#or even! to engage with it in a derivative manner?

[nellywrisource]

A writer’s guide to the historical method: how historians work with sources

In this post, I provide a brief overview of how historians engage with different types of sources, with a focus on the mindset of a historian. This insight could be valuable for anyone crafting a character whose profession revolves around history research. It may also prove useful for authors conducting research for their book.

Concept of historical source

The concept of historical source evolves over time. 

Initially, the focus was mainly on written sources due to their obvious availability. However, as time has progressed, historians now consider a wide range of sources beyond just written records. These include material artifacts, intangible cultural elements, and even virtual data.

While "armchair historians" may rely on existing studies and secondary sources, true professional historians distinguish themselves by delving directly into primary sources. They engage in a nuanced examination of various sources, weaving together diverse perspectives. It's crucial to recognize the distinction between personal recollection or memory and the rigorous discipline of historical inquiry. A historical source provides information, but the truth must be carefully discerned through critical analysis and corroboration.

Here's a concise list of the types of sources historians utilize:

Notarial source

Epistolary source

Accountancy source

Epigraphic source

Chronicle source

Oratory and oral source

Iconographic source

Diary source

Electronic source

Example: a notarial source

These are documents drafted by a notary, a public official entrusted with providing legal certainty to facts and legal transactions. These documents can take various forms, such as deeds, lawsuits, wills, contracts, powers of attorney, inventories, and many others.

Here we are specifically discussing a lawsuit document from 1211 in Italy.

A medieval lawsuit document is highly valuable for understanding various aspects of daily life because in a dispute, one must argue a position. From lawsuits, we also understand how institutions truly operated.

Furthermore, in the Middle Ages, lawsuits mostly relied on witnesses as evidence, so we can access a direct and popular source of certain specific social situations.

Some insight into the methodology of analysis:

Formal examination: historians scrutinize the document's form, verifying its authenticity and integrity. Elements such as structure, writing style, language, signatures, and seals are analyzed. Indeed, a professional historian will rarely conduct research on a source published in a volume but will instead go directly to the archive to study its origin, to avoid transcription errors.

Content analysis: historians proceed to analyze the document's content, extracting useful information for their research. This may include data on individuals, places, events, economic activities, social relations, and much more. It's crucial to compile a list of witnesses in a case and identify them to understand why they speak or why they speak in a certain manner.

Cross-referencing with other sources: information derived from the notarial source is compared with that of other historical sources to obtain a more comprehensive and accurate view of the period under examination.

Documents of the episcopal archive of Ivrea

Let's take the example of a specific legal case, stemming from the documents of the episcopal archive of Ivrea. It's a case from 1211 in Italy involving the bishop of Ivrea in dispute with Bongiovanni d'Albiano over feudal obligations.

This case is significant because it allows us to understand how feudal society operated and how social status was determined.

The bishop's representative argues that Bongiovanni should provide a horse as a feudal service. Bongiovanni denies it, claiming to be a noble, not a serf. Both parties present witnesses and documents supporting their arguments.

Witnesses are asked whether the serf obligations had been endured for a long time. This helps us understand that in a society where "law" was based on customs, it was important to ascertain if an obligation had been endured for a long time because at that point it would no longer be contestable (it would have become customary).

The responses are confused and inconsistent, so witnesses are directly asked whether they consider Bongiovanni a serf or a noble. This is because (and it allows us to understand that) the division into "social classes" wasn't definable within concrete boundaries; it was more about the appearance of one's way of life. If a serf refused to fulfill his serf duties, he would easily be considered a noble by bystanders because he lived like one.

Ultimately, the analysis of the case leads us to determine that medieval justice wasn't conceived with the logic of our modern system, but was measured in oaths and witnesses as evidentiary means. And emerging from it with honor was much more important than fairly distributing blame and reason.

Other sources

Accounting source: it is very useful for measuring consumption and its variety in a particular historical period. To reconstruct past consumption, inventories post mortem are often used, which are lists of goods found in households, described and valued by notaries to facilitate distribution among heirs. Alternatively, the recording of daily expenses, which in modern times were often very detailed, can lead to insights into complex family histories and their internal inequalities - for example, more money might be spent on one child than another corresponding to their planned future role in society.

Oral source: in relation to the political sphere, it is useful for representing that part of politics composed of direct sources, that is, where politics speaks of itself and how it presents itself to the public, such as a politician's public speech. However, working with this type of source, a historian cannot avoid hermeneutic work, as through the speech, the politician aims to present himself to a certain audience, justify, persuade, construct his own image, and achieve results. This is the hidden agenda that also exists in the most obvious part of politics.

Iconographic source: it concerns art or other forms of "artistic" expression, such as in the case of an advertising poster. They become historical sources when it is the historian who, through analysis, confers upon them the status of a historical source. Essentially, the historian uses the source to understand aspects of the past otherwise inaccessible. The first step in this direction is to recontextualize the source, returning it to its original context. Examining the history of the source represents the fundamental first step for historical analysis.

Diary source: diaries are a "subjective" source, a representation of one's self, often influenced by the thoughts of "others," who can be close or distant readers, interested or distracted, visible or invisible, whom every diary author can imagine and hope to see, sooner or later, reflected on the pages of their writing. Furthermore, they are often subject to subsequent manipulations, and therefore should be treated by historians only in their critical edition; all other versions, whether old or new, foreign or not, are useful only as evidence of the changes and manipulations undergone over time by the original manuscripts.

Electronic source: historians use Wikipedia even if they often don't admit it out loud.

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#writing advice #writing help #writing reference #writing tips #creative writing #fantasy worldbuilding #fantasy writing #worldbuilding #worldbuilding tips

[whetstonefires]

See I don't necessarily disagree with what seems to be the primary reading that Yue Qingyuan's shifu fucked him over, caring nothing for his needs or preferences and only for whether he was useful. That makes sense, it ties into plenty of the generational and societal themes of the story. It fits.

But iirc we don't actually get enough information to know that's what happened.

And the thing is it would be so in-character and also thematically appropriate if Yue Qingyuan absolutely did not explain his goals or why he was working so hard, because it was private and shameful and he didn't expect any sympathy, and there was a high risk of losing everything if he blabbed.

And also if he engaged with the existing ruleset with which he was presented, i.e. 'can't go off on your own on personal business until you've mastered your sword,' in the most negative and controlling manner possible, as absolute commandments.

He's a different kind of guy but he comes from the same background as Shen Jiu! It fucked him up also!

He is very very very not a guy who trusts the system to make allowances for him--even once he has all the power he 'does what he wants' and 'makes selfish choices' as a conscious transgression; not something he has a right to do, just something he can get away with so he's gonna. (And ofc he spends almost all the latitude he grants himself on sqq.)

And even less is he a guy who opens up easily.

He isn't too proud to ask for help or pity, so much as he just doesn't expect to get any.

So in this interpretation, he understood that rule as a non-negotiable barrier in his path, the target to overcome, and focused all his considerable will and talent on overcoming it through the sphere of action he felt he had control over.

And fucked himself up bad.

Whereupon his teacher, possessing absolutely no context for this dumb shit their star pupil pulled, did the only thing they thought might work to save his life, paying in the process no attention to the raving of someone deep in a psychotic break.

Like, I feel like there should have been a better, kinder medical option, but I don't know for sure that there was, so I can't say with certainty this was the kind of cruelty that derives from not caring enough.

And it really would be kind of elegant and so typical of Yue Qingyuan's fundamental tragedy if the real mistake was 'not confiding in anybody' the whole time.

And he was just so deeply sunk into the understanding that explaining and asking were useless that, even looking back, it never really occurred to him that maybe his mistake wasn't 'fucking it up when trying too hard to solve everything on his own' but 'assuming there was no help to be had, and that he had to do it all on his own.'

Like. What if this really could all have been avoided if he'd just trusted and communicated with the adult in charge of him? But of course, of course his history of trauma (neglect, child abuse, exploitation, being the One Responsible for the younger kids whom he could not keep safe) meant he was absolutely not going to do that.

It was basically impossible. For the person he was, the person the world had made of him. And that's always been the core tragedy the whole novel circles back upon.

People can only ever be themselves, and so very often the elements of self that let them survive until now are that which dooms them, that means they need someone else to intervene if they're ever going to be saved. Because your personal doom is always the thing from which you can't save yourself.

#hoc est meum #JUST LIKE SHEN JIU #yue qingyuan #svsss #scum villain #meta #trauma #ambiguous backstory elements #tragedy #growing into your deathmask #the fact that shen jiu got in #and got promoted #tends to imply the former generation wasn't particularly inflexible #or unwilling to entertain deviance #the fact that yqy got made Sect Leader #despite his disability #suggests his teacher valued him #on a personal level #though not necessarily a level that gave a shit #about his happiness or wellbeing #but we srsly do not know

[akutasoda]

Could I request a PM! Dazai/Chuuya/Akutagawa x F! Reader who’s sort of like a parental figure but more of a wine aunt-type figure, I guess. She’s someone who’s blunt and rude, almost condescendingly, like she doesn’t care if she hurts someone’s feelings, but in a more “lady-like” manner. She’s someone with immaculate taste and wisdom beyond her years, so she serves as like a guardian angel of sorts just with a glass of wine and cigarette in her hands, plus she has that sort of sophistication with her mixed with a 1950’s style.

wine and wisdom

synopsis - how are they with a wine-aunt type of figure

includes - 15!dazai, chuuya, akutagawa

warnings - fem!reader, mentions of cigarettes and alcohol, fluff, wc - 700

taglist - @vi-chan07

osamu dazai ★↷

↪back when he first joined the mafia, he net you within a couple of days after mori would drop him off in your presence if he had to leave. he wasn't exactly surprised that you were slightly condescending and spoke your mind with little regard.

↪in honesty, he actually preferred it when mori left him under your supervision. you're blunt nature was more than tolerable and he enjoyed watching you offend people and not care how much you're words hurt them - yet still acting very 'lady-like'

↪he absolutely admired how wise and intelligent you were across a variety of things. you always answered his questions and would sometimes give him advice which he would willingly listen to. his favourite part was when you'd openly criticise mori himself.

↪he was never a fashion person but could admit you had a very stunning taste in clothes. if you ever tried to offer him a change in clothes he'd politely decline. he also never minded that you always seemed to have a glass of wine with you.

↪when he left the port mafia, you'd probably be someone that he'd think of. however, in some reality he wouldn't leave the port mafia - then he would still look to you for advice. but in both scenarios, you would be someone he admired through his childhood.

chuuya nakahara ★↷

↪when he first saw you it was in a passing in a hallway and he immediately mistook you for kouyou. he would do a doubletake ablnd realise you were a completely different person. ironically, kouyou introduced him properly to you the following week.

↪he would still be in the first couple of weeks of being in the port mafia when he properly met you, so he was quite taken back by how blunt you were when you addressed him. not hesitating to find something about him to criticise.

↪as kouyou promised him, he got used to it - although to this day he could still be surprised by how straightforward you could be. in some way he actually admired how little you cared for how your words affected people because most of the time you were only telling the truth.

↪another thing he could admire about you was wise you were. he could come to you with any question or query and you would give him a solution or answer. your intelligence was something he strived to gain.

↪as he grew up with you around, he kind of derived his taste from you - or you atleast influenced his style. he would note that you always had immaculate sense of style, an older style but you always pulled off all your outfits.

↪when he thought back to it, he couldn't actually recall a time where he didn't see you with a glass of wine or a cigarette... even if you engaged in a battle...

ryūnosuke akutagawa ★↷

↪akutagawa mainly only got very few interactions with you when he first joined the mafia, each and every one was because dazai would seek you out and he'd follow. to him it seemed like dazai liked you and so naturally he wanted to know you.

↪it never went unnoticed to him that you always carried around a glass of wine or such but he didn't care. he aslo didn't really care for how you dressed, your sophisticated style seemed extra to him but that didn't mean he wouldn't admit it worked.

↪he could see why dazai looked up to you. your wisdom truly held no bounds and akutagawa would start copying dazai in asking you questions that you always had answers to.

↪additionally when he first met you, he felt quite insulted when you noticed him and started really letting your thoughts run wild. he quickly came to get used to how blunt and rude you could be. your condescending tone eventually becoming normal to hear.

↪even know a part of him held admiration toward you - not as much as held for dazai but it was close. to this day you still held a rude word toward anyone and had that same olden style that worked flawlessly accompanied by your glass of wine.

