#hence the borrowed cloak

[a-sketchy-character]

i don't feel like cleaning up 580 pages enough to put my thoughts in a coherent form so i'm drawing snuggles instead

[lchufflepuffcorn]

Meeting you pt.4

Wanting so much, yet having nothing.

(Not my gif, credits go to its owner/creator)

Author's note:

Words: 3487

Warning: Description of a catatonic state, description of past trauma, exposition to the story, past motherhood, past death.

Masterlist OGW Masterlist Serie Masterlist

Part one Part two, Part three, Part four, Part five.

Spotify link

Not human at all - Maddy Jane

↺͏͏     ◁◁͏͏      ll      ▷▷      ⋮≡

1932

(Y/N) was sitting outside of the tiny house Esther and Thade had in Yukon. It looked like a bit of a vacation house made out of fancy rocks and entire tree trunks. Thade liked to remind her that he had made the house himself with what he had under his hand. But (Y/N) pointed out that there were nearly any trees in Yukon. So where had he found it, ‘by all that was above?’

Nevertheless, the house was situated deep in a valley, not too far from Dawson City and Elsa, but still reasonably far to not be disturbed. That way, their unique lifestyle wouldn't trouble the humans, nor would it distract them. They knew all too well the consequences familiarity with humans could lead to if they were not careful. 

Like her, Esther and Thade were feeding mostly on animals, which thus why they tried to live as far away from the cities. They’d approached that style of life at the same time (Y/N) did when their family was forcefully disbanded for the good of survival. Like (Y/N), they still maintained good contact with the humans. After all, good lawyers made good friends in times of need, and Thade was a renowned rock researcher in the area, or whatever his profession was called nowadays. He had his name on some book covers on the bookshelf covering part of the living room wall.

Since the grasp of Azaria had released the three of them, Esther and Thade seemed to be well off in their life. They were living like good citizens and thriving on love and fresh animal blood. It warmed (Y/N)'s chest with pride to know that at least two of her hold nests were happy.

Thade had invited the woman and Alice to come to live with them a year ago when he graduated from university. When he'd written it to her, (Y/N) had been ecstatic.

It wasn't the first time, of course, but she was always happy that he could further educate himself. (Y/N) couldn't do it. Going to university was still foreign for women most of the time. She was not married and had no family to back her up in case of trouble (like there would be any), so (Y/N) had let her dream of education fall behind her, like a childish dream never to come true. Instead, every time Thade would terminate a notion. She'd avidly borrow his books to learn, too. 

Esther was a stay-at-home wife -for obvious reasons. While it was a little less hard for people of colour to live those years around- as slavery was now officially abolished, it wasn't exactly perfect either. At least now, they'd earn something when they worked. Hence why Thade made friends with successful lawyers in every town they decided to live in for the next decade. 

Alice was gone hunting for that afternoon, and while (Y/N) loved her friends, she was glad to have a quiet moment for herself. It had been years since she'd done nothing at all. There were books scattered all around her, but she paid them no mind at that instance. She was too engrossed by the thoughts that ran through her head. The rarity of her thought being louder than the emotions surrounding her was what made her so unaware of the thing happening around her. She didn’t mind the books opening and closing with the rhythm of the breeze. Or the small bushes followed the wind in their movements. The moss was cold and somewhat humid, hence why the woman was sitting on a blanket. She was wearing a long grey dress, and while she couldn't feel the cold, a shawl still cloaked her shoulders. The heaviness of it was always calming, and God knew she needed it right now.

The first of September was always a sad day for (Y/N).

A small melody hovered near (Y/N) as she mindlessly picked on the blanket draped over the moss-covered ground under her—flying with the wind toward the sky as she hummed under her breath. It was an old song she'd remember singing to George when the time would demand it. She couldn’t begin to place words in the air anymore, it had been too long, but she remembered it talked about wishes and horses and beggars*. Her fingers were mindlessly caressing the heavy pin holding the shawl around her shoulders. 

(Y/N) was never empty. Part of her was to feel and alter the emotions that people felt. And she preferred that than to be left alone with her feelings. Like everyone, the woman felt like she could have done more with her life. She could have provided better for those who once were around her. She could have saved the triplets Azaria had changed, raised them as her own, (Y/N) could have changed her son, and she could have done many more things. Yet, she didn't. And so, to forget how it felt, she started to work with those who needed it the most.

The sick, the hurt, the young, and the dying. (Y/N) felt like she could do something to help them. It did help her feel better about herself, but never for long. The feeling she had stuck in the back of her throat always came back in the dead of night, lurking until it made her crack.

Alice was adamant about finding Jasper and finding (Y/N)'s mate, yet that wasn't clear if those were two separate souls or just one. It seemed to be for (Y/N), then again, Alice would change her mind every other day with her visions going back and forth. (Y/N) didn't mind not having anyone. It hurt less than knowing they could leave or die. The truth was that she was lonely, of course. Even more so now that she was constantly reminded how beautiful love was with Esther and Thade, yet, she didn't feel the need to search for or meet her destiny. She didn't want other could but wouldn't moments.

"(Y/N)?" Esther's voice took (Y/N) from her daydreaming, and the woman turned promptly in her friend's direction.

Esther was a beautiful woman; her features were still at sixteen by Azaria's fault. She would never see her body become as mature as (Y/N)'s. Yet, there was a spark of intelligence that danced behind her eyes, the kind of intelligence only a very old lady could acquire. The older vampire smiled at her friend and took a seat next to her. (Y/N)'s hair was loose, and the wind was making some strands of it float around her head. Esther showed a ribbon she was holding to the deadly pale woman.

"I found this some time ago. I wanted to give it back to you." Said the eldest. "Do you mind if I braid your hair?" (Y/N) let her take the hair without saying a word.

The ribbon she was holding had once belonged to (Y/N). It was a remnant of clothes someone in the house she’d occupied for years once owned. It was dirty and old and had taken a horrendous yellowish colour, but she still cherished it for so long. (Y/N) had thought it was lost many years ago when she left Germany in a rush during the 14-18 war. It had golden-cream colouring, and just like (Y/N) remembered it, familiar symbols were still embroidered on it with a dark thread.

Esther was feeling serein. For the most part, the empath could feel the warm emotion flow in her otherwise cold body. But there was also a hint of regret that made the feeling as a whole a bit sour. (Y/N) wasn't sure why her friend felt conflicted about braiding her hair, but she didn't ask. Instead, she took a breath slowly. The younger vampire felt the emotions fade from her, and she could sense Esther's hands grow less tense in her hair too.

The two girls met a little less than two months after (Y/N)'s first outing in the world, a good ten years after the woman turned into the thing she was now. Azaria had made (Y/N) move with her to her castle in France as her niece from England. Out in public, Esther was only their beloved maid. The truth was that she was Azaria's second change. Thade, at the time, was passing for (Y/N)'s cousin, as one of their creator's sons, the other being Elliott. 

There were also Gabriel and Gregory who lived with them. For a long time, (Y/N) had felt the closest to Gabriel, as he was changed only a couple of years before her. They'd been courting for a time until Azaria sent him away to Greece with Roman, another of Azaria's vampires. Ever since Gabriel and (Y/N) only saw each other once more at Azaria's trial. That had not rekindled their relationship in the sightless. There was something in the death of their creator that broke their connection. (Y/N) preferred not to think about it too much.

Thade and Esther had a lovelier love story, in the younger vampire's idea of a romantic tale. She was not the best to tell the tale of their love, but it made (Y/N) think of it as an epic poem from antic Greece. Her relationship with Gabriel, if you wanted to know about the most extended romance she'd ever remember, resumed with some stolen kisses before a departure. The other two had found themselves in a war, and Thade, utterly infatuated with Esther, had asked Azaria to change her as the first was dying from her wounds. Since that time, they nearly never separated.

"What was that song you used to sing?" Asked Esther, breaking the comfortable silence they sat in, yet again pulling (Y/N) from her thoughts. "The one about the beggars and the wishes?" And so, (Y/N) started to sing the few words she could still remember of the song, her head resting on Esther’s shoulder. 

"If turnips were bayonets, I'd wear one by my side."

⁂

Alice liked the perspective of having a family-like Esther and Thade had. Even (Y/N) thought it was a nice thing to have. The three of them fit right in with each other. But Alice still couldn't help noticing the faraway look on (Y/N)'s face when the other two shared a moment. The pixie-like girl couldn't help either with the spike of jealousy that the three vampires made her sometimes feel when they talked to each other about things they lived through. Precisely like a family would. Alice didn't have that.

She didn't remember that.

(Y/N) was always quick to bring Alice back into the conversations, filling her in on the story being told or telling her who they were. The more petite woman was always thankful for that. (Y/N) acted like an older sister to her. When that happened, it was the other two vampires that shared looks Alice couldn't decipher. She guessed it had something to do with (Y/N)'s past. But as (Y/N) didn't really talk about it and Alice never asked either, she didn't know for sure.

What the youngest of the four knew for sure, however, was that the man (Y/N) and she were searching for wouldn't belong to appear, maybe some years still, but nothing too dramatic. And she also knew for a fact that it would bring (Y/N) peace. Alice didn't mind being alone; she knew that there would be someone for her too. And she guessed that she could do something for her friend also, as -as far she knew- both souls were lonely. It was her destiny to match the two lonely souls together, she was sure of it.

They were the first vision she ever saw, after all.

"Alice?" questioned (Y/N).

The youngest of the lot shot her weird reddish-yellow eyes up toward the three others. From the worried look her friend gave her, she realized that (Y/N) must have called her many times before.

"Sorry, what is it?" She asked. Thade spoke before (Y/N) could open her mouth again.

"How was it today?" He was talking about the change of diet. Alice knew that.

Out of the four, she was the one who had the most difficulties sticking to an animal's blood. Not that she wasn't trying her best, it was the smell of human blood while she was hunting that usually messed her up the most. Since they came here to take a little break from humanity -Esther had invited the two about two years earlier- Three humans were dead at her hands.

"Nobody died." A small, embarrassed smile crept on the girl's face.

Thade's face was solemn as he nodded, earning himself a slap behind the head, graciously given by his wife. He then started to laugh, incapable of controlling himself any longer. The other two women straightened up, exchanging glances.

"Be sensible, Thade." Chastised Esther, her teeth clenched.

(Y/N) rolled her eyes, shaking her head. She turned again to look at Alice with a kind smile on her lips. "That's good then."

Her right hand was on Alice's arm in a maternal-like move of pride. Alice lowered her gaze to the older woman's hands, where she still aborded a wedding ring. It was a giant sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds, like a shiny flower. Alice always thought about just how wealthy (Y/N) was before turning out if her husband could afford a gigantic ring of the sort. She met the empath's eyes once more.

Alice wasn't to say that she'd overheard (Y/N) singing to Esther earlier in the afternoon as the smaller girl came back from her hunt. The girl didn't like to feel like she'd intruded on something (Y/N) wasn't ready to share with her.

There were things she wasn't ready to share with (Y/N) too.

⁂

"You know between you, who feels emotions and take 'em away, and her, who sees things, I don' know who frithen' me most." Said Thade one day as he and (Y/N) were taking a walk around the propriety. Thade had aborded the 'Alice subject' with the woman more than once in the last month, always saying that exact sentence. (Y/N) didn't know what more she could add at every moment she heard the words. 

Everything (Y/N) thought had already been said before.

They'd walked in the valley where he and Esther lived, (Y/N)'s arm wrapped around his. If they had lived in a town, the two of them would have raised questions. Thade wore an old suit of his last used whilst king Charles II was still on the throne in England, and (Y/N) was wearing an old Edwardian dress. They looked like mismatched reenactors. For the two of them, it was just comfortable clothing they'd been used to all of their life before. That and everything else had been used and waited to dry in the sun.

"I still think you should be afraid of Jane more than us." Answered (Y/N) flatly, the conversation would not go much farther than that today. Thade knew it, so he didn't push more on the 'Alice subject.'

"You talk as if I didn't know she's dangerous." Posted Thade, stopping his walk and releasing his hold on the woman's arm to face her.

"I say so because you seem to have forgotten what she's done."

Thade rolled his eyes but retook hold of (Y/N)'s arm. "It was a farce. I apologize if you didn't find it to your taste. You’re rather difficult when it comes to laughing." His amused annoyance didn't escape (Y/N) as her chest felt heavier, and the butterflies in her stomach suddenly retook flight.

"Alice is a nice girl; she wouldn't do anything to make you feel uncomfortable. She doesn't control her vision." started (Y/N) in an ushered tone. "She already feels ostracised when it happens. Try not to make puns about it, would you?"

Thade laughed, but (Y/N) knew he understood. That was how Thade was. Laughing the situation away was his way of making people comfortable. It was also his way of making himself escape uncomfortable moments such as this one.

When the man's laugh finally calmed and silence came back between them, Thade retook (Y/N) arm's with his, walking for a while without saying words. The woman could feel the sturdy grip his loneliness had over his throat, and the dryness of his palate did not make it easier for them to start the conversation (Y/N) knew was the reason for their walk.

"Are you leaving already?" Asked the man, finally.

Thade was old. Older than most monuments. Thade had only been ten years younger than Azaria, after all, and Azaria was already old when she'd turned (Y/N). But even if the man was older than everything the young empath knew, he still looked like a boy. Barely out of his teenage years when the boy turned, his face still reflected the child Thade was. Much like Esther, he looked too young for the curse he had lived with since his rebirth. But as the words left his lips, he appeared to (Y/N) like a lost child, in need of guidance. He seemed to do the age his face was giving and not the thousand-something years he'd roam the earth.

"I am." She said softly, cradling the boy's face gently. Even if he was older than her, it didn't change the fact that she'd been a mother. And his eyes, like his emotions, were screaming to be held. (Y/N) refused to give in to the cold feeling he was radiating; like a gray and gloomy, rainy day personified. 

"I don't want you to leave." He whined softly.

"I know."

"Esther is pleased to have you with us again..."

"I know, Thade. But I can't stay." (Y/N)'s tone was final, but her face was still holding a patient smile. It was exactly like dealing with a child. "This is your life, not mine."

Her thumb ran on the boy's face gently. They would probably pass for the untrained eyes of brother and sister. (Y/N) had always been like a second mother to Thade, even when they were with Azaria. That monster never was motherly anyway. Sure, she was generous and manipulative, but nothing more.

"At least, then, think about what I told you. I worry for your safety, Alice’s too. Maybe a man in your rank could help you find better lodgings…" Tried Thade, letting go of her arm and gesticulation wildly. 

"I'm perfectly fine on my own!" Cringed the smaller woman, shaking her head. "I don't need you to find me a good suitor."

"I’m most pleased to hear you find yourself comfortable as you are. But I worry still." Argued Thade, a smile etched in his voice even then. (Y/N) couldn't tolerate looking at him. If she'd been alive, her cheeks would have burned a flaming red. "But please, think of it for me. Pete and his girl are good gals. And their friend sounds to be like you a whole lot. Meeting them wouldn’t hurt, and who knows…" Continued her old friend.

The empath shook her head again but stayed silent. Thade sighed, but kept silent, preferring to walk a little more in the dry ground that formed his propriety before turning tails and reaching his house. The subject was changed and not talked about again. 

A week later, (Y/N) and Alice were leaving Carroll's house. Alice was fuming and arguing with (Y/N) all the way until they reached near McDame Creek. Then she went silent because of a vision.

''He decided not to go.'' Her tone was calm, but (Y/N) could still feel the fury burning in her lungs. ''Why didn’t you want to meet him?''

''We don’t need anybody to survive.'' Responded (Y/N). 

She didn’t want to need anybody to survive. (Y/N) had managed just right on her own before, why couldn’t she anymore? It wasn’t as his times were regressing anyways. Plus, what if she’d agreed to stay, and he’d decided not to go either way? Or what if he truly wasn’t her mate? 

(Y/N) knew what: the hopes she’d argued to not be raised would still have deflated. And she preferred to ruin her own chances than let people deceive her into more hurting. 

And so the girls continued their way from McDame to Sandpoint, where they decided to live for a small amount of time.

* If Wishes Were Horses, Beggars Would Ride. Was a song from England, first published between 1605 and 1628, by an unknown songwriter. It’s considered both a nursery rhyme and a proverb, first collected in a Scottish Proverb collection.  It suggests that if wishing could make things happen, then even the most destitute people would have everything they wanted.

[fellow-traveller]

I’ve been in the JoJo community for years, just lurking in the shadows, watching great fanarts and headcanons from the corner of the box. One that I’m always happy to look at is the Requiem fan versions of other Stands other than Giorno’s and Polnareff’s. 

And since I’m riding on the Hol Horse (no pun intended) canons and headcanons at the moment, I might as well share this Requiem Emperor I sketched while trying to finish actual fanart (which could take me another weekend to finish ;;w;; ). 

I simply called it Emperor Gold, pathetically based on Spandau Ballet’s song Gold, and the fact that gold in Japanese can also be pronounced as “kin”, which sounded a bit similar to “king”. Design-wise, it wasn’t creative either. Gold is just simply a shadowy humanoid stand with a cowboy hat, a gold crown and a cloak, three laser scopes as eyes, a bunch of Emperor handguns and one huge machine gun that emerged from the darkness of its cloak. 

Basically, I just borrowed the mechanics from cyborg Stroheim. 

On its power, I suppose it works just like the normal Emperor with limitless and controllable bullets. The upgrade could be that, since Gold has scopes, the trajectories of the bullets can go further and possibly even follow its target no matter how far or fast they are. The scopes work in 360 degrees, giving the stand a bit more defense. The only setback is that, like all humanoid stands, an attack on Gold could reflect back to Hol Horse, compared to Emperor that never got destroyed and hence never affected its user. 

I’d imagine Gold was made, aside from a stand arrow, based on Hol Horse’s cowardness and PTSDs, and it manifested the bravery that Hol Horse lacked or wished for. Its main purpose is to protect Hol Horse, which kinda made it slightly independent and there could be times it didn’t care if a bullet grazed its user. And also there’s a possibility that it will react to Hol Horse’s PTSDs and randomly manifest itself and risk harming anyone within Hol Horse’s bubble. 

I like the idea, even it sounds kinda lame in comparison to other fanon requiems. If there’s a HoHo’s Bizarre Adventure in a Wild West setting, Emperor Gold is what I’d had in mind as the ultimate op stand. 

