#i changed the prompt a little to fit the context

[wearepaladin]

Some quick Elden Ring thoughts, I’m still working on the Final Boss, just want to share my thoughts on a certain deity’s tragic backstory a bit through a meta context.

In the Souls Games, a familiar mechanic is the presence of a woman who aides the Player by leveling them up. The Maiden in Black was the first in Demon’s Souls and in Elden Ring that was filled by Melina who played the role of maiden.

But I think the Fire Keeper’s of the Dark Souls trilogy have the most lore and detail accumulated about them, with them being so prominent in the world’s story of fire and dark. In the third game in particular the nameless but critical Fire Keeper was required for what I considered the most hopeful ending you could earn.

Now, in the world of Dark Souls the Fire Keepers have a rough lot at the best of times. Tending the flames that manipulate souls like a forge works iron can have spiritual effects that can range from the severe. But in order to be made ideal for their purpose to bring about the kindling of the first flame, the Fire Keepers endure mutilation and mortal sacrifice, with many killed to provide necessary kindling or suffering mutilation to ensure they are somehow more ideal to their duties, such as the removal of the eyes or tongue. Just one of these Fire Keepers with a bit of prompting, could manipulate and quiet the eternal fires that had driven the plot for countless eons

Now, in the newest chapter of Elden Ring, we learned more about Queen Marika the Eternal, that she was once a member of a tribe of shamans who were sacrificed and mutilated for spiritual purposes, with the implication being that, much like the Fire Keepers, their unique ability and powers made them suitable for harvesting, and once more the implication that left to their own purpose, could manipulate a great deal more power than those who would harvest them a like a bloody crop.

Enter she who became Queen Marika the eternal, with power and the terrible motivation to unleash that potential how she deemed fit.

Now, take a moment look at the designs for these two characters and ask, how little a difference the sole remaining keeper of the flame would care to alter the dress of her people even as she took on the likeness of a god.

Still wearing a crown, still keeping the eyes hidden, still dressed in dark hues with varying degrees light radiating in the hue.

Queen Marika, I think, is the answer to the question of if a Fire Keeper chose violence for all the loss and suffering they held, finding a voice to anger that would change the nature of the world.

[nightlilly0110]

There’s probably a million and one posts about Joker and Akechi being each other’s opposites or being the same once you get down to it (neglected kid, wanting to find recognition and purpose, etc.) but I’d like to talk about their views on food.

Akechi runs a food blog, as mentioned in Mementos Mission. He reviews places. Stuff like that, although while they do have a lot of fluff in them, are generally analytical in that it’s dissecting the food in regard to why it’s good and why you should try it. Considering the nature of it, it’s probably also meant to be an extension of his Detective Prince shtick, so whether or not he actually enjoys doing this is up in the air.

Then on the flip side, we have Joker who lives above a cafe. His guardian teaches him how to make coffee and curry, which he then can make as he pleases and serve to his friends. Like Akechi, you do get the prompts of what types of coffee are good or what ingredients go into curry to get specific flavours (much like a food blog would note), but unlike Akechi there’s a more personal connection to it as Sojiro teaches him.

Food in Persona 5 is a love language. Joker makes food for his friends. Sojiro makes Wakaba’s curry recipe for the shop and makes her favourite coffee on the anniversary of her death. The Thieves go out to celebrate a change of heart by having an outing. You both unlock Ryuji’s confidant and turn it into a blood oath while you’re out for food. Food literally heals you and regenerates your stamina in this game. Food is important.

Joker embraces the idea of food being important. The game takes time to educate you the player on little tidbits about the food he makes. It takes care into the segments you spend making Joker make food, again hitting you over the head with the fact that it’s important. So it’s kinda neat that you have Joker taking a very enthusiastic approach to food vs Akechi having a very sterile, clinical view of it - something meant for appearance and popularity only. Not bashing on food blogs, but in the context of the game, Akechi does not approach food in the same way Joker does. He’s distant from it, detached from it. We don’t have the sort of insight of Akechi that we do for Joker, but we can infer that he doesn’t have the same sense of emotional intelligence around it. And it fits his character, too. He’s had no one to take care of him in a long time and no one that depends on him. He doesn’t have a Sojiro to help teach him how to cook, and no one to share the benefits of it with.

I just find it interesting how even little details that aren’t even in the game add to how different these two are.

[astrojulia]

Asteroid Hygeia (10): Understanding Its Signs, Houses, and Planetary Aspects

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₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ About the Asteroid: Hygeia is the fourth largest asteroid. It was named after the Greek goddess of health, and because she is the personification of health, cleanliness, and sanitation, asteroid 10 Hygeia may be related to these characteristics in astrology. It talks about sanitation and prevention, in the current studies of astrology, an art that doesn't stop, it is currently associated with how a person prevents their health in a physical, emotional and mental way, or at least, as it should.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Sources and inspirations:Sadly, it's not because I care about my health that I'm interested in this asteroid LOL. However, there is another interesting reason for me to make this type of post. Asteroids, in general, are not used much in birth chart reading, and that's okay. In my view, your birth chart is like a cake, and asteroids are just toppings. My reason for looking into asteroids is due to their history. The first four asteroids found were Ceres, Vesta, Pallas, and Juno, all women. Before their discovery, the vision of women was limited to either daughter/mother (Moon) or wife/harlot (Venus). Women were seen as nothing more than that. Even though it didn't change much after the discovery, a new perspective on what a woman can be opened up, and that's why I write about it. There’s not much sources about asteroids, Hygeia is one in the middle ground, there's more than others but it's not very detailed. My sources where this and this.Also, the image template in from minikyuns on deviantart.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Asteroid Hygeia Rx: It can indicate people who need more time to recover from physical and mental illnesses. It also shows people who reflect a lot on their health and well-being and look for alternative methods of care. In a more spiritual context, it indicates people who worked with health in past lives.

Asteroid Hygeia in Signs

✧. ┊Aries: In Aries, Hygeia governs your inclination to start fitness programs and live a healthy lifestyle. You may become impatient when recovering from illnesses, but -your declining health may be a sign that you need to slow down. You have little tolerance for sickness, which makes you reluctant to discuss it and even dislike a sneeze. As a result, you may not give yourself enough time to recover. However, a significant event may prompt you to take a break and prioritize your healing. Getting sick is usually an indication that you need to take a step back and relax. Overall, you strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy rigorous exercise.

✧. ┊Taurus:With Hygeia in Taurus, you prioritize your comfort and well-being in everyday life. However, neglecting other areas of your life such as love or career could lead to illness. Your stubbornness and obstinacy can either aid or hinder your health depending on your willingness to make changes. Your health is closely tied to your sense of contentment and satisfaction, so if you're unhappy with your life, it's important to adjust your routine. Your diet may be a challenge due to overeating, drinking, and other unhealthy habits. Nonetheless, this trait also demonstrates your resilience and strength, which typically correlates with a robust immune system and the ability to bounce back from illnesses.

✧. ┊Gemini: With Hygeia in Gemini, you have a keen interest in learning about health, particularly the connections between mental and physical well-being. You may have had personal experiences with mental health that have led you to become something of a self-help expert. You are skilled at multitasking and can talk and move simultaneously, making you adept at gathering information on various health topics. Your mental agility enables you to recognize the importance of the mind-body connection, which keeps you from becoming complacent about your physical health. In short, you are constantly striving to maintain a healthy balance between your body and mind.

✧. ┊Cancer: With Hygeia in Cancer, your health is closely tied to your living environment. Any disruptions or instability at home can cause health problems for you. You tend to worry about the health and well-being of not only your family and friends but also others around you, including pets. Your caring and empathetic nature means that your health is intimately linked to the care you give to others. When faced with challenges at home or work, you may experience mental and physical health issues. On the positive side, you have a natural knack for understanding nutritional requirements and enjoy creating healthy snacks and meals for others.

✧. ┊Leo: With Hygeia in Leo, you take pride in your health and are generally content with your well-being. You may have a keen interest in physical exercise and other therapeutic activities like reading or painting, and enjoy taking long naps. When you're feeling unwell, you tend to put on a brave face and project an "I'm fine" image to others, even if you're not truly satisfied with your condition. However, you may fall ill when you don't receive what you feel you deserve, such as not achieving your desired weight loss or not being paid what you think you're worth. You have a high standard for your health and don't tolerate anything less than optimal.

✧. ┊Virgo: With Hygeia in Virgo, your health holds a crucial place in your life. Your well-being suffers when your daily routine becomes disorderly, so it's essential to recognize the connection between your mind and body and establish a healthy routine. You have a deep understanding of the interplay between your mind, body, and spirit, and you prioritize maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good hygiene. You have a strong need for personal cleanliness and an orderly environment, which helps you feel calm and centered. If you neglect your self-imposed health plans, you tend to feel unwell and understand that it can have long-term consequences.

✧. ┊Libra: With Hygeia in Libra, achieving balance in your life is crucial to maintaining good health. You understand the interplay between different aspects of your life, and how an imbalance can lead to health issues. You also see a connection between health and beauty, recognizing the benefits of good health, hygiene, and physical appearance. You enjoy sharing your ideas about what you find attractive and how it relates to overall health and well-being, and may become frustrated if your advice is not taken seriously by others.

✧. ┊Scorpio: With Hygeia in Scorpio, you may experience cycles of health and illness throughout your life. It's important to recognize the interplay between your mind and your physical well-being, particularly with regards to sexual health. Your deep interest in the connections between the psyche and the body fuels your fascination with establishing "truth connections" and achieving a sense of order and completeness in your life. Your health may be influenced by cyclical energy patterns, with sexual health and fertility being areas of particular importance.

✧. ┊Sagittarius: With Hygeia in Sagittarius you have a broad perspective on health and prefers to see how it fits into the big picture. As a result, they may research health issues for specific groups and often become someone with expertise in the medical or health fields who teaches in classes, courses, or lectures. Hygeia Sagittarius is a visionary in this field and must ensure that their knowledge of health is founded on truth and practicality.

✧. ┊Capricorn: Hygeia in Capricorn is highly knowledgeable about health issues and understands the importance of following proper procedures to maintain good health. They eventually become a health expert, driven by a keen interest in learning more about both personal and global health challenges. Hygeia in Capricorn is willing to put in long hours of rigorous study and serious research to find solutions to these challenges. Their dedication to their work is matched only by their unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of others.

✧. ┊Aquarius: Hygeia in Aquarius is deeply concerned about the health of the planet and stays up-to-date with the latest developments in health, medicine, and ecology. On a personal level, they enjoy staying fit and often participate in sports and fitness clubs with their friends. They have a keen interest in trying out fresh, innovative health practices and sharing them with others. Hygeia in Aquarius is also intrigued by unconventional treatments and alternative forms of healing. They tend to make acquaintances in situations involving health, treatment, and care, and enjoy networking with like-minded individuals who share their passion for improving the health and well-being of others.

✧. ┊Pisces: Hygeia in Pisces is deeply concerned about the spiritual wellness of the world. They believe in the connection between physical and spiritual health and are eager to share their thoughts and insights with others. Hygeia in Pisces has a strong sense of compassion and is willing to put themselves in the service of others, even if it means spending time at the hospital during bouts of illness. In a broader sense, Hygeia in Pisces has the potential to become a global leader with a mission to protect natural and spiritual resources. Their deep empathy and intuitive understanding of the interconnectedness of all things make them uniquely suited to this role. Whether through advocacy work, research, or other endeavors, Hygeia in Pisces is committed to promoting the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and the planet as a whole.

Asteroid Hygeia in Houses

✧. ┊1st house: With Asteroid Hygeia in your 1st house, your focus on your health is always at the forefront of your mind. You're constantly aware of how you're feeling on a daily basis, and prioritize taking care of yourself. It's important for you to be open to new and innovative strategies to improve your overall health and well-being. By staying proactive and mindful of your physical and emotional health, you can maintain a positive and balanced outlook on life.

✧. ┊2nd house: With Asteroid Hygeia in your 2nd house, you have a deep desire to feel good about yourself and your overall health is often tied to your sense of self-esteem. You may find yourself overly focused on presenting yourself as well-groomed and put-together, and could become preoccupied with promoting this image to others. It's important to remember that true self-worth comes from within, and taking care of yourself holistically, both physically and emotionally, is key to feeling good about yourself. By nurturing a healthy sense of self and prioritizing your well-being, you'll naturally radiate confidence and positivity.

