#A guide to the crow (Somewhat)

[somewhatsad]

Making this digital and then im putting it on a T-shirt

This is Cronan in my chibi style! I want him to be in an anime called "A crow to be guided"

Now watch as I add way to many tags that aren't relevant.

レインくん！

[manikas-whims]

LADS men + Halloween Costumes

Now with Sylus solo banner upcoming, the possibility of getting a Halloween quad banner is nil. And i’m happy for it cuz this has saved me from making a really bad financial decision 😆

anyways here's some mulling over the LIs costume choices..

SYLUS

Option 1: Vampire

If we consider Sylus’s overall aesthetic, then Vampire is the most obvious choice for him. He can't go out in the daylight for some inexplicable reason; definitely a creature of the night. He has red eyes that glow in the dark. And even during Destiny Café interactions, he playfully sinks his teeth into your palm. No doubt he'd enjoy sinking them more into your neck 🤭

Also like imagine a 5 star Sylus Halloween card where MC begins suspecting Sylus to be a vampire. And the whole card revolves around her trying to collect evidence. Even Luke and Keiran begin to suspect Sylus thanks to MC and the 3 join forces. The card ends with Sylus playfully scolding all of them 😆 and laughing in disbelief, in that deep cadence that he has 😊

Option 2: Demon

Another obvious choice. If not a vampire, then the red eyes and dark aesthetic are also quite befitting for a Demon attire. A very charming demon who lures you into sinning by offering his black card 🤭 and ofcourse you willingly sell your soul to him.

Option 3: Bounty Hunter

You know those charming sorts of outlaws that everyone loves and roots for? Yeah, that would fit so well with Sylus. Especially the steampunk aesthetic. So yeah..a steampunk style, bounty hunter Sylus with an array of weapons strapped all over. He only works solo but will definitely make an exception for you 😌

Option 4: Crow

Unlike the other two, this option involves a big, poofy bird suit. A crow outfit to be specific. And he looks simply adorable in it 🥺 Imagine yourself trying not to laugh as you sneakily take millions of photos of him in this outfit 🤭 while he sneers at you but there's no actual anger behind his gaze.

XAVIER

Option 1: Werewolf

It may sound unusual upon first thought but this will play so well into his overall persona of the “wolf in sheep's clothing” or “wolf in bunny clothing”. He did nibble on your finger and sniffed your scent in the No Restraint card. And I'm damn sure he has a thing for biting and marking. So just imagine him putting on the wolf ears, claws and fangs, and he starts acting more sly than ever, saying he's only playing the part 😉

Option 2: Royalty

Another obvious choice. Xavier is pretty used to this cause he is royalty afterall. So assuming a position of power comes easy to him (remember Floral Blessing?). Maybe some sort of chivalrous and gallant prince because he can easily add his swordplay skills to it. Seeing him regard you as his queen will be a treat sweeter than all the candies 😌

Option 3: Lumiere

You think it's the most hilarious inside joke— Lumiere hiding in plain sight amidst the crowd of Linkon on one night where a large majority would be dressed as their legend. Their hero. Xavier absolutely hates it! And he hates the amount of people he spots in Lumiere costumes. But he'll put it on upon your insistence. Just be ready for the consequences later on cause this man is jealous of his own superhero alter-ego 😭

Option 4: Angel

Xavier with large white wings protruding from his back would be another fitting sight with his overall white/silver aesthetic. Imagine him as your guardian angel, always watching over you, protecting you and trying his best to guide you on the right path, despite his own desires for you.

Option 5: Bunny/Alien

If not the above choices, then some cute/sexy bunny costume (though we've already got our bunny butler). Or a really silly alien costume that somewhat resembles his sticker set. We know he'll look squisher than ever in those 🥺

ZAYNE

Option 1: Mad Scientist

Something similar to Dr. Faustus or Dr. Frankenstein (yeah Frankenstein was NOT the monster but the name of the guy who created the monster..in case some people still don't know 😭). Zayne’s personal goal– his obsession and drive– to keep MC alive is somewhat similar to Dr. Frankenstein’s obsession with unraveling the secrets of life and well..ultimately beating death by bringing someone to life. And Zayne's hunger for knowledge is also similar to that of Dr. Faustus’s who readily sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge.

So yeah..Zayne as a mad scientist, obsessed with knowledge and the drive to keep you alive would be intense 💯/💯

Option 2: Tutor

He'll sigh, take off his glasses and pinch the bridge of his nose in annoyance, like he always does. But you'll somehow convince him to do it because he's incapable of saying no to you.

It starts as a silly costume idea but the moment you see his legs clad in those unusually tight-fitting slacks and the pointer stick in his hand, you realize you might have a tutor kink and that you wouldn't mind misbehaving cause you'd actually enjoy getting punished by him 🫣

Option 3: Snowman/Penguin

The cute option! Definitely Dr. Carter, Yvonne and his other co-workers coaxed him to put it on for the little kids visiting Akso hospital throughout the week. When you stop by for a scheduled check-up and stumble upon him, you can't help but take loads of pictures of him with the kids 😊

RAFAYEL

Option 1: Merman/Siren

Just like Xavier as Lumiere, Rafayel as a merman on halloween would be such a spectacular inside joke.

At first he'd be offended because the fake tail you bought for him would feel like an insult to the real thing. He would pout and narrow his brows but after your constant cajoling and sweet-talking he'll agree to indulge you. And it's all fun and games until you realize why all those sailors in fiction are so terrified yet turned on at the mere sight of a merman/siren. He'll entice you so easily with his velvety voice 😵‍💫

Option 2: Assassin

Don't fall for his pretty face. Rafayel can be cunning, deceptive and deadly when he wants to be. (in the main story and also as Abysswalker). As such, putting on the attire of an assassin would come easy to him. His charm is as lethal as the numerous daggers he conceals within his clothes. He’ll strike you right in the heart. Can totally imagine him doing finger guns at you 😉

Option 3: Chick

Pouty babie in an adorable chick costume with a beret and paintbrush, like his sticker pack. Imagine him struggling with the bulky costume, trying to waddle towards you in annoyance, demanding you to immediately help him take off the costume. Despite it all, he'd let you hug him and take selfies. He'll hate every minute of it but still pose properly when you take pics 😆

these are just some silly thoughts..what are your costume ideas for each LI 🤔

» MASTERLIST «

[bisayawa]

freckles & blades & helping hands

✎___ husband!diluc × spouse!reader

✎___ a/n: domestic fluff (literally just a soft scene of diluc shaving his scruff), i aged diluc up a bit i think. use of the pet name honey. somewhat inspired by @/mmmairon's art of beefy, gentle, kind diluc :> 730~ words, not proofread; art by ary scheffer.

"do you need any help?"

legs swinging on the counter top, you lean in & stare, eyes glazing over the handsome lines of your husband's face on the mirror. he has a few crow's feet near his temples. whenever you point it out, he'll always say the wrinkles are evidence of you, you who make him smile & laugh & chuckle until his stomach hurts. it's evidence of a life laughter, he'd say.

the sharp stipple of the razor cuts through the silence.

"no, honey," he says, turning his head & angling the blade to the scruff on his jaw. "it's alright."

the words are spoken softly. it was jarring a few years ago, hearing words of buttercream & sweetness come from a man such as diluc, hulking, dignified, broad-shouldered, almost always with a dour expression on his face.

there was a handsomeness to the gloom before. the sharpness of brows, the bite of his frowns, the particular wrinkle when he scrunches his nose... but you have to admit, the allure is multiplied tenfold when he's all honeyed & dewy-eyed, softer than a cloud.

"i could do it for you, you know?"

his eyes never leave the mirror.

"i still don't understand this... fixation you have," he angles his face in an almost-quarter turn. "i'm just shaving, hon. it's no event you have to witness."

"of course, it is." you lean a little closer. "it's like an unveiling. my husband is showing his true face, one without scruff or stubble."

"an unveiling― ?" his shoulders shake & he puts down the razor for a few moments, small bouts of giggles floating through the room.

he rights himself.

"behave. i'm never gonna finished in time." his stern voice is all for show. he's smiling as he says the words.

a beat passes.

"but isn't it though? they'll finally see all your face. happy wrinkles & all."

he's struggling to fix his lip into a line, unable to stop it from curling into a smile. he's repeating your last few words, mouthing them out as he brings down the razor.

the silence after then is sweet, filled with curious looks towards his face filled with foam & other little chuckles.

"so..." your voice cuts through.

"so...?"

"could i do it for you?"

he taps the razor on the marble sink, shucking hair & foam off the blade.

"you don't know how..." another swipe of the razor.

"you could teach me." tap tap.

"i've..." swipe. "already started." tap

"just the basics." swipe. "an impromptu lesson, yeah? against the grain & all that?"

"it's with the grain, honey."

"right, yeah... i knew that... so are you gonna teach me?"

"hm..."

"oh? usually it's a big, disapproving hrrrnn..."

"you've catalogued my grousing?"

"yup yup, because i am a good spouse who tends to the needs of my husband."

he laughs at that, quietly. another wrinkle on his temple.

"alright, alright... here..."

he gives the razor, grasping it in your hand. he's gentle, careful, righting your hold of the blade.

"okay... here's how it should be..." he guides your hand towards his cheek, speaking in soft murmurs. "just like how my father taught me. listen."

he pulls down, a swipe against his face. hair & foam give way for his pale skin.

"there. let the blade do the work, honey. don't push too harshly."

he makes another swipe, his hand still guiding yours.

"here, just like this." swipe swipe swipe. "you wanna try?"

your small palm finds the back of his neck, pulling him close. brows furrow in concentration as the razor anticipates the next swipe.

"careful, honey, okay?" the warmth of his hand leaves. "i trust you."

shaking fingers steel themselves. the blade goes still before landing on the softness of his skin. it coasts across his jaw, cold metal kissing warm flesh. the line is carved against the shaving foam, no longer obscuring his face.

the swipe is finished. the trust was not betrayed. the result of your work is there upon the blade, as patches of coarse hair & crisp shaving foam.

"how was that?" you murmur.

"wonderful." he's staring into your eyes, not at the razor like you expected. "would you like to keep going?"

"yes, please." you poke at his newly shaven jaw. "i've never noticed your little freckle here."

"i have a few." he pinches your nose. "let's keep going. maybe we can find a few more."

