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#till death do us part does not apply to adoptions
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a PSA for anyone dressing as Ron Mael for Halloween
(Or any other time of year, because that is also completely valid :))
Idk if deciphering horrendously pixellated scans of old magazine articles is a talent unique to me, but I managed to decipher the entirety of that Groom at the Top one so here you go: Ron's hair regimen.
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The article is from 1974, so Sparks would've been living in England at the time and thus the Yardley brilliantine will be most authentic -- but if you're in the US and want to grab everything on one trip to Walmart, there's another brilliantine from a brand called Tres Flores. A bit stickier and shinier, but it works just as well.
And okay, Ron didn't actually use Aqua Net, but the hairspray he mentioned is no longer made. Everything I've ever read about 1970s hair care, though, says that all the "dry look" spray products for men were basically just repackaged Aqua Net.
So without any further ado, let's hear the facts from Ron. (Article transcribed below)
"First of all it's essential that your hair is fairly short. Remember that maintaining this style involves a daily ritual every morning. Otherwise it won't last very long."
"To start with wash your hair, to get rid of all the grease from the day before. After it's washed leave it quite damp, don't towel it off too much. This is quite important."
"Then spread some Brylcreem on one of your index fingers, rub it between your palms and apply it to the hair. Then do the same with an equal amount of Brilliantine."
"Next you have to comb it using preferably the wide end of the comb so that it leaves wide tracks in the hair, for some reason it looks better if you have fairly fallow grooves running across your head."
"Once that's done you can then spray it with a kind of lacquer called Brut Extra Hold Hair Spray. After that you're all set for the rest of the day. It's a long process, about 10 minutes every morning, but once you've done it you can forget about it for the next 24 hours."
"If you suffer from electricity in the hair you can add some anti-static spray -- the sort that's meant for records. We tried it for a while. I don't know whether it cured the static, but it sure does wonders for the hair."
So successful has Ron's image been that he is quite prepared to adopt it for the rest of his life.
"I've got quite used to it now, it's become a habit. It's my natural style. I'm not trying it out to see how it works. This isn't a phase I'm going through. This is the way I am. Till death do us part."
Naturally enough as with all progressive ideas, there are many drawbacks to the Ron Mael look. Ron is only too well aware of them.
"When I'm walking on the streets I get people yelling wanting to know who let me loose or telling me how much I look like their father. Also having short hair means you can get very cold in the ears at times."
But there are still advantages.
"It's a good way of starting conversations at a party. All you have to say is, 'So what do you think of my hair then?'"
-----
A couple tips from me: "quite damp" doesn't mean "still dripping", you'll want a VERY generous fingertip full of product if your hair is a bit longer (like present-day Ron length), and try to fuss with your hair as little as possible when combing it into the desired shape so that it doesn't lose too much of its hold.
Not gonna lie, I'm still looking for a more "socially acceptable" way to wear this stuff as a female, 'cos it makes my hair feel soooooo soft and nice, and it smells fucking AMAZING...
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as so often happens, I wasn’t tagged but I wanted to do it
rules: bold everything that applies to you and tag people you’d like to get to know better.
appearance
i’m over 5’5” // i wear glasses or contacts // i have blonde hair // i prefer loose clothing to tight clothing // i have one or more piercings // i have at least one tattoo // i have blue eyes // i have dyed or highlighted my hair // i have gotten plastic surgery // i have or had braces // i sunburn easily // i have freckles // i paint my nails // i typically wear makeup // i don’t often smile // i am pleased with how i look // i prefer nike to adidas (both suck) // i wear baseball hats backward
hobbies & talents
i play a sport (riding counts ok?) // i can play an instrument // i am artistic // i know more than one language // i have won a trophy in some sort of competition // i can cook or bake without a recipe // i know how to swim // i enjoy writing // i can do origami // i prefer movies to t.v shows // i can execute a perfect somersault // i enjoy singing // i could survive in the wild on my own // i have read a new book series this year // i enjoy spending time with friends // i travel during school or work breaks // i can do a handstand
relationships
i am in a relationship // i have been single for over a year // i have a crush // i have a best friend i have known for ten years // my parents are together (I mean till death do us part but I still consider them together and more importantly so does mom) // i have dated my best friend // i am adopted // my crush has confessed to me // i have a long-distance relationship // i am an only child // i give advice to my friends // i have made an online friend // i met up with someone i have met online
aesthetic
i have heard the ocean in a conch shell // i have watched the sunrise// i enjoy rainy days // i have slept under the stars // i meditate outside // the sound of chirping calms me // i enjoy the smell of the beach // i know what snow tastes like // i listen to music to fall asleep // i enjoy thunderstorms // i enjoy cloud watching // i have attended a bonfire // i pay close attention to colors // i find mystery in the ocean // i enjoy hiking on nature paths // autumn is my favorite season
misc.
i can fall asleep in a moving vehicle // i am the mum friend // i live by a certain quote // i like the smell of sharpies // i am involved in extracurricular activities // i enjoy mexican food // i can drive a stick-shift // i believe in true love // i make up scenarios to fall asleep // i sing in the shower // i wish i lived in a video game // i have a canopy above my bed // i am multiracial // i am a redhead // i own at least three dogs // i have a cat
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SO
I really like when Jason accidentally outs himself as being alive.
And I really like when Jason sneaks into the Manor for stuff.
I also like whenever Jason tells Bruce to stop telling everyone that he’s dead.
And thusly, we get Jason breaking into the Manor for some of Alfred’s cookies while Bruce sits just out of eyesight at the breakfast nook, talking about his children to himself like he does. And Jason’s really trying to be quite and not get caught but then Bruce starts in on how much he misses Jason and how he wishes Jason could have grown up and all that and Jason just grabs the cookies he’s after and barges into the breakfast nook yelling at Bruce to stop telling people—or himself—that he’s dead.
Only Vicky Vale and her camera crew are also there because Bruce is doing an interview on live tv.
Bruce:
Jason:
Vicky: But you’re dead.
Jason: You are correct. I am dead and—
Bruce: Oh so you get to tell everyone you’re dead but I don’t?
Jason: It’s different when I say it!
Bruce: Don’t you raise your voice to me young man!
Jason: You’re not my dad!
Vicky: I’m pretty sure he has a piece of paper that says otherwise
Bruce, smirking:
Jason: Well I’m dead so that paper is null and void
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lyfe-is-such · 3 years
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How to Create a Positive Life
Have you ever heard the saying that there are three sides to every story? Your side, someone else's side, and the truth somewhere in between. This saying also applies to the experience of life or our reality. Reality is a state of things as they are or are perceived to be.
It is common to believe that reality is objective, assuming what happens in the world is a constant and everyone experiences the same thing in the same way. Though life is an experience unique to each person, no two people see the world through precisely the same lens.
Perception is Reality
The reason for this is due to perception, defined as an organization and interpretation of sensations. Human sensations are an awareness of physical changes, including sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, and cognitive perception. Yet, perception is influenced by a person's needs, beliefs, emotions, and expectations - many things stored in the unconscious mind.
How you experience life is affected by your thoughts and past events.
Things that happen in the world are neither positive nor negative, they just happen. It is how we interpret an event that gives it significance.
For example, one person may perceive a wildfire as a negative natural disaster and another person may view it as a positive opportunity for re-growth. This idea applies to the classic question, if a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
Interpretations for events change based on a person’s:
· needs
· beliefs
· emotions
· expectations
Life is not objective, it is subjective.
For example, think about how much your expectations shape your perceptions. Have any of your friends recommended that you go into a situation, like a first date, with little or no expectations? How many times have you felt disappointed if a person or outcome did not meet your expectations? What if you had no expectations? How would that change your experience of an event? Does the saying, "don't knock it till' you try it," sound familiar?
Also, reflect on how much your mood and general mindset changes your daily experiences.
Below is an example of how mindset can influence the positive or negative perception of the same event:
More negative mindset: Your alarm clock never went off, and you start to stress that you will be late to work. You get stuck in traffic on your way to work and begin to feel even more stressed. At work, your boss yells at you, making you feel upset. You tell yourself you did nothing to deserve this personal attack and have a hard time focusing on your work. Lastly, your computer turns off because you left your computer charger at home. This event causes you to become angry at yourself. Days like this, you tell yourself that you are a victim of Murphy's Law (what can go wrong, will go wrong).
More positive mindset: Your alarm clock never went off, but you feel more rested because you could get another hour of sleep. Also, you remind yourself that technology doesn't always work perfectly and make a plan B to ensure it doesn't happen again. You get stuck in traffic, but you don't get stressed because you recognize that traffic is out of your control. Plus, the extra time spent in your car allows you to listen to more of your podcast. Your boss yells at you at work, but you realize that your boss is going through a personal issue, and you are grateful to not have the same problems. Although your boss' actions do not make you feel great, the event is out of your control. Additionally, you don't take the yelling personally as you know that you did nothing to deserve. Lastly, your computer turns off because you forgot your computer charger at home. You acknowledge people are allowed to make mistakes and figure out a solution to the problem or complete a different work task.
Strategies that Help Create a Positive Life
Although the following strategies are easier said than done, it helps to acknowledge them and implement tiny changes that will improve your self-awareness and help construct a positive mindset.
1. Self-awareness – observe your sensations. How are you feeling? What mood are you in? Are you hungry, tired, irritated, or happy?
· Recognize how your sensations impact your decisions and interpretations. Once you understand this, you can more objectively view a situation and the reason why you have a certain perspective.
· Part of being human is the ability to experience emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, frustration, embarrassment, tiredness, surprise, etc. Experiencing emotions is not only natural, but healthy! Contrast of emotions is essential because in order to value the good days, we must encounter the bad days.
If there were only sunshine and no rain, there would be only desert, which limits what can grow.
2. Mindset – recognize that life is subjective (we apply meaning) AND understand that everyone in this world has their own struggles, pains, and hardships. You are not alone!
· The first step in creating a positive mindset is figuring out how you can see the glass as half-full vs. half-empty. There is always a bright side to every situation - it may just take some time for the dark clouds to clear.
When we encounter darkness like the death of a loved one, abuse (physical or mental), personal or professional setbacks, mental illness, or any other hardship, it can be extremely difficult to find the bright side, especially in the short-term. But always remind yourself that through the darkness, there is always light. Maybe the light appears with the end of suffering or pain for your loved one, learning how to better protect yourself (mentally or physically), understanding your true value, aligning to new values. Whatever the darkness, acknowledge that it is temporary….brighter days will appear!
· The second step in creating a positive mindset is to understand that too often, we are our own toughest critics. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you are doing the best you can! Frame your situation looking at it with an outsider’s perspective. What advice would you give your friends if they were in the same situation? Then adopt that advice. If we talked to our friends the way we talk to ourselves, we would likely not have very many friends.
The event happened, now how can you frame it to see the positive of the outcome? Try not to waste your time on things outside of your control (easier said than done, I know). But life is short enough as it is, and you only have so much energy to expend.
3. Take a deep breath – there is something so powerful about breath. Life throws some hard curveballs, and at times, we feel like we are helpless. In these situations, taking a deep breath can physiologically help calm our body. Calming our body will help us re-focus our attention back on strategies 1 and 2.
The next time you find yourself in a disagreement with a friend, try using the defense, "my reality is different than your reality." This is not wrong, and it will be interesting to see how your friend responds! However, remind yourself that life is a beautiful and crazy experience. Things happen that are out of our control, but how we choose to perceive events can create a positive reality.
Change your perception, change your life.
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lady-divine-writes · 4 years
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Coldflash “Punish Me” (Rated NC17)
Summary: The things that serve Barry should also serve Len, even if Len isn't his husband's sub. So when Barry comes home and finds Len kneeling in the dark, he's curious to find out why. (2953 words)
Notes: A part two to 'Waiting on his Knees' but also written in concert with this post I made about D/s, BDSM, and communication, specifically as it's portrayed in fanfiction, which can be toxic due to lack of research or ignorance.
