#Role of right gardening tools in garden

[toolzee]

Role of Right Gardening Tools in Garden! Important Information

Gardening, a timeless hobby that brings joy to many, is not just about planting seeds and watching them grow. It's an art that requires skill, dedication, and the right tools. The role of right gardening tools in garden cannot be overstated. These tools do more than just assist; they play a pivotal part in the creation and maintenance of a beautiful, thriving garden. In this article, we will explore the necessity of garden tool and how they contribute significantly to the art of gardening.

Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness

Time-Saving Tools: One of the primary roles of right gardening tools in garden is to enhance efficiency. Quality tools help complete tasks faster and more effectively. Imagine trying to dig a hole with your hands versus using a spade – the difference is night and day.

Precision in Gardening: Gardening tools also provide the precision required for delicate tasks. Precision tools allow for accurate planting, pruning, and weeding, which is essential for the health and aesthetics of the garden.

Reducing Physical Strain

Ergonomic Benefits: Gardening can be physically demanding, but the right tools can reduce this strain. Ergonomically designed tools are tailored to minimize the effort and reduce the risk of injury, making gardening more accessible and enjoyable.

Promoting Plant Health

Healthy Growth: The right tools contribute significantly to the health of your plants. For instance, using a sharp pair of pruning shears can prevent damage to plants, promoting healthier growth and reducing the risk of disease.

Improving Soil Health

Soil Maintenance: Tools like tillers and aerators play a crucial role in maintaining soil health. They help in aerating the soil, improving water and nutrient absorption, which is vital for plant growth.

Enhancing Garden Aesthetics

Aesthetic Maintenance: A well-maintained garden is a sight to behold, and the right tools are key to achieving this. Tools like lawn mowers and hedge trimmers help keep the garden neat and tidy, enhancing its overall aesthetics.

Ensuring Safety in Gardening

Safety First: Using the appropriate tools not only makes gardening tasks easier but also safer. The right tool for the right job reduces the chances of accidents and injuries.

The Necessity of Garden Tool

The necessity of garden tool extends beyond convenience. It's about creating an environment where plants can thrive and where gardening becomes a joy rather than a chore.

Adaptability: Different tools are designed for specific tasks, ensuring that every aspect of gardening is covered.

Durability: Quality tools are durable and reliable, making them a long-term investment for any gardener.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of right gardening tools in garden is integral to the success of any gardening endeavor. They are not just tools; they are essential partners in the journey of creating and maintaining a beautiful garden. The necessity of garden tool is evident in every well-kept garden, reflecting the care and attention given by the gardener.

For more insights into the importance of garden tools, visit "Why are garden tools important?" This comprehensive guide delves deeper into the necessity and impact of the right gardening tools, providing valuable information for both novice and experienced gardeners.

[dan-asd]

From the text block on the right:

"The Degos are a species of sophont animal of Deglonia. Early on, they evolved an symbiotic partnership to the Lifeweaves, eventually becoming a part of the superorganism themselves. In the start of this evolutionary path with Lifeweaves, they used their ape-like intelligence and social skills to hunt, forage, and scavange, trading their food with the superorganism for shelter, and protecting it from intelligent raider animals.

Their role in Lifeweaves became much larger upon the development of fire, their intelligence increased further, now similar to hominids. They developed greater tool use and integrated into Lifeweaves further, shaping them from the inside by creating huts, fishing ponds, gardens and bringing in an great diversity of cultivated plants and animals.

Degos have an oversized beak compared to other Amosuformes, which help them holding and manipulating objects, with precision greater than that of humans. Despite being covered in hard metallic bone, their beaks are very sensitive due to the high nerve density under the surface, actually making them one of the most sensitive parts of the body for Degos. In compensation for their weaker beaks, the proboscis of the Degos are much more muscular and full of internal teeth that are shed on a short cycle of around ~60 days. Their guts also are very efficient at digestion, with symbiotic microorganism that help with the digestion of many compounds that are indigestible to other Amosuformes."

[m-jelly]

Tea for two - Chapter 6

Pairing: Post-war Levi x Fem!Reader

Tags and warnings: Canon world, post-war, injured Levi, scarred Levi, romance, falling in love, fluff, angst, emotional pain, emotional Levi, foreplay, sex, smut, hungry Levi, unprotected sex.

In this chapter: You and Levi have a romantic moment in the garden. Levi sets the mood with a romantic bath time, which soon gets heated.

AO3 Link

Part 7

You carried a tray through the cottage and outside into the large garden. A sweet smile spread on your lips when you saw Levi looking at his plans and drawing on some wood. You admired the selection of paints he had picked for the wonderful birdhouses he was going to make. “Looking good, honey.”

Levi perked up at your words. “Thank you, I mean…I haven’t done much.” He reached up to his hair. “It’s got nothing in it and all fluffy, but I’m glad you like how I look.”

You blushed. “Oh yeah, it is fluffy.”

Levi stared at you for a while as he slowly pieced together everything. He looked down at his work and then back at you as his cheeks slowly went red. “You meant the work I’m doing.”

You walked up to Levi and hugged him tightly. “Aww, don’t be sad. I did mean your work, but you are incredibly handsome. I love how fluffy your hair is. You have cute bed hair.” You massaged your fingers into his hair. “You’re not looking good, you’re looking incredible.” You kissed him and hummed. “Love you.”

Levi blushed. “Love you too.” He hugged you tightly and pressed his face against your body so he could hide. “Mm.”

You swayed with your man a little. “Leviiii, I love youuu.”

He pulled back and pouted. “Kiss.”

You kissed him and hummed. “So, the paints.”

He hummed and moved them. “I picked my favourite colour and yours, so it’s the two of us together.”

“It’s perfect.”

He started cutting up the wood as he followed his plans. He smiled happily thinking about making more things for you and him. He looked at you and blushed when you made a cute heart with your fingers. He put his tools down and made a heart with his two remaining fingers on his right hand and two fingers on his left. He smiled in pride when he got it just right. He blushed when you blew him a kiss and started tending to the flowers as Bo slept on his side.

Levi called your name. “How are your parents?”

You picked up a potted plant and thought about your sweet parents. “They’re good. They like being by the mountains, lake and forest. They’re just enjoying their time with the dogs.”

“They’re not working, right?”

You hummed. “Mum was a teacher and dad worked in a trading company. Dad worked his way up and was for the people. He helped so many out, he got them all good pay as well. He took care of others because he never forgot his routes job-wise. They’ve retired 'cause he made good money and he was great at saving.”

Levi shifted on his feet a little. “Do…do you think…”

You put the plant in the hole you made and patted and compacted it. “Yes, I think my father would like you and my mother would be in love with you.”

Levi smiled a little. “I’m glad. Do they know about me?”

You nodded. “They do. I sent them a letter about you. They’re really happy.”

“They are?”

You hummed. “Dad just hopes you don’t do anything dangerous.”

Levi played with his hammer. “He knows about my past?”

“Yep. Dad knows a lot about people, he needed to with his role.”

He whined a little. “I’ll behave. I refuse to leave you or let you go.”

You giggled. “Holding me captive, huh?”

“Yes.”

You smiled sweetly as you thought about your life with Levi. “You know, what? I rather like that I’m being held captive by you.”

Levi smiled a little to himself. “Good.”

You stood up and moved to the tray with drinks. You pulled off your gloves and popped them into your gardening apron. “You should take a break, my love.”

He released a long sigh. “I know, but I want to get this all done.”

You rubbed his back. “There’s no need to rush. Some things take time.”

He gazed at you. “You’re right.” He frowned when he saw a bit of dirt on your cheek. “Tch, dirty.”

You blushed. “Oh, sorry you hate dirt.”

He picked up a cloth and rubbed your cheek. “It’s okay when it’s on you. You make it look good.”

You blushed at his words. “Mm, thanks.”

He lowered the cloth and leaned closer and kissed you. “You’re beautiful.”

You whined a little. “Levi.”

He moved closer to you. “You want more kisses?”

You nodded. “Please.”

He pulled you against him and crashed his lips against yours. He purred as he kissed you over and over. He pushed you backwards causing you both to lie back on the floor. He pressed his body against yours and grinded. He kissed along your jawline to your ear and nibbled your earlobe a little. He licked your neck before sucking on your skin.

You tangled your fingers in Levi’s hair. “Levi.”

He panted as he gazed down at you. “I love you.”

You smiled as the sun shone behind Levi’s head. “I love you too.” You delicately cupped his face.

He whined and leaned his cheek against your hand. “I…I want…” He lowered his head and pressed it against your breasts. “Mm.”

You massaged your fingers into Levi’s hair. “You want? What do you want?”

He squeezed you. “I want to make love to you like a man who knows what he’s doing.”

You hummed a laugh. “You’ll do wonderful. We’ll slowly ease into it.”

He lifted his head. “I’ll study hard and listen to you.”

“I know you will.”

Levi tangled his fingers into your hair and moved his hips a little. “There are so many things I want to do to you.”

You shivered in delight. “Me too.”

Levi leaned closer as thoughts drifted through his mind of what he wanted to do to you. He frowned when he heard a loud sniffing in his ear. He turned his head and groaned as Bo licked his face. “Ugh! Bo!”

You laughed hard. “Bo just wanted to give you some kisses! He’s a good boy!”

Levi sat back and rubbed his cheek. “Disgusting.”

You hummed a laugh as you sat up. “It’s just kisses.”

Levi grunted when Bo jumped on him and rolled against him. “Damn, mutt.” He let out a long sigh and began fussing Bo and hugging him. “It’s a good job I love you.” He patted Bo. “Off you get, Daddy has to work.”

You blushed hard. “Did…did you call yourself…daddy?”

He sat up and ruffled his hair. “I-I like the umm…thought.”

You dove at Levi as you squealed in delight. “Me too! You’ll be amazing.” You leaned up and looked down at Levi. “You’re truly wonderful, Levi.”

He smiled softly. “Thank you.” He moved his hand to your bum and squeezed. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

“You’ll be a perfect mother. I’m looking forward to starting a family, b-but first, we have to…umm…”

You hummed a laugh and sat up on his hips. “We will.” You rolled your hips against him and bounced a little. “This is how it’ll be for a bit.”

Levi gulped hard. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“You’ve gotten used to me touching you, so next will be touching me.”

He nodded and eyed your thighs and crotch. “I’m looking forward to that.”

You leaned your arms on his chest. “Me too. I know you’ll do incredible.”

He gripped your thighs and massaged. “Ngh, I should get to work on the birdhouse. If I don’t know, I will get very hot and bothered.”

You giggled. “I know what you mean.” You climbed off Levi. “I have a garden to tend to. Do you need help getting up?”

Levi blushed and looked at his lap. “I don’t think I need any help at all, just look at me.”

You stared at the tent in Levi’s trousers. “I meant standing up, but I am very interested in this meaning.”

Levi groaned. “I got it wrong.”

You held his hands and helped him stand up. “I rather like it.” You pulled him against you and kissed him. “I’ll get back to work.”

Levi released a long sigh as you bent over and started tending to the garden. He eyed your behind and felt the strain below. He turned away and mumbled under his breath. “Birdhouses. Make the birdhouses. Focus.”

You sat in the comfy window seat and gazed out at the rain coming down. You traced a raindrop that dragged down the window and admired how pretty it was. You smiled when you heard Levi limping closer to you. You turned your head and smiled at him. “You okay?”

He nodded and took your hand in his. “Come with me.”

You slipped off the window seat and walked with him. “Where are we going?”

“Surprise.”

You hummed a laugh. “Exciting.”

Levi pulled you along to the bathroom to show the large bath was full of hot water, there were rose petals around and nice candles lit. “I umm…” He let go of your hand and lifted a tray with some drinks, strawberries and chocolate. “I wanted to make you something. You dote on me so much and I wanted to give back.”

