#time doesn't heal all wounds

[stories-of-the-nrm]

Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds Part 2

Narrator: As Scott slept, the engineers worked on his repairs. They had to repair Scott until he became operational. Unfortunately, due to the NRM's commitments to their donors, they had to rush through his repairs to make him a running exhibit. After nine months in May 2005, Scott was awakened.

Scott (drowsily): Gary, George. What happened? How long was I asleep?

(We see Gary and George sitting in two chairs).

Gary: Easy, my friend. The engineers have kept you asleep for over nine months. How do you feel?

Scott: I'm a bit sore. I want to get out of my engine form now. I need to get the anesthetic out of my system.

George: We understand, Scott. That's why we're here. Sorry it took longer than expected. Back in February, the engineers were just about to wake you up, but they found corrosion in your firebox.

Gary: That's right, it was so bad, that they needed to get special copper welding. It's alright though, Scott. You're awake now.

Scott: I haven't been out in ages so you two might need to help support me. I'll try to materialize right in front of you two. Try to keep me from falling if you can.

George: Of course, Scott. We're here.

Narrator: Scott shifted into his human form. The repairs caused him to lose weight. No longer heavier than Gordon but still larger than Gary and George. He had grown weak from his time being repaired.

(Gary and George held him up as his legs buckled). Gary: Easy there, Scott. Sit down in the chair here.

(They ease Scott into the chair Gary was just sitting on).

George: Does being in this form help with the pain Scott?

Scott: Yes George it does. It makes the pain easier to manage since it's covering a smaller area. But it still hurts.

Gary: Well you've had a lot of operations so to speak, so it's natural to feel sore afterwards. When we humans feel a lot of pain, we take medication to try to treat it.

George: I don't think Scott can even take that type of medication though. He might be able to take on a human form but it's not like he has a stomach or anything that could breakdown the pills. Or do you?

(Scott was in a haze and didn't respond).

Gary: Scott are you alright?

(He shakes Scott's shoulder to wake him up).

Scott (gasping): Huh? Wha- what happened? I'm sorry I, I must've zoned out for second. I just feel very weak and I need to lie down.

George: It's alright, Scott. We'll help you get to the common area. There's a couch that you can lie down on.

Gary: Alright, I'll get on one side, and we'll lift on three. Do you think you can help us out, Scott?

Scott (panting): I can try, Gary.

(Gary and George stands on either side of Scott and starts to lift Scott as he tries to stand). Scott (panting): Ok, I'm up. Just give me a minute to catch my breath.

(He takes a couple deep breaths).

Scott: I'm ok, now. Let's try to get to the common area as fast as we can.

George: Alright, Scott. Now if you don't mind, we have a question about your human form for you to answer. Do you think you can answer it?

Scott: I don't mind at all. I know that not everyone knows how our human forms work. Although, there are some things that I myself don't really understand so it depends on your question.

Gary: Well I'll try to keep it simple. Do you have any organs like a stomach or lungs?

Scott: Oh. That question actually doesn't have a clear answer. It's a long story, Gary. I'll tell you both when I'm doing better. For now, I just...

(Scott gasps in pain).

George: Oh dear. Gary we need to get Scott to the common area before he faints. He's starting to look feverish.

Scott: I think it's because of the anesthetic. I've had it in my system for so long, it's making it hard to stay awake.

Gary: Alright Scott. We're almost there so just try to hang in there for a while longer.

Scott: I'll do my best.

Narrator: Scott began to feel more pain with each step. He could feel the sweat running down his face. He was getting weaker with every passing minute.

(Scott stops just outside the common area doorway. His eyes roll back as his face goes slack).

George: Woah, woah. Grab him, Gary. Come on Scott. Open your eyes. We're only a few feet away from the couch. Open your eyes, Scott.

(Scott pants as his eyes open briefly).

Scott (panting): I'll do my best, George.

(He stands up again as they make it the last few feet before sitting down on the coach).

Scott (about to fall asleep): Thank you, Gary and George. Thank you very much.

(The two pat Scott before taking their seats by him).

Gary: No problem, Scott. Anytime. You just rest up. The engineers will give you a look over before we start working again. You'll need to get back into traffic services soon and -

George: Gary, look.

(Gary stops at looks up to find Scott asleep).

Gary: Well George, this is going to be an interesting night.

George: Indeed, Gary. Indeed.

Narrator: A couple days later, Scott was cleared by the engineers to begin his traffic services. It was only for a few days to make sure Scott was alright.

(Gary and George walk up to Scott, who's now in his engine form).

Gary: Morning Scott, how do you feel?

Scott: I'm feeling better than I was a couple days ago.

George: There you go, old boy. You just needed to get the anesthetic out of your system. Let's get your fire started so we can get you rolling.

Scott: Of course George.

Narrator: Scott's firebox was soon lit and was ready to start work again. The first day of his service went well, but his 2nd day didn't. While he didn't break down, Scott noticed that something was leaking. After he went back to the works, the engineers looked him over to find what was wrong.

Engineer: Well my friend, it seems some of your crown stays are leaking. Those will have to be repaired.

Narrator: Then, the NRM director arrived at the works. He had a glum look on his face.

Andrew: Good afternoon, gentlemen. I'll make this as brief as I can. The head of the engineering team concluded that we need to send your spare A3 boiler away to be rebuilt. I understand that you've been through a lot Scott, and for the time being I want you to take it easy. You won't be running anymore until this is resolved. If you want, you can take on your human form. Does that sound alright with you?

Scott: I understand, sir. If it's alright with you, would I be able to get something to eat with my crew? It's been such a long time since I had human food and I think I'm starting to get cravings. 

Andrew: Of course, Scott. You need as much time as possible to lower your tolerance to the anesthetic. I've heard some disturbing news from the engineers and your crew that you're no longer responding to the anesthetic the way you should be.

Scott: It's true. Just a couple days ago, I had a very bad reaction waking up. I felt feverish and very tired. I even started to collapse a few times on my way to our common area.

Gary: We were worried about his tolerance levels too. Did the engineers tell you how long he was kept under, sir?

Andrew: No I'm afraid not. I'm aware that he was in the works since September of last year. How long was he kept under, Gary?

Gary: He was kept under for nine months.

