#also known as peacock nation

[k-looking-glass-house]

What if Crowley uses "bird" vocabulary like Floyd with his marine nicknames....

Yes he's a crow ... Just imagine if he sees us as biiiiird~

Of course it's just my point of view, I am not a professional in ornithology, you might have your own idea about this one and I would definitely want to hear about it!

Mostly they are birds we could see in my country...

Let's go:

Ombrorio

Grim(m) -> Grey catbird (grey like Grimm, striped wings and can make cat noise....yes)

Yuu(sona) -> Sparrow (Crowley would definitely call Yuu a little sparrow....)

Night Raven College staff

Sam -> Painted bunting (small, vibrant, colorful, a rare sight to view)

Mozus Trein -> Eurasian skylark (classy, well known literally a french song about this bird "he sung it to Lucius as a kitten")

Ashton Vargas -> Pheasant (....the irony as his Disney counterpart is an hunter, but vibrant color)

Divus Crewel -> Great spotted woodpecker (literally screaming I am Cruella, fashion red, black and white bird)

Heartslabyul

Ace Trappola -> Nothern cardinal (red... funky feather style, fights their own mirror reflection...)

Deuce Spade -> Blue slaty bunting

Riddle Roseheart -> Robin (Hi Ciel Phantomhive...I mean Kuroshitsuji ref but look that little red face)

Trey Clover -> Nightingale (sorry Trey...Crowley is implying you can either sing...or can't...but you do have a perfect voice!)

Cater Diamond -> Pyrrhula (I love this little bird too....they became very rare by now, look this tiny orange one)

(Heartslabyul are literally the birds of Aurora in 2d "Sleeping beauty")

Savannaclaw

Jack Howl -> Owl (....this one is pretty obvious)

Leona Kingscholar -> "Savanna" eagle (yes... definitely a strong bird)

Ruggie Bucchi -> Speckled mousebird (listen to that bird you'll understand, also....that feather hairstyle!)

Octavinelle

Jade Leech -> Emperor penguin (tall...classy ...can't fly pfff)

Azul Ashengrotto -> Nothern gannet (verrryyy big, analystic-smart one, can't walk on land...)

Floyd Leech -> Snare penguin (unique appareance, multiple various vocalized sounds)

Scarabia

Kalim Al Asim -> White falcon (precious, royal bird in a "maybe similar related country in our world")

Jamil Viper -> Red Parrot (or macaw) (obviously because of Iago)

Pomefiore

Epel Felmier -> Snow bunting (a "petite robuste" bird living in snow)

Vil Schoenheit -> Peacock (beautiful, handsome literally The Evil Queen's bird)

Rook Hunt -> Mallard (another irony for an hunter...but this bird is beautiful I mean it, and is found everywheerrre (like a stalker bird ha ha))

Ignihyde

Idia Shroud -> Blue jay (blue, black and blue stripes, funny enough the bird is stated to be noisy ha ha, Idia can be supah noisy sometimes too when setting his boundaries, GG Idia!)

Ortho Shroud -> Eurasian blue tit (a little fluffy bird, blue and yellow doing a very cute melodious sound, I love watching them...)

Diasomnia

Sebek Zigvolt -> Egyptian plover (yes....the bird on the crocodile's back...yes)

Malleus Draconia -> Great eared nightjar (it's a dragon bird....look at him)/I could have chosen Casoar too... but nope...

Lilia Vanrouge -> Anna's hummingbird (it's small, pink and changes color with light...like his hairs)

Silver -> Nine-primaried oscines (a cute lovely bird in our woods, pink and blue)

Thanks National Geographic....

It's just pure fanon brainstorming... I'm sorry...

bird photos were mostly took from "Wikipedia"

#twisted wonderland #dire crowley #twst crowley #k is thinking #...the crow... #see you in march

[yaeggravate]

suggestion: kaeya's name is taken from the hindi word छाया (chhaaya) for shadow

arguments for:

the abyss (and possibly also khaenri'ah) is associated with mirrors and inversion; the inverted statue, the sign of apaosha, kaeya's vision is mirrored, the script around the ruin machines are mirrored etc. a shadow is a reverse projection of an object. we know kaeya is connected to the abyss and from khaenri'ah.

kaeya's character story says he lived in his brother's shadow for most of his life and that they were often likened to twins. twins in this game always seem to have a light/dark dichotomy. it's kind of like with makoto and ei, (ei's name (影) in chinese also means shadow.) and lyney and lynette (her title is "elegance in the shadows").

his alternative outfit is called sailwind shadow

he played the role of a thief who lived in a dark realm searching for light; this actually parallels the story of "the tale of those without shadows" that you can find in game.

shadow fits thematically with khaenri'ah as it was an underground nation. their last ruling dynasty was also known as the eclipse dynasty. an eclipse is defined as "the passing into the shadow of a celestial body".

in shakespeare's play midsummer night's dream, the character oberon is derived from kaeya's last name alberich. oberon is the king of fairies but in the play one of the characters also calls him the king of shadows.

it wouldn't be odd for kaeya's name to be derived from hindi. i mean just look at him lol, but one major hint is that his constellation is a peacock, an animal commonly associated and indigenous to india.

arguments against:

uhhh kaeya in game is pronounced with a hard k instead of a soft ch that's it (but in the japanese dub they pronounce his name as gaia so i don't think the pronunciation matters that much here)

#.txt #this is just one possibility we have no idea what his name means #anyway i was thinking about this again after i read lynette's character story #lore bytes #kaeya alberich

[beehunni62]

Married Mongolian Women’s Hairstyle in the Yuan Dynasty

Mongolians have a long history of shaving and cutting their hair in specific styles to signal socioeconomic, marital, and ethnic status that spans thousands of years. The cutting and shaving of the hair was also regarded as an important symbol of change and transition. No Mongolian tradition exemplifies this better than the first haircut a child receives called Daah Urgeeh, khüükhdiin üs avakh (cutting the child’s hair), or örövlög ürgeekh (clipping the child’s crest) (Mongulai, 2018)

The custom is practiced for boys when they are at age 3 or 5, and for girls at age 2 or 4. This is due to the Mongols’ traditional belief in odd numbers as arga (method) [also known as action, ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠤᠯ, арга] and even numbers as bilig (wisdom) [ᠪᠢᠴᠢᠭ, билиг].

Mongulai, 2018.

The Mongolian concept of arga bilig (see above) represents the belief that opposite forces, in this case action [external] and wisdom [internal], need to co-exist in stability to achieve harmony. Although one may be tempted to call it the Mongolian version of Yin-Yang, arga bilig is a separate concept altogether with roots found not in Chinese philosophy nor Daoism, but Eurasian shamanism.

However, Mongolian men were not the only ones who shaved their hair. Mongolian women did as well.

Flemish Franciscan missionary and explorer, William of Rubruck [Willem van Ruysbroeck] (1220-1293) was among the earliest Westerners to make detailed records about the Mongol Empire, its court, and people. In one of his accounts he states the following:

But on the day following her marriage, (a woman) shaves the front half of her head, and puts on a tunic as wide as a nun's gown, but everyway larger and longer, open before, and tied on the right side. […] Furthermore, they have a head-dress which they call bocca [boqtaq/gugu hat] made of bark, or such other light material as they can find, and it is big and as much as two hands can span around, and is a cubit and more high, and square like the capital of a column. This bocca they cover with costly silk stuff, and it is hollow inside, and on top of the capital, or the square on it, they put a tuft of quills or light canes also a cubit or more in length. And this tuft they ornament at the top with peacock feathers, and round the edge (of the top) with feathers from the mallard's tail, and also with precious stones. The wealthy ladies wear such an ornament on their heads, and fasten it down tightly with an amess [J: a fur hood], for which there is an opening in the top for that purpose, and inside they stuff their hair, gathering it together on the back of the tops of their heads in a kind of knot, and putting it in the bocca, which they afterwards tie down tightly under the chin.

Ruysbroeck, 1900

TLDR: Mongolian women shaved the front half of their head and covered it with a boqta, the tall Mongolian headdress worn by noblewomen throughout the Mongol empire. Rubruck observed this hairstyle in noblewomen (boqta was reserved only for noblewomen). It’s not clear whether all women, regardless of status, shaved the front of their heads after marriage and whether it was limited to certain ethnic groups.

When I learned about that piece of information, I was simply going to leave it at that but, what actually motivated me to write this post is to show what I believe to be evidence of what Rubruck described. By sheer coincidence, I came across these Yuan Dynasty empress paintings:

Portrait of Empress Dowager Taji Khatun [ᠲᠠᠵᠢ ᠬᠠᠲᠤᠨ, Тажи xатан], also known as Empress Zhaoxian Yuansheng [昭獻元聖皇后] (1262 - 1322) from album of Portraits of Empresses. Artist Unknown. Ink and color on silk, Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368). National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan [image source].

Portrait of Unnamed Imperial Consort from album Portraits of Empresses. Artist Unknown. Ink and color on silk. Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368). National Palace Mueum in Taiper, Taiwan [image source].

