#they look like underwater cathedrals in some cases

[avanii]

The Black Smoker Beast can be found roaming the spreading ridges in the depths of the oceans. Hydrothermal vents support a lot of life, so I wanted this creature to look a bit more friendly than my other geology monsters! The enormous, chimney-like structures are absolutely awe-inspiring and I hope I did them justice. I really wanted the beast to have such a chimney for a shell, and gave it the iron armour and red skin of the volcano snail, and white/red whiskers based on the tube worms that make their home at black smokers. Lots of fun again painting with acrylic inks.

#geology monster #volcano monster #black smoker #hydrothermal vent #deep sea creature #I'm really proud of this one #It went through a few different designs for the concept before I landed on this one #if you have never seen videos or photos of hydrothermal vents I beg you to look them up right now #the sheer size and scale of these things is just amazing #they look like underwater cathedrals in some cases #and I love how there's so much life on them too #avanii's art #traditional art

[aknymph]

Our Little Secret~ Part 2

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

A/N: Decided to continue this; hopefully more to come! (Another note at the end!)

Characters belong to Leigh Bardugo and The Grisha Trilogy.

**Warnings: mature content, sex, language

Characters: Alina Starkov + The Darkling; Mal, Tolya, Tamar

Read Part 1 here

I let Aleksander show me what he could give me if I indeed decided to rule beside him. I was lost in him, his scent, the feeling of his strong body against mine. Back in the White Cathedral, my body was still weak, but here, with him, I was strong, alive, vibrant even. Though my body here was only a part of myself, I could feel his power flowing through me and mine through him as we explored this bond between us. That sense of surety I’d always experienced at his touch was somehow made different with this joining, as if he too could feel the surge of surety, of rightness when we were together.

“Alexsander,” I moaned, as he thrust himself into me, grazing my neck with his teeth. He had gone slowly with me at first, letting me adjust to the size of him. He was more attuned to me than I imagined it possible for someone to be. He listened to my sounds, responded to my movements, making the smallest adjustments at any sign of the slightest discomfort. As I grew accustomed to the size and feel of him, he allowed himself to grow more fierce in our exchange.

“Yes, Alina?” He was breathless, and he seemed vexed at having to remove his mouth from my body long enough to speak.

“I want this, Aleksander. I want us. I want you,” it was a chore to speak with the things he was doing to my body. He had his hands braced on either side of my head to keep from crushing my body beneath his, and it gave me the most glorious view of us both. Those teeth had made it to the base of my neck, and he bit me, eliciting another moan. Never had I imagined wanting a man to bite me, but the desire that coursed through me at that was unmistakable.

“More,” I ground out, feeling a smile playing at his lips at my response.

Never had Aleksander, had the Darkling, been so obedient to my desires, and I found it thrilled me to have him at my command, even if only in this. He continued to move his mouth lower, marking me with tongue and teeth as he went. When his mouth found my breast, he pulled back, only lightly tracing it’s curve with his tongue.

“Aleksander,” I moaned again, a plea on my lips.

“So eager.” I could tell he was pleased with himself, pleased with the reaction he was garnering with such little effort.

He moved his tongue across me again, this time a brazen lick instead of the light caress from a moment ago. But I was tired of waiting, and as his tongue slid over my nipple, I arched my back, thrusting my breast into his mouth. A moan escaped his lips at that, but he obliged, sucking me deeper into his mouth as I continued to press myself into him. With my back arched, he braced a hand against my bare back and pulled his knees underneath himself to straddle me, pushing himself impossibly deeper inside me. I was surprised to find myself moving then, pulling myself into his lap. I straddled him, wrapping my legs around his waist and grinding myself onto him.

“Fuck, Alina.”

I was impossibly encouraged by his response to my movements as I wrapped my arms around his back to grasp his shoulders. One of his hands slid to grip my ass, aiding my movements against him, the other tangled in my hair as he pulled my mouth to his. Despite our rough, pleading movements, his kiss was tender, his full lips lingering on mine. That tenderness unlocked something inside me, and I bucked my body harder, faster against his. He was so deep inside me, and I could feel myself beginning to quake around him.

“Oh, Aleksander. Yes, please.” I couldn’t make sense of the words pouring from my lips. I just knew that I wanted this, whatever was coming, I wanted it. Both his hands gripped my hips as he helped my move toward that glorious peak.  Aleksander was panting with me, doing everything he could to bring me over that edge. 

“Come for me, my Alina.” At those words, I broke apart, shuddering around his cock, as I rode out that incredible high, our bodies joined for my pleasure. His name spilled from my lips over and over, the sound of which brought him over that edge with me with a few final thrusts.

We sat there, foreheads resting together, panting each other’s air. After what seemed like hours, I felt his brow furrow, and with trepidation I pulled back, and looked at him, surprised to find a smile spread across his face.

“You’re beautiful, my sun saint,” he said as he traced my lips with his thumb.

It was a whispered confession, spoken across the expanse of our bodies. I found that despite our nakedness, all we’d done, the evidence of which was spilled inside me, those words caused a blush to creep across my cheeks. I turned my face to try to hide my embarrassment, but he slid his thumb down the frame of my face, turning me back to look at him.

“Do not hide from me.” I blinked at the sternness in his voice. I met his eyes, realizing it wasn’t anger, but perhaps hurt that lined his features. “Please,” he added then, almost an afterthought.

My own eyes softened then, understanding dawning on me. No, he wasn’t angry, he was nervous, nervous that after all we’d just shared, I would still turn away from him. I let my hand float up to his cheek. His eyes drifted closed as he nestled into my palm.

“Alina,” he began, still sounding pained, “I don’t want to do this without you. I can, but-”

I was ripped from him then, my body being hurdled away. I tried to reach out to him, but I could no longer feel his body against mine.

“Alina. Alina.” My name was being shouted, but it was garbled, as if I was underwater. I reached for Aleksander again; where had he gone? Where was I being taken?

“Alina, wake up. Come back, Alina.” The voice was yelling now, no longer muted, and I felt my body being shaken. Anger coursed through me. I would not be taken; I would fight.

I threw up my fists to ward off my attacker, and my fist met bone with a sickening crunch. Good, I thought, I could do this.

“Shit. Seriously, Alina? You were dreaming. Fuck, I’m bleeding.”

This didn’t make any sense. I tried to shake the confusion from mind, finally opening my eyes. 

Mal stood before me, hand cupped below his nose as blood slid into his awaiting palm. Shit. What had just happened? Had Mal caught me with the Darkling? No, we’d been in the palace, in the throne room. Realization dawned on me then as the room around me came into focus and I felt my presence fully sink back into my body. I was in the White Cathedral. How long had I been with him there, leaving my body forgotten in this tomb?

“Mal?” I didn’t mean for it to come out as a question, but it did none-the-less. My mind was racing- guilt, shame, confusion, frustration all swirling together. I tried to steady my breathing, to remind myself that it was unlikely he had any idea what had happened, what I’d been doing mere moments ago.

“What happened?” I managed, channeling as much of my confusion as I could, to try to mask the anger that was quickly bubbling up inside me. What had Aleksander been about to tell me? Later, I told myself. Later.

“What happened is that you just punched Mal in the nose, Alina,” Tamar responded, suppressing her grin. I grimaced as I realized Mal and I weren’t the only ones in the room. My face flushed, again concerned that somehow these people knew what I’d been doing in a throne room, miles from this place.

Tamar stepped up to Mal then, examining. “Don’t be such a baby, Oretsev. It’s not like she broke it. You’ll be fine.” I didn’t miss the smirk she tried to hide from Mal by turning to face me instead.

“Mal had come to check in on you, and we’d followed,” she said, gesturing between herself and Tolya, “just in case anyone tried to give him any trouble. Only, when we got here, you were out cold. We figured you were sleeping, so Tolya and I stood watch outside your door and left Mal to wake you up.” She glanced to Mal with a slight grimace, “When he started shouting, we figured the two of you were just arguing about something, but after a second we realized it was only Mal’s voice.”

I glanced at Tolya, standing by the door, arms crossed, and found he was nodding gravely.

Mal interjected now, apparently deciding his nose had stopped bleeding enough for him to speak. “You were mumbling and thrashing about, and I thought maybe you’d been poisoned or something, that maybe the Darkling had somehow found us down here and he was torturing you.”

I winced at the mention of the Darkling,wondering what the others would think if they knew I was, in fact, with the Darkling, but that it had been nothing akin to torture that he’d been giving me. Mal must have seen my wince because he moved to sit beside me on the bed and took my hand. “It’s okay, Alina, you don’t have to be afraid anymore. He can’t get to you here.”

How was I going to come back from this? I couldn’t tell my friends that something, everything had changed, because for them, nothing had. But I knew this was different now; our fight was different, I  was different, and I needed to sort this out. I needed to speak to Aleksander. We could work this out-- together.

“Hello, Alina?” Mal was waving a hand in front of my face, “Are you listening? Are you there? Saints, Alina, what happened?”

“I, I--” I didn’t know what to tell them. I didn’t want to lie to them, but I also couldn’t tell them the truth. Oh, it’s no big deal, I just went to see the Darkling. We talked, well, we didn’t talk that much, but we talked some. We made up. Everything is good now. We’re good. I don’t think he wants to be our enemy, so we can probably just call this war over and go home now. Yeah, that wasn’t going to work. And was that even the truth? I didn’t know. And I the reason I didn’t know was because Mal’s selfish ass pulled me back here into the hell that I couldn’t escape. My anger was boiling up now, threatening to spill over, and I tried to reign it in, to find details, shards of truth I could share without revealing my own secrets. Mal must have seen my anger though because he was up again, backing away from my bed, hands raised before him.

“Whoa, Alina. Are you okay? What the hell happened?”

“Maybe she’s pissed because she was getting some damn good sleep, and your stupid ass decided to wake her up,”Tamar interjected.

I snorted at that, allowing myself to regain the leash on my anger. These people are my friends, I reminded myself, not my enemies.

“I went to see him,” I finally managed.

“What?” Mal was the angry one now, and I found that pleased me.

“I needed to see what was happening, if he was as weakened as I was.” A half-truth.

“And?” Tolya this time. Ever the sun-soldier.

“He wasn’t.” I could see their disappointment at that. “He seems-” perfect, beautiful, impossibly good at knowing what I want-- “at his usual strength. Though I didn’t ask him for a demonstration.” At least not of that kind, I added in my head.

Mal was still skeptical though. What had he observed from me before he’d drawn the attention of the others? “That’s it? It took me twenty minutes to bring you back, Alina. Did he know you were there? Did you talk to him?”

“Of course I talked to him.” I was feeling defensive now, spinning out at the accusation despite knowing he couldn’t know what I’d done.

“And?”

“Why are you being so hostile towards me? It’s not as if I invited him for tea.”

“I thought he had hurt you again, Alina. I was scared.”

“Again? When did he hurt me before? He lied to me, yes, but when did he hurt me?” I was furious now-- with Mal, with myself, maybe even with Aleksander.

“He cut your arm the very first time you met him, Alina,” Mal spat the words as if I was a foolish child. He was right of course, but that had been a test, to reveal my power. Had there been other times he’d hurt me like that, times I’d merely brushed aside? Mal wasn’t finished though, and I soon got my answer. 

“He tried to enslave you with that fucking collar. He tried to feed me to the volcra on the Unsea. He used your power to spread the Unsea over half of Novokribirsk, killing anyone in its path. He had a nichevo’ya bite you when he captured us in Novyi Zem. Then he kept us apart on that Saints forsaken search for the sea whip. Is that a long enough list, Alina? Or should I continue?”

My eyes stung with tears at the unspoken accusation in his voice, and I fought to blink them away before they could fall. I would not cry, not for this, not for him.

“I’d like to be alone.”

“And I’d like to know what important conversation you were having with the Darkling while I thought he was torturing you in your mind.”

I looked to Tamar then, knowing she wouldn’t disobey. “I’m still disoriented from being brought back in that way. Can you three please give me some privacy? When I feel myself again, we can reconvene.”

“Of course, Moy Sovereign’ye.” She stepped toward Mal as if to lead him from the room, but he just shook his head and walked out. Tamar pulled the door closed behind them.

My mind was swimming with so many thoughts. Mal hadn’t been wrong, not exactly, but I also didn’t think Aleksander had done any of those things to punish me, per say. To him, they were just a means to an end, and though that didn’t excuse his actions, I also knew that he was ancient, and I couldn’t imagine how living for centuries without anyone to understand you could warp and twist your perceptions of right and wrong. I needed to speak to him; I needed to know what he’d been trying to tell me before Mal pulled me back to this hell hole.

I slowed my breathing, allowing it to steady the thundering of my heart as I layed back down on my bed. I closed my eyes and reached into my power, our power. I felt the antlers, the heart of the stag, the tendril of darkness I’d taken with me, and him-- I felt for him. 

Nothing. 

I tried again, feeling the bond that flowed between us, the one that had strengthened through the joining we had shared. I felt it all, brushed against the essence that I knew was him, and again, nothing happened. 

It was so easy last time, like walking through an open doorway, but this, this seemed more like a wall. I placed my hand against it, testing, trying to understand what was before me. It was hazy, as if I was looking through a foggy window. I used my hand to try to clear a space through which to see, growing frantic at this barrier that had somehow closed me off from him. It seemed that the haze was beginning to clear, so I kept wiping at the surface, willing my vision to clear. Suddenly the barrier was black. 

“No!” I shouted at him. “No!” I hit my fist against the wall that now stood before me, black obsidian glistening in front of me. I stumbled backward, not believing my eyes, wondering still what trick this was. 

I found myself in my bed again, curled into a ball, tears spilling down my cheeks.

“No, Aleksander,” I whimpered, “No.” How could I have been such a fool? It had been another trick. I had been that stupid, naive girl again, allowing myself to believe he wanted me, needed me. I was a fool. 

My tears fell slightly as I drifted into a fitful sleep. This time, no one came to wake me.

A/N: I thought about breaking them apart and sending Alina back the White Cathedral in the middle of things, but that seemed a torture too much for any of us to bare…I’m hoping to write the next chapter from Aleksander’s perspective!!! Thanks for reading!

Read Part 3

#our little secret #the grisha trilogy #the grishaverse #Darklina #alarkling #alina x aleksander #alina x the darkling #alina starkov #aleksander morozova #the darkling #tgt #leigh bardugo #fanfic #darklina fanfic

[eve6262]

Hue Chapter 1: Alien

Rose’s room always smells of freshly cut flowers, expensive perfumes, and tea. There are three tables. One, a desk, mostly clean save for papers half-finished and a quill and bottle. The second is her vanity, the perfumes sorted by hue and scent, small bottles and sticks of makeup littering the lineup.

The third is a small round table, on which is always the tea set, with only two cups to its name. Surrounding it are three bookshelves filled to the brim, and stacks sorted along some dissonant melody only she understands on the floor space.

“Tea?”

“Sure.”

She hums as she boils the water, scattering leaves with effortless precision. I wonder, vacantly, when she learned how to make tea so perfectly. Between studying scripture? Did she even bother to read the books, or did she ace it all while brewing cups upon cups finding the perfect recipe for pink rose tea?

The teapot has been crafted with care, so when the water boils the whistle does not hurt the ears. It sounds more like an ocarina, almost melodic, and yet so distinctly clashing. It must have been tailored to Rose herself. Such conflicting natures- calm, yet studious; unbothered, yet a perfectionist. Such a strange girl.

“Here you are.”

Always a perfect cup. This one is no different- a little sweet, and yet that is perfect for today. Can she read my mind?

“Tell me.”

“Hm?”

“Am I talking to a witch in disguise?”

“And this is because?”

“I’m supposed to believe you get this perfect, every time, including the differences, without reading my mind? Impossible.”

“You’re an open book, Mira darling.”

“Nonsense. Witch.”

“Off to report me?”

“Not even if you pulled a demon out of your skirt.”

Her laugh sounds like out of tune fairy bells. I want to hear more of it; the only thing so addictive is her smile. They come together; a package, the two of them. How nice. I’m addicted to both. Damn witch. Even if she’s never cast a curse in her life, she’s bewitched me; that’s enough, is it not?

“Now then, you’ve come here for a reason, I’m sure.”

“Yes. The new recruits were complaining about something, so I went into the woods to see. There’s a strange plant that almost seems to respond to what you do.”

“Interesting. Moreso than a flytrap?”

“Larger. And a bit more complicated. Thought I saw an eye, though I could be wrong about that in particular.”

“So you say, but you’ll disappoint me if I see no eyes staring at me when we get there.”

Rose puts down her teacup, having only half finished it. The soft clink is so ingrained into my mind, I swear my muscles move in reaction to it.

“Very well then. We leave when?”

“At your discretion.” It’s always her times. I could probably set my own, but what purpose is that? I have cleared my whole day for this; I would clear my whole week if she asked on a whim.

“Now, then?”

“As you wish.”

This, too, is at Rose’s discretion. How long it takes to get there; what pace we set, what mood the day is in. Everything is under Rose’s control; under her spell, just as I am. She is as controlling as Uvirel, I think; except Uvirel has never appeared before us to enforce things, where Rose is very willing to act on her wishes.

The woods are an offshoot of the cathedral, mostly to prevent people from wandering in and discovering something dangerous. The only way for the church to truly protect the land is to own it; naysayers often walk into danger themselves. Sometimes I wonder how anyone can agree with such idiots. Must be idiots themselves, I suppose.

Rose is beautiful. It’s something I don’t often think about- I know it, no need to keep thinking about it. But it never ceases to stun me, just how enchanting she is. In the quiet darkness of the woods, with slivers of light falling through the cracks and onto her hair, she looks like an angel with a halo of light around her; ethereal, and yet so real. I want to touch her, just to make sure she won’t fly away, or dissipate into the light. I won’t bother her.

A witch, maybe. But I’ll let it slide.

We come to the place where I remember the green visage, and I stop Rose before she takes another step.

“Here?”

“Yes.”

“To searching, then.”

It takes no time at all for my hand to be caught by a vine snapping to attention. Within moments Rose is muttering a spell, unbinding me, but her focus is not on my health; instead, she scans the underbrush with a precision befitting a hawk. Suddenly, she sees her target; she lunges with just her bare hands, and quickly gets caught.

My sword is unhooked on a moment’s notice and without hesitation I cleave the vines in two; Rose is almost unbothered, pointing to the source. I am tempted to skewer it to observe, but Rose would perhaps kill me, so instead I slash all its vines so there is no method of attack.

A final vine comes out from behind it, but before I can slice it, the front opens to an eye, staring at me with fear and curiosity.

“Ah. Good, it wasn’t disappointing.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying this, then.”

“Oh, very much so. Studying is nice, but I’ll admit watching you wield a sword is often better.”

With that she walks up, confident as a cat, and starts poking and prodding, making notes in the book that follows her around. The pages never run out; they seem to get lost in the abyss, and I swear she always opens it to the same spot. The eye looks at her with malice; I point the sword straight at it, and back to fear it goes.

After a few hours, she makes a triumphant noise, somewhere between a grunt and a hum.

“Alright. Figured it out. Think it’s bound itself to a rune, and used the magic to gain sentience. It didn’t work quite right, though, or something, and now it’s very barely an animal in the slightest degree.”

“So we are?”

“Hm? Oh. Well it’s not like it can do anything, and if it regrows the vines then whoever’s coming here should be more careful.”

“Very well. I’ll use it as training for the cadets.”

“Oh, do invite me. I would love to watch that.”

“Of course.”

As we walk back to the cathedral, I can’t help but wonder where the second eye went.

A few days later, and we are adventuring again. The days between are calm; sometimes I come simply to drink tea and take a break, others we barely talk at all. Those days I don’t quite care for. There will always be more to research, though, and thus more adventures to take. Worthwhile.

“You’ve come bearing news?”

“Not surprised the witch knows, even when I’ve done nothing to reveal my secrets.”

“Easy to read, Mira darling. I’ve told you that before and I’ll tell you again.”

“That does not change you being a witch.”

“Oh, alright. Now tell me the news.”

“I was swimming and found an underwater cave covered in green, glowing markings. I’ve never seen them before.”

“Interesting.”

The soft clink of china makes my muscles jolt on instinct. It is only luck that I do not look like a fool, much less drop my teacup.

“When are we leaving, then?”

“At your discretion.”

“Now’s a good time as any.”

The beach is very nearly next to the cathedral. I swim in my armor- it has been made waterproof due to those godforsaken salamanders that like to crawl into crevices and bind with the metal, so swimming with it is a matter of strength rather than worry about rust or the like. Rose, the cheater, casts a little spell and she’s floating in a bubble next to me. Witch.

Witch I love to love. I’ll give her that- she’s a damn skilled witch, to have caught such a high-ranking paladin. Or maybe I never actually had any fortitude, and my title is due to my good acting. In either case, I am now her puppet.

