#my gift to the world. lion men

[matoitech]

some poseys from earlier this yr i wont ever finish + blue <3

#my gift to the world. lion men #my art #ocs #furry #i was gonna post more old sketches i prob wont finihs but they didnt match the Vibe #blue either has to have no pants or no shirt at all times but its gotta be one or the other ig #suggestive #idk jic i guess? lol #like pinup level if that i suppose

[peachesofteal]

Dad!John Price/female reader The Ocean anthology Note: The orcas mentioned in this series are based on a real population. Coolest things on this planet.

The strait is quiet. 

Fog rolls across glass, painting grey sea smoke on top of clear, hyaline waters, mirror images cast from horizon to cliff. It’s a prehistoric stillness, the kind that’s sung low in the belly of this passage for millions of years, volcanos and glaciers all doing their worst, their best, to shape and carve this land to be as it’s known now. 

Granitic wall looms above and below, plummeting into the earth beneath you until the water is too deep to see where it ends and hell begins, water and plants and light refracting into a teal green color. painting the pitch something most only see in magazines. It stretches tall too, forms the base of the islands, of all the land that flanks the strait, and you have to crane your neck to see where rock ends and soil begins. 

It’s a marvel onto itself, but you’re not here for the geology. 

Where are they? 

Your paddle dips, pushes, forging a path through the quiet, preternatural stillness, wrists to ribs moving with hypnotic pace. Left, right, left, right. Dig. Dip. Your lungs burn, muscles ache, and still you paddle, up and down the coast, maintaining your determined pace in the face of exhaustion, forcing yourself past the brink of logic and reason, as always, in the pursuit of passion. You focus on your breath, on the cold, settling it in your bones, falling into the beautiful rhythm that is paddling, cold sea spray dripping down to your gloves.

It’s easy to get lost in the quiet of the water. The fog and the cliffs crowd inwards, silent watchers of a sacred place, protectors of a balance long disturbed and derailed everywhere else in this world. Your paddle strokes in perfect time, kayak cutting through the eerie mists and propelling you forward, focus fixed on the horizon, looking, listening. Waiting. You simmer in the silence, straining to hear the telltale blow of air, the signal of surfacing.

Nothing comes.

Where are they?

Salmon jump in front of the kayak, shattering the serenity in their wriggling flight.

The residents elude you. You say good morning to an otter, a sea lion the size of two men, some curious Dall’s porpoise, but are left bereaved at the noticeable absence of the pods. 

It’s the first day. It’s okay, it’s only the first day. 

The alarm on your watch goes off, just as the lighthouse, affectionately named Little Rock, looms ahead, faded and chipped green paint calling you back to the cove, a glacial breeze whipping under your goretex and neoprene, cutting to the quick, right down to flesh and bone. 

Time’s up. 

“Did you see them?!” Aly bounces on her toes at the edge of the dock, running alongside the pace of your paddling. 

“No.” Your tone is light, but you don’t hide the disappointment, and she smiles sadly, sympathetically. What a smart kid.

“I’m sorry.” 

“That’s okay.” 

“Are you coming in now?” You nod, motioning to the beach, and she skips ahead, running down the steps onto where millions of little pearled rocks give way under her feet, echoing the same as you run the fiberglass bottom of your kayak aground, popping your legs out on either side. 

“I know you wanted to see them.” Her eyes are wide and a little fearful. You frown. 

“I’ve got all year, I’ll see them. Don’t worry.” The assurance is tepid, but present, and she shrugs. 

“You should ask my dad. He knows where they are a lot.” 

“Oh yeah?” You could try. She nods, excited, shiny dark braids gleaming in the mid-morning sun. You glance around, looking for an adult, or someone who accompanied here down here, but there’s no one, and you chew on it, pulling your boat higher up than the tide will reach today. “Shouldn’t you like, be in school or something?” 

“I do school online.” She rolls her eyes, gap tooth grin stretched across her face. “It’s for gifted kids but I always finish early.” 

“Does your dad know you’re running around this place unsupervised?” She shakes her head, and then sobers, glancing towards the woods. 

“I’m not unsupervised.” What? You look the same direction, but all you see is the shadow of the forest, darkness so thick you’re not sure you could see your way in broad daylight. 

A chill traces your spine, ice cold and cautious, slow in its discovery, pressing against your skin like it’s moving under your clothes. You gasp, whirling and- 

There’s nothing. Only the lapping of the tide, the gentle waves that rake through the shore. Your beached boat. Remnants of the morning’s mists. 

Must’ve been the wind. 

The Ranger’s daughter giggles. You raise an eyebrow, and then motion up the hill. 

“Want to head back with me then?”

“Aly!” The Ranger’s voice reaches you, even a hundred meters away. She sprints ahead of you, and your stomach twists, iced over fear spreading through your veins. 

He’s going to freak. He already hates you and now he’s going to think you kidnapped his kid or something. 

“Where have you been?” 

“Down at the water.” She kicks a rock, beaming. One of his too wide palms sweeps over her forehead, moustache and lips kicking to the side with a sigh. 

“Not supposed to be down there on your own, remember?” 

“I wasn’t.” She stands tall with her insistence, and proudly points at you. “I was with her.”

John straightens. He stares at you with a scrutiny that you’ve never felt, an intense pressure building behind your eyes, in your thighs, incinerating all the muscle in your body until you’re sure to explode. 

The silence is painful, and Aly hops from one foot to another. 

“You find ‘em?” There’s no softness in his eyes for you, only a hard edge, hand coming to rest on his daughter’s shoulder. 

“No.” You think he’ll turn away then, drift away in the wake of this encounter, but he holds you steady there, caught between him and the earth, crushing weights on either side. It’s unnerving, this stranger, this Ranger, a moon to a tide, and you swallow when he finally speaks, it’s with that rich timbre, the accent that twists you up in boundless knots.

“They make you earn it.”

“You should sleep with your window open.” Aly pipes up, and John’s mouth twitches.

“You can hear them in the cove, in the middle of the night.” He explains. “They hunt and play in the shallow off the beach pretty often. Though it’s too cold to be sleeping with your window open.” The last piece is serious, like a warning, but you’re already vibrating with anticipation, attention fixed through the trees, like you can see down the hill to the harbor.

When you turn back, John is watching you. Hard muscle and tone turned dulcet, there’s less shadow in his eyes, replaced by something wild, willful.

There for a second. Gone in the next.

“Well I’ve… work to do.” Paltry effort. It sticks in your mouth the way this man has stuck to your mind, lurking and wandering, leaving you wondering what he's doing on the other side of your bedroom wall, your living room. Wondering what he’s like, what he’s really like, under the clipped and caustic words, the churlish airs swirling around him whenever he lays eyes on you. He’s the definition of surly, and the reluctance to interact with you stings, even though you shove it down. Secrets lay beneath his ribs, you have no doubt, protected by his thick coat and wide frame, a mass of tenured muscle and strength visible under the heaviest wool.

He nods.

You turn your back.

"Leave a note, when you're goin' out." He's got Aly in hand, halfway up his side of the porch, breath fogging in the space between your bodies. "Shouldn't be out alone, without anyone knowing, alright?"

Leave a note.

"Alright."

#more vibes and not much else #John price #john price x reader #the ocean anthology

[thevoidscreams]

Omg your writing is exactly what I want and need <3 Maybe some breeding? Guilliman or the Lion (it seems it would fit them the best). Wanting to claim and curious about if their seed could knock up a regular human. Keep up the good work ^^

Day 17

I love blueberry man

Pairing: Roboute Guilliman x reader

Warnings: a bit of fulgrim existing, breeding, you get yoinked, your dad sells you to the imperium wattpad style, arranged marriage

The mirror reflected my image back to me as the serf did up my corset.

“You're a very lucky woman. Marrying the Lord Guilliman.” she cooed.

I hadn't felt all that lucky. I'd barely known him a month before I stood at the altar with him.

I could see my father's face in my mind's eye telling me that my husband had been chosen. As his daughter and the princess of our world it was my duty to keep our world from ruin.

--

“If you don't do this, they will force our world into submission.”

“But he'll take me away. I'll never see you again.” I'd been crying as he sat me down and hugged me.

“He will be a good husband and this marriage will give us some favorable terms under the rule of the emperor of Terra. He promised us this and he is a good sort of man.”

“I haven't even met him yet.”

“You will tonight. He's our guest of honor at the banquet.”

I fought back tears. This was my duty, my people needed me.

--

“Oh don't cry my lady. You'll streak the blush.”

The serf gave me a reassuring pat.

“I'm just so worried that I'll never see my family again.” I admitted in a wobbly voice.

“Oh dear, you'll have plenty of family once you marry Lord Guilliman. He has thousands of sons. And I'm sure there will be a few more along the way now that you're here.”

She said conspiratorially.

“I'm sure you're right.” I admitted.

He was quite fetching I had to admit. Lord Guilliman was a very handsome man and any woman would feel lucky to marry someone like him.

Besides, this marriage would be good for your world. The protection it would afford you from those awful xeno raids was just another thing you couldn't afford to give up.

“What's he like?” I asked absently, my mind wandering. I'd only met him twice now and both times had been with chaperones from both sides.

“Lord Guilliman is very noble, my lady, and he's honorable. Smart as they come too. He's quite gentle with us all as well. Doesn't put us littler baseline people down either.”

She nodded and began fixing my hair.

“Do you suppose he'll be a good husband? A fair one?”

“Oh he'll be the best no doubt. When he's not busy mind you.” I nodded.

“Of course. He has much to do.”

“Aye, he does. Now give us a turn. Let us see you.”

I gave a slow turn and all the assembled hand maids and serfs ooo'd and gushed.

“Well isn't she just the loveliest thing you ever saw?” One of them cooed. They were all so kind and it helped ease my nerves to know that I would have them to help me.

The ceremony had been grand, by all standards, even for someone from my station.

The Ultramarines, my new ‘family’ were giant men in giant suits of armor, my new husband introduced me to so many my head spun.

