#wort in progress

[wortaives]

hi. surprise wip

[limetimo]

Hi, it's me again, randomly remembered that one specific songs reminds me of your pirate Regulus and it's the [insert two digits number here] I have been meaning to tell you.

Song is "Captain Platonic" by Vinny Marchi

LMAO that's so on point xD Thanks for making me laugh!

[cookedbrad]

#apprecation

#smile-#remorse

[hanna-water]

Das hier ist ein Versuch meine Gedanken zu dem Thema zu ordnen also wird es vielleicht etwas wirr:

Der Begriff "queerbaiting" wird ja im Bezug auf Tatort Saarbrücken sehr inflationär verwendet, manchmal sehr ernst und manchmal eher humorvoll. Ich persönlich mag das nicht so sehr weil ich zum einen finde, dass es nicht auf Spatort zutrifft und zum anderen das Gefühl habe, dass der Vorwurf der in diesem Wort liegt, an Bedeutung verliert wenn er zu oft benutzt wird.

Ich verstehe aber die Enttäuschung und verletzten Gefühle, die dahinter stecken und daher kommen, dass man schon in vielen anderen Serien oder Filmen erlebt hat, dass ganz bewusst queere Untertöne gesetzt wurden weil die Produktion die Aufmerksamkeit eines queeren Publikums haben möchte (den support, die klicks, die gratis promo durch den Hype, den Vorteil sich als progressive show labeln zu können ect.). Und dann wird genau diese treue und unterstützende fanbase irgendwann eiskalt fallengelassen und belächelt weil man letztlich doch nicht den Mut hatte zu riskieren den Anteil des eher konservativ eingestellten mainstream Publikums zu verlieren (what do you MEAN queer subtext? That was never intended 🤡).

Also was ich damit sagen will ist: I get it. I`ve been there too.

Aber...

Es gibt hier auf tumblr einen post (den ich leider nicht mehr finde) in dem beschrieben wird, dass es beim Tatort generell unüblich ist, dass Ermittler:innen als Paar zusammenkommen oder sich was romantisches entwickelt, selbst wenn es eine Menge tension und build up gibt. Eben auch bei hetero Charakteren. Ich kann das selber leider nicht so gut beurteilen weil ich zu selten andere Tatort Teams schaue aber ich verlasse mich hier mal auf diese Einschätzung.

Wenn das wirklich so eine Art Gesetz für das Format ist, dass zwischen Ermittler:innen nichts laufen darf, könnte es doch sein, dass der SR Tatort im Rahmen seiner Möglichkeiten sein Bestes versucht um die Entwicklung der Beziehung zwischen Leo und Adam zu erzählen ohne die "Regeln" zu brechen, die für den Tatort vorgegeben sind (also z.B. kein onscreen Kuss, kein romantisches Liebesgeständnis ect.).

Wenn das der Fall wäre, hätte es für mich nichts mit queerbaiting zu tun. Weil das bedeuten würde, dass unter erschwerten Bedingungen versucht wird Repräsentation zu schaffen, so gut es eben geht.

Und abgesehen davon, ist es ja auch nicht so, dass zwei Menschen die Gefühle füreinander haben zwangsläufig zusammenkommen müssen. Vielleicht sehen wir im Spatort einfach 2 (oder 4) queere Charaktere, die es halt nicht gebacken kriegen den ersten Schritt zu machen. Was schon wieder sympathisch realistisch wäre.

Ich weiß es gibt auf tumblr schon ein paar wirklich tolle posts zu dem Thema, die besser geschrieben sind aber ich musste auch mal meine Gedanken dazu loswerden. Bitte steinigt mich nicht 😅.

Falls ihr eine komplett andere Meinung dazu habt, würde ich total gerne lesen warum. update: Leute 🧡 vielen vielen Dank für die ganzen Nachrichten unter dem post! Mit so vielen Reaktionen hab ich gar nicht gerechnet und es ist so schön eure Gedanken dazu zu lesen.

[simp-ly-writes]

The Silent Duke (pt.2)

─────── · · A Smosh Bridgerton/Historical AU

Pairing: Duke!Spencer Agnew x F!Reader

─ · · SUMMARY: The season progresses, skirts twirl as hearts race but as you and Mr. Alex Tran strengthen your bond, your heart can't help but desire another. By the end of the season, who will be the one to capture your affections?

─ · · TAGS: bridgerton alternative universe, historical au, old-fashioned society, talks of marriage, hopeless-romantic reader, fluff and romance 💝

─ · · MASTERLIST | TAGLIST REQUEST | WORDCOUNT: 3,261

─ · · A/N: the final part is now here!

─────── · ·

You would laugh at your younger self of a few days ago, how worried they were over being able to find a husband that would like you, let alone love you but after being claimed the diamond of this new season. It was no longer a question of finding a husband but choosing the right one.

Your door was being flooded the morning after, men lined around the block in their finest garments and brought you expensive gifts and dazzling jewels yet none had quite capture your attention other than Mr. Trans bouquet of sunflowers. They were considered "cheaper flowers" to many but for you, they meant the most, representing joy, hope, and friendship.

You plucked one from the arrangement, twirling it between your pointer finger and thumb in contemplation. Your mother was being a worry-wort to your father, nearly loosing every strand of her hair over finding just the right husband for her favourite child (though she only admitted this in the secrecy of closed doors).

"No man is good enough for them! The only reputable man thus far has been Mr. Tran and though he has the wealth he lacks the title! I will NOT have my child's reputation ruined when those businesses inevitability sink into the harbour alongside their ships!" Your mother explains, a house helper brings forth a cold cloth to ease the tension on her features as you father holds her close, reassuring the lady.

"I will end things here for today, it is obvious that these eager lads are merely that. Boys!" your father announces as your brothers come running back inside from the yard, dripping in sweat and throwing off their fencing masks. "Please inform the hoard that our house is closed for the remainder of the day, only upon request we shall entertain."

Falling towards the couch, sunflower in your lap your mind floats back to brown curls and circular glasses, a gloved hand leading you down the hall and a voice of pleasant conversation- "(name)!"

You stir from your position and fix your skirt, looking up and blinking at your mother. So much for rest and relaxation...

─────── · ·

Your days were as followed. Waking up, picking a freshly made dress from the Madame and placing flowers into your hair before heading downstairs with a polite smile and appetite waiting to be filled between dry conversations and fake smiles. It was only when in the company of Mr. Tran arriving in the early afternoons for a walk around the gardens did you find to be enjoying yourself.

"Have you lost your hearing yet, miss. (name) or do you still have room for a mister like me to tell about their days?" he teases, gently taking your gloved hand and pressing a kiss upon it before looking up at you with a smile.

"Know that my ears are always awaiting your voice," you respond with warm cheeks. You both look towards your mother who waves her hand in greeting before following ten paces behind you both now walking arm and arm. Your hand gently rests against the freshly pressed suit he wears. Coat a gentle green with a cream vest and matching pants. High boots nearly reach his knees accentuating his height over you.

Catching your looks he offers you another smile, tipping his hat as he begins to skip down the path. You laugh unable to contain yourself while keeping up with the new pace. "Mr. Tran! whatever are we doing?"

"I would say we are having some fun, are we not?"

"Oh, we most certainly are!" you gleam, hair swaying with your movements as flower petals fall behind you both.

"Have you ever skipped merrily with another man?" Alex poses, awaiting your reaction. Your mother hastily walking to catch up with you both behind.

"Why that sounds downright scandalous, Mister Tran!" you playfully gasp, stopping to catch your breath between laughter and exhaustion.

Mr. Tran laughs, taking both of your hands into his own, "Well by the papers our relationship is already deemed scandalous when a mister like me with no title but wealth tries to court a beautiful and titled lady like yourself."

"Scandalous? Wherever did you read such a thing? For all I know we have done everything to social standards, dancing, gift-giving, light hand holding... whatever could be the matter?" you stress, brows furrowing as you feel Alex squeeze your hands before leaning forwards.

"Well, thats the exact question I looked to ask this afternoon. I have been informed that you are not looking for a husband... now is this information truthful?" Alex presses, words stated in a playful tone yet eyes hold a harsh seriousness that only adds to your concern to ease the man before you.

"I would be a liar to say that was not me at the start of this season but you have changed my viewpoint, Mr. Train. I mean how could you not have? You are charming, funny, intelligent. You respect my interests and in turn have the same dreams... how could I not fall-" you gasp, eyes going wide- you did not mean to already be having a confession so early off in your courting.

"Can I let you in on a little secret, my lady?' Alex poses as you nod. Heart pounding in your chest, awaiting his next carefully chosen words.

"I have fallen for you as well but with conflicting interests-"

"Is there someone else you are courting? That is fine, it tis the season for it but I cannot help but say I am not disappointed," you cut the man off, dropping your hands back down to your side. Your mother holds her head up, curious but unhearing to the conversation.

"You are the only one I am seeing currently but my statement was more posed to a worry of your... interests again. It is not in my position to say, but I know you have been interested in one friend of mine- or has that attention depreciated?" Alex asks, hands clasped behind his back now as he stands stall, awaiting your answer.

"...well, I have yet to have seen that friend of yours since our first meeting and by your forward advancements... I would find it hard to see him as a worthy contender for my affections. Does that snuff out your worries?"

Alex pauses for a moment, looking up towards the sky, taking in your words. He is worried for his friendship with Spencer by taking on this relationship but as you had just so elegantly pointed out, he had yet to make any forward actions to move the relationship so how could he be in the wrong?

Offering his hand you took it with a smile once more. "Tell me about your most recent read, was it a story of romance or mystery this time around?"

"One of romance, Mr. Tran. But I wouldn't want to spoil the plot if you have yet to read it."

─────── · ·

When the next ball rolled around on the calendar, you were dressed to the nines: a large gown falling at your feet in a delicate sage green colour to welcome the spring season with gloves to match. Twirling around in your room, you watched as your skirt spun around you and around your dance partner as you took to the floor.

Smiling pleasantly, you had been dancing the night. Your mother watched you and your partners like a hawk, bending and twisting her neck to smile at you every time you turned in her direction to show you that she was here to support you.

Your father, brothers and their wives were elsewhere within the estate. The event partially inside and outside as the warm evening provided.

Bowing to your partner as the string quartet finished their tune, you took a step back, trying to escape before the new song yet a hand covered in a silk white gloves grasped your own, gently pulling you back to the floor.

You spun your head around, confused as you did not think to have anyone else listed on your dance card and the fact that your feet were burning in your heels. But pain aside, your eyebrows shot up in surprise to see circular glasses and curly brown hair once more.

"Good evening, my lady," the man spoke before giving you a twirl, watching the way your skirt spined elegantly before pulling you back, a hand clasped around your waist as you both stepped and danced in line.

All you could do was stare, was this some prank? or just my imagination? "I do hope that you haven't become mute since the last time we spoke, I did enjoy listening to you speak."