Portrait of unnamed wife of Gegeen Khan [ᠭᠡᠭᠡᠨ ᠬᠠᠭᠠᠨ, Гэгээн хаан], also known as Shidibala [ᠰᠢᠳᠡᠪᠠᠯᠠ, 碩德八剌] and Emperor Yingzong of Yuan [英宗皇帝] (1302-1323) from album Portraits of Empresses. Artist Unknown. Ink and color on silk. Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368), early 14th century. National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan [image source].

To me, it’s evident that the hair of those women is shaved at the front. The transparent gauze strip allows us to clearly see their hairstyle. The other Yuan empress portraits have the front part of the head covered, making it impossible to discern which hairstyle they had. I wonder if the transparent gauze was a personal style choice or if it was part of the tradition such that, after shaving the hair, the women had to show that they were now married by showcasing the shaved part.

As shaving or cutting the hair was a practice linked by nomads with transitioning or changing from one state to another (going from being single to married, for example), it would not be a surprise if the women regrew it.

References:

Mongulai. (2018, April 19). Tradition of cutting the hair of the child for the first time.

Ruysbroeck, W. V. & Giovanni, D. P. D. C., Rockhill, W. W., ed. (1900) The journey of William of Rubruck to the eastern parts of the world, 1253-55, as narrated by himself, with two accounts of the earlier journey of John of Pian de Carpine. Hakluyt Society London. Retrieved from the University of Washington’s Silk Road texts.

#mongolia #mongolian #yuan dynasty #mongolian history #chinese history #china #boqta #mongolian traditions #history #gegeen khan #empress dowager taji #mongol empire #William of Rubruck #historical fashion #arga bilig #central asia #central asian culture #mongolian culture #asia

[sixteenseveredhands]

Skeletorus Spider: this species of jumping spider was named for its distinctive skeleton-like pattern

The scientific name for this species is Maratus sceletus; it's a type of peacock spider that has been found only in the southeast region of Queensland, Australia.

The species was discovered by a grad student named Madeline Girard back in 2015. For obvious reasons, she decided to give it the colloquial name "skeletorus."

The black-and-white appearance is very unusual, as male peacock spiders are generally known for their colorful/flamboyant features.

According to Dr. Jürgen Otto, who co-authored the article in which this species was first described:

[Skeletorus] looks dramatically different from all other peacock spiders known to date, making me think that this group is perhaps much more diverse than we had thought.

Peacock spiders are also famous for their charming and elaborate courtship dances, which often differ slightly from one species to the next. You can watch footage of the mating dance for this particular species here.

Sources & More Info:

Sci News: Two New Species of Peacock Spiders Discovered in Australia

Peckhamia Scientific Journal: Two New Peacock Spiders of the Calcitrans Group from Southern Queensland (PDF)

National Geographic: Behold Sparklemuffin and Skeletorus, New Peacock Spiders

Animal Diversity Web: Genus Maratus

#arachnology #jumping spider #cute bugs #skeletorus spider #maratus #sceletus #peacock spider #australia #queensland #wildlife #courtship dance #cw spiders #spooky #biodiversity #animals #arthropods

[natlacentral]

ONE NAME IS ALL KIAWENTIIO NEEDS

The mononymic Mohawk actress stars in the highly anticipated new adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” one of Netflix’s most expensive series ever. It’s a role she’s been preparing for almost her entire life.

At first, it’s a ripple. Hovering drops rising from a puddle soon cluster into a faster-moving, levitating stream that swirls into an orb of water floating over a young woman. The focused motion of her hands control this aquatic flow. In the lore of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, the ability to manipulate the elements is known as “bending” and wielding this power is Katara, a fan-favorite of the franchise’s core characters. In this instance, she’s no longer animated, but rather living and breathing in Netflix’s recent adaptation of the cult show, as played by Kiawentiio, the 17-year-old actress and singer-songwriter from the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne. For young Indigenous audiences, it’s a powerful moment seeing what was always an Indigenous-coded character, dynamic and independent, brought to life by an Indigenous actor. Her interpretation of the heroine is both true to its source material and grounded in an undeniable sense of Indigeneity, notable in the scenes of Katara’s survival of the violence inflicted upon her tribe and their later resistance to its recurrence. Free from the confines of Western film tropes or the expected relegation to secondary and background roles, Kiawentiio’s Katara is unprecedented. She’s both of this world and beyond. A sign of things to come.

There’s a balletic velocity to Kiawentiio when she arrives at her photo shoot, a certain sense of purpose and the pull of a trajectory toward something just off of the horizon. She’s traveling with her mother Barbara, who works in their community’s cultural restoration efforts, and her father Corey, a volunteer firefighter and building inspector for their tribe. They beam with pride as they watch her and recount the recent stops she’s had on the show’s busy press tour. In the dressing room, she smiles while reviewing pieces she requested from Indigenous designers Josh Tafoya and Karen Francis. It’s like witnessing someone coming into alignment, a new possibility realized. She says, “It feels like it’s not real, to be honest. Sometimes it feels like I’m living this fantasy life or living someone else’s life, especially with where I come from.”

The evening prior, Kiawentiio walked the red carpet for Avatar’s Los Angeles premiere in a stunning ensemble, also fashioned by Indigenous designers: an ice-blue duo chrome taffeta skirt by Evan Ducharme, accented by a hand-beaded corset from Tasha Marie, and jewelry by BYCHARI and Dean Davidson. The look, both in color and from the corset’s beaded wave design, is a subtle nod to Katara’s Southern Water Tribe in the show. Kiawentiio grew up watching the original series, which makes this all the more surreal. “For filming, we were in British Columbia for almost a year and stepping out of that was really kind of like a culture shock,” she explains.

It’s not lost on her that this is her moment, one that she’s balanced with both grace and aplomb, but also a time to reflect on all that’s led her to this point. From her beginnings as a guest star a mere five years ago on the Canadian series Anne With an E, to playing the title character in Tracey Deer’s debut feature Beans in 2020, and more recently appearing in Peacock’s Rutherford Falls and Marvel’s What If…?, Kiawentiio’s career has been nothing short of meteoric. In many ways it mirrors the creative boom of Indigenous-led and centered television in the last half-decade. That a young, Indigenous actor is now one of the leads in a $120 million Netflix production—one of its most expensive to date—that also happens to be an adaptation of what is considered to be one of the best animated series of all time, is as much of a cultural tipping point as it is an expectation rewriting itself. And Kiawentiio is at its precipice.

Over the phone, Kiawentiio discussed this moment and what it means to her.

How did you connect with the Indigenous designers you’ve chosen to work with recently?

One of the looks was Josh Tafoya, a fashion designer out of New Mexico. I actually got to meet him, I think it was two years ago now. He also works closely with 4Kinship, which is also a really cool Indigenous vintage brand. For the red carpet, I got to work with two Indigenous designers to custom-make this very beautiful gown. Tasha Marie Designs was the designer that beaded my corset and Evan Ducharme made my skirt, and they both just came together so beautifully. I love how it turned out, truly.

Does anyone in your family do beadwork? Is it something that you grew up around?

Yeah, my mom beads. She doesn’t sell any of her work, which she should. My sister also beads. I grew up beading here and there, but it was never something that I continued. I think out of all my creative outlets, it got the short end.

My mom does some beadwork too, so I know it’s super meticulous. How do you approach style outside of professional spaces, like the red carpet? What are you drawn to?

I feel like my style has been changing a little recently. I like really baggy pants. I haven’t really worn jeans in a while, but I wanted to up my whole closet recently. I’ve been wanting to get more color because I tend to lean on black a lot and earth tones in general. It also depends on what time of year, ’cause sometimes in the summer I like giving off that skateresque vibe.

I like a lot of men’s fashion too. I’ll have long shorts that are past my knees and huge T-shirts on and be like why do I look like a boy? Oh, I’m dressed like this. Doing a lot of this press and having this part of my life really lets me tap into my feminine side.

You grew up in Akwesasne?

Mm-hmm.

When you’re on set and you’re in front of the camera, how do you become this character that you grew up with?

It was honestly really crazy, like that first time we had that transition. Growing up, seeing this character all of the time and idolizing this character almost, and then to have that transformation and look in the mirror and see yourself as that person. It’s like whoa, whoa, whoa. But honestly, Katara and I have a lot of similarities in our personalities. And I feel like it’s kind of a double-edged sword in that it becomes easy to become them. But because there are some similarities, it’s hard to differentiate yourself from the character and keep those things separate.

Were you able to draw on or tie some of your own Mohawk roots? It was great talking to your parents too and hearing about the impact of their own work, your mom’s work in cultural restoration and your dad’s work with your tribe. I’m curious if any of that went into how you shaped this role, especially because Katara is a very Indigenous-coded character.

I think with my Mohawk roots and what my parents have done my whole life, I feel like it has shaped me as a person. With that, I can’t help but take that to every role that I play in the past and in the future, too. So, I feel like my Kanienʼkehá:ka roots will always be there with me in every character that I have the pleasure to portray. I haven’t said this before, but really, I truly do owe everything that I have to my mom and my dad.

What was some of your preparation for this role?

We binged the original show. I think I watched it twice and then went into specific scenes for Katara’s character and her mindset, and then also her bending. Every time we had a fight or we wanted to re-create something from the animated show, we were watching clips of Katara’s bending and that also was really helpful for me.

