#ambition is a lonely tower

[sarandipitywrites]

OC vs Cockroach

@thepeculiarbird sent me this one - thank you! go see how her OCs deal with this disaster here. passing along the tag to @finchwrites, @indecentpause, @space-writes, @notwritinganyflufftoday, and @dyrewrites, plus an open tag for anyone who wants to torment their characters with household pests 😈

Rules: rank your OCs based on how well they would do with a cockroach

have a grab bag of OCs from various projects, ranked from high to low in order of competency (plus, the tumblr debut of Jules, V, and Jacqui from my new, very-tentatively-named WIP: You Up?):

Jacqui: Catches it in a tupperware and takes it outside. Then throws away the tupperware, washes and sanitizes her hands, and performs a ritual to magically bug-proof the building for the next month. 12/10 for preventative measures.

Mina: Throws a shoe across the room at it. Nails it in one hit. 10/10. FATALITY.

Jules: Uses the double-plastic-cup method to catch the roach. Takes his new buddy on a tour of the nearby dumpsters until he finds one the bug seems excited about. Releases the bug into the alley of its choice. 10/10.

Baz: Scoops it up in his bare hands. The feeling of it skittering around kind of breaks his brain for a minute; stands there, awkwardly holding a cockroach, until someone reminds him to put it outside. 7/10 because it does end up outside eventually.

Lienzo: Pretends he doesn't see it until someone else shows up and deals with it. If he has absolutely no choice, he'll find the largest, heaviest thing he can and smash the roach. Then there's the crisis of how he's going to clean it up. 5/10.

V: Jacqui says they're not allowed to use alchemical bombs on household pests anymore. So they grab the lighter and hairspray. 3/10.

Phi: Makes scathing comments in the roach's general direction until it gets the hint and leaves. This doesn't work very well. 2/10.

Qedlan: Looks up the correct way to deal with cockroaches. This takes long enough that he loses sight of the bug. He can't find it again. He lives in fear for the next week. 1/10.

Ari: Calls Mina to come kill it for her. When Mina inevitably refuses, she resigns herself to living with it. She names it Roachfort. It lives in the corner with Spedro (the spider she couldn't kill last week). 0/10.

[obessed-with-fictional-men]

oh my sweet Gale

I will admit, the very first run through of this game i found Gale annoying, pushy, dumped trauma everywhere, narcissistic in his knowledge of magic, and the need to prove how right his in in the subject. I often found myself thinking and saying out loud "omg shut up"..... buuuuut... having romanced him...... i found that his personality traits are the exact same as someone born as a child prodigy, had his ego inflated, alienated by everyone around him, and made to think he was superior by someone higher up just to then land on his ass.

I wont go through what i think of his character development because each play through is different, and for each player its different... but this is what i think of him over all.

Gale doesn't know how to talk to people. He doesn't have social queues that almost everyone else picks up on. Gale has spent, up till the tadpole, the exception in a lot of the situations he was put into and thus it became his default personality. Yes, for those of us who have romanced him (keeps romancing him) we see someone haunted by their past choices and watch him grow. We see the nerd that he is, but this is more about the potential Gale before we meet him. So bare with me.

He was a child prodigy and put into a prestigious school where he flourished. I can only image how his professors loved him and his fellow students less than enthusiastic response. You know what happens when you become the teachers pet? You become ostracized by your fellow peers. You know what happens when you are really good at something that usually takes A LOT of practice for others? You either get used or don't make friends. Gale has had ONE story that involved other people and it didn't involve friends, he was at a bar and defused a brawl with ale. He has openly admitted to Tara being his only real friend.

Now this isn't to say Gale never had to work at his magic or arcane knowledge to get him to where he is in the game when he first meet him. He was an archmage and the chosen of Mystera, but his innate ability to wield it as a young boy is what got Mystera's attention. Gale has stated that she was his teacher first, then his muse and finally his lover. You can only imagine how special he felt when Mystera chose him to be his guiding hand..... and then to be a lover? I don't care who you are..... That shit would have to inflate your ego. That shit would make you feel like you were SOOO much better than your fellow peers. You would have those toxic thoughts and comments of "yeah, well Mystera chose me! So who needs friends/criticism/physical lovers/ect". What do you typically do when you catch the attention of someone you highly regard? You try to impress them and do what you can to be even more impressive! So Gale's ambition grew to newer heights. I cant imagine what Mystera poisoned his mind with while they were together. Like, i get she told him to just be content with the things were.... but come on Mystera... you couldn't have expected him to stop striving to be better with a simple "nah, you're cool how you are. you don't need to be my equal". Not when the poor man has spent the last 2 decades of his life striving to be the best. His most important years for growth and development have been spent on trying to impress others.

Gale learns of a way to possibly convince Mystera to allow him into her domain and it gets a carnivorous orb shoved into his chest, dumped, stripped of his titles and holed up in his tower without nary a reason why. That had to be the biggest blow he has ever received in his entire life. His act of what he believed to be a sure fire way into getting what he wanted ended up taking almost everything away from him. If it wasn't for Tara, i'm sure Waterdeep would have succumbed his to orbs blight. The man locked himself in his tower and turned away all his colleagues and family.

So imagine, you are this lonely person... squirreled away from others and any social interaction. No one to talk to except your pet *sorry Tara* and all of a sudden you find yourself on a ship.... with a parasite in your brain and then your thrust into an adventure with a bunch of strangers. You have this orb in your chest that could blow at any time and you cant really explain WHY you need magical items.... but that if you don't get them.... everyone is in trouble.... you find your group facing monsters and doing weird ass side quests.... and at any given opportunity, you like to drop a knowledge bomb on the group.... just to find that some of the group members don't like your input... or don't listen at all.. which doesn't sit well with you. You've been told how right you are for like... 20 years... You haven't been given many acts of kindness since becoming an adult, what with your abrasive "im more knowledgeable in everything and i've slept with a goddess" personality, so when you see your fearless leader doing something nice, you approve. You grown to trust this leader enough to tell them the truth.... knowing full well they may turn on you, but they don't! You continue to watch them, and share moments of magic with them, you fight along side them, and what is this? Are you starting to develop feelings for them? Are they reciprocating these feelings?

He gets a death sentence slapped on his back and these new budding feelings he has for you need to be made known. What better way than to show you how much you mean to him than to literally paint the sky in the weave for you. To take away the Shadow-lands curse and SHOW you something better. He thinks 'the most perfect night would have to be some place im comfortable and vulnerable.... so that i can SHOW them. This is me, Gale. This is my whole world and at the center of it, my very heart'. he is literally showing you who he is. he is this studious... lonely man.. who sits in front of his fire place reading and researching... or out on his terrace watching the sunset with a book. Like, do you accept this version of me that you have not seen yet? *Not to mention the weave/ astral projected 3 gale gang bang you get while spinning through the cosmos. He is such a show off... or he just isnt confident in his own physical/ mortal ability to woo and wow*

To watch Gale throughout my few play throughs grow as a person and learn that having to much ambition can oft lead to ruin... and watch him change to just be content with himself as he is... i get a lot of comfort from it. I haven't gone down the God route yet, nor have i tried to make him more villainous, but who knows lol.

I have a lot thoughts on pre-tadpoled Gale and how his life up to that point made him who he is when we are first introduced to him. Gale is definitely my comfort character.

Sorry for the rant... or maybe im not. Once again... these are my thoughts from my multiple play throughs.

[psychicdamaged]

as someone who has spent an obscene amount of time thinking about evandrin and zerxus' relationship (before one of them died). something that has stuck with me is luis saying that zerxus has always put avalir before elias. it's such a sad, poignant thing, but i think when evandrin was alive, that wasn't true. i think choosing avalir was very deliberate, and that choice made because duty was less painful than facing an empty home, his child missing his other parent, the ghosts of evandrin that lingered in their old life together. being first knight, choosing that lonely tower, was the preferred option over confronting his loss. after all, he literally had patia erase the memory of the resurrection attempt. he chose, over and over, not to face his grief, and part of that meant putting duty above all else and burying all the difficult things like emotions and raising his bereaved son. between his desire to escape and the pressure on zerxus to take up evandrin's mantle, of course he became the next first knight.

i also think that zerxus was the reason evandrin was able to get the first knight position. without zerxus, evandrin would've juggled raising a son from infancy and ascending to first knight on his own. obviously, he loved zerxus as a romantic partner, but also, having another parent to elias meant he could focus more time and energy into his own ambition. that, perhaps, if zerxus' #1 priority was elias, then it would be okay if evandrin's #1 priority was avalir.

maybe it was even supposed to be a temporary arrangement. maybe evandrin thought that once he'd achieved his goals, he'd be able to put his family first again. but that's not how avalir works.

i think evandrin loved his son. but i don't think for a moment he was at all immune to the hubris and mighty ambition that held claim over the rest of the ring of brass either

[redrum-alice]

TimeBomb ⏳️💣✨️ Tangled AU headcanons again because why not---

May or may not include repeated hcs bc i domt read them after theyre posted lololol---

Ekko HCs

Instead of his nose, piltover enforcers kept getting Ekko's face mark wrong on his wanted posters (they either put apple, unicorn, heart, or a d*ck on his face-)

Ladies Man: Every girl and young woman who happens to come across his posters or who have heard of him have been fawning over him; they have this notion that if they leave a science book or a trinket on their window at night, he'll come visit and sweep them off their feet...of course that doesn't happen and there's only a 50% chance he'll pick it up or not (probs bc he already stole a copy of that book or that the trinket doesn't interest him).

