#rook and rose pattern reading

[witchlightdesigns]

New OC just dropped. >.> I dont have an alt problem! You've got a alt problem!

Anywhoo. This is Vanyael Ashkevron! Mah new Worgen magi and fortune teller. She's a sweetheart and I'm so thrilled because I'm getting to use my fave book series form of Fortune Telling, Pattern Reading, instead of the traditional means so she's unique in the sense of how I do her diving.

[gendercomsumer]

hiii ^^ I would like some headcanons for riddle, malleus, vil and rook with a fem mc that accidentally ends up making them laugh (because what she says or does is very random xd maybe an example would be like jennifer lawrence sjjs she is very funny ) well that's all, thanks and take care <3

Riddle, Malleus, Vil, and Rook with an S/O who can make them laugh with the most random things

A/N: Hello to you too Anon! I know this has been in my inbox for gods knows how long- But thank you still for sending this in! I hope this is to your liking! I actually did watch some Jennifer Lawrence videos for inspiration and I have to agree the comedic timing she has is perfect!! I also used some google translate in Rooks part so it may not be accurate ^^;

Characters: Riddle, Malleus, Vil, and Rook

Warnings: Cursing to a mild degree, playful mention of stalking in Rooks (I love him I swear!!!), lightly proof read

Fem!Reader

Riddle Rosehearts

Riddle is a bit difficult to get a good genuine laugh out of, at least in my opinion.

Like sure you have a small chuckle when he finds something amusing, but i feel like it'd be a bit of a challenge to get a good genuine laugh out of.

Then you came in, saying the strangest things at the most unrelated times!

And Ace and Deuce find this absolutely hilarious

You'll say the most out of pocket shit with the straightest face and somehow half the people around you start to laugh some others breaking out in giggles

Ace and Deuce have definitely talked about this 'talent' of yours, at least in their words.

You had said some of these strange comments around Riddle and he found them strange a bit endearing as well

I'd think the time you got a good laugh out of him was when you had come with him to take care of some of the hedgehogs

The two of you were sitting in the grass some of the hedgehogs were playing while a few had decided that climbing on the two of you was a good way to pass the time

One had wandered up onto your head and almost fell off but luckily you were able to save the little guy before he fully hit the ground

After Riddle worriedly checked the little guy over you while looking over his shoulder at the small animal said:

"Well at least we know this one has no self preservation"

Unwillingly, or maybe subconsciously, a small laugh makes it's way through Riddles chest to his lips.

Well, now maybe he saw what those two were blabbering on about

Your little comments were always appreciated with Riddle

Even if they didn't cause him to laugh they did brighten his mood at least somewhat

"Yes, this one does tend to be a bit of a handful. Reminds me of a certain rose I know"

He teased before you two fell back into the pattern of caring for the small animals

More chuckles and comments to come no doubt

Malleus Draconia

At first Malleus didn't understand why the rest of Diasomnia found your remarks so comical

Yes his child of man did tend to bring a certain warmth where ever she walked

But he didn't see this as an excuse for the amount of laughter you cause people around you

Most of the remarks you make will fly over his head

I'm sorry but he seems like the kind of guy to not get the joke until you explain it to him-

Now the Thorn Prince does share a few chuckles with those around him when he finds something amusing, similar to Riddle

But it's even more difficult to get a laugh out of him considering he doesn't get a lot of the play on words type of jokes

but something abrupt and slightly out of context?

I feel like that would get some sort of laugh out of him

One day you were talking with Malleus about some of the things you did in your old world

The topic of amusement parks came up and you started listing the rides you used to go on as a child

Roller coasters, bumper cars, lazy rides where you could relax, until you blanked on the name of a ride

It was frustrating considering it was probably something simple and you would remember it after their conversation, but you wanted to keep the ball rolling

Malleus mean while was partly enjoying seeing how frustrated you got over a simple word

You really were a strange thing weren't you Child of man?

"I'm sorry Mal- I know what I'm thinking of! It's on the tip of my tongue- It's like one of those horse tornado things!"

Horse.. tornado..?

Now that got Malleus attention

he understood the other rides you described, favoring the lazy rides

but what ever this horse tornado was... it sounded.. strange, yet curious at the same time

"CAROUSELS!! FUCKING CAROUSELS, THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE CALLED!"

Malleus let out a small puff of air before he started chuckling under his breath

You truly were a strange one weren't you child of man, just like the world you came from

Malleus pressed a kiss to your forehead letting out one more chuckle before speaking

"Truly fascinating, maybe one day you could bring me to one of these 'horse tornados' you have me interested"

Sure jokes your fly over his head, but he would tease you some what for your small skips in memory

Vil Schoenheit

Now Vil, having acted in a lot of movies, (If I'm correct) Would have probably had a few good laughs in that line of work

Weather that be on set or behind the cameras

But he doesn't often let out a good laugh in public, it's not really part of the proper image he'd want to put out there

As for behind closed doors or with close friends he's definitely willing to have a laugh

And who better to bring a smile to his face than his lovely sweet potato?

Though one good moment always stuck out to him that caused him to have one of the most genuine laughs in awhile

The two of you were getting ready to go out to a fancy restaurant, courtesy of Vil of course, hair, makeup, shoes things like that

While Vil was sitting at his vanity working on his eyes when you came out of the bathroom in a stunning dress hand picked by Vil

It brought out all your best features while still being enough coverage to where it wasn't uncomfortable to wear into a public area

The two of you made idle conversation as you sat on a near by chair to slip on a matching set of heels for the dress

As you stood up in the heels to work on your own makeup you lost your balance thanks to the new height the heels provided

Although Vil was quick to catch you making sure you came no where near the floor he still was concerned

"Oh sweet potato are you alright? What happened?"

Yes looking back on it the question seemed dumb but he was concerned

but you just let out a giggle while regaining your balance before saying:

"Well I'm not sure what happened, but I remember wanting to yell 'fuck' as my last words before I embarrassed myself"

Vil took a moment while looking at you

then a chuckle escaped his lips which soon turned into the two of you sharing a small laugh

Now Vil doesn't know why he laughs at your antics, in hindsight they're just normal phrases

But maybe it's the delivery?

Or the way you smile at him?

What ever it may be it always causes a smile to grace his lips or a chuckle to be drawn from him

Sure Vil maybe all about preserving beauty and making sure he looks flawless

But if he happens to get a few smile lines because of your antics, he will never hold it against you

"Well my darling, I'm glad to hear you're alright. It would be a shame if you or your lovely dress got roughed up before we left. Now come, you still want to do your makeup don't you? Allow me to help"

Rook Hunt

Now Rook has plenty of laughs in his life

Weather that be from stalking some poor soul or a genuine laugh among friends

Rook out of the four is probably the easiest to get a laugh from

He's a joyful guy wanting to see all nature and the world has to offer! Can you blame him?

Then enters you who some how can't help but leave Rook giggling when ever you do something!

You put your tie on wrong? Oh silly Trickster aren't you just the sweetest thing!

Then comes your words which to Rook is a whole new ball park

Rook tends to hold onto every word meant for him, weather that be written or spoken out loud

His darling Tricksters words are so elegant and so sweet how could he not treasure everyone!

What really gets him chuckling and laughing is the moments when your words aren't as sweet and graceful

Cut to one day when you and Rook were in the fields often used for flying class

Rook had a desire to teach you archery so he happened to drag you along with a quiver and bow to some targets set by his hand

After the first few moments of Rook teaching you how to properly hold and aim the bow and making sure your arm guard was secure (He wouldn't want his darling trickster to get rope burn!) He let you shoot

All was going well as you hit targets in an... acceptable way

But all that seemed to end when a large gust of wind sent your best shot yet off course and into the ground

And just as Rook was about to offer some encouragement to keep going and try once more

some colorful language came from you to say the least

"Wind!? Really!?! Could you not wait two fucking minuets!! Nooooo! You just had to thro my best shot off course you-!"

Now don't get Rook wrong he hold the sweet words you two share close to his heart

But there was just something about you yelling at the wind of all things that caused him to start laughing

As he laid on the grass of the field eyes closed as he laughed

Oh? It seems your colorful language is directed towards him now? Even better!

"Trickster- reine de mon coeur! Please I believe- I believe you have shared plenty enough words with the wind today!"

