#@elixir-31

[gaygothfluid]

Hello and welcome to 3 am

[gospelborn]

The Elixir by George Herbert

Teach me, my God and King, In all things Thee to see, And what I do in anything To do it as for Thee. Not rudely, as a beast, To run into an action; But still to make Thee prepossest, And give it his perfection. A man that looks on glass, On it may stay his eye; Or if he pleaseth, through it pass, And then the heav'n espy. All may of Thee partake: Nothing can be so mean, Which with his…

[theplotmage]

50 Worldbuilding Setting ideas for your fantasy book

Cities and Settlements

1. Capital City - The central hub of political power and culture in the realm.

2. Harbor Town - A bustling port city crucial for trade and naval activities.

3. Elf Village - A serene settlement hidden within a forest, home to elven inhabitants.

4. Dwarven Mines - An underground city where dwarves mine precious metals and gems.

5. Nomad Camp - A temporary settlement for wandering tribes and traders.

6. Market Square - The commercial heart of any major city, filled with vendors and artisans.

7. Sky City - A floating metropolis held aloft by magic or advanced technology.

Natural and Enchanted Locations

8. Mystic Forest - A dense, magical woodland filled with ancient trees and mythical creatures.

9. Enchanted Lake - A serene body of water with mystical properties.

10. Secret Cave - A hidden cavern that might contain treasure or danger.

11. Dark Swamp - A treacherous wetland often home to dark magic and creatures.

12. Forbidden Desert - A vast, arid expanse known for its harsh conditions and ancient secrets.

13. Floating Island - A landmass suspended in the sky, often home to unique flora and fauna.

14. Hidden Valley - A secluded, fertile valley protected from the outside world.

15. Charmed Meadows - Peaceful fields imbued with protective enchantments.

Magical and Supernatural Places

16. Wizard’s Tower - The abode of powerful sorcerers, filled with arcane knowledge.

17. Sacred Temple - A place of worship and spiritual significance, often protected by divine magic.

18. Haunted Castle - An ancient fortress inhabited by ghosts or malevolent spirits.

19. Necromancer’s Crypt - The lair of a dark sorcerer who practices necromancy.

20. Oracle’s Sanctuary - A holy site where oracles deliver prophecies and visions.

21. Magical Academy - An institution where young sorcerers learn the art of magic.

22. Alchemist’s Workshop - A place where alchemists experiment and create potions and elixirs.

23. Time Portal - A gateway to different eras, allowing travel through time.

Dangerous and Uncharted Areas

24. Ancient Ruins - The remnants of a once-great civilization, often hiding secrets or dangers.

25. Dragon’s Lair - The home of a fearsome dragon, filled with treasure and peril.

26. Cursed Forest - A dark, haunted woodland where malevolent forces dwell.

27. Battlefield - The site of a significant past conflict, often haunted by the spirits of the fallen.

28. Volcanic Wasteland - A desolate, fiery landscape wrought with volcanic activity.

29. Giant’s Keep - A massive fortress built and inhabited by giants.

30. Pirate Cove - A hidden inlet where pirates gather to plan their exploits.

31. Shadow Realm - A dark, parallel dimension filled with malevolent entities.

32. Frosty Tundra - A vast, icy wasteland where few dare to venture.

Cultural and Social Hubs

33. Royal Palace - The lavish residence of the ruling monarch and their court.

34. Thieves’ Guild - A secretive organization of thieves and rogues.

35. Warrior’s Training Grounds - A facility where soldiers and heroes train for battle.

36. Arena of Champions - A grand coliseum where warriors compete in combat.

37. Goblin Market - A chaotic and colorful marketplace run by goblins, offering exotic goods.

38. Hermit’s Hut - The secluded home of a wise hermit, often sought for advice.

39. Secret Hideout - A concealed refuge used by rebels or outlaws.

Mystical and Legendary Sites

40. Ethereal Gardens - Magical gardens with rare plants and enchanting beauty.

41. Celestial Observatory - A tower dedicated to studying the stars and celestial events.

42. Sanctuary of Lost Knowledge - A hidden library containing ancient and forbidden texts.

43. Sunken Ruins - The underwater remnants of a lost civilization.

44. Gryphon Nesting Grounds - A mountainous area where gryphons make their nests.

45. Spiral Staircase - An enigmatic, seemingly endless staircase leading to unknown depths.

46. Giant’s Keep - A colossal fortress built and inhabited by giants.

47. Protean Plains - A region where the landscape constantly changes, reshaped by powerful magic or ancient curses.

Adventurous and Explorative Spots

48. Treasure Hunter’s Camp - A gathering spot for explorers seeking lost relics.

49. Relic Seeker’s Cave - A cave rumored to contain powerful artifacts.

50. Explorer’s Outpost - A base for adventurers preparing for expeditions into unknown territories.

***

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[matchingbatbites]

it all comes down to you

Explicit | 4k | Omegaverse; Alpha Steve, Omega Eddie | Divider Credit

Written for @stmarchmm Day 12: Mating/Bonding Day 15: First time/First kiss Day 18: Knotting Day 19: Heats/Ruts (though this is just a false heat) Day 25: Scentmates/Soulmates Day 31: Biting/Marking

Full tags + Read on Ao3

Eddie knows as he stands at the edge of the forest, that this could be his only chance to find a mate. As a maleomega with no dowry and no real standing in society, there's very little reason for an alpha to ever actively choose Eddie. He's more likely to end up at the whore house, submitting to any alpha or beta willing to pay the price, and that's not what he wants. 

Call him a romantic, but Eddie wants an Alpha, wants someone to love him and care for him, someone he'd be glad to call his mate.

That doesn't mean the run isn't a risk. He knows that he could end up just like his mother- saddled with an alpha that treats him like garbage, that takes what they want and leaves Eddie to put himself back together. An alpha that cares more about money than family, that would just abandon their children if anything were to happen to Eddie.

Yes, he knows firsthand exactly how bad it could be.

It could be good, though. 

It's at least worth the try.

Eddie ties up his hair as the full moon rises above the treetops and the chill night air settles on his bare skin. The elixir they fed him earlier warms him from the inside out; it heightens his instincts, increases his scent and his need to run, to be chased. The false heat will be upon him soon, and while Eddie does want to be caught, he intends to make his future alpha work for it.

A horn blows in the distance, low and foreboding, and Eddie bolts, darting off into the trees. He runs as fast as he's able, trying to cover as much distance as he can with the little head start he gets. It feels like barely any time has passed when a second horn sounds, the signal that the alphas have joined the run.

Eddie keeps his distance from the other omegas, wanting to keep his scent distinct as he weaves through the trees. He occasionally reaches out to touch the scent gland in his wrist to one, leaving a trail for an alpha to follow as he moves deeper and deeper. A low growl and footsteps coming up behind him kick Eddie's instincts into overdrive and he darts forward, the chase truly on. 

He doesn’t know how long he runs, but he can hear the alpha break off at one point, leaving to find easier prey, and another takes their place, their steps different as they hunt Eddie down. After a third alpha abandons the chase, Eddie wonders if he should just shop, should just let himself be caught. 

The feeling increases as he can smell the matings happening around him, the blending of scents as omegas are caught and claimed, one after the other. His steps slow and he takes a moment to catch his breath, even as his instincts urge him to continue running, telling him that it’s not over, and he should know better than to ignore those feelings. 

He doesn’t hear the footsteps approaching until it’s too late.

Arms snatch Eddie around his waist as a body collides into him, and the sudden momentum sends both him and the newcomer tumbling to the ground. The rough landing steals the remainder Eddie's breath, but he still tries to scramble away as soon as they roll to a stop, his instincts still driving him to run until he’s properly claimed. 

He gives it his best go, but the alpha’s hold on him is unwavering as they tussle on the forest floor. The only thing that stops Eddie’s relentless squirming is the set of teeth that latch onto the back of his neck. He goes lax under the pinch of sharp canines and finally realizes that the game is over; he has been hunted, and he has been caught. 

A low growl vibrates against Eddie's skin before shifting into a purr as hands roam over Eddie's sides, spreading the alpha's scent over his skin. It's woodsy and smokey, but crisp, like walking through the forest on a clear autumn night. Eddie can't help but trill as it fills his nose, something about it settling deep in his soul, and he hopes that his own scent is just as pleasing to the stranger. 

The alpha ruts against him and Eddie’s mouth waters as the man’s heavy cock slides against his naked ass. He keens and arches his back, pushing into the touch as the teeth release his neck and move to scrape over his mating gland.

“Been looking for you, Omega,” the alpha says through the purr still rumbling in his chest. “Could smell you on the trees. Needed to find you, my perfect omega. My true mate.”

It's not until the alpha says it that Eddie realizes, but that is what this is. This thrum coursing through his body, like is very soul is singing, calling out to the alpha above him.

