#and the stained glass art is just all shades of green

[mikeystrawberry]

Today is Dungeons & Daddies’s 5th Anniversary!

I haven’t been listening for nearly that long but the podcast and all its characters means a lot to me. Happy Anniversary!!!

Throwing the cropped sections under the cut because there’s a lot of stuff going on and I know Tumblr likes to throw half the pixel quality out the window. And also so I can ramble a bit about this piece!!!

This piece has been months in the making, possibly an entire year. And by that I mean I’ve had a sketch of the comp scribbled on my whiteboard for ages because I wanted to save this specifically for 5th anni art. Now onto design stuff!

(First off a random thought: I really love how the garlic knot came out, I kind of want it as an enamel pin.)

I knew I wanted to make this a stained glass piece since the beginning, but I was also going to add flowers at one point but quickly dropped the idea. It felt like too much and I also didn’t want to fuss over flower language assignments for everyone. I was also going to add Doodler tentacles, but also dropped that idea pretty early. Kind of on accident, right at the end, I figured out how to make it even more stained glass-like but taking a duplicated lineart underneath the regular layer and turning the brightness all the way down, then setting it to overlay and adding a guassian blur. It’s very subtle but it adds that tiny bit of depth that makes it look more real. As for shading on the lineart/gold, I tried adding more highlight on the characters who died but once I evened everything out it wasn’t as noticeable anymore so I’m throwing that thought here so the attempt at least known lol.

The order of characters only changed a little bit from my original comp, I flipped the Wilsons and the Oaks so the rainbow could work. As for the anchors, specifically in season 2, I lined them up to the teens since the season 1 anchors lined up with each dad:

Tony —> Scary: his death was the beginning of Scary’s betrayal arc and also Willy killed him.

Guitar Pick —> Taylor: it’s not really aligned with Taylor at all, but the anchor was with Glenn so I put it next to his blunt.

Scroll —> Normal: was only because it was the last left to give him, but there’s the whole scene of him and Hermie in the Green Room so it still works!

Garlic Knot —> Link: one of two that he broke, but the more significant of the two with him telling Grant he never wants to see him again.

Small notes on the season 1 anchors: I put the layer of mold in the overnight oats but you can’t really tell with the overlay. And to make the supper bowl more interesting I added the fantasy sodas mix they dumped into it. The lure of actually drawn before so I just traced my own art lol.

As for the other smaller triangles, it took me a bit to figure out what I wanted to put there. I didn’t even think of adding the vehicles until two days ago but I’m so glad I did. I don’t really have my own take on the mascot version of the Doodler (yet?) so I borrowed the design from one of the stickers in their merch shop. Teeny was terrifying as just a front facing head so I made him cute again.

In the outer circles, I put what I felt was the most significant quotes for each family. I really wanted to use “It’s okay to be angry, it’s not okay to be cruel” but it was just a little too long.

That’s all I can think of! If you read all the way through, thank you for indulging me in my excitement to gush over this piece.

[doodlegraveyard]

Welcome to Alfea ✨ Meet Flora [Image description: Design for Flora from Winx and her dorm room. Flora is wearing layered necklaces with a patterned skirt and a cropped off-the-shoulder blouse with ruffled edges in shades of magenta. A pop-up dialogue box reads: "I hope you don't mind that I've already taken this side of the room - the light is just perfect for my Darlingtonia Phasma!" All the built-ins in the dorm room are in an art nouveau style in stained glass, light wood, and pastel shades. Flora's personal items are in much richer shades of pinks, purples, greens, and gold- layered throw rugs, a patchwork quilt, mushroom shelves strewn with potion supplies, and most notably, plants - a whole small tree arches over her bed and serves as a bedside table, and an array of carnivorous looking plants occupy the corner. Her potting soil is spilled across the floor. End description.]

[edenalieth]

Tricked

Pairing: pixy! Hyunjin x afab reader — read part.2

Genre: faery!au, based on « the cruel prince » universe, smut, slight of fluff and angst

Warnings: he’s short tempered, knife, unprotected sex (be careful!), oral sex female receiving

Words count: 4.2K

Summary: Your eyes couldn’t stop looking at him, your heartbeat was getting quicker, your palms were getting moist. It was the way his jet black hair were tied and contrasting with his porcelain skin, the way his pearl earring was lazily hanging on his pointy ear, the way his shirt was letting you peak at his collarbones and the hem of his chest. Hyunjin was your secret sin, and you were his. Both uncontrollably attracted to each other, almost as much as you despised his nature and him yours.

A.N: hi! I'm back with a new little story :) geez, I really post once every blue moon... as usual, sorry for the possible mistakes and comments/share are always very appreciated. hope you enjoy ♡ – cami, 230619

He was furious. He could feel his blood boiling under his skin, his knuckles getting white around the silver knife he was holding. How could this even happen ? Servants were supposed to be irreproachable but, despite this obvious fact, his cape was ruined. The green texture of pease pudding was splattered all over the dark velvet. It was his favorite one, a deep blue fabric which looked like a night sky, with little crystals embroidered on the shoulders and bottom. 

Anger still filling his veins, he threw the cutlery on the table. His family and guests were looking at him, some were amused, some were not. His reputation preceded him, he was so full of himself and hated being wronged or humiliated in any kind of way. He wasn’t always like this but Elfhame was a cruel world where cruel people could live peacefully. And he had to keep that mask on. 

Getting up quickly, he grabbed the poor servant shirt by the hem. Plunging his eyes in his, his iris not showing an ounce of compassion. 

« You know that I could slit your throat for that, right ? » Hyunjin said with such a cold voice that the servant started to shiver. He let his left hand slide along his side to find what he was looking for: his dagger. 

« Enough ! ». The low voice resonated against the stone walls of the dinning room. Hyunjin stopped his move, pushed back the blade into its sheath as a grimace of disgust and anger was distorting his face. He scoffed while releasing the man. The young pixy couldn’t go against his father’s authority, especially in front of guests. He would be a dishonor for his own family. Annoyed, he gestured to an other servant to come. The girl quickly executed the order and asked « Yes, my lord ? ». The dark haired boy removed his cape and throw it in her hands. « Clean the mess this incompetent just caused ». His mother was looking at him, visibly worried. It would be a lie if Hyunjin said he didn’t think of beating the man up and go against his father’s will. Some guests would enjoy the show, he could tell just by looking at the elf waving her fan with a mischievous smile on her lips, or that gobelin whispering something to the man next to him. No. He would get his revenge sooner or later and now wasn’t the time. He needed some fresh air more than anything. 

« Dear guests, my apologies but I think I will finish this in my room », Hyunjin grabbed one fae fruit, briefly bowed and went toward the wooden ornate door. The crowd was already whispering and laughing at his behavior and the scene they had just witnessed. He would hear about that later today, his father would probably give him a lesson but he didn’t care anymore. His temper had caused a lot of problems already and he wasn’t going to stop now. The guards opened the door and he headed towards his apartment. 

His steps echoed on the floor which was a real piece of art. Lapis lazuli and black marble, representing the colors of his family, were skillfully mixed creating a contrast with the pale stone walls and the blue shaded stained-glass windows. Definitely a fairy tale like place. However, no matter how beautiful, comfortable or rare the furnitures could be it didn’t satisfied him the way the outside did. Reaching his room, he directly walked to his bookcase and grasped one specific book, opening the secret door behind it. That was his way to escape the manor discreetly and Nature knows how many times he would use it. Not bothering to wear an other cape, he got rid of his leather boots and left with the fruit still in his hand. 

Soon the rough ground of the hidden passage was replaced by the soft sensation of grass under his feet. He hummed peacefully as his papery wings softly vibrated in contentment. Maybe the day wouldn’t be so bad after all. He wandered around the wood as his soul unconsciously led him to his favorite place. It was a small clearing near the lake, to get access to it you had to go through a skimpy path, surrounded by bushes and brambles. Hyunjin had to be careful of his wings, he didn’t want them to get scratched or worse… When he finally got out of here, he was met by a stranger. 

Blankets were scattered on the grass, fruits and wine near by, a diaphanous dress covering your bare skin. You were laying on your stomach, a book in one hand, grappes on the other as you quickly looked at the intruder. He seemed just as surprised as you were. There was no mistaking on who the stranger was. Those long dark hair tied with a silky ribbon, the pearl dangling on his ear, the jewelry on his delicate fingers and his iridescent dark blue wings. It was none other than Hwang Hyunjin. 

Anger started to fill his system for the second time this day. How did you even know about this place ? It was his haven and you were unwelcome in it. His wings started to vibrate, unable to control his feelings. He knew who you were, the new girl. Difficult to miss such an event. Y/N, the girl of the west lands, part of the untamed nation until your family made an agreement with King Cardan and Queen Jude. The queen and you had a pretty similar story, you were a clay girl as well, living with fairies thanks to your dad. Yet, no magic was running in your blood, you were a bastard and not a rightful being of this land. And gosh, Hyunjin despised humans. So weak, stupid and useless. They were like mere insects he could crush under his boots. At least, he could have done that before Jude Duarte became Elfhame’s queen. Nowadays, the few humans living here were respected or, at least, no harm was made to them. Still, who could blame him if he was a bit playing with you… As a mischievous plan was blooming in his mind, you put yourself back up, still sitting on the blankets. 

« What a surprise to see you here, girl of clay ! » Hyunjin first spoke, his voice being soft despite his agitated wings. « It’s a shared feeling Hyunjin. » you replied, not letting your guard down. You knew about him and his anger issues just as you knew about fae and their cruelty. « Can I join you ? » He suddenly asked, a little smile on his face. You nodded, gesturing him to take the spot next to you. He sat with no hesitation. As the silence was becoming louder and louder as seconds passed by, you took back your book. The boy was good at faking his nonchalance but not as good as he thought he was. Side eyeing him discreetly, you could see his fingers fidgeting on the fabric of the blankets. You weren’t sure if you would be able to deal with this awkward situation any longer but you didn’t want to give up this place and let him think that he had won. You were tired of all those arrogant people looking down on you when you were crossing their path. Of course, nobody would harm you in broad daylight but, who knows, accidents can happen anytime at Elfhame… And Hyunjin was probably plotting something. 

As if you had called for it, the dark haired boy suddenly broke the silence. « This is my favorite place. », his voice was calm, imprinted with some peace you had never noticed before as he was looking at the silver shine of the lake. « Yes, it’s pretty pleasant around here. » you replied, putting your book aside for the second time today. « I thought I was the only one knowing about here. Apparently, I was wrong… And, you know what’s unpleasant ? Your presence here. » he added, his dark eyes staring at you, his body creeping towards you, like a feline getting ready to hunt his prey. You frowned at his words, silently challenging each other. Gosh, his siren eyes were intimidating and you could understand why people were kind of scared of him. Despite the danger emanating from him, you wanted to smack his beautiful face but his family had more power than yours. It would be to risky to do so. 

You were brave for a mortal and Hyunjin could feel the adrenaline running through his veins. He had never been this close to you and the proximity of your face, your lips, your curves, the tension… It was appealing to him. Oh, the pixy looked at you more often than he would admit it. Yes, you were the new girl, but it wasn’t so uncommon to see humans around here nowadays and people didn’t pay the extra attention Hyunjin had towards you. He wanted to deny his attraction, he couldn’t fall this low and belittle himself, even after all those weeks of getting mixed feelings every time you were sharing the same space. But, right now, right here, hidden from the real world… He thought it would be nice to play with you. Using the tone on you, that special voice fairies were using to bewitch people of clay, would be easy, even a three years old kid could do this. He came closer and closer, until his fingers were brushing against yours, a mischievous smile floating on his plump lips. 

The moving reflects of water dancing on his face, the frail sound of wave lapping on the shore as his gaze was becoming flirty and playful. Your eyes couldn’t stop looking at him, your heartbeat was getting quicker, your palms were getting moist. It was the way his jet black hair were tied and contrasting with his porcelain skin, the way his dark blue wings were similar to the most precious sapphires, the way his pearl earring was lazily hanging on his pointy ear or the way his shirt was letting you peak at his collarbones and the hem of his chest. Hyunjin was your secret sin, and you were his. Both uncontrollably attracted to each other, almost as much as you despised his nature and him yours. You could feel his breath on your bare shoulders, suddenly full conscious of how see through your dress was, seen the lustful look the boy was giving to you. 

You were a beautiful creature, almost as if you weren’t totally human. Not thinking too much about these weird thoughts and getting impatient, he decided that it was time to hunt. « Why don’t we turn your presence into something worthy, shall we ? » he whispered before casting a spell on you, « I’m starving, I couldn’t properly eat today… Feed me. » he ordered, going back to rest on his forearms, his wings framing his body like a halo. Your eyes went momentally blank, proving that the spell was working, as you took some of the grappes. Grabbing one, you delicately put in on his opened mouth as he kept looking at every single gesture you made. « More. » You diligently executed his wish until he had enough. He made you massage his shoulders, dance on the grass, your clothe twirling around you as if it was made of mist, making you almost fall as he was laughing to the point his stomach hurt. He was enjoying this a lot. Despite the entertainment, he knew what he wanted the most. « Ok, let’s stop a little » he said still giggling. « You must be sweating, right ? Why don’t you refresh yourself and go on the lake ? ». You paused and he thought for a second that the magic wasn’t working until you grasped your skirt and walked in the water. He followed you, not wanting to miss a single second of the show. Watching you from the shore, he admired the diaphanous fabric dancing around your body. You looked like a nymph, leaving him speechless. « Do you enjoy this ? » his voice was less confident and his blood was rushing down there. « Yes, Hyunjin. I love it » you replied, a beautiful candid smile illuminating your face. His breath was becoming heavy as you were lazing around the water and his desire was taking the lead on his reason. « Enough. Come join me on the blankets ». Obedient, you got out. Your dress was totally useless at this point. It seemed heavier, as water was dripping all over your curves, and the fabric was sticking onto your skin. He could see everything, to the small moles adorning your thighs, to your nipples perking up. He wanted to touch you badly, to let his wildest fantasies come to live after restraining them for weeks. He took your hand in his, leading you as he was once again laying down. You were on top of him, his shirt getting wet in the process but he didn’t care. His expression was more serious, his wings weren’t the buzzing mess they were earlier. You looked at him, waiting for him to speak and tell you your next mission. He caressed your face with the back of his hand, brushing his thumb against your kissable lips. Soft and warm. « Y/N. Kiss me. » Did he just told you that ? He had to get a grip on himself, what was wrong with him ? As you were coming closer, he realized how wrong it was. He had to stop all of this and go back to the manor. Now. However… Just one kiss wouldn’t be bad, right ? He would make you forget all this buffoonery with another spell and would never talk to you ever again. He promised himself. Closing his eyes to enjoy the first and last time he would kiss you, he didn’t notice the mocking smile on your face. 

