerful booster to anything you put out into the universe. The resin comes from the rattan palm tree, known as Daemonorops draco & is harvested in Sumatra. Historically the 'Bleeding' sap of the 'dragon' tree, resembled blood, and has harvested in order to make a paste to help heal wounds and protect an individual from infections, creating a 'natural bandaid' upon the skin. In Ritual, Dragon's Blood Resin has been added to anything from magickal inks to protection sachets & continues to be a favorite among practitioners for it's powerful properties.

Botanical Name: Daemomorops Draco

Element Correspondences: Fire

Planetary Correspondences: Mars

Zodiac Correspondences: Aries, Sagittarius

Magickal Uses: Power to Spells, Manifestation, Intention, Protection, Love Drawing, Money Attraction, Healing Rituals, Emotional Strength, Heightening Ritual Energy, Banishing, Love, Protection, Healing, Increased Potency, Honoring the Gods, Goddesses, Spirits or Ancestors.

Magickal Tip: Add some powder of Dragon's Blood Resin to ink or paint, then write down or draw out your intentions to heighten their manifestation power.

Chakras: Root Chakra (1st) / Heart Chakra (4th) / Crown Chakra (7th)

Holistic Uses: Traditionally it was used to stop bleeding & aid healing of any wound or 'broken heart.' It was said to lower fevers & reduce stomach problems.

* Please note, Dragon's Blood Resin comes in large chunks and should be broken up or powdered via mortar & pestle before use. Jar holds approx. 1oz. which may appear only 'half full.' *

EUCALYPTUS LEAVES APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Purification, Healing & Protection.

Healing comes to us when we open ourselves to it. Eucalyptus carries strong healing vibration with it & it is said it you light a blue or white candle in the middle of a ring of Eucalyptus leaves, while focusing your 'trouble spot' healing, the Universe will hear your prayers & send forth powerful healing energy. Eucalyptus has long been used in spells or ritual to cast out evil, making it a frequently hung herb over doors & windows in the early days. The protection & good health that it brings, makes it an ideal ingredient for potions or sachets that require harvesting earthly energies to find grounding & channeling higher vibrational entities into one's aura.

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus Globulus

Element Correspondences: Air

Planetary Correspondences: Moon

Zodiac Correspondences: Pisces, Cancer

Magickal Uses: Healing, Warding off Evil, Protection, Healing Sickness, Energy Clearing, Purification, Spiritual Growth, Raising Vibrations, Exorcisms, Banishing, Healing Addiction.

Magickal Tip: To help a sick loved one or to protect your valuables, place Eucalyptus leaves near a photo of the one that needs healing or near a jewelry box.

Chakras: Root (1st) & Heart (4th)

Holistic Uses: Bathing in Eucalyptus, helps to detox the body and rid one of a cold or flu. It is also known to heal lung congestion & open up the nasal passageways for a stuffy nose or slight Asthma attack, by gently & deeply breathing in the natural aroma or broken leaves.

FRANKINCENSE RESIN APOTHECARY.

All Natural Incense. For Illumination, Consecration & Meditation.

Frankincense holds such powerful properties for purification of the body, mind & spirit, for meditation, prayer or magickal practices, in which the user intends to build a stronger connection to source / God. Frankincense can bring about intense spiritual growth as it works to clear the chakras & energy bodies of any negativity, offering protection & strength. With that said, Frankincense can greatly enhance one's mood and bring a great energy to help one focus on their personal enlightenment & overall happiness.Frequently used in perfumes or potpourri blends, Frankincense can also double as a paint, as it was used in Ancient Egypt to paint the eyelids of Women, keeping them blessed with the gift of 'sight.' Often before Mass, the Catholic church uses Frankincense resin burned over charcoal, to cleanse the sacred space & consecrate the environment before prayer or ritual, Helping to attune one's vibrations to a higher light. Frankincense makes for a powerful tool when one is working on deepening their communication with their higher self during a meditation. Incorporate Frankincense as an offering at for your next ritual or ceremony, honoring the gift of illumination.

Botanical Name: Boswellia Carteri

Element Correspondences: Air, Fire

Planetary Correspondences: Sun

Zodiac Correspondences: Leo

Magickal Uses: Cleansing, Exorcism, Meditation, Generally Lift the Spirits, Purification,

Protection, Spirituality, Sacred Space Preparation, Consecration, Blessing, Love, Courage, Ward Off Evil, Illumination, Ceremonial Incense.

Magickal Tip: Burn Frankincense prior to ceremony to purify your sacred space & welcome illumination.

