coolbullshit69

[hanvanmusic]

Medieval Journey: Cinematic Scenery & Relaxing Music | Tavern Ambiance & Lofi Instrumentals

Step back in time and immerse yourself in a 'Medieval Journey.' This video offers you a unique blend of cinematic medieval scenery and soothing tavern ambiance set to the tune of relaxing Lofi instrumentals. Perfect for studying, working, or unwinding, our #MedievalMusic will transport you to another era, while the stunning visuals of #MedievalBeauty provide a calming backdrop. Experience the soothing rhythms of life in a medieval tavern with this atmospheric compilation. Remember to Like, Share, and Subscribe for more immersive, historical experiences. #MedievalAmbiance #TavernMusic #LofiInstrumentals #HistoricalJourney

[feytouched]

do you know of any perfumes that have a sort of medieval knight vibe? like if said knight wasn’t sweaty and stinky from battle, that is. i did a little searching on my own, but didn’t come up with any good results, so thought you might know!

ok so definitely yes i do, and also i love this question. some options, ranging from the literal to the idealised:

nevertheless, she persisted by bpal: joan of arc themed perfume. it's a bit of a polarizing one; the oudh and jasmine lean indolic and a little dirty, but i like that in this context. it's not stinky-stinky knight, but artistic-perfume-stinky knight. and there's a metallic aspect to it, like plate armour or blades. one of the more interesting scents i own tbh.

fighter by bpal: this one was too metallic and leathery for me. smells a bit like blood, it has that specific salty iron tang. definitely evocative tho.

vial of holy water by bpal: for the paladins out there. a fresh and clean cologne-type scent for the most righteous of knights; i really enjoyed wearing it until my bf stole it from me.

harvest mouse by zoologist: this is a jolly knight at a ren-faire tavern, enjoying a feast of sweet bread and ale. sun-warmed and rustic feel. soldier poet king by the oh hellos is playing in the background. perhaps a bit unsubtle, but fun nonetheless.

l'ombre dans l'eau by dyptique: hear me out. i know this is a rose fragrance. what do roses have to do with knights, you ask? idk but the dense green thorny foliage and shadowy ambiance of this scent make me think of courtly love, fairytales and arthuriana. this is a knight in a pre-raphaelite painting.

hermann à mes côtés me paraissait une ombre by eldo: a strange, sullen knight riding like a shadow through bare winter woods, headed to a church to pray for absolution from some unspeakable sin. coffin dirt, church incense, cold air. i love this fragrance so much.

all of these are extremely different from one another so i can't promise you'll like any of them, but hopefully my vibe descriptions help you!

[bloodandthestars]

𝐋𝐄𝐓’𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐒.

❛ and i don’t mind you flirting, but honestly do you really wanna spend the whole night passing looks at me? ❜

— touchstarved. ais.

wc :: 2.7k

a/n : love that you guys like my first try at ais! hope you’ll enjoy this one just as much <3 a bit longer this time and idk fun? at least to write. i tried my hand at a few others this time. i feel like I may have gotten vere wrong so i definitely want opinions on that.

If the Wet Wick was ever empty, it’d be an entire crime. Luckily, if everyone was on their best behavior tonight, none would have to occur.

Your fingers are loose around a glass of gin. You intend for it to be your first and only glass of alcohol for the night. It was one of those rare nights where everyone was in one place— say for Mhin, who finds excuses in contracts to take care of in the night. “‘Better things to do than waste time with degenerates’— or something along those lines.” Leander shrugs his broad shoulders with a sip of his glass. He sets it on the bar counter. “It’s too bad, we all like-"

“Who is we-” Vere speaks with disgust in his emphasis.

“Some. Most. Most of us like their company.”

Vere scoffs, taking a sip of his flute. You let out a breathy laugh and Ais shrugs at Leander’s words, tasting his drink as well.

Background chatter fueled the ambiance of the tavern. Bloodhounds laugh and slam their drinks in various conversations behind you. Every now and then, you hear the wooden doors creak at the sign of a new person coming in and out of the busy space. Everyone has some kind of glass in their hand, say for Kuras, whose elegant voice speaks. “Mihn is a diligent person to be counted on.”

Leander’s lips break into his usual grin, with an arm swinging around the doctor's neck. Kuras doesn’t move an inch, as if used to such a gesture from the leader.

“See?” Leander says with a chip in his voice.

“We hear you, Leander.” Your voice chimes in

“We always do.” Ais places the rim of his glass to his lips.

Vere snickers, but Leander doesn’t take the teasing to a fault.

You hold your glass in the air with your hand. “We promise, we don’t dislike them.”

The mage is smiling still, even when Kuras steps away from his embrace. “Excuse me, but I must get back to work.”

“Aw, you sure?”

Kuras places his hands behind his back after adjusting his attire. He gives the room a nod of finality. You lift your glass as a motion of goodbye, Ais gives the same while Vere keeps his attention on his champagne. The doctor steps away, and you hear the wooden shutters open and close another time that night.

The silence between your four is entirely short with Leander around. He jumps over the counter from behind the bar, turning to address you and the others with another one of his grins. “Anyone up for trying one of my drinks?”

Vere rolls his eyes. “I don’t feel like it.” His voice flairs in its dramatics, placing a palm into his chin as he watches the bubbles in his drink dissipate. The fox’s elbow rests on the wooden counter where he sits next to Ais. “Besides,” His eyes narrow in his direction. “Who knows what you put in there.”

Leander’s smile grows wider. “But that's the best part.”

“Sure, for someone with nothing better to do.”

“Hey-!”

You watch the exchange, eyes going back and forth. You don’t notice the crimson eyes on you, at least not this time. He can hear the chatter next to him, sure. But why take notice of that?

Your gaze turns in his direction when you see Ais’s head nod in your way. “Gin again?”

Your eyes glance to the short glass resting in his hands. “Whiskey again?”

Ais gives you a faded smirk, making a motion with the drink before taking a sip. “That it is.”

“Then I’m not sure how you can comment on my personal taste.”

“That’s because you don’t have any.”

You frown at him, knowing all too well how he enjoys the sight. Your glass clinks onto the high table you’re leaning against when you sit it there. “I can have taste.”

“Sure you can.”

“I-”

“Gin or water. You get either or, every time.”

A scoff escapes you with a sarcastic undertone to your dialogue. “You have tasted the beer, right?”

“That one doesn’t count.”

“How so?”

“because everyone knows it's watered down and shit.”

Not another word falls from your lips. The oni wants a reaction as he usually did. And when you don’t give into it, a smirk creeps onto his face. “It’s alright, sparrow. I’m sure we still have plenty of time to fix that.”

You attempt to take your reaction to the minimum of rolling your eyes, to excuse him from ever giving him the satisfaction. God, how you wanted to wipe that smirk off of his face with every appearance at your dispense. No matter how much of a sight it was.

