#their destinies intertwined; their legacies fulfilled | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

suspiciousgirldowntown · 11 months

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A Star’s Reunion and Legacy

Starring: Zhongli/Morax X Reader

Warnings: Short Angst but with a happy ending.

Plot: You the Goddess of the stars and the celestial space realm between the mortal and immortal realms. Also, you are the soon-to-be lover of Morax but as time passed things weren’t looking good for you...

You are the Star Goddess, the leader of the stars in the sky, and Morax encounters you and falls in love. While Morax develops strong feelings for you, you do not reciprocate.

As you sit on the cliff, gazing down upon the magnificent city of Liyue, a powerful presence emerges beside you. It's Morax, the Geo Archon, known for his unwavering resolve and strength. He appears captivated by your ethereal presence as a star Goddess.

Morax approaches you with a mix of curiosity and admiration, his eyes reflecting the starry sky above. "Greetings, radiant one," he says, his voice carrying a hint of awe. "I have journeyed far to meet you, the esteemed leader of the stars. Your celestial beauty and grace have captured my heart."

You observe Morax's genuine affection, but deep within, you know your duty as the Star Goddess does not allow personal attachments. With a calm demeanor, you address him, "Morax, I appreciate your admiration, but as the leader of the stars, my responsibilities lie solely with the cosmic realm. I cannot reciprocate the feelings you hold."

Morax's expression shifts, a mixture of longing and melancholy crossing his face. "I understand," he replies softly, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Though my heart yearns for your affection, I respect your position and the commitment you hold to your people."

He takes a step back, a somber smile playing on his lips. "If it's not meant to be, then I shall cherish the honor of meeting you, even if from afar. Your radiance will forever inspire and guide me in my own endeavors."

As the Star Goddess, you appreciate Morax's understanding and wisdom. Though his love remains unrequited, a profound respect and bond form between you, based on mutual admiration and the shared burden of leadership.

And so, the Star Goddess, Y/n, and Morax part ways, each continuing their respective duties, their destinies intertwined under the vast expanse of the starry night sky.

As time passed, you found yourself caught in a complex web of emotions. The presence of Guizhong, Morax's close companion, intensified your feelings of envy. Guizhong's proximity to Morax reminded you of the love that could not be, deepening your inner conflict.

To shield yourself from these tumultuous emotions, you sought solace among the stars, retreating to your celestial realm. Among the vast expanse of twinkling lights, you found temporary respite from the pangs of longing.

From your vantage point among the stars, you continued to observe Morax and Guizhong's interactions, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. The weight of unrequited love grew heavier, a constant reminder of the divide between your realm and their world.

Yet, amidst the veil of jealousy, you couldn't deny the warmth that emanated from Morax's genuine affection for Guizhong. Despite your own desires, you acknowledged the beauty of their connection and the happiness it brought them.

While you yearned for love, you understood that love could not be forced or manipulated. Love, in its truest form, was meant to be freely given and reciprocated. And so, you chose to cherish the moments of admiration from afar, content with the knowledge that you had experienced a profound connection, even if it could not be fulfilled.

As you retreated further into the starry expanse, you dedicated yourself wholeheartedly to your responsibilities as the leader of the stars. Your love for your own people and the cosmic realm deepened, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment that softened the ache in your heart.

And so, you continued to shine brightly as the star Archon, your love for Morax forever embedded within the tapestry of the starry sky, silently guiding him and reminding him of the ethereal bond that once existed between you.

That was until the Archon War began.

As you teleported to the front lines, the night sky shrouded in darkness, you swiftly moved to protect the people caught in the crossfire. With each step, your powers surged, unleashing elemental forces that repelled the encroaching demons.

Morax, witnessing your valiant efforts, felt a mixture of admiration and concern. His heart yearned to reach out to you, to rekindle the love that had once burned so brightly. However, he knew that the weight of your responsibilities had veiled your heart, leaving little room for personal connections.

He followed your path, his steps echoing yours, assisting in fending off the relentless horde of demons. The clash of powers and the flickering light of battle cast an ethereal glow around you both, creating a surreal and breathtaking scene amid the chaos.

As you fought side by side, a brief moment of respite emerged amidst the tempest. Morax, his voice filled with urgency and unwavering love, called out to you amidst the clash of weapons and the roars of the enemy. “My goddess, remember who you once were! The love that I have for you, the compassion that guided our actions. Do not let the darkness consume you completely!”

Though you were caught in the midst of battle, a flicker of recognition danced in your eyes. For a brief moment, the memory of your past love, the shared moments of joy and tenderness, pierced through the veil of duty and war. It was as if a distant echo reached your heart, reminding you of the love you had once cherished.

With renewed determination, you fought on, not only to protect the people but also to reclaim the love that had slipped through your fingers. Morax, understanding the complexity of your situation, fought alongside you, supporting your every move, and offering a steadfast presence amidst the chaos.

Together, you carved a path of hope amidst the darkness, shielding the innocent and driving back the malevolent forces. In the midst of battle, the bond between you and Morax grew stronger, a glimmer of light pushing back the encroaching shadows.

As the night wore on and the demons retreated, the battlefield witnessed your unwavering resolve and the enduring love that remained buried within your heart. At that moment, hope flickered, hinting at the possibility of a brighter future, where duty and love could coexist, guiding the path of the Archon or the man who loved her. As the battle raged on, a sudden and unexpected turn of events unfolded. Amidst the chaos, a spear found its mark, piercing your defenses and striking your body. Time seemed to stand still in that moment as Morax’s eyes widened in horror and disbelief.

He rushed to your side, his heart pounding with fear and anguish. Gently, he cradled your wounded form in his arms, his hands trembling as he assessed the severity of your injuries. A mix of emotions swirled within him—fear, sorrow, and a desperate plea for your survival.

“Beloved Star Goddess,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “Do not leave me. Hold on, for I cannot bear to lose you.” His hands trembled as he attempted to heal your wounds, his Geo powers flowing through his fingertips in a desperate attempt to mend what had been broken.

Tears welled in Morax’s eyes as he gazed upon your still form. Memories of your love, the shared moments of happiness, flooded his mind, fueling his determination to fight for your life. His voice trembled as he made a desperate plea to the heavens above.

Though the battle continued to rage around them, Morax’s focus remained solely on you. He poured every ounce of his strength and love into healing your wounded body, refusing to give in to despair. With each passing moment, he clung to the hope that you would find the strength to open your eyes once more.

As time pressed on, your breath grew shallow, your life force waning. Zhongli’s heart shattered, realizing the fragile nature of your existence. Desperation etched itself into his face as he clung to your hand, willing you to fight, to return to him.

And in that fragile moment, as the battle raged on and the world held its breath, the outcome remained uncertain.

“ M..Morax please calm down ”

Morax's heart skipped a beat as he heard your weak voice calling out to him. Startled and overwhelmed with a mix of relief and concern, he leaned in closer, his eyes searching yours for any signs of life.

You gently reached up, your trembling hand finding its way to Morax's cheek, offering a tender touch. Despite the pain that racked your body, you mustered a faint smile, your love for him shining through the darkness.

"Morax," you whispered, your voice barely audible. "Please... calm down. I am still here, with you." Each word was a laborious effort, but your determination to console him was unwavering.

Morax's eyes welled up with tears as he realized that you were still fighting, still clinging to life with an indomitable spirit. He nodded, his voice choked with emotion. "Yes, my beloved. I will try to remain calm for you. Just hold on, and we will face this together."

Gently, he lowered his head, placing a tender kiss on your forehead, a mixture of gratitude and love enveloping the moment. With trembling hands, he continued to channel his Geo powers, pouring his energy into healing your wounds, willing the life force within you to revive and strengthen.

Time seemed to blur as Morax focused his unwavering resolve on restoring your vitality. Moments turned into minutes, and minutes into hours, but he refused to give in to fatigue or despair. He fought alongside you, his determination fueling his actions.

And then, as if by some miracle, a flicker of light returned to your eyes. Weakly, you squeezed Morax's hand, a glimmer of hope igniting within you.

“ I'm so sorry I never told you this, but I love you so please once I’m gone please don’t let the sadness consume you..”

Tears welled up in Morax's eyes as he listened to your heartfelt words. His grip tightened around your hand, not wanting to let go, even as he understood the weight of your impending departure.

With a voice filled with both love and determination, Zhongli replied, "My dearest, I will carry your love within me always, and I promise to honor your memory by continuing to protect and guide our people. I will not let sadness consume me, for I know it is not what you would want."

He leaned closer, his forehead touching yours, their warmth and tenderness intermingling. "You have given me immeasurable love and purpose, and I will ensure that your legacy lives on. Our people will thrive, and their happiness will be a testament to the love we shared." I whispered feeling my energy weakening.

A single tear rolled down your cheek, but a peaceful smile graced your face. "Thank you, Morax. Your words bring me solace. Remember that even in my absence, our love will endure. Take care of our people, guide them with wisdom and compassion."

As your voice grew faint, Morax held you close, his heart breaking yet filled with gratitude for the time they had spent together. "I will cherish every moment we had, and I will be a beacon of hope, just as you were to me. Rest now, my love, knowing that you will always be a part of me."

As you closed your eyes, a serene stillness settled over you. Morax remained by your side, cradling your lifeless body, his heart heavy with grief. Yet, even in his sorrow, he found solace in the love you shared and the strength you had instilled in him.

“ Please take care of our son” you whispered as he was shocked to know he had a son

Morax's eyes widened in astonishment as your whispered words reached his ears. The realization that you had a son, a precious life that carried both of your legacies, struck him like a bolt of lightning. Emotions swirled within him—surprise, joy, and a deep sense of responsibility.

" B...But how...?" he whispered as you looked up at the stars as he now realized what it meant.

He nodded, his voice filled with both awe and determination. "I will protect and care for our son, just as I promised you. He shall carry the essence of our love and become a beacon of hope for our people."

“ my love good bye I’m so sorry…” you closed my eyes as my body fell limp

Gently, he cradled your lifeless form, As your eyes closed for the final time and your body went limp, a profound silence descended upon the world. Morax held you close, his heart heavy with grief and a sense of profound loss. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered words of farewell, his voice choked with sorrow.

"My love, you have fought bravely, loved fiercely, and left an indelible mark upon my heart. Though the pain of your departure is immense, I will carry your memory with me always."

He placed a tender kiss on your forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment, as if trying to capture the essence of your presence. "I am sorry too, for all the pain and hardships you endured. But please know that you have touched my life in ways words cannot express, and I will honor your memory for as long as I live."

As the world continued to turn, Morax remained by your side, holding your lifeless body and allowing himself to grieve. The weight of your absence pressed upon him, but he drew strength from the love you shared, vowing to preserve your legacy and protect the world you cherished. your body soon turned into little tiny stars that floated in the air and created a beautiful star as a child was left on the ground unknowingly confused about what happened.

Your love remained a guiding light, illuminating his path even in the darkest times. Your memory, forever etched in his heart, gave him the strength to carry on, protect the world and honor the love you had shared. His gaze shifted to the child who stood at a distance, witnessing the scene with innocent eyes. Tears streamed down his face as he approached your son, his voice tender yet resolute.

"My son, you are a gift born from the love your mother and I shared. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on within you. You are a star that shines bright, a symbol of hope for our people."

He took your son's small hand in his, guiding him closer, ensuring that the child felt the warmth of his touch. "I will be here for you, to love and protect you, to nurture the light within you. Together, we shall carry on your mother's legacy and build a better world."

In the days and weeks that followed, Morax paid tribute to your memory, ensuring that your sacrifice and love were remembered by the people you dedicated your life to. The echoes of your deeds and the impact you had on the world resounded through the ages, immortalizing your name as a symbol of hope and courage.

Though the pain of your loss remained a constant companion, Morax channeled his grief into building a better world, inspired by your unwavering spirit. He upheld the values you held dear, guiding your people with wisdom and compassion, and ensuring that your son grew up surrounded by love and a legacy to be proud of.

And in quiet moments, when the weight of the world felt particularly heavy, Morax would gaze at the stars, searching for the one that represented your eternal presence. He would offer a whispered prayer, grateful for the time you had shared, and find solace in the belief that one day, when his journey reached its end, he would be reunited with you once more.

As your son looked up at Morax, a mix of curiosity and grief filled his eyes. "Where is Mama?" he asked, his voice filled with innocence.

Morax's voice quivered slightly, but he spoke with unwavering honesty. "Mama is watching over us from the stars, my dear. She loves you very much, and although she cannot be with us physically, her love will guide us always."

With each passing day, Morax fulfilled his promise to care for your son, sharing tales of your love, wisdom, and the immense responsibility that came with being a goddess. Together, they navigated the challenges of the world, preserving the legacy you had left behind.

As the years unfolded, your son grew to understand the depth of your love and sacrifice. And in his heart, he carried the stories of his extraordinary parents, who had shaped the destiny of their people with love, compassion, and unwavering determination.

The bond between Morax and your son grew stronger, forged not only by blood but also by the shared love for you. They became each other's pillars of strength, united in their commitment to honor your memory and fulfill the destiny that lay before them.

