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gulnarsultan · 1 year

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“I’m fine.”- says Modern Reader with bags under her eyes, sitting around the table with a pile of papers and letters. Modern Reader tries to get over with trauma (Aemma’s death) and since she can’t sleep at night due to the nightmares, she decides to spend her time with solving problems like building orphanage houses and schools for children from all classes (from peasants to nobles) so they could have a good future, or Modern Reader reads a lot of books of history of all houses, so she could stop the rivalry between houses. Or Modern Reader uses her knowledge from her (our) world, mostly medical knowledge like: anesthesia, caesarean section. And Modern Reader explains maesters and midwives how caesarean section works, so women and children could survive the labour. Also Reader explains the importance of hygiene and making sure there won’t be any infection or danger for women.

Thanks to this knowledge many women and children survive the labour, which means Laena could survive the labour when she’s pregnant with a third child. Although the child would be disfigured and would die unfortunately, but Laena would stay alive. That would also mean yandere platonic Laena, Alicent and Rhaenyra won’t feel any pain during the labour.

But that also means that Aemond won’t claim Vhagar, but Reader found a solution for this matter, she gave him a dragon egg that hatched or he found a dragon that accepts Aemond as a dragon rider. As for Alicent’s children, Modern Reader would show so much love and care towards Aegon, Helaena, Aemond and Daeron, the same goes for Rhaenyra’s children. And since Laena would be alive and Rhaenyra would want to marry Daemon, but Modern Reader says “Aegon the Conqueror had two wives, Maegor had six wives. I don’t see a problem for Daemon to take you as his second wife as well as Laena, since you guys get along pretty well.” And if Daemon takes Rhaenyra as his second wife, then I have no doubts that everyone would like to know why he did it. “I allowed him, I gave them my blessings.”- Modern Reader explains.

In other words Modern Reader won’t allow the war happen in her family. She’s also solving problems of Seven Kingdoms with Otto Hightower and Corlys Velaryon and other members of the Small Council. (Everyone in the Small Council thinks that Modern Reader has a lot of good ideas, solutions and which is great for a future Queen, but Reader would say “I’m not sure of it and I’m not interested in becoming a Queen, but I want to be able to help.”) So yeah, Modern Reader could become the Hand of the future ruler, but she would need advices, which everyone (Otto, Corlys, Rhaenys and Daemon) are eager to give.

Bonus: Modern Reader looks so sad and is about to cry.🥺😢

Yandere platonic Alicent: Y/N, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?

Modern Reader: I found a solution to make sure that pregnant women and children survive the labour. If I found this solution earlier, my mother could have survived.”😖😭 And more tears coming out of her eyes. Yandere Alicent holds Modern Reader close, saying that it’s not her fault.

Thanks to the reader, all pregnant women survive childbirth. Laenada survives thanks to the reader. Daemon, Rhaenyra and Laena are happily married thanks to the reader. Aemond gets his dragon and his eye remains intact. All of Alicent's children have a good life thanks to the reader. Reader Rhaenyra is close to her children. Alicent tries to console her reader. They both hug each other and try to pull themselves together.The realm is governed better. No fights between houses.

#yandere hotd #house of the dragon #yandere house of the dragon #alicent hightower x reader #yandere rhaenyra targaryen #yandere otto hightower #yandere viserys i targaryen x reader #yandere daemon targaryen x reader #yandere corlys velaryon #yandere rhaenys targaryen

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kerena · 2 years

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ASTRO OBSERVATIONS :(𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑽𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄)

🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎

𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 : I’m not a astrologer, it’s not necessary accurate, it’s just observations. ☆✰

Don’t copy.❕

🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎

💫In astrology (especially in Vedic) 5th house represent your first child, 7th your second child etc…

-> check in your saptamsa chart (d7) the lord of theses houses (5th house/7th house etc..) and check in which signs it’s falling. If the lord is in a feminine signs you can get a daughter and if is in a masculine sign you can get a son. (Vedic)

Masculine signs : Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius.

Feminine signs : Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces.

💫In saptamsa if the lord of these houses (mentioned above) are afflicted by malefic (mars,Saturn,rahu & ketu) you’re child can be born by caesarean. (Vedic)

💫Always in saptamsa, having the 5th lord in 6th house can give complications/health complications during the first months of your child (not the death). (Vedic)

💫Is actually a fact that Venus/Mars positive aspects are good at balancing between masculine and feminine style. They can also attract the opposite sex easily. (For both Vedic & tropical but maybe more tropical)

💫12th stellium/heavy water placement can be attracted to people with heavy air/fire or even earth placements, but not the other peoples with heavy water. I’m really not sure of this one.🧐

💫Check the signs/house & nakshatra of your darakaraka for more detailed analysis of your future spouse.

Reminder : darakaraka = planet with the lowest degree. Excluding Rahu & Ketu.

-> (Pluto, Uranus & Neptune are not counted in Vedic astrology so not count them for this calculation)

💫Peoples with Libra/Pisces/Cancer in the big 3 and maybe Venus/moon/mercury-ascendant aspects (especially positive one)can be the coquette girls that love makeup, beautiful clothes. They can also like pink. (Tropical)

💫Venus/moon parallel ascendant can make you more feminine/cute, good mannered and charming that the description of your ascendant signs.(Tropical)

💫I already say this but I think parallel are important in the chart so check them it can help! Orb between 1°/1.35° not above 2°. (Tropical)

💫Sidereal and tropical are both good, sidereal can be more good for predictions than the tropical but tropical can be more good for the description of the personality/appearance of someone. (It can varies for each persons)

💫Uranus conjunct ascendant/Uranus in 1st house can be funny. (Tropical)

💫Persona chart are quite cool (especially of moon/venus/ascendant & mars). (Tropical)

💫Mercury-ascendant aspects don’t look necessary “intellectual” but they can look more younger that their actual age. (Tropical)

💫Eros conjunct ascendant peoples : you can be more comfortable at talking about s3x.

🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎✨🤎

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜

🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎💫🤎

#astrology notes #astrology #astrology observations #astro observations #astro notes #Vedic astrology #sidereal astrology #astro community

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ukrfeminism · 2 years

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10 minute read

Full text under cut. Trigger warning for domestic abuse, institutional misogyny, child abuse, and murder.

Laura Corkill was prepared for the birth of her son. The baby's room was newly decorated - she had even chosen the name. Leiland-James Michael Corkill was born by emergency Caesarean four days before Christmas at West Cumberland Hospital.

