#a decent training ground for the format

[fictionadventurer]

Beauty and the Beast for the WIP game?

My only real attempt at writing poetry before this year happened during a stretch when I tried to write a Beauty and the Beast retelling in verse. I got about two-thirds of the way through before it fizzled out and languished forever unfinished.

When it comes to my recent novel-in-verse obsession, the simplest option would be to take another look at this work and try to finish it. There's a lot of terrible poetry in there, but there are some that are somewhat better than I remember. I can't claim to be a judge of what's good poetry, but some of these are readable, so I'll share some of them here.

The first set of semi-readable poems covers the first meetings between Beauty and the Beast. (These are all numbered, and I'm leaving the numbers in place to better differentiate between separate poems. I think the speaker in most of these is fairly clear from context, but just in case, I'll put the speaker's name in the title, too.)

VI. beauty and beast

he is every nightmare i’ve ever forgotten he is thunder and darkness and death he is fear with fangs he is beastly

she is every dream i’ve never dared for she is roses and sunlight and life she is hope with jewels she is beauty

*

VIII. beauty

the chair creaks when he sits

my knees quake when he speaks

the master laughs when i ask

when i will die

my ears doubt when i hear

my mind reels when i realize

the master wonders when i began

to think he’d kill me

IX. beast

the rules are these you are mistress of this castle the servants will obey your every whim the rooms and all within are yours including me

you will dine with me at dusk we will not speak if you want silence you will look at me and try not to scream

i will not harm a hair of your head i will not cause a moment’s worry you will do whatever you wish except leave

X. beauty

his mercy shatters my world makes it bigger and at the same time smaller

how can i live in a monster’s cage

my life will be long and lonely with him my friend and at the same time jailer

how can i look at a monster’s face

the castle teems with wonders that all belong to him and at the same time me

what do i do with a monster’s love

*

The next set of poems I feel like sharing starts with Beauty finding a portrait in the castle, and then leads into her sharing a dance with Beast that makes her kind of freak out over the fact that she might be falling in love.

XXII. beast

today you found a painting in a long-forgotten room covered in cobwebs and shrouded in dust

there was a reason it was lost

the portrait showed a man with a face like the dawn and eyes like the sea you thought he looked kind

he was young and a fool

you may keep it if you wish or lock it back in darkness it matters not to me i used to see him daily

i doubt i’ll see his face again

*

XXIV. beauty (and beast)

if rooms have souls the ballroom is wise a radiant beauty long past her prime

she treasures the days when she lived and was loved she keeps them and counts them like pearls on a string

(she is not the only one, my dear)

long past midnight in moonlight and hush this sleepwalking girl can glimpse former days

a flash of a gown and a whisper of waltz what glorious balls must this room have beheld

(they were marvelous indeed, my friend)

it seems a shame she grows old alone with nothing but darkness and dust held within

i would dance for her return the spark of life if only we had music and i had a partner

(i will gladly dance with you, my love)

XXV. beast

my dear beauty don’t you know i learned dancing long ago

one step closer take my hand with a waltz you’ll understand

let the music guide your feet in a dance that’s slow and sweet

hand in hand and heart to heart it’s not love but it’s a start

XXVI. beauty

he is hulking beastly

i am small delicate

i should be stumbling crushed

but

we marvelously miraculously dance

and it feels like flying

XXVII. beauty (to the portrait)

man on the wall i may be mad but i must give voice to the storm in my heart and you are the only one near

the master puzzles me i know his home as well as my own but i know so little about him

(is he beast or man or nightmare or dream or captor or friend)

i saw his face and thought him a beast

(but he grows roses and reads poems and has never killed or even raised his voice)

i heard his voice and thought him a monster

(but he spared my life gave me his home and all he owned offered his heart and never once has been anything but gentle)

i watched him dance and thought him a man

(with grace like an angel or a prince and i think that maybe he was not always so lonely and that his heart aches for things lost)

what am i to think do say be feel about him now

and why do these questions always come at midnight

*

The final poem is one that I had completely forgotten about, so I was shocked to find it lurking in the latter sections of the document and showing signs of using some decent imagery. By polishing up the last couple of lines, I've got something that's not half bad as a standalone poem.

This one occurs during an extended period when Beauty is still trying to process her feelings toward Beast and figure out if this is really love or if her feelings are being warped by isolation and close proximity.

XXX. beauty

if this is love it is a dark and grasping love a child stumbling in the night crying for a candle flame and cherishing the smallest spark of light

if this is love it is a bleak and desolate love a skeleton tree in a barren desert windbeaten and scrubbed to bone and bursting into bloom at the first drop of rain

if this is love it is a smoke and mirrors love a sleight of hand or trick of light that takes my broken heart and fools me into thinking he can make it whole

[hatsukeii]

12:51 FM / K. AKAASHI

BROWSE EPISODES HERE

-EPISODE 1: CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE SHIRT?-

01:00 ━━━━●───── 15:58 ◁ PREVㅤ ❚ ❚ ㅤNEXT ▷ ㅤ

warning(s): use of y/n (format)

wc: ~0.9k

Akaashi swings open the door to the recording booth at 12:51 pm, only to see you eating your lunch over the foam cover of the microphone again. His bag is thrown haphazardly onto the ground as he runs a hand through his hair, slick with sweat. You wince, scooting your chair away from his seat in preparation. When Akaashi situates himself beside you, the immediate vicinity smells of sweat and gym floor grime covered up by copious amounts of deodorant and cologne. He reaches up to pop a pair of headphones over his ears, revealing a plasticky print on his t-shirt that is definitely not a part of the uniform.

Y/n: Keiji- oh god that's- what are you...wearing? Is that even allowed?

Akaashi: Do I stink? God, please tell me I don't stink.

Y/n: If you had just held back on the deo then you wouldn't. Did Bokuto put you up to it?

Akaashi: Well you can never smell his sweat, right?

Y/n: ...Sure? Now, I was saying, good afternoon Fukurodani High! This is your host y/n-

Akaashi shifts in his seat, craning his neck to reach his microphone, which seems to work perfectly only at one specific angle. He rubs his nape with both hands, squeezing and massaging as he begins to speak.

Akaashi: And Akaashi who does NOT stink, contrary to y/n's belief.

Y/n: Well your fashion sense does.

Akaashi: Fu- what d'you mean?

Y/n: A shirt with a dog that's the size of Honshu- you know, this is what happens when I don't help you. Where'd you even get that?

Akaashi: Uh, it's an English setter. I'm a setter?

Y/n: Oh- right! That was supposed to be today's topic, thanks. How'd your friendly go just now?

Akaashi: Ah, my sets weren't that good. Like, they were fine. But not good.

Y/n: You won, though?

Akaashi: Course.

You scoff, rolling your eyes at Akaashi. His brows furrow in response, feigned offense plastered across his face. He flexes his fingers and cracks his knuckles one by one beneath the table, until all ten fingers have popped. Then, he does it all over again until they make no sound.

Y/n: Well, that’s what really matters, right? Chill out Keiji, you're good.

Akaashi: Just wish I was better, y'know? More consistent. Like Bokuto, he's the ace for a reason.

Y/n: Bokuto? Say that again out loud, slowly. This is the same guy that goes from zero to a hundred over a single point.

Akaashi: Nonono- not like that! It's more like... I could give him the worst set I've ever seen, and he could still make a decent play. If I want to find new ways for my team to play the ball...then I have to get better.

Y/n: That's some passion I'm hearing over here!

You beam at Akaashi, who smiles weakly in response. His eyes train downwards, and you don't miss the glint in his eyes at the mention of being passionate about something. You think that you've done good bringing it up for him.

Akaashi: Well, yeah. I like volleyball. Love it, even. Just like how you love making me new outfits on the weekends and chopping up my clothes until they fit nicely. Can't get enough of it.

Y/n: Yeah, and even then I can't save you from this dog shirt. I should extend my services to the weekdays.

Akaashi: Dress me like one of your French girls then, I guess.

Y/n: Should I dye your hair white then? Give you some cake with that?

You chuckle, and for a moment Akaashi turns away from the microphone to join you, giggling at a joke that won't make sense to anyone listening to the episode. His hands leave his neck to settle on the edge of the table, and the two of you double over cackling, arms wrapped around your stomach. Akaashi snorts, a trickle of snot rolling down his nose, and you laugh even louder. He rubs his nose with his shoulder, catching his breath and realigning himself with the microphone before you can crack another joke.

Akaashi: Ahh, please do not do that y/n. But you get me, right? Like, wanting to get good at something so I can spend more time doing it. I get to spend more time with the people I like, and the feeling after a set that goes into the right spot?

Y/n: Oh, that's gotta be better than- am I allowed to say better than sex on air?

Akaashi: Probably...not?

Y/n: Damn. Okay, well that's gotta be the best.

Akaashi: It is. Even my fingers getting sore is an accomplishment at this point-

Y/n: Oh, right, bandages. You need new ones, right? I grabbed them for you before school, remind me to get them out later on after this episode.

Akaashi: Ah, thank you so much, y/n. I think Fukurodani has heard enough about me for the past few minutes. Wanna talk about yourself for a bit?

You look over to Akaashi, who's got some sort of...look in his eyes. His fingers are pressed flat against his nape, and you push his microphone down lightly. It hums, static creeping up from beneath the surface, and he pushes it back up, only to press into his neck harder as his head tilts to align with it. When you push it down again, he surrenders, letting his head hang and his hands fall to the table. He shakes his head at you and you nod, taking the hint.

Y/n: Yeah, let's do that instead.

author's note: can you tell im still trying to get back into the groove of writing? it's really been a while... gonna try to do some prose and self-indulgent fics in between this to get my footing! I already have some ideas...

tags: @wyrcan @kawoala @bakery-anon @catsoupki @chuuya-brainrot @hiraethwa @fiannee @staraxiaa @akaakeis @velvetreds @kongkhoi @hiraethwrote @shouyuus @kuroppiii @bailey-reeds @kameyyy @tokeposts @tobiosluvr @gumims @justagirlnamedkai @stillnotherapy

p.s if you're not in the general taglist, comment/ask for tag if you'd like to be included in the taglist for this series!

[allstartrekgames]

Star Trek: Away Team

Original Release: 2001

Developer: Reflexive

Publisher: Activision

Platform: PC

Away Team is an isometric strategy game, kind of like a real-time version of X-Com. You control a squad on board a ship called the NX Incursion – a small ship fitted with holoemitters that can disguise itself as other ships. Sadly, you don’t get to do anything with this cool ship, as you control a security squad on ground-based missions.

That said, “control” might be a bit too strong of a word. The game is a really odd mixture of them not following instructions really well but also requiring too much control at the same time. One key thing about real time strategy games is AI – you give your units a task and they do it. However, this is nearly non-existent in Away Team. You can only order tour squad to move a short distance as they can’t figure out longer distances. This leads to some situations where you tell your squad to go somewhere and get the confirmation animation, only that half your squad was slightly out of range and stay behind while the rest leave. When you move as a group, there’s also zero formation, it’s like a group of kids walking around, not a highly trained elite squad.

This extends to the shooting. Press the shoot button and your squad will stop and shoot directly there. They won’t carry on moving then shoot, and they won’t shoot while still moving either. So when your team is moving around the corner, you either have to let the person in front stand there and get shot, or shoot and have most of your team fire at a wall. I could understand if the game was designed for quick and precise aiming as a key element, but you can pause to fire at any time.

The graphics are also frustrating. There’s a nice art style used, but the game is locked to a 640×480 resolution, which was tiny back then. The default zoom makes it hard to tell your team apart and zooming in just stretches the pixels, which is no help at all. The levels are a mixture of shooting through everything or being stealthy, the latter being handy as you can easily trick enemies into investigating something where there’s a wall in the way and they’ll just be confused by the wall.

It’s a shame as the story itself is pretty decent, with a mysterious contagion that seems to be taking over the minds of high ranking officials in the Federation, Klingons, Romulans and even taking over Borg drones.