#x reader #x fem reader #x female reader #x fem!reader #bsd x reader #bungo stray dogs x reader #bungo stray dogs x you #bsd x you #bsd x female reader #bsd dazai osamu #dazai x fem reader #dazai x reader #bsd chuuya #chuuya x fem!reader #chuuya x reader #bsd akutagawa #akutagawa x reader

[fantasyescapes17]

Scandal (Part 1)

The Viscount's sister with an enormous dowry, beauty and unmistakable talent- you began the London season as the most desired woman in any room. But Jeon Wonwoo (a man who would rather hide in the library than dance at a ball) is beyond your comprehension. Curiosity might have killed the cat, but it embroiled you into a scandal with a man you could never love.

Genre: Wonwoo x Female!reader. Regency!AU (It's sort of Bridgerton-esque in the sense that I give zero attention to historical accuracy and prioritize aesthetics lmao) You are Joshua's sibling so your last name is Hong but the reader has no other physical characteristics. Note: Certain main characters may initially seem unlikeable in this story. Redemption arcs will come.

Word Count: 6.8k+

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Series Masterlist [Reading Candle and Manners, the earlier installments in this series first is strongly recommended as main character dynamics are introduced there.]

The sheer cacophony being produced from Miss Brooke’s fingers prodding at your pianoforte was unbearable. 

You suffered silently through the onset of a headache as Miss Brooke continued to perform (the piece was not even recognizable to your ears although she was using your sheet music). The remaining occupants of the parlour conversed awkwardly over her uninspiring performance. 

Your mother- the Dowager Viscountess Hong-  derived great enjoyment from hosting other elite families for tea. Her tea parties were renowned not only for the wide array of cakes, biscuits and other delicacies served, but also her remarkable skills as a hostess. 

Presently, the evening's guests consisted of two of the ton's most elite families: the Brookes and the Jeons. Both families had eligible young women of marriageable age which factored into your mother's decision to host them. She was hoping your brother would marry by the end of the season. 

Your brother- the Viscount Joshua Hong- was seated near Miss Jeon. They chatted politely about something. The specifics of their conversation were prevented from reaching your ears by the ruckus Miss Brooke was creating on the piano. Miss Jeon was the season's promising young debutante, but it was evident that she had no particular attraction to Joshua. And Joshua's heart was already engaged elsewhere. 

That left only one other marriageable bachelor in the room. 

Mr. Jeon Wonwoo. 

He was a strange one, you decided. Mr Jeon was exceedingly handsome and always had a calm, peaceful demeanour. He spoke very little. Even now, he sat across from you and sipped his tea quietly without making any attempt at conversation. Your initial subtle attempts at flirtation had fallen quite flat.  

You had to admit that you found him rather mysterious. 

Still, you had never met a man that was completely immune to your charms. Mr. Jeon was simply a bit of a challenge. You enjoyed a challenge. 

Miss Brooke's piece at the piano finally drew to an excruciatingly slow end. Seizing the opportunity, you rose from your seat and clapped politely with a smile on your face as you approached her. 

"Thank you so much, Miss Brooke. We are so grateful to have been able to experience your playing this evening. Truly a remarkable performance," you told her graciously. 

Miss Brooke blushed. "Thank you, Miss Hong. I was considering what to play next-"

"Oh! No, I won't hear of it! You must be very tired already. I insist that you sit down and try these lemon cakes. I would be happy to continue the music in your stead," you offered. 

Miss Brooke looked put out but you firmly and politely ushered her away from the piano. You sat at your beloved instrument and let your fingers lovingly stroke the keys that Miss Brooke had abused mere moments ago. 

You never tired of showing off your performances. Your musical talents were undisputed among the members of the ton, and you were confident that there was no young woman in London who could ever rival your skill at the piano.

Surely, you thought, a display of my exquisite musical talent will be enough to gain a little attention from Mr. Jeon Wonwoo? 

You chose to perform an incredibly difficult piece that you had recently mastered. The entire room immediately ceased conversation to turn their attention to your performance. You could tell from the corner of your eye that even Mr. Jeon Wonwoo's sharp gaze was fixed on you. He was watching you intensely.

When you finished, you were treated to an enthusiastic round of applause from the entire room. Your mother spoke up to praise you. 

"Wonderful, dear. That was beautifully done," the Dowager Viscountess told you proudly. 

"That was quite delightful!" Miss Jeon was equally quick to praise your performance once you returned to your seat. "I have heard so much about your musical talents, Miss Hong, but to hear you perform in person is quite something else entirely. How much time and effort you must have put in to reach that level of skill! Was it not lovely, Wonwoo?"

You smiled to yourself, awaiting the praise that was surely to come from Mr. Jeon. You were accustomed to general admiration of your music. The young gentlemen of the ton were among your most ardent admirers.

You batted your eyelashes at him and spoke in a sweet tone. "Yes, Mr. Jeon. I am very eager to hear what you thought of my performance."

Mr. Jeon Wonwoo sipped his tea calmly. His dark eyes flickered to you and he gave you a polite, tight-lipped smile. 

"You possess great potential, Miss Hong," he replied simply.  

You could not have been more shocked if Mr. Jeon Wonwoo had chosen to throw his unfinished tea in your face. 

Potential? What on earth did he mean by that? You had been learning to play the piano since you were a small child of seven. That was a decade and a half of uninterrupted learning, of your parents hiring the best tutors and dedicating all your free time to the practice and perfection of the art. Your late father had bought you the priceless pianoforte for your twelfth birthday, and it was your most prized possession. You were undisputably the most skilled young lady in all of London and this rude, conceited, tasteless man had the audacity to tell you that you had potential?

As though you were a child? 

You had never been so affronted. 

"I have dedicated myself to learning how to play the pianoforte for over fifteen years now, Mr. Jeon," you informed him coldly. "I am certain that I have already realised my full potential. Perhaps you may wish to reserve your critical judgement in the future."

Mr. Jeon's handsome face did not flinch.  

"You asked me for my thoughts, Miss Hong," he replied in his calm, deep voice. His eyebrow was raised. "Am I to understand, then, that my criticism holds no value while my praise does? One might call that vanity."

Your cheeks turned hot in anger. How dare this tasteless man not only insult you publicly, but also accuse you of being vain and fishing for compliments?

How dare he? 

"One hardly needs to be a music aficionado to pay basic respect to the quality of a performance, Mr. Jeon. I believe even my dog knows good music when he hears it-"

Viscount Hong interrupted the rapidly escalating conversation with a laugh and made a tangential comment about a hunting expedition that he planned to undertake with some other gentlemen. You leaned back in your seat and fumed silently for the rest of the evening until the Jeons and Brookes finally took their leave. 

"Joshua," you told your elder brother once the guests had departed. "I hope you have not developed any affection towards Miss Jeon because I forbid that family from being invited to our home again. I have never been so insulted in my life!"

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Your performance was lovely, sister. You should not let the opinion of others affect you."

You turned to your mother. 

"Mother! Was Mr. Jeon not excessively rude to me earlier?" you demanded validation. "Have you ever known someone to openly insult my performance- as a guest in our home, no less?"

Your mother gave you a sympathetic smile. "It does not appear that Mr. Jeon has a discerning ear for music, my darling. But do not fret. If you do not wish to see him again then we need not host the Jeons any more this season. There are plenty of other young gentlemen among the ton who would suit you much better."

You smiled and embraced your mother. 

"You are so good to me, mother. Shall I play you another piece before dinner?"

"I would love that, my dear."

—-------------------------------------------------------

True to her word, your mother did not attempt to host the Jeons again. Any formal invitations to tea were restricted to the female members of the Jeon family- among whom Miss Jeon, you discovered, was a polite and friendly young woman.

You were fortunate to see very little of Mr. Jeon Wonwoo over the next few weeks. While his sister made a splash upon her entrance in society with her pretty manners and success at balls, Mr. Jeon himself was not easy to spot at social events. He would indulge in one or two dances at most and not be seen for the rest of the evening.  

It was for the best, since the passage of time had not diminished your anger towards him in the slightest. 

"Your post has arrived, Miss Hong," the maid told you as she came in with a tray of letters while you were at breakfast with your mother and brother. 

The Dowager Viscountess raised an eyebrow. 

"That is a lot of correspondence, my dear," your mother commented as you carelessly opened the letters one-by-one and glanced at them briefly before tossing them aside. "Who are you writing to?"

"I am not writing to anyone. These are from some gentlemen I danced with at the Hessington's ball last week. Mr. Carter writes to me regularly and of late I've received correspondence from Baron Wright, the Park brothers, and a few others…."

"So many admirers!"

You rolled your eyes. It was not surprising. These men were only interested in your status and fortune, though one would not think so from the romantic prose and lavish gifts they sent you on a regular basis. One of the envelopes contained a gift of expensive silk ribbon. Another contained an exquisitely carved handheld mirror. 

You gestured to your maid to take the gifts away before continuing to open the envelopes. 

"Oh, look- Mr. Carter has written a lovely little poem. You should use that, Joshua. It might help you woo Miss Lee."

Joshua did not look at the letter you passed him. 

"I am capable of drafting my own correspondence with Miss Lee, sister, thank you," he told you firmly. 

You were not convinced. "If you had written her a few poems like this before you raced off to her home to ask for her hand in marriage…"

Joshua sighed."Yes, yes, all right. That is enough."

"Oh dear," you mumbled as you opened the last letter. "Baron Wright says he intends to call upon me today. He is quite unbearable. I must not be at home- Minnie! It is lovely weather for a walk in the park. Will you help me find that pretty blue summer dress? And we shall take Snowball with us."

Your maid nodded. "Of course, miss."

You enjoyed the fresh air. Since you spent hours every day in front of the piano, it was rare to have a chance to promenade in the park with your furry companion. Snowball- your adorable fluffy white Pomeranian- trotted alongside you cheerfully on her leash and your ladies’ maids followed you at a polite distance. 

"Miss, you must walk in the shade," your maid insisted. "It is very bright outside and the direct sun may burn your skin…"

You conceded, teetering a little off the path so that you and your maids could walk in the shade of the trees lining the park. You paused suddenly when you noticed a gentleman and lady strolling in your direction. 

You recognised them both.

The man was Mr. Jeon Wonwoo. The mere sight of his handsome, unsmiling face was enough to make your blood boil. Wonwoo had no business looking so deceptively charming in a dark brown riding coat that emphasised his broad shoulders- the uncultured swine. 

You would have walked past him without acknowledging his presence if it had been up to you. But unfortunately, you were not afforded this option. The lady accompanying him was your cousin-Miss Ella Williams- and she smiled and waved as soon as she recognised you. 

"Cousin!" Ella called out cheerfully as she hurried down the path to greet you. Mr. Jeon followed her. His long legs allowed him to cover the distance in casual, effortless strides. 

"Ella," you greeted your cousin warily. You were forced to acknowledge her walking companion. "And Mr. Jeon Wonwoo, if I remember correctly? I see you are out for a stroll."

Ella smiled. "Indeed. I was on a walk with Miss Jeon but we were joined by Mr. Jeon and Mr. Yoon. The path is narrow so I am afraid that the others have fallen a little behind. Mr. Jeon- please allow me to introduce you to my cousin, Miss Hong."

Wonwoo’s expression was emotionless as always. 

“We are already acquainted,” he replied shortly. 

"I see you and Snowball have come to promenade as well. Is the weather not perfectly lovely? It is a wonderful sunny day," Ella gushed.

"It was when I arrived. But there seems to be a rather ugly dark cloud crossing my path at the moment," you quipped with a sharp glance at Mr. Jeon. 

The sky was clear and blue.  

Mr. Jeon fixed his dark eyes upon you. He seemed annoyed. "Perhaps a dark cloud now and then is inevitable in life, Miss Hong. The sky cannot cater to your personal desires," he remarked. 

You scoffed. "So long as the cloud learns its place and does not rain down upon those of us attempting to enjoy our day; I shall have no objections to the existence of the cloud."

Ella looked bewildered. "What cloud-"

She was interrupted by a sharp tug on your leash. Snowball had grown impatient while standing in one place and darted forwards to sniff at Mr. Jeon's shoes. 

Mr. Jeon looked surprised. It was the closest thing to an emotion you had seen on his serious face- but he did not move away from the dog.

"Snowball, no!" you cried. Snowball was beginning to wag his tail and you could not imagine the mortification you would feel if your dog expressed any affection towards the man you were clearly attempting to snub. 

You reached down and picked Snowball up quickly before he could embarrass you. He let out a small whine but relaxed in your arms. 

