#the tree merlons

[uwhe-arts]

tre cime di lavaredo . . . | uwhe-arts

[lucyav13]

The ancients

The ancients were an advanced civilization. They were highly intelligent and possessed great magical power, and their influence spread across many dimensions for thousands of years.

They had great faith in the power of love, and the passion of some became the stuff of legends. 1,500 years before the events of Super Paper Mario, a particular group of Ancient sages created the Light Prognosticus to counteract the grim prophesies of the Dark Prognosticus (whether this book was written by an Ancient as well is unknown); they also constructed Flipside, and saw to the distribution of the Pure Hearts across the land, believing that the power of love would be the only way to save the universe from the destruction foretold in the Dark Prognosticus.

Among them, there were 4 sages, who made all the plans to prevent the heart of chaos from destroying all the worlds. They are:

Merlimbis

This gentle and loving sage is said to have created the Pure Hearts... She is a direct ancestor of the fourtune-teller Merluvlee and the charmer Merlee..."

Merlimbis, who is described by Tippi as "gentle and loving", was one of the four sages among the Tribe of Ancients. She is thought to have created the Pure Hearts, and therefore the Purity Heart. She is never directly met, only viewed in a stained glass window in Mirror Hall, which reveals that she looked very similar to Merluvlee and Merlee, both of whom are direct descendents of Merlimbis according to Tippi and Tiptron.

Merlight

"He had great knowledge of all the worlds, and is said to have designed Flipside... He is a distant ancestor of Merlon, who still has many of his books at home."

Merlight is revealed by Tippi to have been quite knowledgeable in the nature of dimensions/worlds, and used this knowledge in the design of Flipside. He is distantly related to Merlon, who looks identical to him and apparently possesses a large amount of the books Merlight left behind.

Merloo

(A/N): What's with putting "Mer" at the beginning of the names?

"This sage was very wise and is even said to have written the Light Prognosticus... He was also a great magician who could control dimensions..."

According to Tippi, Merloo was very wise in his time and is even thought to be the author of the Light Prognosticus (although authorship is also credited to Merlumina). In the Japanese script, he is mentioned as having future vision, although this is unmentioned in the English localization for reasons unknown. He has the appearance of a mustache-less, green-robed character, but while the other sages bear resemblance to the "Shaman" characters encountered in the game, Merloo bears only a passing resemblance to Merlon and Nolrem. However, Merloo is said to be a powerful, dimension-controlling magician, similarly to Dimentio and to the "Flip Wizard" Bestovius, a descendent of the Ancients (and possibly Merloo) who gives Mario the ability to flip into the third dimension

(A/N): I kind of have a theory about this, which involves a family tree. I'll post it in a next part, so stay tuned!

Merlumina

The member of this group of sages that we have the most knowledge of. 

The wisest of the sages, she was a leader of her people... She was also very passionate, inspiring dozens of legends of her romantic adventures..." According to Garson, their romances threatened to destroy the world more than once...

 She was told to protect the Pure Heart in Yold Ruins and await the hero of legend. 1,500 years later, her ghost still waited for the hero to arrive. She is the only member of the sages to be met by Mario and his friends in-game. She is credited with writing the Light Prognosticus by Merlon, although Merloo was also said to be the author.

In fact, some more that belonged to this tribe are mentioned, the ones that are most worth analyzing are:

Merlumina's sister brought the purple Pure Heart to Sammer's Kingdom and fell in love with the king. They had 100 children together, providing the origin of the Duel of 100, and making her the ancestor of the encountered in the game. 

The inventor of the Pixls was a human member of the Tribe of Ancients, as was his daughter by extension, who died and had her spirit transformed into the Pixl Queen. The Ancient magician who created those Pixls also had a son whom he believed had perished along with his wife. However, the son survived, and may be the ancestor of Count Bleck.

The Ancients hid the Pure Hearts in various worlds to stop eventual destruction. Then the Ancients scattered to various world to pass the rest of their days. Most of them were wise and kind like Merlumina. And like Merlumina, many of them would totally lose their cool when they fell in love. But it was this very passion that let them build the vessels of love, the Pure Hearts...

The Ancients traveled to many worlds to entrust people with Pure Hearts. It was to keep them safe from destruction or misuse by those with evil hearts. The Pure Hearts were drawn by their own power toward those strong with love. The Ancients used this trait to find suitable guardians in each world. And a few romances also began as a result of these little journeys... Many of the Ancients who found guardians fell in love with those they met. And so they lived their days happily in the world they'd visited out of duty. This is how the legend of the hero was passed down to future generations...

Before concluding, I would like to show you a story that Garson told, and that few know, see:

So yeah, those Ancients were passionate and romantic... Did I already tell you that? Even Merlon, their descendant, is wild for love, you know... Why, he had Quite a thing for Saffron the cook. He went to her cooking shop of hers every day and he wooed her constantly. He finally broke down and confessed his love to her for her... And here's what she said: 'If you can finish an entire serving of my Saffron Special Galactic Meal, I'll date you.' ...And this is one of the biggest, most filling dishes anyone's ever seen, mind you. But he dug right in. According to spectators, he finished all but a sprig of parsley left on the plate. Just then, some poor girl appeared in town who was severely injured. (I think that everyone already imagines who is she). Merlon had to help her, so Saffron let him suspend the challenge.

I don't know what happened to that girl next... But then Merlon became engrossed in his studies of him, and he hasn't wooed since. Maybe he'll get back to it when the world is peaceful and safe again.

You didn't know, right?

And that would be all my research on The tribe of the ancients. If anyone wants to theorize about it, feel free to do so, I will publish the most interesting theory in a next part. Bye!

[darkclouds-rainsounds]

An in-universe explanation for a pointless plot hole

...Alright. Even though it’s literally stated that Merlon turned Timpani who was still alive into that of a Pixl (meaning it’s entirely brand new and he calls it her “Pixl form”) as opposed to how Pixl's were normally created which is through dead people's souls being transmogrified into new forms (which may or may not be mechanical in nature given how Thoreau refers to Tippi as a new model— which might I add, makes the following conjecture make no sense since he should have recognized her Pixl body), this is a very intriguing interpretation.

It also makes this “dub-induced plot hole”

make sense in-universe because if he instead transferred her soul into a Pixl body instead, and said body was the very same “truth-seeing” Pixl that the surviving apprentice had when confronting the Pixl Queen— even though it was explicitly stated to have died during the battle— then that would explain why Tippi ambiguously recognized Dimentio at the end of chapter 1-4.

“One of the Pixls at his side was immune to this, for it could see truth. It helped the survivor fight, and he and his Pixl finally defeated the Pixl Queen. But in the process, the Pixl's game was ended…”

It wasn't Tippi's own memories because that literally makes no sense; she had completely lost her memories by the start of the game including her actual name and everything about her beloved; why would she still retain memories of some jester? Especially of note is: do you really think Dimentio always wore the jester outfit and nothing else?? I don't buy that. And again, it couldn't be her recognizing his voice because it would make zero sense for her to near-instantly recognize Dimentio's voice— who of which we have no information that can be gleaned that could imply that Timpani ever knew someone like him since this is a dub-induced plot hole and doesn't exist in the original text so there is literally nothing else to work with— and not that of Count Bleck's aka Blumiere aka her lover.

But what does make sense is if the Pixl body she resides in is that of the “truth-seeing” Pixl the surviving apprentice had who had perished during the battle against the Pixl Queen. That Dimentio is the surviving apprentice and the memories that Tippi is having upon seeing/hearing him are those that are innate to the Pixl body itself; memories that were retained in the body that serves as a host for Tippi's soul for the time being. It's the Pixl body's memories that Tippi is experiencing, they aren't her own.

Also interesting thing of note is that in normal gameplay, Dimentio is the only character that can't be tattled by Tippi. Not in his battle at the Dotwood tree (since Tippi had been kidnapped) nor his battle at Castle Bleck (where an interesting thing is that the other Pixls fight alongside Bowser and Peach despite them going MIA after the battle, but the same doesn't happen for Luigi. The Pixls are glad to fight alongside Bowser and Peach against O'Chunks and Mimi, but not a single one— including Tippi— assist Luigi in fighting Dimentio. And it's not because he wanted to fight Dimentio 1 on 1 since Peach had the same demand when she was going to fight Mimi but still had the help of the Pixls. The only time Dimentio ever technically gets tattled is the Super Dimentio fusion which isn't solely him).

He's the only one who can't be subjected to the abilities of the “truth-seeing” Pixl.

And of course, the one major thing that throws a wrench into this whole theory is the fact that information from Merlon directly contradicts it, as well as Carson saying that the “truth-seeing” Pixl died during the battle against the Pixl Queen— and I don’t want to be selective in what parts of his stories are accurate or not just so certain conjectures can still make sense. Sure it could possibly be the case, just like how a common interpretation I’ve seen is that in the event that Dimentio is the Magician’s son, is that he had no children despite Carson explicitly talking about a bloodline. What Carson hears is outright stated by him to be gossip and rumors so not everything he says can be simply taken as fact.

So it gives a bit of freedom when it comes to interpreting the lore he says, but I think it's best advised to not be simply contrarian and go “nuh uh” to specific pieces of information all because doing so supports otherwise unsupportable speculation.

It is a very interesting idea that adds further nuance to the Pixl Uprising lore, Dimentio, and Tippi, but given how it contradicts what Merlon and Carson say, and there isn’t really anything that would suggest that the body of the Pixl was able to be salvaged, was kept safe and passed down all those years, and just so happen to end up in Merlon’s care and be put to use at the exact right place and time, this idea is ultimately rendered moot outside of AUs.

All this does is apply an in-universe explanation to a “dub-induced plot hole” that literally has no right being there. It's why this contradicts canon because it has no place in canon: it was never meant to be logically explained; it shouldn't be there.

[acourtofquestions]

Cicadas buzzed in the trees of the keep, and somewhere in the gardens, a nightingale sang her lament. Talk. Talk about what?

She didn't have anything to say, so they sat on the parapet in silence for a while until even the cicadas went to sleep, and the moon slipped away behind them, and the sky began to brighten. Talk. Talk about what had been haunting her these months. Haunting every thought, every dream, every breath. Talk.

"I'm scared to go home," she said at last, staring out at the dunes beyond the walls.

The predawn light was bright enough for her to see the Master's brows rise. Why?

"Because everything will be different. Everything is already different. I think everything changed when Arobynn punished me, but ... Some part of me still thinks that the world will go back to the way it was before that night. Before I went to Skull's Bay."

