#int. / featuring melody.

[saucyminxbrainspill]

Broken Things - Chapter 2

A/N: This fic mingles both film and book canon, especially in the area of TIME (i.e. how long it takes to actually travel to & through certain regions during the dwarves’ Quest for Erebor). I vastly prefer the travel timeline in the books to the super-condensed “there’s always someone chasing us” version in the films.

Fandom: The Hobbit (book and films)

Setting: first part of the Quest for Erebor – The Lone Lands (somewhere between Bree and the Trollshaws)

Characters: Fili x fem!reader, Balin, Gandalf, Bilbo, Thorin, Kili, The Company

Chapter Warnings: mentions of grief, naked dwarf ogling, allusion to past trauma

RATING: PG-13 – angst, implied nudity

Word Count: 2835

Summary: Fili thinks he’s found his One in Y/N, a human linguist and healer accompanying Thorin’s Company on the Quest for Erebor. All he wants to do is find a way to confess his feelings and court her properly. But unbeknownst to him, Y/N carries hidden trauma from her past. Can Fili help her overcome her demons and win her heart?

Barely half a day’s ride beyond the village saw the end of tilled fields and farmsteads, and the beginning of woods and wild country. Y/N avoided Fili altogether, riding at the head of the column with Gandalf and Thorin, or in the rear with Bilbo and Bombur, but always several pony lengths removed from the blonde prince and his brother. At first the younger prince tried to tease the elder, wondering loudly and often – much to Fili’s chagrin - what might have happened to alienate their new friend: that is, until he noticed Fili’s sullen glare whenever he spoke her name. Soon, Kili’s chatter succumbed to his brother’s brooding silence, until finally there was no conversation between the princes at all. Eventually, Kili moved up the column in search of more amicable company.

This continued for the better part of a fortnight, while the Company rode on under fair May skies. Apart from the awkwardness between Y/N and Fili (a known fact that everyone tiptoed delicately around at all costs), it was a merry time. The dwarves told stories and jokes as the ponies ambled along, often at the expense of one or more of their fellows. And most evenings after supper had come and gone, they sat around the campfire and sang. Y/N loved these nights best.

Many of the lyrics featured bawdy or comic scenarios, drawing gales of laughter from the whole group. But sometimes late at night, when the smoke from their spent pipes hung over their heads like wisps of forgotten dreams, the melodies turned somber. When the singing shifted into Khuzdul, Y/N sat entranced. Although she understood only a word or two of the secret language, she felt the weight of the music. The deep hum of dwarven voices stirred something within her: age old sorrow and a loss so deep she could feel the ache in her bones.

“What does it mean?” she asked Balin one night after the conclusion of a particularly mournful dirge. He sighed heavily and gazed up at the sky for a long moment before answering.

“It is the Song of Burning: an elegy for the souls lost at the Battle of Azanulbizar. So many of our kin fell before the gates of Khazad-Dum that day. Those who lived were not enough to bury the dead. So we gathered the fallen onto a pyre and burned them, and the smoke of it darkened the sky for three days and nights.” He looked again at the dying fire, and Y/N saw the memory of other flames reflected in his gaze. His next words were so low, she almost missed them. “My father was a burned dwarf; as was Thorin’s younger brother, Frerin. Nearly all dwarrow suffer from that loss. It is likely we will never recover from it.”

Long moments passed in heavy silence as both stared into the embers. Finally Y/N dared to ask the question that had begun to burn her heart. “I would like to learn to understand it. Khuzdul, I mean. I have spent my whole life learning languages, but I know almost nothing of your speech or your people. Could you teach me?”

Balin looked up at her and frowned, studying her face intently. Y/N held her breath.

“We dwarrow guard our ancient tongue jealously and rarely teach it to outsiders, lass. This is no small thing you ask.”

Y/N had expected this, knowing how closely dwarves kept their secrets. She was prepared. She turned a neutral gaze on Balin then spoke the words she had rehearsed. “Among my people, dwarves are regarded as suspicious at best and vagabonds at worst. The elders of my village taught us that yours is a vulgar race, best suited to hard labor and lacking all gentility. I have been watching you all very closely these past few weeks on the road” - Well, one of you more than the others! - “and whether you wanted me to or not I have learned a thing or two about dwarrow.”

She leaned heavily on the last word, then paused to see what effect her speech had had on her audience. Balin levelled a cool gaze at her from beneath his snowy brows, his former vulnerability transformed into a stony mask.  She picked up a stick and began to poke at the fire, avoiding his eyes as she continued.

“Most of my family believe that dwarves are greedy, mean, and incapable of honest dealings. And while you certainly presented yourselves well when we met back in the Shire, these past weeks spent on the road together have revealed your true character.” Pause for effect!

She couldn’t keep the straight face any longer. Looking back up at Balin, she broke into a grin. “My family are all fools. It’s one of the reasons I chose to become a scholar. Traveling in your company for the past month, I have found Durin’s Folk to be kind, honest, and loyal to a fault.” She paused for a breath, decided not to mention the particular Durin who had cemented this impression on her, and then continued. “Despite the coarseness of your manners and your slightly off-color humor, you have treated me with greater respect than my own kin. You have shown honor of the highest quality. And hearing your stories and songs has left me no doubt as to the richness of your culture. Yours is a venerable, noble heritage unrivaled by anything my village elders can boast. My people know nothing. And for my own part, I could never condone the views of such small-minded clodpolls.”

She put on her best pleading face and launched into the finale. “Please, Balin: teach me your language, your history, your stories and songs. I want to tell the world how wrong they are about you. I have become very fond of you all, you know.” Her oration concluded, Y/N sat back and waited.

Balin remained so still that for a moment she wondered if she had gone too far with the insults. Then a smirk appeared on his face and he shook his head, chuckling. “You are a force to be reckoned with, lass. It has been long since I have had to match wits with the likes of you. ‘Venerable’, eh?” He chuckled again, more warmly.

“Aye. I cannot see what harm it could do. I’ll take it up with Thorin.” Then the old dwarf stood, bid her goodnight, and lumbered off in the direction of his bedroll, leaving her to begin the first watch in the company of her own thoughts.

Y/N couldn’t keep the grin off her face. Perhaps Gandalf had been right. Perhaps here, among these fierce, proud, stubborn, fascinating dwarves, she could trust and be trusted. And with trust, maybe friendship would follow. Maybe even . . .

Ghosts of the past flitted about the edges of her thoughts and she shoved them away, pivoting her focus with a speed born of long practice. She gave the fire a few good pokes, stirring it to life and adding more wood. As the flames licked greedily at the fresh log, she raised her head to scan the camp. Most of the Company had taken to their blankets for the night. But just at the edge of the firelight, Y/N caught the gleam of eyes watching her. She stiffened reflexively. Fili’s golden mane shone in the glow of the renewed blaze, even as his eyes snapped shut. She had caught him staring outright this time. She sighed heavily and tried to relax, but the whispers at the edge of her mind would not fully disperse.

Damn the past! Even without it, she had enough to worry about in the present.  

The following day dawned unseasonably hot, and by mid-morning the singing and laughing gave way to sweating and grumbling. Even Gandalf grew sullen (“Well,” said Bilbo testily, “more sullen than usual at any rate!”). By late afternoon, everyone’s neck was sunburned, everyone’s thighs chafed, and everyone’s tempers worn thin. After toiling up a particularly long and dusty ascent, Gloin, riding at the front with Gandalf, gave a shout. The party drew up at the crest of the hill and gazed down upon a welcome sight. A small green valley fell away below them, leafy tree tops stretching away down the slope and sunlight glinting on water at the bottom. The dwarves cheered, and raced down the rocky incline into the shade of the wood, Y/N and Bilbo – whose riding skills were a bit less accomplished - following somewhat slower behind under the watchful eyes of Gandalf and Thorin. By the time the stragglers caught up with the rest of the group, the ponies had been tied up in a circle and already half-unladen, and a campsite was quickly unfolding on the verge of a small, clear lake.

“I guess we make camp here tonight” Thorin rumbled dryly, but Y/N caught the hint of a smile that played upon his lips as he watched his nephews shedding their clothes and weapons in a mad dash to the water. Y/N smiled too. A swim sounded like the best thing in the world at that moment! But – she glanced up just in time to see Kili dive headfirst off an enormous boulder, his chiseled body cleaving the surface with a splash – she would have to wait her turn. While nobody who knew her could call Y/N a prude, the dwarves had shown a deep concern for her modesty and “reputation”, and out of respect and affection she refrained from challenging their peculiar sensibilities.

“I’ll go help Bombur get out the cooking gear” she sighed, angling her pony towards the center of the campsite. But it wasn’t long before Bombur too, in an uncharacteristic display of rowdiness, shed his layers and went roaring off the top of the rock himself, swamping his companions with a mighty wave. Y/N laughed heartily and watched the company members for a moment as they wrestled and splashed; especially the blonde prince as he lifted his brother bodily and threw him off the rock down upon the surface of the water with a resounding ‘SMACK!’ She winced in solidarity, then looked away, smirking to herself as she built up the fire. Just because she had to wait her turn didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy the view!

Suddenly a shadow loomed over her. “My dear Y/N!” Gandalf’s voice interrupted her colorful thoughts.

“Hmm?” She raised her eyebrows and glanced up at him with an innocent smile. “Yes, my dear Gandalf?”

The wizard’s eyes glittered beneath his hat. “Why don’t you and Bilbo put your plant lore to good use and see if you can’t find something to add to our pot. Hmm?” He arched one tremendous eyebrow knowingly at her.

Y/N grinned wickedly. “Spoilsport!” she whispered loudly, then rose off her haunches and called to the hobbit, “Bilbo dear, Gandalf wants some vegetables for his stew. Would you care to accompany me?” Bilbo, looking uncomfortably hot and a little flustered himself (while he generally didn’t mind bathing amidst the dwarves, the sort of rough play currently churning up the lake made him more than a little anxious) hurried after her down the shore in search of wild greens and edible flora.

When they returned sometime later, arms full of wood sorrel, watercress, and mushrooms (Bilbo was especially proud of the large number of black morels he had found) the dwarves had finished their swim and set up a well-ordered camp. Y/N and Bilbo’s vegetables, combined with a quantity of dried meat, salt, and barley, promised a hearty supper, and everyone’s spirits felt lighter for it. Everyone, that is, except Y/N and Bilbo, whose sweat-damp clothes and burning skin now begged for a dip in the lake. The moment Bombur set the cauldron over the fire, Bilbo scurried off towards the water, now blessedly calm and free of dwarven gladiators. Trying not to look too eager, Y/N gathered her pack and set off down the shoreline away from the others, her mind already adrift on the crystal waters.

“Don’t wander too far, or we won’t be able to hear you and come rescue you if you drown!” Kili taunted her retreating form.

Without turning or breaking stride, she yelled back, “I’m not the one who needs to worry about drowning! Your back flip was a disgrace!” Kili frowned. “That dive was excellent! Where does she get off, telling me that-” Then his brain caught up with her words, and he flushed crimson and began inspecting his bow with single minded focus, pretending to ignore the jeers and whistles of the Company. Fili, however, found their exchange less than amusing. The words “drown” and “rescue” tugged at his heart, and he turned to Thorin where he sat on a log with Gandalf blowing smoke rings.

“Shouldn’t someone go with her?” he asked in what he hoped was a nonchalant tone of voice.  “I mean, at least within earshot?” Thorin raised a questioning eyebrow at his nephew, while Gandalf tried – and mostly failed - to disguise a chuckle as a cough.

“I think,”, Thorin began carefully, “that Y/N is perfectly capable of handling herself in broad daylight, sister-son.” It was true. The sun had lowered towards the tree line, but nowhere near set. Fili could hear Bofur snickering somewhere behind him, and his stinging pride urged him to take a swing at the cheeky Broadbeam. Instead, he nodded curtly to his uncle, who returned the gesture graciously, then went to sort out his bedroll.

Y/N floated on her back, letting her mind drift along with her body in the still waters of a secluded cove. The lake did not disappoint, embracing her chaffed and sunburned skin with waves of cool relief. She knew as soon as the sun dipped behind the trees the temperature would drop uncomfortably, but until that moment she planned to enjoy her swim to the fullest. She gazed up at the cerulean sky, pondering nothing in particular, except maybe how the cloudless blue expanse reminded her of Fili’s eyes . . . She blinked. Then she sighed. Damn it, Y/N! This will not do!

In the days since the market, she had kept her distance from the dwarven prince, unnerved by the intensity of . . . whatever had passed between them. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, trying to piece together how she felt. He was definitely handsome, with his leonine locks, breathtaking eyes, and adorable dimples, and he moved with purpose and certainty: attractive qualities in and of themselves. But she knew from both education and experience that beautiful forms often hide beastly souls. Her thoughts darkened, and she shoved the cloud away with a shiver that had nothing to do with the light evening breeze.

She closed her eyes.

Who are you, Fili? . . .

Not the past. It is dead, buried. It cannot hold me. This is the present. Now. You are here, now.

So, who are you? You are . . .

He was everything she had told Balin last night, and more. Laughter without cruelty. Bravery without bravado. Gracious. Competent. Strong of heart. You love your brother and uncle; will suffer hardship and danger for them. You exude inner light. So different from . . . Her mind reached the edge of an abyss she did not wish to gaze upon, and in retaliation all thoughts stopped. For a handful of heartbeats, she was completely blank. Then she inhaled deeply and repeated the words:

The sins of others do not define me.

The sins of others do not define YOU. The past is dead, buried. It cannot hold me. This is the present. Now. You are here now.

I am here now.

Now, not Then.

Now, not Later.

Now.

But who was he to her now? She had yet to decide. Ever since that unsettling day, despite her intense scrutiny, her instincts remained quiet. She did not sense danger from him, not even a glimmer of ill intent: no prickle at the back of her neck, no knots in her stomach, no urge to flee. On the contrary, she felt an inexplicable desire to get closer to him, to be seen by him. She even contemplated risking the unthinkable: letting her guard down.  

And then there was that whisper of something more: that something in his eyes which had lanced her heart and left her reeling, breathless and astonished.

When he looked at her . . . Elbereth preserve me, those eyes! . . .

Y/N’s heart sped up, and she felt a warmth under her skin that had nothing to do with sunburn or saddle sores. An upwelling of emotions cascaded over her, sweeping away her chronic fear. She remembered how her heart raced when he held her gaze; how her entire body tingled at his touch; how his eyes poured a torrent of questions and feelings into her, unlocking a corresponding flood in her own heart.

She snorted, remembering Kili’s recent jest.

“Who’s going to save you if you drown?” she murmured to the sky.

