#miss them to death (solution: i draw them)

[corpsentry]

drawing again btw

[diejager]

Nooo but there is something about the monster au where there is a casual mention from her that she won't live as long as them (I assume monsters/hybrids are longer lived plus she is a lot more likely to die on mission), like she probably just jokes about it offhandedly and it sends all of them feral because... no? Absolutely not? Insulting. Ridiculous. Not happening.

Cue ultimate clinginess, all rushing to be more intimate because the thought of her not being around is abhorrent. Soap maybe losing it a bit going off on a line of thought about how he could mate her right? Would it be awful if there was a way for her to be a wolf shifter?

I AM GOING TO LOSE MY MIND

Change cw: mention of turning, mention of death, joking about death, tell me if I missed any.

All options are on the table at this point, death had always been something that loomed over them like a shadow, the veil and sickle of death following you wherever you went. You’ve had more than one reminder of your short life, your vulnerability as a human, weak and tender skin, short lives and a delicate body. There were so many things in the world that could pose a possible danger to you and they hated that.

You lived shorter lives than most monsters or hybrids, you grew sick and frail whereas hybrids could fight any viral infections or diseases, you didn’t have thicker skin despite all the extra layers of protective gear and you were a target of many for your choice of career. They were reminded of you mortality whenever you get hurt, blood painting your skin with a strong, metallic odour.

And it didn’t help that you’d often joke about it, throwing offhanded comments that made their hackles raise, body tense and mind brewing with what ifs scenario that has them tearing their hair from the root. While some monsters were more solitary than others, all of them were possessive of what they deemed their family —pack.

Ghost and König stuck closer during training, a tall, imposing figure behind you that acted as a guard dog to ward away anyone they deemed a danger. Soap and Horangi hung around you in the rec room, either laying on you or clinging to you, putting a show of ownership over you. Rudy and Alejandro, the ever active couple, were always finding you around the base, striking up a conversation and wrapping their arms around you. Gaz would was the cuddliest of the group, finding time outside of his busy to snuggle up against you and cover you with his wings, pulling you to sleep on his shoulder. Price, the man with the most authority in the TF made sure that you were always with someone on every Op, having someone to back you up in the most dire situation.

Every visit to the medic made them wild, it brought them closer to desperate measures. Would it be so bad to turn you in one? Would it be so bad to let Soap bite you during the full moon, his bite infecting you with his power: thicker skin, sturdier build, longer lifespan and better sense? The only draw backs were the higher wildness, near feral during full moons and a competitive mindset over the possessiveness and brattiness of a young werewolf.

Would it be so bad to make you return as a wraith? While Ghost learned to control his powers alone, the pain and emotions building up in his body without any way of letting it out, you had him, you wouldn’t be alone with the resurrection. He didn’t want you to feel the terror and agony by yourself —he didn’t want you to know how it felt to die and come back.

Would it be so bad to have a vampire turn you into one without becoming a thrall? You couldn’t walk in the sun, something you told them you enjoyed, you’d be restrained to specific activities and you wouldn’t like that, being limited by the sun. Granted, there were solutions to that, but none very comfortable.

They knew you were aware of your mortality, made fun of it and laughed as it this was your last day, but you didn’t fear death, you only feared leaving them. You were open to their thoughts, listening to their ideas and options with a neutral expression, but you didn’t reject the idea of turning you. That was a good thing, a step forward in their mind.

Now all that needed to do was to let you decide which path you wanted to walk.

tag list: @craxy-person @crowbird @dead-cipher @iwannabealocalcryptid @iizx7y @mxtokko @yeetusspagheetus @capricorn-anon @perfectus-in-morte @sae1kie @yeoldedumbslut @tallmanlover @distracteddragoness @vxnilla-hxrddrugs @konigsblog @havoc973 @angelcakes-22 @cassiecasluciluce @ramadiiiisme @ramblingsofachaoticthinker @ki-cant-spel

[zkoh001]

Back to Ninjago ✨

I was drawing this. For 72 full hours (spread out trough like-3 months)

It doesn't look like I put 72 hours into this... (I swear my confidence went like a drunk rollecoaster while making this piece)

But alas, it is done, and I worked too hard not to share it. Behold the elemental alliance. (I can't draw armor. So the design changes are mostly because of that)

I totally got the Masters of Sound and Gravity the first few times, which is quite hilarious cause the Master of Gravity spends quite some of his screentime flying, but oh well.

Also, I tought they were related (for no particular reason) hence the positioning on the picture.

The guy on the left side of the picture was literally listed as "unknown elemental master" and I literally only added him so the proportions were more balanced (also so noone could argue it isn't finished)

I feel like his power was supposed to be lightning (based on the outfit) but then season 6 happened, and he was quietly retconned to make way for libber. I hesitated making it a father daughter situation, with him passing his powers on faster than Cole's grandfather to Lilly, but in the end, settled for making him a Master of Light.

Lilly and her father joined together, but neither of them are sure why it took so long for the power to pass down (probably after or at the very end of the First Serpentine War). They were both the type to understand it's war, and those rarely have a happy ending (in general, these people were kinda forced into this role because of their powers, some of them pretty young) Maybe the late heritance caused issues with Lilly's immune system leading to an early death? 👀🥺

I like to think the old Master of Earth was a mother hen of sons just as Lilly (it's genetic a this point). The above picture happened sometime after Garmadon's banishment.

Libber (or whatever they call the previous Master of Lightning) turned out really cute, I'm probably most satisfied with her (also gave her freckles to match Jay). I feel like we massively missed out on having her be the one to make/power Prime Empire. I mean, I get they wanted to save the mom storyline for MotM, but I'm sure you can write two separate stories revolving around parents. I also believe she joined really young, probably the youngest (and she was a menace. Also imagine if she was friends with the twins, the tragedy)

Wu and Garmadon pretty much have their canon designs (I like that they are dressed the most "traditional" out of everyone) except I added a bit more purple and gold respectively. Also, I'll mention it here, every active elemental masters have eye colours matching their elements, and their pupils are light (giving way to theories about them not even being human). The spinjitzu bros have "rings" around their pupils in the opposite color (purple for Wu, gold for Garmadon) showing the link between them and their powers.

When Garmadon is banished, Wu's eyes become completely gold, affected by their severed connection (and Garm has red eyes, but normally his would have become purple as well) Also, I kinda traced the text on their gi, cause I'm not drawing that from memory 😅

Master of Shadow was one of the first to join the Alliance, but is not the youngest member, she wanted a peaceful solution at the start, and like most of the earlier members, have a more nuanced view on the war, probably even had serpentine acquitances, which is why she looks so sad a lot of the time.

I see Ray and Maya as a kinda golden retriever, black cat dynamic. Maya was incredibly skilled, cold and precise, and one of the deadliest elemental masters (I was cooking up some story about a warrior clan she grew up in, but it's up for interpretation).

Ray meanwhile lives by the principle of "They can't know my next step... if I don't know my next step." Runs in, swords blazing, most people fighting him are just sort of. Perplexed at first.

And of course Maya didn't like him at first, but it's really hard to dislike Ray long term. (Which is how he also became Wu's best friend, despite him trying to hold a 'polite acquitances' type of relationship with the Ems. Ray is just like that) But she fell first.

Either this happened, or he went ahead of the trouble and asked him first.

Anyways, back to the topic at hand (working a lot on this means I had a lot of time to microwave these dudes, this post is looong)

Master of Ice is just that one kind of slightly creepy wise old man, who just... knows stuff. Everyone just sort of accepted that you don't ask him how or why he knows stuff, he just does. Wu and Garmadon have a tendency to follow him around (cause he's pretty similar to their father in a way), which kinda translates to everyone following him around like little ducks (even when he barely socialises with anyone lol).

Design for Master of Ice is inspired by @maydayissleepy, go check out their art!

And I already made a bunch of posts about Hands of Time and the time twins, but design wise, I just made a new one (to avoid the complex armor). When in battle, it's basically impossible to tell the two of them apart. Also, they have heterochromia because they both have two powers technically. The murky brown we see in the show is because they lost the power, but are still technically the Masters of Time, since it never passed on (if the blades broke somehow it would go back to them)

I feel like they joined later (even way later, which is why they clashed so much with the alliance) which is why they aren't mentioned in the early flashbacks (and also cause they didn't exist yet), and went kinda gungho on the war, not really knowing (or caring) for it's nuances.

Anyways, let me know what you think!

[chronicbeans]

Wally and a Puppeteer Reader (part 5)

The silly man's actions are finally being noticed by the higher-ups oh no

Tw: Obsessive Behaviors, Scopophobia/Eye Imagery, Idol Worshipping, Mentions of Death Threats, Mentions of Stalking

🎥 You look around at everyone that the boss has gathered. It is practically the whole camera crew, all of the directors, all the puppeteers, and the few extra voice actors. The boss, who prefers to just be called 'Boss' by their workers, is standing in the center of the crowd they have gathered, looking at everyone with a keen eye.

🎥 Finally, they begin to speak. "I am sure everyone knows why we have gathered here today? I have heard your complaints. The eerie letters and drawings (Y/N) has been getting, Eddie's puppet having a bunch of colorful envelopes dumped on him by the time we return in the morning to work for three nights in a row. I have even heard that Frank's puppet has had a whole dictionary placed on top of him. You know, the one we use to try to come up with rhymes or ways to explain topics to kids? I have heard your pleas, so I have brought us all here to come up with a solution that would satisfy us all."

🎥 Eddie's puppeteer looks around, an anxious look in their eyes, before they raise their hand. The boss calls on them, prompting them to stand and speak. Their tone is frantic as they explain "I am most worried about the... the odd messages. Recently, it isn't just (Y/N) who has been getting them! I've gotten some odd ones, requesting me to mail things to people. They always come with an extra note that's meant for the person who I need to send it to... I did so, because the notes addressed to me contained these... Grizzly threats against me..."

🎥 Wally's voice actor stands up suddenly, pointing to the puppeteer. They speak in a harsh tone, asking "Did you get any mail for me? Any notes addressed to me?" The person in question simply nods, muttering "Yeah... I just leave them by the door to your recording booth."

🎥 The voice actor continues, their eyes moving to the boss, a glare in them "I TOLD you, Boss! Now I have the proof! Whoever this little freak is that's been bothering us has been sending notes to practically everyone here! Every morning so far, ever since a few weeks ago, I've had these envelopes outside my recording booth. When I opened them, they were filled with horrible threats against me AND my family! I don't know how they found out about my kids, but they did, and they have been threatening them! Sometimes, there are even drawings taped all along the walls of my booth that, although scribbles, I can tell are meant to be me or my family dying."

🎥 You slunk in your seat as more and more people begin talking at once, their voices growing louder and louder the longer they talk. From letters to drawings, everyone has something to pitch in. Someone even mentions how they had paint dumped onto them, hence the red stain on the carpet by the filing cabinets. Eyes being painted on the walls by the large Home set is a new one, but not necessarily something you are shocked by. A lot of your drawings recently include eyes, which only makes your paranoid feelings of being watched so much worse... The boss' eyes widen as they raise their hands, shouting "Everyone calm down! This will be dealt with! That's why we're here, right? Stay calm!"

🎥 After a few deep breaths, you raise your hand. After being called on, you ask "I told you to check the cameras and ask the security guards. Have you found anything?" The boss grows quiet, before scratching the back of their head and answering your question "Well... The guards have gone missing. The only remaining one quit, saying there was a ghost or something. The cameras didn't hold much useful information. They didn't show anything, but I have noted that as of a few months ago, they have been turning off around the time that filming stops. The tech guys have been on the case, but found nothing wrong, so far."

🎥 You are about to ask another question, when Wally's voice actor speaks up again, their tone just as agitated as before "Why not have us all take a holiday while this is sorted out? We have no big projects set up, just some regular episodes! The public has plenty of episodes to keep them satisfied right now! I'm sure like... Three days won't harm you! A group of volunteers and I could just stay overnight to try to catch this freak and figure out why they are doing this! Less money from your pockets from property damage, hiring new security guards on the spot from desperation and having them fail horribly, and halfhearted repairs to the cameras." They then look around, asking "Who's with me on this idea? The boss has still got to hire guards and fix the cameras, but we can rid ourselves of this nuisance faster!"

🎥 After a few moments of silence, some people from the crowd raise their hands. You recognize them as the puppeteers for Eddie, Poppy, Julie, and Frank. There are also a few camera operators, and one director. You are about to raise your hand, when Wally's voice actor stops you. They pat you on the shoulder, saying "Look, I know you wanna get rid of this guy as much as everyone else, but I must say... You are in the most danger here, in my opinion. Whoever this is, they are after you the most. You are their target. I may not necessarily like you, but I am not heartless enough to let you come waltzing in here at the dead of night to confront this person. Plus, you got a kid you're caring for, right? You should just get some rest, if the boss agrees with this."

🎥 As all eyes turn towards the boss. They clearly are conflicted. If the rumors being spread around the set are true, they are a bit of a penny pincher, willing to do anything to make a quick buck and not lose any money in the process. However, it seems like their better conscience gets the best of them as they say "Fine. I'll give you all a holiday. For the people who decide to show up, take care of the puppets. I don't want to return to see them in bad shape. Keep me updated. You have THREE days to find and catch this person. No more, no less. This meeting is over. Have a nice holiday."

[cap-ironman]

2023 Cap-Iron Man Holiday Exchange and Community Gifts Creators Reveals & Masterpost

This year, 39 wonderful works were created for our annual event!

Thank you all very much for participating, whether it was by writing, arting, submitting the prompts for the Community Gifts, cheerleading the creators, beta reading, leaving comments on works or guessing the creators! We hope you had lots of fun.

Here, finally, is the masterlist revealing the creators of each work created for the Cap-IM Holiday Exchange and Community Gifts event! Please remember to mind the tags and warnings for individual works, and leave kudos and comments on those you've enjoyed!

Drumroll please!

★ 10th Time's the Charm by zappedbysnow for Neverever (Avengers-ambiguous fandom, art)

When you've been trying to propose for months and villains keep ruining your moment, you just gotta take the chance at any opportune moment.

