#Pale Pitcher Plant

[faguscarolinensis]

Sarracenia alata / Pale Pitcher Plant at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC

[fandumb-whimsey]

Some day I will defeat my persistent anhedonia and I will doodle my Carnivorous Plant Poison Ivy concept.

[chososdiscordkitten]

artist- Yunonoaii on twt

MDNI

Content: CONSENSUAL SOMNOPHILIA. no y/n used or pronouns, satoru is the one sleeping, established relationship, porn without plot, free use, reader has doubts abt somno, oral (m!receiving), satoru is too pretty for his own good, penetrative sex- no detailed desc of readers parts (?), he wakes up, only 1 round before sleep again, no aftercare (?), riding n brief missionary Word count: 2.7k

(a.n)I couldn't get this specific art out of my head while writing this. help me, yuana for president

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Batting your eyes open and feeling the light of the moon illuminate your skin. Pursing your lips and looking over to your sleeping boyfriend. Scanning his face, long white eyelashes that gracefully covered his eyes.

Plump lips parted effortlessly, a strong jawline that made his otherwise soft features pop even more. Looking at his perfectly pointed nose, eyes trailing to the slightly damp lily white hair that delicately rested on his forehead.

The moon lit up the side of his face at just the right angle so that you could see light dandelion like peach fuzz that graced his pale skin.

‘Flawless.’ you thought before sitting up, dangling one of your legs off of the bed and trailing your eyes down to his neck. His bobbing adam's apple when he swallowed lightly, refined collarbones that your hands ached to trace.

Trailing down his bare impressive torso that you knew he took his time crafting. You nodded your head ‘no’ slightly, almost disapproving of how he pretty he looked; even if he was sleeping. Milky long fingers delicately planted on his tummy, eyes going from his perfectly manicured fingernails, to his gaunt knuckles.

Scanning his light happy trail with endearing eyes. 

Tracing your gaze down his sides. Pale velvety thighs that you were envious of at times. Eyes trailing back up to the softened appendage between his plush thighs.

Inhaling sharply as you felt the familiar warmth flood in your belly. Looking away, suddenly remembering the reason you stirred awake. Gently stepping off of the bed and quietly stepping out of the bedroom.

Cold tile hitting the bottoms of your feet, stepping as softly as you could. Not caring that you were nude walking in the dark of his apartment hallway before reaching his kitchen. Humming quietly as you poured from the brita water pitcher he had in his fridge.

Looking from the kitchen island out to the striking skyline from the floor to ceiling windows. Thinking back on all the times he had tried to convince you to fulfill one of his greatest fantasies. 

“I'm just saying- if you were to ever wake me up by riding me? I would be over the moon~” he teased, resting his chin on your shoulder as you cooked breakfast.

“That's so strange- too weird. Even for you, Satoru.” You replied, shaking him off of you as you heard him give you an over dramatic sigh.

“Think about how hot it would be- if you ever told me you wanted that I wouldn't hesitate to do it.” he hummed, pressing his back onto the edge of the island.

You turned around to look at him, “I will-” you smiled sweetly, his expression showing over excitement at those two little words. “-never ask you to do that to me.” You finished, patting his chest with your hand.

Turning around, spatula in hand as he walked over to the living room couches. “And don't pout!” you exclaimed, knowing he already was sulking in the couches.

Even on his birthday, staring at the lit candles on the small cake you had gotten him. “Make a wish~” you hummed, seeing him close his eyes and think about what he wanted,.

“I wish to wake up with my cock in your mouth.” he whispered, blowing out the candles and looking at you with a thrilled smile.

“It won't come true-” you purse your lips looking at him with a deadpan face. Seeing him irk his chin almost asking what you mean. “You said it outloud- so it won't come true.” You teased, plucking off the candles from his over frosted birthday cake.

Three times he asked you to do it, knowing he wouldn't stop asking till you gave him some kind of hope that you'd fulfill his wishes.

And on the third time, you told him you'd think about it. And you did. You spent a good 30 minutes that night thinking on it. Wondering why he found it so appealing to be touched as he slept.

Remembering he said something about how arousing it would be knowing you couldn't wait till he woke up to play.

It was true, you had an adventurous sex life with Satoru, trying anything at least once to know if either of you liked it or not. But this felt off, you didn't know if it was because the only kind of somno you had been exposed to was always some kind of creepy weird fetish that always looked nonconsensual.

But you were sure that you'd never be interested in receiving it. 

To Satoru, he found it appealing thinking if the day ever came; he'd wake up to you doing whatever you wanted to him, knowing he wasn't awake to protest or to tease you.

So riled up and caught up in the moment that you didn't even bother waking him, using him for your own pleasures.

He liked thinking that you found him so attractive that even if he was sleeping- you’d want to fuck him. In his own mind, he was yours, physically, mentally, emotionally, everything he had- he would give you. Yours to use whenever you'd like, rough, gentle, bottom or top.

At times he'd pretend to complain. “I act on your every whim and I can't even put in one request!?” he’d exclaimed with pouty eyes, knowing you were looking at him with a stern face.

“I do almost everything you ask of me, Satoru.” you smiled, being able to hear his feigned frustration in his dramatic sighs.

“It's like- a version of free use-” he'd tell you, knowing how riled up he got even thinking about how you could use him whenever you'd like, and he’d let you. Satoru had spoken about free use with you, it was one of the established things both of you had put the green light on.

This whole ‘biggest fantasy’ of his wasn't a red light to you, it was more of a yellow light. Unsure how to tread through it, or how to go about it really. 

Which is why you found this so conflicting, standing at the doorway of his bedroom. Staring at his sculpture like body, chest rising and falling as he slept peacefully.

Mentally arguing with yourself, morally it would be wrong. But didn't he say he wanted this? All but begging on his hands and knees? And how could you resist when he was sleeping so beautifully? 

Taking quiet steps towards him, standing next to the edge of the bed on his side. Gulping when you saw the light veins on his lower abdomen.

Sitting on the small edge beside him, leaning over and pressing a light kiss on his cheek. Whispering in his ear, “Satoru.” you called out, in hopes he'd wake up. You took your hand and brushed the light strands of hair from his forehead. Catching a glimpse of one of the few imperfections on his skin, one of his least favorite ones. 

Planting a gentle kiss to the scar on his forehead, seeing his eyebrows slightly furrow feeling you.

“Satoru.” you whispered once more, hearing him let out a low hum. Placing a soft kiss to his parted lips, hearing him let out a small huff. Trailing kisses on his features, seeing his eyes tighten when you placed an open mouth kiss on his adams apple.

Reaching his plentiful pecs, placing a wet kiss to the swell of one of them. Looking up and scanning his face to make sure he didn't look unsettled before sticking your tongue out slightly and circling it to his softened nipple.

Hearing him let out a quiet huff at the sudden feeling, knowing how sensitive he was awake. Fully expecting him to be even more reactive while sleeping.

Feeling the pink bud harden in your mouth as you heard more frustrated puffs and light whines from his plush lips. Taking your other hand and pressing your thumb to his other nipple, gently rubbing it against the pad of your thumb.

Throaty moans leaving his lips, looking down and seeing his soft cock slightly jump when you flicked your tongue against him. Pulling your lips and hand from his chest as you sat up, scanning his face to see if there were any signs of him being awake. “Toru-” you whispered, seeing his eyebrows furrow at the lack of stimulation to his chest. 

You slightly shifted down the bed, hands grazing his fair thighs. Eye to eye with his flaccid cock, hearing him let out a dissatisfied whine when you let out a sigh that hit his tip directly. You parted your lips slightly, leaning in with eyes looking up his torso. Being able to smell the floral body wash he had used before going to bed.

Taking an experimental lick at his pale shaft, scanning his expression for any discomfort. Finding none before licking a long stripe from his tip to his base. Seeing his upper torso shift slightly with a light blush appearing on his cheeks. Tucking your bottom lip between your teeth when you saw his cock twitch. 

Placing an opened mouth kiss on his light pink tip, hearing a light gasp fall from his lips. Gentle hand on his thigh for balance as you blinked. Wrapping your lips around his tip, seeing his closed eyes scrunch at the feeling with a quiet moan.

Already being able to feel his cock hardening, slowly pushing past his tip. Small whines from Satoru as his tip brushed against the roof of your mouth. Dragging his stiffening member back out of your mouth, wrapping your lips around his tip as swirling your tongue at the small opening of his cock. Taking your free hand and grazing the tips of your fingers against his balls. Seeing him purse his lips slightly at the new feeling.

Rosy cheeks deepened as he squirmed, sliding your lips tightly off his tip. Blinking your eyes to his half hard cock, placing wet opened mouth kisses down his shaft. A small tear fell from his tip as he shuddered, kissing back up to his tip. Gasping lightly when you saw he was fully hard, “Oh ‘Toru~” you cooed, admiring his expression.

Pinching your eyebrows together, seeing his back slightly arching. The warmth between your thighs felt too evident right now, slowly shifting from the bottom of the bed onto your knees.

Lifting one leg and tossing it to the other side of him. Looking down at his heaving chest, eyebrows pinched as your hands grazed his ribs. His cock stood at attention, slightly pressing against your tummy. Satoru turned his face- almost feeling your gaze on his skin.

His lower body shifting beneath you, you took one hand to his cock; raising yourself higher before lining him up with your entrance. Eyes scanning his tense face. Seeing how pretty he looked this way, furrowed eyebrows and pink cheeks.

Light film of sweat on his forehead and pouty lips. Frustrated hands not knowing what to do- what to grab onto, one trying to grasp the sheets. The other on his chest trying to soothe the itch he felt in that moment, hand inches away from your own.

You pressed his tip to your sopping entrance, gasping as you took a snail's pace lowering yourself onto him. Not needing any prep, recalling the way he slammed into you mercilessly earlier. Showing you just how much he had missed you when he was away.

One of the reasons why you were fulfilling his wish, to show him just how you had missed him too. Satoru’s face churned as you lowered yourself onto him slowly. Hand planted on his sternum firmly, Satoru’s yearning hand grazing your fingers. Seeing him part his lips with a low whine, his head pushing itself back into the pillows as you felt his tip brush past that special spot he liked to exploit.

You let out a frustrated whine, eyes blinking over to see his other hand is gripping the sheets firmly. You exhaled breathlessly, thighs already shaking from how slow you were going.

His cock now fully inside of you, a gasp left your lips. Biting into your lip trying to quiet your own moans, heavy breathing coming from Satoru as shameless whines fell from him. Dragging his cock slowly out of you, closing your eyes as you felt him twitch inside of you.

Taking your hand and pressing the back of it to your lips as you slid down him, the hand that was atop yours now lightly gripping your wrist. Trying his very best to soothe the ache he felt between his legs. 

Pulling yourself up as a smile formed on your lips, sinking yourself down quicker. A loud whine falling from your lips without permission. Snapping your head down to see if Satoru had heard it as loud as you did. Slack jawed with a bead of sweat falling from his temple.

“Mm- fuck.” you gasped, feeling how deep his cock was nuzzled inside of you. Closing your eyes and tipping your head back as you fucked yourself, feeling the hand that was clutched on the sheets reach up to your thigh.