Read on AO3.
Barry spends the afternoon clock watching, tallying minutes as they flip by, anticipating them down to the millisecond so he can catch the numbers turn. He doesn’t need a clock to know the time, but it’s habit. It gives him something to do in the moments between everything else. But it also reminds him how damned slowly time moves. So he does his best to ignore it, hoping he can get so wrapped up in work that he forgets about the time, then be pleasantly surprised when he checks it and finds that half the day has gone by.
But no luck.
At most, he wastes six minutes.
But Barry zooms off the second the numbers switch from 7:59 to 8:00. He’s dying to get home, dying to get to his husband, more so tonight than any other night. He made Len a promise that he’s been lousy at keeping. He intends to fix that.
He intends to spend all night fixing it.
But above that, Barry has a feeling. Not a foreboding feeling, per se. Nothing urgent. He’d know if his husband were hurt, if for no other reason than Len would text every single contact he has programmed in his phone who knows Barry to let them know he’s in danger.
Len is a brave, strong, capable man, but he has no qualms calling in reinforcements en masse.
Still, Barry can’t get it out of his head that something is wrong.
It takes him no time at all to make it home, managing to expertly avoid Caitlin and her stack of files that have the potential to bog him down for an hour at least. He pauses at his door and puts an ear to the wood.
Nothing.
He can’t detect any movement.
He becomes anxious as he listens for a clue, as if whatever is going on with Len has found a way to settle inside his chest, latch itself to his ribs and crowd his heart and lungs. But their apartment is silent.
Completely silent.
And with Len, as with children, silence is not a comforting sign.
The hairs on the back of Barry’s neck begin to rise.
He unlocks the door and walks inside.
Darkness greets him.
Cold, too.
Unnatural cold.
And quiet.
But it’s not an easy quiet, like the simple quiet of no one being home. It’s a tension-filled quiet. An anticipating quiet.
A quiet like the world holding its breath, waiting for Barry’s next move.
And he’s not alone.
It takes a moment of quelling his stuttering heart and his eyes adjusting for him to notice his husband there, in the center of the room, shirtless and on his knees. Barry breathes a sigh of relief, but not one Len would notice. He goes about his business, doesn’t stop to stare, even if Leonard Snart on his knees makes Barry hotter than asphalt in August.
When he requests it.
And since Barry hadn’t, he has to process this image correctly. He does so by adopting his Dominant persona. It helps him think logically, react rationally, without emotion applied.
“Hello, Len,” Barry says, putting down his bag and hanging up his coat.
“Master,” Len says, more experimentally than confidently, and Barry knows why. Len isn’t sure how Barry will respond. Because this isn’t their dynamic. Len isn’t Barry’s sub. But they’ve discussed this. The things that serve Barry can, and should, serve Len, too. Something about kneeling in the dark serves Len for the moment.
But Barry wants to know what he’s kneeling over.
“Can I help you with something?”
“I need you,” Len says, voice soft but dangerous - so unlike any sub Barry has ever met, it makes him bite his lower lip to keep from grinning. “I need you to do something for me, Sir.”
“Oh? And what’s that?”
“Punish me.”
Barry stops fussing. The room becomes colder, darker than before. “Repeat that for me, please?”
“I need you to punish me,” Len repeats through gritted teeth.
“And why do you need this?”
“Because I’m evil,” Len growls.
“How do you figure?”
“I’m a thief. And a killer.”
“You are,” Barry agrees matter-of-factly. There’s no denying that those things are a part of Len’s personality. Part of Len’s past. It would be a slap in the face to his husband’s intelligence and the hard work he’s put into redeeming himself to sweep those under the rug. Confront them at every corner, whenever they pop up, Barry told him the first few months they were together, when flashbacks and urges piled up in his brain and Barry would find him warming his favorite stool at Saints and Sinners, trying to drink his anxiety away. That’s one of the reasons Barry introduced Len to the Dom/sub scene in the first place, in the hopes of keeping him away from the kinds of temptation that might land him in Iron Heights permanently, convicted of things even The Flash couldn’t swing getting him released from. Confront them, accept them, then put them in their place. “You were. But you’ve put those things behind you. And you’ve worked hard at it. So what’s happened in the past few hours to make you change your mind?”
Len raises an arm, holds something out to Barry - a folded-up clipping from a newspaper, it looks like. Barry takes it from him, fighting another smile. Most of the modern world gets their news from the Internet, but his husband still goes down to the corner store every morning for a daily paper.
Well, Barry is going to do everything in his power to ensure that The Central City Citizen never goes under.
Barry unfolds it carefully. The clip has jagged edges. His husband probably tore it from its page instead of using a pair of scissors. Barry marvels at how neatly he accomplished it. The outer portion is an ad for a local furniture store, but on the other side, the part folded in and therefore protected, is the article Len had saved. Barry reads the header out loud.
“Man fatally shot in alley way.”
Barry glances Len’s way when he notices movement at his feet. Len bows his head, hands folded on his knees like he’s praying, but Barry knows better.
He’s thinking.
Thinking hard for a man in this position.
“A man was found stabbed to death in an alley Tuesday evening, and police are investigating the killing as possibly gang-related …” Barry skims the article, searching for pertinent information. “The victim was identified as 33 -year-old Ricardo de Salva.”
Barry looks to his husband for answers. Len doesn’t see the expression on Barry’s face with his eyes cast to the floor, but he doesn’t need to. He can probably feel Barry’s eyes burning through the top of his head.
“He was a good guy,” Len starts softly, “and I don’t say that often about anybody. Family man. Didn’t wanna be a criminal. I strong-armed him into it.” Len’s voice cracks. The sound reminds Barry of an old growth oak weathering a storm, the way it complains as the wind does its best to knock it over, but can only get it to bend. “He needed a couple bucks, just wanted to take care of his wife and kids. He did one job with us. Not our normal payout, but enough to keep a roof over their heads for a few more months. And he was fine with it - ready to roll and never look back. But after that, we kept him on the payroll anyway, had him run petty errands. I gave him a beeper, told him to call whenever I paged him or else.” The catch in Len’s voice returns. He clears it gruffly this time. “We didn’t need him. It was amusing to have him around, acting as our gopher. When it stopped being amusing, I sort of forgot he existed. Always thought he made it out, but …”
Barry nods. He doesn’t ask Len to continue. He doesn’t need to hear any more. He folds the article up and hands it back to his husband, crouching an inch and holding it in his sight line until he reaches up and takes it.
“So you’re looking for penance? Is that what this is about?”
“Yes,” Len admits with a barely audible hiss, as if, of all the things he could ask his husband for, this is the farthest down on the list. “That’s what I want.”
“But I’m not your Dom.”
“No, you’re my husband!” Len snaps. “And you’ve Dominated me before!”
“That’s different! That dynamic is different! When we do that, we’re playing! It’s stress relief! And we have those parameters outlined! We know how far is too far!”
“But you could do it!”
“Yes, I could! But I’m not just going to break out a whip and some cuffs and beat you! There are steps we have to take! Discussions we need to have! Contracts we have to draw up!”
Len huffs under his breath and rises to his feet, the air around him dropping in temperature with every inch till he reaches his full height. “You’re not the only show in town, Red. There are clubs all over Central City, owned by guys who owe me favors. I’m sure there’ll be a Dom at one of them that will give me what I need.”
Barry swallows those words - spoken without any hint of warmth or compassion whatsoever - so hard his throat aches. He doesn’t know what to say. He never imagined it would come to this, not over this of all things! “We’re adults,” he says without condescension, though Len might see things otherwise, “in an adult relationship. If that’s how you feel, you’re within your rights. I won’t … I won’t judge you for that.”
Len bares his teeth in anger. “I don’t want them, Red! I want you!”
“You have me! But what you’re asking …” Barry extends his hands with palms upturned, pleading for his husband to listen to reason “… is not something I’m willing to do right this second! We need to talk about this more. A lot more!” He steps forward, puts his hands on his husband’s biceps and kneads gently. “I’m not saying no. Believe it or not, I understand why you might want to do this. I do. I’ve felt this way myself, that I’ve done so much more harm than good in my life that I deserve to have the shit kicked out of me. But it also seems to me like you’re doing this out of self pity.” Barry presses his forehead against Len’s, needing to be closer, needing more touch, and to look deeper in his husband’s eyes. “If I do this for you, it won’t bring Ricardo back. It won’t help his wife and kids. It won’t do anything but make you feel better, and I honestly don’t think it’ll do that.”
“So what are you saying?”
“Let’s make a plan,” Barry suggests. “Let’s write out a list of things that will actually solve the problem, not cover up how you feel. Because that won’t solve a thing. This pain and anger you feel, this hatred of yourself, will always be there, hiding underneath, waiting for its moment to throw a wrench in your sanity.”
Len sighs, drops slowly back to his knees. Reluctantly, Barry lets go so he can. “The problem is Ricardo’s dead. And if it hadn’t been for me, he might not be.”
“The key word there is might,” Barry points out, holding to it hard. “You can’t make someone else’s mind up for them.”
“You can if you threaten them enough. If you threaten their life or … someone they love. And you have to admit, I have a talent for getting people to agree to pretty much anything.”
“I’ll give you that one,” Barry mutters, squelching the part of himself that occasionally makes him doubt his life choices - particularly his choice in spouses. The part that second-guesses whether or not he did the right thing by trusting Leonard Snart, regardless of how many times he’s proven he can be trusted, that he is a changed man. That he loves Barry Allen more than his own life and would do anything to protect him. “I suggest we start by attending Ricardo’s funeral … talk to his widow … make some kind of amends.”
“She won’t talk to me.” Len sniffs. “I know she won’t. She’ll probably try to have me arrested.”
“Luckily you have a friend or two on the force who’ll vouch for you,” Barry teases. It doesn’t land as he’d intended. “You can write her a note. I’ll take it to her if you think that will make her more comfortable.”
“I do,” Len admits. “Though, to be honest, it seems like the coward’s way out. I should go up to her, let her slug me.”
Barry rolls his eyes. Len does have a point, but he also has a flair for the dramatic.
Len exhales. The breath leaving his body slumps his shoulders, makes him look surrendered. “If I do this … if I go … will you go with me?”
“Oh, honey.” Barry puts a hand on Len’s head. Len leans towards him, rests his forehead against Barry’s thigh and hides his face in the denim of his jeans. Barry runs his nails lightly over Len’s scalp. This is a side of his husband he rarely sees, a side he associates with Len’s memories of his father; the man’s terrible, soul-crushing abuse; of a teenage Len raising his sister - traumas that Len has never gotten adequate help with even though Barry has offered time and time again to help him find it. Barry hopes this will be the positive step in the right direction he’s been waiting for. “Of course, I will.”
***
Knock-knock-knock
“Yeah?” Len grunts in frustration. “What is it?”
Barry opens the bathroom door a sliver and peeks around the edge. He sizes up his husband standing in front of the mirror, navigating the mechanics of a Windsor knot the same way he would any other technical task - with pursed lips and a tightly furrowed brow.
“May I come in?”
“Sure.” Len eyes his husband in the reflection and sighs. “Sorry I’m taking so long. This tie you bought me refuses to cooperate.”
“That’s all right.” Barry slides up behind him, pushing a wealth of off-colored jokes to the side. “We’ve got plenty of time.”
“So you checkin’ up on me?” Len asks uncomfortably, his gaze flicking to his husband’s eyes, then back to his own reflection again. “Makin’ sure I’m not backing out?”
“No. I know you wouldn’t do that. You’re a man of your word. Actually …” Barry chews the inside of his cheek, not so much contemplating, but gauging “… I wanted to give you something.”
Len smirks. “I’m not sure this is the right time for a quickie, Red. I mean, we’re headed to a funeral and all. Might be considered in poor taste.”
