#I’ll put my opera skills to use

[rosicheeks]

You look like THAT? Song unnecessary, I'm omw

[peeweekey]

letters to the sea

Another thing; the melusines seem especially eager to share correspondence with you. They asked me personally for the mailing address of your new residence and I could not refute them. They seem to be abusing the soft spot I have for them, do forgive me.

With the help of the Hydro Sovereign, the melusines have taken over the mailbox of Furina’s new residence.

furina/neuvillette ; fluff

07/20 Lady Furina,

As per your request, I have provided you residence outside the Palais Mermonia. Take as much time as you need in moving in, I shall send Sedene to check on you every few days. I would have done it myself had it been that she was so insistent on it. Do not fret about repayment, this is the least I could do for you. It is hardly a dent in my coffers.

Another thing; the melusines seem especially eager to share correspondence with you. They asked me personally for the mailing address of your new residence and I could not refute them. They seem to be abusing the soft spot I have for them, do forgive me.

Rest well, if there is anything else, do not hesitate to send me a reply.

Your dear Iudex, Neuvillette

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07/28 Dearest Lady Furina,

Is your new house comfortable? When I visited you last time, it was cramped. And it was dusty and it smelled kinda bad… If you want, I can help you dust it the next time I visit. Even if I don’t understand why you’d choose to live there, if it makes you happy, then I guess I can be happy also.

The food that you made for us last time tasted funny, my lady, I think you don’t have much talent in cooking. When I told Monsieur Neuvillette, he wrinkled his brow. He does that a lot lately, and sighs a lot more too. He’s busy all the time now, especially with all that paperwork you left behind! He always asks me about my visits to you after, I think he’s worried about something. Anyway, I’ll bring that cake you like next time! I’ll just have to ask Monsieur Neuvillette what it was again…

I will stop my letter here now though, my hand is starting to ache.

All love, Sedene (P.S. I miss seeing you everyday, Lady Furina)

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08/10 Hello Lady Furina!

Work at Meropide Fortress has been hectic lately, but I finally found time to send you a letter. Now that you’re human, you have to take much more caution with your health, but if you ever come down with a case of the sniffles, I’ll come to you right away! I’ve also collected some cosmetics that you will absolutely love, I can even tell you about their properties and benefits, if you want to of course.

I’ve been wanting to visit you and Monsieur Neuvillette a lot, I have a lot of stories to share. Like when one of the prisoners at the fortress taught me how to braid hair, I tried it on Mister Wriothesley but his hair isn’t long enough. I told him he should grow it out, you agree right? I’ll try braiding yours once I find the time to visit, I’ll even ask Monsieur Neuvillette to tag along.

Anyway, I hope you don’t feel too lonely anymore. You can chat with me anytime you want, my lady, I always want to hear from you! And before I forget, I put a sheet of stickers in the envelope with this letter. It’s melusine themed! And they are scratch and sniff stickers. I’ve been saving it but I want to give it to you. Cute, right?

Kisses and well wishes, Sigewinne

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09/23 My Lady,

I have written and rewritten this letter countless times, I hope you don’t blame my poor writing skills. Some of the melusines I’ve spoken to say that they see you around the court more often than before. But I haven’t had the chance to see you again. If ever you make your way to Marcotte Station, I hope I could greet you then.

Monsieur Neuvillette has been taking the private aquabus ride to Opera Epiclese alone now, and the rides to and back are silent. He sometimes chats with me, but I’m not too fond of talking. I guess all the chatter you two had came from you.

From, Elphane

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09/30 To Miss Furina,

Congratulations on your stunning theater performance, Miss Furina. It was truly a sight to behold, you are a natural in the limelight. I hope to be able to attend more of your future performances. I can clearly see you flourishing brightly now. And truly, I am happy for you, Furina.

It is also nearing your birthday. Your first as a human, I have to say it is quite bittersweet for me. But if you’ll have me, I’d want to visit and celebrate that day with you. Like we always had done before. I will not come alone of course, the melusine children are practically buzzing with excitement.

Please do not think of me a stranger, Furina, you are the closest person to me. You are always in my thoughts and I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours, Neuvillette

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10/20 Dearest Lady Furina,

I’m sorry, my letter is probably the latest out of all my sisters! I’ve been quite busy with my aquabus shift much more now than before! I think it has something to do with the performances you do for the theater troupe now. All that heavy rain stopping is surely a plus, too. before I overheard a passenger saying that she desperately wanted to watch one of your shows, but the tickets were all sold out! It was a shame, she looked like she came all the way from Mondstat too, don’t worry I made sure to cheer her up with my tour guide skills.

If you don’t mind me saying, my lady, your face seems so much brighter! Like the glow of Lumitoiles. Even Monsieur Neuvillette has been much more perky lately, most don’t notice it but I do. Maybe because you’re spending time together again, I’ve seen a lot of articles on the two of you in the Steambird. The two of you must be super close again if you’re holding hands and sharing desserts. Your good mood is surely infectious! I’m grinning so hard, my cheeks hurt. It’s amazing!

Anyway, if you see me around, please say hi! I can be quite ignorant of my surroundings at times…

Don't be a stranger! Aeval

[yuurei20]

Sebek Info Compilation Part 2: Family

Sebek says that his grandfather moved to Briar Valley from Sunset Savanna.

Lilia says that Sebek’s grandfather is “hot blooded" and he is “old friends with Sebek’s grandfather”, whose name is Baul.

Sebek says his grandfather lives near their home and he would often visit him by himself or with his siblings and that his grandfather smiling was “a rare sight indeed in the Zigvolt abode."

Sebek also says that his “grandfather was a gallant royal guard who served the king of Briar Valley”.

Sebek says he is proud of his mother, describing her as “an amazing person” who is “highly proficient with magic, which has earned her distinction from a very young age. She’s also strongly principled and unbending in her convictions. I can feel my chest swell with pride every time I see her. What’s more, she has some of the most potent occlusal force in our family—ah, that is, biting strength. It’s a Zigvolt trademark.”

Sebek has less interest in his father, describing him as “just a human” who “runs a small yet busy dental clinic” that he seems to enjoy. He says, “I’ll be the first to admit he’s an odd one. I can’t fathom why Mother chose to wed HIM, of all people…”, but does admit that his father is highly regarded for his skill with dentistry. Sebek says that his mother assists at the clinic but “her work tends to be slopping” as “she’s not particularly suited to work involving minute details. But my father never gets angry with her. They always seem happy working together…I suppose he’s magnanimous, in his own way”.

He says his father is a “strange man who chooses to live in Briar Valley despite being magically deficient. Whenever my siblings and I use magic, he gushes, ‘Wow, that’s so cool!’. It’s downright off-putting. He buys me sweets and snacks I never asked for and is always bending my ear about this and that. The man never lets his smile fade, no matter what I say to him. He defies comprehension. From what I hear, my mother met my father at a dental clinic and was so taken with his talent and personality that she courted him quite ardently. There were many among her peers who opposed her marriage to a human, but she didn’t let that deter her in the slightest. Certainly she must have seen SOMETHING in him.”

In his second birthday vignette Sebek says that Trey reminds him of his father for how they both wear glasses and they have a similar air about them. No matter what he says to Trey or to his father, neither of them seem to take his comments personally. (Possibly a reference to when Sebek called Trey’s hobby of tooth-brushing “bizarre”.)

Sebek says that nature reminds him of his home and that he used to go camping with his family, catching fish at the riverside.

It seems that where they live now is in a different location from his human father’s hometown, as he references traveling there as a child and seeing an opera.

[pavo-ocxllus]

❝ 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞. ❞

𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡… live your biggest dream or worst nightmare by starring in a movie with a mysterious character! 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠… genshin impact characters, honkai: star rail characters, tears of themis characters, haikyuu!! characters 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠… mass headcanons, headcanons, scenarios, or matchups featuring your favorite genshin, tears of themis, star rail, or haikyuu!! characters as long as it complies with my established request guidelines (don’t worry, i’ll put the rules up on this post anyways to spare you the trouble), for the sake of the theme, this could be any [insert movie title here]!au 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬… fluff, angst, and everything in between, platonic relationships if that's what your heart desires 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐭… this time, i'm determined to fulfill all requests in this 300 followed event!! and, to all >300 of you, thanks for everything.

obligatory freak out time—what the actual crap guys 300 HUNDRED OF YOU??? and while i wasn't even particularly active???!?! 

the support and love you guys send through replies, dms, and reblogs never fail to make me smile through my screen! through my hectic life, i'm glad to see y'all enjoying what i put out through my small hobby. i really wish i could use my writing skills to say more, but again—all i can do is say thank you and hope by gratitude somehow bypasses the screen.

now, without further ado, the 300 followers premiere awaits!!

𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭?!

fun fact: i used to do match ups once upon a time on a different platform! this is a match-up styled fic event—i match you up with a character based on preferences and you get your story!

this event is movie themed!! any film goes!

𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠?

from 8 am on tuesday, september 19th to 8 pm on tuesday, september 26th (cdt)! requests not finished within this time period or requests made right after will be considered overflow and will be finished after the event has ended! any other requests will be promptly ignored and deleted.

𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐢 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭?

purchase your movie ticket of course! first, say what theater/venue you're going to!

aiia theater — haikyuu!! characters will star here!  opera epiclese — genshin impact characters will star here! stellis film festival — tears of themis characters will star here!  golden theater — honkai impact characters will star here! 

next, specify what time you'll watch this movie!

