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accirax · 8 months ago

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Danganronpa: Despair Time Chapter 2 Episode 16 Dissection

Wow. Just wow. What a way to end off the chapter. (/pos)

I wasn't expecting to have a whole lot to theorize about with this one (especially given its relatively shorter length), but buckle in, because I'm sure I'm going to have a lot to say about the way that the end of this brilliant chapter played out...

Enough to call this a Part 1 again, much like I did last time. That means I have a rate of way over one image per minute...

SPOILERS for Danganronpa: Despair Time through the end of Chapter 2. (wild) Also spoilers for SDR2 through the beginning of Chapter 4.

When I was first watching the episode, I definitely had the thought, "I wonder if MonoTV is just saying this for the sake of engagement with the theoretical audience, because it seems like MonoTV should already know what the answer is due to its role and what the students just said." Based on what happens later in the episode, that was probably about correct? I dunno, there's a lot to unpack with MonoTV here.

Who Voted Teruko?

(For all two people who would understand the reference, please read that header in the tone of "who voted Sifu?" from Survivor 45. Or, really, I should probably say one person, because it's probably just Venus :P)

So, it's happened once again. While the clear majority of the votes are on the correct blackened, Ace, we have a single straggler who decided to vote for Teruko instead. But, who is this mystery person? Let's talk possibilities.

First, however, I think we should take a look at last Trial's voting results.

What I find strange is that the order of the students, even those who weren't voted for, changed. My guess was that students who receive votes are put at the front, students who are dead are put at the end, and the middle seems to be alphabetized by last name order?

Chiem - Cuevas - Fontana - Giles - Grebenshchikova - Hakobyan - Jing - Lacroix - Markey - Nageishi - Rosales - Tobisa - Young

Interestingly, if true, this means that J was being categorized as "J Rosales" even when she was still going by "J Moreno" in Chapter 1. Fascinating.

Anyways, the Chapter 2 board has shuffled things around. Obviously Min and Arei have been moved down since they died, and Ace was moved to the top because he now has votes. However, the end of the lineup also changed, for some reason.

Chiem - Cuevas - Fontana - Giles - Grebenshchikova - Hakobyan - Jing - Lacroix - Young - Tobisa - Rosales

What does this mean? Honestly, I have no clue. None of the students stayed in the same positions relative to each other (as in, Whit is no longer after Eden, Eden is no longer after J, etc), so I don't think it can be used to particularly suspect any of them? If anything, I think Eden would look the least suspicious, because at least she stayed in the middle while J and Whit swapped who was at the beginning or the end.

It's possible this was just an editing mistake, but I figured I'd point it out in case it helps anyone with their theories. (Clearly, it's just evidence that Whit is one step closer to becoming a Cuevas--)

Back to the original point, who was the one Teruko vote? In Chapter 1, I think it's pretty widely agreed upon that Min voted for Teruko. However, Teruko got two votes in Chapter 1, so the possibility remains that it could be the same person who's voted for Teruko twice now. I've gone on the record to say that I thought Arei was the one to provide Teruko her second vote in Chapter 1, but thankfully numberoneanika helped me to see how there could have been other options.

Obviously, Arei wasn't the one to vote for Teruko this time. So, with that in mind, here are my best theories:

Ace

Pros: Doesn't want to die, and therefore might not want to vote for himself. Probably the most obvious option.

Cons: At the end of 2-15, Ace was, all things considered, pretty accepting of his upcoming death. He said that the only reason he was fighting back was to stall for time, but that he knew that there was no way he'd get out of the Trial alive. Voting for Teruko doesn't help him delay the inevitable at all. If he were trying to cast a vote in the vain hope that it would save him from death, I would have expected it to go to Eden. Also, I doubt that Ace would have been the extra vote for Teruko in Chapter 1, to the extent that's important.

David

Pros: Dislikes Teruko and wants to cause chaos. It's also possible he could have cast the extra vote on Teruko in Chapter 1, if he had already made up his mind about wanting to take the killing game off the rails.

Cons: Honestly, I don't know if there are any direct cons to it being David who cast the vote. He might have been able to get more emotional damage for his buck if he'd voted for Eden or something? I don't know.

Teruko

Pros: Believes herself to be at least partially at fault for the deaths of her fellow classmates and doesn't like it. Therefore, if she can't bring herself to have another hand in their deaths by casting a vote on them, she could vote for herself (believing she can't die) instead. This is also an option that could easily be repeated across all Trials, if important.

Cons: If Teruko wants to proceed with not helping all of her other classmates die, it's in her best interest to vote correctly, instead of swaying the votes to an incorrect answer and having everyone but Ace die.

The Mastermind???

Pros: While it's not a guarantee, the mastermind likely has a grudge against Teruko (assuming the mastermind is not Teruko herself), due to the "kill Teruko Tawaki" missive/note. Therefore, they could be voting for her due to their grudge. From a narrative sense, this would also "ensure" that this phenomenon can happen at every Class Trial, if that's what DRDTdev wants.

Cons: Although I just laid out their motive, this would be an incredibly petty thing for the mastermind to do and could potentially give the innocent students needless additional information about their identity.

Conclusion? I think it's most likely to be David. After my blunder last time, though, I'm definitely willing to hear out other options if people have candidates to propose!

Also, it's nice that they updated David's portrait to include his new Look. I imagine some art intern scurrying around behind the scenes trying to find a good screenshot of David to use on the board in the last hour of the Trial.

Yo, wait, is that an anti-MM-coded line for Whit? Because the mastermind would obviously expect there to be more than one Trial? Can we get some more of these??? (/j)

Also kinda anti-Whit-knowingly-being-in-a-time-loop lines, for anyone who's been considering that theory. Unless he's just really deep undercover, to the level where he's interjecting lines that go against the theory to a group of people who have yet to suspect him for it at all.

LET'S GO NICO PARALLELS!!!!!!

Hu: How could you say it's just misfortune? Arei wasn't killed because of an accident. Bad luck or not, Ace had made up his mind to go through with this murder! So we can't possibly blame ourselves for failing to prevent something like that.

🔥🔥🔥THE BLAMING YOURSELF SISTERS🔥🔥🔥

Well, more or less. Teruko is fully blaming herself under the name of "misfortune"-- that much was made clear by the end of the episode, if nothing else. But Hu is coping by continuing to blame Ace convincing herself that there's nothing she could have done, and therefore isn't actually to blame. It doesn't matter how reliable she was-- because she was reliable, she promises-- because Ace was going to kill anyways. Basically, it doesn't matter how much of an immovable object she was because Ace was such an unstoppable force. Ignore the fact that the whole debate is about which of those would win.

Hu's stance is fascinating, though, because it means that she's somewhat buying in to the idea of fate. Arei was fated to die, Ace was fated to kill, no skin off your back. Given that MonoTV itself represents fate, it seems clear that one of the main messages of this story will be fate doesn't exist/is what you make it, which means that, to some degree, all of the characters will have to be representatives of or affected by that, with believing in the concept of immutable fate being represented as the villain. (I'm sure I'll talk about this more next time I talk about mastermind candidates.)

Therefore, Hu cashing in on the fate idea could be good or bad for her. It might be important that we establish that she does believe in fate, much like Teruko does, because she'll need to face it and denounce it on her way to survivor-hood. Or, this could be a subtle indicator that Hu will always lean on fate to protect her own sense of self, a red flag for her being a killer or possibly even a mastermind in the future.

Hu is clearly being set up to be a major player in Chapter 3, though, which is great for me, because that's exactly what I wanted! Let's get you some real daily life screentime, girl :)

Absolutely raw line here.

Eden: I... I can't forgive him. He killed Arei, after all. She was innocent, and he killed her for unfair reasons. But... those unfair reasons were unfair to him as well. Veronika: [...] When we first met Ace a week ago, he was the same person, certainly, but he was also different. He was happier, and he trusted people more. And he wasn't a murderer back then. Still, between then and now, he changed. He had to. Like adding stones to a pane of glass, one after another, until eventually, the glass cracks. The only thing anyone can do in this killing game is to shatter.

And another raw line from Veronika at the end of her section. I can't wait to see both of those lines used as captions for people's fanart.

Still though, on top of being true (and highlighting how Ace did actually change for the worse), this also feels like a reminder to us that the characters are changing over the course of the killing game. Therefore, a character who said one thing in Chapter 1 might not feel the same way once they hit Chapter 3 and beyond. Being in the killing game takes a toll on everyone, and the self-discovery it inspires can lead people to do things that they never would have done before. Case in point, Levi sacrificing himself for Teruko later in this episode.

SO true Veronika. Casual reminder to you all that this is literally only overall Day 8 of the killing game. Xander was alive less than one week ago for these people.

If I had a nickel for every time that Ace was compared to glass in Danganronpa: Despair Time Chapter 2 Episode 16, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

(Also, the clock-themed music is back. I wonder what it's supposed to represent...? *adds it to my already way too long list of theories to write now that the Chapter has ended*)

Genuinely WHAT was acevi cooking this episode. (/pos) I had never been super into the ship before because of how seemingly incompatible they were after the first trial, but seeing how much they clearly care about each other (or at least how much Ace cares about Levi) I'm kind of compelled to now. This truly was the toxic yaoi Trial ever.

Hey, FF called it in the "Blackened's Blaze of Glory" idea! Also, WOAH WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!

Let's go, Ace animation! It's nice to see that he was able to participate in one before he died. And wow, did he participate indeed!

It's kind of crazy how breakable MonoTV is due to its screen face. Like, you can't just do that to a Monokuma; his head is likely too hefty. But, even though MonoTV is breakable, it doesn't mean anything in the end. False hope at its finest.

This is the face of someone going, "wait, was it really that easy?"

HOLY SHIT

Out of all the lines and events of this episode, it's quite possibly this line that has made me go the most insane. Just goes to show that I am way too invested in the lore of this series. (/j)

So, this is a direct confirmation that XF-Ture Tech was involved in the creation of MonoTV, and therefore, quite possibly the implementation of the killing game as well. That's huge. I mean, not too unexpected given how important it clearly was to Xander, Min, and even altDRDT, but I wasn't expecting to get confirmation here and now of all places.

Given this, I would not be at all surprised if the altDRDT character known as XF is the one who created MonoTV. Like, she might be the Ultimate Roboticist or Ultimate Software Developer or something. It also means that the mastermind very likely has some sort of positive association with XF Tech, so sus on Min (sponsored by XF), Rose (has connections to one of the Spurlings), and possibly J (family runs in wealthy circles). Of course, if XF Tech is directly partnered with HPA in some way, it could also be someone who's particularly associated with the school-- although, that would most likely be Min again.

There's also the question, "why did MonoTV have a different personality than the default driver," which is related to the question, "what was the default driver created for?" My immediate thought was that XF Tech might just have robot assistants that generally help them, and that was the default personality that was assigned from MonoTV. However, XF (or whoever else) found that boring for the sake of entertainment, and decided to jazz MonoTV up, possibly to make it more like Monokuma.

Then again, it's been highlighted again and again that MonoTV is really incompetent. Surely, that's not something that someone who wanted the killing game to succeed would want to program into their host. It could have been an accidental side effect, but if MonoTV really was made by the Ultimate Roboticist, would that person really make mistakes? Is it possible that MonoTV's personality could have been made that way to subtly sabotage the killing game?

(I understand I'm furthering logic off of a string of assumptions-- not trying to lay down the law here, just running you through my initial thought process upon considering this evidence.)

Given that MonoTV told us in Chapter 2 Episode 3 that it has a lot of limits and there's a lot it still doesn't know about the killing game, I don't think that this is a situation in which MonoTV's AI expanded so much over time that it developed a new personality. Especially because that means that all that development would have needed to happen before the killing game began, off screen. That's why I think that MonoTV's alternate personality needs to have a human explanation, which I believe might be tied to XF.

I don't have any "answers" to this question because I don't think we're meant to have any at this point, but I also can't make any particularly compelling guesses about it without reviewing a lot of the evidence we already have. (*adds another theory to my mental theory list*) I am thinking about this though. I'm thinking about it a lot...

MonoTV: Full restart scheduled in one hour.

Also, I take this to mean that MonoTV will likely be back to its usual personality come Chapter 3. It might have a slightly different design to take into account the broken screen, but I think the personality will remain the same.

(If MonoTV's body does get fixed, would that mean that there are multiple copies of MonoTV out there, or that someone fixed MonoTV within that tight time window???)

MonoTV is in your walls.

Also, here's a list of all the students who are shown reacting in a confused/scared manner after MonoTV begins to restart: Eden, Rose, Ace, Nico. Doesn't mean that they can't be the mastermind all of a sudden, but it is probably evidence to the contrary. After all, the mastermind would likely be the one most aware that this could happen. And, if you only build in four slots of people reacting in disbelief (such that there are plenty of people who could slip under the radar), it might make more sense to give those lines to people who are actually genuinely shocked, much like the audience.

Also also, I think that the text on MonoTV's screen reads, "Falling back to default driver. Restart in an hour." AKA, not much lore to be taken from there, other than that it's once again called the "default."

It's MonoTV Time Again

More absolutely essential information when it comes to cracking what exactly MonoTV is. This is a killing game that is, first and foremost, designed to kill everyone, not going for anything like "redemption" or "revealing the truth."

It's also fascinating that it says "every participant." Not even "every participant except one"; the killing game wants to kill everybody. What does that tell us?

This killing game is likely NOT an attempt to imitate Junko. In that case, they would be prepared for the possibility of multiple survivors.

The mastermind, assuming they're amidst the cast, is willing to die for the bit. Every participant includes themselves.

XF-Ture Tech also default wants everyone to die. This likely means that they were willing to sacrifice Min for whatever this plan was. Sorry, Min :(

Now, it is definitely possible that any of these ideas are an overstatement. Killing all of the students is stated to be MonoTV's purpose, NOT the purpose of the killing game as a whole. Therefore, it could be that MonoTV is programmed to want all of the students to die, to minimize the chance that it would develop any feelings of sympathy and start to work against the killing game. Meanwhile, the mastermind is expecting there to be one or more survivors, potentially including themselves.

However, that is just a minor potential discrepancy, and I find it likely that DRDTdev intended this scene to comment more on the rationale of the killing game as a whole. In which case, this is a fascinating look into the mastermind and XF Tech's rationale.

He cares about Charles so much :,) <3

I know some people have been using this as reason to suspect him ("why would he be more focused on Charles not getting traumatized than telling Teruko, who he theoretically also cares about, to run"), but personally, I didn't read it that way at all. (I say as, like, the #1 Whit Isn't Evil defender lmao)

First of all, from a pacing perspective, I think it was nice to have a quick break from people just telling Teruko to run. We have Eden saying that, followed by Charles saying that, so having the third instance be something a little different helped break up the repeat information, in my opinion. J tells Teruko to run immediately afterwards anyway, so you still get the same effect of everyone warning Teruko as the clock ticks down.

Secondly (and more importantly), I think that this could easily be an indication of Whit seeing Charles as sort of an extension of his mom. Not in the sense that he sees Charles as family, but that Whit had one person who he really, really cared about, and he couldn't stop them from dying or being hurt. Even though Whit does generally care about the others, after Xander and Min died, he realized that he wouldn't be able to save everyone. And, he wasn't even particularly interested in trying in the first place-- after all, he said that solving the fights between others wasn't his business, so it's not like he's trying to be everyone's savior.

If Teruko is already dead, then that's how it's going to be; there's nothing he can do about it. But he can try to protect the person he cares about most in this killing game from suffering, because he refuses to have that person exit his life again. The fact that Whit is prioritizing Charles' safety over anything else in this moment will only make it all the sadder when Whit fails to prevent Charles from dying in Chapter 3, and make the impact of his returning loneliness all the more catastrophic.

Obviously, that's just my theory and not a fact, but I do think that it's one reasonable way to explain why Whit said that here without having to cast him in any sort of suspicion. It's a possibility.

Yet another instantly iconic line. I'm so happy that DRDTdev is doubling down with this being the reality of Teruko's talent, because pushing the abilities of someone who's talented with luck is so fun!

Although, not gonna lie, in this moment, I was actually flabbergasted and frantically running through options of who I thought the replacement protagonist might be. Like, Eden? Charles?? When people said they thought David might become the protagonist, THEY DIDN'T MEAN FOR CHAPTER 3!!!

Also, absolutely diabolical to hide Teruko's execution in plain sight as the thumbnail, under the guise that this was meant to represent Ace's death. Gosh.

But it was actually Levi who got shot, which is fascinating! I also thought they might kill him here as sort of a pre-emptive double kill (as in, "keep on pace with the typical number of fangan survivors while not actually having to explain why a double kill occurred"), but from the way the rest of the episode plays out, I think it's pretty clear that he'll live through this experience.

He'll almost certainly have some sort of design update, though, which I'm excited to see. Let's hope he doesn't suddenly turn into a robot, a la Nekomaru. (I imagine this scene may have originally been inspired by creating an alternate take on Nekomaru taking a bullet for Akane.)

As for why Levi did this for Teruko, Venus explained to me what I now believe is probably the most likely reason: he's repaying a perceived "debt" he owed to Teruko after she saved him from being executed back in the Prologue. (Other people may have reached this conclusion as well, but I heard it from Venus first)

Teruko already saved his life once before, so now, he believes he owes it to her to save hers. Obviously, Teruko seemed pretty confident about surviving the execution, but he may have still thought that causing her to suffer a coma or the loss of a limb was big enough of a threat that she shouldn't have to suffer through it.

That sort of idea would also tie into what I originally thought might have been some of his reasoning: that he doesn't think very highly of his own life, and was willing to sacrifice it for someone who he considered "good"/more important than him. It would also allow him to die as a hero saving someone's life, rather than a heartless monster who ended lives. Not saying that this is a healthy rationale, but, well, the guy just threw himself in the line of fire for someone who said they'd be fine. Also, it's DRDT. Nobody here has a healthy rationale.

Btw, this ⬇

Levi: I don't understand. I can't understand you, no matter how hard I try.

Is the last thing that Levi was ever able to say to Ace (as well as Levi's last line of the Chapter). Have fun with that, acevi nation.

My heart broke in half when I saw Rose react in this way. Hang in there, queen...

MonoTV: Don't worry. I shut off the gun as soon as I detected that Levi was in the way. His injuries are not fatal.

Also, MonoTV's default programming still includes it saying things like "don't worry"? Fascinating.

Motherfucker Not Another Clearly Important Info Jumpscare-- (/j)

So, uh. Whit got a new sprite in Chapter 2 Part 2 other than his trying not to laugh one. Yaaaaaaay... (dissolves into tears)

Points of interest about the sprite itself: obviously, this is the closest thing that we've gotten to a scary/breakdown sprite for Whit thus far.

If you look at his eyes, you'll see that they've gone gray/black as opposed to his usual blue, and his heart-shaped pupils and arrow-circle design have gone completely missing. This makes him I believe the third character whose eyes turn gray when they're experiencing negative emotions thus far, after Xander and David. Another knight at the table of Sir Light Pollution! Although, notably, Xander and David's eyes always had some gray in them, while Whit's, prior to now, were 100% blue.

Whit is also holding one hand behind his back, which could be concealing something? I saw a comic (which I thought was drawn by gooseagain8, but I checked their account and I couldn't find it--) where he was holding a remote to keep the Trial doors shut behind his back, and now I can't think of anything else, haha. However, I also don't know where Whit would have gotten that remote from, so it's probably not that specifically.

I don't think I even have to explain why people would use this to think that Whit is the mastermind. It's pretty obvious. However, I do think that this probably diminishes the odds of Whit being your standard "revealed in Chapter 6" mastermind, because it's so obvious. Fangan authors, naturally, can do whatever the hell they want, but it seems unfitting for DRDTdev's behavior so far to give such a massive hint for something that's so far down the road. I say this because, with the mysteries of Mai, and XF Tech, and who says the quotes at the beginning of the Chapters, and LGI, DRDTdev seems to have a track record of enjoying a long-running mystery, and making complex, layered puzzles that the most insane of fans can go back and forth on for hours.

If this was meant to be a hint that Whit will be revealed as the mastermind in Chapter 6, I'd think we'd get, like, a sprite with Whit's hand behind his back but without the scary expression, or he'd say something more subtle like "don't you just love it when you can't get the door open?"

Instead, we get this incredibly in-your-face, obviously suspicious sprite, that even someone who had never seen an episode of DRDT before in their life could easily point out to suspect that Whit is evil. So then, why else could it be included?

One option is that it is meant to foreshadow that Whit will take on a more villainous role, but in the shorter term. He could be revealed as a mastermind or traitor in Chapter 3. My problem with this sprite as evidence of Whit as a late-game mastermind is that this is a really big hint. Generally, with a reveal like that, you'd probably want to build up to the reveal with bigger and bigger hints. For instance, you could say that DRDTdev started off with the small hint that Whit knows a lot about what people think, then move up to the medium hint that he and MonoTV have similar styles of humor and meta jokes, then move to the bigger hint that Whit suddenly knows a ton about how hanging works, for some reason. This piece of evidence is such a big hint that Whit is the mastermind (under the assumption that it is that) that I don't really know where you'd go from here without just saying that Whit is the mastermind. We've eliminated the possibility that the hints could grow any bigger, cutting the trail off early. Therefore, at the moment, I think this only (narratively) works if this is the last hint we get that Whit is the mastermind, which would mean that Whit would have to be outed soon.

Alternatively, I definitely think it's possible that DRDTdev is setting up Whit as an intentional red herring, a bait with which to divert the audience's attention away from whoever the real mastermind is. It could just be a fun game for the fandom, or actually come into play in the main plot in the future, if someone accuses him of being the mastermind on these charges. That's sorta the assumption I'd been operating off of before witnessing this scene. However, if that's the case, then DRDTdev shouldn't just have Whit do all of these things without creating an in-universe explanation for why he did them. Whit would have to have a completely innocent reason for striking this pose at this point, which... oh boy.

Not gonna lie, it's been difficult for me to come up with a non-sus explanation for this sprite that doesn't make it sound like I'm 100% coping, but I'll try my best. Anybody got some more of those spare anti-MM-coded Whit lines I asked for earlier?

Given the presentation of DRDT, when we see this sprite of Whit, we don't know what he's looking at. It's easy to jump to the assumption that he's looking at the students who are trying to open the door, but it's also possible that he's just looking at the door itself. Like, he's also just expressing his anger at the door for not opening.

If that's the case, it would probably be for the same rationale that I used to justify his line protecting Charles earlier. He doesn't want Charles to suffer, which means that he wants Charles out of this room now. The hand behind the back, then, is a tad confusing, but there are a few explanations I can think of.

The first is that this sprite was created with further uses in mind down the road. For instance, if Whit later hides a gun behind his back (don't ask how or why he would non-suspiciously have a gun), then this sprite may have been prepared to handle that circumstance so that it doesn't have to be redrawn later. Of course, to this point, DRDTdev hasn't held back with creating unique sprites for unique situations-- check out how many sprites Teruko and Ace have for likely just this episode. So, it's probably more likely that, if Whit does need to hide something behind his back later, it would have been drawn then.

The second is that just the hand is a red herring. The facial expression is real (being mad at the door), but DRDTdev made him hide his hand behind his back so that people would think he was concealing something. Overall, I think that's an acceptable level of red-herring-ness. You aren't faking something as big as the facial expression itself, but you still throw in a little false lead to throw the audience off of the scent. However, in an ideal world, there would still have to be an in-universe explanation for why he did it. Unless he just chose this moment to scratch his lower back, I don't know what that would be.

That's all I have for now, but I don't necessarily think that this sprite means that Whit has to be evil in some capacity. However, it's done the best job so far of making me think that he is, so I'll keep my mind open to that in the future.

This is such an excellent end to Ace's character. Like, I was already nodding my head along with all of the people who expressed why Ace's death here was narratively satisfying, but having him finally accept death in order to save Levi's life is a beautiful cherry on top.

I like it because it doesn't make Ace's death as overall depressing as everyone thought it would be. Ace was about to die believing that he was a piece of shit who never changed, even when everyone else wanted him to and was able to themselves. But, even if he might not have realized it, accelerating his own death for Levi's sake means that he did change. He was finally able to conquer his fears by looking them straight in the face. And, if the theories are correct that Ace had a hand in Taylor's death...

Ace: Because... because Levi is gonna fucking die, and I'm going to have a third goddamn death on my hands!

(Here's iistardust-and-sprinklesii's post, which first brought the idea that "third death" might mean that Ace was adding Levi on to his kill count of Arei and Taylor to my attention, at least.)

...it means that he also got to save a friend this time instead of killing him.

Obviously Ace's death is still a tragedy-- every death in the killing game is-- but just like Arei, he was still able to improve himself from who he was before he died. It's a really poetic ending that really hammers in the point that everyone has the capacity to be a good person, even in their last moments.

Really really really loved Logan's performance as Arturo here. This is the most... I don't know, human? Arturo has ever sounded. He sounds really young and afraid, which is totally befitting of the scene. It's not like I now believe that Arturo is a great guy and shoo-in survivor or anything, but it endeared me a lot to his character.

Also "I have no experience with saving lives" Felicity OOF.

This CG goes so fucking hard. First of all, I love the way that DRDTdev drew the hair and the fabric folds. They're always great, but I think that the extra sharpness and blockiness going on here serves the pointedness yet bluntness of Ace's words. Second of all, THE COLORS. Not only has everything become more red to highlight the fire and passion behind Ace's words, but it's also ACE'S COLOR. Ace is literally dyeing Arturo with his final message before he dies. I don't think we've really seen Arturo and Ace interact before (other than implied horror trio, I guess), so this was a fascinating move to make with regards to Arturo's character moving forward.

This is another way that Ace's character ends satisfyingly. Kind of funny that he's parroting this message when he just internalized it from Teruko, like, 15 minutes ago, but I understand why it resonated with him. And, like Levi, why he might have overstated this lesson so that he could go out as (even more of) a hero.

Execution Rambling Time!

This execution had a lot going on, so I expect to have a lot to say about it. We'll start here, with the name: Thanatophobia. For anyone who wasn't aware, it means, "fear of death." Totally makes sense, especially given Ace's eventual cause of death. I guess MonoTV/the mastermind/XF Tech(??? INSANE) knew enough about Ace to know that he was going to die of fright at the end? Eh, that's how most executions work, so I don't think it gives us too much to work with.

However, this is a confirmation that executions in DRDT are more based on what will cause students despair than directly what their talent is. It was kind of hard to tell with Min, given that her talent (Ultimate Student) and her fear of failing and being wrong kind of went hand in hand. However, horses were not the focus of this execution; Ace's personality was. Cool to keep in mind for future executions.

Drdtblingsceo (and perhaps others, but they were the first person I saw) was able to make out that not only does the grave on the left say "Taylor Riley," but the two other graves also say "Felicity Giles" and "Elliot Cuevas." (You can't really make it out in my screenshots, but you can see it better in the linked post. Sorry, I have a fairly old computer :( ) Terrible news for Mr. Riley, but great news for us when it comes to speculating about Ace's past. I wonder what caused Ace's secret to be about his eating disorder, rather than his dead friend that he seemingly blames himself for?

I was very closely inspecting this frame to see if it would contain any easter eggs about what happened in Xander's past. As far as I can tell, the article titles read, from right to left:

Unexplained Illness Kills Thousands

More People Are Dying of Cancer Than Ever Before

Flu Season Claims Thousands of Lives

Chronic Kidney Disease Mortality Death Toll Continues to Climb

??????? (I don't think this one actually has any text)

Falling Rates of Survival for Hospitalized Patients

Antibiotic-Resistant Infections a Growing Threat in Hospitals

Article #1 is the article that's zoomed in on for dramatic effect. As far as I can see, none of the actual paragraphs of any of the articles are legible.

We can fully rule out #2, #3, and #4 as being related to Xander-- those are all real-world diseases that don't really match up with the sickness Xander described. #5 is also out, because, even if it was meant to relate to Xander, it has no content, and therefore, nothing to analyze. I don't know why it's there, but it gives nothing.

#1, #6, and #7 all have the possibility of being related to Xander-- most likely #1, given that it was the one that was zoomed in on-- but that's only because they're vague. Therefore, we can't really learn anything more about the North C and Chariton incident from them. Still a good idea to check them, in my opinion, but they don't seem to bear any fruit.

Goddammit, do I really have to run out of images *now*? Like, in the middle of the execution? Fine, I'll be back to finish what I've started in a bit. Thank you for reading this far, and look out for the reblog hopefully later today!

#drdt #danganronpa despair time #drdt spoilers #drdt chapter 2 part 2 spoilers #monotv #ace markey #teruko tawaki #hu jing #whit young #levi fontana #arturo giles

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theresourcedhunt · 3 months ago

Text

INDIE ROLEPLAY SET UP :

You must give credit if you take some or all of my set-up pieces as your own. This doesn't include the templates that I didn't make. But if you use the same templates, tagging, format, etc as me or some of the mixed bags (not just templates alone) then crediting me is mandatory as you didn't come up with the mixed bag.

some of the templates I used in my set up are NOT made by me. There is credit linked for everyone to grab them if you want.

if you have any questions please feel free to message me

PINNED POST

URL HERE a BLANK TYPE OF BLOG written by ALLIAS ( PRONOUNS / PRONOUNS, +AGE, TIMEZONE ). All triggers are tagged extensively. All muses are canon divergent, influenced by their source material. this blog doesn't adhere to strict canon. STARTED ON 00 / 00 / 0000.

guidelines . . . muse list . . . navigation . . . meme tag . . . writing sample . . . interaction call . . . promo . . . blogroll . . . credits . . . spotify . . . pinterest . . . sideblog

used this header psd by carestuff but edited ● font I used was Blackadder ITC for the top, Forte for the bottom

used this website for a fancy font ( I used the font called "BOLD FONT" )

Casual reminder that if you link a Google doc or to Spotify, that it will show your name, so make sure you are using a roleplay / burner based account so no one has access to your personal information, such as your real name.

TAGGING SYSTEM

I created this section in Google Docs for every single one of my muses. Below is a link to the symbols I used.

❥ . . . ( tester | tester )

ARC VS VERSE : every single character gets both an arc and a verse that is undecided. Since you can search by both ARC and VERSE, I felt this would make the most sense. A verse is the overreaching section, so for example, SUPERNATURAL is a show, so it gets its own verse. Now for an ARC, I would be putting different sections in for, say, I want Hope to have a soulless arc, then that would be where that would go. Or say I want Hope to have an arc that she has her humanity off, it would fall under the arc section. It's not a big enough theme for me to make it a whole verse.

I can use the tag of no humanity in an arc repeatedly. Combined with, say, searching my Queen of Nola verse and the arc of no humanity, it should give you all of the information written about her no humanity time in said verse. Above picture shows you how I format my verse posts.

CHARACTER ID: This is an overreaching tag that covers pretty much anything written by me for that character, so answered asks, interactions, headcanons, drabbles, etc. all fall in line with this. You could also add it to your visage and musing tags, but I personally don't find that helpful.

This is an example of my tags underneath a reply of mine. More will be explained soon about what everything else means.

This is what I used to tag all the different types of calls I make. So someone can click on, say my meme call, and get to like a call for them to be sent memes.

Any reblogged content went here minus the ask memes, but you could very well put ask memes there as well.

This section is anything related to my set up. Now, I have two different blogs (more to come on why I do that later). This kind of shows you how I break things up.

The extra section is really anything that I couldn't figure out where it might go. So promos, scheduled posts, dash games, etc.

This one feels very self-explanatory. Anything that I personally want saved goes here

This section is anything created by me or something I agree with strongly. Graphics are different than my adventures in ps. The first for me is like character edits, while the second one is maybe asking for opinions or showing people what I am excited for.

I'm not a huge talker in the tags person. However, I do find a few things helpful to point out like when something might be triggering, if one should look at a link I put in my replies, making sure that people know to send the whole prompt not just the symbol (in case it takes me a moment to get it done and I need to know what the instructions for the meme was to prevent deleting a meme because all I see is a symbol or word and therefore have no idea which meme it is attached to. Sending the whole sentence is helpful and doesn't require a two-step process like asking for the meme and the link simultaneously. It is also beneficial to tell people to tell me what muse things are for as well, so that way I am not playing a guessing game.

The potentially triggering topic for me is an overall tag for triggers. I do also break it down into say " clowns tw " as well just for blacklisting purposes. However, the blanket tag covers so that say I forget someone is triggered by something and I forgot to tag it, there is a possibility that this might save it a little bit.

This section of tagging is where I get an overview of things. So, say you aren't looking for any muse's writing in particular that you want to see, but you want to see if we are a good fit to write together. Then you might want to see all my writing, which has answered asks, headcanons, drabbles, and interactions in it. Or maybe you only want to see thread interactions, so you'd go to all replies.

Since there might be a lot of tags (depending on if you are a multiuse or not), I recommend using a Google Docs or a draft post to hold all of your tags for easy keeping.

FORMATTING

The two dividers are from two different sources. The thin one was made by theresourcedhunted, and the thick one was made by dividing by underesources. However, I edited it to remove many of the fancy pieces as I wanted something a tad simpler.

To make my gifs centered without editing them, I use THIS blank space / image.

❝ ❞ is what I use for my dialogue around spoken words. ● A tutorial on making adding coloring to your replies faster without going into the HTML, but a single time. You could always use the few colors tumblr has built in for simplicity.

There are about 4 to 5 spaces between my dialogue and the rest of my text. I'm still trying to figure out what I like personally in that department.

To simplify things, if you use a Windows computer to hotkey and streamline some things, I use aText, a Microsoft Store application. All I have to do is enter a specific combo of letters and words to get a unique key or spacing that I set up myself.

【 ✉️ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄 】 : this is for any sent messages by my muse. Again, the fancy font is the same one I used in my pinned post. You could use fancy emojis and things. I colored the text of the name and bold it. The actual text is in a small-sized font along with regular normal Tumblr font.

【 📩 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄 】 : this is what I tend to use for messages that my message receives. So, if I am writing a reply that my muse is talking to their friend, but my muse's mother texts them, and I want to show it, that is how I do it.

I personally like to link in headcanons in my replies and things for others to read if needed, share links to songs that might be heard in a reply, or pinterest links to images of maybe the muse's style that is relevant to a reply. I mentioned this in my rules so others know that there will never me links to malware or anything else and is always in good faith.