How naive the pixy had been. Fae people were dangerous and cruel but, apparently, the mix of an elf and a human was worse… At first, you thought he just wanted to make a fool out of you. You would let him play a little before giving him a lesson he would remember. Yet, when you noticed the desire in his eyes, looking at your wet clothed body, which built up a fire inside you. And he had fallen for your little role-play. Honestly, you couldn’t blame him. People always thought you were a simple girl and not a half-blooded one and it came with some advantages. It was true, you couldn’t use magic but you were immune to it, you didn’t age like humans and you could lie, something a lot of people were extremely jealous of. Yes. The tone was inefficient on you and the black haired boy was about to know that real soon. 

His eyes still closed, he wondered what was taking you so long. He finally looked at you. You were straddling him, the water from your body soaking his clothes, holding back your laughter because of his confused expression. « Wha-what are you doing ? I asked you something, do it! ». Anger was creeping back, his fist clenched as he was trying to get up. You wondered if his angry face wasn’t even prettier than his usual arrogant one. « Say please ? » you teasingly said. « Excuse m- » 

You made him shut his mouth with your hand and leaned closer. He was furious right now, his wings started to buzz as if a swarm of bees was attacking you. « Behave. I told you to say « please », is it that difficult for someone like you ? You’re used to have everything on a silver plate, I guess. » you scoffed, staring at his dark pupils. He seemed a bit relaxed, when you felt his hand sliding along his waist, looking for his dagger, only to be met by the emptiness of his sheath. 

« Is it what you’re looking for ? » you asked, falsely innocent. You waved the beautiful silvermithery before his wide opened eyes. When did you ?… As soon as you removed your hand, he tried to push you and get his weapon back. Unfortunately, too slowly. You put the blade under his chin, the sharp knife almost wounding his immaculate throat. « You tricked me ! » he screamed, helpless. « You were the one trying to lure me into your trap ! » you defended yourself. He smashed the ground with his fist. You were right and he hated it. « Let me go. » But you didn’t move. « Let me go or I will go to the royal court and complain about your threatening behavior! You will spend the rest of your life in some deserted lands! ». You laughed. He continued his tirade. « And why did the spell failed ? What are you ? ». Your smile quickly faded. «  I’m a half-blooded. My mother is also half-blooded. She’s half human, half elf. And so am I. That’s why it’s not noticeable at first sight, you have to know me for that. ». He was visibly surprised and was scanning every parts of your body. He could see it now. The slightly pointy ears, the purple shade circling your pupil and your skin looked perfect while basic human’s one was more… dull ? Damn it. He had been stupid. He sighed. « What do you want half-blood ? ». 

« I want the same thing as you do. » Not giving him the time to reply, you closed the gap between his lips and yours, kissing him passionately. He tried to resist but gave up easily. Wrapping his arms around your waist, he pulled you against his body. He was loosing his damn mind. Intoxicated by your smell, the way your tongue was playfully licking his lips or how your free hands was running down his torso. One thing was still bothering him. The dagger. « Y/N, could you please put this away ? ». He put one of his finger on the blade, pleading. You were hesitant, judging the plus and minus. « I promise I will not hurt you or run away. Please. » He was almost begging, needing to kiss you more, to be free to touch you. Fae couldn’t lie, it was the rule. You obediently granted his wish, not breaking your eye contact. As soon as you did, he sat up not bothering about the fact that you were still on his lap. You felt his hands sliding under your dress to help you remove it. You didn’t protest and let him do so. 

The full view was even prettier. Your naked body was like a painting to him. Masterpieces weren’t meant to be touched, but you were the exception and he let his hands run down your curves, making you shiver. He couldn’t wait any longer as he attached his lips to your nipple, sucking on it desperately, his tongue twirling around it, his hands resting on your ass. You moaned while pulling onto his ribbon to untie it and grab his long silky hair. The sensation was amazing and you started to hump on his still clothed bottom, his boner growing under your core. He pulled away from your sensitive breast to cup your face and kiss you more. His hips started to move in harmony with yours but he wanted to have your skin against his. Quickly unbuttoning his shirt to get rid of it while your fingers were working on his pants, he soon ended up in his birth suit. Crouching back on his lap, you wrapped your fingers around his member and started to move up and down. He whimpered as you were variating the pace of your strokes, your thumb caressing the tip of his dick, already glittering with precum. He had never been touched like that. It wasn’t his first time and faeries loved to devote themselves to drinking session and fuckery but it was only that, no feelings involved, just some bestial instincts. It felt different with you. By the way you were looking at him and his body, your delicate gesture, this intimate place only the two of you knew about. Who would have thought you would be this soft when you threatened him just few minutes ago. Wanting to relieve his blooming feelings, he grabbed your waist and made you roll on your back, taking the lead this time. Spreading your legs to expose your bare core, he slid his fingers along your slit. You were dripping wet and wanted to get more. « Touch me » you begged. He smirked. « You didn’t need to ask ». You felt his middle finger rubbing your clit before entering your vagina. He kept playing with both of it while your walls were getting tighter, your fingers digging into the skin of his back to feel his chest against yours but still being careful of his papery wings. « I want to make one with you » he whispered to your ear, sending electricity through your veins. « Please Hyunjin ». Hearing you saying his name in such a sinful way felt like the sparkle which lit up the fire. His wings were vibrating softly and it turned him on even more when you caressed the part where they were meeting his shoulders. He positioned himself, grinding against you to lubricate his penis with your fluids. He looked at you, waiting for your consent. You nodded, cupping his beautiful face with your hands as he gave you his signature siren gaze. Penetrating you gently, you let out a soft moan quickly muffled by his plump lips kissing you. His hips were working faster, your tongues dancing together into a slippery kiss while your legs were hanging around his waist. The pace was changing, giving you more sensations, feeling his full length hitting your G spot. He broke your kiss just to give you some more on your jawline, neck and collarbones, eager to hear you whine under his touch. And you didn’t disappoint. He could feel your walls ready to clench around his member but he didn’t want to end it yet. At your surprise, he removed himself. « What are you doing ? » you complained, breathless. « Trust me » was his only answer. He intertwined his fingers with yours and made a trail of kisses along your body, going further down until his mouth was on your venus. He gave a first lick to it, tasting you fully. His tongue was dangerously working on your clit, sometimes giving some kitten lick, sometimes using it all. It was totally new to you and you weren’t sure you would be able to take it any longer. « Hyunjin… » you said in a breath. Your legs were starting to shake lightly and you looked at him in despair. You were met by his almond eyes, enjoying the view you were offering him. It was such a sinful yet dreamy scene. That’s when you felt it, the wave of pleasure rushing inside of you, making your legs quiver uncontrollably and moan a mantra of his name. He detached his lips from your sex, giving you some time to take your breath.  His chin was glimmering with your juices and you wondered how you tasted like… « My turn ? » he said with a smirk. « You didn’t need to ask. » He giggled as you answered in the exact same way he did before. 

You softly pushed him on his back, to be able to ride him comfortably. As you positioned yourself and started to move on his dick, he placed his hands on the small of your back to help you keep your balance. A moaning mess, this is what you were reduced to. Hyunjin felt dizzy under your touch and the way his cock was perfectly fitting inside of you, as if you were meant to be, drove him to the edge. It was also your gaze, strangely full of something pretty close to love, your delicate hands running through his hair or touching his chest. Despite your still sensitive bud, you could feel a second wave of orgasm coming for you and he could feel it too. Your walls were getting tighter, making it difficult for him to slide easily inside of you, clenching his length in the most delicious way. Sitting for you to get him fully, he gave few more hip thrust before reaching his climax, shaking between your arms as his face was resting on your breast. Soon you were met by yours and stayed like this, connected for a bit, both panting while his semen was dripping down your thighs. He looked up towards you, a soft smile on his face, his eyes looking like little crescent moons. You gave him a peck on his forehead before he spoke. « Y/N… I’m dying of heat… Should we go take a swim ? » You giggled but happily agreed. Holding your hand he led you into the water, not letting you go. « Did I make my presence worthy of your time, Lord Hwang Hyunjin ? » you teased him, cupping his face with your hands. « More than worthy, half-blood. Let’s meet again… Hmm… Tomorrow ? » He pressed his lips against yours, water refreshing your overheated bodies. « It would be my pleasure. »

[galaxiadreams]

Summer Love <3 (Alhaitham x reader Modern AU)

❦ Warnings: mentions of lack of self confidence(only like once)

❥ Genre: Fluff, romance <3

❥ Word Count: 2,831

❦ Synopsis: Your bestie Yoimiya begged you to go to a summer camp down in Sumeru with her. You were hesitant, at first. But who would've thought a summer camp changed your love life forever...

a/n: Hellooooo!!! This little fic is inspired by my own experience during summer camp. I had a couple "summer camp crushes" and this is kinda of what I fantasied of doing ehehehe. I apologize in advance about the possible grammar/spelling mistakes. Sorry if any sentences doesn't make sense. I'm still trying to learn more about writing! I am also trying out a new format. Please give me any suggestions!

Your best friend begged you to go to a summer camp down in Sumeru with her. You were hesitant, you wanted this summer to be relaxing for once. Go wherever you pleased, and do whatever you wanted. But her sparkling puppy eyes are working far better than you expected and you relented. 

“Pleaseeeee, y/n!!! I know you’re not that interested in ancient runes or whatever. Who knows, you might find a cute guy there! I heard Sumeru boys are a different breed! Plus, it’s at the Akademiya, THE top university in all of Teyvat. You know, your dream school. Maybe this trip there will send a message into the universe to make you get into your dream school!” Dammit Yoimiya, no wonder she’s your best friend, she sure knows the way to your heart. 

....................

After a long boat ride from Inazuma to Port Ormos, you were greeted by lush green grass, warm humid air, and the pungent smell of Padisarahs. A little melody sung by a bird attracted your attention. A Sumeru Dusk Bird. Its vibrant blue feathers gleaming in the sunlight due to the natural oil produced by the animal.The song is both simple and complex, and it stays with you long after you have heard it. Many, like your mother, may find the sound produced by the bird as a nuisance, overly screeching and loud. But you think otherwise, to you, nature is art in its most natural form. Both held complexity and simplicity in its form. Both evoke deep emotions within you.

The trip from Port Ormos to Sumer City wasn’t too long. But upon arriving, you couldn’t hold the gasp of admiration upon seeing the city before you. Sumeru, the city of wonder. Where nature and cityscapes blend seamlessly. Skyscrapers that reach the sky are embellished with green, lush plants. Trees stood tall and proud, shading the bustling citizens beneath.

You took a deep breath and smiled, this unexpected trip to Sumeru might be a good one.

....................

That’s where you meet him. The grey haired quiet dude from your Ancient runes summer camp council group. 

The first day you arrived at summer camp, you were enchanted. Sure, boys from back home were nice, but ohhhhhhh boy. Yoimiya was right, Sumeru boys are something else. You couldn’t help but feel all giddy when it was announced that he would be in your little council group with Yoymiya. Gosh, it felt embarrassing almost. You just learned the guy’s name, Alhaitham, after a little icebreaker and introduction. Hell, the two of you only have been breathing in the same room for merely 10 minutes. He was a total stranger, and you were totally crushing on him. You can’t help but feel shallow. 

Kudos to Yoimiya, she read you like an open book. The moment Alhaitham walked into the room she gave you a sultry glance. She knew your type well. When lunch time came, she made it her life mission to find a way to make you sit with Alhaitham. That “life mission” was extremely easy to accomplish. All she had to do was befriend Kaveh, who was introduced as Alhaitham’s childhood best friend, another hottie in Yoymiya’s opinion. 

♡ The Akademiya cafeteria is a large, open space with high ceilings and coloured lights shining through ancient stained glass windows. The noise level is deafening, with the sound of hundreds of students talking, laughing, and eating. The combination of strangers and loudness was making you lose your appetite.You watched Yoimiya, Kaveh, and a couple of new acquaintances chatting animatedly, and you felt a pang of jealousy. Not of Yoimiya but of the conversation they’re having; your introverted ass can’t hold a proper conversation with a stranger for 2 minutes, and here is your best buddy beaming at something stupid Kaveh said. Sometimes it makes you think you bore Yoimiya. Sighing, you sneak a glance at Alhaitham sitting across from you, he has a handsome face with a strong jawline, and high cheekbones. His porcelain skin made his turquoise eyes shimmer in the light. The deep glow of red-orange hue near his pupil creates a contrast that reminded you of the unison of the forest and desert in Sumeru. You watched his eyes move to absorb every single word in the book he was holding…you were getting butterflies, but the butterflies plummeted when those eyes flicker to yours. You quickly averted your gaze towards Yoyimya and Kaveh, the heat of embarrassment painted your cheeks a cheery red. You promised yourself that you were not shallow, and you vowed that you’re not a hopeless romantic.