Hearing a small mutter as you ground yourself on him, thumb caressing your thigh as his eyes blinked open. You were so focused on staying quiet and not fucking yourself at the speed you wanted to not wake him. 

Frustrated exhale from his lips when the image of you lightly bouncing on him graced his half open eyes, focusing on your own pleasure before his. Sweet smile formed on his lips when he heard the stifled moans falling from you.

With a sharp inhale, you looked down, feeling his cock somehow go deeper inside of you. Seeing he was looking up at you with hazy eyes. “M’sorry-” you gasped, feeling his hand on your thigh roam up to your hip. Slowly grinding yourself back and forth as you let out noisier whines.

A string of quiet apologies leaving your lips for waking him up. Only small gasps were heard from him as he tried to shake off the hazy feeling. 

Satoru’s hand was trying its best to guide you to grind quicker, feeling your hips stutter against him. His grip strengthening on your side, closing his eyes and throwing his head back onto the pillow.

Now panting as you ground yourself quicker against him, “S-so pretty ‘Toru-” you gasped. Leaning down and pressing an opened mouth kiss to his neck, a whimper falling from his lips from your praise. Holding the side of his neck as you felt him guide you at the speed he wanted.

Both of his hands now on your hips, trying their best to get you to move quicker. Feeling himself unravel slowly by your touches. The more Satoru shook off the foggy feeling, the closer he felt himself come to the realization of what you were doing.

Unashamed whimpers directly in your ear as he mumbled a quiet, ‘M’cumming-’. Chest to chest as you pulled away from his neck, looking directly into his half lidded eyes. Looking at you slack jawed and blushed before you pressing a sloppy kiss to his lips.

He didn't feel he was deep enough inside of you, the need to be nestled fully inside of you was strong. A loud groan left into your mouth as Satoru gathered all the strength he could. With one swift motion, your back hit the sheets.

Eye to eye as he thrusted into you sloppily, gasping when you felt how deep he was thrusting into you. Pulling his lips from you and pressing his forehead to yours. For the first time, Satoru was silent, apart from his quiet whimpers; usually being all too talkative during sex. Now he found himself wordless, be it the fog in his brain or how you hugged his cock.

Gripping the sides of his neck as he thrusted out of you, inhaling sharply before thrusting into you once more. Making sure to get as deep as he could, pulling out quickly before snapping his hips back into you. Muffled whines from your lips as he let out a shivering groan, clenching his teeth together as he felt himself come undone. His warmth seeping inside of you as his arms struggled to keep himself propped up.

Placing a sloppy kiss to his open lips as he collapsed on top of you. Satoru’s head resting beside your neck as your hands found their way to his back. Holding him closer to your skin, Satoru’s eyes blinking shut slowly.

“Thank you-” he muttered against your skin, his back rising and falling slowed as he came down from his high. Hands rubbing small circles on his back to soothe the shivers that rumbled through him as he fell back to sleep.

-

I couldn't stop thinking about this. FINALLY I write something under 3k words. kk now im goin to work.

[fumifooms]

And now I’m truly going off the rails bc of last asker but I have thought about what plant fits who and it’s my time to shine…

Mithrun is a succulent because they look like flowers but aren’t (tougher and also kind of duller), are elegant yet minimalist, and they’re low maintenance (you could definitely argue that Mithrun is high maintenance instead but I went the opposite route of him never feeling like he needs much water, attention and whatnot). I prefer the classic one that’s a pale greyish green for him but there are so many that are neat…

Kabru as a big floating bladderwort… A carnivorous aquatic plant that traps little aquatic critters. If you just look at the flower it looks so pretty and harmless, distracts from the roots scheming murder… Also it’s an aquatic plant, gives me the vibe of something surviving/thriving in an environment that shouldn’t be theirs but they’ve adapted, like a tallman in elf society…..

I also associate him a ton with himalayan blue poppies, for obvious reasons. Insane that the shade of blue of his eyes is associated with the throat chakra btw, Kui’s always doing 8d chess my god.

For Izutsumi, Faassen's Catmint. It's a species of catnip but a man-made hybrid and not a natural species. It kind of looks like a long puffy cat tail with the shape, and it has a lot of little flowers… Kind of subtle/bland and unassuming at first look, but colorful and sweet if you take the time to look. Feels sort of vulnerable/or even cold at first but like they’re just looking out for themselves even if they are not someone unemotional….. It makes sense to me. Babygirl. Purple is an unexpected choice for her but it feels right

Chilchuck echinopsis calochlora or golden barrel cactus… The first one is smaller, but I was trying to find the perfect lil cactus guy with orange spines and couldn’t really find any that was just perfect. Chilchuck "I am so approachable" Tims, literally round and spiny with his little hairs but also metaphorically fitting… Also the gooden barrel cactus has a bunch of lil yellow flowers that sprout on its top while the calochlora has HUGE stalks with a big white flower that sprouts so like, if you want to take that to be his big heart once he reveals it or the little flowers of his care……

Falin is the funky living rocks plant. They have cryptid energy and are just so weird and colorful and unique. A little unfeeling. Sad that she doesn’t get a plant that’s fun to eat but come on.

I feel like Laios would also be a cactus, with maybe juice that has funky properties kind of like peyote… He’s reserved and [spoilers], but he either has no spines or small/few spines so he doesn’t look all that uninviting or tough… Probably has very pretty colorful flowers! Or he’s like Falin and loves dandelions and bishop’s lace because he can eat it. Or maybe he’d be a vegetable. Sweet potato… Someone said carnivorous plant to which I suggest pitcher plant or sarracenia.

I see Senshi as basil. Enough said. Something that can be turned into spices and is all greenery that’s all I need

Thank you for coming to my ted talk. I had these thoughts months ago while sick and feverish </3 Possessed by the want to draw the cast as little plants…….. That would be nice……

[allkordelia]

Keep Me Near Your Heart VIII

It was mid-afternoon when I finally woke up, everything blurry and my mouth was rather dry, my body wasn't in much agony but I could feel the dull pain still. I planted my hands on the mattress, using the little strength I had to lift myself up, letting out a groan, as I laid my back against the headboard.

I look around my chamber to find myself alone, I frown not seeing a crib anywhere, I push the covers aside before swinging my legs over the edge. I yelp when my feet gave out from under me, making me hit the floor, I moan in pain before using the bed to get myself up. As I finally pulled myself back on the mattress the door to my chamber was opened, I look over at Enith who looked drained.

"Enith--" I paused what I was going to say, shock at how hoarse my voice is.

"M'lady," Enith small voice caught my attention, she walks over to me, helping me get back under the covers, "You must stay in bed, your not entirely healed yet." She mumble pulling the over my stomach.

"Where..." I cleared my throat, before I could gett o say anything enith walks away making me frown as I watch her walk out of my chamber.

Why does she seems different?

Enith walks back in with a pitcher and a glass, she pours the water into the glass as she stayed by my side, she put down the pitcher on the side table next to us before helping me sip from the glass. I gulp down the water like my life depended on it, I didn't understand why it felt so good to drink water, it felt like I haven't any for years.

I heave, my mouth not feeling so dry anymore, i look at Enith as she sat down the glass before taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Where...Where is Visenya? I wish to hold her." I asked.

Enith looks at me, her eyes were dim and sunken, her skin weirdly pale for someone with her complexion, she had a bruise on her left cheek that seemed to be fading.

"Enith. Where's Visenya." I asked again, looking at her worried, the silence I was meet with again made my heart beat fast with the weight of my fear snd worry making it hard to think, "Enith!" I exclaimed as I move to sit up, but Enith's hand pushed my back down firmly making me look at her warily.

Enith couldn't bring her eyes to look at me, her hand squeeze my shoulder making me wince.

"Enith...Enith, please." My hand went to hers, "....Enith, your hurting me." Enith lift her eyes to look at me, we stare at one another for a moment before she took her hand back and got up.

"You need your rest, m'lady." She said with her back to me, I sat up staring at her as she walks to the door.

"Enith." I called making her stop, my chin trembling, "Please, tell me where my baby is, please...please, tell me something." I watch Enith turn her head slightly to the side before she spoke over her shoulder.

"Your baby is...just know she's in a better place, now, m'lady." Enith turn away before closing the door behind her.

I closed my eyes shaking, I covered my face as a sob shook through me, I laid on my side curling wishing for nothing more to disappear. To cease to exist. To be with my daughter.

「                            ⊹₊♚₊⊹                           」

I rest my head on the stone wall as I look out the window of my chamber, I haven't move from here since i gain my legs back, I couldn't stand laying in that bed any longer.

I turn my head slightly when the door creak open, Enith strolls in with a tray in her hand, she place my breakfast on the table before glancing at me, she bowed her head before turning on her heels. I move when she closed the door behind her, enith hasn't said a word to me for three nights, maybe out of gulit or shame, but I have missed our small talks, I missed her. She was my only friend here and she couldn't bear to look at me. I grab the bowl of fruits before going back to my spot by the window, I nibble not really hungry, food taste bland nowadays.

I sigh, my hand moving to my flat stomach, I rub circle thinking about her, thinking about her lilac eyes and soft tan skin. My eyes flatter shut, trying to remember every detail of her sweet innocent face, I sigh again, atleast I had a little time with her before she passed. Not many people can say that?

I broke out of my melancholy state, when I heard muffled voices on the other side of the doors, I got up shuffling across the room to put my ear to the wood to listen.

"...like I said before the princess is not feeling well, your highness--" I could make out Enith's muffled voiced.

"...I do not care, she has been locked in her chamber for nearly six nights, her grandfather is getting suspicious of her absence." I furrow my brows at the voice of the queen, why would my grandsire care about my presence, he never even acknowledged me.

"Princess Jaenara needs more time to heal, my queen. After all, she did lose her child..." Enith replied sadly, I cast my eyes down to the floor moving my head so my forehead could rest on the door.

"Yes, yes, yes. That's very sad and all..." Alicent responded nonchalant, I scowl through the door at her heartlessness, "...but, she must get over it, she has shown that she is not entirely useless. Once, Aemond sends his mistress away, they can start anew--" I opened the door causing Alicent to push her lips together and turn along with Enith and Ser Cole to look at me.

Alicent's uncaring expression turn to a mock of sympathy, I strolled in slowly stopping only a few feet away from the trio.

"Alicent, what are you doing here?" The Queen smiled sadly at me, before making her way towards me.

"I came to see how you were doing, sweet girl." I refrained from rolling my eyes, alicent stopped in front of me, "Your grandsire and I have been very worried about you, he sends his condolences." I drone in response, before turning to sat a seat on the couch by the fire.

I watch Alicent glance at Enith and Ser Cole before looking at me, "I can only imagine how...stuck you feel in here--" She starts.

"I am used to it." I replied, Alicent looked mildly taken back, "Your son after all has made sure of that." Alincent's cheek twitched making a small smile grace my lips at her chargin, "I will only leave to attend my daughter's funeral, and nothing more." Alicent pursed her lips making me narrow her eyes at her, I glance at Enith who looks away angry.

"Oh, sweet girl..." I look back at Alicent as she walks close before stopping, "...we already had the funeral." I could feel my heart crack at her words.

"When?" I questioned, Alicent looks away making me get up abruptly knocking my leg against the small table, Alicent looked back at me, "Answer me!" I exclaimed getting angry by the second, Alicent cleared her throat with a pinch look.

