#special story on women's fashion wear

[ingoodjesst]

one thing i really like about the apothecary diaries is how fluidly maomao moves between high- and low-class society, between the rear palace and the pleasure district, allowing us to see the parallels in the power dynamics. in both settings, we see women trying to make the most of their relative stations with whatever tools available to them, which are often shared. much of the politics of the series centers women and the ways they try to navigate the world through seduction, marriage, beauty, fashion, manipulation, etc, because these are the things they're valued for. their appearance, their social graces, their "purity", their marriageability, their ability to bear children, and beyond - these all lend political, economic, and social leverage to themselves and their families regardless of class.

the mystery angle in particular enables the story to closely examine what tools and motives are available to women in the apothecary diaries in a way that's contextualized and humanized. it's also how the series highlights said women operating with a keen awareness of society's expectations and systems. whether that's applying deathly white powder to maintain impractical beauty standards, faking illnesses to deter certain visitors, using parlor tricks to subtly punish callous men, or wearing ostentatious outfits to hide a certain truth, each mystery we encounter reveals more about what it means to navigate the world of the apothecary diaries as a woman in addition to revealing their cleverness (or lack thereof) in doing so.

maomao is no exception to the rule, often weighing similar questions of propriety and power before she acts - although she does engage from a unique position. she's a literate woman from the lower class with special circumstances surrounding her birth, versed as an apothecary, and favored by highly ranked members of the court. this, plus her marked lack of ambition beyond medicine, gives her a lot of mobility between and (relatively) unbiased insight into both the high- and low-ranked parts of society. in turn, we readers are given a fantastic protagonist to explore what i consider a core draw of the series: seeing how maomao chooses to move through the world, highly conscious of her own social positioning as well as that of all the other women around her

#the apothecary diaries #kusuriya no hitorigoto #maomao #my jessays #anime analysis #there's extremely light hints at content beyond the anime and even manga but i tried to be careful #kusuriya analysis #idr how to tag this for myself lmao i think tad stinks as an acronym frankly #anyway i love how much women are centered in the apothecary diaries it's truly delightful and i love seeing maomao connect with other women

[omgthatdress]

I have a lot of feelings about Julie’s collection. After the election of Richard Nixon, the deaths of Janis Joplin, Jimmi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison, and then the Manson murders, the peace and love happy hippie 60s had given way to the dirty, strung-out scumbag 70s. Even though Julie is living in San Francisco, the hippie era had long since passed by 1974. As Hunter S. Thompson beautifully put it in Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas:

“There was madness in any direction, at any hour. If not across the Bay, then up the Golden Gate or down 101 to Los Altos or La Honda. . . . You could strike sparks anywhere. There was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right, that we were winning. . . . And that, I think, was the handle—that sense of inevitable victory over the forces of Old and Evil. Not in any mean or military sense; we didn’t need that. Our energy would simply prevail. There was no point in fighting—on our side or theirs. We had all the momentum; we were riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave. . . . So now, less than five years later, you can go up on a steep hill in Las Vegas and look West, and with the right kind of eyes you can almost see the high-water mark—that place where the wave finally broke and rolled back.””

I love the hippie aesthetic. I get that AG would want to have a doll that reflects that. A lot of Julie’s story revolves around her fighting for environmentalism, which is one of the aspects of hippie culture that managed to stick around, largely because of backlash to the consumerism of the 50s. But in Julie’s collection there’s plenty of times when her looks lean too far into the 60s and miss the mark of the 70s. As much as I appreciate AG doing the hippie thing, an accurate collection for the 70s would drag us to polyester hell and never let go. The 70s are one of those special eras in fashion where everything is ugly as fuck. The fashion of the 60s was much more aesthetically pleasing, but the fashion of the 70s is ironically appealing. It’s so ugly you love it. It’s ridiculous. It’s camp.

Granted, the fridge that was 1974 fashion still had plenty of hippie leftovers in it, and her original meet look with its crochet cap, embroidered tunic, and fringe belt feel true to the era.

Hand crafts like knitting and crochet had a resurgence in popularity, so I’m glad that both collections have a knitted accessory.

Part of the history lesson Julie gives is that Title IX meant schools could no longer forbid girls from wearing pants, so that’s why Julie is in jeans.

Julie’s BeForever look is straight 60s hippie. The inspiration seems to be Janis Joplin, who had been dead for four years:

AG seems to be wanting to have it both ways with Julie, and I honestly wish they’d just commit to the 70s:

On another note, the 70s would have been a great chance to have another doll of color (American Indian Movement, much?), but they went with a White girl with blonde hair. Which honestly I kiiind of get. Like if I were going to select ONE decade of the 20th century to have a blonde doll, it would be the 70s. I cannot emphasize enough how ubiquitous long blonde hair was to 70s pop culture.

For an era that still claimed to be progressive, the 70s were whitebread as hell. Outwardly there was women’s lib, civil rights, and the sexual revolution, but inwardly, the 70s were an extremely conservative decade when Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority were just starting to lay their slimy hooks into the American political system. It’s a decade of contradictions and extremes that I wish AG would fully commit to.

#1970s #American Girl #Julie

[writing-yarn-goblin]

I’m here to post shit and have fun!

In honor of Halloween! Here’s some stories to have fun with!

Anime: One Piece

Character: Crocodile

Monster: Gargoyle

Warnings: Crocodile’s rizz

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Alright…he said ‘Baratie, 11 PM.”

You wanted to scream. This man you’ve been dating, your so called boyfriend, had told you that he wanted to go with you to Baratie.

Here you were- in a shimmering black dress with a slit that went up your thigh, black high heels and a small clutch- waiting at your assigned booth for this man to appear.

For about 40-50 minutes now.

You had received a text from him saying that it was over and confirmed the fact that he was cheating thanks to a photo he posted with his tongue down another woman’s throat. You felt sad but then decided that your evening will not be spoiled thanks to that useless prick and his cheating tendencies. You texted him he had 24 hours to leave your apartment and that you’d give him consequences if he didn’t.

Thankfully you’ve known the owner of this establishment and after talking to him and explaining the situation (you were good friends with him and his partner), he slid a few drinks on the house for the unfortunate evening.

As the club changed its scenery, you changed as well.

Your hair turned to life as the little snakes that adorned it yawned and changed from laying down to curling up on top of your head. Almost like a top bun. You aided them by putting a soft thin silk scrunchy on your hair, sorta like a pillow for the little ones.

As a Gorgon- you needed to be careful.

Thankfully technology has gone a long way and now you could wear specially made eye contacts for a monster of your particularity.

Going out with Gorgons was a little hard with the whole ‘I’ll-turn-you-to-stone-with-just-a-glance’ detail. History managed to make sure that the Gorgon line went past its supposedly imminent demise after Medusa was slain.

Making it its own subspecies of society welcomed gorgon women. Not all of them had the same power but very few, like you, could do all of what Medusa did and more.

“Excuse me, but is this seat taken?”

You whipped your head to meet with this person but you felt your throat go dry.

A man that almost doubled you in height, broad chest and shoulders. A man so incredibly handsome that seemed to be the epitome of elegance, poise and a connoisseur of beauty.

Height, build, stare and tone of voice had you entranced and, honestly, it was intimidating.

“Might as well sit down, my date is late anyway.”

The soft chuckle that came from his throat was caught by your ears, earning a pink tinge on your ears.

“A woman as exquisite looking as yourself shouldn’t be sitting by her lonesome. Especially one that got stood up by an imbecile.”

He had you swooning and it’s only been 5 minutes.

“I hope you find me to be good company Mister…-“

“Crocodile. Call me Crocodile.”

‘More like big Daddy.’ You thought, taking the last sip of wine and about to order more but you were stopped.

“Waiter-“ he managed to stop a young employee before he zoomed past them. “I’ll have an Old Fashion and bring the lovely lady anything she desires.”

‘Holy shit, that was hot.’ You thought.

“Miss?”

“Oh-erhm- Whiskey. House sour mix, please.”

Once the waiter left, you were received by a a raised brow from Crocodile.

“You like spirits?”

“They kill the ghosts that haunt me- I’d say they are easily my favorite.”

The words kept being exchanged and the evening had progressed into a lovely one.

Until it was time to leave.

You felt a little empty on the inside when it was time to leave…at 4 in the morning.

“Well, Miss (L/N), I believe that this concluded our evening. I hope you found everything to your liking.”

“More than that. I had fun regardless the initial 45 minutes of waiting for a failed relationship. He was a waste of time and space, to be honest. But at least I had the pleasure of dining with someone of your caliber, Mr. Crocodile.” You said, whispering a secret that he so gingerly lapped up.

“Indeed. If you’d like, we can arrange another outing. One where you wouldn’t have to hide those beautiful eyes of yours.”

You sighed. Now at the door of your car and unlocking the vehicle in order to get in.

“If I let you see my eyes, you’d be petrified.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that. You’d find that we might have something in common.”

This poked at your brain.

“How so?” You asked, earning another low gravel chuckle from him.

“You turn men into stone. I am stone.”

You tilted your head and gasped when you saw it. When he took out his coat, wing could be seen clipped right in his shoulders. They looked Bat like but at the same time- thick to carry his weight. His slanted eyes shifted the pupils into slits and a bit of silver lined against the pupil. To differentiate where his eye and a let started. The skin of his hand was now heavy and soft, like polished stone.

“You’re a Gargoyle.” You mumbled, cheeks warm at the interesting development. You felt him push a little card against your hands and felt like you were a pile of goo on the inside.

“Here’s my card. Feel free to call or drop in. I hope to hear back from you, Miss (Y/N).“

With that you saw how his wings opened and flew off to his lair.