He's the big brother (along with Scar) of their community called "Firelights" where most refugees reside. He gets along with kids a lot and invite him to play Tag with them when he's not busy. (Bonus: he babysits Scar's baby when he's away)

Short Lore: Ekko was orphaned at a very young age and was left to fend for himself as a pick pocket along with other kids. By the time he was old enough to pick up a book, Benzo adopted him and made him as his apprentice at the age of 9. It all ended when Enforcers and Chembarons terrorized Zaun due to Shimmer. Scar eventually found him and became his big brother. Rest is history of them building a sanctuary for people in need.

Ekko is pretty much a book worm. Unlike kids his age when he was young, he would steal more books than money resulting Scar sharing his rations to feed him. He's reckless, but eventually learned how to survive.

Kids in the Firelight sanctuary are inspired and are as curious as Ekko is in the field of science and mathematics. Parents encourage them to hang out with their big brother in hopes they can be educated just like him

His parents did want him to attend piltover academy for a brighter future, but unfortunately the war happened :')

Because of the unfortunate events happening in his life, he starts to fantasize about building a time machine to see his family again. Jayce's hexgem only amplified his ambitions of building his impossible project.

Another one of his ambitions is to make a better place for people to live in...and others in Zaun have mocked him for it (apart for the firelights, they look up to him)

Scar kept telling him to find a partner because he's gonna grow old and lonely if he doesnt. Ekko ofc ignores this and thinks he doesnt need it when he's got his books.

Ekko is also responsible for adding flora in their community. His mom once owned a tiny garden she used to tend to. Ekko plants his mother's favorite flowers to honor both his parents. It was fairly easy to grow them since natural light shines in the community.

Jinx HCs

Silco bought a casual outfit and two dresses from piltover for Jinx, but she only wears one dress and out grew her casual outfit. She saves the other dress for when she leaves the tower (for good).

She altered her dress to fit her tastes; piltover fashion is bonkers she says.

He also brings her self-care products especially for her hair, but never buys her hair accessories...says its too tacky for her (and it reminds him too much of her mother lmao)

Jinx doesn't allow anyone to come near her (especially her hair) upon Silco's orders unless told otherwise. It's usually him or Sevika who brushes her hair.

When Silco is busy, he sends Sevika instead to tend to Jinx (much to each other's dismay). She doesn't like how rough Sevika is brushing her hair (though she's still careful because she gets paid)

The tower usually gets cold in the winter and people sometimes forget to send wood for her fireplace, so wraps up herself in her hair and several blankets so she wouldn't freeze. She's used to it and doesn't mention it to Silco despite him saying she can call to him whenever she needs something

One could guess that not heating up her tower in the winter is probably an experiment conducted by Singed indirectly to see if she can endure bitter cold all while Silco allows it and doesn't tell his daughter. It's one of the cruel ways to test her mutation.

Another way of testing her is having her live in a dark place; the tower is located within the dark forest where no light can reach it. Jinx's eyes became more adjusted in the dark that she can read three books with a small candle light or a neon light stick that barely illuminates the whole room.

Unbeknownst to them, her brilliant mind comes up with several ways to live (or survive) in the tower with what minimal tools she has.

Yes, she has a crossbow but prefers to use her custom-made pistol

Of course, she has nightmares: it often involves the voices in pain she has heard echoing below when there's "shimmer business" going on. Sometimes it about being abandoned by her father and being lied to. She gets the feeling that someone out there is finding her, but they have long abandoned her.

Her pet crow is mischievious as well as its smart; it often brings her materials she needed for her projects Silco asked her to do. It sometimes bring her trinkets she find cute and fascinating

She read about bugs that glow called "firelights" and wishes to see them herself. Shes fascinated that such creatures can glow and float around naturally (unlike the neon lights she sees workers use. She likes them, but she wanted to see what natural light is)

General HCs

When Ekko met Jinx in her tower while hiding, he thought he saw a ghost bc of her long hair and pale skin (and wearing white modest undergarments at that time-- she knocked him out before he can see full view lol)

Jinx was unconsciously transparent about being naive about the world and only knows a portion of it. Ekko couldn't bring himself to leave her in that tower alone now that she's old enough to explore the world.

The Deal: Jinx keeps the stone hidden until Ekko takes her outside and see firelights or whatever she wants. If he fails to do so, she'll tell on him and she gets to use the hexgem to power her weapon and destroy whatever her father tells her to.

After their deal, Ekko took Jinx to a local bar called "The Last Drop" in Zaun. It wasn't the same place he remembered, but he hopes they still serve the same menu there. The problem is Jinx recognized some of the men there who work for Silco lol

Ekko is weirded out by Jinx's hair length, but soon comes to appreciate it. When asked why she cant cut, she'll only answer her father doesn't want to

He thinks her hair color became even brighter when she was outside-- not to mention she's even more radiant than before :3

When Jinx was washing her hands, her sleeves were rolled up exposing syringe marks on her skin. Ekko gently asked Jinx about and she answered "father and this doctor wanted to keep my health in check" despite being fairly healthy. He's sensing something is very wrong

On their way to the Firelight sanctuary, Jinx marveled at the flowers and the light emitting from the sky above them. Ekko enjoys the smile on her face, even letting her pick flowers she likes as long as she doesnt destroy his work 🥲

Both of them got along pretty well seeing that they enjoy reading and tinkering (Scar even teased Ekko for bringing in a lady friend over)

Ekko presented Jinx the option to stay with him if she wants, seeing that she was much more happier here than being trapped in her tower for so long...maybe one day she'll consider breaking out of her own prison.

Been a while since I wrote something here. Had some personal life problems that hinder me from creating something + my works aren't as engaging as before (grateful to those who still appreciate them tho 💖)

Also dedicati g this to @starry-nights12 bc they've been feeding me so much TB content for the past few weeks now TvT 💖✨️

[sodaliteskull]

The Foretelling

A cool new tag game from @thesorcerersapprentice's own @philosophika! Check out the ones for her protagonist Altaluna and antagonist Valeriano!

Going to tag @ryns-ramblings, @new-royston-cursebreakers, and @meerawrites for this (no pressure, however!), and also leaving it as an OPEN TAG so get in on it if you're seeing this!

INSTRUCTIONS: Assign Tarot Cards representing your character(s) in act 1, act 2, and act 3, the tag some friends!

RYLA

One of the protagonists of the Starcrossed Cycle, she is the daughter of nobility turned monster hunter.

Act 1: The Hanged Man

Bound to a path by one's own will. The willingness to sacrifice may be noble, but this can lead to stagnation while waiting for a blade worthy enough to fall upon.

Act 2: The Hermit

A lone wanderer, in search of something. The introspection that can come from isolation may be illuminating, but that can turn to loneliness and disassociation just as easily.

Act 3: Judgment

To reevaluate oneself when faced with choices set to alter the rest of one's life. To let go of doubt and self-loathing, to instead take action and embrace the future that has been earned.

IRADUREL

The other protagonist, she is a former gang member who survived the ending of her world, both literally and metaphorically.

Act 1: The Devil

Trapped by one's lifestyle, enslaved to vice. The shackles of excess and addiction, which have been a shallow comfort in a harsh reality, must be broken in order to restore the self long left languishing.

Act 2: The Chariot

Forward momentum, the driving force of one's own will. At its best, it's about ambition and willpower, while at its worst it's about a lack of focus and control.

Act 3: Death

The ending of things, for good and for ill. To let go, to transition and change, rather than to lose oneself in an endless cycle. The fear of the unknown hand in hand with the hope for a kinder future.

RANSARAN

The antagonist, it is the last god left alive after the rest of its pantheon was killed, and it is going to make that everyone's problem.

Act 1: The Emperor

A stoic figure - a leader - head and shoulders above all others. Authority and stability, thought that could just as easily become tyranny and inflexibility.

Act 2: Justice

The iron authority of the law, and retribution against those who would go against it. Integrity and accountability can be corrupted into vengeance and denial, however.

Act 3: The Tower

What has been wrought is now torn asunder, a necessary change to bring about new growth. The foundations have been destroyed, the folly of the structure visible for all to see. And so, something new will be built.

[nixiefics]

A Tangle of Souls - Chapter 4

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x OC (Jaena)

Tropes: Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers

Warnings: Targaryen typical incest, smut, swearing, drinking, canon typical violence and death

As Jaena entered her chambers, the faint scent of jasmine wafted through the air, mingling with the soft glow of candlelight that danced across the room. Neseya sat gracefully at the small table by the window, her silhouette outlined against the backdrop of the setting sun. Dark tendrils of hair cascaded over her shoulders like liquid midnight, framing her features with an air of mystique.

Their fabricated bond, spun by the intricate webs of deception orchestrated by Jason Lannister, served as a precarious facade in the halls of King's Landing.

Despite the scant acquaintance, Jaena's movements exuded a quiet determination as she approached Neseya, her steps measured and purposeful. Neseya, her pretence carefully crafted to exude maternal love, met Jaena's gaze with a practiced warmth that masked the uncertainty lingering beneath the surface.

As Jaena drew nearer, the tension between truth and falsehood hung palpably in the air, a silent testament to the intricate dance they were entangled in.