"Two afternoons ago." I looked at her in disbelief.

"You buried my little girl and you didn't even think to invite me?" Alicent gives a look to me that was suppose to look sympathetic, but on her face it looked more like annoyance.

"I--We. Your grandsire and I thought it be best--"

"How dare you." I hissed taking a step forward.

"I beg your pardon--" Alicent looked offended.

"First, your one eye bastard of a son killed my child, and then you have the gull to NOT TO INVITE ME TO HER FUNERAL." I screamed, alicent looked at me wide eyed as I seethe, "How can you be so heartless."

Alicent gape her mouth open and shut speechless, pathetic, her and her son, both pretending to be these good moral people to get people to trust them but in reality their nothing but heartless monster.

"Y-You have no right to speak to me like this way, I am your queen--"

"Fuck you." I hissed, causing Alicent put her hand on her chest, "You are nothing. Just a sad pathetic old woman, who surrounds herself with pathetic man."

Alicent was beyond shocked and her mask that she was so used to wearing slipped off, as she glare at you with enough fire that could burn King's Landing to the ground. But, luckily for her I have enough to burn the world.

Alicent took in a deep breathe before exhaling.

"I could see that you are still...grieving over your daughter, so I will take my leave." Alicent walks slowly to me as held her head high, before stopping in front me and look down her nose, "You obviously need time to get yourself together, and even think about your own words." I arch a brow at her, "Maybe, rather than blaming my son for the lost of your child, you should think about sharing the blame. If you were a good wife, maybe my son wouldn't have to send for that woman to meet his needs." I wasn't surpised that Alicent knew about Aemond's infidelity, I mean Aemond was her son, of course she was going to keep track of what he been doing, she sighs with tilt of her head, "But, of course, a stupid girl like you had to cause a ruckus and go found out the truth." She tsked, Alicent move her hand to curl a finger around a strand of my silver white hair,  "My son made the plan sound so easy when he told me of his true intentions with you," Alicent and I made eye contact as she spoke, "You were so gullible..." a curve of her lip made my blood boil, "...that i almost felt bad for you." A soft chuckle left her lips.

I know I should have walked away, but something in me told me to fuck that and go for the throat.

"Hmmm." I drone.

Before wrapping my hands around her neck, Alicent looked at me with wide eyes as her own hands went to my beck to prey them off. I was going to kill her, then her knight, then her was going to torture her son until he prayed for the stranger. I throttled her without a thought, her legs gave out as she gasp for breathe, causing my body to buzz.

"I'm going to fucking kill you, you stupid old whore..." I felt arms wrapped around my waist trying to prey me off her, but it was no use I was determined to kill her and I didn't care about the consequences.

"Let her go!" Ser Cole hissed, his arms unwrapped from my waist, and grabbed his hands grabbed my wrist trying to pull them off.

"Not until I see this bitch cold body on the floor."

Alicent's eyes were fluttering as she claws at my hands and wrists, it took Cole a while before he finally unclaimed my hands from around her dainty neck. Alicent took in a deep breathe as she held her neck, I struggle kicking my legs and failing my arms as he hold me up by my waist.

"Let me go, you fucking mutt." I swing my elbow back trying to hit him, when I finally hit him in his face I did it again and again until his arms loosen and i fell to my feet.

I swing around and connect my fist to his mouth causing him to stumble back before tripping over his own feet and falling, I glare down at Ser Cole before looking at Enith as she stare at me with wide eyes.

"Get inside, Enith." I ordered pointing to my chamber, it took her moment before she moved from her spot and headed pass me.

I turn to watch go inside when I felt a tug on my gown, I look down at Cole before knocking his hand away. I took a step back as he get to his knees, before he get up I kicked him in his balls. He wheeze on the floor holding his jewels, I look at both queen and her lap dog before turning on my heels.

"Things are going to change around here," I stopped turning in my doorway to look between Alicent and Cole, "Starting with you never coming near me again, and never talking to me like this EVER AGAIN." I yelled, I looked at Alicent as she finally regain her breathe and stood looking at me, "I expect to be move out of this solar into another by the end of this full moon, do you understand me?" I asked her, she only glared making me take a step outside, Alicent stumbled back making me smile a bit, "I said do you understand me," Alicent's throat constricts before nodding.

"Yes," she croaked.

"Good." I said with brief soft smile, "Now, get the fuck out of my solar." I stepped back inside my room before slamming it and sliding the bolt in.

「                            ⊹₊♚₊⊹                           」

My eyes glanced around my chamber,  well my old chamber now, all thanks to the queen of course. All of my clothes and jewelry was now store away in chests and off to my new chamber. I was surprised Alicent even took me serious, most of the things I was saying was just out of the heat of the moment. I am going to be a bit sad for leaving this behind, I didn't have a lot of good memories here, but I had enough that every time I glance at the sette or the bed, my heart clenched in my chest.

I sigh, turning to walk out with my head down, I been thinking to myself lately about writing to my aunt. I should have been more weary of my aunt's concerns,  maybe staying awhile so I can feel like myself again, I know my aunt will welcome me back with open arms. But, my mother, she is a different story.

"What the hell is this?" I look up at the sound of my husband's voice, Aemond stare at most of my belongs in chests before he look at me. 

I haven't seen Aemond in weeks, not once have he visited to console me about our daughter, I guess he stayed away getting comfort from his whore. Or maybe he just didn't care about her either, like Alicent said, we can always try again, who cares that I lost my baby girl. She was just pawn like me. A tool.

"...mymother told me of  what you did to her and ser cole," I snapped out my out my head, and  focused on aemond again, "have you completely lost your mind." I hissed.

I chuckle slowly shaking my head, "Only a little bit, husband." I move to lean against the fire place, Aemond stood by the door with his hands clenched and jaw set.

"You think this is funny, attacking the queen and her knight like some mad woman" I shrug my shoulders unbothered, they got what they deserve especially ser cole.

"Why are you here, Aemond." My prince husband scolded me.

"Why do you think." He glare making me tilt my head to the side with a raised brow, "My mother--"

"Oh, wait, I just remember something..." Aemond furrowed his brows at my interruption, "...I don't care." He look at me irriated, I return his harsh look with a smile.

"You making a fool out of yourself, jaenara. Acting this way." I folded my arms in front of my chest, "You think throwing a tantrum will get my attention--" I bark out a laugh.

"Get your attention? Please, do not flatter yourself, husband." I sneer, "The only fools here is you along with that bitch of mother and her lap dog," Aemond stare at me with a dark look, I lean off of the fireplace as Aemond stalk to me.

"Watch how you speak about my mother--" He pointed a finger in my direction.

"Or what? What will you do, boy." I spat looking at him up and down in disgust, "What can you do? Truely. Because of you and your lies I have to be married to a man like you, have to rot here until my last breathe, have to go on living without my daughter." I swallow.

Aemond stepped closer angry, his face flushed, "Our daughter. She was mine too--"

"She was never yours, she was mine, all mines, I carried her, I felt her move inside me for seven moons. Me! Not you!" I shouted getting teary eyed,  Aemond step back with an unreadable look, "It was my body that birth her, all you did was held my down and release your cursed seed in me." Aemond scowled again.

"Do not make me out like some...some monster that took, you enjoyed what I did just like you did on our wedding night." I shook my head in distaste.

"Yes, I did. But, that was before you changed and started forcing yourself upon me--"

"Shut your mouth. That is a lie and you know it." He shouted.

I scoff, "Do not pretend you didn't know what you were doing, Aemond. Just because I didn't voice it and was too scared to stop you, doesn't mean I still wanted you." Aemond's eye flicker between my own searching before relaxing his jaw and pushing back his shoulders to look larger.

"You are confused, wife." I squint at him, "My way of handling you in bed was rough, yes, but we both know you wanted it." I shook my head at him in disbelief.

Does he truely believe that taking me to bed was something I truely enjoyed?

"What cruel joke are you playing at?" He jaw slated, "Do you really believe that I was okay with you forcing yourself on me every night and day to produced a heir? Are you that delusional?--"

"Stop talking--" He warned.

"No, answer the question, do you think I liked when you pull me away from doing something I like just to be pushed on my back by you--"

"That is your place, you are suppose to like whatever I give you." He snaps.

"That's not how a marriage should be!" I snapped back angry, Aemond pressed his lips together fuming, "I shouldn't have to dread having sex with my husband, but I do.  I shouldn't be afraid to tell you no, but I am. Do you not see that your acting like Aegon." Aemond's hands were suddenly tightly hold my arms, he stare down at me pure fury.

"I am NOT like my brother, how dare you compare me to that scum." He seethes.

"Because you do not care." I pushed him away, making him let go of me, "You may not be just like him but you are treading the line, like helaena I am stuck in an miserable marriage set up by you." I glared at me, I turn away from him to stand by the couch.

The air in the room was getting tensed and uncomfortable, I wish there was a way I can go back in time and stop myself from marrying Aemond. My delusional expectations of having a happy marriage with him was long gone,  and memories of bending over backwards for him to keep him happy was wasted energy that I could have put in doing something better. And the small hope of having a child will make everything better again was a stupid thing to think, I'm no better than my mother.

I turn back around to look at Aemond's back, thinking this is will be the best for everyone mainly myself, "I think it's best that we get an annulment," Aemond slowly turns and stare at me, when he didn't speak, I continued, "For now I will go to my new chamber, and write my aunt and uncle about talking to grandsire." I look back to aemond's face waiting for him to speak, but he stood quiet, calmly quiet, it should have worried me but my mind was still riling from our previous conversation.

I gave him an eyeroll when he remain quiet, I refuse to entertain this behavior, I wish I had more sense back then, maybe I wouldn't be in this predicament now.

"Aemond, if your not going to say anything, then I rather you leave. I rather spend the remainder of my time here reminiscing alone than watch you give me the silent treament--"

"There will be no annulment." He stated finally making me clasp my hands in front of me.

"What." He looked me in my face with a scowl.

"You are not leaving me--"

"Yes, I am." I replied.

"No, your not." He resorted, "You are my wife and no peice of paper is going to tell me otherwise." I stare at him frustrated, it is obvious that he continues to make me suffer.

"Aemond, I am giving you a chance to find another wife that is willing to carry your children and put up with your nonsense--"

"I don't want another wife, nor am i letting you leave me." A growl rumbled in my throat at his persistence.

"Aemond--" I started with an exasperated sigh.

"Fine! What is that you want, hmm?" I look at him confused at what he meant, "Do you wish for me to be a little nicer to you? Be gentle in bed? Give you space? What! What is it! That you want from me."

"I want to get far away from you," I  shouted fed up, aemond stare at me mad, "There is nothing you can do to stop me from requesting an annulment, we are done, too much have already happened. Nothing is going to make me stay with you."

"Not even if I promise to leave her--" I scoff cutting him off.

"You already promise me that and look what happened," Silence fell upon us as we stare at each other, it was hard to decipher what aemond was feeling, he looked angry but he also looked sad and hurt, but then again i could be wrong, "Nothing will and I mean nothing will make me stay, you could impregnate me right now and I will still leave you." I sigh bowing my head, why must this be so difficult, why must he make it hard.

