So me and my girlfriend, both 17, have finally hit our 1 year 'anniversary'. Even better, it was on our junior prom a few days ago. Anyways. I want to preface this by saying I'm an insecure, overthinking person so please don't throw any extremes in the replies. And sorry for the long post and possible confusion, there's just a lot on my mind
About a week ago, I'd say Tuesday, she started being very very distant. Me and her would talk literally everyday for hours unless it's during her period, I always understand and support her the best I can. She started talking to a group of guys she met of fortnite(12yo to our age). She's been playing with them from after she gets home until really late at night. We text, but the "conversations" either span over a whole day with hour long gaps between replies or she just sends tiktoks and that's it. I said something about it and she said she's sorry, so there's that, but she still did it everyday. I don't ever expect her to reply immediately, but for the times where I respond instantly, I never understand why it takes hours to get back.
It feels like the only times I've talked to her since last Tuesday was when she was super tired in the morning during school and on prom. I don't mean to be mad or upset but I just don't understand. I know that she likes to make friends which I've always been fine with. It's just the fact that she's more or less prioritized them over her boyfriend so easily after just a week.
Even worse is that I don't know how to word how I feel without making her upset. We finally talked today about a few small things, I didn't know how to bring up everything like here, and she told me that everytime I've confronted her about something that bothered me she cried after. I don't ever say anything mean, but I can be passive aggressive over text which is why I hate texting in the first place.
The one thing that kept irking me was that she'd randomly start talking about all of them for super long for no reason. Whenever she did that I just turned myself off so I don't hear it. Not because I don't like that she's happy, but because I genuinely don't care. They are people I don't want to meet or even become friends with them, and that's not her fault. Even during the whole call, she was just playing with them, even after asking me and having me wait to play with her even though we never played. And at the end of the call, she said she's gonna shower and sleep. She said that at 10:30, its almost 12, and she was still playing with them. Yes, I know it's petty even to check that, but it's these tiny little things that get to me.
My biggest question is, am I even allowed to feel anything about this? Am I the bad guy for feeling a certain way about her and friends? Should i just let this play out? Im not trying to make her seem like the bad guy either. My biggest fear is being that controlling/jealous/possessive person, and I feel like that's what I'm tilting towards for feeling this way.

Explore the depths of dark fantasy writing with our all-inclusive guide on enhancing your themes and drawing readers in with symbolism. Discover key strategies, delve into the background of dark fantasy literature, and let your imagination run wild with an enjoyable writing assignment. Regardless of your level of experience as a writer or your level of interest, this guide will assist you in creating dark fantasy stories that are memorable and impactful.
Writing in the dark fantasy genre is a journey into the depths of the human psyche, where symbolism and imagery rule supreme, and it goes beyond simple stories of magic and monsters. We'll look at how to use symbolism to enhance your themes, draw in readers, and craft worlds of dark fantasy that will stick with you in this extensive guide.

Understanding Symbolism in Dark Fantasy Writing

Let's examine the history and development of symbolism in dark fantasy literature before delving into its specific applications. Gothic literature is the source of dark fantasy literature; early works such as Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" established the themes of terror, mystery, and the paranormal. Dark fantasy has evolved over time as authors like H.P. Lovecraft, Anne Rice, and Clive Barker have explored themes of power, corruption, and the human psyche.

The Power of Symbolism in Dark Fantasy Writing

A powerful tool in the dark fantasy writer's toolbox, symbolism enables you to give your works a deeper resonance and meaning. You can add layers of intricacy and depth that captivate readers and hold their interest throughout by employing symbols and imagery to symbolise abstract ideas, feelings, and themes.

Essential Techniques for Using Symbolism in Dark Fantasy Writing

Let's now examine some crucial methods for enhancing themes in your dark fantasy writing with symbolism:
Pick Your Symbols Wisely: Whether it's a menacing raven perched atop a gravestone, a mysterious amulet with dark powers, or a sinister castle shrouded in mist, pick symbols that speak to your themes and characters.
Establish Symbolic Motifs: To reaffirm themes and provide a feeling of coherence and unity, incorporate reoccurring symbols and motifs into your narrative. Including symbolic elements in your story can enhance its depth and richness. Some examples of such elements are the moon, which denotes mystery and transformation, or a colour like red, which stands for blood and passion.
Employ Symbolic Imagery: To evoke mood and atmosphere, use rich descriptive language to paint vivid pictures with your words. Use imagery to draw readers into the dark fantasy world you've created, whether you're describing a haunted forest shrouded in shadows or a dilapidated mansion full of secrets.
Investigate Archetypes and Myths: Use mythological motifs and archetypal characters as inspiration to give your narrative enduring themes and universal lessons. Using these classic themes, such as the hero's journey, the underworld's descent, or the conflict between light and darkness, can give your dark fantasy story more depth and resonance.

Fun Writing Exercise: Unleash Your Imagination

Select a Theme: Choose a theme or idea that you wish to explore in your dark fantasy story to begin with. Select a theme that appeals to you and piques your interest, such as the nature of power, the duality of human nature, or the quest for salvation.
Determine Your Symbols: The next step is to make a list of images and symbols that are connected to the theme you have selected. These could be places with symbolic meaning, animals, colours, or even objects. For example, you could use symbols like a decaying city, a black rose, or a serpent if you're examining the theme of corruption.
Create Your Story: After deciding on a theme and symbols, begin creating your story by incorporating these components into it to give it depth and resonance. Employ evocative language to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, and allow your symbols to direct the course of your story and the character development.
After writing your story, consider how the symbolism you employed enriched your themes and make any necessary revisions. Seek chances to hone your imagery or add more nuance to your symbolism in order to produce a more compelling and meaningful reading experience. And don't be scared to edit and polish your narrative until the power of symbolism shines through!

Famous Writers and Works in Dark Fantasy Literature

Dark fantasy literature boasts a rich history and a wealth of influential writers and works. From classic tales of Gothic horror to modern masterpieces of dark fantasy, here are a few notable examples:
The Cthulhu Mythos of H.P. Lovecraft: Lovecraft is recognised as one of the pioneers of contemporary horror literature, and the dark fantasy subgenre has been greatly impacted by his Cthulhu Mythos. Lovecraft's stories, replete with cosmic horror.), ancient gods, and secret knowledge, tackle existential dread and humanity's smallness in the face of cosmic forces that are beyond our comprehension.
Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman": This graphic novel series is a masterwork of dark fantasy that masterfully combines dream sequences, mythology, and folklore. With its sophisticated storyline, nuanced characters, and rich, vivid imagery, "The Sandman" has won both praise from critics and a devoted readership, solidifying Gaiman's place as one of the leading authors of contemporary dark fantasy literature.
George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire": George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" is a sprawling saga of political intrigue, war, and magic set in the fictional continent of Westeros. With its morally ambiguous characters, intricate plot twists, and gritty, realistic world-building, "A Song of Ice and Fire" has redefined the boundaries of the dark fantasy genre and inspired a cultural phenomenon with its adaptation into the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones".

Embrace the Power of Symbolism

To sum up, symbolism is a powerful tool that can enhance your themes, draw readers in, and help you write darker fantasy fiction to new heights. You can write dark fantasy stories that stick in the reader's mind long after the last page is turned by carefully selecting your symbols, coming up with symbolic motifs, employing vivid imagery, and taking inspiration from myths and archetypes.
So embrace the power of symbolism, let your imagination run wild, and set out on an amazing adventure into the shadowy depths of fantasy literature. Your readers are just waiting to be enthralled with the wonders of your writing!

Elevating Your Writing Experience

With pen and paper in hand, set off on your dark adventure, reflect on the deep experience that the GC Luxury Quill Set provides. Each stroke of the quill seems like a fall into the depths of darkness, capturing the essence of your darkest fantasies with unmatched precision thanks to its superb craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
The GC Luxury Quill Set transforms writing into an art form, drawing you into the intricate web of your own invention whether you're creating suspenseful dialogue or narrative twists. It becomes an extension of your will, channelling the raw emotion and atmosphere necessary to creating a genuinely unforgettable dark fantasy tale thanks to its ergonomic form and fluid ink flow.

My Own Dark Fantasy Realm

Hi there, fellow fans of dark fantasy! Thanks to your unflinching support, our blog—which is packed with tales and inspirations of dark fantasy—is making waves on TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. Even more thrilling is the fact that we're creating a captivating Trading Card Game to further engross you in Twilight Citadel's eerie mysteries. Explore the depths of the shadows with our website, where you can get eerie yet lovely phone wallpapers and posters. Furthermore, we've got you covered with free resources like desktop wallpapers and profile pictures to make sure your gadgets are brimming with eerie fantasy atmosphere. Come along with us on this surreal adventure, where fears come true and shadows dance. Are you prepared to welcome the gloom?

Hey all, I just wanted some insight of what I should do. About 1 week ago me (27m) and my now ex (28f) broke up. We only dated for a hot minute, 1 month. We were in constant contact daily (she wanted me to keep intouch especially if I was at work). And everyother day we were together in person. We met through work I'm a firefighter, she's in law enforcement. When we were together she'd tell me things that she's said she had either never opened up about. But how easy it was to open up with me. Everything was going great. She liked my no bs about the future. We agreed what both of our intentions were LTR with marriage and kids etc. Like I said, all was going great.
One day she wanted me to meet her best friend (30f). I agreed, we went to the best friends house together. The friend had a kid that kept going around hitting the women (8m) and I stopped him. Basically saying that behavior isn't tolerated and I'm not going to allow it. I then told him to apologize, which he did. All else was going well. By my 3rd drink I said it was going to be my last one. But I seen my gf and her friend opened another bottle of wine so I had another 2 beers. Later in the night my gf told me she wanted to spend the night so she could watch her best friends son soccer game in the am. It's not what I wanted, but thinking all was well I went along with it. We kissed, I left.
After I got home I texted her saying I had a good time and enjoyed her company. I also apologized if she felt like I shouldn't of driven because I drank 2 more beers 5 total in 5 hours than I said I would. She said she had a good time too and enjoyed my company. She ignored the part that I mentioned about alcohol.
Fast forward, next day. I'm at work, she's more cold and distant. It takes her significantly longer to get back to me than normal. And she doesn't want to talk about yesterday. Eventually I get super anxious feeling something is off and message her saying "I know something is bothering you, we've had conversations in the past and both agreed that if this is the case we would hash it out so we don't hold it against one another. So we can either communicate like adults like we've agreed. Or throw in the towel (figure of speech)."
She ended up replying immediately saying that I immediately went to "throwing in the towel " and how I must not care about her or our relationship. So being what I said she wanted to break up, because screw me.
Me regretting my choice of words tried to backtrack saying that's not what I meant. She said I was right something is bothering her from last night but she didn't want to have this conversation with me being that I'm at work. And hoped I would do the same if she was because she has a gun on her hip.
She said she noticed two things yesterday she didn't like. 1. I talked to much about work. 2. Drinking more than I said I would (this bothered her because of her past of getting a dui). She then said because of those two things she didn't want a relationship anymore with me. Because "That's your personality, and I don't want you to change because of me. I want you to change because of you". I said I'd change because I wanted too. She wouldn't listen. She said she was too mad at me to continue our relationship and that we're done.
Later that day I reached out, she agreed to let this go. But was still being cold and distant, less available. Canceling all of our future plans and having excuses.
So, I reached out again telling her how much I like her and how I absolutely adore and & love her (I've said this in the past and she said she feels the exact same way. Just feels too soon to say it back).
She then says she needs space, isn't ready for a relationship, that someone like me hurt her before. That we're on separate paths right now and she doesn't want me anymore. She ended the conversation saying we'll talk about this at a later date. But she wants time to focus on herself.
The next day I noticed she recorded or FaceTimed my snap story and then unfriended me on snap.
We've been on NC for the last week. I genuinely do want her back. I don't know what I should do, or say. Or if I should at all.. It hurts and sucks. Looking for what you all think of this. What I should of done differently. Thank you for your time!