The Master's eyes shone like emeralds. Compassionate-sorrowful.

"I'm not sure I want it to go back to the way it was before," she admitted. "And I think … I think that's what scares me the most."

The Master smiled at her reassuringly, then rolled his neck and stretched his arms over his head before standing atop the merlon.

Celaena tensed, unsure if she should follow.

But the Master didn't look at her as he began a series of movements, graceful and winding, as elegant as a dance and deadly as the asp that lurked on the roof.

The asp.

Watching the Master, she could see each of the qualities she had copied for the past few weeks—-the contained power and swiftness, the cunning and the smooth restraint.

He went through the motions again, and it took only a glance in her direction to get her to her feet atop the parapet wall. Mindful of her balance, she slowly copied him, her muscles singing with the rightness of the movements. She grinned as night after night of careful observation and mimicry clicked into place.

Again and again, the sweep and curve of her arm, the twisting of her torso, even the rhythm of her breathing. Again and again, until she became the asp, until the sun broke over the horizon, bathing them in red light.

Again and again, until there was nothing left but the Master and her as they greeted the new day.

[luvehearted]

to this day, i’m so damn obsessed with how super paper mario acted out its theme of love. 

how each pure heart can be tied to a different display of affection. how no one form ought to be considered more important than another. 

the first pure heart, given by merlon, is arguably linked to his paternal love : his unspoken status as flipside’s elder --- whom people go to for advice and knowledge --- and his care for timpani ever since he found her on the brink of death. 

the second, from merlumina, is passion : the very odd and unbridled life she had lived. flirting with men in their dreams, getting entangled in what she called “ a maelstrom of love ”, finding four men to sing lullabies to her --- she’s got plenty of stories to tell ( which sadly bore mario to sleep ). 

the third, from merlee, is hope and trust : how she believed the heroes would somehow circumvent all of mimi’s scheming, and even her initial invincibility, to reach her in the basement.

fourth, friendship : mario, peach, and bowser traveling miles and miles, through trees and seas, just to rescue tippi from francis. her heart was brimming with so much joy that the pure heart revealed itself through her. 

fifth, the bond between mother and child : squirps hibernated for approximately 1,500 years to wait for the heroes, after queen squirpina xvi entrusted him with the duty of guiding them to the hidden pure heart. upon finally fulfilling his mission, he asks his mom’s statue if he’s made her proud . . . and even though she’s long since passed away, tippi claims in her tattle, “ she watches over squirps always ”. 

sixth, the allegiance of a leader to his own people : king croacus iv’s efforts to protect the well-being of his subjects, going as far as to plan the mass-kidnapping ( and brainwashing ) of cragnons after he was driven mad by the polluted water. 

seventh, committed romance : the love that bloomed between merlumina’s sister and king sammer’s ancestor, with the former opting to stay in the kingdom even after she delivered the pure heart. eventually they raised a hundred kids. 

eighth, the love shared within a family : grambi and jaydes’s devotion to each other as husband and wife, then extending it to luvbi, their only child . . . and though she was gravely hurt by the truth of her existence, she, in the end, reciprocated their love completely. 

also note how the purity heart ( the combination of all eight pure hearts, and what finally destroyed the chaos heart ) arose from the marriage between timpani and blumiere --- two people who never should have been torn apart but were --- while the chaos heart was born from the marriage between peach and bowser --- two people who never should have been wed but were. 

[gamingstar26]

Duck AU Ideas and Stuff

just reposting some ideas and shit ive posted on amino. you can suggest ideas for my au if you want. its going to be long so here we go: 

Super Paper Ducktales Roles Help

I need help with some characters roles I haven’t decided on yet here are the ones:

Bowser for the adult heroes ver

Dimentio for the adult minions ver for now it’s Magica but idk if I’ll keep it.

Most of the important side characters

The characters can come from any Disney Duck media not just Ducktales.

(Note: Merlon and Nolrem are counterparts to each other. Same with Fracktail and Wracktail. Bonechill is basically Satan/Lucifer.

Jaydes is basically Hades and Grambi is basically God. Luvbi is the child to Jaydes and Grambi.)

Merlon

Nolrem

Luvbi

Jaydes

Grambi

King Croacus IV

Old Man Watchitt

Fracktail

Wracktail

Flint Cragley

Bonechill

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Myth AU Ideas Part 1

I’m mixing different canons together for this with dt17 being the base.

Some of The Coots and Ducks have creature forms but it’s a 50% chance overall. (It’s genetics in this case. While with the McDucks it’s a bit of genetics and curses) Here are some of them that have creature forms:

Coots: Elivira Coot (Grandma Duck), Casey Coot, Gus Goose, Don de Pato aka Don Dugo, Cuthbert Coot, etc

(fun fact while doing some looking into Don de Pato, also Don Dugo is his German name. he was originally from the McDucks, but in the LOT3C he was changed to be a Coot ancestor instead. Also the conquistador armor makes more sense now cause he’s actually from Spain. His creature form would most likely be something Spanish but idk yet and with the others idk what there creature forms would be. Also that maybe Panchito and José’s ancestors would also have a form, there’s will also be European for Jose’s ancestor Pascoal Papagaio it would be Portuguese not Brazilian because of the time period same with Panchito’s ancestor Gallus Maximus it would be Spanish not Mexican.)

Ducks: Pintail Duck, Eider Duck, Abner Whitewater Duck, HumperDink Duck, etc

people with creature forms have two different puberty’s the regular puberty and first few transformations. 

In Lena’s redemption arc in the au will be a bit different her creature form changes a bit kinda like the mlp changelings in season 6.

Goldie is a mix between a Sirin and Alicanto from Russian and Chilean myths with a bit of Siren. Alicanto is a gold associated mythical bird and Sirin is a bird woman hybrid.

Those who have creature forms are usually seen as a different group compared to those who don’t have one, you usually can’t tell someone has one unless you see them transform. There sometimes seen as a minority depending on the location.

There’s an really rare case where one person has more than one creature form, it’s usually for those with a personality disorders for example D.I.D. but can also happen without the personality disorders, but it’s extremely rare.

The Legend of Three Caballeros Versions of April, May, and June will be in this au as Daisy’s nieces along side the clones May and June from dt17 canon. Webby is not a clone of Scrooge in this au or any au/ new headcanons I make. but May and June are still clones of Webby. TLoTC April May and June all have creature forms I don’t know what they’ll be yet.

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Myth AU Duck Family stuff

just to catalog which ones would have a true form and ones that don't, for future reference.

i had to look at a couple of duck family trees for this. and i thought my family tree is complicated. i would add more but this took so long to compile so yeah.

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McDucks: All of McDucks have creature forms

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Spouses/Parent/Lover that have one: Downy O' Drake, Daisy Duck, Goldie O' Gilt, Donna Duck, etc

Spouses/Parent/Lover that don't have one: Molly Mallard, Ludwig Von Drake, Goostave Gander, Lulubelle Loon, Luke Goose, Grstchen Grebe, Gertrude Gadwall, etc

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Father of HDL: Unknown

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Ducks:

Has a True Form: Pintail Bos’N Duck, Humperdink Dabney Duck, Eider Duck, Abner Whitewater Duck, Donald Fauntleroy Duck, Della Dumbella Thelma Duck, Huebert Huey Duck, Dewford Dewey Deuteronomy Dingus Duck, Llewellyn Louie Duck, April Duck, May Duck, June Duck, Clones May and June Duck, etc

Doesn't have one: Daphne Duck, Quackmore Duck, Fethery Duck, Gladstone Gander, Moby Duck, Dugan Duck, Dickie Duck, Clyde Shamrock Gander Duck, etc

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Coots:

Has a True Form: Elivira Abigail Coot, Cuthbert Coot, Casey Coot, Don De Pato Dugo, Gus Goose, Kildare Coot, etc

Doesn't have one: Cornelius Coot, Clinton Coot, Fanny Coot, etc

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Honorary Family:

Have True Form: Webbigail Webby Vanderquack, Bentina Beakley, Launchpad McQuack, Lena DeSpell/Saberwing/LeStrange, Gyro Gearloose, etc

Doesn't have one: Fenton Crackshell Cabrera, Violet Saberwing, Goslayn Mallard, Drake Mallard, Boyd, Panchito Romero Miguel Junipero Francisco Quintero González III, José Carioca, etc

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All Duck AU’s and OC’s Ideas and shit

Super Paper Ducktales Ideas: im going to try not spoil anything from the game (even tho it’s 15 years old but still) cause I highly recommend you watch a let’s play or play it for yourself to understand what im trying to do. Plus it’s a amazing game.

Since Mimi is Webby (kid minion) and Della (adult minion) they both should have the “true” form like Mimi does In the original game (if you know you know) idk if I’ll stick with the spider aspect of the original or go for something different. The Thing aspect of the original will still be there, it has to be terrifying.

Some scenes change depending on the version of the au. Like for example the love simulator portion of chapter 3-4 will stay both versions with slight differences.

Im thinking Gladstone or Dapper Duck for Bowser in the adult hero version, but Im debating whether or not it’s a good idea.

Some events are completely changed or removed to make it fit more with the duckverse.

Angst potential everywhere. >:) Donald and Louie get tortured to hell and back (literally) just like Luigi does in the original game. (My favs getting lots of trauma is my fav thing to do cause I love em)

Some Super Paper Mario lore (and yes there is more for this, seriously look it up) will stay the same like pixels origins for example, while others will change to be more close to the duckverse like the origin of the prophecies. Etc.

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Mythology AU:

I’m adding aspects of the legend of the three caballeros, cause I love that show and the mythology parts of the show fit perfectly with what my au is about in a way. And aspects of other duckverse canon.

The forms for Jose and Panchito’s ancestors are based on forms from Portugal and Spain or Rome, due to the most possible time period which is the 16th century, during that time Portugal and Spain conquered Brazil and Mexico. Theirs come from curses (this is the reason why Jose and Panchito don’t have creature forms because it never passed on to their families. Maybe some family members would have one but it’s rare.) not blood like Don de Pato, who passed it on to some members of the coot kin. Their forms are: El Coco, El Cuco, etc from Spanish and Portuguese folklore for Gallus Maximus (Panchito’s ancestor) and for Pascoal Papagaio (Jose’s ancestor) Besta-Fera a Portuguese centaur.

The Shellgoose family could have creature forms as well that comes from a curse from passed on through the generations. It could skip generations. (There’s also a the possibility that Gladstone could be part shellgoose as well which honestly is a really interesting theory)

Xandra has some knowledge on the possible origins of why the mythicals exist.