I will never understand aemond targaryen, he has done nothing but make me feel little and unloved, but now that I give him a chance to be free of me, he wish to toy with me, will I ever get peace from this man.

I was startle when I lift my head, Aemond was close I didn't even hear him walk up to me, I stepped back putting some space between us but he grabbed my upper arm stopping me as he gaze down at me.

I glance at his hand on my arm, trying to pull away, before looking at him warily.

"Aemond--"

"What do you think will happened if father allow you an annulment from me?" He asked, I stare at him perplexed not sure if he really want me to answer or not, "You probably leave back to Dragonstone and your aunt will marry you to one of her sons, no doubt maekar..." The look in Aemond's eye was off, it seem he was talking to me but not really, "...and I would be left looking incompetent, only gods know what our cousins and the rest of the kingdom might say." He mumbled.

Aemond massage my arm uncomfortable painful, I swallow my wince, as I look up at Aemond.

"W-who cares, I doubt they don't--" A deep snicker made my words die in my throat.

"You know our cousins well enough to know that they will no doubt taunt me about you leaving me, blaming my looks for the reason you ran for the hills, or my inability at...getting it up." I couldn't help but allow a whimper as aemond hold was growing tighter, it felt like he was going to break my bones, "But, that is not a reason we are not getting annulment." He says as we look at each other.

"You can't stop me from going to the king." Aemond drones before a curve in his lips made me frown.

"No, I can't," He says, he turns us around so my leg brush against the sette, "but if he sees you round with my child, he will never allow the annulment. It will prove that we laid together and you are ruined." Before I could speak everything shifted as I landed on my back on the cushion as aemond crushes me.

"Aemond, no! You can't--." Aemond took my hands from his chest and held my wrist on either side if my head," What about her. Aemond, what about her, you can finally be with her." Aemond stop as he hover over me, that small smile still on his lips, he chuckle made me frown as I try to wiggling my wrist from his grip.

"You want to hear something funny, dove."

Not really, I thought, struggling even more as he plant his knee between my legs. Aemond lean close to my face making me turn away.

"I don't want to let you go," I could see from the corner if my eye as his smile grow bigger, "I love Alys I do, but..." his nose brush against my cheek before his lips trail up to my ear, "...I can't get you out of my mind even when I'm with her, just like I can't get her out of my head when I'm with you. Funny." He chuckles, I shake my head as he fist my skirt hiking it up.

"Aemond, please! I beg you just...let me be." I cry looking up at him with blurry eyes, I could see him considering me.

"Hmmm, and what would I get if I do?" He asked making me blink up at him, he move his hand to slide up my hip and pass my breast before resting his hand on my throat, "What will you give me." He lips pressed against the side of my neck, slowly pecking up and down the sides.

I know if I deny him now, he will just take it. But, it will be over quickly and he leave back to her, he would get what he want and by the time he comes back I be long gone.

I felt a rumble against his chest, I blink back to the present to up at aemond to see him staring at me no longer hiding his face in my neck.

"If you thinking about running away, I advise you to think twice before planning a escape, " I frown, "Because I will drag you back here, and this time I won't lock you in a solar or your chamber. I'll lock you in a tower, heavily guarded with no where to escape." My throat contracted as my bottom lip tremble at his threat, "No one will know where you are, you will disappear without a trace. And that servant of yours..." he made a sound as a small grin creeped up into his face, "...well, where she going, death will be like a blessing to her." I shut my eyes as a sob broke out of me, I heard aemond coo as he caress my hair making reopen my eyes.

"Aemond--" I whispered.

"I rather not have to do the latter, neice. Long rides are always tedious, and I do wish not to raise our child in a tower." He interrupted, I didn't want that either, I rather death but I know he would not give that to me either.

So, what choice do I have?

"What would it be, dove." Aemond and I stare at each other a moment before I finally will myself to speak.

"I...If you do not take me now, and give me time to heal, I promise..." I sniff, "...I will give you a child, only if you do not force yourself upon me ever again." Aemond look down at me with clench her jaw before it slate.

"That's all?" He questions.

"And you will leave me and enith be, I do not wish to be lied to or lead astray again, I just want to leave out my days with only enith and my child." Aemond drones as I wait for his response, I glance away from to hoping that he will make a decision, so he could get off me.

"Deal." I snap my head forward to look up at him as a small smile stare at me back, "But, I have a few terms of my own," I remain quiet waiting for him to continue, "One being I would like to lay with you again without trying to produce a heir," He look at me expectedly, at this point I just wish him to be off of me.

"Fine." I said carelessly making smile.

"And no more outburst, as much as amusing it was seeing ser cole lick his wounds, I didn't appreciate my mother's disheveled look." He condemns, I lift my head making him tilt his own.

"Your mother got what she deserve, what kind of horrible woman buries another woman's child and not have the gull to invite her." I hissed, Aemond stare at me for a minute as I drop my head before speaking.

"Yes..." he starts slowly, "...what she did was...distasteful but violence is never the answer." I glare at me as he mocks me with a smile, "So, no more outburst?" I roll my eyes turning away from him.

"No promises." I heard him chuckle, before using his hand to brush against my jaw before turning me to a him.

"I think this new attitude on you is growing on me, dove." I blink callous up at him.

"If we have ourseleves a deal, can you get off me now." He could only stare at me with a glint of amusement.

"Now, now, dove, every deal must be seal with a kiss." Before i could turn my head, Aemond held me by my jaw so I could move snd press his lips against mines.

My hands went to his chest as his teeth bite my bottom lip, his tongue slide along my lips before plunging into my mouth. I felt his other hand grope my chest as I shift against me, I tap his shoulder before hitting his shoulder. He finally pull away, just as swiftly he got off he pulled me up on my feet, he held me against by my hips. I look up at him with dismay look as he stare at me with a small triumph smile.

"I love you, wife." He says making me curl my lip.

"I hate you, husband." Aemond smiled grew.

For a second I thought he look better if he smiled more.

"Your highness." Both me and aemond looked towards the door to see Ser Krey looking at Aemond warily before me, "Is everything alright?" He asked.

"Everything is fine, Ser Krey." Aemond said pulling away from me, Ser Krey glance at Aemond before looking me again.

"Princess, is everything alright?" I glance at Aemond seeing him narrow his stare at Krey, I look away back to the knight.

"Yes, everything's fine. I was just bidding my husband a good evening." I gave him a small smile to reassure him, he didn't look very convince but he nodded anyway.

"Alright...I was told that I needed to show you to your new chamber." I nod at Krey, I took a step forward but before I could leave Aemond's side, he took my elbow into his hand stopping me.

I glance at him as he still held a look as he stare at Ser Krey, when he did finally look away from the young man, without warning he turn to me pecking my forehead.

"Don't forget our deal, wife." He finally pulled away, stalking from me and pass Ser Krey.

Krey watch as Aemond exit the room, his eyes linger still when I came to stand parallel to him.

"We should get going, the night is growing near." Krey tore his eyes away from where Aemond left to look at me.

"Are you alright." He asked again, I nod.

"Yes, I am fine."

"Did he hurt you?" I furrow my brows at the concern etched into his features.

I slowly shook my head, he sigh out of relief. He gave me a smile before holding his arm for me to take, I gave him a timid smile and took it, before he lead us out. I look back inside the solar one last time, before closing the door behind me.

[creativebrainrot]

some of my sylvari headcanons for ur reading pleasure

Their stomachs are pitcher plants + dragon magic. meaning they can eat rocks if they want but its probably a bad idea. nutrient rich food is even more useful and good for their bodies. mentors have to teach saplings to Stop eating the fucking rocks and dirt PLEASE pale mother WH

When they blush their bioluminescence flairs up, and pulses two to four times across their cheeks, whereever their facial glow pattern already is. the pulsing can happen at night, when they naturally glow. depending on the individual, either, the pulses are brighter than their average glow or the pulses cause their glow to dim before brighting in time with the pulse. sounded super cute to me so ive kept it around.

some sylvari are several types of plants, with branches, moss, AND fungus, or any other combination. this one is just neat to me design-wise.

some sylvari are One Single plant, depending on the plant, this can cause certain sylvari to be extremely sensitive and fragile physically and/or mentally. Orchid sylvari who cannot leave maguuma without major issues or require a lot of aid to enable their travels. vine-based sylvari who Need someone else there to feel safe or else theyll panic. preferably a sylvari who's a tree. that they can cling to. sylvari whose flower scent causes them to be mobbed by insects more than anyone else. etc.

their tongues' color matches their color pattern, if they have one. otherwise its the same color as their bark/skin.

sylvari can gain muscle or change their body's physical traits by Thinkin Real Hard about it and photosynthesizing for one to two weeks. genderfluid sylvari make a lot of use of this. if theyre trying to heal an old wound it might take several weeks, depending on the scar or wound. this whole thing is more difficult if done alone, the more common method is asking the pale tree Hey mom. Can i try some shit. I need to borrow a pod for a few weeks plz.

they can also gain muscle same as humans but that takes some extra work and time compared to the sylvari shortcut.

[charlesabramsscarminetits]

I think Pale is like...okay. So the first couple arcs I think are quite uncontroversially good, they're a look at the setting of Pact from a perspective not quite so colored by being a walking pvp flag. As with Pact, the theme of carving out an existence in a hostile world is explored. The characters are charming and fun.

At a point somewhere between arcs 3 and 8, depending on the reader, the opinion is likely to start to shift- generally I think this shift is represented by a complex function with its coefficient approximately inversely linked to how much one liked Pact. That is, a strong fondness for Pact will result in a quick dropoff in fondness for Pale, while dislike of Pact, not having read it, or a generally neutral feeling towards Pact will mitigate this shift. This effect gets more pronounced after arc 13 and again in arc 17. This is due to, as @v1leblood mentioned in their excellent post, an increasing schism between the story that Pact wants to tell and the story that Pale wants to tell- comparing the two is very likely to make one fall short.

A second contributing factor is that Pale's plot drags in the stretches from arc 8-12, 16, 18-19, and 22-23. This isn't an addition of badness, mind you, it's solely a subtraction of goodness.

The additions of badness come at different points- namely the end of arcs 17 and 19 and most of arcs 21 and 22. These are places where, rather than jarring with elements of Pact, Pale jars with elements of itself, as well as just doing things that are frankly kind of dumb.

Anyway, reading Pale is like pencil-diving into a pitcher plant. It starts sweet, it ends agonizing, and in the meantime it's fucking boring.

[toweroftickles]

Avatar: Plant Food (Tickle Fic)

So my amazing friend @trrickytickle drew this Way of Water fanart (see below) out of our mutual agreement that the Sully family just radiate tickle energy and I absolutely had to write a fic based on it for her birthday. Which was a week ago.

Plus I gotta take advantage of whatever brief fan-community zeitgeist still exists for this movie before it fades, right?

"I'm not sticking my arm in that," Neteyam announced.

Two blooming fwäkìwll (mantis orchids) rested side-by-side before the Sully children, wet with morning dew in the shade of the tree. Purple leaves crowned the insect-eating pitchers of the flowers. Their many pale cerulean tongues swayed gently back and forth in hypnotic concert like seaweed. Tuk liked to say that they were waving “hello,” for they were quite friendly plants.

"But it's fun!" the little one told her big brother. She fluttered her fingertips in the flowers’ open mouths to demonstrate, and giggled when the tentacles reached out for her.