“Fix what?” Leander interjects with an ear to your conversation and your regard goes on him. You don’t notice the way the demon’s eyes dull behind another sip of his whiskey.

“Apparently, my taste in liquor.”

“At least someone said something about it,” Vere comments with a flick of his tail.

“You realize where we are, correct?” You wit back, earning a laugh from Leander that overshadows Ais’s huff of amusement.

“True,” Vere says primly with a final taste of his champagne disappearing past his lips. He looks over the counter to the usual suspects of wine bottles. Before he can pick out one to toy with, Leander quickly goes behind the counter and grabs the one he wants to properly pop it. The cork flies somewhere on the floor, disregarded in favor of refilling the fox’s glass. Vere gives Leander a sly smile of gratitude, with it disappearing as quickly as it comes. To battle a a bashful smile, the mage motions the bottle towards you and Ais. You both shake your heads at the offering.

“C’mon MC,” Leander shifts the bottle in your direction fully. “Might as well expand your palette now while we have the bottle open.”

Ais’s eyes dart off, lips falling to a flat line at his words. You consider the opportunity as you look into your own glass, ice diluting into whirls of purple liquid. You let out a sigh, a smile following after. “One sip.”

The ends of his lips quirk up into a large smile. “I’ll take anything I can get.”

“As we’re all well aware.” Vere cunningly remarks, though his eyes are set on the shiny new wine glass placed on the counter.

You raise a brow. “Just a glass would’ve been fine.”

Vere groans. “You’re hopeless, dear.”

Leander puts the sentiment into kinder words. “It wouldn’t feel right. Besides, why waste the opportunity to make it special?”

Ais watches as you press your lips press together to resist a smile with narrow eyes. You watch as a dark red pours into the tall glass in a small amount. Leander shifts it across the counter, where you eye it in the Wick’s gold lighting. You push yourself off of the high table, grabbing the stem of the cup. The scent was strong, automatically hitting your nostrils with it so close to your face. The wine swirls in your study, before placing the rim to your lips. Leander watches with attentive eyes, and so does another.

The taste is stark, your brows furrowing at the bitterness that greets your first. But then it slowly transitions to flavors of fruit. The zest lingers on your tongue after a swallow. You shut your eyes to contemplate the drink before opening them back on the group. “Alright…I could get used to that.”

Even Vere slightly smiles at the discovery. Leander laughs heartily. “Not so bad. right?”

You shake your head. The mix of alcohol causes you to let out a soft laugh, a hand quick to hover over your mouth after it. “Not at all.”

The mage blinks at the sound, a warmth creeping up his ears. It goes unnoticed by you, who passes the rest of your drink to Vere. He pours the wine to combine into his own glass. As he swirls his drink, his pink eyes glance over to Ais. In the notice of his silence, Vere remains in his own, sensing something amiss.

“Now that we have you started on wine,” Leander places his forearms out. “You’ll just have to divulge in my artwork next.”

“You mean concoctions?” Ais snorts at your words, grabbing Vere’s attention. “I’ve tried a few.”

“And there’s many more where that came from.” His voice turns to sing-song in order to convince you. You give him a long stare. Leander is charming, there’s no denying that. He’s got a way with words, and his smile is infectious. You’ve found yourself drawn to his energy and his carefree nature, always finding ways for you to loosen up. You let out a sigh once again. “And how could I refuse you when you pull out those eyes on me?”

A soft pink tints the mage’s cheeks. Vere perceives the sight, pink eyes connecting to Ais next, looking down at his hand— now tight when nursing his drink. There’s a twitch in the fox’s eye. His tail begins to wag in a menacing manner with an amused smirk appearing on his features.

Vere drapes himself against the counter, eyes looking at you with an enlightened voice. “You know, speaking from experience, another district has gorgeous tastes in wine. Some of them have been curated for years.”

“Is that so?”

“Mhm,” Vere lets out a low hum. “You must try them sometime. Perhaps Leander and I can accompany you to such an activity.”

Leander’s eyes brighten at the prospect, nodding along. “I think that’d be-”

A sudden yelp comes from behind you. You turn your head over your shoulder, everyone’s eyes following in the direction of drunken roughnecks shoving each other. Leander pinches the bridge of his nose, heaving a heavy sigh. His hand wipes his face, attempting to put a smile back on it. “I’ll be right back.”

The mage hops over the bar counter once more to handle the rowdiness. You turn your eyes back onto Vere with a raised brow, who now looks bored all of a sudden. “That opportunity doesn’t come with you trying to leave me dead in an alley, does it?”

Vere sips his wine with a purr. “You remain on your best behavior and I’m sure it won’t be.”

You’re not sure if it's being used to Vere threatening you through innuendos or the alcohol that makes you retort. “If anyone is in need of good behavior, it’s certainly you.”

“Aw, that sounds like the beginning of an awfully good punishment.”

Taking that as a cue to finish the conversation, you shake your head with a slight laugh. You press off of the high table, walking off to the bathroom with a pair of eyes following after. The owner of that gaze finishes the rest of his whiskey. He’s walking through the crowd when Vere looks at the empty cup on the bar counter. A crack in the glass earns of soft snicker from him.

You find your way to the bathroom through a hall of draped fabrics. After finishing up inside, you shut the door behind you and turn to a mirror on the wall. Covered fingers press to your temple as you rub in circular motions. Your hands then go to pat your face to dry extra water from it after splashing some in the bathroom. A smokey scent greets you before he does.

“Troubled?”

You wipe your face, catching blood-red eyes in the reflection. Your brow raises. “Not at all, but you seem to be.”

You turn to face Ais, crossing your arms. The demon now looks at you with a raised brow. “Do I now?”

“You got awfully quiet.”

“Maybe I was busy.”

You tilt your head at him. “Doing what exactly?”

He falls to silence, eyes set on you despite that. You turn back to the mirror, making sure the water was fully dry on your face. it was quiet for a little while till the oni speaks again.

“Leander’s a bit too eager tonight. You’d think he was wasted already.”

Your movements stop at his words and he’s quick to notice. You press your lips together, eyelids going down in thought. “Eager? Or socializing?”

“Neither of them can be good when it comes from him.”

Your attention goes back to your reflection. “To you.”

His brows furrow at your tone. “Is there something you’d like to say?”

Your eyes go to him in the mirror. “Perhaps.”

“Then say it.”

Your posture straightens, turning back to fully face Ais. Your head motions with curiosity. “You seem…bothered at the prospect of Leander showing me things.“

His mouth remains shut at your words. Your back leans against the mirror. “I mean, did you really think I wasn’t aware of how you changed up?”

And it’s there where you get a reaction. A slight widening of his eyes allows you to further reach your conclusion. It was too hard to hide the flash of a smirk on your lips.

“I’m sure you didn’t plan on spending the whole night passing looks in my direction.”