[thebiscuitlabryinth]

Does Black Raisin ever try to confront Healer about Plain Yogurt’s odd behavior? Since she doesn’t trust him and he doesn’t like her and both of them are keeping the peace only for Healer’s sake.

"Healer, can I speak with you for a moment?"

Healer turns his head towards the sound of Black Raisin's voice with a smile, his footsteps coming to a stop. He opens his mouth to reply as he hears Plain Yogurt's footsteps stop beside him, only to be cut off when Black Raisin's firmly adds, "Alone."

There's a shuffle of dirt from where Plain Yogurt stands, but Healer takes this request in stride, his gentle smile unwavering. "Of course." He turns his head to where he assumes Plain Yogurt to be. "I'll be right back. You can go ahead, if you want."

Plain Yogurt lets out a flat hum of acknowledgement and makes no audible move. Healer decides not to dwell on that, focusing on the guiding caw of Black Raisin's raisin crow and her retreating footsteps as he steadily follows her inside one of the other tents for privacy.

Healer hears the flap slip close behind him as Black Raisin exhales heavily, the swish of her cloak telling him she was turning to face him. Despite her reluctance, she gets right to the point. "Are you sure you can't reconsider letting him stay here?"

Healer's smile fades slightly as he adjusts his grip on his staff, and there is the smallest hint of exasperation in his tone when he replies, "You're bringing this up again?"

"Yes, because I still have my concerns." Black Raisin presses. "Why is he still here in the first place? We already have enough mouths to feed, and he must have somewhere to go back to."

"Well, I'm sure he does," Healer says mildly, "but if he wants to stay, why should we shun him? It may be another mouth to feed, but it's also another pair of hands to help."

Black Raisin sighs heavily. "Don't you find it suspicious?" She asks, somewhat pleading. "What could an outlander have to gain from staying with us? We have nothing to offer him!"

"Nothing but companionship, perhaps." Healer suggests, allowing himself another small smile. "Sometimes, that is enough for a Cookie."

"That's what worries me." Black Raisin mumbles, more to herself than Healer, but he hears it anyway. She pauses, then groans, raising her voice again. "You can't see the way he looks at things sometimes, Healer! At me. At you. He grins like he's won the prize draw, all smug and cunning."

"Which may be aggravating, but is not inherently malicious." Healer reasons lightly, inclining his head towards Black Raisin. "I must admit, you can be very fun to tease sometimes. I'm sure he doesn't mean any harm by it."

"You don't get it!" Black Raisin's voice grows harsher with frustration, gaining a desperate edge, and Healer's attempt at playfulness evaporates. Her voice plummets to something low, hushed. "He looks like a monster sometimes, Healer, I swear it. I keep seeing fangs, or claws, or eyes where they shouldn't be, for just a split second. And he insists on spending so much time with you - you're valuable to the village, you know? More than that, we- I care about you. Of course his presence worries me."

Healer sucks in a slow, sluggish breath, then sighs. He taps his way towards her, reaching his free hand out to rest gently on her shoulder, adjusting his grip to be more firm once he's found it.

"I appreciate the concern, Black Raisin, but I... think it may be misplaced. Plain Yogurt has been staying with us for quite a while now, hasn't he? And there hasn't been a single incident!" Healer reassures, using his own voice as a soothing balm. "You are a reliable protector, but you shouldn't allow your cautiousness to morph into paranoia. Closing your heart will do you very little good."

Black Raisin is silent for a moment.

"You trust me, don't you?" Healer continues, a little firmer in the hopes to bridge this gap. "I understand you don't trust him, but at least trust my judgement. Please."

Black Raisin is silent for a moment longer. Then she lets out a shuddering exhale, and Healer feels her shoulder slump under his hand. "...I'll do my best."

[thelostgirl21]

Okay so... in the Netflix series, Jaskier is supposed to have been born in 1222, which would make him roughly 46 by the end of the books series (i.e. 1268), right?

And, according to the most recent book ("Crossroad of the Crows") Geralt would have been born in 1211 (making him roughly 57 by the end of the series)...

...

...

...

...am I the only one having a complete kick out of trying to integrate Geralt's canon birth year into the Netflix series, and thinking it would be somewhat hilariously brilliant to have them just roll with that new added bit of information?!

Especially if Jaskier knows?!

Because Geralt keeps talking as if he's this old, wise guy that's already been around for centuries (or a century, at the very least)!

He's someone that has grown so jaded with life and disillusioned with the world because humans have such short lives and short memories, that they never learn from their mistakes (amongsts others)...

He keeps speaking as if he's seen Empires rise and fall! Entire Civilizations be wiped out! He's an ancient being that no mere mortal could ever dream of fully understanding!

When, in truth, he's basically a baby white wolf! A young tiny Witcher!

If Jaskier met Geralt when he was 18, then Geralt would have been barely 29 at that time!!!

I can just imagine Geralt, at some point on the road, going:

"In my experience, after everything I've seen and been through in my unnaturally long existence..."

Meanwhile, Jaskier's like: "Oh, for fuck's sake! Vesemir told me you've just turned 35! I bet the raven we've just crossed has seen more stuff than you!"

Basically, during the events of "Sirens of the Deep", you have a Jaskier that's "pushing 40, looks 30, thinks he's 20, and acts like he's 10."

And you have a Geralt that's "pushing 50, looks 40, thinks he's 100, and acts like he's 200!"

Going by their current age (end of Season 3), they're like a modern day Gen X / Xennial (queerplatonic) couple, basically!

You've got the Xennial Millenial (Jaskier), that shows a blend of hopeful optimism combined with a healthy dose of cynic realism, that is constantly trying to convince his Gen X partner to get involved and make a difference in people's lives, that there's still love and beauty to be found in the world, and that even if you don't succeed in changing things, you should at the very least give it your best try!

And you've got your archetypical Gen Xer that just wants to do their own thing, stay neutral in all those conflicts to avoid needing to get involved (or worse, be sucked into other people's dramas... Yuck!); because they grew up in a world where toys and playgrounds were pretty much designed to try to kill you, your parents weren't around to nurture and guide you; and you spent most of your formative years hanging out with a bunch of other neglected kids your age alone at home, doing dumb things with them, totally unsupervised, while the "adult world" was filled with issues that you were told did not concern you!

I mean - and I know this wasn't done on purpose at all, but still - tell me Geralt isn't the perfect on-screen embodiment of a "Gen Xer" transposed into a fantasy universe!

To quote an actual Gen Xers:

"We’ve led our life squeezed between the larger Baby Boomer and Millennial cohorts, two generations who also have quite high opinions of themselves. That has actually suited our sullen personalities, we were never ones to like that much attention. We tend to be a little more reserved, more reticent. If you can give an entire generation personality traits, then describing Generation X as slightly moody introverts, is probably as close as you can get. [...] We are what is sometimes called a Nomad Generation, one who has to pick up the pieces from conflicts between prior generations. In our case, we had to re-build after the boomers rebelled during the sixties and seventies. It makes us practical, more concerned with results than high falutin ideas. It also makes us cynical. In some respects, we were the counter-revolution, a backlash against the optimism and idealism of the boomers. That cynical attitude also comes across at times in our attitude to the millennials. Don’t they realize that the world isn’t that simple? [...] One of the best ever quotes I’ve seen about Generation X is this by Theis Duelund in an article in Vice Magazine; “Jaded Gen X slackers nihilistically accept the machine of which they are a part and can dissect its fundamental facile and evil nature with all the clarity and urgency of a nineteenth-century Romantic poet”."

So, Jaskier and Geralt really have that whole modern day 42 y.o. vs 53 y.o. besties vibe down by Season 3, I swear!

Meanwhile I've just checked, and apparently Yennefer was born in 1192 in the show, making her 19 years older than Geralt (this version of Yennefer would thus be 76 y.o. by the end of the series, assuming they end it on the same year as the books)...

Going by the prior analogy, and assuming Jaskier is roughly around 42 in Season 3, that would make her 72...

... and a Boomer!

I'm laughing so hard at the animosity between them being partly caused by a generational divide, with Jaskier's Xennial arse essentially continuously going with their own universe's equivalent of "Okay, Boomer!" on Yennefer!

Meanwhile, poor Geralt is so done with all the generational warfare, and just wants to take a nap!

And Ciri's birth year is 1250... So she'd be... 14 (Gen Z)?!

Wait. So does that mean Season 3 is happening closer to 1268 than I thought? Or in 1268? Because I thought Ciri was like 18 by Season 3 (wasn't she 14 when Geralt finally found her?)!

If she's 15 in Season 3, then Jaskier would be 43, Geralt 54, and Yennefer 73; and the year would be 1265.

If Ciri is 16, then Jaskier would be 44, Geralt 55, and Yennefer 74; and the year would be 1266.

If Ciri is 17, then Jaskier would be 45, Geralt 56, and Yennefer 75; and the year would be 1267.

If Ciri is 18, then Jaskier would be 46, Geralt 57, and Yennefer 76; and the year would be 1268.

Makes me wonder how old Radovid is on the show...

Because Ciri really can't be anywhere younger than 14.

Meaning that Jaskier can't be anywhere younger than 42, either.

And, while the casting documents apparently put Radovid as being 19 at some point; he looks at the very least 30+ on the show.

A case could be made for 25, perhaps, if it involves a lot of suspension of disbelief, given that Hugh Skinner is very baby faced.

But still, the actor is currently 40 (and, in my humble opinion, does look like most 40 year old baby faced people I know), and Joey Batey is 36 and playing a character that is supposed to be AT LEAST 42 in Season 3 (46 at the very oldest).

And if you put two equally baby faced actors in roughly the same age range together on screen, what you get is two men firmly looking like they are the same age, regardless of whatever age you wish to give them.

In other words, if you'd wanted Hugh Skinner to be able to pull off playing a 19 year old prince, making him the love interest of Joey Batey's character, while asking Joey to portray a guy that's meant to be anywhere between 42 and 46, might not have been the smartest idea.

Not to mention that, despite Jaskier thinking he's 20 and acting like he's 10, Jaskier being 42 and getting romantically/sexually involved with someone that's +/- 20 y.o. would create a solid power imbalance in the relationship that I'm not sure would bring anything more to it.

Radovid already grew up pretty sheltered, in a highly dangerous environment that did a pretty good job at stunting his individuation process. As such, there's already this sort of innocence to the way he's falling in love with Jaskier and allowing himself to take influence from him on the show, that I really see no need to double down on by making Radovid almost a teenager and creating a 20+ years age gap between the two of them.