What’s it like being a young actor now in the age of TikTok and social media?

I think it’s a delicate balance. I feel like in this age, it’s really easy to get caught up in what people are saying, good or bad. Because it’s just so accessible. It’s really important to be able to protect yourself from that. With the show dropping, I will have to find ways to protect myself from the outside and what they are saying, even though I have this sense of wanting to look, wanting to know what the public thinks. That’s how I’ve been this whole time leading up to the show coming out. I want to be and I try to be an open-minded person. So, with what people are saying, I like to look at it just plainly, not trying to hurt my own feelings or anyone’s feelings. I like to have this information and [take] it as a learning type of thing.

With the show dropping and how massive the scale is, there is going to be so many opinions, so many thoughts. So, I feel like it’ll be OK if I just kind of let this one go for a while and revisit when I’m in a more stable place.

I think that’s healthy. On the flip side, for somebody coming up in your generation, specifically somebody Indigenous working in this industry, what’s it like to watch actors like Lily Gladstone or Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs lead the way?

It’s so beautiful. It’s beautiful to see all these amazing strong Indigenous actors. A lot of our stories have been trying to break through for a long time. To now be able to see it in multiple people that come to mind immediately with Reservation Dogs, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Echo, all of these things are so amazing to be able to see in the industry. It’s come so far even from when I was little.

I think one of the main reasons that I was drawn to Avatar: The Last Airbender growing up was being able to have a strong brown role model in Katara. She was one of not many. I think representation, even in that time, was so scarce and rare. So, to be able to carry the torch that’s been passed down for a long time now and be able to light multiple fires and lead the way for the generations coming is so important. I am truly blessed to be alongside all these incredible Indigenous actors leading the way.

Has there been a particular performance by another actor that’s had an effect on you like that? Somebody that you saw growing up, or are even watching right now that’s a model for your career?

The only person that I could think of is Zendaya. I grew up watching her on K.C. Undercover and Shake It Up, when she was just a kid star on Disney. Another thing that is so inspiring to me is her fashion sense. I love how she doesn’t always step out to all these different events. But when she does, everyone knows it and she’s making a statement. It’s just really inspiring to me, her fashion sense and her choices. Also, to have a single name that’s different from what you always hear is also something that we relate to and is inspiring to me.

What is it like having this be something of a new normal for a Native actor where you’re not necessarily just relegated to these roles in westerns? That’s something that people have been dreaming of. It seems like it’s a totally open future now too. What does that feel like?

It feels so surreal. Honestly, sometimes I get the sense of guilt. There are so many people that fight for the same spot. Sometimes, I have to remind myself how hard I’ve worked for things because it sometimes can feel like maybe someone else deserved this. You know that type of feeling?

But I’m lucky enough to have an amazing support group. To be able to be in this position that I’m in now is so incredible. Something that my dad always told me that we’re always where we’re supposed to be. I think that’s something if I had the chance to tell other Indigenous people, or just people in general, especially with actors and acting—you’re always where you’re supposed to be. If you didn’t get this job, it was for this reason. If you feel like you really wanted this thing but it didn’t end up happening, it was because this thing was waiting for you. And I feel like a lot of times, fate works in really funny ways. Of course, I was auditioning for so many things before Avatarhappened. I just can’t imagine if I had landed a different role and then wasn’t able to go out for this. So, it’s so funny how the universe works in crazy ways to make things align perfectly.

#natla #atla #netflix avatar #avatar the last airbender #netflix atla #avatar netflix #atla netflix #kiawentiio #interview #photoshoot #ssense

[sweetbillwriting]

The Finer Things

Mask On, Mask Off - Part 4

Description: Ines lives a modest life in Brooklyn but has a secret, a valuable painting. Out of nowhere Vincent De Gramont appears and wants to help her sell it. He welcomes her into a life of luxury the question is just why?

Characters: Vincent De Garmont, The Marquis, From John Wick 4.

Setting: This story is set in my own universe, so not exactly the John Wick universe.

Warnings: 18+, prejudice and stereotypical thinking about nationalities, mentions about sex, mentions about prostitution.

She was at The Louvre. She would go to an event at The Louvre. Ines looked at the impressive glass pyramid outside of the museum with Vincent next to her. The car had just dropped them off and she wasn't prepared for the event being at the world’s most famous art museum. Christ, the Mona Lisa was hanging there!

She looked around with big eyes while Vincent showed their invitation for the guard. There were rich, well dressed people everywhere. The men in formal wear and the women in sleek dresses, showing off stereotypical Parisian curves, in other words, not many curves at all. Even if Ines was dressed up she felt like a stain on white silk. All the women looked perfect in high heels and smooth hair but it was also one more detail that stood out. All of them wore masks, extravagant masks fitting for a masquerade party in the 1800th century.

She had known she wouldn't fit in but had believed she would feel more okay with it but now didn't feel as sure. Without saying anything the Marquis took her hand and pulled her into a corner, hidden by a pillar. Ines looked at him curiously while he stretched out his hand. In it was a red mask, decorated with rhinestones in a similar color.

“I thought you would have a red dress,” he said, not as an excuse, more as it was just annoying facts. Ines looked at the mask.

“Will everyone have these sort of masks? Is it a orgy party or something?” She asked while putting the mask against her face. Vincent didn't say anything, just put on his own extravagant mask in black but with peacock feathers and gold glitter.

“Why is your mask so much prettier than mine?” Whined Ines and looked at her own mask again.

“Because I let a designer do it. I didn't have time to get one for you. I didn't know I would have a date for the night.”

Ines looked up at him from her mask, meeting his green eyes surrounded by the colorful feathers.

“Date?” Said Ines as a reflex.

“Yes. They call a guest a date in the invitation so you're my date.”

The Marquis didn’t give away any emotions so Ines accepted his answer.

“Should I help you with that one?” He nodded towards her mask and Ines took up it towards her face again. Vincent walked around her to tie it around her head, making a perfect bow with the red ribbon but it wasn't anything Ines noticed, how he put energy to make it completely symmetrical.

“When we are inside I will let you mingle,” said Vincent bluntly and fixed his cufflinks.

“Okay,” said Ines with a nod, she knew how to mingle.

“And I will be… around,” continued Vincent. Ines looked up at him with furrowed brows.

“Around? You mean we will not go together?”

“I promise you, having a tall, handsome, well dressed man like me by your side will not make rich men talk to you. It's better if you mingle alone, tell them about your painting… Maybe you can flirt a little?” He said the last part carefully, like he had encouraged her to prostitution. Ines smirked and looked down on her feet. It was noticeable he hadn't understood how her Friday nights used to look. She was an expert at flirting, how else would you get free stuff?

“Okay. That's fine. But can I call if there is something?”

Vincent looked down at her again and as a symbolic gesture he opened his jacket, showing off his phone in the inner pocket, but also a gun sticking up from the waistband of his suit pants.

“I will answer.”

×××

It came natural for Ines to mingle around with people and even if she was nervous at first, walking around among all the rich fine people she relaxed quickly. Behind the mask she could be someone else and instead feeling like the stupid American girl, she felt exotic and sexy. There were many curious eyes on her.

She told people about her painting, flirted and received business cards. She felt pleased with herself when she called Vincent. She hadn't seen him all night but if she was honest, when she was her flirty self he would just be in the way.

“Already done? Someone interested?” He said calmly. Ines stood in a corner outside the ladies restroom talking with The Marquis on the phone. She was a little tipsy on champagne and leaned against the wall. She couldn't understand how these rich people could drink so much without seeming affected.

“I have twelve business cards…” she said, pleased. Vincent cleared his throat.

“Mhm.”

“What? Isn't that good?” Ines said disappointed.

“No it's good…” The Marquis sounded weirdly detached and Ines felt the nerves come up again.

“Can we meet where the car dropped us off?” He asked.

“So we should leave now? I really thought it would be an orgy,” she joked but didn't get a reaction from Vincent.

“Just meet me, now.”

Ines had a weird feeling while walking out to Vincent. There was something that felt off. It was everything from his mood, the gun but also the fact she hadn't seen him all night. It felt like he was hiding something.

He stood by the black car without his mask, Ines took off hers too and walked up to him with quick steps. He looked irritated, with pursed lips and his hands deep in his pockets.

“Are you seriously irritated with me for something? I just did what you told me to do!” She said annoyed and crossed her arms. Vincent looked her up and down and she could see his hands move in his pants pockets. He cleared his throat and seemed to examine her face.

“Just let’s go home…” he muttered and opened the door for her. Ines rolled her eyes and jumped in. It felt like she could never do anything right. It had felt so promising in the beginning of the night.

In the hotel she walked to her room and pulled off the uncomfortable dress and put on a big t-shirt. She was ready to go to bed. She had nothing to do, no good company and was also tired by all the champagne she had been drinking but when she had just crawled down under the cover a light knock could be heard against her door.

“Come in,” she said just so Vincent would understand he could actually open the door and walk in and he did. He wore just his slacks and the suit shirt, his suspenders hanging on his hips. He had a glass in his hand and looked at her softly.

“I'm sorry for my bad mood…”

“Did I do something wrong?” Asked Ines carefully and played with the cover.