But my husband and his sons were not the only giants to attend. My new brother- in-law had come to see this, apparently, an odd occurrence.

They varied in personality vastly. But they came bearing gifts and well wishes. Their sons, who I was beginning to understand, were called legions, joined us as well.

Sanguinius and Vulkan had been the sweetest.

I adored them. They did a good job reassuring me as well that I was in good hands. That their brother would be a dutiful husband and that he would not mistreat me.

They did more to put aside any fears I had than everyone before. I couldn't help but trust them.

I looked to my husband who was speaking to another man in purple.

He was lovely, with violet eyes and long silky white hair. He seemed to be teasing his brother and I smiled thinking of my own family.

Hopefully, I'd be able to have a few children soon, it would soothe the ache I knew I would feel.

“So brother, your wife is a darling little thing isn't she?” Fulgrim chirped, I knew it was the set up to something more and I downed my wine.

“If you have something to say Fulgrim then just say it.”

He pouted and lounged in his chair more dramatically.

“I'm surprised you didn't marry her off to one of your captains, or one of your other sons. But I can't say that I blame you.”

“Her father would not accept anyone from a lower station, he was..adamant.”

Fulgrim laughed, it was a silvery sound. “Oh brother, you are so lucky you got to this world instead of me. I would have grabbed her up in a heartbeat. Perhaps I should marry again. To have a sweet little thing to warm my bed.”

“I didn't marry her just to deflower her.” I felt the scowl darken my face.

“Naturally not. But you will, will you not? As her husband you will have to perform and be dutiful. A wedding is only half concluded until it is consummated.”

My cheeks grew hot. “I am not going to discuss my bedroom activities with you Fulgrim. I will do as is expected of me as her husband. But I will mto be a lecherous pervert and run around giving away everything. If you're going to be disgusting, do it elsewhere.”

Fulgrim shook his head at me and sighed.

“Well how about this? Do you think you'll be able to? Will you be able to even make her a mother?”

I was about to reply with some very heated words but stopped. The question shocked me.

“I will do as my duty demands.” I told him simply.

I looked at my wife, she was much smaller than me. Half my height and so…delicate. Sex would be a minefield to navigate. I may not have known her well. But she had been kind, and I felt certain of her good character.

“Pardon me.” I pulled myself away from the conversation and went to my wife.

“They're about to make the speeches. We should return to the table.”

I turned to look up at my husband and nodded.

He offered me his massive hand and I went with him at his side.

“Have you enjoyed your evening my Lord?” I asked softly, he looked at me quizzically.

“I am your husband, there is no need for formalities. Call me Roboute.”

“Ah. Right.” I blushed. “Have you enjoyed the evening so far, Roboute?”

He smiled. It was a gentle gesture and my heart fluttered like a bird trapped in a cage.

“I have.”

People went up to a podium, one by one, giving their admiration and care in the form of stories and well wishes. I learned much from the stories told about his time on the battlefield.

His older brother, Horus, gave a very moving speech before he addressed me personally and wished me luck dealing with his stubborn blood.

People laughed and it was all in good fun. Even Roboute laughed and stood to embrace his brother.

My own family spoke, proud as anything and I felt teary eyed again as my mother wished me luck in my journey as a woman. Telling me how much she loved me.

A few tears did fall and my husband touched my back softly.

After the festivities, people either left or broke into smaller groups to talk.

“Where will we be staying tonight?” I asked Roboute.

He looked down at me and answered in a polite and quiet voice.

“My flagship. The Macragge's Honour. Your belongings will be moved there so we may leave in the next few days.”

I nodded.

My hearts hammered as I realized I would have to sleep with her in my bed, and we would have to at least try for a child.

Oddly enough, it wasn't embarrassment or discomfort that I was feeling. It was a rush like the thrill of the battle before it began.

I was anticipating this new turn in my life.

I swept her up. Careful of her dress and carried her in my arms. “Roboute?” She squeaked.

“Is it not a tradition to carry your wife over the threshold of her new home?”

“It is, but your ship is still in orbit. It'll take some time to get there.”

“Then I will carry you all the while.”

I could feel her heart racing, the same as mine. Was it excitement that made it beat so fast and so loud, or fear?”

I could only hope it was the former. I did not want my own wife to be fearful of me.

That anxiety was laid to rest as she placed her head on my chest relaxing into me. Some of my brothers whooped and cheered as I carried my bride away.

“Have fun brother.” I heard Fulgrim laugh. Oh I would..I hoped.

Roboute carried me the whole way just as he said.

His ship was the biggest thing I’d ever seen.

And his room was bigger than the main banquet hall of my father's castle.

He set me down and touched my cheek softly.

“I want you to be comfortable. Please if this is not something you want, I need to know. But otherwise I am intent to do my duty as your husband. And consummate our marriage.”

I shivered, he was being so kind. I'd heard so many horrible stories of new husbands just forcing that contact on their wives, but here he was offering me a choice.

“I would like..” I thought for a moment, trying not to imagine anything too lewd.

“I would like to try.” I breathed and he nodded.

“Shall I have a serf help you prepare? I am not so experienced in undoing clothes and hair.”

I shook my head. “Let me undress, then perhaps we could bathe and.. get used to one another.”

“A sound idea.” He agreed and began to undress.

His body was amazing. Perfect even. I couldn't help but stare as he revealed his body to me. Laying his clothes over a chair neatly.

“Are you going to undress with me?”

I stared at him dumbfounded and nodded.

He chuckled. “Is the view really all that good.”

My mouth moved before my brain and I blurted, “Oh yeah.”

Roboute blushed, and not lightly either. His cheeks were like the blood angels battle plate.

“I- um, thank you.”

I nodded.

I fumbled a bit gracelessly for the strings keeping my corset together.

I managed but I felt foolish.

I dropped the dress and stepped out of it, moving on the pins holding my hair. Quite aware of his gaze on me.

She was lovely, I hadn't imagined such a thing of beauty would be under all of those clothes. She rivaled even the most masterfully sculpted statues of my home.

I wanted to reach out and touch her skin, it looked so soft.

I resisted, not wanting to be too forward.

“You are very lovely.” I breathed and snapped my mouth shut, having not meant to speak the words aloud.

Her eyes sparkled, just as magnificent as the rest of her.

“I will take you to the bath.” I told her, lifting her until my arms. She gasped and I nearly put her down again.

But get arms snaked around my neck. I find that anticipation returning along with the question Fulgrim posed to me.

Could I give her children? I would have to try.

The bathroom was spacious and the tub would have more than enough room for us both, it could fit several of my brothers and I for a communal bath. But for tonight it was just us.

I ran the water, setting my little wife down on a bench.

“Shall I bring some oils? They feel wonderful after a bath.”

“I've never used them before.”

“I will help you.” I assured her.

Once the water was to an acceptable depth I stepped in, offering her a hand into the hot water.

The water was deeper than I had anticipated, it was like a hot pool.

Roboute took me into his lap and I felt like I was going to faint. He was my husband, but I'd never been alone with a man, other than my father, much less naked with one.

And here I was, sitting in his lap, naked as a bird and feeling all sorts of ways about it.

His hands ran over my skin, massaging soaps into my back and arms.

He was bathing me, like I was a kid.

“I-I can wash myself.” I stammered, he chuckled and it sent rippling little waves through the water.

“I know, but I want you to relax.”

“Oh.”

My hand reached for the bottle and I poured some into my hand, rubbing down his chest, my fingers brushing through the very fine blond hairs there.

He hummed and his hands scrubbed lower.

We spent our time like that, rubbing and bathing one another, I moved closer to reach his shoulders and found myself against something hard under the water.

“Hmm?”

He coughed and apologized.

“Why are you apologizing?” I giggled still confused.

I reached down to try and move the thing out of the way with my hand, grabbing it. Roboute groaned and it dawned on me just what I'd just done.

“oh….” I mumbled and slumped against him. “sorry…” his hand rested on my back.

“Don't be. It's yours to do with as you please.” He mused.

It was, wasn’t it? I ran my hand up and down the length of it. Exploring the velvety softness.

“It’s big.”

“What did you expect?” He breathed, seeming to enjoy the touch.

“Well, I'm not really sure. This is all new to me.”

Roboute sank into the water washing the soap from our bodies before standing.

“Let’s get dry, I’ll rub you down with that oil.”

His towels, like everything else, were massive. I got lost in the plush fabric and my poor husband had to help orient me towards the bed.

I sat on the edge and pulled the towel down to look up at him. He was actively drying his body and I followed his example.

While I was drying Roboute vanished back into the bathroom. He returned with a clay vase of body oil.

“Lay back.”

My body moved, I found myself unable to disobey the command.

He knelt on the bed next to me, his body causing the bed to dip. I had to put out an arm to keep from rolling.

Roboute kneeled between my legs, pouring oil into his open palm.

“Just relax and let me work.”

I nodded.

His hands ran over me bare chest and down my stomach, the oil felt warm applied by his hands.

The big pads of his finger tips massaged my thighs and I moaned as he worked the tension out of my muscles.

He was skilled with his hands.

I was so lost in the feeling I didn’t notice him bending low until his lips were on my throat, kissing and nibbling. My fingers combed through his hair, holding him closer.

“Roboute~” I gasped.

“Yes, my wife?” He purred back. His fingers sliding between my thighs, pressing to my womanhood.

His lips touched mine, one oil slicked finger pushing in. The oil acts as a sufficient lubricant to ease his way in, making me squeak.

“Shall we begin the consummation of our marriage my husband?” I asked, my voice tremulous.

“That was the idea, yes.”

I looked down at her, her body soft under my own. I had certainly made up my mind on the matter. I would bed her as frequently as I was able. We had to make our way back to Terra now, so that I could present her to my father. That would provide ample time to see if our biology was compatible. I was surprised to find that I was beyond hopeful that it was. She was a good woman and I was sure she would care for a family well. I’d also taken her from her home and her family. If I could not provide her with children.. The thought killed me inside. I slipped my finger in as far as I could, watching her writhe under me. Her breaths quickening as I pet her inner walls. The oils mixed with her natural slick. I was fascinated by the way her body pulled my finger back in after I pulled it back. Taking the oil I poured more over her. Tending to her gently. I felt pride with each sound I drew from her soft lips.