Mother and baby bonded straight away - Laura describes it as "perfect".  

"I remember his big bright eyes. I was happy, full of joy. I was looking forward to bringing my baby home." 

But 48 hours after he was born, Leiland-James was taken away. The midwife who had helped deliver him came to tell Laura there was a social worker at his cot about to remove him. 

Laura says she went and confronted the woman but was told paperwork had been sent to her solicitor.  "I still haven't seen any paperwork," says Laura.

Laura's world "shattered" when her son was carried away.

It was 2019, and over the following year, she would try to get him back. But just days after his first birthday, the woman - who social workers had placed him with - murdered him.

Laura Corkill has never spoken out before. She wasn't involved in the subsequent murder trial. She wasn't involved in Cumbria County Council's review into his death. She says she feels silenced. This is her story, told for the first time. 

This is also the story of what happens when social services get it wrong and when mothers who have experienced domestic abuse end up losing their children.

 When Laura fell pregnant with Leiland-James, it was a moment of hope - a time to put her troubled past behind her. She was in a good place - supported by Aishea Drysder, from Women Out West, an organisation helping women who have suffered domestic and sexual violence.  

Laura already knew what it was like to have a child removed by social services. Years earlier, she suffered domestic violence, but weeks after asking for help to remove her abusive partner from the home, her children were taken instead. Her life unravelled. 

But being pregnant with Leiland-James was different, she says.

 "I wanted to do anything and everything possible, to make sure social services didn't get their hands on this one. I was on cloud nine. I heard nothing from social services until 22 weeks."  

The first social worker, she says, appeared to be happy with the preparations made for the baby at home. "She checked everything over and went around the house. She had no problems. She could see from what she read in my previous paperwork that I've come a very long way." 

But Laura was still cautious and says she asked directly if she would be able to keep her baby. She says the woman reassured her there wasn't any reason the baby would be taken into care.

"I got the cot. I decorated [the room] in blue and white." 

Laura believes everything changed when a second social worker replaced the first. The woman  wanted  to know more about Laura's past, particularly her time with an abusive partner when her first two children were taken away from her. Laura says she was open and honest.

"My mind was in two places. I feared they were going to whip everything away, but I was determined to carry on. I thought 'they are not getting him'."

Before the birth, Laura passed several parenting assessment courses.

"I jumped through every hoop to bring Leiland-James home."  

Cumbria County Council has a different version of events and says in the last month of her pregnancy the plan was to remove Laura's son at birth. They say they told her this three times. Laura disputes this, and she says she is still waiting to see the paperwork, and that she only received confirmation when the social worker was taking her son from the hospital.

Laura's home is on the edge of Whitehaven, in a corner of an estate looking down on the town's harbour. It has a stunning view.

It's a place of extraordinary beauty but also deep deprivation. It's hard to believe now, but in the 18th Century it was a town made rich by coal, and the second-busiest port after London. Those days are long gone.  

Laura's front room is now a shrine to her children and in particular Leiland-James. 

When I meet her she is with Aishea from Women Out West and her colleague Rebecca Todd. Between them, they have more than 50 years' experience helping women who have suffered domestic and sexual violence.  

They had no idea Leiland-James was going to be taken. "The first we knew was when Laura phoned us from the ward. We were devastated," says Aishea.  Whatever the plan was, it wasn't communicated to them, they say.

Aishea says they had their own plan which would have seen Laura supported at home with the baby. After he was taken away, there were several attempts to negotiate with Cumbria County Council to bring him home.

A council spokesperson told the BBC that where there are concerns that a child's needs cannot be met, they have a duty to act and they work hard to support and inform birth parents.

Initially, Leiland-James was placed with a temporary foster carer. Laura says he was happy.

But she never stopped asking for him back.

The BBC has seen evidence that the Women Out West team supporting Laura offered social workers proposals to bring Leiland-James home. Both Aishea and Rebecca say they were not listened to. 

The council told us Laura was assessed as not being able to meet Leiland-James's needs and during his life her circumstances did not change. This is strongly denied by Laura and Women Out West.

Removing Leiland-James proved to be the start of a series of events that proved fatal. Laura, Aishea and Rebecca believe decisions were made based on Laura's past, a belief the violence she faced previously could happen again, putting her and the baby at risk.

Leiland-James was taken from his mother in hospital and placed in care. He went on to be killed by the woman who wanted to adopt him.

Laura suffered several miscarriages after experiencing severe violence at the hands of a previous partner. After one of them, as she lay in a hospital bed recovering from a blood transfusion, her two children were removed from the family home.

She says at the time she reached out to Cumbria County Council for help but had not received what she needed.

"What they didn't realise was that I may have been the victim, but I was also the protector of my older children."  

She says she "went off the rails" and suffered a mental health breakdown. She collapsed and ended up in hospital again. The next few years were hell, she says.

"I didn't want to be around any more." 

Laura says she wasn't in a relationship while pregnant with Leiland-James and was in a positive frame of mind.

 For the first few months of Leiland-James's life, Laura was able to see him at a council-run contact centre. She shows me photographs and it's striking how happy they both look. Laura would see her son four times a week, for an hour-and-a-half a day.  

"I was still expecting him to come home," she says. "The contact meant the world to me. I even asked for them to extend it to about two hours. They wouldn't do it. I didn't trust them [the social workers], but I was willing to co-operate to get Leiland back." 

But Covid cut off contact. In March 2020, as the country went into its first lockdown, she says she took two buses - an hour's journey - and turned up at the centre only to find it was closed.

For the next three months, she asked for video contact. But when she did get it, it wasn't the same.  "I just wanted to hold him," she says.  

But worse was to come. In July, the family court granted an adoption order for Leiland-James. Laura says she hadn't been told that Cumbria County Council had already identified her son for adoption and had  found  a family to place him with  months earlier.

Cumbria County Council says they told Laura in April that Leiland-James should be adopted.

Laura disputes this - and says the time she had with Leiland-James in the contact centre should have indicated she was able to look after her son. She thinks too much weight was placed on her abusive past and the assumption the baby would be at risk of future emotional harm.

"How can [social workers] come up with that when they had seen what I was like in contact with the baby?" Laura asks.

Laura also believes her lack of face-to-face contact with her son because of Covid, and the closure of the centre, was used against her. 

On 22 August 2020, Leiland-James was formally placed with a foster mother,  Laura Castle, with a view to adoption. 

Laura says she was meant to meet  Laura Castle,  as she still had parental rights, before the formal adoption. But the meeting time was constantly changed.  She says she was given excuse after excuse by social workers. "Leiland was poorly when he wasn't, or they had to work. Something always cropped up." 