Chakras: Solar Plexus (3rd) / Crown Chakra (7th)

Holistic Uses: Said to once be used as a wax like, hair remover, Frankincense can also be used as a way to balance one's emotions when taken internally. Powdered resin may be added to water, forming a tincture, later rubbed on the skin to treat arthritis & muscle pain.

JUNIPER BERRY APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Good Health, Protection & Spirit Communication.

A must have for any magickal apothecary cabinet, as Juniper Berry carries so many magickal uses!

An active magickal ingredient use to guard against theft & build an energy of protection, Juniper also works to awaken creativity, activating the throat chakra & helping one to find the true joy in self expression. Historically, Juniper was often hung at the front door to reflect evil spirits, bad elements & sickness. It's crisp, pungent & strong aroma awakens many of the senses, aiding in growth towards enlightenment & drastically raising one's vibrations. This high vibration helps to banish curses, hexes or bad luck, resulting in a fun-filled, care-free lifestyle. Used for centuries to create incense, Juniper's positive, earthly energies promote a powerful belief in self manifestation, awarding the user with great strides towards their goals & dreams. This makes Juniper a magickal element for blessings, enchantment & true Joy.

Botanical Name: Juniperus Communis Element Correspondences: Fire Planetary Correspondences: Jupiter Zodiac Correspondences: Sagittarius

Magickal Uses: Good Health, Love, Protection, Wisdom, Purification, Clarity, Prosperity, Banishment, Spirit Communication, Anti-Theft, Increased Visions, Creativity, Male Potency, Raising Vibrations, Manifesting.

Chakras: Throat (5th), Third Eye (6th)

Magickal Tip / Spellwork: * To detour thieves, grind up dried juniper berries into a power and lay a line across your front door. You can also add the powder to a sachet or tied black cloth and place in a car or jewelry box.

* You can make a home guardian poppet, by adding a blessed Juniper Berry over the heart and leaving the poppet either buried next to your front door or near it.

* It was believed that you could keep evil witches away by planting a juniper bush near your front door, as for them to enter they would have to count the needles upon each leaf, which would most likely detour them from wasting their time.

* Make an amulet Necklace or bracelet made of juniper berries for protection & heightened clairvoyance for deeper meditations & ritual work.

Holistic Uses: Antiseptic, Bladder Infections & tea.

(Tea Preparation) To make a tea, lightly grind a spoonful of berries and add to hot water. Let steep for several minuets. You may add natural sweetener or honey to desired taste.

LAVENDER BUDS APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Relaxation, Divination, Meditation & Sleep.

Once tied to 16th Century Prostitutes, who use to bathe & wash their clothes in the perfumed water of Lavender, to attract lovers, this gentle herb has long been associated with Love. It 'calms the waters' of the spirit, reducing stress or anxiety, that may plaque the mind from underlying doubts or fears. It entices one to dig deeper within their subconscious mind, creating a portal for lucid or vivid dreams, which may help one along their path or answer questions that have been troubling the individual. Associated with the Third Eye, psychic practices & meditation, Lavender was ritualistically tossed into bonfires, to open the window to the spirit realm, while diverting evil spirits & offering protection against the Evil Eye.

Botanical Name: Lavandula Angustifolia

Element Correspondences: Air

Planetary Correspondences: Mercury

Zodiac Correspondences: Virgo

Magickal Uses: Clairvoyance, Cleansing, Consecration, Happiness, Healing, Love, Midsummer, Passion, Peace of Mind, Protection, Purification, Tranquility, Spirituality, Blessings, Chastity, Divination, Dreams, Energy, Gentleness, Good Luck, Creativity, Grieving, Harmony, Keeping Secrets, Increases the Duration of a Spell, Meditation, Memory, Psychic Development, Retention, Ritual, Sleep, Stability, Virility, Weddings.

Chakras: Third Eye (6th)

Magickal Tip: Tip: Place a sachet of Lavender Buds in your pillow to promote vivid dreams & peaceful sleep.

Holistic Uses: Frequently used to calm anxiety & stress. Aids in headaches or sleep when left in a sachet near the pillow, bathed in or taken as an herbal tea.

MUGWORT APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Clairvoyance, Protection & Consecration.