“The oil..” She sat up and I felt a rush of worry, was it hurting her? Was I hurting her?

“Yes? What about it?”

“May I see it?” She held out her palm to me and I understood, lifting the jug to pour some into her hand.

“What are you-?” I choked on my own breath as she grabbed hold of my cock, stroking me and kissing my lips.

“Is this good?”

“Very.” It felt good, being touched in that way. The strokes were a bit uncertain at first but steadily grew with confidence as my own voice joined hers.

“I need to prepare you to take me. May I push one more in?”

She nodded and kissed me softly. “Yes, please.”

My ring finger joined the middle and I felt her body stretching to accommodate the width of both. I watched as her face scrunched with pain.

“Breath, deep breaths, it'll help ease the pain.”

She obeyed readily, and my manhood twitched. Would she always obey so well? If so, we were probably going to be doing this even more than previously assumed.

“Good girl. Taking me so well. ” I praised, my fingers pulling out and pushing back in. I added a bit more oil and kept the pace slow and steady, letting her body acclimate to the affection.

I had her there for all of two minutes before her body tensed and her walls clamped around me, my fingers suddenly became a lot wetter and stickier.

“Good girl,” I crooned again, “cum for me, just like that.”

Her hand was still lazily holding my cock and I watched as a thick pearl of precum dripped onto her lower lips. I pushed it in with a thumb.

“I need you, my darling wife.”

Her eyes focused on mine and she reached up for me. Grabbing at me and smiling dreamily. “Then have me.”

I did, lining up my cock and pulling her onto it inch by inch.

If I had thought his fingers stretched me then I hadn't felt anything yet. His cock was thick and filled me completely.

I felt my head fall back and I cried out, but the preparations from before made it not only bearable, but after a point, completely mind blowing.

His cock pressed all the places he'd been petting before.

Making my already tingling nerves shout at the new source of stimulation.

Sunk to the hilt he stopped and I whined reaching up to take his cheeks into my hands.

“I will give you time to adjust, don't worry.” He promised.

I felt myself grumble, grumpily.

“I don't need time to adjust.”

He looked down at me, confusion morphing into understanding, then amusement.

“Is that so?”

“Yes.” I whined again.

“Is my princess in need. Does she want me to make the burning ache go away?”

I did. I very much did.

“Yes, I need my primarch to make me feel good.”

His mouth descended on mine and he kissed me hard, his cock pulling out of me before thrusting back in.

“Like that?” He teased.

“Exactly like that.” I panted under him.

He wrapped his arms around the oil from my skin brushing off onto his.

He kissed me, his hips working a steady rhythm.

His body was hot, like the bath water and it kept me warm in the big room. His cock was also hot inside me. I wanted more of this, more love, more touches, more everything.

He seemed to be feeling the same, his eyes were closed tight and I kissed the tip of his nose. He faltered in his pace and I laughed, as he smiled and returned the gesture.

Neither of us lasted very long that first round. I came hard on his cock and he gave me the first of many loads.

The room was quiet, except for our breathing.

I laid in Robute's arms, kissing him over and over.

“I think they were right.” I spoke, breaking the silence.

“Who was right about what?” He asked, puzzled.

“Your brothers. I think you will be a wonderful husband.”

He hugged me tighter and pressed her forehead to mine.

“I will try.”

A month passed on our journey back to Terra. I had awoken the past two days feeling ill. Roboute took me to the Apothecaries on the third day. Fearful I had contracted some ailment while aboard the ship.

We'd been active almost everyday for that month. Except the past three and I was feeling needy again.

The apothecary came rushing in from the lab looking at his father and I with a look of awe in his expression.

“What is it?” Roboute demanded. His son stared at the database and he grinned.

“Congratulations, father.” He motioned to me and I thought I began to comprehend.

“Our mother is with child.” He announced.

Before I could speak Roboute had me up in his arms. Kissing my cheeks and face, laughing and cheering.

“Please, my son. May I have the results. Send them to me.”

Later that night Roboute called his brother.

“Brother! How is married life?” Fulgrim asked delightedly and sipped his wine.

Roboute sent the results to his brother. And watched as the fuzzy green image spat out the mouthful of wine and coughed.

“I guess we have our answer now. Don't we? Good night brother.”

Roboute terminated the connection and went back, intent on celebrating with his wife.

#warhammer 40k #warhammer #primarch x reader #40k #my writing #primarchs #warhammer 40k x reader #fanfiction #primarch #roboute guilliman x reader #roboute guilliman #mating press march

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Hello good morning, I hope you get well soon, dear. So this is my request for today! Can you write a competition between the gods and human fighter, but instead of the main objective of the competition, they compete because of human reader they fall in love with. You can make the ending.

Lu Bu and Thor

Poseidon and Kojiro sasaki

Jack the ripper and hercules

Qin shi huang and hades

Stay safe and have a nice day. 😍

-Gods vs. Humanity, a fight to the death with one goal in mind!

-Is it for survival? NO!

-It is for bragging rights? NO!

-It was for one thing and one thing only- Y/N!

-You were a human, beautiful and highly desirable, earning your spot in Valhalla after you sacrificed yourself to save a child. You were selfless, kind to all, and just a ray of sunshine, it was hard not to fall for you!

-Both gods and humans were vying for your attention, however…you were a little dense when it came to flirting, you had no idea these nice men gifting you flowers and other gifts wanted to court you. You just thought they were being nice!

-They also realized this, that you were dense, but it added to your cuteness, but it also showed how many were actually vying for your attention.

-Arguments and fights broke out, amongst the two factions, but also amongst themselves, and Zeus offered the idea of having a tournament, gods vs. humanity, and whichever side won would be the only ones allowed to court you, then whichever side won would fight amongst themselves at that point.

-You were blissfully unaware that you were technically the prize in this tournament, mainly because you didn’t know about the tournament- during the whole of it, you were enjoying a picnic in a large garden and reading quietly.

-Lu Bu and Thor- Maybe it wasn’t the brightest idea, pitting these two against each other, as the match had been going on for hours now, neither one giving an inch. At first the fight was amazing, it was so entertaining, but after the first hour, while not boring, watching these two just beating on one another left the crowd wanting new blood, new fighters. At first, Thor and Lu Bu were bitter rivals, both men wanting you for their own, but after realizing that they were both strong, being able to fight against each other without holding back, they quickly became friends. They felt a kinship with each other, being unparalleled warriors, and finally, after just over four hours, they finally stopped, shaking hands in the middle of the arena, forming a truce and a friendship, willing to share you if you wanted to be shared.

-Kojiro and Poseidon- Unlike the previous match, there would be no truce, no sharing, as Poseidon viewed humans, except for you, as beings beneath him, not worthy of his time, and he was only fighting in this tournament so he could go after you. He had no issues stepping on humans to get to his goal, and he had no issues fighting other gods as well. You were perfection- you belonged by his side! Kojiro on the other hand, wanted to keep you safe, he could see the leering looks of these ‘young ones’, both gods and humans, and knew that he wanted to keep you safe. The only way to do that was to win so humanity would win so he could be by your side to keep you safe and he was willing to push himself farther than he had ever had before to do so.

-Jack and Hercules- Hercules had a similar mentality to Kojiro, who could see how others were looking at you, like a pack of lions looking at a newborn lamb, he had to keep you safe! All that stood between keeping you safe was a man who had the same goal, a serial killer of all people- there was no way that Hercules was going to let someone like that get someone like you! Jack saw you as his salvation, the light his dark world, you were pure, untainted by evil emotions like greed and anger, and he wanted to protect that, protect you. Jack desired to keep you all to himself, wanting to keep you away from all others who would taint his bright light. He had no issues snuffing the light out of others to do so.

-Qin Shi Huang and Hades- Another kinship was formed, both being kings and both knowing how hard the job is- however, that’s as far as the kinship went. When it came down to it, you were the goal- they both wanted you as their queen, the one they wanted to stand beside them, and they were standing in each other’s way. This wound up being another very long fight, as neither one wanted to give in and submit, neither one giving an inch! It wound up being another tie after they both knocked themselves out in a double TKO.

-At your picnic you sneezed suddenly, holding your hand to your face, “Oh? I wonder who’s talking about me.” Geirölul looked up at you from where she was resting her head on your lap, knowing full well what was going on but she wasn’t going to lose you to anyone, “Probably people who think you’re adorable.”

-You squeaked cutely, holding your cheeks with your hands as your face turned red as Geirölul grinned warmly, you were really too cute for your own good.

#record of ragnarok #ror x reader #ror thor #ror lu bu #ror poseidon #ror kojiro sasaki #ror jack the ripper #ror heracles #ror hades #ror qin shi huang

[tokimihyachi]

Achilles Heel [Pantalone x Reader Series] Chapter 1

❝I cannot kill you, for your end will become my eternal damnation.❞

SYNOPSIS: Pantalone does not do well with love. He never thought, wanted, much less had experience in that field. He viewed it as a weakness, a bad omen hanging above his head. But he was prepared to make an exception for you.

He'd let you become his only Achilles Heel if it meant keeping you.

CHAPTER ONE: A LION'S DEN | 1/22

⸻ PANTALONE WAS A PATIENT MAN.

     It wasn't luck that had gotten him the seat of being the second richest person in Teyvat. Nor was fate the reason why he ended up being one of the renowned Harbingers. That was his doing, not of any god, not of any preordained fate. Every deal he had made was calculated carefully to match his objectives and each contract he handled traipsed on a rope of his cleverness.

     He deserved his riches, his power, and his influence. His job required excellence in the observation of how the economy fluctuates, and sharp wit to act on the scene. While it is true that being a banker required empathy as well, only a fool with no self-awareness would dare and test his tolerance.