Ella laughed. “Oh, that is all right, cousin! I am sure Mr. Jeon does not mind dogs- do you, Mr. Jeon?” 

“I consider them to be excellent companions,” Mr. Jeon replied simply. 

"And I think he is adorable," Ella insisted as she reached forward to pat Snowball's head. "I wish my mother would allow me to have a dog, but she insists that the fur makes her ill. Will you allow me to walk him sometime?"

"Anytime you like, dear cousin."

Ella's eyes suddenly widened as she remembered something. "Oh, but cousin, you must tell me- I have heard that the Viscount is courting Miss Lee! I was quite surprised. Can it be true? Will they be married?"

You stiffened. You were aware of Joshua's affections for Miss Lee; their courtship was the hottest gossip among the ton at the moment, largely because Miss Lee was from a humble background and did not possess either status or dowry to match your family's. 

You had spoken to Miss Lee at the Hessington's ball. She was kind-hearted and a perfect choice for Joshua, but did not seem confident in her ability to become a Viscountess. You were not certain that she would accept your brother's proposal. 

"It remains to be seen," you replied lightly. You did not want to confirm rumours until the success or failure of their courtship was more evident to you.

"You do not think she is a good match for Joshua?" Ella wondered. 

"We shall have to see," you said vaguely. "Decisions such as these should not be made in haste. Not everyone is suited to become a Viscountess."

Mr. Jeon's dark eyes were still on you. His jaw was clenched; he looked displeased. 

"Do you disagree, Mr. Jeon?" you demanded. 

"I do not think it is your place to assess who is suited to become the Viscountess," he replied stiffly. "I am sure your brother is more than capable of making such decisions on his own."

You laughed. Your brother had made plenty of poor choices in Miss Lee's case- including springing a proposal on the poor girl without giving her any hint of his affections for her and failing to realise how she would be affected by the gossip.

"You overestimate my brother, Mr. Jeon. He is perfectly capable of making mistakes, like any other gentleman," you replied. 

"A gentleman will deal with the consequences of his own actions- whether they be mistakes or otherwise," Mr. Jeon retorted. 

You stared at him, bewildered. What was he going on about? You had no idea why Jeon Wonwoo was so invested in Joshua's courtship with Miss Lee, but you refused to let this odious man have the last word.

"It seems you have a high opinion of my brother," you snapped. "But I am sorry to inform you that the decisions made by a Viscount do not impact him alone. Forgive me if I do not want my brother to make mistakes that would cause pain to those around him."

Ella looked distressed at the turn the conversation was taking. 

"Cousin, I am sure there is no question of the Viscount making any mistakes. Let us speak of something else," she pressed. 

"Yes, of course. Men must never be questioned by women when they make mistakes," you replied drily while glaring at Mr. Jeon. "How foolish of me to think otherwise."

Mr. Jeon raised an eyebrow. "Miss Hong, it was never my intention to suggest that-"

"Frankly, Mr. Jeon, I have no interest in what you intended to suggest. I did not ask for your opinion; I shall certainly not make that mistake twice. You may rest knowing that your silence pleases me well enough. Please do not trouble yourself with speech."

Ella was shocked. "Cousin!"

"Snowball is quite tired and we must be returning home now. I will take your leave.  Good day, Ella. Mr. Jeon."

You walked away, your cheeks hot with anger. Who did Mr. Jeon Wonwoo think he was? It is not your place to assess who is suited to be a Viscountess? As though a sister being concerned for her brother's marriage was overstepping her bounds? How dare he speak to you that way? 

One thing was certain. You were not as kind and forgiving as your brother. 

Jeon Wonwoo would regret making an enemy of you.

—-------------------------------------------

"Miss Hong, you have the most exquisite taste in fashion! These gowns are so striking!" Miss Brooke cried. 

You were having tea with some of the other young ladies of the ton when your latest shipment from the modiste arrived- a large collection of custom-made ball gowns, hats, and shoes that you had ordered recently. 

"This one is my own personal design," you boasted as Miss Brooke admired a particularly gorgeous lavender gown with a delicately embroidered skirt. "I ordered it specially for my brother's wedding and I am having a pair of shoes custom-made to match."

“It is a masterpiece!” 

You sipped your tea and leaned back as Miss Brooke, Miss Hessington and Miss Jeon continued to compliment and admire your new gowns. You had spent a considerable amount of time preparing the designs and discussing them with the modiste. The admiration of the other young ladies was sufficient recompense for your efforts. 

Let it never be said that Miss Hong was not the best-dressed young lady in the room.

Just as Miss Brooke pulled out an exquisite handmade silk shawl from the boxes stacked on the tea table, your brother appeared at the doorway of the tea parlour. 

"Ladies," Viscount Hong greeted the other young women in the room with a handsome smile before turning to you. "I apologise for interrupting your tea. Sister- if I could have a word in the hall?"

You followed him into the hallway outside. 

"Joshua? Is there a problem?"

Joshua had a small stack of papers in his hand. He showed them to you calmly. "These are the bills I have received from the modiste, the shoemaker and the jeweller," he informed you. 

You blinked at him. "All right. What is the problem? Send the clerk to pay them."

"Do you not think some of these are a little extravagant, sister? This single ball-gown of yours costs as much as the Arabian horse I had shipped from overseas," Joshua pointed out. 

"It is custom-made. The silk is imported from India so it has travelled the same distance. If we can afford the horse, then I fail to see the problem with the dress," you replied defensively.

Joshua shook his head and sighed. "Do not mistake me, sister. I am not angry. I only want to be sure that you are conscious of your spending habits."

"Are my gowns putting a dent in the Hong family fortune?" you asked with a laugh. 

"You know they are not."

"Then what do you want from me?"

"I would like you to acknowledge that regardless of our ability to pay for them, perhaps it is not necessary to spend so much money on a dress that you shall only wear on a single occasion. I ask you to exercise a little restraint.”

“Yes, yes, all right," you told him dismissively. "The season is nearing an end so this was my final order. We shall be returning to the countryside after your wedding, in any case."

"Glad to hear it."

"Have you ordered your wedding things? You know the modiste takes over a week for wedding orders- particularly the wedding gowns."

Joshua blinked. "Wedding gown?"

You gasped. "Joshua! Your wedding is in less than a fortnight, are you telling me that an order has not been placed for Miss Lee's wedding gown? What on earth is the matter with you?"

Joshua looked flustered. "I-I assumed Miss Lee would arrange her own wedding gown-"

"Miss Lee's family cannot afford a wedding gown fit for a Viscountess! And she is so humble she would never ask you for such a thing- it was your responsibility to offer! You must place a deposit with the modiste immediately and I will take Miss Lee there myself to select the design this evening. You are fortunate that I am the modiste's valued customer."

Joshua nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yes-yes, I will do that…"

"And none of that restraint, please. Sell one of the Arabians if you must," you added with a giggle. 

Your brother hurried away and you re-entered the parlour where the young ladies were still discussing your silk shawls.

You re-seated yourself in an armchair. 

"Is everything all right, Miss Hong?" Miss Jeon asked politely. 

"Yes- my brother needed some help with the arrangements for his wedding. Gentlemen are very lucky to have sisters to rely on in certain matters," you said lightly before glancing at Miss Jeon. "Would you not agree, Miss Jeon?"

Miss Jeon shook her head. "I am sure I rely on my brother far more than he relies on me."

"But of course. Mr Jeon Wonwoo is a different case altogether. I gather he does not need your help in matters of the heart, since he openly refuses to court anyone," you quipped.

Miss Jeon did not seem worried. "I am sure he will find a young lady he is interested in someday."

"I hope that the young lady is not too fond of polite conversation, then, since Mr. Jeon will surely not indulge in any," you replied. "Was it not just last week, Miss Brooke, that you told me Mr. Jeon danced with you and did not speak a single word for the entire duration of the dance?"

Miss Brooke smiled awkwardly. "Yes…"

"And Miss Hessington, did you not tell me that you attempted to converse with him at the assembly rooms and he did not even look up from the book he was reading to greet you?"

Miss Hessington nodded. 

"Wonwoo does not speak much," Miss Jeon admitted with an awkward laugh. 

"Perhaps that is for the best," you replied airily. "I am quite offended by what little he has spoken to me thus far. If he spoke more often, I imagine he would soon gain many enemies among the ton."

"I apologise for his actions, Miss Hong-"

You brushed her off kindly. "Not at all, Miss Jeon; you are a dear friend. I would not dream of holding you responsible for your brother's behaviour. He shall carry that burden entirely on his own."

"Are there any gentlemen among the ton that have caught your eye, Miss Hong?" Miss Brooke wondered. "I notice that Baron Wright seems to be quite set on you. You often dance with Mr. Carter as well."

"We shall see," you replied lightly. "Since the season is coming to an end and I will be returning to the countryside soon, it is a perfect time to test a man's so-called affections. Only those who maintain their correspondence with me over the winter will remain candidates for my hand next season."

Miss Jeon giggled. "Then may we expect to see another wedding in the Hong family next season?"

"... Perhaps so."

—----------------------------------------------------------

Viscount Joshua Hong's wedding was a grand success, in no small part thanks to you.

The bride's wedding gown was greatly admired by the entire ton and Miss Lee thanked you for your efforts toward ensuring they had a smooth ceremony. The happily married couple left for their honeymoon immediately after. You returned with your mother to the Hongs' countryside estate for the winter. 

It was a quiet winter without your brother at home. You spent most evenings practising music by the fireplace and reading and writing your correspondence. Baron Wright and Mr. Carter were both quite serious about their affections for you, and you wondered if perhaps one of them would approach the Viscount for your hand as soon as your family was back in London for the next season.

You could not decide if you cared enough to marry either of them. But you were already in your third season, and now with your brother married too, the clock was ticking. Luckily, you had the entire ton to choose from. You doubted there was a single unattached man who would not welcome your affections if you chose to bestow them upon him. 

Except perhaps Mr. Jeon Wonwoo. 

But as always, he was the exception to the rule. 

You were pleased to return to London after the end of winter. Your sister-in-law, the new Viscountess, was equally excited. She had fully embraced her new role as your brother’s wife, and seemed much happier and brighter by his side than she had ever appeared before.

It almost made you envious of their marital bliss. 

“I hope you will find someone who makes you as happy as Joshua makes me,” the Viscountess gushed as the servants hurried to unpack your belongings and set up your London home for the new season. “Marriage really is quite wonderful and I would love for you to experience it, sister.” 

“Well, I must find the right man,” you reminded her. “And more importantly, I must find the right dress for the ball that the Duchess of Graham is hosting tomorrow. It is going to be the most spectacular event of the season and I cannot afford to look anything but my best.”

“You always look beautiful.” 

“Your words flatter me, sister; but it is your first public appearance as the Viscountess and you must be equally careful. Perhaps a trip to the modiste is in order?” 

The Viscountess smiled. “Perhaps it is.”

—------------------------------------------------

It was not easy to be the centre of attention at the Duchess of Graham’s ball.

The beginning of a new season came with so much fresh gossip and juicy rumours that it was impossible to keep track of it all. Whispers abounded from the moment you descended your carriage and entered the Duchess’ palatial London manor. 

“The youngest Miss Yoon is the most awaited debutante of the season,” your cousin Ella Williams informed you as you both took a turn about the beautiful ballroom. The dancing had not yet begun. You were taking the opportunity to admire the sheer magnificence of the Duchess’ manor.

It was beyond anything you had seen before. 

“Miss Yoon?” you asked. “Mr. Yoon Jeonghan’s younger sister?”

“She is rumoured to be a great beauty. And now that the messy issue of her dowry is resolved and her fortune restored, I expect she will be receiving her fair share of offers.” 

You nodded. “I would like to meet this young woman. But first, Ella, tell me about the Duchess. I knew she was rich and had connections to the royal family but… the extravagance of this manor! It is at least three times the size of any other home I have seen in London, including my own.” 

Ella nodded eagerly as you both admired an enormous marble statue in the entryway to the ball room. 

“Of course. The Grahams have historically been very intimate with the royal family and their fortune is beyond comparison. But the Duke of Graham left no male heirs. When he died last year, the title should have died with him- but the Queen herself decreed as a special exception that the title would continue through his only daughter.” 

Your eyes widened. “Fascinating. I am sure this has never happened before."

“Indeed. It was quite the controversy. Much of the nobility was displeased with a woman being able to hold a title without the support of a man. They insisted that she produce a male heir at the soonest. It is rumoured that the Duchess intends to marry soon. Perhaps this season.`` 

You sighed. “I wish she wouldn’t. It is quite nice to have a Duchess in her own right.” 