TAGLIST:

@justfollowtheroad @fizzyxcustard @middleearthpixie @lathalea @blairsanne @fandomfaery @fandomfaeryreads @luna-xial @luna-writes-stuff @i-did-not-mean-to @guardianofrivendell @theblogofdurin @midearthwritings @legolaslovely @laurfilijames @soyeahitsmiddleearth @krispypotato @shiinata-library @izuoyarmin @fortheloveofdurin @eilin-brillewin @filiandkili-sluts @spidergirla5 @tschrist1 @anitdot @brokennerdalert @witchylittlewolf @witchkingachilles

[midnight-and-his-melodiverse]

I posted 3,015 times in 2022

That's 3,001 more posts than 2021!

659 posts created (22%)

2,356 posts reblogged (78%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@midnight-and-his-melodiverse

@careful-pyromancer

@blue-kyber

@athena-anna-rose

@multi-lefaiye

I tagged 899 of my posts in 2022

#midnight's rambles - 290 posts

#answered asks - 137 posts

#themelodiverse - 89 posts

#midnight's writings - 35 posts

#wip: starsbitsandbytes - 31 posts

#character: midnight - 26 posts

#character: staticlight - 21 posts

#not midnight's writings - 20 posts

#wip: midnight and the gift of the melody blade - 18 posts

#storyteller saturday - 18 posts

Longest Tag: 125 characters

#theres two series i hate now (the second one i dont hate as much but i just never got into it) and they are: divergent series

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

The Melodiverse: Night Demons (part of "Species: Part I" which is in progress)

NIGHT DEMONS

Note I: (Before the lore begins: I've realized these Worldbuilding things are out of order, that's no matter for now though as I'll be chronologically ordering them soon lol)

Note II: OH BOY, GET READY FOR A LONG HAUL LORE DUMP

Night Demons are one, of seven different types of demons (because mainly they're organized by the type of gem and their features they inhabit) that are widely known and feared as the most destructive of demon, not by their own accord of course.

Their destructive tendencies by their own accident, are known to be caused by "an evil kind of possession" that descends on poor souls who are naive enough to deny their existence.

BACKSTORY

In the ancient times of the Melodiverse, Night Demons were once humans that through their morbid curiosity towards the Melody Gems; being regarded as mystical artifacts back then, realized that they could play pranks on the gems and trick them.

A result of this, ended up with a human being sent to the Discordant Barrens (The Melodiverse's version of Hell), and their punishment was intense exposure to the gem that ended up transforming them into the Night Demons that are known through history in the present day: having blue-hued horns, being controlled by an evil kind of possession, having constellation-covered skin, and having long, thin claws.

Many people who form conspiracies on them, claim that the fact that Night Demons being called a "biological curse" is a lie and propose that it was the demons' fault in the first place for having an evil kind of possession controlling them at every waking hour.

One poor soul, who constantly tries to play off that his species is a "biological curse", is Midnight. He, of course couldn't escape having an encounter with an evil kind of possession, which is how Staticlight came about, along with also being the personification of Midnight's negative thoughts.

APPEARANCE AND FEATURES (featuring Twilight talking!)

Night Demons' features have been well established and set in stone ever since the first myths of them passed around through the coastal town of Concordia and the small urban city of Penwood, and have largely stayed the same.

In many books and texts in the Melodiverse, historians, students of Melodiverse history, and other people, have described their overall appearance. Here's a description from Twilight, who is a student of Melodiverse history, and a budding rocket scientist:

About their appearance: "The appearance of Night Demons are as follows: They have constellation-covered skin, evident of their connection to the stars, hence the name, 'Night Demon', spiky blue-hued horns, white glowing eyes; a hint of the chaos they hold, and long, thin claws."

About their features: "Night Demons are known to have a rare feature that allows them to interface with the more chaotic Melody Gems. Specifically, Dev who is a night demon, has the Anarchy Gem and because of this, is able to assume a human form. Other Night Demons who have Gem Marks (which is the mark they have on their skin, denoting the secondary gem they inhabit at birth) have the ability to use their secondary gem's magic."

An interesting thing to note: "Night Demons, from what I've heard, are a surprisingly fluffy breed of demon. The feeling of their fur is like a cat's: warm, fuzzy, and soft. You would never think me to be the person that declares these things, yet I indeed am."

WORLDBUILDING TAGLIST: @blind-the-winds, @purgatorydotexe, @carefulpyro, @bardic-tales, @365runesofwriting (Ask / DM to be added to, or removed from, the taglist!)

SPECIES TAGLIST: @elijahrichardwrites, @365runesofwriting (Ask / DM to be added to, or removed from, the taglist!)

28 notes - Posted August 6, 2022

#4

WRITEBLR RE-INTRODUCTION lol (because I'm going to be more active on this account than the actual writeblr)

Hiya there! The name's Midnight and I'm 17 and an aspiring author! I've loved reading sci-fi and fantasy ever since I was a kid, and thanks to my dad getting me into the game, I'm also a self-proclaimed D&D nerd as well lol I have four WIPs going on right now, and they all take place in my fictional world I have, called the Melodiverse! Before I list them off though, here's what you can expect from this blog (because it's a hybrid of a primary blog + a writeblr LOL) 1. Obviously some rambles abt the Melodiverse's worldbuilding 2. (sorta?) frequent posts for my writing (I'm working on that!) 3. reblogs of other writer's stuff (cuz I'm supporting others to be also supported myself!) 4. and that's it basically!

WIP LIST Now the main event that y'all have been waiting for: the WIPs I have!

🎶 THE MELODY BLADE SAGA 🗡️

An four book urban fantasy series with the long-standing "chosen one" trope, and two young kid villains! Word count for Book 1 is projected to be 51k as of currently!

Book 1: Midnight and the Gift of the Melody Blade

Summary: A wolf-human boy named Midnight tries to keep a mysterious blade that he recieves on his doorstep one morning secret, as he uncovers the source of strange arcane events disrupting the city, and a young villain who wants the blade for malicious purposes. Synopsis: After a wolf-human boy named Midnight recieves a strange gift from the goddess of his world, otherworldly events pull him into pressuring situations where he's subconsciously told to keep this gift a secret. He doesn't know why, up until he notices a mysterious young villain and a familiar sidekick stalking him. It turns out the sidekick, who was the boy's alternate personality, was charmed by the villain into taking his side. With the threat of corruption moving ever closer, the boy must brandish his newfound blade whilst learning new skills, and restore his realm…

Characters:

Midnight - the main protagonist, and wielder of the Melody Blade, who is a complete pacifist up until Twilight teaches him that not all fights can be solved with peace.

Ambrosia - a side character, and Midnight's girlfriend.

Twilight - a mentor, of sorts, and Midnight's brother who runs the fencing team at Midnight's high school! Staticlight - Midnight's personification of his negative thoughts and fears, as well as being in love with a Night-Demon called Dev over their mutual bond in chaos. One of Dev's sidekicks.

👺 GOBLIN THEFT AUTO 👺

---THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS---

🌟 STARS, BITS, AND BYTES 🌟

Summary:

(Credit to OpenAI Playground)

Stars, Bits, and Bytes follows the adventures of two pilots (Arietta and Quintus) and two young kids (Ottava and Lyric) along their journey to a brand new world, escaping the destruction of their home planet, Terra Melodiae on their spacecraft Titania (which has a cranky AI assistant.) But they have to dodge asteroids, fight space pirates and try not to lose their way as they navigate to this new world. 

When they get to this new world however, they must get accustomed to the strange society that has built up there with robots and magic as far as the eye can see and very strict military force that protects the planet from invaders. 

However through information passed down by the general, the group finds out that Emperor Tetrachord and his army of Silencers wants to destroy this new planet. Even though the two kids are scared to operate the ship themselves and steer it into a great battle, Arietta and Quintus are confident. The four of them must team up and use all the skills they have to stop Emperor Tetrachord from ruining this new world and find a way back to their own home planet.

💎 SILVER MOON SONATAS ����

---THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS---

31 notes - Posted August 2, 2022

#3

THE MIDNIGHT'S MELODIVERSE MASTERLIST (v2.0!!)

Welcome to the REVAMPED MASTERLIST with color codes for the WIPs! (even though it's been 3 months and that wouldn't have been necessary-- I just wanted a new one, ok?)

UPDATED ON 10/1/2022, CHANGES: Added a section for the Midscryption AU (co-created by Ame and I) and it's stories!

Anyway!!

Overture: Quick Tag Rundown

#themelodiverse - for anything Melodiverse related, mostly excluding worldbuilding, but can include answered asks relating to the Melodiverse in some way, whether it's OCs, lore or otherwise!

#Midnight's OCs - for anything relating to my characters, whether its intros

#Midnight's rambles - For my general posts that (mostly) have nothing to do about my writing, sometimes!

The Curtain Rises: The WIPs and their related content, canon or not!

--ORIGINAL WIPS--

Now for the main event, my WIPs and their related content! These will be color coded for easier reference! (also look at the emojis on either side of the WIPs' titles to familiarize yourself with what emojis are associated with which WIP!

A summary of Book 1's plot, in the form of a news headline: Local Teen Boy Discovers Mysterious Blade on Doorstep, Ends Up Encountering a Strange String of Arcane Events

An actual summary: A wolf-human boy named Midnight tries to keep a mysterious blade that he recieves on his doorstep one morning secret, as he uncovers the source of strange arcane events disrupting the city, and a young villain who wants the blade for malicious purposes.

The plots and summaries for the other books in the saga meanwhile, are under progress hehe

Brief Excerpt:

(nothing yet, sadly)

Some related content, if you desire to look: INTROS (which include the story intro, and character intros) EXCERPTS (in progress!!), INCORRECT QUOTES, MEMES, OUTLINE (This is exclusive content for those subscribed to the "Midnight's Behind the Pages" taglist, of which is still in progress, so stay tuned for the taglist post!)

See the full post

34 notes - Posted September 9, 2022

#2

Well, it's probably VERY late for this...

But here's the August / Writeblr roundup and overview?

Through this writeblr, I have managed to reach 1000 posts!! (half of them being reblogs, but that's no matter LOL)

See the full post

35 notes - Posted September 2, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

MIDNIGHT'S FIRST WRITEBLR ASK GAME!!

MIDNIGHT'S WRITEBLR ASK GAME: PLANETS AND SCENE ASKS!

Mercury: Find a scene in your WIP that contains a mystery or a narrative scene describing mystical elements!

Venus: Find a scene in your WIP that contains fire, and or a scene where something's burning down due to the intense heat!

Earth: Find a peaceful scene in your WIP, which can include: people playing in lakes, running through forests playing tag, or just sitting under a tree contemplating life!

Mars: Find a scene in your WIP that contains a war of some kind!

Jupiter: Find a scene in your WIP that contains a supernatural storm!

Saturn: Find a scene in your WIP that contains a celebration of a tradition!

Uranus: Find a scene in your WIP that contains a scene taking place in winter!

Neptune: Find a scene in your WIP that contains a scene with swimming, sitting by the shore, or: Find a scene in your WIP that either mentions magic, or has a demonstration of a magic system!

Have fun with my first ask game!!

58 notes - Posted September 15, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[officialzedwap]

Chuzhe Int ft. Dope Boys - Balindisha Mp3 Download

Chuzhe Int ft. Dope Boys – Balindisha Mp3 Download Chuzhe Int, a notable figure in the Zambian Hip-Hop scene, has released a new track called ‘Balindisha.’ Judging by Chuzhe Int‘s reputation for delivering complex rhymes over catchy melodies, it’s likely to be an impressive piece of work. The fact that this release also features Dope Boys, a well-known music duo from the Copperbelt, promises a…

[freyayuki]

Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia Kadaj and Maria Banner

The Mother Fixation Lost Chapter event just started in the Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia (DFFOO) mobile game. This event came with 1 banner.

Mother Fixation Banner

The Mother Fixation banner features the following chars and their weapons:

Jecht from Final Fantasy X - Burst or BT only

Maria from Final Fantasy II - 15cp, 35cp, Ex, and LD

Kadaj from Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children - 15cp, 35cp, Ex, and LD

Alisaie Leveilleur from Final Fantasy XIV - 15cp, 35cp, and Ex

Kadaj from Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

My Kadaj from Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (#ad) is fully built and MLB. All of his Boards have been completed. 

He has 3 ATK 108 with Remnant Up★★ (While Latent Thoughts active: Raises own MAX BRV, ATK by 5%) Artifacts.

Kadaj is equipped with the following real Spheres:

Garland’s (from Final Fantasy I) Break Hit Raging Attack Up A Sphere

Raises ATK by 2% when inflicting Break or attacking target afflicted with Break up to 5 times, once per turn

Oerba Yun Fang’s (from Final Fantasy XIII) Break Hit Attack Up Longer A Sphere

Raises ATK by 10% for 6 turns when inflicting Break or attacking target afflicted with Break

The Emperor’s (from Final Fantasy II) Debuff Success Attack Up Longer E Sphere

Raises own ATK by 10% for 6 turns when inflicting debuff on target

Even upgraded Kadaj’s High Armor to Blue.

Used Kadaj a lot when I first got him. Managed to get him to work through a number of Lufenia (level 200) quests.

Here’s a list of the Lufenia quests that I’ve been able to clear with Kadaj in my party:

Mother Fixation

Love, the Melody of Courage

Crimson Arms

In the Garden of Evil Boss Rush

Dark Quickening (Story Act 3 Chapter 3, Part 1)

Lotsa Lore

Ballads and Rhapsodies (Story Act 3 Chapter 3, Part 2)

Invaders from Distant Seas

The Ice Reaper

The Man Known as The Immortal

Equinox Aurora: Gallicinium

Was really hoping that Kadaj would get a rework or update the next time he came back with his Lost Chapter event but, alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

This is his Lost Chapter banner and he got absolutely nothing new at all. He’s still the same as he was when he was first introduced as a playable char in Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia and that felt like ages ago. 

In short, he’s sadly outdated and powercrept by now. At least I heard he gets pretty good when he gets his Level 90 and Crystal Level 90 Awakening. That won’t be for a while yet though.

Maria from Final Fantasy II

As for Maria from Final Fantasy II - although Mother Fixation is Kadaj’s Lost Chapter event, it’s Maria who got something new. 

Her base kit didn’t get a rework or anything but her LD is new. This is its first appearance. 

Maria’s a support char with pretty decent auras. She can heal. She can battery. She also offers a trap debuff that activates right before the enemy’s turn. Aside from dealing damage, this trap also heals and batteries the party.

Mother Fixation Free First Multi-Draw Results

For the Mother Fixation banner, the only weapons I’m missing are Maria’s LD and Jecht’s BT. 

As part of the Black Friday campaign, we get a free first multi-draw on the Mother Fixation banner. 