Cumbria County Council says it did plan for a meeting before the adoption order was granted but everyone involved needed to be emotionally ready and the pandemic also caused difficulties.

Laura became suspicious. "I thought there's something seriously wrong. I automatically thought 'He's getting abused.'" 

She  shows me the last picture of her and her son at the contact centre. "It's precious," she says, her voice breaking. It's all she has left. She would never hold Leiland-James again.  

In January 2021, the baby was taken to hospital by ambulance. Laura Castle told emergency services he had fallen from a sofa, injuring his head, and that he was unresponsive. 

A social worker phoned Laura Corkill, but wouldn't tell her which hospital he was in.

"I was up and down all night. I just wanted to try to figure out if I could go to every hospital I could to find him. It was evil not to tell me." 

The following day, she was told Leiland-James had been moved to Alder Hey  Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Cumbria County Council says only limited details were shared with Laura because his prospective adoptive parents were with him and the extent of the injuries were not known at the time. But the next day, when it became clear he wasn't expected to live, they rang Laura within an hour.

A taxi sent by the council was meant to take her to Liverpool, but Laura says it didn't arrive. Her support workers at Women Out West provided transport.

Laura was alone at the hospital when she arrived. She says by the time she got to his room, Leiland-James had died. By then, Laura says her son's body was evidence, a crime scene, and hospital staff would not let her touch him.

Laura says she instinctively knew his death had not been an accident. 

"I said whoever had him had killed him. The surgeon told me 'we had suspicions of this and it went into investigation as soon as Leiland-James went into the hospital'."

Pathologists would later say in court that Leiland-James's injuries had been a classic indicator of "abusive head trauma" - a replacement term for "shaken baby syndrome" - and were of the severity seen in high-speed car crashes.

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this report, details of organisations offering information and support for domestic abuse and adoption are available via BBC Action Line.

Before Leiland-James was placed in her care, Laura Castle had agreed to Cumbria County Council's zero-tolerance approach to corporal punishment.

But during her trial for the murder in May this year, it emerged she had  constantly beaten and abused the baby. In court, she was described as self-centred, abusive and violent. 

She filmed the baby in distress. In text messages she bragged to her husband how she had "leathered him" and described him as "the devil's spawn". 

In one text, she wrote: "I honestly really don't like him lately, he's an absolute moaning winge bag and I totally regret doin this [sic]. 

"Although I need to stop smacking him cos if I start, I'll not stop at one point and it's not getting us anywhere and then I feel bad."

These texts and the abuse were hidden from social workers, they had no idea this violence was taking place - but they were becoming concerned about what Laura Castle was saying to them about the boy.

The court heard a social worker had reported that Leiland-James had appeared unsettled, while another reported that Laura Castle had branded him "lazy" and "big" and said she didn't love him.   

In December 2020, what is known as a Child Looked After Review had taken place. Social workers had agreed not to support an application for Laura Castle to formally adopt Leiland-James. But when Laura Castle was told this, she said to one social worker that "Leiland-James wasn't going anywhere". 

In May this year, Laura Castle was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 18 years. Her husband, Scott Castle, was cleared of causing or allowing Leiland-James's death at the couple's home. He told the court that on the morning of the fatal attack he was in bed  asleep after working a night shift.

Laura Corkill describes the woman who killed her son as an "evil sadistic monster". But she is also angry with Cumbria County Council and says it also must bear some responsibility for his death.

"Why did they place him there? Why did it take them so long to pick up on it? They should have cancelled the adoption order." 

She also argues the council needs to offer more support to abuse victims.

The BBC has learned there are currently 26 mothers in west Cumbria, victims of domestic and sexual abuse, who are now at risk of losing their children because social workers have concerns about the impact on their children.

All of them are being supported by Women Out West. Laura Bell is what is known as the centre's McKenzie Friend - not a legal professional but someone who may support a domestic violence victim in the family court, or when dealing with children's services. 

All the 26 women she supports are required to go through child safeguarding procedures, despite being victims themselves. This is because there's an incorrect belief, she says, that these women can't keep their children safe. 

"It's a national scandal. A lot of the time, these women victims of domestic or sexual abuse make the right choice, they leave the relationship, they try to get help but end up victimised again, either by the perpetrator or by agencies meant to support them.

"Nine times out of 10, they have to make their children available for contact with the person who has abused them." 

Women Out West was founded by Rachel Holliday three years ago. She says six mothers who faced domestic and sexual abuse by partners  have revealed to her that their children were removed by Cumbria County Council and placed with their abusers. 

Some of the evidence she collected with the mothers' permission, she says, was handed over to the council more than two years ago.

"One woman had her children taken away and moved to the father, and those children are still making allegations to this day that he is putting his hands on [them].

"We have a culture of blaming women, not believing women." 

As a result, Rachel says, women and children are being put in danger.  She says her concerns have not been taken seriously by Cumbria County Council. 

"It didn't matter who we took [them] to. It was shocking nothing happened. We showed a lot of people, community leaders, but nothing changed."

The council told us when it was given the names of these women, it reviewed the allegations and some had been through its formal complaints procedures. It added that decisions to remove children from their parents - and where they should be placed - are made by the courts.

Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership is expected to publish a review into Leiland-James's death today. It will examine why he was placed with the Castle family and what social workers did when concerns were raised.

Laura Corkill has not been asked to be part of it. 

"I lost count of how many times I asked for my baby back. It's as though I've been wiped off the face of the earth. When he came home, it was in a wooden box," she says. 

John Readman. from Cumbria County Council, said in Leiland-James's case the family court agreed he should be placed in foster care after he was born and that Laura Corkill has been supported by her own social worker. He said Leiland-James's death "should not have happened and our condolences go to all who knew him".

A year-and-a-half after Leiland James's murder, Laura Corkill says no-one from the council has visited to her to say sorry or phoned to apologise. If he had been allowed to go home with her, she says, he would still be alive today.   

In the cemetery near Laura Corkill's home, there is a small headstone. The words "gone but never forgotten" are etched alongside Leiland-James's name and those of his living siblings - the children taken from their mother years ago. 

Here, Laura says, she can be at peace with her child. But it might have been very different. Laura says social workers wanted the body to be cremated and she had to fight to give him a burial.

"They even tried to write the eulogy," she says.  The BBC has seen a draft copy of  it sent by a social worker, which includes the words: "Leiland I am sorry I was not able to be the parent you needed."

