#{she's becoming a staple fc}

[everythingne]

looking in a mirror - still waters (op81)

Oscar and Daisy meet again ahead of the season, alone, before they’re accompanied by their trainers, and find common ground in the calm before the storm.

(series masterlist) fcs: // archie madekwe (rhys) / ruby campbell (y/n / daisy)

oscar piastri x reader series

-

"I still can't believe he'd do that to me!" Sebastian's head perks up at your voice, followed by the slamming of his front door, the broken hinge he still needed to fix making slamming actually necessary for once. You had become a staple in the Vettel household in the past two weeks. Between breaking up with your long term boyfriend, starting your f1 career, and needing to move to Germany, it had been a lot.

And now he's staring down Mark Webber who calmly takes a sip of the coffee Hanna had made him with a tiny shrug. Sebastian hears you kick off your shoes, pause to greet Hanna in the foyer, and the three Vettel children who happily babble to you for long enough for your anger to dissipate as you make your way through the house to where you know Sebastian will be perched in the kitchen as per usual.

"She speaks like you during Red Bull." Mark hums into his coffee and Sebastian sends him a look that has the Australian holding up a hand in surrender with a soft laugh through the coffee in his mouth.

"Mark Webber?" You query in the doorway as the Australian snaps his head to you, giving a polite smile to your bewildered expression.

"What an honor to finally meet the second woman Sebastian doesn't shut up about," Mark reaches a hand out to gently shake the one you lift to him, Sebastian rolling his eyes.

"No no, honors all mine!" You smile, gently setting down the paper bag of groceries you'd been sent to get, "Sorry I'm a bit scatter brained at a moment, a lot has been happening."

"Ah, Oscar's the same--ow?!" Mark is cut off by Sebastian punching his shoulder, and your eyes narrowing at the man who had inadvertently raised you through sponsoring your karting since age nine.

"Daisy," Sebastian says in the voice that would make most people think you were in trouble as he crosses his arms and leans on the counter, "Mark's here for a meeting with me, about Porsche's strategy next year because... Porsche is making negotiations with McLaren."

You blink, "Oh..." You look at the obvious tension between the two retired drivers and slowly sink down into the seat you usually find yourself in, "...kay..."

"Sebastian, she's not five." Mark scowls, setting down his coffee, drawing your attention to how he's using one of the many mugs you'd bought Hanna, "Porsche and McLaren have made a deal to sort of... trade their drivers. They're trading Rhys for Oscar. You won't be racing on a team with your brother this season."

It doesn't take a keen eye to see the way your body tenses, hands tight around your phone as Sebastian realizes he should've asked if you were on a call. You hastily hang up with whoever you had been calling, setting your phone face down and leaning your elbows on the table. Hands tangled in your hair, messing up the time you had spent with the hot comb in the bathroom this morning.

When you let out a slow breath, Sebastian hates the way your voice strains as you ask, "Since when?"

"About..." Mark checks his watch, "Six hours ago? Oscar isn't even aware yet, I think he's still with his sisters for his Mom's birthday. Didn't wanna bother 'em."

"Why would Rhys do that?" You head snaps to Sebastian and he stammers, he detests the tears that line your eyes and threaten to fall. The tears that Mark takes that as his cue to go find something interesting in the hallway to stare at. He squeezes your forearm in reassurance as he passes behind you and out of the room, and as your head in buried in your hands you can hear the scratching squeal of a chair as it's pulled to your side. Sebastian settles his hand between your shoulder blades with a soft, soothing rub, watching as you cry, and try to force yourself to stop, just to cry again. It had been a tough few weeks, and he knows this isn't the easiest thing for you to hear.

"McLaren gave Rhys money Porsche didn't want to give him. Porsche gave Oscar money McLaren wasn't going to give him. It was an easy natural trade." Sebastian tries to simplify it. He doesn't want to get into how in the past two seasons, even though Oscar was performing amazingly for how young he was in the sport, McLaren was neglecting him in favor of Lando. And McLaren, unlike how they had done it with Danny, were good at making it all seem well. Oscar didn't complain, he was already quiet, and it took Mark intercepting and getting in a blow out argument with Zak for Oscar to even notice the blatant favoritism. McLaren wanted Rhys purely because Porsche wanted Oscar, and Rhys was enchanted by the money before he even thought about leaving you behind. But he doesn't bring that up. He can't bring it up even when he tries because the lump that forms in his throat is impossible to speak around.

He especially doesn't bring up how Mark was the one to ask about Oscar in Porsche, he doesn't want to damage anything before you'd even started.

"Rhys left me for money, then." You mumble into your hand, looking up through your lashes at Sebastian who just rubs your shoulder and pulls you to slot under his chin and between his arms like usual.

"He didn't want to leave you. I'm sure." Sebastian is sure that Rhys did. Rhys knew you were a better driver than him, had told Sebastian such during the argument before he'd signed off to McLaren, and he felt like he could get more of a spotlight in McLaren then under you. He holds you for a little bit longer, until Hanna comes in to sit with you, and he can slip off to the hall where Mark leans against the wall on his phone.

"Oscar's not taking it well either." Mark shoves his phone in Sebastian's face, showing the constant stream of confused messages from the now Porsche pilot, how he wasn't even aware the change was finalized.

"I think it will all flatten out once they meet." Sebastian tries to sound optimistic, but Mark's soft head tilt tells him that he just missed the head of the nail on that.

"We'll see." Mark hums, before lifting his phone to his ear and greeting Oscar on the other line.

--

Mannheim is gorgeous, at least you have that going for you. Porsche's new extension of the motorsports center is nicely furnished and you've been settled on one of the various soft chairs facing one of the large bay windows for a while now--soaking in the warm sun.

The footsteps behind you make you crack open your eyes and peer over your shoulder as Oscar slowly approaches, laughing to himself softly when he sees you looking.

"Thought you were sleeping." He says idly, sitting in a chair next to yours and you hum, stretching like a cat just woken from a nice sunbath nap.

"Wish I was, the sun feels amazing." You reply softly, glancing over at the Australian, eyes tracing the freckles that are now more prominent from his extended time in the sun. You and Oscar were never super close, just mutual friends through Logan, both of you sort of the introverted companions to your loud-mouthed American friend. Oscar doesn't say anything in response, just looks down and picks at the skin by his nails, so you continue.

"Bet the sun feels better in Australia."

"Feels worse," Oscar replies, "gives you a burn before you can even get sun tan on you, and burns your retinas before you can get sunnies on."