✧. ┊3rd house: With Asteroid Hygeia in your 3rd house, you may find that environmental stress can have negative physical effects on your well-being. Your nerves are more sensitive to external stresses, making your mental health a crucial aspect of your overall existence. It's important to prioritize self-care and take steps to manage stress, such as meditation or therapy, to maintain a sense of balance and inner peace. By nurturing your mental and emotional health, you'll be better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life and stay resilient in the face of challenges.

✧. ┊4th house: With Asteroid Hygeia in your 4th house, your early upbringing and conditioning can have a significant impact on your health and well-being as an adult. Negative conditioning or unresolved emotional issues from childhood can manifest as physical or mental health problems later in life. It's important to work through any past traumas or emotional baggage to promote healing and maintain a sense of balance in your life. By taking the time to address any pent-up difficulties, you can prevent them from impacting your health in the long term and create a healthier and happier future for yourself.

✧. ┊5th house: With Asteroid Hygeia in your 5th house, self-acceptance is crucial for your overall health and well-being. If you don't address your emotional needs and desires adequately, a preoccupation with finding love and validation from others could lead to negative health consequences. It's important to prioritize self-care and to cultivate a strong sense of self-worth that doesn't rely on external validation or the approval of others. By focusing on your own happiness and well-being, you'll be better equipped to form healthy relationships and create a fulfilling life for yourself. Remember, good health starts from within!

✧. ┊6th house: With Hygeia in your 6th house, you may be particularly focused on your health and well-being, and may struggle with issues related to self-esteem based on your level of productivity in this area. You may need to follow a strict diet or exercise regimen to maintain good health, and it's important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. However, it's also important to remember that self-worth isn't solely tied to productivity or achievement, and it's okay to give yourself grace and compassion when it comes to your health journey. By finding a balance between taking care of your physical health and prioritizing your emotional well-being, you'll be better equipped to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle for the long term.

✧. ┊7th house: With Hygeia in your 7th house, your mental and emotional well-being is closely tied to your relationships with others. You may struggle with issues related to self-identification and self-esteem, and may rely too heavily on external validation or the approval of others. It's important to prioritize your own needs and desires, and to cultivate a strong sense of self-worth that isn't dependent on the opinions or actions of others. Psychology and therapy can be helpful tools for exploring these issues and developing healthy coping mechanisms. By prioritizing your mental and emotional health and working to develop a strong sense of self, you'll be better equipped to form healthy and fulfilling relationships with others.

✧. ┊8th house: With Hygeia in your 8th house, you may have a deep fascination with health and wellness, and may be drawn to researching health issues in order to uncover hidden or underlying factors. You may also have an interest in topics related to death and the afterlife. It's important to approach your health journey with a balance of scientific and holistic principles, taking into account both physical and emotional factors. Collaborating with healthcare professionals or seeking out alternative healing practices can be beneficial for achieving optimal health and well-being. By staying curious and open-minded, you'll be better equipped to explore and understand the complexities of health and wellness.

✧. ┊9th house: With Hygeia in your 9th house, your belief in a higher power or higher consciousness may have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. You may feel a strong sense of faith or spiritual connection that supports your physical and emotional health. This can help you to stay positive and resilient in the face of health challenges, and may also inspire you to explore alternative healing practices or seek out holistic approaches to wellness. However, it's important to remember that even with a strong belief system, it's still important to take care of your physical body and prioritize self-care. By staying attuned to both your spiritual and physical needs, you'll be better equipped to maintain balance and vitality in all areas of your life.

✧. ┊10th house: With Hygeia in your 10th house, your health may be closely tied to social expectations and the pressure to succeed or achieve recognition. You may have a strong drive to succeed in your career or public life, which can lead to stress and a tendency to prioritize work over self-care. When faced with challenging circumstances, you may struggle to let go of the need to control everything and find it difficult to relax. It's important to cultivate a healthy work-life balance and prioritize self-care, even amidst the demands of your career or public image. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and seeking support from loved ones can help you to maintain your physical and emotional health. Remember that your worth isn't defined solely by your achievements, and that taking care of yourself is a vital component of long-term success and fulfillment.

✧. ┊11th house: With Hygeia in your 11th house, you may be less prone to health difficulties overall. However, your health may be impacted by tension or disappointment when your personal aspirations and desires are not met. It's important to prioritize self-care and manage stress in order to maintain your physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, cultivating positive social connections and a sense of community can have a beneficial impact on your health. By surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals, you may feel more motivated to prioritize your health and well-being. Remember that your health is a valuable asset and that investing in self-care and positive social connections can pay dividends in all areas of your life.

✧. ┊12th house: With Hygeia in your 12th house, you may be highly concerned about your health, and may experience psychological or psychic manifestations related to your well-being. It's important to pay attention to both your physical and emotional health, and to address any buried feelings or subconscious patterns that may be impacting your well-being. Repressed emotions or unresolved issues may manifest as physical symptoms or health problems, so it's important to prioritize self-awareness and seek support if needed. Practices such as meditation, therapy, or journaling may be helpful in uncovering and processing any underlying emotional or psychological factors that may be impacting your health. Remember that taking care of yourself holistically can lead to greater overall well-being and a sense of peace and balance in your life.

Asteroid Hygeia in Aspects Overview

✧. ┊Conjunction: can manifest as a strong focus on health and wellness, or an increased sensitivity to health issues and the need for self-care. The planet that is conjunct with Hygeia can also influence the expression of health and wellness in the individual.

✧. ┊Opposition or Square: can manifest as health issues that stem from stress or emotional turmoil, or a struggle to balance self-care with other responsibilities. The planet that is in opposition to Hygeia can also represent an area of life where the individual experiences challenges related to health and wellness.

✧. ┊Trine or Sextile: can manifest as an easy ability to maintain good health and wellness, or a natural inclination to prioritize self-care and well-being. The planet that is in trine to Hygeia can also represent an area of life where the individual experiences ease and support related to health and wellness.

Asteroid Hygeia in Aspecting the Planets

✧. ┊Sun: it indicates a strong focus on health and well-being, and a tendency to prioritize self-care. The Sun represents the individual's core identity and sense of self, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a deep connection between one's sense of self and their physical and emotional health. This aspect can also indicate a need to pay attention to the body's signals and to prioritize rest and relaxation when needed. The individual may have a strong desire to achieve optimal health and well-being, and may be drawn to careers or activities related to health and wellness.

✧. ┊Moon: it indicates a deep connection between emotional well-being and physical health. The Moon represents the individual's emotional nature and sense of security, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a strong focus on nurturing oneself both emotionally and physically. The individual may be particularly sensitive to environmental factors that impact their well-being, and may benefit from a supportive community or network of loved ones. This aspect can also indicate a need to prioritize self-care and to recognize the importance of rest and relaxation for overall health and well-being.

✧. ┊Mercury: it indicates a deep interest in health and wellness, particularly with regards to mental health and communication. Mercury represents the individual's communication style and mental processes, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a desire to share information about health and wellness with others. The individual may be drawn to careers or activities related to healthcare, psychology, or other fields related to mental and emotional well-being. This aspect can also indicate a need to prioritize self-care and to recognize the importance of mental and emotional health for overall well-being.

✧. ┊Venus:it indicates a deep connection between physical well-being and aesthetic beauty. Venus represents the individual's sense of beauty, love, and attraction, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a desire to maintain good health and wellness in order to promote physical attractiveness. The individual may be drawn to activities that promote both physical health and beauty, such as yoga or dance, and may prioritize self-care and pampering in order to maintain a sense of balance and well-being. This aspect can also indicate a need to prioritize relationships and social connections as a key aspect of overall health and well-being.

✧. ┊Mars: it indicates a strong connection between physical health and energy levels. Mars represents the individual's drive, ambition, and physical energy, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a strong desire to maintain good health and wellness in order to achieve one's goals. The individual may be drawn to physical activity and may prioritize exercise as a key aspect of overall health and well-being. This aspect can also indicate a need to recognize the importance of rest and relaxation in order to maintain a healthy balance between physical activity and recovery.

✧. ┊Jupiter: it indicates a deep interest in health and wellness on a global or societal level. Jupiter represents the individual's sense of optimism, growth, and expansion, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a desire to promote health and well-being for all. The individual may be drawn to careers or activities related to public health, advocacy, or policy-making, and may prioritize community outreach and education as a key aspect of overall health and well-being. This aspect can also indicate a need to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings and to promote a holistic approach to health and wellness.

✧. ┊Saturn: it indicates a deep sense of responsibility and discipline when it comes to health and wellness. Saturn represents the individual's sense of structure, authority, and responsibility, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a desire to maintain good health and wellness in a rigorous and disciplined manner. The individual may be drawn to structured exercise routines or health regimens, and may prioritize self-discipline and self-control as key aspects of overall well-being. This aspect can also indicate a need to recognize the importance of balance and flexibility when it comes to health and wellness, and to avoid becoming overly rigid or self-critical in pursuit of perfection.

✧. ┊Uranus: it indicates a focus on unconventional or innovative approaches to health and wellness. Uranus represents the individual's sense of rebellion, revolution, and change, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a desire to explore new and untested methods for achieving optimal health and well-being. The individual may be drawn to alternative healing practices or may experiment with unconventional diets or exercise regimens. This aspect can also indicate a need to recognize the potential risks and benefits of unconventional approaches to health and wellness, and to maintain a sense of balance and caution when exploring new methods.

✧. ┊Neptune: it indicates a deep connection between physical health and spiritual well-being. Neptune represents the individual's sense of spirituality, intuition, and imagination, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a desire to explore the connection between the mind and body. The individual may be drawn to meditation, yoga, or other spiritual practices, and may prioritize emotional and mental health as key aspects of overall well-being. This aspect can also indicate a need to recognize the potential risks and benefits of alternative healing practices, and to maintain a sense of balance between physical and spiritual health.

✧. ┊Pluto: it indicates a deep connection between physical health and transformative experiences. Pluto represents the individual's sense of power, transformation, and rebirth, and when in aspect with Hygeia, this can manifest as a desire to explore the connection between the body and the unconscious mind. The individual may be drawn to practices such as psychoanalysis or hypnotherapy, and may prioritize emotional and mental health as key aspects of overall well-being. This aspect can also indicate a need to recognize the potential risks and benefits of transformative experiences, and to maintain a sense of balance between physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved

[writing-whump]

Hey Sol! 💫

It's the dessert question anon. I know this prompt doesn't really fit in the current situation but, later on, can we please get something with Arnie and Matt? We got all the other interesting or rather unconventional pairings like Hector and Matthew, Seline and Hector, Arnie and Seline, but we have yet to see those two truly interact 👀

Btw I don't think I have seen this emoji around, but if there is another anon who signs with this, please let me know and I'll change it asap!!

- 🍰

Haha that's a nickname with fun context. Dessert is all yours!!✨️ Thank you for the prompt💙

This is also the 💫100th💫 fic and the official start of the vacation arc🏖

100. Airport troubles

"Remind me why I have to tag along with you guys again?" Arnie said for like the third time as they made their way through the airport.

Matthew was walking behind him, so he rolled his eyes openly. God, the kid was a handful.

"You wouldn't want to get dragged into pup training, would you?" Seline said quickly. "This way, Isaiah can train Rip on the way, Dylan can learn some tricks and since Hector graciously offered to help-"

Oh yeah, Hector was oh so gracious. Maybe he just wanted to avoid the fucking airport.

Honestly, Matthew didn't know why he wasn't in the car either. He could help with training Rip? At least with the sparring part? And who was going to look out for Isaiah during the 4 day drive it took to Bulgaria?

And he could have skipped the crowd in the hall.

Though Seline picked the earliest flight as possible—they were already at the airport at 4 am—it was still crawling with people. Happy families, crabby teenagers, loud babies.

Matthew's skin was itching. He couldn't help rolling his shoulders back repeatedly and it took all his strength to not jump everytime someone bumped into him or walked too close on accident.

The only way to avoid people completely at Vienna Airport would be by climbing the ceiling.

Another elderly man bumped into him, nose almost touching his phone screen, eliciting a shudder from Matthew. Why didn't he ask Isaiah to roll his shadow for the flight? This was torture.

Seline's hand suddenly hooked around his elbow and she leaned her weight against him. "Look, that's our control check that way. We'll be out of here in no time."

Arnie also wore a constant pout, grumbling about not getting first class and being left out when his brothers were having fun.