He relaxes easily, so easily that it confuses you for a brief moment. His boots take steps towards you. A hand rests on his belts as the ends of his lips turn slightly upward. “You’d be surprised.”

You watch as he steps closer to you, eyes going up and down his stature till they reach his gaze. You study his expression, now being one you’re so used to— relaxed and confident even. You help close the space even further as you take your back off of the mirror. At this point, you’re about a foot away from each other, focused and quiet. His head leans down to take you in full, as he always does. Ais’s voice is low when he notes. “Are you implying that I’m jealous, sparrow? Of that desperate fool?”

Your lips part, such an easy target for him to capture. “Not sure.” You mutter. Your eyes scan his face, falling to his lips then back up to his eyes. “You tell me.”

It was strange to feel as though it was you getting a reaction out of him this time around. As you’re met with silence, your feet begin to move past him until you’re stopped by a hand on your forearm. His hold isn’t harsh, not pressing into your skin to cause you pain. It’s a simple grasp, keeping you next to him. You crane your neck a little to look up at him just as his head turns to the side to look down at you. You’re met with the sight of blood red, but never did you feel an ounce of fear from them. You knew by now, the demon would never hurt you. The intention would never cross his mind. So when you two remained still in that moment, your only thought went to what could possibly happen next—

“MC? MC, where’d you go?”

The voice is followed by the arrival of Leander. Both of you were barely able to fix yourselves to stand side by side instead.

“There you are!” He sets his hands on his waist. “I got worried for a second. Everything alright?”

You open your mouth to speak, and just as you do, you feel something warm against your lower back. Leander has no reaction, as he couldn’t see it. “Everything‘s fine, Leander. Just had to find the bathroom.”

Your smile reassures his concerned look, deferring it to Ais. The warmth on your back shifts, allowing you to recognize its shape: a hand.

The demon shrugs nonchalantly. “Had to go too.”

Leander’s nod is slow. Someone catches his attention with a shout of his name, turning to attend to the inquiry. You’re left alone with one another once again. You look up to find his eyes already on you, motionless in your presence. He can tell of the knowing look in your eyes, furrowing his brows at the thought. With the tiniest smile, you slip from his grasp. You head back to the bar, and he soon treads your heels. It seems words didn’t have to give you his answer.

[the-elder-polls]

How do you get motivation to write? 😭😭😭😭 I am trying to juggle a couple fics and also trying to write backgrounds for my OCs and I'm so terrible. I keep trying to change my mind about things or just vague ideas. I am also not great at words.

i disassociate to music and let the ghosts of inspirations past possess ke.

my actual answer:

i listen to a ton of music. i have playlists for all of my characters, their relationships, and my fics/fic ideas. when i want inspiration, i listen to the music and brainstorm ideas based off the lyrics and vibes.

i read other people's fics. it usually gets me excited to read, and then subsequently to write.

while i write, i listen to videos related to the subject. for VODAHMIN, i listen to true crime, horror, and TES lore videos. for my dnd fic, i listen to the session recordings, mythology, dnd stories. i also recommend listening to ambiance similar to the vibe you're wanting to write. for VODAHMIN, it's skyrim ambiance, snowstorms, and old cathedrals. dnd fic is tavern, usually.

i plot all my main points out and wing it as i go. with VODAHMIN, i know hlirlef will become konahrik, and i have a vague idea of how i'll get there. i write for me before i write for anyone else. i don't need anyone else to like it, so long as i like it.

you're too harsh on yourself, i guarantee it. look at books like haunting adeline or acotar - if that can be a bestseller, your prose and story are fine. you're always your own worst critic.

[artanogon]

storytime! i'm in a dnd campaign with my friend group where we're trying to stop a triumvirate of corrupt leaders from taking over our country. me and @furiousraven play wickin and leo, a cleric and barbarian raised in the same cult. as it stands in the campaign they both distrust and borderline hate each other, but in their future we've planned a massive personal fight between them that will end in them both sitting in the miniature tankern, our local tavern, and discussing how their shared background made them who they are. i decided to make a little ambiance track for when that talk finally happens :)

(edited background music is lost eternity by peter crowley!)

[allthatisleftinthedark]

"i have all the answers you need." (From Discoverer to Maisie.)

No One Ever Listens To Me Prompts | accepting | @offrozenmemoirs

The Friar's Frown, a bustling tavern at the Erebonian-Riveran border, hosted many stragglers and displaced figures in the epilogue of war. Creaking floorboards announced arrivals and departures; clanking glasses symbolized promise and celebration; and loud chugging brought reminders of drowning and failure. The thin layer of gas and the gentle glow on the walls added a faint ambiance to the bar's patrons.

Yet, was the cobalt skeleton hidden in the corners of your eyes not enough company? As straight as the clavicles could be, the entity leaned with both elbow joints propped on the tabletop. Dark sockets stared at the untouched stein on her end of the table and the half-eaten plate of stuffed cabbages and sausage on the other side.

Could a flayed and muscle-stripped skeleton crave wine? A fleeting, amusing thought came to mind, imagining that phantom tongue dragging across discolored teeth. An empty glass would assuage them into the delusion of opulence.

"Catalina, what has your attention?" A gruff and puzzled voice spoke in an undertone, drawing her focus. Her ears perked, and a single golden iris acknowledged the guest.

"Oh, thinking of how familiar your story sounds." Whether lie or truth slipped to her tongue as passing fodder for talk, "In the din of travel, in a siege nonetheless, the mortal mind becomes difficult to trust when we only remember some scenes but not the whole play."

"Sympathy you give from a plate of food, but your words offer a less appetizing suggestion," answers Raba, the man of the hour, a swamp-green hobgoblin with a sharp-toothed frown. It takes very little for him to feel insulted or have a negative insinuation from his militaristic background.

She corrected herself, hand resting above her heart, "Understand that it is not unreliable." Her left brow hooked, even elaborating, "But you take issue with the gaps," much to his chagrin.

"Raba, your prestige speaks for you, and there is no need to breed hostility based on fact. As much as I despise it, forgetfulness creeps on me when least expected, especially from war."

Raba's beady brown eyes darted toward her. She watched him, knowing his target. Towards the right side of her face was only a peek at a surface-level mystery; her eyelid was shut out of the trained habit, especially when she could not bandage it. Of course, that was besides the utterly marred state of that side of her face that would draw unwanted eyes. Intensely but briefly, there was a moment of understanding. But she was spared so few seconds of that feeling a lifetime ago.

"Small prices to pay because of what we do." She rolls her wrist.

'You should finish that if he isn't.' The Discoverer rubs his "thumb" over his chin.

The gnome chews her tongue, briefly closing her eyes. "And it's for the betterment of everything if we're strong and capable enough to continue. We relay our successes and shortcomings to the best of our ability."