“I agree. But she has not shown any interest in the gentlemen of the ton, so perhaps she will marry someone from the royal family instead. A Prince? Anything is possible, really,” Ella gushed excitedly. “As for the manor, it has been in the Graham family for many generations. Much of the furniture is antique and gifted by the royal family. I have heard the library has an antique pianoforte which was gifted hundreds of years ago by the King himself.” 

Your eyes sparkled. “A pianoforte, you say?”

“Perhaps the oldest still in existence in London.” 

Your interest was piqued. 

“Ella- I must see this pianoforte,” you decided.  

Ella laughed. “Unfortunately, cousin, I am not entirely sure where it is. The library is upstairs but I have never been to this manor before. I have heard that your brother is acquainted with the Duchess. Perhaps if you ask her permission…” 

You shook your head. “Ask her? She is the hostess of the ball, we should never have a chance to speak to her tonight. Look at the size of this event! Nobody would notice if we slipped upstairs in between a few dances. The staircase is not even blocked.” 

Ella was startled. “We?”

“I cannot go alone!” you cried. 

“But-but…” 

“I will grant you any wish within my power, Ella,” you promised your cousin as you seized her hand and pressed it tightly. “You may choose any dress from my wardrobe- even the ones I have not yet worn. Take your pick from my jewellery box. I simply must be able to lay my fingers on this historical piano.” 

Ella laughed and removed her hand from your grasp. “All right. You are lucky that this is the first ball of the season and all the attention is focused on the Duchess and the new debutantes.”

“Show me your dance card,” you insisted, seizing the little card tied to your cousin’s wrist. “You are unoccupied for the third dance, as am I. We will meet near those stairs at the beginning of the third dance and slip upstairs. I am promised to dance with Baron Wright for the fourth- so we must find the piano and return to the ballroom by then.” 

Ella giggled. “All right, cousin. But keep your promise. I intend to take the lavender dress you wore to the Viscount’s wedding.” 

“It is yours.” 

—--------------------------------------------------------------

You danced the first two dances of the evening with Mr. Carter and Mr. Hessington. Both of whom were very vocal about their admiration for you. You accepted their advances with your usual coolness and light flirtation.

You were still deciding which of your admirers to properly encourage. For now, you would keep your options open. 

The moment the second dance ended, you hurried to the foot of the grand marble staircase. Ella was nowhere to be seen. You waited impatiently for your younger cousin, but the enormous grandfather clock in the foyer continued to tick and after a few minutes, you could hear the opening notes of the third dance beginning in the ballroom.

You were running out of time. Where was Ella? 

You made a quick decision- surely there would be nobody upstairs except for a servant or two? The ball was in full swing here anyway. You could be up and back down in a matter of minutes. 

It would be fine. 

You lifted your skirts and ran up the stairs. At the top was an enormous landing and, as you expected, not a single person in sight. You walked down a hallway of enormous, studded half-open doors until you finally found the library. The high walls were lined with shelf after shelf of books rising into the air. 

In the centre of the room- an enormous white pianoforte. 

You walked towards the instrument and sat down before it with your heartbeat thudding. You were no stranger to expensive instruments but this was undoubtedly the most beautiful one that you had ever seen in your life. It was delicately hand-carved and the quality was evident from the moment you gently brushed your fingers over the keys. 

“Beautiful,” you whispered to yourself before pressing your fingers down to play a chord. The noise was strange and jarring. 

“That is disappointing,” a voice said from behind you.

You almost screamed in shock. You had not realised that there was anyone else in the room with you. You jumped up from the piano and whirled around to see Mr. Jeon Wonwoo was standing in the shadow of one of the bookshelves, leaning against it with a book in his hand. 

“Mr. Jeon?” you demanded. 

He stepped forward from the shadow. Mr. Jeon looked as handsome as ever-  his dark hair fell forward barely brushing his eyes and he looked less… serious than he normally did. The corner of his lips were turned up in an almost-smile. 

“Miss Hong,” he greeted. 

“I-I did not see that you were already in the room,” you stammered quickly. “You should have announced your presence to me. What are you doing up here?” 

Mr. Jeon held up the book in his hand. “Reading.” 

“And avoiding the ball, I see, as always. I suppose you consider yourself far too superior to the young ladies here to bestow them with the gift of your presence,” you replied snidely. “Shall I thank you for deigning to speak to me today?” 

He blinked. “No thanks is necessary.” 

“Excellent. Then I shall ask you to please leave. It is quite improper for us to be alone together here.” 

Mr. Jeon smirked lightly. “Leave? Miss Hong, I am afraid that I was here long before you. By the common rules of courtesy, if you do not wish to be in my presence then you are very welcome to leave yourself. The door is open.”

This infuriating man simply would not let you be.  

You glanced at the enormous grandfather clock in the corner of the room. You could still hear the faint notes of music coming from the ballroom below, but time was running out. You had no idea when you would have another chance to experience this instrument. Mr. Jeon would not ruin this for you. 

“I am sure you have been to hundreds of libraries, Mr. Jeon, but this instrument is one of the oldest antique pianofortes in London. I only wanted a few moments alone with it, if you would be so kind.” 

Mr. Jeon’s eyes flickered towards the instrument. 

“It looks antique but the noise it made just now was quite awful,” he remarked.   

You huffed and pressed some of the keys again. The noise was still awkward. “It is simply not tuned. Evidently nobody has played it in a long time. The fact that you could not tell leads me to believe that your knowledge and appreciation for music is much lower than I originally imagined.”

He raised an eyebrow. 

“Why? Because I would not compliment your performance last year?” he demanded.

“It was an excellent performance,” you said defensively, anger rising. “Regardless of whether you are willing to accept it or not, Mr. Jeon. I can allow for differences in personal taste, but there is some objectivity in the field that deems me more than a mere child with potential.” 

 Mr. Jeon closed the book in his hands and stepped closer to you. “The problem was not your performance.” 

“Oh?” you demanded. 

“No. Your performance was masterful. I am afraid what you failed to realise is that your self-indulgent display of talent left your friend, Miss Brooke, almost in tears,” Mr. Jeon replied. His dark eyes narrowed and he crossed the library towards you in long, effortless strides. You felt your heart constrict in your chest. 

“What?” you demanded, confused.

“You are evidently the better musician. But what I found distasteful, Miss Hong, is how you felt the need to make a spectacle of Miss Brooke by showing the entire room just how superior you were to her. That was a selfish, vain, tactless thing to do to a young lady who believes herself to be your friend.” 

“Miss Brooke made a spectacle of herself,” you snapped. “She should have known better than to perform for company when she can barely produce a recognizable nursery rhyme from the piano!” 

Mr. Jeon shook his head. “You could have ended it there. Perhaps even closed the instrument for the evening. But you had to outperform her by playing your most difficult piece. You used her to satisfy your vanity.” 

You could not help it- you laughed. You could not believe the audacity of this man, after all this time, to defend his actions in this manner. You were becoming angrier and angrier.

Your cheeks felt hot and your fists clenched. 

“Are you telling me, Mr. Jeon,” you asked as you laughed in disbelief. “That your blatant public insult of my performance while you were a guest in my home was an act of chivalry in defence of a slight you perceived against Miss Brooke? You are mad. Really, you must be quite mad to think that is even remotely an appropriate defence for your actions-”

“And you must be very proud indeed, to allow such a minor slight to make you so angry after all these months” Mr. Jeon replied with a smirk.

He was standing in front of the instrument now, mere feet away from you. 

You scoffed as you stepped forward again. You would not back down from this man. 

“Yes, of course. Yes, please, Mr. Jeon, I would love to hear more about my pride from the man who infamously hides in libraries during balls and snubs every young lady that crosses his path. Do you consider women beneath your notice? But of course- why should Mr. Jeon Wonwoo bother with polite conversation with stupid young ladies when he is evidently so superior in intellect and manner to our entire sex,” you hissed. 

His eyes looked wild for a moment; you had never seen so much emotion in Mr. Jeon’s eyes and you could hear your own blood pumping in your ears from anger as you stared back at him. You were barely a foot apart and you could see the way his chest heaved up and down underneath his black coat. 

The room was filled with a complete silence. 

Silence. 

The faint music from the ballroom below had stopped. 

Suddenly, a number of things occurred in the flash of a single moment. 

You realised that the third dance had ended and you had spent too long upstairs. There was the sound of footsteps outside the partially open library door. Jeon Wonwoo looked startled- he suddenly took a step back to put some distance between you, but his foot caught on the leg of the pianoforte and his arm came down upon the keys to steady himself. 

You darted forward to steady him but it was too late. His palm had already hit the keys by the time you seized his arm and the loud, jarring piano noise was released into the silent room with no chance of concealment. 

The door to the library burst open. 

Oh no. Oh no no no no. 

You were ruined. 

—-------------------------------------------------------------

#seventeen scenarios #wonwoo scenarios #wonwoo fluff #wonwoo x reader #wonwoo angst #seventeen angst #seventeen fluff #regency!au #seventeen fanfiction #wonwoo imagines #seventeen x reader #seventeen imagines

[maspers]

Weather Update: The First Danganronpa Game secretly had TWO rivals the entire time.

Lemme explain (spoilers, obviously, and this is gonna be a bit a rant whoops):

Usual Danganronpa Format as the fandom usually sees it: Students trapped in an unfamiliar location with no idea what's going on, plot driven partially by the mystery but mostly by the character interactions.

Trigger Happy Havoc: Students trapped in an altered but still familiar location with no idea what's going on, plot driven partially by the character interactions but mostly by the mystery.

In a setting like DR2, V3, or a vast majority of fangans, the participants in the killing game are given very little information about their circumstances aside from what Monokuma gives them, which is deliberately vague and designed to direct them towards killing each other. Additionally, the students are given very little ability to react to and retaliate against the Killing Game system in ways Monokuma won't expect. Weirdness aside DR2 basically went all according to plan until the final trial due to Monokuma's nigh-omniscience, and V3 was similar with the only debatable exception being Kokichi's elaborate scheme in Chapter 5. Since the students are dealing with such restricted conditions, the plot can't be fully driven by the students figuring out the setting, so instead the plot focuses on the conflict that derives from the various characters reacting to the game. In a story like this, it makes sense that the most antagonistic characters aside from the mastermind would be the ones with EXTREME personalities that shake things up a lot. Nagito, Kokichi and that character archetype that everyone expects to be in a fangan are necessary to make the plot more INTERESTING.

But THH is different. The students KNOW where they are (or at least they think they do, and turn out to be right). While they don't have any recollection of the Academy itself, they at least know what to EXPECT from Hope's Peak, and can from there point out nooks and crannies for delicious little clues that reveal more about the situation, putting together a narrative without Monokuma's handholding. Additionally, despite his blustering Monokuma is explicitly NOT omniscient here, or even practically omniscient, as methods to hide things from him are figured out early on. The students are able to DO something about their situation as the story progresses, and have figured out some aspects of the overarching mystery as it pertains to them long before the final trial (and NOT because the Mastermind deliberately put the info in their path). This greater information access and greater character agency in general means that while the character conflicts are still very much a part of the plot, the overarching theme is solving the mystery while adapting to the circumstances to avoid dying.

In a setting like this, extreme/bizarre personalities aren't really a boon to the plot. While the character reveals add layers and information in other settings, here it's a distraction. The students HAVE resources, and at least SOME of the tools they need. Engaging in over-the-top schemes and traps is a DETRIMENT to their current course of action even more than in later games, which is probably why Monokuma tries to encourage them to do such. Other characters in THH fit the bill of "stereotypical DR Rival" probably better than the supposed-rival Byakuya and THH's other Rival character actually do. Celestia Ludenberg comes to mind, in another DR setting she could be exactly the sort of mysterious and interesting rival the series is known for (and that she clearly wants to be), but in THH she's just another annoyance. Toko Fukawa and Genocider have the extreme personality down, but they only advance the plot in the students' favor when they approach things logically and in a less crazy manner. If Rivals in this game are supposed to fit the bill of "causes unexpected occurrences and advances the plot but still clashes with the rest of the cast in intense ways while doing so" like the other Rival characters in the series do, they have to play the role under a different ruleset. Rather than representing a philosophical extreme through their personality, these rivals have to represent a different extreme: their methods and rationale when it comes to SOLVING THE MYSTERY / ESCAPING THE GAME.