"I-" you miss your footing, cheeks warming as you stumble forwards yet your dancing partner catching you instantaneously and helps you back into rhythm with a smile.

"Are you doing alright there, miss?" You look over the mans shoulder to see Mr. Tran staring at you both, his own dance partner looking confused as he holds a conversation with another pair.

"I am, thank you, Mr. Tran. Say, is this the best friend you spoke of earlier?" you ask, looking back to your partner only to find him glaring in warning at Alex.

"You would be correct and do not worry, old friend. I haven't told them about your model carriages- oh! I do apologize," Mr. Tran teases, you can tell he does not feel sorry at all by the wide grin he bares before spinning his partner and casts you a wink.

Spencer, the name echos in your head as your partner who seemingly couldn't look away from you now can't bare to look at you a moment longer. You see the reed catching up from his neck to his ears and cheeks as he grips your waist that little bit tighter before leaning in.

"I worry that my friend, Mr. Tran has made the wrong impression of me upon you," Spencer whispers before pulling away.

"Well, Mr. Spencer," you tease, "Mr. Tran has spoken nothing but kind words about you- more so than even himself when we are considered courting," you laugh.

"Mr. Spencer," he repeats back with a smile, "Now that is not something I have heard in a long time, say it again, please?" Spencer asks, eyes darting just before they catch your own as you question where that initial confidence went. The earlier conversation, completely disregarded.

"Mr. Spencer," you say again, becoming worried that you are in the wrong. "You say my name with such beauty that it makes me wonder how my last name would sound after your own," Spencer teases as you face whiplash.

"You confuse me."

"How so?" you watch as his head tips low, eyes looking across your face as if trying to memorize this. You can hear the music in the distance starting to slow, the end becoming near as you chase enough words out of your mouth.

"One minute you are so confident followed by a shy personality. I thought you to be a mere fragment of my imagination since I had not seen you since your moment in the halls and now you appear to me again just as I lose hope... you confuse me, Mr. Spencer, confuse my brain just as much as my heart."

"Your brain I only wish to pick apart yet your heart? Tell me more, what is it that confuses you? How much it races just as mine does with your presence near? When my hand grasps your arm like yours did mine? Does my voice spark flutters? Or does my shyness off-putting?"

"Off-putting?" you scoff. "I was heartbroken for a time before Mr. Tran gave me my hope back just for you to come back again and carve out desire for more. You intrigue me, I have never met another like you with your interests and hobbies... say, what is it that you do?"

"A complicated question with a simple answer, I do... trade, manage, and oversee things for the crown."

"The crown?" you repeat.

"Yes."

"Oh, so you work in the same fields of Mr. Tran. It is wonderful that you have such a good relationship with one another. I can only begin to understand how competitive that market is-"

"I have seen to have misspoken. How do I say this..."

You begin to worry, catching your mothers eye as everyone begins to bow around you. She looks to be on the edge of her seat, gripping your fathers arm, shaking it as she tips her head towards your brother, getting them to look over as well.

Alex is nowhere to be seen, you and Spencer bow to one another before walking towards the refreshments cart where he pours you a glass, chiming them together.

"I am a working part of the crown," Spencer clarifies once downing his drink as you side-eye the man cautiously. A thousand stares watch your every move together, you can feel the weight of their stares growing as the seconds pass.

"Oh, so you are a viscount, or an earl?"

"Erm... not quite..."

"A marquess? But the last one I knew just got married in the late summer..." you trail off, looking at the man before you in concern. Is that why everyone is staring, am I a walking scandal catcher?

"I am... a duke," Spencer smiles as he says it is tense just as his shoulders are. You blink a few times before feeling a presence behind you, Alex Tran smiles between you both, pressing a kiss to the back of your hand before grabbing his own drink.

"Finally told her, hm?" Alex says, bumping his shoulder against the Duke.

"I thought you were not looking for a wife," you blurt out in your shock as Alex laughs, taking another sip of his drink. "See, I told you, brother. If you do not start with intention as I did... the whole thing falls apart."

"Well-I... uh was not intending to find anyone before I met you..." Spencer trails off, brining a hand behind his neck as he addresses the stares with a look of his own that has everyone turning around and away.

"Oh," Is all you manage to say before looking at Alex. "I hope you understand, I did not know any of this information before beginning to court you and-"

Alex gently grasps your hand once more, giving it a light squeeze. "I know just like I also knew that he was interested in you." You look quickly between the two, "I feel like I have been... mislead in some way."

"I apologize if you feel that way," Alex says, thumb running over your knuckles. "But know that my feelings are true. I see you as a good friend, I could see you as my wife with more time but I know I was not the first person you took interest in when meeting you that first night."

You nod, watching as Alex presses one last to the back of your hand before departing and leaving you and Spencer in a fit of silence. "If you said to be falling from me by the moment we met, why not tell me, make action like your friend?"

"Alex was always more confident than I was and plus. Who would want to fall for the silent duke, while you could have the equally charismatic and charming tradesman as a husband?" Spencer retorts, looking into his near empty glass.

"What if I told you I had already fallen?"

"Then my arms would be open to catch us both."

─────── · ·

You dance one more in front of the public. Duke Agnew meets your mother who smiled a bit too brightly in front of him, your father starting to bow before Spencer was shaking the mans hand with a smile.

"Say sis, never thought you to be courting two gentlemen!" you all stand off to the side watching your parents interact with Spencer and later Alex who appears more than pleased about whatever is being said. Your eyes meet as you shrugs his shoulders before mouthing "later."

You raise a brow, "now?" you counter, watching as he shakes his head before telling Spencer to look over. "I do wonder what they are discussing..."

"Maybe how much of a horrible wife your going to make-" you slap your brothers arm with your glove. "My goodness, I do hope that you don't speak to your wife that way."

"No, only you get this pleasure."

"Fantastic."

─────── · ·

Some time later...

The end of the season was upon you all. You and Alex had talked consistently as you courted both men at the same time yet Alex was due to be leaving for business overseas by the end of the season.

It was something you endlessly discussed as Alex explained how he wouldn't be present for majority of the year unless you came with him to places not suited for "a woman of your status." And by the glares your mother sent you while overhearing this conversation, you knew your answer by the end of the season.

"With no hard feelings, it is alright, you are a dearest friend first and foremost, a love would only be an added bonus," Alex explained, helping you with your feelings and the slight guilt of always know it was never going to be him... Spencer and I just had a connection, something without words- undefinable just pure shock that later burned with need. I always needed to see him at least once a week, a letter everyday. I needed to see his various pets and animals and walk through the gardens as he both sat and sketched one another throughout the afternoons.

Spencer always had a new reading recommendation and always was ready to hear out your own. You both walked up and down the halls of his house as he pointed and told the various stories as to how he acquired that specific question.

The papers were listening to your every word shared, you swore to even have eyes watching you sleep as your family all stayed over at his estate for a weekend getaway.

And by the time the leaves had begun to change colours and the ground became frozen, your love for one another became a solid beating heart that warmed both of your chests.

You would be married by the Holidays in a small ceremony just for your immediate family and friends. The papers and Queen oh-so pleased with that announcement, you think back while staring down at the ring on your finger, twisting it to watch as the gemstone glowed under the sunlight reflecting around the greenhouse.

"Penny for your thoughts, my love?" Your husband questions with a hum from across the small metal table you both sit at. A tea set half drank and cats in your laps sleeping happily.

"I never got to tell Mr. Tran about my romance novel," you say, looking off into the landscape before seeing the smile in Spencers eyes.

"And what would you tell him of it? You have refused to even tell me..."

"That is because I never knew the ending until now," you smile, reaching across the table to take his hand.

"And how did it end?"

"By the two lovers saying that they loved one another."

"A curious story, that is... so what if I said, I love you?"

"Then I would say, I love you too."

─────── · ·

─ · · SPENCER AGNEW TAGLIST: @lisiliely @missflufffanfics @little-stitious-studios @thejourneyneverendsx @sibsteria @lizzylynch1 @babble2 @delaneyburghardt @thevintagefangirl @uniquely-haunting @maricarorp @sarahskywalker-amidala @laurasdrey

[the-unholy-sovereign]

[{]¤| Hail Satan |¤[}] 💀Shivah "Shiva"

☠.THE UNHOLY SOVEREIGN.☠ (Pu) Thence mated during an stasis/phases of evolutionary change for the gorillas and monkey; henceforth reproduction while undergoing a digression therewith evolution to progressively reemerge or evolve, as "WORT" I.Warthog. .

♾NUBIAN CREED: SATANIST: THE DARK GOD OF VOODOO. . . .

[bunny-claws]

days of the week [quick reference]

[correspondences for the outer planets by yours truly]

sunday

sun ☉

colors - gold, white, yellow 

crystals/minerals - topaz, citrine, goldstone, gold, amber, carnelian, tangerine aura, tiger’s eye, sunstone, ruby, calcite, ametrine, diamond, yellow (lemon) aura

plants - cedar, frankincense, orange, st. john’s wort, chamomile, cardamom, calendula, heliotrope, rosemary, citronella

attributes - self-confidence, self-awareness, success, leadership, health, employment, pride, self-centeredness, ambition, money, optimism, potency, courage, generosity, nobility , expansion, creation 

monday 

moon ☽

colors - silver, white, blue 

crystals/minerals - moonstone, selenite, pearl, milky quartz, aquamarine, opal, morganite 

plants - jasmine, lemon, sandalwood, honeysuckle, myrtle, willow, mugwort, honeydew, kale, lotus, cabbage, moonwort, coconut, cucumber 

attributes - peace, dreams, emotions, illusions, glamours, psychic abilities, insight, wisdom, manifestation

tuesday 

mars ♂

colors - red, orange

crystals/minerals - ruby, garnet, red jasper, bloodstone, sardonyx, lavastone, red tourmaline, red agate, moldavite, rhodochrosite, iron, steel 

plants - basil, patchouli, ginger, black pepper, dragon’s blood, cayenne, cinnamon, chili pepper, pennyroyal, onion, tobacco

attributes - power, lust, force, passion, will, courage, physical strength, war, energy, action, independence, practicality, protection

pluto ♇

colors - black, burgundy, magenta

crystals/minerals - smoky quartz, obsidian, onyx, herkimer diamond, snowflake obsidian, black tourmaline, kunzite, garnet, spinel, moldavite, hematite

plants - basil, cypress, dragon's blood, eucalyptus, fern, hops, mandrake, mushrooms, nettle, parsley, pomegranate, valerian, vinca, wormwood

attributes - power, destruction, death, the underworld, astral travel, realms, transformation, metamorphosis, regeneration, unveiling, mystery, change, crisis, manipulation, beginnings and endings, sexual energy, the occult

wednesday 

mercury ☿

colors - yellow, purple, orange, grey, green

crystals/minerals - malachite, emerald, blue lace agate, fire agate, amazonite, fluorite, aventurine, opal, alexandrite, mottled jasper, citrine, quicksilver, zinc

