#I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I have!

[wolfsbanesparks]

Hey y'all!

I'm very excited to present this story to you as part of the Duke Thomas Big Bang 2023! Thank you everyone @dukethomasbigbang for putting this together!

And a special shout out to @theycallme-ook and @coolprofessorbagelwinner for the amazing art they made of this fic! @theycallme-ook was also my beta, extra thanks there!

Summary: Gotham had always been a city defined by its darkness, not by its light.

Duke knew that better than most, so perhaps he shouldn’t have been surprised that someone would try to snuff him out for shining too brightly.

[mi-spark]

i cleaned up and colored some doodles from a few months ago! these two genuinely helped me get through my finals

+ a bonus, they are simply Children

[viperwhispered]

Rest

Guess what? I've got more Jamil x reader for y'all. You can also find this on ao3. No warnings, just 866 words of kinda fluffy(?) caretaking stuff with gender-neutral reader.

At this point, you know Jamil’s schedule almost as well as he does. So, when you have the chance, you head to Scarabia’s kitchen, hoping to spend some time with Jamil while he and the other students prepare dinner. 

However, when you enter, it takes you but a moment to notice Jamil’s uncharacteristic fumbling and the tired look in his eyes. The way Jamil’s chopping the vegetables has you worried about him cutting himself with that knife he’s usually so adept with, and it seems it’s only force of habit that’s keeping him on track.

You frown, and when your eyes meet Jamil’s, you can already see him put his guard up.

So he knows what state he is in, huh? And still, here he is.

It seems Jamil is reading your thoughts, all of him telling you drop it before any words are even said.

At least he still lets you lean in and give a quick kiss to his cheek in greeting.

“Hello love. Do you still have a lot on your agenda for today?” you ask, keeping your tone low for at least some semblance of privacy in the busy kitchen.

“Nothing I can’t handle,” is the response you get.

Of course.

It takes a little more pestering before Jamil actually answers your question. Your lips purse. That list is far too long to your liking.

You take a moment to think, juggling your own plans and to-do list against the urgency of the things Jamil mentioned.

“Will Kalim be eating from that?” you ask, pointing at the food Jamil is preparing.

“Yes.”

“Alright, I won’t be touching that one, then. I’ve gotta do a few things but I’ll be back when you’re done here.”

“Don’t,” Jamil says with a glare, clearly aware of what you’re thinking.

Yet even his disapproving look doesn’t have the usual weight behind it.

“Yes. I will,” you say firmly, even as your heart curls inwards with another bout of concern.

Really, when did he get so tired?

And how did you not notice it earlier?

You leave the kitchen before Jamil can protest further, hurrying through the dorm corridors to find Kalim.

Soon you have an enthusiastic – and concerned – supporter for your plans. You have Kalim point out a few reliable Scarabia students to help with a few of the most urgent matters Jamil mentioned – cleaning up the common areas, delivering some paperwork to Crowley, preparing some dorm-wide notices – while you see to Kalim getting his school supplies in order for the following day. You even recruit a couple of third years to help Kalim with his homework.

You’ll see to the rest tomorrow – after all, you do also have a boyfriend to look after.

Your conversation over dinner can hardly be called anything else than an argument – despite Kalim’s best attempts at acting as a moderating force between you two. It is very tempting to ask Kalim to tell Jamil to take the rest of the day off – it’s not like Jamil would be willing to openly disobey a direct order. Still, you really don’t need to remind Jamil of his position on top of everything else that you’re already doing more or less against his wishes.

Eventually, however, Jamil’s had a square meal, the most urgent things on his to-do list are being taken care of, and you’ve managed to drag him to his bed.

“I really wish you wouldn’t push yourself so hard,” you murmur, your arms wrapped tightly around Jamil. You’re telling yourself you really do just want to cuddle, to offer some respite to Jamil. Still, there might also be a part of you worried that if you were to let go, he’d just jump up and get back to working himself to the bone.

Yet, for all his protestations, just the fact that you’ve gotten Jamil to lay down with you speaks volumes of his current exhaustion.

“I can’t just leave my duties, albi. You know this.”

“Making yourself too indispensable, is what you’re doing,” you protest.

Oh, you know it’s not so simple. Not with his background, not with all the expectations and assumptions.

But sometimes you really wish it would be.

Jamil merely scoffs in response to your words.

Still, it is undeniable that he is slowly beginning to relax in your arms, slowly bringing his head closer to yours. His eyes are starting to flutter, too.

“I will still need to help Kalim with his homework, at the very least.”

You wonder who he is trying to convince more, you or himself.

“Amin and Khalil are helping him. They’re basically top of their classes, aren’t they? I’m sure they’ve got it.”

Still, Jamil frowns.

You sigh. He really is not letting go, is he?

“Do you want me to go supervise?” you ask.

And leave you, unsaid yet hanging there right after your words.

“Don’t,” Jamil eventually says, the word barely more than a breath.

It seems he has accepted his fate.

You softly caress Jamil’s hair, listening to his softening breathing.

And when you wake up, wholly unaware of having been lulled to sleep in the first place, it’s to the lightest of touches from Jamil’s fingers.

Tagging @diodellet @twstgo @crystallizsch @jamilvapologist @jamilsimpno69 as per request If you'd like to be tagged for any future works, let me know!