And in this regard, Byakuya Togami plays the role wonderfully. The vast majority of the students in the game are very passive when it comes to solving the mystery. Sure, they get very active when trying to escape by killing someone, but that's just dancing to Monokuma's tune. Rather than wondering what to do, Byakuya makes his actions clear from the start, and everything he does in the game that's antagonistic fits that same M.O., while not doing anything that would put him in an uncertain position. He learns how the trial system functions, then during Chapter 2 he performs an experiment to analyze the other students further. His antagonism largely stems from viewing the other students as opponents, so his pragmatic approach makes sense, but he doesn't JUST analyze the players. He also analyzes the metaphorical board, and it's clear he's trying to get every scrap of info he can on his situation before fully committing to action (exhibit A: him spending so much freaking time in the library). The only stereotypically "nuts" thing he really does is down that bottle of poison/protein in Chapter 4. He's proving a point. He'll do anything it takes to win, and knowledge is power. Hence his active role in acquiring info about the game, the setting, and the other students' behaviors.

But Byakuya can't be the only Rival here. While he might be solving some mysteries in the background, we don't get to see much of it because the whole point of his character early on is conflict: his active versus the other's passive. He won't share his findings or really work with others, which is not good when our precious baby protag Makoto is trying to solve the mystery himself. Byakuya can't move the plot forward like that until after Chapter 4. Chapter 5 onward, Byakuya's method to his madness is revealed, and he contributes a lot to solving the mystery and directing the other students to getting more of the info he needs (exhibit A, dismantling Monokuma). And... that doesn't really fit with the formula later games set. Chapter 5 is when conflicts with the rival comes to head, and shenanigans abound. Nagito does it. Kokichi does it. But Byakuya isn't particularly inclined. Shenanigans with his own life at stake aren't his methods, they're just complications. But... the stuff still comes to a head with THH's other rival. The other character that's been progressing the plot in active ways that contrast with the other students, and clashing with the rest of the cast AND the player. The character whose life IS on the line in Chapter 5.

You've probably guessed by now that I'm talking about Kyoko Kirigiri.

When we look at her in retrospect, Kyoko doesn't raise any alarms compared to the craziness of the rest of the franchise. She helps with the investigations and moves the trials forward, she's nowhere near the craziness brought by Nagito and Kokichi, and generally just really competent. We categorize her in the "Assistant" role, similar to Chiaki and Shuichi/Kaede/Kaito/Maki/whoever (hey wait a second where did we even come up with this archetype anyway, if V3 doesn't even really seem to have one character who properly fits it?) She definitely fits the Assistant bill in DR3, but this ain't DR3. She doesn't fit the bill for stereotypical Danganronpa Trial Rival... but as previously established, Byakuya doesn't either. So let's go deeper and look at things in context. Because from the start of the game, Kyoko is weird. Really weird.

We're introduced not knowing anything about her, and she keeps it that way for a LONG time. "Ultimate ???" just screams she's going to be important later but you just don't know how (remember, this was BEFORE Rantaro). She's really helpful during the trials and is three steps ahead of everyone, but... aside from that a lot of her actions are really, REALLY conflict inducing. She is happy to get info from other students, but it's clear there's a lot she isn't sharing. She says ominous things to Monokuma that make no sense ("What did you do to my body?" anyone?) and seems VERY focused on the mystery. Just like Byakuya, she's taking an active role in analyzing every detail about the circumstances. And interestingly enough, she's just as paranoid as he is, just in different ways. As Makoto spends more time around her she manipulates him (and others) in some really unnerving ways, and her dynamics with other characters outside of trials are always either generically placating to keep things calm or downright low-key hostile when things don't go according to plan. Just like with Byakuya, for the vast majority of the game she doesn't trust anybody. And in chapter 5, these aspects of her character are brought into full view. She spends the entire chapter hiding away, she mysteriously appears in Makoto's room (side note: Nagito and Kokichi both have "looking over the protag in an unnerving fashion" pics. Byakuya doesn't. Kyoko DOES). It becomes clear in the trial how much she's hiding and how much she's been manipulating things. Chapter 5 is an impossible trial designed as a trap for HER. Her seemingly innocuous actions have come in full domino effect. And only Makoto and the power of being a Man Literally To Unpredictable To Die can save her.

(Makoto obviously isn't a rival character, but it's interesting to see how by THH's requirements he very well could have fit the bill. Think of him from Hina's or Hiro's perspective: he's seemingly innocuous, yet survived way longer than anyone would expect him to, often figures out just the right thing to say, both Byakuya and Kyoko interact with him a lot when neither of them seem to care about anyone else, and ultimately seems to become a lot more actively involved in mystery solving despite not having any right too. Couple that with the fact that he spent a couple days "bedridden" when from an outsider's perspective he could have been doing anything, and ngl Makoto sus. He even survives an execution!)

Both Byakuya and Kyoko take turns providing conflict to the story in ways that develop the plot but COMPLETELY clash with the passive methods of everyone else. They practically take turns being the one doing whatever crazy crap needs to get done. Their character arcs parallel each other too. Byakuya has to learn about the value of human life and emotional connection. Kyoko knows perfectly well how important life and emotions are, but she needs to learn that it's a two-way street, that trust needs to be established and that she doesn't have to do everything important herself. Byakuya, while lacking in empathy, is fully willing to work with others and outsource important tasks. He just views it as a business transaction. BOTH of them are prideful frickers who think they're the only one with a brain cell, and it's up to Makoto to undergo his own character arc, become their friend, and prove them wrong. And then once Makoto DOES finally take control and prove he's the one with the audacity required to actually get everything working, he's able to redirect both Byakuya and Kyoko into finally teaming up with everyone and stopping chaos so much chaos. Without either of them, Makoto couldn't have made it to the final trial (we can see when Kyoko dies in the Bad Ending that it's basically game over, the mystery CAN'T be solved, and I fully believe that the circumstances would have ended similarly if Byakuya had died and they'd lost his pragmatic logical reasoning). But without Makoto, Kyoko and Byakuya couldn't have made it THROUGH the final trial. All three of them are literary foils of each other.

(This is another reason why seeing all three of them in the final trial of DR2 is so fun, because the Trial Point Getters are a well-oiled machine by that point and you get to see them play off each other as 100% allies, while once again getting to see through Hajime's eyes how 100% sus all three of them really are once they get going.)

So that's why I think THH has some really good Rivals, despite neither Byakuya nor Kyoko fitting what we've come to expect from the formula. They aren't insane or representing a philosophical extreme, they're representing clashing viewpoints in solving a mystery and escaping the killing game. In other entries in the series, Byakuya and Kyoko would be killing game fodder for twisty midgame chapters and otherwise not being able to contribute much of interest. But in Trigger Happy Havoc? They're exactly what the game needs to elevate it from simple mystery-solving to full-blown ART.

TL;DR Byakuya and Kyoko are awesome and I love them and a lot of people sleep on their status as Danganronpa Rivals because they grade them on a standard that I think is unfair and ignores their strengths as characters. Also Makoto suddenly becomes way more interesting when viewed through a perspective other than his own. The first Danganronpa game is a materpiece and more fangans need to realize that they don't have to play by the supposed "series formula". After all, this game didn't.

#holy heck this was long #obviously the final trial's success wasn't JUST dependent on the Trial Point Getters #Hina and Toko are important characters who deserve respect #but this wasn't about them #(I still say the latter two chapters would have been way more interesting if Chihiro had survived instead of Hiro #but what we got was great so I'll take what I can get) #danganronpa #danganronpa: trigger happy havoc #byakuya togami #kyoko kirigiri #makoto naegi #danganronpa rivals #rivals #literary devices #video game writing

[astrojulia]

Mermaid’s Q&A (2)

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Trines and Lazyness

To the siren @shystarlightfan,

Trine aspects generally usher in harmonious and flowing energy between planets, often indicating the presence of natural talents and an innate ease in specific areas of life. While they don't necessarily induce laziness in a person, they can sometimes foster a sense of comfort or complacency if not consciously harnessed.

Now, let's delve into my cherished analogies. Imagine yourself in a classroom. Here, the teacher represents a planet, while the students sitting in the front row directly facing the teacher are in conjunction with them. Those in the back of the class are in opposition, while the middle-seated students find themselves in a square aspect. As for the individuals stationed in the corners who silently accomplish their tasks, they find themselves in sextile and trine aspects. Those who are conjunct with the teacher will interact directly, whether they like it or not. The group situated at the back will forever be discussed and remembered for being noisy and a trouble for the teacher, the middle is quite good but more bad... but what about those diligent students who excel without uttering a word? They often slip the teacher's memory... Understanding the essence of trigones and sextiles lies in recognizing that despite their competence and excellence, they remain somewhat unnoticed, lacking the extra attention showered upon others.

Your Aquarius Sun positioned in the 5th house indicates a creative and innovative approach to self-expression and enjoyment. Furthermore, the Gemini Moon residing in the 9th house signifies a profound emotional attachment to learning, travel, and the exploration of novel ideas. With the Virgo Rising lending a practical and analytical touch, your ability to focus on details and refine your communication is significantly enhanced.

The synergy of your Aquarius Sun (5th house), Gemini Moon (9th house), and Virgo Rising bestows upon you a distinctive blend of air energy within your birth chart. This blend fosters intellectual curiosity, sharp communication skills, and a fervent desire to comprehend the intricacies of the world around you. The trine aspects connecting these celestial bodies indeed facilitate a natural flow of energy, enabling you to effortlessly link concepts, articulate your thoughts, and adeptly maneuver through various situations.

Venus Return in Rx in Leo

To the siren @sayaliii,

Venus Returns occur approximately every year, marking significant periods of self-reflection and potential shifts in matters related to love, beauty, creativity, and personal values.

Have you ever pondered the concept of divine timing? Just as there are items we purchase that arrive via delivery, there are also things we acquire through the virtual realm that require us to physically retrieve them. Both scenarios unfold, yet one necessitates our active engagement. I present this analogy for your contemplation: Will the glow-up you seek be conveniently delivered to your doorstep, or must you venture out to acquire it? Now, talking just as Julia. Is your desired glow-up related to your appearance? Could it pertain to your self-esteem, friendships, or even academic pursuits?

Considering your Natal Venus in Leo, positioned in the 1st house, you exude a natural charm, creativity, and an ardent yearning for self-expression. The influence of Leo infuses a touch of drama and flair into your personal style, ensuring you stand out within social circles. Currently, Venus finds itself in retrograde during your Venus Return, indicating a phase of introspection and review in the domains mentioned earlier.

Furthermore, given that Leo governs your 2nd house cusp—a sphere encompassing finances, possessions, and self-worth—an opportunity for reevaluation emerges. This entails assessing your material values and the manner in which you derive self-worth from your resources and belongings. Such an endeavor may encompass a scrutiny of spending patterns, a reassessment of priorities, and an exploration of the intricate connection between self-esteem and the material realm.

A Venus Return intertwined with a retrograde phase frequently extends an invitation to delve inward and address any imbalances or unresolved issues tied to love, relationships, and personal values. This juncture may witness inner growth and transformation, potentially setting the stage for a metaphorical "glow-up" as insights emerge and adjustments are made to align more authentically with your true self.

Guidance for navigating your Venus Return:

Self-Care and Self-Love: Embrace self-care rituals that foster feelings of pampering and self-assurance. Engage in activities that uplift self-esteem and serve as reminders of your innate value.

Creative Exploration: Channel your creative energies into artistic pursuits. Experiment with diverse forms of self-expression that resonate with the essence of your Leo Venus, be it through fashion, art, or performance.

Reconnection with Values: Contemplate your personal values and how they harmonize with your relationships and material pursuits. Identify areas where realignment could cultivate greater harmony and contentment.

Communication: Given your Cancer Rising, characterized by a gentle and nurturing demeanor, seize this period to articulate your emotions and requirements with clarity and sensitivity in your interactions.

Gratitude and Generosity: Express gratitude for the beauty encompassing you, and extend your warmth and generosity to others. Doing so can enhance your sense of fulfillment and deepen connections.

Financial Evaluation: Assume a pragmatic approach to your financial matters. Evaluate your fiscal objectives, spending tendencies, and strategies for enhancing financial security and comfort.