The next few days were filled with teasing from Yoimiya and Kaveh (that freaking girl couldn’t keep her mouth shut). The two of them made sure you and Alhaitham sat together at all times. Yoimiya went as far as refusing to partner with you during activities in order for you and Alhaitham to work together. As you become acquainted with Alhaitham more, he becomes more comfortable with you. He’s not stupid, he notices all the shy glances and blushing cheeks when the two of you are together. Especially the obnoxious, oh-so not obvious suggestions made by Kaveh.To be honest, he’s not new to this behavior from women. The guy knows he’s attractive and he has been on various blind dates orchestrated by Kaveh himself (Alhaitham only relented on the condition Kaveh would stop pestering him about it). At first, Alhaitham wasn’t quite interested. He found your seemingly “secretive” glances rather uncomfortable, annoying even. But what piqued his interest is your love for physics and Astrophysics. Alhaitham is quite well-versed in this field, and this is the first time he has heard anyone claiming the want to pursue physics. 

♡ “Y/n. It’s your turn now, two truths and one lie.”  “Well, I had thought about this for a while now. Ahem— I choked on a peach pit as a baby and nearly died. I want to have a career in Astrophysics or a major in physics. I have a pet tarantula named Benny boy,” Yoimiya let out a loud laugh upon hearing your statement about the spider, “and Yoimiya is not allowed to answer.” The girl gave you a teasing grin and pursed her lips. After your group failed to answer correctly, you gave them the lie: You had a pet tarantula named Benny Boy. You were deathly afraid of spiders, if you had a personal hell, it would be filled with those nasty creatures.  As your council group walked towards the courtyard for recreation time, Alhaitham surprisingly struck up a conversation with you.  “You said you’re interested in studying physics?” “Oh yes, it’s rather a new interest that I’ve decided to pursue only recently. After the whole being an actress thing fell apart”  “Hmmm, and you said you want a career in Astrophysics?” You were surprised he even paid attention to what you said. You nodded in response.  “Well, I have a family member that teaches Astrophysics at the Akademiya, if you’re really interested, I could introduce you to them.” Alhaitham offered, while opening the courtyard gate for you.  “Oh heavens really? That would be great!” You smiled at him. Goddamn, that smile of yours caught him off guard. Your smile was like the sun, warm and inviting. It lit up your face and made the excitement in your eyes sparkle. After finding a seat by a marble bench under a giant Adhigama tree, the two of you converse all there is about physics and your interests, from string-theory to philosophy to art, Alhaitham never met someone so knowledgeable and opinionated about some of his favorite subjects.

After that late afternoon little discussion under the Adhigama tree, you and Alhaitham opened up to each other. Hell, you even started to make some physics jokes with him. Celestia must’ve placed a curse on him, because he started to look forward to talking to somebody, he wanted to talk to you, he wanted to be with you. Yeah shocker, the seemingly antisocial genius wanted to talk to a girl. What’s even worse for Alhaitham, is that he started to feel nervous being around you. He was never nervous around anybody, whether it’s strangers or the freaking Grand Sage, he never felt this strange fluttering in his stomach. What’s even more uncanny for him is that he found himself staring at you on multiple occasions. When a conversation ends, he would usually return to his books, but since he met you, he started to leave his books in his dorm. This way, he could listen to your voice, and see you smile. This has to be some curse, Alhaitham thought, he even tried to convince himself that you’re not all that great. But those are just futile attempts, there was something enigmatic about you. It’s hard to notice for the common eyes, some might even describe you as plain and average. But with Alhaitham’s sagacious eyes, he could see right to your soul. Alhaitham was bewitched, you’re the one that placed this curse of infatuation (perhaps even love) upon him. Through all the secret glances and “accidental” hand-touching enacted by both you and Alhaitham, the final bouquet has arrived. 

♡ You took a deep breath and tried to focus on the positive. You were feeling rather melancholic considering this will be last night you’ll be spending in Sumeru, the city of Wonder, where you met new besties for lifes and became an official ambivert (according to both Yoyiyma and Kaveh, two renowned extroverts). You couldn't help but smile as you stared at the reflection staring at you in the mirror. You wore a flattering green dress, it was made of a soft, flowing silk fabric that swayed with your movements. The colour of the dress brought out the e/c in your eyes and made your skin look even more radiant. You wore your hair down in loose waves, and your makeup was simple but elegant. White pearl earrings and necklaces completed your looks. As long as Yoimiya is here, you’ll always manage to look like a princess. Soft Sumeru music played as you and Yoimiya walked into the cafeteria. The usual loud, squalor of a cafeteria was transformed into a beautiful forest with soft fairy lights hanging from the tall stone ceiling. Plants, flowers and the soft light from candles placed upon the tables gave the most peaceful atmosphere possible. “Good evening.” Alhaitham's voice was deep and smooth. You whipped around to face the tall man behind you. He is wearing a well-tailored suit that fits him perfectly. His broad shoulders were enhanced in the black material. His hair was also styled, the usual strand of hair covering his left eye was slicked back.  As per usual, he had a confident and clamming demeanor, and he made you feel flustered immediately. You can’t deny the literal rizz radiating off of him.  “Good evening, you look really good by the way.” you complimented, why is it so hot in here?  Alhaitham smiled a little at the compliment. The reserved scholar felt his cheeks warming up a little. In return, he pulled a chair out for you, gesturing for you to sit. Shocked, you quickly sat down and thanked him. You were screaming inside, a man with manners and chivalry is making the butterflies swarmmmmmm. Alhaitam took a seat right next to you and filled up the fancy wine glasses for the both of you.

“How was your day?” He inquired, while taking a sip out of his drink. He initiated the conversation first, you noticed gleefully.  “It was alright, except for the tower building exercise. Can’t believe that Haypasia girl tripped and fell on our group’s tower! We would’ve been first place if she watched where she was walking!” You complained jokingly, Alhaitham chuckled at the disaster that occurred earlier today.  The two of you conversed throughout dinner, but you couldn’t help but notice how your elbow and his were touching the entire time. You wanted to assert dominance and didn’t move away, it seems he had the same thought. He didn’t move either, Alhaitham only leaned closer to you while talking. His eyes barely left yours while the both of you talked about life and dreams. One of the most attractive traits about him, besides literally everything, is his voice. He spoke with clarity, it's the kind of voice that makes you want to listen to him talk for hours. When he speaks, his words are carefully chosen and delivered with conviction. He has a way of making you feel like you're the only person in the room.  When the banquet ended, there was a surprise slow dance outside in the courtyard. When the organizers of the summer camp announced for everyone to find a partner, your e/c eyes immediately found his turquoise ones looking at you just the same. Alhaitham cleared his throat and held out his right hand.  “Would you like to have this dance with me?”  “Of course. I would never reject you.” You laughed and held his hands in yours. His warm calloused hands sent electric shots through your body and his. His eyes widen at the softness of your hands. Your already smiling face beamed when you saw his sudden red cheeks and bashfulness. The waltz music started, and the two of you swirled to the beat, Alhaitham taking the lead. The two of you weren’t afraid to stare into each other’s eyes. This is the first time you experienced what time stops truly meant. Alhaitham couldn’t help but sigh, it wasn’t a sigh of annoyance, but a sigh of endearment. The blue light of the full moon lit your perfect face, the gleaming of your pearl earrings made you an angel from heaven. A gift from Celestia just for him. Alhaitham was lost in a whole different dimension with you, to the young scholar, only the music, you, him, and the moon existed at the moment. Was this love? The both of you couldn’t describe this feeling that suddenly blossomed in your guy’s chest; it was this faint struggle of breath combined with a weird sense of yearning. It was truly indescribable. This continued throughout the whole waltz, the music only brought the two of you closer, closer, and closer. Both of you fell from heaven when the dance came to an end. Your heart skipped a beat when you realized how close you and Alhaitham were, both your noises were touching, you could feel his breath on your lips. “Eeeeeek! Just kiss already!” an excited screech made you pull away from Alhaitham. Yoimiya was with Kaveh and a few other campers with her phone on record in her hand.  “Oh by the way Alhaitham, me and Yoyimya recorded the whole entire dance! Ehe!” Kaveh grinned, pointing towards his own phone in his hand. The whole crowd all erupted in loud cheers and laughter. 

When it was time to say goodbye, Alhaitham didn't want to leave. Both of you guys didn’t want to leave this secret paradise. He asked for your contacts and if he could see you again, and who are you to say no. Plus, the two of you would be attending the Akademiya in a couple of months, imagine the excitement and glee in Yoimiya’s eyes and cheers when you told her you got into the number one University in Teyvat. You received the acceptance email right after the dance that night. Alhaitham walked away with a smile on his face (which is unnerving for Kaveh) knowing that he had met someone truly special. 

....................

You leaned your elbow against the window frame as you stared out at the sun setting beneath the endless ocean. The sky was ablaze with different shades of orange, pink, and purple. It was a breathtaking sight, and you felt lucky to be able to witness such beauty and art. The colours in the sky grew more and more vibrant as the sun disappeared, it was the perfect way to end a day. You turned your head to a sleeping Yoimiya hugging your arm. The sunlight brightening her features, you chuckled at your best girl and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Your head rests against the cool glass as you look up at the very first star that has appeared that night. A single white spot on a tapestry of orange and pink, you kept your focus on the sky as more stars appeared to embellish the darkening sky. The hum of the engine on the boat rocked you to sleep as you sailed home to Inazuma. The last thought you had before leaping off to dreamland was of a certain grey haired male and his luscious voice. At that moment you decided to embrace the fact that you’re a hopeless romantic, because as crazy as it may sound, you knew you just found your soulmate.

[xx-blueboy-xx]

Day Three: Inspired | Suptobber 2023

CW: None!

Words: 997

The pencil scratched over the page, and Sam tilted his head at it - his brows creased and he groaned, grabbing his eraser and scrubbing it across the page with a vengeance. Nothing looked right. What was worse? He had a sketch-phase due tomorrow and he has nothing. He knows that he could just put some bullshit on the page and turn it in and when the final looked utterly different? Well, he could just make the excuse he changed ideas. But that isn;t how Sam Winchester does anything. He is an all or nothing kind guy. Sometimes his own integrity bothers him. But when you leave your hyper masculine and toxic family to go to an art school in California? You have to want to be better. To prove yourself. 

He sighs deeply and he presses his head to the back of the wall behind him. He is sitting inside of the library, one of his favorite places on campus to work. Not only is it always quiet, but the librarians love him and allow him to be here for hours. Even when sometimes it is technically ‘closed’. He also gets special access to study rooms should he want them. Being the ‘teacher’s pet’ pays well and he still doesn’t understand why his fellow students will dig at him for it. He looks around, deciding to begin watching people. 

Afterall, Sma has discovered there is no easier way to find a muse - than by simply looking at those around you. Especially on a college campus, where so many people from all kinds of walks of life could be passing by. The library was particularly dead this time of day, considering it was a late-friday night. His fellow students all loved to go to parties, that just wasn’t his scene. He chewed on the end of his pencil as he looked around, desperately searching for anyone. That’s when he saw him. Sam had to stop himself from gasping out in awe. Standing across the way was one of the most beautiful man he has ever seen, and he isn’t even sure why. Afterall, he wasn’t all that near what most people would call attractive, and by that, Sam means he wasn’t a Hollywood hunk. Yet, he couldn’t tear his eyes away. 

He was standing across the way, in front of the massive stained glass window that depicted an archangel of some kind in the rainbow glass. Oddly enough, he was practically posed in the same way as the saint behind him, completely covering the human parts - but instead of holding a lily a large lollipop was in his hand. The large-golden wings that spread from the image behind him almost looked as if they were his, spreading from his back. His golden-colored hair helped to make the illusion almost seamless. His eyes as moonlight and the bright lights of the library illuminated him made them look as if they were glowing. The whiskey color refracting the light in a million shades of orange and gold. 

There were distinct smile lines in his features, and he looked to be at least in his early thirties. He was wearing a strangely fancy outfit for a college campus, and Sam had to wonder who he was. Why he was here? He was wearing a loose, black-buttondown that had the collar unbuttoned, and it was tucked into pin-striped pants, a deep green color. His shoes were shining. 

Sam’s hand was moving before he could even realize it as he despret;ly began to sketch. It was messy and not his best work, but he recognized that the moment the man stepped away - there would be no hope in capturing this image again. He was already committing to memory the colors of his eyes and the wings. He looked up from his paper, and back at the man several times. Who oddly enough was just standing there, chewing on his lollipop. Which made his nose scrunch up. Who the hell bites into a lollipop? It seemed he was casually leaning against the glass, looking off at the bookshelf that was in front of him. 

Sam swallowed, as minutes began to pass by and the man hadn’t moved an inch, which he was grateful for: but it started to worry him. Then, as the last pencil stroke of his imperfect sketch (it looked better than expected whoever) went across the page, golden eyes fixated on him. It was matched with a wide-knowing grin. 

His face flushed red. 

Oh. He realized with pure embarrassment coursing through his body, the man had clearly known he was being watched. He had posed for Sam. The blonde didn’t approach him; he simply wiggled his fingers at him, before stuffing his hands into his pockets. He pulled something out. There had to be at least ten feet between them, but yet, the chocolate he tossed landed perfectly in the art student’s lap. Sam fumbled, feeling the flush in his features simply deepen. He nearly dropped the chocolate as he picked it up and out of his lap, he turned it over. Mind whirling. 

He looked up, only to realize the man was gone. Which was a bit of a shock, because he hadn’t seen nor heard him walk away. Sam was usually hyper aware of his surroundings. The second thing that shocked him was that the stained glass window he realized was depicting something entirely different. There was no archangel in it, but flowers and trees. A landscape. 

He recognized slowly that it had never been an archangel. 

A chill went down his spine and he swallowed. He glances down at his sketchbook staring at the angel he had drawn. He traced his fingers delicately over the dark-gray lines that made up the six-massive wings. Golden. Just like his eyes. 

Sam stumbled up and he stuffed everything into his bag, tossing it over his shoulder. 

The next day, he would chalk everything up to his lack of sleep. 

[vdragon-creations]

TMayNT Day 18: Human Version of The Turtles

Day 18 of @tmaynt Prompt: Human version of the turtles!

So these took a bit longer then i expected to, but most of that was due to trying to get the skin colors right! A lot of folks head canon the turtles as POC's, mostly in reference to RISE and MM. But I could really see that in about all of them honestly. So I hope this looks good!