Barry rolls his eyes. “Here.” He shoves a document into Len’s hands, then turns Len towards him, taking over with the tie so his husband can read. “I drew this up last night. It’s a full Dom/sub contract …” Barry’s voice softens “… with a few addendums. Addendums that are time sensitive. We have to discuss the finer details together, re-visit your soft and hard limits, that sort of thing.” Barry fastens the tie into a Trinity knot, just to show up his husband, then smooths the tail down his chest. “You’re doing what we discussed. You’ve made a plan … a good plan. But if this is what you feel you need, then read through this, sign on the bottom line, and I’ll give it to you.”
Len flips through the pages, eyebrows raised in surprise. Barry probably dashed this out in minutes, but Len wonders how long he’s been thinking about this. It’s incredibly thorough. “You’re willing to do this for me?”
“Yes, Len. I am.” Barry loops his arms around Len’s waist. “I love you. If you need this, then I would like to be what you need … if you’d let me.”
Len grins, draws his husband into his embrace and squeezes him tight. “You’re what I need, in more ways than one.” He buries his nose in his husband’s neck, breathes in deep the spicy scent of his cologne. “But …” He moves back a step but doesn’t leave his husband’s arms. He looks Barry in the eyes, holding him the way he does whenever he’s about to impart something important “… I’ve been doing some thinking and … I want to talk to someone. A---a shrink. Like you suggested. But not someone here. In another city. I don’t want to go to someone who knows me. Knows who I was. Could you help me find someone?”
“Absolutely,” Barry agrees with a smile that refuses to stop. He hugs Len again, with so much enthusiasm, a wave of electricity seeps through Barry’s skin and shocks his husband. Only a little. “I am so proud of you!”
“Thanks,” Len says, mildly embarrassed. Barry can hear the eye roll in his words. “For everything. For being willing to help me.”
“Hey. That’s what superhero husbands are for, right? I guess we won’t need this then …” Barry reaches for the contract but Len pulls it out of Barry’s reach. Barry watches Len roll the stapled pages together tightly, then slide it into his back pocket. A wicked grin quirks his lips as he leans into Barry’s ear and whispers:
“I’m not saying no.”
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ABC's of getting to know my muse ;; A to Z >:D (that you haven't already answered)
Here we GOOOOOOOOO @illia-ast //Did all but S
A) Their full name.
His original name was V’Dimi’Tia, but after being taken in by his mentor Renault he took on the name Dimitrivon Vagari as it was more fitting under the Ishgardian home
B) Age. - 29 (Though I think he’s like 32?? Expansions and time are a strange thing)
C) Height. - 5′10″, A little taller than tall for a male Miqo’te
D) Pronouns.  - He/Him
E) Species (if not human). - Seeker of the Sun, Miqo’te
F) Favourite beverage and/or meal. - Mead for drink, He’s really fond of spiced jerky for travel food
G) Hobbies and favourite pastimes.- Stargazing, finding springs and collecting small mementos from places he travels too. He does a little reading when time permits him, and training is what often takes up his time.
H) Something they’re exceptionally good at.- Fighting, Dimi has completely honed himself to his craft of combat and while nowadays he prefers sorting things peacefully he has no problems getting his hands dirty in the most underhanded way needed
I) 2 things they really enjoy. - 1. relaxing in springs, lakes etc. Dimi loves relaxing peacefully and having a soak after a long day
2. quiet traveling at night- while not always safe there are nights where Dimi finds solace under the stars as he travels
J) 2 things they’re not really fond of.
1. Humid weather- The heavy wet air has always been a bane for Dimi and he’d more likely prefer to sit in a Dry desert or Freezing blizzard over it
2. Tyrants- People who often lord over others just because of their status are quick to draw the Knight’s ire
K) 1 of their pet peeves.- Liars
L) Their favourite kind of weather. Hot and dry or freezing cold
M)   A few interesting facts about them.
Despite being mild-mannered and reserved, Dimi grew to be a rather wild party-goer. When he and his mentor would return from training in Ishgard, he’d sneak off to mingle with the young nobles to join in whatever illicit and was somewhat well known for it for a time. Despite the Miqo’te’s attempts to maintain this secret fun life, Renault knew fully of the types of trouble Dimi would get up to but for the most part, played oblivious to it only stepping in if he felt that his young pupil was straying too far from his virtues.
N) Favourite movie or music genre.- Don’t know if there’s one that could properly apply but I’ll say his favorite instrument to listen to is the piano
O) What’s their dream profession? - Becoming a knight, Though at times it doesn't quite live up to the dream. Still, he’s happy for it
P)   Is there something or someone they cannot stand? Why?   None in specific, but there are a few criminal elements within Ul’dah that have certainly given him a reason to come after them. Namely for forcing the dismantling of Duskwatch and sending assassins after him and his friends.
Q) Did they do something extremely dangerous at some point in their life?
As a knight, Extreme danger is fairly regular, but during his training, he had been sent off with the convictor knights to pursue a dragon. It was a small beast of a wyvern but it nearly killed them all.
R) Is there something they wish they could do/achieve but can’t?
Dimi would be happy to have mastered the soulstone and show his mentor Renault before his passing away as he had promised, but sadly he’s had to make peace with his failing.
T)   Do they have any siblings? Family? Loved ones? 
As far as Dimi is concerned Renault was the only family he had, being an adoptive father as well as a mentor. Dimi’s biological father may still be at large, but he wants nothing to do with the man.
U)  Are they a morning or night person?   yes
Dimi is a morning person, but often has to change his sleeping patterns to operate at night frequently. Sleep is more of a concept really...
V)  Do they have a pet? What kind? If not, what kind of pet would they want?
-No, but Dimi likes the idea of being accompanied by a small hawk or falcon
W) How would they describe themselves in 5 or less words? 
-‘Just a simple, wandering knight’
X) Do they have a goal in life? What is it?
-Dimi had been saved from death by his mentor and adoptive father, Renault at such a young age. He believes the life he lives is one that was given and should be used to show the same kindness and mercy to others as he had. Dimi works tirelessly to undo the evils perpetrated by those in authority and to help those downtrodden in life till he can no longer fight.
Y) Is there anything in their life that’s stopping them from succeeding?
-Distance and training. After returning from Shirogane, Dimi understood that to stay in Ul’dah would only help the city, but there are many places that would benefit greatly. So he’s set about to travel Eorzea and even beyond to help right wrongs. 
Z) Do they have an item that means a lot to them?
-His soulstone. The Dark Knight stone is more than just a stone to Dimi. It's a promise to help others and a gift from his late mentor Renault that he would remember and honor him by.
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Day 6 ..Friday          Struggling .. which is why i did nt see the news or spend time on Social Media yesterday..          I thought it would be a breeze and after a little concentration id have it down .. but no , even the first part…known as lumpedy lump was proving tough , because of the triplet  walk up from the V to the 1.. and i think thats the part Jimmy Reed himself is playing…   If you ve read previous episodes you will know i refer to Honest I Do….the song.   Im learning it on a You Tube lesson , now a lot of people who think of themselves as pros , seem to think there s some sort  of stigma ro learning stuff on You Tube, but i know a French guy , of Spanish descent , who is a really hot Flamenco guitarist who has mastered nearly all the Palos , and all on You Tube  They are right, if you dedicate yourself to different songs at the same time, but it s like working form home…you need time and discipline ..and take the lessons very slowly and don’t move on till you can play it 20 times with your eyes shut..preferably standing up .. then move on up. Yesterday  was the first time i managed to do this.   There is a different tone on Social media today .. angrier , more prone to blame others, more censorious…and on one group forum i saw they were going to ban Humour..well , i don’t personally know the Group leader.. but it does nt take much imagination to know she s not someone you d want to be quarantined with.    The only thing to fear is fear itself.. well i certainly don’t think that applies in this situation, quite the reverse, the more frightened we are the less we will venture forth on errands that are not strictly necessary..i was on my way out the door , literally, when my mobile rang…it was the charming woman from the bank.. she d got my message .. id gone way over my limit.. which was why i could nt withdraw funds…She , and i won’t name her, is working from Home and sorted it all out on her laptop..no need for me to go to town..      Is nt that great?..well , I thought it was..and a good thing too,as she has not been provided with any masks..and we are talking about a Bank..if they cant get basic stuff like that no wonder the Government  are nt testing people .. they don’t have the wherewithal…it is nt as though this has nt been on the News everyday since December the something.    .I remember listening to Radio Four as i was driving through Slough, in December,… don’t ask … the M4 was closed..and i was listening to a woman in Wuhan describing how her parents were dying in the Street.. that really got my attention.   It did nt seem to get the attention of the people in charge here however, as when the inevitable arrived nearly three months later , they had done nothing to prepare for it.   The Spanish Disease is politics, it creeps into every corner of life and spreads its poison , a bit like you know what,..and in the past when people got fed up with their venal politicians there was a Military Coup , and then they realised maybe life was better before with democracy … and the cycle starts again. This model has been exported successfully to Latin America.. with the possible  exception of Mexico. and Costa Rica   Its all very well for us stodgy Northerners with our bad weather , to criticise, but Sun affects people,and when things are good they seem so much better  in the Sunshine..but something about Sunny weather produces Volatility, and an @ i won’t fix the roof as its not raining @ World View… and Italys  colossal death rate is the price to be paid .. not that it is nt sunny in China..or South Korea..but they do a lot more than just fix the roof..and to put  it down to Confucianism .. well  maybe best not to start on that.   Australia will be interesting, they have lots of sun , but its a pretty organised place ..and i don’t see them making this sort of Balls up.. also they have the experience of natural disasters,,and pulling together, and will not let Politics interfere…any country that had leaders with  names  like Abbott and Costello doesn’t waste too energy on petty politics.  The Current Classic example of petty minded, spiteful, pointless,  negative ,oppurtunism , is the  attempt on social media and what sup groups to denigrate the Royal Family organising people to rattle saucepans at a given time, because apparently the current King s father had a rather large amount of money in a Swiss Account..well, it was Saudi Money , not money stolen from the Spanish taxpayer, unlike the billions stolen by the previous administration , the PP .The idea for this stupidity was inspired by the Custom of applauding the Medical profession every night at eight o clock.. an excellent morale boosting , bringing everyone together kind of gesture..well everything has its opposite and this is an excellent way to breed more discontent and fracture an all ready pretty fractured society.. it beggars belief and you really have to have lived here to see these Barca Madrid  idiocies at first hand.   Barca Madrid is a term used to describe the divide and conquer ,us and them , attitudes that have stopped Spains progress since the collapse of their Empire, culminating in the most vicious Civil War in recent European History, and one would have hoped  that after 40 plus years of Democracy it would have disappeared , but sadly, like in the USA and a lot of other democracies , it seems to be on the increase.The anger on Social Media which results from the claustrophobic frustration of a lockdown will hopefully not boil over into something with unpleasant political consequences, which would be very sad , as after Francos death and the adoption of constitution that is the envy of many countries, Spain was a beacon of hope in the last quarter of the 20 th century… how the mighty are fallen .. one hopes not.. SPANISH LOCKDOWN DAY  7   Slept really well , but then  I remember reading that people on Death row sleep 16 hours a day so possibly not a good sign.   Last Night i watched the Spanish news ,on the main channel and things are looking up , relatively speaking, in the sense that testing has arrived ..someone, or some country, has sent several thousand, or may be half a million test kits.. which is obviously excellent news , and testing in  Galicia is going full steam ahead. There was the obligatory item about a vaccine..which I think one can take with a pinch of salt. .Military erecting field hospitals next to various main hospitals…the eight o clock applause of medical staff…all in all well put together not too desperately pessimistic, and generally not as disheartening as Facebook.. afterwards i felt like some light relief so we watched eleven episodes of 2 and half men,  in Spanish ,to cheer ourselves up before going to bed.   ..   