People who have creature/true forms are called mythicals

April, May, and June (not the clones) have creature forms, but there’s will be different from each other. But I’m still thinking of what it will be.

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Zelda AU:

Like the Super Paper Ducktales au some things will change others will be removed or added to fit with the duckverse.

The only ones I’ve thought of so far are the Twilight Princess and Ocarina of Time/Majora’s Mask eras. And some characters roles.

Lena is link in twilight princess era and can transform into a shadow wolf.

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UnderDuck AU:

Humans exist in this au just like in Undertale.

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Lost Limbs AU:

Almost everything that happens in Ducktales 17 canon is the same in this au, except for Donald losing his limbs.

Donald feels very insecure about the fact that he lost his limbs. Unlike Della who is more confident about it.

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Vacuum:

Vacuum’s nickname is Vac or Victor

He’s really good at making crochets

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Xena:

Xena has committed murder before, but it was accidental, and sense then has become deathly afraid of losing control of herself again.

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That’s all I have for now

[alissaming]

Paper Mario Theories

So now I've talked about all the Paper Mario games that currently exist, I want to talk about a personal theory. Warning, less proof for the second three games. And a lot of my "evidence" for either game could be considered coincidence.

My theory is that the first three games are a series or timeline, occuring in the order that you play them. And the second three games are their own series or timeline, occuring in the order you play them.

Now it's easier with the first three, simply because of the amount of things that reappear, as well as the fact that none of the events take place in the same place. So not multiple "Bowser kidnaps Peach from her castle" stories. First, I want to note that in Paper Mario characters like Merlon, and the other creatures like him are constant throughout Paper Mario, Thousand Year Door, and Super. They're even major side characters, the ones helping move the plot along in Super Paper Mario. In Paper Mario, Merlon is a seer who can give you hints throughout the game, and anyone else of his race is found on Star Mountain, either as a way to get badges or other things. In Paper Mario Thousand Year Door, Merlon is the one who powers your partners up so they can help you better in battle. His kin tend to be the ones who can give you all kinds of bonuses in fights and such, if you know where to find them. In Super Paper Mario, Merlon straight admits that his race wrote the Light Prognosticus to counteract the Dark Prognosticus, and Merlon is the one who tells you of your quest, helps you wake Princess Peach up, and tells you who all the heroes in the Light Prognosticus are (through his hints, we can tell it's Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Luigi.) He even tells you what will happen if you don't succeed. But that's just one thing. Hey, did anyone else who placed Paper Mario and Thousand Year Door notice Parrakarry is in both? Yeah, he's a partner character you can't complete the game without in Paper Mario and the one who delivers you the letter from Peach containing the map to the Crystal Stars in Thousand Year Door. If that's not an odd coincidence, I don't know what is. Oh, what about Francis in Super Paper Mario, who has posters with a clear reference to Thousand Year Door, as well as being a fan of a show called X-Nauts, the villain group trying to free the big bad in Thousand Year Door. Definitely not proof in this case, but it makes a weird kind of sense when you remember you're basically traveling between dimensions throughout Super. Again, not proof, but certainly worth noting. Oh, and all three games take place at different locations as the hub world. Paper Mario's hub world is Toad Town. Thousand Year Door's hub world is Rogueport. Super's hub world is Flipside. It would actually be more likely to be different books if they all took place in Toad Town and around the castle.

Now let's talk about the other three games; Sticker Star, Color Splash, and Origami King. There's really not much evidence here, so it's actually possible they're all completely seperate books. Though I do find it interesting they have similar themes of the world falling apart and only being able to fix it through stickers/paint/confetti with the help of the Navi character (Kristi, Huey, and Olivia.) They're also the only games to make the brazen paper jokes. Don't get me wrong, paper jokes started to appear around Thousand Year Door and Super's 3-D abilty only really makes sense in a world of paper that's normally 2-D, but it's not nearly as much. In Sticker Star, Origami King, and ESPECIALLY Color Splash, the paper jokes are constant. Heck, half the damage or repairs only make sense in a paper world. Olivia comments that you get confetti out of the plants and trees. Again, only makes sense in a world of paper. You can restore color to the world through paint. Only makes sense in a world of paper. And anyone hear of a Sticker book? Yeah, no real proof here. Though here's some weirdness for you. All the, for lack of a better term, "Egyptian Ruins" in desert settings are all pretty much the same. With these more humanoid style art with the toad heads. Seriously, looks like either ancient toads thought highly of themselves, or they were tall. There's lots of reference to legendary captains, at least in Color Splash (legendary pirate captain) and in Origami King (Captain T. Ode.) Oh, and have I mentioned the Things yet? I haven't, well, a Thing is a 3-D object that can be flattened into a sticker, or squeezed into a card. Or, in Origami King are either bosses of areas or just...kinda there. The only one you actually pick up is a hook used to lift a sewer cover. Now interestingly, when they first appear in Sticker Star, no one seems to know what these Things are, or what they do, other than that, as stated by Bowser Jr. they are quite powerful. In fact, if you put a sticker of a Thing in the Sticker Museum you'll get funny names to most of them, and a funny little blurb that either indicates they have no idea what it actually is, or is a way it is used for fun. As an example, the Fan Thing is labeled as a Voice Modulator and it's blurb basically talks about how talking into it makes voices sound. But the Cell Phone Thing, which is a flip phone, is designated to be a beach or pool-side lounge chair that your boss can call you on. It's hilarious things like that. But by the time of Color Splash, everyone seems to know what these Things are, or at least they are no longer the novelty they once were. When Card Things are put in the Card Museum (not nearly as fun or satisfying, in my opinion because it's not as expansive) the explanation and name of the Things tend to be the bland, boring, normal explanations. Like how fans are used to blow air around. By game three, they are used in normal activities, note the hook Thing that you use to lift a sewer cover. The only slightly odd Thing is the Fan, which comes to blow away the fog later. The other Things you deal with are the boss Things of Colored Pencils, Rubber Band, Hole Punch, Tape, and Staples, all said to be tools used in the art of Origami.

So what do you all think? Did you guys notice anything weird if you played the games that I might have missed or didn't talk about here? Did you notice any paterns in my second bit of rambling? Did you find this interesting? Have a great day all!

[prosaic-dust-bunny]

Sal Vindagnyr odds and ends

Pairing: Kaeya x Mc x Albedo

Novelette

Genre: Fluff - Angst (just a little) - Post 1 year timeskip

Author Notes: I'm really happy with the result of this chapter, but it took longer than expected because of the many pitfalls in my routine. Out of transparency I want to let you all know I'm currently dealing with my finals, so posting will be a tad slower. What to expect: Domain exploration + semi confession (you'll see) - beach filler episode - final arc in two parts (I have a soundtrack - like two songs, for the final fight so for the full experience I BESEECH you listen to it).

Trigger Warning: None

Prologue - Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 (you are here) - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10

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Chapter 7

5.2k words

On the roof of the Favonius headquarters, Mc was appreciating the natural light coming from the celestial body reaching its zenith. Both of his hands were resting on the battlement’s crenel in front of him with the merlon guarding each of his side. The nymph was looking through the opening in the protective wall, eyes adrift in the general direction of Sal Vindagnyr. The atmosphere was clear, no clouds in sight and the nymph was able to discern the forms of the ruins of his erstwhile mountain kingdom.

Mc was relieved Jean had given the final approval for him, Kaeya and Albedo to go explore the lesser domains of the mountain. Even if the Acting Grand Master had quite a busy schedule, she made time to listen to what Mc had to say. The petrified trees in the domains are connected to the ley lines, meaning they hold the key to a great deal of knowledge. Well only for the ones who know how to interact with them.

Mc turned his back on the mountain and walked towards the plants he was growing on the roof. He added fertilizer to the watering can used to irrigate the dry soil of the plant stands. The nymph looked carefully at the new sprouts and tweaked here and there the direction of some stems. Delighted with his gardening accomplissements, Mc left the rooftop.

On his way down, Mc passed by his room to gather his combat gear. He made sure every blade was in place and wrapped the harnesses around his body. He then made its way through the city heading for the front gate.

Kaeya was waiting for Mc near the main entrance under a tree to take advantage of the shade. They greeted each other and took off forthwith. Sparring with the cavalry captain of the Knights of Favonius ought to be interesting. After reaching the end of the bridge, the two men turned in the direction of the whispering woods. While idly chatting, they found a quiet area between the outer banks of Cider lake and the edge of the forest.

«So are you ready to display all of your skills, Mc?» Kaeya asked, words rolling off of his tongue as his only visible bottom eyelid raised ever so slightly, giving him an alluring look.

Mc maintained eye contact, not wanting to back down so soon. The nymph unsheathed two twin daggers and lowered his stance. «Well I'm doing this just for you Cavalry Captain. I hope you appreciate it.»

Kaeya looked elated at the thought of fighting with the nymph. He got into ready position and nagged Mc with a little «Come at me.»

Mc didn’t need to be asked twice and charged toward the man. His movements were ample and lacked sharpness. It left the nymph exposed to counter attacks, and even though Kaeya was blocking everything efficiently, he didn’t choose to use those openings.

When Mc realised Kaeya was not retaliating his strikes, he tried to compensate for his lack of form with speed to at least make the captain sweat a little. After all, seeing the knight with his confident expression was enough to motivate Mc to adapt to the situation with a half range, half close combat attack type. When Mc finished his dagger hit sequence, he dashed back and threw three knives at his amicable opponent.

Kaeya’s cocky expression was disrupted by surprise for an instant. Sadly it wasn’t enough to push him back in his retrenchment. On the contrary, Kaeya blocked the three projectiles and dashed forward to force Mc to return to a close ranged combat type. Kaeya decided to flaunt the extent of his Ceremonial Bladework attacks mastery and performed four rapid strikes, overwhelming the rusty nymph. If it wasn’t enough, for his fifth and final strike, Kaeya teleported behind the nymph. The latter managed to block the ending strike with a dagger at the cost of subsequently tumbling to the ground.

While offering his hand to the man on the ground, Kaeya gently mocked Mc for being out of sparring shape. The Cavalry Captain helped the nymph to his feet and dusted off the dirt that stuck onto Mc’s standard black shirt of the favonius uniform. His finger then found their way tightening the fastened straps of Mc’s weapon harnesses.

Mc restrained himself from giving in to the reaction Kaeya was hoping for. «Thank you for humbling me. Maybe this was too reckless, I need to get back in touch with my inner fighter before properly dealing with the likes of you.»