Mugwort has been used by magickal practitioners for ages as a dream associative & enhancing psychic skills. It calms the energy of a person, especially when ingested as a tea & helps to awaken the Third Eye, aiding in deeper subconscious travel & spirit world communications. It enhances dreamwork, helping one to better recall dreams for journaling & deciphering messages. When burned as an incense at Samhain, it works as an offering to call upon the Ancestors, Creating a stronger bond between the thin veil of the physical world & spirit world. Mugwort is an important herb to incorporate into practice, when one is trying to awaken their psychic senses & evolve spiritually.

Botanical Name: Artemisia Vulgaris

Element Correspondences: Air / Earth

Planetary Correspondences: Venus / Moon

Zodiac Correspondences: Taurus / Libra

Magickal Uses: Clairvoyance, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Ward Off Evil, Purification, Astral Projection, Ancestor Contact, Spirit Realm, Third Eye Awakening, Consecration of Divinatory Tools, Dream Work, Lucid Dreaming, Seance Work, Psychic Skills.

Magickal Tip: Add a pinch of Mugwort to your Divination tools when in safe keeping to keep their energy & aura protected, strong & enchanted. You can make a tincture of Mugwort, adding other clairvoyant crystals to the mix, and using the tincture as a consecration wash for your divination tools, to enhance their metaphysical powers & become a stronger aid in clairvoyant practices.

Holistic Uses: A tea of mugwort can aid in sleep & dream recall. It can be added to massage oil or bathwater to calm anxieties & insomnia. Freshly crushed Mugwort leaves, can be added to scratches, burns or cuts to alleviate skin irritations.

MYRRH GUM RESIN APOTHECARY.

All Natural Incense. For Healing, Divination & Renewal.

Helping to gently expands upon our inner wisdom, Myrrh ties us to the subconscious, lifting a cloudy veil that blinds us from the 'unknown.' Feminine in nature, Myrrh, works with the energies of Goddess Isis & Mother Moon, aiding us in seeking deeper through the mysteries of the Universe. It raises the vibrations to illuminate our soul & reflects any negative energy that might create doubt or fear, so that one may better connect to their higher purpose, also making it a powerful source when working through tragedies. It is a great healer to the mind, body & spirit, which is why it was traditionally used in an amulet or herbal sachet to bring about a quick healing. Often mixed with Frankincense, not only within the Catholic church, but through various spiritual practices, Myrrh help's one to 'travel' deeper into a meditative state, building a rich connection with the divine, through prayer & magickal practices.

Botanical Name: Commiphora Molmol

Element Correspondences: Air / Water

Planetary Correspondences: Sun / Moon

Zodiac Correspondences: Cancer / Leo

Magickal Uses: Spirituality, Divination, Healing, Meditation, Energy Amplifier, Raising Vibrations, Peace, Renewal, Consecration, Blessings, Intuition Strengthening, Hex Removal, Moon Rituals, Third Eye Healing & Activation.

Magickal Tip: Raise your crystal ball over the smoke of Myrrh, to strengthen your psychic vision.

Chakras: Third Eye (6th) , Crown (7th)

Holistic Uses: Often used to make perfumes, Myrrh also repels mosquitos when burned as an incense. Due to it's Antiseptic properties, Egyptians traditionally burned Myrrh for fumigation to sick rooms. It can also help fight bad breath, when used as a powder or extract.

OLIVE LEAVES APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Peace, Healing & Balance.

Olive leaves are a symbol of divine peace & fragility. The trees grow best in hot & dry climates, tying them closely to the element of Fire & the Sun. It is highly sensitive, as it can die with a tad to much water or frost. It flowers the Olive fruit & loves growing in sunny spots facing the South. It can grow stabile & strong even on slopes & hills, but still needs balanced weather conditions. It can teach us to find this balance within ourselves, we are fragile & strong. It serves as an important reminder that too much of one thing can be hazardous to us & that no matter what darkness we find ourselves in, we can find growth when illuminated by the light.

Botanical Name: Olea Europaea

Element Correspondences: Fire

Planetary Correspondences: Jupiter & Sun

Zodiac Correspondences: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Magickal uses: Calming Energies, Meditation, Balance, Peace, Zen, Raising Vibrations, Wisdom, Generosity, Releasing Negativity, Good Luck, Dispelling enemies.

Magickal Tips: Stash Olive leaves in each corner of a room to keep the home peaceful, banishing family arguments & bringing luck to those in the home.

A ring of Olive leaves can help raise the vibrations of the aura & help with spell-casting dealing with manifestation.

A branch of Olive Leaves wet with rain water or natural spring water may be used to bless a home, by thrusting the water off the leaves & envisioning white light.

Drink as a tea during Full Moons to stabilize emotions & calm your energy.