This free pull gave me a gold orb, which turned into a dupe of Maria’s Ex and a dupe of Kadaj’s LD. Ahh, why couldn’t that Kadaj LD have been Maria’s LD instead?

Maria’s Ex gives a good Sphere (raises the party’s ATK and INT BRV by 5%) so the dupe isn’t unwelcome but still. Wish I could have gotten her LD on this draw already.

Mother Fixation Banner Tickets Pulls Results

Was kinda interested in Maria because I heard she can help with one of the fights in the upcoming Dimensions’ End: Transcendence Tier 7. 

Couldn’t justify using gems here though considering basically everything here’s a dupe. So decided to try my luck with tickets and just hope for the best.

Would have had more than 218 tickets on hand if I hadn’t foolishly wasted around 200 or so on the banner that featured Jecht’s LD. Really regret this now.

Wish I hadn’t done that. Don’t even need Jecht. In fact, was planning to skip that banner entirely other than doing the free daily single draws.

For a while, I thought I was doing well on being able to ignore said banner. But then I got the urge to pull. 

So I started tossing tickets on Jecht’s LD banner. Big mistake. Not only did I fail to get Jecht’s LD, my pulls were also so bad that I barely got any golds, dupes or otherwise. 

What a complete and utter waste of tickets. Can only hope this banner with Maria’s LD won’t be so mean to me.

To my surprise and relief, was actually able to get Maria’s LD. It came from a gold orb.

Before that, my previous 10-pulls weren’t that bad either. Got the usual bronze and silver trash but also got a few gold dupes.

The 10-pull that gave me my very first copy of Maria’s LD also gave me a dupe of Maria’s 35cp and a dupe of Alisaie’s 15cp.

Still have 168 tickets left after Maria’s LD showed up. Very pleased with this banner.

Conclusion

So, what about you? Did you pull on the Mother Fixation banner? What do you think about Kadaj, Maria, and all the other chars featured on this banner? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions by leaving a comment below or by reblogging or replying to this post.

Notes:

screenshots are from my Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia game account

[trustbikini]

Iexplorer registration code generator mac

IEXPLORER REGISTRATION CODE GENERATOR MAC FOR MAC

IEXPLORER REGISTRATION CODE GENERATOR MAC ACTIVATION CODE

IEXPLORER REGISTRATION CODE GENERATOR MAC PC

IEXPLORER REGISTRATION CODE GENERATOR MAC KEYGEN

IEXPLORER REGISTRATION CODE GENERATOR MAC PC

IExplorer will always download as a free demo to your Mac or Windows PC with some of its features limited or disabled.

And change the information files of the app itself (this frequently incorporates the high score information, or your character data and fun things of that sort).

With iExplorer’s app catalog get to, you can peruse/compose essential files that you’ve made inside an app or even view.

Utilize your Mac’s local Quick Look to easily view your device’s files before sending them over to your PC.

View pictures and recordings, preview melodies, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Preview files on your device preceding moving.

Became acclimated to utilizing two-finger swipes to return and forward in your program history? We did as well, so we’ve worked in gesture support.

Stressed over bricking your iPhone? Try not to be! iExplorer easily interfaces with your iPhone in the same manner as iTunes, so there’s no dangerous hacking required.

IEXPLORER REGISTRATION CODE GENERATOR MAC FOR MAC

That is because we made each application independently utilizing the most recent Cocoa SDK for Mac and a new Windows Presentation Framework for Windows.

Regardless of whether you’re on a Mac or PC, you’ll notice that iExplorer offers you the local feel of your working framework.

Bookmark your preferred indexes just by hauling them into the bookmarks organizer where they can without much of a stretch be opened later.

From progress bars to occupied messages, to file move history, iExplorer has it all, so you’ll recognize what’s happening while you’re doing it and what changes you’ve made.

With drag-drop support, send out menus, and even plate mounting, you can deal with your files any way you like.

Moving files and envelopes to or from your machine couldn’t be simpler with iExplorer Key Generator.

You can associate numerous methods simultaneously iPhone 4S, the new iPad, iPod Classic, iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle, and so on. It incorporates iOS devices and non-iOS devices.

iExplorer is compatible with all iPhones, iPods, and iPad Touches.

Features Of iExplorer: iPhone, iPad, and Pod Compatible: The perfect and efficient interface wraps up an incredible arrangement of instruments for overseeing media, applications, reinforcements, or bookmarks just as messages, address book, notes, schedule, voice messages, or call history. And it likewise makes it feasible for you to interface and deals with a few gadgets all the while.

IEXPLORER REGISTRATION CODE GENERATOR MAC ACTIVATION CODE

iExplorer Activation Code works with the two iOS and non-iOS items. Consequently, you can relocate things to and from your iPhone, iPod, or iPad without any difficulty. This new type of connection makes it easy as data is displayed like on some other convenient gadget, for example, a USB streak drive. The two projects together will offer you a total method to deal with your iOS gadget. Be that as it may, in case you are OK with iTunes, don’t stress you don’t need to relinquish it to utilize iExplorer. From multiple points of view, iExplorer is the thing that iTunes ought to be. txt document, and you can make reinforcements of explicit information or your whole phone.

IEXPLORER REGISTRATION CODE GENERATOR MAC KEYGEN

You also can utilize iExplorer Keygen freeload to save information from your phone, including text messages, call logs, and that’s just the beginning. You also can use iExplorer to mount an index from your iOS device as an organizer in Windows Explorer, which makes it even simpler to free iTunes-purchased content from the iTunes universe. Also, you can utilize the Transfer feature to move content from the iOS device to envelopes on the computer, using the Windows Explorer interface.

[thatphatoven]

At the Beginning

 Diluc x Fem! Reader; Anastasia inspired Au

The lost Princess of Fontaine, with vague memories, journeys back to her homeland with the darknight hero trying to discover her past.

Chapter one

AN; This series will set place when Diluc leaves the dawn winery after his dad's death. I apologize if the information is inaccurate or the characters are out of their personality. Also, I used google for translation for some French, so if anyone wants to correct me, feel free. 

Word Count; 2,488

Unedited 

Like a mystery, the night held infinite uncertainty. The blanket of stars provided the comfort of light to bystanders bustling in the streets. Boisterous waves of laughter mingled with the notes of the viola, while at the same time, the patter of feet dances amongst the cobbled pavement as constant jeers chant words of ambition.

A short and stout plump man clambers on the wooden bar table, raising his pint of beer. "Vive la Fontaine!" He bawls. The swarm of drunkards mimics his gesture, laughably heaving their beers. Everyone adores the late-night festivities of celebrations. Conspicuously for a certain Princesse. All classes of the hierarchy were divulging on her 10th birthday. The common folk paraded in the streets, as the aristocrats partake in the Château. One devotee perched away from the horde, gripping his pint considerably tight. Resentment filled this man to the brim. His eyebrows creased at the carefree atmosphere while his teeth clenched vigorously. His unsettlingly deep brown eyes leered at the ripples of his beer. The Tavener in duty glanced at him, wary of his movements. "Are you not enjoying the night, Monsieur?" he questioned. The cloaked man remained mute, desire to be alone with his brooding. Having enough of the repulsive atmosphere,  he pushed the tankard towards the barkeep while fishing out a couple of mora before slamming it against the hard surface.

The barkeep raised a brow at the mug, filled to the brim untouched. "What a waste," he thought, his pupils trailed on that particular individual crashing into other patrons, not until he reached the knob of the entry, but only to slam it vigorously. Not one person wavered at his little act but happily drank more to feeding their drunken state. Outside the Tavern, least people loiter around the city streets. Only the occasional hidden couple is kissing in a dim alleyway as some hasten their journey back to their cozy homes.

Fog swarm the night while the chilly air nipped his skin. In a straight line, rows of oil lamps lit up the murky mist. He begins his stride of pace out of the precinct, and after turning and turning, this section of the city became less active. Only sealed up windows and abandon property lived here. He was passing an unkempt park, with rust and weed growing on the deteriorating swing set. There assigned next to it was where the citizens worship their God. A once tall, beautiful structure is now a decaying building with the statues nation archon, sat in the middle of the courtyard as vines grew on the idol. The wind whistled loudly, fabricating a frightening aura to his personality. Trudging up the cathedral's steps, he swiftly entered the church, in the process of ramming the heavy entree.

Crash.

Shards of a porcelain marble bowl were scattered on the flooring. The heel of his leather shoe crunched against the broken pieces as he stationed himself in front of the altar. Pope Marquis Puissant. A once righteous man was loyal to Fontaine's  God, now castaway for betraying the regality and abandonment of faith. A wicked man, they call him. Instead of the common holy word of the Archon, he was preaching of Ursa the Drake. A draconic creature that wasn't a God. That dragon, though it held an intense amount of power, enrapturing his attention. The local faithful became weary of his sudden turn on his faith which his reputation took a turn. Fewer attended the mass and begged the crown to disown him as a Pope. It was a late Sunday morning when the priesthood strips his power as a Vicar. In a rage, he stormed the Palace ground. "You're all nothing but halfwits blinded by power!" pointing at each, and of them, he cursed words of unpleasantries. "You wait, like this poor country excuse of a God, justice will be served."

Ever since then, he took shelter in a deserted church. Where there in the middle of the stone tablet laid a delusion. The Tsaritsa must have pitted the vengeful man, even if he's not part of the fatui. He will gladly serve two Gods. Now on the night of the beloved nation princess, Marquis will commence his revenge scheme, starting on the birthday girl.

"Higher Papa!" a giggle of chortle escape the young girl's lips. The man twirling her oblige, raising her higher in the air to the beat of the ensemble's melody. The puffy maroon gown fitted around her petite body, while the style of her long white hair swayed with every movement. The (e/c) pierced her fathers, carrying mirth of cheekiness. Sitting on the throne mirrored with the same features of the Princess sat a kind queen, with soft eyes smiling at the ridiculous scene of her daughter's ambitions. "Look at my beautiful Granddaughter." grey-haired, tied in a tight bun with a crown, sat snugly on her head. The Grand-mère watched the ballroom flock in high spirit. However, it was the girl that danced with her Father that held all that energy. "Have the Ragnvindr's arrive yet?" she questioned, looking at her daughter. "Not that I'm aware of Mother, but you should stop inquiring for rare alcohol from Master Crepus." "It's not my fault that the family makes splendid wine" The elderly woman hid her smile behind her gloved hand. "Besides, it's the offspring I'm after," they watched (y/n) grinned at her son-in-law, ruffling the girl's hair. "A charming man, with a charming boy. Don't you agree?" The queen let out a sigh at her Mother's antics.

"Grand-mère!" a small cheer escape (y/n). Pulling the layers of cloth, she began to hurry to the pair leaving her Father on the dance floor. Spreading her arms, the elderly accepted her hug and began smothering with small kisses on her round cheeks; her granddaughter laughed. "Look at you, my little lumière. All grown up," she squished her cheeks together, holding tenderness behind her blue eyes. "Now that I'm ten, you're going to teach me how to play poker! Right?" Tiptoeing closer to her, she held the throne seat, giddy of the thought. Her Mother stared at the child and Grandmother in disbelief. Chuckling nervously, she patted her hair. "Maybe wait until you're coming of age." (Y/N) pouted at her answer, leaving her explanation unreasonable. "But I do have a little gift for you instead." Grabbing the tiny Princess's palm, placing a red leather ring box. In a rush, the child swiftly opened the present. A gasp emitted from her. "Oh, Grand-mère! It's beautiful!" (Y/N) cried. A simple golden chain sat in the cushion, with the same colored ore boldly gleaming in the middle. "Together in Fontaine," reading out loud as she deciphers the cursive writing.  The two grinned at each other as her Grandmother help put the necklace together around her. "When you wear this, think of an old woman who loves you very, very much." (Y/N) nodded at her words, directing her attention to the lockets words—hugging her once more.

"Your majesty," a rich and velvety tone interrupts the tranquility. "Master Crepus," the aging regal announced. A tall, aristocratic gentleman with charm greeted the family. His attire consisted of a simple charcoal black two-piece suit, and the tie he was sporting matched his fiery red hair. A handsome man he was. "Finally declaring your arrival, it seems." she teased. (Y/N) gape at the lord, intimidated by his scarlet hooded eyes. "Apologies, I was struggling to convince my son to attend the party." Crepus sighed. "Is this the boy you took in? Kaeya was it?" The ensemble's melody began a new tune as she glanced at her associate.

“attentive as ever, your majesty." The older woman smirk at his reply, "when you reached a certain age, you recall every little detail." He let out a deep laugh only after he shakes his head. "Diluc was the one who managed to drag him." "Ah, the little Crepus did it?" "Indeed, he promised that he wouldn't abandon him during the party."  Their eyes trailed over to a smaller version of the man, who was currently dragging a bashful blue-haired boy across the room. "That little ball of light does have his ways."

(Y/N) fidget on her spot, feeling increasingly uninterested in the adult's discussions. Aware of her actions, Crepus near the girl and kneeled. "Happy Birthday, your highness." Only to pass his present for her. She lightened up at the gift and hugged it."Thank you, my lord." she smiled at his action while showing a missing tooth in the middle of her teeth. "You must be bored just listening to us old people talk," he spoke. Standing straight, he called to the pair of boys. The bubbly red-haired boy was the first to respond, pulling his brother behind him. The Grand-mère scanned Crepus prized possessions; the boy replenish with enthusiasm did take after his Father. The same color hair, all down to his features. While his adopted brother next to him possessed blue hair and sapphire eyes. Though it was the eyepatch that caught her attention, she raised a brow but didn't question. It was like comparing them to the sun and moon.

"Your highness," The boy greeted as his brother mimic his actions muttering the same sentence. "This is Diluc and Kaeya" Crepus put both of his hands on both children's shoulders. (Y/N) looked at them with awe; she has never come across with blazing hot and cold calm hair.  She ponders wanting those colors rather than her dull white hair. "It is an honor to be in your presence," Diluc address. "My, what a sophisticated son you raised." The women applaud. "That's Diluc for you." The group laughs at the small tease. The bold child reached the girl and stared. Uneasy, she dug her hands into the gown, afraid to look at Diluc. "You have pretty eyes," he said, still gazing. (Y/N) blushed at his compliment. "I like you and your brother's hair!" she returned—Kaeya observes behind his adoptive Father's legs, envious of his brother's daring personality. As the two new friends converse, he felt the older man nudge him towards the pair. "Don't be shy now, Kaeya."

As Kaeya approach the Princess and his brother, the girl let out a gasp. "Your eyes have stars!" she inspected closer, now flusters with her bold move. She kept rambling on waves of compliments towards Kaeya. Diluc giggled at the discomposed Kaeya and band in with more teasing. The child lifts his dark hands in defense, trying to calm them. Maybe it was better to stay back at the lodge.