«How about we practice some forms and fighting sequences? Maybe it will get you back on track.» Kaeya suggested.

And practicing they did. Kaeya was a good instructor and Mc enjoyed his way of teaching. Although he knew the Cavalry Captain was taking immense pleasure in correcting his stance. Sometimes it was feather light fingers grasping his arm to adjust its position, other times it was a small applied pressure on an area to make the nymph understand how to better angle his body.

While taking a break, enjoying the view over Cider lake, Mc devised a plan to show Kaeya he wasn’t completely harmless.

«You know I think that now I could give you a run for your money Cavalry Captain Alberich. Isn't it common that the student surpasses the master?» Mc bragged.

«How boastful of you Mc, I didn't know you were the competitive type, or perchance am I the one to make your blood boil and simmer with such ardor.» Kaeya answered in his usual overtly provocative tone.

«Are you trying to say you are backing off…» «You are on. Consider me intrigued by this sudden self confidence.» Kaeya answered as soon as Mc’s last syllable crossed his lips.

«The sun is blinding me a little, how about we go under the cover of the trees.» Mc said, joining his word to his acts - taking Kaeya’s hand to pull him in the direction of the Whispering woods.

«You know Mc I don’t think a little bit of shade will bridge our skill sets.» Kaeya taunted.

The nymph let go of Kaeya’s hand to walk 5 steps forward before facing him and lowering his body's gravity center into a fighting stance.

«I’m ready.» Mc claimed.

«Show me what you got.» Kaeya retorted with an appraising look.

Mc quickly took out two throwing needles out of his thigh holster and aimed for Kaeya’s solar plexus. The knight successfully deflected both needles before commenting: «Oh such aggressive fighting impulse. Mc do you think you can use those needles for acupuncture in a Liyue fashion? If yes I’m sure it would relieve so much tension from my shoulders.»

«Stop belittling me and fight for real.» Mc grunted, straightening his posture, feinting he was lowering his guard under the influence of irritation.

Kaeya smiled snarkily and dashed forward, preposterously shouting: «Never lower your guard.»

To his surprise he was met with a robust ‘V’ shaped block - formed out of the two daggers of his sparring mate, before being repelled back. Mc pivoted on his feet downwards and swiveled his two daggers so both pommels were pointing inward while the blades were poking out.

Mc slashed through the air repeatedly towards Kaeya’s midriff, resulting in the knight hopping back multiple times. Pulling himself together, Kaeya blocked Mc’s attack and reinstituted his offense. Kaeya pushed back Mc into a corner and was ready to give the finishing blow with his charged attack - unleashing 2 rapid sword strikes.

Mc narrowly dodged the onslaught by stepping back into a tree, vanishing into its bark. Mc reappeared in a rapid succession of dashes from tree to tree, each time throwing a knife at Kaeya.

«I’ve got to lend it to you, your ambush oriented fighting style is really creative.» Kaeya panted.

Mc’s reserve of throwing knives was dwindling, he didn’t have a lot of time left to secure his victory. Mc reemerged from a birch tree, but his movement was stopped by the trajectory of the frigid blast unleashed by Frostgnaw - Kaeya’s elemental skill.

Mc recoiled into the tree to elude the cryo attack. Since Kaeya figured out his pattern he had one last alternative. Mc instantly reappeared out at the same spot in the birch tree and propelled himself daggers first toward the knight. Kaeya blocked the daggers, but was knocked down by the impact.

The duo cascaded to the floor, finishing their course face to face with Kaeya blocked under the nymph.

«That’s a plunging attack I’ve never witnessed before.» Kaeya let out when his brain figured out what just happened.

Mc raised his head and roared with laughter, rejoicing at his triumph.

«Hey, what's so funny, it’s a tie at most.» Kaeya let out with a pout.

Mc looked down at Kaeya’s expression, but set off again with an even more hearty laugh.

Kaeya had no other choice but to smile after seeing such a candid expression painted on the nymph’s face. Due to the physical proximity, Kaeya was able to detect a vague scent that was stuck to Mc’s skin. It was easy to inadvertently disregard its delicate sweetness. It had to be something floral or herbal with evergreen woodsy notes. Beneath the sweetness that first struck him, Kaeya was able to denote a soft powdery or smokey undertone.

«Is there something wrong? Did I hurt you?» Mc worried.

«It’s nothing… it’s just that your scent is subtle yet exquisite. And I didn't happen to notice it earlier.»

Mc blushed at the forthright confession. To hide his infatuation momentarily, Mc rolled on the side to lay on his back like the knight.

«I’m not sure what it is. In a way it’s similar to mint, but not at all at the same time.» Kaeya expounded.

«It’s lavender. A plant I'm growing back at the Favonius Headquarters.» Mc disclosed. «I’m making a skin lotion with its leaves and new stems. It helps with sleep and is said to reduce anxiety. However the dosage isn’t accurate yet, so i didn't think anyone would notice.»

«Well I'm glad I was able to smell it. It undeniably suits you.»

«In that case, you’ll be the first one to smell test my next batch. Come on, let's get going now that I proved I’m more resourceful than you assumed at the outset.» Mc stated, standing up and helping Kaeya afterwards. Both walking back towards their initial sparring grounds.

«You know, I still remember how you saved Albedo and I from a bunch of whopper flowers. I was impressed by your strength.» The knight mentioned.

«I know my strengths and weaknesses. Dealing with those sentient plants was a matter of redirecting elemental energy. If we were inside the walls of Mondstadt I would have an even harder time sparring with you.» Mc acknowledged. «That’s also why I'm apprehensive of domain exploration. I won’t be able to protect my two favourite monstadians while we are there.»

«And I think you are too harsh on yourself.» Kaeya argued. The knight bent down to pluck a calla lily from its spot between the bank of Cider lake and the bridge that strides over the body of water. He then handed it to the nymph. «Trust me, we will make a formidable team.»

«Kaeya don’t pick a flower just for me.» Mc took the calla lily and crouched down where it was taken. With the squeeze of his finger he soldered back the stem, as if the flower was never plucked.

Kaeya looked at the nymph profile while he was reconnecting the flower to it’s stem and the very sight tugged at his heart strings.

«One day I’ll make sure you allow yourself to be cherished.» Kaeya promised under his breath. «Come on Mc, let’s go back, I have quartermaster duties for this evening.»

Mc got up and followed the knight. «I also need to get going, or Albedo is going to wait for me.»

«You two have something planned?» Kaeya asked while his feet met the stone of the bridge swiftly.

«Yes, we are supposed to spend time in the workshop doing some preparations; I need to make some warming bottles for our overmorrow exploration.»

«Should I be jealous of the time you spend together?» Kaeya asked sullenly.

Mc stopped to look at the knight who continued to walk uninterrupted. He then jogged to get next to him and nodded at Lawrence and Swan when he passed them to enter the city.

«Where is this coming from Kaeya?» Mc asked with concern.

«Nothing, that was shallow of me. I’m going this way, see you around.» Kaeya sheepishly answered.

That wasn’t like the cavalry captain at all. He always mentioned how he liked being reclusive, but Mc surmised it was to protect himself. Mc realized Kaeya had already put a lot of distance between them, Mc sprint forward to catch up with the elusive knight.

«I’ll escort you off wherever your duties take you.» Mc asserted.

«I’m going to see Hertha, but I don't need an overseer.» Kaeya retorted.

Mc decided to leap head-long into the fray, he wasn’t capitulating. «I just think it’s nice to walk someone home after a date. Well in your case it’s walking you to your job.» Mc giggled.

Kaeya stopped and slow blinked at Mc, uncertain if he heard correctly.

«Come on, let's get moving. We're not frozen in place, after all.» Mc teased. He grabbed Kaeya’s hand and clung to it. «I value our time together, Kaeya. I’m also glad you value the time we spend jointly, although I would prefer if I could reassure you enough it didn’t bubble up into jealousy. If I spend time with Albedo, I’m not giving him your time; I’m giving him mine.» Kaeya stayed silent so Mc continued. «I understand you can feel envious, but before assuming anything remember that you can ask me the questions directly. Withal, you went on many joint investigation missions with Albedo for the Acting Grand Master. And I know that Albedo appreciates those. I’m glad you had that time alone together even if I sometimes wish I could accompany you.»

The two men arrived at the top of stairs leading to Hertha booth. «We are here.» Mc commented while contemplating Kaeya’s now inscrutable countenance.

Kaeya looked deeply into Mc’s eyes. At that moment he seemed to make a deal with himself. Kaeya engulfed the nymph into a hug and returned him the nocturnal stolen kiss on the jowl he received not so long ago.

Kaeya made his way down the stoned stairway and joined Hertha. Upon reaching the Captain of the 6th Company, the knight turned around to look at the top of the stairs. Kaeya somewhat expected the nymph to have already departed for the alchemist workshop, but to his disbelief, Mc waited for him to reach his final destination. The nymph smiled and waved before leaving for the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.

Kaeya would remember vividly this precise interaction over the next few days. In reality, the memory was considerably stronger. Even when weeks and months had passed the very mental image of this scene was etched into Kaeya's brain. And when the outline eroded over time, Kaeya still retained the emotion he poured into the memory.

The way the nymph stayed behind while he walked down the stairs, just to... Make sure? That broke Kaeya in the best way. Feelings he didn't allow to feel, cracked his vascular dam and pooled into him. The Frostwind Swordsman was glad that Mc made a special place in his heart especially for him.

****

Mc opened the alchemy workshop doors and caught Albedo in the middle of an experiment. The nymph soundlessly made his way into the room to look over the shoulder of the Chief Alchemist.

The Kreideprinz was apparently working on making a thermite reaction between aluminum and ferric oxide - Caesium Fluoride. The act was impressive in itself when one had the opportunity of witnessing the burning of metal powder as if it were wood.

The result was intense, many yellow sparks emanating from the chemical reaction. Albedo was intently looking at the phenomenon happening in front of him. When the reaction subdued, he ‘tsked’ and noted something in a notebook.

«I get your experiment isn't going as planned?»

Albedo jumped hearing the voice of someone else in the room, too engrossed in his experiment to notice the nymph entering his sanctuary.

«You could say that. I'm afraid I wasn't able to find good enough quality bauxite so the result was underwhelming.»

«You know, I still think you should have asked Lisa for help with the refinement process. With her electro vision she could have brought a stable input of electricity so the negative cathode and positive anode would react more effectively with the alumina. Mind you, that is simply what a humble nymph is thinking of the situation.»

