Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Wemmick - Character Analysis Essay Example for Free
Wemmick Character Analysis Essay In an abstract manner Doyle uses Watson to represent the reader in terms of resemblance of attributes; for instance both the reader and Watson are both ignorant of many important intricacies of the case so that they both rely on Holmes to decipher the details for them. Also it could be suggested that both Watson and the audience are trying to escape a much more tedious life and indulge in the exhilarating escapades of Sherlock Holmes. Furthermore the questions that Holmes asks Watson also probe the reader to answer the question for themselves; this is major attraction to this genre, the sense that they are solving a crime. This teamed with the fact that a Victorian audience would be able to relate even more specifically, on different levels, with Watson due to the relevance of him being a Victorian gentleman of which the readers would have been familiar with. Watson is particularly descriptive which gives the reader a real sense of the location and atmosphere. The vocabulary is also characteristic of Watson with the many words being adjectives repeated from story to story. An illustration of this point is the word ejaculated to describe the abrupt vocalizations of someone; this all gives a sense of familiarity with the stories and also a rapport with Watsons character. This sense of security that familiarity brought was badly needed by a Victorian audience who were unsure of their safety due to the lacklustre crime prevention of the police force. Unlike the Victorian police Sherlock Holmes always captured the criminal which was exceptionally reassuring at the time. Holmes and Watson are two very different characters with one common goal, to apprehend the guilty party in whatever mystery they are both entangled in. This contrast in character serves again to glorify Holmes as a gifted detective, this works in the way that Watson is a rather passive character or Holmes foil if you will, which leads most of the proceedings to be conducted by Holmes which shows in a positively intellectual light. The contrast in the logical awareness of Watson and Holmes leaves Holmes appearing almost omniscient compared to the usually clueless Watson. This technique is also used with the numerous police inspectors Holmes employs to do his bidding, each time they look the fool whilst Holmes seizes the acclaim. This is technique used by Doyle to idolise Holmes to the reader. The language used throughout the Sherlock Holmes stories is intensely descriptive as to quench the readers thirst for all the aspects that could have effected the mystery incurring. In historical context this ultra-descriptive style of writing was a more necessary feature in a pre-television era, however in the twenty-first century a readers desire for a detailed picture of other human life is fulfilled by other more advanced forms of media. This is perhaps why, in my experience, readers of the present time period are not exhilarated by the, at the time innovative, detailed style of writing. Watson is very much used as tool by Doyle, in all the ways suggested throughout this essay but also in a different, more political manner. In the Holmes stories Watson conveys the generalised views of an upper class society at the time. The ideals concerned included a negative look upon drugs and an opinion that they are used, or abused, by the subordinate social groups. Watsons, or Doyles, views are shared in this quote You should be ashamed of yourself! This is Watson taking a stern view upon one of his own noble friends indulging in a couple days in an opium den. Watson is also especially respectable of all women throughout the stories, chivalry being an exceptionally valued commodity in Victorian times. Watson, or better still Doyle, is a voice of the Victorian era, which is why the stories were so popular at the time. Further still Watson gives a social commentary of Victorian London which, as you can imagine, would be most interesting to not only Victorian Londoners but also Victorians that lived in other areas but were curious of the cosmopolitan lifestyle of London. Watson teamed with Holmes gives them this along with a descriptive and arguably a thrilling story. In conclusion my belief is that, yes, Watson is a better suited narrator for a Victorian audience rather than a modern audience, this being because of the chronologically social relevance that would supply greater interest for a Victorian reader. However disagreement is found with the statement that Watson is an inadequate narrator for twenty-first century reader as the stories still raise a lot of interesting issues and remain a thrilling read due to the exciting adventures Holmes embarks upon. An objection modern readers have is that the stories are formulaic and therefore tiresome however for the Victorian audience this was an essential feature to bring a sense of security into their generally uncertain lives. There is no doubt that the Sherlock Holmes stories are written for a Victorian audience however this does not exclude modern readers from finding the same overall enjoyment from the stories. The fact is that certain features may not be relevant to a modern readers interests or experiences in a modern life. A plus point is that because of the impression made, upon the stories, by Victorian life that Sherlock Holmes is a useful research tool for that time period. Additionally it is not a question of Watson being unsuitable for a modern audience but instead it is an issue of the crime stories themselves being relevant and therefore enjoyable for a modern audience. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Arthur Conan Doyle section.