My formatting doesn't really change for headcanons. I use bolded fonts for the header of each headcanon. Then, bullet points might make it easier for others to find information and read.

every post that I make that isn't a starter tends to follow the same spacing that I mentioned being between my dialogue and using the same bolded font that I always use and was linked above.

Now onto another important thing being what all do I make headers for?

photoshop adventures

liveblogging tv shows

out of character posts

biography post

links section

arcs section

lore post

headcanon post

locations post ● pretty much anything that I think of that could use a title gets a header

You can find my stats template HERE

To show dead pets, siblings, parents, etc. I tend to use ✞ for deceased family and pets

the icon template that I made (without the fade to black)

fade to black ( photoshop action ).

This is what I am currently working on icons for my blog.

gif made by me. could use any template from HERE

my dash icon is currently from HERE, but you could use anything from HERE

MUSE LIST

This is what my muse list looks like. All of my stats go to my sideblog. My sideblog's pinned post looks like my pinned post on my main blog. For the title of all fandoms, they are in the same bold heading that I have done thus far.

OPEN . . . means accepting memes & starters without plotting SEMI SELECTIVE . . . means accepting memes & starters without plotting but will be slower to respond SELECTIVE . . . means accepting memes & starters but would prefer plotting with this muse and I will be slower to respond PLOT BASED . . . means that I don't accept memes & starters for this muse without plotting first. If you ignore this, then your request / meme will be denied. EXCLUSIVE . . . means that this muse is for only a certain number of people. click the link on their name to figure out who this meme is for.

These few things explain what my muse list is like regarding organization.

RULES

𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐍 . . .

𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 . . .

𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 . . .

𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 . . .

𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐅𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄 . . .

𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄 . . .

𝐒𝐌𝐔𝐓 . . .

𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄 ≠ 𝐌𝐔𝐍 . . .

𝐀𝐒𝐊 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐒 . . .

𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒 + 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 . . .

𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐔𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 . . .

𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 + 𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 . . .

𝐀𝐈 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 . . .

𝐃𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓 . . .

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐒 . . .

𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 . . .

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌. . .

𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 . . .

𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 & 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 . . .

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆 . . .

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐒 . . .

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐒 . . .

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 . . .

𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 . . .

𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 . . .

𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃 . . .

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 . . .

𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐍𝐎'𝐒. . .

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 . . .

𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 . . .

𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 . . .

𝐌𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 . . .

𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐀 . . .

𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 . . .

𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 . . .

𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐒 . . .

𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐒 . . .

𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 . . .

𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐎 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐌𝐘 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 . . . ● I used the same unique font and bolding/coloring as usual for everything. Then, I did everything else in the regular Tumblr font. ● Some of these sections might not be needed in your case, or you might find you need to add more sections. Do whatever works for you.

Alright, here is a tip. If you have several tags and want to narrow down, say, a certain verse that has headcanons about it, as long as you know what the tag names are, you could enter both tags separated by a + in the middle to get all the posts between two tags (and possibly more, but I have not checked that out). So, if you are really organized tag-wise, then you can easily filter things out.

#rph #rpt #rpc #rpo #( mine ).#( my formatting ).#( my tumblr set up ).#( my tutorial ).

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clubdionysus · 1 year ago

Text

[BAD DECISION #37] Faking It

warnings: pleased be seated for THE JANITORS CLOSET hehe, and iconic chapter in the bd universe. seokjin! pregnancy scares! tittie worship, thigh riding, semi-public, a lil self-pleasure, multiple orgasms, kissing <33, cum in panties??, idk, one of my fave bd smut scenes and they don't even shag! there's a lot of plot in there. all the fave characters!! and the biggest villains!!

a/n: i figured out the wrong headers!! this header was actually the og 36 header and the og 37 header is what I used for 36 lol

also also also i knew i said there would be more updates tonight buuuut I finished write #60 today so I'm editing that instead hehe. there's a direct reference to something said in this chapter in #60!

wc: 18k

bd total wc: 540k (ongoing)

AO3 | MASTERLIST | MINORS DNI

In the quiet bustle of Jeongguk's favourite downtown cafe, Yoongi frowns.

"Are you even listening to me, Gguk?"

On the table sits a half-drunk coffee, the bitter taste a little too much for Jeongguk at this time in the morning. Notebooks open, pens scattered on the driftwood table, Jeongguk has spent the morning earnestly scrawling down revisions to his business plan.

The centrepiece of the table - a single white rose in a thin vase has been put on an empty seat. Just would have been in the way.

Also kind of made Jeongguk's blood boil, but he knows he shouldn't be irrationally angry at a fucking flower. A nice one at that. An expensive one.

Just like Seokjin had made sure to remind you on his calling card.

Happy Birthday, Darling. Exquisite roses for an exquisite girl. You can pretend they're from your new guy if you like - I'm sure he agrees you deserve the best that money can buy. All my love x

Stupid prick hadn't signed his name, but he has set a precedent. There's only one person who'd send you white roses. Not just a dozen. Not two dozen. Three fucking dozen. Thirty-six.

36 identical, soulless roses destined to die within a week or so, already embarking on their demise.

Danbi had snorted. "What's that? A rose for each time he cheated?"

You had smiled. Shook your head. "Think four dozen would be needed for that."

Jeongguk had been with you when you'd redistributed the roses to your CU ajumma aunties, and had to deal with their scrutinising eyes. Had smiled, and played nicely, even when they called Seokjin the 'handsome one'. As much as he might hate that tall mother fucker, he's got a pair of eyes. Knows he's a bloody god.

And so Jeongguk had moved the rose on his table out of sight before he even realised that he would need to.

The display of his iPad, which is still covered in your small fingerprints from lazy days wasted in his bedroom, has dimmed. It obscures the last revision of the plan. Hides it away from prying eyes.

A work in progress for years, now, he started planning for the samgyeopsal restaurant during his first semester of university. Had been a hypothetical project that he just hasn't been able to let go of. Like a first love, it kept coming back to the forefront of his mind.

For a little while - he's not sure how long; three, maybe four minutes - Jeongguk has been watching the beads of condensation sweat down the side of his glass. The straw, given to him by a barista with a warm smile and nothing else remotely interesting about her, lays beside the glass, still encased in its plastic wrapper.

He hears your voice and its tone of concern each and every time he raises the now-wet glass to his lips.

Careful, Koo. It'll hurt your teeth.

With every fabricated iteration of your concern, his mile-a-minute heart temporarily eases. For those scarce moments, it doesn't feel as if it'll burst straight out of his chest from the sheer exhausting stress of the unknown; His future. Yours. The one that you may or may not have together.

Funny how you're the main source of his stresses right now, and yet are the only thing able to ease them.

And so the straw remains as it is - still, untouched - just so he can pretend you care.

Dazed and most definitely confused when he looks up, Jeongguk's vacant eyes land on Yoongi. There's a frown on the older mans face, but a softness to his eyes.

"Hm?" Jeongguk hums. "Sorry?"

Sighing, Yoongi reaches for the straw that Jeongguk has so purposefully left discarded. Snaps the thin plastic wrapper apart. Reaches over and pushes the straw through a cluster of stubborn ice that just refuses to melt. Helps his friend in a way that makes total sense, and yet Jeongguk's mind is so jumbled up that it almost feels an attack.

It's him who frowns, now. Dimples form in the creases between his lips and cheeks, a thick line making itself known in the ridge between his eyes. Yoongi pays it no notice. Simply says, "Coffee'll stain your teeth. You'll thank me when you're older."

Perhaps he will. For now, Jeongguk's teeth are still pearly white. He's no need to worry about them.

"What wrong with you, huh?" Yoongi presses. "Spent all of last week badgering me to help you out, and now that I am, you've been a world away all morning. What gives?"

For all of the words that he could use to rabbit on about you for hours upon hours, they all seem to be stuck in his throat, dryly swallowed down like bitter pills sticking against his oesophagus.

To mention you now would be to admit that you occupy all vacancies inside his brain, in each and every waking moment. You're there in the moments he doesn't spend awake, too. A constant. Just as permanent as the glitter that's trapped between the woven threads of his cotton comforter, and as deeply embedded into him as the tattoos on his skin.

Pressing his lips together, piercing flipping in the corner of his mouth like it so often does, Jeongguk shrugs. "Sorry. Think my brain is shutting down."

If Yoongi suspects anything other than this as a viable excuse, he doesn't mention it. Just nods. Accept the white lie, and Jeongguk hopes he knows there's a white flag tied around it, too.

It's not that he wants to lie to Yoongi. He just doesn't want to be honest with himself.

Phone face down on the table, Jeongguk's device holds a whole host of contradictory search terms in his browser history. Questions he could probably ask Yoongi, but won't. Questions he should ask you, but most definitely won't.

Girlfriend - cause he figures it will bring back more results than fwb, or whatever else he could equate you to - missed her period, what should I do? Do girls miss periods often? Missed period, meaning, what? Having a baby with fwb, what now? Abortions? What if an abortion doesn't work? Is adoption good for the baby? How to be a single dad? What if only one person wants to keep it? What the fuck oenejoiegohhfo e.

The final result is still open in his browser. Was about three in the morning. Jeongguk had been sweating beneath his duvet, skin just as clammy as the condensation rings that have soaked into the wooden table from his iced coffee glass.

Nothing is confirmed. No test has been done - and yet he's thinking about where a playmat would fit in the living room, but also knows the name of the clinic downtown that would quickly and effectively prevent that from ever being his reality.

"We've made good progress," Yoongi tells Jeongguk. "Can take a break, if you like? Got a couple weeks till your meeting with the bank. Still got time."

There's no place in Jeongguk's business plan for a baby. He half wonders if maybe he should ask Yoongi where to factor it in. Knows better.

So instead, Jeongguk nods. "Yeah. Think that might be good. Sorry."

Yoongi just dismisses it. Tells Jeongguk it's fine, and really means it. Knows that trying to straighten out the fine details of a hypothetical business is harder than it would first appear. They've been troubleshooting; thinking of problems just for the sake of it. Making sure that Jeongguk's application for a business loan is airtight.

Of all of his friends, Yoongi is the only one who's ever been through anything similar. Is a fountain of knowledge with a wealth of experience that he's lucky enough to have access to.

Jeongguk half-thinks he must be mad for jumping in head first with this restaurant idea of his. Isn't sure he's got what it takes. Just knows he has to at least try, so he can say he can. So that even if he suffers the lows of failure, he will have experienced the highs of hope. Maybe even the uncharted territory of success.

"Could be a good idea to talk some things through with other people," Yoongi offers. "Someone in hospitality. Maybe DB. Get different scenarios neither of us have thought of yet."

Jeongguk doesn't need any more make-believe scenarios where you're involved. Has already thought of far too many all by himself.

But Yoongi doesn't know that, and Jeongguk would like to keep it that way. "Yeah. Maybe you're right."

It's this encouragement from Yoongi that has a text from Jeongguk pinging through to your phone a quarter of an hour later. Phone in your back pocket, you'll check the notification that buzzed quietly in a moment or so.

For now, you're locked in conversation with a woman who is both everything you fear and everything you want to be. Peachy-cheeked, with a crystal white smile and lips that are somehow perpetually glossed, Jina has been talking you through the upcoming event that Taehyung is showcasing for at the Ryu.

"I was really impressed - hold on," she huff a little through the strain of reaching across the desk for her file. You immediately get to your feet to help her out. Her peach cheeks are now pretty pink apples. She exhales a deep-rooted breath and plonks back into her own chair. Laughs at herself, and her inability to do even the simplest of tasks, then rests her hand adoringly over the incredibly large bump that protrudes from her stomach. Is appreciative as she says, "Thank you." Looks down to her bump, and laughs again. "Hurry up, now. Mummy has jobs to do."

The way Jina speaks to the little life that's growing inside of her makes you want to violently vomit. Not for disgust, or anything negative, but for the fact that you're terrified of a similar fate.

Well-put together, still in designer garments, Jina has her life together. Is the Lead Gallery Coordinator at the Ryu. Spent her twenties working her way up, only to land her spot at the top two weeks before she welcomed in her thirties. She's distinguished. Had worked damn hard to stay at the top, even when her assistant is consistently trying to fill the shoes she hasn't even taken off yet.

It's why she's still working, even when her due date is within touching distance. Will be damned if some jumped up twat that studied illustration at the expense of his wealthy parents, and has never actually produced an illustration worthy of any praise, ends up behind her desk. Perhaps she's jaded, and perhaps she's bitter that she never got an easy ride, but she did at least have passion - which is more than can be said for her assistant. The only reason she keeps him on is because his parents are benefactors of the gallery. Can't fire him, even if she wants to.

"Sorry," she smiles back up at you, then hums. Ponders. Pregnancy brain is not being kind to her these days. "Where was I?"

With a kind smile, you happily remind her. "You were saying you were impressed?"

"Ah, yes! I was. I am. With the both of you, actually. Kim Taehyung is producing art that actually entices people, which is a rarity these days. I'm surprised his portfolio wasn't passed onto me sooner."

Although when she considers her assistant, the surprise wanes.

"And you," she continues, then looks down to flick through the proposed show in the file you put together earlier that day. "You say you're just doing this part-time? As a favour?"

Nodding, you explain, "Taehyung's a friend, and this is my area of interest. Should have gone down this route straight after university, but you know what the industry is like."

With a pitiful smile, Jina nods. "No money in it unless you already have money."

It's no secret that the arts are a luxury for those who can afford them - not just the masterpieces themselves, but the time to indulge in them. Apprenticeships and internships pay poorly, so in order to get your foot on the ladder, you have to come from money. Have to be able to rely on parents, or aunts, or uncles to fund your living expenses while you live out your dreams.

Wasn't an option you'd had, so a compromise had been made in the form of the art cafe. It's minimum wage, but you do at least enjoy it and can pay the bills.

At such a point in her career where the money is good enough for her to never worry about finances, Jina's heart bleeds for you. From one creative to another, she wishes there was a way she could help.

"You've got everything I'd look for in an assistant," she tells you, and the compliment just serves to make you feel disappointed. Success has always been a goal of yours, and you regret not working harder towards it. The past year has taught you many things, but mainly it's reinforced the idea that you shouldn't spend time on things or people who don't enrich your heart.

And so you throw caution to the wind; chance a suggestion that you know is beyond your capabilities.

"Well, perhaps I could help out when you're on maternity leave?" You chance. Know that you don't have enough experience nor credentials to take on her role, but fuck it. What's the worst she could do? Say no? "Help keep things running smoothly?"

When Jina smiles, you know that rejection is coming your way - but at least you tried.

"No money in the job," she sighs. "The gallery director hasn't opened up a vacancy. My assistant is stepping up."

Even saying it out loud makes her blood boil - but she knows it's bad for the baby, so tries to cool it.

"I have a sneaky suspicion that they'll open up a vacancy in April. Maybe May. When it does, you'd be top of my list for recommendations," she offers. Knows that things are gonna fall apart without her there. The higher-ups won't realise what a fundamental error of judgement they've made until it's too late. "That if you'd be interested?"

You don't think you've ever been asked such a stupid question.

This is a lie.

You've spent time with the Dionysus boys. Have been asked a million questions than this one.

"Of course!" You enthuse. "I mean, I don't get me wrong, I love my job - but an opportunity like this would be... I don't even know," you laugh, unable to articulate yourself properly, so try simplicity. "Yes. Please. If that happens, please pass along my details."

She nods. Understands your excitement. Was in a very similar position, once upon a time. All it took was someone taking a chance on her. She'd like to do the same for you. Has seen your work ethic for an unpaid favour to a friend. Knows you wouldn't let her down.

"Now," she smiles, moving along the conversation as to not dwell on a situation that might never happen. "We're about a week out from the next show - has Taehyung finished the new piece? Any causes for concern?"

"Yes, and no," you assure her, even if it is a little lie.

Taehyung scrapped his piece last minute and has been in the studio ever since your birthday. Had a new wave of inspiration, apparently. Declared as such about twenty minutes after the knocking from Danbi's bedroom had eventually come to an end, so you dread to think of what this new piece could be like.

Still, you trust his creative process, so know that whatever he produces will be more than enough to satisfy the gallery execs.

The meeting runs smoothly; no hiccups to iron out. The subway ride back to the middle of town has to contemplate what life could be like had you met Taehyung earlier; if you could have a career to be proud of by now.

But there was no Taehyung without Jeongguk, and no Jeongguk without the devastating impact of Seokjin. Funny, how the entire time you were with Seokjin, he'd wished you had a better job. Lamented the minimum wage, and your irregular working hours. Would steer the direction away from what the pays the bills whenever you'd meet one of his friends, and they'd ask, 'what do you do for work?'. He'd never been proud, and so in turn, nor had you.

You wonder if he'd be proud now. It's bittersweet.

And as you arrive at Jeongguk's favourite cafe and spot him immediately - chin in his palm, a soft pout on his lips, papers scattered all over his table - you're the one who feels proud.

Seeing the ones you love chase their dreams is a special sort of pride. One that makes your heart swell. So much potential. So much hope.

Ordering up fresh drinks before you head over, there's a thick tension in the air. Jeongguk doesn't even realise you're here yet. Is too consumed with thoughts of you, like the idiot he is. Thoughts you, and his future, and how he doesn't know how to plan anything when he doesn't know what life will look like a year from now.

He clocks you as you're confirming the order with the barista. A hot flash of panic disrupts his body, but it cools just as quickly. Fucks with his body temperature regulation. Makes him feel all clammy and horrible despite the aircon in the cafe.

There's a smile on your lips, and Jeongguk finds one on his, too. There's a shine to his eyes that only glitters whenever you're nearby, and it's noticeable all the way from across the cafe.

Coffees in hand, clothes remarkably formal for a day off, Jeongguk narrows his eyes as you approach.

"What have you been up to?" he queries instead of greeting you properly, not caring for small-talk. Wants to know the big stuff. His brain has been cruel to him today. Hopes you can help remedy it slightly.

"Gallery," you simply say, taking the seat beside him.

There are four chairs at the table. Yoongi had been sitting opposite Jeongguk. You could have chosen to sit there, too.

He doesn't mention it.

"Everything going alright?" He asks, reaching over for his coffee with a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks."

"All good, I think," you say, sucking a little air between your teeth.

He cocks a brow. "You don't sound convinced."

With a bit of a defeated shrug, you purse your lips together. "I just..."

The way you trail off is all too familiar. Jeongguk's used to it. Has been a while since you struggled to find your words so badly.

"Big girl words," he teases softly, which earns him a small laugh from you.

"Fuck off," you smile, then shake your head to realign your thoughts. "No, I just... Sorry. Did it again. I just don't know how sustainable this all is, yanno?"

Jeongguk doesn't say a word. Knows that you aren't done formulating just yet - and when you sigh, before launching into a little ramble, he's proven right.

"I mean, I'm already a shift down this week to help with prep, and next week I've had to book two days off work. And like, honestly, it's fine," you stress. "I enjoy it so much, but long term? When Tae's shows get bigger and bigger? I just dunno, Gguk. Dunno."

You want it to be long-term. Never knew it was something you wanted until you realised maybe you can't have it. Seem unattainable now in a way that you knew before you started helping Taehyung out. The thing so wonderful about dreams is that you fool yourself into thinking they can come true. You neglect rational thinking.

Confronted with the restraints of the industry, it's hard to ignore. Hard to pretend like you could still have it, if you really want it. Things like that don't happen for people like you.

"Well just wait until I get the restaurant going," he smiles, knowing he doesn't have a solution for you - but that he does have the ability to talk about the future with you in a way that doesn't feel all that terrifying. "When I'm super successful and have queues out the door, I'll hire you. Will pay you above minimum wage and let you work with Tae on the side."

"Oh yeah?" You grin, enthused by the childlike excitement in his sparkly eyes. "Gonna be a big hot shot restaurant owner?"

"I'll have you know, I'll be the CEO," he nods his head smugly.

"Oh, that's sexy," you tell him.

"I know."

You hum a little and then decide that a little flirt is okay. "Would be kinda hot, fucking the boss, wouldn't it?"

He raises a brow. Swipes his tongue along his bottom lip, wetting his lip ring as he toys with it. "Would be a HR nightmare."

"Would give me a reason to call you Sir."

"Don't," he smiles, eyes closing, teeth showing. Sweetness encapsulates him despite the stickiness of the scenario that's playing out inside his head right now. Shakes his head. Slowly opens his eyes to find you again. Laughs. "You're fuckin' trouble, Byeol."

"S'why you like me."

"True," he admits rather shamelessly. Doesn't fancy denying it today. Not to himself. Not to you. Not to the world around him.

The air between you gets thinner. Feels like you can only keep breathing if you keep your eyes on one another. Up, and up you go into the atmosphere. Any higher, and you'll be in the fucking stars.

"I hate to ask..." Jeongguk murmurs and you immediately feel your floating soul crash back down to earth. The stars are off-limits today. Your feet must remain firmly on the ground.

"Then don't," you say sharply, not wanting the conversation to go in the direction you know he's steering it in.

"Byeol," he simply reprimands, knowing that it's a conversation that needs to be had. "You've not given me any updates."

"'Cause there's been nothing to report back," you say, as if it's no big deal; as if you haven't spent every waking moment thinking about it. As if your daydreams aren't getting more and more concerning. "I've skipped a month. That's all. It's not that uncommon."

"Well, according to WebMD, apparently some women get periods even when they are pregnant - like, certified, tested, proven true pregnant," Jeongguk states, his late-night research coming to the forefront of his mind. "That's not supposed to happen. Just like you're not supposed to miss your periods when you're not pregnant-"

"Gguk," you plead. "It's not that linear. All sorts of things affect periods."

"I know," he replies, and bless his heart, he really does think he knows. "Stress, eating habits, exercise, medical issues - I've read, like, 6 articles about PCOS in the last 24 hours. Didn't even know what it was last week."

You're fond as you smile over at him. "Why have you been reading PCOS articles?"

" Because ," he stresses, but gives no immediate follow up. Looks over to you with pleading eyes, like a puppy dog waiting for scraps. "Look B, I don't know what's going on. You won't tell me what's going on. The best I can do is try and understand."

"I've told you, Gguk. It's fine. Please. Just trust me."

It's a naive ask, for him to trust you, when you don't even trust yourself.

"Will you please just take a test?" He asks. "The longer it takes, the less options you'll have. We'll have."

You know he's right. Know that there's a test waiting in your bedroom, and that you've spent hours looking at because you're terrified of a result. A positive result, that is.

You won't admit to the way that the idea of a negative result makes you feel. Not to Jeongguk, nor to yourself. It's not what you want. You know that it wouldn't fit into your life. You know that the idea of being in Jina's position would wreck any goals or plans for your life.

And then you're feeling defensive. Pressured. Overwhelmed.

"Look, I said it's fine," you insist, trying to reassure not only him, but yourself too. "I know my body. It just does this sometimes. If anything, I'm probably less fertile than I should be."

"Yeah, but you don't know that-"

"And you don't know that I'm not."

"B, this affects us both," Jeongguk says, his patience waning, tone firming. He's right.

"I know that!" You snap back, 'cause it feels like he's backing you into a corner. "You think I'm not aware? Gguk, if I am-" you refuse to say the word, then quieten your voice. Look around. Get a little closer. "If I am , then I'm the one who has to deal with it. I'm the one who has to live with it. I'm the one who has to experience it."

"Oh what, so suddenly I play no part in this?" He argues right back, but keeps his voice quiet. Mirrors you. Is right there in the corner with you. If this is a boxing match, then he's not your opponent; he's the coach giving you water in the break and patching you up. There's no need to see him as the enemy. "I'm not just some random fucking guy, B. I'm not about to jump ship."

"Okay, hypothetical," you say, encouraging him to use his imagination a little. Try and see things how you see them. "It's positive. I don't want it, you do. Then what? What do we do?"

He's silent for a moment. Looks a little defeated as he shrugs. Doesn't look at you. "We'd get rid."

And even though it's what you think is the correct answer - putting priority on the carrier of the child - it still makes you a little sad. There are layers to such a decision. It's not straightforward. The complexities are beyond what you're capable of considering. There is no 'correct' answer. There are just choices; the one that you take, and the ones that you don't.

It's a curse how vivid your imagination can be; how you can imagine the rough skin by the tips of his fingers as he'd hold your hand in the waiting room, the look in his eyes as you turn to steal a glance at him before going through a pair of double doors that would ultimately change the outcome of your future, and the sterile scent of a medical facility that you'd really rather never visit.

You can picture his smile; pretty but ever so weak. Gorgeous little lies of 'it's okay' wrapped up with bows that could have maybe one day been tied in a child's hair instead.

Pull yourself together, you scold yourself. You don't even want a kid!

"If I were to get rid of it, while you wanted it... Gguk, you would resent me for what I took from you until the day you died," you say solemnly.

The gravity of it all is setting in. A positive result would ruin your lives regardless of whichever option you choose.

The pair of you have been gambling, and it seems like your luck is out.

"I wouldn't," Jeongguk frowns.

"How do you know?"

"Well how can you be certain that I would?" he counters. Is desperately trying see your point of view, but it's obscured by his own opinion on the matter. "Look, none of this is worth us getting worked up about until we know what the fuck we're dealing with. You might not even be pregnant."

He's right. You know he's right. The word makes your stomach lurch regardless.

So you nod, but plead, "Just give me a little time. Please."

He agrees. Knows that you do at least have a little more time before any certain decisions would need to be made. Walks you home. Tells you to keep him updated.

But then one day turns into two, then three, then four - and before you know it, you're ignoring one another, trying to pretend like all of this isn't happening; as if nothing has changed, and as if you haven't potentially fucked it all up just 'cause you couldn't stop messing about.

It's laughable, really. Your insatiable need to fuck one another has become its own form of birth control. Jeongguk isn't even waking up hard these days. Too stressed. No worry of fucking, now. Dick seems to be broken.

In all reality, he knows that it's nothing to do with his cock. He's not waking up hard, 'cause there's a lack of blood flow. Heart isn't pumping it like it normally does. Goes with the territory of not having you around.

But if he acknowledges that, he acknowledges everything he stands to lose before he's even had a chance to have it. Have you .

It's what he's thinking of now - cock limp, scowl hard - the night before Taehyung's art show. It's been five days. You've not kept him updated. He's not asked for updates.

You've both been pathetic - but he's attributing it to you. Thinks you're deliberately being childish so that he won't think having a kid is a good idea - as if he even wants them right now.

Sitting on the couches of Taehyung's studio space, the usual suspects are up to nothing much. Just having a few drinks the night before the show. It's a bit of ritual - nothing set in stone, just kind of what happens. The easing of Taehyung's nerves means he always wants to indulge.

Stewing in the corner like a little parasite, Jeongguk's face of thunder hasn't eased all evening. He never gives a straight answer when he's asked about these little moods of his, so no one has bothered to press too hard. He is at least in attendance - which is more than can be said for you.

"It really doesn't matter," Taehyung smiles, unphased by Jeongguk, stroking Danbi's back as she scrolls through her phone, looking for outfit inspiration.

"Yeah, no offence Danbi, but everyone's gonna be looking at the art," Jimin mumbles through a mouthful of overpriced breadsticks. "No one is gonna care what you wear."

Rolling her eyes, Danbi doesn't care for his opinion. "So? I want people to look at me, which is why my outfit needs to good."

Still stroking her back, Taehyung is so incredibly fond of her unwavering self-assured place in the world. "People will be looking at you," he supports her. "What's DB wearing?"

Flicking through to your message thread, which had ended earlier that afternoon with a very blatant bullshit excuse for your lack of attendance, Danbi scrolls up to find the picture you'd sent her earlier that day.

"Oh, it's nice," Taehyung downplays it. Knows exactly why Danbi is desperate to find something showstopping. Will never let her be aware of this, though. What he does do, is make sure it reaches the right people. "She shown you, Gguk?"

The grunt that Jeongguk makes is barely audible. If there's one thing he doesn't want to see right now, it's you. Especially you looking all fancy and shit.

He's still annoyed. You haven't spoken to him since your fight other than to send him dumb instagram reels. Rabbits hopping about. Shit like that. He smiles every damn time and it only serves to piss him off even more.

But, like the true nuisance she is, Danbi forwards the picture through to Jeongguk. She hasn't heard directly from you that you're fighting with Jeongguk, but anyone who has spent time with the both of you in the last few days will be able to figure it out.

Jeongguk knows better than to click through on the notification. Knows that if you wanted him to know what you're wearing, you would have shown him.

But he misses you.

Wants to see you, even if he knows it will only serve to annoy him even more.

He's proven right.

Standing in front of your mirror - the one used for your first selfie with the bird necklace on Christmas Eve, and also used for your own sadistic pleasure on that very first evening Jeongguk learned what it felt like to be yours - you're in a black dress.

Satin, he thinks. Something silky. It's short, like your dresses so often are, cutting off midway down your thighs. Fitted. Sweetheart neckline that blooms over the top of your chest, with sleeves that follow this same structured line. Shoulders fully exposed, there is a small tickle of satisfaction when Jeongguk notices your bird sitting prettily in place, right where it should be.

Even if you are annoyed, like he knows you are, you're keeping him close. It's more than can be said for last time. You've no intention of pushing him away or so it would seem. He takes comfort in this, a self-indulgent smile on his lips - until he realises and flattens them once more.

"S'fine," he just says as he locks his phone, as if his heart isn't beating all irregularly. "I'm sure she'll look nice."

Danbi glances over to Taehyung, who just rolls his eyes, and encourages her to show him more of her own options.

Jeongguk pretends to scroll through his phone. Is really just looking at that picture of you again. Hates the way it makes him feel. All fuzzy and out of sync. Perfectly safe and yet terrified all in the same fleeting moment.

Has him thinking about what he should wear, too, even if the other boys are telling Danbi that it really doesn't matter.

You look so well put together, he thinks. So intentionally gorgeous. He would say unintentionally , and knows you'd look just as gorgeous in one of his old shirts, but is well aware that you've put effort in. It should be appreciated.

It's decided - at two-thirty in the morning, all alone by himself, contents of his wardrobe piled onto the floor - that Jeongguk will also be wearing all black.

He will match you. It will be intentional. He will hope you notice.

'Cause even if he is a little pissed off with you, it doesn't matter. Had grown up with parents who'd bicker, but would always say 'there's no one else I'd rather argue with.'

He thinks the same could be said for the pair of you.

If your worst fears are confirmed, and you're forever tied to him, then it's something you'll need to learn to navigate. Neither of you are perfect, but neither of you are pretending to be. You're showing him exactly who you are by showing him nothing at all, right now.

And he adores you all the fucking same.

Jeongguk decides on black slacks, and will pair them with a thick belt. A satin shirt will be tucked in, unbuttoned just enough for a little bit of his chest to show. Nothing too indecent. Just wants to match your neckline.

The jacket he's chosen is red. Hopes it'll dare you to look at him, and prevent you from ever looking away. He's being bold, 'cause he stupidly thinks he needs to be, as if you won't be searching for solace in the form of him all night.

He also thinks he needs to consider the kind of man you want . The kind you need . You seem to go for the prim types. The proper. Well-dressed, well-groomed. He's got the outfit sorted. Knows he's being a little risky with the lack of a top button and tie, but he also knows he looks good - so fuck it.

Which is also what he says to his barber on the morning of the show.

"You've been growing it out for a while," she hums. Only re-permed it a couple of weeks ago. Hadn't been expecting him to come for a walk-in appointment so soon.

He shrugs. "Fuck it. It's just hair. It'll grow back."

She laughs, and tells him that he's right - but double-checks before she goes in with the clippers. He's not had anything so close to the scalp in about a year. Started growing it out around the same time you started showing up to the bar.

He braces himself. Grits his teeth. Don't let fear get the better of you.

"I'm sure."

Time stands still within the walls of the Ryu. Moments of life - fleeting expressions of biased emotions - are preserved for voyeuristic viewing pleasure. You're a guilty participant. Salivate over the mixed media, and equally mixed messages. Have a desire to understand. To decipher. To know.

The walls are dark. Slate grey when the floodlights are on, they look black under the diffused bulbs that focus solely on the works.

'Unplugged: The Lonely Hearts of the Digital Age' reads the exhibition branding on the front of the paper guide in your hand. There's an evocative nature to the pieces; an exploration of intimacy and isolation in the modern landscape of smartphones and high-speed internet.

"Oh, entirely," you smile pleasantly at the gentleman twice your age, who had come to stand beside you while you had been observing some of the work. He's been asking your thoughts, and you've been bullshitting spectacularly. "In a world where we're more connected than ever before, there somehow seems to be this... disconnect . A real lack of interpersonal relationships that stand the test of time."

He nods, half-moon glasses resting across the bridge of his short nose. "Too easy these days. Dating apps, and whatnot."

You cast your eyes down to the fingers he has wrapped around a champagne flute. He's without a ring. You wonder if he's a victim to them, too.

"The grass is greener mentality," you agree. Know all too well what it's like to be on the receiving end of such a dilemma. "Always searching for something... more."

A small chuckle emits from his thin lips as he continues to agree.

One of the serving staff, no older than a high school senior, offers their tray of champagne in your direction, but you decline. It's unusual of you - but it's no secret you've not been feeling exactly 'usual' lately.

From across the room, Jeongguk glances in your direction as you shake your hand and head, a polite smile on your lips as you refuse a drink. Your eyes don't flash to his, but he doesn't need them to.

When your gaze falls back to the artwork in front of you, he can easily see your perplexion.

He also notices how your skin doesn't sparkle like it usually does beneath gallery lights. A tight frown forms on his face to match yours.

The paintings you're looking at aren't Taehyung's. Jeongguk doesn't know the artist. Oil, he assumes from this distance. Hyperrealism. Enlarged. A matching pair with stark differences.

The first, to the left, is dark. Navy blues and deep purples depict the foils of condom wrappers, each with a name and date scrawled into them. They're scattered atop what looks like a legal document.

He can't work out the words from where he is. Doesn't realise they're divorce papers.

None of the wrappers match the name of the document, yet all of the wrappers are dated during the duration of the marriage.

On the right hand side, the other painting is clearly part of the same collection. A packet of oral contraception. 28 days worth. Includes the placebo days. Like the condoms, each empty window of the contraception has a name. Some repeating. Some not. There are no names written during the placebo week.

It begs the question; is the taker of the contraception just using the men when it's convenient for her? Or are they just using her when it's convenient for them, and leaving her in the dust when her body is unavailable?

