#very poppy colors and stuff. and i definitely still need to shift the ones i have around a bit

[justladders]

Maybe I'll actually start drawing stuff for one of the AUs I've had ideas about for a while. Once I get a more final design for Baby that I like, at least.

[betweenthetimeandsound]

Three Minutes to Eternity: My ESC 250 (#180-171)

#180: Fernando Tordo -- Tourada (Portugal 1973)

“Entram guizos, chocas e capotes, E mantilhas pretas, Entram espadas, chifres e derrotes, E alguns poetas, Entram bravos, cravos e dichotes, Porque tudo mais são tretas,”

“Bells, cowbells and capes are coming in, And black mantillas Swords, big horns and defeats are coming in And some poets Brave people, carnations and swear words are coming in Because it's a wheeze at most”

Despite the title ("tourada" translates to bullfight in Portuguese), it's actually a portrait of a revolution in the making. The lyrics were so clever that the censors at the RTP didn’t notice these lyrics were reflecting the current regime.

That’s enough for a 250 appearance for me, but there’s more that makes the song so memorable.

The build with the brass and percussion sets the stage for something important to happen. Sometimes, I do forget I like this song, but listening to it like right now is an experience, like one entering the battlefield.

The last line, "And the intelligent man says that songs are over..." still amuses me, though it's quite cynical in that the intellectuals would eventually not believe in the movement.

Personal ranking: 5th/17 Actual ranking: 10th/17 in Luxembourg

#179: France Gall -- Poupée de cire, poupée de son (Luxembourg 1965)

“Suis-je meilleure, suis-je pire qu’une poupée de salon? Je vois la vie en rose bonbon Poupée de cire, poupée de son”

“Am I better, am I worse than a fashion doll? I see life through bright rosy-tinted glasses Wax doll, sawdust doll”

One of the game-changing songs of Eurovision, in that the general mood shifts from slow-tempo songs to a little bit of pop. The first ten contests had their share of good songs, but seem to blur into each other at points. Afterwards, the song quality rose, and they were better suited to the times.

Beyond the happy orchestral sound is something quite sad—a pretty girl who sings songs without experiencing what they mean. Gainsbourg was quite the songwriter, but it led to a falling out between him and France later on, because of the double meanings of the songs he wrote for her.

The drama related to France Gall and the contest didn't stop there. Kathy Kirby, the runner-up that year, slapped France when she won. Then her boyfriend broke up with her shortly after, and wrote a song that would be the basis of "My Way".

Quite interesting I must say, though I don’t come back to this song often.

Personal and actual ranking: 1st/18 in Naples

#178: Ajda Pekkan -- Petr'oil (Turkey 1980)

"Öyle gururlusun gidemem yanına Girmişsin kim bilir kaç aşığın kanına Dolardan, marktan başka laf çıkmaz dilinden Neler, neler çekiyorum senin elinden"

"You are so proud, I can’t come close to you I wonder who else suffers from your love You speak of nothing but dollars and marks I am so suffering because of you"

My 1980 winner is not only quite groovy and seductive, but also clever.

The 1970s had two major oil crises--one in 1973, and another in 1979. The first one was when OPEC withheld their oil from countries who supported Israel during the Yom Kippur, and the second one when oil production stopped during the Iranian Revolution, resulting in higher prices per barrel. Both resulted in low supply and increased gas prices in the United States; those who grew up during the era were less likely to drive as a result.

Petr'oil takes this issue and anthromorphizes it, as Ajda sings about the troubles of relying oil as a resource and as a partner. The belly-dance music also emphasizes the tension. combined with the percussion and strings on this piece.

While Ajda has since distanced herself from the song, I embrace it in all its charms. Plus it was heavily underrated in its year.

Personal ranking: 1st/19 Actual ranking: 15th/19 in Den Haag

Final Impressions on 1980: This year stands out a bit, for it had a number of songs dealing with a huge number of topics (including Belgium's "Euro-Vision", which made the contest go meta, haha). Alongside it, the production was a bit bare-bones, because of the Netherlands hosting it four years earlier, but it featured quirks such as a representative announcing their country's song, Morocco competing for the only time, and a steel band for the interval!

#177: The Allisons -- Are you sure? (United Kingdom 1961)

“Are you sure you won’t be sorry? Comes tomorrow, you won’t want me Back again to hold you tightly?”

The lyrics are quite smug, in that the Allisons warn the girl who plans to break up with them she might be sorry and alone. Not unlike with "If I Were Sorry", though there's a bit more charm and teasing towards their soon-to-be ex-, whereas the latter feels a bit more arrogant.

That said, it’s upbeat and almost lines up to the musical scene at the time (comparisons to Buddy Holly are not uncommon), and the musical run time just goes by so quickly (in comparison to other entries of the same era)! It's just a breeze.

Personal ranking: 1st/16 Actual ranking: 2nd/16 in Cannes

#176: Vicky Leandros: L'amour est bleu (Luxembourg 1967)

“Bleu, bleu, l'amour est bleu, Berce mon cœur, mon cœur amoureux, Bleu, bleu, l'amour est bleu, Bleu comme le ciel qui joue dans tes yeux.”

“Blue, blue, love is blue, Cradle my heart, my loving heart Blue, blue, love is blue Blue like the sky which play in your eyes."”

I think I first heard this in the intro to Eurovision 2006's semi-final. While the harp motif stood out, I didn't know where it came from. It was until when I watched the contest this song was in, which is strange because it was notable for having a Paul Mauriat cover which became a hit.

One of many classics which featured in 1960s contests, I like the innocence shown through the lyrics, which uses color and imagery to tell about the different cycles of love. The orchestration along the bridge was especially spectacular, as it provided a cinematic feel towards . Vicky’s accent sometimes gets in the way, but she sings this well and should’ve gotten a podium position.

Personal ranking: 2nd/17 Actual ranking: 4th/17 in Vienna

#175: Kaija -- Ullu joy Hullu yö (Finland 1991)

"En edes halunnut sua omistaa En edes leikisti rakastaa Kaksi kulkijaa yhteen osuttiin Yksi yhteinen hetki jaettiin"

"I didn’t even want to own you I didn’t even want to love you We two travellers came across each other Shared one common moment together"

While I was watching Eurovision 1991, I liked the mysterious verses of Hullu yo, but I found the chorus a bit off, because it was punchier and more energetic. It also had that "minor-verse/major chorus" thing going on, which also made me uneasy with the song. With a few listens, I grew to like a bit more, because of its unique sound. It definitely sounds better with the studio cut versus the live, which shows off the failures of RAI's orchestra.