plants - lavender, fennel, eucalyptus, jasmine, sweet pea, marjoram, spearmint, lemongrass, rosemary 

attributes - communication,learning, memory, comprehension, intellect, agility, good fortune, gratitude, gain, exchanges, trade, reason, duality, education, travel 

uranus ♅

colors - blue, grey, green

crystals/minerals - quartz, diamond, aventurine, aquamarine, amazonite, blue topaz, tanzanite, opalite, labradorite 

plants - banana, beet, clove, coffee, eucalyptus, ginger, pokeweed, skullcap, wintergreen, kava kava, hemp, lime, orange blossom, sage

attributes - changes, progression, revolution, independence, freedom, rebellion, radicalism, disruption, metaphysics, higher consciousness, technology, astrophysics, electricity

thursday 

jupiter ♃

colors - blue, purple, yellow, gold, dark green

crystals/minerals - yellow sapphire, yellow apatite, green aventurine, azurite, lepidolite, kyanite, yellow jasper, lapis lazuli, amethyst, tin 

plants - clove, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, sage, sandalwood, fig, fir, cinquefoil, lavender, lemon verbena

attributes - abundance, gain, riches, prosperity, wealth, success, luck, self-confidence, investment, gatherings, favors, ambition, mercy, humanity, publicity  

friday 

venus ♀

colors - pink, green, aqua, peach

crystals/minerals - jade, rose quartz, emerald, celestite, turquoise, peridot, malachite, sodalite, coral, copper

plants - rose, yarrow, saffron, vanilla, thyme, sandalwood, strawberry, apple, daisy, daffodil, peppermint, lilac, hibiscus, ylang ylang  

attributes - cooperation, unity, agreements, originality, creativity, beauty, love, companionship, fertility, joy, romance, peace, sexuality

neptune ♆

colors - blue, grey, aqua, lavender

crystals/minerals - larimar, sapphire, jade, coral, amethyst, turquoise, fluorite, labradorite, aquamarine, celestite, angelite, lapis lazuli, blue topaz, opal

plants - cantaloupe, cucumber, hemp, honeydew, honeysuckle, lotus, poppy, psilocybin, water lily, wild lettuce

attributes - mysticism, psychic abilities, imagination, illusion, distortion, chaos, divination, inner vision, perception, sacrifice, inspiration, emotions, dreams, transcendence, deception, confusion

saturday 

saturn ♄

colors - black, grey

crystals/minerals - hematite, jet, onyx, obsidian, blue sapphire, halite, black tourmaline, garnet, black diamond

plants - cypress, myrrh, patchouli, black poppy seeds, wolfsbane, grape, datura, hemlock, henbane, nightshade, pumpkin, garlic, foxglove , dogwood

attributes - safety, protection, intellect, life lessons, loss, past lives, law, justice, sincerity, restraint, discipline, responsibility, caution, time, order/chaos, manifestation

© 2025 bunny-claws

[dark-corner-cunning]

Embracing the South Road: The Magick of Old Mother Green Cap and the Summer Solstice

This perspective stems from my practice and path as a Traditional Appalachian Folk Practitioner.

Summer Solstice Blessings, Seekers!

As we bask in the warmth of the Summer Sun, we now find ourselves at the peak of the year—the Summer Solstice. This pivotal moment, marked by the Sun's highest ascent, signifies a time of profound power and abundance. It is on this day that we turn ourselves towards the South Road, where we are greeted by the lush green cloak of Old Mother Green Cap and her magickal Wort Cunning.

The South Road, aligned with the height of Summer and the peak of noon, symbolizes the zenith of solar power and the full force of Mother Earth's bounty. This direction is a gateway to the vibrant, life-affirming energy that permeates the natural world. The South Road’s familiar spirit, the playful and energetic leaping hare, guides us on this verdant journey, embodying the dynamism and fertility of the season.

Artwork by my dearest witch sister: Kay Reid

THE REALM OF GREEN MAGICK

In the embrace of the South Road, we delve into the realm of green magick—the magick of nature and all living things. This path is a celebration of the interconnectedness of life, where mystical stones, bones, and the Pentacle of manifestation serve as our tools. These items are not mere artifacts; they are conduits through which we access the deep wisdom of the natural world.

Old Mother Green Cap, the embodiment of Summer's verdancy, teaches us the art of stability, physical healing, and the abundance that flows from nature. Her teachings are rooted in the practice of Wort Cunning, the ancient knowledge of herbs and plant crafts. Through her guidance, we learn to create plant charms and harness the healing properties of herbs, tapping into a reservoir of ancient botanical wisdom.

Pleasant Ridge State Park

TOOLS AND SYMBOLS OF THE SOUTH ROAD

Mystical stones, bones, and plants hold significant power in green magick. These natural objects are infused with the Earth's energy, serving as talismans and amulets that protect, heal, and manifest our intentions. The Pentacle, a powerful symbol of manifestation, represents the unity of the elements and the realization of our goals. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, these tools become extensions of their will, channeling the energy of the South Road into tangible outcomes.

THE ENERGIES OF FERTILITY, GROWTH, AND FEMININE POWER

The South Road is a conduit for the energies of fertility, growth, and the feminine power inherent in nature. This path encourages us to embrace the cycles of growth and decay and to honor the processes of nurturing and birthing. It is a reminder that abundance is not merely about material wealth but about the richness of life itself—the growth of the soul, the flourishing of relationships, and the cultivation of inner strength.

Old Mother Green Cap's teachings guide us toward the fulfillment of abundance and prosperity. She reminds us that the true wealth lies in the harmony with nature and the balance within ourselves. As we walk the South Road, we are encouraged to sow seeds of intention, nurture our dreams, and trust in the natural progression of growth and harvest.

So, let us embrace the spirit of the South Road and the blessings of Old Mother Green Cap this Summer. As we honor the Summer Solstice, we are reminded of the immense power and beauty that surrounds us. The green magick of this season invites us to connect deeply with the Earth, to learn from her wisdom, and to celebrate the abundance that life offers. May the energies of fertility, growth, and feminine power guide us toward a season of prosperity and fulfillment.

Hare Symbol: Gemma Gary

[tsukiyadori]

Reading+Listening Log 2025.05 - May

Previous: Reading+Listening Log 2025.04 - April

Pretty shiny blue be pretty.

——————————————————————————

Reading languages: German, English, French, Japanese, not listing which was what. (There’s also been some continued music listening attempts at Chinese.)

Titles are as I’ve read them either first or most and thus remember it for that title mostly.

Not going to bother putting in the original titles of translated reads unless there is something worthy of note to it.

Bold titles means series completed, or it was a one-shot.

If it says a volume number, it may mean it has been finished or is still in progress.

Some notes’ content may be subject to repetition here and there, as I also copy some older notes from casual conversations over into these logs and don’t go through any rounds of cutting things down.

I will freely use some very lunatastic terms like cheese and fluff, you can find an explanation here: Luna-Lingo.

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May

Very short list, but surprisingly that didn't mean the notes have gone that much shorter ...

I totally expected this to be a Tunnel to Summer month, but then I didn't even touch it this month for reasons that include that I probably didn't want to deal with the subject content for the time being.

There is a rare case of stray comic volume in there this month.

Western Comics:

Roxanne & George

Light Novels/Web Novels/Asian Novels:

A Certain Magical Index NT v3

Astrea Record: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Tales of Heroes v2-3

Dahlia in Bloom v5

Madougushi Dahlia wa Utsumukanai v2p12-v3p6

Tearmoon Empire v4

Manga:

An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride (Manga) v12ch62

Catch my Heart

Dahlia lässt den Kopf nicht hängen ch40

Dahlia lässt den Kopf nicht hängen v7ch39

Dragon Love

Echt jetzt, Tamon?! v1-2ch9

Flüster mir ein Liebeslied v3-5

Friends & Lovers

Goodbye, Eri

Jenseits der Worte v2ch8-11

Kemutai Hanashi ch36

My Roommate is a Cat v9ch27

Nenn es nicht Mystery v4ch7

Nichiko's Island v1-2

Not a Boy v1-2

Number Call

Office Affairs

Regeln der Liebe

Rutta & Kodama v1ch5

See you in the School of the Muse v1ch3

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale v1-3

Tatsuki Fujimoto Short Stories: 17-21

Tatsuki Fujimoto Short Stories: 22-26

The Essence of Being a Muse v1-3

The Heroic Legend of Arslan v18ch112

The Male Bride v4-5

What did you eat yesterday? v22

Wild Rock

Wir! Jetzt! Hier!

Wonderland Love

éclair blanche

Webtoons:

Solo Leveling v1-3, 4(WT),v5-6, v11, WTch98-200

Solo Leveling: Ragnarok ch1-47 (Season 1 end)

Villain to Kill v2

Music/Music Videos:

Bold are what were more memorably stuck in my head.

Foster the People - Imagination

Foster the People - Helena Beat

Neovaii - Dusk - 02 - Breathe

LUNAX - Back to You

Neovaii - Secrets

Lou Bliss - Killing Butterflies

My Hero Academia World Heroes' Mission OST - 13 - Deku's Whereabouts

张渠 - 采薇

张渠 - 秀青独舞与女子群舞

YLL GRYM - daydream

YLL GRYM - Headless Thoughts 6x the Lost Project - happiness

Aosaki - tangible dynamics - 06 - broken wings (Instrumental)

DOUBLE DECKER! Doug & Kirill OST - 10 - Hayashi Yuuki - Zabel

DOUBLE DECKER! Doug & Kirill OST - 13 - Hayashi Yuuki -DOUBLE DECKER! (Pf Mix)

DOUBLE DECKER! Doug & Kirill OST - 04 - Hayashi Yuuki -DOUBLE DECKER! (Atmo Mix)

DOUBLE DECKER! Doug & Kirill OST - 36 - Hayashi Yuuki -DOUBLE DECKER! (Emo Mix)

BORN TO BE ON AIR! OST - 24 - Hayashi Yuuki - Don't lose

汪苏泷 - 无名之辈

Solo Leveling OST - 07 - [Solo-Leveling] SymphonicSuite-Lv.6

Solo Leveling OST - 09 - [Solo-Leveling] SymphonicSuite-Lv.8

Solo Leveling OST - 17 - aikari

Solo Leveling OST - 01 - DARK ARIA

Solo Leveling OST - 19 - 4eVR

Solo Leveling OST - 02 - [Solo-Leveling] SymphonicSuite-Lv.1

Solo Leveling OST - 06 - [Solo-Leveling] SymphonicSuite-Lv.5

Solo Leveling OST - 03 - [Solo-Leveling] SymphonicSuite-Lv.2

Solo Leveling OP - 01 - LEveL (feat.TOMORROW X TOGETHER)

Solo Leveling OP - 02 - DARK ARIA LV2 (feat.XAI)