You're not sure which scenario makes you sadder. Reminds you of this time last year. Reminds you of Seokjin. Reminds you of the people that you used to forget about him on the lonely nights.

If you were to think about your own pills, and the names that would inscribed, you know you'd have packet after packet with only one name. Everyday of the week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, every night. Over the placebo days, too.

Not because Jeongguk has been fucking you all day every day - although sometimes it does feel like that. No. It's not that all.

Instead, it would be because he gives you the intimacy you need to make those pills worth it. He doesn't have to constantly be in bed with you. Quite often isn't. It's just that you'll keep taking those pills 'cause you always want to be available for him in any capacity you can be. Those pills are his just as much as they are yours.

And you hate it.

Hate that you feel this way. Hate that indulging in such intimacy with the person you hold closest has resulted in such a clusterfuck of emotions. Hate that he isn't beside you right now, deciphering the names and making up ridiculous stories about the fictional people in front of you. Hate that when you glance over to his direction, you find him engaged in conversation with a group of people you consider friends, only to notice that Hayun is there, too.

Your arms fold a little tighter into your chest as your eyes fall back on the painting. You're alone, now, the man who had been chatting with you also now distracted by associates.

"Hey," a soft, feminine voice sounds next to you. Seoyeon. Hair loose, but with pretty little plaits running through it, she's wearing white trousers and a fitted blazer. Looks demure as ever. "You okay?"

A simple question that calls for a simple answer - yet it feels all rather complex.

You nod. Say you are. Return the question. She returns your answer.

"Gosh, that's depressing," she says of the artwork, and it makes you laugh. She's not wrong.

"Makes you feel something, at least," you offer, to which she hums in agreement.

"I suppose - but I was feeling perfectly happy before I saw it," she giggles, nudging your shoulder, seemingly aware of your less-than-stellar mood. "Watcha doing over here all alone?"

It's a great question. Fantastic question. Devastating answer.

Oh, so I've been fucking Jeongguk for months and he's convinced himself that I'm carrying his spawn and now he's mad at me because I haven't done the test to confirm nor deny. Oh why? Why I haven't done it? 'Cause it'll change the trajectory of my whole entire life and I'm fucking terrified. And I skip periods all the time. No biggie.

Now isn't the time for such honesties, though.

"Just wanted to read all the names," you say, nodding towards the art.

"See any you recognise?"

"Well, there is a Jimin on the first Wednesday," you grin.

"Why am I not surprised," Seoyeon laughs. "Our very own Casanova. Oh - speak of the devil!"

"Devil?" Jimin questions as he approaches you both with fresh champagne flutes in either hand. "Me? Please. You both know I'm an angel."

The way you incredulously both raise your eyebrows at him, bemused smirks on your faces, would suggest that no, you don't 'know' he's an angel.

"Oh, piss off," he laughs, standing between you both, offering you the champagne flutes. When you decline, he's curious. "Oh? Dry night?"

Nodding, you decide that you'll give as few answers as possible when it comes to your lack of drinking - not that it matters, given how much you've abused your body with star fuckers in recent weeks. Any damage is already, inevitably done.

"One of us needs to be the sensible one," you joke, and ignore the burning gaze you can feel from across the room.

His stare is sweltering, like early May heat after a freezing spring, regardless of the cool air that's currently circulating around the room.

It's stuffy, the way his eyes follow you. Suffocating.

And yet you love the warmth. Want evidence of him on your skin like the burn of a summer sun.

Turning your head as Seoyeon and Jimin natter, you're surprised to find his shamelessly dark eyes still on you.

Hair pushed back, he's wearing it shorter than usual. It takes you a moment to realise it's been cut. You think a part of you dies from such a devastating loss - but it's revitalised within the same millisecond. It's criminal how handsome he looks. How mature he seems. Jaw tense, bone structure highlighted, he's a vision. Heaven. Ethereal.

Matching your all black attire, there's one keen difference. One that throws you off entirely: his jacket. It's one you've never seen before. Red. A kaleidoscope of different tones. Dappled, they bleed into one another. You can tell it's expensive. Tell it's being worn with a purpose.

It's unusual for him, and yet he holds a beauty that can only be compared to that of Venus herself. The jacket was made for him.

But you don't like the idea that maybe actually it was made for him, by the only seamstress you know. See no other reason for him to own such an item.

Stupidly, it upsets you how good red looks on him. Pisses you off.

Across the circle of people he stands with is the seamstress herself.

Just as you match him with your silky black dress, she matches him with her scarlet nails and deep ruby cocktail number. Gorgeous in the way that her hair effortlessly waves over her shoulders, she pays your judgemental eyes no notice.

They look good together. Like they belong. A good girl. Upper class. Bad boy. Her bit of 'rough'. Jeongguk likes a good Romeo and Juliet type story. You're sure he loves the romanticisation of their coupling.

So caught up in your own head, you almost miss the way Jimin deliberately chooses to include you in on the conversation once more. Just asks your opinion on the piece, then asks if you know the artist. He wants to check that he's not the Jimin scrawled into the pill packet.

"I'll find out," you promise him - but you're certain he's not. Park Jimin isn't exactly the most unique of names, but you don't want to hurt his ego.

"Legend," he grins, before roping Namjoon in for his opinion on whether or not it's his name.

"It's nothing to be proud of," Namjoon assure him. "If it's you, you're being branded as a hit it and quit it kinda guy. You're only on there once. Most of them are on their a few times. You not good enough for round two?"

Scoffing, Jimin looks to you for defence.

You just smile. Make your excuses and leave. Bless him.

As beautiful as the show is, there's a sadness to it. It revives unpleasant memories. Provokes parts of your brain that have been well trained to not make a noise.

Schmoozing with some of the higher ups from Shilla finances, you're going for the hard sell. Telling them all about Taehyung, and how he's hotly tipped to be one of the most successful artists of this generation.

It's all bullshit, of course, but someone has to have that title. Why shouldn't it be him?

"He certainly does have a gift," one of the older men acknowledges. His name evades you now, but you remember him from networking events with Seokjin. Would always treat the serving staff with kindness, which is more than could be said for most of them. It's the only reason you're entertaining the conversation - the other men you recognise from those events have been avoided by you at all costs.

You're about to call Taehyung over, when the looming intrusion of a bowing gentleman makes itself known in your personal space. It's his presence you notice first. Aftershave second. Stoic, burly voice third.

"Director Choi," he interjects from behind you. "It's good to see you here."

Smiling, with just as much kindness as he shows to everyone, Choi nods back. "Kim Seokjin! I didn't realise you'd be here tonight."

"Ah, well," Seokjin smiles. You can hear it in his tone, even if you daren't turn to face him. Your skin suddenly chills as his large hands rest over the tops of your bare shoulders. "Was back in town, and couldn't miss it. You're speaking with the city's best curator."

The way he squeezes your shoulders, skin on skin, makes you want to be sick. It's as if you've had far too much of the champagne you've been turning down all evening - but your stomach is empty. All you'd be able to do is gag.

Yet your body is entirely frozen.

And neither of the men care enough to notice.

"It's quite the collection," Choi nods, but doesn't keep his focus on you. Like the serving staff, he's always polite to you, but will always see you as a second-class citizen. You're not a man. He doesn't respect you. As human? Yes, he does. But as a person? Why would he waste his time if he can't profit off of you? "Tell me Seokjin, how have you been? I hear your department is up by 3.7% this week?"

The conversation around you is stuffy, like that sticky summer heat clinging to your skin once more. It's unpleasant, but inescapable. There's nothing you can do, except let it ruin you.

One breath in; through the nose. One breath out; through the mouth.

Repeat.

One breath in; through the nose. One breath out; through the mouth.

There's a squeeze of Seokjin's hands; a silent instruction to not move your shoulders so much.

Half a breath in. Half a breath out.

You've an inability to focus on anything other than basic survival.

In the times you've seen Seokjin since the breakup, he's always been so good at acting as if it never happened. He touches you just the same. Speaks with just as much fondness that always made you think you actually meant something to him.

For so long, you wished he would be like that with you in public. Would proudly claim you as his own.

But now that he is, all you want is for him to look at you with remorse. Regret.

Sort of like Jeongguk is doing, as he spots you from across the room. Was just doing his quarter-of-an-hourly checks to make sure you're still okay - even if he is annoyed with you. Thinks that anyone who has ever spent even a smidgeon of time with you should know that the look in your eyes is far from okay.

They're downcast. To the floor. Your nostrils flare ever so gently as you inhale. Mouth forms a delicate pout as you exhale. Breathing exercises. He recognises them instantly. They're the same ones Jeongguk does when he's frustrated and trying his damn hardest to not break another display case.

It's been working lately. Not a permanent fix, no, but it's been going okay. Has finally been reading one of Namjoon's self-help books that's been on his bedside table for months. Fills the time that should be spent on you doing that, instead.

But Jeongguk thinks all of his hard work might just go down the fucking drain when he realises what's happening. When he notices exactly who has a possessive grip on you. When, from across the room, he hears Seokjin laughing at some vapid joke that he knows mustn't be even remotely funny.

"Hey, Dan," he calls over to your best friend, breaking her from her conversation with Taehyung. When she looks at Jeongguk, she follows the direction in which he nods.

She gasps. Drops her hold on Taehyung's forearm, and doesn't hesitate to beeline straight for you.

Jeongguk knows it should have been him - but he also knows you're stubborn. Knows you might have chosen to stay put just to spite him. Also knows that stress if bad for the body. Says so in another one of those webMD tabs open on his phone. You're stressed enough as it is. Don't need him causing a scene. Danbi is what you need right now.

Not him.

But he needs air - so heads out towards the stairwell and just keeps on going up. Up and up, until there's nowhere left to go. Closer and closer to the stars. Further and further away from his very own.

Elbows resting on the wall of the rooftop, Jeongguk lets a deep-rooted sigh exhale from his body. Lungs heavy in his chest, he's in need of respite - yet even that seems like an unattainable goal these days.

He wishes to be back in Busan; where the sun shines and so do you.

The darkness of the city envelopes him, now, much like it obscures his heart. Confuses it. Tells him all sorts of lies. She loves you. She loves you not. She loves you. She loves you not. He's not sure what's the truth, anymore.

He's not plucked at daisy petals since he was a kid, but he does occasionally pull glitter from his skin. That's when the rhyme repeats. That's how he knows he only has space in his heart for you.

And so when the bustling sound of the city is interrupted by a voice that isn't yours, he frowns.

"Watcha doing up here, buddy?"

The roll of Jeongguk's eyes is so damn weighted he's surprised it doesn't sound like stones are being turned. Of all the people he wants to be alone with right now, Hayun would be towards the bottom of the list. Likely beaten only by your shitbag of an ex.

"Needed some air," he lies. Doesn't look at her as she takes the space beside him, then shuffles over a little. Doesn't wanna touch her. The intrusion of her perfume is enough to make him feel sick. Has done ever since she approached him in the courtyard of Dionysus.

"Could have gone for a smoke with Tae," she says all rather pleasantly.

Jeongguk is well aware of this. Truth be told, he could do with a cigarette. Could do with many things right now.

Could do with a few shots, or even a high. MDMA, maybe. Something that'll have him thinking death is inevitable before he manages to reach his come up. Could spend the whole night pinging. Wouldn't have to think about you, or your ex, or the fact his heart already feels like it's got a little ecstasy running through it these days.

But you're not drinking, and so Jeongguk isn't smoking. Is finally actually trying to make some good decisions for a change, to atone for all of his questionable ones.

He shakes his head. Bunches his face up ever so slightly. Is dismissive as he simply says, "Didn't fancy it."

Just like he doesn't fancy engaging in this conversation.

She nods, pretending to care. Fabricating a persona that matches how awfully pretty she is. "You don't seem like yourself."

Mentally, Jeongguk sneers. Physically, he remains unchanged. Statuesque.

"You've been saying that ever since you came back," he eventually sighs. Looks over to her. Doesn't mean to be so cold, but frankly no longer has the patience. "You can't fuck people over and expect them to welcome you back with open arms. Doesn't work like that, Yun."

Hayun's laugh is parasitic. Gets under his skin. Crawls about. Makes him feel sick. His body rejects it.

"She's inside your head," is all she says. "Never used to be like this before she came around."

In the far distance, a police siren sounds. It's swallowed up by the fumes of rattling exhaust pipes and the posing arrival of planes from foreign lands. In a city that never rests, Jeongguk thinks it mad that Hayun expected him to remain exactly as he was.

Doesn't even register what she says about you. Pays it no attention.

"I don't wanna keep doing this, Hayun," Jeongguk says quietly.

It's strange, because he knows it's the 'right' thing to do, but it still doesn't feel entirely correct.

Years of knowing her - of loving her - have been reduced to nothing but resentment and wasted time. Everything he experienced with her equates to emptiness. The good - of which there was plenty - and the bad - of which there was marginally more.

"What do you mean?" she asks, as if she doesn't already know.

"I don't wanna pretend like we're still friends," he simply states. "It's doing nobody any favours."

It's something he should have said a long time ago. Something he's known for far longer than he's wanted to admit. Something Jimin has been telling him for years.

"Gguk," she tries, and reaches out for his hand - but Jeongguk tears it away from her.

"No," he reaffirms. Is setting boundaries. Is being as firm with her as he wishes you'd be with Seokjin. He keeps his voice measured. Sensible. Wastes no more energy than is needed. "I'll be perfectly cordial with you, but I'm not gonna act like we're anything more than strangers. Said it yourself, you don't know who I am these days. Please stop trying to find whoever you think I used to be."

"So I guess the marriage pact is vetoed?" She tries to joke. Thinks that making light of the situation will ease things. Make them less awkward.

He doesn't dignify her with a direct response to that. Instead, he stands a little straighter. Taps his ringed fingers against the wall so that a clunky pat sounds against the urethane coating that covers the entire roof area. Turns to face her. Looks down upon her. "I'm asking you nicely, Hayun - but if I have to ask again, I won't be."

There's nothing she can say to reel him back in. Not anymore. Not like she used to. She knows this. Hates this.

But one thing Hayun refuses to ever do is embarrass herself. Not for a man. Especially not for one she didn't even want that badly in the first place.

That's exactly the issue at hand, though. He was always the one chasing her. Always. Must have worn through a hundred pairs of shoes in pursuit of her - but he's stopped running now, and she can't quite wrap her head around it.

"Okay," she simply says. Smiles. It's insincere. Jeongguk doesn't realise this, 'cause it looks like every other fuckin' smile she's ever cast his way. "Look, emotions are high. I won't take this to heart. Whenever you're ready, you know where to find me."

Glancing over to the door, Hayun's ruby-red lips falter. Her smile almost cracks, but she holds herself well.

"Oh, goodie," Hayun hums. "Suppose I should leave you to it."

Jeongguk doesn't follow her gaze. Knows that there's only one person who could evoke such a reaction - and right now, he's annoyed with you, too.

He does, at least, say, "I suppose you should."

It's not until Hayun begins to strut away that Jeongguk turns to the door. Not to watch her walk away, no.

To watch you walk towards him, instead - but you don't.

You stay leant against the door frame. There's a sultry smile on your lips, and he's surprised to see they move a little as Hayun approaches. He can't hear you, but he knows your lips almost better than he knows his own. Can work out exactly what you're saying.

Lipstick's a little smudged.

Jeongguk knows that it absolutely is not - but the way Hayun's hand lifts to her lips suggests that she doesn't know this.

It's evident you're trying to evoke some sort of insecurity in her. Seems to have worked. Also seems to be incredibly mean-spirited - but he's not gonna hold it against you. Knows that it's the least Hayun deserves. It's not like he was exactly kind to Seokjin upon meeting him, either.

The sounds of the city echo out around you as a small breeze carries the scent of the trees that are finally starting to rebloom after a harsh winter. There's hope to be found in the darkness of this night. The promise of rebirth.

Or at least there is, until you begin to make excuses to leave.

"Just came up for some air," you explain, not looking to engage in conversation with him. If anything, you just feel like you're losing your breath.

He nods. Purses his lips. Turns away from you. Hopes you'll come to join him.

There's a you-sized spot right beside him. Hayun had tried forcing her way in, but the fit just wasn't right.

His broad shoulders widen as his elbows rest back upon the wall, body silhouetted in the skyline. Something about him today feels so new. So different. Maybe it's just the hair - but hair holds history. You feel like he's cut you out of his. Is starting afresh, maybe.

Whatever the case, he's clearly not concerned in inviting you into his current narrative. Is quite literally blocking you out.

You had arrived to find him locked in conversation with Hayun. Engaged. He'd watched her walk away, and the moment she was gone, couldn't stand the sight of you, or so it seems.

And so as Jeongguk waits - wishes - for you to walk towards him and slink your arm around his waist, you decide to cut your losses. Hadn't even come up to the roof to see him. Had been hoping to be alone after the whole Seokjin debacle.

It's not like you hadn't known Seokjin would be in attendance tonight.

He had messaged you to confirm the date. You just hadn't expected him to waltz in like a proud partner, parading you around in front of his colleagues.

So yeah, you had been shocked. Had been unable to respond in a way that accurately conveyed how you felt. Had panicked. Had cried in the storage room that Danbi had dragged you into while she gave you a pep talk and wiped away your stray tears, before suggesting you get some air.

You wonder if perhaps she knew Jeongguk would be here. Seems likely, knowing her.

Your lip trembles as you go to speak, unspoken words vibrating between them. There's no sound. Just the city. The cars, and the revellers from a bar a few blocks down. Jazz music echoing up the stairs to the rooftop, too.

And then there's Jeongguk's voice. Quiet. Controlled. Commanding.

"The first bird," he says. Looks down as he does so. Builds his confidence, then turns around to look at you. Is displeased to see your body facing away from him now, about to walk away - as if you hadn't instantly turned your head to look at him. "The first one. We went to the water park. Some guy looked at you in a way you didn't like, and you went straight on over and told him to stop being a perv. Remember?"

Of course you do.

But you say nothing. Do nothing. Just turn your body. Let him know you're listening. He continues.

"You know your limits, B. You know your boundaries."

You nod, now. Still stay silent.

Jeongguk's jaw grates, tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek. You're avoiding his confrontation, just like you've been avoiding all talks of anything serious since that day at the cafe.

And it's pissing him off.

"So why do you let him overstep them?" Jeongguk continues - and finally, this accusation gets a rise from you.

"I don't let him do anything," you scoff - and then you accuse. "You're the one I've just found hiding up on the rooftop with your ex. What about those boundaries, huh?"

Jeongguk rolls his eyes. Turns away from you. Looks out over the city, and wishes it would swallow him whole. "You've got no fuckin' idea, B. No idea."

"So then tell me!" You say, as if it's as easy as reciting your ABC's. "I'm not a mind reader-"

"And nor am I!" He says sternly, but doesn't raise his voice any higher than yours. "You've spent half the week ignoring me, only for you to barely even look at me now. You're not even wearing any glitter -"

"Why does that even matter?" You interrupt, unsure exactly of what he's trying to say.

Is the lack of glitter intentional? Yes.

Is it for the reasons he assumes? Probably not.

"'Cause we both know he fuckin' hates it," he snaps, decidedly far more pissed off now that he's speaking his thoughts into existence. "We both know you didn't wear it because of him in the past. So for you to show up with no glitter? Let him leech all over you? After he sent you all those fucking roses, and you won't fucking talk to me? Tell me what I'm supposed to think, huh?"

"Why does it even matter to you?" You fight back. It takes two to tango, and he seems to know the steps pretty fucking well. "You've been ignoring me too-"

"It matters to me because you might be fucking pregnant, B!"

Silence shatters around you both. Steals any words that could be said in the wake of such a declaration.

You roll your eyes. Do a fantastic job at pretending as if you don't feel like your world is caving in on itself.

"No, you don't get to treat me like I'm being irrational when you've been drinking cranberry juice all evening," he scathes, the frustrated gestures of his hands letting you know just how upset he is - and rightly so. "You don't get to act like you've not been thinking about it too."

"We don't even know if I'm pregnant-"

"And who's fault is that?!

"Gguk-"

"No, you're being such an asshole about this, B. This doesn't affect just you. This affects me too, okay?

Shaking his head, Jeongguk turns away from you. The way you're behaving is so unlike you, or so he thought. Maybe he didn't know you as well as he thought. Maybe he did get wrapped up in fallacies of you; in the what if.

"I fucking defended you," he says quietly. Isn't even sure if you can hear him. Doesn't care. Shakes his head and lets it dip between his disappointed shoulders. You'd be forgiven for think he was giving his next words careful thought. In all reality, he just starts ranting. "When he was at the tennis club, and was chatting shit, I defended you. Me . And yet you're more concerned with keeping up appearances for him ."

"You did what ?"

Now that he's started, Jeongguk can't stop. Not when he turns around. Not when he looks at you. Not when he starts to walk towards you.

"I insinuated we were together to get him to shut the fuck up," Jeongguk scoffs, thinking about his former self. Is embarrassed, now. Is letting his frustrations show because fuck it . He's hurting . Feels like a deer bleeding out on the side of a road, left to rot by some asshole driver who rammed straight into him at a hundred miles per hour. "So he's out here, showing up to your event, putting moves on you - even though he thinks you're with someone else - and you're fucking giving him the green light. Real fuckin' nice of him. A stand up guy. Respect must be his middle name. You really know how to pick 'em, B."

"Literally, how was I supposed to know any of that?!" You ask, eyes wide, brows furrowed. These new revelations are just as devastating as they are infuriating. All you can do is repeat a previous sentiment. "I'm not a fucking mind reader!"

But Jeongguk's irate now. Comical, almost, in how he downplays his anger.

"Oh, well, forgive me for assuming that you wouldn't bend to your exes every fucking whim!" He exclaims, a sarcastic smile on his face that snaps to a scowl within an instant. "I didn't think it was important because I thought you were beyond that point-"

"You're being cruel," you interrupt him, because he is. He knows how hard you've worked. Has been with you every step of the way - but this is how he views you?

"Me?" He laughs. It's cold.

"Yes," you say. "You."

"Nah." He shakes his head. Casts his eyes to the floor, 'cause looking at you like this only makes him feel even more frustrated with the current state of affairs. "Cruel is what Seokjin's doing right now - but you're giving him a free pass."

"I'm not. I don't want him leeching all over me," you say quietly, ashamed, turning away from him as you walk across the roof. Crouching, you bundle yourself up protectively, as if it'll make a difference. As if you can shield yourself from your friendship with Jeongguk as it comes crashing down on you both.

The only thing that makes any fucking sense to either of you right now is that you'd do it all again.

He'd ruin the friendship a million times over.

Not because he doesn't care, or because he's okay with losing you. Quite the opposite.

He'd ruin the friendship because - fuck it - that isn't what this is. The friendship flew out the window months ago. Maybe he was too late to realise it. Maybe he should have tried to claw it back in - but what use would that have been? It would have been wounded. Scratched to smithereens. Damaged.

Standing up straight, you curse at the sky. Are saddened by how few stars are out. Feels like they're shying away. Maybe they're ashamed, too.

"I have to head back," you say. Are defeated as you turn to face Jeongguk. "Tae's doing his speech, soon."

Jeongguk nods. Looks to the floor. Doesn't want you to go. Knows he hasn't exactly done anything to make it worth staying.

Both struggling with the current state of affairs, there's no one to blame. Joint bad decisions have led you here.

But he wants you close. Wants things to feel normal. Is willing to do anything.

"Look, your ex is down there being a prick," Jeongguk sighs. He waits for a moment. Lets you work out what he's gonna say in your own head. Wants to see your reaction before any of his bias comes into play. "He thinks we're together.... The best way to get him off your back?"

Your lips part ever so slightly. A crease forms between your brows, but your eyes remain kind. "Gguk..."

Shrugging, he plays off the weight of a suggestion he hasn't even vocalised yet. "He thinks we're together. Makes sense for us to act like we are."

For reasons you can't explain, the idea of other people seeing you and Jeongguk act intimately towards one another fills you with fear. It's not like it's an abhorrent thing - but to see the way your friends look at you as you present yourselves as a couple is to see their genuine reaction to it. If they're disgusted, you'll know that you're not suited. If they're elated, it will only play into these weird feelings that you've been having and are so desperately trying to avoid.

Eyes scanning him, you try and work out what he thinks of it all. If he's disgusted, you could probably live with that.

If he's elated?

Makes you feel queasy. Scared.

He holds out his hand. Knocks his head to the side. "C'mon. Face those fears of yours. Hold my hand."

It's bizarre, how Jeongguk has quite literally licked your arse, and yet this feels like the most obscene thing he's ever asked of you.

When you arrive back in the main room, Jeongguk stands behind you, ever so slightly to the side. Loops his arm around your waist. It's unintentional, the way his hand comes to rest over your stomach. Fingers splayed, he pulls your back to his chest, and you pretend like you're able to stand up straight without his support. Pretend as if the world around you isn't caving in on itself.

It wouldn't matter, even if it was. You're safe here. Safe with him.

And yet you insist on pushing him away.

"I wouldn't stand like this with a boyfriend," you say. "Too overbearing."

"Well, I would stand with a girlfriend like this," he assures you. The fingers that aren't firmly keeping your stomach protected come to your chin. Encourage it to the side. Get you looking at him. "I'd stand with her like this," he whispers, glances behind you so briefly that you almost miss it. "And when her ex boyfriend is looking in our direction - of which he is now - I'd kiss her."

"That wouldn't be very professional," you whisper.

"No," he acknowledges. "I don't suppose it would be."

He pulls away.

"I'll let you get on," he says. "The second he even so much as breathes in your direction, you come to me."

"Gguk-"

"You make your excuses and you come to me."

"I can handle it."

"Fine then," he shrugs. Begins to turn away, but makes sure to say, "I'll come to you."

And despite the deep-rooted need for you to prove yourself, there's a stranger sitting next to your determination. She goes by the name of Desire. And all she does is fucking laugh.

As Jeongguk rejoins his usual crowd, he's met with silence.

"Hmm?" He hums, reaching over for the glass Jimin is holding. Doesn't know what he's drinking. Doesn't ask. Downs it. Hands it back. "What are we talking about?"

Mouths a little ajar, neither Taehyung nor Danbi quite know what to make of what's happening, nor the foul mood that so clearly has a grip on their friend.

"Riveting," Jeongguk says sarcastically, when the silence lasts for a little too long. "No, really. Please go on."

But then, right on cue, Seokjin is heading in your direction, and Jeongguk may as well be bleeding through his tear ducts, given how red his sight is.

Bolting for you, Jeongguk almost knocks into one of the waiting staff. Spends a short moment apologising, then makes sure to interact with the people standing behind you. Has never seen them before in his life. Has no idea who they are - yet he greets them like old friends. Wants Seokjin to question his place. Wants him to think that Jeongguk is so much more important than he actually is.

And when he arrives to find Seokjin already speaking with you?

Yeah. Ain't no way he's letting him win.

Jeongguk does not give a fuck. Does not care about the opinions of anyone else. The world around him is burning red, flames that refuse to flicker out - and you crash through them like a beam of white light. A shooting star that offers the promise of something better. Something new.

Imposing in his stance, Jeongguk comes to stand beside you. Offers his hand out to Seokjin.

"Ah! Seojoon," he says, deliberately getting the wrong name, and not caring that maybe it's indicative of the fact your former fling has also been on his mind. Fine! Maybe he's obsessed with the fact other people have more of a claim on your romantic history than he does. Sue him. "We met at the golf course, remember?"

Seokjin doesn't correct Jeongguk on the incorrect name, nor the incorrect location. Knows exactly what he's doing. Shakes his hand.

"Jeongguk, yes. You had to run off pretty quick, no? Didn't get a chance to rally."

Oh, but we did, Jeongguk thinks. Knows it's a good job he didn't stick around. Would have probably thrown a racquet at Seokjin's face. Accidentally.

"Mm," Jeongguk nods. Protectively grips the nape of your neck. "Had plans. Maybe next time."

Seokjin nods. "Maybe."

The tension between the men is getting thicker.

Soon, you won't be able to breathe.

So you smile towards your ex, and say, "Excuse us."

Which only serves to piss Jeongguk off. This is your shot. Your chance to show Seokjin how little you care - and instead, you want to run away. Un-fucking-believable.

Still he smiles at Seokjin, as if he knows something that he doesn't. Wants him questioning this interaction for weeks. Regretting. Lamenting.

"See you around," Jeongguk says pleasantly, as you lead him down the hallway, your pace getting angrier with each step. He rolls his eyes. Knows you're gonna wanna fight, and thinks fuck it. Will just let it happen this time. Can't be fucked with keeping the peace.

The janitor's closet you had visited with Danbi is down this hallway, and it's where you're headed. Want privacy. Need it.

Especially 'cause Jeongguk's spouting off like a facetious twat before you're even inside. "Worst fake girlfriend I've ever had."

"I don't know how I'm supposed to pretend to be your fucking girlfriend!" You hiss quietly once you're inside, as Jeongguk knocks across the latch on the door, as if anyone else would even think to be in a janitor's closet right now.

You only know the door passcode from when you had been setting up, and even that was a lucky guess. Had just tried the code that works for another door in the gallery when Danbi had dragged you here, too.

"Well, it's not that fucking hard!" He hisses back, trying the handle just to make sure it doesn't open.

"Apparently it is!" You reply childishly.

Turning to face you, Jeongguk is obscured by the lack of light coming in through the small window on the back wall. You can barely see one another, 'cause neither of you have flicked the light on - and quite frankly, you don't want to. It's easier to fight when you can't see how delicate he looks, or how handsome his jaw is when it flexes out of frustration.

"Oh fuck off," he laughs, but it isn't humorous. "Even the caricature artist in Busan had to ask if we were a couple. We are perfectly capable of looking like one."

"I'm sure she asks everyone that!"

"Oh, piss off-"

"Fine!" You say defiantly, barging past him. If he wants you to piss off, then you will. He's the one who got you into this mess. Frankly, you don't give a shit at this point - but the door won't budge. Lock won't move. You yank on the door, as if that will help.

For all of Jeongguk's internalised frustration, he smirks, now. Folds his arm. Perches his ass on the counter by the sink.

Trying to prize the latch open, you're stupidly worried about breaking a nail - but you refuse to ask for help. Look to the side for something you can use for leverage. Can only see mops. Half think about throwing one at Jeongguk.

He doesn't interrupt your struggle. Doesn't tell you that there's a second latch towards the top of the door.

"If you don't let me out, then God help me, Jeongguk, I will scream," you threaten. "I will scream so fucking loudly that everyone hears, and then I'll let you explain why you wouldn't let me out."

Jeongguk laughs. "Go on then."

But you don't. You won't. This is somewhere you hope to work, one day. You can't risk embarrassing yourself over something as pathetic as this.

If you do, then it means Seokjin has won.

Jeongguk is many things. He's frustrating, and confusing, and yet simple and straightforward. He's an oxymoron, and on occasion, just a moron. At the crux of his identity though, is a good human. There is one thing he is not, and that is cruel.

So he stands. Sighs. Walks towards you and leans up to the latch you've neglected to touch. Puts a hand on your waist to steady himself, not that he really needs to. Pulls the lock free. Doesn't let go of your waist, but he isn't keeping you trapped. You're free to fly.

And yet you stay put, breath hitched in your throat, time standing still for a moment.

"Go," Jeongguk says quietly, his raspy voice affecting you in ways that it shouldn't be right now.

But to go would be to give him what he wants - and you absolutely do not want to do that.

Most importantly, you don't want to leave. Would gladly fight with him right now, 'cause at least you're actually talking.

"You go," you reply childishly.

"Me?" He laughs. Comes a little closer. Practically whispers in your ear. "B, you're the one who wanted to go. So, go."

"Maybe I've changed my mind."

He scoffs. "Fine."

It's a childish back and forth. One of you needs to grow up, and take control of the situation - and as Jeongguk's hand grips your waist a little tighter and spins you round, it's evident who is taking that role.

There's a dominant assertion to the way he moves you. You've seen this side of him a few times, but it never fails to take your breath away.

Hands pinned above your head all rather suddenly, a single one of his palms can keep both of your wrists suspended. It's always driven you a little wild before - but he's pissing you off. Every little thing he does will annoy you, now. Even the sexy shit.

In fact, especially the sexy shit.

The hand of his that isn't clamped around your wrists comes to the base of your throat, and you can't help but gasp a little in surprise.

His voice is deep and low as he tells you to 'say chess.'

But you shake your head. Won't do a damn thing he tells you. "No."

He grips tighter. "Tell me to stop."

"No."

"Fine then," he husks. Presses his knee between your thighs. Spreads them. Drops the hand from your throat to your hips. Get you positioned just right. Pulls you further up his thigh. Encroaches on your personal space.

"Stop acting like you don't know how to fake things." His voice is dulcet. "Your ex should be pretty used to it."

"Hardly the same thing, is it?" You hiss back, but Jeongguk laughs, and presses a kiss to the side of your ear. Then the lobe. Then beneath your ear. Down your throat. Stops only once he reaches your collarbone. Raises his eyes. Looks directly at you.

"I'm gonna make you cum," he tells you with arrogant certainty. "For real. You're not gonna fake that. Gonna make you cum, and then you're gonna hold my hand in front of your ex-boyfriend and fake that like a good girl."

The energy he's radiating is electric; the right amount of jealousy and desire making you the only thing his brain can focus on for longer than a second at a time.

"Gguk-" you gasp as he pushes your hips down. The leverage is crappy, the angle not quite right, but the intention is there.

Jeongguk glances over his shoulder, to check he wasn't imagining the chair he swore he noticed earlier, and almost thanks the God he doesn't believe in when his eyes land on it.

He turns back to face you. Lets your hands drop from above your head. Cups your jaw. Brushes his lips against yours.

"You're gonna be a good girl for me, aren't you, B?" He says, pressing a delicate kiss to your lips. Doesn't it let it linger. You don't get a chance to kiss him back, for he's moving you both to the chair. He sits, legs parted, and gets you straddled across his thigh. You're right where he wants you. "You're gonna ride my thigh and cum like a good fuckin' girl."

The satin of your panties rubs against his slacks without him even trying.

Hands beneath your dress, he squeezes at the flesh of your ass, spreading you. Pulls you up his thigh. Lets you build a motion. Encourages it.

He doesn't complain when your hands tangle in his hair. It surprises you at first, just how short it is. You've never experienced it like this. It almost distracts you from what's actually happening.