George: The engineers were originally going to wake him up back in February but when they found corrosion in his firebox they had to keep him under.

Andrew: I see. No matter. Our engine's awake now. You two have been very helpful in keeping him comfortable during these trying times. The engineers need to give your engine a thorough look over before your heavy overhaul. I'm not sure when your overhaul will begin. It depends on when a contractor agrees to do the work.

Scott: I understand, sir. 

Andrew: Very good, then. Also, if you have any issues involving pain or mobility, do not hesitate to tell the engineers.

Scott: In my engine form, sir?

Andrew: Of course, Scott. It's not like you can feel pain in your human form can you?

Scott: Actually sir, I can feel pain. I obviously can still feel pain from what happens to my engine form, but I also feel pain if I were to hurt myself in my human form. I did find out a long time ago that the longer I'm in my human form, the more human I become. I once was in my human form for so long, that my skin actually turned into a human skin tone.

Andrew: My word. This is so fascinating, Scott. Do you know if you engines can have any human organs like a heart or lungs?

(Scott thought for a moment).

Scott: I can't say with absolute certainty sir. I've never been to a regular hospital to know for sure what I have or don't have. When I first come out I have superhuman strength and speed, but I start to become weaker and slower as time passes. I also start to get hungry for "regular" food. I'm not sure if other engines are like this since we normally don't come out, but eating's always been a joy for me.

Andrew: Well in that case you'll have to be careful for the time being. The situation is very uncertain. But rest assured, the NRM's committed to keeping you preserved in good condition.

(Scott smiles).

Scott: Thank you, sir.

(Scott shifted into his human form).

Scott: No need to help me this time, fellows. I feel much better now that I've had a couple days rest.

(The director leaves as Scott turns to his crew).

Scott: Now then gentlemen, I believe I have some catching up to do on what's considered British food.

(They laugh).

George: Indeed you do, Scott. When was the last time you had our kind of food?

Scott: Ahh it was back when Mr. Marchington had to put me up for sale making it almost two years since I last ate. As much as he wasn't my owner long, I felt that he really did care for both my engine and human form. 

Gary: I see. It's alright, Scott. We've got a lot of catching up to do.

Scott: You're right, Gary. You're right.

(The men laugh as they walk out of the workshop to the nearest restaurant).

Narrator: As Scott and his crew enjoyed their time off, the NRM director worked on getting the A3 boiler repaired. He finally got a contractor for the job in the Riley & Son Ltd. He still needed to get permission from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to start work on the project. By the time the project began it was September, 3 months after Scott awoke. Meanwhile, the engineers looked over Scott's engine. Since the inspections didn't require Scott to be in his engine, they ran his engine to find any problems before his heavy general repair. They had his boiler washout plug holes fitted with domestic gas plugs and found out that his clanging problem came from a misalignment in his chassis or his wheels, which couldn't be fixed until his general repairs.

(We see snow on the ground as we enter the NRM workshop).

Narrator: It's December and the NRM director arrived at the works to make a very important announcement.

(Scott's in his engine form while Gary and George sat in chairs beside him).

Andrew: Good morning, everyone. I have an important announcement to make. 

Gary: What is it, sir?

Andrew: Unfortunately, your spare A3 boiler had been found with corrosion to the inner and outer fireboxes. I talked with Riley & Son and they said the firebox was in such poor condition, a new one would have to be built.

Scott: I understand, sir. I had that boiler since 1944 and was surprised it even lasted this long. Was that all?

Andrew: No, Scott. I've also come to announce that your heavy general repairs will begin in January. I hope your tolerance to the anesthetics have gone down enough to avoid any side effects. You'll be under for a long time since we plan on completing your repairs in August 2007.

Scott: 18 months? I know your engineers will do their best, but I'm worried that with how often I've been put under, I won't be able to handle being under that long.

Andrew: I'll keep in close contact with the engineers about your condition. If they feel that you need to be taken off the anesthetic, I will give them my full support. Your boiler is one of the most important parts of your engine right? If it were taken out, would you feel pain?

(Scott thought for a moment).

Scott: It is. I remember when I first woke up back in May that I had difficulty breathing. I guess you can say that my boiler would be the equivalent of having lungs. Although, I think not having a boiler wouldn't necessarily make taking on my human form impossible. One of my former driver's told me about something called asthma, and how it makes breathing difficult for some people. I think if I did take on my human form without having a boiler, I would start to have something like that. I can't quite say if it would hurt though.

Andrew: I see, Scott. I understand your apprehension, and I can only guarantee that we will all do what we can to help you get through this.

Scott: I know, sir. I can't even begin to thank you for the effort and money you've already spent on me.

(He shifts into his human form to give Andrew a hug).

Scott: You have no idea how much this means to me.

(Andrew returns the hug).

Andrew: Ok, Scott. Ok. I understand.

(He pats Scott on the back).

Andrew: I think it's best that you get back to your engine. We plan on starting your overhaul right after the New Year holiday, so you need to be in the best condition.

(Scott lets go and steps back).

Scott: I understand. Thank you, sir.

(He goes back into his engine form).

Andrew: Now then, I'll leave you and your crew. Good day gentlemen.

George: Good day, sir.

(Andrew leaves the works).

Narrator: It's the day of Scott's overhaul. The engineers gave him a final inspection before preparing the anesthetics. Meanwhile, the NRM's Vehicle Acceptance Body officially cancelled the spare A3's boiler certificate. However, they are still in discussions with Riley & Son whether they should restart their work on the boiler.

(We cut to the works).

Engineer: We're ready with the anesthetic, Scott. Are you going to be alright?

Scott: I have no other choice, but to be alright. If I prolong this, I'll only risk bringing on more pain. Of course, there's also the risk of becoming addicted to the anesthetics.

Engineer: I understand, Scott. We're all concerned about that too. While you're under, I'll be keeping a close eye on your condition.

Gary: And we'll be here to watch over you too, Scott.

George: That's right, we've been doing this ever since we became your crew and we're not going to stop now.

Scott: You're both such good friends.

(He takes a deep breath).

Scott: I'm ready now, sir.

(The engineer pats his side).

Engineer: Very good, Scott. Good luck.

Scott: Thank you, everyone.