(Side Note: Am whiter then sour cream guys, with the most color I have in my fam is Cherokee native on my sperm donor side. I'm using this as practice for more skin colors. Any tips and critique you might have would be nice.)

But, with that out of the way, I wanna talk a little about my thought process with these designs! I wanted to go with them being mixed race, mostly Asian with either a dash of African American or even Latino in there. And I was trying to lean more on the 2003 TMNT as my main inspiration for these guys! As well as a few headcanons younger me had when I was younger about what they would look like! So let's get into each one!

Leo: I knew that with him, I still wanted to give him a more obvious "Ninja" look to him! Especially since, they're humans in this AU and not Turtles, I don't think Splinter would be HAVING to teach his sons martial arts as they wouldn't really NEED to defend themselves. Still tho, seeing how much of a father's boy Leo is, I could see him wanting to learn from him anyway. Just out of principle. He's got dark bluish gray eyes, and keeps his long hair in a ponytail! I complete his look with a scar along his shoulder and cheek. (Perhaps a childhood accident. Rough housing too much with Raph.) I also sprinkle a few freckles on his shoulders too, cause...they cute! QvQ

Raph: Now, you know this kid is a little punk. He's defiantly the rebel of the family! I knew I wanted to give him a ripped vest from the beginning, and I added a scar on his face as well. (Probably from the same rough housing with Leo, idk.) Also, you will never convince me that this boy doesn't have a piercing, or maybe a tattoo somewhere hidden. (Splinter would kill him if he ever saw it, after all he nearly did after the piecing and died hair.) But, despite all the roughness, he's topped off with pretty green eyes, freckles, and a tiny little beauty mark right on his jaw.

Donnie: Oh my baby boy! He's defiantly the most plain looking out of his brothers. Plain purple sweater and glasses, he doesn't scream outrageous like Mikey! And why should he? He's too busy with building things in his spare time to give a shit about looks! Shown by the oil stains on his shirt, really messy hair he keeps in a low ponytail, and eyebags so big that if it weren't for his (Admittedly) pretty golden eyes, you'd think he only had dark sockets on his face. And of course, cute nerdy freckles pepper his face! (Cause I'm predictable!)

Mikey: By far the most colorful (and obvious) out of his brothers! Splinter wasn't too happy when he and Raph both decided to dye their hair and get piercings, but it sure didn't stop them! Mikey really wanted to embody the "Surfer Dude" look, and he sure pulled it off! Long Blonde hair? Check! Shark Tooth Neckless? Check! Rad Shades? Double Check! (Rarely actually worn tho, gotta make sure the Dudes & Dudettes see those beautiful bright blue eyes!) He also started carrying around a set of headphones that Donnie made personally for him!

Maybe I'll revisit these guys at a later date, cause I do really dig the designs! And I think they would make they're own neat little AU! (I may even toss my OC Sasha in there some day! Been wanting to make a few human versions of her anyway. Hell, in some versions she was a human starting out anyway. So tis very needed!)

[vilandel]

Rosette Vitrail ☘️

(Black Clover OC Profile ☘️)

Rosette is one of my most important OCs I created for Black Clover and also one of my favorites. I'm really happy to share her with all of you 💕

☘️☘️☘️

Basic Information

Name: Rosette Vitrail

Age: currently 18

Birthday: 13th November

Sign: Scorpio

Love Interest: Solid Silva

Birthplace: Clover Kingdom's Capital, city villa of house Vitrail

Current Location: Clover Kingdom, Silva Palace

Affinity: Glass Magic

Likes: Detective Novels, Chocolate, the sound of rain against glass, any kind of art with glass, Gossip

Dislikes: Any kinds of diets (one of her biggest nightmares), Unfairness, Contradiction, Arrogance of nobles (especially from her own house), too colorful clothes

Grimoire Design: Black with colorful patterns that look like the rose stained glass windows of a cathedral. The clover is in the middle of it.

Appearance:

Hair Color: White blonde

Eye Color: very pale grey

Height: 158 cm

Due to her appearance, Rosette had a reputation of being unhealthy within Cloverian nobility (which isn't true, she is actually healthy as an ox): Very thin, not very big, extremely pale in skin, hair and eyes, not to mention fragile looking. So, she is mostly invisible in a way.

Rosette mostly wears dresses in any shades of grey (grey is her favorite color), sometimes just grey, sometimes added with some color (most of the time pink, purple, blue, turquoise and green, sometimes also red, yellow, orange and others when she feels bold). Most of her dresses have either an empire waist or a normal one. When she wears grey with another color, there is a ribbon of the same color around her waist.

Her hair is very straight and she usually let it fall free, often hold back by a ribbon (mostly a grey one). Rosette keeps her hair long, currently it falls right above the middle of the back.

Her fingers are long and elegant, but she still has the habit to nag her nails when she's thinking (and she thinks a lot).

Rosette is so pale that sometimes, people have the impression that sunlight can shine through her.

Personality:

Rosette is a very calm girl and also very observant (due to her childhood). Having spent a lot of times within noble circles of Clover, she became a secret force about gossip and to notice the smallest details. She has very much a detective mind (might be a bit the Hercule Poirot or the Jane Marple of the Clover Kingdom). While she has a romantic side, Rosette is pretty much pragmatic when it comes to herself.

Rosette is very aware about her reputation of not having a very good health and while it had hurt her when she was a child, growing up she decided to make it a mask and a strength instead. She embraced her invisibility, using it to listen to gossips. Over time, she started to have a lot of fun to be invisible and to push people without being noticed, but other times, before she came to live with the Silvas, she felt rather lonely and wish for someone to actually SEE her.

Unlike most nobles, Rosette doesn't look down on people from lower circles than her. At first, she really didn't have an opinion, but through her observations, she came to see commoners, peasants and even misfits as people and started to silently rebel against unfairness. She also doesn't consider training unfitting for a noble and trained her magic in secret for long. But she only started to train self-defense after she came to live with Silvas and interacting more with the Black Bulls.

Rosette is also pretty cheeky and insolent at times, not afraid to go into secret or forbidden archives if she wants to check upon something. Sometimes, when she is angry at a noble, she also likes to make some innocent prank (her invisible mask comes pretty in handy in those situations). After moving into the Silva Palace, when she isn't at noble circles, she is more opened and Vanessa teached her how to tease.

Rosette is also very stubborn when it comes to diets, convinced that they never work at all. Charmy loves her for that.

Despite everything, Rosette still has some affection for her family, but isn't blind that they won't change and accepted a long time ago that she can only love them from afar.

Background:

Rosette is from high nobility and from one of the most influential noble houses in Clover. House Vitrail mostly has members with glass magic. She is the second daughter of the head of house Vitrail, Verre Vitrail and his wife, lady Cristal. She has an older sister, Athénaïs. Rosette often lived in the shadow of her sister. In fact, Athénaïs is a true beauty, long golden locks and royal blue eyes, a porcelain skin, her frame is considered to be perfection. Athénaïs is also a typical noble, vain and arrogant and full of herself. But also intelligent and for a while, she was considered to be the perfect noble lady to marry into royalty... Especially Nozel Silva. Rosette still likes her sister, but is not blind to her flaws and consider that it's not to bad if they don't see each other often. Athénaïs, despite all her flaws, still has affection for her younger sister, but it is mostly a selfish affection, because caring for her poor unhealthy little sister is good for her own reputation (there is still genuine affection, though). Her parents have some affection for Rosette, but like normal noble parents, it's mostly vain and often, they don't even realize she's here.

Due to her so-called poor health, Rosette was very lonely as a child. When she wasn't going out on places for typical noble ladies - like circles, tea parties, promenades, soirées or balls - she either spent most of her time in her room or when she was able to sneak out alone, into the library or into some places not "fitting" for a noble girl. She read a lot during those times, learned some foreign languages by herself and also trained her magic. Fun fact, due to a coincidence, she managed to create colored glass. Curious about her discovery, she went (sneak) into libraries and archives to search about any clues about glass magic with stained glass. Sadly, she didn't found much, as stained glass isn't really a thing yet, even for glass magic users. So, she had to work on this without any clue.

Also due to her poor health, her mother swore on giving Rosette very special diet meals, even though she was already so thin. And this is the origin of Rosettes hatred towards diets. One time, she secretly eat A LOT of fattening food during one week... and still waits for those pounds to appear. In the end, Rosette came to the conclusion that she was maybe naturally thin.

Solid Silva:

Rosette and Solid had an arranged marriage. But how it came to that is a little novel. On Solids side, he was for some reason convinced that romantic love was stupid and he claimed that he wanted an arranged marriage, no objection accepted.

On Rosettes side, it was a bit more complicated. First, she came alone to the conclusion that to do something permanent against unfairness within the Clover Kingdom, you have to be a royal. For herself, this would mean that she had to marry into royalty. Like mentioned before, Rosette was very pragmatic when it comes to herself and even though she knew that arranged marriage aren't bond with happiness, she thought that with the right royal family, she might at least have some freedom. She choose the Silvas, for different reasons but also because she felt that there was something with them (not to mention in my headcanons, the current Silva Siblings are also the last Silvas) and Rosette is of course also curious.

Second, Rosette wanted to move away from her family and she wanted to have a real home. Yes, arranged marriages didn't imply getting a home, but Rosette thought that once married and away from house Vitrail, she might work to make her own home.

In a very subtle way, she casually told her father that marrying his second daughter into royalty wouldn't be so bad and her father even believed that he got this idea all by himself. Rosette had to go through some kind of hearing or interview in front of the three royal House Heads, so that they could determine if she was fit to be a royal. She did very well, as house Vitrail got a proposal for her to marry Solid the very next day. Rosette was also bold enough to suggest that she could already move into the Silva Palace, to learn properly to be a royal. This had been once an betrothal tradition that hadn't been applied for decades, but to Rosettes luck, hadn't been abolished either.

It took some time, but the Silvas as well as Vanessa, Asta and even Zora came to like her. Rosette started quickly to feel at home at the Silva Palace. As time passed, she was invited to spend time with the Black Bulls and came to appreciate them. They liked her too, especially Charmy. In fact, after seeing how thin Rosette was, Charmy became pretty worried and gave herself the mission to fattening "this poor bony milk glass" with the most delicious food. Which didn't work, as Rosette is naturally thin. But Rosette didn't complained. After so many years with tasteless and too healthy diet meals, Charmys food and any fat dishes in general were paradise for her.

As for Solid, he and Rosette didn't wait to talk about their betrothal and making things clear that this was an arranged marriage. She suggested to him that they should become partners and trust each other, since they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. Solid accepted, surprised and deep down also grateful that for the first time, someone was ready to trust him and call him a partner. Under Rosettes patience, kind scolding and trust, while he was still a jerk, Solid matured and his redeeming traits started to be more visible. As for Rosette, being with Solid was refreshing to her, as for the first time, she didn't felt alone and he was actually SEEING her.

By getting along, they became close friends and slowly, very slowly, they started to fall in love. Once he realized it, Solid had a total panic attack. He actually run into Nozels office, screaming in fear: "Big brother, it's terrible! I fell in love with my fiancee!" As for Rosette, her biggest surprise was mostly, "Wait, I'm actually able to love without feeling regret and resignation?"

By the time they got married, Solid and Rosette already confessed to each other (a funny situation for her, awkward for him, sweet for both), so despite being arranged, it was a love wedding in the end.

Rosette and Solid aren't the most romantic couple. Rosette is still very pragmatic and Solid, well, is very unsure about being loving and romantic, not to mention still a jerk. But they got along very well and are still a team very often. A team with Rosette as the brain and Solid as the one taking action. Rosette also teases Solid a lot and is the only one unaffected by his jerk attitude. She kinda find this side of him a bit hot.

Trivia:

Rosettes name comes from the rose windows in cathedrals. It means also "little rose" in French.

Vitrail is the French word for stained-glassed window.

I started to imagine Rosette while I was reading the novels of Agatha Christie. This is why I kinda imagine her as the Hercule Poirot or Jane Marple of the Clover Kingdom.

Starts to talk in different languages at the same time when she's upset.

Yami gave her the nickname Ghost Girl, because she is so pale.

Isn't the best cook, but at least can make any kinds of cocoa, chocolate cream or mousse and even grilled cheese sandwiches by herself.

Is a very good dancer. Solid isn't, so when they have to dance, it is Rosette who leads.

Teaches Asta a lot of things about nobility, as she's convinced it will help him once he becomes the Wizard King.

Supports both Nozel and Asta for becoming Wizard King. She supports her new family.

Bonds with Zora about pranks, even though Rosette is nicer.

Bonds with Nebra about gossip.

Once she started to live with the Silvas, Rosette also started to train self-defense. She also has an incredible sense of balance, but only got to train it after she moved away from her family.

Is very irritated that Ki-reading didn't prevented Yami and Asta to be dense.

Helps sometimes Nozel with affairs of house Silva. Over time, he even trusted Rosette directly with some affairs. Since she isn't a Magic Knight, she has a lot of times.

Rosette is one of Charmys favorite people outside of the Black Bulls.

Vanessa started to teach her about needlework. They got along very well.

Became one of Noelles best friends.

Rosette learned about the Silva's past over time and she admired them that despite the mistakes and the past pain, they were able to heal, to make amends and to become a family again. Also helped Solid and Noelle to mend their bonds.

Rosette and Solid got two children together. A son named Eis and a daughter named Nanthilde.

[pies-database]

HYPERIA [She/they/it]

Name(s): The Fearless, The Exodus, Adeline

Nickname(s): Perry

Likes: Forgery, psychology, birds, soldering, making stained glass art, Flirtatious behaviour, cheekiness, yellows, greens, mellow shades of colours, independence, exploring new tastes and places, learning, chutney, instrumentals, orchestras, poetry

Dislikes: being restricted, being uncertain, sea urchins, jelly fish, the quiet, baths, "Quiet days", beach holidays, being unactive, not having a reading list, maximalism, anything too minimalist.

Personality: An active thrill seeker, Adeline was known that she would be something truly confident from a young age. She goes to clubs, woos people (of all genders) as much as they woo her. She almost handles flirting like a sport, not anything genuine but an art she has down to a science.