“No, no… It was just something else…” he said with a sigh. To Ines surprise he suddenly sat down on the side of her bed and placed his glass on her night stand. They weren't even three feet from each other. If she leaned forward she would have been able to look down his shirt, see his smooth chest but Vincent's usually proper manner made her feel weird about it.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She said softly. Maybe he had things he needed to talk with a friend about but didn't have any friends? He gave her a look. He looked intoxicated and she wondered what the amber liquid in his glass was. The Marquis licked his lips and with some hesitation he leaned towards her and kissed her lips softly. Ines had seen it happen, his smooth but doubtful movement and felt her pulse go up at once. He actually kissed her. His lips were soft and plump and he tasted strong of the spirit. He opened his eyes slowly, they were obviously affected by alcohol but maybe something more. Ines couldn't tell.

“Do it again…” she whispered. Vincent laid his hand on her neck and with his thumb on her jugular, he pushed her face up towards his. He kissed her again, more determined this time and it made Ines moan into his mouth. He continued kissing her and a sneaky tongue pushed in between her lips. Even if she got exactly what she had wanted she wasn't pleased and stood up on her knees to be able to deepen their kisses even more. She moved his hand down from her neck to her waist where the thin cotton t-shirt was the only barrier between his hand and her naked body. With a hard grip around her waist he pulled her close to his body and leaned back on his elbow. The kisses heated fast and his hand moved up so his thumb dragged on the underside of her breast. To be close to Vincent was too amazing and Ines couldn't stop the giggle from jumping out from her full lips.

“And you said you weren't interested at all…” she teased and looked at Vincent's intoxicated eyes. For a moment she thought he would smile but it turned to a painful grimace and he shoved her away softly but determinedly.

“Of course you were forced to talk…” he muttered and stood up. Ines looked at him confused but it turned to anger fast.

“What do you mean with that? What? You come into my room and push your tongue into my mouth but think I should just be quiet??” She said upset and got a hard gaze from Vincent back. He snatched up his glass from the night stand and then turned to the door.

“Forget this happened.”

He chugged the last of the spirit in his glass and put it down on the stand again before walking to the door.

“C'est juste une jolie fille… Ne détruis pas tout pour une chatte…”

He muttered for himself. Ines looked at him upset, she was sure he had said something bad about her and without thinking she threw a pillow in his head. His perfect hair got ruined by his neck and he stopped in his steps.

“Did you just throw a pillow in my head?” He said through his teeth and turned around slowly. Ines felt a knot in her stomach when she saw his killer look. This was not the man she had been with this last week.

“No?” she swallowed hard and sank down on the mattress.

The Marquis stood and looked at her with dark eyes before walking up to her slowly. Ines felt panic spread in her body, would he hit her?

“Up!” He exclaimed when he stood by the bed. Ines looked down at the cover and swallowed hard but then did as he said. She was too afraid to find out what would happen if she didn't do what he said. She stood just in front of him. Even if she wasn't that short she felt tiny when she stood in front of him. He had his arms crossed and she could see the veins trying to push out from his skin.

“I should… Punish you for your behavior… But…” he threw his head back and groaned loudly. In a fast movement he attacked her lips with his, so hard it felt like she would fall. Ines just kissed back with a beating heart. She let her emotions guide her now and just let it happen. Her otherwise questioning self would have asked what he actually wanted but his kisses were too passionate to stop just to ask such a question.

Vincent sat down on the bed and with a hand on the back of her thigh he prompted her to straddle his lap. She just followed his directions and let herself disappear into his bubble where it tasted like spirits and spearmint and smelled like floral perfume and vanilla. She was used to men smelling bad or wearing too strong cologne but he smelled of the scents she herself liked.

Vincent threaded his fingers through her hair and with a light pull he got her to lean back.

“Yes I am interested. Okay? But I can't be. I can't. So now you must help me end this. Prove I can trust you,” he said slowly, like he explained something to a child.

Ines leaned back even more and looked between his eyes. She didn't understand but also knew she never would. Vincent let her go and doubtfully she stood up and let him do the same.

Vincent cleared his throat, fixed his hair and his clothes. It looked like he thought he could get back into his hard shell just by fixing his appearance but Ines looked at him differently now. There was something softer, more insecure behind his hard exterior. He wasn't as well polished as he tried to seem.

Vincent walked to the door and turned around and looked at her with big eyes.

“Good night.”

“Good night…” she answered while playing with her fingers in front of her. She wished he could stay, sleep close to her and maybe show more of his soft self but he had asked her to keep away and she would respect that. It was obviously important for him, even if she couldn't understand what a make out session with her would harm.

×××

The next morning Ines did everything to be ready to meet Vincent again. He had visited her dreams that night, with naked skin, soft kisses and an open heart. It felt like her own heart was trying to escape when she woke up with a sweaty neck and another moisture between her legs. She wanted him so badly and she needed to find out why he couldn't just let her come close.

She did her make up to perfection, in that natural, modest way he seemed to like and then looked through the clothes he had got her. She had a tight pencil skirt and a lavender colored silky blouse. It would do, even if it would have been a better outfit with heels. She left her feet bare just like he always did and tippy toed out from her bedroom. The big window in the room connecting all of the suite’s rooms welcomed her out with bright sunlight and she felt it gave her power to try to come close to Vincent, talk to him in a real, intimate way. She looked around in the suite but realized quickly that it was empty. He wasn't there. Ines looked in through the doorframe to his bedroom where the bed already was made and none of his things were on show. She thought for a second that he maybe had left her but knew he wouldn't. She knew him that well now, he wouldn't just leave.

She accepted that he once again had left and ordered up some breakfast. She didn't have a problem activating herself either and planned to go to the library and flirt with European tourists in hotel bars. Just because she wanted The Marquis she could still entertain herself. By lunch she left the suite to take the elevator down. She could see the other guard standing outside of the room they had the painting in, otherwise the corridor was empty.

“Excuse me, do you know where Vin… The Marquis is?” She asked him out of curiosity. He looked at her with a weird look before answering.

“Juste derrière toi.”

Ines looked at him confused but also a bit annoyed, if he could understand her, he must be able to speak English?

“Right behind you, he said.”

It was Vincent's voice, just behind her and that made her jump. As a reflex she turned around and hit his chest.

“Don't scare me like that!”

Vincent looked between her face and the spot she had hit with furrowed brows.

“Sorry, just a reflex,” she said, embarrassed and looked at him with blushing cheeks. She looked at him up and down where he stood in his camel colored three piece suit and perfect hair. He was so beautiful and the burgundy colored shirt made his green eyes pop. Vincent nodded a little and turned to the door to the suite. Ines didn't react to him being alone because she just admired his looks. The full lips, high cheekbones, his jaw… But what was that? Something red was smeared on his jawline and her heart stopped because it looked like the perfect shade of red lipstick but it wasn't lipstick. It was blood.

“Is that blood?” She walked closer to see better and Vincent gave her a wide eyed look. He looked stressed for a moment before he looked away.

“Where?” He dragged his hand over his neck.

“Here, let me,” she said and wet her thumb with her tongue before trying to rub the spot away.

“It's from a close shave, right?” She said with a smile and looked deep in his eyes. Vincent looked back at her, letting her wipe away the blood with her saliva. They look deeply in each other's eyes, much deeper than they had before. Something happened right then and there between them none of them had expected. Ines understood it wasn't his blood, Vincent's could see she didn't care whose blood it was. He nodded as an answer to her question even if the answer didn't matter.

Ines sucked her thumb clean while Vincent looked at her with big eyes. He cleared his throat awkwardly before taking her hand in his and opening the door to the suite.

“I met a person interested in your painting…” he said softly while leading her in through the door. Ines felt her pulse go up from his warm hand but also the memory of him watching her suck her thumb. She knew he was up to no good but she didn't care. He was a bad man, just like Faith had said but she had never cared about that.

×

#bill skarsgård #bill skarsgard #fan fiction #writing #story #bill skarsgård writing #bill skarsgård fanfiction #fiction #vincent de gramont #the Marquis #john wick #4

[blvckveil]

NOH EUNHA ( Hangul: 노은하), also known as NOLIM ( Hangul: 노림), is a fictional South Korean singer under MIGHTY DEVIL. Nolim was born on March 27, 2000. She is the sixteenth revealed member of LOONA & is the maknae of its subunit BLACK VEIL. She officially debuted on May 30th as a member of LOONA & released her solo single album "Nolim" along with the title track "Glitch'"

BASICS

BIRTH NAME: Noh Eunha (노은하)

STAGE NAME: Nolim (노림)

BIRTHDAY: March 27, 2000

ZODIAC: Aries / Dragon

ETHNICITY: Korean

NATIONALITY: Korean

BIRTHPLACE: Busan, South Korea

PRONOUNS: She/Her

SEXUALITY: Straight

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single

CAREER

GROUP: LOONA (2019-present) [Inactive]

SUBUNIT: Black Veil (2019-Present)

POSITION: Rapper, Dancer, Vocalist, Visual, Maknae

COMPANY: Polaris Entertainment (2014-2016) Blockberry Creative (2016-2023), Mighty Devil (2023-present)

LOONAVERSE

REPRESENTATIVE COLOR: Lavender (#181A6F)

REPRESENTATIVE ANIMAL: Peacock

REPRESENTATIVE CHEMICAL ELEMENT: Astatine

REPRESENTATIVE SHAPE: Diamond

REPRESENTATIVE FLOWER: Rhododendron

REVEAL DATE: May 16, 2019

SOLO SINGLE: Glitch

NOLIM FACTS

Nolim has a twin brother named Eunchan who is currently a member of boy group ARTiFACTS.

