#lost scholar rambles

[thelostscholarofmcd]

dear everybody who is Freaking The Fuck Out™

i have done proper research, so please calm your horses and sadly wave goodbye to your hopes and dreams in regards of a new roleplay series from aphmau

recently there was an uproar caused by genes voice actor after he released a seemingly unfamiliar picture of gene in a fantasy setting

well folks, call me sherlock holmes, cause i immediately knew where it was from

A ROYAL TALE.

ITS FROM A ROYAL TALE EPISODE SIX TO BE SEPCIFIC.

dont believe me?

heres your proof:

sorry to shatter everyones dreams but it had to be done

[whyoneartheven]

I just watched Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and anyways my life will never be the same

[picturesofashe]

Talk Allag to him

[katyspersonal]

I hate how ship-vice, Damian is doomed

Damian x Micolash? Well, he is outta there and helps to kill Rom who does conceal Mensis Ritual, so seems like he turned against Mico's goals (fair enough)

Damian x Rom? He helps to kill her, just said, also she became incomprehensible life form so dating might be hard in either case

Damian x Yurie? They are hostile to each other - if you summon Damian while she is still alive they fight, lorevice whether it is good ol Mensis vs Choir hostility or Yurie protects Rom no matter what the stakes are, but they are enemies now at least

Damian x Edgar? Edgar is out there in the Nightmare, either insane or by Mico's side, either way they can't be a thing anymore

All immediate ships considered, he has to either work against them or outright have to kill them :( Poor guy

[noxtivagus]

gbf's ost is Too good <33

[britany1997]

Fate Yields For No One

Chapter Three

Hey besties! I hope y’all enjoy the next installment of this series!!! This one is gonna have a lot more lore, and plot developing so I hope you like learning a bit more of how things work in this AU:) Thanks for all y’all’s support on this fic!

Poly Lost Boys x Fem Vampire Reader

Reblog to support my writing, and comment to tell me you’d like to be added to my Taglist for this fic, or my main Taglist!

Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Two

California, 1986

Paul’s eyes widened as he realized who you were to him. You wished you could have stopped the word that fell from his lips.

“Mine.”

No.

‘This can’t be happening,’ you thought to yourself as you fought your instincts to keep the same word Paul has uttered to you from bursting out of your own mouth.

Even if you could ignore the fact that this man had been hitting on Maria not five seconds ago, this wasn’t what you wanted for your life.

All the big choices in your unlife had been largely dictated by some dude with a god complex. How could this guy be any different?

You refused to trade one captor for another.

The handsome blond man stared at you in shock, seemingly surprised as you were at the sudden twist of fate that had brought you two together.

Though as his shock wore off his lips seemed to curve into a smile and his hand moved to touch your cheek.

You panicked.

You recoiled sharply from his outstretched palm “Oh my god I totally forgot I have to go stock things in the back, so nice to meet you, bye!” you rambled quickly as you raced to escape from behind the desk.

“What?” Paul’s brow furrowed in confusion. He moved to stand in front of the swinging door, your only escape from behind the desk.

You glared at him, “you’re in my way…”

“What?!” he repeated with more frustration than confusion, “but we’re…I mean we-”

“I know what we are,” you told him, “and I don’t care. So can you please move aside so I can do my job.”

Paul’s jaw dropped.

You sighed and pushed passed him.

“Hey!” he called after you.

You ignored him and kept walking, desperate to be anywhere but next to him.

“This isn’t over you know,” he promised you.

You scoffed as you pulled at the door to the back room, “seems like it is.”

You slid in, slamming the door behind you and pinching the bridge of your nose between your thumb and forefinger.

Despite what you’d said to Paul, you knew you hadn't seen the last of him.

You were determined not to breathe a word to Max about anything that had transpired that night.

He’d never really told you anything about mates, you suspected because he’d never found his own. You couldn't predict how he'd react, and you wouldn’t let him force you into anything else.

Which meant you'd have to figure this out on your own.

As the sun rose and Max went to bed for the day, you scoured the shelves of his home library for anything that could give you more information.

You slunk away to your bedroom with a mountain of books. You secured your black out curtains, preparing to stay up all day researching.

What you found terrified you.

Humans swooned over the idea of soulmates, they spent their lives searching for someone who’d complete them, one person who was perfectly suited for them.

But this wasn’t an original human creation. They’d stolen the idea of soulmates from vampires.

Many scholars thought when a human transformed into a vampire, they lost their soul.

From what you could gather, this was a myth. Instead, when a human became a vampire, their soul wasn’t taken from them, but tethered to another of their kind.

You read this was a facet of vampirism that had developed over time out of a necessity for more vampires. Great.

You’d also read that, as bats had multiple partners, vampires could have more than one mate. You didn’t even want to think about that possibility.

When you’d read the first text from cover to cover, you picked up a new one.

You found that the mates aspect of vampirism was inherently instinctual, which is why Paul had called you his, and why you’d almost done the same. He couldn’t help it.

You read, to your dismay, that your soul was intimately tied to his in a way that could never be severed. Your entire beings belonged to each other.

This was bad.

You continued to the next book, cringing as you read that from this point on every denial of your connection would only hurt you. Without Paul, a part of you would always feel empty.

Now that you knew you were “meant for each other,” every moment without him would hurt just a little bit. You could not exist the same way without him. He was yours, you were his.

Fuck that shit.

You didn’t need anyone to give your life meaning. You belonged to yourself and no one else.

You pushed the stack of books aside in a huff. They tumbled to the ground but you couldn’t find it in yourself to care.

You would fight to be the master of your own fate, whatever it took.

You were apprehensive to return for your shift the next day for fear that you'd be confronted by the persistent blond vampire.

However after two days with no sign of Paul, you began to relax. And after two weeks had passed without a trace, you had pushed the whole ordeal out of your mind entirely.

Instead, you turned your focus to Maria.

The two of you were constantly scheduled together as Max could never find anyone else to work the night shifts. You spent almost every waking minute with the girl that had quickly become very important to you.

And once Max had seen you'd connected with Maria, he felt the urge to supervise you less and less. It wasn't long before you were permitted to work your shifts without his imposing presence.

But work was a term used pretty loosely as you always seemed to do more talking than working. It wasn't like you had tons of customers, who even needed to rent movies at three AM anyway?

Besides, you were all too eager to spend each night hearing every seemingly insignificant detail of Maria's life.

Every good grade she'd gotten at school, every party she attended on the weekends, every fight she had with one of her siblings that always ultimately ended in apologies and hugs, you wanted to know it all. You were content to listen to the sound of her voice ramble on for hours.

She was just as eager to know you, and though you couldn't tell her everything, you could tell her enough.

Maria listened intently, wide eyed and hanging on every word as you related stories from your time in New York city.

Five siblings meant Maria's family didn’t get to travel much. You gasped when she admitted she'd never even ventured from the state of California.

"We'll go together one day," you promised her, "I'll take you everywhere, I know the city like the back of my hand!"

Her laugh rang through the store, prompting your lips to turn up into a bright smile, her joy was contagious. "What a dream that would be," she sighed wistfully, you could almost see the stars in her eyes.

"I mean it," you said seriously, "you and me, together in New York."

Her smile grew, "you and me."

As the work week came to a close, you shoved the last VHS back into place, moving to wipe down the counters as Maria flipped the switch to turn off the neon "OPEN" sign that hung on the front of the store.

You checked your watch as it flashed 6:00AM, sunrise was fast approaching and you were cutting it close.

"Damn you're working late," you realized as you wiped down the counters, "I thought I was by myself tonight."

Maria smiled sheepishly and you barely caught sight of the blush that rose to her cheeks, "you were."

Your eyes widened, "you stayed late for me? you didn't have to do that..."

"I wanted to," she replied as she bit her lip.

You dropped the rag and spray bottle, walking to stand in front of her from across the counter, "why?"

She blushed once more before her eyes fell to the ground, "I don't know, I just..." she looked up, "I like being around you."

As you stared into the eyes of the beautiful woman before you, you were presented with an opportunity. An opportunity to choose for yourself, to take control of your own destiny.

You didn't choose to be cursed with an eternity of seperation from the souls of your family, you didn't choose to be a vampire, you didn't choose Paul and you certainly didn't chose Max. But you could choose Maria.

"Maria," you whispered, leaning in till your noses were almost touching, "can I kiss you?"

She beamed before caressing your cheek with the back of her hand, "I thought you'd never ask."

You leaned in and her soft lips met yours.

Note: I promise the next chapter is going to be focused on all the boys, thanks for being patient I promise it’ll be worth it😌

FYFNO Taglist❤️:

@6lostgirl6 @misslavenderlady @bloodywickedvamp @pixielostboy @solobagginses @anna1306 @dwaynedelight @flower-crowned-lady @feardot-com @its-freaking-bats @kurt-nightcrawler @ria-coolgirl @vampirefilmlover @vampirefruitpunch @vxarak @arbesa-mind @lostboys1987girl @dwaynesluscioushair @gothamslostboy @arenpath @people-are-strange-87 @peachpixiesstuff @consuming-karma @mickkmaiden333 @bitchyexpertprincess @welcome-to-the-hole @warrior-616 @softchonk @simplyreading96 @fraudfrog @blenna3967 @pookiesnatcher @rynsfandomsfun @walmartfairy69 @jamie-poopoo @sad-ghost-of-garbage @mad-is-sad @christinesdemoness1958 @memphiscity69 @buzzybee-26 @simpingforthe80s @itsyoboysparkel @smut-religiously777 @dragonsrequiem @ilikechocolatemilkh @cocopuffs1450 @sarcastic-sourwolf @drascilla @the-lonely-abyss @jezabella8 @kristel1990

[khepiari]

Hyped Up Rambling: Spoilers for ONE PIECE Chapter 1104

There are many daddies in One Piece.

But there is only one person who deserves the title of FATHER!

And it’s you, sir Kuma.

As much as I have grievances with Odachii, this is an arc written by a father for his daughter.

Parental love hurts. But still, parents continue to love their children despite the pain, loss, fear, and hardship.

Again I am reminding you all. The series finale actually began exactly two years back when Luffy punched Saint Charlos.

Kuma just continued the fight that Luffy lit the fire for! As my best friend put it, “Kuma is following in Joy Boy’s footsteps. Bringing light to the world…”

Even a “slave”, stripped and robbed of all his rights, mental prowess, and dignity and abused to the point of being on the brink of death will FIGHT TO PROTECT! A slave who lost everything rose up on his two feet to protect his child and punched the man who sits on the highest seat of power, and Joyboy aka Luffy made it possible.

And do you know who the people in power fear the most?

The slave they robbed of autonomy.

The scholar they denied true knowledge.

The ethnic groups they massacred.

And the God Born Out Of People’s Despair who comes to seek vengeance.

AND KUMA IS ALL!

May I also remind you all, Borsalino is worse than Sakazuki, he is a scum without any hope in him or in anyone. He is scarier than a straight-cut villain like Sakazuki.

There is a reason idealists are easier to defeat than cynics. You can’t beat a deadbeat easily.

My favourite rascals! Franky and Sanji have no chill! They went after Saturn, without any fear or hesitation, just like they went after Saint Roswald, Doflamingo and Big Mum. Their brain operates on: we are Future Pirate King’s Crew, we will kick anyone who is a scum!

I still can’t believe so many people hate Franky! The dude has literally the least count of losses and the funniest battles! Because he doesn’t fight one one-on-one guy, and he shines in the fights when minions and their bosses are involved against lone him! In Dressrosa he ran wild; kissed a girl (yes without consent; thanks scum Odachii) to defeat her, had a hard-boiled match with Senor Pink, destroyed the SAD factory and went to support the fairies on his own! And In Wano he ran his monster bike right into Big Mom’s face and knocked her out! We need more Franky love!

And finally!

I don’t like to pit series against series, but this is how you utilize the most cliché theme in the entire world: LOVE. You have to show it with actions and gestures and not tell it to your readers. Yes, Gege, I mean you brat; do better.

Why do you think we the readers and viewers still crumble at the theme of love? It’s extremely simple.

Love is radical.

Love is unpredictable.

Love is powerful.

And time and again in One Piece—Love is an Anomaly.

Ace was born because of Rouge’s willpower born of love.

Sanji was able to retain his humanity because Sora did everything in her power to protect her kids.

Robin was saved because her teachers, mother, and Saul loved her so much that they chose to protect her.

Nojiko and Nami had a chance to live because Bellemere protected them.

Trafalgar Law made it through a life-threatening disease and nihilistic approach to living because Corazón bet his life on him.

Hiluluk’s love for Chopper pushed him to be the doctor who wanted to cure everyone.

Zoro’s love for Kuna is what pushes him to work hard.

Because Franky wants to protect his “Family” he becomes the face of criminal activities.

Shirahoshi never revealed her mother's death circumstances because she decided to protect her mom's dream.

Examples of love changing the course of history are endless in One Piece, hence we should remember: Love is the invariant.

[silyue]

"A house divided cannot stand." but "In your darkest hour, in the blackest night... think of me... and I will be with you." Lvl 70 DRK / Dark Knight Job Quest ------------ Artist rambles:

Rakugaki feat. Fray, Myste and Atticus (my WoL) I finally reached the end of Stormblood after a long hiatus (1-2 years?) from ffxiv! Also hit Lvl 70 with Dark Knight, and it was a beautiful experience... This is just a humble sketch to capture the feeling before it's lost, hopefully I can finish this piece someday! As for headcanon of my WoL: Atti ends up changing classes from a SCH to a DRK after a "certain tragedy", haunted by survivor's guilt and the very fact that he was a healer no less. After the StB therapy, I think he's returning to Scholar with a side of Dark Knight...

[ownedbythescribe]

Tighnari | Under The Moonglow

ıllı Synopsis: What started as a sapling of admiration became a blossoming lotus of affection. Tighnari seemed so out of reach for the likes of you, yet you were willing to remain by his side. So on his special day, you prepared a unique gift only reserved for him.

ıllı Genre: Fluff, Romance

ıllı Notes: Gender Neutral Reader

ıllı A/N: So, I decided to rewrite this story. The first one was not bad, but I had to edit a few parts. Tumblr was acting up, and I’m also using mobile for this, so it’s kind of a win-win.

The duties of the forest rangers of Gandharva Ville include protecting the forest, guiding lost travelers, and conducting seminars and talks about the fauna and flora of Sumeru. It was their pride and joy to ensure that the relationship between the forest and any living beings was balanced and no boundaries were overstepped. The one who stood leading the rangers was none other than Master Tighnari, a renowned Amurta graduate from the Akademiya. Every scholar and ranger knew the span of his knowledge of the fauna and flora of the region was no joke. When a crisis arose, the Forest Watcher stayed vigilant and humble, directing the rangers what to do and when to turn the tables. His rationalized and easy-to-understand directions captivated his co-workers, allowing more efficient operations to work with.

Of course, Tighnari was not all sunshine and rainbows. Make no mistake. If he saw you doing something foolish or dangerous, be ready for hours of lecture— or maybe more afterward. Did he not make efforts to create and publish ‘A Field Guide to Rainforest Life’ for this reason? Although, despite his sternness, Tighnari was always willing to instill within anyone the importance of safety and precaution, much more to those who were eager to learn. The same could not be said for those who were hard-headed though.

"A pity, really. I majored in Botany, but growing brains is not in my area of expertise." Was what he would always utter. A wry smile would worm in your face, shaking your head in amusement at his vexation with those who refude to abide by the forest's rules.

This was probably just one of the reasons why your heart grew fond of the Forest Watcher. What started as a sapling of admiration became a blossoming lotus of affection. Oftentimes, interactions with him ended up with your heart beating like you sprinted a marathon, stuttering like an awkward fool. He simply attributed it to your shy nature and would encourage you to place more faith in yourself. He was not telling you this as an empty compliment, but more so because he saw potential in you the moment you began your career as a forest ranger. Right now, you were one of the people he trusted, whether it would be to handle Withering Zones or help out as a forest guide. That said, you were not immune to his sass and sharp words.

“This is the third time this week, (Y/N)! You really shouldn’t put yourself in so much danger just because a simpleton cannot follow your rules. Not to mention how rude that merchant was.” He scoffed.

Tighnari rambled about the peculiar merchant you escorted earlier who blamed you for his misfortune when it was the other way around. You diligently guided the merchant away from Rishboland tigers and Spinocrocodiles, but he ended up landing on a hoard of fungi that decided to play with him. One electro mushroom rushed towards him, and you immediately pushed him out of the way using your weapon. Your leg did not escape unscathed, as the electro ring around the fungi hit it.

"He learned his lesson after seeing the blood. Don't worry. Plus, this will heal in time! I'm no ordinary human, after all, Master." You teased, your vision flashing in agreement. He let out a sigh before tying up your bandage.

"All right. Later night, come here again and I'll re-apply the salve. This will prevent the wound from leaving a scar." He ordered. Grinning, you stood up with a pep only to stumble. Tighnari held your arm and sighed.

After exiting his office, you took out your journal to see what tasks were left for the day. Your eyes landed on the reminder to go to Grand Bazaar and pick up the order for vegetable seeds and ingredients for the cold medicine Tighnari was making. Nodding your head, you made your way to Sumeru City.

Bustling with energy, more merchants from Port Ormos had visited the city. It was always a delight to see them in the main city despite the considerable distance from the port.

Reaching the bazaar, you were greeted by a crowd cheering for Nilou, who was dancing with two more members. Her elegant moves and twirls never failed to capture your attention. If only only you could invite Tighnari here, he would have enjoyed it too. Sadly, his sensitive ears often prevented him from going or staying too long. His preference for solitude was known to a lot.

"Hmm? (Y/N)! Are you here for the seeds and ingredients the Forest Watcher ordered last week?" Saphina, the florist hailing from Fontaine, asked. She was holding a bundle of lotuses that you helped carry inside the shop. Once done, you answered her answer with vigor.

"Yup, and I also wanted to check out how you are and the current market. I would have to note the changes in the economy of vegetation sold in Sumeru City and Port Ormos so that Master Tighnari will not bother with people suddenly coming to the rainforest to forage whatever they could sell should something happen." You reasoned. She gave a hearty laugh, patting your back for being hardworking. However, you denied it, claiming that it was the Forest Watcher who should take credit.

"Oh please, you're also doing a good job! Be proud, Lassy. Now, here are the seeds and the ingredients he asked me for. Oh, and can you also pass this on to him? This will be useful." She remarked, passing you a vial with a blue liquid in it. She told you that it was a new fragrance she stumbled upon while in Port Ormos. It was made from Sumeru roses, sweet flowers, and Padisarahs, giving it a nice aroma.

With a smile, you placed everything in your bag and thanked her. She grinned, and you took off to check around the city. Puspa Cafe was your next destination to buy Padisarah pudding. The exquisite taste of the dessert was to die for! Settling down, you took a scoop and moaned in glee.

"Didn't take you for a pudding lover, (Y/N). Must be a good dessertation to make, you know because—“ A voice from behind you stated, but you immediately stuffed a pudding in his mouth.

"Yes, Cyno, I get the joke, and I hate that I get it." You groaned. The joke did make you laugh a little which brightened the General's day. It was great to see his friends laugh and lighten up every once in a while.

The General sat with you, sliding in the food he ordered. You were curious why Cyno was around the area when he was seen in the desert from what you heard from the other forest rangers. He informed you that he was gathering intel in the area and decided to take a short break before running off again.

"Have you prepared a gift for Tighnari yet?" He asked. You paused, midway through putting the spoon in your mouth. Your eyes widened in surprise before putting down the pudding and taking out your journal to see the date. It was already the 26th, and his birthday was on the 29th.

"You forgot?" Cyno hesitantly inquired, seeing how you were starting to tear up at the fact that you did forget. There was a good excuse though which was all forest rangers were swamped with new work. After the fiasco with the Sages and the Dendro Archon, there were internal changes in Sumeru, and more diverse work were registered with the forest rangers (based on their skills and capabilities, thank Tighnari for this).

"Cynooo, what should I do? I don't know what to get him! And, and, it's also this late! Why did I forget such an important event?! Tighnari will hate me if he found out." You grumbled, tearing up slightly. Cyno first assured you that he will do no such thing. He listed the presents some of the rangers had already prepared, and it made you feel more guilty.

"Just give him something you think he will like. It's the thought that counts for him, (Y/N). There are still two days left, so don't fret." Cyno advised. He was not the type to uplift spirit, so his words calmed you down. Nodding, you thanked him and finished the food on your table.

The General Mahamatra glanced at his hourglass and noted that it was time for him to leave. You bid him 'Good luck' with his endeavor which he smiled at. Before he left, he disclosed the time he would arrive for Tighnari's birthday.

'Something that he will like? But he has a lot of books already, not to mention, his tent is full of ingredients for medicine. Wait... Oh no, I don't like this idea of mine already. Please don't let me regret this.' Only a sigh escaped your lips.

That night, you returned late to Gandharva Ville and received a light scolding from Tighnari. You told him that you met up with Cyno, causing time to slip up from your mind. It was not a good excuse, but it was more than enough. The Forest Watcher had a conflicted look in his eyes. He knew that you often meet with Cyno and that he was also one of your friends, but for you to be enjoying time with him than the fennec fox slighted him.

"All right. Let's rebandage you up then go rest. Today was eventful, more so how the following days will be." He warned. You nodded.

True to his words, things had been hectic the succeeding days. Tighnari had been invited by his Amurta Darshan to conduct a series of talks about the rainforest and the current status of Sumeru's ecosystem. Interactions between you two were limited to giving and receiving tasks which did help you manage your surprise, but it also felt a little lonely.

'Ahhh! I'm almost late, almost late! This is bad!' You finished your job quickly and took your bag before dashing out of the village. Tighnari saw you frantically come out of your abode, weirded out by your actions. He wanted to chase after you, but he was called out by Amir to check his report before submitting it.

"You're late. Here, take this and then place it there. After that, take it to Madam Faruzan then deliver this to the Amurta Sage. Then, we'll test it out again once you're back." The person in front of you ordered. You gave him a deadpan look.

"Things are not gonna get done with you just standing there, (Y/N). Your feet's gonna have to work, you know that." He teased. With a shake of your head, you did as you were told. Faruzan slightly kept you occupied than expected, but you came back to the office as soon as you could. Testing it out, you let out happy noises and even smacked your partner in happiness.

"It took so much effort, but with so little time, we got it done. Thank you so much, Alhaitham! You can take this as another favor from me. Thank you again!" You grinned, placing your gift in a special box. You prayed that this would assist Tighnari considering he was the one who always goes out, exposing him to most danger than you.

The following day, you raced towards his office to give his gift, but the Forest Watcher was already gone, off to his next talk in Sumeru City. It bummed you out but hoped that you could deliver it later. You managed to accomplish the tasks earlier than usual, yet Tighnari was nowhere to be found. Collei informed you that he would be home a lot later than usual. He was invited by the Amurta Sage to check the research he was conducting. It hooked the fennec fox up.

"Master told us to leave the gifts in his office, then we can celebrate his birthday tomorrow. It may be late, but he said, he wanted to thank us for trying to hide our surprise." Collei said. Tighnari knew the forest rangers like the back of his hand, and he could not be more proud and happy to work with them.

The moon was already high in the night sky when he came back to Gandharva Ville. It had been a hectic yet fruitful day. However, he wanted to feel the crisp air before he returned to his office to arrange it for the next day. He ended up going near the falls where he noticed a familiar figure dipping their feet by the water, lost in a daze. The Nilotpala lotuses around them were shining brightly, and he almost thought they were a holy being descending to Teyvat.

"And may I ask why you are out so late at night and lost in a daze, Ranger (Y/N)?" His voice cut through your thoughts that you almost threw the box in your hands. Frantically trying to find an excuse, you gave up and told him that the night sky kept your mind from swirling in the wrong direction.

Tighnari sighed and sat beside you. He took off his shoes and examined the lotuses before you. They were much livelier than normal. It was when he noticed your dendro vision pulsing. It had the effect of bringing vitality to wildlife, and he was often amazed by its intensity to cure the withered zones.

"Umm... Happy Birthday, Tighnari. I'm sure a lot had already greeted you, and you told us rangers to put our gifts in your office, but...." You felt embarrassed trying to give an excuse that you wanted to gift it to him personally. He smiled and held out his hand expectantly, encouraging you that he was willing to accept it now.

Fumbling, you placed the box in his hand. He asked if it was okay to open his gift now. You told him that it was his, and there was no need to get your permission. Without waiting time, he opened it and smiled. Inside was a bracelet and beside it was a pressed Viparyas flower. You explained that it was something you came up with to help with his patrol. It could detect leyline overflow and strong elemental residues that could pose danger to people. It could only sense things within a small range, but in time, you wished to increase its capabilities.

Tighnari could see the passion you poured into his gift. The Viparyas alone was an astounding feat. They said that only the Aranaras possess them, and luckily for you, you stumbled upon a kind Aranara who you helped fix their home and cook. They had tastes different from you, but they were grateful nonetheless.

"It was tough working with Alhaitham, but I hope you liked it!" After hearing his name, Tighnari froze. There it was again, hearing that you spent a long time with another man other than him. You felt his annoyed gaze glance at you. It was at this moment that you saw a new emotion pass by the Forest Watcher's face.

"First was Cyno, then now, Alhaitham. Really, (Y/N)? What am I going to do with you?" He muttered. You were confused until he stood up, pulled your arm, and held you in his embrace.

"I want to be the only man whom you will maunder with those lips of yours, (Y/N)." He confessed. In his heart, he, too, had grown the fruit of affection, and it was time for him to reap it.

Under the moonlight, Tighnari's features were highlighted. You cheeks flushed at how divine he looked, but you noticed the hopeful gleam in his eyes. He was waiting for an answer. With a nod, you leaned in his arms. The scent of mint and leaves mingled in your nose, calming your thoughts.

"All right. I'm sorry, 'Nari." He smiled at your words and kissed the crown of your head. You were finally his.

Please do not copy or repost my stories, but notes and reblogs are always appreciated!

[quitealotofsodapop]

Was thinking of FFM, specifically the bit about the island being effectively isolated from the outside world. That means it's entirely possible for different strands of plant life that otherwise went extinct or had evolved different characteristics remain in suspension, only affected by the things Wukong himself brings onto the island.

Pigsy is a food connoisseur. He only uses the freshest ingredients. In Century Egg Au and Slow Boiled, he effectively becomes a parental figure to Wukong. One, who would very much likely make many a trip to FFM to check up on Wukong. Same for TMKATI except Wukong doesn't live in the mountain in that one and therefore there's less reason to visit. Imagine how he'll react when he realizes the mythical island not only has the freshest ingredients but the rarest as well!

Pigsy seeing an isolated island with some very tasty looking rare tree fruits from the view of Sandy's ship, only to learn that it has a impassable magical barrier:

He's ok to let the matter slide... for now. He reasons with himself that whatever is on that island is better off without his mitts on it.

Until he's shaken awake by a very excitable Tang, holding a book on island isolation and evolution, rambling at a mile a minute about how the plant and animal life on the sheltered island has likely evolved completely separate from the outside world, and if this island is part of the fabled lost country of Alolai - then it likely is teeming with wildlife that evolved after the mythical Floods and Burning.

Pigsy, groggy: "Tang... how'd you get in my room???" Tang, highly-caffienated: "I haven't slept in two days!" Sandy, texting: "Is he at your place now?"

Eventually after forcing the scholar to calm down and take a rest before his heart gives out, Pigsy is told something that really tickles his inner connoisseur.

Tang: "Before it was introduced and selectively bred, potatoes could only be encountered in remote areas of the Andes mountains." Pigsy: "And?" Tang: "Imagine if you discovered the next potato." Pigsy: *squeal of intrigue!*

Needless to say, Pigsy has his own Nerd Moment™ the first time he actually touches down on the island and recognises a bunch of rare species.

Pigsy, side-tracked by a tree: "Sweet Chang'e! This is looks like a button mangosteen! I've never heard of them growing this far north! The skin is more red-orange though, maybe it's a branched variety back when the islands were connected to the mainland? Button Mangosteens taste closer to tangerines than their purple cousins, I wonder if that intesifies based on colouration." Sandy, delighted for his friend: "You seem to be having lots of fun!" Pigsy: *nodding happily*

He's equally delighted in the TMKATI au to have "Such a resourceful employee!" when Wukong comes back from his visits to the island bearing gifts. It caught him off guard the first time though.

Wukong: "Hey boss, I got you something." Pigsy, opening a box: "Wu... are these fresh truffles?!" Wukong, wondering if he did something wrong: "Yeah, why? Did I mess up? I overheard you talking about wanting to have enough to experiment with and-" Pigsy: "No no! I'm... I'm so grateful, I don't even know what to say... How did you even afford these?" Wukong, genuine confusion: "Afford? I just gathered a bunch from the lime orchard at home. There's hundreds of these things - I don't like 'em personally cus they taste like dirt to me. I normally just toss them in the hotpot when I run out of the chicken-tasting ones." Pigsy: "Excuse me."

I hc that in the direct aftermath in returning to FFM during the White Bone Spirit chapter of JTTW; Sun Wukong did a lot of gardening and farming in order to ensure that his people would have a sustainable source of food. Probably convinced Zhu Bajie to "show off his super-cool 9-Toothed Rake" to start the farmers off.

He also plants a bunch of super-rare and super-divine plants on the island that he picks up in his travels.

Wukong, chilling on a tree clearly not native to the island: "What? I like using the leaves as nesting material."

And lets not mention the super rare species of animals that managed to survive/escape the Burning.

FFM probably has an undiscovered wild cat or two that Sandy accidentally befriends.

[felidacy]

Rambles and small ideas for a Batfamily Bloodborne AU

(It is not that cohesive I am sorry and I was forced to make some lore changes. Especially with how it begins. Don't beat me up about it.)

Gotham gets enveloped by a dark shroud that covers the whole city and makes it near imperishable, let alone letting people pass through. The city is forever shrouded in a dark loom with merely a everlasting full moon shining upon them. With no sun and the isolation, it soon takes a tool on the people. They grow sickly and depressed, if not that they become near deranged and highly irritable. Crime rates in the already vicious city steadily increase.

There is a sudden shift then - for the worse. A blood moon occurs and people begin to change. Their bodies twist, grow and even rot away. Meanwhile their humanity seems to decrease. A few attempt to research the phenomenon and hold them captive in facilities like Arkham Asylum or Blackgate Prison, however those are halted when the victims fully cease being humans and transform into eldritch monsters that lash out when the old blood gets overused by the Healing Church. A mass outbreak occurs and the monsters roam the city from then on.

Tim Drake is still in the position of the CEO Wayne Enterprise after the mysterious disappearance of the Gotham Prince (Bruce Wayne) and openly funding doctors and scholars in his tower to research their Gotham phenomenon and the monsters. He takes over the Role of Provost Willem and does not shy away from finding out the truth by any means necessary. He isolates himself because of his hunger for knowledge and shuts people out.

Researchers of his discover the tombs/Labyrinth and the usage of the old blood when coming across Ebrietas, some desperately trying to change his opinion and use blood healing to attain a new beginning. Tim is forced into a position where he needs to give up on his constant desire of evolution and progress, which goes against his nature, for the sake of the people and instead how far he can go sacrificing himself in order to attain knowledge that makes him look beyond the "now". His good-hearted start for the peace of humans turns into a obsession to achieve something which is beyond the capability of a mere human.

Damian has been put in a dire position, a child that hears and dreams of the voices of those beyond that nobody else can comprehend. With his artistic skills he puts down the words after transcribing them, he holds the Role of Runesmith Caryll. He desperately attempts to hold on to sanity as he hides himself away from all prying eyes despite the praise of those around him. He only ever hears the words of the Great Ones now.

Two people Tim trusted most "betrayed" him, Tam and Cass that take on the Role of Laurence as his trusted students that end up leaving him. Cass knew that Stephanie must secretly be alive and after having grown immensely close to her not-sister-not-lover, she could not live with herself if she didn't rescue one she loved. She had lost too many already and followed Tam, along with others. Tam had noble intentions much like Cass, although Tam held more resentment for Tim. Her father was affected by a terrible illness that was since then called the Ashen Blood and even after dozens of years where he was loyal to the Wayne family he did not wish to use the old blood to heal him. He actively even discouraged her. Tam gave her goodbyes one day to never see Tim again and began the Healing Church. To her disappointment Dr. Leslie Thompkins was not one of those that followed after them and when the blood failed to heal her father, instead actively killing him, it were Tim and Leslie that got blamed. Since then Tam began desiring evolving into something greater through the use of the blood in order to bring him back. While Cass worked as a blood minister (later on white Church hunter), Tam focused later on at the work of seeking contact with the Great Ones and became the leading figure of the Choir.

Leslie Thompkins suffers a cruel fate. Her loyalty to save the people and towards Tim cost her greatly and when Tim gets the epiphany that more eyes are needed to understand the Great Ones and evolve, she is one of those that get affected and turn into one of the many hundred eyed monsters roaming the tower and trapping Tim there.

The Healing Church grows in power as their influence in Gotham rises because of their special infected blood that heals those in dire need should they come to them. Gotham citizen began to practically worship the Healing Church when gods they previously believed them did not act and show mercy, others turned away out of fear and that soon enough began to rule the city. The Healing Church becomes a belief, a bloody beacon of hope in their endless night...a cult.

When the sickness of the Ashen Blood spreads the people falsely believe in The Healing Church and that they will save them. Instead the bridges connecting the lands to each other get torn down when they least expect it and watch on as the other half gets overrun by beasts and the ravaging sickness alike. To make sure nobody ever passes through the remains get bordered up. Tim remains on the other half in his Tower overlooking the raging City with a faraway gaze.

They mainly reside in the abandoned underground of Gotham and at the edge of the Bowery, planted right at the opposite site of the Wayne Tower, and gets called the Labyrinth as the layout changed under the influence of the shroud. In time the Healing Church began to change and it split into various branches, the Choir, the school of Mensis and the Hunters of the Workshop that evolve into the Church Hunters.

Jason and Dick had been getting Damian out of old Gotham when the great fire happened and they were unable to return to their left behind sibling. They desired to hid Damian from the Healing Church because of his connection to the Great Ones and there was no better hiding spot than directly under their nose. As such they've become hunters for the Church.

One faithful day Barbara after a long search discovers Damian when he is having one of his seizures, when he dreams of the Great Ones, and she desires to help him. She has been kept in the dark as she had been stuck in the Clocktower until the Healing Church came to free her, which causes her to make unwise decisions by mistakingly trusting Tam and Cass. Unknowing of what occurred with the lack of still functioning technology she was part of the School of Mensis. However upon touching the Great Ones overwhelm her mind and her sanity crumbles. Barbara holds the Role of Micolash. After she becomes aware of herself again she causes the School of Mensis to break away from the Church and just like Tim to find and use an unbiblical cord of the Great Ones.

Stephanie was one of the few that broke through the shroud even when nobody knows why she was permitted through. Trusting her idol and not-lover her ignorance of the state of matter makes her join Barbara. The use of the Cord brings blocked memories back to Stephanie as she recalls that she faked her death because of her pregnancy, just shortly before the shroud fell over Gotham. In fact she does not recall what she had done those months outside of Gotham, neither were the supposed baby was. That is when the Great Ones enlighten her when she connects to Mergo. That child was never born as she went through horrible complications early on and lost it, although there was no body. The child was not of human descent, but of a Great One. Broken apart by this knowledge the Cord pulls Stephanie, Barbara and others of the School into a nightmare state where they remain forever trapped while their physical bodies die. She is the Queen of Yharnam.

Alfred was thought to have died that night when the Great fire happened as he had been away from the Wayne Tower, yet neither with Damian in the Manor. However, as it turns out Alfred had gone to seek out Tam and Cass in hopes to change their minds. When he thought all his wards dead when the land was burning there was no other way than to stay with his last remaining: Cass. And as someone who only ever knew how to work through grief by helping others, he had become the leader of the old Hunters Workshop. He was Gehrmann. Still caught in his own grief the purpose was ripped from him again and he was left alone, a mistake. Like many he called upon the Great Ones and as such started the dream, the start of it all with a promise that needed to be fulfilled.

[thelostscholarofmcd]

possibly unpopular opinion here: id prefer if they resumed mcd s3 instead of continuing the rebirth reboot

[maaarshieee]

⎯⎯ ୨ 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬, 𝐈𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞, 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞 ୧ ⎯⎯

➢ Aʟʜᴀɪᴛʜᴀᴍ x Gɴ!Rᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ x Kᴀᴠᴇʜ

➢ 1.5k ᴡᴏʀᴅs ┊ Hᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ

➢ Mᴀsᴛᴇʀʟɪsᴛ

a/n - i had a really stressful project recently and i had to do smth i was particulary good at. but i lost the competition and didnt manage to get top 5 and i felt really shity about it so have this comfort fic. titled "deep breaths, inhale, exhale", have a nice day/night! i hope ppl who are also stressed get comfort at least :) also trying to come to terms that i don't have to write flamboyantly for it to be 'good'

It was just a normal day for the two housemates; Alhaitham and Kaveh.