When Eddie came here hoping for an alpha, he never would have dreamed that he'd find his perfect match, his scentmate. It's something that only happens in stories and fairy tales, in dreams that Eddie stopped believing in once his mother passed. But here he is - Eddie's destined Alpha, in the flesh. 

Eddie's scent blooms around them, apple and honey and warm spice filling the air as his purr starts in his chest. “You found me, Alpha. I’m yours, need you, please.”

“I have you, lovely. I'll give you what you need.” The alpha sits up and Eddie whines at the loss, only to be placated by hands that run over the plane of his back. The touch is gentle but firm as it follows smooth skin down to the swell of his ass. “Gonna mate you, Omega. Claim you and-”

Something slams into Eddie's alpha, sending him flying to the side and leaving the omega suddenly exposed to the elements. Eddie is confused until a different set of hands grab his hips, bigger and rougher than his alpha's. They pull until Eddie is forced to present, his back arched and ass in the air. The unfamiliar scent of linen and musk floods his senses, like he’s just been pressed face first into dirty, stale bedding, and it’s just so intrinsically wrong. 

Eddie can’t stop the high, distressed keen that rips from him as he scrambles forward, trying to escape the stranger’s grip. Nails dig into his sides as the alpha tries to keep him in place and Eddie cries out as they catch, ripping at his skin until the omega can smell his own blood mixing with the scent of his fear.

The snarl that cuts through the clearing is enough to make both Eddie and the stranger freeze, and then suddenly the hands are gone as the alpha is ripped away from him. The sound of fighting is unmistakable and so dangerously close, and Eddie moves away from the brawl as quickly as he can, not wanting to get caught up in it. It’s only when he’s a safe distance away that he turns to watch, thankful for the moonlight that shines into the clearing.

The two seem to be pretty evenly matched. Eddie’s alpha - and he’s not sure how, but he just knows which one is his - is a bit shorter than the other, but he’s got some muscle and is clearly well trained, his movements fluid in comparison to the other alpha’s rage-fueled attacks. Eddie watches as they struggle, and there’s one terrifying moment where Eddie’s mate gets pinned beneath the bigger man. 

Everything within him screams to jump in, to get this man off his alpha, but before he can even move their positions are flipped and Eddie’s alpha is landing blow after blow on the aggressor. There’s a sickening crunch and a loud yelp, and Eddie can smell the tang of fresh blood even from where he sits. Eddie's alpha growls low and threatening as the loser scurries off, and he makes sure the threat is gone before turning to face Eddie.

The omega stays where he is as the man stalks over and drops to his knees between Eddie’s legs. Eddie finally gets a good look at his face - hazel eyes, a strong nose, and a scattering of moles across tanned skin - before he's distracted by the bruise already starting to bloom on one sharp cheekbone. Eddie whines in sympathy, and his alpha must be thinking the same thing, because he reaches out to brush his fingers over the scratches on Eddie’s hips. The touch pulls a soft hiss from him, and his alpha growls low. 

“Should have killed him for hurting you, Omega. For drawing blood that isn’t his.”

Eddie shakes his head. “You stopped him from claiming me, you kept me safe. Just need you now, Alpha," he says, and receives a low, pleased rumble.

“And you have me. What’s your name, lovely?”

“Edward- Eddie.”

The alpha smiles and mutters “Eddie, my dearest. My name is Stephen, but those closest to me call me Steve.” 

Steve. Eddie's beloved is named Steve, and he can feel the name etching itself onto his very soul as Steve dips down, pressing a chaste kiss to the line of Eddie's jaw. He nuzzles the underside of it before his lips trace down the side of Eddie's neck, and the omega tilts his head in submission as he lets himself fall back onto the earth. Steve follows him down, unrelenting in his task to- to taste Eddie? To scent him? Eddie isn't entirely sure, but he purrs loudly at the attention.

“Alpha, Steve.”

Steve hums and nips at his collar bone as he makes his way down, kissing and licking his way over Eddie’s chest until he can lave his tongue over the scratches left on pale hips. Eddie shivers at the sensation and digs his fingers into the leaves beneath him as Steve focuses on the wounds, his own big hands pinning Eddie’s thighs to the ground.

He doesn't stop until he's cleaned away any blood that had spilled across Eddie's skin, and then he licks over Eddie's smaller, omegan dick, causing the man to jerk in his hold. Eddie gasps and his hands snap up, pushing into Steve’s hair. He briefly marvels at the softness of it before tugging on the locks as Steve licks him again.

“Steve, please kiss me," Eddie begs, and when Steve relents and moves up to seal their mouths together, it feels like coming home, like something that's been missing has finally slotted into place.

Eddie doesn't have a lot of experience. He's kissed before, has let a couple of hands find their way into his pants and done the same to a few others. But he’s never had this, never had someone’s full attention on him like this. Steve kisses Eddie like he wants to consume him, like they'll merge into one person if he only presses closer, kisses harder. It's instantly addictive- even moreso when Steve's tongue presses into his mouth, deepening the connection.

Steve's hands begin to wander, moving over Eddie's thighs and hips and thumbing unexpectedly at his dick, making the omega whine. The hand moves down and the alpha rubs at his entrance, feeling the slick that's steadily leaking out of him and spreading it around. When Steve pushes two fingers into him without preamble, Eddie trembles at the intrusion.

It doesn't hurt; the false heat has progressed far enough that Eddie is dripping fluid and his body is eager to be filled. It's easy to arch into it, to grind his hips down to meet every thrust Steve gives him. Two fingers quickly becomes three, then four, and Eddie whines into the open air. "Need you, Alpha! Fuck me, fill me- make me yours, please!"

"You have me, Omega," Steve says as he pulls his fingers free. He hauls Eddie closer and wraps a hand around his dick, giving it a few pumps to smear Eddie's slick over it before he lines up with the omega's cunt. Eddie keens as Steve finally pushes into him, his cock so good as it stretches him open, filling him so perfectly. He clutches at Steve’s shoulders as the alpha rocks into him inch by inch until their hips are pressed together.

“Oh. So full, Alpha,” he gasps, and Steve rumbles as he grinds his hips forward, pulling a groan from the omega. Eddie can already tell that this isn't going to last long, both of them on edge already - Eddie from the elixir and Steve's touch, and Steve himself from the chase, the adrenaline from the fight.

“So good for me, my Eddie. Letting me have you like this."

Eddie nods dumbly and wraps his legs around Steve's hips, pulling him even closer. "Only you, no one else. My first and only."

Steve's scent sharpens at the confession and he dips down, pressing a bruising kiss to Eddie's mouth. When Steve finally moves it's only slow for a moment, just long enough to make sure Eddie is properly adjusted, before he speeds up.

Eddie’s never felt anything like this before, has never experienced the high that Steve's cock is giving him. He wants this every day. Wants to live the rest of his life stretched wide and stuffed full, with Steve bringing him pleasure over and over.

The rational part of Eddie’s brain knows that he won’t be able to get pregnant now, the elixir only sending him into a false heat. That doesn’t stop him from begging for it though, a stream of “Fill me, Alpha, knot me, breed me please,” as he gets closer to release. Steve growls low and snaps his hips harder into Eddie.

“I will, Omega. Going to pup you, mate you, make you mine.”

It doesn't take long after that. Eddie cries out as he comes, spilling between their bodies as Steve’s knot expands inside him. He shudders as the alpha grinds into him, pushing even deeper until he comes with a loud growl. Eddie keens as his insides are flooded with warmth, and he has a brief moment of disappointment because he knows it won't take.

The thought vanishes when Steve sinks his teeth into Eddie’s neck, breaking the skin and branding the omega with his mark. It burns like nothing he's felt before, like fire ripping through his skin before it settles into a pulsing warmth.

Steve tips his head to the side and Eddie doesn't hesitate before he leans in and places his own bite on Steve's neck, the alpha groaning as Eddie breaks the skin of his mating gland. Eddie can feel as the bond snaps into place between them, a bright, shining thread that ties them together. It’s an instant comfort, like being wrapped in a fire-warmed blanket on the coldest winter night.

He laps at the blood and ichor before it can run down Steve's chest, and he can feel the rumble of the alpha's purr under his mouth. They lay there for a moment before Steve pulls back just enough to press a sweet, bloody kiss to Eddie's mouth. “We might be here for a bit until my knot goes down.”

“I don’t mind. Like how you feel inside me,” Eddie mutters, and Steve shudders.

He brings a hand up to trace over Eddie's cheek, his fingers following the shape of his nose and lips. "You are so beautiful," he mutters, and Eddie blushes.

"Says you," Eddie retorts as he cups Steve's face in his hands. The moonlight shining down on them makes him appear almost ethereal. "You're so lovely, I'm sure the gods handcrafted you themselves."

