#they may not be full but they are most certainly flammable | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

the-shattering · 3 months

Text

Chapter 3: Aftermath

Had Marventas been cleaned up and in a less desolate scene he may have looked as grand as all mages seemed to think they were. However, his robes were tattered and burnt and his cloak was more of a scrap of fabric fastened around his shoulders. His normally blond hair was now half scorched and standing on end. His normally pale skin was now darker than Torvola’s thanks to the layer of soot that covered it.

He hurried over to Torvola and offered a hand, “I must apologize, m’lady.”

“Was this your doing?” Torvola asked as he helped her up.

“In my defense,” he said, “My intention was to zap one of these foul beasts – not start a forest fire.”

“Well at least you didn’t do too much damage to the wood,” Torvola said and looked around her. The underbrush had been completely cleared out and a few of the drier branches and leaves were still smoldering. A few yards away laid the charred remains of the creature that had almost killed her.

Elders were incredibly hard to kill but apparently an explosion did the trick quite nicely.

Unfortunately she wasn’t entirely convinced on the viability of that tactic if she wanted to live to the next battle. If there were more of these monsters out there, Torvola had a feeling she was going to be fighting many more battles. She suppressed a tired sigh.

“What are you doing here?” she asked the mage.

“Looking for survivors of course. We were attacked by those accursed things at daybreak. We put up a fierce resistance but we were thoroughly routed. Those monsters are hard to kill.”

“Yes,” Torvola said, “Yes they are. Is Lord Lanim alright?”

Marventas nodded, “He and I ran off with a few of his guard. We managed to make a stand at Shepherd’s Hill. When we finally fought them off, those of us who survived went off in search of the others. That’s when we were attacked by who I’m assuming is the group that attacked you.”

They began to walk through the wood, Torvola listened to Marventas talk but she only heard snippets of what he was saying. Her eyes darted around constantly, looking for any threats. Had they seen the last of the Elders? Had they been chased off by the light of day? The forest had become bright enough for them to navigate without much trouble. Though the sun had risen, the birds stayed silent and Torvola knew why: Their corpses littered the forest floor like fallen leaves, victims of stinkdamp or the subsequent fireball. Marventas kept talking, either oblivious to the death around them or trying very hard not to pay attention to it. “Lightning spells worked well on those creatures so I figured I would use it again,” he was saying, “I didn’t realize the gas that caused that accursed smell was so flammable.”

“Stinkdamp.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s called stinkdamp, it collects in mine tunnels and is explosive to the smallest spark,” Torvola said, “I’ve smelled similar gases in the swamps but never in the same concentrations as they were in the mines.”

Marventas made a troubled noise in the back of his throat, “What could it mean?”

“I don’t know yet,” Torvola said and the two stopped short as they reached a creek.

A creek full of charred corpses.

Some bore wounds obviously made by a blade but most did not. Torvola knelt down to inspect one such corpse and grimaced at its horrific state. She couldn’t tell if it was a man or woman, only that it died with its mouth open as if mid scream. Did Marventas cause this?

‘He didn’t know the gas was flammable.’

She looked around the draw they found themselves in – the gas would have collected here to a lethal degree. If the fire hadn’t killed them, the poisonous effects of the gas most certainly would have.

Marventas looked distraught and queasy, he had one hand clamped over his mouth and nose and the other clutched at his stomach. Tears streaked down his soot covered cheeks and he choked back a hysterical sob as the horrific realization dawned on him.

“Thoran forgive me,” he finally managed to choke out, “What have I done?”

Torvola stood up slowly, “If they were caught in this fire, they were dead long before it happened,” she said quietly. Though even she wasn’t convinced that his actions didn’t result in their deaths … but she needed to keep Marventas from completely breaking down. She still needed him to help her. Marventas shook his head and finally turned away to vomit.

She scanned over the bodies, trying hard to not look at any one for too long. A larger figure lay atop two smaller figures, as if trying to protect them. Clutched in its blackened hand was a charred log.

Torvola returned to a frame of mind she hoped she never would experience again. The world became a distant blur to her as she went through the motions of maneuvering the corpses in the draw into neat rows. She tried to ignore how the charred clothes crumbled away and the skin sloughed off in her hands. Marventas sat heavily on the ground and stared straight ahead and Torvola realized he’d be of no help in his state.

Lord Lanim and the few surviving villagers had found them a short while later. The lord’s elegant robes were tattered and bloodied. While he sported a few cuts on his face and arms, he had no wounds that would account for the amount of blood that had soaked into the fabric. He approached Torvola, “I’m glad to see you survived m’lady.”

“You as well, m’lord,” Torvola said, “We’ve taken heavy losses.”

“I know,” Lanim said. He looked around at the charred bodies that Torvola had already lined up, “… That damage, was it from the explosion?”

“Yes.”

Torvola saw the lord’s mouth set into a thin line, an unreadable expression crossed his features and he took a deep breath. His gaze flickered to Marventas, “Did he…?”

She knew what he wanted to know even if he couldn’t bring himself to say it. Was Marventas responsible for the deaths? She couldn’t say. She had no way of knowing if they were alive or dead before the explosion happened. She desperately hoped they had already succumbed to the gas or the blades of the monsters that attacked them. Burning to death was a very unpleasant way to die.

“They may have already been gone,” Torvola finally said, “But I don’t think any one will know for sure.”

Lanim nodded slowly and looked like he was about to say something before he shook his head. Instead he knelt down next to one of the corpses Torvola hadn’t moved yet, hesitating but for a moment before putting his hands under the body’s armpits and heaving it up. Torvola grabbed the body’s legs and together they carried it to the row. Torvola didn’t even dare look at the face of the body she held or even speculate on who it could have been. There would be time for grief later. Right now she was needed to help the living.

Minutes later they had finished their task: The bodies in the draw were lined up neatly in a row on the mossy earth. Torvola knew they needed to leave, to search for other survivors, to start the process of recovering from the disaster that had befallen them. Still, it felt wrong to leave the dead where they were, it felt as if they were abandoning them to the wood.

“Where would we take them?” Torvola asked. Her voice sounded flat, emotionless – even to her.

Lanim ran a hand through his long, dark hair. His eyes looked as vacant as she felt, “I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right to leave them here.”

“We may have to,” Torvola said.

They left their dead where they lay, piling rocks over their corpses in an attempt to keep the scavengers from getting to them. They’d have to retrieve them later. Torvola and the others resumed their search for survivors but aside from finding a terrified and barely coherent Petan – they found no one else. Most of the corpses they found were either charred or run through. Some of the dead though were discolored, mouths agape as if they had died mid-gasp, and their bloodshot eyes stared vacantly up at the sky. Marventas grew quieter and quieter as the day progressed and Torvola couldn’t blame him.

She knew there wasn’t much she could say to make him feel any better about the situation they found themselves in.

They ascended the hill to where Torvola had camped with the survivors the night before. At the summit lay the dead body of the guard, a few villagers who didn’t make it out in time, and Saxus. Torvola pointedly looked away from the scene and towards the sea and she finally felt something for the first time in hours. A low, smoldering ember of rage deep in the pit of her stomach. She clenched her fists and set her jaw.

She didn’t know why the Elders had emerged from their dark, dreary holes to attack her and her village but she wasn’t going to let that transgression slide. She recognized the landscape around her, knew where her house sat high above the sea and the waves. She picked up her cloak that still lay on the ground by the fire where she had left it for the baker and his wife. She wrapped Saxus’s body in the cloak, working quickly to avoid looking at him for too long. She knew if she looked at him, looked at the wounds that marred his body, she’d never recover. She picked him up and cradled him in both arms like a mother carrying her baby.

Without a word to anyone she marched along the ridge and towards her home.

No one dared stop her.

There was some obvious damage to the walls of her cabin and the roof had collapsed in some spots. The door had popped out of its warped frame but the walls, by some miracle, were technically still standing. She stepped into the room and set Saxus gently down on the floor by the cold hearth.

Torvola’s world finally grew quiet and calm after the chaos she had been through. The silence weighed heavy on her tired mind and she leaned heavily against the wall – ignoring the pain in her burnt back. She slid down to the floor and drew her knees to her chest, staring off at nothing. She half expected Saxus to come to her side, whining and licking to comfort her. She looked up and scanned the room for him before her eyes settled on the form swaddled in her cloak.

Of course.

Tears ran down her cheek and a sob tore through her chest. The feeling of emptiness, of loss, finally took hold. She buried her face in her knees and cried.

_____

Chapter 2 | Chapter 4

#Part 1: Fracture #The Shattering web novel

1 note · View note

moisesdwagner · 1 year

Text

Movers Converse Tx

Progression Moving Clients are a household-owned or operated company which specializes in local shifting and storage space requirements across The state of texas and past. We started in New have, TX and Braunfels considering that enhanced for some other locations all over Texas; we are evolving the techniques and perception of the a transferring organization need to look like. Founder Ryan Hughey spent two years of gathering experience and knowledge before he decided to collaborate with family and create Evolution Moving Company, the answer to an under-disciplined service industry. Ryan’s persistence for the company and his consumers would be to supply the very best quality of service and satisfaction when it comes to moving household furniture. It’s a procedure which takes times or even several weeks. However it does not really need to be this lengthy Packing Services. Right after graduating from university Co-operator Cameron Hughey got a job with Ryan in a top rated a moving firm in Austin, texas where by he perfected the science of moving and packing. He now joins his sibling and the other Hughey family members to supply the complete greatest shifting assistance close to. Non commercial Shifting SERVICES - YOUR #1 RESIDENTIAL Moving firms Are you preparing to transfer homeowners? You’re almost certainly browsing for the best non commercial movers that will help you relieve the stress of your transferring approach. Your belongings maintain your most cherished thoughts. That is why you ought to opt for seasoned home moving companies who is able to guarantee a secure and safe move. Development Relocating Clients are the best non commercial moving company. We’re devoted to delivering stellar services to all of sizes and types of households. Not just a regular house shifting organization, Development Relocating Clients are proud to deliver complete solutions that can ease your move’s stress. We recognize your requirements are distinctive, and our top objective is to exceed and meet your anticipations. FULL-Assistance PROFESSIONAL RESIDENTIAL MOVING Organization Utilizing home moving companies who are able to take care of your relocate from start to finish provides you with time to sentimentally get ready for the alteration without having introducing any actual strain. Choosing our complete-services choice implies you trust us with every aspect of your move, and our home movers will meet you. Our total-support package includes the following: Little Movements, Big Goes, Flats, Quick Length Goes, We Could DO IT ALL! Development Relocating Clients are contrary to almost every other residential firm. No shift is way too small or big for all of us. We can easily offer benefit for your needs, regardless how several goods you’re shifting. We are committed to supplying good quality professional services irrespective of the distance and size of your respective relocate. Our professional movers may help you shift everything, preserve for firearms, flammable drinks, and harmful chemical substances. We recognize that flats have different regulations you need to adhere to when relocating. Our shifting crew can help ensure you abide by these rules so your relocate should go effortlessly. Don’t worry if you’re moving a short distance away. We can deal with that too. Our company offers expedited professional services for small and short-extended distance moves to provide you back to your routine right away. We Will Transfer You - The Proper Way! Our seasoned staff assures top quality providers and may make your shift anxiety-totally free. Our support area consists of Dallas, Fort Worthy of,Richardson and Garland, Northern Richland Hillsides, Haltom Area, Saginaw, along with the around areas inside the DFW metroplex. Outside the metroplex, we provide moving services in San Antonio, Austin, tx, New Braunfels,Schertz and Converse, along with other in close proximity cities. We also give neighborhood transferring, cross country shifting, industrial relocating, piano relocating, work only transferring, storage space solutions, and packaging providers in Texas. As a result, don’t wait and get in touch with the most notable Tx relocating company straight away! PIANO MOVING Providers - BEST Keyboard MOVERS IN THE AREA Piano moving is readily one of the more demanding moving projects. Why? Any damage will cost hundreds of dollars and cause emotional distress, because these instruments are precious. Development Shifting Firm operates challenging to prevent this kind of problem. With nice and clean-reduce providers and seasoned moving companies, we will place, strategy, and shift your piano at once. You will not have to worry about your piano, challenging vocabulary, or dangerous and amateurish keyboard moving firms. Give us a call today for the best piano moving services if this sounds like what you need. Get pleasure from quickly and affordable piano relocating from your specialist Advancement Moving Business group. Top rated-QUALITY PIANO Assists YOU CAN TRUST Before you choose us as your piano moving company, please take a second to learn more about us. Let’s explore our journey to turning into among Texas’s very best and the majority of reliable keyboard transferring companies. Our founder and ownerRyan and founder, was a mover before he was a business owner. He expended his amount of time in the area learning almost everything he could about noting and moving where business was deficient. When he knew ample, he made Evolution Moving Firm, an intensive business with excellent professional services along with a far better crew of moving firms, such as piano moving firms. We look at transferring being a scientific research which can betested and adapted, and transformed to suit present trends and requirements. That is what we did. We evolved the transferring online game to a completely new stage. With the aid of dedicated and educated personnel, we developed the moving sector to satisfy modern requirements. We up-to-date older shifting strategies and used thoughtful planning to create a shifting firm like not one other. LABOR ONLY Moving firms - Finest LABOR ONLY Relocating SERVICES In The Region moving, in their various forms, takes a great deal of operate. The good news is, it will get more manageable when you have professional guidance to back up you through the moving process. But when you are working on a tight budget or need to have control of your transfer, employing a full-support relocating business can be quite a major no-no. Luckily, Progression Shifting Firm includes a solution to this problem: labor-only moving companies. With the aid of labour-only movers, you’ll enjoy the help and reliability in our dedicated group and never have to devote your self or your finances to some whole-services move. It’s the best blend of Do it yourself and experienced relocating aid. Call us now to guide your labor-only experience and move stress-free of charge moving providers and guaranteed satisfaction. THE BEST Total-Assistance LABOR ONLY Shifting Support! Relying on a strange organization with the most valuable goods is tough. Lucky for you personally, Advancement Relocating Company won’t continue to be a complete stranger for long. For years, our owner and creator worked as a mover. During this time period, he noticed that the marketplace was deficient which several moving remedies had been out-of-date with out much longer accessible. To combat this, he developed Progression Transferring Company. In this article we take the aged and evolve it into a speedier, much better, plus more reachable alternative. From local and effort-only moving to very long-distance relocating, we’ve streamlined the shifting method and optimized it to be better than ever. Pick Development Moving Organization foreducated and dedicated, and up to date shifting professional services. We’ll provide transferring professional services that require into the upcoming. Packaging Providers By far the most horrible a part of any moving journey needs to be packing. The majority of us are unconscious hoarders, an actuality that only shows if you want to load up and move everything you’ve gathered over the years. As an alternative, it is possible to select our packaging providers. Our outstanding staff willprotect and wrap, and pack all your belongings from the blink of the eyes. We’ll have you packed and able to proceed to another point of your life with no problem. Our Location: Evolution Moving Company San Antonio 11955 Parliament St #1308 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-944-8858 https://evolutionmoving.com/