Nolim's stage name means "aim" in Korean, meaning that she will aim to the top to become the best idol.

She is close with LOONA's 2000 line. She was a trainee under Polaris Entertainment before transferring to Blockberry Creative, therefore she has known HeeJin & HyunJin during her trainee days.

Nolim is BLACK VEIL's hype girl.

She was originally supposed to debut in 1/3 but Blockberry Creative thought that her image would fit into something darker and "mature".

Eunchan confirmed that Nolim is a scaredy cat, she has a fear of heights and is afraid of ghosts.

Nolim is in charge of girl crush in BLACK VEIL.

#Ⅳ 、 ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ‹ the dark side of the moon ⠀ ⠀ ＃ ⠀ ⠀ profile › #Ⅳ 、 ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ‹ the dark side of the moon ⠀ ⠀ ＃ ⠀ ⠀ nolim › #fictional idol community #fictional idol group #fictional kpop community #fictional kpop group #kpop addition #loona addition #glasshouseinc #fake kpop gg #fictional kpop idol #fake kpop group

[dailyanarchistposts]

Imperialism, Capitalism, and the State

To understand the current situation, we must first demystify the political system in Iran.

Iran must be understood as a capitalist society and its state, both before and after the revolution, as a capitalist state. No amount of demagogic proclamations can change the fact that the Iranian state, while possessing many features peculiar to itself, is nonetheless a particular form of bourgeois class rule, a fact visible not only in its internal social relations, but also in the role it plays in the world system.

Through the course of the nineteenth century, Iran went through a process of integration and peripheralization into the rising capitalist world system. The Qajar dynasty (1794 to 1925) that ascended the Peacock Throne at the end of the previous century was quickly caught in the “Great Game” between the Tsarist Russian Empire and the British Empire as they both became more assertive in Asia. Military defeats resulted in the imposition of unequal treaties that not only led to a loss of territory but also included terms that established political and economic dominance. Iran was opened up to European commodities, while domestic production increasingly became geared towards the world market.[2]

Qajar Iran was a system that can be described as tribal-feudalism.[3] The state was not a centralized modern state. The Shah (king) ruled through various local nobles, landlords, tribal-chiefs, and senior clergy who formed the landed aristocracy and played the role of the respective powers in their locality. The latter ruled over a large mass of peasant villagers and nomadic tribes-people. There was no national army, only armies tied to local lords and chiefs. People were divided up according to ethnic groupings, tribal or religious sects, and spoke a variety of languages and dialects.

In the urban centers, which often served as provincial capitals, the center of economic life was — and to a large extent still is today — the bazaar, the traditional commercial center in the urban Middle East, with the merchants and artisans who inhabit it being collectively known as bazaari.[4] The bazaar was not just the center for shops and trade, it also often contained public baths, tea houses, as well as the central mosque. It is common for bazaari and clergy to have familial relations. Wealthy bazaaris fund the mosques and seminaries, religious processions, donate to charitable foundations, and form the main financial support for many religious affairs. Landholdings of the senior clergy and wealthy merchants increased over the course of the 19th century, with the clergy gaining land through religious endowments and donations by rich aristocrats and merchants. This relationship between the bazaari, as the traditional bourgeoisie, and the clergy is important for understanding the politics of modern Iran, and the 1979 revolution in particular, for it was this clerical-bazaari alliance that lay at the heart of the revolution, serving as the base of the Islamic Republic.

This process of integration into the world market, particularly in the form of European domination, contributed to the development of bourgeois national consciousness among merchants, clergy, and artisans. Struggles against foreign concessions and other forms of foreign domination became more commonplace as the merchant bourgeoisie of the bazaar became more assertive, solidifying a bourgeois form of national consciousness. This combination of a material-financial force in the merchants and the ideological force of the clergy transformed the traditional bourgeoisie into a genuine political force.

The integration and peripheralization characteristic of the nineteenth century brought with it close economic ties between Iranian and Russian merchants, but also contributed to the embryonic development of a modern working class. The reality of this process hit home in Iran when the global depression of the 1870s provoked a drop in agricultural prices. Worsening conditions in the countryside forced peasants to leave their villages in search of work. Naturally, they were drawn to the growing industrial centers of the Russian Caucasus, particularly the new oil industry, the center of which being the city of Baku.

Baku’s oil fields were a crucible for working-class radicalism. In the late nineteenth century, the city attracted hundreds of thousands of Iranian migrant workers to the growing industry where they encountered the organizing of the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party (RSDWP), itself formed in 1898. Not only Iranians, but people from all over the region traveled to work in the industry, with the result that the city boasted a significant multi-ethnic and multi-religious working class. Employers stoked hostilities often, and Iranian workers and activists in the region became involved in many of the strikes organized by the party. It was a strike wave in Baku that sparked the events that would lead to the Russian Revolution of 1905. Amidst this wave, workers gained crucial experience in party activities and strikes, and it was during the same year the Social Democratic Party of Iran (SDPI) was founded.[5]

The 1905 Revolution would directly influence bourgeois national revolutions in Asian nations such as China and Turkey, but given its proximity and its historical ties, it was felt most immediately in Iran. For Russian and Iranian Social Democrats, the revolution in Iran was directly tied to the revolution against the Tsar. Following the Tsarist reaction just north of the border, many revolutionaries turned their attention south to Iran. The revolutionary wave landing in Iran at the end of the year marked a crucial turning point, ushering in the twentieth century with the Constitutional Revolution and Civil War (1906–1911).[6] This revolution had a number of parallels with the one in Russia, and can even be seen as an extension of the latter, as it proved to be a similarly bourgeois national-democratic revolution with a strong social democratic element. Although it would not succeed in fundamentally altering the state or economic relations, it was nonetheless of great cultural-political significance, and every political tendency that will go on to shape the landscape of 20th century Iran draw their roots there. It also prolonged the bazaari-clergy alliance that had developed in the protests against foreign concessions, but did so while introducing a revolutionary element into the nascent working class and social democratic movement. Along with the struggle for a national assembly, or Majlis, we also witness the appearance and growth of the anjumans, or provincial councils that — as with the soviets — became sources of popular power that pushed the revolution further. In 1909, the first modern industry-wide trade union was established in Tehran among print shops and newspaper workers. 1910 saw the first industry-wide strike, which included all the major newspapers in Tehran. Their demands included, among other things, the eight-hour day and the installation of a minimum wage.

Faced with the threat of revolution from below and an ascendant Germany that was becoming increasingly more assertive in the Middle East, the Russian and British empires put their differences aside and came to an agreement in Asia which was formalized as The Anglo-Russian Treaty of 1907. The agreement made the division of Iran into Russian and British spheres of influence official, and served as a decisive step in the construction of alliances that would eventually erupt into world war.[7] The December 1911 Russian-British invasion and occupation of Iran put an end to the revolutionary wave that had been ongoing since 1905. The Tsarist armies in particular oversaw a reign of terror against Iranian and Russian revolutionaries. While the parliament survived, it did so merely as a basis for aristocratic rule. The constitutional revolution posed, for the first time in Iran, the still crucial question: how should radical socialists relate to broader, popular democratic revolution? And it did so while demonstrating another persistent truth: in the face of social revolution bourgeois democrats will turn to imperialism and reaction.

Two years after the Anglo-Russian intervention that ended the Constitutional Revolution, the imperialist rivalry broke out into world war in 1914. Although the Iranian government officially declared neutrality, it proved powerless to prevent Iran from becoming part of the Middle Eastern theater of war between the Anglo-Russian alliance (‘Entente Powers’) and the Ottoman-German alliance (‘Central Powers’). The war had devastating effects on Iran, as it did on any place that was treated as a battleground for imperialist slaughter. Roughly two million people died from the violence of war, famine, and disease. The situation underscored Iran’s colonial situation, as the country was helpless in the face of foreign powers that effectively did as they pleased within its borders.

At this point, Iran proved to be an independent nation only in name, with the central government serving as a mere shadow for other powers. As was the case before the constitutional period, the central government had no real power outside of the nation’s capital, and even there, such power was constantly disrupted by foreign intervention. Local tribal chiefs and aristocrats seized the opportunity to assert themselves and by the end of the war, clearly constituted the actual powers in their respective regions, going so far as to strike deals and sign treaties with imperialist powers directly without any involvement of, or mediation from, the central government.