Steve scoffs lightly and dips down to kiss Eddie again, and the omega smiles into it as he feels the warmth rushing to Steve's face. They kiss slowly, finally able to enjoy the action without the need to rush. Eddie thinks it's the best kiss he's ever had in his life, and judging by the warm, smoky scent that blooms around them, he thinks Steve might feel the same.

Eddie isn't sure how long they spend learning each other's mouths, but he keens when Steve finally pulls free, the combination of feeling empty and feeling Steve's release leaking from him making him wince. Steve coos and moves down, and Eddie jerks when the alpha laps over his entrance, tasting the mix of them in Eddie's slick.

Eddie gasps an "Alpha!" as Steve presses closer, as he slides his tongue into the wet warmth of Eddie's cunt. He doesn't stop as the omega whines and cries and begs, his mate set on some unknown task. The man only concedes when Eddie is shaking apart again and adding to the mess on his stomach - and Steve's face, he learns when the alpha pulls back, his mouth and chin wet and shiny.

Steve wipes his face with the back of his hand before pressing a kiss to Eddie's mouth. "You're delicious, my Omega. I can't wait to get you home so I can really savor you."

Eddie, flushes and shoves playfully at his mate's shoulder. "Speaking of, we should probably be getting back."

Steve nods and stands before helping Eddie off the ground. There's just enough light as Steve runs his hands over Eddie's back and legs, brushing away any stray dirt and leaves that cling to his skin. He even pulls a few out of his hair, and Eddie is glad that he tied it up before the run - after everything, it would have been a pain to brush.

Steve wraps an arm around Eddie's waist and tugs him close, offering both support and protection as they head back in the direction they came.

“We have a bit of a walk ahead of us. Tell me about yourself?” Steve asks, and Eddie smiles. He tells Steve about his home, his uncle who raised him, the reason why he came to the run in the first place. Steve just lets Eddie chatter on until they reach the edge of the forest and the familiar sight of lanterns dotted along the path leading back to town.

Others are getting back as well, pairs of Alphas and Omegas clinging to each other in a similar manner, all of them making their way back to the starting point for the whole event. They're not too far off when Eddie spies a woman standing off to the side, something fabric held in her arms, and she lights up as Steve guides them closer.

“Welcome back! I'm guessing you had fun?” she asks as she passes over what turns out to be two cloaks, one for each of them. 

“Just a little.” Steve grins and tips his head, showing off the fresh bite in the crook of his neck. The woman gasps before squealing in delight as she pulls Steve into a hug. Eddie smiles, watching the interaction as he pulls the cloak around his shoulders. It’s nice, clearly well made, and Eddie briefly wonders exactly who he’s found himself mated to that they can afford something so clearly expensive.

“Robin, this is Eddie," Steve says as he reaches out, tugging Eddie closer. "Eddie, meet Robin, my best friend in the world and my right hand woman.”

"It's nice to meet you," Eddie says, unsure just how polite he needs to be. The woman - another Alpha, he can tell - is clearly important to Steve, but also- Eddie is essentially naked. He supposes that formality may not be an issue in the current setting, and he's proven right when Robin gives him a bright smile.

"It's nice to meet you as well, Eddie. May I recommend finishing this conversation in the carriage, before your mate freezes, Steve?"

"Right! Of course," Steve says and ushers Eddie forward. "There's salve in the carriage, yes? Eddie has wounds that need attention."

"Salve and bandages. It seems like you'll be needing some as well, though," Robin replies as she reaches out to poke at Steve's bruised cheek. Eddie's mate smacks the hand away.

"I'll be fine, Birdie. There's more important things to worry about. Tomorrow, we need to travel to Forest Hills to collect Eddie’s uncle and all their things, and move them to the castle,” Steve says, and Eddie freezes in place. Steve and Robin continue on, and he hears his mate say “We’ll also need to appoint him a lady in waiting, but I honestly think Chrissy would-”

Castle? 

Lady in waiting? 

Who on Earth is this man?

Steve seems to realize that Eddie isn't with them, because he turns to look at the omega, clearly concerned. "Eddie? Are you alright?"

"Castle," Eddie replies, blinking harshly. "You said- Why did you say castle?"

Robin smacks Steve's arm in a gesture that screams of familiarity. "Did you not tell him?" she asks, and Steve flushes.

"I was waiting for the right moment!" he explains as he steps over and takes Eddie's hands in his own. He takes a breath, seeming to brace himself before he says "I'm the crown Prince of Loch Nora. My parents were in the process of arranging a mating for me, when I decided that I'd rather leave it in fate's hands than in theirs. Clearly it was the right decision, since the gods led me to you."

He punctuates the statement by reaching up to cup Eddie's face in his hands, and- Eddie can hardly breathe. Just hours ago he was a desperate man taking the riskiest chance of his life, and now he's mated to a prince. A prince who happens to be his scentmate.

"Am I dreaming?" he asks as tears well up in his eyes, and Steve coos. The alpha leans in and rubs their noses together, a sign of affection that only makes Eddie want to cry even more.

"Not dreaming, Eddie. This is real, this is happening. I found you, and you have me, my Omega."

They stand there for a moment, Eddie taking in his new reality as his mate surrounds him with the scent of a warm autumn evening, made all the stronger with Eddie's clove and spice. Eventually Eddie steps back, feeling lighter than he has in a long time.

"We, uh. We shouldn't keep Robin waiting any longer," he says, ignoring the slight roughness still clinging to his voice. Steve simply nods and takes his hand, leading them back over to where Robin is standing. Eddie laces their fingers together and listens to the soft drone of their voices as they discuss the logistics of moving Eddie's entire life into Steve's home.

"Are your parents going to be disappointed?" Eddie asks out of nowhere, cutting through the conversation and pulling the alphas' attention. A frown tugs at Steve's mouth even as he brings their joined hands up and presses a kiss to Eddie's knuckles.

"Even if they are, I promise nothing they say or do could ever make me leave you. You're my Omega, Eddie, my mate. I would give up the crown and run away before I'd ever give you up."

Eddie believes him. The conviction in his voice, in his face, lets Eddie know that Steve is telling him the truth. He would give up a life of royalty to be by Eddie's side.

He can't help but pull Steve in for a kiss, sinking every emotion he doesn't have the words for into it. It's brief but intense, and when they part he says "Take me home, my Alpha."

They continue their trek to the carriage, and possibly for the first time in his life, Eddie is genuinely excited to see what the future holds for him.

[rottenpumpkin13]

sepiroth out of spite for shinra decides to be extremely financially irresponsible and make shinra pay for it how does it go

*Angeal trips over a fully assembled indoor koi pond while entering Sephiroth's office*

Sephiroth: Watch your step.

Angeal: I ALREADY FELL.

*The place looks like a Shinra catalog exploded—chaise lounges, random machines, a cappuccino bar, and six full suits of Wutai ceremonial armor lined up like they're on parade*

Angeal: What the hell is all this??

Sephiroth: Gifts from our benevolent overlords here at Shinra. Hojo claims my "emotional instability" is a performance and that I should be grateful for Shinra's generosity—free housing, zero taxes, a paycheck. So I've decided to indulge that generosity.

Angeal: Are you seriously that petty?

Sephiroth: Yes I am.

Angeal: You used the executive credit Lazard lets us borrow for business travel, didn't you.

Sephiroth: Correct. If Shinra wishes to posture as generous, let them kindly foot the bill for 55 bottles of imported moonflower elixir, 42 ergonomic meditation chairs, 31 custom-forged materia display cases, 12 animatronic chocobos, one life-sized silver bust of me, and other things.

Angeal: …You do know that Lazard didn't give us a company card. He borrowed it from Tseng. Who got it from Rufus. Who's been trying to build credit and told us specifically not to use it for anything weird.

Sephiroth: Oh. Oh no.

(ELSEWHERE)

Tseng: Lazard, the card I lent you is showing some alarming charges.

Lazard: Such as?

Tseng: 243 units of "deluxe personal wellness rods" in three different colors and varying degrees of vibration. Care to explain?

Lazard: I'm going to kill Sephiroth.

[resident-dumb-fuck]

sweeney todd tumblr dashboard simulator

🥧mrs-lovetts-meat-pies Follow

GRAND RE-OPENING tomorrow at 9am!! If you're in London tomorrow come by Mrs. Lovett's Pie Shop we have good pies this time I promise

(31 notes)

🐦jojos-bizarre-adventure Follow

why do the birds outside my window sing if theyre trapped in cages

🐤bird-enthusiast Follow

we blind em so they keep singing

🐦jojos-bizarre-adventure

goddamn i was gonna do like symbolism because i also cant get out of the house but thats so much worse than i expected

(3 notes)

⛵sailor-boy Follow

women pretty...