Plus, IMHO, the idea that Jaskier would have responded the way he did in the cabin, knowing that this was but a scared 20 year old kid stuck in a vipers' nest (I tend to headcanon that Radovid is somewhere between 35 and 40 when he meets Jaskier), feels uncharacteristically harsh given Jaskier's usual level of empathy and understanding.

Yes, Radovid represents tremendous political power, but a 42 year old, emotionally and psychologically, can cause a lot more damage to a 20 year old than the other way around.

With a 20 year old Radovid, Jaskier would thus be needing to navigate a fine line between becoming a romantic/sexual partner, and a bit of an educator/teacher figure to Radovid. And I'm not sure that it's a challenge that's really needed on top of all of the other things they already need to mutually learn to navigate together.

Although the idea that Geralt would have chosen a girlfriend that's roughly 20 years older than himself, and Jaskier gone right for someone that's 2 times 10 years 20 years younger than himself, would be rather funny!

But yeah, to go back to Geralt himself, I kinda love the idea of him being so young, yet constantly acting so old.

Perhaps, just like people tend to believe that Witchers are devoid of human emotions, they always tend to assume that any Witcher they meet are really old and powerful beings, and Geralt has never bothered to correct any of them on those assumptions.

Especially with his white hair, it was all too easy for him to lean into that stereotype, and use people's assumptions about him to his advantage, for once!

Humans interacting with him always assume that he's naturally much older and especially wiser than they are themselves, and that his opinions carry the weight of over a century of life experience!

Kings and Queens invite him to sit at their own tables, seek his counsel, etc.

But really, he's just a 39 year old introvert that got dragged to a party he didn't want to go to by a 28 year old extravert that needed his protection because he keeps fucking around with royalty (quite literally!)!

And now, the music is too loud, the people suck, he just wants to go back home, drink wine, and hang out with his horse; but he still needs to make sure his dumbass friend doesn't get himself killed...

Next thing you know, the Queen suddenly wants to pretend they're palls, he's getting involved in a fight, the crown princess wants to marry a porcupine and she suddenly reveals that she carries some kind of great primal power or something... Turns out the Queen has a real passion for stabbing things, and oh! Destiny was giving away a child of surprise at the venue, and one guess whose name they picked?!

Fuck his life! He can barely keep one bard alive, who'd be dumb enough to entrust him with a child?!

It's even funnier if, genuinely, no one (except the other Witchers, Geralt's closest family and friends, and probably Borch) knows that Geralt was only born in 1211.

By now, he's gotten so used to playing the part, that even Geralt himself tends to forget he's not actually that old.

When he and Jaskier are alone together, or just hanging out with the rest of their family, there are times where Jaskier just lets it slide. And others where he'll start teasing him about it, because "I'll remind you that you're barely a decade older than me, you silly goose!"

On a more sobering front, what if Geralt is so anxious at the mere thought of living for 100+ years, without the passing years visibly and physically aging him, while some of the people he loves most (like Jaskier) continue to grow old and eventually die, that he's always felt that burden very sharply and as if he'd actually experienced it.

And there's a kind of poetic tragedy to

*Spoilers for Lady of the Lake under the cut*

the idea that Geralt - a.k.a. the one constantly struggling with people's shorter lifespans and so scared of being left behind by those he loves - winds up dying (and/or being moved to some eternal realm) at age 57.

While Jaskier - a.k.a. the one that's always loved people wholeheartedly and with fearless devotion - winds up being the one that gets left behind to mourn the loss of his family.

Geralt and Yennefer likely both expected that they would eventually have to go through the shared grief of having to watch Jaskier grow old and die...

...except neither of them would ever get to watch him grow any older than 46.

Meanwhile, Jaskier might still have another 40, or perhaps even 50 years to go on and adapt to the reality of living the rest of his human life without the two of them.

So, whatever you do, please do not think too hard about Radovid finding Jaskier alone in his bedroom drinking and crying in the middle of the afternoon on his 77th birthday, because the reality of having somehow managed to outlive his "mad fucking witch" just hit him full force!

His 58th birthday was hard enough, but now he's officially gotten to live a longer life than both of them on this Continent, and it's so fucking unfair! He's just a bard, godsdamnit!

Also, please don't spend too much time thinking about how, in their first few years together, Jaskier might potentially find himself struggling with a bit of separation anxiety whenever he lets Radovid out of his sight for too long, and possibly whenever there's a small crowd of people starting to surround the king, during various royal events and gatherings, even despite the closeby presence of royal guards.

Don't think about how that anxiety might occasionally turn into a full blown panic attack, should that crowd get a bit too dense for comfort; or how Jaskier might start imagining people carrying pitchforks in the crowd despite his best attempt to avoid thinking about that.

Jaskier's just trying to be brave about it and give poor Radovid some room to breathe at the beginning of the evening... Only to find himself suddenly rushing back to Radovid's side - pushing through the crowd and possibly accidentally elbowing one or two guests in the face - while deciding that he's going to spend the whole event with one arm firmly hooked around Radovid's waist!

Also, he'll have everyone know that he's totally entitled to sing his entire set of songs sitting right in Radovid's lap that night, thank you very much! He's the Redanian royal bard, and as such he'll bloody well sing from whichever spot at court most pleases him!

Radovid is probably being awfully patient, understanding and considerate about it, too. Willing to help Jaskier manage his anxiety and hide it from the world by spontaneously being the one to pull him into his lap when he notices that his bard might be struggling more than usual and need a bit of extra reassurance that night; or signalling to two of his guards to help him make his way through a small crowd to be the one to go "casually join" Jaskier first, when Radovid notices how Jaskier is starting to look like he's scanning the guests surrounding him for threats, and likely to come rushing towards him, hyperventilating and trying to spout some half-baked excuse to explain the sudden need to cling to him as if both their lives depended on it!

But yeah, after having lost both Geralt and Yennefer at the same time in shuch awful circumstances, and having watched Ciri leave for another realm, as much as Jaskier considers himself a bit of a "free spirit" in general, I've a feeling that he might have a certain amount of trauma to work through first before he'll be able to trust that no one's going to be trying to take Radovid from him, too!

So, this post started really light, and then took one hell of a turn after that cut, didn't it?

But yeah, I kinda like the idea of Geralt turning out to be that young in the Netflix universe as well, rather than just in the books.

And, of course, we'll always have fanfiction and fandom in general where we can explore the idea of show Geralt and Jaskier being a mere 11 years apart in age, without the tragedy of Geralt and Yennefer dying (and/or moving to some eternal realm) in 1268 as well!

I'm now sort of tempted to do a rewatch of all of the scenes involving Geralt, Jaskier, and/or Yennefer together on the show while keeping in mind their actual age differences, Jaskier 20 = Geralt 31 = Yennefer 50, Jaskier 30 = Geralt 41 = Yennefer 60, Jaskier 40 = Geralt 51 = Yennefer 70. to see how it affects my perception of some of their interactions.

But really, in terms of the "generational divide" between them, they're basically the equivalent of a Gen Xer, a Xennial Millenial, and a Boomer all starting a family and raising a Zoomer together! It's just beautiful!

[sketchy-noodles]

Side note but like- (I’m going to assume we all saw the animatic)

The fact that the whole Phil making a crow field guide/taking notes on his crows thing is actually somewhat canon now is mindblowing to me

Obviously the biome-specific crows aren’t canon. But like- the fact that Phil has canonically studied the crows that follow him and how they move, how they behave, etc. and then gone out of his way to befriend them????

It just makes me so happy!!!!! Even if the biome-specific crows were canon, and by this point Phil already had his wings, you just know that Phil would absolutely be studying them!

Suddenly this whole series feels a lot closer to canon than I thought it ever could be and it makes me love it that much more <333

[doomwitctheories]

YOU and HIM - Upbringing Theory

DISCLAIMER:

YOU and HIM is an +18 visual novel. Therefore, minors, don't interact.

TRIGGER WARNINGS:

Religious trauma. (SA) Sexual abuse. Sexism. Helicopter parenting. Censorship. Domestic abuse. Suicide. Murder and violence.

I finally have some spare time to write this theory down. And by that I mean, I don’t really have the time, but I need some dopamine to start the tasks I actually need to be doing and what better way to do so than getting on this side quest that I’ve delayed for so long. Specially since chapter 4 is currently on the making.

The following post is a long theory regarding Adam’s childhood and upbringing.

Since YOU and HIM aims to be somewhat realistic, I will consider facts from the real world as valid evidence to support some of the ideas drawn here.

Please check the trigger warnings before continuing.

Great! Since I’m awful with introductions, let’s start from the beginning: what we know from the game dialogue directly.

When YOU first meet Adam, YOU mention both his parents in a teasing manner in an attempt to keep the killer talking, and he immediately gets defensive about his mom specifically.

YOU: A Christmas present for your dear ol’ mom and dad then?

Adam: Don’t talk about my mother.

That alone let us know his mother is a sensitive topic for him. Some theorize Adam hates his mom and that’s the reason behind his visceral reaction to your comment and the terrifying nature of his nightmares. Even though that’s a possibility, I disagree. 

His line sounds as a warning to me. “Watch your mouth, don't you dare disrespect my mother.” To back this interpretation, we have this image from the official Twitter account and this old tumblr post that narrates how Adam and his mother once took care of an injured crow. 

(Art belongs to @YOUandHIM_GAME on twitter)

So then, why does Adam remember his mom as this demonic ghost that haunts his nightmares? Well, because, as we’ll explore later, her mom was traumatized and perceived men’s sexual nature as something intrinsically damaging. She probably taught him this, directly or indirectly (with her actions and reactions), in hopes to guide and/or protect him, without realizing she was demonizing and shaming a natural side of his son. When Adam feels like he’s failing her memory and his promise, her mother appears in front of him, enraged and disappointed, a reflection of what he’s internalized about himself. But this doesn’t delete the fact he holds his mother dear to his heart. I doubt he would wear her pendant otherwise, even if it’s upside down.

On the other hand, he willingly shares some useful information about his father. YOU ask five questions, to which he replies shortly. Let’s examine them in order.

YOU: Does he snore like a boar?

Adam: No.

I would say this first reply is unimportant, but you never know.

YOU: Did he play catch with you as a kid?

Adam: No.

YOU: Does he make corny dad jokes?

Adam: No.

Adam’s father (who we’ll be referring to as Larry from now on) is clearly on the serious side. This lack of regard for fun and leisure may have conditioned Adam to mature early, ditch games and/or toys and focus primarily on studying and whatever chores were expected of him.