The listener accidentally calls on a surprisingly polite spirit, and the listener tries to help him pass on
Monetization is okay! No major changes to the script though, if you are wondering about something in that regard please feel free to message me! Let me know if you intend to fill this script and leave me your channel so I can keep an eye out, or post the video and send me a link! Always super happy to see people's hard work! ^-^
Enjoy!
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[Scene opens with some ambient spooky music, and the sound of a ouija board piece scratching on the board, writing something out. Some sort of sound like a phasing in or out of energy or something as the ghost appears]
Ghost: Oh- uh, hello there!
[Sound of the board and piece falling on the floor, followed by a thud]
Ghost: Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you! Are you alright? You didn’t hit your head, did you?
Listener: ….
Ghost: Huh? What do you mean who am I? You already asked if anyone was here! I said yes, and then spelled out my name for you! Remember? This just happened! Maybe you did hit your head…
Listener: ….
Ghost: Oh- well how did you think it was moving on its own then?
Listener: ….
Ghost: Magnets…? Sorry, no. There are probably some spirit boards that are fake, but this one is genuine! It was mine, a long time ago. I was hoping you’d find it eventually when you first moved in here.
Listener: ….
Ghost: Yes, this was my apartment. This was my room, in fact. I was glad you were the one to end up sleeping in here and not your roommate. You seem more in tune with the other side. By the way, love the decor! Some of it is definitely mine, I was glad you put it back up! Most people don’t decorate their rooms with the possessions of long deceased inhabitants that they found in storage boxes in the back of a walk-in closet, haha. I used to live here with my mom, I’m guessing when I died, she couldn’t stand to take some of my things with her. She was superstitious, so she never liked ‘occult’ related things. Although turns out she was right, so I guess she earned an I told you so. Too bad she left before I could get her to notice me. Most people can’t perceive me at all, and well, no one lived in this unit for a long time.
Listener: ….
Ghost: How did I die? My my, that’s an awfully forward question. To tell you the truth though, I don’t remember. The last thing I remember is watching tv in the living room, but I don’t know how much time passed between my last memory, and my death. I know for sure I died here though, I haven’t been able to leave this place. I haven’t even been able to go out into the main hall.
Listener: ….
Ghost: Ah, it’s not all bad! I can still turn the tv on, so there’s that at least! Uh- sorry, a-about your power bill… Ahem anyway, I seem to have this weird… attunement I want to say, to certain things. I don’t know how it works, electromagnetic waves maybe? I didn’t pay much attention in high school science. Or- high school in general, really.
Listener: ….
Ghost: Oh, I don’t know why I’m still here. Unfinished business, I guess? I don’t know, most spirits are angry, vengeful psychos because they got murdered or something. I don’t even know how I died, and life wasn’t all that great either, so I don’t really have anything to be angry about. I mean I miss my mom, sure, but I know my grandparents would take care of her, and she has some brothers and sisters and really great friends.
Listener: ….
Ghost: Aha, no, no girlfriends. No boyfriends, either. No friends, at least not close ones. No one to really miss me, besides my mom. I’ll admit, it does get a bit lonely from time to time.
Listener: ….
Ghost: You… want to help me? Well- that’s really sweet and all, but I don’t even know why I’m still here… where would we even start?
Listener: ….
Ghost: When did I die… I’m not totally sure. My sense of time isn’t great anymore, maybe twenty years ago or so? Things have changed so much, at least what I can see from the window. I’d say a long time.
Listener: ….
Ghost: Obituaries… that’s not a bad idea! At least gives you a place to start! Are you-... sure you want to help me with this? I feel like I’m putting you out, I only wanted to talk to you and say hello, but you’re going out of your way to do something kind for me.
Listener: ….
Ghost: Well, okay, if you’re sure then, thank you! Just one question- how long are you going to leave the creepy music playing? I’m not spooky enough to warrant that. Am I?
[Music stops abruptly]
Ghost: [The ghost laughs] You totally forgot about your mood ambience, huh? Do you like music? I did too. Not too many good ghostly radio stations these days though, haha… but anyway! I think you’ll be able to see me from now on, I sense some sort of… connection with you now through the spirit board. As long as nothing happens to it, I think you’ll be able to see and hear me from now on! I don’t think your roommate will though, so that probably works out for the best.
Listener: ….
Ghost: Thank you, so much… I actually feel kind of hopeful about not being trapped in this tiny apartment for the rest of… well, forever. I finally have a chance. That means a lot to me. I thought you might not be afraid of me, given your apparent interest in spirits, but this is even better than I could have hoped for.
Listener: ….
Ghost: I’m glad to see you’re so enthusiastic, but don’t you think you should be getting to bed? Your schedule on the fridge says you work at 7 tomorrow, and it’s past 11.
Listener: ….
Ghost: Of course! I’m dead, not blind! I can check your schedule just as easily as you can! It was nice knowing when people were going to be here and when they weren’t. I… actually paid really close attention to it. Alright, no more distractions! Get to sleep, or you’ll be totally exhausted for the first day of our investigation tomorrow!
[Listener turns off a lamp and gets into bed]
Ghost: Goodnight. And again… thank you. You’re committing more time to me than I deserve.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part 2 coming soon!

Well hi there! How's the weekend been treating you?
Mine's been alright, but that's not what you're here for is it?
You saw the title on this post and now you're all curious right?
I bet you're wondering what boyfriend stuff includes? Let's start with:

• Getting texted back regularly with an option for phone calls!
  
• Going out on dates with possible holding hands or making out!
  
• I'll make you laugh with all sorts of jokes from the sophisticated cynicism, cutting sarcasm to childish fart jokes I can do it all!
  
• You can get home cooked dinners! And breakfast too if I'm working overnights!
  
• You'll get all sorts of attention and compliments!
  
• I'm emotionally available and completely over my ex's!
  
• Flowers!
  

....and so much more!
Sounds pretty great right?
But who am I?
I'm a nearly middle aged divorced ex stand up comic that's worked himself into full on burnout working in hotels for the last twenty years. It's made into someone that's very empathetic and caring while still being to be cold as fuck when needed.
In my free time I'm kind of a traditional nerdy white guy. Gaming, cartoons (not anime though), science fiction, detective stories, alternative history, sketch comedy, various sitcoms, hiking, cooking and mowing the lawn occupy my off hours. I also tried getting back into writing again, but it's been challenging.
Now it's your turn! PM me and we can start planning the first date!

I (25 NB) met my friend (26 NB) at work, we have the same position at work and usually end up paired with each other. We get along great and have a lot of similar interests. I’ve given them rides home from work a lot cause we live near each other, and I thought we’d developed a strong friendship. They’ve worked at the company a little longer than I have, I’ve been working there since August. We’ve only been friends really since Januaryish when I got promoted.
Anyways they kept requesting we hang out together outside of work, I didn’t see this as odd because we’ve hung out together outside of work as a friend group, I have many friends at my job and we usually do group outings or parties, so it wasn’t odd to me that they wanted to hang out. The day they wanted to go out, none of my roommates were available to go with. 2 out of 3 of my roommates (25 M, 23 F and 25 M) work at the same business. So I went with them on my own, they seemed ecstatic that it was just the 2 of us. I picked them up and we initially just planned to go to the mall. We walked around, talked, bought stuff and eventually had lunch.
They kept staring at me which I found awkward but figured because we’re both autistic that I was uncomfortable with the eye contact or they just happen to make a lot of eye contact. They also keep walking really close to me and “accidentally” bumping my hand. After the mall they still wanted to hang out so we went to the thrift store and had a lot of fun making fun of the silly knick knacks, we both love Fallout New Vegas so they were looking for a jacket that looked like Benny Geckos from the game.
After that they still wanted to keep hanging out, at this point I was pretty tired but figured we were having fun. It’s hard for me to say no, and I use a cane for chronic pain so I usually need to take a frequent number of breaks which we hadn’t done yet but they hadn’t picked up that I was tired yet. I was having fun and at this point they did apologize about keeping me out for so long, I said it’s ok because I like long friendship hangout days, which is not a lie, my body just doesn’t enjoy it as much.
Next we went to get boba and they bought me a drink, at this point they had paid for none of my stuff, we split the food earlier and I lightheartedly threatened them to not spend money on me. When we were in the boba shop, they once again kept staring and moving their hand towards mine. I deterred this because it made me uncomfortable by talking with my hands which I usually do anyways. They were nice and listened to me infodump to them about tmnt (tmnts my special interest) but still continued their staring. I kept getting in my head that they were just being nice and I was ruining things thinking that they had ulterior motives.
I forgot to mention that they have a boyfriend (27 M), but they had offhandingly mentioned that they were poly. We then went to a gaming shop to look at dnd and pathfinder stuff, I had to pee incredibly badly at this point but they ignored my subtle pleas to leave, which understandably was my fault as I said I could hold it at the boba shop.
At this point I’m exhausted and in a lot of pain so I suggested we end our hang out after finding a bathroom. They still insisted on hanging out longer so I suggested they come to my apartment cause at this point I’d run out of stuff for us to do. This is where things got a bit uncomfy. My roommates were all home at this point but all left briefly to go pick up food. My roommate who I share a room with requested I don’t bring my friend into our room while she was in there, but gave me the go ahead to show them our room once she and my other roommates left to get their food.
I like showing my friends my collections whenever they come over so I saw no inappropriate reason to do the same. I have some Dnd, Fallout and Tmnt stuff I wanted to show them. I did my normal showing off my stuff thing. At some point I walked them over to my desk to show them my figurines, my desk is in a corner by my closet and bed so you can only go up to it from 1 side, I talked for a bit and noticed I was cornered. I have past trauma and hate being cornered, I kept making attempts to hint that I wanted to get out of the corner but they stayed firmly in place, even leaning with their hand on my desk to further block me in which I thought was strange.
Eventually I manage to slip by them by saying I wanted to show them my shelf on the opposite side of the room. The shelf is lower and next to my bed so I sit down to point things out. They then ask if they can sit down as well. I say yes and they proceed to sit down directly next to me, our thighs are touching firmly and they lean in on my bed with their arm behind me. I’m once again cornered and panicked now. I have a thing with my thighs where I HATE anyone touching them, it causes a violent reaction, my brain screams at me to bite, punch or claw anyone who touches them, I feel sick and absolutely enraged whenever it happens. I’ve been SAed in the past but even before that I had that reaction, my therapist says it might be a trauma response from childhood that I don’t remember.
I didn’t want to hurt them and luckily I have the violent outbursts completely under control so I just stiffened up and internalized the rage while trying to steady my breathing. They obviously know nothing about my trauma because we haven’t been friends for very long. So I continue talking about my 2003 rerelease tmnt figures and let them continue to touch me while trying not to cry.
Luckily my roommates return, and I immediately get up and leave my room to greet them. At this point I’m incredibly uncomfortable and wanted them out. But I felt bad if I suddenly kicked them out and I also was their ride. We decided to watch a movie in the living room, I sat in the couch corner and they decided to lay down on the rest of the couch while leaning up near me. One of my roommates picked up on the vibe and decided to join us for the movie, the other two sat at the table where you can still see the tv to eat their food since there was no room on the couch.
I decided to crochet during the movie to help ease my nerves. Every once in a while during the movie I could see them staring at me. Once the movie was over I offered to take them home. When I dropped them off they asked if they could hug me, I gave them a nervous sure, when they hugged me they put their nose into the crook of my neck which gave me the ick.
I’m not sure if it’s just me but I hate whenever I want a friend or just want to hang out with a friend and they turn it into something more without asking me! I’ve been notoriously “manic pixie dream girled” my entire life and I’m sick of it. If you want to go out with me just make your intentions known and ask me on a date! I wouldn’t have said yes but I think they knew that and felt the need to trick me instead.
I’m also incredibly turned off by the fact that their boyfriend just had surgery for appendicitis and is also about to have top surgery this week too and instead of caring for him they’re trying to get into my pants.
The whole situation feels icky and I’m so sad cause I thought I found a cool friend. They’re trying to get me to hang out with them again (even though their boyfriend is having top surgery) and I told them I have therapy and college dumpster diving on my days off this week and they’re trying to get me to work around those.
I just want some advice, am I in the wrong for feeling weird around them now or should I see how this plays out. I usually stick to dating women and other nonbinary people so they’re technically in the range of people I can potentially be attracted to but idk. I haven’t been interested in dating a lot lately cause I’ve been working through my trauma in therapy for the past year. My roommates also thought the whole situation was strange and uncomfortable. My roommate also asked if she had ever done anything like that to make me uncomfortable (she’s also amab like my friend), I reassured her she had never done that and that I feel very safe with her.