[noramoya]

MICHAEL JACKSON: THE DANCER OF THE DREAM •••

“Michael Jackson was a gifted, unique and outstanding dancer.His contribution to the Art of Dance is analyzed in this fascinating article by the professional Flamenco dancer and choreographer, Amor (Lubov Fadeeva)”…

“Let’s go back to the roots of Michael’s dance once again. When people speak of his dancing, they often recall the legendary Fred Astaire and his dancing pieces. Here we can see a lot of what Michael “inherited”– that whole gangster style with the shoes and the hat, the costumes, the color and lighting effects, and the direct use of tap dance elements. But the amazing thing is that he borrowed only external stylistic means (like motives from the pop classics) and mixed them with his spontaneous African passion – and not as much in the manner of tap dance performed by black dancers, but in the improvised and passionate nature of folk dances of Africa and the Caribbean basin. This is where the merriment, stage glitter, and elegance suddenly transform into a spontaneous shaman dance to the sound of drums. Notice how Michael looks extremely at ease and organic in the crowd of Brazilian drummers in his They Don’t Care About Us short film. They have a common nature.

In truth, Michael looks like a stage dandy in patent leather shoes only from afar. It’s just a theatrical show he puts on to create a certain effect. He has not gangster spats on, but black loafers and white socks; the black jacket hides a tee and a shirt he would rip from top to bottom at any moment; and the elegant fedora covers tousled hair that has nothing in common with the brilliantine of well-groomed dancers of the past. He needs the look just to appear in the spotlight. The spotlight is a theatrical tool as old as the world, we all use it – and Michael was not the first to create it. He borrowed it from the classics. The light and shadow of high-contrast lighting, accenting a white glove or white tape on his fingertips – and you have the first intriguing chord of mystery. A cavalier dressed in black, walking out of darkness, an archetype so seductive for the ladies since the times of cloak-and-dagger comedies. A woman cannot see his face, but already dreams of him as her romantic secret lover visiting her in the dead of the night and climbing through her window. Hence the hat pushed down to shade his eyes.

The most eloquent parts of the body when dancing are the hands and feet. Especially the hands. The hands are the third tool after words and facial expression to help us express our thoughts and feelings. They make gestures; they talk; they can even sing. I often tell my students that, to be truly expressive when dancing, the hands have to continue the impulse coming out of you, your gaze and your feelings. The palm and fingertips are the source of outpouring energy. They have to be visible. The hands are the most delicate instrument in movement.

Michael enhanced the visual effect with the help of white tape and a glove. They acted like fireballs of energy flashing against the darkness of the mysterious image. The same was true of the white socks – they accentuated his feet. And all this elegant magic of a cavalier in black suddenly opened up in a wild African ecstasy concealed under the covers of the theatrical props. Tap dance movements turned into sensual arching of the body, the famous daring crotch grabbing and crazy shirt ripping.

This works better than a striptease. It’s seduction at the level of subconscious associations and emotions, the level of beauty and not plain physiology. This is how Michael gripped the attention of even the most demanding women and young ladies who don’t fall for demonstrations of rude masculinity. Did Michael realize what he was doing? I think, intuitively he did, and he also realized that he was drawing a lot of attention – but he never thought too much about it. And this allowed him to dance naturally, chastely and ingenuously, like a wild man. His dancing body became seductive and desirable, while his soul remained filled with pure energy. It is sensuality of a higher level, where the body is subject to the spirit.” — Amor (Lubov Fadeeva).

[harrytpotter]

So, I just had this idea and intended this to be a one shot but it turned out bigger and has now became a few-parts story. Sort of. Anyway, English isn’t my mother language so please excuse my grammar! :)

Gif isn’t mine (took it from google, so please, if it belongs to you let me know so I can credit) and suggestions are always welcome.

RIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME — Part I

Plot: Y/N finds herself trapped in a time in which she doesn’t belong only to learn that maybe that was her place all along. (Sorry i suck at summarizing things).

Pairing: James Potter x Fem!Reader

You’re waken up by the sunshine glowing trough the tower window right into your face. You stretch out but don’t open your eyes just yet, enjoying the warmth spreading all over your body. The feeling was quite nice until you felt a pillow landing with a harsh smash into your face, which forced you to open your eyes. You’re greeted by a redheaded that you had never really seen before, but was sort of familiar to you.

“Can I... help you?” You raise a brow at her, still unable to shake the feeling that you knew her somehow. She definitely did ring a bell, but despite your best efforts to remember someone with her features, you couldn’t succeed.

“Yeah, dumbass! We’re gonna be late for class! Get your butt outta bed right now!” She throws another pillow at you, but this time you dodge it.

“I’m sorry... Do I know you?” You ask her, confused and a little shocked by the level of intimacy you seemed to share with the stranger.

“What did you and that bastard Potter drank last night for Merlin’s sake?” She grimaces.

“Did Harry and I went out for a drink last night? That’s odd, I don’t remember,” you frown.

“Who the bloody hell is this Harry guy now? You went out for drinks with James, Sirius and Remus last night, you mental!” The redheaded looked like you were delusional. You were about to protest when it hit you. James were Sirius’ and Remus’ best friend and also your best friend’s father. Harry’s father.

“Lily?” You ask with a weak voice, your eyes almost tearing up looking into her emerald green eyes, so bright like your best friend’s. “Lily Potter?”

“POTTER?!” She shouts, rather furiously. “You know you‘re supposed to be my best friend, hence you shouldn’t hex me like that, right?!”

You were growing more and more confused each second that went by. “Relax, would ya? I was obviously just bantering!” You say after seeing how exasperatedly she was at your audacity of calling her by the Potter last name.

“That arse put you up to this, didn’t he?! I know he’s your best friend but so am I and I thought I was clear enough when I told you I’m not even slightest interested in him and asked you to stop trying to set me up with that.. that... bugger!” She stormed off the dorm, clearly pissed at you. Something told you that James would suffer the consequences of your oblivious actions somehow.

The door is opened once again and a girl who wasn’t Lily and whom you had no clue to be popped her head into the dorm. “Hey, Y/N! Are you coming? We’re heading to the great hall for breakfast.”

“Sure! I’ll... get dressed. You girls go, I’ll catch up with you all in a minute,” you smile politely at her.

“All right! Nice piece of jewelry, by the way!” She exclaims right before closing the door.

Once you lowered your head and saw something pending down your neck, you realized what she meant. The time-turner Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore had given you when the previous school year had started so you could attend more advanced classes was shining brightly, reflecting the sunlight. That was perfectly normal to you. The problem is that you never wear it to sleep or in public for that matter, keeping it tossed inside your trunk whenever you weren’t using it, hidden even from your best friends. And you were sure you had locked it in your trunk the night before. Suddenly, you remember Dumbledore’s words the day he gave you the device: “If it ever gets you in trouble, come to me. Wherever you are. No matter time or place.”

***

You were almost approaching the stairwell gargoyle that led to the headmaster’s office when you stopped, suddenly remembering you’d be needing the current password, assuming it was bloody different than the one you remembered. About to head on your heels, you’re startled by a clearing of a throat.

“Can I help you with anything, Miss L/N?” The voice of Professor McGonagall waved from behind you.

“Yes, professor! I was wondering if I could get the current password to the headmaster’s office. I need to speak to him, please,” you turn around to face her.

McGonagall raises a brow at you. “Well, the director is expecting you and Potter after the breakfast to talk about your third transgression this week. I suggest you go and eat something first because that will be a very long talk.” Her nostrils were inflated and you knew you were in trouble, whatever the reason was that got you into it.

“No! I... I need to talk to Professor Dumbledore alone! Please! It’s quite urgent,” you beg her.

“Fine. Come with me, Miss,” she says quite reluctantly to you. You could tell she was very disappointed at you but you had no clue why.

The short walk to the stairwell gargoyle was quiet and intense. Professor McGonagall raises her both hands at the statue and shout “Lemon Drop!”

“Obviously Professor Dumbledore would be using this password often over the years,” you murmured at yourself, grinning.

“What was that?” Professor McGonagall asked you, studying your face.

“Nothing, Professor! Thank you very much,” you shout over your shoulder whilst climbing up the stairs.

***

“Come on in!” You hear Professor Dumbledore’s voice after you knocked on the door.

You enter the office, suddenly nervous about talking to him. You knew he was quite clear on his recommendations but you couldn’t help but think he’d probably think you went insane once you claimed to be coming from the future.

“Hello, Miss L/N,” Dumbledore’s voice snapped you from your thoughts.

“Professor... Hi! I...” you mumbled, not sure how to start approaching the topic.

“Let me see it,” he says with a kind smile, showing the palm of his hand.

Awestruck, you take the time-turner from your robe’s pocket and hand it over to him.

“Hmm...” he said whilst examining the device very carefully and closely. “I presume you did lock it into your trunk last night, perhaps?”

“Indeed. Like I’ve done every single day since you and Professor McGonagall gave it to me, sir,” you answer promptly.

“I’ll need to borrow it to take a closer look and see what’s wrong with it,” he shruggs.

“It isn’t broken, is it?” You panic over the thought. “Will I be able to come back to my time? To my friends?”

He offers you a gentle smile. “It looks fine, by all appearances. And yes, you will.”

You stare at him quietly, trying to decide wether or not to ask him what has been disturbing you since you’ve opened your eyes this morning. You were curious about so many things, but Professor Dumbledore was a very busy man and you didn’t want to bother him with your thousand questions.

“Go ahead,” he encourages you, noticing you had something to take off your chest.

“These people... I mean, Lily and James. And some other students I don’t even know the names of. They all seem to know me, even though I’ve never really met them before today.”

Dumbledore smiles again, as if you had asked the right question. “You see, time is a funny thing. And an unpredictable one too. Here, take this and press its side extremities.” He handed you the time-turner back.

Confused, you take it and do as he said. Suddenly, the room starts to spin around and memories hit you at the speed of light. You could see them right in front of you, as if you were reliving the moments. You were sitting inside a compartment at the Hogwarts Express with Lupin, Potter and Black on your first trip ever to Hogwarts. You were shaking each others hands and it was the first time you all had met. The memory faded away. Now you were giggling with Lily and the blonde girl whom you had talked to earlier. Marlene McKinnon. Your best girl friends. Once again, the memory faded. It was night and you and James were sitting at Hagrid’s cabin porch, laughing and looking at the stunningly starry night sky, his invisibility cloak tossed aside on top of the grass. Then, you saw yourself hugging both Sirius and Remus. You remembered everything. Tears began to roll down your face as you felt overwhelmed.

“How... how is that even possible?” You ask Dumbledore with a whisper.

“I’m not quite sure yet but there’s a possibility that you’ve travelled to a different pace of time, Y/N,” he answered as if it was obvious. “This is likely another version of reality as you know it. One in which you were born in a different decade,” he adds, noticing your clueless expression.

You nod slowly at him. “Will I be able to return to where I came from?” You repeat your previous question once again.

“You will, but it could take time. I’ll know more once I’ve taken a closer look at this,” he lifted the time-turner in his hand so you could see it.

“Thank you, Professor. What should I do in the meantime?”

“For now, Miss L/N, you should head to the great hall. I’ve heard the breakfast is delicious this morning,” he smiles at you.

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Sunday 12 April 1840

6 10/..

10 5/..

Ground covered with snow – but R10° on the table close to my sofa bed at 6 ¼ - all ready and breakfast at 7 20/.. to 8 – did not sleep – stomach very cold – got up – relighted candle – took a teaspoonful of brandy about before one and afterwards slept till 6 having wrapt china crepe shall and shalloon cloak round my stomach – ½ hours’ porther in paying our Persian maître de poste – at last counted all out separately in silver – pragoni i.e. pay for the horses, for the borrowed wheel our S.R. and for greasing 40 S.K. till even the courier said it was too much and the man then returned the 15 S.K. and took 25 S.K. as paid before – he then saw that, as I had told him, he lost 46 ½ kopper [?] by his pother and making me pay in silver – both George and the courier laughed and the man himself laughed and asked for a pour boire – no! said I – but you will know me better another time and I will give you something then – not now – I am glad you have paid for all this pother – then gave an additional 10 S.K. to the soldier of the house making 60 S.K. instead of the 50 I should otherwise have given – this seemed to give great satisfaction as turning the laugh doubly against our Persian – the about 1 good English gill of milk we had last night gone sourish this morning = 15 S.K. – scarce and dear here – Off from Dushet [Dusheti] (pronounced Dōōshĕt) at 8 50/.. – clouds hanging over the mountains – but fine back view upon the largeish good looking town and its large squarry castle-like fortress, and the portico of its earth covered flat roofed long Gastinoi [Gostiny] Dvor, and little white Gurien church and old ruined square tower at some little distance on the hill side above – the brick church not quite finished but that will be handsome is Armenian – and close to the church are some goodish houses building à la Russe – one finished with gallery round au 1er. looks neat and comfortable – a street or 2 in progress – and the under ground curious old Gurien cottages will a few years hence be replaced by neat Russian cottages and houses – went into one last night – descended into the sunk porch (inclined plan no steps) then a sort of kitchen – then a middle room to put things away in, then the 3rd and sleeping room – 3 breadths of carpet on the floor and a fire place – thick gravelled rood over all these cottages that carts go over – one could not imagine houses beneath – no light but from the sunk porch, and from one little round in the top hole of the sleeping room and opposite the porch – in the kitchen was the oven at the end on the right (on entering) like an English 40 gallon iron brewing pan sunk up to its brim – they make a wood fire in this and cover it over – then take out the fire when the sides are red hot – put in the Cakes and they are baked in 10 minutes – but inquire more about this at Tiflis – Smoking semovars in the Gastinoi [Gostiny] Dvor and soldiers drinking hot mead looking tea without milk in the shops (Gastinoi [Gostiny] Dvor) much nature rock salt in large pieces of Grayish spar-like rock mutton fat (tallow) – eggs – much small bacon – Persian dried large prunes and cherries and [?] and the bean  (small kidney, reddish) one has seen everywhere from Astracan [Astrakhan’] here onion tops and rice (not real rice said George grown here) – cotton printed handkerchiefs and narrow white cloths linen on cotton – but the most striking are the wine shops – the bullock hides, en outré, apparently hair left on inside full of red wine sold at ./20 kopper en cuivre per about an English pint – one shop quite élégante had a bottle of Donskoi champagne-wise and ditto ditto Tiflis wine at 1/40 the bottole assignats or 40 S.K. or 2 Gerogian abash  

Off from Duchet [Dusheti] at 8 50/.. – the handsome square fort, around tower at corner, at a little distance left as we ascended the down-like hill – the handsome looking white monastery at a considerable on the hill behind us to the right – Duchet [Dusheti] stands well and picturesquely on the side of the hill in the largeish fine open valley – the town on one side the valley the fortress on the other – our road a sort of field-road up and over the hill top a high plateau of good land between wooded hills near left considerable distance right – descend (but keep high up along the right side) into nice high valley and at 9 40/.. – picturesque old tower and 2nd village round and reed thatched village (probably there are [?] ground cottages not seen?) and stream with rather broadish bouldery bed – Capital land on the high plateau and all along – they might grown anything but barley the chief corn at Duchet [Dusheti] and all round about – in winnowing saw some last night – it looked pretty fair – tolerably plump grained and very clean – trown [thrown] up in a shovel, and the wind winnowed it in falling – at 9 40/.. in 2nd village on knoll at head of this charming little valley – the 1st poor or less

was at the verge of the high plateau – 1t vines at this our 2nd village in the bottom – high sticks or vine props and some transomed supports as at Astracan [Astrakhan’] – but soon after here the bottom full of wood – pollard oaks or willodws or what and brush and tangle and bouldery stream – soon after 2nd village father yellow St. Johns’s [?] like flowers (5 petals and many stamina) and little pink hepaticas and smell less violets and cowslips – and at 10 Descend into main village the fine valley of our Aragna (which we had left after Ananoor [Ananuri], and see again now 1st time) – on each side beautifully sillonné rounded wooded hill – broad bouldery streamy river – wind along with the river close left on its high perpendicular conglomerate gravel bank and at 10 35/.. make an elbow to the right into the now still wider valley of our Aragna – a fine broad bouldery streamy river – occasionally in one good stream – at 10 40/.. pass a little rather Russian like wood cottage or farm right, and at 11 7/.. little village of huts in basin-like opening out of valley and neat white plastered little government station house -  little drizzling rain now and for the last ½ hour – 2ft. deep of capital warp soil shewn over the high conglomerate bank of river – all the trees all along our valleys lopped high or lower – one great valley (val d’Aragna) a mile broad? no horses at Tortiskar – our wheel to send back and take our own 3 “il faut mettre des bracelets”! – till now 12 ¾ have just written all but the 1st 3 lines of today – coolish air and clouds darkeish – threatening rain? great many of the queer elephantic camel-gaited cattle hereabouts they hold their heads poking forward and walk very much in the camel-style – got out of the kibitka to look about me – a few drops of light rain which however soon blew off – Government house one might sleep here very well – a good room front one on each side the door for travellers – and the back rooms for the family – longish job of paying – 2 S.R. for repairing the wheel pour mettre les bracelets 2 or 3 thin shreds of lead like iron that were worth very little and the maître de p. would have 2 S.R. for the loan of his wheel (which he would not sell for 20 S.R. tho’ it hardly lasted us to Tiflis) – necessary – nothing to be said – off at 1 31/.. – magnificent – (vid. + and # above the opening outis another wider valley from East to West that traverses our valley d’   Aragna something like the diagram as I do it from memory |now Monday 13 April 6 p.m. at Tiflis| the little meant to represent the station house on a knoll in the neck of the transversal valley and to reach which we crossed over little wood from and stream just below the house and amid Georgian (Gurien) ground-huts – how many always difficult to tell – they are so like the ground itself – soon after leaving the basin-like opening our road a deepish cut thro’ indurated sand, and then thro’ hard sand rock – like my Bairstow quarry sandstone and at 1 50/.. pass under the old ruined castle Prēajnēa Krepost, (prēēajnēēa Krēēăpost) close left, and at 1 55/.. Georgian church (Byzantine) very pretty and picturesque near right, and walled monastery at a little distance left, and wood bridge over the broad shallow bouldery river and on high point of ridge of hill just above very picturesque old castle - valley here little more than road and river – 200 yards broad? – alight at the monastery at 2 to 2 55/.. – they call it Nānt-shĕt – vid. p. 113 Mtsketha [Mtskheta]. line 9 from the bottom – “the fortress remains” – the old walls are