Laura refused to read it out and wrote her own. "They tried to control me 100% but it didn't work. They tried to make me forget I was a mother, but no-one can take that away from me." 

Cumbria County Council admits it helped Laura to prepare the eulogy, but says she was left to make final decisions.

Rebecca Todd, from Women Out West, says what happened after Leiland's death was unthinkable. "It all needs to be investigated. Everyone involved with this case needs to be accountable.  

"It's important for Laura. She has been silenced and dismissed. To control a lady that can't even control her own child's funeral, where his body is, is just wrong. It's horrific." 

She says there needs to be a public inquiry outside Cumbria into the decision to remove him from mother.

Laura often sits alone at the grave contemplating what could have been - Leiland-James would be at nursery now. She says it's also the place where no-one can control her time with her son.

"I've spent more time with Leiland in death than in life. He's home now. I loved him - all I wanted was to be a proper mother."

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cannibalcaprine · 4 months

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I'm calling her 'Grateful Desperation' after the canon God Breakers warhound 'Grateful Punishment' and also her habit of eating things

Her paint scheme will also be partially based on the Grateful Punishment

ah, not doing the house caesarean split thing?

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scotianostra · 1 year

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March 2nd 1316 saw the death of Princess Marjorie Bruce daughter of Robert the Bruce.

Marjorie's death has been called in to question lately, I will deal with that later. This post is also relevant to one I will come to later.

Marjorie Bruce, Princess of Scotland, was the only child of the 1st marriage of Robert I, The Bruce. She was born probably in December 1296, the same eventful month that Edward I of England, invaded Scotland and laid siege to Berwick.

At the end of June 1306 the nine year old princess, together with her mother and other women of Bruce´s family, were sent for safety to Kildrummy Castle, Aberdeenshire, escorted by Nigel Bruce and the Earl of Atholl. It was intended that they would then take refuge in Orkney until times were easier, but the English army was already at Aberdeen and the royal ladies moved on to Tain, north of Inverness, where they still hoped for a boat. However they were captured by the Earl of Ross at the pilgrimage site of St. Duthac and he sent them to Edward, and from him to Lanercost Priory in Cumberland

Her mother Elizabeth was placed under house arrest at a manor house in Yorkshire as well as the Tower of London. she was also allowed servants (because Edward I needed the support of her father, the powerful Earl of Ulster, her punishment was lighter than the others);

Bruce´s sister Christian was imprisoned at the Ghilbertine nunnery in Lincolnshire; and Marjorie´s aunt Mary Bruce and the Countess of Buchan were imprisoned in wooden cages, exposed to public view, Mary´s cage at Roxburgh Castle and Countess Isabella´s at Berwick Castle.

For the next four years, Marjorie, Elizabeth, Christina, Mary and Isabella endured solitary confinement, with daily public humiliation for the latter two. A cage was built for Marjorie at the Tower of London, but Edward I reconsidered and instead sent her to the convent in East Yorkshire.

Marjorie was finally set free around 1314, possibly in exchange for English noblemen captured after Bannockburn.

She was not yet eighteen at the time of the battle of Bannockburn, one of the heroes of that battle was her second cousin once removed, Walter Stewart, 6th Lord High Steward, four years her senior, whom she married in the following year. They started living in Renfrew.. Princess Marjorie went out riding near Paisley while heavily pregnant on March 2nd 1316. Her horse, taking fright at something, reared up, Marjorie was thrown violently to the ground and immediately went into premature labour. it used to be thought that Robert was born after this following a caesarean, this however seems unlikely.

She was also supposed to have died after his birth but modern scholarship points to her having survived to see her son and possibly for as long as 18 months afterward. Whatever the truth she died, still, a very young woman. She is buried at Paisley Abbey - where you can still see her tomb, as in the second pic. Pic three is a cairn at the junction of Dundonald road and Renfrew Road in Paisley is said to mark the area where she fell, it reads…..“Near this spot the princess Marjory Bruce was fatally injured by falling from her horse 1316. Her son born posthumously became Robert the second First of the Stewart kings of Scotland”.

#Scotland #scottish #princess #bruce #stewart #history #medieval history

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theantonian · 5 months

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Was Mark Antony Sacrificed for Julius Caesar’s Glory?

I deeply believe that Mark Antony did not do anything without Caesar's knowledge when he was left in charge of Rome. What is most likely is that Antony did everything by Caesar’s direct orders. You cannot slaughter so many people and still remain popular and to continue represent yourself as a popularist. So, Caesar needed someone to sacrifice himself. Who could that be? Of course, Mark Antony, who else? His loyalty to Caesar was legendary, do anyone really believe that he would do anything without “advising” with the great Caesar? Caesar played the game and he won the game. Antony was not a candidate for the heir, not before not ever. Did Antony know his place in Caesar's general agenda?

Antony bought Pompey’s house, which was up for sale. But he did not have the money to pay for it. Caesar and Antony fought over the payment. According to Plutarch, Antony himself makes out that the reason why he did not take part in Caesar's African campaign was that he felt aggrieved at not having been rewarded in any way for his earlier successes. After serving him so faithfully, when Caesar returned to Rome, he punished Antony by removing him from all offices and rewarding his enemy Dolabella, who was the source of causing violent riots.

At any rate, Caesar soon realized that he would not get another man as loyal as Antony so after his return from North Africa, he singled out Antony for special honours and chose him as his colleague in consulship.

What exactly had the Dictator promised Antony in exchange for the city’s plebs suddenly supporting him as potential King of Rome at the Lupercalia festival?

Antony’s loyalty was the reason the conspirators wanted to assassinate him alongside Caesar. However, he survived the assassination and was the one who actually saved Octavian’s head by bearing the blunt of the anti-Caesareans, his master performance after Caesar's death in front of people of Rome. He was the one forced Brutus and Cassius to leave Rome. When Caesar’s so called son Octavian pretended to be sick and hid in the marshes of Philippi to avoid capture, it was Antony who defeated his murderers and avenged him.

Octavian was perhaps the first of politicians we still in power today. His mouth full of promises and the knife hidden behind his back.

Antony was Caesar’s servant and soldier, too dirty and too old for being the heir. Octavian was Caesar’s closest male relation, a rich patrician and thus a perfect choice according to Caesar.

Antony was a better man, but he was not ambitious, cold-blooded and cruel enough. He was a soldier above all, after 25 years in blood and sex it was not easy to play the saint. The old Rome died with him and path to the “emperor's throne” was open.