12:00 — fluff. 15:30 — angst. 19:00 — hurt/comfort. 21:30 — slightly suggestive.

thirdly, kindly state the movie you're planning to watch! anything goes—i only ask the movie is not particularly inappropriate (i am a minor) and if the movie isn't particularly well-known or if you want a specific scene, provide a quote or just say it as it is!

then, please check out the concessions here for preferences! feel free to add as many as you'd like! of course, if you don't really care, you don't have to say anything!

candy — mass headcanon style! (like this) popcorn — normal headcanon style! (like this, i'll pick runner ups as extras!) sodapop — scenario style! (like this, but with one character!) water — interview style! (i talk about why i picked your match up and personal headcanons of what the two of you would be like as a couple or friends.)

and finally, tell me about yourself, as little or as much as you'd prefer! (don't add this part if you choose to order candy! mass headcanon style requires a prompt of some sort!) though, to make it fun, you can keep to the theme of this event—list your favorite movies, celebrity crushes, favorite genres, etc! please specify your pronouns if needed, otherwise it would be written as they/them.

if you want a romantic match up, add "tickets for two!"

your request can look similar to something like this!

hi! i'd like to order tickets for two at the the aiia theater for the 12:00 am showing of [insert any movie here]!

[match up info right here!]

𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬?

as copy and pasted via my carrd, here are the rules!!

i write for almost every genshin character except chiori, emilie, and iansan. characters such as klee, diona, qiqi, nahida, dori, sayu, and sigewinne are strictly platonic.

i write for every tears of themis love interest including side characters such as darius morgan, celestine taylor, harry grant, winnie cooper, william lewis, howard syter, kiki bennett, and vincent kim.

i write for every major haikyuu!! character but due to it’s large cast, you might have to search through this post (i suggest ctrl+f , command+f, or type in the browser and click 'find' and type in the box that pops out the character you’re looking for) to see if i’m able to write for the character you want…

as for requirements, the only one is that you comply with the guidelines above!

again, thank you so much for all of you for the almost past two years!! i hope i can do your support justice by fulfilling all your requests!! let's have a lot of fun here!

𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝! <𝟑

[freddieraimbow74]

Freddie, lots of bands set out wanting to get to the top and don’t make it – what gave you the edge?

You have to have a kind of arrogance and lots of confidence and absolute determination, as well as all the other obvious skills like music. Arrogance is a very good thing to have when you’re starting, and that means saying to yourselves that you’re going to be the number one group, not the number two. Hope for the best, go for the top. We just had it inside us and – well, we all had a very big ego, as well.

Are you the leader of the band?

No.

The lead singer usually is….

Ah, yes, we used to be, that’s a bygone age. Modern-day people in my position called themselves the focal point, dear. Unless your name is Rod Stewart and you have a backing band – no way is this Freddie Mercury and his backing band. When you analyse it, the four of us make the whole thing work. It’s 25 per cent, and I’m the one upfront, that’s all.

Your friends say you’re extremely shy, and you loathe talking about yourself in interviews like this, but on stage you preen like a peacock. Are you two people?

I don’t know what it is, but it’s true. I wish I could tell you. I just like having fun. It’s a very good release, rock music, but you know you say that I am a different person on stage and that same thing could be said of anyone going out to do his job. It’s my work, and I’m very serious about it, getting it right – when we began, we approached it the way we did because we were not prepared to be out-of-work musicians, ever. We said either take it on as a serious commodity or don’t do it at all.

Did you ever have doubts that the strategy would work?

At one point, two or three years after we began, we nearly disbanded. We felt it wasn’t working, there were too many sharks in the business and it was all getting too much for us. But something inside us kept us going and we learned from our experiences, good and bad. Sometimes, things like what happened to us in the business field give you an even greater incentive to stay alive and fight through. We didn’t make any money until after the fourth album, “A Night At The Opera.” Most of our income was consumed by litigation and things like that. We had to use a lot of money, so-called money that we made, to get out of contracts. But it was the best thing we could do. After that, it was like a new lease of life.

Is there a togetherness in the band – do you mix socially?

No. After ten years, my dear, it can be really boring.

So Is there friction?

No, not really. I think we know now instinctively what each other wants. We go our separate ways. We have four limousines waiting after each show and we just go wherever we want. It’s like a job, as I say. Your come together, do a gig….

Yet you can’t be in this “job” of Queen for life, can you?

Ah, you want me to put a deadline on it now! I don’t know. Five years ago you could have asked me the same question and I couldn’t tell you. It could all end tomorrow. I’m not afraid of it. It’s a precarious life but I think I like it that way. I like it a little risky. Okay, so I’m quite well off but money in the bank doesn’t mean anything to me. I spend it as quickly as it comes. I could be penniless tomorrow, but I wouldn’t care that much. I have this survival instinct in me.

Would you go back to begin again, join or form a band, if Queen ended?

I don’t know. I don’t get up every morning and ask myself what I’ll do if Queen decides to end. I’ll take it when it comes. I don’t think we’ve reached our peak. Within Queen there’s still a lot left to be done. Look at this new territory we have just opened up in South America. I couldn’t have predicted a year ago that this was going to happen. I like very much playing in new territories.

Do you practice your elaborate stage act – say by standing in front of a mirror?

No, I’ve never done that. Maybe I should and then I’d find out what everybody’s on about! You can learn a lot by looking at old videos of yourself, but I’ve never been one to analyse myself too much. Sometimes it’s best to leave well alone, dear.

Who criticises your stage act, then, if anyone?

Oh, lots of people. Lots of my friends.

Do you welcome that criticism?

Yes, Yes.

But you’re very prickly about criticism…

Oh, I don’t think so. In the end I’m my own boss, which in a way is a bad thing because it’s different for someone in, say, the ballet world. A choreographer tells him exactly what to do and if you do something wrong the ballet dancer is told that this is exactly what is wanted. I don’t have that, simply because there’s nobody to do it – it would be a different, more rigid form of discipline. They can say I do this wrongly, but I’m the ultimate judge. Depending on the night, I just do what I want. I don’t know how those ballet people do it – the same steps every night! I couldn’t perform in that framework.

What do you want people to think of you?

That I’m somebody who sings his songs well and performs them properly. I like people to go away from a Queen show feeling fully entertained, having had a good time. I think Queen songs are pure escapism, like going to see a good film – after that, they can go away and say that was great, and go back to their problems. I don’t want to change the world with our music. There are no hidden messages in our songs, except for some of Brian’s. I like to write songs for fun, for modern consumption. People can discard them like a used tissue afterwards. You listen to it, like it, discard it, then on to the next. Disposable pop, yes.

Freddie Mercury’s Interview with Melody Maker 1981

The fabulous photos are from Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo, São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷 March 1981

[definitelynotafurinasimp]

Hey, congratulations on 800 followers! Here’s to many more in the future!

For your event, could I please get prompt 4 with Yun Jin? Thanks!

“Just pretend to be my date”

Characters: Yun Jin x gn!reader

Warnings: none

a/n: I have to admit that I’m not 100% sure if I wrote her completely right, but I think I got the general gist of her character. I am currently levelling Yun Jin so I can use her with my Yoimiya, so I may be able to write her better in future.

But I have to admit that from what I know about her, I like her. I remember actually being more excited about her release than Shenhe's. Oh, how the turn have tabled /j.

Anyway, thanks for the congratulations and I hope you enjoy!

Yun Jin

You had joined Yun Jin’s Opera Troupe just before her grandfather decided to retire, leaving her to as its new leader. Even then she managed to impress every of the Troupe’s members, quickly becoming its star while never failing to come up with ideas for new plays. You’d quickly try your best to learn as much from her as possible and while you at first had only seen her as the perfect role model, the two of you quickly became friends, often being seen walk around Liyue together.

So, when Xiangling and Xinyan made a bet with her that she wouldn’t be able to find a date until lantern rite, you immediately came into Yun Jin’s mind.

“Okay, so what can I do to help you out?”, you asked after hearing your director explain the situation to you, feeling excited at the thought of being able to repay her for her helping you get a better actor.

“Just pretend to be my date”, Yun Jin nonchalantly stated, catching you completely off guard, causing your cheeks to heat up a bit.

“…What?”, you eventually managed to get a word out of your mouth, not being sure if you heard her correctly. Surely there had to be another, less-… intricate solution. Sure, you were an actor, but playing a completely different person on stage was a bit different than whatever she had planned.

“No one would bat an eye at seeing us together and if the elders found out they’d just think we were hanging out together”, she spelled out her plan, only to realise that you were still very much on the fence once she saw your face. “You can see this as an exercise to test your skills as an actor”, Yun Jin added after a small pause of her thinking about another argument.

“…If you say it like that, then I suppose I can do that”, you responded, and while you were still not 100% sure about the whole thing, there weren’t that many other people that could fill the role without causing unnecessary attention.

“Great, I’ll see you on lantern rite!”, Yun Jin said her goodbyes with a sweet smile on her face before leaving you to think about what you had just signed on to.

When lantern rite eventually arrived, you grew even more nervous, only to calm down once you got to know Yun Jin’s friends. While they seemed surprised by your arrival at first and then quickly went on to question you about all kinds of stuff, forcing you to follow the “script” your director had given you beforehand as much as possible and improvising whenever necessary, they eventually calmed down, making it possible for the four of you to go through the different shops, even getting a free snack by Wanmin restaurant, something some elders of your Troupe would probably nag you for if they ever found out.

But eventually, when the four of you had visited most things there were to visit, they left the two of you alone, saying their goodbyes before going either back home or revisiting a shop by themselves, causing the both of you to slowly make your way back yourself.

“That was a great performance you put on back there, I’m sure they didn’t notice a thing”, Yun Jin stated, only for your face to turn slightly red, being praised by the director of Yun-Han Opera Troupe was probably the best thing to have ever happened to you, but you quickly regained your composure and began smiling.

“I was really nervous at the beginning, but with how nice they were I honestly forgot about why I was there in the first place and just focussed on having fun”, you responded, thinking back to all the stalls you visited, causing the smile on your face to grow even wider. “And I got free food from Wanmin Restaurant, so I would say it was absolutely worth it”, you added half-jokingly, only for her Yun Jin to return your grin.