SH:7/ML/E/24/00083

with an old remain of tower or 2 are very picturesque from without, but as to fortress all is ruin within, as was till lately the fine old cathedral; but now it is all under repair, the exterior finished, and the interior will be this summer – Except on close examination, and seeing the few morsels of ancient sculpture carefully spared, it is like a handsome new church in the old Byzantine style standing amid a mass of ruins – In some of the old building within, and up against the old fortress walls are several Guerien families of peasants and labourers, living in comparative darkness as usual – they were shovelling very decent brown wheat (rather long and thin in the grain) down a round hole not more than 18 to 22 in. in diameter into a granary in the ground – so near full of corn I could not judge of the depth – no entrance – no way of getting the corn out again but by the round hole – How this savours of remote antiquity! If one is perpetually reminded of ancient usages in the Pyrenees, much more is one reminded of them here – the houses, ovens sunk in their house-floors, dress (the bourka) cattle-skin outres of wine let out at one of the legs, boats scooped out of the trunks of large trees – are surely the same as in the days of Homer – the bourka the picturesque short cloak, black or dark brown sheeps fleece without and felt within, impenetrable to rain, is surely the very same one sees on ancient medals thrown over all the heroes of old who used to wear it as either shoulder – among the old sculpture of the cathedral St. George and the Dragon – over the great east window a Greek Eagle – a tiger – and below 2 horse-heads – several mouldings and cornices of window frames and doors etc. of very well done tracery cruciform flowers and lilies – angels – 2 birds eating (something like, in the style of, the diagram? but well done – I had to time to make any sketch on the spot) – there always among the flowers the sunflower or what we call marigold? – one large window in the east end and on each side of it a deep empty niche nearly the whole height up to the square of the roof – the first instance I have seen of this – effect very striking and good – no entrance but at the west end with porch – they said the doors could not be opened – went up to one of the 2 priests standing by – took him by the arm – held out my purse – the door opened – a nave and 2 narrow aisles a curious little old stone shrine-like little place in the south aisle where the relics are kept – the whole of the interior has been painted in fresco – on the south side opposite the dome is an old Zodiac with a boat instead of the sign pieces – the whole of the painting is to be renewed the new to be an exact copy of the old – over the east end – over the sanctum sanctorum is a chapel as also over the west end a small ditto a ½ length figure of one cover the whole East end included in the chapel which seems to take up ½ the whole height of the building – this gigantic painting is very striking, the effect is good – it is the first instance of the kind I ever saw – the church is [?] but sufficiently lighted principally from the dome, a 16 sided tower? with a long lancet window in each side – effect

very good dehors – did not sufficiently notice it within – must go again? 55 minutes there – long for post horses to wait – in the cottage we went into the people dining – so sort of greens (onion spouts? they are sold in all the shops) and the large dried Persian cherries and some sort of bit of meat? 2 strong tree post supported the heavy beams that carried the strong spars that carried the Earth covered roof and left a hole in the centre of the room over the bit of fire for the smoke to escape – a pair of large stags horns nailed to each post and on the antlers narrow boards laid across for shelves think of this at Shibden – Gamba says there are 200 houses here – probable – it is a large Gurien city – off from the cathedral at 2 55/.. – walked down the steep pitch, along the rock-girt Kur which here at right angles pours it deeper narrower stream into the Aragna and runs in its course and drowns its name in that of Kur – ‘tis here just above the junction that one croses the Aragna

vid. p. 113 by the long good wooden bridge that certainly shews no trace of Pompey (vid. p. 113) – wine shop and cone of the large outres lying on its back the 4 [?] sticking up, and from one a glass of red wine pouring out – then tied up again – George says the hair is left on inside and this covered with pitch or the skin would not hold – a bloated red dead cow or ox was lying in the Kur – George declared the skin would not be made into an outré – was it merely the skin lying macerating in the water by way of preparation? on the strand of the Kur at its junction with the A- lay 3 of the river boats – cut out of the trunks of immense oak trees (I think) 2 of them pitched inside and outside the other merely hollowed adzed out, and that yet pitched – I think they 4 or 5 yards long and the narrowest 2ft. wide of hollow at the top – the largest 2ft. 6in. or more? – off from the bridge at 3 – at 3 ¼ valley sand rocky and bare and 9 troglodite houses in the sand rock right, and right bank of Kur, not far from us, and at some distance ahead (left) a sort of little alum bay (Isle of Wight) different coloured strata of sand but not quite so perpendicular - crowned with low building which afterwards seemed to be a low ruined square tower – Kur like Calder between Slaterhebble and Elland as to breadth white greenwish muddy stream close right deepish here at 3 ¼ between its highish rock banks – but soon after widens into broad bouldery stream between low banks of sand – at 3 ½ our bracelets des rones coming off – stopped a minute or 2 to hammer up and tie on with rope! – as we have done before – and at 3 40/.. at old ruined square castle and village 12v. from Tiflis – probably Mtsketha [Mtskheta] is about 6v. from Tortiskar and .:. about 21v. from Tiflis – and Tiflis in sight at 4 35/.. – descend – at 5 5/.. shew podorojna – at 5 13/60 cross the river – somehow our drivers take us one way and George’s driver [takes] him another, and before he could come to us our stupid fellows had had us all but on the ground a parcel of [?] in the street prevented and heaved us up again, and then tried to turn instead of backing – broke the fore axle main bolt – got the near fore wheel under the carriage the shaft horse down and we had a terrible to do during which George came – he walked with us and the servants kibitka followed to the Inn – came in at 5 40/.. we took our rooms one large and 3 smaller one at 2 ½ silver rubles a day, and he then went back to Nikolai – we went out in 3 or 4 minutes just as they had got our kibitka to the door and thrown it over and broke the off door – left with George ./70 for his driver – would give ours nothing – they had done too much mischief –

SH:7/ML/E/24/00084

sauntered about to the little fountain – and peep in at the gate of a nice large garden near the fountain – curious – interesting – to us novel Eastern-like town – came in at 6 20/.. – tea at 7 25/.. to 8 50/.. – had Domna – all the skin will come off her face in consequence of passing the mountains to Kaishaur (Kāsh-ă-ōōr), and her head is rather swollen, and she complains of much headache sat reading Dubois till 9 ¾ - finish day for the drizzling rain did not last long and the few drops at 4 p.m. blew off – Whistling wind tonight, and oddish smell of damp? in one large cold, 6 windowed (single windows very far from air-tight) room – something with the stove flue – could not have a fire till tomorrow – R7 ½° on my table where I sat writing at 9 ¾ p.m. .:. did not venture to undress, but taking off gown and shoes thick over stockings flannel jacket and in my chelat slept (as usual when we cannot regularly undress) and as we have done from Astracan [Astrakhan] to Kislar [Kizljar] and from K- to Vladicavkas [Vladikavkaz] and from V- here still cold enough –

[indigobackfire]

HPHM MC Profile ✧

Indigo Silverwood

“ Getting near you is like stretching my hand into an open flame. I know I’ll burn myself, yet I crave the heat. ”

Nicknames: Indie. Didi (only by family). Silverwood. Silvie (by people who don't bother learning her name).

Gender: Female.

Birthday: 6th of March, 1973.

Born: Edinburgh, Scotland.

Mother: Clarin (née Tramer) Silverwood - Half-blood, Ravenclaw, English.

Father: Palmer Silverwood - Pureblood, Slytherin, Scottish.

Siblings: Jacob Silverwood (b. 1968), Phoenix Nobleworth Silverwood (b. 1973) - Phoenix was adopted after the death of his parents when he was just a couple of months old.

Ethnicity: Scottish, English, (probably with some Spanish roots).

Sexuality: Straight.

MBTI Type: ENFP-A

Blood Status: Half-blood (by her muggle grandmother on her mother's side).

Hogwarts House: Gryffindor.

Appearance

Eyes: Naturally yellow/golden/amber (nobody knows why, since their parent’s eyes are brown) but both hers and Jacob's eyes are like this). She wears glasses for her Astigmatism.

Hair: Naturally dark brown, but she asked her mother to turn it red when she turned 8 and doesn't plan on undoing it any soon.

• She’s average tall and reasonably strong build, honey-brown skin littered with scars from venturing with the vaults and being freaking attacked by dark wizards, big hands and feet due to her height. A large chest that grows at once in her 4th year (”Everybody's starring, Rowan!”).

• She keeps her nails short. Her makeup is often down to just some lipstick (mascara smudges her glasses, eye shadow irritates her eyes), her hair is often long wavy and fluffed for extra volume. She often smells like coconut oil from all the creams her mother insisted she used.

• She looks a lot like her father which gives her a rather rough look - like a handsome but wild animal - yet has enough of her mother’s attributes to be considered attractive and poise if well-groomed.

Magical Aspects

1st Wand: Red Oak wood with Dragon Heartstring core, 12″, pliable. "The true match for a red oak wand is possessed of unusually fast reactions, making it a perfect dueling wand. Its ideal master is light of touch, quick-witted and adaptable, often the creator of distinctive spells, and a good person to have beside in a fight." Indigo had good times with her red oak wand but as the years went by, her emotions start affecting the wand's efficiency. The wand would bleed a glowing red light in moments of extreme physical or emotional pain and become extremely unstable.

2nd Wand: Beechwood with Thestral hair core, 13", rigid flexibility. "The true match for a beech wand will be, if young, wise beyond their years, and if full-grown, rich in understanding and experience. Beech wands perform very weakly for the narrow-minded and intolerant. When properly matched, the beech wand is capable of a subtlety and artistry rarely seen in any other wood, hence its lustrous reputation." Indigo has a hard time adapting to her new wand, it's stubborn to her spells and acts upon its own will especially considering its unusual and unstable core, Thestral hair, which is of unknown habilities, except for its use in the mythical, Elder wand. Her wand is one of a kind which is why she has to adapt her abilities to match the wand's requirements. Despite all, it's a remarkable instrument for undoing curses/spells and detecting danger.

Animagus: Somali cat. She's already certain she wants to be a cat animagus - harmless, of easy blend, and enables an approach to humans -, but decides for the Somali breed, during the process, for its sumptuous golden fur and agility.

Patronus: Kangaroo, for its fighting spirit and family values, not to mention its strength. (In-game it's the Abraxan, but only because I thought it would be cool.)

Patronus memory: (During the first times) Her first Quidditch match, not just because they won but because everyone she loves from Hogwarts was there, and she got to cheer their victory together. (Later years) Her family gathering for hot cocoa during a rainy night with Jacob with them.

Abilities: Legilimency, and great emotional influence over magic (Don't get her frightened or angry or she will blow you up).

Boggart:  Her boggart changes constantly - she can't decide if it's either because she overcame the old fears, or if the new ones toppled those, creating a pile of fears. And since the new DADA teacher is always teaching Riddikulus again and again, the famous curse-breaker is always the most awaited in the line.

Jacob, eyes dark and musty, clothes covered in blood, someone's blood. He walks to her and slowly raises his sleeve, the Death mark is craved deep in his flesh and it glows. Behind him, it rises the Dark Lord.

Riddikulus: He turns into a younger version of himself from a photograph she recalls laughing about with her mom (he's running wearing a loaded diaper, crazy hair, rosy cheeks).

For a while is someone in a cloak threatening to cast the killing curse over her friends, whispering each of their names like a snake but she's frozen unable to stop them.

Riddikulus: The cloak falls to reveal a bunch of gnomes piled up wearing wigs and makeup.

For another, very realistic corpses of all of her friends spread at her feet, a dark wizard across from her, it's over and there isn't anything she can do to save them anymore - it was a grim day in DADA, but they all wanted to see it didn't they?

Riddikulus: This is the one time she fails to defeat a boggart, letting the horrible scene consume her, she falls to her knees defeated, and even after Rakepick's shouting, when she tries to cast the spell, it fails again and again.

This last boggart came to show everyone around her how truly terrified she was, not for her own life, but for that of those around her. How despite the confidence she was constantly displaying, in reality, she was afraid she couldn't save them from whatever was trying to get her.

Amortentia: Her Amortentia smells like Jacob's cologne — which he used to borrow from their father which is why she recalls so easily —, fresh Catnip ever since she became an animagus, bakings just out of the oven — extra intensity if there's chocolate involved, and freshly washed sweaters (from hugging Barney and the Weasleys).

Mirror of Erised: She's under the shadow of a tree, Jacob on one side along with Phoenix and Aspen, Barnaby's head resting on her lap, Rowan by her side, and Orion for some reason. They're laughing and reading books, it's an eternal spring afternoon.

Miscellaneous

Pets: A Sphynx cat, Mocca, a brown and white rat, Franccesca, and (later in her Hogwarts years) a Great Horned owlet, Plum.

Things she always carries with her: Her wand (duh), a handmade Gryffindor bracelet that used to belong to Jacob, the Handbook of Magical Theory, a handful of peppermints, a pouch with some money, a flask of Wideye potion, some Murtlap Essence, and a family photo during Christmas of 1980.

Lucky Amulets: She has a dream catcher made by Phoenix from feathers he shed during transformations and a "broken" knight from Murphy's chessboard who decided to leave the game for good and now sleeps on Indigo's nightstand with its horse, she likes stroking the horse the night before every Quidditch match

Best Friends

Her brother, Phoenix, takes the crown in matter of importance because, well, they're siblings who grew up practically like twins, but their relationship deserves their own detailing.

Rowan has got to be the first. Not only they share the same adventurous nerdy spirit, but Rowan also is the one to stick around even when everything is dark and uncertain and Indigo's popularity plummets. Indigo is always excited to hear whatever Rowan has to say - most times about books or Bill Weasley - and she's rarely fazed by the weird things Rowan does.

Murphy McNully is a close second, having officially met in the middle of her second year, they're both still fresh in a matter of friendships which allows them to open up, both in desperate need of company and support. He's often a companion in the girl's library and common room study sessions and sits with them during meals.

Charlie Weasley has her heart and soul from the moment they first speak during year one, but it actually takes a while until they form any real bond, which begins after he finds out she has been seeking his brother's help to search for the cursed vaults.

Ben is a friend she cherishes deeply but often finds it hard to break through his protective shell which makes him feel distant even when he opens up to her. Unlike her friends, she grows more liking towards Ben after he has his change in personality, as he feels more open about himself.

Chiara is a friend she deeply appreciates for her courage in reaching out for her help in times of need and trusting her with her secret. In Marauder fashion, she likes keeping an eye on her on the nights of full moon - which is good to train her cat tree climbing. They often have afternoon tea together and she teaches Indigo useful healing spells.

Andre and Indigo didn't have a great start, as she thought of him as arrogant and inconsiderate, and he thought she was careless and selfish. But when she helps him with a transfiguration mishap during their 3rd year when he was trying to be creative - and the reason he now has a two-headed cat - they start opening up to each other and begin a friendship. He's a good friend to confide in about the mundane aspects of her life and Quidditch intrigues.

Orion means to her more than she can put into words. Not only he is her team captain, but also a dear friend whom she turns to in times of emotional instability cause she knows he'll be the one to successfully help her clear her mind. They enjoy each other's company even if they don't have anything interesting to say. They sit together during every Divination class for as long as the subject goes.

She has no "rivals" as she finds that sort of labeling quite petty, but would definitely punch Emily Tyler on the stomach and perhaps Face Paint kid for all his eavesdropping.

She has an easier time bonding with her fellow Gryffindors since they spend most of their time together in classes, lunch, and hanging around in the common room.

Dormmates: She and Rowan got placed in a room for three people, as the ones for five were already full, along with a girl called Tanya. But at the beginning of their 4th year, they find out she has bailed out to another dorm room claiming they 1. Snort and speak in their sleep on a regular basis, 2. Will eventually endanger her with their cursed vault shenanigans, 3. Will get her killed - which, spoilers, actually happens, oops. So they basically have the dorm for themselves.

Academics

Favorite Classes:

Potions

Flying

DADA

Magical Theory

Least Favorite:

Transfiguration

History of Magic

Arithmancy

Favorite Professor: Kettleburn. Despite CoMC not being on her top favorite subjects, she enjoys her time in his classes and reminds her of her grandfather on her father's side who's a highlander wizard.

Least Favorite: Binns. Just retire you old man!

Quidditch Position: Chaser. Despite enjoying her time as Gryffindor's beater, she notices the position takes a toll on her physical wellbeing, having to carry a heavy bat and being injured by bludgers more times than she can keep track of. So she returns to her chaser position after a year.

Favorite Team: Montrose Magpies. She never had an interest in Quidditch before she began playing but decided to pick a team to support. Of course, it had to be a Scottish team and settles for MM because of professor McGonagall who's also a supporter.

She's not indigo's face claim, but it's hard to find good red-haired characters out there.

I guess I'll leave her background and history for another post since it interweaves very tightly with her sibling. And since I'm still exploring her story.

Well this is just an intro to my beloved MC

[fancytrinkets]

Necromancy (The Western Approach)

Note: This is just me trying to reconcile the game mechanics of necromancy with how necromancy is written about in the codices... Not sure if I get it right, but it’s an attempt. Also, this scene is written as Dorian/Inquisitor, but honestly when you take this piece out of context, if you really want to read this as pre-relationship Adoribull — or else as the start of Dorian/Inquisitor/Bull — you totally could and I would support you.

Shit.

The thought flashes through Trevelyan's mind at the exact moment he feels the nerves prickle across the palm of his hand. From the noise behind him — a sudden whoosh like the rushing of wind or water — he knows that a rift has just opened. He doesn't need to look to confirm it, but he does anyway, hoping against hope that he won't see demons yet. But of course there are.

"Shit!" he says, counting four wisps and an arcane horror.

"Not good," Bull says through gritted teeth as he takes stock of the change in their situation.

He's been holding his own against two Venatori warriors. Neither opponent can match his strength and skill. But it's two against one and they're both relying on the unfaltering strength of their barriers. Three spellbinder mages are keeping them shielded. They're also carpeting the ground underfoot with fire and ice glyphs — very dangerous if stepped on.

Trevelyan and Dorian have been dispelling everything — barriers, glyphs, and ambient hostile magic — as quickly as they can. All the while, they're casting and recasting barriers with frantic speed to keep their own party shielded. But it means they can't launch aggressive attacks of their own.