Another thing about the song, beyond its lyrics about a one-night-stand turned into longing feelings, was the choice choreography. Playing out the turmoiled relationship, it's funny to see how provocative it is, and that's after Toto's hilarious pronunciation of the song.

Elements of the live performance aside, it's still a jam which deserved better. Maybe it would've done so in the televote era.

Personal ranking: 7th/22 Actual ranking: 20th/22 in Rome

#174: Francoise Hardy -- L'amour s'en va (Monaco 1963)

“Si ce n’est toi Ce sera moi qui m’en irai L’amour s’en va Et nous n’y pourrons rien changer"

"If it isn’t you It will be me who will go away Love goes away And we can’t change anything about that"

I was happily surprised hearing this for the first time. It was very melancholic, with an interesting structure between the verses and the chorus. The percussion also helps with the latter, and adds a bit of character to the song.

The fact Francoise wrote this classic gem also warmed me up more to the song, especially because she was from the ye-ye generation of singers (which are known for being young and upbeat). Yet she stands and sings her own composition in a serious, almost bored tone, without taking the substance of the song away

(That being said, I really need to listen to more of her songs; I've found a couple a month ago, though there's obviously more...)

Personal ranking: 2nd/16 Actual ranking: 5th/16 in London

#173: ABBA -- Waterloo (Sweden 1974)

“The history book on the shelf is always repeating itself...”

You don’t need me to tell about this, do you? It’s fun and timeless pop, with some cool costumes to boot.

For more interesting stuff for both, the song Waterloo was an actual risk for the contest--they actually had another song for consideration, the folk-influenced Hasta Manana, but turned to this instead. And it worked, of course!

For the clothes, ABBA apparently chose these glam-rock inspired costumes because in Sweden, one wouldn't have to pay additional fees if the costumes won't be used for normal wear. Both Anni-frid and Agnetha look great, nevertheless.

And as of the moment, my favorite ABBA song is "Knowing Me, Knowing You". Despite the poppy tone, it has a moody vibe throughout, and one knows the relationship is going to end on a bad note.

Personal ranking: 2nd/17 Actual ranking: 1st/17 in Brighton

#172: Gigliola Cinquetti -- Si (Italy 1974)

“Sì, dolcemente dissi sì, Per provare un'emozione, Che non ho avuto mai,”

“Yes, I softly said yes, To feel an emotion That I've never had before”

My friend told me an interesting story about the lyrics—whereas the song Gigliola won with tells of a girl waiting to grow older to find true love, Si talks of the girl growing up and taking the plunge. So she interprets Si as a sequel of sorts.

So why does this beat Waterloo, in my opinion?

I like how the song starts—quietly, but with an interesting guitar part. The instrumentation builds well towards the "Si...", at which it gently but certainly blooms towards Gigliola's certainty on going with the man she loves.

The interesting part of it was how the song was censored in Italy because it was seen as "subliminal messaging" for a campaign on a divorce referendum that May. "Si" sounds like an endorsement for the "no" campaign, as it embraces being in love, even if it requires the death of another relationship.

Personal ranking: 1st/17 Actual ranking: 2nd/17 in Brighton

Final Impressions on 1974: Definitely one of the most memorable years in the contest, if only for who won. The rest was a tale of two halves, with the first half being particularly good, and the other half bad (except for Si, as you can tell). And there were Wombles in the interval act, hehe.

#171: Eugent Bushpepa -- Mall (Albania 2018)

“Lot i patharë ndriçojë këtë natë Sonte kumbo prej shpirtit pa fjalë Vetëm një çast dhimbja të më ndalë”

“Lingering tear, light up this night Find your way out, to soothe my soul Just for one day make this pain subside”

Aren’t the lyrics to this so beautiful? They convey Eugent’s desire to be with his loved one so well, in both its pain and beauty.

The music really helps too--while the pre-vamped version was a whole minute longer, it also has a rockier edge to it. The revamped version cuts it down and cleans up the production, but it's still maintains the overall feel throughout.

Eugent is also a talented talented singer, which proved initial odds wrong and got Albania one of its best results! The bridge between the second verse and chorus has a great chord progression (which was given more space in the revamp), and he deserved qualification for that alone. And those high notes.

(Also, he's probably the best dressed guy of his year...good job Eugent, good job.)

Personal ranking: 7th/43 Actual ranking: 11th/26 GF in Lisbon

[the19thduckpotato]

In the Shadow of a Smile (Pt 3)

Part 2

Izuku grinned. “Woah, that’s a lot of places! You sure we have time for all of ‘em?”

POOMPF!!

"ALL MIGHT ALWAYS HAS PLENTY OF TIME!"  He roared enthusiastic laughter then coughed and disappeared in a cloud of steam.  Toshinori waved the cloud away and rubbed the back of his head, still snickering. "'Cause, you know...retirement...and stuff."  Spoken as casual as possible.

Izuku nodded, responding just as casually. “Ah, fair point, yeah.” He leaned his head against Toshi’s arm. “Don’tcha get tired after a whole day out, though? I do. N I know I don’t... really... have an excuse, but....” He scrubbed at the back on his head with a sheepish grin. “I do, anyway.”

"No excuse?  I disagree!  You're training to be a hero AND training at UA, which is daunting enough as it is.  On top of that--"  Toshi made a show of glancing about, making sure they wouldn't be overheard.  "--One for All.  Especially with all this new stuff, the vestiges, the Quirks."  He ruffled Izuku's hair.  "And don't forget, you're still a growing teenager.  That's the height of your body going through a bunch of stuff that's going to leave you exhausted." He stopped and looked to Izuku as if only just now considering this.  "Promise me you'll let me know when you have had your fill, ok?"

Izuku bit his lip, still feeling a little weird about... quitting when tired?? if he wasn’t sick or injured?? isn’t that for wimps?? but... “Okay.” Maybe if I see you getting tired, I can ask to go too... or even if I don’t, I don’t have to feel bad about saying I wanna go because I know you push yourself n you hide it n—

Mentor sideglanced student then let his gaze drift to the river.  "There's nothing wrong with taking care of yourself.  Remember that." Uh huh.