[theromanovsistersnew]

In June 1906, our entire regiment was invited to Peterhof to the Tsar for a "garden party". The reception was to take place at the Tsar's dacha, inAlexandria, in a marvelous park with huge old trees and amazingly beautiful green lawns. The day before we had arrived from Krasnoe Selo by train and spent the night in the Uhlan barracks. And the next day, at about four o'clock, the whole regiment marched in formation to Alexandria, with the music choir at the head. It wasn't very far to walk, I remember. We stopped in front of the park gates, cleaned ourselves up again and brushed the dust off our boots. Everyone was dressed in white, the officers in white jackets, the soldiers in white shirts, and all without weapons, no sabres, no rifles, no cutlasses. The weather was such as only Petersburg can have on clear, sunny, not hot, breezy days. Arriving at the appointed place, we stopped and lined up in two ranks, by company, the officers in their places. The Tsar came out. He, too, was in a white jacket and without weapons, in our uniform; the uniform was visible only by the blue band of his white summer cap. He walked around the rows and greeted us. Then they gave the command "Disperse!" and we split up. The ranks went further, where tables with refreshments, tea, sweet buns, sandwiches and candies had been prepared for them. The tsar and the regiment commander also went there to walk around the tables. And we, the officers, went in the other direction, where under the trees stood a huge round tea table, covered to the ground with a snow-white tablecloth, and on it a silver samovar, cups, cookies and all sorts of food. The tsarina in a white lace dress sat at the table and received the "guests"... The tsar's daughters were also running around, the eldest was 10 years old. The two-year-old heir, who could not walk due to illness, was sitting in the arms of his uncle, the sailor Derevenko. Then he was handed over to our senior sergeant major R. L. Chtetsov. There were almost no courtiers. The duty aide-de-camp for that day was Grand Duke Boris Vladimirovich, who actually did not serve with us, but was listed in the regiment, often wore our uniform and was considered, as it were, our officer. We were all in a joyful and cheerful mood. The Tsar was also cheerful and, as always, very simple in his communication. He was afraid of clever ministers, was timid in front of senior generals, but here, in the familiar environment of soldiers and officers, he felt like the same colonel, the commander of the battalion of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, which he once was, and remained for the rest of his life. The Tsar's girls were having a lot of fun. They ran around the meadow with loud cries and played tag and tag with the young officers. The Tsarina acted as hostess. She poured tea and personally handed each person a cup. As far as could be judged from the short phrases about the children, the weather, or the tea, sweet, strong, with lemon or milk, she spoke Russian quite fluently, although with a strong English accent. But she carried out her hostess duties with such obvious suffering that it was pitiful to look at her. At that time, she was already the mother of five children and had held the title of All-Russian Empress for eleven years. It would seem that she could feel any embarrassment and awkwardness in the company of some unfamiliar 40 officers, who themselves were rather embarrassed in her presence. And yet I was struck by the fact that when she asked her simple questions, her face would turn red. This was clearly noticeable, since in those days decent women did not yet paint their cheeks. And when she held out a cup, her hand would tremble violently. But this, of course, was not only due to shyness. Even in those days, our first regimental lady, the chief's wife, was a sick and deeply unhappy woman. _________________ Makarov Yu. V. My Service in the Old Guard. 1905-1917. Peacetime and War.

[gameinfoxtbr]

Game of Thrones Character Tier List

In the strategic world of Game of Thrones Character Tier List the power strength, and well-being of a kingdom largely depends on commanders selected and sent to the field. The two commanders are different, and people find it essential to know which of them will perform better on the battlefield. Regardless of whether you’re going for offense, defense, or support, a good Commander lineup can turn the tide of the game in your favor if you’re seeking the Iron Throne.

GameInfoX Welcome to the admin’s updated Game of Thrones Character Tier List Commander Picks & Rankings, where we will explain to you who to choose if you want to become a leader on the battlefield. S-Tier Commanders: Game of Thrones Tier List 🌟 These commanders have the best talents in fighting and as well in the overall running of kingdoms. In this list, all of them are proprieties of the team that you wanna become stronger at Game of Thrones then these commanders are the best choice for you. 1. Jon Snow 🐺 Eastwatch is the best starting point for Jon Snow as a commander because the character gives rich bonuses for attacks and defense alike. His skills are particularly relevant to morale-boosting within a unit and more damage dealt, he is very useful in difficult fights. - Role: Offensive & Defensive Leader - Strengths: Bumped up damage for infantry and morale for other soldiers - Best Use: Perfect for Commanding your troops on the battlefield or guarding strategic positions in your kingdom. 2. Daenerys Targaryen 🐉 Daenerys, known as the Mother of Dragons, is one of the best commanders in the last in-game turns. her ability to summon dragons increases the administrator’s combat effectiveness by providing powerful artillery for the battle, and, in addition, to improving morale, she is considered a formidable opponent in combat. - Role: Offensive Specialist - Strengths: Dragon-related buffs, boost in the damage dealt - Best Use: Most effective in strike assaults and alliances and PvP battles that are considered critical. 3. Tyrion Lannister 🏰 Unlike other factions that might lack a decent support commander, Tyrion is not only a very good strategy commander. He improves the management of resources and speeds up the training of troops, which is very essential in kingdom progress and continuous warfare. - Role: Support & Economy Specialist - Strengths: Increased resource generation or resource production for training of troops. - Best Use: Make sure you assign him, compatible diplomatic officials, to balance with the war formation approach and avoid a destructive strategy.

GameInfoX For more detailed strategies, check out the Game of Thrones Game Guide for expert tips. A-Tier Commanders: Strong Performers 💪 Such commanders are great in warfare but may not be as well-rounded as characters of S-Tier. They still occupy the place of an excellent choice for the majority of the cases and you will not go wrong choosing any of them when it comes to the PvE and PvP fight. 1. Arya Stark ⚔️ Arya is a classic ninja who is efficient, fast, and deadly in combat engagements that focus on fast kills. Due to her high speed when fighting she is a good choice for hit-and-run combat maneuvers. - Role: Assassin & Skirmisher - Strengths: Higher running speed, more amount of HP loss per hit in small-level encounters - Best Use: Most effective in any combat where decisions have to be made in a flash. 2. Jaime Lannister 🛡️ Jaime Lannister one of the greatest duelists in all of Westeros is a character that adds great defensive strength to the team. He is best suited for the position of a defensive one and guards your kingdom against the enemies. - Role: Defensive Specialist - Strengths: Potential to counterattack or defend much more than before - Best Use: Employ him to strengthen the strategic positions and grounds of the structures necessary for defense. 3. Sansa Stark 🎯 Sansa may not be as trained as other commanders, but she is more intelligent and diplomatic than most of them. She specializes in kingdom management and the coordination of alliances and offers economic and political benefits. - Role: Diplomat & Support - Strengths: Fosters development of partnerships, raises generation of resources - Best Use: Organise your kingdom's internal affairs and consolidate other partnerships using her. B-Tier Commanders: Good But Situational 🔄 Brienne is a serious and loyal sergeant for Cersei, a good defender and an efficient commander. She still does not pack as much punch in the attacking department, however she provides great support for important units in the siege. 1. Brienne of Tarth 🛡️ Brienne is a steadfast and reliable commander who excels in defensive situations. While she doesn’t offer as much offensive firepower, her ability to protect key units makes her invaluable during sieges. - Role: Defensive Protector - Strengths: Serves to spirit and defend friendly forces - Best Use: Employ her in set-up roles or when you require shielding other usually weaker forces. 2. Theon Greyjoy 🦑 Theon may not be one of the best strategists but his skills in naval fights do make him a valuable addition to an army in a coastal or river fight. In case you are doing campaigns near water, the man is Theon. - Role: Naval Specialist - Strengths: Promotes naval combat efficiency - Best Use: Use him best in coastal raids and water-based operations as can be seen in sea battles. C-Tier Commanders: Niche Roles 🧩 These commanders are not other high-ranked commanders but can be of a certain use in a particular form of battle. I would recommend them to be commanding alongside stronger commanders, or in positions that have no one else equipped with similar skills. 1. Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger) 🏦 Littlefinger is not exactly a fighter, as he prefers scheming and plotting from the shadow. As for the Battlescape, he won’t lack skills for exchanging diplomacy, but as a fighter – he won’t be much help. - Role: Espionage & Diplomacy - Strengths: Raises the likelihood of success in negotiations, provides information on the adversaries - Best Use: Thus, best when you’re not trying to just bash your enemies, but rather attempting to outmaneuver them through politics. 2. Stannis Baratheon ⚖️ Stannis has average attack power and defense, therefore being a balanced commander on the battlefield. A bit above average in all areas, and perhaps not the best at anything except that he’s rather versatile for the general strategies. - Role: Balanced Fighter - Strengths: Strong in offense and equally strong on the defensive end - Best Use: You should employ him in levels in which you require an all-around general for medium combat scenarios. How to Make the Most of Your Commanders 🧠 This means that to be able to conquer Westeros one must employ his commanders in such a way that one takes the most advantage of their abilities. Here are a few tips for optimizing your lineup: - Balance Your Team: As much as possible try to always have strategic commanders that include the offense, defense, and support troops. This also makes it possible for one to be able to meet different challenges like commanding a battalion, to the management of resources. - Upgrade and Level Up It is recommended that you frequently advance your commanders through progressive questing and several activities or events. Those at a higher command level are willing to provide better bonuses and have better abilities. - Use Synergies: Some commanders work well together. For instance, teams up Jon Snow with Daenerys as the team has both attackers and morale boosters that can ensure that an enemy team gets a contest, especially on the battlefront.

GameInfoX For more information on the latest changes to commanders and their abilities, visit the Game of Thrones Latest Update and News. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓ Q1: They give the viewer an immense quantity of information concerning the methods of how to recruit more commanders in Game of Thrones.Commanders can be recruited either at the Tavern or on special occasions. The game has regular commanders that are earned through a player’s progression through the game and others that can be purchased using diamonds or through the game currency.Q2: Are commanders able to be utilized in PvE content and also in PvP content?Yes, commanders may be deployed in the total Devastation or Presence missions as well as in the Paging fights. Little difference is observed between these two types of commanders, it is just that some commanders like Jon Snow and Daenerys are more able to perform optimally in both terrains.Q3: What can I do to the commanders for them to have more authority?By experiencing points, improving equipment, and using the Master’s Tower, you can enhance the power of your commander's higher rank.Q4: After this persistent menu, is there something, like a seasonal update for the commanders?Yes, they do, New commanders are added in the new updates also balance changes to the commanders are often introduced in the update. Remember also to always check on the Game of Thrones Developer for further details.

GameInfoX Conclusion: Rule Westeros with the Right Commanders ⚔️ Selecting the best commanders for players in Game of Thrones is crucial while playing this game having a strategy to create the strongest kingdom and commanding championing armies. As you aim to capture the Iron throne follow this tier list and get to learn about each commander's strengths to defeat your rivals. It does not matter if you’re a newcomer to the genre or a hardcore veteran: knowing which commanders to take is the first step to ensuring that you’ll stand a chance at having any sort of success in the unforgiving world of Westeros. Word Count: 1,122 Words Read the full article

[cookies-sports]

Matches from the week of September 16th (2/2)

Continued from this post, some thoughts below the cut on:

Manchester United vs West Ham

Montpellier vs PSG

Manchester United 3 - 0 West Ham United

There is a part of me that always wants West Ham to do better than they do. I think a lot of it is because of how much bullshit the players over the years have put up with from a club that does not care about its women's team.

There have been so many things over the years (being kicked out of their training ground, having to raise money for their own kit, the chairman of the women's team lodged a complaint about the club in 2016 due to the team's mistreatment) and there's a line of thinking (including voiced by players from other teams) that West Ham only have a women's team because they think the bad PR from not having one would be worse. Yet so many of the players really do give it their all, despite that, and I guess I like to see the players get something good for all the stuff they have put up with.

Alas, this was not the match for them to put out a surprise win.

However, they were against Manchester United, another team of players who have put up with a lot from their club, including being closed down in 2005, then reopening again in 2018, and not exactly having a stellar ride since then. So, there's a similar sentiment there of wanting the players to do well.

You can see sparks of quality and intention from West Ham, but they just are so chaotic and unable to implement what they want that Manchester United over-ran them. Szemik had a really nervy game, though I was pleased she got two good saves at the end to end the game on something good. West Ham got better during the second half, though, and I think if they'd played like that all game, it might have been a more even match. I still think Manchester United would have pipped them to the win, but maybe it would have been a 2-1 loss they had instead. Not quite as disheartening in some ways.

With United, despite the scoreline being much in their favour, they were also suffering with the sort of uneasy 'new season' playing that most teams have had. I think it's just how these opening games go. They kept up good pressure and broke away past the defense a lot, especially during the first half. Geyse, Toone, Clinton, Terland, Galton...they all gave the West Ham defenders trouble; Millie Turner was so involved in the attacking play at one point she was called offside and not for a set piece. Le Tissier had positive forward play and long balls, and had a solid first game as Captain. Tullis-Joyce looked comfortable, for the most part, in goal and made some decent saves to deny the West Ham attackers in the second half but she wasn't hugely tested in her new role as United's first string goalkeeper. I suspect that test might come in Week 3, when they face Chelsea.