“It’s perfect.” You smiled. “You’ll be joining me, right?”

“If you want me to.”

“I do.”

He put the tray down. “I’ll join you then.”

You started taking your things off and noticed Levi was staring at you. You smiled softly and dropped your dress so you were in underwear. “You can look as much as you like.”

He gulped hard. “You look incredible.”

“Thank you.” You reached behind your back and unclipped your bra. “You won’t think much of me once I’m naked.”

Levi moved closer. “You’re beautiful. Did someone make you feel like you’re not?”

You sighed. “Yeah, but I’ll be okay.”

“Your ex is awful.”

You smiled softly. “Yeah, yeah he is.”

He gulped and looked at your chest. “Can I take your things off and touch you?”

You nodded. “Yes.”

Levi pulled your bra off and tossed it to the floor. “So beautiful.” He reached over and massaged. “I enjoyed touching them last time.”

“I’m glad.” He hummed and looked down at your body. “Can I take off your underwear?”

“Yes.”

He released your chest and grabbed the edges of your panties and slowly pulled them down. He looked up and blushed when he saw you were naked in front of him. He stood up and growled. “You look…fuck…”

You hummed a laugh. “Thanks.”

You walked to the bath. “You coming?”

“Yes.”

You got into the bath and looked over at Levi. You smiled as he undressed and revealed his naked body. You admired his muscles and a few scars, along with his treasure trail to his incredible cock. “Mm, you look good enough to eat.”

Levi walked closer. “Thank you.”

You nibbled your lip and purred. “I wanna touch and kiss.”

Levi climbed into the bath and sank into the water. “You can do that.”

You moved closer to him. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

“Comfy?”

“Yes.”

You caressed his cheek. “I’m glad.”

Levi yanked you against him. “Don’t get shy with me. Lie with me.”

You shifted your body against Levi’s. “I love the confidence.”

“Your body feels so nice against mine.”

You nuzzled the crook of Levi’s neck. “You feel nice.”

Levi ran his hands over your perfect body. “You feel better.” He kissed you and sighed. “I love you.”

You smiled a little. “I love you too.”

Levi turned you around in his arms and sat you back to chest. He hugged you tightly. “Mm, you look good.” He looked down at your body. “Could I try touching you?”

You took Levi’s hand in yours. “Yes.”

“I have studied.”

You hummed a laugh as you moved his hand down your body. “I know how dedicated you are. I’ll give you a little lesson.”

“Please.” He nipped your neck. “I want to be very educated on you.”

You moved his left hand up and down in a slow and teasing manner. “This, mm, is a great place to tease. If you part these lips you get to everything else.”

Levi parted them and ran his fingers up and down slowly. “You feel wonderful.”

You moaned a little. “Thank you.” You gulped as you shifted in Levi’s arms. “Down here.”

Levi curled his fingers into you making you moan. “You perfect vagina.” He moved his fingers in and out a little before plunging them in deeper. “You’re so hot inside.”

You gripped Levi’s upper arms. “Mm, Levi.”

He looked down at your body to see what his hand was doing to you. “Your walls as so soft.”

You leaned your head back and moaned when he rubbed your G-spot. “A-ah!”

Levi paused his movements. “Are you okay?”

“Y-you found it.” You shivered. “I can’t believe you found my G-spot.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

You nodded and moved your hips to get him to touch again. “It’s incredible.” You panted a little. “More, please.”

Levi moved his fingers again. “Like that?”

You gripped his arms tighter. “Little faster.” You cried out in delight. “That’s it. Yes.” You closed your eyes and panted as you felt your coil tighten up. “Mm, I’m nngh, I’m close.”

Levi cupped the side of your face and turned your head. “I want to see.”

You opened your eyes and gazed at Levi. You panted and shivered under his touch. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

You cried out when you felt a snap and a rush of euphoria go through you. “Ah!”

Levi gasped in delight. “Incredible. You look so good.”

You gulped hard. “You were really good.”

Levi whined. “I’m not done yet.”

You blushed. “N-Not done?”

He nodded and moved his hand up a little. “You have this little button on you I want to touch.” He kissed your neck. “It’s called the clit, right?”

You nodded. “Y-Yes.”

He slid his fingers up and gasped in delight. “Here!” He moved his fingers slowly. “It’s like a little bean.”

You clenched your toes tightly and purred in delight. “Levi.”

“Does this feel good?”

You moaned. “It feels incredible.” You panted. “Don’t stop.”

Levi moved his right hand up and gripped your breast. “You feel so soft and warm. I love touching you. I just want to make you feel good all the time.”

You slammed your hands on the edges of the bath. “Fuck.”

“You’re just so wonderful and perfect. I love you so much. You’re incredible. I just want you to always feel good.” He bit your neck. “You’re everything to me. You’re my reason for living and this new life within me.”

You turned your head and whimpered. “Kiss me.”

Levi crashed his lips against yours. He pulled on your lip and pushed his tongue into your mouth. He kissed you passionately as his heart raced in his chest. He pressed your body against his causing you to feel his hard erection against your back. He pulled from your lips and whimpered. “Darling.”

You turned around in Levi’s arms and faced him. You knelt up on shaky legs and purred. “I’m close and I know you are.”

He blushed. “You’re just so…arousing.”

You shuffled closer. “Do you want to feel me from the inside?”

He gulped hard and nodded. “Please.”

You smiled at him. “I know you probably imagined our first time in bed, but it feels right. Unless you don’t want to?”

Levi gazed at you with a sparkle in his eyes. “I want to.”

You knelt up. “It’ll feel very different and odd.”

“I know it’ll feel incredible.”

You smiled at him. “I hope so.” You held him and slowly sank onto him. “Breathe, Levi.”

Levi sharply inhaled through his teeth. “S-So g-good.”

You paused a moment to help Levi and he was rather thick for you. “Are you okay?”

He nodded and panted. “I sh-should be asking you th-that.”

You smiled and kissed him. “I’m great. You feel perfect so far.”

He grabbed your hips. “M-More. I w-want to feel all of you.”

You sank down on him until there was nothing more you could take. You clenched your walls around him as you enjoyed how he filled you. You cupped Levi’s face as he sat there with his eyes close and chest rising and falling at his pants. “Levi?”

He opened his eyes. “Mm.”

You smiled a little. “Does it feel nice?”

He nodded. “It feels like a dream. You’re so soft, wet and warm. I like being inside you.” He hugged you tightly. “I want to always be inside you.”

You flushed red. “I’d like that too.”

He kissed your cheek and neck as he just felt what it was like to be balls deep inside your pussy. He’d dreamt of this moment and wondered how it would feel. Levi was blown away by the sensation. He felt like he was being held by a snug warmth. He flicked your earlobe with his tongue before taking it into his mouth. He sucked a bit and moved his hips just a little causing you to mewl in delight at him.

Levi pulled back a bit and sighed. “I umm…I’m ready.”

You kissed him softly and began moving up and down on him slowly. “This feel okay?”

He nodded and grunted. “Y-Yes.” He gulped. “F-Faster.”

You nodded and started moving faster on Levi causing the water to slosh out of the bath. You gasped when Levi thrust up into you. “Mm, that’s it, Levi.”

Levi gripped your thighs and began to thrust up into you with confidence. Ah, ah, mm, ngh.”

“Good boy.”

Levi shivered. “I am.”

You kissed him and purred. “You’re doing amazing. You feel so good.”

“I do?” His eyes lit up. “I really do?”

You nodded and moaned. “I’m close.”

He wrapped his arms around you and yanked you against his body before slipping down a little into the bath. He pounded himself in and out of you. “More. I n-need more.”

You tilted your head back and cried out in pleasure. “Levi. Your cock is incredible.”

Levi clenched his toes. “Sh-shit, n-no.” He gritted his teeth. “I c-can’t-.”

You gasped as Levi thrust hard and deep before cumming deep into you. You moaned in delight but felt a little shocked when he kept cumming. “Le-Levi.”

He pressed his face against your breasts and started bucking against you again. “M-More.”

Your eyes rolled back into your head. “A-Ah!” You gripped the edge of the bath. “Levi!”

He bit your breast a bit as he lost himself in the moment. “More.”

Shaking from pleasure the only thing you could do was hold onto the bath edge for dear life as you were ravaged by humanity’s strongest. You were impressed by Levi. You had slept with your ex before, who was also a virgin, but you never felt good and as soon as he came inside you he fell asleep and you were left with an aching between your legs and you had to finish yourself off. Levi was out of this world incredible. You’d never felt this good before with your ex, you were sure it was down to some deep connection you shared or Levi just had an incredible cock and stamina.

You screamed in pleasure as you felt your coil snap. “Ah!” You moaned in delight as the rush of euphoria consumed you. “Mm.”

Levi looked up and stilled his hips as he watched you bask in your orgasm. He smiled with pride knowing he did that to you. He called your name. “You’re incredible.”

You panted and slumped against Levi. “Y-You…Levi…”

Levi hugged you. “I want more.”

You pressed your hands against Levi’s chest. “S-slow.” You laughed a little. “I can’t believe I’m telling Mr virgin to slow down in the bedroom.”

He blushed. “S-Sorry, but I just…it’s so good.”

You giggled. “I’m glad you think that.”

Levi gazed at you. “Sh-shall we move to the bedroom?”

You nodded and climbed off Levi to see he was hard still. “Huh.”

“I uh…”

“It’s impressive.”

Levi climbed out of the bath and limped closer. “I s-still want you.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck. “Go meet me in the bedroom. I’ll clean up here.”

Levi limped to the door before stopping and looking back at you. He shivered as he saw you bend over and pull the plug. He eyed your glistening pussy lips and his cum leaking out of you. “Ngh.” He hurried up behind you. “I-I’m sorry, but I need you.”

You gasped when you felt Levi’s cock against you. You shivered as you felt your arousal increase. You shifted your legs a little. “Go ahead.”

Levi held his cock and moved his tip up and down your lips before pressing into you. He wrapped his arms around you before slamming himself in deep and moaning. “S-so good.” He kissed your back. “I’m addicted.”

Your eyes rolled back into your head as Levi ravaged you again. The bathroom was filled with your desperate and pleasure-filled moans. Levi kept humping you until his leg started to hurt, so he carried you to bed and threw you on it before diving at you and taking you against the bed. You both kept going until you were aching and Levi’s leg was screaming in pain. So, you wrapped up in each other’s arms and fell asleep together. All of Levi’s worries about being a virgin were gone.

You woke up before Levi and hummed a little. You looked over at Levi and saw he was passed out and sleeping soundly. You wrapped up in some comfy clothes and checked the damage to Levi’s home from all the lovemaking. You cleaned up his bathroom and then let Bo out into the garden for his morning toilet break. You put some breakfast down for him and started making breakfast for yourself and Levi. You petted Bo and led him to the bedroom to see Levi was waking up due to you not being there.

You smiled a little. “Morning.”

Levi sat up and blushed hard. “Good morning. I uh, want to say sorry for yesterday. I lost control of myself.”

You sat down and kissed his cheek. “You didn’t lose control. You enjoy sex with me and I enjoy sex with you.”

Levi nodded. “Sex is incredible with you. I want to do it all the time.”

You placed a tray on his lap. “Same. Oh, but you need to rest today because of your leg.”

He sighed. “Yeah.”

You rubbed his chest. “We’ll have a nice relaxing day.”

“Perfect.”

You offered him meds. “Take these and you should feel better.”

Levi kissed you and sighed. “Can’t you be my medicine?”

You giggled. “Smooth talker.”