(25,800 notes)

👨‍⚖️judge-turpin-official Follow

there are children trying to elope with my ward

⛪beadle-deedle-deedle-deedle Follow

fucked up have you tried marrying her first

👨‍⚖️judge-turpin-official

good idea

(5 notes)

🐦jojos-bizarre-adventure Follow

this shit sucks the guy whos like my legal guardian wants to marry me. what the fuck

⛵sailor-boy Follow

i could marry you first

🐦jojos-bizarre-adventure

fuck it why not

(17 notes)

🥧mrs-lovetts-meat-pies Follow

Please for the love of god come to my pie shop we are going out of business I know the pies taste like shit but please

(316 notes)

🪒da-so-famous-pirelli Follow

Are you experiencing hair loss? Want your hair back? Try Pirelli's Miracle Elixir - only costs a penny*, guaranteed!

*no longer only costs a penny

🥟toby-ragg Follow

promoting this on my main blog because i get paid for every bottle purchased please please please buy this

(15 notes)

💈sweeneys-barbershop Follow

where is my wife and child

(7 notes)

⛵sailor-boy Follow

back in london!!! yippee!!!!

💈sweeneys-barbershop Follow

london kinda sucks ass if you think about it hard enough

⛵sailor-boy

this is where all my stuff is though

(15 notes)

[gunsandspaceships]

MCU Timeline. Avengers: Endgame. Part 1 (Intro, 2018)

2018

May 17:

10 am (EST) - the Battle on Titan. Benatar's fuel cells take damage during the battle.

Tony is seriously injured by Thanos.

On their farm, the Bartons prepare for an al fresco brunch. Clint teaches his daughter archery.

10:24 am (EST) - the Snap.

All of Clint's family members turn to ash.

~ 11 am - Tony and Nebula board the Benatar.

They stitch up Tony's wound, but it still gets infected.

They reverse the ion charge in the ship's energy cells to buy some flight time, and then head off towards Earth.

May 19 (in 48 hours) - Benatar runs out of power thousands of light years from Earth.

~May 19-20 - Nebula closes Tony's wound using a high-tech space medical device, leaving a thin scar.

~May 24, 2018 (~a week later) - Tony and Nebula play paper football.

~May 25-31 - they run out of food. Suffering from hunger and infection, Tony begins to rapidly lose weight.

June 6:

The infection in Tony's body went away.

With a second snap, Thanos reduces the Infinity Stones to atoms.

~May 17 - June 7 - Tony dreams about Pepper every night.

June 7 (22nd day in space):

Dying Tony records a message for Pepper.

Exhausted and believing that he will be dead by tomorrow morning, he lies down on the floor of the ship and falls asleep.

Nebula places him in the captain's chair.

Captain Marvel finds them and takes them to Earth.

At the same time (May 17 - June 8) on Earth - the Avengers play cards and try to determine Thanos' current location.

June 8:

Before sunrise - Steve Rogers shaves off his beard.

Carol lands the Benatar at the Avengers Compound.

Tony reunites with Pepper, and Nebula with Rocket.

Tony is brought inside, hooked up to an IV, seated in a wheelchair and given a bowl of soup.

6 am - he tells the others who were turned to dust on Titan and learns about the situation on Earth.

Tony takes it out on Rogers, gives him his heart, and collapses.

He is taken to the med bay, where Bruce gives him a sedative.

7 am - Nebula and Rocket provide the Avengers with Thanos' location.

~8 am - they go to the Garden.

Carol goes on recon.

~An hour later - she returns and the team goes after Thanos.

They attack Thanos, learn that he has destroyed the Stones, and Thor beheads him.

Speculation time. Carol mentioned that she wanted to bring Tony the Xorrian elixir, so there are a few options:

Before turning home they stopped somewhere where this elixir was available and returned maybe on the same day, or maybe a month later.

They first returned to Earth, and Carol went separately to get the medicine.

No one went for the elixir. At least, it wasn't confirmed that Carol brought anything, so I really can't say she did.

MCU Timeline: The Infinity Saga

[m3-kk]

TCF NOVEL SPOILERS- My TCF notes

Hmmm it’s been a minute since I posted any of my TCF notes about the chapters.. so here ya go! THIS IS PART 2 SHAWTYS!!

Ch. 1- YESSS CHAPTER 1!! Not the Kings Palace going kaboom 😶 Cale needs to rest!!! Slacker chan!!!

Ch. 5- AHHHHHHHHHH LEE SOO HYUKKKKKKKK LETSS GOOOOO! BLACK HAWKK OOO

Ch. 6- His name is now Sui Khan 😮

Ch. 7- 🍪 Cookiess! So we have to travel different dimensions now? Cale needs a break 😭😭

Ch. 8- World with the white mages = Xiaolen Planet

Ch.9- YAY DIVINE ITEM MIRROR LAPTOP THINGY! We are definitely going to like the other worlds people evil smirk 😏

Ch. 10- HAH CALE HUNG UP ON DUKE FREDO LOL! Sooo Cale is a god. 😀

Ch. 12- Dead mana is purer AND Cale’s power is more efficient here? Interesting..

Ch. 13- Hey we have a spare world tree!

Ch. 15- Mary is registering as a candidate to be a necromancer empress GO MARY!

Ch. 16- AW HER FAKE NAME IS “Heni Wishrop” HENI STANDS FOR HENITUSE!

Everyone thinks our Mary is powerful hehe!

Ch. 21- Working with Zero & the 4th Prince for the Harmony test :D

Ch. 22- OOooo Black Rain 🌧️

Ch. 24- Now we actually need to kill those hunters. How dare they lay a finger on our family. Let’s flip them over immediately.

Ch. 25- Yay! Hong & On <3 Let’s go to the infected area! 2nd Princess?

Ch. 26- the 2nd imperial princess has been converted to Caleism hah m! Tree-bush monster ye fire, destruction, protection!

Ch. 27- Are you human? HAHAH CALEE

Ch. 28- That Marquis guy is smart. Cale really is acting like a purifier so funny!

Ch. 31- Blood Message! How scary!

Ch. 34- Attacking the bad guys >:]

Ch. 36- BURNNNNNNN 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Ch. 37- 50% power to get 2,500% as a result! SO EFFICIENTTTT WEEEEEE

Ch. 38- THE HUNTER WHO HUNTS HUNTERS! GO CALE SO POWERFUL HA!

Ch. 39- Cale.. not everyone is a super powerful ultimate other worldly being like you! I feel bad for Goldie Gramps 😭

Ch. 40- In Prison with the fam 😜

Ch. 41- We are going to loot!! Goldie Gramps is angry and that dragon is timid but crazy. I love our family! CHAOS LOVE

Ch. 42- DESTROY THE ESTATE MWAHAH

Ch. 43- So sad that we couldn’t loot 😭🥲

Ch. 44- Ooo Opening the safe 💰

Ch. 54- ooo revealing us to the empire?

Ch. 58- Choking? Reminds me of Adin

Ch. 63- HAH I KNEW IT THE FAKE WT IS STAYING YOOO

Ch. 64- INFOOO! Not the Patriarch blowing up that’s crazy! We could’ve gotten so much more info! But oh well! Five Colors ooo!

Ch. 65- HAHAH THE GOD OF DEATH IN THE GROUP CHAT HAHAH I LOVE HIMM HEHHEHE (I love this chapter)

Ch. 66- AWWW Chatting with fire of Purification in puppy form!

Ch. 67- This is so cute I’m glad we get a lil’ rest just chatting with the nice puppy ❤️ I love!!!

Ch. 69- Almost the end of this arc!

Ch. 71- HOME WITH THE MONEYYYYY

Ch. 73- Ron, Beacrox! I missed uuuu!

Ch. 75- Aw the Henituse Fam! Billos!

Ch. 76- You get a mine, you get a mine. EVERYONE GETSA MINE!!

Ch. 78- YOU HAVE BEEN PROMOTED YOU ARE NOW ONE OF MY ELITE EMPLOYEES!

Ch. 79- @CP we have a mommy on our side? Mummy’s boy emperor as well???

Ch. 81- CENTRAL PLAINS?! The sworn brother goodbye was cute.

Ch. 83- We meet CP’s clone?? Cutie??

Ch. 85- The disrespect! They can’t pronounce our Cale Henituse’s name!

Ch. 86- NEW NAMES LETSGOOO

Ch. 90- YOO we got a golden plaque!

Ch. 91- Cale ignores Toonka but not Roan!

Ch. 93- We found the living jiangshi!

Ch. 94- enlightenment is crazy****

Ch. 97- Talking with the Sword Sainttt

Ch. 100- Purification! Chapter 100!

Ch. 101- One word, blood. SHITTTTT NOO

Ch. 102- AWKWARD! Yay Choi Jung SOO

Ch. 106- LET HIM EATTTT

Ch. 108- So many ally’s yay !!!!

Ch. 112- We. Are. Going. To. EATT! (a elixir)

Ch. 113- 70% shield 53% water

Ch. 116- The Alliance leader is being bitchy SHOW EM’ WHOSE BOSS! (Roan misses Alberu)

Ch. 118- Don’t hurt our Cale! Please!