"So, Neseya, why exactly are you here?" Jaena's voice sliced through the silence, each word laced with suspicion as she broke the tension that hung in the air like a heavy fog. Her arms folded across her chest, a barrier of defiance against the world she sought to unravel.

Neseya's lips curved into a smile, a mere whisper of amusement that danced upon her features like a fleeting shadow. "Straight to the point, I see. Very well," she conceded, her voice a melodic cadence that belied the gravity of their conversation.

"I orchestrated our convergence in King's Landing," Neseya continued, her gaze steady and unwavering. "You see, I harbour ties to the Lannister family, connections I've kept hidden until now. But my intentions toward you, Jaena, are not tinged with malice. No, those sentiments I reserve for others. With you, I see potential, an opportunity waiting to be seized for mutual gain."

As Neseya spoke, she took a sip from her goblet, her movements leisurely as if time itself bowed to her whims. The goblet, a delicate vessel of crystal, caught the fading light, casting prisms of colour across the room in a kaleidoscope of hues.

Jaena's brows furrowed in disbelief, a ripple of scepticism marring the porcelain smoothness of her features. "Opportunity? What kind of opportunity involves parading me around as the daughter of a prince I've never met?" Her voice, sharp as the crack of a whip, cut through the air.

Neseya leaned forward, the hint of a smile playing upon her lips as she considered Jaena's words. "A profitable one, my dear Jaena," she replied, her voice a whisper that carried the weight of her ambitions. "You see, in this game of thrones, power is everything. And with the right connections, we can secure a place of great influence in Westeros."

Jaena scoffed, her disbelief palpable in the air between them like a thick fog. "Influence? Is that what you think this is about? Daemon Targaryen, knowingly or otherwise, abandoned me to a life secluded from the world; Jason Lannister took me and raised me like a prize pig, ready to slaughter only when he was ready-"

But before Jaena could finish her sentence, Neseya raised a hand, silencing her with a solemn gaze that held the weight of centuries in its depths. "Your father and Lord Lannister's motivations are of little consequence now," she interjected, her voice a gentle admonition that cut through the bitterness that threatened to consume them both. "What matters is what we can achieve together. A life of freedom from the confines of a lonely tower, and the opportunity to forge your own path in this world."

Jaena's features softened, the icy facade melting away to reveal a glimmer of hope that shimmered like a distant star in the darkness. "And how do you propose we accomplish this?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

Neseya's smile widened, a flicker of mischief dancing in the depths of her obsidian eyes. "With the help of someone who wields far greater power than any king or prince," she replied cryptically, her words hanging in the air like a promise waiting to be fulfilled. "The Red Priestess of R'hllor, Kinvara, possesses many abilities. Rest assured, Jaena, she will visit you soon with requests. And when she does, you will be ready to comply."

Queen Alicent Hightower's private quarters, despite their opulence, carried an air of uneasy formality that evening. The dinner was meant to be a private affair, but the presence of Jaena, the girl who had arrived earlier that day claiming to be the trueborn daughter of Daemon Targaryen, added a layer of tension to the room.

The table was set with meticulous care. Alicent herself had ensured that the finest linens and the most exquisite of the Red Keep's porcelain were used. The golden candelabras flickered gently, their flames casting long shadows on the tapestried walls.

Queen Alicent sat at the head of the table, her demeanour composed but her eyes betraying a hint of wariness. To her right sat Aegon, slouched in his chair, his fingers drumming on the table impatiently as he eyed the goblet of wine before him. He had already emptied two and was on his way to a third, his disinterest in the evening’s proceedings clear.

Helaena sat quietly beside him, meticulously dissecting a plate of roast fowl, her eyes occasionally darting to the centrepieces, where a collection of exotic beetles in glass cases had been arranged for her amusement. Every so often, she muttered something under her breath, her cryptic words lost to the others in the room.

Aemond, ever the epitome of seriousness, sat across from Helaena. His single eye, sharp and calculating, never left Jaena for long. His scepticism was palpable, and he maintained a stoic silence, his fingers absently tracing the scar that ran from his forehead to his jawline, a permanent reminder of the childhood altercation with his nephews and cousins.

To the left of Alicent sat Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King. His presence was imposing, his demeanour one of controlled authority. He observed the proceedings with a critical eye, his expression revealing little of his thoughts. Everyone agreed that Ser Otto was a skilled man in his position, but serving two kings had made him haughty, direct, abrupt with others, dominant, and proud. The more he served as Hand, the more imperious he became, and holding the second most powerful position in the kingdom had made him very ambitious.

Jaena, the centre of attention, was seated next to Otto. Her long silver-blonde hair, so reminiscent of the Targaryen lineage, had been done in a Pentoshi style that ended in a bun that made Alicent cringe at the thought of the weight.

"Tell us more about Pentos," Aemond prompted, his tone polite but edged with a challenge. "I've heard it is a city of great wealth and some intrigue."

Jaena smiled, a practiced, serene expression. "Indeed, my prince. Pentos is a place of beauty and mystery. Its people are as varied as the colours of the sea, and its traditions are rich and ancient. I spent much of my time painting the landscapes, capturing the essence of its vibrant culture."

Aegon snorted into his goblet, not bothering to hide his disbelief. "Sounds like a convenient story to me," he muttered, taking another long drink of his wine.

"Aegon," Alicent chided softly, her gaze flicking to her eldest son with a mixture of frustration and resignation.

"It's true," Aegon continued, ignoring his mother's reprimand. "Why should we believe you, Jaena? You show up out of nowhere, claiming to be our cousin. What proof do you have?"

Jaena's eyes met his calmly. "I seek no throne, no power," she said, her voice steady. "I only wish to be acknowledged for who I am. The truth will reveal itself in time, as it always does."

Helaena, who had been quietly observing a beetle, looked up suddenly. "The truth is a many-legged creature," she said softly, like smoke, curling and lingering long after she had spoken.

Aemond glanced from his sister to Jaena and his eye narrowed. "How convenient for you to say. But words are wind. Proof is what matters."

Otto Hightower leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing. "Proof can be difficult to come by, especially in matters of lineage," he said, his tone even. "But it is not beyond our reach. We will investigate your claims thoroughly, Jaena. Rest assured, we will uncover the truth."

Alicent raised her hand, signalling for calm. "Enough," she said firmly. "We are here to dine as a family. Let us set aside our doubts and questions for now and simply share this meal."

The servants began to bring in the courses, starting with a delicate soup of river trout, followed by roasted venison with a sauce of rich, dark berries. The food was sumptuous, but the atmosphere remained taut with unspoken tension. Conversation was sparse, punctuated only by the clink of silverware and the occasional murmur from Helaena.

Aegon, growing increasingly inebriated, leaned closer to Jaena. "So, cousin," he drawled, "your egg did not hatch."

Jaena's smile didn't waver. "It did not," she replied calmly, even as her eyes darted to her lap. "But perhaps one day, I will claim my own as Prince Aemond did."

Aemond's lips curled into a smirk. "Being a dragonrider is not for the faint of heart. It requires true courage and strength."

"Qualities I am sure you possess in abundance, Prince Aemond," Jaena said, inclining her head.

Otto leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Jaena. "Tell us, girl," he began, his voice calm yet commanding, "how do you intend to prove your claims? Do you have any tangible evidence, any relics or documents, that might support your story?"

Jaena met his gaze steadily, carefully considering her words. "My mother, Neseya, possesses the proof of my lineage," she said. "She has kept records and documents from my birth. They include a letter from Prince Daemon and a seal that can only be his."

Aemond scoffed. "Letters can be forged, and a seal proves little. It’s a weak claim at best."

Otto raised a hand to silence his grandson. "We will examine these items when they are presented. Until then, we must proceed with caution but also with an open mind."

The dinner dragged on, each course more lavish than the last, but the conversation never fully thawed. Alicent made a few attempts to steer the talk toward lighter topics, asking Helaena about her latest insect collection and Aemond about his training, but the underlying tension was impossible to ignore.

As the final course was cleared away and dessert — a delicate lemon cake with honeyed cream — was served, Aegon, now thoroughly drunk, stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I've had enough of this charade," he declared, his voice slurred. "Enjoy your painting and your stories, Jaena. But don't expect me to believe them."

He staggered out of the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. Alicent sighed, her expression weary. "I apologize for my son," she said to Jaena. "He is... troubled."

Jaena inclined her head gracefully. "There is no need, Your Grace. I understand."

Helaena looked up from her plate, her eyes wide and distant. "The spider weaves its web, unseen by those who tread too heavily," she murmured.

Aemond rose from his seat, his gaze still locked on Jaena. "I will find the truth of your claims," he said quietly, a promise and a threat all in one. "And if you are who you say you are, then you will have my respect. But if not..."

"There is no need for threats, Aemond," Alicent interjected, her voice sharp. "We will handle this matter with the dignity it deserves."

Otto nodded in agreement, his expression stern. "Indeed. This is a delicate matter, and we must approach it with the gravity it warrants. Jaena, you will provide us with whatever evidence you have. We will examine it thoroughly, and until then, you will remain our guest."

Jaena met Aemond's stare without flinching. "I welcome the truth," she said softly. "It is the only thing that matters."

Otto leaned in, his eyes narrowing. "You speak well, girl," he said, his tone colder. "But words can only carry you so far. If you are not who you claim to be, understand that deception will not be forgiven lightly in this court."