(The anesthetics are being poured into his tanks as Scott closes his eyes before opening them again).

Scott: Gentlemen, I don't mean to alarm you but I don't think this is working anymore.

Engineer: Oh no, you still have a tolerance. We need to increase the strength of the anesthetic otherwise we won't be able to begin your overhaul.

Scott: I know. I know you likely need to take out my boiler soon. Do what you feel is needed, sir.

Engineer: Very well, Scott.

(The engineers increased the strength of the anesthetic until Scott began to feel drowsy).

Engineer: Are you feeling better, Scott?

Scott (drowsily): Yes, thank you.

(He falls asleep).

George: I'm worried about him, Gary. The overhaul itself is going to be 18 months long. That's even assuming everything goes well.

Gary: I know, George. We have no control over this. We can only hope that things do go well.

(We fade to the engineers dismantling Scott and taking out his boiler).

Gary: The boiler's out of his engine. Will he even be able to wake up if we take him off the anesthetic?

Engineer: We can't take him off now. The amount of parts he's missing would cause him so much pain that it would be negligible to take him off of it now.

George: But the spare boiler's being delayed. We don't even know if it can even be repaired. 

Engineer: I know but we have no other choice. We have to only do our best with what we have.

Gary: I know, sir. I know. I just don't know how long Scott can last.

(We time skip several months to July 2007).

Narrator: It's now been over a year since Scott's overhaul began. The engineers re-bored Scott's cylinders and found that a copper firebox will have to be rebuilt. With the completion date approaching in one month, the head of the NRM, had to make an unfortunate announcement. 

(We see the NRM director approach the podium).

Andrew: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that the LNER Class A3 number 4472, the Flying Scotsman, or Scott as we all call him, will not be completed by our originally scheduled date of August of this year.

(The crowd gasps).

Andrew: As previously stated back in December of last year, our engine's spare A3 boiler was found to have major corrosion to it's inner and outer firebox. We discussed this with Riley and Son regarding the rising costs and unfortunately, there's an issue with their subcontractor, Pridham, supplying them with essential supplies. We have been trying to get in contact with Pridham to find an explanation and are currently in discussions with Riley and Son about solutions. We believe that because of this type of delay, the overhaul will not be completed for another 18 months later.

Reporter: But sir, what will happen to the engine during the delay?

Andrew: Rest assured, our engineers will do everything they can to make the process as painless as possible.

(We cut to the repair yards where Scott's being overhauled. His driver and fireman are there).

George: How much longer can Scott be kept under? He's already been under for about 18 months.

Gary: I don't know, George. On one hand, the amount of pain of not having a lot of internal parts must be excruciating, but on the other hand, if he's kept under too much longer he won't be able to wake up. That's not even considering what his human form can handle. Will he be better off in his human form, I have no idea.

George: It's worth asking. Either way, it won't do any of us good to just sit here. We might need to even consider asking a regular doctor what can be done. Scott did mention a long time ago that the state of his engine does reflect his human form and that he might develop asthma from not having a boiler.

Gary: I would believe so, George.

(The engineer walks up to them).

Engineer: Well gentlemen, I've consulted with my associates and we've decided to take our man off the anesthetic. There's no use in keeping him under any longer under these conditions. Hopefully he won't react as badly to waking up like he did last time. I've come into contact with a medical doctor that can treat him, should he ever change into his human form. Our biggest worry if that were to happen, would be if his human form started to feel pain. If he does, then we would have no choice but to consult with a pharmacist about putting him on painkillers.

Gary: Thank you for telling us. We understand that this isn't a good place to be and that you're doing the best you can. We're all here for our engine do our best to help him.

(The engineers removed the anesthetic pump from Scott's water tanks).

George: Now it's a matter of how long it will for him to wake up.

Narrator: It didn't take long at all. Within a few minutes, Scott woke up.

(Scott opened his eyes and started gasping for air).

Gary: Scott, it's ok. Just try to breathe.

(Scott tries to catch his breath and starts to succeed).

George: Scott, how do you feel?

Scott: Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Tagging: @bluy1206, @werbitssft, @klein-sodor-bahn, @theyellowroseofsodor, @juniebugsss, @tornadoyoungiron, @pxmun, @nlliah, @pxmun2, @thefedoragirl, @roosinii, @ethereal-capricorns-blog, @jessica-sv509510, @jayde-jots, @thatcheeseycandle, @jordeynnotgordon, and @oldslowcoach.

#ttte fandom #flying scotsman #lner a3 #nrm fanfiction #time doesn't heal all wounds

[innervoiceartblog]

#heart and soul #life #time #wounds #time doesn't heal all wounds #healing #journey #jeff brown

[nelkcats]

Spite

Danny made himself known to the world by hacking into the Justice League's communications line. Amity was safe but he was so tired of being ignored that the moment he figured out how to isolate his small town from the rest of the world he decided to let the heroes know they had failed.

He posted all the ignored calls, the GIW legal documents, the experiments, everything that would let them know that they had failed. Because he had saved himself and the others but never got help.

In a very short time Amity declared itself independent, similar to Atlantis or Themyscira; they didn't need anything from the rest of the world anyway.

At first the League thought it was the attack of a villain or some new organization.

It became very obvious that this was not the case the more they confirmed the information presented, from a law passed under their noses to the threat of exterminating an entire race of beings that were much stronger than them but decided to chose a peaceful route instead of just destroying everything.

For the first time in years, the League felt useless. The weight only increased when the last piece of "evidence" turned out to be the death certificate of Daniel Fenton, the first victim of the whole mess.

#dpxdc #ghost king danny #Danny was tired of being ignored #and maybe he's being unfair to the League #but they never answered his calls #all the times he needed a helping hand #or someone to help him heal his wounds #a guide to follow #he never got that #and that is a hundred times more unfair in his mind #dp x dc #dc x dp #Amity survived well on its own #and the Infinite Realms have infinite things to offer #so they don't need more allies #The League doesn't know what to do #Should they apologize or leave them alone?

[tothepointofinsanity]

Another day of thinking about the inherent horror of Sayaka's regenerative abilities.