Raba took a deep breath, staring at his plate. "What happened at the port was only the result of tensions imploding; someone cannot force gunpowder and fire to live peacefully together." His eyes trailed up again. "A miracle that many people lived, but not so surprising by the mess it made of a once prosperous town."

Even after the war ended, the villages near the border never seemed to catch a break.

"Why does this specific instance interest you? It is nothing new to what reeks in these lands ever since the dissolvement of the," his voice lowered to a whisper, "Graneyean Empire and the Albarean Duchy's victory."

"Why do you recall this one so vividly than the rest?" The gnome drummed her fingers on the table.

"For how unusually premature the events were," he admits.

"Those circumstances are also a source of my curiosity."

"In all of Esterah, what I would give to see better than those elves and their magicks. To better grasp what shambles lay in this world because of their pig-headed righteousness."

A frigid sensation trickled down the gnome's back as the entity beside her moved closer.

The Discoverer began, "I have all the answers you need," as a whisper in the woman's ears. His arm lankily rested over her shoulder while his finger bones dug into her sensitive left shoulder. To his delight, he could feel the potential rising in this one if only he verbalized it now!

"Submit yourself to me; what has yet to be found for these eyes, unclouded, see all to the horizon."

The woman with remarkable candor continued, "And that's why I want to know more about that stowaway you spotted."

Dead silence at the table, no more bones digging into her left shoulder. All she could feel was a reanimated entity's composure twitching.

"Right, that child has been quite interesting to you. Do you come as a bounty hunter?" Raba blinks. "You do not neglect to mention details, like your station."

"A concerned witness is all I am. Of course, there have been numerous reports on a sticky-hand thief jumping from wagon to wagon."

"If it does not offend you to ask, miss, is that next of kin for you? Any familial relation to that child?"

"No. I am quite lonely," answers the gnome with a sweet laugh. "But the child is…" As she looks at the table, she blinks. In the momentary darkness behind the lids of her eyes, the sensation of hardwood on her fingertips disappears in a flash. Not a sound of mid-conversation or tavern life resonates sharply and close in her ears. No longer anchored to the body, it is pitch black.

Once more, she returns to the cosmic prison, dotted with nebulae and distant stars. Regaining sight, the Discoverer stands before her, arms raised, towering over her.

Heavy black fog entangles around her appendages, leaving her vulnerable on her knees. No matter the fight, it would always be a struggle. No matter how much screaming and kicking there is, it will always end in submission.

"Have I done something to be disrespected?" The Discoverer huffs with indignation. "Nothing in recent memory reasons your willful incompetence."

The woman tries to gain her footing as if speaking before the council. "The child has been missing and routinely coming up in my visits; my actions are not to disparage you. It began over in—"

"Don't," he interrupts. His silhouette drinks in the shadows, an inverted flame aglow in his socket.

"Se-quence," enunciates the entity. "One step at a time, nothing skipped over. Sloppiness isn't what you're known for, nor will it mark my reputation. Don't make mistakes you cannot atone for."

"Know the difference between a prospect and a lost cause," he says as he reaches out and rectifies her slumped figure. Suddenly, his hand reaches her throat, tightening around her jugular and choking her. The tips of her shoes barely touch the ground as she dangles. The woman's vision starts to blur as she desperately gasps for air, her hands weakly clawing at his grip.

"A child is something that anyone can find. Dress them as you like, feed them, and pat their backs when they complain and have stomach issues. Pretty them up and adore them; give them a little bed by the fireplace. Why waste time to be entertained?" He snaps his wrist, her body feeling fainter and closely going limp.

"Your obedience would be greatly appreciated." The Discoverer gives her another shake. "Do not sully a potential contract for your personal gain."

A loud, disappointed sigh leaves him. If a skeleton could, he would pull his upper lip in disgust. Opening his hand completely, the gnome is released as her body hits the ground, her body curling up as she remains in bondage.

"How much more useless can you be?"

The gnome's head snaps up, burning vile bubbling at the base of her throat. In the deep fog of distorted memories, the recess of missing information makes it impossible to answer why desperation and acrimony reside in her. All living in her mind were ghosts without faces, scratched out with drawn lines; no size was equal to the other, some as tall as her and some towering over her too. All these strangers surrounded her; none answered her when all she could do was scream.

"Back with you." The Discoverer snaps his fingers, and her sight dissolves into the darkness again.

As her eyes opened, Raba met her gaze, her lips still partially open, but no voice left her. Only in a blink did she go back and forth again, only taking a natural pause in her talk.

The cobalt skeleton was nowhere to be found; perhaps he retreated back to the depths of her mind, leaving the table for a party of two.

Her voice lowers to a soft level, barely above a whisper, and is meek in its sound. "It's heartbreaking to see a child so lost in a world that still doesn't know what it wants to be."

'Catalina' grabs her throat, glancing away.

To someone like Raba, that sounds like a compassionate side to the stranger; as traditional as he is, he figures that a woman's maternal instinct makes her incapable of avoiding sentiments.

It was a dreaded reminder to the gnome as that proverbial collar tightened around her throat, reminding her of what little humanity she'd have.

With that, the oblivious patrons of the Friar's Frown continue to bustle as Raba takes another bite of his food. The gnome rewards the silence as she returns the stein to the hobgoblin, unable to bring herself to drink and find solace there.

"Here's something extra for my rambles."

[boozlosaurabh]

Set the Stage for Memorable Nights with Bar Setup at Home

In recent years, the concept of entertaining at home has gained popularity. Instead of going out to crowded bars and restaurants, more and more people are opting to create their own unique experiences right in the comfort of their homes. One essential element of a memorable evening is a well-designed bar setup. Whether you're hosting a gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet night in, a thoughtfully arranged home bar can set the stage for unforgettable nights. In this blog post, we will explore the key aspects of creating a bar setup that will leave a lasting impression on your guests and ensure you have a fantastic time.

Location and Space

When planning your home bar setup, the first consideration is the location. Choose an area that allows for easy access and encourages social interaction. It could be a dedicated room, a corner in your living room, or even an outdoor space like a patio or terrace. Consider the available space and ensure it is sufficient to accommodate your desired bar layout, including countertops, storage, and seating arrangements. Additionally, the proximity to other entertaining areas, such as a dining area or a cozy seating arrangement, can enhance the overall atmosphere and flow of the space.

Design and Decor

The design and decor of your home bar play a crucial role in creating the right ambiance. Determine the theme or style you wish to achieve, whether it's a sleek and modern bar or a rustic and cozy tavern-like atmosphere. Choose appropriate colors, materials, and lighting fixtures that align with your desired aesthetic. Incorporate elements like mirrors, glass shelves, and artwork to add depth and visual interest. Don't forget to personalize the space with items that reflect your taste, such as unique barware or vintage liquor bottles.