The 1917 Russian Revolution fundamentally altered the situation, and breathed new life into the revolutionary forces. The Bolsheviks removed Russian forces from Iran while abolishing all Russian treaties and concessions over the country. The fall of the Romanov Tsar also marked the removal of the Qajars’ principal patron. Following the removal of Russian and Ottoman forces at the end of the war, the British became the dominant imperialist power in the Middle East. The British had initially thought to turn Iran into a protectorate, but the possibility proved untenable. Anti-British sentiment was increasing, and they had quite simply spread themselves too thin. Most importantly, the October Revolution had ushered in a new threat of social revolution. Bolsheviks-aligned Iranian socialists formed the Adalat (Justice) Party, which in 1920 became the Communist Party of Iran. More than perhaps anything else, it was the October Revolution that threatened both the British and the local ruling aristocracy. By 1920, this threat had spread to the northern province of Gilan with the establishment of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Iran. The Red Army now had an official presence on Iranian soil, and succeeded in pushing out both British and Iranian forces from the area.[8]

This presence forced a change in the imperialist strategy of the British. Whereas the latter had thus far supported various local nobles and tribal chiefs in an effort to maintain their influence, this tactic (in addition to direct occupation) was beginning to prove unstable in the face of the Bolshevik threat. Alongside many among the Iranian ruling class, the British searched for a strongman who could seize power, restore order, and protect their interests from the threat of social revolution. It was in this context that an officer from the Cossack Brigades named Reza Khan distinguished himself as the best candidate for the job.9 He was encouraged to organize a coup, the result of which would be an insurance of security and the withdrawal of British forces from the region.

#iran #middle east #Anti-imperialism #history #Ill Will #insurrection #Class Struggle #Autonomy #anarchism #resistance #prison abolition #acab #jail #prisoners #autonomy #revolution #community building #practical anarchism #anarchist society #practical #practical anarchy #anarchy #daily posts #communism #anti capitalist #anti capitalism #late stage capitalism #organization #grassroots #grass roots

[kaeyachi]

I saw your post about the Alberich surname and was curious about kaeya being half tayvatian! Can you explain that for me please? I miss and forget a lot of details and stuff in game, but I do genuinely love genshin lore related to khaenriah and kaeya! I also flip flop between kaeya being full khaenrian and being half whatever just because his star eye doesn't seem to be as pronounced as dainsleif for example. At least in game. (always zooming into his face to try and see the pretty star lol) Like I've seen the hc of his mom being sumeran and I think that's super cute! It could explain his darker skin tone compared to dainsleif and pierro? Or like idk the star trait has been deluted after many generations? Uh I've rambled a lot but I was just curious cuz I didn't know anything about him being half teyvatian!

IM SORRY I TOOK SO LONG *cries*

AND THEN I ACCIDENTALLY EXITED THE TUMBLR APP WHICH DELETED EVERYTHING I TYPED OUT 💔💔💔 THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE LONGER IM HEARTBROKEN

but anyway...THANK YOU FOR ASKING!

I think it would be better for me to come back to this after 3.5 that way I can confirm most of what I initially typed out, but heres a summary of what I've thought of

1. His name being the only one in the history of known Khaenri'ahns to originate from Hindu instead of Norse/Scandinavian

2. Due to the Hindu origin of the name, we can connect it to his constellation which is represented by a peacock- India's national bird as well as the representation for the Spantamad in the Akademiya.

3. Him being there for the 3.5 Archon quest in Sumeru as well as him getting a possible skin that is clearly half Sumeru and half Khaenri'ahn inspired

4. notes or letters from a member of the Alberich clan in Sumeru

5. Most known Khaenri'ahn characters have been pale-skinned (were unsure about Pierro due to dim lighting but even then, he and Kaeya might be related) with distinctly shaped four-pointed star pupils while Kaeya was designed differently (unsure if its because he's the first one released in-game, if its a diluted gene trait, or if it might be indicative that he is curseless)

6. Seemingly curseless or unnafected by the curse. Was even "blessed" by Celestia with a vision, which is already odd. He's still the only canonical Khaenriahn with one (clearly Celestia doesnt care whether you want a vision or not either)

If someone can elaborate please go ahead! I'm sure I've missed some!

***Additional notes mildly unrelated to this theory***

-The Alberich clan must have been known for their strategic thinking, war knowledge, and mind games if they were able to rise as the leaders for Khaenri'ah during the war. If I were a Sumeru scholar, I'd tap that too lmao

-Kaeya's name meaning "Monsoon flower" is oddly tragic yet fitting. The monsoon flowers thrive in the rainy season. Kaeya thrives during the rain as well. His main growth points and tragedies in life have happened in the rain. If it rains during the 3.5 archon quest i will scream and cry please note this.

- oddly enough i am more of a believer of the "Kaeya being frozen in time for 500 years" theory. Its possible! Olaf Katzlein got frozen for 300 after all! Some old Sumeran must have immigrated to Khaenri'ah prior to the Catalycism and got the Alberich started. Alberich clan being the smartest family in Khaenri'ah maybe?? hmm...

-Majority of teyvat suspiciously dont know that Khaenri'ahns are the hilichurls and the abyss order which means this might be forgotten history...which is weird because if its a supposedly slow acting curse then even in future generations there should still be slow-turning Khaenri'ahns right? If they purposely stopped repopulating then how did Kaeya come to exist? Pierro getting funky with whom??????? He has only been beside the Tsaritsa for the past hundred years... OH MY GOD WAIT CRACK THEORY TIME- Kaeya being the Tsaritsa and Pierro's son which explains the white streaks in his hair. No? Ok I'll stop lmao...unless?? NAH JK THIS AINT IT...or is it... JUST KIDDING I SWEAR-

That's all for now! Hope this helped others figure out the thought process behind the Half-Teyvatian Kaeya theory!

#kaeyachi asks #ive answered this finally! #IVE BEEN WANTING TO ANSWER IT FOR SO LONG #BUT MY JOB TOLD ME TO DIE FOR THEM AND I DID BECAUSE IM A MASOCHIST #kaeya #kaeya alberich #genshin impact #kaeya theory #khaenri'ah #what else do i tag here #sumeru??? #i think i should wait for 3.5 before tagging sumeru #kaeya brainrot is still strong babes

[elliehopaunt]

By Matt Grobar

EXCLUSIVE: Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary), Timothy V. Murphy (Appaloosa) and Bruce Greenwood (The Fall of the House of Usher) have boarded The Fabulous Four, a new comedy from Bleecker Street, which has entered production in Georgia under an Interim Agreement from SAG-AFTRA.

The actors join an ensemble that also includes Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, and Megan Mullally, as previously announced. Ralph takes over the role of Sissy Spacek, who was attached as of last fall but was forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Bleecker Street nabbed North American rights to the pic last October and will release the film in U.S. theaters in 2024. UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance arranged the financing and brokered the deal for U.S. rights, with Sierra/Affinity repping international sales.

Written and directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, the Cannes prize-winner best known for her Kate Winslet pic The Dressmaker, the film follows three life-long friends (Sarandon, Mullally, and Ralph) who travel to Key West, Florida to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their college girlfriend Marilyn (Midler). Once there, sisterhoods are rekindled, the past rises up again in all its glory, and there are enough sparks, drinks and romance to change all their lives in ways they never expected.

Richard Barton Lewis’ Southpaw Entertainment is producing alongside Lauren Hantz of Hantz Motion Pictures.

An icon of stage and screen, Ralph has won an Emmy and numerous other accolades for her portrayal of kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, the ABC mockumentary that has emerged as one the most popular scripted series on linear. The show, created by and starring Quinta Brunson, was renewed for a third season in January but only recently returned to the writers’ room, following the conclusion of the WGA strike. Otherwise perhaps best known for her Tony-nominated turn as Deena Jones in Broadway’s Dreamgirls, Ralph has also been seen in Mistress with Robert de Niro, To Sleep with Anger with Danny Glover, The Distinguished Gentlemen with Eddie Murphy, and Sister Act 2 with Whoopi Goldberg, along with such series as Moesha and Ray Donovan.

Most recently recurring on Law & Order: Organized Crime and ABC’s The Company You Keep, Murphy previously reprised his role in Uni’s comedy MacGruber on the same-name Peacock series. Other recent credits for the actor on the TV side include S.W.A.T., Snowpiercer, Westworld, and True Detective, to name just a few. Additional feature credits include In Full Bloom, The Lone Ranger, and National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Greenwood puts in a stellar turn as Fortunato Pharmaceuticals CEO Roderick Usher in Netflix’s Edgar Allen Poe-inspired miniseries The Fall of the House of Usher from Mike Flanagan, which bowed on the platform earlier this month. He also recently starred in the Fox medical drama The Resident, which ran for six seasons, and will soon appear in fantasy pic The Invisibles with Tim Blake Nelson and Gretchen Mol, among other projects.

At this year’s Toronto Film Festival, Bleecker Street nabbed U.S. rights to James Hawes’ One Life, starring Anthony Hopkins, and the starry British comedy Fackham Hall, which goes into production next year. The company also locked down UK rights, alongside Elysian Film Group and Anonymous Content, to Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron. Upcoming releases include the Meg Ryan-helmed rom-com What Happens Later, coming to theaters November 3, which she leads with David Duchovny, and Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson’s Waitress: The Musical, out December 7 with Fathom Events.