And as they looked up at the night sky, where stars shone brightly, they found solace, knowing that you were watching over them, guiding them with an eternal love that transcended time and space.

Years or millennia-long after the Archon war

His son with his hair and her eyes was running around laughing as he was chasing foxes

Amidst the backdrop of grief, a ray of light emerged in the form of your son—a beautiful reflection of the love you and Zhongli shared. His laughter echoed through the air as he chased after playful foxes, his hair color resembling Zhongli's and his eyes mirroring yours.

Morax watched with a bittersweet mixture of joy and sadness, his heart both heavy with the loss of your presence and filled with love for the child you had left behind. He approached your son, his voice filled with tender affection.

"My dear child, your laughter is a testament to the strength and resilience that runs through your veins. You carry the legacy of your mother and me, and I will do everything in my power to ensure your happiness and safety."

He joined in the chase, playfully running alongside your son, cherishing these fleeting moments of pure joy. The world seemed a little brighter as he saw your essence alive in your child, a reminder of the love that had once bound your family together.

As the foxes darted through the fields and your son's laughter filled the air, Morax couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. He realized that through your son, a part of you would forever be present, guiding and shaping the future.

With unwavering devotion, Morax vowed to be there for your son, to nurture his spirit, and to provide the love and guidance he would need to grow into a compassionate and strong individual. He knew that in raising your child, he would be carrying out your final request—to protect and care for the precious life you had brought into the world.

In the years that followed, Morax and your son forged a deep bond, strengthened by their shared experiences and the legacy you had left behind. Morax imparted wisdom, taught him the ways of the world, and shared stories of your extraordinary love.

Your son grew into a remarkable individual, carrying within him the wisdom and kindness that defined you both. And as he journeyed through life, he would often find himself looking up at the stars, feeling your presence, and knowing that he was never alone.

The foxes continued to playfully dart around, an enduring symbol of the joy and laughter that remained in your son's life. And amidst it all, Zhongli watched over him, a pillar of strength and love, fulfilling his promise to you.

Though the ache of your absence would always be felt, your son carried your spirit within him, a shining light that illuminated his path. And as he chased after dreams and found his place in the world, he would forever carry the legacy of your love and the wisdom imparted by his father, Morax.

As the years passed, Morax's son, S/n, grew older and wiser, gradually piecing together the truth of what had befallen his mother. The weight of that knowledge settled upon his shoulders, bringing forth a mix of emotions—grief, curiosity, and a deep longing to understand the circumstances surrounding her departure.

One day, as S/n and Morax sat together in quiet reflection, the young archon's son gathered the courage to broach the subject that had remained unspoken for so long.

"Father," S/n began, his voice filled with a mixture of trepidation and longing, "I have come to learn about my mother, about what happened to her."

Morax's gaze softened, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the pain his son must have carried within him. He reached out and placed a comforting hand on S/n's shoulder, offering solace through his touch.

"My son, I understand your need to know, your desire to uncover the truth about your mother's fate," Morax spoke, his voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of sorrow. "Her absence has been a void in both our lives, and it is only natural to seek answers."

S/n nodded, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I want to understand, Father, to know the story of her sacrifice and the love she had for us."

With a heavy sigh, Morax began recounting the tale—the archon war, the battles fought, and the selfless act of love and sacrifice that took his beloved away. He shared the details of your unwavering commitment to protecting your people and the immense grief that had engulfed both him and your son when you departed.

As Morax spoke, S/n's emotions swirled within him—a mixture of pain, admiration, and a newfound appreciation for the legacy he had inherited. The story of your sacrifice touched him deeply, and he realized the magnitude of the love you had for both him and his father.

"Mother... she loved us so much," S/n whispered, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and longing. "I will carry her spirit within me, Father. I will honor her sacrifice and protect our people, just as she would have wanted."

Morax's eyes welled with tears, pride radiating from his gaze. He had raised a remarkable son—one who understood the weight of his heritage, the depths of sacrifice, and the power of love. With a tender smile, he embraced S/n, their connection strengthening as they shared the profound bond of remembrance.

In the years that followed, S/n embraced his role as the guardian of Liyue, channeling the love and determination he had inherited from you. He became a beacon of hope for the people, carrying the legacy of his parents with grace and strength.

And as he stood at the helm, guiding his people with wisdom and compassion, S/n would often gaze at the stars, feeling the presence of his mother, knowing that her spirit lived on within him. He would honor her memory, cherish her love, and ensure that her sacrifice was never forgotten.

The legacy of your love, sacrifice, and strength that ran through your bloodline would endure, weaving its way through the tapestry of Liyue's history. And as Name carried the torch forward, he would forever be guided by the love of his mother and the unwavering support of his father, Morax.

As it was night Morax or perhaps Zhongli was sitting outside but it wasn’t until a Star fell down into his lap.

As Morax sat in contemplation, a sudden, unexpected event occurred—the descent of a celestial entity, a star, falling gracefully into his lap. Startled, he looked down, his eyes widening in astonishment and wonder. The star emitted a soft, ethereal glow, illuminating the area around him.

With a delicate touch, Morax cradled the fallen star in his hands, feeling a surge of otherworldly energy flowing through his fingertips. He could sense a presence within the star, a familiar essence that stirred his heart with both joy and melancholy.

"My love," Morax whispered, his voice filled with a mix of reverence and longing. "Is it you? Have you found a way to reach me once more?"

The star shimmered, seemingly responding to his words or that was what he thought. At that moment, Morax felt an overwhelming surge of love and warmth radiating from within, as if you were communicating with him from the celestial realm.

Tears welled in Morax's eyes as he embraced the star, holding it close to his heart. He could almost imagine your voice, your laughter, and the touch of your gentle hands. It was as if a part of your essence had returned to him, a reminder of the love you had shared.

With newfound hope and determination, Morax carried the star with him, cherishing its presence as a symbol of your enduring bond. He sought guidance from the star, speaking to it as if conversing with you, pouring out his thoughts, his dreams, and his unyielding love.

In time, the star became a source of solace and strength for Morax. It inspired him to continue his duties as the protector of Liyue and your son, knowing that you were watching over them both. He shared the story of the fallen star with your son, passing down the tale of your love and the celestial connection you shared.

Together, Morax and your son would gaze at the star-filled night sky, feeling your presence among the constellations. They would weave stories and memories, forging a bond that transcended time and space.

The fallen star became a cherished relic, a symbol of love and eternal connection. It served as a reminder that love could defy even the boundaries of the mortal realm and continue to shine brightly in the heavens above.

And as Morax carried the star close to his heart, he vowed to honor your memory, protect your son, and uphold the love that had bound you together. The star became a beacon of hope, guiding him on his path, and reminding him that your love would forever endure, even amidst the vastness of the cosmos.

Though the star soon became to be a little girl when it exploded revealing the girl that had came from the star striking a more similar image of his past lover.

As the star that had fallen into Morax's lap began to glow with increasing brilliance, it transformed into a radiant little girl, resembling a miniature version of you. The burst of light subsided, revealing her in all her celestial beauty. Her eyes sparkled with the same enchanting hue as yours, and her hair cascaded in waves of radiant brilliance.

Morax's heart skipped a beat as he beheld the child before him, a mixture of awe, joy, and bittersweet longing washing over him. He sensed your essence intertwined with hers, an embodiment of your love and the celestial connection you once shared.

"Is it truly you, my love?" Morax whispered, his voice tinged with a delicate tremor. He knelt down, his eyes level with the little girl, overwhelmed by the resemblance she bore to you.

The child giggled, her laughter echoing like a melody through the air. With an innocent smile, she shook her head, confirming the unspoken truth. But it was as if a fragment of your soul had been reborn into this celestial form, a reminder of the love you had shared and the eternal bond that bound you together.

Morax extended a trembling hand, gently brushing a strand of hair from the girl's radiant face. His eyes filled with a mixture of emotions—joy, sadness, and a deep sense of reverence for this miraculous gift.

"My dear, you carry the essence of your mother," Morax murmured, his voice filled with tenderness. "You are a beacon of her love, a testament to the connection we shared."

The little girl reached out, her tiny hand finding its way into Morax's larger one. A surge of warmth spread through their intertwined fingers, as if a celestial current flowed between them. It was a bond that transcended mortal understanding, a reminder that love had the power to bridge even the greatest of distances.

From that day forward, the little girl became an integral part of Morax's life. He named her after you, ensuring that your memory would forever be carried within her name. Together, they navigated the wonders and challenges of Liyue, embracing the beauty of the world and honoring the legacy you had left behind.

Morax watched over his celestial daughter with unwavering devotion, protecting her, guiding her, and instilling within her the wisdom and strength that echoed your spirit. He shared stories of your love, your sacrifice, and the extraordinary person you were, ensuring that your memory would be forever etched in her heart.

And as the little girl grew, her connection to the celestial realm remained, allowing her to tap into the powers of the stars. She became a beacon of hope, using her celestial abilities to bring light and protection to the people of Liyue, just as you had once done.

Together, Morax and the celestial child, named after you, forged a bond that transcended time and space. They journeyed side by side, protecting Liyue and keeping your love alive in their hearts.

Though the path was not without its challenges, they found solace in the knowledge that your celestial presence continued to guide and watch over them. The little girl, the living embodiment of your love, became a testament to the enduring power of love and the eternal connection shared between Morax and you.

As the celestial girl and her brother, Morax's son, played together, their laughter filled the air, bringing warmth and joy to the hearts of those around them. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, as they discovered shared interests, embarked on adventures, and formed memories that would last a lifetime.

In their games, the little girl's celestial abilities often manifested, enchanting her brother with the wonders of the cosmos. She would create dazzling displays of starlight, shaping constellations in the sky, and conjuring ethereal creatures that danced alongside them.

Her brother, in turn, marveled at her celestial talents, finding solace and inspiration in her presence. As he could move rocks as big as mountains or can form geo at will, something he inherited from his father. Together, they explored the vast landscapes of Liyue, chasing fireflies, climbing ancient mountains, and unraveling the mysteries of their shared heritage.

Morax watched over them with a mix of pride and affection, observing their interactions with a tender heart. He marveled at their innocence, their ability to find joy amidst the challenges of the world, and their unconditional love for one another.

The siblings became each other's pillars of support, offering comfort and encouragement during times of adversity. They learned from one another, embracing their individual strengths and nurturing the unique gifts bestowed upon them by their lineage.

In their play, they embodied the legacy of their parents—the strength, resilience, and unwavering love that had defined their family. The celestial girl carried within her the spirit of her mother, her celestial abilities a testament to the celestial connection she shared with Morax. And her brother, a blend of their lineages, embodied the determination and wisdom passed down from both his parents.

As they grew older, their bond only deepened, solidifying into an unbreakable bond of siblinghood. Together, they faced the challenges of their roles as protectors of Liyue, united by their shared purpose and the love that flowed through their veins.

And though the weight of their parents' sacrifices remained with them, they drew strength from the memories and the everlasting presence of their mother. They knew that, in her celestial form, she watched over them, guiding their steps and infusing their lives with her eternal love.

As the siblings continued to traverse the path laid before them, their celestial heritage and unwavering connection would serve as a guiding light, illuminating the way forward. They would honor their parents' legacies, protect their people, and cherish the unbreakable bond that tied them together—a bond forged amidst the stars and sealed in the depths of their souls.

As Morax stood in contemplation, his thoughts consumed by memories of you, a familiar figure descended from the heavens. It was Cloud Retainer, one of the adepti of Liyue, known for her profound wisdom and connection to the celestial realm. She landed gracefully before him, her eyes alight with excitement.

"Morax, I bring extraordinary news," Cloud Retainer announced, her voice filled with a mix of awe and joy. "Your beloved is not lost to us. She may have been transported to another realm, a place beyond our mortal understanding."

Morax's eyes widened, a surge of hope coursing through his veins. His heart pounded with anticipation, as he listened intently to Cloud Retainer's revelation. The thought that you might still be alive, albeit in a different realm, ignited a flicker of light within his soul.

Cloud Retainer continued, her words carefully chosen to convey the gravity of her discovery. "Through my connection to the celestial energies, I have glimpsed traces of her presence in a realm intertwined with our own. It is a place where the boundaries of time and space are blurred."

Morax's mind raced with possibilities, his thoughts consumed by the chance of being reunited with you. He felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination, fueled by the prospect of finding a way to reach this mysterious realm and bring you back to his side.

"I will do whatever it takes to bring her back," Morax declared, his voice steady and resolute. "Tell me, Cloud Retainer, how can I reach this realm? How can I find my beloved and bring her home?"

Cloud Retainer nodded, acknowledging Morax's determination. "The path will not be easy, Morax, but I believe there is a way. Together, we shall delve into ancient texts, consult with the adepti, and seek guidance from the celestial beings. Through our combined efforts, we shall uncover the means to traverse the boundaries between realms."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Morax and Cloud Retainer embarked on a quest—a quest to unlock the secrets of the realms, to navigate the celestial energies, and to bridge the divide that separated them from you. Their journey would take them to the most sacred places, where they would seek wisdom from the adepti and unravel the ancient prophecies that held the key to unlocking the realm where you now resided.