"What's under your eyepatch?"

Kaeya stiffens at her direct question. All of a sudden, the air thickens, and the ambiance of unsettlement quickly replaces the mood. "(Y/N)," her grandmother warns. At once, she felt guilty at her grandmother's tone and the dismal Kaeya. "It's nothing," he whispers. The reflection of his face that the marble flooring held became more interesting. "I'm sorry." tears gathered at the corner of her eyes. She feverishly struggles to hold back the tears, surprising the two boys. "Ah, Princess, don't cry," Diluc reassures, hastily stop her tears with his tie. "But I made him sad! What PrincessPrincess does that to her people!!" Shutting her vision, and her gloves gripped tightly, feeling the harsh material. Diluc looked at both disheartened children; at that moment, he suddenly felt restless. "It's alright, Kaeya doesn't mind that question, right?" looking at his brother for support, he nodded at his words. Then softly smiling at her. 

"Don't worry," he whispered.

The girl gape at him then mirrored his smile. Childish laughter once again replaces their sadness. "Princess, even though we live in another nation, the Ragnvindr's will always aid you," Crepus informed. "Yes! Kaeya and I will be your royal knights when you visit Mondstadt." Diluc hooked his arm under Kaeya while puffing his chest proudly. (Y/N) clapped her hands at his proclamation, "But Diluc were not knights yet." his older brother stiffen. "Maybe wait in five years."

The night crowd with freedom. Not one complained or did the fun died down. The triplex of kids, hanging around each other, and befit on being close friends. This night was the most fun the little Princess had as she watches Diluc tease Kaeya again. However, the night holds infinite uncertainty.

An instant gasp and the shatter of a wine glass caused a halt in the ballroom. The music ceased as a gust of wind expelled the chandelier candles. The cloaked man sauntered his way past the frightened crowd, clapping his hand in slow motion. He let out a deep laugh, approaching the family that strips away his power. "How dare you return to the palace!" The king spoke brashly, pushing his daughter behind. (Y/N) shook in fear, watching the mad man plastered a demented smile at her. "But I'm your confidant," he exclaimed. "Confidant? Ha! You are a traitor to Fontaine!" "Get out!"

"You think you can banish me? Pope Marquis Puissant!" he steps closer to him, hiding his delusion in his cloak. As (Y/n) was watching, she felt a slight tug pulling away from them. Diluc stood in front of her, furrowing his small brow. "By the holy power given by the Tsaritsa and Ursa, I'll banish you and your family with a curse!" The chamber gasp at his comment. "Mark my word I will not rest until I see the end of the Rousseau!" Bring out his power; he directed his attack toward the king. A shriek was let out from the queen as he shut his eye tightly, anticipating the attack.

"(Y/N)!"

The Grand-mère cried, flinging herself out of her throne. All eyes direct their attention towards Diluc; he didn't feel the girl's hand. Turning around, she was gone. "What did you do to my daughter!" Her Father roared. Marquis laughed and grinned, not saying a word. "Guards, get him!"  he ordered to the once holy man. Laughing again, more mist gathered quickly in the ballroom; as the guard's closed onto him, fire circled his figure, preventing them from entering.  The blaze grew quicker; Crepus felt Kaeya stiffen in his arm, watching the delusion in Marquis's hand. The windows exploded in one motion, making the room more in a frenzy while the wind blew harsher.  Diluc, in rage, ran towards him. "Diluc, no!" Crepus warned, however, as he passed the flames and mist, he was gone.

The only ashes and embers replace his spot. Marquis was far gone, along with the Princess. "Quickly close all the borders! I don't want anyone leaving Fontaine!" The distraught Father ordered. " I want every house to be searched, every church, alleyway and caves checked!" "Whatever you do, find the Princess and Marquis!". Tears of despair escape the Mother and Grandmother crying for the kidnapped daughter.  Diluc silently stood there watching the embers die down.

The once festive night took a turn into a nightmare.

[legalvinyl]

West Meets East in Explosion of Psych-Rock Perfection

Kikagaku Moyo’s album Masana Temples lives on the precarious border of extreme pretention but manages to stay within the camp of sanity enough to make it a perfect vehicle to bring a yoga-amateur closer to ‘om’.  A combination of unmistakably eastern sounding music aesthetic brought together with the warmth and familiarity of 60’s-influenced psychedelic rock, this album allows the listener to be enveloped in the atmosphere of blissed-out rock music from bandmates that proudly hail from Tokyo.  To the western ear, it feels concurrently recognizable while having a tendency toward a curious unknown, and one standout, in my opinion, accomplishes this sentiment beautifully.  The third track, Nazo Nazo, features only Japanese lyrics, and I will save you the pain of watching me fail to google-translate that into something sensible, but the instrumental section alone has enough interesting and unique detail to give an impression of just what makes this band so engaging to listen to.

(Take a look at why the psych-rock community can’t get enough of this band)

https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2018/12/kikagaku-moyo-masana-temples-2018-review.html 

Let’s start with the tonality of the instruments.  Clear, precise, yet warm and comfortable and never straying toward the harshness of poorly recorded and thin-sounding psychedelic records of the past, this song allows the listener to simply melt into its atmosphere.  We’re first presented with a robust sounding electric bass that sounds thick and really interjects a lot of energy into the song as it diverts away from the main melody line that the guitars and vocal take up in unison throughout most of the track’s duration.  Whenever the main melody ascends and creates tension for the listener, the bass is there to back things off and smooth out the song, and similarly the bass creates tension as well by diverting from the predictability of the melody that adds a kind of call and response to the song.  The bass overall takes a laxer approach toward reaching the tonic and takes more liberties with the somewhat predictable rhythms of the melody.

Drums provide a very laid back and soothing accompaniment to the song and seem to be added to taste rather than functioning as a fundamental rhythmic element to the song.  Gentle, probably hand-tapped toms add some counterpoint to the tracks but are included with the intention leaning closer to a symphonic interpretation than a thrashing end-of-measure drum fill as is more common within rock music.  Similarly, a ride cymbal is lightly tapped throughout the track throwing in some triplets here and there to offset the very passive drum arrangement.  Kikagaku Moyo subtracts common elements of rock percussion from the track to imbue a more soothing and ethereal presence to the song and to allow the serene and pervasive aesthetic and melody to dominate over the rhythm.  It is fastidious and so tasteful, like a chef adding fresh herbs to a dish right before sending it out of the kitchen.

Now onto those velvety sounding guitars.  There’s two major guitar lines in the track, one panned to the hard right which swims through chords and intoxicates the listener with its chorus effect and the other panned to the left which follows the vocal melody with complete precision.  The two guitar tracks are so smooth and enveloping, and they have such a perfect balance in the mix that calls attention to them at the right moments while being able to disappear into the background and add to the tracks weight and atmosphere at just the right times, as well.  There’s even a guitar solo that comes in place of the vocal lead, but its presentation is again so tranquil and soothing that it almost sounds like an electrified vocal track itself.  The solo brings counterpoint to the main melody but sounds so sure of itself and unhurried that it almost sounds like the listener has already heard it a thousand times and can sing along to it out of sheer intuition.  Furthermore, the staccato lyrics blend into the song with a delicate approach and do even more to fill in missing frequencies that add thickness and a greater sense of familiarity to a song which so expertly utilizes instruments.  

Overall, this band seems to bring all the most loved elements of psych-rock with a decidedly western flavor that manages to sound exquisite and earthy, while retaining its own distinctive identity.  Check out the bands YouTube performance on KEXP that further demonstrates all they’re capable of and you even get the added bonus of being able to see and listen to an electrified sitar.  There’s simply nothing cooler than that, and realistically not much cooler than the band themselves.  With an ear for harmonic complexity and an endless amount of taste, this band adds a fresh new perspective to the psych-rock scene, and I’m thankful to live in an age where this band can get the credit and attention they deserve from listeners around the globe.

[psychosistr]

Green-Eyed Monsters- Chapter 7

Summary: Dominic and Steelbeak need to talk through their issues after their rather tense mission. Fortunately, Steelbeak knows just the right way to start the conversation and has a trick or two up his sleeve to help smooth things over with his partner.

Notes: Alright, final chapter- time for that emotional reconciliation! xD This has been a fun piece to write and I hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as I have :3

-First Chapter-

*knock* *knock* *knock* *knock*

Red eyes glanced up from the printed pages of the book they’d been focused on for a good hour or so. If it weren’t for the fact that the knock he heard was so familiar to him now, Dominic may have simply chosen to ignore it until he’d finished his page (though, honestly, he was tempted to do so anyway). With a reluctant sigh, the loon placed a bookmark safely within the confines of his latest novel and got up from the chair in his personal study to go answer his front door.

After getting a barely-coherent Steelbeak settled in his own apartment the previous evening, the two hadn’t seen or spoken to each other regarding their mission. Or, more specifically, Dominic had holed himself up in his apartment in an attempt to sort out his own feelings and insecurities before facing his partner again. Now, however, it seemed the other man was ready to talk, so the least the loon could do was have the courtesy to open the door and let him in.

…At least, that was Dominic’s plan until he opened the door to an empty hallway. Looking around in confusion, red eyes spotted something that could match them in color on the floor outside of his door- a pathway made of vibrant red rose petals connecting his doorway to the opened one next door.

Despite himself, a small smile found its way onto the fowl’s dark beak. He followed the path that had been so meticulously laid out for him and soon found himself in the other man’s home. The dimmable lights had been turned down as low as possible without impeding the loon’s vision, creating a rather ambient setting as the trail led him to the dining room he’d become quite familiar with after many meals shared in it with his partner. At the moment, however, it was a bit less familiar with the table and chairs missing and the only notable feature in the room being the rose petals that lined the edges of the floor.

Just as he was about to call out the other man’s name to see what he had planned, music started playing from the stereo in the living room with the volume turned up just loud enough to be properly audible from the dining room. Right on cue with the upbeat and sultry tango music that filled the air, the apartment’s prime occupant made his presence known.

Stepping in time to the beat of the music, Steelbeak entered from the dining room and winked at the other fowl. “Fancy runnin’ int’ YOU here~” The taller man was dressed in one of his usual button-up red shirts, bowtie, and black slacks, but was missing his white jacket and, instead, had donned a pair of white silk gloves- one of which held a red rose that he presented to the loon with a flourish. “Whattaya say t’ makin’ some sweet music with me, gorgeous?”

The small smile on the loon’s dark beak grew as he took the offered flower with a quiet chuckle. “What exactly are you up to, Steelbeak?”

With his hand now empty, the metal-mouthed fowl held the appendage out in a clear invitation. “Askin’ the prettiest bird here t’ dance with me, that’s what.” The invitation was accompanied by that ridiculous little eyebrow-wiggle the taller man did when he was being jokingly flirtatious.

Darn it, he knew it was hard for Dominic to stay mad when he did that. “I suppose one dance couldn’t hurt.” Carefully tucking the (thankfully dethorned) rose into his hair, one black feathered hand found its way into the white gloved one presented to him while the other rested on a broad shoulder. The thin silken barrier of the gloves was an interesting feeling in his hand and his side when the other found its mark, but he appreciated the other man’s apparent consideration for his comfort.

One dance soon turned into two. Then three. Then into so many more that it was hard to tell where one ended and another began. It all became one dizzying but pleasant rush of movement as the duo danced their way from a tango into a waltz and a litany of other dances to accompany the ever changing music.

Dancing with Steelbeak, Dominic found, was a different experience than he expected- though not an unpleasant one, by any means: Given his likely all-female list of previous dance partners, the smaller bird would have expected Steelbeak to instinctively take the lead and have his partner follow along. Instead, there was a sense of give-and-take to his movements- if Dominic let him lead, then he would lead, but if the loon moved to take charge, then the rooster would instantly follow without question. The position of their hands rarely changed- aside from when necessary for a spin or dip, of course- but it still felt obvious when they changed who was leading and who was following. It was a dance in which both parties felt equally in control and respected as the leader- a balance that wouldn’t work for all dance-partners, but was absolutely perfect for the two of them.

Several dances later, the pair found themselves swaying together calmly to the soothing melody of a piano piece. Dominic had relaxed considerably since the start of their dancing and was now far more comfortable with his partner’s hand on his waist while the thumb of the other caressed the back of his own hand in a subtle display of affection. “I wish you’d asked me to dance ages ago,” The loon admitted with a soft smile. “You’re quite good.”

The corner of the metal-mouthed fowl’s namesake quirked up in a half-smile at the compliment. “You ain’t half bad yourself, stripes.” As they swayed and slow-stepped together, Steelbeak’s smile fell slightly, turning into something a bit more serious. “Y’know, I’m pretty much a master at every dance out there.” Though he tried to make his words come off as a boast, the undertone of melancholy in his voice made it abundantly clear that was not his intention. “But, there’s still a few I don’t know…couple I’m still learnin’ the steps for..and…it’s weird for me- not knowin’ what I’m supposed t’ do..”

The metaphor was not lost on the darker bird, the other’s words causing him to give an understanding smile while squeezing the gloved hand he was holding. “Well then, you’re lucky that I’m a fairly skilled dancer as well. I’m sure I could help you learn the more complicated steps and take the lead when necessary.”

Dark grey eyes gazed down into the red ones gratefully as the soft squeeze was reciprocated. “That’d be great.” With a quiet sigh and a shake of his head, Steelbeak decided to drop the metaphors and just speak frankly with his partner. “Truth is, I’m just not used t’ this whole ‘boyfriend’ thing..”

“I know.” That made sense, Dominic figured. After all, it’s not like Steelbeak had ever dated another m-

“I’ve never been someone’s boyfriend before, y’know?” Huh…well…that wasn’t what the loon was expecting to hear, but he didn’t interrupt the rooster’s explanation. “I mean, sure, I bet there’s loads of chicks out there- and I mean LOADS of ‘em- that thought I was, but I never saw myself like that. It was dinner, drinks, a dance or two, back t’ my place, then a callback a few months later if I bothered t’ get their number t’ do it all again…not really what you’d consider a ‘boyfriend’ sorta situation..” A white-gloved thumb gently brushed over the black feathers of the hand within his grasp as he avoided eye contact with the shorter man. “This is probably the first time I’ve ever been serious ‘bout someone I dated…first time I’ve stuck around..so…I don’t know how all this ‘boyfriend’ stuff works- honestly, I just figure half of it out watchin’ you an’ followin’ your lead. If I make a mistake or do somethin’ wrong, I’m probably not gonna realize it ‘til ya TELL ME, and I know you’re embarrassed bein’ seen with me, but-”

“Stop.” Though his tone was firm, it was mostly so Dominic could make sure he had a moment to recover from the proverbial record-scratch he heard in his head accompanying his partner’s last words. Once that moment had passed, the dark hand that had previously rested on the taller man’s shoulder reached up to his face and tilted that deadly beak downward to make sure he had the rooster’s full attention. “You think I’m embarrassed to be seen with you? Why on earth would you think that?”

That thought was absolutely ludicrous. Sure, Steelbeak wasn’t perfect (who was?)- he had a destructive temper that could rival Dominic’s when things went wrong and he was pushed too far, his manipulative ways with women were aggravating (though, admittedly, he’d been getting marginally better since the loon’s discussion with him about how he treated Ammonia Pine), he was rude and bossy (with others, mostly- he now knew better than to try that with his partner), and had a sense of vanity and pride that could rival Narcissus himself- but not ONCE since the two had started dating did the thought of being embarrassed to be seen with his partner ever cross his mind. If, somehow, he’d given off that impression, then he needed to know exactly how he’d managed to do so and make sure he never repeated that behavior again.

Steelbeak seemed genuinely surprised by the sharp shooter’s questions and genuinely concerned tone, blinking down at him before recovering and explaining himself further. “Well..it’s just…ya never act like we’re dating in public, y’know?” When all he received was a questioning look prompting him for more, dark grey eyes looked around as if searching for the right words or examples to use. “How t’ put this……when it’s just the two of us, you’re okay with flirtin’, or holdin’ hands, or leanin’ on me, or-or even just sayin’ that we’re together.” The corner of his mouth tipped downwards ever so slightly. “But, if there’s anyone else around, then you avoid that sorta thing like it’s gonna get ya shot. Every dame I’ve been with was practically chompin’ at the bit t’ tell everyone I was her boyfriend after just one date, but you always make it sound like I’m your work-partner and that’s it. I’ve seen ya flirt with guys left an’ right and not have any trouble showin’ you were into ‘em; meanwhile, I’m stuck here wonderin’ if you’re not supposed t’ do that when you’re actually datin’ a guy? Is it somethin’ you’re just supposed t’ keep secret?” He shook his head before meeting the other’s gaze once more. “I’m not askin’ you t’ go throwin’ yourself at me when we’re out- think I’d be more freaked out by that than excited- but I don’t know what I’m supposed t’ do an’ it’s drivin’ me crazy.”

“That’s not…you didn’t- I never..” For a moment, Dominic was lost for words.

From the time he’d gotten his first boyfriend in high school, the loon had never been in a relationship that was anything even remotely close to public. Most of the guys the loon dated had been adamant about keeping the whole thing secret to avoid damaging either of their reputations; after many years of the same secretive charade, he’d simply gotten used to it being the status quo. Even with his fiancé, who was so very clearly proud of his relationship with his partner, Dominic had asked that they not tell anyone so that they could keep each other safe if anything happened- a request that the other man didn’t fully understand, but accepted anyway and made sure to make up for the lack of public affection the first chance he got as soon as they were alone. The idea of having a partner- of having a boyfriend- who actually wanted to be public about his relationship with the aquatic avian was new territory that was as exhilarating to explore as it was bone-chillingly terrifying.

Taking the darker fowl’s silence as hesitance, Steelbeak took a breath and sighed. “Look, if you don’t wanna tell no one, then that’s fine by me. I’ll follow your lead on this one. But- ” The hand that had been holding the loon’s so carefully until now finally let go, causing a pang of panic to jolt through the shorter man’s chest as he worried he’d upset his partner with his lack of a proper response. Before he could apologize, however, Steelbeak brought the gloved appendage to his beak and used the tip to carefully bite down on one of the fingers so he could easily pull the fabric away and free his hand. “-whatever ya want me t’ be in public, whether it’s your boyfriend or just your partner-” The glove fell carelessly to the floor as he spoke, giving him a chance to now use his beak to tug down the cuff of his sleeve just enough to fully expose his wrist. “-I’m yours. Whatever ya want that t’ mean, I’ll be fine with it, long as you still want me t’ be yours.”

Until that moment, Dominic had assumed the gloves were for his own benefit- a way to help him feel more comfortable with his partner’s hands on him while they danced. In reality, however, it seemed their purpose was to hide the still glistening dye on the lighter bird’s feathers.

On the inner side of Steelbeak’s left wrist, once blank off-white feathers had been skillfully painted and dyed with black and white ink to form a tilted image of a domino with two dots on one side and six on the other. Then, as if the iconic symbol from his hat wasn’t enough of a clue as to whom the painted feathers were referencing, the image was coupled with beautiful calligraphy on both the top and bottom in a mirrored style with the side closest to Steelbeak’s hand saying “Dominic” and the other saying “Domino”, both words accompanied by an elegantly curved underline to help them stand out as well as form a border around the domino.

To say Dominic was shocked would be an understatement, but to simply say he was touched by the gesture would be an even BIGGER one. The image was in a much harder to hide place than the rooster’s back- anyone could catch a glimpse of the loon’s name if Steelbeak’s usual long-sleeves happened to slip high enough and would be on full display anytime he wore  anything even a fraction shorter. He was making it clear that he was not ashamed of his relationship with his partner- with his boyfriend- and didn’t care who happened to see the ink or question its meaning. As if that wasn’t proof enough, there was also the length of time the markings would last: Once a bird’s feathers were painted, the ink would last for at least a year barring any significant damage to the area that resulted in losing all of the feathers at once (something Steelbeak would likely go to great lengths to avoid due to his own vanity). This was a clear sign of commitment from the nearly gamophobic man; proof that he was committed to making this relationship work and planned to stick with Dominic for at least a year.

With wide eyes and slightly trembling fingers, the loon reached out and gently traced the lines of the image. It felt dry, but the sheen to it suggested that it had only just recently reached that point. Steelbeak must have gotten it done that afternoon in order for it to set properly and give him time to get everything ready. The thought brought a soft smile to the darker bird’s face- this man really, truly cared about him more than any of his previous “dates” (calling them girlfriends would be far too generous) and wanted to make sure Dominic knew it.

Looking up into the other’s dark grey eyes, Dominic’s smile grew a little more. “While this is a lovely gesture, I’m not getting your beak painted on me. Sorry.” The statement earned a laugh from the taller man, as the sharpshooter predicted, and he seized the opportunity to hook a finger under the rooster’s tie, giving him the leverage he needed to bring the metal-mouthed fowl’s namesake close enough for a kiss.

“!!!” Steelbeak made a startled sound in the back of his throat clearly not expecting the sudden contact. Still, despite the clear surprise visible in his wide-eyed stare, he made no move to pull away or put an end to the intimate connection. By the time his tie was released and the shorter bird had pulled away just enough to give him a smirk that left him red in the face, his short-circuited brain had recovered enough to form a response. “So, uh….that’s on the table now..?”

“As long as it’s not while I’m angry at you or I’ve made it clear that I need some space, then yes, that is very much ‘on the table’.” Dominic couldn’t help but laugh at the flustered expression on his boyfriend’s face. That look was a precious sight and it was for his eyes only. “What? Did you really go into this expecting that we’d never kiss?”

A softer version of the lighter fowl’s usually grating laughter was accompanied by a shake of his head, the corners of his mouth lifting into that more genuine smile that the loon adored. “T’ be honest with ya, Deedee, I had NO friggin’ idea what t’ expect goin’ int’ this….but-” An ungloved hand reached towards the darker one nearby, waiting for an almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgement before carefully entwining their contrasting-colored digits together. “-I knew I wanted it, whatever that meant.”

Dominic’s own smile softened a bit at the warm feeling of his boyfriend’s fingers entwined with his and the subtle thump of a pulse that wasn’t his own felt through their touching palms. Whatever this would turn into one day, he knew one thing for sure-

“I want it, too. Whatever it means.”

<--Previous Chapter

End Notes: And so we come to the end and my favorite part of any emotionally turbulent story- the communication and resolution. I always enjoy seeing characters in a loving and committed relationship, but (to me, at least) part of what makes a relationship strong is being able to fight about something and work through it so that all parties involved feel heard and understood, so I try working that into my stories whenever possible. I hope you guys enjoyed this installment of the series and I can’t wait until I have the time/energy to add to it again x3

[niftybottle]

Hey @tulipsandsake, I’m your @bering-and-wells-exchange person. I saw you reblog D&D and Critical Role stuff, so I thought I’d do designs for Myka and Helena as D&D characters. Helena is a half-Drow multiclass Bard (College of Glamour)/Artificer (Battle Smith), while Myka is an old-school (2e/AD&D/Baldur’s Gate era) human dual Kensai->Mage. (I don’t have races/subclasses for everyone, but Artie is a college of lore bard, Claudia is an Artificer, Pete is a fighter, and I’m not sure what Leena is). Helena is very much a “seduce anything that moves” ~D&D Bard~, while Artie is very much not - he leans hard into the collection of lore/jack of all trades angle, and while he can play music very well he borders on anti-social. This is the source of some of the tension between them, with his distrust for her Drow parentage occupying most of the rest.

At this point I’m going interrupt to give a blanket apology if I explain something you already know - it’s hard to judge knowledge levels with a gift exchange without ruining the surprise, so I’m going to err on the side of explaining things just in case.

Helena is a bard to capture the importance of her novels, but novel-writing isn't the most practical in a fight or as a live performance, so I gave her an instrument. I chose the hurdy-gurdy, which is a (real) instrument with a very silly name. I picked it because it is very complex and mechanical, like something she might have invented or cobbled together. It’s kind of like an automatic violin or fiddle - rather than being plucked or bowed, a crank on the side is rotated, which moves a wheel across the strings. Rather than frets there are keys which hold the strings at certain points when pressed. There are also “drone” strings, which play a given note (that can be adjusted using a tuning peg) whenever the wheel is turned. You can technically “play” a drone string by holding a sting as if a guitar string as the wheel turns, but that isn’t traditional. Both drone and melody strings can be adjusted using tuning pegs, and apparently you can adjust the exact note the keys play. Some hurdy-gurdys (but not Helena's) also have additional strings not played by the wheel that can be played like a guitar. Hurdy-gurdys do not have much standardization, and the number/presence of all the different kinds of strings can vary.

Helena's bard college I went back and forth with - the college of glamour is about charming, as in the magic, which does suit her, but the college of lore would also be good. Ultimately I decided that college of lore would be better for Artie. Battle Smith, her artificer specialization, I kind of chose to make the character a little more practical to play - artillerist might have suited her character a touch more, but not too much more, and the battle smith's ability to use intelligence for (magic) weapon attacks/damage reduces the important stats to two (int and cha) rather than three (adding str or dex for weapon rolls). Helena's Steel Defender is Dickens the Mechanical Cat, and he can turn the crank for the hurdy-gurdy, letting her play it with one hand.

I don't have her backstory completely pinned down; I feel like her Drow parent escaped to the surface rather than being a functioning member of Drow society, if only to reduce the sketchiness of the alternative method of conception. Christina is definitely a valid "reason for adventuring", but Endless Wonder or fleeing the consequences of a lab accident or charm spell wearing off are also possibilities.

In terms of the illustration itself, I tried to balance bard flamboyance, artificer practicality with a touch of mad science, and Helena's canonical slightly Victorian elegance. I definitely needed the fancy bard hat, because I am of the firm belief that every bard needs a fancy hat. She's wearing a cute pair of overalls (and I now have "stylish overalls" in my google search history), but they got covered by Dickens :( . With the more muted browns inspired by the artificer half as well as her canon style, she was looking a little drab for a bard, so I added a little cape. In terms of skin/hair/eyes and being half-Drow my thoughts were kind of: leaning in to the purplish/blue/lavender skin thing some illustrations of Drow have, because between the inherent problems of the evil elves having black skin and wanting to stay fifty feet away from anything that might come close to being a race-bend I wasn't going to deal with having her skin be darker. I think it turned out OK? For some reason Helena's eye color is significant to me, so they stayed brown rather than Drow purple or something, though they wound up a bit brighter thanks to my attempts to add a little purple. Jaime Murray's hair is iconic, but more for its smoothness and luster than its color, so I was fine making it white as long as I kept the style. The hurdy-gurdy was a bit of a nightmare (twice over, since I had to ink it), which isn't surprising - I kind of cursed myself with that instrument choice, but it was so perfect ;_; . In general, and especially in comparison with Myka, Helena's illustration fought me the whole way down. If you watch the time-lapse, you can see some of the references I used, but far from all - I streamed so much hurdy-gurdy playing youtube is still confused, and the pose went through some shenanigans.

Now, to Myka. Thinking of her pre-med before pre-law before secret service vaguely remembered quote, I thought of the old Baldur's Gate fighter(kensai)->mage cheese build, and thought it might be a good way to capture that simultaneous indecision and discipline/intelligence.

Going very briefly into Baldur's Gate/2e: Kensai, in BG, is a Fighter kit. Kits, in BG and 2e both, are a little like specializations in 5e, in that they are a kind of further customization beyond the class itself. The difference is, not every character has a kit - there is a base class (fighter) and a kit is a set of trade-offs, taking away base class features in exchange for various benefits. So fighter, the base kit, is pretty similar to the fighter in other editions - good at using weapons and armor and attacking a lot. Can equip the best stuff, and use it well, but doesn't get a lot of bonuses apart from that of equipment. Kensai (in BG), on the other hand, trades the ability to wear armor (and use non-thrown ranged weapons) for scaling bonuses to to-hit and damage (abstracting some things for you), and a minor one-time bonus to natural armor, as well as the Kai ability, which temporarily maxes out damage on successful attacks, usable a few times a day, depending on class level. In short, they trade off the armor portions of the Fighter class for additional weapon bonuses.

In Baldur's Gate, if you want to build a dual fighter/wizard, kensai is a great pick for kit, since wizards can't cast in armor anyway, but they can cast spells to boost their AC, mitigating some of the disadvantage of the kit. Mage is a base class and basically what would be called a wizard in later editions. Mage kits, with the exception of wild mage (in BG), which is a whole thing I won't get into, are pretty much picking a school to specialize in - they get bonuses to spells of that school, but there is an "opposing" school which they can't use at all. I wouldn't be terribly interested in those specializations even if I could use them for Myka, but I couldn't, because of how dual-classing works.

Dual-classing in BG and 2e is one of two methods to have more than one class on a character. Which one you can do depends on your race (as does a lot of things in 2e). If you're human, you dual-class; if you're not, you multi-class. Multi-class characters are more what you'd expect from multi-classing in other editions - you have two classes, you gain levels in both. There are differences (exp is divided evenly between classes, rather than choosing what to level, class and combination restrictions), but most relevantly, you can't use any kits with multi-class characters. So, we want to dual-class, not multi-class, so that Myka can use the Kensai (BG) kit, which makes her human, which is fine.

