#Magic Leap Spectator

[virtualrealitynewstoday]

Magic Leap Spectator：串流與記錄混合實境

隨著增強現實（AR）技術的不斷演進，Magic Leap 致力於提供前沿的混合現實解決方案。最新推出的Magic Leap Spectator軟體，它將從Magic Leap 2應用程式串流與記錄混合實境內容的過程變得簡單。 透過Magic Leap Spectator，使用者可以輕鬆地製作關於Magic Leap 2應用程式的視頻文件、創建展示演示的第二屏體驗、錄製應用程式的“如何使用”視頻、甚至在活動中實時向觀眾直播應用內容等等。通過強大的攝像工具和快速的設備連接性，它為展現Magic Leap 2內容提供了多種途徑。 此外，Magic Leap Spectator搭配了細致入微的影像設置功能，允許使用者分別調整增強現實內容和視頻串流的影像效果。它的動態柱狀圖視覺化顯示讓參數調整變得更為直觀明晰。不論是錄製視頻或是拍攝AR內容的照片，Magic Leap…

[imthebadguyyy]

the bridgerton blues

pairing : anthony bridgerton x reader

fandom : bridgerton

synopsis : it's the first time after your wedding that anthony sees you sporting the signature bridgerton colour : blue, and it does things to him that he can only express in a much more....physical manner.

warnings : smut, heavy smut and excessive amount of fluff

a/n : i miss my grumpy viscount!!! happy reading :)

anthony huffed impatiently, foot tapping against the marble floor at bridgerton manor.

the season had begun again, and much to his relief, he would only be a spectator this year, having married the love of his life, lady, well, current viscountess y/n, which meant he didn't have to deal with the frills and fancies of the hawk like mama's in the ton, awaiting the right moment to swoop upon him with their daughters.

but by God, you were taking forever to get dressed and come down to leave for lady danbury's ball. beside him, benedict and colin sat, engrossed in a game of chess, while francesca and eloise lounged on the couch in the drawing room, catching up about life.

his mother was with his darling wife, much to his surprise, helping her get ready for a ball. he had been caught off guard when his mother had bustled in, dressed in a powdery blue gown, and had proceeded to shoo him out of the room.

"what exactly is keeping mama and y/n?" colin asked, brow furrowed in concentration as he focused on the chess board.

"if I knew I would tell you brother" anthony mumbled, checking the watch that hung on the golden chain from his waistcoat, smiling as he traced the cover, suddenly hit by a burst of nostalgia, and a surge of fondness for his late father.

he brushed it off when a giggling hyacinth came running down the staircase, leaping into his arms, forcing him to rush to catch her, eyes widening in surprise.

"hyacinth! you must always give me a prior warning or I may not be able to catch you" he chided, tucking a stray curl behind her ear and setting her gently on the ground.

"brother!! wait till you see y/n/n!! she looks like a princess!" his youngest sister exclaimed, almost vibrating with excitement. a shy gregory emerged, blushing a little as he nodded, making the three older bridgerton boys smirk, well aware of his little crush on anthony's wife.

when anthony had first befriended his wife, they had been at a mere age of ten, and anthony had rescued y/n when she had fallen off her horse at a picnic with his family and the cowper's.

ever since then, they had been inseparable, joint at the hip and at the heart.

it was of no surprise to anyone in the ton when finally, ages later, he had announced he was marrying the lady montgomery, or as everyone fondly knew her, "y/n/n"

"why so bashful greg?" benedict jested, watching his youngest brother turn a dark crimson.

"n-nothing" he stuttered out, darting in to see his sisters.

"it's because of y/n! I'm telling you brother, she looks like an absolute angel!" hyacinth chirped in, now bouncing about from step to step, just as the door of Anthony's room creaked open, and the dowager viscountess stepped out.

"she's ready" she smiled warmly at her son's, hurrying in to get her daughters to mark the momentous occasion.

brows furrowed, the eyes of the bridgertons rested upon the long winding staircase, awaiting to see what exactly was this magical outfit that had their mother and sister gushing like birds.

and what anthony saw, made his jaw drop to the very ground.

at the very top, his darling wife came into view, hair in sleek, meticulous curls, perfectly cast up in an intricate updo, adorned with pearls, framing her face with the delicate curls. her makeup was subtle, emphasizing her flowing complexion with a touch of rosy blush and wine coloured lips.

she adorned a pearl necklace and matching earrings, gifted to her by anthony himself, adding a timeless elegance to her stature.

but what really caught everyones attention was the dress that she wore, more specifically, the colour of the dress she wore.

a rich dark blue silk gown, carefully tailored, hugged her frame, showcasing the intricate details that add to its allure. the bodice, adorned with delicate embroidery, depicting subtle butterfly motifs that caught the light as the she moved down the stairs. the neckline gracefully framed her collarbone, delicate lace butterflies attached to the neckline,while the sleeves tapered down to her wrists, showcasing more of the exquisite lacework that adorned her body.

the skirt of the gown was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, flowing generously in layers of silk that rustled with each step. the deep, rich hue of the fabric evoked a sense of opulence, reminiscent of midnight skies. as she walked down, the silk caught the light, casting a mesmerizing play of shadows and highlights.

the dress matched anthony's waistcoat perfectly, and the sight was enough to make the viscount choke over nothing.

as he saw his wife adorned in the resplendent dress for the first time, his eyes widened with genuine admiration.

a hushed gasp escaped his parted lips as he took in the sight before him.

his wife, cloaked in the elegance of the dark blue gown, the bridgerton blues appeared to be like a living portrait of timeless beauty.

a warm smile formed on his lips, expressing both surprise and deep appreciation for the grace and sophistication she was emanating.

"my darling" he murmured as he swept forward, extending his arm to welcome you into them.

smiling sweetly at the bridgerton clan, you floated down, linking your arm with anthony's.

"sister, you look utterly perfect in blue!" benedict exclaimed, pressing a delicate kiss to your hand, as violet fondly caressed your cheek.

"doesn't she look like a princess brother?!" hyacinth squealed, looking excitedly at anthony. "just like one out of the fairytales" he said, looking at you with nothing but admiration and love and fondness.

"you really do look utterly regal" colin said, flashing a warm smile at you. eloise and francesca came upto you, with even eloise admitting that the dress you were wearing was nothing short of a work of art, while francesca gushed over how the silhouette was so perfect for you.

"alright, we must leave if we want to reach lady danbury's ball on time!" violet said, clapping her hands, leading her children out to where the carriages awaited.

"wait behind for just a second my love" anthony whispered into your ear, as he walked up to his valet to whisper something into his ear.

slowly, the other bridgertons departed, after you promised them to join them very soon, ignoring the smirks and nudges colin and benedict sent your way.

anthony pulled you into his study, hand gently caressing your waist, feeling the rich silk in his hands, the other hand gently reaching for your chin, lifting it to look into your eyes.

"you look utterly divine my beloved" he whispered fingers gently fondling your face, eyes absorbing every detail of your face, not that he hadn't already memorised it.

"thank you my dear" you whispered back, hands settling on his broad shoulders, taking in his waistcoat as well, the dark blue velvet clinging to every rippling muscle in his body, brass buttons complementing the coat.

"i always knew you'd look stunning in bridgerton blue but....it seems as though the bridgerton blue was crafted for you" he murmured, tightening his grip on your waist, "so stunning that infact, i do not feel the need to leave for lady danbury's ball, for I'd much rather stay here with my breathtakingly beautiful wife" he murmured again, lips ghosting over your own as his hands squeezed your waist, drawing you flush against his body.

"my lord, we cannot... we must be present at the first ball of the season" you lamely protested, heart hammering against your chest as the intoxicating scent of his musky, woodsy cologne filled your nostrils.

anthony dropped his lips to your neck, lips brushing a feather soft kiss to the sensitive skin, drawing a gasp from you.

"what if we do not go? what if we just stay here and...i worship my wife in the way she deserves? like the goddess she is?" he asked, like gently pressing kisses down to your collarbone, still as light as a feather, just enough to ignite something feral in you, but also enough to keep you wanting more.

"my lord it's the first ball of the season, and we have to-"

you were cut off by anthony's lips pressing against yours.

they were soft and plush against yours, pressing perfectly like a jigsaw puzzle, initiating a warm glow in the pit of your tummy.

as your lips met, the sensation was like a feather's gentle caress — soft, fleeting, and subtly warm. it feels like a delicate dance, a tender exploration that sparked a gentle flutter within you. the touch was akin to the brush of downy feathers, teasing and inviting, as if he was testing the waters of intimacy.

yet, as the moment unfolded, a magnetic pull takes hold, drawing you deeper into the realm of passion. the softness transforms, gradually intensifying into a fiery connection. the initial delicacy gave way to a fervent exchange, each kiss building upon the other with a growing hunger.

your lips, once feather-light, were now engaged in a rhythmic and passionate dance. the subtle warmth amplified into a blazing fire, and what began as a gentle exploration evolved into a fervent expression of desire.

the world around you faded and in that heightened connection, every kiss becomes an electric charge, a testament to the undeniable chemistry between your two souls entwined in the artistry of passion.

anthony's hands ran rampant on your body, clutching every part of your body through the silk dress, yet taking care to not scrunch the silk in anyway.