Solo Leveling OP - 04 - LEveL -English ver.- (TV size) (feat.TOMORROW X TOGETHER)

To Be Hero X Insert Song - JEOPARDY

To Be Hero X Insert Song - PARAGON

To Be Hero X OP - INERTIA

Solo Leveling -Arise from the Shadow- OST - 01 - REVIVƎЯ

Solo Leveling -Arise from the Shadow- OST - 02 - SHADOWBORN

Solo Leveling -Arise from the Shadow- OST - 03 - H∅WL

Solo Leveling -Arise from the Shadow- OST - 04 - [Solo-Leveling]-Arise from the Shadow-Suite-Lv.1

Solo Leveling -Arise from the Shadow- OST - 06 - [Solo-Leveling]-Arise from the Shadow-Suite-Lv.3

Solo Leveling -Arise from the Shadow- OST - 12 - [Solo-Leveling]SymphonicSuite-Lv.8 (Ver.0)

SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] - bLACKbLUE - 19 - Twin Fates

Goddess of Victory Nikke Global Theme Song - Sawano Hiroyuki feat. Mizuki - TuNGSTeN

Solo Leveling - DARK ARIA ᐸLV2ᐳ (from SawanoHiroyuki [nZk] 10th Anniversary Studio Live)

Notes:

Astrea Record: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Tales of Heroes v2-3: Finished it, and it was both surprising and entirely unsurprising in the end. It was pretty obvious soon that Alfia and Zald couldn't be anything but anti-heros secretly trying to level up everyone and anything, but that Erebus as that evil dark god was in cahoots with them trying to do the same was a bit of a surprise. Sure, those two couldn't possibly have lied to him, but I'd have guessed more that that they were mutually using each other and the god would simply have some fun and see what comes out of it as a sort of game, while the two would just be full of saltiness and be like that if the folks couldn't best them they may all just as well perish right then and there. But then, Danmachi has always been a deal about positivity and no hopelessly evil creature has ever been given that much time of the day, so probably it shouldn't have been anything out of the ordinary. The epilogue was a nice bow to the main story through. So Alfia is the aunt of Bell? In a way that connection is interesting with how it branches over to the past and makes everything a titbit of a long and winded history of the world, on the other hand, Bell just seems a bit to primed by destiny from the beginning to become grand. But maybe that, too, shouldn't be so surprising, if the grandness of one's fate is based on the quality of one's soul and the soul is something you have from birth. (Also apparently he is the reincarnation of some forgotten hero anyway, given that Memoria Freese Game?)

As for Lyu, well. Her resolve feels incredibly half-assed compared to what Bell does in less page count in an overwhelmingsly more boring arc, but then, this spin off ends before the whole Astrea Familia perishes and Lyu goes berserk, so it probably had to be half-assed at this point.

I do like Erebus take, on what justice is, that it's dreams and that in turn means heroes, which makes a nice arch over to the whole main ambition of the entire world about the world wanting and needing heroes.

Madougushi Dahlia wa Utsumukanai a.ka. Dahlia lässt den Kopf nicht hängen v2p12-v3p6: Starting with v3, I have to say, the series admittedly has lines where the writing gives me a few uhmmms, given all the many repetitions.

So like for example:

華やかな装いの客引きや、異国の長衣、紋様つきの衣装をまとった者もいて、なんとも華やかだ。

Literally: Among the passersby were people dressed in gorgeous attires or long robes from foreign countries in all sorts of patterns and fabrics. It was truly a gorgeous view.

As in like stuffs 華やか, so, aye, everything's so very 華やか in summary. @_@"

Same thing happens with なんともおいしい (very tasty/delicious), which I feel like is totally going on my hitlist soon. (Well, the food parts weren't that terrible yet so far, but I dread the oysters already.)

It also often goes to explain something in the narration (implicit to be a thought of the character), to only have the character speak it out loud in a conversation pretty much right after it once more.

But that's more of a minor observation. The actual content so far is, while slow, starting to hit bittersweet spots all over again. Those two being exhausted over the incessant guesses about if they are together or not. With Dahlia wistfully musing how nice it would have been if they had been siblings, for all the more time they could have spent with each other having fun in a brighter, more happy childhood and most of all that they wouldn't have to explain and justify their time together. There is also a whole deal about Dahlia just being gloom at facing the reality that most likely they will eventually be drifting apart, while being even more scared of the most probably only other alternative falling in love with Wolf.

それに、もし自分が勘違いをし、ヴォルフに恋い焦がれる日がきたら、そこでも終わる。

Moreover, if she were to make the mistake to fall in love with Wolf, everything would end then and there.

Like, there is something visceral about this passage. About her just being too aware of how things are in the world, and thinking the worst about the romantic route option.

The Manga interestingly has an change of that line:

If it were to be mistaken as love, then we couldn't spend time together anymore.

As for Ivano, he for his part seems to have been pretty much set for that Wolf got cheese-striken, but there is something nicely, really nicely inoffensive that he doesn't just assume it, but rather he just makes preparations for if they'd got down the route of marriage, he'd lay the groundwork for it to be possible, but it's still for them to decide. Other than that it's really nice how he's there to try Dahlia breaking out of her shell and propel her forward. It's not like Dahlia had an unhappy childhood, she was very loved and protected, but she is just getting so much more nurturing support now than in the past, and there is something pretty powerfully boisterous about it.

Tearmoon Empire v4: The narrator continues to have a bone to pick with Mia, but it's become more balanced; rather than kinda secretly hateful, but having to admit to her few core essential good points (which even more clearly are manifested in the dreams of characters having about previous timelines), they seem more resigned now. I suppose Esmeralda as the second handful would do that to you. Other than that I really do like, how some things are just peak accidental luck, almost arsed lucky coincidences and that being wonky and it being pretty self-aware of that. And it still feels earned, because it's not just plot convenience, as there appear to have been plenty of timelines to show for the cases where they didn't work out. What's more, and this kinda seems to not get a whole lot of mention: Mia's having quite the strong psyche actually. As in, yes, she has a few traumas about getting beheaded, but they are all adressed on she doesn't want it to happen again, rather than she's all that bugged about the past. Yes the narrator shoves it onto her ability to just have an empty brain, but the mere fact, that she was able to narrate her own dark fate in viscious detail sitting next to a campfire like its nothing is ... kind of a pretty big deal in terms of character strengh actually? Bel seems to have a similar trait as well with her always thanking people even in the darkest of times. I agree with Lynsha there, this is a most rare and impressive thing.

All in all, this series is just brimming with a sense of hopefulness and not giving in to the dark despair routes.

Goodbye, Eri: Ok, so we have a movie in a movie in a movie. By the cut followed by the explosion I was wth. By the second time, it turns to start feeling like a pattern about the deception of what was real or not.

So, this is my take on it: We learn the mother has been abusing him to make that movie of her dying, and he had some trouble taking it in, so eventually he ran, and the explosion just feels like a representation he'd like to incinerate. Nobody understands his feelings there. Then comes Eri around, we also eventually learn that she is dying, had a bossy and pretty bad character and effectively wants the same as his mother. (Despite ostensibly being a fan of his explosion ending.) He is shaken at first how could she request that movie from him, but the point is. He still made it. Not only that, but he delivered it in a way she wanted, removed from actual reality, leaving a mark in people's memory full of selective and manipulated memories. How much of this is trying to make up for the failure towards his mother? How much is there because his father possibly has pushed him to do that? (His father knew everything about his mother's abuse, but did not stand up for him. The mother's will stood above protecting his son, so even if his scene about him being sorry to MC was real, I don't think it likely he wouldn't still to right that failure in that first movie, by having it righted with Eri's. But doing that hadn't made the MC happy whatsoever as explained in the what comes after the second movie showing and him struggling and not being able to let go. And then his own family he created to distract him somewhat from the lingering pain that trauma has left him with. And when they are gone he's ready to just put an end to it and die, but then there's this whole vampire scene and the explosion ending yet again.

This may be a bit far fetch, but but I had the impression that Eri maybe got actually insane towards the end of her life. Fleed into a fantasy world of his creation, but what's more, the insane Eri ultimately wasn't at all pleased with his creation, even if it was essentially doing everything right that his mother or Eri herself had demanded from him from the first movie. This scene exists as a footage (and let's assume while is plenty capable of cutting things in and out and adding effects, he isn't good enough to make the scene completely from scratch, given the whole amateur-ness to the movie). So it really happened, either really, or as an act. But as an act this scene seems off, because it doesn't show up in the second movie, nor does it fall in line with its narrative they have discussed for it to have, why would Eri act like that? Maybe that was really her at the end, that was her way to escape the despair of death. And quite possibly that is now his way of dealing with his desolate reality. He says in the end that he now understands why he was never satisfied with the video. Combining it with the first movie, it's likely because all of it in the second is a complete lie, with nothing of his own, likely more so than the first, but most importantly neither himself nor even Eri were happy about it. But the first at least still had the explosion. So he goes for that. His dealing with his past trauma? Again, to incinerate it all inside the movie. (And making it all look cool.)

And so in this take I#d imagine that this character's real self probably is a complete wreck at this point. Because he's defaulting back to something he already knows hasn't helped him whatsoever in the past, so why would it now? Plus, there is also a slight vibe of he, at this point, understands Eri or this maybe insane Eri, who surrendered to despair. So if he survives it all without contemplating or executing on his suicidal thoughts, I'd imagine him to be some sort of living zombie going back and back to that explosion and relishing in incinerating all that has given him pain and grief in the past.

And that makes this piece a piece of horror to me.

Of course, I wouldn't know if my take is right or wrong, this piece is too ambiguous to allow such a thing.

But even if it's all fictional movie from beginning to end, I still think it's horror. Because then it would be about the coolness factor of the explosion and the indication of how incinerating it all is the power fantasy we all needed. (Which … I think might be even more likely the author's take on it, given how Chainsaw Man looks like.) And if that were the case, there is something about it that'd just give me the shivers, because it feels wrong.

(p.s. The MC's mother totally looks like a Makima from Chainsaw Man. Was that an early spoiler on her being a villain character?)

Nenn es nicht Mystery a.ka. Don't call it Mystery v4ch7: At this point it really feels like a pattern. The culprit is either a policeman, or someone "inside the system, you'd expect to be trustworthy." Also, I dunno, is it trying to set up some ship for the readers? Like the guy declares he'd never fallen for anyone, regardless what gender, but that one amateur artist, as he called him, occupies a helluva lot of his mind. It could be anything (mostly intellectual probably), but something about the vibes feels like fodder thrown out to the fujoshis, and something about it makes me feel kinda put off. Can't really pinpoint it.