“W— e-ell... is it REALLY necessary, though... like, I do want to quit far more often than I should. At a lot of things. I can’t just stop every time I feel like it! ...Right?”

"My experience with ya?  You never quit when it really matters." "He takes after you, Toshinori.  ...that's not a compliment." "You're consistently fighting, working harder, pushing farther, to show you're as worthy as anyone else to be where you are.  I trust your judgment.  Don't run yourself into the ground and don't slack on improving One for All when you can.  We can't have an exhausted Symbol of Peace now, can we?" He grinned companionably as he-- i'm tired of being tired --heard the thought flit through.  He mentally batted it away and made for the popcorn shop.

“But... doesn’t everything matter?” Izuku tilted his head.

Toshi chuckled fondly.  "Easy, don't overthink it.  You remember what I asked you, way back when?  When you saved your friend Bakugo from that sludge monster.  I asked what prompted you and you said your body just moved without thinking.  And those are the times that, if I'm forced to say so, are the ones that matter most.  So your body needs to be in its best form as much as possible.  So that means resting when you need to and--" Toshi made an embarrassed noise and dropped his raised arm.  "Oop, I'm lecturing again." Like you think you have any idea what you're talking about. A very faint protest noise and his fingers curled in.  But the nails didn't dig in.  Not this time.

“No no, I like it!” Izuku nodded up at his mentor reassuringly, then sank into overthought, knuckle coming up to his lips. But... what if I’m overthinking in an important moment and don’t move?? There are DEFINITELY things that are important that I’ve messed up— and— ...and I’m overthinking NOW... but does that mean this moment isn’t important?? That CAN’T be, it is, I know, I’m here! I can see it! He looked around as they entered the door of the popcorn shop, distracted by all the new sights and sounds and SMELLS, OH WOW, THE SMELLS— It made Izuku a tiny bit dizzy with the sudden intensity of it.

Toshinori waved cheerfully at the greeting calls of "oh hello, Mr. Yagi!" A plump lady with her hair wrapped up beamed and bobbed welcome.  "Just in time for the fresh batch--and who is this?" Toshi grinned.  "This is Izuku, my student.  Izuku, this is Madame Popol.  I've been talking up your skills all afternoon so you might want to break out your best flavors." Madame Popol looked delighted at that and bustled off to do just so.  Toshi took a seat at the nearby bench and breathed deep.  How he missed the scents that mingled here!

After flashing a grin and small wave at Madame Popol, Izuku took a seat beside his dad, smiling up at him fondly. He looks so happy...♡

Madame Popol soon returned with a circular wooden tray carved with multiple notches.  In each notch sat a handful of popcorn, each a different shade of color.  The plump lady began to describe the flavors and Toshi made his mind wander. remember when you used to get bags full of popcorn all the time?  And Torino would bark disappoint at your snacking habits while Master would just roar laughter and steal a few kernels? "...now this one is strawberry, over here is smokey chipotle, and this one is classic white cheddar." Toshi's mouth watered a bit and he glanced about at the brightly colored bags, tied with equally bright ribbons. Then, unbidden, a sudden urge to rise up and plunge his hands into the barrels and bags of popcorn.  Sink in, elbow deep, and start wildly stuffing his face. that would be incredibly stupid. I know You'd land yourself in the hospital with a stunt like that. I know. And so Toshi busied himself with watching Izuku's reactions to the many flavors presented him.

Izuku’s eyes were wide as he listened, not remembering all of the flavors in the list but making a beeline for the strawberry, picking up a kernel and popping it in his mouth. “Mm!” His eyes somehow got wider. “That’s really good!”

Madame Popol winked.  "Excellent!  Sweet taste for an equally sweet boy.  Don't you worry now, Mr. Yagi, I got some of yours all prepped and ready to go." Toshi began to pull his wallet out and Madame Popol cheerfully swatted his hand. "Poppi!" "You just let me borrow this one's tastebuds for a few more flavors and we'll call it even.  ...how about cookies and cream, Izuku?  Or pickle?  Bet you never heard of that before!"

Half of Izuku’s face scrunched, though he kept smiling amusedly. “Bet I have!”

"But have you actually tried it?"

“Wwwwwwell....”

Madam Popol held out the tray. Toshi leaned back on the bench and smiled, closing his eyes and breathing deep again. just one handful surely it wouldn't be that bad A really small handful, even

Izuku took a piece.... His whole face scrunched up.

Toshi was finding the temptation getting a bit too strong and turned to Izuku to stammer out some sort of excuse-- --saw the kid's face-- "What on earth?!" --and gave in to a helpless bout of laughter. Madame Popol beamed at both of their reactions, still keeping a knowing eye on her lanky regular.  "Isn't that marvelous?" she chirped.

"I'm... not sure it's... my cup of tea." Izuku shook his head, a tiny bit of blush on his cheeks, but being honest. Really don't like pickles....

"It isn't for everyone," Madane Popol agreed, not even slightly put out.  "Now then.  As you can see, we're pretty talented here.  So I need to ask--what is one flavor you'd never expect to taste on popcorn?  And not anything too weird or wild.  I'm asking from a curious business owner standpoint."

Izuku thought for a bit. "....Well I wouldn't want to eat it, but... horseradish?"

Madame Popol nodded thoughtfully.  "And what about something you would eat?  Something like--" With a sudden expert motion that surprised even Toshi, she snatched a small bag from behind the counter and tossed it to the tall blond. "Mr. Yagi," she scolded fondly but firmly, "My dear, have a munch on that and please cheer up.  And you--"  she said, pointing at Izuku.  "--flavor?" Toshi looked sheepish as Madame Popol dropped a large cloth bag in his lap and began filling it with assorted flavors of popcorn. "How many kids in your class again, hun?  I'm sure our lovely Mr. Yagi will make sure these all get to them, won't he?"