“You seem to really like Wanmin Restaurant if a snack from there was enough to make your day a good one”, she commented, immediately getting a nod out of you.

“You know better than anyone that the elders aren’t the biggest fans of us performers eating spicy food, so I don’t go there often, which in turn means that every visit feels like a special occasion”, you explained before jokingly imitating the elders’ voice. “No spicy food, it hurts your voice.”

“Good to know”, Yun Jin eventually said after letting out a chuckle, “I’ll remember that for next time.”

“Next time?”, you repeated in a surprised voice after a small pause, not being sure if you understood what exactly she meant. The Opera-singer gave you a slightly confused look before letting out a small laughter once again.

“Of course, next time. Or do you want to explain Xiangling and Xinyan that this was all an act?”, she doubled down, instantly making you realise her point.

“Oh yeah, seeing us suddenly no longer being together after today would probably cause them to get suspicious”, you thought out loud. “Fine, until next time Director Yun!”, you said your goodbye as she started making her way back home while waving her, only for her to turn around and return the favour.

“Until next time, I look forward to it!”, Yun Jin responded before turning around once more and walking home.

You weren’t sure how long you two would have to put on the act before you could return to normal, but if your fake dates meant that you got to spend more time with her, than you certainly didn’t mind having them for a while longer.

[ciaossu-imagines]

Could I get the main trio of Iruma for prompt 7 (if you're taking multiple characters at once)? :)

Of course you can, my lovely anon! I definitely do take multiple characters and I hope you’ll enjoy the headcanons!

Send me a character and I’ll tell you…

IRUMA SUZUKI

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

Okay, so this one is a bit difficult because the demon world does have its own music scene, so I’m going to just go with general impressions of the music they’d listen to. I do think Iruma really likes happy, upbeat music. I could see him really enjoying quite a few Akudol songs and he probably develops his favourites and they’re mostly what he listens to.

The one place they sometimes end up falling asleep – where they’re not supposed to

Honestly, it’s at the dinner table. Iruma works really hard at things and after a busy day and a huge meal, he sometimes ends up just passing out at his seat, head on the table, full and content.

The game they’d destroy everyone else at

While dodgeball is honestly a contender, it’s too obvious a pick, so I’m going to go with tag! Iruma isn’t great at catching others, but it doesn’t really matter because he’s not normally ‘it’ and is pretty impossible to catch with his skills at evasion and dodging.

The emoticon they’d use most often

Iruma overuses emoticons, honestly. He’s still figuring out what all of them mean, but he uses a lot of them. I see him using the bowing emoticon or the smile with a sweat drop emoticon a lot.

What they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

Iruma really does try hard when he’s really tired to be normal and helpful, but an over-tired Iruma is kind of slow mentally and physically, and spaces out pretty often. He might even end up accidentally falling asleep during class or while relaxing with his friends.

Their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights, or mornings, or whenever

Opera makes the best Hell Grey tea in Iruma’s opinion, and he’ll happily drink it at any hour, in any weather. It’s really one of his favourite things to drink and luckily Opera is always happy to brew some for him.

How they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

Iruma isn’t the best at self-comforting, despite years of having to do so. He really does rely on his friends and new family to comfort himself when he’s in a slump, spending time with them as much as possible and focusing his thoughts on them to keep himself motivated and as happy as he can be whenever he’s going through a rough patch.

What they wanted to be when they grew up

I don’t think Iruma ever really gave too much thought to what he wanted to be when he grew up or what job he wanted to have as an adult. Though he’s not materialistic, the only thing I think he really wanted when he grew up was money, simply to be able to take care of his parents and not to have to work so hard.

Their favourite kind of weather

Iruma honestly hasn’t given it much thought. He’s had to work through all kinds of terrible weather during his time in the Human World, so he’s gotten used to most types of weather and has become nonchalant about it. If he was to sit and think about it, I think he’d decide on days that were warm but not hot, with big fluffy clouds in the sky. Something along the lines of an nice spring day, honestly.

Thoughts on their singing voice (Decent? Terrible? Soprano? Alto?)

Iruma has quite a high-pitched singing voice, almost feminine in quality. It’s pleasant to listen to though and he has good rhythm and pitch naturally. Singing honestly isn’t his favourite thing in the world and it isn’t something he does a lot of, unless he’s put in a position where he has to.

How/what they like to draw or doodle

I don’t see Iruma as a huge doodler. I think he really does try hard to pay attention during classes and while studying and if his mind drifts, he doesn’t really need something to occupy his hands during that time.

ASMODEUS ALICE

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

While there’s one or two songs by Akudol’s that Alice likes, I see him being a huge fan of more classical style music or instrumentals. He does enjoy the sound of a piano and the music he listens to would be more along the lines of classical music during the Classical period.

The one place they sometimes end up falling asleep – where they’re not supposed to

I don’t think he really falls asleep outside of his bed too often unless the situation demands that he must. However, on the very rare occasions that he does, it’s normally at his desk while studying late into the nights because he mistakenly believes that he can get just a bit more studying in despite being exhausted.

The game they’d destroy everyone else at

Whatever the Demon World’s version of chess is, Alice is a master at it. Not quite Grandmaster level, but he’s quite a formidable opponent as a chess player. Really, I can see him being very good at any game with strict rules, where thought and strategy needs to be put into use.

The emoticon they’d use most often

Asmodeus really underuses emoticons. Like, he hardly ever uses them and when he does, it’s only in messages to maybe one or two people that he’s really close to. I could see him using smiling faces a lot, because he really doesn’t know all the different emoticons and sticks with just the basic ones.

What they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

A bitch. A complete and utter bitch…well, a complete and utter bitch to everyone not named Iruma. An overtired Azz has a shorter fuse than normal and his temper flares up pretty easily, so he spends most of the day just constantly pissed off or annoyed over trivial things.

Their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights, or mornings, or whenever

While he does enjoy a good cup of Hell Grey tea, I think Alice honestly prefers a particular higher-end tea. It’s similar to a gunpowder tea, blended with vanilla and apricot teas and accented with ginger root. It’s smooth and spicy and it’s what he has one of the house servants brew him when he’s had a really bad day.

How they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

Azz is actually really ambitious and motivated, and he doesn’t often allow himself to get into a slump. However, when he is going through a rough patch, he does rely heavily on Iruma to motivate him, and he focuses on becoming better or making Iruma proud.

What they wanted to be when they grew up

Azz has had many ideas about what kind of job he wants as an adult. He did think about becoming the next Demon King, as most youngsters in the Demon World have, but I do think he fiddles around with the idea of becoming a teacher, or even the Head of Babyls, more than he’d like to admit.

Their favourite kind of weather

Alice actually loves a really good storm. He doesn’t mind being out in them, but he does prefer to watch them from inside. Lots of booming thunder, cracks of lightning, and the steady, relaxing sound of a downpour really makes him feel somewhat calmed and at peace.

Thoughts on their singing voice (Decent? Terrible? Soprano? Alto?)

Azz does have a pleasant voice. It’s not the greatest of all times, by any means, but it also isn’t bad. He can sing quite well but does get a little pitchy at times and has a tendency to mumble his words instead of enunciating and projecting properly.

How/what they like to draw or doodle

I don’t personally headcanon him as being someone who doodles or draws often. I think that, when his mind is wandering and he wants something to pass the time or keep his hands occupied, he normally scribbles lists or ideas or plans. Writing is always something he does more than drawing.

CLARA VALAC

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod

Clara does enjoy bubblegum pop and probably does know the words to a few songs, but she doesn’t really listen to a lot of music because she enjoys making it more or having Mommy sing to her.

The one place they sometimes end up falling asleep – where they’re not supposed to

Outside, most definitely. She’ll be outside running around and playing and will lay down in the grass and end up taking a short nap. Honestly, she almost prefers sleeping outside on nice days to sleeping in her bed. It’s pretty darn close to equal levels of enjoyment and good sleep between the two.

The game they’d destroy everyone else at

Almost all of them. Clara loves playing games and she’s really good at most of them. However, I do think she’d kill at hide and go seek. I can’t really fully explain why, but I do see her as being one of those people who can find even the most stealthily hidden people.

The emoticon they’d use most often

Clara really likes silly, weird emoticons and sometimes her texts will be just a string of random emoticons, just because she enjoys how they look or they made her laugh.

What they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep

Clara gets really giggly and goofy when she’s overtired. She’ll legit laugh at nothing and will talk a mile a minute about absolute nonsense and be really affectionate. However, she crashes easy when she’s overtired and the first time she stops and stays still, she passes out hard.

Their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights, or mornings, or whenever

Clara prefers hot chocolate over tea, or whatever the Demon World’s version of hot chocolate is (and whatever it is that her family renames it). Her mother makes the best hot chocolate in Clara’s opinion, with lots and lots of marshmallows in a really thick, creamy liquid.

How they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump

Even before her friends, though they mean a lot to her, Clara’s family are the most important thing to her and they’re really her safe, comfortable space. There’s no slump or rough patch that can’t be fixed by a day or two of quality time and fun with her mother and her brothers and sister for Clara.

What they wanted to be when they grew up

Clara has no plans on growing up, thank you very much. However, as a young child, when asked that question, I think she probably responded that she wanted to become a ‘Mommy’ because she really does look up to her mother.

Their favourite kind of weather

Clara loves sunny, bright, warm days – the kind of days where you can run around outside to your heart’s content and where the daylight seems to stretch on forever before fading into a star-filled, quiet twilight.

Thoughts on their singing voice (Decent? Terrible? Soprano? Alto?)