"But the glow I would have would be unstoppable." You chime, earning a soft chuckle.

"Yeah, probably. Your glow now isn't too bad though."

Back a few years ago, any compliment from Oscar would make you blush--and make Logan receive probably thirty spam texts of mush. You'd had a crush on the Aussie in your teens, between racing and hanging out with him and Logan, his charm was top notch. But, what you had failed to realize was that he was not interested in dating until Logan had to softly break the news to you.

You had successfully swallows your pride after a good two pints with Rhys and Logan in a back corner of some shitty Austin bar, and a pint or two of ice cream when you'd gotten home, and started dating your (now) ex-boyfriend, Andre Boucher, a week or so after that season had ended.

Six years ago.

You crossed one leg over the other, looking over at the man who'd been holding your heart for years, and found your mind made you rational. Luckily.

"Sorry for being a bit of a blow-in on your season with Porsche." Oscar says when he notices you've been trying to find words to say, ever observant as he pressed on, "I know you really wanted to have your maiden season be with Rhys, but he was like... off his head when they were telling him about all the money they'd give 'em. I felt bad but Mark kinda made the decision it would be best for both of us to swap. I just hope they treat him better than they were treatin' me."

You're quiet for a long while, trying to still the insult brewing in the back of your throat in defense of Rhys but honestly, you hadn't even spoke to Rhys about it yet. Letting out a soft sigh that turns into a whistle, you rub at the irritation headache forming across your temple.

"Feel free to tell me to piss off whenever." Oscar hums and you shake your head.

"It's not you. Trust me, it's not." You grumble, leaning forward, "Rhys has always been chasing the money and the limelight since we were kids. I know he loves his work here but sometimes I wonder how much is a love for racing and how much is a love for money--not to just... dump all of this on you."

"I know what you mean. Sometimes that money just gets to your head. Give Rhys time, I reckon he'll come back 'round." Oscar nods to you, then looks down at his watch to some text that pops up on the screen and he huffs.

"Mark pushed back the meeting two hours, wanna go get lunch? Apparently theres a really good ramen place just down the road. A lot of the interns have carry out from there." Oscar stands and you smile, standing up and slinging your bag over your shoulder.

"Sounds perfect to me."

-

oscarpiastri made a new post!

liked by a.boucher, rhyspearce, m.webber, and 359k others...

oscarpiastri: one week out from the season... woah. heres what mark and seb see vs what they dont (us eating out half the time instead of following the meal plans we have been told we NEED to follow)

tagged: msdaisypearce

sebvettel: im gonna kill both of you

⤷ msdaisypearce: seb no pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls !!!!!

m.webber: I honestly don't know what I expected from you two.

landonorris: we never had teammate dinners........ </3

⤷ oscarpiastri: stop being a little bitch in my comments

user1: stop they get lunch together let me CRY

user2: daiscar supporter since 2018 wheres my damn medal!!!

rhyspearce: gl not having her steal ur kitchen ever five minutes

⤷ oscarpiastri: unfortunately ur sister is too good of a cook to ignore

⤷ msdaisypearce: aweeeeeeee staph itttt

user3: daiscar nation RISEEE

logansargeant: get a room

⤷ oscarpiastri: L

user4: so like. are they dating.

⤷ user5: bro pls they've been on a team together for like two months and have been friends for YEARSSSS.

[vecnasrevengerp]

welcome home AKEEM BELL (lakeith stanfield fc)

hope you brought your tissues with you! be sure to check in at home or to your hotel and don’t forget to always look over your shoulder. this is hawkins, after all.

[LAKEITH STANFIELD, CISMALE, HE/HIM] When’s the last time anyone heard anything about [AKEEM BELL]? Old friends remember them as [RIDE-OR-DIE  and REAL ASF] but also [DENSE and ERRATIC], no wonder they’re still known as [THE SMOOTH CRIMINAL] around town. Today, in 2006, they are [36] and some people say they remind them of [joyrides down highway one, brotherhood over blood, never really knowing what’s going on, staying strapped and building stacks, getting high for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, refusing to take anything seriously]. [nikki, 25, she/her, ctz].

Life has a beginning, a middle, and an end. After that, it’s rebirth and repeat. Everything is cyclical, at least as much as Akeem can tell. Akeem’s life began the same way he figures it’ll end: a knock at Martin Bell’s door, him in a wooden box. He wasn’t so lucky at birth– his biological parents were addicts– but as far as he’s concerned, they made up for his shitty genetics and abandoning him by giving him to Martin. They hadn’t even bothered to name him first, so Martin did the honors: Akeem Ture Bell. 

Martin Bell, Jack Taylor, and Reggie Greene were giants in the Compton community. They came up there, they loved Compton, and they dedicated their lives to giving back. Martin through teaching, Jack through community work, and Reggie through his legacy. Compton in the 70s was overpoliced and underresourced, but it was home. In a lot of ways, Akeem feels like Compton itself birthed him, raised him, would one day kill him. It was clear at an early age that he wasn’t any good at school. Despite Martin’s best efforts, Akeem was too energetic, too easily distracted, and too mouthy to glean much from school. 

The first time Akeem remembers fighting in school was kindergarten orientation. The kid looked at him crazy for kicking his seat, what was he supposed to do but kick him in the shins? Martin was even on his side, defending him to the principal and the other parent! But his victory was short-lived. Once they crossed the threshold, Martin gave him what would become the first of many ‘you can’t act a fool in public because you’re not like the other kids’ talks. He did his best to make Martin happy, to make him proud, but it was like he didn’t have a choice sometimes– his body sprung into action before he could breathe, count to three, ask himself what MLK would do. 

He got kicked to the alternative school a handful of times in middle school– for fighting, for smoking pot in the bathroom, for selling outside the cafeteria. It was a social thing at first; In his predominately white school, Akeem hung around a group of older boys from his neighborhood. They smoked, so he smoked. Hell, he knew Martin and Jack smoked, too, so what was the big deal? And was it really that bad if he sold a dime bag or two for his friends? Akeem thought everybody was overreacting, and it was true that he had a target on his back already. Something about his father figure being a Panther didn’t sit right with the white teachers and administration. Go figure.

Martin’s plan to keep Akeem out of trouble was to get him a job. He wasn’t any good at food handling (too relaxed about the health code) and he was even worse at waiting tables (too mouthy), so he got his first official job working for Mr. Carlton at the corner store. Carlton was a neighborhood staple, the stereotypical Oldhead who’s been around forever and knows everybody’s mama. Well, except Akeem’s. Martin figured he’d be a good influence, somebody else to lecture at him. The first time somebody rolled through looking for a hit, Akeem was just trying to be helpful by connecting him with his boys. The second time, then the third, solidified his status as a go-between. Hell, it was more exciting than selling hot chips to eleven-year-olds.