"Uuuuhhh...." Izuku thought more. "Really, I just like the cheddar stuff, mostly." He popped one in his mouth, smiling at the flavor. "Strawberry is good, but I could eat these about forever." Am I being too familiar? This is oddly easy. If the words are coming this easy, are they really good? Or am I just not paying enough attention.... He looked around at Toshi and Madame Popol. They do seem unoffended though... maybe it's good, maybe I'm just being funny... yes, play the clown, I can do that... be sure not to try too hard, though, no one likes that-- stOP OVER TH I NK I N G

Toshi froze as the cloth bag filled up.  Was I that easy to read?  Crap.  I need to get better about that.  To stop making it so visible. He glanced at Izuku--my anchor--and grinned.  "You heard him, Madame Popol, biggest bag of cheddar you got." She pretended to look offended.  "I dont think you realize just how big the biggest bag I have is.  I daresay you'd need to bring your big self out to haul it away."  She flexed one arm and giggled. Toshi gave a gentle smile at that.  "Sounds like a challenge," he returned, a little less enthusiastic than he had meant to sound.

Izuku covered his face and squeaked happily at that. "I didn't mean FOREVER forever!" Oh noooooo, that's too much! I can't let him buy that for me... but I can't STOP him! He grinned widely, though not missing Toshi's tone of voice. He didn't quite know what to make of it, though, so he filed the fact away while keeping it in reach.

Madame Popol wedged one last portion of popcorn (bacon jalapeno) into the cloth bag and tutted at Toshi's protests.  "Now now, I dont expect you boys to carry any of these around all day.  You look like you have other places you want to visit.  I'll just have these sent to your office, Mr. Yagi, darlin." Toshi shifted for his wallet again and she cheerfully hmphed.  "This man," she sighed in frustrated adoration, "he doesn't even eat yet like I ask and yet still tries to pay before services rendered." "Poppi--" "Shoo with you now!  Out of my shop, no, out, I'll send you the bill later.  Izuku please, one moment."  She beckoned to the boy while still shooing Toshi out.

"--?" Izuku looked between Madame Popol and the currently-leaving Toshi nervously. He could feel his muscles tensing at the idea of staying behind alone, but... his gaze settled on her.

She produced a pocket sized bag of strawberry popcorn and pressed it into his hands.  "Whatever you're doing, keep it up.  This may sound odd but...you're very good for him."  She sighed softly and gazed about her shop.  "Would that I could show him my appreciation for all that he's done with more than just popcorn but that's what the heavens saw fit.  So that will be as I keep doing.  But you--" Her eyes twinkled knowingly.  "--you've been blessed with the ability to bring his smile out."  She looked like she wanted to say more, then shook her head and waddled back to the counter.  "Come back anytime, lovey.  There will always be a bag of your favorite waiting here for you."

Izuku gazed up at her as she spoke, completely understanding what it feels like to want to support someone you're grateful to but... not being able to. He smiled down at the bag of strawberry popcorn in his hands, glad he had met this Very Warm Person. "Thank you," he said softly.

She gently tweaked one of his freckled cheeks.  "No no," she replied.  "thank you."   Then, returning to form, she cheerfully flapped her apron at him.  "Get on, now!  That man has long legs and could be halfway to Kyoto by now.  Go catch up!"

He squeaked and ducked at the tweak, and hurried obediently after Toshi out the door.

((part 4))

[queer-starling]

Flower ask: also all of them. you get to suffer with me >:3€

oh darlin’ we’re in it now huh

Alisons: Sexuality?

homogay

Amaranth: Pronouns/Gender?

she/they | all gender will be shot on sight

Amaryllis: Birthday?

sept 23rd

Anemone: Favorite flower?

monkshood

Angelonia: Favorite t.v. show?

stranger things or ghost adventures

Arum-Lily: What’s the farthest you’d go for a stranger?

like? distance? a couple miles probably

Aster: What’s one of your favorite quotes?

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little lifeIs rounded with a sleep.” William Shakespeare, The Tempest

Aubrieta: Favorite drink?

wild cherry capri sun

Baby’s Breath: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

ima change that to ‘kiss the last person u thought abt kissing’ bc YES

Balsam Fir: Have you ever been in love?

*jenna marbles voice* hell yeah!!

Baneberries: Favorite song?

waiting for the end - linkin park 

Basket of Gold: Describe your family.

chaos

Beebalm: Do you have a best friend? Who is it?

i have too many to list !!! brandi, kasey, you, liz, ivy, nick , just to name a few!!

Begonia: Favorite color?

blue uwu

Bellflower: Favorite animal?

foxes !! and opossums

Bergenia: Are you a morning or night person?

night time babey

Black-Eyed Susan: If you could be any animal for a day, what would it be?

either a fox or an opossum or a raven, i think

Bloodroots: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

i wanted to be a vet !!!

Bluemink: What are your thoughts on children?

theyre ok as long as theyre not screaming and/or mine

Blazing Stars: What are you afraid of? Is there a reason why?

i don’t liike vomit bc. nastey (trauma i think) and i don’t like old ppl well. i dunno why? they’re just so old and fragile and helpless and sometimes they’re really mean and idk i think it’s like something to do w death or something LMAO idk. also i just hate the idea of becoming old and having to rely on other people ?? hhh

Borage: Give a random fact about your childhood.

i was bullied a lot

Bugleherb: How would you spend your last day on Earth?  

realistically? probably playing dead by daylight with my girlfriend ADFSGRHYUTR

Buttercup: Relationship Status?

happily taken 

Camelia: If you could visit anywhere, where would you want to go?

ireland, scotland, alaska, greece

Candytufts: When do you feel most loved?

whenever my friends or family tells me they love me but esp when u text me goodmorning or when we say our goodnights sorry im gay haha

Canna: Do you have any tattoos?  

i have. uuuuhh 6

Canterbury Bells: Do you have any piercings?  

no!!! i want some tho :(

California Poppy: Height?  

i think im like. 5′5 or something? give or take an inch ?

Cardinal Flower: Do you believe in ghosts?

oh absolutely. my house is haunted as we speak

Carnation: What are you currently wearing?  

bmth hoodie and pajama pants w foxes all over them. i just woke up lol

Catnip: Have you ever slept with a nightlight?

yeah i always keep one on in the bathroom

Chives: Who was the last person you hugged?  

my sister bc she came home from college yesterday

Chrysanthemum: Who’s the last person you kissed?

ask me in like. a little over a month from now ;)

Cock’s Comb: Favorite font?