from Evolution Moving Company San Antonio - Blog https://evolutionmoving.weebly.com/blog/movers-converse-tx

1 note · View note

dumpsterideas · 1 year

Text

When Calling A Dumpster Rental Service, Keep The Following In Mind:

Because our culture places a lot of importance on consumption, most people make a lot of trash. You'll see that your house is full of things, most of which are probably not being used. At some point, you'll want to clean your house. Check out here https://dumpsterrentalcalifornia.org/.

You can get rid of some of your things by giving them away or selling them at a garage sale. But what can you do with trash that no one wants to buy or take? If this happens, you can only get rid of them. If there wasn't so much trash to get rid of, this would be easy. You might want to rent a dumpster if you have more trash than you or a nearby dumpster can handle.

You might find it easier to get rid of your trash if you rent a dumpster. A dumpster rental service can help people who are doing home improvement projects, building work, or just need to get rid of a lot of trash. But before you call a dumpster rental company, there are a few things you should know. The information below should help you if you need to rent a dumpster.

How To Rent A Roll-Off Dumpster

As was already said, you'll almost certainly need the help of a dumpster rental company if you're cleaning out your whole house and need to get rid of large items like furniture, appliances, and workout equipment that you no longer use or need.

When tearing down walls, floors, roof tiles, or siding to rebuild a house, the same thing happens, and there is often a lot of trash that needs to be thrown away.

Even for big yard projects, it's smart to rent a dumpster. If you had a dumpster made for the job, you could quickly get rid of all the trees, bushes, and sod you need to get rid of.

There Are Many Different Sizes Of Dumpsters.

If you want to rent a dumpster, you should know how much trash you need to get rid of. Most companies that take trash away have dumpsters of different sizes. You don't want to rent a dumpster that is either too big or too small to hold all of your trash. You can always call the trash removal company for help if you aren't sure what size dumpster you need.

Some Things Just Can't Be Thrown Away.

It's not true that if you rent a dumpster, you can do whatever you want with its contents. Most dumpster rental companies have rules about what kinds of trash you can throw away in their containers. Most of the time, you can't transport things that are dangerous or flammable. Some dumpster companies don't like it when gravel is mixed in with other trash. Before you reserve a dumpster, be sure to tell the rental company what kind of trash you want to get rid of.

You Can't Carry Too Much.

Even though it is usually best to fill dumpsters to the top, garbage removal companies have weight limits. They are the ones who will have trouble moving a big dumpster, after all. Most of the time, you will have to pay more if you go over the weight limit.

Some Things Can Be Thrown Away In Dumpsters.

Each dumpster is made in its own way. Some dumpsters are for small things like household trash, and others are for bigger things like construction trash.

Look At How Big The Trash Can Is.

Place the dumpster you rent in an easy-to-reach spot on your property. The dumpster will be picked up and thrown away at a certain time and day, so the company that rents dumpsters will send a truck that can do the job. There shouldn't be anything on top of or next to the trash can that gets in its way. At least 22 feet should separate you from the trash can.

You could put your trash on the street if you don't have a good place for it on your property. But you probably won't be able to do that without a permit. Go to city hall and ask how to get one.

Dumpsters Can Get Quite Tall At Times.

About three feet is how tall the trash can is in your neighborhood. On the other hand, trash cans that waste management companies give out may be much taller. For example, a 40-yard trash can is eight feet tall.

1 note · View note

hopefulbearpolice · 1 year

Text

Tricks for Buying a Bookbag Sprayer

Using a backpack sprayer can save you time and effort in terms of treating your lot. It also clarifies that it's much easier for you to walk around while you are applying chemicals. Even so, you will need to follow the manufacturer's plans. If you will not be sure about the type and model and functionality of your backpack sprayer, you'll probably decide to to do a little bit homework before an individual purchase one. This can help you get the best model for your needs.

The size on the backpack sprayer relies on how considerably square footage you work toward spraying. Most residential homes is going to be fine with a new two to 4 gallon tank, but in case you have a larger property or home, you may wish to consider one which has a larger capacity.

It's your decision to look for just a backpack sprayer having a high pressure score. It is crucial to remember that if you are using a backpack sprayer to apply herbicides, you should keep your distance from your target area. This can reduce the possibility of cross contamination. You should also keep your spray wand low to prevent overspray. You also needs to wear the appropriate clothing with the weather conditions you might be working in.

Backpack sprayers will be great for spraying herbicides and also other liquid solutions. Nonetheless, they can be difficult to utilize. They can also pose a challenge for people having poor mobility, or for the people with back as well as neck pain. They've also been susceptible to damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Additionally require maintenance, so you will need to follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear the ideal gear.

Backpack sprayers may be powered by batteries or an air conditioning compressor. Batteries are a must quotes for quality products to use your sprayer for a long time of time. Battery powered models tend to be efficient and own more features. The batteries could also last longer. The battery run backpack sprayer also eliminates the requirement for hand pumping. However, if you have almost any flammable liquid, far better keep them from your sprayer.

If you will use your backpack sprayer for long amounts of time, you should consider cleaning it extensively. This will make sure the plastic components cannot corrode. Using a cleaner will agitate the hoses and other components, which helps remove the residue that could have accumulated. This is certainly also a fine time to take out out your sprayer's process.

The top backpack sprayer could be the Oregon 518769. This model isn't just inexpensive, but it's also powerful. It has a two step switch, which is the aforementioned. It also offers a translucent no-leak gas tank, making it easy to wash.

The Chapin bookbag sprayer is one more good choice. Its lightweight and features a large opening with regard to easy filling. You'll find it has an flexible flat fan spray tip including a full cone bottle of spray tip. The battery also lasts a decent amount of time, although the straps could use a lot more padding.

0 notes

westermann27eliasen · 2 years

Text

Should you be totally new to the world of travel, then maybe you are convinced that some guidelines on how to traveling smarter and safer will help you immensely so that you can take pleasure in your holiday significantly quicker. Listed here are some suggestions to obtain started off along with your touring plans.

When traveling, enhance your safety along with your assurance by wearing a funds buckle. This product is one necessary that you cannot go without the need of when traveling, and it is barely noticeable to put on. Keep your budget plus your passport secure with your money buckle to ensure regardless of what takes place, they don't get lost. For some the path getaway is the best way to journey. If you're will be getting a highway getaway do this simple things before hand so you don't wind up trapped midway throughout the country. Number 1, make sure you purchase an oils alter! Number 2, have your mechanic give your vehicle a after more than before you leave. The very last thing you need in the center of no where can be preventable mechanical failures. Continue to be mindful of your belongings constantly when you are vacationing. If you have to possess a tote, make sure you keep it completely tucked below your left arm. You must avoid transporting bags having a zipper which is straightforward to gain access to because burglars could very easily unzip the handbag in a packed place and steal significant products. Always keep these matters under consideration when you're trying to find a useful vacation case. Before you decide to vacation out of your land, ensure your immunizations are all current. There's absolutely no way to learn whether your other tourists are common existing on their photos, or what illnesses they could unintentionally be having. Keeping yourself vaccinated will help safeguard you any conditions you could possibly deal with. One simple tip for motel safety factors to handle a little silicone entrance cease along with you. It could package quickly in the shoe and even be carried in the shirt pocket if you're brief on place. This doorway stop may be wedged underneath the doorway at night, to stop midnight site visitors. Usually do not park your car your car or truck at the air-port. Car park fees could be high and making your car in a parking area on an prolonged time period can make many people uneasy. Use a family member or friend drop you off with the airport. On the other hand, you may use the airport's shuttle support. For those who have a guidebook to help you within your trips it is possible to damage out the portions you will be using and standard the pages collectively. This will likely reduce the burden you are having. When you find yourself leaving behind a place it is possible to keep the utilized segments associated with for other vacationers to make use of. If you're likely to be staying in a accommodation for under every week, don't take the time unpacking. It may not be enjoyable to reside out of your travel suitcase, but by not unpacking facts you lower your odds of leaving something right behind. You wouldn't would like to danger departing one thing important powering. Some accommodations have online games with them to work with. If you're going with kids, check with the top workplace to disconnect these. Most of the time as soon as they're turned on they'll expenses you for taking part in them. So if you require a shower area you possibly will not recognize your kids have already been actively playing them before you get the monthly bill at check out. If you may be on vacation for any full week or for a longer time, make certain if you will find a laundry center on site. If you will see then you can certainly load up just a little lighter in weight and also include a load of laundry washing instead when you find yourself there. Since airlines do fee for heavy travel luggage, it can be nice to attempt to pack lighter. Look at items meticulously when packaging for the international flight. Stuff like your hair mist bottles that have a photograph of a fire to show that they are flammable usually are not enabled. So look for ones that are not, and avoid the inconvenience and discomfort if you are at the air-port. Do not acquire your drugs out of their branded bottles. You might find on your own in danger at security should you not possess the correct treatment from the properly branded containers. There are actually Florida Tourism Guide and regulations about drug trafficking and tablets out from the proper containers could raise unwanted suspicion. These guidelines provides you with the important information to make your holiday as enjoyable as you possibly can regardless if you are heading considerably, or simply on the community street getaway. Go out and begin your journey. Traveling is really intriquing, notable and fulfilling.

#Florida Destination Guide #Florida D

1 note · View note

wrenhyperfixates · 3 years

Text

My Heart is Your Canvas

Pairing: Loki x reader Summary: Loki hadn’t been planning on confessing his love for you, but he’s glad he did. Warnings: a whole lot fluff A/N: For my bestest best friend @lokistan! Hope you all enjoy :)

Permanent Tag List: @lucywrites02 @frostedgiant @lunarmoon8 @twhiddlestonsstuff @lokistan @lowkeyorlokificrecs @gaitwae @whatafuckingdumbass @castiels-majestic-wings @kozkaboi @cozy-the-overlord @birdgirl90 @myraiswack @mythicalgarlicknot @what-a-flammable-heart @marvelouslovely

Disclaimer: Gif not mine

“It is useless, brother,” Loki lamented, shrugging off his tuxedo jacket and dropping the bouquet of roses on Thor’s bed. “I will never be able to tell them how I feel and playing dress-up like this is ridiculous.”