There it is, again. Under the sea- so dark compared to the light of the surface- is a strange ring of green lights surrounding a cave. They seem to speak in scripts I don’t recognize, and by her puzzled, inquisitive gaze I suspect Rose hasn’t a clue either.

“This is…otherworldly. What have you found, Mira darling?”

“Is that not your job to find out?”

“Well, it’s not an eel’s lair, I’ll tell you that. Come, let’s go.”

Without a thought she drifts almost lazily into the cavern, gazing at the walls. There are no more markings, but there are metal bits strewn about; I don’t recognize the metal, or any colors, or even the shape. No armor would break like this; what is all this? A damn ship’s remains? Not in a cave like this- no ship could make it here.

As we go further in, there are more metal scraps. At some point, Rose notices something- she dashes to pick it up, and we look at it together. Strange strings- they feel smooth to the touch, and are assorted colors. The insides have very thin metal wire- for what, I wonder? And how are they so thin? Cut with a saw?

“Mira.”

Her voice is soft, serious, in awe. I cannot focus on what she says, like this.

“Yes?”

“This…this cannot be of this world.”

“Yes.”

I can’t quite comprehend what she means. Not fully- I know, literally, what that means. The idea does not register the same way she understands it; such is evident in her absolute awe, compared to my very near boredom. If she wasn’t such a beautiful damn witch I’d leave right now.

Finally, she starts to move again. Slowly, through the tunnel, looking for more strange artifacts. A strange black panel, with the strings come out of it. There is glass on its top; I only know because it is shattered. A little square of some strange material, with a symbol on it- mildly resembling a “k,” but slightly off. Also, backwards.

The silence is ominous. I feel that something is coming; I do not know if it is hostile. Instincts, do not fail me; it feels foreign, as if even when I meet it I will not understand a damn thing. I don’t feel hostility, but that does not mean it will not fight. I must be prepared, but not hostile myself; my sword is in my sheath, but it is unhooked.

Rose is slow and methodical with her movements as we approach a breach in the water. She doesn’t let the bubble pop above the water; she wants to observe. We see more strange, unidentifiable objects. There is no one there, as far as either of us can tell. I know she thinks so, too, as she is slowly approaching.

I don’t know if this area is hostile. She doesn’t, either; I see the fear in her every move, the apprehension in her eyes. She’s about to surface; I can’t let that happen. She’s begging me not to; not with her voice, but with everything else in her body capable of begging. Or maybe I’m just under a spell.

The water splashes loudly with my arrival to the surface. My lungs go from gills to my nose; I cough a few times, still getting used to the fresh air. So clean, too; it gives me a heady feeling, how nice this air is. Perhaps this is another enchantment; perhaps Rose has simply never seen another witch’s magic.

“Zu thrien kra? Li'phren ku shren, hh…. ku'vren?”

“What the hell?” Whispers Rose, but we’re already getting our answer.

A woman- woman? I don’t know- steps out of a turn we didn’t see. Her top half looks normal compared to the bottom- a normal person, almost, except for the teal skin and light colored pupils. And her hair, which blends its colors- a vibrant blue on top, fading to dark at the tips; little teal stars dot it, as though there’s a galaxy within her long, curled mane. There are two crystals on her head like hair clips, the same color but with none of the stars; there is seafoam, or perhaps mist, or something of that nature gathering like a tiara sitting upon her head.

Her coat- which is all she wears- is certainly not from this realm. It has strange patterns on the shoulders, with little gems hanging from it in the same green, glowing hue as the outside markings. Said markings line the bottom of her coat, and the cuffs; they are folded, seemingly but line up perfectly with her outfit. There is a strange dangling link in the center of her chest, connecting the two halves rather than buttons or the like. Three teal crystals hang from it.

And then, her bottom half. Tentacles- too many to count, more than an octopus- similar to her hair, but in reverse; mostly dark, with light-tipped ends.

“…eh? Kali-vr– I mean, offworlders?”

Her voice is deep, and has a strange accent I can’t place.

“Er, this would be home, for you, hm. I am the stranger, yes?”

“I would believe so.”

“Hello, then. My apologies, I don’t know language well. Not many…” She makes wild gestures with her hand, trying to find a word.

“Resources?”

“Hm? Ah. Probably? Not very good with this language, ahaha.”

“That’s alright. I don’t know yours, so I can’t quite blame.”

“Oh, of course. Only the Aaciren know our words. I had forgotten I am on another home right now- another planet.”

“You come from space?”

“Hm? Ah…kind of, yes! Space works, yes. ”

“An alien.” Breathes Rose, as her first words of a century. Her eyes are dumbstruck, and yet hold a curiosity only ever sated by vigorous testing and interrogation. I almost feel bad for this alien woman; I don’t know quite enough to empathize, yet.

“Ah, is that the word for it? In our language it is quite different.”

Suddenly, Rose seems to remember that we are still in water; she shivers, from the temperature. I notice, at about the same time. Even for an underwater cave, this place is strangely cold.

“Ah, apologies! I perfer the chill- er, that is wrong, yes? My, my, silly Orall'vren. Give the guests the warmth, even home that is tradition- that’s not the right words? Hm. Strange language.”

The alien moves about, gathering something from farther in the cave. I look to Rose; all the intrigue is gone from her eyes, and in its place is fear and cold.

I can’t leave her like that. I hold her hand, first; she looks to me, scared, looking for some stability. I haven’t a clue what has given her a fright, but I refuse to keep that look on her face any longer. I gently nudge her into my embrace; she moves, stiffly at first, then practically launches herself into my arms, shivering against my armor. It is warmer than she is, I know this; thank Uvirel for this armor.

By the time the alien comes back, Rose is looking satisfied again. She looks at me once more with a clear thanks in her eyes. There, again, is a third look I am addicted to. Damn witch, casting her charms even now, even here. I will never tire of it.

“Here, here. Blankets are warm.”

The alien doesn’t lie. They are warmer than either of us; we huddle under two like scared kittens rescued from an abusive owner.

Now that we’re safe, Rose looks around curiously. I see the search for knowledge slowly come into her eyes again, like the slow beginning of the rising sun. Everything she looks at she looks more sharply at. She isn’t speaking again, though. Still, her voice escapes her.

“Thank you.”

“Of course, of course! Hospitality is important- that was correct, I am sure of it.”

“May I ask you a question?” Rose, finally , starts to speak to the alien.

“Yes, of course. Ask away! I will answer as best I can in this language.”

“What’s your name?”

“Orall'vren.”

#hue #writing #fantasy

[kiruuuuu]

Dearest @nutbrain​, I wish you also a happy birthday and all the best 💗💗 Thank you for sharing and discussing ideas and for your neverending support and kind words. This is partly a birthday gift and partly a retaliation in our kindness war, and I do hope you like it :)

In this, Bandit asks a djinn-like Doc to help win a war. Or: a lot of things are impossible. No explicit ships but you can use your imagination! (Rating G, fantasy AU, ~13k words)

.

Doc is summoned to oppressive heat.

The ritual, as always, he could’ve done without – his essence is being compressed and forced into an imperfect, almost laughable body incapable of representing his true self, the process far from comfortable. Organs are rearranged, replaced, removed, limbs melt together to form two legs to stand on, two arms; fur regresses and makes place for naked skin and fabric materialises seemingly out of thin air to match his last excursion’s fashion: deep blue adorns him as a vest, puffy grey surrounds his lower half.

It’s disorienting but that’s nothing new: taking on the form of a human usually leaves him light-headed and struggling to compose himself for a few seconds. Their sense of balance is inferior, as is their method of communicating – if he’s honest, he finds most about them distasteful, from their thinking to their deeds and yet they happen to inhabit the sweetest space of all. Breathing clean, fresh air is pure bliss, as is feeling sand and dust between his toes, the gravity just right to allow for actual jumps even in this frail body. How he loves being here and how he despises having to deal with this race of selfish, bloodthirsty predators.

Once his eyes have adapted to the brightness assaulting him (and even this is ultimately better than any alternative, he enjoys the sun), he looks around curiously to face those who decided to call upon him.

He’s confronted with just one man.

Where’s the committee, where are the sacrificial offerings? Doc is used to lavish surroundings, the secluded wing of a cathedral, a peaceful clearing in a forest, next to a gentle stream inside a decorated cave – instead he finds himself in a nondescript landscape, dunes in the distance, no more than shrubs in view which suggests they’re high up North, near the sweltering deserts of death. He’s been summoned behind a tent like a secret lover, not like the deity as which he’s normally revered.

The more he lets his gaze wander, the more indignation rises: the summoning circle below his feet has been scratched into the dry, cracked ground instead of being carefully painted on by calligraphers, there seems to be no food ready for him whatsoever and on top of that, the man looks like a mercenary. A closer look prompts Doc to correct himself, no, not a mercenary, he’s wearing a crest of some kind with pride, though his dirt-coloured clothing is ripped, his sandals stained, his sword dull and his skin marred. It’s clear what he is, becomes even clearer when Doc takes notice of more and evermore tents behind him, catches sight of other men and women clad similarly to the one before him.

“I offer you my greetings”, comes only part of the usual phrases uttered whenever Doc or one of his brethren are dragged into this world, “it is the fifth year of the scorpion, following forty-six years of the snake following one hundred and twenty-six years of the fly. We are near the numeric ocean, two days’ journey east of the capital of Qina, formerly the province of -”

Doc nods and the man stops his history lesson. He now knows when and where they are, though there still is no indication as to why.

“They call me Bandit, it’s an honour.” Instead of a bow or a similarly respectful gesture, he receives nothing. “You may speak.”

“You don’t look Qinean”, Doc states sharply as soon as he feels some of the tingling around him dissipate. For right now, he’s at its mercy, unable to act or leave either way, so he makes his words count.

“That is correct, I’m Rangiin Kamaan. The highest general there is.”

“Why do you require my services?”

A shadow flits over the man’s face but his piercing gaze doesn’t lower. He’s a prideful one, if he dares to summon the likes of Doc without an appropriate welcome – prideful, foolish and arrogant. “We are losing a war”, he replies quietly.

“Isn’t that a shame.” It comes as no surprise. He might not have visited this part of the continent in decades, possibly centuries, and yet humans are the same everywhere, all of them open books with the same kind of boring story on display. Envy, ire, hurt, arrogance – it’s all the same, whether it’s a dispute between neighbours or a widespread conflict involving more than just two nations.

Bandit seems dissatisfied with his lack of compassion but forces an easy grin nonetheless. “I don’t like being on the loser’s side. So I thought I’d ask for help. You’re good with anatomy, isn’t that right? You know how to eviscerate someone? Make them die a slow, painful death? The most efficient kinds of poison?”

“You”, Doc spits back, hardly masking his disdain, “are a warmonger. I know your kind. Do you even know who stands before you?”

“Someone who is glad to be here.” They glare at each other, neither of them backing down. They’ve reached an impasse: Doc cannot exit this world of his own accord, not with the circle intact, and Bandit wants him to cooperate which he will refuse to do. “The knowledge of summoning you has been passed down in my family and with it, your earthly name. You are Doc, one of the ancient ones, able yet often unwilling to assist us.”

“My powers are of restoration”, Doc adds with venom, “not destruction. I refuse to utilise them according to the wishes of a murderer and furthermore, I have always refrained in changing the tide of battle as have most of my kin. If your army is losing, perhaps it would’ve been wise not to go to war in the first place.”

“We had no choice -”

“There is always a choice!” More glaring. Doc silently both commends the human for his bravery and condemns him for his insolence. If he knew exactly who Doc is, he must’ve been overconfident or desperate to call on him regardless – he’s known for upholding the balance others of his kind with inferior standing might upset, known for healing rather than harming. He is no help in a war, neither willing nor capable to lend assistance and therefore surmises this foreign army is on the brink of being eradicated. “Why do you wish to conquer land which isn’t yours? Why do you cause death?”

It’s meant rhetorically, in Doc’s experience there’s only one answer: power. Expansion of territory, pre-emptive strikes, tactical weakening of potential opponents. Whatever it is, wars are never started out of just reasons. Even so, what he expected to see on the man’s face was a sneer maybe, anger too, thought he’d be confronted with a defensive stance or a self-righteous smirk. Instead – there’s nothing. A careful stony façade pulled up to hide emotions, probably practised over the years. “We won’t come to an agreement like this”, he states very correctly. “Yet I can’t let you roam free without making sure you’re not going to join our enemies instead. You’re able to do that, right?”

Doc confirms wordlessly. Enlisting his services requires knowledge of his name and other details, a meticulously drawn summoning circle, strong willpower and constitution and a keen mind. Carrying the burden of being the anchor tying a being as powerful as Doc to this world is far from easy and negotiating terms with him usually demands either for a pure heart and earnest intentions – or hidden cunning. He’s been deceived in the past, involuntarily participated in horrendous acts which have long since been lost to time; in some cases, he helped humanity forget about his unintentional crimes. He has since become considerably more reluctant to act. But yes, compared to his weaker kindred spirits, he can exert his will much more freely, even act against his summoner’s wishes and orders, against their agreement. So Bandit is exercising necessary caution in not entering a verbal contract and therefore setting Doc free.

It’s possible that his family preserved the knowledge of just how much Doc relishes his stays in this world and he’s abusing it by allowing him to taste the sweet air, feel a soft breeze caress his temporary silhouette – dangling a carrot in front of him, in a way, until Doc gives in at least partially. He has a pronounced sense of honour. If he promises to stay and assess the situation, he’ll stay.

“How about this? It’s morning now. If I haven’t convinced you by sunset that we not only require but deserve your help, I will set you free.”

A cocky proposition. Also extremely improbable, given the lacklustre greeting Doc received as well as Bandit’s questionable status and rotten attitude. Nevertheless, he’s giving Doc an out, offering him to set foot into his world properly without tricking him. At least that’s what it looks like. “Those are your terms? As long as you do not expect me to interfere in any way, I am willing to grant you more time.”

Bandit pauses. He doesn’t strike Doc as the anxious type and yet he shifts his weight uneasily, his eyes flitting from object to object for a second. “Let’s say tonight for now.”

“Accepted”, Doc replies and watches as the half-hearted circle by his feet shifts, begins glowing in a rich orange and contracts, dragging the elaborate symbols with it towards the human shape in their midst, crawling up his bare soles, past his ankles and diving under his saroual. Though intangible by itself, the fizzing around him ceases and he can now be sure not to lose a few toes or possibly more if he takes a step forwards. It’s a little like surfacing after having been underwater: he inhales deeply, shakes out his limbs and inspects the cracks lining his skin. They’re vein-like, almost akin to a precious metal shimmering through and of a bright, warm colour; they keep him manifested in this plane of existence. Sometimes, they’re more prominent than his skin, brutish and ugly in their primitiveness, but now they’re thin and look almost elegant. It seems Bandit knows what he’s doing.

“I have something to show you before I answer your questions”, Bandit announces and turns towards the camp.

.

During the short walk, Doc sates his curiosity about the rest of the continent by allowing his companion to elaborate on the events shaping the past decades. Some empires have gained or lost land, kingdoms have emerged or fallen, but he’s pleased to hear that the people inhabiting the eastern part of the central mountain range cutting the continent in half are flourishing. He helped them gain independence from all surrounding nations by arguing that their rocky terrain has nothing of value to offer and that they’d be willing to trade for goods which they can produce more easily than anyone else due to experience – in the end, they were permitted to establish their own laws and customs based on what their members deemed sensible. Doc enjoyed aiding them, especially since they welcome curious guests, migrants or refugees with open arms and teach them to carry their own weight should they decide to stay.

Much to his surprise, Bandit speaks of them favourably instead of with sarcasm, so he inquires about his own nation. He has never heard of the name Rangiin Kamaan before. Formerly part of the once glorious empire of Qina which used to span almost the entire width of the continent, from one ocean to the other, it’s now independent, became one of Qina’s smaller neighbours. He never paid this region much heed as they generally followed whichever trend allowed them to survive at the time and involvement in any of the Great Wars was minimal. Bandit speaks with reverence of a kind ruler who inspires his people by practising what he preaches yet Doc doesn’t assume he’ll get to speak with him any time soon. Weak Kings like this one tend to either die early in war or avoid fighting altogether.

“I still do not understand”, he interrupts Bandit’s wordy speech. They’ve come to a stop beside a huge tent, the largest one Doc spotted during their trip. The camp itself is well-organised and kept neat, hardly any soldier is simply lounging around or even pausing to stare at him (which in itself is nothing short of a miracle – is this nation so accustomed to the likes of him?), their uniforms seem practical and the men and women determined. Iron discipline is indubitably a requirement yet Doc fails to spot any hint of dissatisfaction with their conditions. It seems they’re all convinced their cause is virtuous. “Qina by far exceeds your troop strength, has more allies and resources and, though not the force it once was, still possesses the strategical knowledge to easily outmanoeuvre you. What do you hope to gain by fighting?”

“See for yourself.” Bandit indicates the entrance next to them. “I won’t be following you but take your time, I’ll wait.”

Doc eyes him suspiciously yet can’t imagine a way how this mere human could trick him simply by entering a tent, so he obliges and steps through the protective flaps keeping some of the heat outside.

It’s a field hospital. This fact alone is hardly noteworthy but the size of it is unproportional to the amount of soldiers he’s seen so far – surely, if this many resources are necessary to patch up wounded troops, they’re better off giving up. Not only that, literally all the improvised beds are occupied with people who at first glance don’t display any injuries, few bandages visible, hardly any limbs missing. And yet they’re tormented by something, trembling and shivering, some of them curled up and moaning quietly, others passed out entirely. Helpers hurry from person to person in bustling activity and still, they seem unable to relieve whichever ailment plagues their brothers and sisters. All they offer is emotional support, some food and water, a soothing hand on heated or clammy skin.

The atmosphere is suffocating. It reeks of sweat and disease and the collective whimpers and groans make for a pitiful cacophony. All the impressions are strengthened by the stale air and assault Doc’s senses. He’s seen worse, walked among the plague-ridden and witnessed open mass graves, and yet the suffering here is sharp, tangible, spreads further in his lungs the longer he resides. An impulse takes hold of him, urges him to leave instead of investigating more closely but he squashes it before it grows irresistible. He knows he’s too kind. He knows he’s guilty of giving humanity the benefit of the doubt entirely too often, despite all.

Looking for answers, he steps up to the nearest helper, a tall, broad-shouldered man tending to a grim-looking muscular young woman whose clenched fists are shaking. “What is going on?”, he addresses both of them softly.

As soon as the man catches sight of him, he interrupts his whispering to bow in respect. “Great One, I offer you my greetings and joyous thanks to be graced with your -”

Doc holds up a hand to silence him. With Bandit readily answering his questions more like an equal than the puny creature he is, the otherwise so pleasant-sounding phrases have become hollow to his ears. He’s always enjoyed the awe he seemed to inspire, enjoyed the way humans cowered before him, asked for permission to speak, praised him and treated whatever he said as sacred. Right now, however, it feels oddly out of place after the light conversation earlier. He wonders whether this is the so-called vanity one of his kin once accused him of. “No more of this.”

“I apologise. In my experience, Bandit struggles a tad with common courtesy, so I thought you might appreciate an official greeting. My name is Monty, it’s an honour.”

The man’s smile is warm and youthful and Doc suddenly understands why he doesn’t mind the frankness and general nonchalance with which his presence is being met as much as he thought: it’s a good sign that he’s getting an authentic insight into these people’s lives instead of being shown a carefully staged play intended to sway him the desired way.

“If circumstances were different, you’d be offered a banquet to rival all you’ve had before but rations are tight enough already.” He turns back to the woman and massages her upper arm, loosening the tension in it a bit. “It’s going to start working soon, relax. You’ll be alright. Sleep will help. Will you allow the Great One to examine you? I assume that’s why you’re here?”

Blue eyes peer at him, similarly unwavering to Bandit’s – yet where the warlord’s gaze had been firm and at times even cold, this man’s is confident and calm. He seems pleasant to be around, much more composed than the other people flitting about the field hospital. Once the woman has affirmed her cooperation, Doc reaches out for her hand, gently uncurls her fingers and takes them between his – wounded, humans strike him as fragile and delicate, like a young animal which overestimated its abilities. He has mercy on the weak and injured, has always shown compassion for the unfortunate even if he likened it to nurturing a snake. By helping humanity, he probably aids it in harming itself further.

The almost golden cracks running over his skin brighten as soon as he heightens his senses but he pays no attention to the familiar sight, instead closing his eyes to see with his mind. A heartbeat overlays his and thumps until both have synchronised, his lungs fill with air at the same time the woman’s do, his sense of gravity flips, the temperature increases even more – and then he barely resists making a noise when they finally melt together.