She cuts off the head of a Witch and it lived, much like how I think that if Sayaka herself got hurt to that grievous degree, she would somehow survive. Unlike Mami, Sayaka's soul gem is not in her head — Sayaka lost an entire arm once and that arm was readily in place of the lost one even before it tore off, with the speed that allowed her to catch her falling sword on time. Kyoko herself remarks along the lines of how Sayaka should have been set back three months in a hospital after fighting her, but she only needed a few seconds to regain her bearings.

Sayaka's healing speed is legitimately absurd and incomprehensible, and it feeds into her self perception of being "a zombie", since if she had been "normal", she would have died from the wounds she received.

#also consider the parallels between her and homura #they say time heals all wounds #but sayaka doesn't heal the same speed as other magical girls do #what kind of fate does it spell out for her i wonder #Sayaka Archives

[peachyhoneyadventures]

EDOLISSE AND VARRICK

These Hands, If Not Gods by Natalie Diaz | Still from When A Man Loves (1927) | Snippet from Richard Siken's "Crush" | Still from Lodger (???) | Poem from Margaret Atwood's "You are Happy"

#a lot of references to religion though that's probably mostly on Edolisse's part #I imagine Edolisse and Varrick's attraction to each other is a little superficial in the beginning #she's clearly a very pretty twenty something and Varrick doesn't want to hold her back #Rabbitt themselves said that Varrick is worried about getting involved with the LDB due to not wanting to burden them #On Edolisse's end she's only really hung up on her past relationships #Her late husband and the nature of his death is still a fresh wound that takes a long time to heal #So they really start to relate to each other when they talk about their pasts and their previous partners #Both their previous partners had been killed and they both sort of blame themselves for it #Though most of Edolisse's partners have died so she's terrified something will take Varrick away from her too #It takes awhile but she starts to see his strength #both physical and mental strength #she starts to get comfortable with the idea of being with him then falls hopelessly in love with him #While they don't have an extremely long life ahead of them (Varrick is an older man after all) Edolisse is determined to make it last #web weaving #The credits to the other quotes are in the images themselves and I am LAZY #WickVeil #Edolisse Wickham #Varrick Veil #tes v skyrim #tesblr #At this point I feel a little bad for clogging up the Varrick's tag with my bullshit :((( #I JUST THINK OF THEM A LOT OKAY?

[jynxd]

Thank you Panda for the chem ekko art ❤️❤️❤️ (aka art commissioned by me and @ferinehuntress doing a beautiful job. ❤️

#ferinehuntress #{ cats of the bag | ooc } #;time doesn't heal all wounds | chem ekko }

[genderfluidcrowley]

"because all he'll see is me" is a line that's absolutely killing me

#idc if its platonic or romantic or qpr or a scret fourth thing #the raw emotion behind that #the attachment #the not even death can tear us apart #the even when all else fails and when i cannot trust myself and i know that you'll be there #you might be there with hatred and disgust and a wish to hurt but you're at least there #the we will fight each other because there is no other way but none of us will die because if one does the other will follow #the when the universe has fallen and i cry myself to sleep because of all you've done it is still your face that appears in my dreams #the i don't know if it brings me pain or comfort but your soul will always be there #the time might heal all wounds but it doesn't make you forget #it doesn't make you forget the pain and it especially doesn't make you forget the joy #the no matter how many times i close my eyes and tries to drive the memories away i can still feel your voice inside my head #the i will spend my days chasing after you and fighting you because at least it will give me a chance to see your eyes #the no matter how much i hate you seeing your face will still bring me to my knees #the your hand will bring me both my downfall and my rebirth #obikin #anakin skywalker #obi wan kenobi spoilers #obi one kenobi episode 6 #obi wan kenobi #darth vader #vaderwan #anakin x obi wan #obi wan x anakin

[swede]

'grief is a woman too but all she does is sleep' so is now the time to talk about how christine sleeps to avoid her problems?

#she also has like. a vitamin deficiency. which causes her to pass out and faint and doze off easily #but in this case what i'm referring to is basically hibernation LMAO #when christine gets sad you'll know #she'll be mute for starters #she doesn't brush her hair she doesn't eat #she sleeps a lot. she stays in her nightgown a lot. she only gets dressed if she absolutely has to go somewhere #piles of blankets. she doesn't want to talk. she doesn't want to sing. she doesn't want to exist #listen. she may have lost her father at like sixteen #but she still thinks of it every single day #that wound has never fully closed #it's healed. it's healed over time. but it's still raw on the inside and if you poke at the surface- #yeah. #when she gets like this it's usually around the holidays or a milestone #like her own birthday or her father's #or the anniversary of his death #she just. sleeps. she sleeps all day and stays up all night #sometimes she'll pick at the skin of her arms #not necessarily self harm but like. it's borderline #idk saw this quote and my braincells connected for 2 minutes to write this post #i wuv her... #idk how else to express what she's feeling other than complete and total agony #her mental health is. delicate. and she's very strongly connected to her emotions #she's inseparable from them. she feels everything completely and totally. she can't just turn them off #her emotions control HER she doesn't control them #headcanons. #tw depression #tw mental health

[softquietsteadylove]

For the Maleficent AU:

Gil sneaks away to learn more about the humans who harmed Thena! And after he learns what happened and what kind of tradition is going on he decides to teach them a lesson 👀

"Why, thank you, dearie," the older woman smiled as Thena drifted down from the apple tree with a full bucket. The shorter, grey haired woman patted Thena's arm as she accepted the bounty picked for her. "So helpful."

Thena smiled at the woman as well, walking to her now-filled produce cart with her. "I am happy to lend my service."

She helped the woman push forward what was already in it, baskets of oranges and pears and grapes already picked. "You lot have all been very kind since you started showing up here."

Thena would be lying to say she wasn't relieved that the presence of fae like herself had been declared positive for the humans in the area. "I hope you'll let me continue to come and help."

"Oh, I'm sure we'll be counting on it," the old woman laughed and batted at Thena's wings the way she might slap someone's arm. "You and that strong fella you bring with you are most welcome!"

Thena clasped her hands together, smiling at the ground. Gil had obliged her at every turn in her desire to spend more time with humans, often 'escorting' her further and further inland to do it.

"Where is that handsome specimen of yours?"

Thena frowned, looking around the field. A few other fae and humans were mulling about, but she was right; Gil was nowhere to be found. Thena adjusted her wings on her back, "hm."