★ All We Doby Naivelittleprincess for tinystark616 (MCU, 9556 words)

Tony doesn't mean for anyone to find those recordings. Steve doesn't mean to see them. Between the two of them, there were never the right words spoken, so this just might be a blessing in disguise.

★ annex 11 by soliloquent for Cap Iron Man Community (MCU, 1300 words)

Trapped together during a snowstorm in the middle of a mission, Steve attempts to soothe Tony’s growing anxiety, only to discover that Tony had the solution all along.

★ Arm Candy by KandiSheek for BladeoftheNebula (MCU, 2329 words)

When Tony off-handedly asks Steve to be his arm candy for the night, he's not expecting Steve to actually follow through.

★ Arrangements by Neverever for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 2692 words)

Tony has a no-strings attached, no-personal information, all-sex relationship with Steve. But things can change, can't they?

★ Behind the Mask by gottalovev for starvels (Marvel Noir, 8156 words)

The circumstances on how Tony met Captain Steve Rogers on the eve of Operation Rebirth were strange enough, but the captain's secrets have secrets, and it's driving Tony crazy.

★ Can I stay here forever (I need you in my arms) by Mistymoon27 for Nixie_DeAngel (MCU, 1047 words)

Cuddling together under the stars out in the country, either on vacation or stranded on mission.

★ Christmas Stockings by superdecibels for robertdowneyjjr (MCU, Art)

Steve makes stockings for their little family and Tony falls a little more in love with him for it.

★ Conductivity by felisnocturna for Cap-IM Community (1872/616, 4243 words)

The train taking Tony to California breaks down in the seemingly abandoned ghost town of Timely. Or: After Steve's death on the courthouse steps, Tony is about to witness another tragedy. This time, he sees it coming, but even that might not change anything - not least because he is pretty sure that it's all just a hallucination.

★ Father and Sonby Perlmutt for starksnack (MCU, 5205 words)

Peter should have seen it coming. All hell breaks loose when his secret identity as Spider-Man is revealed. His parents take the news about as well as you'd imagine, and it escalates all too quickly. But his family wouldn't be his family if they didn't work through it. Together.

★ The first time I met you (I already had a drawing of you) Laslus for zappedbysnow (MCU, 2397 words)

Kissing Tony was a bit like sparing, pushing and pulling and stumbling against furniture. He had no idea why a billionaire cared enough to be this strong, and it was hard to keep in mind he had to pull back his own strength. or Tony meets a cute artist in at a Gala event, Steve tries to get over Iron Man, and Bucky just enjoys watching his best friend be a little stupid sometimes.

★ For You, I Willby tinystark616 for Becci_chan (MCU, 2350 words)

It's Steve's first Christmas away from Tony after the events of Civil War, and Steve misses him every single day. Little does he know that Tony misses him too.

★ A ghost for Christmas by gottalovev for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 8125 words)

When she died, Peggy left Steve an old house in Connecticut. When he decides to spend Christmas there, Steve finds out that it's already inhabited... by a very handsome and kind of annoying ghost.

★ Hot Rod Red by FrankTheSnek for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 37,070 words)

Steve has been single since the abrupt end of his engagement 5 years ago (despite the efforts of his friends). When he accidentally stumbles across an attractive cam model online, the idea of having a virtual booty call on hand seems appealing. The only problem, Tony is far more charming than Steve would have imagined and there is more to him than a pretty smile and a nice body. Too bad all their interactions are just part of Tony's job… or are they?

★ I have promises to keep by Missy_dee811 for gottalovev (Ultimates, 2290 words)

After a mission goes south, Steve and Tony trek through the woods to a safe house to which Tony has a personal connection.

★ i’m fine all alone (but it’s nice to be here with you) by soliloquent for Thahire (MCU, 9467 words)

Two months after the Battle of Earth, Tony, grappling with post-retirement uncertainty and an identity crisis, invites Steve on a Christmas trip to Jamaica.

★ in the storm, we stay clear by Thahire for KandiSheek (MCU, 4432 words)

Beside him, Tony’s getting comfortable, too, unknotting his tie with one hand, the other tapping away on his phone. The light from his phone illuminates his profile. Steve forces his gaze way when he realizes he’s been staring at Tony’s mouth for a solid five seconds. It’s going to be a long wait.

★ Let's to Sea by Ginevra_Benci for a_freaking_lenon (MCU, 8177 words)

Samuel Wilson, Lieutenant, Royal Navy, is the newest crewman aboard the Starry Shield. The famed pirate hunting vessel, captained by the famed Captain Rogers and locked these several years in eternal pursuit of the legendary Iron Captain, is... not what Sam expects. The legendary Iron Captain, when Sam finally meets him, is even less so.

★ loaf actually by robertdowneyjjr for Naivelittleprincess (MCU, 2165 words)

After his embarrassing attempt at cooking for their team holiday potluck dinner the year before, Steve is afraid to try again. Luckily, he has Tony to help him out this time around.

★ Lost Causes (or How the Avengers Didn’t Ruin Christmas) by Fluffypanda for littleblackbow (Avengers Assemble, 2875 words)

Sam, Scott, Clint, Natasha, Thor, and Hulk go on a quest to save Steve's Christmas present for Tony (which they totally didn't destroy).

★ Love makes fools of us all by BladeoftheNebula for Ginevra_Benci (MCU, 3,682 words)

“I am doing this to protect you. I rather take the ‘long may he reign’ part pretty seriously, unlike you.” Steve plucked at the material again. “And you could’ve told me your father’s jester was nearly half my height.” The bells jingled when he huffed, making Tony’s smile wider. "Where would be the fun in that, my love?” Tony murmured, grinning as he stepped in the great hall, the room falling silent at his presence. Steve would do anything to protect his King - no matter how humiliating.

★ Magical Moments by Becci_chan for soliloquent (MCU, 5081 words)

It hadn’t been Steve’s best idea when he’d asked Tony to go with him to the Christmas market. Steve had only needed someone to keep him company, because sometimes crowded places still made him nervous. And because he liked Tony. A lot.

★ make this gingerbread house a home by starksnack for Reioka (MCU, 5000 words)

Steve is determined to make this Christmas the best one Tony has ever had. With gingerbread cookies, home alone, and maybe a little mistletoe.

★ may the angels bow down for you by soliloquent for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 2000 words)

He hides. When the Demon gets loud, when He drinks His poison and tries to hurt him with His palm, or His words, or His power—he hides. Burgundy. Oak. Shattered glass.

★ (my heart is burning) holes in the ground by felisnocturna for Cap-IM Community (Noir, 1317 words)

In the end, it's a scent that leads them back home, like Ariadne's thread in a labyrinth of illusions.

★ a relaxing morning in by starvels for Carsonian (616, 2349 words)

Steve and Tony try to have a relaxing morning in. The universe conspires to bring them to Northern Saskatchewan instead.

★ Reverseverance by Veldeia for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 24,041 words)

Steve wakes up to find out that he's gone through something called a severance procedure, which splits a person's consciousness in half. While he's stuck spending all his time in what's essentially a luxurious prison, his other half, the part of his mind that has all their memories, goes to work in the outside world. Steve may not remember a thing about who he is outside, but he knows one thing for sure: he doesn't want to live like this. Not even with Tony, the fellow inmate who's caught his eye. They have to find a way out. Preferably together.

★ Since We've No Place to Go by Carsonian for superdecibels (MCU, 5,904 words)

Friends with benefits Omega!Tony and Alpha!Steve confront their hidden feelings for each other when they get snowed in together.

★ sixth time is the charm by a_freaking_lenon for Laslus (MCU, 1437 words)

Older Peggy keeps trying to set dates for Steve that keep failing until she sets him with her godson Tony.

★ Softer Landing by Naivelittleprincess for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 2410 words)

In which there is a snowstorm, Tony has had a terrible week and Steve might be an idiot.

★ Something On My Mind by Thahire for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 2179 words)

During a team game of Never Have I Ever, Tony finds out that Steve has done—some things with men. Things spiral from there.

★ Soothe My Darker Thoughts With Your Warmth by Nixie_DeAngel for picturecat (Marvel 3490, 1329 words)

Some days Steve's go on a darker path than he'd like. Lucky for him, Natasha is there to remind him that sometimes peoples brains are wrong and dumb and she's always right... (at least always right about how she feels about Steve.)

★ Take My Handby littleblackbow for ishipallthings (Avengers Assemble, Art

Steve is assigned to protect Tony Stark, son of Howard Stark, the famous inventor. Proud to a fault, Tony is reluctant to accept his bodyguard, but somehow, there's this one request he just can't deny.

★ temporary configuration of disrupted stars by picturecat for Perlmutt (MCU, 3043 words)

There's a lot for Steve to learn about the 21st century. And himself.

★ Unexpected Thaw by Neverever for Missy_dee811 (Ultimates, 3808 words)

Steve has a rough ride through the multiverse and ends up questioning his relationship with Tony.

★ Walk the Forbidden Road by Reioka for Fluffypanda (MCU, 13,239 words)

Tony is the last person willing to partner with Steve to hunt vampires. Steve should be grateful. And he might be, if Tony wasn't such an asshole.

★ where you already belong by ishipallthings for Mistymoon27 (MCU, 1380 words)

Tony looks down, and blinks in surprise when he sees Steve Rogers’ ever-blue eyes gazing sleepily back at him, his head resting lightly on Tony’s chest. “Well,” he says finally, wincing a little at the dryness in his throat. “I’m not sure I ever figured you for a cuddler, Cap.”

★ Working Late by tinystark616 for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 1632 words)

Some nights, Tony stays up late, building and rebuilding and upgrading his suits, until Steve walks into the workshop, usually already in his pajamas, and wraps his arms around Tony, kissing him until he forgets what he was doing and then dragging him to bed.

★ You Can Take My Breath Away by FrankTheSnek for Cap-IM Community (MCU, 6587 words)

Tony has been impotent since his abduction in Afghanistan. Years have passed and he's grown to accept it, but things start to change when Steve enters his life. It's more than physical need reawakening, and Tony doesn't know how to handle it. He's forgotten what intimacy feels like, and it's a damn scary thing.

Were your guesses right? Are you surprised at something? You can post your reactions in our Cap-IM Discord server here!

And finally, if you participated in the event, feel free to post your work wherever you want now! We will be reblogging every tumblr post tagged with #capimexchange in one of the first five tags.

Thank you for a great event to start 2024 on!

🖤 Navaan, Neverever and starksnack Your 2023 Holiday Exchange and Community Gifts mods

[randomfoggytiger]

Mulder's Alien Baby Baby Trauma In-Depth (Part VIII) UPDATED!: Missing Conversations and Mulder Gettin' His Groove On

In the aftermath of Three Words, we are left with a few resolved questions-- Mulder knew the baby was his, Mulder didn't resent Scully, Mulder and Scully eye-bantered about the baby issue in her kitchen with the Gunmen, etc.-- that help to more fully make sense of that episode and the tail end of Season 8.

However. We are then given a giant, gaping hole of nothing that bridges the gap between the heavier mood of Three Words and the buoyantly tender one of Empedocles.

So, that leaves us with speculations, probabilities, and body language.

**Note**: This post has been updated to include @baronessblixen's thought on Mulder and Scully's conversation (did they or didn't they?) The nuance of "a little of both" is also a solid possibility.

FILLING IN THE BLANKS

During the events of Three Words, Mulder and Scully maintained a pattern: she pulled, he pushed, she was frustrated and anxious to the point of tears, he was frustrated and fearful to the point of honorable death. Neither wanted to push or pull away too far from each other, always drawing back in close proximity. Most importantly, Mulder gave her short tender or joking glances but never touched her.

The touching is important.

Usually, it's Scully who withdrew in times of crisis: not because she wanted to ice Mulder out, but because she wanted to maintain her wall of strength. Knowing that a touch from her partner will unspool it, she tried (tries) to escape emotionally tenuous situations before losing control. Mulder, however, learned to draw to her in emotional crises (Anasazi, Herrenvolk, Paper Hearts, Redux II, Emily, etc.)

That pattern contributed to Scully's bafflement and concern in Three Words: Mulder attempted to keep his trauma under wraps but gave himself away by withdrawing physically. She already sensed something off with him in the hospital (script here, thanks @x-files-scripts); but each successive conversation reinforced that by the unnatural space he enforced between them.

I've previously discussed at length why he stayed at a distance (post here, here, and here.) In short, Mulder was trying to keep up a facade-- his cool exterior, if you will-- so that his partner wouldn't prod or pry or urge (or send) him to professional help. Mulder's a "lash out to fix a problem instead of searching within to find the solution" kind of guy; and besides, he likely saw his situation as hopeless. Most therapists and psychologists didn't (don't) believe in aliens, let alone alien abductions; so, the only place he could find professional help would be in his circles-- where he's already a very well-known community figurehead. (While I don't think the latter was a consideration during his Three Words kneejerk, it at least points us to a possible solution post episode.)

Another problem: falling in-step with this season's useless (and often infuriating) scripts-to-screen translation-- post here for the paternity question but also script here for Mulder and Doggett's needlessly baited escape from the DOD facility-- we're not shown the gap between Three Words and Empedocles. We're left to assume Mulder and Scully had an off-screen conversation that resolved the distance between them... but I have doubts that was the case.

DID THEY OR DIDN'T THEY TALK?

It's often referenced that Mulder and Scully don't talk outside of work (ex. stated straightly in Detour and hinted slyly in Rain King.) The show leaned so far into this narrative that the only proof we have of an on-going relationship between the two in Season 7 is Scully's tie twirling, flirting, and unabashed possessiveness post Millennium and pre-all things... and even then, it might not be proof enough for some (or most) viewers.

The reality is, Mulder and Scully spent hours and hours and hours investigating, researching, and surveilling. We've seen plot relevant conversations during work hours that aren't just about work (i.e. Mulder asking Scully about her brothers in Roland), leading one to conclude that they've had very interesting and tantalizing talks when not currently occupied with a case.

Did one of those tantalizing talks happen off-screen between Three Words and Empedocles?