     The Regrator was in search of a temporary secretary— his former one had unfortunately been hospitalized for poisoning— when a man in his late fifties pleaded him for a moment of his time, claiming he was the one he has been looking for.

     But with his patience growing thinner, perhaps this imbecile should have begged for his life instead.

     He glanced at the watch hidden underneath the layers of his thick coat, before begrudgingly placing his attention back at the buffoon in front of him. 10 minutes. The oaf sitting across the table had been uttering pure nonsense for ten minutes of speeches filled with self-centered praises, and glories of his wealth.

     The relevance of his self-boasting to their interview? Nowhere to be found.

     "What was your name again?" he asked. The man, obviously offended by the sudden interference, frowned and straightened his posture.

     "Diego, My Lord." Pantalone thought briefly of how common his name was and how this man's stupidity blinded him from seeing how angered the Harbinger was.

     He gathered every parchment from Diego's resume, pretended to scan them quickly, and smiled wryly. "After such a short-notice meeting, I'll require more time to evaluate certain things before I reach a decision. Regardless of such, you have a remarkable taste for gifts."

     Diego seemed pleased with the compliment, eyeing the sack of treasures he had gifted upon his arrival.

     "Anything for you, My Lord." the man replied standing up from his seat, holding a hand out for him to shake.

     How ludicrous. Did this dolt really think he'd win him over such useless trinkets?

     Nonetheless, he kept his façade and shook Diego's hands.

     "It was a pleasure doing business with you, My Lord. I hope we will meet again soon." the man removed his hat and placed it on his chest as he bowed at him.

     Pantalone acknowledged it, waving his hand in the air to dismiss his presence. Words should not be wasted on unprofitable assets which Diego was the moment he walked his hubristic soles into his office.

     Once the man had left, the banker called out his guards stationed outside the cabin they settled in. At the sight of him, the Fatui saluted, awaiting his orders.

      Pantalone's eyes drifted to the fading figure of the man outside talking to his coachmen, barking orders. Men like Diego needed to be put back in their place. He appreciated ambitious people. Essentially, it was those kinds of employees that worked more diligently than the rest as if they had to prove to the world that they were capable of doing something. That their presence was needed. Their talents sought after.

     After all, that was how his own story began; destitute from birth with no blessing from the gods. He loathed it. His meager disposition, the vulnerabilities of his upbringing, and how those experiences dubbed him detestable to society.

     Rather than listening to his Aria of misery as everyone else with ill-fated lives, he stole the baton from the conductor and became the maestro of the orchestra. When an instrument to his masterpiece invariably sounded out of tune, he took it upon himself to pluck the strings of his own fate— weaving it meticulously, till he had the results he wanted.

     Till the pitiable harmony that was his life sounded like a symphony worthy of reverence.

     Though so minuscule, he could see that in Diego. A man yearning for success to improve his life. However, it seemed that the career-driven man was long gone.

     Pantalone turned to his men and with an unmoving gaze said, "Kill him. Swiftly, and not a sound should be heard."

     They nodded, moving in synch comparable to robots, and went away.

     Embers from the cabin's fireplace crackled slowly in a faded resonance within the sanctuary of the office. The sheer cold from outside slowly invited itself as it crept up the nails of the roof similar to an unwelcome guest— dampening the firewood until its glow dimmed. What a quiet reminder that Snezhnaya's frost was unforgiving, much like the Tsaritsa herself.

     Truly, Pantalone was grateful for the benevolence of their Archon. Whilst it was the Director who recruited him into the Fatui, the Tsaritsa saw him for his aptitude in financial affairs, thus granting him the power to the nation's economic policies and the position of Northland Bank's head.

     She did not bat an eye when his greed overtook his senses, a case rarely ensued but still did at a certain point. To the Tsaritsa, as long as her children remained faithful only to her with their long-term goals aligning her grand scheme to overturn Celestia, the manner in which they carried out their duties was irrelevant.

     The clack of the door hitting the wall pulled him from his thoughts, and a figure with a hood entered his office: unwanted, unannounced, with a stature so confident it almost vexed him. Which ignorant moron would dare enter a Harbinger's office without their permission?

     Turns out only you.

     "Oh," you said, "so there's one more."

     Pantalone looked through the window only to be greeted by the sight of all his men on their knees, tied up together like a present, unconscious.

     Though the Regrator was a businessman to heart, the sight of blood never fazed him. If anything, he greeted death whenever the two crossed paths on the battlefield with a nod of his head. One is not a true member of the Fatui if danger is not their companion.

     The Tsaritsa only accepted results beyond satisfaction and Pantalone was prepared to do anything even if he was just artillery to the Archon. Therefore, dealing with you should be easy if he hadn't just finished dealing with his former client. He wasn't quite in the mood for a fight.

     What a nuisance you are.

     Instinctively, his hand went to his delusion, hidden from plain sight underneath his overcoat. Even so, you simply went past him and reached for the sack Diego had brought earlier. After only seconds of rummaging, you brought out a piece of old jewelry— a pendant with a faceted rock.

     You looked at him briefly, the papers on the table, then to every part of his body except his eyes. "Sorry for the mess. This is very important to me and that man," you pointed at Diego outside, dead from the looks of it. "stole it from me. Just had to get it back. I heard your order to kill him from the roof so I did it myself."

     "Now, now, there's no need to thank me just a smile from you is enough." you added, chuckling a little.

     Pantalone drew his brows together. Were you perhaps... an escapee from the mental hospital? That's strange. He was sure there were no psychological institutions nearby.

     When no response still came from him, you stared at the papers again. "By the way, the fifth clause in that contract technically breaks the policies stated in the first." you said.

     The man finally moved. "What?"

     "That resume on your table," you gestured at the papers. "Not only are the stipulations contradicting, but the estimation for the projects are all wrong, and that seal on it is fake. Whoever forged that was clearly stupid."

     He knew that. Admittedly, it took him six seconds of reading the documents to conclude they were written by another hand who clearly did not understand the demands of a secretary to a Harbinger's work, but you merely glimpsed at it still inches away from yourself and already recognized what they were.

     How odd you were.

     You sighed from his inability to continue the conversation, "Well, I'll be taking my leave now." you then placed a hand on your chest out of respect. "Goodbye, kind sir."

     Before you could take another step, Pantalone seized your wrist, the warmth from your bare hand seeping through his gloves.

     "Are you deranged?" he asked.

     "My insanity depends on the amount of breakfast I've had. I've barely eaten a spoon today so I think you've made the correct assessment. Are you a doctor?" you grinned.

     Pantalone almost snorted in amusement if he hadn't stopped himself. What civilization did you live in for you not to recognize who he was? Wait. He shook his head. What was he doing? Enough time was already wasted on the wrong interviewee, he couldn't waste much more. He tightened his grip on your hand.

     "How courageous of you to walk into my office, thinking you'd step out freely with no sanction. Do you know which den you've walked into?" His tone was crisp, like the unrelenting ice that plagued the room.

      Obviously, he was livid with regard to your lack of manners. And from the looks of it, you were about to be served the wrath of the Ninth. The hand that once preyed on your wrist was long gone and moved to your neck.

      There was a flicker in your eyes one that he knew was of acknowledgment, albeit the hood that covered most of your face. But it wasn't recognition of his position. The sudden shift in your facial expressions—what you recognized was not who he was but how dangerous he is.

     Yet what intrigued him was how you were more beguiled, curious even, rather than afraid.

     "I think I've walked into a lion's den," you answered, almost gagging at the force of his hold. But despite the lack of air you managed to crack another smile as you continued, "Though I must say, I'm not afraid of being bitten at all."

CHAPTER ONE, END.

-> chapter two

tip this broke law student here! thank you, travellers! i hope you enjoy the rest of the fic! <33

#genshin #genshinimpact #pantalone x y/n #genshin pantalone #pantalone x reader #fatui #fatuiharbingers #harbingers #impact #dottore #childe #zhongli #capitano #theregrator #genshin x gender neutral reader #genshin x reader #genshin x you

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Kingdom Hearts 4 Challenge Day 6: A World to Revisit

Atlantica

(So, I swear all of my posts really aren't meant to be about Kairi. Like, I was going to make this cool manip where it looked like Sora was saving Melody from drowning, but my Sony Vegas refused to open for some reason? So I just decided to post these similar images of Melody and Kairi instead. That being said... while I don't need Kairi to be the one to go to a The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea world if we ever got one--I'd be more than okay with it being Sora--that would be cool. I'd love to see mermaid Kairi, since Kairi is named for the sea. And Kairi's name can even mean "melody." And she has a lot in common with Ariel. I even suspect she was somewhat based on Ariel, but anyway.)

The reason I would want Atlantica is honestly just because I would want a pretty underwater world again with the Unreal Engine graphics. And that can be a world that we've never been to before, like, Atlantis: The Lost Empire. But if we don't get a new one, then I would want an old one like Atlantica here. Plus... even though I don't think this movie is the greatest. At all. I feel like it's okay... and depending on how they handle it, the KH writers could potentially make it better, with what they add to it. Also, I feel like if we go to Atlantica one more time--with better swimming controls, and in an attempt that isn't a musical--we could finally redeem the world. And that would be great to see.

And now, for whatever reason, I'm going to list some other worlds I'd be more than okay with returning (even though I think we were only supposed to list one. Shh.)

Wonderland: But only if the world is expanded and it's a "sequel," via it being based on Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

Deep Jungle: I know this will surely never happen, since I know Disney has lost the rights to Tarzan. But on the off-chance they ever got the rights back somehow, I definitely wouldn't mind seeing this world back again, perhaps adapting some of the stories from the TV show, like the stuff with Princess La.

Agrabah: I definitely want to go here one more time and to have the "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" story depicted. (I probably would even prefer this even over Atlantica, actually, even though I want that pretty underwater level). This was one of the better Disney sequels, after all. And Sora most definitely deserves to be there for Aladdin and Jasmine's wedding.