Jaena nodded, her demeanour unfazed. "I understand, Lord Hand. I assure you, I have nothing to hide."

Otto held her gaze for a moment longer before leaning back in his chair. "We shall see. My men will collect the records from your mother tomorrow. I will personally ensure they are authenticated."

As the dinner came to a close, the tension in the room remained thick, the air heavy with unspoken words and unresolved doubts. Alicent watched as her children left the table one by one, her heart heavy with worry for the future. Jaena, the mysterious girl with the silver hair, had brought with her a storm of uncertainty, and it was clear that this was only the beginning.

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the stone walls of the chamber as Prince Daemon Targaryen reclined in a plush chair, his dark eyes scanning the room with a predatory gaze. The silence was thick, interrupted only by the occasional crackle of the fire in the hearth. A goblet of wine rested on the table beside him, untouched, as he read through a new book of Valyrian histories.

Pentos lay sprawled beneath the window, a sprawling city of pale domes and minarets, nestled beside the vast expanse of the Shivering Sea. The city's cobbled streets wound through bustling markets, where merchants from distant lands hawked their wares – spices, silks, and gems that glittered like stars under the midday sun. The scent of exotic foods and the sound of foreign tongues filled the air, a testament to the city's worldly nature. Elegant manses of wealthy magisters dotted the landscape, their high walls guarding secrets and wealth alike.

Daemon found a strange comfort in the city’s chaos. Yet tonight, his thoughts were elsewhere, clouded with concerns for his family. His wife, Laena Velaryon, was heavily pregnant. The maesters had warned of complications, and though Daemon put on a brave front, the worry gnawed at him. His twin daughters, Baela and Rhaena, were thirteen years old, standing on the cusp of womanhood, their bond unbreakable. Their fierce spirit and determination reminded him so much of himself, and he would do anything to protect them.

A knock echoed through the chamber, pulling Daemon from his thoughts. He turned his head sharply, irritation flashing across his features. “Enter,” he commanded, his voice a low growl.

A servant stepped in, head bowed, holding a parchment sealed with the royal crest. Daemon’s eyes narrowed as he took the letter, dismissing the servant with a flick of his wrist. He broke the seal and unfurled the parchment, his eyes scanning the elegant script of his brother’s hand.

"Daemon,

I write to you with a matter of utmost urgency. You are to come to King’s Landing at once. There are rumours that require your attention, and I require your presence here.

Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name

King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men

Lord of the Seven Kingdoms

Protector of the Realm"

Daemon’s brow furrowed as he read the letter again. What could be so urgent? He had heard whispers; rumours of a girl claiming to be his daughter. But he dismissed such talk as the idle gossip of court. He had always been loyal to his family, fiercely so, but this... He crumpled the letter in his hand, the parchment crackling under his grip.

"Viserys always with his cryptic messages," Daemon muttered to himself. "What game are you playing, brother?"

Daemon rose from his chair, his movements smooth and purposeful. He strode to the window, staring out over the darkened landscape of Pentos. His mind raced with possibilities. A girl claiming to be his daughter? He had sired no bastards, or so he believed. The idea of a child, his blood, roaming the world unknown to him, gnawed at his insides.

He turned away from the window, his decision solidifying. King’s Landing held answers he needed, and he would uncover them. His path was set, and he would not shy away from whatever awaited him there.

His thoughts drifted back to Laena, resting in their chambers. He worried for her and the unborn child she carried. Despite his fierce exterior, the love he held for his family was boundless. Baela and Rhaena needed their father, and he would ensure they had him for as long as he could fight.

Just as he was about to call for his preparations to begin, another knock came at the door, this one softer, more deliberate. Daemon’s eyes narrowed. “Enter,” he said again, his tone edged with curiosity.

The door opened to reveal a figure draped in red and gold, her eyes a striking shade of amber that seemed to glow in the dim light. She stepped forward with a grace that spoke of confidence and power.

“Prince Daemon,” she said, her voice smooth and melodic. “I am Kinvara, a servant of the Lord of Light. I bring you a message.”

Daemon’s curiosity turned to suspicion, his gaze locking onto Kinvara with a steely intensity. “A message? From whom?” His hand drifted towards the hilt of Dark Sister, ready to draw the blade at a moment’s notice.

“From the flames,” Kinvara replied, her eyes never leaving his. “And perhaps, from your future.”

Daemon's lips curled into a smirk, though his eyes remained cold. “I have no time for the riddles of red priestesses. Leave now, or I will cut you down.”

Kinvara didn’t flinch. Instead, she raised her hands, and the temperature in the room seemed to rise. The flames in the hearth roared higher, casting an otherworldly light. She began to chant softly, the words foreign yet resonant.

“Look into the flames, Prince Daemon,” Kinvara said, her voice almost hypnotic. “Your path is entwined with this girl’s fate. To ignore it is to court disaster for your family.”

The flames twisted and turned, forming shapes and images that caught Daemon’s eye despite himself; he saw visions—himself in King’s Landing, a young girl with silver hair, and a throne room filled with tension and intrigue. The images flickered and shifted, but the message was clear.

Daemon’s hand dropped from Dark Sister’s hilt, his eyes fixed on the flames. The hostility in his gaze softened into reluctant curiosity. “Very well, Kinvara. Speak, and let us see what else the flames have to say.”

As Kinvara continued, the shadows danced around them, and Daemon listened intently, ready to face whatever destiny awaited him in King’s Landing.

The corridors of the Red Keep were a labyrinthine maze of secrets, but Aemond knew them well. As a child, he had explored these hidden passages with an insatiable curiosity, learning every twist and turn, every creaky floorboard and shadowy alcove. Tonight, that knowledge served him well as he made his way silently to the private quarters where Jaena had been given a room.

The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the narrow windows, casting elongated shadows on the stone walls. As Aemond approached Jaena's door, he heard a soft, melodic voice. He pressed his ear to the cool wood, straining to catch the words of the song she was singing. It was a lullaby, unfamiliar yet hauntingly beautiful, sung in the ancient tongue of Old Valyria.

"By the fires of the great Qelbar,

Where dragons soared and stars were born,

Close your eyes and dream so sweet,

In lands where night and day do meet.

In silver seas and golden skies,

Where shadows dance and phoenix flies,

Rest your head and find your peace,

As starlight weaves a dreamer's fleece.

The mountains high, the rivers wide,

In dreams, dear child, you'll safely bide.

The fire's glow, the dragon's roar,

Will guard you now and evermore.

So sleep, my love, and do not fear,

For in your dreams, I will be near.

The ancient songs, the tales old,

Will guide you to the light of gold."

Aemond's breath caught in his throat. The melody was filled with a sorrowful longing, a connection to a past that was as much myth as memory. Gently, he pushed the door open a crack, careful to keep silent as he peered inside.

Jaena sat on the edge of her bed, hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight. She was lost in her song, her eyes closed as if she were seeing something far beyond the confines of her room. Spread out before her was a collection of paints and brushes, a blank canvas waiting for her touch.

Aemond watched as she reached for a brush, his eye tracing the graceful curve of her neck and the delicate line of her shoulders. Her figure, accentuated by the soft gown she wore, was both slender and womanly, exuding a quiet strength that intrigued him. She dipped the brush into a pot of deep blue paint, then brought it to the canvas, beginning to sketch out the faint outlines of a mural. Dragons took shape under her hand, their forms fluid and majestic, intertwined with stars and swirling mists.

The song faded into a gentle hum, and Jaena opened her eyes, a serene smile playing on her lips. Aemond, entranced by the scene, took an involuntary step forward, the door creaking slightly under his weight.

Jaena's head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise. "Who's there?" she called, her voice steady despite the sudden intrusion.

Realizing he had been discovered, Aemond pushed the door open fully and stepped into the room. "It's just me," he said, his tone attempting to be reassuring.

Jaena's expression shifted from surprise to curiosity. "Prince Aemond," she acknowledged, setting her brush down carefully. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Aemond hesitated, searching for the right words. "I... heard your song," he admitted. "It was beautiful. I didn't mean to intrude."

She regarded him for a moment, her gaze probing yet kind. "It's an old lullaby from Valyria," she explained softly. "Always brings me peace."

Aemond nodded, stepping closer to the mural. "You're quite talented," he observed, his eye tracing the lines of the dragons she had begun to paint. "It looks almost alive."

"Thank you," Jaena replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "I find peace in painting as well. It helps me feel connected to my surroundings."

Aemond's gaze lingered on her, a mix of admiration and something deeper, something he couldn't quite name. "I understand that feeling," he said quietly. "I feel it best astride Vhagar."

They stood in companionable silence for a moment, the tension of the dinner earlier in the evening seeming to dissipate in the soft glow of moonlight and the quiet intimacy of the room. Aemond took a step closer, drawn to the serenity that seemed to emanate from Jaena.

"I apologize for my harsh words earlier," he said, his voice sincere. "It's difficult to trust in these times, but I don't want to judge you unfairly."

Jaena's eyes softened, and she gave a small nod. "I understand, Prince Aemond. Trust must be earned. I hope that in time, you will see that I am not here to cause harm."

Aemond inclined his head, accepting her words. "Perhaps, with time, we will come to understand each other better."

As he turned to leave, Jaena's voice stopped him. "Aemond," she called softly. He looked back, meeting her gaze. "Thank you for listening to my song."