“I try.” He smiled a little. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

[grendelsmilf]

im sure im not the first person to point this out, but i find it so interesting how miki and kozue are basically identical save for the slightest difference in hair, both style and color. kozue’s hair is darker than miki’s, which as far as color coding goes is pretty straightforward: the “pure,” naive sibling and the cynical, jaded sibling—light and dark. but then there’s also the matter of kozue’s upwards swoop in the back of her hair, as opposed to miki’s which is kept neatly, straight down his head.

at first, you could easily just assume that it’s a matter of kozue’s hair being slightly longer than miki’s, but then akio accelerates his car in “miki’s nest box,” and the back of miki’s hair flies up, and suddenly resembles kozue’s. kozue’s perpetually windswept ‘do is suddenly contextualized as symbolic of her knowledge of sex (as a tool for power), which miki only truly becomes aware of in akio’s car.

but to do so, miki’s bangs also fly up, losing his previous point of commonality with kozue. right before akio speeds up his car, miki is “given” the wheel (figuratively speaking). for miki to gain the hidden knowledge of adults (back of his head, obscured from view) that kozue possesses, he must also lose all common ground with her (front of the head, identical head on). he must shed his childish fringe that evokes his innocence and his sameness with his sister (one and the same, see: the sunlit garden), which is further complicated by the fact that they are both more and less similar than miki thinks.

ultimately, miki’s sexual maturity requires him to distinguish himself from kozue (visually thru gender performance but also thru power, ie, where to sit in the car), since leaving childhood means becoming a man means exerting power over brides and princesses and witches (which both his objects of affection/obsession, kozue and anthy, illustrate are not in fact discrete designations but rather just slightly different labels applied to the same thing, only dependent on how you’re looking at it/her).

as a girl, kozue has the “freedom” to be interpreted in many different ways and embody many different roles and possesses many different ways of understanding herself and others within the patriarchal system of ohtori (by embodying multiple ontologically meaningless labels at once). she can, at least superficially, “choose” how to navigate her own exploitation. miki does not even have the illusion of choice. the path he must take has been chosen for him: he can either be a prince or a failure.

[itsagrimm]

He who Comes from under the Water

Chapter 3 - The Fish, the Fox and the Fairy Lights

CN mentions of cannibalism in a fairytale-esk way, implied mentions of femicide, arranged marriage, sexism and patriarchy, talking animals, slight dip into paranoia, isolation, missing dead family and human connection, mourning process and grieving, talk of sex, talk of ‘virginity’ and insecurity, eating habits that could be read as pica behaviour, generally food and weight play a bit of a role here but not in a judgy way.

Much tanks to @queenquazar for editing and pointing out that yes indeed we can go more monstrous and that this is in fact very sexy and romantic.

Masterlist

Notes for better understanding at the bottom!

It became a silent ritual. You got up, dressed, and stepped into the garden after the knocks on your door. Every morning you collected a new pile of fish from König under the watchful eyes of the Heron. And with the fish, arrived a fresh stack of firewood and two buckets of water, ready for you at your doorstep.

Reliable and useful. It was a nice gesture…or a trap.

It made you uneasy.

Taciturn, you kept to yourself, mumbling a few polite words to the heron, and staying mostly around the house for the rest of the day. Now alone, you had plenty of things to do. 

No one was there to share the work with you. No friends or neighbours to help with repairing the house or harvesting berries or sharing some of the household chores. Biting your lips, you laboured on alone, no longer crying yourself to sleep at night but falling asleep as soon as you closed your eyes.

The silence was the hardest. It broke you down more than any working day could. No words or gossip or laughter or songs filled the house anymore, grinding your need for seclusion down.

The only companion you had were your own creaks and groans as you struggled with heavy tools and an even heavier, lonely heart.

One day, you could not bear it anymore.

“Does König catch these fish, master heron?” You asked casually while walking through the grass, wet from morning dew, a big bowl already in your hands.

“Yes, he goes fishing. For you! The fox told me,” The heron replied and swayed on its spindly legs like branches of the willows in the wind, “The dirty furball insists on guarding you at night. Of course, he only does it for the fish he gets from the King if you ask me. He thinks it's clever and subtle.”

“And you? What do you get?” you asked as you kneeled to pick up the fish. Crucian carp and walleye this time.

The heron master cackled, the sound loud and teasing in the morning air.

“Maiden,” it said, “I may be a bird flying high above the King’s deep kingdom, but I fish on his waters – his kingdom is right below the surface I stare at for hours. Serving your husband and earning his good will is better than a fish or two from him. Besides,” It cackled again, “you will make a fine, kind queen. You share your food with me every day!”

You smiled politely, “Governed by the stomach are we then, master heron?”

“Aren’t we all?”

“Indeed. A chalice then, again?” you asked simply as you grabbed some wood for the cooking.

“It would be very welcome.”

You nodded before grabbing the buckets and closing the door behind you.

Alone again… to some degree. Except for a fox guarding you at night, a heron at day, and König visiting your house as you slept. 

You had been right with the feeling of eyes on you.

Sinking in the chair, you stared at the bowl with fish. It was too much, far too much for only you to eat. Maybe König wanted you to cook for him as well? To share a meal, have a bit of company. He helped you, after all.

Like a husband would.

You shook your head at the thought.

No, you did not know him, did not know why he wanted to marry you and what he wanted with you. As far as you were concerned, he could still plan on fattening you up to eat later. You remembered stories of girls getting married, only to vanish. Why else would he bring you food but not visit you otherwise?

You pushed the thought aside, the air of death terrifying, threatening to cripple you now with memories too fresh to be just memories. 

The pond was still too real.

You got up and started to pile up the wood. The heron was right. Everyone had something to gain, and you needed to know what a king from under the waters wanted from you.

You were just a peasant girl, you thought to yourself as you lit up the fireplace. No ordinary king from the cities knew of you or cared about this village, likely never even heard of it and certainly not about you. Kings married queens. Princes married princesses. No one married the poor bumpkin without a family. All you had was the flesh on your bones, the hair in your plaits, and the dress on your skin.

But König was no ordinary king.

He was no human.

And he chopped the wood for you.

The thought of the strange, tall man, collecting and chopping wood for you in the dark made you chuckle.

How royal.

How odd.

Was that what kings did? 

You had no idea. What you needed was to learn more about him. You looked at the pile of fish and grabbed your knife. Maybe you needed to face your fears before the silence took you as the waters once tried to do. And maybe you could get to know your future husband a bit better over a shared meal.

This night you forced yourself to stay awake. Not lighting any fire or candle, you sat in your kitchen, wrapped in a scarf against the cold, and waited while sipping on your Sage tea.

Gathered by your mother and dried hanging from the roof of the kitchen, it calmed your nerves. It’s mild taste pleasant on your tongue, comforting and familiar.

You listened.

Outside the leaves rustled, the wind making the birch trees in the garden sway. The light steps of an animal walking close to your house, eating and smacking from the plate with fish left out, made you lift your head.

That must be the fox.

You took another sip.

An owlet cried somewhere in the woods, it’s “Kowitt, Kowitt!” hushed in the distance. It reminded you of your brother. He used to imitate all those cries, claiming one day he would learn all the bird’s sounds. He did not get to that.

Tock, tock, tock! The sound of wood getting chopped made you put your thoughts and your tea aside.

You got up, checked your plaits, and straightened your shoulders before grabbing your prepared package and stepping out of the house.

It was dark. The moon wasn’t even half full, so dark you could barely make out the steps down and into the garden.

“There, there. Here comes the bride!”

You stilled at the sound of the unknown voice.

“Is that you, master fox?” you asked into the darkness.

A rustling sounded before something warm pressed itself to the side of your legs and you smelled the little animal.

That definitely was the fox.

“Master?” the fox spoke with an amused ring, “So the heron was right. You are polite. No one ever calls me that. Say, why are you up and out at night, hm? It is dangerous for pretty women and future queens. You might run into monsters.”

“From my experience monsters care very little if the sun is up or down to be dangerous,” You replied. “But I could use some help walking at night. Would you like to make sure I don’t fall by accompanying me?”

The little animal around your knees shifted and smelled your hands. You felt a cold, wet, snout at the tips of your fingers.

“And where might you want to walk, eh?” the Fox said.

“To König.”

Immediately it stopped twisting and turning around you.

“Oh… OH!” The Fox exclaimed, “How romantic. Or stupid. In my experience, those two things can be very similar, hm? I will bring you to the king.”

For a quick moment the Fox left your side and stood in silence before a cold, wet snout at your shoulder nudged you onwards.

With wide eyes you moved.

“Don’t you worry, queen,” The fox rumbled somewhere above you, “I see well enough for two at night. You just walk.”

You nodded, too speechless from the tiny fox suddenly being tall enough so that you walked between its front legs, holding onto his fur to steady yourself.

“You are a brave one, eh?” The fox spoke.

“It is not like I have a choice.” You replied as you walked. “But, I am only putting out only one plate for you, no matter how tall you make yourself. I cannot have the heron accuse me of favouritism.”

A deep grumble erupted behind you, a laugh, you realised, as you stepped somewhere deeper into the forest. The ground changed from soft grass to  roots threatening to trip you, despite clinging onto the fox’s leg.

“How stern of you, maiden,” The fox teased.

You walked on, further, and further, deeper into the woods, with the sound of chopping coming closer and closer, louder with each thwack.

Finally, the Fox stopped.

“King of all that is under the water!” The large animal rumbled through the dark forest, “I brought to you your bride. She wanted to see you.”

The chopping sound stopped, as an axe was driven down onto the wooden block.

“What a surprise! Here I thought humans sleep at night,” you heard König say, “Thank you, Fox.”

You felt the animal move and suddenly you were alone again in the dark.

“How are you, my bride?”

“I,”you started, thinking about what you could say before deciding to go with the most practical, “I cannot see you. Do you have a light?”

A chuckle, an amused human chuckle, sounded through the forest before you heard a few whispered commands.

You waited for a heartbeat in the dark, listening to the owlet cry far, far away now.

“There they are,” König spoke into the dark.

You looked around. Little swamp lights danced around the trees, coming closer with soft laughter and with it an alluring feeling of security. You felt your legs long to walk with them, wanting to go with those lights wherever they went, laugh and dance with them the whole night.

A hand grabbed you by the arm, breaking the spell.

It was König, his hand firm and warm on your skin.

He stood beside you, casting a long shadow with his frame.

You looked up, confused as to what happened.

“You must not go with the swamp lights, or you might drown for good, bride,” he muttered, “Do not look at them. Ignore them. Enjoy their light from afar, and you are safe.”

Dizzy from the light’s callings, you nodded, blinking slowly.

König’s eyes were light and reflective, like the water mirroring the moon. Aside from that, he looked human. A young man with a trimmed beard and kempt hair..

Good-looking.

Bashfully, you turned away. That is not what you came here for.

“Why are you here, bride?” he asked and tugged you to a fallen tree.

You sat down on the wood, and he took a seat on the ground in front of you. With his tall size you were near eye-level with him and his watery eyes.

“I wanted to see you,” you trailed off. You had made plans, thought up words, explanations, lies. Now, all gone and forgotten, you were left with nothing but yourself.

“Are the Fox and the Heron not treating you well? Did Ivar return after all, and I have not heard?”

“No. it is all fine,” You paused. König looked so real, so unlike the terrifying stranger haunting your mind when you were alone. Maybe you could marry this man and become what your grandfather had wanted you to become.

“Why do you want to marry me?”you ventured.

The watery, bright eyes blinked before settling on you again.

“The old man told me stories of kings- of kingdoms. What it is supposed to be like.” A soft smile danced over his lips.

“I am a king of a kingdom. I have all that is supposed to be of kings. All I am missing is a queen. That would be you.”