Good start for Manchester United, not so much for West Ham. Let's see what next week holds for them both.

Montpellier 1 - 3 PSG

After a rough outing for the Champion's League qualifiers, PSG had a better time in the league.

This was very different to the game versus Juventus, where PSG got overrun and outpaced on the wings, then punished in the box for slow closing down and attempting to dribble/pass out of their own 18-yard box rather than just whacking the ball down the pitch for some breathing space (I understand the need for controlled play out the back sometimes, but at other times...you just need to boot it outta there).

It looks like they played a 4-3-3 both times, but with a narrower formation set-up vs Juventus and, notably, with a lot of different players. PSG controlled the majority of the game, with a lot of time spent building up into the Montpellier half. They had a lot of chances and Justine Lerond was another goalkeeper this week who kept her team's scoreline much more respectable than it could have been. PSG were much better at clearing their own half, though there were moments where the same things that cost them in the Juventus game nearly caught them out again. I was pleased to see Naolia Traoré, who played so well for the France U-19s team during the Euros recently getting good game time with the senior team. She struggled with the more physical play and, I think, just the pace of the senior players, but that's something younger players just have to get used to, so it's good experience.

What was most interesting about this game was that you could hear the goalkeepers very clearly. There was no commentary for technical reasons (which were never resolved) and wherever the microphones were positioned, you could hear the goalkeepers and the coaches throughout. This gave me even more insight into just how much the goalkeepers do off the ball that doesn't necessarily get seen often on TV. I knew goalkeepers did a lot of off-ball action that often got missed in discussions, but hearing it in this game fascinated me.

From setting up defence during throw-ins, corner kicks, and free kicks; to telling them that they were ahead of the attacker they were racing to reach the ball first; telling defenders to clear down field or clear for a throw-in, there was so much going on. I suspect Earps will have an easier time communicating with her back-line when she speaks more French, though. I did laugh when you could even hear her yelling well done to Romée Leuchter for her attempts on goal.

With the coaches, there was a lot of shouting of 'allez' from the touchline, which...I mean I question the value of yelling "go, go, go"' or "'come on, come on, come on" over and over but I'm not a coach, so maybe it works?

I think PSG supporters might still be very, very nervous for the reverse leg against Juventus, though. There's...some edginess and uncertainty to the team that is still there, even with their win in this game.

A few other things...

Michelle Agyemang got her first minutes for Brighton and Hove Albion, with the additional time she was on the pitch for 8 minutes. Hopefully she'll get a bit more time later in the season as well.

Unfortunately, in the same match, Everton's Auroro Galli went down with what looked like a knee injury similar to many ligament injuries we've seen before. The coach afterwards confirmed that it seemed to be a severe injury and Galli was on crutches at the end of the match. Massive blow for Everton, following a rough opening game, if it is indeed her ACL or another ligament she's torn.

[stupidstupidratcreatures]

like. ok. going thru them by set number:

gyruda: restriction is a really nice mix of flexible and restrictivd, you can have spells that cost less than 2 but they have to Literally Cost Zero to play. since wizards is judicious about how they do this, this is actually hard to do and it is six mana to cast. pre-nerf i can sorta see it just hanging out in the ether as an emergency finisher, post-nerf of course that is just way too little bang for that much buck

jegantha: the second-biggest offender after lurrus, for more or less the same reasons. that's a very big gap tho because it's also a 5/5 for 5 with no keywords and a restriction on how to use the mana ability. is a little fringe but is very much On The Map in commander aiui. probably a really risky design but i don't think it caused any problems? i like it

kaheera: this was not made for older formats. might get better with the added LCI dino support? we'll see. funnily enough i think it saw some play in creatureless pioneer decks or modern decks that run evokelementals, as just kind of a Bonus Guy to have hanging around if you need it. you could maybe make a non-terrible Kaheera Scam list. that's fun to think about

keruga: this card is both bad and bad in a way i dislike. ironically i think if it only limited permanent cards like lurrus does it would turn it into a thing i like without negatively affecting metas. all-but-forces you to have a list full of Dismembers and friends, which just sucks as a dynamic to have

lurrus: problematic fave. probably makes the entire game slightly shittier with its existence even now, but i still really like it. BANNED ON ARRIVAL IN VINTAGE. actually really fun to build around in commander since you actually want to play permanents that cost 3 in that format because there's twice as much life and three times as much opponent. BANNED ON ARRIVAL IN VINTAGE

lutri: now that's what i'm fucking talking about. it's incredibly necessary that this was banned in commander before the set even rolled out but a dualcaster mage in the zone would be really sweet. they were willing to print that effect on a pushed card for a pushed mechanic so there's still hope they do a playable version at some point

obosh: the fair version of lurrus imo. not allowing 2-drops is actually decently harsh and the payoff is in the sweet spot of specific and generically good for an incentivizer card. love it

umori: i want this to be good so bad. restriction definitely compatible with vintage artifact piles but if you're casting things for 4 in vintage the last thing you care about is cost reductions. the existence of that obnoxious WUB legend aggro deck makes me sort of glad it isn't legal in standard rn

yorion: the other one that got banned, for pretty good reasons. that said i honestly think this one is fine. it's just that shuffling and watching people play it was agonizing

zirda: this is the only one of these i'd consider running in the maindeck. "activated abilities matter" is clearly something wizards is trying to push and i'm kind of interested to see where it goes. Training Grounds (!) is legal in standard right now

pretty crazy how the companion functional errata was literally all lurrus' fault. all they had to do was not print the "you get a free card but only if your deck consists of the only cards you were going to play anyway" card. 2020 design sure was something

[jar-of-ectoplasm]

sleeping w/ the mercs [NOT LIKE THAT]

sorry the formatting is shit i made this on mobile 🫤

shitty headcanons abt the mercs rooms and ur guys’ sleeping arrangements hope u enjoy like and subscribe it’s rly long so it’s under the cut

scout:

-very very messy room

-but like he knows where all his shit is so whatever works for him

-his mattress is on the floor bro 💔 just kidding but his bed frame is pretty low to the ground so it might as well be

-he’s got a smaller bed and a single blanket so you both are gonna be cuddling whether you wanted to or not

-surprisingly soft sheets, he stole some of spy’s fancy silk ones so it’s pleasant

-always has a fan/AC unit going for the noise but his blanket is pretty thin so it’s colder than you’d probably prefer

-kicks a lot in his sleep so just be prepared 🤕

-doesn’t snore very loud but does drool a lot and he usually ends up laying his face on your chest/your head so you are gonna wake up a little soggy sorry 💔💔

-usually falls asleep around 11pm or midnight but does wake up at random hours of the early morning almost nightly before passing back out

-pretty much always wakes up before you, he goes on morning jogs everyday so if you’re up for it he’ll take you with him

-does like to surprise you with “breakfast” in bed (it’s dry cereal and a tiny carton of orange juice but he tried)

soldier:

-really REALLY plain room

-it’s a little eerie, everything is very clean and the walls are bare concrete bc the rooms at RED headquarters are basically prison cells

-the only decoration in his room is an american flag, his bedside table with a lamp and alarm clock and a little bald eagle stuffed animal the guys got him for christmas one year

-sleeps stiff as a board on his back so he isn’t the greatest cuddle buddy but will do so if you ask (he prefers spooning over anything else)

-he’s got a decently sized bed cause he’s a pretty big guy, so you’ve got room to move around

-his mattress is pretty hard though so it isn’t super comfortable but it’s better than the floor or some old military cot

-goes to bed at 10pm sharp every single night and wakes up at 5am for morning training and will try to get you to get up with him regardless of when you fell asleep

-if you don’t opt to get out of bed he does wake you up again with a plate of food (courtesy of engineer, soldier’s just the delivery guy)

pyro:

-probably the weirdest room out of everybody’s

-their bed is really nice, they’ve got a pillow top mattress and fuzzy blankets so it’s very soft but it’s overcrowded with some burnt looking stuffed animals and an insane amount of throw pillows

-the other decoration is really weird though don’t pay too much attention to it, it’s kinda creepy but it’s also pyro so 🤷🏻‍♀️

-doesn’t sleep in the flame-proof suit but they do sleep in onesie-esque pajamas

-doesn’t sleep in the mask either but they do use a sleeping mask and are usually face down in the pillows

-not the biggest cuddle person either but they aren’t above putting an arm around you or something similar

-always goes to sleep after you do and wakes up before you too

-they usually already have a cereal bar or some other sweet breakfast food on the nightside for you when you do wake up though

demo:

-THE MOST WELCOMING COZIEST ROOM THE IDEAL ROOMIE

-very warm, comforting room, he’s got a fuzzy rug put down and only uses lamps because the overhead light usually hurts his eye

-very large, very soft bed with warm blankets and soft pillows

-the pillows all have a faint smell of whiskey but whatever

-very much a cuddler, sober or not. he doesn’t move around much in his sleep and is a very heavy sleeper so once he’s out he’s out and you are stuck in that bed until he wakes up

-does snore but it isn’t obnoxious

-takes the eyepatch off and wears a bonnet to bed to protect his hair (he has multiple but his favorite one has his family’s tartan as the pattern)

-a night owl, he doesn’t get to sleep until 2-3am and usually wakes up the latest out of everybody (around 9-10am) and he will get pouty if you aren’t there when he wakes up

engineer:

-his room is basically an extension of his workshop, he’s got a desk crammed full of random bullshit and blueprints he hasn’t gotten around to testing yet

-doesn’t spend much time in his actual room, so aside from extra tools, spare parts and papers there isn’t much in there

-his bed is actually pretty comfortable but he hardly ever makes it out of his workshop before passing out for the night so he wouldn’t know 😒

-when he DOES go to bed in his room, he is a HUGE cuddler, he will not let you go under any circumstances

-does snore pretty loud but if you wake him up he’ll readjust himself so he snores less

-usually sleeps on his left side so you don’t accidentally roll onto his prosthetic hand and hurt yourself

-no matter what time he fell asleep the previous night, he always gets up at 6am and makes the team breakfast. he’ll let you sleep more while he’s cooking and surprise you with breakfast in bed (even though he does it everyday so it isn’t much of a surprise)

heavy:

-HUGE ASS BED

-like california king

-he’s obviously a big guy but he does move around a lot so he needs a bigger bed so he won’t fall off every night

-very very warm bedding, he brought most of his stuff from russia so it’s built to keep you warm

-has a little teddy bear his mother handmade for him when he was first born; it’s pretty worn and tattered but he brings it with him anywhere he lives

-does have a little padded box for sasha at the foot of his bed

-isn’t the biggest sleep cuddler but he does like to hold you beforehand. he doesn’t mind when you cuddle him in your sleep, though, so by all means pass out on his chest if you feel like it

-does some reading before he goes to sleep and is usually in bed by 9 or 10pm; wakes up at 5 every morning so soldier doesn’t have to do his morning routine alone

-likes waking you up around 7am so the two of you can have some light conversation with engie during breakfast

medic:

-sleeps on the operating table

-just kidding, but he usually ends up passing out on his desk rather than his room

-his room is very sterile; it kinda feels like a doctor’s office, it smells faintly of rubbing alcohol and is a little drafty so it’s usually pretty chilly

-has birdcages hanging from the ceiling, archimedes has a fancier one compared to the rest of his doves but he swears he isn’t playing favorites

-if you do manage to get him to leave the medbay he’s usually pretty delirious. he’s very affectionate when he’s tired so he’s definitely down for cuddling

-is kinda blind without his glasses so he keeps them on until the very last minute before he falls asleep

-likes to tell you stories of when he did have his medical license and when he lived in germany

-usually falls asleep with his back to you but when he wakes up he’s holding you to his chest

-usually wakes up at 5am as well and goes straight into taking care of his birds, he likes to whistle littles tunes to them so that may end up waking you as well

-almost never eats breakfast but he will be pestering you about it because he’s a hypocrite

sniper:

-well

-it’s a camper van

-it’s very cramped but he’s used to it just being him in there so he never really realized

-his bed folds up into the wall when he isn’t using it and he keeps his bedding folded next to it

-very used to living in much hotter climates, and even though it is new mexico it gets pretty cold at night so he’s usually shivering his ass off under a thin sheet

-is surprisingly clingy for someone so introverted and quiet, he claims it’s because you keep him warm but he’s also just a mushy guy in secret

-usually falls asleep watching some shitty DVD on his little portable dvd player he keeps on a counter next to his bed

-keeps his kukri hidden next to the mattress just in case

-very light sleeper and once he’s awake, he’s awake. poor guy barely ever gets any sleep because soldier is usually screaming outside the van 3 hours after he’s gotten to bed

-doesn’t eat breakfast, but he will make you a cup of coffee in the morning

spy:

-ugh

-bought all of his bedding and the mattress purely based on looks so it’s pretty surprising that it ended up being comfortable

-will not let anybody have their shoes on in his bedroom, you have to leave them in his smoking room if you wanna come in

-kinda like medic in the fact that he goes to bed not even looking at you but wakes up all over you. he is kind of an asshole about it being like “aw babe you literally think i’m irresistible even in your sleep” when HE’S the one that cuddled up to you

-keeps his butterfly knife under his pillow and a pistol in his bedside drawer

-always falls asleep after you and is always awake and out of bed by the time you get up

-he doesn’t eat engineer’s breakfast because he claims it’s “too filling and unhealthy to be eating that much as soon as you wake up” so he always makes a little french breakfast for himself

-he pretends like he doesn’t do anything for other people but he always makes a plate for you of whatever he makes himself and leaves it on his side of the bed with a cute little note for you

-will pretend like he has no idea what you’re talking about if you bring it up though

[earthstellar]

Battle Analysis: TFP S2 Episode 18 - New Recruit

I like how in the beginning of Smokescreen’s introductory episode, we get to see a decent little battle which serves to emphasise how each character works well independently and together in a fight. 

it actually reminds me a lot of how my father (who was a field medic in the Army) used to tell me about how some of his casualty extraction missions went, in terms of how Ratchet is positioned with the others in formation etc.