He gave her a small, genuine smile. "Good night, Jaena."

"Good night, Prince Aemond," she replied, watching as he slipped back into the shadows of the secret passage.

As the door closed behind him, Jaena returned to her painting, her heart lighter than it had been in days. She dipped her brush into the paint, the lullaby's melody still echoing in her mind, and began to bring her vision to life on the canvas, feeling a newfound sense of hope.

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to drop a quick note about something that really helps me out. If you’re enjoying my fanfiction, I’m thrilled to hear it! However, simply hitting the 'like' button doesn’t help spread my work for others to see and enjoy.

If you could use the 'reblog' button and share your thoughts in the comments, it would make a huge difference. Reblogging promotes my work to a wider audience, and your feedback (both the good and the constructive) helps me improve my writing.

Thank you so much for your support and understanding!

Best,

💕 Nixie 💕

[izar-tarazed]

A promise kept. A story told until its end.

Snowflakes and ember sparks slowly dance around Izar as she stands in the ruins, watching Latenna. She can’t help but think back to that day in the Albinauric village when the air was filled with ash and ember in a similar way; when her chest tightened at the sight of the smoldering ruins and the countless bodies. The day when a shaking hand reached out for her to give her half a medallion. When an old, dying voice whispered Latenna’s name.

The day when she was watched from the shadows, a vigilant stare from dark eye sockets she didn’t notice then.

So many things set in motion that day.

She glances over her shoulder. Ensha keeps his distance, leaning against a pillar. Izar can feel his uneasiness—the certainty that he, of all people, shouldn’t be here in a place so meaningful to the Albinaurics. Not after… that day.

She isn’t quite sure what is going on; what Latenna’s words towards the towering Albinauric woman are supposed to mean. But she won’t ask. Not every question needs to be answered. She has no ambition to be all-knowing.

Latenna turns, the smile on her face genuine. And despite everything, because of everything, her gaze is trained on both of them. ‟Thank you,” she says softly. ‟I have finally fulfilled my purpose.”

In the unrelenting cold, Izar’s own smile almost feels painful on her freezing face. She wonders whether there’ll be a moment when she’ll say the same thing with a similar confidence. How to know when you fulfilled your purpose?

It’s been such a long journey, and it doesn’t end here. She takes some steps back to lean beside Ensha against the same pillar. A long journey, but not a lonely one.

[leviiackrman]

OTPS/OCS AS TAROT PAIRS;

I was tagged by my angels @corvosattano @jackiesarch @marivenah + @simonxriley to use this uquiz for some otps, thank you sm my darlings ily all sm!🤍

Tagging: @sstewyhosseini @risingsh0t @florbelles @unholymilf @confidentandgood @chuckhansen @queennymeria @shadowglens @feypacts @roofgeese @arklay @jinfromyarikawa @jillvalentinesday @fenharel @morvaris @shellibisshe @faerune @mrdekarios @thedeadthree @heroofpenamstan @arthrmorgann @solasan @alexxmason @cybilbennettgf + @captastra

THE TWO OF CUPS + THE STAR;

your romance is a wish granted. finally, finally, they're here. finally, *it's* here! the time where you don't have to feel lonely anymore - you'll never feel that way ever again. laughter, joy, sweetness, kisses - be at ease. all of these are things you have found someone to share with. your love is a dreamy fantasy of love and devotion and miracles. at first, your chest gets too tight when they're around - until they become as natural as the air in your lungs. deck: ethereal visions tarot.

THE KNIGHT OF PENTACLES + THE MAGICIAN;

if there's something you want, you will GET IT. nothing escapes your fingertips. after all, you're the power couple. your pairing sparks pure cosmic energy. you're fiercely driven to your goals - whether that be status, fortune, or power. you're also fiercely protective of one another. with the knight's earthy energy, you both prefer to purposefully make your way towards your ambitions, rather than playing cards too early or acting too loosely. meanwhile, the magician's half makes gives you a little fire. if they get too close, onlookers and threats to your relationship may get burned. deck: modern witch tarot.

THE DEVIL + THE EMPEROR;

there's only one religion for the two of you, and that religion is the other. you two are very nearly unhealthily obsessed with one another, and that's just how you like it. when they touch you, they can feel the blood pumping under the surface of your skin. your hearts beat for one another. when the day comes that one stops, the other will soon after. until then, you both will live out your lives in perfect, gothy paradise. deck: the tarot of vampyres.

THE TOWER + THE LOVERS;

meeting this person shook your whole world. crumbling down is everything you thought you knew about life and love. their warmth, their generosity, their naivete, their knowing...! you don't know how anything made sense before them. all you know is that nothing will make sense afterwards. deck: the tarot of the divine by yoshi yoshitani.

THE TWO OF CUPS + THE STAR;

your romance is a wish granted. finally, finally, they're here. finally, *it's* here! the time where you don't have to feel lonely anymore - you'll never feel that way ever again. laughter, joy, sweetness, kisses - be at ease. all of these are things you have found someone to share with. your love is a dreamy fantasy of love and devotion and miracles. at first, your chest gets too tight when they're around - until they become as natural as the air in your lungs. deck: ethereal visions tarot.

ACE OF CUPS + TEN OF CUPS;

your romance is the love story that seems only possible in movies. it starts from a youthful first meeting, innocent. and from what may seem like a lifetime later, you both end up happily in union, perhaps even married! your coupling is the epitome of emotional fulfillment and devotion. neither of you thought you'd end up here, but damn if you aren't glad you did. deck: thelema tarot.

[aceghosts]

Romantic Tarot Card Pairing for OTPs

Hey everyone! I was tagged to do this uquiz by @inafieldofdaisies. Thanks for tagging me!

Since I'm early, I'm going to tag a bunch of people: @sstewyhosseini, @jinfromyarikawa, @marivenah, @jillvalentinesday, @alexxmason, @voidika , @anonymousmalkavian, @clicheantagonist, @commander-krios, @direwombat, @cassietrn, @eclecticwildflowers, @roofgeese, @killerspinal, @children-of-epiales, @strangefable, @theelderhazelnut, @captastra, @chazz-anova, and anyone else who would like to do this!

Blue Murphy & Grace Armstrong

the two of cups + the star

your romance is a wish granted. finally, finally, they're here. finally, *it's* here! the time where you don't have to feel lonely anymore - you'll never feel that way ever again. laughter, joy, sweetness, kisses - be at ease. all of these are things you have found someone to share with. your love is a dreamy fantasy of love and devotion and miracles. at first, your chest gets too tight when they're around - until they become as natural as the air in your lungs.

Hunter Delaney & Albert Wesker

the devil + the emperor

there's only one religion for the two of you, and that religion is the other. you two are very nearly unhealthily obsessed with one another, and that's just how you like it. when they touch you, they can feel the blood pumping under the surface of your skin. your hearts beat for one another. when the day comes that one stops, the other will soon after. until then, you both will live out your lives in perfect, gothy paradise.

Riley Callahan & Ingo

knight of pentacles + the magician

if there's something you want, you will GET IT. nothing escapes your fingertips. after all, you're the power couple. your pairing sparks pure cosmic energy. you're fiercely driven to your goals - whether that be status, fortune, or power. you're also fiercely protective of one another. with the knight's earthy energy, you both prefer to purposefully make your way towards your ambitions, rather than playing cards too early or acting too loosely. meanwhile, the magician's half makes gives you a little fire. if they get too close, onlookers and threats to your relationship may get burned.

Emerson Wright & Ricardo Ortega

the tower + the lovers

meeting this person shook your whole world. crumbling down is everything you thought you knew about life and love. their warmth, their generosity, their naivete, their knowing...! you don't know how anything made sense before them. all you know is that nothing will make sense afterwards.

[sarandipitywrites]

Happy WBW! If you had to choose one of your OCs to cosplay as which one would it be?

Hey C, happy WBW (on Friday lol)!

Assuming I could actually pull it off (my cosplay skills are... far from expert lol), I'd probably have the most fun cosplaying as Qedlan from Ambition is a Lonely Tower (haven't posted anything from it here yet, currently on the backburner as i work on other WIPs).

For one, it would be hilarious. They're 6'5'' or thereabouts, and I am 5'2''; he's a ladar'in, which are basically giant bat-people from a parallel Earth; and he dresses like an early 2010's hipster. I'd need a frankly absurd amount of prosthetics for it, but it sounds so, so fun!

Thanks for the ask!

[nightwingshero]

Ships as Tarot Cards

I was tagged by @alexxmason @sstewyhosseini @simonxriley @jillvalentinesday @marivenah to take this uquiz for my ships. Thank you lovelies!

Tagging: @ghastlyrider @pen-in-hand @oathofoaksart @water-writings @voidika @inafieldofdaisies @madparadoxum @shegetsburned @chazz-anova @marivenah @glowwormsmith @playstationmademe @deputyash @poisonedtruth @aceghosts @braveonionknight @jinfromyarikawa @anonymousmalkavian @pheedraws and anyone else who wishes to participate. I apologize if you've already been tagged, I'm a little late to the game.

Wren x Leon

the two of cups + the star

your romance is a wish granted. finally, finally, they're here. finally, *it's* here! the time where you don't have to feel lonely anymore - you'll never feel that way ever again. laughter, joy, sweetness, kisses - be at ease. all of these are things you have found someone to share with. your love is a dreamy fantasy of love and devotion and miracles. at first, your chest gets too tight when they're around - until they become as natural as the air in your lungs. deck: ethereal visions tarot.