[antianakin]

[firenati0n]

wip wednesday <3 :)

hello friends :) happy wednesday, hope you are well! happiest of birthdays to my babygirl Alex Claremont-Diaz, love you endlessly my beautiful big brained bisexual disaster with a heart of gold

thank you to @jellibuns @junebugclaremontdiaz @violetbaudelaire-quagmire @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @piratefalls @bigassbowlingballhead @leojfitz @ships-to-sail @suseagull04 @dragonflylady77 @kiwiana-writes @onthewaytosomewhere @wordsofhoneydew @priincebutt @magicandarchery @leaves-of-laurelin @eusuntgratie @duchessdepolignaca03 @saturntheday @itsmaybitheway @captainjunglegym @indestructibleheart @oxfordslutphase @tailsbeth-writes for the tags this week and on sunday :)

here's a snip from a tiny spy au coming this week if i can wrangle these men into submission:

“I'm serious, Alex. No theatrics. Certainly no blood. What's the code for trouble?” “Barracuda.” Henry clicks his tongue. “Too many syllables for my taste.” “Your name is too many syllables for my taste, yet you don't see me complaining.” “Touché.” He grasps Alex's shoulder, taking a long look into Alex's eyes. Henry's body is serene, but his eyes are always his tell for Alex. They're cloudy, tense; murky waters. “Be careful, please. We both know how dangerous these men are. Manu is unpredictable, even as the mafia equivalent of a middle manager.” “Aw, worried about me, sweetheart?” Alex grins, but it's a little unsteady, faltering at the edges. “Henry. This is easy. And if I’m lucky, no dicks will have to come out.” He laughs, but there’s no humor in it. He really, really doesn’t want any dicks out this time. “See you in five, okay?” He squeezes Henry's arm, then slips out of the supply closet. Back to work.

xoxo roop

+ no pressure tags below the cut and open tag as always <3 tag me if you use :)

@ninzied @cha-melodius @sparklepocalypse @cricketnationrise @orchidscript @getmehighonmagic @myheartalivewrites @welcometololaland @anincompletelist @nocoastposts @tintagel-or-cockleshells @sherryvalli @lizzie-bennetdarcy @heysweetheart-writes @inexplicablymine @onward--upward @celeritas2997 @affectionatelyrs @14carrotghoul @rmd-writes @cultofsappho @anchoredarchangel @candyspandemonium @porcelainmortal @kj-bee @nontoxic-writes

[stormyweaver]

Computer Virus - Vo/x, Ha/zbin Ho/tel

I couldn't not post this eventually. Been rattling around in my drafts for a while so I figured it was time it see's more than just the light of a few people's gazes. Also idk great details about computers/television besides google so uh, yeah lol. (Contains illness and minor mentions of mess) Summary: Vo/x is reminded why he never lets his co-workers use his private tech. AKA Vale/ntino you asshole.

“Fug’ck’s sake…”

Vox swallowed hard - then immediately wished he hadn’t. The action brought a pronounced, throbbing ache along the swollen, tender flesh of his throat. What had started as a barely there tickle and a slight stiffness in his joints steadily morphed into a definite virus - one that decided to bring family and friends, because it felt like his entire being was bogged down with congestion, discomfort and malaise. 

In short: It fucking sucked, and he could only blame fucking Valentino.

Every time the asshole had an issue with his laptop, he always, always used Vox’s personal one - seriously, he was gonna need to triple encrypt it at this point to keep him out - and managed to download a fucking nasty malware via some kind of porn site. By the time Vox had connected his own system to the device, it was already too late, and by the time he’d found the source, it had already been transferred to him. Part of him couldn’t be pissed at Valentino. Like, truly couldn’t. Valentino would just start cussing him out; How should I know what the fuck a computer virus looks like? What the hell is malware, anyway? On and on and on, until finally Vox would grow weary and just ban him from using any of his devices EVER again. 

A sigh ghosted past Vox’s lips, followed by a sniffle - the sound so thick, sodden and heavy that it nearly had his skin crawling. To know that he didn’t even have a nose, let alone sinuses to get swollen and yet he felt so unbearably full to the brim with congestion… It was disgusting.

He almost wanted to sneeze, if to have a brief moment where his head didn’t feel so full to bursting. Almost.

Maybe if he could call it one-and-done, but nooo. He could never sneeze just once. They came in bursts, itchy expulsions that seemed to tumble out on top of each other, so damned excited to finally be let loose. And they left Vox panting, sniveling and mortified as he tried to mop the fluid that seeped from his vents and lips. Fuck, it was so gross.

Groaning, he shifted onto his side and tugged the duvet tighter over his shoulders - he hadn’t left bed for a good few hours but fuck it. The day was a wash the moment he’d slept through his alarm. Velvette and Valentino (the virus-peddling-moth-fucker) could manage without him for one damn day. His eyes were close to shutting completely, once again allowing the haze of sleep to take over - until he felt it. Just there, right behind his eyes; an inkling of prickling irritation. He whined, squinting and uselessly screwing his expression up as though he did have a nose to wriggle and twitch. Please, just let me sleep for a minute…

As if infuriated at the mere idea that Vox wouldn’t allow himself the pleasure of sneezing, the sensation all but exploded, and a sharp hitch flew past his lips. “Fuhhhck m’be, plhhheease…!” Okay, maybe that was a little weird to be gasping out in bed - alone but, he simply didn’t care. In the moment, all Vox could do was gasp and sputter, a few more lewd-leaning sounds spilling past trembling lips before the television demon’s system couldn’t stand to have the intense irritation linger a moment longer. “heh’IISSCHHH’HIEW!” 

The first sneeze always managed to take him by surprise, if nothing else than because he was still stunned he could even sneeze so hard without a fucking nose. He cringed, feeling the pillowcase beneath his head grow a bit damp - ughhh, fucking gross - but he had all of two seconds to dwell on the mess factor before a shiver rippled down his spine. “hHHZZSCHH’hiew! hHHZZ’NGSHHh! Hehh!! Ehhh’IZZSCHH’OOoo! Unnghh… fu’huuugck…”

A pitiful whine trailed after the last exhausting sneeze. It felt like someone had just sucked whatever was left of his damned soul out of his ailing body. And the congestion somehow seemed worse, sluggishly dripping onto his already soiled pillowcase. It plugged his ears and made his head spin even while laying down. 