In their tireless pursuit, Morax and Cloud Retainer would encounter trials and obstacles, but their unwavering determination and the strength of their bond would carry them forward. With each step, they would grow closer to discovering the means to reunite with you, to bring you back from the realm that had taken you away.

And as they delved deeper into the mysteries of the celestial realm, Morax's heart would be filled with a newfound hope, his love for you burning brighter than ever. With every obstacle they overcame and every piece of the puzzle they unraveled, he would be driven forward by the unwavering belief that he would soon hold you in his arms once more.

The journey ahead would be arduous, but with the guidance of Cloud Retainer and the strength of his love, Morax would traverse the realms, defy the boundaries of time and space, and venture into the unknown—all for the chance to be reunited with you, his beloved, and to bring you back to the world where your love had once blossomed.

After a long month of searching they found the portal leading the the middle of the mortal realm and the realm of the stars though some guards who looked more like shining celestials stood by not allowing anyone to enter.

As Morax and Cloud Retainer stood before the portal that bridged the mortal realm and the realm of the stars, their hearts brimming with anticipation, they were met with a sight that gave them pause. Standing guard before the portal were celestial beings, their forms radiant and awe-inspiring, resembling shining celestials.

The celestial guards regarded Morax and Cloud Retainer with a stern yet compassionate gaze, recognizing the purpose and determination that emanated from their very beings. They were the gatekeepers, entrusted with the task of safeguarding the boundaries between the mortal realm and the realm of the stars.

With a respectful bow, Morax addressed the celestial guards, his voice resonating with sincerity and determination. "We come seeking passage to the realm beyond, where our beloved resides. We beseech you, noble guardians, to grant us access, for our love knows no bounds, and we yearn to be reunited with her."

The celestial guards exchanged glances, their luminous eyes shimmering with understanding and compassion. They recognized the depth of Morax's love and his unwavering devotion. After a brief moment of silent communication, one of the guards stepped forward, his voice filled with a resonant yet gentle tone.

"Your love has touched the celestial realm, and we honor the strength of your bond," the celestial guard spoke, his words carrying a weight of ancient wisdom. "But the realm of the stars is a place of delicate balance, and passage must be earned. Prove your worth, demonstrate your commitment, and the way shall be opened."

Morax and Cloud Retainer exchanged determined glances, ready to face whatever trials awaited them. They were prepared to prove their unwavering love, their unyielding devotion, and their determination to bring you back to their world.

The celestial guards led them through a series of tests, each one designed to assess their character, resolve, and ability to navigate the celestial energies. Morax and Cloud Retainer faced challenges that tested their strength, wisdom, and understanding of the celestial realm. With every trial they overcame, their bond grew stronger, their connection to the stars deepened.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the celestial guards stood before Morax and Cloud Retainer, their radiant forms aglow with approval. "You have proven yourselves worthy," they declared in unison. "Pass through the portal, find your beloved, and may your love be the guiding light that illuminates your path."

With gratitude in their hearts, Morax and Cloud Retainer stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the realm of the stars. As they entered, the celestial energies enveloped them, carrying them through a celestial expanse of shimmering lights, cosmic wonders, and breathtaking beauty.

Their journey had led them to this moment—to the realm where you resided, where your love had found refuge. With every step, Morax's heart beat with renewed vigor, his longing to see you once more driving him forward.

And as they ventured deeper into the realm of the stars, guided by their love and the celestial energies that pulsed around them, Morax held onto the belief that, at long last, he would be reunited with you, his beloved, and that your love would illuminate the path that would lead you back to the world where your love had flourished.

As Morax and Cloud Retainer ventured further into the realm of the stars, their eyes fell upon a remarkable sight—a glass case that housed a gathering of healers. These celestial beings, with their serene expressions and gentle auras, were the ones who had surrounded you during your time in the realm.

As Morax and Cloud Retainer approached the glass case, the healers turned their attention towards them, their smiles growing wider and more radiant. The joy in their eyes mirrored the love and care they had bestowed upon you during your stay in the celestial realm.

"You have come," one of the healers whispered, their voice carrying a melodic quality. "We have awaited your arrival, for we knew that love would guide you back to her."

Morax's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and anticipation. He had yearned for this moment, to see you once again, and to bring you back to the world where your love had blossomed. The healers, with their serene presence, seemed to be a testament to the care and protection you had received during your time in the realm.

With a gentle touch, Cloud Retainer and Morax opened the glass case, allowing the celestial healers to step forward. Their ethereal forms moved with grace and purpose, their energies intertwining with Morax and Cloud Retainer.

"We have tended to her wounds and nurtured her spirit," another healer spoke, their voice carrying an otherworldly warmth. "She awaits your presence, yearning to be reunited with her beloved."

Morax's breath caught in his throat, his anticipation reaching its peak. With the celestial healers as their guides, Morax and Cloud Retainer made their way through the celestial realm, their steps guided by love and the shared determination to bring you back.

And there, amidst a breathtaking celestial landscape, they found you—the embodiment of their hopes and dreams, radiant and alive. The moment your eyes met Morax's, a surge of emotion rushed through both of you, a floodgate of love and longing released.

Tears welled in Morax's eyes as he held you in his arms once more, his touch gentle yet filled with unspoken promises. Cloud Retainer watched with a serene smile, her role in reuniting you with Morax now fulfilled.

In that celestial realm, where love had persevered against all odds, you found yourself surrounded by the embrace of Morax's unwavering devotion. The realm of the stars had served as a vessel, a conduit for your love to endure and guide you back to one another.

Together, you and Morax would return to the mortal realm, carrying with you the light and wisdom gained from your journey. Your reunion would be celebrated, your love an inspiration to all who witnessed it.

And as you stepped through the portal, hand in hand with Morax, the celestial healers and the realm of the stars would bid you farewell, their purpose fulfilled. The love that had transcended realms would now continue to blossom and grow in the world where your hearts truly belonged.

As you and Morax returned to the mortal realm, the realm where your children resided, a mixture of shock, sadness, and overwhelming happiness washed over them. Their young hearts had longed for your return, and now their deepest desires were realized.

Your children, who had carried the memory of your love within them, were taken aback by the sudden appearance of their beloved parent. Tears welled up in their eyes as they gazed upon you, struggling to comprehend the joyous reality before them.

Embracing each of your children, you reassured them of your love, your presence a testament to the strength of your bond. Your touch, filled with tenderness and warmth, dispelled the sadness that had weighed upon their hearts. They felt a profound sense of relief, a renewed hope that their family was complete once more.

Morax stood beside you, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and tenderness as he witnessed the reunion between you and your children. He understood the depth of their emotions and recognized the significance of this moment—for them, and for the love that had persevered against all odds.

Together, as a family reunited, you shared stories, laughter, and tears. Your children reveled in the joy of your return, their once-sad hearts now filled with a sense of wholeness and belonging.

In the days that followed, you and Morax nurtured your children's healing hearts, providing them with the love and guidance they needed. As a family, you embarked on new adventures, creating cherished memories that would shape their lives and strengthen the bond that held you together.

The journey you had undertaken, across realms and through trials, had brought you back to the place where your love had first bloomed—the mortal realm, the realm where your children had grown and flourished. Here, you would build a future filled with love, support, and the unwavering commitment to nurturing the happiness that had eluded you for a time.

As you looked upon your children, their smiles now radiant and their laughter echoing through the air, you knew that the challenges you had faced were worth every moment. Love had triumphed, weaving your family's story into a tapestry of resilience, hope, and enduring affection.

Together, you would create a haven of love and understanding—a sanctuary where your children would thrive, guided by the unwavering love and devotion of their parents. And in that sanctuary, the memories of your journey would serve as a testament to the unbreakable power of love and the boundless possibilities that lay within its embrace.

(This is my first post so please do not post or copy this post because I really have insecurities and this is my first time doing this and I have not proofread this so if there’s any mistakes please make a comment!)

#zhongli x reader angst #angst with a happy ending #angst with comfort #genshin impact #genshin x reader #zhongli #long reads #romance #stars #celestial

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yuniemaki · 1 year

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on the entymology of the Liyue Qixing 璃月七星 & its links to astrology

The naming of Liyue's ruling body, the 璃月七星 / "Seven Stars of Liyue", has links to Chinese astrology and the types of characters in the Qixing.

Theoretically, with these links, we can speculate on the characteristics & possible roles of the unrevealed members of the Qixing. This is based on the 紫微斗數 (Zǐwēi dòushù), a form of fortune-telling in China.

The Ziwei Doushu is part of the study of destiny in China (命学Mìng xué), which is closely intertwined with the stars. In this form of fortune-telling, your whole life and future can be read in the stars. It's drawn in a circle like Mona's astrology readings:

And it's probably one of the inspirations for the concept of how “your fate is written in the stars of Teyvat” in Genshin.

Historically astrologers have always played a big role in imperial courts, reading the fate of the emperor in the stars and predicting his successor.

Each of the Qixing titles are named after individual stars in the Big Dipper/北斗(Běidǒu), and bear a different name in ancient Chinese astrology, referred to as a "patron star". Of note, the Qixing's patron stars are all within the 14 major stars which are used to perform readings (except Tianquan & Tianji). Many of these stars symbolise wealth, so I won’t touch on money too much. We alrea dy know the Qixing are the cream of the crop, after all.

In the Ziwei Doushu, the stars of the Big Dipper and the Sagittarius constellation are used to form 144 permutations of natal charts, or birth charts. It's since increased as stars from the BaZi and other astrology practices were implemented into the Ziwei Doushu as well.

The North Star is known as the Emperor Star, and all the stars are "subjects" led by the "emperor". The constellations are viewed as a kingdom, with each constellation performing a role in the empire in service to the emperor.

Different texts represent the Beidou differently, but it has been called the "chariot on which the emperor rides", and that it sits above the Kunlun Mountains (where gods are said to live).

An excerpt from the book The Astromonical Chronicles compiled by Ma Xu describes what concept each star represents in the constellation:

《晋书·天文志》记载，枢为天，璇为地，玑为人，权为时，衡为音，开阳为律，摇光为星。

Tianshu: sky

Tianxuan: land

Tianji: human

Tianquan: time

Yuheng: sound

Kaiyang: rhythm

Yaoguang: star

The arched polar area where the individual stars of the Qixing is located is the political center of the heavenly society.

It is located close to the 天理 [tiānlǐ]: divine justice, or it can also be loosely translated as (天)heavenly (理)principles.

Let's zoom in a little on Beidou:

Notice that the stars located in a arch-formation around the heavenly principles are the dimmest stars: Tianquan, Tianji, Tianxuan and Tianxuan. They are also the stars with the word 天(sky, heavenly) in them.

As we'll see later, these four stars handle more covert/strategic affairs in the speculated structure of the Qixing, while the Yaoguang, Yuheng and Kaiyang appear to fill more executive/operational roles.

Let's start with the stars we already know - Tianquan and Yuheng.

天权 [tiān quán]

Patron star: 文曲星 [wén qǔ xīng], lit.”cultural song”

The wenqu star is associated with 天理 [tiānlǐ]: divine justice, or it can also be loosely translated as (天)heavenly (理)principles.

The star is associated with wisdom, intelligence, elegance and knowledge. Culture, being a long-lasting part of society, could be loosely read to reflect Ningguang’s desire to leave a legacy.

The Tianquan is 1 of 2 stars which is not in the 14 major stars of the Ziwei Doushu. Instead, the Wenqu star is one of the six lucky stars that represent luck in your life, which could be a nod to how Ningguang is not your typical Qixing candidate, since she rose to the position through hard work. Or, it could signify that the position of Tianquan can be fulfilled by any qualified person.

玉衡 [yù héng]

Patron star: 廉贞星 [lián zhēn xīng], which can be loosely translated as "integrity, faithfulness"

The lianzhen star is associated with 公关 gōngguān = public relations. This star is stubborn and persistent, representing change and variation, making it difficult to pin down. It's also associated with due diligence, novel thinking and career performance.

Keqing's role of land management seems to differ slightly from the patron star's reputation, although you could take a leap and posit that estate and livelihood management would require a lot of PR to balance people’s needs.

However, the overall personality type the patron star represents seems to fit Keqing's core traits well.

天枢 [tiān shū]

Patron star: 贪狼星 [Tān láng xīng] lit. “Wolf Star”

The tanlang star is associated with multiple masks, guises, and being clever, shrewd. With this star, disasters and happiness rise and fall, intertwined with each other. Often, the individual born under this star is affable and able to build friendships very quickly.

We don't know too much about Uncle Tian's work as the Tianshu beyond security and intelligence, but we do know he did consider Yelan as a potential successor, and she is known for her many guises and shrewdness.

Based on these 3, which seem to be generally accurate to the characters in their roles, we can guess that the other Qixing members would have these characteristics:

天璇 [Tiān xuán]

Patron star: 巨门星 [Jù mén xīng] lit. “giant gate”

The jumen star represents 暗 [àn] = secrets, and 明爭暗鬥 [míngzhēng'àndòu] = both open and covert strife. It was once known as the Dark Star. People of this star are unsociable.