Albedo smirked while listening to Mc giving him a little remontrance. Of course what the nymph pointed out was right, but the chief alchemist hoped he could rely on his skills alone to do the aluminium refinement and experiment.

«Would the humble nymph accompany me on a quest to mine more bauxite in about two weeks? My ore resources are depleted.»

«Sure. Speaking of ressources, tonight I have legions of things on my plate. All in all to make sure we are ready for our domain expeditions.» Mc moved to a small cupboard to bring out ingredients and placed them on a nearby working station.

«Let me see… Flaming flower stamen, two starsilvers and Mora. Wait, that's not alchemy, you are making Warming Bottles.» Albedo stammered.

«Correct. I’m gonna craft them. I'll make nine so we have three each.» Mc answered earnestly. «Is that ok with you Chief Alchemist?»

Before Albedo had any chance to respond, someone barged in the workshop. The red tornado found its way onto Albedo to deliver a forceful and tight hug.

«Oh! Hi! I didn’t think you would visit me today.» Albedo exclaimed.

«It’s because I wanted to ambush you when you least expected.» The little girl answered. She then turned around noticing someone else was in the room.

When Mc met her gaze, he kneeled down to be on the same level as the small girl. «And who might you be? Pointy ears, red clothing and a big smile. I’d say you are the infamous Klee Albedo talked so much about.» «You’re right! But Albedo talks about you too, Mc.» Klee answered mischievously.

Albedo’s face flushed hearing those spontaneous words leaving the little girl's mouth. Klee seemed to relish in the aftermath of her statement.

«You feel like mommy.» The Spark Knight continued as if nothing happened.

«I’m not sure what you are trying to tell me, Klee.» Mc answered. Taken aback the nymph sent a quick glance at Albedo, not sure of how to navigate this.

«The magic. It almost feels the same.» Klee added.

«Oh ok, do you like that my magic is similar to your mother’s?»

«It’s ok, I don’t mind it. It’s like she sent you, like Dodoco. Anyway I was just passing by to say hi to Albedo.»

«And where are you going now?» Albedo inquired.

«It’s a secret. I’m going on a super top secret mission.» Klee answered, already storming off.

«Be careful.» Albedo shouted hoping his exhortation would reach her pointy ears. He liked that she was independant and quite able, but he still worried about her. For the nymph the alchemist added: «Now where were we?»

«Hum I think you were telling me about how talkative you get when your favourite nymph is the subject of discussion.» Mc nagged.

«Ah that’s true, which reminds me I have a favour to ask you. However, we will have to wait after we are finished with our respective lab duties.» Albedo countered.

«You are only saying that to make sure to use my patience. How rude of you.» Mc contested.

«The sooner you get busy and the sooner I’ll be able to accommodate your patience.» Albedo said before getting back to his station.

Albedo cleaned the debris of his experiment and wrote out a report concerning the earlier data. During that time, Mc was able to finish his warming bottles. Albedo excused himself out of the workshop to carry out a certain task. The nymph decided to make his personal pharmaceutical concoction in the meantime.

The alchemist came back with two well garnished plates. Putting them on a clean table where they could eat in tête-à-tête, Albedo called for his guest. The nymph put to rest his concoction and walked to said table and stared at the dish nonplussed.

«Is this for me? Mc asked.

Albedo nodded. «Two Woodland Dream, supper is served»

«Hum i don’t know what to say… I-» Mc hemmed and hawed.

«You don’t have to say anything. You can just acquiesce to sharing this meal with me.»

Mc shyly seated himself at the table and dug in. The prat fillet was tender and the flavours of the earth and sea melded together.

«Albedo this dish is very good. No wait, exquisite no less!»

«I’m glad you like it. It’s a modest way to repay your company.»

«But you didn’t have to repay anything. I did nothing.»

«On the contrary I appreciate having you around the workshop. Ordinarly, I prefer tranquility but with you it’s different. You help me concentrate.» Albedo avowed.

«I enjoy passing time here with you too. It’s like you are always so forbearing and considerate it makes me want to do my best.» Mc observed.

«I’m glad you feel that way.» Albedo commented before redirecting the conversation. «How was your afternoon with Kaeya?»

The duo continued chatting while finishing their meal. When they had filled their stomach, Mc pilled their plates and gathered the cutlery to neatly put them atop of the set.

«So that’s what I was working on when you were out cooking us supper.» Mc said while gesturing at the concoction he had put to rest during the meal. «You know my lips tend to dry and chap easily when going in Dragonspine, therefore I decided to make mint lip balm.» The man explained while opening the round container.

«It sure smells minty.» Albedo acknowledged.

«Here let me…» Mc started, letting the rest of his sentence in the air. The nymph leaned forward to apply a small quantity of the balm on Albedo’s lips. The Chief Alchemist instantly felt the cooling effect of the mint which contrasted with the warmth of his cheeks. After a few seconds, Albedo felt his lips invigorated thanks to the concoction. Was he overthinking it or was Mc really close to him? Was balm being applied to one’s lips supposed to feel this private? Wait, is Mc flirting with him?

«Hum your skill in general pharmaceutics are shining through.» Albedo complimented as a way to retreat from the intimate moment.

«Our lips are ready for the aridity of the meteorologic conditions in Dragonspine.» Mc exclaimed. «I almost forgot! What was that favour you mentioned when I arrived?» Mc recalled.

Albedo perked up at the mention and a smile appeared on his glossy lips. With the activity he had in mind, he would be able to give the nymph a taste of its own medicine. «To continue our time together may I have the pleasure of sketching you? You see I tried to draw you from memory before, but I always found myself frustrated at my inability to do you justice.» Albedo mused.

The Chief Alchemist truly had a way to enthrall the nymph and make those shared moments feel exclusive. «Sure but I’d prefer if we could hold a conversation while you are at it so I don't feel put on display too much.» Mc disclosed.

«Of course, the goal isn’t to make you feel uncomfortable. Let’s get you seated on this stool so the light can reach your face.» Albedo instructed while pointing at the place. «I’ll get my supplies.»

Albedo made sure Mc was comfortable and started off with broad strokes darkening the sketchbook.

«While I sketch you, would you mind telling me more about yourself.» Albedo inquired with an indecipherable expression.

«Of course hum-um, yeah no worries. What do you want to know?» Mc asked as Albedo stopped sketching momentarily.

«Hum i don’t mean to be intrusive, but my question is just to make sure I can draw you befittingly.»

«You can ask any question you want, don’t worry about it. I know it comes from a place of diligence and respect.»

«What are the components that make nymphæ different from humans?»

«Well for starters we have an internal elemental foci. Hence we are more in tune with the energy around us because of it. I also have acute lastingless and can survive in dire conditions, like being stuck in ice.» Mc answered with a zest of irony.

«That’s very interesting.» Albedo looked at Mc’s face gauging if he could be more straightforward with his next question.

Mc seemed to understand what Albedo wanted to know. «You can also tell by my photosynthetic cells clustering on my cheekbones and forehead that I'm of nymphæ blood.»

«That’s what I was really wondering. Can I get a closer look?»

«By all means, the archon is in the details.»

Albedo stood up from his seat and got closer to Mc. Of smaller height, Albedo was for once looking down at the nymph.

«Can I touch them? I understand if it’s too much to ask.» Albedo asked.

After Mc had given his consent, Albedo caressed the green lozenges scattered across his cheeks and the one in the middle of his forehead. Mc was scared they might start glowing and betray the elation of his heart. Pressing his thumb on Mc’s cheekbones, and cupping his face with his finger, Albedo tilted Mc’s head softly just enough for his photosynthetic cell clusters to reflect the light of the workshop’s lamp.

«Are they chloroplast? Like the cells found in plants and algae?»

«Yes, it’s a second source of energy, especially spiritual one. But not all nymphæ have them.»

Albedo broke the contact with Mc’s skin, allowing the latter to contain himself better and breathe with more ease. The alchemist persevered in his inquest. He wanted to remove the veil of secrets that was shrouding Mc. «So would that mean there are different types of nymphæ.»

«Indeed, but they sometimes go by other names like Dryads or Naiads.»

«Are you one of them or are there other sub categories?»

«Ok so nymphæ wise there are 5 major declinaisons: land nymph, wood and plants nymph, water nymph, celestial nymph and underworld nymph.»

«Am I correct to assume you are thus a wood and plants nymph.»

«Your reasoning is appropriate, but I happen to be a special case.»

«How so?»

«My powers are tied to the poplar tree, and that puts me in the category of underworld nymph. It would be the same case for Minthe, the nymph of mint. She was a good friend of mine; if we weren’t doing expeditions we were in the latromantis dormitory - which you saw after we went to the Frostbearer tree, studying, learning or resting.»

«I see, thank you for sharing that. But how come there is still mint in Mondstadt, but no poplar trees.»

«Well the nature of a nymph can always change when descensum happens. Then roles need to be filled anew. So I guess that an elemental being took charge over mints.»

«What’s descensum.»

«Hum remember when I said I wasn't an initiate back when I woke up here. That I wasn't doing my Latromantis functions? That is precisely because I didn't do the rite of auspices ,descensum on my 25th spring on Teyvat.»

«And you can’t recreate the conditions of such a rite?»

«No, the priest would have been the one to guide me for descensum - a figurative descent that is.»

«Would you be able to show me what poplar trees look like?» Albedo asked. The alchemist stood up and retrieved two small items from a nearby shelf. «With Alchemy I'm able to make dead ley line branches grow leaves.» The alchemist translated his words into actions, the branch started glowing before growing in his hand like it was still connected to a tree. «Maybe you would be able to do something similar.»

Mc took the other twig and tried to recreate what he just saw. Mc concentrated on the lifeless matter, attempting to transcend it’s condition. The dead ley line branch started glowing and Mc was able to grow 5 poplar leaves out of it. The nymph smiled and handed over the final result to Albedo. The Chief Alchemist took the branch cautiously. Albedo noticed the specific duality of the poplar leaves. One side green, the other white. He then noticed small details on the bark of the branch looking back at Mc with astonishment.

«The white poplar trunk and branches all show characteristic lozenge-shaped marks. The same that I have on my skin.» Mc shed light on the alchemist discovery.

For the rest of the sketching session, Albedo worked ardently to make the best depiction of the nymph. He kept in his mind the light up face of Mc when he succeeded in transforming the ley line branch into a poplar one. He also tried to crystalize the characteristics of the poplar tree in his sketch. Reflecting on the many ways Mc took after his emblematic tree.

As Mc was trying to hide a yawn, Albedo was finally satisfied with the result. The alchemist turned the sheet of paper around and showed the sketch to the seated model.

«Albedo this drawing is so beautiful. It’s almost as if I'm looking at myself in a mirror.»

Albedo shrugged at the compliment. «You are too kind. I’m just happy I was able to recreate you appropriately. Keep it, it’s yours.»

«Keeping my portrait? I wouldn’t know where to put it. I think it would be better if I hung it up over my section of the workshop. This way people would know not to interfere with my projects.» Mc took out some pins and fixed his portrait on the exterior of the cupboard that contained most of his alchemical stuff. «There you go.» Mc hummed satisfied.

The nymph turned around to look at the alchemist and returned by his side. «Thank you for everything. For the meal, for your time and for this portrait.» With that Mc hugged the other to express his appreciation. «I’ll take my leave and go to bed. Needless to say, it was a very charming date.» Mc added with a smile.

Albedo’s eyes twinkled as he took in Mc’s facial features one last time before they would go their separate way for the night.

«Good night. May you have sweet dreams… You don't require me to read you a bedtime story, do you?»

Cc. @creatorofstars

[zero-cycle]

Rainy nights

TommyInnit, on Eret, betrayal and forgiveness.

Read it on AO3

***

The rain is heavy tonight.

Tommy knows Wilbur probably wouldn’t be happy knowing he’s out there but he’s a big man. He knows how to handle himself. He knows how to do the patrols even if it’s a dark and gloomy night and the wind threatens to sweep him off his feet.

The walls are slippery in the rain and more than once Tommy needs to steady himself on the merlons. The bright yellow concrete at least shines through the heavy drops and gives him the reminder he needs to not fall off and die an embarrassing death of fall damage.

The figure suddenly appearing out of the heavy rain makes him flinch and only Eret’s fast reaction keeps him from actually falling off.

“Tommy? What are you doing out here?”

“I’m just on patrol, nothing much,” Tommy deflects. “What about you?”

“Looking how the walls are holding up,” Eret answers and his accent is a tad more pronounced than usual. “You shouldn’t be out here. You’ll get sick. Didn’t Wilbur tell you to stay in the camarvan?”

“I’m a big man, Eret. No reason to worry about me.”

Tommy can’t see Eret’s eyes behind his sunglasses but he’d bet a lot that he’s rolling his eyes at Tommy’s antics. It’s probably better Eret’s wearing the sunglasses even though he looks incredibly stupid in the rain. Tommy still shudders when he thinks of those blank, white holes in Eret’s face.

“Then you certainly won’t mind me joining you during your patrol, won’t you?”

Tommy grins wildly. “Not at all, big man!”

They end up sitting on the wall together in the end. The rain hasn’t quite stopped but it’s not as heavy anymore.

There’s silence between the two of them.

“Do you like the rain, Tommy?” Eret finally asks. It sounds like one of those small talk questions that are essentially irrelevant but the way he says it makes Tommy think that there’s more behind the question.

“I don’t,” he shrugs.

“Why?”

“Are you serious?” Tommy turns and stares at Eret who’s still wearing his sunglasses. “Rain is cold and wet and horrible and it takes ages until your clothing’s dry again.”

Eret laughs. His laugh’s soft and quiet and you’re never entirely sure if he’s mocking you or not.

“What? Are you telling me you actually like this shit?” He wildly gestures around them, trees dripping with water and black stone gleaming wet in the slowly rising sun.

Eret goes quiet. “I do,” he answers, finally. “I don’t know why, exactly. It’s just…” They break off and stare into the distance. The sun touches the first trees in the forest before the walls. Tommy waits. The silence feels sacred somehow and the air is thick with some unreadable feeling.

“I just feel comfortable,” Eret finally settles on. “Like someone is watching over me.”

Then he laughs, nervous and uncertain as if he’d said too much and the tension breaks. “We should probably head back, Tommy. You’re soaked and Wilbur will have my head when he learns that I let you stay out here to get yourself pneumonia.”

Tommy grins and jumps to his feet. “What, are you scared of him?”

“You wish.”

Eret reaches out and ruffles Tommy’s hair which sends him scurrying away in the direction of the camarvan.

“Come on, Eret! Or are you so old that you can only move really slowly now?”

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Eret yells back and despite the sunglasses, Tommy can tell that he’s smiling.

Of course it’s Tommy who gets sick after that night. Eret, the motherfucker, walks around with not even a stuffy nose and even goes as far as bringing Tommy tea when he has to stay in bed.

“I’m going to throw the whole thing against the wall if you fill it one more time,” Tommy threatens.

Eret just laughs, bright and joyful and if Tommy wasn’t stuck in bed and slowly going insane, he might have appreciated it more.

“Listen, Eret, I’m fucking serious.”

“Okay, okay.” He holds up his hands in mock-surrender. “I get it. No more tea. Is there something else you want?”

Tommy grins triumphantly.

*

It’s raining too, the night after Dream grants them independence. The night after the duel. The night after the war.

Raindrops are falling heavily on the hastily-patched roof of the camarvan where they’ve all bunked up together for the night but Tommy can’t sleep. The sound is making him nervous. Fundy is sleeping the farthest from them, curled into a corner. Wilbur leans against the wall, as if he’d fallen asleep while trying to stay up too long to read something. Tubbo is curled against his side in the only bed, breathing even but just a tiny bit shaky.

All of the L’Manberg citizens are here.

One is missing.

Hot anger bubbles up in Tommy’s stomach when he thinks of him .

Eret .

He’s probably sitting in his stupid, fancy castle now, on a throne that’s been bought with their blood. Damn traitor. Tommy hopes that the throne’s really uncomfortable. Well, Dream probably built it. And the man’s a shit builder. It’s probably really uncomfortable.

With bitter thoughts about the party the Dream Team – and what a stupid name that is – are probably celebrating over their victory and cursing them out in his thoughts, Tommy finally falls asleep.

A couple hundred blocks away, the castle stands dark and empty. The usually colourful windows look pale in the ever-falling rain and the drops on the roof sound hollow.

*

It’s far earlier in the morning than Tommy wishes when he arrives at the front door of the mansion but Ranboo insisted. Something about wanting to use as much daylight as possible. It sounds stupid when they’re going to the nether anyway but Tommy’s too tired to argue properly against it and Ranboo’s learning from Tubbo to not take his insults seriously so here he is. At who-fucking-knows-o’clock in the morning. Definitely-too-early-o’clock. The soft rain’s not helping his mood at all.

“Anyone here?” he yells and pushes the doors open. If he has to get up this early, then at least others have to share his misery.

Ranboob Ranboo’s head pokes out between the railings of the staircase. “Hi Tommy! I’ll be down in a second.”

There’s no Tubbo around to bother so Tommy entertains himself by going through the chests still standing around in the entrance hall. Really, you’d think someone like Ranboo would have put them away by now. Sadly, there’ s nothing interesting there. Not even a forgotten gold ingot or something.

Ranboo’s searching through another pair of chests near the entrance.

“Are you still not done?” Tommy asks and rolls his eyes. First he orders him here at a time that’s frankly unworthy of being called a time of the day and now Ranboo himself isn’t even ready?

“Sorry.” At least he has the decency to look sheepish. “It’s raining.”

“Oh.” Right. Enderman. Tommy has to stop forgetting about that.

“Do you like the rain?” Ranboo asks and it’s half-muffled by the chest he hangs in with his entire upper half but it still makes Tommy jolt.

Yellow walls and thunder over their heads.

Do you like the rain, Tommy?

“Not really,” Tommy mumbles. Something in his throat hurts. “I don’t like being cold.”

He purposefully doesn’t think about the last time someone posed him this question. It’s old history.

History, like - It’s in the past. Past. Doesn’t matter anymore.

Ranboo makes a noise of agreement and then one of triumph.

“Found it!”

He drags the helmet over his messy hair.

“Let’s go then!” Tommy shouts and thoughts about black walls and conversations in the rain are replaced by the burning heat of the nether and the hunt for ghast tears.

*

It’s afternoon when Tommy finally reaches the Prime Church.

Honestly, it’s a wonder it’s still standing, considering the state of... the entire rest of the SMP. But somehow, the Prime Church survived this entire debacle intact.

...mostly intact.

It’d probably help if there was still a roof.

Fine , the Church is in pretty bad shape. But the walls are still standing, that counts for something, right?

Unfortunately, the roof being gone means that there’s no shelter from the rain. Which really isn’t helpful if you just came from a battle and all you wanted was to sleep, not getting soaked.

At least there’s people here. Punz, the red streaks on his hoodie blood for once and no longer the egg possession, leans against one of the non-cracked walls. Ant, blue eyes shining out of his dark, messy fur, is busy dumping a healing pot on his arm. Purpled’s talking to Ponk and Foolish in a corner and Tommy could have sworn he’d seen Badboyhalo and Hannah a moment ago. Maybe one of them has a clever solution to how they’re not all going to get incredibly wet.

The answer is no, apparently. But Tommy also gets pretty quickly distracted from his search for a dry spot by a familiar voice.

“Tommy! I’m glad to see you!”

Tommy turns and he won’t admit it but he’s glad to see Eret made it too.

“Hi,” he grumbles instead.

“Tired?” Eret asks.

“That too,” Tommy answers and like for proof he yawns a second later.

“Wait, I might know how to make you feel better.” Eret turns and yells “Foolish!”.

“Yes?” The totem – god – whatever raises their head in their vague direction.

“Could you stop that?” Eret gestures wildly and while Tommy has no clue what he wants, Foolish seems to understand.

“Of course,” the...god, Tommy decides to stick with, answers and his eyes flash.

A second later, the rain stops.

“What…”

“You don’t like the rain,” Eret explains simply.

Oh.

Tommy’s throat constricts.

“You remembered.”

“Of course I did.”

Eret’s cape isn’t straight. Half of it is missing, too, but that’s not the point. Tommy can see the jagged scars that go all around Eret’s neck to his throat and back again. He keeps staring at them, the most visible reminder that they’re in a different time now.

Eret’s not a traitor anymore.

Tommy’s not the stupid kid he was back then.

Dream’s…. Dream’s gone. And he won’t come back for a very long time at the very least.

“Everything alright?”

It’s still weird to see all of them, casually concerned for Tommy. But Foolish seems sincere in asking, the smooth scars on his throat a perfect match to Eret’s.

Tommy has seen both of them fight. He’s seen the sky and the earth move to their wishes, has seen the terrible, terrible consequences their synchrony can bring. He’s seen the ruins they left behind, not hesitating a second in the fight.