Then I started thinking about it, and I thought it might be a good scene to go over in a little more detail. 

So, since I’ve never done a battle analysis before, I figured I’d try covering this one! :) 

The Situation at Hand 

It’s worth keeping in mind that the setup here is that a Cybertronian pod has crashed down to Earth’s surface, and the Autobots are unable to ascertain if it is an enemy pod or not. 

So Optimus asks Ratchet to bring his medical kit, in the event that it is a fellow Autobot who may need medical attention, which is a reasonable decision and places Ratchet in the field with good purpose. 

They leave without Bulkhead, as he is still recovering from prior injuries.

The order in which they arrive on scene via ground bridge is notable: 

Bumblebee is a scout, so he’s out of the ground bridge first. 

Arcee is supporting Bumblebee as spotter/additional firepower; Both her and Bumblebee are in “on point” positions, meaning they are the most exposed forward. 

Optimus is, in this situation, the heaviest hitter, so he takes a central position-- This also allows him to remain in reasonable proximity to all members of the away team, making it ideally easier for him to command. 

Ratchet is in the rear position, slightly offset to Optimus’ left, giving both Optimus and Arcee good cover of him if things happened to kick off immediately upon arrival on scene. 

This is a good deployment arrangement! 

Arcee and Bumblebee proceed forward and get to the crashed pod first, which makes sense; This is why they’re on point. 

But then the group spaces out a little bit, which isn’t ideal; Oh shit, it’s Decepticons!!! Mostly Insecticons. 

Immediately we see Arcee and Bumblebee close in together, something they’re probably familiar with and were possibly trained to do, given that they are in complimentary positions in deployment most of the time. 

But this leaves Ratchet exposed, and you can actually see in his posture here (sorry for the blurry screencap, this is a very short moment and the camera moves over fairly quickly) that Ratchet is wary of the source of enemy fire and appears to be trying to move closer to where Optimus is generally at. 

Again, this makes sense: Medics are, unfortunately, a huge target on the battlefield. (Geneva Convention treaties don’t apply here, and even if they did, most of the time they’re just ignored in reality. It’s not great.) You DO NOT want to be in the open anyway, but especially not when you are a very easily identifiable, highly desirable target for enemy fire. 

As a medic, you aren’t just charging in with any others, you’re constantly strategically trying to figure out the best way to provide support and not die while doing it. While Ratchet does have one of his wrist blades deployed here, keep in mind, Ratchet does not have a blaster or long range weaponry. He’s at a particular disadvantage in this situation. 

So Ratchet’s best chance for cover and his best position to provide support is with Optimus, who is more likely to be hit (owing to slower speed and larger size compared to Bee and Arcee). Thus giving him more protection and allowing him to serve as functional support. 

For those of you who have played TF2, this is probably the most obvious part of why the Medic/Heavy combo is so good. It provides maximum benefit to both people/players. 

(At the same time, the reason he didn’t follow Optimus from the get-go is likely because since Bee and Arcee have lighter armour, they might be at greater risk of injury from just one or two shots, compared to Optimus who’s a bit hardier. So he took a middle position, which unfortunately left him with no immediate cover.) 

Unfortunately, Ratchet is also old. So he’s instantly pinned by a fuck off huge Insecticon; There’s no way most could have reacted in time to dodge this, but especially not him. 

What I especially like here though, is that the impact of this hit appears to genuinely stun him. 

It happens quickly, but you can see how he’s looking straight forward here, his limbs are out to his sides-- It seems to take him a full second to recover and actually look up. 

While Ratchet is just about pinned, the Insecticon does actually leave a noticeable amount of space in between them, which makes me think this impact definitely hit Ratchet pretty hard; He has enough space here to take a swing with his blade, but he doesn’t. 

It’s interesting because this is a pretty good shot; The Insecticon has a fully exposed torso here, which would be a good area to target with a blade as their armour seems thinner to allow for greater range of movement and speed. 

But! Not taking the opportunity here was also a solid choice. 

Ratchet, being smaller in terms of height, may have been able to get a good jab into the torso and upward with his blade, which would likely have caused some decent damage in a sensitive area and may have even allowed for a large tear to form in the armour, leaving the Insecticon more vulnerable to blaster fire or any follow up impact to the chest/waist. 

At the same time, in the moment, Ratchet is now trying to recover rapidly from a hit that was hard enough to stun him while also having to evaluate if the risk of taking any action here would be worth it. The Insecticon could easily close in, especially with greater speed...

...And of course, the Autobots are experienced at working with each other in the field. Ratchet also likely understood that Arcee and Bee are still close enough to provide assistance, and might have made the call to depend on their aid rather than risk damaging his wrist blade-- Which is still a medical tool, and his primary purpose in the field is to assist others if/as needed. If his wrist blade is damaged or dulled while trying to puncture Insecticon armour, that would leave him less capable at his primary function here.

 Arcee ends up coming in from the side to take the opportunity instead, which is quickly proven to have been a good choice of action. And very good situational awareness on Arcee’s part, too! 

Arcee is grabbed by the Insecticon after giving it a reasonably heavy kick, but is able to get out of it’s grasp with a solid backflip-- Ratchet just does not have the flexibility or frame type to allow for this type of escape, especially not after just having been stunned by a full-body impact. 

It was the right call for Ratchet to leave it open so Arcee could land the hit. 

Sure, the Insecticon may not have been able to grab Ratchet in the same way, but Arcee has the reaction speed to match, and created a ton of distance in between her and the enemy almost instantly-- Something Ratchet could not have done if the Insecticon further advanced on him, as the boulder he was rammed into limits his movement options.

We then see that Optimus has also moved back over to close the gap between everyone, with Arcee next to Bee (although hard to see in this particular shot) and Ratchet now in a better position to provide support (behind and to Optimus’ right), even though he did not have to move himself-- Optimus moved over to him, instead. 

Smokescreen shows up, initially jumps over Bee and Arcee to take point position, then leaps back-- And firmly plants himself in front of Ratchet as well, while also maintaining enough distance to still remain on point. 

It’s worth remembering that Smokescreen at the very least went through boot camp for the Iacon Elite Guard (even though this seems to have mostly been a ploy by Alpha Trion and we don’t know what the actual selection process was like for any of this), so Smokescreen does seem to have some ability to know where to position himself in battle, even if he lacks experience and his tactics amount to “fire a lot at the enemy or in their general direction”. lmao he’s still learning though, it’s fine. 

As far as Smokescreen is concerned, there was a gap exposing their medic, and they only have one heavy hitter (Optimus), so he’s put himself in a position where he can cover Ratchet, easily move to group with the other faster, lighter weight bots if an advantage opens up for them to move forward, or move laterally to provide fire support for Optimus if need be. 

Honestly, not a bad position to take, it’s just the way he went about it and his “shoot everything” approach which is problematic, lmao. 

At this point, he ignites the energon fuel leaking from the pod by accident, which leads to a bit of an “oh shit run away” sequence-- But we can still see that they maintain a reasonable formation in falling back: 

Ratchet, in the rear and most defended position, is now first out. Arcee on the far left is running up ahead to get in front of or alongside him, to regain a more on point position. Bee is following her, slightly slower to keep the formation reasonably tight. Optimus is taking the right side, and Smokescreen follows suit slightly to the right as well but in a good position to turn around and take an immediate point position in the opposite direction if needed to provide some rear cover.

They successfully bail behind some rock formations for cover from the burning fuel explosion, and you can see the order in which they get there, consistent with the previous sequence. 

They land in the appropriate order: Arcee, Ratchet, Bee, Optimus, then Smokescreen last.

And that’s pretty much it, the explosion took out the Insecticons and Smokescreen proceeds to embarrass himself immediately. lmao 

This whole little scene is a particularly good example of the Autobots sticking to their roles in battle while also understanding how best to operate and work together as a team when deployed. 

Although it’s fairly short, it showcases everyone’s respective roles in battle very well! 

Bee is an excellent scout, and we know that, but it’s nice to see him actually handling things effectively in the field; Notice how he’s one of the few who didn’t get pushed around too much here! When the team had to close in together, they did so with Bee’s general position as their defensible point, and stayed more central to where their fire was being most effective. 

Arcee got to showcase her skills in a few ways here, speed and situational awareness both being critical. It would have been easy for her to fixate on what her and Bee were doing, but she knows better than to get lost in a single focus and came to Ratchet’s rescue very effectively. 

Ratchet was ready throughout to provide support if needed, and when he got attacked, he knew to rely on his teammates to assist him rather than risk taking additional damage as the sole medic. 

Optimus did a good job (as expected) being both their sole heavier gunner and their field commander-- Double duty, as Bulkhead’s still out of commission. He was clearly right to order a retreat when he did, and didn’t bother fixating too much on Smokescreen’s sudden appearance, instead remaining focused on the task at hand. Not that any of this is surprising, but it would be interesting to compare his field command style to Ultra Magnus’. 

Smokescreen did a good job of figuring out where to fit himself in during battle; He just really needs to stop fucking around, lmao, but he also just woke up after a fairly long stasis and he has very limited actual field experience prior to this, so that’s worth keeping in mind! 

---

Hopefully this was interesting; I just woke up so I’m still sipping a coffee lmao but I wanted to write this up while I had a little time. :) 

If you read all this, thank you so much!! :) <3 

[unactivewaspsfics]

The Southern Charm

A/N: I'm trying new formatting… Idk what works with me JUST yet so if this is the only post with this kind of formatting, you know :D I will say depending on how interested I am I may make a part two… Who knows lmao <;33 also I WAS gonna post this at 12 am but the demons won and I am posting it at like 9 >:D

Pairing: Cole Cassidy x NB!Reader

Genre: Fluff, Romance, SFW

CW: Pet names, flirting, minor cussing, and kissing?! (😦)

Word Count: 1,090 or so

Summary:

While you are traveling to visit family who begged you to come down, you decide to take a pit-stop break at a small Texan town on Route 66. This was your first stop in any considerable amount time but it has a lot of southern charm, and one cowboy you grab your eye is ALL southern and lots, and I mean lots, of charm. I guess you can say you two went on a date too.

You grabbed your bags as you waited for the train to finally pause on its tracks and for the conductor to confirm everyone can leave. It had been a super long train ride, not being helped at all by the dizzy feeling of motion sickness you had mid-train ride. While gathering your things, you sighed. How long was it to go from South Carolina to California? You thought while looking out the window.

Desert. A town surrounded by sand, dead trees, and cacti. What a great first look at Texas. Although, you couldn't really complain. It was time to stretch your legs and sleep on an actual bed... If there is a motel here, you weren’t one-hundred percent sure what was even in this town. I mean, there has to be a place to eat, especially since you were starving. What food could be there? Fries maybe... or even grilled cheese... you are in texas so there has to be barbeque. 

You were interrupted by your thoughts by the train conductor speaking. “Everyone is now free to leave! There is a restaurant for your hungry folks, a nearby motel, a gas station, and of course the train station! The next train will be here tomorrow morning heading more south..”