#mark antony #marc antony #marcus antonius #julius caesar #gaius julius caesar #octavian #augustus #rome #history #roman history #ancient rome #roman republic #roman empire

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dykedaesque · 6 months

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You spotted the Carrion's Repent, herald and vanguard of the ninth lance of house Caesarean

Along with her buddy the Chosen Perveyor, a tech priest of My homebrew darkmech faction

Hell yeah phenomenal model, skewer those primaris. Lovely job on the yellow gradient and the chaos corruption

Man I really need to start painting my little guys again, I was working on the first model for a Night Lords kill team several months ago before I got submerged in schoolwork again :(

#blizz4rd1203 #warhammer #sorry about the no context to the regulars i saw a cool model in the background of someone else’s post 😔👊#also congrats on being literally my first ask

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thepro-lifemovement · 1 year

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When [Marie] had her 20-week scan doctors found that Ava had a lot more amniotic fluid surrounding her body than did her sister Mila.

As Loftus and Corrigan explain

They drained some of the fluid while the girls were still in the womb, but it continued to build back up. This confirmed their diagnosis that Ava had esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula as she was not swallowing the fluid.

These conditions cause an abnormality where the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, is not attached correctly, ending in a pouch further up her body. Ava was also diagnosed with a brain condition called rhombencephalosynapsis, which is a rare abnormality of the cerebellum, has varying degrees of severity and can cause other disorders such as cerebral palsy.

“Because the condition is so rare, doctors had no idea how severely it would affect her, and I was offered a termination,” Marie said. “It was never an option though, I had to give her a chance to fight.”

Marie underwent an emergency caesarean. Doctors then determined that waiting was no option: it was best for her to have surgery that same day. “Surgeons closed the gap between Ava’s esophagus and windpipe before sewing together the upper and lower parts of the esophagus.”

When Ava was five weeks old, she underwent her second major surgery, to lift her aorta and fix it to the sternum so she could breathe correctly. “Mila and I had been discharged but thanks to the support of The Sick Children’s Trust, we were able to stay with Paul at Crawford House, just next door to where Ava was,” said Marie.

Finally, after 8 weeks, Ava was strong enough to go home.

Loftus and Corrigan conclude their story on an optimistic note

Ava is currently being tube fed as she has no sucking reflex and has regular physiotherapy to help her with head control and general movement, but her surgeons are pleased with her progress. “They’re both little characters, Mila is very chilled out and patient and Ava is really happy and smiley,” said her mum.

#cute story about babies being strong and surviving #prolife #pro life #pro-life #anti abortion #babies #life news #prolife news

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littlefrenchsims · 1 year

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👋 A little note about my pregnancy; Everything is fine, tired and sore, but it's the logical consequence of pregnancy. I am at 8 months, it is progressing slowly, the contractions are more and more present. 😵

💫 Sleep level it's all or nothing, I sleep a lot or not at all, but my legs hurt much less 🦵 that's the good thing.

💉 for my diabetes; I was a little scared I admit it, I had to do a dose of insulin in the evening, I thought I was going to have to give birth by caesarean section again or that baby was going to have a health problem, but finally my sugar level remains limited so I watch what I eat and if that's not enough we will put insulin but not before, phew.

🏠 the house is still moving forward, decoration of the garden, and the interior, it feels good and it suits us.

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blizz4rd1203 · 6 months

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Can't sleep so Carrion's Repent

#warhammer 40k #dark mechanicum #chaos knights #house caesarean #scions of Mordax #warhammer painting

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fictionalmenownmyheart · 2 years

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Overprotective Worrier • chris evans

Requested by: @nickie-amore

This is another lovely request made by @nickie-amore and I hope I’ve done the request justice! I might not have followed the request exactly so I do apologise for that. I also just wanted to say that I like to give you the opportunity as the reader to choose your own names for the children or any additional characters that I make up and include. I understand that the constant back and forth between (Y/S/N/1) and (Y/S/N/2) can get very confusing throughout this, especially if there is more than one added like in this one shot but I hope it isn’t too much trouble deciphering which is which as you read this. Also I would just like to include, all of my knowledge on c-sections has come from the internet and I’ve used my research to help me with some of those parts in this one shot. Please let me know what you think of it if you would like by commenting, it’s entirely up to you (you don’t have to) but please enjoy reading.

(Y/S/N/1)- Your Son’s Name 1

(Y/S/N/2)- Your Son’s Name 2

Gif is not mine, belongs to the owner.

Warnings: mention of c-section throughout, not a lot of dialogue in this one

Chris Evans x fem!reader

Word count: 2.9k

For the entirety of my pregnancy with (Y/S/N/1) it was perfect, I didn’t have the throwing up or the swollen ankles I’d heard about, even the delivery was smooth sailing.

So when I was pregnant with (Y/S/N/2) I noticed how different it all was. The constant sickness stayed with me all the way throughout the pregnancy and my ankles were so swollen and my back in so much pain from the added weight.

When I was told that I was going to have an emergency caesarean my emotions just got the best of me and I broke down in my hospital bed with Chris beside me, the worry plain to see in his eyes as the doctor delivered the unexpected news. He wasn’t due until another two months,I couldn’t stop thinking about what if something happened to the baby or what if I didn’t make it. I knew it could be a possibility, a very unlikely one but a possibility all the same in my panic stricken mind. I knew my pregnancy was rough and nothing like my first one but I couldn’t imagine that having to be the case as the outcome. The emergency C-section threw me completely, I worried about the health of my baby and myself. The anxiety messed with my mind leading me down a path of bad unwanted thoughts. It was tough but Chris held my hand the entire time I was in theatre and when (Y/S/N/2) was placed on my chest, his little lungs wailing with cries, a little knitted green hat placed upon his head, I felt so relieved that everything was okay. They had made it abundantly clear that it would be risky for me to ever try for another baby and I just felt lucky enough to have my two boys, they completed our family.

(Y/S/N/2) had to stay in an incubator because he was premature for a couple of weeks. We were so thankful when the day finally arrived for us to be able to take him home after they discharged him. (Y/S/N/1) was so excited to meet him when we had brought him home from the hospital finally, my mum and Chris’s both taking turns in babysitting (Y/S/N/1) during our entire stay at the hospital when we would go and visit him, seeing him but not being able to touch him at the start.