in april 2033, i was r*ped. i woke up the next morning and ran to my shower and broke down into tears. and i called my best friend that i’ve been like sisters with for the past 10 years. she offered to take me to the hospital and all that. she was there for me despite all of what she had going on to.
anyway, one night best friend and another long time friend invited me out and i decided it could be nice to have some girl time. so i go. we go back to best friends apartment. she ends up getting a phone call from her abusive ex girlfriend (another long time friend, actually) and it kills the vibe. she ignores the call. she starts missing her mom (she passed away) in this time of need so we (me and our other friend that invited me out) do our best to comfort her.
i end up getting a call from her ex girlfriend and i decide to take the call outside while my friend is still trying to comfort best friend. (best friend told me to take the call). anyway, the abusive ex girlfriend and i are talking and eventually she throws it in my face that i was r*ped (just a night or so before this). i was in shock. she threw it back in my face in perfect detail what happened to me. i was so hurt. i hang up the phone and go back inside. i’m really angry but i see my best friend still in shambles. i decide to let it go for now.
when the night ended, i went home. and the next morning she texted me and i replied, making sure she’s okay. then i finally asked her why would she tell someone… especially someone that i am not a fan of about my r*pe. her justification was that she was going to have abusive ex girlfriends brothers “handle” the situation. still, im not having it. then she goes and starts spinning things back on me, saying that im judgmental about her ex and it makes me upset that she’s deflecting.
i end up blocking her and abusive ex girlfriend and moving on with life the best i can. and by moving on, i mean pretending that i was never SA’d. pretending i didn’t have my space and privacy invaded. pretending i was not raped by someone i trusted and has my trust broken by another person that i trusted.
1 year later; may 2024, i downloaded snapchat to do my annual proof of life post and i see a message from her. the message says something to the effect of “hi, you dont have to respond. just wanted to say i’ve been thinking about you. love you and happy early birthday.”
i don’t know how to feel. her message actually made me more upset. i broke down about this to another friend of mine.
has anyone ever been through something similar? how did things turn out?

About Me:

• Foodie Adventurer: Aspiring disaster-proof chef (food fights optional, but laughter guaranteed!). Big animal lover (pups especially!).
• Family First: Family-oriented and seeking someone who shares that value.
• Spiritual Seeker: Spiritual, not religious, and open to exploring different paths with you.
• Quality Time Craver: Phone calls > texts all day long (hearing your voice is a big turn-on!).

We'll Click If You:

• Communicate Like a Champ: Open communication and respect are my aphrodisiacs. Let's build a rock-solid foundation together.
• Up for Anything: Dream big! From conquering D&D campaigns (newbie here, but eager to learn!) to exploring kink together, I'm down for playful adventures (with open minds and a sense of humor, of course!).
• Team Player: We'll be partners in crime for life, supporting each other through thick and thin, celebrating victories big and small, and keeping things steamy in between. Think long-term partnership, not a trophy.
• Bonus Points (But Seriously Major Plusses): Animal lovers (especially dog park dates!), open minds, diverse perspectives, and a love for Asian culture, Bollywood, or anime!

The Perfect Match:

• Location, Location, Love: Ideally from North America (Canada or USA) but open to relocation for the right person (California calling!).
• Communication is Key: Values open communication and building a strong foundation, just like me.
• Long-Term Visionary: Shares a long-term vision (including family, maybe with some kinky adventures sprinkled in?).
• Animal Advocate: Loves animals, especially dogs (dog park dates anyone?).
• Spiritual Explorer: Open to exploring different spiritual paths together.
• Experience Connoisseur: Enjoys sharing countless experiences, from deep conversations to playful adventures (both real and sensual!).
• Bonus Round: Adventure-friendly, enjoys natural remedies, and down for some epic cosplay!

A Must-Have:

• Safety First & Playful Fun: Safety and healthy play are my top priorities. Open communication about limits and expectations is a must.

Ready to Find Your Player 2?
If you're seeking something genuine beyond the superficial, with a kink-positive attitude and a dream of building a life together, send me a message! Looking for a heartfelt bonding connection with someone who isn't afraid to get real (and maybe a little wild!).
P.S.: New to D&D, but eager to learn with you by my side! Let's make some unforgettable memories together.

Alright so for context my sp is an ex of two years…..
Context:⭐️its been 5 months since we broke up and it was very messy and very difficult..he immediately chose to move on as our relationship got really toxic because of factors on both of our ends..we have broken up before (for 5 months ironically) and so i was very ATTACHED and codependent and he was too at one point but again issues (we argued everyday pretty much developed hate for one another) i am his first very serious and long relationship and he is my first relationship but before me he was a very aloof casual serial dater..and it seems hes trying to return to it..i did hurt him with the way it turned out and it seems like he is trying very hard to forget me and erase me..📗
manifesting journey:🌺 So ive known abt manifesting since 2020 but didnt believe in it when i heard abt it (tried it but i was in a very toxic and damaging kinda mindset) so obviously heartbroken and lost manifesting seemed like my only option..i read and read and i did the fucking work..when i tell you i sat and reflected and faced the pain. I didnt distract and use people or substances..i suffered and brung myself out of it thanks to the principals of nevile goddards teachings (reflecting revising healing and detaching)📍 and not to mention last time we broke up i unintentionally manifested him and the story how i personally find insane.📍i also feel i manifested our breakup!! (I am a very imaginative person and i would feel this exact feeling imaging our downfall and BOOM it happened..📕
Movement:🗞️ so we were on 0 contact and i worked on my sc while he played around with 3p and i swear to you the minute i stopped reacting to her she disappeared and they broke up..he texted me apologizing one day after i kept seeing synchronicities..(angel numbers , saw his mother, and the feeling of something good was strong).. so boom reconciled and that was one of my affirmations so check that. Still it was very slow and i would not keep strong and would fall back into my old mindset and then it would get stagnant..soon after i decided to message him that i forgave him after much tarot debate lol and we chitchatted and started playing imsg🔖 But since then nothing much has changed and i fell back on my practicing stopped affirming and just started slowly creeping around him..yes cring ik📘
Turmoil:🖇️ So now my issue is..im trying to put my foot down and really get into it..but i cant feel it anymore and its scary..im trying to feel how it feels to be his girlfriend again and its like blank..and lowkey some negative feelings linger..im trying to stop robotically affirming from a “hes coming” standpoint and go into a “hes here and were great” but i dont know what to pinpoint that i want to visualize…i know i want him but when i attempt to sit down and think abt what i want..its kinda difficult?? Like foggy..and i feel like its because ive forgotten it..the feeling of wish fulfilled and being happy with him cuz its been so long..i want to put my foot down and do sats and visualizations but its like when it comes to him its so flippin difficult📙
So my question is..does anyone else experience this lack of feeling when it comes to their manifestation? Or sp? and if so how to get over it? Please no bullshit condescending responses like “its all in you ..you just have to decided” yes ik it is but it doesnt help.. We are human we struggle so please let me know what you think..📚