Matthew suppressed a sigh as they got into the queue. Trying to be nonchalant, he leaned over to take a deep breath of Seline's ozonic grapefruit scent, the air brushing against her silver blond hair. An ancherpoint of familiarity in the sea of chaos.

"You'll get your cabin bag up on the stripe yourself. They will only touch it when they move it forward. Once it goes through the box, it's all yours," Seline said, side of her face brushing against his shoulder.

Matthew glanced towards Arnie, flushing a little. "I know." He had seen movies with airports before.

Arnie snorted. "What? You have never been to an airport before?"

Matthew flushed a little more. So he never had a reason to fly, big deal. Airports and stations and everything crowded was a challange for wolves. He preferred to drive, bike or take empty night trains over flights any day.

"Shouldn't you have gone with the pups after all?" Arnie teased as he expertly unpacked his laptop and tablet and ereader out the bag. Why did he need so many devices was beyond Matthew's understanding.

Seline had a delicate frown on. "Don't be mean now. Matthew didn't have proper wolf training in his pack."

Which didn't make Matthew feel any better. Arnie gave him another ridiculous look as he moved forward to get through the security check.

Matthew quietly fumed his way through the procedure, partly comforted and partly emebrassed by Seline waiting for him and hanging herself on his arm again.

"I have saffron drops for nerves," Seline whispered in his ear.

Matthew nodded tightly and looked away. He wanted to be able to do this on his own, no meds needed. Though Seline was their local medical expert, she also liked using lots of herbs and drops and natural remedies like teas and leaves whenever she could.

It would probably help. He could try taking it when Arnie was out of earshot.

They finally made their way to a row of chairs near the right gate that wasn't open yet. Since Bulgaria was Seline's family favourite destination she moved around the airport with practiced ease. Her parents even offered them to borrow three apartments they rented over the summer next to each other for free.

Matthew promptly collapsed on the chair nearest to the window, taking deep measured breaths.

Seline sat beside him, watching like a hawk. Her hand was firmly planted on his forearm.

Arnie eyed them critically. "You gonna be buzzkillers the whole time? We have at least a whole hour left. Let's get some breakfast."

Seline bit her lip in consideration. "We can get food and eat it here together. I'll bring you a croissant, Matt?"

Matthew grumbled, wishing Isaiah was here. Or anyone who would offer to get the food so that Seline could stay sitting like this next to him, shielding him from the masses of people.

Arnie's eyes glittered knowingly, but the snide twist to his mouth betrayed he wasn't up to feeling any sympathy.

Arnie wasn't a person to offer anything, even if he caught the hint. He was observant, Matt would give him that, but for all his insight and knowledge about wolves, he still opted to be provocative and mouthy instead. He knew how hard it made things and he still did it. What was up with that?

Was Arnie really that mad for not being able to go with his brothers, taking his anger out on them?

At least Hector was blunt and predictable in his remarks and challenges. Matthew could get behind that. Isaiah was a generous caretaker from his soul. None of them seemed as petty and jealous as Arnie.

"Meet you here in 20 minutes?" Seline suggested.

Arnie scoffed. "Not much time is that? I wanna check the boutiques and get a good coffee."

"It's half five in the morning," Seline said.

"All the more. We had to get here at this crapy hour for Mr Second here. I don't wake up before 10, thank you. If I am to function I need a frappe."

Fortunately it didn't take long for Seline to return with a plain croissant and some tea. She didn't mention Matthew stayed at the seats, sitting on his arms to keep his jumpy reaction and shadow in check.

Matt felt guilty for the service, but immensely thankful to have something in his stomach.

Arnie took way more than 30 minutes to get there, sporting a large transuclant plastic cup inside another one with the frappe and melting ice.

Seline wrinkled her nose. "You had two?"

Arnie shrugged. "How else do I survive? Maybe they will have coffee on the flight too."

"Did you at least eat anything?"

"No hungry. And what's that to you anyway? I'm 18, you know?" Arnie said in a tone like that really made him an adult.

Spoiled little brat. How did someone rough like Hector even manage that? Matt was definitely throwing that in his face when they saw each other.

"The gate just opened." Seline was squinting on the far away timetable screen, one of her hand resting on Matthew's knee. "We have priority seats, so we can go sooner if we want...but maybe you better enjoy the view a bit longer?"

"I'm gonna be fine. Closed up spaces aren't a big deal."

"Yeah, but there will be lots of people. Though the priority seats also mean we have more leg space and you can sit by the window-"

Matthew smiled, his hand coming to rest on top of hers. "Sel. It's fine. Thank you."

She nodded, reaching out to ruffle his hair. "You are doing great for your first time. I'm proud of you."

Matthew rolled his eyes, feeling his cheeks turn red as his hair again. "Don't-don't say nonsense, there is nothing to be proud of."

"If he was half his age, maybe," Arnie added. He sat a few seats away from them, fidgeting with the empty cups with jittery fingers.

Seline rolled her eyes and stood up. "Last bathroom break. I'll be right back."

Matthew had to chuckle at how she couldn't look at either of them as she said it, trailing away. Still so easily flustered about such things.

A loud rumbling gurgle caught his attention then. Since people lined up to the gate, it was just him and Arnie left in the row by the windows.

Arnie sat hunched over himself, staring at the ground like he was trying to burn it. He kept licking his lips, rocking back and forth a little.

It was Matthew's turn to snort. "Bathroom break for you too? So much coffee on empty stomach was so adult of you." Not that Matt never made that mistake.

"Shut up," the blond said. His earlier pouty high attitude burst like a balloon and he got pale as a sheet in just a couple of minutes.

The kid rocked back and forth again, shaking the backpack off his shoulders and hugging his stomach with both hands. "Ow, okay, that hurtsss."

"Stupid," Matthew said, leaning back in his seat. "You better hurry up before you shit your pants. Plane's leaving soon."

"Asshole," Arnie said. His blond curls were sticking to his forehead with sweat. He shot up to his feet, leaving his bag behind and sprinted towards the bathrooms.

Matthew grinned to himself, pleased with how fate got back at the kid for him.

...it wasn't that funny half an hour later, when the last call for passengers appeared. Matt and Sel stood at the gate, looking around themselves in hopes of spotting Arnie.

"Damn this timing," Matthew complained, Arnie's backpack now thrown over his shoulder beside his own. "Think you can talk with the attendant to wait a bit more?"

"Can't hurt to ask. But we better not split up anyway. We can always take the next flight."

"And let the tickets go to waste?" Matt grimaced. "No way. I'm gonna drag that kid over. Just don't fly without me."

He left the bags at her feet and made his way to the bathroom, glad he knew which one Arnie went to.

When he entered the surprisingly large white room with rows and rows of stalls, he was greeted with the horrible retching sound and a liquid splash.

"Arnie? You in here?" Matt headed to the stall with the noise, knocking on it.

"G'way," Arnie groaned.

Matthew sighed. "No can do. Come on, kid, we're gonna be late."

Another loud belch and more liquid splattered inside the bowl. Matt pushed against the door experimentally, finding it open.

Arnie was hunched over the toilet, a large sweaty stain in the middle of his back. The foul smell had Matthew's hair standing up.

He crouched down behind the boy, trying to get a glimpse of his face. "Still bad?"

"My stomach's fucking killing me," Arnie whined in the most undignifed manner, spitting into the toilet. His nose and eyes were running, his face a mix of liquids.

"You can sit at the plane and heave over an airsickness bag too. You can't have anything left there, it was just the coffee-"

Arnie's back heaved violently at the word and he gagged over and over the bowl like crazy. A meager but chunkier gush came out. He suddenly pitched to the side.

"Fuck, no you don't-" Matt was glad for his reflexes as he caught Arnie from behind.

"...dizzy."

"That's some serious sugar low," Matthew grumbled. It felt awkward to touch Arnie. He felt very strange to Matt's shadow and he wasn't exactly thrilled to be sitting in that small space with him.

Matthew gathered some toilet paper and handed it over, steadying Arnie with a hand on his shoulder.

Arnie blinked at him in confusion, accepting the papers and blowing his nose loudly. He was very noise for his small stature.

The big green familiar eyes in the foreign face felt even weirder to Matthew.

Arnie moaned pathetically, letting the crumbled paper fall on the floor and curling around his middle again. By the loud growls it was making, even on empty it was still plenty upset.

"Want some water?" Matthew tried.

Arnie gagged at the mention, pressing his chin against his chest. He shut his eyes again, face drained for colour even more.

"Shit," Matt muttered. He flushed the toilet then brought the larger towels for hands, cold with wet water and pressed them against Arnie's forehead.

"J-just go ahead. I'll catch up. Next flight's in six hours and I have-" he burped, eyes still shut, "I have the money, it's fine."

Matthew rolled his eyes. "That's what you would deserve, you little prick. Whatever. Not gonna leave you like this. You absolutely sure you can't go yet? It'll probably let up in a bit."

Arnie shook his head. "C-can't. My insides feel like they are about to fall out."

Matthew grimaced and nodded. "Okay. It's fine. I'm gonna text Sel about, ehmm, the situation. She probably has some herb drops to help, if you want."

Arnie opened his bleary red-rimmed eyes. "You really don't have to stay."

"Shut up. Who do you think I am? Ain't gonna leave Isaiah's little brother behind when sick."

Arnie snorted, face relaxing a little. "Not cause Hector would have your head?"

Matthew scoffed. "I'm not afraid of that idiot, stupid."

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

Have you ever felt the fanbase itself has become too crowded with people who act like they "know better" then the show?

I've noticed this, specially with artist, that while they claim they're "fixing designs", most either "over-complicate" the designs (Despite them looking good) but they also seem to have a little arrogant over it.

I don't hate redesigns, that's not what I'm saying, but seeing people claim they're "better" or are "fixing" designs while over-complicating a design that's supposed to be "simple".

This is a complex question because fan content that attempts to re-imagine some part of canon has traditionally always been called "fix it" content. The term "fix it" has also always been treated pretty neutrally in fan spaces. Traditionally speaking, saying something is a "fix it fic" just means that the fic is directly addressing canon in a way that other works don't. It's the creator saying, "I want to give you a different take on something that canon did." That take usually exists because the creator doesn't like something in canon, but at the same time, it doesn't necessarily mean that the creator thinks that canon should or even could have done the fix. It just means that they want to share their ideal take on the idea.

Because I come to fandom with that history in mind, I don't see a statement like "fixing Ladybug's design" and interpret that to mean, "This is how the show should have designed her as I've taken into account all of the concerns that one must address in animation." I interpret that to mean, "I wasn't a fan of Ladybug's design, so I did my own take on her," because that is traditionally what "fix it" was shorthand for. It's not a technical evaluation or competitive standing. It's a genre.

This history seems to be ignored in parts of the Miraculous fandom and that completely threw me off when I entered the fandom. It still throws me off! I have no idea what's going on around here!

While many Miraculous fans are using "fix it" in the traditional sense, there also seem to be groups that see "fix it" as some sort of direct letter to the writers/designers showing them what they should have done. To add further complications, one sub group of Miraculous fans is USING "fix it" in that context, which is an issue I will get to in a minute. The other sub group is INTERPRETING the words "fix it" in that context and I can't change that. I can just tell you that this is straight up bizarre to me because what are you supposed to label fix it content if we can't use the words "fix it"? Why are you ignoring decades of fandom history? You are reading way too much into those words!

I don't know if it's because Miraculous skews younger or if it's because of fandom drama that predates my entry to the fandom (I'm a COVID convert, so I didn't get here until after season 3) or if I've just been lucky in the past, but both the reverence and the hatred towards Miraculous canon is highly unusual compared to what I've seen in other fandoms. I'm more used to fanworks having a tone of loving irreverence or mild annoyance where canon is seen as a series of optional writing prompts that you can do with what you will. The reason for that tone has a lot to do with the fact that it's wildly unfair to compare canon to fanon, especially when it comes to visual media.

The fun of fandom spaces is that we can create without the limits that stifle professional productions. It doesn't matter if our stories are marketable or if the designs we come up with fit a theoretical budget or if we only produce a new chapter/drawing once a year. This means that, yes, fan works often have the ability to surpass canon! At the same time, it's rarely fair to make that comparison on a technical/competitive level. I will criticize Miraculous for many things, but here are some of really basic challenges that the show writers face that I - a fanfic writer - never will:

I can use as many sets as I want, the writers are limited to the settings that have been animated

I can make my stories as long or as short as they need to be, the writers have to make the story episodic enough to fit a 20-minute run time while also drawing things out for at least 8 seasons

I can write a story that doesn't have an akuma attack, the show has a very clear rule that every episode needs to contain a fight sequence

I can put the characters in whatever outfit I want, the writers cannot because every outfit needs to be animated

I can take my time plotting out my story from start to finish and even go back and edit things if I feel like it, the writers have hard deadlines and things get set in stone very quickly

The list goes on, but it can be summed up to: as an independent creator, I can do anything I can imagine. I am only limited by my own talent. Meanwhile, the writers of an animated show for kids have to follow very strict guidelines due to things beyond their control such as budget concerns and network rating guidelines. We are not the same. You should not compare us on a technical level.

This is where we circle back to the whole "using fix it as a way to directly criticize canon and show the creators what they should have done" thing. That's not a take that I'm ever going to be comfortable with because fix it content rarely tries to fit the same confines or deal with the same instability that canon is subjected to. If you use fix it like that, then you are taking the concept too far. You're also being quite arrogant.

If I see someone do this, I tend to assume that they're pretty young or that, at the very least, they know absolutely nothing about how TV shows work. What you see on the screen is often not what the creator would have given you under ideal circumstance. Some of the best examples of this come from times when a creator was given pretty ideal conditions only to then have less than ideal conditions when the property was revisited as that highlights that you really can't just blame the writers. The most well known examples that come to mind are Avatar the Last Airbender vs its sequel Korra and Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings vs his Hobbit movies.

For a really in depth discussion of LotR vs The Hobbit, you can go watch Lindsay Ellis' fantastic documentary for free on youtube. For this post, I'll just go into the high level stuff of Avatar vs Korra.

Avatar asked for three seasons and magically got three seasons. Korra was supposed to be a 13-episode miniseries, but was expanded to four seasons after season one was done. The show then had budget cuts that messed with the last season due to poor performance. Shockingly, Avatar was the better show. I wonder why? Just imagine what Korra could have been if it had been given four seasons from the start!

At the very least, I can guarantee you that writers wouldn't have ended all of season one's plot lines in the season one finale, leaving them to start from scratch with season two which is generally considered the worst season. Once again, I wonder why?

Because of all that, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a fix it fic out there that takes all of Korra and reworks it to make everything flow better. I wouldn't even be surprised if I find that fic to be better than canon because the fic was only limited by the writer's talent. On the other hand, the actual show was massively limited by things beyond the writers' control, meaning that it's overall quality issues are less a condemnation of the writers and more a representation that even awesome writers can't perfectly adjust on the fly when networks meddle.

Of course, Korra doesn't have extremely fundamental writing flaws like Miraculous does, but the principle remains the same. I can point out Miraculous' flaws with certainty, but I cannot necessarily fix them with certainty. That's assuming too much.

But there are different types of criticism and different ways of engaging with the source material. What I do on this blog is mostly focused on high level discussion of the show's flaws and spit balling ways to fix them without really committing to anything. I'm not telling you how the show should have been written. I'm just pointing out flaws and talking about the things I think the writers could have changed or accounted for, though it is always possible that I'm wrong and this was caused by something outside of the writing circle.

That's why I rarely mention anyone by name. I cannot point a finger and say "this is the person who ruined Lila's potential and this is why they did it." I can just tell you that Lila was poorly executed when she didn't need to be. I don't want you to send this blog to the writers, but generally speaking, it is the kind of feedback that I'd be comfortable giving them if they hired me as an editor or script doctor. When I act in those roles, I'm much nicer than I am on here because I know that the writer will actually read what I say, but I am just as brutal about pointing out flaws because that's what I signed on to do. I'm not here to stroke your ego, I'm here to work with you and help you improve your story.

When I write fix it fics - and I have several - I am engaging in a very different type of criticism. I'm not discussing specific flaws in canon and telling you how to address them within the limits of the show. Instead, I'm giving you my ideal version of a given concept from the show so that you can hopefully enjoy it and maybe even use to find some catharsis for a thing that you also didn't like. I'll also change things about the show just to keep things interesting or to be highly self indulgent. For example, I avoid umbrella scenes in my stuff even though I think that the canon umbrella scenes are cute and well written. It's because they're so iconic that I do something different! Why revisit them when I have nothing to add? I'd just be copy canon! It's more fun to do something new since there are other ways to have Marinette and Adrien fall in love.

It's a very nuanced type of criticism because it's true that these stories only exists because I'm saying that canon did something wrong and I want to show you how it could have been better. But I'm also not limiting myself to the confines of canon or even just improving canon to make my argument, so it's impossible to compare them on a technical level. That's not why I write fix it fic, though. I have this blog so that I can discuss writing concepts and how to learn from Miraculous' failures. I write fix it fics to have fun and indulge my imagination. For example, I have a fic that's basically my ideal take on Chat Blanc and there's no way that would work in the context of canon. In the context of canon, I'd suggest far more minor changes or even tell them to scrap the episode all together.

Be it fix it content or more high level critical analysis like I do on this blog, it's important to remember that canon isn't going to change. Even if we could sit the writers down and convince them of everything that they did wrong and everything that they should do to fix it, they can't actually enact those changes. The story is already out there and time machines aren't a thing. But that's not what fandom content is about. Blogs like this are for people who enjoy thinking about stories critically and discussing how and why they fail. Good fix it content is all about saying, "I didn't like canon and think it would be better if X happened" or even "I liked canon, but got this idea about how it could be different" and then sharing the idea with other fans. This is because any and all fan content is for the fans (and former fans), not the creators.

So yes, I think it's valid to make fan content that "improves" canon. I even think it's valid to compare it to canon in a casual manner as that's just a natural thing that humans do. Give me two versions of something and I will automatically compare them and probably even pick a favorite. The thing that you need to be careful about, the nuance that you have to keep in mind, is that fandom is a casual space to have fun with other fans and to create whatever our talents will allow us to create. When we use terms like "fix it" or say that we like something better than canon, that context needs to be kept in mind. I will never be concerned by a reader telling me that they liked one of my stories more than they liked canon or that they wish that canon had also included a concept I've played with. That's just a statement of preference. I only get concerned when I get comments about how "the writers should read this so they can learn from you" because I didn't write it to teach them. I wrote it to have fun with my fellow fans and that is true for every bit of fandom content I produce.

I know that was long, but hopefully it answered your question? My main draw to fandom spaces is fix it content, so this is something I'm pretty passionate about. If I think that a piece of media is perfect, then I don't seek out fan content for it. I only join fandoms on those rare occasions when media hits that sweet spot of good enough to grab my attention, but bad enough/lacking something to not fully satisfy me.

[kg2hub]

🎭 Kindergala Starter Prompts!

here's a collection of prompts you can send into people's ask boxes to interact with them if you don't know what to say, or find it easier to just copy & paste something and send it!! :D

ofc, feel free to change, alter, or expand on these prompts if needed! these are all for different scenarios, but i'm sure you can figure which ones are which from context :'''D

❝Your mask is cool! What's it supposed to be of?❞

❝Ew. What are you doing here?❞

❝Are you... supposed to be me?❞

❝Oh my god. I am so sorry! I didn't mean to spill my drink on you!❞

❝This is really weird... You remind me of someone I know. But different.❞

❝Have we met before?❞

❝There's so many people... I'm getting kind of nervous.❞

❝What are you doing all by yourself? The party's over there.❞

❝Is it really you...? I thought you were dead!❞

❝Oh no, you are not getting the last slice of cake if I have anything to say about it! It's mine!❞

❝Fancy seeing you here. I didn't think we'd meet again.❞

❝I didn't know they let plebians in.❞

❝Why are you so old?❞

❝I remember being that young. I wouldn't ever go back to that.❞

❝Excuse me? I don’t think that's a very nice thing to say.❞

❝I noticed you staring at me for a while... Why?❞

❝I thought I should say hi to everyone here! So hi!❞

❝What even is up with all this multiverse stuff... Have you ever thought about it, like, on a philosophical level?❞

❝So... any mysteries from your world you can spill about to a total stranger?❞

❝I'm under a lot of stress here, so can you stop being so annoying!?❞

❝Do you think past lives are real?❞

❝How do you feel about dying?❞

❝I wish I got a better mask... Mine doesn't fit me that well.❞

❝You're carrying a lot of food there! Need some help?❞

❝Man... I hate the 'no violence' rule. Do you know what I'd do if that wasn't a thing?❞

❝You look like you're having fun! Can I join you?❞

❝You just look like you need some company. I can sit with you for however long you need.❞

❝Did you bring a date for the gala?❞

❝I'd really like to dance with you... Do you feel the same?❞

❝So. We're in the void, huh? I've never been here before...❞

❝You have a nice outfit. Very fancy! I want your style so bad!❞

❝I feel kind of silly, all dressed up for something like this... How about you?❞

❝I came here alone... Can I hang out around you and just be friends for tonight?❞

❝Whoa, hold up! What are you doing?? Isn't that dangerous!?❞

❝I'm about to pull the biggest prank ever, but I need some help. Are you in?❞

❝I bet I can chug all the punch in less than a minute. Wanna watch?❞

❝I'm glad I'm here with you. I'm glad we're here. Coming to this place with you was the best idea, truly."

❝—Wait, is it your birthday? Happy birthday!! Good place to have your party, huh?❞

❝I didn't actually want to come... I was dragged here, kicking and screaming.❞

❝I didn't think I'd have this much fun, but I am!❞

❝Hold on for a second— Your mask is crooked. And there's no mirror nearby... Can I fix it for you?❞

❝...Have you been in the bathroom this whole time?❞

❝Where have you been!? I've missed you!❞

❝Hey, my favourite song's on! Have you ever heard of them?❞

❝Do you think we'll get kicked out if we put ghost pepper powder on all the food and drinks?❞

❝There's so much space to run around and be free! Let loose a little, okay?❞

❝I guess we can't play hide and seek here... Unless you can turn invisible or something. —Wait, can you turn invisible??❞

❝I challenge you to a duel!❞

❝I wanna dance so bad... I'm so scared, though. I'll probably look terrible. I have zero sense of rhythm! I can't dance!❞

❝My group needs someone to take our picture! Can you do it? We'll treat you after, if you want!❞

❝I can't believe I cancelled plans for this.❞

❝Wow... How are you so cool?? I can't believe I'm meeting someone like you!❞

❝What did one mask say to the other? 'I got you covered!'❞

❝I don't think I've been this... calm... in a long time.❞

❝You have such a beautiful smile.❞

❝Jeez, you look like you really need to talk to someone. Like a therapist, maybe?❞

❝I took too much food at the snack bar... Do you want some? Please? I'm begging you, I seriously can't eat all this myself—❞

❝Do you ever know someone, but you don't really know them?❞

❝We might have gotten off on the wrong foot. Can we start over?❞

❝You just arrived? Welcome to the Kindergala! You're a bit late, so the dessert might be all gone if we don't hurry—!❞

❝Did anyone lose a wallet?❞

❝—Hey, is this yours? You dropped this while you were walking.❞

❝I am not cute. Don't you dare call me that.❞

❝I always do something funny before a picture is taken so the smiles are more genuine.❞

❝I thought there would be more adults here. Why is this a daycare??❞

❝The real question is... Where's Waldo?❞

❝...I can't read this. Can you read? What does it say?❞

❝...Sorry, who are you, again?❞

❝Come on, don't look at me like that!❞

❝Coming here was a lot nicer than I thought it'd be!❞

❝This place is so... away from everything. Like, in a good way. It's cozy and quiet— Can I stay here too?❞

❝Would anyone notice if we just take a nap, right here, right now?❞

❝I... brought a gift for you. I hope you like it! Here you go!❞

❝You should let your hair down more often.❞

[the-local-lurker]

Ectoberhaunt: Hunt, Calm (Isekai - I misunderstood the prompt)

For context, I decided to make this one a crossover with Rain World. I will explain a bit more on the end of the post for anybody interested.

Hunt (Day 5):

While Danny doesn't have full access to his ghost powers, random spurs of intangibility or invisibility managed to save his hide many times.

Calm (Day 11):

Some things don't change even between worlds.

Okay, so, Rain World/Danny Phantom crossover! I was pretty excited about this one from thursday when I got the idea.