Nichiko's Island a.k.a. Dogs and Punching Bags v1-2: Another one from the author, which I can say it's not exactly bad, but I really, really do not ever end up liking them. In this case, I just think the ending is errrrrks. I mean for one, you have this mother how disses his son essentially saying he's not going to have a normal life, how he's the murderer of his brother and such and then suddenly she cries over all her love to him? And this moron of a wife cheating guy. He's so entirely self-centered, egoistic, pathetic and irresponsible, acting on whims and the bolting to stick to his promised. Like, of course he'd choose wife and child at the end, especially if the wife stands to lose more with being kinda indebted to him for marrying her. But he gets off scot-free with his cheating - that he totally knew wasn't the right thing to do - and it would be one thing if all of them knew in the end and just laughed it off because the moron just never properly grew a few levels in terms of maturity, but the wife and child do not look like they know whatsoever.

Number Call: The author just completely loves this sort of character design template, it's starting to feel a bit like a one-trick pony…

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale v1-3: This series has it with arrogant ass hats, including the male lead, who makes for a pretty bad (as in boring) tsundere. Other than that, not much that has happened yet, which I guess is not a surprise considering the LN source has over 20 volumes …

Tatsuki Fujimoto Short Stories 17-21 + 22-26: These stories were all over the place. The chicken in the alien garden had the most interesting message, I guess. The one about the mermaids actually feels pretty normal, so like, almost boringly normal, but overall probably the prettiest. The one about the sisters was kind of creepy with how one sister is chasing after her sister (and a bit shocking at how that is apparently to origin to Look Back? So like, in a different word those two may have made for a GL story?) and then there's this afterword about Fujimoto confessing to having eaten that dead fish pet and poisoning himself. Eh. I guess that's where the ending of Chainsaw Man Part 1 comes from?

The Essence of Being a Muse v1-3: It's reminded me a deal of Beat and Motion in a lot of places, just a lot more gloom at first and more modest in where it goes.

It does have a few interesting spots, and the issues the MC has and is struggling with somehow it feel like they are the work's own work, too somehow. 50% is pretty unremarkable, in art, pacing and just the whole characters. 30 feels like a scream into the void with heavy feelings that don't really know how to best get out and 20% are spots that don't exactly look brilliant or original per se, but do look like trying hard and that there were some specific thoughts behind it. Made me wonder, how this would have looked in the hands of somebody else. Either one who truly has a talent for originality, or one who has accepted the lack of it and focused instead on grinding handiwork and technique not ashamed of using block elements that were used before a hundred times over.

It's a somewhat fascinating mix overall. An MC who desperately tries to be special somehow and has tied art talent and expressiveness with self-worth, and then all this packed into a presentation that felt like it was trying to do exactly the same. Interestingly, it even resorted to collaborations, so there's oil painting pieces and a sequence of Shoujomangaeque style by other artists. Those do stand out somewhat.

The afterwords also talks about trying to merge two typical narrative pathes of shoujo and shounen and I feel like it doesn't really succeed in neither, but somehow that falling flat seems to suit the overall theme of trying all sorts of things and not really getting anywhere you wanted to get, but you got somewhere a little bit at least.

On the question if it was anything like Blue Period:

I still haven't read Blue Period beyond that v1 I did years ago.

But it's definitely not getting into the finer details of things. Technically you could replace the art with anything else, the main focus is less the art studies or industries but the more abstract theme of somebody who always struggled, is emotionally not very stable in the sense of being firmly on their own feet and having self-fueled confidence and art just happened to be the one single thing MC wasn't completely terrible at and got some measure of praise in the past. And then she tries to stick to that, but also just not really all that great, which she knows herself/has to find out the hard way and I think it's more about people who really just have this one thing left to themselves and their lives become tied to it, whether they really want it or not. Art obviously just happens to be a neat way to put the hurdles and stakes a bit higher, because even if you stick to it, this is not a place where you will find an environment that makes you feel loved, respected and admired, unless you really, really, have talent. But they are still stuck to it, because whatever else are they going to do? (There is a side character with all the same issues who went and studied finances, so something more "useful", but that also didn't particularly make him happy either.)

v3 goes a long tangle about that, and it's pretty stuffed with a bunch of emotions ranging from apathy, resignation, disappointment, self-hate, being extremely lost, a lot of bottled up anger and then a little tiny measure of hope.

It also got the most experimental in trying to get those emotions a fitting vessel, some work quite nicely, some are more like well, uh, nice try, I guess.

Jenseits der Worte a.k.a. Kemutai Hanashi v2ch8-11: There is something really slightly gloom about these chapters that deal with the transience of friendships in the face of later marriage and starting a family. Not helped by knowing what sort of wreckage it causes to Arita later on and for me in this month also entirely not helped by the double dosage I got from Dahlia added on top of it. I had to take a break after chapter 11 on working on it. Chapter 12 is the grand chapter where the series came down like a bomb to me the first time round and I want to do it the proper honors.

Solo Leveling v1-3, 4(WT), v5-6, v11, WTch98-200: Finished. The following may be a quite the unstructured mess including random repetitions from trying to integrate immediate comments from while I was reading. You have been warned.

(Or well, admittedly that warning was just there to weasel this glorious expression pic in.)

In summary, this series was the biggest surprise of the year so far and probably even since last summer when Dahlia dropped for me. I never expected to actually get impressed by this series like that whatsoever. I had read the Japanese volume 1 back in 2021, when it was out there free to read in one of the promotions they so often have and the jp v1 from Kadokawa has the first 6 webtoon chapters compiled, so basically half of the Korean/German print volume 1 and after those 6 chapters my impression of the series could not at all be called being particularly interested, so if not for a string of coincidences and my general grind through them all attitude I'd likely not touched it again anytime soon. It looked edgy, full of violence that looks like it's there for the sake of violence. Looking back on it, it probably has a bit of an effect like Goblin Slayer, which also starts with a lot of shocking violence painting it thick at the start: It's not wrong, it is important to the plot and world building at large and isn't making u-turns that this is a thing, but still is also entirely not representative of the overall tonality and focus the series has overall.

I mean, somebody could have told me, you get stuff like this:

At this point, I also have to express my ????? on the first volume's cover.

Like, who even is this brown haired guy?

Sung Jinwoo never looks like that. He has black hair throughout. He doesn't even wear hoodies like these, so half-assedly. (Like, do you want to hide yourself or not?) He also never grins like that as far as I remember from just reading it? I mean, the illustration isn't exactly bad, and it exudes power fantasy OPness sure, but the man isn't even a OP power cheat, he ascends to something well beyond that. Actually, he's less just a OP-MC-cheat rather than he's a homme fatale. And the series has just about zero sexual antics (beyond a short token one), so there's no misusing the sexual allure for your own purposes irk there either. If there is something I really like aesthetically then it's femme and homme fatales who just exude power by their sheer presence and own the room while also just looking good without the irk of their attractiveness being misused or abused. (But even the classic ones with that trait are exceedingly rare out there.)

But in any case, he doesn't start out like that and what's kinda impressive in hindsight: He starts off very very wimpy, but not whiny. And maybe just slightly insane, because his job reality is just crazy, he wholly knows it and even gets told so multiple times for good measure, but it's still at it. But I think that also is a refreshing thing about his character, because he doesn't care too much about social norms brainwashing him, which definitely is a big part of his adaptability to things. He doesn't have any sort of long-lasting inferiority complex about his past weakness, nor the therefrom fueled ambition to cope, overcome and override them with his newfound power beyond the solution of the actual ongoing problem at hand. Any of it remains just a means to an end, and he doesn't lose his sights upon that, he just wanted to help his family and kinda live his life without things coming across his way leaving a bad aftertaste.

He abides to rules, and he can respect to uphold them (because not doing so is a pain in the butt), but it is entirely not beyond himself to just whatever he wants within the loopholes to it. So it also feels in line with how he has zero qualms to just kill off other human beings, and even the first time didn't at all shake him up too much. There is no morality second guessing there about valuing human lives justice or bettering the world or some such above everything. He just has his own few modest wishes concerning the few people right before his eyes and their safe environment and that ultimately is the extent of it, even if that can well mean battling extradimensional warlords or saving the whole humanity and earth while at it. It also makes him not drunk on his power. He knows about his abilities and the overwhelming power they have, but he stays level heaved about them and while he has this habit to try to solve anything on his own (also why not, when he can), it's not beyond him to seek out helping hands if needed. And that's refreshing, because a OP character that actually works out, who doesn't get drunk on their own power and who doesn't get boring is just so rare. I think he's probably the closest to a Haku from Utawarerumono if you only took his workaholic part from his duality of lazy sarcastic whiny neetness and stopping at nothing including not prizing his own life too much, when it comes to just do what he wants, which usually is for the people important to him. Down to the tendency to not really listen that much to what said people might want themselves concerning him. There is a strong sense of selflessness to it, which however also is complete selfishness at the same time., which is something I already thought was fascinating about Haku. Other than that I can at best think of Mikoto from the A Certain Magical Index/A Certain Scientific Railgun who just knows up huge her powers are and uses them freely without flaunting them, never gets drunk and arrogant about them, but then she always had those powers, so she has more reason for innate confidence. (Plus she is a teenager, with all the antics that involves.)

And as such, if there were to be gods of sorts, this is the sort of mentality that probably is best suited to a godlike being. This one scene where the chairman talks to that politician about how that proposed new law wasn't preferential treatment he just answers that he's right, that's exactly it. Power is might and might becomes right. So the best that can happen is for that power, might, and right… to be kinda modest. (Personally, I think someone too concerned about "rights" and "justice" and some such is just as dangerous as someone with malicious hedonistic, megalomaniac tendencies.)

And even with all his power, he still knows to meet others with a sense of cordial politeness and respect, as long as they are willing to do that as well. And while at it, it also never really catches the shonen nakama/teammate/comrades bug. It's more like alliances, delegation and leaving things out of his field to those who can do it better. That's actually way more real life than your preachy shonen tropes ever will be, which suits the more mature mentality, as Jinwoo himself is already a working adult himself.

Speaking of Shonens I was surprised about how little it reminded me of Hunter x Hunter. I mean, one would suspect that idea to occur, given they both have professions called hunters in both series, an association attached to it and there's even another ant monster arc there with the ant queen having pretty much literally the same motivation to birthing her super killer ant. But like nothing about the mood, style and anything about the series is similar to it really. If anything, I'd rather compare it to Is it Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon? (minus the harem antics, so probably more like Astrea Record) where there's also this leveling and skills system, which takes out all the more interesting things about leveling and getting better and just grinding and making things easy to parse in numbers, but there is none of this inherent MMO-Game-neet-geekness and accompanied flaunted escapanism to it that so many of the other mmo-style series have. I suppose both series have in common that this series is just a means to an end from the higher powers that be to facilitate an end goal, and this was just one way they picked to make the process approachable by humans.