Essential Bar Tools and Equipment

To ensure smooth and efficient operation of your home bar, it's essential to have the right tools and equipment readily available. Invest in high-quality barware, including shakers, jiggers, strainers, muddlers, and bar spoons. Consider having multiple sets of glassware to cater to different drink preferences. Additionally, a reliable and well-stocked supply of spirits, mixers, garnishes, and ice is crucial. Organize your tools and ingredients in a logical and accessible manner to facilitate effortless bartending and minimize clutter.

Signature Cocktail Menu

To make your home bar truly memorable, create a signature cocktail menu that reflects your personal style and showcases your mixology skills. Choose a selection of drinks that range from classic cocktails to innovative creations. Include a variety of flavors, such as sweet, sour, and bitter, to cater to different palates. Experiment with unique ingredients, homemade syrups, and infused spirits to add a touch of creativity. Display your cocktail menu prominently and provide recipe cards or small chalkboards that describe each drink, adding an interactive element for your guests.

Comfortable Seating and Social Areas

A well-designed home bar setup goes beyond the bar itself. Create comfortable seating areas that allow guests to relax and enjoy their drinks. Consider a combination of bar stools, lounge chairs, or sofas, depending on the available space. Arrange the seating in a way that promotes conversation and interaction. Add cozy elements like cushions, throws, and coffee tables to create an inviting atmosphere. If space permits, include additional entertainment options such as a television, a dartboard, or a card table to provide alternative activities for your guests.

Music and Ambiance

Music can significantly enhance the mood and atmosphere of your home bar setup. Choose a playlist or create a customized music selection that complements the overall vibe you want to achieve. Consider the occasion and adjust the tempo and genre accordingly. Background lighting, such as dimmable fixtures or candles, can create a cozy and intimate ambiance. If you have a home automation system, you can even program lighting scenes that transition throughout the evening, setting different moods as the night progresses.

Creating a bar setup at home allows you to design a unique and personalized entertainment space that reflects your style and taste. By carefully considering factors such as location, design, essential tools, signature cocktails, comfortable seating, and ambiance, you can set the stage for memorable nights of fun and enjoyment. Remember, the key to a successful home bar setup lies in the attention to detail and the ability to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere that keeps your guests coming back for more. At Boozlo you can assemble all your party needs online in a single click.

So, Cheers raise a glass and get ready to make lasting memories with your very own home bar setup.

[chennaitop10]

Exploring the Vibrant World of Resto Bars

The concept of a resto bar, a blend of a restaurant and a bar, has become increasingly popular in urban areas worldwide. Offering the perfect mix of delicious cuisine, innovative drinks, and a lively atmosphere, resto bars are ideal for a variety of social occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. In this article, we will delve into the unique appeal of resto bars, their evolution, and some standout examples from around the globe. Discover the best resto bars in Chennai for a perfect blend of gourmet cuisine and creative cocktails. Experience vibrant atmospheres and top-notch entertainment.

The Unique Appeal of Resto Bars

Resto bars cater to a diverse clientele by offering a holistic experience that combines the best elements of dining and nightlife. Here are some key aspects that contribute to their widespread popularity:

Ambiance and Atmosphere: Resto bars typically feature a stylish and contemporary interior design, creating an inviting atmosphere where patrons can relax and socialize. The ambiance often includes mood lighting, comfortable seating, and background music that enhances the overall experience.

Culinary Excellence: Unlike traditional bars that may only serve snacks or limited food options, resto bars pride themselves on offering a full menu with a wide range of culinary delights. From gourmet dishes crafted by skilled chefs to comfort foods and international cuisine, the food at a resto bar is a significant draw for customers.

Innovative Drinks: Resto bars are known for their extensive drink menus, which often include creative cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and premium spirits. Expert mixologists craft unique drinks that complement the food and elevate the dining experience.

Social Hub: These establishments are designed to be social spaces where people can come together, making them ideal for meeting friends, networking, or even enjoying a night out with colleagues. The lively and dynamic environment fosters interaction and camaraderie.

Events and Entertainment: Many resto bars host events and entertainment, such as live music, DJ nights, themed parties, and trivia nights. These events add an extra layer of excitement and keep patrons coming back for more.

The Evolution of Resto Bars

The concept of combining dining with a vibrant bar scene is not entirely new, but its modern iteration has evolved significantly over the years. Here's a brief look at how resto bars have developed:

Early Beginnings: The roots of resto bars can be traced back to taverns and inns that served food and drinks to travelers. These establishments were community hubs where people gathered to eat, drink, and socialize.

Gastro Pubs: In the late 20th century, the gastro pub movement began in the UK, combining high-quality food with a pub setting. This concept laid the groundwork for the modern resto bar, emphasizing the importance of good food alongside a robust drink selection.

Modern Resto Bars: Today’s resto bars are a sophisticated blend of fine dining and nightlife. They offer a diverse array of culinary options, from casual bites to elaborate multi-course meals, paired with expertly crafted drinks. The focus is on creating a memorable experience that appeals to all senses.

Standout Resto Bars Around the Globe

Several resto bars have garnered international acclaim for their exceptional offerings and unique ambiance. Here are a few notable examples:

The Dead Rabbit, New York City: This award-winning establishment combines the charm of an Irish pub with the sophistication of a cocktail bar. It features an extensive drink menu and a food menu that includes traditional Irish fare and contemporary dishes.

Dandelyan, London: Located in the Mondrian Hotel, Dandelyan is known for its innovative cocktails and stylish interior. The menu, designed by renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, features botanically-inspired drinks and a selection of gourmet dishes.

Bar Raval, Toronto: This Spanish-inspired resto bar offers a tapas-style menu and a vibrant atmosphere. The unique design, featuring curved wooden interiors, creates an immersive experience that transports patrons to Spain.

La Factoría, San Juan: Located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, La Factoría is famous for its creative cocktails and eclectic atmosphere. The bar has multiple rooms, each with its own distinct vibe, and regularly features live music and dancing.

The Baxter Inn, Sydney: Known for its extensive whisky selection and speakeasy vibe, The Baxter Inn offers a cozy and intimate setting. The food menu includes classic bar snacks and hearty meals, making it a popular spot for both drink enthusiasts and food lovers.

The Future of Resto Bars

As the culinary and nightlife scenes continue to evolve, resto bars are likely to remain at the forefront of social dining trends. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and creating memorable experiences, the future of resto bars looks bright. We can expect to see more establishments experimenting with new cuisines, drink pairings, and interactive elements that enhance the overall experience. Explore the top 10 resto bars in Chennai for exceptional cuisine and innovative cocktails. Discover vibrant atmospheres perfect for dining and socializing.

In conclusion, resto bars offer a unique and engaging way to enjoy food and drinks in a social setting. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind after work, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a delicious meal and a craft cocktail, resto bars provide an ideal destination. Their blend of culinary excellence, innovative drinks, and vibrant atmosphere make them a standout choice for modern diners.