A/N: This is actually the first time I've taken a good look at the name of Malleus' dorm. Dia = Dragon. Somnia = Sleep

Diasomnia = Dragon of sleep

just a ting i found silly :)

[wanderingloreweaver]

I've just read some of @bluerose5 (I hope it's okay that I tag you) Zevcanis ideas here on Tumblr and I'm about to head over to ao3 to devour every of of their Zevcanis fic but I have to get this one out:

Because of them I now think about my just tiny idea if Zevran as Rook. Which, to be fair, the idea was only about how Zevran would use the silliest disguise and make it work. Like I can kinda can see him going in contact with the crows and either wearing a super fake mustache as a disguise or this ridiculous crow head to entirely hide his face.

Both would be funny options but to go for a more fitting way, he could also just use one of the crow masks to hide beneath them and maybe send Neve with Harding or Bellara to the Crows to meet them because he probably would want to make his appearance some kind of big reveal. Like he walks in with a saved Lucanis and just reveals who he actually is and let's shit break loose. But the Crows can't really go after him because he's now the one they have a contract with, plus he saved Lucanis which is another point for him.

But, and this is now a bit inspired by Bluerose5s idea how Zevran returns to the Crows, he disguises himself, maybe even learns to not speak with his accent or at least alter it so it's not immediately recognized. He could just do this as a way to get information at first but since he probably cares a bit for his city, he more and more improves it in subtle ways that dont make it obvious it was him. Just a simple hint here, a important target there - small things that make a difference. Maybe some Crows do see a pattern and maybe some are even able to recognize Zevran's handwriting in this (yk, I would say probably Viago. This man is paranoid enough to get information about everything)

Now that I think about it, these ideas can totally be fused.

Gosh, I have one Zevcanis fic to write ( working title 'When Crows Fall' cuz it references how Lucanis and Zevran fall for each other while also referencing how Lucanis and Spite got together and all that ) and I didn't even start that and am already thinking about the next one. Like, I already have some title ideas and I can't decide already:

A Knife Beneath the Rose

Masks We Wear

The Contracts We Keep

The Crow Who Came Back

They all have something with 'A Knife Beneath the Rose' being more a play on Zevran's charm and deadliness, like beautiful things can still cut deep.

While 'Masks We Wear' is a reference to the not only the mask reveal scene but also the many other masks Zevran wears literally and figuratively. Could also somewhat reference to Lucanis

And 'The Contracts We Keep' is, again, a okay to the contract the crows made with Zevran and that he, to some extent, manipulated to Crows into making which they now can't break without looking like hypocrites

Lastly 'The Crow Who Came Back' plays not only into Zevrans reveal and his return to Antiva but also Lucanis return "from the dead"

So yeah, as you can see, to many ideas and too little time to write

[liviavanrouge]

Fashion Princess

Livia: *Walks through the schools halls, wearing a black off shoulder dress with fake green rose petals scattered around it, a line of roses replacing the ruffle, her hair up in pigtails being held together by flower headbands, large green rose earrings hanging from her ears*

Ace: WOAH LIVIA! IS THAT YOU!

Livia: *Looks over and waves* Hey boys

Deuce: W-wow...you look so pretty...

Silver: *Holds his baton against Deuce's neck, narrowing his eyes* She's always pretty

Deuce: Y-YES!! SHE ALWAYS IS!!!

Silver: *Removes the baton, nodding to Livia* Let's go

--

Vil: *Smiles, his Elf Pixie handing him his lipstick* Thank you, Pretty

Livia: *Walks in, wearing blue dress with ruffles, flower patterns along it with blue fake daisies, petals scattered across the chest part, her hair up in a bun with a braid around it* Vil?

Vil: *Looks over and drops his lipstick stunned* L-Livia?

Livia: Yes, Vil?

Vil: *Smiles wide* YOU LOOK GORGEOUS!! COME HERE!!!

Livia: O-oh okay *Walks over surprised*

Vil: Your dress is so pretty!

Livia: *Giggles as Vil circled her, studying her dress*

--

Trey: *Carries lemon tarts, heading to Diasomnia to give them to Livia*

Livia: *Walks out of Diasomnia's mirror, wearing a white dress with blue roses at the end of it and covering the chest part, blue thorn patterns decorating it with a blue bow around her waist facing the back, a ribbon clipped around her neck with flowers at the tips, her hair in a ponytail tied with a braid, a sapphire necklace around her neck*

Trey: *Sputters looking shocked* PIPSQUEAK!

Livia: *Looks over and beams* Oh hey Trey!

Trey: I've never seen you in a dress before...I'm sure nobody has!

Livia: Yeah, I only wear my dresses in Diasomnia, but Mal Mal says I'm allowed to wear them out if I so wished

Trey: I-I see, well here, I made you tarts

Livia: Thank you!

--

Ace: I'm serious guys! Livia looks like a fashion icon!

Deuce: *Nods in agreement* She looks outstandingly stunning!

Cater: Liv always wears tomboy clothes, so I'll believe it when I see it!

Riddle: *Points past Cater* Better see it and believe it now then, cause I am!

Cater: *Looks behind him and gasps*

Livia: *Walks through the hall with a book, wearing a sky blue off shoulder dress with purple freckle like spots around the skirt part, a large purple ribbon on the chest part with a large crystal blue diamond in the middle, rose patterns along the skirt of it, miniature bows around the waist part, a flower clip in her hair as her hair flowed down her back*

Cater: OMG!! LIV-CHAN!!!

Livia: *Perks up surprised* Cay Cay, hi!

Cater: Can I get a pic with you?!

Livia: *Beams and nods*Of course!

Cater: Yay, totes thank you!

--

Livia: *Reads a book on a bench, wearing a no sleeve dress with colored flower patterns across it, a bow coming out as a large rose around her waist, her hair in a high side ponytail*

Rook: How beaute your clothes are, Mademoiselle Flower Huntress!

Livia: *Looks up* Oh, thank you Rook!

Rook: Would you mind if I write a few poems about you?

Livia: Of course, write as many as you wish

Rook: OH! Such kindness! Thank you!

Livia: *Nods and looks back down at her book humming*

--

Livia: *Sits in Diasomnia, wearing a sky blue dress with an apron like front, a bow around her waist facing the back, black and white striped stockings on her reaching up to her knees, a black ribbon tied up in her hair*

Malleus: What inspired you to make this dress?

Lilia: *Laughs, smiling* A book about a girl who fell down a rabbit hole!

Malleus: Ah, I see

Epel: Liv, wanna come with me and the others

Livia: *Stands up, putting her shoes on* Of course!

Livia: *Hurries over to Epel, beaming*

--

Vil: *Checks the time, looking worried* Where is she, we'll be late

Golden: Oh, there she is..

Livia: *Walks over, wearing a white dress with a carnation pink tip, carnation pink mini bows decorated just above it, the same color bow tied around her waist adorned with a blue sapphire in the middle, pearls on the ribbons, her hair up in a ponytail with curls along with a headband that had bows on both ends both decorated with pearls, a white caplet with carnation pink freckle spots was around her shoulders, pink and white pearls draped around her neck, pearl earrings in her ears*

Vil: *Stares at her shocked* Oh..my..

Golden: *Chuckles* Malleus overdressed her

Livia: Sorry I'm late, Malleus was picky about my outfit!

Vil: He's certainly dressed you well!! I'm impressed!

Livia: *Laughs, beaming at him* He learned from my Mama!

Vil: So glad he did, hate to see what he'd put on you if he didn't, but enough talk let's go!

Livia: *Nods, following him and Golden*

[eiimiegames]

just saw the 1st warriors game post and i cant believe it generated the name "lightfall" thats SO gorgeous??? "palepuddle"???? anyway im cvurious abt what names like prefixes n suffixes ur using!!

My favourite name that got randomly generated is Bluebranch ☺️ so pretty that I might have to steal it to make an oc with! To answer your question, currently, Warriors: Generations uses a traditional naming system*. The player will be able to name cats or rename them, but the game will also randomly generate a name for some. When that happens, their prefix will be selected depending on the cat's appearance, and their suffix will be randomly selected. The github repository (raw code) of the game is linked on that post, so if you'd like, you can go poking around to see what names I'm using yourself! But here's a list of every prefix and suffix currently available in the game. Suffixes are limited (the classic traditional naming system usually has a very limited amount), so at some point I would like to add in some more, but it's not really a huge priority at the moment.