"Oh, I'm sure it's fine, dearie," she offered as she moved towards the front of the cart. "My husband wanders off all the time, but he always finds his way home to me."

Thena smiled, helping the delicate woman ascend to the cart's front seat. "Thank you; I shall see you on our next flight from the nest."

"You fly safe, now!"

Thena laughed faintly, waving at the woman until she was turned around and guiding the horses pulling her into the city paths leading to the market. Once she was turned, Thena stretched her wings out.

It wasn't like Gilgamesh to drift away from his flock, even under the most peaceful of circumstances. In all the times they had flown to the mainland, he rarely strayed from her side at all.

She kept her eyes on the ground as she flew in wide circles, trying to survey the area through the treetops of the forest. It wasn't nearly as thick as the mystical Moors with their thorn walls, but it still wasn't easy to navigate.

She swerved towards a fairly solitary little house on the outskirts of the village nearest the city walls. She listened past the sound of the wind bending around her, her feathers rustling and the woods below.

The house was clattering from within.

She startled as two humans tumbled out of it, the door coming clean off as someone inside kicked it down. They scrambled in the dirt to escape but two massive wings with black feathers walked out behind them.

Thena dove.

"Please!" the older human - barely a man of twenty, by the looks of it - held out his hand. "Please, I'm sorry!" We didn't-"

Thena skidded in the dirt to land between the pathetic little humans and their predator. "Gilgamesh!"

"Thena," he frowned, not looking all that surprised to have been caught terrorising a couple measly mortals. "What are you doing here?"

"The farmers noticed you had slipped off," she clarified, still standing in front of the humans on the ground. She looked over her shoulder, "what in all spirits' name are you-"

The older one had a length of cord around his neck, holding a pendant of sorts. It was paler than ivory and larger than the fang of any beast. It was curved and pointed, although clearly aged.

Thena blinked, "is that-?"

Gil nodded, walking past her and leaning down to the snivelling boys. He pulled the cord right off the older one, "I asked around. A few pixies told me that they knew of some humans who told stories of their grandfather fighting in a great war in the Southern Isles."

Thena accepted the tip of her horn from him, shaved down and bound in the leather cord to be worn like a good luck charm.

Gil glared down at them, "maybe I should fashion something similar out of your teeth--see how you like it."

"Gil, stop it."

All three of them looked at her as she rolled her eyes as if they were young boys tousling for fun. Gilgamesh balked at her, "they were wearing your horn as a trinket, Thena."

"After their grandfather broke it," Thena finished, no latent trauma surrounding such an old injury. She met Gilgamesh's eyes, "more than a century ago."

"Y-Yes!--yes, exactly!" the younger one attempted to speak now that his brother's words had left him. "I-It was passed down to us, but we didn't-"

"I was told you parade it around proudly," Gil leaned down to glare at the younger boy in all his intimidating might. His wings bristled, "you stand in the town square and regale the people about how your grandfather felled a faerie and made off with this as his prize."

Thena sighed, pulling the boy back and away from Gil's snarling. She picked him up by the back of his tunic, although he wasn't entirely ready to stand on his own legs again. "Boys are showoffs when they're young. Ikaris used to ask people to dare him to see how far down he could swim before his wings became too heavy to resurface."

"Thena," Gilgamesh crossed his - massive - arms at her.

"Gilgamesh," she said much more gently, nudging the older one behind her as well. She tipped her chin up faintly, "I know they're wrong for it. I'm not saying I'm happy to know what they've done. But the crime isn't theirs."

Gil eyed the piece of horn in her hand. He shuddered, "it's detestable."

"That, it is," she sighed, looking down at it as if it were just some trinket and hadn't once been a part of her. "But it won't do anyone any good if you hold them responsible for the crimes of someone else's past."

Gilgamesh wilted, and she smiled at the resurfacing of that gentle heart he had. He was a strict guard and a valiant fighter, but she had come to learn that he was very sweet in nature. He stepped closer to her, "are you sure about this?"

"Quite," she promised, not moving in the slightest as he bent his face close to hers. Her eyes flicked up to his to prove her resolve. He had nice eyes.

Gil just barely moved his eyes from hers to the humans behind her, huddled down behind the protective veil of her wings. Gil took the liberty of moving them so he could glare at the boys unobstructed. "You're lucky. If she weren't here I'd be flying you out over the cliffs and dropping you in the sea."

The humans didn't need any more reason to turn and flee, their family heirloom all but forgotten.

Thena resettled her wings, giving him a reproachful smile, "you'll undo all of our hard work to improve our reputation in the area."

Gil sniffed, still watching the human boys run for their lives. He rolled his shoulders and his wings before chuckling, "that's not true. The humans here love you. If they need to think me a beast, then let them."

Thena shook her head with a smile. She moved behind him, finding his wings ruffled from the tussle of earlier. Her hands moved delicately, righting his feathers for him. "You are not a beast."

"No?" he asked over his shoulder as he let her preen his wings for him. He sounded humoured. "You don't find me scary?--even a little?"

"Please," she let out a tiny laugh as she moved her fingers over his shimmering black feathers with their earthy undertones. They were beautiful. "You are no more frightening than Druig thinks he is."

He hissed as if she had struck him, and her hands flinched back for a second, worried she had plucked something the wrong way. He laughed again, though, "comparing me to your brother? And the younger one, at that?"

Her laughter joined his, "only in that you might think yourself frightening, but I know for a fact that your heart is quite magnanimous."

With her hands done their work on his wings, he turned to face her again. His wings flexed behind him, refreshed. They really were beautiful; Thena clasped her hands behind her. He grinned at her, "know my heart well, do you?"

Thena gulped as he stepped closer. Her wings reflexively twitched, but she had them pinned against her back for exactly this reason. Their eyes danced around each other's faces. "I think I know it better than most."

It seemed her answer had succeeded in charming him--humouring him, at the very least. He reached out, and for a moment she thought he was going to touch her cheek. But his hand continued to the bone of her wing, smoothing out some of the small, downy feathers he had touched when he moved her wing before.

She shivered; no one had ever touched her wings like this before. Was this what it felt like when she had preened him?

He pulled his hand back and looked as if nothing had happened at all, "ready?"