This relationship started 7 yrs ago during our college yrs. 5 months into our new relationship, I moved in with my bf and his brother due to a disagreement I had with my family. Of all the things that were going wrong during that time, my relationship with my bf actually became better and stronger. We got to know each other more and it turns out we are a good match! Towards the end of 2020, his brother and mom had lost their jobs due to covid. So the brother (we’ll call him Petter), Mom/Dad, and my boyfriend ended up all moving together to a bigger house. On top of that, his other brother (we’ll call him Mat) was about to have his baby. Once the baby was born, they basically left the child with my boyfriend’s mom. So the baby now lives there too. I became uncomfortable due to the lack of privacy and loudness so I moved out. Like most couples, I sleep over at his place at least 2-3 times a week but this is now becoming a problem. I’ve gotten into multiple fights w/ the mom and most recently with the dad.
I cannot stand his family. I might sounds aggresive but here me out... He comes from a very abusive and dysfunctional family. The type of dynamic where the dad is your typical wife beater with a loser mentality who lives rent free and the mom who has stockholm syndrome and relies on her children to care for her every need and even makes them fight each other. The mom constantly bullies me to the point where we don't talk anymore. She believes I am not doing anything with my life just because I have not had a baby yet. Any occasion we would talk, she would bring up the conversation about having a child. We went to Disneyland not too long ago. When we got back, the mom told both of us that “if we can afford disneyland we can afford a baby”, which is incredibly ignorant to say. Out of anger, I told her she should focus on bothering Mat about his deadbeat parenting style instead of her bullying and harassing me for not having a child. To put it in simple words, his family (specifically his mom) is very good at punishing good-hardworking-positive behavior and rewarding horrible-sh*tty-loser mentality behavior.
Recently, his dad was hospitalized for heart issues and was discharged on “RMA-AMA”. He now expect everyone, including my boyfriend to baby him and wipe his a**. This is where my issues with his family got a whole lot worse. About 3 nights ago, I was awakened by the sound of stuff being thrown around and the dad yelling. I told my boyfriend to check it out but he was refusing so I went out to see what was going on. The dad was calling the mom a lot of profanity words and throwing things at her. This instantly triggered me and I told him to stop calling her those names and stop throwing things or I would get the police involved. I just wanted to defend the mom. He turns and stares at me with bad intentions. The dad called me a “b*tch”, “wh*ore”, and all the worst things you can think of. My boyfriend instead of defening me, told me to go back to the room and procedding to saying "lets just go to sleep" and acted like nothing happened. When things calmed down, I asked my boyfriend why he didn’t defend me from his dad. My boyfriend said “what was I supposed to do, fight my dad?”. I would never ask my boyfriend to get physical with anyone but dang can I at least have his support. To make things worse, the next day his mom with her stockholm syndrome said I was being disrespectful when all I was trying to do was DEFEND her. Now I know I should NEVER get involved in those types of situations, I was just triggered and scared by the whole situation because I am not used to that type of behavior.
This has put us in very complicated situations. It’s depressing, because almost every other day my bf and I are arguing about our living situation (we do not live together) and his family. It is so painful because I feel like this is not who we are. When we are away from his family, we are the happiest couple ever but when his family is in our presence we are basically miserable. I’m fed up and it makes me wonder if this relationship is worth it. I also feel like his family only brings out the worst in me. I am currently working in the medical field as a new grad so I had a lot of stress. I try my best to not be around toxic environments but it's hard because my boyfriend LIVES in a toxic environment. I’m desperately trying to move out and my boyfriend thinks its time to dip as well. However, he doesn’t want to move out until he is financially ready to pay for his rent and also help out his family with their rent. I might be an a**hole but I do not believe his family deserves his help. I also think this is such a slap in the face towards me. He knows his family treats me like sh*t, yet his guilt complex is making him think he needs to take care of his family. I asked how he could still want to be “in good terms” with them especially after his dad called me a “b*tch” and his mom called me “disrespectful”. His family has never done anything to help him achieve the goals he accomplished or even cared to see how he is doing. I honestly think him wanting to still help his family is a huge slap to my face and basically shows me that he will never have my back. For this reason, I'm considering leaving because I do not want to make him pick between his family or me. I cannot, will not, and do not want to change his way of thinking because I wouldn't like to be in that sitation myself. However, I would never let any of my family talk profanity or bully my boyfriend because I know it is not right. My boyfriend isn't a bad a partner, he is my bestfriend but I just feel betrayed and alone in this issue. I feel like he doesn't understand the what it feel like to be bullied by your partners parents. This is one of the hardest decisions I’m going to make, so I’m wondering if there us anyone with a similar experience who can commiserate.....

Well, hello! I'm just a silly little queer on a journey to self-discovery, learning how to live my best life, and looking for some company along the way. Here is what I'm looking like these days. I have officially hit that point in my life where time seems to be just completely slipping through my fingers, and so I am very focused on truly living each day to the fullest extent of my abilities, for the first time in a very long while (maybe ever). I'd love to meet some more folks who are in a similar place in their daily lives. For me, this means an emphasis on healing, hobbies, and healthy connections and approaching the choices, chances, and changes I make each day from a place of curiosity and wonder.
Healing is a priority of the highest order for me. I believe that as adults we all have wounds that, through healing, we can learn and grow from, in order to be the best versions of ourselves. We are all works in progress, and no matter how young or old, none of us are ever really "done" growing. I am learning how to hold space for my younger self, without judgement or shame coloring my perception of my past actions and choices. I'd love to hear about how you are practicing growth, what therapy modalities have worked best for you (IFS changed my life!), and/or your short and long term goals for this area of your life.
Hobbies have made a world of difference in how I balance my days. At the peak of my depression/mental illness, my entire life revolved around work and my children - I had no identity outside of ~Customer Service Cutie~ and ~Mom~. Last year I took the leap to join a local gay women's chorus and I am not kidding you, it was the best decision I made for myself in my adult life. This has opened up doors to other hobbies I didn't know I was interested in, like painting and kickball. Tell me about your hobbies, and what activities make you smile, and breathe life into your days!
Healthy connections are where you come in! Hooray - if you made it this far, you are a TROOPER and I appreciate you taking the time. I'm really not looking for anything in particular, but you should know that I am super duper non-monogamous, and have been for 12 years now - I'd love to tell you all about it! I would love to go out on cute dates (I have always been the planner, so it would be a really cool change if someone wanted to take me out) or connect over zoom or whatever digital platform works best for you. It's been an embarrassingly long time since I've sent or received a good morning text, or felt the flutters in my stomach when I see someone's name pop up throughout the day. I guess I'm just looking for chemistry, in whatever form that takes.
Please feel free to shoot me a message or chat on here. If you need an opener idea, I'd love to know - if you had 1 hour to get on a plane to anywhere in the world (hurry up, pack your bag and GO!) where are you going and why?
Cheers xo
Em

My father had a stroke in November, i was the one who drove him to the hospital , got him a social security lawyer. My siblings (6 of us) started giving them 50$ each week to help out. Yeasterday i drove an hour to give my mom some flowers for mothers day . She just said thank you in an unhappy way and asked me for the money . Took my little sister to church, and she tells me how they are going on a trip to Florida,
I went home and cried , im 8k in debt with my own bills paying them to go to Florida? Today, i told my sister about it and a minute later my mom was blowing up my phone . Started the conversation with i heard you have a problem with me and i was like hey mom , hope your doing great im doing well. I asked her how she can afford Florida when we are paying her weekly for bills ?And she went on saying that if i hate them so much i can cut me off and my little sister is trying to kill herself because of me and two of my sisters are depressed because of me . And then said im a prostitute and no wonder my boyfriend doesn’t want to marry me . Threw my teenage years against me ( i was a troubled teen who would run away to get away from them) .
She then began telling me how expensive her 13 year old daughter’s psychiatrist bills are. As if i gave birth to that child . My sister has to be on xanax at the age of 13, because she made comments at school that she knows where my dads guns are and shes going to shoot up the school./ (BTW i am blamed for this. Behavior) even tho i told my mom the signs she wasnt okay.
I told my boyfriend about it after she blocked me she blew his phone up while he was at work . 6 calls he called after work and she switched to victim mode saying she doesnt know why i hate her and basically telling him i dont know why she wont marry you , your a great guy . In a way that makes me seem like im using him. He read right through her and basically he told her that im processing trauma thats happen to me and they just need to love me through it and she went on basically saying its me who cut her off and if i dont want to be part of the family its on me not them .
Today was also my one year anniversary with my boyfriend he posted a picture of me on our date saying happy anniversary in the family group chat and no one cared to congratulate us. I honestly feel like my family hates me . The love is fake im in an internal crisis right now . My siblings fake like me . They honestly wanted me to fail in life , seeing that im doing welll doesnt sit right with them . I can tell because they never happy for me just point whats wrong with me . Its sad . My inner child is sad . I just wish my mom loved me for me not what she can benefit off me .

This is going to be a long one. I just need to write it out so I don’t end up talking to anybody about it IRL (I don’t want many people to know - because I can’t handle anybody saying “but she is your mother” at this point), I just need to write this all down to get it out of my system.
And yup, definitely mommy issues here. I grew up with only her, only child, and she isolated us from everybody else because of her hoarding (and her personality). I feel like I have been living my life like an orphan trying to raise myself, combined with the strange mix of being a child who never felt like a child, who was trying to be the parent for my parent.
I’ve had a lot of… unfortunate events take place in my life, things that when I have told people 5% of it they would say it sounds horrible, that no person should experience things like that (in a variety of categories). But… I am dead set that the one thing that has affected me the most in my life is my mother’s neglect.
She did her best, it wasn’t good enough.
It’s been almost 6 months since I went no contact (well technically very low contact since I have exchanged maybe 5 - 6 text messages in the past half year) with my mother, and it got me thinking what pushed me over the edge to go no contact this time around - considering my mother hasn’t changed that much at her core. Sure, she has gotten older and even more rigid, but she is still my mother, with the same personality traits she always had.
I went to visit her three times last fall. I tried to help her. Be her “parent”. Take her to various doctors after she has neglected her own health for years. Arrange for home help. Clean up the worst of the hoard (like the literal rotting trash). Get the bathroom and kitchen back into a functional state so she can continue to live in her home. Try to clean up the worst parts of how she has neglected herself and her surroundings (her apartment).
That in itself didn’t make me go no contact.
It wasn’t that I came to a hoarded, dirty house that made me cut her out.
It wasn’t that she blatantly lied and said she had cleaned the apartment to bait me into coming visiting in the first place that made me go no contact.
It wasn’t that she refused to accept help from anybody but me until I put my foot down and pretty much forced it through.
It wasn’t even that she was so rude to both nurses and me, always either wanted to have power over someone or being the victim.
It was wasn’t even that she has so little interest in me or anything about me that she has no idea about what is going on in my life.
All of those things are sad, devastating even, but those things didn’t make me say “enough”. I’ve been living with her as my mother for close to 40 years. Of course, all of these things were some of the underlying factors, but I what drove me over the edge was a ridiculous, tiiiiiiiny little thing, tbh. And to explain that tiny little thing, I need to give some back story.
When I moved back from another country I had brought back a blanket from that country that I used on my bed. I used it when I lived with my previous partner in this other country, I used it when I lived alone in that country, and I used it when I moved back to this country and stayed over in the tiny room in her apartment I cleaned out so I had a base to help her with the rest of the apartment.
Because of Covid (and my reluctance to go back into her hoarded apartment), I had not been in that apartment for 4 years (2019 - 2023). In that apartment there was a tiny 6 square meter room that I cleaned up.
When I say “clean up”, it is an understatement. That room had been completely been blocked off because of her hoard from top to bottom from when I was younger. To the point where the door did not open and it was impossible to enter the room. I literally had to pry the door open, and try to pull out item by item until there was enough space to actually open the door.
But I cleaned the entire 6 square meters over the years! I bought a little foldable bed, a pillow and a duvet, some furniture, sorted my stuff in there, and my mother promised that this could be “my room” in her apartment. This was because she really wanted me to come visiting (and she needed my help), and the rest of the apartment is… unsanitary. I had two specific requests for that room - that she would not put any of her hoard in there, and not let the cats in there - since I am allergic. (I can take an allergy tablet and be fine around cats, but I can’t live in an environment with a ton of cat hair.)
When I returned for the first time in 4 years in 2023, the little room I’ve kept clean years prior was covered in cat hair and cat puke. And she has started hoarding there again as well. So she broke that promise - to keep that ONE tiny room cat- and clutter-free. (Technically she also flat out lied and said she has cleaned her apartment so I would come visit in the first place, but I thought that it sounded so far fetched I didn’t believe it in the first place. But the ONE tiny room though, I trusted she could keep that tiny space in her house - and her heart - for me.)
I got both sad and angry when I saw the state of the room. I had to buy a new pillow, and a new duvet, new sheets - which wasn’t covered in… cat piss, puke and hair. But my blanket, my dear blanket… I said that the least she could do was getting it dry cleaned. That was on visit number one last fall.
I even found a place she could hand the blanket in, and we even went there together and made sure they could clean the blanket for like 50 dollars (not a terrible price in this country for that type of blanket).
The blanket was completely covered in cat hair and what I presume to be cat puke (despite her swearing that the cats had never been in that room EVER or on that blanket on the bed EVER. She really took delulu is the new solulu to another level. I really think she believes her own lies). I cleaned off as much haipuke as I could from my blanket. Then I packed it up in a sealed bag, so it was ready to go to the dry cleaners.
Came back a second time, about a month later. She hadn’t taken the blanket to the dry cleaner yet. My itinerary was packed, following her to doctors appointments, setting up home help, the whole shabang.
Came back for the third time last fall, about a month after that again. She still had not taken the blanket to the dry cleaning. It was right where I left it, gathering dust.
So that is what broke me. That god damn blanket is the catalyst to why I went no contact. I haven’t been there since November 2023. (She lives a 7 hr train ride / 45 min flight away).
I will contact her at the end of May, and ask her if the blanket has been dry cleaned.
I am willing to bet a substantial amount of money that it has not. Despite me finding the place she can hand it in to be dry cleaned. Despite me packing the blanket up in a bag for easy transport.
I honestly don’t know where to go from here when I will (most likely) confirm that she hasn’t gotten the blanket dry cleaned. The place to hand it in is literally 5 min away with car, 7 by bus, 25 min to walk. And if she hasn’t been able to do that for me in 6 months - it is baffling to me if she doesn’t understand why I have to limit contact with her?
I know this is such a tiny thing. It’s just a blanket. But this is how every little tiny - and big - thing is with her.
I chose the flair that says “support through advice”, and I guess what I am asking is not how I can change her or her habits - I have lost most hopes she will change - but if someone can tell me if there are other solutions than no contact here? I feel so guilty. She doesn’t have many people in her life. I am an only child. She has no partner. Very little contact with friends. But at the same time I felt enraged whenever I had to communicate with her last fall before I went no contact. I thought maybe the no contact would have her reflect on her behaviors, but clearly this is a moot point. So where do I go from here? I don’t think I can ever forgive myself if she were to pass away and I would have been no contact. But I also feel so bitter and angry just thinking about picking up any contact with her again.