The Tianshu handles intelligence & security i.e. what is most likely external affairs. The Tianxuan could therefore be his internal affairs counterpart, who handles the Qixing’s private issues. After all, the Tianxuan is a bit like an opposite to the Tianshu, and we might probably never know who the Tianxuan is since the intelligence they work with would be highly confidential based on the patron star.

天玑 [Tiān jī]

Patron star: 禄存星 [Lù cún ] closest lit. “keep good fortune”

This star signifies honour, rank, and life. It has the ability to remove adversity and distress, and interestingly, is able to mediate the negative energies the Yuheng star might bring.

Perhaps the Tianji is like the treasurer of the Qixing. Someone needs to manage the government budget, and this star is very strongly associated with wealth and financial management.

The Tianji is the other star not in the 14 major stars of the Ziwei Doushu. It’s found within one of the palaces in the Ziwei Doushu’s interpretation of the constellations, but I haven’t found any particular significance on that.

开阳 [kāi yáng]

Patron star: 武曲星 [wǔ qū xīng] closest lit. “martial/fierce song”

Not to be confused with the Tianquan's patron star (wenqu). Wuqu star is a little bit similar to the Wenqu star, both are about decision making and policies, though Wuqu is less cultured and more unsociable.

The Wuqu star also represents analysis of a situation and making clear-headed decisions and also… the 廟堂 [miàotáng] = imperial court.

The Kaiyang would appear to fit a judge role, if there is a court. Given that Yanfei is a lawyer, there is probably some kind of court in the Ministry of Civil Affairs which the Kaiyang would preside over and uphold the law set by the Tianquan.

Due to the similarities between wenqu and wuqu, I'd also speculate that the Kaiyang may be groomed to be the potential successor to the Tianquan, since they both work in law enforcement and I highly doubt they'd allow any rich Tom, Dick or Harry to suddenly manage the laws of Liyue.

摇光 [yáo guāng]

Patron star: 破军星 [pò jūn xīng] lit. “Break the enemy”

Akin to 戰將 zhànjiàng = a war/battle general/commander/leader

Very interesting that this star is all about war and is typically seen as a misfortune. Although Keqing seems to lead the Millelith in crisis from what we see, it could be just because she is a Vision holder.

The Yaoguang is likely in charge of the Millelith and Liyue's military forces overall, from recruitment to training.

Sources:

北斗七星

Ziwei Doushu Astrology

Flourish Astrology

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fantasticxteel · 7 months

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YELLOW WIZARD

The saga of Azra Nïï Zukaa, known as the Yellow Wizard, is a tale that spans centuries, dimensions, and the very fabric of destiny itself—a story of prophecy, love, sacrifice, and the embrace of one's true purpose.Born in the mystical realm of the Mystic Island many centuries ago, Azra's origins were shrouded in the legacy of the great and brutal wizard of Hell. He was a being of ancient wisdom and power, an enigma of his time. Yet, destiny had woven a complex tapestry around Azra—one that would ultimately lead to revelations and choices that would shape his existence.Azra's father, bearing the weight of an ominous prophecy that foretold his own demise at the hands of his blood, faced an agonizing choice. The prophecy spoke of two intertwined fates—one where his own blood, Azra, would be his undoing, and the other where Azra, his greatest child, held the key to his destiny. Faced with this harrowing truth, Azra's father made a profound decision. Out of love, he could not bring himself to harm his beloved child, so he opted for an alternative path.In an act of both sacrifice and preservation, Azra's father sent him to the world of mortals and flesh, where he would assume the form of a human. To ensure that Azra's true nature remained concealed, his father erased his entire memory and granted him a new life on Earth, where he would be born to Marie Jose and Bequerel Jose.Growing up in the surface world, Azra's unique grace among his peers was evident. He possessed an extraordinary quality that set him apart from the ordinary. Little did he know that his true destiny awaited him, guided by the hands of fate.It was a pivotal moment when the great King of Magic, the Wizard of Heaven, and the True Wizard, Kabbar, sought him out. Kabbar revealed Azra's forgotten heritage and the role he was destined to fulfill as the Wizard of Faith. With time, Azra honed his magical prowess and became a master of his craft.United with a group of heroes known as the Impossibles, Azra embarked on a journey that spanned realms, dimensions, and realities. Armed with his extraordinary powers, he became a beacon of hope and a force for good, extending his aid to those in need across all realms.The Yellow Wizard's story is a testament to the enduring power of love, the choices we make in the face of destiny, and the transformative nature of embracing one's true purpose. Azra Nïï Zukaa, born of prophecy, grew into a symbol of faith, a guardian of magic, and a hero for all realms—a legacy that defied the boundaries of time and space.

By FX Comics

#fiction #film #comic character

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ev3-blog · 12 days

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Ulrika's Legacy

In the shadowed halls of Dracula's castle, Ulrika prowled silently, her crimson cloak billowing behind her like a dark omen. She was no ordinary vampire; she was a warrior, feared by both humans and creatures of the night alike.

Born centuries ago into darkness, Ulrika had embraced her vampiric nature with a fierce determination. But unlike her brethren, she harbored a burning desire for redemption, a longing to break free from the chains of her cursed existence.

As she stalked the corridors of the ancient castle, Ulrika sensed a disturbance in the air. The whispers of forgotten souls echoed through the stone walls, signaling the presence of a powerful evil lurking in the shadows.

With her fangs bared and her claws sharpened, Ulrika ventured deeper into the heart of darkness, her senses keen and alert. She knew that her destiny was intertwined with the fate of the world, and she would not rest until she had fulfilled her purpose.

Suddenly, she came face to face with a horde of nightmarish creatures, their twisted forms writhing in the darkness. Without hesitation, Ulrika unleashed her fury upon them, her movements fluid and deadly as she danced through the chaos.

As the battle raged on, Ulrika felt the weight of her past sins pressing down upon her, threatening to consume her very soul. But she refused to succumb to despair, drawing strength from the memories of those she had lost and the promise of a better future.

With each foe she vanquished, Ulrika felt a flicker of hope ignite within her, a spark of light amidst the encroaching darkness. And as the last of her enemies fell before her, she knew that her journey was far from over.

For Ulrika, the path to redemption was long and treacherous, but she would not falter. With her unwavering resolve and her indomitable spirit, she would carve her own destiny, one filled with courage, sacrifice, and above all, redemption.

#ev3 #inspiring #comics #my weird stuff

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vedicastrologerrudraksh · 2 months

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Hire Good Astrologer In India - Rajesh shrimali

In the kaleidoscope of life, where uncertainties abound and destinies intertwine, seeking guidance from the celestial realms often becomes a beacon of hope. Amidst the plethora of astrologers in India, one name shines bright with a legacy of wisdom and insight – Rajesh Shrimali. Renowned for his profound knowledge and compassionate guidance, Shrimali has emerged as a trusted ally for those navigating the intricate pathways of fate. Best Astrologer In Delhi, Astrologer In Delhi, Best Astrologer In Jodhpur, Best Astrologer In Mumbai https://rajeshshrimali.com/best-astrologer-delhi/ https://rajeshshrimali.com/

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#marriage astrologer #astrologer

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bookstoreadbtr · 3 months

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In the intricate tapestry of Canadian heritage, author Terry Birdgenaw emerges as a captivating storyteller, weaving together threads of Metis, Oji-Cree, English, Scottish, Dutch, and French-Canadian ancestry. Despite the veils of assimilation that enveloped his family's journey generations ago, Birdgenaw's fascination with his ancestor, Mistigoose, ignites a profound narrative exploration. Mistigoose, a poignant yet resilient figure, forms the cornerstone of Birdgenaw's novel and series, "The Antunites Chronicles." Through Mistigoose's sorrowful tale of loss and resilience, Birdgenaw crafts a narrative tapestry that intertwines themes of identity, inheritance, and the enduring power of legacy. From the depths of Mistigoose's tragedy emerges a narrative rich with symbolism, where even the smallest twig bears significance, echoing through generations and shaping the destiny of characters like Antuna and Dinomite.

Amidst this literary journey, Birdgenaw's unique perspective shines through. A scientist turned science fiction author, Birdgenaw brings a meticulous attention to detail and a passion for exploration to his storytelling. Through his dual lenses of science and imagination, Birdgenaw invites readers to embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of time and space, bridging the realms of history and fiction with eloquence and insight. As Birdgenaw's saga unfolds, the legacy of Mistigoose resonates, reminding us of the profound connections that bridge past and present, and the enduring strength found in embracing one's heritage.

In a recent interview, Terry Birdgenaw graciously shared insights into his unique journey from the realm of science to the realm of fiction. As a scientist turned science fiction author, Birdgenaw's trajectory embodies a fascinating fusion of disciplines, marked by a passion for exploration and storytelling. Delving into his experiences, Birdgenaw offers valuable reflections on the intersection of science and imagination, shedding light on the transformative power of narrative in bridging diverse realms of knowledge. Join us as we uncover the intricate layers of Birdgenaw's journey, from his scientific roots to his emergence as a compelling voice in the world of speculative fiction.

1. When did you decide to become a scientist?

I decided to become a scientist when I volunteered as a research assistant to work in the laboratory of a professor that I got along with well in my second year of university. I was not too fond of the research project I first started, but when I told my professor, he helped me by starting a new area of research in his laboratory that was more in line with my interests. If not for that accommodation, I may never have gone on to graduate school and started my scientific career.

2. Did you want to be a writer before you became a scientist, or did you get the idea after?

Oddly, I never considered being a fiction writer. I always thought if I wrote a book, it would be a non-fiction book in my field of research, related to psychology or neuroscience. It wasn’t until my wife, who is an elementary school librarian, fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming an author, that I was inspired to join her in her quest.

3. What encouraged you to make the leap of faith to publish your first book?

I say that I wrote my first book on a whim or a dare during the COVID-19 pandemic. My wife, Ann Birdgenaw, was starting the second book in her middle-grade Black Hole Radio series. The series was about three pre-teens who travel through wormholes to far-off planets with aliens that have problems the kids help them solve. Ann wanted to use acronyms for her characters’ species and was deciding between PIG or BUG. She asked me to help her fill out the letters. I couldn’t come up with anything for PIG, but I suggested Bipedal Unibodied Gomers for BUG. She changed Gomer for Golem, and then I suggested other acronyms like Allied Noble Tripod for ANT and Bi-winged Essence Extractor for BEE. So, she decided to write her aliens as human-sized cyborg insects in her book called Black Hole Radio -Bilaluna. Because I helped with the decision about the story’s characters, I continued to give her suggestions about the plot line. She took a few ideas, but at some point, told me my ideas were great, but they were too advanced for her middle-grade readers. When she suggested I write the backstory for her book with a novel targeted at young adults and adults, I ran with it.

4. How did you get started with the publishing process?

Some of the plot lines I suggested for my wife’s book reflected my interest in dystopian classics, like those written by George Orwell. I was also concerned with the state of our modern world with many countries moving away from democracies toward autocratic rule. Realizing that my backstory about cyborg insects would be a dystopian allegory, I decided to read George Orwell’s Animal Farm for inspiration. I read his book on New Year’s Eve and started writing my first novel on January 1, 2020. It was an allegory, but about insects, not farm animals, and would be about failing democracy, not communism gone wrong.

5. What were three things you learned about the publishing process?

The first thing I learned was that science fiction writing was very different from science writing. The second thing I learned is that I loved learning all about the process and that I was good at it. The third thing I learned was that traditional publishers would never be interested in a book about insects and that I would have to publish it myself.

6. What was a mistake you made you have used as a lesson learned?

I initially queried my work to traditional publishers, but only gradually learned that I started too soon. Thanks to the lag time waiting for responses, and some constructive criticism from various publishers and agents, I learned what was missing from my writing, and came to realize I needed additional editing. I credit my developmental and copy editors for inspiring me to discover a creative side that I never realized I had, which allowed my books to blossom.

7. What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Don’t be afraid to show your work to beta readers and developmental editors at the early stages and don’t try to save money by skipping various editorial steps. Take advantage of experts in the field who can help you make the most of your writing. A few suggestions here and there, and before I knew it my original novella became a trilogy.

8. What inspired your book series?

In writing the backstory for my wife’s book, I needed to get Earth insects to a far-off planet, have them destroy that planet’s atmosphere, and escape to its moon. As an allegory about failed democracy, I decided to have the autocratic leader ignore a growing climate crisis to the point of an atmospheric catastrophe. My original novella expanded to a very long novel, and while I waited for a final editor’s report, I decided to accept a NaNoWriMo (National November Writers’ Month) challenge to write a 50,000-word draft of a sequel in 30 days. When I finished that early draft of the new novel, I realized that it would be best to split the too-long first novel in two and market the works as a trilogy. The three books would then highlight three different dystopias, one about unnecessary war, a second about failed democracy and a climate crisis, and a third about social control and racism.