You had waited a few days to call him and set up a date.

To which he replied-

“I’ll come and pick you up at 10 PM. And Miss (L/N)? No contacts. I want to marvel in your raw beauty.”

#sir crocodile #one piece #onepiece #x reader #reader insert #crocoboy #i am unwell #gargoyles #lord have mercy #crocodile x reader

[heckofabecca]

Nendis is an original character for my LOTR fic Far From The Swan-road. She is a maidservant from Dol Amroth who serves Lothíriel, daughter of Prince Imrahil.

Nendis, unlike her mistress, is not of Númenorean descent. She is descended from the so-called 'Middle Men,' the indigenous population of Gondor. She is shorter and paler than her mistress and has more body hair as well (see: legs).

Her Gondorian outfit is what she wears on a daily basis. Her dress mirrors the high-fashion silhouette that Lothíriel wears, but the sleeves on it would only be worn for special occasions.

While Nendis (at 18) is not yet 'of age' (aka 20) in Gondor (which customarily requires wearing your hair up in public), she still wears her hair up as it is considered both more practical and more professional.

In Rohan, it's a different story. The fashion among young women is to wear hair mostly down, perhaps with some accompanying braids.

Unlike Lothíriel, whose feelings are more lukewarm, Nendis is enamored of Rohan and its customs. One rider in particular, Eadric, is her favorite.

Nendis has worked for Lothíriel for only a short time—less than a year—but she's a quick study, with a pretty face, sweet temper, and gentle hands. Lothíriel feels certain she couldn't do without her Nendis.

#lothíriel #lothiriel #lothiriel of dol amroth #tolkien oc #far from the swan-road #my art #becca draws tolkien

[ohshy]

Just so ya know you’ve asked for it

WHO’S YOUR TOP 3 FAVORITE BOXERS

MAY WE SEE THE WOMEN’S CIRCUIT AND WHOSE DESIGN ARE YOU MOST PROUD DOF FROM THAT

And finally who would be trusted to watch your kid to watch your children most to least with both men and women circs (hypothetically)

(Giving an anon emoji sign off bc why not statue of litterby )

-🗽

ALRIGHT BUCKLE UP ANON AND THE REST thisll b a long one

king hippo (Duh)

von kaiser

hmmmm thats a tough one uhhhh probably either bear hugger, disco kid, aran ryan or soda popinksi !! but id i had to pick, rn itd b (joe biden voice) SODA !!!!

and now for the womens circuit !!!!

Ok so... starting with the challenger, Cassidy Cornfield !

hailing from farley, iowa, shes a little off her rocker. She believes she was put on earth by aliens to box. Though, this is likely just smth she made up as a result of a vivid dream she had when chowing down one too many corn nobs! Speaking of corn, she WILL talk your ear off about all the supposed ‘’proof’’ she has of alien existence, like the crop circles that show up frequently around her hometown. That being said, she IS determined to prove herself for her alien overlords, so prepare for a challenge!

She's modeled after glass corn, which looks like this (thanks to charlie for that idea !!):

Other details include...

her full name is Cassidy C. Campbell (she won't tell what the C stands for)

she's of irish/cherokee descent

they are a tiny straw weight standing at 5'2 feet and weighing 90 lbs, and an adult little mac trains her !!

Speaking of little mac, unlike him, she had to wait a year to get her boxing license for her 18th birthday. She simply doesn't look old for her age😔 Poor girl still gets handed the childrens menu at restaurants as well!

Her gimmick is that when charged with enough punching power, she can unleash a painful series of punches known as the ‘’Glass corn combo’’. think hondo rush, except like the star punch, it cant be countered, only avoided.

Next up, Beauty Bling !!!

All bling and no brawn !

I've posted her bio before, so i'll keep it brief; basically shes macho man's fame monger younger sister, and unfortunately for her, shes all bling and no brawn! Despite herself though, she's no quitter! She once pulled many all nighters trying to figure out computer science, and now it's one of her biggest hobbies !

other little factoids about her are...

her full name is Brittany Anita Jones

Cis woman, she/her

shes mixed white/native hawaiian (i hc macho to be white/native hawaiian as well).

She's modeled after 00s/y2k fashion

talks like a valley girl

talks on her phone during intermissions. will either b calling her dad or her friends.

Gimmick: Similarly to glass joe, she has poor defense and rarely attacks. Her special attack is her stepping back, moving a hand through her hair, and saying ''Ready to be punched in style?'' and releasing a very easily avoidable uppercut.

Will also say ''rude!'' when you avoid her punch

Next... Axelerator !!!!

The Mighty Mechanic!

This Welsh wrestling-watching mechanic from Cardiff packs a meaner punch than his predecessor ! Too bad this motor mouth gets so excited he can’t resist calling out his attacks every time he throws a punch ! But hey, gotta put on a good show, just like those cool wrestlers on tv !

other factoids about him...

his full name is Axel Cadogan

21 years old

hes a cis woman but goes by he/him pronouns bc hes swag like that

stands at 5 foot tall and weighs 220 lbs.

he wears a mechanic outfit as his boxing uniform.

Gets flustered really damn easily. Especially around hot women. 

Gimmick: Basically a huge motor mouth (haha geddit) who calls out all of his attacks, and gives you plenty of time to avoid them. You do gotta watch out which way you dodge, though. Next up, Silver Hook and Scallywag !!!!!

The Meanest Hook Of The Seven Seas !

Ever since she was a little girl, she wanted to be just like the pirates from the stories she read all the time. This of course, includes having a parrot, which she affectionately named Scallywag. Unfortunately, Scallywag keeps running her mouth and telegraphing her owner’s moves ! Despite this, however, Silver can’t stand the thought of not having her emotional support parrot by her side. 

Other factoids about her:

Her real name is Maria Bermudez

Cis woman, she/her

shes 29 years old

stands at 6'2 feet and weighs 200 pounds

from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Her parrot is a Black-legged parrot. She’s had it since she was 5 years old.

Brings her parrot literally everywhere

Gimmick: Sure, she might be faster than Axel, but she's still a rather predictable fighter who telegraphs her attacks very clearly. You do gotta watch better which way you dodge, though. When the parrot says ''left!'', well, you better watch your left.

Up Next, the minor circuit champion, Dancing Queen !!!!!

Lay All Your Gloves On Me ~

A huge fan of ABBA, if that wasn’t already obvious, veteran Queen’s entire gimmick is based on that of 70’s pop and disco. She’s also by far the happiest person of perhaps the entire WVBA, despite being arguably the lowest ranking champion of all circuits. Some even theorize that she’d be happy, even if she was THE lowest ranked boxer. That’s because everytime she gets in the ring, she’s 17 again. That’s just how happy those Swedes are !

Other factoids:

Her real name is Heidi Karlsson

She's a trans lady, she/her

shes's 45 years old

she stands at 6'4 ft and weighs 215 lbs.

From Jönköping, Sweden

Always seen smiling. Always.

Became a boxer partially to let our her frustrations about disco fading away as a trend

Gimmick: she has a special move called the criss cross punch, where she diagonally raises her fist to punch you and then the other, similiarly to that iconic disco dance.

____________ Now for the major circuit !!!

Disclaimer: I do Not have designs or certain info for the majority of the characters from here on out. Please bare w/ me

Next up, Black and Bunraku !!!!! (props to charlie for the name)

A Boxer based on the japanese art of bunraku, Black and Bunraku actually consists of ''two fighters''; A puppet who hits you, and the puppeteer who controls the puppets movements, covered from head to toe in black. As a result, the woman's identity is a real mystery.

Other factoids:

Refuses to say her real name, age, height and weight, instead letting the puppet do all the talking.

From Osaka, Japan. This is also where the biggest bunraku theatre is located.

Gimmick: Hitting the puppet won't do anything. Once you figure out the trick to hitting her in the head, she's a fairly easy opponent to take down.

Next up: Nike the Great !!!!! A threatrical tirant and a complete history and art geek, Nike longs to be a wise philosopher slash theater actor like the ancient Greeks, with a boxing twist. Her stage name ‘’Nike’’, meaning victory in Greek, is one she holds because she is sure to be the victor, despite only being in the lower major circuit. Oh well, confidence is a stepping stone to success, right?

Other factoids:

Her real name is Nikki Ioannidis

She identifies as a nonbinary woman, she/he/they

27 years old

She stands at 6'0 feet and weighs 220 lbs.

From Athens, Greece

HUGE rivals with Narcis Prince. only ONE can wear the V for victory and that's HER.

Huge rivals with A Lot of people, including Monarch Mayhem (keep reading to see her bio !!)

During her intermissions and fights, she'll show you some of the art she's made, like painted vases. If you punch it out of her hands, she’ll get REAL mad though, so watch yourself !

Gimmick: Pretty clean fighter, outside of the fact she brings art into the ring. Hey, she's an artist after all !

Up next, Moto Mauler, The Electrifying Biker !!!!!!

This biker chick loves nothing more than the rush of the road and the wind in her hair ! and a good tussle of course. She will make sure to knock you out with the great speed she feels on her motor cycle.

Other factoids:

Her real name's Nguyen Lihn

She's a trans woman, she/her

24 years old

She stands at 5'9 ft and weighs 170 lbs.

From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

During her intermissions, she'll talk about how beautiful the sights are and how you oughta be quicker on your feet.

She gets along swimmingly w/ Axel bc duh. mechanic x biker chick, cant go wrong w/ that right?

Gimmick: Clean fighter, outside of entering the ring on a motorcycle. Will try to exhaust you with quick jabs, and when you're tired, releases a series of punches to take you down.