If they could take out even one of those spellbinders, they'd gain an immediate advantage. And Sera's been trying. She's targeting the mages and hoping for a lucky hit. But the spellbinders are all reinforcing each other, and her arrows glance harmlessly off each renewed barrier.

As soon as the rift opens, she spins, aims, and starts picking off wisps one by one.

"Look out!" she says.

Trevelyan turns just in time to see the arcane horror cast its spell. Spurred on by a rush of nerves, he jumps aside as a green burst of deadly energy spirals past him. It hits one of the Venatori warriors to devastating effect. The remnants of a barrier spell burn away to nothing. Thick plate armor is sundered and the warrior staggers, struggles to remain standing, and then collapses.

"Maker," Trevelyan says, breathing the word with effort and relief.

That could easily have been him lying dead in the sand. No question about it, that arcane horror needs to be dealt with — and since its weakness is the spirit magic he wields with his spectral blade, he's their best chance at stopping it quickly.

Though I wouldn't mind if it takes down another couple of Venatori first.

It's a passing thought, nothing more than a flash of grim humor to ease the reality of death on the battlefield. But then, with sudden clarity, he knows exactly what they have to do. He snaps his fingers at Dorian, catching his attention, then points to the arcane horror.

"Spirit mark," he says.

A flash of recognition crosses Dorian's face, and without a word, he casts behind them. His magic hits the arcane horror, marking it to entice the lesser spirits when it falls.

"Yours now!" he calls out, because what's next is to kill this thing, and he, too, knows that Trevelyan can do it better than anyone.

And so Trevelyan takes a breath, casts his Fade cloak, and then charges towards it unseen. He reemerges into the world with a burst of damaging energy. It stuns his enemy for a second and allows him to follow up with four swift hits from his spectral blade. He's grown more powerful thanks to frequent practice, and the arcane horror doesn't stand a chance. The demon falls, destroyed, and immediately rises up again, lit by the purple glow of necromancy. Guided by Dorian's magic, it sets to work targeting one Venatori after another.

When it's all over — when their enemies lie dead and the rift is sealed — Dorian jogs over to talk to Trevelyan. He's grinning with pure delight.

"Excellent thinking! I'm impressed," he says. "Most people don't know it's possible."

"What do you mean?" Trevelyan asks, because he's not really sure what Dorian's on about.

"Ah," Dorian says, launching straight into explanatory mode, "yes, well, as everyone knows, a lesser spirit isn't typically strong enough take on the powers of an arcane horror once you've vanquished the original pride spirit possessing the mage's corpse. But, if you've got an extremely masterful necromancer like me around..."

His voice trails off, and his expression changes from jubilant to concerned.

"Oh, I see," he says. "You didn't even realize, did you?"

"Probably not?" Trevelyan's not still quite not sure what he's missing.

Dorian chuckles, though he doesn't seem amused.

"I turned an arcane horror for you. That's impressive magic. Not just anyone can do it. And you didn't even know enough about necromancy to realize that."

Trevelyan winces.

"No, I guess not."

The Circle didn't teach him about necromancy at all. As a topic, it wasn't banned; it was simply omitted. Everything he understands about it now is from Dorian having explained it to him. And for the first time, Trevelyan realizes how frustrating and lonesome that must be. Dorian is a researcher, a true intellectual with interests spanning several fields of advanced theoretical magic. He deserves to have a community of scholars around him. But all he has here is basic battlemagic and frequent treks through the wilderness.

"Well, never mind, it all worked out," Dorian says.

He looks around, spots a flat rock nearby, and sits down to unlace his boots and pour the sand out of them. It's obvious he's annoyed.

"What am I even saying?" he asks. "Of course it worked out. You're the luckiest bastard I've ever met. Everything works out for you."

Trevelyan sighs, still feeling sheepish in his ignorance, and digs in his pocket for the hair tie he borrowed from Varric earlier. The wind is picking up, and even with the relative protection of a hooded cloak, his hair keeps blowing across his face. It's been bothersome.

He's busy tying it back when the Iron Bull saunters over. The edge of his axe is still bloody — from striking down the last Venatori once Dorian's spell ended and the arcane horror fell.

"You should put that cowl back on or you'll get sunburned," he says.

Bull is strangely doting sometimes, like a giant mother hen. Trevelyan grins, glad to be distracted from his thoughts.

"I'll be fine for a while without it. I'm no Qunari, but I won't burn in two minutes like that one."

He points towards Sera, who's busy checking the corpses for coins and amulets. Her face is a painful-looking shade of bright pink despite the hood she's been wearing all morning.

"Hey," Bull says, "I'm just looking out for you. Humans are delicate."

"Delicate!?" Dorian stops relacing his boots to glare up at him.

Bull's immediate reply is gleeful laughter. Dorian's indignation was obviously the reaction he was hoping for.

"Not you, big guy," Bull says, reassuring him. "I meant all the others except for you."

"Oh, for Maker's sake!" Dorian rolls his eyes. "You don't need to patronize me."

Bull turns back towards Trevelyan. "I can see why you like this guy. It's fun getting him all riled up."

Dorian rolls his eyes again and sets to work tying and buckling his boots, now free from sand. But he seems more at ease somehow, and less annoyed.

Trevelyan tilts his head, curious and assessing. He's starting to suspect that Bull came over here with the explicit purpose of cutting through the tension. It happens from time to time: Dorian gets his feathers ruffled; Trevelyan falls quiet and serious for a while. They always work it out before long. Under normal circumstances, it's not a big a deal. But threats are everywhere out here and they can't afford to let even minor conflicts fester. As an extremely perceptive former spy, Bull would know this.

"You're in a better mood than I expected," Trevelyan says.

"Yeah," Bull says, "but not really, though. Demons, Vints, bunch of creepy magic shit. It's not my favorite. Hence all the joking around. A man's got to cheer himself up somehow."

"True enough," Trevelyan says, and then he looks up to scan the horizon.

From somewhere in the distance comes the blood-chilling roar of a dragon.

[thebadbatch]

The Bad Batch: Soft Universe

Chapter Five - Cure. 

Omega took a small breath in as she rubbed her eyes before she turned and faced her brothers who looked absolutely terrified. She had no idea what had happened, the last thing that she remembered was playing with those beautiful flowers that were now one-hundred percent her favourite flower.

Darker clouds soon moved over her mind as she watched them all ensure she was alive and okay which was a really upsetting thing to see. Did another bounty hunter attempt to take her life from her once again? Hunter's eyes were glazed over and so were Techs who swore he was cursed due to everything always going wrong when he was around. 

"Hunter?" She questioned, resulting in the others stopping exactly what they were doing to stare at her once her Kamonion thick accent piped up. "I'm sorry, did another bounty hunter come after me?" At the question alone even Echo couldn't help but tear up. After everything she's been through with anyone and going against her wanting the innocent and small life-form dead, She still apologized because she thought she caused hassle or problems for her brothers. "Did I get any of you hurt?" 

"No, no Ad'ika!" Hunter finally spoke after sending silent thanks-filled prayers to their maker. "Nothing like that happened. None of us are hurt - we're okay." He reassured her with a gentle hand upon her shoulder before she tried to sit up only to gently be pushed down again by Echo, a sympathetic gaze upon his face. 

"Woah there kid, lay down for a little longer okay?" Omega Pouted a little before complying with his gentle request. Hunter turned his head, pointing at Tech.

"Run a medical scan on her, tell me anything that's out of the ordinary even if it's no cause for concern." Tech nodded, rushing to the side to grab his medical scanner and following through with their command his leader had given him. "Wrecker, can she borrow Lola? And could you grab her blanket too?" Hunter began to fuss even more over her before Crosshair placed a hand on his shoulder too, hoping for the same calming effect it gave Omega. 

"But I feel fine!" She beamed up at them, telling the truth all whilst giving Hunter some much needed comfort and reassurance. "I had such a lovely dream too."  The med scan beeped leaving Tech to go over all of the information it had given him.

"A dream?" Echo asked, standing beside Hunter to listen to what Omega had to say. 

"Yeah!" Her voice was filled with Positivity, she truly didn't remember what had happened to her beside a dream that took priority over her mind. "It was scary at first, but then those glowing orbs came back and they were so pretty! A hooded man was there though wearing a Cloak but he was so kind and asked me about my brothers- you guys!" Wrecker returned, placing Lula in her arms and her favourite blanket over her before standing with the others. "Thank you, Wrecker!"

"What did he say to you, Omega?" Hunter asked, ensuring she was tucked in and comfortable.

"Well I told him how lovely you all are to me and how happy I am now being away from Kamino and living with my true family!" They all silently swore that they could break down into tears. "He said he's so happy to hear that I'm happy now, and he said that you're all Incredible individuals! But then he told me that something big was calling me and I needed to listen and train with the sound to guide me."

"Guide you?" Echo chuckled a bit, "It Sounds Like jedi talk to me." He was kidding, attempting to lighten the atmosphere but then he remembered his previous generals who were force wielders having similar experiences to this. That realisation soon wiped the smile off of his face.

"He told me that it would all become clear soon and to trust myself but then I woke up with you guys." Tech walked over the second that she finished her story,

"She's completely healthy, in fact she's healthier now than before." He moved toward her, gently gesturing to the bacta patch that still remained against her arm. "May I check on your recovery?" She nodded, grateful that the bacta suppressed any pain from the bullet wound. Tech hesitantly but carefully removed the patch, going a little pale as there wasn't a scratch on her arm. "You must have accelerated healing," He was saying that mainly to reassure himself as her medical records from Kamino that they had stolen a while ago clearly stated she hadn't been created with accelerated healing as she was never to leave Kamino." The records made sense but Omega clashed with every little bit of information they had. It was pretty impossible to find out why she was created so they could find her enhanced skill finally but Tech especially at this point was pretty desperate to discover what she  had.

"Maybe those plant things healed her or something?" Wrecker questioned, looking toward Tech for an answer.

"Dalalians." He reminded his brother, unable to stop himself from correcting even the smallest of mistakes after shaking his head. "That's impossible, they have no healing properties. The only 'use' they hold, if you'd even consider it as such, is that it tastes like honey." 

"The records must be wrong." Hunter spoke, "We need to get new Copies - the most recent data they had before - well, you know." Silence filled their physical realm but their minds were asking tons of questions about the whole scenario.

"AzI would know!" She responded rather proudly, very fond of her best friend. "He has all of my medical records, but he's offline still, remember?" Once they got AZI, tech had never actually seen the specific circuits that he had so he constantly tinkered trying to work himself around it and do as much research as possible but they never really had the time. Omega didn't mind though, her friend was still on board with her other droid and having him there knowing they could wake him one day kept her calm. 

"I don't think I can wake him up right now but I may be able to get him to display the medical records we need." She hummed, snuggling into her blankets. Hunter crouched beside where Omega lay cuddling with Lula, 

"Do you remember what they were testing you for?" He asked, keeping his tone as calm as possible knowing how sensitive such a subject was. 

"But why do we want to find out?" Omega asked, panic residing behind her voice. "I'm fine, I feel fine can't we just leave it? What even happened?" Echo soon Moved over to her, Placing a hand against her shoulder.

" Hey kid,it's alright! We just saw you go a little funny whilst you were having that dream and we think it may be linked with your enhanced skill." Her eyes immoderately softened at this, her heart rate finally calming causing Hunter to sigh of relief.

"It is?" Wrecker asked, oblivious to what Echo actually meant. 

"It is." Echo repeated before Smiling back down at his little sister. "Now, can you think back really hard to remember what they were resting you for?" Her eyes sparkled proudly, suppressing any sorrow she felt from the memories back at Kamino. 

"No, I remember - but they Said what they were trying didn't work so they'd give me a new one." She paused for a brief moment in thought. "I thought they forgot to give me a new one though, So I was hoping you guys would help me find what they may have given me. I want to be like you guys." Even Crosshair's heart broke at her words before he began to talk.

"What did they Originally test you for? Maybe it worked hence why they never gave you another enhanced skill." All of the others gently agreed before gazing at Omega, waiting to see what her answer was.

"I was to become the first force-sensitive Clone but it hurt me so they had to stop because I got too weak." Mouths were agape as they stared at her. What they witnessed, was that the force? Is that why the Empire suddenly wants her? Because it worked. Tech instantly moved away to search for answers through his datapad against force-sensitive beings. 

"The Force?" Hunter repeated, looking toward Echo for answers. "Echo, you're worked with countless jedi before. Could it be possible?" He thought for a while before nodding.

"I think it could be done and the Empire wants to bring the same power to their fleet. They'd be unstoppable." He breathed in before Tech soon interrupted him.

"Omega, what you saw - the person." He stammered, "Were they blue by any chance?" She smiled over at him with a nod. "And they mentioned something guiding you right?" Another nod from her followed once again. "Yeah, she's force sensitive." How didn't they find this out sooner? Probably because it's only just begun to work, whatever they did to her." Silence hung heavily after his sentence, anger lurking in her older brothers as she hugged Lula with a smile - not as bothered right now about her past. Omega was a force-sensitive clone, the first of her kind! And she was absolutely thrilled because maybe now she would feel useful to her brothers, helping them in missions and keeping them safe. Yeah, that's exactly what she wanted to do - but her brothers didn't seem so pleased about that. 

"Hey, Ad'Ika." Hunter spoke, whispering to her. "How about you get some rest and we can see your skills tomorrow hm?" His voice was soothing as she yawned, tired out hours ago but continued to push herself awake to be with them a little longer. 

"Alright…" She hummed without fuss as he picked her up with her gentle good night's to the others and carried her to her bed, laying her down with a small smile. "Do I need a cure?" She asked sleepily, snuggling down with her trooper doll with that familiar soothing tone of orange filling the smaller room.

"For what, Omega?" He asked, worried a little. "For your abilities?" She hummed a yes, her eyes beginning to shut. "No, Ad'Ika. You don't, you're amazing and incredible and we couldn't be who we are without you okay? These powers of yours are a part of you and we cherish them deeply. We just need to find out a little more, okay?" Unfortunately she had fallen asleep through his words, head gently smooshed against the pillow and blankets gripped in her fists. Softly, he climbed down the smaller ladder and pulled back the curtain so she could rest. The talc with his brothers would be intense and confusing, but he knew they would figure it out - anything out. She didn't need a cure, it's apart of her. 

[missnight0wl]

Jam City fused Y6 and Y7 - the analysis

So, I mentioned a couple of times in the past that the Statue Curse starting already in Y6 just doesn’t really make sense. I’ve been also discussing recently how Y6 is a hot mess to put it lightly, and one of the conversations with @nightingaletrash​ – who inspired that analysis with some of her ideas - made me realise that it really does feel like the current year in the game has content from two separate years. Because if you start to dig through that pile of rubbish, you kind of get two routes which make a little more sense on their own than what we’re seeing now. So… let’s get deeper into it. Why am I doing this? I mean, they fucked up so badly by now that it doesn’t really matter. But I dunno, I guess I just feel like organising something.

Oh, and just to give you a better picture of my thought process. The way I imagine how Jam City works right now is that they have the original concept for the story, but it’s still just a concept. Like, it has the main events and perhaps some details, but when they have to figure out things on their own, they get lost – hence all inconsistencies etc.

Now, without further ado, let’s discuss how those years should’ve looked like based on what we know already.

YEAR 6

All right, so I’m basically certain that Y6 was supposed to be dedicated to ONLY Rakepick, Jacob, and R (possibly also the Cabal and all that good juice in general). The funny thing here is that if the Statue Curse indeed wasn’t planned for Y6, it’d actually explain why Jacob didn’t ask about it even once. It always bothers me about him, to be honest. Not only it contradicts past Jacob (who was always worried about victims of the curses), but it’s also… pretty stupid? Like, dude. You want to catch Rakepick, she’s after the final vault, so by finding the vault, you’ll find Rakepick. Dontcha think that getting interested in the curse could be useful? But let’s start from the beginning.

So, Y6 starts pretty much the same. New Ben, angry Merula, “problems” with Beatrice, yadda yadda yadda… Then, we have the first change: Beatrice doesn’t find the petrified victim. We just go to the Divination class and get the prophecy. Trying to decipher it with the Weasleys inspires us to go to the Centaurs for help, and so we go on our gifts hunt (y’know, the herbs, the astronomy chart, and Hagrid’s Rock Cakes). We go to the Centaurs Camp. Then, we can throw some Haywoods drama in between (though I’d remove it….), we see a missing skull in the Artefact Room, so we follow Ben to Knockturn Alley. There, we meet Fletcher who tells us that the Wizard in White from Y5 is back. We talk about it with Dumbledore who suggests that the Wizard in White is from Mahoutokoro. Later, we meet with Charlie who also brings us to Bill’s surprise visit. Bill offers us (and our friends) private DADA lessons… but oh no! The twins are missing! We search for them, the Weasleys are extra worried because there might be SOME new curse at Hogwarts (remember, there’s no Statue Curse here). We finally find the twins, and they tell us that they followed Jacob – allegedly. This sends us on another hunt, this time after Jacob. We hear a lot of suspicious things about him (his weird behaviour at the Library and at the Flourish & Blotts), and finally, we find him in Knockturn Alley. Jacob tells us that R sent the assassin after us and Merula. We duel, and Jacob runs away again. We go back to Hogwarts, we meet Cedric (or not, because we don’t really need it), and BUM! Sickleworth with the White Quill! And so we chase that little rascal! Now, here’s another little change: when MC loses track of Sickleworth, they decide to go to the Hospital Wing because Rakepick might be trying to investigate the victims. Interestingly, it’s the ONLY time anybody talks about the possibility of her being interested in this, even though she paid a lot of attention to the victims of the Sleepwalking Curse and the Portrait Curse (so it has to be important from the curse-breaking point of view). Therefore, I’d say that it was a one-time fluke that Jam City remembered to mention that after the changes to the original concept…

All right, but we’re after Sickleworth again. He leads us to Jacob’s room where we also find Jacob himself. We ask him wtf is he doing there and how he even got in (like, aren’t we using Tulip’s lock anymore? anyone can enter there?). AND HERE’S WHERE WE START THE PLOT WITH THE MINISTRY HEIST. And I know what you’re going to say, BUT… I still believe that it was planned by Rakepick. Because look, there are just too many convenient coincidences on our way to find out about her Dark artefacts (allegedly required for the final vault) for it to ACTUALLY be a coincidence. As a reminder, this is how it goes:

After we get the White Quill from Sickleworth, Jacob wants to follow the Niffler to find Rakepick. He doesn’t let us go with him, but he let us go find the white owl (which is suspicious as fuck because dude believes that the White Quill was sent by R, so technically he sends us ALONE to find someone from R who has a white owl). Our investigation eventually leads us to the Hog’s Head Inn where Aberforth tells us that the white owl belongs to Rakepick (a reminder: Aberfoth was seen talking to Jacob before his expulsion). Like, just think about it for a moment: Rakepick was in the middle of a day in a very public place in Hogsmeade, where even students go occasionally, with A FREAKING WHITE OWL. She had to want to be followed. And so, we follow her to Knockturn Alley. There, Fletcher told us that Rakepick was angry, and that she needs some Dark artefacts from Hogwarts. Fletcher told us that. A guy who’s terrified of Rakepick. I mean, if those artefacts were really that important, Rakepick would tell Fletcher to not tell anyone about it, especially MC! And he’s too scared of her to not listen! (Also, another reminder: during our Legilimency session in Y5 with the Headmaster, we saw a memory of Dumbledore talking with Fletcher. Interesting coincidence, hm?) So again, we go back to Hogwarts, and we eventually go to Snape who - instead of telling us to get lost - informs us kindly that the artefacts were protected with some unknown magic. He also let us know that he passed them to Dumbledore. And what Dumbledore does? He tells us that the artefacts are in the Ministry. And look, Albus might be a jackass, but he’s not stupid. He knew that MC would try to break into the Ministry. So why he told us about it? Because for some reason, it’s important to both him and Rakepick that MC would get to those damn artefacts. I actually had a thought recently that it was the first attempt to let MC know about things we learnt in Y5Ch35 (more on that meeting: here).