Monday, January 20, 2020
Paideia: A Concept Contributing to the Education of Humanity and Societal Well-Being :: Philosophy
Contributing to the Education of Humanity and Societal Well-Being ABSTRACT: For the sake of humanity, outward compulsion must change into inward check. This is possible with the help of "paideia." I use "paideia" instead of the equivocal German word "Bildung," which comprises the meanings of "education," "formation," and "cultivation." The core of my recently developed concept of "paideia" is that the educating individual does what has to be done in a certain situation. He or she works alone or together with the other. In doing a work the educated individual tries to avoid any disadvantage for the other. The finished work represents the realization of both, the individual as well as the other in a step toward self-realization. This philosophy of education integrates into one single concept the two main traces of theories of education in European countries, namely the theories of "self-being" and those of "selflessness." The concept of "paideia" is a possible answer to actual problems such as the gap between the rich and the poor, the increase of vi olence, existing political radicalism, exploitation of natural resources and so on. According to this situation, not all people are educated very well. I claim that the expounded philosophy of education is able to contribute to the education of humanity. The combination of "self-being" and "selflessness" guarantees the optimal realization of sense in a given situation. This ensures that the common work of the individual and the other can develop very well, so that both are intertwined in the result. I. From Outward Compulsion to Inward Control For many years our present society has been characterized by sociologists and philosophers as being determined by three factors: first science and technology, second mass media including new forms of communications like the Internet, and third individualism and pluralism. These three characteristics of the present situation point to the diminuation of human possibilities. For on one side we live in a society of alleged unlimited possibilities with respect to science, technology, communication and personal individuality. On the other side, however, real thinking and doing, real talk and real self-shaping seem to grow poor or become impossible. The prize we are obliged to pay for our present society, the prize of our possibilities is ironically that of the impossibility of our special possibilities, be they personal or social. So the strive for perfection unmasks itself as an unplanned deterioration in many realms of social and personal life.
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Iron Crowned Chapter 12
There was a moment of stunned silence. ââ¬Å"That's impossible,â⬠said Kiyo at last. ââ¬Å"Unless you're saying she should kill all those monarchs?â⬠ââ¬Å"No need,â⬠the old man replied. ââ¬Å"Even I know how it works,â⬠I argued. ââ¬Å"The only way to claim a land is if its previous monarch dies or grows too weak to hold it. Otherwise, they're bound together. The monarch and the land are one.â⬠ââ¬Å"Aren't you listening?â⬠he asked. ââ¬Å"The crown changes that. The crown breaks that bond. Doesn't matter how strong they are. No killing ââ¬â unless you want to. The land is freed up, allowing you to seize it if you're strong and ambitious enough, which, of course, you have to be even to possess the crown.â⬠Ambitious enough. His words reminded me of our fight, when I'd nearly killed Kiyo in my rage. I stared down at the crown in disgust. ââ¬Å"I don't want it. I don't want that kind of power. That was never my intention.â⬠The crown's keeper now looked as baffled as Kiyo and I had been moments ago. ââ¬Å"Then why did you come for it?â⬠ââ¬Å"Eugenie,â⬠said Kiyo uneasily. ââ¬Å"I don't think you should leave it. Regardless of what it truly does â⬠¦ well, the original plan still holds. You don't actually have to use it. Just having it may still be enough to scare Katrice into peace ââ¬â especially if she knows its true power.â⬠I lifted my eyes from the crown, staring off absentmindedly at the cave's scorched walls. ââ¬Å"Of course she knows. And so does Dorian. He's known all along.â⬠It was a sign of Kiyo's tact and self-control that he made no scathing remarks about Dorian. ââ¬Å"You have to take it,â⬠exclaimed the old man, glancing back and forth between our faces. He seemed shocked and even offended that I was seriously considering leaving it. ââ¬Å"You passed the test. No one who has done that has ever refused the crown.â⬠The sick feeling in my stomach grew. He knew. Dorian knew. ââ¬Å"You don't have to use it,â⬠reiterated Kiyo. ââ¬Å"But Katrice won't know that.