Neverland: I wouldn't be opposed to the second Peter Pan movie being adapted.

The Land of Dragons: I'd be all for us having Mulan II, actually.

The Beast's Castle: I've always wanted "Beauty and the Beast and the Enchanted Christmas." I want to fight Forte. LOL. While I doubt it will happen, for obvious reasons, I feel like they could find a way to do it: like Belle writes Sora and the gang a part of her and the Beast's story that they don't know about (the Enchanted Christmas story) and sends it to them as a gift (maybe even for Christmas?), and once Sora opens it, he somehow gets pulled into said story.

Pirates of the Caribbean: I wouldn't mind a "Dead Men Tell No Tales" world.

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride would be awesome.

I would also kill for Cinderella III: A Twist in Time.

While part of me is loath to mention this one... I feel like no one was completely satisfied with the La Cité des Cloches world in Dream Drop Distance (because of lack of NPCs and that kind of thing). And there is a "The Hunchback of Notre Dame II" that Disney made. Absolutely no one likes this movie, and for good reason. But I don't know... I would be willing to tolerate it, just to see this world in the quality it deserves. And maybe Square Enix could somehow make it better... actually, surely not. But like I said: I could tolerate this just to run around Notre Dame in pretty Unreal Engine graphics.

I know that originally with DDD, the plan was Sora to go to all of the original Fantasia locations and for Riku to go to the ones in Fantasia 2000. But then they realized there were enough locations in the first movie for them both to go to, and they didn't need to crank out the sequel after all (or something like that). So I certainly wouldn't mind getting Fantasia 2000 now, in KHIV.

Tangled I'd love to go here again, if we get to see some of the cool plots from the TV show, that I've watched on YouTube. LOL

Arendelle We all know we'll be going here. It isn't even a question. I just hope that this time, Disney gives Square Enix much more freedom (let Elsa and Anna be party members, please). Since Frozen II is kind of hit and miss. Square Enix could really make something cool with it--like they could have with Frozen in KHIII--if they're allowed some creativity.

Wreck-It Ralph Because no one, and I mean no one, wanted us to first experience this world in KHUX, tbh.

Radiant Garden I just really want to finish some of the plot threads there that are still hanging.

Destiny Islands I just really want to be able to go back here and play, dangit! And maybe finally get to explore the main island!

Shibuya Just let us meet Neku, Shiki, Beat, Joshua, and Rhyme in their Shibuya (even if it's an in the credits thing), if Quadratum isn't theirs and we're not going to meet them (or the Wicked Twisters) in the game, otherwise.

#posting this a day early because i probably won't have time tomorrow #kh4challenge #kingdom hearts 4 challenge #kh #kingdom hearts #i also know that everyone always talks about this one nightmare before christmas game being adapted. and if there's enough new story conten #there i wouldn't mind that either #also... the 'sequel stuff' that kilala princess adds to sleeping beauty is so good! and might be the best i've ever seen sleeping beauty #handled since it's own movie #i'd love to see something like that in kh. but i don't know how you'd do it without the kilala stuff #though i'm also not oppsed at all to kilala being included. hmm... #also. though i know nothing about it. maybe more tron based off of it's tv show if that would work. maybe #i also wouldn't say no to more traverse town or end of the world. but i know those are impossible. lol #oh! and lilo and stitch! even though deep space even barely counts as us 'already having been there' because we didn't meet lilo or the #other main characters of the film. or go to hawaii. we were in a prequel #long post

[metalliceyepoker]

So 'Ethan' is Hebrew name, and means 'firm, strong, and enduring'. Our persevering protagonist. Fitting huh?

'Donna' is Italian, meaning 'Lady' or 'woman'. If it's 'Don', that's for male, meaning 'Lord' or 'gentleman' winkwonk. It says at wiki that the surname 'Beneviento' came from the Italian town, 'Benevento', which means 'good wind'.

'Salvatore'. Italian origin name. Means 'saviour'. It's theorized that his family were doctors, so makes sense. 'Moreau' is from old French! Means 'dark-skinned'.

Now 'Karl'...... very ironic name. And I am nothing if not a lover for ironies. Because that's german name meaning 'free man'. His surname is pretty interesting too, because, you see, 'Eisenberg' means 'Iron Mountain'. His boss battle winkwonk. 'Berg' means mountain. 'Heißen' could mean 'Hot' or 'to call'. Hot mountain. Fucking volcano amirite.

Rosemary, the herb, it symbolizes remembrance. Put it on the coffin, and it means the memory of the deceased shall never fade. It also means honoring the fallen.

Mia went MIA for 3 years aha-

'Mia' has many origins. Latin/spanish/Italian origin says 'mine'. Welp ethan's cold dead ass sure ain't yours no mo-

Hebrew origin says 'bitter'. Hmmmmm.

Sorry I just, really can't understand why the fuck she'd lie, twice, to her loyal, loving husband like that who went through hell for her, a normal, boring IT guy who did all that for his family and her lie costed him his life- didn't even tell him he's a walking corpse- had he known, would he still had mold bebe? Was the whole Village incident preventable?

It was your fault to work for a crime syndicate and lie to your husband! And get him killed! Trauma? Don't wanna talk about it? Well at least you owed it to him to let him know he's dead. Dead. For 3 years you hid it. Had an infected kid with him. Who ultimately got detected in Miranda's radar. He died for her. Your daughter is forever tormented because of her power and trauma. And lack of father. Ffs. What you crying for. Smh.

Got derailed from frustration. Ahem.

'Miranda' is Latin origin. 'To be wondered at', 'Worthy of admiration'. Truly, the priestess of the Black God.

'Eva' means 'life' or 'living one'. Again, interesting name.

Elena the village girl, Greek origin, her name means shining light. That got snuffed out in blazing fire. Her father, Leonardo, sure was Strong as Lion when he tore through those people. Also their surname Lupu means wolf. Lol.

'Lulian', the one who points gun at your face, his name is Romanian origin. It means 'youthful man'.

The owner of the grave at Beneviento mansion, Claudia, that name means 'lame'. As in, crippled. Imagine Donna having had someone she cared about. Someone wheelchair bound. All the more heartbreaking.

'Angie' means 'messenger' or 'messenger of god'. What's with these names and symbolism hm capcom?

Ooh almost forgot Dimitrescu family! A sin punishable by gutting from long claws.

That surname means, 'follower of Demeter'. Yes that Greek goddess of fertility. 'Alcina' is Greek origin, meaning 'strong willed, opinionated', but it also says that it is from a poem. Beautiful sorcerer who ruled over the world.

Oh would you look at that? Hebrew origin of 'Bela' means 'devouring' or 'destructive'! Czech origin says 'white'. Well she is quite pale. And very hungry.

'Daniela' means, 'God is my judge'.

'Cassandra'? 'The one who shines and excels over men'. Loud and clear Cassie.

You know the big lycan with hammer? Uriaş? Yeah his name is Romanian. It means 'huge' or 'giant'.

Vâlcolac is Romanian for werewolf, Moroaică and Samcă are both from folklore, and Cadou is Romanian for 'gift'. Yeah some gift it is.

And that's about it. I'm loving all these symbolism. Intentional or not, it makes writing so much better.

#resident evil village #resident evil 8 #re8 village #karl heisenberg #lord karl heisenberg #alcina dimitrescu #lady alcina dimitrescu #donna beneviento #lady donna beneviento #angie #miss angie #salvatore moreau #lord salvatore moreau #ethan winters #mia winters #rosemary winters #bela dimitrescu #daniela dimitrescu #cassandra dimitrescu #miranda #mother miranda #eva #claudia beneviento #names #name meanings

[kellyvela]

genuine question where do stark antis get the idea that starks are colonizers/white supremacist. I see that accusation brought up with no proof. So i’m very confused?

Because the First Men fought a war with the Children of the Forest, and antis made up the simile between the First Men as colonizers and Children of the Forest as natives.

I bet they didn't read about the war between the First Men and the Children of the Forest from The World of Ice and Fire. The war lasted hundred of years and the COTF were not defenseless, they fought with magic and as fiercely as the First Men, but at the end, they made peace and the COTF influence was so strong that the First Men adopted the Old Gods religion.

Conquest is a word more related to Valyrians in general and Targaryen in particular.

And the white supremacist accusations came from a GOT Season 8 scene where two northern girls were afraid of Missandei. But this was something from D&D, maybe from Jeyne Poole's reaction in AGOT:

Jeyne Poole confessed herself frightened by the look of Jalabhar Xho, an exile prince from the Summer Isles who wore a cape of green and scarlet feathers over skin as dark as night, but when she saw young Lord Beric Dondarrion, with his hair like red gold and his black shield slashed by lightning, she pronounced herself willing to marry him on the instant.

—A Game of Thrones - Sansa II

But Sansa Stark was different. Let's compare these book scenes about Princes from the Summer Islands:

Sansa Stark, praising Jalabhar Xho's native garments and dancing with him during her forced wedding with Tyrion Lannister:

Jalabhar Xho was all in feathers, a plumage so fantastic and extravagant that he seemed like to take flight. 

—A Clash of Kings - Sansa VIII

Merry Crane took the floor with the exile prince Jalabhar Xho, gorgeous in his feathered finery. 

(...) The music spun them apart before Sansa could think of a reply. It was Mace Tyrell opposite her, red-faced and sweaty, and then Lord Merryweather, and then Prince Tommen. "I want to be married too," said the plump little princeling, who was all of nine. "I'm taller than my uncle!"

"I know you are," said Sansa, before the partners changed again. Ser Kevan told her she was beautiful, Jalabhar Xho said something she did not understand in the Summer Tongue, and Lord Redwyne wished her many fat children and long years of joy. And then the dance brought her face-to-face with Joffrey.

—A Storm of Swords - Sansa III

Daella Targaryen, daughter of King Jaehareys Targaryen:

Once, in the halls of the Red Keep, Daella had encountered a prince from the Summer Isles in his feathered cloak, and squealed in terror. His black skin had made her take him for a demon.