FONT??? the animal crossing font

Columbine: Are you tired?

oh absolutely

Common Boneset: What are you looking forward to?

thanksgiving, christmas, seeing my gf, magfest

Coneflower: Dream job?

idk if it’s a job but i just wanna own like. a ranch that takes in all sorts of animals and takes care of them

Crane’s-Bill: Introvert or extrovert?

introvert 

Crocus: Have you ever been in love?

ooooh yeah

Crown Imperial: What’s the farthest you would go for someone you care about?

i mean. depends on what they want/need. distance wise? i’d travel the known universe for u  

Cyclamen: Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a child? What was it?

he was a plaid teddy bear his name was Stanley!!!! i miss him :( but now i have Little Moon God as my favourite stuffed animal 

Daffodil: What’s your zodiac sign?

Libro

Dahlia: Have you done anything worth remembering?

Working in Yellowstone is something I’ll never forget

Daisy: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

well. hmm. i was gonna say flying to yellowstone but maybe driving to north carolina by myself bc driving long distances alone to places i haven’t been before gives me hella anxiety (i’m better now)

Daylily: What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner(s)? 

i don’t pay rent in this house to listen to their opinions lmao. 

Dendrobium: Who is the last person that you said “I love you” to?

you, i think, when we said goodnight last night!!! EDIT: you this morning!!

False Goat’s Beard: What is something you are good at?

being bad at dead by daylight

Foxgloves: What’s something you’re bad at?

dead by daylight

Freesia: What are three good things that have happened in the past month?

(little over a month now but uhhh) GOT A UH ......GIRL.....FRIEND ...... GOT TO VISIT GIRLFRIEND ........ and got the windshield finally replaced in my car 

Garden Cosmos: How was your day today?

i dont know! so far ive laid in bed now im at my computer answering this. not too bad. my shift is only 4 hours today. 

Gardenia: Are you happy with where you’re at in your life?

for the most part, i’m pretty content, yeah

Gladiolus: What is something you hope to do in the next year or two?

MOVE OUT 

Glory-of-the-Snow: What are ten things that make you happy/you’re grateful to have in your life?

my friends, my mom, my sisters, my girlfriend, my bastard dog

Heliotropium: What helps you calm down when you feel stressed?

metal   

Hellebore: How do you show affection?

what does this mean. physically, i’m very affectionate, i just. don’t show it alot bc anxiety/i overthink. that and i constantly tell ppl i love them and what they mean to me 

Hoary Stock: What are you proudest of?

whoever is reading this

Hollyhock: Describe your ideal day.

wake up next 2 a cute girl. take way too long to get up. go climb mountain w cute girl. vibe on mountain w cute girl. go to waffle house 2gether. gome home and vibe. play video games or watch a movies/tv w cute girl.  

Hyacinth: What do you like to do in your free time?  

i like to make art or play bideo jame

Hydrangea: How long have you known your best friend? How did you meet them?

oh gosh i dunno. the ones i’ve known the longest are kasey and brandi, and i’ve known them both around/over a decade i think. we met in middle/highschool!

Irises: Who can you talk to about (almost) everything?

you, ivy, liz

Laceleaf: How many friends do you have?

so many 

Lantanas: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

idk man but i remember when you said u had a crush on me and then i posted a selfie and u were like ‘OH NO SHE’S CUTE” and like ??? idk i think that was definitely the first compliment to ever shock me LMAO 

Larkspur: What do you think of yourself?

6.9/10

Lavender: What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

my tattoos

Leather Flower: What’s your least favorite thing about yourself? 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGGViLwHEUk

Lilac: What’s something you liked to do as a child?

i liked to play zombies ate my neighbors on the sega genesis !!!!

Lily: Who was your best friend when you were a kid?

eliza !!!! we lost touch a few years after i moved away :(

Lily of the Incas: What is something you still feel guilty for?

ima be real everything makes me feel guilty

Lily of the Nile: What is something you feel guilty for that you shouldn’t feel guilty about?  

aaaaaa the whole abi/moon incident 

Lupine: What does your name mean? Why is that your name?

my name is fox. it means i like foxes

Marigold: Where did you grow up? Tell us about it.

northern virginia babey !!!! that place fucking sucks!!! but everyone who lives up there thinks they’re hot shit. 

Morning Glory: What was your bedroom like growing up?

i had a bunkbed and i think the walls were pink 

Mugworts: What was it like for you as a teenager? Did you enjoy your teenage years?  

😬 i’m just gonna say i’m much happier now and i’m coping with life and shit a lot better  

Norwegian Angelica: Tell us about your mom.

she’s sweet and funny and i love her so much!! she always does the Most for everyone, sometimes to the point where she isn’t concerned abt herself and i see where i get it from. but yeah my mom is great, my dad doesn’t deserve her 

Onions: Tell about your dad.  

source of a lot of trauma and why i have so many issues regarding men. i don’t wanna talk about him anymore LOL he doesn’t deserve the attention

Orchid: Tell about your grandparents.

my dad’s mom is becoming senile and i think she’s racist and queerphobic. my mom’s parents disowned her a few years ago so we don’t talk to them anymore 

Pansy: What was your most memorable birthday? What made it be so memorable?

i dunno. i don’t try to remember my birthdays. whenever i can go to busch gardens for my birthday i usually have a lot of fun there. 

Peony: What was your first job?

if you don’t wanna count working w my mom as a florist, target was my first job back in 2016. i found my name tag the other day , actually

Petunia: If you’re in a relationship, how did you meet your partner(s)? If you’re not in a relationship, how did you meet your crush/how do you hope to meet your future partner(s), if you want any?

WELL, i know you followed me on here first. and then twitter?? but we didn’t really start talking until stranger things 3 came out (thank u stranger things) PHYSICALLY, we didn’t meet until fursonacon (haha. i remember when u texted me that u got to the hotel and i came down to help n i saw u unloading yr car and it was then that my brain was like OH NOOOOOOOO and my heart was like OH YEEEEAAAAAAAH) 

Pincushion: How do you deal with pain?

physical, mental, or emotional? i play a video game or listen to loud music

Pink: Where is home?[

somewhere in appalachia i can feel it in my stupid soul 

Plantain Lilies: If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would stop/change? 

idk man i’m pretty content w where i’m at now so 

Prairie Gentian: Who is someone you look up to? Describe them.

chester bennington 

Primrose: Describe your ideal life.

i have a waife and we have many great pets and we live in a log cabin in the mountains or in a nice victorian in a small town or something IDK but we’re happy and that’s all that matters 

Rhodendron: What is something you used to believe in as a child?