Bro, I can’t believe what I’m reading either on the main Kendrick sub or Dark Kenny. These guys have truly lost it, they’re spreading crazy theories about the Christian Alvarez guy and shit. They’re starting to sound like my conspiracy theorist family members. They’re also starting to adopt cult-like language and have gone beyond reason.
I know Drake has done some highly questionable stuff. How did we go from “he texts Millie Bobby Brown” to allegations of abusing disabled people, and Epsetin-island Q Anon level theories?
Hopefully whatever is up all comes to light. I personally think Drake isn’t smart enough to even carry these things out and hide it. Either way, this ain’t it and this isn’t the way. All over what some random guy on Twitter is saying.
This beef has turned into something unhealthy, dark, twisted and I’m starting to worry this could become violent for either of the rappers, or others. Parasocial relationships with any celebrity are a hell of a drug.
Be careful of the info you’re consuming online. Talk to real people. Turn off your phone. Go for a walk.
Stay safe peeps.

Well, hello! I'm just a silly little queer on a journey to self-discovery, learning how to live my best life, and looking for some company along the way. Here is what I'm looking like these days. I have officially hit that point in my life where time seems to be just completely slipping through my fingers, and so I am very focused on truly living each day to the fullest extent of my abilities, for the first time in a very long while (maybe ever). I'd love to meet some more folks who are in a similar place in their daily lives. For me, this means an emphasis on healing, hobbies, and healthy connections and approaching the choices, chances, and changes I make each day from a place of curiosity and wonder.
Healing is a priority of the highest order for me. I believe that as adults we all have wounds that, through healing, we can learn and grow from, in order to be the best versions of ourselves. We are all works in progress, and no matter how young or old, none of us are ever really "done" growing. I am learning how to hold space for my younger self, without judgement or shame coloring my perception of my past actions and choices. I'd love to hear about how you are practicing growth, what therapy modalities have worked best for you (IFS changed my life!), and/or your short and long term goals for this area of your life.
Hobbies have made a world of difference in how I balance my days. At the peak of my depression/mental illness, my entire life revolved around work and my children - I had no identity outside of ~Customer Service Cutie~ and ~Mom~. Last year I took the leap to join a local gay women's chorus and I am not kidding you, it was the best decision I made for myself in my adult life. This has opened up doors to other hobbies I didn't know I was interested in, like painting and kickball. Tell me about your hobbies, and what activities make you smile, and breathe life into your days!
Healthy connections are where you come in! Hooray - if you made it this far, you are a TROOPER and I appreciate you taking the time. I'm really not looking for anything in particular. I would love to go out on cute dates (I have always been the planner, so it would be a really cool change if someone wanted to take me out) or connect over zoom or whatever digital platform works best for you. It's been an embarrassingly long time since I've sent or received a good morning text, or felt the flutters in my stomach when I see someone's name pop up throughout the day. I guess I'm just looking for chemistry, in whatever form that takes.
Please feel free to shoot me a message or chat on here. If you need an opener idea, I'd love to know - if you had 1 hour to get on a plane to anywhere in the world (hurry up, pack your bag and GO!) where are you going and why?
Cheers xo
Em

Warning: This is extremely long
I am writing this because I need to make it known my love for this girl. And there needs to be something in the world that shows my love. All the hours of sleep I have lost for this girl, who I will call Eve, were for naught and I need there to be something tangible of what we had. This is my story of her.
I first met Eve at a volunteer event for an see organization we both went to, 4 days of 5 hours of volunteering. I thought she was beautiful and I wanted to ask her out. As we were leaving on the very last day I asked. I told her I enjoyed talking to her and thought she was cool, I asked if she would want to hang out sometime. I was elated. I thought she had given me her number romantically. I was so happy that day, I had never felt such joy. I was potentially going to be in a relationship with this amazing and beautiful woman. I texted her that night, and we talked some. The next day I asked her on a date, if she wanted to go to a local aquarium with me. She told me that she had a boyfriend. My soul was crushed, I felt myself die a bit. I physically felt my joy leave, everything was gray again. I had fallen in love with her over the simple act of her giving me her phone number. I have longed for female connection and affection for so long that even a slight show of something that could be considered as romance made me adore her. And that shows how fucked up I am. I made some more small talk, nothing much. I tried to play it off as “oh yea that’s cool”, perhaps I could salvage a friendship for now, and wait until she did not have a boyfriend. I asked her if she wanted to do paintball for my Birthday, she couldn’t because her sister got injured as a kid from it. For the next 3 months I mourned. I was sad, I had fallen in love with this beautiful girl, but could not even attempt to be with her. Then in November I saw her at another event, I was so scared. I was too afraid to make contact with her. I saw her and was terrified, of scorn, of disgust. I was embarrassed. She walked past me once and I said hi, as a friend, but no response, perhaps she did not hear me. I avoided her for the next few hours. Eventually during a raffle at the end we made eye contact. It was very brief, barely a second. I looked away so fast. She was so breathtaking. Now I knew that she knew I was there, and she knew I knew she was there. I went home without any more contact. The next months were the same, sadness. Mourning the relationship I (thought I) almost had. Every day I thought about her. Every single day. Not 3 hours could pass without her crossing my mind. At night I would look at her on Instagram. Look at her pictures, it was nothing creepy, I just admired her beauty and longed for her. I saw her boyfriend, he was ugly and fat. I do not mean to be rude or hate, but she could do better. I am ugly, but I take care of myself, I was jealous of him. One day she posted her Junior prom pics with him, she was so beautiful. One day when I went to admire her pictures, I noticed something. She had taken his name from her bio, and deleted all her posts. They had broken up. I was elated, perhaps I had a chance. I needed to see her again, establish connection. I went to an event where she was going, I saw her, I tried to find a chance to say hello but we were all so busy and split into different groups, I didn’t get a chance. As the event ended it was late. It was dark and in a not desirable area of town, Eve was leaving and my mom was going to accompany her to her car and called me over to accompany her. I walked out and was with them, Eve was so beautiful, her smile made me melt inside. We made some small talk between the three of us as we walked for a minute or two, and then she got in her car and left. I was angry at myself and my situation, I should have talked to her more, put myself out there. I was beating myself up for it the rest of my time there and the ride home. But when I got home I was overjoyed, while I drove Eve had texted me. She said it was nice to see me at an event again, with a smiley face. We talked for a bit, texting back and forth. I was so happy to be talking to her again, and SHE initiated it. Mind you this is on the 8th of February. For the next week or so we texted, not a ton. She was busy, however I have noticed she uses that as an excuse to not reply, more on that later. Come Valentine’s Day it was nearing Junior Prom at my school, I had dreams of bringing her to it. I was hoping to try and do something in person with her and some friends over the weekend, where I could ask in person. However, on Valentine’s Day she posted on her Instagram story a gift she had received from a secret admirer. I was scared I would lose my opportunity, now I had competition. This rushed me. I called her that evening, I told her I wanted to ask in person but saw her story and felt rushed, i asked if she wanted to go to our Junior prom with me. She said that she wasn’t sure, and wanted a few days to get back to me. A few days later she responded, she could not go. She said that she was talking to someone else pretty seriously and didn’t want to go for that reason. I accepted this with grace, I respect her decision. Exactly one month later I ran into her at an event. We talked a bit, we worked by each other this time. She mentioned when we talked with some others as a group that she was going on a spring break trip to California. After the event ended and we had gone home I texted her later that evening. I said it was nice seeing her, and I hoped she enjoyed her break. She responded, I was scared she wouldn’t. Throughout all of this I have held an underlying belief she is weirded out by me, or wants me to screw off, I had asked her out twice, maybe I am just a creep to her. But she did respond. We talked for the next few days, she still took a long time to respond, over 12 hours usually. I get you’re busy, but let’s be honest, everyone checks their phone in that time. On the morning of break when my family was driving off for ours I got a text from her. She sent me sunrise pics from her trip she was on, and said she would send some more. We texted back and forth a bit then, and she said I should send her pics of my trip. I was so happy, she had sent me pictures and asked I send some. While they weren’t pictures of HER, they were still beautiful sunrise pics, and SHE sent them to me first. Over the course of spring break we talked, there was a large time difference so most of it was sending picture, asking or telling something, and responding to previous texts. But one day we were both sat down and we texted back and forth for a straight hour. She was giving me her time and attention, I felt as if she enjoyed talking to me. When break ended however it changed. She took more and more time to respond, hours to days. She said she was busy, but I knew the truth, you can check your phone over the course of 2-3 days and respond. I felt hurt and confused. She has given me so much time and we had talked so much over break but now I was being ghosted. I couldn’t take it anymore. I wrote her a long text, telling her how I felt about her and what we had going on. How she was the most beautiful woman in the world and how I love talking to her, and also how I was getting mixed signals for her. She responded and told me that at first she was texting for friendliness but began to like me as we talked, she said she would text me before her friends and that must mean something subconsciously. She was flattered and admired my persistence in asking her out, now she was open to going out with me to test the waters. I was overjoyed. However I am moving overseas, about 3 months from when this happened, and I told her that. Very unfortunate that when I get my chance it is cut short. We talked more, and planned a date. She never did tell me why she didn’t respond. It was wonderful, we talked a lot. Of course it was awkward at times, but it got better as it went. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She was breathtaking, she had makeup on, but she looks even prettier without it. We talked about all sorts of things, and it all made me like her more. Same passion we wanted to go to college for, both love animals, both believe the same stuff. When the date ended, we went our separate ways. That has since been the last time I have seen her. When I got home she texted me she had a good time, I was so incredibly happy to see that. I hadn’t weirded her out, she hadn’t found me too unattractive to date. One day I posted a pic of me after winning a sports championship along with some others of my team on my story. I have never posted a pic of myself because I am self conscious, this was the first. She viewed my stories, and the only one she gave a like was of me. That made me feel so special, she liked the picture of ME. I was happy, we were still texting, she still took a while to reply, usually a day, but I was happy because I was going on dates with her. During the midst of planning a second, she stopped replying for a few days. When I was touring a college I got the message. She had felt nothing romantic on our date, only platonic. She enjoyed it she said, but felt no feelings for me. She wanted to go out again to solidify these feelings, and give me another chance but because I was moving she didn’t want to potentially start a relationship we would end in 2 months. She said she didn’t want to lead me on. I was heartbroken. I love her. This was the final nail in the coffin, it was over. We would not work out. I replied to her, said thank you for the honesty and wished her luck with life. I have been left on read. I don’t expect anything else, but a reply, a thank you for understanding, anything would be nice. I don’t want it to end. Any connection I can have with her I wanted. I don’t understand, I thought she liked me? While she did say she thought she had feelings, I understand that she may have changed how she felt after going out, but why would she do what she did? Why would she tell me she had a good time it she didn’t think it would work? I feel as if that just got my hopes up. It put me under the impression she liked me too. And why would she like my picture if she did not LIKE me? I am confused m, and I am sad. My situationship with her is done, and any contact is as well. I miss her, I want to be with her. I don’t understand what to do now. For the past year she has been my purpose. I have improved myself for her, cried for her, tried at life for her. Now I have nothing, no purpose. How can I go on when I have no purpose. She was my driving factor for all I did. I am empty now. I write this because I need people to know. I cannot let all I felt for her go unknown. I need to express my love for her somehow, it must be known, it not to her then to you all. I can not let all we had, even if it was really nothing for her and to outside perspective, it was so much to me. And a message I leave for her, if by some miracle she stumbled upon this and recognizes these events. Eve, I love you. I know that it is not reciprocated. I am sorry for loving you, when we together had so little. You are the most beautiful girl in the world, your heart is pure and your mind is sharp. Although I can not be with you I hold no hard feelings. I am not angry, because your feelings are valid, even if they are not what I wish you felt. I hope whatever happens to you in life you excel. I hope you find someone you love that loves you like I do. I will never forget you. Thank you for the chance you gave me, and your honesty and clear communication. Goodbye.