His voice started fading from your ears as you stood up, trying to move through the slightly crowded hallway. You held onto your bag tightly, so as to not lose what you have, as you pushed through groups of people. Before you knew it, you were outside in the Texas sun. It was decent, not too hot and not too windy. 

“Now... where is…” you asked yourself while walking out of the train station to locate the restaurant. “Oh, there it is!” you said happily, fixing your bag before starting to walk to the restaurant. You had no idea last time you had a full meal, I mean yeah you brought snacks for the train but that couldn't be counted as a meal. You looked around at the people in this town and you were very out of place. People here wore old western clothes. Boots, cowboy hats, and some had lassos on their belts. It was like you were in an actual western movie.

While looking at everyone, you caught the eye of a certain cowboy. He wore a red poncho with a brown hat and lots of facial hair. He also has a lot of metal on him. ‘He must get hot in all of that... And his hand is also robotic?’ you asked yourself as he started to walk your way. Your eyes raised up to the man's face, a slight nervousness coming up. You weren't nervous because of his good looks, but because he saw you looking at him. He started to walk to you, a southern chuckle emerging from his lips as he finished the cigar he was smoking, throwing it on the ground and stomping on it.

You fixed your posture and put up a nervous grin, hoping he wouldn't yell at you for staring.. Although it would be acceptable, I mean, you would do the same. “Someone seems to like our town,” he said in a teasing tone while you looked up at him nervously. “Sorry I was staring, I’ve never been here before and I just am surprised everyone here wears cowboy hats and stuff” you explained as the Cowboy laughed slightly more.

“You've never been here before? Well may I welcome such an attractive person like yourself to this little town I call home?” he asked, bowing with open arms for a moment before standing up and placing his hand on the holster of his gun. You were taken aback by how flirtatious he was being right now, I mean, calling you attractive in less than a minute of meeting? You gave a nervous laugh while covering your face slightly. “It’s an honor to be here, Mister…?” you asked, lowering your hand as you started to process how hungry you actually were. “Cole, Cole Cassidy at your service,” he replied, tilting the brim of his hat to you. “Sorry for the conversation change but I haven’t eaten an actual meal in fucking forever- is that café any good?” you asked, pointing to the only restaurant in sight. 

“The Panorama Diner? Oh yeah, it’s good… As good as a place in the middle of nowhere can be” he laughed, turning his body to the diner. “Hey, do you wanna eat with me? I’ll pay for your meal if you agree, stunning traveler” he half-joked, starting to walk to the diner. Obviously, you agreed, I mean, free food and the ability to go on an unofficial date with a handsome cowboy, it’s a win-win! “It would be an honor to be on a date with someone who has all the southern charm in the world” you replied, quickening your pace to catch up with Cole.

“So, where are you going up to? Arizona? Washington? Or are you here to stay in this little town with little ol’ me?” Cole asked with a raised eyebrow, leaning towards you before leaning back to normal. You laughed, fixing the bag around your body. “Despite the fact I would love to stay here with you, I have to go to California to visit family!” you replied with a laugh, shoving your hands into your pockets. “Damn, looks like you have a whole lotta more ways to go, but I ain’t the one to question why someone goes places” he laughed, his smile growing slightly as you two stepped up the stairs of the Diner.

The Diner didn’t look that bad, and I mean it was busy so it had to be good. “Oh, by the way,” he stopped in front of the door to look at you. “I may be a little bit popular here, so if you see people looking at you they aren’t in awe of how breathtaking you look, they just are wondering why you were chosen to go out with me” he jokingly said, nudging your arm with his elbow before laughing. Cole opened the door and motioned for you to go inside first. You stepped in, the smell of food overwhelming your nose, the coolness of the building that contrasted the outside dryness, and the talk of the people was the best thing ever to your right now. 

The two of you walked in and seated yourselves, Cole grabbed a menu as the two of you were heading to a booth next to a window. You sat opposite each other. Cole handed you a menu and you glanced over it, all the food options looked so good. “Hey- what do you always get here?” you asked as Cole looked up from his hand resting on the table. “I get the pie, but if you want a good meal,” he began, leaning over the table and pointing to the ‘Texan Charmer’ which was a burger and fries. “Now that's what I normally get” He laughed looking up at you. You met eyes with him as he leaned back down with a growing smile. “I think I’ll get that, and maybe an apple pie after. If you say it's good it has to be, right?” you jokingly asked him as he laughed. “I mean, if I say something is good in any sense, it’s one hundred percent true,” he half-joked, causing you to give a small chuckle.

Cole raised his hand up to have a waitress, the only waitress, come over and take the orders of both of you. This gave both of you time to talk and get to know each other. “So, why did you ask me out to go eat?” you asked, leaning on the table a bit towards Cole. “Well- Unlike everyone else on that train you were alone and caught my eye,” He said, a bit nervously, clearing his throat. “And I didn’t want anyone else to try anything on ya, since there are few gangs and stuff here” he explained, looking away from you. “Wow that- that’s sweet of you, it’s honestly a surprise,” you laughed, causing Cole to grumble a bit as the food was brought and placed on the tablet with your drinks.

You looked at the food in awe after thanking the waitress. “This smells so good,” you stated, grabbing some fries and putting them in your mouth. “Everything here is a homemade, fun fact!” he replied, grabbing a fry with his robotic arm. “Hey, that’s mine!” you jokingly said while leaning over to get it back. “And who's paying for your food again?” he asked in a teasing tone, raising his hand slightly out of reach. You reached for the fry one more time before leaning back with a fake annoyed look. “Hey, don’t worry buttercup,” he started, eating the stolen fry. “You have plenty more fries to eat on that plate of yours... In the meantime though,” he changed the subject to his food, his apple pie. 

The two of you ate in general silence, only talking or commenting on the food once or twice. “Is that pie any good?” you asked cole with a raised eyebrow, already finished your burger and most of your fries. “Best I've ever had actually,” he laughed, taking another bite with his fork. “If you want a bite just ask, I’m... I’m not hungry anymore,” he said, looking away from you as he pushed the pie and his fork toward you. “No way am I eating this myself, especially when I can share it with a handsome cowboy like yourself,” you flirted, sticking your tongue out at him as he chuckled. “Fine then, guess I can’t miss the opportunity to eat with someone as stuntin’ like yourself, darlin’,” he replied, his southern accent coming through in that sentence.

So, as stated, the two of you shared the desert together. You were more flustered than he was, never really sharing food like that with a stranger- or more of a new friend. Crush maybe? You didn’t know what was the right thing to call him as of current. After he had paid for both of your meals, you two decided to head out. You had to get a motel room so he decided to walk with you. It was sundown, so you assumed Cole wanted to be ‘protective’ of you. It was slightly comforting. As you walked Cole lit a cigar.

“So, how long did ya say you were staying here?” he asked you, putting the cigar in his mouth. “Just until the next train comes here,” you replied, taking a step closer to Cole, finding comfort in him the more you two hung out together. “I think the next train will be here tomorrow afternoon,” you added. Cole nodded silently as you spoke, taking the cigar out of his mouth for a moment to have fresh air before putting it back. “Hey- will you at least see me before you leave?” he asked nervously, clearing his throat. “I would- I want to exchange numbers... In case you wanna come to visit” he said, changing his demeanor from nervous to flirtatious. “Or if you wanna spend the night at my place, you're free too.”  You laughed, nodding your head as you leaned your whole upper body on him as you two walked to the motel.

“Despite the fact I would love to spend the night with you, maybe another day” you replied, opening the door to the motel check-in. Cole dropped his cigar and stomped it out as you asked for a one-night motel room. It was pretty quick to get you one, which you were glad for. Cole followed you to your hotel room, watching as you unlocked the door and threw your bag in real quickly. 

“Well, Darlin’... It was nice spending the day with you. Tomorrow I'll stop by to say goodbye, yeah?” he asked, cupping your cheek with a chuckle. You smiled, grabbing his face with your hands and leaning his face towards you, the smell of cigar almost making you lean back. “I guess i will be waiting then” you smiled, leaning your face forward and giving him a cheek kiss, moving your hands as he stood slightly shocked, and a bit offended you didn’t kiss him on the lips. But I mean, you can’t have him be too eager, now can you?

You walked into the motel, turning to Cole with a grin.

“See you tomorrow, Darlin’!”

[profitsabode]

The woman walks out of the classroom after the crowd of students finally make their exit. She exhales a sigh of relief - Anna was aware this teaching gig would be a step out of her comfort zone, but a smaller emphasis on the paperwork would be nice! Then again, that's what training and practical drills are for. She can manage another session of military formation instruction if it means a round of being in her own element.

Now, she has a decent amount of free time before more professor duties. Anna can't think of anything better to do then finally get a grasp of that marketplace down by the monastery gates. She still needs a good look at what the competition is selling if she ever wants to be a contender in the merchant race! Of course, where she'll procure her wares is a whole different question, but one that will have to wait until her first paycheck.

"Oh?"

Her business trip will have to wait a little as well, as Anna's eyes catch a figure covered in a cloak. They are...hunched over by the entrance to another classroom? They sit in a relatively dark corner, clearly attempting to be inconspicuous to a passerby. It's too fishy to merely be a student trying to play hooky from class. No matter the reason, the obvious action is to find out who they are and make sure they're not a threat.

"Hey, not to be rude but this area is for students and faculty only," the commander begins to speak once in audible range to the other, keeping her voice relatively low and direct to not draw any unneeded attention. Don't need to make this more awkward than it already is. "If you want to stay on monastery ground, I'd recommend to stick to the fr-"

Her voice stops once stepping in front to get a better look at the stranger. As it turns out, this is no stranger, but rather someone that Anna recognizes all too well. Yet another face she never expected to cross again. She is uncertain if the cold whispers of death are only of her imagination, but they take hold of her enough to only allow one more, incorrect word to come out.

"...Veronica?"

@brokenelm

chasing ghost(s)

[modernmonkeymind]

We all want to be entertained, distracted from our lives. There's nothing wrong with a Netflix or YouTube binge, but perhaps its not so great that its become the default for us, or at least for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some TV, but watching the crew of the Discovery getting themselves into trouble, or the Click (wholesome though he is) making jokes about goofy memes doesn’t actually accomplish anything, and it takes time that could be used in more fulfilling ways.

Social media can be a great resource, and a serious distraction. I decided to back away from social media almost entirely once I realized I was letting people I didn't know piss me off, especially when I wasn't going to change their mind (hello Dunning-Krueger, didn't see you over there).

To challenge myself and get my head on straight, I'm embracing Cal Newport's Digital Detox for March, eliminating social media and all streaming video. I'm letting myself have access to a limited number of sites, primarily 84000, Suttacentral, and the Storygraph. I'm also planning to post to Mastadon twice a day (a poem and 3 good things), and Tumblr. I'm not restricting podcasts, audio books or music. I'll be using Basecamp, Meetup, and Zoom for personal development and to keep commitments I've made. I'm planning to revert my phone to something akin to what Steve Jobs originally intended, a sort of smart dumb phone that can make calls, texts, access messaging apps, maps, the app for my smart scale, One Bus Away, Streaks, audio, YNAB & my bank, and thats about it. In other words I'm making my phone a tool again. The question of course, becomes what to do without access to technological pacifiers. The answer really is most anything that doesn’t require a computer or smartphone, but some of my favorites these days include:

Meditation: I've been practicing based on the teachings of the Nalandabodhi, and Shambhala lineages recently and plan to meditate for seven minutes in the morning and/or evening, in addition to short sessions sporadically throughout the day. I'll also be single tasking for the most part, using activities like reading, walking, reading/composing poetry, and painting, as meditative practices.

Yoga: I got into yoga asana because I was stiff and not very grounded, and I decided to train to teach for similar reasons, since yoga is so pigeon holed as something only bendy acrobats can do. I've not gotten on the mat in a few years at this point, but want to get back to it, inspired by my teacher starting to teach again earlier this week after an extended health crisis. I'm planning to just do a couple minutes to start, probably just Sun Salutations/playing around.

Walk: A great form of exercise most anyone can do, and it doesn’t have to cost a thing as long as you have a decent pair of shoes and appropriate clothes for the weather. I've been taking daily walks more regularly recently, but most of the time this is a bookstore circuit that leads to lots of temptation. Going forward I'm planning to walk more in nature and go to libraries instead. I'm setting a 12k goal in Streaks, and shooting for 20k. I've already been hitting in this range most days which has helped with some serious weight loss.