â⬠ââ¬Å"I was an idiot,â⬠I murmured. ââ¬Å"An idiot to think it was just a war prize. If I accept it â⬠¦ what happens if someone else takes it? If it's stolen?â⬠After experiencing so many attempts at rape, I was well aware of the extent of Otherworldly ambition. ââ¬Å"The crown will only work for its current owner,â⬠said the caretaker. ââ¬Å"It will only stay with the worthy. If it's taken ââ¬â or if you die ââ¬â it will return here, and we will wait for the next challenger.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hold on,â⬠said Kiyo. ââ¬Å"You just wait here all the time? How old are you?â⬠I didn't wait for a response. I felt dizzy on my feet and so, so tired, both mentally and physically. I wanted to get out of this place. ââ¬Å"Let's go,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"We'll take the crown.â⬠The old man beamed. ââ¬Å"Excellent. I look forward to hearing of your victories.â⬠I scowled and moved for the exit. This was hardly the situation for warm and fuzzy good-byes, so Kiyo and I simply left without any more conversation, though I could feel the caretaker's gaze burning into my back. The trek out of the mountain was quiet as well and seemed to go much more quickly. The fire barriers were gone. When we finally emerged, the light and air of that barren landscape seemed like the sweetest, most refreshing thing ever. Volusian and Deanna were exactly where we left them. Deanna's expression lit up. Volusian's didn't ostensibly change, but I sensed definite dismay. ââ¬Å"You did it!â⬠exclaimed Deanna. ââ¬Å"Now you can help me and find out ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I interrupted, heading straight to my horse. ââ¬Å"Not now. We're not dealing with that yet.â⬠Her pale eyes widened. ââ¬Å"But you promised to ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Not yet,â⬠I growled. Something about my tone and look must have been pretty intimidating because she vanished without comment. I knew she'd be back, though. I glanced at Kiyo, who was already on his horse, face troubled. ââ¬Å"Think those snakes are regular residents or just part of the test?â⬠I asked. He glanced around, taking in the scattered holes in the ground. ââ¬Å"I don't think we can assume they're gone.â⬠I made sure my pack was secure, the crown inside it. ââ¬Å"Then let's get out of here. We're not stopping until we're out of the unclaimed lands.â⬠Kiyo's face was lined with worry. ââ¬Å"Eugenie ââ¬â ââ¬Å" But I was already urging my horse down the road, back in the direction we'd come. Our initial ride had been brisk but still energy-conserving. Now, I held nothing back. I let the horse run as fast as she could, half-suspecting she wanted out of this cursed place as much as I did. The speed and rush of air was almost enough to distract me from what had just happened and what was to come. Almost. Kiyo easily kept up with my hard pace, and the speed made any conversation difficult. I lost track of time but had the sense of riding for hours as the sun moved across the sky. I fell into such a lull surrounded by the dreary landscape that crossing back into the Otherworld's claimed regions was like a splash of water in the face. We'd emerged into the Honeysuckle Land and were suddenly surrounded by heat and color. Kiyo slowed his horse down. ââ¬Å"Eugenie, we have to stop.â⬠When I didn't react, he yelled more harshly, ââ¬Å"Eugenie!â⬠It snapped me from my haze, and I slowed too, eventually bringing my horse to a halt. His trotted up to us. ââ¬Å"Eugenie, it's almost night. We have to make camp here. We'll be safe now that we're out of that place.â⬠ââ¬Å"Safe? I'm a war leader. This place isn't on our side yet. They could have a lot of leverage if they found and captured me.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's just an excuse,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"It won't happen, and you can't keep up this pace without rest. The horses certainly can't either.â⬠I didn't know much about animals, but Kiyo did. These two didn't seem ostensibly exhausted, but they were breathing a bit more heavily than when we'd left. I petted the head of mine in apology. I didn't want to stop, but Kiyo was right. The lush and beautiful land provided any number of camping spots. The trick was finding a concealed one that kept us near the road. If we strayed too far, the Otherworld's nature could very well shift us away to another location. And, despite his confident words, I think Kiyo did worry a little bit about the Thorn Queen being discovered in this kingdom. At least we had Volusian to keep watch. We finally settled for a small glade that was almost impossible to see through the trees until you were right inside it. Not far away was a small lagoon edged in stones. I was filthy from the fight but didn't have the energy to bathe fully and settled for washing my hands and face. Nonetheless, back in our camp ââ¬â which really was just a place to sleep since we needed no fire here ââ¬â Kiyo insisted on changing my bandages again. ââ¬Å"You tore more stitches in the lich fight,â⬠he said with dismay. ââ¬Å"We can keep the blood loss down, but you have to get this treated soon.