But then one of his hands comes to toy with your chest as you continue to ride his thigh. The neckline makes it so fucking easy for him. He gets you exposed, but doesn't keep it that way for long. Latches onto your nipple as soon as he fucking can. Groans against you, and then the sensation of his vibrating tongue forces the wetness to seep from your cunt.

Your rhythm against his thigh is well-established, now. Both of his hands are free to tug down on the top of your dress.

It's a pretty dress. Gorgeous, in fact, and you look incredible in it - but all he wants to do is take it off. Wants you naked.

For now, he'll settle with your satin-covered cunt rubbing up against him, and your tits nice and exposed for him to toy with. He's using you for his own gratification, and you're doing just the same.

His tongue flicks against your nipples, hands squeezing your tits firmly together. He sucks. Squeezes. Grazes his teeth. Makes you feel so fucking good. Part of you thinks he'll get you cumming just from the contact of his lips with your hardened nipples - but the way his strong thigh is acting as the perfect ridge? Fuck .

"I'm close," you promise as the pleasure trickles through your bloodstream like warm honey. Sweet, and delicate, there's something about orgasms earned by Jeongguk that always makes you feel like you've ascended. Heaven really is a place on earth. Remarkably, it appears to be in a janitor's closet with all of your closest friends just down the hallway.

Jeongguk nods. Slowly pulls away from your nipples, the suction so pleasurable you can't help but whine. "I won't stop you."

He means it. Keeps your nipples wet with his spit, tongue lapping against them, as your hips buck against him. Your whines get a little deeper. Friction stronger. Breaths needier.

And then, as soon as your body begins to shudder that tell-tale way, he lets his tongue loose.

"That's it, beautiful," he husks. Looks at you with stark adorned eyes. "Come on me like the pretty slut you are. What would they think, huh? If everyone here knew what you were doing? Be louder, baby. Let them know. Let them know how much you like to cum for me."

You whimper his name as your grind begins to ease - but Jeongguk doesn't let it. Uses both of his hands. Grabs your ass. Is intentional with the way he bounces his thigh up against you, forcing the sensation to jolt through you once more. Elbows on his shoulders, head buried in the crook of his neck, you're whining as he overstimulates you.

"God, I'll cum again," you tell him, teeth grazing his neck. He kinda likes the pain. Likes that he'll be waking up with a hickie, no doubt.

"Good," he grits. Is rough with your body. Wants that second orgasm, and he wants it now.

"Gguk-" you whimper, but can't manage to say anything more, the wave of pleasure taking over you so much faster. Chest heaving, you're unable to do anything other than languidly grind until your body stops. Hearts beating in sync, Jeongguk is so overwhelmed by how good it is to feel you come undone for him, he almost doesn't notice the way you begin to palm his incredibly hard crotch.

"Shit," he hisses. This was supposed to be about you. He shouldn't be letting you do this - and yet he's reaching for his belt. Is frantic as he unbuckles. Opens up his pants. Takes over from you. Dips his hands into his underwear. Wraps his hand around his hard, leaky cock. Smears the precum from his tip all over his head. Wants it in your mouth - but has other, more pressing ideas. "Can you stand for me, baby?"

Barely. Shaky on your legs, you do your best. Let him guide you - thankfully, to the door. Back pressed against it, Jeongguk gets you to hold the skirt of your dress up. Pushes your panties down, but only just enough to expose a small amount of your cunt. They're still around the top of your thighs, slick with evidence of your orgasm.

Jeongguk lines himself up. Rests the head of his cock against the edge of your underwear. Tells you, "I'm gonna cum in them. Gonna cum in your panties, and then you're gonna wear them all fuckin' evening."

"Please," is all you pathetically whimper.

It doesn't take long for him to get there. He's been worked up all week. He wanks himself off for you. Whines. Whispers shit about how hot you are. How much he likes doing shit like this.

Jeongguk grips onto your arm as his climax hits. Body doubling, he has no choice but to let his forehead rest on your shoulder.

"I'm cumming. Fuck. Fuck," Jeongguk curses. Tilts his head. Presses a wet kiss to the base of your neck as his body jolts and the first rope of cum spurts into your underwear. "Fuck, baby."

"That's it," you encourage, obsessed with the way he's whimpering, body all weak and feeble as it shakes for you.

He groans now. Grips his cock even tighter. Milks himself for all he's worth. Fucking ruins your underwear. Lets the top of his cock rub up against your clit. Massages your slick and his cum together. "Fuck."

When he finally pulls away, he says nothing. Immediately pulls his pants up as if he can't believe what he's just done, then pulls your panties up, too. Hooks the sides over your hips, pulling the mess he's made tightly to your soaked cunt. Cups his hand over your heat. Presses. Rubs. Teases little circles over your clit. Presses down more firmly. Builds speed.

"Gguk," you whine, grabbing onto his shoulders.

"Again, baby," he says softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. "Cum again for me."

"I can't," you whine, the overstimulation about to kick in - but he dismisses it. Knows that if you wanted him to stop, you'd say 'chess'.

"You can, baby," he promises. Uses the hand that isn't massaging your clit to angle your jaw. Doesn't even think as he steals a pretty little kiss from your lips. Doesn't realise it begins to send you over the edge. "You're gonna cum like you're mine."

And how can you do anything else but succumb to his demands?

Lips on his, brows furrowed together, he swallows all of your pretty little whines, as your body shudders for him. He keeps you steady. Keeps you supported. Keeps his tongue in your mouth, and his hand rubbing your panties. Doesn't ease up until you pull away from his lips.

"Gguk," you pant. "Please."

Nodding, he eases slowly. Doesn't wanna let go too quickly. Keeps kissing you. Won't stop that. Never wants to stop that. Is still annoyed with you, yes, but knows he has a duty of care, now. Also knows he'd never forgive himself if he didn't take every chance he gets to kiss you.

When he finally pulls away, forehead resting against yours, he's spent. You're both panting, both struggling to formulate any words in the wake of such a devastating orgasm.

Brushing a few strands of hair back from your face, Jeongguk closes his eyes. Nudges his nose against yours. Shows a little restraint. Whispers, "You've got a show to return to."

Nodding, you shake a little from his grip. Say nothing as you adjust your dress. Try your best to ignore the thick pool of his cum that's gathered in your panties. The tops of your thighs will end up smeared in the evidence of him, and, quite disgustingly, it only serves to make you even more turned on.

"I'll follow behind you," he promises as he begins to sort himself out, too.

Nodding, you're a little unsure of exactly what to do. You're scared that someone will know. That you'll leak.

"I'm scared," you admit. Explain your worry. He rolls his eyes, but smiles as he does, so.

He tugs on your hands, and props you up against the counter towards the back of the small room. Spreads your legs. Assesses fuckin' nothing, 'cause it's so dark in the room - but knows your pussy almost as well as he knows his own name. Licks to the left of your lips. To the right. Ends in one thick stripe up the centre. Sucks ever so gently once he reaches your clit. Knows that your cunt - your leaky, needy, hole that he loves to stretch out so much - must be going insane from the lack of attention it's getting.

"You'll be okay," he assures you. Stands, and gives your pussy a playful spank. "C'mon. You've got horny old dudes to schmooze."

"Is that gonna get you off?" you tease slightly, your annoyance with him a little subdued.

"Maybe," he shrugs, already knowing it mostly likely will. "You're gonna walk around that gallery covered in my cum, and no one else but us is gonna know it," he smirks, the gravity of what he's just done finally kicking in. Cups your jaw. Presses a kiss to your lips. Husks, "You're gonna go out there and act like you're mine - 'cause right now, you are."

You don't argue against it.

The pair of you meander down the corridor in near silence. His hand is on your back, but your arms are tentatively folded across your chest. Each step is accompanied by your keen ears checking for audible evidence of your sin.

So caught up in your own worries, you don't notice how quiet the gallery itself is. How few people seem to be milling about. How the main lights are on now, and how it only seems to be those wearing 'staff' lanyards within the main space.

Pursing his lips as he realises, Jeongguk tries not to laugh.

"Oh, shit," you whisper, pulling on his wrist so you can check the time on his watch. 10:13. The show was scheduled to finish at 10, but you're sure most people will have filtered out before then. Have no idea what the time was when Jeongguk had dragged you away from the main room.

"S'fine," he mumbles. Grips a little tighter on your waist. Doesn't let you pull away, like he fears you will now that appearances don't need to be kept up.

You don't. Instead, your arms drop from their position over your chest, and reach for his hand, guiding him the direction of the (now unmanned) cloak room.

There's little chatter as you grab your coats - the only ones left there.

"Need to show you something," you mumble, digging into your pockets, and pulling out half a dozen empty tubes.

Jeongguk looks at you with a sense of frayed confusion - but if he were to thread the strings together, he'd see the bigger picture.

Dusted in fine glitter of different colours, the tubes don't seem out of the ordinary for you. Is totally the kind of thing he'd expect to see in your pockets.

Quietly, you grit your teeth together. Suck in a little air. Are embarrassed to admit what you've done.

But the person in front of you is your best friend. Even with judgement will come acceptance. There always is. Honesty is the least you owe him.

"I know I'm not wearing any glitter," you start slowly. Hold the empty tubes up, then toss them into the bin beside the concierge table. Knock your head to the side and encourage him to start walking with you. He does.

He also reaches into his own pocket, and pulls out his car keys. Passes them over to you. "Might be above the limit. Can you drive?"

Glancing over to him, shocked by the request, you double check. "Are you sure?"

He nods. "You can crash at mine. It's fine."

Despite it all, there's still no one else he wants to end the night with. No girl he'd rather take home. Platonic or romantic.

"Sleep, I mean," he adds. "Not physically crash the car. Please don't crash my car."

You just smile. Nod. After the hideousness of the week spent barely talking to him, there's nothing you want more than to just feel like things are still normal.

"So the tubes?" he asks as you reach the car. He lets you unlock it, but adjusts the seat for you before letting you get in. Also puts his jacket down on the cushion, just in case your underwear gives up on protecting your decency.

"Thanks," you say, stroking the side of his waist tenderly as he makes way for you and waits for him to get in before you start the car up. You get onto the main road, and make sure you've got your bearings before finally explaining yourself. "It was plausible deniability. The lack of glitter, I mean. Was deliberate."

"What do you mean?" He asks, reaching for the gearstick. Doesn't care if your hand is on it. Wants to hold it. You ignore his actions. Just let him intertwine his fingers with yours.

"I mean, the less glitter on me, the less credibility Jin would have when it comes to arguing that I'm the person who's emptied half a dozen tubes of glitter into his incredibly expensive formal winter coat."

Jeongguk says nothing for a moment. Plays out the idea of you stealthily depositing millions of glitter specks into a jacket that costs more than his yearly rent. Is slow to ask, "...which pockets?"

And you're slow to reply, "... All the ones I could find. Outside, inside. Secret pocket in the lining."

And then Jeongguk is laughing. Really fucking laughing. Looks over to you, and your bunched up little face, and is overcome a sense of pride he usually only feels for these gallery shows, or when a bird of yours is completed. The kinda pride that is reserved for you, and for your accomplishments.

"Shut up," you giggle now, too. "I know it's childish but-"

"No," he shakes his head. Can't stop smiling. "It's brilliant. Dunno if you've heard, but apparently glitter is a bitch to get out."

"Yeah," you grin. "I've been told that a few times."

And suddenly the events of the evening seem to feel less burdensome. Warmer. More pleasant.

You don't bother with small talk, and nor does he. Are just happy to exist together, and this state of ease lasts right up until you're in his apartment, shoes off, standing a little awkwardly in his living room.

Jimin is out. Everyone is. There are a million messages in your group chat asking where you are. You'll just reply in the morning. Too busy, now.

"I need to shower," you say, a little timid.

Jeongguk nods. "Same."

"Join me?"

To your surprise, he hesitates.

"You're the reason I need one in the first place," you remind him. "Please."

He looks down. Shakes his head. "I don't trust us."

"Nor do I," you tell him. "But this whole thing has been hell on earth, Gguk. I've hated it."

"Me too."

"I don't think..." you sigh. Don't want to share your conclusion, but know you need to. "I don't think careless fucking around is worth it. It's definitely not worth losing you."

"So what are you saying?"

Gesturing towards yourself, you grimace a little. "I'm saying we sort out the current... mess. Get showered. Whatever. Head to the pharmacy in the morning for the emergency pill, just in case - and then a few days from now, I'll take an actual test. Just wanna make sure my system is settled, first. And then, providing it all goes well, we sort ourselves out. Stop fucking around."

Jeongguk says nothing. Just sort of looks at you as if you've just hung up a new star in the sky, or something absurd like that. Nods. "Alright."

You're well aware that you shouldn't look at Jeongguk in the way that you do; that you shouldn't stand in his living room, and let the dress that you've been hoping would keep him focused on you all night drop to the floor.

He's well aware that he shouldn't look at you in the way that he does; like you're some kind of star to wish upon.

And yet you both do. He wishes. You grant his wishes.

There's a mess to clean up in the morning. Jeongguk can't shake the look on the faces of his friends from his mind. Knows that you need to cover your tracks.

But for now, he doesn't care.

Your dress is on the floor, and his heart is yours.

Though he'll always define you as his best friend, he knows that the way he wants you goes beyond the scope of that. Knows that there's no going back.

"Byeol," he whispers.

"Koo," you whisper right back.

He smiles. Shakes his head. "I love it when you call me that."

You nod. smile, too. "I love the way you smile when I call you that."

He's right not to trust the pair of you together. Right to assume that a shower is a bad decision. Right to think that the second he has you naked, he won't care about the consequences.

Quite frankly, he couldn't give a fuck. Skin on skin, he indulges in you. The way you feel, the way you sound. Pretends like it's normal, holding your waist as he peppers kisses up your neck. Tells himself it's not unusual for friends to let their hands roam. It's all about trust. Mutual adoration. Desire. Want. Careful carelessness.

You don't kiss him, at least. Not in the shower.

No, you don't kiss him... until you're in his sheets.

Neither of you got dressed after the shower. Went to bed naked with the promise of sleep - and yet somehow you're straddled across his lap at two in the morning, hips slowly grinding to get the feeling of fullness you love so much from Jeongguk.

"After this-" you husk into his lips, but he breaks your sentence with yet another kiss. You don't mind. "After this, we've gotta start taking shit carefully."

He nods. "Mhmm. Whatever you say."

"Gguk-"

"Byeol, please," he smiles. "I'm literally inside you. Can you at least wait until we're done to give me ultimatums?"

Laughing, you cup his jaw. Kiss him again, just because you want to. Because you can. "Yeah. My bad."

Sitting back up, Jeongguk watches on in a state of adoration as your body moves for him. So often the one to take the lead, he's letting you have control, now. Letting you ride him. Letting himself succumb to everything you are.

"Shit," he whines, back arching, head pressing into his pillows. Fingers gripping your hips, he thrashes his own upwards. Thrusts up into you like a man possessed. Gets your body all weak and feeble from the overwhelming pleasure he's delivering - and when your hand dips to toy with your clit? Oh, it doubles. Trebles.

"You're so fucking hot," he tells you. "Yeah. Play with yourself for me. That's it, baby."

Panting, you tap on his chest with your spare hand. "Hips. Slow."

He does what he's told even if he absolutely doesn't want to. Let you bounce slowly. Reaches up to hold one of your tits as you do so. Wants them in his mouth. Finds himself grinning when he thinks of how much he's changed since you first started fucking around together.

"God, I fuckin' love this," he whines a little mindlessly. Doesn't bother clarifying what 'this' is.

The hand of yours that's wrapped around his wrist begins to tighten. Nails dig in. Tiny pretty whines of satisfaction escape your lips. Eyes close. Speed of the hand rubbing circles on your clit increases. Sitting on his cock, he's keeping you stretched. Full. Lets you do whatever the fuck you like, 'cause he knows you're working your way up. Loves to watch it more than anything. Gets himself off sometimes thinking about it.

Leaning forward a little, you reach for his phone. Slide it open to his camera.

He narrows his eyes. "Whatcha doing there?"

Whiney as you manage to speak, Jeongguk thinks you must be a direct descendant of Aphrodite. "Giving you permission," you hum, passing his phone back to him, already recording.

He looks to the screen, a little red button in the middle and a time running through on the top. Raises his brow. "Sure?"

You're putting on a show for him, yes, but none of it is faked. This is as real as it gets.

"Oh, fuck yeah," he husks as he can feel your walls tighten. "Like that. Like that. Fuck ." Pulses his hips ever so slightly. Sneaks his hand to join yours. Takes over. "Cum all over my cock, baby. Yeah. Yeah, that's it, babe."

"Gguk, I'm so close."

"I know," he coos. "Let yourself. I'm here."

"You're so big," you tell him, just so he has evidence of it. Know it will do his ego wonders. "Makes me feel so good."

"Show me how good it feels. Cum for me. Please. I need this. Need you ."

And when you finally do?

Oh, it's glorious.

"There she is," Jeongguk praises. Doesn't bother to stop recording. Tosses his phone to the side. Pulls you in for a million kisses. "God, you're so pretty when you cum. So fuckin' pretty."

His hips continue to gently rock, his orgasm far less violent than yours. You only really know it's happening cause he grunts. Gets a little breathless. Hugs around your back as his legs begin to shake, and eventually he manages to shakily whisper, "it's yours. All yours."

You just assume he means his cock, or cum, or something vulgar like that - and while it would be correct, it's not what he means. Not at all.

He holds you as you sleep that night. Has no interest in pretending like he wants to be less than what you are right now.

But come the morning, you're cracking jokes together like you've never nearly made declarations you'd never be able to take back. Hang out, as if he wouldn't rather eat you out. Make a to-do list. Laugh, as it's titled 'Fixing the Star-Fuckers Fuck-Up'.

You make a trip out of the list. Go to a pharmacy a few towns over. Grab a drive-thru Maccies breakfast. Get absolutely slated when you order a Shanghai Snack Wrap instead of a classic egg McMuffin.

"Can't believe we're friends," Jeongguk says, disgusted by the fact you're choosing to have something from the all-day menu. "Can't believe we fuck ."

"Fucked," you remind him, and remember that you've a pill you need to take. Pop it out of the foil, and swallow it down with a chug of Jeongguk's drink. "Past tense."

"Yeah, sorry," Jeongguk grins. It's easier to pretend like the idea of not fucking doesn't phase him. "My bad."

His pretty grin swiftly disappears three days later as he paces around your apartment living room, waiting on the result from a little pink stick that's sitting on top of your toilet. You're in the living room, too. Don't wanna check it. Nor does he.

So you play rock paper scissors.

Jeongguk loses.

And as you nervously await your fate, all you hear from your bathroom is a single word.

"Fuck."

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take-everything-you-can · 2 years ago

Text

What makes a man

A/N : This is the second piece into the angiverse or my dad Eddie series of blurbs. A series of Fathers Days throughout Eddies life. One Where his father wasn't so kind, another when he surprised Wayne, and one more where you surprise him. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

P.s Photo in header are all from google straight up not gonna lie to yall have no idea who edited the Eddie and Wayne photo but its phenomenal.

P.p.s update : the photo of Eddie and Wayne was created by user @fefemunson on Pinterest and insta 💕💕🖤

Dividers by @cafekitsune

18+ MINORS DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem reader

WC: 4K

TW: Angst ( Al - need I say more...) Fluff ( Wayne's gift, doting husband, baby girl Munson) Smut ( Breeding kink, F receiving, fingering, unprotected PIV, dirty talk, multiple orgasms, accidental edging, squirting) If y'all see anything I missed please let me know. Not really edited all that much.

Sweat rolled down the side of Eddie's face as he sat crouched behind a car in the packed lot of a junkyard, a few towns over from Hawkins. The sun had set but the heat waves, in the middle of June 1975, had become almost stifling as he kept an eye on his surroundings. Al had promised that if Eddie just kept watch this one last time, while he took care of some business, then he could get him the guitar strings he had his eye on.

It had only been two seconds, two seconds Eddie let himself get distracted as he watched the fireflies light up the darkening sky in swirling patterns. Two seconds and Eddie had missed how a tall figure made its way over to the door in which he watched his father disappear behind. Two seconds and he was too late to let out his crow call to let Al know there was someone coming.

“Run.” A gunshot and a flash of his father was all Eddie heard and saw before his limbs were weaving in and out of old abandoned things that people no longer needed. Things that people no longer wanted. Losing traction as the rain from the night before made the clay and mud beneath his feet slide. He had caught up to Al, Eddie had never been an athlete but when it came to running for his life, he had more practice then one should at his age.

“Stupid, How could you be so fucking Stupid?” Al was catching his breath as he slowed, pretty sure that the men he was stealing from had given up at least for now. “I mean I ask you to do one thing and you can't even do that right.” Eddie walks beside his father and he’s heard the spiel time and time again. “If you think I’m getting you those guitar strings after this, You can forget it.” Eddie knew he was never getting those strings, and if he was being honest with himself he knew this was the only time he was going to get with his father. That's all he ever wanted , to feel like he was needed and if that meant he would have to sit through some words that hurt, then that's exactly what he would do.

He thought to two days ago. Hawkins Elementary had fathers day arts and crafts sweep through the halls and through classrooms as the day approached within the upcoming weekend. He decided that he was going to draw what he knew best. Eddie had drawn a dragon, large and fierce , one only a brave man could face. Sword in hand and threatening he had drawn his father slaying the dragon that plagued the princess’s nightmares around the realm. He was so excited to present it to his father but as he sat and heard the words his father was saying the longer the picture sat in his backpack until it littered the bottom of it at the end of the year.

Eddie would never give the picture to Al, in fact he would grow to forget about it.

It took only a few months as the fall leaves began to change colors and fall to the ground, Al would find himself behind bars. Life without parole for numerous crimes that would leave Eddie with nothing but his mother and His uncle. It would be a very very long time before He would even hear the sound of his voice again.

June 1985 had become as hot as Eddie thought it possibly could within the trailer. Wayne was currently out shopping for two new units, one for the living room and one for Eddie. As the men of the house could no longer stand having their hair drip sweat in their eyes and slick down the back of their knees. So they counted couch change and broke open piggy banks for the luxury of air flow.

Eddie had found himself trying to pry the window that had been painted shut open in his room. A small one across from where his bed sat, and it took all of his strength and an hour of his time, but he had finally been able to crack it. Sweet relief had started to settle around him as a breeze picked up and his curtains swayed in as he took a look around his room. Clothes scattered and books in a pile, a few cups on his desk and sheets of paper askew, Eddie decided to start cleaning his room.

A half clean floor surprised Wayne as he looks in on Eddie as he arrives home with the new units. Almost not wanting to say anything at all to stop Eddie in his task, but he curses himself as the words leave his mouth.

“Come help me unload this truck boy.” Eddie slips on a pair or worn out sneaker and trudges through the inferno only to be met with a realization. It was colder outside then it was in the trailer and he stood on the shared porch in disbelief.

“How is it cooler out here than inside?”

“Not for long If i can help it, Now come one and give me a hand before I melt out here.”

Eddie helps Wayne take both units into the house and he holds them up as Wayne takes his time to install them, making sure that he eases the process as much as he can for his uncle.

Eddie Holds his breath as Wayne plugs in the unit in his bedroom and the second the small little green light pops on and revs the A/C Unit to life, That breath leaves his lungs in a huffed out laugh as he jumps up and down in joy. A laugh from Wayne as he pats Eddie's shoulder as he leaves the room. “Glad you like it. I’m hitting the hay so keep it down here okay?” Eddie nods his head towards his uncle as he lifts his shirt up over his head and just basks in the cool air hitting his skin for what feels like the first time ever.

Eddie opens his closet to hang a few stray long sleeve shirts he had found scattered across the floor. Giving each the smell test before grabbing hangers. Who needs a long sleeve tee in this heat anyway, he thinks to himself. He stops and bends to find an old shoebox that had fallen from the top shelf and somehow landed upside down. Small trinkets from his past had toppled out and onto the floor, a few movie stubs, from trips to the cinema across town. His first DND Handbook , a small pick-me-up Wayne had brought home from a thrift store for him one day after finding out he had the flu.

Then a small folded up piece of paper caught his eye. A Knight in shining armor depicted as slaying a dragon, one with a tail that could take out entire cities and claws like daggers. A sword through its skull as he shields himself from the bloodshed,but the face of the knight confused him. He remembered drawing the picture for his father , his rounded features and brudish stance, but the more he looked in on the knight he realized the picture he had drawn was not rounded but more sharp. The knight was more gentle as if it hurt to even have to slay the dragon but for his princess he would do anything. He had drawn Wayne, not his father.

The picture would continue to lay in the box , and Eddie would put the box back in its rightful place on a shelf in his closet , but Eddie would always know that Wayne would slay his dragon. In fact he realized Wayne had been slaying them for years all in the sake of his protection. This brought a smile to his face as he left his room and made himself some dinner, making Wayne a plate to leave in the fridge so he would have something to eat before having to go to work. Tomorrow he wouldn't wait for the phone call from his father that would never come, instead he would spend it with his dad, a man who took him in and loved him for all that he was.

An Early Morning of June 1988, Eddie paced by the phone for what seemed like hours. He started off his day by sitting , but the nervous bile that would rise in his throat had him up and down. His mind was set on hearing disappointment but you reassured him he would hear nothing of the sort. Finding himself sitting, knee bouncing as if it had a live wire in it, you start to separate things off the stove into their own spots on the kitchen aisle. A breakfast fit for a king, sausage and eggs , bacon and pancakes. All that was missing was Coffee.

The night before you and Eddie had gone to Waynes for dinner leaving a small gift that he wasn’t supposed to open until this morning. You were sure he would open it as soon as you left but the line had stayed silent and Eddie knew for a fact he would call if he did. Given the gift he was receiving you had hoped the phone would ring sooner rather than later simply for the fact that you wanted Eddie to have peace of mind. Each second that passed you saw in Eddie’s features that he was going to the dark and weathered places.

You and Eddie had given Wayne a mug. A small pink mug that when Wayne opened it reminded him of a diner he had not far from his house when he lived in Tennessee as a child. As Wayne poured his coffee into the mug he noticed that when he went to take a sip his hand caressed within it perfectly, a new favorite he would have to keep by the sink. As his last few sips drained the cup he saw an inscription on the bottom of the inside.

‘Pa Pa needs Coffee first’

A shrill ring from the telephone made you and Eddie nearly jump out of your skin. He picked up the phone and held it to his ear but before the word “hello” could leave his mouth Wayne had already started.

“Are you serious? Don’t be playing no games with me boy, cause if i have a heart attack then i'm taking your scrawny ass with me! You better be telling the truth or so help me -”

Eddie's sniffles match Waynes as he just nods his head as if the man on the other end of the line can see him.

“I’m telling the truth, we’re having a baby girl, Uncle Wayne.” Eddie turns as he hears a small sob leave you . You had been watching the man in front of you tell the most important person in his life the news of having your first child. It broke you in the best way.

Eddie motioned for you to come over to him as he couldn't pull the cord far enough to reach you. He wrapped both of his arms around your neck as he held the phone to his ear letting Wayne rattle on his congratulations while you let the tears fall and land on his shirt. Eddie hoped this would be one of those moments you never forget. One that even when you were sitting next to him old and gray , he hoped this would be a memory he could always reach out for.

Eddie hung up the phone and still having you wrapped up in his arms led you backwards. He stopped next to the fridge and opened it opting for orange juice instead of coffee. He had told you about a week or so ago that anything you couldn't do, he wouldn't do, and It was becoming a challenge. Coffee and a cigarette had been his daily routine for as long as he could remember, but having you struggle was something he was not going to let you do alone. So this morning he poured you a glass of juice along with his own and you both sat and ate the breakfast of champions, a slight Happy Father's Day on the tip of your tongue.

Summer on the cusp of beginning in June of 1991 had bees buzzing and roses blooming . A cranky tot had been an alarm clock for you and Eddie for the past three weeks. Not only had your daughter reached the terrible twos but the heat was something she didn't like in the slightest. A stressful few months of Eddie working non stop and you finishing rotation on night shift had left you no time alone together. That would all end tonight.

Wayne had agreed to take Angie for the weekend while you and Eddie had finally convinced your jobs to give you the time off. A rushed drive to Waynes gave you that pit feeling in your stomach and the tears that stained Angies face at your absence gave you tears to shed of your own. Mom guilt was always something you would struggle with. How could you not? Eddie squeezed your knee as he drove, peaking at you every so often to sooth the pit, he felt it too, but you deserve this. Eddie Deserved this.

An early check-in to the hotel you had booked gave you enough time to get dressed and listen to Eddie complain about the restaurant you were taking him to having a dress code. You packed him a black blazer and a maroon button up ,but the man refused to wear slacks. Absolutely threw a fit about it, so he compromised and wore black jeans that you had to inspect for rips. While you wore a black dress that fit snugly against your soft tummy, coming up short against your thighs. If you bent over the entire place would be getting a show but you were saving that for your husband. God your husband, you loved the sound it rang through your brain, an earworm the word had become since you married. Husband, the father of your child, the man you gave your everything to and he gave you back all of himself in return.

The dim light of the room made you squint at the incredibly small print of the menu in your hands and as you look across the table you see Eddie doing the same.

“You see a burger here anywhere?” you roll your eyes.

“Eddie, we did not drive an hour into the city for you to order a burger from a five star restaurant.”

“Why not?” you could see the slight slip of the corner of his mouth. You smile and turn your focus back on figuring out what to eat before the waiter comes back. The pasta sounds nice, the steak on a table across the way looks divine. You settle on a Caesar salad , Eddie orders steak and fettuccine. A beer in front of Eddie pairs with your glass of white as his hand comes across waiting for you to take hold. You indulge him as you pick up your glass with your other hand. Soft circles across your knuckles have you leaning into the table.

“Have i told you how incredible you look tonight?” Heat rushes through you at his tone, seep sultry, dark. A twist in where he laces your fingers with his own and a gleam in his eye. You know exactly what he wants to hear.

“Oh yeah? Me? What about you over there?” You return the look as the waiter sits your food in front of you interrupting whatever he was going to say.

A tight smile is all he gives as he picks up his beer and takes a sip. He picks up his knife and you watch as he tries to cut into his steak, lifting your glass and taking a long sip you take the edge of your heels and slide it up his leg. He nearly drops his fork on the ground at the unexpected touch. Eddie stares wide eyed as he brings his food to his mouth slowly taking the bite.

You look away as if your heel isn't still making its way to his knee and sliding in between his thighs, placing your shoe right against his groin. You can see the way his body stiffens and instantly his hand is slammed against the table. It gets the attention of your waiter as if the sound was a call of his name. When he asks if you are enjoying your food and if you need anything Eddie rushes to get the words out.

“Yes! Good! Everything is delicious! Can we get the check please?” he obliges as he walks to grab the tab for the two of you. Giggling as you take in the wild look Eddie is giving you.

"You done already babe?"

"You are going to be the absolute death of me, woman.” you pay for dinner as a treat for Fathers day, shit this whole weekend was for Fathers day. Eddie gave you hell for paying but the bruising grip on your hip as you walked through the restaurant had you knowing he was going to pay you back tenfold.

Barely making it through the door to your hotel room Eddie had already shed the blazer you had made him wear. Lips catching between teeth and struggling to undo buttons has you both breathless and frustrated. Eddie pulls the shirt up and over his head yelling fuck it as it soars across the room. The rattle of his belt buckle sends a shiver down your spine as you sit and struggle to undo the clasp of your heels. Eddie kicks the denim that pooled around his ankles to the side as he jumps up onto the bed. His knees against the sheets, he takes one of your heels in his hands and leans it against his chest as he undoes the clasp for you. He throws the heel behind him and does the same to the other leaning over you as his hair falls around your face.

“Mhmm, I've been thinking ‘bout this all day.” your lips crash into his, a hungry, feral feeling overcomes you as you wrap your legs around his waist. His lips begin their journey down your neck and across your chest, sucking small spots and leaving small bruises, as if leading breadcrumbs to find his way back home. He reaches the hem of your dress as he nips at your thighs pushing the fabrics up so it bunches at your waist.

“Isn't it Fathers Day, shouldn't I be the one going down on you?“ He catches your eyes as you look down and shakes his head.

“Nope. Like you said, it's Fathers Day and that means I get whatever I want baby, and I didn't get to have dessert.” He takes the lace between his teeth and lets it snap back in place listening as you let out a small whine from beneath him.

“Mmm so sweet” He slips the thong along your thighs and down your legs as you let them spread for his immediate return. Except it’s not immediate, he takes his time. “So good to me, aren’t you sweetheart?” He takes his time kissing his way down your thighs to your dripping core. He drapes your legs over his shoulders as he slips his tongue through your folds and around your clit. Sucking hard as he lets the slick of your arousal coat his taste buds. Kissing your cunt as if he can’t live without its breath in his lungs. He slips his tongue into you as he lets his nose stimulate your clit. You wonder if he can breathe but the thought is lost as he slips a finger into you instead coming back to focus on that bundle of nerves. Your hands wrap themselves around his curls and grip hard, earning a moan from him that vibrates against your core as he adds another finger and a gasping moan sounding from deep within you as you chase that lightning through your core. Shaking thunderous moans of His name leave you as you give in to your husband. He slows the curl of his fingers and lets you ride out your high letting himself pant against your thigh as your grip in his hair loosens.

Laughs from Eddie send you into a fit of your own giggles and the loving look he gives you as he hovers over you letting you taste yourself off his lips. Slow and needy you reach down and grasp Eddie's length through his boxers and a groan is made from the back of his throat.

“Eddie.” The soft moan of his name is all it takes for him to give you anything you ever wanted. Some Days it’s your laugh, other days it’s the way you take care of his daughter, but right now in this moment it’s the way you're sighing at his touch.

You sit up pushing his shoulders back until his head hits the pillows,straddling his waist and sliding up and down his cock a few times, coating him in your slick. Lining him up with your entrance and sitting slowly until his entire length is buried inside you. A deep moan from within the both of you. You lift yourself off of him leaning back resting your hands on his thighs as the angle lets him hit that sweet spot inside of you with every drop back into his lap. The way his cock slides against your walls has you throwing your head back ,eyes closed in ecstasy.

“Uh uh , Look at me , Let me see you baby.” your chest heaves with each thrust he sends upwards into you, unable to form words. A sudden flip has you separated from Eddie right as you were on the cusp.