*Traditional naming system, for those who may not be aware, is a method of naming warriors that aims to follow more in line to the first arc books. If you'd like to learn more, I would highly recommend reading ailuronymy's blog.

Prefixes

Black Prefixes

Ant, Bat, Beetle, Black, Coot, Cormorant, Crow, Dark, Dipper, Fly, Ivy, Mole, Night, Privet, Rat, Raven, Rook, Sledge, Shade, Shadow, Sheep, Sloe, Slug, Soot, Spider, Starling, Swift

Blue Prefixes

Ash, Aspen, Aster, Birch, Bleak, Blizzard, Blue, Bream, Burdock, Cinder, Cuckoo, Comfrey, Crane, Dace, Dark, Dove, Evening, Falcon, Fir, Fly, Fog, Gadwall, Goose, Grey, Hail, Ivy, Juniper, Lavender, Minnow, Mint, Pigeon, Pine, Rain, Roach, Storm, Sycamore, Teasel, Thistle, Thrift, Thrush, Thyme, Vervain, Willow, Wisteria

Brown Prefixes

Acorn, Adder, Alder, Ant, Argus, Barley, Bat, Beech, Beetle, Bittern, Boulder, Bramble, Brambling, Briar, Brown, Buzzard, Carp, Cedar, Chub, Curlew, Cypress, Dark, Deer, Dipper, Duck, Dunnock, Dusk, Dust, Eagle, Eel, Elder, Elm, Fallow, Fawn, Frog, Goose, Grouse, Gudgeon, Hare, Harrier, Hazel, Honey, Ivy, Jay, Kestrel, Lamprey, Larch, Lark, Limpet, Linnet, Lizard, Loach, Marten, Mink, Minnow, Mosquito, Moth, Mouse, Mud, Muntjac, Nightingale, Oak, Oat, Otter, Owl, Partridge, Pebble, Pheasant, Pipit, Pike, Quail, Rabbit, Rail, Rat, Reed, Robin, Rock, Rudd, Rush, Rye, Sedge, Shell, Shrew, Snail, Snake, Sparrow, Spider, Stone, Swift, Tawny, Teasel, Tiger, Thrush, Toad, Trout, Twite, Vole, Weasel, Weevil, Whimbrel, Whinchat, Wren, Yew

Red Prefixes

Ant, Apple, Asphodel, Burnet, Campion, Chanterelle, Cherry, Cypress, Daisy, Dawn, Fire, Fox, Fritillary, Ginger, Heather, Holly, Honey, Hornet, Lion, Maple, Marigold, Morning, Pear, Plum, Poppy, Red, Rose, Rowan, Russet, Skipper, Stoat, Tawny, Thrift, Tiger, Valerian, Wasp, Wisteria, Yarrow

Golden Prefixes

Acorn, Apple, Asphodel, Bee, Carp, Chanterelle, Clover, Daffodil, Daisy, Dawn, Fennel, Fritillary, Golden, Gorse, Honey, Hornet, Laburnum, Larch, Leopard, Lightning, Lion, Maple, Marigold, Morning, Oat, Reed, Rush, Rye, Sand, Tansy, Wax, Wasp, Yellow

Bi (Two-Colored) Prefixes

Avocet, Badger, Bright, Chub, Cuckoo, Diver, Duck, Dunlin, Godwit, Gull, Heron, Knot, Lamprey, Lichen, Loon, Magpie, Martin, Mottle, Nerite, Pansy, Patch, Plover, Shrike, Swift, Tern

Tri (Three-Colored) Prefixes

Brambling, Cherry, Comma, Ember, Fritillary, Gannet, Kestrel, Leech, Leopard, Lichen, Lizard, Maple, Morning, Newt, Pansy, Pochard, Robin, Shell, Skipper, Sorrel, Sycamore, Toad, Trout, Wigeon

Pattern Prefixes

Adder, Aspen, Ash, Avocet, Badger, Bee, Birch, Bittern, Blizzard, Bramble, Briar, Bright, Brindle, Buzzard, Cedar, Cuckoo, Curlew, Dapple, Diver, Duck, Dunnock, Elder, Falcon, Fleck, Fly, Frog, Fritillary, Gull, Heron, Ivy, Jay, Juniper, Kestrel, Kite, Knot, Leech, Leopard, Lichen, Loach, Loon, Magpie, Moth, Mottle, Nerite, Newt, Owl, Patch, Pheasant, Pike, Pipit, Plover, Quail, Robin, Salamon, Sheep, Shrike, Sleet, Slug, Smoke, Snail, Snake, Sparrow, Speckle, Spider, Spotted, Swallow, Tern, Teasel, Tiger, Toad, Trout, Twite, Wasp, Whimbrel, Whinchat, Wren

White Prefixes

Blizzard, Campion, Chervil, Cloud, Clover, Comfrey, Dandelion, Daisy, Egret, Frost, Garlic, Hemlock, Holly, Laurel, Light, Lightning, Lily, Mallow, Mistletoe, Pale, Pear, Plum, Privet, Shell, Sheep, Sloe, Snow/Ice, Swan, Valerian, White, Wisteria, Yarrow

Suffixes

All Suffixes berry, blaze, blossom, breeze, burr, claw, cloud, dapple, dash, dawn, dust, ear, eye, face, fall, fang, feather, fern, fire, flame, flower, foot, frost, fur, gaze, heart, jaw, mist, leaf, leap, leg, light, nose, pelt, petal, poppy, pounce, puddle, shine, song, splash, spring, step, storm, stream, strike, stripe, snow, spirit, speckle, tail, talon, thistle, toe, tooth, tuft, watcher, water, whisker, whisper, willow, wind, wing, wish

I hope this answered your question! ❤️

[parallel-selfs]

Birthday gifts (Second year)

Heartslabyul

Tea leaves (Riddle)

Purple crescent moon notebook (Trey)

Heart-shaped teacup (Cater)

Omurice (Deuce)

Mug that reads "NRC's Official Big Sister" (Ace)

Savanaclaw

Bouquet of vibrant flowers +kiss on the cheek (Leona)

Compliments +eating donuts (Ruggie)

Sport watch (Jack)

Octovinelle

Board game (Azul)

Tea press (Jade)

Box of sweets (Floyd)

Scarabia

Onesie +magic carpet ride (Kalim)

Cutlery set (Jamil)

Pomefiore

Beauty products (Vil)

Rose patterned handkerchief (Rook)

Barbeque (Epel)

Ignihyde

Favorite manga and light novel set (Idia)

Words of gratitude (Ortho)

Diasomnia

Music box w/ a song (Malleus) wrote

*Protection ring (Lilia)

Wild strawberry poundcake (Silver)

Favorite novel (Sebek)

Starryal

Photo together (Grim)

CD of favorite artist (Taliesin)

Homemade starry cape (Theodore)

*Magically protects the wearer from harmful magic like mind controlling, weakening of body and/or mind, illness, memory erasing, etc. The ring can only be removed by the wearer.

While Lilia was thinking about a gift for her birthday, worries of what could happen in her third year played in his mind. He sees Alice as a daughter based on how it feels like she belongs in his family. He knows how strong she is from all of the challenges she bravely faced. However, she's not a trained knight like Silver and Sebek, she hasn't used magic most of her life like her friends. If something happens, there's no guarantee she can defend herself.

Therefore, he asked old friends of his to help him enchant a ring for her, allowing them to add their own options on what the ring could protect her from.

[qqueenofhades]

Hello. I also got drawn in by the Rook and the Rose yelling and just finished book 3.

The OT3 are so good. So many small moments but like - the wedding day, with its many many layers. The moment with the Rook costume - that strange intimacy of lending Vargo part of Grey's own mind at a moment when Vargo's thoughts cannot be trusted. That moment when Vargo and Ren are just honest with each other, when she can be honest with nobody else. Also the whole Trials thing (like, every single aspect of it. What the fuck. If I was meant to come out of that thinking that only Grey and Ren were the endgame I will eat my fucking hat. The rest of this story is told too intentionally for that not to be intentional as well).

On another note I got kind of fascinated by the differences in speech patterns between the Vraszenians and the Nadezrans/Liganti - like, based on the way that the Vraszenians speak/the voice Ren uses when she is leaning into that side of her heritage, Vraszenian so obviously puts the negative particle in a different place to Nadezran. I think it also has different word order around adjectives - I would have to go through with a fine tooth comb and work out what those differences are, which I don't know if I can be bothered to do. But anyway, the Vraszenian speech patterns are different from the Nadezran ones in an internally consistent way, and people use that throughout to make statements about belonging/exclusion, and it was a fun detail to puzzle out as I went.