Ch. 119- Aw I love when Choi Han & Beacrox talk together about family

Ch. 121- Ah the god ole trash bastard days

Ch. 123- Green Forest Bastards try and mess with us?! Angry Cale! >:(

Ch. 124- OO Cale is the BOSS MAN

Ch. 127- 68% then 72% of fire!!

Ch. 128- Pfft Caleism has a poem now lol.

Ch. 129- HUHH Big complicated lore??

Ch. 131- WOAHH The Heavenly Demon is a smart cookie fr fr wow intelligent!

Ch. 135- The Left Guard is so cute awe

Ch. 136- Oh no the Heavenly Demon ain’t doing so good :[

Ch. 137- Helping out the HD again. Spy?

Ch. 139- Aw Choi Family spars. I love it

Ch. 141- HD is being healed yay

Ch. 142- I was so concerned about Cale the whole time! Bloody Battle

Ch. 146- (I hope everyone at home is ok)

Ch. 151- TALKING WITH ALBERU YAYAYAY

Ch. 152- Pinnacle Demon is poison crazy

Ch. 153- We going to destroy things now?

Ch. 154- YAY DESTRUCTION DESTROY

Ch. 155- FINALLY FLIP THINGS OVER KYA

Ch. 157- OO WATER AP FOUND SOMETHIN

Ch. 158- OMG DRAGON LORE?? YAHOO

Ch. 159- “Raon’s lackey” I got the chills!

Ch. 160- OOOooo I’m hooked! Dragons<3

Ch. 162- Oh DAMN! We got a mf jackpot! Water is 300 percent stronger than the OG. No blood shed! Dragons are great!

Ch. 163- HAHA LOOTING ANCIENT STUFF

Ch. 165- Scale+Crown+Crown=Red Crown

Ch. 169- Shit is going down! TSUNAMI!

Ch. 171- How dare she think to threaten us, she shall die by Choi Hans sword.

Ch. 176- Old man Baek describes Cale’s world and “reads” him

Ch. 183- I love that we can run wild!! 😜

Ch. 185- THE PRIESTESS the youngest daughter of Orsena!

Ch. 186- The Dominantung Aura

Ch. 187- Our little Han got stronger (I’m so fucking proud of him 🥲)

Ch. 188- We killed her.. Last words?

Ch. 189- The Formation Collapsed!

Ch. 190- Raon’s MC moment. (Cute bond)

Ch. 191- Using water AP to Max! Or not?

Ch. 192- the Punto Banhui and Tears💧

Ch. 195- You got games on your phone?

Ch. 196- Everyone wants Cale to be a god

Ch. 199- WE LEFT!!! NOW WE ARE HOMEE

Ch. 200- Awww so cute at Alberu’s casa

Ch. 201- That actually so funny 🤣

Ch. 202- Zoom Call with Ahn Roh Man talking about gamess. Similarities?

Ch. 206- Aw it been a bit since we chilled

Ch. 209- Speech ruined! (So every time Cale has to do a speech it’s interrupted)

Prev | Next

[the-monkey-ruler]

The Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven's Palace (2014) 西遊記之大鬧天宮

Director: Cheang Pou-soi Screenwriter: Huang Zihuan / Huo Xin / Szeto Kam Yuen / Chen Dali Starring: Donnie Yen / Chow Yun-fat / Aaron Kwok / Peter Ho / Hai Yitian / Xia Zitong / Chen Qiaoen / Kelly Chen / Gigi Leung / Zhang Zilin / Cheng Ka-shing / Liu Hua / Nick Cheung / Law Tsz-yi / Li Jing / Wang Yuanyuan / Liang Yuen Genre: Action / Fantasy Country/Region of Production: Mainland China/ Hong Kong, China Language: Mandarin / Cantonese Date: 2014-01-31 (Mainland China) Duration: 119 minutes Also known as: The Monkey King: Havoc in Heavens Palace 3D / The Monkey King / Monkey Magic: The Birth of Sun Wukong / Journey to the West: Havoc in Heaven / 大闹天宫3D版 IMDb: tt1717715 Official website: Journey to the West: Havoc in Heaven Adaptation: Addition

Summary:

During an attack on Heaven, the Bull Demon King battles and loses against the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven. The Emperor's sister and Bull Demon King's lover, Princess Iron Fan, convinces the Emperor to spare him and banishes him, Princess Iron Fan, and the rest of the demons to Flaming Mountain. The goddess Nüwa sacrifices her body to rebuild Heaven with crystals. The Jade Emperor appoints his nephew Erlang Shen to guard the Southern Gate, despite Erlang's resentment of the task. One of the crystals falls to Mount Huaguo, taking the form of a monkey over time. A nine-tailed fox is scarred after touching the crystal and whisked away by a mysterious force.

Years later, the monkey is taken in and trained by Subhuti, naming him Sun Wukong. The Bull Demon King plans to invade heaven again by using Wukong and preying on Erlang's anger towards the Jade Emperor. Erlang agrees to help the Demon King in exchange for getting to kill his uncle and take Heaven's throne. The plan is kept secret from Princess Iron Fan, who is pregnant with the Demon King's child. Wukong travels to the palace of the Dragon King to find weapons for the Mount Huaguo monkeys. After defeating the Dragon King, Wukong becomes intrigued by a staff planted in the sea. He removes it, causing a violent storm. The Bull Demon King asks a young Vixen if she'd like to meet her old friend again. She is revealed to be the nine-tailed fox and the Demon King as the force that whisked her away, claiming to have saved her life. After the Dragon King informs Heaven of Wukong's destruction, Erlang sends Nezha to arrest him.

The Vixen, who reveals her name to be Ruxue, reunites with her old friend, Wukong. He promises to make her immortal after learning she will die when she turns 200 years old. The pair is attacked by Nezha, but is killed by the Bull Demon King. Wukong befriends the Demon King, who appeals to Wukong's ego and tempts him with Heaven's treasures, including immortality. Wukong journeys to Heaven and learn the secret to immortality. The Demon King and Erlang conspire further, revealing that if Wukong consumes the Emperor's elixir, it will increase his power.

Erlang tries to convince the Jade Emperor that Wukong is a demon but Subhuti intervenes, explaining Wukong is not evil. Wukong meets the Emperor and is given a position caring for the stables. Princess Iron Fan learns of the Demon King's plan, who justifies his attack as destiny. Wukong comes across a large kiln. Erlang, disguised as a maiden, tempts him by revealing that the Emperor's elixir is made there. Wukong is restrained by Subhuti and told to leave but Erlang challenges him to take the Elixir. Wukong consumes the elixir and battles Erlang until he flees. Ashamed, Wukong leaves Heaven and returns to find Mount Huaguo destroyed and all his friends dead, including Ruxue, who has a dark substance around her neck. Enraged, Wukong returns to Heaven after the Bull Demon King convinces him that they were responsible. Wukong attacks Heaven's armies and the Emperor.

Suhuti battles the Demon King but is defeated. Wukong notices the Demon King conjure the same dark substance he found on Ruxue and realizes he was the one who killed his friends. Wukong attacks the Demon King but is defeated. Through a vision, the Bodhisattva Guan Yin helps Wukong realize his mistakes. The Demon King defeats the Emperor and kills Erlang, taking the throne. Wukong battles the Demon King once more, sending him crashing to Earth. Later, Princess Iron Fan gives birth to Red Boy. They find the Bull Demon King who, having lost all his power, has been turned into a regular bull. Iron Fan explains that this is the fate of evil men but continues to care for the bull, regardless. Wukong wishes to help the Emperor rebuild Heaven, but he is stopped by Buddha. Buddha reveals that Wukong's chance for atonement will arrive in 500 years, but he must sleep inside Buddha's hand-turned-mountain until then. Wukong agrees and is sealed by Buddha. 500 years later, Tang Sanzang approaches the mountain.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monkey_King_(2014_film)

[justwanderingtheblog]

A Rambling Account of the Badassery of Xena: Warrior Princess

A video essay about Xena: Warrior Princess and her place in the history of action women and queer women on screen.

0:00 - Intro

8:23 - Disclaimer

8:44 - Toss a Coin to Your Warrior (Princess)

10:48 - Women in Action: By the Numbers

37:59 - Women in Action: Like the Harpies in a Bad Mood

49:57 - Just a Girl in Search of a Really Good Sword

56:29 - All Consequences Are Your Own Creation

59:47 - A Friend of Humanity

1:06:51 - Don’t Be Shy, Your Mother Wasn’t

1:22:55 - Harold, They’re Lesbians

1:36:13 - Leather Unmentionables

1:47:06 - The Producers Sincerely Hope You Were A-MUSE-D

1:50:32 - Sleazy Warlords Who Drink Magic Elixirs

1:59:13 - Blonde-Haired, Blue-Eyed Horde Girls

2:15:31 - Xena Was Permanently Harmed in the Making of This Motion Picture

2:18:02 - Epilogue

2:27:21 - Credits

[gungigarden]

✨️Merukomu Luxury Project Mature Cover Reveal✨️

ESSENCE X AMBROSIA

Essence X Ambrosia includes a taste of the devine elixir, as well as the mature works from artists and writers. Taste the sweet honey, be lured by temptation, and embrace the spoils. This seductive cover has been drawn by @frenchublog and is oozing with passion.