“I said look at me Baby, Come on. What ? dick so good you’ve gone dumb?” He slams into you and the sounds of his skin slapping yours, as he fucks you into the mattress, echoes off the walls.” God you’re so tight. Squeezin the fuck outta me.” You whine as he lifts you so your chest is flush with his own. “Look so good underneath me ,gonna fuck you full baby.”

“Yes , god yes Fuck Eddie, fill me up.” you moan through each thrust, right against his ear. You reach your climax gushing around Eddie a small spray reaching his abdomen and wetting the sheets beneath you. Nail marks scratching down his back send him into his own orgasm as he coats the walls within you thick, falling forward with you under him. A weight you would always welcome. Both of you lay in utter bliss for what feels like forever before he slips out of you. You hiss at the empty feeling but welcome the warm rag Eddie drags across your center. A glass of water is given to you as you lay tangled in the sheets bringing them to your chest as you gulp down every drop. A small smile on Eddie's face has you feeling like you did the first time you saw him. Unbelievably awestruck.

“What's on your mind Honey?” He thinks for a second but gives you an answer far from what you expect.

“I think we just made our second child.” loud and blissfully you laugh.

“One not enough? “ His dimples practically touch each other as he purses his lips, letting his tongue glide over the bottom.

“One is plenty, but I just can't help but want a little more of you in the world.” you sit up on your knees as you bring Eddies face down to your own, sliding a hand across his cheek as your lips meet.

"I wouldn’t mind a little more of you out there either.”

#eddie munson #eddie munson x fem reader #eddie munson smut #eddie munson x reader #eddie stranger things #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson angst #dad eddie munson #wayne munson #dilf!eddie munson #stranger things #eddie munson stranger things #eddie munson blurb #mae blurbs

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wonderfulwitchwillow · 5 months ago

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So like, when anyone thinks Ravenloft you probably think of Curse of Strahd. Or hell Curse of Strahd as a standalone thing. Like its one of the most popular modules of all time. But Curse of Strahd is an adaptation. One of many adaptations of 1st edition's I6: Ravenloft.

It got me wondering, how many people have actually taken time to look at this module who weren't playing in the 80s. I wasn't even alive in the 80s, and when this module came out my father was in high school playing D&D. So I doubt alot of people go back and really look at some of these older modules. And I happen to be a collector/lore nerd for all things Ravenloft. So what exactly is different? I have somewhat compiled my thoughts into a semi-cohesive analysis of I6 and Curse of Strahd.

Alot, and I do mean alot, of the module is similar to the opening and the castle in Curse of Strahd so this is your warning for spoilers for the module. I intend to talk about every major (and some minor) changes between 1st editions Ravenloft and 5th editions Curse of Strahd and give some of my commentary on what I have found, and some notes about random related facts. I am not going to discuss the overall narrative of I6 or Curse of Strahd since the only major narrative differences is in the Castle, which I do discuss in detail in that section of the post. I also know there are other adapations of I6 Ravenloft, 2nd edition has House of Ravenloft and 3rd edition has Expedition to Castle Ravenloft, but I am analyzing 1st edition and 5th edition's design choices; if I focused on all the editions, I would need more than just 1 super long post; plus Expedition to Castle Ravenloft really deserves its own post since its canon is separate from the greater ravenloft canon of second and third edition. Forgive me if my photos suck, I am using my phone and my shadows keep showing up. I have several things I want to say before I get started proper; I6 uses some derogatory words for the Vistani people, a ethnic group in Ravenloft not subtly based on the Romani people. These words may appear in some of my images but I am going to do my best to avoid showing them and the slurs will not appear in my text. I make mention of this because the Vistani are not refereed to as the Vistani in I6 but in all other versions of the module and the setting as a whole, they are called the Vistani. This is something that is an issue in second and third edition when it comes to the Ravenloft setting. It is at times, very racist. And I would not be doing justice to those who are harmed without mentioning the use of slurs or racial caricatures for a real ethnic group in this module. I am not going to talk more about them in the module since their presence outside of Madam Eva is small and racist; serving as minions of Strahd with a neutral evil alignment; which this alone is incredibly disgusting by making a real group of people evil. The harm started with this module and it is something that everyone who interacts with Ravenloft, regardless of canon, take caution and care with handling. I added IDs to each photo to help as well. I shall be discussing the module under the cut.

Part 0 - extra bits and forward

This post is incredibly long, I have tried to add mini-headers for each major subsection of this post because as I was working on it, it somewhat ballooned in scope and I want it to be fairly readable for those who are interested.

Onto the module discussion

Part 1 - Cover and maps

Forgive me for having a section just dedicated to the maps but as you would soon find out, its quite extensive in detail.

[ID]

A cardboard outer sleeve with the words Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Official Game Adventure Ravenloft. Below the title is a landscape image in a gothic horror art style.

The image is of the vampire count Strahd von Zarovich standing on his castle's walled balcony overlooking a misty cliff side. On the railing of the balcony sits two gargoyle statues. The castle itself is behind Strahd with a gateway being directly behind him. There are two castle spires, one in the foreground cut off by the artwork, one in the background with the spire's peak nearly visible. The castle's battlements are behind the right spire and go from the upper center of the artwork to the edge on the right. There is a lightning strike in the upper right corner along with bats flying out of the right spire into the night. Mist fills the lower right corner, obscuring the spire.

Below the artwork is a line of marketing text- "The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner - and you are invited. Ravenloft is an adventure for 6 to 8 players of levels 5 to 7." Below this is the TSR logo, which is an outline of the letters "T" "S" and "R". Below the logo is the copyright information "TSR, Inc. Products of your imagination. Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and Products of your imagination are trademarks of TSR. Inc."

[End ID]

I think I am not alone in saying but the first edition module covers are iconic. It is this generic fantasy style now but like that style is timeless to me. Its Strahd looking menacing over the chapel outlook's balcony. Its incredibly imposing. Its a different vibe and I don't think the other modules ever nail the vibe that Strahd is menacing on the cover art. He is waiting to strike or overlooking his lands. Though Curse of Strahd cover is probably my second favorite because he is less of a monster and more of a noble playing a game which is far closer to how he is played as a villian. Strahd always changing his appearance to fit in with what we consider "fantasy" for the era. I am fascinated with older editions of D&D so it makes sense why I would love this art so much. It is absolutely my taste and I am biased.

[ID]

The image contains two documents on a wooden table. The document on the left is the same document as the first image, cardboard outer sleeve On the top of the sleeve above this title is an orange header with "I6" on the left corner and "9075" on the right corner which wasn't visible in the first image.

The second document is a map folded in half showing only the right potion of the map. The map has a white margin surrounding the entire map as a a border. The top of the map has a repeating pattern lining the edge of the map invoking a gothic crown molding. The right edge of the map has a marble pillar going from the top to the bottom of the map, serving as a border. The map's legend is in the right corner. The contents of the legend are in a white box. The words Ravenloft stylized in bold font are above the rest of the legend. The Letters R and T in Ravenloft have gargoyle heads extending outwards to face the edges of the the legend. The legend is organized into 4 rows with 3 columns. The legend shows off several colors with associated elevations: Light green is associated with Elevation 0-49 feet", Dark Green is Elevation 50-99 feet. Blue Green is Elevation 100-999 feet. Purple is Elevation 1000-1499 FT. and is the end of the first column. At the start of the second column is the last color, a Reddish Purple is Elevation 1500+ feet. Continuing down the second column there are shapes to indicate map elements. Lines repeating next to each other vertically indicate a cliff wall, two parallel lines that complete indicate a road, and two parallel lines that are dashed indicate a trail. The third column shows more colors to represent buildings that are occupied: A brown rectangle indicates an occupied house. A light brown rectangle indicates an unoccupied house. A small light brown square indicates an unoccupied store. The last icon on the legend is a red rectangle indicating an Encounter Building. Bellow the columns and the width of the rows is text "Scale: 1 hex = 200 feet". Bellow the legend is a title. "Map 1. Lands of Barovia"

The map starts at the right and flows left following a white road. The maps elevation up to the city remains light green with the northern portion of the city, near a point labeled E7, becoming dark green. North and south of the road is a woods. The road starts near the letter A passing through what appears to be a gate labeled B Continuing we see two hexes with the letters C on the map on the left and right adjacent hexes. Following the road is the village of barovia, with houses indicating occupancy. There are several red houses each labeled with corresponding letters. The center has E1 and E2. South is E3, E5, and E4. North is E6 and E7. The road heads south west from the village, passing E and ending at a gate before the fold cuts off the map. Below the village is a river labeled D.

[End ID]

Moving to the actual contents for a moment - how many folks know that these sleeves/covers are not attached at all? I store my older books in comic book sleeves with backs. I don't know if this was a cost cutting measure or if comic book storage was the original intention since I could see the same communities overlapping in the 80s but like, if someone knows why, please let me know. I am so curious. I know they made comics that were released around the same time, made by DC in the 80s and 90s, so its not a stretch to say that it was expected to store modules like comic books.

[ID]

A folded out display of several maps for Castle Ravenloft as isometric cross sections. The sleeve contains Map 2. Walls of Ravenloft, Map 5. Rooms of weeping. Map 6, Map 7, Map 8, Map 9 and Map 10 all of which are associated with the Spires of Ravenloft. In the bottom left corner is a front facing image of the entire castle with size guide displaying the full height of the castle including the spire. The total height of the castle is 360 ft. The break points shown along the way up to the total height are associated with floor sizes for each of the associated maps. The maps 5 through 10 are stacked on top of each other such that 10 is at the top and 5 is at the bottom of the sleeve.

Map 5 contains a hallway with a stairwell leading down labeled K46, a bedroom labeled K42, additional rooms labeled K41, K43, K44, K45, K36, and K37 along with several corridors labeled K39, K38, and K40. There are additional stairways labeled K21, K18, and K20. Map 5 is 40 feet from floor to ceiling.

Map 6 contains roof tops labeled K53, a chimney labeled K52, 4 interconnected rooms labeled K51, K50, K49 and K47, the same stairways from Map 5 labeled K18, K20 and the top of K21 which ends in room K47, and a new stairway labeled K48 which is connected to room K47. Map 6 is 40 feet from floor to ceiling.

Map 7 contains the Straiways K20, K18, and K48. Three rooms are attached to each other. K55 is attached to both K54 and K56. K54 is attached to the stairwell K48. Map 7 is 40 feet from floor to ceiling.

Map 8 has the stairway K48 end as it reaches a spire's battlements, labeled K57. There is a stone bridge linking to the stairway K20 labeled K58. K20 continues to ascend to map 9 but depected on Map 8 is a heart. K18 continues to climb and will reach its peak in map 10. Map 8 is 20 feet higher than map 7.

Map 9 starts 50 feet from map 8 with a spire's battlements as the ending for the stairs. This room is labeled K60.

Map 10 is the peak for the stairs K18. It is spire with a pointed roof. The room is labeled 59 while the enter of the stairs is now accessible, a fall of 380 feet, labeled K18a.

Returning to the left side of the sleeve, above the front facing image is Map 2. This map is the courtyard of the castle along with some ground floor elements. The front yard entrance is labeled K1, the side gates to the back of courtyard are labeled K2, the carriage house is labeled K4, the chapel is k5 and the outlook is K6. The gate leading into the courtyard is labeled J

Above map 2 is a full 3d side view of the castle. It has the spires indicated in Map 8, 9, and 10 along with the rooftops from map 7. The walls are also clearly visible along with the chapel. The stable house is also visible but the outlook is just a flat floor.

[End ID]

Back to the sleeve, if we open it, its a map of Castle Ravenloft! Its isometric and how in the hell do you keep this hidden from your players if you ever need to refer to it while in session? You probably have to grab it out and review it as you draw on some kind of graphing paper and attach it with tape together or something or just draw it out before the game starts and come to your weekly game night with it all prepared, like how we do it now. Its also wild that this sleeve isn't attached in anyway. If you lose either this outer sleeve or inner sleeve with even more maps, you just lose all the maps. I did not grow up in the 80s or 90s when this was the way you would play, 5th edition was my first edition, so again, was this ever a problem? I could see it being a problem since cardboard is not sturdy at all and I am terrified in tearing it accidently. The pricing was also around $7 to $9 in the 80s which would be about $22 to $28, which is cheaper than modules are now but no where near cheap enough to justify the cardboard and the paper quality.

Anyway, the castle itself is 360 feet tall which is massive for an actual castle. Though most of the height is the main spire with the Heart of Sorrow like we all know all love, referred to as the Guardian of Sorrow in I6. If you did the math with all the heights for maps shown, it wouldn't be 360 ft. That is because the rest of the maps are on the inner sleeve, which is two sided. The other side has the map of Barovia, which you have gotten a sneak peak at. Lets finish up on the outer sleeve before moving to the inner sleeve with more maps.

[ID]

An outer cardboard sleeve with the following words: "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" "Official Game Adventure" "Ravenloft" "by Tracey and Laura Hickman"

"Under raging stormclouds, a lone figure stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of castle Ravenloft. Count Strahd von Zarovich stares down a sheer cliff at the village below. A cold, bitter wind spins dead leave about him, billowing his cape in the darkness."

"Lightning splits the clouds overhead, casting stark white light across him. Strahd turns to the sky, revealing the angular muscles of his face and hands. He has a look of power - and of madness. His once-handsome face is contorted by a tragedy darker than the night itself."

"Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The wind's howling increases as Strahd turns his gaze back to the village. Far below, yet not beyond his keen eyesight, a part of adventurers has just entered his domain. Strahd's face forms a twisted smile as his dark plan unfolds. He knew they were coming, and he knows why they came. All according to his plan. He, the master of Ravenloft, will attend to them."

"Another lightning flash rips through the darkness, its thunder echoing through the castle's towers. But Strahd is gone. Only the howling of the wind - or perhaps a lone wolf - fills the midnight air. The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are invited. "

"ISBN 0-88038-942-X" "394-53465-4TSR0600" Below this text is a logo for TSR. Beneith the logo is additional text: "TSR, Inc. Products of your Imagination" On the left margin of the sleeve is a barcode within a white box with the number 0 at the start of the barcode and the number 3 at the end. Beneath the barcode but within the white box is the following string of numbers "46363 09075"

[End ID]

On the reverse of the outer sleeve, its a bunch of information on the module itself. I'll use this time to talk a bit about the creators - though I'll admit I don't know as much as I should. Tracey and Laura Hickman are iconic authors and module designers for the early years of D&D and especially Dragonlance. They also created the second edition version of I6, House of Strahd, Ravenloft 2 House on Griffin Hill (A story for another day) and so many more works. If you see their names on something, its going to be good from my experience. Its also why Dragonlance is so interconnect to Ravenloft to an extent or that's what I think atleast. Though Ravenloft is interconnected to every major setting TSR had at the time (Greyhawk, Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, and Dark Sun all have characters and dread domains from their universes). Anyway back to the Hickmans. Their works are considered what made D&D jump from just dungeon crawling to more narrative experiences and Ravenloft absolutely shows this. This culminated when Tracy pushed forward on his work in creating Dragonlance, which is one of the biggest settings for D&D. I am sadly not super knowledgably about Dragonlance but we can really feel this shift in module design moving from I6 onward. I6 has a lot of notable steps in module design, the biggest being the maps!

[ID] An image of a map. The map has a white margin surrounding the entire map as a a border. The top of the map has a repeating pattern lining the edge of the map invoking a gothic crown molding. The right and left edge of the map has a marble pillar going from the top to the bottom of the map, serving as the maps' border.

The map's legend is in the right corner. The contents of the legend are in a white box. The words Ravenloft stylized in bold font are above the rest of the legend. The Letters R and T in Ravenloft have gargoyle heads extending outwards to face the edges of the the legend. The legend is organized into 4 rows with 3 columns. The legend shows off several colors with associated elevations: Light green is associated with "Elevation 0-49 feet", Dark Green is Elevation 50-99 feet. Blue Green is Elevation 100-999 feet. Purple is Elevation 1000-1499 FT. and is the end of the first column. At the start of the second column is the last color, a Reddish Purple is Elevation 1500+ feet. Continuing down the second column there are shapes to indicate map elements. Lines repeating next to each other vertically indicate a cliff wall, two parallel lines that complete indicate a road, and two parallel lines that are dashed indicate a trail. The third column shows more colors to represent buildings that are occupied: A brown rectangle indicates an occupied house. A light brown rectangle indicates an unoccupied house. A small light brown square indicates an unoccupied store. The last icon on the legend is a red rectangle indicating an Encounter Building. Bellow the columns and the width of the rows is text "Scale: 1 hex = 200 feet". Bellow the legend is a title. "Map 1. Lands of Barovia"

The map starts at the right and flows left following a white road. The maps elevation up to the city remains light green with the northern portion of the city, near a point labeled E7, becoming dark green. North west of the village the color shifts to being blue green before shifting to purple and sections of redish purple representing mountain peaks. Continuing west, the map remains purple with reddish purple mount peaks scattered throughout.

North and south of the road is a woods. The road starts near the letter A passing through what appears to be a gate labeled B . Continuing we see two hexes we see the letters C on the map on the left and right adjacent hexes. Following the road is the village of barovia, with houses indicating occupancy. There are several red houses each labeled with a corresponding letters. The center has E1 and E2. South is E3, E5, and E4. North is E6 and E7. The road heads south west from the village, passing E continuing to a branching path marked by the letter F.

The northern branch flows north before becoming a trail passing landmarks G1 and G before meeting back up with the main road at a bridge. The southern branch flows around woods and turns north before bending south east around a mountain. The road continues to follow this mountain until the road bends north to meet a bridge, labeled H. The road flows around another mountain before going north and reaching a fork in the road, indicated by the letter I. The fork heading north is blocked by a gate, indicated by the letter B. The road continuing north and west off of the map. The fork flowing east winds through the mountains until it reaches a drawbridge gate indicated by the letter J. The road ends at a castle indicated by the letter K. Following the entire road is a river that flows through the first bridge, meeting up with the trail with G and G1, passing under bridge H, then continuing west before the river is off the map

[End ID]

There is an inner sleeve with more maps and the map of Barovia itself which is very familiar to those who know the map from 5th edition. It looks like you could just place it out and play right on it using a token to represent the players because its gorgeous and heavily colorized. Each color meaning different elevations since Barovia is so mountainous and hilly. The map only goes up to Castle Ravenloft, that is because Barovia would be expanded when Ravenloft itself gets expaded in second edition with its AD&D box set, modules, and lorebooks. The whole story we know with "I, Strahd" would be years later. The village of Barovia looks much larger than we would assume but the general town's make up and people don't change much on the way to 5th edition. WotC did a good job on preserving the setup for Curse of Strahd.

On the Reverse of this inner sleeve we see more maps of Castle Ravenloft and again, its very similar to what we know in 5e.

[ID]

A folded out display of several maps for Castle Ravenloft as isometric cross sections. The display contains the following maps: Map 4. Court of the Count, Map 3. Main Floor, Map 11. Larders of Ill Omen, and Map 12. Dungeon and Catacombs. Above Map 12 is a compass. In the bottom left of the display is the following text "1983 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 119-I-9075". Along the left of the maps is the height from floor to ceiling for each map. To the left of the maps is a key for the maps. This key is two columns and 21 rows. The first column uses flat 2d images; the second column represents the image from the first row in an isometric view, mirroring the maps.

The first row represents doors with a square and a thick line extending from the center of the left and right sides. The second row represents double doors with rectangle divided in half by a vertical line with a thick line extending from the center of the left and right sides. The third row represents secret and standard doors with a square missing one side, the letter S being placed inside this incomplete square, with a thick line extending from center of the left and right sides. The fourth row represents secret doors with the letter S with a thick line in the left and right side of the letter. The fifth row represents one way secret doors with the letter S with an arrow passing through the letter with a thick line on the top and bottom of the letter. The sixth row represents teleport traps using several small staggered inverted Vs. The seventh row represents trap doors in the floor using the letter T in a solid circle. The eight row represents trap doors in the ceiling with the letter T surrounded with a dashed circle. The ninth row represents windows with a white rectangle surrounded with a black rectangle while the isometric view shows a white trapezoid instead in the rectangle. The tenth row represents arrow slits using a black rectangle with a white triangle in the middle. The eleventh row represents bars and portcullises with sequential circles. The twelfth row represents brazier with a circle with an inner ring while the isometric view shows a brazier. The thirteenth row represents ladders with a ladder. The fourteenth row represents stairs with lines reducing in size making a shape of a triangle from left to right while the isometric depiction is a set of stairs. The fifteenth row represents spiral stairs with lines that reduce in size and curve inward while the isometric view is a spiral staircase. The sixteenth row represents a bed with a bed. The seventeenth row represents a chair and thrown with a top down cube with the isometric view is a chair. The eighteenth row represents railing with 4 black dots connected with a line, while the isometric view displays a railing. The nineteenth row represents a statue with a circle containing a black star. The twentieth row represents a curtain using a thick black squiggly line with 4 humps. Lastly, the twenty-first row represents water with repeating waves as rows while isometric view is a wavy layer on top of a white square with scattered dots. Below the key is the text: Scale: 1 Square = 10 feet.

Map 12, labeled Dungeon and Catacombs, is the largest of the maps in the image. K84 is the largest room in the map with several small one square rooms labeled 2 through 40. 1 represents a door connected to room K81. North and south of K84 are the rooms K85 and K86. Both of these rooms are mirrors of each other. East of K84 is a hallway labeled K87 with a room at the end labeled K88. Opposite of this hallway attached to K84 on the west is a stairwell labeled K18a and a stairway labeled K18. Continuing from K81 there is a trap on the floor that leads into K82, a slide that leads into K74. Across the trap is the hallway labeled K80. A staircase is attached K80 leading to the room K78. K78 has a brazier along with two statues. There are three staircases leading out of K78: the left most stairwell is K72 with the associated text "Up 70 feet to Map 11, K72", the center is K80, and the right stairwell is K83. The door out of K78 leads to room K77 which is divided by a Curtain with two chairs overlooking another room, labeled K76. K76 is flooded with water and to east is a hallway Labeled K73. K73 is also flooded which has two rooms branching north labeled K74 and south labeled K75. Both K74 and K75 are prisons with cells labeled A through H and are flooded. Attached at the end of the K73 is a staircase labeled K21. The height from floor to ceiling of map 12 is 50 ft

Map 11, labeled Larders of Ill Omen, has two stairwells that are not attached to the main map, both K18 and K831. K18A is a empty cylinder that the stairs of K18 wrap around. K18 has the following associated text "Up 30 feet to rubble blockage then 10 feet past rubble to map 3, K18". Starting in the top left corner of the map, the stairway K79 leads up to a secret door attached to K72. K72 leads into a the K70. K70 has two attached rooms, K71 to the east and K67 to the south. K71 features a stairway K20a with the following associated text: "Up 40 Feet to Map 3". K67 is a room with a double door leading to K62 to the east and K68 to the south. K68 is a hallway with the room K69 attached to the west and the stairway K64 to the south with the following associated text " Up 40 feet to map 3". K69 has 10 sections divided by walls, 5 on the north and south walls of the rooms. Room K62 has 4 rooms attached to the hallway, K66 to the north, K65 to the north but east of K66, a unnumbered room with the staircase K21, and K63 to the east behind bars. K62 has a stairway to the north, east of K65 with the following associated text "up 40 feet to map 3". In the room containing K21 there is a trapdoor between the staircase and the door to K62. The staircase K21 has the following associated text "Up 40 feet to Map 3". The height from floor to ceiling of map 11 is 40 ft.

Map 3, labeled Main Floor, contains a entry hall out to the courtyard of the castle, labeled K7. Next to K7, unattached to any of the rooms in Map 3, is the staircase K83. K7 is attached to one room, K8. K8 is attached three rooms, K14 to the east, K9 to the south, and K19 by a staircase to the north with the following text "Up 30 feet". K19 leads to another staircase with the text "Up 20 feet to map 4". K9 is connected to the staircase K21 to the east and the room K10 to the west. K21 leads up to Map 4. In the wall north of K21 is a hole labeled K31a. K10 is a large room with a secret door the the east, leading to K11. K11 leads to the a hallway, K13. K13 is attached to K11 with a northern hall and attached to the room K12 to the west. At the end of hall k13 is the staircase K64 with the following text "Up 50 feet Map 4, Down 40 feet to Map 11". K14 is a hall that leads into K15. K15 is a large room with two passages, K16 to the northwest and K17 to the southwest, which are attached to two separate stairways. K16 is attached to the stairwell K29. K17 is attached to the stairway K18 and the hollow cylinder K18a with the following text: "Down 10 feet to new wall down pas wall 80 feet to map 12". Unattached to the rest of the map and north of K14 is the room K20. K20 contains the stairway K20a and an unlabeled stairway with the associated text "Up 50 feet". A hallway labeled K13 leads into K20. At the west end of K13 is a round room labeled K12. The south end of K12 leads into a small room labeled K22. Connected to the outside and unconnected to the rest of map, east of K20, is the room K23. K23 has a staircase leading down with the associated text "Down 40 feet to map 11". The room to the north of K23 is K24. K24 has a stairway that leads up with the associated words "Up 30 feet to map 4". The height from floor to ceiling of map 3 is 50 ft.

Map 4, labeled Court of the Count, contains a throne room. This throne room, labeled K25, is located in the western half of the map and is connected to two stairwells which lead back to K19. There is a secret door in front of the throne on the south wall of K25 which leads into K13. The eastern end of K13 is a stairwell labeled K64 with the following associated text "Up 40 feet down 50 feet". To the north of K13 is the room K12. To east of K13 is the room K22. K25 has two additional rooms attached, K26 attached with a set of double doors, and K30, attached with a single door. K30 has a set of stairs labeled K21 with the following associated text "Up 40 feet down 50 feet". K26 is a small hallway with a secret door to the north that connects to the room K33 and a double door to the east that connects to K27. K33 connects to room K32 to the west and hallway K13 to the north with a secret door. Similar to the other hallway labeled as K13, to leads to two rooms and a stairwell. The room K12 is in the same location as the previous K12. K22 is to the south of K13. To the west of K13 is a large stairwell labeled K20. The stairwell K20 leads up and down and has a secret door that leads to a ladder with the following text: "Ladder up 20 feet from K34 to K20". The ladder leads to an additional secret door that that leads into the room K34. K34 has a staircase leading down off the map. K27 is a long hallway that leads to another set of double doors connected to K28. A secret door is in the middle of the southern wall connecting K27 to K31. K31 has a hole next to the small room labeled K31a. K28 has two chairs and a outcropping that overlooks the main floor over K15 that is 50 feet in the air. K28 has a stairwell that leads down to Map 3 labeled K29. To the south of K27, to the west of K28 and to the east of K31 is the stairwell K18 and the cylinder K18a. The height from floor to ceiling of map 4 is 40 ft.

[End ID]

I want to say before moving on to the module, that these maps are immaculate. Like now we are spoiled with battlemaps in modules and how they are designed but back in the 80s, they had black and white paper that feels like its a elementary workbook. Its fairly cheap feeling. Where I could describe modern books as more textbook in quality. So imagine then you had these black and white books to use for making maps. These sleeves are so much higher quality and the color is beautiful if you ask me. I can see how a dm could run this dungeon flawlessly. Even know the castle is massive and yet it always goes off without any issues. Its a testament to good dungeon design and displaying information to the dm and players. Its one of those tales that these maps are what made I6 Ravenloft popular; again I don't know any old school ttrpg fans who played this when it was new but I could absolutely see it. During my researching, this is one of the biggest factors in what made Ravenloft popular. That and of course our beloved Strahd von Zarovich.

Now onto the actual module. I am not going to have a photo of each section of the module since there is alot but I will be showing off all the images in the module plus anything of note. The layout of the module itself makes sense from a ease of access but compaired to modern module layouts, it a bit jumpy. First is Strahd's stat block and his personality. It makes sense to put this first since he is the villain and you will need to have ready access to it. Second is the fortune reading, called "Fortunes of Ravenloft". Then onto the actual setup for the module following the similar steps to what we have come to expect from Curse of Strahd: The lands of Barovia, Barovia Village, Tser pool encampment, and Castle Ravenloft. Then statblocks for the rest of the monsters. I am not going to go over the narrative of I6 since there isn't any major differences to Curse of Strahd! I6 is almost beat for beat the same as Curse of Strahd as long as we include only the portions in I6. This makes sense since Curse of Strahd is a remake after all. Now, onto Strahd's statblock!

Part 2: Strahd von Zarovich

[ID]

The image is a black and white page full of text with an image of Strahd von Zarovich in the bottom right corner. The documents text is positioned into two columns. The top of the document has a repeating border that is a shape that is a hollow rounded triangle with two curved arches on the left and right of the shape that meet in the middle under the bottom of the triangle. On the left and right of the triangle is abstract black shapes that meet up at a black thick line the top near of the page. Around these triangles are broken lines that outline the shape. A thin black line creates an outline from the bottom of the triangles around the document.

The image of Strahd von Zarovich in the bottom right corner is of a cloaked figure with a cowl. His hair is pulled back with a strong widow's peak. His eyes are white and luminous. His knows and ears are barely visible, with the rest of his face hidden in the darkness. His right arm appears to be extended but is hidden by his cloak. Behind Strahd is a full moon with three bats casting a shadow on the moon. In the bottom right of the image is the artist mark of Clyde Caldwel, A c like shape that flow into an n like shape with a dot beneath. At the center of the page is the page number, 3

The text of the document starting with the left column is as follows: "Count Strahd Von Zarovich, Vampire.

The entire adventure centers around the vampire. Always keep in mind the motives of the vampire, how he moves about, and what his cunning plot is. You must play Strahd in the same way players play their characters. Study this NPC as carefully as the players study their characters.

Count Strahd Von Zarovich (The First Vampyr) Frequency: Unique Number Appearing: 1 Armor Class: -1 Move: 12"/18" Hit Dice: 10 (55 hit points) % In Lair: 90% Treasure Type F Damage/Attack: 5-10 (1d6+4) Special Attacks: Energy Drain Special Defenses: +1 or better weapon to hit Magical Resistance: See below Intelligence: Genius Alighnment: CE Size: M Psionic Ability: Nil Attack/Defense Modes: Nil

Although Strahd can be encountered in many places, he is always encountered in the plaace indicated by your Fortunes of Ravenloft results (see p.4) unless he has been forced to his tomb. Strahd is slightly above-average vampire. He has the normal 18/76 strength and his blows drain 2 life levels from his opponents. Strahd has the usual vampire abilities. He can only be hit by magical weapons and can regenerate 3 hit points per round He can assume gaseous from at will or shape change into a large bat. He can charm person at will by gazing into a character's eyes, causing the character to make a saving throw vs. spells with a penalty of -2. Strahd is also a 10th level magic user. He learned his magic from studies during his life from subsequent studies over the centuries. His available spells are:

First level: comprehend languages, hold portal, protection from good, sleep. Second level: invisibility, locate objects, mirror image, ESP. Third level: fireball, gust of wind, suggestion Forth level: polymorph other, polymorph self Fifth level: animate dead, distance distortion"

The following text is the right column of the document: "Strahd has a variety of spies and servants. They report to him four times each day (at dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight). There is a 60% chance that Strahd knows the PC's location at these times. If Strahd knows their location, he attacks the OCs -wherever they are -within two hours. Strahd chooses the time and method of his attacks carefully.

Strahd can attack in each of the following ways once.

Strahd attacks a single PC for 5 melee rounds then leaves.

Strahd calls 10-15 Strahd zombies to attack the party. All of the zombies must attack at the same time in the same place.

Strahd calls 3-12 worg wolves to attack the party. All of the wolves must attack at the same time in the same place.

When playing Strahd, above all, keep these three things in mind.

Strahd chooses when he attacks. Strahd is supposed to be a genius, play him as one. Whenever he is aware of the PCs poisitions, he is allowed to make an attack how and where he wants. His attacks must be timed to be most advantageous to him. To do that, Strahd must move around during the adventure. However, he can always be found in the place determined in Fortunes of Ravenloft. It is your responsibility to see that the vampire uses his abilities to his greatest advantage.

Strahd knows when to withdraw. He knows when he is over his head. If he is losing a battle he becomes gaseous, polymorphs into a wolf or bat, and/or summons other creatures to guard his retreat.

Strahd's attacks depend upon his goals. There is a reason why Strahd lured the PCs into his little kingdom. This reason is determined in Fortunes of Ravenloft. Strahd's plans for achieving his goals are listed with his goals."

[End ID]

I don't know 1st edition but if I'm not mistaken (and I could be since my knowledge is based on the 1st/2nd edition dos games), is a roll under system unlike 5e's DC system. Its cool seeing spells remain at spell levels I know like invisibility being second level and fireball being obviously third level; though I feel its common knowledge that fireball was third level in 1st edition. If someone who is far more versed in 1st edition could tell me what his stat block actually means, I would appreciate it immensely.

Something awesome is that Strahd has different goals determined by the module's Fortunes of Ravenloft, something similar to the fortune reading in 5th edition. Strahd is also cunning and plays keepaway with the players, running away when he is losing and ambushing the players at any time. He even has a randomized set encounter location where the Fortunes of Ravenloft says, again just like 5e. The whole intent behind his creation and play style is that he is supposed to be this menacing calculating monster of a man, not a generic monster. This design has lasted to this day which is impressive. I may be spreading more internet nonsense from saying but the idea of the whole module to my knowledge cam from a playtest of a game with players fighting a vampire in a cave and it didn't make narrative sense.

What is also fascinating is his title, The First Vampyr. Was the intent was to set up the villain as well the first vampire in universe? I don't know when TSR started focusing on building out their universes, like Forgotten Realms, but this feels like this is something that would be kept in mind for the future. At the same time, this could just be throwaway flavor text as Strahd is referred to as a "slightly above average vampire". Which feels like they are downplaying his strength as a monster. But he also is a fairly formidable caster though I don't have the context of how formidable, I am just extrapolating using my experience with 5th edition; just 5th level spells feels like alot for any party. He is also immune to any damage not dealt by magical weapons, which would be an issue if the module didn't give the players magical weapons. But it does. We know it has the sunsword but as we will see, the module has other magical weapons as well, making this trait something the players could handle once they are in the castle.

Lastly, Strahd feels like he teleports around quite a bit given what the module is suggesting, that he should be reappearing and fighting the players before the castle. Curse of Strahd does solve this by giving him a teleportation room, a difference I highlight later, here he just has to run around using his powers. I think its fine to handwave this as Strahd can just move quickly due to his ability to polymorph since its so core to this module that he can just show up and scare the players.