Solar Returns and Things That Are Not Planets

To the siren @e11e27 ,

Let's start by being candid. A Solar Return lacks significance without a thorough examination of your transits for the upcoming year. Brace yourself for a slightly rude perspective, but if that were the case, everyone with Saturn in their 4th house during their Solar Return would experience the loss of their mother since I've read that I also it happened to me.... To take it a step further, the impact of a Solar Return beyond planetary placements is rather limited. The possibilities with personal planetary transits are so vast and for some reason unexplored (perhaps because they say that astrology does not make predictions...) that becoming overly fixated on the Solar Return can seem far-fetched at best. However, let's delve into the aspects of NN, Vertex, Part of Fortune, and Chiron in your Solar Return.

In astrology, the 7th house holds sway over relationships, partnerships, and one-on-one interactions. As the North Node, Vertex, Part of Fortune, and Chiron converge in Aries within this domain, several pivotal themes warrant contemplation:

Personal Evolution within Relationships: The presence of Aries energy introduces qualities such as initiative, assertiveness, and independence. The North Node's influence underscores a focus on growth and development, implying that your interactions with others might catalyze personal progress and self-discovery. This could encompass asserting yourself within relationships, nurturing independence, while concurrently harmonizing collaborative efforts.

Karmic Encounters and Destined Bonds: The Vertex signifies karmic or fated connections. With Aries gracing the 7th house, you could encounter relationships intended to impart profound lessons or propel you toward your life's purpose. These associations might prompt you to embrace your uniqueness as you navigate the intricate dynamics of partnership.

Healing and Vulnerability within Relationships: Often, retrograde Chiron points to areas requiring healing. Within the context of the 7th house, opportunities may arise to address wounds or insecurities associated with interpersonal dynamics. Retrograde Chiron signifies introspective exploration and therapeutic work, potentially culminating in a more empowered and authentic approach to connecting with partners.

Favorable Collaborations: The configuration's inclusion of the Part of Fortune suggests that positive outcomes might emanate from your willingness to engage in partnerships and collaborations. By adopting a proactive and receptive stance, these connections could contribute to your overall well-being and achievements.

Futhermore, your Venus positioned in the 1st house of Libra indicates a yearning for self-expression, aesthetics, and relationships throughout the upcoming year. This imparts an additional layer of profundity to your Solar Return, hinting that you may discover avenues to harmonize your personal desires and needs with those of your partners.

Jupiter Synastry with Celebrity

To the siren @meghla-btsarmy ,

I'm here to offer an objective analysis of the synastry aspect involving your Jupiter and the celebrity's Jupiter. In this synastry, your Jupiter occupies his Ascendant (AC), while his Jupiter is positioned in your Descendant (DC). However, I'd like to share a preliminary note of caution. While I often use celebrity charts for illustrative purposes, it's essential to acknowledge that analyzing the natal charts of famous individuals might not provide a complete understanding of the person behind the fame. Keep in mind that you're observing the public persona rather than the true individual; it's akin to assessing Marilyn Monroe without fully grasping the intricacies of Norma Jeane Mortenson.

Now, let's delve into the dynamics of this synastry aspect. When your Jupiter aligns with his Ascendant (AC) and his Jupiter aligns with your Descendant (DC), a captivating interplay of expansive and harmonious energies unfolds between you two. However, it's important to acknowledge that this interplay is primarily a theoretical construct, one that he may never actually witness. Let's break down the components:

Jupiter, often referred to as the planet of expansion, growth, optimism, and abundance, symbolizes opportunities, higher learning, and a sense of benevolence. When Jupiter interacts in the context of synastry, it tends to nurture an atmosphere of openness, curiosity, and shared values.

Your Jupiter's presence in his Ascendant suggests that you bring a profound sense of positivity, enthusiasm, and potential growth into his life, even if he may never be aware of it. He might perceive you as a source of opportunities and a broader perspective. This aspect could elicit a feeling of appreciation from his side, as he recognizes the positive influence your Jupiter generation bring as his fan.

Conversely, with his Jupiter gracing your Descendant, he could symbolize growth, expansion, or an inherent optimism within your one-on-one interactions and relationships. Engaging with him might evoke a sense of possibility and adventure, even though the personal interaction might remain unattainable.

The opposition between your Jupiter and his Jupiter suggests a potential for shared learning experiences. You might mutually inspire each other to broaden horizons, pursue fresh opportunities, and embark on journeys of personal growth.

Ruler of The 4th in the 8th house generational trauma

To the siren @nixastro,

First, let me clarify from the outset that I do not use the Nikola Stojanovic's degree theory (I anticipate needing to reiterate this point pretty often here). So let's talk about these potencial traumas:

Emotional Legacy and Communication Patterns: The presence of the Moon in Virgo within the 4th house underscores a profound emotional tie to family and the domestic sphere. The analytical disposition of Virgo suggests a potential need for order, control, and perfectionism within the confines of the home environment. Positioned in the 8th house, there could exist a propensity to conceal or withhold certain emotions, which may trace back to past familial dynamics characterized by the stifling of emotional expression.

Ancestral Secrets and Taboos: The 8th house is intrinsically linked to profundity, transformation, and concealed matters. Mercury's positioning in Capricorn within this house introduces the theme of ancestral secrets, unspoken truths, or familial taboos that have lingered within the family lineage. Communication pertaining to sensitive subjects may have been constrained or perhaps even forbidden in preceding generations, thus fostering an air of mystique or fascination surrounding the family's historical narrative.

Inherited Convictions Regarding Security and Resources: Capricorn's influence upon Mercury alludes to a preoccupation with structure, authority, and material security. Familial trauma associated with financial stability or sentiments of inadequacy concerning resources could potentially emerge as a recurrent motif. This might encompass the transference of beliefs surrounding scarcity, achievement, or self-worth, thereby influencing your perspective on and management of your own resources.

(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved

#astrojulia #astrology #witchblr #astroblr #all about astrology #astro community #astro observations #astrology notes #witch community #astrology basics #ruler of 4th house in 8th house #jupiter synastry #synastry #venus return #solar return #astrology aspects #aspects

[mauveflowers]

In a way it’s very sad AND endearing that Sung Hyunjae is so hung up on Han Yoojin. In part because his existence is so worn out that he doesn’t derive enjoyment from normal things, and also because just genuinely likes hanging out with Han Yoojin. Pre-regression and post-regression Sung Hyunjae has met with Han Yoojin and very quickly decided he would start bothering him nonstop.

He has the same kind of obsession with Song Taewon but Song Taewon is entirely too strait-laced to indulge Sung Hyunjae in the seemingly mundane or even petty things. And it’s because Han Yoojin WILL indulge in those aspects that makes Sung Hyunjae’s dynamic with him compelling.

With Song Taewon there isn’t any risk, they’re both accomplished S-rank hunters; Song Taewon’s skills specialize in neutralizing aggressive S-ranks even. He has the durability to match and can engage in violent bouts with Sung Hyunjae which, as a natural born S-rank, Sung Hyunjae rightfully enjoys. He even causes trouble for Song Taewon on purpose many times, much to Song’s aggrievement. But it’s only one type of enjoyment.

Han Yoojin has none of that yet he openly toys with Sung Hyunjae just as much as the latter does to him. It’s what draws Sung Hyunjae to Han Yoojin. No doubt there has never been a hunter, much less an F-rank hunter, that has ever fiddled with him this much. It borderlines disrespectful at times, likely because Han Yoojin can’t hold back his momentary jealousy and other internalized issues, but Sung Hyunjae allows it. Ultimately him allowing an inferior hunter to play with him like this is also a specific kind of novelty which he derives enjoyment from.

And so it’s this tightrope-like dynamic that is compelling in its own right, but also so very interesting to watch unfold. There are boundaries, but those boundaries are often blurred. The one or other not realizing they were even there until it’s been crossed, and the inevitable tension that ensues.

From time to time Han Yoojin’s teasings will go too far and Sung Hyunjae will show his displeasure. It’s not overt in form but he makes it evident to the point Han Yoojin can grasp its extent. Enough that Han Yoojin knows he’s made a misstep but unable to pull back. Sung Hyunjae can’t express those frustrations physically though because Han Yoojin wouldn’t be able to withstand it. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t show it on occasion and Han Yoojin has to placate him in naturally submissive ways. S-rank hunters are likened to predators throughout the novel, natural born S-ranks even more so. As an F-rank Han Yoojin can’t afford to push back and has to acquiesce to his mood, assuage his inflated ego. Sung Hyunjae also derives enjoyment from his rank-appropriate mannerisms as much as his rank-violating ones.

On the other end Han Yoojin is very protective of his younger brother and won’t hesitate to rip apart Sung Hyunjae if he genuinely threatens him. Sung Hyunjae knows it’s unlikely he’ll be able to do anything to him physically but there is a certain unpredictable element to Han Yoojin, one surprise after another, that likely has him the slightest bit on edge. That maybe Han Yoojin would be able to sink his fangs into him if he really tried. Sung Hyunjae also derives enjoyment from that possibility as well, indulging into the sadistic tendencies he occasionally acts upon.

However he doesn’t want Yoojin to hate him. He evens mentions it to Song Taewon that he wishes he could do everything he wants to do to Han Yoojin, the good and the bad, but there is only a single one of him and so he can’t risk having Han Yoojin hate him. But he does express those desires briefly, to which Song Taewon ends up being the unfortunate recipient of in transmigrated ways. Sung Hyunjae also enjoys Song Taewon’s reactions and hypocritical nature as an answer to his own Song-Taewon-curated type of teasing.

So it’s both sad that Sung Hyunjae is forced to feel so spent, the countless years wrapped around him subconsciously much like the chains he wields, but also endearing: he can still feel those moments of enjoyment, they just need to be divvied out in obscure ways. And that only adds to what makes his relationships and interactions with the various characters, specifically Han Yoojin, so interesting.

#tsctir #sctir #s classes that i raised #s class spoilers #shj #sung hyunjae #hyj #han yoojin #stw #song taewon #thank you geunseo for creating well rounded characters #the character development in this novel is so good #and it’s so great SHJ got the spotlight he did #initially reading I ultimately wrote him off as interesting but unlikely to be a major character in the novel #it's just too common for the OP smug businessman characters to be pushed to the wayside #but then geunseo was like do you like bitter petulant old men???? #and proceeded to insert SHJ in every situation that would allow it #thank you geunseo I love you for the food #s class analysis

[batterymaster01]

Shovelfolk Agriculture & Cuisine

Some common dishes in the cultures of the Shovelfolk (Astutocentaurus alluvium).

The Shovelfolk are sometimes regarded as the "inventors of agriculture" by the other native sapients. In addition to their surprisingly advanced metallurgic techniques and masonry, they have been farming for over 3 million years, countless eons before most of the other currently extant native sapients even came to be. Quite a few of the planet's most widely used crops, such as the wheat-like réhä used to make bread, are believed to have originally been invented by their people.

Shovelfolk are similar to the more cosmopolitan Fauns in that they are omnivores, eating mostly starchy vegetation supplemented by some quantity of meat, eggs, and fruit. Due to the ample supply of water and minerals offered by the Takaran River, most Shovelfolk cultures are almost obligately agricultural, relying on both the running water of the river and the fertile land on the riverbank to grow their own food. Like many Astutocentaurine cultures, there is a conspicuous lack of dairy in the diets of Shovelfolk, since none of the known animals on Athyrmagaia lactate in a mammalian fashion.

To disrupt the local ecosystem as little as possible, the majority of the crops they grow are derived from species native to the area. The most common crops in their daily regimen are réhä and hetūt, the former a grain-like species of star grass and the latter an edible root. Réhä is used in a similar manner as wheat, often being ground up and then baked to make bread, whereas hetūt is more akin to a potato or turnip and can be eaten either raw or cooked. They also use zhėgel, a more primitive, water-intensive plant vaguely similar to sugarcane, to make various simple sweet treats. In addition to terrestrial crops, they also use the mineral-rich waters of the Takara to cultivate various freshwater aquatic plants as a food source. The leaves of zhattrekekc aquaphytes are used in much the same way as the leaves of lettuce, and the seeds of secondarily aquatic hehhel plants are used as a peppercorn-like seasoning.

Although mainly farmers of locally grown produce, Shovelfolk have also been known to forage for food both near and beyond the riverbank, as well as engage in occasional trade with other cultures for more exotic ingredients. During their annual pilgrimages in search of resources, namely the metals found near volcanoes, they often either harvest (or purchase) foreign spices and herbs to bring home, including those used for medicines that cannot be found in their homeland. Those who live near the coasts often travel closer to shore to harvest sea salt as a condiment and a food preservative. When harvesting fruit, which is relatively rare in the Western Weave, they will rely on the help of allied Oliphaunts, since the only plants that bear palatable fruit in the region are enormous umbrynoids that are often too tall for the tiny Shovelfolk to scale on their own.