—The Long Reign—Jaehaerys and Alysanne—Policy, Progeny, and Pain, Fire & Blood

Also this:

“Its basic tenet was simple. The Faith of the Seven had been born in the hills of Andalos of old, and had crossed the narrow sea with the Andals. The laws of the Seven, as laid down in sacred text and taught by the septas and septons in obedience to the Father of the Faithful, decreed that brother might not lie with sister, nor father with daughter, nor mother with son, that the fruits of such unions were abominations, loathsome in the eyes of the gods. All this the Exceptionalists affirmed, but with this caveat: the Targaryens were different. Their roots were not in Andalos, but in Valyria of old, where different laws and traditions held sway. A man had only to look at them to know that they were not like other men; their eyes, their hair, their very bearing, all proclaimed their differences. And they flew dragons. They alone of all the men in the world had been given the power to tame those fearsome beasts, once the Doom had come to Valyria.

“One god made us all, Andals and Valyrians and First Men,” Septon Alfyn would proclaim from his litter, “but he did not make us all alike. He made the lion and the aurochs as well, both noble beasts, but certain gifts he gave to one and not the other, and the lion cannot live as an aurochs, nor an aurochs as a lion. For you to bed your sister would be a grievous sin, ser…but you are not the blood of the dragon, no more than I am. What they do is what they have always done, and it is not for us to judge them.”

—A Time of Testing—The Realm Remade - Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I

White supremacists, who?

#anon asks #targies gonna targ

[random-xpressions]

Imagination has always been my most convenient, most accessible and also my favourite mode of escapism. It is like turning up the frequency to higher levels where I could have all the stars, the moon, the sun in a single sky or perhaps blend the forests where men could take a walk along with lions and kids play with snakes or perhaps me just having a unicorn ride amidst the clouds - Hollywood definitely would borrow some ideas soon. But even more realistically, imagination is definitely that branch of rationalism where my mind diverts all its energy to some really possible situations - a world free of war, free of poverty, free of diseases, free of exploitation. A world where you are simply united with the ones you love, sipping your morning coffee with them or taking a midday nap with your partner or just chilling with your friends at the café or hanging out in some rare library hunting for an ancient manuscript. Imagination is indeed the greatest coping mechanism that the divine has gifted us humans with - the preliminary step prior the impending reality at hand...

Random Xpressions

#imagination #reality

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for March 23, 2024 

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 12:10-11(KJV): 10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

Thought for the Day

Verse 10 - A righteous man cares for his animals, unlike the wicked who is cruel even when he thinks he is being kind. Does God care how we treat animals? Does He respond to the fearful mewing of a motherless kitten or the exhaustion of a donkey staggering under a far too heavy load? Does He care about animals bred in cramped quarters and exploited for profit? Does He care that cocks and dogs are encouraged to fight to the death for a bet; or that bulls are repeatedly stabbed, and then killed for applause in the studied pageantry of man against beast? Yes, He cares, and so should we. In Genesis, He commanded Noah to make an ark big enough to hold two of every kind of creature so that they would not be made extinct by the flood. He made animals for man's enjoyment and never intended the abuse that we see today of these wonderful creatures.

The Bible actually has much to say regarding animal abuse. In the beginning, God put the earth and its wonderful creatures under human authority, entrusting them to man's care (Genesis 1:26). Our sinful nature, however, causes us to abuse them, sometimes unknowingly. God expects Christians, above all others, to care for creation. Exploiting or abusing any part of it shows disrespect for God Himself and it does not reflect His character, but the evil one's. Several Old Testament laws instructed the Israelites in the care of animals. The Sabbath day was designed to give man and his animals rest (Exodus 20:10). The Israelites were instructed to help their friends and enemies get their oxen or donkeys back up on their feet if they fell in the road, or beneath burdens too heavy for them (Exodus 23:5; Deuteronomy 22:4). Animals were also to be allowed to eat as they worked (Deuteronomy 25:4). Finally, God says to us in Proverbs 27:23 (NIV), "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds."

Verse 11 - This verse tells us that if a man works and takes care of his land, it will provide him with food. Men not only abuse animals but also abuse the earth through overuse. The Israelites were instructed to keep a Sabbath year of rest for the land. It was to lie fallow so that the poor and wild animals could eat from it (Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 25:7). The earth is a gift from God to man and we are to manage it properly. If abused, it produces inferior crops. If a man takes care of his land, it produces a harvest providing the bread that he needs. Whoever follows useless pursuits and neglects his land or responsibilities lacks an understanding of the principle of stewardship. Christians should lead the way in ecology that is Bible-based.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your beautiful creation of the animal world. Lord, I am personally thankful for all the wonderful pets that I have had throughout my lifetime. They have been, and are a great joy in my life. I pray for the safety and health of them. Lord, I pray that men will care for the animals in this world properly. Change men's hearts that are guilty of exploiting the animal kingdom all over the world. Bless the creatures of the sea, the birds of the air, all the domestic animals, and all of the wild animals as well. Lord, it will be a blessing when the day of Your kingdom arrives on this earth and the animals will no longer fear man and the lamb and lion shall lie down together. In the meantime, help us all to do our part in caring for your magnificent creation -- animals, plants, sea, and land. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

[primestartes]

Glory! Glory! Glory!

Lo and behold!

When they saw Him, terror speared into their hearts. Lust stirred their eyes. Death came by but a sight and breath. Power radiated from his form like the baneful halo of the sun itself. Unbound by all but reality's fragility.

The knights of the Empire turned from their charge, blinded as were their fear-maddened horses. They did nothing to stop the armoured crash of corrupted Skullcrushers bearing the lewd mark of the Dark Prince, their wrathful hides and armour twisted in their corruption from their Brass Lord - they will not live beyond this campaign after. Their very presence a testament of His evil. Men and horses trampled, bleeding, dead and dying only to be beset by the reaping of hellflayers and their thousand whirling blades.

Men that were champions of their homes became bleating cowards, turning their backs to flaying whips and caressing blades. Several stood erect as their wants or fell in eye-bleeding worship.

They knew not what flew onto the battlefield in this End of Days. However, He came unveiled and true. For His Prince of Princes demanded it so -

My Beloved Fox, Hateful of Man and Corruptor of Their Arrogant Virtue. Give onto them my gifts, both of pleasure and pain. I pull your flesh and give the full fealty of my Love onto your being. Exalted Beast of Mine. Walk with your Brothers and Sisters just as pleasing. Azazael to the East. N'Kari to the West. You will go onto the South and pull the tempest of Dacadence.

And he came with his Kindred of Gold and Silver, followed by their legions. Daemons of the Prince's envious brothers were pulled by their glory, following a facade of Undivided want but the desire of Slaanesh demanded moreso.

A manifestation of Man's fear of Beast. Wings swept on wind, carrying a body far larger than they should. A body of man and that of a lion forged of countless worshippers melded by daemon's want, he came down and crushed his beholders under taloned paw before piercing platemail as if mere parchment with great claws and song of wicked rapier.

His face a beautiful mask of serene love whilst his eyes glown with all of his hatred, mane flowing like a maiden and melded well was the fox's that some saw the man that may have been. Their unfleshed souls were taken in every shimmering strike. Yet, Ludwig the Aspired - powerful as he was - was damned onto a duel in this storm of chaos.

For before the World's End, some daemons dare gossip when he fought with the Emperor holding the God-king's hammer, it was not the thunderous strike to fell him but the griffin that he rode when death seem assured. Such gossips were meat by a thousand stretched years and more in his torture pallor. Such things can not be.

However, beneath his beloved collar - a scar remain by the pestilient rot of petty remembrance and with it, his hatred of Man became sixfold.

#ludwig the aspired #i love his true form and glad I could draw it at least mostly #myart #exalted daemon of slaanesh #slaanesh

[drwilfredwaterson]

Earthquakes in Various Places: Lions and Lovers, and Cruel Snowy Summers…Oh, My! Part 7/10.

Touch: "Pilot" (alternatively "Tales of the Red Thread") is the first episode of Touch. It originally aired in a special preview event held January 25, 2012, on FOX.

"Today we'll send over 300 billion e-mails 19 billion text messages. Yet we'll still feel alone. The average person will say 2,250 words to 7.4 other individuals. Will these words be used to hurt or to heal? The ratio is always the same. 1 to 1.618, over and over and over again. The patterns are hidden in plain sight. You just have to know where to look. Things most people see as chaos actually follow subtle laws of behavior. Galaxies, plants, seashells. The patterns never lie. But only some of us can see how the pieces fit together. 7,080,360,000 of us live on this tiny planet. This is the story of some of those people. There's an ancient Chinese myth about the Red Thread of Fate. It says the gods have tied a red thread around every one of our ankles and attached it to all the people whose lives we're destined to touch. This thread may stretch, or tangle, but it'll never break. It's all predetermined by mathematical probability, and it's my job to keep track of those numbers, to make the connections for those who need to find each other, the ones whose lives need to touch. I was born 4,161 days ago, on October 26, 2000. I've been alive for 11 years, 4 months, 21 days and 14 hours. And in all that time I've never said a single word." - Jake/Jacob/Israel Bohm

October 26, 2000: Strong's Concordance #4161 motsa: a place or act of going forth, issue, export, source, spring, growing place, a mine. Original Word: מוֹצָא

A Web search leads Jake's father, Martin, to the Teller Institute, a rundown home at 318 West Tesla Street. Arthur Teller explains that, on his own, Jake discovered the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical ratio concerning patterns repeated in nature: a wave's curve, a shell's spiral, segments of a pineapple. Jake sees vast connections that amount to road maps, and it's Martin's job, his destiny, to follow them for Jake.