Anyway, we start planning our heist, with an Invisibility Cloak (borrowed from Badeea because fuck you, Alistair) and all. Unfortunately, freaking Moody interrupts us and tell us about the escapee who’s after us. We assume that it’s the same assassin Jacob talked about. The school freaks out because of that – and NOT because of Madam Pomfrey getting petrified. We also sneak out at the Lakeshore because while there’s still no curse, we do have the Trident, so we can as well start searching around the Black Lake (because in this scenario, MC actually can use their brain cells, at least sometimes). We get “attacked” by the Wizard in White, and we get detention (or not because it was totally meaningless). In the meantime, Talbott tells us that he saw the white owl dropping a letter. We decipher the message about more White Quills, we go at the Lake to find them, we learn about Dementors coming to Hogwarts. Moody sells us his bullshit that Jacob saved us from the assassin, so we want to find our brother in his room, but instead, we find with Ben another Black Quill. THAT Black Quill addressed to Jacob about their meeting in the Forest Grove. We decide to go to that meeting. Rowan dies (or “dies”).

The events after Rowan’s death are pretty much the same, including the formation of the Circle of Khanna. We still have Charlie, Barnaby, and Liz working on creatures in the Black Lake, even though the curse is not active yet, but we have enough clues to suspect that (the Trident + MC actually remembers the note found in the Weird Sisters TLSQ about the Sunken Vault). One change: we confront Moody more strongly about where the hell was he. Because he was allegedly responsible for the Dementors at Hogwarts, so why he even still has his job? We also learn more about whether or not there’s any investigation, about Rowan’s parents etc. Alanza arrives, and here things are also pretty much the same so far. Bill convinces us to go back to the crime scene where we actually find the necklace – which was the obvious connection to the Ministry heist - or anything else important. We meet Torvus who tells us that Firenze has the interpretation of our prophecy, which is foreshadowing for our future confrontation with vault!Jacob (more here). Hearing about another loss, we feel the need to meet our brother. We go to Duncan, to the Boathouse, and we finally meet Jacob. We confront him about where the fuck he was when Rowan died, what happened with the assassin when he allegedly chased him, and what the fuck was it about with that letter which R wrote to him. He sells us some bullshit: that Rakepick manipulated him after his expulsion and that he went after the Cursed Vaults because he felt worthless, yadda yadda yadda. We call him out on that or we talk with someone else about it: that Jacob always wanted to protect his loved ones and Hogwarts, and that’s why he got involved with the Vaults. Therefore, what he’s saying now doesn’t make any sense. Then, our meeting with Jacob is interrupted by Beatrice in the Lake. Although, I’d personally remove that part as well as her whole chapter - unless we could learn from that something important about Y5. In its current form, it didn’t really add anything. But either way, this is the point when we went to Hagrid and Kettleburn to ask about Grindylows (Y6Ch28), which eventually led to the Whomping Willow. You know, that “the most stupid transition in the history of writing”:

creatures in the Black Lake -> Giant Squid -> big dangerous creatures -> big dangerous things -> Whomping Willow

But here’s something interesting.  George in his friendship activities has this question:

I assume it has to be a left-over from the original concept. Because it doesn’t really make sense for George to help us with that in the future if we’ve already spent time researching the Whomping Willow. So, I believe that George (or both twins) were supposed to help us with that part instead of Ben and Merula. Here’s my proposition:

After we confront Jacob about Rowan’s death, whether or not we find Beatrice in the Lake, we later meet George/the twins who told us that Jacob disappeared mysteriously around the Whomping Willow. It can be also connected to the Marauder’s Map. Let’s say that they confess that they saw it on the Map, and perhaps even when they went missing earlier this year, they didn’t actually see Jacob, but they saw his name on the Map. I mean, I assume that the Map had to return at some point in some way. Either way, it reminds MC that Jacob had some notes on the Whomping Willow in his room, we search for it with George, we also find some of Rowan’s notes. We go to the Whomping Willow, with the twins or someone else, and we find the Black Quill containing the message about the meeting at the Borgin and Burkes. And here’s where the big role is played by our team dedicated to spying:

I know that technically a lot of them take part in the whole action (Tonks, Jae, Andre), but it’s just bizarre to me that they weren’t addressed as THE TEAM who was created for situations like this. Also, Tulip wasn’t even included in any of that. I’m pretty sure that Jam City ignored it because they switched their focus to the Black Lake plot a little earlier, and they got fucking lost.

The rest can go pretty much the same: we find out about the mole etc. Except, WE STICK TO THAT. We find out that Merula who is the mole, and that leads us to the end of the year, with the conclusions about Jacob, Rakepick, R, and the connections between all of that.

YEAR 7

Of course, a lot depends on how Y6 would actually end, but in general, we have to put in here everything which we removed from Y6. So, shortly after the start of the new school year, someone (might be still Beatrice) finds the first victim of the Statue Curse. We put more focus on the “creatures team” (Charlie, Barnaby, Liz) who were slowly doing their research all that time, step by step. Badeea and Talbott also had more time to work on their map. Eventually, Madam Pomfrey gets petrified, so we have to speed up. We enter the Black Lake, we meet the Merwoman, and we move to the whole plot with music and the Weird Sisters. And the best in all of that is that the Maestro’s Music Shop in Hogsmeade is indeed a location unlocked in Y7:

So, it all fits perfectly.

I dunno, I feel that even if MC was still dumb and all, such separation of themes in Y6 makes things a little clearer, and simply makes more sense. Also, maybe it’s just me, but I feel like the inconsistencies happen more often in the subplots related to the final vault. For example, when Moody told us about the escapee, MC used their brain cells to figure out that it might be the same assassin Jacob talked about earlier. Kind of similar situation was when we found the necklace in the Forest before Rowan’s death: MC actually remembered that Rakepick’s Dark artefacts are supposed to be at the Ministry. But when it comes to the final vault, a lot of things are being repeated over and over again, MC didn’t remember that Pince and Binns already research the Merpeople, Alanza didn’t remember that we met the Weird Sisters a couple of chapters earlier etc. It’s as if the writers didn’t keep track of what they already moved from Y7...

I have no idea why they decided to mix everything up, though. They clearly don’t have a good grasp of the story, so no wonder we’re getting a hot mess. Again, why? Perhaps they’re buying some time before the grand reveal about Jacob/Rakepick/Rowan? It’s the only thing that comes to my mind, to be honest, though it’s still stupid. If you want to build up suspense among the players, we need some clues to what could really be happening etc. But no. They had in their notes to make Alanza mention that Rakepick smells like cinnamon, but it was too hard to figure out that maybe it’d be a good idea to use it in the context of her Polyjuice Potion etc. Sigh…

Anyway, we’re doomed – but it could’ve been not bad! Like, I didn’t really change much, just organised it a bit. And the weird thing is that mixing plots won’t create more content for them. It’d be the same in the length, just more confusing for everyone. I mean, they won’t manage to finish both plots (with R AND the final vault) by the end of Y6. One of them or both will have to be moved to Y7. So, it should’ve stayed separate, to begin with, if you ask me.

[jumukus]

A3! Translation: Muku Sakisaka’s SSR [Mankai Encore] - Encore: Florence

translation under the cut.

Kumon: Haa~...

Muku: The water feels so good…

Kazunari: Real onsen is indeed different!

Misumi: It has a nice element for the body~.

Tenma: I feel refreshed.

Yuki: It also has a nice atmosphere.

Kumon: A'ight… Take this, water gun attack!

Kazunari: Whoa!

Nice one, Kumopi! Okay, I'm gonna launch a counterattack!

Misumi: Me too! Me too~!

Kazunari: Let's attack Tenten too!

Tenma: Whoa!

Kumon: Ahaha! Tenma-san, nice reaction you have there!

Kazunari: You look good with the water dripping on you~.

Tenma: Damn y'all… Fine, take this!

Yuki: So noisy…

Muku: Fufu, they look like they're having fun.

Misumi: Say, say! Let's take turns washing each other's backs~!

Kazunari: Sounds great! Let's do it, guys!

Yuki: Keep in mind that we won't be able to go onstage if we slip and get injured.

Kumon: Got it!

Tenma: For crying out loud…

Kazunari: But man, given how nice this feels, it surely makes you wanna go on an onsen tour!

Muku: If I'm not mistaken, the health benefit for each onsen is different.

I've read this on a shoujo manga called "Let's Love ☆ Steaming Onsen". It's said that each onsen also has different types of water.

Tenma: I didn't know an onsen-themed manga exists…

Yuki: Makes me curious what kind of story it is.

Kazunari: Looks like there's also a place where we can do rafting nearby! Isn't that like, super interesting!?

Kumon: Rafting is that one activity where we cruise the river with a boat, right!? I wanna try it!

Misumi: It seems fun~!

Yuki: I got super tired just from hearing the description.

Kazunari: Don't say that, Yukki! C'mon, join us~!

Misumi: Let's do river rafting~!

Kumon: Oh, speaking of, didn't you say there's a place you wanna go to, Muku?

Tenma: Hm? Is that so?

Muku: Ehehe...yeah. The truth is, there's a place that I've been interested in--.

***

Izumi: Whoa…!

Kumon: Amazing~!

Kazunari: Dude, this castle is no joke!

Misumi: It looks like the one in fairytales~!

Tenma: It's a Muku-like place.

Muku: This place is used for the live-action adaptation of my favorite shoujo manga.

It's also used for other works so I'd like to go visit it once…

Izumi: That means, this place is like a holy land to Muku-kun.

Muku: Yes! Now that I see it in person, this castle is really beautiful…!

Izumi: (Muku-kun looks so happy. His eyes are sparkling.)

Kazunari: Hey, guys, look! The people over there are walking around in a dress and a suit!

Misumi: They look like a princess and a prince~.

Muku: You can borrow costumes and experience being a princess here.

Kazunari: In that case, why don't you try wearing one, Muku!?

Yuki: Not experiencing being a princess, but a prince.

Tenma: And it's not everyday that you get to wear costumes at a real castle.

Izumi: Even though you can be a prince on the stage, it's not like we can build a real castle like this to accompany you.

Muku: But… But since we're all here, I'd like to…

Yuki: Oh, please. A group of men walking around in suits will stand out like a sore thumb.

Kazunari: It's okay! We're fine just seeing you in a prince costume, Mukkun!

Misumi: Prince Muku~!

Kumon: How about we play rock, paper scissors and the loser has to accompany muku in a dress!?

Kazunari: Sounds great! It seems fun!

Tenma: Huuh!? We can just have Director-san wear it.

Izumi: Huh!? No, I'm fine, guys.

Yuki: Besides, it'd be more interesting if you guys wear one.

Kazunari: That's it~!

Misumi: You won't wear one, Yuki~?

Yuki: There'll be no damage even if I wear one.

Tenma: Ugh--.

Muku: But is it really okay to decide it with rock paper scissors?

Kazunari: No problem☆ Let's do it right away!

Summer Troupe: Rock paper…

Kumon: Uuhh…

Tenma: That's your karma for bringing it up.

Yuki: Do you really have to be that arrogant?

Kazunari: Kumopi, you're totes adorbs! Let's take some snaps for commemoration!

Misumi: It looks good on you, Kumon~!

Izumi: While you still look very much like a boy, you guys sure go all out with the wig, huh.

Muku: Kyu, Kyu-chan, I'm sorry…

Kumon: ...You don't need to. I'm gonna try to be a princess that is perfect for you!

Muku: Kyu-chan…! Me too, then. I'll escort you properly!

Misumi: Good luck, you two~!

Yuki: The heck is this?

Kumon: Okaay! I'll do my best to be princess-like…

--Huh, whoa! Walking in heels is so hard…

Izumi: Kumon-kun, close your legs a little bit more and try to walk on your toes.

Kumon: Huh, like this? Oh, I think it's a little bit easier than earlier!

Izumi: That's right, you're doing great! If you pay attention to this, the way you walk will also look beautiful.

Kumon: I see!

Muku: Shall we go, then, princess?

Kumon: I shall be in your care, my prince!

Tenma: Why do you have to speak like that…*

Izumi: (Fufu. This is somehow heartwarming.)

Muku: Be careful, Kyu-chan. There's a steps here.

Kumon: Thanks, Muku.

My legs are already killing me… Makes me realize how amazing girls are to be able to walk in heels.

Muku: It's even more amazing since there are people who can actually run in heels.

Oh, Kyu-chan. Do you have a moment?

Kumon: What's up?

Muku: This is the place where the hero and heroine met in the drama.

Kumon: Heh, I see!

In that case, let's take a pic that Kazu-san--huh?

Muku: ...Don't tell me we got separated?

Kumon: What, what should we do? Sorry, this is because I'm walking slowly…

Muku: No, it's totally fine. Let's take our time.

Kumon: …

Muku: Kyu-chan?

Kumon: Muku is really a prince. You're a kind and cool prince that is loved by everyone!

I'm so happy that I can meet your Prince Florence again!

Muku: Kyu-chan…

Me too! I have a lot of fun performing with your Broto.

Kumon: Hehe, glad to hear that. Let's do our best for the repeat performance, Your Highness!

Misumi: Ah~! Muku and Kumon are here~!

Tenma: I thought you got lost.

Yuki: They're not you, duh.

Izumi: Sorry, we were busy searching for a place to shoot we ended up getting separated…

Kazunari: I've found a suppeeeeer Instagrammable spot over there! Let's take the snap there!

Kumon: Okay!

Izumi: Kumon-kun, are your legs not hurt? Can you keep going?

Misumi: Shall I carry you, Kumon~?

Yuki: How about Muku do it?

Muku: Huh!? I-I don't know if I can do it…

Kumon: I'm, I'm fine!

Izumi: (Thank goodness they looked like they were having fun.)

***

Izumi: Phew, the dress rehearsal ended without any problems! All that's left is the show…

Muku: Ah… Since I'm such a frozen ham, I may cause you all troubles by standing in the wrong position…

Kumon: Me too… What if I go onstage without my cloak…

Izumi: Looks like their pessimism has been activated, huh…

Tenma: You're nervous again? Seriously?

Yuki: Just get used to it already.

Misumi: You'll be alright~! You'll be alright~!

Kazunari: Let's take on the stage with full motivation!

Muku: You, you're right.

Tenma: So, what are we gonna do for our huddle today?

Kumon: Both of us came up with something again!

Muku: First, put one of your hand forward… Like you're asking for a dance with the princess!

Yuki: Oh my god, not the cringy stuff again…

Kazunari: That's totes prince-like!

Misumi: As expected of Muku~.

Kumon: Let's go, Muku!

Muku: Yep!

--Alright, let's go! Let's go find the flower of destiny!

T/N: Kumon actually uses the typical suffix wa which is usually used by females hence why Tenma is questioning his way of speaking.

Izumi: (During Florence's journey to find his ideal bride along with his retainer Broto, he helped Rose who got caught in a trap.)

Florence: “Look, you're fine now. Your wound is slight, fortunately.”

Rose: "Tell me, which part of this is fine? And what's with this floral print bandage?"

Florence: "This is a custom bandage that is developed by the royal family household's bandage brand. It's both practical and beautiful."

Rose: "Does it really need to be this flashy?"

Broto: "It's not."

Izumi: (Both Muku-kun and Kumon-kun are finally relaxed after releasing their tension with the huddle just now. Even Yuki-kun is doing great.)

(Muku-kun's gesture and movements are also more refined and beautiful than before.)

***

Izumi: (Florence arrives in the East Country to propose to a woman of unmatched beauty…)

Florence: "So this is the castle of the East Country. It's really big."

Linkle: "Not as big as mine, though."

Florence: "...You are? I suppose you're living in an extremely big castle."

Linkle: "I'm the second prince of Star Country, Linkle. Fufu. I never knew such a short prince like you does exist."

Florence: "That's right. I'm sure you've never seen such a short and beautiful prince like me, right?"

Shine: "What an overconfident prince."

Florence: "Who are you?"

Shine: "I'm the first prince of Moon Country, Shine."

Florence: "Nice to meet you. I'm Florence from Flower Country."

Sunny: "My name is Sunny. Keep that in mind."

Rose: "...The princes are all weird."

Broto: "I think so too."

Izumi: (Tenma-kun and the others are doing great from the start. They're able to bring out each prince's personalities well.)

***

Izumi: (In order to break the princess' curse, Florence heads to the Moon Country to search for moondrops that can grant your wish.)

Shine: "Are you looking for the moondrops? You'll get there faster if you use the path over there."

Florence: "I see! Thank you. I'm wondering if it's all right for us to take the left path?"

Shine: "You can. I shall go over there--."

Florence: "Wait a minute! I have no idea where to go after that."