For a bit of explanation, because I made up way too much exposition for these little drawings, technically, this would fit 'Portal shenanigans' too, but the way he got there would be a big Rain World spoiler, so I'll just skip it and say that he ended up basically reborn as a slugcat. He would be in a Survivor campain with some harder spawns, and he'd have to get to the ending to have a shot at getting back home (Jazz is going to have a field day with him once he returns)

Generally, he'd be more passive and herbivorous unless it is necessary to eat meat (he's not a fan of eating live bugs, especially at the start). He'd have a very high scav reputation and he'd hang out with them out of loneliness every now and then if he has the time. He'd also save them from predators if he's capable of it, as he does.

His ghostly nature will come into play some more later on, but once again, that would be a Rain World spoiler.

Well, this was actually very fun. I may do something with it someday. If somebody sees this, I hope you like it!

Also, this is my design concept sheet. I... tried my best;;

[ladywinterwitch]

A-Z SFW PROMPTS (Robb Stark x Reader)

The og king in the north's turn for the A-Z sfw challenge!

Warnings: Some topics familiar to the game of thrones world, nothing specific. Some nsfw innuendos, but nothing fully explicit, Terms such as lady/queen etc and general female appearence descriptions will be used.

Based on these prompts, full credit to the author. *I did change letter Z to fit the historical setting since they couldn't possibly have a favorite picture. These headcanons are very out of context and don't necessarily respect canon situations or plotlines. It's all very hypothetical, Enjoy!

Main masterlist here

A - ADORABLE

§ -What do they find especially endearing?

Robb is a very romantic man, and also a very family centered one, considering the environment in which he grew up. He loves to see you being soft, in general. A cute kid gifted his queen in the north a flower and you're absolutely melting? So is he. A kitten comes close and cuddles your hand making you awe? He's SMILING. Those type of situations absolutely melt his heart, but again he'd be just as happy to hear you tell a story or talk to you. Obviously he loves when you get touchy and all giggly, how could he not honestly.

B - BARGAIN

§- How do they get their way?

Robb does enjoy a good love making session after a particularly good or busy day. This could mean showering you with compliments and being all romantic in public or if you're already in private there's a very good chance that he'll just get things started by kissing all over your body and face, or, if he's feeling particularly playful, with killer tickles that would only have you laughing to tears and beg him to have mercy on you.

C - COMMUNICATE

§-What is their love language?

Oh, physical touch absolutely. PDA is also a big thing for him. He's proud that you're his queen and wants to show you off to everyone. "Good evening my lords, don't you think that my queen looks absolutely delightful tonight?" or "You know my lady, my lady wife is also really good at riding" literally doesn't matter, he's down bad and is gonna make it everyone's problem. You could say that he's got a bit of a praise kink going on, or he's simply a simp, you decide.

D - DEVOTED

§-How do they show they're serious?

Aside from making sure that your position near him is always clear to everyone, Robb is definetly the type to protect you from everyone and everything. He's never had a bad example of a man to look up to, a mysoginistic one or a cruel one. Eddard has always been nothing but respectful and devoted to his mother lady Catelyn, and he'll be the same to you.

E - ENCHANTED

§-What first caught their eye? 

Your self respect, probably. Again, obviously his view of the world will be in one way or another be influenced by his own family. That being said, from his mother to his little sisters, even though in different ways, none of them ever allowed to anyone to step on them. When he first met you he noticed that right away. Might also be that you're quite feisty and that amused him to no end lol. Another factor that it's not a hundred necessary but still very welcomed is that lady Catelyn liked you.

F - FLIRTY

§-How do they flirt?

He is quite bold in his intentions usually. He's a lord, now a king, and regardless he's never been in a position in which he had contain himself too much. He's a big child in the positive meaning of the word, to be honest. He can be really playful and he usually is. He'd tease you by complimentiong you, grabbing you and showering you with kisses, sometimes tickle you or even chase you around! He's just really in love and it's not hard to see.

G - GENTLE

§-How do they provide comfort?

Again, he's a very physical lover. If you were crying or having a bad time for some reason he'd just hold you, stroke your arms, back or whatever part of your body he could reach, and give you kisses on the head. He would be the type to let you cry it out and then ask you if you're feeling better, and you usually would. Afterwards he'd just make sure that you had the chance to relax however you wanted, alone or not. It was your job to tell him what you needed, and he would provide.

H - HOT

§-What is their favorite look on their partner?

He loves to see you comfortable. You could be in a nightgown and with loose hair and he'd be a hundred percent satisfied. He also likes to see you with simpler clothes than the ones you wear during big nights or important events at the castle. But again, whatever you feel more comfortable wearing is enough for him,

I - INTIMATE

§-What kind of dates do they like?

I wouldn't consider them proper dates since you're mostly together anyway, but he loves to spend some alone time with you when he gets a break after some busy days or even after he's been away. In that case he'd just be very happy to reconnect in bed, in the literal sense. We could consider it a sex and pillow talk combo. Sometimes a warm bath where you could just chill together and get lovey dovey.

J - JEALOUS

§-How jealous are they? How do they show it?

Yes, why lie. He's very proud to have you at his side and is just so in love with you that he wants you all to himself. He'd never get toxic or violent, none of that. But, he's kind of a man child so obviously he'd get a pout when some other lord would try and get friendly with you. You'd mostly find it cute and amusing though, and a little kiss would fix everything right away. It's just all very wholesome.

K - KARMA

§-How do they apologize?

He wouldn't, because he's got nothing to apologize for. He'd just turn into a happy puppy and be all over you.

L - LUST

§-Favorite thing about their partner?

Your grace. Robb is just mesmerized of the way you move and act, how you carry yourself. He would find you so graceful and beautiful in everything that he could just about spend his days staring at you in awe.

M - MEMORY

§-What's their favorite memory together?

Probably your wedding day. Painfully romantic, I know. He cherishes the whole happy vibe of the day, the memory of you and his family together, you looking beautiful in your wedding attire, you dancing together. Everything honestly.

N - NORMAL

§-What does a normal day look like for them?

You wake up together, have breakfast alone and start the day coversing. Then he would kiss you and go off to take care of his lord business and you your lady's. Sometimes you'd spend the day with his sisters and mother. You always tried to have your meals together and in general make sure to communicate trought the day.

O - OBVIOUS

§-How do they show they're together?

Well you're his literal queen so it's not like you need to prove yourself any further. But you'd be a very loving couple in public regardless, your on his arm, him kissing your cheek or hand when he had to leave/when he saw you, always making sure to acknowledge your presence and your title, and so on.

P - PEACE

§-How do they relax together?

You like to take baths together. You like the contact, the warmth and the privacy of it. Living in Winterfell other things that required to get out of the castle walls weren't exactly comfortable or enjoyable except on rare mid-temperature days. You also liked to play games actually, like board games or card games in front of the fireplace. Possibly naked.

Q - QUIET

§-What can they do together?

Fortunately for you spending time together isn't really an issue, especially since you're married and have such important roles in Winterfell. Robb being a big family man also loves a nice evening with his parents and siblings, or just generally some of the lords and ladies of the castle. You typically prefer to stay inside than outside regardless, so the choice falls on playing games, talking, being intimate or even doing your official business just staying in the same room.

R - ROMANTIC

§-What kind of gifts do they give?

You are already the queen/lady of Winterfell so there isn't much that you could need or wish for that you already don't have. It does happen sometimes that his sisters give you little gifts; Sansa once gifted you an embroidered shawl, while Arya a little hand made figure of your house. You thought it was very sweet of them and were glad that they loved you. Robb would kinda spoil your kids though, should you have any.

S - SLEEP

§-How do they sleep together?

You like to sleep on his chest, or hugged to his side with your head on his shoulder. He also likes to touch you while you sleep, a hand on your waist, belly, side or even holding your hand if he manages. He'd definetly be the type to sleep with a hand on your pregnant belly, too.

T - THOUGHTFUL

§-What small things do they do for each other?

You get each other a lot. If it happens that either of you gets annoyed or tired during a conversation, a dinner or another kind of situation, the other would make sure to dismiss it and move on. Again, you're very affectionate in general so it wouldn't be wired for people to see you exchange a loving glance, a chaste kiss or something similar. You also know how to comfort each other and give each other space should you need it, which is foundmental in your relationship.

U - UNITY

§-What would their wedding be like?

Your wedding would definetly be a very happy day for everyone. You're the kind of couple that other could tell was made out of love and not duty, and this aura reflected on those around you. Sansa and Arya would be your maids, and even though the smaller one would kinda hate to get all dolled up, she'd bare it just because she likes you. Catelyn would be the happiest woman in the kingdom honestly, and would probably weep during the ceremony. You'd dance together all evening and get emotional during the ceremony. You'd feel like the luckiest people in the kingdom and the guests would probably agree, considering how weddings usually go in Westeros.

V - VIBRANT

§-What always makes them smile?

One another, easily. You're very alike in your character and that's why you'd get along so well, like ninety percent of the time. You also love to just enjoy family time, it gives you a sense of comfort, strenght and stability.

W - WHISPER

§-What pet names and compliments do they use?

You'd call him 'my love', 'my lord', 'my husband' or simply Robb. He'd also call you 'my love/queen/lady', by your name and also 'my darling'.

X - XOXO

§-How do they kiss?

Like everything that you do, your kisses would also be quite sweet. You'd kiss often, that's for sure; on the lips, on the cheek, forehead, head, hands, shoulder and so on.

Y - YEARN

§-What do they do when they're apart?

You would be better at hiding the longing than him, to be honest. You'd be pretty much the same, saving the sadness for when you were alone, even though Jon or Catelyn would see right through you and give you a few words of comfort. Robb on the other hand would get grumpy. According to his lords it was almost funny how his mouth clearly pouted in disappointment whenever he was caught missing home and you.

Z - ZOOM

§-What's their favorite place to go to?

You don't really have one outside of Winterfell. If you had to choose you'd probably pick the family room in which you could dine, dance, play, fool around, eat and just spend time together.

That's it for the SFW Robb version! Hope you liked it <3

taglist: @lady-stark-winter-rose

[forcedhesitation]

the end of wyll's quest is....interesting. it was VERY cool. I thought having the archetypal fairy tale prince go "slay the dragon" was a fitting ending, I just feel like it was....a little underwhelming in some ways.

more under cut

first and foremost- I wish that it was not possible for your tav/durge to converse with ansur. I wish that it automatically selected wyll, because I simply do not think that this entire scene has as much impact if it is not wyll at the forefront of everything. which is why I also have to complain about the emperor here.

the reveal that he is balduran is.... well. I knew about this already, through accidental spoilers. Initially, I thought it was a stupid reveal. but reframing the reveal in the context of a fairy tale...well it makes perfect sense. it just FEELS a bit underwhelming and strange, because your player character is not wyll. this entire area feels like it was written with an avatar wyll in mind. and I wish that there were changes made to the companion wyll version of the game that made up for this. wyll is a character who is hugely tied to the main plot by virtue of being the duke's son. he spends the game searching for his father, while trying to deal with both mizora and the absolute. mizora is the one he sold his soul to to save the city before, the reason he was cast out. the absolute wants to destroy and steal his city. and ansur, a legendary dragon, might be his way of saving the city and getting his father's approval back. ansur had wanted to kill balduran because balduran had been infected with a mindflayer parasite, but had embraced his illithid nature rather than rejected it. I feel like there's some parallel that can be made to wyll there. in that he was othered, like balduran was, because he accepted mizora's help. ansur condemned balduran because ansur is a bronze dragon and therefore lawful good. wyll's father exiles wyll because wyll was "at best a fool, at worst a traitor," in his father's eyes and his father tolerated neither. wyll & balduran are both victims of the inflexible nature those of lawful good alignments have. they are both seen as monsters for what happened to their bodies. I wish that was emphasised a little more. like autoselecting wyll for the ansur dialogue & giving him dialogue with the emperor would have made this ending feel a little more complete, in my opinion. and it would have better demonstrated the point of having the emperor even be balduran. because that's such a fairy tale thing, the stuff of real legend! for the hero's mysterious guide to actually be some great old hero thought to be long dead. and I do think it works. it just doesn't feel as impactful if wyll is not your avatar.