It’s nearly funny, in a way. Tommy can’t really say he understands it but he can see their friendship in every gesture they make. In the way they gravitate to one another, the way they seem to fit like he and Tubbo do.

And still, there’s a part of him that will always see Eret as the traitor. The final control room cut deep.

But he also remembered.

It wasn’t an important detail. TommyInnit hates rain. It’s not something you could use against someone. It’s just a weather preference.

Nothing else.

“Tommy?”

Tommy forces his attention back to his present situation. That seems to currently be having two concerned gods staring at him.

“Sorry big man, must have zoned out a moment there.” He laughs.

Eret doesn’t laugh with him but he does smile.

“No worries. After a battle like this, it’s normal to be a little bit shaken.”

“Shouldn’t we be used to it by now?” The question is out faster than Tommy can regret it.

“Not really,” Eret shrugs. “You could fight a thousand battles like this and still end up a bit shaken afterward.”

Tommy very purposefully does not ask if either of them have fought a thousand battles like this before.

“Alright, alright. Listen, Eret, is there any reason for this?”

“The conversation?” Eret laughs. Tommy suddenly gets reminded that he can’t remember the last time he’s heard Eret genuinely laugh like this. “Not really. I just wanted to ask how you are holding up.”

“I’m fine. You two?”

“We’ve had worse.” Tommy’s eyes catch on the scar on Eret’s neck again but Foolish throws his arm over Eret’s shoulder and again, Tommy thinks of Tubbo and himself. Eret didn’t flinch and there isn’t even a small hint of unease. He just stays there, comfortable with Foolish in his space in a way that speaks of long years spent together.

It’s about time Eret got someone he trusted

Huh.

Didn’t expect that thought from himself.

Anyway, talking.

“That’s great, big man. Anyway, I’ll go and look if my house’s still fucking standing, ok?”

“Sure,” Eret agrees with an easy smile on his lips. “If you need anything, just come to the castle.”

“Sure thing.”

A week later will find Tommy digging for Eret’s secret chest for some building materials and that counts, right? He didn’t see anyone around but he wakes up to a chest full of oak wood and cobblestone and other things for his house. The sign beside it says “You could have just asked” and Tommy laughs because Eret isn’t mad.

For now, he just grins at Eret like he’s not already planning the heist.

Tommy wants to leave but some part of him hesitates. In the end, he says it without looking either of them in the eyes: “Be careful, yeah? Would be a shame to die now, after all the hard work I did.”

He walks away with the sound of laughter coming from behind him but it’s not mocking for once.

Tommy allows himself to smile and maybe, just maybe he’s ready to think of Eret as more than a traitor now.

If only this damn rain could stop.

“Foolish!”

[wpmorse]

A Clash of Kings - The Adventure Continues

At the edge of the wolfswood, Bran turned in his basket for one last glimpse of the castle that had been his life. Wisps of smoke still rose into the grey sky, but no more than might have risen from Winterfell's chimneys on a cold autumn afternoon. Soot stains marked some of the arrow loops, and here and there a crack or a missing merlon could be seen in the curtain wall, but it seemed little enough from this distance. Beyond, the tops of the keeps and towers still stood as they had for hundreds of years, and it was hard to tell that the castle had been sacked and burned at all. The stone is strong, Bran told himself, the roots of the trees go deep, and under the ground the Kings of Winter sit their thrones. So long as those remained, Winterfell remained. It was not dead, just broken. Like me, he thought. I'm not dead either.

A Clash of Kings Chapter 68 - Bran

Bran and his friends leave Winterfell ready to face a new adventure to the north.

Wow, I can't believe I finished this thing! In the end it came out to One hundred and thirty eight pictures, and I only missed three days. It will be a while before I move on to Storm of Swords. Burnout is a thing, and besides, there are upcoming challenges, most notably Mermay coming up.

[coffereadsasoiaf]

“ At the edge of the wolfswood, Bran turned in his basket for one last glimpse of the castle that had been his life. Wisps of smoke still rose into the grey sky, but no more than might have risen from Winterfell’s chimneys on a cold autumn afternoon. Soot stains marked some of the arrow loops, and here and there a crack or a missing merlon could be seen in the curtain wall, but it seemed little enough from this distance. Beyond, the tops of the keeps and towers still stood as they had for hundreds of years, and it was hard to tell that the castle had been sacked and burned at all. The stone is strong, Bran told himself, the roots of the trees go deep, and under the ground the Kings of Winter sit their thrones. So long as those remained, Winterfell remained. It was not dead, just broken. Like me, he thought. I’m not dead either. ”

{ George R R Martin A CLASH OF KINGS // Bran VII }

[joannalannister]

Are the ASOIAF audiobooks worth buying? I've heard the narrator isn't good at all.

I like the audiobooks. They were worth buying for me. YMMV.

I don’t listen to podcasts. I don’t particularly like watching youtube videos. (I would much rather have instructions or information written down for me to read.) Nothing is ever going to replace my ASOIAF ebooks. I would die if you took my ebooks away from me…but…. But. 

I had a (relatively mild) migraine yesterday, and it was nice to close my eyes and just let AGOT wash over me. Even better than Rainymood. Sometimes I am too tired to do anything, but I’m not tired enough to sleep, and I don’t particularly want to watch tv - the audiobooks fill that void nicely for me. 

I get impatient with a lot of audiobooks (I can read much faster than most narrators speak), but I do not feel that way while listening to ASOIAF. GRRM has written a lot for tv, and I think that medium has made him well attuned to the way his writing sounds when spoken aloud. There’s a rhythm to his words that is beautiful to hear. 

Also, I think I visualize the scenes better when I close my eyes and just listen. (It probably helps that listening to someone else forces me to slow down.) For example, I had either forgotten or I didn’t realize it until today that in the scene where Tyrion first speaks to Jon Snow, Tyrion is sitting over the door to the Great Hall. (I do not think that is a small door. How did he get up there?) I think previously I had imagined Tyrion on top of a merlon or some other part of a castle wall that people can see over. 

So, like, I did not originally imagine Tyrion up that high. We know from later books that Tyrion likes to view the world from on high (the Iron Throne, the battlements of the Red Keep), so what does it mean that Tyrion sought out this place “on the ledge above the door to the Great Hall, looking for all the world like a gargoyle.” What made him climb up there? Why? I imagine it was for the same reasons Jon sought the emptiness of Winterfell’s courtyard. 

And I notice different things when I listen as opposed to when I’m reading. For example, 

“Gods, Catelyn, Sansa is only eleven,” Ned said. “And Joffrey … Joffrey is …”She finished for him. “… crown prince, and heir to the Iron Throne.”

istg, while listening to the audiobook, istg it felt like Ned was looking for a way to say, “Joffrey is a Lannister.” I never had that feeling during one of my rereads (and I don’t even have that feeling now, looking at that text I just copy/pasted), but istg the audiobook made me feel it. That “Joffrey … Joffrey is …” in the audiobook made me feel like there was something terribly, terribly wrong, in a way that the written line has never captured for me. The narrator of the audiobooks takes that pause, that silence, at the end of “Joffrey is …” and uses it to ominous effect. Something is so wrong here that Ned cannot even find the words to tell you what it is. 

And I never really noticed this before, but this

“In Highgarden there are fields of golden roses that stretch away as far as the eye can see. The fruits are so ripe they explode in your mouth—melons, peaches, fireplums, you’ve never tasted such sweetness. You’ll see, I brought you some. Even at Storm’s End, with that good wind off the bay, the days are so hot you can barely move. And you ought to see the towns, Ned! Flowers everywhere, the markets bursting with food, the summerwines so cheap and so good that you can get drunk just breathing the air.”

leads nicely into this

“She was a Stark of Winterfell,” Ned said quietly. “This is her place.”“She should be on a hill somewhere, under a fruit tree, with the sun and clouds above her and the rain to wash her clean.”

to suggest that Robert is really talking about himself, not Lyanna. Robert wants to be on a hill somewhere, under a summer sun, with the rain to wash away his sins. 

So, idk, I like the audiobooks. I think the main series novels are better to listen to than GRRM’s history books (which are a great soporific! the history books put me to sleep in 8 minutes flat! almost every time!), but I think GRRM’s writing itself is weak in the histories, so I wouldn’t fault the narrator for the history books. 

There are certainly problems with the audiobooks. I don’t like how the narrator pronounces certain names. (For example, I pronounce Petyr like Peter; the narrator’s pronunciation is Bad. V Bad.) 

I don’t imagine Tyrion having that mousey, squeaky voice, but then again, I never imagined GRRM to have such a high, squeaky voice before I heard him. (ILU @George, I say that with love.) 

Also, I’m not ashamed to admit this, but some of the words GRRM uses, I know what they mean but I have never heard them spoken aloud, so hearing them for the first time can be a wtf moment while I reverse engineer the spelling and subsequently update my mental pronunciation. 

So I personally find the audiobooks to be a great supplement to my ASOIAF experience. I would not want the audiobooks to be my first time through, and if I was trying to introduce someone to the books, I would give them ebooks instead of audiobooks, because GRRM’s writing is so dense and he packs in so many details. But for a second or third time through? I think the audiobooks are great. 

Should you buy them? Depends on what you want them for, and what you’re willing to overlook. If you can’t put up with the weird pronunciation of Petyr’s name, they’re not for you. 

But if you want to close your eyes and hear that ache in Ned Stark’s heart over the family he lost … to hear the bitterness in his voice … if you want to feel the chills pass through you as Ned says sadly, “Now it ends” … then maybe you would like them. 

[elellan]

Chapters: 14/? Fandom: Dragon Age: Inquisition, Dragon Age (Video Games) Relationships: Female Inquisitor/Cullen Rutherford, Female Lavellan/Cullen Rutherford

Summary:

Riwan Lavellan wakes up after the Conclave only to find her world shattered into pieces. She strains to adjust to her new life in the Inquisition, especially after discovering that the Commander of its forces is an ex-templar.

CHAPTER 14. I AM PINING

Dear Cassandra,

I’m sorry if I deliver this news to you by letter, but it can’t wait.

I’m no longer fit for the position that you kindly offered me in Kirkwall. I recommend that you appoint a replacement for the role of Commander of the Inquisition forces. I trust that you will keep your end of our agreement since I’m no longer able to fulfill my vows.

Forgive me, I’ve failed you.

