mercless

[mercless]

Munday picrew & quiz

How fandom would see you if you were a fictional character:

Queercoded

Everyone sees how you look at your best friend. Everyone sees the way all your icons are queer. Everyone sees the way you dress. Everyone sees your lack of proper love interest. Well, except for Reddit, but what can you do, really?

tagged by: @nameaprice . feel free to steal for munday !

[mercless]

wrapped starter for @dolls-runeterran-dollhouse 🗡

The golden influence of the sky had all but faded in the dimming light of evening. Well past beyond the time to light candles or ignite lamps easily, leaving the assassin in the darkening room. Documents, files and books were chaotically organised around the table and feet of their chair, abandoned for a while now for the faux comfort of their hand's support, and hiding their face from the ink scribbles that had blurred together in frustration.

"I am both stumbling behind, and in a free fall." Muffled and just as faded into the rest of the room, Talon speaks aloud at the approaching company. They can tell it's the artist's footsteps, and their shoulders release an ounce of pressure. As their face lowers, fingers comb through curling locks, free of a hood, before they land on armrests and pull them out of the chair. "Every accomplishment pales compared to what must be done next. Or, more fitting, nothing I've ever done has been worthy of note to begin with."

Pacing over and past their research, a sorrowful glance does not last long, finding instead a window will curtain still drawn. The grey light does little to their darkened features, glaring out at the uncaring world, as they grip the casing keeping them from jumping out to meet it.

"I've lost sight of what my life once was, and I cannot see what the future holds."

wrapped #28: positive spin

[mercless]

[mercless]

What are you the patron of?

patron saint of horror

you're the patron saint of the dawning moment of realization. the patron saint of comprehension, maybe. the patron saint of understanding. the patron saint of knowing exactly what's going to happen. of seeing clearly. of not being able to look away.

tagged by: @gildedmatron . tagging: @fearsgod, @toaugment, @mistcursed, @carmencxgni, & you, if you wish .

[mercless]

How about an old tale of the West? One I reckon you might not’ve heard.

[mercless]

"For his word is law in the world upon rails." Toeing the line of the cage's entrance before them, words marinated in familiarity slither from hissing lips. Ember-stoked eyes search the interior for its prisoner, watching for movements between the strange shadows of contraptions.

"Your boss owes me a favour." No matter the amount of times the devil would deny such a thing. "I require a professional's opinion... and boasts of his treasures are rarely fraudulent." A poor attempt at a smile pulls across the demon's face. They were never any good at acquiring an invite inside through manners. Rolling their left shoulder, dark claws keep the coat in place, and over their other limb. The fabric sits awkwardly.

"If you can spare the time for a loiterer's queries."

❛ leave. ❜ the doctor's voice brooks no argument as it echoes from the darkened depths of the brimstone-laden laboratory. ❛ i very much doubt his highness has permitted any visitors. ❜

viktor knows he hasn't. the king of the sulfur rail has many a lair along these rusted tracks, but the hole he's stuffed viktor in is strictly off - limits to all except mordekaiser and the devils he tasks to bring viktor the materials he works with. whoever's found their way to the entrance ought to get out while they still can.

ik i said main verse but.... high noon.... / sc. / @mercless

[mercless]

🗡 rambling about my thoughts on some of the cinematic details.... I will try my best to give it some kind of structure but don't expect anything too nicely formatted 🧍‍♂️ first i'm just chatting about the smoke images we see

Smoke imagery

The wolf, adorned in the Medarda emblem whose attention now turns to Noxus. I would be excited for exploring more of Mel's story if not for riot's empty promises and lack of cohesion with narrative uprooting for pleasing a new wave of interest instead of loyal fans. I'm hoping that the novel will be good (and that my local library gets a copy like with ruination 😳) but we will have to see with Mel shortly, as of the time I am writing this out I'm still waiting for more information. I'm going to hope she has more agency in her own narrative than she did in season 2....

in my recovering-from-anesthesia stupor i thought this was either Naganeka the Darkin Ballista, or Atakhan but once it cleared up it was as if clouds parted and I was seeing the sky for the first time 😭 anyway...

Katarina and Elise, with the symbolism being that Katarina is caught in Elise's web. I like that Kat's symbol is of both herself and a broken dagger... and that the amount of lines to Elise's spider equals her legs + pedipalps. and also, in their last scene that this is also the positions in the shot they are both in.... cinematography.... I'll talk about it later but I also loved the detail that Kat only began smiling when faced with a real challenge with Elise's spider form ! <3

Darius' symbol is a little more difficult to capture given the fading transition between the shots, I also think it looks a little more like Freljordian clan symbols while still representing the axe, as well as darius' icon as Might. I believe it's in line with Darius' conquest further into the Freljords and pushing out more and more of the border as Noxian territory. I also think it's actually good story progression (for myself and my writing for my frostguard oc at least hehe) that Trundle is fighting Darius, because I think it means that Darius is getting into the north-west of the Freljords, or at least far enough for Lissandra to command Trundle to intervene, which is why they meet in a fjord with the icy mountains beyond.