Lastly, Monarch Mayhem, The Monarch of the Major Circuit !!!

Formerly known as Butterfly Bash :3

An unsuccesful artist turned boxer, Monarch Mayhem brings her frustrations into the ring, and with success! She is the crown jewel of the Major Circuit after all. That being said, she will NOT let you forget she's an artist! She will try to hypnotize you with stunning butterfly patterns on her sleeves made by herself of course, and dodge equally elegantly. At least the boxing crowd appreciates her !

Other factoids:

Cis woman, she/her

She's 31 years old

She stands at 6'1 ft and weighs 175 lbs.

From Calabar, Nigeria

Gimmick: Like i said, she'll try to stun you with hypnotizing patterns on her sleeves. The way to avoid this is to block your face, otherwise you'll get dizzy and become incapacitated ! Additionally, she does a lot of fake-outs, making her a formidable champion.

_____________

Now for the world circuit !!!

First off, Scarlet Fever, The Bad Omen !!!!!! Clad with arguably the most unorthodox boxing wear, a robe with a plague doctor mask, Scarlet Fever serves as an omen that the next opponents you’re about to face are the real deal. Other factoids:

Trans woman, she/her

She's 55 years old

Stands at 6'7 ft and weighs 210 lbs.

From Florence, Italy

Doesn’t speak, but does speak in Italian sign language.

Also does plenty of hand gestures in the ring

Secondly, Flossin' Fury, The Mental Dental Case !!!!!

After getting her medical license revoked for malpractise, she's now a dentist turned boxer. Got any cavities? Let's find out!

She's my newest addition to the OC roster, so i. Don't have much apart from a basic premise. She'll get developed soon though dw dw ! Thirdly, Sunny Gunny, The Granny with Guns !!!!!

After becoming tired of being bullied all the time, she trained to defend herself against bullies. Don’t let her old age fool you, she’s still a tanky old lady who can deal quite the mean punches ! That being said, whether you win or lose against her, she’s a nice old woman who’ll bake you some delicious goods !

Other factoids:

Her real name is Sondra ‘’Sunny’’ Seydoux

Cis woman, she/her

She's 80 years old

Stands at 6'5 ft and weighs 180 lbs

From Tallahassee, Florida

Of Haitian American descent

Of course brings baked good in the ring during intermissions. Also Oft seen knitting as well.

Balls of yarn spin around her head when she’s stunned

Gimmick: She just loves hugging her grandchildren, and this bleeds over in the ring as well; she's a real powerful hugger to the point you can b immediately incapacitated when you're hugged. During title defense, She will protect her body with her knitted blanket that can be removed in a certain way. Next up, Butch Diamond, A Girl’s Best Friend !!!!!

An Australian football player turned boxer, Butch has a robust body and an near impenetrable defense, making her a formidable fighter ! She puts her skills she learned from football into good use, so be quick on your feet ! Albeit somewhat cocky, she mostly just hams it up in the ring, and is a kind soul outside of it.

Other factoids:

Her real name is Desmond Kelly

GNC cis woman, she/he

He's 39 years old

He stands at 6'0 ft and weighs 235 lbs

She's from Melbourne, Australia

She's of Aboriginal Australian descent

Very sociable and friendly

Gimmick: Your Glass corn combo won’t work on her stomach! In fact, if you try it, you will lose HP! Instead, try stunning her and hitting her in the face with it! During her title defense, she’ll train harder, and somehow become even more robust. Now, your hands will be incapacitated for a short while if you try to hit her in the stomach repeatedly, longer if you try to do a glass corn combo.

And lastly but not leastly, Nessie,

The Shadow Champion !!!!

I've talked ab her before too, so again will keep it brief.

Gimmick: She's called a shadow champion for a reason ! Somehow, her surroundings become all dark whenever she enters the ring. During title defense, its as if you get pulled underwater. Does she use magic? Is she just that powerful? Nobody knows.

_____________

As for who would be good w/ kids...

Cassidy Cornfield: Not good with kids. Keeps scaring them with stories about aliens.

Axelerator: Axel co-runs his dad's mechanic shop, so hes definitely used to the responsibility.

Silver Hook and Scallywag: Makes kids laugh with her parrot, so pretty good with kids !

Dancing Queen: She has a couple kids of her own ! She's a great momma :3 Loves dancing with them

Black and Bunraku: Nah. Has made kids cry with her puppet. On her own, she's kinda awkward.

Nike the Great: Loves kids ! She loves telling them all kinds of stories ab ancient Greece and myths and being all theatrical about it.

Moto Mauler: Cool big sister type figure. Has a tendency to be too lenient towards kids though.

Monarch Mayhem: Think's kids r alright. Despite how difficult her path as an artist has been, she'd 100% encourage kids to follow their dreams.

Scarlet Fever: Same w/ Cassidy and Bunraku, she scares kids (albeit unintentionally).

Flossin' Fury: She's a dentist. and a scary one at that. So no, kids dont even get close to her vicinity.

Sunny Gunny: Has grandchildren, so naturally adores kids. Would bake delicious goods n spoil them rotten.

Butch Diamond: Also loves kids ! Loves carrying them on her shoulders n letting them climb all over her.

Nessie: Again, scares children, although she finds it funny.

#did i say id post this yesterday i meant today HAHA #hope this satisfies your question anon !! :3 #punch out #punch out oc #many MANY ocs #cassidy cornfield #beauty bling #silver hook and scallywag #dancing queen #black and bunraku #nike the great #moto mauler #monarch mayhem #scarlet fever #flossin fury #sunny gunny #butch diamond #nessie #PHEW thats a lot of names #monkey brain typing #asks

[hunterartemis]

The Kate Sharmas in Real Life : Indian women in 19th Century Attire

As an Austenite, I find Bridgerton an abomination, from the costume to plotline. However, like many people I found the 2nd season a bit tolerable especially the storytelling. Simone Ashley who was Kate Sharma (it’s rather pronounced as “sher-ma”) reminded me someone, especially someone dressed in western clothes in colonial India.

It is a preconceived notion by many that Indian people, especially women did not wore western clothes until it was post 1960s, but it is not true. The most fundamental garment, a blouse for saree was a Victorian addition. The eastern Indian women often worn saree as a single garment, and in ancient times, Saree or “akhanda vastra” (undivided cloth) was worn with a “kanchuki” underneath, or an Indian version of Bandeau. Blouse, in its modern form was then called a Chemise (semij, as the local vernacular called it). It came as in late 19th century, and the trendsetters were Upper class Bengali women. Rabindranath Tagore mentions how modern yet scandalising it was for a woman to wear a “Semij” in his numerous novels, especially in Chokher Bali .The picture below is of Princess Sudhira of Cooch Behar wearing what can be deemed as the earliest Indo-Western Fusion fashion in 1900s (she was known to have some good european wardrobe)

You might be thinking, Indo-Western garment is not anything near to the empire line Regency costume! yes, it is not. But before you at me, behold this historical photograph.

She is Maharani Suniti Devi, Queen of the Princely state of Cooch Behar, North Bengal. This shot was taken at 1902. I Know I am 100 years too late but during the 1813 Indian royals were busy from saving their states from the British Subsidiary Alliances, and Artisans were getting crushed by the flooding capitalists as the Monopoly of the East Indian Company was abolished by the 1813 Charter Act--- long story short, they didn’t wear the western garments that early. I picked her photo specifically because Simone Ashley, as Kate Sharma reminded me of her. Tall, slim, thin mouth, bright eyes, voluminous hair and dark skin. 

It is not that there are no dark skin rulers in India, and there were no royal women who donned western clothes--there are: in Fact the Daughter of Daleep Singh, the last Sikh Emperor and the Maharani of Kapurthala, both were photographed in Late Edwardian costumes in the beginning of 20th century. My pick is specially Suniti Devi because she exudes a classic ethnic Bengali beauty. I am emphasising on the fact Bengali because in Indian pop-culture Bengali women are portrayed as docile soft shy beings venerated for their big eyes and pliant beauty. However here you can see that this women is anything but. She is properly clothed in Late Victorian gown. From the prim contours of the waist it is clear that she is wearing proper undergarments like longline corset; light bustle as it was fashionable at that time and the correct petticoat. Loose but well arranged Gibson curls define her thick Bengali waves at the front of the head. The entire thing does not come off as costume-like, she looks like she was made for wearing it: she was not obviously corset trained because Indians often prefer loose fitted clothing and yet she does not look least bit out of place in that dress. 

Despite everything western in that dress from the Gibson hair to the black passmentary lace detaiiing on the white skirt, there is a distinct Indianness that graces the outfit. A long trail of English tulle is draped across the chest, as to emulate the shoulder drape of the saree: in India, a gentleman’s daughter is required to cover her chest with the drape of saree or a light scarf with Salwar. She didn’t need to; she was a Maharani, she could go without it, but she chose to drape it anyway. she also wears bangles in both hands, again a Custom by Bengali women who think a girl should not leave her wrists empty, because it symbolises widowhood. It was unlikely for a Victorian or Edwardian woman to wear bangles in both hands, especially without gloves-- but she did it anyway.

This distinct Indianness with western outfit is the exact essence which Kate replicated in the Wedding Scene

#bridgerton #kate sharma #period costume #indian queens #19th century attire #indian queens in western attire #regency #victorians #costume history #indo western #colonial indian history

[ae-neon]

The House of Mirrors

Chapter 7

The boutique on Helena Avenue was bigger than Nesta had imagined it would be. The building, like most in the silver quarter, was chic; new; metal and glass. A part of the city that shined as well as the metal from which it got its name.