Dual-classing, compared to multi-classing, is weird. Basically, you start off in one class, with a kit if you like, and level normally in that class/kit until you decide to switch, at which point you are done with the first class and can't level in it anymore. Then you *start over* in your new class (which cannot have a kit), as if you were a level one character in that class, without (effectively) the ability to use anything from the previous class (except hp). This continues until the number of levels in the second class exceeds that of the levels in the first class, at which point the character regains all the qualities and abilities of their first class. Dual classes can wind up quite powerful, but they require both planning and a willingness to be weaker for a time to be more powerful later (which I feel suit Myka well - she's a planner and has the patience and discipline to accept temporary weakness to be stronger later). So, given that we want to use the Kensai (BG) kit, Myka needs to start with it, and then switch to mage later, since the second class can't have a kit.

At this point I want to clarify why I keep specifying Baldur's Gate and/or D&D 2e for things. Turns out, Baldur's Gate does use D&D 2e as a base, but makes some modifications. One of the changes it makes, which I didn't know when I started this, is the Kensai kit itself. Kensai is not officially a 2e kit, and technically isn't in 2e at all. There is a (fighter-ish) class in the "Oriental Adventures" book for first edition, but it isn't quite the same, more it's own class that happens to share some tables with fighter. Since the end goal is character design, not creating a legal 2e character, I won't go too far into it, but I did create both a (cheated to level up) Baldur's Gate kensai -> mage and a (1e-ish)Kensai->(2e)Mage, using the rules from 2e for most things not directly in the Kensai class description (and ignoring the stat requirements for dual-classing since I didn't roll any 17s); screenshots of both should be in the supplemental reblog, in addition to a link to Helena's dndbeyond character sheet.

Fortunately for me and my lack of foresight, both BG Kensai and 1/2e Kensai have similar flavor: a heavily "eastern" inspired warrior with even more discipline and asceticism than standard fighters, focused on their weapons and unable to wear armor, with a restriction to either lawful (1/2e) or at least not chaotic (BG) alignments (if this sounds a little monk-ish WotC agrees - kensai is a monk specialization in 5e, being a monk that can use a not-monk weapon). Also fortunately for me, mage is wizard is mage, regardless of edition. Magic from book learning/intelligence. Not too complicated.

In terms of character narrative, in canon, I feel like coming to the Warehouse was a significant breakpoint in Myka's life and worldview. Not being a writer, this small essay notwithstanding, I'm going to sum it up as a break from tradition and from seeking the approval of her father. Where joining the Warehouse crew was for canon Myka, I want dualing from Kensai to Mage to be for DnD Myka, with reaching the point where she can use Kensai features again representing the peace with her past she eventually reaches at the warehouse in canon. What I'm picturing is: Myka is from an isolated and very traditional mountain village where the kensai tradition (and 2e mechanics) has been preserved. Myka is trained in this tradition, and has both the mental discipline and physical capabilities to excel. The people of this village are purists and don't believe in using magic, especially in conjunction with being a kensai. Somehow (at this point my having thought this through starts to fail) Myka gets ahold of some spellbooks, and with her love of books and curiosity, begins to read and reread them, until one day she casts some magic. This is against the rules, and she's kicked out of the village for "corrupting" their traditions, and now she has to make her way through the world with only her fledgling mage talent to rely on.

Talking about the illustration/design itself: given the heavily eastern vibe, I'm trying for a samurai/ronin style based on my recollections from my weeb phase. I wanted in particular with the robe/kimono to make something that would be in between the plain practicality of Myka's kensai kimono and the flashiness of wizard robes (if you watch the timelapse, you may spot the part where I accidentally took a left turn into fallout's vault boy coloration before tweaking it a bit). I also wanted to have her using magic, and I think the magic effect turned out well. Really, this illustration just came out really easy. I was just … drawing hands. If you watch the timelapse, I even saved a third hand for a while because it was so nice (but at the wrong angle). I don't know what happened. Really the only snags were the aforementioned Vault Boy Moment and coloring Myka's hair (although I did decide to leave her face as a sketch rather than try to ink it).

I think maybe I've babbled enough for now. I'll reblog this in a moment (since tumblr hates links) with character sheets, timelapses of the drawings, and a bonus doodle that came to me reading the artificer specializations.

[theabyssaldrake]

A Patron’s Due

Felgar Anvilwarden lived for moments like this. He was in his element. Three cups deep, a captive audience, and a horror story from the Underdark. He grinned, a broad slice of ivory behind his straw-colored beard, and looked around the room, leaning forward as though confiding a deep, dark secret.

“We was about four days out of Kraghammer, and the patrol leader, bright fella by the name o’ Gralmiir Twinbeard, on account o’ his two axes, decided it were time fer us t’ make camp. So, we set up a small lean-to against the rock face and shared it, all six of us. O’course,” he said matter of factly, “not all of us were sleepin’ at once. We knew’d that duergar patrols were pushing int’ Kraghammer claims. We weren’t no fools.”

Felgar took a long pull from his mug, emptying it over the course of ten silent seconds as small rivers of ale spilled onto his beard. He set the mug down with an audible “Aahhh,” and slapped the table for another round.

“Like I was sayin’, we weren’t no fools. We knew’d we could be overrun by them mad dwarves down in the dark. So we took it in shifts. I had th’ third one an’ I- Oh, thank’ee, lass,” he said as a young woman in an apron set a full mug in front of him. She smiled at him and he handed her a silver piece with a bawdy wink before taking a sip, covering his mustache with a thick layer of foam. He licked the foam off and carried on with his story as the server went back to her duties.

“I had th’ third shift after Berrig, an’ I couldn’ sleep the whole time we was camped. Felt like somethin’ was watchin’ us from the shadows.” He narrowed his eyes and looked from person to person until he’d met the enthralled gaze of his entire audience. Felgar silently congratulated himself for his performance so far. They were enthralled. He opened his mouth to continue when the tavern door opened and a darkly dressed man stepped inside, bringing some of the snow and wind with him until the door closed behind him. His hair was kept long, but cut short on the sides, almost to his skin which was marred with discolored scars, maybe even tattoos that had an odd, sinuous look to them. His skin was pale apart from the purplish discoloration and he carried little else, save for a large book. The tome was chained closed, bound in a rubbery, wrinkled material, and worn on his hip. Felgar frowned at the interruption before launching into his story once more.

“Like I was sayin’,” he said, not missing a beat. “It felt like somethin’ had its foul eyes on us the whole night through. My time came, and Berrig came t’ get me. I remember the look in his eyes as he whispered, ‘There’s summat out there, Felgar. Summat not right.’ Well, I wasn’t one t’ be lookin’ a fool in front o’ me fellow Carvers, so I looked him in the eye, slapped his shoulder an’ said, “Berrig, don’ be daft! There’s nothin’ out here but spiders an’ blind fish, neither o’ which want nothin’ ta do with th’ likes of us!’ All bluster o’ course. In my bones, I knew’d he was right.”

He took a sip from his mug and watched his audience drink in his tale as he downed his ale. His eyes fell once again on the slip of a man at the bar. He’d silently taken a seat while Felgar had spun his story, never looking that way once. He waved two fingers at the barman, again, not saying a word, and the barman poured him a drink and slid it over. Felgar narrowed his eyes, but returned to his yarn.

“My sleeplessness must’a caught up t’ me, I’m ashamed t’ admit, because one moment, I’d sat on a stool an’ rubbed my eyes, an’ th’ next, th’ camp was a mess! Equipment was strewn about,” he said, casting his arms out wide about him, and letting his eyes flicker over to the pale figure at the bar, annoyingly ignoring his story. He decided it must be a matter of volume. He slapped his thickly calloused hand on the table to his right, nearly upending it and his ale. BANG! “An’ that’s when I saw it! Tall as a man an’ thin as an elf, with greyish-purple skin an’ blank, milky white eyes. It had its tentacles burrowed under poor Berrig’s face, wrigglin’ under his flesh an’ seeming t’ search for somethin’. A mind flayer,” he whispered hoarsely, letting the drama of the moment carry his audience to the caverns with him.

The pale man, nearly a boy, Felgar saw now, looked over. Finally, he thought triumphantly, and he grinned at the man.

“Keep it down over there, some of us are trying to enjoy a drink in peace,” the man said without moving his lips. His voice was cool and calm and it carried the lilt of the farmlands outside Emon. After that, he returned to his drink, staring straight ahead.

Felgar fumed, and got to his feet. “How dare ye tell me t’- Just who do ye think’- I’m tellin’ a bloody story, lad, an’ you don’t even have the decency t’ listen! I’m Felgar Anvilwarden! Just who in th’ Nine Hells below do y’ think ye are, boy?”

A confused murmur rippled through the gathered listeners until one young man, barely growing into his acne, asked him, “What are you talking about, Felgar? Nobody but you’s said anything.”

Felgar shot the boy a look, swiveled his head back to the man at the bar, then back to his confused and seemingly put off audience. “Di’nt he jus’- I mean, it’s… it’s nuthin’. Sorry. The, ah, heh,” he laughed, lifting his mug, trying to set his listeners at ease. “Franklin must’a gotten th’ good stuff, catchin’ me off guard.” He grinned once more and clapped his hands together, rubbing them as he got back to work. “Where was I?”

“Oh yes,” he continued. “The Mind Flayer was tryin’ t’ dig Berrig’s brains out of his skull. Luckily for ol’ Berrig, he was always a little thick-headed, if y’ take my meanin’, an it was takin’ some doin’. So I hefted my hammer and ran at the fiend, callin’ out t’ Th’ Allhammer an’ me ancestors when th’ beast shot me a look that set me runnin’ off int’ tha shadows. It was like it had taken hold of me mind, an’ as I ran, I screamed like-”

Felgar broke off his story and stared at the man at the bar, terror flooding his features. His skin, normally a ruddy bronze color, had gone ghost white. He covered his ears as a dissonant melody played in his head, its baleful notes drifting through his thoughts in an agonizing arrangement. A horrid shriek escaped his throat as he squeezed his eyes shut and tried, vainly to push the tune from his thoughts, but it clung to him like a wet tunic in the rain.

Still screaming, he ran from the bar, pushing past his audience and knocking more than a few tables over. Felgar didn’t look back, because he knew if he did, the pale man’s song would be there, that same song from his encounter with the mind flayer.

Back inside the bar, the people who had gathered to hear Felgar’s story were applauding, thinking it was part of the story, all an act. Corben watched them silently from his stool and placed a silver piece on the bar. He drained his mug and imparted a silent thank you to Franklin, the barman. “Keep the change,” Corben thought, and he got up and left.

Stepping outside, he watched the results of his handiwork. Crowds had begun to gather as Felgar ran through the street, mutterings following the dwarf faster than any man could. A silent swell of approval blossomed in Corben’s mind and he grimaced. Well, at least someone was happy with his work. He hated to think what the creature responsible for his magic had in store for the dwarf, but hey, he thought. At least it wasn’t me.

[haevatein-archived]

Just kinds of falls asleep against him due to the warmth radiating off him and the safety he feels in the familiar presence.

It had not come as a suprise to Laevatein that his mortal companion would eventually succumb to the clutches of sleep--- but, to so gracefully slide his head down and fall asleep against Loke’s shoulder (or rather, his forearm which lead to leaning against his chest)? Yes. That did come as a suprise-- but he did not move away. It was a sign of trust Loke did not believe anyone would ever bestow unto a God known for his decieving and lying nature. Maybe that suprised him more than the actual act of sleeping against his frame itself. No-one trusted Loke, and he trusted no-one--- well, until now it would seem. Maybe change was the fate that awaited him; he who was the catalyst for transformation and change--- not often did he expect it to affect himself as well. Sure... He had changed a lot since his first breath had been taken, but this time it felt different. It... scared him; fear of the change he was experiencing, for he did not know what it was molding him into. This was out of his control, and it was terrifying. However... He did not desire to break the Elder Uchiha’s trust, so he would not. Not intentionally.    Loke glanced down at the Raven with a warm gaze. When Itachi was asleep, Loke would naturally look upon the ill male with softer features than he normally wore. Hair black as ink pooled down Itachi’s forehead-protector, and over ivory features. He seemed to be at peace, despite the struggles of his illness. It was a sight Loke did not complain about seeing. He found it to be beautiful--- almost ethereal.

A smile find it’s way across scarred lips, and gently he would guide the sleeping form down so Itachi would lay with his head upon Loke’s lap. For a brief moment there was silence as pale fingers brushed tenderly down the Clan-Killer’s fair face. Ever so handsy, was he-- and unable to keep from touching that pretty face when it looked so calm and at ease. The warmth of Loke’s touch would only serve to be more of a soothing anchor for the Uchiha to fall upon if any unease surfaced. As Loke watched the Man sleep, he would quietly, almost inaudibly, hum a melody his own mother used to sing to him as a child. So shoot him, he can be cheesy and sentimental, all right? Oh, Norns-- how silly he felt, but it was nice to do so...

  “ Vargen ylar i nattens skog,han vill men kan inte sova.Hungern river hans vargabuk,och det är kallt i hans stova.Du varg, du varg, kom inte hit,ungen min får du aldrig.  ”

Sure-- he may be singing as if a mother would to her child, but the content of the song was not all that important, he felt.

   // @koukennin

[jcycus]

15b - lucas & melody

Send me a number and muses and I’ll write a starter drabble based off the image!

15b. ( image here )

eyes stay planted on his features, watching as his mouth opened. melody’s hips moved slowly, teasingly, her hands on his chest and nails digging into his skin. smirking, she let out a soft moan. “you like that, don’t you?” her voice was quiet, barely above a whisper. although everyone int hat house knew exactly what the pair were doing, she didn’t want to make him even more nervous than he was. keeping herself quiet, melody moved her hips quicker, leaning down to nip at the skin of his neck. “you like it when i ride your cock.” 

[thecreaturecodex]

Grugach

“Fauna” © Antonio De Luca. Accessed at his ArtStation page here

[In earlier editions of D&D, a grugach was a type of elf. In real folklore, a grugach is the shepherd equivalent of a brownie--a secretive faerie that aids farmers if appeased and torments them if offended. My version is a little out of column A, a little out of column B.]

Grugach CR 1/2 N Fey This woman has the cloven hooves and horns of a goat. Her hair grows bushy and wild, and seems to move of its own accord.