Anyway, all this to say thank you for yelling about this, lol, I don't think I would have encountered it otherwise and I enjoyed it

YES. YES. My single-handed power in dragging y'all into this tiny, tiny fandom was really shockingly effective, and I regret Nothing.

Also, uh, yeah. Yeah, there's no way in hell we're expected to think that only Grey/Ren are endgame (the Trials also made me yell and kick my feet and gnaw my fist for this exact reason) because, as you say, the rest of the story is too multi-layered, careful, and intentional for all that deliberate Grey/Ren/Vargo foreshadowing and paralleling to be an accident. COME ON. I first yelled about the need for the OT3 to be real at the end of Liar's Knot, and Labyrinth's Heart vindicated me WAY beyond what I actually ever expected. So. Yeah.

As for the world-building, I think I recall reading that the authors met at an anthropology conference, which makes total sense when you look at the richness of the magic system, the lore, the language, the cultural commentary/development, and all the rest. Which is why I would need to do a full re-read of the series before I even thought about any theoretical fic, because there's just so MUCH and it's so detailed and well developed. But because the people (well, me and the other hapless bystanders I have dragged in here with me) need Book 4 stat, and I am nothing if not good at writing long and plotty novel-length fics, it is a distinct possibility. So. We will see. Ahem.

[nine-blessed-hero]

A Floral Surprise

Universe: TESIV: Oblivion, Modern AU (post-Crisis) Warnings: Swearing (if you speak Bulgarian) Words: 730 Context: Written for the TES Summer Fest prompt "In Bloom". Taglist (ask +/-): @tes-summer-fest @mishkakagehishka @arcane-elder-scrolls @bread-of-death @writeblrsupport Or read on AO3

Dawn crept along the streets of London as if chasing the shadowed heels of the lean figure as it lept a fence and scaled a wall, delicately prising open a second-floor window. Special attention was paid to a small black plastic nub, a silvery cap placed over it, before the figure slithered through the window, landing with the lightest of thuds.

The figure padded down the corridor, deftly dancing over pockets of worn wood and ducking to avoid the occasional camera, to pause at the top of the stairs. A large hard case was removed from their back, and from within was withdrawn a bag. Onto the balustrade's finial was hooked a garland of yellow gerbera daisies, and down the stairs were scattered the wide, yellow petals of a rose. Sweetness filled the stairwell as the rose's gentle perfume osmosed through the space.

The figure paused a few steps away from the bottom of the stair, wary of the black-suited guard posted there. The guard made no move indicating that they had noticed the figure's presence, save for a light sniffing of the air. A small pebble was sent flying over the guard's head, to rattle somewhere in the dining room. The guard twisted towards the sound, hand hovering on his comms. The figure sent another pebble chiming to join the first. When the guard moved to investigate, the figure trotted down the stairs, and, on light feet, slipped through the door to the kitchen.

There, the figure hurried. From a cabinet came two vases, their bottoms filled with water, and a bouquet of black-eyed susans, yellow roses, pale carnations and emerald foliage was arranged in each. From the very bottom of the hard case came a cast iron pan, yellow ribbon arranged on the handle as it was placed between the vases on the kitchen's island counter. The figure stood back, taking a moment to admire the arrangement. A bird sang outside, the dawn reaching golden fingers to peak over the back fence at it. With a tip of the head, the figure turned towards the kitchen door. In the hallway, the guard was nowhere to be seen. The figure slipped from the kitchen, across the hall, and into the lounge.

As they closed the door, there came a noise from behind. The figure turned. A hulking man bore down upon them. The figure hissed as they were scooped up, one meaty hand around their neck, the other reaching for a radio "Isaryo!" The figure yanked up their balaclava, revealing a pale, freckled face, cobalt-bright blue eyes and wisps of auburn hair. "It's me!" "Čort vaźmi!" Belisarius hissed back, lowering his hands. "Rook. What are you doing?" "Anniversary business. Plus a little light PEN test. What're you doing?" Belisarius grinned. "Same," he said, jutting his head towards a stack of books sitting on the coffee table, surrounded by a spray of red roses, purple irises, miniature sunflowers and pink poppies. "You planned egress through patio? "'S easier to pick than the back door, yeah?" "Ne." Belisarius nodded his head, scratching at his collarbone, over which spidered a traditional embroidery pattern, rendered in red ink. "If you are PEN test, I have caught you, da? Egress through the front door." Aderyn sucked on her teeth. "I coulda tased ya. Carry on through the patio, over the fence and down next-door's side wall?" He cocked an eyebrow. "I am big man. I make a loud noise when I fall." "Aww, c'mon Isaryo. I go back out there, Maborel Junior's gonna pitch a fit and ruin the surprise for both of 'em." Belisarius shook his head. "Da, is true." He clicked his tongue with a hint of a smile. "My mother tells me – do not argue with the red-haired woman. Fine. We do it your way. Come come." Carefully they passed the display and Belisarius keyed open the patio door. "I see you at 6:30, da? For dinner." Aderyn frowned as she slipped out. "I thought they was going to some fancy schmoozy place?" "Da. But I have permission to use the kitchen. Is much bigger than my place, eh? I make you, Jena and some of the boys traditional dinner from home." "Oh. Cheers. Want me to bring anything?" Belisarius huffed out a chuckle. "A bottle of red and your appetite." "Gotcha." Aderyn grinned. "Later then." "Later."

[swagalicioussquids]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who reblogged something from you! get to know your mutuals and followers ♡

We uh. Couldn't agree on a collective list. So here, have… 20 different "5 things that make you happy" lists. ✨

This probably goes without saying, but these are A) non-exhaustive and B) not necessarily in order.

Also, we banned ourselves from directly listing friends/family/partners because folks with a lot of loved ones were running out of space to list… anything else. lists under a cut because wow this got long:

🕯️ Nuri 🕯️

Orange things

Glowy things (candles, fairy lights, fireflies, etc.)

Nice comments on my writing (the more specific the better)

Shavuot

Talking to friends

🦀 Deyan 🦀

Cladograms

Art of my characters

Identifying amphipods

Silly pranks

Watching birds move

🐺 Mulch 🐺

Cats

Poetry

Plants (with a particular nod towards cosmos flowers and apple trees)

Honeycrisp apples

Puzzles

🌊 Boaty 🌊

Reading and writing smut

Being on boats

Dark chocolate

Party games with friends

Writing and receiving letters

👁️‍🗨️ [narrator] 👁️‍🗨️

Parrots

Spooky art with hopeful messages

Welcome to Nightvale

Eye motifs

Happy animal rescue stories

🪶 Datura 🪶

Children

Foggy weather

Mushrooms

Mosquitoes

Witnessing kindness towards children or oft-maligned animals

⛈️ Ezekiel ⛈️

Thunderstorms

Fireflies

Otters

Emojis

Learning about heroes

💀 Haunt 💀

Shopping (especially in new places!)

Watching cartoons

Boba tea

Listening to Nettle read

Clothes with fun or spooky patterns on them

🌵 Nettle 🌵

Sharing stories

Language preservation efforts

Forests

Dangerous plants

The company of family, including the chosen variety

🏹 Rook 🏹

Live acoustic music

Horses

Dogs

Romantic stories

Learning about history

☄️ Matt ☄️

Dwarf planets

Kitchen disaster fics

Sci fi

Sweat bees

Science memes

🌹 Roan 🌹

Being outdoors

Flowers (particularly roses)

Seeing my loved ones happy

Pleasant nature smells

A bit of good-natured mischief

☀️ Naeem ☀️

Roleplaying

Reading

Riding cars with the windows open

The sun

Puzzle games

🦝 Sariq 🦝

WINNING!! >:3

Raccoons

Pranks

Chaos

Rare steaks

🌨️ Snow 🌨️

Bunnies!