Unlike many other agricultural peoples, Shovelfolk do not raise livestock for meat. Their primary source of carnal cuisine is a selectively bred species of tumeofauna known locally as "mėbé." Although it is technically an animal, mėbé grows and behaves more like sessile fungi, which means it is considered a "crop" rather than a form of livestock. Mėbé is farmed underground within the warren in a special higher-humidity chamber, where it is kept fed by organic refuse. Mėbé nodes are usually either eaten raw or cooked, and are a common ingredient of more savory Shovelfolk meals. That being said, they do still make ample use of other animal products as food and resources. Their sole livestock animal, the crawpig, regularly lays infertile eggs that are often eaten as a delicacy and used to make dough, and some of their more unusual dishes are given flavor by being boiled in the animal's urine. Shovelfolk are also known to eat fish and insects, and they will often sun-dry worms to eat as a snack.

#speculative biology #athyrmagaia #sophont #xenobiology #Astutocentaurini #Shovelfolk

[muteshortgirl]

How They Cuddle

Suzune Horikita-

The Cuddle Initiation: Suzune, usually stoic and composed, takes a subtle and gentle approach to initiate cuddling. She might start by sitting closer to Y/n, leaning into their side, or resting her head on their shoulder. This initial proximity establishes a sense of comfort and intimacy between them.

The Perfect Timing: Suzune, being highly observant, chooses the perfect moments to initiate cuddling. She pays attention to Y/n's body language, emotional state, and the environment around them. When she senses that Y/n is feeling particularly tired, stressed, or in need of comfort, she takes the opportunity to offer her cuddles.

The Warmth of her Embrace: When Suzune fully embraces Y/n, her usual reserved demeanor melts away. She wraps her arms around them in a protective and comforting manner. Suzune's touch is soft yet firm, conveying a sense of security and reassurance. She may even rest her head against Y/n's chest, listening to their heartbeat while finding solace in their presence.

The Gentle Caresses: As they cuddle, Suzune occasionally runs her fingers through Y/n's hair or lightly traces circles on their back, providing soothing sensations. These gestures demonstrate her affection and care for Y/n. It's her way of silently expressing that she is there for them and that they can rely on her.

The Unspoken Communication: During their cuddling sessions, Suzune might not engage in much verbal communication. Instead, she relies on the power of physical touch to convey her emotions. The silence between them is comfortable, and their connection deepens as they bask in the warmth of their shared embrace.

The Aftermath: After a cuddling session with Y/n, Suzune might display a slight blush or a subtle smile, indicating her contentment and the genuine happiness she derives from being close to them. Despite her logical nature, she recognizes the value of these intimate moments and cherishes the bond they share.

Arisu Sakayanagi-

The Setting: Arisu sets up a cozy and serene environment for cuddling. She arranges soft blankets and fluffy pillows on a comfortable couch or a large, plush bed. Dimmed lights and calming music create a soothing ambiance.

Arisu's Approach: Arisu approaches Y/n with a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. She takes their hand and leads them to the cuddling spot, ensuring they feel safe and cherished.

Embracing Y/n: Arisu's embrace is delicate yet reassuring. She wraps her arms around Y/n, drawing them close to her chest. Her touch is soft and comforting, as she rests her head on Y/n’s chest.

Stroking Their Hair: Arisu runs her fingers through Y/n's hair, slowly and tenderly. Her touch is soothing, as she rhythmically strokes their hair, paying attention to their comfort and enjoyment.

Whispering Affectionate Words: Arisu softly whispers sweet, affectionate words into Y/n's ear. She expresses her feelings, letting Y/n know how important they are to her. Her words are filled with sincerity and warmth, creating a sense of security and intimacy.

Sharing Quiet Moments: Arisu values the tranquility of the moment, allowing the silence to embrace them. She savors the presence of Y/n, relishing in their closeness without the need for words. They can simply be together, basking in the serenity of the cuddling session.

Offering Support: If Y/n feels comfortable sharing their worries or concerns, Arisu listens attentively and provides gentle guidance. She offers reassurance and understanding, emphasizing that they can lean on her for support.

Affectionate Gestures: Arisu occasionally places tender kisses on Y/n's forehead or temple, symbolizing her affection and care. These simple acts serve as a reminder of the deep bond they share.

Length of Cuddling: Arisu is considerate of Y/n's preferences and needs. Whether they prefer shorter cuddling sessions or desire extended periods of warmth and closeness, Arisu accommodates their wishes and adjusts accordingly.

After-Cuddle Care: Once the cuddling session comes to an end, Arisu ensures Y/n feels content and relaxed. She might offer them a warm beverage or suggest engaging in a calming activity together, fostering a sense of togetherness even beyond the cuddling experience.

#classroom of the elite #suzune horikita #suzune horikita x reader #cote #arisu sakayanagi #arisu x y/n #reader #reader insert #y/n #y/n x character #suzune x Y/n #Suzune horikita x Y/n #arisu sakayanagi x Y/n #arisu sakayanagi x reader

[perkwunos]

For a little bit now I’d had the general impression that much of ~continental philosophy~—and theories in the social sciences derivative from that stream—too often fall into poor arguments where a conclusion, something that really ought to have evidence for or against it, is asserted because it would be politically, ethically, or even aesthetically desirable (which is certainly also something you can see happen on here, and basically anywhere to be fair). I still more or less think that, though maybe I should be more willing to accept some mode of thought that engages with practical vision in some manner. Whatever the unscientific basis of it, and thus its utter lack to lead to any engineering solutions…

[shakecup]

Since I used to be mainly a Residents blog for a while I feel like I need to comment on recent events but I’m too mad and personally affronted by the whole thing to even gather my thoughts about it. If you don’t know they announced that they fired their guitarist of 25 years, Nolan Cook, and did it in an extremely tactless way which ended in insulting him about “we sincerely his pizza delivery job is rewarding” in a way where the whole thing smacks of “WE’RE RICH ARTISTS AND NOW YOURE POOR LOL”, which is extremely nauseating coming from a formerly-underground band, a complete defiance and reversal of their presumed values, the DIY ethos they’ve been rewarded for by fans for 50 some years, but it’s been a facade for decades and the central core of the conflict seems to be that Nolan was dissatisfied with their constant cash grabs and derivative and repetitive touring, re-releases, abandonment of innovative artistic goals, etc. I’m really personally hurt by the whole thing tbh as one of their megafans. I really liked Nolan too I met Nolan when I was 18 and he was wonderfully gracious and spent about an hour after the show talking about the music with me. He reached out a couple times after the fact too and asked me about how I was doing in college and was encouraging and supportive. Nolan and Molly in particular directly engage with the wider community and act like human beings while the “executive level residents” in a manner of speaking, the “cryptic corpo” are just riding the high of getting in the MoMA or whatever. I feel like the band otherwise has totally abandoned their humanity and I don’t feel like I can even in good conscience support their shit no more. It’s over…it’s been over…it’s been corporate…they thoughtformed the cryptic corporation into corporating corporatively

[thatscarletflycatcher]

Having both De Gaulle's and Churchill's account (this was one of my grandpa's most prized possessions and I got it after he died) of WWII around is pretty interesting.

On one hand, because De Gaulle is a much more pleasant and engaging storyteller. Mind you, that doesn't mean he's more accurate or anything like that, but he works the concept of a memoir as "the things that happened as I remember them, and the impressions I got from them". Churchill is doing a heavy, heavy chronicle, full of transcripts of telegrams and letters and communications and maps every 2 paragraphs or so, which might be very useful to the amateur historian, but that makes the experience of reading it as a narrative akin to chewing drywall (hence why I have never really read it before; just read a bit here and there about specific events).

The fun part here is the contrast when the perspectives collide.

In early June 1940, De Gaulle is made secretary of the Ministry of Defense in France and sent by the president on a mission to London, where he meets Churchill for the first time:

"Mr. Churchill received me at Downing Street. It was the first time I had a meeting with him. The impression I got of him reaffirmed my conviction that, led by such a fighter, Great Britain would never bend. Mr. Churchill seemed to be prepared for the most difficult enterprises, as long as they also were grandiose ones. The certainty of his judgement, his vast culture, the knowledge he had of most of the matter regarding the countries and men he dealt with, and at last, his passion for the specific problems relating to war unfolded with ease and pleasure. Above all he was made, by virtue of his character, to act, risk, and play his role decidedly and without hesitation. In one word, I found him decided in his position as guide and chief. Such were my first impressions. What followed did nothing but confirm them, revealing to me as well his eloquence and the profit he derived from it. Whatever his audience was -multitude, assembly, council, even a single listener-, whatever the spot -in front of the microphone, at the tribune, at table, or at his desk-, the original, poetic, and moving torrent of his ideas, arguments, and feelings gave him an almost infallible ascendancy within the dramatic environment in which the poor world panted. Able politician that he was, he used that angelic and diabolical gift to stir the passivity of the English character, as much as to impress the spirit of the foreigners. Even the humor with which he seasoned his gestures and phrases, and the way in which he sometimes used politeness and sometimes anger, showed to which point he dominated the terrible game in which he was immersed. The harsh and painful incidents that happened several times between us, caused by the friction of tempers, the opposition of certain interests of our respective countries, and of the abuses that England committed to the detriment of a wounded France, influenced afterwards my attitudes towards the Prime Minister, but in no way did they affect my opinion of his qualities. Winston Churchill always appeared to me, from the beginning to the end of this big drama, as the great champion of a great enterprise, and the great maker of a great History.

Churchill does not record this meeting at all. He cannot have just "forgotten" or dismissed it. You don't forget meeting a 6'5 dude of extremely idiosyncratic posture and manner, specially if you had to deal with him on a regular basis afterwards. The painfully slow and detailed telling of his memoirs don't allow for "it was insignificant enough".

The first mention we get from Churchill is something the like of "I went to Paris to see Reynaud, and there was a very tall fellow walking the gardens".

The fourth time Churchill visited France in 1940 is at a meeting and dinner they both attended. De Gaulle recalls an encouraging comment Churchill directed at Petain, then this:

"Mr. Churchill showed himself imperturbable, full of drive, but keeping a polite reserve in front of the cornered french; he was already overcome -and perhaps not without a certain secret satisfaction- by the terrible and magnificent prospect of an England abandoned to its fate at the island, England that he was to guide to salvation through effort... After three hours of discussion that led nowhere, we sat to dinner. I was by the side of Mr. Churchill. Our conversation strengthened the trust I had in his will. And him, in turn, I am certain, drew the conclusion that De Gaulle, though without material resources, was not a less resolute man."

Meanwhile, Churchill:

"After an interval, we were led to the castle, where we found Reynaud, mariscal Pétain, general Weygand, air general Vuillemin and some others, including the relatively young general De Gaulle, who had just been made sub-secretary of the Ministry of National Defense... Around ten o'clock everyone took their places at table. I sat by the right of Reynaud; by my right was general De Gaulle."

That's it. That's all he had to say.

Don't get me wrong, De Gaulle's text is full of elegant darts at Churchill's manipulative, petty and sly doings and sayings, he's not like, The VictimTM here. It's just very funny that De Gaulle goes "Churchill was a great chief of war, because he was determined and master of himself and also a manipulative backstabber", and then Churchill goes "De Gaulle who? I have no idea who this tall and not very young person whom I needed and used and tried to get rid of and couldn't and who irritated me and annoyed me to no end is".

*All quotes are my translation from the Spanish translations I'm reading from, sorry.

#WWII #History #Winston Churchill #Charles de Gaulle #history

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Useful Directions For Reading and Searching the Scriptures

by Thomas Boston

I. Embark on a consistent and deliberate course when reading these sacred texts, making it an integral facet of your personal devotion. Although it is not obligatory to adhere exclusively to a structured regimen, so as to never read by choice, but it generally proves to be the most beneficial approach. Some portions of the Bible may appear dificult, while others may seem spiritually arid to the casual reader. Nevertheless, if you regard the entirety as God's sacred word, to be approached with unwavering faith and profound reverence, undoubtedly, you shall derive spiritual enrichment.

II. Employ a distinctive marker, in a manner that suits you, to identify those passages that resonate most profoundly with your circumstances, condition, or struggles. Keep in mind that periodically revisiting these passages shall be immensely rewarding.