Shine: "Turn right at the end of the road…"

Florence: "Then, after that…"

Shine: "You sure are asking in detail, huh. Do you perhaps have no sense in direction?"

Florence: "You are actually right. Thank you for telling me the way."

Broto: "This is my first time hearing such a thing, though."

Rose: "This is making me worried all of sudden."

***

Izumi: (By the time they arrive at the place, the moondrops have already been taken by the Moon Prince. That is when they realize that he purposely made them take a detour to buy him more time.)

(They are now heading to the Sun Country to look for the stone that can grant any wishes…)

Sunny: "See, look at this. They're all the sa--."

Florence: "Whoaaah!?"

Broto: "It's shining so brightly!"

Sunny: "This is--."

Florence: "Is this perhaps the stone of the sun!?"

"I have no doubt about it… It's so dazzling just like me!"

Broto: "I can't believe you're still acting like this even during this time…"

Florence: "On a second thought, I was wrong. It's not as dazzling as my beauty."

Sunny: "Quit it with the whole dazzling thing!"

Izumi: (Florence and the others' next destination is the Star Country. In this country, it's said that there's a sand of the star that can grant your wishes if you sprinkle it to the ground.)

(Florence manages to get his hand on the said item, but Linkle appears after that--.)

Linkle: "Say, can you give me that sand of the star?"

"To tell you the truth, my mother got sick. She won't live much longer. I could help my mother if I have the sand of the star."

Florence: "Your mother!? That's awful! You should give this to your mother immediately, of course."

***

Izumi: (Following a fight with Rose that prompts them to part ways, Florence returns to his home country.)

(There, his parents tell him about the existence of a dream flower that can grant any wish if you drink its nectar--.)

Florence: "It's here! It's here, Broto!"

Broto: "I've never thought that we had such a thing this near. With this, we can break the princess of East Country's--."

Florence: "I wish I could reconcile with Rose--."

Broto: "...Huh?"

Rose: "Are you stupid!?"

Florence: "Rose!?"

Rose: "That's dangerous! What are you doing!? You won't be able to break the curse if you use the dream flower for something like that!”

Florence: "But I wanted to reconcile with Rose no matter what."

***

Izumi: (After reconciling with Rose, Florence is summoned by the king of the East Country.)

(The other princes are not able to break the curse. However, Florence manages to do it by using the power of the dream flower--.)

Florence: "...Huh?"

King of East Country: "Thanks to you, Prince Florence, the curse of my beautiful princess has finally been broken. I'll let you be the princess' husband!"

Florence: "Rose…?"

"Rose is actually the princess?"

Rose: "The witch's curse turned me into a young boy."

Broto: "I see, so that explains everything."

Florence: "You knew it, Broto!?"

Broto: "There aren't any young boys whose names are 'Rose', see?"

Florence: "I totally thought it's such a sparkling name…"

Rose: "A conceited, good-natured and naive person like you will be hopeless if you don't have a clever wife like me."

"I have no choice, then. I'll marry you. You should be grateful."

***

Muku: Thank you for coming today, beautiful princess.

Summer Troupe: Thank you!

Audience Member A: That was interesting~!

Audience Member B: My heart skipped a beat after listening to Muku-kun's curtain calls greetings!

Audience Member C: Mood! I feel like he's gotten cooler than before…!

Izumi: (Compared to the first run, this performance has improved in terms of perfection. It's proof that they all have also improved.)

***

Izumi: Nice work right there, guys! It was really good!

Muku: Nice work. I was nervous, but… I'm glad I could play Florence again after a long time.

Kumon: Same! I had so much fun playing Broto!

Misumi: You were cool, Muku~.

Yuki: I think we wrapped up the show well.

Kazunari: I guess doing an escort was worth it in the end!

Muku: Ehehe…

Tenma: But make sure not to let your guard down. We still have more shows to come.

Muku: Yup!

Kumon: I shall support Prince Florence tomorrow as well!

Muku: Fufu. I'm counting on you, Broto.

[rwby-redux]

Meta Content

The Kingdoms: Etymology

To be added onto or altered.

Names bear significance; that goes without saying. When applied to locations, they convey historic, demographic, geographic, or linguistic information about the area. In works of fiction, that significance can be extended beyond the in-universe context of the story, and provide function from a meta perspective. Be it foreshadowing, allusions, or tongue-in-cheek wordplay, a writer can do quite a bit with etymology.

With few exceptions, most of the placenames used in the Redux will be derived from real-world languages. Locations on this list include capitals, major cities, minor settlements (small cities, towns, villages), Huntsman outposts, and Atlesian military bases.

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Kingdom of Vale

ASTYSTRAG

Etymology: From the Latin words astȳ, “city,” + strāgēs (gen. strāgis), strag-, “slaughter.” Translation: city of slaughter.

Explanation: Its name refers to its destruction at the claws of the Grimm.

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AVONFORD

Etymology: From the Middle Breton word avon, “river,” + the Old English word ford, “crossing.” Translation: crossing at the river.

Explanation: Avonford was named for its placement between the cities of Petrichor and Vellichor. In order to travel between the two, most people going over land usually cross the Jet River at Avonford.

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BATO

Etymology: Bato derives its name from a character in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Explanation: The character Bato in A:TLA was wounded in a skirmish with Fire Nation soldiers, and was forced to remain behind at an abbey in the northwestern Earth Kingdom. The abbey was a major exporter of organic perfumes and oils. In the Redux, residents of Bato extract natural oils and dyes from the alikophytic (red-foliaged) plants of Forever Fall, and use them to produce perfumes, soaps, incenses, and food colorings.

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BELPONT STATION

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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CITY OF VALE

Etymology: From the Middle English word vale, borrowed from Old French val and derived from Latin vallis, “valley.”

Explanation: Vale’s name could have originally been intended as a reference to the geography of the city—specifically, the forked body of water overlooked by Beacon Academy. (Technically speaking, the steep-sided cliffs would classify it as a fjord rather than a river valley.) Alternatively, Vale is a deliberate misspelling of veil, a thin material worn to conceal one’s face. The etymology is tentatively reinforced by Patch’s name, suggesting a potential theme of naming landmarks in the Kingdom of Vale after fabrics.

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ELDEGOSS

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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FORT DERECHO

Etymology: Named in-universe after one of the five aspects, or Huntsman saints.

Explanation: Several of the names used by the Huntsman outposts were chosen to honor their predecessors. Named after Derecho, the Hunter.

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FORT KITTIWAKE

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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GYDEN

Etymology: From the Old English word gyden, “goddess,” possibly descended from Proto-Germanic gudinjō. The pronunciation of gyden is also meant to be evocative of Gaia, the Greek personification of the Earth and the ancestral mother of all life.

Explanation: Gyden was named because it sits at the mouth of Jonyu Cave, where the Ancient Sanorum people believed that the first humans emerged. The primary monotheistic religion of Vale is centered around the worship of a mother goddess who embodies the earth. (Hence why the nearby mountain is called the Womb of the World.)

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KEEP OF THE BROKEN SPEAR

Etymology: From the Old English word cēpan, “to keep an eye on.” Synonymous with Old French donjon.

Explanation: This Huntsman outpost was named after the noteworthy armaments borne by a famous warrior long ago.

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KEEP OF THE TATTERED CLOAK

Etymology: From the Old English word cēpan, “to keep an eye on.” Synonymous with Old French donjon.

Explanation: This Huntsman outpost was named after the noteworthy armaments borne by a famous warrior long ago.

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LOWER CAIRN

Etymology: From the Scottish Gaelic word càrn, “heap of stones.”

Explanation: Cairns are rounded or conical piles of stones often used as landmarks or trail-markers for travelers. More traditionally, it refers to sepulchral monuments erected by early inhabitants of the British Isles. Lower Cairn’s name is therefore likely foreshadowing of its destruction prior to the Fall of Vale.

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MOUNTAIN GLENN

Etymology: A stylized misspelling of the Middle English word glen, borrowed from Irish gleann, “a secluded and narrow valley, especially one with a river running through it.”

Explanation: Mountain Glenn’s name, much like Lower Cairn’s, is likely meant to reinforce the theme of landmarks in Vale being named after geological terms.

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OLD FARON

Etymology: Named in-universe after one of the five aspects, or Huntsman saints.

Explanation: Several of the names used by the Huntsman outposts were chosen to honor their predecessors. Named after Faron, the Warrior.

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ONETHROTU

Etymology: Translated from the Redux conlang Old Valin-Vacuose; from dagu ónethrótu, “city of the defender.”

Explanation: This theocratic city-state was named in honor of its mythic founder, Nóvu Órdéu. A demigod-like figure who, according to legend, was discovered by farmers as a young girl, sealed within a massive Dust crystal. Eastern Sanorum mythology claims that when she was released from the prism, she was imbued with the Dust’s elemental powers, and gained the ability to wield magic. Onethrotu’s name comes from an old belief that if the city were ever in mortal peril, she would rise again from the grave to defend it. Of course, as many skeptics are fond of pointing out, Onethrotu is now gone, destroyed by Grimm long ago.

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PATCH

Etymology: Of uncertain origin; disputed. From the Middle English word patche, pacche, potentially an alteration of placche, “spot,” derived from Proto-Germanic *plakjō, “spot, stain.”

Explanation: If Vale’s canonical name is meant to be a homonym of veil, then patch (a piece of cloth meant to mend or strengthen a torn point) would reinforce the theme of Vale’s landmarks being named after fabrics.

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PERIIT

Etymology: From the Latin word pereō (active perf. periit), “to pass away; to ruin.” Translation: it has passed away; it has been ruined. [Note: The third-person passive perfect peritum est should have been used instead of the active perfect periit. Despite the grammatical error, periit was kept because it flowed better when spoken aloud.]

Explanation: Its name refers to its destruction at the claws of the Grimm.

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PETRICHOR

Etymology: From the Greek words πέτρα (pétra), petr(o)-, “stone,” + ῑ̓χώρ (īkhṓr), the liquid that flows through the veins of the gods instead of blood. Coined by Richard Grenfell Thomas in his 1964 article “Nature of Argillaceous Odour.”

Explanation: Petrichor is the damp, earthy scent that accompanies the first rain after a long, warm, dry spell. Petrichor was named such for two reasons. Firstly, to maintain its phonetic similarity to Vellichor; and secondly, because Petrichor is located at the mouth of the Jet River, across 60 small islands within an enclosed bay.

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SINDEGOSS

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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SUMIRE

Etymology: From the Japanese word スミレ (sumire), a species of violet (Viola mandshurica) native to eastern Asia.

Explanation: In a departure from Vale’s canonical naming conventions, Sumire’s name bears closer resemblance to settlements in Mistral (which are also named after flowers). In hanakotoba (Japanese floriography), violets denote honesty.

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TIDEWATCH

Etymology: A compound of the English words tide + watch.

Explanation: A Huntsman outpost named for its proximity to the Goetic Sea.

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TORDEGOSS

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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VELLICHOR

Etymology: From The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows - “the strange wistfulness of used bookstores, which are somehow infused with the passage of time.” [1]

Explanation: Vellichor was named such for two reasons. Firstly, to maintain its phonetic similarity to Petrichor; and secondly, because Vellichor is home to the Socotran Library, the largest collection of books on Remnant.

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Kingdom of Mistral

AKEPONT

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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AMENEUROSIS

Etymology: From The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows - “the half-forlorn, half-escapist ache of a train whistle calling in the distance at night.” [2]

Explanation: Ameneurosis is the settlement where Oscar Pine comes from. It was named such to not only reference his canon departure from home via train, but to also capture his emotional state—a combination of homesickness and willful resolve to leave behind the life he knew for the unknowns lying ahead.

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ARGUS

Etymology: From the Latinized Greek word  Ἄργος (Árgos).

Explanation: Argus is a name ascribed to many figures in Greek mythology—the king of Argos; the giant with a hundred eyes; the faithful dog of Odysseus; one of the Argonauts; and so on.

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CHAMENOS

Etymology: From the Greek word χαμένος (chaménos), “lost, defeated.”

Explanation: Its name refers to its destruction by the Grimm.

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CITY OF MISTRAL

Etymology: From the French word mistral, borrowed from Old Occitan maestral and derived from Latin magistrālis, “of or pertaining to a master, expert, or teacher.”

Explanation: Mistrals are strong, cold, northwesterly winds that blow from southern France into the Gulf of Lion. The capital set the precedent for other settlements being named after types of wind.

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DÜAHÞ

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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ETESIA

Etymology: From the Latin word estesius, derived from Greek ἐτήσιος (etḗsios), “annual.”

Explanation: Etesians are dry, north winds which blow in the eastern Mediterranean. In keeping with the theme of Mistral’s name, Etesia was named after a type of wind.

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FOEHN

Etymology: From the German word Föhn, derived from Latin favōnius, “west wind.”

Explanation: Foehns are dry, warm, down-slope winds that occur on the lee side of mountain ranges. In keeping with the theme of Mistral’s name, Foehn was named after a type of wind.

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FORT NUBUCK

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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HIGANBANA

Etymology: From the Japanese word ヒガンバナ (higanbana), “red spider lily.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Mistral bear the distinction of being named after flowers. In hanakotoba (Japanese floriography), red spider lilies denote lost memories and abandonment.

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KENOPSIA

Etymology: From The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows - “the eerie, forlorn atmosphere of a place that’s usually bustling with people but is now abandoned and quiet.” [3]

Explanation: Its name refers to its destruction at the claws of the Grimm.

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KUCHINASHI

Etymology: From the Japanese word クチナシ (kuchinashi), “gardenia.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Mistral bear the distinction of being named after flowers. In hanakotoba (Japanese floriography), gardenias denote secret love.

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KUEBIKO

Etymology: From The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows - “a state of exhaustion inspired by acts of senseless violence, which force you to revise your image of what can happen in this world.” [4] This definition is derived in turn from the Shinto kami of Japanese mythology, who is personified as a scarecrow.

Explanation: Its name refers to its destruction at the claws of the Grimm.

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KUROYURI

Etymology: From the Japanese word クロユリ (kuroyuri), “rice lily.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Mistral bear the distinction of being named after flowers. In hanakotoba (Japanese floriography), rice lilies denote both love and curses.

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LOST OZIEL

Etymology: Named in-universe after one of the five aspects, or Huntsman saints.

Explanation: Several of the names used by the Huntsman outposts were chosen to honor their predecessors. Named after Oziel, the Scholar.

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NORTHMARCH

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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ONIYURI

Etymology: From the Japanese word オニユリ (oniyuri), “tiger lily.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Mistral bear the distinction of being named after flowers. In hanakotoba (Japanese floriography), tiger lilies denote wealth.

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OROSHI

Etymology: From the Japanese word おろし (oroshi), “down wind.”

Explanation: Oroshis are katabatic winds, which carry high-density air from a higher elevation down a slope under the force of gravity. In keeping with the theme of Mistral’s name, Oroshi was named after a type of wind.

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PINEWATCH

Etymology: A compound of the English words pine + watch.

Explanation: A Huntsman outpost named for its location within Snowbound Forest.

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RABENDA

Etymology: From the Japanese word ラベンダー (rabendā), “lavender.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Mistral bear the distinction of being named after flowers. In hanakotoba (Japanese floriography), lavenders denote faithfulness.

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SHANLIN REDOUBT

Etymology: From the Chinese word 山林 (shānlín), “a forested, mountainous area.” Similar to Japanese さんりん (sanrin).

Explanation: Shanlin Redoubt was named for its position along the Great Crescent Road, in the deciduous mountain region that makes up the Hinoki Pass.

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SHION

Etymology: From the Japanese word シオン (shion), “aster.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Mistral bear the distinction of being named after flowers. In hanakotoba (Japanese floriography), asters denote remembrance.

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SIROCCO

Etymology: From the Italian word scirocco, “south-east wind,” derived from Greek ἔξαλος (éxalos), “out of the sea.”

Explanation: Siroccos are Mediterranean winds that originate in the Sahara. In keeping with the theme of Mistral’s name, Sirocco was named after a type of wind.

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SKIRON

Etymology: Name taken from the Scironian rocks, a geographical feature to the west of Athens. 

Explanation: Skiron was one of the wind gods (the Anemoi) of Greek mythology who personified the northeastern winds. In keeping with the theme of Mistral’s name, Skiron was named after a deity associated with a cardinal direction.

-

TALUS

Etymology: From the French word talus, “slope, embankment.”

Explanation: The settlement was named for the stony accumulations—or scree—that come from the volcanic activity of Blackmount.

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WIND PATH

Etymology: From the English words wind + path.

Explanation: Wind Path is arguably the most literal example of Mistral’s naming theme.

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Kingdom of Atlas

CHEQUER

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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CITY OF ATLAS

Etymology: From the Greek name Ἄτλας (Átlas), “Bearer of the Heavens,” descended from τλῆναι (tlênai), “to suffer, endure, or bear.”

Explanation: While an atlas more commonly refers to a collection of maps within a book, the capital was undoubtedly named for the eponymous Titan. As punishment for warring against the Olympains, Atlas was condemned to bear the weight of the sky upon his shoulders forever. The connection is strengthened by the City of Atlas being literally suspended in the sky, with Mantle’s worse-off citizens having to bear the metaphorical weight of the capital upon their shoulders.

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EVADNE

Etymology: From the Latinized Greek name Εὐάδνη (Euádnē).

Explanation: Evadne is a name ascribed to many figures in Greek mythology, including the wife of King Argus. Evadne’s name was chosen to compliment the canon city Argus, given that both are seaports which facilitate trade between Mistral and Atlas.

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ÍSSVANGAR

Etymology: From the Old Norse words íss, “ice,” + vangr, “field.” Translation: fields of ice.

Explanation: This maximum-security prison/military base is named for its location in the desolate, frozen wastes of Solitas. Íssvangar is also a play-on-words/nod to two other works of media—Isengard, the fortress in The Lord of the Rings where Gandalf was held captive; and Bolvangar, the facility from His Dark Materials where children were detained and experimented on.

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MANTLE

Etymology: From either the Old English word mæntel, mentel, “sleeveless cloak,” or from the Gaulish word mantos, mantalos, “trodden road.” 