â⬠I nodded without hearing him, my mind still wrapped around what I'd learned. Once he'd pulled my shirt back down, I turned and faced him. ââ¬Å"Dorian knew, Kiyo. Dorian knew what this crown could do. That's why he wanted it. I wouldn't be surprised â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ It killed me to say the next words. ââ¬Å"I wouldn't be surprised if he set it up from the beginning with Masthera.â⬠I again expected mockery from Kiyo, but his dark eyes were serious and full of sympathy. ââ¬Å"I wouldn't be surprised either. I'm sorry.â⬠It was true what I'd said in the cave: I was such an idiot. I should have listened to my initial instincts, the ones that said a battle prize wasn't enough to end a war. A prize that could strip Katrice's kingdom from her? Yeah. That would end a war, true, but Dorian should have told me. He should have told me what the crown's real threat was. And then you wouldn't have done it, a voice in my head pointed out. I knew it was the truth. I wouldn't have risked my life ââ¬â or Kiyo's ââ¬â to come after some artifact that put me one step closer to being the conqueror everyone expected me to be. ââ¬Å"Dorian knew,â⬠I repeated. ââ¬Å"Dorian let me risk my life for this.â⬠Kiyo stayed silent for a few moments, staring off into the rapidly darkening trees around us. ââ¬Å"You said he resisted at first, though. Until he realized I could go.â⬠ââ¬Å"Was that an act, though?â⬠I rested my forehead in my hands, doubting everything I'd come to believe about Dorian. I'd so, so wanted to trust him. ââ¬Å"Did he pretend to be hesitant, knowing I'd be suspicious if he was aggressive?â⬠ââ¬Å"For all his faults â⬠¦ I don't know. He does care about you, Eugenie. I don't think he'd carelessly throw you into danger. He might have seriously waited until he knew you could go in with backup.â⬠I sighed and lifted my head back up. ââ¬Å"You're giving an awful lot of credit to someone you hate.â⬠A small smile crossed Kiyo's lips. ââ¬Å"I don't hate him, not exactly. I don't trust him. I don't like him. And â⬠¦ well, I certainly carry a grudge for his taking you from me.â⬠I narrowed my eyes, a spark of anger flaring up in me. ââ¬Å"No one ââ¬Ëtook' me. I'm not something you guys can just pass around!â⬠ââ¬Å"Sorry, sorry,â⬠he said hastily. ââ¬Å"I didn't mean it like that. I just mean that after we split up, it's been hard seeing you with him. That's petty jealousy, I admit it. But I also hate that his grand, brash action won you over and drove the final stake in our relationship.â⬠ââ¬Å"His ââ¬Ëgrand, brash action?' Do you mean killing Leith? I'll never regret him doing that,â⬠I said fiercely. Despite how dark it was growing out here, I could see Kiyo's eyes boring into me. ââ¬Å"Do you mean that, Eugenie? Was your personal vengeance worth all the people who've died since then?â⬠I looked away. ââ¬Å"He deserved it. You don't understand.â⬠ââ¬Å"I understand perfectly well what he did. And if I could have? I would have done a lot more than run a sword through him. Really, that was almost merciful compared to what he deserved. But the fallout â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"I know.â⬠I sighed again. ââ¬Å"I know what I've caused, all the upheaval in this world.â⬠A sudden odd thought occurred to me. ââ¬Å"Maiwenn â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Kiyo tensed, not following my jump in thoughts. ââ¬Å"What about her?â⬠ââ¬Å"Dorian knew that too! She knows what the crown does; I'm certain of it. That's why he kept telling me not to let you talk to her!â⬠I shot up, full of fury now. ââ¬Å"Goddamnit! He played me. He's always played me! It doesn't matter if he loves me. It's his nature. He can't love without using it to his advantage. Goddamnit!â⬠My cry rang out into the empty night as I paced irritably. In seconds, Kiyo was up too, gripping me by my arms. ââ¬Å"Hey, hey. Calm down. He may have tricked you, but he can't make you do anything you don't want to with the crown. You're in control. No harm's done.â⬠ââ¬Å"No harm?â⬠I exclaimed. ââ¬Å"Kiyo, I almost killed you! Do you understand? Do you understand what I almost did? I lost control! How am I supposed to forgive myself for that?â⬠He drew me into his arms. ââ¬Å"I forgive you for that, and that's all you need to worry about. Don't beat yourself up with the guilt.â⬠I clenched my fists. ââ¬Å"The craziest part is that the fake-lich whatever guy thought what I did was a good thing. Me shoving my friends aside for power. That's what the crown represents. That's what I'll become.