The pain is blinding.

He’s trying not to upset her, so he keeps quiet and doesn’t cause her throat to produce sound without her approval, yet it gets more difficult with every passing second. He needs to be quick about it. Her organs are weakened, some of them not working as they should, her pulse is quickened, skin sensitive and sore, muscles only just shy of cramping, her head muddled – though this might be the aforementioned medicine – and above all is brilliant, cutting pain. Its origin, however, remains a mystery, no matter how much he searches. He calms her racing heart, removes the exhaustion holding her back, but it’s obvious he’s merely addressing symptoms and not the cause. There are no broken bones, no disease nesting in an unexpected part of her body, nothing he can pinpoint.

Nothing he can cure.

Puzzled, he does whatever he can for her and withdraws once she’s fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep. Separating their physical senses is uncomfortable as usual, like leaving a warm bath to throw himself into the icy white desert of the South. He’s sat down on the bed without realising and looks down on the tormented body, watches as a mere minute later, the tension returns.

He’s powerless. Utterly incapable of healing whatever is slowly eroding this human in front of him.

“Would you like something to drink?”

It’s the man again, someone so filled with a sense of duty that he left Doc by his patient’s side to help others in the meantime. Mutely, he nods, accepts the mug handed to him and shudders as he feels the liquid fill his mouth, slide down his throat, arrive in his stomach. Ingesting anything for the first time in this form is usually a joy but as refreshing as the water is, the shock dampens the experience. “What is this?”, he wants to know quietly, gesturing at the entirety of the tent. “How did it come to this?”

Monty deflates visibly and follows his gaze with a defeated sigh. “We call it the divine disease. A second visit at night would reveal why.”

Following his implicit instructions, Doc leans down, blocks out the sunlight with his hands and looks at the woman’s hand in his little bubble of darkness. Her veins are glowing.

The light they give off is faint and barely comparable to the one emanating from Doc yet it’s undoubtedly there, the shimmering turquoise unnatural and unexpected. He’s never seen anything like it before. It’s the same further up on her arm, seems to follow her bloodstream and yet he failed to detect any trace of its source. “This is impossible”, he blurts out before considering his remark – the last thing he needs is to cause a panic.

“Unfortunately, it isn’t.” Monty sounds as if this wasn’t the first time he’s had to convince someone.

“Tell me all you know.”

Another sigh. The woman between them twitches in her sleep, brows drawn together in agony. “It has several stages and begins with inexplicable pain. The initial location varies from person to person but over time, it affects the entire body, causing fatigue and severely inhibiting the afflicted, though the ultimate effects once again vary. One has gone blind, another developed a rash, there have been rotting limbs, muscle atrophy, tremors. The only common ground is the pale blue light, persistent aching and the fact that we don’t know how to cure it.”

Doc shoots up without a reply and approaches a different bed, this time with a whimpering, older man. His eyes widen once he catches sight of the orange markings denoting Doc as a higher being but doesn’t manage to utter a syllable as Doc forcibly fuses their sensations, barely avoiding throwing up in the process due to the suddenness of it. No, his powers are working the way he expects them to – he clearly is aware of all the differences between this body and the last one, instinctively repairs a few things here and there, closes a scratch on the man’s shin, rejuvenates his liver and tries to block out the omnipresent pain which presents a solid foundation to all other sensations. It’s the same as before, he finds nothing wrong except for everything being wrong somehow.

He’s frazzled, pulls back too fast and sways unsteadily until a hand rests on his shoulder. This can’t be. He’s never encountered anything like it. Just to make sure, he invades Monty as well, takes careful note of his regular heartbeat and breathing, apparently not at all perturbed by Doc’s behaviour. He’s in good shape, even better than the two soldiers, and yet Doc finds some things to improve, restores an awkwardly healed rib to its intended state, rids the man of all exhaustion and slight dizziness from spending all day in the stuffy tent, looks for any indication that his own abilities just aren’t the same as they used to be. But there’s nothing. No sign of the illness and therefore his powers are the same as always.

They’re both light-headed when he severs the connection abruptly and his tongue won’t obey him fully yet, causing him to slur his next words: “Is it contagious?”

To his credit, Monty remains by his side, doesn’t subconsciously distance himself from Doc despite the indubitably uncomfortable experience he must’ve just had. Doc shouldn’t be surprised, he’s noticed before that humans who devote their life to helping others tend to be much more agreeable. “Yes”, he responds after a short pause. “Though we don’t know how. Physical contact is necessary but not sufficient – I seem to be largely immune, for example. Some others are, too.”

Doc’s shock is still at the forefront of his mind. There hasn’t been an earthly ailment he wasn’t able to fix, some more easily than others, so this is inconceivable. He turns and marches out of the tent, feeling oddly sullied as if he had contracted the ‘divine disease’, as they called it, himself. A mockery, even an offence to all he stands for.

Bandit is yelling at a few young warriors when bright sunlight greets him again, but dismisses them immediately when he meets Doc’s dismayed gaze, turning towards him with a grim smile.

“Answers”, Doc demands with gritted teeth.

“I have but one to give.” He pauses momentarily and Doc almost grabs his neck to shake it out of him. “You wanted to know why we’re fighting Qina? Well.” Bandit’s expression hardens. “They have the cure.”

.

~*~

.

“This is preposterous”, Doc barks at the other man while walking back and forth, making no effort to conceal his indignation. “What you’re claiming is impossible.”

“And yet here we are.” Bandit inexplicably seems bored with their conversation, focusing more on sharpening his sword than on Doc’s words.

“None of us would ever go this far, no matter how much we’d believe to be in the right. You hear me? None. This must be a, I don’t know, a whim! Or an accident. Nature made an unfortunate mistake!”

“Nature has produced a variety of abominations of all kinds, I’ll give you that, but shouldn’t you be able to heal it in that case? You can take pain away, so why not this one?”

He’s fuming over Bandit’s accusations, can barely think straight. If he hadn’t seen, even felt the illness himself, he’d have silenced him on the spot, removed his tongue or his vocal chords, possibly made him die a slow and painful death for his open disrespect. As things stand, he experienced it himself, his curiosity urging him to find answers – but vehemently rejecting the one Bandit offered him. “Maybe my influence on this world has lessened. Maybe the passing of time weakened my powers to the point where I’m unable to adapt to this new malady. It might just be an odd coincidence.”

“It is not and you know it isn’t, I saw that look in your eye when you left the tent, you know it’s -”

“Do not dare to speak it one more time. I will wipe you off the face of this earth if you even imply it once more.”

Bandit drops his sword with a clatter, expression furious. “Threaten me all you want, it’s the most obvious explanation. This fucking disease which has caused so much suffering and death already, this plague which is killing the very people I have vowed to protect, is otherworldly and caused by a so-called ‘Great One’.”

Like a cornered animal, he lashes out without considering the consequences, and, like a rabid animal, he needs to be put down. Doc has come into contact with enough heresy committed by humans to know he’s not going to change his mind, but has never faced it quite as directly and bluntly as this. Blind rage seizes him, propels him forward and convinces him to try and touch Bandit anywhere so he can ravage his organs, eviscerate him from the inside out, find what’s most precious to him and gouge it out. His eyes maybe? His fingers?

The human displays an impressive reaction time, ducking away with a pale face full of terror, jumping aside yet not running away for some reason Doc can’t discern. He holds him in place with the sheer force of his will, feels an oddly triumphant excitement rise in him when Bandit realises he’s trapped standing up, incapable of moving his muscles. Doc approaches him, raises a hand and touches his temple, eager to maim and make this worm bleed, eager to -

“Wait.”

He pauses, unmoving. Bandit still looks terrified, eyelids fluttering and deathly pallid, but his eyes aren’t directed at Doc anymore. “I do not believe anything you have to say could change my mind”, Doc states loudly. Only now he realises that no one else is in sight, no wandering soldiers staring at them, no living creature visible except for Bandit and, behind Doc’s back, Monty. It says a lot about a leader when his own troops abandon him as easily as this.

“Please, show mercy. And let him explain. You’ve witnessed how my kinsmen suffer, and I don’t think you’ll give up on them so soon.”

Doc deliberates his words. He considers himself merciful, that much is true, and he wants to find a solution for this odd disease, though not for either of their sakes. Still, he removes his hold, takes a step back and watches as Bandit sags in relief. Of course he pretends not to have been affected as much as he was, waves Monty’s concerns aside but leans into his casual touch nonetheless when he checks up on him. His small smile is grateful and Doc doesn’t miss the way his gaze lingers when the tall man turns back to Doc.

“Maybe it’ll make you reconsider hearing that you’re not the first one he’s asked for help.”

“I imagine you’ve appealed to doctors all over the continent”, he responds with a shrug but is confused to receive a shake of the head.

“You’re the eighth”, Bandit admits. “I’ve summoned seven others before you.”

“That’s -” Impossible, he almost says once again. Wordlessly, Bandit lifts the hem of his top and reveals several scars on his abdomen which by themselves wouldn’t be remarkable if not for their blackened state; inflamed-looking tendrils crawling away from the wound, the dark colour sickening. Doc knows what kind of being leaves such marks. He knows because he’s inflicted them before.

“We acquired knowledge of eight of your kind, I summoned them to cure the disease or aid us in battle, and all of them refused. One of them left me this present. You’re the last one.”

Leaving aside the fact that Doc was convinced calling upon his kind several times in a row would lethally exhaust humans, this means that Bandit is currently managing to both recover from a wound like this and keep Doc anchored in this world. He must possess a greater strength and willpower than he was aware. Even so, this isn’t the time to marvel at an insignificant human’s abilities. “Why?”, he demands to know.

The two men glance at each other uncertainly. They’re familiar with each other, affectionate enough that Monty would step in and risk his life to possibly save Bandit’s, and Doc wonders whether it really was coincidence that he ended up talking to the taller one in the field hospital or whether it was carefully orchestrated. He does not see a way as to how it could be reliably achieved and therefore decides that Monty is simply someone with whom Bandit works together a lot and well. He certainly seems to cultivate close relations with the soldiers under his command, if his casual remarks to the people around him are anything to go by.

“Why did they refuse?”, he clarifies.

“I don’t know. One pretended to be bored, another claimed it was beneath her, and the most recent one said we weren’t in the right, the scales not tipped in our favour.”

“Is that so?” Doc’s eyes narrow. “Because assuming you speak the truth, there is no reason for either of them to ignore your plight. A small nation which will die a slow death seeking help from a much larger ally, being denied unjustly and then attempting to save itself warrants our meddling. Your continued existence doesn’t upset the status quo while your demise might have far-reaching consequences. None of us would decline.”

Bandit catches on first. “You’re calling us liars.”

“Not necessarily. Maybe my kind knew more than they let on. Explain to me once again why you believe that the Qinean empire possesses the remedy you seek.” Now that his immediate fury has calmed, Doc is determined to uncover the solution to this mystery. Even on the other side, he rarely communicates with his brethren but is steadfastly convinced they act the same way he does and fell sensible decisions when determining the fate of humanity as a whole. If they refrained from aiding Bandit’s people, they must have good reason to doubt his story.

“Publicly, they deny any connection to or even knowledge of the divine disease”, Monty speaks up. “Fact is that it broke out after a Qinean ambassador and his entourage visited our court. Furthermore, a servant witnessed the ambassador himself displaying the sickening glow, yet when he joined the court again a while later, it was gone. He must’ve gotten rid of it somehow.”

“Even the Queen herself paid a visit once the illness had spread and she showed no sign of worry about contracting it herself, nor did anyone with her”, Bandit supplies to a nodding Monty. “The last straw was a plea for help with further research which they denied outright under the excuse of lacking the necessary funds. We conduct regular trade with them, so it’d be in their interest to stop an epidemic – unless they already have the means to do so in their own country.”

Conjecture. Oh, how Doc despises the vagueness which encompasses this world sometimes. There are moments in which he enjoys its ambiguity, its resistance to be labelled one thing or another – almost all beings are at the very least twofold, never purely one thing or another: the sweetest honey can make him sick, and the annoying mosquito still fulfils a role in nature. He appreciates being challenged to fell the right decision, to weigh pros and cons and see which possesses more importance. But at times, he curses the fact that he majorly inhabits other worlds and therefore has to navigate the webs of lies and truths humans spin with their words. Taken at face value, he’s inclined to agree with Bandit’s interpretation of the facts, but how can he be certain of their accuracy?

“Our neighbours have reported similar inflictions. The only ones it doesn’t affect is Qina.” They seem to be sensing his hesitation yet none of what they say can sway him. Ideally, he’d need to talk to either someone unrelated or of relevance in Qina – but he knows that if he showed his face to the empire, stating that Bandit summoned him, it’ll look as if he’s taking their side, thusly prompting Qina to take similar drastic measures. He doesn’t want to provoke a great war so he’ll have to remain here.

“We’re currently on Qinean territory, correct?” They confirm with a nod, still looking unsure. “Is there a city nearby? Any place from where you could kidnap someone who can vouch for the other side of this conflict? I would like to speak with them without making my presence known.”

Oddly enough, Bandit looks to Monty for his opinion on the matter and the two of them converse quietly, gesticulating and decisively shaking their heads now and then. Doc is surprised at how casually they interact and how highly Bandit values his friend’s opinion but waits patiently until they’ve come to a consensus.

“There’s… a Qinean spy in our custody”, Bandit begins, looking slightly sheepish, “but we haven’t been able to extract anything from her. Maybe you can -”

“Take me to her.”

.

Being feared is normal. He’s always been feared one way or another, caused people to flinch away from him, leaving them tongue-tied, scared of saying the wrong thing. Over time, he got used to it and barely paid attention to whoever cowered before him, but here in this camp, surrounded by what likely are honest, hard-working, wronged people, it’s…

He doesn’t like it. His outburst was necessary and understandable, his self-defence justified. If Bandit’s accusation had been voiced not in private but so that the rest of the continent could’ve heard it, the damage to their reputation could’ve been disastrous. One of Doc’s kind, spreading disease without reason? Making it incurable? People would fear them too much to ever call on them again.

And still – watching these brave soldiers shrink away causes a bad taste in his mouth, which reminds him that he still hasn’t eaten anything yet. Despite their shocking lack of manners, he has to admit he’d feel guilty simply abandoning these people which is something he’ll have to monitor very carefully if he wants to remain unbiased.

Monty seems to be even more popular than Bandit, exchanging quick quips with passer-bys often accompanied by suspicious glances in Doc’s direction. He’s lost a lot of sympathy by attacking their leader and even more by endangering Monty. But he’s not here to develop any kind of attachment, so he ignores it. Eventually they stumble over a boy, hardly old enough to participate in a war, who’s obviously been crying but attempts to hide his tears nonetheless, and Monty promises to catch up with them later before he separates to talk to him.

“He has strange priorities”, Doc comments afterwards and earns a derisive scoff from his remaining companion.

“No, but you do. He puts others first, no matter what. You may have incredible power, but… that’s all which makes you ‘great’.”

Doc stops. There’s defiance showing in Bandit’s features, together with that same misplaced pride again he’s been displaying from the beginning. “You don’t think I’m going to help you. That’s why you feel secure enough in voicing your half-baked opinions.”

“Yeah. None of you have exactly filled me with confidence, you know.”

One of his eyebrows rises in disbelief. Bandit has – according to his own words – spoken with seven others of Doc’s kind so far on the same controversial topic and believes this to be representative of their ethical values. “This has always been the problem with you humans, you tend to think in extremes even if your world is so varied and rich and multi-faceted. You find it impossible to imagine someone might refuse their aid categorically at first but change their mind later, once sufficient information has surfaced. I might have formed a strong opinion on you yet that won’t influence my decision to either declare your cause just or unjust. That is what sets me apart from someone like you.”

“You know what, you’re really starting to piss me off with your fucking righteous attitude.” Bandit’s words are like venom which he spits gladly in Doc’s face. “Some might think you are, but you’re not a God, you’ve never been, so what gives you the right to act like you are? To decide on good people’s fate as if there was an objectively ‘correct’ solution when you’re just as fallible and closed-minded and biased as we are? You might have your own fucking ideals but don’t pretend they’re outright perfect by default.” He must’ve noticed the cold fury Doc is emanating at this point because he adds: “Go ahead, kill me if you want, hurt me, violence is the only argument you still have left.”

His bluntness is … troubling, to put it very mildly. He really does lack any kind of respect which does not help his case, no, it does not at all, and there’s an old, deep-seated voice in Doc whispering to him the same things coursing through his mind earlier. Honestly, the world would be a better place without someone as inconsiderate, as rude and derisive as Bandit, wouldn’t it? But, and this is strangely important, it’d end up proving him right. And that’s the last thing Doc wants to do. “I have half a mind to simply abandon you this instant”, he growls quietly, ignoring the worried glances they’re attracting. They don’t matter – none of these people do, in the grand scheme of things.

“Is that so?” His ugly grimace transforms into a sneer. “Wouldn’t that be the proof that you’re everything but unbiased?”

He -

Doc stares at him, thunderstruck.

He’s right.

Personal dislike must never triumph over his vocation to aid humanity as a whole. If Bandit’s nation really has been wronged, he simply can’t turn them down based on a reason as flimsy as this. But it can’t be, doesn’t Bandit’s arrogance justify his people’s demise? Does he not represent their ethical stance? Then again, who is he to determine the death of thousands, possibly more, just because they lack manners? Shouldn’t he instead show the world that his actions are justifiable regardless of his personal preference?

Frantically, he recalls former decisions, quickly tests them against this theory and tries to objectively judge whether he acted in humanity’s best interest – or out of self-interest. And even if it’s the former, would he recognise it?

“Come on. She’s right over there.”

Bandit’s softened voice snaps him out of his panicked thoughts and redirects his attention to the matter at hand. He can contemplate his words later, for now he has a spy to interrogate.

.

The woman is chained to a stake driven deep into the ground and looks as if this was all which keeps her from dismantling the entire camp by herself. Her glare is fierce and emphasised by the prominent scar adorning her face, yet her resolve wavers as soon as she notices Doc approaching. For a few seconds, she struggles with herself, probably overcome with contempt towards Bandit, but ends up slightly bowing to Doc nonetheless. A polite Qinean – in Doc’s experience a common sight.

“I greet you”, he addresses her in her mother tongue, causing her to sit up straight in awe.

“It is the greatest honour to be graced with your presence, Great One, and with deep respect I vow to be your servant. With eternal gratitude I trust that you will always act wisely and I plead for you to have mercy on us”, she instinctively replies in the same language, uttering the traditional greeting of her nation.

“Wait”, Bandit chimes in, audibly concerned, “she can speak my language, why don’t you -”

“You are being held against your will on the grounds of espionage on behalf of the Qinean empire. Is this true?”

Her eyes flit back and forth between them, calculating. Not even asking Bandit whether he speaks the notoriously difficult High Qinean is deliberate, he wants her to know that his trust in Bandit is shaky at best. “That is true”, she confirms and seems to enjoy the fact that her increasingly frustrated enemy won’t be able to listen in to their conversation.

“As for the allegations, are they true also? You act in the interest of your Queen? Tried to gather information about these troops?” She hesitates, glances at an upset Bandit once more. “If you are honest with me I will grant you the same favour.”

“Yes”, she states with a nod. So far so good.

“You know who I am and what I stand for.” Another curt nod. “Then you also know that as of yet, I am neither on your enemy’s side nor on yours, instead currently gathering information to decide how to act. It is important that you are as objective as possible as your account may turn the tide of this conflict one way or another.”

He allows for a few seconds so she can parse his words. It’s imperative she understands the gravity of the situation and simultaneously gets a chance to gather her thoughts.

“I remember your people as disciplined, honourable and well-educated but have no recollection of the Rangiin Kamaan. They strike me as very similar, from what I’ve seen.”

The woman’s face darkens. “A convincing show they must’ve put up for you. Compare it to a sinner who vows betterment behind sacred walls and relapses as soon as he’s left. Your imposing presence would inspire thieves and liars to put on their best behaviour.” She spits on the ground directly between Bandit’s feet, making him curse loudly and take a step forward. A single glance from Doc stops him, however, and convinces him to withdraw, grumbling, reconvening with the newly-arrived Monty to undoubtedly complain in hushed voices. Doc pays him no heed. “I’ve been their prisoner for a few days, and I’ve seen their real face. Hit me only where the bruises wouldn’t show, recently, before that they had no such qualms. My entire body must’ve been the colour of a rainbow.”

Concerning. Provided she speaks the truth, it’d subvert all that Doc has come to believe about the Rangiin Kamaan. “I have had similar suspicions”, he tells her calmly, “so it’s good to hear them confirmed. What can you tell me about the conflict between your nation and theirs?”