Athera x Solas

knight of pentacles + the magician

if there's something you want, you will GET IT. nothing escapes your fingertips. after all, you're the power couple. your pairing sparks pure cosmic energy. you're fiercely driven to your goals - whether that be status, fortune, or power. you're also fiercely protective of one another. with the knight's earthy energy, you both prefer to purposefully make your way towards your ambitions, rather than playing cards too early or acting too loosely. meanwhile, the magician's half makes gives you a little fire. if they get too close, onlookers and threats to your relationship may get burned. deck: modern witch tarot.

Evune x Cullen

the tower + the lovers

meeting this person shook your whole world. crumbling down is everything you thought you knew about life and love. their warmth, their generosity, their naivete, their knowing...! you don't know how anything made sense before them. all you know is that nothing will make sense afterwards. deck: the tarot of the divine by yoshi yoshitani.

Imogen x Chris

the tower + the lovers

meeting this person shook your whole world. crumbling down is everything you thought you knew about life and love. their warmth, their generosity, their naivete, their knowing...! you don't know how anything made sense before them. all you know is that nothing will make sense afterwards. deck: the tarot of the divine by yoshi yoshitani.

Adrasteia x Bayek

the devil + the emperor

there's only one religion for the two of you, and that religion is the other. you two are very nearly unhealthily obsessed with one another, and that's just how you like it. when they touch you, they can feel the blood pumping under the surface of your skin. your hearts beat for one another. when the day comes that one stops, the other will soon after. until then, you both will live out your lives in perfect, gothy paradise. deck: the tarot of vampyres.

Alessandra and Ezio

ace of cups + ten of cups

your romance is the love story that seems only possible in movies. it starts from a youthful first meeting, innocent. and from what may seem like a lifetime later, you both end up happily in union, perhaps even married! your coupling is the epitome of emotional fulfillment and devotion. neither of you thought you'd end up here, but damn if you aren't glad you did. deck: thelema tarot.

Wren x John

the devil + the emperor

there's only one religion for the two of you, and that religion is the other. you two are very nearly unhealthily obsessed with one another, and that's just how you like it. when they touch you, they can feel the blood pumping under the surface of your skin. your hearts beat for one another. when the day comes that one stops, the other will soon after. until then, you both will live out your lives in perfect, gothy paradise. deck: the tarot of vampyres.

[spiderslvts]

◜ ╱ 𝐓 𝐇 𝐑 𝐄 𝐀 𝐃 𝐒 ◞

@dark-ambition

⋄ TO MEET IN LUST ↳ current thread | status : not replied.

@dvilborn

⋄ REDEMPTION'S BLOODIED HANDS ↳ current thread | status : replied!

@gamblins

⋄ THE SOFTENED COMFORTS OF HOME ↳ current thread | status : replied!

@origiinis

⋄ EVENING IN THE CITY ↳ current thread | status : replied! ⋄ CONFRONTATION ↳ current thread | status : replied! ⋄ LONELY DANCER &. FALLEN ANGEL ↳ current thread | status : replied!

@r-adio

⋄ BELOVED RADIO GUEST ↳ current thread | status : replied! ⋄ BLOOD-STAINED FAWNS ↳ current thread | status : replied! ⋄ SPIDER AND STAG ↳ current thread | status : replied!

@sirserpentine

⋄ FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE ↳ current thread | status : not replied.

@videoaux

⋄ A PEACEFUL NIGHT IN ↳ current thread | status : replied! ⋄ THE VEE TOWER ↳ current thread | status : replied!

@xluciifer

⋄ CAUGHT IN THE SPIDER'S WEB ↳ current thread | status : not replied.

@zestials

⋄ UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT ↳ current thread | status : replied!

draft count : 5

updated : 4/1

[xiaojianggshi]

enhypen as winx club boys

the nostalgia this show gives me has a vice grip on me........ i had to give it some justice. this was done by using general concepts of the cards and relating them to personality traits of each of the characters along with my own interpretations given from the cards. may contain spoilers, i might do a follow-up reading for the fairies LOL

also this image is giving so much weezer it is INSANEE...

ace of wands rx., nine of pentacles, temperance, two of swords rx., strength, ten of wands rx., queen of pentacles, page of cups, the moon rx., judgement, eight of swords, the lovers, the high priestess rx., the tower, seven of swords

for heeseung, sky seems to be the best option. something about him is just false, a complete act which mirrors how brandon and sky switched identities for the start of the show. sky is also a prince which is similar to the sort of independence and drive he has.

there are a little more parallels aside from what the cards have given me. heeseung is the oldest member so in terms of wisdom, he is basically the leader and the caretaker of the group. he may not be the official leader but he is still seen as pretty influential amongst the other members.

unsurprisingly, jay seems to be the most similar to nabu (i love nabu he deserved better). nabu is one of the best characters in the show. he is a really charming guy, patient and a mediator. nabu also had to make the decision of sacrificing his life to save many people.

this is such an interesting cross LOL... similar to jay, nabu is very dedicated when he sets his mind to something, being as nabu travelled around the world looking for his wife to find more about her (it wasn't as creepy as i'm wording it). jay as we have seen through i-land, has so much ambition, he really is admirable for it.

again, unsurprisingly jake and brandon. both of them are confident, pretty strong-willed guys who know what the want (and in some cases WHO they want). not to mention, they are both incredibly flirty and very good with smooth-talking.

heeseung and jake seem to have a pretty close relationship, both on and off camera. it is fun to see this with sky and brandon since they are also really close friends. they both act without much worry or burden, the definition of free-spirited. aside from that, brandon and jake both are able to be VERY loyal to specific people.

sunghoon seems to align the most with timmy. both of them are very stable people. however, they can tend to appear cowardly sometimes as they are not very outspoken and are passive. they also think out of the box and are able to express themselves in different ways.

one way of expression for sunghoon is figure skating. from watching him skate, i feel happy for him and he looks happy. as the only figure skater of enhypen, it makes him feel special and lets him release pent up emotions. for timmy, his relationships tend to be the most stable as he is able to communicate his thoughts well.

this one is going to sound very wrong, but hold on, sunoo and riven. sunoo is much different than how he presents himself. they are both resourceful and can tend to work on their own, lone wolves in short. even if their actions are horrible, they are working for themselves.

both seem to be very adaptable and intense with lots of cards up their sleeves. both work very hard to fix their flaws and imperfections. that is, when they do realize these faults and how they may affect those around them. also, from a more external viewpoint, they both show a particular sass to them that is entertaining.

jungwon seems to be the most similar to avalon. both are integral parts of their work, avalon being an important character of season 2 and jungwon being the leader of the group. they have their own pursuits, which similarly to sunoo, may not align with others.

when i mention avalon, i mean both of his counterparts, the real one who is wise and determined, but also the fake one who is incredibly cunning. he has a diplomatic side to him, a connection between two sides that he relays messages between under the idea that it is his duty. he works best (and the most) when it is in his favor.

niki is someone revolutionary for lack of a better word. there definitely is a better way to describe it, but it is so foreign to me i am not sure.. i think he is a lot like helia given the fact that helia is one of the most visually different of the specialists.

as i mentioned in a previous post niki seems very private and hides a lot. i think they both may have issues with voicing their opinions. both helia and niki are very artistic. helia likes to write poems and draw, niki has shown an interest in fine arts as well, such as painting and photography. not to mention they both are rather deep thinkers.

[the-wild-goblin-witch]

Tiny Tarot Guide <3 ~MAJOR ARCANA

Hello!! i wanted to start a little series to explain the tarot cards. this first post will be just the Major arcana and their elements, and keywords, as well as positive + {yes}, negative - {no}, or both = {maybe}

I know there are many guides out there, and many different interpretations. tarot is all about instinct, intuition, and what just feel right deep down. this series will explain the basics of each card, but it is up to you to determine what it means to you.

the 22 Major Arcana cards.~~

0. The Fool: Air : Upright keywords + Free-spirited, new beginnings, spontaneous, innocent. : Reversed keywords - reckless, impulsive, Risk-taking.

1. The Magician: Air : Upright keywords + Resourceful, true potential, Manifestation, inspiration. Reversed keywords - Trickery, Poor planning, Manipulation.

2. The High Priestess: Water : Upright keywords + intuition, Divine femininity, serenity, the subconscious. Reversed keywords - Withdrawal, neglect, secrets, reconnection, silence, excuses.

3. The Empress: Earth : Upright keywords + femininity, nature, nurture, beauty, abundance. Reversed keywords - Dependence, lack of growth, insecurity, smothering.

4. The Emperor: Fire : Upright keywords + Authority, ambition, discipline, practicality, focus. Reversed keywords - Tyrant, stubborn, reckless, rigid, controlling.

5. The Hierophant: Earth : Upright keywords = Tradition, knowledge, institution, conventional. Reversed keywords - rebellion, unconventional, breaking free {or feeling confined}.

6. The Lover: Air : Upright keywords + Love Choices, Alignment, Balance. Reversed keywords - conflict, differences, poor choices, detachment.

7. The Chariot: Water : Upright keywords + Victory, Ambition, focus, Self control. Reversed keywords - Powerless, lost, forceful, take control.