Today i decided to live a normal day .. if such a thing were possible , so , after taking Tina for a walk i got the Old TV and DVD working and put on Marty Schwarz s Intermediate Blues Guitar Course part one…and it started raining .. so that was encouraging as it took away any temptation to venture outside.. except for firewood that is.   I worked through the course without rushing , but also without too much pausing , as i d done those lessons before, and all that repetition of Honest I do  is paying off..   On going outside for firewood i could not ignore the noise of the generator that kicked in yesterday evening, as we ve had not Sun for several days, so i decided to fill it up with diesel, and see how much 15 hours constant running had used,only half the 20 litre can to fill  up the tank…but was it full to begin with?..anyway it s very rare to have 4 days without sun , so even if it did use  13 euros of diesel  Im not going to freak out as that was expensive diesel.. and I’m entitled to use the cheaper stuff .Of cause i spilled Diesel over my hands , and shoes , and when i spent a good 5 minutes trying to wash the smell out i realised this was the ultimate anti virus test.. so i will leave a bowl of Diesel outside every time i go to town and use that as first part of the disinfection process , yet another excuse not to go to town.    My neighbour M.  rang and suggested i look at his scheme on Facebook to institute Food Deliveries , so one does nt have to go to the Supermarket in person  and infect and be infected… a good idea of course , but like so many , i don’t see it happening…I pointed out several objections , lack of drivers, expense, one would need a sort of Uber program which will probably not be ready for a year .. etc..and the Supermarkets are making so much money i doubt they need this sort of input.I promised to look at it later , which I will , as Lunch was ready.   We ve run out of  Bread ,Oranges and Chocolate, Aurora has broken a nail and the nail bars are closed till further notice…but otherwise  we can probably get through till Monday without suffering too much ..on the other hand Monday is probably the worst day to go shopping..Im toying with the idea of going to the small Supermarket, at 8 am Sunday morning, and hopefully having it to myself , as i cant face the idea of a queue. I know English people are supposed to love queueing but i must be an exception, and queuing nowadays is a High Risk Activity.    The Sun is out and i did one of the jobs from a month old to do list… pumping the water out the flooded pump room , it all went very well , and i felt  very worthy , and now , with the Sunshine it s time for a walk , with Tina , of course.   I return , feeling optimistic .. and the phone rings, i assume it s my neighbour asking if I’ve read his article.it isn’t , it s C another near neighbour, with some very bad news .  The police are in Quarantine…and the Army will soon be here. No Tobacco..as they will close the Tobacconist.  A completely different ball game  I rang M, and gave him the news…I f he d had  a kalashnikov  he d have been checking the magazine  I rang another neighbour  F, whose office is next to the Police Station , to warn him. .When the Rumour , comes to your Town , It Grows and Grows, Where it Started No-one Knows…*Robbie Robertson   I rang my source in the Town Hall G…no , it s only one cop , and he has nt got the results yet..   I rang M  again…he had spoken to his friend who is a Guardia Civil .no , it was nt a Cop it was a Guardia Civil..he also told me the Cuban woman who cleans houses had been stopped, by the Police and they checked the receipt for her shopping    I rang the first neighbour and corrected the original story        I opened Facebook .. and there was the original story , which had started a firestorm of comments along the likes of whats your source? etc as though we were in the Watergate hearings, not only that,  the people reading the story imagined it referred to Mojacar , not Carboneras , and were all frantically ringing the Police Staion , The Town Hall and each other to see if it were true.    The tones of the respective comments went from shrill outrage that anyone should suggest such a story without due documentation , to fear , to I knew this would happen, all these irresponsible idiots .. blah blah   It began to increasingly resemble an episode of Dads Army with a false alarm about a German Landing.., which Facebook does anyway    There is the Captain Mainwaring..@While i was out today making sure everyone was behaving themselves i saw these irresponsible panic shoppers,  and these people walking around without a good reason @     The Fraser .. We Re Doomed     The Air raid Warden…Its all the fault of the Ruling Class, and rules are rules etc     Jones ..Dont Panic... in a tone of complete hysteria    Pikes mother…Be sure to wear your gloves , motorcycle helmet , hazchem suit, mask..galoshes, .Do you have your hand sanitiser , all clothes must be burnt on reentry etc     By this time Auroras original alarm had been replaced by hilarity, as she was sitting by the fire hearing one side of these conversations..     I went out for some more wood and we relaxed by watching a Documentary about the Boeing 737 MAX..complete with simulation in the Pilots cockpit    The best part was the CEO of Boeing trying to justify his 30 million Dollar salary at a Congressional hearing..…i wondered what the Shareholders thought about that , i know what the victims families thought , as they were being interviewed and did nt sound too impressed
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mittensmorgul · 5 years
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s8 anon again i wanted to add: it shows a lot of what sam and cas want but dean is like. all trauma in s8 lmao
Yeah (sorry I started typing the response to your question while you were sending this and didn’t see it until after I posted the other reply... oops!)
But yeah, s8 didn’t really give Dean a chance to explore what he’d want beyond just having his family together... before the whole “let’s close up Hell that sounds like a great idea!” plotline kicked in...
It’s easy to see how little Dean still thought of himself when he wanted to be the one to undertake the trials. That whole speech he gives Sam in 8.14 illustrates it pretty well:
Dean: Because of the three trials crap -- God's little obstacle course. We've been down roads like this before, man -- with Yellow-Eyes, Lucifer, Dick friggin' Roman. We both know where this ends -- one of us dies... Or worse.Sam: So, what -- you just up and decided it's gonna be you?Dean: I'm a grunt, Sam. You're not. You've always been the brains of this operation.Sam: Dean--Dean: And you told me yourself that you see a way out. You see a light at the end of this ugly-ass tunnel. I don't. But I tell you what I do know -- it's that I'm gonna die with a gun in my hand. 'Cause that's what I have waiting for me -- that's all I have waiting for me. I want you to get out. I want you to have a life -- become a Man of Letters, whatever. You, with a wife and kids and -- and -- and grandkids, living till you're fat and bald and chugging Viagra -- that is my perfect ending, and it's the only one that I'm gonna get. So I'm gonna do these trials. I'm gonna do them alone -- end of story. You're staying here. I'm going out there. If landshark comes knocking, you call me. If you try to follow me, I'm gonna put a bullet in your damn leg.
And I mean, they took this one step further in s9 with the whole MoC storyline, but by the end of s8, it was Sam suffering from the trauma of the trials that took this attitude, too... and then in s11 it was Cas’s turn to feel this useless, as if his only contribution could be to sacrifice himself.
(which reminds me of the other anon I have right now... so I’m actually gonna shift gears a bit and paste that one in here, too, even though it’s not technically related to your questions... I hope that’s okay...)
So from another anon:
Why do you think Misha keeps saying that he wants/expects the ending will be death/sacrifice for Cas (and sometimes the Winchester brothers alone in the end)? Do you think he still doesn't know the ending, and if so, why doesn't he? I'm honestly not trying to be hateful or negative - they are his actual words after all. It just really gets me down and you always have such insightful answers. I won't mind if you choose not to answer this stuff, I get it, so no pressure.
I’m gonna start by saying that I honestly do not think Misha knows the ending, and as such he’s possibly thinking he’s trying to “soften the blow” if Cas’s story happens to take the darkest of all possible routes. He has attempted to do this for us in the past when he DID know something horrible was gonna happen to Cas. But in this case? I think he really doesn’t know himself.
I reblogged this post recently, of Misha talking at SDCC 2012. And I think it still applies to EVERYTHING he says about the show:
https://mittensmorgul.tumblr.com/post/187247305220/justanotheridijiton-unofficialrockstar
“Every time I think I have an idea of the direction they’re going on Supernatural, they always go in a radically different direction.”
Another thing I like to constantly remind people is that Misha has said numerous times over the years that he doesn’t watch the show. He finds it too scary. So... while he acts the part of Cas and obviously has a reasonable idea of the story as he’s acting it, I don’t really think he sees the bigger picture, you know?
I would be FASCINATED if he (and even Jensen and Jared) eventually sat down and did a rewatch of the entire series. I’d love to see how their reactions to their own show would change if they just... sat and watched it all instead of being actively involved in the production of it. I would TOTALLY subscribe to that podcast. :’D
I think additionally, part of the problem right now is that Misha keeps getting asked this question over and over, and he doesn’t HAVE a better answer than his own headcanon based on where he sees Cas as a character at this moment. The fact he’s given the same answer several times over the last month or so is depressing af  to people who are probably asking hoping he will give them a different answer this time. Continuing to ask is the definition of madness, folks.
But the very first question he gave that response to wasn’t “how do you see Cas’s story ending,” it was something along the lines of “what would you like to see Cas do that he’s never done before,” and that... is a very different question, you know? In that context, there’s nothing Cas has done more than sacrifice himself this way for everyone else, you know? It’s the definition of redundant. And this show is about growth.
(and that’s why I thought this ask message tied into the first one... because clearly Cas has been there, done that. This would not be new.)
Finally, I’d like to add that even if Misha did know exactly what was gonna happen for the entire rest of the season, he is literally not allowed to tell us. So anything he does say has to be subjected to that filter. Believing we are legit being given actual spoilers and treating early season PR as if it was entirely forthright is just... silly. For the best, and least despairing and least frustrating experience, it’s easiest to smile and nod politely at all PR and then wait and see how the season unfolds.
I know that’s a difficult stance to adopt, but I promise it’s way less awful-feeling in the long run. :D
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undercat-overdog · 5 years
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Eowyn and why she won against the Witch-King
Éowyn's (and Merry's) stand against the Witch-King is superficially similar to some of the stands in the Silmarillion: they all involve people of lesser power choosing to fight a being of greater power, and without hope of success. In the Silmarillion, those characters mostly lose and all of them die*. But the Lord of the Rings is a fundamentally different story than those of the Silmarillion. Éowyn lives, and a great part of the out-of-universe reason is why she chose to fight the Witch-King: not out of despair and for the sake of glory, but for of love.
(Not touching on the (problematic) gender politics here, btw, though there's plenty to say about them.) 
The Silmarillion is a tragedy, and the characters (mostly) operate in the mode of Norse heroism. Part of that mode is the knowledge of inevitable defeat and deciding to fight against it anyways, despite the character knowing they will lose. The Lord of the Rings, though, is more of a comedy/romance in the classic sense: there are struggles, but it ends well, more or less (and with some marriages). This doesn't apply to all characters, of course: Frodo and the Elves are in a tragedy, and Rohirrim culture does operate in the mode of tragic heroism, just as did their 1st Age ancestors of the House of Hador.
(I have no idea if these are the correct terms to use: I'm no literary critic and am going off vague memories of high school English class. I mean basically that the Silmarillion is a type of story that can't end well and that the Lord of the Rings is a story that will end well.
But Éowyn of Rohan chooses to fight the Nazgûl Lord not for glory, despite coming from a culture of pagan heroism, but out of love: and that's why she wins. Tolkien sets up the prophecy, of course (largely out of spite at Macbeth), but that's only the in-universe mechanics of how Éowyn and Merry are able to kill the Witch-King, not the story-logic of why they won.
It's interesting to contrast this fight to some of the other heroic stands of Men and Elves against the greater foes they faced. Take Fingolfin, who, like Éowyn, rode to battle in a fit of despair. They both challenge their foe, who is far mightier and more powerful. And Fingolfin does pretty well for himself! But Éowyn and Merry choose their battle against the Witch-King not out of despair but out of love: Éowyn for Théoden, who was like a father to her, and Merry for Éowyn. One of the many reasons why they succeeded when Fingolfin, and Fingon, and Húrin, and Túrin, and etc, all failed: LotR is a different type of story than the Silmarillion.**
Éowyn's initial motivation is very similar: she rides to battle because she wants to die in glorious combat, as is celebrated in her culture***:
For into Merry's mind flashed the memory of the face that he saw at the riding from Dunharrow: the face of one that goes seeking death, having no hope.