Chakras: Heart (4th) & Crown (7th)

Holistic Uses: Taken as a daily tea, Olive leaves can help with stimulating brain function & cardiovascular health.

PATCHOULI APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Money, Prosperity, Lust & Manifestation.

Patchouli is said to attract prosperity & dispels negativity to promote good dreams. Energetically, Patchouli increases energy & attention in the sensory levels and the outer fields, causing the spiritual self to drop into the physical body. Patchouli also slows down the sense of time perception, allowing one to better work in the realm of magick. This enchanting sweet & earthy scent is a popular ingredient used in spell-casting to draw in money, offer protection, defend against negative energies or evil intent. It holds true in the spiritual power of releasing, whether it be certain vibrations, addictions or banishing harmful people from one's life. Patchouli is tied to the Earth element as well, bringing great grounding frequencies & enhancing focus, which is why it makes for such a great manifesting tool.

Botanical Name: Pogostemon Cablin

Element Correspondences: Earth

Planetary Correspondences: Saturn

Zodiac Correspondences: Scorpio

Magickal Uses: Money, Prosperity, Love, Lust, Manifestation, Sexual Power, Courage, Banishing Evil, Protection.

Chakras: Root (1st ) Solar Plexus (3rd) & Crown (7th)

Magickal Tip: Sprinkle Patchouli in the wallet to bring about financial success & prosperity.

Holistic Uses: Create tinctures to help with Athlete's Foot, Dandruff & Eczema.

PUTKA PODS APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Warmth, Comfort & Family Togetherness.

These tiny & adorable "Mini- Pumpkins," are sure to bring a smile to your face. Named Putka Pods, they actually spawn as little fruits from the Glochidion Ferdinandi tree, which grows these pods & are enjoyed by many birds & critters. The Tree itself, creates a home and shelter for many species of birds. It's roots grow deep & wide, creating firm grounding energy. Putka Pods carry a bright Orange color, & when dried can last many seasons. They provide wonderful decorations for the Autumn season, enhancing the energies of warmth, comfort & 'coming together,' as their shape holds many little wedges, forming 1 small pod. Let the magick of Putka Pods enrich your Samhain altar & celebrations this season.

Botanical Name: Glochidion Ferdinandi

Magickal uses: Home, Grounding, Comfort, Nurturing, Death, Light, Gatherings, Family, Friendships.

ELEMENT: Earth

PLANETS: Sun

CHAKRAS : 2nd- Sacral Chakra

Magickal Tip: String a putka pod for each loved one onto a string & hand over the Hearth, as a symbol of Family togetherness.

RED ROSE BUDS APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Love, Trust & Innocence.

Love and Roses go together century after century, a well known symbol of Love, Roses help soften our energy and open us up to the energy of love. This beautiful energy can heal us, bring us joy, protection & peace within our hearts. It promotes the joy of giving & gratitude, as when Roses are gifted or received, it pleases both parties. A cup of rose tea, enhances one's magic, with a pure energy, Divination practices become enhanced, as well as prophetic dreams, because Roses allow us to lower our guard & trust. Roses are a symbol of confidence as well, so much so, that a Rose petal medallion was often plastered to the ceilings of law offices or courtrooms, serving as a talisman of trust, truth & confidence of the words spoken within the building. As a symbol of innocence, it reminds us to live from the heart, see the beauty around us & embrace each moment as if it was the first & last.

Botanical Name: Rosa Canina

Element Correspondences: Water

Planetary Correspondences: Venus

Zodiac Correspondences: Taurus

Magickal Uses: Love, Lust, Innocence, Confidence, Trust, Divination, Healing, Truth, Romance, Sexuality, Luck , Protection Against the Evil Eye or Jealousy, Psychic Love Matters, Honoring Venus, Joy, Peace, Happiness, Dreams, Aphrodisiac, Healing the Root Chakra.

Chakras: Root (1st) & Heart (4th)

Magickal Tip: Sprinkle Red Rose buds around the perimeter of the bed to promote romance & sexuality.

Holistic Uses: Rose eases headaches, dizziness & menstrual cramps when taken as a tea. It helps with physical issues of the Heart & calms anxiety. Red Rose provides a good source of Vitamin C, when added to drinks, foods, lotions or creams. Rose Water replenishes the skin, leaving a vibrant glow.

ROSEMARY APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Warding Off Evil Spirits, Psychic Detox & Purification.