[I wrote this article about Macbeth for my college's newspaper, and I thought this subreddit might enjoy reading it!]
I have joked before that Shakespeare’s two favorite subjects–surpassing love, murder, madness, and crossdressing–are botany and birds. If you’ve been to New York City you might be aware of the “Shakespeare Garden” in Central Park, whose theoretical aim (though it proves nigh-impossible in practice) is to house specimens of all the plants which Shakespeare mentions in his plays. As it turns out, Bard quotes make for quite a diverse garden: there are roses which assuredly would smell as sweet by any other name; there are daffodils, that come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty; there’s holly, heigh-ho; there’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance, there’s pansies, that’s for thoughts, there’s fennel for you, and columbines–no word on whether or not they could find any violets, though. I suppose there’s no objection to be made against those who complain that Shakespeare’s language is “flowery”; even as vicious a villain as Iago deigns to express his philosophy on life by way of botanical metaphor: “Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners.” And, of course, the plot of A Midsummer Night’s Dream revolves around a magical flower which makes people fall in love.
I doubt anyone will object to my claiming of birds as Shakespeare’s other poetical fixation: I suspect that the majority of falconry knowledge which most non-falconers have today comes from reading footnotes in their copies of Shakespeare plays, explaining exactly what Richard II means by “How high a pitch his resolution soars,” or why Hamlet says “Hillo, ho, ho” to Marcellus. But while plants are so common in Shakespeare that I don’t know of one play which we might say is especially densely forested with references to them, there is one play that stands out as particularly full of birds in comparison with the rest of the Shakespearean canon. That play is Macbeth.
This is the sort of thing that one only notices after having read a play so many times that the actual events of the plot become akin to the meter of a poem–beats which must be hit, and which start to feel so natural that one hardly notices them–and one’s attention drifts away from the big, important speeches and toward the more utilitarian words and odd little moments that bridge them. I am not the first to point it out, but it is, all the same, a delightful quirk of the play, and could be a good way for Sophomores to throw their classmates for a loop in seminar [Note: Students at our college study Macbeth during their Sophomore year.]: why are there so many birds in Macbeth?
KING. Dismay’d not this/Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo? SERG. Yes,/As sparrows eagles… -Act I, Scene II
LADY. …The raven himself is hoarse/That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan… -Act I, Scene V
BAN. This guest of summer,/The temple-haunting martlet, does approve/By his loved mansionry, that the heaven’s breath/Smells wooingly here: no jutty, frieze/Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird/Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle… -Act I, Scene VI
LADY. Hark! Peace! It was the owl that shriek’d, the fatal bellman… -Act II, Scene II
LADY. I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. -Act II, Scene II
PORTER. …come in, tailor; here you may roast your goose… -Act II, Scene III
PORTER. ‘Faith, sir, we were carousing till the second cock… -Act II, Scene III
LENNOX. New hatch’d to the woeful time: the obscure bird/Clamour’d the livelong night… -Act II, Scene III
OLD MAN. …On Tuesday last,/A falcon, towering in her pride of place,/Was by a mousing owl hawk’d at and kill’d. -Act II, Scene IV
MACBETH. …Light thickens; and the crow/Makes wing to the rooky wood… -Act III, Scene II
MACBETH. If charnel-houses and our graves must send/Those that we bury back, our monuments/Shall be the maws of kites. -Act III, Scene IV
MACBETH. Augurs and understood relations have/By magot pies and choughs and rooks brought forth/The secret’st man of blood. -Act III, Scene IV
LADY MACDUFF. …the poor wren,/the most diminutive of birds, will fight,/Her young ones in her nest, against the owl. -Act IV, Scene II
LADY MACDUFF. How will you live? SON. As birds do, mother. LADY MACDUFF. What, with worms and flies? SON. With what I get, I mean; and so do they. LADY MACDUFF. Poor bird! Thou’ldst never fear the net nor lime,/The pitfall nor the gin? SON. Why should I, mother? Poor birds they are not set for. -Act IV, Scene II
FIRST MURDERER. What, you egg! -Act IV, Scene II
MACDUFF. …there cannot be/That vulture in you… -Act IV, Scene III
MACDUFF. …O hell-kite! All?/What, all my pretty chickens and their dam/At one fell swoop? -Act IV, Scene III
MACBETH. The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!/Where got’st thou that goose look? SERVANT. There is ten thousand– MACBETH. Geese, villain? -Act V, Scene III
Above I have listed every ornithological reference that I’ve found in the Scottish Play; as we peruse them, we certainly cannot conclude that every individual reference is of the same kind, or carries the same import. I will not pretend, for example, that, just because geese and ravens are both birds, the Porter’s invitation for the imagined English tailor to cook his goose in Hell merits as much attention as Lady Macbeth’s ominous declaration that “the raven himself is hoarse”. Nor do I think that any individual reference particularly demands explication; by itself, any one of these bird-invocations seems perfectly natural. Shakespeare’s talent is such that he can repeat a motif in such a way that on the macro level it is obvious yet on the micro level it hardly feels present. But that macro level is what interests me here: what impression is created, on the whole, by the presence of so many birds in this play? I have a theory, which, though it may seem far-fetched, I think merits at least some consideration, and which, at the very least, I have not seen stated elsewhere, and so may make a novel contribution to the conversation.
Macbeth is both Shakespeare’s most supernatural tragedy and his most Sophoclean; these two superlatives are inextricably related. The appellative Weird given to the opening scene’s three Sisters–derived from the Old English wyrd, meaning destiny, and famously given its more familiar connotation by Shakespeare himself in this very play–is, among the Bard’s works, unique to Macbeth; and just as that word appears nowhere else in Shakespeare, so is the concept it represents absent in all tragedies but this one. Though Hamlet may cry out against outrageous fortune, and though Othello may rhetoricize about how no man can control his fate, it is only in Macbeth that we truly feel that the events we see play out before us are fated, predestined, inevitable. [See Note 1.] The ghost in Hamlet commands his son to revenge his foul and most unnatural murder, but does not tell him it is certain that he will succeed; indeed, would not the drama be sapped of its intrigue if that level of certainty were present? Meanwhile, the supernatural interlopers in Macbeth offer the Scottish thane not a mission, but a prophecy: All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter! From its mystical opening word–When, not If–the Scottish play makes us aware of the certainty of all that is to befall our tragic antihero. Macbeth is thus a different sort of tragedy than Shakespeare’s others, and it works by an inverted mechanism. While the tragedy of, for example, Desdemona’s death is that it may have been prevented, the tragedy of Macbeth’s destruction is that it represents the fulfilment of fate; and this is the very same mechanism by which Oedipus Rex operates, complete with its own “Weird” character in the form of the seer Tiresias. Though Calvin managed to accept that some men are destined for greatness and others for ruin, this idea is, to Shakespeare and Sophocles, nothing short of agonizing–the stuff of tragedy.
Now: what does all of this have to do with birds? Consider these words from Antigone, spoken by Tiresias to Creon:
You shall learn, when you hear the indications of my art! As I took my place on my ancient seat for observing birds, where I can mark every bird of omen I heard a strange sound among them, since they were screeching with dire, incoherent frenzy and I knew that they were tearing each other with bloody claws, for there was a whirring of wings that made it clear… (Lloyd-Jones translation)
Consider next these words from Oedipus Tyrannus, spoken defensively by Oedipus to Tiresias:
Why, come, tell me, how can you be a true prophet? Why when the versifying hound was here did not you speak some word that could release the citizens? Indeed, her riddle was not one for the first comer to explain! It required prophetic skill, and you were exposed as having no knowledge from the birds or from the gods. No, it was I that came, Oedipus who knew nothing, and put a stop to her; I hit the mark by native wit, not by what I learned from birds. (Lloyd-Jones translation)
The practice of divining the future from birds–be it from their behaviors, their cries, or their innards–was, to Sophocles and his contemporaries, not superstitious hokum, but a practical science at which one could be skilled or unskilled, and it bodes ill for Oedipus that he is so quick to disregard it in favor of his own native wit. [See Note 2] By Shakespeare’s day, the practice had long been relegated to the realm of outdated hocus-pocus, but the Bard still saw some truth in it; in Macbeth, there is a recurring sense that, when the world is sick with some great wrong, its first symptoms manifest in the behavior of birds. When the “fatal bellman” the owl shrieks in the night, Lady Macbeth takes it as a sign that her husband is about his bloody business. The day after the murder of Duncan, as Ross converses with an Old Man about the strange things they’ve seen the previous night, “unnatural/Even as the deed that’s done”, the killing of a falcon by a mousing-owl–an omen straight out of Sophocles–is mentioned before the madness and cannibalism of Duncan’s horses, even though the latter would surely be more immediately noticeable and ghastly than the former.
These are the most obvious examples of birds as ill omens in Macbeth; yet even the more innocuous invocations of birds throughout the rest of the play continually turn our thoughts back to the ancient Greek understanding of fate and prophecy, and thereby remind us that, however savagely he may fight at Dunsinane, Macbeth’s fate is as fixed as that of Oedipus. The birds have already foretold all.
Note 1: The closest thing there is to this kind of fatalness in another Shakespearean tragedy is the several superstitious occurrences in Julius Caesar–both the soothsayer’s message of “Beware the ides of March” and the bestial portents such as the lack of a heart in an offering and the whelping of a lioness in the streets. Still, I will insist that these omens do not convey a sense of fatedness to the audience as strongly as the Weird Sisters in Macbeth by virtue of their being told to Caesar himself, not to Brutus, the play’s true protagonist, and by the fact that Shakespeare elsewhere uses dialogue to throw some doubt upon the idea of predestination: "Men at some times are masters of their fates:/The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,/But in ourselves, that we are underlings." -I.ii
Note 2: The Liddell-Scott Greek Lexicon identifies at least two separate verbs referring to bird-based divination, both of which are present in the quoted passages: Tiresias uses ορνϊθοσκοπέομαι, observe birds, interpret their flight and cries, while Oedipus uses οιωνίζομαι, take omens from the flight and cries of birds. The latter term comes from οιωνος, a large bird, bird of prey, such as a vulture or eagle, and so distinguished from a common bird, while the former comes from ορνις, which more generally refers to a bird, including birds of prey and domestic fowls. Birds of both kinds are present in Macbeth; there are οιωναι, such as the “falcon, towering in her pride of place”, as well as ορνες, like the Porter’s goose and cock. I therefore see little value in interrogating the kinds of birds invoked by Shakespeare, the specific cultural associations and significance of the owl, the raven, or the wren; rather, if we reduce them down to their barest existence as birds, animals of the class Aves, and consider them in an ancient Greek light, then things become a bit clearer.