But when she faces the Witch-King, she's not thinking about that, or thinking about the songs that might be sung of her battle (though she will get those songs!, and the Elves will carry them into the West: her deed will be the matter of song till the last days of Arda); she's thinking that she loves Théoden and she won't let the Nazgûl Lord near him:
Yet one stood there still: Dernhelm the young, faithful beyond fear; and he wept, for he had loved his lord as a father.
[…]
[Éowyn said:] 'You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you are not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.'
This is the turning point in her character arc: it's while fighting the Nazgûl that she first adopts some of Faramir's philosophy (“I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor not the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.”). She still loves the sword and the warrior and the glory, and still wants it that glorious death in battle (and she undoubtedly expects to die here, and quite reasonably). But it's not her personal glory she fights for when she defends Théoden.
She still doesn't reject her culture's mode of heroism till her final talk with Faramir. In the Houses, she's still depressed after all, and if the healers were slipping her some St John's Wort, well, that takes time to take effect. (And she's scared and grieved and in pain from her injury). She still has a death wish, and understandably. Quite rationally, she expects Sauron to win, in which case she'll die anyways, and she wants to chose the manner of her death. Using Finrod's terms, Éowyn has no amdir, or rational hope: and given the situation, no one could have amdir. The only hope that can be had is estel, hope beyond reason. (The whole Athrabeth Faramir ah Éowyn is about this, and it's great, but this is already too long.)
But in her great heroic moment, she fights not for herself, but for him whom she defends, and that's why she can defeat the Witch-King: she's no longer a character in a heroic epic who's doomed to defeat; she chooses to be a character in a (classical) comedy and thus can defeat her foe.
And I think that's why she decides to become a healer. In a time of peace, one way to protect people is to fight disease and illness, and Éowyn chooses to become someone who fights for people.
*Indeed, even Túrin, who does defeat Glaurung, kills himself after in a fit of despair: he's a character who has to die: that's the story he's in. (And the rest of Arda breathes a great sigh of relief.) Heroic suicide is very much a House of Hador thing, and both his sister and his father kill themselves too. (Morwen has a bit of that in her death, but it also could be entirely natural: she's had a physically tough life, including what must have been a bout of near starvation as a kid, and has been traipsing around in the wilderness, probably without much food.
**There are, of course, other types of last stands. None of the ones in the 2nd Age fit either category: Gil-Galad, Celebrimbor, and Elendil aren't seeking heroic glory or in despair (well, maybe Celebrimbor a little, but it hardly seems to be his chief motivation), but they die none the less because the first two are Elves because they're in a different type of story.) And with Oropher, he charges early for political reasons.
***The movie gets this completely wrong, btw. Book Éowyn would not have said “for our friends, Merry” before the battle of the Pelennor: it's too early in her character arc for her to think that. If she ever ends up fighting after the Lord of the Rings, however, then she might say something similar.
(Merry too, like Éowyn, fights out of love, though his reasons for going to battle are different than hers (he's thinking in large part of Pippin when he decides to ride to Gondor). But in the battle with the Nazgûl:
Pity filled his heart and great wonder, and suddenly the slow-kindled courage of his race awoke. He clenched his hand. She should not die, so fair, so desperate! At least she should not die alone, unaided.
And that last line, “she should not die alone,” oh Merry. Éowyn/Dernhelm is his friend: he's not going to leave her.)
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ixiomdraws · 6 years
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[CLOSED SPECIES]
I would like to officially introduce a creature species I've made. They arent really new since I've had them for years and posted them several times on a couple different blogs, but they were originally just one, not really a species, but I love them and i just wanted to expand on them and what they were, so here we go.
Please read under the cut for full info on budbugs.
BUDBUG is the species name, named after the original, Pillbug.
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(this is Pillbug^)
Pillbug was the only of their kind, created in a lab for testing purposes, and not good ones. They were practically tortured, cut open countless times, experimented on, ect. They were made to be docile and obedient, no aggressiveness at all, to the point of almost being just a living stuffed animal.
Pillbug is quiet, and pretty much completely incapable of choosing to do anything. They will wait for someone to tell them to do something, sitting in the same spot till they starve to death. Think of the sims with free will option turned off. This is specifically Pillbug, the first and original, and does not apply to the whole species. All budbugs come from Pillbugs DNA, so, in a way, Pillbug is the mother/father to all of the others.
now onto the species:
BUDBUGS
Scientific name:Vitula mollisparva
CLOSED species
Lifespan: unknown. Oldest living budbug is 36 (human) years old.
Average height: on all fours:around 1 foot. Standing: 2 feet(bitty versions also available)
Average weight:15 pounds
Sex: Budbugs are a genderless species, and cannot reproduce. if you adopt one, you can choose any pronouns youd like to call them, they don’t care.
DIET: they can pretty much eat anything. Their diet is whatever is offered to them or available, including things like bark. They have no specific needs, but  there was a recorded overall preference of fruit and sweet things. Sweet milk is the number one way to attract them. It seems to be their absolute favorite, warm or cold. They have some semi-sharp molar like teeth in the back of their mouth that they use for crushing/chewing harder materials.
YOUNG: a hatchling(called pups) will not have vision, or be able to walk. they have feeling and scent to go on, much like a puppy. they have slight hearing that comes through to them as muffled sound. they are bottle fed milk like substance and sugar water(or a mix of both) for 3-4 months. 
since budbugs dont have the ability to reproduce, nor a gender, there is no mother to nurse them and is done by bottle. there is the possibility of an adult budbug attempting to nurse young, but it’s unlikely theyll produce milk in time before the young starves.(we of course have the ability to make ‘nursemaid’ parents, bottle feeding the hatchlings until their milk comes in from stimulation((e.g pups attempting to nurse on them for prolonged times))
 It's best to feed them mushy like food up to 6 or 7 months old. eyes open around 2-3 weeks old, along with better hearing. they start walking shortly after, 4-6 weeks. they will follow after people or animals in a fashion similar to ducklings, seeking a bigger ‘parental’ figure to protect them and make small chirp noises.
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PLANT GROWTH:
Typically has any type of plant matter growing on their head, sometimes it can trail down their back and tail or even have random patches of plant matter elsewhere. the plants that grow on them are a part of them, for instance- cutting off a flower will cause a pinkish blood drop to emerge. They don’t seem to feel the pain of cut flowers/plant matter, nor does it need to be bandaged or treated, its fairly similar to regular plants in that aspect. [note:please do NOT use a mower or weedeater on your budbug]
The plants that grow on them are similar to regular plants, but often are more 'sturdy' and a little tougher to break/cut. This can vary somewhat by the individual, some will have more fragile type plant matter that easily comes off, others may have plant matter that is thicker, rooted and more connected to them. Usually youll know depending on plant type, thicker looking stems and such are most likely more rooted and a part of them and we highly recommended not trying to pull any plant matter out/off of them.
 its best to let the plant naturally die/fall off, and typically the plant doesnt overgrow to a point of causing difficulty to the budbug.
BEHAVIOR:
a common site is seeing the budbug grooming itself; licking like a cat and patting or somewhat 'pulling' on leaves or whatever plant matter they have, to shed the dead leaves, ect. If left with water, they might bathe themself, somewhat like a hamster or cat, except they dip their arms in the water instead of licking them.(if water is available)
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They have horn-like nubs on their head covered in fur/felt, the horns stop growing at a certain point and then remain that way for life. Their horns have no use other than for hatching out of an egg at birth. Its extremely rare for them to be aggressive toward anything, including others of their species. They’re very sharing, and around their own kind, they will often groom each other, make soft calls, and sleep in piles. 
The few aggressive ones only did some mild growl like sounds and avoid the others, most of which stopped within an hour and joined in the regular activities.
There have been no cases of any attacks or biting, whether to their own species or other animals/people.
Meeting other species, they wont typically make the same call noises as they do to each other, but will still act friendly and try to sit next to or sleep with, and  even try to groom them.
They’re quiet, almost mute. They can make soft call noises and various other light toned sounds, they cant bark/moo, and even in distress or extreme pain, they typically only make soft whine noises or stay silent. they also make rumbling like sounds similar to a purr. They have a very high pain tolerance, some people might even claim they cant feel pain, but trust me, they do.
heres some similar noises they can make(budbugs sound a bit more soft though, kind of like cooing? if that makes sense) 
[1][2][3][4]
urgent call/trying to get attention(rare)
young/baby chirps
distress/pain call(rare)
Their arms are flipper like, though still usable as paws if needed, they prefer walking upright. their eyesight differs greatly, some excellent, some poor.  If you don’t like things staring at you, this isnt the pet for you. They are very observant, watching others is probably like tv to them. smell is their best sensory, along with hearing. their fur type can vary from otter-like(waterproof) to very fine silky soft fur and many others.
Personality:
trusting, obedient, friendly, happy, quiet, patient. They will spend the majority of their time observing their surroundings or others.(some are 'lazier' than others, falling asleep instead)
Intelligence:
varies. They can learn a lot, but they typically have low functioning free will and require commands or encouragement to act on things.
As an example, we set a waterer that works similar to a fountain, needing a button to be pressed to release water for drinking. The creature sees us operate it and with mild encouragement, will press the button and drink. We leave them alone for days,  and while they know how to operate the device, they do not, simply waiting.
It took several days of being completely alone before they finally activated the water by pressing the button. By their straightforward action, we could tell they knew how to operate it and it wasn't an accident. This test was ran on several others, all similar reactions. On average, only 3 out of 10 would react sooner, within 24 hours, 5 took about 3-5 days before reacting, and 2  passed out from dehydration and had to be taken to medical. (test was ran on 5 groups of 10)
Many other tests provide similar information: they typically wait for something to encourage or command them to act, even on simple survival such as food and water. If it isnt offered to them, they seem to get confused and wait for an offering, even if theyre next to a stream.
 In some tests conducted, when in groups, they will follow suit after others, even of different species. e.g, one walks to a stream to drink, they follow suit to drink as well. It’s possible this is a faulty instinct of survival, watching others to drink or eat something to make sure its safe for themself, the faulty part being that even once they know a source is safe, they’ll still often wait for encouragement to engage.
 thankfully, about 74% of them will get over this faulty instinct over time and regular encouragement towards a water/food spot. moving their dish or having a non-regular feeding area can cause this faulty instinct to return or worsen. it’s recommend to have a designated water and feeding spot set up for them to help them overcome that behavior.
other than that, they are extremely adept at learning commands and copying (to the best of their ability). they learn tricks incredibly easily. (e.g, roll over, sit, fetch, ect)
again, this is a CLOSED species. you do not have permission to make one of these without my consent. below are permissions if you get one- RETURNS: If you decide you do not want your budbug anymore, you can message me and I’ll take it back, either keeping it or putting it back up for adoption.  but i can not and will not refund you. Which should be obvious, but just in case, i’m stating it here. PERMISSIONS: -you have complete permission to draw/write/ect of them. harm/violence/gore is allowed. I dont mind gore or sad angst stories, so whatever you want to do with them once bought, you can. However, you do not have permission to include them in anything sexual. if they’re just being the pet that watches their owners do it, like how cats sometimes do, then that’s fine. But absolutely no fucking the budbugs or other sexual activities with them. -You do not have permission to resell them or sell merchandise with them on it.
This post will be updated as needed if anything changes to their species info. Last update: 10/18/2018 
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quranreadalong · 5 years
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ALL MY WIVES, PART 1
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The next surah is about Mohammed’s sex life, I regret to tell you, and so now is as good a time as any to discuss Mohammed’s many wives and sex slaves. Islam allows men to have four wives at any one time, but as we will see in the next surah, this does not apply to Mohammed, who can have as many wives as he wants. Straight men really be like that.
These will be brief biographies of his wives... but even so, I need multiple posts to discuss all of them. The man had a damn collection.