"Hm?" she blinked, having lost all previous trains of thought.

"Ready to head back?" he asked with a nod of his head, and another smirk threatening to spread over his face.

Thena just nodded, offering a smile she hoped didn't look ruffled. He took off first, his wings spreading and lifting him into the air in one strong motion. They were really were beautiful wings.

#Thenamesh Maleficent AU #I have long been thinking about Thena's horn #I mostly wrote it in to tie into the theme of Maleficent with healing from old wounds and such #but I do think Gil would find out who was responsible and hold nothing back #he really said that Thena likes humans doesn't mean I have to #he asked around #some pixies some wood sprites #maybe a water spirit or a wallerbog #they say yeah there are these two human who talk about wearing a faerie horn all the time #and he goes it's time for violence #Thena is no stranger to a fight #but she has some pity for humans #with their weak little arms #always being stuck on the ground poor things #also I really wanted to work in a preening moment #because preening in this universe is #👀

[hyperfix-tangented]

How do the SOD trio get away with explain time travel to the Riders? Do they explain it in full? Do they lie out of their asses? Does this help fuel Astrid's trust issues with Hyper?

Aha, so, funny thing about that...

Spoiler warning, not that you're going to head it lol

Astrid and Thyme's relationship basically starts with Astrid walking on Thyme reading her version of the Book of Dragons. She thinks Thyme is pulling a Heather and trying to steal their Book, and Hyper knows that Thyme has had that book forever and wouldn't try to steal anything. Insert Astrid and Hyper arguing with increasing intensity.

...Y'know, until Hiccup and Fishlegs walk in with their Book of Dragons, and then someone has some explaining to do.

#yes that's all you're getting #in part because I'm not 100% set on how it's playing out from there (I have the basics down though) #and in part because I can't just spoil the entire thing :P #uhh mostly the first one tbh #um but to answer your question yeah it spikes the hell out of trust issues on both sides #it doesn't help that prior to this Hyper thought they were thrown in a different universe and not time travelled #and Thyme wasn't 100% solid in the time travel thing until that point #and hell no is Techie just going to *admit* she's known what was going on the entire time #she doesn't need Hyper thinking into it too much #hehe #sod trio #wtdh hyper #wtdh thyme #wtdh Astrid #wounds time doesn't heal

[worm-wood-words]

Too tired to write but also can't stop The Scenes™ from playing out in my mind.

#bits about Arvel's healing magic and also the man in the bar healing Kahn's broken bones #i mean it's not perfect and it's painful for both the man and Kahn for different reasons but it does work in the end #also just sort of trying to flesh out the healing magic in my head. for most people who have it (mostly loethan) it's close #range or on touch. depending on the person it might hurt or drain the caster too and they might have to be able to see #the specific injury or at least where it is (such as when the man in the bar has to cut into Kahn's leg and arm to see his bones) #it almost never works on nerve damage. never on organs except maybe internal bleeding or injuries so severe the organs are #exposed. (basically just trying to say it won't heal organ failure). so it's pretty much best for broken bones and cuts. works better the #more recent the injury was. technically has the ability to regrow limbs but that's most likely never shown. (torn between whether #or not veren gets his arm regrown or a prosthetic. probably prosthetic since he lost it years ago) #doesn't work on illnesses or poisoning or stuff like that. that's still the domain of alchemists. also since on the areas it shuts #does. I'm not retyping that. on the areas it does heal its just rapid cell regrowth which most of the time is fine. but then there's #Arvel. who can do it both on touch and at range and uses the whole rapid cell growth thing as a method of torture. add the whole #light minions thing and the fact that his abilities include a rapid healing factor on himself (and that unlike a lot of people #his abilities work rapidly on others and he can easily get over any drain it has on him) #and yeah it's understandable why Len loses the first fight and why a lot of people don't stand up to him much. even his wife who doesn't #have powers at all ends up progressively more afraid of him. like the only way to possibly wound him in a meaningful way is to get the #drop on him and find some way to inflict severe damage on a vital spot and keep whatever you used to do that inside of him long enough #for him to eventually not be able to heal around it anymore. i don't know just thinking about how he's such a twisting of typically 'good #guy' powers. like his main things are light and healing he should be the hero or like high up supporting cast but nope he's just #trying to subjugate everyone and rule the whole damn continent because of a might makes right ethos and the fact that he does #certainly have might on his side #maggot original

[stories-of-the-nrm]

Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds Part 1

Narrator: It was a beautiful spring day in England. The Flying Scotsman or Scott as most called him, was up for auction after his previous owner went bankrupt. This is the 3rd time in his preservation that this happened. After securing the necessary funds to make a bid, the National Railway Museum (NRM) had won the right to buy him.

(We cut to the auction).

Auctioneer: Sold to the representatives of the NRM for £2.3 million. As a reminder, they will be getting not only the locomotive, but also his spare boiler, cylinders and a Mark 1 supporting coach.

(The representatives smile as they walked up to Scott).

Andrew: Hello, Flying Scotsman. My name is Andrew J. Scott. I'm the director of the museum, it's an honor to have you with us. 

Scott: The pleasure's all mine, sir. I've heard a lot about the museum from my dear cousins. It's been a long time since I've last seen them.

Andrew: Well, I'm sure you would like to see them. But first, we have to see how you run and determine if you're able to pull trains.

Scott: I understand, sir. Will we be able to leave now?

Andrew: Yes, I have a crew ready to get you in full steam. I'll see you in York. Good day, Scotsman. 

Scott: Thank you, sir.

(Andrew left as Scott's new crew members arrived).

Gary: Hello, old boy. My name is Gary, I'm your new driver, and this is George, your fireman.

George: Nice to meet you, Scotsman.

Scott: Nice to meet you fellows too. You can just call me Scott.

Gary: Right, well then Scott let's get you in steam. We need to make sure you're able to be displayed for this year's Railfest.

Scott: Ok, Gary.

(The two men climbed into Scott's cab and got him in steam).

Narrator: Once he was in steam, Scott began to leave for York. Then he started to feel awful.

Scott (moaning): Oh, Gary. I'm not feeling very well.

Gary: Hmm, your pressure is dropping. What do you think is happening?

Scott (moaning): I don't know. I don't think I'm going to make it to York. I have to stop.