"Imagine the unspeakable beauty of the universe he sees! No wonder he doesn't talk." - Arthur Teller on Jacob/Israel Bohm

In the 2012 television series Touch, season 1, episode 9, "Music of the Spheres", Jacob "Jake" Bohm, a mute boy who mysteriously feels the suffering of those along his path and aims to positively adjust their fates, is revealed as possibly one of the "Lamed Vav Tzadikim" by a Hasidic man. In the second season of Touch, Jake and other people who have special gifts are referred to as members of the 36; throughout the episodes they are exploited for their capabilities and are hunted down by one who believes they hold too much power. The final episode features consideration of the Kabbalah and the mystical roots of the legend of the 36.

Lamedvavnik (Yiddish: למד־װאָװניק), is the Yiddish term for one of the 36 humble righteous ones or Tzadikim mentioned in kabbalah or Jewish mysticism. According to this teaching, at any given time there are at least 36 holy persons in the world who are Tzadikim. These holy people are hidden; i.e., nobody knows who they are. According to some versions of the story, they themselves may not know who they are.

For the sake of these 36 hidden saints, God preserves the world even if the rest of humanity has degenerated to the level of total barbarism. This is similar to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Hebrew Bible, where God told Abraham that he would spare the city of Sodom if there was a quorum of at least 10 righteous men. Since nobody knows who the Lamedvavniks are, not even themselves, every Jew should act as if he or she might be one of them; i.e., lead a holy and humble life and pray for the sake of fellow human beings. It is also said that one of these 36 could potentially be the Jewish Messiah if the world is ready for them to reveal themselves. Otherwise, they live and die as an ordinary person. Whether the person knows they are the potential Messiah is debated. (Wikipedia)

Touch - Season 1 Trailer

Published: 12/5/2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvQ_qJYZ-7A dvQ_qJYZ-7A adjqqvyz 1+4+600+70+70+700+400+500=2345. 2345+7=2352. Strong's Concordance #2352 chuwr: hole, cave, a pit, to bore; the crevice of a serpent; a prison cell, a grave, a tomb. Original Word: חוּר

TANAKH (Jewish Publication Society, Hebrew-English): Pages 870 and 871: Isaiah 11:1 But a shoot shall grow out of the stump of Jesse, A twig shall sprout from his stock. Isaiah 11:2 The spirit of the Lord shall alight upon him: A spirit of wisdom and insight, A spirit of counsel and valor, A spirit of devotion and reverence for the Lord. Isaiah 11:3 He shall sense the truth by his reverence for the Lord; He shall not judge by what his eyes behold, Nor decide by what his ears perceive. Isaiah 11:4 Thus he shall judge the poor with equity And decide with justice for the lowly of the land. He shall strike down a land with the rod of his mouth And slay the wicked with the breath of his lips. Isaiah 11:5 Justice shall be the girdle of his loins, And faithfulness the girdle of his waist. Isaiah 11:6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard lie down with the kid; the calf, the beast of prey, and the fatling together, With a little boy to herd them. Isaiah 11:7 The cow and the bear shall graze, Their young shall lie down together; And the lion, like the ox, shall eat straw. Isaiah 11:8 A babe shall play Over a viper's hole, And an infant shall pass his hand Over an adder's den. Isaiah 11:9 In all of My sacred mount Nothing evil or vile shall be done; For the land shall be filled with devotion to the Lord As water covers the sea. Isaiah 11:10 In that day, The stock of Jesse that has remained standing Shall become a standard to peoples--Nations shall seek his counsel And his abode shall be honored.

TANAKH (Jewish Publication Society, Hebrew-English): Page 1053: Jeremiah 17:13 O Hope of Israel! O Lord! All who forsake You shall be put to shame, Those in the land who turn from You Shall be doomed men, For they have forsaken the Lord, The Fount of living waters.

TANAKH (Jewish Publication Society, Hebrew-English): Page 1459: Psalm 39:7 Man walks about as a mere shadow; mere futility is his hustle and bustle, amassing and not knowing who will gather in. Psalm 39:8 What, then, can I count on, O Lord? In You my hope lies.

TANAKH (Jewish Publication Society, Hebrew-English): Page 1616: Proverbs 10:28 The righteous can look forward to joy, But the hope of the wicked is doomed. Proverbs 10:29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the blameless, But a ruin for evildoers.

TANAKH (Jewish Publication Society, Hebrew-English): Page 1617: Proverbs 11:7 At death the hopes of a wicked man are doomed, And the ambition of evil men comes to nothing.

TANAKH (Jewish Publication Society, Hebrew-English): Page 1620: Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred sickens the heart, But desire realized is a tree of life.

TANAKH (Jewish Publication Society, Hebrew-English): Page 1678: Job 14:7 There is hope for a tree; If it is cut down it will renew itself; Its shoots will not cease.

“I believe with complete faith in the coming of Mashiach. Though he tarry, nonetheless I await him every day, that he will come.”.

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." - Audrey Hepburn

"The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey." - Sarah Fielding

"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." - Robin Williams

"Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill." - Buddha

"The language of friendship is not words but meanings." - Henry David Thoreau

Captain 89P13, Groot: "I Love You Guys" | Guardians of the Galaxy 3|

Published: May 6, 2023 (126th day) Duration: 0:38 (38 seconds) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p-IltZyEek 8: Infinity p-IltZyEek eeiklptyz 5+5+9+10+20+60+100+400+500=1109. 1109+8=1117. 1117+38=1155. 1155+126=1281. Strong's Concordance #1281 bariach: from barach; to go through, flee, fleeing, a fugitive, crooked, noble, piercing. Original Word: בָּרִיחַ

Acts 22:6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. Acts 22:7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ Acts 22:8 “’Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “’I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. Acts 22:10 “’What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ Acts 22:11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. Acts 22:12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. Acts 22:13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. Acts 22:14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. Acts 22:15 You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ Acts 22:17 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance Acts 22:18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’ Acts 22:19 “’Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. Acts 22:20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ Acts 22:21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Acts 22:22 The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”

#august #hope #holy bible #tanakh #christianity #judaism #christian faith #christian living #bible study #bible scripture #bible verse #jesus christ #second chances #second chance at life #second chance at love #messiah #faith #love #gotg3 #guardians of the galaxy #Youtube

[duchessanon]

SPARE - my review

What a ride it has been reading this book for 2 weeks. I added this to my goodreads and couldn’t rate it bc it’s so good but it’s also so bad!

Key themes!

- Key theme 1! Willy is truly Henris arch nemesis. He loves him and wants his approval constantly, but is also FREQUENTLY mad or disappointed with him. Honestly it would make a great novel or movie in itself to explore that relationship. Bc one minute he’s saying they aren’t that close and the next he’s directing the intro of the book to him. And guess what? I think willy should read it! I wonder if Henri has EVER said “willy u make me feel belittled”. I’m sure recollections would vary but I also have no doubt willy can be a dick!

- Key theme 2! Hero complex. Henri LOVES painting himself as the hero. Sticking up for a pauper in the supermarket who was being attacked by a Karen, rescuing Tom Van S after his mugging, comparing his war with the press with serving his country, recalling small children thanking him for invictus, and the interview where he wants to save the rf from themselves. It’s nauseating and unnecessary a lot of the time. The heart of gold narrative is really shoved down our throats.

Key theme 3! THE BRITISH PRESS. I mean what is there to say? His therapist said he’s addicted to raging against them and she’s right. This man will never be able to rest bc the press are going nowhere. Plus his rel with the press will always be different to the actual heirs and he doesn’t wanna see that.

- Key theme 4! Ghost Di. Well she was a leopard, an elephant, a lion, a cow. He could make most animals about her. He could relate most things to her even when his penis was oscillating. Rly was the least surprising part of the book was his fixation on Di. But it’s just there constantly. Which I guess gives us an insight into his head and dare I say a literary device?!

- Key theme 5! I’m not like the other girls. Even from pre Meg, Henri sets himself up as being different to the rest of the fam. And different often = more of a top, down to earth lads lad! Eg the story of wanting to water a tree not just plant it. A lot of his dickish behaviour is blamed on being a product of of his fam, but none on having an asshole personality. That’s ramped up post meg when he becomes enlightened to the real world. I can 100% see why the fam would be done with his shit

Random shit

- Thicko - he calls himself Prince Thicko a lot at the start of the book. I rly don’t remember any1 particularly calling him that name in the press but I find it hilarious

- If u wanna read it, skip the whole army and invictus parts. So boring and so detailed.

- k8 - if we were getting k8 tea I hoped for a FULL reveal of Bitch K8™️. Instead we got a lot of her and her facial expressions (there were several examples at least where he assumed something about k8s opinion bc of her face, or something she DIDNT do or say - eg her face at the lipgloss she didn’t respond when he made a comment about Lizs crown being trapped in the tower, she didn’t invite him around to dinner, she clutched the leather seat!). Tbh if anything IMO he kinda stans k8 & she comes off the best (og Wales fam) royal

- Henri is a very sensitive chap and sees everything as a slight towards him (facial expressions, cam making his room a closet, the list goes on). Obvi this comes from being the SPARE but it’s also like Henri bb, it’s not all about u. And maybe just maybe ur fam were bored of ur voice sometimes

- All the windsor women and wives (apart from Soph bc she’s not in it) are pretty iconic in this book if u ask me. And yes I’m including meg! We have Ghost Di popping up at every opportunity. Margaret gifting Henri a biro. Liz not giving a fuck about the drama and letting her men take the brunt of all Henris rage. Anne just breathing. Bitch k8 forcing Henri into a nazi costume and having facial expressions. Cam trying to spell Katherine with a K and selling her new sons to the devil press. Eugbea being a kindly blood princess. Fergie doing curtesy lessons! Queen mother Liz being the og royal bitch. And last but not least meg falling on the floor crying, being corny as fuck and simultaneously being a philanthropic queen and bullying manipulating witch (what is the truth?! We’ll never know!).

In conclusion I have sympathy for Henri bc this life has fucked him up and his fam don’t give a fuck about his opinions. He’s screaming to be heard and tbh it’s sad at times espec his relationship with willy (I can never call willy willy in the same way again!). But it’s also a totally navel gazing, self indulgent & lacking in accountability. The fact that he thinks his drug taking is revealing his bad ways isnt gonna fly. I wanna hear about his actual shitty actions and words and temper and entitlement. A must read for royal drama fans, I’ll be waiting for this part 2 when the rf inevitably keep treating him like a SPARE part.