"you have no idea what you do me darling" he growled against your lips, drawing back for just a moment to watch your chest heave and eyes glaze over, hands clutching his coat and cravat so tight he feared you would rip it off.

"every breath you take, every word you speak, the very sound of your melodious voice and the very beat of your heart, all allure me to you, draw me to you like a moth to a flame" he continued, his own heart hammering against his chest.

his chest rose and fell with every word, eyes ablaze with burning passion. "every second of every day, i crave you, i long for you, i need you, and it drives me feral. but the sight of you in my colour makes me want to rip off that very dress off your body, claiming you as mine in more ways than one" he growled, hands scrunching the material on your behind.

"anthony..i crave you every second of the day as well. i need you" you whispered, a soft whimper slipping past your lips.

"hush my sweet darling" he said, sending you a saccharine sweet smile.

then, much to your chagrin, he took his hands off your waist, fixing the material and fixing his own coat.

"now, we must hasten to lady danbury's" he smirked" and you groaned, a painful throbbing between your legs becoming more prominent.

"but my lord-" you protested, only to be cut off by another searing kiss. he kissed you deep and long, and then drew back, pushing a stray curl on your forehead back behind your ear.

"our family awaits dearest" he smiled, and gently led you out to the hall.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

the grand ballroom at lady danbury's unfolded into a dazzling spectacle as it embraced the opulence of a gold and maroon theme. golden hues enveloped the space, casting a warm, regal glow. glittering chandeliers, adorned with intricate gold details, hung from the ceiling, their crystals refracting light in a dance of elegance.

luxurious maroon fabrics draped the walls, creating a sumptuous backdrop that added depth to the golden ambiance. tables adorned with golden tablecloths and maroon accents contributed to the harmonious blend of colors. golden candle holders flickered with the soft glow of candles, casting a gentle radiance on the rich maroon floral centerpieces.

the women's dresses shimmered with embellishments, and the men's attire featured accents, creating a visual symphony of sophistication, into which you walked with anthony, arms interlaced, as you bowed before queen charlotte, who had taken quite a liking to you.

"it's lovely to see the bridgertons led by a couple as magnanimous as you" she bestowed a rare compliment, bringing a hot flush to your cheeks and even to anthony's pale visage. "but now we anxiously await the news of a young bridgerton" she said pointedly, and you kept your eyes low, trying to ignore the heat blooming in your cheek.

around you, guests were engaged in a dance, the dance floor became a stage for a waltz of colors, with the many colours and tones reflecting in the mirrored walls. the orchestra, bathed in the warm ambiance, played melodies that echoed the richness of the color palette.

you noticed simon and daphne dancing, looking fondly at each other, and saw colin sharing a dance with young penelope featherington, which made you smile, always having harbored a soft spot for the girl.

you spotted eloise by the food table, with francesca, both enjoying the strawberries that were being served. benedict seemed engrossed in exploring the rich collection of paintings in the hall, and was surrounded by a group of friends.

anthony led you over to his sisters, a soft kiss to your wrist a promise to be back in a moment lingering on his lips, as he was dragged off by countless lords for a drink and a conversation about the next round of a hunt they were engaging in.

as eloise began to speak about the many cruelties of lady featherington, you spotted cressida cowper scowling over at the two of you, dressed in a pink so bright you felt momentarily blinded. she shot a contemptuous look at you, scoffing at your gown and sharing a laugh with lady cowper, that had your eyebrow creasing with insecurity.

much to your horror, she began to march over to you, along with her mother and lady featherington, much to your dismay. you searched desperately for your mother-in-law, but found her engrossed in conversation with the queen.

"my my, if it isn't the happy bridgertons" cressida sniped, flashing you a tight lipped smile. "hello miss cowper" you smiled, ignoring the anxiety bubbling in your tummy.

"cressida" eloise said coldly, linking her arm with yours. she was well aware of the contemptuous rumours she had spread about you when you had begun courting anthony and had made it her mission to protect you from her.

"what a rather unusual colour for you dear" lady cowper commented, eyes trailing down your body in disdain.

"it gives you the impression of being a little washed out" she stated, opening her fan to hide her smirk.

you ignored the tear that sprang to your eyes as she continued to comment, on the fall of the dress, the shape of the silhouette and the way your jewellery was far too showy.

you could feel eloise glowering beside you but silently begged her to keep calm, not wanting to lose her calm in front of everyone.

to your surprise, a familiar baritone cut in, a nd a strong arm wrapped around your midriff and waist.

your husband appeared beside you, a smile on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"i see why you might think that, lady cowper, for all you can pull off is that rather obnoxious shade of viscous pink, and while i understand your envy at my wife's ability to outshine everyone else here in any colour she chooses, i must remind you are speaking to the viscountess bridgerton, and hence must adhere to the degree respect she commands" he stated coolly, hand gripping your waist so tight you were sure it would leave marks.

stunned speechless, the cowper's backed away, egos more than bruised and enraged , subject to sniggers and chuckles from the other lords and ladies in the room. your brother walked to anthony from across the hall, patting him on the back and whispering a "good man" to him as he hugged you, and eloise drew anthony into a hug as well.

anthony led the two of you over to his mama, who couldn't hide a smile herself at the love her son had for his wife, so reminiscent of the way their father had loved her.

"I am sorry if I caused humiliation to your name mama, but I cannot and will not let anyone talk to my wife that way" he said firmly, only to be cut off by his mother.

"I believe everyone here has been waiting to say that to miss cowper since the beginning of time, my darling, so take your wife and go home. you have done your job and proved your love and passion and told everyone that your relationship rhymes true" she said, drawing you into a warm hug and bidding you goodbye.

the carriage ride home was silent as your held anthony's hand tight, his thumb tracing patterns over the gloves you were donning, a pearly white to match your jewels.

"thank you my love" you whispered to him, eyes glimmering with unshed tears.

"my darling, i love you, all of you. please do not ever belittle yourself, because your beauty is awe worthy" he said, eyes contorted as if he was in pain at the thought of you being in pain.

"I'll try my best not to" you whispered against, leaning forward to press your foreheads together. and you stayed like that till bridgerton manor came into view.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

frenzied kisses were pressed against your lips as anthony lifted you into his arms, earning a singular gasp from your lips. his hands, one wrapped tightly under your bottom and the other around your back was strong, as you wrapped your legs around his waist and he led you upstairs, ignoring the scurrying valet and maids and your ladies in waiting as he made it to your shared bedroom.

he dropped you gently on the bed, towering above you, hands shoving the material of your dress up. his hands crept along your thighs stealthily, finding the hooks of your stockings to your thigh garter, slowly dragging it down, exposing your bare skin to him, suppressing a groan at the soft skin.

to his surprise you reached up and grabbed him by the cravat, untying it and pulling him down to meet your lips. you kissed him roughly, a frenzied battle, with teeth and tongue clashing as he shrugged off his waist coat and began to unbutton his shirt, watching as you removed your jewellery and kept in on the table beside his bed.

his hands reached for your dress, carefully untying the many laces and unbuttoning the many buttons on your dress, watching as your bosom heaved in the corset wore.

deft fingers unhooked the corset without a struggle, and you moaned when the cold air hit your nipples, making them harden, as you pushed your chest out towards him.

anthony growled, the sound reverberating in his throat as he reached down to unbutton his tan pants, leaving him in just his underwear. his lips attacked your neck, biting into the delicate flesh and pressing kiss after kiss, sucking deep marks and hickies that were sure to stay for days after.

you raked your nails up and down his neck, stroking the skin there and raking your hands upto his hair, gently scratching his scalp as he trailed kisses down to your breasts.

his mouth enveloped your nipple in his mouth, tongue flicking and swirling around the sensitive nub.

he continued his ministrations, taking only a moment to move his mouth to your other breast and leaving lovebites on the skin.

he settled in between your thoughts, hips gently grinding into yours, as he licked and sucked to his heart’s desire, attempting to alleviate the growing tent in his pants.

you were beginning to pant, and he continued to pinch and stroke your nipple. his tongue wreaked havoc on one while his fingers gently tugged on the other. anthony could not wait any longer, the pain of the straining in his pants making him more loopy than he would admit, and he pulled away from your breast, a string of saliva from his lips to your breast.

he came back up to your mouth, kissing you with desperation. "i adore you" he painted above you, before kissing down your tummy to your thighs.

he stopped at the junction between your thighs, inhaling the musk of your scent.  

he reached for the cotton underwear you had on, gently pulling it down, and pushing your thighs apart, and a wave of cold air floated across your inner thighs, so open and exposed now.

anthony began to press hot, open mouthed kisses to the bare expanse of your thighs, stopping just below your pussy lips each time.

mere moments later, you felt an entirely new sensation— anthony's wet, warm tongue sliding through your folds. a cry of pleasure ripped from your throat, as you looked down at anthony, who had crawled between your legs with his tongue buried at the apex of your thighs.

your slick dripped down your pussy lips, costing them in your honey, and anthony licked it all up as if it was nectar and ambrosia, lowering his face to lick a long strip through your entire slit, before tilting his face even deeper into your pussy, swirling around up to your engorged clit and licking all around it and on the top of it.

the action had your hips jolting as he sucked on the nub, causing flashes of white to flash before your eyes.