We have two options before us:

Mulder and Scully did talk. This would require a shift in their dynamic post Three Words; and the instigator would likely be Scully. She was already emotionally raw, growing more compromised, and stretched to her limits by the previous episode. It's not a far-fetched theory for her to have requested space or time to recover; and that shift in their wonky new routine would have off-set Mulder, and possibly pushed him out of himself and back to her. There are two hitches to this theory: it would require time to pass (not as big of a deal), and a conversation that would all too easily click them back into their touchy-feely dynamic previous to the events in Empedocles. The latter part is key: him feeling the baby in her hospital room is framed as his first time reaching out to connect with it-- and that would leave us with another question: did Mulder reach out only to Scully in the gap between Three Words and Empedocles; and if so, was she okay with that? There was no barrier or awkwardness on her side in Empedocles, so that points to a negative on the "reaching out to her but not the baby" theory (proved by her distress when he avoided the baby entirely in Three Words.) This means: to have a conversation, they would have had to reconcile without touching at all... which might (would) also further upset Scully; and, thus, disrupt her placid temperament in Empedocles. Ultimately, this theory leads to more questions than answers; but it can work, though not perfectly (depending on the viewer's interpretation.)

Mulder and Scully did not talk. This works with the lore of the show: Mulder and Scully don't generally talk, but their body language does. Moreover, it would also fit with the insanely fast-paced timeline of Season 8 (and The X-Files in general)-- Three Words happening within days, Empedocles chockfull with unacknowledged air fare and car rides, etc. On top of all that, it would also fit in with Scully's light-hearted moments in Three Words-- continually trying to draw her partner into a better outlook or mood-- and her eager openness in Deadalive, Three Words, and Empedocles. This means: it wasn't a conversation that settled Mulder and Scully-- it was Mulder who came to a resolution of sorts and showed up in repentance and reconciliation. Ultimately, I think this theory fits more with the show writers' vision of the characters; and would work seamlessly if the two episodes were fitted tightly back-to-back.

Mulder and Scully do a little of both: This idea was taken from @baronessblixen's tags; and it absolutely sounded like something those two would do. To quote: "...a combination. Mulder found more of his footing. And I think they had a conversation-- maybe just a light one-- that just touched on things because they weren't there yet." This means: Mulder and Scully got to clear the air between them without progressing too forward too fast-- which gives Mulder talking without touching leeway and hands Scully reassurance without rejection.

I, personally, pick the second theory. Mulder's actions in Empedocles--showing up at her doorstep right before her morning (or afternoon) shower, sweeping her off her feet with a present and pizza man banter, hovering until she motioned for him to feel the baby, ordering her pizza from his place in an attempt to displace the pizza man, etc.-- are completely unexpected by Scully. She answers the door, perplexed; is amazed and amused by his "the pizza man is not above suspicion" tease; "touched" by his personal package and surprise pizza delivery; and confident enough in his stability to rib him about being replaced by the pizza man in his absence. To me, these read as the actions of a woman not at all "conversated" with her partner: surprised, pleased, and overjoyed he'd come around on his own, baffled, disjointed, and silent at his about-face in proceeding episodes. Most pivotally, there seem to be no boundaries laid down between them, which leaves Scully feeling she can't command or demand he stay by her side in future episodes-- another point against conversation.

**Update**: I retract the previous paragraph slightly-- Scully and Mulder could follow in the footsteps of Empedocles for both scenario 2 and 3; and their attitude would fall a little more in line with 3's mild conversation than 2's non-communication. Everyone can pick for themselves, of course~.

Because, again, the context of their touches changes the interpretation of their reunion: is he still withdrawn, yet temporarily stepping up because of the glow of her and the baby's safety? Did he touch her previous to the gift exchange and her hospitalization? Or did he hover closer and closer with presents and banter, trying to smooth over yesterday(ish)'s events before the abruption took place?

This point will have to be picked apart more in-depth in later posts; but in the meantime, the theory is out there to analyze.

MULDER GETTIN' HIS GROOVE ON

An important aside: Mulder and Scully and his package.

The original scene (script here) reads as more exasperated on Scully's part-- "what's my crackpot partner doing here with a gift in his hand", if you will-- and more jocular and unabashed on Mulder's. It's an interesting take, and not out-of-character. The final render of that scene, however, changes what we can infer from the characters. Perhaps that's mostly due to David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson's chemistry, camaraderie, and history-- based on the note "the actors will know how to play it" (script here)-- or perhaps it didn't quite align with where Chris Carter wanted the characters to be. Either way, it's a smart change, I believe, in the unspoken aftermath of Three Words.

What is interesting is the "nice package" comment from Scully, and Mulder's shy initial misinterpretation with regards to his package. Beyond the comedy of the moment, it gives us a peek into Mulder's head: namely, that he is not dead, that he is still very aware of Scully, and that he didn't drop in and isn't hanging around strictly for pure or impersonal purposes.

Mulder usually sloughed off or was flustered by direct compliments, romantic and platonic, from other parties (i.e. Agent Henderson in Young at Heart and Cassandra Spender in Two Fathers.) His response here-- which I shall dive deeper into in a future part-- shows he truly thought Scully was complimenting with intent (propositioning, if you will); and that he was more than willing to reciprocate.

Not only that, but his misinterpretation bleeds right into his overtures for the baby. Mulder took a trip to his mother's-- meaning he still has her house, months later (another interesting thought to dig into)-- to root around in and find a suitable gift. An honorary Mulder family relic, too: another sign he saw this child as his own, despite his oft conflicting, paranoid doubts. This assumption aligns with David's astute observations of his character while filming the Revival: "William is the child that Scully had while we were together. It could be mine, it could be an alien, but I don't know. It's my child, I think. Mulder would live his life as if that was his child." Despite the doubts he voices in Essence's opening monologue, Mulder acts as if he claims the baby as his. And it's not surprising: the signs are there (covered in all of my previous meta parts) but smudged or written out by writers intent on baiting the answers as much as possible (again, post here.)

So, what does this mean?

CONCLUSION

Sometime between Three Words and Empedocles, Mulder gets enough of his act together to reflect on and tweak his behavior, schelpping up to and back from Tena Mulder's house to bear gifts for the offspring, caveman papa style. In addition to that, he lays down a few more walls; softens up; shows open, genuine interest in his child; and begins to rekindle his and his partner's relationship. Most tellingly, he touches Scully for the first time during her health scare; then for the first time with purpose after she and the baby pull through.

The question of what was said between them-- or even if there was anything said between them-- will never be answered. Knowing Mulder and Scully, the possibilities could go any way depending on one's own interpretation. Hopefully those possibilities have been fleshed out more thoroughly and reasonably in this write-up.

Thanks for reading~

Enjoy!

[blackcat419]

Rewriting HotD: Plot breakdown of Fire and Blood the Dance of the Dragons

Part 2: 129 A.C. to the fall of Kings Landing in 130 A.C.

Part 1 Here

The following is an in depth plot breakdown of F&B where character moments, plot beats, difference in sources, and missing details will all be analyzed and possible solutions proposed. The timeline will start in 101 A.C. with the first great council as where the seeds of the dance were thoroughly sowed and watered to the death of Jaehaera in 133 A.C.

This is the first part of my rewriting HotD series. The next part will talk more about character arcs and expanding on them using the enneagram as a jumping off point.

Page numbers will be cited from my copy of fire and blood the 2022 Trade Paperback Tie-in Edition.

Legend

Bold for the year

Italic for character moments

Blue for Orwyle’s account

Purple for Munkun’s A True Telling

Green for Septon Eustace’s The Reign of King Viserys

Red for Mushroom’s The Testimony of Mushroom

Orange for rumors that have no source

Pink for minor sources where their credibility and bias will be discussed when they come up

(Parenthesis) will be used when I deem it necessary to comment on the story either about the plot or how the fandom views the story.

[brackets] will be used for when I want to add real world historical context.

Where Gyldayn does not identify which source he is using or which sources disagree with eachother, it will be assumed that all sources agree with each other.

Source Bias is discussed in Part 1

Because the war is barely three years, months and other year dividers will be used when mentioned.

129 A.C. The 3rd day of the 3rd moon

Viserys' dead body is discovered by a serving man who immediately informs Alicent. Eustace points out that the serving man went straight to Alicent without raising an alarm showing the green's planning for when Viserys dies. Pg 392 Mushroom says that Alicent poisoned Viserys though he was not in Kingslanding at the time. Pg 392

Alicent and Criston confirm Viserys is dead, seal his room and guard it so rumors won't spread, and the small council meets in Alicent's room. Pg 392-3

Munkun accounts the council in his book drawing from Orwyle's confessions and many other sources. (Remember Orwyle will try to make himself look as good as possible to avoid execution). Orwyle reviews the customs and tasks after a king's death but Otto interrupts saying they need to discuss succession. Munkun, and thus Orwyle as well, says Orwyle said objected and supported Rhaenyra while Mushroom and Eustace say Beesbury was the only one supporting Rhaenyra. Pg 394-5 (Perhaps Beesbury was the main supporter for Rhaenyra and Orwyle moved from supporting Rhaenyra to Aegon to avoid punishment)

The argument for Rhaenyra supported by Lord Beesbury and maybe Orwyle: Viserys chose Rhaenyra as his heir and refused to change his mind, hundreds of lords and landed Knights swore to defend her in 105 A.C., and taking the throne for Aegon would lead to war. Pg. 395-6

The argument for Aegon. Tyland Lannister: many lords who swore oaths in 105 A.C. are now dead and their children did not swear oaths to Rhaenyra. Jasper Wylde: Jaehaerys chose Baelon over Rhaenys in 92 A.C. and the council of 101 A.C. chose Viserys over Laenor (deriving his claim through his mother), and Andal law of sons before daughters. Otto and Alicent: Daemon will kill Otto, Alicent, and Alicent's children Aegon, Aemond, Daeron, Helaena, and Helaena's children. Criston: Rhaenyra's heir is a bastard and the red keep will become a brothel of depravity. Pg. 395-6

Orwyle tells us that Beesbury was seized at the command of Otto and placed in the black cell where he died of a chill. Eustace says Criston slit Beesbury's throat. While Mushroom says Criston defenestrated Beesbury and he died impales on the iron spikes in the moat. Pg 396

The green council plans Aegon's coronation makes sure no news of Viserys' death will get out, and the men swear a blood oath. Pg 397

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Otto: Is the first to initiate the talks of the coup and is concerned about his and his family's lives.

Jasper Wylde: focuses on laws and traditions

Tyland Lannister: Focuses on personal oaths

Lord Beesbury: Following the previous monarch's wishes.

Criston Cole: Focuses on Rhaenyra breaking codes of honor.

Alicent: Focuses on laws and the lives of her family. According to Mushroom, she said, "Perhaps the whore will die in Childbirth". Pg 397

Larys Strong: doesn't participate in the debate but suggests swearing the blood oath.

129 A.C. The 4th day of the 3rd moon

Aemond and Helaena are informed of Aegon's impending coronation. Pg. 397-8

Munkun says Aegon is found at his revels. Mushroom says Criston found him in a Flea Bottom rat pit watching children fight and a girl blowing him. (Mushroom was not in Kingslanding at this time). Eustace says Aegon was with a paramour, the daughter of a wealthy merchant he took good care of. Aegon at first doesn't want the throne and Criston convinces him he must. Pg 398

The commander of the City watch and two of his seven captains are removed for being sympathetic to Rhaenyra. Luthor Largent is promoted to Commander and Gwayne Hightower is named second in command. Pg 398

Tyland becomes master of coin and splits the treasury into fourths sending one part to the Iron Bank of Braavos, one to Casterly Rock, and the last to Oldtown. The last part was saved to use for bribes. gifts, and hiring sellswords. Pg. 398-9

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Aemond: said "Is Aegon king?... or must we kneel and kiss the old whore's cunny?" Pg. 397

Helaena: said "He is not in my bed, you may be sure. Feel free to search beneath the blankets." Pg. 398

Aegon: According to mushroom Aegon is pretty horrible but remember Mushroom is biased against Aegon and prone to adding in cruelty and depravity. Eustace paints Aegon as disinterested in the throne with him saying "My sister is heir, not me,... What sort of brother steals his sister's birthright?" he's only convinced when told that Rhaenyra will need to kill him and his family. Pg 398

Criston Cole: convinces Aegon to take the throne by telling him his family will be killed. Pg 398

Otto: is prudent and places Gwayne on the city watch to keep an eye on the commander. Pg 398

129 A.C. The 6th day of the 3rd moon

The green council examines the council of 101 A.C. to identify which lords are most likely to support Aegon. Pg 399

Borros Baratheon is deemed swayable from supporting Rhaenyra and Aemond is sent to win his support. Pg 399-400

The Starry Sept sends message asking about missing courtiers held in the dungeons of the red keep. Pg 400

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Aemond: Blusters at the suggestion he could fail to storms end. Pg 400

Otto: wants to spend more time planning for Aegon's coronation and alliances despite people noticing the missing coutiers. Pg 400

Alicent: wants to have Aegon's coronation now because people are noticing missing coutiers. Pg 400

Aegon: "Am I king or no?... If I am King then crown me" Pg 400

129 A.C. The 9th day of the 3rd moon

Steffon Darklyn defects and leaves Kingslanding in the night with his squire, two stewards, and four guardsmen. One of the stewards was entrusted to lock away the crown of Jaehaerys and Viserys but took it with him. Pg 401

129 A.C. The 10th day of the 3rd moon

Viserys' death and Aegon's succession as king is announced. Orwyle sends ravens, the silent sisters prepare Viserys' body, and riders announce it to the common folk. Some common folk cheer, others call out "Long live the queen", but most stay silent. Pg 400

The dragon pit is chosen for its ability to seat many and be defended. Criston crowns Aegon with Aegon the conqueror's crown. Alicent crowns Helaena with her own crown. Pg 400-1

Munkun and thus Orwyle tell us a hundred thousand small folk attended while Mushroom says the benches were half full (40 thousand as the dragon pit sits 80 thousand) Pg 401-2

Munkun says Aegon was escorted to Sunfyre, flew with him thrice around the city, then landed in the red keep to mount the iron throne. Pg 401

129 A.C. The 13th day of the 3rd moon

Rhaenyra goes into premature labor hearing the news of Visery's death and Aegon's coronation. Mushroom says she cursed the child and it was a still born girl with a hole where her heart should of been and a stubby scaley tail. Pg 402-3

129 A.C. The 14th day of the 3rd moon

Rhaenyra names the baby Visenya and coveins the black council. They discuss the dragon advantage the blacks have in numbers but Rhaenyra is wary of that as she is recovering from childbirth and does not want to risk her sons' lives. Daemon agrees and says they need to win over the lords first. Pg 403-6

Daemon leaves for Harrenhal to enforce their control of the Riverlords. Pg 407

Corlys closes off the gullet with a blockade and Rhaenys patrols the blockade to deture dragon fights. Pg 407

Jacaerys and Lucerys offer to ride their dragons to deliver messages to persuade the lords and also show they're Targaryens, not Strongs. Mushroom says Corlys corrected the boys with affection. Pg 407-8

Jace and Luke swear on the seven pointed star to only be messangers and to not fight. Jace flies for the Eryie, then White Harbor, and finishing with Winterfell. Luke flies to Stormsend with the council thinking it the easiest one to sway. Pg 408

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Rhaenyra: "She was my only daughter, and they killed her. They stole my crown and murdered my daughter, and they shall answer forit." Pg. 403 Worries for her sons fighting with their dragons.