Despite how Vox wanted to immediately throw himself into the pits of hell itself, he settled on nuzzling deeper into his covers and tugging the comforter forcefully over his head. 

Fuck a day off. At this rate, the other Vee’s were lucky if they managed to get him back in a week.

[linrinkuarts]

🍕💣❔

[sun-undone]

the glimmer of light that we keep alive

“Seriously though,” Cleo starts after a few more steps of comfortable silence. “She hasn’t left your side since we got here. She your bodyguard or something? Stalker? Clingy girlfriend?” And like the first few raindrops of an afternoon shower, JJ feels the dread start to pool again. Because of course he’s noticed how Kie only ever wants to go with him to collect supplies after Pope introduced the buddy system rule. Of course he’s noticed her body inching closer and closer to his after every sleepless night. If he thinks about it for more than two seconds, he knows exactly what that sinking feeling in his stomach means, what it meant earlier today for him to completely check out of the conversation at the first sign of any of the other Pogues noticing the things he’s noticed. If John B has started to catch on? Then it can’t just be his imagination. Something is different with Kie. With him and Kie.

Or, four missing scenes throughout the course of season three that show each of the Pogues being the massive Jiara shippers that we all know they are. jiara week day 7: missing scene

read the rest on ao3!

[imarvelatthestars]

star-burned

a submission for the 2024 clone bingo event hosted by @karttaylir-darasuum

Pairing: Jesse x Reader

Content: modern au, established relationship, domestic bliss, implied smut, fluff, mention of Jesse's former military enlistment

For the first time in a very long time, you wake up and Jesse is there. No more deployments, no more long-distance calls and patchy video messages. No more waiting for him to return to you, longing across the vast expanse of the globe, franticly worrying if he's near a battle zone or not, if his life is at risk. No, for the first time in a long time, neither of you has to worry about any of that.

He's finally free.

You press a kiss to his bare shoulder, light enough that he doesn't wake, and fully intend to stop there, but having the canvas of his skin exposed to you like this, in the quiet paradise of a modest cabin in the middle of literal nowhere, away from war and work and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you find that you cannot stay away from your soldier for very long. You can't keep your mouth off him.

After all, you have a lot to make up for. Years worth of time apart, time when you could have been showering him in your affection.

"Mm, got something on your mind, babe?" His voice is roughly carved and guttural this fresh from sleep.

You pause only long enough to swat playfully at his butt before you continue kissing and nuzzling your way along his shoulder blade. There's no real rush, no method to your madness, not even an underlying desire for more as you explore him - just a simple desire to love the man who's carved a space for himself in the caverns of your heart.

"Just love you," you say when your lips reach the nape of his neck.

Jesse shivers, then suddenly flips onto his back so he can grab at you. You squeal and he laughs, and everything's a blur for a few moments as you both struggle to wield your leverage against the other, but he wins in the end. Jesse always wins.

His nose presses to yours, then his forehead to your forehead, and you feel his breath stir warm and stale on your cheeks. "Ka nui te aroha."

You kiss him, and he smiles into it the way he always does. "Love you more."

"Not possible."

"I dunno. I hafta put up with your morning breath, so I think that means I love you more."

"Tch, shuddup," he groans, to which you challenge that he ought to try and make you, and the morning devolves from there.

It's only some hours later, when you've both showered and dressed and eaten (and gotten distracted by each other every inch of the way), that you finally leave the cabin and head outside. Summertime has finally breached Aotearoa's shores and every corner of the country is celebrating - the birds are singing, the wind is mild as it carries the sunshine along, the trees lounge lazily while the cicadas buzz and click incessantly, and Jesse is eager to show you it all. He takes you for a walk through the forest, up and down windy paths under shaded canopies, past fields of wildflowers and tiny streams that trickle over scattered rocks.

This world is a lot of things. It's fractured and hurting in too many ways to count, but it's also beautiful and sweet, an ever-evolving universe spun from natural majesty and love and sunlight. You feel it now - the sun, burning into your skin in that wonderfully pleasant way it can only do when the clouds are long gone and the sky is dazzlingly blue. And much like the Earth to its star, you find yourself drawn into Jesse's orbit as he guides you through the countryside.

You're both toasted and sweaty by the time you return to the cabin late in the afternoon. Twilight leads to a lazy evening spent lounging on the sofa, watching your favorite show and munching on tim tams.

"I'm glad you're finally home, babe."

He nuzzles his face into your cheek and smiles. "Me too." It's funny how you never noticed how long his lashes were. Or maybe you'd forgotten with the distance. Either way, you can't help thinking he's the most beautiful man on Earth when his nut-brown eyes pierce through them. "Thank you. For waiting."

You'd have waited 10 lifetimes over for him.

It's there in that cabin, tucked into some obscure corner of the country where the cicadas drive him half crazy and the sun burns his head, that's where he asks you the question you'd never been sure he would ask, what you were afraid he'd never live long to say.

You say yes.

prompt: summertime 🌿✔️

taglist: @wolffegirlsunite @moodymisty @the-rain-on-kamino

dividers by @freesia-writes & @saradika-graphics

if anyone knows where that jesse edit came from/knows the creator's @, pls let me know!

[phoenixcatch7]

Every so often I dip into transformers fanfic (specifically bayverse) just because the concept of giant shape-shifting mechanical immortal robots just slaps so hard. All of the fics get so close but never quite scratch the itch I want, so here.

Cybertronian Sam Witwicky, vessel of the Allspark

A seeker, naturally, but I haven't decided on alts yet. Or a name (I like Rubicon, because of the doorway/point of no return/on a knifes edge between two worlds meaning and.. Also because the Allspark kinda looks like a rubics cube lmao)(but it doesn't sound quite right and I'd like to lean more into the idea of sacrifice maybe?)(or maybe something celestial or mythical for the space/alien/spark=stars metaphor... Apollo?).