While she was glad Rhysand had gotten them the invitations – certain it was the first step in the right direction to ensure Feyre’s happiness – they had come at such short notice that it would be almost impossible to find anything suitable to wear.

On the slimmest chance, Nesta had followed a link from her favourite designer to see they were partnered with a store in the city which boasted a small circle of designers all being sold under the same label: Astra Ardour.

She’d emailed the designer, banking on some favour as a long-time client and received a reply that while they themselves were out of the country, they had made a special arrangement with the store managers.

It was even more luck that on arrival Elain was somewhat familiar with the twin managers, Nuala and Cerridwen.

After some back and forth it became clear the Astra Ardour and Elain’s florist shared a large pool of clients with respect to weddings. Elain charmed them with stories of designing bouquets to match their beautiful dresses, recounting some in detail that had the women grinning.

In turn, the consultation and fittings seemed to breeze by with Nuala and Cerridwen showing off not only their fashion expertise and diverse selection but their ability to mediate between Estanna who insisted on more modest, traditional clothing and Feyre whose personality could only be captured in the bold and modern.

In the end, it was their mother forced to give in to a sleek, high waisted suit on which the pair offered to print one of Feyre’s own artworks.

Elain was matched with a fitted pink dress with a heart shaped neckline, subverted by an almost scandalous thigh slit, hemmed in soft pink ruffles that drew even more attention to the skin it showed.

Nesta opted for something simple she could buy on the spot, citing time constraints and wanting to pay the designer back for the favour.

Modest. Black. Repentant. Widow.

Her mother approved, at least; mouth less tensed once she saw Nesta wave off a white dress with daring cutouts along the side.

Nesta had noted the difference before, most recently in the way Feyre threw herself onto the couch between their parents to show off the Gala tickets and the names of the artists attending.

At that age Nesta had been well behaved, academically outstanding and ready to marry a man she did not know without question.

She did not resent Feyre. But it was difficult to not feel some envy.

Feyre had prodigious art talent that set a clear purpose early in life; a pursuit their parents encouraged, pleased when they received just as much praise for her achievements as she did.

And later, when puberty hit, Feyre had Nesta and Elain to fix what they could and cover what they could not – fearful they might shoulder the blame of not setting good enough examples.

Feyre moved through life with open heart – unafraid to express as freely and as fully as it felt.

And even now – violet eyes and an easy grin, art on the wall and the best cheesecake she had ever tasted...

Nesta caught the thought before it fully formed. She would not allow herself to envy that.

~

He had not heard from her in a week.

In truth he had no reason to, was sure she was busy preparing for the Gala if Mor’s to and fro from fittings was any indication of how much more women had to endure simply out of expectation, and he would be reunited with all three Archerons at the Gala anyways.

But he had sworn to himself he would uncover the mystery of Nesta, that it was a necessary precaution and having her go dark was not a good start.

He knew, at least, that she had not made any further contact with Amren and made no attempt to contact Azriel either.

So how had she been spending her days?

His distraction had cost him when it meant Cassian caught him off guard during their early morning sparring.

“You’re distracted,” Cassian had warned.

“I’m thinking.”

“About something more important than my fist flying into your face?” his cousin, hair up in a small bun and tribal tattoos inked across his chest, took a step back and relaxed his stance, “Whatever it is, get it out of your system somewhere else.”

From anyone else, the words might have been a jab meant to rile but Cassian knew enough about the damage humans could inflict on one another to respect it.

They were both better at fighting than they should have been, had been raised by hard men who sought to instill iron into their sons. And had been honed into weapons under the heat of their mandatory military service in Illyria.

Cassian’s steel had at least been born out of some sense of love and pride in tradition, one that grew a ferocious passion in him.

Rhysand’s had come with a crueler sense of purpose. “Hit them so they don’t get back up. Hit them so they get scared to ever question their existence below you. Hit them so that you never question it either.”

When Azriel began joining them, he sensed a similar cold brutality behind the mercenary's eyes.

Only someone as deranged as Cassian, who somehow grew more deadly with each hit, could match them in a fight.

In the ring at least.

Cassian swore as Mor won again.

They sat on the sofa, console controllers in hand, as Azriel and Rhys watched them duel from the dining table.

Mor had almost torn Rhys’ head off when she spotted the bruised swelling of his right cheek. She’d also challenged Cassian in retribution and whoever lost would be in charge of meals for the week.

“She cheats.” Cas said, shoving his controller towards Azriel who met the blonde's bloodthirsty grin with a worried frown.

“He’s just saying that because he’s the worst one here.” Mor said, picking her fighter.

“She definitely cheats.” Rhys warned in Illyrian before he turned back to his laptop and the financial report on Veritas Industries that let him know Keir couldn’t afford to play too close to the edge.

The current financial situation would slow his uncle down enough to give Rhys time to focus on pulling the strings that would secure his foothold in the inner city.

At the gala, Mor would let it slip to some chatterbox socialite that Rhys had his eye on someone there. Then at the New Year’s Starfall ball, Feyre would appear at his side with a ring on her finger.

By the beginning of Spring, they’d be married in a lavish ceremony and all the while he would have gained everything he needed to drive the Hybernians out of the city.

Everything was going according to plan…and yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was still missing some piece of the puzzle.

#the house of mirrors #acotar modern au #nesta archeron #rhysta #acotar fanfic #my writing #nestaweek2023 #day 7: free day

[thelamentknight]

(This is now old. Click here for updated version)

“Ah, I have many things to do today. Go shopping, review the latest makeup collection, picking out outfits for next week, I’ll be quite busy indeed.”

Filip Clemantis is my RSA MC and Twisted Sofia the First. He is a Rags-to-Riches Prince, and has been sent to Wonderland on a quest he is very secretive about. He’s noted for the brooch he wears, as he always wears it and refuses to take it off or let anyone touch it.

On the surface, many say Filip would be a perfect pick for Pomefiore. He’s somewhat vain, and cares a lot about his looks. He’s a Femboy, and loves doing things that’s considered “for women,” like shopping, sewing, etc. He doesn’t like getting dirty, and can sometimes come off as being vain and selfish. However, he is a kind hearted and loyal person, and is willing to ruin his looks if it means to protect his loved ones. He is also very social and talkative.

As he’s not Wonderlandian, he does not have a UM. However he does have a special ability: he can completely understand what animals say. To him, the animals are talking. Thanks to this, he has quite an advantage in Animal Linguistics.

Backstory: Filip goes through a Rags-to-Riches story. Originally, he lived with his Father in the small village of Wisteria, with both working as tailors. One day, Filip’s Father was tasked to make a dress for the Queen, and the two fell in love. This made Filip a Prince. He got his two step sisters, Jocelyn and Ambrosia. His Mother also gifted him his purple brooch, and made him promise never to take it off.

Filip was then assigned to a Royal Academy that his sisters attended. This helped him learn everything to know about being a Prince. However, some of his classmates began to make fun of him. Both for not being born Royal, and for being very feminine. He never brought this up to anyone, not wanting to worry anyone.

A year after graduating, a fateful event happened. Filip had gone on a trip alone, and when he returned, he was shocked at what he saw. Everyone in the Kingdom was asleep! He looked around in the castle until he meet three fairies: Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. The three tell him that everyone had been put under a sleeping spell, and it’s because an evil witch wants to take the brooch of his.

The fairies tell him the way to defeat the powerful witch and remove the spell off of everyone: He must travel to another world, a world called Twisted Wonderland. He must then pass 7 tests, all written in an old book they give him. Filip then learns that a Prince of Wonderland has been trapped in the brooch for many years, and once Filip passes the Tests of 7 Princesses, the Prince will be set free, and the two can work to fight the witch and remove the spell.

The fairies promise that if he wishes, he will be able to go between worlds through a magic mirror once everything is done. Filip accepts, and the fairies quickly send him as to not be caught by the witch. Filip is then sent to RSA, where he accidentally interrupts the opening ceremony.

Facts:

+ Filip does not care of people judging him for being feminine. He has learned to overcome his bullies and not be ashamed of his interests

+ Despite his love of luxuries, Filip has never forgotten his humble roots. He has quite good grades, and never avoids studying

+ He is Bi

+ He designed his uniform himself. He found the uniform too bland for his taste.

+ He became friends with Carmen when he found out she was also transported from a different world

+ Filip dreams of owning a makeup and fashion company. It’s his oldest stepsister who is next in line on the throne, so he is able to choose to follow his dream

+ He LOVES gossip. It began with listening to his older sisters gossip about Royal Drama. It’s the main reason why he likes social media: to learn the hot tea

+ He does a decent following on Magicam. His content consists of reviewing makeup, perfume, and fashion collections of major companies.

+ Yes he’s reviewed makeup from Vil’s and Neige’s brand

+ He is a Spaniard.