Hey Everyone! The Obsidian Warrior’s journey continues at last. As always I recommend reading Crowson’s Intro post and Chapter 1 before this part of the story. Hope you enjoy what was made!
Completed Chapter 2s: Thearnt, Taland, Pascal, Harmony, Crowson
(Next Chapter 2: Asherah the Chef)
Crowson the Warrior, Chapter 2: Recommended Level 24
——————
(The Journey So Far…)
Crowson had served loyally under his father King Milo for all of his life.
But once his close comrade Theo was sentenced to be executed…
Crowson abandoned all loyalty he had to the Obsidians
And so, He fled their newly captured town of Westfirst…
and arrived in Fallholt to lay low for a while, before taking action on his one and only goal, Kill King Milo and end the Obsidians…
Crowson stands atop a ledge, overlooking the small town below. He sighs, “They won’t find me here. It was a mistake to slip the name of Beggar’s Hole to Maverick, he’s likely told Milo and… I hope Theo decided to lay low in another town like I did.”
He would proceed to walk down some stairs and into the town properly. He’d sit down on a bench, going through his thoughts, frustrated at not being able to keep his mind off King Milo… “I need a drink.” He stands up.
You’d head to the Fallholt Tavern

• Travel Banter: The Sacred Flame’s Forgiveness (Crowson and Thearnt) Crowson finds Thearnt praying about something, Thearnt reveals she was letting the gods know Crowson was on their side she tells him that he’s doing the right thing and the Flame will forgive him. Crowson questions her, asking if killing people, and continuing to do so is really what the flame stands for? Thearnt is stunned and silent. “I– I was trying to be nice…”
  
• Travel Banter: Wasting My Time (Crowson and Asherah) Asherah asks Crowson if they came all this way just to get him a drink, Crowson tells her “It’s nothing more than a waste of time, but that’s why I came here.” Asherah laughs and asks Crowson if he has anything better to do here. “Do You?” He fires back. “Then hold your tongue and let us be going.” Asherah just says “This whole conversation was a waste of time.”
  

Crowson is served a drink by the barkeeper, the only other people in the tavern are two men sitting far away from him. He quickly downs his drink and orders another that he downs just as fast.
After some time passes, Crowson is standing outside. “To the ruins we go Zach!” he hears someone just beside him. “Aye, Careful now.” Zach responds. Crowson watches as the two leave town to the north.
“Ruins…?” He wonders to himself, He gazes at the distant valleys and stone structures and against his own will at first, he decides to follow them.
Road to the Ruins of Fallholt, Danger Level 24
Fairly quickly, Crowson would find them and start listening. The same men from the bar, “Now what Rene?” Zach asks. Rene stays silent. “There has to be someone else on our force who can lend us a weapon…”
“Your force?” Crowson reveals himself to them. Rene is startled by him, “We’re the Fallholt Guard!” he shouts “It’s you...You aren’t going to– kill– us– are you?”
Crowson turns around, as if to make sure King Milo isn’t there, “No.” he says at last. Rene and Zach ask Crowson if he’s part of the Fallholt Guard too, He tells them that he isn’t. Rene asks Crowson if he would mind doing them a favor.
“We’ve dealt with our fair share of Stealing, Murder, and Trafficking around Fallholt, It’s… not a very safe town. Recently, something’s been especially off about these ruins over there. We don’t know what’s going on inside, and we need someone to take a look because we–”
He turns to Zach, as if he doesn’t want to say it himself “We lost our weapons. Stolen by some bandits.” Zach continues. “I know it’s a lot, could you help us?”
“...” Crowson frowns, “Where did these bandits go?” Rene points him in their direction
You’d mug the bandits and take Rene and Zach’s weapons back.
Crowson returns their weapons and tells him to get a move on. Rene apologizes for not being much help yet. Zach tells him not to worry, Crowson turns and walks in the direction of the Ruins of Fallholt.

• Travel Banter: Too Harsh on them (Crowson and Orlando) Orlando asks Crowson if he’s being too harsh on Rene and Zach. “They’re lucky I agreed to do this favor at all.” Orlando still tells him that he could be nicer to them still, They seem to be nice people after all. “I suppose so, But I thought you knew I’m not big on the idea of blindly obeying.” Crowson replies. Orlando asks “Is that what this is about?” Orlando tells him that as long as he’s there, he won’t let what happened with King Milo happen ever again.

The Three of them stop at the ruins door, Rene and Zach have no idea how to get it open. Crowson decides to use a bit of brute force, pushing and shoving against the door until it opens, revealing the dark ruins inside…
Ruins of Fallholt, Danger Level 25
As you make your way through the ruins, the screen would occasionally rumble.

• Travel Banter: Pitch Black Ruins (Crowson and Pascal) Pascal remarks about how dark the ruins are “Light conditions are not favorable.” Crowson replies. Pascal says “I hope you do well in the dark.” He then brings up something he thought he saw on the wall, strange scratch marks on the stone. Crowson doesn’t worry about it. He tells Pascal that most ruins in Zalaina have scratches like that. Nothing about the Ruins of Fallholt is particularly strange…
  
• Travel Banter: Lurking Mystery (Crowson and Taland) Taland says he hears the rumbling, and wonders what could be hiding here. Crowson and him would talk about different causes and theories for what could be going on, Slightly lightening the mood. Taland says he’ll do his best to fight from behind the “Sword wielder”, but there’s only one way to find out what could be lurking in here…
  

The source of the noise is uncovered deeper in the ruins. Crowson, Rene, and Zach encounter a Minotaur. A bull-like creature. It growls as it exits from the shadows. Rene and Zach draw their weapons and eagerly await a fight. Crowson takes out his sword and stares coldly at the Minotaur, speaking to it and the others, as it strikes.
BOSS: Minotaur
(Boost Dialogue: This is where I set things right.)
The Minotaur is defeated. Crowson puts his sword away, “That takes care of that…” Rene says, Zach nods “We owe you a lot...”
Crowson is about ready to go back into town, when he takes a look ahead, behind where Rene and Zach are standing. He walks forward and stares up at the wall, Painted on it, is the symbol of the Obsidian Crow.
“W– What is that doing here…”
“Crowson?” Rene tries to talk to him, but he can’t take his eyes off the crow.
“That bird… That damn bird…” Crowson turns around, his face partially obscured, he slowly draws his sword on Rene and Zach… They both take a step back.
“Who are you… Was all this to lead me here? Are you one of them?”
The “Challenge” screen would appear, allowing you to challenge Rene and Zach to a duel.
“Answer Me.”
Once the duel is over, Crowson stares at the ground and puts his sword away. Rene, gasping for air, tries to reason. “I swear to you! I don’t know anything about that symbol, or what it means. I’m not a crow!”
“....” Crowson thinks about what to say “I’m sorry.” His voice echoes.
Zach asks “What does the crow mean?”
“It means a someone was in these ruins. But why, Why here? Why in this place?”
“The Crows…?” Rene ponders
“I have to leave. Now.” Crowson says, as the three begin to walk out.

• Travel Banter: Crow Tattoo (Crowson and Oukirii) Oukirii asks what the crow symbol means “I know it’s about the Obsidians, but what’s with the crow?” Crowson explains to Oukirii that it’s the way they discretely mark Obsidian items. Each member has it tattooed on their body. Oukirii asks if that means Crowson has it too, he confirms that it’s on the back of his left shoulder.
  
• Travel Banter: Memories of King Milo (Crowson and Harmony) Harmony asks Crowson if he wants to sit down and talk about King Milo and the Obsidians. Crowson says it doesn’t matter, they have to keep moving forward. But Harmony persuades him into opening up a little. “Here, take my hands.” she offers. They’d talk about things Crowson remembers of Milo. But eventually Harmony decides to leave it alone for the best.
  