“It is not playing, nor is it ridiculous. You want to woo them, right?”

Loki frowned, feeling like he was about to almost be sucked into yet another of his brother's hair-brained schemes to get him to confess his true feelings to you. And this latest one had barely even ended! Still, he did want to, as Thor put it, woo you, and his brother’s intentions were pure. So, the trickster god sighed and nodded.

“Then trust me; all you must do is don this tux, hand them these flowers, and have confidence in yourself.”

Loki looked in the mirror. He looked ridiculous, he was sure. Then again, Thor did know more about Midgardian culture than Loki did. Unless he was just trying to get revenge on Loki for the countless pranks he’d played on the older Odinson in their youth. But no, the brothers had turned over a new leaf and were truly supportive of each other, even if Loki still had to remind himself of that often. After feeling lonely and ignored for so long, it was easy for him to forget he actually had family to turn to, looking out for him.

“That is easy for you to say,” Loki finally responded. “Everyone practically threw themselves at your feet when you arrived. Everyone has always wanted to be your friend. Me, not so much. No one has ever really liked me, especially not here. Even you took a while to come around.” They both winced at his unintentionally harsh words. “Forgive me, brother, I did not mean it like that. I only mean I cannot afford to lose them. They are my best friend.”

“But they could be your beloved.”

Loki’s face went scarlet. Even if, by some miracle, you liked him back, there was something about that word, about calling someone his beloved, that felt so intimate to him. What would you think of it, he wondered? It didn’t really matter, considering he made up his mind. With a snap of his fingers, Loki was once again dressed in his Asgardian tunic. He saw his brother slouch in defeat.

“They could, in theory... But not today. I am sorry.”

“Brother, there is nothing to apologize for,” Thor reassured, clapping Loki on his back. “I am in your corner. Just promise you will think about it some more?”

After a promise to do just that and a sincere thank you thrown his brother’s way, Loki headed back to his rooms to wallow in his failure by his lonesome. That plan was quickly tossed out the window when he saw you standing outside his door, art supplies in hand.

“Darling?” he said. “Is everything alright?”

“Oh! There you are,” you said, spinning around. “It is, thanks for asking. I was just looking for you, and here you are. Do you, um, think you can you do me a favor?”

“Of course,” he nodded, sensing some sort of anxiety from you. He didn’t care what the favor was. If it helped you calm down, he’d do it. He opened the door for you. “Will you come in?”

“Thanks again,” you said, as he followed you in.

“It is no problem, darling,” he replied, brow furrowing a little at your perpetuating nervousness. “What may I help you with?”

“See, so you know I’ve been painting a lot recently, right? Well, I ran out canvases and Tony says I can’t paint on the walls. This is probably kind of stupid, but can I paint on you? Like just on your back?”

“Is that all?” he chuckled. “Of course you can. It would be my honor to be of service.”

Loki felt a light blush coat his cheeks as he took off everything covering his top half. At least you were busy setting up your paints, so he didn’t think you noticed. Sitting down with his back to you, he kept his face turned down just to be sure you didn’t see. Still, he knew the exact moment you realized your plan involved him being half-naked because you let out a little squeak. He would have laughed if he wasn’t so flustered himself.

Loki held as still as possible as you rested your hand on his shoulder and began to paint, the strokes of your brush on his skin tickling a little. Eventually he calmed down and relaxed a bit, though he was still hyper-aware of every time your skin made contact with his.

“Hey, Loki?” you hummed after a while of companionable silence with some small chitchat sprinkled in.

“Yes, darling?”

“Just... thank you so much for doing this. Even if you don’t, err, like the finished product, I still really appreciate it.”

“Of course, darling. It is no trouble, really,” he promised. “Anyway, I shall love whatever masterpiece you create.”

“M-masterpiece? You really mean all that?” you squeaked out in flattered surprise.

“Naturally. After all, it is made by you. How can it be anything less that wholly amazing? I love everything you do,” he sighed in content. “I love you.”

Loki’s eyes suddenly went wide once he realized what he’d just confessed to. Darn you always being on his mind and making him feel all soft and squishy inside. But more importantly, darn him for not having a grip on his emotions and his mouth. And now he was going to lose you, his best friend. He would have stood up and pulled away, but you were still painting, and he didn’t want to ruin it.

“I-I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expect that,” you giggled. “But I love you, too.”

“No, darling. You do not have to say that to make me feel better,” he reassured you. “Truly, we can just forget the whole thing if you like.”

“Loki, I’m not faking it, I swear. And I can prove it,” you said, stepping back and taking one final look at your handiwork.

Taking Loki by the hand, you led him to the full-length mirror he kept on his wall. He craned his head to look at his now colorful back reflected at him. You’d painted a heart in his colors, with a few sunflowers around the border and his helmet in the center. At the bottom were words that made his heart stutter. Even though they were reflected backward, he could read them. My beloved. You’d written, “my beloved”. That was him. He could hardly fathom it, but a huge smile spread across his perfect pink lips.

“Believe me now?” you shyly looked up at him.

“Yes, my clever darling,” he replied, realizing this had been your plan all along. Seems like you were just as shy as he was. “I do.”

With an impossibly wide grin, a perfect match to his, overtaking your own features, you cupped his face and brought him in for a kiss. As you both stood there, sealing your confessions with locked lips, Loki didn’t even care that he’d have to listen to Thor gloating about how right he was for the rest of his life. No, that didn’t matter now. In fact, the rest of the world and his problems drifted away, as the only thing that mattered was you. Because if he had the honor to be your beloved, he most certainly knew you would want to be his too.

261 notes · View notes

villainousshakespeare · 3 years

Text

Bobby’s Playdate Part 3

Part 1, Part 2

The pandemic is keeping Tom idling in London by himself. One positive is that wearing the mask helps him avoid recognition, allowing him to wander in the park with his dog, Bobby. On one of their walks, Bobby becomes smitten with a dog named Lulu and Tom is equally enchanted by her human. Can the Hiddleston men manage to find a way to see the lovely ladies again?

Tom Hiddleston/OFC

Chapter 2 of4

Rated M - Pandemic, Fluff, Quarantine, Masks, Adorable Puppies, Meet Cute, Fourth and Final Part Will Contain Smut

@yespolkadotkitty @just-the-hiddles @hopelessromanticspoonie @wine-and-whines @arch-venus25 @caffiend-queen @devilish–doll @enchantedbyhiddles @hiddlesholic @i-do-not-fangirl-i-fanwoman @kellatron55 @ladyoftheteaandblood @latent-thoughts @gorgeous1974 @maryxglz @myoxisbroken @nuggsmum @nildespirandum @pedeka @redfoxwritesstuff @sinfully-lustful-darling @vodka-and-some-sass @wrathkitty @kingtwhiddleston @wolfsmom1 @poetic-fiasco @shiningloki @dangertoozmanykids101 @bookworm-christina @thecutestlittlebunbunfairy @amwolowicz @delightfulheartdream @frostbitten-written @what-a-flammable-heart @tom-hlover @nonsensicalobsessions @myraiswack @loki-yoursaviourishere, from-hel-i-with-love, @sweetsigyn, @fictiondoesitbetter, @ms-cellanies @evieplease @viviennes-tears @turniptitaness @cynic-spirit @spooky1980 @ghostypau @viviennes-tears @lady-loki-ren @loki-laufeyson965 @ohhhhmarkiloosecontrol @ghostypau @queeftheif @mousee555 @isimpforeveryonee @preferredrealty

He was being a right arse, and what was worse he knew it.

Tom grimaced as he stirred his bolognaise sauce. So, she knew who he was, and had all along – what did that really change? Why did it make him so uncomfortable that she hadn’t said anything? After all, he had known as well and he certainly hadn’t brought it up. Was he upset that she had known and hadn’t fawned all over him? Could he really be that shallow? He had liked that she was just herself, allowing him to be himself as well. What was it then that was bothering him?

The timer rang for the pasta and he reached over to grab the oven mitt that usually hung by his stove and grimaced. Of course, he had put it away in the closet because it had a big, red Avengers logo on it. All of that running around he had done, stressing out Bobby and working up a sweat, and it had all been entirely pointless. He felt like the biggest idiot of all time.

Which was the problem, of course. Tom was used to being multiple steps ahead of everyone. He wasn’t conceited about it, well, not exactly, but he was quite often the smartest person in the room. He credited his teachers and a topnotch education, as well as his family of course, more than his own keen powers of observation. He had simply been taught from a young age how to think. It was an invaluable tool as an actor. It also meant that he was often left waiting for others to catch up. He was not, decidedly not, used to being the one feeling foolish for being wrong.

Yup. He was a complete and total arse.

Here he had a beautiful woman in his home, when he had begun to despair of such a thing ever being allowed again, much less happening. She was smart, charming, funny, and kind enough to realize that being a celebrity must be exhausting and discussing it could get tedious. And how had he repaid her for her consideration? By running out of the room and leaving her doubtless wondering at his manners, if not his sanity.

Tom dipped a spoon in and tasted the sauce. This had better be the best meal he had ever made if he wanted to make up for the mess he had made of things so far!

“Everything okay in here?” Leia’s voice asked from the kitchen doorway as Tom was using a tea towel to carry the pasta pot to the strainer in the sink.

“Aside from you spending the evening with a complete prat, everything is fine,” he said with a self-depreciating laugh.

“You know, there are things called oven mitts,” she grinned at him. “Maybe we should go online and order you some.”

“I have them,” he sighed. “I put them away for tonight.”

“So you could experiment with first degree burns? Is that research for a role or something?”

“They were… branded.”

“Like a cow?” she blinked at him.

“No… like Marvel. Avengers branded. So, I hid them.”

“Tom,” Leia was obviously trying to hide a grin that tugged at the edges of her mouth, “did you hide all your movie memorabilia before I came over? Is that why your house looks like the display room from an upscale furniture store rather than a lived-in home?”

“Maybe,” he mumbled, face turning red as he looked back at the stove.

“That must have been a lot of work. How long did it take you?”

“Most of the day. What are you doing?” he asked at the strange contortions her face was making.

“Trying to visualize the reverse scavenger hunt. Hold on…” she scrunched up her nose and he could see her picturing his lunacy in her mind. “Okay, that was fun!”

“Glad I could amuse you,” he grumbled.

“As every good host would be!” she grinned at him. “And then Lulu went and ruined it by digging up the Loki toy. Well, leave it to the Trickster God to upset the best laid plans. But really, is it such a big deal that I know?”

Tom closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. She really was being sweet about the whole fiasco of his running into the house. Perhaps, if he could regain some of his own composure, it didn’t have to be the biggest fumble in the history of first dates. He just had to take a cue from her and try to find the situation amusing rather than humiliating.

“It is not,” he said at last. “Thank you for taking it all so well. Now, dinner is almost ready, I just need to put it on the plates.”

“My I use the loo then?” she asked.

“Of course. Second door on your right.”

“Thanks. I’ll meet you back outside. Oh, and be careful – Lulu may look innocent, but she will steal any food off your plate if you turn your back on her!”

“Wonderful, then she and Bobby will have even more to bond over,” he remarked, rolling his eyes.

“Between the two of them we’ll be lucky if there’s any food left for us.”

“Good thing I made extra then.”

“Oh, before I go – there are still hand towels in the bathroom, right? They didn’t get squirreled away for having horns on them or something?”

“No, the hand towels are purely Only Lovers Left Alive, and I assumed that was enough of a deep dive to keep any but the most ardent fan in the dark.”

“You’d be surprised, people love a good vampire flick!” she teased, as she headed off down the hall.

Tom took another steadying breath. So, she not only knew of him from the Avengers franchise, and from the London stage, but she had seen at least one of his indie films as well. Which meant, he suddenly realized, that she had seen more of him than he had realized. Squirming a bit, he plated the food and carried it outside. He would be sure not to bring up high rise, he decided. He had heard rumors about people pausing the playback on a certain scene, and he preferred to stay in the dark about her exposure to that.

By the time Leia joined him out at the table, Tom had managed to calm down a bit. He would have needed to tell her about his job eventually any way; at least now he could enjoy the rest of the evening without the fear of her reaction hanging over his head. The food had served up nicely, and he poured a friendly serving of wine into each of their glasses. Bobby and Lulu were already sniffing around at his feet, hoping for clumsy hands to drop offerings to their greedy mouths.

“Back off you two hellions,” he told them good naturedly. “Haven’t you already done enough damage tonight to the possibility of my getting a second date?”

***

Leia froze in the doorway, eyes going large. Had she heard that right? Had Tom just used the word date to describe the evening?

