#sod speculation

[endlessskymaster]

I wonder? If Riku's status as Sora's dream eater will have relevance in phase 2.

Because of the KH3 secret ending and the Limit Cut episode of KH3 Remind, I would like to see that aspect expanded upon besides Dream Drop Distance.

[orcelito]

Wrote tha note to put on their door in the morning.

Do u think my sleep deprived frustration is evident lol

[endless-ineffabilities]

chemical override (2)

Ewan Mitchell x actress!reader

a/n : aaand I just couldn't let this storyline go. Typical. Best to read part one before this one :)

series masterlist ▪︎ main masterlist

The reader and Ewan have gotten a lot closer since the press tour for season two, but neither one has made a move. The reader is spotted with another costar, giving rise to rumours of romance.

The press tour came and went like a fever dream. From Paris to New York to London, everyone had been highly anticipating your upcoming show.

Albeit you had a minor role, it all seemed like everything you could ever wish for.

A blossoming career. Lifelong friends made from your peers. The overwhelming support from audiences.

Only two episodes have since been released to the public, and already your character has become a fan-favourite.

Sadly, you and Ewan only had that one press day together, after which you were paired with other cast members. That didn't stop the onslaught of comments under your interviews with him, fans stating how good you looked together. Speculating whether there was something going on between you two.

You are good friends, but that's all.

He calls you often, mostly in the evenings after you're both finished with work. He sticks close to you during premiere after-parties. Now and again, you would catch him looking at you from across the room.

But... well... that's all there is to that.

Maybe he's just being nice. Maybe he only sees you as a good friend, and this is just how he is. With his effortless charm and cheeky remarks that can be mistaken as flirting, you think that maybe you're reading too much into it all.

"Ewan likes you, you know," Phia looks at you over her shoulder, as she does her makeup in front of your dresser.

The cast is having a private get-together in Fabien's apartment for a night, and yourself and Phia decide to prep together, her own place only being five minutes away from yours.

"He's just being nice," you shake your head at her observation, as you sift through your closet looking for a top.

"He's not that nice to everyone," Phia laughs. "Trust me, that lad fancies you and it's plain as day. Ask anyone, I mean, Tom even pointed it out the other day."

"And Ewan was there with you guys?"

"Uh-huh," Phia swivels her chair around, all done, nodding at you, "Poor sod just about turned red as a beet."

"What did he say?" you ask, not even bothering to hide your curiosity. Phia's got your back, after all.

"Well..." Phia glanced away, weighing just how much she is at liberty to say. Ewan's her friend just as much as you are, and she doesn't know how deep she can meddle in this.

"How bad is it?"

"Nothing bad, promise," Phia walks over, then takes over the task of sorting through your closet, "He likes you. A lot. But it seems like he's apprehensive about jumping into a relationship right now."

You plop down on your bed in a huff, "I guess that makes sense."

"Chin up, darling," Phia turns around, arms folded behind her, concealing her chosen top for you. "You're both rising stars, with great careers ahead of you. If you're going to commit to each other, you're gonna have to do it right."

You smile, because you can't help it, the high from landing your dream career not yet subsiding.

"And," Phia continues, "even if he's too chicken to make a move, that doesn't mean you can't torture him with this." She grins, presenting a green satin top, the material weightless and shimmering.

"This? Are you sure?" It was definitely revealing, and it would have your back exposed, only tied together by two strings.

"Ewan loves green," she hands it to you, and you hold it up with concern etched in your features.

"I guess I could wear this," you mumble.

"Oh, you will wear it," Phia smirks, pushing you over to your bathroom so you can get changed.

Already wearing your trusty pair of bootcut jeans, you shimmy into the slinky top, calling out to Phia so she can assist with securing the strings at your back.

"You look absolutely gorgeous," she beams at you in your bathroom mirror. "Ewan is going to melt at the sight of you, doll."

"Huh," you say, checking yourself out in the reflection. "Okay then, I think we're ready - "

Your phone rings, cutting you off. Phia beats you to it, and her face is scandalous when she raises your phone up like it's precious evidence.

Ewan's name flashes bright on the screen.

"Oh, look who it is!" Phia practically sings, "Lover boy."

"Give me that," you demand, reaching for your phone, but Phia quickly sidesteps you and presses the screen to answer the call.

You gasp, and the both of you struggle to keep down an incoming fit of giggles. Phia then clicks on the speaker mode, and Ewan can be heard saying your name, his tone a bit confused.

"Are you there?" Ewan asks.

"Yeah, I'm here," you take the phone, waving to Phia so she doesn't make a fuss.

"Hmm," he says. "I hope I'll be seeing you tonight. The party won't be as good without you."

"Well, Phia and I just finished getting ready," you glance at her, and she makes a kissy face at you.

"Hello, Mr. Whipped," she playfully cuts in with this greeting, effectively letting Ewan know he's on speaker.

You hear Ewan snort on the other end, before he says, "Hello to you too, Phi."

"We should be heading out in 15 minutes, and we'll be there on time," you let him know.

"Okay, I suppose I'll see you guys there," he replies.

"Okay." A beat of silence passes, and Phia just shrugs at you.

"I, uh - " he finally speaks up again, but hesitates.

"Yeah?"

He clears his throat, having decided on saying, "Nevermind. See you soon, darling."

The line cuts off. You slowly let your hand fall to the side, sighing at how it abruptly ended. Shaking off your worries, you look at Phia once more, and she already has her line all prepared. "See you soon, darling," she recites in a low voice, imitating Ewan.

"Oh, shush," you shove her playfully, and she shoves you right back.

"I can't wait to see you, darling," she continues teasing you, laughing, and you can't help but blush and smile, finding her endearing.

"Well, let's go," she says, picking up her things, "your darling boy of Derby awaits."

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Fabien greets you at the door with that perfect smile of his, arms outstretched to pull you and Phia into a hug.

"Welcome, welcome," he greets, leading you into his apartment, where most of the cast is already assembled, including Ewan.

You happily exchange pleasantries with everyone. Chatting with Emma and Olivia. Profusely thanking Matt when he gushes over your outfit. Catching up with Harry and Bethany. All the while sensing that Ewan watches you from somewhere in the room.

You're eventually directed by Tom to the corner table where Ewan and Phia share a loveseat, drinks in hand.

"I'll get you a drink," Tom kindly declares, heading to the kitchen.

"Thanks, Tom," you say. You sit next to Phia, leaving her between yourself and Ewan. You finally say to him, "Hey, you. How are you doing? Got here early?"

Ewan's jaw clenches and loosens, and you catch his eyes quickly drift down to rake over your figure. When he meets your eyes again, his pupils are considerably dilated.

The boy just shamelessly checked you out.

"Ewan," you hear Phia say, elbowing Ewan from beside him. "She just asked you a question, be polite." She wags her eyebrows at you, mouthing the words lover boy.

Ewan hears that, astute as he is, and it snaps him out of whatever haze he seemed to be stuck in.

He shakes his head at himself, offering a smile to you. "I got here just before you guys," he answers. His voice lowers when he adds, "You look really good, darling."

You smile in return. "Thanks. So do you."

Phia beams at the exchange, then makes some excuse of having to catch up with the others. The look she gives you before sliding off the seat reveals that she just wanted to give her two lovebirds some privacy.

"So," Ewan inches closer to you, his arm outstretched on the back of the seat, "how did the script turn out?"

"It was better than expected," you say. He refers to a script you told him about a week ago, for a potential project which will shoot in Atlanta in the fall. "I'm supposed to meet with the director pretty soon to discuss it further, but I think it might be the right fit."

"That's amazing," he expresses sincerely. "Rian Johnson's a brilliant director and they would be lucky to have you as their lead."

"Thanks, Ewan! Yeah, I'm really excited for it, it's a lot different from House of the Dragon, but I'm all in for the challenge, you know."

"Is it a drama film, or thriller, or - "

"Oh, it's a rom-com, actually."

"Oh," he nods, leaning back a little, like that needed a bit of processing. "And you'll have a romantic co-lead..."

"That's right, and - " you confirm.

He smirks, like he just thought of something amusing. "Well, maybe I could - "

But you finish your statement then, " - I think Jacob Elordi has just been selected as my partner in the film."

His face scrunches in apparent distaste, "Has he now?"

"Mhmm." You note the switches in his expression, how his face fell when you mentioned your upcoming co-star. He can't have something against Jacob; they already did a film together and it seemed like it went well on set.

That thing nags at you, that little spring of vanity and desire creating warmth in your stomach. That Ewan might be jealous.

Which is ridiculous, given your shared line of work. Besides, you were not together. What could he possibly be jealous over?

"You've worked with him, right? What's he like?" you continue the topic, keeping watch for the minutiae of his reactions.

"He's... he's a good actor, I guess. Dedicated and all that. Pleasant on set." His answer is curt, not giving away any details, tone flat like he's disinterested.

"Riiight," you nod slowly, smiling impishly at him to get him to lighten up, "I'm sure he'll be just as pleasant on our set then. Good to know."

He catches the look you're giving him, causing the corner of his lips to pull in a soft crooked smile. "Hmm, be that as it may... I think I'll do a much better job as your love interest, don't you?"

"Oh, will you now?" you lean forward, and he does the same.

"Yeah, didn't you hear?" he whispers conspiratorially, like there's a secret to be shared. "According to the internet, we have a lot of chemistry. Practically oozing with it, based on some comments I read."

"You've been lurking on comments? You? The last crusader against all social media?" you joke, fully knowing that he keeps a few shadow accounts just to keep up with how his work is being received by the public.

"Sure," he shrugs his shouders dramatically, " that, and also to stalk your page, of course."

"Oh, of course," you quip, "I wouldn't expect anything less."