"you taste more delightful than i could ever have imagined" he breathed licking the sour-sweet liquid off his lips. "my own precious honey pot" he cooed, making you flush again and your body heated up.

he sucked harder on your clit, fingers slipping into your slit to slide up and down, each stroking made your hips flail wildly.

“you taste so sweet” he murmurs, and the brush of his breath sears against your skin. the low rumbling of his voice, so characteristic of him, are dripped in hunger and arousal, the heat spreading under your skin and threatening to explode like a supernova.

"i have longed to have you squirming on my tongue my love. i will have you screaming my name until your lips know no other" he promised.

with a ravenous look at your heaving form, anthony lowered his mouth to your throbbing center again and licked a bold stripe up your clit, the sensitive bud jolting in shock and you scream in pleasure,

the ever composed lord bridgerton moans against your cunt when you tug his hair, hands holding down your hips as he watches you squirm. then anthony rolls your clit with his teeth and you come apart with a scream, hands gripping onto his hair for dear life.

you come, cunt clenching down, spasming around his tongue where he has you stretched open. everything else disappears for a moment, your body weightless with pure unadulterated bliss.

anthony shifts so he is in between your legs again, watching the fluttering of your pussy as you clench around nothing. your eyes are trained on his hips and he feels a surge of pride.

his cock was one not only of great size but of greater girth and greater skill, and he adored nothing more than watching your eyes become as large as saucers as you looked at his poor cock straining again as it had been ever since he saw you in his signature colour.

trained hands guided his cock to your entrance, tapping against it for a few seconds before he dragged the tip through your slick, making your body shudder at the stimulation. and then, he pressed a kiss to your neck, hips slamming against yours.

the first thrust was deep and claiming,and you cried out at the perfect stretch of him in your pussy.

you could barely think straight, hands digging into his back and nails sinking into his skin.

"so fucking perfect,” he murmured into your ear, rasped and breathless as he nipped on your ear. "'feel so good wrapped around my cock. so wet and warm for me my sweet sweet beloved. fuck, you're so tight right now. squeezing me so well, you love my cock, do you not my angel?"

"yes yes i love you and your cock" you changed as a prayer, eyes bashful at the use of the dirty word. "look at how your cunt clenches around me" he groaned, head dipping into the crook of your neck as his hips slammed into yours repeatedly.

you could hear the headboard banging against the wall as the pace of anthony's thrusts had your body sliding against the silken sheets.

and then he stopped

he stayed there, buried inside you to the hilt, and his cock twitched excitedly inside you. you watched the way he gripped the bedsheets tightly with his fingers until they went hite. it sent heat and pleasure into the pit of your stomach and you were sure you are going to burn. it was far too good, far too much, brimming on the edge of being overwhelming. 

there’s no warning as he pulled out, leaving his pulsing tip in, and then he thrusted all the way back inside, in one long and slick stroke back inside you, deep and rough. his cock slammed into a spot in you that has you screaming, something absolutely fucking delicious and it steals away your breath and makes you cry out. 

and then he grabs your legs, pushing them up towards your legs as he almost folded you in half, pushing your legs so far apart they almost touched your head, as he moved to his knees for a better angle.

his hips thrusted wildly as he kept fucking you, hand rubbing furiously at your sensitive clit, as you whined and moaned and screamed. he watched as your cunt, pink and perfect fluttered and twitched, and his ears revelled at the sound of the filthy, wet squelching that echoed in the room from your dripping cunt.

he landed a harsh smack to the back of your thigh that had you screaming as he then pressed his tongue to it, sucking a hickey on the spot.

sweat dripped down his forehead and yours, as you began to thrust your hips up to meet his perfect strokes, while feeling like his cock was going to split you apart.

"i want nothing more than to fill you with my seed" he growled, over the sound of your skin slapping together over and over again.

"fill me with your seed my lord. let me have carry your kin" you murmured, and you watched as anthony groaned, hand wrapping around your throat.

"such a minx" he grinned, squeezing and watching your eyes roll back.

without a warning, he flipped you over so you were on top, and his deft hands steadied you at the waist.

then he began to slowly pick your hips up, working you up and down on his cock, slamming you up and down on his cock, until you got the hang of it.

anthony felt himself drooling as he took in the way your tits bounced and you bounced on his cock as you ride him, nails now scratching down his chest as he laid a harsh spank to your ass that had you clenching on his cock harder.

he watched your body desperately ride him for all he was worth, thighs jiggling as they clapped against his own, and he pinched the fat around your waist and belly, teeth nipping at your nipple to increase the stimulation.

"m-my lord! I am going to cum!" you moaned loudly, only to turn to a wail as anthony's fingers unleashed a furious assault on your clit, as he rubbed it up and down and side to side and everywhere, covering his fingers in your slick.

with a scream of his name, you came all over his dick and his tummy, your juices spilling out of you like a fountain, watching as he scooped it up with his fingers to lick it clean.

he slammed your hips down on his even harder as you whined, and you felt his stomach tense and breathing stutter as he came, shooting his load inside you, and finally sinking into the pillow, limp.

panting, you rolled off of him, mind cockdrunk and unable to move. anthony peppered kisses to your skin and kissed the spots where he'd been rough.

"you were phenomenal, my love" he whispered, and to your intrigue, his fingers trialed down to your cunt.

you watched as he gently slid a finger in to your hole, shushing and kissing you as he blocked it with his fingers.

"i cannot have a single drop of me spilling out of you" he murmured and you moaned.

"i adore you", he mumbled, "my dear wife" he concluded.

"and i adore you, my dear husband" you smiled, meeting his lips in a sugar sweet kiss.

who would've known that wearing the bridgerton blue was all it would take for you and anthony to announce to the ton in the next three months that you were expecting the first bridgerton heir?

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

a/n : I've missed writing for bridgerton so much!! i really hope you enjoy this, and as always likes reblogs comments opinions etc are appreciated!! sending u all love and happiness and remember, my inbox is always open and i love making new friends!! happy reading ☺️♥️

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[inglorionamy-ammy]

Of Home and Haven (Ch6/6) The end

Chapter snippet:

Gale is sitting beneath the elevated spectator stand, together with the emergency cleric team that is set up next to the ground entrance. He gives you a small smile of reassurance, though his posture is tense. Tara leans on his shoulder, her twitching tail betraying her anticipation.

The finale.

Summary: A tender tale between an outlander barbarian and a scholarly wizard, navigating life, love, and belonging (aka. What "being together" means for them) in Waterdeep and beyond.

Pairing: Half-orc Barbarian F!Tav X Gale Mature

Word count: 3k

@senualothbrok My beta, my reader, my friend. She aced all roles.

AO3 link: here

Chapter Five: here

[This chapter's illustration hides at the end ;)]

The first thing you see across the circular field is a gigantic steel sentinel.

It is similar to the ones that guarded the school entrance, only this time bigger, almost the height of a two-storey house. On top of its shoulder is an average build humanoid man in a wizard’s robe, seeking whatever high ground there is in this vast empty space. His eyes are glowing slightly, their color matching his steel companion, controlling it in concentration.

The second thing you notice is, in fact, your husband, behind your opponents. Gale is sitting beneath the elevated spectator stand, together with the emergency cleric team that is set up next to the ground entrance. He gives you a small smile of reassurance, though his posture is tense. Tara leans on his shoulder, her twitching tail betraying her anticipation. Your gazes lock for a second.

Technically, the battle should be non-lethal, but both of you know that only melee attacks can be controlled with such precision. In addition, to prevent the fight from over-stretching, you and your opponent are only allowed to bring one healing potion, unfavorable to a typical barbarian’s reckless fighting style. To test how much room for error you have, you close the distance with a small leap before throwing the trident, aiming for the man’s face.

Clang!

With a whoosh of the sentinel’s arm the trident is sent flying right to the ground, the amour untouched by the small thunder explosion it caused. For a construct of this size, its attack is strong and unexpectedly fast. A small cheer comes from the crowd. You frown.

The Nyrulna returns to your hand. You and your enemies start stalking around each other like a pair of beasts waiting for the other to strike first. You must think of something to break the stalemate.

The sun is now behind you. Shrouded in shadow, you discreetly produce a small gadget from your pack, sending it to the man’s head again. A contemptuous smirk crosses his face as the sentinel swats it like he is dismissing a fly, but this time it explodes inwards.

The void bulb. It was one of your best discoveries from the Nautiloid, lovingly reproduced by the skillful deep gnome craftsman Barcus Wroot. When he had sent a box of these as your wedding gift, Gale had had a good laugh.

In an instant the man is pulled off the sentinel. He falls, with a yelp, unceremoniously towards the ground.

You are just about to strike when he mutters a quick incantation in midair. Misty step. You watch as he appears far behind his companion, another flick of his hand renders him invisible. You huff. His dexterity is annoying, but rather impressive.

The sentinel now sprints towards you. You narrowly dodge the first swinging fist and roll forward to escape the second. Any one of these would send you prone, and without lightning spells it seems indestructible. It’s time for some distance. You jump, striking your trident to the ground, and ride its force for a great leap forward and over, landing somewhere far behind it. This should buy you some time —

A snap of magic. You are hit, full force, by a lightning bolt.

Cheers erupt from the audience. Gale, now only tens of meters from you, is white as a sheet.

