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DIVERSITY FUCKING WIN THE TUMBLR SEXYMAN EVERYONES OBSESSED WITH IS BALDING

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Forging Bonds multiplier table for FB: Darkness to Light.

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Book VI Chapter 5: Evil Ways

Part 1: Light's Path

MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Ash: If everyone will allow me, I can explain the situation more fully. Embla's power, the ability to close the world off into darkness, is the polar opposite of Askr's power. As Lord Askr's retainer, I have been graced with the power to open the world into light… O-of course, my own power is barely a sliver compared to that at Lord Askr's command, but even so… I want to use what power I do have, and I believe I may be of some use. Anna: So, then...you can do something about this darkness? Ash: I believe so. If I reach the darkness, my touch can cancel Embla's power with Askr's, which will...umm… I suppose one might say that it will obliterate the darkness. Something to that effect, at least. That said, I cannot guarantee results. There is a considerable chance that I'll have no impact, but we can try... Sharon: Wow, Ash! Alfons: If your power works like you describe, it will render Director Letizia's attacks moot. This is an incredible help, Ash. We appreciate whatever you can do. Ash: Oh, you needn't spare it a second thought. My duty is to assist you in your efforts, after all… If the darkness ever encroaches, do not hesitate to call on me for aid. Sharon: Ash... Ash: Yes, Lady Sharena? Is there something you need? Sharon: You're always so polite, but… we're friends now! You could relax a bit around us, you know? Ash: ...Relax? How do you mean, Lady Sharena? Am I using an inappropriate tone with you? I mean no offense! Sharon: I only mean that...you don't need to worry so much about what you're saying! You should feel like you can talk to us like you'd talk to a member of your family! Ash: Hm. I see... I believe I understand. I will consider how to speak to you as mortals speak to their family.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Garzas: Mareeta... You've grown up so strong, so gentle.

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Elm: So, Letizia... Supposing the Askrans take you at your word and do come back...then what? Letizia: Then I'll kill them then and there. What else? Elm: That is what I was I hoping to hear. Kill Askr... That is Lady Embla's will. Letizia: It seems to me you ought to be more worried about the work you've set yourself… How many places have been done now? Three? Four? And the forbidden tome? If we are unable to perform the Rite of Closing, it will have all been for nothing. Elm: I know that! And I won't be ordered around by some peevish mortal. There is only one who can give me orders...and that is the singular Lady Embla.

Part 2: Moving Forward

MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Anna: The path through the mountains is closed away into darkness up ahead. We can't go this way... Ash: This is the most direct route. As I said earlier, I do not know that I can dispel the darkness. But this will give me the opportunity to try. Anna: All right. In that case, we can keep to this path.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: August: There is nothing I cannot do. Leave everything to me.

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Ash: All right, then... I may be extremely nervous about this, but I will not let that stop me. I will now begin. My soul is meant for peace… My body, meant for the people… My blood, meant to bring light… Cleanse the dark. Open. Reveal. Alfons: The darkness...it's disappearing! It worked! Anna: Excellent! That means Letizia is no longer any threat to us! Sharon_F_Normal,Face_Smile|Wow, that was amazing, Ash! Ash: ... Sharon: ...Ash? Are you all right? Is something the matter? Ash: Ah, no, no... Forgive me. You need not worry yourselves over me. Anna: Thank you, Ash. Because of you, Askr is as good as saved. If we just keep moving along like this, you can take care of the darkness in the other places the same way! Ash: Yes. Of course. That is the logical course of action. I am glad I'm able to be of use to you after all.

Part 3: Abundant Offerings

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Salem: The Loptr Church will not suffer a traitor. That is law.