We’ve heard Clara sing a lot in the anime and she has a really pleasant voice. She sings loudly and proudly, not really giving too much thought to how she sounds but singing just for the love of singing. However, when it comes time for lullabies, her normally loud and proud voice becomes incredibly soothing and calming and it helps whoever is listening to her drift off into a pleasant sleep.

How/what they like to draw or doodle

I think Clara doodles a lot, just little cartoon animals and especially little cartoon figures of her friends and family.

[spocks-kaathyra]

Cheesy little self-indulgent Pythas sickfic outline with no meaningful plot or character development, just him bantering w Elim. Wanted to give u guys a glimpse of the ooc fluff that's rotting my brain at all times

Pythas wakes up one morning with a cough and Nal is overconcerned as always and tries to convince him to go to the hospital but he brushes her off and says that he will if it gets more serious. She relents but keeps fussing over him. At the next Reunion Project meeting, everyone notices Pythas coughing even though he tries to hide it, and Kelas insists that Pythas come to the hospital for a checkup after the meeting, because smoke inhalation can cause long-term damage that makes burn victims more susceptible to complications from respiratory infections (idk if this is medically true but it seems logical to me). So Kelas examines him and it’s basically just a cold but just in case, he should take it easy until the cough clears and come back for a followup in a week. Kelas sends him home with some cough medicine and instructions to rest and drink lots of water. Elim hears from Kelas that it’s nothing serious, but he still visits Pythas the next day. Nal is out getting groceries or something, and when Elim knocks no one answers. He waits a minute, then breaks in using his super spy skills. Elim walks into Pythas’s bedroom and finds Pythas sitting up in bed. Pythas smiles, checks the time on his tablet, and remarks that it only took Elim 15 minutes—they’ll have to replace their lock to give him more of a challenge next time. Elim huffs incredulously. “It would’ve taken even less time if you had just let me in!” Pythas shrugs. “I didn’t feel like getting out of bed.” His tone is lighthearted, but Elim notices how his voice is rougher than usual. Elim sits on the edge of Pythas’s bed to show him what he’s brought. A few books—“Since you have nothing better to do, I thought you might finally read that book I’ve been recommending.” Pythas doesn’t really like to read, and says as much. Elim insists that Pythas would like this book if only he gave it a chance, and starts to extoll its virtues before Pythas stops him with a noncommittal promise to read it. Elim shakes his head with mock disappointment. “I’ll never understand how you passed First-Level Cardassian Literature.” Pythas smiles that mocking smile and asks what else Elim brought. It’s a tupperware of soup—something herbal-smelling and murky-looking. Elim explains that it’s a Hebitian folk remedy, something that his father—Tolan, not Tain—used to make for him whenever he was ill as a child. Pythas tries it. It’s better than it looks—I imagine it's something like that herbal Chinese chicken soup, but thicker. Elim asks what Pythas was watching on his tablet, and Pythas waves off the question. “May I join you?” Elim asks. Pythas pats the mattress on the other side of him—his blind side. Elim walks around the bed, sits down, and Pythas adjusts the light blanket to cover both of them. When Pythas turns on his tablet again, a TV show starts playing where it left off—a well-known soap opera. Pythas immediately pauses it, embarrassed, while Elim looks at him with the surprise and joy of someone who’s just discovered something new to make fun of their friend for. Elim teases him about it while Pythas closes the show and tries to find something else to watch. They settle on some old action movie—something they can enjoy but also laugh at. Pythas leans against Elim and Elim puts his arm around him. Pythas eats his soup. In a week, he’ll be all better.

[t0kidal]

Part 6, Return from Origins

Serious Talk. Obviously, none of you actually know how to raise a child. Was that going to stop you? Hell no! But... there are some controversial aspects that you'd like to address... and in your case, you saw this as especially necessary.