You share another laugh, feeling light all over, and even lighter when his fingertips brush against your arm for a few seconds. Goosebumps erupt on your skin, and you sneakily rub your arms to cover the effect he had on you.

Tom reappears from the side, handing you a drink as promised, "What are you kids giggling about over here?"

"Nothing," you share, "just that Ewan is planning to join Instagram."

"A damn miracle, that!" Tom exclaims, lightly punching Ewan in the shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah," Ewan looks at you warmly, playing along, "you can be in charge of keeping my account running."

"Tough job. All those fan messages I'll have to answer."

"Yeah, you'll have to quit your day job," Tom adds jokingly. "It was fun while it lasted. The industry will miss you."

You feel a pressure by your shoulders, and notice that it's Ewan's arm snug behind you on the seat. In the midst of conversation, he must have drawn even closer. You glance down briefly and see his knees touching yours.

You nervously take a huge gulp of your drink. There is no hiding the effect he has on you now.

"Don't you two look cute?" Tom comments, then he stands right in front of the loveseat and puts his phone up. Before you can say anything, a clicking sound makes it clear that he has taken a photo of you and Ewan.

"Awww, I ship it," Tom gushes afterward as he looks at the photo. He then reaches over and passes his phone to you.

The image betrays what the both of you are probably struggling to hide - it's there, clear as day. The attraction, the tension, the chemistry. Ewan practically has his arm around you, looking at you intensely with the inscrutable spark in his eyes. His teeth lightly clamping down on his lip in desire.

There's a subtle scrunch between your eyebrows as you return Ewan's look, a result of trying to maintain composure when he is so close. But your posture is relaxed, almost cozying right up against him, showing just how comfortable you feel around him.

As Tom just said, you ship it.

If only.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Two weeks after the party at Fabien's, the main cast members of House of the Dragon are engaged in an additional round of promo work. Season two is at its peak, and the media is just clamoring to get more from the cast.

Some are booked for photoshoots, others for interviews.

While a minor character in the show, they also wanted you to take part in engaging with the press, but you are already busy with your upcoming film with Jacob. You're currently out in LA, doing rehearsals in preparation for the actual shoot.

Ewan is yet again lounging in a hotel suite, about to do an interview with Vanity Fair.

He sends you a text, in response to your complaint about a difficult scene.

You had shared, It's a pretty dramatic scene. What if I can't cry on command?

He easily texts back, You can do it, darling. Trust me, you're one of the most talented young actors I know.

- Thanks, Ewan. Good luck with your interview!

- Thank you, good luck with rehearsal. I miss --

Ewan pauses typing. I miss you, he aches to send. He does miss you so much. Why can't he just commit to it?

He ends up sending, I'll see you soon, in its place.

He knows he wants to do everything with you. Take you out on dates. Sweep you off your feet. Travel to wherever you will be filming just to see you. Confess how much he wants you.

Why can't he? It's terrifying to him, being with someone, in danger of falling in love - truly falling in love - with a fellow actor, and that relationship exposed to much public scrutiny.

He's always been a private person, so will he be able to handle all of that? Acting is his first love, and he's devoted to the craft. If he succumbs to his desire for you, will that cause him to go off track?

What if the relationship is not well-received? He is aware of how passionate fans can be. What if they cruelly decide to make you the object of their ire as a result? He can't possibly put you through that.

But... but fuck it.

The Aemond in him turns proud and defiant. Why can't he? Why shouldn't he?

He types another message in a second, then clicks send.

And I miss you.

His publicist walks over to him, giving him a few last-minute instructions. In a few minutes, the room is all composed and the interview is ready to begin.

The line of questioning has almost become routine-like for him, a far cry from when he first started giving shorter interviews for previous projects.

The answers flow from him smoothly, stemming from his care for Aemond and the show.

Near the end of the interview, he is asked about the remaining normalcy of his life. Surely it has all changed ever since he landed the show?

"Well, I try to go back to my hometown as much as possible. Just, you know, spending time where I grew up really helps maintain a sense of normal, for me," he responds. "It keeps my feet planted on the ground, that is, when I'm not on dragonback flying high up in the clouds."

The interviewer promptly laughs at his last remark, then asks, "What's next for you? Your fans are just eagerly awaiting your next project. Maybe a film like your new costar? Everyone is excited for her film with Jacob Elordi."

Ewan can't hide the way he perks up at the mention of you, never mind how Jacob is included too. "Ah, yes, well there are some things down the line for me. More than anything, I want to choose a project that I am passionate about, with a story and a character that is rich and complex. Whichever that is, I guess you'll find out soon!"

"Yes, yes, we will!"

"And about her project, I mean, I'm just so proud of her. We've become really close and I think she's a fantastic actress and person. She's going to smash it in this film, that's for sure."

The interviewer nods enthusiastically, smirking as he adds, "Apparently a bit of romance on the cards for her as well!"

"You mean in the movie?" Ewan replies, half-smiling in confusion. But he spies his publicist gesturing to the interviewer from behind the camera, a signal that private affairs are off-limits.

After a final question, the interview wraps up.

His publicist grumbles to him afterward, as they prepare to leave the room. "It was clear that no private questions are allowed. Sorry about that, Ewan."

"It's alright, that was... well, what was he on about? Did he mean romance between the two of us?"

"I believe he's talking about Jacob and her. They were spotted out in LA today. The interviewer probably just wanted you to spill some dirt on your costar."

Ewan frowns, "What do mean they were spotted?"

His publicist appears surprised at his question, and his obvious interest. "They've been papped walking arm in arm in LA. Seemed pretty close, not that it's any of that interviewer's business."

As they walk out of the hotel, Ewan can't help but do an immediate Google search of your name, and sure enough, the headlines about your walk with Jacob are abound.

He can't pinpoint how he feels as he sees the photos, the statuesque Jacob with his arm around you as you beam up at him. He notices that his grip on his phone has tightened, so he turns it off quickly and shoves it in his pocket.

Whatever this is, and how it makes him feel, he doesn't like it. He doesn't like it one bit.

His phone vibrates from his pocket, but he ignores it.

So he doesn't yet see your reply.

I miss you too.

💌 next chapter

Ewaaaan! Make a move, my guy!

As much as we'd like to see them make declarations of love or get into the passion quick, I wanted to make it as realistic as possible. How would two young actors begin dating? Reader, kudos to you for keeping it cool as a cucumber thus far - it's up to Ewan to make the big move.

Part three may be the last. What'll they be? Just friends? PR relationship? Notorious fling? Or new celebrity power couple?

MASSIVE thanks for all the lovely feedback for part one! 💙

Update: if you wish to be tagged in part three, let me know in the comments 💌

[sepublic]

Spoilers for Dracula!!!

Something I considered regarding a modern, found footage-style adaptation of Dracula is how Dracula himself is depicted within it. Because we know that he doesn't appear in reflections, and while the original lore does state this is due to silver being present in most mirrors, I also want to consider the scrapped character of Francis Aytown, who didn't make it into the final novel. I speculate that Aytown would've been an artist driven mad attempting to recreate Dracula's likeness in painting, only to fail; This is another understated aspect of vampire lore, that vampires don't show up in photos, or even likenesses, because your image is a reflection of your soul. And vampires don't have any.

So consider: Turns out that Dracula has installed security cameras across some parts of his castle. Which sounds hilarious, the old vampire learning technology and having to install these things, or hiring some poor sod to do it for him like he hired Jonathan (in other words, it's actually befitting his character).

Likewise, the first time we the viewer see Dracula, it's while he's disguised as a driver to Jonathan. Jonathan is recording him through his phone like a vlogger because he's never gotten to travel before (being dirt poor), and he wants Mina to share in this opportunity as much as he can while she's at home. And he doesn't realize it as he films, because Jonathan isn't looking at his phone footage just yet.

But Dracula doesn't show up. The viewer sees Jonathan talking to what must be an invisible figure, not normally because he's creeped out by his vibes. But he talks to Dracula like he isn't invisible and couldn't possibly consider that he might be to others. The same goes for the locals, who are terrified of this 'driver' and can clearly see him.

The found footage then transitions to the security cameras in Dracula's castle, as I mentioned before; It's a way for him to keep track of Jonathan and control him, and the cameras are probably hidden too! Again, we have the invisible, unseen Dracula, to really tease the audience as they wonder when Jonathan will find out.

And in the morning, he finally realizes something's wrong when he sees the count has no reflection in the mirror, and we the viewer might finally connect the dots that oh yeah! If Dracula doesn't show up in mirrors, he wouldn't show up in camera footage either! Cue later vlogs and other security footage having Jonathan check through his phone and realizing the recordings don't show Dracula; Though this is assuming Dracula hasn't already gotten rid of his phone as a means of isolation and control.

During the Demeter portion of the film, we have security footage on the cargo ship. The captain checks it when he sees crewmen claim they saw a stowaway, and he sees... nothing. He sees a crewman freaking out at an empty space; It's not as if the stowaway could be off-camera, because there's a wall right behind where the crewman claims he is. It really looks as if the guy is just insane and hallucinating, and the captain angrily tells him to lay off the booze, especially on night duty.

This could be another way to trick the characters; Maybe they do set up cameras to keep track of Lucy, having considered that maybe there is an intruder, or at least some giant vampire bat. And they see her turn her head at one point, a bit forcefully, exposing her neck. And Van Helsing knows he sounds like a conspiracy theorist when he brings up how Lucy's hair seems to move on her own, with Seward rationalizing it as just the wind, something like that. Because Van Helsing is starting to consider that if Lucy is being attacked by a vampire, it wouldn't show up in footage.