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Sharon: ...Ash? Ash: Ah, my apologies, Lady Sharena. I was momentarily...distracted. Anna: When we get back to Askr, we should free the villages and towns enclosed in darkness. We have our work cut out for us. Ash, do you think your power will be able to handle it? Ash: Yes, of course. In fact...hmm… I believe I will be able to do it about five or six more times without any significant issue. Sharon: ...W-wait a minute. Ash, you've seemed a bit out of sorts since we cleared away that darkness back there. Is something wrong? Ash: Oh, well, about that… How do I put this… In order to dispel Embla's darkness, her darkness and my light must come into contact, you see… The darkness is broken, but...the process is not without its side effects. Alfons: You said you can do it another five or six times… What will happen to you if you keep going? Ash: Well, again, no guarantees, and the effects may change or compound in time, so it is difficult to say exactly. That said, as of now, I have begun to lose feeling in my left leg. If I were to guess, I would imagine I will begin to lose feeling across all my limbs. Sharon: Really? Ash, if that's the case... Ash: Please understand that this is just a guess on my part, so you need not base any action on it. Alfons: Ash, you've offered us a solution, but if pursuing it means we have to sacrifice your health... Ash: Please, there is no call for concern. I exist to serve you. My bodily health is solely for the benefit of you and the other people of Askr. Alfons: Is that...Askr's will? Ash: Oh, no. These are my own thoughts. I am neither a member of any family nor a beloved noble like others here. Therefore, there is no need for any to worry over me from my perspective. Sharon: But, y-you'll... Ash: Do not worry! I have only a little power remaining within me as it stands, so everything is in order. Sharon: What? Only...a little? Ash: Yes. It has been, oh, hundreds of years now, but on a prior mission as retainer to Lord Askr… I met with a group of mortals, like I have met with you all. To grant their requests, I performed various services. To make the country of Askr lush and green, I poured most of my power into the land. Sharon: Then...all of our bountiful crops and abundance of flowers is thanks to you? Alfons: All of Askr's prosperity...was created from the fruits of your sacrifice? Ash: I do not think of it as a sacrifice. It is merely my duty to serve. Alfons: I understand, Ash. Thank you for explaining. That said, I only want to use your power when absolutely necessary. All right? Is there some other way we could dispel the darkness? Would defeating Letizia be enough to undo things? Ash: No. Unfortunately, she is not the source of the darkness—it is the power of Lady Embla. Alfons: In that case… Would defeating Embla set things right? Ash: Ah... Yes. I believe so. I can see no other alternative, but… As a mortal, you have little chance of killing a god, Lord Alfonse... Sharon: Don't you worry! My brother can defeat any foe—god or demon! Right, Alfonse?! Ash: My sincerest apologies. It seems I underestimated your abilities. Alfons: We will rid ourselves of that darkness one way or another. But first we need to confront Director Letizia...

Part 4: Heartless Scheme

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Mareeta: Good technique comes from the heart. Shannan taught me that.

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Anna: Wake up, everyone! We have an emergency! Sharon: *yawn* ...Commander Anna? What could be happening this early in the... Anna: Our supply convoy is on fire! Alfonse and some of the others are dealing with it now. We need to hurry! Sharon: I'll be right there! Anna: ...We managed to keep it from burning everything, but we lost around half our food and gear. It's unclear whether we'll be able to make it all the way home without supplementing our inventory... Alfons: When we cornered the arsonist, they threw themselves into the flames rather than be caught… I have a feeling I know who sent them our way. Anna: Right. It must have been by Director Letizia's command. She found a weak point and exploited it. That is how she appears to operate, based on what we've seen so far. If it serves her strategy, she won't even hesitate to sacrifice her own soldiers. She's merciless. And just as in battle, she sends soldiers in as her shield while she hides away someplace safe. She's as cowardly as she is cruel, like no one we've yet encountered. Alfons: ...Cruel indeed. Sharon: What is it, Alfonse? Alfons: I'm not sure if it'll work, but I have an idea. I want to try to talk to her. Sharon: You mean...sit down and discuss terms with her? Get her to promise not to do any more harm somehow? Alfons: No. Like we said, she's cruel. If we approach her like we want to appeal to her emotions, she will only see it as weakness. So, here's what we'll do...