Right now though I was getting ready to go to Lisa’s house with Chris and the boys. Because the scar was still tender and sore at times even after three months postpartum, I opted to go for a loose fitting pastel pink sundress that reached just below the knees. I matched it with a cute pair of brown faux leather sandals after I came downstairs from the bedroom and looked to see our three year old, (Y/S/N/1), was talking to his brother on the play mat in the centre of the living room. I couldn’t make out what he was saying but I saw him pointing out all the animals in his new book Chris’s mum had brought him, laying beside (Y/S/N/2) who was kicking his little legs and seemed so interested in what his big brother was telling him even if he didn’t understand him fully just yet, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Chris comes down the spiralling staircase, a look of worry on his handsome face. “Are you sure you’re okay to do this? Do you think it’s too early for people to be seeing (Y/S/N/2)? Do you think (Y/S/N/2) will be okay in such a big crowd?” Questions hit me before his feet had even land on the carpet of the lounge floor.

“Chris, honey, it’ll be fine. You know what your mum said.” I remind him. I had called his mum, by request of Chris himself, to ask her if it could only be close immediate family coming to this gathering.

He sighs but concedes. “Alright sweetheart, but if you or (Y/S/N/2) get tired then we’ll leave right away.”

I nod my agreement knowing that is the best response I’ll get from him.

Of course we wanted everyone to be able to see our practically new born baby but wanted to ease into it, especially with what a worrier Chris had become.

I knew he was frightened, I think he was just as scared as me when he found out I was having a C-section if not more so. His face had dropped and the colour had completely left his face, I had thought he was going to faint right then and there after the news. Thankfully that didn’t happen and Chris was excellent all the way through, reassuring me and saying everything I needed to hear, but it’s like it changed him. He’s become a whole different person, he questions everything and I know he has a heart of gold but the constant coddling of (Y/S/N/2) and myself gets too much at times.

Both mine and Chris’s family have seen the baby but all separately and at our house during the three months since we’ve been home from the hospital because of the instructions my husband decided to make. Even though he knows everyone has seen (Y/S/N/2), there’s no dissuading his mind now that it’s set on the worst case scenarios, it was a stretch to get him to agree for us all to go to his mum’s house for a get together today.

I take the boys out to the car while Chris sorts himself out in the house. I place (Y/S/N/2) into the back seat in his car carrier locking him in place with the seatbelt securing him in properly as he sleeps peacefully. (Y/S/N/1) holds his favourite toy, a tiger named Tommy gifted by Scott, as he climbs up into his car seat all by himself now that he’s a big boy and doesn’t need mummy’s help (his words not mine), but I do stand behind him so he doesn’t fall to reassure myself he doesn’t hurt himself more than anything. I sit myself in the passenger seat and watch as Chris walks out and locks the door, Dodger beside him, with a massive baby bag of essentials that will be for (Y/S/N/2), that would last us an entire week instead of one afternoon, carried on his shoulder making me roll my eyes at his antics but can’t help but smile at him.

Chris opens the boot/trunk and allows Dodger to jump in and places the bag beside him before closing it again. Dodger leans over the back seats and stares at the boys, excitement for an adventure clear in his eyes. When Chris gets in the drivers seat, we begin our journey to his mum’s house.

We pull up outside Chris’s mum’s house and park on her driveway with other cars surrounding us indicating we’re one of the last to arrive. I place my hand on the door handle but before I’m able to open it Chris calls out. “Stay where you are, I’m coming round and opening your door.” He shoots out before I can say anything to let him know he doesn’t need to do that but close my open mouth not voicing the protest as I watch him walk to my door and opens it for me like he said he would.

He holds his hands out and I place mine into his as he very gently pulls me out of the vehicle and doesn’t let go of me until both of my feet make contact with the ground. He then does the same with (Y/S/N/1) lifting him up and out with some argument from him about being able to do it himself. Chris makes his way to (Y/S/N/2) as he tells (Y/S/N/1) to help me up the steps to the front door. My sweet boy holds my hand listening and taking his role that Chris gave him very seriously as he keeps his steps slow not that he needs to but I allow him because the words Chris has spoken are like gospel to him.

Chris meets us with (Y/S/N/2) in his carrier seat locked in his hand and his necessity bag on his shoulder with Dodger making his way to us not too far behind. I ring the door bell and it opens soon after revealing Lisa with a wide smile on her face.

“Come in, come in.” She ushers us in and sanitises her hands with the tube Chris holds out to her after he clears his throat to remind her. The only way either of us could get him to agree to allow us out was if everyone would sanitise their hands before they even thought about holding (Y/S/N/2) today, it was a superstition Chris had about (Y/S/N/2) contracting anything, especially as he was more prone to infection. Lisa said everyone would oblige giving the go ahead for us to actually see people today.

We walk down the hallway and into the living room where two black sofas are positioned. The mantelpiece has many frames with photographs of her children and grandchildren on it. I notice the photo of (Y/S/N/1) and (Y/S/N/2) when we had first taken him home after Lisa kindly babysat (Y/S/N/1) for us. I took the photo of (Y/S/N/1) holding (Y/S/N/2) for the first time, the moment too cute of an opportunity to miss.

“Oh he’s gotten so big since the last time I saw him.” Lisa exclaims as she holds her hands out for (Y/S/N/2) who gurgles and smiles as I pass him over after taking him out of the carrier Chris is still holding.

“He has, he’s like his dad, I can put anything in front of him and he’ll eat it. He’s the least fussiest baby I know, much better than how (Y/S/N/1) was at this age.”

She chuckles, nodding her head, aware just how picky my older son used to be when it came to his food. (Y/S/N/1) makes a noise in denial before quickly running out and into the garden where I assume everyone else is already.

I leave her alone with (Y/S/N/2) letting her spend some much needed grandma time with him, making my way to the garden as well with Chris and Dodger on my heels.

I look around the garden from the French doors observing everyone who is here. I walk over to Chris’s siblings, Scott, Shanna and Carly all standing and talking amongst themselves. I hug them in greeting and join in with their conversation. I feel warm hands encase my waist being careful when getting close to my belly. Even though my scar is fully healed and has been for a while, though it still pains easily, Chris is still conscious of touching it afraid of hurting me. I lean back in his arms, loving the feel of his body holding me and smell the woody tones of his cologne he’s always worn since as long as I’ve known him which is a long time overall throughout our entire dating history and marriage. The smell gives me comfort and makes me feel safe. I feel a tender kiss be planted on my neck just below my ear lobe. I try to focus on what Chris’s sister, Shanna, is saying but it becomes difficult as Chris places delicate pecks along my neck and shoulder.