When they see Lucy again following her vampirism, there's footage afterwards of Seward insisting to Van Helsing that they just hallucinated her, because she isn't showing up!!! The vampire explanation is bogus. But then VH counters that this does confirm her body was missing from the coffin at one point, and Seward defaults back to the grave robber explanation. Seward insinuates they should both be patients in his asylum at this rate.

There's footage of things moving on their own, like it's a ghost. But it's only when Lucy is staked that she finally shows up onscreen, because she's reverted back to being human again. Seeing the footage pick her up just confirms that yeah, paranormal stuff is afoot. And it provides Arthur a strange comfort in reminding himself of the time he saved his love's soul and did her justice after all the injustice that split them apart.

You could bring back the character of Francis Aytown to play on this idea more! The protagonists visit him, and his walls are covered in countless failed, scribbled-out drawings and paintings of Dracula. He can see the count's likeness in his head so clearly, but it always keeps coming out wrong. The protagonists also allude to attempting this, Jonathan especially, and the same thing happens.

It drives Aytown mad, that a great artist like him could fail. But it also entices him, this forbidden, ultimate piece, a likeness eluding him. Perhaps it makes him liable to manipulation by Dracula. He suggests that maybe he just needs to make a cast around the count's face, but Van Helsing points out that this also, somehow, would not work. Aytown casually accepts the reveal that Dracula is a vampire by our heroes, because he's already figured out from all this that the count is not a regular mortal, and only cares because his priority is capturing his image.

Aytown gets quite offended when the protagonists casually mention that they plan to kill Dracula, because it does not occur to them that anyone would object to this; But Aytown frets, how will he capture the count's likeness if he's truly destroyed??? The glow in his eyes, the cruel sneer... He ends up attacking our heroes in a fit of rage, but he’s a shrimp who doesn’t know what he’s doing and is immediately laid out by buff chad Quincey. Aytown is sent to none other than Seward's asylum, which makes things awkward; Seward thinks he can at least be useful in providing more data. Aytown possibly takes Renfield’s role in inviting Dracula inside out of desperation, leading to Mina becoming infected; I dunno what happens to Aytown afterwards.

But yeah, it's like Dracula is not just the Werewolf, but the Invisible Man as well. And a ghost. Our heroes know he doesn't show up but it's still impressive seeing the actors treat him like he's onscreen, looking into eyes that aren't there. And finally, FINALLY, after all the mystery and teasing, do we get to see Dracula in the final moment of his death; The exact moment in which he becomes human again, when he feels relief and gratitude at being freed from his curse. And it's a brief frame of a surprisingly chill-looking count, neck slashed open, before he crumbles into dust, also visible on-screen. Ironically, Aytown feared that killing Dracula would prevent him from capturing his likeness, but instead that's the only way he could do it; At that point, it would be possible to recreate his image.

This all just plays into the potential of how a modern, found footage take on Dracula would change things, especially from Quincey Harker's perspective; It'd emphasize an unusual myth about the vampires. And it'd play into the idea that the less you see of a monster, the more terrifying it is. Dracula is always unseen, even in the first portion of the story; He can at least be heard though, compared to how he is when terrorizing Lucy. So with him being a hidden monster after the Transylvania portion of the story, this minimal portrayal is retroactively applied to the first part of the novel as well.

[sinsirellaxx]

Jealousy

Sebastian Sallow x Reader

Just a short drabble with a jealous Seb.

Requested on A03. Not proofread – sorry for any mistakes!

Hope you'll like it!

The chill of the night air wrapped around the Astronomy Tower, causing a shiver to run down your back. You stood there nervously playing with the hem of your skirt in anticipation as you waited for your date to arrive. Loud footsteps caught your attention as you turned to face the stairs leading up to the tower – leading up to you. When you turned to look, with a small smile on your face, you quickly took notice of the brown tousled hair, instead of the dark blonde your date spotted. A deep frown formed on your face as you glared at Sebastian Sallow, watching him walk up the stairs to the astronomy tower with a smug look on his face. “Look who we have here.” He smirked as stopped just a feet away from you. “All. By. Herself.” He bit his lip as he looked you up and down.

Rolling your eyes you took a step back, crossing your arms in front of your chest. “What do you want, Sallow?”

“Nothing,” The brunette shrugged his shoulders. “I just heard you got stood up again.” He tilted his head as his eyes narrowed slightly. You tilted your head in confusion at his words – how could he know that you got stood up when you weren’t even aware of it. Your date might just be late but before you could come to any conclusion or make sense of the rude brunettes’ words, he lifted his hand to tuck a lose strand of your hair behind your ear. Flinching at the sudden touch you slapped his hand away, your mouth agape at his audacity. “What the – don’t touch me! And how would you know I got stood up?”

“I just know.” He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, acting like you hadn’t just told him off for touching you.

"What are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be off somewhere, tormenting first-years or polishing your broomstick?" You questioned; tone laced with irritation.

Sebastian chuckled, the smirk back on his face. "Ah, but where's the fun in that when I have such delightful company right here?"

“Shut it, Sallow. Sod off, would you?” You groaned as you turned your face away, your arms coming up to hug yourself in a poor attempt to shield your body from the cold while staring into the night sky.

“Nah, I’m actually quite enjoying the view.” His voice was husky as he spoke, dark eyes trained on your silhouette.

With a frustrated huff, you turned on your heel, your patience worn thin. "I’ll just leave then." You declared, as you stormed off into the night without sparing the tall male another glance.

Sebastian’s eyes followed you until you disappeared down the stairs, his smirk long gone as you left him alone with his thoughts.

The next day you woke up with a bad feeling. You hadn’t heard from your date at all, and no one had seen him around either. As you made your way through the bustling corridors towards breakfast, whispers followed you, murmurs of concern and speculation swirling around you like a gathering storm. You could pick up a few words here and there but what really caught your attention was the name of your date. But before you could ask anyone Poppy ran up to you, she was obviously in distress as she shook you by your shoulders.

“Have you heard?! B/N is in the hospital wing! He was found all bloody in an empty corridor. Do you know what might have happened – you were with him, right?”

Trying to process the news your mouth gaped as you tried to come up with words. “N-No, Poppy – what?”

“B/N was attacked last night, and I heard he’s in pretty bad condition.” Poppy repeated, this time slower as she looked up at you.

“Oh, no … that is why he didn’t come yesterday …” You trailed off as you bit your lip. “So, you weren’t with him?” Poppy shrieked as she bombarded you with even more questions. A sudden thought crossed your mind as you stared at the flustered girl. Sebastian Sallow. He had come up to the tower last night, claiming your date had stood you up – how had he known he wouldn’t be coming? Your eyes narrowed as you tried to make sense of everything.

“Y/N?” Poppy questioned slightly intimidated by your angry expression.

“I have to go Poppy; I’ll see you around!” You rushed out as you took off, looking for the bane of your existence.

Confrontation hung heavy in the air as she sought him out, her footsteps echoing through the empty corridors like the tolling of a bell. And there he was, leaning against the wall with a casual indifference that belied the storm raging within him.

"You did it, didn’t you?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mixture of anger and betrayal. "Why did you do it?"

Sebastian's eyes lit up as he saw you, his lips pulling up into a crooked smile. “And what exactly am I being accused of?” He joked as he tilted his head back, the smirk never leaving his face.

“You know what I’m talking about – don’t play dumb. We both know you’re a cunning b’stard.”

The tall male’s eyes darkened as his smirk fell. "Because he doesn't deserve you," he finally confessed, his words unforgiving as his eyes bore into your soul. You felt uncomfortable under his burning gaze, your hands balling up into fists, yet you couldn’t help but roll your yes. “And why is that?”

"Because you belong to me, and no one else."

Your breath caught in your throat, heart pounding uncomfortably fast in your chest as you struggled to comprehend the gravity of his words. You shook your head slightly in disbelief, your eyes blinking as if wanting to make the scene playing out in front of you disappear. “W-What – don’t be ridiculous Sebastian.” You shakily scoffed as you took a step back, tensing up painfully as he took two steps closer to you.

“The only thing ridiculous is that you truly believed you could be with anyone else but me.” Sebastian growled, as he stopped right in front of you – your chests touching with only an inch separating your faces. And then, without warning, his lips crashed against yours in a fervent kiss, his big hands moving up to cup your face, tightening their grip as you tried to move away in shock.

With both hands you pushed him away – tried to really – but after a few failed attempts you just gave in, tilting your head slightly to deepen the kiss. Everything else faded away as you let yourself relax into the kiss. The feeling of anger quickly replaced by the intoxicating rush of desire that consumed you both. One of Sebastian’s hands moved to grab the back of your neck while the other roamed your body before firmly settling on your hip, squeezing the soft flesh there. A shiver racked your body at the possessiveness – the way the brunette held onto you screamed of ownership. Reluctantly you managed to pull away, both of you breathless from the steamy kiss. You looked at him expectantly, not trusting yourself to talk – or to stand – your hands were gripping onto his shoulders as you tried to ground yourself.

Sebastian bit his lip as he finally broke the silence, “I’m not sorry for what I’ve done – I can’t help how I feel about you. You drive me mad; you know? And I can’t watch you be with someone else.”

“Hope you go blind then …” You retorted blankly, bursting out laughing as you watched his mouth fall open, eyes wide as he blinked stupidly.

“Wh-What –“ Before Sebastian had the chance to get angry or whiny you immediately stopped him before he could lose himself in whatever emotions he was experiencing.

“I’m just joking, Seb.”, you giggled as he instantly relaxed. “But I like you too … just don’t go around hurting people please.”

“Honestly, Y/N.” Sebastian rolled his eyes, not being able to hide the huge grin on his face though. “I won’t hurt anyone … if you behave.”

You were about to protest but were silenced by his lips as he leaned in again.