However, when she finds an anchor, she unwittingly lets it completely stump her. She has bad days and months were she may become reliant on an ideal and however it presents itself. If this is challenged, she will dig her feet. She has to come to terms on her own, which she usually does.

She doesn't mind pain and has a relatively high pain tolerance, but the sight of a wound can make her queasy. This just makes her very fidgety, but she can still deal with first aid, its just a lot less enthusiastic.

Abilities: Can sense and alter the nature of a person's existence and experience. As she hasn't been around for long, she isn't very accurate and finds it rather difficult, but she is learning. This usually represents itself as spheres of various kinds, colours and vibrancies. Only she can see those Shrimp Colours that make it all come together.

Also higher resistance to heat and bacteria.

Abnormal physical features: Abnormally pale skin, her eyes and hair look like gold, she has small wings in place of ears.

Backstory: She was always the rambunctious sort, always going out of her way to find a cheap thrill. As a teen this presented as always chasing the high of the start of a relationship of any sort. The feeling of so many new possibilities and potential connections. But she never felt comfortable enough to settle with a friend group or a partner.

As she got older, finished college, started applying to jobs, as her world changed in massive ways every few months, she allowed herself to hold onto this "new" partner she'd had for a year. He kept her anchored, he would always let her know when a job opportunity was too far, or if a house was not roomy enough for when they would have kids, or that it was ridiculous to completely rule out having kids because "feelings change" and he wanted a bloodline.

He kept her anchored, but her sister would always be there to be the wind in her sails. And, funnily enough, she would keep dropping the weirdest questions about her partner. Why was that trip to that dormant volcano refused? Well, because I'm stupid, didn't realise how dangerous it was. Silly mistake, right?

And her sister kept prodding, until she dragged Adeline out by her ankles to go on a night out with the sister's friends. And they proper shat on her boyfriend. It was only then Adeline actually listened, and realised she should keep an eye out for his behaviours. She started documenting "Weird" stuff he'd say and posting it anonymously to online forums. Everyone was just telling her to break up with him.

So after her longest relationship of 4 years, she decided to go through. Her sister would wait outside in her car, willing to let Adeline stay in her house in Staines until she could get on her feet again. The breakup went relatively well, and Adeline walked out with the weirdest feeling of freedom mixed with directionless floating.

She walked out of the house, away from all her history and forging equipment, and felt lighter for the first time in years. she went to the car, and let herself move on.

But, that's when she started seeing the lights.

Funnily enough, ending a relationship, loveless or not, that had been going on for almost a decade tended to cause symptoms such as depression. She laid on her sister's couch for hours, eating what was laid in front of her and then napping. But those lights.

They were little spheric things, with no core. Like a very, very bright firefly. And they had a kind of lure to them, one that called for her to stand up and follow.

And one day, after staring at them for a few months, she decided to follow. She only had her PJs on, but couldn't be bothered to change. It wasn't a particularly hot or chilly night, so she would be fine in what she was wearing with some flats thrown on her feet.

She followed it onto the weird island that had heaps of local legends stirring within, she had seen the rumours that the serial murderers that stirred the small community actually lived there, but the police refused to go in. There had been limited reports of death from within that area, so she did just cross the bridge.

She didn't actually meet anyone when she went in, the plant led her to a small pond and submerged itself. And once more, bracing against the cold, she followed.

When she eventually made contact, she felt warm, like molten lava nestled into her very bones. It wasn't painful; it felt right.

And she came out different. Then, and only then, did she run into two strangers, lingering behind a warehouse. They had been watching (well, one was watching and relaying it to the other guy, who was blind) the entire time, and were just as confused. However, they did have some answers, starting with the fact she had probably just died. And she would probably have to withdraw from society now.

And Adeline, thinking these two people clearly had some sort of idea of what happened, quickly ran home with newfound energy, left a note for her sister, changed clothes, and planned her new name, her new identity.

Enter stage left, Hyperia.

Current residency: near Sawyer's warehouse.

ASKS: OPEN.

[chordsykat]

Another picture everyone wants to know more about, and indeed one of my favorites from the past year is this one.

With this image, you can see that I started with the line art in black, only. No colored lines on this puppy -- the "feel" of stained glass demands big, dark lines in this case. You can see that I blocked out the colors in a very basic fashion and added a circle as a "guide" at this point. Eventually, it becomes a crescent moon...

I used an actual shot of the moon to fill in the circle on the second row. I think I just selected the area and used "Paste Into" to make a mask. I then set it to "Multiply" and cut the opacity about 50% so it picked up the gray color I blocked it in with, initially. I also shaded Toki and Eden with a green/blue hue. You can see it's sort of a "softened" cel shading where I blur the edges a bit. The next thing I did was to make the "glass" effect, and the way this was achieved was by selecting different sections of the figures and again using "Paste Into" to put a layer of marble I lifted off Google (see examples here) as a mask. Then I'd select a few more sections, paste a different marble pattern in, and repeat. I'd "Invert" the patterns (so they're black with white "veins") and set them to "Screen". I did the same with the moon, and by the time we've gotten to the last image of the second row, you can see I added a few more "backlights" to the image. This was done with the inclusion of a radial all-white gradient set to "Overlay" above the shadow layer. I also changed the very-back layer from white to black.

For the finishing touches, I added a few more highlights over another layer above everything, and in the layer between the colors and the black background, made a layer of blue radial gradient and some stars on either edge of the moon. The very, very last step was to put a layer of contrasting blue and red gradients above everything and set that to "Soft Light". I've left the gradient layer in the final image set to "Normal" so you can see what it looks like. Little things like this make a big difference in the final composition, and it's fun to experiment with overlays in such ways. :)

Thanks for looking! Hope you got some groovy ideas... Will definitely be pulling out some of my art from the past (and the future, I'm sure) to do more breakdowns like these since I haven't been giving you guys as many tutorials as I've wanted to, lately.

[mollymagician]

I actually finished the second chapter of my weird little street artist!Dream AU

I am so proud of myself. Like, so proud, guys.

*************************

A week passed. Slowly the sunflowers faded from the New Inn’s bricks, distorted and worn away by rain and curious fingers.

Hob had spent a good amount of time scrolling through the various social media accounts run by enthusiasts dedicated to cataloging Dream’s work and any bits of personal information that they could gather about the artist in question, which was: nothing. Zero.

Well, aside from one blogger who claimed to have seen a shadowy figure lurking around one of the murals at two in the morning and described them as…tall.

Yes, tall, Hob thought. Legs for days. And the hair’s got to add at least two inches.

Matthew was right, he had been out of touch lately, but this sort of thing wasn’t normally in his wheelhouse anyway. He appreciated art and what it meant to the world but he had enough personal artistic ability to fill the tip of his pinky finger. Literally. He’d broken the ice with more than one tough group of students by illustrating his lecture on the fly with horribly drawn graphs and chaotic stick figures. Still, he could recognize talent when he saw it.

He had a few favorites saved on his phone. On the side of a building just off Richmond Green, an expanse of blue and white, shot through with swirling figures in every earthy shade—children, it took Hob a moment to realize. Children running against a vibrant blue sky. Tucked just out of sight of the bustling crowds at the Tower of London was a flowing mass of sunset hues shot through with streaking dark figures that could only be ravens.

On the side of the old derelict White Horse Tavern, where Hob had spent a good chunk of his youth faffing about with his mates, a white figure leaping against emerald green, rampaging, like it had escaped it’s hill in Uffington and didn’t plan on being caught again.

The talent was obvious…but that wasn’t all it was. Hob remembered reading a line somewhere—it’s not what a horse looks like, it’s what a horse IS. It’s what they all were, these weird works of art, weren’t they? Things distilled down to the essence. Yes, the artwork was arresting. Yes, the man who made it was just as striking. But Hob couldn’t explain the feeling that there was something there beyond what he was seeing, like a magic eye painting with a third hidden layer, and just as frustrating.

Or maybe month and a half into his sabbatical from what he jokingly referred to as his ‘side hustle’ was long enough for his brain to be going a little stir-crazy.

Then one morning, it happened again.

“Woah,” Matthew said. “That sure is…something.”

They stood staring at the new mural spanning the Inn’s northern wall. Radiating tongues of yellow and orange emerging from a peculiar dark background. The wall was smooth here, and the image had less of the feel of stained-glass and instead was a tumult of swirling line and color.

“I can’t tell if this means you shouldn’t take any more flirting advice from me, or my flirting advice is 100% on point.”

Hob slanted him a look. “I didn’t take any flirting advice from you, if it makes you feel better,” he said.

“That’s probably your best bet, actually.”

“Even if I had, I don’t think he’d threaten to burn down the place because I used the worlds worst pickup line on him.” Hob stepped up to the wall, reaching up to trace the shape of the image carefully without touching the easily-smeared strokes. “Look, here. The way the light curves here…the mantle. It’s a—a hearth, a fireplace. Like the one back in the old White Horse. See?”

“Oh,” Matthew said. “Huh.”

This strange offering was on a side of the building hidden mostly from public view, between the glorified storage crate they called Dar’s Gardening Shed and a stacked pile of unused planters. He didn’t think there’d be any gawkers this time, Hob himself had only happened upon it that morning by chance. Of course, Dream seemed to favor out-of-the-way locations, were there were swaths of empty wall and not many observers around to interfere. But this felt different. This felt…personal.

As Matthew lifted his phone to snap a shot, Hob said, “Hey. Uh. Maybe don’t post this one.”

“What?” he squawked. “It’s free advertising, dude. Why not?” At Matthews perplexed look, Hob could only shrug.

He didn’t have to wait long for it to click “Oooohhh. I see.”

“Matt.”

“Aww.” Matthew followed him back around the front of the building and through the main entrance. For all he looked broad and soft-edged, once he latched his brain on something, he was relentless. It was like being pecked to death by ducks. Pecked to death by something, anyway. “Oh come on, man, it’s adorable.”

“Matthew, zip it.” Hob ducked past the bar, hoping he could make a quick exit into the kitchen. This wasn’t a conversation they could have out here, not if he wanted his dignity intact. Any moment now—

“Not that I’m not a fan of anyone telling Matt to zip it, but why are we telling Matt to zip it this time in particular?”

Hob sighed. Too late, he was doomed.

Dar’s russet head poked through the kitchen doors, followed by the rest of her, busily tying on an apron. They’d just opened for the day and only a few regulars had so far trickled in, at least, which meant there would be minimal witnesses to what he was about to endure.

“Our resident mysterious artist left him a token of affection on the wall in the alley and he wants to keep it all to himself.”

“Ooh!” Dar said brightly. “Tall Dark and Spooky strikes again!?” Matthew handed her his phone where the photo of the yellow and gold flames swirled in miniature. She gave a little whistle. “Oh my!”

Hob dragged a hand over his face. “It’s not a token of affection.”

“Wanna bet?” Matthew pulled out his wallet and waggled it. “Bet you ten bucks. Pounds. Whatever. Shit. What country am I in?”

“—and he’s not our mysterious artist,” Hob continued, undeterred.

“He’s decorating your pub and he likes my tea,” Dar said decisively. “That means he’s ours. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.”

“Actually I’m pretty sure most of the time you do.”

Hob wondered if noon really was too early to start drinking.

“I’m sure he’d be fine with the attention,” Matthew said, “considering that he’s dropping this stuff all over town.”

“No one knows anything about this dude, Matt,” Hob argued. But. You do, a little voice whispered in the back of his mind. You know how he likes his tea, you know his hands look cold, you know his eyes are the bluest thing you’ve ever seen— Hob shook it off and plucked the phone from Dar’s hand, closing the screen and poking it back into the front pocket of Matthew’s shirt. “You didn’t see the look he gave me last time he was here. Maybe he doesn’t actually want any kind of attention at all.”

“Well,” Dar said, flipping a dishtowel over one shoulder. “I can guess at least one type of attention he wants.” She looked past Hob and jutted her chin towards the door. Slowly, trying to be nonchalant and failing, Hob turned to glance behind him.

…you know his eyes are the bluest thing you’ve ever seen and he keeps looking at you with them…

Dream edged in through the door of the pub, cautiously, and headed straight for his usual table. He moved, Hob thought, as though the space around him was packed with rickety shelves covered in teacups. Slow and precise. Or, as Matthew would say, like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. As soon as his eyes met Hob’s he glanced quickly away and busied himself with pulling the ever-present sketch book from his satchel.

“WELP I should be—“

“Oh look, I’m just gonna head—“

Hob watched in resigned amusement as Matthew and Dar both suddenly discovered they had somewhere else to be and nearly ran into each other trying to get there. He sighed, and set about making a cup of tea.

He didn’t know what possessed him, this time, to make a second. Or to sit down, easy as you please in the chair across from his stranger, as though they had a standing date. Maybe a little of his old confidence was coming back from wherever it had been banished to over this past exceptionally shitty year.

Dream, who had been very studiously ignoring him for the last five minutes, actually gave a startled jump when a mug appeared in front of him, followed by a whole other human. He watched Hob with an expression of guarded surprise as he settled into his seat, cleared his throat, and extended a hand across the table. “Robert Gadling. I, er, hope you don’t mind me being wildly presumptuous.” To his delight, Dream reached out, slowly as though he was expecting to be bitten, and met his hand. His grip was firm, but cold. Hob resisted the sudden fierce urge to take his hands and wrap them around the mug of tea he’d just set down.

“I don’t mind, Mr. Gadling. I. Was.” He looked down at the blank page open in front of him, seemingly at a loss for words.

“I’m sorry for interrupting you,” Hob said. “I just wanted to come over and thank you, I suppose.”

Dreams eyebrows crept up. “Thank me?”

“For the—“ Hob gestured over Dream’s shoulder. “Artwork. It’s remarkable, really.”

Dream opened his mouth to speak, closed it. Tried again. “You don’t mind,” he finally stated, not quite a question.