III. Engage in comparative study, scrutinizing the more enigmatic verses alongside those that offer greater clarity. This practice is an outstanding means to decipher the intended meaning of the Scriptures. The marginal notes found in some Bibles can also be of great service in this endeavor. Be ever mindful of Christ, for He is the focal point to which the Old Testament Scriptures allude, in its genealogies, typology, and sacrificial rites, just as the New Testament Scriptures do.

IV. Approach your reading with a sacred attentiveness, stemming from your acknowledgment of the divine majesty of God and the reverence owed to Him. This attentiveness should extend to the words themselves, the underlying meaning, and the divine authority of the Scripture, recognizing the moral imperative it imposes upon the conscience for obedience.

V. Let your primary objective in Scripture study be not just the acquisition of knowledge but the practical application of its teachings. As James 1:22 admonishes, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Read with the intent to learn and apply, without any reservations or exceptions. Strive to practice everything that God's word requires of you.

VI. Beseech God and rely on His Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit that grants true understanding of the Scriptures. As 1 Corinthians 2:11 elucidates, "For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God." Therefore, it is eminently reasonable to seek divine blessings before you engage in your reading.

VII. Guard against a worldly and carnal mindset, for earthly sins obscure the mind from perceiving divine truths, and a worldly heart remains indifferent to them. Just as the earth interposes itself between the sun and the moon during a lunar eclipse, obstructing the sun's light from the moon, so does the world, when it resides within one's heart, obstruct the divine radiance of the word.

VIII. Strive to cultivate a disposition inclined toward godliness and vigilantly assess your spiritual circumstances. A disciplined disposition greatly aids in comprehending the Scriptures. Such a devout soul shall discover reflections of their own life within the pages of the word, and, in turn, the Scriptures shall shed light upon their personal circumstances.

IX. Endeavor to put into practice the wisdom and insights you glean from the Scriptures. As the saying goes, "To him that has, shall be given." It is no surprise that those who make no effort to practice what they know often gain little understanding from the Bible. However, when the stream of knowledge flows into a holy life, the fountain of divine wisdom shall gush forth even more abundantly.

[tricitymonsters]

KINKTOBER DAY 1

Period Sex🩸Raath x Zora requested by @mineshaft-birdie

“You smell like blood,” Raath growled bluntly, staring Zora up and down and hovering just inside her personal space.

She grit her teeth, fighting down the rush of heat to her face, irritated with his lack of manners or respect for space.  But of course, dissuading Raath from pursuing something that had caught his interest was nigh impossible and arguing with him only solidified his suspicions she had something worth hiding.

“Mind your own business,” she snapped warningly, her face a mask of cold irritation.

Raath only looked more engaged at the pushback, however, and he hovered near her shoulder insistently.  “Isn’t it my business if you’re bleeding out?  You’re my employer after all-“ he trailed off for a second and a look of slow, leering pleasure crept across his sharp features.  “Ah.  Monthly woes.”

Zora slammed the papers she was holding onto the desk.  “Are you done being uncouth or do I need to-“

But he was on her in the next instant, bodily depositing her on the desk and scattering her work everywhere.  She shouted in fury and actually punched him, her balled fist solid against his shoulder but physical deterrents were usually fairly ineffective with him and he chuckled ominously.

“Nothing uncouth about it,” he growled, resisting the way she was furiously trying to bat him away and sinking lower.  With a staggering amount of audacity he shoved her skirts up, revealing one dark, smooth thigh and without warning he doubled over and set his teeth into the meat of her leg hard enough to make her arch and gasp.  He shuddered pleasurably, biting down hard enough to bruise and taking unabashed pleasure in it.  He pressed his tongue to the hot flesh and huffed hungrily through his nose, adjusting her other leg and getting his shoulders between her thighs impatiently.

He could feel the muscle twinge when he released his hold, dragging his hot tongue so high up the expanse of her exposed flesh that he laughed lowly when he felt her manicured hands thread into his hair and curl tightly enough to cause a trifle of pain.  Her nails dug into his scalp and her voice had an annoyed tone but an unmistakable waver to it when she hissed his name out warningly.  Her legs were tense and shuddering around him, especially as he dragged his mouth patiently higher and he used his free hand to give her other flank an encouraging pat.

Roughly, he shoved aside more fabric and her inner shift, dragging his tongue and now peppering her hot skin with possessive nips that made her jump.  He spent a second at the seam of her body where her thigh connected to her graceful torso but he couldn’t be kept from his prize for long.  

The call of blood was powerful by this point and it made Raath’s mouth water.  He did her the favor of kissing at her lips before pressing deeper to pay attention to her clit with confident, long laps and a few sucks that made Zora jolt as though electrified- her reactions were motivation enough for him to do mind her pleasure along with his own and he spent a ponderously long time chasing the hints of blood and mouthing at her pussy like it was something long withheld and delectable.

But of course he could never abstain from his ultimate goals for long.  Teeth grazed sensitive flesh as he shifted lower, his long tongue probing at her hole with an almost overwhelming amount of eagerness.  The noises it wrenched out of her were loud and unabashed and he took pleasure in not only the blood-laced taste of her that made him growl with pleasure from the pit of his chest but the way her thighs were shaking unsubtly around his head and how his hair had started to come loose under her grip.

The taste did something visceral to him, made the hair on his arms stand on end and the visceral sounds bubbling up from his chest take on a distinctly bestial tone.  He tonguefucked her with abandon, and even though it was clear she was enjoying herself, Raath was a selfish creature by nature and was deriving just as much pleasure in helping himself to such an intimate bloodlust.

#k!nktober #fills #thank you for asking! #raath #friends ocs #zora

[onlinemarketingjuice]

The New Frontier of Customer Support: How Small Businesses Can Leverage Social Media for Unprecedented Success

In the digital age, every business, regardless of size, must have a robust online presence to thrive. Yet, for small businesses, the advent of social media is not just an advent in technology; it’s a seismic shift, a game-changer, a new frontier. What once was the domain of large corporations with generous marketing budgets has become accessible to even the smallest enterprises.

With its cost-effective reach and real-time communication capabilities, social media quickly becomes the frontline of customer support and a potent tool for product sales. This article elucidates why small businesses need to harness the potential of social media and outlines strategies to leverage this platform for unprecedented success.

Why Small Businesses Need Social Media

The dynamics of customer engagement have evolved dramatically in the digital era. With an estimated 3.96 billion social media users worldwide, businesses can no longer afford to ignore these platforms. It’s where their customers are and where they need to be.

The benefits of social media for small businesses are manifold. Firstly, it’s cost-effective to increase visibility and build brand awareness. With a well-curated social media presence, small businesses can compete with larger brands on a more level playing field.

Secondly, social media provides a unique opportunity to cultivate customer relationships in a personal, conversational manner. This approach engenders trust and loyalty – critical factors for any small business hoping to grow its customer base.

Thirdly, social media facilitates real-time feedback and customer insights, providing businesses with a wealth of data to drive decision-making and product development.

Leveraging Social Media for Product Sales

Transforming social media from a simple communication tool to a powerful sales platform requires a strategic approach. The process begins with understanding the platform’s nature and user behavior. Not every product will sell on every social media platform. Identifying where your target audience is most active and engaged is important.

One successful strategy is creating shareable content that can organically spread your brand’s message. For instance, informative how-to videos, engaging user-generated content, or stories highlighting your product’s use in everyday life can subtly advertise your product without making your audience feel they are being marketed to.

Another method is utilizing social media advertising tools. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer sophisticated targeting capabilities to reach the exact demographic you want to sell to.

Finally, integrating shoppable posts and links into your content can reduce friction in the purchasing process. This ease of access is crucial for converting social media interactions into sales.

Embracing Social Media for Customer Support

Social media has transformed customer support from a reactive function to a proactive one. With a well-executed social media strategy, small businesses can address issues before they escalate and damage brand reputation.

By monitoring social media platforms for brand mentions, businesses can respond to customer concerns promptly and publicly. This visibility demonstrates a company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, enhancing trust and brand loyalty.

Moreover, businesses can leverage social media for proactive customer support. By posting helpful content like FAQs, tutorials, and tips, businesses can pre-emptively address common customer issues.

Undoubtedly, small businesses derive immense benefits from an effective social media strategy. Opportunities presented through social media, from sales to customer support, can propel these businesses to unprecedented success. Within this new frontier, the businesses quickest to adapt will be the ones to thrive. However, those who overlook this pivotal shift may very well be courting peril.

#smb #small business #Social media #Customer support #Product sales #Brand loyalty #Customer engagement #Digital era #Social media advertising #Proactive customer support

[penig]

The conference was neither so short nor so conclusive as the lady had designed. The gentleman was not so easily satisfied. He had all the disposition to persevere that Sir Thomas could wish him. He had vanity, which strongly inclined him in the first place to think she did love him, though she might not know it herself; and which, secondly, when constrained at last to admit that she did know her own present feelings, convinced him that he should be able in time to make those feelings what he wished.

He was in love, very much in love; and it was a love which, operating on an active, sanguine spirit, of more warmth than delicacy, made her affection appear of greater consequence because it was withheld, and determined him to have the glory, as well as the felicity, of forcing her to love him.

He would not despair: he would not desist. He had every well-grounded reason for solid attachment; he knew her to have all the worth that could justify the warmest hopes of lasting happiness with her; her conduct at this very time, by speaking the disinterestedness and delicacy of her character (qualities which he believed most rare indeed), was of a sort to heighten all his wishes, and confirm all his resolutions. He knew not that he had a pre-engaged heart to attack. Of that he had no suspicion. He considered her rather as one who had never thought on the subject enough to be in danger; who had been guarded by youth, a youth of mind as lovely as of person; whose modesty had prevented her from understanding his attentions, and who was still overpowered by the suddenness of addresses so wholly unexpected, and the novelty of a situation which her fancy had never taken into account.

Must it not follow of course, that, when he was understood, he should succeed? He believed it fully. Love such as his, in a man like himself, must with perseverance secure a return, and at no great distance; and he had so much delight in the idea of obliging her to love him in a very short time, that her not loving him now was scarcely regretted. A little difficulty to be overcome was no evil to Henry Crawford. He rather derived spirits from it. He had been apt to gain hearts too easily. His situation was new and animating.

To Fanny, however, who had known too much opposition all her life to find any charm in it, all this was unintelligible.

I haven’t ever been in academia, or in what may be called the modern Jane Austen fandom, but I used to do a fair amount of random reading of criticism when I was young and there was no internet in which to seek out kindred spirits to discuss books no one else I knew was reading, and I distinctly recall indications of a sizable body of opinion that Mansfield Park would have ended better if Henry had resisted the temptation to run off with Maria and eventually Fanny had married him and Edmund had married Mary. Because Fanny and Edmund are unattractive prigs and need livening up, basically.

If any such readers still exist, I recommend to their consideration this opening passage from Chapter 34, and also to contrast it with Mr. Darcy’s reception of Elizabeth Bennet’s rejection.

Edmund and Fanny, of course, are prigs, particularly by modern standards. Many of their scruples, values, and mannerisms invite us to consider things like how therapy might have helped them vs. the degree to which they just needed to lighten up and be less judgy. This view of them merits examination, not going to lie.

But Henry’s courtship of Fanny is a horror show. She says no not once, but repeatedly, and not one person takes her no seriously. As far as everyone around her is concerned, she is young and timid and doesn’t know her own mind or her own best interest and fortunately Henry’s persistence will wear her down all right in the end. Even the author gives somewhat of the appearance of victim-blaming a few paragraphs later on, when she admits that Fanny’s shyness and sense of her own unworth makes her refusals sound less firm than she intended, and that if she hadn’t already been in love with Edmund Henry probably would have manipulated and pressured her into loving, or believing she loved, him in the end. (If only she’d had the confidence to be as rude to him as Lizzie was to Darcy!) But Austen is herself in no doubt that this would have been a bad thing and Henry would have made her miserable; probably more miserable, if she had fallen in love with him, than if she merely took him on out of desire for financial and social security and the approval of her family.

This guy makes my flesh creep. He’s worse than Mr. Collins and I don’t know what I can say, stronger than that. But her moral and social authority Sir Thomas is on his side; Mrs Norris is only horrified that Fanny got an offer instead of Julia; Lady Bertram, on whose indolent dependence Fanny so relied, actually says she could spare her company with as good a cause as that; Fanny even finds some of her own moral principles lining up against her, urging her to be grateful for his help in getting her brother William promoted - ugh! Fanny needs all her judginess and hidebound morality to support her revulsion of him and survive this assault, and it’s only beginning in this chapter.

#Mansfield Park #jane austen #literature #non sims