â⬠ââ¬Å"I won't let you,â⬠said Kiyo fiercely. ââ¬Å"It's in my blood,â⬠I said weakly. ââ¬Å"I realize that now.â⬠ââ¬Å"Maybe. I don't know. I used to think â⬠¦ well, I used to think it was all just some easy decision you could make. ââ¬ËDo this, don't do this.' That was stupid of me. It's more than that, this conflict in you. And I didn't help ââ¬â not in the way you needed. I will now ââ¬â if you'll let me.â⬠I peered up at him in confusion. ââ¬Å"Why? After everything I've done?â⬠ââ¬Å"Because I ââ¬â â⬠Kiyo cut himself off. I could hardly see him now, but the feel of his hands was warm on my skin. ââ¬Å"Because it doesn't matter. Because I screwed up. Because we never should have split up. I've been wanting to tell you something for a while. We should have ââ¬â ââ¬Å" I broke away and stalked off across the glade. I couldn't hear this. I couldn't hear some proclamation of love, not when my heart was still broken over Dorian's betrayal. I'd trusted him. I'd trusted him, despite all the evidence that he would go to great extremes for power. I'd thought love for me would be stronger than that ambition. I'd been wrong. Even if he loved me, his heart would always be split between me and his craving for power. It was his nature, just as my own nature was divided between human and gentry ways. ââ¬Å"I need to sleep, Kiyo,â⬠I said roughly. ââ¬Å"I can't hear this right now.â⬠ââ¬Å"But Eugenie ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Good night.â⬠I turned my back to him ââ¬â I knew he could see in the darkness ââ¬â and curled up on the grass. It was hardly a comfortable bed, but compared to last night's discomfort, this felt like heaven. Kiyo said no more, and I eventually heard him settle down. Volusian had been put on watch, meaning neither Kiyo nor I had to stay awake. In my case, it didn't matter. Sleep wouldn't come no matter how much I willed it to. I stayed up most of the night, staring up at the clear sky and its glitter of stars. The Otherworld had the same constellations as the human world, which surely presented some sort of physics quandary, one I didn't have time to think much about right now. Dorian knew. That crown. That fucking crown. Part of me wanted to go over to my bag, grab the crown, and throw it off into night, never to be seen again. What had the old man said? It'd return to its home? No harm done. No harm except the loss of my potential to steal Katrice's land from her ââ¬â hers and anyone else's who opposed me. Was that what Dorian had wanted? Would he have tried to convince me that it was the only way to win the war? And would I have believed it? Maybe. I'd been willing to risk a lot for peace by coming after the crown at all. Maybe that had just been the ââ¬Å"gateway drugâ⬠in Dorian's eventual plan for conquest. In the end, it didn't matter what his plan was. What mattered was that he'd betrayed me. I'd opened myself to him, loved him. That was over now. It was that thought, that thought and the anger burning within me, that got me up and around early when dawn broke. Kiyo ââ¬â who apparently had slept ââ¬â instantly woke when he heard me stirring. ââ¬Å"Let me guess,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"You didn't sleep.â⬠ââ¬Å"Nope.â⬠I took out some of the travel food from my bag, cringing when my fingers brushed against the crown. Kiyo stood up and stretched, then wandered off into the foliage. He returned several minutes later with some mangos in his arms. ââ¬Å"Supplement your breakfast,â⬠he said, tossing me one. He leaned against a tree and bit into one of his own. I nodded my thanks, but the fruit's sweetness was lost on me. Nothing had any taste. I was distantly aware of Kiyo's eyes on me but ignored them. ââ¬Å"What are you thinking?â⬠he asked at last. ââ¬Å"How much I hate Dorian.â⬠ââ¬Å"What are you going to do?â⬠This was something I'd thought about for a while, so I had a solid answer. ââ¬Å"Go to him. Call him out. Pass him a note in class. Tell him it's over ââ¬â everything. Us. Our alliance.â⬠Kiyo's eyebrows rose. ââ¬Å"You might not want to be so hasty on that last one.â⬠ââ¬Å"How can I be in a partnership with someone like that?â⬠I exclaimed. ââ¬Å"You can be in business with people you don't like. I wouldn't throw away his military support in the middle of this mess.â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't need his help,â⬠I said obstinately. ââ¬Å"Especially if Katrice does call a truce over the crown.â⬠ââ¬Å"And if she doesn't?â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't know.â⬠I stood up and rubbed my sticky hands on my jeans. Kiyo was the last person I expected to be having this discussion with. ââ¬Å"What are you getting at? Should I forgive him? Let it all go and jump back into bed?