Read: I’ve always got a couple books going. At the moment the list includes a commentary on the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, and Donut Economics by Kate Raworth. Books are magical things. You can learn most anything you might be interested in (I highly recommend Raworth's book), you can learn about another person’s experience of life in their own words (Montaigne basically invented the personal blog before the internet or computers were a thing when he thought up the essay format). You can also exercise your imagination and relax with a good novel (the human imagination has one solid advantage over TV & movies in that it isn’t restricted by a budget!) The plan is to dial back and do my best to only read one or two books at a time instead of the four or five I've usually got going. I'm also planning to read more poetry after my interest was reignited by Sister Jina's wonderful collection, which leads to the next item.

Write: Mostly when I say write I'm thinking of journaling and composing poetry by hand. I'm shooting for spending some time every day writing, but not worrying about getting a polished poem at the end. Just fifteen minutes of concentrated work.

Paint: I've taken a couple classes on watercolor and messed around a bit with acrylics. I'd like to spend some time each day painting, actually focused on having something to show for it each time, though that could be childish goofing around. I'd like to take a shot at using acrylics to recreate ukiyoe, get inspired by Zen/Chan watercolors, and take a shot at Sumie, though I definitely want to take a class in the latter at some point sooner than later!

PLAYING WITH MY CAT: Do I need to explain?

NOTHING: Seriously, we've become so obsessed with "productivity" and "getting things done" that as a culture its as if we've forgotten what it is to be alive as a human being. I'm going to try to do this more often, whether standing in line, walking somewhere, or just having nothing in particular to do.

I'm not expecting March to be easy, but thats kind of the point. I'm getting rid of some things I enjoy , but the fact that something isn't easy just means its more worth doing. I'll be journaling about it, and plan to post here once a week.

[froggie-recs-fics]

Fic Roundup (up to 9/26/21)

I'm gonna start collecting fics I've read recently to recommend them, because making trope lists takes too long and many fics fall by the wayside. Let me know if you like this new format!

The fandoms in this list are as follows: Marvel (SamBucky, HTP, SpideyPool, WinterHawk, WinterIron, Stony, Stucky, SpiderShield), DCU (Bane/Blake), Inception (Arthur/Eames), Teen Wolf (Sterek).

A * signifies a particular favorite (though I love all these fics)

Marvel

Sam/Bucky

double back by flowermasters (E, 12K, Post-Endgame, Time Loop, Time Travel)

Sam gets stuck in a time loop. In 1943.

Things could be worse, but they could certainly be better.

Companion piece here: quick time

I'll explain everything to the geese by napricot (Post-Endgame, E, 50K, Sam can talk to birds)

Bucky is so competent that it hurts my feelings is not a rational complaint to have about a person, and yet, after a year of being Captain America and partnering up with Bucky for the new and improved, post-Blip Avengers, that’s kinda how Sam’s feeling.

It’s not great. It maybe leads to Sam making some rash, ill-advised decisions like claiming he has a previously undisclosed superpower, and then getting caught in a web of lies when he ends up actually developing that surprisingly inconvenient superpower. Talking to birds had seemed like a harmless superpower, but it turns out that birds have a lot of opinions, and they don’t hesitate to tell Sam about them, especially when it comes to his supposedly subpar courting skills. Which is ridiculous, because Sam isn’t courting Bucky. Right?

Rumlow/Bucky

**blueprints for a better world series by itallstartedwithdefenestration @astralhux (CATWS, Post-CATWS, Noncon, E, 115K, Dark Main Character)

When Pierce discovers the asset is no longer capable of getting himself hard during recreational use, he tells Rumlow to figure out what the problem is, and to fix it. The solution turns out to be more complicated than anyone expected.

I can't recommend this series enough

Peter/Wade

*Dead Men Walking series by doctorestranged @lazystrawberrymilkshakes (E, 235K, Identity Porn, Slow Burn)

When a series of murders take place, Peter Parker goes undercover in Sister Margaret’s to get intel on Tony Stark’s prime suspect: Deadpool. Peter goes in hoping to get enough information so that Spider-Man can save the day, but like everything in Peter’s life, it becomes a bit more complicated than that and it soon becomes apparent that he might not be the best fit for the job.

All About Chemistry by TwiceBakedPotato @sedatedkoala (No Powers AU, M, CNTW, 74K, Teacher-Student Relationship, Slow Build)

After serving his 20 years in the Marine Corps, Wade Wilson is cashing in his GI Bill and going back to college. He feels like the old man on campus, but that doesn't matter. He likes his classes. He likes learning. And he especially likes his Chemistry professor with the messy brown hair.

Clint/Bucky

Making Me A Habit by Kangofu_CB @kangofu-cb (No Powers AU, T, 20K, Pet Store, Slow Burn, Pining, Misunderstandings)

Bucky is a disabled vet struggling with reintegrating into civilian life. He has a routine and a rhythm, and he doesn't like to let anything - big or small - disrupt it. That all changes the day Bucky finds himself inside CATastrophe, the local pet rescue, recovering from a panic attack in the back room of the shop.

He’s used to walking by the place, not visiting, but the next thing Bucky knows, he’s hanging signs and being used as a climbing tree for a bunch of freshly-acquired kittens. And he just...keeps going back. First for the kittens, then for the disaster shop owner who rescues actual kittens from actual trees and teaches archery as a side-gig, and eventually because he’s hopelessly in love.

(Clint was in love before Bucky ever walked in the door.)

*Nameless by AvaKelly (Post-CATWS, M, 101K, Time Travel, Time Loop, Slow Burn)

A gun is pointed at him before he can even move from his position, the Soldier's metal arm steady in its aim. Clint sighs.

"Nemo," Clint says. "It's tattooed on your wrist, right here," he lifts his right hand and taps his left index finger where his palm ends.

The Soldier's eyes widen. "How do you know this?"

"I put it there."

Glitter, G-Strings and Other Mission Hazards by flawedamythyst @flawedamythyst (T, 16K, Undercover, Stripper Clint)

“Which is why you need me to shake my booty for cash,” said Clint.

“Precisely,” said Coulson. “You’re the only agent we have who wouldn’t need additional training in the skills of an exotic dancer to take on the mission, and we want to get someone in there as soon as possible.”

Clint nodded, shutting the file. “Okay, awesome. I’ll dig out my sequined g-string.”

“You’ll have full access to requisition any costumes you might need,” said Coulson.

A mission requires Bucky to be Clint's back-up as he goes undercover as a stripper, which gets more difficult with every new costume he comes out in.

Paternal Error by EVVS @skylarkevanson (Post-CATWS, T, 33K, Kid Fic, Established Relationship)

Bucky has never once thought of being a parent. Not since the Winter Solider happened.

Until he falls in love with Clint Barton. And that idiot just keeps collecting children for his flock.

Now Bucky has to pretend like he's good at parenting.

Bucky/Tony

Forms of Love by bear_bell (Post-CACW, E, 33K, Split Personalities)

Months after the Avengers' dispute in Germany, the team returns to the US and moves back into the tower. As always, everyone pretends that nothing happened. Tony is just fine with this. He's used to pretending, and he'll be damned if he lets any of them see him flinch.

Tony's the bad guy, after all. He's used to it. He's fine with it. He's good at it.

Only now, there's something far worse loitering around the tower - The Winter Soldier. No one notices the guy at first, but when they do, Tony figures that he should have the soldier's back.

Birds of a feather should flock together, and the bad guys should start a book club.

Steve/Tony

While You Were Sleeping by betheflame @betheflame (No Powers AU, M, 65K, While You Were Sleeping AU)

It's been years since Steve Grant Rogers Drysdale has spoken to his twin, Ransom. So it was quite a shock when he was summoned to a hospital and found out that Ransom was in a coma.

Even more shocking? That Ransom is engaged. To Tony Stark.

Steve/Bucky

The Road Goes Ever On And On by PipGraham (Omegaverse AU, M, Noncon, Graphic Violence, 20K, Road Trip, Pre-Serum Steve, Past Domestic Violence)

When Brock's continued domestic abuse puts not only Steve's life in danger, but also that of his unborn pup, he flees into the night with just a small backpack of clothes and almost no money to his name.

Steve quickly runs into trouble as he tries to embark on a 3-day cross-country bus journey back home to New York City.

He meets a kind veteran when he most needs a helping hand.

Just Words by LadyRazzle (crimegimp) @ladyrazzle (Pre-CATFA, Soulmate AU, T, 2K, Fluff)

Inspired by that now legendary post: "soulmate AU where you wake up on your 18th birthday with the first words your soulmate will say to you tattooed on your body so you’ll know them when you meet them." Well what if they appear the moment you turn 18, rather than just the day? And what if by the time you turn 18, you'd already fallen in love?

Bucky wasn’t eager to discover what the words said. He already knew what he wanted them to say. He always had.

Peter/Steve

Forgetting It's There by spinstitcher (stygian) (NR, 8K, Crack, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Identity Porn)

“You’re Captain America,” he blurts out.

“What?” says Captain America, looking a little wide-eyed. He casts a nervous glance at the girl at the counter – he has nothing to worry about there, she’s rocking out to her iPod and could care less what they’re talking about – and says, “No, uh, Steve, it’s just, I’m Steve.”

“Right,” says Peter, and then because his brain-to-mouth filter had apparently been completely destroyed in the fight on Oscorp Tower: “Hey, your butt really is as tight as it looks on TV.”

DCU

Bane/Blake

7 Deadly Ass(as)sins by teacuphuman @teacuphuman09 (AU, E, 23K, BDSM)

Bane and Barsad own a sex shop and John needs a job.

Straws by Menirva (Bane/Blake/Barsad, AU, E, 38K, BDSM)

John works in a smoothie shop.

He has a knack, a second sense if you will, for being able to look at a person and know what they're going to order. It's not the most spectacular gift in the world but he likes being able to figure people out and he's never wrong.

Except for this scruffy asshole who is clearly just ordering the wrong thing to fuck with him.

How is he even finishing an extra-large?

Inception

Aurthur/Eames

Rough Trade by Whisky (whiskyrunner) @whiskyrunner (AU, E, 23K, Internalized Homophobia)

Arthur is an investment banker. He is professional and efficient. He's a halfway decent cook. He's totally independent and has been since the age of eighteen. Maybe he's tired all the time because he works about ninety hours a week which is twice what normal people do, but he's rich and he's competent at his job. He's almost thirty, and already a success.

And there are some things Arthur is not. For instance: Arthur is not gay.

Lucky by earlgreytea68 @earlgreytea68 (M, 37K, Kid fic)

Arthur finds a baby.

Teen Wolf

Stiles/Derek

Cut to the Bone by standinginanicedress (Omegaverse AU, E, 112K, Secret Relationship, Enemies to Lovers kinda)

“Not that it’s any of your god damn business, but my name is Stiles. Do you need something?”

The alpha grins. All teeth, shiny white, straight as an arrow. He’s got this sculpted perfection to him that Stiles is sure has worked on all the omegas he’s ever encountered before, but Stiles stands his ground and narrows his eyes. “A date.”

Stiles looks him up and down, slowly, from the black shoes on his feet, to his uniform khakis and blazer littered with pins, to his face. He frowns, makes a face, and says, “pass.”

Cornerstone by Vendelin (Human AU, E, 83K, Marine Derek, Blind Stiles, Friends to Lovers)

Suffering from PTSD, ex-Marine Derek Hale moves back to Beacon Hills to open a bookshop and find a calmer life. That’s where he meets Stiles, completely by accident. Stiles is talkative, charming and curious. Somehow, despite the fact that he’s blind, he’s able to read Derek like no one else.

Stand Fast in Your Enchantments by DevilDoll, Rahciach (AU, Graphic Violence, E, 76K, Captivity, Feral Derek)

"Stiles knew damn well what a pissed-off wolf sounded like, and every hair on the back of his neck was telling him that somewhere in this room was a very pissed-off werewolf." An AU in which Derek is feral, Stiles is magical, and they eat a lot of fast food.

The Payoff Pitch by Leslie_Knope (Sports AU, E, 83K, Coming Out, Friends to Lovers)

Derek is on the cusp of his second season with the LA Dodgers, and as the reigning runner-up Rookie of the Year, the pressure’s on him to become the team’s star pitcher and lead them to the playoffs for the first time in five years. He’s trying to deal with the burden of expectations and really has zero desire to spend any extra time or energy on anything that isn’t baseball.

But then he meets Stiles.

[onwesterlywinds]

PROMPT #5: Cutting Corners

A Godhands postscript, set in the late summer of 1544 of the Sixth Astral Era - thirty-three years before Hydaelyn’s present-day, and thirteen years before Ala Mhigo’s fall.