Explanation: There are multiple proposed explanations for Mantle’s name: [1] A mantle could refer to a sleeveless garment, such as a cloak, adorned over other articles of clothing. This is perhaps a reference to the harsh climate of the region, and how it was historically necessary for settlers to wear layers for insulation. [2] Figuratively, a mantle symbolizes authority or leadership, and perhaps (ironically) alludes to how Atlas displaced Mantle’s leadership after the capital was changed post-Great War. [3] If one assumes that Mantle’s namesake is the Gaulish etymology, then it could be argued that Mantle is a downtrodden city. [4] By far the least likely source, but it’s possible that Mantle’s name is a reference to the Mantle of Arthur, one of the Welsh Thlws ar Ddeg Ynys Prydain (“Thirteen Treasures of the British Isles”). One of these treasures is a cloak (or mantle) that renders the wearer invisible and allows them to move about unseen, while giving them the power to stealthily observe others. In one story, the cloak is used by an assassin to overthrow a kingdom, by eliminating the stewards from the shadows. And much like in the canon, Arthur Watts hides in plain sight by hacking Mantle’s security, so that he can spy on its citizens, execute people, and overthrow the Kingdom of Atlas.

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ROWANSTED

Etymology: From the English word rowan, a species of tree, + the Old English word stede, -sted, “place, spot, locality.” Translation: rowan’s place.

Explanation: Rowansted was named after its founder (a man from Old Mantle named Rowan). The name is also a reference to Rorikstead from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

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SOLAIRE KEEP

Etymology: Named in-universe after one of the five aspects, or Huntsman saints.

Explanation: Several of the names used by the Huntsman outposts were chosen to honor their predecessors. Named after Solaire, the Arbiter.

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Kingdom of Vacuo

AMATHOS

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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CITY OF VACUO

Etymology: From the Latin word vacuus (abl. vacuō), a shortening of in vacuō, “in isolation.”

Explanation: Vacuo’s name is potentially a reference to the dispersal of people across the kingdom—specifically, how the inhospitable desert isolates sedentary populations from each other.

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COQUINA

Etymology: From the Spanish word coquina, “cockle,” derived from Latin concha, “bivalve, mollusk.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Vacuo bear the distinction of being named after minerals and rocks. In geology, coquina refers to a sedimentary rock (a poorly-consolidated limestone) composed of shell fragments.

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THE EYRIE

Etymology: From either the Old English word ei (pl. eire), “egg,” or aire, an obsolete spelling of air.

Explanation: The Eyrie—a coastal city supported by several massive sequoia—was appropriately named after the nest of a bird of prey.

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FELDSPAR

Etymology: From the German word Feldspat, “field spar.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Vacuo bear the distinction of being named after minerals and rocks. In geology, feldspar refers to rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that crystalize from magma.

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FORT IOSEFKA

Etymology: Named in-universe after one of the five aspects, or Huntsman saints.

Explanation: Several of the names used by the Huntsman outposts were chosen to honor their predecessors. Named after Iosefka, the Guide.

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GOSSAN

Etymology: Of uncertain origin; disputed. Either from Cornish miners’ slang, or from the German word gießen (1PL/3PL pl. pret. gossen), “poured, cast, founded.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Vacuo bear the distinction of being named after minerals and rocks. In geology, gossan refers to rock that has been intensely oxidized, weathered, or corroded.

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KENYTE

Etymology: Formed from the words Kenya (from Kikuyu kere nyaga, “white mountain”), + -ite (from Latin -ītēs), a suffix used to create nouns denoting rocks or minerals.

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Vacuo bear the distinction of being named after minerals and rocks. In geology, kenyte refers to porphyritic phololite/trachyte rock with rhomb-shaped phenocrysts.

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LAST STAND

Etymology: From the English words last + stand.

Explanation: Last Stand was retroactively renamed for its significance as the final battlefield of the Great War. Because the fortress is located in Vacuo’s deserts, it’s sometimes called last sand.

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OXEBAY ISLAND

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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RHYOLITE

Etymology: From the Greek words ῥέω (rhéō), “flow,” + λίθος (líthos), -lite, “stone.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Vacuo bear the distinction of being named after minerals and rocks. In geology, rhyolite refers to extrusive igneous rock formed from silica-rich magma.

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ROCKPORT

Etymology: A compound of the English words rock + port.

Explanation: Rockport is Vacuo’s naming conventions taken to its literal conclusion—in this case, a coastal city named for the word rock itself, rather than a type of rock.

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SCHIST

Etymology: From the French word schiste, derived from Latin schistos lapis, “stone that is easy to split apart.”

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Vacuo bear the distinction of being named after minerals and rocks. In geology, schist refers to metamorphic rock formed from mudstone or shale.

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SEAGLASS

Etymology: A stylized misspelling of sea glass, a shard of broken bottle, tableware, and such that has been physically and chemically weathered by the ocean.

Explanation: Seaglass’ name is meant to be evocative of white-sand beaches, warm sunshine, and vibrant colors. It reinforces Vacuo’s naming theme (with glass being made primarily of silica, which composes the mineral quartz) while capturing the feel of a coastal resort town.

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STONEHOLD

Etymology: A compound of the English words stone + hold.

Explanation: A Huntsman outpost named for its proximity to the Sandshield Mountains.

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TUFF

Etymology: From the French word tuffe, tuf, derived from Latin tōfus, a type of rock.

Explanation: Many canonical settlements in Vacuo bear the distinction of being named after minerals and rocks. In geology, tuff refers to rock made of volcanic ash that was ejected from a vent during an eruption.

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Menagerie, Autonomous Nation

CELINE

Etymology: From the French name Céline, derived from Latin caelum, “heaven, sky.”

Explanation: After Dun Obel was established, someone pitched the idea of exploring Menagerie’s interior to verify the existence of habitable land. To avoid the risk of heat exhaustion from the arid desert, the expedition group embarked at the tail-end of the wet season. To their surprise, a massive 9,000 km2 lake lay at the center of the red sand dunes. That sense of elation quickly evaporated (much like the lake eventually did) when they realized it was endorheic, and that the salinity dehydrated those who attempted to drink from it. The expedition was undeterred, however, and soon they discovered a second, alternative water source: an aquifer north of the lake. Boreholes allowed the group to tap the basin without need of pumps, and for a time, Celine seemed a viable settlement. That was, until, a wildfire wiped it out less than a year later, and the remaining survivors were picked off by opportunistic Grimm. With how quickly each stroke of fortune was undone, Celine was named somewhat ironically—that is, its “heavenly” qualities were simply too good to be true.

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DUN ASHAI

Etymology: Translated from the Redux conlang Arcadian; from dun ashai, “city of cicadas.”

Explanation: Dun Ashai was named for the trilling songs of the native cicadas.

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DUN OBEL [Kuo Kuana]

Etymology: Translated from the Redux conlang Arcadian; from dun obel, “first city.”

Explanation: When settled by Faunus after the Great War ended, the first immigrants decided to name their cities in their native language. It was a way of embracing their cultural identity, and helping newcomers feel safe about expressing themselves, without fear of persecution. Dun Obel, the capital, was named for its distinction of being Menagerie’s first settlement.

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DUN PAROR

Etymology: Translated from the Redux conlang Arcadian; from dun paror, “verdant city.”

Explanation: Dun Paror was named for the lush, subtropical foliage native to the area.

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RORQUAL

Etymology: Information not currently available.

Explanation: Information not currently available.

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THALASSION

Etymology: From the Greek word θᾰ́λᾰσσᾰ (thálassa), “sea.”

Explanation: Thalassion was named in acknowledgment of being Remnant’s sole underwater city.

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[1] Koenig, John. The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. “Vellichor.” Tumblr post. August 03, 2013. [https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/post/57250260260/vellichoria]

[2] Koenig, John. The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. ��Ameneurosis.” Tumblr post. December 05, 2009. [https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/post/270837880/ameneurosis]

[3] Koenig, John. The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. “Kenopsia.” Tumblr post. July 21, 2012. [https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/post/27720773573/kenopsia]

[4] Koenig, John. The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. “Kuebiko.” Tumblr post. December 08, 2012. [https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/post/38066056235/kuebiko]

[lost-eternity]

Matchup Requests: CLOSED

Match up request for: @ imightsecretlybeadragon

Okie dokie. I match you with...

I love your tag name, hun

I had to ship you with Sherlock himself 

I was originally considering Mycroft but he honestly can't handle spontaneity 

That's more Sherlock's thing

Although the number of hobbies you have tried your hand at, only to drop most of them, tells me that you grow bored easily and hence need things to occupy your time

So does Sherlock. Except his methods of quelling boredom are not nearly as tame as candle making. 

He'll keep you on your toes

I also considered Mary as a potential match but finding information on her online is incredibly scarce, for some reason. RIP

I believe that your ambition, drive, and willingly to throw reason to the wind and embark on thoughtless adventures is the perfect reason why you would mesh so well with Sherlock Holmes. You would totally be willing to jump out of windows or attempt crazy experiments with him instead of judgmentally staring as most would

As much as Sherlock enjoys John's company, he cannot handle people asking him questions all of the time

Either they need to be on the same level as him- or shut up and do as he says until he reveals his thought process in some theatrical way

While you may not be able to under exactly where that man's mind is at, you are definitely smart enough to understand the general gist and decide for yourself whether or not you want to follow through 

Because sometimes Sherlock really needs someone to look him in the eye and say "no". Instead of passively being yanked around like a dog on a leash.

Both of you have a habit of becoming so engrossed in your work that you forfeit biological functions like sleep. Sherlock really appreciates your understanding in regards to this because he knows that you will not disturb him. 

But when he is going on three days without sleeping or eating, your more nurturing side will step in, force him to rest and give that man some damn sustenance.

Which is why I feel like you would work very well with him. You know when to back off and give him the space he needs, but you aren't complaining like him because you also know when the is challenging the limits of what his human body can handle and will step in to make sure he actually takes care of himself

Like, dude. Take a freaking shower, you both look and smell like a writhing sack of horseshit 

Sherlock would probably find your tendency to be loud quite intrusive. He claims that "even your thoughts are loud. I can feel you thinking. Stop that." And promptly kick you out of the room

Try not to be too offended by him

He is like a toddler. He doesn't know any better

But feel free to give him a scalding tongue lashing afterwards

Sherlock would never admit it, but he does genuinely care for you. And it can sometimes be hard to tell. He constantly berates and criticizes you. But only because he is worrying over your well being and gets super mad if you do sometimes that puts your life in danger. Sherlock can't even bear the thought of losing you, and like everything else he doesn't like, he chooses to ignore or "delete" it. So when that fear becomes a reality,  he flips out, masquerading his concern as anger. Because he does not want to appear weak

His criticism comes from a well meaning place. He genuinely wants you to improve and do the best you can in life to become successful, he is just piss poor and phrasing. Instead his critiques come off as purely negative. You may have to remind him of this and he would be quick albeit awkward to correct. 

If you show him a painting:

"No, the lines are all wrong. The focal point should be here, but because you used 45° angles, the focal point ends up down here."

Cue an unamused look from you

"What? Oh... uh. Y-your use of colour palate is... adequate...."

He's trying

~

Knowing Sherlock, you did not really ever "meet"

At least not how most people would

The first time you met, Sherlock had you pinned beneath him on the ground, demanding that you take off your clothes.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. 

Let's start from the beginning 

You were near Hyde park, cloaked in a heavy woolen coat to combat the biting cold of the winter-scape around you

With your hands shoved deep in your pockets in an attempt to warm them, you continued at a brisk pace, wanting to get back to your flat before the scheduled snowfall 

That was when a dude on a motorcycle nearly careened into you. You jumped back and glared over your shoulder, fully prepared to tell him off. Instead, what you saw rendered you speechless

The guy who almost hit you was wearing a... bunny head mask. What the hell?

So distracted by this weirdo on the motorcycle, you did not notice another man in a black trench charging down the way. He actually did hit you from a full sprint.  

The force of the impact knocked the air from your lungs and caused you to fall over, he taking a tumble shorter thereafter 

The man, now having you stretched out beneath him, seemed entirely preoccupied. If he recognised the implications of your situation, he gave no indication to it. 

He spared you a single glance before looking back after the motorcycle bunny guy. 

"I need your jacket, now!" He demanded, not once looking at You

"Excuse me?" You asked.

"Jacket!" He demanded again. "Take it off!"

Were you being robbed?

If you were, this was one weird ass mugger. 

Another man came jogging up, his breath short and strained as she rested his hand on his knees. He looked horrified then apologetic  "Sherlock! Get off her!" 

The rude trench coat fella scrambled to his feet, as if just now realising he had been on top of you. He must be Sherlock.

The second man continued. "I'm sorry about him, we aren't mugging you. We would just like to borrow your jacket for a few minutes."

"Watson, he is getting away!" Sherlock complained

You removed your coat, and handed it over, completely confused. What else were you supposed to do?

The cold air bit your exposed skin, sending goose-flesh across your arms as you shivered from the chill

Sherlock and his big ass coat moved at a dead sprint towards an ice-crusted fountain 

Watson sighed and extended a hand to help you up. He shrugged off his own jacket, offering it to you.

You immediately refused his gesture, despite the sheer cold causing you to shiver. 

Watson frowned slightly at the rejection, his forehead creasing

You watched as this Sherlock character leapt onto the fountain,  nearly losing his footing as she scrambled across. The motorcycle man had almost reached the road, if he got there, he would be lost. 

Sherlock pursued him, jumping over gates and pushing past pedestrians to cut him off on the main trail.

You did not think he would make it, but remarkably, he did. He stood before the motorcycle your jacket extended in front of him

Bunny guy did not hesitate to charge at him, probably planning to run him down

Your breath hitched in your throat as you gazed at the scene. Like a matador facing off against a bull... except Sherlock had no sword. No back up. Just a jacket. How in the world was he going to stop a guy on a motorcycle with only a jacket???

You watched in anticipation, the cold you felt completely forgotten as the motorcycle drew nearer and nearer. 

Sherlock did not once hesitate nor flinch. He remained rooted in spot, his eyes steely with determination 

The bunny suit man got within a single metre of Sherlock.

You thought for sure that you were about to witness a collision. 

You were wrong

Sherlock threw your coat then rolled out of the way.

The coat hit the back wheel as it spun, getting snagged in the shifting gears and mechanisms. 

It wrapped itself around the back wheel, seizing it up and causing the motorcycle to skid out, slipping across the ice before colliding into a nearby tree.

Sherlock was quick to pounce, restraining the bunny suit guy. 

You were absolutely amazed. Both you and Watson seemed to have the same idea as you rushed over. Watson scolding Sherlock for pulling the stunt and you out of concern for your poor coat.

~

It wasn't long before the police arrived. Apparently bunny guy was some sort of expert thief turned murderer known for his iconic bunny suit. The cops have been after him for months and Sherlock had been the one to flush him out and trap him

You were mostly distraught over the loss of your jacket.  It was a good jacket, now completely lost to the motors and gears on the cycle

Watson promised that he would buy you a new one.  He even invited you back to his flat for some tea because he was worried you would catch cold if you walked all the way back to yours

You were going to refuse and just take a cab, then you learnt that Watson and Sherlock were flatmates. 

How could you say no?

You just met some of the most interesting people on the planet, how could anyone say no to tea with them?

Sherlock seemed adamantly against the idea, complaining loudly about Watson "taking home too many strays" because "they ruin my work."

"You should have thought of that before you ruined my favourite jacket." You retorted

They were both taken aback by your wit

Watson appeared rather smug. "Yeah. You could have just used your own."

Sherlock seemed positively offended that anyone would dare suggest such a thing. "Not my coat! The coat is iconic."

Watson just rolled his eyes 

~

Despite getting off on the wrong foot, you and Sherlock hit it off rather nicely 

You were amazed by his observational abilities, but shocked him by understanding how he came to his conclusions before he even explained.

This was when Sherlock began to like you

And Sherlock doesn't like anyone

It kinda baffles John, really

Sherlock, finding you rather entertaining, is fine with you popping in for tea every once in a while. 

He even let you assist on cases

This is where he really began to fall for you

He admires your intellect and thought process, considering it formidable albeit slower than his own

Let's be real, it's Sherlock 

But things kinda start out rough

At first, when Sherlock first realises that he has feelings for you, he "deletes" them

It's scary admitting when you fancy someone

And not just scary. Dangerous. Especially for Sherlock. 

He can't allow himself to be focused on anything except for work

Of course, the more time he spends with you, the more his feelings keep coming back, regardless of how often he deletes them

So he pushes you away

He lashes out

Becomes cold and distant, trying to make you give up

But you won't. You're having the time of your life with him and always comes back. No matter how many times he yells for you to go away. Its infuriating, actually 

There will come a point where Sherlock has to make peace with his own attractions but it will be very difficult for the both of you

You will have to work with him through this

Cause Sherlock is not going to be an easy catch. And an even harder one to keep

But I have faith in you.

I hope you enjoyed dear, let me know what you think :)

[xellandria]

The meatgrinder one-shot that was originally going to run this week got delayed a week because our DM got sick (feel better, Jim! <3), but that’s fine with me because it gave me time to finish off my characters.  We’re each running three level 3s—I stole/borrowed/inherited one from one of our other players (who was feeling really character create-y lately), repackaged the backup character I’d rolled to continue in our main campaign if my current one died for the second, and then had one more slot to fill.

Littlehands - level 3 Kobold Warlock (Great Old Ones/Pact of the Chain) Str: 10 (0) Dex: 10 (0) Con: 14 (+2) Int: 13 (+1) Wis: 10 (0) Cha: 15 (+2)

Littlehands’ hands aren’t actually little for his regular body—they’re actually mostly proportional.  Instead, he gets his name (nickname?) from his usual profession: hanging around with his pack of similarly-aged adolescent kobold friends, playing pranks on people by pretending to be a mysterious dragonborn.  You know, the whole “kids in a trench coat” thing?  Yeah that, except ~fantasy,~ lmao

At some point he got separated from his goonie squad—hence the lack of them here (though now I kinda want to design 3-4 more kobold teenagers, help)—though whether he’s actively searching for a way back or just kinda going with it is largely irrelevant since he’s almost certainly going to die during the one-shot.  Unless his patron can save him.  I dunno about that one, though...