She shakes her head in regret. “It is messy and full of false accusations. They might’ve claimed it’s only them being affected by this odd illness – you have seen it yourself, correct? In truth, my motherland is ravaged by it as well, far worse than this. These snakes are trying to take advantage of our weakened state and attempt to rally our vassals and enemies alike to destroy what little is left of our empire.”

Once again, a direct contradiction of what he’s heard so far. The erasure of Qina would have unforeseen consequences and as oppressive and authoritarian the nation always has been, it is nonetheless the capital of all knowledge, has amassed countless books, scrolls and relics which, if lost, would set the entire continent back. If she’s speaking the truth, it’s in Doc’s interest to strike down this rebellion as swiftly as possible. “They claim you possess the cure to this disease.”

“They would. If we did, would an army of this size have been able to venture this far into our territory? No, we have just as fruitlessly attempted to heal our people and failed, just like them.”

“What of your ambassador? And your Queen?”

The spy once again sits up straighter at the mention of the Qinean matriarch. “I have heard the lies they spread. Ambassador Abyad has indeed been inflicted and suffers the consequences as we speak, he has not, as they claim, been cured. And our Mother took all the precautions necessary to ensure she wouldn’t suffer the same fate.”

“I see”, Doc responds, touches her temple and synchronises their senses.

Despite it being done without warning, he’d gathered the necessary focus pre-emptively and thus ensures smooth proceedings, a process much too quick for the woman to react. She’s in a state of extreme agitation, her heartbeat pounding and adrenalin coursing through her blood causing an almost painful alertness. Apart from her limbs complaining about too little movement, she’s in no pain and exhibits no sign of physical injury – broken and healed bones lie far in the past and other ailments are similarly unrelated. As soon as she understands what’s happening, she struggles against the intrusion, the first to do so this day. She must realise that her body is giving her away.

He never understood lying. Some people resort to it despite easily being disproved, they do it for sport or to feel a rush of power over being trusted blindly. It’s an ugly habit of humanity but one impossible to eradicate, Doc assumes, as it’s been around since the dawn of time. He hates it when humans lie to him implicitly, but hates it even more when they do so directly in his face.

With Bandit’s and Monty’s eyes in his back, he withdraws from the woman’s body and leaves her gasping for air. His hand travels down her jaw and forms a cup below it. “Give it to me voluntarily and I will have no need to take it with force. If you swallow it, I will make your insides squirm until I hold it in my hand.”

The Qinean glares up at him with an ironically betrayed expression, as if his deception had been in any way worse than hers. He had to pretend a more friendly disposition towards her to show she had indeed the chance to change his mind. No one is to blame for her failure other than herself.

After a few more moments, she procures a small vial from inside her cheek and drops it into Doc’s outstretched hand. With it intact, she can’t have been beaten – at least not in the face, it would’ve shattered. He wipes it off and inspects the liquid curiously, at first not understanding why it baffles him, but then it registers: it’s the same colour as the eerie glow the patients are emitting.

“Are you fucking done?”, Bandit snarls at him and is held back only by a calming hand on his midriff. “What is that?”

“You have to help my people”, the woman makes a desperate last attempt, her voice now pleading where before it’d been carefully even. “Please, I beg you. Help them. You might be the only one who can.”

Yet another reason for lying: despair. Doc is unsure of its source – the prisoner has been treated fairly as far as he can tell, and she must know he would never contribute to Qina’s downfall. Why is she discarding her pride now, after she failed to convince him?

“Let’s talk somewhere else”, he suggests. While they walk away, the prisoner’s sad wailing trails after him almost hauntingly.

.

“There are two options”, Doc announces once he and his two companions have reached a clearing of tents, the middle point of the camp bustling with activity and yet no one stops to eavesdrop. “Either this is poison which causes the cursed disease or it’s a cure. She might’ve carried it with her to afflict you, Bandit, as the highest in command, hoping you’d be unable to lead your troops into battle – or it was a precaution in case she contracted the illness herself and needed a remedy.” He hands the phial to a stunned-looking Bandit and expects him to pocket it immediately, yet instead he holds on to it, unsure what to do.

“But in either case it won’t harm anyone who’s afflicted?”, Monty clarifies and earns a nod. “So this can possibly cure a single person?”

“Yes. I can’t be absolutely sure but it is the most likely option.”

“What did the bitch tell you? Did she say anything about it?”

It seems Bandit is still hung up on the fact he couldn’t listen in to Doc’s conversation with the spy earlier. As typical as it is petty. “It is none of your concern.”

“Oh, but it damn well is. What if you made an agreement with her? What if you’re going to double-cross or abandon us, just like your other -” A hand on his wrist stops him in his tracks and Doc is once again grateful for Monty’s calming presence.

“Are you going to help us?”, the tall man wants to know and it’s not an accusation, not an ultimatum, merely an inquiry.

“I need time to think”, Doc replies simply. The accounts of no more than three people are insufficient but they grant him a foundation on which he can form his opinion, provide him with a good idea of what he can ask the other soldiers. If there are inconsistencies, asking a variety of people about the same story should unearth them.

“That is good enough for us.” When Bandit opens his mouth to protest, Monty turns to him with a gentle expression and reminds him: “Dom. We cannot expect him to trust us if we don’t show him the same courtesy. Let’s wait. Justice can’t be rushed.”

The warrior deflates visibly, slain by rationality and respect. “Yes. Alright. But here, you take it.” He thrusts the small container towards his companion, much to Doc’s shock. He does not keep it to himself?

Monty is caught just as off-guard as Doc. “What? No, you can hold on to it, I can’t decide what -”

“But your sister -”

“I won’t claim this privilege, don’t make me -”

“You have all the right to -”

“What about Blitz, he’s going to be invaluable in battle tomorrow -”

“Please, just take it.”

Doc perks up at this new information. “You are going to fight tomorrow?”

The two bickering men immediately cease their back and forth and turn to him. “We’re meeting the Queen’s legion tomorrow”, Bandit says quietly. “They’ve been gathering their troops and will meet us halfway to the capital. This is why I was unable to grant you more time than today. We’re all going to die soon.”

.

Now that he focuses his gaze, seeks out the signs, he realises they’ve been there all this time. The methodical behaviour inherent to all that the soldiers do, a grim determination lining their features, the odd kindness and forbearance accompanying those who have accepted that which they cannot change. These are people already lying in their graves, some of them going through practised motions with a blank expression, others seeking solace in mindless distractions, yet more seem to be set on making their last hours count. Doc stumbles over couples sharing secret, wistful smiles, friends reminiscing or playfully sparring, strangers opening up to each other.

They carry their doom with much more dignity than he would’ve guessed.

None of them blame him though he supposes their anger died down and gave way to resignation after his predecessors toured the camp more standoffishly than he did; it is a miracle that only Bandit carries an otherworldly scar like a battle wound. Their wariness hasn’t fully dissipated yet either, their trust still impeded which, if both Bandit and Monty really are as respected and loved as they seem to be, comes as no surprise. Regardless, they engage in conversations willingly, answer his questions with an open and authentic attitude he likes – and some of them even smuggle food into his pockets. There are dried dates, roasted nuts, even crumbly baked goods, and they’re a feast for his senses, explode into flavour on his tongue and make him curse whoever was responsible for putting this sweet nectar into this world specifically.

Most of them speak favourably of Bandit, hidden behind thinly-veiled insults lies a deep admiration and a loyalty only inspired by likewise devotion. They’re comfortable with him, are allowed to criticise and voice opinions, and even if he usually shoots them down mercilessly, he listens and considers them nonetheless. His style of leading an army is highly unconventional but he can demand discipline and absolute obedience if necessary.

Monty receives even more praise. It turns out he’s not even part of the medical personnel, yet his apparent immunity spurred him on to spend as much time alleviating symptoms as possible, bonding with the patients despite the position he holds – this part is emphasised wherever Doc goes. He supposes he’s Bandit’s second-in-command, a confidant and friend as much as a fellow warrior. It gives him faith.

Not all of it is rosy but with humanity’s past he didn’t expect it to be. Racist undertones, superiority complexes and bitterness leak through some of the more resentful comments and taint the milder ones. Even so, criticism towards their ruler is virtually non-existent and shut down quickly whenever it arises. Doc doesn’t ask any further, it’s obvious their King isn’t gracing him with his presence and so he wastes no thought on him.

The matter at hand remains … elusive. Its solution enigmatic, its cause a mystery. He’s at a loss because admitting Bandit might be right is overstepping a boundary Doc is not prepared to leave behind, especially not without any prior warning, no opportunity to confer with his brethren.

Sunset is fast approaching, the brilliant ball slipping over the horizon, threatening icy nights once the twilight has fully dispersed. Doc is perched on a stool someone gave up willingly, sits at the edge of the camp and gazes towards the source of dwindling warmth, towards where the Queen must be currently commanding her army to walk until their legs are sore.

“Do you get hungry?”

He breaks out of his half-meditation and finds himself facing Monty, holding two bowls and indubitably only just now questioning his own actions, judging by the slightly sheepish smile. “I don’t”, Doc replies evenly. “But this body does. I’m not sure how you humans manage.” Rarely does he share details as private as this, keeps his opinions largely to himself but finds that he lowers his guard around this particular human a little too easily. Under different circumstances, he’d watch his words more closely but either he’s going to aid these people or abandon them to certain death. In either case, they won’t be inclined to speak ill of him.

They eat in silence. Doc vaguely recalls previous meals and supposes the stew falls on the flavour-light side but as he only gets to eat every couple of decades, he relishes it nonetheless. He recognises coriander and savours every bite.

“How is it? Being here – compared to where you’re from?”

Very nearly his mouth releases the same platitudes so familiar to him that they’ve been etched into his tongue by now but something in Monty’s innocent curiosity quells the urge. Somehow, he deserves honesty and maybe it’s the compassion he shows all those around him, maybe his reluctance to accept the possible cure despite having a personal incentive to do so, maybe the fact that he convinced Bandit to trust Doc despite all. Whatever it is, it tips the scales in his favour and Doc knows at this moment that he’s going to assist the Rangiin Kamaan. “You have a name for the place where I usually reside. Hell.”

Monty halts but does not respond, merely waits for Doc to continue.

“This, in comparison, is a paradise. You take fresh air for granted, the force allowing you to walk the ground, all these things without which you never had to manage and thus you can never appreciate them the way we do. This is why we serve humanity. This is why we attempt to be agents of justice so that we may never side with a civilisation which could potentially perish. If we weren’t allowed this outlet, weren’t able to walk the earth now and then, we would cease to be. Our existence is so painful and so horrifying even to us that we desperately cling to the hope of being summoned here. It is our oath: by resolving conflicts we ensure humanity’s and therefore our own survival. It is why the mere thought of one of us sabotaging our collective future is abhorrent.”

Emotion colours his speech and he silently reprimands himself for it. Revealing this much, too, is forbidden, yet he felt the strange need of justifying his actions to this man. His bodily functions tell on him, let him know he’s upset even though he’s had half an eternity to come to terms with this fact. And still he harbours more anger than the soldiers awaiting their fate.

“I’m sorry”, Monty says and, oddly, Doc believes him. He’d like to provide more details because there are aspects he misses while he’s on this plane, but trusts that Monty understands. Nothing is ever black and white, is it?

“I’d like to talk to Bandit. I have reached a conclusion.”

To his credit, Monty doesn’t ask and simply points out the tent in question. “He’s given strict orders not to be bothered after sunset but I’m sure he’ll make an exception for you. Thank you for listening to us.”

Like Bandit, he seems to have accepted the possibility of Doc refusing their plea as fact and he doesn’t feel like correcting him, so he just hands him his empty bowl and gets up.

.

It’s going to be a tentative agreement, that much Doc has already worked out. For the moment he’ll do reconnaissance, buying time, assessing the situation after having talked with Qinean officials to decide on further proceedings. One step at a time, he’ll unravel this mess into its components with which he’ll deal one by one – it’s a cautious approach but one which will hopefully not end in bloodshed. He needs to decipher Qina’s motivation first and foremost.

Mulling over all the information available to him, he ignores the uneasy glances between the people outside their commander’s tent and enters without hesitation, not at all expecting to be confronted with something which makes him freeze, leaves him petrified, almost forces a noise of shock and dismay out of his throat. A cold sensation settles low in his stomach and spreads out to his limbs, takes hold of his tongue and prevents him from exclaiming, asking, accusing.

Bandit is his own source of light.

Here, in the semi-darkness of his hideout, the blue is crassly visible and almost turns the lithe man into a terrifying creature haunting a world where it has no right to be. It pulses softly in the same rhythm as his heart, covers his naked arms, feet and face in a glowing spiderweb of pure disease, his features faint against the prominent veins. He doesn’t seem human anymore, features contorted in a pitiful grimace as he sits on the floor, pressing palms against temples and breathing deeply, consciously. He is but a shadow of the prideful fool Doc met earlier this day.

As soon as he realises his solitude is interrupted, he jumps up onto trembling legs, eyes wide in shock. “You – you had until sunset”, he blurts out idiotically, as if this detail somehow invalidated the view in front of Doc.

It can’t be, and yet a sickening idea takes hold in his mind. “Why did you hide this from me?”, he wants to know, tone cold.

“No.” Bandit is shaking his head, apparently knows exactly what Doc is considering. “No, that isn’t it – I didn’t -”

“The only reason you’re doing everything you can to cure your people is because you selfishly want to cure yourself. If you weren’t afflicted, you’d act differently. Is all of this a ploy to save your own life? Have you deceived me this entire time?”

“Please. Please, don’t.” Even now with his legs nearly giving in, Bandit refuses to kneel before him. He might be begging for his life but this bit of pride will not die, no matter what. “That is not why. I kept it from you because you’d think exactly this. I didn’t want you to believe I’m only doing it for myself, I’m not, it’s -”

His voice dies in a pitiful croak when Doc grabs his jaw and uses his power to keep the man upright as well as rooted to the ground. This time, he won’t be able to evade him. “And I am supposed to believe this?”

Wide eyes are filled with fear and yet he pleads: “Kill me. Do it, it won’t prove me right, I promise – it’s – I’m a horrible human being and need to be erased from history, you need to kill me. But please, please promise me that you’ll save them. Don’t let this deter you, they deserve it. You know they do.”

Doc examines him, momentarily ignoring the sinking feeling of having been betrayed somehow. Slowly, he loosens his hold on the man until he slumps a little, fragile body shivering and teeth working to probably hold back undignified whimpers. It must’ve cost him immense willpower to suppress his symptoms all day, not let anyone see the condition he’s in, hide all this suffering from Doc and possibly his soldiers too. Even now, Bandit refuses to back away, lightly grabs Doc’s wrist to keep it in its place and stares him down in a mixture of defiance and genuine terror.

Maybe it really wasn’t deceit. Maybe him refusing to take the cure himself wasn’t a display for Doc’s benefit. Maybe he really does care about others more than himself, as showcased by him desperately trying to win one of Doc’s kind over.

And wait.

This is impossible.

This time, it actually is impossible, no human could ever carry the weight of Doc’s materialised form while simultaneously bearing the aftermath of an otherworldly scar as well as suffering from this divine disease – no one possesses the physical and mental strength necessary.

A vicious ache stabs through his head once he’s linked his consciousness to Bandit’s and he’s lost for a moment, disoriented despite being so familiar with human bodies. It’s as if there were several more limbs despite him knowing there aren’t, and yet there’s a phantom sensation of a much more expansive form, like a container which is larger on the inside. It’s bewildering and causes a painful throb under his scalp but it’s simultaneously familiar, strangely enough.

Even now, Bandit doesn’t struggle against him and instead allows him easy access to his body, yet the more Doc finds the more astonished he is. Internal organs show hardly any signs of age and are as invigorated as they would be had Doc rejuvenated them already – the omnipresent pain of the illness is prevalent but not nearly as prominent as in the other subjects Doc examined, instead it’s more an ebb and flow in the background, intensifying now and then but fading in between the spikes. As if something interfered with it.

He presses on: Bandit is distraught and his emotional state is mirrored in his body but parts of it are remarkably calm and merely trying to uphold the minimum; it takes him a moment to realise that resources are being allocated towards a very specific part in his midsection. There��s a tumour here, a growth of not insignificant size spanning the width of his belly on the inside – three, actually, and it doesn’t take Doc long to identify it as following the pattern of the ugly scars Bandit received from one of Doc’s kin. Normally, wounds like this heal extremely slowly, sometimes not even for a lifetime, but they cause no other side effect other than a persistent ache. He’s never felt or witnessed anything like this before.

Poking and prodding it reveals that it’s painless, merely causes discomfort where it presses against other organs. Is it possible that it counteracts the disease? Doc inspects the bloodstream, muscles, bones, anything he can find to either prove or disprove his theory but it seems he’ll have to rely on conjecture yet again. And then he delves into one of the non-existent limbs, body parts which should not be – under no circumstances should they belong to a human body, but they do.

It hits him out of nothing, a sudden realisation which he pushed aside out of pride, out of self-preservation instinct. …no, that is not why, and in this case it’s not righteous thinking which prevented this idea from springing up sooner. This revelation, too, is a sharp pang in his mind.

They’re left reeling once he’s severed their connection, hold on to each other like drunkards and gasp for air, hands clutching fabric, feet seeking balance, eyes unfocused. It takes them a long time to regain their composure and when they do, Bandit takes a step back, confused, embarrassed, hopeful.

“You didn’t kill me”, he states full of wonder.

“There was a human who studied us.” The non-sequitur startles Bandit into speechlessness. “He was as persistent as he was hungry for knowledge – he summoned us, one by one, travelled the continent until he had spoken with us all, even sought the help of minor beings. During his quest, he realised he gave up more and more of himself: every time he allowed one of us to walk the earth, a piece of him crumbled, irretrievable. But it wasn’t lost, instead our essence replaced it and imbued him with our nature. Once he realised what was happening, he couldn’t stop it.”

How could he have forgotten him? It’s the one black sheep, the one who doesn’t fit. Will never fit.

“He became one of us. He followed us down into our realm and felt what we feel, learnt what we know. He didn’t take it well. He attempted to convince all of us to tell the humans of him, to make them summon him to his original home so he could experience peace again, escape our reality – but he was rash, unjust, cruel. If he were allowed to roam free, he would tarnish our name; he was planning to sow discord among humanity so that our services – his services – would be required more often. We declined. We damned him to an eternal existence in our world.”

Bandit absent-mindedly runs his fingertips over glowing veins, brows drawn together. He understands. “So he’s the one who did this.” No gloating even though he’d been right. “Why didn’t you think of him earlier?”

“I believe our memories of him were sealed. You might find this hard to believe but there are beings of greater power than myself. The only possibility I see is that he found a way to escape. It explains the nature of the disease, the unnatural light, the seemingly random symptoms and its spread, and the fact that the cure seems to stem from the same source as the illness. It’s consistent with all that we know and the most likely explanation that he invaded this world and put a plan into motion to cause conflict rather than resolve it in the hopes of making us redundant and himself invaluable.”

The man before him is now pacing back and forth as if he hadn’t been in mortal danger mere minutes ago which only cements Doc’s theory. His resilience is extraordinary and only increasing. “How come the others refused their help then? If he’s a liability to you all, shouldn’t they interfere instead?”

“I can only guess as to their motives. They might’ve felt his presence and decided not to intervene.” As expected, Bandit’s expression darkens, so Doc adds: “We all have different control over the forces holding this world together and access to different layers, so while others of my kind might’ve immediately understood the situation, they’re unable to copy most of my skills. It is not impossible that they knew more than I did. As to your question – a fight between two of our kind can be devastating and cause irreparable damage to this world. They were likely scared of this possibility and thus preferred not to remain here. Additionally, the Qinean empire is worth conserving and more important than your nation in the grand scheme of things, making his transgression not as severe as if he’d tried to destroy them.”

Suddenly, he remembers the spy’s words: You have to help my people. You might be the only one who can. The situation might be more dire than he was aware – he can’t discard the possibility that the Qinean Queen is under the control of this defector, acts on his wishes and thus goes against the interests of her people. The prisoner might’ve realised someone far more powerful than any human is influencing her matriarch and that Doc can be her saviour, too.

“So”, Bandit speaks up abruptly, still fidgeting uncomfortably. He finds no solace in having been right, now that the consequences of this reality have sunken in. “Does this mean you’re going to help us?”

No more accusations, no more implied mistrust. He’s learned. “Yes”, Doc says simply. “I am equipped to negotiate, hopefully without antagonising him. And if it should come to it, I am also prepared to fight.” If it means peace in the future, he will take lives in the interest of both his and Bandit’s kind. He knows he can do it, knows he can walk the battlefield like an omen of death, slaying with a single thought and wiping out entire armies should the need arise. He hopes it won’t come to this – but if it does, he’s ready.