She had hoped it was a date, of course. She had even called it one to herself and her dog as she was getting ready. Still, she had not quite been able to convince herself that it was anything more than what he had sold it as – a playdate opportunity for their canine companions. After all, a handsome, charming, world famous movie star such as him could date anyone. Why would he want to be with her when the entire glamourous world was his for the taking?

Looking down, she realized that her hands were shaking. His befuddlement at the discovery of his identity had been charmingly adorable, and it had the wonderful side affect of allowing her to feel less awkward herself to see him so out to sea. It gave her back a modicum of power. That was gone now with one word from him that she was not even meant to hear.

“Oh, hi!” he smiled, seeing her in the door and standing up like the perfect gentleman he was despite their outside, casual location. “Dinner’s served.”

“It smells divine,” she told him, and rolled her eyes inwardly at the gushing word.

“Well, I am a God you know,” he smirked, and then blushed and looked embarrassed.

What was happening? They had been so comfortable outside in the park! Just two regular adults enjoying each other’s company and the relatively fresh air of suburban London. Now though, now that she knew he meant it as a date, and he knew she knew he was an actor it was all awkward.

“So, do you have any mischief in mind for tonight?” she asked.

“I suppose that depends on how the night goes,” he gave her a devastating wink.

Wait, was he flirting with her now? Ack! She didn’t know what to think, but her body certainly responded to that comment. Wanting a distraction, she shoved a forkful of pasta in her mouth and let out an involuntary moan of pleasure at the delicious taste.

“Is it okay?” he asked, despite her clear approval of his efforts.

“It’s amazing!” she told him, as soon as her mouth was empty. “Jesus Tom, on top of everything else you can cook too?”

“Eh heh heh heh,” he laughed, obviously delighted. “I’m afraid I am full of flaws, but I will do my best to hide them from you for as long as possible. I’m glad you like it.”

“You’ll have to give me the recipe!” she demanded, taking a long drink of the wine that paired perfectly with it.

“Ah no. If I do that, what incentive will there be for you to come back?”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” she looked up at him over her wine glass. “After all, Lulu is having such a good time, she would never forgive me if I deprived her of more free time with Bobby.”

“Right. Yes. Lulu and Bobby.”

“It’s why we’re here, after all,” she shrugged, not knowing why she was pushing it so hard.

“Oh, I almost forgot!”

Tom shot out of his chair, startling the dogs who both started yipping in irritation. He jogged into the house, and a moment later came out with a beat’s pill speaker in hand. Placing it on the table, he fiddled with it until music straight out of a café in Venice started crooning out of it.

“The perfect final touch!” he said proudly.

“I can almost see the canal in the distance!” she told him with a laugh.

“I would pole you out, but I’m afraid my boat is not handy.”

He suddenly blushed again, and Leia had a quick flash of where his mind had gone. They both turned crimson and occupied themselves with the food for a few minutes in charged silence.

Leia could feel the tension sparking between them, but she had no idea how to act upon it. She could not think of any time in her past where she had been in a similar situation. How could she have been, when she had never met a man in her life like the one sitting across from her.

The song switched to a slower song, still Italian, and she noticed that Tom was tapping his fork against his plate in rhythm with it. He noticed her gaze and chuckled, eyes twinkling.

“You should see me with spoons,” he told her.

A moment later, he was on his feet again (really, he seemed incapable of sitting still tonight) and placing his napkin on his chair. Holding out one hand to her he raised his eyebrows in question.

“May I have this dance?”

As Leia hesitated, he face fell. Stepping back, Tom put his hands behind his back and dropped his head apologetically.

“I am so sorry,” he rushed to say. “I completely forgot. Of course, we are in the middle of a pandemic. The last thing we should be doing is dancing. Hands touching, standing close together. I am so, so sorry.”

“Tom, Tom!” Leia interrupted his contrition. “Stop apologizing! If I was concerned about catching the virus from you, I wouldn’t be eating the food you cooked! We both got tested, remember?”

“Are you sure, because you didn’t look –“

“I was worried about crushing your feet,” she admitted, stepping towards him. “I am not exactly what you would call graceful.”

“Well, I am hardly Baryshnikov,” he demurred. “But if you’ll allow me…”

He offered his hand again, and this time Leia took it. It was the first time they had touched, and she almost jumped at the spark that passed from his fingers to hers. His grip was firm, and he drew her in so that she was held firm against his chest. His other arm came around to rest his hand on her lower back, and she had to remind herself to breath as she was held in his embrace.

“Look at me,” he said as she obeyed instantly. In part it was because it was what she wanted to do, but it was also a reaction to the note of command in his voice. Even though it was soft, there was a note in it that was to be obeyed. “Good girl.”

As he led her around the little yard in what she realized was a waltz, Leia felt her last bit of restraint melting away. She wanted this man desperately and there was no denying it. His hips moving against her, his hand burning a hole through her dress, his low singing along with the song, it all had her ready to drop to her knees and beg him to take her.

“I love dancing,” he said, stating the obvious. “Especially with the right partner.”

“Sorry you’re missing that,” she tried for humor.

“Quite the contrary,” he didn’t rise to the bait, looking her straight in the eye and keeping his voice serious. “I can think of no one else I would rather be dancing with. You must know that you are all that has made the last month bearable. I look forward to our afternoon walks more than I can say.”

“Me too,” she whispered, tongue swiping over her lips. She saw his eyes flicker to them and then return to hers slightly darker.

Her breath caught and she was certain that he was going to kiss her when a loud crashing noise brought them both up short. Spinning around, they saw Tom’s plate laying on the ground, Lulu and Bobby shamelessly sharing the spoils of their raid like a modern day Lady and Tramp.

“Bobby! Bad dog!” Tom barked, advancing on them.

“Oh, Lulu! You naughty girl!” Leia scolded at the same time.

As Tom advanced on them, the dogs took off in the direction of the tree, trailing sauce in their wake. Tom stomped after them, eyes narrowed while Leia picked up the plate and mopped up some of the mess with his napkin.

“Bobby, stay!” Tom snapped, snapping his fingers.

Bobby dropped to his haunches with a whimper while Lulu headed back towards Leia and the remaining food.

“You too, sit girl!”

He snapped again and Leia, on sheer instinct, set the plate down with a clatter and sat on the chair, hands folding in her lap and eyes looking up towards him, Lulu sitting at her feet.

Tom’s face, facing her, went completely still for one long moment. Leia could feel a nervous energy rise in her stomach until a slow, Cheshire cat smile spread across his face. The dogs forgotten, he looked at her with a sparking intensity that made her weak as he crossed to where she sat.

“Well,” he drawled, “isn’t that interesting.”

#Tom Hiddelston #tom hiddleston rpf #tom hiddleston fanfiction #Tom Hiddleston/OFC #bobby hiddleston #Bobby is the best wingman!#pandemic #quarantine #dating during covid #falling in love #fluff #mild angst #flirting #Tom is ridiculous #puppy love #Bobby's Playdate #romance #bolognaise #dancing

139 notes · View notes

cobra-diamond · 4 years

Text

The East Asian Origins of the Fire Nation and Its Villains

Introduction

Over the years, many volumes of fandom blood have been spilled from discussions concerning the Fire Nation’s main villains, Ozai and Azula. Paralleling this have been arguments over their relationships with Zuko, Iroh, Ursa, Mai, Ty Lee, with each other, even with themselves. Since Ozai and Azula are the figureheads of the Fire Nation that Zuko must peacefully restore the honor of, it is worthwhile understanding why people “like them” are considered proper leaders of the current Fire Nation.

Most of these discussions have sought to create “theories” that explain these characters as exclusively combinations of mental illness, personality disorders and various emotional traumas.

A couple examples of these discussions are the essays “Azula, the Embodiment of Jealousy and Neglect,” and “Three Pillars Theory of Azula.” These two essays are just examples, but they capture the widespread strategy the fandom has employed in trying to understand the motivations and goals of Ozai and Azula and their various relationships with the other characters. In addition, the shouting matches between Azula “fans” and “haters” also illustrates these discussions. Since the franchise has yielded so few hard answers, these importance of these discussions has not waned.

What these discussions focus on, as represented by those essays, are the characters’ apparent emotional problems, theoretical moral compasses and perceived inadequacies in the eyes of their families. Typically, the “lens” these discussions view these villains through is one that tries to relate them to present day spousal and domestic abuse narratives, namely as being both “abuser” and “victim” in a cycle of abuse that can be related to the modern, real world.

What these conversations do not provide are adequate explanations for how the historical, political, military and cultural aspects of the Fire Nation molded these military leaders. You would think that people with “Lord” and “Princess” in their names, who train daily for warfare and hand-to-hand combat, would make their responsibilities take center stage in their lives.

While there is a place for “nitty gritty” psychological examinations for understanding certain behaviors, trying to depict the Fire Nation villains as purely allegories of modern day domestic abusers, empathy deficient bullies and people afflicted by personality disorders eliminates Avatar’s most unique and defining characteristic: its East Asian origins.

You don’t need beautiful animation, martial arts-styled bending and immersion in a fantasy world to explain how families in the modern era can hurt their children for petty reasons. We have that in our own lives. We have friends and families who have experienced that. It can be addressed in any other setting. It can be addressed in Avatar but it doesn’t need Avatar to address it.

What we don’t experience in our modern lives is ancient China 2000 years ago, or feudal Japan after the takeover of the Tokugawa Shogun, or religious monks living in their temples in the mountains untouched by the modern world, and so on.

The setting of Avatar is one of both beauty and relative detachment from the real (and modern) world, but it is one that is based on a period of history and human civilization that most of Avatar’s audience (North America and Europe) have little exposure to. If the characters’ motivations are too detached from the fictional world in which they live (i.e. by ignoring the historical, political, military and cultural context), then you begin to lose the world’s depth. At the same time, if their motivations are too connected to the present world, then all Avatar is is a visual motif of ancient East Asia.

By seeking to explain the Fire Nation villains as embodiments of modern psychology’s understanding of “bad” people, you erase the opportunity to apply East Asia’s very real history of warfare, monarchical domination and oppressive cultures to a fictional world that is trying to say something about that warfare, monarchical domination and oppressive cultures. Note that the show did in fact achieve this with the Dai Lee’s corruption and manipulation of the Earth King; it depicted loosely the very real occurrence of Chinese Emperors being “kept in the dark” by their advisors so as not to interfere with the “real” governing of the states.

If your goal is to view Avatar purely as an allegory for modern dysfunctional relationships and domestic abuse, you lose Avatar’s uniqueness as a fictional dive into an East Asian-inspired world, especially one that is ravaged by warfare and feudalism.

In this article, I describe an alternative model for understanding the Fire Nation’s culture and history, and how its politics and military molded its heroes and villains.

What We Know and Might Know

In order to fill the gaps in our knowledge of the Fire Nation, we first have to understand what is both known about the Fire Nation and what can be reasonably presumed about it.

First, what do we know about the Fire Nation?

1. The Fire Nation is an archipelago with a history spanning thousands of years.

2. The Fire Nation was originally the “Fire Islands” and was not initially governed by a central power.

3. The Fire Islands had a unified cultural and religious authority in the form of the “Fire Sages”.

4. Eventually, the Fire Islands were unified by a single power—the “Imperial Government”—and afterward became known as the “Fire Nation”.

5. The Imperial Government is headed by a supreme ruler: the “Fire Lord”.

6. The Fire Lord is a hereditary monarch whose family is considered the “Royal Family”, both of which are separate entities from the Fire Sages.

7. The Fire Sages remain a distinct entity from the Imperial Government.

8. Both the Fire Lord and Royal Family are military and administrative rulers.

9. The Fire Lord and their Royal Family are not sacred and everlasting; their power can be “challenged” by rival leaders.

10. Fire Lords are expected to “show their worth” and be competent fighters in their own right; prowess in military arts and control of subordinates are valued traits.

11. Agni Kais are a longstanding component of Fire Nation culture.

12. The Fire Nation experienced an “unprecedented time of peace and wealth” during the era of the Fire Nation, not during the era Fire Islands.

Next, what can be reasonably presumed given what we know?

Something necessitated the Fire Islands becoming unified, but this unification did not result in the Fire Sages taking power, nor did it yield a peaceful, democratic government.

The Imperial Government that resulted from this unification is rooted in military control and maintaining the fealty of its subjects; in Avatar and the Fire Lord, Sozin put on his “ruler persona” to Roku initially before acting friendly, only later to demand loyalty from him as if Roku was any other subject.