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. Absolutely not.â⬠Kiyo walked over to me, almost mirroring our positions from last night when he'd been on the verge of telling me something romantic. Only, I'd since had more time to come to terms with my anger and could actually focus now on Kiyo, the concern in his eyes and the way his body always made mine feel. ââ¬Å"But I don't think Dorian will leave the war, no matter what else happens between you. And you should take that help.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'm afraid â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Until those words came out of my mouth, I didn't realize I meant them. ââ¬Å"I'm afraid when I see him, when I talk to him â⬠¦ he'll do it again. He'll convince me of, I don't know. Whatever his plan is. He'll justify it and lure me back in.â⬠Kiyo cupped my face between his hands. ââ¬Å"You don't have to do anything you don't want to. You're strong. And I'll go with you, if you want.â⬠I looked up into Kiyo's eyes, feeling lost in their depths and confused by what I saw in them. ââ¬Å"I do want you to.â⬠Leaning down, he pulled me close and kissed me almost before I realized what had happened. There was heat in his lips, heat and hunger and that raw, animal passion that so defined him. My body pressed against his, and I was startled at the arousal that kiss ignited within me, me who twenty-four hours ago had been sworn and sealed to Dorian. Now, the desire within me was all for Kiyo, a desire that was probably equal parts revenge against Dorian, a resurgence of my feelings for Kiyo, and the simple lust triggered by being with anyone I found so attractive. I pulled away from him, and it wasn't easy. That kiss had consumed me, taken over my reasoning. I had a feeling I was seconds away from ripping his clothes off and throwing myself at him. Some annoyingly rational part of me kept saying I shouldn't do that until I knew for sure if it'd be because I still cared about Kiyo or because I wanted to get back at Dorian. ââ¬Å"No, don't. I can't,â⬠I said, taking a few steps away. ââ¬Å"I'm not â⬠¦ I'm not readyâ⬠¦.â⬠I knew he could tell that wasn't exactly true. He'd be able to smell the desire on me, the pheromones and other physical signs that said I wanted him. But my head and heart? No, I wasn't sure about that. ââ¬Å"Eugenie â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ His voice was husky, every ounce of him radiating that dark, primal sexuality that had always drawn me in. ââ¬Å"I can't,â⬠I repeated. ââ¬Å"Please â⬠¦ don't do that againâ⬠¦.â⬠I hurried off blindly, into the forest, ignoring the branches and leaves whipping against me. I didn't have to go very far because something told me Kiyo wouldn't follow. He'd leave me alone for now. I sank to the ground, leaning my head back against the smooth bark of a tree I didn't recognize. My heart pounded in my chest, in turmoil from Kiyo's advances. I'd suspected he still cared, especially seeing as the breakup had been more my idea than his. He'd conceded its wisdom, true, but I'd always known he'd wished things could have been different. Hell, that made two of us. I exhaled and closed my eyes. What did I do with this? What did I do with Kiyo's feelings? What did I do with my own feelings? Because at the core of it all, my heart was still raging over Dorian. I'd meant what I said to Kiyo: I was indeed going to go back and tell Dorian we were over. I'd been disappointed in Kiyo ââ¬â still was, a little ââ¬â over his not taking direct action against Leith. Yet, as much as that had hurt me, Kiyo had been blunt and open about his reasons for it. That was better than someone telling you pretty lies. Pretty lies. Dorian was full of them ââ¬â and not just about the crown. Suddenly, I found myself questioning why he'd even suggested Kiyo come along on this quest, rather than Jasmine. Maybe Dorian had thought this would be a convenient way to get rid of someone he'd always seen as a potential rival. I didn't know. The only thing I was certain of was that I was getting more and more worked up as I sat there. A faint splash startled me out of my emotional maelstrom, and I opened my eyes. No cry of alarm had come from Volusian back at camp, and a moment later, I realized what was going on. Rising, I headed over toward the pool in the glade's heart. Sure enough, I found Kiyo swimming laps back and forth. The lagoon was crystal clear, sparkling in the morning sunlight, and it sang to my magical senses. I wondered if he was there to clean off yesterday's battle or to work out his frustration over me. Judging from the lines on his face ââ¬â maybe both. I watched him for a minute, knowing opportunities to catch him unaware were rare. The water and his mood had distracted him; he normally would have smelled and heard an observer. After a little while longer, I made my decision. I began taking off my clothes. Kiyo turned and noticed me just as I slipped into the water, easing myself down the stone edge. ââ¬Å"Eugenie â⬠¦ what are you doing? You're soaking your bandages.