Suddenly you are overwhelmed by the need to reassure him. You bite your tongue to sharpen your half-burnt mind, pulling yourself together. With a fast gulp of a healing potion, you let out an exaggerated sigh.

“’S that all you got?” You raise a challenging eyebrow. Sometimes it is the attitude that matters.

The man is having none of it. He remains careful, guarded, and with another misty step lands right back onto his metal companion.

A grunt of frustration threatens to escape your throat, but you force it down. Instead, you try your luck. For the third time in a row, you throw the gadget in your hand at him.

Now cautious with the trick, he pauses for a split second. That is all the opening you need.

He realizes too late that it is only an empty healing flask. At the same time, your reinvigorated surge of action powers your great leap and you jam your trident into the armor’s elbow gap with a loud clang. He tries to shake you off, grab you by his other fist, but you are fast as you crawl and grab and push yourself up to where he is. Your grin is manic as you sense his panic building up. He is, after all, a fragile human against a frenzied half-orc. His control starts to slip, the sentinel’s movement imprecise. In desperation he escapes right before you strike him, abandoning the construct with another misty step, landing far back where he hits you with that damn lightning.

You now occupy high ground. The Nyrulna strikes into the neck of the sentinel — a bit deeper than necessary — as you balance yourself. It is after all much easier to dodge someone’s attack when you are on top of them. Looking down on him, you mock his disheveled state in a booming volume, “helpless without your toys, little wizard?”

At that, something snaps. You frown as you realize his concentration with the sentinel is severed.

Then, a sharp, invasive pain penetrates your brain. You gasp as you realize he wants to make you his toy. You only have the time to draw out one last item before he has taken total control, and that tiny pack slips from your hand and falls, its content spilling over the ground. You pray that it’s enough.

The arena is now silent, breaths held back for this battle of wit.

On the first round, you mind is hazy as you slowly climb down from the unmoving sentinel, your movements precise, almost polite, for they are not yours. Your Nyrulna lies forgotten behind you.

On the second round, you are made to do a little twirl. It should be insulting, but the mist in your brain is shrouding any coherent thoughts. For a moment you think you see Gale, knuckles white as he grips so hard he almost tears his robe. It somehow pains you too, but the sensation is fleeting, and soon fades to oblivion.

On the third round, you walk towards him, as he tries to position you within his attack range. You take one step, and another, then step on something.

One of the spiked bulbs you spilled explodes.

The small scratch is all you need. In an instant your wisdom is back. You leap across the field and tackle the surprised man down, his head hitting the floor with a concussing force. A quick flick of your hidden dagger makes him hiss. But he is relentless. Even pinned under you, he attempts an incantation, a dance of his hand — but there is nothing.

He has been silenced.

His eyes slowly widen in shock, finally catching on the blue glowing blade in your hand—a sussur dagger. He begins to shiver.

“DO YOU YIELD?” you demand with a growl, pressing the dagger against his throat.

Carefully, the man nods. Gasps echo in the arena.

You rise. Your gaze falls upon each and every person in the spectator stand, before returning to the man at your feet. When you extend your hand out to him, he turns away in defiance.

You sigh. Might as well take a chance.

“…The first time I lost a fight to my father, who trained me, I hid in the toilet and cried for three hours,” Your voice projects in the amphitheater. As he tentatively turns towards you, eyes full of suspicion, you continue with a nod.

“At first, Ma and Da were worried, especially Ma, and she knocked and cooed relentlessly. But then Da wanted to pee, and he kicked open the door so hard he broke it. We didn’t have a proper toilet door for three months.”

A snort. The man shakes his head and slowly stands up. He still doesn’t take your hand, but as he wipes the dust off his butt, he says, “We have spells for that. If only he knew Knock.”

Suddenly, you recognize his voice — a solid version of that hollow echo shared between the two Academy entrance guards, who barred your entry a year ago, believing that you had lied about your relationship with Gale. It still has the same pinched haughtiness, far from welcoming, but much less condescending now.

“Yeah,” you smile, “if only.”

--

The fight is over, but there are no cheers, no boos. The audience is stunted. For a while, the only motion in the field is the cleric team, who dutifully approaches and checks on the pair of you.

Then there is Gale and Tara. Gale, who has been hanging on the edge of his seat for so long, is now splinting towards you, his face flushed with elation. As he crushes into your waiting arms, Tara elegantly glides through the air, landing gracefully before you.

“A wonderful display of strength and tactics, young Mrs. Dekarios,” she appraises calmly, as if she had always predicted your victory, though her tail, still a bit puffed, betrayed her dread just a moment ago. She looks past you cautiously.

You turn and find your match — Endorick, the clerics called him — a senior apprentice in charge of security matters. He seems to have the talent of maintaining a straight face and a puffed chest despite looking absolutely disheveled. As he raises an eyebrow at you, you find yourself more amused than annoyed.

“My husband.” You stifle a smirk as you purposefully flash him your matching wedding earrings, and he rolls his eyes. In defeat, you assume.

Gale is drenched in cold sweat, but as he pulls back and looks up at you, his voice swells with warmth.

“My love, my heart, my beautiful wife.” He punctuates every declaration with a kiss on your bruised knuckles, never letting your hand go. “What a fight that was. What a sight you are!”

You suspect Endorick has had enough of whatever this is, as he turns to pace away with a sigh, limping slightly.

You look back at Gale. His bright brown eyes are shimmering, his body quivering with giddy excitement. The smile on his face is so eager, so tender, it makes your heart so full it could burst. You simply must do something about it.

So, you scoop Gale up and twirl him in midair, silencing his surprised yelp by crushing your lips to his. His legs immediately wrap around your waist to pull you closer, deepening the kiss. Finally, there is some proper cheering.

--

It is winter again, and this year, you receive an invitation to the annual Blackstaff Winter Ball as part of their faculty.

To be fair, you are more an adjunct part-time lecturer on temporary contract, managing an elective combat-based course that students either love or hate, but still.

In this past academic year, you encountered some conservatives who insisted that Blackstaff is a serious arcane research institute and should not provide such extra curriculum activities. Yet there were also enthusiasts who sought your help in developing magic-infused melee weapons and testing their combat skills, sometimes in very passionate ways.

Endorick, surprisingly, was the latter. He still carries an air of arrogant nonchalance, but somehow, he would mysteriously appear by your table every first-day lunch break, yapping about the lack of funding for security, the declining manpower and resources, so on and so forth. Recently he had even allowed you to visit his sentinel workshop, and as you have learnt to deal with wizards, you dutifully allowed him to impress you. This has become a fun little experiment, and you are rather curious to see how far this strange relationship can go.

There were days when your teaching left you covered in bruises. It earned you a very stern warning from Professor Dekarios, albeit those often ended up delivered in bed or in the baths he insisted to draw you. In any case, you enjoyed the thrill of battle too much to truly walk away, not to mention that you had caught glimpses of him multiple times when you fought in your class, eyes blown wide and lips parted, his own duties temporarily forgotten.

As you have predicted, students who dreamed of being adventurers enjoyed your lessons the most. One of them even decided that the arcane arts were, after all, not their true calling, and consulted you on taking melee trainings instead.

What you didn’t expect were those who took an academic interest in half-orc matters. From what you have heard, there hasn’t been a half-orc associated with Blackstaff for a long time. You received some interesting invitations to record what they call "oral history", which basically boiled down to you telling stories of your life. You humored them with snippets from your childhood, both the epic and the mundane, and the students listened in bated breath as they relived the memories with you.

You told them about mud wrestling, how Da saw it almost as a sacred ritual when he taught you how to cultivate the soil before stepping into the ring. Their eyes sparkled in curiosity, and that evening ended in an impromptu wrestling workshop, drawing confused gazes from other mages.

You told them about the collection Da built for Ma to honor her noble past, and the more sentimental students swooned. But when Gale joined in to supply his anecdotal observations of your parents’ relationship with great enthusiasm, by the end of the session, you were the one who swooned.

When Ma learned of the project, she earnestly invited the group to her rooftop greenhouse for a chat over tea. That was when you realized there was so much more about your parents that you didn’t know. You sat there, thoughtful, as the students laughed roaringly at Ma’s retelling of how she convinced Da to try the bizarre etiquette trainings she went through as a child.

At the end of the day, you find yourself smiling more often, the stillness that once trapped you receding further. It makes you feel hopeful, knowing that in a way, Da will live on in these bright, eager minds.

Tonight, however, your task is more demanding. Being presentable and sociable in a formal setting still drains you. Associating with the title of Blackstaff, even just slightly, has allowed you to access a degree of comfort and respect that used to be out of reach. It is somewhat ironic that the work you do is essentially the same — combat — but suddenly you are allowed among polite society, among people whose acceptance you used to crave, particularly when you were desperate for an anchor in a new life.

You are learning a foreign language, of nods and bows, of feasts and fashions, and of titles and status. In these social events, you are usually content with observing from the sidelines.

Of course, there is one person you particularly enjoy observing. Gale is charming and witty, true, but most recently you realize something else — he has newly acquired the magical ability to turn an intoxicating status fight into a mutual appreciation of the arcane arts, his sincere passion sometimes capable of winning over the most skeptical hearts. It is truly a beautiful sight to watch: Your husband’s eyes keen and bright, his communicative hands assisting his presentation as usual, as the colleagues around him listen intently with set brows and occasional nods.