"No way, it feels gross," Spider interjected.

All of them were out on a frolic through the Pandoran jungle (except for Lo’ak, who was ill from eating a rotten fruit).

“Ick…I don’t like it; it’s like your whole hand starts to tickle. And it’s so slimy…” Kiri shuddered.

“That’s why it’s fun!” insisted Tuk. “I want to play with them for hours!”

“Heh-Heh…You’re on your own for that one, sis.” It was Sully brother’s turn. “I don’t think I could have my hand in that for more than a few minutes.”

“Well I could definitely handle it longer than you,” laughed Spider, his usual cocky self.

Neteyam looked strangely offended. “You wanna bet, bro? You’re a wimp, you’d give up as soon as it started trying to eat you. You’re not even a real Na’vi.”

“Oh yeah? Come on; let’s go,” the human boy declared his challenge sternly, and suddenly, his left forearm thrust into the wiggly mass.

Kiri chuckled to herself…everything was a measuring contest with these two, no matter how pointless. In another second, Neteyam huffed and placed his arm in the tentacles of the other plant next to Spider.

The syrupy tendrils snaked around the boys’ forearms, clinging and un-clinging with little feelers as they searched for food that wasn’t there. Sticky venom…deadly to insects but harmless to mammals…festered all the way from their wrists to their elbows. Spider put on a determined face, but his eye twitched.

Squirming noodles buzzed under their skin, wriggling against their every nerve…

...tingling like mad…spreading goosebumps all over as they numbed...

“Gahhhhhh…!” Spider yelped nervously, his voice rising in pitch.

“NNNNNG!!” Neteyam groaned. His shoulders stiffened, his back arched.

Both were puffed up, laughing nervously. Their trembling fists clenched. Smiles tugged at the corners of their mouths.

“Th-this is so we-heird!”

“I am…ss-so uncomfortable…pfff…”

“Come on, Monkey Boy, come on!” Kiri cheered Spider. Tuk jumped up and down.

The tension was pulling tighter and tighter. It was the most uniquely unpleasant feeling. Suddenly, after barely a minute had passed, Neteyam cried out (the white flag was raised) and quickly yanked his arm out of the orchid too fast for the others to see. Its tentacles peeled away like a sticker. And everyone fell away laughing.

“Ehhhhhh, I don’t like that,” chuckled Neteyam. He rubbed the fluttering feeling out of his wrist.

“Dude, you’re weak,” Spider joked at him.

“Oh, come on.”

“I know, I know; it’s like the creepiest feeling.”

“Spider, you’re no fun.” Tuk announced, arms folded.

“What’s your dad say; you think they have plants like that back on earth?”

“Doubt it. He says they probably don’t have any there.”

“Hey,” Kiri suddenly spoke up. Both Spider and Neteyam saw an anxious giddiness in her smile, like she was about to spill a dirty secret.

"I dare you to stick your foot in there. Both of you."

Something dropped into Spider’s stomach. Not missing a beat, he coolly brushed it off.

“Heh. No. That’s stupid; why would we do that?”

“What, are you too scared, Monkey Boy?” Kiri teased, playfully shoving him.

“We already stuck our arms in it; what’s that going to prove?” interjected Neteyam.

“Yeah, come on. Totally weird.”

“Do it, do it!” Tuk laughed loudly.

The two boys looked at each other in awkward silence. Spider’s jaw jutted out slightly, and he stiffly exhaled through his nostrils. If Neteyam was doing it, he wasn’t going to look like a wuss. Especially not in front of Kiri.

Silence. Both dusted the loose flecks of earthen mulch from their soles. As their arms cautiously fanned out for balance, both of them slowwwwly stretched their left legs toward the orchids’ hungry maws. The closer they got, the faster and faster the feeding tentacles writhed. Spider could feel it…despite his best efforts, his heartbeat was speeding up.

He closed his eyes. There was no hot gust of animal breath to forewarn him of the flower mouth’s proximity. It could have been a yard away, or an inch.

Here it goes…

Without warning, the flower’s tall purple petals closed around Spider’s foot, certain it had caught its dinner. Unlike before, this time he was stuck. But he hardly even had time to panic or process this, as he suddenly felt a pair of sinewy arms wrap around from under him and ball up into a tight knot of knuckle bones behind the back of his head.

He gasped. His eyes snapped open. Neteyam had him in a Nelson hold...the elder Sully son had betrayed him. Tuk plopped down and wrapped all four of her limbs around Spider’s right leg, and Kiri approached him with an evil grin and wiggling fingers. Spider grunted and hissed and thrashed around, as close to a real Na’vi’s catlike aggression as he could muster. But Neteyam’s grip was too strong.

He always hated this part.

Kiri reached forward and kneaded between Spider’s ribs with her thumbs. His upper body began to tremble. He couldn’t look Kiri in the eyes…he twisted around to avoid her gaze as he struggled. Her hands planted affectionate squeezes down his sides, and on his stomach, and in his belly button, non-stop. Roughhousing and wrestling was fun; it was part of their DNA. And Spider was a proud kid, good at holding in his laughter. But it wasn’t long before his threshold broke.

“HEH! Nnnn…Heh-Hahuh! …Hk! *gasp* Heh-Heh Ha Ha! ….Zzzt….Hng….St-hop, cut it out!”

“Oh no; it’s gonna eat you!” Kiri laughed.

Neteyam was really struggling to hold their human captive still (Spider’s dreadlocks kept bristling his face). Tuk and Kiri, meanwhile, had descended into a complete and total giggle meltdown. Every time Spider’s leg lurched, Tuk would bounce on his ankle, and a happy, pitchy whistle would *squeak* out of her nostrils. She snuggled her arms even tighter around his knee, and even her tail held on for dear life. His other leg, as it thrashed around to free itself from the tickling flower, nearly bonked Kiri in the face.

“Nnnahhh..! …Heheh! *wheeze* GkHuh-Heh!! Haha! Ha! Get off me!”

“Uh-uh; I think I’ll keep you here!”

Kiri’s index fingers were sweetly needling up and down his torso, sending throughout his nerves these mean little ripples of energy that just made Spider want to giggle….and he couldn’t help it, no matter how hard he tried to hold his breath.

The intense buzzing in his foot was only getting worse, more tingly, flowing up his leg and toward his knee. It felt like hundreds of tiny and slippery little fish were feeding against his every pore.

Spider’s quickening breath painted the inside of his mask with fog. Blinded to where she would strike next, he could still feel Kiri awkwardly playing like a drunken pianist on his stomach. All he wanted was for her to stop.

“Heh-Heh….HGGGKKKHa-Ha Ha!”

With one last, aggressive tug, Spider’s leg tore the orchid’s petals open, unhooking from the tendrils with a fleshy snap, and sailed backwards through the air. The pile of Na’vi kids was upended, and all of them collapsed in a heap amid the rustling leaves.

Spider slowed down his breathing as he regained his composure. At first, they were all sore and uncomfortable. But as Spider leaned up and glanced around at the pool of blue siblings that surrounded him, and they all looked back and forth between each other’s heads, none of them could resist the urge to start laughing.

“See? I told you, I’m tougher than you.” Neteyam tussled Spider’s matted hair.

Spider grinned back at him and hissed. It was a comment Neteyam lived to regret.

I don’t care what it’s supposed to be called; THAT IS A FUCKING TICKLE PLANT.

[nonobadcat]

Imagine Nana nearly dying to save Reader from her horrible husband, only for her efforts to end up for naught, watching Reader be completely consumed by Stockholm Syndrome as AFO takes her away. That would be absolutely devastating.

CW: Nana Trauma

Ommfff... Your gut punch ask hit me so hard I literally got nauseated reading it.

For those that don't know, this ask is related to the yandere 18+ All For One x Reader story: A Hypnotic Nightmare - rated E for “Everything is fucking wrong with this story”. Minors: do not interact.

Since Chapter 17 of this shit show, Nana has made herself out to be the classic OFA martyr. Not only did she have to LIVE all of Reader-chan's trauma, but she's got every since OFA user's personal accounts added to it. Worse yet, Yoichi is sitting inside her head confirming the reality of her nightmares. She can't even pretend that it's just a bad dream when ALL of her knows it to be true.

So let's see here... Nana found out around Feb 15th and, as of Chapter 55 we're into... late June/early July? Nana's obsessively planning to save Reader-chan for four months.

Not to mention, this thing isn't just Nana anymore. We've got Toshinori, Gran Torino, Mental, Nezu, Oceanus, Apollo and heaven knows how many other people behind the scenes on this attempt. Not only would Nana have to live the failure, she'd have a gaggle of witnesses to boot.

Can you just imagine?

Hand clasped over the gaping wound in her left arm, Nana climbed to her feet, shaking and pale. She choked on the foul fumes pouring from a ruptured sewer line before squinting through the clouds of asphalt dust. Flames licked at the base of crumpled buildings. The harsh cracks of burning glass popped all around her, like sinister parodies of summer fireworks. A puff methane gas ignited on her right. The tips of her black hair curled back upon her shoulders, glowing red like a poker before they snuffed into ash.

You turned to face her, your expression shadowed by the orange blaze behind your back. With his arms wrapped around your body like a cloak, All For One's grin gleamed in the flickering light. Hooded red eyes, looked the Float Hero up and down.

Nana's right hand clamped into a first as the left hung limp at her side. Hard teeth gritted tight until the ringing in her ears was a shrieking chorus of eight voices all crying the same thing:

"Don't touch her!"

"My, oh my..." All For One clicked his tongue, his smirk growing one tooth wider. "What has my little brother been telling you?" He pressed his cheek against yours and buried his nose in a lock of your hair.

When he took a slow, deep inhale, bile burned across Nana's tongue.

"That boy has such a hero complex. It's a wonder any of you survive half as long as you do with the way he sweet talks you into going along with his little games." All For One's eyes drifted shut as he nuzzled into your temple. "Honestly, I'm starting to think he can't stand to see anyone happy."

Despite the flames all around, you shivered.

"Go on," he murmured, softly brushing the shell of your ear with his lips. His thick arms squeezed tight around your frame. One hand dipped to your belly, cradling the bulge growing inside you as he tongued a lurid kiss to your cheek. "Tell this poor misguided creature the truth," he hissed.

You tried to open your mouth, but gluey saliva entombed your words like flies in a pitcher plant.

Sharp tip nipped at your neck. "Puppy," he growled. "While I do love a tease, don't play games with your friends."

"I..."

There was a wet flick at the column of your throat.

You swallowed. "Nana, I..."

His thumb dipped just under the waist band of your pants, scratching soothing strokes into hot skin.

Biting back a gasp, you managed to whimper: "N-not here..."

"Come now, my dear," he taunted, nibbling down your neck. Large palms flattened against your hips, pressing you into his own. A slow grind firm bulge between your butt cheeks brought a fiery flush to your face. He groaned as a jolt of electric lust jumped from your quivering body to the pads of his fingers. "Lies and omissions do not become such an—" He chuckled, before purring the words. "—honest woman."

Curling into his massive frame, your eyes drifted into a dreamy, half lidded stare. A pulse of wanton heat tingled up your core. Every tantalizing brush of his skin again yours was laced with sizzling energy that urged your heart into a painful gallop. With the Demon Lord himself breathing down your neck, there was no room for an angel on your shoulder. The words flew from your lips, riding the last breath in your lungs.