#twisted wonderland #twst #tlk’s rsa #twst oc #rsa #royal sword academy

[sca-rian]

my howl's moving castle inspired au, the long masterpost:

*will use scar's moving castle as a tag for this!

consider: grian manages a family business with his sister, pearl. their life is anything but glamorous, and grian doesnt have much prospects of ever leaving his town and doing something different. he hears stories about big cities full of possibilities, magic (hes isnt sure if he believes in that), a moving castle and a handsome wizard who steals the hearts of young women;

one day, grian gets cursed by the wizard of the wastes (joel), after he comes into his shop late in the shift and they get into a heated discussion over the existence (or lack, thereof) of magic. joel thinks of it all as just a silly prank, a curse that can be easily lifted or is just naturally disappearing after a few days;

joel girlbossed too close to the sun, though. the curse is bad. grian wakes up finding out that his body has started to grow feathers. its uncomfortable and borderline painful at times, specially on his back;

after properly freaking out, he tries to deal with it as best as he can, chugging some painkillers, wearing oversized clothes and going to work as if nothing is wrong. pearl notices something unusual, tho—perhaps its grian's murderous expression whenever he remembers joel's face. hes going to kill that bastard;

the curse gets progressively worse as the days go by, until grian can no longer easily hide it and pearl finds out by the ungodly amount of feathers spread around their house. she, of course, gets worried, and tell grian they need to find the wizard that cursed him somehow, or perhaps asks someone else for help;

they dont know any other witches and wizards, since, until last week, grian was pretty sure those didnt even exist. until pearl mentions that one dude who apparently steal hearts and was around town with his moving castle;

grian tells her thats a legend to scare young people so they wont go around talking to strangers. pearl argues that she knew of a lady who disappeared after allegedly spending time with the wizard;

grian supposes that man, if he actually exists, isnt the most trustworthy. but 1. hes not a young lady, which appears to be the ones who get their hearts stolen and 2. he has nothing to lose, really, besides some of his time;

pearl offers to go with him, but grian insists for her to stay (shes a young woman, after all). so grian leaves by himself in good old ghibli fashion: taking with him nothing but a block of cheese, some bread and a clock;

he founds the moving castle with ease: its ridiculously big and it makes no sense at all, having many weird bump outs, few windows, a dramatic copper roof and many chimneys. if anything, it looked like the weirdest house ever and nothing like a castle. something about it was still charming, tho: he just couldnt point out what.

development for this au just started, but so far it includes:

scar being weird and overly dramatic, but still charming. he also refuses to pay taxes;

cub as scar's weird demon roommate, with whom he made a contract many years ago. cub is so miserable sometimes that he regrets getting scar's heart (or his soul, whatever). cub keeps the "castle" moving with overly complicated redstone magic and fire that allegedly comes from the depths of hell;

scar sending threatening letters to joel. many of them. demanding for him to break the curse. joel ignores every single one;

he eventually gets pissed and goes with grian to look for joel, who admits the curse wasnt supposed to be that strong and now he doesnt know how to break it. scar turns him into a frog and joel is kept hostage;

joel still does his best to be as annoying as possible despite the limitations of his new body.

it also includes:

scarian falling in love;

found family;

silly cliche romance tropes;

romcom elements;

characters acting like divorced couples;

funky magical men with their funky little spells;

light angst.

i want to write this but im afraid i might not have the time. still want to brainrot tho so im accepting asks! you may also write with this au as long as you credit me! :)

#hermitshipping #trafficshipping #boli writes #hermitcraft #grian #gtws #goodtimewithscar #scarian #fanfic #smallishbeans #scar's moving castle

[princesssarisa]

Sleeping Beauty Spring: "La Belle au Bois Dormant" ("The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood") (1908 French silent short)

This 14-minute silent film was produced by the most famous French film studio of the silent era, Pathé. Directed by Albert Capellani and Lucien Nonguet, with an uncredited cast, it was filmed partly at the Pathé studio, and partly at the Château de Pierrefonds, an authentic medieval castle in Hauts-de-France that had recently been restored. Like many other French films of the era, it also serves as an early, primitive example of color film, via the process of stenciling. As a result, it has the look of an old-fashioned illustration – slightly crude, yet richly detailed and pretty all the same – come to life.

The story is told in a straightforward manner, easy to follow despite a lack of intertitles. The Princess, her royal parents, and their court wear medieval dress, while a hundred years later, the Prince and his companions wear clothes of the Cavalier era. The six good fairies are beautiful young women in slender, sleeveless gowns, and in a detail that seems inspired by Tchaikovsky's ballet, the fairy who softens the Princess's curse from death to sleep is portrayed as their leader and dressed in lilac. Meanwhile, the Evil Fairy is old and hunched yet still slightly glamorous, in a rich, pale blue gown and a tall witch-like hat. At the christening party, the Evil Fairy shows the court a vision of the Princess pricking her finger on a spindle and dying – a more effective choice in silent film than if she had just spoken the curse. Sixteen years later, we meet a bored and restless Princess confined to her bedroom by her protective parents, with guards at every door and only a devoted nurse for company. But when her nurse falls asleep, the Princess steals the key from her, evades the guards, and sets out to explore the castle... soon finding her way to a tower where an old women sits at a spinning wheel. As in most retellings, the old woman is the Evil Fairy in disguise.

While it's not emphasized, this seems to be a rare Sleeping Beauty that follows Perrault's version regarding the King and Queen's sad fate, where they don't join their daughter in sleep, but continue ruling the kingdom and eventually die before she wakes. They're last seen leaving the Princess's bedside after the Lilac Fairy puts the rest of the castle to sleep, and they don't appear in the finale. A hundred years later, on a hunt, the Prince learns of the sleeping Princess from an old man, and then finds that the forest of hedges surrounding the castle – the work of the Lilac Fairy – miraculously open to let him in. After wandering through the castle and seeing various members of the sleeping court, he finds the Princess and wakes her with a modest, gallant kiss on the hand. The Lilac Fairy then appears to bless their union, and the film ends abruptly with the newly awakened court and the other good fairies greeting the young couple.

Is this a definitive Sleeping Beauty? Far from it. The storytelling is basic and the filming techniques and special effects are primitive. But all the same, it's an intriguing and charming early example of an early cinematic fairy tale. The scenery and costumes are luxuriant, and even without sophisticated effects, some of the filmmakers' stylistic choices do enhance the fantastical atmosphere. For example, the superimposed image of a spider's web over the sleeping Princess's bed, indicating the long passage of time, which finally vanishes when the Prince enters the room.

This film can be viewed in several uploads on YouTube, most without music, but at least one set to the music of Tchaikovsky's ballet.

If you're eager to see what the earliest screen versions of classic fairy tales were like, then this short Sleeping Beauty is definitely worth your time.

@ariel-seagull-wings, @thealmightyemprex, @faintingheroine, @thatscarletflycatcher, @reds-revenge, @the-blue-fairie, @autistic-prince-cinderella, @paexgo-rosa, @comma-after-dearest

#sleeping beauty spring #sleeping beauty #fairy tale #la belle au bois dormant #france #1908 #pathé #silent film #short film

[mrsemilybartrum]

OFFICIAL Draft for Thank You For Being a Spy:

PROLOGUE

Coco felt the resistance from the tumblers of the door lock as he stuck in his only key to Richmond Street. The doorknob turned, and Coco opened the door. A loud creak cried out from the door hinges like someone crying out in pain. It was hard to believe that after all those years the house on Richmond Street would once again be operational. The dramas that played out within these walls, beneath this roof. Entire lifetimes were lived and rendered and lived all over again. And then, one day, the program ended.

The house hadn’t been occupied by residents since the early nineties. There was a thick, fuzzy layer of dust collected on what items were left inside to rot after the government left her to die. The house on Richmond Street was a national treasure, though. Even if nobody had ever really known the truth, Coco did. Dusting off the house was like breathing life back into the people who came before, those long gone now. Coco always loved this part of his job. Each time he reopened a residence, it reminded him that he was making a difference in the world one house at a time.

            Coco took in a deep breath of stale air and nostalgia. One minute he was in Miami in the twenty-first century. The next, it was 1985 and he was being called the “Fancy Man” by some crude Italian woman. My, how times and things have changed since then. But then again, things have only stayed the same, it would seem.

The smell of moth balls made it even more real. For a split second, he could swear he could hear Sofia’s slippers shuffling off of the hardwood floors as she headed toward the cookie jar for a saltine cracker. How he missed every single one of the men and women he served over the years. It was like all his memories flashing before him as he walked to the door to answer it. He even saw a house in Cleveland that was a special op in the 2010s.

A doorbell broke Coco’s train of thought.

He was no longer back in 1985 Miami or 2010 Cleveland. He was present in 2023 Miami. And he wasn’t sure who would be already ringing the door bell when the four hadn’t even been selected yet for the mission. Coco went to the front door quickly, just in case the visitor was a superior officer who didn’t like to wait.

Carved deep inside the back of the front door was an exclamation point, as clear as day. He thought back to the origin story of such and odd quirk, and he thanked God that nobody had dare sand the fine work out.

An operative using the handle Dorothy Zbornak carved the exclamation mark into the back of the door the day she arrived to start her mission. She wasn’t what you would call superstitious, but she was a dreamer. She dreamed of a quick mission, in and out in a matter of months. What she got took seven years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Regardless, her true purpose was a successful mission. She got just that, and to this day the tradition continues.

Coco turned the old-fashioned knob and pulled the door open. The creaking noise was much worse than when he had arrived. Coco would be getting that sprayed down sooner rather than later. When he saw who was standing on the other side of the door, he almost let out a huge gasp. It was the director of the whole department.

“Looks like this place needs a good cleaning out and maybe a good renovation. Maybe some upgrades with décor and function? And a good airing out. Come, help me open all of the windows, Coco,” the Director said in a rush. The Director seemed to be in a hurry for some reason. Coco couldn’t help but notice she was half dressed.

The Director was tall, lean, and tan. Many people often confused her with a celebrity they couldn’t quite place or assume she’s an influencer. She was younger than Coco, but not by much. She was wearing a crochet crop top that could easily be confused as a bathing suit cover. Her shorts were pleated khaki Bermudas from the GAP. She had clearly been crying, and she didn’t belong there in Coco’s domain. He had a job to do. She was not authorized to be there bossing him around, so why was she there?

Coco stopped the Director in her tracks and demanded to know why she came. She was noticeably crying harder as she came to terms with what she had to tell him. She took a deep breath, and she finally spit it out.