George: There's a siding just up ahead. We'll stop there, so we can notify the station in Doncaster.

Narrator: They arrived at the siding just in time. Scott had broken down. His boiler tubes were starting to leak.

Gary: My god, I haven't seen anything like this. How are feeling, Scott?

Scott: I don't feel well at all. I feel like something's leaking out. Can you see anything from inside my cab?

George: Sorry old boy, you won't be able to start up again at this rate. Your boiler tubes are starting to leak. We'll have to tow you to York. Just rest for now while we wait for help to arrive.

(Scott nodded as his closed his eyes and eventually fell asleep).

Narrator: While Scott was asleep, he was towed to the repair yards. It was a long journey but they were able to get him to York. 

(We cut to the repair yards as Scott wakes up).

Scott: Oh. What happened?

Gary: I'm not quite sure yet. The engineers are still trying to figure it out. We didn't want to put you under until we heard what you had to say. Do you know what else is bothering you?

(Scott thought for a moment).

Scott: I'm not sure. I just feel old and worn out.

Gary: Well, I guess you'll be grateful to have some rest. We'll do the best we can to help.

Scott: I will let the engineers do what they need to do.

(The engineers began to pour the anesthetic). 

Scott (feeling drowsy): Thank you, everyone.

Gary: You're welcome old boy. Now you just get some rest.

(Scott closed his eyes and fell asleep).

Narrator: The engineers worked on the Flying Scotsman for weeks. It wasn't until June, that they were able to wake him up.

(Scott begins to open his eyes and sees Gary and George).

Scott (tiredly): Hello.

Gary: Scott, how do you feel?

Scott: Really tired.

George: The engineers kept you asleep for almost a month. You needed your boiler to be completely washed out. There was a lot of boiler sludge that had to be removed. I also heard that a lot of your stay nuts had signs of overheating so those had to be replaced along with the leaky boiler tubes.

(Scott was beginning to doze off).

Gary: I think we just need to let him rest. If his stays had signs of overheating, then he must have been run ragged. He needs as much rest as he can. We still don't even know how he'll run during Railfest.

George: He'll start light duties during charter trains as the Scarborough Spa Express (SSE). Who knows, maybe that was all that was wrong and he'll be running good as new.

(They leave Scott to rest).

Narrator: Throughout the summer of 2004, Scott and his crew spent their time in and out of the works. Originally, 121 tubes were replaced, but then three days after Scott started work as the SSE, he broke down. A crosshead bearing was damaged so that was replaced. Then after five days, he broke down again. Pipework in his oil pump were defective so that had to be repaired. There were also concerns about previous repairs to the crack in his right hand cylinder. It was now September, and Scott had to be taken to the NRM's workshop for more repairs. His cousin Mallard was there.

(Scott and Mallard are both in their human form. While Scott could be described a large, overweight man; Mallard would be described as a man who used to be an NFL QB. No longer star material but still relatively fit. Mallard glares at Scott while he's lying on the couch).

Mallard: You know this is pathetic, right? To think the supposed pride of the LNER has been reduced to a has been engine on their last set of wheels.

Scott: Did you have something to say to me, Mallard? Or did you just come all this way to laugh in my face?

Mallard: I came here to tell that you that you're an embarrassment to the Gresley name. You go flouncing about and cause your owners nothing but financial problems. We all know that your 100 mph record means nothing anymore. There were plenty of other engines that were more useful than you. Quite frankly, I don't understand why you were saved to begin with.

Scott (sadly): I don't know why I was saved either. Not that it matters now. I've been in and out of the works for the past four months. This time, there's so much work to be done, that I don't know when I'll wake up once I'm put under.

Mallard: The NRM should just cut their losses and scrap the whole thing and build a new engine from scratch. They'll lose less money that way.

(Gary and George walk in).

Gary: That's enough, Mallard. If you're not here to be repaired, then leave so you don't get in anyone's way.

Mallard: Well then.

(He leaves as the two men walk up to Scott who tries to curl up on the couch).

George: Don't listen to him, Scott. The NRM would've never bought you if they didn't think you were worth it.

Scott: I know. I just want these repairs done, so I can go back to the engine I once was.

Gary: Don't worry, old boy. We'll do our best to help you.

Scott: What did they say was wrong with me this time?

George: Inner firebox, that cracked cylinder, the air brakes. You know how it is.

(Scott sighs).

Scott: How long will they make me sleep this time, gentlemen?

Gary: I'm not sure, but we'll be here when you wake up.

Scott: And I can't thank you two enough for that.

George: Come on old boy. Let's get you back to your engine. You need to go back under.

Scott: I understand. I'm nothing but thankful for the both of you being here.

Narrator: With the help of George and Gary, Scott makes it back to his engine.

Gary: Steady there. Just dream good dreams and don't let Mallard's words bother you.

Scott: I won't. Thank you. Both of you.

(The engineers walk in and began to pour the anesthetic again). 

Scott: I just hope I won't develop a tolerance to this stuff.

(Scott falls asleep after a few minutes).

Tagging: @bluy1206, @werbitssft, @klein-sodor-bahn, and @theyellowroseofsodor.

#flying scotsman #ttte fandom #nrm fanfiction #lner a3 #time doesn't heal all wounds

[mantisgodsdomain]

We're going to talk about our cool vampire guy headcanons again. We like to set Monsieur Scarlet as a member of Solenopsis invicta, albeit a very unconventional example of the species. As a fire ant, technically, he is venomous - however, he's not actually had venom production online for decades, and at this point the cost for Making That Bite Work Again far outweighs the perceived benefit.

Would it be directly useful for his survival to be capable of injecting people with venom that causes intense burning sensations? Yes, probably, especially since he's at a scale where the swelling induced would probably take out an arm for hours at a time. He's just not going to fix it, because that takes life force that he could be using for other purposes, like breathing, or keeping his heart running, or having an emergency teleportation stock so that he can fling himself a metre or two in any direction when need be.