â⬠I swam over to him, on the pool's far side. ââ¬Å"I'm here naked with you, and that's your biggest concern?â⬠He eyed me carefully. ââ¬Å"Well, that was our last batch of them.â⬠I put my hands on his chest. ââ¬Å"We'll be home soon.â⬠When I brought my lips to his, joining us in a deep kiss, I felt the same response as earlier. He answered me hungrily, arms wrapping around my waist as we pressed together. Now, however, it was Kiyo who broke us apart ââ¬â despite the arousal in his eyes. I had a feeling there was a human versus animal war going on within him. ââ¬Å"Wait,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Earlier â⬠¦ you told me you couldn't â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"I changed my mind. I can do this,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Does it need to be more than that right now?â⬠I was still going to tell Dorian I was done with him, but I didn't need to for this. I had mentally broken up with him. I was free to do whatever I wanted. I moved toward Kiyo again, slowly walking us toward the water's edge. Our top halves emerged, the morning air slightly chill against my wet skin. ââ¬Å"I don't trust why you're doing this,â⬠said Kiyo. But when I drew him closer, he didn't pull back. ââ¬Å"I think you're getting back at Dorian.â⬠I kissed him hard, cutting off whatever logical arguments he might attempt. ââ¬Å"Maybe I am,â⬠I said at last. He was gasping, a little surprised at the intensity. I felt empowered, filled with lust for Kiyo and ââ¬â yes ââ¬â anger at Dorian. ââ¬Å"But you're the one I'm doing it with. Doesn't that mean something?â⬠There was a pause as Kiyo's dark, smoky eyes studied me intensely. ââ¬Å"Yes.â⬠With one swift motion, he turned me around, pushing his body against mine. ââ¬Å"It does. This is how it should have been anyway.â⬠I caught my breath as he kissed my neck, teeth grazing my skin. ââ¬Å"And I'll take back what's mine.â⬠My body burned, both at his touch and the dangerous tone in his voice. Then, the full meaning of his words hit me. I started to turn around but his hands were on me, pinning me against the ledge surrounding the water. ââ¬Å"Hey, I'm not yours,â⬠I growled. ââ¬Å"I thought I made that clear.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're right,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"But you're not his either. Not anymore. You never should have been. We never should have been apart. And if you want this ââ¬â if you want to do this ââ¬â you have to tell me you feel something for me. I can't believe this is just simple revenge sex.â⬠ââ¬Å"Kiyo ââ¬â ââ¬Å" The hands that held me slid forward to my breasts, the roughness of his touch sending shockwaves through my body. ââ¬Å"Tell me,â⬠he breathed against my ear, his hands sliding along my stomach and down between my thighs. ââ¬Å"Tell me you still feel something for me.â⬠His body closed the miniscule space left between us, pushing me right to stone. I felt him hard and ready. ââ¬Å"I â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ I closed my eyes, lost in the way his hands touched me and stoked the sexual tension that had been building between us for days. What did I feel? For a moment, I was conflicted. Maybe this wasn't right. Maybe I did need to end things formally with Dorian before letting my emotions run away with me. ââ¬Å"I â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Yes?â⬠He bent me over, hands gripping my waist, and suddenly, he was sliding into me, a low groan escaping his lips as he filled me up. I gave a small cry at the unexpected act, one that turned into a moan of pleasure as he began to move in and out of me. ââ¬Å"Tell me there's still something, anything â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ he grunted. ââ¬Å"If not, I'll stop and let this go. Just say it.â⬠ââ¬Å"I â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Again, I couldn't summon the words. This time, it was simply because I was too lost in how he felt. I'd forgotten what it was like with him, the way he'd always loved to take me from behind, driven by the animal instinct within him. There was more than that to him, though. Images flashed through me, the way he'd fought by my side, the compassion when he'd seen how hurt I was over Dorian's deception. ââ¬Å"Tell me,â⬠he said again, a savage and hungry note in his voice. ââ¬Å"Tell me you want me; tell me there's still something between us. That you don't want me to stop.â⬠He felt so good, so strong and hard. ââ¬Å"No â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"No what?