This could be subconscious (a very busy parent doesn’t care or give importance to play, so the child internalizes this and matures early in search of approval or attention) or indoctrinated directly (his father punished or was critical/controlling of his playtime).

YOU: Does he barbecue and watch football on Sundays?

Adam: Yes.

YOU: What does he do for a living?

Adam: he’s a preacher for my hometown church back in Tennessee.

Alright. Now we know his father was a Christian, but this alone isn’t enough to determine his belief-system, since there’s a broad variety of Christian denominations.

After some research, I believe Adam’s hometown church probably falls under the baptist denomination, based on:

The word “preacher”: this term is commonly used in protestant denominations.

Tennessee demographics: In 2014, the statistics for religious affiliation in Tennessee show the large majority of the population falls under Evangelical Protestantism. Baptism falls under this umbrella.

Lastly, according to wikipedia, Southern Baptist churches have historically had a significant and widespread presence in Tennessee. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States, and it has numerous congregations across Tennessee.

This religious oriented lifestyle relates to his father’s reported activity specifically on Sundays. He probably gathered with other church members after preaching.

Now let’s take a look at what we know about Clarissa: Adam’s mom. Let’s start with the old picture Aunt Ruth keeps like a treasure and the memories and impressions it elicits.

Ruth’s POV: The one where she’s in front of her old church the day after her high school graduation. [...] Back in those days, everything was sorted into neat little boxes and anything that stood outside of it was a menace to society. And those ideals matched that of her friends perfectly. So much so, her mother used to tease the six of them about being a hive mind.

YOUr POV: He presents you with a picture of your aunt and four other women. [...] You take your time studying the photo, when something about the woman positioned at the far left of the group [...] captures your attention. While the rest of the women laugh openly, hers conveys a distinct shyness. Almost as if she doesn’t want the others to notice. [...] She’s model-pretty. Distinguishable within any crowd, much like the rest of her friends. [...] and notice how her arms aren’t linked with the others.

Even tho this isn’t directly stated, we can guess from the looks of the women in the picture they're all related to CAKE. I suspect, Adam’s mom, Ethan’s relative, aunt Ruth, King’s relative and Cain’s relative.

From this paragraph, we can presume that the five women in the picture shared strict religious beliefs, and were weary and distrusting of outside sources. They live in a small world with no room for doubt or discussion, which lead them to unhealthy black and white thinking, even if at the time they weren’t aware because they were able to deny and disown the parts of themselves that opposed their ideals.

We get a glimpse of Clarissa’s personality. Shy, too unsure to reach out and link her arms with the rest of her friends. Maybe on the submissive side, the type to never talk back, keep her voice down and avoid conflict.

Ruth’s POV: His cross earring glints in the light, capturing Ruth’s full attention. [...] She knows that earring. But she hasn’t seen it since the unfortunate news about Clarissa came out, and back then it wasn’t an earring. In fact, it was a pendant that belonged on a necklace. A gift she gave to Clarissa for her birthday so many odd years ago.

Ruth’s POV: [...] with the face of the woman she once cared for. With the face of her first love.

We now know Adam’s famous earring is actually a pendant Ruth gifted Clarissa, Adam’s mom, back in high school (since she wears it in her graduation picture). 

We know that something unfortunate happened to Clarissa, and now she’s gone. It’s heavily implied she passed away. After that, Adam retrieved the pendant and turned it into an earring.

Adam’s dream sequence: Frantic black lettering bleeds through the paper as if the author was running out of time and scribbled down what they could. [...] Red drips onto the paper from above. [...]

Adam’s POV: 

A memory flickers like a candle wick, one of murky red water and the drip of a bathroom sink and-

Remember what I told you when we first met? [...] Recalling a memory of pink tinted water spilling over the lip of a bathroom tub, the water sloshing against his torn sneakers as he stood there with mounting horror. Tears streamed down his sore face. [...] 

We don’t know much, but from Adam’s flashbacks and dreams, I believe Clarissa committed suicide. The exact method she used is unclear (hanged in the kitchen/ bleed to death in the bathtub). Maybe she attempted against her life several times until, one day, she succeeded. What exactly she went through that lead to her bruises and a deteriorated mental health?

Firstly, I’m going to assume Larry and Clarissa met in church. Since it is said that Clarissa and her friends were religious as well and rejected those outside their religion, I think she must fall under the baptist denomination as well.

This implies Adam’s household was founded under two pillars:

Information control.

Since Clarissa and Larry rejected any input aside their religion and lifestyle, they would probably try to raise Adam away from outside influence. This includes supervised television, homeschool, etc.

This would explain why Adam has developed quiet interests over time (mainly reading) and doesn’t know many, if any, pop culture references or movies/tv shows (answered in the Official Old Tumblr account, deactivated in 2023).

His hobbies outside the home would also aim to trap Adam within the church social circle. That’s why he spent his time singing for the church chorus.

Not only was censorship promoted, but violence and persecution against "heretics" was as well. This may be partly why Adam grew up desensitized to violence.

Examples of hateful sermons in this video, also linked at the end in resources: https://youtu.be/W2I-59uDtIk.

Traditional values

I will specifically tackle the different and unequal treatment towards men and women.

Women must stay submissive to men, whether it’s their father, tutor or (and specially) their husband. As some ex-members of the church describe it: Women in church were constantly battered housewives, constantly afraid of everything. They have to ask permission for everything, even making a phone call.

Women are expected to take care of the house and the children, cradle their partners and comply to their every wish.

On the other hand, men make all the decisions and run every aspect of the house. They are in charge of finances and are encouraged to punish and correct any misbehavior. They aren’t supposed to have a sensitive side or show emotion, in hopes that compassion or emotion would cloud their judgment and prevent them from imposing their dominance.

We actually get a confirmation Adam was severely punished for crying, and it wasn’t an isolated episode:

Little Adam’s POV: He can’t get caught crying again. Not after last time. He can still remember the acrid scent of cigarette smoke and the suffocating darkness of the shed, his palms flat against the rotting floor as he waited with his head bowed. No, he’s learned his lesson too many times to count.

Both genders aren’t allowed to wear nail polish or piercings. Hair dye is also forbidden, specially since it’s a standard of feminism and the LGBTQ+ community, and those two diametrally oppose their beliefs and are seen as a threat to morality.

Power imbalance, desensitization and dogmatic thinking patterns are the perfect combination for domestic violence and cruelty.

In Clarissa’s case, she probably was often targeted due to her naturally shy and fragile nature. Softness is weakness to be taken advantage of. And retaliation is not an option.

By now, you can probably guess where this is going, but I suspect Clarissa was repeatedly abused (physically and sexually) by Larry. We’ve already seen Larry is capable and has beaten his child.

And Adam remembers his mother covered in scars and bruises, crying and begging for Adam not to turn out like his dad, and this memory surfaces the moment he’s about to masturbate.

Adam’s POV: Did his father think he’d give into his desires? Did he believe he’d grow up and become just like him?

Ruth: It’s your fault she’s gone! You’re the reason she endured everything she did. It was all for you, and yet you killed her! Your entire existence destroyed her! I told her she shouldn’t have gone through with her pregnancy, but she wouldn’t listen. What he did to her, you know that all started because of you, don’t you? But she never told you that because she wouldn’t want you to blame yourself, but you should’ve. And now? And now she’s gone because of you. You took her away. [...] You Goddamn piece of shit, you took her away, again!

According to old testament bible laws, if an unpure woman gets assaulted by a man, they shall both be punished. But… If the woman in question was a virgin, the abuser must then talk to her father and marry her to pay for the damages.

Outside the bible, abuse is excused, justified or hidden in other ways. When someone influential in the church abuses someone, the victim is met with: God uses that sexual abuse to make you grow closer to him. As if the pain and trauma was a gift to be cherished.

Prior to the abuse, women are always aware of the hungry gaze of men. They can't show any skin, for it would be their fault to cause a fellow man to stumble. Men’s desires are perceived as not their own, but an impulse women have to cater and are guilty of awakening.

At the same time, sex itself is taboo and condoned outside of marriage. Abortion is also condemned, and it’s considered a synonym of infanticide.

So women walk around scared and uninformed, surrounded by men who won’t take accountability for their lust and will force the women they find attractive to own up to their twisted behavior. Even going as far as threatening the victim to stay quiet if they don’t wish the abuser to spread how the woman came onto them instead.

Ruth points the start of things spiraling with Clarissa’s pregnancy. Several reasons could explain this.

It’s possible that Larry didn’t plan on settling down and Clarissa’s pregnancy was an unexpected inconvenience. Since he can’t be at fault for anything, Clarissa is to blame for having the baby, and, in his eyes, she should accept the violence since she’s the cause of his frustrations.

Abusers may start to show their true colors after a baby, because if they threaten the child’s safety, then the mother has no choice but to endure the abuse in order to protect their kid. Also, since they become weak and maybe even lose their jobs after giving birth, they are completely at the mercy of their husbands financially.

Moreover, homosexuality was seen as a sin. Ruth was confronted about her love for Clarissa head on, and I suspect Clarissa knew about her feelings. If not, why treasure a simple birthday gift even after years of separation and “betrayal” ? (since Ruth didn’t support Clarissa in the slightest after her pregnancy, wanting to essentially escape and rewrite everything that happened, beside things we don’t know about that are probably far worse than a hurtful comparison). I think Clarissa returned Ruth’s feelings and would’ve never willingly slept with someone else. Her shy and prude demeanor in the photo further supporting this idea she wouldn’t come onto anybody with lascivious intent.

So, in summary.

Clarissa and Ruth were in love.

Larry sexually assaulted Clarissa. There are many possibilities here. I think probably Clarissa was ashamed and manipulated. She kept quiet and “started dating” Larry. Maybe she told Ruth, or Ruth ended up discovering the true nature of her relationship with Larry after the pregnancy was announced and the violence started.

Clarissa gave birth to Adam.

When Adam was a child, Clarissa and Ruth got separated by Larry for some unknown reason. Her comments and actions probably caused a lot of problems in the marriage, hence why she got confronted directly by Larry on her crush and why she’s deadly afraid since then.

Clarissa raised Adam alone and, meaning to protect him from his dad while sustaining a sense of normalcy, as many housewives do.

Clarissa died when Adam was already grown up. Seemingly, she committed suicide, but if Adam is looking for answers to this day and has a mysterious promise to keep, maybe her departure is not that simple.