I haven't seen it done, but I really like the idea of the Allspark using its own material to create the cybertronian body, given the total lack of actual resources it has (and needs). This would give Sam a very unique bronze/gold protoform instead of the usual grey/black metal, and eyes/optics the colour of sparks. The feather horn things were meant to be a lot smaller, but that was the smallest they got! And idk, I've grown to like them. A little nod to his organic origins. And the circles are supposed to be extra eyes. The boots I was delighted to find, they blend so well with the body and make it look like he's not bare lol. Because hero forge isn't quite that free with design (yet), please imagine a couple wheels by his ankles he can drop down to rollerblade on.

I had a ton of fun with the colours, I think it's my best one from scratch yet! It was so hard to keep from adding too much detail or clothing, and I did struggle with the sheer bulk of a typical cybertronian build. The pauldrons and scarf help with that, but he's intended to be pretty slight compared to the average anyway. In every continuity they're so, so bulky ToT. I might tinker with the proportions now I've finished the model! The spear... Well I'm a sucker for staffs, but it's not a cybertronian weapon unless it can slice or shoot something, preferably while transforming into something else. This one is also a laser gun, very energy intensive if you're not hooked into an infinite power source lmao. He's got a few emergency cannons in his arms, because... Why not?

Man, now I've made him, I want to write something for him so much... Must resist, must resist...

[trashcanwithsprinkles]

here for those who asked + the most recent addition to the cast

[luxurysystems]

12:00:00 AM, Washington D.C. 🌆🌙🪫 Another late night that you've cooped yourself inside of your office under the guise of "productivity". It's good to keep busy, you tell yourself as you start to sort out the seemingly never-ending pile of papers stacked on your desk. The night grows longer. As your work rate slows, your habitually neglected desire grows...so now what? POOR IS THE MAN WHOSE PLEASURES DEPEND ON THE PERMISSION OF ANOTHER

An early 90s, Irwin R. Schyster inspired playlist that tackles the real question of "working hard or am I hard while working?". Jazz Instrumentals, RnB/NewJackSwing vibes entice while office sounds await to snap you back into reality.

Playlist is public. Best experienced through headphones 🎧. If you don't use Spotify, here are links to the songs (sorry no sound effects here):

Late Night Hour- Bernd Roger

Principles of Desire- Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons

If - D&D 12" Mix- Janet Jackson

Justify My Love - Orbit Edit- Madonna

Wey U - Chanté Moore

Same Place Same Time - Kiss The Sky

[tired-reader-writer]

Aaaaand fellas here we have Farangis' designs!! Took a while, mostly bc med school is a bitch and drained all my spoons while I was working on her T_T

Strap your seatbelts, lads! We're going on a Journey™!

The first outfit is one that basically communicates her status as a healer the most. White, light purple, and light green are basically the main colours I associate with her as a character, and I'm very pleased with how this one turned out. (Those were supposed to be pants but I think I made them way too baggy and now it looks like a skirt, whoopsies)

Those are supposed to be willow branches on her coat, but it's kinda debatable how much I succeeded on that front, and since willow makes a repeat appearance in her ceremonial garb, I will save the symbolism for that part.

For now, though, it's sort of unnoticeable due to her hair colour, but she is wearing an earring made from a raven feather! And wouldn't you know it, there's a symbolic reason for that!

Aside from being her familiar animals, ravens can represent death, the afterlife, wisdom, intelligence, adaptability, prescience, fortune, destiny, transformation, and the future. Their symbolism is both positive and negative, and they’re seen as both good and bad omens. Here's a few associations I picked up for Farangis:

“The raven symbolizes prophecy, insight, transformation, intelligence, and mystery. They can also represent wise people who bring messages to those around them. The raven also symbolizes recovery and healing.”

Farangis is a wise person who advises the people around her, both in this AU and in canon— and her proficiency with the art of healing is particularly well-suited to the raven's symbolism. Also, keep an eye on the prophecy thing, we'll get to it 👀 It's not as much a stretch as the spectacularly baffling pistachio-Aphrodite gymnastics in Ranna's design sheet here, but it does stretch things a little bit. You'll see, you'll see.

“Because of its black plumage, croaking call, and diet of carrion, the raven is often associated with loss and ill omen. Yet, its symbolism is complex. As a talking bird, the raven also represents prophecy and insight. Ravens in stories often act as psychopomps, connecting the material world with the world of spirits.”

Even in canon Farangis has a very close associations with spirits, as she regularly uses her crystal flute to communicate with them. That applies here as well, in Wolfpack.

Also keep an eye on the theme of loss and death. It'll all come together later, I promise.

“French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss proposed a structuralist theory that suggests the raven (like the coyote) obtained mythic status because it was a mediator animal between life and death. As a carrion bird, ravens became associated with the dead and with lost souls.”

More stuff regarding the topic of death and spirits.

“In Greek mythology, ravens are associated with Apollo, the God of prophecy. They are said to be a symbol of bad luck, and were the gods’ messengers in the mortal world.”

Farangis is a devout priestess in canon who follows the god Mithra: deity of oaths and covenants. And even though she is of the Arayan faith in the AU, she still honors Mithra as she feels right at home within Mithra's divine domain of oaths and loyalty.

And thus begins the prophecy quest. Let's get to it, shall we?

And regarding Apollo:

“The most Greek of the gods, Apollo has been recognized as a god of archery, music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, the Sun and light, poetry, and more. One of the most important and complex of the Greek gods, he is the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis, goddess of the hunt.”

Apollo is also often seen as “the most beautiful god” and Farangis' own beauty is noted by many, many people.

Farangis is a prodigious archer, a musician in this AU, and a more than competent healer as well. Apollo being a god of “truth and prophecy” also ties in with the djinn Farangis is so closely associated with in canon, and as she herself said: the djinn reveal lies from truth.