Other than that the series just actually looks really good, and, if we leave the prologue out, also in way that is so, so full of the Rule of Cool, but never does it come off edgy, nor does it have that sense of rule of cool shonen usually has as in that moments are reserved to pointed climax scenes. No, here, he's just, really always cool. And do many side characters are like that, too (well, so as long as they last.) If you really are strong, your power radiates from you the entire time, not just in plot moments of excitement, and there are so few works that actually manage to do that as artlessly natural.

It certainly also helps, that Jinwoo's growth is gradual, so from the wimpy character he first turns into a few variations of could have been a Shonen Manga MC (among which he once looks kinda like Kazuma of Konosuba shortly and also like the MC of Black Torch), until he finally gets his haircut and first looks like a school council prez, before his hair grows in a bit again, and he has his final signature look of a homme fatale (that on few occasions looked like a Kogami from Psycho Pass or Mamoru from Sailor Moon or Subaru from X/1999). The art definitely makes a case for character design: You wanna be cool and handsome? Remove the roundness from your appearance. It's not just the muscles he gets or his body growing up more vertically. It also made his bangs on the sides of his head seem shorter and once he got rid of them it just proves how much of a difference a mere haircut can make. (It suits him really well even as a child, where there are more rounder features in his face.)

Also, most importantly: Make your eyes less round. Not so much that they are slitty, but perfect almond shaped eyes are best. Now I actually get, why Dahlia keeps repeating that point about Wolf. I absolutely loath slit eyes for being ugly looking, and somehow I thought almond shaped usually meant slitty, but it's more like the perfect balance of nicely pretty big and also not monstrously big round (or worse oval, like the eyes in Key series.)

It was pretty neat in the fake regression-world of Ashborn's, where Jinoo maintains present looks in a past setting and suddenly everyone notices immediately. The change was really so gradual, from one chapter to the next it doesn't feel like a big change, but if you line up it up to the beginning, they pretty much only have their hair color, chin line and contour of their faces in common.

That sounds very much like an understatement lol

But speaking of eyes: There be shiny, glowing eyes.

Not like that there weren't plenty of other series already doing it before, but I can't think of any other series putting such glowing eyes or the auras to such a continuous effect like this series. (Plus, there is more than just Jinwoo's blue/purple from the other characters.) And it certainly also adds to the dynamics of fights, because light sources that move will leave a bit of a light trail, so you kinda have implicit speed lines to help the animateness of the scenes. Which there are good bunch, too. There are many panels, that kinda look reminiscent to screenshots of fast paces sakuga sequences of anime, so multiple such panels coming one after another in quick scrolling succession makes the fights really look almost actually animated.

Also, shiny blue eyes combined with black hair? That's just a color harmony I really dig, give me more of it. (And the hair gets some fluttering in the winds too!) The purple is also nice, tho. I think it's also interesting, how the purple signifies more pure darkness, but also somehow feels a tinge warmer than the blue.

Other than that, it's also been interesting to see how the JP and Korean-based-German paneling of the book versions differ. The JP one is mirrored for right to left reading (and all the names are localized) and the design choice it to maximize the space of the pages to exhibit as much artwork as possible which makes it a bit more graphically striking at first glance, but at the cost of pacing, if you ask me. The German one instead has a lot of space between the panels in the beginning but as the books are bigger (about the size of Yen Press LNs) it also doesn't feel like the actual artwork feels too small or the space wasted. It definitely makes for a better reading flow. leaves breathers to the pacing and more of the vertical panels are preserved without cuts. I wonder if that was part of the reason, I wasn't wowed by the first 6 chapters when reading them in JP at the time? Unfortunately, it seems like that style fizzles out after a few volumes in the German edition as well. :<

Another entirely surprising thing about the series was, it can't just do Rule of Cool. It can also make peak reaction faces and put on a exhibit of different warrobes.

Or really, his just fighting in sneakers and a tracksuit. Or maybe shows up in a suit. He makes usually-not-so-cool clothing still look cool, if needed.

Not that you also get every sort of full fantasy-style armory either on side characters, both worn seriously or for the laughs. And there's really something really practical to have Jinwoo first be too broke to ever buy armory and then just being too OP to actually need them, so he always has a rather casual dress on his fights. Which is looking really nice and stylish, and with that background also not entirely irrational to hell. (Also almost hilarious how the thought about armory in the end battle just kinda occurred to him all of a sudden as if it was a sort of novelty.)

The series is surprisingly funny, cute, dramatic and quite rich in expressions. Even the super overpowered Jinwoo isn't just always cool or dark, but also funny, cute, worried and sometimes also really, really pissed off, and it can all show right away without the need of plot buildups. If you really are strong, your power is at the ready and subtly radiates from you the entire time even without the need of a build up, and I think there's too little amounts of characters who can be like that.

For all the lack of edgyness things do shortly get a bout into such a direction, with that comment about his emotions and pieces about himself getting broken, but that looks more like the fangs of a trauma he really should have had from the events in the past, and it's also basically immediately squashed by Jinho proving not all humans suck ass and then Johee, who also reminds him of what he was able in the past and how much of it he only was because of her. And he makes a u-turn quickly enough away from the edge mood to not care too much about it, as long as they leave him and his important people in peace.

Speaking of Johee, I think she is part of the reason the prologue feels so misleading. It's like she is primed to be the female lead, there are also some moods that in any other series would make her a romantic interest, too. But the series actually choses to sideline her. And not in the usual sense, where they stick around, half uselessly and are mostly just there for some lap naps and some mental comfort/cheese pampering or token cool moments, but she actively sidelines herself by retiring, by her own choice and agency and later on she still gets shown as a part of the world, just in a different real of the world, but isn't directly connected to the active plot involving Jinwoo's further path. Not directly connected anymore, but still connected somehow nonetheless. It's rare for characters to leave the stage so gracefully without them dying and still retain a role in the depicted world.

There was something even more surprising to come:

A cutefied ant monster. Like. How does this Rule of Cool max level series suddenly wind up featuring an actual mascot (that totally can kill you) character? And while Beru has most of it, the other shadows aren't beyond that treatment either.

The bonus chapters are also nice in fleshing their inner worlds out (they are a complete handful) and how they have grown more human. Which I think also subtly hints at the whole losing something stuff from the beginning that Jinwoo comments on earlier being what the plots makes of them: Not much to be concerned about. Everything he loses probably was made to make way for Ashborns power to get in, but all that he loses probably just got collected by the latter instead? And all that was his, gets handed over to Jinwoo anyway, so he isn't really losing anything really. (Granted, that bit is a bit wonky and may pass as slightly inconsistent.)

And also, me, half disappointingly: Even this series did not manage to do without the cheese factor, but equally surprisingly it is quite decently made. Hae-In getting cheese stricken isn't too much of a surprise (somebody whose company you can enjoy simply because he doesn't stink - I definitely can buy that picking attention), but the way he started to feel drawn to her also feels kinda of pretty buyable. He didn't have any active interest in her (or anyone really, but is also not entirely immune to it, given his reactions about the eating out promise with Johee), but she just bludgeoned into his life on his own, making a stand for herself, (that seems to be a pattern, Jinho did the same, and their time together made them friends), being actually powerful enough to meet him on eyelevel to some extent, and before he knew it, aside from his family he realized he didn't really have anyone to talk to, so it was a yeah, why not her, and eventually it's a mix of her just being there with no competition and her just being one of the few he every grew intimate enough to the point that in the end she is one critical component to fill in the void he has from spending so much time alone fighting, having his job done and kinda feeling this sense of purposelessness.

Besides, this shot is just really pretty.

Though I am not one of these cheese fans.

Which basically means

There is more cheese training to do, eh.

Speaking of the ending (ch179), it's funny how it kinda literally ends like Steins;Gate. But ye, why not also time loops. Pulling a regression trope at the end and saying it was there the entire time, you just didn't know, actually feels more refreshing than pulling it right off the bat as a checklist premise item. The ending overall is a bit like a mix of that with Utwarerumono Mask of Truth, except Jinwoo's ascension to kinda goodhood happens a whole deal earlier (that whole chapter about Ashborn meeting him and framing everything as a payoff to his efforts and the Arise Jinwoo he uses one himself is a really visually attractive chapter, too), so he has even more time to be throughout badass. And both Utawarerumono and Steins;Gate just also happen to be another favorite seriess of mine, just like how time travel is a staple element capable of baiting me, so, here is me digging in. (Granted, S;G is still Science Fiction and Solo Leveling's time loops are fantasy.)

The epilogue chapters with those unnamed disciples drawing them are also surprisingly consistent in the art department to the prior bits, even if you can see some differences if you looked closer. Some lines look softer, rounder, the skin color has different tinges, some other gazes seem to have more emotions behind them, and a bit on the composition of fights feels different. It almost makes the whole creation process less like manga creations rather than anime productions, where things aren't drawn by one person, but a whole team who may have little individual touches, but the end product still looks streamlined and consistent. (Unless there was some production fail at work, anyway.) There's funny, sweet and absurd little Slice of Elements, which also seem to introduce something new: Media savyness. There is a reference to One Punch man, and that short stint into a BL reference came from complete left field, but was pretty effective in causing an lmao. There's also random cool fights, Suho just smashing everything to bits and leveling up 99 levels in like less that 1/100th of the time of his father and just everything being a build up to a next story plot. Very Boruto style. But better Boruto, because Suho isn't a brat.

Anyway. It had a few years of delay until I discovered that one again. And it just proves the things I like always pop out from the unexpected places, and why do the things I wind up liking in the end almost always seem to have a habit of me first being anything but impressed or even close to liking it in the beginning? That sort of grinding by trying and re-trying it all is darn exhausting ...

But anyhow some more dork faces for good measure, because just because.

I also shall complain just a little bit, that there was never suit-Jinwoo in action to be seen. The one fight where he wore one, he pretty much just stood there and let the shadows do the work. (But then, I guess, good clothing should not be wasted by damaging it with needless fighting.)

Solo Leveling: Ragnarok ch1-47 (Season 1 end): Well. Uh. The poster cover and the insides kind of look somewhat different yet again. I mean definitely closer than cover 1 of the previous series and its insides, but the coloring texture is different, and why is Suho having swords, when he basically dissed swords in the epilogue of the previous series and went for fist fights and gauntlets instead?

But in any case: The first 3 chapters were genuinely good, they packed a punch and added just enough to make Suho definitely his father's son, but also a character of his own. Despite his childhood in the previous series proving he had all the talent in the world, he still has to suffer what it means to be helplessly weak and mourning the loss of a grounded confidence he once had. The stakes on his very life are there, and then the system pops up, but just as the reader wholly knows what its deal is, so does Suho already have a rough knowledge of how to use it from the tutorial, so we do not waste any time on a mystery system, that is not a mystery to anyone anymore. It still retains the effect of showing up in the best time to help him to his awakening, so he can survive. And while it seems like a cheap way out to just have his parents written out of the plot it uses that bit rather effectively to direct the mystery of the unknown to be uncovered about what happened to Jinwoo, while also avoiding the pit trap of having the old cast steal the show of the new protagonist. (I appreciate Boruto having tried to not cop out to the easy route right away, but ultimately even that one couldn't manage without writing Naruto and Sasuke out of the plot more conveniently than not and compared to that I suppose I'#'d rather have it off the bat like that.) Cherry on top, like the epilogue of the first series, the artist of this one proves they can handle art style consistency while adding some more new touches, so it's decidedly just really nice to look at.