Shit turned around for Akeem when Max Mayfield moved back to Compton. They knew each other as kids– weekends Max was with her Uncle Jack always meant Martin and Akeem weren’t too far away, and Akeem always liked her. She was different, kind of… intimidating in a way that excited him. When she came back with Jack in ‘86, though, Max was in a wheelchair and didn’t want anything to do with anybody. Including Akeem. But he was persistent, kept coming around, until finally she agreed to smoke with him. No exaggeration, that joint changed Akeem’s life. More than being attractive and funny, Max was wicked smart. She understood Akeem– usually more than he understood himself– and gave him the language to make sense of some shit he never could before.

Akeem’s attendance was at an all-time high when Max started coming to school, and his grades improved, too… because he cheated off of her, but still! It’s the thought that counts! It didn’t take long for Max to decide to shake shit up, and Akeem was happy to be her foot in the door. Akeem’s boys agreed to let Max sell for them on a trial basis on Akeem’s recommendation, but by the end of the first week? Max Mayfield was all but a household name. Max’s trick was infiltrating the white community, upcharging the stupid suburban kids and splitting the difference. Once they started, they couldn’t stop– Akeem and Max graduated from weed to shrooms to coke, the occasional armed robbery when the mood struck. 

They got picked up a few times; they weren’t dumb enough to get got for anything serious, but a few nights in jail, a few more stints at the alternative school. But it didn’t matter that it was low-stakes shit to Martin and Jack. Shit, it didn’t even matter that they had some of the same stuff on their records– they were united in their no-tolerance front. Akeem was terrified of Jack, and was the unwilling recipient of several ‘stay-away-from-my-niece’ talks, but more than he was afraid, he was sure that Max was someone he needed in his life. Besides, it’s not like anybody could make that decision for her, and if she wanted to keep hanging around with Akeem, then she would. That was that. When Akeem was seventeen, he got picked up for aggravated assault (he didn’t start it, for the record), and Martin had enough. Akeem didn’t seem like he wanted to change, so Martin kicked him out.

It’s not like Jack’s place was an option, and Carlton was still pissed that Akeem had brought drugs through his shop, so Akeem shacked up with his boys. In the span of two months, he’d officially dropped out of school and started selling full-time. It was more money in that business than Martin’s teaching or Jack’s construction work, anyway, so Akeem pretty much figured that the ‘graduate from school, go to college or trade school’ line was bullshit. He decided this was his life now, he’d be a gangbanger like his friends until he was old enough to ship off to the army, or something. Akeem’s bubble was quickly burst when he learned that his rap sheet made him an unattractive candidate for good ole Uncle Sam. That, and Max gave him a long-winded lecture on why the army is predatory and it’s just an extension of the police and he’d be going into other countries killing people like them.

So, drugs and guns it was. After a while, Martin got over it. He never liked it, but he accepted it, tried to create new ground rules for Akeem to live an ethical, safe life of crime. Akeem didn’t follow them, but if it made Martin feel better to lecture about it, then so be it. What really brought them back together, though, were the LA riots– Rodney King. Not even a month before, Akeem and Max’s good friend, essentially their older brother, was killed in a police raid. The community was angry and grieving, and Rodney King was the final straw. Weirdly, the riots are one of Akeem’s favorite memories to this day– because it was him and Max and Martin and Jack, completely opposite sides of the community, joining arms to fight together. It was good to remember what really matters, instead of petty fights about whether it’s better to be an activist or a drug dealer, whether Akeem should finish school or not. None of that shit mattered.

Akeem’s second favorite memory was Max’s graduation from Stanford. They stayed in touch while she was in college, and Akeem probably visited once every couple months to move some product on campus, but he never stopped talking about how his girl was at Stanford, and she was gonna be a lawyer. It didn’t matter that school had never been his thing, it mattered that she was a certifiable genius. Akeem will never forget sitting in that stuffy auditorium in between Martin and Jack with his airhorn; the ugly looks he got from all the white families around them. It didn’t even bother him that some white lady had called the security officer on them– he only cared that Max graduated from goddamn Stanford. 

He still likes to say that she went into law to help him out, and while that may not be the actual reason, help him she did. Even though he and his friends had money and connections, Akeem certainly needed Max to get him out of some significant scrapes– or to at least slash his jail time as much as possible. She always did right by him, and he’s sure that one day, 5-0 will stop trying to lock him up ‘cuz his lawyer will just get him out in a year. They haven’t stopped yet, but, any day now!

Akeem doesn’t take shit too serious, but honestly, he didn’t expect to live past twenty-five. Then thirty. Then thirty-five. He’s not particularly religious, but the fact that he’s still kickin’ it after the shit he’s gotten into feels divine, like there’s something he hasn’t done yet that he’s supposed to, so he’s on the lookout. (Maybe it’s his up-and-coming rap career-- look him up, recording name AK-47!!) 

He would’ve been happy to stay in Compton forever, with his brothers and sisters, at least until Max went AWOL. Her partner at the law firm, Cole Montgomery, took over her cases, and Akeem is staring down a court date for selling to minors soon (he didn’t know they were minors!). He doesn’t trust this guy, so he’s taken it upon himself to rescue Max from the clutches of the Midwest and return her to West Coast best coast.  

https://www.pinterest.com/godstruckkkk/ak47/

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qCMxRzqH9MUP5MAIb7bTK?si=6ff67ef7f6a542b6&pt=f241c6f1444366933d3b1aa0a8fa2b7d 

[juliaswickcrs]

oops another oc: zoe lance ↳ caged bird

Dinah Zoe Lance had a lot to live up to. Her mother and grandmother had both worn the mantle for years before it had been passed down to her, and it didn’t help that her father was still out there trying to save Star City every night. She thought she’d finally gotten out of their shadow when she’d joined the Titans.

The group had given her purpose, a way to use her mantle and power for good just like her mother and father had. But then it all goes wrong. The group disbands and Zoe is left aimless, friendless, and lost more than ever. 

So she travels. And travels. Until her life feels less empty, until the expectations that weighed her shoulders down disappeared long enough for her to forget about the blunders she’d caused. To forget about the life she left behind. 