note: We'll get to see more Mom-Baby-Daddy(ies?) activities soon enough, but for now, momma's got some ground work to settle. Since you can't give Iruma the world in the way Sullivan could, you're damn well making sure he can survive in it. This means a trip to your old house for a bit of clean up (yes, you weren't always a stick chewing gremlin) as well as the territory you claimed as someone who Returned.

~~~

"You want to WHAT?!"

You don't flinch. This was a matter of Iruma's long term survival and growth in the Netherworld, and while you're a first time mother who was without a mother yourself for half you life, anything and everything you do is for the sake of your precious bundle of blue. Though you couldn't really blame the two for their reactions... After all, your definition of camping wasn't really a pleasant one. If the word "camp" had to be in there, it's better to call it boot camp. This was a matter of serious training, teaching Iruma survival skills that would stick with him till the end of time. And how did you plan on doing this? Starting at an early age.

"I want to take Iruma with me to my old house and eventually, my territory."

To say it was a whim wasn't true. You were thinking about going back to maintain the zones you set up and the thought came to you naturally from the mental back burner. Maybe it was a natural part of being a mother, planning and scheming ways to give your child the tools he needs to build himself up. And you had made that clear! You, Opera, and Sullivan were discussing this over tea while Shichiro put Iruma down for a nap, and you used the opportunity to make the suggestion.

Maybe you just had to hammer it in?

"I want Iruma to learn how to survive, if only for my mind's sake. You two might be able to say that you'll always be around for him but me?" You shake your head, unranked, the highest you ranked when you graduated wasn't high enough as is. "I can't make that promise, which was part of the reason I brought us here but... if you're just going to coddle him... I can't accept that."

At that, the air grew heavier as a shadow falls over Sullivan's face and a conflicted look crosses Opera's.

But between the two, it's Sullivan who speaks first.

"I see... well then... Ok~! It sounds like it'll be fun~! A nice fishing trip between grandson and grandpa~! Operaaaa~! Clear my schedule for the next week! We leave at once~!"

"Master... I don't think Y/n means right now..."

You don't correct either of them on the 'nice fishing tip' idea... Besides, it wasn't like you wanted to exclude them from this but you need to say one last thing.

"I should go set things up then... My territory has gone unsupervised for a while now... not to mention my childhood home... I need to go clean up this weekend."

There was so much to do... you weren't sure if you'll be able to settle it all considering the monsters to fight off... zones to set up... the local demon town to apologize to... Yeah, you were really in for it.

"Will you need help, Y/n?"

"No, Thank you, Opera I'll take care of it. For now I think I should go discuss tomorrow's outdoor lab with Shichiro."

As you leave the room, you chuckle. You could hear a faint chant of "fishing fishing!" no doubt coming from Sullivan. When you approach the doors to Iruma's room though, a different sound reaches your ears...

Rolling thunder, gentle like the tides, it goes into your ears as smooth as honey, and something in your heart twists. Shichiro never really explored any musicality he might've had in school, but you always thought his voice was soothing to hear in and of itself. This song in particular... was something you hadn't heard in forever.

It was something you taught him.

Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me starlight and moonlight are waiting for thee sounds of the rude world, heard in the day Lulled by the moonlight have all passed away.

His eyes lock onto yours as you gazed from the door's threshold.

Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song List while I woo thee with soft melody Gone are the cares of, life's busy throng Beautiful dreamer wake unto me Beautiful dreamer wake unto me

With that, he settles a sleeping Iruma into his cradle and joins you in the hall.

"..."

"..."

You start, "You remember..."

"Y-Yeah.. I do..."

You can only sigh... calm down... down girl... just... get a hold of yourself...

And all such thoughts vanish as a large hand comes up and gently holds your face, a palm coming up to cushion your cheek and after a brief moment, you just allow yourself... this.

What exactly this was you weren't sure.

Shichiro breaks the silence this time, "We have been dear friends for so long... in school, and I'd hope to continue our lives together outside of it too... Myself, Kalego, Opera, and you. Kalego and Opera expected the same... And it wasn't the same when you left."

You look at every other part of his face while fighting both the warmth bubbling up inside you and whatever guilt you had for your sudden disappearance, for making them worry, for making them prepare themselves for a day they'd have to eliminate you (should you get out of hand). Once again, Shichiro breaks the silence.

"We have always thought fondly of you. We will never stop thinking fondly of you."

You were a demon, and like most demons you made mistakes, as demons you deliberate to choose between what you want versus what you have. Shichiro, much like Kalego and Opera, would never easily forgive anyone else if they Returned to Origins, casting away common principles like how "precious" life was, so you regarded his behavior as him being kind, maybe for the sake of your relationship, he was always a little more sentimental in that way.

But you forget, the main difference between you and many demons like you, is that you repent.

Asking for forgiveness is not easy, it wounds the pride and torments people with guilt and shame, hence the intimacy whenever a demon does apologize. You being here now, trying to make things better, letting Kalego have at you on sight... You truly were a strange demon. You just needed a second to recognize that.

And as you look up at Shichiro, you can't help but wonder just what kind of demon were you? To have such unconditional affection from someone so good to you.

The next day at Babyls, you were supposed to work with Shichiro on an outdoor lab for his Magic History course...

So why weren't you?

Apparently, Shichiro had an urgent meeting with Opera and Sullivan. For now, you're stuck... with Kalego... Robin called in sick last minute and none of the other teachers were available to supervise a joint class familiar training so your task was mostly to make sure that the familiars and the students don't cause any trouble. Mask in place, you were ready... more or less.

"Silence."

"..."

"Today, we'll be having our familiar training session, it says training but what we'll be doing here today is establishing your bond with your familiar. Contrary to what some of you may think this isn't a play date. You're here to establish a relationship of mutual respect, if I catch any one of you letting them run rampant it's detention. Any questions or issues that arise will be addressed at the end of class and any problems maintaining control will immediately be reported to me or our assistant for today, Y/n-san. Now get to it."

You really couldn't help but be reminded of the value of life in the Netherworld as you watch the students in action, seeing their relationships grow and watching them learn brought you an almost unfamiliar feeling, pride in someone else.

You hope that Iruma, human he may be, would be able to flourish like these students.

A shout of panic interrupts the peace as you whip around to see two students trying to call back their familiars with little to no avail. You immediately run to the scene, pulling the two of them away to avoid being crushed under the flurry of fur and teeth.

"Whoop! None of that." You set them down, they're still in a panic but fall silent as you bring a finger to your lips in a 'shhh' motion.

With a snap of your fingers, the two familiars are silenced, and though they're still locked in combat, they're young and can recognize when something... is wrong.

"Now call them back." The two students look at you almost as if you're crazy. "Hurry up, if you don't they're gonna hurt each other, if you don't they'll always be looking for trouble at your expense, if you don't someone is gonna get hurt. Steel your nerves and face the chaos for both their sake and your own."

With that, the students hesitate but for one moment, before calling out to their familiar. Their stern, but frantic, tones were sufficient and their familiars as they bounded over, and you release them from your hold to reserve mana.

"Well done, next time this happens, it better not, try to remain calm. Perhaps they sensed your nervousness and reacted to each other in order to protect yo-"

Did they just growl at you?

Those familiars are more defiant than you thought. But rather than reciprocate the animosity you look expectantly to the students.

"Th-that's enough! Don't do that. That's a teacher." A combination of that could be heard as you walk away. 'Good, they're a bit more assertive.' You're sure that Kalego could reinforce that character in later lessons, or even Robin? Nah... good luck to him.

Kalego watches on, and nods in approval before turning back to the others.

Little did either of you know that you were being watched.

"Mo~! Why aren't they talking!?"

"Master, they're working right now, did you really think my underling would bring his personal affairs to work?"

"Hmph~!"

"Opera-senpai... is that why you called me here? And why is Iruma with you!?"

"We couldn't leave him at home alone..."

Yep, the whole thing was a ploy by Opera and Sullivan to get you and Kalego on better terms, Shichiro only agreed because he liked seeing you two get along, but not only did their plan (sort of) fail, they now had to worry about if you ever realize Iruma was brought to school.

Oh you're gonna be so mad if you catch him here.

[dalkyeom]

I WAS TOLD U LIKED FIRE EMBLEM TOOO AHHH THE BESTIES ALL HAVE TASTE anyways happy Halloween Chia! ILY! I hope you're having a fun and safe holiday beloved ~

I loveddddd your latest dokyeom drawing btw if that wasn't evident. I've looked at it 10 times again in the past hour. Mwah <3333 🦇🎃🍬 👻 🕸️🍂

ELV MY FAVE KYEOM KYEOM LOVER HELLOOOOO! Happy halloween 🎃 my halloween was pretty chill, i think the only cool thing that happened was that I closet cosplayed SVT’s iconic ready to love zoom live (bc i used the same backdrop lmao) while I was in class today. Thought I wouldn’t be the one to present but alas, my homework was chosen to be representative so I had to speak so my picture of Cheol made its class debut. I hope your halloween went well too <33 shall be consuming the spoops later!

AMG YOU LIKE FE TOO?! 😭 catch me running to you and xan bc of fire emblem solidarity. It’s just so good oof oof— and awww I heart you too 🥺💕 asdasd—amg I’m so glad you like the House That Eats!Kyeom fa istg I sing that fic to praises like it now has 3 ghosts from how I can’t move on so I linger and think about it every 3 weeks or something. Jackie did such a good job I’m always in tears even after my 5th re-read (also shoutout to jackie ily! :(( consuming your fics again) the power of that fic possessed me istg!

Thank you for ringing the doorbell! You receive… another short blurb!

SEOKMIN IN FIRE EMBLEM AU; a headcanon list

While it doesn’t have a specific game from the series in the title, i’ll be using Three Houses as my main inspiration since it’s the one I recently played. Will not follow the game’s plot directly bc i’ll be focusing more on the school and daily life parts more lol.

Lee Seokmin, the second child and next in line to be the head of House Lee, one of the five great houses of the Leicester Alliance. His family is known to possess great vocal ability so most of them became singers and bards and well acquainted with the opera

I think he fits a class that can wield a sword the best (this is me going off on vibes alone and based it off arthur!kyeom). Personally, i’d put him as either a soldier or hero class but being part of the cavalier is good too. The thing is, Seokmin is just as skilled with a bow. Much like the other kids from the leicester alliance, he’s been trained to be able to use one with great accuracy but after trying a sword, he found it much more comfortable to use.

Final verdict — his starting class is hero.

Seokmin is a protector. He will, instinctively, gladly take the hit for you. The type to subtly pull you behind him when on the battlefield bc he’d rather have you out of harm’s way. You know that look when he’s super focused? He eyes his enemies like a hawk, he’ll be ready to counter and block whoever is daring enough to make the first move.

But like that’s what makes it his biggest weakness too, the emotional side that comes out especially when he’s so riled up. he was once chastised by Seungcheol, after a mission went awry. He got riled up so bad, emotions blinding him that he failed to notice a teammate get tag teamed by one of the enemy soldiers. Had Jeonghan been a second late, it could’ve ended with one of them dead. They were lucky to get out alive, gravely injured but alive.

Seokmin vows never to let his rage blindside him again.

Ok but can you imagine his support dialogues? The s-support dialogue?? Gonna go insane thinking about it bc i bet it’ll be so sweet. Instead of the usually loud and energetic seokmin, we are greeted by the softer and gentler side of himself. The lover; the one who looks at you with so much affection that it manifests in the way he treats you. He talks in whispers bc he fears that any decibel higher than 40 will shatter the fragile atmosphere he has with you. Goddess forbid.