8. Strength: Fire : Upright keywords + confident, power, inner strength, Endurance. Reversed keywords - Doubt, vanity, anxious, apprehensive, no self control.

9. The Hermit: Earth : Upright keywords - Self Reflection, seek Truth, Withdrawal, solitude. Reversed keywords + exile, lonely, Confined, Misfit.

10. Wheel of Fortune: Fire : Upright keywords + change, Karma, destiny, luck. Reversed keywords - Resisting change, let go, fate, disappointment. {change is coming whether you want it or not}

11. Justice: Air : Upright keywords = Law, Balance, Responsibility. Reversed keywords - lies, Unfair, Unjust, blame.

12. The Hanged Man: Water : Upright keywords = Sacrifice, Suspense, Break patterns, no direction. Reversed keywords - Stalling, avoiding, sacrafice, apathy.

13. Death: Water : Upright keywords - Change, endings, rebirth, mortality, transformation, let go. Reversed keywords - Fear, Resistance, Unknown, negative patterns, not letting go.

14. Temperence: Fire : Upright keywords + Balance, Patience, Divine intervention, moderation. Reversed keywords - Impatientce, discord, imbalance.

15. The Devil: Earth : Upright keywords = Trapped, enslaved, Temptation, fear, poor relationships {doesn't have to mean romantic}. Reversed keywords - Freedom, resistance, empowerment, awareness.

16. The Tower: Fire : Upright keywords - destruction, unexpected, sudden change, renovation. Reversed keywords + loss, obsticals, warnings, fear of change.

17. The Star: Air : Upright keywords + Hope, Inspiration, Health, serenity. Reversed keywords + disappointment, missed opportunity, adrift, In the dark.

18. The Moon: Water : Upright keywords - subconscious, shadow self, hidden truth, difficulty, Reversed keywords + confusion, poor sleep, release fear, hazy.

19. The Sun: Fire : Upright keywords + Joy, enlightenment, warmth, Success. Reversed keywords +Unrealistic, cloudy, False impressions, sadness.

20. Judgment: Fire : Upright keywords + Awakening, Decisions, transition, renewal, self reflection, evaluation. Reversed keywords - poor judgment/decisions, self doubt, self sabotage. over critical.

21. The World: Earth : Upright keywords + Acheivment, unity, possibilities, conclusions. Reversed keywords - delay, failed plans, final steps.

[facelessp03t]

The Dreamer and the Defiant

Before the Doom, before the lady Daenys foretold the destruction destined for her home and fled with her family, before the great topless towers of Valyria were built, before even the ancient magic of Valyria bound dragon to man, there was a song. A song so old, it was sung by those who had not yet written, in a language now lost. 

This song, called “The Lovesick One”, was about a young sheepherder girl who loves another, and it brings to her destruction. The protagonist, who is never named, watches her lover, a girl called Aeril, marry and leave her. These doings leave the protagonist in ruin until she can no longer take it; she walks into the pits upon the Fourteen Flames, becoming one with the fires which later bore dragons. The song ends with Aeril herself doing the same, eternally returning to her lost love.

Aegona had always felt a kinship to The Nameless Girl. Felt the sorrow the fires around Valyria held, the hopelessness within the molten rock. She always felt connected with the mountains surrounding her homeland, bound to the fires that birthed her nation’s success. At just seven-and-ten, Aegona Daezgygar was a promising young woman of Valyria. She was the rider of the formidable dragon Pryjagis, a determined stateswoman, and fiercely loyal friend. The second child of the powerful Raeon Daezgygar and his lady-wife Syrax Belaerys, she was highly educated and regarded with pride by her father. That is, until she grew independent and strayed from her Valyrian traditions, from her father's plans for her.

Daenys Targaryen, the youngest child of Aenar Targaryen, had always felt different. The only girl in her household, she had always known what was expected of her. Like wed her brother Gaemon, and to blindly support him and their father no matter what. What she had always wanted, however, was someone to blindly support her. Daenys had been plagued with visions of the future since birth, scaring her into a lonely, simple life. Dragonless, she had spent most of her youth in the ancient and sprawling libraries of Valyria instead of flying over it on dragonback. That is, until she met Aegona. Daenys Targaryen and Aegona Daezgygar became inseparable at three-and-ten, spending all their available time with each other. Aegona would take Daenys all over the Valyrian Freehold on her dragon Pryjagis, and Daenys would recant for hours the hundreds of stories she had ever read to her friend. Then, tragedy struck.

This is where this story begins.

Set in 115 BC, thirteen years before the Doom, comes this imagined story of love between the famous Dragon Dreamer, Daenys, and a long forgotten Valyrian girl, Aegona.

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Chapter 1

“You cannot do this, Father. I will not do this!” Aegona recoiled at her father’s demand. The gall of him. She had already given up her political ambitions at his behest, had stopped riding to preserve his strong image, had relinquished her position on the Council in favor of her weak brother. She refused to wed for him.

“I can and you shall! I will not allow you to bring any more dishonor upon us.”

Sitting in the great hall of Goldstone, the holding of the noble family of Daezgygar in the city of Valyria, Aegona faced her father. Next to her at the dragonstone table, seated amongst the dozens of blood marble chairs in the roofless hall flanked with dragon skulls and made of magnificent purple-and-blue arches, were her brother, Vhaelor, and her sister, Alaesys.

“Father, why may I not be wed to Alaesys alone? We together shall continue our pure and noble line. I do not need Aegona.” Vhaelor was the epitome of Valyrian pride. He was a gorgeous man of three-and-twenty, with flowing white-gold hair, deep purple eyes, and skin so unblemished and pale it was almost translucent. Alaesys, too.

Despite being twins, Aegona and Alaesys looked far from similar. Where Alaesys looked like Vhaelor, like their parents, Aegona boasted shoulder-length silver-gray hair, green eyes, and a surprisingly boring face when compared to her siblings. Vhaelor had always preferred her sister to her, primarily due to Aegona’s lack of Valyrian looks.

“Alaesys is a worthy bride indeed who shall fulfill you, yes. You will continue our line. But you will wed Aegona. What will others say if Aegona remains unbound? If not even her own brother will take her?” Raeon Daezgygar was a ruthless, fearless man of the Lords Freeholder of Valyria, being one of the wealthiest men in the entire Freehold. He owned hundreds of gold mines across the peninsula, deep underneath the Fourteen Flames; he controlled with three other families almost a tenth of Valyria’s wealth, and almost twenty-thousand slaves.

Despite his age of five-and-fifty, Raeon looked to be as young as his children. The noble Daezgygars had practiced sorcery and blood magic since they herded sheep instead of gold, and upon its members it shone brightly.

Aegona stood, pounding her fists on the table. Alaesys and Vhaelor flinched, yet Raeon remained still. He turned his head slowly to his daughter, menacing. She glared at her father. “They shall say nothing. I will take to the skies and prove my worth as a dragonlord. I shall fly upon Pryjagis to war, bring glory to Valyria like Uncle Maeron. I will not be tamed upon a marriage bed. Least of all Vhaelor’s.” She believed Vhaelor to be an arrogant, brainless sot who knew not how to think for himself. Just like their father.

Raeon leapt from his chair, sending a magical gust to his daughter. Flung to the ground, pinned upon the glass floor by an invisible force, Aegona thrashed, screaming in frustration. Raeon walked over to her, kneeling. The golden fire in his eyes was cold. Terrifying.

“I will kill that beast for how you speak to me, then you shall be bound here forever. You will be tamed, and it will be by Vhaelor. You shall sit wed before the year is over. If you flee, so help me gods, I will hunt you down myself.”

Aegona grinned at him, taunting. “Hunt me with what, Father? You shall find me flying above the Narrow Sea while you sit upon, what? A mule?” she spat in his face.

Raeon’s mount, the ancient and monstrous she-dragon Leriod, had recently taken ill and would soon be dead. Raeon had barred the women of his household from riding their dragons, for fear of public opinion. He could not have his daughters and wife riding fearsome beasts while he sat emasculated in his keep, bound to a horse.

He growled, raising his hand to strike.

“Father, do not do this. By giving her your energy, you are giving into her,” Vhaelor said from behind him, his face expressionless.

Raeon turned his head to look at his heir, then back down at his daughter. “You are lucky your brother has sense. Next time, you shall not be so lucky.” Standing, he walked back to his seat at the head of the table. Finally released, Aegona also stood, looking to her siblings. Their hands were clasped together upon the table.

“This is it, then? You shall sit here while he plays you like pawns upon a board?”

It was Alaesys who spoke now, her voice as soft as the snows that fell in the infamous Lands of Always Winter. “That is enough, Aegona. Please do not be difficult about this. Marriage shall not be so bad.”

Aegona scoffed. “‘Difficult’? Is that what we are to call a woman having an opinion in the matters of her own life? Fine. Sit here and take this, but I will not.” She did not wait to hear their responses. Bounding out of the great hall, Aegona sent a gust of hot wind behind her, slamming the carved doors as she exited.

Goldstone was an immense building, a feat of architecture older than Valyria itself. With walls of arches, floors of glass, halls lined with sculptures of the great members of the Daezgygar dynasty, carved from the gold of their mines, it was magnificent. The fires upon the walls, contained within intricate dragonstone cauldrons, were golden and kept alight by the sorcery thick in the air.