_

I feel like a boomer for asking this but: I can't reply to any comments under my own posts – does anyone know why? If anyone can help me with that I'd really appreciate it. 😅

[gay-dorito-dust]

Hello <3 I’m requesting 2 things back to back so I hope that’s okay !! I’m just literally in love with your writing :D This is a George Karim x reader or lockwood & co x reader request where reader is an amateur ghost hunter who hasn’t actually done any professional training but they’re pretty talented. They heard about some haunted house and went to check it out, unknowingly showing up shortly before lockwood & co. They run into each other & get off on the wrong foot but have to work together anyway because of the ghosts becoming very active. Reader shows the group that they’re actually pretty capable despite being a little shit & they become something akin to friends. Thank you !! 👾

‘Aren’t you meant to be accompanied by a supervisor?’

‘That’s only applicable if I were under training, which I am not.’

‘What about the rest of your team? I seriously doubt your agency would send out a singular agent. It sounds negligent and careless.’

‘Rest assured mrs Rhodes, my team is on their way, they…just remember that they didn’t bring enough iron, they tend to be forgettable like that even on their best of days.’

“If you say so dear then I believe you.” Mrs Rhodes said, finally admitting to defeat before pulling the keys to the house from her pocket and putting them in your hand before making herself scarce. Which was when you let the facade drop, “Jesus Christ and here I’d thought the interrogation would never end.” You grunted as you unlocked the door to allow yourself swift entry before slipping the duffel bag from your shoulder and dropping it unceremoniously on the floor with a loud thud.

It was hard finding work when you were an freelancing paranormal investigator with zero professional training. Your parents were adamant in not letting you within that field of work despite your above average capabilities of sight and sound along with a god given talent for the Rapier; They were amongst the populace that were born without the ability to see, hear or touch the supernatural. So eventually you grew tired of their attempts of ‘protecting you’ and fled home one night and never looked back since. Every now and then you’d still catch the occasional missing persons flier that held your likeness but due to how faded it was at the corners, you assumed they stopped trying.

Long story short; you were an legality waiting to happen should you ever decide to quit freelancing and join an agency, known or unknown due to your lack of credentials that allowed you to continue being an paranormal investigator legally. Which was why whenever you were on a case and the cliental starts prodding the bear concerning your teammates; you had to be quick with your lie in order to spare no room for further questions. It sucked but it was better then nothing unfortunately.

You didn’t bother much with a perimeter check of the ground floor of the house, considering that the case file states that the ongoings had occurred upstairs where it was speculated that during the night, Mr Rhodes was dragged from his bed and down towards the landing, where he was then subsequently thrown and crash landed into a glass table that was sat beside the staircase. He was home alone when these string of events occurred. You could immediately see his death glow from how brightly it shines that indicates how recent the tragedy took place. You even heard -when concentrating hard enough- the sounds of what went down;

A body being dragged.

Mr Rhodes frightened screams to be let go and for help.

The sensation of air hitting your face as the body was flung over the railing followed shortly by the sound of glass breaking and a body colliding hardly to the floor.

The screaming had long since stopped.

“Unlucky sod.” You muttered under your breath as you picked up your duffel bag and began making your way towards the staircase when you heard muffled voices from beyond the door.

“Where’s Mrs Rhodes?”

“Probably running a little late.”

“But we need the key to get into the house, otherwise we can’t do the case.”

You knew those voices anywhere and all they did were give you nothing but headache. So to spare yourself of hearing their squabbling, you moved towards the door and opened it to see Lucy, George and Lockwood stood there staring back at you with differing looks of surprise. “Make yourselves at home.” You told them, leaving the threshold to return to the staircase you were investigating. “What’re you doing here?” Lucy asked incredulously as she, George and Lockwood entered the house, shutting the door behind them.

“A case duh.” You replied, having already had enough of the juvenile questions for one night. “Also I got here first sooo, finders keepers losers weepers.” You added to get that additional dig at them, which worked in your favour as they looked at you unanimously unimpressed. “Y/n, you lack the credentials to even be on a case of this calibre,” Lockwood said, “why don’t you let us take this off of your hands and go home.” You scoffed at his suggestion and his insinuation that you couldn’t get the job done. You’ve completed cases similar to this one plenty of times in the past on your own and you weren’t about to let the unwarranted advice of a snobby prick and his merry band of reck looses alter your perception of yourself.

“Thanks for the concern Locky but I can handle myself just fine, with or without the necessary credentials.” You told him as you readjusted your duffle bag on your shoulder before advancing up the stairs towards the landing, the air became more and more frigid the higher you went until it became like you were standing in a deep freezer. “I can’t hear anything.” Lucy said from behind you, making you jump slightly from the fact that you didn’t see her, Lockwood nor George come up the stairs after you.

“What about you y/n? Can you hear anything?” George asked from your right hand side. “Don’t you think I would’ve said something about now?” You asked, a tad irritated, heaving a deep sigh before continuing, “Other then what I’ve heard downstairs at the scene of the crime. No. Haven’t heard a peep since.” You then turned you head towards George and seeing him press a hand to the wall, focusing on feeling out dark energy. “What about you? Felt anything yet?” The boy only sighed out a ‘no.’

“Then let’s split up and search every room for the source and contain it before it becomes a problem.” Lockwood told you, immediately assuming the leader role, as you all set out individually to find the source whilst also remaining close enough to call upon the others for help when needed. You chose to search the bedroom where it all happened, Lockwood chose the study, Lucy chose the bathroom and George chose to explore a little higher into the attic, whilst making sure to keep the ladder descended so that you and the others could gain easy access incase he found something.

Not long into your investigation you heard the opening towards the attic slam shut and the sound of George’s muffled exclamations did you fear that he found something to your vicinity to elicit such a reaction. “George!” You heard Lucy say as she, Lockwood and yourself rushed from your respective rooms to see that the attic had indeed been slammed shut, trapping George inside. “Lucy?” You faintly heard him reply, “the source is here but the only problem is that I didn’t have enough time to grab the seal to contain it before getting trapped up here.”

As George explained what he had found to Lucy and Lockwood, you spotted something from the corner of your eye and turned to face it just as the visage of a large, balding man came into view wearing joiners attire. “Guys, I think I found our mystery visitor.” You told Lucy and Lockwood calmly as they too began to look in the same direction as you. “What’s the plan.” Lucy asked, looking towards Lockwood but before he could spout out a half arsed plan, you took charge. “You, Lucy, are going to get the seal and help George contain the source whilst myself and Lockwood hold off our little friend here. That sound like a good enough plan to you?”

“Don’t do anything stupid.” She warned Lockwood but from how her eyes shifted from him to you, she was applying it to you also. You scoffed, “don’t worry about me Lucy, it’s Lockwood you’ve got to worry about.” You told her just as you unsheathed your Rapier, “now go, we’ve got this.” Lucy looked at you both one final time before bolting off to where you kept the duffle bags as you brought your attention back to the male, who had already gotten a lot closer then last time. “Don’t you think that was a little uncalled for?” Lockwood asked, joining your side, Rapier in hand. “What? Calling you stupid? I don’t think so considering your track record. If anything I think it fits you quite nicely.” You replied with a smirk which made him scoff lightheartedly.

“You ready to clear ourselves of a ghost?” He asked you as you both stood poised to attack as the male visible got agitated at your lighthearted banter. “Ready when you are.” You replied but before either of you could make the first move, the man in the joiners attire began making a beeline towards Lockwood; arms out stretched but thankfully you were quick to intercept the attack by standing protectively in front of Lockwood before carving patterns in the air with your Rapier. Which caused the male to back off for the time being but as his back was turned, readying himself for an quick escape, you threw a salt bomb right between his shoulder blades and watched as his spectral form fizzled out from view.

“He’ll be back.” Lockwood informed you as you both seethed your Rapier’s. “Not necessarily,” George’s voice came from behind you as he descended from the attic with Lucy in tow, “we secured the source thanks to you two.” He told the both of you but his eyes lingered on ours as a small smile graced his lips. “And here I though you weren’t a team player?” You laughed harshly, “I’m not Georgie boy,” you told him as you went to pick up your duffle bag from Lucy, shuffling it onto your shoulder, “this was merely an one off alliance.”

“Yeah right, you’re just avoiding the fact that you’ve actually come to enjoy our company.” He teased, bumping his shoulder into yours as you all made your way down the staircase. “Oh come off it will you?” You chastised him playfully but you had to admit that deep down, he was right. You flowed so effortlessly with them that it almost felt natural which was something you hadn’t felt in a long while.

“Alright, love birds, wrap it up so we can all head back for a cuppa and some biscuits.” Lucy said before turning to you. “You are coming coming with, right?” She asked, stopping short in her foot falls along with George and Lockwood who were looking at you almost expectedly. You sighed but couldn’t fight back the smile from creeping on your face. “Yeah sure, a cuppa sounds real nice about now.”

[zuzsenpai]

Zuzu's bug-ventures June 8-16, 2024 (insects/spiders from a state park in northeast Pennsylvania) (re-uploading because of file size issues)

I figured I would make a collage after getting so many! A couple of the above photos have duplicates, so all in all I believe I found 65 distinct kinds. I'm still working to ID some of them, but all the ones I think I have ID'd are under the cut. Anyway, it was truly a fun experience. Maybe next time I'll have a camera that isn't a shitty phone!

You can see full size photos of most of these here.

IDs under the cut

Just a note, I'm not 100% on any of these. My IDs are speculative based on google searches, reddit, and so-on. If you think something is wrong, PLEASE let me know!

Also, each image has 9 insects/spiders in a grid. I will be referring to each grid of 9 insects/spiders as a single image below, and identifying all 9 based on rows within the image. If that makes sense. Hopefully it does!