Part 5: I Killed Him

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Letizia: Ah, Prince Alfonse, there you are. Have you thought things through? Are you here to turn yourself over and become my prisoner? Or have you chosen to sacrifice the lives of your citizens instead? Alfons: Yes, I have indeed come to provide you with an answer.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Letizia: ...Retreat? Hm. I'm afraid that will conclude our negotiations, Prince Alfonse. We're at an impasse. Unfortunately, I will be forced to continue closing your villages out into darkness, as promised. Alfons: Your power is no longer any threat to us. One of our number has the ability to dispel Embla's darkness. As head of the Curse Directive, you must already be aware of that by now, yes? Letizia: Of course I am. I've also heard that use of that power costs your side greatly. Am I wrong? The more darkness you dispel, the closer your friend totters to her death. And if she does nothing, more and more of your people will serve as sacrifice instead... Alfons: ...What's your point? Letizia: ... Alfons: If we give in to you, it puts me at risk. If we refuse you, others may suffer, but no harm will come to me. That is an easy choice. So, if we're done here, I'll be on my way... Letizia: You would have me believe you do not care what happens to the people of your kingdom? Alfons: What's difficult to understand? Who is more important, your underlings or you? Same thing. Letizia: Well, well, Prince Alfonse… This is rather unexpected given the intelligence I have on you. But could it be...you have a more violent side to you? Alfons: ... Letizia: Intelligence also brings me some… incongruous information as well. Concerning the death of King Gustav, for example. Alfons: Then you must know that I killed him. He got in my way. Letizia: ... Alfons: As you no doubt know, my father abandoned me in our struggle. I could not inherit the crown and take the throne as things stood… But if my father were to disappear, I was next in line. So, I killed him. Letizia: What an interesting story. I'm sure someday I'll be able to use that information to shake the foundations of Askr itself, but... Alfons: You don't seem to be hearing me. Why do you think I'm talking about this? Why to you? Why now? I'll tell you. I'm going to kill you too. You're in my way, so this is how it will have to be. No matter what it takes, my decision's been made. No hostage will save you. You cannot stop what's coming for you. Do you understand now? Letizia: ...I see. It seems I misjudged you. The gentle prince who captured the hearts of his people... Hah. I should have known it was all lies. Shrouding yourself in a veil of false affection as a means of controlling the foolish masses? Killing your own father to get the crown? Mark my words: these truths will come to light. ...Perhaps you and I share more in common than our respective Orders after all. Alfons: ... Letizia: I was wrong to underestimate you. You may keep your head on your shoulders for now. Once I've had the satisfaction of separating Veronica's from hers, THEN I will come for your head.

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Alfons: *sigh* I hope this isn't all for nothing... Sharon: Alfonse, have you lost your mind?! Alfons: Sh-Sharena! What did— Sharon: How could you say such terrible, heartless things?! How COULD you? I miss my gentle brother! Bring him back to me! Brotherrr! Alfons: Calm down for a minute, Sharena! It was all an act! ...Ow! Bruno: ...There never is a dull moment with you two, is there? Alfons: Zacharias?! When— Where did you come from?! Bruno: Veronica is set to be executed 10 days from now. I am sorry to have to ask like this, but I need your strength once more. Will you help me?

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Forging Bonds multiplier table for FB: True Conviction

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Book VI, Chapter 4: Princess Alone

Part 1: Nowhere to Turn

MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Veronica: Urgh... *pant* FighterAX: Just where are you running, my dear little Veronica? You want to play hide-and-seek? How nostalgic… Unfortunately, there is not much room to run between here and the cliff up ahead. Veronica: S-Sissy... FighterAX: Give up. You have nowhere to run, no allies left in all the empire… I, of course, cannot allow you to die out here, in obscurity. No, you must face execution before the people...to be jeered, spit upon, pelted with stones. You will know the disgrace of being thrown from the imperial court, cast down where you belong… Then, once you understand what it means to have everything taken from you...THEN you can die! Veronica: … ...N-no, I'll— Letizia: ...Veronica? Where did you— Surely you wouldn't dare throw yourself from a cliff of this height. Unlikely you would survive the fall… Why do you insist on making this more difficult for yourself? I already told you I will allow you no escape. No matter how you struggle, you will stand before your people, face your judgment, and be sentenced!