Corlys: "Mayhaps the seven have preserved me for this one last fight" Pg 403

Rhaenys: described as fierce and fearless as she had been at 22. Pg 403-4 Focuses on the dragon number advantage over the greens.

Rhaena: was given one of Syrax's eggs and sleeps with it every night and prays for a dragon to match her sister's. Pg 405 (Rhaena yearns to be like her sister, to be what a targaryen is)

Laenor: Seasmoke is described as being his pride and passion pg 405

Daemon: "we must fight this war with words before we go to battle" Pg 406

Jacaerys and Lucerys: Offers to fly and deliver the messages to the lords showing bravery but also that they want to show they're Targaryens and not bastards.

Jeoffrey: wants to fly with his brothers but is forbidden because he's only eleven.

129 A.C. 15th day of the 3rd moon

Rhaenyra's coronation is held the next day and Steffon Darklyn arrives with the conciliator's crown. Daemon crowns Rhaenyra. Pg 408

Orwyle suggest that he visit Rhaenyra to persuade her that her cause is hopeless. Aegon accuses him of being a black supporter but Eustace says Alicent and Helaena persuade him to follow Orwyle's suggestion.

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Daemon: places the crown on Rhaenyra's head, similar to what he did with Viserys. Pg 308

Rhaenrya: Offers her siblings amnisty if they surrender to her and follows it up with reaffirming that the kinslayer is the most cursed. Pg 408-9

Aegon: Rash in wanting Rhaneyra and Daemon killed as quickly as possible.

Alicent and Helaena: influence Aegon away from his rash decision.

129 A.C. Unknown day after 16th of the 3rd moon Rhaenyra

Orwyle leaves for Dragon stone with Arryk Cargyll, Gwayne Hightower, Septon Eustace, and many septons and scribes to deliver King Aegon's terms. Munkun describes the terms as generous with Aegon confirming Rhaenyra's possession of Dragonstone, Jace as her heir to Dragonstone, Luke as heir to Driftmark, Aegon the younger and Viserys would be given places of honor, and pardons granted to lords who supported her. Pg 409

Rhaenyra questions Orwyle, Munkun says Orwyle gave a speak sighting Andal law and the council of 101 while Mushroom says he stuttered and wet himself. Pg 409-10

Rhaenyra strips Orwyle of his chain of office and gives it to her Maester Gerardys. Pg 410

Farwell my brother the song tells us Arryk and Erryk Cargyll trying to convince the other to leave and join their side, when they fail they exchange declarations of love for each other. Pg 410 Most likely a romanticized account of the brothers.

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Rhaenyra: Questioning Owryle why he's going against Viserys' wishes for her to be queen.

129 A.C. Unknown day after 16th of the 3rd moon Daemon

Simon Strong turns over Harrenhal to Daemon without a fight. Pg 412

Daemon takes Harrenhal without bloodshed. Pg 413

The knights, men-at-arms, and peasants quickly declare for Rhaenyra because they remember her during her progress in the Riverlands. The lords Frey, Blackwood, Mootons, Pipers, Rootes, Daeerys, Mallisters, and the Vance declare for Rhaenyra. Pg 414-5

Lord Grover Tully wants to declare for Aegon but his grandson Elmo Tully locks him in his room and the castle bars its gates. pg 414

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Alys Rivers: She is a wet nurse at Harrenhal and looks young. Munkun and Eustace say she is Lyonel Strong's bastard. Mushroom says she is much older. Munkun says she's a serving woman who dabbles in potions and spells. Eustace says she is a woods witch. Mushroom says she is an enchantress who bathed in blood to preserve her youth [A reference to Elizabeth Bathory, a Hungarian countess accused of murdering peasant and noble girls to bathe in their blood. Modern authors argue that the accusations were politically motivated instead of based in fact because of her large amount of wealth and land. Mathias II the HRE and King of Hungary also owed her a massive debt which was canceled when she was arrested.] Pg 413

129 A.C. Unknown day after 16th of the 3rd moon Jacaerys

Jacaerys flies to the Eyrie and gains Lady Jeyne's allegiance in exchange for a dragon. He secures white harbor by betrothing Jeoffrey to Lord Manderly's youngest daughter. Finally, Jace secures Winterfell with the pact of ice of fire where Cregan's son and heir would marry Jace's firstborn daughter. Pg 414-8

Munkun says Jace and Cregan got along with Jace reminding Cregan of his dead brother. Eustace says that Jace tried to sway him to the faith of the seven. Mushroom says that Jace slept with Cregan's bastard sister Sara Snow and the next day she claimed they were married to calm Cregan's wrath (this implies that they might not have been married at all. Perhaps a shrewd political move by Sara if she is real?) Mushroom also says Vermax laid a clutch of eggs in the crypts of Winterfell. 416-7

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Lady Jeyne Arryn: The Maiden of the veil has not married. She took the seat at age three and fought thrice to keep her seat. Munkun tells us that Jeyne sided with Rhaenyra because they are both women and kin. He also has Jeyne saying 'I misslike feeling powerless'. Eustace brings up rumors of her being a lesbian but dismisses them (a common theme of Eustace's). Mushroom says she was sex-crazed and had Jace give her oral to win her over (If sex crazed why not marry to avoid any obvious bastards?) Pg 414-5

Lord Desmond Manderly: Shrewd man using the previous promise of Viserra's betrothal to his house to get a royal marriage. Pg 415-6

Lord Cregan Stark: We know he chaffed at his Uncle's regency and overthrew him. Munkun tells us he is brotherly to Jace because Jace reminds him of his dead younger brother. Mushroom says Cregan held Sara's honor in high regard and was wroth at Jace for supposedly soiling her. So family orientated and honorable? But also ambitious that he imprisoned his uncle and his cousins? Cregan doesn't have a clear character to me.

129 A.C. Unknown day after 16th of the 3rd moon Storm's End

Aemond makes a marriage alliance with Borros Baratheon by marrying one of his daughters, but not Maris. Mushroom says he kissed each daughter before choosing. Pg 418-9

From the accounts of multiple witnesses at Storm's End Aemond taunted Luke and Borros was flushed either in embarrassment or vanity. Mushroom says he was drunk and Eustace says he was fearful. Borros dismisses Luke saying he will not ally with Rhaenyra. Aemond wants to fight Luke but is stopped by Borros. Aemond is then provoked to hunt Luke by Maris Baratheon taunting him. Pg 419-21

Aemond chases Luke during a storm which slows Luke. Storm's End's Watchmen say they saw a blast of fire and a shriek but did not see the fight clearly. Arrax's head and neck washed up on the shore three days later. Munkun says Luke died with Arrax. Mushroom says Luke's corpse washed up and Aemon'd cut out his eye to present to Maris. Rumors say Luke survived and lost all memory or that Vhagar swallowed him whole. Pg 421-2

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Lord Borros Baratheon: Is fickle, loves his daughters, and wants a son. Pg 418-9 Sources at Storm's End say he could have been vain. This is reinforced by Borros wanting a marriage alliance and being insulted to 'be called like a dog' by Rhaenyra. Pg 420

Aemond: threatens Luke with taunts about his bastardy and calls Rhaenyra a whore. Is provoked into attacking Luke by having his masculinity taunted. Was mad enough or reckless enough to commit kin slaying. Pg 420-1

Luke: maintains his cool under Aemond's taunts and threats. Pg 420

129 A.C. After Luke's Death

Aemond returns to Kingslanding and is scolded by both Alicent and Otto. Aegon holds a feist for Aemond. Pg 422

Rhaenyra collapses when she learns of Luke's death. Jeoffrey tries to fly off to attack Aemond with only Corlys and Rhaenys stopping him. Daemon sends Rhaenyra a letter saying 'an eye for an eye, a son for a son' (Interesting choice as the first part 'an eye for an eye' was never fulfilled, Luke never lost an eye for taking Aemond's) Pg 422

(The book says that Daemon had allies even on the green council)

Daemon reaches out to 'a pale stranger' (Mysaria most likely) who finds Cheese, a castle ratcatcher, and Blood, a former goldcloak who lost his title after beating a sexworker to death. Cheese leads them into the tower of the hand because Maegor's holdfast was too secure with only one way in and out. (We know Aegon and Helaena are staying in Maegor's Holdfast but we don't know where Aemond is. Daemon would know Maegor's Holdfast only has one entrance.) Pg 424

Blood and Cheese slip into Alicent's room, kill her bedmaid, and tie her up to wait for Helaena. (Blood and Cheese know Helaena visits Alicent so either Cheese knows this or Daemon told them.). Blood kill's Helaena's guard and cheese snatches Maelor from her. They tell Helaena they are debt collectors and to choose which son she wants to lose. Helaena offers up her own life instead but they refuse. Cheese tells Helaena to pick before Blood rapes Jaehaera and they kill them all. Helaena reluctantly picks Maelor, Cheese taunts Maelor saying his mom wants him dead, and Blood beheads Jaehaerys. Blood and Cheese leave with Jaehaerys' head. Pg 424-5

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Otto and Alicent: Both scold Aemond for his rash actions. Alicent pleads to the mother for mercy while Otto admonishes Aemond for being so blind. Pg 422

Jeoffrey: Swears an oath of vengeance and wants to fight Aemond. Pg 422

Daemon: Turns to such a violent act when learning of Luke's death. an escalation of his reaction to when he feels powerless? Pg 422

Helaena: Keeps her cool when faced with Blood and Cheese having killed her guard, killed Alicent's bedmaid, and taken her youngest son. Offers herself up instead of her son and only when she is told its a son or all of them die does she name Maelor while weeping. Pg 425

129 A.C. 2 days after Jaehaery's death

Blood is caught trying to flee with Jaehaerys' head and confesses it was Mysaria and Daemon who gave him the job. Pg 425

129 A.C. 15 days after Jaehaery's death

Blood dies after 13 days of torture. pg 425

Mushroom says Alicent wanted Larys to learn Blood's true name so she could bathe in his wife and kid's blood. [another Elizabeth Bathory reference] pg 425

Luthor Largent (put a pin in this) and his gold cloaks fail to find Cheese and Mysaria. Pg 425

Aegon orders every rat catcher to be hanged and Otto brings in 100 cats to replace them. Pg 427

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Helaena: Over taken with grief, stops eating, bathing, or leaving her chamber. Can't look at Maelor without crying. And her and Aegon stop sharing a bed. Pg 427

Aegon: Orders masse execution to ensure his son's murderer is killed. He rages, drinks, and rages. Pg 427

129 A.C. The Riverlands The Battle of the Burning Mill

Daemon and Lord Samwell Blackwood force the Brackens to surrender. Ser Amos Bracken (Heir to Stone Hedge) slew Lord Samwell Blackwood and was killed by an arrow from Alysanne Blackwood. Pg 428-29

129 A.C. Kingslanding, Criston as Hand

Otto redoubles efforts to win over the Lords swearing to Rhaenyra, but Aegon sees his efforts as cowardly. Pg 429

House Tyrell remains neutral with the Hightowers and the Redwynes swearing for Aegon and the Beesburies, Costayne, Mullendore, Tarly, Rowan, and Grimm swearing for Rhaenyra. Pg 430

Otto seeks an Alliance with the Triarchy but it takes too long for Aegon's liking leading to Aegon to remove Otto as hand and replace him with Criston Cole. Pg 430-1

Criston kills the lords in the dungeons and mounts the heads of those still loyal to Rhaenyra over the city's gate. 431-2

The entire green council has to persuade Aegon not to fly to Dragonstone to avenge Jaehaerys. Criston instead sends Arryk Cargyll to kill Rhaenyra disguised as his twin Erryk. Pg. 432

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Aegon: According to Eustace, Aegon tells Otto "Thrones are won with swords, not quills. Spill blood, not ink." Showing his eagerness to fight. Munkun says that the fall of Harrenhall and the Battle of the Burning Mill made Aegon fearful of his position. Pg 430. He feels stressed from losing allies to Rhaenyra and is mad at Otto for not acting quicker Pg 430. He also removes Otto as hand for Criston. Pg 431. Desperate to avenge Jaehaerys. Pg 432

Otto: Focused on diplomatically winning over the Lords.

Alicent: Spoke in defense of Otto as hand

Criston: "It is not for you to plead for support from your lords, like a beggar pleading for alms… You are the lawful king of Westeros, and those who deny it are traitors. It is past time they learned the price of treason" Pg 431. Quick to act in Aegon's favor and remove his enemies.

129 A.C. The deaths of the Cargyll Twins

Munkun says Arryk left just to slay Rhaenyra while Mushroom says he was sent to slay Jace and Jeoff. Pg 433. The singers say that they exchanged vows of love before fighting. Pg 433. Munkun says the fighting lasted almost an hour and woke many. Pg 433 Mushroom says the battle was short and no declarations of love were said. Pg 433. Both brothers died. 433-4

---

Arryk Cargyll: Eustace tells us he visited the sept to pray for forgiveness while following the king's orders. Pg 432-3 Mushroom says Arryk was more of a soldier who carried out his orders and fought his brother to the death.

Erryk Cargyll: Mushroom says he died of a gut wound four days after battling his brother, cursing his name. Pg 433

129 A.C. Rook's Rest

Criston marches to take Rosby and Stokeworth to prove their loyalty to Aegon by supplying men to Criston's army. Criston takes Duskendale by surprise, sacks the city, burns the ships, and beheads the lord Duskendale. The Duskendale soldiers were given the choice of switching sides or dying. Criston sieges Rook's Rest and the lord sends a letter to Rhaenyra asking for assistance. Pg 434

Nine days later, Rhaenys and Meyles arrive at Rook's Rest. Criston first has crossbow men and scorpions attack before Aegon and Aemond attack on their dragons. Rhaenys stays to fight and the three dragons crash to the ground together. Fire engulfs the dragons and when it goes out only Vhagar rises. Both Meleys and Rhaenys die. Sunfyre and Aegon are alive but both badly injured. Pg 435-6

The lord of Rook's Rest head is taken back and mounted in kingslanding and Meleys' head is carried through the cities and awes the crowd into silence. Pg 436 Eustace says thousands fled before Alicent ordered the gates closed. Pg 436

Aegon sleeps every nine of ten hours and is prayed over and tended to. Criston and Alicent both visit him but Helaena does not. Pg 436-7

Sunfyre remains at Rook's rest feeding on the dead and later has sheep and calves delivered. Pg 437

---

Rhaenyra: Munkun says Rhaenyra was reluctant to attack out of fear of becoming a kingslayer, Eustace says she had a mother's heart and did not want to risk her sons' lives. Mushroom says Rhaenyra was too grief-stricken to engage in Council meetings. 434-5

Criston: expected Rhaenys to show up and planned on it using Aegon and Aemond to ambush her. This shows his intelligence and battle intellect. He also sits with Aegon while he is in a coma alongside Alicent showing his love and care for him.

Rhaenys: The book makes a point of her not turning and running implying she might have been able to escape and chose to stay and fight showing bravery.

Alicent: Sits by Aegon's side while he is in his coma showing her love for him.

Helaena: does not visit Aego because she is too lost in grief.

129 A.C. Prince Regent

Aemond becomes regent and calls himself Protector of the Realm (A reference to Oliver Cromwell) and Prince Regent. Pg 437

Criston warns Aemond about the gathering forces in the north and the vale. Pg 437

Ormund Hightower faces guerilla war tactics and sends for Aemond's help. Pg 437-8

---

Aemond: about the crown "It looks better on me than it ever did on him" and Eustace says he did not need to be told twice that he was regent. Pg 437 Aemond is overly confident in his own strength, viewing Rhaenyra on dragon stone and the enemy in the reach as no real threat compared to Daemon. Pg 438

129 A.C. Dragon Stone, Fallout after Rhaeny's death

Corlys blames Rhaenyra for Rhaenys death saying she should have gone or sent her sons. Pg 439

---

Corlys: Blames Rhaenyra for sending Rhaenys and not sending her sons with her

Rhaenyra: Sent Rhaenys instead of herself and forbid Jace and Jeoff to follow. Calls her living sons "my strength and my consolation." Pg 439

Jace and Jeoff: wanted to fly with Rhaenys to Rooks rest.

129 A.C. Late in the Year

Jace sends Jeoffrey to fly to Gulltown. Rhaena accompanies Jeoffrey with three dragon eggs. He reaches out to the Prince of Pentos to foster Aegon the Younger and Viserys. Reconcils with Corlys by making him Hand of the Queen. Pg 439-40

Baela remains on dragon stone and wishes to wed Jace. Munkun says Jace wanted to wait until after the war to wed Baela while Mushroom said he was already wed to Saera Snow.

Mushroom says he told Jace to look for dragon seeds.

---

Jace: Takes charge by fulfilling promises and ensuring the safety of his brothers and step sister. Reluctant to wed Baela either waiting till the war ends or because he was already wed to Saera.

Jeoffrey: Reluctant to go to the Vale and only concedes when told he will defend the Vale with his dragon. Pg 439-40

Rhaena: prays daily over the three dragon eggs. Pg 440

Baela: wished to fight beside Jace and marry him as soon as possible

129 A.C. The Red Sowing

Jace offers anyone who can claim a dragon will be granted lands, riches, knighthood, sons made nobles, and daughters married to lords. Many seeds and non seeds attempt to claim dragons. Pg 441-2

Munkun says 16 men died and thrice that number was burned including Stephon Darklyn the lord commander of the queen's guard, Lord Gorman Massey, and Silver Denys and his sons. Pg 442

Hugh claims Vermithor, Ulf claims silverwing, and Addam claims Seasmoke. Pg 442

Corlys brings Addam and Alyn to the sowing with their mother Marilda of Hull claiming them sons of Laenor. Eustace and Munkun say they were Laenor's sons while Mushroom claims them to be Corly's sons Pg 443

Corlys and Jace petition Rhaenyra to make Addam and Alyn true born Pg 444 (Even though Jeoffrey is still alive, he is betrothed to a Manderly and cannot marry Rhaena so Corlys seeks to have Addam made true born so he can have both his blood and name secure driftmark)

Alyn attempts to claim Grey Ghost and Sheepstealer but fails and is burned by Sheepstealer. Pg 445

Nettles claims Sheepstealer by bringing him sheep every morning to gain his trust. Munkun says her name is Nettles, Mushroom says Netty (sounds like a nickname)

---

Hugh: Called Hugh Hammer and hard Hugh

Ulf: called Ulf the White and Ulf the Sot

Corlys: Brings either his bastard sons or grandsons to the sowing and later petitions for them to be made trueborn

Jacaerys: joins Corlys' to petition that Addam and Alyn be made trueborn

Rhaenys: Mushroom says she has the fiery temperament of most Targaryens and would not take kindly to her husband's fathering bastards. Pg 444

Nettles: Claims Sheepstealer by winning his trust. Is described as foul mouth and fearless.

End of 129 A.C.

Aegon and Viserys are attacked on the Gay Abandoned by the Triarchy. Aegon manages to escape on Stormcloud but the dragon dies and Viserys hides his dragon egg and disguises himself as a ship-boy only to be found out soon after. Pg 446-7

---

Aegon the younger: Flies his dragon back to dragon stone, Mushroom says he was trembling like a leaf and reeked of piss.

Viserys: Described as clever for hiding his egg and dressing as a ship-boy.

130 A.C. First Moon 5th day

Sharako Lohar of Lys takes the Velaryon fleet by surprise by attacking them with the sun on their back. Another sect of the army takes Spicetown and by morning the town is burning and troops are at High Tide. Pg 447

Jacaerys attacks on Vermax, the men of the free city don't fear him as they faced Daemon on Caraxes before. The dragon seeds show up and turn the tide of battle.

Some say Vermax died with an arrow through his eye like Meraxes. Another says Vermax was pierced by a hook and due to his own speed, the hook tore through his belly. Survivors of the battle say Vermax crashed into a ship and sank with it while Jace held onto driftwood only to be shot with dozens of cross-bolt arrows. Pg 448 (I'd say the second rumor account and the survivor account can be believed as they are recounting what just happened after the battle)

Spicetown is brutally sacked and never rebuilt [This might be eluding to the sacking of Carthage and the tale of it never being rebuilt but historically important cities like Spicetown would be rebuilt on top of the ashes because these cities are invaluable places.] Hightide, Corlys' treasure, and his servants are burned and killed. Viserys is believed dead. Pg 448-50

The free cities lose 62 ships, and the majority of the surviving ships are commanded by Lysenie leading Tyrosh and Myr to accuse Sharako of holding his men back, leading to the Daughter's war and the resolution of the Triarchy. Pg 448

Ulf and Hugh drunk to celebrate their victory. Nettles does not share in the celebration. Addam seeks out Corlys but we do not know why. Pg 450

---

Jacaerys: Leads the charge on dragon back.

Aegon the Younger: Blames himself for not saving Viserys.

Corlys: says "if this be victory, I pray I never win another."

Hugh: drinks to celebrate and says "We are knights now, truly." Pg 450

Ulf: drinks to celebrate and says "Fie on that. We should be Lords." Pg 450

Nettles: fought bravely but returned with a soot covered and tear stricken. Pg 450

130 A.C. First Moon 19th Day

Daeron saves Ormound Hightower from defeat during the battle of the honey wine and is knighted by him. Pg 540-1

---

Daeron: Gentle and soft-spoken. Modest when named 'Daeron the Daring' saying victory should belong to Tessarion.

130 A.C. After the Battle of the Gullet

Aemond plans to attack the Riverlands with the Lannister army and Criston Cole. Pg 452

---

Rhaenyra: Hardened by Jace's death, she wants to rain fire and blood on Aegon II Pg 451

Aemond: wants to act immediately and not wait for Daeron, Aegon, or the Stormlands. Pg 452

Criston and Tyland: Prefer the bold action Pg 452

Orwyle, Jasper, and Alicent: Urge caution and waiting. Pg 452

130 A.C. less than 17 days later

Daemon gets word from 'his friends in Kings Landing' (So Mysaria or someone else) that Aemond is marching on Harrenhal. He sends out a murder of ravens from Harrenhal. Pg 453

Jason Lannister tries to push the crossing at Red Fork but fails thrice and is killed by a squire later knighted as 'Pate 'Lionslayer' of Longleaf. On the fourth attack, led by Lord Adrian Tarbeck, the Westerman attacked by slipping upstream and sneaking behind Lord Vance's line. The Westerman cross the red fork. Pg 453

The Ironborn attack Lannisport, sacking the city, and kidnapping Jason Lannister's Mistress and bastard daughters. Pg 453

Lord Mooton takes the garrison at Rook's rest by surprise and tries to kill Sunfyre only to find him and his guards fit for a fight. Lord Mooton is killed by Sunfyre and his body is found 14 days later but Sunfyre is nowhere to be seen with no trail, suggesting he flew away. Pg 454

Daemon evades Aemond and his host to meet up with Rhaenyra to circle above Kingslanding. Small folks flee the city and riots break out in fleabottom. Pg 454-6

Alicent takes charge during the siege, orders the goldcloaks to the walls, closes the gates of the castle and city, and sends riders to retrieve Aemond. Pg 456

The goldcloaks turn to Daemon, Luthor Largent (most likely the spy for Daemond) kill Gwayne Hightower, and opens the gates to Corlys' men. Pg 456

13 Hightower men hold out in the river gate for almost 8 hours before being overrun, the remaining loyalist fled or bent the knee to Rhaenyra. Pg 457

Daemon, Nettles, Hugh, and Ulf take the city before ensuring its safe for Rhaenyra to enter. Pg 457

Alicent tries to convince Rhaenyra to call a great council, but Rhaenyra says they both know how it would rule (presumably in favor of Aegon even though Rhaenyra has more of an advantage now). Alicent is threatened with fire or yield and surrenders the city to Rhaenyra. Pg 457

Helaena is found locked in her bedroom (perhaps her own doing or for her safety?) and Aegon is not found in his chambers. Aegon and Helaena's kids, Jaehaera and Maelor, also fled with two kingsguards. Alicent does not know or does not tell where they went. Pg 457-9

Rhaenyra takes the iron throne and has everyone in the red keep brought before her to swear loyalty. Eustace says the ceremony lasted through the night and when Rhaenyra rose from the throne, her hands and legs dripped blood. Pg 459

---

Daemon: says "Past time" When he learns Aemond is marching to attack.

Gwayn Hightower: tries to signal the alarm when the gold cloaks turn and remain loyal and defiant till his death. Pg 456

Alicent Hightower: Attempts to call a great council after Kingslanding is taken. Even after surrendering, stays defiant.

Rhaenyra: Refuses the great council claiming they know how it would rule.

[difeisheng]

Having a corpse laid out on your dining table has got to be against the laws of (most) human decency, food safety, and Wei Ying's landlord, but his apartment is too cramped to put the body of a six foot tall man anywhere else so the table it is. Unless he wants to try necromancy in his bed (too creepy), on the sofa (please don't), or the floor (Wen Ning doesn't deserve that). The table is good, actually. Close enough to the kitchen that cleaning supplies are nearby, and the raised surface means when Wei Ying bends down to work he won't worsen his probably already fucked up back from sitting in chairs like a pretzel.

Hmm. Speaking of pretzels. Wei Ying grabs another handful from the bag resting by Wen Ning's waist and crams them into his mouth. "Are you gonna be happy to eat again, Wen Ning?" he says through his food. "I feel bad every time I come back from grocery shopping, you probably miss your snacks."

There's a jumbo-sized children's drawing board propped up on a chair in the corner, one that uses a stylus and little magnetic particles. The stylus moves from its holder and begins to scrawl across the board seemingly on its own, forming shaky words.

Am I going to be able to eat?

They'd tried a variety of methods to get Wen Ning to communicate, back when Wei Ying moved in last year and found he wasn't the apartment's only occupant. Typing or writing with pencil and paper required too much finesse for a ghost. Whiteboards were out since markers rarely were unreliable, and chalkboards activated both Wen Ning and Wei Ying's sensory issues. The drawing board from Toys R Us has been the best solution. Wen Ning has other ways of getting Wei Ying's attention, if he has to, but those usually tire him out faster.

"If food doesn't work out for you when you wake up, I'll make sure it does," Wei Ying promises. His first priority is making Wen Ning's body capable of sustaining consciousness, speech, and motor coordination. The necromancy method Wei Ying has chosen bypasses the need for functions like breathing or having a heartbeat, though having those traits will probably help Wen Ning adjust. There's a whole list of improvements Wei Ying has, somewhere in his notebook pile.

He is entirely making this up as he goes, though, so who knows. Maybe when Wen Ning's spirit is set back in his own body he'll be completely good to go in every capacity. Wen Ning's corpse was in fairly good condition when Wei Ying brought him to his apartment, despite the fact he'd accidentally chosen a very rainy and muddy night to go rob someone's grave (with their knowledge and consent!) and he'd cracked Wen Ning's wrist off the doorframe trying to clumsily haul him in at three in the morning.

Okay, Wen Ning writes. On top of the bookshelf, the haphazardly placed radio clicks on, jumping through stations and songs to string together the words ~~thank~you~again~~ before shutting off.

The first time Wen Ning hijacked Wei Ying's music like that, he nearly scared him to death. Now that they have a better talking system he doesn't do it so often, only when he wants to place emphasis on his words.

"Aiyah, it's really not a problem for me," Wei Ying waves it away. Thank-yous have always made him feel weird. "Okay, bringing you back to life is a problem, but that just means I get to work out how to do it! Besides, you can't stay tethered to this apartment forever. I've had to rid haunted houses of some very nasty old resentful spirits when they were stuck there too long. But you're the nicest, most well-behaved ghost I've ever seen," he proclaims, giving Wen Ning's head a little pat. "And soon you won't have to be one anymore."

The decomposition and other damage on Wen Ning was minimal. It's only taken about a month of talisman application to reverse, and today, finally, his body is back to the state it was just after his death. There's just the hole left to deal with.

Wei Ying rolls his sleeves up to his elbows, yanks his hair away from his face with the frayed hairtie on his wrist. "Okay, it's time for me to sew you up," he tells Wen Ning. "I've had to suture wounds before, but it's been a while. I'll try my best!"

I'm sure you'll be fine. The shy reassurance from Wen Ning, when it's his own corpse Wei Ying is working on, makes him smile.

Wen Ning has been covered with a sheet up to his neck, while his body was restored. The clothes he'd been buried in were grimy and reeked of mold and earth, and Wei Ying needed to assess the quality of the body, so he'd had to strip and clean Wen Ning before throwing the bedsheets over him. Now Wei Ying carefully folds the fabric back to expose Wen Ning's torso, stopping just above his hips. The yellow talismans laid on his trunk and limbs have worked their spells well. If not for his unmoving chest and the pale pallor to his skin, Wen Ning could almost be sleeping.

Well, except for the gaping wound ripped through his abdomen. Wei Ying hasn't directly asked Wen Ning how that fatal injury was caused, as it's quite rude to do so, but based on the information Wen Ning has offered he's pieced together enough of the story. Family gang warfare and a surprise attack meant to send a message. The man had committed no crime other than being born with the wrong surname, and paid for it in this same apartment Wei Ying now resides in. There's a reason why the hallway carpet is obviously newer than the rest of the place.

At least Wei Ying now has a shot at changing Wen Ning's fate. "Here we go," he mutters, preparing needle and thread.

Suturing Wen Ning up requires a decent amount of Wei Ying's concentration. Though since he literally has to brace his forearms on Wen Ning's side and stare in the general direction of his abs, it's impossible not to notice how muscular and toned Wen Ning is. Really, it's unfair. His face is delicately beautiful, even in death with eyes closed, but Wei Ying had been in for another surprise when he'd divested Wen Ning's corpse of his burial shirt.

As an unavoidable part of the cleaning process, Wei Ying has also seen... other parts of Wen Ning. Which also look very nice. But he needs to focus and goddamn, not the time. Instead he thinks about who could have killed Wen Ning, and how brutally, for someone as sweet and built like him to have been stabbed and bled out like a pig. It makes Wei Ying shudder.

The old wound, at least, isn't too difficult to patch back together. Wei Ying doesn't tear anything, and the stitches end up relatively even. Wen Ning stays silent to let him work, although he does turn the radio on to something quiet in the background. Neither of them like long bouts of silence, they've found. It's easier to have something to fill in the empty space.

Once he's tied the thread and snipped off the extra, Wei Ying grabs a calligraphy brush and a mason jar from the fridge (the one that has a 'BLOOD NOT JUICE!!!' label taped to the lid) and scribbles out one last talisman to place on Wen Ning's torso. Dead bodies can't really mend themselves, so the talisman will heal him the rest of the way.

"You'll have a scar," Wei Ying informs Wen Ning, "but I can promise that your guts won't fall out now or anything."

Finding all the right characters and modifications to use for the talismans had been the most time-consuming part of Wei Ying's job. Fortunately, having a day job eradicating tough spirits and monsters gives him enough status to poke around rare and forbidden book collections, and Wei Ying's been inventing his own spells for years. The blood is outsourced from the Nie clan. They've returned to their butcher origins as a front for their cultivation, now that the Jianghu of old is a fantasy to the modern era, and animal blood works just as well as human for talismans. Some people are just dramatic.

The Nie are also among the least likely to ask questions, including whether or not Wei Ying is using demonic cultivation. That's a bonus.

"Now we wait, just a little longer," Wei Ying says. He gets up and stretches, feels his spine crack in about four different places. Ugh. Maybe he can make some healing talismans for himself. "It'll take about two days or so for your body to fix yourself up, and then we'll be at the big day." There's nothing else left to do, so he starts cleaning up the mess around the table. Wei Ying has always been a whirlwind when he works.

A dull wooden knock rings out from the table by Wei Ying's hand, as he's reaching for the pretzel bag. He looks up and watches Wen Ning erase the drawing board, followed by a new question.

Why are you doing this for me?

Wei Ying swallows. "Aha." He grabs the pretzels along with the blood, brushes, and extra talisman paper, and makes an escape into the kitchen.

He tries not to think about the reasoning behind his project, when it's easy to sink into the plans and details of it instead and ignore everything else. The answers that present themselves are never pleasant ones; at Wen Ning's words, the first voice to immediately enter Wei Ying's head is harsh and exasperated. You're using him just to see if you're smart enough to bring him back, Jiang Cheng snaps. What if you hurt him? What if it goes wrong and he becomes dangerous? Who's there to protect you?

Not you, Wei Ying thinks. Not anymore.

Another face takes Jiang Cheng's place. Are you lonely, A-Xian? Jiang Yanli murmurs. Is that why you're doing this, because you think neither Wen Ning or you have anyone?

Maybe.

I don't. I don't even have you, and that's on me, Wei Ying says to her. The voice in his head morphs into Yu Ziyuan, ever critical, ever biting.

Disappointment, Wei Ying.

He's staring into space in the middle of his kitchen. Wei Ying shakes his head out and dumps the things he's holding into the counter. I can do this, he tells himself firmly. And I'm not a disappointment. I won't be one to Wen Ning, at least.

There's another tap, this time on the cupboard near Wei Ying's head. Wen Ning won't give up on an answer, it seems.

"I already told you why," Wei Ying sighs. "I like you, and it's painful for spirits stuck haunting until they turn resentful. I don't want you to go through that. And it's a waste of eternity for you to be a ghost stuck in an apartment." He shoves the blood back into the fridge door, where there are about six other identical jars. "I mean, the ghosts in the old manors and castles get a killer aesthetic and local legends told about them. What's good about being forced to watch me eat ramen from the pot in the middle of the night, or binge Lord of the Rings for the hundredth time?"

The drawing board is in the other room. Wen Ning fiddles with the radio. ~~You're~here.~That's~a~good~thing~~, he says simply, in six people's voices.

"Soon you'll be here too, and that's better," Wei Ying says quickly. Wen Ning is so honest sometimes, in a way that makes Wei Ying want to hide.

~~I~hope~so~~.

"It is! I can't wait for you to be around.", Wei Ying winces internally at his tone. Jiang Yanli was always able to call him out on his emotional bullshit when he used it with her. "Maybe we can watch Lord of the Rings together? I'll make caramel popcorn."

~~That~sounds~nice~~. Wei Ying smiles, a little too widely.

Yeah, okay. He's lonely.

Hello there! So this was part of a WIP I started last year but, predictably, did not see through. I was going through some of my fic drafts and decided I'd release it here, as I liked the concept a lot but sincerely doubt I'll have the mind to pick it up again. Thanks for reading if you got to the end.

[tammyhybrid21]

ALRIGHT!

Who wants some random/dumb headcanon thoughts on iterators?!

Also yes I do view the generations a bit in opposite solution to what MOST of what I’ve seen others do. Instead of each gen been dedicated more to the problem it got less central... which then leads to gen 3 iterators been the generation that took the loss of the ancients the worst.

“None of us miss them” the loss of half of their original purpose. Any wonder they have bad copes.

To be honest most of this is just going to be me noting stuff down for self-reference, but hey-- you folks can take this information for your own use as well. Also notice, this isn’t the specific order I drew things in and you can get the vibes as it goes how I got more solid view over the course of doodling.

But the generations and their purpose, no. These are pretty set in my head.

Bunching these thoughts together, mostly because they’re all on the same/similar topics. Time to talk about the puppets. Because they are what we see the most in the game. Also yes, I am outing myself as an “Off the String is Possible” believer. But I also will thoroughly admit I am a lover of the Iterators are hiveminds headcanon as well... although I view it more like it’s a whole symbiotic ecosystem...

Anycase, notes that didn’t quite make it into any of these pictures because I didn’t know how to draw/explain like that-- the synthetic “skin” of an iterator is either very, very short grass or a kind of moss/lichen covering. The colour variation is kind of random as a result and yes this does mean theoretically an iterator could change colours if ever they felt the need to.

The internal “flesh” parts of an iterator are I imagine similar in consistency to mushroom fibre/flesh. Squishy... Yet still firm enough to keep its shape beneath the jelly like membrane that carries coolant/blood throughout.

I have more thoughts on puppets and eating but drew it more like as a joke page.

These are all possible because an iterator puppet’s moss/grass skin is basically able to absorb what’s around it at any time. Well, as long as it’s willed. So iterators got options from the traditional “smoosh” food into your face to just having the “soup backpack”...

Sunshine is also “yummy”... but I do sidenote that it’s not as effective as a source of power/energy and more like a quick pick me up, the equivalent of eating a single banana and calling it your entire meal for the day.

Also an iterators stomach/filtration system internally is actually biological as well, but that didn’t exactly get drawn here. Mostly because how does that translate to pictures, I’m not good at this stuff.

Side note, don’t know if you folks looked at the page, but with the intake pipe, imagine if that were a map in Rain World... you just saw this pipe sucking in water and hey that’s curious-- only whoops it’s your death, you are food.

Not pictured how the processing strata is the iterator structure equivalent of a mycorrhizal network. Seriously though how would you even draw that?

Anycase this is where the symbiotic hive mind side of things come into play. Without the puppet it’s not like the structure would just-- stop. It would just be a lot more mindless. Working away continuing to go about the same processes just without purpose. It’s an extension, extras on top. Neuron flies been one of the few exceptions but even they can be worked around it’s just... very much a loss.

Also yes this is my headcanon reason why Pebbles is still barely conscious in Saint’s timeline. He’s just also half frozen and plants do not cold well. Or actually they do incredibly well in cold it’s just, he’s half in dormancy.

I should have spoken more about the mechanics of the structure and all, but honestly... It’s all the signals sent out.

Also void stuff... I don’t know if I’ll return on any of these things but eyo...

[transsexualhamlet]

4 and 8 for the character section of the fandom ask game for Mairon :)

hiiiii!

fandom ask game

4- NOTP for character

I am pretty open to anything when it comes to people's ideas about who's fucking Mairon because let's be honest, he really and truly does get around. However those bonkers Amazon Rings of Power watchers who think Sauron and Galadriel are getting jiggy with it are where I draw the goddamn line. It's blatantly out of character, our lord and saviour has never been able to maintain eye contact with a woman (but in all seriousness i dont care do what you want)

8- A headcanon I have about this character

I'm not going to lie I've gotten so in my head about this man that some things I had fully convinced myself were canon I realized I had just utterly made up in my head. I must admit I was so obsessed with the image of Mairon bestowing the crown that would lead the both of them eventually into ruin to his master I had utterly forgotten Mairon did not forge the Iron Crown and that in the Silm it is credited to Melkor himself. My solution to this was that Mairon did forge the crown itself, but credits it to Melkor because Melkor insisted on setting the gems (both because they would have burned Mairon and because he was very weird about them). I just think that after 3000 years of holding down the fort waiting for Melkor to come back Mairon had a lot of time to get Neurotic and very obsessed with Doing This Thing For Melkor, especially with the added stress of Ungoliant's wounds on him.

Another thing I think about is that, although there is something very satisfying about walking around seductively covered in jewelry and showing the whole world that you have those in power in your pockets, Mairon sort of grows to hate it. Like, really, really bad. He reinvents himself completely in the second age, and that pretty twink anglerfish lure he makes himself is fun, because at the beginning of the second age everything is still fun- even though he lost Melkor, in some ways he still thinks he can get him back, and that this is just playing the long game, which he is proven well in (see first paragraph). But as time goes on it starts to grate. He enjoys looking pretty and talking pretty. But he misses running around naked in the woods with the wolves and ripping people's throats out, which the further he gets into this con he realizes he's never going to get back (single tear rolls down face, I know, so sad) This is something sort of under the surface with Celebrimbor because in some ways he is actually being genuine in his desire with the elves to put things back the way they used to be. But when he has to stick on that face again in Numenor, he is already tired. He doesn't like Pharazon, he doesn't like Numenor, he doesn't like anything about the world anymore, really, and he's very sick of pretending otherwise. I believe this must eventually have been quite evident to those who witnessed his whole Death Cult Phase.

I think this is why he utterly gave that up in the third age, it is not that he physically lost the ability to 'appear fair' as if it was some injury or accidental loss of power, it is moreso a metaphor- that he actively could not bring himself to drag himself together ever again. It was moreso damage that Eru's action did to his spiritual state of being, and I think unintentionally on Eru's part (I think Eru is always more confused with Mairon than anything else). He simply did not wish to desire love anymore, only fear. The desire to be loved was removed into the Ring.

[dangermousie]

She tries so hard to draw a line between them and I get why, because she knows he has to go back to his life (though whether a life in a family where a sibling almost tortures you to death is preferable to being a village physician’s assistant is questionable) but it’s like watching someone kick a dog.

(side note - I love how his clothes are nicer than when he was 17 but usually not flashy enough to stand out.)

Awwwww (clearly, she does miss him - I remember her staring into the water later and also being upset at seeing the flower he clutched when she first saw him) and there is no easy solution but awwww. 

I love at how he feels this is a reprieve when cousin calls them both in.