Usual bickering whilst they ate, not afraid to raise their voices at each other despite it still being the crack of dawn. At this point, their neighbors have learned to adapt to the two men's senseless blabbering early in the morning, resulting in lessening noise complaints.

Despite the headache-inducing arguments that transpire from their (Alhaitham's) home, there was still a sort of order when it comes to responsibilities. Although every now and then, the house would be a total mess. Let's just say they're the perfect balance between calm and utter chaos.

As per routine, it was Kaveh's turn to wash the dishes and Alhaitham would go on ahead to the Akademiya to resume his duties as the Scribe. Then Kaveh would begin drafting his projects or spend his morning eventfully at the Grand Bazaar.

But it all came to a halt when their door slammed open.

It startled both residents, and hastily getting on their feet, the loud screech of wood against wood reverberated throughout the house as they summoned their weapons. But upon laying their eyes on your familiar figure standing in the doorway, they rejoiced. Kaveh, feeling his heart leap at your sudden arrival, grinned ear to ear and ran up to you, while Alhaitham tried to contain his excitement by maintaining his disinterested expression. However, not a soul would notice other than you and Kaveh, his lovers, the way his eyes lighted up and the small quirk at the corner of his lips.

You were a rather well-known member of Vahumana. A few weeks ago, you went on a faraway expedition to pursue a project you've been dreaming of completing and share your research with other scholars. Oftentimes, you sent letters, updating them on your progress, difficulties you've encountered, and horrible homesickness, missing both of them dearly.

But as of late, you hadn't sent any letters. While both assumed that you were just particularly busy, they both waited patiently for your next letter. Of course, this was sheer nonsense to people who have managed to witness them during that point and time.

Alhaitham had to physically stop Kaveh's worried ramblings about you by pressing a deep kiss on his lips, while Kaveh had to hide the coffee from Alhaitham because if he didn't, he'd drink 5 cups of coffee solely because of his unease and would rake his fingers through his hair, just as he liked (though would never admit to Kaveh).

Your intention was to submit your project, then surprise your lovers with your arrival. But those plans were quickly shattered when the Akademiya unceremoniously rejected your project. And rather harshly at that. It broke your heart of your results. While you resented the Akademiya like the rest of the people attending it, you couldn't help but feel so beaten down.

You had thought that it was your magnum opus, you've worked blood, sweat, and tears with this passion project of yours. That it would bring upon revelations in Sumeru like other Vahumara scholars did. And you were sure that your research was feasible too if others dared to collaborate as well. But no, the Akademiya shut you down without hesitation.

Angry, frustrated, sad, and most importantly, tired.

Their cheerful mood dampened down when they finally saw your tearful eyes, dark bags under them, and a shaky, bitter smile on your lips. You hadn't meant to return in such a foul mood, trying to maintain the pep in your walk and a bright (fake) smile that you usually wore whilst you walked back to your home. But the closer you got, the more your heart constricted uncomfortably due to the stress you desperately tried to swallow down.

Averting your eyes from their concerned expressions, you took an interest in the floor, your body aching from your heavy bags. Both wanted to ask all the questions running through their minds, to wrap you around their arms and comfort you, but seeing how hard you're trying to keep it to together...

Alhaitham silently took your bags from your tired form and you let out a small, broken "thank you" and a sigh of relief once he did, making him frown deeper. Kaveh's warm, delicate fingers found themselves on your cheek, and almost instantly, you leaned against his touch, bottom lip now quivering.

"Welcome back dearest," Kaveh cooed into your ear, leading you inside the house and closing the door behind you. Alhaitham, after putting your bags down, took your other cheek in his rough, calloused hand. "We've missed you." Alhaitham was not one for words like these, but he wanted you to momentarily forget whatever happened to upset you and only focus on them.

The textures of their hands contrasted, similarly to their personalities, but they both felt so nice on your skin, you couldn't simply get enough of the feel. Another sigh escaped your lips before you mustered up the courage to speak, only to pathetically mutter; "I missed you too." Barely above a whisper.

Alhaitham and Kaveh shared a knowing look, nodding to each other. Alhaitham carried you into his arms, one hooked under your legs and one on your back after he asked for your permission and Kaveh pressed a kiss on your forehead. "You must be tired, want me to make anything for you?" He asked, eyes softening when you curled up against Alhaitham even more, head against his pectorals.

Your gaze was distant, but you let out a thoughtful hum. "Something... You know I'd like, please?" You requested, a small smile etching your lips in an attempt to lighten the mood, though they could both see the underlying pain in it. But Kaveh could only chuckle for you, "But you like anything I make, sweetheart!"

Alhaitham sighed exasperatedly, appearing as if his patience was thinning but it was to merely appear as if the normalcy between the three of you has returned, just for a little bit, before you decide to tell them what was wrong. "Then get on with it, you're in the way." He huffed.

Kaveh's lips pursed at that, glaring at the silver-haired male, quite offended. "Well excuse me for just conversing with our dear lover!" Fortunately, it elicited a small snort from you, hand covering your lips as your shoulders shook lightly. Your giggles were enough to quell their worries, even if it's just a little.

By simply being in the presence of your dearest lovers, little by little, the weight on your chest slowly dissipates, and your enthusiasm returns in your heart. By just seeing them bicker or stare lovingly at you, you know it's just going to be alright. You're going to be alright.

The Akademiya might've rejected you, but when you have Alhaitham and Kaveh by your side, who you know would support you over anything as long as it makes you happy by your side? What's seriously stopping you at this point? Their rejection doesn't mean you're not worth anything at all. It was rejuvenating in their presence, the motivation on continuing onwards with your project.

In between your lovers after Kaveh made your favorite food, listened to Alhaitham ramble about his recent projects, which quickly turns into another argument once Kaveh pipes in, you merely found comfort in what others thought was annoying.

Even while they quarrel, it's also quite the sight of them being so irritated at one another while you're in their arms, unharmed. Seriously, why can't they just shut up and kiss already? It makes your eyes roll.

And just like that, your rejection has slipped from your mind. They've made you feel so much better ever since you came back without even telling them the reason. It makes your heart swell, and before you know it, you've fallen asleep.

"They must've been so tired," Kaveh whispered to him, making sure you're laid properly in between them and pressed a loving kiss on your cheek.

"I agree, I can only assume that it has something to do with the Akademiya," Alhaitham responded, rarely agreeing with him. Kaveh's eyes widened in surprise for a moment but never spoke of it. If he did, he'd never hear those sweet words ever again.

He sighed, wrapping an arm around your torso and laying his chin on top of your head, not after he kissed your nape, earning a sleepy giggle from the ticklish feel. Kaveh would put aside his frustration toward the Akademiya for another day, what's more important was you, and he would do anything to keep that smile on your pretty face.

Alhaitham had his hand on your waist, rubbing circles with his thumb as he let you wrap your arms around his larger form, listening to you softly snored, watching your chest slowly rise and fall. The same he did with Kaveh once he fell asleep as well, tucking a strand of his hair behind his ear. You both looked so peaceful, it brought a smile to his lips.

"Good night," He whispers, pressing one last kiss on your forehead, and moved slightly when he pulled away, chasing his lips. His heart thumped at that, pulling you closer to him. "We will be here for you once you wake up. Always."

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[mooreaux]

Oh no, please can we know more about Cleantha and her story?

so fun fact, dm dropped at the VERY end of the session that Cleantha's soul... didn't go to the afterlife. She's now trapped with the Elder Gods in the Dreaming where her love, Val-anquoon forces them to stay sleeping. The irony of this is not lost on her. He can't go in and get her because that would mean waking them all up and the end of life as we know it. My dm has told me this is not the end of her story thank GOODNESS

BUT if u would like to know more about my witchy gal, I shall tell you under the cut!