â⬠ââ¬Å"No â⬠¦ don't stop â⬠¦ there is â⬠¦ of course there's still somethingâ⬠¦.â⬠I meant it. And with that, the animal within him was unleashed. I screamed as he gave me the full force of his body, my arms pushing hard to keep me from being shoved against the ledge. The sound of our bodies slapping together echoed around us as he thrust tirelessly, taking me over and over as he reclaimed my body. ââ¬Å"I've missed you, Eug,â⬠he managed to say. ââ¬Å"Missed having sex with you. Missed making love to you. But especially â⬠¦ especially missed fucking you.â⬠His words were punctuated with a particularly sharp thrust, one that took me hard and deep as he bent me over more. I screamed again, but it was out of ecstasy, not pain. Kiyo had always been able to make me come this way, and now was no exception. I felt the nerves of my body explode, every part of me shaking. Still he kept moving in me with that primal need, pushing me into sensory overload. He'd given up on words, simply making small grunts as our bodies connected. At last his body reached its breaking point, giving me the hardest thrusts he was capable of as his climax hit. He held me tight, my body there to fulfill his need as he came in me, groaning and spasming until he'd finally given me all he had. He pulled out, and I turned around, my own breath shallow and rapid. ââ¬Å"That â⬠¦ maybe we shouldn't have done that â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Kiyo put an arm around my waist and pulled me to him. His lips grazed mine. ââ¬Å"You sound like a guy the morning after. You're the one who attacked me, remember?â⬠ââ¬Å"True,â⬠I admitted. With my lust sated, I was feeling slightly more coherent. But only barely. His naked body was still right against mine, and that was distracting. ââ¬Å"Give me a few more minutes,â⬠he murmured. ââ¬Å"A few more minutes and we can do it again â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"We're probably just creating more problems.â⬠He kissed my neck. ââ¬Å"What's one more problem among all the others we have? One more time, Eugenie. I've missed you so much. Let's do this just one more time.â⬠I could feel that he was indeed almost ready again. I lifted one of my legs up, half-wrapping it around him as my body decided it was ready again too. ââ¬Å"And then what?â⬠ââ¬Å"Then?â⬠Kiyo's mouth moved toward mine. ââ¬Å"Then we go see Dorian.ââ¬
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Why Personal Development Helps Business Development
Goal: to post about why personal development helps business development Total Word Count In This Document: 1524 Title: ?Why Personal Development Helps Business Development? When entrepreneurs and business leaders think about how they can better improve their businesses or develop their small, start-up companies into successful corporate giants, personal development is one strategy that often doesn?t come to mind. However, personal development is actually the most important thing entrepreneurs and business leaders can do for their business development skills and strategy. One?s personal development is highly critical to the success of their business development, and here s why. Previously, people went to work everyday just to work.â⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Whether big or small, regardless of their type of field, industry, or desired market, businesses everywhere are now beginning to realize that by empowering their staff, and instilling drive, passion, motivation, and other essential personal values into them, oftentimes by being a shining example of those values yourself as their business leader, you can guide your staff towards bringing about better results for your business, making more progress for your business, and altogether developing your business into a more successful model. Now more than ever, personal development is key to helping business development in today?s highly competitive and digitalized corporate landscape. Previously, around fifty or so years ago, the corporate landscape was much less competitive?and much less empowering. When an entrepreneur or a business leader wanted to see an increase in results for their company, they simply hired more workers to a single shift to add more units and up productivity, which would then hopefully get the number of results the entrepreneur or business leader was looking for. When a worker was slowing down the whole team?s productivity or progress, or not doing enough to meet the company?s goals set by the entrepreneur and business leader, then all the entrepreneur or business leader would do typically would be to bring them into their office and tell them to do a better job and work harder or find another way of paying the bills
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)