Have you noticed btw that however upset he is with her shutting him out, he just patiently follows after her or waits for her, he never forces his wishes on her. Love it!

[nageki-the-friendly-ghost]

Tell us everything

Welcome to the Hitori fucking Dies AU

Okay so I don't have pretty much anything plotted out yet but the concept is "hatoful boyfriend except hitori managed to save nageki in the fire and died in the process"

Tw for all the usual hatoful boyfriend topics (suicide, familial death and grief, medical malpractice, likeable characters making pretty awful choices)

Also spoilers for if I ever make this for real. I'd want it to be structured similarly to hatoful boyfriend where most major plot reveals happen late, so by explaining the ideas from the start of this AU I'd also kind of be spoiling every major plot twist. But I don't know how far I'll get into the project (I have had a REAL hard time focussing on writing recently) and I want to share all my ideas immediately lol

Obviously there are many logistical issues in this au that would need to be worked out- why bbl wouldn't just happen immediately if Nageki was alive, for instance. Bear with me pls

Also please note that I haven't consumed every single piece of hatoful media, mostly just the two games and sections of one of the manga. There may be some things I missed out on that.

But here are the ideas I have thus far

The first sticking point is that I think there's a high probability that if Hitori died in the fire Nageki would just attempt again because he still believes he needs to sacrifice himself and would just feel even guiltier. BUT I also think it could be equally in character for Nageki to refuse to let Hitori's sacrifice be in vain and find enough resolve to escape and keep living and find a better solution

But of course, Nageki could never have a normal life while infected with the charon virus, nor would he be content with one while he's aware of the Hawk party's plans

He'd have to go on the run, obviously. Here's where you get another interesting possible choice of Nageki somehow managing to join the Doves. But frankly I don't think an incredibly sick 15 year old with extremely limited life experience is going to be good at going on the run. I think he'd manage to stay hidden for long enough. For the purposes of this au he doesn't die from his sickness immediately but it was definitely a risk. (Let's assume that Shuu originally planned for Nageki to live much longer than he did in canon so he received some genuine medical care in between the experiments)

However. Nageki is homeless and unable to tell anyone about what was done to him or get help. He can't go to any birds because the Hawks are searching for him, and he can't warn any humans because they'd just die if he spoke to them

Surprise! This is where this also becomes a Kazuaki lives AU!

I think Nageki meets Kazuaki mostly by random chance in the street. Now, in canon I'm not sure if Kazuaki was kicked out of college at this point and that's why he was out there in the rain or if he was out there for some other reason (edit: been informed that he IS still in college when he meets Hitori in canon, which works great for me). I'm choosing to believe it's the latter for the purposes of making this au work- Kazuaki is living in a dorm at this point but is close to failing his classes and is out in the rain for some reason. Roll with me here.

Nageki stumbles across Kazuaki. He'd probably be hesitant to approach due to the aforementioned danger

But Kazuaki is obviously not in a good state, and if there's one thing Nageki hates its feeling like he can't do anything when people are struggling. And part of Nageki is purely running on What Would Hitori Do mode right now. So obviously Nageki tries to figure out what he can do to help

I think suddenly being shown kindness by some random kid who is clearly in a similarly awful state might draw Kazuaki out of his head enough that he could end up trying to help Nageki instead, out of genuine concern, a sense of understanding, and a desperate need to be important to literally anybirdie on earth

This is the first time Nageki has talked to anybirdie since Hitori's death, as well as the longest Kazuaki has talked to someone in weeks

Nageki needs a place to stay that no one would think to look for him and where he's slightly less likely to immediately die. Kazuaki needs to interact with another living being regularly, and has an empty dorm room and a meal plan he's barely been using

cue incredibly dysfunctional found family slowburn- They feel obligated to each other (which eventually becomes genuine care and protectiveness) and end up functioning better as a result

(This could possibly end up being very codependent, because what relationship in hatoful doesn't have a LITTLE unhealthy codependency. Staking the whole of your recovery on another person's wellbeing is NOT sustainable. But overall WAY healthier for both of them than Hitori and Kazuakis canon dynamic in that they both make it out alive with no deception necessary.)

Kazuaki starts attending classes again so that they can stay housed. He struggles and still can't thrive, but he just barely stays afloat with Nageki's support and renewed motivation. Nageki does what he can to make the dorm more habitable without leaving. Nageki's presence is a secret for obvious reasons, but it's a pretty easy one to keep since Kazuaki is so isolated to begin with. Nageki's trapped again in a different way, but Kazuaki's awful living space may honestly feel like a relief after the sterile lab. Months, maybe even a full year, pass

Eventually, Nageki trusts Kazuaki enough to tell him about everything- the charon virus, St. Pigeonations, Hitori's death, all of it. He tells him that one day, if he can live long enough, Nageki will find a way to expose what's going on at St. Pigeonations to the world and bring an end to it

Nageki likely tells him out of a sense of guilt- this is what he's gotten Kazuaki into, and he deserves better than all the extra trouble Nageki comes with.

But Nageki also won't be talked out of his plan, and when Kazuaki realizes this, he's not going to let Nageki be in danger by himself, not when it means Kazuaki would be left completely alone again

Kazuaki hasn't dreamed about his future in years, had no plans past college for how his life could go. What difference would it make if he started working towards becoming a teacher?

Kazuaki had no significance to the Hawks whatsoever. And teaching is completely in character for Kazuaki when he's in a slightly better mental state (see: shrine au) so no one would likely question it. No one EVER pays attention to Kazuaki or takes him seriously- which could make him a very, very good information gatherer

(And Nageki IS still sick, and maybe, just maybe Kazuaki can find out if the doctor wasn't COMPLETELY lying about doing research into curing it– if only as a contingency plan to keep his bioweapon from getting out of his control. Maybe if Kazuaki poked around enough, he could find it and hand it over to a non-evil doctor. He doesnt tell Nageki about this idea though- Nageki would refuse it outright, and Kazuaki couldnt bear the dissappintment if he told him and then failed)

Nageki... is apprehensive about this plan. But it's the only one they have, the only influence he can possibly exert to try to stop the Hawks without walking immediately into their clutches. His need to do what's right overrules his need to do what's smart.

But he begs- Kazuaki can't do too much for him, can't sacrifice his own wellbeing to keep Nageki hidden, and he can't do ANYTHING that might get him caught. If Kazuaki ever doesn't come home, Nageki is flying in right after him. Nageki has lost three families now- he WON'T lose a fourth, no matter what.

Kazuaki promises. We'll see if he's able to keep it.

WOO okay that's the main part I had planned out. But here's a little more.

I haven't thought as much about ghost!Hitori yet but. Oh man. Ghost Hitori

I think he'd be a lot less bitter than canon Hitori since he achieved what he set out to do (save nageki) but I do think he'd still have regrets enough to not be able to move on (leaving Nageki completely alone, not rescuing him earlier, knowing that there's still danger and being able to do nothing to help it)

I think he'd be less detached from the world and more driven to help others- especially the students, the kids, who were being used unawares of the horrors of the school. If only, if ONLY one of them could hear his warnings

(eventually, years later, Hiyoko can hear his warnings)

I'm also curious about how Shuu's plans would change with Nageki alive- with a burnt medical center and no liver cells to work with, he doesn't have samples of the charon virus. Would he still plan on turning Ryouta into the new carrier when the original carrier was still out there and needed to be recaptured? Lots to think about.

How I'd want to present this, ideally is as a fan game of alternate routes based on these changes

In true hatoful boyfriend fashion all of this is just the backstory to get to where all the characters are at the start of the game. The main plot is about all of the butterfly effects that occur in Hiyoko's experience due to entirely new plot threads occurring

[s0nia246]

I lied

@thewholekittyandkaboodle

This is my oc, Brandi Lowna. She was an old oc that I redesigned to fit in the Little Goody Two Shoes Universe. Her fairytale inspiration is the Gingerbread Man

Name- Brandi Lowna

Gender- Female

Species- Mystic Gryphalon

Age-10

Apperence- Brandi is a short girl with cat-like features , big brown eyes, and shoulder-length dark brown to light brown hair with her cat ears and tail matching. Brandi has shoulder-length dark and light brown hair and milk chocolate eyes with a neutral expression that shows her fangs. Brandi wears a detached scarf-like collar with a brown ribbon with two white fur balls around her neck. Her dress is a brown  off the shoulder dress with  light brown ruffles and white fur balls down the middle of the dress. On Brandi's  arms are dark brown ribbons that are wrapped around her arms and dark brown gloves with a yellow color on the palms of the gloves with white fur cuffs. Her skirt of the dress is an apron that is wrapped around her waist. Brandi also wears light brown and white striped socks and brown low-heeled boots that have brown ribbons with white fur balls. 

Personality-Friendly, unpretentious, and draw others easily with her warm and serene nature. Understanding, patient, and especially concerned about others' well-being. Adventurous, optimistic, fun-loving, and know how to enjoy life fully. Self expressive, in many ways, are gifted with keen imagination, accurate impressions, and insights, giving life new meaning. Friendly souls are easily the soul of every social gathering. But sometimes, she may come off as superficial, miss direction, exaggerate, start projects, and then abandon them and are prone to mood changes and extravagant behavior.

B: Brave and carrying a legacy of courage and fearless spirit.

R:Rigid and resilient, like a tree, firmly rooted.

A:Affectionate heart, you speak through loving actions.

N:Nurturing resilience and navigating challenges, never succumbing.

D:Dynamic flair, resonating with delight and divinity.

I:In the quiet of the night, you are a burst of starlight.

Backstory- In the heart of the mystical Eldoria woods, where the ancient trees whispered secrets to the wind, Brandi, a spirited Gryphalon child, found herself in the midst of a tale woven with magic and mystery.

Born under the dappled sunlight filtering through the thick canopy, Brandi's days were filled with the rustling of leaves and the gentle hum of the forest. Her mother, the guardian of the woods, bore the weight of a mysterious malady that had befallen her – a sleeping-like death that cast a shadow over their sylvan abode.

Brandi, with her cat-like features and a heart as tender as the woods she called home, embarked on a quest to find a cure for her ailing mother. Guided by an innate bravery and the legacy of courage passed down through generations of Gryphalons, she roamed the enchanted lands, seeking knowledge from the wise creatures of Eldoria.

Her adventurous spirit led her to the sparkling streams where she reveled in the art of fishing, finding solace in the rhythmic dance of the water. As she cast her line into the depths, her thoughts swirled with determination to unravel the mysteries surrounding her mother's condition.

In the heart of Eldoria, Brandi encountered ancient spirits and wise beings who spoke in riddles and tales of forgotten enchantments. Through her journey, she discovered her own resilience – a quality rooted deep within her Gryphalon lineage. The dynamic flair in her spirit resonated with delight, and in the quiet of the night, she became a burst of starlight, illuminating the path ahead.

Her mother's ailment became a catalyst for Brandi's self-discovery, and she realized that, like the gingerbread man of folklore, she possessed the strength to navigate challenges and find a solution With affectionate determination, she spoke through loving actions, caring for herself as she sought the means to nurture her mother back from the sleeping-like death.

As Brandi continued her quest, unaware of the hidden prophecy that entwined her fate with the destiny of Eldoria, the woods echoed with the whispers of a legacy that awaited its time to unfold.

Likes/ Hobbies:

• Fishing: Brandi finds solace and joy in the rhythmic dance of the streams, casting her line into the enchanted waters of Eldoria, connecting with the tranquil art of fishing.

• Nature Strolls: The enchanted woods are her playground, and she delights in exploring the mysteries hidden beneath the ancient trees, accompanied by the whispers of the forest.

• Gryphalon Lore: Brandi is fascinated by the legends and tales of her Gryphalon lineage, often losing herself in the stories that echo through the valleys, carrying the weight of ancient knowledge.

• Starlit Nights: The quiet of the night holds a special charm for Brandi. Under the starlit canopy, she feels a connection to the cosmos, embracing the burst of starlight within her adventurous soul.

• Homemade Treats: Drawing inspiration from her gingerbread-man-like essence, Brandi enjoys creating and savoring homemade treats, blending flavors that mirror the enchantments of Eldoria.

Dislikes:

• Dark Magic: Having witnessed the effects of her mother's mysterious ailment, Brandi harbors a deep aversion to dark magic, wary of its influence on the delicate balance of Eldoria.

• Abandonment: Brandi, despite her adventurous spirit, dislikes the feeling of being abandoned or left behind, a sentiment rooted in the Gryphalon child's compassionate and nurturing nature.

• Exaggeration: The tendency for exaggeration and missed directions, even in storytelling, irks Brandi at times. She appreciates clarity and sincerity in communication.

• Superficiality: Although inherently friendly, Brandi dislikes superficial interactions. She values genuine connections and meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface.

• Mood Swings: Prone to mood changes herself, Brandi dislikes the unpredictability of emotions that sometimes clouds her sunny disposition, making her journey through Eldoria more challenging.

Character quirks-

Positive Quirks:

• Feather Collecting: Brandi has a peculiar fascination with collecting feathers, especially those of mystical birds she encounters during her adventures. Her collection is a colorful array of Eldoria's avian wonders.

• Herbal Tea Connoisseur: Delving into the natural abundance of the woods, Brandi has developed a keen interest in brewing herbal teas. She takes pride in creating unique blends, each with its own therapeutic charm.

•Moonlit Meditations: During nights adorned with a full moon, Brandi engages in quiet meditations beneath the celestial glow, drawing strength from the mystical energies that permeate Eldoria.

•Whispering to Trees: Brandi believes in the silent wisdom of the ancient trees. She often whispers her thoughts and worries to them, finding comfort in the idea that the forest holds secrets and solace.

•Hidden Poetry: Brandi has a talent for crafting poetic verses that she keeps hidden within the pages of an old leather-bound journal. These verses reflect her observations of nature, dreams, and the untold stories of Eldoria.

Negative Quirks:

•Impulsive Decision-Making: Brandi's adventurous spirit occasionally leads to impulsive decision-making, jumping headfirst into situations without fully considering the consequences.

•Stubbornness: There's a stubborn streak in Brandi, especially when it comes to her quest to find a cure for her mother. She may resist alternative approaches, determined to follow a specific path.