The culture of the Fire Nation values strength and bravery from its firebenders, as explained in an official description of Agni Kais. Presumably, the Agni Kai predates the era of the Fire Lord and has been used to settle disputes of various kinds. This could be interpreted as a “non-destructive” means of avoiding war and greater loss of life given how easily firebenders could wreak havoc to wooden buildings and crops (among other flammable components of society). Since nobody recognized Zuko on Ember Island in The Beach, despite his obvious scar, severe scars from burns must be common enough in the Fire Nation that a teen boy having one on his face is not horrifying nor particularly unattractive.

Presumably, the Fire Nation/Fire Islands used to hold its religion and spiritual ties in higher regard, but Sozin’s start of the war required this aspect of the Fire Nation to be suppressed, as implied by dragon hunting and the divided loyalties of the Fire Sages at Roku’s temple, and the fact that various generals and admirals have defected. At the same time, vast enough swaths of the country and its leadership did follow Sozin’s path, considering that he and his family remained in power for over a hundred years. If Fire Lords can have their power challenged, then either nobody tried to stop Sozin, or they were defeated. Azula’s comment about “rumors of plans to overthrow him (Ozai)” in The Avatar State implies betrayal of the Royal Family is not a dormant threat. Though she was technically lying, it must have been a credible lie since neither Iroh and Zuko thought it was preposterous; his brother being “regretful” is what puzzled Iroh, not that there would be plots against the Fire Lord.

Notably, the Fire Lord’s throne room changed between the start of the war and the present day. Prior to Sozin, it did not have the imposing wall of flame as it does now. Certainly it had to be rebuilt after Roku destroyed it, but the wall of flame is much more imposing than the old.

The Fire Sages still pay a role in the Fire Nation, but this role is not known. Presumably, they play some part in the succession of the Fire Lord since they preside over coronation. Perhaps the relationship between the Fire Lord and Fire Sages is similar to the relationship between the Japanese Emperor and the Shoguns, where the Shoguns held the true power in the country (military and administrative) whereas the Emperor maintained a facade of power as a cultural and religious symbol. What is known about the Fire Sages is that they have a temple in the capital and are divided between their loyalties to the Avatar and the Fire Lord.

Finally, the Imperial Government’s capital is located in an isolated, fortified city inside a volcano’s caldera, where coming-and-going is strictly controlled. The city is large, full of nobility, physically disconnected from the external port city (versus directly being the hub of economic activity) and contains numerous underground bunkers.

Why would the Capital require such extensive bunkers and fortifications? Presumably because the Fire Lord and Royal Family can be “challenged” and the bunkers are a defense mechanism against both external and internal threats. The Fire Nation did have a “darkest day” tied to solar eclipses, which suggests that the loss of firebending had profound military consequences. Whatever the reasons, the Imperial Government is so concerned about its survival that it has constructed massive fortifications around its capital, implying that warfare is a major concern.

Areas of Confusion

But what does all of this mean?

Was the Fire Nation previously peace-loving and compassionate while Sozin is responsible for all of its “evils”?

Have Agni Kais been performed for centuries and so Zuko being challenged to one was neither unusual nor particularly grotesque for the Fire Nation’s culture?

Did Sozin face massive opposition to starting the war or was everyone humbly obedient to the Fire Lord?

How is a Fire Lord’s rule challenged?

Why wasn’t Sozin overthrown if he had to “impose” the war upon the country?

Why did the Fire Lord come to existence in the first place?

Why has the Imperial Government not been replaced by the Fire Sages?

Why does the Fire Nation need a national government?

What is a more compelling explanation for the Fire Nation’s villains other than mental illness and personality disorders?

As it turns out, there is a way to understand the Fire Nation that adequately fills in the gaps, explains its heroes and villains and provides a lesson on East Asian history.

A Brief History of Ancient Japan’s Unification

The islands of Japan have been populated for tens of thousands of years, but the “modern” era of warlords and emperors did not begun until the past 1500 years or so. While the Japanese people were not united under a single state, there was an “Emperor” who was believed to have been descended from a goddess. Despite this first emperor having control over a certain portion of Japan, it did not take long until the country split into separate feudal states.

While the Emperor never went away, their power over the country waned. The real power in Japan laid in the hands of the various feudal lords (daimyo), who used their armies to defend their territories and capture new ones from other lords.

Since the Emperor represented a shared cultural connection among the people, their power was not completely absent. In the earlier parts of history, before the Emperor became completely subordinated, the Emperor would appoint a Seii Taishōgun, or supreme commander, of the Emperor’s armies. Eventually, this “supreme commander” became the actual ruler of the Japan since they controlled the military. By appointing them “shogun” they more or less had the public approval of the Emperor despite the Emperor not actually being able to control them.

Various shoguns came and went, but through it all were the daimyo using their samurai to battle for control of the country. Ruthlessness and murder were common. Building alliances only to later betray them were often wise tactics. For a thousand years, the rulers of Japan lived by the sword, died by the sword and used it to maintain their power. Things got particularly bad during the Sengoku Period, which is considered the “Warring States” period of Japan. That tells you all you need to know.

It was during this time that one of these feudal lords rose to power, a man named Tokugawa Ieyasu (first name Ieyasu, last name Tokugawa). Using a combination of political tact, military genius and European steel breast armor, he defeated all other daimyo during the Azuchi–Momoyama period and installed himself as the shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This marked the end of over a thousand years of continuous violence and social turmoil in Japan.

The Tokugawa Shogunate represented Japan’s first unified national government. The country’s existing daimyo were placed under strict control to ensure they did not rebel. The military was nationalized and the existing feudal governments rearranged to ensure centralized control by the Shogun in his capital at Edo. Notably, Edo became modern day Tokyo.

National laws were written, along with cultural and religious standards to ensure social cohesiveness, stability and control. The economies of Japan also flourished, especially in the cities. A consequence of the Tokugawa Shogunate, however, was closing off Japan to the outside world. The Shogun wanted to ensure their rule and control of the populace. Allowing other countries to influence them and provide assistance to competing powers within the country was viewed as destabilizing.

A particularly unique aspect of the Tokugawa’s politic strategy was requiring the daimyos’ families to live in the capital while the daimyo themselves had to go back and forth between their homes in their territory (called a domain) and their homes in the capital every other year. The Shogun essentially held the daimyos’ families hostage to ensure they would not rebel or work against him, although they lived in the comfort and relative freedom of a modern city, not as actual prisoners.

Another tactic the Shogun utilized to quell rebellion was to keep careful control of who entered the city of Edo and its surroundings. Guards were at all entrances and major roads and registries were kept of all people. Essentially, if you weren’t suppose to be somewhere, you weren’t allowed to be there.

Bushdio also developed during this period as way of controlling the warrior class, and was much more complicated than most Western depictions. With war and feudal fighting no longer a constant threat, the samurai class became enforces for the new government. Naturally, the Shogun was particularly interested in controlling them.

Control is a common theme of the Tokugawa Shogun’s government.

The Tokugawa Period was one of peace and stability, prosperity and enjoyment of the arts, but Ieyasu Tokugawa was not a nice person. He hunted down and executed the families of rival clans, including kids, during the takeover. He held families hostage and made sure his subordinates feared him and never stepped out of line. He enacted strict laws to control the populace and made sure no one could challenge him and his government’s reign. And it worked. Japan did not experience another war until the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate 278 years later, when the Emperor regained control and ended the era of isolationism. There’s a reason why modern day Japan doesn’t view this period with derision and loathing; given the context of the time, it was a proud moment for a region racked by warfare and division.

A pattern is beginning to emerge: an island nation ruled by feuding lords with no central power to direct them; a religious and cultural figure with no real power; a period of intense warfare and turmoil followed by a lasting period of unification and prosperity; a powerful central government headed by a hereditary monarch who took power using ruthlessness and military might; a hereditary monarch who rules through fear and demands fealty; a capital city with strict control of who comes and goes.

Themes of control and subordination from a central power.

This is sounds very familiar.

The Military and Political History of the Fire Nation

The history of ancient Japan provides a real-world model for understanding the origins of the Fire Nation’s Imperial Government, the Fire Lord and why they rule through fear and military domination. Keep in mind that the Fire Nation is not Japan, but warfare, centralized control and a desire for peace and stability are universal. Ancient Japan’s experience with feudalism, warfare and the eventual peace that came from having a competent central authority can go a long way in applying Avatar’s “East Asian origins” to the Fire Nation and its villains and heroes.

Using the rise of the Tokugawa Shogunate as a template, the history of the Fire Nation looks like this:

The Fire Islands were ruled by various feudal lords. These feudal lords engaged in warfare with each other as they vied for ever increasing control. Firebending was the primary source of these lords’ military might. The Fire Sages were recognized as spiritual and religious leaders by the Fire Islands people, but they did not have the practical power necessary to enforce peace upon the lands.

At the same time, firebending was recognized as being fundamental to the influence of the Fire Sages and the power of the feudal lords. Since fire can destroy houses, burn fields, melt iron and lay waste to non-bending armies, whoever can control and weaponize firebending for their own purposes will attain the most power. On the other hand, this also makes warfare particularly destructive as even small rebellions could lay waste to cities given how much fire a single firebender can unleash.

At some point, in order to put a stop to the fighting, a central authority came to power, either as one of those warlords or a Fire Sage acquiring enough military and political power. Maybe an avatar helped them. Without a doubt, military might had to have played a role in ending the “Warring States” period of the Fire Islands.

In order to make sure the Fire Islands did not fall back into fighting and remained peaceful and stable, this new central authority created a sweeping national government to control them. Thus are the beginnings of the Fire Lord and Imperial Government.

Because the Fire Nation is full of people with ”desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want” (in the words of Uncle Iroh), the destructive capacity inherent to a nation full of firebenders must be kept under strict control; if the goal is to create a prosperous, flourishing society, you cannot allow it to be destroyed periodically by walking flamethrowers.

As a result, the Imperial Government is not a “friendly” entity. It controls the nobility and lords who act as the local “vassals” in their home territories; it amasses a large, overwhelming military to quash any attempts at rebellion, and to send a clear message to its people to not even try; it uses fear and threats of violence to control the people who might feel the “drive and willpower” to try their hand at acquiring wealth and power through force.

The Agni Kai exists as a means of settling conflict without the destructive consequences of firebending. Perhaps a Fire Lord enacted this to further tamp down on firebenders’ destructive tendencies. It may also be an example of how the Fire Nation’s “warrior class” handles internal disputes in a similar manner as bushido.

Bravery, ferocity and a willingness to fight are valued in the leadership of the country because the Imperial Government is supposed to be a military entity first; how can the Fire Lord, their family and government inspire fear in the people if the people don’t believe they will be crushed if they step out of line?

At the same time, since the Fire Nation is much smaller than the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Lord must ensure they can defend the Fire Nation from invasion; you need a large, devoted, competent military to go up against an enemy multiple times your size.

In order to further control the country, the Fire Lord requires the families of the lords and nobility to live in the closed-off, guarded capital inside the caldera in a similar manner as the Tokugawa Shogunate required. This is why the capital is so guarded and closed-off, yet beautiful and comfortable; it is both a defensive measure for the administrative officials and a means of holding the nobility “hostage”.

The Fire Lord and Royal Family views themselves as presiding over, and maintaining the peace and stability of the Fire Nation. Their responsibility is to ensure that the peaceful Fire Nation does not fall back into the chaotic Fire Islands. Being nice and democratic is not their means of achieving this; making sure everybody subordinates themselves to the Imperial Government is.

After hundreds of years of peace and an unprecedented era of prosperity, the Fire Nation began to lose its internal enemies. The lords and nobility were under full control. The Imperial Government was vast and efficient. Nobody was trying to invade the Fire Nation. Everyone was happy and proud of their culture and government.

This allowed Sozin to begin looking outward. Using the all-powerful Imperial Government apparatus developed over the centuries, plus the sweeping loyalty to it ingrained into the public, he was able to get the country to go to war against the world. The militarism inherent to the Fire Nation’s leadership was not crafted out of whole cloth but simply cranked up and sent down a dark path.

The military being so willing to go along with it was because of their inherent loyalty to the Imperial Government and their culture of aggression and lust for battle necessary for warriors. This is actually where the 20th century Imperial Japan connections come in, but that’s a separate topic.

In summary, the Fire Lord and Royal Family view themselves as stewards of the peace and order of the Fire Nation. They see their responsibility as doing whatever it takes to prevent the “bad old days” from returning and that the Fire Nation is never weakened by foreign invaders. They rule through coercion and fear in order to ensure a country full of people who can shoot fire out of their hands remain subservient to the Imperial Government’s will. They embrace a culture of fighting because their primary goal is to prevent fighting by deterring those who might want to try.