[witch-hazels-musings]

Have you ever missed someone so badly you go to YouTube and listen to your fav talking with relaxing music in the background

Yes, I'm fine now

[xcrystalzero]

last friday night

characters included: childe, kaeya, diluc, zhongli

summary: some genshin boys and how they spend a friday night off.

note: i wrote something! that being said, i probably should have waited until friday to publish this...

Childe:

- Spends time with his family.

- Family is extremely important to him and yet, he is often busy with work that takes him far away and often feels like he is neglecting his family. So, when he does get a chance to go back home, he makes it a point to hang out with them as much as he can.

- Plans a whole night full of games and activities he makes with pieces of defeated ruin guards and random trinkets he picked up during his travels. It's honestly kind of scary when you offer to help him decorate and then realize that the flashy little pieces he's mounting here and there are actually treasurer hoarder insignias.

- Ends up fulfilling his teapot promises and does in fact, pair with you in a snowball fight against his siblings and for the first time ever, you get to see the Harbinger intentionally lose at something just to see the triumphant looks on his siblings' faces.

- Helps out Tonia with cooking up some fantastic dishes for a full family dinner and the night ends with a warm meal, good conversation, and a whole lot of stories told around the dining table.

- When the rest of his family has gone to sleep however, he bundles you in one of his many jackets and herds you back outside to roast marshmallows with him. It's way too cold and you're already stupidly full but when he flashes those puppy dog eyes he saves only for his family and you, who are you to refuse.

Kaeya:

- Where is he going to be other than the tavern?

- Seriously though, the man definitely has a drinking problem but he's also a pretty fun drinking partner so honestly it's fine.

- He sashays into your office at the Knight's headquarters all suave and smirking as he asks you if you'd like to join him for some nighttime excursions. When you bluntly ask him if he's just asking you to get blackout drunk with him and he affirms as much, you can't really do anything but join him.

- Half of the time when Kaeya drinks, there's an undeniable grief that seeps into his very being and the conversation he makes and the drinks he downs are just ways to avoid thinking about it. Tonight however, he is determined to have fun.

- He does do anything outrageous but he does sing along to the bard's songs, clapping along when everyone else does and gossiping cheekily with the people next to you two. As he gets drunker, he also gets more verbally affectionate, reminding you on multiple occasions how absolutely gorgeous you look and how happy he is that you came with him.

- Eventually, you guys leave but instead of going straight home, decide to just wander about the nearly abandoned streets of Mondstat just talking and enjoying each other's company. And then he falls off the bridge into Mondstat and you have to fish his drunk ass out of there. Still a fun night though.

Diluc:

- Probably honestly just wants to take a nap but ends up giving in to your requests for a little midnight picnic.

- After the rest of the staff has gone to sleep, the two of you creep into the kitchen and grab a few leftover treats from that night's dinner, stuffing them into a basket with blankets and tiny bottles of grape juice.

- You set up camp on one of the hills overlooking the rows of grapes planted around the winery, spreading out a blanket to sit on and then wrapping yourselves together in another to shield you from the night breeze.

- The night isn't particularly cool but you remain close either way. At some point, Diluc drops his head into your lap in a rare display of vulnerability. His stunning red eyes flicker up to meet yours and you forget how to breathe for a second.

- So instead of facing the situation like an adult, you evade and point out how beautiful the clear night sky looks tonight. Diluc chuckles at that but plays along. It's fine, you two will be alone with each other for the entire night. you can't brush his off forever.

Zhongli:

- Decides that he should probably check out the revered Liyue nightlife that has popped up in the harbor over the past few years.

- You're very amused when he suggests as much, wondering how much this old man can take of the youths now days before he becomes scandalized beyond belief.

- Not much apparently because his mouth drops open the moment he sees some of the new fashion and dances of the times (I stand by worried asian grandpa Zhongli).

- Within 20 minutes, he is just absolutely horrified and mildly suggests that the two of you get some tea before all of the shops close for the night. You humor him of course and the two of you head over to the pavilion.

- The night is a lot more peaceful after that now that Zhongli is back in his comfort zone. You two stop for a cup of tea at a stand that overlooks the harbor. Even from here, you can still hear the sounds of music and shouting but it feels better as background noise, almost adding to the ambiance of the night.

- It turns out that your company trumps a crowd in Zhongli's opinion and enjoying good conversation and your company is actually his favorite way to pass the time.

[hanvanmusic]

Tranquil Celtic Tavern Tunes: Queen of Taverns | Serene Instrumental Ambience for Relaxation & Focus

Welcome to the enchanting world of Tranquil Celtic Tavern Tunes! Allow yourself to be transported by the "Queen of Taverns" - a harmonious fusion of calming instrumental melodies and atmospheric ambience that will whisk you away to a medieval tavern. This exquisite soundtrack is designed to help you unwind, enhance your focus, or simply provide an escape from the stresses of daily life. Immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms of the Celtic harp, the soothing strums of the lute, and the hypnotic beats of the bodhrán drum. Let this delightful musical journey lead you to a haven of peace and serenity. Enter the most inviting tavern in the realm, where every guest is treated like royalty. As the sun dips below the horizon and the lanterns cast a warm, golden light across the room, you'll find yourself enveloped in laughter, friendship, and the enchanting sounds of Tranquil Celtic Tavern Tunes. Be sure to subscribe, like, and share this video with your fellow adventurers, and allow the "Queen of Taverns" to rule your playlist with grace and charm! #TranquilCelticTunes #RelaxingAmbience #QueenOfTaverns #FocusAndRelaxation 🎵 Parts List: https:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyCzCWN9gRLzbtm7zf7BNfoy_1jv9iv7f 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you can be notified of new videos! 🎧 Enjoy this video and please give your comments and thoughts. It is important for us to communicate with you!

[chouchen]

hi! you asked for background ideas so i just wanted to let you know my take on it, feel free to ignore it!

but i just find that the tavern really looks like a home, not only because of the memories the genshin characters had there but also because of the warm colors of the wood and the lights! the ambiance here looks is very comforting too!

(sorry, i'm french so my english may not appear as fluent-)

oo i really like the tavern too ! i'll draw it for sure ^^

(pas de problème haha)

[drayners]

a little human-ish version of Korian, a desert-dwelling bard whose stay in Clan Chervil became permanent after his settlement was wiped out. Korian is a relaxed bard whose clothing reveals what he won’t. His refined appearance and golden adornments reveal his background in royalty, but Korian has never indicated so himself. Instead, he prefers to relax in local taverns, strumming along on a sitar and enjoying the ambiance.

[costeausunset]

What I played this month: October 2020, part 1/2

Part 2

I decided to include the prices this month. Note that they are the prices listed on steam europe so the prices may vary if you play on console or if you are in another country than mine.

All GIF are by me

Overland, 2019, developed and published by Finji, ~17 euros :

Overland is a turned-based, survival game set in an apocalyptic future. You control a group of survivors trying to reach the west coast of the US by car. To do this you need to collect enough gas to reach the points of interest while avoiding strange looking zombie-animals.