Sweet pastries

Spooky stories with happy endings

Pokémon

Making D&D characters

🐅 Biao 🐅

White tigers

Martial arts

Cartoons

Kids

Dance Dance Revolution

🔥 S'mores 🔥

Marshmallows

Beef ribs

Stories about dragons

Pop music

Camping

🪡 Silkworm 🪡

Pretty fiber arts (especially embroidery)

Spider webs covered in dew

Beautiful moths and butterflies

Stained glass windows

Being showed things that made people think of me

🦂 Fang 🦂

Karaoke

Pranks

Dancing

Comfy clothes

Trans and aroace pride stuff

⚡ Amarillo ⚡

YELLOW!!!

Pokémon

Coloring with twist-up crayons

Plushies

Silly stories

[kyndaris]

When the River Meets the Sea

I don't tend to hype up books or signal boost ones I like too much but, as you, dear readers know, there is a series I've stumbled upon in recent years that I am most enthusiastic about. Why it isn't a TikTok darling is a mystery to me. The cover is GORGEOUS, the plot a work of GENIUS and the characters are some of the most lovable I've ever set my mind's eye on. Don't even get me started on the world-building!

The work of fiction, of course, is none other than the Rook and the Rose trilogy by Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms. AKA M.A. Carrick - the pseudonym they chose to write under.

From the moment I cracked open the first book and stepped in the city of Nadezra, I was spellbound. Quickly, I came to love the world within those 600 or so pages. But if I have to shout out one character who resonated strongly with me, it would be Ren.

Hers is a story many may know. An orphan with no name trying to eke out a living in an unforgiving city.

While many fantasy authors these days tend to make their protagonists thieves or assassins or royalty in disguise, Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms went a different route. Yes, Ren is a thief and con artist but she isn't a character living on the fringes of high society. Instead, she throws right into the political machinations of the gentry and find a way to put her name onto a noble family register. Along the way, she makes new allies, finds love and gets adopted into a loving family. And all through the use of her silver tongue and skill at pattern-reading.

As such, she's a refreshing protagonist when so many are either hyper-sexualised (although she isn't afraid to use her feminine wiles to her advantage) or turned into another stoic caricature of what people think a strong female protagonist has to be. In all honesty, it's probably how she relies on her wit rather than brawn to win battles that won me over.

The city of Nadezra, too, is a the perfect microcosm of many issues our current world faces when it comes to the divide between ricfh and poor, white and black. True, the Vraszenians are more akin to gypsies rather than, say, African-Americans or Indigenous Australians but their struggle is similar. Nadezra, after all, is the holy city of the Vraszenians, conquered by the Liganti (a light-skinned race with many of their attitudes reflecting that of the Western European gentry although their names were very Italian-esque).

In the history of the world, it was the Tyrant King who first took control. Though he died centuries ago, the city of Nadezra, has, however, remained in the hands of the Liganti. Their control of the city remaining tight due to the influence of special medallions charged with the power of a Primordial.

While the third book in the trilogy, Labyrinth's Heart, manages to resolve these issues by the end, I thought it poignant the authors made it clear the racism and institutionalised disadvantages the Vraszenians faced hadn't completely vanished overnight. House Traementis, while being more open-minded to befriending Vraszenians and granting them contracts was still trying to unlearn many of the prejudices they held.

Still, the fact Ren is of mixed heritage and that she saved the city numerous times with Vraszenian, Liganti and mixed blood Nadezrans allies was an important step towards equality and making a fairer multicultural society.

It also helped this was a fictional fantasy novel where such problems can be more easily resolved. Nevertheless, I liked the inherent message within that diplomacy rather than violence is the key to navigating differences. Of course, for it to work, both parties need to approach the thorny issue of past grievances in good faith. Nothing would get done if people held onto old grudges instead of setting such things aside. That isn't to say compensation shouldn't be paid to those that have suffered.

I'm sure in the world of Nadezra, there is still many things that will need to be addressed but I'm also appreciate of the fact the conflict between the two races wasn't so black and white. In fact, the extremists among the Vraszenians were also a threat Ren and her allies needed to manage.

But while racism and the impact of one's cultural and socio-economic status play large roles in the narrative, I felt the crux of The Rook and the Rose trilogy, was the theme of family. If anything, given it's a trilogy with three main characters it revolves around, I'd say it was a fitting theme given the Tricat numinatria represented family as well as the number three in the world's lore.

And who would have thought this fantastic story would all come from the two authors playing a table-top role-playing game?

Certainly not me!

Which is why I would like like to see these books being boosted more on social media. Be it BookTube (thank you Reads with Rachel for showing off Mask of Mirrors) or Booktok. After all, can you imagine this wondrous and colourful world being turned into a TV adaption? Just the set dressing and costume design has me salivating given how much attention Alyc Helms has given.

Now that Shadow and Bone and its spinoff Six of Crows has been cancelled, what better faux European world to have fun in? When you also mix in the brooding Rook and the scheming Vargo, the cast of characters are set. The Rook and the Rose is one part Game of Thrones, one part Bridgerton high society (at least, I assume that's what Bridgerton is all about. I've never watched it) and one part Lies of Locke Lamora/ Six of Crows. Viewers would get to see the inner workings of the nobles and how Ren manages to disrupt their very conservative views by showing off her arms without sleeves! And then, maybe in the same episode, we could see how the other side lives as Ren dons the disguise of a szorza to figure out why children are disappearing in the city.

Heck, you even have the terrifying zylzen to be your creepy CGI enemies Ren and her allies will have to do battle with!

And then in the second season, you get to enjoy a nice cruise on the river before the plot embroils us all into a secret cult!

It just makes sense!

Throw in the very liberal view when it comes to LGBTQI+ relationships and you have a WINNER!

Please, anyone, if you're a TV producer, I'd really like to see the Rook and the Rose as a television series. Can you just IMAGINE the playground the writers could have with this world and setting? It's CRIMINAL not to adapt it to the silver screen.

Anyways, that was my many cents take on a trilogy I stumbled upon at my local Kinokuniya and immediately fell in love with at the first sight of the cover. And while I'm sad Ren's story has come to an end, I would like to dive back into the world Marie and Alyc have created to see what else the world has to offer.

Like Seteris!

Or whatever adventures Alsius might be having in the Realm of the Mind.

I'll miss you, Mr Peabody.

Someone, anyone, please draw me a picture of a green spider wearing gloves. I beg of you!

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb: “Lush, engrossing and full of mystery and dark magic" (BookPage), Labyrinth's Heart is the thrilling conclusion to M. A. Carrick's Rook & Rose trilogy, in which a con artist, a vigilante, and a crime lord become reluctant allies in the quest to save their city from a dangerous ancient magic.

May you see the face and not the mask.

Ren came to Nadežra with a plan. She would pose as the long-lost daughter of the noble house Traementis. She would secure a fortune for herself and her sister. And she would vanish without a backward glance. She ought to have known that in the city of dreams, nothing is ever so simple.

Now, she is Ren, con-artist and thief. But she is also Renata, the celebrated Traementis heir. She is Arenza, the mysterious pattern-reader and political rebel. And she is the Black Rose, a vigilante who fights alongside the legendary Rook. 

Even with the help of Grey Serrado and Derossi Vargo, it is too many masks for one person to wear. And as the dark magic the three of them helped unleash builds to storm that could tear the very fabric of the city apart, it's only a matter of time before one of the masks slips—and everything comes crashing down around them.

Review:

The finale to a fantastic fantasy series filled with romance, mystery, magic and so much more! A con artist, a vigilante, and a crime lord all come together to not only save their city from dangerous ancient magic but to find an unlikely bond between friendship, romance, and family. Ren is now posed as the long lost daughter of a noble house, she's secured money for her sister and herself... and she had planned on vanishing without a backward glance until she became a con-artist and thief while juggling her other identity as a political rebel... and her other identity as the black Rose, a vigilante who fights alongside the city's own legendary Rook... who just happens to be the man she's fallen in love with. Grey, the once captain of the Vigil city guard and secret vigilante hero Rook, has now lost his Rook abilities and has left his job in the Vigil, yet he still will do anything to protect the city and the woman he loves as well as his new unlikely friendship with the crime lord Vargo. Vargo use to be a crime lord but now he, Grey, and Ren all hold magical coins that could destroy them all, they have to find a way to save the city from the dangerous magic that is threatening to tear it apart as well as the threats to their own lives as their own villains and secrets are coming out to destroy them. Ren has to find a way to finally confess the truth to the family she conned but now loves as her own and the fact that a person from her past has finally come to town and she demands Ren do what she wants or else.. while Grey has to find a way to continue as the Rook without the magical ghost in him and Vargo has to deal with his position in the city as well as the aftermath of the magical injuries he received and his partnership with his spider friend. This was such a fun and complex series to read. I loved the characters and their journey and getting to see them grow. Seriously this is a great series for fans of fantasy books with high politics and world building, filled with schemes, cons, magic and more!