“Do you remember the agent who went undercover as Olga in Cleveland back in 2010? I believe you worked with her at least on that occasion?” The Director asked softly as she wiped away tears.

“Yes, Betty. She was part of my first solo assignment back in Miami in 1985. My first job alone was at this house on Richmond Street, and Betty was undercover here as a lady named Rose Nylund. Why do you ask?” Coco questioned. He was pretty sure he already knew what she was going to say next. Betty was reaching a hundred at that point. He shuddered before he could even hear the words come from the Director’s mouth.

“Agent Betty White, who faithfully served our country during the Cold War and later on during the Global War on Terrorism, went to be with the Lord last night Coco.” The Director said in somber tones, almost rehearsed. The Director hadn’t known the women who last occupied the house on Richmond Street, but everyone knew them. The Golden Girls, they called them.

Even inspired a TV show with the same name, but the world never knew the ladies were all unrelated spies there getting paid to pretend to be Rose, Blanche, Dorothy, and Sofia. Agent Betty White was the last of the original Golden Girls. She was vital in the success of the 2010 Cleveland campaign. Agent Betty White saved thousands of lives, animals, and humans alike in her service to her craft.

Coco had finally realized that he had just been sort of kneeling there, just lumped over with grief. The last of them was now gone. And on the day, he was to begin preparations for the reactivation of Richmond Street. He was hoping he could’ve picked Agent White’s brain on four semi-retired agents who’d want to come back to work for a mission. Instead, he would mourn his dear friend with a slice of cheesecake in the kitchen. For some reason, that idea seemed the most appropriate.

CHAPTER ONE: AGENT ABREU AND THE EXPLODING HONDA

The Director was furious. All four of the women who signed up for the project on Richmond Street were gone. In an instant, the entire program was at risk. To make matters worse, the mission was extremely important for national security.

            Director Kelly Abreu wasn’t new to this life or world. This wasn’t her first rodeo. It might be her last, though, if she doesn’t figure this out. These moments were the worst for several reasons. Working in spy work for the government wasn’t for the faint of heart or those who form attachments to life or people. This was exactly why you never got attached to anything – or anyone.

            She was in her car when she got the news of the tragedy. Director Abreu couldn’t take it anymore. She found a safe spot to pull the vehicle over, and she got out of the driver’s seat. Taking a deep breath, she tried to compose herself and keep her nerves about her. She couldn’t hold it back anymore, though. She wanted to cry, puke, and scream all at the same time. She bent over to put her head between her knees.

            And then, it happened. She lurched up everything that had been on her stomach for the last two days, which wasn’t much more than stomach acid and coffee. She seldom ate when she was in dire straits or in high-speed mode. Not eating made it worse for her, as she could only taste bile. The stomach bile made her hurl even more.

            Once Director Abreu finished emptying the contents of her stomach, she opened the back hatch to sit in the trunk of her car. She grabbed a bottle of water from the kit in the back of her car and rinsed out her mouth. Then, she let out a scream that would’ve awakened the dead. Why did this have to happen?

            All four of these women were selected by the best staffing board ever put together. The entire process was top secret. How these four women could’ve been targeted and snuffed out before they ever began was concerning. There was a leak somewhere, and it had just costed four women their lives. Not only did she and Coco have to start all over with no time at all to find new agents, but she also had a serious security breach to deal with, as well. Grieving would have to wait. At least she was able to get two of those three urges taken care of for now. Crying for her four dead agents would have to wait until the nation was safer.

            That’s always the case, isn’t it? In life, we never get time to process things, to slow down and really digest what we are going through. Agent Kelly Abreu decided it was time to keep moving. If four of her agents were killed, then she could be next. She opened the driver’s door and sat down in her vehicle. She pushed the ignition button and the car revved up. The engine had made this weird noise, she thought.

For a split second her heart stopped. She thought about her mortality. She was certain that the car would explode just then, and she was half expecting her life to flash before her eyes. Instead, a belch of gas came up from her stomach, and she burped. A burp is better than a bomb, I suppose.

She turned on the radio to get her mind off her troubles. That always helped her when she needed it. Distraction is a progress promoter, most of the time. Even Thomas Edison said so, and he was the biggest cheat in history. Andrew Gold came through the speakers. The opening notes were probably the most famous opening notes of any song in America. “Thank you for being a friend… travel down the road and back again… your heart is true. You’re a pal and a confidante…”

Agent Kelly Abreu was in full chorus mode whenever her phone began to ring.

“And if you threw a party, invited everyone you knew. You would see the biggest gift would be from me. And the card attached would say thank you for being a friend.”

The phone went to voicemail, and she kept going with the song. It was a favorite of hers given she was a big Golden Girls fan. That show was inspired by the real Richmond Street. The whole operation was almost blown because of that show. But, they managed to save the program by convincing one of the stars to leave the show at the height of its success.

The phone rang again, and this time Kelly answered it.

            “Agent Kelly Abreu, how may I help you?” she asked before anyone could speak on the other end. Kelly hated wasting time, and she wanted to get on with her solo concert. Her government-issued Honda had great speakers, who was she to let good resources go to waste? She didn’t manage to look at the caller ID before she answered. She may not have answered it at all if she had seen it. It was a restricted call.

            All she could hear on the car speakers from her Bluetooth was clicking and breathing. In an instant, she realized how bad she just screwed up. She didn’t hesitate. She grabbed her backpack from the front seat. She put the car on cruise control, and she opened her driver door. She jumped out with a tuck and roll that would permanently scar her with road rash.

            Her Honda went rolling down the two-lane country highway like something out of a movie scene. She covered her head and waited for the explosion. Every bone in her body was sore, as it had been a while since she had to tuck and roll out of a car planted with a bomb. That clicking noise on the phone was a dead giveaway. She should’ve looked at the Caller ID.

            She felt herself over as she looked for serious injuries. She didn’t see any, but she sat still for a minute more. And then she heard it. Her government-issued Honda had already careened off of the road and into a ditch at this point. But what was that other sound? She couldn’t quite figure out what she was hearing through the adrenaline and the confusion. She stood up to look over at her car.

            “HELLO? KELLY?? ARE YOU THERE? THE LAWYER HAS OUR DIVORCE PAPERS HERE IN HIS OFFICE. KELLY?” her soon-to-be ex-husband was begging through the car speakers.

            It took three more minutes for the reality of the situation to sink in for Kelly. She dusted her butt off, and she started walking toward her Honda. How on earth would she explain this to the office? Her car had already crashed into the hilly part of the ditch. She walked up to the driver’s side. Her phone was still in the dash holder, so she reached in to grab it.

She disconnected the Bluetooth on the device, and then she walked up to the highway to get better reception.

“Rico. Are you there? Rico?” Kelly asked.

“Yeah, I know you’re busy. Are you okay? It sounded weird for a minute and I was worried I was interrupting important things.” Rico inquired.

“I’m okay ----” BOOM! The minute she confirmed she was alright, the Honda she had just tucked and rolled out of was engulfed in a sea of flames and fury. Her car exploded so hot and violently, she was tossed thirty feet from where she stood.

Agent Kelly Abreu lay face down on the pavement, her face torn up from the pavement. Her phone was knocked out of her hand and broken. She had hoped that Rico still remembered the drill. He should’ve; he used to be an agent himself. She decided it wasn’t safe to stay on the main highway, so she headed toward the wooded area to the right of the roadway.

Her backpack had everything she needed to get herself straight. She had water, survival gear, and food. She even had a burner phone with a prepaid phone card to load it with airtime. Hopefully, the blast didn’t break anything in her bag. Up ahead, she could see a stream and some larger rocks displaced from when they constructed the highway back in the 30s.

When she reached the rock, she sat down on the flattest one. She opened her backpack and started to get to work. Luckily for Kelly, everything was fine in her bag. She activated the phone, loaded the airtime, and called the only man she could ever trust, Coco.

#golden girls #susan harris #thank you for being a spy #thank you for being a friend

[littlemuoi]

Observing A Royal by Pamala Proverbs (March 3rd 2014)

ARCHIVE LINK

I am an old fashioned Barbadian. What does that mean? Well it means I am really proud and believe in respect and dignity. It also means that I am not star-struck by anyone, not even royalty. In my job at PRMR Inc. and otherwise, I have met stars, authors, international politicians, heads of multinational corporations etc. and do not have a picture to show for it.

Mr. Steve Stoute, President of the Barbados Olympic Association presented Sophie, Countess of Wessex with a scarf and tie

One thing that I love to do as a communications/ public relations professional however, is to observe people in these positions in their unguarded moments, away from the glare of the spotlight. How they engage with other people is an indicator of their true character.

Most recently, I had the occasion to observe Sophie, Countess of Wessex up close. We were not introduced formally. My fault, I always take a back seat when I am working, but we stood as close as four feet apart for a good 20 minutes.

Here is what I observed. The Countess loves people. She is genuinely interested in your story; she is not just filling in for her husband, Prince Edward. Her genuine interest in others goes beyond royal responsibility. The night before she visited the Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) she met with some young people. I believe they were the parish ambassadors as I overheard her relaying the story that one of them told her about sports not being mandatory and that needing to change in order for sports in Barbados to be taken seriously. Now this was someone that did not just make idle conversation, but spoke to a young person with so much interest that she was able to internalise and repeat the conversation.

The Countess is quite sociable. After meeting with the staff at the BOA, she was invited to refreshments. I was shocked when she agreed to have a cup of coffee. With no special treatment and no airs about her she took her cup and continued to mingle. The Countess was so comfortable in the room among ordinary people that this allowed her previously very uptight security officer who introduced himself as Pat, to relax. Actually I got a smile from Pat. Being a James Bond addict (not the current Bond) I asked Pat if he was licensed to kill. He smiled and said he was and apologised for his early demeanour (he had not expected so many media representatives and he was concerned that their close proximity was posing a threat to the Countess).