How did this affect Adam and how he navigated his childhood?

For starters, he hates the smells and flavors that remind him of his dad, like cigars and alcohol.

He also can't handle being genuinely spooked, and heavily prefers quiet past times.

He was probably told directly or indirectly how her mother’s suffering was his fault. How being born was a long life burden to her mom, and one he must atone for.

(In this context, his name is another layer of fucked up. Adam is the original sin, he alone condemned the world to an existence of suffering, all because he let his obligations aside in favor of his lover. And humanity spent the rest of eternity repenting, awaiting a forgiveness that only came in heaven, after a life of unwavering devotion to God).

He believes himself to be inherently bad. All his actions and choices aim to correct this perceived wrong that was never a wrong in the first place.

Adam has a clear distaste of his father and grows up in fear he’s bound to become "just like him". I think this is where his rebellious nature comes in, questioning the word of God and the sociocultural perspective his parents feed him. Specially when he’s a first witness of hypocrisy, lies and irreversible harm.

Going back to the beginning, Clarissa probably nurtured Adam and shared with him the few happy memories he can recall from childhood. He wanted to make her happy and make life easy for her.

Adam’s POV: He’s never cared much for extravagant things despite people always offering them left and right. He was taught to never want them, to never accept anything beyond his means, something he holds onto to this day.

Notice the phrasing. He doesn’t say “I never liked that kind of thing” he specified he was taught to not want them.

You can’t be taught “unwant” something. You can be conditioned to reject something, tho. 

You can be taught to believe your wants and needs are immoral, and your objective is to suppress and act directly against them.

When punitive, shaming or guilt-tripping is applied to reframe the very nature of our innocent desires, that function as our inner drive and guide to our sense of self, we lose touch with who we are. Taking pride or shame in committing to the role, while suppressing any emotion, locked as unacceptable and disgusting.

Even if his mom loved him, she indoctrinated him to a certain extent and made him believe he can't trust his desires because they're intrinsically bad, even if she did it with good intentions. Adam is a bad seed and can only aim to "do the right thing" by sticking to her memory. That's why he sees her as this vengeful spirit, there's a duality within him.

This leads to a complete disconnect of the emotional self. You grow numb and uninterested, dedicating your focus to "performing at a high standard" and blowing off some steam in a controlled environment. How? By directing your inner rage towards the outside world. You see yourself in this filthy scum, and if you don't deserve to live, they should die for not being able to control themselves.

That's Adam's life. Guided by an Old Testament of rules too outdated for him to grow, but too engraved on his skin for him to set himself free. The only feelings available are "reward" and anger.

Despite going on tour after tour, Adam's world remains small; the same as when he was little.

That's when YOU come in.

It's not about the kiss itself. It's about the novelty. An unexpected (but pleasurable) occurrence that put his status quo upside down.

The lore alarms went crazy the moment YOU mention, you remember Clarissa, but can’t recall from where. Sure, it’s certainly possible that she reminded you of Adam, since they look alike, therefore explaining the sense of déjà vu. But let’s recall Ruth and Clarissa have been close friends since high school, at least. Maybe YOU met Clarissa when YOU were little. And not only her. Adam too. It’s been said multiple times in the official Twitter/X account that Adam managed to handle his sexual desires just fine until YOU came around, and not just because you kissed him. It’s like something about YOU specifically ignites something within Adam, and given the context, it’s very likely YOU and HIM met a long time ago and just don’t recognize one another, because you both changed a lot growing up. Ruth even says she only picked up on Adam’s identity due to his pendant. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have a clue who he was.

Regardless, his sexual attraction awakened a hidden side of himself. A vulnerable, sincere and needy fraction of his identity, which holds the key to solving his inner turmoil.

If he lets himself explore this part of him, it might be a strong enough catalyst to help him open up to other areas of his life.

I believe that's the deeper reason behind Adam's fixation on bondage specifically.

He wants to experience all these new pleasurable sensations, but he feels too guilty to do so. Being forced into it gives the conscious mind an excuse."You're restrained." There's someone else in control. It takes the blame off what you're feeling, so you may indulge in your secret desires.

If he sees nothing bad happens after the fact, he may allow himself to unwind in other ways and find himself again. The tender parts of him he abandoned a long time ago.

It would be naive to believe he can be completely redeemed after killing people. But I sincerely believe he's a sweetie at heart, and I hope he has the best outcome possible. But if the narrative demands otherwise (which is very likely, lmao)... welcome the angst and long live fanfiction, am I right?😭🔪💜

So, what do you think? AND WHAT’S THE MEANING OF Anthemis cotula !? 🌼 We’ll never now.

I can’t write a longer theory because all those extra juicy facts and snippets for the upcoming chapter are on the patreon. You can find the link on the twitter of the game. Please, support the creator if you're able.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments. I wish all your hopes will manifest in real life soon. Good night and sweet dreams, everyone.🌙🪄

Lovely commission by @you-and-him

RESOURCES:

Tennessee demographics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Tennessee 

Evangelicalism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelicalism 

Southern Baptist Church:

https://youtu.be/bPZTP9_0mbI

https://youtu.be/6gSjUpBxVEU 

Trans person infiltrates hate church: https://youtu.be/W2I-59uDtIk

[vigilskeep]

22 for the Rook codex prompts, if you’re up for it?

22. An entry from an encyclopedia/travel guide about an aspect of Rook’s background (Bonus: followed by a note from Rook supporting or refuting its accuracy)

[A note left in the Lighthouse kitchen. It’s slightly stained, as if it was scribbled down during a hasty breakfast.]

Lucanis, didn’t want to wake you. Heading off early for the Wetlands. (Got the food you packed. Have I mentioned you’re a wonder, and I’d die if I had to go without you?) Might be out there a few days. In the meantime, thought you’d get a kick out of this.

“If Antiva City is a jewel, Salle is the nation’s hidden gem. A smaller city nestled in the southernmost tip of Rialto Bay, it offers a bustling market, lively docks filled with flags of every nation, and unparalleled views of unbroken sea from its clifftops. A pleasant stop for the discerning traveller.”

Emmrich heard me say Salle’s de Riva territory and got all excited. Showed me this from one of his travel guides. I may have laughed in his face. Salle! A gem! Pleasant! That crumbling little rat’s nest. We were packed in next to that “bustling market” in our training houses, and the stench of fish and drunken sailors used to turn my stomach worse than the poisons. We’d have made a real Crow out of you down there, Trevisan.

Viago would have a fit. Think I should send it to him?

[The note is signed only with a simple, somewhat childish drawing of the sun.]

[letaot-ze-magniv]

Infodump on birds in Israel? 👁️👁️ Pls go on

General guide to birds in Israel

This post is going to be very long

Level 1- really common ones

Hooded crow/o-rev a-for (gray crow)

These big boys are the most common birds in Israel. You can find them everywhere, especially in urban areas. They’re quite big, the average crow is 40-50 cm long with a wingspan of 1m. (That’s bigger then a pigeon).

Like all corvids, they are incredibly intelligent. They have an excellent memory, can recognise specific humans and pass on information through generations. They are fond of shiny things, have funerals, an understanding of games and a justice system. They can use tools and have a taste for peanuts and grapes.

Laughing dove/tzo-tze-let/yo-na

These are the second most common birds in Israel, and they’re also an invasive species. The vast majority of people call them “yona” and if you say “tzotzelet wont know what you mean. You can find them everywhere, especially in cities.

This is an invasive species, and is commonly thought of as the first invasive species in Israel. It was brought over by Muslims during the Ottoman occupation and has lived here since.

Domestic pigeon/yo-nat ha-Ba-it (house dove)/yo-na

Like the tzotzelet, most people call this bird “yona” too. That leads to the misconception that they’re the same species and confusion between the two. This pigeon is also extremely common, and you can find it in all urban spaces in Israel.

Feathering mutations are widespread among domestic pigeons, and they can also look like this:

House Sparrows/ dror ha-ba-it/dror

On the left, a female, on the right is a male. This birds are tiny and common and very cute. Can be found in all areas of Israel. They like eating small seeds and bugs, and you can feed them bread.

Monk parakeet/ tu-ki ne-zi-ri (commonly known as tu-ki)

They’re green, adorable, can speak, and you guessed it, are invasive! Like the maynas, monk parakeets were introduced to Israel in the 90s after they escaped the Tzafari. You can find them in all parts of Israel except the Negev, and they’re especially common in Tel aviv and it’s neighbouring cities. Monk parakeets are often confused with rose-ringed parakeets as they’re the only green birds in Israel.

Rose ringed parakeets/da-ra-ra

Above is the male, below is the female. Like monk parakeets, dararas are also an invasive species. I thought they were introduced in the 90s, but apparently they were introduced in the 1860s because they were kept as pets. Like monk parakeets, they can be found in all areas of Israel that aren’t deserts. It’s hard to tell them apart from monk parakeets if you can’t see their chests.

Eurasian Jackdaw/kak

Yet another corvid! Like all other corvids, jackdaws are extremely intelligent, have an understanding of death, can use tools, and so on. Jackdaws are unique in that they also have an understanding of monogamy and privacy around mating! They prefer to mate away from their murder (is murder what you call a flock of any corvid or is that exclusive to ravens?) and they also kill their ill. They can be found in all areas hooded crows are, but aren’t as common. Its possible to confuse them for a hooded crow, but they’re smaller and darker.

Hopoe/du-khi-fat

This lil girl isn’t extremely common, but it’s the national bird and is adorable so I HAD to include it. Hopoes tend to live near sources of water, and you can find them in coastal areas. There used to be more of them but sadly deforestation and invasive species hurt the population. They have a floofy feather thingy on their head that they can open and close and that’s adorable!

I’ll make a part 2 now about somewhat uncommon birds

If anyone is interested in learning more about the birds of Israel, I highly recommend אתר הצפרות הישראלי. They have detailed descriptions of the birds, they include scientific Hebrew and Arabic names, they have a map that shows you how common each bird is in what part of Israel, AND THEY HAVE RECORDINGS OF THE BIRD CALLS

They also have a page for every bird that was ever spotted in Israel, even if it was only once. Don’t ask me what they define as Israel, because I’ve wondered about it too and I don’t know

[rooksstuff]

Family - Emmrich Volkarin pt1

For someone who's never had children of his own, Emmrich is surprisingly good with them. The necromancer is currently being hung on by four children that seem desperate to reach his head- as a matter of fact, one is sitting in his shoulders with their hands making tight fists in his hair, while one is hanging from one arm, halfway on the shoulder, the third and forth are clinging to his legs as he tries, exaggeratedly, to take large steps. The laughter that comes from them is what draws her attention from her conversation with Teia and Viago.