“So, you want to marry me because I accidentally became available to you? Because my grandfather offered my hand in marriage?”

“Yes.”

It was your turn to blink. Was that all to it? Was it just a swampy being playing king and you got caught up in it? No other intentions other than that?

“How is it supposed to work?” You asked, “I am a human. I am much smaller than you, and I need air.”

“I thought about it and have decided to build a new palace. That is why I have been so busy. It will be both in the water and on it. You will have to tell me what else you require to live except air. As you can see, currently, I am getting the wood ready needed for the foundation.”

He pointed at the fallen trees and chopped wood.

“And for the size – we can put you on a chair or something.” He eyed you up and down before adding, “maybe we put that chair on a box too. But it will work.”

“How?”

“What do you mean how? You will look taller that way.”

“What about when I am not on the chair and the box?”

Confusion knitted his brows.

“I don’t know. For what else do queens need to be representative for?”

You eyed him with confusion. You knew little about what queens were expected to do. But, you figured it included other marital expectations… bedroom expectations.

You felt your face turn hot.

“König,” you asked. “How do you think people marry among humans?”

He tilted his head, “I was told there is a feast.”

“And?”

“And then the bride and the groom stay together for the night.”

“Yes?”

“I suppose they have a good night’s sleep.”

“I doubt there is much sleeping going on during a wedding night,” You snorted.

“Oh,” He paused. “Oh. I did not know that.” He cleared his throat.

“We don’t have to do that.” He shrugged, “Who could tell anyway? And who would care to ask?”

You looked down at your fingers, your left hand nervously fumbling with the package you bought with you. Was it odd to know he was willing to lie to not… to not touch… not to feel… You were unused to thinking of yourself this way, assuming once you would get married, your mother and your already married girlfriends from the village would tell you all about this. But they were all gone, you were about to marry a man from the swamp, and all those things would always stay a mystery to you. You did not even know what it was you were missing, not even sure how to name it.

“Is that fish?” König asked, “ I smell fish. That is fish!”

Relieved for the change in topic you nodded.

“Yes, I wanted to say thank you for all the food you brought me. It is very thoughtful.”

You passed him the package.

“It’s not much but, maybe, you would like to have some din-”

The words stopped coming out of your mouth as König took the package and gobbled it up in one go without even unpacking it from the pressed birch bark.

With your mouth still hanging open you starred.

He bit down with a crunching sound on the fish and bark, his sharp teeth reflecting the swamp lights before chewing a few times with a thoughtful look on his face as if he was tasting something for the first time.

You closed your lips before you choked on the dinner invitation on your tongue.

“Ah, so that is how cooked food tastes like,” He finally stated after swallowing down with an audible sound, “Delicious. Thank you very much, my bride!”

He licked his fingers with a wet slurping sound and wiped his face from the birch bark crumps with those large clawed hands - hands that looked like they could snap your neck like it was a stick.

He burped before continuing.

“Pardon. It’s nice, easier to eat this way than when they still wiggle.”

Still fixing whatever face you were making into something less baffled, you mumbled an, “I need to go,” and got up.

König rose with you, whispering a few commands.

“The lights will guide you home. You humans can’t see in the dark, right?”

“Ah yes. Thank you.” You replied weakly and turned around to leave.

“Wait,” he called after you. “What was it that you wanted to say?”

You turned back. König looked at you, waiting patiently for you to speak. The terror was still in your bones, the crunching sound still ringing in your ears as he bit into the package like it was nothing. Was that what he could do with you too? Your body frail and fragile against the large and imposing König and he only waited for you to become his to do as he pleased with you and your body, consuming it whole like he had with your little gift?

“I-“ you began, fumbling with your now empty hands.

He waited as your heart raced fast against your ribs. A part of you screamed that you needed to run from this terrifying man who wanted to parade you around on a chair as his queen, ate like you had only seen in your recent nightmares and nearly drowned you. He was no human and commanded powers you did not understand.

But then he looked at you, a kind, patient face, who stood up for you when you needed it and was concerned for well-being.

It’s for now. I am safe until the wedding, you thought to yourself.

“I wanted to ask if you would like to have dinner with me, sometime?”, you said out loud.

XXX

Notes for better understanding:

-   I use the word ‘plaits’ for readers hair to describe the braided hair style of the reader I know as ‘косы’. Since translating it as braids technically would have also been correct but invokes a different meaning for most English speakers due to distinct cultural codes, I used ‘plaits’. However, if you have braids or hair that can be braided, feel free to read the word ‘plaits’ as ‘braids’ or at least understand yourself as included in the description. This was very much a technical translation problem with words not being translatable 100% and ‘косы’ simply meaning any type of braided or plaited hair.

-   some of you might not be aware of foxes’ smell. It’s a very strong and not pleasant to most.

-  Female owlets cry ‘Kowitt!” which sounds like the german ‘komm mit’ / ‘come with me’. Therefore, it is said in German folklore that the owlets are birds of death wanting to take a soul with them or warning of the impending death of those who listen to it because it was heard so much around the dead and dying. Owlets and many other nightly birds of prey were hunted because of that in German speaking regions. The real reason for owlets crying around the dead is a different one: the lights of the wake for the dead drew the birds in at night.

-   Sage grows wild nearly everywhere and is calming as well as anti-inflammatory. It is a medicinal tea so one should not drink it regularly due to it being very potent. Also, the sage reader is drinking is a native sage known as green sage so please don’t go and get white sage if you just want to have a tea.

- birch bark is a very versatile resource used in many cultures as a means to e.g. write on or to make other wares out of it

XXX

Taglist: @thesinsoflust @kdkj122920 @die-prophetin @lillianastuff @1234ilikecowsthanyoumore

[scarlettaagni]

Original Zs’skayr

The original Zs’skayr was a cruel High Ecto Lord on Anur Phaetos. Enforcing his need for total control across its globe, handsomely rewarding his sycophants, and siccing his thralls onto dissenters.

At least until his tyrannical influence had begun intruding onto other planets, which caused the disparate populaces, collectively outnumbering his loyalists, to rise up and depose him. In a show of mercy he would never have afforded them if the roles were reversed, they banished a notably un-dismantled Zs’skayr instead of destroying him.

His own homeworld had forsaken him, and no place in Anur proper would have him. Few citizens of Anur had left the system, him included. The safest place he knew was remaining adrift in the vast expanse between planets and moons.

With no one to abuse or deflect to, having nothing left to his name, the cold vacuum of space gave him no choice but to begin introspection.

Zs’skayr lost the will to fight for his throne, as well as his hunger for power. There was little left to feel but shame.

With a new purpose in mind, he would explore the galaxy outside of his native system. In the face of his narrow-mindedness, Zs’skayr replaced his thirst for power with one for knowledge, and broaden his horizons.

To learn about the people and worlds outside Anur as well as he did the ones inside, he possessed various beings to explore.

A not insignificant amount took it poorly, such as on Vrykola—

They could’ve used their tools right then or come back with a mob holding pitchforks and torches, so he just counted his lucky stars and more discreetly picked a different host.

Most worlds were just confused, though.

A precious few took it well, like Aldabra—

The Geochelone Aerios were pleasantly surprised to meet an outsider who wished to learn and understand as much as they did, and they had a lot to discuss with him on autonomy and free will, as well as pacifism and de-escalation. Zs’skayr had much impromptu therapy there.

Some were even receptive to him outside of a more familiar host, or even outside of his (what he would come to recognize as appearing “less-threatening”) sun shade. In fact, the royal elect of the Chimeran Empire insisted on it.

That was mainly so it was easier for them and the snipers stationed around the capital to destroy Zs’skayr if he made a move they didn’t like.

Aside from the dawning realization he had just unintentionally threatened an imperialistic military state in front of its leader, the tour he received was enjoyable. They did not make mention of Vilgax.

It was strange, because he had heard developing stories of Vilgax’s conquests and reigns of terror upon other worlds. Maybe it wasn’t so strange the Chimerans didn’t acknowledge this sensitive, worsening stain on their history.

Considering what he and Vilgax had in common, Zs’skayr thought that his kind may have adopted a similar attitude about him. He ultimately would prefer for truth to prevail above all, including information embargos/taboos for the sake of his or anyone’s comfort.

Tales of the Omnitrix’s development similarly spread throughout the galaxy, in hushed whispers, and on his travels, Zs’skayr heard nothing but its prospects as the ultimate weapon.

He was none too pleased, already being surrounded with violence and advancing weapons. It seemed to be all talk and no bite, however. Equal in frequency of stories about the Omnitrix were the ones debunking its existence. It never turned up within Zs’skayr’s vicinity, anyways.

He helped others,

and he was helped by others.

Eventually, Zs’skayr had learned all he wished to, talked to more people than most do in their lifetimes. He was homesick, but knew no good would come from trying to return to Phaetos.

Still wishing to be close, he found a habitable rock on the outskirts of the Anur system, far from Phaetos and made a home.

Since then, Zs’skayr had lived a quiet, humble life in isolation. Built up a cottage, sewed furniture, cultivated a garden in the gnarled wilds that managed to sprout on this rock.

He didn’t feel he deserved to live with his people again, and he didn’t deserve an update on how they were doing, however they decided to govern themselves in his absence. Whether it was good or bad, it wasn’t his business anymore, and they wouldn’t want to be bothered. He respects their wish.

He writes (working on a journal of his travels), he gardens, he goes out for walks and floats, he sleeps, he’s become a tea-fiend, even leaving his rock to the nearest nebula to collect stardust for flavoring. Just a place to wait out his days in peace, hurting no one, retired from social interaction.

At least until an outsider entering the Anur system noticed the clearly inhabited rock and landed to explore. Though painfully shy, Zs’skayr politely greeted her and asked what she wanted, balking at the mention of contributing to the Omnitrix’s creation. As far as he was concerned, it was some superweapon that probably didn’t actually exist, and if it did, he wanted no part in it.

Myaxx gave Zs’skayr the boilerplate explanation of the Omnitrix project her boss Azmuth wrote out for her to read out to all potential donors.

The Omnitrix is a device, not a weapon, that allows its user to become another species. The wielder would become a symbol of galactic unity among its denizens, and to help them grow closer together. It pulls from a catalogue of DNA samples volunteered by willing members of their species. Would Zs’skayr do the favor and, on their behalf, volunteer for the Ectonurites?

The idea of someone who could step into another being’s shoes, or rather, assume the guise of another species to bridge the gap was personal to him. It was a radical, ethical, almost impossibly ideal version of what he had done across the galaxy to understand others better.

Zs’skayr could somehow contribute to the healing of entire worlds and systems. It was something he would have declined earlier in his life, and even doubted he could do now.

Moved by this, he agreed to be the Ectonurite donor for the Omnitrix and tore off a shred of his tentacle for her.

Unfortunately, a grave miscommunication neither realized had occurred. Zs’skayr knew that the sample had a copy of his consciousness on it, but believed that an Ectonurite was only being asked for a DNA sample because the Omnitrix project knew and had a way of correcting it.

Anur’s species are quite insular, rarely leaving or allowing outsiders, and as such, details of their anatomy are not common knowledge to them. Simply put, Myaxx didn’t know to ask, and Zs’skayr didn’t think to tell her.

The now original Zs’skayr then continued his isolation on the edge of Anur, secure in the knowledge that he, at last, could make a net positive impact.

He’d be proud to know of the difference Ben made with him, for the short while he could.