#sheryl lee ralph #bruce greenwood #bette midler #susan sarandon #megan mullally #the fabulous four

[entertainmenterea]

TOP 5 CILLIAN MURPHY MOVIES

Cillian Murphy is a talented Irish actor known for his versatile roles in various films as we know his famous role is Thomas Shelby in peaky blinders series

"28 Days Later" (2002) - Directed by Danny Boyle, this post-apocalyptic horror film follows the story of a man who wakes up from a coma to find the world ravaged by a deadly virus. Murphy plays the lead role of Jim, who must navigate through the desolate landscape, trying to survive amidst the infected population.

"Inception" (2010) - Directed by Christopher Nolan, this mind-bending sci-fi thriller features an ensemble cast, with Cillian Murphy portraying Robert Fischer, the target of a complex heist that takes place within dreams. The movie explores the concept of shared dreaming and blurs the lines between reality and the subconscious.

"Sunshine" (2007) - In this sci-fi thriller, also directed by Danny Boyle, Murphy stars as Capa, a physicist on a mission to re-ignite the dying sun and save humanity from an impending ice age. The film delves into themes of sacrifice, human nature, and the awe-inspiring vastness of space.

"The Wind That Shakes the Barley" (2006) - In this historical drama directed by Ken Loach, Cillian Murphy plays Damien, a young Irishman who becomes involved in the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War. The film explores the complexities of nationalism, loyalty, and personal sacrifice.

"Peacock" (2010) - In this psychological thriller, Cillian Murphy portrays both John and Emma Skillpa, a man with a split personality disorder who has been living a double life. The film explores the consequences of repressed trauma and the struggle to maintain two separate identities.

#cillian murphy #cristopher nolan #inception #Oppenheimer

[myfaveisfuckable]

Rants under the read more

Scaramouche/Arataki Itto: Hi so genshin impact spoilers if you care about such a thing but Scaramouche is a little twinky war criminal puppet who tried and failed to erase his own existence and now the world's collective memory of him is GONE which is the closest he can get to a fresh start after a string of perceived-betrayals starting from his creator down to a whole bunch of people for 500 years also he's an arrogant little bitch of a man.

Now Arataki Itto (Numero Uno) is an oni whose parents died when he was a kid, spent some time being homeless, was adopted by an old lady who was so ostracized for the decision she's now only known as 'grandma oni' and also people throw beans at him despite him being deathly allergic D: But through all that he's so so incredibly stupid and kindhearted and sweet and just a whole HIMBO of a man, did i mention he's large and probably has a huge dick lol

Anyway despite coming from the same nation they have NEVER met, but i think they can really be great for each other like they are such complete opposites they can only mellow out each other. Scaramouche can keep itto from a little maybe some of his stupid decisions and Itto can help Scaramouche chill for once in his life. Also that size difference amiright. I heard you like fics so im recommended the entire memento mori, bitch series by anemoctopus AND Making Friends in Unexpected Places (Like Itto's Tits) by TentacleBubbles for two different flavors on the pair (both on ao3)

Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk

raqio/remnan: mean nb + traumatised dude but i think they should kiss + in the canon ending they start a revolution together + raqio looks like a peacock + remnan has a sibling dynamic with a literal beluga whale TO ME

#poll #tournament #gnosia

[archinform]

The Auditorium Annex / Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago - Part 1

by Roger Jones - August 2023

The original Auditorium Hotel, right, and the Auditorium Annex north and south wings, left. Photo: Historic American Buildings Survey

The Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago and facing Grant Park, is a once-elegant landmark building that in the past was known as the "Home of Presidents." Designed as the Auditorium Annex, an extension of the Auditorium Hotel just across Congress Street (1885-1889, Adler and Sullivan, architects), the hotel was meant to house the immense crowds anticipated for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It was also the largest of the many hotels designed by architect Clinton J. Warren. Added to and remodeled extensively over the years, its interiors have featured historical styles, neo-Baroque splendor, Pompeian motifs, and 1930s Moderne.

...Its eleven story edifice was originally designed by architect Clinton J. Warren as an annex to the Auditorium Theater across the street. The two buildings were linked by a marble-lined underground passage called Peacock Alley. After opening for business in 1893, for the World's Columbian Exposition, the hotel underwent two major expansions and renovations, first in 1902 and then again in 1907 which brought the total complex up to 1 million square feet (93,000 m2). The design and construction of these two additions were overseen by the firm of Holabird & Roche. The hotel now features 871 guest rooms and suites. Through the 1930s the hotel was run by hotel industry pioneer Ralph Hitz's National Hotel Management Company. At this same time, part of the hotel was used as the location for a Benny Goodman NBC Radio Show. Following the outbreak of World War II, the Government purchased the Congress Hotel and used it as a training school for U.S. Army Air Forces. [Wikipedia]

The Auditorium Annex was built by famous hotel developer R.H. Southgate. The first section, or north tower, was designed by Clinton Warren, with Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler serving as consultants. “Peacock Alley,” a celebrated feature of the new hotel, was an underground marble passageway that connected the new annex with the Auditorium Hotel.

The south tower, constructed between 1902 and 1907, was designed by renowned architectural firm Holabird and Roche. The South Tower construction included a magnificent banquet hall, now known as the Gold Room, which would become the first hotel ballroom in America to use air-conditioning. Another ballroom, called the Florentine Room, was added to the North Tower in 1909. These two famous public rooms combined with the Elizabethan Room and the Pompeian Room to host Chicago’s elite social events of the day. Source: https://www.congressplazahotel.com/history

View of the original Auditorium Annex (North Tower), showing how the 1893 building echoed the features of the 1889 Adler & Sullivan building

The original hotel entrance, c. 1909-1910

In 1911, the hotel's owners renamed it the Congress Hotel, after its location on Congress Street, across from the monumental Congress Plaza section of Grant Park.

Presidents Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin Roosevelt all stayed or met with supporters at the renowned hostelry.

Following the outbreak of World War II, the Government purchased the Congress Hotel and used it as a training school for U.S. Army Air Forces. The hotel reopened for civilian use in time for the summer political conventions of 1944. At this time, John J. Mack was president of the Michigan-Congress Hotel Corporation.

In 1950, the Pick Hotel Corporation bought the hotel and oversaw a major renovation of the entire hotel, which included new suites and restaurants. Another modernization project began in the 1960s, which added a ballroom and escalators.

The hotel today struggles to maintain its once-elegant appearance. Only a handful of its grand historic spaces can still be viewed: the Lobby, the Gold Room, and the Florentine Room. Sadly, many of its opulent interiors disappeared over the years, to remodeling or destruction.

Unfortunately, the hotel's chief claim to fame today is as one of the most haunted sites in Chicago. Myriad YouTubers post videos of their supernatural explorations here.

Congress Hotel Lobby, 1890s view

Images from Inland Architect and News Record, January 1903

Images from the Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archive, Art Institute of Chicago

Exterior view c. 1907

Dutch Room dining room

Japanese Room interior

Japanese Room detail

Japanese Room with seated man

Florentine Room interior

Ceiling decoration by Edward J. Holslag, Florentine Room

The Hotel in the News

Glass Hat, Pompeian Room, Tavern newspaper article

Views of historic interiors

The Florentine Room, from the hotel's website

Above three views: the Gold Room, my photos

Congress Plaza Hotel, Gold Ballroom by Onasill on Flickr

The Pompeian Room

The Pompeian Room

Pompeian Room murals by Louis Grell

Jupiter mural, Pompeian Room

[See Part 2 for more information on Louis Grell]

Bar and lounge for Joseph Urban Room

My personal favorite interior was the Joseph Urban Room, which replaced the Elizabethan Room. The curved Moderne elements and jazzy neon lighting reflect the many skills of Joseph Urban, the noted designer and architect of such buildings as the Ziegfeld Theatre and Mar-a-Lago.

Joseph Urban Room

Next: more illustrations of the hotel

Links:

Congress Plaza Hotel's History, official site

HABS ILL-1012 Historic Structure Report on Congress Hotel [PDF]

Hotel Annexed on chicago.designslinger

Louis Grell Video on YouTube

Public Domain Media, Auditorium Annex

Tales from a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Part 1041 – The Gold Room at the Congress Hotel, 1920

The Inland Architect, January 1903, Interior New Auditorium Annex [PDF]

The King of Haunted Chicago

The Unbelievable Story of the Chicago Congress Plaza Hotel, and its Haunted History

#Congress Plaza Hotel #Chicago #architecture #historic building #Auditorium Annex

[astra-galaxie]

"I'm a hundred-eyed man. I've got eyes all over me, and yes, it is as impossible to take a shower or bath as you think it is." - Evangelos Kontos

Biographical information

Full Name: Evangelos Kontos

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Polysexual

Status: Incarcerated

Age: 29 (season 3)

Birth: 1986

Race: Hundred-eye man

Nationality: Olympian

Origin: Olympus, Mythos System

Residence: Olympus, Mythos System

Profession(s): Artist

Partner(s): Cybele Flores (girlfriend) (deceased)

Profile

Height: 6'1" Age: 29 (season 3) Weight: 195lbs Eyes: blue Blood: E+

Evangelos is a hundred-eyed man with sun-kissed skin, blue eyes and short curly blond hair. Without his disguise, he wears a sleeveless white shirt with an elegant peacock tail design on the front, draping from his shoulder to his hip. He also has a light brown sleeveless coat that reaches the back of his knees, light-washed jeans and dark boots.