And when you speak of Apollo, one cannot forget his twin sister Artemis:

“Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, nature, vegetation, childbirth, care of children, and chastity.”

Artemis is a goddess of the hunt who is also heavily associated with archery just like her twin brother. And you might also be aware that Artemis has a no-romance policy with both herself and her followers, ha. And though she had a lover in canon, it's all in the past and she does not seem like she'll be starting a new love life anytime soon. Or like, ever. And of course, in Wolfpack she is happily single and gloriously uninterested in romance. Good for her.

Ravens are not symbols of Artemis, but her symbols do include: cypress, deer, bow and arrows, and the crescent moon.

And wouldn't you know it, Farangis' canon crest features a crescent moon!

Also, funny thing, I was about to include deer antlers or something incorporated in one of her designs because:

“The Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica), an ancient domesticate once thought extinct, was rediscovered in the late 20th century in Khuzestan Province, in the southern Zagros.”

Buuuuut I... forgot. Whoopsies, MY BAD.

Also keep an eye on the cypress. It'll come up again later. I know, I know, I'm asking you to put a pin on a bunch of things but I promise it'll all come together later.

(as a fun little aside, Farangis has emerald-coloured eyes and as I stated in Ranna's sheet, emeralds were said go be “a revealer of truths, they reputedly could cut through all illusions and spells, including the truth or falsity of a lover's oath” and they're associated with Venus/Aphrodite she is really beautiful and Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty and well this isn't all that significant in the grand scheme of things I just thought it was a funny coincidence— and what's really funny is that Aphrodite's divine domain and Artemis' no-romance policy is in conflicts alright alright I'll stop rambling about this now)

She is wearing a purple sash to signify where her loyalty lies, echoing both Arslan and Kazai, both people significant to her.

Her second outfit is akin to a hunting attire, more muted greens, not a whole lot of embellishments going on because I don't think she's wild about that, simple, functional, but still looks good on her. Not much to say symbolically in this one, only that here a raven feather features again attached to her raishal (crystal flute) on her necklace, and she is wearing the healers' badge here as well. And while the healers: badge specifically references Quercus castaneifolia, the chestnut-leaved oak, another species of oak is also significant to her by ways of being important to her homeland.

“Quercus brantii (covering more than 50% of the Zagros Mountains forest steppe ecoregion) is the most important tree species of the Zagros in Iran.”

Her homeland Khuzestan would be near the Zagros mountain range I believe— though I guess they're named the Nimruz mountains in Arslan Senki? I really need to brush up on my geography.

“Iranians use its seed in traditional medicine. Other useful products derived from oaks include fuel wood, charcoal and timber hardwood.”

They're also used in medicine!

I go into much more detail of why oak trees are used to symbolize the clan healers in Arslan's design sheet here, so I won't bore you by repeating it here again.

And OH I almost forgot about the designs on her boots. They're meant to be barley!

Forgive me for I won't be able to provide much in terms of proper quotes from articles and such, because when I looked up barley symbolism on Google I literally could not dodge the Bible stuff. All the info here is provided by a lovely French-speaking friend who went onto the French side of Google and hurled up a bunch of information for me.

@werewolfcoochie thank you SO MUCH for your invaluable aid. I couldn't have done this without you.

“Barley has been an important part of human culture due to is popularity as the most common grain used in the process of malting, which is essential for the production of beer, whiskey, certain candies, and sweet meal.”

And hey, while beer and whiskey don't equate wine, it's still alcohol and Farangis has like. God-tier alcohol tolerance.

Barley can also symbolize fertility, hope, abundance, and a good harvest— which definitely makes you think of the role the clan plays in the local agriculture.

“Historically, a society that is rich in barley can typically count on having a lot of food in total, so the crop can be connected with general prosperity and overall welfare.”

×

“Barley can potentially have a lot of religious significance for different people. It can also be seen as a general sign of hope and a desire for abundance and a good, healthy life. It is the most common grain used for the making of arguably the most popular form of alcohol in the world.”

It also seems to have associations with medicine and magecraft, which makes sense since those two things were often bundled together historically.

Barley was also used in ritualistic medicine in England. Witches would cook and then let barley evaporate in the room of the sick person, and then draw on them magic symbols using the uncooked one. It was also said to help with tooth pain.

The witch Circe used it in a potion to turn Ulysses' companions into pigs. Some people also burned barley on Apollo's shrines.

“Circe is an enchantress and a minor goddess in ancient Greek mythology and religion. In most accounts, Circe is described as the daughter of the sun god Helios and the Oceanid nymph Perse. Circe was renowned for her vast knowledge of potions and herbs. Through the use of these and a magic wand or staff, she would transform her enemies, or those who offended her, into animals.”

Eyyy, a sorceress! Though Helios is not Apollo, they're both associated with the sun. It doesn't mean much, I just thought it was fun.

Demeter was also linked to barley. After Demeter lost her daughter Persephone, some humans tried to cheer her up by giving her wine, but she refused, asking for alcohol made from barley instead. And as Demeter is a goddess of nature responsible for all plant growth including crops, it would make sense for her to be associated with barley.

In Middle Ages, there was a form of divination using barley called alphitomancy.

In India, people use barley for sacrifices and private life ceremonies like births, marriages and so on— and some shamans use it to curse people.

In Ancient Egypt, Osiris was linked to cereals in general, and he was always depicted with barley. Ancient egyptians would make little statues and plant barley inside them. The growth of barley symbolizes the rebirth of Osiris after being killed by his brother Seth.

“Osiris is the god of fertility, agriculture, the afterlife, the dead, resurrection, life, and vegetation in ancient Egyptian religion.”

(I'll get to all the death stuff eventually, I promise.)

They also used barley against inflammation and also as divination tool to know the sex of an unborn child, and modern tests have shown that barley can be used to determine the sex of a baby with 70-75% effectiveness. Just a fun tidbit!