•Overcommitting: Brandi, in her excitement, tends to overcommit herself. She starts numerous projects but may struggle to see them through, occasionally leaving loose ends.

•Daydreaming in Critical Moments: During critical moments, Brandi has been known to get lost in daydreams, momentarily diverting her focus from the immediate challenges she faces.

•Difficulty Trusting Strangers: Due to the protective nature instilled in her as a Gryphalon child, Brandi finds it challenging to trust strangers completely. She approaches new acquaintances with cautious curiosity.

Lore on Mystic Gryphalon:

In the enchanted realm of Eldoria, where magic and mystery intertwine, the Mystic Gryphalons roam the ancient forests. Born from the harmonious convergence of majestic griffins and ethereal stallions, these creatures embody the delicate balance between strength and grace.

Legend has it that the first Mystic Gryphalon, named Celestria, emerged from the heart of the Whispering Grove, a sacred grove where the winds carried tales of forgotten enchantments. Celestria's wings bore the feathers of eagles and shimmering scales reminiscent of sapphires, reflecting the wisdom of the skies.

The Mystic Gryphalons are known as protectors of forgotten realms, their keen eyes capable of glimpsing into the threads of destiny. They possess the ability to communicate with the spirits of the forest, allowing them to maintain a delicate equilibrium between the mystical creatures that inhabit Eldoria.

These beings are revered by the elves as guardians of ancient knowledge and by the dwarves as symbols of strength and resilience. The songs of bards echo through the valleys, recounting the tales of heroic Gryphalon riders who forged unbreakable bonds with these magical creatures.

Yet, as with any enchanting tale, there are whispers of a hidden prophecy that foretells a time when the Mystic Gryphalons will play a pivotal role in restoring balance to Eldoria, facing challenges that test the very essence of their mythical existence.

This Brandi's old design:

Thank you for reading

[purpleyin]

Time for an angsty many years post-Crooked Kingdom Kaz whump concept. More of a not!fic style but I hope it's still enjoyable🖤

all the nightmares I’ve had

Years after Kaz gets his revenge, Pekka Rollin's family is killed in a tragic accident. It has nothing to do with Kaz or the Crows but Pekka is convinced Kaz is responsible. Pekka is deep in his grief, reckless and has no fear for what he could lose any more, Inej's threats to himself forgotten. He surprises Kaz, and his touch aversion works against him, so Pekka does manage to take him down along with the help of some chemicals. Kaz had made progress on that, less guarded and covered up these days, but if there's one person guaranteed to take him right back to the barge mentally it's Pekka touching him. Pekka gets him into the coffin so easily after that, buries him six feet deep, but he doesn't just want to kill him. He sets up a way that Kaz won't run out of air down there. No, it will be dehydration that kills him as he slowly starves down there too. He's groggy from the drugs and injured from the scuffle with Pekka but he knows well enough he has no way out this time because it isn't locks he can pick that trap him, instead an oppressive mass of earth bearing down on him, gravity itself working against his escape. Even those who try to pull off such tricks as entertainment often die trying, so Kaz has no hope he can evade this when the circumstances here are designed to kill. As he comes back to more himself, the dawning reality is so much harder to deal with. Being left for dead is his worst nightmare happening all over again, despite that it isn't the barge, it's still too close. He won't call out via the spout in case Pekka is listening, waiting for him to beg - he won't give Pekka that satisfaction. Pekka won't have been foolish enough to bury Kaz where anyone else would overhear any cries for help anyway. Pekka's hubris is much the same as Kaz's was, abandoning the simple solution of a quick death because he wants him to suffer as long as possible, for it to be fitting. Just how long Kaz can last is partly a matter of willpower, how long he can remain calm and hang on to the will to live. Hope has never been something Kaz put much stock in but he clings to the hope that people will miss him, that they will care to look for him, that he will be found in time, not forgotten down here as he grows groggier again with lack of water. To distract himself, he stews on plans for his own revenge once he gets out of this, until it becomes too hard to think properly and the old fears creep back into his hazy mind. Water starts to seeps in from rain down the air spout, leaving him wet and cold and losing any remaining faith that he will get out of this nightmare. The Crows don't know Kaz is missing until the next day and they spend over a day searching the city until Jesper finally gets a feeling drawing him towards Black Veil island, hoping desperately that the incredibly rare mineral he's sensing there is indeed from Kaz's rather unique wedding ring Inej got him on her travels. They scour the cemetery for the exact source, silent as the grave once they find the freshly dug ground someone had tried to pack down harder, now sodden with the night's rain as well. Inej is the one to spot the strange pipe coming out of the ground. "He's still alive," she proclaims, and Jesper just hopes she's right about what it means. Inej starts scraping back soil in swathes with her knives, while the rest of them go to locate some metal Jesper can fashion into shovels. The time spent digging up that grave feels like the longest time of Jesper's life. When they pull Kaz - pale and wet and shaking but alive - from the coffin, Jesper is witness to the most public display of affection he's ever seen by Kaz and Inej. Kaz clings to Inej like she's his lifeline to the living, though Kaz is careful once again to not touch any skin. Jesper has to look away, giving them their privacy as best he can, until the moment passes and Inej turns to ask Wylan for the water bottle they brought along.

When Kaz seems a bit more focused, Inej asks “Pekka?” with her voice like a knife. “Pekka,” Kaz confirms sharply, but his eyes taking on a dark far away look, staring past them all in a way that worries Jesper. Inej leaves abruptly, with murder in her eyes, so it falls to Jesper and Wylan to cautiously help Kaz to the carriage. They're careful to keep their touches firmly over Jesper's coat that they help the shivering Kaz into, in case their proximity might trigger him like it used to. They go back to the mansion, setting Kaz up in the guest room they all know is really his anyhow. Kaz is quiet, no smart remarks and no refusal of the help they give, accepting any comfort they can provide him that isn't touch. Wylan brings up a pot of hot, very sugary tea and so much food. The tray placed on the side of the bed is laden with far more than he could possibly eat, but every item is a favourite of Kaz's; foods Kaz would deny caring one jot for but anyone observant enough would know to be true. Jesper waits by his side, wishing he could hug Kaz, however briefly, to feel him solid and safe in his arms, but he doesn't dare ask right now. Being there is hopefully enough. With Jesper watching over him, Kaz sleeps, curled up in the layers of soft, warm blankets they gave him that he'd normally scoff at and turn down.

When Kaz wakes, Jesper's heart skips a beat in anticipation as Kaz reaches out his hand as if to touch him, only for that hope to be dashed as Kaz snatches his hand back suddenly, not able to complete the intended action. Kaz scowls, looking down at the floor. But then he says something that surprises Jesper, “Thank you, Jes.” Kaz's gaze shifts to looking down at the bed covers as he says it, a discomfit evident in the tension of his shoulders and the tight grip of one hand on his other in his lap. “You don't need to thank me, you podge.” Jesper replies, exasperated but fondly said nevertheless. “This is what we do, we look out for one another.” Kaz simply nods and Jesper decides now is a good time to fetch more food and drink, to leave Kaz to his thoughts for a bit.

Inej comes back in the evening, her clothes freshly changed and the scent of the cleaner she uses on her knives trailing in her wake. She only says "It's done" to the room when she appears suddenly, no one needs to ask what. Then she climbs onto the bed with Kaz, prompting Jesper to quickly leave them be. The newspapers the next day don't show the gruesome detail of a man taken to pieces in a depiction of any sort for that would be far too improper, but they spare no words to describe the unexpected downfall of a once barrel boss practically forgotten and by now only remarkable in his manner of death. That morning, when they take up a tray of food and the paper, he sees Kaz smirk, for the first time since they rescued him, at the sight of the headline.

[solsays]

After reading the last Burt Espresso chapter (absolutely love it and the whole fic btw) I was wondering what happened that Trumpet ended up with Bagi and Tina. You described a man on the bus that I assumed was Maxo in an earlier chapter when Bagi, Tina, Fit, and Tubbo were going to pick up the kids from school, so I think he had to have had trumpet at some point.

If you plan on talking about it in the fic that’s fine and I look forward to reading it, but if you don’t plan on talking about it, how did Trumpet end up in Bagi and Tina’s care?

I don’t plan on talking about this in the fic since it’s kind of a background thing, but here’s the story! (It’s a bit long sorry but there’s quite a bit lmao)

Maxo was in college when his roommate (Dan) came home with a random little kid one day in their junior year (second to last year of schooling if you’re not from America :]) that he apparently found on the street and couldn’t say no to taking in since there were no good orphanages in the town (being a college town they weren’t really necessary) and it was the middle of winter and the kid would’ve starved to death

the two of them ended up splitting parental duties of Trumpet, and they lived with the two of them in their college dorm (no the school did not know, they refused to tell them because they were afraid they’d take trumpet from them)

they really weren’t sure what to do after graduation, but Dan went on a trip overseas and the boat he was on went missing during a massive storm, and he (along with everyone on the ship) was declared dead only a few months later (Trumpet was about 2 at this point)

maxo tried his best to care for trumpet for the next year, but his job as an explosions specialist ended up forcing him to be away from home for long periods of time, and he wasn’t able to care for Trumpet properly. He was very conflicted and upset and not sure what to do with three-ish year old Trumpet, so he started asking around if anyone knew people looking to adopt

this is where Bagi, still in college, and her best friend Tina come in :) they were planning on staying in the town after graduation anyway, since Bagi’s twin met some guy and is staying and her younger brother is there for college two years after her, and had agreed to buy a house together. Maxo met Bagi at a grocery store where he worked part time to bring in some extra money to support his kid, and he helped her find a specific product that they’d moved recently so it wasn’t in the same place. They’d got to chatting, and Bagi mentioned her friend Tina (because let’s be honest, her gay ass was WHIPPED the second she met her and she can and will ramble to anyone and everyone about her perfect “best friend”) and how she loved kids, and Max told her that he had Trumpet. Bagi had offered to tell Tina about the kid, and naturally when she did the first thing Tina did was do a little digging, find maxo’s number, and call him to ask to meet his adorable kid

They met up at a park, and Tina loved Trumpet immediately. Maxo was nervous but as he met up with Tina a few more times, sometimes with Bagi and sometimes not, he realized that maybe there was a solution right here in front of him now. Because his darling baby deserved a better life than having an absent father who was gone half the time. Especially when Tina turned to Bagi and squealed “Bagi I want a baby!” When Trumpet had shown her a drawing he’d done for them

Maxo sat down with the two of them and explained his situation as soon as they graduated, and naturally the two of them immediately offered to take Trumpet in and adopt them if Maxo approved, as they had just bought a house together and they had space and time for a kid. maxo agreed, and he signed away his legal parentage of Trumpet to Bagi and Tina, who adopted Trumpet when he was about 5 and have been caring for them ever since :)

Sometimes when Maxo is in town he’ll take Trumpet out on day trips or just hang out with him, teach him some DJ tricks (an old hobby/side job of his from his college and high school days) while he’s staying with friends, Trumpet doesn’t really remember him very well as her father but they were told about what happened by Bagi and Tina so they call him papa anyway

[brumeraven]

🍂: A Friendly Wager || self-abandonment, RSD, gods, conformity, expectations, reflections, the mirror, transformations, not sure how to say I'm not sure about this one without sounding like I'm being rude to faer

I knew a girl once, a friend, I suppose, though I hesitate to use the term, being as she was a friend to everyone and none at all.

Come to think of it, even "girl" was tenuous, for something wasn't quite right with her, something not quite human in her overall impression.

There was something off about her face, as if some artist hadn't quite mastered perspective, a smile that seemed to not quite fit her eyes, plastered on from another source.

I always wondered whose it was.

Not mine, I think, for all that it had gone missing years before.

Nevertheless, she was sweet enough and smiled for me, so we struck up an amicable relationship.

One day, she told me she was worried about me.

Worried that I never smiled.

Worried that I was all alone.

Worried that I was fated for an awful end.

But...I could yet be saved.

She told me all I needed to do was follow God's will.

It was ridiculous, of course. Patently so, and I said as much, told her I'd heard a thousand name themselves gods, expecting of course a sales pitch for the one "true" one she'd leashed herself to.

"Of course."

The words were a shock, assent unexpected. Which, then, was I to serve? After all, I was spoiled for choice.

"All of them."

I had no idea what to make of it, expectations turned on their heads, and so I asked, well, why? Why could she possibly think this would solve anything?

It was simple logic, or so she said, a matter of game theory.

Each claimant either is or is not a god. This is, by its nature, wholly uncertain, since we're fallible beings trying to conceptualize of the infallible. Any being of infinite power could just choose to appear finite.

And yet one must treat each in turn as either divine or not, uncertainty be damned.

If one serves mere man, well, one has lost but some time and stature, a finite and measurable cost.

If were to defy divinity, though...there is no limit on the magnitude of the consequences.

What possible equilibrium could exist but to serve a would-be god to the best of one's ability?

Her answer failed to make an impression on my skepticism, failing as it did to deal with the proliferation of such fetishes. With countless gods, how could one choose the correct one?

How was one to decide which was more correct or true or likely to be divine? How could infinities be compared?

And if instead one serves multiple, the number of possible subsets to follow exploded binomially. How could one be so many different things to so many different people?

It was simple, she insisted, drawing a triangle of numbers on a page, marking the combinations. No matter how many possible gods there were, there was only one way to serve all of them, she said, tapping the right edge.

One simply had to be what was expected of them by everyone.

What other solution to uncertainty was there, when a single misstep could spell eternal damnation? What small cost it was to give up the tiny certainty of this mortal existence for such rewards that could await us. What a trifling thing conviction was to pay to avoid perdition.

I don't know her, anymore.

I don't remember if she died, or if I simply refused to be complicit in her suicide. Either way, the not-quite-girl I knew is gone.

I do remember she stopped smiling at me when I pointed out that both sides of the triangle were flanked with 1's.

I suppose I'm overlooking something. Always was more stubborn than bright, more selfish than not, unwilling to give up what precious little I have whatever the profits.

Death may be a certainty, but I'll be damned if I meet it on my knees.

Never much was one for gambling.

~🍂