#we speak #bug fables #he's brazilian #if you are familiar with this species then it may be because they are INCREDIBLY invasive in like. everywhere theyve been ported #it is partially a joke on how incredibly broadly our version of scarlet travels #hes probably run into a good few other colonies of his species but with how our hc awakening Works he might not have recognized them #and he doesnt precisely hang around long enough to learn about these things #generally members of the species would be a lot more pigmented but wizard biology is weird and scarlet is weirder #which is to say that he's spent a very very long time healing back damage with investments in life force #and cutting down the body running fund enough that he can try to exist in areas that dip below 20 degrees celsius #and these things in combination as it turns out kind of fuck up pigment production in a major way #magic changes your colors much in the same way that mutations usually work #which is to say “it doesn't necessarily change That Specifically but color is one of the least lethal things that can be altered here” #it takes relatively little to change pigment production and Being A Different Color is relatively unlikely to kill you #not that it doesnt affect your life at all but it will not kill you outright and thats really all that needs to be done #he started out a sort of red-brown color and then his carapace just sort of didnt darken like it should normally #and then he wound up on the run and he slowly color shifted to pink over the course of several decades #depending on which canon we're operating in he may have also just totally lost all pigment on one occasion #when he took an unplanned nap and then wound up horror movie-ing some random researchers after losing his higher brain functions #and also a lot of other general functions. like bodily ones. like producing pigment at all. #dont need that underground but he walked out into the light and got flashbanged and immediately decided to not do that again #as it turns out. pigment production is important for some things. like sun protection. you want to be capable of being in the sun.

[feralghxuls]

thinking abt the first time dew romantically/erotically murdered mountain<3

#dorito.txt #still working out the logistics #namely: how they figured out he doesn't die permanently #bc death works differently topside than it does in the pit #in the pit death doesn't really exist #they can be. unexisted. but thats a very purposeful thing that involves a ritual #but even mortal wounds & starvation doesn't kill them. they just kind of...hibernate. not quite dead not really alive #until their wounds heal or until they manage to eat something #for mountain all the times he entered that state from starvation he pretty much just waited for a bug or lizard to crawl into his mouth

[bewby]

when you get blocked by him even tgough you guys barely even talk anymore but the last time you talked which was about a week ago you actually had a nice and healthy conversation and you had alot of love for eachother and it seemed amazing 😂😂😍😍😍😍 no i'm definitely not fucking crying Lol

#it has been 3 years and i'm still here crying over this #well technically it has been about 1 year but also not really. i mean. we stopped talking around december ir smth last year #so it makes sense that this wound is still pretty fresh and will take some time to heal but i'm like. hahhaha #he's still my best friend and this really makes me sad #because i really love him and we even hung out together on genshin for some time #and we sent eachother really nice messages and i told him he xan always come to me no matter what and that i'm always here for him #and that if he's ever in a crisis he can even come see me he doesn't even have to ask #and now i'm blocked. hshdjckdjdhjf #i mean why am i surprised. he has every right to. and i'm his ex . and he likes someone else now #but it still really hurts because i wish i could be a better friend to him at least. but i can't talk to anyone these days #but especially with him it hurts so much because i actually know him so so well and it hurts so much more . like. we know eachother since #i was like. 16 and he was 18. it's insane!!!!!! we share a fucking birthday!!!!! i wanna die!!!!!! #i need to accept that it's over since like years but you can't just do that when you really love someone and care for them #haha . this really sucks alot #i know i need to just move along and i try i do but i will never stop having love for him even if it's just platonic it's so deep like wow #i donmt even know how to explain it and my love for him took over my entire life for years to the point where i turned into an absolute #nobody and it worried him so much too so obviously it makes sense that this takes some time . but God ahhahahshshshahah. ahhahahshsah #i feel so sad and i'm allowed to feel sad . but wjen i feel sad it feels like i'm fucking dying #wow. okay i'll stop now #he has every right to block me but he's my best friend so it hurts. that's all

[hellfireconcert]

@dusterson

It had been a long three years with barely any human interaction, not with his friends at least, in his three years of hiding, Eddie had sometimes ventured into the city to avoid anyone that knew him. He was still haunted by what had happened four years earlier, but the loss of Wayne and the knowledge that the events had contributed to the heart attack, was too much for him to handle, he blamed himself. He was never a fan of Christmas to begin with, but in the past three year it had gotten so much harder each year to cope. Eddie missed his friends, but he felt that he had isolated himself from them for too long, that they would no longer want to be around him if he came out let alone in the state he was now. 

He had shaved his head at one point and it was still growing back, short curls sat on his head, neglecting a daily shave so he had some scruff on his face aside from where the scar on his cheek prevented the growth. It amused him a little on the rare occasion he did venture into town to buy food he tended to go unrecognised with his short hair and without his denim vest, it helped that over the past three years he had started working out and had physically bulked up as there was nothing to do other than workout in the trailer. He typically went to the store around closing time so there was less people around to bother him. He had bought some mini Christmas puddings on his last trip and now on the big day he had gone to the grave as he did every year to share his dinner with Wayne. He did his best to take care of the grave and before he left he had placed one of the mini puddings on the dirt, after taking a cheeky bite out of it for himself of course, before leaving.

Eddie knew that Dustin would be by at some point with a gift based on the past three years, so he had left a note on the door so that he wouldn’t panic finding the trailer dark and quiet. The note read ‘not at home’ and was stuck just above the handle. After the graveyard he had found his way to the lake and settled down with his acoustic guitar on the hood of his van and played. “What is it about this time of year, tie a bow around the trauma and pretend it isn’t there. Violent night, lonely night, nothing's calm here, nothing’s bright. This Christmas song you never heard, deck the halls with sadness every year it’s getting worse, hear those sleigh bells on the hearth, merry Christmas everybody 'part for me, December hurts.” 

He could hear movement nearby, his anxiety telling him it was one of the creatures from the upside down, he knew it was a mistake to be out at sunset, his heart was racing in his chest so much it hurt. He wouldn’t admit it, but a big part of why he had started working out so much was so he could fight back against the creatures if they came back for him, against Vecna, so he could protect himself and his friends, he refused to fail again. He continued to play and sing, doing his best to ignore the sounds. “Hark the Herold angels sing, a home you can’t go home to tonight, ‘cause you know it isn’t waiting, hark the Herold angels sing to the kids who hear their parents fight and lose out on everything, this Christmas song you never heard, deck the halls with sadness ‘cause for me, December hurts.”

#dusterson #Verse; Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds