#vietnamese references

[writer-and-artist27]

[Image Description: Four screenshots from Fate/Grand Order showing in order, (1) the Bond Level Up screen for Lancer Ereshkigal, where her Bond Level has gone up from 9 to 10; (2) the “Craft Essence Extracted” screen that shows Ereshkigal's Max Bond Craft Essence of “Flowers Blooming in the Underworld”; (3) a screenshot of Ereshkigal’s Servant card, with emphasis on all 10 of her bond diamonds in the level screen being filled and about to be enhanced to Bond 11; and (4) a “Bond Level Limit Released” screen that shows Ereshkigal’s Bond Level limit being broken to reach Level 11. End Description.]

Back on Christmas Eve 2019, Ereshkigal surprised me on a single ticket pull. I was still a new player back then, barely having any 5 star Servants, so for my first 5 star Lancer to be Ere-chan...

Well. There's a lot I'm grateful to her for. For holding me up through Camelot and so on. Getting me through Part 1.5. Letting me bond with her when things could be scary and downright mind-breaking in Part 2.

Thankie, Ere-chan. Thankie for staying.

This story is for you. Song and all.

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Ereshkigal could hardly remember a moment before her time as Vy's Servant where she could feel the sunlight. For all of her life as the Queen of Kur, the ruler of the Underworld, she had only seen souls and darkness.

So many cages made, so many dead to house for eternal rest.

So many who couldn't talk to her. Even with her authority as the Goddess of the Underworld, Irkalla.

It was her duty, of course. Watching over the dead. Being lonely was a mere byproduct she couldn't complain about.

It was why it was so out of place and unexpected to witness the flower she knew as Vy summon her to the original Chaldea three years ago, surprised tears in her eyes and hands clasped in front of her chest. Ereshkigal knew from those teary brown eyes behind her glasses that this Master was different from the other humans. Was it the brightness of her soul that made the sun feel pale in spite of its warmth? Or the faint sensation that she was a little lonely too, just like her? In spite of all the company she kept and the warm smile she kept painting onto her face, whether naturally or by force? What was it really? Ereshkigal was still unsure as to what compelled her to answer the girl's call in the end.

The flower of her Command Seals — the lotus flower that kept them together — seemed all the more dim in the face of how much respect and kindness the little mousy Chaldean Master kept giving.

It was odd enough seeing the Caster version of Uruk's own Gilgamesh demure in the face of Vy pouting and firmly telling him "no" when it came to berating with his younger child form, but to see even Ishtar — her own sister Inanna — grow affectionate towards the young Master was a different kind of sensation.

It was only with the advent of Ashtart's kidnapping that Ereshkigal decided.

Chaldea could only be warm when Vy was in it.

Not even the bright rainbow flame of a Bond Chalice meant much in the face of the red lotus petals on the back of Vy's left hand as she offered it to Ereshkigal with the same smile.

The calm of her vessel's heart was immediately disrupted at the sight of the thing, skipping some as Ereshkigal raked her eyes over Vy's figure. For a moment, she could have sworn there was a slightly taller, somewhat plumper dark-haired woman behind the Chaldean Master, giggling and wrapping her arms around the younger woman from behind, but a blink had her disappear as quickly as Ereshkigal noticed through her vessel's eyes.

Could that have been—?

Vy's precious family was still wandering the world somewhere after the Foreign God's Bleaching. Whether dead or in a state of half-being, half-living, no one in the Wandering Sea was truly sure. The entire state of Proper Human History itself was in peril, after all.

But Vy murmured sometimes. Saying, "cảm ơn, Dí Thúy,"* and "Bé Vy con thương Ông Ngoại,"** when she thought Mash and the others weren't looking.

Only Ereshkigal and some others could really see the transparent hands patting Vy's head when the lights were out. Pale lips pressing kisses to the girl's hair when she was asleep in time to the occasional tapping of a Buddhist gong. Irkalla had a feeling not even that Egyptian pharaoh Nitocris could talk to them, though. And if she was right about who was there, especially with the Holy Grails augmenting her powers—

"Ere-chan?"

Irkalla startled. Vy, her little grape — no, her flower — was blinking owlishly at her again, her hands gloriously warm against Ereshkigal's own cold ones as she reached over to take them in her grasp, squeezing the bright gold Bond Chalice between them. "Are you okay, Ere-chan?"

This time, the goddess could clearly see the faint outline of the woman from before, standing behind Vy with a soft smile, and Irkalla nodded. "That is my line, my flower."

Do not worry, Thúy Duong. Ereshkigal thought to herself, reaching over to pull the Chaldean Master into a tight hug before she could say anything else. Your baby girl of a niece will be safe within Chaldea and my Kur. I swear upon it — she won't join you that quickly.

The woman standing behind Vy smiled brighter and with a mouthed "Thank you", turned back into the heart shape that made up her soul as she flew back to what laid beyond Irkalla's Underworld to join her father waiting there.

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*Cảm ơn, Dí Thúy = Thank you, Aunt Thúy

**Bé Vy con thương Ông Ngoại = Baby Vy still loves Grandpa

[l0uterstella]

CHARACTER DESIGN NOTES FROM THE 4GAMER INTERVIEW

🍎 HALLRITT - "I told them that I absolutely wanted to include the ribbon in the upper right corner, no matter how cute it turned out to be. It also includes the image of Kitty's blue overalls on his suspenders. The yellow ribbon on his boots is an image of Kitty's twin, Mimmy."

🎼MEROLD - "He was drawn together with Blue Bouquet's Kurode. My Melody wears a hood, as she was originally designed as a "Little Red Riding Hood". The slit on the side was inspired by the design of the slit under My Melody's neck."

🍀PURUTH - "Since Pompompurin is a golden retriever, one of many dog designs, the belt-like thing coming out of his waist has the image of a leash. The shoes on the left and right sides are different, reflecting Purin's hobby of collecting and hiding one shoe on each side."

🌹 ROMARRICHE - "The silhouette of Marroncream's puff sleeves is expressed by wearing a cape. The floral pattern and polka dots are also inspired by her. We have not yet shown the back view, but there is also a lot of attention to detail hidden in the cape."

🐟 RIMICHA - "Kirimi-chan was the first runner-up in the "Eating Character General Election," so we gave him a distinctive mouth. Also, the asymmetry of his hair expresses their (Kirimichan) original silhouette, which is voluminous on the right side. The fishnet stockings are an image of a grill…!"

🌺 SANAH - "Usahana is a character who values the colorful colors she gets from the sky and flowers, so we took advantage of that. Also, around the year 2000, when Usahana debuted, sticker exchanges were popular, so we also incorporated that image into the design."

☁ CIELOMORT - "While also expressing Cielomort's royal and mysterious image, we incorporated motifs from Cinnamoroll, such as "clouds," "sky," and "white puppy". Cinnamoroll is also characterized by his swirling tail, so we made Cielomort's hair curly as well."

👿 KURODE - "As far as the spiritual nature is concerned, the theme of "becoming who you want to be" is the basis of Kuromi's work, and it makes use of the visual sense of "The World Kuromification Project". In contrast to the fluffy cuteness of Merold, I imagined a darker cuteness."

✉️ WILLMESH - "Wish Me Mell is a postman's helper, so he is given a mail bag and a brooch with a sealing wax motif. The polka dot pattern on Wish Me Mell's palm is reproduced with a polka dot bandage."

💫 KLARKSTELLA - "Kiki and Lala are "dreamy and cute" and "starry-eyed," so we developed them from there and based the costume on the image of pajamas. The twin-leaf-like hair on the top of her head is also inspired by Kiki and Lala. Another point is that they are tall."

🌟 LOUTERSTELLA - "His basic image is just the same as Klarkstella's, but we were careful to not simply make them different colors. They both have a dreamy atmosphere, but not too cute, and I think they have beautiful designs with a mythological mystery."

🌾 MYUNNA - "The design of the "spirit of flour" is based on the "fragile cuteness" of Cogimyun, who looks as if he might be blown away and turned into powder. Also, the back of his dress is a silhouette of Cogimyun's pet shrimp, and the decorations on his shoes are also based on her signature."

🐊 BADOBARM - "Bad Badztamaru's mischievous boyish atmosphere has been reproduced as a life-size male figure. Also, the "Xs and Os" shape, which is often used by Bad Badztmaru himself, is used in many of the costume decorations. By the way, Badztmaru's pet crocodile is called "Pochi," while the crocodile-shaped fairy with Badobarm is "Tama.""

🐶 CHACO - "We tried to express Pochacco's silhouette and his skateboarding element with the image of a very active child. We were particular about the balance of colors so that it would not be monotone, so we gave the hair color a unique look so that it would not be similar to other children."

🐣 ARUPEK - "From Ahiru No Pekkle's treasured bucket, we gave him a water pistol as an element for water. The large feet are also reproduced in his shoes. The hunting cap has a bird-like silhouette. The "1989" on the patch is Pekkle's debut year!"

🐧 TUXAM - "Tuxedo Sam is a gentlemanly penguin boy who has studied abroad in England, so we kept his noble image in mind. His hat is a combination of the sailor hat Sam wears and the hat of Sherlock Holmes... Who is famous in England. On the stick is an ice cream cone that Sam often spills."

🐙 HANGYON - "We designed the bewitching element based on Hangyodon, a half-fish man born in China. The round eyes are represented by sunglasses, and the pink color of Hangyodon's lips is incorporated into the lenses and makeup. The fairy on his shoulder, "Lily," was inspired by Sayuri, an octopus who is a good friend of Hangyodon."

🐸 PIKERO - "Since his lord's real name is "Keroppi Hasunoue (Keroppi above a lotus)", we added a black pattern to the umbrella to make it look like a lotus leaf. Also, it is hard to tell, but his eyes are pink, which represents the color of Keroppi's cheeks. His overall image is not Chinese, but Vietnamese."

[poomphuripan]

Why must you be a virgin? If my 'first time' is with you, Ming. I wouldn't mind it.

MY STAND-IN (2024) | 1.01

[courtingwonder]

Easy Spice Combos For Different Flavor Profiles

[heretherebedork]

Did not expect this in my new VBL. @benkaaoi Absolutely fascinating!

[bpsimple]

MEAT REVOLUTION🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩

[ell-arts]

The Pacworld version of English is Paclish, while the Pacworld version of Latin is Pac-Latin...

(ya may want to read the tags first before voting lol)

[dykesbat]

being viet means only ever saying “viet” instead of “vietnamese”

[the-spoopy-pretzel]

just found out robert downey jr will be playing multiple roles in HBO's adaption of the Sympathizer. super disappointing cuz I think it's really annoying that he decided to turn this into his little project to show off how good of an actor he is. there's no reason he had to be in this series at all. if he gets nominated for any awards (especially if Hoa Xuande doesn't) I will literally riot

that being said I'm still really excited for the series to come out and the trailer looked great

[topaz-prim]

I’m in absolute despair my sketchbook is missing (still think that those little bitch who use our classroom for study are at fault)

so lemme just post art that i made last month

For some reason i’ve been wanting to do something like this for a while

Okay time to never post again

[shirkers2018dirsanditan]

there is something so ghoulish obviously about engaging in john wayne-esque or john wayne with a hammer and sickle in his bio-esque fantasies the day of or days after children were slaughtered in their classroom, and it indicates the way that we do not take violence - be it in our streets, homes, prisons, or in other countries - seriously because we have come to see it in terms of numbers rather than real people with real lives. but it’s also so disturbing how these people on either side of the aisle seem to almost to boast about how stagnant and out of touch their politics are. they’re either operating on hypotheticals or a romanticized past. that is the definition of reactionary politics

[headphonemouse]

I like it when stories have different characters call one person by different names. Kim Dokja's "Dokja-hyung," "Dokja-ahjussi," "Ahjussi." Kageyama Shigeo's "Mob," "Nii-san," "Kageyama-kun," "Shigeo." I like how when two characters talk to each other, they don't change how they refer to that other character. I think it's a nice detail, showing how different characters have different relationships with that one person, showing that their social groups are familiar enough that each person knows who the other is referring to, showing that each character is aware of the relationships between other characters

[donuts4evry1]

just made a realization and now i will fricking cry

[avis-writeshq]

pairing: early seasons!spencer reid x sunshine!fem!reader genre: fluff, pining, best friends to lovers warnings: reader struggles growing her nails out, reader gets her nails done. vietnamese women are the best at doing nails i swear (also if you get the reference you win another kiss) wc: 1.08k

Spencer thinks you deserve all the best things in life. There are various reasons for this but the one that sticks out to him the most is that fact that you have always been exceedingly kind to him. You have always listened to him when he talks and never once tried to belittle him for any of his interests. A part of him thinks that it’s because your ages are so similar. Another part of him thinks that you’re just pitying him. He truly hopes that isn’t the case. 

He makes you your coffee in the mornings. He knows how you take it– which milk you prefer, the amount of sugar. He has even gone as far as to buy your favourite instant coffee brand– the kind that are unreasonably expensive and have to be bought through a weirdly sketchy website despite its raving reviews. He remembers the way your eyes lit up as you held the familiar box excitedly and he can’t help but preen at the memory. 

“Thank you for coffee, Spence,” you chirp as you spy your unofficially assigned mug on your desk. You’re wet from the rain, the shoulders of your coat darkened from where your umbrella has dripped water onto it. “Hotch would’ve killed me if I had to spend another five minutes at the kitchen. It’s not my fault my train came fifteen minutes late.”

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, watching as you shake your hair away from your face before warming your hands with the mug. “I did tell him that there was a correlation between rainy weather and increased train delays which could have been a reason that you were late.”

You smile, clearly amused, asking, “how did he take it?”

“He pointed out that I’m still earlier than the rest of the team,” Spencer responds sheepishly, his cheeks growing pink. “I planned my train route for when the rain would be the least heavy.”

“I should follow in your footsteps,” you muse, sipping at your coffee and sighing in relief. “You always make this better than me.”

“I’m glad you like it,” he murmurs, his hand brushing against his scarf. “I was– um, I was wondering if you wanted to get lunch together later?”

You laugh softly and he relishes in the sound. “I only just got here and you’re already asking about lunch?”

He feels his cheeks glow hotter as he scrambles to explain himself. “Well– usually– uh, JJ usually asks you so I guess I wanted to ask before she did. And you have lunch with Garcia a lot so I thought I should ask when you get here and– sorry, is that wrong?”

“No, of course not,” you assure, beaming. “I’m touched that you think that I’m so popular that you need to book an appointment with me.”

“You are popular?” He says it like a question because a part of him is genuinely baffled that you don’t realise how well liked you are. He has found that you always manage to command the attention in the room and he has seen first hand the way people would be instantly drawn to you. He finds that he is no different. 

“I promise you that I am not as popular as you believe I am,” you say with another laugh. “I’m flattered though, truly. I’d love to have lunch with you.”

Spencer cannot stop smiling.

*** 

“You’re whipped.”

Spencer shoots JJ a look, his cheeks glowing hot with embarrassment. “I am not whipped.”

“You have been staring at her talking to Officer Deetmore for the past six minutes and twenty seven seconds,” she points out, her eyes narrowing. 

“They’re probably just making small talk.”

Emily shrugs from her desk, mixing her cup noodles around. “I don’t know, I’m surprised that she can hold a conversation with someone so intellectually disinclined.”

JJ snickers. “You’re just mad that he mislabeled a file and spread the profile.”

“Intellectually disinclined.”

“Guys,” Spencer pleads, inconspicuously gesturing to you saying your farewells and already heading in their direction.

You’re smiling although it doesn’t quite reach your eyes. Your arms are folded over your chest, a classic sign of discomfort, and your hands are tucked into your armpits. “Hey. What’s going on?”

“Are you alright?” Spencer asks instead of answering, soft enough as not to call attention to your little group. “What’s wrong?”

“Hm? Oh. I broke a nail.” You show him briefly– your natural nail has split at the corner just where they’re gaining length. “I’m a little bummed. It caught on the zipper of my go-bag.”

“Do you want to get your nails done after the case?” He asks, brows furrowing. “I have a nail clipper and file in my bag.”

JJ can’t help but be amused at this new fact. “You have a nail care pack in your bag? What, do you just take it around with you everywhere?”

He shrugs, ignoring the slight jab, pulling out the little pack from his satchel and handing it to you. He is well aware that you take pride in what you look like, especially your nails. You’ve told him the reason before, that your school was so strict that they wouldn’t let anyone grow their nails long and if they did they would be cut short by the nurse. He thinks that it’s borderline abuse. 

“Manicures are expensive,” you murmur, your eyes downcast as you focus on clipping each of your nails to an equal length. “Are we even allowed to have our nails done?”

“Federal Enforcement Resources states under grooming guidelines that ‘Makeup (including fingernail polish and artificial nails) may be worn by employees but must be professional and must not interfere with the proper use and handling of equipment necessary for their assigned duties’,” Spencer provides helpfully. “I can pay for your nails, too, if price is the issue. The bakery I buy my banh mi from has a nail place next door. I’m sure I can get a discount.”

You laugh as you file down your nails into a smooth edge. “You want to pay for my nails?”

“Oh, um, yeah.” He nods, cheeks suddenly hot and he wipes his palms on his slacks. “If you’d let me.”

“Gosh, well, at least take me out to dinner first, Spence.” You say it with jest, your eyes lighting up with mirth.

He doesn’t seem to catch your joking tone, nodding in earnest. “Alright. After the case, how does Saturday sound? I can pick you up at 6?” 

Emily and JJ are all too pleased. 

reblogs are always appreciated !!

[determinate-negation]

this is fascinating and i really need to read this book. from anatomy of a war by gabriel kolko.

for context PAVN was the north vietnamese army and PLAF was the armed wing of the NLF, or whats commonly referred to as the viet cong guerrilla forces