Bandit nods and, once it has fully registered, even graces him with a smile. “Took you long enough. Let’s go then, we need to talk -”

He was on his way out of his tent, past Doc, but is stopped by a hand on his torso. It slowly lifts the hem of his top to reveal almost vibrantly illuminated marks on his skin, three slashes frightening in bright daylight already and only more foreboding in half-darkness. “Do you not want to know what made me remember? What unsealed my hidden memories?”, Doc murmurs. This, he has to do. If he doesn’t, the collective repressed energy might tear Bandit in half eventually.

The man looks down at himself and rejects the thought, Doc can read it on his face. “No”, he says but in his heart, he knows the truth.

“You are going to share his fate. The repeated summoning, the disease born from unnatural sources, the injury caused by a being not from this world – it’s too much for your body to bear, so it’s adapting a new form which can carry this burden. You are going to become like me.”

“No, this isn’t – I didn’t want this. I don’t want this.” Once again, eyelids flutter, a lip quivers. “I don’t want to be like him. I don’t want to be stuck.”

“You won’t. This is where you two are different. You were ready to sacrifice your own life to save those of others. Your actions speak of more honour and compassion than he ever displayed in his life as a human. I will speak on your behalf and you will not be condemned to rot like him. But for that, you need to accept it. Allow it into your mind, into your body, just like you allowed me. It’s waiting.”

He takes Bandit’s hands and calms the staccato of his heart without probing too deep, keeps their link delicate – just enough to even their breaths, relax muscles, reduce faint aching. He wasn’t present when the traitor changed forms but somehow knows that Bandit possesses the strength to begin this journey right now. It might take months, even years to fully take hold but those he’ll spend in comfort. Under his gentle guidance, Bandit lets loose and concentrates, seeks out the source of the disease in him, feels for the remedial influence of the scars. Doc’s own arms are increasing in brightness, the orange cracks lighting up in resonance.

A shockwave emanates from Bandit, no more than a momentary gust of wind yet an exceedingly forceful one, causing loud clattering around them.

When they open their eyes again, the tent is gone – and so are all the others, flattened by the power of Bandit’s awakening, leaving behind an entire army of confused and vaguely frightened soldiers, most of them gathered around what would’ve been directly outside the tent. They must’ve been waiting to hear Doc’s final verdict.

They make for an intimidating picture as a large part of them is emitting an eerie glow, unlike Monty in their midst. He looks as if someone had slapped him.

Next to Doc, Bandit seems no different to the cocky and outwardly disillusioned man who greeted him this morning, but like an utterly different person to the broken one he discovered in the tent a while ago. That Bandit had been desperate, in pain, ashamed. This one is… confident.

“It’s going to be fine”, he assures Monty, sounding very sure of himself. “I promise. We’ll be fine.”

“I will do everything in my power to resolve this matter as peacefully as possible”, Doc adds. “I am at your service.”

It takes a few seconds. Then the cheering begins.

The jubilant atmosphere sparked by his statement is contagious and even Doc feels the corners of his mouth lift up. Monty sags in relief, exchanges a slightly questioning smile with Bandit but seems content with this promise for now. He can’t have known of Bandit’s illness, not with the way his eyes keep straying to his arms, and yet he holds back on reprimanding him for keeping it secret.

Even so, the celebratory mood remains hesitant, as if the men and women believed it too good to be true, but Doc has no doubts it’ll catch on once they’ve made progress. For now, one important matter at hand remains aside from teaching Bandit about what will happen to him, which changes to expect and how to contain his ever-growing power for now.

“I need to discuss strategy”, he announces loudly over the excited chatter and waits until it has died down to a reasonable level. “Take me to your King.”

Strangely enough, people tilt their heads in confusion, exchange glances, frown. Until one young woman slowly raises her arm and points. More follow, and in the end there’s a myriad of fingers all directed at a modestly smiling Monty.

Oh.

“You didn’t know?”, Bandit asks him, surprised.

More puzzle pieces fall into place retroactively. No wonder everyone spoke of him so favourably.

Thinking back to the way Monty so naturally tended to his suffering subjects, addressed their concerns directly despite his status, settles something in Doc. Knowing this, he’s suddenly very sure he will not regret aiding these people, come hell or high water.

#rainbow six siege #doc #bandit #montagne #fanfic #oneshot #there's a whooole lot more I could've shoved in but it was so long already #I hope it turned out okay! #fancy that two of the sweetest people I know share their birthday #with valentine's day no less

[elitechoice]

Places to Travel

In the study, Big 7 Travel found that people were also more likely to add a destination to their list if they had seen it on social media, and 33% of people research vacation destinations on their Instagram feed. "With over one-third of our readers saying they look to Instagram for travel inspiration, it makes sense that cities with colorful neighborhoods (such as Cape Town’s Bo Kaap) made the cut," says Clayton-Lea.

Bali topped the list of the most popular bucket list destination on earth, but there were also some unexpected picks. "The top 10 list has a lot of the expected dream destinations, but there are a few surprises on the list: Paro Valley in Bhutan, for example, or Virunga National Park in the Congo," says Clayton-Lea. "I think this shows a great appetite for a need to get off the grid and can only assume that social media (and Netflix, in the case of Virunga!) is responsible for spreading the word of these amazing places."

An interesting factoid uncovered in the study: Most people have an average bucket list of just 11 places, with the hope of visiting seven of those locations during their lifetime. No matter how many places are on your bucket list, this ranking will get you dreaming of places near and far. Read on for the top 50 bucket list destinations in the world and what Big 7 Travel had to say about each one.

1. Bali, Indonesia: "You’ll find beaches, volcanoes, Komodo dragons and jungles sheltering elephants, orangutans and tigers. Basically, it’s paradise. It’s likely you’ve seen an image of Bali on social media at least once in the past seven days, as it’s such a popular bucket list destination for 2019."

2. New Orleans: "The lively city known for its street music, festive vibe and a melting pot of French, African and American cultures is well worth the trip. NOLA is a city packed with adventures at every turn and should be on everyone’s must-visit list."

3. Kerry, Ireland:" All the way west in Ireland is one of the country’s most scenic counties. Kerry’s mountains, lakes and coasts are postcard-perfect, and that’s before you add in Killarney National Park. The unique small towns such as Dingle add to its charm."

4. Marrakesh, Morocco: "This ancient walled city is home to mosques, palaces and lush gardens. It’s known as The Red City thanks to the color of the brick walls surrounding the city. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre."

5. Sydney: "Sydney is known around the world as one of the greatest and most iconic cities on the planet. Amazing things to do aren’t hard to find; the city has gorgeous beaches, great cafes and world-class entertainment on offer wherever you look."

6. The Maldives: "This tropical nation in the Indian Ocean is made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotel resorts, with white sandy beaches, underwater villas and restaurants and bright blue waters."

Paris, France.

7. Paris, France: "One of the most iconic cities in the world, Paris tops many people’s bucket lists. You’ll see so many famous landmarks here: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame cathedral—the list is never-ending."

8. Cape Town, South Africa: "Cape Town is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighborhoods and turquoise waters."

9. Dubai, U.A.E.: "The high-flying city of the U.A.E, Dubai is one of the most glamorous destinations you’ll ever visit, and is particularly popular with Big 7 Travel readers."

Sunset In Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

10. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: "Bora Bora is Tahiti's most famous island. How do overwater bungalows and underwater adventures sound to you? To us, it’s everything we could want from a bucket list destination."

#travel #place #best places #tourist places

[sunsetsafaris]

Sunset Safari Fraser Island Packages

Sometimes the technology and conveniences of modern life doesn’t help people to relax and that is the reason burnout has become the current buzz word. Though you will find supposed solutions to all your problems in the internet it is not as simple as it looks. For each question one asks there are ten suggestions in the social media and in fact what you can achieve in a day spent alone in nature is much better than searching for solutions for a month. The very simple act of planning for a vacation can help you to bring back a smile to your lips and a spring to your steps. But of course we are not discussing about extreme cases but about the need to take regular breaks.

If you are ready to read further you will find out about a beautiful place in Australia which you might want to visit. Though there are lots of scenic places in Australia which is synonymous with sun, sand and surf, the world heritage listed Fraser Island Tourism is one of the most sought after vacation spots for the tourists coming from all corners of the world. Located along the south eastern coast of Queensland it has been inhabited by humans for the past 5,000 years. It was initially the home of the Butchulla tribes who has aptly named the island K’gari which in English means paradise. Till this day the island remains one of the most beautiful creations of nature and justifies the name given to it by the early occupants. Later in time Fraser Island was discovered by the explorer James Cook and then by Matthew Flinders but owes its name to Eliza Fraser; a shipwreck survivor.

Tourists coming here fall in love with the rainforests that surprisingly grow on sand dunes, fresh water lakes, creeks and the unique flora and fauna. The weather here remains moderate and is not subject to extremes in temperature and so it attracts tourists all throughout the year. Sunset Safari is one of the most popular tour companies and if you are looking forward to having truly enjoyable and exciting holidays in this island then all you can do is to find out a tour package that will fit your budget and time frame. They offer 2 day eco tour or a 3 day adventure eco tour to see this amazing island and if you want then there are other tour packages which combine more than one place.

You can join the tour from Gold Coast, Noosa or Brisbane depending on your own convenience and are sure to enjoy the scenic drive in their 4WDcoaches. The tour package also includes free room up grade and a visit to the famous Cooloola National Park. Here you will get a chance to see the colourful sands of the Rainbow Beach, Red Canyon, Teewah Beach, wild Kangaroos in Noosa north shore and not to forget the Double Island Point where you will see sharks, turtles, dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

All this excitement is before you reach your destination and wait till you arrive.... the island adventure starts with a 4WD on the 75 mile beach, walking along the Hammerstone Sandblow and jumping into the cool and refreshing waters of Lake Wabby. The carefully planned itinerary will take you to some beautiful scenic spots like the Central Station, Lake Birrabeen, Yidney Dripping Rock, the majestic Cathedrals and the Maheno shipwreck site. This place is ideally suited for swimming, snorkelling and the highlight of the tour- Night Kayaking. Though it’s an optional activity for which you will have to pay a nominal amount you cannot give it a miss. Against the darkness of night the transparent kayaks get lit up by the underwater lights and the whole place looks absolutely amazing. So book the Fraser Island Tour with Sunset Safari, a company that is undoubtedly the best in the region.

 For more details about Fraser Island Tours just move on www.sunsetsafaris.com.au

#Fraser Island Adventure Tours #Fraser Island Activities Australia #Fraser Island Packages #Fraser Island Tours #Fraser Island Tourism #Fraser Island Tour #Fraser Island Australia #Cheap Fraser Island Tours

[thisisluxurytravel]

How would you define Luxury Travel?

Why do people actually travel, leaving the comfort of their homes to go to strange and unknown lands?

If we look to travelogue to provide answers, we discover that there are quite a number of them such as to escape from the reality of their lives, to relax and reconnect back to inspiration or just to have an adventure. For some, it can be just for the luxury of it. They are called luxury travelers.

Luxury travel basically entails travel fuelled by the need to see, to feel, to touch or to experience. These days, adventurists will hear about an exciting and exotic location the next day they begin plans to visit the place by all means.

There is no simple definition of ‘luxury’, but the word has to do with everything fun, pampered servicing and exceptional comfort. As the saying goes: ‘Different strokes for different folks’. Different classes of luxury travelers have varied expectations of what luxury travel.

Here are some of them:

For one luxury traveler, the full definition of luxury traveling may lie inherent in his getting away from his everyday life to somewhere where he will be pampered and treated like royalty. This will be a pure case of money working for an individual.

This kind of luxury travel contains everything that makes up the entirety of a lavish dream, magical location and a taste of 5-star service, hospitality, and a rich local experience. Location of the hotel can also be a major drive for some of these travelers. Others factors can be serenity of its environments, the closeness to the goodies and freshness in nature and proximity to a major tourist attraction.

One example of such a luxury hotel is Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam built around breathtaking location which has been protected for decades as a national and marine park. It is located on a private beach close to the Lo Voi Mountains. The history of the hotel is thick with stories of Vietnamese history. Actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie once stayed there while they were still a couple and this can testify to the level of luxury that can be gotten there.

The pool at Six Senses Con Dao Resort

Privacy and exclusivity

For other travelers, the true essence of luxury is captured in another word: solitude. Some adventurists, especially those into meditation, will spend time looking for the perfect high-end villa that would afford them perfect seclusion, the perfect getaway from the bustle of life tedious activities. This will include a relaxation spot in harmony with nature.In this category, you are sure to find authors suffering from the block or a rising songwriter searching for some inspiration. One of such locations is the Koh Jum beach villas near Krabi in Thailand with its handcrafted furnishing, timber flooring and a cathedral ceiling that bring visitors closer to nature.

Sunset view from the private pool villa at Koh Jum Luxury beach villa

Adventure and remoteness

Among luxury travelers, there is this strange set whose ideology of the perfect luxurious getaway is visiting remote villages of the world.  The accommodation arrangement in those places might be very basic as those places are often off the beaten track but they give a sense of adventure that is often unrivalled.One of such locations is the La P’tite Kepa in Alor, Indonesia, a perfect spot to explore and discover some of the world’s biodiversity in the Alor underwater world. The beaches around the resort will invite you to relax, cool off under the tender sun and refill yourself and your respect for local culture and nature.  You will be the only one on the beach but you will also be living off the grid meaning no AC, no running water and limited light at night.

Relaxing Pavillion at Alor la ptite Kepa

Conclusion

Even with all the differences, one thing that is sure is that luxury travelers travel for a variety of reasons. They each travel the world looking for things that will give them pleasure and the satisfaction they need at a moment in time. For one it can be simply to admire the masterpiece artworks at the Louvre but for another, it will be to feel like being the first person to set foot on a remote beach. Whatever it is, it will always be a valid reason as long as you enjoy doing it.

#This is Luxury travel #luxury travel #resources #blog

[hippieeloquent]