"Ah, it seems the orphans have found a new climbing rig, ey Viago?" Teia asks with a laugh, the taller Crow frowns and crosses his arms over his chest, making Teia and Lillian giggle.

"So, th-they're orphans?" Lillian asks, watching Emmrich attempting to disintangle his legs and the child from his hair.

"Yes. From some Antaam that decided that they wanted their home. The parents were killed, and so they approached Noa and Neri in the Marketplace, because we've been providing shelter from those outsted by the Antaam." Teia explains. "He's very good with them."

"The Necropolis takes in all ages. I was just a babe, myself, when I was brought in." She admits. "And whilst young ones are not uncommon, some teachers have a better experience with them than others." She tilts her head, muffling a laugh as the child on Emmrich's shoulders decided to flop backwards, dangling on his back while the Professor clings to the child's leg with his free hand, trying to tug the other arm up to grab the other leg, but that spurs laughter from the child hanging from it as they bob up and down.

"Were you any good with them?" Teia asks, and Lillian looks at her, blushing at the teasing smirk on the smaller Crow's face, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

"O-On the occasion they found the Archives, I made it fun for them to learn, and easy for them to find what they needed, before guiding them back to familiar territories." She admits. "Though, I have been told that I'm... somewhat of an acquired taste."

"Well, you are rather..."

"Stuffy?" Lillian smirks, frayed and insecure, like she's heard the same comment a thousand times.

"You're getting better." Teia says, pointedly digging her elbow into Viago's side, as if to scold him for his implication of what he said. "You stammer a lot less."

"O-oh..." Her cheeks flush as she nods, fiddling with the leather of her fingerless gloves. "Thank you." She tucks a curl behind her pointed ear, feeling sheepish as she spots Emmrich standing before the four orphans now, all four of them are standing tall, a serious expression on his face, making her break into giggles once again as Emmrich tugs his clothes back into place, before he smooths down his hair again, smiling kindly at the young ones.

"He's very good with them." Teia repeats, and Lillian nods, blush worsening as he pats them all on the head, before approaching the trio that is watching with a happy smile.

"My apologies, I was momentarily distracted." He says, and she shakes her head, looking away with a focused gaze.

"We should get back to the Lighthouse." Lillian says, bidding the Crows farewell before she leads the way towards the Eluvian. He is good with kids... She thinks to herself. Does he want kids? Wait, do I want kids? Isn't this something we should talk about, if we're serious about one another? She glances at her fellow necromancer as he walks beside her, Lucanis and Bellara are conversing about dinner behind them. Just because he's good with kids, doesn't mean he wants them... but, it doesn't mean he doesn't want them... he is older, so maybe he's decided that kids are off the table? Or maybe that means he would want them more?

They're sitting at dinner, their friends conversing as they eat, but Lillian is focused on her food as she is lost in thought. Or, he's not sure if he wants kids. Maybe I should think about kids? I always thought Arthur and I would have them. He had such a sweet tooth, but he always gave them his candies and sweets whenever he saw them, even when he wanted to eat them more than anything. A smile that could power then sun- that's what she always thought whenever Arthur would see the sweets she baked him. It really didn't hurt at the time, when she pictured that smile on a pudgy face with their father's green eyes and her black curls. But, that was with Arthur. Could I see myself having kids now? After he made me love him, and betrayed me? Emmrich loves me, but he also loves the Necropolis. He would never endanger it for greed.

Shifting on her lounger, the hour is late and getting later, and she's supposed to be reading, but she's still lost in thought as Emmrich sits on a chair he's recently brought it. Manfred is practically our son already. Her eyes widen. Of course! We'd have to take Manfred into account as well. He is just learning magic, to have your mentor, and for all purposes, father and mother taken from you- oh but, we'd never abandon him. But, he may feel that way with all of the attention a new baby takes... a baby. Why does it have to be a baby? We could adopt? One of those orphans in the Diamond? They seemed to adore Emmrich, as does Mila.

"Darling," Emmrich frowns, watching her idly playing with the edge of a page. "is something wrong?" But, if we had kids, I want to at least have one of our own. Our blood. All kids deserve love, and we'd give them a family full of love, but... is that it? Family? Would I be happy if Emmrich were my only family? Someone I share a home with? Yes, but... ever since I could remember... I just wanted someone related to me. Family by blood. Someone who could own up to me. "Darling," Emmrich is kneeling before her, taking the book to set on the table, her eyes are unfocused as he takes her hands in his. "did something happen in Treviso?" I want...

"I want to have your children."

[cultkinkcoven]

VERY NSFW Minors DNi

Lucifer’s been doing this thing where he flip flops on whether or not he derives sexual pleasure from intimacy and sex and all that. Sometimes he’s like “It doesn’t stimulate me in the same way, I don’t get horny in the same way you do. nope. It’s just a method of communication.”

and I’m like okay that’s all fine and good. Makes sense.

But he dances around with it a lot. Other times he very much seems to, he does things that are, in retrospect very perverted and unnecessary, (asking me to sit a certain way, comments about my body and behaviour, suggestive things that I don’t even notice sometimes) and seems to just straight up ignore the fallacy. I know it’s all part of his mind games.

There was a time during a trance when I was layed up in a couch in his study, I was naked, and he, working at his desk, made some comment about how I looked “very tempting”

and I said some shit like “must not be so tempting since you’re still at your desk.” and he, somewhat begrudgingly, rose from his desk and propped himself over me. And for a little bit we were kind of wrestling and I was eventually bursting into laughter because he was tossing me around. good times :)

at some point in our wrestling I said something like “tempted to do what, I thought you didn’t get horny old man?” and he’d said something like “do you want to see how horny I can get?” and I know that he was just messing with me, but it’s one of those things. Every time it gets to the point where I’m like “do you want to?” he just spins in back on me, “well, you must want to, so perhaps I do.”

I’ve been biking around a lot, chasing and feeding the crows, and my tailbone has been hurting. I think I bruised it. I come inside and rip off my sweaty clothes and am looking in the mirror (which sits on his altar) inspecting my lower back. It’s been hurting for like quite a while so I was slightly nervous I might have fractured something maybe.

and he’s like “I’m sorry you’re hurting” and I’m like 🤷‍♂️ it’s okay, it’s not that bad at all. Just hurts to sit a certain way. Does it look bad?

and I feel him sort of guide my hand to my back, to my tailbone, and kind of localize the pain and prompt my fingers to start rubbing it. and i’m kind of like “yup, right there”- as in, that’s the spot I’ve hurt.

and he’s like “Keep rubbing it”

and I feel my fingers getting warm, so i’m like oh cool a healing thing okay. I figured because I got hurt giving offerings, he’d maybe? Idk help me out ??? Idk

and so I’m like, rubbing my tailbone, and he’s like “Faster, turn your hips a little bit. That’s very good. Yeah…. like that…. good boy…. ”

and I’m slightly confused but I’m like okay?

and he’s like “you know you look very nice today”

and I’m like :)) aw thanks! I just woke up lol haha-

and then I catch myself in the mirror and realize he was trying to get me to ?? turn my ASS towards the mirror???

and I’m like HEY !! YOU!!! I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING!

and he’s like “Your tailbone seems to be fine you just keep agitating the bruise. Take a break from biking for the next few days.”

and I’m like HOLD ON. STOP

RrRRAAA

[m0onberry222]

hey so not to be super negative or anything but oh my GODDDDDD i hate tv/movie adaptations of books so bad. why does it actually seem like they genuinely have a competition on which can be the most disloyal/disingenuous to the source material? how much character assassination they can get away with? how many tiny little details they can change for absolutely no reason? maybe i’m just being insufferably and disgustingly loyal to my books, but i just honest to god cannot understand why these platforms pick up these stories if they want to write something completely different. THAT’S WHAT FANFIC IS FOR. (to clarify: this is NOT a diss on fanfic in the slightest, i adore fanfiction and it has truly been a formative part of my life and one that i treasure dearly. all i’m saying is that maybe some of these people working on these adaptations would find a more suitable home there, seeing as their ideas are often more akin to an au fic than the actual source material.)

and what pisses me off so bad is that these platforms purchase the rights to these stories, make some half-assed wattpad fic of them, and then cancel them almost immediately because they don’t perform well — shocker. (cough cough NETFLIX). but since they did that, (and please correct me if i’m wrong, because i genuinely want to know), it becomes virtually impossible for any other platform to pick it up! so not only did they half-ass it and completely change them, but they essentially ruined the chances of it ever being done correctly. so often, i see so many things — whether they be major plot points or tiny details — changed when there was genuinely zero reason to. like sincerely, i just want to know WHY?!

!!SPOILER ALERT FOR THE FOLLOWING BOOK/TV SERIES!!: shadow and bone, six of crows, a good girl’s guide to murder, (will most likely continue to add on because i’m a little neurotic).

here are a few examples off the top of my head:

SAB/SOC:

࣪𖤐.ᐟ changed the ravkan king’s name from aleksander to pyotr. what purpose does that serve actually at all?

࣪𖤐.ᐟ inserted soc plotline into shadow and bone — completely reversing, flip flopping, and making up new plot material just to add it in

࣪𖤐.ᐟ GAVE THE DARKLING A NORMAL, PUBLIC NAME?! AND REVEALED HIS FIRST NAME ALMOST IMMEDIATELY?!

࣪𖤐.ᐟ completely fucked over one most of my favorite nikolai scenes — where he confronts the king about his abuse towards genya

࣪𖤐.ᐟ this one i guess i can somewhat understand (albeit begrudgingly), but removing literally almost the entirety of my favorite book in the series, siege and storm

AGGGTM:

࣪𖤐.ᐟ made nat da silva andie’s best friend?! which is quite literally the most inane and stupid thing they could have done with her, literally erased her entire character — why not just make a fucking new one atp?

࣪𖤐.ᐟ where is stanley forbes. i guess they could just add him in in season 2, but it removes so much of the intensity behind the twists of ggbb. takes all the wind out of its sails, iykwim.