Hob huffed a laugh. “Do I—? No I don’t mind at all. It’s brilliant. I needed something to brighten up this bastard of a winter and you’ve done a spectacular job of it.” Dream glanced away with what appeared to be a blush coloring his worryingly pale face. “I just had one question, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“No. Please.”

“Why us?”

Dreams head tipped questioningly to one side and Hob hastened on. “I wondered how you choose your…locations. There’s always some inspiration, isn’t there? Was just curious what it was about this old place that inspired you twice.”

Dream stared at him for a moment, a parade of emotions flickering across his face so quickly, it was impossible to parse them. His eyes dropped back to the table. “I came by chance. I was out looking for. Inspiration, as you said, I suppose.” He spoke like someone who hadn’t in so long that he’d lost the knack, Hob thought. A crying shame, with that voice. “I saw you, and your employees. Laughing together. Often. I was…interested in your experience.”

“Friends,” Hob said. Dreams eyes flicked up to meet his briefly and he smiled. “I inherited the place. Been in the family for generations. Doesn’t really feel like mine, you know? It belongs to the community at this point, I’m just here to keep the paperwork in order. Knew I’d be taking it over one day, but if I didn’t have friends helping me out here who knew what they were doing I’d have made a complete mess of it.” Hob realized he was prattling on, as he was wont to do, and took a gulp of tea in an effort to rein in his mouth. “I’m sorry. You said you were interested in our…experience?”

Hob watched Dream move his fingertips over the surface of the blank sketchbook page, producing a gentle rhythmic susurrus. “Yes…I…have had precious few of my own. I find inspiration in watching other’s appreciation for life and this place…there’s so much life to appreciate here.” Oh. He was blushing. It was fucking delightful. “I hope you don’t find that. Intrusive.”

“Of course not,” he said. “It’s literally what we’re here for.”

Dream said, “You were very kind, Mr. Gadling. The last time we spoke. It was…it’s own kind of inspiration.”

Ohhhh dear. Oh good grief. He was in trouble. Hob had no idea what his face was doing. He couldn’t even imagine. He coughed to clear the sudden tightness in his throat. “Call me Hob,” he said. “Everyone else does. No one uses my proper name unless I’m in trouble for something.”

“Hob.” Dream said. His mouth curved into the smallest of smiles. Something in Hob’s gut gave a little delighted jump and warmth bloomed, down beneath his breastbone. “My name—is—“ He paused and swallowed. Hob could see him battling forward through something, some wall, and had the irrational urge to cheer for him. “Dream” he finally managed. “You may call me Dream.”

The warmth in Hob’s belly grew, filling his chest. Knowing the name was nothing compared to being gifted the name. “Well, Dream, you’re welcome to come back anytime. Avail yourself of the blank wall space.” Hob grinned, hopeful. “And the experience.”

Dream was silent for a moment, then took a quiet breath. “The tea is also very good.”

It startled a laugh out of Hob. “That’s Dar’s doing, she blends it. Grows some of the herbs herself out there in the spring. She’s got a terrific hangover remedy if you ever need it.”

“I don’t often drink alcohol but I will keep that in mind.”

From the corner of his eye, Hob had noticed the steady motion of Dream’s fingers against the paper turning jerky and irregular. Now he’d abandoned it altogether in favor of twisting them together over and over. His shoulders were tensing, rounding a bit. Ah. It was time, Hob thought, to let him experience his inspiration from afar. But they’d made a start. He thought it was a good start.

Hob picked up his half-drunk mug and lifted it in a little salute. “Right then, I’ll…just leave you to the—the creative processes.”

Dream wrapped his hands around the mug in front of him, just as Hob had imagined, though without his own curved over top of them. “Until next time, then.” And there it was again, that faint smile.

Hob beat a retreat back to his flat. He was only halfway up the stairs when his phone began buzzing its way out of his pocket. Dar, as expected.

Okay we want the story. Spill!

Goddammit. I think I owe Matt a tenner

Told you

…………………..

Next time came later that week, when Dream appeared with his sketchbook and awkward smile and absurdly sexy voice, which Hob coaxed out of him for ten whole minutes before it was obvious he needed a break from human interaction. Hob gathered his small victories where he could.

The warm feeling in his gut, it stayed with him. It was gentle, soothing, some invisible softness blanketing all the rough-edged hurts he’d collected over the past year. It was…striking.

Which was why it was so profoundly obvious to him the moment it was gone.

The day started off wrong-footed in a dozen small and frustrating ways. It was one of those bloody wretched freezing winter days, devoid of snow or any kind of charm, with a biting wind that seemed hell-bent on causing as much trouble as possible. The Inn was busy with customers who mostly just seemed fed up with the outdoors and wanted to forget it existed for awhile.

Hob was helping out behind the bar, pulling orders for a surprisingly rowdy pre-dinner crowd and keeping an eye on one customer in particular—red sweater, surly expression, toeing Matthew’s cut-off line for acceptable drunkenness. He just caught Dream stepping in, huddled in a coat that didn’t look near heavy enough and looking even more like a frozen scarecrow than usual. Quickly he threw together Dream’s usual order, with the addition of a large muffin on a plate, and hurried over. “My friend, hello. I have a job for you today.”

Dream’s brows lifted slightly as Hob set it all down in front of him. “A job involving…muffins?”

Hob grinned. “We started bringing things in from that new bakery down the street, Gilbert’s, maybe help give them a boost. Matthew’s idea.” He nudged the muffin forward and grinned. “Taste test for me, give me a report later.”

Dream opened his mouth, but a crash and raised voices in the direction of the bar drowned out whatever it was he was about to say. Hob looked over his shoulder and swore. “Excuse me, I’ll be back.”

It was Anita, a friend of Dar’s, only two weeks on the job. She stood frozen in the middle of a circle of broken glass from a dropped tray and bystanders who were half out of their seats with the look of folks obviously ready to start throwing punches but unsure how to go about it. The man in the red sweater had one hand locked around her wrist and what could only be described as a leer on his face.

Coming up on them, Hob heard her furious “…I said shove off.”

Red Sweater slurred, “I see you talkin’ but ‘m not hearing anything worth listenin to, yet.”

“Oooh, bad idea mate,” she said. And then Hob’s hand was coming down on his forearm, fingers digging, and he released her with a pained shout.

“Out. Now.,” Hob said.

“Fuck you arsehole, what, you own the place?”

“Actually, yeah,” Matthew said, stepping up to Anita and gently pulling her out of range.

“He does.”

Hob leaned in close and growled, “It’s not that loud in here, I know you heard me.” He shifted his grip to grab a handful of red wool at the back of the man’s neck and pulled. “You can leave now, or I can walk into the back and just let the regulars decide how to sort you out.”

The man wrenched himself out of Hob’s grasp and honked a few more drunken obscenities around at no one in particular grabbing his coat and staggering off. Hob watched him go, resisting the urge to fling him bodily through the door. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Dream, his head bent over his sketchbook, pencil moving intently.

It was pure dumb luck that he saw what followed, it happened so quickly.

The man was stalking unsteadily towards the exit, which took him directly past Dream’s table. As he neared it, Dream looked up and made the most peculiar gesture with his hand—Hob nearly missed it—as though he were lifting something from the table in front of him and flicking it away.

The banana peel hit the floor just as Red Sweater came parallel with Dream’s table. His shoe hit the peel, and in true slapstick fashion, his foot shot out from under him and he landed flat on his arse.

A wave of snickering passed through the crowd. Someone in the back hooted, “OH SMOOTH.”

Red Sweater scrambled to his feet, gave the room in general the finger, and slapped his way out the doors. The usual buzz of the Inn resumed as everyone went back to their conversations. As though an absolutely impossible thing had not just occurred right in front of them.

“What a dick,” Matthew said, appearing at Hob’s side with a broom. “Hey, you okay, boss?”

“What? I— yeah.” Hob shook his head. Nodded his head. Dragged his fingers through his hair. “Is Nita okay?”

“She’ll be okay, I think, she’s taking a break. You sure you are? Because you look like someone just slapped you with a fish. Hey! You know, there’s a word for that? It’s—“

“Hold that thought, Matt,” Hob said, reaching out to pat him absently on the shoulder. Feeling cold prickling across his skin, he made his way over to Dream’s table.

The table was empty. The tea sat untouched. The muffin was missing. Dream was gone.

Hob bent and picked up the banana peel, staring at the thing dangling limply in his hand. It was. A banana peel. Slightly squashed from being tread on. He didn’t know exactly what he’d expected, but that’s what he had. Feeling slow and stupid, he looked down at his feet and there on the floor—a steak of yellow, like chalk ground across the wood.

“What the hell?” he muttered.

Standing there by the door, he felt the cold rushing in, chilling him for the first time in what seemed like days.

Suddenly he was moving, ducking into the kitchen and through the back employee door. Turning the corner, he skirted around the odds and ends that littered the narrow space and pulled back to look at the wall where the orange flames had swirled.

They were…gone.

“What the bloody hell?”

The piece was still there, mostly, a little worse for wear. Hob could see the framing background details, but the flames themselves were gone. Instead there was nothing but empty space, clean bare wall, not even traces of clinging pigment left behind.

The wind blew sharply down the alley, and Hob shivered.

[regnismemorias]

I should probably talk about Lia's floral shop because it's her pride & joy, and she's my pride & joy.

It's called 'In Full Bloom,' and it's a two-story building with a private greenhouse, a public botanical garden & a small cafe on the second floor. She's dreamed of having this shop for-ev-er. She majored in Fine Arts with a minor in Botany to get an edge on her flora and fauna knowledge, but having a green thumb comes naturally to her.

There's a soft, tinkling bell that rings when you first walk in. The ambiance is light & airy; there are big, stained glass windows that let in the natural light from outside and a wall of flowers behind the counter in the middle of the room. Ivy hangs from the ceiling and travels down some of the walls, little white flowers adorning them here & there. She's always playing soft, indie pop (she swears that the plants love it) & fiddling with the plants to make sure they look just right. There's a small cat door off to the side along with food & water bowls, and cat trees for the neighborhood cats to enjoy.

The cafe upstairs is warm & inviting with plush seating, a small book nook & plenty of plants all around.

In the private greenhouse, Lia grows all of the plants herself. It's also made with stained glass (you can take the girl out of the Catholic church, yadda yadda). She gets more exotic seedlings transported in but still handles all of the growth care herself.

The botanical gardens are open to the public. There's a pond area with a large tree for shade that customers often use for picnics and plenty of spots for picture ops. #InFullBloom

[linkedkeysau-official]

Whumptober 2022- Linked Keys edition

Days 20/21- Stabbed/made to watch (alt prompts) and Coughing up blood/"you're safe now" (+ art)

Warnings: Just... A shitton of nasty stuff happening here.

Darknuts were a pain to deal with, all of Four’s components agreed. Heavily armored, hard-hitting, and with only one way to defeat them, of course they would be. Especially when all one had to go off of for a strategy for dealing with them was the description of them from other heroes. Now Four was alone, dealing with a magically enhanced armored monstrosity that wasn’t even from their world. And the Colors were getting all four of their asses kicked.

Covered head to toe in bright red armor with a glowing blue tint to it (this being how they knew Nihrie was boosting its power), and about the size of all four of the Colors combined– this of course not saying about the size of Four, but rather the size of four Fours. It carried a sword and shield much larger than the Four sword, and while its movements were slow, it didn’t seem to have a weak point. Vio had taken the first hit, bashed directly in the face by the Darknut’s shield. The blow seemed to have broken both his glasses and his nose, as he was now bleeding and half-blind, though trying to get up regardless.

Despite this predicament, however, his brain still worked as good as it ever did, and he had come up with a plan not long after this. He squinted around until he found a tree that would be easy to climb and had decent cover in the upper limbs. Perfect vantage point. If he could climb up and get into position without being noticed, he could try to shoot at the Darknut with his bow. Even if it didn’t do any damage, it would hopefully give his brothers time to look for a weak spot on this thing, while the foliage in the upper branches would keep Vio obscured long enough that he could shoot to keep the knight distracted until the others had found it.

“Green! I have a plan, but I need you to cover me!” Vio shouted.

“What is it?” Green asked.

“I’m gonna climb up there and distract it so you, Red, and Blue can look for a weak spot. But I need time to get into position.”

“How do you plan to distract it from up there?!” Blue asked. Vio held up his bow as if it were the obvious answer.

“You’re fucking blind, Vio, how can we be sure that you’ll actually be able to aim?”

“I am not that blind, Blue! At least not yet, anyway. Look, it’s bright red in the middle of a green forest. I can see it just fine. Now do you want my help or do you want to just charge in there like an idiot?”

“He’s got a point, Blue. We need to think outside the box.” Green butted in.

“AGHH, I’LL BOX YOU—!”

“Guys! Whatever you’re doing, hurry up! I need some help over here!” Red cried out. Blue cursed as he realized they’d all left Red to hold off the Darknut alone while they argued over Vio’s plan. Their mistake was realized too late, however. Not even two seconds after Red uttered his cry for help, the Darknut’s sword sunk deep into his body, straight through his gut.

“RED!!!” The other three cried out in unison as the sword was yanked out and Red immediately dropped to the ground, breathing heavily and clearly in an immense amount of pain as his blood began to soak into his tunic, staining it an even darker shade of the same color.

“Alright, fine. We’ll do it your way. Whatever it takes to take this thing down!” Blue told Vio.

“Blue, you go help Red. Vio, I’ll cover you. Do what you need to do.” Green said. Vio nodded as he ran to the side of the tree with the lowest branches and began climbing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nihrie had teleported himself and Shadow from the Volcano prison to a big, circular room in what Shadow assumed must have been Nihrie’s fortress. The room was dark, illuminated only by the glowing blue orb in the center. However, with Shadow’s natural night vision, he could make out several pairs of locked doors, each set a short distance from the others as they lined the walls. What they led to, Shadow wasn’t sure. But the orb was what Nihrie was here for anyway.

