Shines like Silver

I forgot to post this

Sylvia Hellsoul. Semi-inspired by the 'Bad Guy' cover video by Citizen Queen.

A year and a half of torture, agony, degradation, lies, and fighting for her life

Shade finally noticed that something in Viran had changed. She was sweet, despite still treating every night as an opportunity to beat the living daylights out of her... except for tonight. A dinner. Candlelight, a fireplace, soft music, the works.

That's when she realized that there was no way out. She would either die here, alone, painfully. Or she would stay here for the rest of her life. Hell, maybe more than that.

Viran Hellsoul, missing a life lived among hundreds of friends, has decided she needs new toys. Four unfortunate souls have been ripped from their worlds, swept up by this being seeking to rebuild a community. Each of them, rightfully, have their own reasons to be a little bit upset by this.

Viktor (179) is a vampire who's been listlessly wandering for ages with a small group of rather unconventional friends. Shenar (30) is a determined person with the power to raise the dead, searching for the soul of her lost brother. Lanarah, whose age has been lost to an ocean of missing memories, is a doll given life and lacking purpose in the wake of her lost mistress. Ivy (20) just wants to live.

Each knows there is nothing they can do to escape the Mistress of Flames and her siblings, but she seems easy enough to appease in the meantime...

Are you hydrated? 

If not, have a glass of water. Dehydration can mimic or increase feelings associated with anxiety and a well hydrated brain functions optimally. Avoid excess caffeine. 

Have you eaten in the past three hours? 

Don’t be a victim of hanger! Get some food–something with protein, not just simple carbs or high-fat. Nuts, hummus, and veggies are great options to feed your studying brain. Keep healthy snacks within reach to avoid mindlessly chowing down on sweets. 

Have you stretched your legs in the past day? 

If not, do so right now. If you don’t have the energy or time for a run or a trip to the gym, just walk around the block or building. Even minimal exercise preps the mind for learning so that you can focus better and recall things easier, plus it’s good to get a change of scenery. 

Have you said something nice to someone in the past day? 

Do so, whether online or in person. Make it genuine! We bet your study partner would appreciate a compliment. 

Have you moved your body to music in the past day?

If not, jog for the length of a song at your favorite tempo, or just dance around your bedroom for the length of an upbeat song (singing along is a bonus) 

Have you cuddled a living being in the past two days?

If not, do so. Don’t be afraid to ask for hugs from friends of friends’ pets. Most of them will enjoy the cuddles too; you’re not imposing. 

Have you started or changed any medications in the past couple of weeks, including skipped doses or a change in generic prescription brand? 

That may be screwing with your head. Give things a few days, then talk to your doctor if it doesn’t settle down. 

If daytime: are you dressed? 

If no, put on clean clothes that aren’t PJs. Give yourself permission to wear something special, whether it’s a funny t-shirt or a pretty dress. 

If nighttime: are you sleepy and fatigued but resisting going to sleep? 

Put on PJs, make yourself cozy in bed with a teddy bear and the sound of falling rain, and close your eyes for fifteen minutes while focusing on breathing deeper with every breath- no electronic screens allowed! Adequate sleep is a necessity for stress management. 

Do you feel ineffective? 

Pause right now and get something small completed, whether it’s responding to an email, loading the dishwasher, or tidying up your room. Good job!

Do you feel unattractive? 

Take a darn selfie. Your friends will remind you how great you look. You are always insta-worthy. 

Do you feel paralyzed by indecision?

Give yourself ten minutes to sit back and figure out a game plan for the day. If a particular decision or problem is still being a roadblock, simply set it aside for now, and pick something else that seems doable. Right now, the important part is to break through that stasis, even if it means doing something trivial. 

Have you over-exerted yourself lately–physically, emotionally, socially, or intellectually? 

That can take a toll that lingers for days. Give yourself a break in that area, whether it’s physical rest, taking some time alone, or relaxing with some silly entertainment for a little. Time spent refreshing yourself is never time “wasted!” 

Have you waited a week? 

Sometimes or perception of life is skewed, and we can’t even tell that we’re not thinking clearly, and there’s no obvious external cause. It happens. Keep yourself going for a full week, whatever it takes, and see if you still feel the same way then.