In the meantime, he's also an Old Ones warlock, meaning he can telepathically speak to other language-speaking folks within 30 feet (regardless of whether they speak his languages or not). I like to think he's like that stereotypical thirteen-year-old on Xbox Live. You know, braggadocious, anything that goes wrong is obviously not his fault and here's why, lots of "suck my hemes" or "is your clutchmate hot" or "that's not what your mom said last night" nonsense. I have absolutely zero doubt that I will roleplay none of this when the time comes, given how low RP my group tends to be in general and the nature of this one-shot in particular, but that's fine lol Anyway his "patron" is Zoamelgustar from Slayers NEXT because why not, I know nothing about the lore in the 5e universe we're in and just because I got myself ridiculously attached to this throw-away character doesn't mean I have to take it all seriously at the same time. That's also where the clasp for his ridiculously oversized cloak and the belt buckle on his (currently girded because I was proud of my weird digitigrade legs on the first fullbody sketch I made and didn't want to cover them up lol) oversized skirt/kilt/whatever came from. Maybe he found a dead adventurer somewhere and stole their (her?) fancy bits, including a weird talisman to a deity whose horns were like, totally just like his, bro.

Littlehands is... not really a great character for pure D&D min-maxing—we use the array system for starting stats on these one-shots and there wasn’t a way to bump his charisma (and thus his spell modifiers and save DC) up one more point.  On the flip side, I also couldn’t make his dex as low as I wanted to because Kobolds get a +2 dex mod so 10 was the lowest I could get it.  I thought making him sort of clumsy because he’s wearing a gigantic oversized cloak (and gigantic oversized robe/skirt/kilt/whatever, though I’ve girded it in the full body sketches because I liked how his legs came out and didn’t want to cover them up lol) made sense, but I’ve done the best I can with what I had, lol.  There’s a chance that we’ll level up these characters from 3 to 4 in the course of the one-shot, and at that point he’ll be a little better, but there’s no debating that he’s not really an optimized character.  That’s fine, though, since he’s destined to die.  Probably.

[annoyingvoidnight]

Alright so we know the third Peverell brother used his Invisibility Cloak to hide from death. Death finally found him when he took off the Cloak willingly. Now, remember Dumbledore borrowed the Cloak before Voldemort went to Potters' house? So the Potters gave up the Cloak and hence, death found them.

(someone probably came up with this already but allow me to revel in my delusion that I'm smart)

[anne-lister-adventures]

Sunday, 12 April 1840

6 10/’’

10 5/’’

Ground covered with snow – But Reaumur 10º on the table close to my sofa bed at 6 1/4 – All ready and breakfast at 7 20/’’ to 8 – Did not sleep – Stomach very cold – Got up – Relighted candle – Took a teaspoonful of brandy about before one and afterwards slept till 6 having wrapt China crepe shall and shalloon cloak round my stomach – 

1/2 hour’s pother in paying our Persian Maître de Poste – At last counted all out separately in Silver – Pragoni i.e. pay for the horses, for the borrowed wheel one S.[Silver] R.[Ruble] and for greasing 40 S.[Silver] K.[Kopek] till even the Courier said it was too much and the man then returned the 15 S.[Silver] K.[Kopek] and took 25 S.[Silver] K.[Kopek] as paid before – He then saw that, as I had told him, he lost 46 1/2 Kopek cuivre by his pother and making me pay in Silver – Both George and the Courier laughed and the man himself laughed and asked for a pour boire – No! said I – But you will know me better another time and I will give you something then – Not now – I am glad you have paid for all this pother – Then gave an additional 10 S.[Silver] K.[Kopek] to the soldier of the house making 60 S.[Silver] K.[Kopek] instead of the 50 I should otherwise have given – This seemed to give great satisfaction as turning the laugh doubly against our Persian – The about 1 good English gill of milk we had last night gone sourish this morning = 15 S.[Silver] K.[Kopek] – Ccarce and dear here – 

Off from Dushet (pronounced Dōōshĭt) at 8 50/’’ – Clouds hanging over the mountains – But fine back view upon the largeish good looking Town and its large squary castle-like fortress, and the portico of its long earth covered flat roofed Gastinoi Dvor, and little white Gurien church and old ruined square Tower at some little distance on the hill side above – The brick church not quite finished but that will be handsome is Armenian – And close to the church are some goodish houses building à la Russe – One finished with gallery round au 1er[premier] looks neat and comfortable – 

A street or 2 in progress – And the underground curious old Gurien cottages will a few years hence be replaced by neat Russian cottages and houses – Went into one last night – Descended into the sunk porch (inclined plain no steps) then a sort of kitchen – Then a middle room to put things away in, then the 3d.[3rd] and sleeping room – 3 breadths of carpet on the floor and a fire place – Thick gravelled road over all these cottages that carts go over – One could not imagine houses beneath – No light but from the sunk porch, and from one little round hole in the top of the sleeping room opposite the porch – 

In the kitchen was the oven at the end on the right (on entering) like an English 40 gallon iron brewing pan sunk up to its brim – They make wood a fire in this and cover it over – Then take out the fire when the sides are red hot – Put in the cakes ant they are baked in 10 minutes – But inquire more about this at Tiflis – 

Smoking Semovars in the Gastinoi Dvor and soldiers drinking hot mead looking tea without milk in the shops (Gastinoi Dvor) much natural rock salt in large pieces of greyish spar-like rock – Eggs – Mutton fat (Tallow) much small bacon – Persian dried large prunes and cherries and salts and the bean (small kidney, reddish) one has seen everywhere from Astracan here – Onion tops, and rice (not real rice said George groom here) – Cotton printed handkerchiefs and narrow white cloths linen or cotton – But the most striking are the wine shops – The bullock hides, en outre, apparently hair left on inside full of red wine sold at -/20 Kopek en cuivre per about an English pint – One shop quite Élégante had a bottle of Donskoi champagne-wise and ditto ditto Tiflis wine at 1/40 the bottle assignats or 40 S.[Silver] K.[Kopek] or 2 Georgian abash –

Off from Duchet at 8 50/’’ – The handsome square fort, a round tower at corner, at a little distance left as we ascended the down-like hill – The handsome looking white monastery at a considerable on the hill behind us to the right – Duchet stands well and picturesquely on the side of the hill in the largeish fine open valley – The Town on one side the valley the fortress on the other – 

The castle at Dusheti, which is probably what Anne calls a “castle”.

Our road a sort of field-road up and over the hill top a high plateau of good land between wooded hills near left – Considerable distance right – descend (but keep high up along the right side) into nice high valley and at 9 40/’’ – Picturesque old round Tower and 2d.[2nd] village and reed thatched village (probably there are under ground cottages not seen?) and stream with rather broadish bouldery bed – Capital land on the high plateau and all along – They might grow anything but barley the chief corn at Duchet and all round about – Saw some in winnowing last night it looked pretty fair – Tolerably plump grained and very clean – Thrown up in a shovel, and the wind winnowed it in falling – 

At 9 40/’’ our 2d.[2nd] village on knoll at head of this charming little valley – The 1st poor or less was at the verge of the high plateau – 1st vines at this our 2d.[2nd] village in the bottom – High sticks or rice props and some transomed supports as at Astracan –

But soon after here the bottom full of wood – Pollard oaks or willows or what and brush and tangle and bouldery stream – Soon after 2d.[2nd] village gather yellow St. John’s wort like flowers (5 petals and many stamina) and little pink hepaticas and smell less violets and cowslips – And at 10 Descend into main valley the fine valley of our Aragna (which we had left after Ananoor, and see again now 1st time) – 

On each side beautifully sillonné rounded wooded hill – Broad bouldery streamy river – Wind along with the river close left on its high perpendicular conglomerate gravel bank and at 10 35/’’ make an elbow to the right into the now still wider valley of our Aragna – A fine broad bouldery streamy river occasionally in one good stream – 

At 10 40/’’ pass a little rather Russian like wood cottage or farm right, and at 11 7/’’ little village of huts in basin-like opening out of valley and neat white plastered little Government Station House – Little drizzling rain now and for the last 1/2 hour – 2 feet deep of capital warp soil shewn over the high conglomerate bank of river – All the trees all along our valleys lopped higher or lower – Our great valley (Val d’Aragna) a mile broad? 

No horses at Tortiskar – Our wheel to send back and to our own 3 ‘il faut mettre des bracelets’! – Till now 12 3/4 have just written all but the 1st 3 lines of today – Coolish air and clouds darkish – Threatening rain? Great many of the queer elephantic camel-gaited cattle hereabouts they hold their heads poking forward and walk very much in the camel-style – Got out of the Kibitka to look about me – A few drops of light rain which however soon blew off – Government House – One might sleep here very well – A good room front one on each side the door for travellers – And the back rooms for the family – 

Longish job of paying – 2 S.[Silver] R.[Rubles] for repairing the wheel pour mettre les bracelets 2 or 3 thin shreds of lead-like iron that were worth very little and the Maître de P.[Poste] would have 2 S.[Silver] R.[Rubles] for the loan of his wheel (which he would not sell for 20 S.[Silver] R.[Rubles] tho’ it hardly lasted us to Tiflis) – Necessary – Nothing to be said – 

Off at 1 31/’’ – Magnificent – (vide + and ≠ above) The opening out is another wider valley from East to West that traverses our Valley d’Aragna something like the diagram as I do it from memory now Monday 13 April 6 p.m. at Tiflis the little o meant to represent the Station House on a knoll in the neck of the transversal valley and to reach which we crossed over little wood bridge and stream just below the house and amid Georgian (Gurien) ground-huts –

How many always difficult to tell and they are so like the ground itself – Soon after leaving the basin-like opening our road a deepish cut thro’ indurated sand, and then thro’ hard sand rock – Like my Bairstow quarry sandstone and at 1 50/’’ pass under the old ruined castle Prēajnēa Krepost, (Prēēajnēēa Krēēăpost) close left, and at 1 55/’’ Georgian church (Byzantine) very pretty and picturesque near right, and walled monastery at a little distance left, and wood bridge over the broad shallow bouldery river and on high point of ridge of hill just above very picturesque old castle – Valley here little more than road and river – 200 yards broad? – 

Alight at the monastery at 2 to 2 55/’’ – They call it Nānt-Shĕt – Vide p.[page] 113. Mtsketha line 9 from the bottom –

‘The fortress remains’ – The old walls are with an old remain of Tower or 2 are very picturesque from without, but as to fortress all is ruin within, as was till lately the fine old Cathedral; but now it is all under repair, the exterior finished, and the interior will be this summer – Except on close examination, and seeing the few morsels of ancient sculpture carefully spared, it is like a handsome new church in the old Byzantine style standing amid a mass of ruins – 

In some of the old building within and up against the old fortress walls are several Gurien families of peasants and labourers, living in comparative darkness as usual – They were shovelling very decent brown wheat (rather long and thin in the grain) down a round hole not more than 18 to 22 in.[inches] in diameter into a granary in the ground – So near full of corn I could not judge of the depth – No entrance – No way of getting the corn out again but by the round hole – How this savours of remote antiquity! If one is perpetually reminded of ancient usages in the Pyrenees, much more is one reminded of them here – The houses, ovens sunk in their house-floors, dress (the bourka) – Cattle-skin outres of wine let out at one of the legs, boats scooped out of the trunks of large trees – Are surely sheeps fleece without and felt within, impenetrable to rain, is surely the very same one sees on ancient medals thrown over all the heroes of old who used to wear it as they do here with its opening turned from the storm be it in front at the back or on either shoulder – 

Among the old sculpture of the Cathedral St. George and the Dragon – Over the Great East window a Greek eagle – A Tiger – 

Eagle and tiger detail from the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. (Image source).

And below 2 horse-heads – Several mouldings of cornices and of window frames and doors &c. of very well done tracery cruciform flowers and lilies – Angels – 

More details from the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. (Image source).

2 birds eating (something like, in the style of, the diagram? but well done – I had no time to make any sketch on the spot) –

There always among the flowers the sun flower or what we call marigold? – One large window in the East end and on each side of it a deep empty niche nearly the whole heighth[height] up to the square of the roof – The first instance I have seen of this – Effect very striking and good – 

No entrance but at the West end with porch – They said the doors could not be opened – Went up to one of the 2 priests standing by – Took him by the arm – Held out my purse – The door opened – 

A nave and 2 narrow aisles a curious little old stone shrine-like little place in the South aisle where the relics are kept –

The whole of the interior has been painted in fresco on the South side opposite the dome is an old Zodiac with a boat instead of the Sign Pisces – The whole of the painting is to be renewed the new to be an exact copy of the old – 

The zodiac fresco, after restoration. Photo by Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC-BY-SA. (Image Source)

Over the East end – Over the Sanctum Sanctorum is a chapel as also over the West end a small ditto a 1/2 length figure of one covers the whole East end included in the chapel which seems to take up 1/2 the whole height of the building – This gigantic painting is very striking, and the effect is good – It is the first instance of the kind I ever saw – 

The gigantic fresco Anne mentions. (Image Source)

The church is dimly but sufficiently lighted principally from the dome, a 16 sided Tower? with a long lancet window in each side – Effect very good dehors – Did not sufficiently notice it within – Must go again? 

55 minutes there – Long for post horses to wait – In the cottage we went into the people dining – Some sort of greens (onion sprouts? they are sold in all the shops) and the large dried Persian cherries and some sort of bit of meat? 2 strong tree post supported the heavy beams that carried the straw spars that carried the earth covered roof and left a hole in the centre of the room over the bit of fire for the smoke to escape – A pair of large stags horns nailed to each post and on the antlers narrow boards laid across for shelves think of this at Shibden – Gamba says there are 200 houses here – Probably – It is a large Gurien city – 

Off from the cathedral at 2 55/’’ – Walked down the steep pitch, along the rock-girt Kur which here at right angles pours it deeper narrower stream into the Aragna and runs in its course and drowns its name in that of Kur – ‘Tis here just above the junction that one crosses the Aragna by the long good wooden bridge that certainly shews no trace of Pompey (vide p.[page] 113) – 

The remains of Pompey’s Bridge, Mtsketha. (Image Source)

Wine shop and one of the large outres lying on its back the 4 legs sticking up, and from one a glass of red wine pouring out – Then tied up again – George says the hair is left on inside and this covered with pitch or the skin would not hold – A bloated red dead cow or ox was lying in the Kur – George declared the skin would be made into an outre – Was it merely the skin lying macerating in the water by way of preparat? 

On the strand of the Kur at its junction with the A-[Aragna] lay 3 of the river boats – Cut out of the trunks of immense oak trees (I think) 2 of them pitched inside and outside the other merely hollowed adzed out, and not yet pitched – I think they 4 or 5 yards long and the narrowest 2 ft.[feet] wide of hollow at the top – The largest 2ft.[feet] 6 in.[inches] or more? – 

Off from the bridge at 3 – At 3 1/4 valley sand rocky and bare and 9 Troglodite houses in the sand rock right, and right bank of Kur, not far from us, and at some distance ahead (left) a sort of little alum bay (Isle of Wight) different coloured strata of sand but not quite so perpendicular -

Crowned with low building which afterwards seemed to be a low ruined square tower – Kur like Calder between Salterhebble and Elland as to breadth white greenish muddy stream close right deepish here at 3 1/4 between its highish rock banks – But soon after widens into broad bouldery stream between low banks of sand at 3 1/2 our bracelets des roues coming off – 

Stopped a minute or 2 to hammer up, and tie on with rope! – As we have done before – And at 3 40/’’ at old ruined square castle and village 12 v.[versts] from Tiflis – Probably Mtsketha is about 6 v.[versts] from Tortiskar and ∴[therefore] about 21 v.[versts] from Tiflis – And Tiflis in sight at 4 35/’’ – Descend – 

At 5 5/’’ shew podorojna – At 5 13/60 cross the river – Somehow our drivers take us one way and George driven him another, and before he could come to us our stupid fellows had had us all but on the ground a parcel of men in the street prevented and heaved us up again, and then tried to turn instead of backing – Broke the fore axle main bolt – That the near fore wheel under the carriage the shaft horse down and we had a terrible to do during which George came – He walked with us and the servants Kibitka followed to the Inn (came in at 5 40/’’) we took our rooms one large and 3 smaller one at 2 1/2 Silver Rubles a day, and he then went back to Nikolai – We went out in 3 or 4 minutes just as they had got our Kibitka to the door and thrown it over and broke off the door – Left with George -/70 for his driver – Would give ours nothing – They had done too much mischief sauntered about to the little fountain and peeped in at the gate of a nice large garden near the fountain – Curious – interesting – To us novel Eastern-like Town – 

A view of Tiflis in the 19th century. (Image Source).

Came in at 6 20/’’ – Tea at 7 25/’’ to 8 50/’’ – Had Domna – All the skin will come off her face in consequence of passing the mountains to Kaishaur (Kāsh-ă-ŏŏr), and her head is rather swollen, and she complains of much headache – Sat reading Dubois till 9 3/4 – 

Finish day for the drizzling rain did not last long and the few drops at 4 p.m. blew off – Whistling wind tonight, and oddish smell of damp? in our large cold, 6 windowed (single windows very far from air-tight) room – Something with the stove flue – Could not have a fire till tomorrow – Reaumur 7 1/2º on my table where I sat writing at 9 3/4 p.m. ∴[therefore] did not venture to undress, but taking of gown and shoes thick over stockings slept flannel jacket and in my Chelat as usual when we cannot regularly undress, and as we have done from Astracan to Kislar[Kizlyar] and from K-[Kizlyar] to Vladicavkas and from V-[Vladicavkas] to here – still cold enough –

[symbols in the margin of the page:]         +          ≠          +

[in the margin of the page:]            Dushet

[in the margin of the page:]            Cottage

[in the margin of the page:]            oven

[in the margin of the page:]            Mead, i.e., hot water and honey

[in the margin of the page:]            1 Abash = 20 Silver Kopek

[in the margin of the page:]            Mtsketha

[in the margin of the page:]            vide p.[page] 113.

[in the margin of the page:]            Mtsketha cathedral

[in the margin of the page:]            Granary

[in the margin of the page:]            All savours of antiquity

[in the margin of the page:]            Bourka

[in the margin of the page:]            Gigantic painting of Xst[Christ]

[in the margin of the page:]            16 sided dome?

[in the margin of the page:]            Shelves on the antlers of stag’s horns for Shibden

[in the margin of the page:]            vide p.[page] 113

[in the margin of the page:]            Outre

[in the margin of the page:]            Boats

 Page References: SH:7/ML/E/24/0082 and SH:7/ML/E/24/0083 and SH:7/ML/E/24/0084