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Sharon: Alfonse... Didn't that hill... There was a village there, wasn't there? But now... Alfons: It has been enclosed in darkness. Just like the other village... Not even Embla's people are safe. Anna: But we defeated Elm! Did that change nothing? If not Elm, then who is causing this?! Letizia: Hello, Askrans. I can't help but notice you are still within Embla's borders. Why would that be? Anna: Director Letizia! To be clear, we have every intention of returning to Askr as soon as we are able, but we— Letizia: Please. There is no cause for alarm. We'll ensure you arrive home safely. Although, I do have one question… Have you seen Veronica anywhere nearby? She seems to have vanished, and I worry. Anna: Princess Veronica? We haven't seen her either. We would help if we could! Letizia: Hm... Yes, I believe you would. I imagine you understand that if you WERE to lie to me, it would be very unfortunate. For you. Sharon: Wh-what does that mean? Alfons: ...Director Letizia. There is something I would like to ask you as well. Letizia: Go on. Alfons: A bridge along the route you told us to take had been damaged, making it uncrossable. It was as if someone who knew we would take that route was attempting to prevent our return to Askr. I know coincidences happen, and I have no reason to believe you wish us any ill will. Nevertheless… I must ask you tell us why you are pursuing Princess Veronica. If you cannot answer, we are at an impasse. Letizia: I see. So you are protecting her, keeping her hidden, are you? I must insist you hand her over immediately. She must be tried for her crimes against the empire. Alfons: And if we do not? Anna: Surely you don't intend to attack Askran royalty! You'll start a war! Letizia: There will be no war. You unlawfully entered Embla, and subsequently went missing. Bad luck, I'm afraid. My Directive is ever so practiced in the art of propaganda... It is something of a specialty of ours. So, you needn't worry; the consequences of your deaths will be minimal.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Letizia: All forces to converge\non my position. Pursue the enemy until we have Veronica in custody.

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Anna: What is happening? Letizia seemed totally different from our last meeting. Is that what she's really like? Alfons: She told us to hand over Princess Veronica... Sharon: Why would Letizia think we were with Princess Veronica? It doesn't make sense. Alfons: It could be the case that Princess Veronica had cause to flee from Letizia and she's hidden herself. Since Letizia doubts our word, the princess may be close. Anna: In that case… We can't let Embla's so-called "Heroes" win! We'll search the area ourselves. and locate the princess before the Directive can!

Part 2: Mage's Lament

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Hugh: My nana always called me a fool. Me, her own grandson! Can you believe that?

Part 3: Sentenced to Darkness

MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Sharon: We located Princess Veronica?! Anna: Yes, we found her washed up on the riverbank. She's in pretty rough shape. Her wounds are being treated now. We won't know what happened until she regains consciousness. Sharon: Even though Askr is at odds with Embla, I can't help but feel bad for her... Anna: The real threat would seem to be Director Letizia and her order. If she finds out we have the princess, she will demand we hand her over. And if we refuse, it's likely things will escalate, and we'll be unable to avoid violence.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Letizia: People of Askr, I wish you no harm. I ask only that you deliver Veronica to us. We will not stand for the abduction of our princess. As long as you hold her captive, we cannot back down. Alfons: You said Princess Veronica was to stand trial for her crimes, yes? Please, help us understand. Letizia: … Embla's internal affairs are not your concern. This has nothing to do with you or Askr. Veronica has been accused of a crime. It is our charge to find out whether she is guilty. That is all you need to know. Alfons: If fair judgment is your goal, surely you can offer some piece of evidence to confirm the merit of the charge. Letizia: … Askran lowlifes... Sharon: H-hey! Letizia: Evidence? Charges?! Hah! I could of course tell you whatever I want, and you would be none the wiser. But how about, instead of all that, you give Veronica to me now… Or we will show you reason they call us the Curse Directive. Alfons: ...Wait!

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Letizia: So, you plan to resist... In that case, I will depart for now. But I will return! That you can count on. Alfons: ... Letizia: Oh... That's right. I wanted to ask you something… What was the name of that village in Askr? The one just south of here? It was a beautiful village on a hill… You know the one, don't you? In any case, it's gone now. Alas! Swallowed by Embla's darkness. Such a shame... Alfons: What?! Letizia: Don't believe me? I'll allow you the time to see for yourself. By all means, I encourage it. It's too bad, really. All those villagers, closed off from the world with no hope of ever returning… And all because you refused to give me Veronica. If you'll excuse me, I'll give you time to let reality sink in. Alfons: Curse you...