"I saw that!" Azelas bellowed from across the courtyard. "Kaplan, Dunaidh - back in formation! The next time one of you cuts the corners off your laps, all of you get twenty more!"

Ashley blinked, shook out his mane of sweaty hair, and kept up his pace. He was by no means the fastest of his fellow recruits after three moons of training - Heydari could beat him in a sprint any day - but he outstripped them them all when it came to endurance. For him and him alone, Azelas' proposed gauntlet would be no challenge at all.

As it was, she permitted them to stop at merely ten. They returned to the front of the courtyard to ready their practice arms: a dulled shortsword at the hip, a bronze dagger at the waist, a pike across the back, and a wooden shield on the left arm. They were intentionally heavy compared to the weapons they would one day wield in service to Ala Mhigo, the better to help them build their strength.

"What's this?" said Kaplan.

Ashley and Warcry came up behind her, where she stood alongside the munitions wall. There she traced a finger over a faint pattern that Ashley could not recall having been next to the weapons rack the previous day. The tip of her finger eroded the design and came away white.

"Chalk," Kaplan confirmed. She dusted her hand against her fatigues and walked off with a shrug. "Weird."

Prior to Kaplan rubbing off the bottom right angle, the drawing had indicated a rectangle in much the same dimensions as the courtyard they stood in. One-third of the way along the northmost side sat a tiny, almost imperceptible V.

"Riot!" Azelas called. "What are you waiting for - an invitation from His Majesty?!"

The other recruits, having finished holstering their weapons, were all dragging out the training dummies they'd be using for their drills. "Sorry, captain," he shouted back, and brought the last of the straw-stuffed figures to the end of the line.

"Right," said Azelas once they all stood at attention, and unsheathed a steel dagger of her own from a sheath at her thigh. "This drill is a continuation of our stealth practice from yesterday. As you've probably surmised, it usually won't be enough to tail someone - especially if the goal is ultimately to take them out. So how do you close the distance, whether it's to subdue them or kill them?"

The question was rhetorical, as she soon demonstrated with her own form. "With your dominant foot, step in - toes first, remember - and keep that non-dominant foot light. Use the momentum in that step to bring your core in close to their back, and your arms up to the mouth or the throat." She repeated the stance some few times at varying speeds, something Ashley deeply appreciated of her teaching style; then she removed the blade of her dagger from where the dummy's throat would have been and reholstered it against her leg. "Now, keep trying that until I tell you to stop."

It was hardly Ashley's first time pretending to perfect a technique he had already used during his time in the Undercity. He nodded, much as he always did, and set himself to the drill while imbuing some caution in his own steps.

"Hey, Riot," Dunaidh chided from his left, "you're starting halfway to the ground. You do know you're short enough as it is, right?"

"Enough." Azelas had chosen that moment to hover, and her sudden reappearance was enough to silence Dunaidh. "Focus more on your own drills and less on Riot's-" With a single sweep of her foot, she sent Dunaidh sprawling as she knocked him off-kilter. "-and maybe then you'll have a halfway decent stance."

Ashley kept up his repetition, though he did take care to better mimic Azelas' original instruction. When she came up behind him to guide his shoulders into their proper place, she murmured into his ear, "That staying low you do - is that how you learned it in the Undercity?"

He nodded.

"Then keep doing it that way when you're in the field. For here and now, try to follow along with the official instruction."

"Yes, ser."

"Good lad," she said, and clapped him on the back before starting back at the front of the line.

The sun soon rose to the highest point in the sky, and still Azelas kept them at their training. In a way, it offered him a comfort to practice an unfamiliar method for an ingrained technique: to commit the old while invoking the new required a level of concentration he hadn't thought himself capable of.

Until his hand did not find its way to the training dummy's throat: on something halfway between instinct and memory, he stabbed into the empty pocket of air that would have been his quarry's neck.

As he did so, a head of silken black hair peeked up from behind the nearest rampart.

Ashley was not certain at first that he knew what he was seeing - that he hadn't simply conjured the sight as he had evoked the shadow of his first kill. But as he attacked the dummy again and again, Élodie Fiel became ever more bold: after some minutes of watching him, she had seemingly ceased to duck for cover behind the nearest crenellation, exactly where the chalk drawing had indicated she would be positioned for surveillance.

It was the first he'd seen of her since the day of his mother's funeral. For that reason alone, he had to ignore her, had to put her as far from his mind as possible so as not to lose his hard-earned composure in front of-

"HEY!"

His heart dropped to his knees as Azelas called out to the figure scampering away along the rampart.

"You! Get down here, now - unless you'd prefer the dungeons!"

Ashley did not see Élodie halt in her flight, nor her change of heart - only when she descended the steps from the ramparts with her hands held up in surrender, defiance blazing in her dark eyes. Two guards rushed forward from each side of the training hall, but Azelas motioned for them to stand down; they remained at the ready, with swords and pikes drawn.

Azelas gave Élodie a once-over - a strange gesture, with Élodie in her thin hemp-spun dress matching the burly captain in height. "What's your name, lass?"

"Dora Screech," Élodie replied, with the utmost sincerity.

"Your real name."

Élodie simply glared, and Azelas met the expression with one of even fiercer intensity. Something in the captain's face seemed to convince Élodie not to attempt to perpetuate the lie, and so she said nothing at all.

"What are you doing here - spying?"

One of the guards twirled their pike in their hand. Ashley could not even be certain whether or not Élodie had seen their pageantry, only that she folded much sooner than he would have expected of her - her of all people. "Not spying," she mumbled. "Just... watching."

Azelas rounded on the recruits, no less irate at them for the interruption. "Anyone here vouching for her? Hm?"

The other recruits all stared at Élodie with varying degrees of confusion, and Ashley sought to mimic them as best he could, much as he had feigned ignorance of the drill and its movements. Élodie likewise kept her attention fixed firmly upon the dirt between her feet. To Ashley's left side, Warcry gave Heydari a faint nudge and giggled. There, in the fullness of the summer sun, Ashley realized for the first time that her face did, in fact, grow red when she blushed, and did not simply turn a darker shade of blue.

"Right, then. You lot-" Azelas gestured to the line of recruits before her. "Give me another few more rounds, then pack up." Again she motioned for the guards to stand at ease. Then, before Ashley could so much as blink, Azelas grabbed Élodie by her upper arm, practically dragging her toward the far exit in spite of her digging in her bare heels. Azelas pulled Élodie close and whispered something in her ear, something neither Ashley nor any of the other recruits were privy to; he doubted he would even have noticed her private words if he had not been given his own only shortly before.

In the instant before Azelas took her around the corner, out to where the courtyard gave way to a portcullis, Élodie shot him one last look - an expression he could no longer read.

Kaplan snapped in front of his fingers to stir him from his attempt to decode the look on her face. The gesture was so much like the Élodie he'd known that he swatted her hand away before he could think better of it. "What's gotten into you?" she demanded.

He said nothing, though he longed to tell Kaplan to fuck off or else blame her for being indolent with their laps. He had not once said or done anything to rile any of his fellow recruits: always, always had he kept his head down, just as Sigrid had told him to do.

"Think she was an imperial spy?" asked Dunaidh, with his shite-eating grin.

Warcry snorted in disdain, whether at the question or the interloper herself. "Imperials don't wear clothes that foul. She's just some starveling looking for a crust."

Ashley reverted headlong into the drill to recuse himself of giving his own opinion on the matter, even though the sound of stabbing into hard straw was not enough to cover his would-be comrades' teasing.

A full twelve days later, he bumped shoulders with Azelas in the crowded dining hall, alongside a serving table some Kingsguard knights had claimed for a post-dinner drinking game.

"What did you tell her, ser?" The nicety was essential, even in relative secrecy: though Azelas was an ally to Sigrid, she was first and foremost his commanding officer.

"The truth," Azelas replied, matter-of-factly, as she grabbed a large handful of kibbehs from a platter. "That her showing up was as stupid and dangerous for you as it was for her, and that if she had any sense, she'd keep her distance."

Ashley turned to find a place of his own to sit and eat, only for Azelas to halt him by taking hold of his elbow. "Your steps were the tell that something was amiss. You started moving faster, sloppier. I likely wouldn't have noticed her otherwise. ...Keep that in mind going forward."

He swallowed hard and nodded. "I will." Though the instruction stung, especially in spite of the circumstances, Ashley was not so sullen as to disregard its valuable. "Thank you, ser."

Azelas shrugged, as if he'd asked her a question too complicated to explain over dinner. With suspicion thus averted for them both, she retreated in the direction of her office, and Ashley resolved to find a place to eat with his back to the wall.

[that--unusual-person]

ramble about what i have in-store for the three groups of seekers. now that i got their ideal jet modes out of the way, this is where the fun begins.

CONE HEADS

AIRCRAFT TYPE: Heavy artillery jets

(LEADER) Dirge - A10

Thrust - H-20

Ramjet- Saab A-36

SPECIFICATION - Anti ground control/Seeker Protection Services

—

The Cone Heads were at first a joke when they entered the Decepticon air force, thanks to the rookie, Ramjet, his casualty during one operation and recovery shows their true strength and op abilities. It made them a critical part of the Decepticon forces. But what gave them the full opportunity to partake in the air force was their function and priorities they offered. Ramjets recovery served as a surprise, showing how resilient and heavy metaled the Cone Heads really are.

—

Dirge, confident and resilient, he’s proved himself to be quiet the leader to larger groups rather than a trine of three. Given the circumstances of missions and outposts, Dirge always leaded back row with full vision over his squads. With heavy armor plating and quad thrusters he maintains decent speed compared to his trine, a balance of power and force.

PRIMARY CHOICE OF TARGET: Heavy airborne targets

-

Thrust, an intelligent and open minded bot, capable of calculating precision attack on the spot. His quick thinking and problem solving won him a place in air combat when something does wrong during a mission. Thrust is equipped with laser tracking for intercepting homing missiles and duel ion cannons for return attacks. Despite his slow speed, Thrust is the heaviest and most armored out of the Cone Heads. He is found leading the right front row.

PRIMARY CHOICE OF TARGET: Bogies/Incoming enemy lockons

-

Ramjet, not the smartest and not the brightest out of the bunch, but his air maneuvering makes up for it. Even when he was born, he was trained in his alt mode constantly, Shockwave said the way his wings are formatted shows signs of excessive flight from a young age, the ripples acting like a tattoo. Though, before Ramjet could even join the Decepticon cause fully, he was knocked out of the sky and paralyzed for years. Then again, his resilience as a Cone Head proved to be powerful, and his yearn to take flight earned him a spot as the seekers secondary air way directory.

PRIMARY CHOICE OF TARGET: Incoming airborne target

RAIN MAKERS

AIRCRAFT TYPE: Stealth

Acid Storm - Jh xx

(LEADER) Nova Storm - J-22

Ion Storm - F-35

SPECIFICATION - Priority Target take down

—

The Rain Makers are a particular breed of seekers. They don’t say much, using communication through contact and emotion. Rain Makers fly at low altitudes, given their quick and unnatural tasks, they are often seen in the outskirts of Decepticon forces, supporting those pushing forward on the ground while keeping optics on any severe casualties/unwanted enemies and dealing with them at full. Their abilities are also something to behold for such aggressive unit.

—

Acid storm, with his ability to make an acidic like liquid from gas molecules, rearranged atoms in the air mixed with his own secrecy of toxicity. Shockwave believe that his ability lies within the flow of his energon. Hazardous, his energon runs like toxic waste through his system, giving his ability to create acidic storms through the crevices of his body, releasing the chemical from his energon stream into the open. Although, over extrusion of his ability leaves him drained and requires double the energon reserves to make sure he’s up to full capacity and functional. Without it, he will show symptoms similar to bleeding out, and will surely enter stasis, perhaps death.

PRIMARY CHOICE OF TARGET: Target rich environments

-

Nova Storm, with her ability to slice through just about anything with extreme durability and speed is a danger to behold to the receiver and herself. Her armor is comprised of an almost indestructible material. Given when she was created, she was dipped into that Shockwave believed was a bio weapon formula for insulating the inside of fusion cannons. That gel fused with Nova Storm, giving her an impervious and heavy sheet of armor around her body. Signs show that she has withstood gamma rays, extreme radiation, and other outlier abilities. Her only weakness is her overconfidence in her ability. Almost one too many times she is captured and tortured for information by the senate, only for her Rain Makers to make an appearance and reek havoc.