*Thanks Netgalley and Orbit Books, Orbit for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[spindlebeforesunset]

Pranksters and the Pranked

(because it is April Fools at my place already)

Ace Trappola - prankster

• got their other two roommates to participate in pranking Deuce

• set the room clock 3 hours later than usual

• while the two roommates were "busy preparing for the school day" at 2 am, Ace flicks open the lights and starts turning them on and off and shouts "OI DEUCE WAKE UP, WE'RE LATE"

• he finally yeets a pillow at Deuce's face to wake him up

Deuce Spade - pranked

• a very confused Deuce wakes up, sees that the three of them are already dressed, looks at the clock, and panic dresses himself

• "wheresmyhomeworkwheresmyhomework-"

• only when he runs out in the rose garden does he finally see that, it's still nighttime, no he isn't late, and yes, his sleep was ruined

• trudges back to the dorm room where he finds them all cracking up

• he chucks a pillow at Ace before promptly flopping back on his bed

• with his shoes on (n a s t y)

---

Cater Diamond - prankster

• has a plastic cockroach toy in his pocket as he is to serve Riddle tea again on this fine day

• Riddle is having a nice time admiring the roses and often sticks his teacup out for Cater to fill

• while Riddle is inspecting a rose, Cater pours the tea and slips the plastic cockroach inside the teacup as well

• he doesn't change his expression when he hands back the teacup

Riddle Rosehearts - pranked

• Riddle sips the warm tea and feels something solid touching his lips

• he looks down

• immediately drops the teacup starts screaming there's a fucking cockroach in the teacup

• he realizes that Cater is doubled over laughing so he takes the opportunity to whoop Cater's head before storming off

---

Trey Clover - pranked

• he's bored and decides to make cookies

• he double checks the chocolate chips bag to ensure that they were not replaced with chocolate covered raisins like what Che'nya did last year

• no raisins, so he shrugs his shoulders that Che'nya had really ran out of ideas after many years

• takes out the ingredients necessary for the cookies and starts to mix the ingredients

• the process is going fine until he cracks an egg

• there's no liquid yolk pouring out

• he looks at the insides and finds that the egg has been fully hardboiled

• "... I should've known better," he sighs

• somewhere in the kitchen, an invisible RSA student laughs

---

Ruggie Bucchi - prankster

• gives Leona a package that appears to be from Cheka as there is a letter written in crayon and with childish handwriting

• stands near Leona's bed when he opens it

Leona Kingscholar - pranked

• he doesn't expect anything except maybe a small zebra toy

• but when he shakes the package and heard nothing he immediately thinks it is sus AF

• he glares at Ruggie, but even Ruggie doesn't appear to know anything

• he tears the wrapper, opens the box, and reads the words written ddirectly at the bottom: when will I get paid :(

• "Nice try Ruggie, I'll think about it."

• before he crashes back to his pillow, he sees Ruggie face droop along with his ears

Jack Howl - the only safe one

• by some miracle, the only student in school who did not fall into a prank

---

Floyd Leech - prankster

• beware Floyd and his pranks, because he will prank just about anybody

• he started with Azul, sneaking in Azul's bedroom (with the latter still asleep) and replacing Azul's glasses with glasses with lens he colored in black marker

• next, while Jade is in the bathroom, he replaces Jade's usual school tie with one that shifts colour and pattern every hour or so (now, it currently looks like the regular school tie)

• set up buckets full of water in the first year classrooms (Epel was dowsed in one, Sebek too, the last being Grim)

• handed Divus a blank assignment (written in invisible ink), but before Divus can even scold him, he passes the paper near a fire where the answers finally appear where Divus takes it with a huff

Azul Ashengrotto - pranked

• he wakes up and puts on his glasses by the bedside table

• how come he can't see

• it takes his sort of sleepy self two minutes to put two and two together

• instantly groans, knowing that Floyd definitely has his real glasses

Jade Leech - pranked

• he puts on his tie as he normally would and walks out the room

• when Ruggie asks him why his tie looked so funky in the middle of the day, he takes it off and finds that it has a silly banana pattern

• facepalms

• h a r d

• that he walked around with who-knows-a-probably-weirder-pattern around the school

---

Kalim Al-Asim - prankster & pranked

• harmlessly pranked by Jamil when he believed the milk was coconut juice (was kinda disappointed though)

• has slapped whoopee cushions everywhere underneath all the seats in Scarabia just for the heck of it to the chagrin of practically everyone

• asks Silver what's up with his blazer because what even is that

Jamil Viper - prankster

• he started with Kalim and the cocount juice

• knew full well that the seats were full of whoopee cushions and avoids sitting on all of them

• managed to trick Grim that he had tuna cans and when he gave Grim one, he excused himself that he had somewhere to go

• he watches hidden behind a pillar as Grim opens the tuna can and finds nothing but sand inside

• has to kick himself to stop his laughter from seeing Grim's disappointed face

---

Rook Hunt - prankster

• he was going to prank both Vil and Epel, but after hearing how the latter was dowsed in water for first period, decides to just prank Vil

• slaps cake icing inside an empty and expensive lotion bottle and wraps it with a ribbon

• he runs to Vil in the dormitory after classes and says it was left near his doorstep so tue sender must've mixed the rooms up

• unfortunately, Vil's door is closed on him

Vil Schoenheit - pranked

• after deciding not to scold Epel with the water fiasco, he takes the lotion bottle from Rook and takes it to his room, not seeing the "and I oop" face

• he squirts out a small amount of lotion on his palm and finds that it smells... weirdly fruity

• suspicious now, he rubs it with his palms and (despite all what he knew about beauty products) licks a tiny bit of it to confirm what it was

• blueberry icing

• "... well, it could have been worse."

• ends up tripping where he uses his hands to break the fall and realizes what a big mistake he's made with his sticky palms

• internally groans

Epel Felmier - pranked (can we get an F)

• as soon as he feels his clothes get wet and the bucket land on his head, he knew he was fucked for the whole day and goes through classes with a sheepish expression

---

Idia Shroud - pranked

• he decides to go outside and get something from the vending machine for once

• takes one step out and slides on a rug by his doorstep that was never there before

• "This is a warning, so maybe I'll just stay inside as always."

• gets back to his room where Ortho asks if he was just pranked as today was April Fools

• "...yep, I'm staying here the whole day."

• "Brother, no."

• unfortunately, they don't know who set up that rug

---

Lilia Vanrouge - prankster

• the only person who can and will prank Malleus Draconia

• he hides a small and cheap speaker at full blast (connected to his phone) inside Malleus' closet the day prior

• plays the end part of In the Hall of the Mountain King in a loop at exactly 3 am and everyone hears it in the halls

• tricks Sebek to believe that his crappily made cake would give whoever ate it additional strength, claiming the recipe was well-known back in his day

• swaps the black coffee powder with powdered chocolate milk just because

• swaps Silver's blazer with a seemingly normal one, but the back reads: If lost, return to Malleus

Malleus Draconia - pranked

• that music is straight up panic inducing and hurries to find it

• ends up finding it half an hour and yeets it out the window because he can't turn it off

• he's annoyed but goes back to sleep

• is huffy that he can't have coffee

• promptly confused why Silver is brought to him near lunch break until he sees what's at Silver's blazer at the back

• "Did he just..."

Sebek Zigvolt - pranked

• additional strength from the cake you say? THE BETTER TO SERVE WAKA-SAMA

• does not see the already facepalming Silver preparing the morning coffee

• takes a mouthful of it and starts chewing it before realizing something was not right

• "Sebek, I didn't think you would actually eat it. I made it bad on purpose."

• now that's a way to add insult to injury

• if he thought his morning was not already humiliating enough, he gets dowsed in water by Floyd's bucket

• him the whole day be like (;*△*;)

Silver

• poor Silver already knew full well of Lilia's antics, yet he still has no way out of it

• he puts on his blazer, not expecting anything wrong

• the powdered milk instead of coffee did annoy him though

• however, when Kalim shoves him to Malleus near lunch, he's shook

• until Kalim tells him to take off his blazer to show the both of them what was embroidered at the back

• "You mean I went out like this?"