A grugach is a fey creature of the pasture, and they are deeply attuned to domestic animals. As such, they tend to live in close proximity to herdsmen and shepherds, tending to their animals when the humanoids are away or assisting covertly when they are present. Like many household fey, grugachs can be wildly temperamental, and a grugach that is offended or slighted may take their revenge by tying knots in the animal’s wool, stealing their milk, or simply letting them wander away into the wilds.

Most grugachs live solitary, reclusive lives, but they sometimes gather together for company or come into social connection with mortals. Their hooves, horns and animate hair render them somewhat intimidating to many people, and many grugachs have been shunned by society. Some scholars suggest that grugachs are the result of mortals interbreeding with wild fey such as satyrs and korreds, but grugachs themselves scorn this idea.

Grugachs advance by character level, and most prefer to take classes that are tied to nature, such as rangers, druids or hunters. Bards are also common—grugachs have a deep appreciation for music, and their haunting melodies are often heard in the fields.

Grugachs as Characters +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom, -2 Strength. Grugachs are quick and intuitive, but their muscles are built more for speed than strength Medium size Fey type Normal Speed A grugach has a land speed of 30 feet. Low-light vision Natural attack A grugach gains a gore attack as a primary natural weapon that deals 1d6 points of damage. Precise Step A grugach can take 5 foot steps in difficult terrain Wild Soul A grugach gains a +2 racial bonus to Handle Animal and Knowledge (nature) checks. If she takes a class that grants the wild empathy class feature, she gains a +4 racial bonus on the check. Writhing Hair The animate hair of a grugach wraps itself around the grugach’s opponents in close quarters. She gains a +2 competence bonus to Combat Maneuver checks and Combat Manuever Defense. Languages A grugach begins play speaking Common and Sylvan. Grugachs with high Intelligence scores may choose from the following bonus languages: Aklo, Elven, Gnome, Halfling, Orc

Grugach druid 1 CR ½ XP 200 N Medium fey Init +3; Senses low-light vision, Perception +3 Defense AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+3 Dex, +2 armor) hp 12 (1d8+4) Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +5 Defensive Abilities writhing hair Offense Speed 30 ft. Melee gore +0 (1d6) Ranged sling +3 (1d4) Spells CL 1st, concentration +4 1st—cure light wounds, magic stone 0th—detect poison, resistance, stabilize Statistics Str 10, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 8, Wis 17, Cha 10 Base Atk +0; CMB +2; CMD 15 Feats Toughness Skills Handle Animal +6, Knowledge (nature) +7, Survival +9; Racial Modifiers +2 Handle Animal, +2 Knowledge (nature) Languages Common, Druidic, Sylvan SQ animal companion (small cat), nature sense, precise steps, wild empathy +5, wild soul Ecology Environment temperate plains or hills Organization solitary, pair, troupe (2-12 plus 1 3rd level leader per 5 individuals) or clan (4-40 plus 1 3rd level leader per 5 individuals and 1 ruler of 5th-7th level) Treasure standard (leather armor, sling, other treasure) Special Abilities Precise Steps (Ex) A grugach can take 5 foot steps in difficult terrain. Writhing Hair (Ex) The animate hair of a grugach wraps itself around the grugach’s opponents in close quarters. She gains a +2 competence bonus to Combat Maneuver checks and Combat Manuever Defense.

[betweenthetimeandsound]

Three Minutes to Eternity: My ESC 250 (#110-101)

(Also known as, the last set of songs before my top 100! Afterward, the write-ups will expand, and each song will have their own gif set of varying sizes. So less songs will appear in each section)

#110: Ani Lorak -- Shady Lady (Ukraine 2008)

“I've just turned one more page I belong to the stage Baby, don't call me baby”

Surprisingly, for such a beloved song, I didn't really get it at first. I came off of one listening believing it was just another pop song. It took a few watches of Ani's performance for everything to fall into place.

There’s so much sass in Shady Lady; the production to the lyrics click together to tell of a woman who not only leaves her lover, but seeks to become even greater than them. The mix of drum machine and strings add to this thumping dance number; I never fail in getting endeared with those head nods.

Ani sells with gusto, and the use of light boxes are incredible. She becomes an absolute superstar on stage, and has equal parts presence and vocals. No wonder a lot of people though this deserved to win.

Personal ranking: 4th/43 Actual ranking: 2nd/25 GF in Belgrade

#109: Knez -- Adio (Montenegro 2015)

“Još te ne dam maglama sa planina Još te ne dam vodama iz dubina A ti kažeš pusti me, živ mi bio Zaboravu predaj me, sad adio”

“I still don’t give you to the mists of the mountains I still don’t give you to the depths of the water And you ask me to let you go, forever To let you sink into oblivion and say goodbye”

The most recent of Zeljko’s compositions stands just as solid on its own, with its own melancholic string intro and beautiful soundscape. From the opening notes, you know of the story that is to come, which the lyrics painfully convey through beautiful images of rosemary, flowers, the sea and sky.

Not only that, but the build is absolutely graceful, with the key changes working effectively to build to a tragic crescendo. The staging plays well with this, going from a serene night to a bright red dawn. Despite the energy given out through the clapping and the eagle dance, Knez and his backing vocalists still convey the pain of leaving.

And if you look closely, you can find his daughter, Kszenija, amongst them. Six years later she would end up representing Serbia in this year's contest, albeit going "Loco loco" with her bandmates!

Personal ranking: 5th/40 Actual ranking: 13th/27 GF in Vienna

#108: Aliona Moon -- O mie (Moldova 2013)

“Între soare și ploi se nasc mii de culori Dar noi vedem doar nori”

“Between sun and rain, thousands of colours are born But we only see clouds”

Moldova is usually known for their wacky, fun performances, but O mie shows they could slow down a bit without losing their quirks. Even the songwriter, Pasha Peferny, takes a hard turn from his cute 2012 entry, Lautar (which you should still check out, by the way!)

The beautiful lyrics really stand out, which show equal parts whimsy and light. I like the use of colors and nature to convey the ambiguity and loss at the end of a relationship. While meant to be sent in English, it's good they went for Romanian in the end--it's a beautiful language, and we have a dirth of good Romanian-language songs in Eurovision (please, more of them!).

While the staging was a bit messy at times, especially with multiple dancers helping Aliona in telling, the song still shines through with Aliona’s sweet vocals and beautiful melody. Also, it took a while for me to note how her glowing dress arose at the bridge, haha.

Personal ranking: 4th/39 Actual ranking: =11th/26 GF in Malmo

#107: Nina Sublatti -- Warrior (Georgia 2015)

“I’m a warrior, isolated World gonna get up and see!”

While the lyrics are a bit simplistic (especially with the random , Warrior is badassery personified. The instrumentation (refined in Sweden) amplifies the intensity of the song and its message; the opening drums gives way to a dark pop soundscape with equal parts starkness and power.

Nina maintains a resolute stance--not only in the studio cut, but also in the live performance. The dark costuming transforms her into a modern-day warrior of sorts, and the LED imagery enhances the intensity. Notably, the GF performance featured a malfunctioning smoke machine; the smoke obscured NIna and we couldn't see her for a few shots. Doesn't take away from the rest of the performance, which shows her in a much clearer light.

Also, she did mention the song was dedicated to the Georgian people--not only to become strong women, but also against the Russian occupation in the north. Intriguing political message, my friend.

Personal ranking: 4th/40 Actual ranking: 11th/27 GF in Vienna

#106: Loïc Nottet - Rhythm Inside (Belgium 2015)

“Be you enemy or lover? We are put here to discover...”

(One minor thing about this is how Loic kind of reminds me of Julian Quintart from Abnormal Summit--not only because of their backgrounds, but how the former is dressed. haha)

Rhythm Inside is very cool, albeit timed art pop piece really showed Belgium’s strengths in the mid 2010s. The song is minimalistic and slick, with an ambiguous message detailing the processes of life. While really cool, sometimes it can rub me off because of how cold it can become. Art pop is great, but it has to engage too.

The performance is just as refined, if a bit odd, and Loic announces himself to Europe with his skills in music and choreography. He and his backing vocalists create a pointed performance which is equally minimalist and yet fills up the stage. Very modern and cool.

Beyond the contest, Loic has had a good music career, and I've actually followed a few of his songs. Check out 29 especially; the way he sings it is so heartwrenching.

Personal ranking: 3rd/40 Actual ranking: 4th/27 GF in Vienna

#105: Pernilla Karlsson -- När Jag Blundar (Finland 2012)

“Som en sjö utan vatten, som en lykta utan ljus Ett liv utan färger, det är inte du Nå’n man ser då man blundar, som en ängel framför Nå’n som hjälper en och flyga då man glömt hur man gör”

“Like a sea without water, like a lantern without light A life without colours – that’s not you Someone you see when you close your eyes, like an angel before you Someone who helps you to fly when you’ve forgotten how to”

Nar jag blundar is notable for being the only song sung in Swedish since the language rule was dropped (because Finland has a Swedish-speaking minority there). It's a pity because Swedish is a beautiful language to sing in, with its accents and how it flows in music.

Beyond that, Pernilla’s song for her mother is so tender, with poetic lyrics and a sweet charm about it. The images used in there, assuring how her mother is so special and how she's the best, really touches my heart (hi mom, I love you!) and adds a sense of innocence in it.

The staging also adds to the grace; despite Pernilla's initial hesitation, it grows into a beautiful package with a nice orange-turquoise contrast and a pretty use of the wind machine in the first chorus. While I do understand how it might have not stood out, it's definitely one of the least deserved NQs of all-time.

(Also, Finland was the only Nordic to NQ that year?! That's a shame...)

Personal ranking: 3rd/42 Actual ranking: DNQ -- 12th in the first semi-final in Baku

#104: Hadise -- Dum Tek Tek (Turkey 2009)

"Angel, I wake up And live my dreams endlessly"

Definitely one of the more notable ethno-bops in the late 2000s, Dum Tek Tek is known for its simple structure, but good use of drums and guitar really lift this piece up. It's a bit more produced than what was offered earlier in the decade, but still holds its own.

The frequent "dum tek tek" in the refrain is quite curious; for a while I thought it actually meant something, but it turned out to be a heartbeat. Still a fun way to put it, though!

The staging is quite well done; I liked the choreography and how Hadise played with the camera. However, her backing vocalists had to help her quite a bit in the singing, because she fell ill during contest week and it showed in the vocals. The fourth place might be a bit over-the-top, but it's still enjoyable.

Personal ranking: 7th/42 Actual ranking: 4th/25 GF in Moscow

#103: Paula Seling & Ovi - Playing With Fire (Romania 2010)

“You and I could try to stop – uh boy, till you drop If we get together now, we'll burn this place down!”

A (tapping at the top of the piano): You certainly look nice tonight. B: Thanks; but I got the skirt from a friend and I need to make sure nothing spills on it.

(At that moment, A twirls around and puts his hand on B's shoulder. She stiffens before relaxing and places her fingers gingerly on A's wrist. A sudden beat)

B: I thought I told you that I needed to keep the skirt clean! A: Then why did you want to dress up like that tonight? (Beat) B: Well I wanted to go out later to a bar? A: In this climate? (sighs) B: Don't tell me you have something else in mind...

If Eurovision decides to do a jukebox musical, then Playing with Fire has to be one of the main songs in it. There's so much tension between the duo; one could make a bunch of plot points ranging from illicit affairs to a first crush and everything else in between. And then it all explodes.

On stage, the chemistry between Paula and Ovi is absolutely infectious. This adds to this dramatic bop, with flirtatious lyrics that are simultaneously fun and witty; they tease and shout at the same time. The instrumentation is dramatic (though it took me a while to appreciate the transition between the verses and the chorus), and I love the piano motif that persists throughout. Paula’s high note is fantastic; it can pierce through the transparent piano and through the stage itself. Such a dynamic duo!

Personal ranking: 3rd/39 Actual ranking: 3rd/25 GF in Oslo

#102: Koza Mostra feat. Agathon Iakovidis -- Alcohol is Free (Greece 2013)

“Μεσοπέλαγα φανάρι Ρε μας πήρανε χαμπάρι Ποιος το πήγε το σπιτάκι μου μακριά, μακριά;”

“There’s a lantern in the middle of the sea Dude, we were found out Who took my little house far away, far away?”

If you remember my commentary under Opa! (#207), the Greek economic crisis impacted the country significantly. At the time of this entry, there were different negotiations about how to handle Greece's debt; when that fell through, it looked like Greece was going to leave the European Union. By the time the 2013 contest ended, the Greek public TV station, ERT, shut down for two years.

Alcohol is Free tries to describe this chaos through a number of metaphors, ranging from mermaids to whisky and everything else in between. The exclamation mark to Greece’s golden era not only has silly lyrics, but also mixes their usual ethnic sound (with rebetiko) with ska to create a very vibrant concoction. It’s a definite spark of energy whether it’s just to brighten up a day or running around with actual alcohol! (though this blog does not condone underage drinking, driving under the influence, or pressuring people to drink alcohol. Be responsible.)

Personal ranking: 3rd/39 Actual ranking: 6th/26 GF in Malmo

#101: Anouk -- Birds (Netherlands 2013)

“If being myself is what I do wrong, then I don’t want to be right...”

When Anouk volunteered as tribute to represent the Netherlands, she was coming off after eight years of non-qualifications and with quite a bit of pressure. Birds was a little bit different from her regular discography (which I should really do a deep-dive on), and people thought it wouldn't work. Well, here's why it did.

The lyric is very hard-hitting, in terms of substance and how dark it is. I don't know exactly what Birds discusses about, but it ranges from just another relationship to suicide. I’m particularly intrigued by the dark nature of this song; the harp flourishes really toe the line in dreaminess--is it a dream, or a nightmare? However, I find it a bit cold sometimes.

Thanks to her experience, Anouk sells this really well on stage, with her soft, relaxed composure and the bird graphics creating a calm atmosphere. The flag-waving, which is a deriment towards other songs (including one coming up in the top 100), actually works towards keeping that serene nature, despite the dark undertones. And the bridge gives me all the chills; I can't help but sing along to that part.

The result? The Netherlands' first qualification and a route through which, after six years, they finally won again.

Personal ranking: 2nd/39 Actual ranking: 9th/26 GF in Malmo

[thebandcampdiaries]

Trey Dilla is back on the scene with a brand new album: Done In Love & Loyalty Always

A new release featuring a combination of classic hip-hop sounds and modern aesthetics.