Image 1 (first row left):

Top row (from left to right): Northern paper wasp (I'm told it's carrying caterpillar meat); Hickory tussock moth; Ground beetle of some kind (could not ID)

Middle row: Fall cankerworm moth; Barn spider; Red ichneumon wasp

Bottom row: Long-horned caddisfly; Copper underwing caterpillar; Brush-legged mayfly

Image 2 (first row right):

Top row: Very loud very big bee (could not ID); Common blue mud dauber wasp; Harvestman spider

Middle row: Limoniid crane fly; Firefly; Hoverfly

Bottom row: Elegant grass-veneer moth; Tiger crane fly; Western honey bee

Image 3 (second row left):

Top row: Two-spotted bumble bee; Marsh fly; Yellow-collared scape moth? (could not ID)

Middle row: Wolf spider (male); Macaria moth; Tipula lunata (type of crane fly)

Bottom row: Robber fly; Brown-toed forest fly; Virginian tiger moth

Image 4 (second row right):

Top row: Blue dasher dragonfly? (could not ID. Dead in spider web); White admiral butterfly; Chalk-fronted corporal dragonfly

Middle row: Clubtail dragonfly? (could not ID); Hemlock borer beetle; Eastern tent caterpillar

Bottom row: Another Tipula lanata crane fly; Double-banded grass-veneer moth; Horace's duskywing butterfly

Image 5 (third row left):

Top row: Cabbage white butterfly; Spongy moth caterpillar; Dragonfly exoskeleton (could not ID)

Middle row: White-striped running crab spider; Jumping spider (could not ID, but yes there is a spider in this photo!); Orchard orbweaver spider

Bottom row: Soldier beetle; Fortunate wave moth; Another white admiral butterfly

Image 6 (third row right):

Top row: Tussock moth caterpillar; A third white admiral butterfly (this is the last one I promise! They just have so much variation!); Another spongy moth caterpillar

Middle row: Common green bottle fly; Eastern parson spider; Another orchard webweaver spider

Bottom row: Blue dasher dragonfly (possibly female); Calligrapher fly; Dun skipper butterfly

Image 7 (last row left):

Top row: Another fortunate wave moth? (could not ID); Orbweaver spider of some kind (Could not ID); Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly

Middle row: Stonefly exoskeleton; Ontario sallfly; Lesser house fly

Bottom row: White-striped black moth; Pale metarranthis moth (this one is my favorite find); White planthopper? (could not ID)

Image 8 (last row right):

Top row: Millipede; Immaculate grass-veneer moth; Flat wireworm beetle

Middle row: Twobanded Japanese weevil (WEEVIL TIME!!); Earwig; Bob's yellow and black millipede

Bottom row: Click beetle; Sod webworm moth? (could not ID); Deer fly

And that's it! Again, let me know if I made mistakes or if you know any of the ones I couldn't ID.

[litterateurist]

HENRY never does anything like this. He's careful, controlled; he keeps his affairs and desires in check, out of the public eye at all times because that is what is expected of a royal, no matter how far down the pecking order they are.

But he hasn't been able to get the thought of it out of his head since Alex had mentioned it when they'd been teasing each other a few weeks ago. It had been nothing, a casual tease, but there was something in the idea. Perhaps it is foolish and, as Shaan tells him over and over (and over), Henry is just horny, and missing his boyfriend, but Christ. It haunts him in his dreams, it's an itch he cannot seem to scratch, so Henry eventually caves. He says nothing to Alex, of course. If he's going to do this, it's going to be a surprise and hopefully a good one, at that. Luckily his partner has a conference away for two weeks, and he is summoned back to England for Martha and Philip's anniversary. After (some) argument, Philip eventually and begrudgingly invites Alex as well, two days before. Thank God for private planes. And maybe it's that which eventually convinces Henry of the timing.

A bit of petty rebellion, if you will.

The collar itself is simple and subtle. Black, because the stylist had said that would best suit his skin tone (after she'd signed an NDA of course), and Property of Alexander is written on the inside, and debased on the outside. it's cold enough that Henry can get away with wearing a higher neck than usual, which mostly hides it, not because he's ashamed, but because he doesn't want everyone (Philip) speculating on his private life. There's a tiny part of him though that would rather like to see his brother's hair turned grey as his little brother's kinks are revealed to the world.

Hell, it's not as if there are many secrets left.

Henry's full of nervous energy on the actual night, Alex is meant to be arriving any moment, and he's nervous, but an excited kind, as to how Alex will react. Will he like it? Will he even remember their conversation? The door opens and Henry's eyes turn to it - landing on Alex and Nora. The breath leaves the Prince's body, his lips stretching into a grin and he doesn't care that he looks like a lovestruck fool because he is one, and he's also the luckiest sod ever to exist. He's chosen a soft blue knit top and smart trousers - this is, after all, meant to be a somewhat casual affair, though there will be photographers somewhere in the mix, and Philip has stressed that Martha wants it to be a relaxed evening. Don't even think about going near the bloody cake his brother had warned.

If Henry plays his cards right, the last thing he and Alex will be thinking about tonight is cake.

@firstscn: closed starter!

[survivalist-anon]

Log 9: Old wounds heal twice

Walking into a picturesque farmland seems to never get old, I could see Mr.McGregor's farm a little ways up the hillside. Fjord had tirelessly marched with me for a better half of 10 miles.

"Ah, ready to see some chickens?", i could tell he was exited.

"Aye, don't worry lass, I have plenty of bolts ready.", with absolute gusto.

Fjord seemed a little too exited, I'm not sure what he was expecting, but hopefully he wasn't going to cause too much trouble. On that thought, I suddenly remembered that slip of paper Aldercon had given me. Taking out the paper, I was a bit.....well.... confused.

Pine Hills is currently home to a population of 900 or so people.....there was 7 names on this piece of paper.

Three I recognized, I wasn't too shocked to see James and nurse Amila on this list. However, I was actually surprised to see Mr. And Mrs Bellcaller was on here.

The other four ....were a mystery to me....never have I heard of their names....or known anyone close to those names.

"Hmm...Fjord looks like you're going to have to sneak in, I'm not certain if McGregor knows about space marines...nor do I have any idea hows going to take it.", I tried to come up with a plan...and fast.

Scratching his head, he hatches up a deceptively simple plan. "...hmmm...why don't we ...tell him it's a costume?".

"A costume? That's actually crazy enough to work.", I gave him an agreement nod.

"haha, we can say it's for that strange celebration you mortals like to do during the colder weather! I'm certain you know ".

'A cold weather celebration', that had me a little bit puzzled for a second until I realized what he was taking about, "You mean Halloween, it's the only holiday where people intentionally use costumes."

He nodded, "yes! That's the celebration! I remember last year we passed by your village and saw the whole thing. We were wondering why there were so many screams yet...there was laughter? At first we wanted to stop what we thought was someone torturing some unlucky sod. The look on our faces when all we saw were you mortals dressed up all merrily...it looked like good fun.", he seemed to reminisce about that day almost to the point of nostalgia, even if was only last year.

I even started to remember my past Halloweens too, good times of mystical spooky fun. "Well, it's still six months away. I bet we can plan something for this year if you want.".

If he had a tail, he'd furiously wagging it. "Sounds like a plan.".

We both hurried a little to farm. "Wait here, I'll just get a head to see if he's there and tell him you're a friend working on a costume. Deal?", I patted him on the arm.

"Deal.", in return, he patted my head. I don't know why or if it's because I've been with him and his animalistic nature rubbed off on me....but I liked it. It felt good for some reason.

I jogged to the barn, as I looked around, no one. It was strangely quiet for some reason. I looked to see if there any sitting near the farm house, nope. I checked the inside of the barn to see if there was anyone in there. Nope, just chickens and a few pigs. McGregor and Anna weren't anywhere to be seen either. It was just them after all.

I had a gut feeling I should double check if their truck was still here. I run to their driveway, it wasnt there. Even there was something lurking anywhere, the chickens were doing fine, just running around either free roaming or in the coups. "guess they were on their farmers supply run.", I speculated.

I quickly run back to Fjord's line of sight, "ALL CLEAR!", I motion for him to come. He adjusted his clothes bag that Bilhard had given him, and runs on all fours up the hillside. Goodness, he was wild. "Looks like you have free range in the meantime."

He stopped and stood up, he sniffed the air. "Huh, so...what do we need to kill one?".

At this point I started tilting my head, "oh they're not big. They're small animals. Remember my first kill technically was at 5 years old.". Walked to one of the coops where McGregor keeps his "sale chickens", these are for purchase so long as you leave the money in the cash box attached to the coop. "See, I shot this breed.", showed him the iconic white chicken that everyone is familiar with.

His reaction was again interesting to see. "Huh, they're not that intimidating.....are they edible?".

"Yep, you killed them, pluck them, drain the blood, clean them up and then cook them. Most people don't do that anymore because they can just buy already cooked or butchered chicken in the store....I think a little than a few decades ago people did have to prepare one halfway through the process."

As I was explaining this, I hear a flock of chickens clucking violently, as if they were interested in something. I turn to see a small group of them, horrifyingly pecking and killing a mouse that was unfortunate enough to sneak into the coop.

I for one, completely forgot how vicious chickens can be..... considering they were once dinosaurs....I should be ashamed for not remembering that detail.

Fjord, for some reason was impressed, "Hmm, I see you faced a worthy adversary in your youth.", teasing me and my first hunt. Of course.

I roll my eye a bit, "yes it very harrowing. Now, let's see if there's any-" I open the outdoor fridge next to the coop, only to find someone had vandalized the fridge by crushing all the eggs McGregor had probably harvested this morning."-left.".