9. Write a brief summary/synopsis of the first book in the series.

Antuna’s Story is a Watership Down-like story about the early survival of insects transported to a far-off planet. Antuna, an ant heroine, becomes close friends with two bees, a termite, and a spider and encourages ants and other insects to work together to survive under harsh conditions. Yet in time, the joy of friendship and cooperation is eclipsed by the horrors of war when a Putin-like character puts his glory above all else and destroys entire communities. The insects’ struggles between aggressive and altruistic tendencies are an allegory for human frailties; the lust for power and hatred of others leads to widespread prejudice and racism.

The second and third books of The Antunite Chronicles occur much later but also feature heroes battling leaders who use propaganda and tyranny to obtain power and wealth. Book 2: The Rise and Fall of Antocracy is an Animal Farm-like allegory about failed democracy, where the planet is placed in peril by the leaders ignoring a climate catastrophe. The rulers in Book 3: Antunites Unite create an Orwellian society that uses histrionics, bionics, and socionics to subjugate its citizens. An allegorical dystopian tale like 1984, it’s a brave new world out of this world, where freedom-loving spies from the nearby moon infiltrate the colony and start a revolution.

10. What was the biggest lesson you learned during publishing your first book that you used on your second book?

I learned the importance of showing and not telling and using more dialogue, character development, and action scenes as opposed to omniscient narrative, as well as overcoming a scientist's tendency to write in a passive voice. To achieve those aims I crafted most of what became my first book after I wrote the first draft of my second book. Thus, all the main characters of my first book were developed to help reduce the overly narrative world-building originally used for the second book. I also learned to use my long-developed skills as a scientist to complete the research that was needed to make my stories more authentic. I am not an entomologist, but I knew how to find scientific sources that could develop my characters in a way that reflected their natural tendencies and extraordinary talents.

11. Discuss some of the awards you won for the series.

I entered all three books into various literary competitions and received awards in most of them. All three books won awards in the Firebird International Book Awards; in the new fiction category for Antuna’s Story, (Book 1) young adult fiction for The Rise and Fall of Antocracy (Book 2), and dystopian fiction for Antunites Unite (Book 3). Books 1 and 2 won Readers’ Favorite gold medal for young adult Sci-Fi and an honorable mention for fiction environmental-thriller, respectively. Antuna’s Story also won the Entrada Incipere Award for young adult Sci-Fi and a gold badge award from BookView Review, while Antunites Unite won the Entrada Incipere Award for young adult Sci-Fi and a Literary Titan gold book award. Finally, The Antunite Chronicles trilogy was selected as the top young adult series and a finalist for the best genre fiction series in the Chanticleer International Book Awards.

12. Which age range is the best fit for your book?

I decided to target my books to young adults because of the juvenile nature of the allegory on alien insects and because I felt teens need to learn about the dangers of failed democracy and be alerted to the rising threat of fascism and authoritarianism in today's world. I believe, however, that the trilogy can be enjoyed by anyone above the age of twelve, although Antuna’s Story may also appeal to pre-teens who are advanced readers.

13. Congratulations on two of the books making it to #1 on Amazon’s hot new releases. Any advice for authors on how to accomplish that goal?

Begin marketing your book well before its release and take care to choose Amazon categories that are not too broad, but also well reflect your book’s themes.

14. Where can your future fans follow you on social media?

Terry can be found at:

15. Do you have a website?

Yes, my website and blog about my writing can be found at: https://terrybirdgenaw.wordpress.com/

As our journey with Terry Birdgenaw draws to a close, we find ourselves enriched by the array of experiences and insights he has shared. From his scientific beginnings to his evolution as a science fiction author, Birdgenaw's story is a testament to the boundless potential of human creativity and curiosity. Through his words, we've traversed realms of both fact and fiction, discovering the profound connections that unite them. As we bid farewell, let us carry forth Birdgenaw's spirit of exploration and imagination, inspired to chart our own paths of discovery in the vast expanse of the cosmos.

#books #book worm #bookworm #book nerd #reading #book life #book #readers #sciencefiction #science fiction books #science fiction #sci fi #scifi #science #author interview #authors #authors and books #books and authors #books to read

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5starwoman · 3 months

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I wrote a book and I would love it if you’d check it out 🫶🏻 Follow me on instagram: nomipalmerauthor

❝Danger lurks in the shadows.

An eerie energy that defies explanation crackles in the air.

Tourmaline, a small but bustling city, is home to siblings Leif and Nina Callaghan, who lead happy, fulfilled lives—a stark contrast to the tumultuous existence of their rivals, Devlin and Charlotte Ainsworth.

When Devlin returns from Europe with a sinister plan for revenge, two mysterious women also arrive in town. Shrouded in an ominous darkness, their presence heralds chaos. Leif and Nina are unwittingly tangled in Devlin’s plot, which has become entwined with the enigmatic woman who only goes by “C”.

Hidden away in a dusty attic, Charlotte uncovers a carefully concealed legacy that changes everything she and Devlin have ever known.

Two families, bound by unlikely love and a centuries old feud, find themselves thrust into a battle between good and evil, where ancient secrets stir and destinies intertwine.

Who can be trusted? Who should be feared? After all, things are not always as they seem…❞

♡ T R O P E S ♡

♡ her brother’s rival

♡ only one bed

♡ forbidden love

♡ vampires, witches, and demons

♡ family feud

♡ soap opera

♡ mistaken identity

♡ multiple POV

♡ baby drama

#books #bookblr #new indie #indie books #indie author #indie writer #books and reading #bookish #books books books #bookstagram #booktok #new books #new book #self publishing

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romanoffstarkovs · 9 months

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Arya Paar

In a galaxy far, far away, on the picturesque planet of Merillia, a noble family held a position of prominence and respect. Among them was Princess Arya Paar, the daughter of Senators Cygnus and Isadora Paar. From a young age, Arya was raised with a strong sense of duty and responsibility towards her people. The Paar family had a long lineage of leaders, and Arya was destined to carry on this legacy.

As the fourth eldest among her brothers, Arya grew up in a bustling household filled with political discussions and diplomatic gatherings. However, she always stood out due to her natural leadership qualities and genuine concern for the well-being of her people. Despite her royal status, Arya was known for her humility and willingness to understand the struggles of ordinary citizens on Merillia.

Her childhood was marked by a strong friendship with a young padawan named Anakin Skywalker. They met during a diplomatic mission when the Jedi Order visited Merillia, and their connection was instant. As they spent more time together during Anakin's stay, their bond grew, with mutual admiration and respect for each other's skills and perspectives.

However, as time passed, Arya's peaceful world was shattered when her father, Senator Cygnus Paar, mysteriously passed away. The circumstances surrounding his death were suspicious, and Arya's gut told her there was foul play involved. Determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to her father, Arya sought the aid of her childhood friend, Anakin Skywalker.

Anakin, now a seasoned Jedi Knight, readily agreed to help Arya. Together, they embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets behind Senator Paar's untimely demise. As they delved deeper into the conspiracy, Arya and Anakin found themselves drawn closer not only to the truth but also to each other. The time they spent together rekindled the long-buried feelings from their past, and love began to blossom between them.

However, the universe seemed to conspire against their love. Arya's status as a Princess and Senator meant that her duty to her people had to come before personal desires. On the other hand, the Jedi Code strictly forbade romantic attachments for Jedi, leaving Anakin torn between his heart and his principles.

As they struggled with their feelings and the complexities of their positions, Arya and Anakin remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice for her father. Their investigation led them through dangerous encounters, political intrigue, and dark secrets that threatened not just Arya's family but the entire planet of Merillia.

Throughout their journey, Arya's leadership skills and determination to protect her people shone brightly, earning her the respect of not only Anakin but also those they encountered along the way. Despite the challenges they faced, Arya and Anakin's partnership proved formidable, as they complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses.

In the end, as they unveiled the truth behind Senator Paar's murder, they faced a difficult choice. Their love for each other was undeniable, but the weight of their responsibilities and the constraints of their respective roles loomed over them like a dark shadow.

The fate of Arya Paar, Princess of Merillia, and Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi Knight, now rested on the choices they would make. Whether they would defy conventions and embrace their love or part ways to fulfill their duties, their destinies were forever intertwined, leaving a mark on the history of the galaxy.

#ocappreciation #star wars ocs #anakin skywalker #star wars anakin

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dnd--inspo · 10 months

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My new warlock

Baroness Nafel Tollemine, a proud member of the eladri race, possessed extraordinary abilities granted to her kind. Among these talents was the power to alter her appearance and personality at will, a gift shared by her eladri kin. Additionally, the eladris were blessed by the fey, bestowing upon them the ability to teleport up to 30 steps with a single thought.

Nafel hailed from the noble House Tollemine, known throughout the realms for their exceptional swordsmanship and their unwavering allegiance to House Edridinian. However, behind the façade of their illustrious reputation, the Tollemine family harbored a secret—they were stricken by poverty, struggling to maintain their status among the wealthier noble houses. This hidden truth weighed heavily on Nafel's heart, igniting within her a fierce determination to restore the former glory of her family name.

As the heir of the Tollemine lineage, Nafel bore the weight of her family's dreams upon her shoulders. In an effort to fulfill her responsibility and uplift her kin from the depths of destitution, she sought to reclaim the prominence they had lost over the years. The key to revitalizing her family's standing lay within the treasured heirloom of House Tollemine—an ancient sword named Geir, said to house the soul of a revered ancestor.

To forge a deeper connection with Geir and unleash its true potential, Nafel underwent a sacred ritual steeped in tradition and mystical power. The ceremony was a solemn affair, conducted in a hidden chamber of her family's ancestral estate. Surrounded by flickering candles and imbued with the ethereal presence of her forebears, Nafel knelt before the altar, her hand firmly grasping the hilt of Geir.

In the depths of her being, Nafel's soul intertwined with the essence of her ancestor, merging their spirits in a sacred bond. As the ceremony unfolded, a vibrant energy radiated from Geir, casting intricate patterns of light upon the chamber's walls. Within the depths of the sword, Nafel caught glimpses of her ancestor's memories, their triumphs and tribulations etched into the very fabric of Geir's blade.

Through this mystical pact, Nafel became the sole guardian of her family's legacy, entrusted with the power and wisdom of her lineage. Geir became an extension of her arm, the conduit through which her ancestors' strength flowed. Nafel, now irrevocably linked to the ancestral soul within Geir, possessed the ability to draw upon its ancient wisdom and unparalleled skill in combat.

Motivated by her family's plight and driven by an unyielding thirst for adventure, Nafel made the courageous decision to depart from the opulent city of gold and embark on a journey that would redefine her family's destiny. Her quest, twofold in nature, entailed the search for legendary elven artifacts, such as the elusive Boots of Elvenkind and the renowned armor crafted from Glamoured Studded Leather. These treasures, once obtained, would not only bestow great power upon Nafel but also contribute to the restoration of her family's wealth and status.

As she traversed uncharted lands and faced formidable foes, Nafel's reputation as a skilled swordswoman and a noble-hearted champion grew. Her fluid transformations, aided by the eladri's ability to alter appearance and personality, allowed her to navigate diverse situations with ease. Through her resourcefulness, she accumulated wealth and sought the adoration and respect that would bring glory back to the Tollemine name.

Baroness Nafel Tollemine, with Geir gleaming at her side, ventured forth, guided by her unwavering determination and the ancestral spirit within the ancient sword. Her journey would test her mettle, challenge her loyalty, and unveil the true depths of her courage as she sought to rewrite her family's fate and secure a legacy worthy of remembrance.

#dnd #dungeon and dragons #d&d 5th edition #warlock #winter eladrin #eladrin #fantasy character #chat gtp #chat gpt

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flawlessmanga · 11 months

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Awakening Shadows: The Beginning of a New Era

In a world tainted by darkness and looming despair, a legacy born from the embers of hope awaits its destined heirs. Zac, the son of the legendary Flame Lord, and Namagim, a hidden prodigy with a bloodline tied to the Flame Lord's power, bear the weight of their father's sacrifice.

When the God of Death unleashes his malevolence upon their peaceful village, Zac and Namagim's father valiantly stands against him, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect his children. Spirited away by their wise and protective grandfather, they are raised in seclusion, shielded from the truth of their origins.

Under their grandfather's tutelage, Zac and Namagim embark on a rigorous journey of training and self-discovery. However, the burden of their shared destiny weighs heavily on them. Namagim, consumed by anger and confusion, forsakes his responsibilities, vanishing into the shadows while rumors of his demise circulate.

As Zac emerges into adolescence, his path intertwines with a skilled swordsman whose life he saves. United by a common purpose, Zac becomes determined to reunite with Namagim, uncover the truth behind his disappearance, and rally a team capable of toppling the God of Death's dominion.

Bound by the legacy of their bloodline and driven by unwavering resolve, Zac, along with his newfound allies, embark on a perilous quest to bring down the God of Death and restore balance to a world cloaked in darkness. But lurking within the shadows, Namagim, a solitary enigma, secretly observes their every move, his true intentions shrouded in mystery.

In "Flawless Ambitions: Reawakening," witness a tale of familial bonds, self-discovery, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. As the team assembles, friendships are tested, alliances are forged, and the line between redemption and damnation blurs. Can Zac and his companions overcome the shadows of doubt and tragedy to fulfill their destiny and usher in a new era of light?