Essence X Ambrosia will be released Aug 31/2024

[adumbteenboy]

When you find out that mother mother and cavetown released a song together that combines their songs dirty town and devil town together. Aahhhhh love it sm

@gaygothfluid @elixir-31

[diary-of-a-loser-boy]

53 68 61 72 6b 2f 73 70 61 72 6b 2f 54 65 78 2f 6d 65 2f 4b 61 69 20 70 31 20 49 27 6d 20 6f 66 74 65 6e 20 63 6f 6e 73 69 64 65 72 65 64 20 74 68 65 20 65 6c 69 78 69 72 20 6f 66 20 6c 69 66 65 2c 20 49 27 6d 20 76 69 74 61 6c 20 74 6f 20 61 6c 6c 20 6c 69 66 65 20 6f 6e 20 65 61 72 74 68 2c 20 49 20 74 61 6b 65 20 6d 61 6e 79 20 66 6f 72 6d 73 20 61 6e 64 20 63 61 6e 20 74 61 6b 65 20 6c 69 66 65 2e 20 57 68 61 74 20 61 6d 20 49 3f

Idk y’all help me

“Shark/spark/Tex/me/Kai p1 I'm often considered the elixir of life, I'm vital to all life on earth, I take many forms and can take life. What am I?”

@kair0s-in-space @sparky4577 @evry1h8s-me @but-aint-this-texas

[galebrainrot2024]

GalexTav Enemies to Lovers Part 31

Summary: Gale and Tav have some time alone after quite some time. Perhaps their moment has arrived. Also, I recognize this part is significantly longer than prior parts. It's how you know we're cooking with gas/a lot of in-game dialogue and references are used for this part. The scenes will be a bit different, based on their story. Enjoy!

Part 30 | Big List of Fics | Read on Ao3

Gale trailed behind Tav in silence, matching her pace as they ascended the staircase to the chamber. The air was thick with humidity and mildew, it reminded him of the docks in Waterdeep. Musty, with the rancor of strange folk echoing in the distance. His knee gave way and he let out a quiet oof. 

Tav turned, “You alright?” She cocked a brow, looking down at his knees. 

“Oh, yes, never better.” Gale averted her gaze and gestured, “After you.” 

Balthazar’s room was an off-shoot of Z’rell’s office and they walked by her awkwardly.  “Remember, no snooping,” Z’rell hissed, her eyes not straying from the letter glued to her hands. 

Once they crossed the threshold, Gale gingerly closed the door with a subtle click. The macabre scene before them made his stomach churn and he felt acid in his throat. Grimacing, he studied the bookcases and rubbed the back of his neck. “So, what exactly are we hoping to find in here?” 

Tav began to rummage through the drawers and baskets carelessly. “Easy!” Gale took her hands and pulled them away from the bookcase she was about to explore. “Don’t be reckless, there could be traps for all you know.” 

She snorted, “Please, do you think I didn’t already look?” 

Gale’s eyes flicked to the evident false-books before them. “Evidently not.” He gestured towards the facade, smirking. “I’d wager one of these books is the correct one, and the others will set off some type of alarm.”

She rolled her eyes. “You think you’re so clever, when in fact, I already figured out the puzzle, thank you very much.” Tav indignantly pulled a book, glaring at Gale when a puff of gas emerged from the shelves. 

“For the love of the Gods…” Gale held his breath and pulled her from the mist, his fingers wrapping tightly around her waist. A little bit of poison was no match for the various elixirs he kept on hand. Before his mind could stop him, he began muttering: “Imagine that trap was something far worse, your stubbornness and inability to see the bigger picture is infuriating. Imagine instead of poison cloud the walls were laced with cloud-kill, or worse, disintegrate. Your pride will be your death, and I can’t see that happen.” With a flick of his wrist and a little bit of weave, the gas was gone. 

She gritted her teeth. “You distracted me -“ 

Gale laughed blackly. “I distracted you? In what way? By noting the aforementioned perils? By pulling you out before you ingested lungfuls of poison? How dare I.” 

“Can you please just…” 

“What?” Gale hissed, his face inches from Tav’s. His gaze bore into the deep pools of her eyes and he felt himself overcome. His voice softened. “Can I please what? Why ask me to accompany you, after refusing my company for weeks despite my sincere and humble apologies, and suddenly you ask for me to join you and refuse to hear reason and instead aim to have us killed?” 

The room was filled only by the sound of their shallow breathing. She said finally. “Which book do you think it is?” 

“This one,” Gale said, without looking he pulled the book from the shelf that revealed a lock-box - likely the key to opening the chamber. 

“This one,” she mocked beneath her breath, and rolled her eyes, pushing past him. Though, not angrily. The movement felt different. Perhaps it was his imagination, or overthinking, but the tension she held was different than when she said she hated him. That, she, “fucking hated him,” refusing any appeal for forgiveness. 

“Why, I cannot thank you enough for saving my life, Gale, truly I am so glad you’re here with me, Gale.” He murmured behind her mockingly and sealed his lips when she turned to give him a seething glance. His face flushed and he looked down, bashful. 

Tav rifled through the dead body beside the bookcase. She pulled a human heart from the pocket, viscous and dripping. She looked at the box and looked at Gale before thrusting the heart into the chamber. A sudden click revealed a now open passageway in the wall. He rose his brows and whispered, “Clever.” 

Gale knew his folly was cruel. And, he recognized the painful learnings of youth and hoped Tav would be more reasonable now that they were in their third decade. He tried to imagine what his reaction would be, had their roles been reversed. If Tav had sabotaged his chance at prestige, his calling to be Mystra’s chosen. Angry wouldn’t begin to touch the swell of emotions that would consume him. And thus, he did not press Tav on the matter. He gave her as much space and distance as she craved, he avoided upsetting and disrupting her, stayed behind to cook her preferred meals and tidy her tent and wash her belongings. He never mentioned that he did these things, nor did she, yet he felt it was the least he could do. 

Gale was nothing if not persistent. Despite their past, despite what he had done, Gale wanted nothing more than to give her the world and more. 

It was not time for wistful musings, though. As they stepped in the room, it was clear Balthazar had been experimenting with dark magic. 

“My gods…” she breathed, walking through the room cautiously lest she set off anymore traps. On the side wall there was a ritual circle. Carved into the benches rotted surface were half faded sigils beside discarded corpses. 

“A ritual circle.. and a complex one at that. I’ve seen such a construction before in the writings of the Weavepasha of Almraiven, though his vision was not so… tainted.” Gale grimaced. 

Tav snorted, “You’re not the only wizard familiar with dark magic.” She studied the arrangement for a moment before murmuring, “The sigils are written in a curious mix of tongues.” Gale stood behind her, leaning over her so that their shoulders brushed against one another. He inhaled as she continued: “Ancient Calishite, Netherese, and something else I can’t make out.” 

“If we’re reading it correctly,” Gale fingered the dust. “It was used for the creation of Moonlanterns. It’s been mostly drained, and even now contains a powerful dose of Shadow Weave. We could, in theory, use the discarded pixie corpses to create another lantern… though, Mystra’s eyes may be upon us. She’d forbid me dabbling with such magic. She’d want it destroyed. Wasted, arguably.” 

“Forget what Mystra wants.” Tav interjected, “I can deal with the circle, if you’d rather.” 

“Deal with it? Need I remind you, destroying magic like this was once my bread and butter.” 

“Need I remind you, it could have easily been my ‘bread and butter,’ had circumstances been different.” Tav shot back though he noted the blush that crept up her neck and licked her ears. Gale frowned, the sting of truth eating at him. He was surprised when Tav gestured to him, “Do whatever you want with it, Gale.” 

With a few subtle gestures, he cleared the magic. “Not bad for a wizard who slept through his Caleshite lessons, eh?” Tav rolled her eyes when a sudden sensation swept through him. It was unmistakable. Mystra. “Did you feel that? If we weren’t surrounded on all sides by the shadow cursed lands, I’d lthink it was Mystra herself brushing against my skin...” 

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you,” Tav mumbled, an edge of - was that jealousy, he mused? 

“Are you… jealous?” Gale quipped, unable to hold his tongue. Tav snapped a withering look and shook her head. 

“Of course not.” 

“I think she’s left a part of herself to watch over me, I think… a boon to reach the heart of the absolute in one piece.” 