• "It appears so," says Malleus

• "Oof," from Kalim

[mistwraiths]

4 stars

The Mask of Mirrors was such an intricate book and proof that if you take cherished concepts of girl conning a noble family and setting in into a new background and dabbling in fantasy magic and throwing in a large mystery, it feels fresh.

This book actually has a lot going on. Ren conning her way into a noble family that is on the downfall. Leato is trying to find justice for his friend's brother. Grey, who works for the Vigil (cops), is trying to not only find out who killed his brother but trying to save the children on the street who are getting taken and then dying from being unable to sleep. Vargo who is attempting to also get himself into an ennoblement charter to make him more official and noble instead of just the legitimate business who used to be a crime lord. There's also in the background and used as trouble later, the unrest and prejudice and stolen city/history/culture of the Vrasenians and the Liganti people.

On top of that, there's even more characters and halfway through the book we are introduced finally to this magic system. Unfortunately, I don't quite understand it very much. Lines and maybe symbols, but numbers too? And focuses. The Vrazenians also believe in the Pattern and pattern reading, which is similar a bit to tarot reading but it isn't typical tarot cards. There's also gods mentioned and a God's dream and what seems to be certain people born at certain times can enter the dream world? Or maybe it's just Vrazenians? The magic fantasy part of this series is actually not explained in detail and confusing at times. If you don't think about it too hard you can still enjoy it.

Honestly, the non-fantasy parts are just as interesting and I'm invested. The characters are all well written. I care about all of them and I was so shocked when a certain character died! Again, I was shocked when another character was shown at the end to possibly be worse than I thought and I hope not!

The Rook mystery kept me on my toes the entire book! It was brilliantly done because I kept guessing and second guessing myself. The reveal was so good and satisfying and a nice shock. But WHEN the hell does that character sleep?? Speaking of, when Ren was unable to sleep those chapters were intense and relayed a feeling of exhaustion that really hit home. Not being able to sleep would be HORRIBLE.

This book was SO long though and while its written well and paints a beautiful picture of a fantasy Venice with its canals and islands, things move very slowly. This is not a fast paced book in the slightest and the fantasy elements don't even show up until much later in the book. I would have liked a more easier explanation of the Numinat system in the book. I would have liked more explanation about the pattern and the Vrazenians gods. There's a small glossary at the end but it doesn't do enough.

Also, let's address the biggest elephant in that book. No one, I mean absolutely no one, was bothered by Leato and Ren possibly marrying or getting involved with each other. Like?????? Hello??? They are FIRST COUSINS??? Ok yes, I know Ren isn't blood related at all but nobody knew that????

Overall, it was really good and interesting! I'm glad Ren cares for the family she's conning herself into and cares for HER family too. I'm SUPER interested in what Vargo is involved with and what's the deal with Alsius and his spider too. And Grey!!! Love him and I hope to see more of him. I'm also excited to see what the Rook will do now and if Ren will pick up the Rose outlaw.

[twstrhythm]

“Topsey turvey and upside down! It’s easy to lose your way. Confusing, isn’t it?”

Technical Information:

Name: Matthew Topps Nicknames: Clownfishie (Floyd); Monsieur Hat (Rook); Hatter (Ester); Red (Aaron); Matty Hatty (Sterling) Voice Actor: Yuki Kaji (Meliodas, Nanatsu no Taizai)

Biological Information:

Gender: Male Pronouns: He/Him Age: 17 Birthday: February 22 Star Sign: Pisces Height: 175 cm Hair color: Red Eye color: Blue Homeland: Queendom of Roses Family: Mother †; Father †; Aunt; 3 female cousins

Professional Status:

School: Night Raven College Dorm: Heartslabyul School Year: Second Class: 2-E Student Number: 22 Occupation: Student Club: Equestrian Club Best Subject: Biology

Fun facts:

Dominant hand: Left Favorite Food: Macaroons Least Favorite Food: Brussel Sprouts Dislikes: Squirrels Hobbies: Having tea parties Talents: Master tea maker

Appearance:

Matthew is a boy with long red hair that he keeps tied in a ponytail. He has deep blue eyes. Normally, he wears some sort of hat with any outfit he has. However, there are some cases where he cannot. He wears the standard school uniform.

Personality:

Matthew calls himself a people pleaser, but he could really do without interacting with other people. He prefers to have time to himself and to be alone. However, he tries to be patient with other people, but he can snap pretty quickly if someone is irritating to him.

Background:

Matthew doesn’t know very much about his own parents having grown up living with his Aunt. She had raised him as far as he remembers, but he still respects her. He had once asked her what happened to his family and had learned that they had died in an accident, but he was not given any information farther than that. Despite that, he is content with the answers he has been given.

Matthew typically tries to keep his Aunt and cousins in a good mood, so he was hesitant when he was accepted into Night Raven College. It took some time, but they were able to reassure him that everything would be alright if he went.

Skills and Abilities

Botanical Knowledge: Matthew knows a lot about different kinds of plants. He is aware of which plants are poisonous and which ones are not. He knows how to determine the ones that are safe for consumption.

Emotional Awareness: He knows how to read body language so that he knows what a person’s mood is. He uses this skill to avoid people who knows are in a bad mood or people who are too cheerful for his liking.

On the spot planning: He prefers to create plans on the spot rather than ahead of time. To him, that takes the excitement out of things.

Magical Skill: He is skilled in magic, particularly flora magic. He has great control over his magic, but he does not is not able to minimize damage done to his surroundings.

Unique Magic:

Matthew’s Unique Magic is known as To The Mad Tea Party. It randomly affects the things around him. This can vary from changing the size, color, or pattern of an object to changing the gravity of the area within a 5 foot radius of himself. He has no control over what happens and has trouble reverting things to normal.

Chant: "Things looking dull?  Come along now, I can show you some fun. Off we go, To The Mad Tea Party!"

Trivia:

Matthew is based on the Mad Hatter.

He has a whole hat collection.

At least one hat per outfit.

He doesn’t have one for his ceremonial robes.

He loves his cousins and Aunt dearly.

[tsukikoayanosuke]

Behind the Fic: How To - Research Epel (feat. Various Others)

Reading Epel card for research purpose and I learn some things:

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Epel PE Uniform

So, is the Flying Lesson elective or the whole PE lesson is elective?

Epel likes floral pattern embroidery. How sweet~

Epel and Deuce bonding over how awesome dragon embroideries are

It was mention that Vil is more strict about uniforms than even the teacher (I think this is also shown in Leona's School Uniform Personal Story)

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Epel Dress-up Bridegroom

Okay. So, Epel has this prince-ly aura. I haven't used any of my Epel cards so I don't know if Epel is a light or dark magic user. But he seems to be dark since he's based on the poison apple. If not, he might also be a reference to Prince Florian, just like how Rook is a reference to Snow White?

Rook would definitely do a very dramatic proposal, change my mind.

Epel recognizes Silver from Vil's movie. The same movie from Silver PE Uniform where he 'acts' as the Headless Horseman. So, Ghost Marriage happens after Silver PE Uniform. This also implies that Vil shows his movie. Does Pomefiore has a movie night of something? That would be wholesome.

So, Malleus is missing, but he appears in Riddle Dress-up Bridegroom Personal Story. This means Epel's story takes place at the same time as Riddle's flashback. (This also mean, when they should be thinking how to propose, Riddle was grumbling and tending the roses)

Malleus does what he wants...

Lilia knows Disney Movies Prince and Princess tropes.

Epel, you do karaoke? (he can yodel I bet)

Epel's house is located near his family house. I don't know how farming works, but a ranch is a pretty wide area, right? Does this imply that Epel has a ranch or he lives near a ranch? Or maybe his family works at the said ranch?

I knew the horse is borrowed! Also, it's all Silver's idea to have a horse.

Also the importance of the white horse in Disney Movies. All the good guys' horses (Florian's, Charming's, Phillip's, Shang's, Maximus) have white skin. However, Mulan's horse is black? Hans' horse is more tan... Eh, I don't know what I'm saying.

Where does the NRC stable is located?

Is the while horse a reference to Prince Florian's horse? That horse is the white-st if I recall.

Epel is a horse whisperer. I bet he has many Hiccup-Toothless-forbidden friendship moments

Also, Epel has a grandpa.