Prepare for an epic journey where secrets are unraveled, battles are waged, and the fate of the world teeters on the edge of a blade. The time has come to defy fate, confront the God of Death, and prove that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, flawless ambitions can ignite a flame of hope that will never be extinguished.

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starstwinkleplanetsshine · 2 years

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A New Hope

Wrote this while I was watching the iconic scene from Episode IV where Leia says "help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope." I wondered what must've been going through his mind watching it and I couldn't resist writing what I thought he would be thinking.

Read on AO3 here :)

-----

It only took a few moments of fiddling with the small, blue astromech that Obi-Wan hadn’t seen in almost two decades for the hologram to start playing. After so many years apart, R2-D2 was eager to please his old friend.

The blue hologram spluttered to life and Obi-Wan, for a second, thought he was seeing a ghost. For the briefest moment, he thought he was seeing the face of an old friend again, a woman who he loved as a sister and watched grow from a young queen into a strong and capable senator.

The Blue hologram spluttered to life and for a millisecond, a small voice in his head whispered, hoped,

‘Padme?’

But it was not, and Obi-Wan scolded his heart for being so foolish. It did not take him long to realize who it actually was before him; she had the eyes of Naboo and the determination of Tatooine, all veiled by the heart and strength of Alderaan. Before he heard her voice, before she made any mention of her father, Obi-Wan knew exactly who she was.

Leia.

The small child he had held in his arms nearly twenty years ago, whose tiny life had been placed in his calloused hands just moments after her birth. The small child whose mother didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to, but who left a legacy so large and beautiful The Force needed two children to fulfill it. The small child who he should've watched grow, who should've called him “Uncle”, but who he left in the arms of a Queen and a senator and said goodbye to forever.

Well, not forever anymore.

He listened as she spoke with resilience and authority, and he saw the evidence of her parents written on every inch of her being, from the traditional Alderaanian robes of royalty, to her simple yet elegant hair, to her kind eyes and charming smile, to the way she carried herself and spoke. He also saw it in her passion, in the way she wasn't willing to back down or give up, in the way she would risk recklessness if it meant protecting the things and people she loved. She was royalty, she was Alderaan, she was both Organa and Skywalker, through and through.

Obi-Wan looked from the small blue hologram in front of him to the boy sitting to his side and he thought of the last time all three of them had been together. He had been much younger, but already a heartbroken shell of who he once was, his life torn apart, his reality and heart shattered, and the boy and the girl had just been minutes old in his weary arms. He could feel the Force begin to move, like a current growing stronger in a river that hadn’t received rain for many seasons. He thought of everything the two with him didn’t know, he thought of how Luke had no idea he was looking at the image of his twin sister for the first time. Thinking of all these things, Obi-Wan had to stop the tears from welling in his eyes, for in the last nineteen years he had become well acquainted with emotion and had stopped suppressing his feelings long ago.

He felt the same pull to the young woman in the hologram as he had to Luke whenever he was near, as if the Force was trying to physically bring them together, as if it was trying to tell the old Jedi that their destinies were intertwined. Obi-Wan sat listening to Leia’s pleas and wondered if the time was coming when he would finally listen to that call, when he finally let Luke out of the protective shield of Tatooine, when he finally started down that road he had long sensed the Force had planned for him. He wondered if the two twins would ever meet, if they would ever discover the truth, if the Force would show them that they were two parts of one whole, like two twin suns giving life to the same planet.

And Obi-Wan wondered what the Force wanted from him along this path, and he wondered if it would bring him face to face with the father of the two siblings he was now reunited with.

“Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.”

Those words brought the old, tired Jedi out of his thoughts and back into the moment. The name that he hadn't heard in so long, the name of a man who was free of the guilt and pain he had carried with him since that dark day on Mustafar. The name that belonged to a bygone era of light and had no place in this current word of darkness. A name that meant hope.

And as he heard her final words, he couldn't help but think of the hope Leia and her brother were once again giving him.

A new hope that he hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

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porcelainhands0717 · 4 years

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In Aeternum | Jungkook X Reader

Your luminous amber eyes were trained to the night sky, beholding the beauty of what was to be the last full moon you’ll see in your lengthy lifetime. It seemed trivial knowing that you would be able to see it whenever you wanted to, but times have changed as your predestined death approached. And what a beautiful thing it was, the moon, and the irony that you only ever appreciated it mere moments before you close your eyes for all eternity.

“I knew you’d come,” you spoke, your clear voice sending ripples of waves to echo back with a subtle ring that sliced through the silence you’ve been enduring for days. You didn’t have to turn around to know that you were no longer alone in your chambers. You knew exactly where he was standing without looking, just under the lintel of what was supposed to be a stone doorway. It was both a power and curse to have such heightened senses that you could almost touch the very essence of another being lurking close enough.

Your destined executioner’s life force was just too potent for you to miss. It was something you’ve always marveled at from the time he was born. You have known of everything, his fate and how it was intertwined with yours. The oracles have spoken. Your death shall come in his hands and no one else’s, and for someone who is so used to living, it was an affront, but so was your initial designs to end his life before he even knew of what he was to become.

You remembered standing over his wooden crib twenty three years prior, a dagger raised high above your head, ready to kill. But then, he opened his eyes, bright as they were dark, rendering you motionless and unable to carry out your plans. A smile etched its way across your mouth. You had it coming, too.

When he didn’t say anything, you took it upon you to break the silence. “You would not remember, but the first time we met was on a night like this,” you began. “A full moon on placid winter evening.”

“No. I met you at the edge of the woods on a spring day,” he contradicted, moving deeper into the room, his boot-clad feed hitting the hollow floor-boards with creaks and dull thuds until he was standing right beside you.

“Sometimes, I forget that you are fully aware of my nature.” You broke into a sorrowful grin whilst you turned you head to face him so that only half of your otherworldly countenance was illuminated by the moonlight, the rest hidden away in the pitch-black darkness of the chamber. “I have known those eyes since the day you were born, Jungkook.” Reaching out with your hand, you touched him on the cheek, your lithe fingers brushing ever ephemerally across his skin. “I know why you are here.”

He nodded, placing his larger hand over yours, slowly sliding your palm over his mouth to press butterfly kisses into your supple skin. Closing his eyes as if he was being physically assaulted by an unseen force, he pressed closer to your cool hand.

“I came that night with the same intention you have at present and more nights and days after that. I thought I can stop the Fates from having a hand in my destiny, yet I could not bear the thought of your blood being spilled.”

He opened his eyes. “You knew.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes.”

“I was born to kill you.”

“And I am ready.”

Jungkook shrank away from you, retreating into the darkness, eyes glistening with hurt and rage as he regarded you with those eyes, the same ones that shone brightly at the sight of you not too long ago. “You lied to me.”

You received the accusation in a resigned manner, merely looking away and returning your gaze back to the moon. There was no sense arguing your cause. Essentially, you did lie to him by not telling him the truth that you know.

“You made me think you were something else entirely. You befriended me, gained my trust. You protected me, taught me everything I know these past seasons, and for what, Y/N? You led me to believe we can be together!” he rasped in anger, his voice rising and engulfing the whole room and the woods that surrounded you.

His words were followed by a thud, causing you to look his way, and found him kneeling on the floor, agony written all over him.

“All this time, you knew what I was to you…” He raised his head and with blazing eyes, looking straight into yours. “Why didn’t you just kill me? Why did you have to be so good to me just so I could take your life away later?”

You fully faced him, dropping on the floor and cupping his face between your hands. “Jungkook, such is the will of the gods.”

“Then why did you make me love you?” Tears spilled from his eyes, staining his cheeks as he dug his fingers into the floor. “If you wanted me to kill you, why did you make me feel like this?”

You held his head against your chest, embracing him, feeling his warmth seep through you, letting his smell fill your lungs and letting him invade your senses. “In truth, the day we met in spring, I thought you were setting out on your mission only to find out that you knew nothing. At first, I only wanted to know whether my destined opponent was worth it, but you’ve proven to be more than that. I’d gladly die in your hands than anybody else’s.”

“No!” he protested as he wept against you.

“Jungkook, listen. If you don’t kill me today, one way or the other, you will. We are natural enemies after all. I’m an abomination in this realm because I violate the nature of life itself by being deathless because of dark sorcery, and you were born of the lineage that has sworn to obliterate my kind. If you do not do your duty, you will end up damned like I am.”

He looked at you sharply through his tears. “You are not damned.”

You smiled at him. “I’ve lived for eons. I do not fear death anymore. I will never hate you for being who you are even if you’re the one fated to end me.”

“It will not be by my hands, Y/N! I refuse. I do not care for the legacy of my forefathers or the pact they made sealed with blood. You have been good to me, you love me, I know that, too. It does not matter to me what my people would say, even if they disown me. I love you more than anything else in this world even if it means I burn in the depths of hell for it.”

You were taken aback by his words and you would shed tears if you could. Instead, you were just stunned into silence as you minced every single word he said, your mind lingering on his final statement and declaration of love for you that your resolve was being shaken. He took that chance to lean forward, seizing you by the chin and securing you against him by the back of your neck as he laid claim to your lips with his, molding his urgent mouth against yours which submitted to his will like the clouds to the wind. He kissed you with scorching fervency until the feeling was a burning brand in your very being, his taste a permanent sensation.

“I love you,” he said against your mouth.

You gazed into his eyes. “I will not allow you to do that for me.” You reached for the sacred dagger he brought with him for the purpose of ending your life and placed it in his hand. With eyes that have turned darker, you glowered at him, enraged that he would think of such things. You directed the blade towards your chest. “Do it, Jungkook. Kill me. Fulfill your purpose!”

He pulled it away from you, gripping your hands instead. “Didn’t you hear me just now?”

“You don’t know the consequence of what you’re saying!” you shouted at him, the physical force you were repressing manifesting in another form, making the whole chamber shake. “You will be like me, an eternity of wandering in this pointless existence while everyone else progresses towards their possibilities while I remain frozen in time. You do not want this.”

“I know I want to be with you.” As if to emphasize his words, he removed the silver ring that had been passed down through generations to the leaders of his people as a symbol of their purpose, throwing it somewhere in the room along with the dagger, reminding you of every mistake you did in your former life. “I denounce my claim as the heir to the throne of the Hunters.”

“No!” you screamed, but it was too late. Those were very simple words, did not even count as an incantation, but they held power. It did not even have to be a hallowed rule among them. Just the way he said it with all the conviction and absolute certainty was enough.

“It’s done. I’m all yours.”

You staggered back, trembling as he was suddenly engulfed with black smoke, moving like tentacles that wrapped around his limbs and his body, reaching around his neck and his head. All you could do was watch as the consequence of his actions took effect like it did with you all those centuries ago. You were powerless against it, and finally, you found something you could not protect Jungkook from. He wanted it and brought it upon himself.

History was repeating itself. You were the greatest of your kind, the Huntress, leader of the hunters, until you also relinquished your blood oath with the gods because you fell in love with one of the dark immortals you were meant to kill, the punishment for which was to be turned into their kind. You have remained the greatest enemy of the hunters, waging war after war against them until only a few were left of both of your kinds out of revenge after they have killed the man you have loved, all that, thinking you would never feel the same way again. That was until Jungkook came, making you realize just how much more you could give and feel for someone else, enough to let yourself perish in the process.

Unable to do anything else, you simply stood there, waiting for the effect to complete itself. You had no control over it and there was nothing you could do to change it. Such was your fate, and he made his so to be entwined with yours for all eternity.

There was a loud click and all the lights came on. “And that ends my presentation on the legends of the Hunters of the North,” you said, closing your laptop and smiling at your classmates.

“Excellent work as always, Y/N,” your professor complimented you, glancing at the clock above the board behind you. He stood up from his post on the stairs at the aisle of the amphitheater-type lecture room. “We’re out of time, but since that was the last report on the legends we are tackling, prepare for a quiz next meeting. Dismissed.”

Collective groans filled the room as you collected your things from the table, also leaving the room with the others once you were done. You spotted a familiar figure standing across the door, making you break into a giddy smile the moment your eyes met, but then, one of your female classmates approached you.

“Hey, Y/N, you did really well today!” she said as a way of congratulations. “I think yours is the best. You related the story as if you were there to witness it firsthand if that makes sense.” She chuckled. “Cause yeah, they’re legends, but damn, girl!”

You joined in on the laughter, exchanging glances with the person waiting for you. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

She also took the hint and winked at you. “Anyway, I best not keep you from your Prince Charming.” She waved bye at you and left.

“If they only knew that you were the single female figure who made it into the legends of the Hunters,” a melodious voice said just loud enough for you to hear and when you looked, the owner of the voice was already standing close to you, eyes bright as they stared back into yours in pure adoration the way he always did for century after century now. “But she’s right. You did a great job today.”

You rolled your eyes and linked arms with him and prompted him to walk. “I told the story the way it should be,” you told him. “I knew you were listening.”

He chuckled at that. “How long has it been since then?”

“About a thousand and a half years now.”

“And you remember it like yesterday?”

You glanced at him with a withering look, feigning annoyance. “How can I not, Jungkook? You’re a constant reminder, really.”