He’ll take your hand gently in his, his thumbs rubbing small circles on the back of your palm like a promise that he’ll keep the world safe for you because he’d rather go to hell first and suffer if it meant keeping the love of his life safe.

Why did I do that to myself. Plus one for shared heart clenching for a Lee Seokmin [+1]

Anyways, you’ll find Seokmin usually by the stables or the dining hall. He has an affinity with horses and often volunteers to help with the horses and pegasi. Oftentimes, you’d find him making pizza with Mingyu. The entire monastery now knows the second and third wednesdays of the month are unofficiall ‘pizza nights’.

Seokmin naturally gets along with students from the other houses. his bright disposition and easy going nature making it easy to befriend those around him. He’s kind of like a magnet? Also he sings really well, and he sings everywhere at anytime, it’s hard not to ignore him (bad thing or not).

He’s also in the choir with Seungkwan and Joshua. Jeonghan joins from time to time.

Trick o’ Treat 2022 mini event [closed]

[shazzeaslightnovels]

April 2023

(Series: Danmachi Sword Oratoria | Aritist: Kiyotaka Haimura)

No. of Reviews: 3

List of Reviews:

Sword Oratoria 13

Sword Oratoria 14

Madousho Gakuen no Kinsho Shoujo 2

The Spring anime season is underway and I’ve picked up a lot more new anime than I usually do and I’m mostly happy with what I’ve chosen to watch. There are a couple of shows that I suspect that I’ll put on hold until they finished airing but otherwise it’s been a great season so far.

Pokemon Horizons - I’m a bit disappointed that this season seems like it’s taking place in Kanto rather than in Paldea but otherwise, this is entertaining so far. I’ve been watching it through the official uploads on YouTube using a VPN. Because it’s a kids show, it’s really easy to understand and I recommend it if you’re looking for a show to watch in Japanese to boost your language skills. The only thing that might be a bit tricky is that the names for the Pokemon and the attacks are different in Japanese but it’s still easy to follow. I don’t know how long I’m going to continue with this one for but I am enjoying it. Sprigatito/Nyaoha and Fuecoco/Hogator are so cute.

A Galaxy Next Door - I ended up putting this one on hold after episode 3. It’s fine. It’s sweet. But I ended up feeling more bored than relaxed when watching it. I’ll probably pick it up again at some point but I don’t want to watch it weekly.

Gwitch Part 2 - Amazing. That is all. Oh, actually, there is one more thing: the ED is breathtaking and you should watch it even if you haven’t seen the anime.

Dead Mount Death Play - This one was barely on my radar before the start of the season. I’d seen the key visual and thought ‘that looks like hot trash. Could be fun.’ But then I learned that Narita Ryohgo was involved and I knew I had to watch it. I have such a soft spot for Narita. And the anime’s pretty good so far. The story and characters are interesting and I’m curious to see where it goes. It does have it’s trashy elements like a lot of Boobs. But it’s entertaining and that’s all I want from a Narita work. Also, Inori Minase is in it which is always a plus.

Skip & Loafer - I’d heard good things about the manga but had no desire to pick it up as it seemed too romancey for my tastes. But I saw the OP for the anime and was in a mood where I needed to watch something cheerful so I gave the anime a shot and I’m really glad I did. It’s been such a delight and I love the characters. It just makes me happy and I’m always looking forward to watching a new episode.

Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts - I’ve read some of the manga for this but it was a long time ago and I don’t remember much of it. I do remember that there’s some conflict with Sarifi’s childhood friend but I don’t know if I ever saw the situation resolved. I do remember liking it well enough though so I was interested in the anime and it’s pretty good so far. The production is a bit lacking and the tone of some of the scenes just feel off in a way that I can’t quite explain. But Kana Hanazawa does an amazing job as the lead and the story is interesting. I don’t know if I’ll continue watching this weekly due to that weak production but I’m definitely interested in seeing more.

Yuri is my Job - I’ve read 4 volumes of the manga and it’s an entertaining melodrama that always leaves me wanting more so I was pretty excited for the anime. It took me a few volumes to get invested in the melodrama of the manga and that’s how I’m finding the anime so far. It’s doing a good job of conveying the soap opera tone of the manga but I’m not quite invested just yet and I’m more excited for stuff that’s coming up. I really like the voice acting and I’m particularly happy that Yui Ogura is playing Hime because I was reminded of Henneko while I was reading the manga with the focus on facades. The anime is doing a good job at adapting the source material and I’m looking forward to watching more of the drama unfold.

I do really want to watch Oshi no Ko and Otaku Elf but I still don’t want to pay for HiDive so they’re going on the list of things to watch if I ever subscribe to HiDive.

[yumekuro-en]

Meister & Black Fairy Profiles - Fata Musica

ファタ・ミュジカ / Fata Musica

―― Fantasy Opera Guild  ――

A fantasy opera guild whose motif is based on the "Fairies.” The supreme shows they weave are dream-like.

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MEISTER

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The Showman Who Delivers Supreme Happiness

- Supreme Happiness, Reaching Happiness -

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―― "There’s still not enough entertainment in this world. That's why, with these two hands, I’ll create the best shows you will ever see."

Name: Velvet - (CV: 96Neko) Job: Showman / Show Manager Age: 16 Years Old Height: 163cm Birthday: The 27th of the Month of Calm (March 27) Dream: To deliver happiness to this world Hobbies: Going on trips Weaknesses: Calculating numbers Likes: Entertainment in general (Anything he finds interesting) Dislikes: Boring performance/production Favorite Food: Flower omelette from the Land of Flower Spirits Least Favorite Food: Carrots, Green peppers Special Skills: Memorization (Learning by heart), Playing chess

A showman who plans and produces the performances for Fata Musica. Due to his outstanding skills and harsh criticism that could put any adults to shame, he's highly respected by the other guild members. However, he's not very knowledgeable when it comes to love or romance.

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Half-Ripe Actor, Half-Ripe Stagecrafter

- Growth, Development -

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―― "You know, I may just be a small chick right now, but...it's my dream to one day become the star of this troupe."

Name: Kent - (CV: Takasaki Shota) Job: Stagecrafter (Magic Effects Expert & Director) Age: 20 Years Old Height: 175cm Birthday: The 21st of the Month of Brilliance (August 21) Dream: To become a star actor! Hobbies: Browsing through correspondence education catalogs Weaknesses: Somehow will put his efforts in the wrong direction Likes: Exercising, Fancy or flashy things Dislikes: Classroom lectures Favorite Food: Potato chips Least Favorite Food: Okra, Sticky food Special Skills: Action performance, Sword fights, Liven up the mood of the place he’s at

A stagecrafter who uses magic to color the stage. He's a mood maker who also works as an actor. He often gets disheartened by Velvet's relentless criticism, but will immediately get back on his feet after a good night's sleep.

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The Mechanical Pianist

- Inarticulate, Clumsy With Words -

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―― “Um...So, in short, I was wondering if maybe you’re someone who’s just as bright as the illuminations.”

Name: Heath - (CV: Amatsuki) Job: Musical Machinist Age: 24 Years Old Height: 182cm Birthday: The 16th of the Month of Azure (June 16) Dream: To play music that encourages people Hobbies: Writing music, Tinkering with machines Weaknesses: It’s difficult to have a proper conversation with him Likes: Music, The smell of machine oil Dislikes: Noises, Carriage Favorite Food: Wine Least Favorite Food: Noodles Special Skills: Playing instruments, Singing, Hearing someone’s footsteps

A machinist who uses a mechanical prosthetic hand to play a special instrument called the "Machine Organ." He's kind and has a curious nature, but he can also be a bit of an airhead, making it extremely difficult to have a smooth conversation with him at times.

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The Short-Tempered, Whining Writer

- Versatility -

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―― "Listen here, Vel. You tend to forget, but I already told you that screenwriting isn't my specialty...!"

Name: Suzuka - (CV: Toyonaga Toshiyuki) Job: Opera Playwright Age: 32 Years Old Height: 184cm Birthday: The 20th of the Month of White (February 20) Dream: To grow even more as a playwright Hobbies: Art appreciation Weaknesses: Gets irritated easily Likes: Miso soup, Durable fountain pens Dislikes: Working without payment, Velvet’s red-colored feedback/corrections Favorite Food: White rice, Miso soup Least Favorite Food: Pasta Special Skills: Acting out “iconic” scenes

Fata Musica's playwright and also Velvet's guardian who used to be a star actor in another theater company. He's an experienced and well-versed adult, but when he loses his temper, his voice sometimes takes on a rougher tone from his days of poverty.

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BLACK FAIRY

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The Giant Troublemaker

- Adherence, Compliance -

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―― "Rather than a fairy, I’m more of a weapon, y’see!"

Name: Banggan - (CV: Kiuchi Taro) Has a close connection with: Velvet Policy: To serve as a weapon Likes: Fights Dislikes: None Special Skills: Carrying heavy baggage, Ground levelling How They Show Trust: Will carry you on his shoulders

A combative fairy who calls himself a “weapon.” He is cheerful and lively, yet he has no sense of independence and is only wishing for someone who would “use his strength.” Due to his giant-sized body, he often causes troubles without realizing.

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Phantom of the Mask

- Ruin, Downfall -

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―― "You think that's the pinnacle of acting? Don't make me laugh. I can't even stand to look at it."

Name: Ghost - (CV: Kawahara Yoshihisa) Has a close connection with: Kent Policy: Wounds will never heal Likes: Exaltation, Applause Dislikes: Ham actors, Audience who aren’t good judges Special Skills: Acting, Giving acting guidance How They Show Trust: Will show you his true face behind the mask

A fairy who has an interest and fixation with the theatrical world. He also possesses extraordinary acting skills. He doesn't like showing his true face to other people and never seems to want to take off the mask he's wearing

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The Invincible Machine Gun Talker

- Loquacity, Garrulity -

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―― "Huh? I'm being too noisy? Ahaha~ Sorry. Anyway, listen! I've got an interesting story to tell."

Name: Plow - (CV: Chiba Shouya) Has a close connection with: Heath Policy: Some things are meant to be said Likes: Chatting, Music played by Heath Dislikes: Silence Special Skills: Can keep talking non-stop without pausing even once How They Show Trust: Will stop talking and actually listen to what you have to say

A fairy who likes to talk. He can't keep quiet for more than 10 seconds, and if you try to tell him your secrets, they'll spread fast. He's usually the only one who's always talking, making it difficult to have a mutual conversation with him.

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The Clumsy Old Man With Deceptive Looks

- Incompetence, Inefficiency -

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―― "Hahaha. I really am helpless."

Name: Iori - (CV: Morishima Shuta) Has a close connection with: Suzuka Policy: There is no need to panic, there is no need to be in a hurry Likes: Little birds, The tea you brewed Dislikes: None Special Skills: Surprise others with his unpredictable screw-ups and clumsiness How They Show Trust: Will give you a pat on the head

A fairy whose gestures and mannerism are graceful and refined. His way of speaking is also highly sophisticated. However, in reality, he is horribly clumsy, and Iori himself is very much aware of his own clumsiness. His mental strength is strong enough that he is rarely fazed by anything.

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[tastesoftamriel]

How do you think things like theater and entertainment differs between the provinces/races of Tamriel? I imagine bawdy comedies are popular in Cyrodiil while Summerset prefer historical epics

I’ll be totally honest: I don’t have loads of time for entertainment, and when I’m catering for a banquet I’m too busy behind the scenes to be able to stop and enjoy shows! However, from what I have been able to gather, these are some of the weird and wonderful performances I’ve been lucky enough to watch across Tamriel.

Altmer