An Alternate View of the Fire Nation’s Villains

Viewing the Fire Nation’s culture, government and leadership through the lens of Japanese history paints a more coherent picture of the Fire Nation’s villains, versus the M.C. Escher-like theories that result from focusing entirely on mental illness and personality disorders.

Look at it like this: the Fire Lord demands fealty and obedience from the people yet Azula’s emphasis on controlling people through fear is a result of Freudian Excuses and personality disorders?

No way.

Ruling through fear and coercion is necessary from the viewpoint of a soldier-princess who is supposed to command obedience from subjects, or else.

Agni Kais are expected events in Fire Nation culture, so common that child-Zuko is perfectly happy to face the general over mere “disrespect”, but the Fire Lord challenging his son to one is uniquely out of line? It’s awful, I mean, really awful, but it’s not out of line and it says a lot about the ingrained culture of the Fire Nation; Ozai didn’t think it would be viewed as shameful by everyone watching. Keep in mind that the tale of the 47 Ronin started with one member of the nobility insulting the other (essentially) and being asked to commit suicide simply for drawing a weapon inside Edo Castle (strictly forbidden). If Ozai can have his power challenged as any other Fire Lord can, then nobody was willing to oppose him because everyone else supported him.

Iroh spends a lifetime invading the Earth Kingdom, no doubt killing tens of thousands, and he can joke about burning Ba Sing Se to the ground? Of course he can, because it’s what Fire Nation generals do and part of the terrible culture that must be changed, as horrible as it was. The prince-general is supposed to be a military leader and enjoy what he does. He better not be squeamish.

Zuko is expected to be “loved and adored” for having firebending talent, courtly manners (to quote official descriptions of Azula) and intelligence in a similar fashion as his prodigal, early-blooming sister? Yes, because she bloomed early as the type of princess the nobility and leadership want and expect. It’s unfortunate they were so hard on Zuko, but now we know why he wasn’t “adored” like his sister; she was what others wanted Zuko to be.

Ty Lee is strong-armed by Azula into leaving the life she loves, even having her life threatened, when Ty Lee is a family member of the nobility that the Imperial Government seeks to control? Of course she is strong-armed. Can you really imagine this scenario playing out:

Those lines are taken from the show. Sounds a lot different, doesn’t it? Ignore the smirking and smugness for a moment and think about what is actually happening: a supreme military leader and heir to the throne is bullying a subordinate in order to get what they are entitled to; unwavering loyalty from a subject. Doesn’t make it good. Doesn’t make Ty Lee’s fear and loathing of Azula any less justified, but it puts it in a much more relevant context than vague theories of sadism and personality disorders. It also tells us something about the real ancient world: this how military rulers in East Asia’s history behaved and now you’re getting to see it in a fictional setting.

Fire Lord Azulon orders one of his sons to execute their son? That’s bad. Really bad. Did you also know that Ieyasu Tokugawa ordered his own son to commit suicide over suspicion he was conspiring against him? He didn’t want to but those were the wishes of the lord he was working with to win the war. That’s really bad too, and not shocking for the era, unfortunately. The leaders of the ancient world valued human life a lot less than people do now. It’s sad they didn’t value it more.

Manipulating subordinates (i.e. playing them off each other) and being ruthless were not frowned upon, but legitimate tactics. Murder and backstabbing were useful means of getting rid of an opposing leader. What mattered was winning, and the blood on your hands could simply be washed off, and if people didn’t like you for it? Well, were they in charge?

None of this is “good”. None of this is moral, or righteous, or anything close to how people should act in the modern era. However, these were not kleptocratic dictators like we see around the world today. These were legitimate administrative rulers by their day’s standards, and we (you and me) will never truly know what they were feeling when they woke up in the morning with the responsibilities of warfare and politicking.

We will never be able to completely relate to what these ancient leaders did. Do you know what it’s like to be the law in the land who can order people to commit suicide, and who will do it? Do you know what it’s like to prosecute a political and military war against multiple opponents across a vast country? Do you know what it’s like to manage an ancient authoritarian government after hundreds of years of warfare and chaos? None of us will, but that’s the kind of situation that a fictional country like the Fire Nation can take inspiration from, and should take inspiration from.

These were all very real problems of the ancient world and problems which Avatar, as a fictional work, can allow us to explore in the safety and comfort of not actually having to be there (and without having to open up huge history books).

Summary

The Fire Nation’s political and military history can be modeled on ancient Japan’s, in particular the rise of the Tokugawa Shogunate, where the Fire Lord represents the shogun and the Fire Sages the emperor.

The Fire Nation capital is both the head of the administration and home to the nobility’s families, who are held as hostages (in comfort) to prevent the various lords from rebelling.

The Royal Family and Imperial Government rules through fear and threats of force because they have to keep a country full of walking flamethrowers in line.

As military leaders who can have their power challenged, firebending talent and military prowess are highly valued and necessary for Fire Lords. At the same time, the rest of the country’s leadership wants leaders who appear worthy of that power and authority, hence those who have all the right qualities (Azula) are viewed in higher regard than those who have less (Zuko).

Azula’s emphasis on using “fear to control people” is not a psychological hang-up but a natural tactic of the Fire Lord, military, and Imperial Government to maintain obedience; as a teenager with limited life experience, she has internalized her role as a princess and warrior to the detriment of her personal relationships and emotional maturity (this is where the “child soldier” narrative has relevance).

Ozai represents the pinnacle of self-interest, authoritarianism and militarism that the combination of Sozin’s War and the longstanding nature of the Imperial Government have combined to create. In the ancient world, lords waged warfare for two reasons: to acquire power or pre-emptively wipe out rivals. Ozai wants power.

Ozai challenging Zuko to an Agni Kai is awful but not unusual, hence why he felt he could do it at all. Agni Kais are a fundamental aspect of conflict resolution in the Fire Nation, most likely because the Fire Nation’s leadership values bravery and a willingness to fight very highly. As Zuko was a prince and future leader of the warrior class, those values applied to him as well, but they got applied to him far too young (again, this is where the “child soldier” narrative has relevance).

And finally, by modeling the motivations of the Fire Nation’s villains and heroes on the military leaders of ancient Japan, you have the opportunity to learn about and critique that ancient society while also giving it a fictional flare.

As a final remark on applying the history of ancient Japan to the Fire Nation, the Tokugawa Shogunate ended when the Emperor forcibly took control of the Tokugawa government in order to end the forced isolationism. If ancient Japan hadn’t been pressured to adapt to more advanced European civilizations (say, if it existed in a vacuum) then the Tokugawa Shogunate might have continued to be the longest and most stable period in Japanese history; post-World War 2 Japan is only 70 years old while the Tokugawa Shogunate lasted for 278. When the Emperor wrested control of the country from the Shogunate, there was already enough peace, stability and government bureaucracy in place to lead a rapid transition of the country into modernity. That was the ultimate value of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

If the Fire Islands had not unified under a central authority, then they might have never industrialized so rapidly during that “unprecedented time of peace and prosperity” and may have eventually been conquered by the Earth Kingdom (should an EK conqueror have found a way of killing the Avatar, or taking advantage of their absence).

Conclusion

Think about ancient Japan for a moment. All of the warring lords. The conquest and ruthless political maneuvering. The ruling through fear and totalitarian control. What is a more reasonable explanation for the behavior of that society: mental illness and personality disorders, or universal concepts of ancient nation-building?

What makes more sense for furthering Avatar’s East Asian themes in terms of the Fire Nation: sociopathy, personality disorders, lack of fundamental human qualities, petty bullies and insecure abusers? Or universal concepts of ancient nation-building in the context of people who can shoot fire out of their hands?

Was Ieyasu Tokugawa suffering from a personality disorder? Was ancient Japan swimming with people who lacked fundamental human traits? That would be and absolutely extraordinary anomaly of human genetic variation.

When discussing the evils of the Fire Nation, you have to start with the in-world context that created them, and in order to understand that context, you have to apply some East Asian history. Why “decent” or “normal” people end up doing terrible things is a question as old as humanity itself and should not be erased from Avatar.

In order to understand why Ozai and Azula seem like “bad” people to us, it’s because the rulers of ancient Japan acted like bad people. Zuko can’t be soft and fumbling. Azula can’t let people say no to her. Iroh can’t abandon the siege with no consequences. Ozai can’t let Zuko refuse to fight. As bad as many of these things are, they are driven by the fact these people are the most powerful entities in their country and must show their fire-wielding subordinates that they deserve their power and should not be challenged. There is no room for weakness, only strength and competence.

When you resort to psychological theories or genetic anomalies to explain the Fire Nation’s villains, you erase the opportunities to tie the Fire Nation to critical elements of East Asian history, namely the rise and success of the Tokugawa Shogunate. By relating the main villains of Avatar to the very real “villains” of the ancient world, you preserve the East Asian themes that make Avatar unique and informative to a Western audience and help shed light on what drove them to be what they were.

#Avatar The Last Airbender #atla meta #fire nation #Azula #ozai #Zuko #iroh

1K notes · View notes

lettersnorth · 3 years

Photo

Given plenty of time to think after her long conversation with Ren, Aislinn came to the decision that it wasn't good for her to go on the way she had been. And more so, perhaps, she owed Cravendy an apology for the way she had acted. A realization that while certainly true, nevertheless left her dragging her feet on the actually doing anything about it. But one day she finally decided to grab the bull by the horns and made her way to Cravendy's room.

She stood outside the door for a good five minutes, staring hard at the wooden surface. To anyone passing by there was no doubt that she looked like it's very premise flummoxed her. But finally, swiftly, before she could change her mind, she raised her hand and knocked.

Cravendy walked up and down her room, opening drawers left and right. She left the place looking like a tornado had passed through, but that was the last thing on her mind. Where the hell did her hand plane go? Without it, her project would be brought to a standstill, and she needed to finish things by this weekend. The pile of unprocessed wood by the door looked awfully sad now.

The sound of someone rapping on the door shook her from her tunnel vision. Who could it be? But, with one foot caught in her woodshop and the other buried in a mound of papers, she opted to let the guest in with her voice. “Come in!”

The muffled voice passed through the door and left Aislinn blowing out a long breath before she made her way inside. Here, she paused, her eyes widening a bit in surprise. Clearly, this wasn't what she expected to find behind this door. It was...an actual living space. Warm and even a touch inviting. "Ah. Right." remembering herself, she closed the door behind her and spied Cravendy just over the tall counter. "Are you busy?" she asked. "I can come back later if you are." there may have been the slightest tinge of hopefulness coloring her words.

Cravendy‘s eyes widened at the sight of Lin, shyly hovering at her door. Not who she was expecting, though to be honest, she didn’t have any expectations to begin with. Cravs straightens her shoulders and, using the side of her foot, pushes floor papers off to the side. “Would be lyin’ if I said I wasn’t, but yer welcome to come in and enjoy a cup of...” She trails off. No tea. Just an unhealthily large collection of spirits and hot water, boiling dangerously close to a collection of flammable objects. “A cup of liquid.”

Cravendy spies her hand plane near Lin, and steps over to pick it up and return it to the woodshop. As she brushes past Lin, she casually waves it by her. “Ever used one of these?”

The horrible awkwardness that was plaguing Aislinn seemed forgotten in the light of Cravendy's offer. "Cup of..." she trailed off and pressed her lips into a flat line, fighting back her amusement. "Right. Ah. ..I'm all set on liquid. For the moment." But as the Seawolf waved the odd tool before her, Aislinn had to shake her head. "Sorry, no. I don't really have any experience with..." she followed the woman around the counter and spied the woodworking table. "carpentry?" she guessed. Then she gave the room another once over. "Though that does explain a few of the changes you've made."

Cravendy is suddenly and acutely aware of the bottles strewn all around her room. Cups still half full of rum, or sake, or whatever else she bought in a moment of weakness. She stepped between Lin and the mess in an attempt to block it from her view. Smooth.

“Carpentry the right word fer it. The things ye pick up when yer stuck on a wooden boat that ye got to fix, lest ye drown.” She let out a hearty laugh, and then got right to work smoothing out planks of wood with the tool. “So, somethin’ on yer mind? Not just ‘ere to gawp at a woman at work, are ye?”

She fell back a step as Cravendy slipped not-so-subtly between her and a collection of cups on a nearby table. If she thought it odd, she certainly didn't mention it. Instead, Aislinn moved down the length of the carpentry table to give the woman space to work. "No. ..that wasn't it." she murmured. Idly, she picked up a small carving tool from the table, turning it about in her hands and pulled a breath into her lungs. "I wanted to apologize. For the other day." she paused. "When I yelled at you." as if there was a need for clarification. "That. ..wasn't me. I mean, it was. But it shouldn't have been." She really was no good at words. Or speaking, apparently.