“Tired of me yet?” he asked.

At that, you stood on your toes and planted a kiss on his cheek, smirking. “Not in a million years.”

-END-

Thank you for reading.

ctto (GIF)

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confrontingbabble-on · 4 years

Link

“It stood by as the core Gospel message—concern for the poor and the oppressed—was perverted into a magical world where God and Jesus showered believers with material wealth and power. The white race, especially in the United States, became God’s chosen agent.

Imperialism and war became divine instruments for purging the world of infidels and barbarians, evil itself. Capitalism, because God blessed the righteous with wealth and power and condemned the immoral to poverty and suffering, became shorn of its inherent cruelty and exploitation.

The iconography and symbols of American nationalism became intertwined with the iconography and symbols of the Christian faith. The mega-pastors, narcissists who rule despotic, cult-like fiefdoms, make millions of dollars by using this heretical belief system to prey on the mounting despair and desperation of their congregations, victims of neoliberalism and deindustrialization.

These believers find in Donald Trump a reflection of themselves, a champion of the unfettered greed, cult of masculinity, lust for violence, white supremacy, bigotry, American chauvinism, religious intolerance, anger, racism and conspiracy theories that define the central beliefs of the Christian right.

Trump has filled his own ideological void with Christian fascism. He has elevated members of the Christian right to prominent positions, including Mike Pence to the vice presidency, Mike Pompeo to secretary of state, Betsy DeVos to secretary of education, Ben Carson to secretary of housing and urban development, William Barr to attorney general, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and the televangelist Paula White to his Faith and Opportunities Initiative. More importantly, Trump has handed the Christian right veto and appointment power over key positions in government, especially in the federal courts. He has installed 133 district court judges out of 677 total, 50 appeals court judges out of 179 total, and two U.S. Supreme Court justices out of nine. Almost all of these judges were, in effect, selected by the Federalist Society and the Christian right. Many of the extremists who make up the judicial appointees have been rated as unqualified by the American Bar Association, the country’s largest nonpartisan coalition of lawyers.

Trump has moved to ban Muslim immigrants and rolled back civil rights legislation. He has made war on reproductive rights by restricting abortion and defunding Planned Parenthood. He has stripped away LGBTQ rights. He has ripped down the firewall between church and state by revoking the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches, which are tax-exempt, from endorsing political candidates. His appointees throughout the government routinely use biblical strictures to justify an array of policy decisions including environmental deregulation, war, tax cuts and the replacement of public schools with charter schools, an action that permits the transfer of federal education funds to private “Christian” schools.

I studied ethics at Harvard Divinity School with James Luther Adams, who had been in Germany in 1935 and 1936. Adams witnessed the rise there of the so-called Christian Church, which was pro-Nazi. He warned us about the disturbing parallels between the German Christian Church and the Christian right. Adolf Hitler was in the eyes of the German Christian Church a volk messiah and an instrument of God—a view similar to the one held today about Trump by many of his white evangelical supporters. Those demonized for Germany’s economic collapse, especially Jews and communists, were agents of Satan. Fascism, Adams told us, always cloaked itself in a nation’s most cherished symbols and rhetoric. Fascism would come to America not in the guise of stiff-armed, marching brownshirts and Nazi swastikas but in mass recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance, the biblical sanctification of the state and the sacralization of American militarism. Adams was the first person I heard label the extremists of the Christian right as fascists. Liberals, he warned, as in Nazi Germany, were blind to the tragic dimension of history and radical evil. They would not react until it was too late.

Trump’s legacy will be the empowerment of the Christian fascists. They are what comes next. For decades they have been organizing to take power. They have built infrastructures and organizations, including lobbying groups, schools and universities as well as media platforms, to prepare. They have seeded their cadre into the political system. We on the left, meanwhile, have seen our institutions and organizations destroyed or corrupted by corporate power.

The Christian fascists, as in all totalitarian movements, need a crisis, manufactured or real, in order to seize power. This crisis may be financial. It could be triggered by a catastrophic terrorist attack. Or it could be the result of a societal breakdown from our climate emergency. The Christian fascists are poised to take advantage of the chaos, or perceived chaos. They have their own version of the brownshirts, the for-hire mercenary armies and private contractors amassed by Christian fascists such as Erik Prince, the brother of Betsy DeVos. The Christian fascists have seized control of significant portions of the judiciary and legislative branches of government. FRC Action, the legislative affiliate of the Family Research Council, gives 245 members of Congress a perfect 100% for votes that support the agenda of the Christian right. The Family Research Council, which has called on its followers to pray that God will vanquish the “demonic forces” behind Trump’s impeachment, is identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group because of its campaigns to discriminate against the LGBTQ community.

The ideology of the Christian fascists panders in our decline to the primitive yearnings for the vengeance, new glory and moral renewal that are found among those pushed aside by deindustrialization and austerity. Reason, facts and verifiable truth are impotent weapons against this belief system. The Christian right is a “crisis cult.” Crisis cults arise in most collapsing societies. They promise, through magic, to recover the lost grandeur and power of a mythologized past. This magical thinking banishes doubt, anxiety and feelings of disempowerment. Traditional social hierarchies and rules, including an unapologetic white, male supremacy, will be restored. Rituals and behaviors including an unquestioning submission to authority and acts of violence to cleanse the society of evil will vanquish malevolent forces.

The Christian fascists propagate their magical thinking through a selective literalism in addressing the Bible. They hold up as sacrosanct biblical passages that buttress their ideology and ignore, or grossly misinterpret, the ones that do not. They live in a binary universe. They see themselves as eternal victims, oppressed by dark and sinister groups seeking their annihilation. They alone know the will of God. They alone can fulfill God’s will. They seek total cultural and political domination. The secular, reality-based world, one where Satan, miracles, destiny, angels and magic do not exist, destroyed their lives and communities. That world took away their jobs and their futures. It ripped apart the social bonds that once gave them purpose, dignity and hope. In their despair they often struggled with alcohol, drug and gambling addictions. They endured familial breakdown, divorce, evictions, unemployment and domestic and sexual violence. The only thing that saved them was their conversion, the realization that God had a plan for them and would protect them. These believers were pushed by a callous, heartless corporate society and rapacious oligarchy into the arms of charlatans. All who speak to them in the calm, rational language of fact and evidence are hated and ultimately feared, for they seek to force believers back into “the culture of death” that nearly destroyed them.

We can blunt the rise of this Christian fascism only by reintegrating exploited and abused Americans into society, giving them jobs with stable, sustainable incomes, relieving their crushing personal debts, rebuilding their communities and transforming our failed democracy into one in which everyone has agency and a voice. We must impart to them hope, not only for themselves but for their children.

Christian fascism is an emotional life raft for tens of millions. It is impervious to the education, dialogue and discourse the liberal class naively believes can blunt or domesticate the movement. The Christian fascists, by choice, have severed themselves from rational thought. We will not placate or disarm this movement, bent on our destruction, by attempting to claim that we too have Christian “values.” This appeal only strengthens the legitimacy of the Christian fascists and weakens our own. We will transform American society to a socialist* system that provides meaning, dignity and hope to all citizens, that cares and nurtures the most vulnerable among us, or we will become the victims of the Christian fascists we created.”

Chris Hedges is a Truthdig columnist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, a New York Times best-selling author, a professor in the college degree program offered to New Jersey state prisoners by Rutgers…

https://www.truthdig.com/articles/onward-christian-fascists/

* “There are many varieties of socialism and there is no single definition encapsulating all of them...” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism

..."democratic socialism" is really social democracy, as found in much of Europe and especially in the Nordic countries.[19] In 2018, The Week suggested that there was a trend towards social democracy in the United States and highlighted elements of its implementation in the Nordic countries, suggesting that Sanders’ popularity was an element in favor of its possible growth in acceptance.”... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Bernie_Sanders

#nonreligious #atheist #agnostic #secular humanist #skeptic #Religion #Christianity #religious insanity

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hail-the-supreme-leader-kylo-ren · 5 years

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Kylo Ren’s SW Databank Biography Gallery

For evidence of Bendemption (and Reylo for that matter) you don’t have to look much further than the offical Star Wars Databank. This is the complete write up of Kylo’s Biography Gallery, and it a very plainly written summary of the two movies thus far and his character’s journey. It reiterates that Ben/Kylo has never been completely light nor dark, and it constantly highlights his continuing humanistic conflict/emotional turmoil — he hasn't reached any "dark sinister resolve" in TLJ. Every time he seemingly succeeds and would appear one step closer to the Dark Side, killing his farther, the Crait battle, being Supreme Leader etc, he is left more conflicted, confused, and unhappy — not a victorious evil villain. The last line in the gallery is in-fact: “But that didn’t feel much like a victory.” like C’MON people. There’s so much sadness and sympathy here for Ben/Kylo. There’s also a repeated mention of a deep intuitive connection, and pull, between Kylo and Rey. Towards the end it literally written that "the Force reconnected him with Rey”. THE FORCE!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ben Solo, son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, was once a promising Jedi apprentice taught by his uncle Luke Skywalker. But under the influence of the mysterious Snoke, Ben rejected Luke’s teachings and destroyed his temple, leaving with several of his uncle’s students and killing the rest.

A shaken Luke vanished into exile, while Ben assumed a new identity -- Kylo Ren – and found a new master in the First Order’s Supreme Leader Snoke. Neither Jedi nor Sith, Kylo used the pain of his emotional conflict to fuel his extraordinary powers, and dedicated himself to destroying the last traces of the Jedi tradition.

After stormtroopers assaulted the village of Tuanul on Jakku, Kylo interrogated the galactic scout Lor San Tekka in search of a clue to Luke’s location. When San Tekka told Kylo that he couldn’t deny the truth that was his family, the former Ben Solo struck him down with his exotic, red-bladed lightsaber.

A Resistance fighter named Poe Dameron fired on Kylo, who used his extraordinary powers to freeze the blaster bolt in mid-air. Kylo’s troops captured Poe, and the First Order warlord ordered the soldiers to massacre the villagers.

Kylo took Poe to the Star Destroyer Finalizer and interrogated him. Using telepathic intrusion, he discovered the map to Luke was hidden in BB-8, an astromech on Jakku. As troops descended to find the lost droid, a renegade stormtrooper – FN-2187 -- helped Poe escape.

FN-2187 escaped the stormtroopers with BB-8, causing Kylo to explode in a furious, terrifying tantrum. The droid had to be found so Skywalker could be located and eliminated as a threat to the First Order.

The Finalizer traveled to the First Order’s hidden fortress, the Starkiller Base. There, Kylo and General Hux contacted Supreme Leader Snoke. Snoke agreed to Hux’s suggestion that they draw out the Resistance by firing the Starkiller at the New Republic capital of Hosnian Prime.

He then warned the former Ben Solo that the Empire fell because Darth Vader was seduced by the light, and Ben would soon have to face his father. Kylo assured his master that his own allegiances were unwavering.

Kylo meditated with one of his trophies – the melted mask of Darth Vader. Staring at this grisly relic of the Sith, he vowed to hunt down Luke Skywalker and kill him in Vader’s name. When the First Order learned BB-8 had been taken to Takodana, Kylo readied his troops, eager to fulfill his destiny.

Landing on Takodana, Kylo confronted the young woman who’d escaped from Jakku with BB-8 – and found himself puzzled by a strange connection he felt with her. Resistance X-wings drove the First Order’s forces away before BB-8 could be found, but Kylo took the young woman, Rey, into custody.

Speaking with his captive, Kylo removed his mask, revealing his surprisingly young face, and used his powers to dig into Rey’s mind. But both captor and captive were surprised when Rey found herself able to sense Kylo’s own thoughts – including his conflicts and doubts. When Snoke requested Kylo’s presence, he donned his sinister mask and left Rey in her cell. Sneering at Kylo’s weakness, Snoke ordered his apprentice to bring Rey to him.

Rey escaped, sending Kylo into another fit of rage. But the First Order soon had larger problems: Resistance infiltrators had penetrated Starkiller Base’s planetary shield. Searching for the invaders, Kylo confronted his father and removed his mask, allowing his father to see his face for the first time in years. Seeking to free himself of his emotional attachments, Kylo ran Han through with his lightsaber, killing him.

Kylo intercepted Finn and Rey, using the Force to paralyze Rey and fighting Finn, who was wielding Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber. The First Order deserter fought well, but was no match for Kylo’s power. Kylo defeated Finn and disarmed him.

But Rey took up Skywalker’s saber. Rejecting Kylo’s invitation to show her the ways of the Force, she attacked him – and Kylo found he was no match for her power and rage. Rey defeated him, and Kylo escaped Starkiller Base before its destruction. He sensed his destiny and Rey’s were somehow intertwined, but how?

As the First Order drove the Resistance from its D’Qar base, Snoke summoned Kylo to his throne room, where he derided him as weak and sentimental, a “child in a mask” who was unworthy of Darth Vader’s legacy.

Enraged and desperate to prove himself to his master, Kylo attacked the Resistance fleet in his custom TIE fighter, determined to destroy it. He took aim at his mother with a torpedo, but found himself unable to fire.