Fjord peaked into the fridge, "well now that's a waste."

"You have no idea..." as I drop my head in mild inconvenience, I noticed a clue. A name tag...a name tag with a familiar logo on it. The Wonder Mart logo.

"Interesting..........", taking my phone out, I take pictures of the tag on the ground, the tag next to the fridge and coop, and the inside of the fridge. ".....ooohhh Anna is gonna hate me for texting her dad this ....but this could be big.".

Fjord in the meantime was watching me basically collect criminal evidence, he looks at the coop and finds the rooster.

This rooster is the closest thing to either a domestic terrorist or those campy signs of the devil worship that Pine Hills could have.... because this was a Black Spanish Rooster....with a bad temperament.

I turn to see Fjord on the defensive and the Rooster (whom I've come to call Cortez), having the silliest standoff I could witness.

"Lass, where's yah bow? I think I need it.", he sarcastically asked. "Seriously, this thing has some brass balls or somethin."

Cortez had begun to angrily erring at Fjord. Apparently, human men aren't the only ones that can have their masculinity challenged. With feathers ruffled, he suddenly jumps on Fjord's helmet and furiously claws and peck the helmy.

I was at this point expecting him to grab the rooster and kill with his bear hands, but he just stood there.

"Lass help. I've angered it.", it was the most monotoned cry for help I've heard from anyone.

"Oh God, one second." I rush to open the coop door, hoping to let the rooster in.

The sound of the hatch being lifted was like music to Cortez's ears, he calmed down the second the metal scraped against each other. Flapping furiously towards the coop for a legendary night of love making.

I am certain, Anna is going to fucking kill me now.

Fjord shook his head, removing his helmet he begrudgingly wiped the feathers grime off. "Are the males edible? I bet that one would make a mighty mouthful." He glared at Cortez, who's bad behavior has now been rewarded with several very fertile hens. "So what's the plan now?".

I could see I was going to have to go to the corner store in town for eggs. Lucky, my property was just a mile away. "That way. We head home. I can't just raid McGregor's kitchen for eggs, also I don't have a coop to keep chickens of mine own... neither do I care to have chickens for eggs. It's getting late, we can have some food at home, relax and who knows you can come with me to work tomorrow.", since James is in the list, I'm sure he won't mind Fjord, at least in disguise, just hanging out.

"ah, sorry about your eggs lass.", I get another head pat.

"Ah it's alright, things like this can happen.", it happens, but not like this. I leave the tag there on the ground for McGregor to find, I've already set the pictures and gifted him several more chicks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stewing on the hood of his patrol vehicle, having already eaten his lunch. Jeff postulates a way to make amends with Lorey.

"hmm..."Lorey, I know what happened back at the campground was....bad...but I'm sorry and I forgive you too", yeah...that should work....maybe I should have brought her a burger? Hmm...".

He waits a little more, class his partner from the patrol car walkie, " ~chk This is Officer Colt, any signs of the target?"

On the other line, his partner, another local PD named Thomas answers on his end, "~chk Jeff, come one man. We've been through this. Get over her, and find yourself a new gal. It ain't worth the embarrassment man."

Jeff not wanting to hear this, "~chk Tom, you don't understand. I really miss her, want to say sorry "

"~chk, bud, asking her out again isn't sorry. Just forget about her. Heck me and the guys are heading to Portland later this week for some fre-acky stuff man...you should come.... maybe you'll find a less spastic gal."