Rene and Zach stop Crowson at the entrance to Fallholt. “We just wanted to thank you for helping us out.” Rene says. “I’m sorry about– the crow.” Crowson tells them not to think about it. They ask Crowson where he will go next before he leaves, Crowson looks down and almost smiles when he says “To meet an old friend…”
(Ending Text)
A place meant to be a hiding spot for Crowson turned out to have already been tainted by the Obsidian Crow…
He knew he had to flee town immediately upon the risk of an Obsidian finding him here.
But he still asks himself, Why was the crow here? He’d been everywhere that Milo went and never once visited Fallholt.
And so, Crowson sets out once again. His quest for King Milo’s blood continues.
He leaves for Beggar’s Hole, wondering If any place is truly safe from the crows ravaging anymore...
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Crowson the Warrior: Chapter 2, End.

Hey everyone, I know a lot of us in here have some anxiety about being ghosted so hopefully my story brings you all some satisfaction. I started dating this guy in October 2023 after getting out of a long term relationship. The first time we saw eachother we hit it off. After that, we saw eachother everyday for 2 weeks straight. Things were going good, he bought me roses & we went on dates, I enjoyed his company. fast forward we start getting into small misunderstandings. during our first little argument he ghosted me for two day, the argument also resulted because of his lack of communication. I ended up reaching out to him. After that we were okay for a while. Then we got into another small argument, he does the same thing… disappear. Now I also want to emphasize that these argument were so small, there’s no doubt in my mind that someone who is actually interested in you would try to work it out. but he disappears each and every time. he ended up breaking it off & I respected his wishes. 5 days after he broke it off he sends me a random video on Instagram, I ask him if he sent it by accident & he said no. I laughed at it and that was that. A couple days later he sends another video on Instagram, then he tells me he didn’t want to cut communication he was looking at it as “an extended period of cooling off”. Which was very weird to me because in the message he sent when he broke it off he stated “I think it’d be best if I just leave you alone because us talking is causing more harm than good” very dramatic, but I respected it nonetheless. So at this point I felt like he was trying to bullshit me & I expressed that to him respecfully. while I was happy inside that he reached out to me I was also insulted because I felt like he was playing with my feelings. I did really like him. after I expressed how I felt to him he said “alright” then that was it. didn’t hear from him for 2 months. during these two months I did think about him & I did wish things went differently. My birthday passed & he reached out to me a couple days after my birthday, I decided to give him another chance & we started dating again. we went on dates, he got me flowers. same shit he was doing before. It was going good and because we were already familiar with eachother there was already a sense of comfortability between us. I was actually happy to be in his presence again. I also did tell him that I don’t like the fact that he disappears whenever there’s a conflict. I tried to communicate openly. Things were going well, we talked on the phone, fell asleep on the phone most nights, & we were seeing eachother fairly enough. Then I started noticing little things. he was a bit intensive whenever I would tell him about conflicts going on in my life. He’d say things like “it’s not that serious” which I felt invalidated my feelings. he would take 3 hours to respond to my text message but would be posting constantly. I brushed this off at first because a lot of the times he is at work. Then it started happening a lot more frequently. One night I called him and he didn’t answer. he texted me and told me he just got out of the shower, I expected a call back. nothing, he also posts a story on IG but doesn’t respond to my text, at this point I was kinda getting the gist that he probably was losing interest. It sorta started feeling like I was playing hard to get rid of. I brought it up to him and then I said nevermind because I thought of how he’d disappear everytime there’s a conflict and I didn’t feel like going through that again. needless to say, he sends a paragraph & we go back & fourth for a bit. In one of his paragraphs he threw something in my face that I told him about when I was being vulnerable. I then end the argument and I take accountability for if I may have come off wrong and I also apologize. I then voice to him that I am a woman with feelings and the way he acts sometimes is a bit off putting. he never responds. for two weeks lol. (I literally should’ve saw it coming.) but here is the part where you all may get a bit of satisfaction. He hits me up on Instagram using the SAME tactic as before… after TWO WEEKS I left him on read. he’s still on read till the day. This happened a week ago. I feel like it’s so disrespectful when you put time into someone and you genuinely like them and they have no regard for you, your time, nor your effort. he has a lot of growing up to do & I will not be apart of that experience with him. I’m a genuine, loving person, & I won’t let people take advantage of me anymore. it’s hard & I do think about him at times. but he no longer lives rent free in my head. he is a very prideful person, so I know he’s mad at the fact that he didn’t get the chance to do the rejecting this time around.
Im sorry everyone this is long AS SHIT. I wanted to put in alot of detail. My bad if there’s typos

You read that right. When I was 6, my mom lost custody of my brother and I, and after that happened I didn't see her ever again up until a few weeks ago. She got married traveled the world and lived her life. I spoke to her on the phone on and off over the past few years but we always lost touch with one another. She finally agreed (after flaking out many times on previous plans) for us to meet and it was a neutral experience in my eyes. I honestly felt pretty resentful to see how amazing her life ended up turning out and how happy she seemed while my brother and I were mentally, sexually, physically, and emotionally abused in our childhood by our father and stepmother. Also, when I was 15 my father left our family and my stepmother no longer wanted to care for us so I ended up in the system and ultimately on my own from that point forward. Life was a freaking struggle and I didn't have anyone to call to help me in times where I could have used the help. I felt resentful towards her for being so carefree and naive about life when I was in her presence. She casually threw around how she owned several homes and traveled the world and how financially free and set up she and her husband were. I just hated hearing it. The kicker to me was that she had the nerve to judge my brother and me for how we turned out and what we chose to do with our lives. Neither one of us are college educated but both of us are entrepreneurs. My brother is a millionaire and I'm still not in a space (yet) where my business has taken off and I'm bartending and waiting tables on the side (she's been criticizing me for this and telling me I need to get a real job).
This woman just doesn't get it. She even had the nerve to talk about my parenting (I had a child in high school and dropped out BUT I RAISED HER and she turned out to be a pretty damn good gal-She's currently in the Navy and I couldn't be more proud-plus she is such a daddy's girl and I am so proud that I was able to break a generational family curse two-fold).
Anyway, I was dreading Mother's day this year TBH, I knew she was going to expect a grand gesture from me and I just sent a text that said "Happy Mother's Day." She ignored the text and responded back today telling me I was pathetic for such a dry and unthoughtful Mother's Day gesture and that she deserved more than that from me.
She even got my brother involved and my brother told me I should have done more.
I'm so confused. Isn't Mother's Day for mothers who raised their children or am I nuts?

Hello, everyone.
I hope you all are doing well! I'm reaching out to the lovely community at Indiangirlsontinder to discuss an idea for a new dating app that We've been developing. I'm quite excited about it, but before I start, I'd like to receive some comments from everyone.
Our solution addresses a common issue with dating apps: the need to pay for features such as super likes and boosts, as well as the overwhelming number of irrelevant matches and communications. We want to change that. Our goal is to build a dating app that prioritizes true connections above cash grabs, with users paying a modest monthly subscription for full access to all features, with no hidden charges or gimmicks.
We noticed and saw how other dating apps business models are based on getting money from people via cash grabs and keeping them on the app as long as possible, and we don't think that is good. If a dating app is made, its sole purpose should be to make people meet and form connections.
They say if they make their app in a solid dating-focused way and do not keep people on their apps, then their business will fail. We say that is WRONG. People turn 18 every day, and a lot of people will join dating apps and will keep joining if it works great. And even if someone finds their partner at first try and they somehow break up in, say, 2 or 3 years, they will only come back to the app that works nicely.
The Concept:
This is how it works. Users put up a profile, select their preferences, and indicate their availability for live matching. When they're ready, they tap the "Live Matching" button, and the app matches with compatible folks in real time based on geography, interests, and availability. It's all about simplicity and honesty, with no tedious swiping or scrolling. You are shown the profile and similar interests to break the ice. If you like the person and the other person likes you both move to the chatroom phase. You are given a time of 15 minutes in the chatroom. it is heavily moderated with no way to send photos and no cursing to protect both users. After chatting you will be taken to the 'Like or Not" page where you indicate if Like the person and will like to take it further. if Yes a you are added to each others match page and not then repeat.
Why Your Input Matters: We're especially interested in hearing from the fantastic members of Indiangirlsontinder . We'd want to know if this idea appeals to you and if you'd be interested in joining such a platform. We recognize that many people are bored of the constant assault of likes and messages, which frequently lack actual content. We seek to provide a space where meaningful interactions may thrive, devoid of the noise and distractions that typical dating apps bring.
Your feedback matters: So what do you think? Would you be interested in using a dating app like this? Do you think such a site may attract singles who priorities quality over number when it comes to matches and interactions? We welcome any feedback, recommendations, or concerns you may have.
If you have any questions or want to share your ideas, please leave a comment. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to polish and grow this concept.
Thank you for taking the time to read this essay and evaluate our new dating app concept. We're delighted to hear your thoughts!

Last Friday, my husband (34M) was invited by one of his bosses to attend an Angel’s game. I (39F) encouraged him to go because we rarely take time off, and it's important to connect with higher-ups in the company. It turned out to be a guys-only outing, which I didn't mind as I was looking forward to some solo time playing Red Dead Online. The plan was dinner, the game, and then heading back home. He left around 2 pm, and the next time I heard from him was at 7:30 pm when he sent me a video from his seat behind the Angel’s dugout. We discussed our plans for the following day, including an early trip to SeaWorld, and shared affectionate messages before he mentioned that he wouldn't be home late as the game would end at 9 pm.
As the game carried on, I kept an eye out hoping to catch a glimpse of him and I did! 😅 I sent him a text at 9:25 pm telling him how crazy the ending of the game was. (KC Royals ended up winning after trailing behind most the night). By midnight, with no response, concern started to creep in, but I resisted blowing him up with messages to avoid seeming overly anxious. Despite attempting to keep busy with laundry, my mind was spiraling. By 2 am, there was still no sign of him at home or my message being read. Exhausted and with plans for a family visit to SeaWorld in the morning, I finally drifted off at 4 am to get some rest as to not be a zombie around our kids (7F, 4F). However, I was awakened when he returned at 5 am, smelling of alcohol, and attempting to cuddle me.
I immediately jumped up and began asking where the hell he was all night. He explained that he lost track of time and his phone while out and assumed everything was fine after our earlier conversation. He says after the game they came back to his bosses house. Frustrated and tired, I questioned why he didn't just call to let me know about the delay. He claimed he thought I was asleep, disregarding the assurance he gave me earlier that he wouldn't be late, which caused me to worry and stay up in the first place. We argued all the way until 8am and I ended up just taking the kids to SeaWorld by myself and left him behind.
Despite his apologies and assurances these past couple days, I finding it really difficult to move past feeling disrespected. Being under the influence isn't an excuse to vanish without a word and dismiss it as unintentional when confronted. I'm struggling to find a way to forgive or even believe his story. Am I overreacting?