The Countess is regular people. What does that mean? Well the BOA presented her with a scarf. She took it out of the bag and slung it over her shoulders so proudly that you would have thought it was Hermes. She also demonstrated her love for her husband when she took his tie and said he would definitely wear it, a true mark of a woman who has a firm grasp on her household.

As someone who loves fashion myself, I picked her outfit to pieces. Nothing was overstated. Her choice of slacks, blouse, shoes, handbag and jewellery were all smart, elegantly casual and fit for the occasion, obviously someone comfortable in her own skin.

However, what moved me to write this blog about the Countess was her parting act. As she was walking out of the reception area she looked in the servers’ direction, looked one of the servers straight in the eye and said, thank you. This won me over completely. The Countess is gracious, and she sees the invisible people, the men and women who serve and are so important but are always overlooked; for me that was Royal.

#brf #royal anecdote #soph #duchess of edinburgh #royal otp

[mosraev]

Lyrics through the decade 2/10

I've decided to collect all the songs I've made through the last decade and share my favourite snippets with you guys. The pictures for the backgrounds will (as much as possible) be pictures I've taken the same year as the lyrics were written. The full lyrics may or may not be made official someday.

Part 2; 2014

In March 2014 I made my first song and so with the new found interest in songwriting I started experimenting a lot with different themes and moods of songwriting that I've tried to show here.

More info under the line

Stay creative, my fellow foxes 🦊💚

Song 1 (pic 1); Ray of Sunshine

First song I ever wrote with a very simple form of three verses in a row. I had tried to learn an ATL song on guitar yet in my failed attempt to learn the rhytmn I made a melody instead (very hard to sing but fun for what it is)

Featured lyric: Clouds outside are starting to gather

[and] my mind in as terrible weather.

Song 2 (pic 2); Female Dress Code

The second song I ever wrote and the first with a chorus - way more singable than RoS. I call it my 'Not Like Other Girls' song since I through the song describe this one girl I say is the opposite of me and how I don't understand women fashion.

Featured lyric: the best thing you can wear is a smile,

but has been hidden away for a while.

Song 3 (pic3); Instant Camera

A song about longing for a relationship (not autobiografical if I remember correctly). This song is special to me not in its themes but that I played it for the talent show at my high school and won first prize. I spend the money to buy a new guitar.

Featured lyric: As May turned to December,

We took photographs with your old instant camera

((Extended)) are you gonna burn them like orange autumn leaves?

Song 4 (pic4); Aubade

First song written on piano (and I made it a spanish intro because I could). As song about supporting a friend in need. Has some really cute lines in retrospect.

Featured lyric: Mirrorside lies! It reflects what eye sees not heart be.

Your flaws make you unique, and you're beautiful to me.

Song 5 (pic5); Train

An angst song. Written together with a friend that accidentally also came out as trans years later. It is a very angry song full of self dread and hate. Very teenager.

Featured lyric: I'll go down in history as another nobody

starring out in nowhere wasting time.

Song 6 (pic6); Corner

First song that I remember where I didn't make up a character to tell the story from but instead used my own experiences. Although some parts of it is half inspired by Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Feautured lyric: Observer. I'm lost in a world were I don't exist

((Extended)) no wonder why my voice's dismissed.

Song 7 (pic7); Stranger 7-10-8-1

Probably one of my strangest titles (pun intended) this song is about seeing the beauty in people around you and that we cannot know everybody's story. Also it is a cute little love song to all the strangers you might meet on your way.

Featured lyric: I have to say, you look good today.

We haven't met, but anyways

everybody's beautiful in their own way.

Song 8 (pic8); Not All Heroes Wear Capes Mine Plays Guitar

Can you tell that I liked Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco from the sheer length of this title x'D? This was a song made and dedicated to one of my then favourite musician, Jack Barakat from All Time Low which is funny when I read it now since a few bits of the lyrics can be used to describe one of my favourite musicians today (Jere Pöyhönen aka Käärijä)

Featured lyric: He's a ticking time bomb filled with bad jokes and contagious joy

Honorable mention:

Flower bud, he trives on the stage tonight.

#lyrics #2014 #ray of sunshine #female dress code #corner #aubade #instant camera #train #stranger 7-10-8-1 #not all heroes wear capes mine plays guitar #mosraev #mosræv

[darzah123]

"Darzah: Palestinian Craftsmanship Woven Into Every Thread"

Introduction:

In the rich tapestry of Palestinian culture, Darzah emerges as a beacon of tradition, resilience, and exquisite craftsmanship. Specializing in handmade accessories, Darzah weaves stories of heritage and artistry into every stitch. From vibrant embroidery to timeless designs, Darzah brings the essence of Palestinian identity to life through its stunning accessories.

Embroidery as an Art Form:

At the heart of Darzah's creations lies the ancient art of Palestinian embroidery. Passed down through generations, this meticulous craft involves skilled hands delicately weaving colorful threads into intricate patterns. Each piece tells a story, with motifs reflecting the diverse history and cultural tapestry of Palestine.

Empowering Artisans:

Darzah is not just a brand; it's a community-driven initiative that empowers Palestinian artisans, particularly women, to showcase their talents and sustain their families. By providing fair wages and a platform for their art, Darzah contributes to the economic empowerment of local communities.

Unique Designs with a Modern Twist:

While rooted in tradition, Darzah's accessories seamlessly blend timeless designs with a modern flair. From hand-embroidered clutches to contemporary scarves, each item is a harmonious fusion of heritage and style, allowing wearers to make a bold statement while honoring Palestinian craftsmanship.

Sustainable and Ethical Practices:

Darzah is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. The brand sources high-quality materials locally, reducing its carbon footprint and supporting Palestinian industries. By choosing Darzah, customers not only adorn themselves with beautiful accessories but also contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion landscape.

Preserving Palestinian Culture:

In a world where cultural preservation is more important than ever, Darzah serves as a guardian of Palestinian heritage. By celebrating the beauty of traditional embroidery, the brand plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Palestinian people.

Global Impact:

Darzah's impact reaches far beyond the borders of Palestine. Its unique creations have gained recognition on the global stage, attracting a diverse audience that appreciates the beauty of handmade accessories with a meaningful cultural story. Through global partnerships and collaborations, Darzah continues to bridge cultures and foster understanding.

The Darzah Experience:

Beyond the products, Darzah offers customers an immersive experience. From the carefully crafted packaging to the personal stories shared by the artisans, every aspect of Darzah is designed to create a connection between the wearer and the rich Palestinian culture.

Conclusion:

Darzah is more than a brand; it's a movement that weaves together the threads of Palestinian heritage, empowering artisans, and creating a global community that appreciates the beauty of tradition. As you explore the stunning collection of Darzah's accessories, remember that each piece is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the Palestinian people. Embrace the artistry, wear the stories, and become a part of the Darzah journey.

#accessories #fashion #handcrafting #home decor #Palestinian embroidery #tatreez #made in palestine #bags

[jordanianprincesses]

Hi you, I hope you're doing fine. I was in Jordan in august it's a beautiful country and people there just great even if they suffer for most from extreme poverty they keep their smiles.they are very very i can add 10 very lmao mad at the jrf they say they don't represent us they don't follow arabs and islamic rules. They don't represent bani hashim ( i hope i write it right i'm not arab😅)

I was also there after the fixing 👙 scandalous pictures and jordanians were horrified ,disgusted of course you won't see them talk about how much they hate the family on social media or publicly now they can face prison for giving their honest opinions and i have to admit after what i heard ,saw and even read i don't see how their monarchy can survive. No rich Arab royals who are way richer and don't depend on USA money to survive act like the jrf or Queen Rania especially on social media: are you a Queen a royal or a celebrity, did you forget you're arabs too or is this just for your PR moments? Give me an arab royal who does as much PR or editing posts on Instagram as them? Is that what they want people to look at ,their looks only?I think rajwa did a big mistake by marrying into them. She won't be loved as they say because of her shameless attitude ( i swear her past pictures and that 👙 scandal didn't pass 😅)because she was introduced by Queen Rania, a Queen they really really despise. They also say King Abdullah is the last King of Jordan. What do you think about it?

Hellooo am fine thank you ☺️

Here's my opinion: I know that Jordanian people are mad at their royal family and they have every right to. Am not talking about their westernized lifestyle though, am rather talking about corruption and nepotism and all.

About the way female royals are dressing: I understand that people want a royal family that represents them as a conservative country and that's their absolute right. I also understand that they were shocked after seeing the bikini pics it's a cultural shock for them. However, I must say that I myself wish that the Arab world will be modernized, by that I mean that women should have the freedom to wear/ not wear hijab. I think it's a personal matter between them and God.

Queen Rania is trying to be modest in her public appearances and I hate it and love it at the same time. I hate it because I think it's a bit hypocrite ( they try to give a general idea about them being modest and all to get people to love them ). And I love it, because after all she's respectful and she's wearing modestly while doing her job and that's what's exactly required.

About the IG posts and the edited pics : yeah her account is like a fashion blog where most of the time the focus is on her looks. People like that ( not the Jordanians though) They also like the candid and private pics she shares about her family. I think the royal court is very much aware of that and they use it for they own sake. People love elegance, beauty and specially they love "love". That's why they got the media to talk about Rania& Abdullah's love story / H& R love story ( I don't mean that there are not love stories) but am talking about the pics they share , the captions they write and all ...