Next, the Fortunes of Ravenloft

Part 3: The Fortunes of Ravenloft

[ID] The image is a black and white page full of text with three images of Cards on the top of the page, above the text "Fortunes of Ravenloft", with the first card partially behind the "R" in Ravenloft. The page itself is grey and splits text into two columns that flow similar to the previous document image. At the center of the bottom of the page is the number 4, indicating the page number. The three cards are similar with white playing card like border and an embroidery pattern filling an inner border with text in the center. At the top left of the page is the head of a gargoyle, with a line drawn down from the neck to the bottom of the page, passing behind the left playing card. Under the left most card's left side grouped together is the letter J and a heart written into the book in pen. Further down in pen are the words "Jack spades" crossed out. In text between the two handwritten texts is the text "Deal the top five cards face down". Below the right side of the left most card in pencil are the words "king of spades". Under the center card is the letter K and a diamond in pen. Under the right most card is the letter K and a heart in pen. The text outside of the cards is the following, starting from the left column and omitting slurs: "Fortunes of Ravenloft is an imitation ancient [slur] card reading. It does not resemble any real or mystical fortune telling process. Fortunes of Ravenloft determines Strahd's goals and the placement of important treasures. This card reading can add a great deal of flavor to your game and makes Ravenloft different when you play it again. You must run this card reading before playing the module. If, during the course of the adventure, the PCs have their fortunes read at the [slur] camp, run this card reading again, out loud. Substitute the new results for the old ones. Be sure to write down the results of your card reading, so you can have them when you need them. Find a regular 52-card deck of playing cards. Remove all 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and joker cards from the deck. Now you have a set of four suits with eight cards in each suit. Shuffle the deck. If you don't have a regular deck of cards, you can get the same results by rolling 1d8 to determine the type of card and 1d4 to determine its suit. Roll again if you get the same card in any suit twice." The following text is a table that starts in the left column and continues on to the right. Around the bottom portion of the text in each row is an enclosed box. "Table 1. Fortunes of Ravenloft Places Card Place 3 Study (K37) It is in a place of tranquility, a harbor for the mighty and powerful. It is in a place of wisdom, warmth, and despair. Great secrets are there. The object is on the mantlepiece just under the portait of the women. If Strahd is there, he is sitting back in the overstuffed chair, staring into the blazing fire. 5 Treasure Room (K41) You should seek for a carefully hidden place of great worldly wealth. I see a blazing fire protecting the place. The object is set prominently atop the other treasures in the room. If Strahd is there, he is counting his ill-gotten gains. 7 Chapel of Ravenloft (K15) You may find this amid the ruins of a place of supplication. The object is on the altar, brightly illuminated by a shaft of light from the ceiling. If Strahd is there, he is standing in the center of the room-a dark shape in the vast hall. 10 High Tower Room (K60) This is a place of dizzying heights that all loathe to travel. The road winds ever upward and the rocks themselves live here! The object is in a locked iron chest. If Strahd is there he is at the window, looking over his lands. Jack Crypt of Sergei von Zarovich (K85) This lies with a fallen prince of old. The brother of dark is light and he rests in this place. The object is lying across Sergei's chest. If Strahd is there, he is lying across the marble slab, weeping. Queen Crypt of Ravenovia (K88) This is in the mother's place The object is lying on top of Ravenovia's coffin. If Strahd is there, he is in a frenzy of rage and despair"

The text in the left most card has a section in a box similar to the table. The box surrounds the middle portion of the card's text. The following is the text of the left most card: "First, determine where the Holy Symbol is (see Treasures and Tomes on Page 30 for a description of the holy symbol). Pick up the first card and read the following boxed text. This card is a symbol of great power. It tells of a powerful force for good and protection against the forces of darkness. To determine where the holy symbol is, find this card in Table 1. to determine the 'to hit' and armor class modifiers to use in that place, find this card's suit in Table 2.

The center card and right most cards' text is similarly laid out as the left most card. The center card's text follows: "Second, determine where the Tome of Strahd is (see Treasures and Tomes on p.31 for a description of the Tome of Strahd). Pick up the second card and read the following boxed text. This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient may help you understand a foe. To determine where the Tome is, find this card in Table 1. to determine the 'to hit' and armor class modifiers to use in that place, find this card's suit in Table 2."

The text of right most card follows: "Third, determine where Strahd von Zarovich himself can always be found. Pick up the third card and read the following boxed text This is the object of your search! Ah! I see darkness and evil behind this card! It is a powerful man whose enemy is light and whose powers are beyond mortality! To determine where Strahd can always be found, find this card in Table 1. to find the 'to hit' and armmor class modifiers to use in that place, find this card in Table 2." [End ID]

[ID] The image is a black and white document similar to the previous image. The background is the same color along with the layout of text. The page number is 5. Two cards are above the left column of text. On the right edge of the document is a face of a gargoyle mirroring the previous document. Under the left most card is two sets of text: "Jack" and a diamond are written in pencil and the number 5 and a club written in pen. Under the right most card is two sets of text similar to the left card. The text is the same, just written in pencil and pen: the number 3 and a heart. Under the The left column continues Table 1. The following is the remaining text:

"King Kings Audience Hall (K25) A king's throne is the place to find this The object is lying across the dais behind the throne. If Strahd is there, he is sitting on the throne. Ace Crypt of Strahd (K86) This is a very bad sign. This is in the very heart of darkness: his home, his source. It is his center and his life. It is the one place to which he must return. The object is in a corner of the room. If Strahd is here, he is within his coffin, ready to attack at the first sign of someone opening the lid" Continuing after Table 1 is Table 2. Table 2 is similar to Table 1; the only difference is the location of the box containing text. The box is below a section of text and is the second half of each row. Table 2 contains images of each card suit vertically aligned in the left column of the table. The suites descend in the following order: Heart, Diamond, Clubs, Spades. The suits are solid and are black. The following is the text of the table, including a text replacement of the suit to indicate its location: "Table 2. Fortunes of Ravenloft: Modifiers Suit 'To Hit and Armor Class Modifiers'

Heart The PCs gain a +1 bonus to hit and a -1 bonus to their AC.

There is a very good influence there. If you are there, the power of good will aid you.

Diamond The PCs gain a +1 bonus to hit, but suffer a +1 penalty to their AC.

The diamond blesses your skill there, but bodes poorly for your protection.

Clubs The PCs suffer a -1 penalty to hit, but gain a -1 bonus to their AC

The club sustains your strength here, but holds you from your victory, taking more time than it otherwise would.

Spades The PCs suffer a -1 penalty and a +1 penalty to their AC.

The spade is a dark shadows of evil cast over that place. You fight under its influence here." Table 3 is similar to Table 1, sharing the location of the box containing text in the table. Table 3 is the entirety of the right column. The following is the text of Table 3, ommiting slurs: "Table 3. Fortunes of Ravenloft: Strahd's Goals Card Strahd's Goal

3 or 5 Strahd seeks a new identity.

Not yet, but soon, one who appears to be your friend will become your enemy.

Strahd will try to be alone with a charmed PC. When he is alone with a charmed PC, Strahd casts a polymorph other spell on the PC, turning the PC into a vampire. The spell operates as detailed in the AD&D Players Handbook with the following clarifications. The PC takes the form of a vampire and radiates a magical aura, regardless of whether the PC survives a system shock check or not. A PC that survives a system shock check has all of the abilities of a vampire as detailed in the AD&D Monster Manual, regardless if whether that PC passes a mental check or not. Undead cannot drain levels from undead. Thus, if a polymorphed PC vampire retains his own mind, he and Strahd can fight, but neither can drain levels from the other. They can both, however, drain levels from non-undead. After turning the PC into a vampire, Strahd casts a polymorph self and turns into the likeness of the PC. Strahd puts the new vampire PC into his own coffin and attempts to join the party, masquerading as the PC. Strahd will try to persuade the party that he found a away out of Barovia. Strahd can, after all, open the gates. Strahd wants to move to another country using his new identity. The [slur] will carry dirt from his crypt to his new home.

7 or 10 Strahd wants to make a magical sphere of darkness.

This card tells of a tool of evil. Darkness surrounds and protects this tool, giving comfort to the black hearts and protection from good.

Strahd is trying to assemble a magical item that casts a continuous sphere of darkness. Such an item would greatly extend the range of his travels. Over the centuries he gather the pieces of the sphere one by one, until he is missing only one piece, a black opal. Strahd mistakenly believes that one of the PCs has black opal. Strahd mistakenly believes that one of the PCs has black opal stone. Strahd will use his natural charm person abilities to charm lone PCs. Stahd will send those Charmed Pcs back to the party asking, 'Do you have the black opal?' When Strahd discovers that none of the PCs have a back opal, he will attempt to destroy them.

Jack or Queen Strahd wants to win the love of Ireena Kolyana

The darkness lovesa light and desires it Great subtle plans are in motion about you; plans that the dead may find warmth from the living.

Strahd will attempt to charm all of the PCs, and make them attack Ireena. When they attack, Strahd will swoop down and save her from the PCs. Strahd hopes that the rescue will turn Ireena's heart to him. He wants Ireena to love him willingly rather than by force.

King or Ace Strahd wants the Sunsword.

Here is a high and noble card. One of you carries a weapon that is stronger than any other against the evil in this land. Only one part is missing from this weapon. That part is found in the evil one's lair.

See Treasures and Tomes on p.31 for details about the sunsword. Strahd wants to destroy the sunsword. He believes (correctly) that one of the PCs (a random fighter) has has been unknowingly carrying the sunsword for some time. If the sunsword hilt is found and reunited with the blade, Strahd could be in real trouble."

The text of the left card is the following:

"Fourth, determine where the sunsword hilt is (see Treasures and Tomes on p.31 for a description of the sunsword). Pick up the forth card and read the following boxed text.

This card is good for you. It is a card of power and strength , the victor's card. It tells of a weapon of light, a weapon of vengeance.

To determine where the sunsword is, find this card in table 1. To determine the 'to hit' and armor class modifiers to use in that place, find this card's suit in Table 2."

The text of the right card is the following:

"Last, determine Strahd's goal. Pick up the fifth, and last, card, and read the following boxed text.

And here is the root card. Out of darkness and chaos, this card find the reason and foundation for darkness and chaos. This card shows the purpose of all things. It is the key to life and death and else beyond.

To determine Strahd's goal, find this card on Table 3." [End ID]

My copy is used so it has some writing on it from past fortunes but I think its cute, since the fortunes are still done with playing cards, with the only difference being the reading in Curse of Strahd is far more complex. The objects are the exact same, the Sunsword, the Holy Symbol, and the Tome of Strahd. Similarly, the locations you find these items can also instead be the locations you fight Strahd: the study , his treasure room, the chapel, the top of the high tower, Sergei's crypt, Strahd's crypt, the audience hall with his throne, and Ravenovia's crypt (Strahd's Mother). Taking a step back here to talk about this decision as a whole, I have always loved the randomness. The fact that everyone's experience is always different and unique feels great. It leads to a different narrative expierence each time and gives us a reason to replay the module. I have played Curse of Strahd as a player on three separate occasions with three separate DMs and each experience as a player was unique. Other than each character having that DM's twist or personality, the items were never in the same place so my groups always prioritized different areas. I have also ran my own game of Curse of Strahd and I have felt similar as a DM. I prioritized different characters or locations to add depth to the world. This randomization leads to unique situations that could never be replicated. I think it is one of the most novel ideas that I6 presents and I am so glad all the other adaptations have kept this idea while expanding upon the whole experience.

Jumping back to I6's fortunes, what I found really interesting is that the cards drawn add modifiers to your parties AC and to hit modifier. It feels very odd to me, but also that is because this is something that we do not have an equivalent to in Curse of Strahd. The closest is the ally we get but even then, that is more impactful from a narrative lens than the modifiers. The modifiers feel like a twist that deepens or add to the feeling of struggling against the darkness. It is very mechanical and calls back to more of the dungeon diving elements of early D&D. I don't think that modifiers change the game enough to feel sad that they have disappeared. Then again, we do get something similar with Argyvost's skull in Curse of Strahd so atleast we get some kind of spiritual successor to the modifiers in the reading.

Now I mentioned above Strahd has a goal. He does, its why he grabs the players. In 5th edition, its to toy with them and have amusement more or less and then later he wants them for Ireena. In here he has 4 reasons potentially and I want to talk about each of them. One, to grab Ireena. How he plans this is wild. He will charm the players and make them attack Ireena and he will swoop in and save her since he wants Ireena to love him willingly rather than by force. This is absolutely wild to me that Strahd could play the valiant knight for Ireena. This feels the most vanilla but this is his goal moving forward into Curse of Strahd. I think its smart to make this the "core" goal since he does attack Ireena in the opening of the module and Tatyana is core to Strahd's descent into darkness. Given all the additional material that has come out focused on Strahd, Curse of Strahd made the correct call to make this his focus. I do like that he has other goals as well in Curse of Strahd, but it is a bit of a shame that he doesn't have any of the other goals he has in I6.

The second goal is to steal a player character's identity. He will charm someone, use a spell to turn them into a vampire, shove them in his coffin and then masquerade as the player character using magic. Absolutely amazing. I love this and its also so evil. Like more than most DMs would go evil. "How do you do my fellow player characters". Sadly, this also feels like its retconned with newer Ravenloft lore since Strahd can't actually escape Ravenloft and this ending if he succeeds in stealing someone's identity and convincing the party that he found a way out everyone just leaves Ravenloft. The player who gets turned into a vampire can make checks to be able to fight back and you get this vampire duel which is so cool. Vampires in older versions of D&D can drain levels from players by the way, so the book specifies undead cant drain other undead's levels. Like the set up is amazing, the idea is wild, but there is no way for this to work if we are conforming to the rules of Ravenloft. We kind of get a successor to this goal in Curse of Strahd with Strahd's desire for a consort or successor since he wants to to be able to leave; but the book calls out that Strahd will never find any of the player characters worthy. Again a DM can change this and many have so I feel the spirit of this goal lives on; but we don't really see Strahd becoming a party member only to betray the group. That would be a fun twist however.

The third goal is the only goal where Strahd fails whether the players live or die - he wants to make a magical sphere of darkness. Strahd thinks the players have a black opal stone, which is the last piece he needs to make a big old sphere of darkness to make the world dark and stuff so he can travel more at night. Strahd will charm one player who is alone and have them ask the rest of the players if they have this black opal stone. He is certain they have the stone so when its revealed they don't, he will try to kill the players. Curse of Strahd places Barovia under the magical darkness that he is attempting to create here in this goal, which I think is a perfect way of honoring this goal

The last goal is Strahd wants to destroy the sunsword. So the module recommends the players have a cleric and a fighter as a requirement since the holy symbol is for a cleric and the sunsword is for a fighter. I mention this because Strahd just knows who has the sunsword and if this is rolled, the sword is just magically on this person and not where the fortune says. So Strahd wants to kill them and take the sword and destroy it. This is very boring to me. Like it should be a given rather than an explicit goal. If Strahd has gone out of his way to destory the sword, he should just want to do this regardless if this is a goal. This is the direction Curse of Strahd goes and I think it makes sense. 5th edition focuses more on narrative and less on dungeon crawling so this change is just natural. We even get more lore for the sunsword in 5th edition, it being a sword belonging to Sergei and being sentient. I am not sad to see this goal just disappear and become a background element. It feels like a cop-out to get Strahd to fight the party early. If he knows they have the sword and he knows where they are, why not just kill them? I mean he does like to toy with his prey but if this sword is the biggest threat to his existence, I would expect him to hunt the players down once they near the castle.

Overall, I think the goal's Strahd has in I6 are a mixed bag; some are really novel and some are fairly boring or straightforward. That is my own opinion and I am very curious on how everyone else feels.

Part 4: The lands of Barovia, Barovia Village, and Tser Pool Encampment

I am lumping all of the pre-castle encounters into one section since they are more or less similar to what we know and love from Curse of Strahd.

[ID]

The image is that of a black and white document, with a layout similar to the statblock of Strahd von Zarovich, including the borders of the page. The page number is 6. The following is the text of the left column omitting slurs:

"Lands of Barovia

A perpetual rolling blackness of thunderclouds casts a gray pall over the land. The darker silhouette of Castle Ravenloft looks over the valley from its 1,000 foot pillar of rock.

Castle Ravenloft dominates the small village of Barovia. The castle stads high atop a natural pillar of rock against the cliffs to the north of the village. The dark Svalich woods surround the village and cliffs. Use Map 1 to see the relative locations of the town and Castle Ravenloft.

The road to the village and lands of Barovia goes through ancient iron gates, controlled by the will of Count Strahd. There are only two gates, one east the of village and one west of the castle crossroads up the mountain. The gates open when the PCs arrive but close after they enter Barovia. The gates will not open for the PCs again until Strahd is destroyed.

There is a deathly stillness in the dark Barovian woods. Yet the woods are patrolled constantly by the wolves and serving beasts of Count Strahd.

No one has left Barovia for centuries. This is because of the trapping fog that exists everywhere in Barovia . Once it is breathed, it infuses itself around a character's vital organs as a neutralized poison. the fog does not taste or smell any different than normal fog. It does not harm characters as long as they continue to breathe the air in Barovia. However, when they lave Barovia, the poison becomes active. Characters must save vs. poison or start to choke. Unless choking characters reenter Barovia within 24 hours, they die. The choking stops as soon as they breathe the fog again.

The [slur] were given a potion by Strahd that cancels the effects of the fog. this potion is jealously guarded by Madam Eva, who buried it in a secret place. It is impossible for the PCs to discover the potion. The fog is magically produced by Strahd and disappears entirely upon his destruction.

The poor villagers of Barovia have been terroized for centuries by 'the devil' Strahd. Only the town and the few survivors of the second ruling house of Barovia have the will to offer more than just personal resistance to Strahd. No villager has left Barovia for centuries. Those who tried never returned, dying from the vile snapping teeth of the Barovian wolves and the choking deadly fog.

Every 3 turns, check for na random enoutner. When the PCs are not in castle Ravenloft, during daytime, use Table 4 at the right, during night time, use Table 5 at the right. When the PCs are in Castle Ravenloft, use Table 6 on p.12.

Each night the PCs stay anywhere other than the castle (Area K), Strahd attacks with his wolves and bats. His attacks are intended more to frighten the PCs than to damage them. Strahd mjust toys with them. After 5 melee rounds, Strahd and his creatures withdraw.

If the PCs are indoors, every turn strahd attacks, wolves try to break through a window or door. A roll of 1 or 2 on 1d6 means that a wolf breaks through. Once a wolf gets in, the remainder of the wolves and bats come in. The wolves and Strahd never attack Ireena Kolyana. After 5 melee wounds, all of the creatures flee into the night, leaving only Strahds hollow laughter in the distance.

4-16 (3d6) worg wolves: AC 6; MV 18"; HD 4+4; #AT 1; Dmg 2-8; AL NE.

10-100 (10d10) bats: AC 6; MV 4"/18"; HD 1d4; #AT 0; DMG 0: AL N.

The bats fly into the room, getting into the way of spell casting. Characters must make dexterity checks to cast spells with material components." Some of the text in the right column is cut off. The following is the visible text of the right column including table 4 and table 5 with slurs ommited:

"Strahd may knock at the door, but he cannot enter the building until someone invites him in. Strahd tries to charm characters into inviting him in.

Table 4. Barovia Daytime Random Encounters (Sunup to Sundown)

Roll 1d6. If the result is a 1, the PCs enounter something. Roll 1d6 and us the encounter below with the resulting number.

Roll Encounter

1 2-8 (2d4) worg wolves: AC 6; MV 18"; HD 4+4; #AT 1; Dmg 2-8; AL NE.

2 1-10 [Slur]: AC 6; MV 12"; HD 2; #AT 1; Dmg 1-8; AL NE.

3 1-4 villagers: AC 9; MV 12"; HD 2; #AT 1; Dmg 1-6; AL

4 1-4 worg wolves: AC 6; MV 18"; HD 4+4; #AT 1; Dmg 2-8; AL NE.

5 1-4 [Slur]: AC 6; MV 12"; HD 2; #AT 1; Dmg 1-8; AL NE.

6 1-4 villagers: AC 9; MV 12"; HD 2; #AT 1; Dmg 1-6; AL

Table 5. Barovia Nighttime Random Encounters (Sundown to Dawn)

Roll 1d6. If the result is a 1, the PCs enounter something. Roll 1d12 and us the encounter below with the resulting number.

1-2 1-10 worg wolves: AC 6; MV 18"; HD 4+4; #AT 1; Dmg 2-8; AL NE.

3 2-10 (2d10) worg wolves: AC 6; MV 18"; HD 4+4; #AT 1; Dmg 2-8; AL NE.

4-5 3-12 (3d4) zombies: AC 8; MV 6"; HD 2; #AT 1; Dmg 1-; AL N

6-7 10-100 (10d10) bats: AC 6; MV 4"/18"; HD 1d4; #AT 0; DMG 0: AL N.

8 1 ghost: AC 0/8 if corporeal: MV 9"; HD 10; #AT 1; Dmg 10-40 years; AL LE.

9 3-12 (3d4) ghouls: AC 6; MV 9"; HD 2; #AT 3; Dmg 1-3/1-6; AL CE.

10 1-4 wights: AC 5; MV 12"; HD 4+3; #AT 1; Dmg 1-; AL LE; SA hit drains 1 energy level.

11 1-4 wraiths: AC 4; MV 12"/24"; HD 4+3; #AT 1; Dmg 1-; AL LE; SA hit drains 1 energy level.

12 1 maiden vampire: AC 1; MV 12"/18"; HD 8+3; #AT 1; Dmg 5-10; AL CE; SA hit drains 2 energy level, gaze can charm, become gaseous in same way as Strahd."

[End ID]

The first page of the lands of Barovia is setup for random encounters along with more info on The Mist. It talks about how to handle nighttime, daytime, and indoor encounters.

The encounters will only last 5 melee rounds (again 1st edition stuff, no idea sadly) so the monsters attack the players and then they flee as they serve to scare the players. Similarly for indoors encounters, just that wolves attack with the random encounter and they try to break down the doors and windows (roll a d6, on a 1 or 2 they succeed) and again after 5 rounds, the attack ends.

What is interesting is that you can get attacked by good aligned villagers or atleast encounter them? It is not fully clear but all the other encounters on the table are evil aligned so I imagine its all combats. I say that I am unsure because later on in the castle encounters, the module specifies one encounter as a non-combat. I find it interesting you can just encounter Barovians who will just be silent and treat the players as outsiders. Maybe some will be willing to talk to you? I doubt it but it could serve as a indication to the players that something is not quite right in the land of Barovia.

The night encounters look like they are all combat. My favorite is either the 2-20 wolves (roll 2d10) or the 10 to 100 bats (10d10) bats. Just the sheer number would actually terrify someone. Imagine fighting 50+ bats. That is unforgettable.

Moving on to The Mists, or as the module refers to as the fog, we get some interesting lore elements I want to talk about. The fog here is in fact the mists we think of and the poisoning fog is consistant across second edition; I skimmed through my third edition source book and didn't find a comment, other than Strahd can close the borders and third edition source books tend to play very close to second edition canon. So the poison element is Strahd closing his borders to Barovia and preventing those within Barovia from leaving. You can obtain an antidote to this poison as the Vistani do sell this but second edition calls out that you also need Strahd's permission where in I6 the cure exists but is unobtainable; its just away to explain why the Vistani can come and go. I6's poison is different the Curse of Strahd since players don't start choking in the fog and the fog itself is not poisonous, but rather magical. The fog in Curse of Strahd also gives players exhaustion which is closer to second edition which lowers the players constitution; though unlike I6 or second edition, a player can't leave Barovia even if they succeed on the saving throws.

I want to also talk about the whole decison to add the fog and the consequences to the whole lore of Ravenloft. The fog from a gameplay perspective gives Strahd more power and makes sense as to why the villagers of Barovia have never left, they cant. This whole land is Strahd's lair. In the tome, Strahd calls himself "the land" and being able to control who can enter and leave makes it far more literal. He is quite literally the land, the fog moves when he asks and it bends to his whims. I won't lie and say the early iteration of the fog in I6 is a bit cheesy, like its just a poisonous cloud of fog and the vistani just happen to have the cure so they can come and go but they way it evolves is so interesting. It starts as this trapping force just for the players to becoming the prison that keeps Strahd contained, just that he is literally Barovia itself. He can trap those as part of his curse being the Darklord of Barovia. Its a wonderful role-reversal.

Returning to the module, the next couple pages are the set up for the module and its surprisingly one of the set ups in Curse of Strahd, "Plea for Help"; down to the exact same letter the players receive. It is word for word, only with some minor changes like inserting commas

[ID] The image is a black and white document on a wooden table. It is similar to the previous image. There is text on the page laid out such that there is two boxes containing text with text in the middle separating the boxes. The first box is cutoff in the image; the following is the text starting with a cutoff sentence:

"subdued. The letter is lying before you. Dated yesterday, the ink is still not dry and the parchment is crips. The seal is a crest you don't recognize."

The following is the text between the two boxes:

"If the PCs open the letter, read its content from the following boxed text."

The following is the text in the second box:

"Hail to thee of might and valor:

I, a lowly servant of the township of Barovia, send honor to thee. We plead for thy so desperately needed assistance within our community.

The love of my life, Ireena Kolyana, has been afflicted by an evil so deadly that even the good people of our town cannot protect her. She languishes from her wound and I would have her saved from this menace.

There is much wealth in this community. I offer all that might be had to thee and thy fellows if thou shalt but answer my desperate plea.

Come quickly for her time is at hand! All that I have shall be thine!

Kolyan Indrirovich

Burgomaster

[End ID]

I shouldn't be surprised by this; the "Plea for Help" adventure hook from Curse of Strahd is one of two adventures hooks that don't really need set up or has hard requirements. It also is very organic. Someone comes in and offers your party job, shows off that they are clearly rich by buying the whole tavern drinks for the night, and leaves. The letter is also very forward and offers the party riches for help. Its very simple but effective. I am a bit shocked how the words have not been changed in the 30+ years between the modules; but as I have mentioned earlier Curse of Strahd doesn't take a lot of liberties for the content in I6. The hook also assumes the least about the players which helps with its effectiveness. The hook relies on the party desiring wealth, which in first edition was a guarantee since leveling was associated with gold, and offers some additional motivation for good aligned characters.

Continuing on, as the players enter the Svalich Woods, they also encounter the real letter being sent by the Burgomaster of Barovia village. Again this is the same letter, though some of the words are slightly different, like dropping the words "creature calling its race".

[ID]

The image is a black and white document similar to the previous image. The image has two boxes with text. Between the two boxes is a set of text. The only word legible in the first box is the word: "scream". The following is the text between the two boxed texts:

"Three turns after all the PCs enter the woods, they find a dead villager in the underbrush. He holds an envelope crumpled in his hand. The remains of his clothes are torn and raked with claw marks. Paw prints of many large wolves are pressed into the clay around the body. The man has obviously been dead for several days.

The letter is dated one week ago. It is sealed with a large 'B'. The parchment is worn and flimsy. It reads as follows:"

The following text is contained in the bottom box:

"Hail thee of might and valor:

I, the Burgomaster of Barovia send you honor - with despair.

My adopted daughter, the fair Ireena, has been these past nights bitten by a creature calling its race 'vampyr.' For over 400 years, he has drained this land of the life-blood of its people. Now, my dear Ireena languishes and dies from an unholy wound caused by this vile beast. Yet I fear, too, that the creature has some more cunning plan in mind. He has become too powerful to be fought any longer."

In small text below the box is the following: "Letter continues on next page."

[End ID]

[ID]

The image is a black and white document similar to the previous image. The border of the document is similar to the "Lands of Barovia" image. There are three potions of text in boxes, with third becoming cutoff and unreadable. Between the first and second box is more text. The first box contains the following text:

"So I say to you, give us up for dead and encircle this land with symbols of good. Let holy men call upon their power that the evil one may be contained within the walls of weeeping Barovia. Leave our sorrows to our graves, and save the world from this evil fate of ours.

There is much wealth entrapped in this community. Return for your reward after we are all departed for a better life.

Kolyan Indirovich,

Burgomaster"

The text between the first box and second box is as follows:

"Roll 1d6 every turn the PCs ar ein the woods. If the result is 4 or more, the PCs hear a lone wolf cry in the distance. One more wolf cries each round. If the PCs are still in the woods after 5 rounds of howling, the wolves attack. If the PCs are entering Barovia, only 5 wolves attack; if the PCs are attempting to leave Barovia, 25 wolves attack. The wolves stop their attack if the PCs leave the woods by entering the village.

5 or 25 worg wolves: AC 6; MV 18"; HD 4+4; #AT 1; Dmg 2-8; AL NE. "

The following is the text contained within the second box along with its header: "D. The River Ivlis

The river Ivlis flows as clear as a blue winter sky through the valley."

The following is the text contained within the last box along with its header; part of the text is cutoff and the last word visible is 'wet':

"E. The Village of Barovia

Tall shapes loom out of the dense fog that surrounds everything. The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick, wet"

[End ID]

Continuing on, the village of Barovia is more or less the same. Ireena is also a 4th level fighter in this module. I find this interesting that she is a level lower than what the players start at (5th level) since Vampires drain levels in 1st edition and this is not so subtle acknowledgement that Ireena was attacked by Strahd and had her blood drank. It also prevents the main npc character from overshadowing the players in fights, though Strahd and the monsters he controls do not target Ireena. Ireena's characterization in I6 and Curse of Strahd is similar, a mild but strong willed fighter. I6 however says she wants to fight and kill Strahd for harming her homeland and killing her father where this only occurs if she is you ally in Curse of Strahd. Ireena is someone who's is fighting for a lost past and a future she can never have. Her life was completely upended several times by Strahd, as both Tatyana and as herself. I6 is a story about Strahd, Tatyana, and Sergei. Strahd's jealously and envy destroying his family and he is cursed to live in a nightmare for eternity as death, the thing Tatyana saw him as. Tatyana is forced to reincarnate endlessly by The Mists to remind Strahd that he can never have her. Sergei can not move on after losing the love of his life and seeing his brother in endless torment. Its a tragedy. Ireena needs to be part of the group who helps kill Strahd. It makes her and Tatyana not some damsel in distress but instead someone who is hurting and who triumphs over their pain to forge a better future; whether or not she ends up with Sergei is left to the DM depending on how the players have interacted with her. Curse of Strahd has some changes, that takes keeps the elements of this story but expands further with the introduction of the randomized ally.

The introduction of a randomized ally frees up that role to be anyone in the cast, with a few exceptions. It allows Curse of Strahd to break away from just a story about Tatyana and Sergei and to be about how Barovia, the country, is suffering at the hands of Strahd and how everyone in the cast has a dark or tragic tale because of this suffering. From Victor hating his homeland and trying to escape to Vasilka, a person who is being made as a wife for Strahd. I don't think you can have both. At the cost of Ireena being the sole focus, we get more depth and re-playability and Curse of Strahd is designed for that in mind. It also lets Ireena free herself as a character from just being Tatyana again. While both have the same ending for Ireena, Curse of Strahd's "Something Blue" special event in Krezk and the optional ending in I6, due to the length of Curse of Strahd, Ireena gets more of a chance to bond with player characters and come to understand the world she lives in and perhaps become more than Tatyana. Again this is up to the DM and the players in roleplay and narrative but I have seen this happen a handful of times. Ireena is allowed to become more unique.

Stepping off of my soapbox and coming back to discussing differences, we come to Donavich; he doesn't have a son in I6. The son is a vampire in the church's basement, that comes from Expedition to Castle Ravenloft, kinda. In Expedition to Castle Ravenloft, Donavich called Danovich, he creates a zombie plague after his son gets killed by Bandits. He hopes to bring him back so he keeps his corpse in the church basement; which yeah that is one hell of a change that gets rolled right back. I am not going to talk about Expedition here, but his personality in Curse of Strahd is much closer to this version than I6's version. In I6, he is close to a generic clerical figure; warm and kind while knowledgeable about evil. Donavich in I6 knows Ireena's whole backstory of being adopted, which Curse of Strahd does stay consistent with. However in I6 he has information on Strahd he is suppose to give the players, mainly info about the tome of Strahd.

He is almost a different character in Curse of Strahd because how much he is hurting from his son being a vampire. The villagers do not trust him in Curse of Strahd and he is losing his grip on reality. He is doing everything he can to save his son and clearly wants to help the players when they meet him. He is also the one to give the players the idea to take Ireena to Krezk and the abbey. And if he is your ally, you have to help him kill his son and give him a proper burrial. Without Doru, Donavich is much more put together and reasonable. He wants to help the heroes just as much but he isn't an actual cleric, he doesn't have magic. And if he were to leave, then the only place of good in Barovia would fall to darkness which gives him a reason to stay behind. I do not have a strong opinion on which version I like more. I think both fit the energy of the Ravenloft as a whole and both serve their purposes well. Doru exists to give Curse of Strahd more darkness in the opening and highlight that the players were not the first to try to kill Strahd. I did go on about the changes for Ireena but making Donavich a potential ally really fits with his I6 counterpart even if he wasn't really a fighter in I6. The reasoning for him join is very clear. He has lost nearly everything, and the only thing he has left to give is himself. A father who wants the devil to pay for killing his son. He gains a conviction, which is something that is missing in I6.

Outside of Ireena and Donavich, there aren't any more major differences until the castle. Once you get to the gate that we know would lead to Villaki, the carriage to Castle Ravenloft appears and it waits for the players to enter to go to the castle. The module breaks if you don't enter the carriage which makes sense. Vallaki, Krezk, and the rest of Barovia don't exist in lore as this is the first module. When all the players arrive at the Castle, the drawbridge drops down and it has one of the funniest and also probably most infuriating ways you can die. Quoting the book "Each time anyone except Strahd crosses the bridge, there is a 5% chance of a cross board breaking. If the cross board breaks. the character on it must make a dexterity check or fall to the bottom of the cliffs, 1000 feet below". In other words, 5% chance you need to make a dex save, on a fail you die. I had to share; first edition is fairly infamous for traps that can just kill you and I6 is no exception. I am so glad we do not design dungeons this way anymore.