There were five towers of Goldstone surrounding the main keep, named after the great founders of the family. To the north, Gael; to the east, Aeragon; to the west, Jahaer; to the south, Vhagar; and to the south-east, across a bleak and sorrowful wooden bridge that was scarcely crossed, stood Laerys, with a roof of dark dragonstone that swallowed even dragonflame that stood stark against the other towers’ golden.

Gael, Aeragon, Jahaer, Vhagar, and Laerys were siblings, children of sheepherders that had discovered dragons only generations before, who lived in poverty amongst the Fourteen Flames. One day, as they were bringing an offering of sheep to their dragons among the smoldering pits, they discovered something. Within the caves where the dragons nested was gold, waiting for someone to discover it, begging to be released from its stone prison.

After chipping all the gold they could from the cave opening, amassing more wealth than anyone in their village, they were hungry still. Aeragon and Jahaer, worrying for the safety of themselves and their sisters Gael and Vhagar, sent their youngest sibling, Laerys, into the hot depths of the cave to find more. Beneath the burning lava of the Mother Mountains, something horrible had happened. Laerys did not return. His siblings waited for weeks at the cave mouth, yet he did not emerge.

Years went by, and with no sign of the young man, they moved on. By this time, the family had mastered the use of indentured servitude to mine their gold. They adopted the name “Daezgygar”, meaning “Those of Golden Wool” in the Old Tongue. They had become kings in their own right, had given their blood to the gods for prosperity and promise.

After twenty years, the holding of Goldstone was built. Each sibling, Gael and Aeragon now wed along with Jahaer and Vhagar, built a tower in their honor. They had discovered gold. They had mastered an efficient way to harvest it. They had curried the favor of the gods. What they had not managed, however, was to tame the dragon. They yet remained unridden, unbound by men. That is, until day five of the eleventh month of year twenty-two of Laerys’s absence.

That morning, as the sun rose above the horizon, a monstrous roar shook the world. The walls of the newly-completed Goldstone rocked with such force that the wooden roofs fell and the towers almost toppled. Gael, Aeragon, Jahaer, and Vhagar fled to the ground from their stories-tall keep, wrought with terror. As they reached the ground, a shadow enveloped them. Looking up, they saw the impossible. Above them, riding a ghastly beast thought untameable, was a man.

Laerys Daezgygar touched down upon hundreds of screaming men, women, and children atop the conglomerate of mines, grinning widely at his siblings. He looked as young as he did the day he vanished-- younger even. He wore naught but the torn cotton robe he had when he entered that cave, but gods did he look ever so different. Gone was his brown hair, his olive skin, his green eyes. He now boasted a head of long white hair, not that of age but of some unnatural power; his skin was a white so bright it seemed he had been poured of liquid sun. His eyes had become a purple of the lavender flowers in the north, with a mystical fire burning within. His face looked the same, but somehow shone with a beauty so radiant it could have stopped even the gods in their tracks.

“Miss me?” His voice had not changed, but somehow it had. The sound was the same, but there was something within. Something magical.

Within the caves, after he could not find his way out, Laerys had lay dying in the intense heat below the volcanoes of his homeland. He was come upon by a nesting she-dragon, who took him into her clutch. He became one with the family, the formidable beast he now rode being his mother. With her own milk she nursed him from the brink, with her magic fire she bathed him. Over the years, he learned their language, the mysterious one later known as High Valyrian. The magic of the caves, the dragons themselves, entered his very cells and became a part of him, turning him from a man. Turning him into something… other.

Aegona’s chambers were in Laerys. Before she became the thorn in her father’s side, she resided in Gael with Alaesys, the biggest tower. But then Gryr happened, and she was shunned to the bleak tower made for the familial outlier. Alas, she had to make room for her brother to take her place at her sister’s side.

She and Alaesys had always been close. From birth, they were inseparable. Riding their dragons together, Bantagon and Pryjagis. Running and laughing amongst the Great Flames of the Gods while they were meant to be praying. Playing in the ancient libraries when meant to be reading. They were the best of friends, and Aegona was happy. Then her sister matured, blossoming into a great beauty while Aegona retained a boyish figure, flat where her twin’s curved. Vhaelor had never cared too much about his sisters, least of all Aegona. He had always proved impartial at best, tending to avoid the laughing girls. Yet when Alaesys became a woman, he made up his mind.

Vhaelor and Alaesys had not left each other’s sides since, begging their father to allow their pairing. Raeon was apprehensive, having always meant the elder Aegona to wed his heir. Then she ruined herself, as he would say, and he gave in to Vhaelor. They were to be wed before the end of the month, and if Raeon had his way, the wedding would have two brides.

Aegona walked hurriedly to her chambers, angry heat radiating from her. If her father would not heed her, she would show him the same courtesy. Coming to the swaying bridge, she stopped midway to her tower. As she grasped the rope railing, she took the horn hanging from her neck in her hands. Aegona would show the great Raeon Daezgygar that she was destined to be greater than he would ever be. Blowing into the ancient dragonhorn, she beckoned her beast.

Pryjagis was a menacing creature of old. He had been old when her grandfather had claimed him, having fought the harpy of the Ghiscari centuries ago. Pryjagis boasted scales of blues of all shades, with horns the black of night. His flame was a magnificent orange with swirls of yellow and red, almost as bright as the sun. Alaesys rode the sister of Pryjagis, born from the same clutch all those years ago. Bantagon had scales of orange, red, and yellow, horns of white what had yellowed with age, and a flame of dark blue with streaks of black. Aegona missed riding with her sister dearly. As children, she dreamt that they would ride alongside one another to war, bringing glory to their homeland. That was before she saw the truth of the world.

Pryjagis landed atop Laerys with a roar, greeting his rider. The sun shone on him, revealing his whole beauty.

“Hello, handsome.” Aegona walked to him, climbing upon his saddle and grabbing the reins. There was only one person she wished to see at this moment, and she knew exactly where she would be. “To the libraries, Pryjagis.” To Daenys Targaryen.

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Thank you for reading! I (stupidly) got into a car accident yesterday and had time to finish this. All artwork belongs to me; I used AI to bring this story to life. Chapter two, which will focus on Daenys, will ideally be up in a week or two, if anyone actually reads this and cares. Have a great day!

[lunarsilver]

What awaits you in November?

With a little delay, I invite you to check what awaits you in November.

REMEMBER

I’m not a doctor, a psychiatrist, a therapist nor a psychologist. Tarot readings will never replace meetings with them.

It’s a general reading, so not everything will resonate.

If you can’t choose between two piles, probably both of them have some messages for you. You can also not identify with any of them and that’s okay too.

Readings can help you make a decision, but they shouldn’t be the main reason of making it.

1 ~ 2 ~ 3

PILE 1

Astrology Oracle: House of Service – Pisces – Mercury – Last Quarter

November will be a month concentrated around mundane things: taking care of your health, your body, your tasks and finances. Maybe you will rework your daily routine, make it better suit you, and your determination definitely is going to help here. These changes in your daily life will start in your mind, probably as a consequence of wanting to achieve something bigger. To make our dreams come true, we have to take action, work at the basics. Probably you will find a way to learn more effectively and express yourself more freely. It’s time to release habits and thoughts holding you back.

Lenormand: Dog – Tower – Rider

It looks like your relationship wih a friend or an authority will change – from you being more dependent and seeing yourself as worse to making this relationship equal, stood for yourself and find your worth. Alternatively, it talks about you becoming less lonely, like you’re this dog, a loyal friend, sitting in the tower and the rider arrives at the place, to meet you.

PILE 2 (kinda 18+ in the second part of the reading, mentioning intercourse)

Astrology Oracle: House of Ambition – Sagittarius – Venus – New Moon

Your career, your ambitions, your reputation and influence – that’s what this November is about for you. There’s this want to explore in your approach, and also ability to focus. Looks like you will be a social butterfly in this month. Ambition and relationships are two keywords for this reading, pretty straight-forward. It’s time for a new beginning, for planning ahead. You got this, pile 2!

Lenormand: Lily – Scythe – Rider

Okay, Venus before and now Lily – attraction, love and sexuality also probably will be an important theme for this month.

For sure, something sudden is going to happen. There is also this message for you to do the right thing as soon as possible. You may end something because you find it immoral. There will be some unexpected messages or problem with communication, someone interfering. For the sexually active part of this pile – make sure to not get hurt during an act.

Before looking more into the meaning of the cards, after just taking a look, my first thought was "okay, there’s this situationship/romantic or sexual relationship that is going to end and someone new will enter pile 2’s lives", just putting it here.

PILE 3

Astrology Oracle: House of Secrets – Virgo – Pluto – Last Quarter

Your dreams, fears and hidden desires will be important during this month. Consider listening to your intuition more, it looks like you should do it. There’s an altruistic and responsible approach to life in you. It looks like you will research, think more about what you actually want and why you want it. You’re in your power, making changes, transforming, looking for a deeper truth. It’s time to cleanse, leave all these things that are not for you anymore, so you can get ready for a new beginning.

Lenormand: Bouquet – Garden – Moon

My first thought was that you will spend more time in nature, be more in tune with it.

For some of you, the first part of the month will be much more social than the second part. Alternatively, you will try to please people around you, act friendly and after some time actually state what you think, show your emotions – maybe it’s about a new social circle in which you will start to feel more comfortable.