#sparey spice

[mxb1jokes]

Clean Jokes

funny jokes to tell - its friday quotes - funny wedding cakes - citizen - italian joke - i take a nap - island - dogs - sunday sermons - guys be like - the darkest - jewish men - cute funny animals - money cant buy happiness - teacher birthday - funny chinese jokes - sympathy quotes - sheep - positive quotes for life - two blondes - jokes pics - life quotes pictures - good looking women - pregnant women - face - east village - you are the father - go to sleep - ego quotes funny - homemade fudge recipes - mom jokes - grape bunch - birds in the sky - find a boyfriend - funny true quotes - poem to my daughter - wealthy men - catholic priest - donkey - inspirational good morning messages - morning jokes - irish men - bad attitude funny - discover - doctor - revenge funny - drive all night - dad jokes - funny english jokes - the monks - funeral jokes - ink blot - daily jokes - grumpy old men quotes - i do love you - fathers day sale - hair jokes - poor family - chevy jokes - laugh out loud jokes - good jokes for adults - home pregnancy test - great philosophers - mother teach - faith moves mountains - amazing funny facts - deepest sympathy - funny doctor quotes - happy wife happy life - united way - restoration - graze - trumpeter - cant sleep funny - lie detector - inspirational humor - old lady humor - story of the world - in this moment - life quotes deep - heart touching story - laundry quotes funny - money stories - haircut funny - temper quotes - lion - best dad jokes - bad day humor - cute cats - famous art - cute animals - catholic women - marine jokes - dirty laundry quote - funny city - senior citizen - holiday jokes - cold humor - english vocabulary words - ways to show love - pizza - tattoo parlors - hospital patient humor - trip - happy quotes inspirational - funny animal pictures - jokes quotes - wedding anniversary wishes - funny sketches - wake up - funny jok - call husband - funny dating quotes - silly jokes - wife jokes - cookies recipes chocolate chip - student humor - beautiful roses - winter jokes - very funny quotes - meaningful quotes - sleepless - wolf - english jokes - romantic quotes for her - national weather service - sleepless nights - long funny stories - man in love - family jokes - funny fart jokes - one dollar - school essay - pink - mirror jokes - i quit my job - sick humor - short humor - wine jokes - funny dog jokes - practical jokes - farm jokes - childhood sweetheart quotes - laugh track - firefighter humor - cuckoo - atheist quotes - funny physics quote - lion and the mouse - romantic text messages - christian short stories - funniest short jokes - doctor jokes humor - bear - how to wake up early - disciple - life thoughts - puppies for sale - passbook - canada jokes - tax day - inspirational friend quotes - songs - local butcher - navy jokes - good doctor - good morning happy - funny irish jokes - japanese funny - old age quotes - writing a book - engineering student humor - sister jokes - funny prayers - poor quotes - poor joke - funny cartoon photos - tuesday quotes good morning - stories with moral lessons - going down on him - sacred text - funny stories - men quotes funny - funny valentines jokes - new york weather - funny tombstone sayings - turkey jokes - husband and wife love - funny p - sermon - mathematician - lesson quotes - wisdom quotes life - funny driving quotes - ceramics pottery art - english story - train travel - sarcastic quotes funny - umbrella - good night funny - talk - friday night at home funny - blonde jokes - beautiful girlfriend - mother daughter wedding gifts - math humor funny - monk - grape jokes - high school students - flower show - blonde couple - christmas humor - beautiful birds - funny true stories - college students funny - inspirational life lessons - positive morning quotes - picture story - funny drunk pictures - quote pencils - grammar humor funny - happy good morning quotes - amazing inspirational quotes - cast iron pot - retirement humor - blue suit - candidate - short jokes

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon

1 The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s reputation. (He owed his reputation to the name of the Lord.) So she came to test him with riddles. 2 She arrived in Jerusalem with a large group of servants, with camels carrying spices, a very large quantity of gold, and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she talked to him about everything she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions. No question was too difficult for the king to answer.

4 When the queen of Sheba saw all of Solomon’s wisdom, the palace he built, 5 the food on his table, his officers’ seating arrangement, the organization of his officials and the uniforms they wore, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings that he sacrificed at the Lord’s temple, she was breathless. 6 She told the king, “What I heard in my country about your words and your wisdom is true! 7 But I didn’t believe the reports until I came and saw it with my own eyes. I wasn’t even told half of it. Your wisdom and wealth surpass the stories I’ve heard. 8 How blessed your men must be! How blessed these servants of yours must be because they are always stationed in front of you, listening to your wisdom! 9 Thank the Lord your God, who is pleased with you. He has put you on the throne of Israel. Because of your God’s eternal love for the people of Israel, he has made you king so that you would maintain justice and righteousness.”

10 She gave the king 9,000 pounds of gold, a very large quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again was such a large quantity of spices brought into Israel as those that the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon.

11 Hiram’s fleet that brought gold from Ophir also brought a large quantity of sandalwood and precious stones from Ophir. 12 With the sandalwood the king made supports for the Lord’s temple and the royal palace, and lyres and harps for the singers. Never again was sandalwood like this imported ⌞into Israel⌟, nor has any been seen ⌞there⌟ to this day.

13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba anything she wanted, whatever she asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal generosity. Then she and her servants went back to her country.

Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor

14 The gold that came to Solomon in one year weighed 49,950 pounds, 15 not counting the gold which came from the merchants, the traders’ profits, all the Arab kings, and the governors of the country.

16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of hammered gold, using 15 pounds of gold on each shield. 17 He also made 300 small shields of hammered gold, using four pounds of gold on each shield. The king put them in the hall which he called the Forest of Lebanon.

18 The king also made a large ivory throne and covered it with fine gold. 19 Six steps led to the throne. Carved into the back of the throne was a calf’s head. There were armrests on both sides of the seat. Two lions stood beside the armrests. 20 Twelve lions stood on six steps, one on each side. Nothing like this had been made for any other kingdom.

21 All King Solomon’s cups were gold, and all the utensils for the hall which he called the Forest of Lebanon were fine gold. (Nothing was silver, because it wasn’t considered valuable in Solomon’s time.) 22 The king had a fleet headed for Tarshish with Hiram’s fleet. Once every three years the Tarshish fleet would bring gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys.

23 In wealth and wisdom King Solomon was greater than all the ⌞other⌟ kings of the world. 24 The whole world wanted to listen to the wisdom that God gave Solomon. 25 So everyone who came brought him gifts: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. This happened year after year.

26 Solomon built up ⌞his army⌟ with chariots and war horses. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 war horses. He stationed ⌞some⌟ in chariot cities and others with himself in Jerusalem. 27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as plentiful as fig trees in the foothills.

28 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue. The king’s traders bought them from Kue for a fixed price. 29 Each chariot was imported from Egypt for 15 pounds of silver and each horse for 6 ounces of silver. For the same price they obtained horses to export to all the Hittite and Aramean kings. — 1 Kings 10 | God's Word Translation (GWT) The Holy Bible, GOD’S WORD® Translation Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Cross References: Deuteronomy 17:16; 1 Samuel 10:27; 2 Samuel 6:5; 2 Samuel 8:15; 1 Kings 3:9; 1 Kings 3:12; 1 Kings 7:2; 1 Kings 9:27-28; 1 Kings 14:26; 1 Kings 22:48; 2 Kings 7:6-7; 2 Chronicles 1:16-17; 2 Chronicles 9:13-14; 2 Chronicles 9:17; Psalm 68:29; Proverbs 8:34; Isaiah 30:6; Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 9:3; Matthew 6:29; Matthew 12:42; Luke 18:10; Luke 19:4

#the Queen of Sheba #the wisdom of Solomon #Solomon's wealth #the Lord’s eternal love for Israel

[deathlessathanasia]

„Then the grave Father from his seat on high Olympus thus began: “Once more the affairs of men have won care from me, affairs long neglected since I looked upon the repose of Saturn’s reign and knew the torpor of that stagnant age, when I had fain urged the race of man, long sunk in lethargy by reason of my sire’s sluggish rule, with the goads of anxious life, whereby their crops should no more grow to maturity of their own accord in the untilled fields nor yet the forest trees drip with honey nor wine flow from springs nor every stream course sounding into cups. ‘Twas not that I grudged their blessings – gods may not envy nor hurt – but because luxury is a foe to a godly life, and plenty dulls the minds of men; therefore I bade necessity, invention’s mother, provoke their sluggish spirits and little by little search out the hidden tracks of things; bade industry give birth to civilization and practice nourish it.

“Nature now with ceaseless complaint bids me succour the race of man, calls me cruel and implacable tyrant, calls to mind the centuries of my sire’s empery and dubs me miser of her riches, for that I would have the world a wilderness and the land covered with scrub and would beautify the year with no fruits. She complained that she, who was erstwhile the mother of living things, had suddenly taken upon her the hated guise of a stepmother. ‘Of what avail that man derived his intelligence from above, that he has held up his head to heaven, if he wander like the beasts through trackless places, if with them he crushes acorns for food? Can such a life as this bring him happiness, hid in the forest glades, indistinguishable from the life of animals?’ Since I bore so often such complaints from the lips of mother Nature, at length I took pity on the world and decided to make man to cease from his oak-tree food; wherefore I have decreed that Ceres, who now, ignorant of her loss, lashes the lions of Mount Ida, accompanying her dread mother, should wander over sea and land in anxious grief, until, in her joy at finding the traces of her lost daughter, she grant man the gift of corn and her chariot is borne aloft through the clouds to scatter among the peoples ears before unknown and the steel-blue serpents submit them to the Attic yoke.”

– Claudian, De Raptu Proserpinae

#claudian #de raptu proserpinae #jupiter #zeus #quotes #excerpts