September 2020 - Rap artist Trey Dilla recently managed to make quite a name for himself in the music scene, growing his fanbase with high-quality music and some amazing songwriting. He has been quite busy working on a brand new album release project, which showcases some of his best lyrics and performances to date. The new release is titled “Done In Love & Loyalty Always” and it sets the bar higher, not only because of its production, but also because it really managed to leave a mark in terms of how Trey approaches music, going for a more personal and honest feel, rather than falling into the same old cliches in the rap genre. “Done In Love & Loyalty Always” is definitely something quite new, and the songs on this release are a testament to the artist’s authenticity. The album also features a single titled “Look Up,” which is the flagship song on the release, and also comes with a matching music video, shot and edited by S7nLee. The song features some soothing keyboard / piano melodies, as well as a well-produced vocal track, with some ad-libs that accent the flow when needed. It all unfolds over a huge beat with a slightly classic 808-flavor, yet with a more beefy and personal sound than the “usual” samples that have become so popular in contemporary rap music. This song has a flavor of its own, and it is definitely something that stands out, giving the audience more to look forward to and enhancing the listening experience to a whole new level. Even the lyrics are quite inspiring, because they are more personal and remind the listener to keep looking up, working to follow one’s dreams and goals. Nobody is going to give you anything for free in this life: you’ve got to rise up and step up, to get where you want to be.

“Look Up” is a great preview of what you can expect from the rest of this release. The song has a modern and polished production, which really allows the mix to stand out for its clarity and depth. However, the vocals have a tight sense of warmth that feels more personal and upfront, giving the track a more old-school flair to it. The low end (the bass and the kicks, more specifically) is really fat and punchy, while the mid-range is warm, but never overpowering at all. In addition to that, the top end has a very smooth, pleasing tone that really contributes to a smooth sounding mix that puts the vocals at the forefront. “Done In Love & Loyalty Always” features a wide array of tracks that reveal the artist’s unique personality. This entire release is going to be a deep dive into his world for his listeners, and an opportunity to listen to some rap music with a distinctive personality and vibe. These tracks are the perfect combination of some of the coolest modern ideas and some of the evergreen pillars of the genre. Trey Dilla did a really good job at bringing all of these notions together into one package, and the release is not going to disappoint fans.

The first song, “Guns and Butter,” is actually a fantastic introduction to this release, setting the mood with an amazing production (all the songs were produced, mixed and mastered by S7nLee). What’s special about the album is that it is incredibly diverse. For example, “Got This” has a really old-school vibe, while “Get U Ready” has a more contemporary feel. However, all the songs still have a nice impact, going for a cohesive tone. “Press Play” is a collaboration with David X, who added some different vibes to the track! The song “Jonny Mox” is also one of the stand-out tracks on the album, and it hits with a really engaging beat. “Do What’s Best For You” has an inspiring title and it is one of the most dynamic songs on this release, definitely a highlight here. The seventh song, “Dreams, Schemes & Visionsz” is another opportunity for the artist to collaborate again, this time with two talented artists: Mac Millie, as well as KNG SVN. The next song, “Two Oh, Two Oh,” is just a banger with a very energetic vibe. Next up is the aforementioned single, “Look Up,” which I discussed earlier int he article: a fantastic introduction to this release! The song “Exhale” is quite huge as well, with an amazing balance that perfectly ties in with the rest of the album. “Snack Drop” is one of my personal favorites, will “Still Waiting” is going to make the audience want more.

You should definitely check out this album release and stay tuned in if you like the work of artists as diverse as Run The Jewels, as well as Kendrick Lamar, Wu-Tang Clan and Nas, only to mention a few. Ultimately, “Done In Love & Loyalty Always” makes for a significant step forward for the artist, a true milestone that showcases growth and creative vision. The release does a really great job at portraying Trey’s vision, presenting a sound that falls somewhere in between the appealing melodies of modern hip-hop and the warmth of the golden age of the scene.

Find out more about Trey Dilla, and do not miss out on “Done In Love & Loyalty Always,” as well as other exciting releases from this talented artist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0V2OPtFF5w&feature=youtu.be

https://audiomack.com/treydilla/album/done-in-love-loyalty-always

[losfacedevil]

Party Vibes // Shawn Mendes

a/n With much thought, photo (thefirst one!) inspiration and some awesome advice from @sourshawn  I present you with a story I’m totally proud of! I have another part I am working on as well. Feedback is appreciated!

He caught your eye; standing in a group of people across the quad from where you sat under a tree. The book you were reading forgotten; you wracked your brain trying to figure out if you had ever seen him before. Was he new here? Did he ever go here? Was he here for the weekend visiting friends who live on campus? A million different thoughts ran through your mind as you stealthily stared at him. 

He was a giant, easily topping out at six-feet or more, possibly an entire foot taller than you. His brown curls were tame and looked so soft to the touch. But who was he? You still couldn’t recall ever seeing him around and chalked him up to someone who was visiting. Turning your attention to the book in your lap, you tried to dive back in to the story that had captivated your attention earlier to no avail. Glancing back in his direction you were met with a dark honey gaze that wasn’t trained on you just moments before. Your breath caught in your throat as you quickly turned your attention to your forgotten book hoping he hadn’t noticed.

Moments later a giant shadow loomed over you where gloriously warm sunshine had just been. Your eyes widened as you looked up and were met with that honey gaze, a shit eating grin forming on his face. 

“Um, hey?” You say, unsure. “I know you were staring.” He says, crouching down to kneel in front of you.  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You shrugged your shoulders nonchalantly.  “You made eye contact with me, stop lying.” He chuckled, gaze burning into yours.  “Ok, you caught me. I was trying to figure out if I knew you.”  “I can assure you that you don’t.” He chuckled again, sitting indian style in front of you. “No shit Sherlock.” You mumbled, hand coming up to scratch the back of your neck - one of your few nervous twitches. “What was that?” He smirked, clearly amused. “Nothing.” You quickly respond, dog earring the page in your book and closing it, setting it down beside you. “I’m Shawn.” He spoke, holding his hand out to you. “Y/N.” You replied, feeling odd but taking his hand in your grasp and shaking it. “You know my friends?” He asked, fingers lingering on yours for a few seconds too long. You nodded and pointed in their direction before speaking. “I know Brian.” You shrugged, everybody knew Brian. “You coming to the party later?” You screwed up your face and shook your head no. “Nah, parties aren’t really my scene. I much rather lay in bed with a good book.” He laughed. You couldn’t help but think about how beautiful it sounded.  “Yeah I got that vibe from you. But you should come chill for a while. It’s at their frat house. That is if you’re up for it.” You shrugged. “I don’t know about all of that, but if I do decide to go I’ll find you,” He stood up, stuffing his fingers into his pockets.  “I’ll see you later.” He said, seeming so confident that you would actually turn up to the party. But really, who were you trying to kid? You were going to that party to try and scope Shawn out; you needed to know what he was all about.

_____________

Hours had passed since you were sitting out under the hot afternoon sun. After showering you threw on your favorite skinny jeans and crop top, threw a light dusting of make up on your face and pulled a brush through your hair. Stepping up to the full length mirror that ran down the length of wall behind your door, you checked yourself out one more time. Nodding to your reflection, you spun on your heel and walked out of your room door. 

Making your way across campus, you tried to psych yourself up. The excitement to see Shawn was incredible, but you weren’t exactly good with new people. Hell you didn’t even know how you managed to get through the short conversation you had with him earlier. Sucking in one more deep breath, you puffed out a sigh as you walked up to the house. Spotting Brian almost instantly you made your way over to him. 

“Hey Brian.” You almost yelled over the loud music coming out of the house.  “Y/N? What are you doing here?” You knew he’d be surprised, you never went to any of his parties, like ever.  “I came to party, duh.” You threw your hair over your shoulder, trying to be nonchalant. “You don’t party. Who is he?” He chuckled. You bit your lip, not sure you wanted to reveal your actual motive for coming. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You shrugged, pulling your phone out of your pocket to check it even though you knew it hadn’t went off - yet another nervous twitch. “You do though, who is he?” He pried, turning his full attention onto you. You shrugged, arms crossed over your chest. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.” He rolled his eyes. “So it is a dude! He in one of your classes?” You shook your head. “Stalked him around campus?” “No.” “Then how do you know him?”  “He’s uh, he’s your friend.” You stuttered out, knowing full well he’d know exactly who you were on about. His eyes grew wide and a laugh escaped his lips. “You’re not talking about my best mate, are you? My buddy Shawn?” He asked, hand coming up to playfully push your shoulder. “I might be.” You shrug, feeling your cheeks heat up. He laughed, a long loud laugh.  “You don’t have to be so...I don’t know, YOU about it! Coulda just said you were coming to scope Shawn out. He’s in there somewhere.” Brian nodded towards the house which was jumping with people. Nodding you made your way to the door and shot Brian a little wave before entering the house. 

It was all a bit overwhelming; the booming bass of the music, cloud of smoke that hung overhead and the closeness of everyone around you. Keeping you arms close to your body and being mindful of everyone around you, you made your way through the house trying to find Shawn.  You couldn’t believe just how many people fit into the house - with even more spilling out of the back door and into the yard. It didn’t take you long to spot the giant boy you were looking for; very few people were his height, even less were taller.  He stood in the kitchen, a red solo cup you assumed contained some form of alcohol in his hand. He chatted effortlessly with one of the other guys at the party, probably a close friend by the looks of his body language. You had a decision to make, go over and interrupt or wait until he decided to see if you had actually shown. Going with the latter you leaned your back up against the door frame, crossing your legs at the ankles and pulling your phone out to mindlessly scroll through your social media feeds. 

“Y/N!” You heard over the music, that voice a melody to your ears. Looking up you saw him making his way over to you, a second red solo cup had joined his original one in his hands.  “Hey.” You smiled sticking your phone back in your back pocket.  “I can’t believe you showed. Even Brian told me not to get my hopes up.” You rolled your eyes, of course that snake knew why you came and still pried it out of you.  “Well he wasn’t wrong. I wasn’t going to come but, I don’t know.” You shrugged, finger twirling the ends of your hair.  “Drink?” He asked, holding the cup out to you. You shook your head.  “No thanks, I don’t drink.” You said, screwing up your face.  “Oh come on, one drink won’t kill you.” He insisted, cup still held out at arms length.  “You’re right, it won’t, but I’m a hell of a lightweight. My luck that will knock me on my ass.” You laughed, trying so hard not to give in to his peer pressure.  “You’ll be with me all night, I’mm watch out for you.” He said, tat shit eating grin from earlier returning to his beautiful lips. Rolling your eyes, you sighed and snatched the cup from his hand.  “Give me the damn thing.” The familiar scent of beer wafted up out of the cup and attacked your nose. Taking a swig resulted in the shaking of your head and the screwed up expression on your face.  “Gross.” 

___________

The night was still young when you finally downed the last of the drink Shawn had originally given you. He on the other hand, was on his third and seemed to be feeling quite nice. 

“Y/N! You finally finished that beer? It only took you all night!” You shrugged. “I didn’t want it in the first place, but I couldn’t be rude to someone as handsome as you.” You bit your lip, clearly you were feeling that one drink. What a lightweight. His eyes lit up as his eyebrows shot up.  “Handsome, huh?” He questioned, sauntering the few steps to close the space between you two.  “You’re saucy.” You commented, smelling the alcohol on his breath. “I wouldn’t call it saucy, more like there’s some liquid courage running through me. I’m not a lightweight.” He spoke, downing what was left in his cup and placing it on the kitchen island beside him. You reached behind you and placed your hands on the counter, hopping to lift your body up to sit. You laughed out loud as your lower back came into contact with the edge of the counter and you slid down it; ultimately failing at perching yourself up there. A smirk caressed Shawns’ lips as his eyebrow shot up and he chuckled at you. Without a second thought his large hands found your hips and he effortlessly lifted you up, placing you on the counter. Your faces were incredibly close, the stench of beer mingling between you two. His tongue darted out from between his lips, leaving his bottom lip glistening wet. You were in a trance, his warm eyes taking in every feature of your face; hands still resting gently on your hips. Your gaze flickering between his lips and his eyes, the tension in the room could be cut with a knife. The tips of his nose rubbed yours, an eskimo kiss at it’s best. 

“Hey Mendes!” Shawn jumped, the moment completely shattered. He spun on his heel, shoving his hands into the pocket of the black hoodie he was wearing.  “In here!” He called out, letting Brian know where to find him. “Hey! Oh whoa, am I interrupting something?” He questioned, noticing the minuscule amount of space between you and Shawn.  “Nah, what’s up man?” Shawn asked, his demeanor completely changed.  “We’re gonna get a game of pong going, you in?” Shawn shook his head. “Nah man, I’m gonna sit this one out.” Brian nodded. “Alright, well don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Your eyes widened as a wave of nausea over took you, you knew that cup of beer was a bad idea. Resting your head in your hands you took a deep breath to calm your stomach. Shawn had turned back to you, concern masking his expression. 

“You alright?” He asked. You shook your head, lifting it out of your palms.  “What’s wrong?” He asked, reaching out to tuck a lock of your hair behind your ear.  “I don’t feel all that great all of a sudden.” Your stomach lurches and your hand shoots up to cover your mouth as you swiftly and disgustingly swallow back down what just came up.  “Do you need a ride back to your place?” He asked, quickly sobering up. You shook you head.  “No I live on campus, it’s not that far from here. But you can’t stay if I go back to my room.” He looked slightly taken aback. You instantly bit your lip, that wasn’t exactly what you meant.  “You want me to stay with you?”  “I mean, it would be nice.” You shrugged, trying to play it off.  “My hotel isn’t that far from here, we could take a taxi and I could leave my car parked.” You nodded. “You don’t mind?” “Not at all. Let me just tell Brian we’re bouncing so he doesn’t come looking for us.” You nod as he walks off in search of Brian.

Taking a few deep breaths, you try and steady the nausea that kept washing over you to no avail. In ten seconds you had jumped off of the counter and grabbed a trash can as the entirety of your stomach contents came up. After dry heaving for what seemed like ever you spit what remained out of your mouth and stoop up, noticing that your hair had been caught in the crossfire. 

“Eww.” You groaned, thankful you had a hair elastic on your wrist to throw your hair up into so hopefully Shawn wouldn’t notice. Though with the way you were feeling you didn’t really care. Walking over to the sink you rinsed what you could out of your hair, swished your mouth with water and washed your hands.

“Hey Y/N, you ready?” You heard Shawn call. He walked into the kitchen as you were pulling your hair up. “Yeah.” You spoke, your voice raspy.  “What happened to your voice? And hair?” He asked noticing the messy bun that was not atop your head.  “Vomit happened.” You rasped, walking over to where he stood.  “Aw man, do you need some water?” You shook your head.  “I need a shower and sleep.” He took a few steps towards you and opened his arms. You rested your head on his chest ad he enveloped you in his arms.  “Wanna wait for the taxi outside?” You gave a slow nod, breathing in his scent and reveling in his touch. He pulled back from the embrace and grabbed your hand, motioning in the direction of the door with his head.