࣪𖤐.ᐟ pip calling victor by his first name only, removing that close dynamic which felt super weird

࣪𖤐.ᐟ where the hell did “chicken” come from?! i must have missed something in the show, but actually what reason was there to change her nickname from “pickle” to “chicken”? i’m actually so confused by that.

࣪𖤐.ᐟ WHY. IS THERE A RANDOM RAVE CAVE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FOREST. WHO BUILT THAT. WHO BUILT A FULLY FUNCTIONING PARTY/RAVE CENTER IN A RANDOM CAVE/CATACOMB IN THE FOREST. why was that added?? i’m SO confused about that genuinely. why was that necessary? the calamity parties in general were just so weird in the show because why was it so secretive and insane? in the book, they literally just walk into this dude’s house where the party and no one gives one singular fuck because it’s literally just a high school party. an intense one for sure, but it’s just a party. remember jamie walking into one in ggbb and no one gaf because it was not this super intense, secretive thing that it was made to be in the show.

࣪𖤐.ᐟ pip and ravi’s meeting :’(

࣪𖤐.ᐟ everyone just like��spoon feeding pip the answers along the way. why did they all fold under like zero pressure? it felt so anticlimactic and like she wasn’t actually figuring anything out for herself. it was honestly so disappointing because it felt like pip wasn’t even given the chance to be the character she was written as.

࣪𖤐.ᐟ ant for some reason just being some random dude lauren is obsessed with? i think that will take a significant amount of the bite and betrayal out of his later actions, which is kind of disappointing, and again — WHY change something like that?! seems more like an inconvenience to have to come up with a whole new plot line for him, as well as introductions.

࣪𖤐.ᐟ the woman that elliot ward kept hidden in his attic for five years KNOWING who she was, WANTING to escape. elliot may be a shit person, but the only reason he kept that girl for all those years is because he believed she was andie and SHE DID TOO. she was severely mentally ill and had taken who knows what kind of drugs. it goes against everything we know about his character to have him hold some random woman hostage in his attic for essentially no reason for half a decade. it makes no sense. so again, WHY CHANGE IT?!

࣪𖤐.ᐟ in general, the over dramatization of literally everything (except for the most important parts) for tv audiences :/ i’m honestly getting super tired so i’m struggling to think of how to explain this better BUT i will return come the morning sun and do my best.

anyways, if you made it this far — thank you for reading my ramblings, i wrote this so that my mother could enjoy watching the AGGGTM adaptation with me without me bugging out every 10 seconds about the inconsistencies LMFAO. hope you enjoyed.

[boymanmaletheshequel]

Symbolism of Melinoe

💀💭💀💭💀💭💀💭💀💭💀💭💀💭💀💭

Dark goddess of funeral, of nightmares, and of ghosts and the dead, Melinoê is the dual goddess of the light and the day, said to be charred black on one side in her chthonic nature, and bright and white as snow on the other, contrasted by her heavenly half, Melinoe is a goddess to be revered and respected, and here are some of the symbols and sacred icons you can use to do so.

———————-————————————————

•🌈 Colors:

Representative of her dualistic nature, the analogous colors of black and white are the best colors, or rather lack there-of, to iconize and represent this frightening goddess, like a black and white tintype photograph from a nostalgic, forgotten era.

•🐴 Animals:

- Ravens: the most iconic bird of the dead, a specter and epiphet of all chthonic deities, crows are the most obvious choice for an animal to represent the power and idolatry of lady Melinoe.

- Moths: an insect of the night, bound and destined to follow the white light in the dark, moths are rather reminiscent of the lost souls and ghosts guided by melinoe to those who seek them from the afterlife.

•🌸 flowers & Herbs:

- White Poppies. Long considered a symbol of ancient afterlife, and a bringer of nightmares, poppies are often considered a deeply paranormal flower, and it makes since that because of this, they are often seen as being iconic of melinoe, especially the white ones.

- Mhyrr. An incense of great respect and value, myhrr has historically been left as an offering at funerals for the dead, a sign of luck and prospect in the afterlife. This was especially common in ancient Egypt, but there’s also evidence to suggest that it was regarded in a similar way in Ancient Greece during the Hellenistic period!

•🍗 food:

- Pomegranate: as the daughter of Persephone and Hades, pomegranates played a pivotal role in the conception of lady Melinoe, and are a great food offering or libation to her, if one wants to communicate or connect to her, perhaps a good way to do so would be to snack on a palm of pomegranate seeds, or to make a tea from its rind?

•💎 crystals & gemstones:

- Ancestralite. A somewhat rare natural combination of hematite and iron, Ancestralite is considered a great gateway stone to communicating with the spirits of dead ancestors or family members, as well as a stone of protection from death itself. These qualities make it a rather great option for a stone to use in crystal work with lady Melinoe!

- Snowflake Obsidian. Obsidian, a lavic stone that has long been used in darker magic, and especially Chthonic magic, is a natural fit for iconizing Melinoe? And the stones signature black and white “snowflake” speckles are great representation of her dual nature between light and dark, though, any variety of Obsidian will work in theory!

- Jet. Often worn to funerals as intricately carved mourning brooches during the Victorian era, jet is a stone of deep Black Death, and highly representative of mourning and the afterlife, with the history to back it up. I actually own one of these antique brooches, and have found it to hold a very dark, but not evil, energy! Jet is a great, and very absorbing stone to work with in chthonic or black magic!

•🪐 planets:

- The moon. Like almost all chthonic deities, the moon is iconic of lady Melinoe, as the domain of nightmares and ghosts she reigns over is most active when it is at its fullest phase! Take advantage of the moon cycles if you wish to communicate with any chthonic deity, Melinoe included.

•🏅other symbols:

- Graveyard dirt. A common offering or ingredient used in black divination, spirit work, and dark magic, a jar of (ethically sourced, pls don’t dig in peoples graves lmao) graveyard dirt is a perfect offering of loyalty and reverence, or iconic symbol of respect, to the goddess Melinoe, as funerals are perhaps her most sacred event!

So there you have it, some helpful starters to begin your reverence of the symbolism and iconography of lady Melinoe of Hades, daughter of Persephone and Hades, mother of ghosts and nightmares. I hope you learned something about her, and will consider her in your future practices! Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more posts about the intriguing and powerful deities of Helen! 💙🏛️💙

@xxfox0-chillingxx

[cherryatombomb]

Idiot's Guide to Proposals by Simon Riley

John "Soap" MacTavish x Simon "Ghost" Riley

also an ao3!! the second part in the series. no archive warnings apply beyond brief mentions of abuse from ghost's backstory

Ghost loved Soap. Simon loved Johnny. The sky was blue. Scorpions glow under UV light. These were, of course, evident truths of the world. They were just as obvious as breathing, at least to Simon. He thought about these things a lot – mostly the love part, of course. The scorpions were still interesting.  

Right now, Johnny tucked against his side, his mohawk a mess, drool seeping out the corner of his mouth, Simon could only think about how much he loved him. There were signs of aging slightly more obvious, now – a touch of grey in his hair, crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes, and it made something ache within him. Not that any aging had stopped Johnny from being, well, Johnny. He was still as energetic as ever, putting him through his paces near enough every day. He brought excitement to his life every day.  

He wasn’t sure he could ever get sick of it.  

His hands shifted, skimming over his partner’s shoulders. Shirtless, because he was a bundle of heat, but he could never bring himself to complain. Well, maybe in summer, but it was a fucking rarity it ever got warm enough to complain about in England. His fingers traced over the scar on his shoulder, a memory of Las Almas, of the concern that had unwittingly flooded him at the thought of losing him. The beginning of the end, at least of Ghost’s attempt to be distant. He’d never been more relieved that things hadn’t gone how he’d planned.  

His reminiscing was cut off by a sudden, sharp alarm, and a groan escaped the man asleep next to him. “S’too fuckin’ early, Si, you’re a madman,” he grouched, burying his head into the crook of his neck and looping an arm around his waist. Simon’s lips twitched in amusement, running one soothing hand over his shoulders, whilst the other fumbled to turn his alarm off.  

“Running in the morning is-” 

“Nice and peaceful and there’s no idiots to bug you, I know,” Soap cut him off, continuing to grouch. He did him the luxury of pretending he couldn’t feel the small smile pressed against his neck.  

“Exactly,” he hummed, his other hand now moving to ruffle Johnny’s hair. The man reached up to swat it away lazily, only settling when both of Simon’s arms were looped around his back. “Sometimes, you can see the geese flying, too.” 

“The geese?” 

“Yeah. They fly in a ‘V’ formation. You know why one side is longer than the other?” 

Soap lifted his head, eyes still soft with sleep, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion in his eyes. “... Why?” 

“Because there’s more geese on that side.” 

Soap stared at him, his curiosity dissipating into joking frustration, and he groaned once more. Rolling over, he buried his head into the pillow. Simon pretended not to notice the slight shake of his shoulders as he laughed. “You’re an evil man,” He informed him, “Go do your fuckin’ run, I’m going to sleep, like a normal person.” 

A chuckle was drawn from him, and Simon sat up, smoothing the other man’s hair before he pressed a kiss to his shoulder. Then, he drew back, standing and making his way over to the wardrobe. Most of Soap’s stuff was strewn over the floor lazily, clothes crumpled and creased, but he liked to keep his neat. He grabbed a hoodie, trousers, gloves, and his mask, sliding them on. After a quick trip to the bathroom, he made his way out, appreciating the cool air of the morning against his skin.  

His run around the grounds was somewhat brief – the frost that had settled made it slippery in places, and he didn’t want to make a fool of himself quite so early. After getting his fill, he returned to base, stopping off at his room to switch out some of his clothes. The bed was empty, the duvet mussed up and thrown to the side, and he smiled to himself as he fixed it.  

After cleaning their room, he slipped back out, heading to the kitchen area, tilting his head at the sound of voices. They were sharing their base with another team for some training exercises, and though he grumbled internally at the amount of new people here, he couldn’t deny that it was useful practice.  

Soap was in the centre of the kitchen, pouring himself a bowl of cereal, animatedly talking about... something. There were two others watching – a small, wiry woman, the sniper of the other group, and a tall, muscular blond. Both looked enraptured, laughing as his partner flapped a hand out, only to nudge his bowl precariously close to the edge, nearly knocking it over.  

It looked domestic. It looked almost normal. There it was, another ache in his heart, an almost physical pain. Simon wanted this. He wanted more of this. He didn’t want adrenaline, and fights, and combat, he wanted Johnny, still ruffled with sleep, smiling widely and preparing his own breakfast. He wanted mornings where they could sleep in, and a home with him, together, and all the nice things that came with it.  