Often tied over a bed to ward off evil spirits, nightmares or sickness, Rosemary has long been associated with Protection in the physical & metaphysical world. It's purification properties make it ideal to be added to a smudge blend, driving away any negative energy. It's crisp & refreshing scent it said to also help with memory recall, whether it's where you last left your car keys, or traveling back in the mind to the life before this, an herbal tea blend containing Rosemary can help you remember. The spruce -like leaves can grow in abundance, and often planted near doorways to turn away jealousy or anger. It is said, 'where Rosemary grows, Women rule,' tying this wonderful plant back to the old folklore of Witches. Traditionally, Rosemary was tied to a Besom and either used for hand-fasting rituals or hung over a Hearth to bring purification & positive energy to the space or union. Some old spells of attracting a love or healthy relationship, required making a Poppet filled with Rosemary, and leaving it under the bed from full moon to full moon. Whatever you choose to do with this magickal herb, know that Rosemary will always protect you.

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus Offiicinalis

Element Correspondences: Fire

Planetary Correspondences: Sun / Moon

Zodiac Correspondences: Leo

Magickal Uses: Warding Off Evil Spirits, Psychic Detox, Good Luck, Protection, Purification, Nightmare Protection, Banishing Negativity, Love Matters, Rituals, Strengthening Memory, Drawing in Faeries, Bringing Blessings, Clarity, Earth Element, Past Life Recall.

Magickal Tip: Lay a line of Rosemary across a threshold to block negativity& sickness from entering a home.

Chakras: Sacral (3rd), Heart (4th), Crown (7th)

Holistic Uses: Fresh Sachets or wreaths made of Rosemary can be used as natural air fresheners. Added to a vinegar & Lemon base, Rosemary can become quite the delightful cleaning aid. Used as a hair rinse, it is said to help cure split ends.

ST. JOHN'S WORT APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Protection, Sun Energy, Depression & Happiness.

Ties to the magick & energy of the Sun, in association with celebrations of 'Litha' or the Summer Solstice, St. John's Wort is an herb to dispel negativity, rid of depression & bring cheer & happiness to one's life. This positive sun filled energy, works to block against dark arts or negative energy, inspiring healing & banishing sickness. It recharges the Solar Plexus, driving courage to an individual & balancing a healthy ego.

Botanical Name: Hypericum Perforatum

Magickal uses: banishing, preventing sickness, blocking the dark arts, protection spells & negativity, courage, Litha, happiness, divination.

ELEMENT: Fire

PLANETS: Sun

CHAKRAS : 3rd- Solar Plexus Chakra, 4th- Heart Chakra

Magickal Tip: Sprinkle St. John's Wort by your mirrors to repel a negative self image.

Holistic & Medicinal: As a tea or pill, it can aid in depression, loss of apatite, anxiety & helps to balance mood swings from PMS & Menopause. If made into an Antibacterial tincture, St. John's Wort applied to a cotton ball, may help with inflammation from Eczema, hemorrhoids & offer relief from burns.

How to use it: Commonly used in capsule form or as a hot tea.

WHITE COPAL RESIN APOTHECARY.

All Natural Incense. For Clearing Energy, Creativity & Raising Vibrations.

White Copal Resin is often used to create a sacred space in your environment, clearing the stagnant energy in a room & creating a warm and loving space for creativity and abundance to flow. Although it vibrates at a higher level, White Copal can also offer grounding qualities, aiding in your stronger connection to earth, emotional healing and physical manifestations. The all natural fragrance gives off a warm, earthy, citrus pine scent, to help ease your spiritual journey. It was frequently used by the Mayans & Aztecs during ceremony dealing with purification. It is considered to be "young Amber," resin, as it holds many of the same properties of Amber, but forms in far less time. It inspires our own inner light & happiness to illuminate our aura.

Botanical Name: Bursera Microphylla

Element Correspondences: Fire

Planetary Correspondences: Sun

Zodiac Correspondences: Aries, Leo & Sagittarius.

Magickal Uses: Smudging, Raising Vibration, Happiness, Spiritual Growth, Healing, Grounding, Creativity, Blessings, Manifestations, Protection, Energy Clearing, Love, Consecration, Anointing Rituals, White Magic, Sabbat Offering for Litha.

Magickal Tip: Brighten the energy of a darkened home by burning White Copal at SUNrise on a SUNday.

Chakras: Crown (7th)

Holistic Uses: Revitalize one's energy system & brighten emotional thoughts through means of creating a White Copal Tincture.

WHITE SAGE APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Purification, Wishes & Ceremony.