Letting out a heavy sigh, "~chk, let me try one more time, over.". He cuts off the walkie....he looks to the field and wonders if his plan is going to work. "maybe I have some fries left.", looking into his take out bag, he can see he had pretty much finished everything.

~~~~~~~~~~

"-and than, when it got darker, my dad let the grill up. Man with the light of the brackets it was so cool. It was like fire magic.", I saw Fjord's face going from enjoying my story to suspicious.

"Fire Magic?", he asked with a cocked brow.

"It's a figure of speech, it was a cool and interesting moment that can look a little extraordinary because it's bright embers at night.", that was the second time I could see a genuine look of seriousness about the concept of magic. "What's your issue with magic? You do understand runes like the ones all over your armor are pagan."

His cocked brow goes away, "Pagan?", again genuine curiosity had struck again.

I could tell the conversation had become complicated, "ugh....ok I'll probably be able to explain it when I get-fuck me in every fucking direction what is Jeff doing here."

Fjord looked like his heart skipped a few beats, until he looked towards my cabin. "....who is he? Is he an intruder? Should i-", I raise my hand to steady him.

"please no... unfortunately everyone here knows I use a bow and arrow and he's a police officer. If he disappears than I technically disappear.", whatever good mood I was in had just went out the window.

Fjord could feel my frustration, he gave a soft growl and attempted to pass me to get to Jeff.

"Wait wait, Fjord hold on what are doing?", I grab his furred belt and nearly dislocated my arm from the force of him leaving my grip. The closest thing to that was holding on to a car as it was slowly rolling away. I run in front of him, "Stop stop stop! What are you doing?! You can't just walk up to him. Please wait here, trust me. My wrath is already too much for his little sad skull to handle.".

He looks at me, than to the cop car in the distance, "ok lass ....but if anything happens....I won't hesitate.".

"you can scare him, just please put your helmet on while doing it.", I knew from the one marine who killed Grandpa and from the video of 'Big Blue' that their armor was completely bulletproof. Plus it would hide Fjord 's identity.

I give a reassuring pat on his breast plate. "I'll be ok". I take a deep breath and march to my driveway.

As the sound of my stomps came closer, Jeff decides to pull his gun, "FREEZE!", his flushed cheeks had all the blood drain from his face.

He was officially done to me.

"....first you leave me in the middle of the forest....alone...you TAKE my car and abandon me....now....THIS!?", I've had enough.

"Lorey!? Oh my lord I am sorry! I-I just wanted to apologize a-and I was just-", he knew he had just fumbled his last ball with me.

"JUST WHAT?!? AM I JUST SOME SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER TO YOU NOW?!?", I was shaking, tears in my eyes, almost blinding me. Probably for the better not to see his face.

What I didn't know, was the moment I screamed. Fjord was going to take initiative.

"Lorey for Christ's sake! Can you please stop being over dramatic! What about me!? I heard something that night that scared the living shit out of me and THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT ME?!", his shouting was just as bad as mine.

The difference was I wasn't use to losing my temper like he was, he was very use to it.

"AT LEAST YOU HAD A WAY TO GET BACK HOME! I SPENT SEVERAL HOURS UNTIL THE DEAD OF NIGHT! NEARLY 20 MILES AWAY FROM FUCK ALL NOWHERE IN THE APPALACHIA MOUNTAINS! If it weren't for a gang of bikers finding me cold, wet and SCARED to death on the side of the highway I WOULD BE DEAD!", whomever was in earshot, had just heard the truth behind my breakup with Jeff.

"Oh so you're calling me a coward?! For defending myself and doing what it took to survive?!?, his hands were spread out, lucky for me he had put his gun on the hood of his patrol car and rarely used his taser. "You know what!? You're under arrest!", he hastily took out his handcuffs.

I was absolutely dumbfounded, "For what yelling at you?!?"

He than spoke to me in a tone I would have never imagined hearing from him in my whole life, "For resisting arrest and assault of an officer.". Something in him changed that very second.

I was for the first time actually afraid of him.

I considering myself dead that very second....until....the patrol car had just dropped right behind Jeff.

Both of us letting out screams of own. However, I wasn't sure if I was the one screaming at a decibel on bats can hear.

I saw that Fjord had effortlessly thrown the patrol just inches away from Jeff's back.

Jeff, now visibly shaking, looked over his shoulder and saw his now turned over vehicle. "Oh man..... dad's going to kill me.", he haphazardly took out his taser and pointed to whomever did this.

He turned to see Fjord, just ten feet away, the eyes of his helmet glowing red, and menacingly standing there, growling loud enough for me to feel it.

I knew he and the others were protective, but this was a whole different level of scary. I could see him slowly coming towards us.

By this point, I was more scared for Jeff. I can see that he was crying, soaked in sweat, nothing in his training could prepare him for this. He pulls the trigger and as the electric dart shoot out. Nothing, just the drowned out sounds of the car alarm of the patrol vehicle and the pathetic buzzing of the wires.

Fjord didn't even flinch, of course he wasn't going to flinch.

Jeff had to now rely on his gun...which wasn't holstered to his belt.

"oh my God nononono please oh God no.", his panicked state had unraveled him into a mess. He saw that Fjord was mockingly holding his gun like a toy.

"yah want this, boyo?", even his voice was closer to growling than before. He than throws Jeff's gun back at him, "pick it up."

Jeff hesitated, still shaking and blathering nonsensically to himself.

"Pick. It. UP!", the growl had gone to a mild roar.

Jeff gave a quick scream, with a violently shaking hand, he picked up the gun.

Fjord coldly stared at him, unmoving. "....do it."

Still shaking, Jeff again hesitated.

"DO IT. COWARD!", he roared again.

I didn't know what to make of this, it was as if all the anger I had felt physically manifested in front of me and now all I feel is regret.

I genuinely hated Jeff, but this felt it had gone too far.

Jeff suddenly, stopped shaking. Something in him snapped again, he grinned and unloaded on to Fjord. All he did was yell, shoot until there was only clicks.

Fjord. Was completely unharmed. The bullets didn't even chip the paint off his armor.

Jeff's manic grin, slowly turned into a look of horror.

Fjord, silently steps up to Jeff, towering over him. Gently grabs the gun by the barrel, and crushes it as if it were make of old cheap plastic. He leaned closer to Jeff's face.

"boo."

Jeff screamed a blood curling scream and ran off as fast as he could

I was horrified, silently crying from yelling at Jeff and having just witnessed less than a fraction of what Fjord was capable of.

He turned to me, probably hoping for me to thank him, but I think he realized he scared me in the process.

He took off his helmet, "Lorey?", I slowly slumped down to the ground, everything has taken a good bit of my strength. "no no no please lass, I only ment to scare him. I swear, I wasn't going to do anything.... please.. please don't be afraid of me."

I took deep breaths, I stared out into the dusk of the evening, I looked to Fjord and all I can see was the look of guilt in those golden eyes of his. Now practically glowing in the dim light.

I knew what I was getting into, I could see the signs. I took a deep breath, this was a sign that I'm in a situation where I am dealing with extraordinary men capable of things I'm going to have to prepare myself for....he was slowly waking towards me, probably at this point not wanting to frighten me.

"please lass, I'm sorry. I won't do that ever again... please I'm-", he was like a child who had just been found with his father's gun and was begging for forgiveness. The heartbreak I felt for him just now was indescribable, he genuinely felt remorse.

I know why he did it, I was not going to be mad at him for doing his job. After all, Jeff wasn't just being an asshole that moment.... something felt terrible in him.

Wiping my face and nose, trying to control myself. "It's ok Fjord, it's alright...*hic*, you did good. It's ok ", we just hugged it out on the driveway.

I wasn't thinking about any witnesses, nor what Sten and Toke would think.

All I can do, should do...and would do, is forgive him. "It's alright, I'm ok....it was the heat of the moment, I was yelling at him too...and you protected me. It's all that matters. I'm not afraid of you, I'll never be afraid of you."

He looked up at me, I have no idea how I just made a harden warrior from fucking outter space cry a little for doing his job....but I can't blame him. All I can do now was hug his big fluffy red head, "now *sniff*, let's get inside before Jeff comes back with back up."

Fjord picked me up from the ground, carrying me, "yes lass....do you want me t-

"OH STOP THAT, you asshole joking in a time like this?!", my laughing betrayed my momentary anger at that joke. The tension had to have given way at some point or another.

His hardy laugh was contagious. "IM SORRY LASS, I COULDN'T HELP IT.", we just continued laughing to the door.

We're both morons.

End of log 9

@egrets-not-regrets @barn-anon @kit-williams

[raunchybanana69]

KH1-KH2 parallels to FF7 (Pt.3)

If you haven't looked at the first two parts please check them out

Riku + Ansem SoD + Sora parallels to Cloud + Sephiroth + Tifa (feat. small Kairi and Aerith parallel)

KH2 and Advent Children Parallels

So If you haven't gathered already from reading the first post, Tetsuya Nomura was working on Advent Children at the same time of the CoM and KH2 production. And by now if you haven't already saw the parallels in KH1 and CoM, Nomura basically all but shows you that Riku parallels Cloud, Sora parallels Tifa, and Ansem SoD parallels Sephiroth by this game.

Here we have a very obvious in your face parallel of Sora looking for Riku and Tifa looking for Cloud. If you haven't already seen the Sora and Tifa parallels, then...

Interesting thing to note is that Advent Children only came out a couple months in Japanese theaters before the release date of KH2. Nomura choosing the Advent Children outfits for specifically Cloud and Tifa (and Yuffie) while leaving Aerith and Sephiroth unique outfits was definitely a choice. Whether it's a matter of wanting to promote Advent Children for $$ or wanting people to looking into Advent Children because the parallels are interwoven into the KH writing (we can only speculate).

This one is more of a visual parallel with how Cloud and Riku look away. But also Aerith asks Cloud "you mean you don't want me there when you go away again?" and Cloud replies with "I just--- Listen even if I go far away, I'll come back". Aerith asks "Do you mean it?"

Cloud is unsure of whether he will come back or not which parallels Riku who was originally just going to leave once he was sure Sora and Kairi were safe.

Another note is how Aerith's KH2 outfit is something unique and incorporates white in her pink color palette which makes me wonder...

If you haven't gathered already that Sora was looking everywhere for Riku then idk...

When you look into the actual Advent Children movie, you'll start to see similar dialogue to KH2. In Advent Children, Cloud has Geostigma (a disease described as "the Sephiroth gene") and he camps out in the abandoned church for a couple weeks in seclusion while trying to find a cure. We see Tifa and Marlene stumbling upon Cloud's stuff. Marlene asks "Is Cloud Sick?" which Tifa replies with "He should have told me" ("Why didn't he say something?" in localization) a couple seconds later she says "I think he wants to fight alone" then pauses "I don't think that he will"

Sora in KH2 when finally reuniting with Riku is like "Why didn't you let me know you were okay?" and Riku replies with "I didn't want to be found... not like this."

Lmao funny dialogue but also

If you have not picked up on Riku paralleling Cloud and Ansem SoD paralleling Sephiroth then idk what to tell you...

Fun visual of driving a vehicle to the boss fight.

During the Bahamut boss fight, Cloud is being lifted by his team, and as Tifa lifts Cloud, in the Japanese version she says something like "まだんだ" (not over yet!) which got localized to "No giving up"

When Sora helps Riku up he says "まだ 終われないんだ" (it's not over yet) which got localized to "Don't say another word. It's not over, it's just not"

Anyways that's the end of the long post, keep winning Soriku

[f0point5]

I think people are way too sensitive when it comes to the sid the sloth joke. I think Max is the most handsome man in the world right now, but i have to admit he did look like sid the sloth 🤗🤗🤗 it's just banter between friends.

If Max was bothered, he would have said something. Unless he is a masive pushover.

Mmm yes and no, in my opinion.

I think it’s just…jerk behaviour for people to be making that joke, like bringing those large Sod cut outs to GPs for example, and commenting the gifs on RB posts. I’m just not about that stuff, I think it’s tacky and rude. So, that being a thing, if I were Daniel, I wouldn’t bring it up. That’s just not how I am. Is it that deep? Probably not. But that’s also just not my vibe. If you’re my friend, I’m going to tease you around people who aren’t on our wavelength. Not everyone is like that, that’s cool. But I also just…don’t vibe with it.

I could never speculate how much Max himself cares about what’s said but I just think if you’re the type who feels the need to make that joke, it doesn’t say good things about you regardless.

Also, I don’t think Max would say something, not publicly anyway. That would be embarrassing and unnecessary and definitely counterproductive. The first rule of the internet is “don’t feed the animals”. He probably knows that.

But yeah for me it’s not about it bothering him per se, more than I think it’s a shitty thing to say/perpetuate.

[josefavomjaaga]

Hii, thank you so much for answering my previous question so beautifully. Eugene intrigues me a lot and this question is about him too. This time I actually have a what if question😄

What if Eugene got overly ambitious and plotted to have full sovereignty over Italy rather than merely serving under napoleon as a viceroy thus defying his stepfather. Do you believe napoleon would have forgiven him out of paternal love ( which i think he wouldn't) or punish Eugene for his disloyalty. If the latter then do you think he would try Eugene for treason or just let him get away with less severe consequences for once?