The thought threw him off kilter. There was a time, long ago, when he’d given up on the idea of domesticity. He was 7, wide-eyed and innocent, begging his brother to help as they sat in their bedroom upstairs, listening to the shouting downstairs. Marriage was a lie. It shackled you to someone else, and it left you unsafe. Relationships were unsafe. He built walls so impenetrable he figured nobody would ever make a dent.  

Of course he should’ve known. Soap was a demolitions expert, after all. Blowing shit up was his forte.  

Their eyes met, and Simon felt the air sucked out of his lungs. He spun around, and swiftly made a tactical retreat out of the room. What was he thinking? Marriage? He wasn’t a marriage guy.  

... But he couldn’t deny, now that he’d given it a word, how much he wanted it. He wanted it so much it hurt. He wasn’t a marriage guy, but he wasn’t a relationship guy, either, and he’d somehow made it work.  

Finding himself instinctively back in their room, he grabbed a knife from one of their drawers, flipping it around his fingers as he thought. How the hell were you supposed to propose? How did you know what ring was right? Where do you propose? He was fucking useless in this matter. And it wasn’t like he could ask anybody for help – Gaz had been going steady for a while with his partner, but they weren’t anywhere close to being married. Price was married to the job, according to him. Soap was... well, the marriage candidate. He didn’t even know if Alex and Farah were a thing, or if they were just close friends. 

Simon had a very short group of friends. It was fucking awful.  

Just as he was about to give up all hope, he finally remembered the one married person he knew – Laswell. It was perfect. She could help. Definitely. He just... had to ask. And swear her to secrecy, because Soap couldn’t know. It had to be a surprise.  

He placed his knife down, pressed his head into his hands, and groaned. Maybe he was an idiot for thinking this. Things were good as they were – why ruin them? 

But then again... the thought felt so nice. No. He was going to do it. He was going to ask Johnny to marry him.  

He just had to figure out how.  

[drabblesandimagines]

Happy future birthday, dear Gostdog!!💖💖 Wish you good luck in all your endeavors and a lot of inspiration!!🤲♥️♥️

On the occasion of your event can I request Barnabas x reader, please?👉👈

Thank you! 💖 Always down for Barnabas, please enjoy whatever this has turned out to be xx Barnabas Tharmr x female reader Fluff, but a little bit spicy compared to my usual works

Hot, open-mouthed kisses upon your neck pull you from your slumber aboard the Einherjar. You’ve been rocked to sleep as the ship had cruised through the waves, skirting off the Storm Coast.

Barnabas often liked to take to the sea – whether he ended up setting foot on land or not. It was only recently that he’d began to take you with him, kept sequestered in his cabin if he was not onboard.

You blink up hazily at your beloved, straddling you between his muscular thighs. He tsks as he cups your face, stroking a thumb delicately over your cheek.

“Happy Name Day, my sweet.”

“It is not even dawn-” he cuts you off with a kiss, swallowing the rest of your sentence. Barnabas has never been a chaste kisser - reluctant to pull away until he has left your lips swollen with nips of his teeth – but there is something else on his mind as he pulls away with a smirk.

“I wish to give you your gift.”

“Now?”

“Now.” He leans back up, pulling you with him by a firm grip on your wrist. The blanket falls from your torso, revealing your nightgown. “However, it requires you to be dressed.”

Barnabas watched as you quickly changed – he is not one to be kept waiting, after all. Once deemed appropriate, he placed one palm on the small of your back and took your hand in his other – not before pressing a kiss to the pulse point – and led you out of the cabin and up towards the deck.

The moon is full, casting an ethereal glow across the boards of the ship. It is deserted – not a single soul in sight as he leads you towards the stern. You’re not sure if this is the norm, you’ve never been up this late or early before, but a lone figure emerges at the ship’s wheel.

Sleipnir, of course.

“My liege.” He bows at Barnabas and then turns to you, bowing again. “My lady.”

“You are dismissed for now.”

“As you wish, my king.” The Lord Commander steps back with a nod, swiftly heading back down the deck as instructed. Barnabas guides you forward until you’re stood directly in front of the ship’s wheel.

“Word reached me that you have been quite interested in the Einherjar as late, my treasure.” He drops his head to murmur in your ear. It was true – you’d been curious about how it felt to handle, if it was nimble as it felt despite the speed it traversed the waves. “So, for your gift, I am going to teach you how to control her.”

He deftly interlaces your fingers with his and raises your hands, directing you to grasp hold of two of the wheel’s spokes.

“But what if I…?” He squeezes your hands, cutting you off again.

“There is a reason I decided now was the time - I would not allow you to put yourself in any danger. Do you recall what I taught you about the position of the stars?”

You nod, looking up towards the sky. You are no means an expert, but Barnabas had spent a night with you in the crow’s nest – learning how to navigate somewhat by the sky above and some other less educational activities...

“Good. Which way to Castle Black?”

You bite your lip in thought, trying to situate yourself before nodding your head to the left.

“Very good.” He presses a kiss to your crown, releasing his hands from yours, leaving them alone on the spokes. “Now, turn, my sweet.”

You tug at the wheel, coaxing it to turn slightly.

Another dry chuckle. “This is the Einherjar – Waloed’s flagship – she can take a lot more than that.”

You spin the wheel with a little more umph, your heart pounding as she begins to maneuverer – as smooth as when you are permitted to ride your beloved black chocobo across the wilds of Ash and encourage her to take the turns as tight as she can.

“A natural – as I should have known.” He wraps his arms around your waist then, pressing you against his chest. “Is it as you imagined?”

“More so.” You exhale, feeling invigorated as you turn the wheel again after referencing the sky, determined to keep on course.

The time passes in companiable silence – you held in Barnabas’ arms as you continue to steer the great ship home, dawn breaking over the horizon and the dock appearing as a spec in the distance and you turn the wheel with gusto, trying to head straight towards it.

Barnabas’ hand suddenly grasps the back of your head, tilting it slightly to the left before warm lips press upon your neck, hungrily, teeth grazing at your skin, only pausing when he reaches the spot that makes you moan and you jerk the wheel in a direction you didn’t mean.

“Barnabas…”

He growls as he retreats. “I find you irresistible always, treasure, but there is something about you steering the Einherjar…”

Sleipnir appears suddenly behind – stealthy as always.

“My liege?”

“Rouse the crew.” You are torn from the wheel and spun round, swiftly flung over Barnabas’ shoulder before you can form a coherent sentence. “It is time for my lady’s other gift.”

You raise your head to see Sleipnir’s bowed as Barnabas begins the walk back to your cabin at pace. “As you wish, my king.”

The crew do not question why the Einherjar changes course.

--

Masterlist . Requests welcome . Ko-fi

[heylavellan]

happy friday!! for Lucanis x Rook (my beloveds): "You disobeyed a direct order. What's going on?"

-inquisimer

my beloveds <3 this deffo happens on a mission where lucanis was supposed to be in charge. but does a de riva ever listen? no!

@dadrunkwriting, mild veilguard spoilers!

hold me as i wake up

rating: g

words: 635

notes: little bit of hurt comfort. antonio uses they/them pronouns!!

When Rook woke up, their head was cradled in Lucanis' lap, a book in one hand and the other rubbing their scalp. All the tenderness of the moment was sapped away by a screaming headache, the pressure focused at their temples. They didn't dare open their eyes, the throbbing behind their eyes suggesting that just maybe low light was too much.

So instead they let out a low groan of pain, their hands numbly seeking out their fellow crow. Antonio heard Lucanis chuckle as they grasped his forearm, his hand leaving their hair to close his book and set it aside.

"You're awake," Lucanis remarked, pressing a soothing kiss to their forehead. Curse him for being caring. His hand returned to their face, gently holding it. If only touches could heal.

Their eyes remained closed. "Somewhat," they replied, pulling his wrist to their lips. An open mouth kissed into the blood vessels at his wrist. The thrum of his blood against their lips helped them feel rooted in the present. "Are you okay?"

A calloused thumb rubbed against their lips and along their cheekbone. "Knowing you are alive... That's all I need," their fellow Crow responded. That bad then?

They recalled a battle, stalking Venatori back to their hideaways in Nevarra. A protracted battle, shouted commands. And then burying themself and a few dozen Venatori under rubble with well-timed thunder.

In any case, their condition didn't matter. "The contract?" they asked. Their hands squeezed the forearm they had latched onto before seeking a hand to hold in their own.

"Corazon..." Lucanis began.

Antonio cut him off. Their health didn't matter.

"Complete," he replied abrasively.

They let the silence linger. Lucanis' breathing was ragged. The fingers holding their face suddenly gripped on tighter. Another hand tugged on their hair. Spite then. He had thoughts.

"We said run. Direct order," the demon above them rasped. It still never felt right to call the pair of them an abomination. Rook wished there was another word to describe their partner.

The hissing in Lucanis' voice began to punctuate each word. Spite must be incensed. "We had it," he practically growled.

The light outside their shut eyes threatened to control their thoughts. So their eyes remained shut. They adjusted their position, though. Let their lover hold them close, feel their wholeness of body. "You were tired," Antonio responded, their hands groping for Lucanis' face.

Spite guided their hands there. They knew by the firmness of that grip. Lucanis treated them like glass. But it was his beard beneath their palms. The well-combed curl of his moustache and the slightly raised skin of his right eyebrow were intimately familiar to their fingertips.

"I had them, corazon. I ordered you to withdraw and you disobeyed. I could have-" Lucanis paused, his voice cracking. "What's going on? You always listen."

"And risk the team?" they responded. "A few days with a headache is no matter. You'll find something to do."

They struggled to discern who was sighing. Perhaps both of them. Rook rolled their head, trying to get all the closer to him. Their horns dug into the crease of his hip, but neither of them commented.

"I'd rather us all take a few days to recover than risk your life," Lucanis murmured.

"You and Viago both," Antonio replied, punctuating their response with a yawn. "Head hurts."

"I'm still cross," the assassin grimaced, kissing their knuckles. "But we'll read to you. Emmrich said it'll be good for Spite."

Rook let their hands fall back to their side, grabbing at whatever bits of their partner felt comfortable. "Tell me the one about the handsome assassin who stole the qunari's heart?" they asked.

Before he opened his mouth to share the story, Rook had already drifted off to the Fade, curled up in Lucanis' lap.