White Sage can be used to spiritually cleanse spaces, houses, rooms or environments of any kinds of subtle, old energies and prepare the space with fresh intent. It can also be used to cleanse the aura of a person from stagnant old energies to prepare for ceremony or spiritual work. For centuries White Sage has been used in ceremony to encourage psychic detox, raising one's energy levels and enhancing manifestation & purification on many levels. It works to diminish any turmoil in one's life, as they prepare to embark on new ventures & positive vibrations.

Botanical Name: Salvia Apiana

Element Correspondences: Jupiter

Planetary Correspondences: Air

Zodiac Correspondences: Aries & Sagittarius

Magickal Uses: Ward Off Evil, Repel Enemies & Negative Energy or Spirits, Spiritual Aura Healing, Physical Healing, Purification, Protection, Cleansing, Removes Negative Psychic Energy, Consecration, Longevity, Emotional Chakra Balance & Centering, Concentration, Clearing Spirits, Creating Sacred Space, Circle Casting, Money, Prosperity, Immortality, Wishes, Manifestation, General Healing & Wisdom.

Chakras: Crown (7th)

Holistic Uses: Traditionally used as a ceremonial smudge, when burned as incense it can be used as an insect repellant. A Sage Tincture can be used to help straighten hair as a final rinse. Very small portions can be added to tea to 'detox' the mind.

WITCH HAZEL APOTHECARY.

Dried Herbs. For Inspiration, Healing, Wisdom & Cleansing.

With it's branches long used for the art of dowsing, Witch Hazel is a powerful plant often used for remedies regarding healing. In magick, this is also the case, as it's strong 'healing' nature works to mend a broken heart, reverse hexes & cleanse the aura, offering inspiration to matters of love, creativity & calm emotions. Witch Hazel works through powers of divination when needed, bringing forth wisdom & enchantment. It enhances beauty through the power of healing, encouraging empowerment.

Botanical Name: Hamamelis Virginiana

Element Correspondences: Fire

Planetary Correspondences: Sun / Saturn

Zodiac Correspondences:

Magickal Uses: Mending a Broken Heart, Protection, Divination, Love, Inspiration, Chastity, Healing, Cleansing, Calming Emotions.

Magickal Tip: Burn an herbal blend of Witch Hazel or place it in a sachet to remove Hexes & mend a broken heart.

Holistic Uses: First Aid for minor cuts & scrapes. Tincture can be made to clear facial blemishes.

WOOD BETONY Dried Herbs.

For Protection, Ghosts , Blocking Negative & Evil Energies

An herb that's "Good for the Head." Wood Betony is long associated with casting out evil & darkness, it is said to be the cure-all for almost every disease, problem or curse. Women would add a little Wood Betony to food to help resolve and argument with a loved one or end a grudge that caused a rift between lovers. It is said that the druids have long used this powerful herb during their midsummer rituals, to help aid in fertility & health, with the banishment of sickness or infertility in mind. For those who suffered night terrors or sleep paralysis, Wood Betony would offer a protective shield to the subconscious mind when kept in the pillow or by the bedside. When added with a pinch of Patchouli for manifestation power and ground into a powder for incense, it's believed that any darkness in your life will be banished & removed upon burning. Why does Wood Betony work so well with ridding us of the darkness? Because it blends with our energy & emotions, to build a protective barrier of our subconscious or overly conscious thoughts that come from a place of fear. It helps to raise our own vibrations, shifting us into an energetically higher vibration, helping to ward off the lower energies that no longer resonate with us.

Botanical Name: Stachys Officinales (aka) Bishop's Wort

Element Correspondences: Fire

Planetary Correspondences: Jupiter

Zodiac Correspondences: Cancer, Sagittarius

Chakras: Throat (5th) & Crown (7th)

Magickal uses: Protection, Protective Teas, Shielding, Leading Ghosts Astray, Blocking Negative & Evil Energies, Uncrossing Hexes & Curses, Purification, Healing Fear of Travel, Nightmare Blocking, Calming Nerves, Bishop's Wort, Tinctures, Enhanced Visions, Midsummer / Summer Solstice Blessings, Release Public Speech Fears, Anxiety Healing

Magickal Tip:

* Gift a sachet / amulet or serve tea of Betony to end a quarrel or disagreement in a relationship.

* Cast out negativity in a friendship by burning Wood Betony.

Holistic Uses: A tea or tincture of Wood Betony can be used to dispell headaches, anxiety, influence better sleep & resolve toothaches. It is said to calm anxieties through lowering blood pressure.

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