And then that son of a bitch Dick Grayson feels the need to send her a text asking for her help. If it were anyone else, she would’ve said no, and she almost did, until he tells her one crucial piece of information. 

Dawn is in the hospital and Dick is reconsidering bringing the team back together.  

It’s the worst idea he’s had in ages, but Zoe’ll be damned if he pulls it off without her. They were a team after all, and teams didn’t leave each other out in the dust. Well, not anymore they didn’t. She’d make sure of that. 

taglist: @kazinejghafa @foxesandmagic @booty-boggins @iron-parkr @jewelswrites-ish @camiemendes @a-song-of-quill-and-feather

[captainkurosolaire]

I challenge you to pick five Tumblrs in your social circle and tell them something you admire about their blog!

Only 5? I could probably do 500. However, that's determined by what's considered my social circle. I'm often in my head being incredibly social continuously is really a challenge of mine. I'm always actively marching to something, my flame of passion when I have it, I can do some crazy stuff but it diminishes relatively quickly, so I try to cling. But I'll up your thing and list 25 of my fave people. Ask me this same thing in a Month, I'll keep doing 25, until I do all the people. How about that? (If anyone wants to be taken off mention let me know.)

@eligos-venator

- Has one of the most intelligent and sophisticated minds, I've had the pleasure to know. Literally admire all his aesthetics, work, head-cannons, ideas. It's only a benefit that the dude shares some OC characteristics to my own (Winning features). I really enjoyed the short-thread we did. It was incomplete, mainly because of my faults. I want to actually be better to give him a proper delivery and RP worth his time, but he's incredibly worth the investment of eyes.

@mischiefandmystics

- If there was a Mount Rushmoore of writers who kept me in this endeavor, encouraged me. Sun'ra is one of them. His characterization skills, writing, the delivery and how believable his character is, they're masterful acts.

@mishivymendi

- I wouldn't be nearly tamed or as creatively freed if it wasn't for this gem. She broke my shell, I really didn't at a time ever see myself being anything really beyond a smut writer, but Mishi not only saw potential in me, but brought it out. Her stories and world's she brings to life are so majestically colorful.

@asymphonyofash

- My go-to. He's another pillar individual who saw things in me past just the obvious perception, (Probably second longest XIV RPer I know.) Taught me a lot of the lore, I shot him up and he's sort of become my stapled rock. He's right aside Sun'ra met them about the same, both took me under their wing's as I quietly observed and absorbed.

@lavender-hemlock

- We're always up and front with each other, never feeling like I couldn't say anything around, extremely rare to share that these days. Her gif's are legendary, something on my own terms I want to soar in quality. The writing she does is astounding. Character has so many mysterious pages that are quite addictive to want to explore and learn them. (Encore 20 below-cut)

@under-the-blood-moonlight - Her sweetness and artwork and overall is just a friendly presence to be around. I cherish them so much. One I can jive with more darker undertones with. She's one the most hardworking and ambitiously creative people. I'd mail them infinite hugs if could. Thanks for being you! @roxinova - I owe a lot of credit to her. She's constantly OOC and everything was nudging me too be more inclusive to things and involved heavenly. It's rare for me. I'm really horrible about that my autism sets me back socially, I constantly will be drowned by the next day and be reverted back to better off alone, that's my major crux and weakness. But her thoughtfulness, these things, aren't ever foreign to me, I do pay attention probably better than any would ever give me credit. She's a beacon model to have as a friend. @corpse-dancer - Haven't ran into many words with them, but her character, screenshot game, expressiveness, they're all a marvel to constantly see, alongside her attitude and bringing life character. I do think if I were better, we would click quite splendidly. They've recently reminded and motivated me to pick-up my daily-practice, or try too. Keep being a rockstar. @fair-fae - Few who wouldn't know who she is in this community. She's been in my opinion a huge core. I'm certain she's inspired many who weren't even RPers too try it by seeing her at the Quicksands or elsewhere, a tyme ago. Making no exception, I was even one of those. I used to be in QS every-single day and was often doing my shameless stuff. Though her presence first did show me there's a lot more. I admire her in all fields. Also appreciate her adopting me to the FC and her always thinking of others and giving events, or her aesthetics and portrayal, its the epitome of swan elegance. @thorcat - One of my most treasured friends. Been RPing with them for a longtime. There's never anything complicated between us or a rift of drama, it's just let's go and have fun. We really mesh well, I've welcomed nearly ever character and got the privilege to RP with nearly all them. They always open up envelope and help me, settle on back and just laugh. Whether used to be waking up to their characters humping my afk one or use randomly having a hardcore banter between Ufah and Captain and capturing them as a voidal pet. Memories with them isn't something I'd ever want to lose. I love ya! Never stop enjoying life for anything. @lukawarrioroflight - I get in the gutter find myself lacking motivation or writing, discouraged even... But I never have felt, I could ever do any wrong with this person, they bring the light out of me. So no matter what, how many hospital-beds I yearly visit, it's because of this rare nature, that I come back, even if they're the only one's ever to read my stuff. I would do it for them alone. @scholarlybreadbun - I've only been back recently and they've so much warmth. Their presence is the sun of inviting. The couple and posing all the shipping that stuff makes me even melt. I'm not particularly talented in regards to posing couples, but I took notice of them along time ago and set on quietly improving. Really like them for them, wouldn't ever want them to change that. Ideally look forward to be in their orbit longer so I can bask in them. @seascrapes - Been mutual with them for a while. Their aesthetics and character is all S+ level. I appreciate throwing back tagged prompts with them, one of many people I really think would be enjoyable to collab with any other seafarers. The artwork and pieces of Tal Brook, are breathtaking as ever exceptionally too, not to mention. Love your stuff matey, you're a king. @mai-takeda - Is a myth. Her absolutely sheer friendliness and her attitude, are so positive influencing, I was so thrilled to be welcomed with her and boosted by them early on. I couldn't see myself, wanting to exist where they didn't have happiness like the same she always delivers by just doing so many soft-things. Not to mention her writing... She's a whole world to throw yourself gazes