[ID]

A black and white document on a wooden table similar to the previous image. The border of document is the same as the previous image. The page number is at the center of the bottom of the page; the page number is 10. The document is a black and white image of a carriage drawn by two horses heading to a large castle. The carriage is in the left corner of the document. The style of the carriage invokes victorian style. The carriage has three accents that divide the carriage into sections horizontally. At the top of the cairrage is a holding area for luggage and other objects. In front of the carriage is a drivers set which is unmanned. On the right of the drivers set is a parking lever. The back of the carriage is additional luggage space, in the shape of an "L". Below this additional luggage space is a seal that is illegible. The carriage has 3 windows each spaced equally apart on the upper half of the right side. Above the the right window is a Victorian styled lantern. The door to the carriage is in the center of the right side of the carriage. The door's hinges are on the right of the door and the door's handle is on the left. On the lower half of the door is a symbol of what appears to be a bird or bat. Three of the carriages wheels are visible: The Front right and both rear wheels. The left rear wheel is cut off by the page. The right rear wheel is cutoff by dust and the page. The front right wheel is obscured by dust. All the wheels are attached to the bottom of the carriage and each other with a bar.

The carriage is being pulled by two large black horses. Their harnesses appear to be uniform in make are similar. The harness attaches near their neck and the middle of the back, and near the hip. The horses are controlled by reins that attach at the horses mouths and face and loop into the harness before becoming no longer visible.

The castle is in the background. The castle is made up of several spires and a drawbridge. The drawbridge has two towers at the end of the bridge. The drawbridge is attached to a large barbican by a chains. The barbican has three visible towers, one at the left corner of the wall, and two towers between the gate of the barbican. Above the gate of the barbican the same symbol that is on the carriage's door. Each tower and the walls between the towers have battlements. Behind the walls is the keep. The keep has 5 visible towers, two on the left and right of the keeps center barely visible, one tower that lacks a spire on the right taller than the keep and is attached to the left tower by a bridge, the left tower is taller than the right tower and has an attached spire, and the tallest tower on the right with a spire at the top. The keep has a chimney under the bridge attaching the two towers.

The foreground has a set of trees obscured by the carriage on the left with a patch of grass in the bottom right corner. The background behind the tower is a set of mountains only illuminated by a large lighting strike. The lightning starts in the top right corner and flows left towards a set of trees in the foreground. The carriage is traveling on a dirt path that leads into the castle.

[End ID]

Part 5 The Castle

Starting of the castle section similar to the previous one with Castle Ravenloft's encounters. You can encounter Strahd randomly but the most interesting encounter is the angry villagers which make you get more encounters because they are making a ton of sound but will help out in a fight. They don't attack the players but I think its a fun bit of story telling to have others who are fed up with Strahd's rule helping the players as they explore the castle.

Before I continue onto the rest of the castle bit by bit, I want to talk about the npcs in the castle. The biggest difference in the castle is Rahadin. Rahadin is actually introduced into 5th edition. The dusk elves don't exist until 4th edition and are introduced in one of the Dungeon Magazine issues, in specifically "Fair Barovia"; side tangent on the side tangent, look into Fair Barovia, it has some really cool similarities to 5th edition and it feels a bit like 5th editions proof of concept for Vallaki. Anyway, Rahadin and the Dusk Elves just don't exist. Nothing about them at all is in the older versions of Ravenloft. The closest thing are the Shadow Fey but the whole Drow/Shadow Fey retcon is a neat topic for its own day. Gosh sorry, Rahadin. He probably is my favorite change to the module full stop. He adds so much more depth to Strahd and his own darkness. Rahadin allows Strahd to be more human. He has someone who is his weakness and vice versa, Rahadin's weakness is his loyalty to Strahd. He can be just as meanacing as Strahd and just as cold while at the same point letting the players feel above him since whenever/if ever the players have dinner with Strahd, Rahadin is forced to be the servant. Yet it feels like there is something more. He takes care of the dirty work for the master of the castle, sometimes its cleaning, sometimes its killing. Overall, I wish the dusk elves were better integrated into the story of Curse of Strahd since other than Rahadin's backstory along with the whole Patrina and Kasamir story line, they don't get a ton of flavor and because they are so recent and it makes me sad, especially since the Dusk Elves are from wherever Barovia is from and some older modules touch on this exactly, mainly the hexad modules (again another time if people want).

Speaking of Patrina - She exists! Wait I just said the dusk elves don't exist. Correct! Both are true statements. She is made into an elf vistani, which is a bit weird. 2nd and 3rd edition make it clear that only humans can be Vistani while 4th and 5th say it doesn't matter (they invent Mother Luba for Tasha's Cauldron of Everything and add her in with Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft; she is a halfling). So uh, no idea what this means. 1st edition breaking all the rules! 5th edition dropping the Vistani part and making her a Dusk Elf does let Rahadin have more depth as I mentioned. I think this element is just messy lore because Ravenloft was just a module; it wasn't intended to be the start of a setting. Weird things like this happen. Otherwise for Partrina, her backstory is more or less the same. Just Kasamir doesn't exist in I6. Curse of Strahd does a much better job integrating her into the overall setting of Ravenloft, even if it meant inventing a type of elf native to Barovia. I was honestly a bit shocked reading that she existed in I6 since elves don't have a strong place in Barovia when it comes to the greater Ravenloft canon. Patrina's expansion and role in the story along with Rahadin and Kasamir add depth that I would never want to remove and feel almost as if this was something missing from second or third edition. Something that is a one line piece of text and encounter in the crypts became something far more interesting and it makes Curse of Strahd better for it.

The next changes are Strahd's vampire brides (and Escher). They do not exist in I6. I don't have any fun facts on like when they were added or what inspired them; just that they are added in 5th edition. I am curious as to why they were included. Strahd isn't just after Tatyana, given that Patrina is from 1st edition, so it make sense he could have some wives (and someone else) so is that why? I would love to talk to someone who made Curse of Strahd and ask so so many questions but I just don't have the info on why they exist. They give flavor and depth. That's probably it. I feel a bit sad that my extent of knowledge on these characters is what it is. Escher is a fan favorite since he is such a sad man who is now over his head. WotC did a good job in adding them since they feel fundamental to the experience of Castle Ravenloft as well as add some additional encounters that are not in I6.

Moving onto another character, Cyrus is Human in I6. He is the only Belview in the module but he is human. The mongrelfolk aren't from 1st edition Ravenloft. I specify this because one, they do exist in 1st edition and two, they do exist in Ravenloft, just later. The mongrelfolk are similar to another creature in Ravenloft, Broken Ones. Just Mongrelfolk tend to be nicer and more friendly (and also have a much sadder existance in G'henna) than the Broken Ones. It makes sense they would live with the Abbot since he is a kind being (good aligned atleast) and they are outcasts who need to constantly look for a home. Just, they are completely an addition to 5th editions version of the module (and Barovia as a whole). I am not going to go into the changes 5th edition does for Barovia as a setting but I do think it would make for an interesting topic. Making Cyrus a mongrelfolk makes him more friendly and overall adds more horror flavor to the world. Every major character is human, that is so bland. The point does work though, it makes non-human characters outsiders. It works well, but adding a bit of change here or there makes the world more interesting because you get characters your players can relate to. A drow character can relate to the dusk elves for example. The Belviews add that depth and strangeness that wouldn't be there if they weren't mongrelfolk. In 1st edition, Cyrus is just an old man who tells jokes at bad times and tries to lead the players to their rooms. I like 5th edition's change; he stays this old man but is far more likable personally.

News for Pidlwick II fans, he does not exist yet sadly. He was created for 5th edition. I generally like clockwork automatons and while Barovia really isn't clockwork-y compared to other Domains (looking at some of the more advanced domains like Paridon), living dolls are so cool. He has some interesting flavor if you expand him into the greater Ravenloft setting since he could be considered a Dread Construct. The lore around Pidlwick II however, is fairly interesting. I6 and Curse of Strahd disagree on who Pidlwick the first is; well I say I6 disagrees, its more the lore given to him in 3rd edition's source books is different than the lore Curse of Strahd uses. In Curse of Strahd, Pidlwick is a fool of Duchess Dorfniya Dislisyna and Fritz von Weerg made Pidlwick II and Pidlwick II killed Pidlwick. In the second and third edition canon, Pidlwick is the husband of Dorfiya Dilisnya and the "father" of one of the most important characters in all of Ravenloft canon, Leo Dilisnya. Leo deserves his own post as well but if you know "I, Strahd" you know Leo. Anyway Pidlwick's mother gets murdered and he starts an assassination war with the Petrovna families called the War of the Silver Knives. Strahd orders the assassinations to end and Pidlwick grows to despise Strahd since he didn't avenge his mother. Leo takes on this hatred for Strahd when Pidlwick dies. Now why is he called a Fool of Dorfniya? Its assumed its because Leo isn't his son by blood and he was cucked by another character. That is such a wild difference in lore for once character but without it, Pidlwick II wouldn't exist. Yet Leo's remains do exist in Curse of Strahd in Wachterhaus but I am getting off topic.

Lastly on the who's whos of the castle: Helga, Lief, and Gertruda exist and 5th edition leaves them unchanged. They exist, they fill their roles the exact same way. It is still very cool to me to see how much of this module can remain the same over 30+ years across several editions.

Now onto the Castle proper; I will be sprinkling in throughout this section the remaining art in the module as there is only a handful more and the rest is text. Something I think that was interesting when I was looking over the other editions of this module is that they all use the same numbering for the locations in the castle. Like K30 is the Office of the King's Accountant in I6. Curse of Strahd also makes K30 - King's Accountant. Overall. I think this is wonderful and its something most people wouldn't notice and only the dedicated fans like myself would. And I love this. And it makes my life easier since I can refer to each room in the castle by its location number. Now overall, the castle is the same in Curse of Strahd as it is in I6 so I will only mention any notable changes.

The first of which is K15 - Chapel of Ravenloft. We don't actually get the name of the figure who tries to steal the Icon of Ravenloft in I6 and in Curse of Strahd the icon is more powerful. In I6 it just lets you heal any creature 6 to 21 hit points and makes the ability to turn undead stronger while 5th edition adds the Protection from evil and good radius and the augury spell. Its also said to be 10 pounds in 5th edition while 1st edition just says its small; which 10 pounds is not small. Then again its a foot tall silver statuette that is half a food wide, so I think 5th edition is correct in making it fairly heavy. I am curious for the reasoning in making the Icon stronger, the protection from evil and good spell is so useful in this dungeon and the augury spell is just fun flavor.

Next is K20 - Tower Hall of Honor or as 5th edition calls it Heart of Sorrow. Yeah, the biggest change is the name. Its called the Guardian of Sorrow as mentioned earlier in this post. The animated halberds also aren't flying swords or anything but instead how the Guardian of Sorrow attacks. The heart actually makes the players take dexterity saving throws every round or they fall down the stairs since the whole castle is shaking which is cool but annoying. The module does mention explicitly the players can move at 1/4 movement to avoid the saving throws but still awful. Atleast 5th edition had the kindness to just knock you prone when you failed the dexterity save rather than fall down to a lower floor. The heart also doesn't have any kind of life/shield link with Strahd like it does in 5th edition; it just exists. Saying it "exists" underpins the whole thematic reason its here. Like the whole purpose of the heart is to say the castle is alive, and maybe the land is alive even? The whole "I am the land" in his journal seems far more literal now, like this could be his heart! Its so brutal. 5th edition makes the link even more clear; he is hurt when you hurt the heart and the heart takes damage for him. Its a masterful change in 5th edition, it adds flavor and gives the players more reason to explore. I also like "Guardian of Sorrow" far better than "Heart of Sorrow" but that's me.

[ID]

The image is a black and white document of Strahd von Zarovich playing an organ. The organ takes up the majority of the image, being cut off by the left edge of page curving around and ending at the right half of the page. The top left to the top center are the organs pipes in two rows, each topped with a dragon head open as if to breathe fire. Part of the back row of the pipes are cut off by the top of the image. The pipes are then hidden by the organs at their bottom. The organ appears to have 4 rows of keys that make the up center of the organ. Above the top row of keys as well as the left and right of they keys appear to be buttons or knobs to activate additional elements of the organ. Dividng the buttons from the keys appears to be inlays with circles. Bellow the organ is two rows of swell pedals that get hidden behind Strahd and the darkness of the image. In front of the swell pedals is the pedal board of the organ. The right end of the organ is a ornate carving of the dragon. Below the dragon is a post carved to look like the dragon's feet. Below the foot of the dragon is the signature of Clyde Caldwel.

Playing the organ is Strahd von Zarovich. His left hand is on the second row of keys while his right hand is in the air as if to strike the keys dramatically. Both his left and right arms show a visible undershirt sleeve. The left arm has a button near the sleeve. His right hand has nails like claws. Only the left profile of his face is visible. His hair is licked back but fades into the darkness of his clothes. The rest of his clothing is veiled in the darkness and are to obscure to make out.

The chair Strahd is sitting in is mostly obscured by his cloak. The left portion of the chair is visible; the upholstery of the chair along with its front left leg. Keeping the upholstery in place are round staples or buttons. The left leg is carved to look like the foot of a lion or beast.

[End ID]

K30 - Office of the King's Accountant. The biggest difference is 1st edition has less loot and the reason Lief is upset is slightly different. Lief wants access to the hidden treasury. Why he knows this is never explained but he also knows the whole layout of the castle and will give the players a map to the holy symbol like in 5th edition so I assume he knows it exists but Strahd won't let him use it. I don't know when "Manual of Bodily Health" is first created but it doesn't exist in 1st edition's version of the module so I assume it was added as more interesting loot than just money, since 1st edition has the same amount of money but the manual is replaced with 100 books worth 10 gp each. I like this minor but impactful change. If the player characters are just playing Curse of Strahd, the manual is just as impactful as if it was more money but if they go beyond Strahd into another game, this is far more impactful. Either way, its a cool and fun change.

K31 - Trapworks. The only difference here is the damage you take from being on the top of trap. In 1st edition its 3d10 with no save to avoid damage while in 5th edition is a dexterity save taking 8d10 on a failure, which is so much more. I imagine this is because players should be nearing the level cap for the module and that level cap is far higher for Curse of Strahd than Ravenloft but also I have no context for hitpoints in 1st edition, this could be much more damage. Everything else is the same, magical sleep hits the players and then they are trapped. Overall its a really cool trap, I never have seen it in action and I want to here stories about being imprisoned or the elf of the party saving everyone; seems like a really cool narrative moment.

K41 - Treasury. Similarly to Office of the King's Accountant, the 5th editions version just has far more stuff, but also its missing some things. Mainly all the magical weapons. 1st edition has a +2 sword and 3 +3 maces in addition to all the money. It makes sense to give the player a load of magical weapons since in 1st edition, vampires can only be damaged by +1 or more weapons. So this is a solution to a problem that they player will encounter when they go to fight Strahd. It also reinforces the need to explore dungeons and keeps up with 1st editions dungeon diving nature. I think this is kinda cool, I don't think I know of a module that hands players multiple +3 weapons at once. 5th edition swaps those out for the +2 shield, some potions, and the instant fortress along with the helm of brilliance, rod of the pact keeper and alchemy jug. I think both are fun treasure piles but I think 5th edition benefits from having a larger pool to draw magic items from. The shield is also unique to Curse of Strahd since Argynvostholt was added for 5th edition. I think both treasuries fit the version they are in. Like 5th edition does not focus to heavily on better gear as a requirement for fights, it just makes fights easier. So a diverse pool of gear is better than a large amount of magical weapons; especially since a magical weapon isn't needed to hurt Strahd. 1st edition does focus on that sort of progression so magical weapons make a ton of sense and as I mentioned, characters need magical weapons to hurt Strahd at all. The module is designed for six to eight characters in 1st edition; which is larger than most parties are in 5th edition. There is one sunsword but what if there are 3 fighters? This is how you get around the problem.

K46 - Courtyard outlook or Parapets in 5th edition. 5th edition added an encounter here. Neat. You have to linger here to fight Strahd's armor but you can. I don't have much more to say than it surely is an encounter that exists.

K49 - Lounge. I need to share that they changed the book titles here. One of the old ones is a gem in my opinion. "Identifying Blood Types: A Beginner's Handbook". I think it just neat. That's all.

K63 - Wine Cellar. This area is expanded quite a bit, flavor wise, in 5th edition. First off - potential encounter with a slime. Neat. Second, all the wine is explicitly from the Wizard of Wines. I like this, thats all.

[ID]

The document is a black and white image similar to the above image. The image is of Ireena Kolyana standing next to the portrait of Tatyana. Ireena's hair appears to be dark, messy, and long, going past her shoulders. Ireena appears to be wearing lipstick. Ireena's outfit is that of a traditional longsleeve vest and pants with a cloak. Around her neck is a cross with a gemstone in the center of the crucifix. The cloak around her neck is held in place by a clasp with a tassels and a gemstone in the middle of the clasp. Around Ireena's waist is a belt with three buckles, one in the center and one on each side of the middle buckle. The bottom of Ireena's shirt is a repeating pattern of a hollow white diamond with a black square in the center of each diamond and a white dot in the middle of each square. The diamond pattern is on a strip of black fabric. Ireena's pants appear to be dark in color with no discernable features. Ireena casts a shadow on the wall behind her on the left side of the image. In Ireena's left hand is her sword which she is pushing into the ground. The sword appears to be in its hilt and it cut off by the bottom of the image. The hilt has two circular inlays with gem stones. The bottom of the two inlays appears to be in the middle of a cross inlay. Near the top round inlay is a loop that has a strap passing through. Ireena's posture is tall and proud, with her right hand at her waist and her left arm leaning on her sword; clearly poising next to a portrait very similar to her appearance. She is facing the right

The portrait is of Tatyana. Tatyana is sitting in a chair, looking left of the viewer. Tatyana has the same face, hair, and lipstick as Ireena. On Tatyana's head is a crown and 3 strings of pearls from the crowns right end flowing behind her hair. Tatyana is wearing a dress with several sets of jewelry. The first is a large necklace with a round pendent with a inlaid gemstone At the end of the neck of the dress is another piece of jewelry, a diamond shaped button with a gemstone. Tatyana's hands are resting at her lap. Each wrist has a bracelet. At her waist is a cloth belt with circular buckle like piece. The chair she is sitting in has a curved back. The left portion of the chair is hidden and not visible. The right portion shows a carved accented arm that curves round into a spiral. Behind Tatyana is a curtain, that is drawn such that it curves behind her. The portrait's frame is heavily accented. The corners are three leaves facing outward, with the middle leaf being the largest, and a curved bow like accent attacked to the leaves, with the bow's guard or point facing the portait. At the middle of the frame section are additional smaller accents: A circle with a gemstone in the middle cut such that the circle looks to be two portions; from the gemstones are two curved limbs that mirror each other; where the limbs meet the circle are two small spikes pointing away from the portrait. Between all the accents are small circles in the middle of the frame's edges. Below the portait is the signature of Clyde Caldwel.

[End ID]

K67 - Guard's Hall or Hall of Bone in 5th edition. This area is very different. Like not the same area different almost. In 1st edition this is just a hallway. Thats it. Ok, Strahd does still kill is guards here, so there is stained blood still. But 5th edition adds in a whole skeleton/bone art sculpture made by Cyrus because why not honestly. That may come off as mean sounding, I think its actually just amazing. I have a soft spot for Cyrus. This can also be a spot for your treasure or Strahd's encounter which that isn't the case in 1st edition. Lastly, the ossuary has the skull of Argyvost which doesn't exist in 1st edition as I already have mentioned. Taking a step back, its interesting that 5th edition just invented a room. Like original Strahd did not have a bone room. You know, a room for bones of those he murdered. Granted he didn't make this, Cyrus made the bone zone. But is 5th edition Cyrus that much more wild compared to 1st edition then? Or better yet, Strahd just let him do this? That you can fight Strahd here or better find this tome here means he enjoys this room possibly? Like he is sitting at the end of a table in a chair of bone holding the dragon skull; what even? I don't know, there is more to say here than the bone room is cool but I love it. I need to know the reason behind the bone room minus "give the vampire a bone room". If its just that, kudos to the people fighting for this wonderful set piece. Such an amazing addition.

K75- South Dungeon. The real change is giving Emil a character. He does exist in 1st edition but he is unnamed and he just joins the party once freed to help kill Strahd but betrays the party once an opportunity arises. Emil is very similar in 5th edition unless the players know Zuleika (or she is your ally due to the reading) in which case he may join to help kill Strahd or just try to flee instead. I like that they made him a fully fleshed out character along with the werewolves without changing much of his actual role in the story unless you happen to get Zuleika as an ally which makes sense. I am not going into too much about Emil since his story is more related to the werewolves than the castle itself.

K78 - Brazier Room. This is very different/. The purpose of this room in I6 is to block the players from entering into the catacombs or other parts of the castle. Its a puzzle room with no hints other than an hourglass representing time in rounds, the golems each have unique stones their hands that can be thrown into the fire. Each stone has a different associated door and the golems won't attack unless the timer runs out. Other than this puzzle, there is a chest that 5th edition doesn't have for a good reason. First its trapped and if you open it from the front you fall asleep. If you can't be put magically asleep, the chest looks empty due to illusion magic after you open it from the front. So you need to open it from behind. Inside it has some spell scrolls, some potions, and of course a deck of many things. The deck of many things is a wonderful way to end a campaign; though I have no idea what the difference between 1st editions deck and 5th editions. I imagine not much has changed since 5th edition is quite brutal. There is probably a few 5th edition adventures that include the deck of many things somewhere but I don't personally like the item. In older editions where characters feel a bit more disposable, the deck is fine since it can just kill your character, but in 5th edition it can derail a campaign instantly. Anytime the deck has come out, the campaign almost instantly ends or becomes derailed since we now need to save a character because they pulled a card that does something awful to them.

5th edition completely changes this room to be a teleportation room to anywhere in Barovia basically using the same flame color puzzle but with a riddle which is nice and it removes the deck of many things for obvious reasons. I get the changes, it keeps the thematic purpose of the room the same and also removes the deck but also I miss the trap; one more final challenge if you need to get into the catacombs. The change also adds in flavor as to how Strahd can be everywhere in Barovia at any time, he can literally teleport. I think personally, the teleportation puzzle wasn't neccesary but the removal of the chest was. Curse of Strahd is a much longer campaign and to have it get derailed in the 9th hour would be unsatisfying for a lot of players. I6 is probably banking on the players using the deck once Strahd is dead as a treasure and hook for the next story. If you want a story with the Deck of Many Things, you could probably make it work as a way to keep your players in Ravenloft as a continuation but it might take some tweaking.

[ID]

The image is a black and white document of a knight with a sword and shield fighting zombies in water.. The image is similar to the previous image. The knight is on the left side of the image while the fully visible zombie is on the right. There are 3 zombified hands clawing up from the water; two near the knight and one in the background between the knight and zombie. The knight is positioned such that they are about to strike the zombie with their sword. The knight is wearing a helmet, scale mail, a shield, a curved sword, pants, greaves, and gauntlets. Their helmet is ornate with several curved inlays on the forehead of the helm. The top of the helm is spiked. The area of the helmet where the face would be located is open but there is no visible face. The helm curves down to guard the neck as it meets up with the scale mail. There is a strip of metal from the top of the helm to the base in the middle of the back of the helm. the scalemail flows from the neck to the upper thigh of the knight. On the knights shoulders is a set of pauldrons. The section of the scale mail around the neck is curved, suggesting that the helm scale mail section is on top of the body scale mail. The knight's overshirt is ripped apart at the chest, revealing the scale mail underneath. There is a strap from the knight's right shoulder flowing down to the left side of the knights waist with a buckle and gemstone inlay near the shoulder. At the end of the strap is a string of pearls or gemstones. Similarly, there is a mirroring strap that starts on the left should and meets the right side of the knights waist; this strap is thinner than the other strap. The shield is in the knight's left hand. The shield is round with a cross painted on the center of the shield. There is wear around the edges of the shield. In the knight's right hand is the curved sword. The sword appears to be a scimitar or a falchion. The swords guard curves up on both sides. Light creates a visible shine off the sword. The knight has a belt at their waist with six circular inlays each spaced equally. The knight's overshirt continues to the left of their body, covering part of their pants. The knight's pants are dark in color and have wrinkles near the right knee. The knight's right knee is protected by a their greaves. The top of the right boot is just visible above the water. One of the three zombie hands is grabbing at the knights right leg.

The zombie fighting the knight is crouched near the water with its left hand reaching to claw the knight and the right hand in the water. The zombies clothes are torn into rags. These rags barely cover the zombie, with big pieces of cloth dangling off the chest and left arm. The zombie's face is heavily decayed as it makes a gaunt snarl to the knight. The zombie's hair is ratty and short. Across the zombie's body are boils and scars. The zombie's chest is hidden and darkned.

The background of the image is misty on the left which flows down to the center of the image; with chains becoming visible in the right corner. The water of the image contains off colored pools around the knights legs, the middle zombified hand, and the zombies limbs in the water. In the bottom right corner of the image is signature of Clyde Caldwel.

[End ID]

The crypts are the next and generally, they either received more loot of flavor since most of they crypts in 1st edition are simple. Most are just text with flavor like "Beucephalus, The Wonder Horse. May the flowers grow ever greener where he trods" (yes they misspelled the name of Alexander the Great's horse in text, look at the last image in my post, Crypt 39). Anyway those that did have significant changes are listed below. Generally, assume Curse of Strahd gave each crypt either a description of the person interred or wealth inside the crypt if I did not mention anything in particular.

Crypt 6 - Marya Markovia. Her crypt is very different in Curse of Strahd. They added her thighbone as a weapon and changed her epithet from "Great was her beauty, undone by a jealous hand" to "Dead for all time". I think this was done to bring more flavor to the morninglord stuff since Barovia really didn't have any ties to the Morninglord other than some elements in "Vampire of the Mists", one of the Ravenloft novels.

Crypt 7 - Endrovich (Endrovich the Terrible) - In changing Marya Markvoia, Endrovich had to be changed. They explicitly call out Marya Markvoia as the one Endrovich loves but since Marya's crypt is Markvoia's crypt now, he just loves a generic Marya with no surname. He also doesn't haunt a gargoyle in 1st edition, he is just a specter you encounter. He also is guarding a stack of 3,400 gp in 1st edition.

Crypt 13 - King Intree Katsky- 1st edition this is just a named crypt with nothing. 5th edition gives him a gun! And a glider. Interestingly enough, firearms are not uncommon in flavor in Ravenloft. There is a lot of imagery and artwork of characters with firearms throughout Ravenloft in 2nd and 3rd edition source books so this is a fitting change.

Crypt 29 - Ivan Ivanovich, Beloved of Anna Betrovich- Yeah this is just not in 5th edition. This crypt is just straight up different. It belongs to Baron Eisglaze Drüf and has actual stuff in it, mainly a luck blade and brown mold for environmental cold damage. 1st edition just has nothing

Crypt 30 - Perfect Ciril Romulich - Since the morninglord doesn't exist yet, 1st edition does not have a holy symbol that blows up on evil creatures. Instead its 10 +1 arrorws, a scroll of raise dead and 3 potions, one is a potion of poison (yum), one is clairvoyance, and one is invulnerability.

Crypt 35 - This crypt is unused in 1st edition. The ghoul trap is new to 5th edition.

Crypt 37- Gralmore Nimblenobs. 5th edition does Nimblenobs dirty. He has so many more scrolls plus a +1 sword that can let you cast wish. Excuse me? I get the change but come on just the three scrolls for 5th edition and calling him "wizard ordinaire" is just bullying a dead guy who knew wish.

[ID]

The image of a black and white document of a vampire on the left side of the page and text on the right like previous images. The top of the pages has a similar border as previous images. The vampire is a women in a dress with a set of jewelery. The women's hair is long and dark, partially obscured by the darkness of the background. She is baring her fangs to the viewer. Her dress straps are thin. Her right hand is raised towards her face. Around her neck is a neclace with several gemstones. Around both arms are bracelets; her left arm has two bracelet while her right arm has a bracelet with 3 visible gemstones. Around her chest are several sets of bindings, one crossing under her breasts, one crossing at the waist, and two crossing around her chest forming an "x". The background of the image is darkness that fades to light from top to bottom. To the right of her waist is s signature of Clyde Caldwel.

Not all the text on the right is visible. The following is the visible text:

"A body in white clothing rots naturally, in small chest. Whithin the chest are 10+1 arrows and 3 bottles containing potions of poiso invulnerability

Crypt 31. '$$We knew him only by his wea

There is a large, bulging chest in the center is a trapper who attacks anyone that steps up

1 trapper: AC 3; MV 3"; HD 12; hp 62; #A AC; AL N.

Crypt 32. "St. Finderway, Saint of Lost Tr

The crypt is featureless except for two al Over the alcoves is written "Pass not the mortals!"

These alcoves are transmitting and r alcoves on the east sends thoses who enter alcove in K86. Stepping into the western receives persons teleporting from the west

Crypt 33.

The stone door is blank. This crypt has

Crypt 34. "King Dostron"

Crypt 35.

The stone door is blank. This crypt has

Crypt 36.

The stone door is clawed and marked so The tomb is empty

Crypt 37. "Gralmore Nimblenobs"

The stone door only gives the name abo within, rotting naturally. About the co one wish; a scrholl with hcarm monst polymoprh self spells; and a scroll w haste, lightning bolt, and slow spells.

Crypt 38. "Americo Standarski (Inve

When this crypt is opened, three pair out. Three hellhounds attack. These damage at up to 10 feet from their sco points if the character saves vs drago breath once per round for as many ro

3 hellhounds: AC 4; MV 12"; HD 5; hp + breath weapon; AL. LE.

Crypt 39. "Beucephalus, The Won grow ever greener where he trods."

This crypt has a larger door than all rears up when the door is opened breath obscures vision, blinds oppo"

[End ID]

For the rest of the crypt, there really isn't any changes. The trap that leads you to a pit full of enemies is from I6. Sergi's armor is +2 plate mail which is reflected in 5th edition, Stradh's teleport trap is the same, and you need to be lawful good to enter the tomb of Barov and Ravenovia; though 5th edition added the squeezing part for small sized player characters. Generally speaking, the crypt really didn't get changed. What was changed in Curse of Strahd was mainly done for balance purposes or to make the crypt more align with the canon that Curse of Strahd uses.

Now about those magic items. How different is the holy symbol or the sunsword. Surprisingly not much. The holy symbol basically has a daylight affect, though its different, weaker, and you can only use it once a week. However, your turn undead feature is stronger while using it. The sunsword is weird but also basically the same. The biggest difference in I6 is that you have to build it. One of the players who is a fighter with sword has the blade portion already, just they don't know it. The blade of the sunsword when not in the proper hilt acts like a normal blade. You have to take the blade out and put it in the sunswords hilt and then its a sunsword. Its a +2 sword except against undead which makes it a +3 and it does extra damage. The flavor of it being separated by a magician and then lost is is also from I6 but the flavor of the blade being Sergei's originally is not in I6.. Lastly, the Tome of Strahd; the passages are the same. I mean "I am The Ancient, I am The Land" is iconic so it would be a shame if 5th edition changed it. Given how much of the module is the same, the tome remaining unchanged is not surprising.

Lastly, talk about is the optional ending. I mentioned when I was talking about Ireena that the "Something Blue" special event in Krezk in Curse of Strahd occurs in I6. It is the optional ending that can play out once the players kill Strahd. I don't want to talk much more on Ireena but moving the ending to Krezk in Curse of Strahd makes sense. If we want other characters to be the ally against Strahd, having her story arc end once she arrives in Krezk feels appropriate.

Closing Thoughts

I know this was a fairly long post but I think it let me kind of go off on my random knowledge I have on Ravenloft as well as discuss some changes and liberties Curse of Strahd decided to take. Its a very iconic module and the fact that it has stood the test of time more or less unchanged is a testament to how impressive and popular this module was in the 1980s. It also gave me a bit of an insight as to the decisions the designers made in Curse of Strahd and their reasoning since despite staying faithful to I6, Curse of Strahd generally made changes for the better in my mind. I may have come across critical of Curse of Strahd but that is more than likely my own bias since WotC has somewhat shown disregard for second and third edition canon which has grown to upset me. If I were to expand upon my thoughts on Curse of Strahd, I would want to talk about it as a follow up since I ignored a majority of the module. I6 is fairly short compared to Curse of Strahd. That is to the benefit of Curse of Strahd, since it is able to flex its world building far more than I6. There were also some topics I never talked about, like the the monster stat blocks. Mainly because I don't have anything meaningful to say. I have never learned how to play older editions of D&D and I really only have passing knowledge. I can take photos and add them as an addendum is someone is able to explain what they actual mean.

Lastly, forgive me if I talk over topics several times in this post. It grew in scope and size several times and had a couple of re-writes. My brain is rot and its full of gothic horror.

#dnd #d&d #d&d 5e #curse of strahd #ravenloft #d&d lore #very long post #cw: slurs #ttrpg #dungeons and dragons

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escha-ashengrotto · 11 months ago

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— Always giving the other the first bite of their food... Or the last bite.

Quiet Acts of Love Series ft. Azul

— Inspired by @/novelbear's prompt list here.

"Zuuul~" You call his name as you hover a piece of food in front of his mouth. "Say aahhh~"

If this was the first time you did it, Azul's face would have been completely red from embarrassment. You always insist on feeding him the first bite of your food. You want him to take a bite out of it as you hold onto the food with your own hand.

Azul remembers how baffled he was at first with his blue eyes widening in surprise and his face flushing a deep pink up to his ears.

Now? He's gotten so used to it that Azul misses you when you don't feed him a snack during his break or something. It's one of those times where Azul feels loved and taken care of.

He opens his mouth and takes a bite out of the pastry in your hand. He gets a taste of its deliciousness and couldn't help but smile.

Azul feels something land on his cheek as he was chewing and realizes it was your lips.

"I like it when you enjoy eating your food," you say.

"I enjoy it more when I'm with you," Azul replies.

Azul sees you staring at him in awe for a few seconds before you give him your precious smile. He swears his heart was doing flips at the sight.

You take turns with getting a bite out of the food until there was only a small piece left. Azul takes the last piece from your hand and places it near your lips.

"Say aahhh~" He says as he holds your chin in place with his fingers.

You open your mouth to take the last bite and after you do, Azul gives you a peck on your lips.

