Loneliness Is The Poverty Of Self; Solitude Is The Richness Of Self.

Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.

Mary Sarton (via introvertlifestyle)

If I had a nickel for every time an indie arcade game with vibin' music literally became my aesthetic I would only have two nickels but it's weird that it happened twice

Rayd vs Samson (OC Short Story)

Some context first, Rayd’s power system is inspired by Luffy from One Piece (Gear Second) and Jugo from Naruto.

I walk through the damp cold air of the underground ruins hoping to see my goal soon. My glasses wet from the moisture lingering in the air and my legs tired from a days worth of walking. I finally decide to rest on a rock protrusion that somewhat resembled a seat. I begin to sigh as I remove my glasses and message the bridge of my nose. I wasn't at all prepared for a trek like this but as usual, I sensed adventure and a chance to learn something new and made the foolish decision to chase it unprepared. All I had with me were the clothes on my back (which amounted to a gray tee-shirt, black cargo shorts, and my running shoes), my school bag with some snacks, a map of the area, a magazine detailing the ancient history of Wales, my phone, wallet, and a folding knife.

I finish lamenting my excitable nature and replace my glasses onto my face. I force myself to stand and begin walking through the corridor of jagged stone and soon reach an opening to a massive room with what looks like an ancient temple that seems to have been untouched for ages. I walk towards the temple in the middle of the giant chamber and arrive at a large marble door and push it open to reveal a single room with a coffin-sized pearl chest in the center surrounded by lit bronze braziers. I walk towards the chest hoping to find my prize for the trip. Carnwennan, King Arthur's legendary dagger that he used to cut the black witch Orddu in two. My leads in search of this ancient weapon have taken me here.

I place my hand on the top of the aged pearl finish and begin to lose myself in thought. In that contemplative moment, I felt a heavy rumble coming from the chest. The chest burst open splintering into thousands of fragments as a large fist shot through the side of the box and was planted into my gut in what felt like a split second. Before I knew what happened I was sent flying headfIrst into the doors of the temple with such force that they shattered On impact sending shrapnel flying for several meters from where I landed outside. After a moment to register what happened, I slowly lift my head up to see a monster of a man brushing what's left of the chest off of his broad shoulders.

Luckily I managed to harden my skin just in time to prevent any serious damage to my organs. I lift myself off of the ground and begin to analyze my enemy. He seemed to be roughly six feet and build like an elephant with muscle that was nearly tearing his shirt. He wore a black t-shirt, black cargo pants, black boots with fingerless gloves that also sported what I can only assume was his favorite color. Now finished dusting himself off he starts walking towards me with heavy beats as his boots slam into the ground. Why is he here? What does he want? Where is the dagger? All valid questions, however, the enemy seems more focused on fighting than talking it out. I decide to accept his challenge and walk towards him as well.

When we're only about a foot or so from one another I decide to try and probe for any information I can get. "Who the hell are you and what do you want?" Silence. "Fine..." I say under my breath. I jump into the air to match his height and harden the skin on my left shin, with all the force I can muster in the air my leg connects with his neck. "Gotcha!" I yell victoriously. A smile creeps onto the man's face as he sends another giant fist into my body sending me through the wall of the temple. Ready this time I come back faster and jump through the dust left behind after his attack and send a barrage of punches towards his face and neck. He shakes them off fairly easily and tries attacking again with a right jab. I manage to avoid the assault by ducking and quickly increase the muscle mass on both arms and legs. With that power I shoot myself up with all the power I could muster and blast his chin with my right uppercut.

My attack sends the man soaring into the roof of the temple and beyond. I feel my body relax as it reverts back to normal. "Geez, I'm gettin' rusty". I say to myself. Only a moment later a figure crashes through the ceiling again and lands a few yards in front of me. "I can see why they have so much trouble with you"! The figure exclaims. I look closely to see the man from earlier standing in front of me glaring at me with what I think was excitement. "My name? THEY call me Samson"! The man yells at me. "Geez, you're really something ya know? Most people couldn't stand after an attack like that". The man now known as Samson stares at me waiting for another round of battle. I sigh as I run my hand through my hair trying my best to fix it. "Oh well, guess you aren't givin' up huh"?

I bend over to untie my shoes and then kick them off. Samson looks on with confusion as I continue and take my socks off and throw them where my shoes now lay. "Alright then...If you don't wanna tell me where the dagger is now, maybe you'll tell me after I kick your ass"! I exclaim as small jets made of my hardened skin form on both elbows, knees, and heels. "I hope you're ready"! I yell as I send a burst of heat through the Jets to prepare them. "You talk too much, COME"! Samson responds. I take that as my cue and rush him by sending a wave of heat through the jets. I appear in front of him much faster than before surprising even myself.