The very best entertainers from Summerset are from the House of Reveries, a time-honoured guild of mysterious masked performers who can do anything from acting to dance, music, and magic tricks. Every year, the House puts on a revue featuring the best of their talent, drawing crowds from near and far. I attended one of the revues as a guest a couple of years ago, and had an excellent time! From a historical opera about the Oblivion Crisis to fire-twirlers and a whole orchestra, the House of Reveries is without doubt the most prolific and capable of Tamriel’s entertainers. If you’re able to make it to their home in Summerset, catching any performance is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Argonians

Argonians love music and dance, whether it’s at a tavern or a bonding ceremony! Most famous of their instruments is the vossa-satl, a keyboard instrument that’s powered by the croaks of frogs (really)! While it sounds absurd if you’ve never encountered one, there’s something beautiful about the tuned croaking that really evokes the ambiance of the deep swamps of Murkmire. Vossa-satls can be played on their own, accompanied with singing and drums, or even are even played on special occasions as quartets. An awful lot of fun to dance to as well!

Bosmer

The Bosmer are known for their entrancing shadow-puppet plays, which people come from far and wide to see. Narrated by a Tale-Spinner, these plays feature puppets made from stiff hide, whose shadows are projected against an opaque leather screen. It’s accompanied by music played on bone flutes and pipes, drums, and throat-singing that has an almost meditative quality. These puppet shows tell traditional stories Valenwood such as of Falinesti, Y’ffre, the Green Lady and Silvenar, and much more. I don’t really know what they’re on about most of the time due to the peculiar use of language and riddles used by Bosmer tale-spinners, but it’s an absolutely riveting way to spend your evening if you’re in Valenwood.

Bretons

Breton theatre is an interactive experience, so put on your dancing shoes and ready those rotten apples! Over-the-top musical comedies and dramas are a favourite of the Province, typically featuring anywhere from a handful to a couple dozen actors and a small band. The audience is encouraged to play along and it’s not uncommon to find yourself hoisted on stage to throw a pumpkin at the villain of the show! Comedic puppet shows like Punch-and-Julian are popular with young and old alike, and use cloth puppets or marionettes which are more detailed than Bosmeri shadow puppets. And of course, nobody loves The Lusty Argonian Maid’s adventures quite as much as the Bretons, so be sure to catch a performance (sometimes a themed costume party, for the saucier citizens) while you’re in High Rock!

Dunmer

Traditional Morrowind entertainment has a strong focus on magic, particularly illusion magic to scintillate the crowd (especially in areas where the Telvanni hold influence). The Dunmer are keen lovers of puppet shows, somewhat like Bosmer shadow puppets, but instead prefer the use of large, doll-like marionettes that are carved to look wonderfully realistic to show the characters and creatures of a bygone age. My favourite was an epic about St. Jiub and his quest to rid Morrowind of cliff racers, and it was accompanied by some frankly terrifying and realistic illusions of cliff racers which soared above the crowd and caused quite a panic! The Brave Little Scrib may thus be the safest bet for beginners to Dunmeri theatre, or those with a weak constitution.

Imperials

When it comes to entertainment, nobody in Tamriel puts on a show quite like the Imperials. The Arena is known for its bloody fights and betting, but has also been used for everything from huge circus performances and opera to the famous mock naval battles. The latter are a spectacular annual event where the arena floor is flooded and real ships are brought in to fight, complete with “pirates”, cannons, sword-fighting, and much more! Definitely not suitable entertainment for children, but if you love the ostentatious and over-the-top, be sure to visit the Imperial Arena (or any of the other smaller arenas that dot the Province) for some truly stunning shows.

Khajiit

In addition to their amazing skill at stringed instruments, the Khajiit are known for their dance and acrobatic skills. Traditional dancers in Elsweyr train for years at academies and temples alike, with a training regime that rivals their peers in the martial arts. This training also includes some jaw-dropping acrobatics and contortion, making Khajiiti circuses extremely popular as they travel around, usually as part of a Baandari troupe. Unlike the circuses staged in Cyrodiil, these troupes are usually made of a handful to a dozen performers, each with their own unique talents and abilities. A typical performance usually starts with dancers to warm up the crowd, followed by heart-stopping acts like trapeze, tightrope, and walking over hot coals! If you want to be wowed, be sure to grab a ticket the next time a Khajiiti circus troupe is in town; you won’t be disappointed!

Nords

You’re probably very aware of the famous Bard’s College of Solitude, one of the most prestigious institutions to study music in all of Tamriel. However, bards do far more than play the lute and sing songs. They are well-versed in recounting tales, especially historical ones (albeit with some embellishment). You’ll be on the edge of your seat listening to amazing original and time-honoured kennings and songs, preferably around the fire with a tankard of mead. While far less ostentatious than most other entertainment you’ll find in Tamriel, there’s nothing quite as cosy as a bardic evening at the tavern.

Orcs

The Orcs aren’t generally fans of theatre, but they sure do enjoy entertainment in the form of sports like Vosh ball and wrestling! Sporting events draw huge crowds of all races, meaning that you’ll find everything from hot snacks to live music in the arena. Vosh ball is a traditional Orcish sport which has been played for centuries, and is prone to getting violent, so grab a helmet (preferably one with a visor) before you sit down, and enjoy the show! Not feeling like watching? In certain cases, you can even give these sports a go in amateur rounds, but you will be asked to sign a disclaimer form…missing teeth, other injuries, and the occasional death aren’t uncommon. You’ve been warned!

Redguards

The Redguards are renowned for their poetry, song, and epic storytelling, often performed by wandering poet-explorers who live off the generosity of strangers. Unlike the traveling bards of Skyrim, you’ll usually need to visit these reclusive storytellers yourself, or host one when they’re in town! It’s well worth the trouble, as these wandering souls usually love performing with anyone else who’s game. One of my most memorable nights out was in Sentinel, where bored locals who came to listen to a visiting poet happened to bring all their talents with them. When the story about the Akaviri invasion ramped up, a few musicians struck up a tune, and for some reason a sword-swallower joined in! Entertainment in Hammerfell is a joyous community affair, and no two performances are ever alike.

[ilikekidsshows]

One thing that pisses me off not just about the miraculous fandom but modern fandoms is fans inability to consume long overarching stories.

Like so many people are complaining about how long the reveal is taking or why haven't certain characters outgrown this trait yet or why is this character arc botched or abandoned. Like guys we just got the confirmation this show will be 7 seasons long PLUS like 3 tv specials. We're only roughly halfway through the series.

Once the reveal happens half the tension in the show is gone! I'm not saying leave the reveal till season 7 and make us wait 9 years this isn't HIMYM but miraculous is not a fast paced story. It's a long haul story. I just wish more fans would be patient. Miraculous is in the extremely fortunate and rare position that it will have a conclusive end and not be suddenly cancelled. That was and still is a huge problem for shows and cartoons with dedicated fans but networks pull the plug for stupid ass reasons.

So miraculous fans please chill the fuck out on things not resolving right away. We still have 78+ episodes plus the tv specials. If we get the end to certain things now it'll be so boring.

I think the concept of Instant Gratification describes the issue with many modern fandoms today. I hate to sound like I'm anti-technology, but the constant stream of quick and short bursts of entertainment allowed by the information age has made people more impatient. It's not about waiting for the climax to get a deeper sense of satisfaction, it's about getting that instant gratification right this instant. It's why one-shot fanfics are all over the place, when multi-chapter stories used to be just as common and popular, if not even more so, and it’s also why people are less willing to read a fic that’s still a work in progress. It's why people refuse to watch Youtube video essays even as they leave comments on the topic based on the title and thumbnail alone because, while they couldn't be assed to watch a 20-minute video (let alone an hour long one), they sure can spend that time calling the Youtuber names and making arguments the video actually already refutes. It's why a lot of online arguments happen only because one party read nothing but the first and maybe the last paragraph of someone's post and skipped all the explanation for their point of view (if I've ignored an counter argument for one of my posts, it was either because I missed it or because said counter argument did this. I have attention deficit issues so I do genuinely forget responses sometimes, but I'm also not writing a second essay for someone who's proven to me they won't read it).

Of course, it's only by constantly consuming only fast-paced content that you can become this impatient. People have different ideas about stories based on what stories they have encountered in the past.

Another thing that influences the Miraculous fandom in particular is that, while I love to show off exactly how much Miraculous has done to build up the overarching plotlines, Miraculous isn't really a show that's about a single story. It's easy to understand why people think it is one though: there's one main villain, we keep discovering more about the mythology, one of the main plot threads is the romantic relationship between the leads and singular episodes and plot elements tend to get payoff later. What is the purpose of a show if not to progress the story? Because the heroes aren't getting closer to defeating Gabriel or getting together, people think that the story isn't accomplishing anything.

I'll do a comparison to illustrate why these things aren't as clear-cut signs of a continuous storyline as people think. In the Spider-Man comics, you can pick any issue up and the chances are that the villain will be a part of Spider-Man's already established Rogues Gallery, who's back for more after who knows how many defeats, and those past defeats might even get referenced in callbacks to previous issues. It's also very possible that Peter and Mary Jane's relationship is the central focus with them not being together yet, having relationship problems or even having broken up (in really old issues the girl might be Gwen Stacy and short-term options have also always been available for romantic entanglements). Does this mean Spider-Man is a continuous story where the only point is that all the villains get put away for good and Peter and MJ live happily ever after? No, it doesn't. Spider-Man is designed to go on indefinitely, so there's no clear ending point. So, what is the point of Spider-Man then, if there is no Ending?

It used to be the single issue, because comic books used to have every issue be a stand-alone story about the hero and their supportive cast. These days it's more every three-to-six issues, because superhero comics are written to have short story arcs that can then be collected into trade paperbacks. A superhero series is not a single story; it's a series that functions as a story engine, meaning the series can generate several shorter stories where the hero helps fix a problem or solve a mystery.

In the superhero genre a villain will never get killed off or removed from stories permanently as long as the writers think they can still come up with stories to tell about them. The hero's romantic life will never be completely smooth sailing unless the writer is using other things to ramp up the stakes. Everything always allows for there to be another adventure.

I think the huge success of Avatar: the Last Airbender made people think that a series that is a single story is always superior to a series with multiple shorter plots. When I was liveblogging Sailor Moon, a viewer offered to give me a list of all the non-filler episodes because they genuinely thought I'd feel like I was wasting time on the show otherwise. This attitude is simply not based on fact. It's not fair to compare Miraculous Ladybug to Avatar, because they're both setting up to do completely different things. Miraculous Ladybug is trying to become a brand, like Batman or Spider-Man. It is part of the "Zag Heroes" lineup, a series of French-created superhero franchises to compete in the America-centric superhero market. This challenge is good for the genre, because Marvel and DC have started resembling each other more and more as these companies stew in their old ideas and copy everything that worked for the other one. The superhero genre needs new blood.