Eyes forward and hands behind her back, Cravendy covertly shoves the cups and bottles closer together in an effort to make the mess look smaller. Ceramic bangs against the table and glass falls - ultimately, she’s forced to turn around for a hot second to deal with it. With it finally taken care of, she clears her throat and returns to the woodworking bench.

“What? Oh, save yer apologies...we all need a good shout now and again. Besides. I started it.” Cravs smirks slightly. “Water under the bridge. And if yer curious, my aim hasn’t improved a day since then, so if ye want to take us out again I’d be much obliged.”

Aislinn continues spinning the carving tool around in her hand, watching Cravendy out of the corner of her eye as the woman fumbles around with the crockery. She discreetly makes no sign that she even heard the tinkling sound of glass falling. But Cravendy's response. She definitely hears that. It has her snapping her attention back to the Seawolf almost in disbelief. But after a moment's consideration, she nodded, the corner of her lips twitching upward.

"Alright. Water under the bridge, then. Suppose if you're willing to wander back out with me after how I behaved, I'm willing to help you with your aim." Having said her piece, she now looks at the ordinary plank of wood Cravendy was working on, though to what end, she couldn't say. "What's your plan for that, then?" she asked, nodding to the wood.

Cravendy feels herself loosen up on seeing Lin’s smile, no matter how small it was. She then puts the hand plane to the side and gives the plank a satisfying slap. “Smoothin’ out the wood first. I plan to make a couple of parts for chairs, tables, and other like furniture. A housewarmin’ gift for Dirtpatch.”

“Speakin’ of which, ye okay from liftin’ crates the other day? Figure most folk were expectin’ a foe to fight instead, hah.” She rolls back her shoulders with a sigh. “I know I was sore for a good while after...”

Aislinn's expression softened as she gazed at the wood, imagining it becoming all those things Cravendy had said. "That's thoughtful of you. They'll be thrilled, no doubt." she glanced up at the Seawolf. "A foe to fight? I thought it was pretty clear we were there to help with the resettlement efforts. But aye," she said with the barest hint of laughter. "I was pretty sore. Spent a good deal of time afterwards resting in the Mists and lazing on the beach. Suppose those crates were the real foe." she gave half a shrug. "Worth it, though. If we can help those people get back on their feet."

Cravendy smiles. “Just feels a bit strange, puttin’ the company muscle to work with such mundane tasks, when I know what ye all are capable of. Aye, well...” She cuts herself off. That she’s helping Dirtpatch as a way to make up for the destruction her crew had wrought on the place. No, there was no need to pull negativity into the moment. Eyes forward. “Nothin’ like a crate full of bricks to test yer strength. Oh, and.” Cravs eyes the carving tool that Lin has in her hands. “Maybe another time, I could show ye how to carve. It ‘elps me get cool off, and I don’t know. Ye seem like the type who’d enjoy that sort of thing.”

Cravendy didn't need to fill in the blanks, Aislinn and, she suspected, most of Heartwood could take a stab at guessing the motivations behind the Seawolf's interest in Dirtpatch. "Certainly isn't mundane to the people who call the place home." she pointed out. "And we can't be going 110% all the time. We'll burn out. We need these kind of jobs. For a whole host of reasons." She turned her attention down to the carving tool she held. "Ah. Is that what this does?" she huffed in amusement. "Honestly, another hobby to keep my hands busy would be good. But aye, maybe once you're done with your project there." she nodded to the plank of wood. "Don't want to get in the way of that, after all."

“Keep it. That way, when ye look at it, ye’ll remember the promise I made to show ye the ropes...just now. I’ve got far too many of ‘em, anyway.” Cravs grins, but turns back to finish up what she started. So much wood to process, so little time.

#ffxiv rp #balmung rp #rp snippets #No loaded guns this time #Cravendy Hound #Aislinn North

7 notes · View notes

agentrouka-blog · 4 years

Text

King’s Landing: Images of burning.

The show used a mediterranean setting for King’s Landing. White stone, paved streets. We saw lots of exploding rocks and rubble, but very little actual burning apart from the dragonfire itself. That always bothered me because it didn’t really look like a city on fire.

The books will have a different take:

Pate had never seen King’s Landing, but he knew it was a dauband-wattle city, a sprawl of mud streets, thatched roofs, and wooden hovels. (ACOK, Prologue)

It’s a tinderbox. Once it starts burning, it’ll be a firestorm with little opportunity for escape.

Arya may be on the ground like she was on the show. She certainly gives us some intense images of fiery destruction on settlements and architecture in earlier books, to imagine the scene.

A day later Dobber spied a red glow against the evening sky. “Either this road went and turned again, or that sun’s setting in the north.” Yoren climbed a rise to get a better look. “Fire,” he announced. He licked a thumb and held it up. “Wind should blow it away from us. Still bears watching.” And watch it they did. As the world darkened, the fire seemed to grow brighter and brighter, until it looked as though the whole north was ablaze. From time to time, they could even smell the smoke, though the wind held steady and the flames never got any closer. By dawn the fire had burned itself out, but none of them slept very well that night. It was midday when they arrived at the place where the village had been. The fields were a charred desolation for miles around, the houses blackened shells. The carcasses of burnt and butchered animals dotted the ground, under living blankets of carrion crows that rose, cawing furiously, when disturbed. Smoke still drifted from inside the holdfast. Its timber palisade looked strong from afar, but had not proved strong enough. (ACOK, Arya)

This is a village and it lit up the horizon.

The barn’s on fire, she thought. Flames were licking up its sides from where a torch had fallen on straw, and she could hear the screaming of the animals trapped within. (…) Rushing through the barn doors was like running into a furnace. The air was swirling with smoke, the back wall a sheet of fire ground to roof. Their horses and donkeys were kicking and rearing and screaming. The poor animals, Arya thought. Then she saw the wagon, and the three men manacled to its bed. Biter was flinging himself against the chains, blood running down his arms from where the irons clasped his wrists. Rorge screamed curses, kicking at the wood. “Boy!” called Jaqen H’ghar. “Sweet boy!” The open trap was only a few feet ahead, but the fire was spreading fast, consuming the old wood and dry straw faster than she would have believed. Arya remembered the Hound’s horrible burned face. “Tunnel’s narrow,” Gendry shouted. “How do we get her through?” “Pull her,” Arya said. “Push her.” “Good boys, kind boys,” called Jaqen H’ghar, coughing. “Get these fucking chains off!” Rorge screamed. (...) “You take her!” she yelled. “You get her out! You do it!” The fire beat at her back with hot red wings as she fled the burning barn. It felt blessedly cool outside, but men were dying all around her. She saw Koss throw down his blade to yield, and she saw them kill him where he stood. Smoke was everywhere. There was no sign of Yoren, but the axe was where Gendry had left it, by the woodpile outside the haven. As she wrenched it free, a mailed hand grabbed her arm. Spinning, Arya drove the head of the axe hard between his legs. She never saw his face, only the dark blood seeping between the links of his hauberk. Going back into that barn was the hardest thing she ever did. Smoke was pouring out the open door like a writhing black snake, and she could hear the screams of the poor animals inside, donkeys and horses and men. She chewed her lip, and darted through the doors, crouched low where the smoke wasn’t quite so thick. A donkey was caught in a ring of fire, shrieking in terror and pain. She could smell the stench of burning hair. The roof was gone up too, and things were falling down, pieces of flaming wood and bits of straw and hay. Arya put a hand over her mouth and nose. She couldn’t see the wagon for the smoke, but she could still hear Biter screaming. She crawled toward the sound. And then a wheel was looming over her. The wagon jumped and moved a half foot when Biter threw himself against his chains again. Jaqen saw her, but it was too hard to breathe, let alone talk. She threw the axe into the wagon. Rorge caught it and lifted it over his head, rivers of sooty sweat pouring down his noseless face. Arya was running, coughing. She heard the steel crash through the old wood, and again, again. An instant later came a crack as loud as thunder, and the bottom of the wagon came ripping loose in an explosion of splinters. Arya rolled headfirst into the tunnel and dropped five feet. She got dirt in her mouth but she didn’t care, the taste was fine, the taste was mud and water and worms and life. Under the earth the air was cool and dark. Above was nothing but blood and roaring red and choking smoke and the screams of dying horses. She moved her belt around so Needle would not be in her way, and began to crawl. A dozen feet down the tunnel she heard the sound, like the roar of some monstrous beast, and a cloud of hot smoke and black dust came billowing up behind her, smelling of hell. Arya held her breath and kissed the mud on the floor of the tunnel and cried. For whom, she could not say. (ACOK, Arya)

This is a barn on fire. One barn.

There has been fire in King’s Landing before:

“Fire!” a voice screamed down from atop the barbican. “My lords, there’s smoke in the city. Flea Bottom’s afire.” Tyrion was inutterably weary, but there was no time for despair. “Bronn, take as many men as you need and see that the water wagons are not molested.” Gods be good, the wildfire, if any blaze should reach that . . . “We can lose all of Flea Bottom if we must, but on no account must the fire reach the Guildhall of the Alchemists, is that understood? (…)

Yet by evenfall the city was still in turmoil, though Bronn reported that the fires were quenched and most of the roving mobs dispersed. Much as Tyrion yearned for the comfort of Shae’s arms, he realized he would go nowhere that night. (ACOK, Tyrion)

They do have a functioning fire fighting system! But not one that will work in the middle of battle with dragonfire and wildfire involved.

Apart from the Flames, smoke and ashes will kill the people:

The southern sky was black with smoke. It rose swirling off a hundred distant fires, ist sooty fingers smudging out the stars. Across the Blackwater Rush, a line of flame burned nightly from horizon to horizon, while on this side the Imp had fired the whole riverfront: docks and warehouses, homes and brothels, everything outside the city walls. Even in the Red Keep, the air tasted of ashes. When Sansa found Ser Dontos in the quiet of the godswood, he asked if she’d been crying. “It’s only from the smoke,” she lied. “It looks as though half the kingswood is burning.” “Lord Stannis wants to smoke out the Imp’s savages.” (ACOK, Sansa)

Sansa describes the view from above:

The smoke blotted out the stars and the thin crescent of moon, so the roof was dark and thick with shadows. Yet from here she could see everything: the Red Keep’s tall towers and great cornerforts, the maze of city Streets beyond, to south and west the river running black, the bay to the east, the columns of smoke and cinders, and fires, fires everywhere. Soldiers crawled over the city walls like ants with torches, and crowded the hoardings that had sprouted from the ramparts. (ACOK, Sansa)

Imagine running through a maze in the middle of a searing blaze, the air so thick with smoke it is impossible to see, impossible to breathe. Crowds of panicking people running alongside. Trapped trapped by walls, trapped by the river.

Beyond the Mud Gate and the desolation that had once been the fishmarket and wharves, the river itself seemed to have taken fire. Half of Stannis’s fleet was ablaze, along with most of Joffrey’s. The kiss of wildfire turned proud ships into funeral pyres and men into Living torches. The air was full of smoke and arrows and screams. Downstream, commoners and highborn captains alike could see the hot green death swirling toward their rafts and carracks and ferries, borne on the current of the Blackwater. The long white oars of the Myrish galleys flashed like the legs of maddened centipedes as they fought to come about, but it was no good. The centipedes had no place to run. A dozen great fires raged under the city walls, where casks of burning pitch had exploded, but the wildfire reduced them to no more than candles in a burning house, their orange and scarlet pennons fluttering insignificantly against the jade holocaust. The low clouds caught the color of the burning river and roofed the sky in shades of shifting green, eerily beautiful. A terrible beauty. Like dragonfire. Tyrion wondered if Aegon the Conqueror had felt like this as he flew above his Field of Fire. (ACOK, Tyrion)

Enough said.

The level of inferno when Dany sets King's Landing on fire will be apocalyptic. Survival will depend on luck, if there is access to underground tunnels leading away from the destruction and the smoke, open gates allowing escape from a city under siege, non-flammable shelter not directly under attack.

This will be so very ugly.

#asoiaf #king's landing #fire #dragonfire #my posts

44 notes · View notes

antihero-writings · 4 years

Text

The Fall and the Fury

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Fic Summary: Hiccup knew it was better to send the dragons away...but he may never fully recover from losing Toothless. The nights come with a fury unlike anything he knew before.

Notes:

This fic actually has a story behind it, but it’s long and kinda spoils what happens in the fic, so check my reblog for that!!

I’d absolutely love to write more for this franchise, though, so if you’ve got any prompts, send ‘em over!! I just don’t know what to write on my own XD

Also * A group of dragons is called a "thunder." (Just learned that, and I love it XD)

I’d really really appreciate if you could leave a comment!!! They really do make my week, and motivate me to keep writing!!

The Fall and the Fury

“There were dragons, when I was a boy.” Hiccup tells his children dramatically.

“There were great, grim, sky dragons that nested on the cliff-tops like gigantic, scary birds.” He stands up holding his arm up high. “Little brown, scuttly dragons”—he scuttled his fingers along their legs, making them laugh—“that hunted down the mice and rats in well-organized packs.”—He mimicked a dragon chomping down on a mouse, by tickling their stomachs—“Preposterously huge sea dragons that were twenty times as big as the big blue whale.” He held his hands far apart.

“Did you have a dragon, daddy?” Nuffink asks softly.

He grins at the question. “Yes, I did.”—And behind the words is a joy unlike anything they’ve seen in their father before before—“He was the rarest of all. He was a Night Fury.” As the words rang, the wind seemed a little louder outside. “I called him—”

******

Everything is blue; deep and navy, almost black; the sky, dotted with sparks, the waves below bouncing moonlight back up to them.

The wind plays with his hair, and it seems the man in the moon is laughing. Hiccup lays on the dragon’s back, breathing out, staring up at the stars, and for a moment he is…perfectly happy.

But that’s the thing about moments, about happiness.

His breath is snatched from somewhere deep in his gut.

The fall. Abrupt, and unending. Navy and white flashing by, and the dizziness is not from the spinning, but the fact that somehow, his best friend isn’t there to catch him.

And as his dragon shrieks, looking, panicked, down at him, trying to catch up to him and, for once, failing… the two getting further and further away, until the dragon is but a black speck in the distance…it feels like Hiccup’s very heart is what’s being pulled from him. The strings between them unraveling, and they’ll surely sever.

And somehow he knows he’ll never see him again.

When he wakes up it is in a sweat that is somehow cold, and that breath that he couldn’t find seconds ago is back with a fervor. And for a brief second he… wishes it wasn’t. That he wasn’t breathing, wasn’t here, wasn’t now.

“You have the heart of a chief, and the soul of a dragon.”

That’s what his mother told him. One day. So long ago now.

There were dragons when he was a boy, but dragons…they’re not around anymore.

What is he now? The last of the dragons, left alone in this winter, unable to breathe the fire that will keep the cold at bay. It’s so very cold within this skin.

He wishes he could be there, with him.

He thought he was human. Once. Bred to kill dragons, when all this started, so long ago; on that night, when he shot down the most prized dragon of them all. That boy, all scrawny and weak, shaking as he held that knife, thought he was a killer. The thought is laughable now.

Though perhaps it is less laughable than the truth.

He thought he was human. He was wrong.

Maybe that’s what brought them together, what saved them both—(and perhaps it was what became their downfall too? Just how much he loved them, loved him—too much…)

He never thought their adventures would end. He didn’t think Neverland would come crashing down. …He was so young then.

Their lives were built around dragons. Killing them, then caring for them, befriending them, riding them. Without them their foundation cracked, their lives came crashing down. And he’s left here alone with a dragon’s soul, crying out for for his lost species. His thunder* left him here alone. The last of his kind.

And he wishes with everything inside him, that he could be human, for just one single day. Because it isn’t worth the way his soul burns.

“Sometimes I think I can hear him,” he says to his children, with a far-off look in his eye—which he casts out the window and into the night, hoping he’ll reel something in—telling them fairytales and ghost stories in tandem before bed. He hopes they don’t hear the pain lurking behind those words, the desperate longing fused to his irises.

He wants to introduce them to the dragons more than anything. He wanted them to grow up befriending the stars, and unafraid of the fall, too. This is perhaps the greatest tragedy of all; not what he lost, but what they never had.

Sometimes he thinks he can hear that fire and lightning, building power, violet in his throat, until it explodes. Sometimes he thinks he can hear that in the middle of the night.

Once it was such a terrifying sound; the sound of their doom, of houses exploding, of men and woman running for their lives, because this one wouldn’t come for the sheep…it would just shoot its blasts, and knock their world down, and glide away with the wind. Like the wrath of the gods. The fury of the night.

That sound became so comforting it makes his chest hurt to think of now. That longing becoming daggers through him.

So each time he hears it, he shoots up in bed, calling his name, only to find that it’s nothing. Just a figment of his yearning imagination.

Of course it’s nothing.

Sometimes he thinks he can feel it too—feel that fire burning in his own throat.

Until he realizes that’s just his own voice, burning out from screaming so long. And that his breath can create no more fire than words.

And make no mistake, words can be more flammable than a spark in a dry forest.

Sometimes he thinks he can feel him underneath him. His wings around him. Wind and fire and awestruck power. Chasing the daylight.

And everything is perfectly alright.

Until he falls. And falls, and falls. He falls a long time—and surely he will catch me, he always does… before he realizes…he’s not there. So he wakes up, trying to ignore the sting in his eyes, the tracks that have surely stained his cheeks after so many of these nights.

That’s how all his dreams end now: falling.

He never feared that before. With the dragon by your side, there isn’t much to fear. Falling was once exhilarating—at least it is when you know you have someone to catch you. Now he knows what it is to really fall.

And he wishes the dragon was still right there in front of him, to comfort him, nudge him out of his sadness. Make him laugh, no matter how sad he is. Wishes he would wake up to see him laying on that rock he would light up with his breath so it would be warm. Wish upon the stars that can’t surround him anymore. To say it was all a nightmare and they never left.

Is this what growing up is? Is childhood but a dream, to be so harshly severed by the sunrise?

Then he looks down at his leg, like he did the first day they made a difference. The part of himself that’s gone. And it reminds him of too much. Of how they broke each other—(after all, they were supposed to be enemies)—and fixed each other all the same—(but they knew they didn’t have to be).

But he can’t fashion the missing piece of himself out of metal and good intentions this time.

(Now he’d sacrifice the rest of his limbs, if only he could get back his wings.)

Some nights it’s too much to bear, and as the memories tear him up from the inside out, he holds tight to the empty sheets, and finally whispers aloud, to the tempo of hollow heartbeats, and the name he gave him;

“Toothless….Toothless…Toothless…”

17 notes · View notes

splitqueenboxspring · 3 years

Text

How to Choose an excellent Mattress

size, support, comfort and price are just a few points to consider when investing in a new sleep set. Choosing the right size can make a big difference in the quality of sleep you get from the new mattress. First you have to be sure you fit on the mattress and secondly that if you have a sleeping partner that you both have enough "personal" space that you don't affect each others sleep. The four industry standard sizes are: Twin 38x75 Full 54x75 Queen 60x80 King 76x80 Additional "special" sizes may also be available to accommodate everyone. Comfort, price and support can all go hand in hand. You may be in a position to find a comfort level you like at a wide price range, but the price usually rises as the support gets stronger. A good rule would be to purchase as high a level of support since you can afford to get the most from the new mattress set. BUYERS GUIDE: Shopping for a new mattress can be confusing: Shop quality, brand name mattress's. Buy at an established, professional mattress specialty store with a knowledgeable staff which can help you make a great decision. Purchasing the correct comfort level for you is crucial for an excellent nights sleep. Choosing the right comfort is split queen boxspring performed by "Comfort Testing", which means to lay on 2 or 3 3 mattress's of exactly the same quality but different feels. Take a nap together with your feet up and in a position that you normally sleep and pick the one that is preferred. Buy the correct quality to suit your needs. If you're after a long life and a higher level of support and comfort, make sure you buy a "premium level" sleep set. WHAT TO LOOK FOR/CONSIDER: Coil counts: The sheer amount of coils in a mattress is not as important as the design of the innerspring. A lesser coil count mattress with an excellent design and extra support in the middle can be a stronger support than one with just a high number of coils. Border Rods: Make certain the mattress you are thinking about includes a border rod; some manufacturers have eliminated this essential feature in the last few years. The border rod will help keep the edge from wearing down and gives the innerspring added structural integrity. Make certain the mattress meets or exceeds all flammability codes to help keep your household safe. Reduced mattress should provide more support where you need it the most. Search for a mattress that offers more coils in the centre or double strung coils to lengthen the life span of the mattress and add more support. Boxsprings: It is best to consider two options when purchasing a new boxspring. One may be the height; most all boxsprings will come in two sizes. Normal height, which is about 9" and a minimal profile option that's 3" lower. Second is split boxsprings, queen and sometimes full size one piece boxes may not fit into some homes. The choice is really a 2 piece box that always cost just a little extra, but will easily match any house. HEALTHY SLEEP: Once you have chosen the right mattress, you will now want to protect your investment. The best thing you can do to help keep your mattress clean and sanitary is to purchase a mattress protector. An excellent quality protector will not just protect your mattress from dirt, stains and spills, but will also make it a healthier place to sleep. Protectors can keep harmful dust mites out of your mattress and help people who have allergies and breathing ailments sleep easier. Also, an excellent quality protector could keep your mattress free from stains that can void the manufacturer's warranty. FAQ'S: Q. How do I choose the best mattress? A. You must first take a nap fully on the machine and test it just like you were sleeping. If you are a side sleeper, check it out that way. Always test the very best quality first to have a perspective and work your way down in cost. Compare the difference in the various comfort levels, such as firm ,plush or pillowtop. Pick the feel that suits you the very best and then pick a price level that gets you the service or period of time that you want. Q. How do I know where to shop for a mattress? A. It is always far better go to a store that specializes in mattresses. This way you know that they are well educated about mattresses. Search for terms liked "factory trained" staff. Look for sleep shops that offer extras in the way of services such as for example delivery, removal, financing, etc. Q. How many coils do I have to buy? A. Everyone's support needs vary, so it may be different in each case. Generally it really is thought to be at least 300 coils for daily support, but with so many different spring units that you can buy, it can be confusing. The ultimate way to ensure you get good support in your mattress is to buy a reputable brand with a coil system that is "time tested" and recognized to be reputable. Steer clear of "generic" or "off-brand" product. Q. What is the average price and life span of a mattress? A.In line with the average queen size set in the industry, the life expectancy is approximately a decade. In today's marketplace the common cost of a queen size set is about $999. In a queen size, in the event that you equal $100 spent to 1 1 years service, this might be near reality. So a $399 model may last 4 years, a $999 lasts 10 years, a $1999 may last 20 years, and so on. Q. How do I know if I need a $399 or perhaps a $3000 model and what's the difference? A. The price of a mattress reflects how much support and comfort it'll give you over time. You can certainly find a less costly mattress that feels good. The difference in the more expensive ones is that they will feel much better longer. ....sometimes 5 times for as long or more depending on quality. It is always best to buy the best it is possible to afford. Q. Can I just buy the mattress/Do I need the box spring? A. Some stores will sell the mattress separately, but expect to pay 65 to 75 per cent of the full total cost of the set. A general rule of thumb to choose if you want a box spring is: when you are having support issues with your mattress, then your box is bad also....it has allowed your mattress to sag and has weakened under the work over time. It is also vital that you replace the box, as your old one may not be compatible with your new mattresses and can cause it to wear oddly or sag. If this does occur, you may void your warranty because of an inadequate foundation. It is usually best to substitute your box spring if in doubt. Q. What do warranties cover? A. The warranties from national manufacturers will cover any structural defect that could occur. So, when you can physically see a defect without in the mattress, it really is probably covered. Some local and generic warranties have many restrictions, so steer clear of them. No warranty covers normal deterioration and/or body indentations or impressions. Warranties usually do not cover comfort and support, which is a thing that is relative in nature and different for every person. Q. Why are mattresses so expensive? A. A mattress is a piece of furniture such as a sofa. It has more springs, wood and padding than most sofas and are used 4 times as much. The foams that define a mattress are petroleum based. The distribution of mattresses is done by trucks which entail shipping and gas costs. The wood is generally high grade Canadian pine that is imported. The expense of steel for the springs has tripled within the last 2 years. Actually, a mattress purchase is one of the most value oriented in the complete furniture category. Q. What if I do not like the feel of my new mattress? A. It is normal to be uncomfortable on a fresh mattress. It is like a new pair of shoes, you will need to break it in. It will take at least 2 days to 2 weeks or more to get accustomed to a new sleeping surface. Your muscles have memory from anything you were on prior and have to conform to the new surface. Some manufacturers have "comfort guarantees" that after a certain time frame you make re-select. But, be cautious....the whole breaking in process begins all over and you may be worse off than the first one. It is usually best to keep everything you selected and you will eventually get used to it. Business Name: Direct Bed - St. Catharines Address: 350 Ontario St Unit # 3, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L8, Canada Website: https://www.directbed.ca/ Phone Number: +18444753378

1 note · View note