under. @zhauric - It doesn't go far either without the same breath of Mai, I could say about Zhauric. He's someone worthy to look-up and also recognize they're passionate and inviting, hoisting up literally everything. Could easily find any of their characters comrades with my own, or jiving alongside. Not to mention last XIVWrite, they slaughtered it. So enjoyable to read them all. I like how organized their blog is too, motivated me recently to redux my entire thing. @cadrenebula - They have so many diverse characters and their entire roster is vibrant and is imbued with a massive flux of life. They are able to encapsulate so many character's voices and portray them so effectively too, I really admire that greatly. They've made me think bigger and try myself recently at actually undertaking a huge roster of characters too. I've taken many breaks, but I always am so graciously returned often with them close-by and that's so incredibly sacred. I've seen a lot of people get discouraged or quit, leave, departure, etc. But they always seem to have a bigger house then they had last I took a break and I enjoy peaking in. @silvernsteel - Her artist and gif-work are awe-aspiring, there's little unrecognizable by her photo-sets and edits. They helped me even tip-toe into uncharted with giving me the recipes to try incorporating gifs into my arsenal. Plus so delightfully pleasant to actually talk with and just chill. I want nothing less in life, than the beauty they give, to be returned to them for eternity in all their glorious air. If ever needed anything of me, they've got me. @spotofmummery - We talk about passion or friendliness or overall a person to even remotely try to be, I got to include them. Their web-series and writing, screen-work, everything they do is fantastic. And that's furthered back nearly any I've met showcase or immortalize how just genuine of stellar person they are. I wish them always the energy to create and sparks. @snow-covered-moon - They've never been anything less but absolutely a diamond to know. I enjoy their character, their almost always abundant of energy that's very rub inducing. Their WoL character stories, writing, screen-shots, everyday they open up a new pandora box of joy, there's no mistaken love behind their character and that's infectiously easy to also enjoy something when the author does too. Always healthy to be around, I never feel short of vitality when they're close-by. @letheofthelost - Always cheerful or least encapsulates with me, they're a carnival ride. Just pure epic story-telling and engaging equally as passionate, constantly writing characters, not looking for anything outside of RP or anything really just being their selves, they fade all others. I love their presence, them as a person. Enjoy any character they'll ever come and throw under me, or a change of pace. Always feels easily understandable between one another. @crow-iv - Together we're an unfiltered, unstoppable wake of pure passionate writers and art. But I would say they're far ahead of me, in every regard. Already able to portray multiple characters in a scene and do such in-depth thinking, alongside even sketch or draw right afterwards or a scene. They're so talented, huge reason I set-out on giving them a Crew of cast and actual stories to-tell when I'm actually caught up and if they interested and we both have the room, I really think if further myself, I can be better and supply more for them to draw and I want to see them soar. I want to give them all my improvements and effectiveness. @trishelle - They've such a reinforcing personality and aura around them that easily bolsters anything that dares thinking they're about to be depleted so energizing. Aesthetics, characters, all them are so lively that further compliment their own mun's great welcoming presence. Worth hundreds of smiles and stars, keep high. Wish I had more time to dedicate to learning you! But I do notice and appreciate you. @fracturedfantasia - One of my people, I like to retreat and just talk my full

head-cannons with or learn, share insightful and inquisitive thoughts about philosophies and multi-culture things. Or plotting and in-general, they're a well of information and brimming ideas, they are every making of what makes a quality friend. When you can generally be open-about-all that's a real one right there. Their characters and tarot readings, I always would implore if they're offering. Thanks for giving me any-time. You're truly a treasure. @violet-warder - Never have even came to words with them yet unfortunately but didn't mean as a mutual, I haven't admired all their screenies, writing, or the aesthetics they bring of their character. Glamours is real end-game, I like all what you've done and put together. I care strictly about what represent and give, I don't want to see them ever think anyone want's them gone, they are abundantly so talented and possess things only they can deliver. I think recently came back too, and I'm glad to share, hopefully, overtime I can build you better up. Or eventually even talk, but I'm certain you are a busy-body person too, so we're relatable. @layla-grey - I have a lot of underline issues that set me back as a flawed person, but I've never not been anything but someone who's open, it's why I always do include my f-list in anything or etc. I'm not here to present this facade, and really don't care to be an image crafted by another. No one as of recently or now, am I close with as an RP partner or friend with then this stunning masterpiece. I never let-up on story-telling or anything so I can eventually use my Crew or other Characters, to give them anytime a master entertaining day, they push me to not be short-changed. IC and OOC I would devote my full attention too cause they've never shed from me. Didn't ever matter how much silence or anything, they're always around. And don't expect anything out of me or pressure. Just accept me and I equally share that sentiment, I want you to have everything in this world has to offer. ----- This is just a fraction of people, I've paid attention, noticed or know. I've been around in this Community for many years. There's a lot of things I could say about it, more probably then anyone else. But what matters to me, is recognizing the people who are here, that work hard, build others up, support, constantly are a beam. I don't need to interact with everyone, to know when someone is generally out for good. Or they're out for bad I've learned inquisitiveness longtime ago, I had to survive and remain afloat. I just go out and be me, and along the way, I get to find people like these, who help bring out the best me. I am nothing without these people, creators, writers, artist. I'm a terrible friend, horrible person, I don't have the energy to interact NEARLY with as much as I'd like with you all, If I could clone myself, or if things were different, I would drop it all to be in your orbits more if could. But, do know I appreciate you. And even if you ever do depart from this whole community or anything, know that anything you share, or give, that stuff does matter, somewhere, someone was aspired, if nothing else, by me. ONLY you can give the worlds you see and I am thankful. Do love yourself.

[providencepeakrp]

JEREMY LINCOLN

age: 33.

gender & pronouns: cis male & he/him.

neighborhood: bighorn hills.

occupation: owner of holy spirits.

fc: jesse lee soffer.

BIOGRAPHY

trigger warnings: heart disease, death, and fire.

For Jeremy Lincoln he’d found that life was equally simple as it was complicated. He grew up the oldest of four children in a blue collar household. Something that he’s very proud of to this day, something that comes from beyond honoring his father and the legacy he left behind. It may have been the only way of life he really knew but in his heart and soul Jeremy also knew that he needed nothing more. His father, Harrison, or Harry for short, was a second generation bootlegger and had both used that to support and supply a business that was a seed his wife, and Jeremy’s mother, had planted in his ear. To take over his grandfather’s speakeasy, High Spirits. The goal had been more so for the purpose of longevity, to keep her husband safe and their family in tact and whole. Bootlegging was a dangerous business with unpredictable connections and fierce competition. She had also wanted to keep Harry home more as the often long excursions out for a haul were brutal to a family, mostly to a woman taking care of four children close in age.