A lot of other people have said this already but this weapon looks like it has an eye just after the hilt which could mean that Leblanc and Vladimir are discussing the use of a Darkin in a future black rose scheme! I wasn't too sure at first, it might have been atakhan's helm but I think it much more resembles a dagger or sword than a helmet. it's also worth noting (again, others on tumblr have already pointed this out) that the plan has Vladimir nervous, given his history with Darkin. if we do get them as a champion, it'll mean we would have 5 Darkin champions too (counting Rhaast) !

I also tried to investigate the lines around in the background but I wasn't able to decipher anything ! I think this little secret room is such a cool concept, and I'd like to know more on how it's used other than creating symbolic imagery of current events, people and other major points of interest !

[mercless]

🗡 i thought id make a post rambling about cinematic details and its.... well i've only discussed ONE subject of details and its already so long what am i to do....

[mercless]

"Noxus will eat itself alive."

[mercless]

🗡 i have forgiven splendor opus talon

[mercless]

The telltale signs of this conversation finishing narrow the stranger's eyes. Fingers flex by their side, knowing better than to try anything on someone who saw more than most. It was an odd feeling to not being the only one to walk away from an exchange. It would be so easy to summon a blade...

Talon knew the lesson to their story, was reminded of it every day. Was a walking example for fellow monsters, the kinds of which that they are sure even the preacher would never claim were once or ever related to anything fallen. There had been a good reason they had made this one of their last, desperate options. Lips pull back to bare sharp teeth in a bad attempt of a smile, the rows crunching together at their name being known. Why didn't they want to wipe that smug smirk off of his face?!

"Watch your back out here, good Preacher." Talon stood their ground on the dusty trail, watching as she departed. Making sure there wouldn't be any change of heart in deciding to smite them. Coat lazily lifting in the breeze picking up, their throat shifts, and gathering bile, spit and feather into a lump, cough up the mess beside their boots. Inhaling with a freed airway and licking the sour taste from dark gums, they turn back to the way they had approached. From another dead end, muttering the verses with enough vile to be blasphemous.

The old preacher closes their blessed eyes and lets out a drawn-out exhale. Slowly shaking her head as she shifts the weight of her bible to the other hand.

"Fine stories indeed. Stories that may or may not have happened, stranger. But there are lessons in these stories, stranger. Lessons with purpose; for there is no such thing as a meaningless lesson." But Lee Sin was not daft; his preaching would not change the outcome of this here engagement. As such he simply pulled up his shoulders very slowly and tapped his hat down to hide the blessed gaze of the divine. A smile playing on aged lips, as he snaps his fingers. Pointing at the stranger opposite him.

"I said my piece. It's not up to a preacher to convince or change minds. It's to share the teachings of the good book. What you do with my words is up to you, stranger. But I have a feeling that you and I will cross paths again." A knowing smile plays on their lips as they slowly turn on their heel, offering a simple wave of the hand.

"My suggestion? Dig deeper into the story of the fallen angels, stranger. You will be surprised by what you might find... Until then."

"May the Divine watch over you."

Craning her head back she offers another knowing smile, the glint of blessed eyes peering under the rim of the hat. "Talon..." Then with a curt nod and tap of the hat she begins marching off.

[mercless]

A small, defiant voice in their throat wanted to retort. But Talon knows well that the rulers of the food chain cared little to learn about the worms that their prey are sustained on. No, instead they play nice and let lips curl across their cheeks as their jaw locks in place. They stir the drink in place, should it be their last for today?

A quick sneer is thrown the bartender's way when he admits to using them for easy pocket change. Seemed they finally had a use in his eyes, other than being a troublesome customer. Were they to become some sideshow to be gawked at while a patron here, now? How many others had heard Gragas tell the tale about the foolish demon sprouting feathers? Talon's attention turns to watch Jhin's playful movements, and catch the look of her intense 'peepers' burning a hole in their side. ... What had he shared about them? If she knew so little beyond their ailment?

"So your makeovers ain't the kind that offer a new cut n' coat." A jagged elbow shifts across the counter, their glass taken along in their other hand as Talon turns to her fully, now. "I'm warmed by your endeavour." They lie, "But gettin' beheld has never been a personal calling." Never mattered how they looked in the dark before, as long as it got hearts stoked with fear. But times and change, and all that. If they ever felt the need to pretty up, they'd cross that bridge once toes met its edge. "My affliction runs deeper than just the things sproutin' out of this skin." Chapped lips find the rim of their glass to take a sip, leaving a thimble behind.

Devils were vain creatures, whether they were made of hellfire, iron, or clockwork. What mattered were their vices, what they craved. Souls, for the most part. But there were some with refined tastes. It was all a matter of figuring out their palette.

"Do you have a large pool of clientele, Miss Jhin? Or do you offer once-in-a-lifetime services?"

Her flawless smile remains even as the demon does not answer her question. Like a bear trap, the demon was now stuck in a trap, and the she-devil's sweet smile grew. There was no right answer here... Ignore her? Answer her? Dismiss her? All of them lead to the same inevitable outcome.

Heralded by the sweet song of a drawn-out 'Hmmmmm?' from her lips as she leaned forward to get closer to Talon, trying to get into their field of view despite being huddled up in this manner, paying more attention to the drink than their surroundings.