Also, Avatar: the Last Airbender first became popular by doing episodic plots for almost the entirety of the first season because it's actually not a wise choice to expect the audience to be willing to commit to a story that'll only give payoff later when working with an untested IP. Very often shows with longer story arcs start with the episodic format to hook people first, and sometimes the more linear plot is introduced specifically because the audience for the show is now expected to be both dedicated enough and older and capable of keeping up. Because, here's the thing: you can't expect little kids to remember every episode or even every character you've introduced in your show. I'm not sure if people are ready to hear that but I'm throwing it out there anyway. Kids are not dumb, they can understand more complex storylines, but many kids are still training their memory, so they might not remember the details of complex storylines that go on for too long.

This is why the news that Miraculous Ladybug's fourth season was going to have a recommended viewing order originally had me concerned. Miraculous is being branded for kids. The plot requiring too much skill in memorizing story details will make it less accessible to kids and might put those two additional seasons at risk. However, it seems that the "constantly changing status quo" concept of Truth, Lies and Gang of Secrets was a fluke and the evolution of the show is more subtle, so they might not be cutting the amount of episodes for those final seasons because the show is getting too complicated for kids to follow all the important details.

Regardless, Miraculous Ladybug being an adventure cartoon TV show instead of a comic book or a more cheaper-to-produce TV drama does mean that Miraculous Ladybug isn’t expected to go on for decades like a superhero comic or a soap opera. Because of this, it can have evolution and changes and even a planned ending. The show is expected to end at some point, even by the people making money off of it, mostly because making a cartoon like this indefinitely costs a lot of money, and kids’ adventure shows tend to see a decrease in returns if they go on for too long.

[nerdywriter36]

POTOber Day 9: Did You Think That I Had Gone For Good?

day 9 prompts: presumed dead/disappeared/relief

AO3

FFN

Erik stepped up to the home on the Rue de Rivoli and only hesitated for a moment before he knocked on the door, then took a small step back, fiddling with his cloak and pulling his hat down a bit further to keep himself concealed from any passersby. He hadn’t made a house call to anyone in a very long time—usually, he tried to avoid it if he could—but this one was different in many ways.

A reunion with Nadir. He had never imagined it would ever happen. To be honest, he hadn’t thought he would ever even hear from the ex-Daroga again, never mind end up sharing a carriage with him a few nights ago and then be invited to his home for a longer conversation. Well, a second longer conversation. The first one, admittedly, hadn’t gone very well, given that Nadir had found out about his position as the Opera Ghost and chastised him rather passionately for his actions. Erik had stewed over that conversation for days, wanting to hate him, but finding his relief that his friend, his conscience, was alive after all their time apart to really dwell on the anger that had stirred up in him after being scolded like a child.

And so, there he was, standing on the front steps on that cool night to wait, still surprised that he had even been invited back. Nadir had always been a gracious, forgiving man, though, and that much, Erik was very grateful for. It kept him from being completely alone in the world.

The door opened a moment later and Erik looked up at Darius, the faithful servant of Nadir’s that had stuck with him ever since their time in Persia. He was a loyal man and Erik had to give him credit for that.

“Good evening, sir,” Darius said with a curt nod. “Do come in.”

“Thank you, Darius,” Erik replied, returning the nod as he stepped into the front foyer and slipped his coat. “Where would I find the Daroga?”

“In the parlour, sir. I’ll have tea for you both in a moment.”

With another nod, Erik walked into the nearby room, finding his friend sitting in his armchair by the fireplace, his back to the doorway. "Daroga."

"Hello, Erik," Nadir replied, gesturing to the chair beside him as a silent invitation - or rather, expectation - for him to sit down.

Erik moved automatically to sit beside him, neither of the men making eye contact as he removed his hat and gloves and set them off to the side. "I appreciate the invitation," he said. "I didn't think you would want to talk again after the last time."

"I figured we shouldn't end it like that, what with all we've been through," Nadir replied. "That isn't to say I'm not upset about what you've been up to, but...I was glad to see you alive."

"As was I," Erik nodded, smirking a bit. "I still would have taken the carriage for myself if I had realized it was you from the get go, you know.”

The tension in his shoulders faded slightly when he heard his friend chuckle. “Good to know you haven’t gotten any more sentimental in our time apart.”

“Goodness, no,” Erik said with a quiet laugh, turning his head as Darius walked over and handed them each a cup of tea. “Truthfully, though...I was glad to see you, Daroga. I did wonder what had happened to you after I left Persia, and now I learn you were imprisoned for five years. I can’t imagine it was easy.”

“No, it wasn’t—the shah was about as gracious as he ever is—but it’s over now and that’s what matters,” Nadir replied as he stirred the two sugar cubes Darius had left behind into his tea. “I was more worried about you, to be honest. You were still young, off on your own, running from the crown. I thought you had to have been dead, even with all your skills in running away from those wishing to harm you.”

“Well, I got away. You shouldn’t have been worrying about me, Nadir, really. I’m sure you had other things to fret about. Your own freedom, for instance. You could have left with me.”

“That only would have put us both in danger, and my priority was making sure that you were safe.”

Erik sighed and looked down at his tea, stirring it aimlessly. “Why?” he asked softly.

He saw his friend shrug out of the corner of his eye. “I considered you my best friend—I still do—and you were all I had left,” Nadir replied. “My wife was long gone, I had lost my son as well. My job and estates didn’t really matter to me when my entire family was gone, so I worried about the one person that I thought of as the only family I had left.”

Erik set his jaw, not expecting his emotions to build as quickly as they had. So they had gone beyond being just friends...they were family. A foreign idea to him, given that he had never had such a thing at any point in his life, but he realized that he did often think of Nadir as an older brother. Then everything he had done to that same brother figure hit him.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said. “For everything. For the stress, the exhaustion...for what happened to Reza.”

“Erik, please,” Nadir said with a sigh. “There’s no need for apologies, especially not for Reza’s death. It isn’t your fault.”

“I thought you dead and never thought I would have the chance to apologize,” Erik said quietly. “Now I know you’re alive and well, even after the jail time that I forced you into because you set me free, and I want to apologize in case I never get the chance again.”

Looking over at his friend, he frowned ever so slightly when he saw Nadir smile slightly before reaching over to set a hand on his arm. “And while I appreciate it, there is no need to apologize. I hold none of it against you,” he replied. “You’re here and alive. I have my best friend back. That is all that matters to me.”

[softglowup]

All credit goes to @2pretty, all the info on the dream girl guide concept & original post are here!

My dream girl is...

someone with a rewarding and stimulating career that fits her expertise and skills. She has successfully completed her degree. Her career is a big part of her life because it's closely connected to her own interests. She's embedded in a network of interesting, diverse professionals, who include her in cool projects and collabs.

someone who strives to conduct her life in a way that is consistent with her principles. She has found a way to be an activist in a very hands-on manner, doing her part. She follows current events through independent, in-depth media (rather than social media or daily news outlets).

someone who is financially independent. She knows exactly where her money is and has no debt. She is able to both save and donate money every month.

someone who structures her time in a way that takes into account both her responsibilities and her needs. She spends time with her close friends and family members and nurtures these relationships. She fulfills her obligations on time and with a minimal amount of stress. She knows how to gracefully say no to requests. She makes sure to have a lot of time to rest and recharge every week.

someone who looks elegant and a bit whimsical. She spends a minimal but consistent amount of time and effort on her appearance. Her environment is cosy, somewhere between a countryside manor and a cottage, with extra comfort and shiny trinkets.

someone who takes care of her health and her body. She incorporates gentle physical activity, great hydration and delicious, heavily plant-based cooking in her everyday life. She avoids anything that exhausts and hurts her body. She has a resistant, strong body that allows her to do what's important to her, whether it is helping friends move or carrying a child on her back.

someone who makes room for delightful and absolutely non-productive activities in her life. She enjoys opera, botany, food, museums, cultural history, travels across her country and Europe. She happily remains an amateur, with no attempt to become an expert or capitalise on her interests.

Plans for the year ahead...

October - Literature A month to get back into reading, especially classics and novels. So… set up a TBR, read every day, reread an old favourite of mine, limit the number of crime novels to 5 for the month, go to the library regularly, schedule a shopping session in a beloved bookstore November - Thesis A month to jumpstart the final version of my thesis and finish my degree. So… have a whole chapter written up by the end of the month, get in touch with my committee once it’s done, set up regular back-ups on my hard drive and online server, stock up on food and lofi playlists December - Care A month to take care of my body and make myself feel healthy, rested, and strong. So… breathe & stretch once a day, exercise once a day, go on a walk once a week, take regular bubble bath, put on moisturising lotion every day, do my skincare routine every morning and evening January - Looks A month to create my own style and streamline a routine to look my best everyday. So… put on makeup every morning, create a capsule closet based on what I own, identify what’s missing from my closet, pick a perfume that fits me, wear sparkly jewelry and bright lipstick and high heels at least once a week February - Play A month to take the time to play, especially video games, and set boundaries regarding my work life. So… review all the video games I own and list those I want to revisit, play at least twice a week, play in bed with good music and snacks when it’s dark and cold outside March - Career A month to prepare life after graduation, taking stock of my current professional life and setting myself up for success. So… update my CV, curate my online presence, create a database of all my professional contacts, reflect on my skills, experience and goals ikigai-style April - Plants A month to learn about flowers, plants and trees, their uses and symbolism, and roam all the parks and gardens I can find. So… learn about three new plants everyday, compile botanical informations in a notebook and review it regularly, walk in forests and parks, get bouquets from a florist once a week May - Mental Health A month to understand the way my mind works, take into account my specific needs, and set up accommodations. So… read up on relevant topics, list possible accommodations and implement them, identify what exhausts me or stresses me out, spend a couple days on my own June - Future A month to reflect on what I want my life to look like and identify how to get there. So… envision what I want my life to look like in 1, 5, 10 years and plan accordingly, recap where I’m at (esp. regarding administrative stuff and finances), set up my medical appointments for the year July - Food A month to enjoy delicious, healthy, fulfilling food & drinks. So… have breakfast everyday, go to the farmer’s market every week, list restaurants and dishes I want to try, take pictures of all the delicious food I get to try, set up a small liquor cabinet August - Culture A month to take advantage of the vibrant cultural & artistic life around me, leaning in what interests me and discovering new things. So… subscribe to newsletters about culture & the arts in my city, pick an event to attend every week, go to the theater, visit a new city, find new artists whose work I love September - Journal A month to document my everyday life and create memories. So… fill up my weekly calendar, post everyday about the highlights of the day, collect stuff, take pictures at least once a week, reread my old journals & notebooks *** Picking 12 traits wasn’t easy, but I keep some goals for future guides (re-learning German, playing the piano again, spending more time with loved ones) and purposefully exclude others (esp. anything that has to do with socialising more, losing weight, being more productive).

I'll post a detailed guide at the start of every month to keep myself motivated.

With that in mind, and a new month starting tomorrow, let’s go <3