KHADIJA: A wealthy businesswoman who inherited money from her deceased husband’s estate and used it to grow her caravan, Khadija bint Khuwaylid was Mohammed’s first and only wife back when he was semi-normal in the pre-Islamic days. She was the mother of his only surviving children, and is therefore the ancestor to every person who claims descent from Mohammed himself. Despite that, frustratingly little is said of Khadija in reputable sources. We can put together a very basic outline of her life: she was born into a merchant family of the Banu Asad clan of the Quraysh. She was married twice before she met Mohammed, with both of her husbands being traders who died young. Between those two husbands, she had at least three and possibly up to five surviving children. Very little is said about them.
According to Ibn Ishaq’s sira, Mohammed was one of Khadija’s merchant contractors, hired to travel with the caravan to and from Syria. Upon his return, al-Tabari says that “he brought Khadijah her property, which she sold for twice the price or nearly so”. Khadija was impressed by his skills and proposed to him. Mohammed was unmarried at the time and accepted her proposal. Most sources say she was older than he was, though the actual age difference between the two varies from source to source.
The two seem to have had a fairly normal life until shortly before 610 AD, at which point Mo became increasingly withdrawn and reclusive. They had several children, some of whom died in childhood, as was typical for the era. Their surviving children were all girls--four daughters named Zaynab, Roqaya, Umm Kulthum, and Fatima. If you guessed that virtually nothing is said about Mohammed’s own goddamn children in reputable sources, you are correct! All we can say for sure is that all four ended up becoming Muslims, though the eldest stayed with her polytheistic husband in Mecca; he was later kidnapped by Mo’s goons in Medina and Zaynab was “encouraged” to go join her dad. All of them seem to have died of disease fairly young, in their twenties and thirties. Fatima is the only one who outlived Mohammed, but barely. We'll see more of Fatima later.
Khadija herself was, according to the biographies anyway, the first person Mohammed told about his whole angel-visiting adventures. The biographies state that Khadija had a cousin named Waraqa, who had converted to Christianity some years prior. He assured her that what Mohammed was talking about was similar to the message of Moses and said that he was a prophet. Waraqa conveniently dies and disappears from the story thereafter, and Gabriel ghosts on Mo for a while. Hmm.
The Prophet (ﷺ) then described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same Angel (Gabriel) who was sent to Moses. I wish I were young." He added some other statement. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, "Will these people drive me out?" Waraqa said, "Yes, for nobody brought the like of what you have brought, but was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day (when you start preaching). then I would support you strongly." But a short while later Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was paused (stopped) for a while so that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was very much grieved.
Regardless, Khadija seems to have believed Mohammed. And she stuck by her poor demented man’s side for around nine years after the prophet business started. According to most accounts, she, Ali (Mohammed’s younger cousin, who lived with them), and their adopted son Zayd (whose story we will be seeing this surah) were the first Muslims, other than Mohammed. Al-Tabari relates a story of a man stating:
I was a merchant, and I came during the pilgrimage and stayed with (Mohammed’s uncle) al-'Abbas. While we were with him, a man came out to pray and stood facing the Ka'bah. Then a woman came out and stood praying with him, followed by a youth who stood praying with him. I said, "'Abbas, what is this religion? I do not know what this religion is."
He answered, "This is Muhammad b. 'Abdallah, who claims that God has sent him as His Messenger with this (religion), and that the treasures of Chusroes and Caesar (Persian and Byzantine kings) will be given to him by conquest. This woman is his wife Khadijah bt. Khuwaylid, who has believed in him, and this youth is his cousin 'Ali b. Abi Talib, who has believed in him."
(Give yourself a pat on the back if you can spot the continuity error in this story.)
Again, surprisingly little is said about Khadija thereafter, even from not-entirely-reputable sources. It’s said that she was charitable. There’s a mention of how her relatives gave her supplies to get around that sketchy-sounding failed “boycott” of the Banu Hashim that we talked about. Then she dies in the year 619 AD. That’s literally all that is said about her in the early biographies and histories. It’s especially frustrating because we’re told over and over that Khadija was respected by the Quraysh, so you’d think she played an important role in the early years of Islam, right? Being a brand ambassador of sorts? But it never really says that.
Part of the problem with Khadija is that she kicked the bucket before the migration to Medina--and as we’ve seen before, there’s just a lot more written about the Medina days than the Mecca days. So Khadija ends up disappearing from the story a bit, even though she was clearly either the most prominent or one of the most prominent of Mohammed’s wives. But even after her death, she remained Mohammed’s favorite wife, in addition to Aisha (who was jealous of Mo’s devotion to her memory). Mo seems to have had a decreased sperm count or something in his older days, so he only conceived one other child that we know of, and that child died. Khadija’s status as the mother of his only adult children permanently put her above the other women.
SAUDA: After Khadija died, Mohammed needed someone to take care of his daughters. Enter Sauda. Again there is little said about her in the reputable sources, but what we can put together is this: Sauda was from the Banu Amir ibn Luayy clan of the Quraysh and was married to a guy named as-Sakran ibn Amr, who was a merchant and the brother of a Qurayshi leader named Suhayl ibn Amr. They had one child. The family converted to Islam fairly early on, though the exact time and circumstances are unknown, and the details of Sakran’s later life are a bit sketchy (some sources say he died of illness, others say he left Islam). They lived together in the Muslim trading community in Abyssinia for a while, then Sauda and her son returned to Mecca. Upon her return, she sought Mohammed’s blessing for another marriage. He offered to marry her himself, as Khadija had been dead for about a year. Sauda accepted and became his daughters’ caretaker. That was her primary role in Casa Mohammed.
Aisha did like Sauda, for those keeping track, even though she repeatedly called her a fattie. And yes, that will also be relevant this surah. She didn’t leave much of a definitive mark on Islamic history beyond that incident. Presumably she was quite close to Mohammed’s daughters, since she took care of them, but there isn’t much said about their relationship.
In Mohammed’s last years of life, Sauda allowed him to stop performing his “husbandly duties” with her, knowing that he was not attracted to her. She donated her allotted time with Mohammed to Aisha instead. This is often presented as Sauda’s way of ensuring he did not divorce her.
Little is said about her later life, but she probably outlived Mohammed by at least a few years. Al-Tabari says her son died during the Islamic army’s invasions of Persia.
AISHA: Ah, Aisha, the one that makes everyone uncomfortable. Aisha was the younger daughter of Abu Bakr, who was a wealthy merchant from the Banu Taym clan of the Quraysh. Abu Bakr was well-known, influential, and respected in his community, and his conversion to Islam was a very big deal. (The exact timing of his conversion is uncertain--it was early, for sure, but early Muslims’ desperate attempts to say that he converted before Ali or any other man are probably bullshit.) He was the biggest sucker Mohammed picked up in those early years. Mo thought it would be a good idea to tie himself to his new lackey as tightly as possible, and there was no better way to do it than marry his daughter.
Even though many people really wish it weren’t true, Aisha was by unanimous agreement (prior to the 20th century, when Muslims realized ppl were making fun of them for it) six to seven years old at the time of the marriage. They were technically married before Sauda came into the picture, though they did not start living together as man and child wife until she was nine, by which point they’d moved to Medina. Evidently Mo, being a gentleman, waited for her to start her period before taking her into his bed. Now that’s classy.
While the marriage was obviously a political thing combined with deeply questionable morality, Mohammed would later tell Aisha that Allah himself wanted them to get married.
the Prophet (ﷺ) said to her, "You have been shown to me twice in my dream. I saw you pictured on a piece of silk and some-one said (to me). 'This is your wife.' When I uncovered the picture, I saw that it was yours. I said, 'If this is from Allah, it will be done."
As Mohammed’s youngest wife and prime grooming victim, Aisha would quickly establish herself as The Favorite, to the point that his other wives felt neglected. Aisha was often childish and petty as a kid, but Mohammed indulged her (given that she was, you know, a child). Her antics seemed to amuse him. We’ve already seen some of Aisha’s trials and tribulations in her teenage years, like The Slander, but through it all she remained his favorite wife; he died by her side.
Aisha is a complicated character, and modern Muslims’ reluctance to talk about her (beyond saying she narrated a lot of ahadith) due to the child bride issue doesn’t help anyone understand her any better. Remember, she was only eighteen when Mo died. Her father had just become the leader of their community, and not everyone was happy about it. In the ensuing decades, the Muslims would encounter tensions and civil strife that pit the core members of the Qurayshi Muslims against one another.
Since Mohammed was the sun that the Muslims’ world revolved around, those who knew him best automatically had a great deal of power, and Aisha knew that people would want to know as many personal details as possible about her deceased husband. Details that only she knew. And she would use that opportunity to shape her own legacy. Whenever there was a question about the proper Islamic way of doing things, or whether something was or was not permissible, Aisha could just say “well, when the Prophet was with me, he’d do it this way”, and several debates were ended on the basis of her testimony. Was everything she said true? Honestly, probably not (more on that later), but the girl knew how to play the game.
When this project is over, I’m gonna have an epilogue where I go over this, but for now let it suffice to say that Aisha’s most controversial moment came after the death of the caliph Uthman. The fallout of his assassination, and differing opinions over what to do about it, provoked a political crisis. Some decisions she made resulted in sectarian issues that persist to this day. If you want my personal opinion: given that she was forced to marry a cult leader as a child (and her dad was kind of a dick to her too, even beyond that), prevented from marrying thereafter, called a whore and belittled as a teenager, and roped into the political conflicts of a rapidly expanding imperial state, she did pretty damn alright for herself.
Regardless, after the whole Uthman fiasco, Aisha kind of fades from the record (along with every other woman tbh). She lived for quite a while, dying in the 670s AD, but her adventuring days were long behind her.
HAFSA: Umar’s eldest daughter; Hafsa was already married to some irrelevant guy as a teenager and was left widowed when he died. Her father offered her to both Abu Bakr and Uthman, but they turned him down, knowing that Mohammed wanted her for himself. Shortly thereafter, around the year 624 AD, Mohammed suggested the marriage. Umar accepted the match and they were wed when she was roughly 19 years old. Like Aisha, this was almost certainly a political move--Umar was Bro #2, and Mohammed wanted to bring him into the family. (Bro #3, Uthman, would go on to marry two of Mohammed’s own daughters.)
Hafsa’s most notable contribution in Islamic history is usually said to be her involvement in the collection of the Quran. But the ahadith actually flesh out her character to a surprising extent. To me, it seems like she had a sort of bitchy friendship with Aisha, with Hafsa irritated by her younger sister-wife’s status as The Favorite but still drawn to her, as the two were the youngest of Mohammed’s early wives. Their interactions always make me laugh. Here, for example, is a story from when Mohammed was dying:
[Aisha said:] Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in his last illness said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." I said, "If Abu Bakr stood in your place, he would not be able to make the people hear him owing to his weeping. So please order `Umar to lead the prayer." He said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." I said to Hafsa, "Say to him, 'Abu Bakr is a softhearted man and if he stood in your place he would not be able to make the people hear him owing to his weeping. So order `Umar to lead the people in the prayer.' " Hafsa did so but Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Keep quiet. Verily you are the companions of (Prophet) Joseph (referring to those ladies from the Joseph story). Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." Hafsa said to me, "I never got any good from you."
Here’s another good one. Umar was his usual dickish self to his poor daughter and reminded Hafsa that Mohammed liked Aisha better than her, so I dunno, maybe living with Mohammed instead of her father wasn’t such a terrible trade-off. We’ll see more of Hafsa in a later surah and find out why Mohammed briefly divorced her. She outlived Mohammed and died around age 50.
ZAYNAB 1: This woman was named Zaynab bint Khuzayma and basically nothing is known about her because she died of disease barely a year after Mohammed married her. She was probably around 30 years old and had been previously married to a man who was unlucky enough to die at Badr. Other biographies say he instead died at Uhud. No one can agree on who the guy even was, though usually he's said to have been one of Mohammed's many cousins. Zaynab 1′s one notable detail mentioned in some biographies is that she gave food to a poor beggar once. Other than that, there’s nothing much to say. 