Hi, and apologies once more for being sooo very slow with my answers. 😥 I guess the main reason why it took me so long is the question's premise though 😁. Because Eugène being extremely "modest" and utterly "without personal ambition" kinda is one of his main personality traits, repeated over and over in both old and new biographies. It actually may have been one of the things Napoleon liked the most about him. (And we can speculate in how far this "modesty" on Eugène's part was actually a lack of confidence in his own capabilities, and in how far Napoleon soothed or aggravated and exploited this, depending on the situation.)

But then, when you look at it: It's precisely what Marshal Marmont accused Eugène of (and not completely without reason) in his memoirs. I'll not get into details about that as it's a rather complicated story (it ties in a bit with your other Ask that is still sitting in my mailbox though) but I have written some about it here and here. In short: In early 1814 Eugène received an order from Napoleon to give up the Kingdom of Italy and to lead his army (of officially 36,000 men) to France in order to defend the country, and Eugène had disobeyed and instead continued to try and defend that Kingdom of Italy that he had administered for Napoleon for almost nine years, and that he possibly still considered as his possible heritage. There even were rumours that Eugène would proclaim himself king while Napoleon was still in power.

In the end, it was only after Napoleon's abdication (as both emperor of France and king of Italy) that Eugène (whose own legitimation as viceroy had ended as well) tried to have the Senate in Milan proclaim him as the new king - an attempt that was cut short by a brutal anti-French uprising in Milan, instigated and led by the party of general Domenico Pino. But Eugène did try to become king himself, that much is undeniable.

So, in a way, there you have precisely your scenario, even if only at the very end of the First Empire.

Now on to the (in my opinion) even more intriguing part of your question:

Do you believe napoleon would have forgiven him out of paternal love ( which i think he wouldn't) or punish Eugene for his disloyalty.

Napoleon forgiving Eugène for plotting an uprising against him?

No. Chance. In. Sodding. Hell.

Of course that does not necessarily mean that Eugène would have been visibly punished. It would depend on the situation; if the conspiracy had become known abroad, I think Napoleon would have been forced to show some measure of severity and to set an example. However, if it was still possible to keep the whole affair secret, Napoleon probably would have done that, and Eugène might have gotten away with a slap on the wirst personally. Admitting to such a level of internal trouble even within the imperial family would mean admitting to very real weaknesses to his neigbour countries, and Napoleon could not afford that. But expect pretty much everyone in Eugène's personal entourage to be transferred to the most deadly frontier place in Spain immediately, and to be replaced by people answering in the first place to Fouché or Savary.

And there are several indications that Napoloeon was quite weary of Eugène's personal reputation as soon as the little King of Rome had been born. Because, technically, he now had two sons. One natural, one adoptive - but the natural one being a helpless baby who would not be able to sit a throne for another two decades, and the adoptive son a healthy and still immensely popular man in his early thirties with a wife of royal kin and already an heir of his own (Eugène's son Auguste being born in December 1810).

Napoleon being weary of Eugène gaining too much popularity in Italy may even have started before 1810 (see the story about the book on Eugène's 1809 campaign). Personally, I feel like he was at least dreaming about a large territorial empire directly answering to him ever since Tilsit, and that ruled out other monarchs but himself. Eugène was not much of a problem as long as he only had daughters, but him having a son of his own meant that he could very well start his own dynasty, a rival to the Bonaparte dynasty. If Napoleon wanted a unified western Europe under one crown, he had to get rid of the vasall kings he had installed himself (and here Eugène's situation ties in with that of his old rival Murat).

Hortense in her memoirs mentions several similar instances of Napoleon's implied distrust of her brother, starting with Eugène taking an active part in the 1809 campaign. Later, before the Russian campaign, Napoleon had apparently wanted to make Eugène gouvernor of Paris during his absence, but had a change of heart and decided to have him join the campaign instead. Maybe also because of this distrust? Eugène being in charge of Paris troops, Eugène tasked with protecting a baby whose disappearance would benefit him greatly... Maybe Napoleon deemed it too much of a risk.

During the retreat from Moscow, there was another event Hortense elaborates on: A rather enthusiastic (private) report on the Battle of Marojaroslavetz, praising the Army of Italy and its leader somehow found its way into the "Journal de Paris", without Napoleon's consent. (Eugène himself, busy in Russia, escapes suspicion this time. But do I rule out the possibility of his Milan entourage plotting with the ladies of the Beauharnais family to push their all-to-modest son/brother/husband into the limelight? Very much not!) According to Hortense, Napoleon was quite furious about it, and it contributed to him giving superior command to Murat in December 1812, instead of to Eugène. Caulaincourt in his memoirs similarily hints at Napoleon distrusting Eugène, or rather, distrusting everybody with a well-merited personal reputation.

I guess all these hints at Napoleon's growing distrust of Eugène even when Eugène made every attempt to be as docile and harmless as possible, rules out the possibility of Napoleon's "paternal love" being in the way of punishing Eugène if the need arose.

Thanks again for the Ask, and sorry for the long rambling 😁. This is a most intriguing topic indeed, and as you can probably tell I'm fascinated by all the different layers of the personal relations within Napoleon's court!

[orcelito]

You may have some chapstick, but WATCH OUT! knife

[localsharkcryptid]

I'm not sure how big of a HTTYD community exists here but I wanna post my findings anyhow:

Mainly due to an old and often very negative server I was in I've seen the argument over whether or not the Slithersong and Deathsong are the same dragon a lot, and well I've found a model resource website that actually has good renders of both models.

So I am here to prove that they are different species but definitely related!

This is a Death Song

And this is what I believe to be it's smaller cousin, the Slither Song

[Both model credits go to SoD]

Now right off the bat there's coloration differences of course but here's over all everything that differs between the two:

Slither Song

Smaller head frills

Sharper tail fins

Smoother slightly shorter tail

Smaller eyes on a much rounder and more oval shaped head

Back spines vary in size

Shorter nasal horn

More pronounced wing bones/supports

Horn shape is different and smoother

Death Song

Large head frills

More cylindrical head shape, significantly narrower compared to the Slither

Barbels on the chin

More prominent nasal horn

Back spines are of similar size to one another

Longer tail with small spines running between the fins

More sail like and curved fins with distinct patterning

Larger eyes that face outwards

Poor artists rendition putting the two side by side

Now into the speculation and my own interpretation since School of Dragons gives little ecology info on the dragons.

--

I believe the slither song to be a smaller cousin to the death song, preferring more tropical or densely wooded environments compared to it's primarily rocky island and ravine dwelling relative. Thus the slither song is smaller and is most likely built for a life closer to the ground and under tree cover with it's darker colors, moving and slinking along tree branches that can support it's weight and perhaps being mistaken for a serpent thus giving it it's name.

--

In short though, the two species are different dragons - not a case of sexual dimorphisim, not the same thing but blue - simply two rather closely related species that are different the moment you look at the details.

[tapioca-puddingg]

The Future of KH Characters

Hey y'all, I know it's been a while. But lately I've been having some feelings about the future of KH and I wanted to share them. These are just my own baseless speculations and wants, i don't know nothin about nothin.

So the future of these characters have me concerned. I'm glad that characters like Roxas and Xion got revived, but I'm concerned about how they're gonna fit into this new story. Like, what are their new roles going to be? The problem I see here is that most of the heroes have had resolutions. Unless they introduce a new threat in the KH Universe.

So Sora, RIku, MoM, Luxu and Strelitzia have already been confirmed to be in the Lost Masters Arc. Riku isn't in Quadratum yet, but he will be soon. This'll be the first time that Sora will be isolated without his friends by his side (until he knows Riku is there), so I would like to see how he navigates that loneliness

Kairi

Kairi will be trained by Aqua, which is one of the best decisions they could've made for her character imo and I'm really excited to see their dynamic. I would love to see her and Aqua travel to new Disney worlds as part of her training. I think it would make the most sense for Kairi to be the one to travel to these new worlds since she hasn't had that journey yet

Maybe she can temporarily live at the Land of Departure too!

Ooh maybe she can eventually get keyblade armor too

She can become friends with the disney princesses and learn from their stories

Maybe the princesses inspire her to be stronger

Speaking of stronger, there still isn't much clarification on what her powers are exactly. Her powers have been only shown for the convenience of the plot, such as when her belief in Sora is what allowed him to keep his physical form in the Final World

So I would like full clarification on her abilities as a Princess of Heart and to possibly see those abilities applied to her moveset. I really just wanna play as her again okay

Aqua

Aqua will be Kairi's new master, like I said above

She finally gets to have a little sister!

I feel like having a pupil makes the most sense to be the next step in her life

I would still like to see more issues she developed from her time in the Realm of Darkness. It was a great touch that she got triggered by the swarm of heartless in Re:Mind

Also I'd like to see and her, Terra and Ven are processing Eraqus' loss

And just more friend moments between the three of them

Ventus

So it's implied that his memories have been restored, as he welcomes Chirithy with open arms at the end of KH3. Literally

That opens up the floodgates of hell

If he hasn't already, he's gonna have to tell Aqua and Terra the truth about what happened back then. I wonder if that will cause some tension in their friendship

Speaking of tension, maybe he'd want to find Lauriam and Elrena and reunite with them to talk things out

Terra

I can see Terra being a mentor to Kairi alongside Aqua

We know that he was disappointed that he couldn't act as a mentor to Riku, so this could be a second chance for him

But I can also see him going on his own path to getting stronger and mastering his darkness

Maybe Aqua and Ven disagree bc they want him to stay with them to get stronger. But he insists on going it alone

Maybe he finds a teacher (new character?), or he just does some solo self-reflection

Random thought but it'd be cute if he revisited some of the worlds in BBS to meet up with his old friends and see how things have changed

Speaking of which, wtf happened to Zack. Please don't tell me he died in this universe too... the last shot we see of him is hella eerie

Anyways, I want for that journey to end with him becoming a keyblade master

Lea and Isa

There's still the matter of Subject X, which many speculate is Skuld

That was their whole motivation for joining Organization 13 to begin with, so they gotta spin back on that

Now that Ansem is back in action, they're gonna have to press him about what happened to her

It's funny bc Ansem SoD was also searching for her in KH3, but we don't know why

Mickey

He was tasked with going to Scala Ad Caelum to investigate the Lost Masters

i hope we're able to learn even more about the past. Maybe we'll learn how MoM and the Foretellers were able to hop between dimensions

Unknown

As for Roxas, XIon, and Namine, I have no idea what their roles could be in the future. If anybody has any ideas, do let me know. I'm open to hearing more speculation

[esotheria-sims]

The following morning, while on his way to tend to the fruit trees, Dominick almost collided with Feanor. Startled by the royal’s unexpected presence and terrified that he might have unwittingly caused him offence, Dominick dropped on his knees, but was soon waved back up to his feet again.

- "M-my prince! You honor me greatly with your noble company. Allow me to welcome you to my humble abode..."

“Oh no, don't trouble yourself. I was merely in passing”, Feanor said, donning a winsome smile. But his eyes had a cheeky glint to them. "I only wanted to stop by to give you my congratulations."

- "C-congratulations, my lord?", Dominick repeated, blinking in confusion.

- "Why, yes. My manservant has been looking utterly spent these days (in a good way), and I understand this was your doing. But approve as I might of your sentimental joining, I'd still ask that you try to keep it to the weekends. Ambrose has duties, after all.”

The dismayed look on Dominick’s now bright-red face was priceless; if he hadn’t been so entertained by the sight, Feanor would have felt sorry for the poor sod. But it confirmed the rumours: the reclusive scholar had finally found a lover. Evil tongues around town had been speculating that Dominick Irving was bound to go down the same solitary path of madness as his father; Feanor hoped that this new development meant that would not be the case.

He gave Dominick an approving tap on the shoulder before walking off, leaving the younger elf to stew in his own discomfort.

----

This was based on an actual in-game event! Feanor came walking by Dominick's house, had a very short exchange with him, and then just walked off without ever coming inside. I wanted to come up with an in-universe explanation as to what happened, so here you go. Feanor really went out of his way only to tell Dominick 'congrats on the s*x'. If that ain’t the most Romance sim thing to do, I don’t know what is! 😂

Also... unbeknownst to Dominick, he seems to be the target of many an ugly gossip in the Bay. Poor guy! :x At least the prince seems to be on his side.