Also, shiny blue eyes with black hair again~ (Part of the reason the fusion form just does not enthuse me whatsoever.)

And then Beru shows up and trashes all the remaining enemies away.

Which was still cool, but suddenly the ant has lost his powers (well duh, he needs to not steal the show I guess), so this cutetsy thing gets downgraded to a sidegag that is a wandering spoiler hazard and fanboy moron, about as useful/annoying as the Microsoft Office 2003 Clippy mascot.

Like, way to destroy all the suspense and mystery by just… spilling the beans about what his father has gone doing, explaining anything and everything at every step of the corner, being a complete convenient extract-info-from-corpses plot device, giving so much info on what the dangers are, not rarely discouraging Suho from having own ideas and also every so often stressing that the system is a gift to help him. So like it's a safe route and yeah, let's just do what it says, and forgotten are also the earlier complexes and worrying about compromising his self and going with the flow because he's been so weak. And then it goes and has Suho exhibit that he had caught the justice bug. Which, how could he have such an idealized image of his detective father, when he'd lived with him until he was a teen as seen in the epilogue? Also, why are his memories so hazy, as if he didn't know him, is this going Psycho Pass Season 2 Mika with no continuity to S1? Jinwoo's hair is back to his signature hairstyle even in all the flashbacks, which is different from in the epilogue. And we go on, and the whole series has caught the nakama bug with a literal quest for teammates. Somehow also slightly humanizing a past walking destruction hazard of a monarch, which, uh, how come? And making a former side character kinda useless. I mean cool, that it seems to be set on to give side characters also from fleshing out and screentime and Esil really felt more like a throwaway character than not in the first series, so much the epilogue even made a joke about it. But did you have to force her into becoming an outlet for the clumsy girl tripping trope of all things? (Also Grey just…. may be a wolf, but looks like a dog and I still absolutely don't have a thing for dogs …) They just all look so pathetic and the whole drill of it really just looking very very battle shonen is errrrrr. Having him wear some Tokyo Ghoul-ish masks isn't helping the case. (Also, his fusion form with that white spicky hair and extra eyelashes just looks completely generic, which is to say lame.) I really wanted to say, this was the better Boruto, but increasingly, I got less convinced.

Then it also adds a villain with a really shitty character and faces that range from a mean spirited Kiritsugu from Fate/Zero to really obnoxiously exaggerated grimaces and it's like one cannot wait until he exits the stage hopefully without too much whining about being a sore loser and let's better not remember he ever existed. And he's another side character from the previous series getting more fleshed out, but if Minsung was more of a joke character for the laughs with indications that he was hardly the most upstanding personality in the first series here he's just… not having any redeeming qualities at all and worse, he doesn't even look like a proper treat. Just a test on the wayside so he doesn't even feel like a villain you'd relish as a reader to see him punished and the turned into a shadow.

This goes on until about chapter 35ish, when it turns out, this villain actually nabs Suho and punches him both verbally and actually and confronts him with the entire problem this whole series has: It has been chasing shadows and tropes made Suho do that, too. Beru once makes a meta comment about how this is like the story of something along the lines "I thought I was a helpless unawakened nobody, but I'm actually the ultimate shadow heir?" which kinda looks like a lame genre self awareness that is entirely out of place and instead only brings in implied plot armory. (Suho's expression is what the whole middle part was to me.) Which didn't help on top this really stakes-free looking system leveling him up, all the wishy washy nakamaism, how his whole moral code of right and wrong is just borrowed and nothing about it is his and how he's really really really just going with the flow and not doing much of his own.

And yeah, he gets his ass kicked about really really neatly (or well he gets impaled) and even Minsung manages to get a dignified exit to the stage by showing the middle finger to the real apostle enemy. The following sequence of Suho realizing how much he was bathing in lukewarm and drawing a arch back to the beginning really got up to speed again, also visually very nice bit arching back to the paintings with his pen reference. Tho first disappointingly it just leads to him kinda doing some I'm gonna become the Hokage-style-declaration, except there isn't actually any confidence behind it, rather than he really just realized he needed something like it to drive him forwards as his own character. It felt extremely weak, but what's really cooler how he kinda just immediately gets a punched as well by the plot (or well, he gets impales yet again) and then we're into that the system is not able to wholly protect him just like that and then the system is compromised, how safe things are in the forced quests remains a question mark and finally, finally! The actual stakes are back. The last quest of the season about Suho having to fight his past selves and then conquering his alternate present self from another world is really cool to trash his wimpy-winy-lukewarm attitude out of him and the end about him going dafaq about picking one of the three system routes and going no he's going to have them all. Oh, and he finally ditches his mask. - Now we're talking vibes from the first series again.

And then the season ends and that was the last chapter around for the time being. Which is, well, darn, when it just got good again. How mean!

By now, I also totally think the plot and world is back in a time loop story. The Cup of Reincarnation was depleted in the first series, but there is one panel with that outer god giving another cup to his apostles ordering them to use it and also there is Suho's alternative self from the system quest. Going by the epilogue scene, Jinwoo was still around when he and Hae-in had their 16th wedding anniversary before he goes to face the invasion from a gate, which would also be when Suho was still a teen. Rewind that 10 years, and suddenly the only hazy memories Suho has about his parents make perfectly sense. Just like how this weird distance Chairman Woo seems to have thinking about Jinwoo does as well in all its nostalgic wistfulness, Jinwoo's hairstyle reverting back to his signature look, the indications of Tielle about how Jinwoo kinda looks very lonely would fall in just fine, too. (How many loops long in years has he fought already?) And that other self of Suho, who maybe awakened much earlier with a better support group and less going easy routes of playing it safe, is already said to be more than just an illusion of the system. Maybe it's latent memories of past loops, he's slowly getting to remember once he gets more power back? Any maybe those selves had gone too overconfident, leading to an earlier demise, which may be the reason of Jinwoo keeping the seal that much longer intact? May also explain the swords in the poster cover and Suho going to use them is yet to come, like his alternate self did.

Now, I like Time Loop stories that play with the alternative timelines, so, I kinda really hope I'm not just seeing red herrings.

For all the complaints above, this sequel is doing a better foundation at world building and giving side character a time of the day and also seems to fill in onto the evolution of how god's creations may start thinking on their own and rebel (Tielle totally looks primed for that). And with Tielle getting fragments of his self back and getting powerful that way he's the only one with a similar trait to the power leveling up Suho has, so this series may actually have an antagonist, that not only lasts a deal longer than any of the previous series, but evolves along the protagonist. So Ragnarok has an entirely different approach to things, which are all very refreshing, but darn was the middle bulk part of this season a chewy piece of not being all that exciting. The payoff at the end definitely worked however, and the beginning is still a genuinely really well-made hook.

I don't look forward to the waiting game now.

Maybe I should start reading the WN…

Music:

Well, a continuation from last month pretty much and grinding some new stuff, which included a batch of Hayashi Yuuki sountracks, which didn't leave much a lasting impression bar a few ones for a little bit, which is how those selected MHA and Double Decker tracks came about. But even those faded somewhat quickly, tho Aosaki's broken wings (Instrumental) also just randomly showed up and seemed to harmonize well with the YLL GRYM and Double Decker tracks.

I was still grinding though the Hayashi scores, when I started reading Solo Leveling and probably just by timing, Don't lose from the Born to be on Air soundtrack, whose series I totally have not watched, kinda got repurposed to a Solo Leveling OST in my brain. But only that one single track, which was when the Hayashi score grinding got a backseat and then most coincidentally 汪苏泷 - 无名之辈 landed on the playlist by algorithm. Which also has just been rewired into a Solo Leveling OST of sorts. Sadly the artist seems to only have one song in this style and I have to wonder just how heavily edited and pitch corrected it may be considering how the live/concert performance clips that are up on yt sound … not so great.

After that, I kinda figured, maybe I could just listen to the actual Solo Leveling Anime Soundtrack, especially as the second season's score also dropped by now. And while I was at it, I guess there was also some grinding through the most recent stuff by Sawano Hiroyuki. And so the last third of the month was pretty much just Solo Leveling(ish sounding) music. Granted, the S2 Vocal tracks first sounded more Attack on Titan than anything, but their lyrics are clearly not that. As for Dark Aria I just have to wonder about the "the question of my love?" line. Where did that come from, in a series that (at least to that point of the plot), really is about as cheese free as it gets.

What did you eat yesterday? v22: Quality content as per usual, but I made the mistake of reading it for a change of breather after being tortured with foodstuff scenes in Dahlia and Kemutai Hanashi. (Whyever I picked a foodie manga out of anything to distract myself from all that ...) The signs on the first page literally made me wince shortly.

But Shiro delivers more than a few nod nods from me. They feel just so real!

a.k.a. I still wanna have a grocery buddy like he and Kayoko are.

There were also a few other surprises:

I was going wtf, was Shiro going to become cheese? This perfectly tsundere Shiro?!

Way to go from a cheese build up to the cost of living crisis!!

You can definitely feel it's set in the contemporary world, there is the cost of living issues, there's talk about chatGPT, and a soft side trashing on the state of gay marriage in Japan in one of Wataru's snotty rambles. In reality it was ruled uncontitutional to not have them by the Tokyo High court end of last year, so this may become a likely plot point in one of the next volumes.

[wortaives]

wip

[chalicequeen]

What I’m currently working on:

Magical intentions to 🌻Promote Happiness🌻

I have compiled a list of herbs with properties that promote happiness and I’m going to be sharing this as well as diving into each individual herb. I am planning to make a sachet or smudge bundle and will share my progress.

List of herbs with happiness promoting properties:

Catnip

Celandine

Cyclamen

Hawthorn

High John the Conqueror

Hyacinth

Lavender

Lily of the Valley

Marjoram

Meadowsweet

Morning Glory

Purslane

Quince

Saffron

St. John’s Wort

Witch Grass

[ddwhaleshark]

So, in the Reverse AU, what is the most difficult part of the process? Is the art in itself, like spacing and coloring, etc. Coming up with the ways the story changes? Or something else? Also, I really loved your story so far and your art style. It's cute

God this is a good question!

Honestly the hardest part of the entire thing is the rough sketch stage, where i figure out how to lay things out and often rewrite a LOT of what i have written in a google doc. Besides that its also hard since its teh starting point, i have a hard time starting things XD

Then its the clean sketch stage, this part is soooo fun where I really clean up parts and often redraw some panels to give em some pezass >:]

Line art follows next- at this time I have drawn panels up to 3 times and its become tedious- tough at the same time this is where it all really comes to life!