[internetskiff]

seem to be falling back into my UT/DR phase lately. Probably quite obvious, but I don't think Flowey's lack of compassion is exactly literal. He definitely thinks so himself,

but I think it's less a vanishing of compassion and more a byproduct of a complete switch of perspective that occured from the moment he first woke up in the garden. He doesn't quite "feel" anything for anyone anymore because he doesn't view this world from the perspective of an ingame character - as the one who held the power to Save at the time, I believe it came with the side effect of his perspective completely switching over to that of someone playing the game, even if he doesn't quite understand it. There's always an inherent disconnect between a Player and a Fictional Character. A game could tell you "This character is your mother", but you could never feel the same compassion towards that character as you do towards your real parents. I suppose this argument tackles it from the perspective of Flowey being a seperate entity from Asriel - and I do believe this to be the case to a certain extent. It's similar to when the Player takes control of a protagonist with a defined backstory that goes waaaaay back before you even took control. Flowey knows of Asriel, knows of Asriel's history, knows he was Asriel, but as much as he wants to or tries to he simply can't feel the same love Asriel would toward what should be his parents. He can't help but view them as what they really are, even subconsciously - characters in a story. A story where he, at least for now, assumes the lead role. That is of course until Frisk/The Player comes along. He can no longer Save, which means he's ultimately at their mercy now, and as soon as he meets them - what do you know - he feels something! Almost immediately he begins to antagonize Frisk relentlessly, starting with him outright trying to kill them, until instead he resorts to using them as a tool to gather as many souls as possible in one place. He needs his control over the game's Save File back, and for what? To wipe the slate, setting them back to the beginning so they can play together forever. There's a twisted sentimentality to it. A sentimentality he seemingly doesn't ever show towards anyone else except the one entity in the Underground that shares his perspective. Someone he is convinced is an old childhood friend. He knows he can torment them as much as he wants, kill them over and over, because he's been through it himself - therefore he knows they'll come right back. Either that, or they'll simply grow bored and leave him behind. He wants to prevent this in any way he can, and he knows that relentless adversity is the key to keep them from leaving. We usually don't stop playing the game until the main antagonising force is defeated. We don't stop until we reach a satisfying ending. Therefore the answer is simple - dangle that satisfaction in front of their face until repeatedly tearing it away. That way, finally, Flowey can forever play together with a true equal. In his eyes, he and "Chara" are the only two people that truly matter in this world.

[transmutationisms]

fucking love your takes!! you always hit the nail right on the head :)

if i can ask, whats your opinion on the roy siblings’ relationship to sex?? i feel like it’s interesting that their relationship to sex is such an integral part of each of their characters (romans entire thing, shivs issues with monogamy, connor and willa, etc) and im wondering why they set it up that way. out of them all, is there any u think has the healthiest relationship with sex? (im tempted to say kendall lol because his issues with sex seem more garden-variety ie. using sex to fill an emotional void for love and attention and power etc but idk. i feel like there’s more there)

the kids' sex issues accomplish a few different things. one is that, in general, the show leans heavily on the characters' fear of the body as an alien, uncontrollable site of potential humiliation. no matter how wealthy and powerful they are, they can't stop logan from aging and dying; they piss or shit or trip on the stairs; and they therefore have trouble relating to sex in an uncomplicated way. the sex issues telegraph an overall discomfort with their bodies and an alienation from themselves.

more specifically, the way each sibling relates to sex is a direct function of their assigned role in logan's system of gender and corporate hierarchy, and indicates the ways in which they struggle with those positions. roman has always been seen as weak, effeminate, and therefore disgusting; he doesn't identify with the dominant, normatively masculine role, and doesn't want to fuck anyone, in business or literally. his most fulfilling sexual encounters on the show have been gerri echoing the way his father talks to him, and roman getting off on the objectification. shiv instinctively identifies with the dominant role, and has some of the killer instinct for it, but has been excluded from it by her father's view of her as a kind of permanent adolescent girl, kept sexually pure and disembodied; she has difficulty transitioning to the role of wife or mother, as she sees getting fucked physically as equivalent to getting fucked metaphorically, and considers both humiliating and beneath her. her open marriage arrangement would in some ways be quite normative were she a cis man, but instead, it's seen as a violation of her gender role. connor was at one point the heir by default, but is now considered biologically extraneous; his politico-sexual ideology encourages the 'productive' use of sperm, namely through reproduction, yet connor is childless and only recently in a committed relationship. his relationship is transactional—like all relationships on the show—but it bothers him on some level, and multiple times he has tried to convert this into a more romantic language that he wants willa to speak. kendall has been placed in their heir role, which demands exercise of a specific form of masculinity that includes being the one who literally and physically fucks his partners / subordinates, but he speaks this language awkwardly and unsuccessfully in business, and although he can fuck and enjoy fucking, he views his own sex life through logan's eyes and sends away both naomi and jennifer when logan disapproves of them. he also relates to his body primarily as a tool meant to accomplish a task, rather than an object of desire: an obvious point of comparison is his confusion when naomi asks for a dick pic, in contrast to roman actively wanting to frame his own body as an object for consumption that he then sends to gerri.

broadly speaking, their difficulty adhering to logan's definitions of sexual normality are indicative of the violence inherent in those definitions. his disgust at roman's sexuality, disdain of connor's relationship, sense of ownership over roman's and kendall's sexual expressions, and persistent denial of shiv's body and sexuality are all part of the same system, and affect how the kids see themselves and their own sexualities. also, because sex and politics and business all operate within the same discursive field, it would sort of be impossible for any of them to have simple pleasurable experiences of sex as long as they're still trying to exist in waystar or indeed in the broader capitalist structure it encapsulates. for them, there simply is no differentiating their own sex lives from structures of interpersonal violence and economic exploitation.

i don't think the show is trying to argue that any of these is a 'healthier' relationship to sex than any of the others. in general i would challenge that framework (like, healthier for whom? healthier defined by whom? &c) and i also just think the siblings each have distinct shit going on, and it's not generally possible to 'rank' them on any kind of scale of severity; they're just different. additionally, i think all of the siblings' sexual behaviours are a mix of things that are benign on their own, and only appear pathological in relation to the demands logan makes of them, and then things that are more inherently painful for them, regardless of their father. & of course, sometimes those lines blur or shift.

[humunanunga]

Project: Eden’s Garden prologue just dropped and here’s my thoughts on the cast so far 👀

Damon: Oh, so we finally get to play as a tool. Just a total trashman. It’s almost like if we went into the first Danganronpa playing as Byakuya LMAO. Can’t wait to watch his guy slowly figure out he was being a gatekeeping prick just to feel self-important and not have to think about having an identity apart from his talent.

Eva: I love her. I already liked her design when the voice cast was announced, which I also really like, and now I’m really looking forward to how her arc pans out. I like how a lot of her dialogue consists of questions/guesses, directives, or observations you wouldn’t need to take her word for. I also like that, assuming it’s true-- and so far, I’m willing to bet it is-- that, while hesitant, she was honest about being the Ultimate Liar. Imagine how that’d blow up in her face later if she tried lying about what kind of Ultimate she was. She knows it’s a lot to ask for with her talent, but she definitely acts like she wants to be trusted. I already said this in Youtube comments, but the contrast against Kokichi really makes a point for why she’s the Ultimate Liar: a good liar knows when not to lie. For one, a bad liar tells lies they can’t get away with, and for another, if your reputation precedes you, all it takes to deceive everyone is to tell the truth and let their suspicion do all the work.

Grace: Uncalled for, but Damon kinda earns it later.

Wolfgang: A polite boy. A lad, even. Save for how riled up that “demo” got him. Wondering whether he’ll be Damon’s Kaito or his Kokichi... Right now, it seems like Damon’s set himself up to be Wolfgang’s Kokichi. Yikes.

Toshiko: We haven’t seen her mouth yet... curious. Could mean nothing... but if this fangame also includes a plant among the killing game participants, she’s my first guess. Danganronpa loves red herrings, so I don’t think it’d be Eva, but Toshiko? Her color scheme would also fit, everyone woke up in pairs, and a lot of those pairs seem to work well together or at least balance each other out.

Eloise: Hello, so you have red eyes, huh? Is there something you’re not telling us? What was that about analyzing your opponent and predicting their next move, almost like you would in chess? Sorry, you seem very sweet, I just know how these games go.

Desmond: Oh no, you’re gonna get a lotta heat for your talent later, aren’t’cha. I am so sorry, you seem like a real chill dude.

Jean: idk, guys, he's jacked and reliable, and beefcakes with integrity tend to strike out on the fourth case in this series...

Ulysses: Another design I loved from the get-go. I get the impression his habit of note-keeping could be important later... I’m rooting for his survival, but that journal could easily be evidence later.

Ingrid: We love a beefsteak.

Kai: I could see the Ultimate Influencer being a traitor or mastermind and using their talent to gather an audience for their killing game, cuz the games are always streamed and he has a lot more black and white in his outfit than Cassidy, but I... kinda doubt it’ll be him unless they’re all revealed to play roles as the mastermind.

Diana: tbh I’m really hoping she’ll be one of the killers. There’s a lot of potential for a makeup artist to cover their crime, like concealing or faking injuries. They did say she’s done makeup for cinema, I’m just saying. I’m just saying! At the very least, even if she’s cleared, I really hope she’ll be a suspect.

Jett: Don’t know what I expected, but I’m loving his energy. He is doing his best.

Mark: What was with that leer on the train? Did he recognize Damon?

Cassidy: Ohhh boy, are she and Wenona gonna duke it out at some point?

Wenona: Damon... my guy... I woulda thought you’d get along with her. You are a certifiable hypocrite if you’re gonna judge her for being an Ultimate elitist.

Cara: Oh, this wasn’t Eden’s first killing game, was it. I’m surprised none of them pointed out after the practice trial how Cara was an Ultimate too... Wolfgang was right. Asking why would’ve been just as important as asking how. We’re gonna circle back to this case later, aren’t we-- hold on... was... was the point of doing this... did... could Cara’s killer have won a class trial?

Tozu: Did... did he sound like Dr. Frank-N-Furter to anyone else or is that just me? Great voice either way, interesting that it looks like he’s wearing a grey body suit under that coat that'd make him look more like an unnamed Danganronpa culprit. Interesting.

Mara: idk, she yoked tho.

[grigori77]

Critical Role, Campaign 3 Episode 86

Matt: "Don't ask." Yes, probably best ...

Maps! Yay! I love maps! Oh! Czepeku! I love these guys! Nice! And now the costumes make sense. Matt: "What's happening?" Yeah ... we're with you. And now he won't say their name ... Marisha: "Say it, bitch!" LOL

A Luxon D20 with a LIQUID CORE?!!! OH MY GODS ... so cool ... O.O

Liam O'Brien delivered a truly BIZARRE Jester impression there ... cue OG turn from Laura to show us how it's really done ..

Oh yeah! Fearne's in another dimension ... so where is she?

Perception check? Nat20! Nice ... oh yes, US the portal still there? It is ... oh thank fuck ... in she goes ... and she's BACK!!!

Yeah, actually sleep sounds good. They really need it. Goodbye mist form, but still ... like they really are on the verge of exhaustion ...

BTW I am going quietly nuts over Marisha's look tonight ... it's genuinely adorable ... :3

Through the mouth? Is that an EXCUSE, Fearne? Are you being sneaky flirty?

Yes! Anchor a line with the rod. Good idea. It WOULD probably pay to check this out. Be a good retreat point if needed ...

Oh yeah, good point. Would that transfer thing be a potential beacon for Otohan?

So Imogen gets an extra Sorcery point? That is pretty cool ...

Ah yes, Chetney's tools. Affixing a piton for thd rope. Meanwhile Fearne takes the tethered Immovable Rod ... while still a leaf sheep sea slug? Not gonna work ... no, Orym takes it while she guides him through ...

Wow ... Liam STILL doesn't know zll his stats that well ... XD Messy ...