“Unless this boon saves you from detonating the orb, it hardly seems worth it. She’s manipulating you, Gale, to do what she’s asked.” 

“You might be onto something there. Though, I would imagine her intelligent enough to not resort to such.. overt manipulation.” 

“Or she is and knows that she can pray on your emotions.” 

Gale shrugged, “Perhaps we’re overthinking things, a blessings a blessing. And this one should come in most useful. Shall we?” 

Tav rolled her eyes and they continued to scour the room in search of any clues to what horrors lie ahead. There were papers scattered everywhere - Gale stumbled across a letter that Tav opened clumsily. The letter read: 

Gortash, 

The tone of your recent letter is inappropriate. You may follow the lord of Tyranny, but I do not answer to him or you. 

It isn’t the fault of any of the chosen that the artifact has gone astray. Unforeseen events occurred, as they often do. I acknowledge your planning mastery and brilliance of mind, but you lack the depth of experience that brings patience and composure. 

The artifact will be found. Our enemies will be thwarted. We will prevail. 

“Gortash?” Tav murmured and Gale extended his hand, in hopes to read the letter himself. She gave it to him and he shook his head. “They must be looking for this.” Tav fingered the artifact tucked in her robes. 

“He’s the one who betrayed Karlach, why she ended up with that contraption for a heart. Clearly he has a bigger role in this than any of us had previously imagined. The only reason Ketheric would have to maintain contact is if he is part of a larger, more perilous plan than we realized.”  

There was scratching behind the door and the lock clicked. Gale dropped the letter into his pocket and picked up the moonlantern. Z’rell entered followed by a scrying eye. “Not snooping, I hope. Grab the lantern and be on your way, you have your orders. Move.” 

The two nodded and slipped past Z’rell, understanding that they needed to head back to camp and share what they’d learned. More investigations would have to wait. 

** 

Later that evening, after the letter was shared and the group reconvened, Tav wandered around camp in a desperate attempt to find Gale. Unfortunately for her, Gale wandered off in search of solace. After handing over the letter, Karlach seemed beyond enraged and the fires were unwieldy. Gale was habitually the one to soothe her in moments of extreme heat, but in his absence, Wyll accompanied her into the night.   

As she approached the cook-pot, the sound of Karlach’s rage just barely audible in the distance, a hologram that appeared eerily like Gale was knelt before the fire. “Gale?” 

“Good evening! I am here on behalf of Gale of Waterdeep.” The projection said, “He asked that I maintain the cook-pot and serve tonights meal.” 

“I see.” Tav folded her arms across her chest, “So, if you ‘re not Gale, where is Gale?” 

The projection’s face slumped and frowned. “I’m sorry, Gale requested I not reveal his location. He gave very explicit instructions and from what little I could glean from him, it seemed a matter most urgent.” 

Tav groaned, “Listen-“ 

“Rest assured, I can hear you.” The projection said in earnest, turning to face her. “Is there anything else I can help you with this evening?” 

“No, thank you.” Tav rolled her eyes and sulked away. She knew he couldn’t be far. 

Gale made sure to stay close enough that Tav, determined as she was, would find him. He pulled at strings of the weave, teals and blues that littered the shadow-cursed skies with a forbidden reality. It sent euphoria down his spine as the colors and sensations flowed through him, away from him, and into the conjuring above. It felt like poetry incarnate, music that you could taste. 

“Gale?” His neck snapped and his gaze met Tav’s. He felt the heat rise to his cheeks and he stood, brushing off his pants. 

“Sorry… you startled me.” 

“What are you doing out here?” There was no need to answer since she turned her gaze upward. He heard the hitch in her breathing and it made his stomach churn with longing. 

Despite her valiant attempts to disguise her thoughts, the smallest things reveal their truths. 

Tav’s lips parted and she ran her tongue over them. He studied her expression, enraptured by the way her brows furrowed and rose in delight. The way the darkness of her pupils widened as she gazed up at the facade. His facade.

Gale was hyperaware of how her body shifted, it swayed closer to him and inhaled deeply. Her eyes looked heavy with sleep, gleaming under the light of his false stars. 

There were no words in any tongue that could capture the exchange between them. They spoke without words, seeing into one another’s naked souls in a way only lovers do. 

After a few moments, Gale choked out: “I’m so sorry-“ 

Tav pressed her fingers against his lips and shook her head. Gale wrapped his hands around hers and rubbed small circles with his thumb into the palm of her hand. He watched her carefully, noting how her thumb pressed deeper into his lip. 

Dare he pursue her? Dare he kiss her, despite everything? 

Time came to halt. It waited for them. There was nothing to say. 

Gale shivered, goosebumps rising on his skin as she traced her thumb across his bottom lip and across his cheek. He held her wrist, delicately, as her hand wrapped around his neck. He frowned as he felt her hand tense and drop suddenly. 

Tears flooded her eyes as her voice fell. “How am I supposed to forgive you?” A bitter sting, the lump in his throat suffocating. “How am I supposed to hate you? How am I supposed to allow you to do Mystra’s bidding and pretend I do not care?” She turned and wiped her tears with both hands in a sudden, firm motion. She shook her head, and stared at him. Gale stared back in stunned silence. “Well?” She said, gesturing. 

“Well…” Gale said, rubbing the back of his neck and pursed his lips. “Soon, you will not need to be bothered by it.” His voice dropped and he tilted his head up towards the swirling, ephemeral beauty of the stars. “If we find the heart of the Absolute, as we expect we will, I see no other course of action. There’s no point in running from the inevitable. Better to meet it, on my own terms.” He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. 

Tav’s voice was barely audible: “Nothing is inevitable.” 

Gale shook his head, bewildered and let out a curt laugh. “Then what would you have me do? Defy Mystra once again? Allow the world to succumb to the horrors of becoming mind flayers?” 

Although his questions were rhetorical, Tav responded. “I need you alive.” 

Gale’s heart sunk. He felt his knees buckle and yet he stood tall, shutting his eyes. “You’ve done quite alright without me thus far, in fact far better than when I am near.” He sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his hair, his voice lower. “We both know the past cannot be changed, and the future becomes ever closer to being realized….” 

“You’re a part of this world!” Tav interrupted, her arms flung out to the side. “Please…” her voice trembled with an unmistakable edge and her arms deflated. “….stay..” the rest of the words evaporated before they could leave her lips. 

Gale looked at her. “Why?” 

Tav huffed and all at once, it seemed she lost her bravado and courage. “Are you not afraid?” 

“Afraid?” Gale turned, and ran both hands through his hair before turning to look back at her with a gentle smile. “No, I am terrified. Unfortunately, fear or courage or reason cannot change the charge I’ve been given.” 

Tav’s eyes narrowed and she turned on her heel. “Fine. Do what you need to do, but do not expect my help to end your life. I won’t be part of it.” 

“Tav?” The way he said her voice was like a song composed just for her. She stopped, though she did not turn around. “I likely only have a few nights, perhaps a ten-day, left. Care to indulge me for a moment? A moment together, nothing more.” 

He heard her ragged breathing, and the two stood silently for a moment before she turned to face him. Her face was impossible to read. Or, the more likely scenario, was that Gale was too terrified to see the emotions written on her, despite all he had done. 

“It’s not a trick I can repeat often, but tonight… tonight is different.” The weight of his impending doom rested heavily on his shoulders. The closer they burrowed into Moonrise, the more likely he was to meet his end. He wanted a moment of peace, of comfort, before plunging headfirst into the darkness. 

“Let’s imagine the perfect night in Waterdeep, yes?” Gale began to move his hands and arms languidly, his mind plucking the threads of the weave as the reality before them transpired into nothingness. “The scene is this:” and suddenly the two were transported into a scenery unlike the one they stood. Gale watched as Tav’s eyes widened and soaked in the atmosphere. He felt his voice shake and his heart beating so intensely he thought he might erupt right then. “We stand in the room that is the centre of my universe. The sculptures, the paintings, the walls enlivened by the spines of a thousand books.” Gale gestured with his fingers and he watched Tav watch him. His face grew warm. “The grand piano plays the Lliirian suites all by itself, and…” Gale placed a hand on the small of Tav’s back as they step outside. “As we look out beyond the arches that lead to the terrace, we see the weary sun take its daily five into the sea.” 

He had not shown any of his companions his home before. Prior to this adventure, hardly anyone other than his mother and Tara had seen the magnificence of what he built for himself. A nest. A safe haven. A prison. 

He realized he likely would never see this view again. His face fell, and he felt Tav’s fingers run against his shoulders before she sat. 

“Ah - my favorite spot. Many times, evening turned to night and back to daybreak once more while I sat here, lost in words.” He took a seat beside her, their knees brushing against one another in the way they do when two people are eager to know one another and yet, lack their courage. 