The flat coloring stage is a slog, making sure its all accurate and the same, this is usually week 2 of me working on the comic so its the point I often stop and take a break from the comic. Usually i make some other art or just don't draw all together.

Shading and rendering my beloved, this is when i have THE most fun. panels that looked off finally come to life!! making the entire progress wort it :3

[thelavendercatalogue]

But not tired enough to turn one of his IV covered hands palm up to grab at Jigens hand and him doing that alone is enough to break Jigen cause in the end Lupin still trusts him to make the right decisions no matter how heartbreaking He just wishes, as Jigen cries into his neck, that Jigen didn’t have too

When Lupins unconscious, in these few long and tenuous hours before his drugs start to wear off and he's allowed just a few brief moments of lucidity, there are moments in between where Jigen will sit with him and wait for him to wake up, spending often all the day with him if he can before he's put back under just as Jigen has to leave.

During the bad period, that lengthy span of time when things often went from bad to worse and Lupins health deteriorated, he was put under for longer periods of time in the hope that his body would heal in his sleep.

During this bad period, when Lupin would be under Jigen would stay with him for longer time lengths, as if he was afraid of Lupin slipping away when he wasn't there by his side. And during this time, when Jigen would be alone with him, Jigen would often talk to him, when he was absolutely certain Lupin could not hear him.

It would be little things, small conversations about his day, things you would often talk about to people in these sorts of conditions when they couldn't enjoy the day themselves.

But as the day's would go on, and progress would continue to grind to a halt, the conversations got more personal; secret confessions, hard kept secrets, things he was certain Lupin doesn't know, and that had it not been for the current situation, probably would never leave Jigens mouth.

After a particularly bad spell, when Jigens nerves are shot and Lupin's body is all but weakened and beaten by the various ailments and issues plaguing him, Jigen finds a small spot beside him on the bed, and talks to the unconscious man.

Jigen is not stupid. He knows things are bleak. He also knows this has been a long time coming; poor Lupin, he had been falling apart for years, he hadn't been the same when they reunited as young adults. . . who knows how long ago now. . hell he wasn't even the same back when they were kids after that train accident. Something always felt off after it, but Jigen could never pinpoint it.

Maybe even now he still couldn't.

Lupin had not been right for years. The incident with Goemon, Albert and Tomoe had beaten him in far more wort ways than anyone outside of Jigen could have imagined, no matter how well Lupin kept a lid on it, and Jigen knew that deep down those new situations had been partially to blame for Lupins weakness in both spirit and body, amongst other things of course.

He knew Lupin was failing in many ways and that everything was boiling down to the penultimate decision in Lupin's life of what would come of this moment and whatever came after it. But deep down, in the small private and secluded darkness in his head, Jigen had begun to wonder idly if there ever would be an "after" or if they would never move on past this point.

When Lupin's progress completely stalled, that familiar darkness in his head grew each day and Jigen never knew how to handle the thought that came with it. But still he held out hope that he was just being paranoid, that this was simply the fall before the rise. That was until a whitecoat had pulled him to the side and told him about the infection growing in Lupin's battered and broken femur that had started to spread throughout his body.

Upon hearing the news Jigen had actually laughed, a laugh so breathless and winded and mildly insane sounding that the doc staring at him might have actually had thought about throwing him in the psych-ward.

But it was not Jigen cracking.  . .not yet anyways.

No it was simply Jigen laughing at the absurdity of it all. Why if he didn't know any better at this point he would swear that Lupin was trying to di-

. . . . .

no. . .

maybe. . .

but why. . .did he really want to leave. . .did he really wanna leave him behind?

No. . .No Lupin may have been cynical and jaded at times but he was never cruel, he wouldn't intentionally leave him behind. . .

. . .would he. . .?

That thought had plagued Jigen for days after that. When the time finally came when the doctors couldn't combat the infection in a timely manner and a decision had to be made on whether or not to let the leg go, Jigen found himself once again by Lupin's side, sitting in that small space beside him like he had been for weeks at this point.

Lupin had just fallen asleep, having weakly given Jigen the go ahead to make the decision for him. Because he trusted him, even now. . .even now he trusted him and long after Lupin had fallen back to sleep, Jigen had pressed his face into his hair and silently sobbed into the dark strands when he knew Lupin couldn't hear him.

Because the look in Lupin's eye that he had seen had given him a weird empty feeling, one that had cemented the thought of Lupin finally wishing to give up in his head. Lupin looked tired, exhausted even. But it was far from the drugs and even the pain that combated them that caused it. Because he had seen that look in Lupin's eyes before. When Lupin was at his lowest, bleakest moment when Jigen was lucky to pull him away from the edge and nearly failed doing so a few times.

Was this it?

Was Lupin really ready?

. . . . .Was Jigen ready.

Jigen loved Lupin, he loved him more than anything he had ever loved before in this world. More than his gun, his hat, his reputation, hell maybe even his family. Lupin had been the best thing to ever happen to him, and Jigen would do anything for him, and Lupin knew that. But Jigen wasn’t certain if he had the strength to do this, to let him go if Lupin was truly ready to go. He wasn’t sure he would survive it. He barely did before during their separation, and he was lucky that Lupin even came back to him. If he made a decision now then. . .Lupin would never. . .he’d never. . .never come- no no no Jigen starts to cry again. Because he can’t. He can’t and he wont. He wouldn’t survive losing lupin, not again, not now, not ever and he tells the sleeping man that, pleads to his hair to not leave him behind please don’t don’t leave me now. . I won’t. . .I won’t- A sob, a heart wrenching gut sucking sob. It tapers off a little, and Jigen sternly tells the sleeping man under his arm:

“Tomorrow’s the day We make the decision. If you wanna go you can, I won't stop you if that’s really what you want, you know I wouldn't be able to anyways.  .  . I just want one thing-” “Just take me with you. . .. please just take me with you if you go. .”

[adureus]

⠀⠀⠀𝐀𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 : 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐀.

➤ Lithification / The Crystal’s Curse

Leechdoms against Aetherborne Lithasis, the disease of stone engendered upon a man's flesh or hight commonly the Crystal's Curse. Concretion comes oftenest of corrupt humors after exposure to surfeits of Aether, at which time the flesh whilom grows swarthy. To asses severity and progress of the disease, with frequent scarifying, whilom with mickle, whilom with slight, wean and draw calculus from the affected place. Should the excrescence be purulent the patient is not to be let blood on a vein, but rather be tended with potions of a perfluent and calming nature applied inwardly, with which the senses might be deadened. Let the sufferer drink this for sixteen mornings, more if there be need of it, and let him partake in neither milk of the Stolas, nor the flesh of Bo, be it wild or domesticke, nor flesh Wyrm, nor fresh Aldgoat, nor aught of that with armor of chitin or shells, as the Adamantoise, and by no means let them draw of the foul smoke of tabac. Should the excrescence be stony, the flesh is to be fomented and warmed and to be tended with warm appliances. You shall first warm the cold with triturated sulfur mingled with flecks of aurum weighed against one gil. Take then a kettle and put of the sulfur and aurum two parts to one of wine and mingle with bomb ash and Chocobo sharn and a wort hight Morganbeard of which the netherward part is grated and sifted through a sieve. Boil till that it be as thick as a tear of honey and smear wound therewith and overlay the wound with linen and woll of a ewe sodden in sharp vinegar.

⸻ The Art of FINAL FANTASY XVI

Aether in XVI borrows some similarities and properties from other Final Fantasy games ( considered the life force of the star and all living beings ). It's something to be respected and left undisturbed, and the consequences of its abuse range from mild to dire. ( eg. why the land reacts so violently to the Mothercrystals. One’s Aether is could arguably be attached to one's psyche as well. Hence why the Akashic are void of their wills. At the end of the day, everything returns to the star and its rudimental form ). Those who wield swords typically direct magic to their non-dominant hand as the curse will manifest there first, so they can preserve some dexterity should it render them immobile in the future. Both hands are used when more Aether is needed to channel magicks. 

Like mentioned earlier, Aether probably isn't intended to be weaponized, and it’s why Bearers / Dominants who concentrate and utilize it beyond its purpose are afflicted by petrification and neuropathic damage. It’s also why Crystal fetters cause pain and exhaust those enchained when removed. It gradually kills ( and possibly explains why Clive experiences so much pain when he absorbs the power of other Eikons. But, I'm curious as to why he feels no discomfort in Cid or Jill’s case, when Ramuh and Shiva are absorbed, respectively ). Disrespect nature and it'll disrespect you.

The nerves of the body could play a significant role in the channelling of Aether. Dominants prime and a loose outline of the nerves of the face light up while suffused with Aether, but in the process, it damages internals to the point of coughing blood if the Dominant is too liberal in its use. It's debatable if a Bearer is able to concentrate nearly as much as a Dominant could ( I don't remember any comparable examples ), so their symptoms aren't quite as violent. In the case of the Phoenix and Bearers who are capable of healing, they likely reverse injuries by tampering with their patients’ flow of Aether, repairing the flesh at the cost of their own. 

Just as an aside, Heartstone ( embedded in Clive and Joshua's vambraces aka The Founders’ Grasp(s), and found in the belly of elder Griffins ) is a byproduct of an excess of Aether. Contrary to what Harpocrates said, and maybe this is my deviation from canon, but I don’t think beasts are exempt from the negative affects of channelling Aether. The process is likely just slower for them compared to humans. I don’t doubt there are some that have considerably high tolerances to it by not weaponizing their Aether ( eg. Chocobos ). Torgal's a special case, and doesn’t call upon his own Eikon nor Aether, but rather the ambient Aether collected from his companions. His armour could act as insulation to protect him from the effects, like a Crystal shard. In Griffins, it’s limited to a sac around their hearts rather than the entirety of their bodies. Their anatomy probably evolved in such a way that Aether is condensed in such a way rather than suffused throughout like humans.

Also Jill's skin isn't pristine and free of scarring either, which is another deviation from canon, and I want to draw a visual of that later!!

[malindulo]

conservative demogogue with 500 million followers: "the woke mind bacteria has invaded our libraries, our trains, & even our cars! the liberal mind is like a Diseased disease; which can't be stopped except by learning about the real True history of marxism which was implemented in Nazi germany, pronouns are the most worts threat to human civilization in the history of Human Civilization."

hundreds of random online leftists in unison: "ok. wow. first off, let's talk about a logical fallacy: you do realize that it's not actually an invasion unless five or more people threaten violence, as established by the Human Invasion Act of 1972. secondly, the nazis weren't real socialists, they put socialists in death camps & privatized the market, this is basic history. thirdly: pronouns are basic part of speech used since the dawn of time, so in a way we couldn't have "human civilization" without pronouns. fourthly & most importantly, progressives appear like a disease to you because we spread via convincing others & not indoctrination of traumatized children. fifthly, I actually encourage you to...