This child is a feral country boy

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Epel Ceremonial Robe

I remember someone mentions that Pomefiore students came from not-noble family. But because of the elegance of the dorm, you immediately assumed that this dorm is filled with rich kids. (It was @vyragosa , thanks @twistedapple )

I love my feral child. I bet he's stronger than Jack.

Rook talks a lot in some sort of poetic way.

Drinking the water for washing hands. Is that a Shrek 2 reference?

Vil calls the new students 'new potatoes'. He also has that bishonen sparkles when he walks in. However, he's mostly trying to hold up the image of the perfect form leader.

I guess this is the Personal Story that made everyone look down on Vil because he slaps Epel. However, he's mostly trying to hold up the image of the perfect form leader.

Epel's favorite food is grilled meat.

Vil has a strong grip that can crush an apple. Why is everyone in Pomefiore secretly a powerhouse?

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Epel Lab Coat

The Lambent Flower is a plant that emits light. Is that a Tangled reference?

Jack and Epel are in the same class

Cater nickname to Epel is 'Cutie-chan'

Cater is also very persuasive in teaching people how to make a MagiCam account

Dire Crewel is a killer teacher, he's probably the most feared teacher on campus. Avoid at all cost

Epel knows cowboy slang, change my mind

HORSE SHIT!

Also, connecting this with his Dress-up Bridegroom Personal Story, I'm guessing that Epel's farm and his neighbor ranch has a pretty good relationship. He can get horse shit anytime he wants for fertilizer

He also gets the horse shits from the Equestrian Club. My guesses that this story takes place after the whole Ghost Marriage since back then Epel only recognize Silver from Vil's movie, but now he seems to have a good relationship with the club

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Epel School Uniform

Epel is good with apple crafting and is very familiar with apples. Is Epel's farm actually an apple orchard or he had a farm and an apple orchard?

Sebek is from class D. This means, out of the whole first year, Sebek is the only one without the main gang classmate

Sebek talks like from a historical drama

Also, Sebek and Epel bonding over apple crafting

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.

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Reading these cards makes me love Epel more. The whole Pomefiore gang is certainly underrated. I just want my country boy to be friends with the other first year gang faster, okay?

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Personal Headcanon:

This research is done to learn more about Epel because of his sort of importance role in my Octavinelle adaptation.

Reading the cards makes me think of how the Sorting Ceremony works. Pomefiore was founded on the unrelenting efforts of the Beautiful Queen. Epel may think that he doesn't suit in Pomefiore because, like everyone else, he thinks this dorm is for those fancypants who only thinks about beauty.

However, he forgets the 'unrelenting efforts' part. He's the one who thinks ahead and prepares a horse so he can fit the 'ideal prince' image. Even when he's not good in table manners, he's willing to learn and listen to Rook and Vil. He finds a way to collect a nearly unobtainable nectar, even when everyone keeps telling him he can't do it. He self-taught how to apple crafting, not caring if he gets hurt.

Epel may think he's unsuited in Pomefiore, but in reality, he's a perfect representation of the dorm’s true potential.

I love my country boy. Everyone, please respect Epel Florida Man Felmier not for his cute face, but his amazing never-giving-up spirit!

[seimeinotaka]

Love letter (Vil x MC)

Written for Valentine’s day, Ann visits Vil on his room to drop some gifts to her favorite Queen in the entire world. Vil is (not) amused.

Thanks to polyphenols@AO3 for beta-reading this!

-

Ann knocked on the door leading to Vil's room. Of course knocking was one way to put it, as she had actually used her foot, her hands busy holding a pot with beautiful purple primroses and a cellophane bag containing what seemed to be chocolates, adorned with a large purple ribbon on top.

"Vil-senpai, could you please open the door?" she asked and then rocked her body on her feet as she waited for the Queen, his heels announcing his arrival before the man himself appeared.

"What is it, potato? You made me open the door, you should have a really good reason to do-" he began but his voice trailed off as his eyes noticed Ann's bright face and the items she was carrying.

"You're overreacting, Senpai. I couldn't open it myself, I didn't want to drop anything. Anyway, Happy Valentine's day!"

"...What is the meaning of this? You should be aware I'm careful with what I eat.”

"I know you sometimes eat cake, Trey-senpai told me," she said, with the sharpness of a blade and a cheeky smile as intense as the sun. "Besides, they are high in cocoa, and have little sugar. I made them myself, nothing processed. If you don't accept them, I'll never forgive you ~" Ann chirped, as Vil rolled his eyes.

"You must be so confident in yourself if you boldly announce this. Should we make a deal? If they are terrible and cause me to put on weight, I'll curse you."

"And if they are as good as I say?" She hummed, with the insolence of someone who doesn't fear the gods. "If you eat one every week, you'll have a lot of time to think of where you can take me on a date to thank me and apologize for being so rude. I'm not responsible if you want to binge them because you loved them, though."

Vil arched an eyebrow, as he retorted, "You should go to Mostro Lounge, you'll have a full house with your standup comedy." However, the bag of chocolates was now carefully in his hands. The young man turned, and walked inside his room. "I assume the flower is for me as well?"

Ann invited herself in, as she scanned for a place where she could place the primrose, but finding intimidating piles of letters and elaborate flower bouquets and arrangements on almost every surface. However, Vil flicked his hand and the letters on the side table by his window scattered in the room, freeing a spot where she could leave the flower.

"I wouldn't think you're the type to give flowers."

"That's why I'm giving you the pot. They will last longer this way."

She was always such a smartass, causing him to frown and purse his lips.

"You can eat the flowers or use them to fight the wrinkles you'll get for frowning this much," she giggled and he was this close to smacking her if he wasn't still holding the chocolates. "I'm kidding, but you can make your tea with them and think about me while you eat the chocolates I made."

"I'll think of how much of a pain you are," he replied, fighting the blush on his cheeks. Her warm and gentle smile wasn't helping, and he needed to avoid her gaze to compose himself.

"I hope you enjoy them, Vil-senpai! I don't want to take up more of your time, but you can tell me when you want to schedule our date!" With an obnoxious wave of her hand and her insolent everything, she bid him goodbye before leaving his room.

Vil huffed, she always managed to get under his skin. As he internally complained to himself about her, he carefully examined the chocolates. Each one of them was shaped in the form of a flower, the petals sculpted carefully. Roses, gerbera daisies, gardenias, tulips, orchids, asters.

With every flower, he could feel his face heat up as he imagined her patiently carving each chocolate. Instead he turned his eyes on the primrose, realizing that the pot itself had been painted by hand, the ornate flower pattern of the rug in the lounge framing a drawn replica of the peacock throne he sat in.

Vil sat down on his long sofa by his bed, reluctantly picked up one rose chocolate, and took a small bite. Almost immediately, he covered his face with his hand, because how dare she steal his breath away and make his heart skip a beat. How dare she make him wish she were there so he could hold her.

How dare she raise all of these emotions in him.

How dare she take away his entire day off because with every letter he'll now attempt to read, he knew his mind would inevitably lead back to her.

-

"Roi du poison, I brought the seeds you wanted." Rook called out to Vil as the dorm leader was putting away the final letter he received. It had taken Vil too long, an extra week than intended, but he had finally finished reading them all. "I'm sure they'll bloom into a beautiful flower under your care! Are they perhaps a companion to the lovely blossom you've grown extremely fond of?"

Rook's gaze paused briefly on the primrose, his smile widening as the dorm leader feigned to not have heard him.

"They'll be good for making a perfume."

"I am sure whatever you create will leave the recipient extremely delighted. After all, there are words hidden in flowers. For example, Chrysanthemums represent friendship, Magnolia represents nobility, and Primrose means "I can't live without you"."

"If you don't have anything else to say, you are free to pester Leona."

Rook's eyes had a devilish glint as he replied happily, "Heheh, I forgot you were the expert in the language behind these blossoms. There is no greater letter of love than receiving this, this is truly beauté!"

"Rook."

"As you wish, Roi du poison."

With nothing else to add, Rook left the room with a dangerous knowing smile as Vil looked at the window, now accompanied only by the sound of his racing heart.

-

Primrose is actually used for a lot of girl problems like period cramps and the like F BUT it also helps the skin, treat blotches and prevent wrinkles. The other flowers Ann made as chocolates are other ways to say “I love you” in the language of flowers so

:^)

Thank you for reading!