"I love him."

All For One's foul smile spit his face as the sound of delicious shattering reached his ears. It could been the window of the corner store behind him exploding in the flames, but it wasn’t.

Nana slumped to the crumbling pavement, scraping her knees in the the fall.

Red eyes smoldered with hellfire as Shigaraki scooped you up into his chest. Cradling his prize, he inhaled the toxic smoke that billowed over the wreckage. A sweeter scent than this victory, he'd never breath again.

"I'll catch up with you later, little brother," he chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of your head. "I'm afraid I have to tend to my wife. She's feeling rather needy."

As Nana watched him carry you off into the sulfurous black smog, she collapsed under the wreckage of her own heart.

...and to loop back to the subject of calendar dates, you all do remember what past event happened at the start of July , right?

No?

Click below to feel the pain (spoilers):

[kazimakuwabara]

Final Date 2

Part 1 here

Summary: Kuwabara's day starts off weird with Kurama showing up in his kitchen.

***

Kuwabara knew the day was going to be weird when he found Kurama blending him up some sort of green concoction in his kitchen.

"Good morning, Kazuma!" Kurama greeted Kuwabara cheerily, smiling at him from his place by Kuwabara's never used blender. Where did Kuwabara get that thing? Who gave him that thing?

"...It's six in the morning," Kuwabara muttered, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"And you need to leave for work in half an hour, which means you don't get much time for breakfast," Kurama sighed in a slightly scolding tone. He transferred the green blended mixture into a pitcher, that Kuwabara didn't know if he owned, before turning back to the blender and tossing in some slice fruits and vegetables... as well as a suspicious-looking plant, that had a slightly human face.

"...Don't tell me that was demon world mandrake," Kuwabara muttered, "Please, those things are vile. And they move."

"Which is why you blend them up," Kurama said cheerily.

"What are you doing in my apartment?" Kuwabara asked, finally just coming out with the question.

Kurama squinted at Kuwabara, "Preparing you a protein shake that you can drink throughout the week for breakfast... clearly."

"...My spare key is not for you to show up here and prepare me breakfast," Kuwabara muttered, still really confused by Kurama's sudden intrusion, in the wee hours of the morning.

"Well, what is it for?" Kurama asked, turning the blender on with a tut.

The mandrake inside the blender, screamed, just a little before it was eviscerated.

"For if you're drunk and you need a place to crash. To check on my cat if I'm gonna be late from work... and other emergencies!" Kuwabara huffed, exasperated.

"And making sure you get a nutritional start to your day, is an emergency. Do you know how high the flu count is currently? I'm sure you do, since you're a doctor!" Kurama huffed. Kurama waved a finger at Kuwabara, "Go. Go get ready for work. Drink the protein shake on your way in. I'm making you a month's supply, so don't try to say you don't have time for it."

Kurama turned the blender off, and turned back to glare at Kuwabara, scanning the man up and down with a frown.

"W-What?" Kuwabara managed, still bewildered by Kurama's speech, and his sudden need to make sure he ate before work.

"You should also stop sleeping in the nude. You could catch a chill," Kurama advised, his green eyes snapping up to meet Kuwabara's gaze.

Kuwabara jumped and slapped his hands down below, covering his crotch.

With an, "Oh, Shit!" Kuwabara dashed off into his room, Kurama leaning forward to follow Kuwabara's desperate run all the way back. His pale ass cheeks were easy to spot, even in the dark.

"Well, he certainly looks healthy," Kurama mused with a chuckle, pouring the contents of his nutritional drink into a thermos. He sealed the green beverage and muttered, "And this drink will certainly make sure he stays that way."

[unrooms]

"10 o clock," you tell the flesh. "...I have an idea for the plant key."

"Oh, that's good," it says as you quickly re-set your alarm.

"Well, I dunno if it'll work or not, but yeah. I'm gonna try planting some of these seeds. Maybe they grow faster when they're younger, or something?"

You pull some seeds out of the core of one of the fruits. They're relatively large, and pale. They remind you of pumpkin seeds.

"I'm not sure. But I see no reason not to try."

"Yeah." As you head towards the plant room, you continue. "...It's not really my idea, actually; I wonder if you know anything about this: Since I got here in the first place, there's been... something... communicating with me mentally, and helping me solve these puzzles."

"Oh, yes, I knew about that from the walls, the floors, the ceilings, and everything within them. I don't know anything else about it, though, besides that it exists."

"That's a shame... I'm curious about them. Especially whether I'll still have them in my head when I go home. I wonder if the walls, the floors, the ceilings and everything within them knows more. But it probably wouldn't tell me, anyway." You sigh.

In the plant room, you forget about that for the time being. First, you adjust the clock so that the light is just hitting the keyhole. Then you crouch next to the false door and dig a hole with your hands; the soil is nice and soft. You bury your handful of seeds several inches deep and step back. You watch intently...

Is the dirt shifting a little?

-And then a green sprout breaks the surface. You're entranced, watching it grow much faster than any Earth plant grows (as far as you know, anyway). It unfurls and reaches up towards the light, developing to look like a young sapling. To your dismay, though, it slows and stops maybe two-thirds of the way to the keyhole.

"So close! Hm..."

Water didn't help before, but this sapling was growing toward the light which also didn't help before, and besides, the walls, the floors, the ceilings, and everything within them must have made this water available to you for a reason, right? So you take the water pitcher and try pouring some at the sapling's base. Soon, it starts to grow again. One branch grows directly into the keyhole, then forms a loop, and separates, leaving the key behind.

"Yes!" You pump your fist.

"Good job," says the flesh, sounding pleased.

You go to take the key, but before you remove it, you think to try turning it, just out of curiousity. It does turn, and clicks, but the door still doesn't open. So you go ahead and take the key.

"Interesting... I guess it just turns to let you know the key is... right?"

You try the flesh key too. It won't turn.

"I guess so. Well, anyway... I guess that just leaves the stone key, huh?" You smile at the flesh. "Hey, I think I'm gonna have all the keys a little early!"

"I'm glad." The flesh smiles at you.

"Me too." You let out a sigh of relief. Well, you don't technically have them all yet, so maybe you shouldn't tempt fate, but you're feeling pretty optimistic. Before you leave, you adjust the clock until it's back at noon. Maybe you don't need to, but you feel like leaving the plants with plenty of light.

In the pool room on your way back to the stone room, you remember to check the pool. Sure enough, it says something new again. As you start to read it-

"What does it say?" the flesh asks.

"Oh. You can't read? I guess that's not that surprising."

You read it out loud for the flesh:

“THREE OUT OF FOUR KEYS NOW

AND I WON'T PRETEND YOU WON'T HAVE ANOTHER SOON

THOUGH I WAS UNSURE FOR SOME HOURS

IT SEEMS YOU FOUND THE SOLUTION TO THE PLANT KEY JUST IN TIME”

"Alright." Seems like the flesh doesn't have any more to say about it than you do, so you proceed to the stone room. You sigh as you lean over the table again and pick up the in-progress stone key.

As you work, the flesh asks more questions about your world, and you answer the best you can. It makes you appreciate just how complex the world is, though.

Maybe 20 minutes later, you think you've matched the reference key pretty well. It's kind of rough, but you figure you don't have to make it look perfect. When you test it on the false door, though, it won't quite go all the way in. After checking more closely and refining the shape of the end, you try again, and it works. A surge of satisfaction runs through you at the *click* of the lock.

You hold up the key in the air and cheer to the flesh, "It works! That's the last one!"

"Congratulations!"

You head back to the table- and then, as a last thought, you carve a 'T' into the handle of the key. You feel like putting your name on this achievement.

"I wonder what I should do now... I mean, there's still like, an hour plus left. -Well, I think I'll go check the pool again to see if the walls, the floors, the ceilings, and everything within them has something new to say."

The flesh comes with you. Unsurprisingly, the pool does indeed say something new. You read it for the flesh again.

“FINALLY, ALL KEYS GATHERED

READY TO OPEN THE GATE

STILL YOU MUST WAIT TIL THE GATE IS READY

BUT, IN THE MEANTIME, I MUST OFFER YOU MY CONGRATULATIONS.”

"That's surprisingly nice," you mutter dryly.

Oh, whatever. No point being salty now.

"Well... I guess I've just got an hour to burn. I do have a couple things I want to do, but I think I'll just take a break and relax for a little bit. Until the next hour. ...Hey, flesh, let me show you something."

You and the flesh sit down on the pool edge and you attempt to explain to it the basics of how a smartphone works, and teach it to play a mobile game. You find yourself laughing at how delighted it is by what to you is such a small pleasure.

Too soon, your alarm goes off. You let the flesh keep playing for a moment, but turn your attention away from watching it.

So, chat... like I said earlier, I have no idea if you'll stick with me after I get out of here. You'd probably know better than me. So, uh... I can talk to you later like this, but unless you know you're staying in my head- which tbh, I hope not; you're cool and all but I like my mental privacy- it seems like now's probably the time for goodbyes, just in case. And, hey, thanks for all the help. I'm not sure if I'd've figured out the plant key without you. So... yeah. Thank you. I appreciate you guys, whatever you are.

You tell the flesh you need your phone back, and watch the time tick down once more. For the last time, you guess. You'll be glad to be back on a plane of existence you understand, but the thought does make you a little sad.

...11:00 am.

What now?

--HOUR 10--

[wydownaspiider]

Monster High Adopts!

💀💖 FULL BODY MONSTER HIGH ADOPTABLES!!! 💖💀

Plant Ghoul: OPEN

Gorgon Manster: OPEN

Yeti Ghoul: OPEN

Witch Ghoul: OPEN

Sea Manster: OPEN

Bigender Vampire: OPEN

Mummy Ghoul: CLOSED

Centaur Ghoul: OPEN

Eeeeee my first batch of MH adoptables! I worked really hard on them and I’m so proud to present them! They all have at least 3 accessories and a little piece of my soul.

[Image ID: Hot pink text reads “Full body Monster High Adoptables.” Beneath the text in 8 coffins striped with black and a certain color, with white question marks. The first adoptable is a pitcher plant-based ghoul standing in front of her mystery coffin, showing her full body. Her box reads “Plant Ghoul” with a $20 price sticker. The other mystery adoptables can only be seen thru skullette shaped windows in their coffins, obscuring their full designs. After the plant ghoul there is a dark blue coffin labelled “gorgon manster” with a $30 price sticker. He has dark skin, gold glasses, and indigo snakes for hair. The sky blue coffin is labelled “yeti ghoul” with a $30 price sticker. She has purple skin, curly white hair, and white glasses. The purple coffin is labelled “witch ghoul” with a $30 price sticker. She has sallow greenish skin, green eyes, and brown hair that is styled in circular buns. The violet coffin is labelled “sea manster” and has a $30 price sticker. He has blue skin, purple eyes, curly purple hair, and finlike ears. The blood red coffin is labelled “bigender vampire” and is priced $30. They have pale skin, sliver round glasses, and a red sweater. The brown coffin is labelled “mummy ghoul” and is priced $30. She has dark skin, tan bandages, and gold and cyan eyeliner. The light yellow coffin is labelled “centaur ghoul” and is priced $40. She has a medium skin tone, blonde hair, and gold glasses with a daisy crown. In the middle of the graphic, in hot pink text, it reads “cashapp: $andysmovingcastle. End ID]

[fatexweaver]

My name is Walter Caldwell. It is the year of our Lord 1883, and I write this as a dying man.