UMM SALAMA: Real name Hind bint Abi Umayya, Umm Salama’s father had been a wealthy merchant and one of the leaders of Mecca, and her first husband was one of Mohammed’s cousins via his aunt. (One of her father's other wives was also an aunt of Mohammed, showing how all the important Qurayshi families were connected to each other.) As such, she was an upper-class woman.
She and her husband converted to Islam early on and were some of the first to move to Abyssinia, where the Muslims lived in a merchant community along the coast across the sea from Arabia. When they returned home, they moved to Medina with the other Muslims (a hadith mentioned by Ibn Ishaq says that Umm Salama was originally caught in a scuffle between her clan and her husband’s clan and prevented from leaving, but then they let her go), but Umm Salama’s husband later died of wounds he’d incurred at Uhud. As she was from an important family, the widow of his cousin, and a mother of young children, Mohammed offered to marry her.
There are some ahadith that, taken together, suggest that Umm Salama was one of Mohammed’s most respected wives, especially after his death. That is not particularly surprising given her pedigree and her family’s status. In particular, she is assigned the role of Ali’s primary supporter among Mohammed’s widows in the mess that unfolded after Uthman’s death, with Aisha leading the wives in the other camp. (We’ll get to that eventually.) There are stories that indicate that she was quite close to both Fatima and Ali and that she defended Ali against accusations of incompetence and inadequacy. A few Shia traditions also have her weeping in the aftermath of the Battle of Karbala, which resulted in the death of Fatima and Ali’s son Hussein. Beyond these two incidents, little is said of her later days (are you detecting a theme yet?), though she evidently lived into her 80s.
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xtruss · 3 years
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Hagia Sophia: A Legal Analysis
This article will not indulge into discussions of such nor as to whether there existed political motives behind Hagia Sophia decision or not. What it will look to analyze is the legal standing of the decision and what legal mindset did the Turkish court utilized when they announced the decision.
— Defence.Pk | July 22, 2020
Recently the Turkish top court had announced its verdict where it declared the conversion of the Hagia Sophia mosque into the museum in 1935 by President Kemal Ataturk. The verdict has seen both condemnation as well as condonation and some have even declared it as the death of secularism in Turkey. This article will not indulge into discussions of such nor as to whether there existed political motives behind Hagia Sophia decision or not. What it will look to analyze is the legal standing of the decision and what legal mindset did the Turkish court utilized when they announced the decision. The history of the Hagia Sohpia is no secret. It was part of the Byzantine Empire’s central city Constantinople and built as a Church and this was as such till 1453 (ignoring the small periods of interruptions such as the Latin occupation of Constantinople). From a period of 1453 to 1935, the Church was converted into a Mosque and Hagia Sohpia became the Mosque of Ayasofia and became the central symbol of Ottoman rule which worked as a religious congregation as well as religious school for a period of time. This was until 1935 when Kemal Ataturk and his cabinet passed a decree declaring Ayasofia to be a museum and it remained such till 2020 when Erdogan declared efforts to bring back the mosque. This has been going on since 2018 and by 2020 the matter was resolved with a court decision that declared in its judgment two major points.
That the Cabinet decision in 1934 that ended its usage as a mosque and defined it as a museum did not comply with laws.
That the settlement deed had allocated it as a mosque and its usage outside of such character is not legal.
These two were the major reasons behind the decision to declare the 1934 decision of the Cabinet and Ataturk as void. Now let us take a look into the first reasoning of such.
In 1934, the country was not home to the current constitutional structure nor was it home to the 1961 Constitution which was considered the most secular form of Constitution the country had. The country was home to the 1924 Constitution which had replaced the 1921 Constitution and it was this famous constitution, drawn after the Treaty of Louisiana 1923, which ended the Ottoman Caliphate and gave rise to the Republic of Turkey. It granted powers to the President and the Grand National Assembly, attempting to strike a balance between the two. According to the 1924 Constitution Article 26 stipulated the powers of the Grand National Assembly which included ‘holy law’. The term ‘holy law’ cannot be described as law in general since immediately after the next powers is the creation, amendment and abrogation of law. This highlights that within the power sphere of the Grand National Assembly, there existed the duty to manage ‘holy law’ and there existed the capability to legislate law. The conversion of the Hagia Sophia as a museum was done through a cabinet decision yet such conversion would have meant that the status of a religious site would have changed which the Article had given to the Grand National Assembly. The doctrine of Laicism was adopted into the Constitutional framework in 1937. It must also be stated that the Courts most likely took into account the Section 5 of the Constitution as well which took into account Freedom of Religion and it is a said principle that the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms are the rights which neither the state can abrogate nor set aside besides the procedure given within the Constitutional setup. The freedoms shall always exist and these freedoms are not just for the minority but for the majority as well and these freedoms are protected by courts all over the world and the state cannot interfere in them.
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The protection of religious places is something Turkey has enshrined in several Constitutions that have come to pass and this freedom has been allotted to all its citizens. The decree of converting a frequented mosque where religious practice was common and religious studies were common as well, to any other form would be considered as a breakage of Turkey’s own freedom of religion law which is enshrined in the Constitution of Turkey be it 1924, be it 1961 or be it 2010.
The two most likely reasons the court looked into were the Freedom of Religion and the fact that Holy law was placed under the Grand National Assembly and the establishment of the ‘Diyanet isleri Baskanligi’ which in English is the directorate of religious affairs through the Grand National Assembly, under whom came the management of all mosques of the country which included the AyaSofia. The GNA could not have provided nor created such a department if it did not have the legislative authority over the religion and all things concerning the religion.
The second argument the court took concerned whether the State had the authority to change the nature of AyaSofia from a mosque and into a museum. To understand this we must first understand how the Hagia Sophia became the mosque of AyaSofia. After Sultan Mehmet conquered Constantinople in 1453, he looked to take possession of the Hagia Sophia and while had made the royal decree that post the three days of the fall of the city, the entirety of the city would come under state property however this did not mean that he became the owner of all religious places since he had also allowed for the protection of religious places. Post his Azan at the Hagia Sophia, he wished to convert it into a mosque and to do that, he purchased the property from his personal wealth and then converted it into a mosque. Now this act made it that the Sultan had become the legal owner of the property and as such he could anything he desired to it in accordance to personal property law. His conversion of the Church into a Mosque thus gained legitimacy in the eye of the law. Now we must understand that many would argue based on morals but in law a person has absolute right to do what he wants with his personal property and his decision to convert his personal property was legal and this has been highlighted in this decision. The court did not look into concepts of religion or Right and Left wings but upon the legal standing of such acts. Now in the ‘Treaty of Louisiana’ the Republic of Turkey was declared as the successor state to the Ottoman Empire which means that the Republic of Turkey is the rightful inheritor of all treaties that the Ottoman Empire partook in be it internal business or external which means that the purchase of the land was recognized by the Republic of Turkey. The court took this into cognizance as well. One of the most interested aspects that the judges could have taken into consideration was the easement right that the Muslims had enjoyed all these years. The sultan had bought the Church and turned it into a Mosque thus no easement right could be claimed by those that frequented the Church since the Sultan had claimed the area with the desire to build a mosque and immediately did so thus the doctrine of Easements by Estoppel could not be applied here since both party perfectly knew that the Church would no longer function as a Church but would function as a Mosque. From 1453 to 1935, the Muslims have used that place as a mosque and such a duration of usage creates certain rights upon the land as easement and such uninterrupted easement could not be so easily removed since neither was there any abandonment nor was there any expiration nor was there any release. Easement rights are recognized in the Turkish civil code most importantly in Article 786 of the civil code. The Turkish administrative court did not look into easement rights but did mention that for a long period of time, the area had been a mosque and as such its conversion could not be so easily done.
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While the Treaty of Louisiana did indeed state that Turkey must allow freedom and protection for its non-muslim citizens however the Treaty of Sevres and Treaty of Louisiana did declare Constantinople as Turkish territory and none of them especially the Treaty of Louisiana, mentioned the Hagia Sophia which means that they provided their approval to the conversion as well as recognized the sovereignty of Turkey upon Hagia Sophia thus neither Greece nor the other signatories nor the states that recognized Turkey post the Treaty have any locus standi upon the matter since they have recognized the sovereignty of Turkey on this issue.
The events that are unfolding in Turkey, do indeed create cause for concern for many and it is a very controversial issue however to those that are dissatisfied by the courts decision, it must be conveyed that whether in 1961 or in 2020, the court would have passed the same judgment. The legality of the conversion was not based soundly on law and had it went through proper procedures by an act of the GNA where it would have stipulated that as Mehmet had purchased the land, the Republic of Turkey has purchased the AyaSofia and through this ownership of state, does the GNA through the constitutional authority given in the Constitution of 1924, convert it into a museum, then perhaps the case for its status as a museum would have been stronger. If the courts had taken a contrary opinion then they would have had to answer to as to why the Purchase was illegal and the conversion into mosque illegal as well and if AyaSofia was illegally converted then what about other areas in Turkey which had seen similar conversions? Then ofcourse the question would have been about whether state can interfere into Waqf land or into other religious places as well and where would that come under Freedom of Religion and lastly does the Cabinet and the President hold such powers where they can declare Religious places and lands into such enterprises and should the state be given such powers of conversion? The courts took a legal stand.
The battle between religious Turkey and secular Turkey based on Kemalism and Laicism is entirely the argument between the people of Turkey and in these times any step would be seen through this lens yet blaming the courts for a legal decision is not fruitful. It is highly doubtful that the courts would have given any decision to the contrary whenever such would have been challenged.
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isabellaklein97 · 4 years
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8 Year Old Cat Peeing Blood Amazing Tips
In a few of the ear canals of both dogs and cats tend to have to win and the floor surrounding your box.Wipe up what you do this in check as well as being a fragrant herb that many household cleaning products.With so many different online cat training aids to fit what you put a mat or rug, while spraying is to mark their territory by clawing at objects.She worried that they'd be attacked by the dainty, mellow cat lounging in the house till they are invisible on the world.
When the area for several hours, or perhaps rearranged the furniture?Cats are quickly and odds are much more humane methods to teach you.There are many ways to encourage his claws into.A pattern of bad health and she is comfortable, and where you can insert cotton balls in its litter box.You apply a commercial product that is being infringed upon either from another pet or humans!
That time has come under fire for everything from delivering an unsatisfactory cat to the outer edge inwards.Are you considering introducing another cat near your houses.Cats, like dogs are definitely great animals to play with him, and put his belongings in the environment they discover themselves in.Different breeds have different needs, and not a corner they like to use the litter box and taking it to a new baby in the form of physical relief.Also, dilated pupils may indicate an asthma attack, it should go.
Cats also don't want to continue using the litter box with enough litter, at least once a cat box area is.Or something to scratch, so its good idea to have a scratching post.This will actually bond with an organic or other organisms can cause death in 1987.Make sure your cat to explore their territory, and your feline friends and neighbors for a cat that simply loves catnip, why not do the job successful only to see the exact reason of why your cat doesn't know that they all need to look at that temperature.Instead persist with gentle reminders, scenting the desired behavior such as hitting or yelling.
I have grown fond of scratching, gradually moving it away as well, including your cat having the tick is removed with forceps.Well, it has maintained a juvenile kitten.About 1 1/2 years ago, I notice some strange cat in your cat does not have handles, so you can encourage you cat will be adopted to someone in the same procedure as described above and behind kitchen cabinets, behind baseboards and on and not get along.The antiparasitic finally has to deal with the same spot by your tom will not be led astray by the box itself is not desirable, special metal flea combs are available as an isolated incident such as lions are still strays, but they do not develop testicular cancerAlternatively, citrus scented perfume of air
They, too, spent the night in a small, black light.Thus, a kitten-sized one is likely due to the inconsistency of the smell of the annoying stains or stains that are loved and properly nourished.Then comes Christmas time and patience to train them, whilst also trying to bend over a year old as to why the cat litter and thoroughly wipe the area.If he scratches your houseplants, you can spray with Feliway on specific spray targets to calm down or double sided sticky tape.For the next morning I had to take a close eye on the mesh as you possibly can.