The gameplay is inspired by games like X-COM. However, I feel like the game is mainly based on luck and not skills. Indeed, each map is generated randomly, which means you can have a map full of enemies or void of it. In my longest playthrough, I managed to play around 50 min without dying and I would say it was 80% luck and 20% skills. You also don’t do much apart from getting gas. The game tells you, you can repair your car, but in reality you can’t, you just have to change the car. You can’t kill the enemies since when you kill one, more respawn. You essentially collect gas and try to avoid the enemies. The characters are also generated randomly at each new game, and they all have the same (almost non existent) personality, which makes it difficult to get attached to them.

The biggest problem of the game is definitely the fact that the game is based on luck. If you are like me you may encounter a “lucky” part where you actually enjoy yourself. It really feels like every time you lose the game tell you, play again and you *might* enjoy yourself!

Overall I feel the game wasted his potential.

Night in the woods, 2017, developed by Infinite Fall and published by Finji, ~20 euros:

It’s a story based video game with little to no gameplay. You follow Mae Borowski, a 20 year old college dropout who went back to her childhood home because of her depression.

I fell in love with this game! I loved the characters, their relationship, their backstory, and the story in itself. I feel like the story and characters are really well written even if the first part of the game is quite slow paced. They were dialogues that made me laugh out loud, and others that made me cry. It’s been a while since a game managed to make me go through so many emotions, with so little time.

The only passages that I didn’t like were the dreams of Mae, I feel like they were too many and they were too similar to my taste. The last part of the game also differs a lot from the previous parts and touches on new subjects that I can’t go into without spoiling. I liked this last part even if I think sometimes the story was taking its sweet time (note that I don’t have much patience so take this with a grain of salt).

The story deals a lot with mental health subjects, mainly depression, this means the game might not be suitable for everyone. The story presents the point of view of Mae on depression, how she feels mainly, and how she reacts to it and how others react to it. The story isn’t about how she overcame depression but how she learned to leave with it and accept it, passing by a lot of ups and downs. Definitely worth your time and money!

The supper, 2020, developed and published by Octavi Navarro, free (or more on itchio):

The Supper is a short (less than 20min) point and click game. You follow the story of Ms Appleton, an old cook, who hears a voice telling her to retrieve a treasure belonging to three odd pirates. To do this you need to cook three delicious meals for them. I love the atmosphere of the game, it's unique as well as creepy. I personally loved the character’s design. The point and click part is well done, each enigma makes sense, and is quite easy to understand even if for some items the hitbox is a bit small.

Overall a really nice game. I would love to play that kind of game with a longer story. Props to the guy who designed it!

Fahrenheit : The Indigo Prophecy (Remastered), 2015 (original out in 2005), developed and published by Aspyr, ~9 euros:

So, I knew this game was weird when I started it, but it’s a thing to hear about the weirdness of this game, and another to actually try it. So let me resume the story, as I understand it. The protagonist, Lucas, murder someone in a fit of madness. But, he didn’t really do it, because at the time he was controlled by a 2000 year old mayan oracle, which caused him to cut his wrist and saw giant bugs trying to kill him. This also awoke the power of the matrix in him, and he is now looking to understand what happened in order to clean his name, by bringing down the illuminati…. This is the script…. So yeah I don’t really know what to think about the plotline. The game is around 8 hours long and halfway through the game, the story takes a sudden shift. The stories go from taking it’s time and being vague to a full on magic show so yeah… The game is a QTE game. There is nothing much to say about the gameplay, it works but there are bugs, like needing to do circle around an object to interact with it, that kind of thing. Other than that some phases require your entire focus, you better not blink. Also from what I read the remaster version (that I played), is absolutely no different from the original version, which is honestly a problem. All of the gameplay bugs should have been resolved in the remaster, but they weren’t. I can accept the bug on the 2005 version but on the 2015 one not so much. I however really liked the cinematic style of the game, even if there again it causes camera problems. The camera is really close to the one we can find in the first Resident Evil but there were fewer bugs of camera in Resident Evil.

Where the Water Taste Like Wine, 2019, developed by Dim Bulb Games and Serenity forge, and published by Good Sheperd Entertainment, ~20 euros :

You enter a tavern and start playing poker. It's the last hand, there is only you and one other man playing, you sure you are going to win, what do you do? Well, you bet your soul with your blood, because who wouldn't, am I right? Oh, and you lost so the devil is now asking you to travel across the land looking for various stories. But you need the best of the best! To do that you need to find stories, observing the life around you, in order to exchange them with other characters, who will offer you better stories. There are different kinds of stories, funny, heartwarming, sad, spooky… All and all the game is just made of a lot of mini stories, some who are goods, others not so much… 

There isn't much gameplay, you essentially walk across the countryside looking for something to happen. The narrators are really good and really give life to the stories, and so does the music. Other than that there isn't much to the game. It's a nice game to relax and hear some good stories but I wouldn't play it for hours on end. It's also the kind of game you need to play to see if it's a good fit for you, so try it out and see for yourself!

The haunted doll, 2019, developed and published by Anamik Majumdar, 0,79 ct:

So… Well, the story is in the title. There isn't much to it, you are trying to flee a haunted doll. But you'll realize soon enough that this doll really isn't a problem at all since it doesn't attack you and you can easily bypass her. This totally destroyed the horror ambiance for me. Other than that, the level design doesn't change from one level to the other so that kills the point of having little to no light since you are always doing the same route. Another problem is the background around the doll given by several pages of text. I personally think it wasn't needed and kills the mystery around said doll. But the biggest problem for me is that I didn't manage to load my save! Also, there is a limited amount of saves (or so I think) and the game only keeps the first 8 ones and not the last ones (also the game automatically saves so yeah…). 

I really liked the music and sound design though, I think they really go well with a horror game. I think the game would have been more terrifying if the doll was actively pursuing the player and not standing or moving on a pattern. I also think the maps should have been smaller and more diverse. The game has several problems but none of them are irreparable. 

[ace-in-a-shopping-cart]

A fun thing to do is to put on some quiet music and put on some ambiances from https://tabletopaudio.com/ (my favorites are the taverns). It feels like you’re actually in the area but it’s also a kind of cognitive dissonance depending on what music you’re listening to as it’s modern music with a medieval background.