You are sampling the delicate little cakes when you catch his gaze across the hall, amusement evident on his face as he sees how full your plate is. You frown, then wipe some cream off the corner of your mouth. His smile breaks into a teasing grin.

In return, you lift the long table in one swift motion, allowing the poor waiter to clean up a glass of spilled champagne beneath. You know how your muscles look when you flex them. You barely suppress the smugness on your face when he turns away with a cough, his ear flushing red. Perhaps it’s time for a more private conversation.

"Ta'V?" An exhausted voice calls you from behind. You huff.

Endorick strides towards you, unwillingly caught between you and Gale again. He gestures to a pair of figures behind him. "A guest would like to meet you,” he mouths, “a funder.”

“And isn’t that our newest edition, the talk of the Academy?”

The man’s voice drips with feigned familiarity. You recognize him as Fenris Goldsinger, one of the closest apprentices to the Blackstaff herself. You know this because he never stops flaunting this fact.

As you give him and the elderly lady by his side a stiff bow, he continues to turn between you and the lady. “A true rarity, she is. Not only a half-orc but a non-magic user, who has, against all odds, fought her way into the heart of our institution!”

The lady tilts her head as she appraises you. She has the regal air of an ancient elf. Only her ears betray her human race. Despite her age she stands tall, silvery hair braided into a tight and elaborate bun. Her attention is piercing, and it lands straight at your golden necklace, the gift from your mother.

“Ta’V, you must meet —”

The lady stops Fenris with a rise of her palm. Her emerald eyes now languidly measure you.

“Lady Riversong,” she lets the words hang for a few moments and observes your reaction, before she continues, “a patron of the arcane arts.”

She raises an eyebrow as if expecting an answer, but you are too stunned by her first words. Your gazes lock silently, and she gives you a half-smile.

“Now forgive me, for I’ll have to leave for a meeting soon. But I am most eager to meet you, and your husband, somewhere, sometime.”

You thought she would just turn away, but she is in fact waiting for your answer. So, you agree, mind still whirling. With a satisfied smile from Lady Riversong and an awkward shoulder pat from Fenris, the pair turn and disappear into the night.

Endorick is visibly relieved. “For the love of Mystra, what have you done?” he exclaims in a hushed tone, but you aren’t paying attention.

You can’t wait to tell Ma what happened.

The end

Dear all, thank you for embarking on this journey with me. I am beyond honored that you read through Ta'V and Gale's adventure, or even more so, be touched by it. Even with tears, I think this story is ultimately rather hopeful, rather optimistic. I am particularly thrilled with how many liked the original characters, with Ta'V, and especially Da! I did not expect him to be a reader's favorite (the quiet loving dad and husband who speaks with action eh?), and how it makes me smile to read all of your comments and learn your thoughts.

I think I will do a celebratory drawing giveaway in these two weeks. If you're interested in that, stay tuned!

More of my works: here

[autumn-lavelle]

'sweet desert rose, oh night, oh night'

The night was warm, with the setting sun painting the city of U'ldah in red and pink hues. The sounds of stringed music, drums and the chimes of gold coins filled the air. The perfect setting for his dancer...Sephiroth stood in the back of the crowd, glowing eyes never leaving the sun kissed cat that leaped and danced like silk on the wind. The circular blades in his hands glinting in the torches fire that lit the area. Sparks igniting when they scraped the ground on a particular turn. It was a dance of beauty and war, the blonde sweating from the heat of the desert. Eyes distant as he performed, nothing distracting him.

Scaled tail swished in time with every leap, and twirl the blonde did. Hand resting on the swords strapped to his hip, a distraction to keep himself from striding forward to grab the trim waist. No, he couldn't let his desert dream know he was there...else he'd run again. Instead, the Xaela hid himself in the crowd...watching, gaze never leaving from his Cloud's movements.

He still remembered where he'd seen the Miqote' that never left his thoughts. Who'd lingered on the edges of his memory, and made him go mad with desire. The square of La Nosca had been filled with spectators, clamoring to see the traveling troupe from another land. All desperate for something new in their mundane lives. The Samurai had been in search of information, gathering intel on magic for his kin sister. Which he'd seen her in thr crowd, her white scales shimmering and green eyes bright as she jumped up trying to see above the tall people. Sephiroth had rolled his eyes, hoisting her up -ignoring the yelp and indignant 'hey!'. "Oi! I'm not a child Seph put me down! I can see on my own!"

"Right, which is why you were hopping like a chocobo to see above these rean men?" He easily made it to the front, letting Aerith perch in the crook of his arm. "What is this performance anyway?" The brunette smiled, "It's a troupe that is here to show off their war dance! AND if I were to join they can teach me, I think the spells and tricks will be handy in our guild." Huh...well he supposed- "Also the head dancers uniform is gorgeous! I need to try and get it!" Ah, never mind that was the real reason. The crowd went silent. The leader of the group standing in the center of the circle, taking a bow. "Witness the art of war, and the beauty that the sword and blade can create! See and gaze upon the acolyte who mastered the dance! Our beloved, and sunny Cloud!" With that the drummers began playing, and there was blur of gold and blue that leapt from behind the caravan. Arching over the roof to land gracefully onto the makeshift stage, the circular blades in hand. Sephiroth had lost his breath at the sight of the dancer...

A miqote'...male. Body lithe and strong, dressed in the most scantily clad pants he'd ever seen. Silk and leather cross crossed across his chest, bangles of gold on his wrist. Blue gems hung from his gold ears that flicked to the beat, along with necklaces of gold coins that draped across his neck and slim hips. He looked like a dancer who was blessed by the Twins. With eyes the color of the morning sky turned to the crowd, shining with merriment and determination. He bowed, before twirling into his performance and Sephiroth had been lost...

Cloud...that had been the dancers name. Moved in a dance that was beautiful and sensual, while showing off the power he held. Lights of aether burst from him, making it seem like a parlor trick but Sephiroth knew better. He could taste the strength...and perhaps it was the fact he never let his gaze stray, but as Cloud looked into the crowd of faces..he'd spotted him. A moment...it froze and the blonde cat had raked his eyes over his form, a slight smile before a cheeky wink was tossed his way. At the end of the performance the blonde cat had left, and his kin had gone to ask for tutelage from the head of the troupe.

The samurai had gone in search of the blonde vixen...he'd found him, changed and wearing the simple clothes. A familiar pendant hung around his hip, white in color. A White mage? He'd smiled, and approached...their first meeting. "Your dance was...lovely."

Cloud had paused in fixing his shirt, looking over. A blush painted his cheeks, "Ah...thanks. Honestly, I'm not as talented as Andrea but they insisted I come and debut." His eyes landed on the swords, "Impressive steel. By the aura ...You've defeated quite a few monsters, yeah?"

That was how they'd connected. Cloud was actually well versed in the blade. Interested in the swords make and history, and what battles Sephiroth had fought. While he'd learned that the Dancer was a White Mage, who learned the war dance to heighten his skills. Apparently the blonde was a very 'no nonsense' White Mage. Who'd refused to join foolish raiders more then once. Why waste the mana? Then his sister had gotten into the mix, having Cloud teach her a few beginner moves before gifting her the coveted outfit.

In that short time...he and Cloud had connected. Which was hard for him to do, and on the night before he'd been called for a quest...they had shared the once lonely bed in his room at the INN. If the connection at first sight hadn't solidified his obsession with the Miqote then their night of passion had. Responsive. Wild. Gentle. Warm. It was like holding fire against him, with heated words and loud cries. He'd hoped that there would be more night like this...

However, by morning...Cloud had vanished. Running...though he was not sure why...

Sephiroth was not a Xeala to give up so easily, and thankfully his sister was a huge help in finding him. Which was why it had taken months, but they had tracked down Andreas troupe. There he had found Cloud in Uldah'....If there was one thing Sephiroth was good at..it was finding, and capturing his prey.

No..he would not let Cloud slip through his grasp again.

Now to just make his beloved dancer realize that...

[blackjackkent]

Good news, everyone! There are TWO Spectators in the House of Hope dungeon, not just one.

No sign of Raphael yet but probably only a matter of time.

First order of business is to get Hope out of her chains.

The chains are anchored on giant crystals on each side of the arena, which possibly we could also destroy, but the hammer comes with a unique attack, "Unshackling Strike", which says "Smite the magical bonds keeping a a creature restrained, paralyzed, or stunned, freeing it." So we just need to get into melee with Hope and smack her with it.

I loaded Jaheira up with the hammer since she's the one of us least dependent on weapon attacks; unfortunately she's also the slowest of us so it took two turns during which I had everyone else start clearing the room.

The spectators, as usual, are scary as fuck and have 3 billion attacks; the most concerning bit was that one of them managed to land a paralyzing ray on Jaheira, which puts her out of commission temporarily. Unclear if this was deliberate because she had the hammer or just unlucky.

However! Hector has a freedom of movement potion, and we have Magic Pockets(tm) meaning Minsc could throw it on Jaheira before her turn. TEAMWORK! STRATEGY! I'm SO GOOD at this VIDEO GAME!