As soon as he could walk Jeremy was practically climbing on his father’s truck, clearly the spitting image of his old man and destined to be following in his footsteps one day. Jeremy was the oldest, then there were two sisters in the middle, and a baby brother rounded out the family in full. It was just that none of them were quite built like he was. Jeremy was always a bit taller and stronger, rangy and sinewy; resilient. He learned to mash and the distill process with his father before he’d move on from elementary school, only slowing down when he started playing school and community sports like baseball. By this time he hadn’t been missing too much, Harry was hardly out the private distillery anymore. His dad’s longtime family friend, Chadwick, had been supplying Jeremy’s grandfather’s speakeasy for some time and it was an arrangement that continued when it was time for Harry to take over High Spirits. He couldn’t help himself and still went out to moonshine when he could get away with it but ownership changed hands and the family transitioned into the bustle of running an establishment that had become a staple in Providence Peak.

What Jeremy had understood from life was that it was hard work. He grew up helping his mother with his younger siblings, moonshining with his dad, juggling school and sports, and then helping out at the speakeasy most evenings. Somehow, none of that stopped Jeremy from being a teenager ripping around town with experimental alcohol in his veins with his friends and teammates. In fact, as mannered as he could be he also had a reputation for being a rowdy teenager. Some part of him was rebelling from the structure and boundaries, from the non-stop working schedule, and an intense need for freedom and independence. That was obtained upon graduation from high school and entry into college. It put a little distance between himself and his family and the discipline that entailed and his first couple of years at university were wild. Too many nights out partying and getting into trouble, worrying his parents with coming up with bail money, and inking tattoos on his body. He had a baseball scholarship, couldn’t care less about academics, and began thinking if he could be good enough to go pro then his family would never have to worry about money ever again.

Sometimes dreams and hopes go up in smoke and that’s exactly what happened to Jeremy when his father met an untimely death. Harrison had had an accident when out moonshining, getting caught up in a bad fire that destroyed his distillery and left him out of a way to call for help. Colorado fire search and rescue performed search after search but Jeremy’s father’s body was never found. It devastated the family, perhaps even the close-knit community. Jeremy never noticed that, too focused on his and his family’s grief and worrying about staying afloat. On the verge of graduating and MLB knocking on his door, he dropped out of university and went home to take over the speakeasy. The family pulled together to run High Spirits, ownership was transferred to Jeremy per his father’s will request and he’s been working the establishment since.

It could be said that a couple of years following his father’s death that his mother died of a broken heart, but the clinical and official ruling for cause of death was heart disease. Following his mother’s death Jeremy uncovered some family history when it came to cleaning out his parents home for sale. It was discovered that Jeremy’s grandfather had moved from Chicago to the Providence Peak area during prohibition, the man worked at the Catholic Church above and built a special bar below where he sold his own recipes. It was the old fashioned start to a slightly morphed business of a bygone era. Feeling more alone than ever, doing his best to keep the ledger of the speakeasy in green and footing the bill of his siblings everything became distant. Eventually it was too late, he’d been gone from the sport too long and his fate was sealed to follow almost exactly in his old man’s footsteps. So, he raised his younger siblings, helped them get into university, and somewhere found a few extra bits of cash to buy a fishing boat. Whatever free time he finds himself with he tinkers away on it, fixing it up and taking it out on short trips. At 33 he finds himself feeling old and weathered but content in that this was the way life was supposed to be.

written by: christie.

[nikosokolov]

quick facts.

Name: Nikolai Sokolov. Age/DoB: 37 / March 9th. Occupation: Mechanic & Bartender. Sexuality: Heteromantic Heterosexual. Nationality: Russian-American. Languages Spoken: English. Hair Color: Dirty Blond (Garbage Blond). Eye Color: Light Blue. Height: 6′5″. Build: Athletic - lean muscle.

triggers for death, car accident, chronic injury / pain, terminal illness.

biography.

 Some people are made cruel by the machinations of their lives - instances that happen that turn a formally kind and compassionate individual into something hardened and thoroughly frigid. Niko Sokolov is not one of those people - he was just born an asshole.

Raised by a strict father (who some might allude to being overbearing, but Niko never quite saw it that way) and a loving mother, there were many pressures settled onto the shoulders of the only Sokolov child. Allusions to some great future in store for him where grades mattered and participation in extracurricular activities meant a padded resume for college applications in the future. He was always kept busy, always behaved when it mattered, but never with his peers. Perhaps it was genetic, or just a bad attitude in general that lead Niko down the road he walked, but his position in life was that of the antagonist, of devil’s advocate. Never a bully in the most dire of senses, Niko allowed sarcasm to drip from him even at an age where that sense of humor was advanced of him - maybe it was learned. Who knew. He was well-liked by his peers despite it (those he didn’t tease) and somehow managed to stay afloat even through the weight he faced at home.

When he was fourteen Niko was involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of his father. It was the first real excuse he had to change, to become something bitter ---even through the consistent pain that would plague him for the rest of his life. After multiple back surgeries and months recovering in the hospital, Niko was discharged and schooled from home for the remained of his freshman year of high school, where physical therapy became the most important staple of his life. Grief stuck to his mother life an invisible parasite, but she managed to carry on for her son, though Nikolai understood that even his physical state added more onto her fragile mental state. He pushed through his recovery, speeding through the process, for her. When he came back in his sophomore year he was almost an entirely different boy: colder, reactive rather than aggressive with his harsh words, which somehow managed to be even more cruel than they ever had been before (where perhaps before he was just teasing in a mean fashion, now they seemed sincere in their desire to injure).

Nikolai withdrew, isolated himself, and soldiered through the rest of high school. He was accepted into his first-choice college and briefly moved away from San Amore when he was 18 to dorm, the dream and desire to become a surgeon the ultimate goal. However 2 years into his schooling his mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness and quickly lost her battle. With no family left and no desire to carry forth, Niko dropped out of college, moved back home, and took care of the estate.

He’s been in San Amore ever since, a staple figure of general malice to anyone who presses the wrong buttons. For the first year home he lived off of his inheritance (or rather, what remained of his parents - and to date he still lives in his family home on Riverside View) before he began working at Cupid’s Chokehold at 21, first as a busboy and later as a bartender. You can still find him there most nights, serving drinks and refusing to play that titular Gym Class Heroes song the bar shares a name with. At 25 he began trade school and became a mechanic, finding employment at a local autoshop once he completed the program.

And so it goes that Nikolai Sokolov, San Amore’s greatest underachiever, still exists within the town - almost haunting it with his sarcasm and dry humor (if you can guess whether or not he’s serious). Everyone knows that you can get a discounted drink on the right nights when he’s working, if the mood suits him, but you don’t ask for it. He’ll just give it, maybe, unless it’s cold and he’s bitter because of his old car accident injury flaring up once again. The life and death of the man with no dream.

tidbits.