Okay, I thought I didn't have much to say about the second outfit. Uhhhh, oops?

And now finally we move onto the third. Are y'all still alive yet?

It's the ceremonial attire she would wear as a mage-musician during celebrations and ceremonies, and though it bears similarities to the spirit dancers' clothes, there are also a couple little differences! The silhouette is different, and the musicians tend to wear one of the two colours (blue or white) rather than clothes that split between them. Farangis happened to favor white.

Aaaaaand the willow! Promised I'd get to it, didn't I? Get ready, get ready, we're about to take a trip into the underworld.

Don't be alarmed.

“A large tree with long, flowing branches and leaves, the willow tree often symbolizes flexibility and adaptability. The limber and supple nature of its extremities means it bends to accommodate and withstand strong winds and adverse weather. Many, therefore, see it as inspiring and symbolic of humans’ capability to withstand hardship, loss, and difficult emotions. Thanks to its long life and the ease with which new trees can be rooted from cuttings, the willow tree is also seen as a survivor and a symbol of rebirth.”

×

“The willow tree is sometimes referred to as the "weeping willow." This name comes from the way raindrops run down its long leaves, making it look like the tree is crying. The weeping willow is therefore associated with grief and mourning in many cultures.”

×

“A willow’s drooping branches and leaves are seen as a symbol of letting go. In many cultures, willows are planted near gravesites as a way to honor the dead.”

×

“The willow tree symbolism of grief may be due in part to its ability to thrive in wet conditions. This hardiness has led to the tree being seen as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.”

×

“Dreaming of willow trees can mean many things, but their main messages are feelings of rigidness, the need to move on, and feeling unsafe.”

Farangis endured jealousy and ostracization from her peers in the temple due to her beauty and skill, and though she stayed loyally until she was sent to find Arslan in canon, she decided to leave the temple to join the clan in this AU.

She was sent to the temple because her parents died and there presumably was nobody left to take her in— and having to deal with grief on top of a new environment seemingly very hostile to you can't be easy in the slightest. And here we get to the theme of loss— she lost her parents and struggles to deal with the fact before she joined the clan. All the death/afterlife associations I've built up until now all culminate in this grief of hers, those intense and complicated emotions that ultimately resulted in her leaving the temple (“letting go” of the expectations placed on her by the adults, by her parents, letting go of a toxic environment, no longer bound to her parents' wish) to seek out a “rebirth” under Eihon's guidance. No longer was the temple a place of refuge and safety for her, and it's debatable whether it ever was.

And regarding rebirth, you may have noticed a lot of clan-style garments go right-over-left which is usually opposite to how many cultures around the world do it: right-over-left is reserved for the dead. The people who join the clan are functionally dead to the world and the places they came from— the runaway slaves are practically “dead” to their slavers, runaway children and abuse victims are “dead” to their families and abusers, by virtue of them disappearing off the face of the earth and being impossible to find again. And many, particularly ones who had negative or complicated relationships with their previous identities/names and families often opt to change their names, making the death and rebirth a bit more literal.

Farangis and Gieve chose to keep their names because it wasn't their families/parents they had an issue with, and still love them despite it all.

“Most symbolism surrounding willow trees comes from their graceful appearance. Their lightweight leaves, long branches, and protective caves inspire many and hold a powerful message.”

×

“The willow tree originates from China, and in Ancient China, people believed that willow branches could ward off evil. They were often carried around or placed at doorways to keep evil spirits away. The concept of the willow tree bringing good luck and protecting against evil is also prevalent in countless cultures across the world.”

×

“Willow branches also brought protection in Ancient Greek mythology, although willow also symbolized power in general. Orpheus, the bringer of song, carried willow wood with him to protect against evil in the underworld. Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, also used a wand made out of willow. Willow is connected to music in Greek mythology — the harp that Apollo gifted Orpheus was made of willow wood.”

×

“In some cultures, people plant willows near homes to keep away evil spirits. Willow branches are often used in magical rituals and spells to ward off negative energy. Willow trees also create a ‘barrier’ if they are allowed to grow down to the ground. People have sat inside these barriers during warm months to protect themselves from the sun.”

×

“The willow was a powerful tree that symbolizes healing, strength, and functionality.”

×

“The willow tree is often seen as a symbol of peace. This is likely because willow trees are known for their calming and serene qualities. The branches of these trees are light enough to simply sway in the wind. The soft rattle of the leaves also creates a calming effect that evokes peace in just about anyone.”

These just scream Farangis to me. Also, Hecate is the goddess of boundaries, transitions, crossroads, magic, the New Moon, necromancy, and ghosts— and associated with all of the above plus the night, protection from witchcraft, and knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants. The “transitions and crossroads” could be taken to represent the period between her meeting the clan people and choosing to join them, stuck between two paths before steeling herself to choose one.

And of course, they also have medicinal properties!

“In ancient times, willows were used for their medicinal properties. Their leaves and bark are said to help with inflammation and other ailments.”

Arrows were also apparently made out of willow branches in some cultures, which is fitting considering that Farangis is a skilled archer.

And at the bottom of the white coat, you'll see elaborate patterns adorning the side slits— they're supposed to be like, very highly stylized renditions of cypress trees though I certainly got carried away and now I'm not sure they look like cypresses anymore. Ha, told you I'd eventually get to them!

“In the words of the Shahnameh, cypress represents a single-minded, professional and wise man. In ancient Iran, at Yalda night, a tree called Yalda tree was decorated, which was generally made of cypress and pine trees. It is said that the decoration of cypress and pine in Christmas was adapted from ancient Iran, because the Iranians looked at these two trees, especially the cypress, as a symbol of resistance against darkness and cold, and they stood in front of the cypress on the first day of January. And they vowed to be strong and stable until the next year and plant another cedar sapling. In the classical tradition, the cypress was associated with death and the underworld.”