(Not really, but I try. XD Throwing the potion apparently doesn't work if you're ALREADY paralyzed, which is fucked up. >:( )

I think their target must not have been random, because they KEPT doing this to Jaheira, forcing us to kill them before we could cut Hope free. A surprisingly scary bit of this ended up being maneuvering everyone so they wouldn't get yeeted into the abyss by the knockback on the imps' eldritch blasts. (I did have to do a reload for this because Karlach got knocked off; I considered a feelsy drabble about it but it didn't really feel like it served any greater character point beyond "oh, whoops, shouldn't have stood there." XD )

The reload went much better; I was able to get Jaheira over to Hope and hit her, at which point absolutely nothing happened. >:( So I guess we were supposed to go for the crystals after all.

At this point I just got annoyed and beat everything up before trying to continue. XD This had the added benefit of letting us short rest and heal up before actually cutting Hope free.

Strike one.

Strike two. And she's out!

"FREE! I never thought I would be, believed I could be, hoped I might be. HEADS WILL ROLL!" she crows, waving her arms around. Then her face falls sharply and along with it, her voice.

"But we must address the hollyphant in the room. I can see how you avoid looking at me. I must be so terribly mutilated after all these decades of torture. Don't hold back. Tell me how bad it is."

Her head bows, her shoulders hunch.

Hector looks at her with some bemusement. "You look perfectly normal," he says, because she does - really more normal than one would expect under the circumstances.

She smiles weakly. "We both know that's not true, but thank you for being so kind."

He blinks. "No, really... you look fine."

The smile strengthens, but turns all the sadder for it. "You truly are the kindest fool I've ever met..." she murmurs. A pause, and then she turns away sharply. "We'll carve our way to the entrance hall and chop Raphael into messes! That's the hopeful version of course. The likely version is that WE ARE THE MESSES AND HE IS THE CHOPPER! ONWARD!"

-----

Hector and the others watch her leap back to the platform where they came in, and all of them look more than a little troubled.

"What's she talking about, Hec?" Karlach asks in a low voice. "She looks fine."

"I don't know," Hector answers grimly. "I'm more than a little concerned that perhaps she doesn't at all. It wouldn't be the first thing we encountered here disguised under a glamour."

The deep red of her face pales slightly. "Oh. Oh gods..."

"I hope I'm wrong. Gods, I hope I'm wrong."

[elementclangen]

Moon 152-Leaf-fall

After a rainy leaf-fall collapsed most of their dens, badgers attacked ElementClan’s camp.  Maybe it was because they blamed the new water-powered cats on the high rainfall, maybe they wanted the cavern for themselves, or something else entirely.  No cat truly knows what goes on in the head of a badger.  But what is known is that a badger attack is devastating.  The elder Strawberrytrail (140) tried to defend herself, but proved too old and frail to fend off a badger for long and died. Steppemimic (35) was trying to protect Whistlepaw (7) and Rockypaw (7), who had gotten ill after eating a bad rabbit, and all three of them were brutally killed.  Once more, not even powerful magic could save them.  Finally, the badgers attacked the nursery, where the almost apprentice-aged Creekkit (6) and Songkit (6) were the only ones left.  The badger immediately went for the kits and snapped Songkit’s neck before he could do anything.  Gladepatch (28) arrived and leaped onto the badger’s back to try and protect Creekkit, but another badger was coming into the nursery.  Creekkit tried to use just her fire powers to fend them off, but, once she saw the dead body of her brother lying on the ground, she snapped.  With the Clan as spectators, she used her dark-cursed powers to drain both badgers of their life. But somehow spared Gladepatch, who was still in contact with one of the badgers.  Afterwards, she collapsed to the ground.  Yuccastar (131) was furious that Gladepatch and Conegoat (35) had hidden the true nature of the kits from her, but other Clanmates were just glad that the badgers were dead.  Peakspots (121) reminded his mate that his mother, Shadestar, had been a dark-cursed cat, and that she had proven herself in a similar way to Creekkit, albeit when she was a bit older.  With most of the Clan badgering (bad joke?) her to allow Creekkit to stay, Yuccastar relented and granted the young cat the status of proven dark-cursed cat, something that her grandfather, Yellowcreek, had never managed to earn.  She does decide to train the young cat herself once Creekpaw is made an apprentice.   The Clan is grieving from the loss of several beloved members.  Volcanoblossom (79) has lost all three of her kits just three moons after joining the Clan.  If that isn’t a sign that she doesn’t belong, she doesn’t know what would be.  But she’ll give the Clan another chance.  Maybe it has some worth she hasn’t seen yet.  Fry (59) is also reeling from the death of his kit. He feels like he’s living through a nightmare.  Steppemimic can’t really be dead.  As Fry’s clanmates comfort him during the vigil, he can’t help but wonder if things will ever feel normal again without Steppemimic in his life.  Wildcave (35) feels sick to his stomach at the loss of his sister.  The last time he saw her, they had fought, and now all Wildcave can do is beg for forgiveness and hope Steppemimic is watching from StarClan.  Peakspots is also hit hard by Steppemimic’s death and grabs a piece of her fluff to add to his nest.

Meta: I like that Creekpaw proved herself in a similar way to Shadestar (Shadestar killed a group of foxes attacking the camp). And yes, if any of you were wondering, Yellowcreek killing a fox who snuck into the nursery should have been enough to prove him. But Yuccastar is a jerk and refused to, making the argument that he was only protecting himself (he was the only kit in the nursery at the time). In this case, she couldn't do that because Creekpaw protected Gladepatch.

[aphilosopherchair]

Tomato Tennis

"Things are about to get wild! As players take their positions, the smell of old and rotten tomatoes hits our noses, and the sight of players dressed in animal costumes adds to the surrealism of the scene. The players hold their fabric rackets, ready for a game that's unlike any other."

"As the first serve is made, the ball arcs in the air with a juicy splatter, and the spectators react with delight, laughing and cheering at the unusual spectacle before them. The players dance across the court, moving with agility and grace, using their fabric rackets to swat the tomatoes in all directions."

"Look! The giraffe's tomato sails over the net and into the lion's court. The lion swings his racket, but he misses the tomato! The giraffe scores the first point."

"The lion is not happy. He roars in anger and charges at the giraffe. The giraffe is scared, but he holds his ground. The lion leaps into the air and tries to swipe at the giraffe with his claws. But the giraffe ducks out of the way, and the lion lands on his face."

"The crowd laughs. The lion is humiliated. He gets up and tries to hit the tomato, but he keeps missing. The giraffe wins two sets in a row, 6-0, 6-0."

"As the game progresses, the players' antics and shenanigans become more and more outrageous, with one player even taking a bite out of the tomato during a play. The crowd goes wild, cheering and clapping at every unexpected turn."

"After a hard-fought game, one player emerges victorious, holding a slice of tomato, their signature victory pose. The crowd erupts with applause, and the players take a bow, proud to have put on a performance that was not only entertaining but also offered a refreshing change from the traditional ball games where the ball is a clone standardized down to the millimeter level."

"And that's a wrap on another batch of exciting matches! You have been watching Splat!, a wackosome tournament that convinces kids to step away from their screens and explore the wonder and magic of the world around us. Raw messiness is our biggest star. It's a great way for your future Olympians at home to learn how to deal with unexpected situations and how to laugh at themselves."

"I'm your announcer for the day, Coco Reed. Over and ouch!"

Credits

Illustration: AI1-AI2-AI1 (Although WOMBO did not contribute anything to the image concept or composition, it was instrumental to the refinement stage in the middle.)

Narration: AI3-AI4-AI3-AI4 (Approximation) + Human dubbing

Game concept: @tomatodiscourse must have been an indirect source of inspiration.

[roldyang]

Visual Magic: How Interactive Displays Instantly Build Brand Connections

In today’s competitive event landscape, capturing audience attention is more challenging than ever. Brands are moving beyond static setups and embracing the power of interactive displays to engage their audiences in real time. Whether it’s a massive LED wall, eye-popping anamorphic billboards, or captivating 3D LED cubes, these technologies create dynamic experiences that connect guests with brands almost instantly.

Modern consumers crave interaction. They don’t just want to observe; they want to participate. This is why immersive events powered by interactive displays are becoming the go-to solution for businesses seeking to leave a lasting impression. These displays not only showcase products and stories but also turn passive viewers into active participants.

Why Interactive Displays Drive Instant Engagement

Unlike traditional signage, interactive displays invite guests to become part of the experience. Whether it’s a touch-responsive screen or a gesture-controlled game, these setups transform the way consumers perceive brands. The large format of an LED wall, for instance, instantly draws attention with vivid visuals, videos, and animations that can change based on audience interaction.

Adding to this, anamorphic billboards are revolutionising outdoor and indoor branding. These optical illusions create 3D visuals that appear to pop out from flat surfaces. From a sneaker seemingly leaping out of a screen to a car drifting into virtual space, anamorphic billboards grab attention from afar and compel viewers to stop, stare, and share.

Then there are 3D LED cubes, which take visual storytelling to a whole new level. Positioned in the middle of event spaces or high-traffic areas, these cubes deliver content on all sides, ensuring that no matter where a guest stands, the experience remains engaging. Their 360-degree visibility and layered depth of visuals make them a favourite for brands looking to wow audiences at immersive events.