Cullen

All the time they had spent in the Hinterlands, exploring each and every cave and path, not even daring to touch their mounts for ‘too many things will go missed!’ - meaning that the Inquisitor planned on picking up every elfroot that they stumbled upon; all the time spent talking to farmers, hunters, villagers, splashing in rivers and ponds, picking up iron and ‘pretty rocks’ - Cassandra grimaced just thinking about it; all the time spent meddling into other people’s business, playing with astrariums, recruiting agents of dubious capability… all that time seemed to her now like an entire lifetime compared to the quickness and the haste with which the Inquisitor had dealt with the eastern region of the Dales. She went on her way like a battering ram, on horseback, stopping only for the least necessary time, executing orders with a stormy look on her face. Cassandra begrudgingly admitted to herself that she almost missed Varric, such was Riwan’s sullen humor and endless the bickering between Dorian and Iron Bull. 

In the end, they were all glad to depart and to head to the Western Approach, tailing the Inquisitor in her inexplicable frenzy of action. There, Riwan got a hold of her temper, as the weather was warm - they were in the desert, after all - but cool in the night, and as they had found an oasis near which they had set up camp and which represented the main reason why Riwan could tolerate the emptiness of the land - ‘There are no trees here, how am I supposed to be in good spirits when there are no oaks around?!’, Riwan’s outburst on the orlesian ramparts still echoed in the Seekers’s brain. It was in the Western Approach that the Inquisitor did one of the most reckless things Cassandra had ever ventured into, as she led them all into expunging an entire fortress from venatori forces without any reinforcements. “Inquisitor, this was madness! I can barely believe we’re all in one piece!”, she had said, extracting her bloodied sword from the last venatori that stood standing and looking around her in total disbelief. Riwan had grinned and said: “This was fun, wasn’t it?”. 

After having delivered the fortress into Rylen’s trusted hands, they set off to Crestwood. The Inquisitor wanted to start searching the area before the arranged meeting there with Hawke. They stopped in Skyhold for one night and then continued to head on towards their destination. By the time they reached Scout Harding in Crestwood, Riwan’s party was exhausted to the brim, but the elf seemed possessed by a demonic force. She let them rest for an afternoon, but it was clear that she was already annoyed by the chilly rain and by the continuous attacks they were suffering from organized groups of bandits. “Isn’t that an oak tree? Why aren’t you in a better mood?”, Cassandra ventured. “Undead”, was the grim reply. Finally, after Riwan led them to the conquer of yet another fort, Caer Bronach, they eventually agreed that it was high time they went back to Skyhold and rest properly.

It had been, what, three weeks or one month since their departure? It was their last night in the field and Riwan was finally aching to go back home. She was on Caer Bronach’s bastion, inspecting the Inquisition’s people coming and going from above as they colonized the fortress. Soldiers and scouts were settling down and merchants were bargaining their presence there. A smith had already been recruited and she could hear the sound of hammer and anvil from afar. 

She still had her amour on but she had let her hair loose and she was deeply inhaling the fresh air.

“Well, well, well, Inquisitor. This surely is a charming place, isn’t it?”.

She turned and saw Dorian approaching her, literally kissed by the rays of an uncertain, setting sun that had managed to shine through the clouds.

“Yes… If you have a passion for corpses and demons…”, she said, as he leaned against the merlons beside her. “You look exquisite in your new armour, Dorian”, she added, fondly looking at him. Harritt had indeed made a wonderful job with it - “Ser Pavus needs something solid yet fancy, Harritt, keep it in mind!”, she had told him.

“My dear, you don’t need to remind me of my own beauty. Besides, I’m more concerned about you. You’re hardly yourself as of lately”. A smile lingered on his lips as he enquiringly searched her expression.

“Me?!”, she said, slightly taken aback by his words.

“Yes, Lavellan. You”.

“I don’t know what you mean-”. She shrugged her shoulders and lifted her chin, averting her eyes from Dorian’s sharp ones. 

“Don’t play the fool with me, Riwan. As if I hadn’t caught you pining and brooding and drooping in the last few months!”.

CONTINUE ON AO3

[randomgamefan]

Memories and Illusions - Chapter 1

Hey guys!

Look it's that story I was talking about!

Wooo!

Enjoy I guess!

(note: anything that would have been in italics is now in this font)

See you soon, man in green~

Luigi woke in a cold sweat, chills running down his spine. He didn't remember the dream he had been having but still felt the terror he had in the moment. He sighed, trying to wipe away the anxieties of the night as he stood.

The house felt big and cold and empty as he made his way to the kitchen to make breakfast. It always seemed so lonely without Mario home. Luigi sighed, nervous energy once again overtaking him as he worried for his brother. It had been a whole month since Luigi had been able to contact Mario. Luigi shook his head, reminding himself that worrying wouldn't do him any good. Luigi poured some cereal into a bowl, sat at the table, and began rereading the comics from yesterday's newspaper, as he hadn't gone out to get the mail yet today.

After finishing breakfast, Luigi tied Polterpup to a red leash, opened the door to the house he "shared" with his brother, and headed outside in the early morning. He walked out to the mailbox, polterpup attempting to jump in ten different directions as a squirrel hurried around the yard. Luigi grabbed the small handle to the metal box, tugging it open as a couple of letters and an unfurled newspaper poured out onto the man, startling him. Luigi accidentally let go of Polterpup’s leash, causing the ghastly pup to sprint off towards the tree in the front yard.

Luigi, though startled, managed to pick up the mail and run after his dog, as the pup kept phasing through the tree trying to reach the squirrel. Luigi sighed, reaching down and picking up the leash, pulling the dog away and starting the daily walk, mail tucked under his arm.

Luigi walked around toad town, the streets slowly filling up with toads as the sun rose. Luigi sorted through the mail as he walked- Most of it was bills or letters addressed to Mario. However, something caught Luigi's eye as he looked through the mail- something addressed to both Mario and Luigi. The fact it had his name on it surprised Luigi - he rarely ever got mail. So Luigi decided, since his name was on it, he would open it as soon as he got home. Mario wouldn't mind.

After finishing his normal walking path with polterpup - a bit faster than he usually would - Luigi reached his home. Curiosity tugged at his mind as he let Polterpup off the leash and sat down on the couch. The letter was written very formally, and in surprisingly good shape, but Luigi wasn't really paying attention to that. He tore it open carefully, and pulled out the letter inside.

Dear Mario and Luigi,

I regret to inform you that we need your help once again.

The void has reopened.

Please come to flipside as soon as you receive this note.

More information will be given there.

-Merlon

Luigi dropped the note, his face paling. The void? Reopened? No, no, how? And while Mario was gone?! This was bad. Luigi quickly scrambled to grab his phone, dialing the number he knew wouldn't work. And he was right. It went straight to voicemail. Mario never charged his phone, and only carried it because Luigi insisted. Mario wasn't big on technology, not like Luigi. As Luigi thought over it, he realized Mario had been kind of against Luigi working with electronics since their last trip to flipside.

Luigi sighed. What could he do? Luigi was scared to go to flipside alone, but Mario was out and Luigi knew he wouldn't be able to reach his brother... he sighed shakily and decided. He had to go. He was one of the heroes, and that world needed him. Luigi got up, grabbed a duffel bag, and threw some green sweaters and jeans into the bag. Due to it being fall, he wrapped a green scarf around his neck, in case it was cold. Once he was packed, Luigi pat his dog on the head, and headed out the door.

It didn't take long to get to flipside - the bros kept a return pipe to flipside tower close, just in case they ever needed it. As Luigi made his way to Merlon's house, he held his bag under his arm, shaking slightly. It was cold in flipside. Luigi headed to the elevator, trying to ignore the void clear in the sky ahead.

Merlon greeted Luigi as soon as Luigi walked in the doors of Merlon's house "Ah, Luigi." He probably smiled, but Luigi would have no idea if he had instead made some ridiculous face - the man had an impressive mustache "Where's Mario?" Merlon questioned.

"O-Out." Luigi's voice quivered. "Can I d- do anything?"

Merlon seemed to consider this for a moment. "Yes, I do believe so. As you could see, the void has reopened."

Luigi nodded shakily.

"Could you council the previous minions of Count Bleck?" Merlon asked. "I feel like they may have some leads."

Luigi thought this was a really really bad idea. He couldn't handle villains like Mario could! But Mario wasn't here, and if he didn't, Luigi knew all worlds could end. So he nodded, shivering even worse now. Merlon handed the younger Mario brother 3 different addresses, and sent him on his way.

[superstarjump-blog]

[ @valorxdrive ] || An Adventure with New Allies!

It all happened quick... very, very quick.

While not a stranger to spur of the moment missions being thrown onto him, he expected little more than the usual scenario: the Princess has been kidnapped, Bowser is planning to turn the world into cheese or something, and thus needed to be stopped before it was too late.

However, that wasn’t the case this time.

How did it start again? Well, he could trace his memories back to the skies becoming uncharacteristically dark when it wasn’t even dusk. And then, Toad Town’s local fortune teller spoke of an ominous force that would soon loom over the kingdom. Naturally, Mario wasn’t the type to sit idle when something was amiss.

After that, he had encountered a youth (with notably poofy pants) who can be described as a hero from another universe. In turn, the information he could gather that this boy -- Sora, as he called himself -- may know something about the reason for these recent happenings.

And thus, so began another adventure...

“... could-a something be here?” After having spoken to the fortune teller once again, they later found themselves traversing the woods just beyond the outskirts of town; apparently, an important clue could be found deep within here of what was going on.

Mario continued to shove away the bushes ahead as the forest became more dense as they progressed. But after finally clearing away some tree branches that obscured their view of a clearing, they’d lay eyes on what seemed like a stronghold -- one hidden so well that no common person would be able to find it.

Perhaps for good reason too.

“I don’t know how long it’s been here, but... this has to do something with what Merlon told us before: a clue in the woods. What do you s’pose?”

[namiiswan-archived]

At the edge of the wolfswood, Bran turned in his basket for one last glimpse of the castle that had been his life. Wisps of smoke still rose from the grey sky, but no more than might have risen from Winterfell’s chimney’s on a cold autumn afternoon. Soot stains marked some of the arrow loops, and here and there a crack or a missing merlon could be seen in the curtain wall, but it seemed little enough from this distance. Beyond, the tops of the keeps and towers still stood as they had for hundreds of years, and it was hard to tell that the castle had been sacked and burned at all. The stone is strong, Bran told himself, the roots of the trees go deep, and under the ground the Kings of Winterfell sit their thrones. So long as those remained, Winterfell remained. It was not dead, just broken. Just like me, he thought. I’m not dead either.