"Thank you for the snack."

"You're welcome. I'm just happy to see you eating and being well."

He gives you another sweet kiss and pulls you in close before hearing the sound of food wrapper.

"Do you want another one?" You ask while holding another snack in your hand.

"Hmm... I suppose I wouldn't mind indulging in another one," he muses and then smirks. "As long as you feed me."

Azul hears you giggle at him before proceeding to open your second snack.

And so the cycle repeats.

Check out my blog for more! Thanks for reading!

A/N: There's something about feeding your loved one that's so sweet. Also, seeing Azul enjoying his food just warms my heart so much 🥹🥹

EDIT: Changed my header format a bit because I get confused.

#azul ashengrotto #azul ashengrotto x reader #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #escha's writings🍰

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celira · 23 days ago

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tagged by the fantastic @beyoncesfiancee (whose stories you should go read like yesterday)! ...this list reminds me i never finished reposting the rest of my whumptober 2023 ficlets... they're even all edited and ready to go whoops

Rules: share the first lines of ten of your latest fanfics (or up to if you have less!) & tag 10 people.

(it's all TLT, surprise surprise)

1. none of us (here) (Gideon & Harrow whump ficlets)

"Skin hunger" is a curious name, at once evocative and clinical, sordid and distant.

2. a fowl diversion, unnamed (pre-canon TLT x Untitled Goose Game, crack treated earnestly if not exactly seriously)

A new day dawns.

3. language of its own (pre-canon Campal dealing with erotic poetry finals)

Camilla dropped the sheaf of flimsy at the end of the table, sat heavily, and didn't move.

4. per my last email (academia AU Campal semi-epistolary...sort of)(so what counts as the first line??? i included the headers but did not count them)

From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: latest articles for JINO cam. tell me you’ve seen this trainwreck

5. lend me some sugar (i am your neighbor) (Juno Zeta/Pyrrha crack. arguably canon-compliant)

Meeting Minutes [n.b.: Full meeting was not called. Only one group member was present upon arrival of dignitary. —JZ]

6. Disaccharides (cloyingly sweet - in multiple senses - modern AU Campal)

Baking is a science much in the way that chemistry is an art: precision and observation spool out the thread that weaves their components together, and past a certain point, the ineffable sneaks in through the spaces in between scales and measures – the student draws from trial and error that slowly takes its own form until at some point, repetition becomes experience; instruction turns into memorization turns into ritual turns into instinct, and creative intuition elevates it all.

7. in this, too, i am steadfast (As Yet Unsent/pre-Nt9 gapfiller Camilla whump)

Words had never been Camilla's main wield.

8. self-immolation to save on heating (modern AU Pyrrha having a stream-of-consciousness crisis over Cam & Pal)

The thing about loving landmines in human form is–

9. set me in your threshold (Nona-era Camilla-centric magical realism, shades of Campal, ambiguous Campaldulcie)

The Building had plenty of its own mythos before it encountered the likes of half a former Lyctor, the necromantic heir of the Sixth House, the person who was more than just his embodiment but less than her own entity, and their collective ward.

10. Stereography (worldbuilding-y Camilla character study borne of my Paul feelings, Campal-flavored, first TLT fic)

The listening room rested in the outer edge of the Library, far enough from neighboring research spaces to avoid showering them with what few frequencies – some in waveforms coherent enough to hint at songs or dialogue, some that could only be tactfully called noise – might escape its soundproofing.

exposition, babeyyyyy! or something. tagging the ineffable @fortjester @arithmonym @theriverbeyond @thesaintofpatience @scholar-hect @heliocharis hmm i feel like some of you have already done this guy before so i will leave it there

#maybe i should post a thing. hmm #tlt fanfic #lira does a thing #lira gets tagged

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itsagrimm · 2 years ago

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He Who Comes from under the Water

Chapter 11 - The Dive

Monster!König X she/her afab Reader

CN: Mentions of possible death and injury, fear of water, nearly drowning, mentions of possibly getting hurt, inappropriate use of an axe, depression and bad mental health, on character is passively suicidal, cannibalism, fear of being alone, fear of separation from a loved one, lack of self-confidence, kissing, making out, partial nudity

Notes for better understanding at the bottom!

Beta-read by the equally afflicted @queenquazar. Unhinged writing and editing sessions in the dead of night wouldn't be the same without you.

6.0k words

Masterlist

Hope you enjoyed your summer as I have but now as it's getting colder, darker and most importantly weather outside, I am fairly sure updates will roll quicker now.

also I need to do more trips with my camera, I am running out of decent looking header photos.

I made a playlist for this series. Enjoy.

The fresh morning breeze caressed over your slowly warming up skin. Branches of trees danced a lazy rhythm and the late birds of summer sang their song. Ghost stood next to you, wrapped in his coat made of leaves and moss and sturdy solitude, as you both looked up to the window of your bedroom. König was in there, still asleep and out of your reach.

“Let’s try to wake up König one more time.”

Hope reared its head as you heard Ghost’s words.

But not too high.

“How?” You wondered out loud. “I am sorry that you feel stuck here with me, but König did not wake up last time you tried. Why should he now?”

“Maybe we need to try harder,” Ghost replied and grabbed Königs axe.

Your eyes widened.

“Hold on!” You tried to stop what was unfolding before you, only to witness Ghost grow in size, taller than the trees, taller than the house, and far away from your little human words.

“Enough, little brother,” Ghost groaned from high above you and you had to shield your ears from the loud thundering voice “It is time to wake up. I am tired of guarding your Bride in your stead.”

Birds took off, the earth shook and trees froze as in fear of the giant that was said to be their guardian.

Ghost straightened up and turned to the house.

“Hey!”

Like an animal on the hunt that got caught, Ghost froze and turned back, staring down at you with an oddly blank expression.

“What are you up to, Ghost?” You called, trying to ignore the little voice in your mind telling you that shutting up and quivering in fear before the giant was a smarter strategy to survive.

“Why the axe?” You squeaked as you tried not to squeak.

Ghost blinked, confused by this little being that was his future sister in law. Such a flimsy thing of flesh and bone, shouting at him from her place in the dirt. Ghost glanced at the axe, shaking his head.

“Right. I am sorry. I am not used to explaining myself but you have every right to ask,” Ghost admitted, and fell back into a shape more approachable to you, like a shadow growing smaller by the change of light.

“You can do it.” Ghost said. “Hit König with the axe to wake him up.”

You blinked, it was your turn to stare confused.

“He is just the Vodyanoy napping in water. Swinging an axe against him is like hitting the surface of a lake, stirring up a few waves but nothing else. He will be fine. And hopefully he will wake up from it.” Ghost explained and passed you the heavy axe before growing in size again.

You looked down onto the massive wood axe in your hands, the wooden handle old and used.

“Are you sure that will work, Ghost?” Uncertainty creeping up in your mind and voice, worry and frustration manifesting about your fiance’s wellbeing and actions.

“Have you ever heard of running water getting cut?” Ghost answered. “I am not saying König will like it, but it won’t harm him. Trust me.”

You swallowed, feeling uneasy. Hitting a human with an axe in their sleep was murder. Plain and simple. But, König was as much a human as you were a fish. His skin shifted and shaped as he pleased. He ruled the waters and even summoned them in his dreams after not sleeping for who knows how long, destroying your room. And his eyes…

“I understand this might be a lot to ask,” Ghost paused. “You will have to trust me on this one, Vodyanitza.”

His words danced through your mind like willow branches in the wind. If Ghost would have wanted to and this was ill-intentioned, he could have harmed König without bothering to talk and convince you of this plan. Maybe there was a point in trusting Ghost even if the thought of König getting hurt made you grow colder inside than the cooler morning breeze ever could.

You looked up to the giant and nodded.

“Let’s do this.”

“Hold on tight,” He stated and grabbed you to place onto the window sill to your bedroom. Like a leaf he tumbled into the room after you, turning himself small again and landing in the splashing water on your bedroom floor.

You cried out, first in surprise than dreadful fear from all the water suddenly around you as the heavy axe slipped out of your fingers and landed in the water, sinking down with a shallow ‘clunk’ against the wooden planks.

“Ghost. I-” you eyed the water splashing around the room like a lively river. Or a dark river, a deep river, deep enough to drown. “I am afraid of water. I can’t get down from here. I can’t do it.”

Ghost made a sound that could have been a grumbled curse whispered by a tree before being hit by lightning.

“A Vodyaniza who fears the water,” He stated. “Sounds right like the mess my brother would cause. Alright, I’ll do it then.”

“Wait,” You looked at König as you tried to calm your nerves as you took deep calming breaths. He was still deep asleep. A mess of tangled unhuman limbs and scales and hair and skin in the waters of your flooded room. Panic and fear surged from all the water, but you forced those emotions in you aside as you tried to commit his sight to your memory, just in case something was to go wrong.

“Okay,” You finally agreed and nodded to Ghost.

This was it.

Ghost picked up the axe from the water and raised it high before swinging it down onto König.

The impact of the axe connecting with Königs head sounded like thunder rolling over you.

Loud and painful and final.

Suddenly, like a storm, the water rose and reached high before you, waves building and crashing at your feet as you held onto the window frame for dear life while trying to see through the room filled with fine droplets of water and foamy waves.

A groan rang through your ear.

Königs voice - strained and painfully familiar.

Another groan as you heard a second hit from the axe through the wild waters before you … like…

…like a yawn before having to leave bed, yet still feeling tired.

“König?” You hoped aloud, your voice being drowned out by the rushing water and Ghost’s deep voice.

“Wakey-wakey, brother! Stop making your Bride wait for you!”

“Urgh.”

A massive wave crashed right next to the wall with your window, breaking the glass and causing the house to shake from the impact.

“Get up, little brother.” You could not see through all the splashing water before you, only hearing the sound of Ghost’s deep voice. “Stop being dramatic and flooding your girl’s room. It’s rude.”

A third axe hit thundered through the little space before you. More water rose and a wave finally hit you. You wailed as you tried to fight against the dreadful flood, with desperate fingers you reached for safety. Catching the clammy window frame, the sill, and finally just the thin fabric of the curtains until the pull of the retreating water consumed you and took you in to the deep waters.

The silence of being underwater was more unbearable for your mind than the loud crashing of waves and shattering sounds of the hitting axe above.

For a moment fear froze your body and you could not help but stare as you floated impossibly downwards at the sight of König, coiled up like a serpent snake and shifting scales reflecting the light. His eyes were closed except for a sliver of that beautiful blue peeking into the world as if the king of everything under the water was about to wake up. Bubbles of air fought their way out of your lungs and you felt panic as you watched the axe hitting König from above.

Would he be fine?

No blood came out of the wound that broke as the axe connected with Königs sleeping shape. You watched König being unharmed and lazily stretching his long limbs and body as you floated downwards, taken by a strong current in the impossibly deep waters of your bedroom.

Wait, would you be fine?

König did not notice any of it. Instead, his eyes only slightly fluttered, as if merely being tickled awake - lazy, unfocused blinking of blue eyes before sharpening up. Still sleepy, he looked around as if confused if he was still dreaming or awake. Finally, König locked eyes with you and smiled. It was a beautiful smile, toothy and life-savingly-relieving to see him coming back to his senses.

You did not smile back. The air bubbles in your mouth were too precious a cargo to smile for König, opting instead for an unhappy grimace and some waving motions that hopefully spelled out: ‘I don’t want to be here and need your help to get out’.

For a moment, a very long moment as you struggled, König blinked before the realisation kicked in. He was far away, so far away from you in the waters that he had dreamed up. Yet, unbelievably quick the serpent body moved and changed as König headed for you. With hands, not scaled claws anymore, König reached out as he fought his way through a whole ocean between you and him as a last air bubble left your mouth.

Your head was spinning and you started to lose sight as you felt hands on you that lifted you up and out of the water.

You coughed, ungraciously spitted out water as König tried wiping out hair and tangled clothes out of your face.

“Bride! Are you okay?”

You vomited water at his feet and chest while he held you like a cat that got rescued from the floods, close to his body and patting you like a little animal.

“She looks fine.” Ghost’s gravelly voice sounded through the air as you still tried to blink and see. “You better worry about this flood you caused.”

“Oh. Right.” You felt König shift and then the sound of water draining away as if someone had pulled a plug.

You coughed again for good measure, still feeling weak and miserably wet. The cold was starting to set in as the rush of fear and panic started to run out.

Shivering, you tried wiping away the water from your face and opened your eyes.

Your bedroom was a mess. But not in the way your mother would have disapproved of but in a way she would have questioned whether or not it was still habitable. The water was gone, but the signs of the flood were catastrophically clear with nothing being dry, in pieces or not where it ought to be. Your bed was a pile of torn fabrics and splintered wood. The chest with your clothing, tipped over and empty, looked like a sad hungry animal no one had bothered to feed. And your few personal possessions, kept toys from your childhood, gifts from friends, clothes lying around the floor. Ghost was standing before you on something that might have been pieces of your wedding dress, leaning on the axe with the same skull-covered expression as always, yet appearing somewhat amused under it.

And König - he was holding you up to his chest, his hands still patting you helplessly as if that could help you. He looked human. Mostly. The hair was as messy as the first day you saw him, covering most of his face except for blue eyes burning through with worry.

“I-” you rasped despite the storm of emotions waging through you. “I was so worried about you, König.”

Another cough.

“But I have never been as angry as this before. What did you do with my room? And my wedding dress. Also-”

You felt like there was still some water in places of your body where none was supposed to be, wheezing and shaking your head from the uncomfortable feeling.

“-put me down. You are so cold and I feel like I am freezing in your arms.”

Guiltily, König put you down, mumbling something that could have been an apology while Ghost choked on something that could have been a laugh.

You paid no attention to them, concentrating on your weak legs to hold you and carry you to the torn pieces of your wedding dress. Ghost stepped aside and watched you with open curiosity as you held your dress in disbelief of how quickly your work had turned into rags. Holding back tears, you let the fabric fall back down with a wet squelching sound and turned to the door. If you were lucky the hinges still worked and you could walk out on your own and warm you up again downstairs, away from the left battlefield that used to be your sanctuary.

You stumbled, reaching for the handle and opening the door only to face another cruel adversary.

The stairs.

There was no way you were able to make it down the steps without breaking your neck with how wobbly your legs felt and how ridiculously shaky your hands twitched.

You turned around, the pleading frustration in your eyes too visible for König not to step closer and peaking at the obstacle in your way.

He nodded while trying to control whatever emotions attempted to govern his face.

“Allow me, Bride.” He asked and lifted you up again before carrying you downstairs and into the kitchen, setting you down before the warm oven.

Ghost followed and started preparing tea and a hot stone before leaving the room as König returned with dry clothes for you, magically found somewhere in a part of the house that hadn’t been flooded. You looked at the pieces offered in his hands, only to see that it was a mix of mostly your fathers and brothers clothes from the storage. You did not care. They were dry and the village would judge you no matter what you wore. Might as well just do the best for yourself.

Unceremoniously, you stripped out of your dripping clothes. König held and steadied you where you needed it and grabbed the discarded pile of fabrics to put it up on the laundry line outside once you were done.

You stayed where you were, leaning close to the oven in the hopes of warming up quickly, and refusing to do anything before feeling less miserable.

Ghost was still a guest. And König was your fiance. A good hostess and bride would have started serving them the food that you had previously prepared.

A good hostess and bride would not have been dipped into a pool of dreamed up water in their own bedroom either. You thought bitterly before adding a relieving Fuck it.

Someone knocked at the door and you called them in.

Ghost reappear from the outside with a blanket of moss and leaves, wrapping it around you and placing you in the nearest chair to the oven before passing you a cup of the freshly brewed tea.

“Thank you,” You rattled through cold lips.

König returned with more wood for the oven and added a large log to feed the fire. You had shown him how to care for a fire, never expecting he would ever find a need for it. Both brothers hustled and moved around your little kitchen, hardly speaking and only every once in a while giving you worried glances as they made sure all work of a proper household would be done while you rested and warmed yourself. You closed your eyes, letting the feeling of being safe and cared for, seep in.

This day, even if it was slightly past midday, had punched all energy out of you while also confronting you with every possible emotion a human heart could feel. Waking up in the flood, alone and confused, next to your water serpent like fiance, meeting your future brother-in-law who thought you would die soon, nearly drowning once again while your fiance woke from the literally deepest nap possible in your now destroyed room. You sighed, not even bothering to bring order into your mind.

Instead, you gratefully thought how you finally weren’t alone even if it was scary at times to share your life with beings so different from you - König, Ghost, Farah, talking animals and murderous Rusalkis. Yes, this had been another moment where you could have been harmed. And mourning your room and things destroyed by the flood, was one of many things in the curled grey corners of your mind. There was still anger and confusion in you why it all had happened. But you weren’t alone anymore to face those things on your own. There were people around you now that noticed you and cared for your well-being. Clearly, not all of them to the same degree or out of the same motive. You understood that. But your lost room and wedding dress, your fears and secrets and longings felt more like a coherent song than a desperate cry for help when it wasn’t just your voice.

Someone touched you softly on the shoulder and you opened your eyes.

“Hey.” König stood before you with his blue watery eyes and wild hair.

Both brothers had paused their busy work and stood with their attention turned towards you.

“How are you feeling?” Ghost asked gravely from his far away spot at the door and reached for more tea for you with his long unhuman arms without moving.

You shivered, unsure if from the cold or from the odd reminder that neither of the men were human.

“Better,” You replied. “Thank you for giving me time to recover.”

Your eyes wandered to König, craving to hear his voice again and feel his warming eyes on you. He looked away, avoiding your gaze.

Your little heart dropped deeper than the waters in your room had been, fighting hard to soldier on.

You cleared your throat.

“Well,” you squeaked, your voice still feeling thin and fragily human as you addressed the giant men. “I am starving. This is not how a host normally does it in this house since all I did was sit and rest now. But how about we eat?”

The rabbit stew that you had made this morning smelled tempting and promising from its reheating spot in the oven and you heard your own stomach growl.

“Thank you for the invite, Vodyanitza,” Ghost declared, slightly bowing his head. “But we will have to do that another time.”

“Oh,” You huffed, slightly disappointed.

Ghost stilled, as if thinking before taking a deep breath.

“It has been lovely meeting you, my dear sister-in-law. It’s been a pleasure. Also- ” He paused. “I may have treated you rougher than necessary and I do apologise for that. If you ever need help, just send for me. I may not appear to be the most, let’s say, approachable. But I do hope that there is nothing but the best for you and I am looking forward to your wedding.”

“You are coming after all?” König finally spoke, surprise ringing in his voice as he turned to his brother.

Ghost nodded. “It’s not every day a brother of mine gets married. I need to make sure you don’t drown your own wedding guests.”

König forced a smile.

“Graves marries someone new every couple of years,” He interjected.

“Graves married and remarried so much, he hardly needs his elder brother to tell him how to plan a party. He knows what he is doing.”

Both brothers chuckled and you smiled at the sight, remembering your own brother.

“Before I go, dear sister, allow me to give you something.”

Ghost reached into his coat. From the depths of his pockets he produced a huge leaf, rolled up into a package and bound together with a simple string.

“I suppose you have none yet, but a future queen should wear one. It would look good on your wedding day.”

You took the package from his hands and pressed it slightly, trying to guess what was inside.

“Thank you, Ghost. Why-“

“Open it.”

Obediently you opened the little knot holding the leaf together with slow, cold fingers and unrolling what was inside.

You gasped.

In your hands was a Kokoshnik, large and covered with fine embroidery and colourful stones of green and blue. It felt firm in your hands. And it wanted to be worn. Like a crown, proud and bright for a special day. At least one thing you would have for your wedding day.

You thought back a sob at the thought of your torn wedding dress, your fingers still holding the precious crown like an anchor.

“I am sure König will gladly help you put it on. But don’t lose it. I made it for you and there is no other like it. It will protect you when you walk in the forest.”

“I…”, you huffed, “…don’t know what to say. This is very beautiful. Thank you.”

Ghost just waved with his hand like it was nothing.

“Don’t say anything and just wear it to keep you safe. Do me that favour.”

You nodded, out of words.

“Well, I’ll be gone then. The forest calls me.” Ghost turned to the door and you started to get up to send him off. “Don’t you dare get up, sister. What’s the point of the Kokoshnik if you fall sick from the cold and exhaustion. No, stay right where you are.”

You fell back onto your spot, the moss blanket encasing you like a cocoon of earthly smell and warmth.

“Save travels then, Ghost.” You spoke. “Thank you again.”

“Don’t mention it.” He waved and stepped outside, followed by König.

You sat there, hearing them talk and laugh and wishing each other well without making much out of it.

Then, finally, Ghost was away.

The rest of your day was spent alone with your own thoughts. König, aside from making sure you ate and rested, hardly spoke to you. His distance confused you. It gave a feeling of newfound loneliness when you stared at the unfamiliar ceiling with the wrong knots in the wood and the wrong bedding around you as you leaned against the oven. Ghost’s reassurances just a couple of hours ago now felt like a lie. You were no queen. And there was no way for you to live long enough to ever learn how to be one for König that was good enough. No standing on a box or life saving spells could change that. The finality of your fate was devastatingly simple. You would drown and König, your beloved König, would find himself a better queen. Why else did he withdraw himself like that?

The mauling insecurities inside of you stopped you from asking.

Instead you listened to König rummaging upstairs while you dozed under your moss blanket, practised drawing letters in the ashes of your oven or thought about how you could fix your wedding dress. It was pointless but you had little else to do and so you continued like you had always done.

König had brought the dress out together with the rest of your wet belongings, hanging it up to dry in the sun. The liberating concentration kept you from your dark thoughts: you had watched the dress through the window, mentally placing one piece of rag over the other in the hopes of possibly having a saving idea as the rags swayed gently in the breeze. It had worked until the light grew low and the trees around the house in the garden had started to spawn more unpleasant shadows than welcome distractions.

You got up from your cosy spot and started preparing dinner. Still feeling weak, your legs carried you with a slight tremor as your whole body was plagued by a deep tiredness. It came from all those times not resting. It felt like all those tears not shed. It was a tiredness that wasn’t fixed by sleeping longer one night because it was deeper than the soreness in your muscles and bones. It was the dark abyss of water calling for you. But you could lie to yourself. Opting to go to bed and calling it a day in the hopes that tomorrow would be better. Sometimes, giving up was actually a smart thing.

You huffed, once again forced to consider the reality of your situation.

Going to bed? Where? Your bedroom was destroyed. And the other rooms in your house had been packed up and sealed when your family died. Back then it was too much to bear seeing their things and looking at the places they used to rest. Even now, under no condition were you ready or willing to disturb those rooms. The easiest for you would probably be to sleep here in the kitchen.

But what about König? Would he need to sleep too? Flood the rest of the house and destroy every last bit of habitable space as he took you out in your sleep? Or would he leave you tonight and watch as the human-monsters and monsters-monsters finally had their feast with you. The thought nearly entertained you. Maybe that was better than drowning and at least some poor Tschort would enjoy a bit of your precious meat.

You chuckled at your own morbid thoughts.

But it was not night yet, and maybe there was a bit of queenly pride inside of you yet as you decided to brace yourself for an overdue conversation with König, leaning against the kitchen counter for support.

You opted to make some food. Since it might be your last chance to enjoy a meal before you became a meal, you took your time. There was not much to be done for dinner: heating the left-over stew, cutting some bread made of acorn flour, setting the table. After you finished, you steeled yourself for the hardest part.

“König?” You called upstairs. “Would you like to eat dinner with me?”

You held your breath and waited as the rumbling from upstairs stopped.

“It’s fine if you are busy, but I am hungry and would love your company,” You coaxed.

Heavy steps sounded through the wooden house, causing the old stairs to creak under the weight of the Vodyanoy.

König emerged into the kitchen, bowing down slightly under the marginally too low ceiling and looking at you sheepishly.

“Are you sure, Bride?” He asked. “I haven’t finished repairing your room.”

You raised your eyebrows in surprise, too stunned to speak before you swallowed down a good chunk of your raging insecurities.

“So that’s what you have been doing up there,” You finally said. “I did not know.”

König looked to the ground like he had been caught stealing goodies from the pantry. It was a look that made your knees weaker than even a day facing terrors could.

“I wanted to repair it. I wanted to apologise with more than words. It’s what good kings ought to do.” He explained looking immensely guilty.

Your breath hitched.

He cared?

You looked down, still thinking of your room and your ruined wedding dress. It did hurt you.

But there was hope because he cared. You nearly hated yourself how desperate you were from the affection of someone who you could never have.

“It’s fine,” You said, after a few moments of heavy silence as you fought the storm inside of you. “It’s fine for now. We will make it work and repair it together. It’s, ah, fine.”

He looked relieved as you looked up from your hands.

“I also want to apologise,” You continued. The words in your mouth felt relieving to spit out like bitter medicine. “I thought about this. I was really cross at you. Not entirely sure how much nicer I could have been considering the moment. But I don’t strive to talk to others like that, especially not my fiance. I just felt hurt and alone.”

He turned his head like the Heron when hunting little fish in the water.

“You have every right to be angry, dear,” König stated

“I...” You tried before stopping and starting anew. “That does not mean I am proud or okay with my words. Especially after Ghost explained to me that you probably overworked yourself on my behalf. I am not sure how to feel about that yet but it does not make me feel good. I don’t want you to suffer because of me. I feel so guilty. And like a burden.”

König stared at you.

“Dear,” He said softly. “I know you want to be good and kind. I know you are. But please give me your bad as well.”

You blinked at him.

“What?”

He raised his arms like a man at a loss of word, stumbling around the room until he turned back to you.

“Guess how I feel failing you over and over again when your reaction to me is kindness and surrender? I feel bad. The worst! Don’t do this to me. Be a burden. Be angry. Be the biggest inconvenient person wherever you go. Please be angry and demand better of me! I want all of you. Not just the nice parts.”

Your head was spinning. Was he…? Did he really…?

“I am not good enough!” König continued his tirade with a voice rising louder and louder like a tea kettle that had reached its boiling point. “I am who puts you in danger over and over again. I hardly protect you from the dangers of the world. I am a danger of the world. I am making a poor husband for you. But the reality is, I am not good enough to step away because I am selfish. So, how dare you make yourself feel any less than you are.”

His eyes gleamed with a madness you had never seen before in him as he lowered his voice with the last of his words. It was dangerous. A sign of warning that told you to step back and run as far away as you could like a good girl should.

But you were just invited to leave that behind you.

“I don't want you to leave either!” You hit back, squaring up to the challenge. “I just don’t want to feel like I am a constant problem. I am just a human! A peasant! And a bad one at that since I will likely starve next winter without help! I know nothing of how to be a queen! I nearly drown all the time! How can you not understand that I don’t feel like I am allowed to be a problem when my reality is that no one cares if I live or die!”

“Because you are wrong! I care.” König's eyes gleamed as he hissed his answer.

“Why?” You spit back, the fire in you burning and ready to torch any bridge behind without thinking.

“Because I love you.”

Königs words hung in the air, irretrievable and powerful enough to break whatever you two had.

You looked at him. His face was frozen in fear and panic. Like he had admitted to a crime he’d sworn to keep a secret.

He loved you. The thought raced through your mind, unsure where to be put and what to do with it now.

“I am sorry,” König said. “I understand. I will make sure you are okay as promised anyway and-”

“Please…” you managed to your own surprise.

“Please?” König asked with his eyes shining down at you.

You took a deep breath and all the courage in you that was left, “Please lean down so I can kiss you.”

König looked at you, too stunned maybe or unsure how to touch you without breaking this human body of yours, before finally kneeling down in one, not so smooth, motion. You stumbled forward, colliding into his chest and tangling in his arms before lifting your head and kissing him.

It was all teeth and desperation. König met your lips with a hunger matching yours, and an anger challenging your long hidden fury. He moaned and you wanted every bit of air you could get from him as you roamed his back and shoulders and arms and chest and neck, and at a certain point you got lost in him. You bit his lips and tasted blood. He snarled and pushed you back, catching your head before you could fall and hurt yourself. You stumbled and fell back anyway, taking him with you. The crash rumbled loudly as König caught himself on his arms, hovering above you before continuing where you had left off. His mouth was addicting, and willingly you answered his salty lips and tongue. A bit of revealed skin at his neck here, a tug at your shirt there. You scooted up feeling hot and needing that damn old shirt off your body because you were burning up with it. Instead of getting it off quickly you got yourself tangled in the large sleeves, nearly ready to just tear it off your body as you felt Königs hands pulling at the fabric and freeing you. The kiss of the cooling air on your skin made you still. For a moment you felt shy, making you cross your arms in instinct before your chest.

König looked at you from a position that was something between kneeling, sitting and lying before you, also half out of his clothes with his Rubacha hanging around his neck and head.

“Not sure why I feel like this is new, now.” You admitted. “You have seen me naked before.”

“That was a different nakedness,” König offered and finished getting the shirt off. “This is new.”

You nodded, understanding entirely what he meant, and continued to feel vulnerable. What were you supposed to do? You had no idea what you wanted now except being close to König.

“We don’t have to continue, my love.” Your fiance said.

You nodded again, reassured yet still utterly lost on what to do.

König scooted closer and slowly raised his hands, “Can I touch you? I just want to hold you.”

Instead of bothering with words or another creative and variety serving nod, you leaned into him. Königs warm hands caught you, pressed you closer to him and embraced you.

You hummed.

“Is this good?”

“Yeah, I am sorry-”

“No,” König shut down instantly. “No more ‘sorry’ for you tonight. Or ever. I really meant that.”

You knitted your eyebrows together in confusion.

“But what if I do something bad?” You countered as you enjoyed feeling close to König. “Shouldn’t I say sorry at some point?”

“To me? Always.” König grinned teasingly before growing serious. “The rest of the world, however, has a lot of apologising to do before you ever get back into a situation to be sorry for something, dear.”

“You just want me to be as bad as you are,” You teased back half-heartedly.

“Naturally.”

You stayed silent, not sure what to say or do except enjoying being safe and loved in Königs arms as you mindlessly explored his back and chest with your fingers, drawing little circles and charms into his wonderful skin.

“We should talk about the sleeping situation tonight.” You finally spoke, breaking the silent spell over you.

“Yeah.” König agreed. “I have an idea.”

Cultural Context Notes:

The theme of the unkillable giants as beings connected to nature can be found in the Edda, but it’s not the only place this theme is explored. It’s just the most clear one I thought of, and can be put into words as a place to maybe start researching if your are interested in that. The idea of hitting König as something akin to a giant to wake him up, comes from the tale of Thor and Skrímnir.

Generally, the idea of paralleling gods/godlike beings, humans and giants, escalated into a bit of a philosophical excursion at the kitchen table when I mentioned how the story is unfolding, leading to the question what exactly the difference between godlings, giants and humans is and if there even is one. In plenty of pre-Christian European tales, there aren’t boundaries between godlike beings and humans. If a human stays with a godlike being, they kind of tag along and don’t die like they would have had when staying with their fellow humans. Sometimes there is an explanation for it (godly ancestry, nectar or Idun’s apples, magical blessings), sometimes there isn’t (Thialfi and Röskva as Thor’s entourage, general trope of humans in service of or in marriage with a non-human being).

Warming stones or using ceramics is an old practice when hot water bottles weren’t available.

There are several legends and myths associating the water or waters generally with snakes. Naturally, there is the saga of the Midgard snake, encompassing the world in Norse mythology. The theme of a great water snake or mermaid-like half-fish, half-human body encompassing the world also comes up in Greek mythology in the figure of Oceanos as the great river god and father of river gods. Since we don’t have plenty of sources about old Slavic beliefs, I am taking the liberty and filling some gaps here from geographically closer regions where we do have more sources on mythology.

Acorn is edible and can be made into a fine flour from which it is possible to bake bread. However, do not just make flour from acorns. It’s a huge process to disinfect and debitter acorns before grinding them into flour. There is a reason why nowadays most cultures opt for utilising cultivated crops like grains and legumes instead of using low yield giving nuts and seeds. (Also, we really need those acorns as food for wild animals and for reforestation!) Cultivation of plants is a huge game changer for human life quality and communal living. It’s really cool. But it does require more cooperative systems of labour since harvesting and processing plants like grain requires sharing of work, space to do it, and natural weather & ground conditions to grow. Plus the grain in itself needs to be cultivated first. And these amazing food sources can be exploited by having control over places in which one can grow certain high yielding crops which can trigger war and oppression. Most noticeably in the Central and Eastern European region, which is obviously what I write about a lot, this is the case with Ukraine. This now independent country has good climate and ground conditions, yielding great harvests of wheat grain and sunflower, leading to the region being dubbed the Granary of Europe. Ukraine was fought over not just today but also occupied in historical moments like WW2 by the Nazis or under the Russian Empire precisely to have access to these high yielding conditions. So, food and where food comes from, is an important angle to understand plenty of conflicts, imperial oppression and cultures. I invite you to read more about the history of grain, why Ukraine has a flag literally depicting a grain filed under the blue sky or maybe learning how to make bread yourself. To return to my point: Bride lives in an area which has seasons. However, the climate is cooler with lots of swamps and waters around. The forest takes most of the shore space in her immediate vicinity. She has a garden in which she (tries to) grow buckwheat, a very climate-resistant pseudo grain. And technically she owns fields, but has no way to work them on her own due to the lack of manpower, possible lack of seeds, as well as timing issues for the sowing. But common grains like wheat require a warm and steady dry climate which is not the case here. Other grains like rye are historically common in Central and Eastern Europe, however one needs to plant them first and after the harvest it still requires labour to dry and deshell the rye first, a luxury that Bride does not have because she has been on her own for most of the year. So, to finish this long excursion on grains and flours - she uses acorn flour for bread because she was isolated and on her own. Also, agriculture is really cool and maybe you will think about the amount of labour, logistics, politics and historical development when biting into something flour based.

Vodyanitza is just the female version of Vodynoy

Rubacha is the name of the traditional linen shirt worn by historically both men and women but nowadays mostly associated with male clothing traditions. This shirt is often loosely fitted and bound at the hip with a belt. Having embroidery, especially red embroidery on a Rubacha is very common as red natural dye was widely available in the region. The embroidery and introduction of other colours is dependent on the exact time and place a Rubacha comes from. Even nowadays the Rubacha is part of plenty of Eastern European traditional dresses.

Quick reminder: a Tschort is a type of evil spirit.

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