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Anna: Our aerial scout has returned. Even from a distance, the truth was clear. The village is enclosed in a veil of darkness, just as Director Letizia said it would be. Alfons: It can't be... Anna: If this continues, the Curse Directive will close off villages and castles one by one until… Even if we can defeat them on the field, Askr is in incredible danger!

Part 4: Friends One Day

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Idenn: Wind, trees, laughter... I know these things now. Thanks to them...

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Veronica: Where... Where am I? Sharon: Princess Veronica! I'm so glad to see you're awake! Are you hungry? Thirsty? Can I get you anything at all? Maybe a fluffier pillow? Veronica: ...Quiet. Being saved by you lot is… more than enough. I have no intention of relying on your charity, so I will take my leave of you now... Sharon: Oh! Um, I don't think you should be up and moving just yet... Veronica: Urgh... Sharon: See? You're hurt, so you should rest for a while until you've healed a bit. Besides, Alfonse and Commander Anna already said they have no intention of turning you in. I'm not sure what exactly happened, but it seems like Letizia has made some accusations against you… It sounds like she wants you tried and executed. Veronica: … ...What's it to you? What does my execution have to do with you—or Askr? Sharon: How could it not matter?! We were working together not so long ago, weren't we? If not for Embla's curse, there wouldn't even be a reason for us to fight. We could even be friends, I think… Don't you? Veronica: Exhausting… I have no...intention of... Sharon: All right... Well, I'll let you sleep. But I would be happy to bring you some food, if you're hungry. How about some bread? Or maybe you'd prefer some soup? Veronica: … ...Yes. Soup.

Part 5: Coerced Parting

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Letizia: Well, well, Prince Alfonse? Have you reconsidered your position now? Alfons: What you said was true. That can only mean that you must be behind the dark enclosures... Letizia: Indeed. But don't assume that you can attack me here to solve your little conundrum. My soldiers will not hesitate to shield me as I make my escape...and allow me to close off yet another village. Your only option is to give Veronica to me. Until then… Help me keep track of how many villages you lose before you give me what I want. Alfons: ...N-never!

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Letizia: If you won't come to your senses, I suppose I have no choice but to follow through on my promises... Veronica: Wait. Alfons: Princess Veronica?! How did you— What are you doing here? Sharon: Even with your wounds, you followed us all the way out here? Wh-why? Veronica: I...am turning myself in. Leave Askr...out of this. This has nothing...to do with them. Letizia: Very well. Seize her. Remember: Traitors get no better treatment than any prisoner of war. If she resists, break her legs. Veronica: ... Sharon: Veronica, wait! You can't... We can't let you go like this! Veronica: ...Shut up. You are my enemies… I owe you nothing. I do as I choose. You hold no sway here—no power over me. Sharon: B-but...

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Letizia: I do appreciate how cooperative you Askrans can be. Anna: The trade you wanted is done. Now, allow us to return to Askr. Letizia: No... I'm afraid I can't allow that, as it turns out. Prince Alfonse, Princess Sharena, relinquish your weapons and surrender to us. Anna: Wh-what?! You got what you wanted already, didn't you?! Let's go! We can withdraw and return to address this once we're able to— Letizia: The conditions have not changed. If you do not comply with my wishes, I will take your villages one by one until you cooperate. Sharon: You... Don't do this! Please! Letizia: Of course! Of course... I have no desire to bring harm on any of you or your people. You need only submit to my demands, and we both can get what we want out of this. You need not worry over your own safety. I would never harm a visiting noble. You have my word. Sharon: If it means you'll stop attacking villages, then... Alfons: Sharena. Wait. Letizia: I can tell you need some time to think it over. Take as long as you need, but the facts will not change. We'll be back for you. Sharon: Alfonse... Alfons: ... Anna: We can't let her get away with this. If you two hand yourselves over, you'll become political prisoners at best—and likely worse. We can't let that happen. Sharon: But if we don't do what she says, the people of Askr will be closed off by darkness until... Alfons: If Director Letizia is the cause, we have no choice but to force her to return things to normal. It won't be easy, but right now there doesn't seem to be any other option. Ash: This situation is problematic indeed. As you observed, Prince Alfonse, the source is Embla's power. However, allow me to assuage your worries: I have been entrusted with the powers of Askr. Though the precise solution is still unclear, I believe there is a chance Embla's enclosures can be reopened. Sharon: Really? That's such good news! Ash: To be clear, I can make no guarantee. This is mere speculation on my part, so I apologize if I fail, but...but… I will do everything in my power to help! I swear it—in the name of happiness for all living things!