God

Ricinus: Who’s the most important in your life?

my mom, me best friends, my girlfriend

Rose: What’s your favorite sound?

my girlfriend’s laugh because it’s THE cutest shit and then when she giggles??? oh my heart 

Rosemallows: What’s your favorite memory?

oct 23rd, 2005, we brought Fat Boy Zack home !!!!

Sage: What’s your least favorite memory?

July 22nd, 2016. i was 2200 miles away

Snapdragon: At this moment, what do you want?  

to be holding my girlfriend >:(

St. John’s Wort: Is it easy or difficult for you to express how you feel about things?

hhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Sunflower: What is something you don’t want to imagine life without?

those i hold dear

Sweet Pea: How much sleep did you get last night?

enough, i guess? 

Tickseed: What’s your main reason to get up every morning?

my girlfriend

Touch-Me-Not: How do you feel about your current job?

it’s fucking BORING and TOO EASY and they don’t pay me ENOUGH but i can get away with so much shit there so ima still go, ima still go 

Transvaal Daisy: What’s your favorite item of clothing?

all of the flannels currently in my possession

Tropical White Morning Glory: Describe your aesthetic.  

mountains, woods, forests, cabins, autumn, cryptic, occult, victorian, edwardian

Tulip: What would be the best present to get you?

if someone gets me a gift i’m legally required to execute them

Vervain: What’s stressing you out most right now?

this 40hr workweek i got coming up 

Wisteria: How many books have you read in the past few months? What were they called?

i have not read in So Long

Wolf’s Bane: Where do you want to be in life this time next year?

Moved out away from here lol, we’ll see

Yarrow: Do you know what vore is?

:/

Zinnia: Give a random fact about yourself.

i’m a furry

that was SO LONG im sorry i also put you through that but THANK YOU ENJOY READING ILU

[sunnysojourn]

Bridging The Gap Between Two Realms

Full thread below the cut.

sunnysojourn: 

Nadal had come along as a bit of an accessory for Poppy today, though he’d add on one little detail to his plan’s recap before they approached the forest where she had these rendezvouses with her as-of-yet unknown dark elf friend.

“Let me speak to him for a moment first,” he offered, holding his hand out as if the offer was of a physical item. “I believe there are things I can say to him that you could not. Then, you can begin to try to-- softly-- put your perspective forth. I may have to translate this into terms he will understand.”

@themaryiestsuetoeversue​:

It was just her and Nadal, like she promised - well, Noir was sort of in the rough area, with the rest of the party, she assumed - boy, not having a link to these three was annoying - but not in the designated meeting clearing. She couldn't stop herself from looking for his birds, before looking at Nadal's offered hand, too nervous to take it.

"That's a good plan. The best plan. Explain everything - because I think all I can do at this point is apologize, still. He'd believe you over me..."

She didn't even have the bag of stuff nor her crossbow, in an attempt to both be nonthreatening and avoid the eyes of bandits.

What was she saying, though - they'd discussed this! Damn her nerves for erasing everything...

"I'm gonna try to do what we talked about. Gonna...gonna plant a seed..."

@vassarazorclaw:

The sparrows knew first, chattering about new faces amongst themselves.  Gossip was a past time of the forest's residents, so it wasn't long before the the ravens knew, and by that rote, Ran also became aware.  He consulted his spellbook and took his skinning knife with him...just in case.

He made sure his steps were light and silent as he followed Salmon's flight from tree to tree.  Better to leave no trail back home.  The raven perched himself in the high branches and Ran felt Soup's talons prick reassuringly through his tunic.  The ranger breached the tree line silently, tense as he took in the pair.  Where was Noir?  Was this an escape on Poppy's part or was this a trap?

"Hello again.  Hello."  The second greeting was for Poppy's companion.  One of the brothers no doubt.  The elderboy maybe?  Then where were the other two?  Ran's fingers twitched.  <Are you well?  Are you safe?>

sunnysojourn:

Nadal snapped to attention, and starkly took a defensive stance. Though he carried no weapon and only wore his bright red clerical robes, he could still defend himself in a pinch-- but he eased upon the sight of the ranger. "<She hardly knows our tongue,>" he spoke, in the language of their people. "Nice to meet you. <I am Nadal Hun'ar, Seventhboy and First Daughter.>" He gave a respectful curtsey to the ranger, then continued, "<I will explain the latter half of that title in due time; all you need remember is that you and I are equals and this small meeting was at my request.>"

Now, he pointed a confused raise of the eyebrows in Ran's direction. "<Now, why should I be unsafe? You have seen the two of them, haven't you?>"

@vassarazorclaw:

Ran shifted back, ready to bolt back into the woods.  But the other elf relaxed so Ran relaxed.  Slightly.  What a strange introduction.  Why would the seventh boy be here as a speaker and not the elderboy?  Something was up.

Poppy was the one that offered to "bring him along" so why was he claiming he asked for the meeting?  Where was Noir?  Soup pushed off his shoulder, off to scout for the moon elf.

<I've seen them.>  Was he meant to be saving Poppy from Nadal then?  Ran flexed his fingers.  He could...maybe get the spell off in time?  Or not?  This wasn't going how Ran had imagined.  <It's really just the one I'm worried about, really.  But if you're safe, that's good.  I thought you might be...uh, very, very out of favor...with Matron Hun'ar.>

The slave market could have gotten dark elves UP just as easily as they dragged surfacers DOWN right?

sunnysojourn:

Nadal frowned, appraising the strange ranger's words. Out of favor he may have been, but his mother wouldn't waste resources like that unless-- Unless she found out about him, he imagined.

"<I was. Horribly out of favor, in fact. You see, I was one of Vhaeraun's people. I still revere him even now, to some extent. But you see, Poppy and Noir rescued me from the slavers' chains. Mostly Noir. Poppy had also been captured.>" Truth was like water. Just enough of it would keep him alive. "<I have allowed them the use of my surface home since then.>"

He straightened up tall. "<Morennil, our eldest, followed me out. Vyth, I dragged out myself. Speaking of, I have been informed that-- because these people don't understand our ways-- you might be under the impression that you would be punished if you are not unreasonably nice to Vyth whether or not you like him? Disregard that notion. If you become his friend, that is your choice.>"

@vassarazorclaw:

There was that Vyth again.  Ran scowled.  <How was Vyth dragged with you exactly?>  Ran had a guess but it didn't speak well of Nadal's character.  The story explained spoke better of Morennil, really.  Vyth just seemed to be along for the ride either way.  Must be tough.