“Hm…” she mused, trailing her fingers over the nearest book, The Art of the Night. “It’s funny, to see how much has changed and yet -“ her eyes lifted to meet his gaze. “You’re still spending your late nights reading. You always did have quite the rebellious streak…” 

Gale’s brows lifted, his soul ached for her light-hearted teasing. He felt the chemistry between them palpably, as if merely sitting in this proximity was enough to imagine the citrus that lingered on her tongue from her tea, the smell of pine and wood and sweat that entwined in her musk. He cleared his throat, smirking. 

“Oh, allow me to leave dangerously while I still can.” He laughed and his fingers trailed over hers, “The Art of the Night - it details the first thousand nights of a newly wed king and queen.” Their heads dipped, tilted towards one another and gazing down at the book, their tresses mingling. He felt her hair brush his forehead and shuddered. “They turned everything they did into an art. The art of conversation, of taste, of time honored and newly acquired. The art of the body,” Gale felt Tav’s leg resting against his and he turned his gaze to her. She was staring at him and quickly looked down. “The exploration and acceptance of the self and the other. The art of the night itself.” 

They sat, frozen in amber as time stretched onward. 

A voice, distant and yet too close pulled them both from the moment and Gale reigned in his vision of Waterdeep until they were left in the shadow-cursed field once more. 

Halsin looked sheepishly at Gale and Tav. “My apologies - I was looking for a quiet moment, to see if I could connect with Thaniel and find the source of his missing essence. Had I realized the two of you were out here… I hope I’m not interrupting.” There was a teasing to Halsin’s voice, one of ancient knowing. 

Gale and Tav looked to one another and Gale offered her a soft grin, and subtly took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “No, we were just about prepared to head back to camp. Tav was indulging me on a little voyage -“ he looked up at the sky, “It was about time to return to reality.” 

Gale leaned forward and whispered into Tav’s ear. “Goodnight, Tav. Thank you for sharing in a moment of magic with me - I won’t soon forget it.” Despite himself, Gale trailed his lips across her ear and yet did not offer a kiss. A subtle brush of knowing, unable to do more without her enthusiastic consent. 

She held fast to his wrist as he turned to walk away, and when he paused his stride she let go. He tried to meet her gaze and when he thought she would rather study the intricacy of the shadow-cursed ground she looked up at him, eyes full of words unspoken. “Goodnight, Gale.” 

Perhaps there was hope for him yet. 

[password-door-lock]

Mystictober 2024 Masterlist

Read it all in one place on Ao3!

(Links to individual days below the cut)

Day 1-- Favorite Character/Hourglass Unknown brings an hourglass to the RFA party. (1k words)

Day 2-- Domestic Life/Sweater Weather You visit Saeran in the garden (708 words)

Day 3-- Ending/Prologue Ray takes you back to Magenta after the prologue (797 words) Content warning: stalking

Day 4-- Pirate/4th Wall Unknown breaks the fourth wall (928 words)

Day 5-- Date Night An evening in with SE Saeran (791 words)

Day 6-- Skull/Possession You’re a demon. You try to possess Suit Saeran and get more than you bargained for (931 words)

Day 7-- Chatroom/Bomb You share some concerns about the special security system with Seven and Jaehee (648 words) 

Day 8-- Painting Unknown catches you painting in the intelligence room (722 words)

Day 9-- Fate/Lie You and Ray have a conversation about boundaries and fate (963 words) Content warnings: referenced abuse

Day 10-- Robot Unknown attempts to make a robot (932 words).

Day 11-- Doll/Heart Saeyoung teaches you and Saeran how to make dolls (771 words).

Day 12-- Saddest Moment SE Saeran stares up at the ceiling (936 words).

Day 13-- Secret Ray route, day 9, 1:29am (957 words).

Day 14-- OST You can hear the OST playing during a confrontation with Unknown (691 words).  Content warnings: manipulation, guns

Day 15-- Empty/Hurt You try to comfort Suit Saeran (780 words).

Day 16-- Theater You and Saeran discuss Zekyll and White before watching Zen’s performance (866 words).

Day 17-- Vampire/Elixir Vampire Ray gives you a special elixir (1.2k words).  Content warning: blood, blood drinking, manipulation

Day 18-- Antagonist/DLC Unknown comes to rescue you following Jumin’s BSE2 (832 words).

Day 19-- Healing SE Saeran reflects on his healing journey on a visit to your favorite museum (788 words).

Day 20-- Best CG You come home to find Saeran in the maid dress again (723 words). Content warning: slightly suggestive (just in case)

Day 21-- Video Games You have a lot of questions about Ray’s work as a game developer (915 words). 

Day 22-- Moon/Sun You try to get Ray and Saeran to take care of themselves (926 words). 

Day 23-- Saeran/Ray x MC/Ice Cream Saeran shares his ice cream flavor preferences with you (815 words). 

Day 24-- Love/Hacked Ray really had no choice but to hack into your thoughts… right? (825 words)  Content warning: manipulation 

Day 25-- Tea Party Unknown hosts a little tea party (1.2k words). Content warning: manipulation 

Day 26-- AU Mint Eye is obviously a vampire cult (960 words). Content warning: death mention

Day 27-- Haunted House Saeran comes with you to a haunted house (1k words).

Day 28-- Elegance You can’t understand why Saeran insists on playing dress-up with you (950 words). 

Day 29-- Fairy Tale You and Saeran get married (1.2k words).  Set after Glow-in-the-Dark.

Day 30-- Role Swap Ray would love to spend his life with you, if only you weren’t fictional (732 words).

Day 31-- Halloween Suit Saeran decides to participate in a Halloween tradition (776 words). 

[granvarones]

To understand the power of “X,” you must know the woman at its heart: Angie Xtravaganza. A Puerto Rican trans woman raised in the Bronx, Angie ran away from home at 13 and built her own family – one rooted in love, survival, and queer kinship. She became the founding mother of the House of Xtravaganza, one of New York’s first predominantly Latino ballroom houses. By 1990, she and her house were introduced to the world through the Paris Is Burning documentary. Her name traveled far, and everyone wanted Angie to be their mother.

She earned that reverence. Angie created a home for gay and trans kids who had been cast out, and she made sure they never felt alone. When House co-founder Hector Xtravaganza died of AIDS in 1985, Angie held the family together. When her daughter Venus was murdered in 1988, it was her fierce love that kept the house from crumbling. Even after testing HIV-positive in 1991, she kept caring for her kids and showing up for her community.

By the early ’90s, Angie was a legend. A friend recalled that she dragged him out to the Sound Factory Bar just weeks before her passing to lift his spirits. Like many during those brutal years of the AIDS crisis, Angie turned pain into dancing and heartbreak into nightlife. She was both mother and healer, using music as an elixir.

When Angie died of AIDS-related complications on March 31, 1993 at just 28 years old – it shook the Ballroom community and beyond. The New York Times ran her photo with the headline “Paris Has Burned.” As the community mourned deeply and they found room on the dance floor to grieve. And that is how the pulsating anthem “X” was born.

Junior Vasquez, a queer icon in his own right, working with legends such as Madonna, Cher Donna Summer, Beyoncè and Janet Jackson. Vasquez ruled Sound Factory’s dance floor in the 90s. His Saturday night sets at that massive Chelsea club became legendary and defined an era. By the time Angie passed, Ballroom culture had already hit the mainstream – Madonna’s “Vogue” and Paris Is Burning ensured that – and Junior embraced it fully.

Junior loved the energy the Ballroom kids brought and often crafted tracks just for them, like “Gotta Be a Drag” and “Get Your Hands Off My Man.” Sound Factory became a second home for the House of Xtravaganza.

It was that energy that moved Junior to create “X” in 1994. The title was no secret – it stood for Xtravaganza, and the label on the vinyl even read “In memory of Angie Xtravaganza.” Junior was close to the house and wanted to honor Angie in the way he knew best: through music. House member Karl Xtravaganza later confirmed it that “X” was made for Angie.

“X” runs like a 10-minute house epic: tribal beats, soaring drama, and Ballroom energy. And the inescapable “X! X! X! Xtrava-GANZA!” refrain is both a mantra and shouted chant that not only whispers Angie’s name but conjures up her spirit. “X” was a love letter for a legend still guiding the gworls from the blaring speakers.

Three decades later, “X” still gets played – and it’s still magic when it does. It’s one of the defining underground house tracks of the 90s and remains a touch stone of Ballroom culture. Angie Xtravaganza lives on in every joyous scream of “Werk!” at a Ball, in every young queer person who finds family in a house, and in every DJ who understands that the right beat can heal a heartbreak.

Junior Vasquez, still one of the most influential DJ/producers, encapsulated a time when music helped us process the unprocessable. “X” was part of a soundtrack for mourning and a spark for living. “X” is sonic proof that Angie’s spirit reverberates– still performing, loving, and surviving through the music.