"Talon? Now ain't that a downright hoot, darlin'! You don't look like a bird a' prey to me! Chickens get their necks twisted and cut-up; they ain't huntin' nothin'!" Accompanying her words was mocking laughter as she slapped her leg with a girlish giggle, throwing her head to the side as she catches her braid with the fiery red manicured nails; shining like mirrors or gateways down into the depths.

Her interest dissipated somewhat as she looked to her braid, carefully moving her nails up along the entire length in search for anything out of place. But even her hair was flawless; perfect. Sickening to the Bartender who scoffed loudly and answered in her stead as he moved some bottles under the bar.

"Lil' Missy here figured she could help with yer affliction. Fact' she was so confident I made a bet with 'er." Gragas doubted it because he knew the truth regarding Talon's situation. But he wasn't going to tell, no matter what. So he pocketed some coin from the she-devil. Useless... it was merely a failed attempt, to try and trip her up.

He clearly failed at that, watching her hum to herself as she let go of her braid. Only her own mind was going to get her to leave this place, and it was a difficult mind to sway; let alone comprehend. "But even I can't make somethin' like you beautiful, darlin'."

With a sigh, she shifts her weight around and reaches for a nonexistent hat and tips it in their direction. "But you did give me a proper introduction, so let me return the gesture, darlin'! Jhin, prettiest cowgal this side of the conflict!" She smiled while she spoke; her 'peepers' lighting up with confidence. She was made to be beautiful, flawless, and she knew it.

[mercless]

🗡 happy new year! i was playing a kayn game when the clock ticked over for me

[mercless]

🗡 i want to make a huge post about all my thoughts on arcane as a whole but every single week a new things comes out from the writers or upper management or a finance report and other new context for behind the scenes. so i cant write the post because now i need to add that into perspective... i am NEVER making a full post huh

[mercless]

Dear Supporter,

I hope this message finds you and your family in good health. My name is Eman Zaqout from Gaza. I am reaching you out to seek your urgent help in spreading the word about our fundraiser. I lost both my home and my job due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and we are facing catastrophic living conditions. 💔

I kindly ask you to visit my campaign. Your support, whether through donating or sharing, will help us reach more people who can make a difference. Thank you for your continued support for the Palestinian cause. Your dedication brings us closer to freedom. 🙏🕊

Note: Verified by several people as 90-ghost and aces-and-angels. ☑

https://gofund.me/b141d50f 🔗

❤ !

[mercless]

The eys of Noxus are always watching,”

"And what remains hidden from sight should be feared."

[mercless]

"Hey, Tal." He hadn't so much called them up as ordered a pizza, but it turns out they're a lot harder to get a hold of than he'd anticipated. What good is his charm if they won't pick up the phone when he calls? They did give him the right number, right? ...

Anyways, now's not the time to get paranoid. From the inside pocket of his leather jacket, Ezreal pulls out a flat, rectangular package, wrapped with the kind of perfection that can only be bought at the gift-wrapping station at the mall, and addressed to Talon in a cursive that is decidedly not Ezreal's.

"Sorry if you already have it," Ezreal says, "but it's the newest, and you mentioned liking them, so..." Awkwardly, he hands the gift off before his ears can get any pinker. Beneath the glittering wrapping (Talon will never get all the glitter off their hands) as promised is the latest Assassin's Creed game, deluxe edition, with a code on the box promising more DLC to come.

There weren't many benefits from being mantled with the holiday shifts. But one of them was being away from the dark, empty, dreary apartment Talon called home, right? … Not when it was cold, and traffic was horrendous, and loud, and repetitive music played everywhere, and festive lights were blinking constantly.

The address doesn't register in their mind until they're staring at Ezreal's face, too worn out to even react to the nickname they hadn't given him permission to use. It's the change of routine that gives them pause. Fingers hiding from the cold reluctantly reach out to accept the sparkling box, and regret it immediately with the grating, terrible texture now in their hands. Feels like sandpaper. The professional wrapping reminds them of the boxes Marcus had ready for them every year. The wrapping choice does not. "You shouldn't have." Stated more as a fact than being humble, Talon decides to remove the glitter-paper then and there for multiple reasons. The glitter was getting under their nails even with the their strategy of going for the first available seam…

The plastic cover beneath the ripped wrapping is stared at for more than just a drawn out moment. They had accepted they were back to never having new things with their change of lifestyle. Released from its sparkling cocoon Talon inspects the games case further, letting their eyes scan the back and they wonder why Ezreal would give them something at all. They did nothing for the guy but bring him bad food and let him hang out near them. Sometimes. Was that really meaningful enough of a connection to him? When Talon looks back to Ezreal, there is a new softness to their scrutiny. The case is held close to their chest. "This should be good once it finishes installing… I suppose the pizza doesn't count as a gift in return."

"I have a new number." The gift of communication is landed on after a beat. Whether they had given him a fake one before, or had an asshole figured out their information, spamming calls and threats and questions related to the ongoing case, meaning they had to ditch their entire old phone, didn't matter.