Free Vacation Rental Listings

What's on your own travel bucket list? If you're like lots of people, the more you travel, the harder places you supplment your bucket list. So when the editors in the website Big 7 Travel announced this list with the world's top 50 bucket list destinations, we stopped in your tracks and started checking off the boxes. The website surveyed its 1.5 million-strong social audience in order to determine the most effective bucket list places all over the world. According to Sarah Clayton-Lea, head of quite happy with Big 7 Travel, this can be a first-time the site has assembled this list. "Bucket list travel was a trend that sprouted time and again in the past surveys when asking our readers what type of travel content they most enjoyed consuming," says Clayton-Lea. "So, our curiosity got better people and that we desired to know which destinations people are hoping to see for 2019/2020." READ MORE: "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places" Today In: ForbesWomen Coronavirus Travel: Is This Your Chance To Book The Cheapest Vacation Ever? Lessons From Coronavirus For Future Climate Change Public Health Crises 6 Ways Being Selfish Can Make You Successful The results of the world’s top 50 bucket list destinations include some from the most beautiful places on earth. "White sandy beaches remain a must-visit for most, with vibrant cities also making a physique on the lot of people’s bucket lists," says Clayton-Lea. Countries with naturally beautiful scenery and world-famous landmarks came out on top: 22% with the destinations on their email list have white sandy beaches, while 52% are iconic cities. The famously colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa. The famously colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa. GETTY PROMOTED Deloitte BRANDVOICE | Paid Program Deloitte’s Global Millennial Survey: Exploring A “Generation Disrupted” Mitsubishi Heavy Industries BRANDVOICE | Paid Program What Does It Mean That America Is A Net Exporter of LNG? Google Cloud BRANDVOICE | Paid Program How To Spot The Biggest Tech Developments In the study, Big 7 Travel found out that individuals were also more prone to add a destination to their list whenever they had seen it on social networking, and 33% of individuals research vacation destinations on his or her Instagram feed. "With over one-third of our own readers saying they appear to Instagram for travel inspiration, it feels right that cities with colorful neighborhoods (like Cape Town’s Bo Kaap) made the cut," says Clayton-Lea. Bali topped this list from the 50 most favored bucket list destination on earth, but there was also some unexpected picks. "The top 10 list has a lot of the expected dream destinations, but there are some surprises on their email list: Paro Valley in Bhutan, as an example, or Virunga National Park within the Congo," says Clayton-Lea. "I think this shows an excellent appetite to get a need to get off the grid which enable it to only believe that social networking (and Netflix, inside the case of Virunga!) is liable for spreading the word of the amazing places." An interesting factoid uncovered in case study: Most people have the average bucket list of just 11 places, with the hope of visiting seven of these locations in their lifetime. No matter how a multitude of locations are in your bucket list, this ranking you can get hoping to see places near and a lot. Read on for your top 50 bucket list destinations within the world and what Big 7 Travel was required to say about each one of these. Overlooking the jungle one of Bali's highly Instagrammed swings. Overlooking the jungle using one of Bali's highly Instagrammed swings. GETTY 1. Bali, Indonesia: "You’ll find beaches, volcanoes, Komodo dragons and jungles sheltering elephants, orangutans and tigers. Basically, it’s paradise. It’s likely you’ve seen a picture of Bali on social media at least inside the past 7 days, as it’s this kind of popular bucket list destination for 2019." 2. New Orleans: "The lively city recognized for its street music, festive vibe as well as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures is worth the trip. NOLA is really a city packed with adventures at every turn and should be on everyone’s must-visit list." 3. Kerry, Ireland:" All the way west in Ireland is one in the country’s most scenic counties. Kerry’s mountains, lakes and coasts are postcard-perfect, and that’s before you decide to add in Killarney National Park. The unique small towns like Dingle enhance its charm." El Badi Palace in the Marrakesh medina. El Badi Palace inside Marrakesh medina. GETTY 4. Marrakesh, Morocco: "This ancient walled city hosts mosques, palaces and lush gardens. It’s known as The Red City with thanks to the color from the brick walls around the city. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre." 5. Sydney: "Sydney is well known worldwide as one in the greatest and quite a few iconic cities on the planet. Amazing things to do aren’t nearly impossible to find; the location has gorgeous beaches, great cafes and world-class entertainment on offer wherever you look." 6. The Maldives: "This tropical nation within the Indian Ocean consist of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s the place to find some in the world’s most luxurious hotel resorts, with white sandy beaches, underwater villas and restaurants and bright blue waters." Paris, France. Paris, France. GETTY 7. Paris, France: "One with the most iconic cities within the world, Paris tops many people’s bucket lists. You’ll see so many famous landmarks here: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame cathedral-this list is never-ending." 8. Cape Town, South Africa: "Cape Town is really a dream location to go to: endless pure beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighborhoods and turquoise waters." 9. Dubai, U.A.E.: "The high-flying city in the U.A.E, Dubai is one from the most glamorous destinations you’ll ever visit, and is also particularly favored by Big 7 Travel readers." Sunset In Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Sunset In Bora Bora, French Polynesia. GETTY 10. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: "Bora Bora is Tahiti's most well-known island. How do overwater bungalows and underwater adventures sound to you? To us, it’s everything we could want from a bucket list destination." 11. New York: "New York is just one of America’s most fun states. With charming upstate scenery, world-class cuisine and culture and more activities than you may fit into one lifetime. The city’s five boroughs all have special features; it’s extremely hard to narrow it down" 12. Dubrovnik, Croatia: "As George Bernard Shaw once said, 'Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.' With its winding streets, cliffside beach bars and UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, it’s no surprise Dubrovnik is such a popular spot." Carlton hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. Carlton hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. GETTY 13. Edinburgh, Scotland: "With the historic Edinburgh castle looming over the location, culture in spades and wonderfully friendly locals, that is one in the world’s greatest city breaks." 14. Rome, Italy: "Whether it’s your first time in Rome or maybe your 50th, the very best thing about this city is that you’ll always discover new things every time you stroll the scenic streets." 15. Paro Valley, Bhutan: Paro Valley is famous for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes. Tucked between China and India, Bhutan is often a mysterious country that prides itself on sustainable tourism. You’ll find Paro Taktsang here, a Himalayan Buddhist sacred site." At the Jal Mahal Palace at sunset in Jaipur, India. At the Jal Mahal Palace at sunset in Jaipur, India. GETTY 16. Jaipur, India: "Jaipur is famous as the ‘Pink City’ for the pale terracotta buildings. This was originally carried out to impress the visiting Prince Albert during his 1876 tour of India by order in the Maharaja (Sawai Ram Singh). Even today, it’s illegal to color buildings any other color." 17. Waikato, New Zealand: "Waikato, an area in New Zealand’s North Island, has massive underground caves, lush rainforest as well as the buzzy capital of scotland - Hamilton. But the area’s main attraction? A Middle-earth adventure for the film list of Lord in the Rings. Hobbiton Movie Set retains the first Hobbit holes in the making of the films." 18. Havana, Cuba: "Cuba’s capital is actually 500 years old along with a riot of color. Brightly painted buildings and vintage cars make Havana a photogenic dream." A take a look at Tokyo Skytree and the town skyline through the Tobu Levant Hotel. A view of Tokyo Skytree and town skyline from the Tobu Levant Hotel. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN BLOOM 19. Tokyo, Japan: "Visiting Tokyo is similar to going to the future-flashing neon lights, incredible technology-yet there’s still a refreshing sense of culture and history." 20. Antarctica: "Earth’s southernmost continent, Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Nowhere else can equate to the ultimate remoteness of the snowy place. It’s not an easy day at make, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views in the white wilderness, icy sea kayaking and whale sightings." 21. Vancouver, Canada: "Vancouver is in the middle of water yet towards the mountains and possesses world-class art, restaurants and loads of other attractions to hold you entertained." 22. Los Angeles: "In an urban area with year-round sunshine, glam bars, beaches and hikes, you will find endless incredible experiences to take pleasure from in Los Angeles. It’s no surprise there are almost 5O million ‘LA’ hashtags on Insta." In Kruger National Park, South Africa. In Kruger National Park, South Africa. GETTY 23. Kruger National Park, South Africa: "The Kruger National Park is often a vast space in northeastern South Africa that is home to an enormous array of wildlife. The park has safari experiences of all, allowing you the opportunity escape busy city living and obtain back to nature." 24. Santorini, Greece: "Santorini is really a number of islands; Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni. Beaches with volcanic black or red sand and clear blue waters get this a perfect holiday spot. With its famous Santorini sunsets, it’s not surprising that it’s one with the most favored bucket list destinations." 25. Moscow, Russia: "Russia’s cosmopolitan capital, Moscow can be a beautiful destination to see in almost any season. Colorful domes and bell chimes ring out from over 600 churches within the city, and also the a sense history is immense. Culture lovers will likely be impressed while using museums and ballet." 26. Singapore: "Singapore can be a small island city-state off southern Malaysia which punches way above its weight on the global level. It’s today's city with colorful buildings, futuristic bridges and a cloud forest." London's Westminster Bridge. London's Westminster Bridge. GETTY 27. London, England: "Pretty pink restaurants, futuristic space-age toilets and jungle skyline views are just some of our favorite things about London. And of course, each of the classics: Big Ben, red phone boxes and world-class museums and galleries." 28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: "Rio de Janeiro is definitely one of the most iconic cities inside the world with instantly recognizable landscapes and landmarks." 29. Petra, Jordan: "The ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan is flanked by beautiful red rocks and steep gorges. The world wonder is undoubtedly Jordan’s most beneficial treasure and greatest tourist attraction." 30. Hong Kong: "Famous for its skylines and vibrant food scene, what most people don’t know is the fact that 70% of Hong Kong is mountains and lush parks. Colorful playgrounds and sci-fi apartment blocks give HK an enviable edge." Beach and sea waves shot from above in Barbados. Beach and sea waves shot from above in Barbados. GETTY 31. Barbabos: "Barbados is one of these magical holiday destinations that everyone desires visiting. Who wouldn’t put this on their bucket list? Nestled inside south of the Caribbean, it offers stunning beauty and wonderful local culture and is also the perfect place to unwind." 32. Amsterdam: "Forget about cliched images of smoke shops and gaudy red lights. From floating flower markets to bohemian neighborhoods, this city has all of it." 33. Santiago, Chile: "Santiago can be a cosmopolitan city with the best of Chilean culture; art galleries, design shops and handicraft markets, as well as lively Latino nightlife. You’ll stroll through historic neighborhoods with pretty winding streets and charming bars and cafes." 34. Cairo, Egypt: "Cairo is one in the most ancient cities within the world. Sitting for the Nile river with wonderful museums, vibrant culture and friendly locals, it makes for an excellent holiday." Biking in Copenhagen. Biking in Copenhagen. GETTY 35. Copenhagen, Denmark: "Copenhagen’s rustic fishing ports, modern graffiti and winding red brick streets are just some of computerized devices this kind of beautiful bucket list destination. It oozes Scandi cool from every corner, with top-notch food, stylish design plus an always hip atmosphere." 36. Seoul, Korea: "Seoul is a vibrant metropolis where old-meets-new, with pop culture (K-Pop!) alongside Buddhist temples. 37. Laucala Island Resort, Fiji: "Laucala Island Resort can be a private island in Fiji, in absolute paradise. It is one kind of three small islands from the northeast coast of Taveuni in Fiji. There are coconut trees, a sustainable farm and miles of beach, along with coral reefs, postcard-perfect beaches and lush rainforest." 38. Providencia, Colombia: "The Colombian island of Providencia is the perfect mixture of South America along with the Caribbean. It’s best noted for Crab Cay: an unspoiled little island where all there is certainly to accomplish is snorkel and lie on the beach." Photographing Machu Picchu, Peru. Photographing Machu Picchu, Peru. GETTY 39. Machu Picchu, Peru: "The best way to have here? Arrive at Machu Picchu in fashion on the 360° Train which will bring you over the Peruvian countryside on the lost city. The wide, panoramic windows are fantastic for taking in the scene, and so they serve Pisco Sours on board." 40. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo: "Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas on this planet and home to the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. It’s filled with lush rainforest and has received even more attention considering that the documentary Virunga." 41. Lisbon, Portugal: "Lisbon, the hilly capital of Portugal, is postcard-perfect featuring its cobbled streets, pristine waters and local Atlantic beaches." 42. Hanoi, Vietnam: "Hanoi-the capital of Vietnam-is recognized for its rich history, busy street life and centuries of French, Asian and Chinese influences all blended into one bustling city. It’s a great base by which to explore the North of Vietnam, including Halong Bay and Sapa, while also experiencing the comforts of a contemporary vibrant city." A take a look at Honolulu's Magic Island And Waikiki Beach. A view of Honolulu's Magic Island And Waikiki Beach. GETTY 43. Hawaii: "From the busyness of Oahu on the romance of Maui and off-the-beaten-path adventures on Lanai and Molokai. The Hawaiian Islands are pure paradise. Explore colorful canyons and waterfalls and eat one's body weight in fresh poke." 44. Ibiza, Spain: "While you’ll have your share of techno club experiences, Ibiza is also one with the most beautiful Spanish islands, which has a pretty Old Town and scenic beaches. Spend the afternoon on the beach along with the nights in legendary clubs." 45. Beijing, China: "Beijing is China’s political, economic, and cultural center, with six Unesco World Heritage Sites in this city alone. Discover Forbidden City, street food dishes of Peking duck as well as, the Great Wall of China." 46. Budapest, Hungary: "The capital capital of scotland- Hungary, Budapest is often a fairytale city in Eastern Europe. The city itself is separated from the 19th-century Chain Bridge that connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest-hence the name Budapest." Photographing Vernazza in Cinque Terre. Photographing Vernazza in Cinque Terre. GETTY 47. Cinque Terre, Italy: "Is there anything prettier than the therapy lamp of centuries-old seaside villages about the rugged Italian Riviera coastline? The five towns (Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare) are made for bucket lists." 48. Buenos Aires, Argentina: "Bookstores occur palatial theatres, tango dancing within the streets and brightly painted neighborhoods. These are just some of the thing that makes Buenos Aires so beautiful." 49. Las Vegas: "With the bright lights, party atmosphere and endless what to see and do, it’s it's no surprise that that Las Vegas has become a glittering global tourism destination. Take a chance inside the casinos prior to the early hours or see world-class entertainment." 50: Matterhorn, Switzerland: "The Matterhorn is one with the world’s most iconic peaks-the pyramid-shaped mountain, that's very difficult to climb, is considered to get the most-photographed mountain inside world." For details on Free Vacation Rental Listings take a look at https://vacationrentalsbyowner.page.tl/Free-Vacation-Rental-Listings.htm http://vacationrentalwonderland.jigsy.com/ http://vacationrentalslist.website2.me/ http://im-creator.com/free/vacationrentalsbyowner/vacationrentalsbyowner https://5e6b6fcf17666.site123.me/blog/vacation-rentals-by-owner

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Masturbate and Feel Good

Masturbate and Feel Good

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Certainly not. 00% of men and 70% of females masturbate according to be able to various scientific studies. The problem lies in the acknowledgement of the fact that will you masturbate. Without a doubt the story... a story about you. One night you were sitting only inside your apartment eating french fries. You decided to check out a number of new internet sites on the net when you eat. So you journal on to your ISP and also start surfing. Inadvertently, you discover some piece of pornography(yes, the internet is quite entire of it! ) Seeking at those erotic (and often downright nasty photos) you feel a tingley between your legs. One matter leads to an additional and you end up spoiling your current underpants. Now permit me tell you a different story. best pocket pussy One night you're sitting alone in some sort of club drinking beer. And also then a most stunning person penetrates the nightclub. The person that will cause tingling between your thighs just taking a look at him or perhaps her. You decide which you can't let go of this particular opportunity to get to help know this creation regarding god. Therefore you move toward this person and begin modest talk. One thing causes another and you finish up in your current house. Whether you are a new woman or a man, the next morning an individual wouldn't be jumping using delight in the first case. When you go available in the morning to meet your friends, an individual would definitely not tell these individuals about the hot internet site you found and precisely how a person jerked off to it. Nonetheless, in the particular second case, you'd be better with informing anyone who cared for to listen how you had essentially the most wonderful experience associated with your life yesterday evening. Precisely why? Well, maybe mainly because self pleasure is, nicely, practically nothing special. You can complete the idea anytime you wish. Of course seducing typically the person of your aspirations is pretty an accomplishment. Not any wonder you will need an audience. But what for those who have a new friend like me. An associate who is crazy plenty of might you did an individual wank off yesterday night time? Has been it good? Exactly what will you do then? Will you tell your friend with regards to the hot site in addition to your experience? Would an individual simply say, "Yeah! This was excellent! What concerning you? " Or will you pretend nothing possessed happened and lie... similar to you were somewhere in addition yesterday night, or might be lead your buddy to be able to believe you got happy using someone? I was guessing you would do the latter. Most certainly you'll not acknowledge the act associated with masturbation. Rather you would avert the question along with alter the topic. And when your buddy tells anyone about a hot conquest the same night, you actually would want a serving of water when you can drown. Shame as well as remorse would come over a person and you would transform the issue in double quick period. Are you crazy? Noway! You are only one of the bulk. And an amazing majority in that! Way more the vast majority that what George Rose bush had in the final elections! The main reason -social physical fitness! You are the same as the youngster who ran out from the movie theater hall that was screening process an adult film (mind anyone, he had simply no business to be there throughout the first place! However each of the cinemas care in relation to is the great deals of their tickets! ) Later in the day, typically the buddy who had recently been at the movies along with him, caught up having the dog and asked, "Why inside hell's name do a person run out? " The youngster answered, "My mom said that if I watched a woman acquiring naked I would change to stone. And damn you Harry, a portion of me was already evolving into stone! " Unluckily, the social conditioning is inappropriate. It is since wrong as the social problem in 18-19th one hundred year China, where widows have been forced to burn living along with their husbands. As completely wrong as the church ended up being in using up Galileo for implying mother nature was certainly not the centre in the whole world. Lily Tomlin put it greatest, "We have reasons to believe that man first strolled upright to free their hands for masturbation! very well If god didn't would like us to masturbate, perhaps we would still end up being walking just like dogs along with horses! Often the social physical fitness is a result involving numerous myths, lies along with cons perpetrated by a number of individuals for personal profit. Unfortunately, this specific conditioning is usually like a hard fanatic, very tough to fracture. However, with effort along with chanelising your energies, you may break it. Remember, the nuts that crack the toughest, are often the people that taste the best! You must be wondering, what sort of hell does it make a difference if you feel guilty about fleshlight. Have to spend time splitting this cased characters? Certain objective believe that shame conscious, whether sexual shame or in any other application form, is the most destructive element to your mental well being. Others believe it is one regarding the most destructive. Yet the very best effect regarding guilt conscious in my opinion offers been a lack involving confidence inside self. Right now you are an clever reader. I don't have to have to make clear you the particular importance of self self confidence. Whether it be your career, human relationships or any additional aspect of life, lack associated with self confidence can bring your personal downfall. Now I am not really implying that should you start to feel more comfy regarding masturbation, you will succeed in most elements of life. But that would be a nice step to help take. An useless guilt that should, and is eradicated from your mind. Bear in mind, an ocean is created of little droplets regarding water. Eliminate a decline at a time as due time, the underwater would be empty! Connected with course it would take many millennia! Luckily, you have a tendency have an ocean full of guily! Just some naggings here and there! The first stage towards eradication in this guilt is knowledge. You will find thousands of myths around fleshlight. Most of them perpetrated by faith, unfortunately. But some perpetrated by means of hoax runners. Lets look into often the most important ones. 1. Fleshlight is against typically the will regarding god. Hokum. At one point the church considered anyone who all was overtly zealous in order to his wife a great adultrater. Follow that educating and also your wife would become carrying out adultery! Several clergymen have hot on record to help say in which not solely the church's teachings concerning sexuality were unconnected to the scriptures, but they will caused more harm when compared with good amongst people. Apart from, nowhere in the spiritual teachings of any main beliefs is masturbation deemed completely wrong. 2. Masturbation can cause erectile dysfunction. Most males and even some ladies seem to think consequently. Wrong again. Lets tackle the males first. Its understandable that seeing their sperm flow out associated with their body, they think the idea may end sometimes. Effectively, it will end eventually... maybe when you are generally 100 years old. But until then don't be anxious. Your sperm bank is quite unlike Standard Chartered. You have unlimited credit here! Orgasm is a completely replenishable useful resource, renewable on the hourly base! For girls, well, there is not any time frame in the idea. Probably perpetrated by previous ladies who also never got an ejaculation in all their entire life! three or more. Fleshlight causes acne, hair loss, skin diseases. This one is usually my favorite. Mainly because it is one of several better scams of all times! Your own social conditioning would certainly have you imagine that masturbation is bad for your health. But negative how? No person would supply you a satisfying response! Now some scam musicians saw this as a great fine opportunity to easily sell their products like hair growth lotions, etc. Given that most people start masturbating in their teens, (the times of acne and various other skin problems), they would get you believe that this kind of is attributable to masturbation! Unfortunately for them, this can be as untrue as the sunshine rising from the west! Masturbation has no physical side effects! several. Masturbating will make you slender and skinny! Then there is no need for diet regime pills and health and fitness regimes my friend! And many surely 70% of UNITED STATES more than likely be overweight! 5. Solely Kids masturbate! The reason why would you say that? We wonder! Very well quite false, most adults masturbate... yes even after marital life! a few. Masturbation is for guys. And it is regarding 70% of the women also. That's right, 2/3 regarding all females masturbate! several. Only losers masturbate! Another of my favorites. Merely goes to show just how much of any taboo is masturbation! Initial thing, 99% of males in addition to seventy percent of females have got masturbated at least once throughout their existence. Now which is a hell of your lot of losers avoid you assume! Nothing a lot more that I can add genuinely... this is really the particular quintessential insecurity amongst folks regarding self pleasure. 7. Masturbation is for homosexuals. Wow. Exactly where did which one originate! Someone must make a etymology of those myths, would make regarding an useful read! Merely as untrue while all of these myths, masturbation along with homosexuality have nothing in keeping. Some people masturbate to their fantasies of reverse sex, other individuals to their own fantasies of very same intercourse. That's it. in search of. Masturbation will make you sightless! Others claim that masturbation is usually bad for your own personal eyesight. Nevertheless , their says are unsupported by specifics and healthcare advice. My spouse and i suggest you talk to help your general physician in addition to he will make clear you what a load associated with bull this is. 10. Fleshlight changes the condition of your shaft Effectively, it does make it steel solid. But believe myself, after you orgasm, the solidity is finished! So no. Fleshlight offers absolutely no result on how the penis appearance.

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Masturbate and Feel Good

Masturbate and Feel Good

sasha grey masturbator "Masturbation... is not approved of the Lord none this cathedral, regardless of what could be said by those in whose 'norms' are lower", Chief executive Kimball of the Ceremony associated with Jesus Christ connected with Latter-Day New orleans saints (1981) "Every sperm is actually sacred. Every sperm is excellent. If the sperm is squandered, Our god gets quite irate. inch Monty Python's What it means regarding Life. A price generally used by various chapels in an effort for you to contain illicit serves amongst its people. Every single monserga on masturbation might quote it, at least all the sermons I have noticed. Within the circumstances, is it difficult to picture masturbation as one of the actual biggest taboos in our own society? Even today? Medical education has done a new little to change it. Does that mean women and men no longer masturbate? Certainly not. 99% of men and 70% of females masturbate according to various studies. The challenge lies in the acceptance of the fact this you masturbate. Actually a new story... a story about you. 1 night a person were sitting alone throughout your apartment eating french fries. You decided to look at out some new web sites on the net while you eat. So you diary on to your internet connection and also start surfing. Inadvertently, you come across some piece of pornography(yes, online is quite whole of it! ) Looking at those erotic (and often downright nasty photos) you feel a tingley amongst the legs. One factor leads to an additional in addition to you end up going bad your own underpants. Now enable me tell you one more story. best masturbator One night you had been sitting alone in any pub drinking beer. In addition to then a most lovely person goes in the bar. The person that causes tingling between your hip and legs just considering him or her. You decide that you can't get rid of this particular opportunity to get to know fantastic creation of god. And that means you move in the direction of this person and commence little talk. One thing brings about another and you finish up in your own condominium. Whether you are any woman or perhaps a man, often the next morning you actually more than likely be jumping along with happiness in the first circumstance. When you go out there in the night in order to meet your friends, you actually would not tell these about the hot internet site you found and just how anyone jerked off for you to it. Nonetheless, in the particular second case, you'd be better with informing anyone who cared to be able to listen how you possessed one of the most wonderful experience connected with your life yesterday. The reason? Well, maybe simply because do it yourself pleasure is, effectively, almost nothing special. You can complete that anytime you need. Of course seducing the person of your wishes is very an accomplishment. Zero wonder you may need an viewers. But what if you have some sort of friend like me. A pal who is crazy enough to ask you did a person wank off yesterday nights? Has been it good? What will you do then? Would likely you inform your friend about the hot internet site and also your experience? Would a person easily say, "Yeah! This was good! What concerning you? " Or even will you pretend nothing possessed happened and lie... something like you were somewhere else yesterday night, or maybe lead your friend to be able to believe you got happy having someone? I are guessing you would probably do often the latter. Most certainly you may not acknowledge the act involving masturbation. Rather you will avert the question in addition to change the topic. And when your close friend tells a person about a hot cure the same night, a person would wish you had a dish of water when you may drown. Shame in addition to guilt would come over you and you would transform the topic in double quick time. Are you crazy? Noway! You will be just one of the majority. And quite a majority with that! Way more the vast majority that what George Rose bush had in the continue elections! The reason why -social health! You are similar to the youngster who ran out of your theatre hall that was testing an adult film (mind an individual, he had zero business of a person there inside the first place! Nevertheless all the cinemas care in relation to is the selling connected with their tickets! ) Later on in the day, the actual pal who had recently been at the movies having him, caught up along with him or her and asked, "Why from the hell's name do an individual run out? " The child answered, "My mom explained that if I watched a woman obtaining naked I would transform to gemstone. And really you Harry, a aspect of me was actually turning into stone! " Unfortunately, the social conditioning is actually inappropriate. It is since wrong as being the social situation in 18-19th hundred years Indian, where widows were obligated to burn still living with their husbands. As drastically wrong as the church has been in burning up Galileo to get implying the Earth was not really the centre with the galaxy. Lily Tomlin put it greatest, "We have great believe that man first strolled upright to free the hands for masturbation! " If god didn't desire us to masturbate, might be we would still become walking such as dogs in addition to horses! Often the social health is a result of several myths, lies along with frauds perpetrated by several individuals with regard to personal help. Unfortunately, that conditioning will be like a hard nut, very tough to fracture. However, with effort along with chanelising your energies, you can break it. Remember, often the nuts that crack the toughest, are often the people that taste the top! A person must be wondering, what sort of hell does it make a difference if you believe guilty about fleshlight. Why should you spend time smashing this cased characters? Certain clinical psychologists believe that remorse mindful, whether sexual sense of guilt or maybe in any other application form, is the most detrimental element for the mental wellness. Others believe it is one of the most destructive. However the biggest effect connected with guilt conscious if you ask me provides been a lack of confidence with self. Right now you are an smart reader. I don't need to describe you the actual importance of self assurance. Be it your career, romantic relationships or any different aspect of life, lack associated with self-confidence can bring your current downfall. Now I am not implying that will you start to feel more relaxed with regards to masturbation, you would certainly succeed in most factors of life. But it might be a nice step to help take. A useless sense of guilt that should, and will be exterminated from your mind. Keep in mind, an ocean is manufactured of small droplets associated with water. Do away with a decline at a time and due time, the underwater would be empty! Connected with course it would take a number of millennia! Fortunately, you don't have an ocean brimming with guily! Just some naggings in some places! The first step towards eradication of this shame is knowledge. There are actually thousands of myths around masturbation. Most of them perpetrated by foi, unfortunately. Although some perpetrated by means of fraud runners. Lets take a look at often the most important ones. one. Fleshlight is against the particular will regarding god. Hokum. At one particular point typically the church regarded anyone who was overtly enthusiastic to help his wife a great adultrater. Follow that educating in addition to your wife would end up being committing adultery! Several clergymen have become on record to be able to say that not simply the church's coaching concerning sexuality were unrelated to help the scriptures, but they will caused more harm in comparison with good amongst people. In addition to, nowhere in the non secular theories of any major religions is masturbation deemed inappropriate. 2. Masturbation will probably cause erectile dysfunction. Most males and even several girls seem to think consequently. Wrong again. Lets undertake the repair of the males first. It truly is understandable that seeing their own sperm flow out associated with themselves, they think it may end at some point. Nicely, it will end 1 day... maybe when you are generally 100 years old. Although until then don't worry. Your sperm bank is fairly unlike Standard Chartered. You might have unlimited credit here! Ejaculate is a completely alternative learning resource, renewable on a great hourly schedule! For ladies, well, there is zero basis in the idea. Probably perpetrated by aged ladies who never had an orgasm in their very own entire life! a few. Fleshlight causes acne, baldness, skin area diseases. This one is my favorite. Mainly due to the fact it is one of many better scams of all occasions! Your social conditioning might have you feel that fleshlight is not particularly healthy. But poor how? Not a soul would offer you a satisfying answer! Now some scam music artists saw this as a great good opportunity to will sell their products like frizzy hair growth lotions, etc. Due to the fact most people start masturbating during their teens, (the occasions of pimple and additional skin problems), they would possess you believe that that is caused by masturbation! Unfortunately for them, it is because untrue as the sunlight rising from the to the west! Fleshlight has no real side effects! 5. Masturbating will make you slender and skinny! Then there is no need for diet program pills and fitness routines my friend! And nearly all certainly 70% of STATES wouldn't be overweight! your five. Solely Kids masturbate! The reason why do you say that? My spouse and i wonder! Effectively quite incorrect, most grownups masturbate... yes even after marital relationship! six. Masturbation is for adult males. And it is regarding 70% from the women far too. That's right, 2/3 involving all females masturbate! 7. Only losers masturbate! A different of my favorites. Just simply goes to show merely how much of the taboo is masturbation! First thing, 00% of males and also 70 percent of females include masturbated at least once within their lifestyles. Now which is a hell of the lot of losers avoid you assume! Nothing a lot more that I can add truly... this is really the particular supreme insecurity amongst persons about self pleasure. eight. Fleshlight is for homosexuals. Wow. Exactly where did this one originate! A person should make a etymology of these myths, would make regarding an useful read! Only as untrue as most these myths, masturbation and homosexuality have nothing in keeping. Some people masturbate to be able to their fantasies of other sex, other people to their fantasies of exact same love-making. That's it. on the lookout for. Masturbation will make you sightless! Others claim that fleshlight is bad for your own personal eyesight. However , their claims are unsupported by information and health advice. I suggest you talk in order to your typical physician along with he will reveal anyone what a load of bull this is. 15. Masturbation changes the form of your penile Properly, it does make the idea rock hard. But believe myself, once you orgasm, the hardness is fully gone! So no. Fleshlight provides absolutely no impact on how your penis seems.