The Role of LED Walls, Anamorphic Billboards, and 3D LED Cubes in Immersive Events

The magic truly happens when these elements come together at immersive events. Picture an LED wall playing cinematic brand content, while guests interact with touch-sensitive panels to personalise their experience. Right beside it, an anamorphic billboard displays a mind-bending 3D animation that gets shared across social media within minutes. Meanwhile, a set of 3D LED cubes runs synchronised content, creating a fully immersive environment.

This blend of technologies ensures that visitors are not just looking—they are engaging. The movement, sound, and visual spectacle stimulate curiosity and excitement, leading to stronger emotional connections with the brand. Research consistently shows that interactive experiences lead to better recall, longer booth visits, and a higher likelihood of social sharing.

How Brands Benefit from Interactive Displays

Incorporating interactive displays into marketing campaigns doesn’t just attract attention—it creates a conversation between the brand and the audience. Guests feel part of the story, not merely spectators. This is particularly powerful in product launches, exhibitions, and immersive events, where first impressions matter.

The impact of an LED wall cannot be overstated. Its sheer scale makes it perfect for delivering impactful messages. Similarly, anamorphic billboards ensure that even passersby become instant audiences. Meanwhile, 3D LED cubes offer compact yet powerful ways to tell multi-dimensional stories, perfect for indoor spaces or exhibitions with limited footprint.

Together, these technologies ensure brands remain top of mind long after the event ends. In a digital-first world where attention is currency, the combination of interactive displays, LED walls, anamorphic billboards, 3D LED cubes, and immersive events is a proven formula for success.

Elevate Your Brand Experience Today

If you're ready to transform your events into unforgettable experiences, now is the time to embrace interactive displays. Let an LED wall command attention, let anamorphic billboards stop crowds in their tracks, and let 3D LED cubes captivate from every angle—all while delivering truly immersive events. Discover how Waveplay Interactive can help you craft next-level brand experiences that engage, delight, and connect instantly.

[katgametable]

TAZ Balance Episode 26: Petals to the Metal Chapter 9

Written 26 Apr 2025, shortly after relistening, having listened to the entire Balance arc some time ago.

Klarg’s eyes look a little glazed, like when he was Charmed, but he’s being very friendly to Taako. The boar attempts to gash Garyl, but Magnus yanks the reigns, diverting the attack, and closing back in on Hurley’s wagon, before jumping back aboard to confront the cricket-masked boarders, except Hurley springs up to knock them off herself.

The shark tank fires an absolutely massive spear that just misses Klarg before implanting in Hurley’s wagon, a thick cable starting to slow it down. Meanwhile, Klarg and Taako pass a spectator pylon, which sounds a different horn and sends a laser beam that mildly damages the motorcycle. Taako asks Klarg if he’s meant to be in the race, finds out he isn’t, and determines that somehow, despite the way Charm Person works, Klarg is still Charmed by Taako. He directs Klarg to pull up next to Hurley, while firing Magic Missile to finish off the boar.

Merle has Garyl leap over Hurley’s wagon to attack the cricket guy who Dominated Taako and smashes his scrying orb out of his hands. The driver swipes at Garyl, who is pulled under the truck’s wheels as Merle is rolled into the truck’s flatbed and stabbed by the magic user. Magnus hacks at the spear, can’t make much of a dent, so shoots the cricket who just stabbed Merle, but this lets the shark tank wind in Hurley’s wagon a little more. Taako and Klarg avoid another blast from the spectator pylons, and Taako convinces Klarg to jump onto to shark tank, in the hopes that the next time the pylon shoots Klarg it’ll take out the shark tank.

Taako, now in control of the motorcycle, uses Scorching Ray to blast the magic using cricket off the truck and kill the driver. Merle boots the dead driver out and takes control of the truck. Then another pylon tries to shoot Klarg and cuts the top off the shark tank, revealing the inner workings and killing most of the crew. Klarg falls off and lands safely, but the shark tank gets close enough to bite Hurley’s wagon. In the distance, the Raven is pretty close to winning.

Magnus clambers into the shark tank and attacks, injuring the Hammerhead boss and doing damage to the controls, releasing the jaws and cable attached to the wagon.

Taako casts Enlarge on the motorcycle to double its size and guns it for the Raven. Merle leaps back into Hurley’s wagon and prepares to push a big red button as soon as Magnus is back aboard - Magnus is still scrapping with the Hammerhead and kills him before dropping back onto the wagon. They check Taako’s good, and Merle hits the button.

They have totally dropped any attempt at not killing people by this point; Harley’s militia career is probably toast, and it is so extremely apparent why this sort of racing is so very illegal. Makes for a fun game, though.

I’m still loving all the different wagons, and I’m looking forward to seeing Hurley’s built-in features. Taako having the motorcycle feels a little cheaty, given the motorcycle isn’t meant to be in the race, but it’s kinda the same with Garyl. Possibly Taako will be banned from entering future races, although he might not want to. Depends on if they can finish the race without destroying even part of another town.

It’s down to just two racers, and the dramatic tension is thick enough to cut with a knife.

[icnewss]

Top 10 Best Catches in IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) isn't just about towering sixes and blistering bowling spells; it's also a showcase of breathtaking fielding brilliance. Every season, we witness moments of sheer athleticism that leave us spellbound, and IPL 2025 promises to deliver even more. From gravity-defying grabs to lightning-fast reflexes, these moments of fielding magic often change the course of a match. Let's dive into the potential top 10 best catches in IPL 2025, moments that will be etched in cricketing history.

The Art of the Spectacular Catch: Beyond Just Taking Wickets

Taking a catch isn't just about dismissing a batsman; it's about shifting momentum, igniting the crowd, and creating iconic moments. A spectacular catch can lift the entire team's spirits and demoralize the opposition. These IPL 2025 highlights wouldn’t be complete without these fielding masterclasses.

Predicting the Unpredictable: What Makes a Catch Iconic?

What makes a catch truly memorable? It's a combination of factors:

Difficulty: A catch taken under immense pressure, with minimal reaction time, or in a difficult position.

Athleticism: A display of exceptional agility, speed, and coordination.

Impact: A catch that turns the tide of the match or dismisses a key batsman.

Visual Appeal: A catch that looks visually stunning, leaving spectators in awe.

With these factors in mind, let’s speculate on the potential best catches IPL 2025 could deliver.

The Potential Top 10: A Glimpse into the Future

While we can't predict the exact catches, we can anticipate the types of moments that will make the list:

The Boundary Rope Miracle: A fielder leaping high, stretching every sinew, and somehow managing to keep their feet inside the boundary line. These catches are always crowd-pleasers.

The Diving Stunner: A full-length dive, inches above the ground, to snatch a ball that seemed destined for the boundary. These catches showcase incredible athleticism and commitment.

The Reflex Masterclass: A catch taken with lightning-fast reflexes, often at short-leg or slip, where reaction time is minimal.

The High-Pressure Grab: A catch taken in a crucial moment, with the match hanging in the balance, showcasing nerves of steel.

The Spectacular Slip Catch: A catch taken at slip, often a low, sharp chance, demanding exceptional hand-eye coordination.

The Mid-Air Acrobatics: A catch taken with a mid-air twist or jump, showcasing incredible body control.

The Long-Distance Chase: A catch taken after a lengthy chase, demonstrating exceptional speed and stamina.

The One-Handed Wonder: A catch taken with one hand, often a spectacular grab that leaves spectators speechless.

The Close-In Magic: A catch taken close to the batsman, often a sharp chance that demands quick reflexes.

The Unexpected Blinder: A catch taken in an unexpected position or situation, surprising everyone.

These moments will be a major part of the IPL 2025 cricket highlights.

Also Read:- Top 3 Most Expensive IPL 2025 Retentions

The Impact of Fielding: More Than Just Stopping Runs

Exceptional fielding can be a game-changer in the IPL. It can:

Build pressure on the opposition.

Boost team morale.

Create crucial wickets.

Save vital runs.

A team with a strong fielding unit has a significant advantage in the tournament.

The Technology Factor: Ensuring Accuracy

With advanced technology like slow-motion replays and hawk-eye, every catch is scrutinized to ensure accuracy. This adds another layer of excitement to the game, as fans eagerly await the final verdict.

The Legacy of Great Catches: A Tradition Continues

The IPL has a rich history of spectacular catches, and IPL 2025 will undoubtedly add to this legacy. These moments of brilliance will be replayed and celebrated for years to come. These IPL 2025 moments will be talked about for years.

Conclusion: A Feast for the Eyes

The top 10 best catches in IPL 2025 will be a feast for the eyes, showcasing the incredible athleticism and skill of the players. These moments of fielding brilliance will add another dimension to the tournament, making it even more exciting and memorable. Keep an eye out for these gravity-defying moments, because they will be something special.