They're trying SO HARD to make Matt accidentally describe this as passing through a weird magic butthole ... XD

Travis: "Chetney's leaving to pursue his fortunes elsewhere."

Aha ... so they ARE on Exandria? Interesting ... but WHERE?

Turning into clouds while still in the water would probably be a bad idea ...

Discussing Fearne and Werewolf Chetney's "sexy time" ... yeah ...

On the shore of this strange lake ... ah yeah, Nature Check! Smart ... pine-trees ... higher altitude ... this is VERY NEW to them ... interesting ... are they on Tal'dorei, perhaps? Near Vasselheim, maybe? THAT would be interesting ...

Mist once more ... heading UP!!! So what do we see?

T-shirt shenanigans ... oh Samuel, you are playing with fire ... XD

A village! Nice ... heading down again ...

Street level! Here we go ... well into the evening ... the place seems to be abandoned ... strange ...

Dusty empty general store ... looks like it's been empty for a while ...

FCG suggests they're in an alternate dimension ... unfortunately much what I was considering ... not that I LIKE this idea any ...

Overgrown gardens ... yeah, another suspicious sign ... some of the buildings are collapsed ...

Ria'doin village ... Lake Umamu ...

It's somewhere in Marquet? Issylra, maybe? Hmmmm ...

Ashton checks out the most expensive house ... which seems to have been ransacked ... but a long time ago ...

Imogen picks up shoreline pebbles snd loose bits of wood from the town.

Grim Psychometry! Here we go ... no joy ... hmmm ...

Chetney joins Ashton, starts checking the house for hidden rooms, etc. Small compartment under the bed, but already emptied ... yup ...

Laudna finds mention of people disappearing ... a whole slew of families leaving ... no, DISAPPEARING ... rumor, conjecture ... then nothing? Weird ...

It's all very X-Files, really ...

FCG casts Speak With Animals on a local bird ... oh, he really does HATE birds, clearly ... talk about trauma ... XD

Matt Mercer ... master of creepy looks ... LOL

FCG has to mark off a Stress Point ...

People walk into the lake? Oh boy ... yeah, this place is CURSED!!! I fucking knew it!

Chetney DEFINITELY wants to sleep here now, just to see what happens ... yeah ...

Aha! Yes, is Imogen picking anything up with her telepathic abilities right now? Nothing ... hmmm ...

Deciding to sleep in the expensive place. It's serviceable fir the night, at least. Setting in ...

Oh dear ... worst time for intrusive thoughts ... XD

Examining spoils ... a Ring of Life Awareness ... whoops ... well THAT'S not a good thing at all ... does thr Ring have tracking? Crap ...

His new feat? Oh yeah, his deal with Nana Morri ... of course ... Master Craftsman! Ooooooòoooooh ... O.O

First watch, Fearne and Chetney ...

Nothing happens ...

Second, Orym and Imogen ...

Orym is attempting to communicate with Caleb Widogast ... oh fuck me it WORKS!!!

CALEB!!! THE DIRT WIZARD LIVES!!! I mean obviously WE know this already, but still ...

Imogen casts Sending to Caleb ... and it WORKS ... then tries to Send to Keyleth ... fuck, it worked AGAIN!!! Sweet!

Catamaran Reach in Issylra! Yup! They were right!

Okay, so she's gonna try snd meet up with them? That's smart ...

Awwwwwwww ... such a sweet moment for these two ... :3 Orym DESERVES a break, so he needs this.

Holy fuck, it's Jester! Oh my gods!

Yeah, she is as adorable as ever ... I love how she can just keep it up now with Unlimited Sendings ... XD

Orym tries to get through to Dorian ... gods I want this to work SO BADLY ...

No response, but he's sure he heard something OUTSIDE?!!! He thinks it might be Dorian ... oh fuck! Creepy horror movie vibes! DO NOT GO, ORYM!!!

No, Orym is just GOING TO THE DOOR ...

Laudna sends Pate to look for him ... literally CHUCKS HIM out the window ... oof ...

Yes, this is a super creepy situation and NOBODY should go ANYWHERE ... and now Ashton can hear something ...

Oh right, of course, clearly there is something IN THE LAKE that's trying to draw people in ... they need to IGNORE THIS FREAKY FEELING!!!

Hunter's Bane? Oh, smart ...

Chetney and FCG are going to investigate ... for fuck's sake ... and now more of them are going ...

Yeah, this is all going south SO FAST ...

Imogen casts Detect Thoughts ... oh shit there IS something IN the fucking lake! Great ...

Liam: "We are in Derry, Maine." Of fucking COURSE they are ...

Imogen tries to Command them all to return to the house ... it works, but not on Ashton ... CRAP!!!

Laudna sends Pate after him ...

And now the other two are going in again! Shit! And NOW Matt decides to call a fucking break? SERIOUSLY?!!!

Welcome back to SHEER FUCKING PANIC!!!

Imogen tries to hold onto Orym ... strength check? Somehow he STARTS TO BEAT HER in that, so they're now BOTH going in! Aaaaaaaah!!!

Fearne tries to Scorching Ray all of them ... but they're ALREADY underwater! Crap!

Laudna sticks her head UNDER THE WATERro try snd see boats? Hmmmm ... amazingly, there are FOUR sunken boats here! Wow ...

She PULLS ONE UP out if the water ... oh fuck she's BROUGHT IT TO FUCKING LIFE!!! And it can talk and crawl around ... bloody hell ... as is THE ROPE ATTACHED TO IT!!! She sends both to collect the others ...

FCG's going down to try and help ...

Weird underwater growth? Oh for FUCK'S SAKE it's some kind of twisted monster! Lovely!

Damn, it's COLD down here! And it's starting to have an effect on EVERYBODY down here now ...

Oh shit it's fucking HYPOTHERMIA!!! They are in DEEP SHIT right now!

Bones. Lots of bones. Yup, this is definitely NOT GOOD.

Mind Sliver? GO IMOGEN!!! 16 points of Psychic damage to this ... THING ...

Fearne bamfs out Mister ... who DOES NOT HAVE WATER BREATHING right now! Crap!

All but Ashton manage to snap out of the trance ... lovely. They are back in control but VERY MUCH lost in darkness and icy cold right now ...

Form of Dread! Undead pirate style! Sweet! And they DIVE!!! It's all gone very POTC with the crew of the Flying Dutchman ...

Dimension Door! Nice one Mister! FCG is now free ...

Laudna (pirate voice): "Arrrr! All aboard the Queen De Rolo!"

Imogen stand again, more psychic damage!

Blood Maladict! Chetney does some damage too ... it does not have blood, but he does hurt it. Now he's swimming for his life ...

Orym makes pushing attacks and succeeds ... he's got some "breathing" room ... and he sees the bones ... tries to grab a skull, but it manages to grab him again in the process! Crap ...

FCG grabs the boat's bough ... grabs his coin snd tries to Turn Undead ... BOOM!!! Unfortunately the creature manages to resist ... but LAUDNA IS EFFECTED TOO!!! Shit ... Nat19! Oh thank fuck ... she resists because "she's a dope underwater captain." XD

The rope grabs Chetney and pulls him up. Laudna: "Give yerself to the Kraken!" LOL ... He unleashes Turmoil and Blasts the beastie ... POW!!!

Marisha: "This is THE BEST SPELL and I'm so glad I took it!"

Now she's trying to frighten the thing with her Form of Dread. Travis: "You CAN intimidate this kelp!" Whoa, a fucken NAT1!!! Jeeze ...

This has become SO VERY SURREAL ...

Somehow BOATY SAVES HER LIFE ...

Shocking Grasp! Go Imogen! 12? Balls ...

Fearne tries to swim in to rescue Ashton ... that's a SHITE roll ... yeah, he is just TOTALLY obscured still ...

Orym breaks free, and now he can BARELY make Ashton out ... wait, HOW THE FUCK did he just move like that? He slashes through snd now Ashton's free ... but he just starts trying to claw his way back in again? Fuck ... Orym tries and fails to break him out again ...

Chetney swipes with Turmoil again ...

Fearne tries to snap Ashton out of it ... NO JOY, and it's BECAUSE OF THE HERO'S FEAST?!!!

FCG tries to flip the coin underwater ... and loses it! It sinks ... but then ACTIVATES!!! BOOM!! Somehow that manages to break Ashton out of the trance! Yes! He books it!

Laudna breeches the boat back to the surface!

Big boom! Everybody run! But YES!!! That's a good point! They need to stay and warn about the thing down below ...

Crap ... the bost and rope are NO LONGER alive ... they swim back to the shore ...

Well, at least they're all out again ...

Balls ... they can't send any more messages ... Chetney carves a warning on the dock. A very obscure warning ... hmmm ... oh, leave the skull for people to talk to?

Orym (spooky voice): "Dead gnomes make no toys!"

They're all so tired ... wait, they're going BACK IN?!!! Hmmm ...

They set up signs matking where yo go, then go back in ... the creature is not there at this time, so they can safely go back through thd portal ... back jn the cave, then ...

Laudna sets up for a watch ...

Orym wonders why Dorian didn't answer the stone ... oh no, don't do that to yourself, wee man.

Wow ... Laudna is having a weirdly profound existential conversation with Pate ... hmmm ...

Oh for fuck's ... DO NOT talk to Delilah, Laudna!

Disturbingly, the ruthless evil bitch is actually giving her some pretty good advice ... oh boy, and here comes the seduction, right on time ... back off, Delilah ...

Laudna: "Are you Pate?" Oh boy ... thankfully no ... oh for fuck's ... now she's SEEING HER ...

Thank the gods ... FINALLY a long rest ... morning comes ...

Oh fuck, greasy takeout sounds SO GOOD right now ... damn you, Ashton ...

Going up sounds like the smart move ... yes, as Orym's saying, "stay curious."

Leaving an arrow to follow ...

A Ring of Protection? Nice. The Tiny Tank (aka Orym) takes it ...

Laudna puts the Harness on and drains the other ring ... whoa ... she gets a permanent 2 extra HP! Sweet ...

Time to climb ...

Group Athletics Check ... great ... 2 Nat20s? Automatic success ... phew ...

FCG tries to Scry on Ira ... the connection fails ... interesting ... communications are once again buggered ... even more interesting ... seems like the Latticework is blocking the signal between worlds ...

Bane-worm? Crap ...

The tunnel just ENDS? Balls ... it's just a hard compacted collapse, no way through.

Oh yeah, can Ashton do something about this? Oh wow, he's doing it ... Ashton activates his Shard and goes all Dragonball Z again ...

Sweet, our boy is now a burrowing GOD ... that's VERY COOL ... he just powers his way STRAIGHT UP ... and surfaces headfirst into a massive dust storm ... he goes back down ... SUPERHERO LANDING!!!

Chetney ATTACKS ASHTON by chucking his chisel at him ... and HITS!!! Oof ... he just POPS IT BACK OUT and stabs it VERY DEEP INDEED into the wall ... that is VERY COOL ...

So they're going up? Okay ... he carves another diagonal tunnel for them up to the surface.

Still a storm up here, but lighter now ...

Scry balk is dark ... phew ...

Imogen tries to reach out to scan the area, Ruidusborn style ... now they have a path, but may also have broadcast their location ...

So goals ... find the Friends of the Volition ...

The Scroll? Ah crap ... read it! Put the protective magic up ... now they're theoretically undetectable ...

Imogen leaves a triggered message that can only activate if an ally passes by ... a Mind Egg? Hmmm ...

So now they're walking through the chappy dust and wind ... charming ...

A vibration in the air? Oh hell what's THIS SHIT?

EVERYTHING'S lighting up? Oh fuck ... IT'S A FLARE!!! FUCK!!!