Lady Cleantha Mondegreene is the third child of Lord Overwood and Lady Yuliel Mondegreene (technically she is the half elven bastard from Overwood's lapse in judgement with a human at a brothel one night... but Yuliel accepted her as a daughter anyway.) She was born in the city of Caliphas in Ustalav, and had a mixed bag of a childhood. Being half elven in a very well to do pure elven family isn't always the best. But she made up for it with her intense studies at the local university.

She was always interested in the stars, and other planes. She had tutors, teachers, and other scholars who taught her all they knew and still she wished for more... Hence the budding interest in the dark tapestry and all the knowledge it held. She began to learn dark magics and witch craft to further her studies, all the while lapsing further and further from social circles, her family, and the world itself. She drifted so far that she barely noticed when her parents were killed. When her sister was married off to a brute, and when her brother left the city for other pursuits.

What she did notice was that her peers turned on her once her family was gone. She dove too deep into forbidden knowledge, and they called her cursed. When the day came that she looked up from her reading in the university library and found a group of them waiting for her. She quickly realized the knives in their hands were meant for her, and ran. They caught her quickly, and stabbed her in the back. She thought she was done for.

But that was when she met her love. At first he appeared in the shape of a man, but there was a blur about the edges of his person that made it clear he was much more. Cleantha did not know what happened to the students attacking her, but she found herself alone with this stranger. He took her home, bandaged her up, and offered her the knowledge she'd been seeking if she would make a pact with him. To be sealed with a kiss.

It was only later she found out that all the elves had vanished from the city. From the country. From the world. That they were slaves to the mind flayers who were invading from the Underdark. And that the man who had saved her life called himself their leader.

I've rambled long enough! Much much more happens after that. A whole year's worth of a campaign leading up to her death at the hands of one of her own friends. A tragic irony considering the campaign started in that library where yet another peer made to stab her in the back...

Thank you so much for asking! Making content about her will essentially be the way I keep her alive in my mind until the campaign in the future where we revisit her character!

[fatuismooches]

thank you for answering my one about dottore (you help me with the brain rot and it makes me very happy)

i pose one for arleccino now: she asks freminet to make a thelxie type creature for a darling w/ anxiety — especially separation anxiety just think about it as a communication device… she totally has a matching one w/ darling

i also like to think she reluctantly asked dottore to help with the walkie talkie thing,,,

this blog is my happy place what 🤯

(also i tend to ramble and send many impulse asks… i hope that’s okay)

— 🍊 anon

AWW YES... THE THELXIE EVENT WITH FREMINET WAS HONESTLY ONE OF MY FAVORITES... I would love to give Thelxie a hug, it was so cute with the seashell sword and shield... (I'm glad this is your happy place 🍊 anon, and of course it's okay! 💗)

Freminet would love to make a similar creation for you. After all, he sees you as his parental figure, especially after he lost his mom... if his clockwork machines can make you happy, he'd be more than willing to do it! Your one is more advanced than Thelxie, considering this time he had many more tools and resources available to him. (Though Arlecchino's version is much, much smaller and less noticeable. She can't be seen walking around with that after all,,) Not only is it a communication device, but it also has a language model too! It's like your other companion when your wife isn't around. ❤️ (It would also be endearing if it was somewhat modeled after Arlie,, so it was like she's always around too.)

(Obviously, her feelings toward the Second are less than... friendly but, giving the scholar a sizable amount of Mora was enough to shut him up with the questions. You know how he feels about extra funding.)

[cerastes]

Istesa, Lady of the Lake, and self-proclaimed “Interesting Times”.

“Istesa” is, in fact, a fusion of two beings: The Bloodless Queen, one of the former five Fairy Queens before the reforms that consolidated duties and power into one seat, and the blind Istesa, her royal smith and jeweler.

Less a person and more a phenomenon, Istesa is an ageless being that only resurfaces during times of turmoil and upheaval... Or rather, it’s more correct to say that she appears right before these chaotic times of great change, being the one to trigger them. By handing a legendary sword to this guy or that girl, Istesa makes sure that those with strong enough feelings and temperaments are properly equipped to carry out their “destiny”. While initially seen as benevolent figure of legend, scholars have since changed their opinion on her, as most every event she has influenced, regardless of the outcome, has tended to be immensely chaotic and gruesome. Pick any Ivarean history book, and most chapters have some relation to her... Among scholars, she’s also known as the Tideturner, as her powerful creations have shifted the tides of conflict and birthed many a victorious underdog, with no regard to the consequences afterwards...

A master smith, alchemist, and sorcerer. She’s worshipped as a goddess of change, progress, and blacksmithing in some parts in Ivarea, and she’s depicted with a large hammer in idols and effigies. However, those who are more familiar with her will also consider her a representation of calamity and crisis, and the Two Stars of Calamity are named after her (the Istesa Stars, or Twin Istesas). Thus, she is also sometimes represented with the visage of a collapsing tower as reference to the many dynasties and eras she’s suspected to have directly ended.

But, she’s simply a fictitious character in the folklore of the land, right...?

“Year 687: The legendary swordsman receives his sacred sword, and defeats the dark tyrant, becoming Hero King. In the following years, he, too, becomes a tyrant. Year 801: The Valkyrie of Esperkard pierces the Grand Chancellor of Atorrhia’s heart with the legendary spear she received from the Lady of the Lake. With the Chancellor’s death, Atorrhia is finally free, but all of its trade treaties collapse in the following months, and the people, now divided, massacre each other. Year 1301: The Bow That Never Misses is bestowed upon the the lad that would eventually become the Peerless Liberator. However, with the power to land a shot on absolutely anyone, no matter what, the Peerless Liberator became the Despot Ranger, who still holds the Great Glades of Insya as his own private land. No one dares venture into the glades, even today... A great swatch of no man’s land. Year 1498: An explosion so great that Ivarea shook completely took out the kingdom of [REDACTED]. No trace remains. In his dying words, the bomber said “Thank you so much, my Lady... My revenge... Is complete”, and the world lost its sole source of [REDACTED] that day. Year 1719: The sniper rifle that shot a bullet across the ocean, from one castle to another, and killed the king of Slionia, is said to have been given to the Empress of Grioccuvar by someone that perfectly fits the description of the Lady of the Lake. But the rifle had a single round, and upon the ascension of the king’s bloodthirsty daughter, the war only intensified, its repercussion still felt today.

This is all just a bit from the most comprehensive text we’ve found, from one of her worshippers, the Record of Calamity. Any questions?”

“Sir, is this all... True? This reads more like the ramblings of a madman, the sort that believes all those conspiracies.”

“Normally, I would agree with you, but... The truth is, I come from Grioccuvar, and... Look at this photo.”

“...That’s... Someone that fits the description of the Lady of the Lake, handing the rifle to the king?”

“Aye. My ancestor worked a post of honor at the castle, and he managed to snag this photo. It tormented for the rest of his life. She’s real, and if we don’t do something about her, she’ll keep shaping our history to her whims, writ in the blood of the masses, all while she simply laughs.”

-- Mission briefing at [-----]

Istesa, a native of Drathodia, was a blind artisan who made a living crafting jewelry and other such knickknacks. Drathodia is known for its boisterous adventurers and mercenaries, a hearty, strong people who love their fights as much as they love their celebrations. However, due to its main export being adventurers and mercenaries, it’s well known that those who cannot perform said roles, or assist in those roles tend to be discriminated in Drathodian society. One needn’t be a brawler, necessarily: Good cooks, explorers, blacksmiths, teachers and many more are appreciated fairly, but if you truly are alien to the culture, if you are an iconoclast to Drathodia born in the nation, then you’re likely not particularly happy within its borders. This was the case for Istesa, who was born with blindness and a feeble body, in contrast to her strong, charming older sister.