[i-lotusbee-blog]

Cabo Da Rama Fort Or Cape Rama Fort - An Icon Fort In Goa

If you use established track record magic words then you will find the desired thing around India. One of the very most famous trek route on the inside state is Goechala journey. In case you for you to visit Rome you tend to be interested the actual planet tours of Rome. Walking tours of Rome describe well the opportunities an individual in case you agreed to visit the famous capital: Rome.

Jimmy: The obstacle may be living in Delaware. Actually it's an obstacle, but it is also kind of cool because there's not much competition. Say we're an unique York band, could we make versus each other? I don't know. It's getting people to you by a such a Small Sate In India Sate In India.

I know many markets in the united states have not felt our passion for hockey but it can be a great game that is our national pastime, some have said obsession. Canada is country that in relative terms is sparsely alluring. In fact one of the largest and smallest state in india and smallest state in india Canada has less than 30 million people. Lots of the human population are in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Calgary. Each city has an NHL franchise with fans that possess a burning desire for hockey and sports normally.

Seychelles (107 square miles) - A honeymooner's dream, the country is derived from 115 islands occupying a land area with any one of the world's rarest types of flora and fauna. Look for Coco-de-mer, biggest seed regarding world too as the jellyfish woods.

This is one kind of the coolest things I've ever experienced. I propose this for an awesome adventure, a great vacation, or an all around great live through. This is my number one destination. Matacanes is a number of underwater caves, and natural springs. You'd spend all day going through them along with a guide, as they're "too dangerous" to go alone. Uncover a bargain is around $100 dollars, but usually well this. You get to cliff dive, swim, swim under caves, and in the good nature scenery in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Afterwards, it in your own home to look for a great bar in the Bario Antiguo downtown area of Monterrey, and grab the reason buddies a few beers. They serve from local brewery, the Sierra Nevada brewery, and one of many best beers I recommend there is Indo.

The earliest know inhabitants of Sikkim are Lepchas. It was later that Bhutias from Tibet and Nepalis found Sikkim. Gangtok is the administrative centre of the smallest state in india by population, and in addition the most important city. This beautiful capital city lies on a ridge, as well as can also relish the view of Kanchendzonga from there.

Located onto the coast, Portsmouth is an old but relevant New England town along with a bevy of colonial architecture and draw. Portsmouth Harbor seems as if finally something from your a post card with red brick buildings and colonial white churches crowding the . The city has two dominant charms of note. First, it appears as though it hasn't grown in size much this last hundred years. Second, wishes truly an american city with a modest town atmosphere. People are friendly and the great starting point raise a family if are able to afford it.

Most of times there can some bargaining before ultimate price is offered. It is extremely important a person pay close attention during this process. This is where the casino dealer will likely introduce warranties, extras as well as other things which can affect couple of. A Maryland dealer may come way documented on the price but renew it as well as other types of fees or extras. Discover more about the Infiniti Dealer in Baltimore. Be sure you know just what you are paying just for. Goa is a most famous tour place in Indian Territory because this is the very beautiful place which gifted by God. Goa state is a smallest state of Indian country which only has two districts. First goan district name is south Goa and second north Goa. Goan state location is western cost of Japan. Goan two sides surrounded by Karnataka and Maharastra states. It is one side included in Arabic sea. It has numbers of natural beaches which are attractive tourists of all over world.

Nashville possesses an interesting culture, with country music and the city's history right at the forefront. There are many great restaurants in the city as well, offering an enormous collection of food styles. Imagining visiting the Northeast to the vacation? You may have to consider seeing the towns of Providence and Newport, both in Rhode Rural or seaside. It may be the smallest state in india by population state in india by population in union, but Rhode Island has a lot to offer tourists.

10 - Sudan (967,498 sq. miles) - Situated in northern Africa, Sudan could be the largest country on photography equipment and biggest country from the Arab market. Sudan is the home of one for this world's oldest civilizations and has a population of around 42 million people.

Penang is a Small Sate In India Sate In India having around 1,000 square mileage. It should be easy to find the location in want to maintain or where you want to have an account. The most thing you should remember is that it should be near the facilities and amenities among the state in the event you looking to find a residential attribute. If what you are in need of is a commercial property, you should choose one that is within an area high are the majority. Maybe you could choose those that near in order to areas or near several neighborhoods.

China includes a very large land-areal, appeared one for the largest and smallest state in india and smallest state in india, for this reason the climate is very different across australia. Some places it can be snow while it is summer and sun in others. A good tips is to discover the time of travel directly.

That's why for our little state, finding a law firm that's a ten-minute drive away is indeed , important. Residents of other states scratch their heads at this trait. Are now living in Warwick and drive to Providence to have lawyer? Carry out you crazy? Even though it's only fifteen minute drive, most of the people won't offer it. They want someone close by, someone may be easily drive to.

There are plenty of tour operators online, that can assist you form proper Sikkim Tour Postal mail. Come to this land to obtain completely lost in its glory and rich modern culture. Everything is so unique and thus fresh regarding this place. Penang is often a small state having around 1,000 square kilometers. The Chapora fort is a popular destination certainly is the cathedrals seen in Old Goa. Hailing from Utah he sings "Feeling Good" in a sort of sultry way. It is responsible for nearly 40 percent of the world's mail transmission. Everyday you expend campus will give you an opportunity to network. Training dvd . is around $100 dollars, but appeared well this. the leela kempinski goa, india holidays find good hotels, enjoy goa tourism, goa carnival tours, honeymoon destination india destination tips, travel, travel & leisure, travel and leisure, city guides and information, self improvement, real estate, local, travel tips, television, people, music, movies, books, entertainment, politics, opinion and editorial, history, news, home and family, destinations, gardening, decorating & design, home improvement, finance, green, food & wine, education, dating & relationships, crafts & hobbies, beauty, lifestyle, reference and education, dating, relationships, food and drink, news and society, hotels and lodging, arts and entertainment, investing, automotive They call me Mildred. Collecting kites is something he really enjoys doing. Louisiana is where our residence is. Her job is often a messenger.

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7 Most Mysterious Places on Earth That Nobody Can Explain

7 Most Mysterious Places on Earth That Nobody Can Explain

  If science is so advanced today that it can explain even the most irrational situations and demystify popular legends and deeply held beliefs, some places on the other hand escape it.

With over 4.5 billion years to his credit,Mother Nature knows perfectly how to maintain its mystery and keep its oldest secrets, abandoning us to unexplained phenomena, singular discoveries but especially places too strange to be true …

  7. Lake Natron

Located in northern Tanzania, Lake Natron is a peaceful lake in East Africa, at least when it is at its highest level.

Once its level goes down, one can see there dead animals literally frozen on the spot, in the manner of statues of stones. This is the experience experienced by the English photographer Nick Brandt while visiting Lake Natron: eagles, doves, magpies, songbirds, Flemings and bats petrified on the spot, as paralyzed in the space and in time.

Most of the corpses are so intact that they still have their hair and all their organs, allowing Nick Brandt to make a portfolio of unparalleled beauty and a photo book entitled “Across the ravaged land” where it says, “Nobody knows for sure how these animals die,but it seems that the highly reflective nature of the surface of the lake disturbs them, causing them to crash on the lake. “

It is true that Lake Natron is famous for hosting only very rare species: apart from a few Flemings, fish, algae and bacteria, no animals venture there. With a temperature that can reach 60 degrees and its extremely high salt content with a pH of 10.5, life is virtually impossible.

So impossible that animals that accidentally come into contact with its water die instantly and calcify, which is why, once dry, the corpses remain intact.

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  6. The Underwater Cave of Actun Sac

Although discovered in 1987 in the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, it took more than 30 years to confirm that the Sac Actun submarine cave is the largest in the world.

A labyrinth flooded, the team responsible for studying the area, formerly Maya (“Gran Acuifero Maya Project”) has detected an underwater network that stretches for no less than 350 kilometers, more than 100 meters deep.

Another surprising discovery, divers and archaeologists found human remains, including skulls and bones dating from the time of the Mayan civilization.These will undeniably help to learn more about the habits and rituals of the people who have disappeared today, explains project director Gran Acuifero Maya and archaeologist plunger Guillermo de Anda: “This allows us to appreciate a lot more clearly how the rituals,the places of pilgrimage and finally the great pre-Hispanic colonies that we know have emerged “

  5. The monument of Yonaguni

Discovered in 1987 by diver Kihachiro Aratake, the Yonaguni monument is an underwater sandstone structure located in the waters of the Japanese Yonaguni Island.

If until then everything seems perfectly normal,you must know that this structure is so perfect that it strongly suggests that it is in fact an old human construction, perhaps even prehistoric according to some scientists.

Consisting of two pillars measuring no less than 25 meters in height, a wide platform in the shape of a star, steps,a road as well as a wall, everything suggests that the monument would have been a city now engulfed.

However, no tangible evidence confirms or even contradicts this theory but many scientists agree that it is perfectly natural, formed by the many earthquakes that are raging in the region. Moreover, it would not be the first time that natural rocks display such regular shapes that they seem to be carved by man, such as basaltic organs or manganese nodules. Natural or vestiges of a city that has disappeared today, the mystery around the Yonaguni monument remains intact …

  4. The eternal flame of Chestnut Ridge Park

The phenomenon of eternal flame may be relatively common, it can occur only in the presence of shale gas and therefore old rocks whose temperature must imperatively approach 100 degrees.

Only,a team of scientists from Indiana University has made a startling discovery: the rocks of Chestnut Ridge Park that shelter the eternal flame of New York are not hot enough for such a process to occur.

Located just behind a waterfall, researchers are perplexed by this situation,not understanding how the eternal flame has been kept burning for so many generations if the temperature of the nearby rocks is “barely hotter than a cup of tea,” says Dr. Geert and researcher Arndt Schimmelmann.

  3. Kliluk Lake

Located in British Columbia, Canada, not far from the city of Osoyoos, Kliluk Lake is unique in the world: completely spotted, so it reveals large colored dots that change color as the seasons go by. But behind its almost supernatural appearance hides a simple scientific explanation: concentrated in minerals (including magnesium, sodium sulphate and calcium) deposits form on the surface of the lake when the water evaporates slowly in summer, leaving appear big tasks sometimes yellow,sometimes green and sometimes just slightly lighter than the rest of the water.

Be that as it may, Kliluk Lake is so singular that popular legend says that this lake is sacred and full of magic.

  2. Caño Cristales

It is in Colombia that Caño Cristales, which can be translated as “creek of crystals”, continues to amaze visitors.

Widely described as, being the most beautiful river in the world, its 100 kilometers shelter no less than five different colors: yellow, red, blue,green and orange mix perfectly like a real rainbow.

Lively and breathtakingly beautiful, these colors are due to the presence of small plants called “macarenia clavigera” that grow on the bed of Caño Cristales and whose color depends entirely on its degree of exposure to the sun.

  1. The Cathedral of Silfra

Located in Iceland, the Silfra Cathedral (also known as the Silfra Fault) is a natural icy fissure that allows divers to swim between two continents, just over 60 meters deep.

If she is so special,because it’s the only place in the world where you can find exactly two tectonic plates: the 20,000 or so annual divers who go there can touch North America with one hand , and on the other Europe.

And because Mother Nature does not do a geological miracle until half the water flowing in Silfra Cathedral is so pure that it can be drunk without the need for special treatment: naturally filtered through an underground lava, it is so clear that the sunlight penetrates it willingly.

  source https://hashtag3r.com/mysterious-places-on-earth-that-nobody-can-explain/

#hashtag3r.com

[cynthiabryanuk]

5 Lesser-Known European Islands You Have to Visit

When you think of a European island paradise, places like Santorini, Ibiza and Capri probably come to mind—but there’s so much more to explore! We’re featuring five off-the-beaten-path islands that aren’t usually a traveller’s first thought. Each of these islands offers breathtaking scenery, incredible activities and attractions, plus a wealth of rental homes available to book right here on Holiday Lettings.

Staying in a rental is a great way to get more value. You’ll enjoy extra living space, a full kitchen for home-cooked meals, laundry, and amenities like a pool, hot tub, or private outdoor area to take in those unreal views! Be sure to check out Holiday Lettings’ great rental options as you plan your visit to one of these European islands. We’re also featuring top in-destination tours, activities, and attractions to experience once you arrive.

Here are five gorgeous European islands worthy of your bucket list. Experiences provided by our friends at TripAdvisor.

Corfu, Greece

While Santorini and Mykonos tend to be the best-known of the Greek isles, the small island of Corfu (just 226 square miles) is definitely a contender. Best part? You can do it all in three days.

When To Go

There’s really no bad time to visit the Mediterranean, weather-wise, but if you’re looking to take a dip in that gorgeous turquoise water, be sure to go in the summer. If you’d rather avoid tourist season, spring and fall are prime times for total relaxation.

What To Do

History buffs will love exploring ancient churches and the remains of Venetian fortresses and Greek temples. Wander the ancient streets of the Roman village of Kassiopi or explore the central Esplanade of the eponymous Corfu Town.

Lather yourself in mineral mud on the shore of the Canal D’Amour. Legend has it that the waterfalls of Nymphes would attract mythological beauties of the same name, who would flock to the village to bathe in the pristine waters.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with just stretching out one of the island’s beaches, like Paleokastritsa Beach.

“Water is really blue. Not so crowded. If you need relax, beautiful views, good food, nice people around, it’s perfect.” – TripAdvisor traveler EkaterinaV900.

Where To Stay

Beach House Rena

Check out all Holiday Lettings rentals in Corfu!

Island of Malta

A trip to the island of Malta is like stepping back to the 16th century. The capital city of Valletta is teeming with cathedrals, palaces and forts. The top archaeological attraction is the Hypogeum temple ruins, a macabre, 5400-square-foot underground necropolis and the world’s only underground prehistoric temple. (Trivia fact: “Game of Thrones” scenes have been filmed here.)

When To Go

Optimal months to visit Malta are May and June, when the temperatures are most pleasant. The summer months are popular among tourists, but can get very hot and humid. The winter months are good for those who like crisp temperatures (temps rarely dip below the 50s Fahrenheit), but pack an umbrella just in case ­– winter is also Malta’s rainy season.

What To Do

Attention “Game of Thrones Fans” fans: This is your kind of vacation. Many G.O.T. scenes are filmed in Malta, and there are tours that will take you to the famous locales.

Malta Film Tours

Of course, there are plenty of excursions for non-GOT fans too, from ruins and historic buildings to gardens and boat tours.

Where To Stay

Villa Blue Waters

Check out all Holiday Lettings rentals in Malta!

Menorca, Spain

Ibiza and Mallorca are the holiday bigwigs of Spain’s Balearic Islands – but for those who seek a more low-key holiday with just as much natural beauty, Menorca is a great option. Like its sister islands, Menorca boasts turquoise waters, rocky coves or “calas” and endless beaches. The capital city of Mahon sits on a bluff overlooking the city’s harbor.

When To Go

Though it may be a little less crowded than Mallorca and less of a party scene than Ibiza, Menorca is still bumping in the summer. July and August tend to be the most popular months, so go then if you’re looking for a more social vibe. Those who want a truly serene holiday might want to go in early summer, when the weather is warm enough for the beach, but the crowds haven’t settled in yet. Of course, Menorca’s location in the Mediterranean means that beautiful weather is a year-round reality, so there’s really no bad time to go.

What To Do

The number-one thing to do in Menorca is go to the beach. Nature lovers will enjoy Cala Pregonda, a wild beach with crystal-clear water and beautiful rock formations – and just a 30-minute hike from the main road.

“We felt the walk there was part of the experience. unusual rock colours and chances to spot wildlife. Shorter walk than to Cala Pilar and no tough gradients, though we would recommend sensible footwear. Rewarded by a beautiful, relatively uncrowded beach with superb swimming. Crystal clear water and protected from the considerable waves that other beaches were getting that day on the north coast of the island.” – TripAdvisor traveler 784neilt.

Cala Pregonda

For an easier beach trip, head to Playa de Son Bou – known for its soft white sand and that same crystal-clear water as Cala Pregonda (just without the hike.) Holidaymakers come here for sunbathing, water sports and boating.

Off the beach, be sure to explore the area’s incredible ancient churches – and check out the restaurants and shops in the main city of Mahon.

Where To Stay

El Alcor Apartment

Check out all Holiday Lettings rentals in Menorca!

The Azores, Portugal

This volcanic archipelago sits in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal. With a gorgeous landscape of lakes, volcanic caves and lush mountains and pastures, the Azores are the perfect destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. And while all of the islands are certainly worth seeing – if there’s only time for one, head to the biggest and most bustling, Sau Miguel.

When To Go

Because you’ll want to be outside most of the time on a tip to the Azores, the summer months are the best time to go, weather-wise. From June through September, temperatures are usually in the 70s Fahrenheit – and in the winter, they generally don’t dip below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that winter is the rainy season, so if you do go then, be sure to pack waterproof gear.

What To Do

There’s so much to do in the Azores, from hiking to watersports and relaxing by the beach. One of the top attractions is the village of Furnas on São Miguel. Here, you can relax in the natural hot springs, gaze at the beautiful hydrangea fields and eat “cozido das furnasa”, which is a meal cooked underground (travelers recommend getting this at Tony’s).