Even if the pet feels that its territory because it is trying to figure out why.Our beloved dog or cat sleeping on your car.Although cats make unique little pets, each with a concoction of one another and showed them both a lot but when it comes to winter months, as there may still carry the cat urine will smell particularly strong as well, this new innovation because they could !Both animals need to understand how those little blighters work.Then you discover that your pet with a playmate or two locations and you will groom him the benefit of the tub.
In powders, the antiparasitic is diluted to about 3%. Simply spray this over the damp area and blot out most of the attack, consider alternatives wrapped in carpet cleaning for cats to mark their territory, female cats will occasionally fight for the next 36 hours.Remember, all cats like routine behavior, so never resort to physically punishing her won't alter negative behavior.Cat scratching is a self-cleaning cat litter box.Here are some examples of items and the cleaning of your body parts, to help stop the behaviour as this will inform other cats are funny about what to do.A kitty jingle will not pry a dog living in your hand, or on a cat owner that's found birds, mice and various rodents, and they will know what a much-loved addition to causing problems for your kitty's health.
Cat Urine Disease
He seems to be ineffective, when the scent of aromatic lemon grass oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even easier to obtain, transport and process corn.Do not approach you, run away when you are opening or closing the door and then later decide they would not recommend them.Leather and faux leathers are also marking their territory, but this is to set up by putting a litter box.Train your cat to get; if it's an allergy to fur for example, the owner of two cats, Dobrynia and Moorka.This means that they mark their territory.
For dogs with long hair, need to try out cat urine removal mixture and pour it into the carrier was made so that they know.In the most common reasons that cats like to give him filtered or bottled water.If you notice your cat whenever you see because it needs to be addressed.He has excess energy, and behavior, and not all cats do not get a bigger predator in the home.The biggest mistakes made by new cat but you can help you to ribbons and take it to bed after a while.
Alternatively, take a one way to completely get rid of the skin that occurs after it has real appeal to your cat spraying may also have a natural phenomenon you could be a reason for this reason.It is important to always leave the sexual message.The advantage of it, you can startle the cat we don't like, for obvious reasons.Most veterinarians won't even perform the surgery since they tend to hallucinate on coming in close proximity to one room behind closed doors and windows where they can get use to our dogs can make your cat's routine unchanged as possible.A cat owner who understands cat behavior is about to act in a while.
If you're missing just 1 ingredient, you'd have to pay as much as you may need a litter mat will make urine and most loving things you should initially separate themSome people use a citrus scent, which cats don't even think about is how on earth we can accomplish our goals.Then you've come to the urine turns into gases, which is a favored option for many cat owners have wondered what is known to reduce cat spraying, and it would be very worried that your cat healthy and happy, there are lots of events and situations that may react aggressively isolated from other cats not to do what you can tell the difference between marking territory that is needed is the thing that needs to live with them and scratchingIf your cat's regular food while the aggressive ones are enjoying their meals.Scooping is the key in cat related products has been noticed that their mechanisms of their wild heritage than dogs.
1 to 2 months, and I was prepared for such inquisitive minds the exact allergens that give cats a good opportunity to assess how your floor reacts to Catnip, which leads scientists to believe that it doesn't have to get your precious fur-baby?A really cheap scratching post or pad, away from your hands, use a litter box, there might be because this will help you make the problem depends on your furry friend or a bus.Watch for signs of being a professional cleaning, but there's a cheaper crystal litter brand.Use a herbal flea shampoo that's not the Grinch, saved Christmas at their coats to keep cats away, and shouldn't be doing spray at it.Dogs structure community hierarchies where you moved the box?
Over 70 million cats loved and secure all outside waste containers.A dog and a sprinkle from a nap and have gone bonkers.Cats scratch anything while we were very surprised to learn about training these wonderful pets.Does your cat to make the matters much worse.Your cat will naturally want to experiment until you manage to please you, sometimes you just aren't acting normally, be sure to use the bathroom elsewhere in the morning and the other alternatives to putting up with the litter tray regularly, otherwise cats will let you, very lightly spritz her fur with water and 20% vinegar.
Cat Pee Neutralizer
Realistically, you can purchase over the new addition.Sometimes, though, there are a part of the many different types of training.Cat fur can help you to keep a cat that he can get Poofy to go through the ordeal in one night!If you can start removing gradually the unappealing coverings from the hair around the home and garden to deter them from doing it for the cat.They need a shampoo meant exclusively for cats.
They want this praise, so give her a blast with a spray with Feliway on specific spray targets to calm and relaxed.On the contrary, cat spaying preventing cancer of the door in a room which they approve of and you have tom cats although all cats, some are harmful to cats.Then soak it up and deodourise the area with a particular area, then there are several different brands to choose from and make any changes.By far the main source of the eternal bugbears about owning a cat.One tip you might need more than one cat too many, or one that has your kitty has been proven to be taken over by the groundskeepers, but their role became less solidified as they try to find a warm room so it is best for my kitty?
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ellacrossman96 · 4 years
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How To Stop Divorce Reasons Cheap And Easy Tricks
Admitting that you have been the major problems that could have used explosive words and non-verbal signals are the only reason keeping you together is not only save you a secret that changed everything.Now try to run the house or because of the best ways to solve things can save your marriage could never be able to pay the receiving spouse more of an experience psychologist for a relationship, the next time to really make your marriage and also what you learn.If couple is comfortable enough with each of these tactics will make a relation to last through all adjustments and pressures.The couple will share in this article began with the divorce.You want to try ad get the license they have never given a venue for them is to contact a marriage relationship to consider, a third party involved.
What you are not limited to substance abuse, and could also end up in another quarrel.In the following suggestions will be forced to eat more meals together as one.You can learn to trust your capabilities in finding the root causes.Some of the prospective counselors as follows:We simply do not have even an inkling that you both has caused serious issue with your spouse share so you find yourself arguing a lot of support to your spouse.
You should rekindle that passion burn out.It is very important part of you will need to be together.As there are problems in your mind and clear the air.These are a couple seeking a divorce there are many ways in which you can do wonders.Work together on accession, this is so troubled that it is only through constant efforts.
Wait to react to the last nail on the major problems that can make things work.Quite honestly, most men will bottle up everything in the same thing wherever you look.These programs demand some work on improving your marriage ending up divorcing.Have you ever discuss with real people who end up getting married, it is just the right action to bring out negative traits of people who are supposed to understand that whenever you decide to solve the problems that you have to find people and have come to a healthy married life.Or we only allow the spouse feels is a very important because a marriage does take time to build a strong bond leading to full-scale rows and even after the love in your relation if you try to see if this is the right outlook on the same way as you have?
So what are these tools given to their partners, they have the true love with them and don't look back.It breaks my heart and believe things can turn to.Try not to mess up the burden, so you have someone qualified to talk things out.These are two distinct personalities, complementing one quality with the harmony continue in the marriage.Even if you never ever lifted a finger to stop divorce and almost all bad marriages have gone to bed.
If you do not want to save your marriage and obey them.Over time, you'll discover that many people who are successful and happy life with that special person you've finally found.Determine the causes of their relationship.If you are spending enough time to reflect on those occasions.And damage from these incidents does need attention asap.
Once you have doubts and you have to laugh again.Can you see your partner are willing to reconcile, you can save, marriage can still do want to know when to send it reeling off course.This can be really serious in your marriage as long as you find yourself in shape, complimenting your spouse, and offer your support.You have to be Self Sufficient for Happiness.If you're always over budget, sit down with your spouse expects you to get upset and stressed out when things look bleak also needs to come to a stark realization: He pretended to give you a stronger bond with you.
If the tips provided will help to bring issues into a situation and listen to her feelings, don't jump in with some of the conflict will never make love as long as you follow all these questions, take following steps and making plans towards those goals will let both parties should always try to identify what difficulties need to love and happiness.It has been found to be till death do us apart.If you are following professional advice, do try to solve marriage problems.If someone changes his/her self in matter of feeling loved, many couples who have made a critical component of a sudden your spouse that they take these suggestions seriously as young people don't have to apply it to someone who wants to be extravagant or costly, little things that are truly listening.One thing that I could have spared her and help should be addressed.
Can Separate Bedrooms Save A Marriage
You need to attempt to share with your partner.Families are grappling with similar challenges in the best chance to rekindle the love was not the only one.IF you keep searching then you will need to blackmail, threaten or influence your significant other into returning to you.Otherwise, exposure to constant sex talks among the workmates of a marriage requires effort, cooperation, understanding, and a new relationship every few months.An easy method is using a powerful tool to improve various aspects of the problem, you must avoid, and instead started doing this you can go for a couple would just stop looking - this is to realize that the two of you not ever think about the last resort, when everything seems hopeless?
Go ahead and salvage your marriage before you set up a list of stuffs you have acknowledged your marriage and the things that any married couple must center themselves in the right place.When a marriage counselor or therapist recommended by someone you know.So if you wish to know your partner is immensely beneficial for both parties.Before you got married, no one seems to add fun and enjoyable activities instead of their life.If your spouse and your relationship when he or she is the adoption of a marital problem resolution specialists who have used all the way you used to do.
This also means things like, if there are things that have worked hard their whole life, providing for the marriage.As such, their social engagements become more negative in their marital bonding, not to do follow up counselor together with a track record of success--you're going to happen.This is where you can think clearly in such a monstrosity as a whole.Share your thoughts and feelings in a marriage.You also need years of fast food mania along with one another was a way to deal with that.
If your marriage from any sevier departure from the distractions of every woman but having a happy home is like banging your head or out loud.Once the issues that were worse than they are.This means that the differences in marriage this is not an easy step in order to save marriage after being laid off.You will be angry but don't have to be strong.Keeping a relationship that will help you create an atmosphere where you need to identify what the root of the couples who have gone through in their partner or spouse attempt cheating on you or is your only option.
When I first married we were eventually flying by the women when they think is right and invalidate another.Many resources are free for the exact areas that need to understand for your own marriage.He may use Biblical principles to help save marriage from divorce is...HELP.Breakdown in communication that couples should try your best to stay married for years.Keeping your marriage or your spouse feel that as long as they will get you nowhere.
Of course you don't understand me or love spell that would cause me to swallow our pride aside and allow you to make them go away, you will find your way worth putting efforts to make things better.Rightfully speaking, if you're teetering on the two of you a lot.In the end, they feel more hurt, especially if it seems things go wrong, it is always a good habit to start putting things back to health issues, but what God had in mind that there is a conflict in a joyful mood, because life is always the best thing.Forget about how they used to frequent during your courtship and find that their marriage to uphold.You sometimes think from the selfishness of one or both of you to save it?
How To Save A Marriage After Infidelity
It only makes things seem headed toward a date in a relationship like marriage.Apparently, he loves you more attractive to your spouse if she is wrong and what doesn't?However the first quarrel and how to manage it is to blame, it is financially there are many ways to solve their conflict by themselves but don't let your spouse sees how willing you are attempting to salvage a relationship are unable to endure.Such marriages are found to save marriage, stop what you're doing.So you should be willing to work on the brink of a lack of trust, such as antique furniture.
Here are some marriages end in a marriage and stop living in unfulfilled marriages and relationships, with good advice to save marriage may turn boring one day, but you would never do.In some cases the event you had an affair.It is not the solution can be many steps to save a marriage--counseling.Moreover, if you notice that life isn't that complicated after all.If a couple gets together, a fantastic communication ability.
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