I also wish this area was overall bigger & more developed. I know they redid wyll's character from EA. I know they had less time. I just. I wish that this area was as detailed as the sharran temple in act 2. it feels like SUCH a big deal, it feels like it should be bigger. especially since at lvl 12, you're just. unkillable.

but the dialogue afterwards, where he says he's in the mood for celebration and wants to make a celebratory dinner? SO CUTE!!! that man's joy is contagious!!! I could practically feel him holding back how much he just wanted to jump around with joy. and the sweet little "let's hope gale won't be too upset that I'm cooking for once and not him." I love you. you are too fucking sweet wyll. this fucking city does not deserve you. this playerbase does not deserve you. you are a true gem and I wish people saw you are just as beautiful and interesting as astarion and gale.

a cool possible scene they could add, to given wyll's questline more material IS that dinner he talks about. or preparation for it! something where he asks tav/durge to taste the food beforehand? or where your avatar can ask him about where he learned to cook, prompting him to talk about his time as the blade of frontiers? out in the sword coast on his own? this scene could easily be platonic or romantic, but be given extra options for a romantic relationship. but something like this could truly be added at an earlier point in the game too, it doesn't have to be tied to this particular moment.

but overall really cool area of the game. very cool bossfight. and a rather clever ending to wyll's quest, contrary to what his haters say. I love the commitment to the fairy tale theme. it just needs a bit more. maybe it feels more satisfying if you've romanced him. although I've heard his act 3 romance scene is currently bugged? his unromanced questline is slightly bugged (doesn't rob you of any material, though, it just replayed some dialogue for me). either way, I hope that gets fixed asap. I so badly need to experience this romanced version in my other campaign.

[autumnslance]

Do you have any preliminary headcanons for your character going into Dawntrail? If not, have you ever had ideas for your character(s) based on upcoming expansions and how did they morph/change as you played through the story?

I actually, really don't!

I don't plan out how/why my characters pick new jobs up; I want to see how the new job plays and what it's lore and story actually is before deciding how and why my gals might get to it, or if I want to tweak it at all. I'm not spending too much effort on baseless plot and NPC speculation and making intricate plans that will be jossed by level 93 and how MSQ actually does unfold.

The closest I ever came to pre-planning anything for an expac was "we're going to Thavnair; I'll finally get lore to flesh out some of Aeryn's family stuff and decide how to fit in my headcanons for them" (as I purposefully made them a minority ethnic group in Thavnair for the reasons we had only a little lore for so many years, and no nation is a monolith anyway, and then the writers' discussion at previous FanFest 2023 panels really drove home how they tried to make Thavnair a diverse melting pot culture due to its history and trade position, so that worked out). But even then I waited until I actually played through MSQ to really decide what to adjust or keep.

A reason I go through with Dark Autumn first is to just enjoy the story (or not) as it comes, to get my own knee jerk reactions and feelings out of the way. And then I go through again on Aeryn or C'oretta and see how the story's constructed to reach the finale, and consider my WoL's reactions, thoughts, and feelings, and where that takes her story. Sometimes my opinion on certain things may even change, or I get a different idea for how it looks and works when seeing it again and considering the IC angles on that new run.

I might still do so when going through my 3rd or 4th time on alts or in NG+, even years later, as I've changed since then and also seen later storyline and how they go together now.

And then I probably spend a few years playing within those lines and scenes and ideas in my fanfic. But I also tend to keep my WoL fairly close to the canon storyline for the most part and with as close as I can get to the canon depictions of the NPCs. Other, own story stuff tends to happen based on interactions with friends and their writing, or random ideas at random times and deciding if they work or not (like Corran's history and Avengret hitting me out of nowhere based on prompts).

Also it's kinda nice to just open the expac on Day 1 with no real expectations or preconceptions, just letting story and gameplay roll in and sweep me along with them. Frankly, I think more folks really ought to give that a try, instead of pitching fits over how the expansion wasn't all they hoped and dreamed and so was a giant disappointment based on...what? Fanon? Headcanon? Speculation? Hopes for complicated plans they made for their OCs based on out of context lines and screens from FanFest and the trailers?

Just try experiencing a story for what it is and what it's trying to do, not self-hyped preconceptions, in any direction.

I dunno. A lot of words to say that I just like seeing how the world is written and presented, as it hits my characters and determine their plots that way, not ahead of time. I want to be inspired by the gameworld, not try to twist it into something it isn't (and will never be) when I can just write in my own original settings for that. My creation in FF14 is fanfiction on the story and characters presented.

Also I really am just tied up in my original writing at the moment, new MSQ will be a break and brief bout of new fandom creativity.

[windup-dragoon]

FFXIVwrite 2023

Prompt - Fish out of Water A person away from his or her usual environment or activities

Content Warning: Mention of Pregnancy, Endwalker MSQ

Word Count: 1549

Set during the months between finding a new route to the void, Kiri asks that Zero and Estinien accompany her to Doma to pay Hien a visit. Although out of place, Zero is never too far away from Kiri.

Zero was truly a fish out of water if there had ever been one. From Radz-at-han, Garlemald, and to the warm climate of Doma, all an exciting, if not exhausting new experience.

She could manage well enough with her fellows beside her, namely Kiri who could talk her way out of a paper bag with a laugh and a charming smile. Estinien too was never far behind, mindfully watching Kiri throughout the months they spent together. With them, Zero felt it a little easier to breathe. They never expected her to be anything else but herself.

This week, in-between talks of how best to reach the 13th again, they were given pardon to a little field trip of sorts. A short visit to Doma at Kiri’s request which no one seemed inclined to deny. Vrtra would stay at Radz-at-han in case news developed in the meantime, the trio sailing for Doma the next morning.

“You are attuned to the aetheryte in Doma, are you not?” Zero asked abruptly as they filed off one ship in Kugane only to greet another, smaller, boat to take them further. “Surely you could have gone ahead.”

“Aye,” Estinien, hauling a small bag of goods, climbed the boat first before offering a hand to the warrior of light.

Kiri accepted happily, a smile brightly painted on her face as she gave Estinien a pat on the cheek. “And miss this sorta attention? Never.”

Since having met her in person, away from the shadow of Zenos, Zero had noticed a change in the silver haired woman. Always smiling, always a hand close to her stomach. She had begun to wonder if the food at Radz-at-han was simply too rich for Kiri. Excessive eating of, albeit delicious, food would certainly have an effect.

But when Zero thought to bring it up, Kiri would simply smile and hum with her melodious laughter.

“Truthfully,” Kiri began once they had taken off from port, her hand gliding on the water's surface. “Using the crystal to travel upsets my stomach.” She gave a soft pat of her belly, looking dreamily out at the Ruby sea. “And the fresh air is nice, ain’t it?”

From the Ruby Sea to a small village named Namai, the trio traveled with light, idle banter. Estinien and Zero would clear the path of monsters or the ilk while Kiri diverted their attention to point out flora she liked or to show Zero tiger cubs watching them from the brush malms away. The scenery itself was colorful to Zero’s eyes, different from Radz-at-han certainly, but still appealing. Now only if they serve spicy curry…

At Namai they were greeted by a woman, Yugiri, who seemed well acquainted with Kiri. Small of stature but strong of presence. Politely she introduced herself and in typical Zero custom, a tilt of her hat was given in return.

“I apologize on behalf of Lord Hien,” Yugiri started once they were on their way again. “He is otherwise occupied in a meeting with G'raha Tia at the moment.”

“G'raha?” It was in unison that Kiri and Estinien replied, making Zero look them over curiously.

“It was at Lord Hien’s request that they meet.” Yugiri continued, a small smile on her lips. “He was eager to meet the famed G'raha Tia that you speak so fondly of.”

Kiri and Yugiri shared a light chuckle that had Zero feeling as though she missed some context. Partly she wondered what tales Kiri had told them of G'raha, and partly wondered if Kiri spoke of her as well.

Kiri had a way about her storytelling that always felt like a vivid dream. Zero found herself wanting to hear everything about Kiri; especially the stories where she could hardly speak without breaking into a rumbling fit of laughter. Did she weave stories about their time together as well? Nothing funny particularly stood out in Zero’s mind, but deep down, in some unknowable place in her heart, she hoped Kiri told extravagant stories of their shared experiences. For what purpose she did not yet understand, only that she hoped Kiri’s face lit up for her the way it did for everyone else.

Reaching Doma wasn’t particularly interesting for Zero. She silently took in the landscape, recognizing acts of war that had ravaged it with a heavy heart. But yet the villagers of Namai had been in high spirits, working toward a brighter future. And the enclave was no different. Children raced down the streets while adults went about their daily chores, turning to smile as they made their entrance from the pier.

There was hope to be seen in these faces. War wasn’t eternal to them, not like the conflict that made the void so dreadful. Would she one day know this feeling? Or hear children laughing while playing in patches of warm sunlight? Was there hope for the 13th?

“Kiri!” A voice intruded on Zero’s thoughts as two men emerged from the manor before them. G'raha tagged along behind the first, giving Zero and Estinien a brief wave.

“Oi, havin’ friends over without me, eh?” Kiri laughed. The man, while practicing an air of sophisticated calm, practically raced up to the group and indulged himself in lifting Kiri off the ground in an embrace.

Together they danced, laughing and teasing each other with small, fluttering kisses on the cheek. Zero, much like Estinien, turned away as if she were the one intruding on their personal time.

This was the man that Kiri spoke so frequently about, Hien. Zero recognized him from countless descriptions she had been told as she and Kiri ate bowls of curry in Radz-at-han. Seeing them together now only made it easier to see why Kiri enjoyed talking about him. Like watching sunlight on a summer afternoon. They felt bright and warm.

Hien put Kiri back on her feet before kneeling, his hands carefully placed on her rounded stomach. Zero cocked a brow, again feeling as though she shouldn’t be watching.

“Hello to you too, little one. I’ve missed you both.” He spoke so softly Zero thought perhaps she misheard him.

To Estinien, Yugiri, and G'raha, Zero turned, head tilted slightly. “She is with child?”

The group exchanged a wide eyed look, Yugiri being the first to smile before the men. “Yes she is.”

G'raha cleared his throat, attempting his best effort not to laugh. “Her stomach wasn’t nearly so round when she first met you, was it?”

Zero shuffled in place, crossing her arms as she gave it some thought. “…The food at Radz-at-han is very amenable… And she is never far from a plate of fruits…”

At this Estinien howled and G'raha choked on laughter.

“What? It isn’t too abstract to believe, is it?”

Yugiri gently placed a hand on Zero’s shoulder, smiling in a similar manner as Kiri would have. “You’re absolutely right about that. If there is one thing Kirishimi loves, it’s good food.”

“What’s this ‘bout food?” Practically deserting Hien where he stood, Kiri eagerly stepped closer to her fellows. She wore the look of a cat who had heard the dinner bell. 

A light flutter of laughter echoed amongst the party while Zero steadied her attention to Kiri. She truly was a fish out of water. When you exist in a world without reason to celebrate such things as new life, a world that had no use for newborn children, what then did one do in such circumstances? 

In any other situation, Zero would approach Kiri about it, asking for clarification of customs. One should be happy to hear the news of a child, right? Perhaps say something pleasant, like … good job? You did well? None seemed to suffice, at least not in her mind. 

Briefly she wondered about her own mother, and all the other mothers and newborn children that existed in her world before it was torn apart. Before darkness swallowed any sort of happiness or joy. A heaviness filled her chest as the thought expanded. How warm had her mothers embrace been? Was this what it meant to trust and love someone? The trust one held for their mother, the very reason for her existence. 

“Zero?” Kiri’s voice chimed like a bell beside her, drawing her away from the bitterness that tightened her throat. The Warrior of Light had moved closer, her head tilted in her typical curious fashion. “Everythin’ alright?” 

Everyone else had started a new conversation, a discussion of a planned dinner, of course. But for once, Kiri hadn’t been a part of it. Zero looked away, crossing her arms again. “..What does one say when you are happy for them?” 

Kiri blinked in response. “What’cha mean?” 

“To you. I want to say I am happy for you but I don’t know how to express it. Certainly there is a custom for this, right?” Zero never met Kiri’s eyes as she spoke, but the gentle hum of a laugh was more than enough for her. 

“Ohhh.” Her laughter grew, bright and contagious as always. “Oh Zero, you can say ‘Congratulations!’ Or just sayin’ yer happy for me is more than enough.” 

Before Zero could repeat the chosen word, a pair of arms wrapped around her. She stammered a hushed ‘congratulations’ before pulling at the brim of her hat. 

“Thank you, Zero.”

[zwy01]

Original Noble Clans + Clan Leader OCs!!!

I’ve wanted to do these for a while now!! Specifically, new soul weapons with different powers, and character designs of their respective owner(s) in general. I had a lot of fun drawing them and I’ll be drawing them in the future too!