“Look, Shadow. This is what I needed you to see. I believe you know who those people are.” Nihrie pulled the dark hero closer. Shadow hesitantly looked into the foggy, shimmering depths of the orb as an image appeared inside. He could see Green holding out his sword as if battling something. Vio, strangely without his glasses and with a bloody nose, in the branches of a tree taking aim with his bow at what Shadow could only assume was the same thing Green was fighting. Blue was carrying Red away from the fight.

“Prism…!” Shadow gasped.

“Yes. Your friend— or rather, friends— are currently locked in a fierce battle with an enemy at the moment. And they are alone. Not a single one of their other friends has come to their aid.”

“If you’re trying to turn me against them again, it won’t work. The others probably just haven’t found them yet.” Shadow said.

“Mmm… perhaps. But they may not have that much time. Look closer.” Nihrie waved his hand and the scene zoomed in on Blue and Red again. Shadow had missed it the first time, with the color of Red’s tunic. But now he could clearly see blood dripping from what appeared to be a stab wound, much clearer as Blue finally set his brother down on the ground before removing his vest and tying it around Red’s body and attempting to put pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding. A thud and a scream echoed through the air, and the scene shifted just in time for Shadow to see Vio fall out of the tree. His partner had tried to land on his feet, but a sickening crack was heard, and Vio crumpled to the ground.

“See now, Shadow Link. See how your friends have suffered…”

“Stop… Stop it!”

“Vio!” Green cried out, now left alone against whatever enemy they were facing. Soon, though, something swept through the air, dealing a heavy blow to his skull. Green’s sword was knocked out of his hand as he was sent flying, a stream of blood beginning to run down his face from a laceration on his forehead.

“...How they are dying.”

“Stop this, I beg you!!!” Shadow cried. He watched as Green tried to get up, but became unsteady and immediately fell back down.

“And nobody is coming to help.” Nihrie continued, ignoring Shadow.

“Please…” Shadow sobbed, thinking about how much pain his family must be in right now, "Please stop…" Inside the orb, a massive hand reached out, grabbing Green by the neck. He was lifted up out of view as the scene inside the orb dissipated into fog once more.

“Now tell me, after witnessing this… Do you truly wish to take the side of those who would leave their own to die?” Nihrie asked. He put a hand on Shadow’s shoulder in a mock gesture of comfort when the dark hero's only response was more sobbing, “Fight for me, Shadow. Avenge your ‘Prism’.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Four?! Is that you?!” Minish called out. He’d heard the sounds of a fight nearby, along with shouts that sounded like Four’s voice.

“STOP! PUT HIM DOWN!!!” Minish heard Four call out again, louder this time. Closer…

“Sounds like he’s in trouble!” Fire commented.

“Well then we’ll just have to help him, won’t we?” Air replied.

“If he’s hurt, there’s no way we can carry him back on our own, can we?” Water asked.

“Hm… You’ve got a point.” Fire admitted, “Any ideas, Earth?”

“I say we cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, we need to go see what we can do. We’re only wasting time standing here. Time Four may not have. Let’s move.” Earth said as he took control of the body. Minish started running off in the direction of the voices. What he found was not what he expected, but much worse. A red darknut, which he recognized as one of the same he’d fought during his first adventure as a child, stood towering over the four “Colors” that made up Four. Only Blue was still standing, clutching his side with a grimace of pain on his face. Green must have taken a nasty hit to the head, as he seemed to be barely clinging to consciousness, holding a pale, bloody Red. Vio lay near the roots of a tree, nose bleeding and both legs appearing broken. Only Blue still had his sword in hand; the other three copies lay scattered near where their wielders had fallen.

“Now what do we do?!” Fire wailed.

“Earth, you’re not going to like this…” Air spoke up, “But I can think of only one way to pull this off, if you’ll let me front for a short time.”

“Whatever it takes to save Four, Air. I’ll do it.” Earth agreed.

“When we split, we’ll have to act fast.” Air said.

“Wait, ‘split’?! You mean… Use the Four Sword?” Water asked.

“Yes. I think I know how we can make this work even while the Colors are still using it. When we split, Fire, I need you to tend to Red. Water, try to get Blue out of the fight. Earth, pull Vio over to where Red is so Fire can watch over him too. Then will you two come help me finish off the Darknut?”

“I swore we were done with that old thing…” Earth muttered, “But yes. Of course.” With all the Elements understanding the plan, Air took control once again and made a mad dash for Green’s copy of the sword, raising it up.

“Four Sword! Lend us your strength, one last time!”

In a flash of light, Minish split into four nearly identical copies of his body, each inhabited by one of his headmates: Fire, Water, Earth… and him, Air. He would have run to hug them, but there were greater priorities at hand.

“Alright guys. Let’s go! We can’t afford to waste any time!” Earth ordered. He sprinted over to where Vio lay, and with some difficulty, lifted him up and dragged his unconscious body towards Red and Green, where Fire was already waiting, doing her best to bandage Red’s stab wound properly while she tried to convince Green to drink a potion. Fire always made sure they kept at least a few of those on hand, knowing how often Air tended to lead them into trouble in his search for adventure. Once Vio was safely in Fire’s hands, Earth went to retrieve his sword so he could join Air and Water in the fight.

“We’ll take over from here, Blue. Go back with the others. You’ve done enough.” Water said, putting a hand on Blue’s shoulder.

“No! They need me… I can– I can still fight!” Blue argued.

“Not without a sword, you can’t.” Earth swiftly snatched the Four Sword from Blue’s hands, tossing it over to Water.

“You’re right, your brothers need you. They need you alive. This is a Darknut from our world. We can take it down.” Air chimed in. He then turned towards Water, “Actually, Earth and I can handle this alone. But I need you to run back to the inn and get Hyrule, as quick as you can. Tell him we found Four but we need help right away.”

“Got it. I’ll be right back.” Water nodded, running off towards Crossroads Village and leaving Earth and Air to handle the Darknut.

Water reached the inn fairly quickly, though out of breath when they got there. Time was standing outside when he saw Water approaching. The Chain’s leader had to do a double take when he saw the blue Element, as Water didn’t look exactly like the body, but eventually recognized them.

“Minish?”

“Time! We found Four! He was attacked by a Darknut just outside the village… Get Hyrule, quick!”

A moment later, Hyrule sprinted down the stairs and out of the inn, not even bothering to put on his regular clothes— he was still in the loose brown undershirt, shorts, and he was even barefoot. The only thing he’d grabbed was his bag of medical supplies as he followed Water back to where Four was waiting with the other three Elements.

“Water! Thank goodness!” Fire exclaimed.

“Uh, why are there four of you too?” Hyrule asked.

“We’ll explain later. Red was stabbed and is bleeding out fast.” Air explained.

“Vio’s legs are both broken, as is his nose. Green drank a potion already but he’s got a pretty nasty concussion, and I think Blue might have a few broken ribs. He’s insisting he’s fine, but you might want to take a look anyway.” Earth added. Hyrule was already using his magic to try and heal as much of the damage to Red as he could. He had to save some for the others, but he could at least get Red out of immediate danger.

“Okay, um… Can one of you help Green?” Hyrule requested, “I’ve got bandages in my bag as well as needles, thread, and a few more potions. That cut looks bad and it may need stitches, but I think he’s the least injured one here aside from possibly Blue.”

“I’ve got it!” Fire volunteered.

“Can you two help me set and splint Vio’s legs?” Hyrule gestured to Earth and Water, who both nodded.

“And then you. Minish Green—”

“Air.” Air corrected.

“Air, can you go and figure out where Blue went and bring him back here?”

“Sure.” Air nodded. He had seen Blue walking around earlier while Fire was trying to convince him to sit down and take it easy after a sudden blow to the side he had taken in an attempt to protect his brothers. But where he had gone, Air was unsure… Until he heard a noise. Grunts of pain in between gasps for breath. A bit of blue cloth was visible in the grass not far from where Air stood.

“Blue!” He cried out, sprinting towards him. Blue was curled up on the ground, clutching his ribs as he fought for every breath.

“Rule was right… Think my… ribs are broken—” Blue let out a hacking cough, blood bubbling up to his lips and spraying onto the ground.

“Just hang on, okay?” Air told him, “HYRULE!!! I FOUND BLUE!!!”

“Are the others… okay?” Blue asked, “H-have to know… is Red alive? Vio? Green?”

“They’re okay, yes. Hyrule and the other Elements are finishing up with them as we speak. But now we need to deal with you.” Air said as Blue let out another cough,

“M’ dying, Min… Fuckin’ Darknut… At least my… brothers… are safe.”

“Air! I’m coming!” Hyrule shouted as he ran towards them.

“You’re not dying, Blue. Hyrule is here. The Darknut is defeated. You’re safe now. We’re not going to let you die. Okay?”

“Okay… Th-Thanks, Min.”

“Of course, Raindrop.”

[tamlins-stories-and-poems]

First and foremost: should Seanan read this despite the tag that is intended to warn her eyes away and end up with any ideas or find that I hit something I shouldn’t’ve despite my lack of speculation, I disavow any rights I may have had to the idea. Should she want to print out the art [link]and hang it on the wall/in a window, I will be honored. Should anyone else want to print it out and hang it on their walls/windows, I will still be honored but request some form of payment for my hard work. I put a lot into this. Most of the tutorial/coloring explanations are between the two arrows.

I love stained glass. I always have, and think there should be more of it around, just, in general.

So, when I found a poem I wrote a little while ago, based on how I think the fae society in the October Daye series gossip about the titular character, stained glass quickly worked its way in as the style to emulate. Originally, I was hoping to challenge myself in other ways—drawing messy rooms like the Luideag’s kitchen, practice my shading, work on actual comic panel type deals—but most of those were completely untenable in a stained glass style drawing, at least at my current level of skill. So when I settled on stained glass, the other challenges fell to the wayside.

->You can probably tell that my skill for the line work improved as I worked through these, sketching and inking 14 panels in 14 days, and getting more comfortable with this style. The coloring was done a bit more haphazardly, slapping down bucket fills when I found the right color and jumping between panels to make sure the ones I wanted to match stayed the same. I chose colors a lot more saturated than I’m used to, mostly because at 85% opacity, everything looks a little desaturated already, and the rest because stained glass is supposed to be bright and leave swaths of bright color crossing the room around it.

I needed the opacity to have the texture layered underneath (replicating the inconsistencies in real glass) at least somewhat visible, and for the texture of the brush to have uneven edges, and a somewhat inconsistent shape. I found one that worked—called charcoal, iirc—which I used to randomly place shadows at ~70% opacity beneath the other colors, and very light cyan at ~30% over top. <-

Other than a few examples listed below, the most complex coloring after that was a few gradients, mostly in the background or in hair, but a few on Toby’s coat in “Daye will save you, if she can” that I didn’t feel like trying to redo when I realized I mixed one of her hair colors in, and some painting overtop of the “glass” for Cap’n Pete’s opalescent/oil slick scales and hair

People;

Toby:

I gotta start with Tobes. I used a pale yellow for the lighter part of her hair, near her scalp as it’s been growing in more and more pale as she’s been shifted more pureblood. I know Seanan says it all changes at once, but I chose to ignore that for fun coloring. I wanted her to be the most desaturated person visible, which more affected choosing other peoples’ colors than hers, but worked out well enough.

May:

May’s hair. I had a filker (fandom-musician) friend, upon her retirement, get pink and blue feathered/chessboard hair. She was delighted by this, but decided that she keeps her hair short enough that it wasn’t worth maintaining. I patterned May’s hair based on my friend’s, but threw in colors at almost random and hoped for the best. May’s skin matches Toby. Her neon green sweater is based on something I remember reading from the books but might not actually exist, and her skirt is a patchwork of bright colors, mostly picked from her hair.

Beloved S. Torquill (as opposed to his twin the disliked S. Torquill):

White shirt for his current fresh start. Long hair for Vibes. Not much else to say about him here. Too many spoilers.

Tybalt:

Kitty man! Brown hair, originally was going to have the stripes just be the way the “glass” was set, but after drawing Pete’s hair I painted some darker brown stripes in. Red (probably silk) shirt under brown leather vest. Hair in a bun bc the Toby Discord has had odd fits of being obsessed with man-bun Tybalt. So he can have little a bun. As a treat.

Quentin:

For his hair I went with a yellow intended to be between the dandelion of his introduction and the polished bronze of his more recent appearances. Triangles as the base shape for his hair also just because vibes. Probably broke his nose at least once when he couldn’t get it set pretty and perfect in time to heal.

Raj:

There is a picture of an Abyssinian cat on the Toby wiki, and I used the main visible color for his hair (by eyeballing it, bc, again, saturation). He has dark skin to go with his south-west asian name. Samson may have been the type of jerk to culturally appropriate names, but I want to think Raj is actually a person of color. None of the descriptions I remember actually include his skin tone. In cat form I airbrushed in some details to look a little more like the cat photo.

the Luideag:

Curly black hair, sometimes held by electrical tape in pigtails, can have shark teeth at will. I like shark teeth. I had fun playing with how curls work in stained glass (let me know how you liked them!), otherwise looks like a teenaged mortal who blends in around San Fran. I used to live just over the hill, and I always picture her as looking Hispanic, like about half of my old neighbors (probable hyperbole), at least in her current guise.

Blind Michael (hand only):

Discord member helped me double check, and his skin was “striped tan and white like ash bark” I decided on green pointed nails to look like leaves. Discolored slightly when looking through the orb holding Karen’s soul.

Karen, butterfly form:

I forgot she was supposed to be a swallowtail until I was done inking. Didn’t want to attempt to erase and try again for proper stripes and wing-tails. I was just thinking “she needs eye spots bc eyes are windows to the soul, and this is her butterfly soul.” Yellow bc tiger swallowtail call-back. Trying to escape away from Blind Micheal’s hand.

acacia:

Moth lady moth lady moth lady she gets fluffy moth antennae. Skin and cloak colors taken directly from wiki description, hair gradiented in gold-ish yellow and brown to match what I could of the “writhing brown roots and golden hair” of the wiki description. I didn’t dare go check the books and get caught rereading and lose steam by distracting myself.