I have already talked about all the reasons I decided to rope in death and resilience in sections above!

“In Greek mythology, besides Cyparissus, the cypress is also associated with Artemis and Hecate, a goddess of magic, crossroads and the underworld. Ancient Roman funerary rites used it extensively. In Jewish tradition, the cypress was held to be the wood used to build Noah's Ark and The Temple, and is mentioned as an idiom or metaphor in biblical passages, either referencing the tree's shape as an example of uprightness or its evergreen nature as an example of eternal beauty or health. It is popular in modern Israeli cemeteries, with contemporary explanation being that its shape resembles a candle and its being an evergreen symbolized the immortality of the soul.”

×

“The tree is one of the oldest symbols of mourning. In fact, ancient Greeks and Romans referred to the cypress as the "mournful tree" for this reason. Adherents of Christianity and Islam historically planted cypress near burial sites and cemeteries for protection against evil spirits.”

So... there you have it! Farangis' design sheet! I hope y'all liked it, Gieve is slated to be next though I think I'll probably end up taking a good long break first.

[msbhagirathi]

IPKKND LIVE BLOG - Season 1 [Episode 1]

Sooooooooooooo, I thought of live blogging the show, coz I have not yet watched the whole series at one go. Yeah, I know that's a little weird, coz what the hell then how the fck do you call yourself a fan then see the thing is from the very first time I used to skip a lot of episodes in between of watching only the 'interesting ones' *cries*. I KNOW OKAY !?!?! I RUINED THE EXPERIENCE MYSELF BY HITTING A KULHARI IN MY OWN LEGS!?!!??! But how would I have known that I would be hooked to this show like this, like obsessively hooked, like what the fck. Okay, in some other post I will share my first impression of this show and my POV for ITV today(altho no one asked for it *presses a tight lipped smile*) Let's start the epi thennnnnnn, come onnnnnnnn.

Hmm. Lucknow. Gomti Sadan (Since 1943)

Buaji's very first 'Haye Re Nandkisore' makes an appearance.

"Arre Khussi ka mauka hai." Irony. I might be over analyzing it but this sounded like it's Khushi's chance today(at luck? at love?) maybe because today she will meet him for the first time. Also the next dialogue we hear is from a silhouette of Khushi.

Payal doubts their decision to negotiate this with 'jijaji'. Khushi is shown from the back. Then, eyes. Then, back. Then, eyes. Then, lips. Then, again eyes.

Buaji is in the mood to dance. Babuji is worried about the dowry, but one look at his Payalia smiling and now the only thing important for him is his daughter's happiness. I realized that I loved this scene. There's something special about a father beaming with joy on seeing his daughter smiling that makes him forget all about his worries.

Khushi tying her laces of the tennis shoes while looking down at the dance sequence going on.(What was that song, was it an OST? I couldn't find it anywhere) Tennis shoes. Hmm. we all had that same shoe for PT uniform.

Ads. Ads. ADS.

Khushi is revealed in full at the mandir in front of her best friend, Devi Maiyya.

'Maaf kijiye kaka ji abhi thodi si jaldi hai, baaki ki maafi laut kar maangte hain." Lol. Nothing. Just Khushi being herself for 10 seconds straight.

Dowry. 10 Lakh in cash and his shop papers for another 10. Babuji already doubtful (very rightfully so!) of the kind of family that they are getting Payal married into. Garima trying to erase those doubts by her sick 'excuses'.

Lol. Khushi, in a green and pink lehenga, driving a scooter having milk canisters attached to it, and guess what, everyone, literally EVERYONE, in the road is staring at her. Ughhh. Girls facing eve-teasing in India, unfortunately a very common thing.

A cute scene is here, guys. Like wow. Look at her excuse. She is going to school for a drama competition looking like princess. "Then where is your prince?", asks that kucchi-mucchi kid(yeah I feel like pulling his cheeks.)

Khushi looks up, to the kid, at the question ANDDDDDDDDDDD FINALLY GUYSSSSSSSS.

The bg score changes to an-introductory?-'important?'- instrumental. And there comes the first scene of Sobti flying in, in a helicopter. Lol. I remember an interview where he said this that he still remembers that first scene, and later getting demoted to SUVs. Lol.

Anyways, homies. Get ready. Drone shot of Lucknow and then-

UGHHHHHHHH. ADS. HOTSTAR WHAT IS THIS BEHAVIOR!?!?!!?

Sheesh Mahal.

There aren't even enough guards to stop the media from running further towards the helipad. They can easily do so but- maybe they were given a warning for not crossing a line. Who knows? *shrugs*

ASR revealed. His ASR BG playing in its full bloom. Full bloom. Lol. Does that even make sense? I hope it does.

Is it only me or anyone else also feels that there is a huge distance between where Bitwa is standing and where the reporters are? *shrugs*

Btw he seems like he does not even give a fck to what they are saying.

We get a glimpse of Arnav's traumatic past. And the scene cuts to Arnav getting jolted out by-a Dove?- Coincidence? I think not. Dove is a symbol of peace. Metaphor playing at its best. As today he will also meet the person who will become his solace for forever.

Also, that transition from Arnav to ASR. Take a bow, Mr. Sobti. *bows down with joined hands*

Chachaji. Epitome of Hypocrisy. Talking about morals. Arnav's face is like 'Just shut the fck up, chachaji.'

Here, chachaji thought he would be getting the money. But, to clear his doubt, Arnav shuts the suitcase and passes it to Khan Saheb, indicating the opposite.

Arnav's first dialogue.

He said two lines, here. I think the first line clears the air for chachaji that things are serious, and the second line was a hint given to him to realise who he is dealing with, that is, his late brother's son. Arnav hinted at his greed for money and property. But, for him money is his occupation, his business. "Paisa mera shauk nahi, pesha hai." But, unsurprisingly chachaji did not get it.