Imogen and Fearne and now just PULSING OUT ... weird shit ...

It passes and Fearne's still glowing but Imogen's gone ... crap, she's HOVERING IN THE AIR and just SUPERCHARGED ... she snaps out of it and drifts down ...

They BOTH now have 15 temporary Hit Points? Awesome ...

Ashton is just CRUISING THROUGH THE GROUND ahead of them. Like a land shark ... O.O

Eventually he pops up and changes back ... and now he is A WRECK ... great ... TWO WHOLE POINTS OF EXHAUSTION?!!! Holy shit ...

FCG casts a 4th Level Greater Restoration to bring him back up to health again ...

Fearne turns into a direwolf and scouts on ahead.

A carved valley? Hmmm ... oh, an actual CITY ... that's Kreviris, then ...

And that's it for the night ...

Phew ... at least it's s chilled out end for once ...

[deathsweetblossoms]

Elain, like Elide, Uses Appearance to Make People See What She Wants them to See

I've been playing with this idea for awhile and as soon as I started reading TOG for Elide & Lorcan, it really pulled the whole theory together. Elide is able to borrow the personas of people she knows to get people to do what she wants. Similarly, she knows how to change her appearance (and even Lorcan's) to get people to give her information or do what she needs them to. She knows how to play a role. And Elain? "Elain can convince anyone to do anything with a few smiles".

In Feyre’s bonus chapter in ACOSF, Rhys suggests Elain “felt she had to be (sweet and innocent) or else she’d disappoint (everyone).” My personal headcanon is that almost every article of clothing she wears plays exactly into this sentiment. In my theory, she is very similar to Elide, in a way that guarantees a future in espionage. For Elide this was a survival tactic, for Elain she was almost compelled to play into the roles expected of her so as not to disappoint those she cares about. Both motivations for their manipulations play into each woman's journey to self empowerment. It's not seen as "evil" or "bad", it's simply a tool in their arsenal.

The infamous black dress in Hewn City. "Both sisters wore black. Both walked behind Rhys and Feyre...they'd planned it that way, wanting Eris to see for himself how valuable Nesta was." "Elain in black was ridiculous....the color of her long-sleeved, modest gown leeched the brightness from her face....Elain had let her golden-brown hair down tonight*, and pinned it back with twin combs of pearl." Elain is canonically the most beautiful sister. Knowing that, she and everyone knew the political game required all curious eyes to avoid her and to gravitate towards Nesta. The best way to do this is to dress so far down that none of the members of Hewn City would even look twice at her -- which she achieved. Cassian mentions that "he knew the cruelty of the Hewn City troubled (Elain)", but that she'd squared her shoulders and insisted she was a part of the Night Court anyway. That she would do what needed to be done. Knowing that, I think Cassian played right into how she intentionally dressed herself for this event. When Elain wants to feel beautiful, she braids her hair or adds adornments to her body (*see my next point to further prove this), but she purposefully avoided doing that to the extreme. Cassian played right into what she wanted him to see, in the same way that Lorcan played right into Elide's ploy to come across as a naive girl. (Until she isn't anymore and he starts to see who she truly is).

In ACOWAR, when Feyre returns from the Spring Court and comments: “Her hair was down — not even braided. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen it unbound. She wore a moon-white silk dressing gown.” Elain was obviously in crisis mode here, but it says a lot that Feyre can’t remember seeing Elain’s hair unbound — so even when they were starving, even when she had visited her in ACOTAR and ACOMAF, Elain always puts some effort into her hair. * Furthermore, in ACOFAS when Elain sees Azriel in the potato scene, she immediately excuses herself to remove her apron and "rebraid her hair". Canonically, she returned with her hair rebraided. For Azriel. Because she wanted to look pretty for him. Only when Elain was in basically a deep depression was she unable to care enough about her appearance to leave her hair completely unbound. Keeping this into consideration, it casts the scene in Hewn City in a different, curious light in that she put very minimal effort into making her hair look presentable (unbound and simply pinned back with the pearl clips? The girl didn't want ANYONE to notice her).

In ACOTAR, Feyre says this about Elain: “my sister was beaming, content — prettier than I’d ever seen her, even in her simple muslin gardening dress. Her cheeks were flushed beneath her large, floppy hat.” This quote is what inspired this whole theory. I have always wondered if this was Elain's "natural" state, when she felt most comfortable, when she was happy, when she wasn't putting on a show was when she was wearing her simple, muslin gardening dress. In this scene, she was talking about her passions and showing Feyre the garden she grew with her own efforts. She didn't need to put on a show for queens, or neighbors, etc. She was simply with her sisters.

So, what does this all mean? Personally, I think we will see the inner workings of Elain's penchant for intentional fashion in her upcoming POV and we will finally see what it looks like when she isn't playing into the "sweet and innocent" role. Like Elide, I believe she will continue to use appearances and charm as a tool to protect herself and to assist the IC. I also wouldn't be surprised if it assisted with a particular skill set required for gleaning information from rival courts to bring down the bad guys. A few people have expressed that they wish to see Elain wear THE SLUTTIEST DRESS OF ALL TIME when she revisits the Hewn City, and I fully believe she will. It will play into her journey of self discovery and self empowerment; a way to express herself that is still her but with a little more kick to it.

[tomhollandnet]

Tom Holland: "Several times I needed a shoulder to cry on filming 'The Crowded Room', but I had many" | elespanol.com

"I learned a very valuable lesson from Jake Gyllenhaal," says Tom Holland in an interview with SERIES & MÁS | EL ESPAÑOL. "You have to do everything possible to make yourself look as aesthetically different as possible with each role, he told me. The studio didn't want to, but I did it, I think the hair is the icing on the cake of The Crowded Room."

The star of the new Apple TV+ series says he made the decision to grow his hair long as an executive producer, "I thought that was the way his character should look." The studio objected because that appearance was too far removed from his public image, but they ultimately agreed.

This anecdote could remain a curiosity on the set, but the experience of making the series was so difficult and intense that Holland confesses that he had a breakdown at home, in which he felt he needed to shave [his head] to get rid of the character.

"Akiva Goldsman was a great ally to me on set," he explains when asked if he had support handling these types of situations. "I have a wonderful support network in my friends. My brother was with me. Several times I needed a shoulder to cry on while shooting the series, but I had so many to choose from, so I was very lucky."

Amanda Seyfried, who plays Rya Goodwin, a vital character to the story, confesses that she had always wanted to play someone similar. "My favorite show is Dateline," she says. "I had wanted to do it all my life, I was ready. I think we all like to face a puzzle, and here I have the opportunity to fight to ask the right questions."

Those questions should be asked to Holland's character, "I think Tom is amazing as Danny. He's a very complex character. I was excited to see him in the role and also to be the person who gets to know him better and tries to help him."

"I think Rya's compassion for Danny comes from a deeply curious mind and heart," explains the actress. "I teach it to my kids. I think it's important to have compassion, because it dilutes your instinct to judge. I think judging comes from brokenness and fear," she notes.

The other key piece of the story is Candy, the mother of Danny Sullivan, played by Emmy Rossum. "When we meet her she is very young, a bit childish in a way. We see how the decisions she makes erode not only her own self, but also her relationship with her son. They both use denial as a survival tool."

Candy is a complex character, who could easily be labeled a villain, so in addition to compassion, empathy is another of the themes that the series talks about. "It's very important as you learn more and more about that character. I also had to have compassion for Candy. For me it was a complicated character to play because I found out that I was pregnant during the shooting."

"I had to remind myself that Candy's life wasn't mine. It's hard to let go of a character like that when you're alone at home, because even though you're just acting, when you're filming, you feel what she feels. But showers, listening to pop and rap music and eating chocolate are my answer," she confesses.

"Today is my first day back at work," Holland reveals. "I took a sabbatical after filming. I've been working on my house and building cabinets and gardening and all that kind of stuff. I knew that when I finished shooting I could rest, so I accepted the challenge. Now the series is yours. I hope you like it".

Translated via Google Translate, proofread by tomhollandnet

[lollytea]

Not to be unhinged abt your AU but I can see Fates really being a burden on Willow in this story. I recently listened to Hadestown and loved their role in that: "three mean women all dressed the same," they say out loud to Willow (and Hunter!) all the worst stuff they say to themselves, and that it's impossible to try and change things. "Doubt comes in and kills the lights, doubt comes in and chills the air," "what are you gonna do when the chips are down?" etc. They're like the anti-muses!!!

Ooooooh you right!!! I'm not too stringent about accuracy in this AU. Just going with whatever ideas are the most fun. So I'm thinking that the Fates are slightly different creatures than they are in the movie (and myth itself I suppose)

When you mentioned them speaking Willows's insecurities aloud to her, I was initially thinking they'd be Boscha, Skara and Amity? Like Willow's original bullies. However I don't think it's fair to Amity and Skara to confine them to their season 1 selves. Plus Boscha is....she's just some girl. I think it's likelier she'd be the girl who bullies Willow early on before she leaves home to train to be a God. She's such a "backstory" kind of bitch. We are leaving her in the backstory section of Willow's life.

But okay okay okay okay okay what if!!! So fates okay. Three miserable old crones. I'm thinking maybe Odalia, Terra and Hettie. Like they each have their own specific expertise that aids them in their role as fates and they're also capable of combining their power and sharing it among themselves. They're both individuals and a hivemind at the same time. Does that make sense?

So Odalia is an oracle. Self explanatory for her role as a fate. She's the one who knows all the significant dates. She's the one who says it's "it's time" when a human is due to leave this realm.

Terra has a mental link to the land and nature itself. Everything is connected via the roots beneath her feet. She can sense when a flower is withering. She can sense when a human is withering. She sees the world in plant terms. Thinning out the population is no different than trimming a garden. She summons the vines and stems that represent human life.

Hettie understands the complexities of human biology, fatal injuries and pestilence etc etc. She's attuned to every vein, every artery and every heartbeat and she's the only one among the three capable of cutting the lifeline. Terra holds the vine tight and Hettie snips it with one of her medical tools.

I think it'd be neat.

[absurdthirst]

Can I request a headcanon for how good or bad each of the Pedro character are at helping around the house? I'm thinking Marcus Pike is great with chores but probably can't cook (I always remember him eating takeout or diner food in the show) and Max Philips definitely hires a cleaning service.

Helping Around The House:

Javier: Did you see how clean his apartment could be? This man helps out. He’s not the typical bachelor slob and that transfers over into a relationships. Come on? That toothbrush cup and his razor was neatly placed on the little mirror ledge. However, he does NOT cook. You don’t want him to. This man burned water, literally started reading a report and boiled all the water out of the pot and scorched it. But he won’t complain about a hot dog if you really don’t cook either. 

Ezra: Ummmm, you guys don’t have much. Your pod is nice and neat, but thats by necessity. There’s not a whole hell of a lot that you carry that isn’t for survival, so there isn’t a lot of mess. However, he does set up the camp marvelously efficiently. Cooking isn’t any better either. Those Nutri packs or bars is about as fancy as it gets when you are roughing it out on the Green. 

Mando: Mando is....militaristic. Everything has a place but beyond the neatly organized weapons locker, he’s not exactly domestic? Like meals are broths or packaged meals. The Crest has cargo containers with stuff, but it’s all organized so he knows exactly where everything is when he needs it. It’s more about you staying out of things than anything else honestly. At least at the beginning. You start bringing things in the ship, making him sigh and start reorganizing to find a place for it. Although he was really upset when the Crest was destroyed because you lost all your stuff. 