I was once a priest. I served our Lord and church faithfully until I discovered something dark lurking beneath our church. And it is in my final moments that I retell the horrors I have witnessed. For I warn you, there is a devil, and he is in me.

It started a few days ago. I would perform morning mass as usual. As I read from the New Testament, I looked down at the crowd. I saw new faces there. I have served this crowd loyally for years, and I knew the faces of my flock. I thought nothing of the new members; I enjoyed having new people hear about our Lord.

As I finished my sermon, I went to meet one of the other priests of our church, Father Jacob. Jacob was a studious man with pale skin and a thin body. He often read texts from other countries. I found the notion slightly blasphemous, especially with the contents of said books, but I trusted his faith.

As I had predicted, he was sitting at his desk in his study, his nose firmly planted in a book. I knocked on the wall to get his attention, laughing at the surprised look on his face.

"What old text have you dug up this time, Jacob? An old maid's cleaning tips, perhaps?" I respected his dedication to uncovering old texts, but a bit of joking between friends was always fun.

Jacob scoffed at my joke, putting away the old tome. "If you must know, it is actually a document that details the pagan rituals of old."

I rolled my eyes, but I worried about his soul. "Jacob, you know I worry about your salvation. Are you at all concerned about what these texts may do to you?"

Jacob stood up, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Walter, fear not; the Lord has given me a love of knowledge and a heart of steel. He is my rock."

My worry was eased, but not gone. "That is wonderful to hear. But I came to ask you a question. While it warms my heart to see new faces in the church, do you know them?"

Jacob walked over to a table that held a metal cup and a water pitcher. Pouring himself a glass, he sipped from it. "People from my last expedition They wanted to know more about the Lord we serve."

While his words were sweet to hear, I could not shake the worried feeling in my gut. "I am proud to hear that they are willing to listen to the words of our Lord. Is there any place I might meet them?"

Jacob looked out the window, his fingers tapping against the wood frame. "They are staying at the inn for now. But they plan on getting a house. And a few of them plan on working at this church."

The idea of these people working at the church warmed my heart. I might be able to sway them away from their pagan rituals. Even just one soul saved would warm my heart. Though, as head of my flock, I must protect those who could be tainted.

I could feel Jacob's eyes on me, and I could already guess what he was going to say. "Before you say anything, Jacob, I am more than happy to welcome them. But will they be a good influence on the rest of our flock?"

"I believe they will be more beneficial to us than we could have ever predicted. Walter, go talk to them. I will handle your duties while you are gone. We are men of the Lord; we must not turn them away."

Jacob was telling the truth; we could not turn them away. Jesus Christ never turned anyone away. And so I traveled to the inn. The town we lived in was small, so there was only one inn for them to stay at. As I neared it, I could easily spot the new faces. They sat around outside wearing farmers' clothes.

I neared a group of them, placing both hands behind my back. Good evening, I am Father Caldwell. Nice to meet you."

My warm welcome was met with silence. They glanced back and forth between one another, not saying a single word. At this moment, let me take a good look at them. There was no single kind of person there. They seemed to come from different countries and cultures. And yet, Jacob said he met them on one of his expeditions.

"Forgive them, Father; they are shy around strangers." A voice came from behind me.

I turn around and see a man walking towards me. He was far older than the rest, with snow-white hair. He wore a black suit and a top hat. He took his hat off, smiling with all of his teeth showing. "I am Jebediah."

"A pleasure to meet you, Jebediah. I saw some of your friends in my church today. I thought I would come and welcome you."

Jebediah kept that smile on his face. "Yea, and I am sad that I missed it. But, like you, I have to look after my own. I had to procure a place for us to sleep."

I looked at the inn. It was a fine place to sleep; he could do no worse here. "Yes, I've heard many good things about this place. But would you mind answering the question of an old priest?"

Jebediah laughed while he leaned against the wall. "Ask away; we have no secrets here."

I looked over my shoulder, eyeing the group behind me. "I heard you met a fellow priest on one of his expeditions. And yet, I see you have a rather robust group with you."

Jebediah looked at the group, raising an eyebrow. "So I do. Well, you see, we are nomadic. And, as we pass through towns, we pick others up. We, like your Christ, pick up those that the world has forgotten."

That explanation would explain a lot. A nomadic group would be able to grab a wide variety of people. I looked at the group once more; I could still feel their gaze on me. I returned my attention to Jebediah, giving him a warm smile. "I am holding a service tomorrow. Please come by."

Jebediah's already large grin grew wider. I thought his skin would rip from how wide it was. "We will gladly join you. Please enjoy the rest of your evening."

I would take him at his word; he will show up. But even as I walked away, I could still feel the ever-piercing gaze of this group. Had I done something wrong? No, I had only welcomed them. I only felt true safety in the confines of the church.

That night was hard, as my dreams were filled with the stares of strangers. I could see Jebediah's wide grin everywhere I turned. I woke up in a cold sweat before the sun could rise.

I left my room wearing only my robes. I walked to the church's kitchen, pouring myself a glass of water. As I drank to calm my nerves, I could oddly still feel as if they were watching me. Turning around, I peered into the darkness of the night. As I glanced out the window, I could not tell if the shadows I saw moving were of my imagination or an intruder.

With careful steps, I moved forward. I placed my hand on the window, feeling the cool glass against the palm of my hand. It was a small bit of reassurance that I was awake. It was only when a loud thud came from another room that I snapped back into my fearful state.

Rushing to see what had made that noise, I watched as several nuns huddled around a fallen woman. Rushing over to her, I kneeled and took her hand. "Sister, what's wrong?"

Her face was as white as a sheet. Whatever this woman saw scared her that much.

"The window! There was a creature at the window. It had the widest mouth, sharp teeth, and eyes that glowed like hellfire." Her voice shook as if she had just seen the devil himself. And from her description, it sounds close to him.

"Surely it must have been a nightmare." One of the nuns added

Another one walked to the window, peering out into the darkness. "I see nothing but the trees and stars."

"I'll take a look," I said. I, like the others, believed she had just had a nightmare. But I figured this would put her at ease.

The cool night air was refreshing. I carried a fireplace poker and an oil lantern as my only means of defense. I held the lantern high above my head, illuminating the area around me. As I neared the nun's room, I looked down at the ground. Kneeling, I noticed something bizarre. The grass near the window was dead. I grabbed a handful of it, feeling it easily crumble in my hand.

Following the grass, I notice how the dead grass seemingly just stops. It ended at a random wall in the church. Placing my hand on the wall, nothing felt out of place.

Returning inside, I walked back to the sister's room. "Well, I looked around and found nothing out of the ordinary. So, it was just a nightmare."

The look on the nun's face was pure relief. I was happy that I could offer her that much. But I knew I couldn't tell her about the dead grass. I would have to try and investigate it tomorrow when the sun is up.

As I sat in my room, I could only think about what I had heard and seen. I could not help but think about Jebediah and his followers and how all of these oddities began happening during their arrival. Could it all be a large coincidence? Possibly. But I would continue my investigation to its dark conclusion.

The night was restless for me. When the sun rose, I was tired. I knew I would have to give a sermon this morning, especially for Jebediah and his group. It was my duty as a man of God to share his love with them.

After a cold bath, I dress in my vestments. I also had to remember to look at the grass outside. Something in the back of my mind would not let me stop thinking about that.

I skipped this morning's breakfast; I had little appetite right now as I went outside. Retracing my steps, I finally found the dead patches of grass. Looking at them in the daylight showed me something I missed. The patches looked like steps.

Whatever the nun had seen last night had left a trail. The steps it took were wide. The trail ended at the wall, like last night. After carefully studying the wall, I saw nothing out of place. I was only brought out of my thoughts by the sound of someone walking on the grass.

Jacob stood behind me with his hands behind his back. "Walter, what are you doing over here?"

"One of our nuns thought she saw someone last night. So I thought I would see if there was anything I missed." I turned to face my friend. I'm hoping he might offer some wisdom on the situation.

Jacob looked at the grass, idly kicking it. "An interesting look; I'll agree with that. But I believe it is nothing more than dead grass."

"That might be so, but I noticed how it looks like it has wide steps."

Jacob gave me a caring smile. "My friend, you look tired. I can lead today's sermon in your stead. I saw the light in your room on, my friend. I know you were up most of the night."

I could not deny it; I was tired. I felt like I could sleep for a week. "But I promised those newcomers that I would lead the sermon."

Jacob walked over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Please, your health is important. Go get some sleep. They will understand. I will explain your situation to them."

His words swam in my tired head, and I could not help but agree with him. "I'll go and get some rest. I'll lead our next sermon."

As Jacob led me back to my room, I felt my body begin to stagger and sway. The world began to disappear around me. Laying down in my bed, I felt the world around me drift into an abyss of nothingness.

When the world came back to me, I found myself in an unknown location. At first, I thought it was just a dream—that is, until I saw someone walking out of the shadows, Jebediah.

When I met him, he had that wide grin on his face. "Father, I see that you are finally awake. Good." His tone was cordial, like always.

"Where am I?" I asked, the sleepy veil beginning to lift from my mind. The area I was in looked to be a sort of temple, but I could not place the design. The structures and the black stone they were made of began to make my head hurt.

"Well, you didn't come to service, so we brought service to you. We wish for you to be our special guest. To witness the birth of our god, Izala."

Izala? That name meant nothing to me. "What blasphemous pagan god is that? Return me to the church immediately!"

"Izala is not some pagan god of old, Walter. He is the true living god and one that you shall be made a vessel of."

I quickly spun around to see who was talking. To my horror, I saw Jacob standing in the shadows. His eyes now shined with an otherworldly glow.

"Jacob, I knew these expeditions you took would corrupt your soul!"

Jacob laughed as he walked toward me. "Walter, I am sorry for being the bearer of bad news, but Jacob has been dead for a while. In fact, all of the humans you met have been dead."

I watched as the followers all came out. Each of them was eyeing me. I did not know what to do. I felt like a deer surrounded by a pack of wolves. I'd only been so lucky as to die right there.

I watched as the people around me began to shed their human disguises. Their true forms were horrifying creatures from the lowest pits of hell. Leathery skin, bat-like wings, horns—all of the depictions of the devil and his minions came to mind. And yet, I found it hard to get a good grasp on their whole form.

Jacob remained human, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. "Walter, you should feel honored; you will be the vessel for the true living god. Your flesh will give him shape."

I pushed Jacob away, trying not to look at the monsters around me. "Get away from me, demons! Back to hell with you!"

There was a deep laugh from the tallest creature, whom I assumed to be Jebediah. "Your hell is not for us, Father. We will bring you a paradise, unlike anything you can imagine."

He pointed up with a black-clawed finger. I knew he wanted me to look up. I felt a compulsion to do as he wanted. And so, against my better judgment, I did.