Kylo’s emotions were churned up even further by a Force connection with Rey, who had found Luke Skywalker’s planet of exile. Kylo and Rey found they could see and hear each other across light-years. This mysterious connection grew stronger.

Disillusioned by Luke’s rejection of his legacy and disturbed by her experience in Ahch-To’s mirror cave, Rey confided in Kylo – who assured her she wasn’t alone. To his surprise, their powerful Force connection allowed them to actually touch across the light-years. The moment was interrupted by Luke, but Kylo knew climactic events were in motion.

Rey surrendered to Kylo aboard the Supremacy, and tried to turn him from the dark side. She insisted she’d seen his future, and when the time came he’d stand with her. But Kylo had seen the future too, and was certain Rey would join him. And he’d seen something else when their minds met: the identity of Rey’s parents.

Snoke was pleased that Kylo had brought Rey to him, and interrogated her brutally, using the Force to tear the location of Luke’s hermitage from her mind. But the Supreme Leader shocked Kylo when he revealed that he was the one who had bridged his mind with Rey’s. Snoke sneered that he’d known Kylo wouldn’t be able to hide his conflict from Rey and that Rey would take the bait.

Kylo knew what he had to do. When Snoke ordered him to complete his training by killing Rey, Kylo instead used the Force to ignite Luke’s lightsaber and strike his master down. He then urged Rey to let the past die and join him. But Rey refused. She struggled with Kylo for control of Luke’s lightsaber, which sheared in two, leaving Kylo unconscious.

Kylo awoke to find Rey gone and Hux surveying the ruins of Snoke’s throne room. He told the general that Rey had killed Snoke, and then intimidated Hux into proclaiming Kylo the First Order’s new Supreme Leader.

Kylo led the First Order’s assault on the Resistance’s last redoubt, an old rebel base on Crait. He told the regime’s soldiers that they were to push through the Resistance defenses, giving no quarter and taking no prisoners. His mother’s movement would be utterly destroyed.

But Kylo saw the last thing he’d expected: the figure of his uncle Luke, awaiting him on the salt plains. Kylo confronted his former teacher, vowing to destroy Rey, Luke, and the Jedi. But Luke warned Kylo that if he struck him down, he’d always be with him – like Han Solo. Kylo struck Luke down, only to discover he’d been tricked into dueling a Force projection sent from distant Ahch-To.

Furious, Kylo led an assault on the old base, only to discover the surviving Resistance soldiers had slipped away with Rey’s help. He discovered his father’s dice lying in the salt, but they vanished in his hand -- another trick of the Force. And when the Force reconnected him with Rey, she shut him out. Kylo had become Supreme Leader, all but destroyed his mother’s Resistance, and struck down Luke Skywalker. But that didn’t feel much like a victory.

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lgbtqiahistoricalromance · 5 years

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Most Anticipated LGBTQIA+ Historical Romance Novels for 2019

Any Old Diamonds by KJ Charles

- In which we stick it to a duke. Any Old Diamonds is set in the late Victorian era and inspired by a number of things: a real historical crime (not telling you which, that would be a giveaway), the popular theatre of the time (hence the music-hall title), and my urge to find out what happened to some characters in my Sins of the Cities series, set twenty years earlier. I loved writing this one; I hope you enjoy a more-sociopathic-than usual hero.

How to Talk to Nice English Girls by Gretchen Evans (February 14 - @carnationbooks )(f/f)

- n the aftermath of The Great War, everything is changing. But not for Marian Fielding.Marian’s life is quiet and predictable in the solitude of the English countryside, where she plans to remain and care for her parents.But Marian’s world is turned upside down when she meets brash, confident Katherine Fuller. Katherine arrives at the Fieldings’ estate for the wedding of Marian’s sister and immediately shakes things up. Instead of keeping an eye on the ill-mannered American girl and keeping her out of trouble, Marian finds herself magnetically drawn to Katherine’s vivacious nature, and they are swept into a whirlwind romance that will change both of their lives.But will Katherine’s unconventional behavior ruin their chance at happiness? Can Marian leave her old life behind? Will two women from different worlds find a way to be together against all odds and expectations?

Royal Court (A Royal Romance Book Three) by Jenny Frame (January 14 - Bold Stroke Books)

- Captain Quincy is a steady and reliable Royal Marines officer, decorated for gallantry after a mission that nearly killed her and the men under her command. At a crossroads in her career, Quincy reluctantly accepts when her old comrade, Queen Georgina, asks her to join the Royal Protection Command as the Queen Consort’s new protection officer. Holly Weaver, Royal Dresser and self-confessed man-eater, starts to question her sexuality when she has a girl-crush on famous actor, Story St. John and, then, polo player and friend of George’s, Captain Quincy. The good-looking captain’s emotionless personality is the opposite of Holly’s exuberant lust for life. When a threat to the Queen Consort emerges, Quincy and Holly clash over the best way to protect her. As the fiery passion they can’t deny begins to melt Quincy’s heart, Holly must decide how much of her own she is willing to risk.

The Replacement Husband by Eliot Grayson (January 4 - Smoking Teacup Books)

- Goddess-blessed Owen Honeyfield is destined to enjoy perfect good fortune. The arrival of handsome and eligible Tom Drake in his country town appears to be the latest manifestation, and Tom’s whirlwind proposal is the fulfillment of Owen’s desires. When his betrothal takes a disastrous turn, Owen is left heartbroken and at the mercy of Arthur, Tom’s disapproving elder brother. His reputation ruined and his bright future shattered, Owen must choose between loneliness and a marriage of convenience, with love no longer in reach. Arthur Drake has always taken responsibility for Tom’s scandalous behavior, but this time is worse — it isn’t just the family name at stake, but his own happiness. When Tom’s impulsive selfishness threatens to ruin the lives of everyone involved, Arthur has only one honorable choice. He’ll need to repair the damage Tom has done and fight for his chance at love, knowing all the while he may never be able to take Tom’s place in Owen’s heart.

Deosil (Whyborne & Griffin series) by Jordan L Hawk (Second half of 2019)

Hexhunter (Hexworld series) by Jordan L Hawk (February)

- Finally, Isaac and Bill’s story in this wonderful series. Watching them work around each other, and hoping they would have an installment, has been one of my major reading wants for awhile now.

A Place for Wolves by Kosoko Jackson (April 2 - Sourcefire Books)

- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets Code Name Verity in this heartbreaking and poignant historical thriller. (YA!!)

James Mills isn’t sure he can forgive his parents for dragging him away from his life, not to mention his best friend and sister, Anna. He’s never felt so alone.Enter Tomas. Falling for Tomas is unexpected, but sometimes the best things in life are.Then their world splits apart. A war that has been brewing finally bursts forward, filled with violence, pain, and cruelty. James and Tomas can only rely on each other as they decide how far they are willing to go—and who they are willing to become—in order to make it back to their families.

The Seventh of December by Garrick Jones (January 14 - Manifold Press)

- Even in wartime, London can still be glamorous, but for Tommy and his handsome American a secret mission for a Royal Duke puts life, love, freedom and the future of the world in desperate danger…

As bombs rain down over London during the Blitz, Major Tommy Haupner negotiates the rubble-filled streets of Bloomsbury on his way to perform at a socialite party. The explosive event of the evening is not his virtuosic violin playing, but the ‘almost-blond’ American who not only insults him, but then steals his heart.

The Seventh of December follows a few months in the lives of two Intelligence agents in the early part of World War Two. Set against the backdrop of war-torn occupied Europe, Tommy and his American lover, Henry Reiter, forge a committed relationship that is intertwined with intrigues that threaten the integrity of the British Royal Family and the stability of a Nation at war. Neither bombs nor bullets manage to break the bond that these men form in their struggle against Nazism and the powers of evil.

Diplomatic Relations (Si Regency series) by JL Langley (February 19 - Dreamspinner Press)

- Opposites don’t just attract… they sizzle.A lusty special forces soldier who lives by his own set of rules, Dalton Fairfax decided long ago to stop wishing for his father’s love, and he found his calling. Now that he’s back home and between assignments, he finds himself at loose ends. When the opportunity arises to play bodyguard and help out his country, Dalton jumps at the chance. Not only does it keep him busy, but it just so happens that his charge is the man he saw on leave last month and hasn’t been able to get out of his head.Heir to a dukedom and a conservative politician, Blaise Thompson strives to prove himself worthy of carrying on the family legacy as the next IN Councilman. However, his closest competitor keeps getting in the way and taking credit for Blaise’s ideas. Maintaining his stellar reputation isn’t easy to do while keeping his outrageous younger brother in line and foiling his rival’s personal attacks. He has no time for a guard and even less time for romance.When a priceless antique goes missing, Blaise and Dalton discover that Regelance has larger problems than just IN plots. Now the only way to stop a scandal that threatens both of them is to compromise, and they are forced to confront the risk of losing everything… even each other.

Slay Ride by Josh Lanyon (February)

- 1943 Montana. Wounded in the Pacific, Police Chief Robert Garrett was hoping for a little much needed Peace on Earth, but finds himself chasing after a “fiendish” killer on Christmas Day–aided by eager young reporter Jamie Jameson.

Nomad’s Dreams by August Li (January 29 - Dreamspinner Press)

- Two men, each with a hidden destiny. Can they defeat a web of deceit and dark magic to ensure their fates intertwine?Bedouin Isra al-Grayjaab’s dreams lead him to Janan, an amnesiac beggar on the street of Qena—one who steals his heart and starts him on a seemingly hopeless quest. With only their wits, Isra’s knowledge of the desert’s secrets, and the aid of a mercurial djinn, they must recover Janan’s past. But neither can predict his true identity or the lengths others will go to see that his mind remains broken and his true power out of his reach.In a sweeping romantic adventure that takes them across the Eastern Desert to the modern streets of Cairo and on to the luxurious Red Sea Coast, Janan and Isra seek a truth that will either bring them into each other’s arms or tear them apart forever.

An Impossible Distance to Fall by Miriam McNamara (June 4 - Sky Pony)(YA!)(f/f)

- When the stock market crashed in 1929, it took Birdie’s whole life with it. A year later, she’s still struggling with the collapse of her father’s bank and his subsequent disappearance, and she’s determined to find him. She finally gets a clue when she sees a picture of the Jenny biplane that vanished with him on a leaflet advertising a barnstorming circus. She heads to Coney Island to get some answers, and promptly falls in love with the majestic spectacle of it all, from stuntmen to lady pilots, and especially with pilot June. When signs point to her father having moved on to Chicago, Birdie decides to hitch a ride with the circus. But while the circus folk might be the best thing that’s ever happened to her, a privileged girl who doesn’t understand how things work in the real world might be the worst thing that’s ever happened to them.

Moonwitch by MJ Willow (January 30 - @lessthanthreepress )

_ When several soldiers are attacked by wolves in the Duchy of Kamare, Prince Athanes travels north to solve the mystery. But the more he learns of the attacks, the more he realizes there is far more at play than hungry, desperate animals looking for food. He finds an unexpected ally in Faelan, a local hunter, but even he seems to have his own secret agenda…

A Shimmer In The Night (Dark Is The Night 2.5) by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood (January 1 - x-potion designs)

- Benjamin Prichard has spent much of his life feeling like an outsider. Growing up, his odd behaviour and visions of ghosts left him isolated, not to mention being the child of an immigrant mother and an absent father. Benjamin walks the line between not being Chinese enough for one community, and not English enough for the other. Whisperwood School for Boys changes everything. More specifically, Preston Alexander does. Drawn into a close circle of friends for the first time, Benjamin finally feels as though he’s found somewhere he belongs. But life is never simple; his feelings for Preston are hardly platonic, and Benjamin doesn’t need one more reason to stand out—which means the option of pursuing those feelings is off the table. But after graduation, when tragedy flips his world upside-down, Benjamin will need to decide which path he wants to chase: the one his mother always wanted for him, or the one that follows the boy he loves.

Ones to Watch (Up and coming authors I follow on Twitter that are winning awards in their own regions, some published, but I would like to see more of their work!)

Isabelle Adler - working on an arranged marriage, fantasy plot to be published by Nine Star Press - Frost?

Tamara Allen - has published some lovely works, and now that she has recently released something new, I’m hoping she has something else for us in 2019

Cristina Bruni - published the charming Hearts at Sea from JMS Books, and I like her work with the sweet plot line

Blake Ferre - working on a series based in Revolutionary France - The Scarlet Crest - The King’s Secret

Drew Marvin Frayne - his The Bibliophile novel was one that should have been on my Best of 2018 list, but I wasn’t able to read it in time - a sweet May/December with a western them, but it also tackled the subject of US government’s mistreatment of Native Americans and the consequences it caused

Jude Lucens - author of Behind These Doors, one of absolute favorite novels of 2018, and indeed many years before it - must see a second full novel in the series

Aleksandr Voinov - writes so many beautiful stories, but hoping for a new historical this year; his talent shines with the details

Lee Welch - received a lot of acclaim for Salt Magic, Skin Magic, and though I am not a rabid reader of fantasy, I want more…

#historical romance #lgbt romance #lgbt books #queer romance

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