---Has 3 cars at all times, though they rotate: an every-day car, a flashier car, and a tuning car.

---Still occasionally attends physical therapy when his injury flares up. He’s notably pissier when this happens, for any number of reasons.

---Major fan of horror flicks. Has a decent collection of everything in the genre, and regularly consumes horror media to scratch the itch.

---No pets, and never had a desire to have children. He’s a non-traditional kind of person: if he did get a pet, it’d likely be a snake or a lizard of some kind.

---Had one somewhat serious relationship in his life, which lasted a little over a year. Otherwise he’s been known to go on short dating spurts, or simply participate in one-night stands.

connections.

---( ARMIE HAMMER ) NIKOLAI SOKOLOV is searching for AN EX GIRLFRIEND (THIS IS NOT GOING TO END ROMANTICALLY) with the following suggestions of ANY FEMALE FC 30-35. You DO have to contact the player prior.

---( ARMIE HAMMER ) NIKOLAI SOKOLOV is searching for COWORKERS AT CUPID’S CHOKEHOLD with the following suggestions of ANY FC. You DO NOT have to contact the player prior. 

*I am always, 100% open to discussing more connections for Niko. He’s been a resident of San Amore for thirty five years, and I am sure we can otherwise work out any form of connection you might have in mind!

[amymarchz]

THE DOLOHOV FAMILY

power and avarice seeps through every pore, every atom of their being. to be a dolohov is to be respected, feared - to be a dolohov is to be a god amongst men. originally hailing from russia, the dolohovs are an influential family who found power through hard graft and cunning. at the turn of the century, they were little more than an ordinary working class family, trying to make a living in the hulking city of tsaritsyn (now known as volgograd in 1985). but it was through the violence and turmoil of the russian revolution that the dolohovs were able to climb their way up the social ladder. igor dolohov is the current patriarch of the dolohov clan. now retired as the diplomat for the soviet ministry in the u.k. igor was an important figure in both the british and soviet ministries. widowed from a young age after his first wife's death through the birth of his first son, igor made the unusual choice of marrying a british witch upon relocating to the u.k. for his job. while some in the soviet ministry saw this as a betrayal, igor made the pragmatism of his decision clear - what better way to build ties and influence within the british ministry than through blood? as such, the dolohov's have become a staple of british pureblood society, yet the unease of their duel identities lies heavy within igor's younger children. will they remain loyal to their father's ambitions or will they rebel? this request is based heavily upon the greek mythology of the olympians. each of the siblings are based upon greek gods, but how you take this inspiration to shape their characters is up to you! if you have any questions, message me on discord @amy march #5286

HADES

(taken by amy) the eldest of the dolohov siblings and the rightful heir, antonin is the only child to have been born in their forebears mother russia. antonin is technically a half brother to the rest of the dolohov siblings, his mother having died giving birth to him. as such, antonin has a somewhat strained relationship with his father and his step-mother. antonin was the only one of his siblings to have been educated at durmstrang, so he has always been something of an outsider. and his choice of career has only added to the family tensions - owning the knockturn alley strip club, vyriy, isn't what igor had in mind for his firstborn son, hence antonin's quiet removal from the position of heir.

ZEUS

the favoured son and current heir of the dolohov family, ZEUS is the golden boy. though not without his faults, ZEUS can do no wrong in his mother and father's eyes. he is charming and working in a high powered position, possibly in politics or law enforcement. his relationship with antonin is bordering on antagonistic - he carries a lot of frustration regarding his older brother's hedonistic lifestyle and the way it impacts the family name. educated at hogwarts. suggested fc: jon bernthal

POSEIDON

(reserved for ellis) the hot-head of the family. POSEIDON has a strong middle-child syndrome at work, but he has found himself a purpose within the auror office. gruff and at times surly, it came as a surprise to all of his siblings that he was the first of them to marry and settle down. while he is somewhat indifferent to antonin's less than respectable activities, he is always on hand to back up his brother ZEUS when it comes to family decisions. educated at hogwarts. suggested fc: joel kinnaman

HERA

often seen as the proudest and most emotionally distant of the dolohov siblings, HERA has never been one to suffer fools. she is, ironically, the most like their father in her ambitious nature - she is a cut throat career woman who has forged her way in the british ministry. she views antonin with contempt and has little time for her other brothers - she much prefers the company of women. educated at hogwarts. suggested fc: eva green

DEMETER

a passionate woman at heart, DEMETER has often been the devil's advocate within her family. having long since had a fascination with plants and flora, she is a well respected herbologist - perhaps even with a few well received books under her belt. particularly close with her youngest sibling, CHIRON, she is the sister her siblings often go to for advice. educated at hogwarts. suggested fc: natalie portman

HESTIA

the shy and retiring sister, HESTIA has always wanted the quiet life. while she was happy to be the demure pureblood wife, her subsequent marriage has proven to be something of a disappointment. HESTIA is beginning to yearn for a different life, but will she have the courage to brave a world she was never prepared for or wanted? educated at hogwarts. suggested fc: emmy rossum

CHIRON

the son igor often tries to forget about - CHIRON has found themself to be the second pariah within their tempestuous family. CHIRON has never wanted to fit into a mould, and since graduating from hogwarts and pursuing their career as a healer, they have begun to explore their sexuality and gender identity. this journey may well bring them back to their eldest brother, and perhaps these two lost souls can find solace in their difference. suggested fc: ezra miller

[devilsknotrp]

Congratulations, Marie! You have been accepted for the role of Julie West (FC: Elle Fanning). This was such an unbelievably hard decision. Both applications for Julie were amazing, and each one touched on different aspects of her as a character. Unfortunately we could only choose one. Marie, I absolutely adore how you’ve portrayed our sweet little sociopath, from her religious near-masochism to her penchant for fragile and meek things. She will be a joy to have on the dash. Please have a look at this page prior to sending in your account.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Name: Marie Age: 22 Pronouns: She/her/hers Timezone: GMT+1 (summertime) Activity estimation: Fairly active. I can be online most of the day even if I’m not always writing. My roleplaying is usually really writing heavy so it’s obviously impossible for me to churn out 3+ replies every day but it’s not impossible, depending on my muse + real life commitments, which I have a few, but I believe communication is key so I’ll always let the admins and the group know. Your current activity requirements is perfect to me. Triggers: REDACTED