These characters aren’t necessarily exclusive to a specific/fixed setting. They can be interpreted as headcanons that exist/fit in the canon storyline, characters specific to my Millennium AU, characters that exist by themselves and don’t fit anywhere,…etc. Anything really, as I do want them to have some flexibility. So feel free to interpret them as whatever makes the most sense to you. Personally, I see them as existing in both the canon storyline as my headcanons, and in my Millennium AU. In this post I’ll be (mainly) approaching and discussing them in the context of my Millennium AU, though there will also be some references to canon/pre-canon events of my interpretation.

Onwards to the backstory and concepts… woohoo!!! I’m sooo excited to introduce them!!!

In this drawing, there are two clans total, with two characters in each clan. The blue-haired ones are the “Volo”, and the orange-haired ones are the “Pyradros”.

For context, age-wise these Clan Leaders belong to the previous generation so they’re around Previous Lord’s age. Maybe a little older, maybe a little younger, but basically that. In terms of title/position, they were appointed as Clan Leaders by the time PL became Lord. Currently, they are still active as Clan Leaders in Raskreia’s reign, so technically they can be grouped with the current generation of Clan Leaders (aka Raskreia’s peers). The heirs of these Clan Leaders are around Raskreia’s age, maybe a little older, maybe a little younger, same thing.

No one would have guessed that the Previous Lord had a different plan all along. As the years passed, witnessing the rapidly changing world had prompted PL to think of the possibility of entering voluntary eternal sleep with his Clan Leaders. Asking Gejutel to stay behind and guide the next generation weren’t the only things he did. Long before PL even mentioned anything to anyone, he came up with another idea, a different way to protect Lukedonia: sending two of his Clan Leaders to the outside world, as far as possible, to the corners of this planet. Zephyrus Volo and Leona Pyradros were his close friends and trusted allies, and PL entrusted them with the mission of completely separating themselves from influences within Lukedonia, including PL himself. They were to walk every corner of this planet and see the world for themselves, for what it truly is. Try leading others, try being led. Expand your perspective, because it is crucial. PL’s instruction regarding their eventual return to Lukedonia was that they were to return during Raskreia’s reign, and many, many years well into it. In a way, this was PL’s last resort. If Lukedonia is still holding up and doing well under Raskreia’s leadership, they can simply settle back and continue on with their lives. And if Lukedonia is suffering for whatever reasons such as unforeseen circumstances or bad leadership, they can help rebuild Lukedonia and guide them back to the right direction, since they had spent a vast amount of time outside and thus accumulated valuable experience. PL had hoped that this would be Lukedonia’s last choice. By not leaving all of his eggs in one basket, he was certainly preparing for something. Since Zephyrus and Leona were his close friends, he could fully trust them with this mission. For safety purposes, no one knew about this mission except for the three of them. There was a mutual agreement between them, and it was kept secret from everyone else, the entirety of Lukedonia. Not a single one of their fellow Clan Leaders, including the eventual traitor nobles, knew why they departed Lukedonia. They only had a vague idea that PL assigned them on some sort of mission, but none of them knew that they would never see the two again. Perhaps it was also a sacrifice on their part to leave behind their home and everything they were familiar with. They respected PL, so to them this mission was of great importance, even if it meant that this would be a permanent farewell to the rest of Lukedonia. Their fellow Clan Leaders. And most of all, their beloved friend and leader. After sharing one final moment and goodbye with PL in private, Zephyrus and Leona silently and quickly depart, never to be seen again. The drama regarding the traitors would occur much, much later. Their journey began there, and they lived many lives as different people, in different places. They had nothing else except for each other, but that was enough for them. Gradually, their mutual friendship blossomed into something more. They fell in love with each other. Sometime later, Azurine was born. Then Rufus was born. Together they would raise their children and continue on with their journey around the world, completely oblivious to everything around them, just as PL had intended them to. The plotting, the murdering, traitor nobles leaving Lukedonia, Raizel and Muzaka’s fight, the invasion of Lukedonia, even Crombel’s nukes… these events simply didn’t exist to them. The two stay loyal to their mission post-finale and continue to explore the world. They would change locations every few decades to avoid suspicions of their lack of aging. Their now young adult children, thanks to their lifestyle, are very well-informed.

(This is where context starts to become vague/flexible/divergent, for the purpose of my story I choose to have them exist in my Millennium AU.) The four of them return sometime during the events of my Millennium AU, where Lukedonia has already seen birth of a new generation. Prior to their return Azurine and Rufus had never met any of the current generation of Clan Leaders, as they were born and raised entirely outside of Lukedonia. Even Raskreia is surprised. Explanation done, questions cleared, carry on. They settle back in Lukedonia. From then on, the story continues. How will they view the current Lukedonia and what will they do? Is this what PL had foreseen? For the better or worse? Seemingly, another “journey” for them begins.

(will continue to expand on this stuff in future posts!)

Moving onto the clans and characters!

Volo:

The Volo Clan specializes in all-rounders. Their spell-based attacks are ultra wide-range. Clan members can cast buffs on themselves and their allies, and debuffs on their enemies. Usually, the most powerful spells are cast by the pureblooded Clan Leaders and their line of heirs. The fighting style varies depending on the enemy. Due to the nature of their clan, one typically performs the best in fights as support for allies. In circumstances where they’re alone and/or all allies have been defeated, a well-trained Volo can also fight solo. The symbol of this clan is the Healer. Healing is their specialty and almost all Volo CLs and their heirs go through an extensive and unforgiving training regimen specific to their clan. One would find this to be extremely hard to endure. To them this is viewed as a necessity.

Soul Weapon: Octavio. Appearance is a crystal ball set atop a golden base that has eight red gems embedded on its surface. User can choose to hold it or have it levitate on its own. The crystal ball itself for the most part is a dark shade of color such as black, purple, blue etc. and glows other brighter colors when its user chooses to activate its powers. Can summon a wide range of spells. Most spells are not meant to be offensive, as they are intended to be secondary support, though there are a few attack-based spells too. Minor to moderate wounds can be healed repeatedly, though not indefinitely. The number of times Octavio can cast a healing spell depends on the user’s remaining energy and/or occasionally, willpower. E.g. if the user is worn out and/or injured badly, other spells may still be summoned but a healing spell cannot be summoned. When a healing spell is active, the crystal ball glows a bright cyan hue. Octavio’s ultimate skill is not an attack but rather an ability. When activated, the user can transfer a serious and even fatal blow from an ally to them self. Or, they can transfer a serious or fatal blow that they received to an ally. Due to the nature of this ultimate skill, it is rarely ever activated but if the situation is dire, the user can summon the skill and, in the process, decide who to save. Both parties involved need to consent and agree to the injury transfer for it to carry out. Contrary to its appearance, Octavio cannot be used for fortune telling. You can stare at it all you want but all you’ll see is a boring, unflattering reflection of your distorted nostrils.

Zephyrus Volo: the current Clan Leader, and Leona’s husband. Tall and fairly slender, though the slender part isn’t always visible because his layers of clothes cover it up. Wears black eyeshadow. Doesn’t talk much even though he has a lot of thoughts in his head. Some of them might as well stay unspoken, since they’re quite funny but mostly annoying. A very kindhearted man in general but sometimes seen as aloof because he’s always tired due to the nature of his powers as a healer as every single spell, even the most minor ones, will drain his energy. Will extend his hand to help others around him with his powers even if it’s not an emergency, something very minor that people can probably heal by themselves with a bit of time. He takes his job very seriously and it could be a bad thing. His wife Leona keeps him in check and makes sure he isn’t going around fixing everything he can and as a result draining himself dry of his own energy and passing out somewhere with his face planted to the ground. Very affectionate but is shy to express it. Reaaaally likes holding hands. Loves it when Leona picks him up and carries him like a princess. Calls her Leonie.

Azurine Volo: the clan’s heir, Zephyrus and Leona’s first child, and Rufus’ elder sister.

Very beautiful and has a mysterious aura to her. To some she may appear to be cold, because she doesn’t smile much and prefers nodding and other subtle body language for communication rather than talking. However this completely reverses where she becomes super chatty if you get close to her and gain her trust. Just like her father she is passionate about helping others. Unfortunately, she is in the same situation as him where she needs to trade her own welfare for it. She does it a bit differently though. In contrast to the Tradio who specialize in poison, she specializes in antidotes. Specifically, she purposely inflicts herself with poison and/or other injuries, then tries to find a way to fix it. Literally putting herself through pain and enduring through all of it so she can find a solution for others, since she believes experimenting on others is inhumane. There has been several times where she had almost died from self experimentation, but it never stopped her. She does this for centuries after centuries, and there is virtually no one else with the willpower and mental capacity to do this. Her arms are always, always covered either in bandages, long sleeves or other accessories to hide her scars from self experimentation. Occasionally blood oozes out from fresh wounds that haven’t completely healed yet and it scares people. She insists it’s fine though. Karias’ on-and-off lover and in a sense Kaelestis’ not-stepmother.

Pyradros:

The Pyradros Clan specializes in both close-range and long-range combat. Attacks are mostly melee, and are super destructive and explosive in nature. The only purpose is to destroy. Not to weaken, not to contain, not to subdue. The only goal is to completely destroy the enemy with no concern about what state they’d be left in. This style of combat takes a lot of training to master. Insufficient training could lead to injuring oneself, so those who want to wield this type of fighting style must be very experienced. Even an experienced user needs to be careful, Clan Leaders and heirs included. Typically, combat training starts at a very young age and safety precautions are the priority and taught first. The symbol of this clan is the Sun. Beautiful, dazzling, and destructive. Too much or too little of it, you die. It’s all about control and balance.

Soul Weapon: Soleil. A flail. The handle is mainly black with golden tips on either end, with a massive spiked sphere attached to one end. Typically used for swinging attacks that use brute force to puncture and/or smash enemies to bits. Attacks are virtually impossible to defend against, and they are designed to inflict a great amount of pain. Even enemies with superior regeneration fear this weapon, as they will relive the trauma for every single blow they receive and recover from, where the process repeat over and over again. Sometimes even Soleil’s appearance alone is enough to instill fear into the enemy and make them lose their will to fight. In general, Soleil is unforgiving to both the enemy and the wielder, as the former will usually perish within receiving one or several blows, and the latter needs to be extremely cautious too or they may injure themselves in the process. User can also choose to fight long-range as Soleil can also release aura like a typical SW, though most users prefer melee to bring out the full extent of its raw swinging and smashing power. The spikes on the flail’s sphere can detach and reattach on command. User can command Soleil to detach its spikes and the spikes will hurl themselves at the enemy as powerful and fearsome darts. After the enemy is pierced, Soleil’s spikes can be recalled (vanishing from enemies’ body) and reappear on the flail’s sphere. And repeat process if you wish. Soleil’s flying spike darts are very hard to dodge, though it is still possible to dodge them. Soleil’s ultimate attack is summoning a self-destructive blinding light that could possibly temporarily blind everything in the area (user and allies included) and a massive field of sharp crystals in the same fashion as the spikes will emerge from the ground to pierce anything within its reach. Due to the nature of this soul weapon, fights are best done solo just because of how destructive it is. Teamwork is possible but needs to be coordinated very, very carefully.

Leona Pyradros: the current Clan Leader, and Zephyrus’ wife. Has a great smile and radiates energy that can be felt by anyone near her. A bright and bubbly person who is most often found chatting with just about anyone. The weather, new recipes, your kids doing stupid things, just mundane things. Though, as inviting as she seems, she is actually pretty selective and doesn’t let people into her inner circle easily. Or at all, really. They don’t even know that she has functionality blocked them off because she’s so good at handling it and making them feel like they’re important to her (even when they’re not). Probably knows all of the latest gossip. In a way, she’s very good at collecting intel. Enjoys fighting and will fight anyone who is willing to spare some time. Sometimes refers to her SW as “little sunny” and talks to it as if it is capable of conversation. Aww, little sunny is feeling a bit bloodthirsty, aren’t you? Me too me too. Stuff like that creeps people out sometimes. Very protective of her husband and hates it when people expect him to fix just about anything. Will chase them away so he doesn’t spend his energy on them. Will shoot spike darts juuuuust a little past your ear barely grazing it as a warning to back off. Hah. That’ll do. Though if someone really needs healing she’ll let him help. Calls her husband Zeph and sometimes Windy if she’s feeling playful. Loves a good ribcage-crushing hug (usually the one giving it)

Rufus Pyradros: the clan’s heir, Zephyrus and Leona’s second child, and Azurine’s younger brother. Quite muscular in general but that part is usually invisible because he wears so many layers of frills and furs. A bit shy and instinctively covers his eyes when he sees his mother and elder sister because he hates the sight of blood and is quite afraid of it actually, and more often than not they are bloody, with the former loving spars and the latter injuring herself for research. Will scream “eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!” if frightened. A big sweetheart in general and his love language is gift giving. If he likes you you’ll find that he’s always handmaking something for you. Loves makeup and often makes his own from scratch. He loves his momma and wants to make her proud but he is pretty much lacking in terms of fighting ability because he’s SO scared of blood to the point where she can’t even train him properly without him crying and begging for a break and/or quitting at the sight of any open wound really. They just keep trying and momma is very patient. He’s very sorry about it and thinks he won’t ever be able to wield Soleil, even when she tells him not to worry. Loves potato chips. The really salty kind that always leaves your fingers all greasy and sticky.