I’m not usually a big fan of PDA, especially seeing others do it or being involved in the display very publicly but I found out a long time ago that Chris is very affectionate, not necessarily out in public or when he’s taken me to a premiere as his plus one but mainly in the comfort of our friends and family where there isn’t any prying eyes on us and I don’t hate it. Maybe it’s Chris in general that I just can’t deny because the feeling of his hands and lips on my body aren’t like any others, they make me feel protected and loved and cherished and comforted.

I try to distance myself from Chris as I feel my knees weaken from the light caresses his lips create on my suddenly very warm skin. I hear him chuckle deeply, catching on to the reasoning behind me stepping away from him.

I sigh and excuse myself making my way towards the table that has a pitcher of freshly made lemonade. I pour some in a glass and take a generous sip feeling the cool liquid pass my parched lips. The heat is becoming more pronounced and making itself known on my skin. I look around me at all of the beautiful plants and shrubbery in the garden trying to spot my eldest son amongst the children and friends and family that fill up the space nicely. I finally catch a glimpse of his toy tiger, Tommy, being thrown in the air and caught by (Y/S/N1) repeating the process, his cousins close by taking it in turns. I head inside the house quickly and find the bottle of sunscreen specifically for children almost instantly in (Y/S/N/2) bag before making my way back outside.

I walk over to (Y/S/N/1) where he is still where I last saw him, playing with his siblings and call him over to me. Begrudgingly he walks over to me, complaining as I apply some on his arms. “I don’t like the feel of it mummy, it’s sticky.”

“I know, honey, but it will protect your skin from the sun.” I inform him, moving onto his legs that aren’t protected by his blue shorts.

He groans as I spray some on the palm of my hand and dab some all over his face and the tips of his ears. I apply some to his neck, back and front, too.

After I’m finished, he can’t get away fast enough running back to join all of his cousins.

I catch Lisa with (Y/S/N/2) and Chris as he pulls out the sanitiser from his shorts pocket and puts some on his siblings hands. Scott takes over from Lisa, holding (Y/S/N/2) close to his chest as Carly stands next to him, stroking his chubby cheek with her now sanitised hand.

I walk over, pulling my phone out and take a photo of them, capturing the moment. It goes on like this, Chris sanitising peoples hands and then them holding (Y/S/N/2) who is more than willing with all of the attention.

After an hour or so I can tell that (Y/S/N/2) is getting cranky and needs to be put down for a nap soon. Even I have to admit that I’m starting to feel slightly tired, this being the first big outing for me since giving birth to (Y/S/N/2) means that I’m not used to al the excitement. (Y/S/N/1) looks like he could do with a rest as well, all that running around with his cousins has definitely worn him out.

Chris must always seem to sense these things because not soon after my own thoughts, he declares to his mum and everyone present that we will be leaving now.

I thank Lisa and everyone else for the lovely get together, promising to planning something again soon before we make our way back to the car and begin our journey home again.

When we finally arrive home, me and the boys cuddle up exhausted from the long day spent with our family. I sit on the end of the sofa by the armrest with (Y/S/N/1) curled up beside me stroking his chubby cheek and (Y/S/N/2) resting on my bosom soft little sighs leaving his mouth as he coos in his sleep.

I open my eyes to see Chris standing against the doorframe, his bulky arms folded across his chest and a smile lighting up his face. I see the love filling up his blue eyes from where I’m sat as he watches the three of us together and the worry lines from earlier appear nonexistent now. I hold my hand out, the one not supporting (Y/S/N/2)’s small body and Chris walks over to us slowly trying to not make too much noise. He lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles before settling himself down in between me and (Y/S/N/1) somehow managing not to disturb him and rests (Y/S/N/1) back against his side, holding his small frame close as he sleeps.

I lay my head on Chris’s shoulder being careful myself to not disturb (Y/S/N/2) and now being able to hold him with both of my hands, he lets out a noise of discontentment but doesn’t wake from his slumber. I sigh before allowing myself to close my eyes with all of my boys around me and letting us be able to relax all together.

Today was wonderful but this is the highlight of it all just being here right now in each others company.

#chris evans x reader #chris evans #chris evans x wife!reader #chris evans family #masterlist

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dontmeantobepoliticalbut · 2 years

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In the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling to revoke a constitutional right to abortion care, Justice Samuel Alito suggested that the “attitudes about the pregnancy of unmarried women” have changed.

“Modern developments” like medical leave for pregnancy and childbirth are “guaranteed by law” in many cases, medical care is “covered” by insurance, and “safe haven laws” allow people to drop off babies anonymously to give them up for adoption.

But such “modern developments” fail to reflect that the US has some of the worst economic and health outcomes for women and families, while only a fraction of workers get anything close to “guaranteed” leave, and eliminating access to abortion care can have devastating economic costs.

In a hearing on the far-reaching consequences of anti-abortion laws on 29 September, US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that denying abortion access to millions of Americans is a “profound economic issue”.

“Forcing poor and working class people to give birth against their will, against their consent, against their ability to provide for themselves or their child is a profound economic issue,” she told the House Oversight Committee. “It certainly is a way to keep a workforce, basically, conscripted.”

In the 27 states poised to severely restrict or outlaw abortion without protections from Roe v. Wade, none have paid family and medical leave, and 18 have gender wage gaps above the national average, according to Center for American Progress.

Women live in poverty at rates above the national average in 22 of those states, and children live in poverty at rates higher than the national average in 17.

19 states also have not expanded Medicaid, the federal healthcare programme for low-income Americans, to provide care up to 12 months after giving birth.

Without a “robust federal and state” effort to strengthen the nation’s social safety net, people unexpectedly facing parenthood are “likely to fall even further through the cracks – with downstream effects on their children, communities, and local and state economies,” according to the report.

“The idea that abortion and access to abortion is somehow not a profound and central economic and class issue and class struggle is certainly something that I think a person who has never had to contend with the ability to carry a child – it belies that perspective,” according to Ms. Ocasio-Cortez.

“Abortion rights are a class struggle too,” she added on Twitter. “When the powerful force people to give birth against their will, they trap millions into cycles of economic setback and desperation. Especially in a country without guaranteed healthcare. And desperate workers are far easier to exploit.”

One study found that patients who were denied an abortion experienced “a wide range of negative financial consequences,” including lower credit scores, increased debt, greater risk of bankrupty and eviction from their homes.

The study also found that those abortion restrictions were linked to a higher risk of child poverty and poor developmental outcomes among children.

Another study following two groups of women over 10 years – including one group that access abortions and another that wanted to but could not – found that people who were denied an abortion sank deeper into poverty as a result.