Also Read:- CSK top 3 run-scorers in IPL 2024

[ledenews]

On Thursday, November 7, WesBanco Upper Ohio Valley Market President & Senior Commercial Banker David Klick and his family will join Santa Claus to officially flip the switch at 6:15 pm for the 40th anniversary of Oglebay’s Festival of Lights, proudly presented by WesBanco. After the fireworks light up the sky, get ready for a stunning experience as the Ohio Valley’s first ever drone show takes flight! Sky Elements, one of the world’s largest drone show companies and a Top 3 finalist on this season’s America’s Got Talent, will dazzle spectators over Schenk Lake with a mesmerizing performance of over 100 synchronized drones. Set to popular holiday music, the show will feature dazzling formations and vibrant holiday visuals, making it a must-see event for the whole family. If you miss it on Thursday, there’s another chance to catch this awe-inspiring display on Saturday, November 9. “Our 40th anniversary is truly something special,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, President & CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. “With upgraded displays and the exciting addition of the Ohio Valley’s first-ever drone show, this season promises even more magic! This is a must-see experience for everyone to feel the wonder of the holiday season.” Exciting new features for 2024 include a special 40th anniversary star atop the 70-foot Welcome Tree, seven enchanting Dancing Trees ranging from 12 to 24 feet tall that will dance to music at Observatory Field, upgraded RGB lights illuminating the Zoo Light Tunnel, and welcoming leaping arches along Lodge Drive. The Festival of Trees returns on Friday, November 15, showcasing over 30 beautifully decorated trees at the historic Pine Room, running through November 23. “WesBanco is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 40th anniversary of Oglebay’s Festival of Lights,” said David Klick. “We are honored to support an event that brings so much joy and showcases the beauty and community spirit of Oglebay for this milestone year, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the places we call home.” There is still time to sign up for the popular Twinkle Trot 5K on Sunday, November 24. Registration is $30, and participants who sign up before November 15 will receive a complimentary souvenir t-shirt. The nationally recognized Festival of Lights spans more than 300 acres of Oglebay, featuring one of the largest holiday light displays in the country. From November 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025, visitors can experience more than 100 illuminated displays and over a million twinkling lights during the 6-mile drive through the park. For details on the drone show, Festival of Trees, and other exciting events during Festival of Lights, visit oglebay.com/lights. Read the full article

[talesofdricarro]

Tales of Dracarrio: Act 1 Session 2 recap

Last time on Tales of Driccaro, the party decided to take a short rest along the dirt path. during which Eblech decided it would be funny if he used minor illusion to make a little dancing Gnome appear behind Richard. “What Weeman doing?!” Richard shouted and attempted to punt the creature like a football. But with little experience with magic, Richard couldn’t see past the trick, and his foot went right through Eblechs clever prank.

After a few more minutes of the party arguing and calling each other names, Vincent got up to look around their campsite and discovered a small tower only slightly hidden within the forest a few feet from them. Peeking their interest, the party gets up from their camp and decides to investigate. Richard, after arguing with Vincent for the past hour, decides to attempt to push Vincent out of the tower before he can make his way in. Vincent however simply walked past him without much effort. What they managed to gather from their investigation from the first floor of the tower was that this place hasn’t been used in a long time. But that did not stop Phaven and Zephyr from looking around to see what they could find.

As they searched, Richard and Eblech both went up the tower's walls using a ladder. Making their way to a trap door on the ceiling, Richard and Eblech stuff themselves into the room at the same time and discover that they aren’t alone in this room.

“GET AWAY! STOP GETTING NEAR ME!” Screamed the old man hiding underneath the rotting wood table in the top floor of the tower as he leaped from his hiding spot to grab and attack Richard and Eblech. Feeling like there is no other option, Richard takes his trusty wrench and cleaves this old man’s skull into, making the aviators that the old man was wearing fall to the ground between them.

Zephyr and Vincent grow more worried about their current position within this group after what seems like their first combat experience was murdering a homeless man. After leaving the tower, Eblech decides to put on the aviators he had acquired from this murder. As he put them on, his anxiety and nervousness skyrockets, turning to the group only to be met with scowling gazes.

He has just put on Dans Detectors. Unknown to the group, this pair of aviators are cursed and will give the wearer great power along with a terrible anxiety and schizophrenia.

As Eblech begins to grow more and more distrusting of the group, an argument begins to unravel. It’s not long before the group realizes that Eblechs charm and good nature has changed due to the aviators, leaving Zephyr and Phaven to come to the realization that they must be cursed. An intense standstill with Eblech and the other members drawing their weapons at each other, Vincent finds an opportunity to use his rogue skills to defuse this dire situation. Time slows to a crawl as Vincent sees his movements within his mind. Feeling weightless as his feet glide long the dirt road toward Eblech in an attempt to disarm him. But to the observer, the party would witness Vincent trip over a rock and slide in between Eblech and the party. To try and keep momentum, Vincent would then try and swipe the weapon from Evlechs hands, but miss entirely and face plant right back down into the dirt.

With the perfect distraction, Zephyr makes his move and swipes the aviators from Eblechs face and casts a powerful spell to destroy these spectators sent from Hell. Within a blinding flash of white hot magic, a face can be seen screaming as ghostly hands grab and pull it back to whatever realm these shades spawned from as the energy and smoke collapse in on itself, shaking the air around them as the sounds of demons and screaming can but heard slowly fading. Birds and the calming sounds of the forest return to their ears.

The dust settled and the party could breathe a sigh of relief.

Frustrated and annoyed at the entire situation, Zephyr demands that they finish this quest so he could possibly never see any of these people again. With a new kick in their step they sauntered off towards their destination. As they traveled, the trees around them began to change from a vibrant green to a dazzling purple. Plums litter the forest road as they all march up a steep hill. At the peak, overlooking a grove of plum trees lies a small village. Half which seems to be in complete ruin, while the other.. a large goblin camp has taken root within the town itself. Looking at each other with thoughts of worry, they continued with their plan and made their way towards this battered town of Fairgrove.

Dread begins to settle in as the first thing they all notice about this village is not the goblins, in fact, the goblins are nowhere to be found. Vincent, being the first to step within the borders of Fairgrove picks up a plum, and as he puts it away in his alchemy bag, he looks up to notice the horror of every single home within this village having been ripped up from its foundation and flipped upside down. A row of upside down buildings form a hallway leading towards certain doom.

“What kind of creature would have the strength to even flip a house?!” They pondered. Further down the road they stopped some villagers. Rather old and feeble men and women worked down to the bone. Their hopes and aspirations were taken long ago when the goblins settled in. The party, asking if there’s anyone here that could help with this goblin threat, but the only person they seemed reluctant to even mention was a man going by the name, Sean Giggles. Off in the distance sits a halfling Archer atop a fence post. His bright and colorful appearance battles with this charming and welcoming smile. As the party approaches they instantly take a liking to this humble entertainer. It’s through Sean Giggles that the party is informed that the rest of the village had been taken in as slaves. Those who they see weak and old around them are former slaves kicked out and left to starve.

The party, driven by Sean’s determination to keep his village safe, inspires the group, but Eblech decided to test Sean to see if he’s worthy enough to help. Through a juggling test. Sean began to juggle in front of the group and with great haste, Eblech steps in and Juggles with him, creating a beautiful performance. Impressing Eblech and gaining his favor, the group marches in a line down the dirt and dry plum scattered road with the intention of storming the goblin keep. And with the fury of an army, slaughtered the goblins within the first camp. Determination flows through the party and continues forward.

Will The party face their demise? Or will they be victorious and find glory? The wheels of fate keep turning and only time will tell their story.

[energyentertainment-blog]

The Mesmerizing Magic of Fire: A Dazzling Display of Shows

Fire has captivated human imagination since ancient times, its flickering flames casting a spellbinding allure that transcends cultures and generations. Today, this primal element continues to mesmerize audiences worldwide through the artistry of fire shows.

From circus performances to cultural celebrations, fire shows are diverse in form yet unified in their ability to evoke awe and wonder. In these displays, skilled performers manipulate fire with precision and grace, transforming it into a mesmerizing dance of light and heat. The spectacle unfolds as flames twirl, leap, and weave through the air, choreographed to music that amplifies the drama and intensity of each movement.

One of the most iconic elements of fire shows is poi spinning, where performers swing tethered weights engulfed in flames in intricate patterns around their bodies. The rhythmic movements create a hypnotic visual rhythm, punctuated by trails of fire that leave fleeting imprints in the night sky. Audience members are often left breath less, caught in the enchantment of this ancient art form reborn in a modern context.

Beyond its visual appeal, fire shows with fire carry deeper symbolic meanings. Fire has long been associated with transformation and renewal across various cultures. In shows, this symbolism is palpable as performers skillfully navigate the boundaries between danger and beauty, harnessing the primal energy of fire to create moments of ephemeral brilliance.

Moreover, fire shows serve as a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. Each performance requires meticulous planning and rigorous training to ensure the safety of both performers and spectators. Behind the scenes, artisans craft specialized equipment designed to withstand intense heat and maintain optimal performance, adding a layer of technical sophistication to the art form.

In recent years, fire shows have evolved beyond traditional settings to include avant-garde performances at festivals, corporate events, and even weddings. These adaptations reflect a growing appreciation for the unique blend of danger and spectacle that fire brings to any occasion.

Ultimately, fire shows are more than entertainment; they are a testament to the enduring fascination with fire as both a force of nature and a medium of artistic expression. Whether witnessed in a bustling city square or against the backdrop of a starlit beach, these shows with fire ignite the imagination and remind us of the elemental power that continues to shape our collective consciousness.

So the next time you find yourself drawn to the flickering glow of a fire show, take a moment to marvel at the skill, creativity, and ancient symbolism that converge in this dazzling display. In the dance of flames, you may just discover a glimpse of the timeless magic that connects us all.