PRIMARY CHOICE OF TARGET: Harsh areas and enemy outliers

-

Ion Storm, his ability to create electro magnetic and electricity through the corse of his body to the surrounding area. Often in favor of getting the jump on his enemies, Ion Storm would latch onto airborne targets or anything vulnerable and electrocute them into stasis, or temporary paralysis. The charge within his system is comprised of a multitude of internal wiring like Shockwave has never seen. The wiring within his body is weaved together and connected to joints that would cause a normal cybertronian to breakdown, yet Ion Storms body has grown an immunity to his ‘stunted mechanism. Shockwave says he is able to generate electro magnetic pulses from his spark and fluctuate them through his system, using the positive points of his body to release that energy in a deathly charge. Sadly, Ion Storm’s ability is a weakness in its nature. Due to his mutated internals, too much extrusion of his ability could result in spark failure, exploding wiring, or a spark attack.

PRIMARY CHOISE OF TARGET: Tank/Heavy enemies

ELITE TRINE

AIRCRAFT TYPE: Fighter (PANAVIA TORNADO)

(LEADER) Starscream - Tornado ECR

Skywarp - Tornado IDS

Thundercracker - Tornado ADV

SPECIFICATION - Air Control

—

The Elite Trine is the first to enter the Decepticon forces. Starscream being the one who agreed to join the cause after the rescue of Thundercracker and Skywarp before they were turned to the functionalists camps. The Elite Trine shows the highest resilience to the functionalists, often having the strongest doubts about their Autobot refugees, though there is once scientist who collaborates with Shockwave that assists them and their outlier abilities.

—

Starscream, eldest to the Elite Trine, dangerously ambitious, and never afraid to speak his mind; his words have always been his greatest weapon next to his intellect. Constantly scheming and plotting ways to their next attack, he prefers to stay several steps ahead of everyone. Though not born with an outlier ability like his brothers, he takes pride in his skills and achievements over any difference. But because of this difference, he has had an unnerving sense of constant dissatisfaction and envy. This let his ambition grow wildly with the goal to be the most successful despite being just a normal seeker. Even without powers or special abilities, Starscream’s intellectual prowess and drive caught Megatron’s attention the second Starscream came to the Decepticons. Starscream always proved to be one of the best in his academy and had an opportunity to live a wealthy and successful life, but he gave it all away when the functionalists took his brothers because of their outlier abilities, so Starscream left his old life for the Decepticons to rescue them. His ambition and daring actions that would most likely ruin anyones life earned him Leader of the seekers, and second in command.

PRIMARY CHOICE OF TARGET: Highest command/Airborne targets

-

Skywarp, with is teleportation abilities and knack for reckless behavior, he is a force of nature to anyone who dares try to put a leash on him. The middle seeker to the Elite Trine, nothing goes unnoticed by him when something goes on between his brothers. Often always dozing off and fleeing to his own world, when it comes to the destructive danger of battle, Skywarp is not afraid to dive head first just to get the first count. Shockwave has monitored Skywarps ability to teleport and has found it fascinatingly complicated despite Skywarps simple explanation of it. Upon further examinations every passing cycle, Shockwave has kept it in private files that before Skywarp was captures and tested, he would’ve been able to teleport armies. But the functionalists stunted his powers, leaving him only able to teleport so many bots including himself. Even with the lack of a powerful teleport, Skywarp still uses his talents to get between or behind enemy lines for serious damage to their defenses. Often aiming for heavy gunners or target rich environments, he is the demo class of the seekers. His biggest weaknesses are his teleportation and his reckless. If he continues to teleport for an extended amount, his body with begin to lose its physical form until he warps completely out of existence.

PRIMARY CHOICE OF TARGET: Heavy/Turrets/Cargo ships/Target rich environments

-

Thundercracker, with his abnormal speeds and ability to create wide spread EMP blasts, he has become the best asset for disorienting enemies and carrying small payloads from point a to point b. The youngest of the Elite Trine, Thundercracker is one of the most unique seekers to have an outlier ability and body type. His height goes beyond a normal seekers, as well as his ability, he gets questioned and stares by a-lot of other Decepticons and bots alike, so he tends to be shy from all the attention. But don’t let his shyness fool you, he is pretty cruel for a bot to enjoy literature, history, and poems. Thundercracker will also do anything to protect his trine, inspired by Starscream after he rescued them. And because of his rescue, Shockwave assessed the damage the functionalists caused on Thundercracker. If he had reached the camps, Shockwaves theory stands that the functionalists would’ve torn Thundercracker apart and strip him of his form. Thankfully, Thundercracker kept his ability, and flies with such speeds it makes everyone jealous as well as thankful they aren’t the one caught in his line. His only weakness is his ability backfiring on himself. If Thundercracker isn’t equipped with the right armament, the result of using his ability would shatter his frame leaving him in an impossible state of recovery. Still, he is willing to risk his life for the safety and name of his trine.PRIMARY

CHOICE OF TARGET: Airborne targets/Target rich environments

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Game of Thrones Tier List

In the strategic world of Game of Thrones Tier List the power strength, and well-being of a kingdom largely depends on commanders selected and sent to the field. The two commanders are different, and people find it essential to know which of them will perform better on the battlefield. Regardless of whether you’re going for offense, defense, or support, a good Commander lineup can turn the tide of the game in your favor if you’re seeking the Iron Throne. Welcome to the admin’s updated Game of Thrones Tier List Commander Picks & Rankings, where we will explain to you who to choose if you want to become a leader on the battlefield. S-Tier Commanders: The Best of the Best 🌟 These commanders have the best talents in fighting and as well in the overall running of kingdoms. In this list, all of them are proprieties of the team that you wanna become stronger at Game of Thrones then these commanders are the best choice for you. 1. Jon Snow 🐺 Eastwatch is the best starting point for Jon Snow as a commander because the character gives rich bonuses for attacks and defense alike. His skills are particularly relevant to morale-boosting within a unit and more damage dealt, he is very useful in difficult fights. - Role: Offensive & Defensive Leader - Strengths: Bumped up damage for infantry and morale for other soldiers - Best Use: Perfect for Commanding your troops on the battlefield or guarding strategic positions in your kingdom. 2. Daenerys Targaryen 🐉 Daenerys, known as the Mother of Dragons, is one of the best commanders in the last in-game turns. her ability to summon dragons increases the administrator’s combat effectiveness by providing powerful artillery for the battle, and, in addition, to improving morale, she is considered a formidable opponent in combat. - Role: Offensive Specialist - Strengths: Dragon-related buffs, boost in the damage dealt - Best Use: Most effective in strike assaults and alliances and PvP battles that are considered critical. 3. Tyrion Lannister 🏰 Unlike other factions that might lack a decent support commander, Tyrion is not only a very good strategy commander. He improves the management of resources and speeds up the training of troops, which is very essential in kingdom progress and continuous warfare. - Role: Support & Economy Specialist - Strengths: Increased resource generation or resource production for training of troops. - Best Use: Make sure you assign him, compatible diplomatic officials, to balance with the war formation approach and avoid a destructive strategy.

GameInfoX For more detailed strategies, check out the Game of Thrones Game Guide for expert tips. A-Tier Commanders: Strong Performers 💪 Such commanders are great in warfare but may not be as well-rounded as characters of S-Tier. They still occupy the place of an excellent choice for the majority of the cases and you will not go wrong choosing any of them when it comes to the PvE and PvP fight. 1. Arya Stark ⚔️ Arya is a classic ninja who is efficient, fast, and deadly in combat engagements that focus on fast kills. Due to her high speed when fighting she is a good choice for hit-and-run combat maneuvers. - Role: Assassin & Skirmisher - Strengths: Higher running speed, more amount of HP loss per hit in small-level encounters - Best Use: Most effective in any combat where decisions have to be made in a flash. 2. Jaime Lannister 🛡️ Jaime Lannister one of the greatest duelists in all of Westeros is a character that adds great defensive strength to the team. He is best suited for the position of a defensive one and guards your kingdom against the enemies. - Role: Defensive Specialist - Strengths: Potential to counterattack or defend much more than before - Best Use: Employ him to strengthen the strategic positions and grounds of the structures necessary for defense. 3. Sansa Stark 🎯 Sansa may not be as trained as other commanders, but she is more intelligent and diplomatic than most of them. She specializes in kingdom management and the coordination of alliances and offers economic and political benefits. - Role: Diplomat & Support - Strengths: Fosters development of partnerships, raises generation of resources - Best Use: Organise your kingdom's internal affairs and consolidate other partnerships using her. B-Tier Commanders: Good But Situational 🔄 Brienne is a serious and loyal sergeant for Cersei, a good defender and an efficient commander. She still does not pack as much punch in the attacking department, however she provides great support for important units in the siege. 1. Brienne of Tarth 🛡️ Brienne is a steadfast and reliable commander who excels in defensive situations. While she doesn’t offer as much offensive firepower, her ability to protect key units makes her invaluable during sieges. - Role: Defensive Protector - Strengths: Serves to spirit and defend friendly forces - Best Use: Employ her in set-up roles or when you require shielding other usually weaker forces. 2. Theon Greyjoy 🦑 Theon may not be one of the best strategists but his skills in naval fights do make him a valuable addition to an army in a coastal or river fight. In case you are doing campaigns near water, the man is Theon. - Role: Naval Specialist - Strengths: Promotes naval combat efficiency - Best Use: Use him best in coastal raids and water-based operations as can be seen in sea battles. C-Tier Commanders: Niche Roles 🧩 These commanders are not other high-ranked commanders but can be of a certain use in a particular form of battle. I would recommend them to be commanding alongside stronger commanders, or in positions that have no one else equipped with similar skills. 1. Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger) 🏦 Littlefinger is not exactly a fighter, as he prefers scheming and plotting from the shadow. As for the Battlescape, he won’t lack skills for exchanging diplomacy, but as a fighter – he won’t be much help. - Role: Espionage & Diplomacy - Strengths: Raises the likelihood of success in negotiations, provides information on the adversaries - Best Use: Thus, best when you’re not trying to just bash your enemies, but rather attempting to outmaneuver them through politics. 2. Stannis Baratheon ⚖️ Stannis has average attack power and defense, therefore being a balanced commander on the battlefield. A bit above average in all areas, and perhaps not the best at anything except that he’s rather versatile for the general strategies. - Role: Balanced Fighter - Strengths: Strong in offense and equally strong on the defensive end - Best Use: You should employ him in levels in which you require an all-around general for medium combat scenarios. How to Make the Most of Your Commanders 🧠 This means that to be able to conquer Westeros one must employ his commanders in such a way that one takes the most advantage of their abilities. Here are a few tips for optimizing your lineup: - Balance Your Team: As much as possible try to always have strategic commanders that include the offense, defense, and support troops. This also makes it possible for one to be able to meet different challenges like commanding a battalion, to the management of resources. - Upgrade and Level Up It is recommended that you frequently advance your commanders through progressive questing and several activities or events. Those at a higher command level are willing to provide better bonuses and have better abilities. - Use Synergies: Some commanders work well together. For instance, teams up Jon Snow with Daenerys as the team has both attackers and morale boosters that can ensure that an enemy team gets a contest, especially on the battlefront.

GameInfoX For more information on the latest changes to commanders and their abilities, visit the Game of Thrones Latest Update and News. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓ Q1: They give the viewer an immense quantity of information concerning the methods of how to recruit more commanders in Game of Thrones. Commanders can be recruited either at the Tavern or on special occasions. The game has regular commanders that are earned through a player’s progression through the game and others that can be purchased using diamonds or through the game currency. Q2: Are commanders able to be utilized in PvE content and also in PvP content? Yes, commanders may be deployed in the total Devastation or Presence missions as well as in the Paging fights. Little difference is observed between these two types of commanders, it is just that some commanders like Jon Snow and Daenerys are more able to perform optimally in both terrains. Q3: What can I do to the commanders for them to have more authority? By experiencing points, improving equipment, and using the Master’s Tower, you can enhance the power of your commander's higher rank. Q4: After this persistent menu, is there something, like a seasonal update for the commanders? Yes, they do, New commanders are added in the new updates also balance changes to the commanders are often introduced in the update. Remember also to always check on the Game of Thrones Developer for further details.

GameInfoX Conclusion: Rule Westeros with the Right Commanders ⚔️ Selecting the best commanders for players in Game of Thrones is crucial while playing this game having a strategy to create the strongest kingdom and commanding championing armies. As you aim to capture the Iron throne follow this tier list and get to learn about each commander's strengths to defeat your rivals. It does not matter if you’re a newcomer to the genre or a hardcore veteran: knowing which commanders to take is the first step to ensuring that you’ll stand a chance at having any sort of success in the unforgiving world of Westeros. Word Count: 1,122 Words Read the full article