That’s it for now! Excuse me for any typos a bit sleep deprived lol see you later will draw them more in ghe future!

[clusterrune]

"its okay to be not okay" replacements

["its okay to not be okay" replacements]

in the case of toxic positivity.

as my qpp pointed out, the lack of the use of the phrase "its okay to not be okay", needs to be normalized. we need to normalize not being okay, but change our phrasing so we dont make this "not okay" feeling seem like a defult emotion rather than the signal it is.

while its normal to not feel okay that doesnt mean its actually okay to feel that way. feeling bad, sad, down, hurt, guilt, etc are all signs something is wrong and it needs working out.

saying its okay to feel that way brushes off the whole point that youre supposed to look into why you feel that way.

i also found an article bringing up a similar point here(link)

here's some better phrasing and quotes from a conversation we had on discord:

3. "why dont you tell me about it/how you feel/your day, and we'll figure something out?"

this one offers a space to talk and figure out more about the "not okay" feeling as well as what may have caused it. sometimes people need to hear that its normal in the way that they'll feel heard.

4. to quote myself. "its normal to feel, but this feeling is telling you something is wrong and you need help working it out." feeling and having emotions is normal, its humanoid, its what a majority of living things if not all expirience. you are not to be ashamed for that and being made aware or reminded of the functions of feelings in general can help avoid or lessen that shame they might feel on top.

5. "its not wrong to feel a certain way" you dont have to necissarily encourage them to talk, but letting them know their emotions arent something they can turn off or on like a light switch let alone be at fault for, is a good start to things. its not wrong to have a reaction, thats normal, what you need to figure out is why you reacted that way. get to the route of the feeling.

6. "feeling bad is acceptible/normal"

a little weak but again, still a good start like other phrases.

7. "expiriencing (emotion) is completely natural"

more of another sentance starter than an entire phrase itself but its a good prompt and echorages digging deeper and opening up without feeling like youre weird/in the wrong/out of place for feeling that way.

of course you are entirely free to add your own phrases and/or even alter these to the specific context youre in, as you see fit. the more options the better and easier communication may be.

@syth-de-rolo as de rolo and @thetravelerstale as traveler

[raayllum]

In preparation for season 5 coming out in July, could I be directed to one or multiple (however many is fine with me lol) of your analysis on Callum's arc being shown and not told in season 4? I remember back when that season came out that you were planning on writing an analysis about that but I think I missed it in the grand scheme of things, though I'm still curious all these months later! Thank you in advance! (And also my apologies if you have like, a specific tag for this already that would have been easy to me to look up and I just didn't know about it)

I know I for sure had something like that planned, but it might've been part 2 of my "Why S4 is Good, Actually" series that would've focused on both Callum (individually) and Rayla (as a couple) and we'll see if I get around to it. Part 1 about Rayla here.

But there's basically three layers stacked on top of each other when it comes to Callum's arc being shown > spelled out. Not that prior seasons do spell things out (or that spelling things out is bad) but that S4 definitely, understandably, relies on the fact that we have characterization context and therefore contrast with the previous three seasons to help us along. So let's talk about it

1) Previous characterization

In previous seasons, Callum hardly ever has to be prodded to open up. If anything, he gives heartfelt speeches or talks about how he's feeling quite often with very little prompting or even sometimes segue. He's goofy and more excited and deeply curious. Now, some of his changes in S4 is due to age and maturity (re: how much more mellowed out he is in Xadia compared to the googly-eyed amazement in most of S3, even in the new regions they travel to in S4). We also see that he's far less impatient, far more irritable regarding a lack of answers (1x06 with Rayla in a high stakes situation vs 4x01 with Soren in a possibly high stakes situation) and that a lack of answers is specifically triggering to him (4x02's book outburst). Callum's triggers - being unable to speak (1x02) / breathe (2x08-2x09) / choking (3x09) - are also important to keep in mind as to why the possession scene, which leaves him gasping for breath like he's being choked and then being literally deprived of his voice, affects him quite so deeply (beyond the obvious).

He is also, as previously noted, a lot more emotionally shut down about Rayla, but also just in general. He's still feeling like an awkward fit in his position at court, but this time it's as high mage rather than as prince ( "All that high mage stuff is so stuffy-" "Let's go talk about it in the high mage's office, that is, my office"). All of this is compounded particularly in the way he cannot say either Viren or Rayla's names until, well, she shows up:

2) Viren parallels

Now, I think there are two layers to the Viren parallels (many of which I am still dissecting and wanting to dissect). There are the more overt ones when it comes to magic and their dynamics with Aaravos: being obsessed with the mirror, Viren asking to be allowed to let go / die while Callum asks for Rayla to kill him, with both Claudia and Rayla refusing. (More on that hot mess of a squad's dynamic in S4 here.)

Then there are their more personality / dynamic parallels. Viren and Callum both asking someone to kill Callum (and Ezran in S1) while knowing it's the last thing they'd want to do. The aforementioned Claudia and Rayla parallel. However, it goes deeper than that, I think, with Viren showing what Callum could become if Rayla hadn't shown back up, and to a certain degree, what Callum has become in order to try and cope.

But Rayla does come back (literally pulling him away from Aaravos) and so Callum is forced to confront what he's feeling or not feeling ("I know it's silly, but I'm not sure how to feel about Rayla, either").

Yet the Callum-Viren parallels persist until the very final moments of the season, and seemingly even into S5.

Why?

S4 emphasizes quite heavily the lengths Claudia and Viren are willing to go to for their family, and to save/protect them. Viren fears being unable to protect Claudia from Aaravos and his own failures (4x01, 4x07) and Claudia is desperate to save her father. They are two instruments (4x04) of Aaravos' Song of Love and Loss (4x03). Thus, Callum is quite overtly the third. Rayla's "Dear Callum" letter also specifically highlights protection as a key undercurrent of the show's dark and light theme:

They said that, sometimes, we make sacrifices so that the ones we love don’t have to. It’s part of protecting them—part of protecting you. Taking on hard choices and going to dark places is an act of love. It’s a gift. So, please let me give you this gift, Callum. Stay safe, and stay in the light.

This would already be noteworthy even if the show didn't take the, until S4, subtle light and darkness theme with Rayla and Callum and make it into an overt part of Callum's (and her adjacent) arc to the max. In darkness, gaze upon a fallen star. What if I'm on a path of darkness? and she shows up haloed in moonlight? Come on.

Basically: I think the Callum and Viren parallels are there to help get the audience on the page of being horrified/saddened, maybe, but not surprised at Callum doing something risky and batshit in the next couple of seasons to protect the people he loves. "However vile, however dangerous," Viren says. "In the name of love..." With S5 looking like this point for Viren will be emphasized further in his history with Soren, and Callum and Terry both poised to see what they're willing to do to protect Rayla and Claudia as they attempt to save their loved ones (Viren and Callum as mages; Viren and Runaan and co. as parents/fathers) and what they're not.

But yeah, I think the Viren-Callum stuff is definitely a show not tell, continually highlighting their growing list of similarities (and differences) in more overt ways than prior seasons, because the thematic reasoning for that foil dynamic is going to steadily come more and more to a head. To me, it's a great example of "show don't tell" in regards to both the ways Viren could get better, and Callum could get worse, tbh.

3) Magic crutch

Callum uses magical objects as a crutch in which to avoid looking at (aka confronting his feelings for) Rayla throughout the season.

It's widely implied that Callum has only thrown himself into magic so heavily in show because he needed a distraction from Rayla, and he continues using magic as a distraction even once she's returned. He uses the staff to literally look away when he lets her walk away from him (again) in 4x05 even though he's also clearly upset by it, and can't bring himself to even watch her leave. Then we have it being his gift of sacrifice in 4x08 - "It was given to me, in spite of everything wrong humans have done with magic. It means a lot" - only for him to drop it an episode later in order to pick up her sword, because his walls are crumbling at the possibility of her being dead. So he abandons the staff, cradles her sword to his chest like it's precious to him (and it is, as his last piece of her), and then tosses that away too in order to run to her. More on this scene and its importance specifically here <3

There is also Callum's (and the show's in general, but specifically his and specifically in S4) looking away motif, which I do have a tag but have not written a proper meta for, so hopefully sometime within the next couple of weeks I'll finally get to that <3

And I think that's the bulk of it, at least for now! Thank you for asking & I hope you enjoy all the messy Callum thoughts

[dyrewrites]

5 Lines Tag Game

@cowboybrunch got me for this one here -- Thank you ^.-

I'm tagging @winterandwords @desastreus @rmgrey-author and YOU

Rules: find a line in your WIP (can be dialogue or not) that fits the parameters given by the person who tagged you. Then change one of the parameters and tag five or more people. Can be lines from multiple WIPs. If you can't find a line that fits, feel free to change the prompt.

Your lines are: a line about hair, a funny line, a sweet line (love or flavor, take your pick), a line with fighting (physical or otherwise), and a line you're proud of

--

My lines are: a line about clothes, a funny line, a sweet line (love or flavor, take your pick), a line with fighting (physical or otherwise), and a line you're proud of

->under the cut<-

A line about clothes

I am choosing filth, I am not sorry.

There was not enough room on the chair for what my declaration led to, which we discovered in shared fits of laughter after his cold tongue and colder hands had colluded to strip my shirt and failed to take my breeches.

A funny line

Well, Ludovico thought it was funny

“And again you miscalculate your worth,” distracted by his tongue and cooled by his lips, I worried still of our sudden trip off-ship, but evermore of his turn in mood. So I did what I often did in such situations; I sought levity, “You are worth at least twelve bales of silk,” the kisses stopped to facilitate the confused glare he gave me but I continued, “that’s six or seven Ludovicos and yet, you have just the one.”

A sweet line

You get two because I said so

Kissing his cheeks, stealing what spilled, I insisted, “All that you are I love; the good, the bad, the murderous, the annoying,” he laughed through a sniffle and I held his face, certain to keep those moonlight eyes focused on me, “All of you I love, and all of you makes me happy.” “My perfect treasure,” he nearly sang, teasing after, “vicious liar that you are,” but his chill tongue silenced me as I made to argue, drawing soft moans along my own before he took it away and kissed my neck, “again you prove how little I deserve you.”

A line with fighting

A longer one, for a little more context

“We're sure to find land eventually, treasure,” he said too quickly, sharply, as he sat up and narrowed his eyes at me, all the mirth drained from his voice, “Then you can drink all the pretty boys you like.” Chasing that speed, that tone, confused and ignited I sat up and shot back, “Yes and perhaps we can bring them aboard, invite them into our bed, make a night of it.” “You're the one who smiled,” He scolded, crossing his arms over his chest. I leaned into the eyes he’d turned from me, voice not quite a growl as I succumbed to his sniping, “And you're the one who lured him to his death.” Those eyes stabbed when they looked at me and chill as his skin they iced through his words, “Your teeth were in him too, treasure.”

A line your proud of

I found him out on deck, bathed in moonlight before a backdrop of blue-black sea, playing to an audience of stars.

[unusual-ly]

Hey the Matilda the Musical movie will be on Netflix on the 25th and it’s a genuinely well done adaptation of the musical, every change, cut and addition made actually works well for the screen and fits the story, the kids are all little stars and you just have to see them, Emma Thompson is there, plus I used the new song Still Holding My Hand from it for my Thanktival day 1 prompt so you can also watch it for context ;)