Pete

Cap’n Pete in pirate clothes sounded both more fun and easier to stylize than a fancy living-tides dress. Her hair is described as “oil slick” and she has “matching pale scales” here and there, but I only depicted them on her cheek. I also tried to give her ruffles/a cravat that matched her shirt. Bc why not.

[kariachi]

Marian

“Whether driven by a love of pokemon, history, or fine architecture, visitors will find no better place to stop than the beating heart of Tumuli City- her pokemon gym. Located on the South Side overlooking Lake Lillary, this ancient fortress built from black granite continues to awe viewers the same as she did in the ages prior to Tumuli’s founding, now not just restored to old glory but expanded upon by Gymleader Marian, the Dragon Mother.

If you can tear your eyes away from the carved statues of both dragon and ghost type pokemon that stand guard along it’s eaves, or your stomach from the vast pattern of berries shrubs that decorate the front lawn, stepping inside the great vaulted doors will transport you into the far reaches of the past. Woven rugs and tapestries depicting the history and culture of the area going back thousands of years grace the floors and walls of the public areas of Tumuli City Gym, from the entryway to the central body of the gym itself.

Turning right upon entering will take you into the Tumuli Central Library, home of the largest publicly available collection of historical records in the region, still just as it was under the guardianship of now-retired Gymleader Rashn. Turning left, meanwhile, will bring you to The Grand Hall, a cafeteria-style eatery kept open and free to the public at all hours.

Continuing straight on will bring you into the heart of the gym. Taking up the full two stories of the building, the main body of the gym is a vast, open space, the separate floor denoted only by twin mezzanine to either side. These mezzanine and the space below them contain small training arenas which frame the gym’s main arena between them. Look up and you’ll find the largest stained glass skylight in the region, depicting a ring of fire and lightning.

Or perhaps you don’t wish to eat, battle, or learn. In that case, follow the outer wall that curves around the right side of the building- from street to lakeside- to the back of the property, where the Cyclizar of Tumuli’s ‘Cyclizar Chauffer’ are bred, trained, and housed. These key members of our public transportation services love company, and visitors can volunteer to help with socialization or sit and watch the hatchlings play or train. You can also purchase a souvenir from the gift shop, proceeds from which go to funding The Great Hall.

Whatever it is you want to do with yourself, whether it’s grab a midnight snack, earn the illustrious Golden Badge, or bask in our region’s great history, the Tumuli City Gym is a definite must-see.”

Look: Hair- box braids kept half in a bun and half down, gold braid cuffs arranged to give diadem-like impression around her head | Outfit- a variety of dresses in the style of a takchita, with under-dresses appearing in shades of red and green alongside white and black, outer-dresses in reds and greens, all edged in gold dragonscale patterns, outer-dresses embroidered with various dragon patterns in gold w/ dragon fang buttons, black leather boots | Accessories- gold bracelet showcasing the badges she collected on her journey, gold scale belt with dragon-type symbol in the center, small dragon fang earrings

Ace: Salamence [Male, Dragon Dance/Earthquake/Psychic Fangs/Fire Fang]

Badge: Golden Badge (a copper badge outlining the shape of a hunk of wool with three triangles- two on the top and one on bottom- reminiscent of fang holding tight, the wool portion is filled with golden enamel, and the teeth with off-white)

TM: TM 100- Dragon Dance [as of gen 9]

Gym- Private Areas: Leaving the public areas of the Tumuli City Gym is like stepping into a family home.The stone floors are hidden under thick rugs, walls and ceilings covered over in wood, and everything from art made by prior and current residents to pictures of the same are on display everywhere. The right wing of the building contains the gymleader’s apartments as well as the administrative and storage spaces for gym and library both, while the left is filled with apartments for the apprentices and workers of the gym. The latest addition to the building rests in the back, a single long wing connecting the two. This wing includes apartments for those working with the Cyclizar, but predominately serves as more housing for minors who have paused or completed their journeys and settled, for now, in Tumuli City, as well as the individuals whose job is to look out for them. The building of this wing served the dual purpose of adding a private courtyard to the property, which includes picnic tables, a few grills, a playground, and a large crop garden used by The Great Hall and the residents both.

[fuzzykidkid]

JOURNALING  

Unity: Appearing as one  

Example: We see houses in our everyday life that are painted all one color. 

Variety: diversity, different, using many things to create art 

Example: We see a variety in stained glass art which shows many different shapes, sizes, and colors. 

Balance: to stabilize two different things evenly  

Example: When we look at each other, each human who has 2 arms and 2 legs, they are symmetrical, it balances the body, I’m not saying both sides are identical but there’s balance. 

Emphasis: To grab attention to one area of a picture using some kind of effect  

Example: Every day when we look up at the sky in the morning and there are no clouds, just blue sky, the sun is the focal point and at night the moon is the focal point. 

Subordination: to make something look less important by placement, color, size 

Example: When it is a cloudy day and there is a cloud covering the sun, the sky appears neutral and of lesser interest.  

Directional forces: a route for the eye to follow in art 

Example: When we look at another person and they are looking at something we tend to look in that direction to see what they are looking at.  

Repetition: when a certain form reoccurs, Rhythm: repeated forms in a design with related variations 

Scale: sizes related from one thing to another, Proportion: the relationship between the different forms, figures, or elements in artwork within a whole  

Example: scale is when we stand next to each other one may be tall, one may be short. 

WRITING AND LOOKING 

The Starry Night. Vincent Van Gogh. CH. 3 section 8 Texture.  

This painting was created using a variety of cool colors. It has different shades of blue, white, yellow, green, and brown. The artist uses thick brush strokes that appear to swirl and be circular in motion, that have directional forces that lead us to look at the focal point which is the moon. The stars are shining in yellow circular forms, and he seems to be using the repetitive hard, thick strokes that can tell us he is emotional and trying to connect to nature.  

CONNECTING ART TO YOUR WORLD 

Color has affected my life by helping me cope as I grew up. In middle school, I was always interested in the achromatic such as black because I liked the punk emo chicks and their style. I thought they looked so beautiful, and they always wear neutral colors. Everything they wore expressed who they were inside, expressed how they felt emotionally from their clothes to their hair. I was going through phases as a teen where I did not know who I was. I honestly felt lost. I was never into intense hues nor bright colors I was never girly enough to like them. Wearing neutral colors, especially black, made the younger me feel like I at least belonged somewhere. The color scheme for my life would be complimentary because different parts of my life have been flipped upside down as I grew up, but each part complimented each other and helped it stand out for the better. That is the beauty of my life, each color represents a certain part of it that was sad, but another part of it made me happy.  

ART PROJECT  

My nursing career is important to me and what I am passionate about. Nursing burnout is an important concept in nursing, so we must be there for one another.  

PHOTO/DESIGN 

Portrait  

Who: A homeless person by Lee Jeffries 

What does the picture hope to tell you about the person? That she is human. As a person goes through struggles in their life we have to remember that we are only human. 

Landscape 

Where is it? Cinque Terre Liguria Italy taken as the night is coming to an end. 

Still Life 

What is it? A lively plumeria flower with other dead ones on the street. 

Why include this stuff? The photographer included this stuff because he saw more than a flower, he saw a feeling, a beauty, a way to express himself.  

What is the message? The message of self expression behind a still life picture. This is a plumeria flower which represents a "new beginning." As the person seeing the picture there can be many emotions from hope and faith to sadness. I see both from a new beginning to an end, as long as the viewer sees more than just a flower. 

[belladonna-wright]

You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me

As Time Goes By - Chapter 11

Cambridge, May 1934.

Jessie takes an interesting day trip.

The air was full of the scent of spring time, fresh grass green in the air and petals drifting against the backdrop of a cornflower blue sky, as students laughed from the perfectly striped college lawns on the other side of the river. 

But even the way the sun beat crisply down could not quite dampen Jessie’s spirits. The Backs were cool and shaded, and she had a large hat on that spared her from the worst of it. The colleges were beautiful, in their way, all turrets and towers and flying-buttresses and stained-glass. The whole place practically hummed with history, and Jessie couldn’t help but feel a certain electricity in a place like that.

“You know,” a voice came from beside her, “You really didn’t have to walk me-”

“I know.” Jessie shrugged her shoulders lightly. “But how would I ever forgive myself, Nurse Mountford, if something dreadful happened to you before you got to your Aunt’s house?” 

Nurse Mountford laughed. “You really are quite ridiculous, Jessie.” She looped her arm through her friend’s as they strolled along. “What could possibly happen to me in broad daylight in the middle of Cambridge?”

“Well nothing,” Jessie smirked, “Not since I’m here-”

“Ridiculous, I tell you!”

Jessie laughed, feeling the weight of Nurse Mountford’s arm resting on hers, the warmth of it seeping through the long sleeve of her blouse. 

“All the same, thanks awfully for driving me,” the brunette smiled at Jessie. “I know I could have got the train but the timings really are quite a headache, and so frightfully dull! I mean, there’s only so long one can admire the scenery when it’s all just flat fields.”

Jessie smiled a little brighter, ignoring the sight of the sweeping lawns for a moment as she fixed her gaze instead on the way Nurse Mountford spoke, the way her features came to life with every word. 

“Oh, it was nothing.” She shook her head. “Besides, as I told you, it works out perfectly since I had wanted to stop in and see that production of Hamlet the students are putting on-” she lied. She was sure the production was quite the coup that it had been talked up to be by the arts columnists, and yet at the moment it seemed a very long way away. 

“And I’ve heard so much from you about how nice your Cambridge is, I thought I simply must see it for myself and find out what all the fuss is about.”

“No doubt you’ll have a list of its shortcomings by the ride home then,” the Nurse replied. 

“Well it should brighten things up from all those interminable flat fields,” Jessie teased back. There was a lightness, a small and precious glow that sat somewhere between her ribs, that had been gone a long time. “That and your singing-”

“Oh! No-” Nurse Mountford slapped her arm gently, “You are every bit as terrible as I am.” 

Jessie laughed again. 

“Excuse me-!” The sound of a bicycle bell rang out from behind them. Jessie leapt to one side, drawing her companion with her, and staring as a small gaggle of young men came flying past on rickety bicycles, skidding stones up in their way. “Sorry!” Several called out. 

Jessie glared at them, before she remembered the person stood very close to her. 

“Are you alright?”

There were patches, almost golden, in those grey-blue eyes in this light. 

Nurse Mountford stepped back, dusting herself off, trying to make sure she hadn’t got too much of the grit thrown up onto her dress. 

“Yes, yes. Quite alright,” she gave a shaky breath, looking up again. “Thanks to you.”

“Well I warned you,” Jessie looked her over. Yes she was a nurse but… “Didn’t I? These paths might be lethal without me.”

“Well how very lucky I was that you were here-” the young Nurse gestured to her friend. “Come along-”

Jessie blinked, and continued their stroll. 

“I wouldn’t want to be late, my Aunt really is a stickler for things like that.”

Jessie glanced at her friend. “That seems to run in the family, Nurse Mountford-”

“Well it’s simply good manners to be on time!” The brunette protested. “And in my profession one has to be exact about these things. I feel practically bereft without my uniform watch.” She gave a small sigh, re-checking the wristwatch she wore as its replacement. 

“And how many times must I ask you to call me Ellen?” 

Jessie rolled her eyes. She didn’t want to show her age, it just felt so … familiar. To call her Ellen, to be called Jessie by her, when really they hardly knew each other. Crossing that threshold meant crossing one of the imaginary lines that let her pretend that they were simply two strangers. 

“Usually at least another time,” she smiled innocently. 

“Impossible,” Ellen scoffed. “I’ll meet you at five? You’ll be alright?”

“I’ll be here,” Jessie nodded. “Oh! Hang on… what was that book you recommended?”

“The Loving Spirit-” Ellen called over her shoulder as she set off. “I’ve already told you I’d lend you mine!”

Jessie watched as the other woman wandered away, half compelled to wander with her to the very door but… She shook herself. Ridiculous, she was being ridiculous. But the sun was beating down now, and after strolling along the shadiest streets she could find she still found herself with a splitting headache. 

-

The library was blissfully dark, with high bookshelves which blocked out light from the long windows, the air was thick with the smell of books, old cracked leather covers, the ancient wood of the floorboards. 

Jessie sighed a relief, and began to meander among the shelves, trying to tread lightly. The place was practically deserted, given that the undergraduates had finished for the year already. A blissful retreat, empty apart from a handful of postgraduates, and the elderly professor hunched over a reading desk under a window. Her headache receding, Jessie ran her finger along the crinkled spines of books, without even realising her feet had carried her to the contemporary literature section. 

Du Maurier … well, it couldn’t do any harm to take a look, could it?

Her eyes fell, eventually upon a copy of the book, a pale cover with simple lettering. It didn’t seem it had been too heavily read yet, but the spine had been cracked, a few pages dog-eared. Jessie felt a smile tug at her lips as she leant back against the adjacent shelf and turned it over in her hands.

Then she looked up, head turning as she felt something strange, her brow knitting itself into a worried furrow, the book down by her side as she stood suddenly bolt upright. 

Jessie set it to the side, and made her way with soft footfall down towards the end of the aisle. There was a soft rushing noise, like a cool autumn breeze - she found herself face to face with a young woman, who’s face seemed ablaze with rage as she began to pull a bottle of something from her bag …

“Aye that’ll do you lot.”

A thick Scottish accent sounded somewhere behind Jessie. She turned. From between the dimly lit shelves, another figure emerged, shoulders bowed with age, the white of his fly-away hair belying the brightness in his blue eyes. 

“Put that away, you know I’ll have none of that in my damn library,” he scoffed at the young sorcerer. “And this one” - he jerked his thumb towards Jessie - “clearly isn’t here for anything to do with you. I caught her reading Du Maurier of all things-”

Jessie glanced with interest between the two of them, interesting rising as she realised she had clearly stumbled upon something far more interesting. 

The sorcerer seemed to bow to the authority of the stooped old vampire. Jessie’s shoulders relaxed as they stowed the bottle again, and seemed to melt back between the shelves. 

“Now… what are you doing in my library?” the stooped old figure, jabbing a finger towards her.