Frankie: He was in the military. The man knows how to keep an area clean. Things are not white glove clean since the baby, but he helps out. There's not really a chore list between the two of you. It’s just more of a ‘if it needs doing at that moment, do it’ type of attitude. He’s not going to ignore a full dishwasher or dryer because that’s ‘your’ chore. Although all the small fix it type chores around the house are his. He doesn’t trust you not to lose his tools. 😂

Tovar: You are kidding right? He is a man, his job is to provide for you. Your job is to take what he’s provided and turn it into a warm and welcoming home for him. It’s the time of course that lends him to adhere to this ideal of what the roles are. HOWEVER...this man also chops the wood and hauls the water, literally builds the house, breaks the ground for the garden every spring, and takes care of the hunting the meat. It’s not that he doesn’t help you, it’s more that you each play your roles very well and they compliment each other. 

Agent Whiskey: Jack absolutely hires a cleaning service. He’s never home. Always away on missions. And when he is home, he wants to spend every moment he can with his sugar, not worrying about cleaning a house. He has someone come in every couple of days to take care of the cleaning so you don’t have to worry about. Although, when he’s home, Jack will fire up the grill to make you a mean ribeye to go with that bottle of Statesman. 

Max Phillips: Cleaning service. You really think he’s going to clean up all that blood? Although it’s more that he turned the cleaning lady into a vampire. Hasn’t cooked since he's become a vampire, so you are on your own with that. Just, dear God, go easy on the garlic. That shit stinks. 

Marcus Pike: Of course Marcus will help. He’s going to assist any way that he can, maybe take on the chores that you hate the most because it will make you happy. Chore chart? Would that make it easier? Whatever it is, he’s in this 50/50. Although....he can order a mean take out, he cannot cook - bless him. Maybe a cooking lesson as a date night?

Oberyn: Chores? Things around the castle? That’s the servants responsibilities. Your job it so be by his side and his job is to do a lot of things, but none of them require either one of you to worry about washing clothes or preparing food. Your days of thinking you will live a hard life breaking your back for some shit lord are over. 

Dave York: He takes the trash out. When he’s in town. Honestly, with his schedule, he knows that a lot of the day to day gets put on your shoulders. He appreciates that, so when he is home on the weekends, he gives the girls strict instructions that they aren’t to bother you with anything, Mr. Mom mode is activated. It’s the least he can do for you holding down the fort while he was out being sexy murder daddy. 

Zach: What are you talking about? You barely do anything. Zach is so damn proud of having a roof over his head, he’s going to be hard pressed to let you do anything. Seriously. He loves the fact that he has a place to clean and chores to do in order to maintain a home. It takes a little while and a few arguments to get him to relinquish the almost iron grip he has over the household cleaning.

Marcus Moreno: He’s honesty relieved to have a little help with the household chores to be honest. Missy has her chores, but he’s so very happy to have help with cooking and just the general cleaning of the house. Just tell him how to you want to pitch in and he will make sure that he tells you how much he appreciates it. 

Max Lord: To be honest, Max isn’t present even when he’s at home. He’s in his home office, working, burying his head in paperwork to find that dream stone. His dreams for you, for Alistair hinge on him finding that artifact and making sure that he has everything he’s ever wanted, and that he can give you the world. Sitting in his paper littered office, he doesn’t understand that you want him to help now, with the little things. Taking out the trash is more important that the riches he seeks in your eyes. He just can’t see it. 

Javi G: Javi doesn’t clean. Not because he’s an ass, but that is what they have hired people to do. He doesn’t make intentional messes, he cleans up after himself and he doesn’t leave his clothes scattered floor everywhere, but it’s just not on his radar to do chores. However, he does clean his memorabilia room himself. Does that count?

Dieter: Cleaning??? The only cleaning this man does is when he cuts neat little lines in his cocaine to snort up. He’s living in hotels most of the year and then when he’s home, he’s got the most amazing housekeeper at his house in Sherman Oaks. She comes in everyday and is witness to what a messy slob Dieter can be. This man child is absolutely useless with domesticity. 

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[i-bring-crack]

Think about it:

A story about the national rank hunters and kamish in the og timeline

All the info we really got was a bunch of people die, 5 people live, and nothing else

We see 3 out of the 5 and one of them turns into a burnt stick instantly, another has a decent role, and the last one shows up in 15 panels max

Theres so many possibilities on what could’ve happened

Not to mention, it would’ve been a great way to showcase side characters

Im thinking about it and had so much time to think about it that i came up with a crisis about how much I want to talk to someome about SL Rag again.

For the sake of it I will put the normal ideas first(Thomas and Reed, plus a bit of Zhigang and some canon divergence ideas) and then seperate the info about the rest of the hunters from the sequel (Siddhart, Liu,) inside the brackets.

But dear god do I LOVE them. Ive tried to find everything about them as much as possible, and watched the same national rank video (of them being insulted but in espanolllll) for the nth time because it was the only national rank video that i had known about but ahhhh. I keep thinking that the author left them there bc he had expected to make some use of it but decided to rush the story instead, or just placed it to make the threat of thomas seem a bit more threatning. Either way I would have also loved to see not just the national hunters but also the way they inteeracted with their guilds and countries as well.

For Christopher Reed my main headcanon was to have his past be connected to the Kamish event, having not just ptsd from fighting the dragon but also having lost his family in that event. He seemed reserved and doesnt even like hunting as shown in the time he rejected going too deal with an S rank dungeon despite that being his main duty for it. I also think it would have been cool to have a hunter who didnt do this just because of survival or fame, but because he was forced from it from the start, by pretty much everyone: the society, the assosiation, and even the ones who gave him the power. of course he likes the power and fame either way but he would give it all up (prob) if he could just go back again to having his peaceful life. His past could also show the social pressure hunters go through, especially those with more power who are in that line between idols for the people and tools for the goverment (or even their own guild) while also showing the years prior to Kamish and how that devastation had reshaped society as a whole.

For Thomas Andre I wish we could have seen more of his background as well, and his development to being humbled towards others that began to deserve it. I like it in the manhwa but I just wish there had been more to that, especially for him to respect others that werent just Jinwoo, Thomas and Laura. I would be quite interested in Laura's dynamic as well, how did she come to meet him and how did she come to be one of the closests people as well. we dont even know what her rank is, just that she is pretty competent at what she does, and honestly that surprises me a lot bc for most of the guilds that we have seen, the ones who have the most authority are those with more power, yet not once do we see Laura needing to use that, and thats fun. It would also be fun if she is just a non awakened one or a lower rank, since it would be funny to see her boss other S ranks around (or her having so many S rank guard dogs by her side becasue she is the best guildmate they could ask for!). Oh right this was about Thomas haha-- I also wished to see more wholesome moments with Norma, the side stories indicated that he had fond respect of those who save him and also him eating her cookies or doing gardening just heals my soul every time I look at it!

The healer, we know jack shit. Well, we know one thing, that they are a healer. I did make an OC of them once, as well as trying to pin down the possible location of what country they might haave been from : Russian or France where the options since they have been the countries that alo dealt and cleared an S rank raid. My thoughts would range a lot on how I wanted to present the S rank, especally since they are the ones who probably carried the whole ass team throughout the entire fight. Also them being a megalomaniac in the same way healers are in games would have been funny, in accoun to the fact that they would have the same rabid cannot be tamed energy as the rest of the heroes. I hope we get to see something of them one day, especially when Ragnarok comes back (FOUR DAYS AH)

I dont need to say much in account of Liu Zhigang being the most beloved nd most infuriating character becasue of his whole wasted potential. Well, absolutely right I would have love me for him to have been the actual strongest or have some cooler fighting techniques that didnt just rely on the pure strength like the rest of the other national ranks. I would have also loved to see him and his guildmates a lot more, since it was hinted that there was a lot of powerful hunters which china kept hidden from other countries. Also he really seemed to be a guy coming straight out of a martial arts movie so i am glad i wasnt the only one who thought of him growing all hi life to perfect certain martial arts styles.

Siddhart Bachchan is perfect as he is in the SLRagnarok I have nothing more to say of him or about him :3

[depressedhatakekakashi]

I had some thoughts on the timeline about Dai and B&B au.

Dai on day one waking up semi delirious and running into a furious Kakashi after he picked the Forget me knot. Learning the story from the furniture (which yup. These are the best animatronics he has ever seen! He once made a small moving toy for Gai but this is beyond him! (That or he's dying from fever. One or the other. But magic does not exist so its not that ^^b)). And making a self rule/ promise that he shall not return until he made things right with the young hairy master, by fixing his garden!

Dai seeing Asuma with a crack on his clock face and using his old skills to fix it on day 2 of being there. Also helps tune him up afterwards so he's running better than ever. Then gets back to work outside (Kakashi does a double take at that.)

Dai being thrown into the carriage, only to not only break it open from the inside with his tools, force the carriage take him back; but he fixed that up too before returning to the garden. This is day three. (Kakashi doing a triple take!)

Day 4 and Kakashi is forced to have a conversion with this strange, stubborn man when he realizes yelling, intimidating and literally throwing him out won't work. Tries to get him to leave only to learn about this man's life and sweet young son back home.

Day 5 and Dai learns the beastly man has a name! Sickness is getting worse but he has made a promise and he will get through it. Also is starting to fear the wolves will use the new exercise machine he made to grow powerful and become the dominant species after growing jacked. Kakashi seems a lot more worried about him after he discloses that information.

Day 6 and Dai can't stop hacking up a lung. But he promises on his youthful spirit that he will get this done. No matter how many times Kakashi throws him over his shoulder and puts him back in bed. He swears that after all this, he will also teach this young man how to shave since his own father was not there to teach him. Poor thing. In the mean time the two have an actually fun talk about science and how clocks and other household items can be fixed. Wishes the fluffy boy would stop playing a pranks on him with this magic stuff but alas, understands if he wants to keep his machines a trademarked secret.

Day 7, his sweet young son is here! And he just kicked his host in the face!!! Must de-escalate the situation! By now his baby boy, his furry boy, and the furniture are all starting to make sense and maybe he should see a doctor for a brief visit while his son does some of the work for him. Promises to be back soon and for Gai to be nice to their furry host. Asks Kakashi to treat his young boy (who is 21) nicely. And finally accepts the carriage ride back to the village. Hopes his boys will get along without him...

Love the thought of Dai venomously denying the existence of magic and refusing to hear anything about a ‘magic curse’ or furniture that’s actually human’s. Preposterous!

And the immediate adoption of Kakashi is delightful. Man saw a fury child and went ‘ah, yes. A child in need of a father’ XD just didn’t realize his role as a father would be that of a Father-in-law XD he has to learn that the hard way when he finds out his son went and fell in love with the fury man.

Asuma getting fixed! He has had that crack for years after a bad spill, and Kakashi was able to repair him a bit so he kept working but he could never repair the glass.

Dai finds some unused glass in the castle and cuts a piece out if it perfectly fitted for Asuma, and replaces it with such ease that Kakashi and all of the staff are amazed.

He even fixes up some of the other furniture if he can. Like Obito has a bent candle arm that he warps back into place and Kurenai has broken hinges that he happily replaces before turning his attention to the dusty state of the castle.

He even fixes Tenzo who’s screws have gone a bit rusty over the years and makes sure he’s in good working order again before continuing his work in the garden (it’s hard for Kakashi to hold a screwdriver. Fixing Asuma was hard enough with his giant paws, Dai did that job way better than he could have)

Also i imagine Kakahsi being very intrigued with Dai’s inventions and being the first person other than Dai who wants to hear more. Which is where the major comparisson between Kakashi and Madara appears.

Madara treats Dai as a nuisance and crazy for his ideas

Kakashi clearly admires him and wants to hear more

The choice is pretty easy for Gai to make even if he didn’t spend months hanging out with Kakashi slowly falling in love with him