Khan Saheb reveals that he has sold the Sheesh Mahal to Raizada Sa'ab. Chachaji's face is worth looking at.

D-dddd-did you see the contrast in their opinions about zameer, asul aur paisa....???? My goshhhhh. Like they are exact opposite, poles apart.

Okay a little glossary here : Zameer- conscience Asul(or usul, both are the same, only accent is different)- morals paisa- money

He finally let his chachaji know who he is. Lol. Look at his (chachaji's) face.

Fashion Show.

The first two models walk in with ASR. The right one's dress was fine, but. Umm. Look at the left one. They simply took a red dress and stitched a net dupatta to it. wOw. fAsHiOn. And this is nothing. There's more to come. Just wait till ASR's introduction speech is over.

Raizada Show, the biggest annual show. Collection name was- Sonar?- can anyone decode it? Why did Sobti had to mumble it?

First personal question. Ignore. Second personal question. Lashes out politely. Third personal question. Just shut the fck up and mind your own business. Very apt representation of Indian Media, today.

Chicky?-Tricky?-Chicken?- Textiles', What the hell did you mumble Mr. Sobti???? have introduced a new technology, then obviously i-is it only me or anyone else as well that seriously didn't understand what did he mumbled here-?? But guess what, Anjali Di understood it. DI PLEASE TELL USSSSS. PLSSSSS.

His sister can read him so well. Even tho he MUMBLES everything he says. Which is also not very much.

Arnav is saying that he has already moved on long ago while getting teary eyed about getting reminded of his past. The most painful scene. No, bitwa you haven't moved on you have just suppressed all your emotions under this tight lid called 'ASR'.

Every one at Gomti Sadan is worried about Khushi and the papers' absence.

It took Khushi almost the whole day to reach Sheesh Mahal. Arnav what is this behaviour??? Why didn't you send a car for your wife?? Heh. Lol. JK.

Khushi proves that she is a child trapped in a body of a late teen here. Lol. Look at her. "Bhool bhoolaiya, chale hai paiya, raah bata do mori maiyya, aaj batado humko rasta, tumhe khila dun puri khasta." while turning round and round for the hint of the correct 'direction'. And Devi Maiyya directed her straight to her prince.

Tears pooling in her eyes, lips taking devi maiyya's name continuously, closes her eyes. Khushi has absolutely no idea what is she expected to do. She is just standing and waiting for something to happen.

This sequence is the eye sequence. You might already know the symbolization. Khushi closed her eyes for strength and support just as Arnav opened his to open a new chapter of his life.

Arnav is quite shocked and angry as well. And then the famous fall and catch happens.

Here, Arnav, on getting a close up of Khushi's face, kind of likes what he sees. Guys, Khushi's fingers clutching on Arnav's collar is just- *takes a deep breath and starts hyperventilating*

He looks at the eyes. Hazel brown. Then, looks down at the lips. Pink gloss. Shiny. Trembling. Back to the eyes. quite the same rhythm that they followed while introducing Khushi.

The Aesthetic of the scene is so beautiful. Arnav's face, Khushi's face, them in an intense eye lock along with the Golden lights and sparkles in the background. Khushi taking a look at his lips in turn. *sighs dreamily*

Screen fades. Precap starts. *quickly pauses it* I am not a huge fan of spoilers so I generally don't watch them.

P.S.: Okay so the other dresses weren't that bad. I am sorry I doubted your skilz, bitwa. You are bhery talonted.

I hope you loved it coz I had a lot of fun doing this. :)

Next Episode!

[youphoriaot7]

I'm the fellow anon who was asking about the ordem become human au, first thing, this is great, this is really great I know nothing about Detroit become human but I am extremely interested on what you have planned

I'm really curious about TazerCraft now, but you know what? Why not go with Roier before?

*cracks knuckles*

Fair warning, this AU is fairly light on the DBH and much more heavy on the Ordem (which is hysterical because I haven't even finished O Segredo na Floresta and have played the entirety of DBH multiple times—but who am I to argue with the plot?), but there are still elements—and they're actually strongest with Roier! >:3

So, the au is written from Roier's POV—which is actually turning into a tiny bit of a nightmare; A) because I understand Cellbit better than Roier, but I can get over that. B) because writing an android is fucking hard????

But I digress.

Roier is an android. He used to have the job of an RK200: essentially a domestic assistant/companion type 'droid. (To those of you that are DBH stans, I know Markus was a prototype, but hear me out.) Housesitting, watching the kids—you know. Typical stuff.

He lived in this household with a mother and her son. Somehow, there was an accident: Bobby got out late at night, and was found dead on the shore the next morning. Official police reports say he drowned. (Roier thinks there's more to it than that.) After Bobby's death, Roier was considered to have failed in his duties, and they were initially going to decommission him. But Jaiden, Bobby's mother, lobbied for them to keep him around, and instead, they simply reworked his memory card and assigned him to be an investigative assistant at the police station in the city.

Ever since meeting the quiet, sort-of-asshole-y new investigator at the station, there's been something itching at the back of Roier's brain; like a memory he can't quite place. Intellectually, he knows that his memory chip was wiped when they altered his purpose, so he has always simply assumed something didn't go quite right during the process.

Since he's met this investigator, however, he keeps getting...flashes of things. Memories, seemingly rewiring themselves into his synthetic mind. A kid, a young boy. His mother, and...well. Roier himself. The three of them.

He doesn't put it together until he takes a step back, staring at the graffiti in the old, abandoned laboratory. The small images, the detailed linework of the paintings blurs, combining to form a bigger picture, a face. Not a face...a memory.

The overwriting of his memory chip didn't take. Not fully. And all he needed to do to trigger it was to see the bigger picture.

[fobnsfwdoodles]