<If Vyth and I become friends that's...also dependent on him.>  One sided friendships apparently weren't real, after all.  <...but yes, I had been informed that I had "better be nice" to him, or else it would upset Poppy.  And given that I may be on thin ice with Noir I...feel it's in my best interest to not upset Poppy.>

sunnysojourn:

If only Nadal's back could get any straighter, he'd do that now. "<I returned to the underdark and took him with me,>" he answered. "<If being Vhaeraunite was enough to get me sold, and Vyth is himself an enemy of Lolth, would you not agree that it was in his best interest to come with me before someone found him out?>" Even if he didn't trust himself for the longest time--

His composure broke completely once he heard the exact words Poppy had used come out of Ran's mouth. "<I'm sorry, she said what?> Poppy, you didn't tell me-- <When she came crying to me about how she thought you didn't want to be her friend anymore, she had not told me she used explicitly forceful language to address you. I apologize on her behalf. I have no idea what she was thinking when she said that. You are not going to be punished if the two of you do not end up in an amicable relationship.>"

@vassarazorclaw:

Going back was certainly brave.  Ran had to commend Nadal for going back to get his brother.  He nodded.  That sorted out the first part of the Vyth conundrum.   <That makes sense.>

He relaxed even further as Soup confirmed for him Noir's location.  Out by the river, preoccupied with chores.  Still, Salmon continuing his lookout couldn't hurt.  He blinked, focusing back on the view in front of him.  <Oh.  She was crying?>

That couldn't be good.  He fidgeted, fiddling with his own fingers.  <It's fine.  Not that she was crying!  I mean, I want to be friends with her!  It's simply that I may have made overtures at her without knowing her exact relationship with Noir who--don't tell her I said this but she is awful at watching Poppy.  When we met Noir was not so graceful in reacting to my greeting?  Neither was Poppy, actually, thinking on it.  But uh, I feel that sort of, well, I feel like Noir may have it out for me but has not acted because I have Poppy's favor?  At least a little.  I mean, it was nice before the uh, the whole thing where I thought maybe she was collecting dark elves.  But she isn't!  Which is great.>

sunnysojourn: 

Nadal straightened up again, hands at his sides where Ran could see them. The look on his face returned to its usual half-lidded neutrality, and it seemed the tension had simmered down a bit, despite Ran's lengthy ramble.

"<Your footsteps are whisper quiet. You even startled me for a moment.>" That was as much as he needed to say about that. Nobody needed to dwell on the fact that he got scared by a noodle with messy hair. "<Noir is harmless once she meets someone. The two of them... really, they're the furthest from graceful I've ever seen, but they mean well and they'd like to improve.>"  One hand hovered over his belt's purple buckle, a color that didn't quite go with the bright red target he wore. "<I, too, have made overtures in Poppy's direction. As it turns out, she's only interested in female bodies.>"

He flipped the switch from purple to pink, and let everything shift-- regained his balance-- then bowed his head all the same. "<This...>" His voice, though starkly feminine, still resided in the low range for his sex. Just as it did before. "<This is a longer story and I'll explain it later. When I'm not trying to bridge the gap between you two.>"

@vassarazorclaw:

When was being part of the background bad?  It was better not to attract attention!  Safer!  Just quietly go about your work.  Ran likewise didn't agree that Noir was harmless.  She definitely had the potential to do harm.  Well, the potential for intent to harm.  Well...she was quick to consider violence as a solution.

Ran's train of thought stalled.  What.  OKAY.  First daughter now made sense, but--WHAT.  His eyes slid to Poppy.  Poppy was safe to look at.  "Salmon."

The raven landing on his shoulder was a comforting weight.  Ran reached up to dig his fingers into thick feathers.  Right, he could do this.  He took a breath and looked back at Nadal.  <Right, okay.  That's fine.  So, to be clear, no one is being held hostage and no one was actually enforcing a hierarchy?>

sunnysojourn: 

Noir would be harmless soon and that was what mattered. Shame Nadal couldn't say they'd speak to her about this, or risk losing favor with Ran-- so he just added a qualifier to the word 'harmless'. He offered a second curtsey to Ran as the ranger finally gained the nerve to look upon him again.

Maybe he wasn't quite as far gone as Nadal's practice runs would have suggested. Only one way to find out:

"<To be clear?>" He repeated, as a question. "<The surface is not the underdark. These people have no idea why you'd make either of those assumptions.>"

@vassarazorclaw:

Ran took in a breath.  <Okay.  Fair.>  His eyes flitted upward.  Ah, there she was.  He held out an arm for his second raven to land on.  Feathery comfort.

<It may have also been...a language barrier.>  Ran understood more than he could string together, but what he could string together wasn't always received how he intended.  <And I guess I wasn't very outspoken in my worries?  I'll have to expand my vocal-bulary.>

He turned his face, briefly hiding it in Salmon's feathers.  Dictionary and diction needed improvement for sure.

sunnysojourn:

Commoner, then. Any noble would have been taught how to taunt his surface enemies and appear intelligent while doing so... His advice, were Ran a noble, would have been to ask more questions about their intent, but that wouldn't be possible as long as Ran's common wasn't up to snuff.

He nodded, stifling a smile at Ran's little pun. "<You have a choice, then. You can wait for us to tutor Poppy and Noir in our tongue, or one of us could stick around and tutor you in theirs. Poppy, she's intelligent, but we have many pressing matters that tend to get in the way. I'd like to do this, personally, but logically, I would ask Vyth-- he understands native speech better than I do-- if he would teach you.>"

@vassarazorclaw:

Tutoring?  It would be helpful.  Really, he just needed time to practice.  Market trips were good, but hanging out bothering merchants seemed a bit like asking for too much.  He hummed, fighting to keep from grinning.

<I wouldn't want to hold you up from your travels?  Given the gaps between visits, I assume travel is important to Poppy.>  Having someone over for longer than a visit might be nice, but... <Also my house is rather small?  I guess I never really foresaw having guests my size over, really.>

sunnysojourn:

"<Travel is very important to Poppy,>" Nadal confirmed with a nod to punctuate the statement. "<However.>" He folded his arms behind his back, to stand firm at attention. "<The others would continue to travel.  We would leave one person here, temporarily. Then retrieve them. I'm certain Vyth wouldn't mind the stability.>"

Neither would he, if he was being honest about things. "Poppy, he tells me that he has been particularly fearful with regard to Noir, who he sees as not only dangerous, but as potentially vengeful, considering he acted outside of his assumed station. That she had not acted due only to your favor."

@themaryiestsuetoeversue:

Poppy sighed. Yeah, that made a lot of sense. "She did kind of point her sword at him when we first met..." She shook her head. "Noir's okay with him now, though! Since, like, he hasn't tried to hurt me or anything and honestly..." She didn't trust Nadal to NOT directly translate this, but he'd definitely read between the lines anyway. "She knows I know how to refuse, even if I feel bad about it..."

Ran was so nice, was the thing. It wasn't like turning down a raunchy squire from back home or a leering bard from on the road.

"Noir only acts if somebody's gonna hurt me, and we're both pretty certain Ran will never do that. She kinda thinks his attempts at courtship were, um..." Oh, this would sound so insulting... "Funny? Because she knows how loyal I am and what my answer would be." Sorry Ran, you never had a chance to begin with. Maybe if she were single and you were a woman, but only then. The situation with Nadal was, uh...

Different. Poppy could only handle so many lovers, and knowing that Nadal could basically function if she ran into a streak of not much free time to spend with him went a long way in making this work.

"He doesn't have to be afraid of Noir, she won't hurt him."

sunnysojourn:

Nadal nodded and kept his expression flat, even when Poppy told him about how Noir was... basically making fun of the poor commoner over his crush. "<Noir only harms those who are a definitive threat, she says. Noir has determined that it is not in your desire to commit assault against Poppy. That is all that matters.>"

@vassarazorclaw:

Wow.  Ran stroked his fingers over Soup's back thoughtfully.

"Si siofme coi ui diwhafup batobot ihk creolna nouhaia mrith wer tokeqwim di jacioniv thurirl, jaciv ui gethrisja vi sumf."  Soup mused.  Salmon laughed, bobbing on Ran's shoulder.

"Lemon, wux jalla visp jacioniv batobot!"  Ran...was clearly missing something.  He gave both ravens a pat.

[I'm not telling her that.]  The response was in yet another language, and maybe four tongues on the table was a little too much.  Undercommon could at least be understood by everyone but Poppy?  Ran shook his head.

<I wasn't exactly a fighter down below, and I'm not too keen on picking fights up here, so no worries on that front.  I think I'm pretty over it.  Being friends is fine.  Uh, if Vyth really wouldn't mind, I wouldn't mind having a tutor.  It's really just getting to practice and having time to do it.>

sunnysojourn:

Nadal leaned a bit more toward Poppy as he translated Ran's words to Common. "He claims he has gotten over his crush, if that helps you in any way. He is also worried that there was too much of a language barrier between the two of you, and I have offered to ask Vyth if he might stay and tutor Ran or help him practice."

To Ran, he added, "<If everything is well between you, might I ask a personal question? Just from me to you.>"

@themaryiestsuetoeversue:

"It makes me feel better that I didn't hurt his feelings, yes." Claims, though...poor guy. You'll find someone eventually, Ran!

"That's okay but make sure Vyth actually wants to stay, of his own free will." And then maybe they could come back in a month, see how the tutoring went... Heck, she should've been practicing Draconic somehow. "Learning Common will help him beyond being able to communicate with me, so if Vyth's up for it, I don't mind. This place isn't too dangerous for people like Vyth."

@vassarazorclaw:

Ran honestly wasn't looking.  It just would have been nice.  Poppy wouldn't have been an ideal partner, really, if he was pragmatic about it.  What with her lust for travel and all.  Enough of one to drag at least four others along with her it seemed.  Though...maybe some of that was Noir.

<I don't mind personal questions, ask away!>  This was nice, talking in his mother tongue.  Though maybe he just thought that because Poppy and Nadal were talking at a hard to follow pace.  Too many new words  among familiar ones or ones he knew well.

sunnysojourn:

"If Vyth decides not to, then I'll do it," Nadal replied in Common. While that succinct response hung in the air, he turned his attention wholly on Ran, keeping his arms folded behind his straightened back.

"<There is this surface custom surrounding courtship... A...> date, <I believe it's called. Where two people come together and determine their compatibility, as in, how well they would do together if they knew each other intimately.>" His face heated up and he found himself thankful for two things. First, Poppy couldn't see him blushing. Second, Poppy couldn't understand how awkward the lead up to this question was. "<Would you like to try that?>"

@vassarazorclaw:

A "date"?  Ran blinked, tilting his head as Salmon tugged an errant leaf from his hair.  Nadal wanted to spend time with him?  Ran suppressed a giddy laugh.

<Okay!>  Wait, no, cool it.  <Okay!>  Nailed it.  Soup gave him a look, whispering in his head that maybe he shouldn't seem too over eager.  Little late for that.

sunnysojourn:

Gods, if Ran wasn't like an excitable little puppy... So cute.

Nadal nodded and bowed his head slightly at the end of it. "<Wonderful. Do you have a preferred day...?>" His face felt warmer than before, and he found himself blinking down at the ground a lot. He did it. He initiated an encounter and got an affirmative response. An enthusiastic affirmative response.

"<Would tonight be too soon? I need to refresh myself on how that works.>"

@vassarazorclaw:

A day?  Ran didn't have anything pressing matters on any day, really.  He set Soup on his other shoulder, smoothing down her fathers.  She huffed anyway.  Salmon gave him a pat with his beak.  <Any day is fine!>

Ran shook his head, grinning.  <Tonight is good!  I mean, if that's fine with you!  It's fine with me!>

sunnysojourn:

Tonight. Tonight was good. Okay. Nadal could prepare for that within the day, he was sure. "<Could we meet here again? It should only be a few hours.>"

"Poppy. I think I have a date tonight." He still continued slow blinking. "I am going to need to look that custom up again."

@vassarazorclaw:

<Oh yes!  I can be back here in a few hours easily.>  That was enough time to wash up and look presentable.  Check on his chickens and plants and maybe a few of the traps closer to home?  How did you prepare for a date?

<I'll see you in a few hours then!>  Ran waved, trotting off with the same quiet steps he'd entered with.