In 2021, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that restrictive abortion laws cost state and local economies $105bn from workforce reductions and earnings levels and increasing turnover and time off from work among women ages 15 to 44 years old.

Medical costs for birth are also expensive, even with insurance coverage. The average cost for vaginal deliveries in 2015 was roughly $4,300, and $5,200 for caesarean births, according to a study of more than 600,000 women between 2008 and 2015 who had health coverage through their employer.

“Policymakers and advocates must recognize that the fall of Roe is an economic issue and would be one more victory for the economics of control and disempowerment – low wages, little worker power, and rising disinvestment,” according to a report from the Economic Policy Institute. “Reproductive justice is key to economic justice and protects women’s humanity, dignity, and the right to exert freedom over their own choices in the economy.”

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theblurbwitchproject · 5 months

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Circe by Madeline Miller

Published: April 10, 2018 Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

The Author

Madeline Miller was born in Boston and grew up in New York City and Philadelphia. She attended Brown University, where she earned her BA and MA in Classics. She has been teaching and tutoring Latin, Greek and Shakespeare to high school students for over fifteen years. The Song of Achilles was her first novel and was a New York Times bestseller. Her second novel, Circe, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and won multiple awards.

˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗

The Story

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. Circe is a strange child - not powerful and terrible, like her father, nor gorgeous and mercenary like her mother. Scorned and rejected, Circe grows up in the shadows, at home in neither the world of gods or mortals. But Circe has a dark power of her own: witchcraft. When her gift threatens the gods, she is banished to the island of Aiaia where she hones her occult craft, casting spells, gathering strange herbs and taming wild beasts. Yet a woman who stands alone will never be left in peace for long - and among her island's guests is an unexpected visitor: the mortal Odysseus, for whom Circe will risk everything.

˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗

The Vibe: feminine empowerment, self-discovery, natural magic, epic story on personal level

The Style: retelling, greek mythology, character driven, standalone, single pov, immortal protagonist

Trigger Warnings: rape, torture, incest, arranged marriage, body horror, childbirth, graphic caesarean, violence, multiple character deaths, animal death, shipwreck

˗ˏˋ ´ˎ˗

The Review

One resolution I made for 2023 was to try out the mythical retelling genre that has exploded in popularity in recent years. Until now I hadn’t dipped my toe into the waters of ancient myths told in a modern format, and it has been a fun experience. I started my journey with Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes, which is a retelling of Medusa’s story. Then I picked up Ariadne by Jennifer Saint which explores the life of the titular Ariadne, her relationship with Theseus and the tale of the Minotaur. I purposely left Circe for last, as it is the highest rated of the three novels, and it’s about a witch. Yes please.

Circe takes the reader on an extraordinary journey through the mythical world of ancient Greece, all through the eyes of one of the most compelling and formidable characters in Greek mythology; Circe the witch of Aiaia. Madeline Miller's ability to breathe life into ancient stories is really very impressive. Circe felt so real, I truly enjoyed the time I spent with her on her journey of self discovery.

"No wonder I have been so slow, I thought. All this while I have been a weaver without wool, a ship without the sea. Yet now look where I sail."

Being honest, Circe doesn't really need my endorsement; it's already an award winning novel with 90k+ reviews on Goodreads, but I'll add my two cents anyway as it is a tale about a classic witch. Being super honest, before reading Stone Blind, Ariadne and Circe I had a shockingly basic knowledge of Greek mythology (although I've been to Ithaca and was already familiar with Odysseus, and who doesn't know Medusa's story?) I had a great time experiencing all these tales in retelling form, but Miller's prose and pacing was by far my favourite. I feel like I came away from the story with a perfectly developed image of Circe's character, and a strong idea of why she is perceived the way she is by different types of people.

One of the my favourite aspects of Circe is how the story celebrates the strength of femininity. Circe's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, breaking free from the confines of the traditional roles assigned to women in ancient times. From the meek young Naead she was at the beginning, Circe evolves into a strong and resilient woman, shaping her destiny with courage and determination (and some super badass magical skills). She steps into her own power in such an organic way; her slow growth from downtrodden girl to powerful sorceress makes it all the more rewarding when she finally begins to shape her magical abilities and claim her space in the world. I particularly liked the representation of her magic in the story; it's innate but also requires a lot of work, trial and error. It's exactly the sort of natural magic I enjoy reading about. Plus, she has a lioness familiar which is just insanely badass.

“Let me say what sorcery is not: it is not divine power, which comes with a thought and a blink. It must be made and worked, planned and searched out, dug up, dried, chopped and ground, cooked, spoken over, and sung. Even after all that, it can fail, as gods do not.”

The various relationships between Circe and other iconic figures from mythology, such as Hermes, Odysseus, and Athena are all rich and dynamic, driving the narrative with drama and intrigue. Athena's lurking presence in the second half of the story was a definite highlight; she's just so scary. Some of the relationships Circe formed, especially her bond with Daedalus, were heartbreaking and lovely all at once thanks to the humans' mortality paired with Circe's immortality. (I was so concerned that the loom Daedalus gifted to her would be damaged at some point, it was honestly a little silly!) Miller has great skill in drawing characters as rounded beings rather than one dimensional caricatures which I have seen in other retellings. The number of famous characters presented does not feel forced; each slots perfectly into the narrative at the right moment and creates a rich tapestry of Circe's life in exile.

While Circe becomes a powerful witch, using the craft of Pharmakeia to turn aggressive men to swine and to protect her child from the malice of Athena, she is still unable to prevent the loss of those mortals she loves to the infinite time she inhabits as an immortal. On the winding path to the novels' end we witness as Circe grows from a nymph who longs for acceptance into a powerful goddess who is hardened to the deceptions and politics of ancient life. We understand her. We feel bittersweet vindication at her actions as she finally lives life in a way that makes sense to her. She is flawed, she is strong and we completely understand how she came to be this way.

"It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment's carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did."

Ultimately, Circe is a testament to the enduring power of myth and the timeless nature of human emotion. It's a story about love, loss, resilience, and the beauty of embracing one's true identity. It was an endeavour to read; a story that covers generations as if they were weeks, portraying immortals and mortals with skill and precision. If you want to dip your toe into mythical retellings, this is certainly one to try. It's worth it, believe me.

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗

[Goodreads]

#book review #bookblr #reading #books #witch fiction #fiction #witches #witchy #witchblr #Circe #Madeline Miller #witchy books #witchcore #witchy vibes #witch #witch books

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