It kinda remind me of Katniss Evrdeeen in the hunger games ( love and the media ). Hunger games is btw my favorite film!

#answered

[elektra121]

Dear Yuletide Writer 2023...

It’s this time of the Year again...

Dear secret Santa,

this year I wish for world peace more than ever! If for some reason you can’t deliver, I’d be delighted about a sweet little story, too! ;)

Things I really like to read (about):

Happy endings. Period. It may be old-fashioned, I don’t care. It’s christmas, after all. J Name dropping, historical events dropping (is this even a word that exists?). Slash, especially femslash. Historical accuracy – or, at least not blatant inaccurancy. People who are good at heart. People who are interesting/special (in whatever way). People who manage to be good at heart and interesting/special (in whatever way) at the same time. (Why do so often the baddies end up being the only interesting people)? The sea. The seasons.  Wordplay and banter. Colours and clothing. Nature. Wittiness. Little moments. The weather. Characters that have deep respect for each other. Characters that are competent at things (but not to a nearly-impossible, „genius“ degree). Characters that are open-minded.

Things I don’t mind at all:

Religion in general and christianity in special. POV/ first person narrator. Consensual Sex (in whatever form). Rainbows.

Things I don’t like to read (about):

Sad endings. No, not even if they’re called „bittersweet“. Graphic violence. Injustice. Bashing of religion. Non-con. Characters dying. Slapstick. Parents who don’t love their children. Friendships or relationships that come apart.

Please. I mean it. Honestly. Even while mentioning all of the above, I had too many Yuletides getting stories about main characters dying (twice! because of time travel), mothers that despised her children, friends that took their farewells forever, characters seriously debating killing babies ... And no, however much some people would find this cool and edgy - I’m not one of them. I’m a hippie at heart! Please, please, love and peace and pancakes (in the end), even if only at Christmas. :)

---

Things I love about my fandoms - and some questions and plotbunnies to hopefully give you some ideas:

19 Century CE German writers:

Two years ago, while I was teaching about German Romanticism Writers I really became interested in them. They were such nerdy guys - all of them! And so much of their lives sound like they were taken from romantic novels themselves: dead parents, living at old castles or near a moor, being unhappily in love with each other, having dark secrets, dying of consumption ...

I absolutely like Annette von Droste-Hülshoff best! Because if you read about her in any literary history book (or even wikipedia), she seems like *the* most boring writer ever. Which couldn’t be further from the truth! Only that she very much valued her privacy... with burning letters, inventing tricks like little letters inside of letters, using ‘male’ speakers in her poems, self-censuring her writing to the point of being in danger of not getting across the message. Or, plaing demure Catholic noble lady, exploiting all the stereotypes - which, sadly, backfired into later generations taking them for truths.

So much about her is so worthy to be digged out: her being bilingual from childhood (since she was so small at birth, no one believed she would live, so she was given to a wet nurse who spoke French and called her Annette), her shortsightedness to the point of being legally blind (yet she wasn’t allowed to wear her glasses outside of the house because glasses are “ugly” and the sense of life, as we all know, for women is being pretty), her rap battle roast (well, isn’t “Stegreifreimen” more or less a kind of rap?) of the Brothers Grimm when she was only 15 (and, by the way, she may have been the one who told them Snow White and the Story of the Youth who went forth to learn what fear was), her being a badass natural scientist, trained singer and even composer (even if, to this day still, not a single note by her has ever been performed). Even if she suffered her whole life from bad migraines and other chronic illnesses (a food intolerance, maybe). Or that she was the only German writer who tried something like Catholic Enlightenment literature in her  - which mostly got ignored like so many other texts by her. And speaking of “the only one” - besides Heinrich Heine (who, as a jew, had a very personal interest in it) she was the only Romantic writer who, in “Die Judenbuche” wrote against Anti-Semitism.

And of course, all the major queer vibes she gives with her many lady friends (Amalie Hassenpflug even got buried beside her and Adele Schopenhauer fumed with jealousy over a possible blooming relationship between Annette and Adele’s girlfriend, Sibylle Meertens-Schaaffhausen) and rededicated poems (”What do you mean, this poem is about my ‘lady’ friend?! I’m sorry...?! Of course, it is dedicated to my publisher! I really do not know what you’re insinuating here and I don’t think that thing is appropriate to discuss with a decent unmarried Catholic lady like myself.”). It seems crazy to think that even today, this is nearly never mentioned at all in articles or books about her. Because of cause, famous writers have to be gold standard hetero, each and every one, don’t they - and anyway, being queer was not yet invented? And surely, her not marrying was because her heart was broken after her family destroyed her relationship with her boyfriend in the “Jugendkatastrophe” - and of course she never tried her luck in love e v e r again after this. Sigh...

There is so much more I could mention... like, for example, her early (for lack of a better word) environmental awareness... yet, for now, lets free some plot bunnies, shall we?

I’d like to read about her childhood and youth. Some episodes that foreshadow things that will be important in her later life, maybe? Or what really happened in all of those holidays at the Haxthausen house in Bökendorf, with the Brothers Grimm whom she hated? What about her first ball where she got to know that ‘feminist’ writer Katharina Sibylla Schücking that she instantly was so fascinated with (the diary of Annette’s sister Jenny complains that Annette “nearly did not dance at all and only talked with that woman all night”)? Or write about her hiking in the moors, about how a normal day would have been for her. Or how some of her works came into existence. Or some censored (and uncensored) correspondance - (most of which, of cause, got destroyed by her family)?

I’d like for it to be at least a tiny little bit queer... would be such a waste if not! ;)

Das Fräulein von Rodenschild (Annette von Droste-Hülshoff)

Even if I have a lot to do with German literature professionally, I only came across this ballad relatively recently. And I love it!

It would lend itself nicely for a backup fandom, since it is only a ballad with not much (if any) context to it. You can read it here: https://www.droste-portal.lwl.org/de/werk/lyrik/ausgabe-1844/balladen/das-fraulein-von-rodenschild/

I have to say, however, that my headcanon derives from the self-censored earlier version in which she kisses the ghost. ;)  Because I very much got the vibe the Fräulein von Rodenschild is a lesbian female ghost huntress in the Middle Ages (or, alternatively, in the Early Modern Era or the early 19th century). And I’d absolutely love for a story about such a woman!

Some ideas:

What is the emotional distress our hero is in in the first few lines? “Schwül” and “siedend(es) Blut” sounds very much like an unfulfilled desire, does it not? ;) What does the ghost want? Why is it there? Is it even a “real” ghost - or some psychological phenomenon? Does our heroine have experience in handling ghosts? Where from? What do the peasants think of her? How does she come to the idea to kiss the ghost? What happened to her hand? What is so very “toll”/”crazy” about her?

Feel absolutely free to merge the heroine of the poem with Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, who wrote it to impress Adele Schopenhauer - only to have her judge that “the FRäulein von Rodenschild” got punished to little!

The Sea-Wolf (Jack London)

Maybe my love of the sea may have been arisen partly from watching the German/French/Romanian mini TV series (1971) as a very young child.

If it so happens that you know it, too – I’d be delighted if you write in that canon, where both men know each other (or, at least, Van Weyden does) from their youth. I loved the soundtrack and the wonderful sailing ship and how Van Weyden fells in love with the sea, harsh and beautiful beyond compare, and becomes his true self even under cruel circumstances.

They both make for wonderful slash, don't you think? ;) But please no violence (opposed to story as a whole) or non-con. I don't care much how far they would go (write as much as you feel comfortable or what seems right for you) - instead more for the mutual, grundgingly admitted respect and appreciation that blooms into something more or finds ways to be expressed.

Maud is a very interesting addition to the equation – she makes them all a real triangle, because there is genuine interest and respect and a shared love for literature and not to forget a whole lot of UST between all of them. And Maud is such a great character! She doesn’t need to be the “strong” female to be strong in her own right. She is much more emancipated and feminist than a lot of “wonder women” out there.

So, I absolutely can picture some kind of threesome polyarmory – but it doesn’t have to be one, could also be like a POV from each of them. Or a couple that tentatively explores their interest in the third party? So many possibilities!

And while I’m absolutely aware that the book (and the mini series) goes very deep into philosophilcal and ethical questions about what friendship is or the nature vs. nurture debate and so on… I’d be absolutely happy with good old porn, too! :P

Prince Ahmed and the fairy Pari Banu (Arabian Nights)

This fairy-tale was something special to me when I was a child. I completely identified with the sorceress. How cool to be so competent that they send you as a spy to complete a dangerous mission? And what exciting and amazing mission to spy on a mighty fairy! Also, I didn’t quite understand the tingly feeling when I pictured myself as the sorceress amazed by all the glory of Pari Banu… until much, much later in life. 😉 Pari Banu, who is everything fairy(-tale)- like: has powers and riches seemingly without end, a brother who is a djinni, a kingdom (queendom?) made entirely out of women, that puts even princes in awe, a queen that seemingly can read minds and do magic, the ruler of animals and weather phenomena. Just… wow.  

So please, give me a story about that sorceress and let’s just forget about her gruesome ending in the fairy-tale, will we? Surely that was some kind of mistake with the translation…  

If you’re comfortable with it, make it Sorceress/Pari Banu, I would love to hear a story that somehow has them both together. I’m relatively sure that not only has the Sorceress any cause of being in awe with the Pari Banu, Pari Banu herself may also be quite delighted in a woman that is clever and cunning and not afraid of danger and may or may not know herself some kind of magic? There’s such a great backstory slumbering within… - don’t you think?

So, after all that rambling - I hope I could get you some ideas! May the muses be graceful! Have a happy Yuletide! :)

#yuletide #dear yuletide author #secret santa