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Full art for Letizia: Curse Director Artist; Kozaki Yusuke (コザキユースケ)

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if you are distressed about not receiving a response from someone you'd like to be actively talking to, you have to take a moment. step back from the conversation, put yourself in their shoes. perhaps they're busy with something right now. you have to consider the possibility that maybe they hanging upside down by their ankle. everybody has their own schedule, and sometimes people spend time away from their phone or computer because they are currently suspended from a tree branch by a rope tied around their ankle that they unnoticingly stepped in because it was concealed by a pile of leafs. it's not that they don't want to respond; imagine that they can see their phone screen on the ground below but it's a good few inches out of reach and even if they bounce and flail on the branch their fingertips just can't touch it. sometimes life gets in the way

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Know what I’m salty about?

In all my art classes, I was never taught HOW to use the various tools of art.

Like yes, form, and shape and space and color theory and figure drawing is important, but so is KNOWING what different tools do.

I’m 29 and I JUST learned this past month that India Ink is fucking waterproof when it dries. Why is this important? Because I can line something in India Ink and then go over it with watercolors. And that has CHANGED the ENTIRE way I art and the ease I can create with.

tldr: Art Teachers: teach your students what different tools do. PLEASE.

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“The prince just fell in love with Cinderella because of her looks!”

Wrong. Okay, picture this–

So there’s the prince, okay? He’s like, smack dab in the center of the ballroom, and he is like, horrifically aware that this whole ball thing is a result of his dad falling into a panic about the royal lineage or whatever and he’s stuck listening to highborn girl after highborn girl, all lined up, introducing themselves like, “Oh yeah my family’s been a longtime supporter of the crown, and I think you’re cute, *cough* I’ve been told I have child-bearing hips *cough* Who said that? Anyway–” and Princey boy is just smiling through it, he has been the center of attention for entirely too long, he misses his emotional support horse, and is just internally like “Someone please kill me now.” And then… he sees her–This isn’t a love at first sight thing, this is a ‘what the hell is going on over there’ thing, because this girl has not gotten into the Debutante line for a solid 45 minutes. 

She’s just at the hors d’oeuvres table going HAM on the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, and like, she’s polite about it, she’s happy to move aside for other people grabbing punch and canapes (and she’s really so sweet with the wait staff, it’s kind of cute because they’re like… definitely not used to being acknowledged) but it’s like, “Damn girl, did you not eat today?” and then the prince is kind of stuck with the uncomfortable thought of ‘how many girls starved themselves to fit into a corset for this.’ And then the Prince realizes he’s missed the past 4 Debutante introductions because he’s watching Mystery girl hork down crab rangoons. So he’s like, “Excuse me” and manages to break free from the never-ending parade of girls who will hop on his dick for status.

 And as he’s approaching Mystery Girl, it’s kind of hitting him that something’s not quite natural about her. Not fake, but not quite real. But at the same time this whole evening’s been just a whole circus of people acting fake as hell, so like, someone seeming a little off doesn’t seem bad, necessarily. And he sidles up to her like, “Hi,” and she’s like, “Oh–hey, have you tried the tapenade?” and she points to one of the plates, and at this point, he could hit her with the “You don’t know who I am, do you?” deal or the “Very funny, I see your play” deal, but at this point it occurs to him that, no, he hasn’t had anything to eat throughout this whole damn ball, partially because of being stuck in the debutante parade, partially because of nerves, and there’s something so disarming about the question that he grabs a crostini and she still seems so food-focused that it doesn’t seem possible that this is a play. So they both grab little plates and ditch the party.

She pretty much clears her plate in under two minutes and then has half of his plate, he’s cool with it, mostly he’s just absolutely fascinated listening to her.