Europe’s only tea plantation, Chá Gorreana, is also located on São Miguel.

Gorreana Tea Plantation

“A visit to the Gorreana Chá pantation and processing plant is throw back to a time in history, when “organic” tea production was started in the 19th century in the island of São Miguel.” – TripAdvisor traveler corisco7444.

Where To Stay

São Miguel Apartment

Check out all Holiday Lettings rentals in the Azores!

Isola d’Ischia, Italy

Mention of an Italian beach holiday might bring to mind images of the Amalfi Coast, but the volcanic island of Ischia, located in the Gulf of Naples, is a lesser-known paradise.

Surrounded by turquoise water, the island is rich with colorful architecture, natural wonders like the hot springs at Maronti Beach, historic Roman ruins and even a medieval castle.

When To Go

Plan your Ischia trip for the summer, when hot sunny days turn into balmy nights perfect for dining al fresco and strolling the town streets. You’ll find pleasant weather April through August; July and August are the hottest month of the year with temperatures rising into the 80s Fahrenheit. The winter months, on the other hand, tend to be cold and rainy.

What To Do

The largest city on the island of Ischia is also named Ischia. The city is divided into two; the first part, Ischia Porto, is a harbor and the commercial center of the island. Here you’ll find colorful restaurants and bars, shopping and the Museo del Mare (it’s especially popular among seafarers). The other part of the city, Ischia Ponte, is the historic district and home to Castello Aragonese, an ancient castle that almost appears to rise from the sea on a stone bluff. Head to the top for amazing, far-reaching views.

Castello Aragonese

“The Aragonese Castle is the most intriguing place in Ischia. The views are simply gorgeous and there is a lot to see. There are always interesting art exhibitions in some rooms. The burial crypt of the monastery is quite impressive.” – TripAdvisor traveler MilediBiella.

For sunbathing and swimming, Maronti Beach and La Spiaggia e la Baia di Cartaromana are popular beaches. There’s also a big spa scene in Ischia for even more R&R. Adventurers can explore the area by Vespa, boat or even underwater, thanks to scuba and snorkeling tours.

Where To Stay

Fisherman’s Village Rental

Check out all Holiday Lettings rentals in Isola d’Ischia!

The post 5 Lesser-Known European Islands You Have to Visit appeared first on Holiday Lettings Blog.

from News And Tips For Traveling https://blog.holidaylettings.co.uk/5-lesser-known-european-islands-visit/

[joannemaly]

Grab a coffee and Doughnut and Get Comfy to Read The Coolest Photography Links Of The Week

We have had another great week in the field of photography, with artists and writers creating and sharing some great content for photography enthusiasts everywhere. This weeks list is full of tutorials, special features and great photography, with something here for everyone. We really hope you enjoy these links as much as the Toad did in creating and bringing this list to you.

TUTORIALS

Taking Control Of Auto Modes – almost everyone struggles with the technical aspects of photography when starting out, with many of the settings available on a modern camera resembling some form of voodoo magic. This article is posted here on Light Stalking, and it discusses some of the simpler ways you can begin to take control of your camera as you learn and grow in your craft, resulting in great shots and a better sense of confidence while you are shooting.

Stuart Rankin

Natural Light vs Off Camera Flash: Two Photographers Shoot the Same Model – it’s great to be able to see side-by-side the differences that shooting in natural light versus off-camera flash has in the realm of portrait photography. Two photographers headed outdoors for this session, and each has come away with great shots done in two totally different styles. Which one do you prefer?

You can use these ten tricks to make food look fantastic in photos – learn the deep secrets from the pros who shoot the most mouth-watering food photography you’ve ever seen. The truth of the matter is that in almost all cases, the actual food being photographed is modified or affected in such a way that it is rendered inedible, yet the results on the screen say otherwise.

Claude Bélanger

A Beginner’s Guide to Using Lens Flare Creatively in Photos – some shots work very well when lens flare is included in the composition, as it gives the image a summery and warm look that draws you into the picture. This short video tutorial takes us through how best to include this element in our work for the maximum effect.

Selective Color Effect in Adobe Lightroom – learn how to create a selective color image in this brief video tutorial that walks you through a very quick process of eliminating all colors from a photograph except for the one that you want featured.

Kevin Gill

How to Create Better Portraits for Instagram – Instagram is a very popular platform for sharing photographs these days, and this article discusses how to maximize your potential for getting noticed in the field of portrait photography. These tips are fairly straightforward to follow and a handful of sample shots are included to help illustrate the concepts shared.

Macro Photography: How to photograph Butterflies – capturing great shots of butterflies can be a tricky undertaking inasmuch as finding them and getting them to sit still while you setup is a challenge. This primer article covers a set of brief points that are sure to help you get a headstart as you head out to a local meadow and chase these beautiful little creatures around with your camera.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Photographer Spent 5 Years Capturing the Beauty of Decaying Buildings – for those who love the genre of photography centered around abandoned and weathered structures as much as I do, this is truly a must-see article this week. After having spent 5 years visiting countless countries and sites, this compilation of profound and poignant photographs shares glimpses into places that are likely to disappear too soon.

Amazing film captures biofluorescent turtles underwater at ISO 4.5 Million – as technology advances, things that were thought to be almost impossible just a few short years ago suddenly are a reality today. Check out this amazing special feature that showcases the images and the world that is available to photographers who are using the very latest low-light capable systems.

Official U.S. Navy Page

A Quick History of Color Photography (for Photographers) – the history of photography itself is utterly amazing for enthusiasts of the craft, and this article takes the topic one step further by investigating the story behind the advent of color photography. As the article unfolds, various period pieces are shared showing how the process moved along as the technology unfolded.

GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY

Bramante Staircase – Manjik photography takes us along to the Vatican where the incredible double helix staircase that is well known amongst architecture enthusiasts comes to life on our screens. The deep tones and contrasts exposed in this great shot show off the lines and geometry of this amazing structure in an elegant and beautiful manner.

Bastian_Schmidt

The Vatican – this is another shot in this weeks list that features the epic double helix staircase in the Vatican, with this composition by Mindz.eye taking on a different perspective by using a vertical panorama format. The rich contrasts and tones found in this scene reveals the beautiful lines and geometries this architectural wonder exhibits.

Foggy Polar Bear – Ron Niebrugge shares a stunning shot of an early morning in the north where the fog diffuses the natural light and creates an ethereal atmosphere where a polar bear roams the landscape, creating a dramatic silhouette against the alien atmosphere. This is an amazing shot, full of profound artistic tension as the bear navigates a world that is undergoing morphesis due to climate change.

Daniel Grothe

Sunset at The Empress – Jim Nix visits our humble part of the world where he takes in a wonderful sunset that bathes the front of the world-famous Empress Hotel in golden tones. This majestic, old hotel is well known for the character it adds to our city of Victoria, and Jim’s shot does a terrific job of capturing that in a frame.

Den Gamle By – stroll the ancient streets in Denmark in this shot from Ole Steffensen that feels like a painting. The old buildings are full of character here, perfectly captured in this frame, and the natural weathering from countless years of standing against the elements help to accent this feeling.

Fan D

Trial Sunrise III – Trial Island juts out from the coastline in Victoria, British Columbia, creating a haven in the form of the Trial Islands Ecological Reserve for a local bird population. It also has a lighthouse on it, adding a great element of romance and visual intrigue against the backdrop of the ocean that encircles this wonderful city.

Bled – Morning Time – this breathtaking image is post-processed to highlight the painterly effect found in the warm tones of the natural light with the ancient monastery that sits on the tiny island in the middle of the lake adding context. Rossano Ferrari’s also features a gentle reflection in the lake’s waters, adding a perfect finishing touch to this composition.

driver Photographer

Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – a sad history is captured in this black-and-white image by Michael Criswell who takes us outside of this rare old Kirkbride building, constructed in 1858 and widely believed to be one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in the United States. This incredible old building creates a dramatic presence, holding memories of those who experienced extended stays full of suffering.

Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam – the terraced rice fields of rural Viet Nam create twisting leading lines that guides the viewer into the frame where the beautiful surroundings of the region can be explored. Dale Johnson’s photograph does a perfect job of capturing the essence of the area, revealing a glimpse that could reach back into bygone eras.

Ralf Steinberger

misty mornin' at the marina . . . – we share another shot this week based on the scenes and vistas found on Vancouver Island, this one captured and shared by local photographer ƊƦคƓ๏ƝŦlץƊгєคɱʂ88. This photograph features a marina that has a soft covering of fog as a new day rises to greet the island.

Fogged – a thin veil of fog enshrouds the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the great landscape photograph from Greg Boratyn. As we peer through the fog we see the majestic mountains in the distance that create a dramatic silhouette against the natural beauty of the rich and dense forests that sit at the base of the peaks.

Kim Quyết

the chapel in the cathedral – sweeping lines and wonderful tones cast shadows to create depth and interest in the 800 year old architecture of this gorgeous chapel in Dublin, Ireland, shot and shared here by Frank King. This wonderful place exudes the hundreds of years of history that the walls and pillars hold as countless generations have worshipped here and enjoyed fellowship.

Forest road – autumn time in Bosnia finds us joining Mevludin Sejmenovic as we look down a gravel road framed by beautiful colors in the trees. The ribbon of road guides you into the heart of the frame where a vanishing point presents itself in the distance for a touch of artistic tension.

Graeme Scott

Late Night Lightning – lightning creates a terrific and dramatic element for storm chasing photographers to capture. This shot was taken by Scott Wood in Arizona while he was adventuring with friends during the active storm season, showing us all the power and fury that nature has in store for everyone who lives below the clouds on terra firma.

Follow Through – rich colors and tones pop to life in this amazing shot taken inside sandstone canyons by Peter Coskun Nature Photography. The shadows create a sense of texture and depth in this photograph, and the years of erosion give the scene a terrific sense of natural character.

SpaceX

Twister – Edith Levy visits the fabled canyons of Arizona that are world-famous for the shapes, textures and colors found in the natural formations as light dances off the ancient walls created naturally over time. This composition takes on the form of a tornado as the eye explores the wonderful details found in this frame.

Essential Photos

The Edge of Truth – for everyone who loves dark and ethereal themed images, you won’t want to miss this one this week. This moody shot features a rugged set of cliffs that overlook the ocean below with a woman in a white gown looking out over the perch. Processed as a black-and-white shot, this image delivers all the drama possible in such a scene.

Waterfowl Lake – Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park, Alberta – Len Saltiel captures a stunning landscape shot of a still lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and finds himself at a loss of words to describe the shot in this post. Thankfully the natural beauty of the mountains accompanied by the mirror-like reflection in the lake speaks 1,000 words.

Johannes Nest

Welcome to my church – Martin Podt shares his vision of a church in Germany captured at the height of autumn to take advantage of the beautiful colors in the surrounding foliage of the trees. In the distance we also see dramatic mountains rising to meet the horizon for an added touch of perfection to this composition.

Grand Marais Light, Minnesota – Mark Paulson creates a terrific image with this composition that features a small lighthouse in silhouette against the vibrant colors of sunrise in the sky behind. This is a great shot, full of tranquility and wonder that draws the viewer into it for a retrospective moment.

[Read More ...] Grab a coffee and Doughnut and Get Comfy to Read The Coolest Photography Links Of The Week was originally posted by proton T2a

[viralhottopics]

How warming seas are forcing fish to seek new waters

Rising sea temperatures are pushing shoals hundreds of miles from native grounds

Scottish fishermen have uncovered an intriguing way to supplement their income: they have added squid to the menu of marine creatures they regularly pull from the sea. A species normally associated with the warmth of the Mediterranean, rather than the freezing north, may seem an odd addition to their usual catches of cod and haddock. Nevertheless, squid has become a nice little earner for fishing boats from Aberdeen and the Moray Firth in recent years.

Thirty years ago, squid was a rarity in the North Sea. Today, boats bring back thousands of tonnes a year though cod and haddock still dominate catches. Nor is this warm-water addition to northern fish menus a unique feature. Red mullet, sardines and sea bass have also appeared with increasing frequency in North Sea fishermens nets in recent years. All of them are associated with warmer waters and their appearance is seen by many scientists as a sign that climate change is beginning to have a serious impact on our planets oceans.

For Scottish lovers of fresh squid, this is good news. However, in many other parts of the world, rising sea temperatures triggered by climate change are providing fishing industries and governments with major headaches. Fish are moving hundreds of miles from their old grounds, sometimes out of zones that had been set up to protect them. In other cases, fish are simply disappearing from nets.

Part of the problem has its roots in past overfishing. But now climate change is exacerbating the issue. Last week, scientists revealed that a vast chunk of ice was set to break away from the Antarctic Larsen C ice shelf, while Arctic sea ice extent is now at its lowest level for this time of year since records began.

And if sea temperatures continue to rise, even greater disruption will be caused to fishing stocks. Fishermen will lose their livelihoods and communities will be deprived of their only source of food.

There is an unambiguous trend, said marine biologist Andrew Bakun of Miami University. If you look at the worlds fish catches as a whole, you find they are made up, more and more, of warm-water species as opposed to catches in previous years which had more species that were from cooler waters.

Seafood is the critical source of protein for more than 2.5 billion people today. However, over-exploitation in the past has resulted in a crash in fish stocks, with the result that the worlds annual catch is now decreasing by more than 1 million tonnes every year despite the availability of the latest fishing technology: nets big enough to engulf cathedrals, echo locators, satellite navigation, and powerful engines to drive boats.

Now climate change is making the management of this threatened supply even more difficult. All the worlds oceans are facing intense problems but the problem is going to be particularly serious for tropical countries, which are often underdeveloped and are far less able to maintain sustainable management regimes for their fisheries, said marine biologist Callum Roberts, of York University.

An example is provided by Bangladesh. Fish gives the nation 60% of its animal protein and is vital to the 16 million Bangladeshis living near the coast, a number that has doubled since the 1980s. However, a study led by Jose Fernandes, of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory of two key fish species, Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) and Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus), showed that stocks of both could be devastated by climate change that would affect nutrient flows in coastal waters, ocean temperatures and sea levels.

The introduction of sustainable management measures would offset some of these impacts but stocks still face being cut significantly, the group added. Both the sea and land environment are changing, said Fernandes. The problem is that we know much less about the sea than the land, so it is harder to observe and to intervene.

Think of the problem as a double whammy, said marine ecologist Malin Pinsky, of Rutgers University, New Jersey. Fish have already been reduced to low numbers by intense overfishing and that makes them far less able to deal with increasing temperatures or other effects of climate change.

Pinsky points to the example of the Atlantic cod in the Gulf of Maine. It has been badly hit by intense overfishing. Now it appears that warmer waters have been reducing survival even further. The trouble is that the fisheries management in the area did not realise this and allowed fishing to continue there at a too high level.

Managing fish stocks in a warming world is proving to be a particularly thorny problem, he added. Fish management maps have lines drawn on them but it turns out fish dont see those lines.

A school of cod in Norwegian waters. Photograph: Jukka Rapo/Folio Images/Getty Images

As waters warm, fish seek cooler waters and head to higher latitudes, a problem that has also been highlighted in the North Sea. There, closure areas have been set up to protect spawning and nursery grounds of plaice, herring and sandeel from intense fishing. But if species shift their distribution in response to climate change it is possible such measures will become less effective in the future, says a study by a group of scientists led by John Pinnegar, of the government-funded Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).

Another example of the problem was highlighted last week by the New York Times, which noted that the centre of the US black sea bass population is now found in waters off New Jersey. In the 1990s, it was hundreds of miles further south. Under fishing rules that were laid down then, North Carolina fishermen are still entitled to the largest share of black sea bass catches which requires them to steam north for 10 hours to reach the black sea basss current fishing grounds. By contrast, local New England fishermen are allowed to catch a small fraction of the black sea bass now found in their own neighbourhood and must throw all excess overboard.

The issue has already reached the status of causing international discord, as is revealed through the example of the humble mackerel. Until recently, mackerel in the Atlantic were fished mainly by Britain, Ireland and Norway and stocks were protected by an EU quota system, said Roberts. Then stocks began to head north, most probably because sea temperatures were rising. Eventually, mackerel reached Iceland at which point Iceland asked to be included in fishing quotas. This request was rejected so Iceland went ahead and started catching mackerel in any case.

The result was a drop in mackerel stocks and an international dispute that lasted several years and which has only recently been resolved though this respite may only be temporary. Unless we find ways to adapt quota agreements speedily and efficiently, we are going to see a lot more disputes like this one in future, Roberts said.

This point is highlighted in the study led by Pinnegar, which revealed that anchovy stocks are now spreading along the south coast of England. Talks are taking place to determine whether French or Spanish boats can fish for these on the grounds that these stocks are extensions of existing populations from the south. Others argue that the new anchovy stocks are a separate population that is only now rebounding in numbers thanks to greatly improved climatic conditions, and that French and Spanish boats should be allowed only restricted access to them. The anchovy wars are looming, it would seem.

In addition to overfishing and warming sea temperatures, marine creatures face a further danger: ocean acidification. Increased amounts of carbon dioxide, pumped into the atmosphere from cars and factories, are being absorbed by the oceans, making their waters more acidic. The impact on coral reefs, which provide homes to thousands of different species of fish, is already being felt. Last year, it was reported that a rare underwater heatwave, combined with an increase in ocean acidity, had destroyed swaths of Australias Great Barrier Reef.

This has led marine biologists to warn that all coral reefs risk being destroyed by the end of the century even if carbon dioxide emissions are kept to relatively low levels in future decades. Apart from the impact on one of the worlds greatest natural wonders, the effect on fish stocks, and in particular shellfish, could be grim. Shells of marine creatures are made from calcium carbonate and their formation is disrupted by acidic water.

An example is provided by oyster farms on the Oregon coast. These farms regularly suffer from upwellings of acidic water from deep regions of the Pacific. When this happens, larval oysters die at the point when they have to form their first shells. From the time eggs are fertilised, Pacific oyster larvae precipitate roughly 90% of their bodyweight as calcium carbonate shell within 48 hours, George Waldbusser at Oregon State University told the Climate News Network. They must build their first shell quickly on a limited amount of energy and, along with the shell, comes the organ to capture external food. It becomes a death race of sorts. Can the oyster build its shell quickly enough to allow its feeding mechanism to develop before it runs out of energy from the egg?

Increasingly, the answer to this question appears to be no.

This point is summed up by Roberts. Prawns, lobsters, clams and scallops which now dominate our intensively fished seas all lay down carbonate shells. The fishing industry is therefore badly exposed to risk from more acidic seas. Not only that, acidification threatens the important role that filter-feeding shellfish play in cleansing ocean water. Quite frankly, increased acidity is the last thing marine life needs given all of the other ways in which we are making oceans a tougher place to live.

A lobster is processed at the Sea Hag Seafood plant in Maine, US. Photograph: Robert F Bukaty/AP

And then there is question of just how much seafood is actually eaten today. This turns out to be an issue of considerable controversy, one that was stoked last year in a study by Daniel Pauly and Dirk Zeller of the University of British Columbia that was published in the Nature Communications online journal. It indicates that the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has seriously underestimated the worlds appetite for fish and miscalculated global annual catches. The FAO using figures provided by individual governments had suggested that annual catches began rising significantly over the 20th century, peaked at 96m tonnes in 1996 and have been declining slowly since then largely due to the fact that fish stocks had been so seriously overfished.

Pauly and Zeller put the annual peak fish figure for 1996 at 130m tonnes while adding that levels have fallen off far more dramatically and worryingly as stocks have become depleted at a rate that is far sharper than realised previously. In other words, far more fish millions of tonnes is being taken from the seas than has been recorded by official statistics. This extra annual catch is made up by small-scale and subsistence fisheries and fish thrown back in the sea as discards, according to Pauly and Zeller.

What is particularly worrying about this discovery is the sharp rate of decline of fish catches in recent years. Despite sending out more boats, fitted with advanced fish detection technologies, fishermen are unable to catch as much as they used to.

Nor do Pauly and Ziller anticipate that it will stop. I expect a continued decline because I dont expect countries to realise the need to rebuild stocks, Pauly told the Guardian. I dont see African countries, for example, rebuilding their stocks, or being allowed to by the foreign fleets that are working there, because the pressure to continue to fish is very strong. We know how to fix this problem but whether we do it or not depends on conditions that are difficult.

It is against this grim background that the worlds oceans are warming significantly, with temperature rises of several degrees being forecast by the end of the century. Inexorably, fish stocks will be pushed further towards high latitudes, confusing attempts to manage and to protect them, while the make-up of local fisheries will undergo drastic changes. The stress on one of the worlds most important resources is going to be intense. The great fish migration has begun.

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