Samson also seemed taken aback by my newfound speed and wasn't able to block my attack in time. I firmly planted my fist square into his face and forced a strong burst of heat through my elbow. My attack finally appears to have affected him since he was sent flying with blood pouring from his nose. "Damn"! Samson cursed to himself as he regained his footing. He looked to where I had been only to see empty space and a cracked floor. Before he knew it another powerful blow was sent into his side. "GAH"! Samson had lost his breath and was left gasping for air. Once again I appeared in front of him staring up at him. Now able to breathe again Samson notices "You seem pale...this power, it must take as much as it gives". He begins to smile widely with bloodied teeth. "Hahaha, now I see, you've never actually used this technique, right? So you had no idea about what kind of drawback it'd have"! As he cackles to himself I send my foot into his chin with a gust of hot wind. Samson collapses, breaking the marble where he falls.

Seems like he's fallen unconscious. I release the jets on my body and revert back to normal again. My body feels heavier now. "Tough bastard". I say to myself as I lean against what's left of one of the temple walls. "Hmm wonder who THEY are...and what the hell do they want with me..." I think to myself. I put my socks and shoes back on and stand to notice a hole above me large enough for people to get through, almost as if it was made for that purpose. "Either way, those a-holes have my dagger"! I wander out of the cave into the starry night of Wales clutching my gut. "Time for another adventure I guess".

- I am a human. But I am the very pinnacle of my entire species! -

Simple devotional acts for the Æsir & the Vanir

A concept which I blatantly stole from Bunny and adapted to norse faith like I said I would (love u bun)

Odin:

- learn a cool fun fact and tell Him about it

- change itineraries from time to time, explore your neighborhood and spots you’ve never seen before

- learn about the runes!

- watch a documentary on something that interests you

- read the Hávamál

Freyja:

- list things that you love about yourself

- talk to Her about your problems of the day and thank Her for listening

- random acts of kindness

- Feel yourself!! Wear your favorite clothes and blast music that makes you feel powerful

- Take pictures of stuff you find beautiful and offer them to Her

Frigg:

- take a moment to appreciate Her motherly presence, as well as mother figures in your life

- admire the sky, Her weaving of the clouds

- learn about divination or astrology

- spend time with family or friends!

- tell Her good morning & good night

Tyr:

- step in for your ideals

- pour Him a glass of alcohol along with yours, share a drink!

- hold back comments which you know aren’t useful/are going to cause conflict

- listen to others’ opinions, try to see both sides of the coin

Thor:

- put some stormy ambient noise during meditation/before sleep

- write a letter praising Him

- read His stories or listen to them from audio books

- thank Him for protecting humankind

- meat eaters share some of you steak with Him, like seriously

Loki:

- burn stuff. For real do it /gen/srs BUT BE CAREFUL!! MIND FIRE HAZARD

- make that funny comment, don’t hold back!

- prioritize your mental health above all

- leave Him some of your morning coffee ^^

- tell that one a**hole what you actually think of them and cut them out of your life if need be

Baldr:

- enjoy a piece of calm music (I associate Him with classical a lot)

- light a bunch of candles and close your eyes, feel His presence and light fill you

- appreciate the world’s beauty in your everyday life

- get creative for Him with poems or art

- bath meditation >:)

Sygin:

- light a candle for Narfi and Vali

- speak your love for Her, give words to it and offer Her your sincere admiration and encouragement

- practice kindness on the daily

- work to improve your mental health little by little through affirmations, daily self care, etc

- small gestures to help your loved ones

Jörd:

- open a window and enjoy the outside air

- witches: collect dirt and whatever cool rocks you find, try to incorporate them in your craft!

- tend your plants/garden

- thank Her for the food She blesses us with before cooking something

- develop a new eco-friendly habit!

Skadi:

- the air’s getting colder? Take out the gloves, scarves and hats, try to welcome winter with a positive frame of mind!

- snowstorm asmr >:)

- close your eyes on windy days, feel Her presence

- drink a hot drink in Her honor (hot cocoa, chai tea, mulled wine...) they also make great offerings

- stand your ground and fight for yourself

Freyr:

- celebrate the end and beginning of the harvests (spring and autumn)

- thank Him when it rains: the ground will be fed

- care for your body, treat it well

- encourage local farmers and businesses

- learn how to bake!