The sisters shared a deep bond, with the older caring for the younger in any way she could. A strong fighter with a seemingly bright future in front of her, the older sister was a shining star and even took apprenticeship with a famous martial master in Drathodia. Unfortunately, she met an early demise, and Istesa was left not only without the only person that truly supported her, but also without her beloved sister. Sinking into depression, Istesa gave her all into the creation of jewelry and trinkets, a discipline she was shockingly good at despite her blindness, as her sister taught her hands the basics, and from there, Istesa never stopped.

One day, late at night, Istesa got lost on her way home due to a temporary road closure changing her route, and ended up lost in the woods, where a tricky fairy spirited her away to the Realm of the Fairies. Scared for her life and confused, Istesa pleaded for mercy, but the Fairies, all of whom are capricious and some of whom are sadists, were not about to give her any quarter. That is, until the booming voice of one of the Five Queens ordered them all to stand aside. It was the Bloodless Queen, who happened to witness this on a stroll.

“What can you do?”

“I-I can make jewelry...”

“Then you will make for me a gorgeous necklace of silver, topaz as the main piece, and amethyst as adornments. Do you accept this commission?”

“Y-yes... Let me take your measurements...”

Istesa got to work in a secluded room in the Bloodless Queen’s castle, and in just one night and one day, produced the necklace: Brilliant silver with snowflake motifs of the adornments, wintry tones accompanying the purple hues of the amethyst, its main piece instead a plaque of hand-chiseled flame, where the brilliant topaz shone brightly. The Queen, whose breath had been taken away from the craftsmanship, immediately ordered any and all Fae that had their eyes on Istesa to back off, lest they wish to compete with her: The artisan was hers.

After becoming the Bloodless Queen’s personal artisan, the two grew close. Very close. They would talk at length about something the two of them were passionate about: Stories. Stories as a medium, stories as entertainment, stories as lessons... The Bloodless Queen always lamented that the Fae had very boring stories, always having predictably happy endings, clean endings, simple endings. Istesa simply wished she could see so she could read the books the Queen enjoyed so, that she could make a better conversation partner for her.

To celebrate Istesa’s first full year under her employment, the Queen told her to hold her hand and squeeze tightly. When Istesa inquired why, the Queen simply replied:

“It’ll hurt a bit less.”

The Queen then plucked Istesa’s blind eyes right out of their sockets, causing the artisan to faint.

When she woke up, however, Istesa found herself in a comfy, soft bed, a tall ceiling, look directly at the face of her Queen who sat next to her... Looking. Seeing. Watching. The shock almost made Istesa faint again. She could see. Hanging from the Queen’s neck was her necklace, which she immediately recognized, she had ‘seen’ it thoroughly with her hands. The Queen’s face was more beautiful than she imagined as well. Even though she ‘saw’ her through her fingers so many times, the real deal was definitely beyond what her mind could conjure. And right above the Queen’s head, she saw some words. They read “Istesa’s joy”.

“W-what’s going on, why can I see...?”

“It’s my gift to you, Istesa: The eyes of a djinn. I grant you sight, and the ability to discern the desires of those you see. This way, you’ll always know what I want.”

Though a seemingly selfish gift, it was anything but. This way, Istesa would not be taken advantage of, or at least, she would be able to know more about the true nature of any Fae that wasn’t the Queen that interacted with her. Fae are capricious, and some can be very cruel, but with these eyes, she could immediately tell if they had ill intent towards her. Moreover, Istesa could now read all the books the Queen herself loved. This couldn’t be better.

All was fine in the Citadel of the Bloodless Queen... Until the Civil War of the Fae erupted.

See, the Five Queens of eld had very specific, very strict roles: With a love for theatrics, the Five Original Fae, the Queens, established a system of governance for the ever-growing Fae population that would ensure peace: Each Queen had a role to fulfill in order to maintain the status quo: One of would be the Righteous Queen, who could do no wrong, and another would be the Bloodless Queen, who was behind everything wrong, no matter what. This would give the Fae an easy hero to follow, and an easy villain to blame, and all matters could be resolved simply. If the Righteous Queen made a mistake, then it was not, in fact, her mistake, it was a ploy of the Bloodless Queen, in an attempt to humiliate the Righteous Queen. Then, the Bloodless Queen would receive a token sanction, and everyone would move on. This worked wonders when the Fae were few and many of them knew this was merely a system of theatrics to put the water under the bridge as smoothly as possible while the true culprit reflected on their mistake and improved themselves. But as the Fae increased in number, the theatrics came to be understood as a reality. It wasn’t just a few dozen of Fae needing guidance and to focus on the right tasks for survival, now, the Fae were prosperous, numerous, and yet, the old ways never changed. Instead of being seen as a selfless martyr who took the blame, no matter what, in order for the many to focus on the right task, the Bloodless Queen came to be seen as a true villain. Every story needed a good ending, a clean ending, an easy to understand ending, and when there’s a designated villain, then it’s to find the culprit for everything.

Eventually, the Civil War of the Fae erupted, starting with conflict between the Righteous Queen and the Harvest Queen. Each urged the other Queens to join their side: The Studious Queen joined the former, while the Festival Queen joined the latter. Who would the Bloodless Queen join, then?

None. They all deserved the highest penalty for letting their egos get to this point in the first place. The Bloodless Queen took to the battlefield on her own. With remorse filling every inch of her heart, she addressed her smith and jeweler:

“Istesa... Can you make... Weapons for my soldiers?”

Istesa didn’t answer, and for the first time in her life, her hammer created a sword. Ornate, light, and deadly. The Queen herself wielded it. The blade only dulled after the thousandth kill.

At the end of the war, the Festival Queen finally seized her final victory via pure subterfuge after having believed to have been killed, the seeming sole survivor of the conflict. The Bloodless Queen lie on her deathbed, clutching Istesa’s worn fingers tightly.

“At least this is a better ending than all those flimsy acts we put on in the past, Istesa... I don’t hate happy endings, you know...? But... Where’s the sense of urgency when the bad guy is always so apparent... Where’s the sense of danger when you know every single time the good guys will win...? Fae stories are horribly bad... Haha... Look at me! The Bloodless Queen betrays expectation and bleeds out... Isn’t that simply funny, my Istesa...? Ah... Istesa... Please make sure that this world has more exciting stories... Make a world that would entertain me, would you...?”

Unable to handle the grief of losing her, Istesa broke in tears as life left the Queen’s body, but the Queen’s essence, too immense after so many lifetimes, was thick and palpable. As it glowed xanthous and violet in front of her, Istesa, without thinking, absorbed all of it. Absorbing the essence of a Fae is said to be a death sentence, that’s simply too much raw, undiluted magical power for any physiology of Ivarea to handle. Istesa intended to die with her lover that day... But the essence would not harm her. It would not hurt her. It would not pose any danger to Istesa. Istesa and the Bloodless Queen, at the very height of their emotions, fused.

And the world would become a more interesting place forever after that day. Whether it wanted to or not.

All that is done, is done for that. That. That perfect, entertaining ending, that heart-gripping development, that crescendo...

“Istesa” would give Ivarea the most interesting stories, forged in fire, printed in upheaval, writ in blood.

“Istesa” is not evil. She is not good, either.

All she wants is a good story.

And she’ll do anything for it.