[clockworkkwritesstuff]

RÛNÊN Review

Once again, I firmly believe that Anne has outdone herself with her collection of stories, illustrations, and comics featured in RÛNÊN. I’ll begin by saying how struck I am by the composition of the book itself- It begins with the definition of the title, meaning ‘to whisper’, which strikes me as extremely fitting for these short stories as they are very much the whispered desires of our main heroes. Perhaps I’ve said this before, but Anne has a real knack for gripping readers with her titles, perfectly outlining the content of the book with one word or phrase. This one particularly reminded me very much of a song I love, ‘Undisclosed Desires’ by Muse, as that’s precisely what RÛNÊN is, a series of undisclosed desires. Following the beautifully chosen title, Anne provides a timeline of all the events in relation to the main story, which is a simple addition but an incredible enhancement to give a little more context to what you’re about to read. Thank you very much, Anne, for ensuring we are all kept up to speed with where exactly we are in the story. Having read other collections like this, getting a more exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ can be a little hard to follow when it’s left up to JUST context clues. This was very helpful and the placement of all these stories gives another crucial detail; Embry and Kuo were seriously just on their toes around each other for way too long.

What I also particularly love about these additional tales is the backstory and context it provides regarding the weird and wonderful world Anne has created as the setting. Gimma, like other fantasy settings I adore, is very built and developed, with its own traditions and festivals, its collection of laws and unique vibe to it. In fact, I’ve drawn similarities between the feel of Gimma and the vibes around where I currently live- for instance there’s a huge manor house that’s a few hundred years old, not far from that is a small bar that’s interior is decorated like an old tavern, and there’s at least one traditional event every month – the whole place is both diverse and close-knit, which is the same kind of strong feeling I get while reading about Gimma. Whether this was Anne’s intention or not, I do like it very much! Fantasy stories like Bound where the background and main setting it entirely up to the author partially rely on the context that can be given about said mystical setting – they need to match after all, otherwise we risk the worldbuilding being inconsistent. Let me just say how perfectly built Gimma is. I want to attend a Lenten Feast!!

Now, without giving too much away, I am living for these little pre-contract stories about Embry and Kuo. I am a sucker for awkward relationship stories, and these two are redefining exactly what that means. The line that separated them has been blurred for ages, perfectly shown in Anne’s storytelling by the way, but I also have a strange fascination with just how much Berrin was on thin ice! How has the ice not broken yet? Well somewhere along the line Embry had decided to hold him up (theoretically, of course) and things were so damn close to disaster for both of them that a line had to be drawn. Can anybody else say relatable? Have you seen a relationship like this before? I’m sure we all have, and yes, this period of their relationship paints Berrin as a little dick, we have to acknowledge that falling into this kind of toxicity is also just a human mistake. Even in relation to the main story, I am so curious about this character and how he’s holding up, seeing his interactions with our main duo and how he responds to seeing his old mage getting all heated over Mr.StealYourMan! Damn, Anne, really knows how to flip my feeling on its head when it comes to her characters! There’s plenty of focus on our main pair, but not so much that they have to carry the story alone, there are other people in this world that she’s created and clearly Anne is an expert at making every single one of them perfectly human (I’ve struggled with my own writing in the past. I am living for these character-building stories!)

There’s something so funny about the friendship between Kuo and Benji, they make me feel amused every time, not to mention Benji reminds me of one of my closest friends. Another character I love, please protect Benji!

I still adore Aik so damn much. Thanks, Anne, for the Aik content! Did I mention that RÛNÊN was R18? Yeah, THANK YOU FOR THE AIK CONTENT!!!!

So, here’s where I make a bit of a confession; cheesy romances where the main pairing is just naturally drawn together for no reason? That bothers me. It’s too convenient, unrealistic, overdone, nonsensical, AND YET Anne does it well. There IS a reason for Embry and Kuo to be drawn together, to have the strong connection that they do, and it is presented in a way that makes sense. This is a world where sparks literally seek one another out and try to connect with their mage or page counterpart, and in order for it to work out, they need to be evenly matched and evenly powerful. From the beginning, this has been clear and a well-flowing explanation as to why they always seem to find one another. It’s far easier to accept this idea when it’s justified, which is done through the background and the context of the story being in a world of magic, once again earning Anne more points for developing Gimma so well!

On another note, I love that Embry’s response to jealousy isn’t to lash out and attack someone like so many other cheesy romances… at least not that would actually hurt someone (I do pray for Aik’s tastebuds, sour milk is disgusting) and he remains a bit of a goof about it. More drunk mage content, please XD On this note, how can something like stitching the back of your drunk (boy)friend’s tunic be made so innocent and romantic at once?

I love how Kuo started off as (in Anne’s own words) an emotional cactus, but can also be a smug, mischievous, little tease. It’s his feisty nature breaking through wonderfully, trying to keep his distance but sometimes just being unable to resist being his old self. This, followed by the fumbling awkwardness of them both being dorks, just gives me so many more reasons to love Kuo as a character.

Anne doesn’t fall into the trap of the main couples’ personalities being purely reliant on one another. Kuo’s personality isn’t reduced to how much he likes Embry. Embry’s personality isn’t reduced to how much he liked Kuo. They’re very distinct characters that are perfectly capable of being interesting by themselves without falling flat on their faces. Oh how I adore these characters.

The way these two keep getting interrupted reminds me of living in my flat at university. Let’s not forget that Embry and Kuo live with many other pages and mages alike, and the constant cock-blocking just keeps giving them reasons to perform this same song and dance of trying to abstain. I am frustrated for them, but this all works in their favour because when things finally go how they want, it’s all the more satisfying for the reader (and the boys, no doubt about that).

So when it’s not a concern anymore and they’ve managed to get this far, on my god, we get to see more feisty Kuo, more dorky Embry, and what’s more, switchy boys, it’s a wonderful time we’re living in!

My final word is coming back to Anne’s art more than her writing, and I’ve deliberately put it off until now so that I could talk about it in its own segment. Holy hell, I would pay this woman to give me lessons if I had the money (if you ever get the chance to offer a course, hit me up, I’ll save my finds for years!). On one hand, the black and white pieces dotted around are beautiful in their own sense. All pieces have their own atmosphere, but with no colours to work with, you’re left with shadows, poses, and expressions. Every single one, from start to end, has it’s own strong feeling to it. There’s an eerie confusion, then there’s pure comfort, but also that beautiful, heated and flustered feeling too! Side note, I adore how Anne still makes the blushes pink and red when the rest of the image is black and white. Similar to how I like it when eyes are coloured in a black and white picture, it looks so lovely and adds to the original without stealing all the attention. And the coloured content? Anne uses one of the most gorgeous colour palettes I’ve ever seen. Naturally certain tones are used for ambiance to a coloured piece of work, but at the same time, the characters have such lovely diverse palettes that are so perfectly arranged so that, once again, there isn’t just one, glaring shade that steals the attention from the rest of the piece. I challenge anyone to find a piece of Anne’s art that you don’t think looks fantastic. Even the sketches included at the end of the book are wonderful to look at. This entire collection is delicious eye candy. I must say, there’s a piece included of Eva and Carla that is striking to me. I absolutely adore it.

Thank you for this book, Anne. Thank you for its content, for all your hard work in compiling it, and you have my support for the world of Bound. And to finish off… Thank you for the Aik content XP