There was no roof to this place I was in, only an endless starry sky. As I looked at the various colors, I saw something moving in the ocean of stars. A long serpentine body that stretched for eternity. I caught glimpses of a multi-eyed human head. Its eyes were the stars themselves.

I could feel this being looking into my soul. I could feel the many tendrils it had coursing through my mind. It tested my memories and mind, and there was little I could do to stop it.

I lost track of time, as I did not even notice it when Jacob removed my vestments, revealing my chest. When I finally came back to reality, I was strapped to a throne. The leather straps they used to bind me dug into my skin. I could hear Jacob chanting in some unknown language.

When he came around the side, Jacob carried a bowl of red liquid in his hand. Dipping his fingers into it, he began to mark my chest while he continued to chant.

"Get behind me, Satan." I weakly said

Jacob ignored me, continuing to mark my chest. Once the bowl was empty, he placed a hand on my cheek. "You must be wondering why you were selected. Well, your world can't stop us like the ones before us. As for you, Walter, you were just a random pick."

I could feel something starting to enter my body. I watched as the serpentine body of the creature above began to vanish. I now understood what he was doing. I could feel the monster slithering through my mind.

Jacob looked pleased with what was happening to me. "Once our Lord comes, we will spread his faith across the world. To think, his resurrection would happen in some far-flung world like this."

"What happened to him?" I had to keep him talking. If I could get my wrists free, I could escape and get help. I had to work against the clock, as I could already feel this monster rooting itself within my soul.

Jacob smiled as he grabbed a massive leather book from a podium. "Years ago, our lord wished to rule over all. He was the lord of many planets. But his traitorous brothers opposed him. And a war ensued. Galaxies were destroyed, and our lord was sealed away, a mere shadow of his former self."

As Jacob talked, I dug my wrists into the leather straps. I could feel the warm blood trickle down my wrist. After a few more moments, I was able to squeeze my hands out of the straps. I swiftly pushed Jacob away, watching his head collide with a sharp corner.

As I looked at what was once my friend, I felt fear grip my heart when he looked at me. The portion of his face that had been struck by the step looked like a shattered mask. Beneath his human visage lay a mass of tentacles. I dare not imagine what the rest of this creature looked like.

I ran through the complex, trying to find a way out. Feeling a cold breeze, I quickly followed it. Running against the wind, I could hear the creatures behind me screeching as they chased me.

Finding a staircase, I ran up the steps as fast as my legs could take me. I could see a light at the end of the long staircase. As I neared the light, I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I pushed through the light.

Feeling the soft grass push against my face, I looked around. I was back at the church. Looking where I had come from, I saw nothing there. But I knew that dark place was still there beneath the church. There was only one thing I could do.

Running inside the church, I quickly grabbed the nuns and started getting them out. I pushed them out as fast as I could. I know I looked like I had gone mad, but it was all I could do.

One of the nuns grabbed my arm, trying to stop me. "Father Caldwell, what is going on? Have you gone mad?"

I turned to face her, wanting to tell her the truth, but I did not want her to be the next target of the group. "I can't explain right now, but you need to leave!"

Before she could say anything else, I shoved her through the door. I know what I must do, and I hope God can forgive me for the things I am about to do.

I walked into Jacob's room, a lit candle in hand. I could feel the monster they put in me slowly taking control of my mind. I had to stop this before their plans could come to fruition. Throwing the candle onto a stack of parchment papers, I watched as the room lit up.

Leaving the church to burn, I grabbed what money I could, leaving the small town as fast as I could.

And now, I'm sending this journal off to multiple people. If you are reading this, then I am already dead. I will not say where I chose to die, but I should take this creature with me. I ask God for forgiveness. But if you see Father Walter Caldwell anywhere on the streets, run. For it is not me, but the blasphemous monster they shoved into my soul.

[mystery-salad]

🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️

I am using this as an excuse to overexplain my three sylvari sub-races that were born from other trees. Pale Tree siblings if u will, ans their kidos~

• Redwood (no pronouns at all) is first of course. A towering Redwood tree deep in the Far Shiverpeaks. Redwood's influence was, from a seed to sapling to tree, the spirits of the wild and the various creatures of the mountain forests. The children produced all have varying animal qualities that would serve them well among the high peaks. Some resemble mountain goats or deer, others resemble bears and snow leopards, still others can fly like an owl or hawk. It would be hard to visually connect them to central tyrian sylvari at a glance. And the tree, Redwood, has an avatar as hulking and majestic as the trees Redwood resides among. (Art by the amazing @vampiricsheep ) Unlike the Pale Tree, Redwood actively wanders the forests in avatar form, traveling among Redwood's many children.

• The next seed grew in the crystal desert, having caught the wind until settling among a roost of harpies. It grew tall, roots propping it high in the sky, mimicking the shelter that those around it cultivated. Its children took after these gardeners of course, wings made of light and feathery leaves that could catch the winds, and bamboo-like bodies to provide an almost weightless quality. While the tree remains in its roost, housing both its own children and neighboring harpies, those born from this tree have traveled far and wide with ease, exploring the world they're in.

• One seed was never seen by people before it took root, having never left the depths of Maguuma. Instead the seed fell deep within a crevice into the cave systems below, where light would never reach. He grew still though, adapting to what was necessary, taking nutrients from the other cave creatures such as chakk. A beautiful glowing pitcher plant spans the height of a glorious cave, enticing food to feed him and his children. And from these resources he has built his children to be sturdier than he could ever hope to be, giving them bodies mapped and intertwined with flesh that turns all their colors to vibrant reddish jewel tones that sap still runs through, with a hard barky outer layer. They chitter like the insects they live among, and are naturally curious and docile given that there's so few predators designed to hunt them. They've lived an altogether peaceful life, the time when Mordremoth awoke is a blurred blank spot and once the dragon died they were their own people again. They welcome visitors and many have traveled out of the caves to meet others, naturally curious of other sentient races.

[dearestones]

Twisted Wonderland Matchup: Jamil Viper #2

Warnings: Fluff. 

Anonymous Request: Hellooo~ My name's Yade and I'd like to ask for a romantic matchup with a twst boi! 1st or 2nd year preferably. This is my first time making such a request so please excuse my awkward communication skills lol. She/her pronouns btw :,)

Appearance: Diamond shaped head with sharp facial expressions, dark brown, straight hair that reaches my shoulders- I tie 'em up in a messy bun so that my shorter hair strains at the front can do their own thing tho xD Body type is hourglass and I don't really put a lot of effort into my clothing style: Casual with pale/light colors.

Hobbies: Gardening, listening to music (my earphones are my bebes), designing/decorating- I am also extremely interested in languages: I can speak 6 languages and hope to speak 10 someday

Personality:

-Very respectful and accepting. I value these two traits a lot as they are the foundation of relationships in my opinion.

- Intelligent and wise, If I do say so myself. Have gone through quite a lot of things and know that I am mentally more mature than others my age. I can be pretty lazy as well, ignorant and stubborn. I tend to get defensive pretty quickly without even realizing it. I am also forgetful- I literally lose my brain everywhere

- My humor is broken af but ppl tell me I'm funny so I'll just go with that lol- If you couldn't already tell Im.. uh- a bit weird HAHA

Thank youuuu if you accept my request and sorry for disturbing u. Bye byeeeee ~

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After going through the description given, I believe that you best pair well with Jamil Viper!

First of all, Jamil isn’t immediately drawn to people who look aesthetically pleasing to the eye. He of all people knows that just because something looks pretty or harmless, that doesn’t mean that it’s true. After all, he had to play the role of a mediocre student and dutiful servant for years. That said, when he first meets you, he is enamored with your long hair and your casual style, but he’s still somewhat standoffish and aloof. 

However, when he does get to know you better, he finds you rather charming. It takes a lot for him to open up to someone—and even longer for him to let you understand that he's far more than just Kalim’s shadow or the duty bound Vice Housewarden of Scarabia. With you, he finds that you accept his entire self—not just the persona that he’s forced to display for the rest of the world. The good, the bad, and his hiddenmost parts of himself you cradle and keep close to your chest. Without you, he thinks that it would have taken years for him to finally reveal himself. 

To you, he feels like he can be his own person with his own personal strengths that he doesn’t have to share or downplay for Kalim. 

When Jamil finally feels comfortable around you, you’ll find that he becomes physically affectionate. He won’t hug you or kiss you in public too often—he prefers subtlety. Often, his displays of affection are whenever he decides to surprise you with homemade meals, tips on how to do your homework, and if you’re lucky, he’ll ask if he can do your hair. (He absolutely loves your hair and how cute you look when it’s messy, but sometimes he wants to run his fingers through it so he can put his own spin on it). 

Have you thought about setting up a garden in Scarabia? Granted, it might be a little hard considering how desert-like the conditions are there, but the both of you can research what plants can be grown in these conditions. Jamil is more than willing to spend his free time with you gardening while listening to some great music in the background. If you ever feel like taking a break, he’ll be ready with a pitcher of refreshing beverages or he’ll drag you to your feet so you can dance together. 

Jamil is amazed by how many languages you speak. How do you have the time or the energy to keep up with so many? Your determination and ambition to know ten languages not only garners you admiration from him, but also pride that he has a lover who does what it takes to achieve her dreams. It took a while for Jamil to speak the language used at Night Raven College and even then, sometimes he makes mistakes. If you have the time, maybe teach him a few tricks? It would be fun! And, if you would like, maybe you would like learning to speak the language most often used in the Scalding Sands. (Provided, of course, if you don’t speak it already. If you do, feel free to converse with him in his native tongue). 

Jamil doesn’t laugh that often, but he does find your humor interesting. Sometimes, your jokes will miss, but when they do hit their mark, Jamil will find himself trying to hold in his laughter and ultimately failing because you’re just so cute and earnest when making them! 

As for your negative personality traits… While your laziness and ignorance heavily reminds him of Kalim, he supposes that they’re not necessarily terrible traits. Unlike Kalim, you’re not his master and you have already acknowledged that he is his own person outside of the Asim name. He’ll gently remind you to complete tasks and if you’re truly that forgetful, he has more than enough handy tips that he has tried to teach Kalim over the years to help you. 

Overall, Jamil is calm around you—he doesn’t feel the need to disguise who he is at his core and he encourages you to show him all of yourself as well. Even though there are some differences in who you are as people, it’s nothing that a little communication can’t fix. 

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If you want to donate a Ko-Fi, feel free https://ko-fi.com/devintrinidad.

TWISTED WONDERLAND MASTERLIST

[gravelghosts]

a brief selection of carnivorous plants from my critical role fic the gardener.

these are all north american species, mostly because that’s what I’m familiar with. but there are plenty I haven’t included, even within north america (like the bladderworts and butterworts), but especially further afield (tropical pitcher plants! carnivorous bromeliads! etc). there’s even been some recent research showing that a lot more plants may be carnivorous than we thought, as in the case of the western false asphodel.

photo credits below:

[tracy’s sundew / pink sundew / purple pitcher plant among sphagnum moss / yellow pitcher plant / white pitcher plant / thread-leaved sundew in bloom / mountain sweet pitcher plant in bloom / venus flytrap in bloom / white pitcher plant in bloom / pale pitcher plant in bloom]

important note: never collect carnivorous plants from the wild. make sure any carnivorous plant purchases are from a reputable source and have been cultivated ethically, not wild-poached.