See here’s the thing about Cinderella:

1. She doesn’t know he’s the prince. Like yeah, he’s been at the center of the room, but she’s kind of spent half the party eagerly looking around everywhere she’s allowed to go (”Have you seen rose garden? Have you seen the solarium??” further confirmation that she doesn’t know who she’s talking to) and the other half stuffing her face with food. 

2. She assumes she’s never going to see anyone here tonight again, and no one recognizes her, so she has no filter.

So she’s just talking about whatever with this guy. He seems cool. She talks about her friends, who are rats. She makes little outfits for them. Sometimes they bring her little gifts. She is already the coolest person the prince has ever met because of this. She pretty much offhandedly talks about whatever is fucked up about the kingdom that would take his advisors two hours of hemming and hawing and watering down to address. She just says it like it’s nothing, just funky little things she’s observed, and again, she’s not aware that he’s the prince, but it’s still pretty damn bold to bring up at a literal royal ball.

She… seems to have the majority of graces that lots of girls from Respectable Families™ have, but there’s something strange about it, something simultaneously broken and hardened, like the way you can see where ice has thawed and re-frozen. Also the way she talks about her family, and the way she avoids talking about her family– is raising several red flags, not in the “Oh this is another person trying to take advantage of me” sense, but in the “Oh fuck, something’s gone really wrong and you need help” sense and also lowkey a ‘damn is she even getting fed?’ sense. But he can’t say, ‘Hey, that’s not fucking normal for people to say that to you or treat you that way. We need to get you out of there,’ without sounding crazy himself, so for now, he’s just going to chill, make sure she’s comfortable, and keep enjoying the evening. She’s somehow befriended like 4 of the waitstaff so they’re willing to cover for them while they disappear for a little bit, and they get plenty of time to talk, but eventually it hits her that she hasn’t danced yet and she’s like “Come on! I bet we can make the prince jealous!” and he just bursts out laughing at that like “hell yeah, let’s make the prince jealous. He’s a real asshole.” Like clearly she’s having a good time, so who is he to make it weird? So they head back to the ballroom and they dance. And our girl, Mystery Girl, Cinderella, while they’re dancing, becomes acutely aware that everyone is staring. That doesn’t seem quite right. Like, yeah she’s hot, she knows she’s hot, but at least a good third of the party should still be focused on the prince, right? Where is that guy, anyway?

Oh.

Oh wait.

Oh shit.

And Princey Boy actually picks up on her realization and they whisper argue for like 3 minutes. “Why didn’t you tell me?! Now I feel like a goddamn idiot!” “I dunno it was nice being treated like a normal person” “Well me treating you like a normal person makes me a goddamn felon or something did you consider that?!” “Hey–Hey–it’s cool–you’re cool–I think you’re amazing, and if anyone says shit about you, I can shut it down.” “Well I don’t like that! That’s fucked up!” “I agree. It is fucked up, but I believe in you, and I think you should have a chance, and I’m here to back you up. I know power is fucked up right now. I know. But are you cool with working with me to change that?” And our girl Cindy pauses on that for a couple seconds, because.. she’s just spent hours with this guy and like.. she knows he’s a good guy, she knows he means well, so she’s like, “I don’t know how long I can actually work with you.” and the prince is like “Look, I know your home situation is complicated right now, but I really think we can–”

And then the bell starts ringing.

It’s midnight.

And then she takes off in a panic, and our prince just met the coolest person ever, and like, he’s pretty sure whatever situation they’re headed back to is fucked up, and all he’s got going to find her is a shoe. A shoe. 

[takurotan]

Starting February with 2381 orbs.  Could have had more orbs but I would have missed out on a merge for Ótr and Lethality fodder then.  And now we wait for May’s fallen Heroes banner.

[takurotan]

A master post of Thomas Romain’s art tutorials.

There’s not enough space to post all of them, SO here’s links to everything he has posted (on twitter) so far : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. 

Now that new semesters have started, I thought people might need these. Enjoy your lessons!

[takurotan]

Mirabilis is a secret Dökkálfar for all these horrifying moments she's talking about 😭

[takurotan]

[takurotan]

Listen all u internet goers……. I know everyone has some wild catfish stories and I need to know them

[takurotan]

happy new year :)