As per his suspected appearance in Stonehearted, it is known that Evangelos eats Turkish delights, is superstitious and has watched Battle Star Wars.

Powers and abilities

Superhuman strength and durability

Enhanced vision

He has at least two eyes open at all times; he never closes all of his eyes unless he is actively trying to and, therefore, can constantly monitor his surroundings

Synopsis

Evangelos was the killer of his girlfriend Cybele in Stonehearted. He and Cybele had travelled to Earth on vacation to Greece, stopping first in Turkey at the G.I.A. outpost. The couple had been discussing visiting Greece for a long time to compare it to their home planet and finally decided to do it.

This trip was also a part of Evangelos's plan to propose to Cybele. He wanted to ask her as they stood on Earth's Mount Olympus if she would make him the happiest man by becoming his wife. He knew they were meant to be together and couldn't wait to get down on one knee with the ring in hand and ask her to marry him.

But unknown to Evangelos, Cybele had a different route in mind for their relationship. She planned to make this vacation their farewell trip and break up with Evangelos in Greece. She had fun with him when they first got together, but her love for him had long turned as cold as stone.

Cybele accidentally found the engagement ring when she looked through Evangelos's carry-on bag for something. She was surprised that he wanted to marry her, but not in a good way. She refused to let herself be tied down to one person and laughed in Evangelos's face as she turned the ring to stone and crushed it beneath her foot.

Evangelos felt humiliated by Cybele's ridiculing. He thought she loved him and would want to marry him… But her rejection reminded him how stone-hearted she was. Wanting to shut up her laughter, Evangelos powered on his energy sabre and decapitated her without hesitation.

It wasn't until he saw Cybele's severed head rolling away that reality set in. He quickly took her head to dispose of it and left the body behind in the outpost. He hoped to go back and collect her body, but the Bureau had already discovered it when he returned.

Of course, he was caught for his crimes and taken in by the G.I.A. to get deported to Olympus, where he would face trial and be sentenced for his crime. He knows he shouldn't have let Cybele's mocking get to him, but the rejection made him see red, and he wanted her to shut up. He guesses he got his wish…

Story Information

First appeared: Stonehearted

Trivia

He was inspired by Argus from Greek mythology and the Percy Jackson series

His shirt has a peacock tail on it because, in Greek mythology, Argus was Hera's servant, and the story goes that after Argus was killed, Hera set his eyes on the tail of a bird as a tribute and the new creation became known as a peacock and later Hera’s sacred bird

As an artist, he specialized in painting, pottery, and sculpting

Disclaimer: Character design was created using Rinmarugames Mega Anime Avatar Creator! I have only made minor edits to the design! Background courtesy of CriminalArtist5

Links to my stories:

The Case of the Criminal (Ao3/Wattpad) Killer Bay (Ao3/Wattpad) Where in the World are the Killers? (Ao3/Wattpad)

#criminal case #astra's ocs #my ocs #criminal case save the world

[bubbaxp]

PROLOGUE (Targaryen! OC x Reader)

THIS IS A HOUSE OF THE DRAGON FANFICTION

(AN: Kailinit is pronounced: Kai, as in the name, li, nit, all with short I’s—word I made up that basically means forever summer, Kali-kan is pronounced with all short pronunciation of the vowels

Also, the creature/s I will be making up are mostly based on my culture’s mythology—Philippines)

They say dragons live up to centuries, even to millennia. One could even consider them immortal, if that was possible. For hundreds of years, the Westerosi only feared them—and perhaps whatever lies beyond The Wall—and saw the only ones who could tame these great beasts as gods of some sort.

But dragons weren’t the only great beasts that lurks the world.

Far off in the east, past Tyrosh. There rots my great kingdom: Kailinit. Much the opposite of the land of forever winter, my kingdom was bathed in warmth and light—an important aspect of how our kingdom flourished. Not only did this realm of sunlight prosper with a variety of crops, it is also home to the Kali-kan—the guardians of our nation.

The Kali-kan looks as if it is a hybrid between a wolf and a peacock-pheasant, growing tall as thirteen feet and weighs twenty-four thousand two hundred and fifty pounds fully grown. These creatures are known for their healing powers and of course how destructive they could be. Like a fairy, they are kind to those who treats them kindly and dangerous to those who would harm them and nature. Unlike dragons, though, these creatures do not take humans as masters, rather we are considered allies in a way.

Like Valyria, Kailinit approached its end—but not so quickly. Perhaps it was the price to pay for our complete disregard towards the other lands. After eras of being hidden from the world, we were found—invaded, colonized—everything was stolen from us.

My family (and some who had survived), the last of our kin fled before it could consume us completely. We took everything we could; golds, iron, copper, pearls and other valuable stones along with all the surviving Kali-kan.

We fled to Westeros, but none would take us.

Despite this, we had riches, and Westeros was nothing but seven divided countries fighting like headless chickens with an abundant amount of land. So, my ancestors decided then that they would build a new kingdom, one that they’d hope would thrive as the Old Kailinit was.

#house of the dragon #queen rhaenyra #oc x reader #game of thrones #asoiaf #queen alicent #rhaenyra and viserys

[emily-scstudyabroad]

Weekend in Croatia!

For Easter weekend, I took a trip to Croatia! Emma and I decided to go with Smart Trip, a student tour company. It was the first time we used Smart Trip. For our past trips we booked everything ourselves, so we liked that the transportation and accommodation were booked for us. It was nice not having to plan a trip for once, but I do think it is important to try to book most of them yourself. The trip was fun because it was 70 students studying in Florence!

We left on a bus on Thursday at 9 pm and arrived in Croatia around 12:30 pm on Friday. It was my first time spending the night on a bus, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to sleep. But it wasn't too bad, and I did get some decent sleep.

Our first destination in Croatia was Dubrovnik, and we stayed in Hotel Astarea. It was near the water and had such a beautiful view.

View from our room's balcony!

Emma and I had lunch in Old Town at a restaurant outside and had a nice view of the city and the water.

Love my Italian food! Most people order seafood in Dubrovnik but we aren't the biggest fans of it.

Next, we walked along the city walls for even more spectacular views!

The water is so blue!

We both bought postcards and some gelato. And we walked around the city exploring!

Then we took the cable car because we wanted to see the view of the city from the top. It was neat to see the walls surrounding the city. I really enjoyed visiting a smaller city for a change!

The island on the left is called Lokrum! Inside the walls is considered Old Town.

On Saturday, thirty of us on the trip went kayaking! That was probably my favorite activity on the trip. Emma and I teamed up in a tandem kayak. We had a guide who told us about the history of Dubrovnik and then took us to a little shore for lunch before kayaking back to the mainland.

I hadn't kayaked since middle school but luckily Emma knew what she was doing.

After kayaking, Emma and I grabbed smoothies before getting tickets to take the ferry to an island called Lokrum. This island is known for having peacocks, so we had to go! The island was also a filming location for Game of Thrones, so many people like to visit.

As soon as we stepped off the ferry we saw peacocks!

The island was so beautiful! We hiked around the island and up to the top of the Path of Paradise.

View from Lokrum.

Before dinner, we went to Buza Bar, a bar built into the cliffs. During the day people can go cliff jumping. It was a very cool experience, people were sitting all over the rocks, and the waves were just below my feet.

Buza Bar! The bar closes before dark for safety reasons.

We had some yummy chicken quesadillas for dinner because we can't get good Mexican food in Florence, and I was craving it.

Dubrovnik at night!

On Sunday, we left at 6:45 am to drive to our next destination in Croatia, a bigger city called Split. We arrived later than planned because we got stopped at the border in Bosnia for an hour and a half. The only way to drive to Split was through Bosnia for ten minutes, even though we were going from one Croatian city to another Croatian city.

Once we made it to Split, we checked into the Design Hostel 101 Dalmatinac and changed for the boat ride! We were on the boat from 2:30 pm until 8:30 pm, and stopped at an island for dinner. We made some new friends and saw the sunset on the boat.

Sunset view!

We had an early night because on Monday we woke up early to drive to Krka National Park to see the waterfall. The waterfall did not disappoint!

In the summer people can go into the water!

After an hour and a half, it was time to board the bus for the rest of the journey back to Florence. The drive took about 12 hours and we arrived around 11 pm.

Overall, I loved my time in Croatia! It was never on my radar as a place to visit initially. But, when Emma and I finished planning our weekend trips, this was the last one open because it was a long weekend. So, we decided to take the last two spots on the Smart Trip. I think the tour guide did a great job, and it was a very stress-free weekend. Dubrovnik was my favorite city; I loved seeing so much nature for a change!

Such beautiful views!

I will say that Croatia was more expensive than I thought it would be, and it surprised me. The food and drinks were good, but definitely overpriced. The cable car ride was 27 euros roundtrip. Walking the city walls was 35 euros. Since I didn't really research for this trip, maybe I could have learned that ahead of time, but I don't regret the trip at all! I had such an amazing time in Croatia and it is one of the top destinations I have visited.

#study abroad #croatia #travel