IN CHARACTER

Full name: Julie Middle West Age (DD/MM/YYY): Eighteen (b. 07/09/1978) Gender: Cisgender female Pronouns: She/her/hers Sexuality: Undefined. It’s not something Julie has quite explored and labels aren’t something she’s familiar with. Her family was never one to discuss sexuality any more than they had to (like the very awkward ‘sex’ talk they had on Julie’s sixteenth birthday) so her knowledge is fairly limited. I feel like it’s very likely she’s aromantic: whatever she feels isn’t love, even if she doesn’t know it. The same could apply to sexuality but she does find both boys and girls attractive… or, as attractive as someone can be. Occupation: High school student, babysitter & active member of the community. Connection to Victim: Julie likes to be friendly and when the Goode family moved to town, she was one of the first people to bake some cookies (slightly undercooked, with too much sugar and a taste no one is quite sure what it was) and welcome them to Devil’s Knot. Brian was the one to open the door, all polite smiles and thank yous. She wanted to pinch his little cheeks. She has a special fondness for meek, fragile little things. Brian was exactly that. She also volunteered to babysit. Alibi: “I was at church.” Julie had the capacity to mold herself into whatever anyone wanted her to be. Devil’s Knot is a small town and everyone knows each other, she knows the officer asking this question is doing it merely because he needs to. Surely he doesn’t think Julie West had anything to do with it. Her voice is sickening sweet and she wets her lips a bit more, hiding the chapness that constantly plagues her, before continuing. “I was helping my uncle setting things up for the gathering that was supposed to take place before. well…” she lowered her voice in a conspiratorial tone, as if what she was about to say was a secret “...the tragedy.” She shook her head as if to say “terrible thing” “poor child”. Then, she turned her eyes to the officer and while her lips didn’t move, there was something about her demeanour that felt like a smile, peaceful and concrete. I’m sure they believed her. Faceclaim: Elle Fanning

WRITING SAMPLE

Interlude: one day after Brian Goode’s disappearance.

This has become a ritual: clothes splayed on her bed, Julie is not one to lose too much time figuring out what to wear; it’s a no-brainer, the same variations of the same clothes always on hand but if there’s one thing her mother cherishes is her daughter and how thoroughly wrong she is about her: ‘my little doll’, ‘peach’, ‘darling’, ‘dearest’, all words so sweet with affection they almost make Julie cringe but that alone proves too much for her complexion.

It is Summer and outside the sun shines hot, an unrelenting heat shuning away any possible breeze. It is at such moments the name of the town makes more sense: this is Hell, this is Devil’s Knot. Julie giggles to herself without making a sound, congratulating herself on her good humour. Her mother stands behind her, unknotting her hair from the turbulence of her afternoon, twisting and pulling away any imperfections from her daughter’s mane. “You should wear the white one.” Of course, it’s always the white one, pointless to ever bring out any of the other possibilities out of the closet, but Julie likes to give her the illusion of choice. She knows what’s coming next, too: one of her mother’s tear-eyed monologue, the one time of the week she allows herself to wallow, the one time she contemplates the possibility that maybe her daughter isn’t as darling as she likes to think she is. “Your father and I often found you in the most inconspicuous places, you were always scaring us.” There it is, Julie thinks, her demeanour unchanged. “We never knew where you were, outside in the garden or roaming around the house, alone, always alone, the other kids begging you to play with them but you weren’t interested,” she continues to comb her hair, relinquishing the comb for her fingers, hacking at the knots as if they were patches of wilderness. “One day, we couldn’t find you for hours. We called you and you just wouldn’t answer, wouldn’t appear out of whatever spot you were hiding. We were so worried.” Mother’s voice starts to crack a bit, a pause to clear her throat and hold back the tears. “When you finally appeared, out of the woods, I didn’t recognize you at first. You looked so…” she didn’t finish, unable to find the proper words, perhaps too scared to say them aloud. “In your hands, there was a little bird and you smiled so wide when you saw us, despite the frown in our faces and your father’s quick-temper, already yelling at you. The bird was cupped in your hand, like a cage around it, so protective you were. Such a good girl,” she cut off mid sentence to add that last bit, the fingers that were until then combing the hair slowly stopping midway through, blonde locks tangled around them. “And then the bird started to beat its wings and the chirping, it was so loud, but still you wouldn’t let go. We tried to take it away from you but you held your ground, and the bird wouldn’t stop… until it did.” Mother wouldn’t utter the obvious, didn’t dare ask Do you remember? “Then you said, with a seriously injured voice, as if the bird had hurt you. The bird. I loved it. You always had a way about it, with love. It is suffocating.” 

She stayed in silence, still not facing her daughter, letting the story soak into the walls. Her bony hands finally let go of the hair and she took a step back, face twisting into her normal self. “Yes, the white… wear the white one.”

----

There was something in the hair, besides the excruciating heat. It was the weight of possible loss, the murmurs that became louder and louder and the gossip that started to gather around the church, little groups of people whispering in a false modesty, their practioned mournful looks of pity in their faces. Secretly, they were enjoying it. You could hear it in their voices, how despite the awful things they were saying, there was a kind of joy, electric and pulsing, to their voices. ‘What a tragedy, poor mother.’ ‘Poor boy, all alone out there, god knows where.’ ‘Who would want to do this to a child?’ ‘It’s just like twelve years ago…’ Of course, the story was still about a missing boy but already everyone was predicting the worse, the image of Phillip’s Silverman’s body hanging from a tree conjuring in their mind’s eye. Already, only a day after the boy’s disappearance, less pleasant voices started to rise.  ‘If you ask me, how come she didn’t notice her son being taken? She was right there’ ‘A single mother, with all these kids, what was she thinking?’ ‘That’s what you get for not having a man in the house’. Nevermind that twelve years ago it was the man of the house that went missing, and killed.

As Julie approaches the church, her beautiful white hair matching the prestiness of her dress, a tray of wrapped up heart-shaped cookies in her hand, the murmurs suddenly subside, everyone becoming silent for a moment before they see it is her arriving, and not the mother of the boy. “Good afternoon,” she says in the voice she has reserved especially for the church people, for the grown ups. They all smile wide, a little less fake than before and answer her in a chorus, like they’re one entity. Hello, Julie.

She goes inside. The church is mostly empty save for the widows dressed in black that practically live there. She walks to the altar, facing the sign of the cross with a defiant look, her heart beating slightly faster. She’s a holy thing, all white purity and her hands are clean, veins see-through and clear, but behind her eyes there’s something that makes everyone else avert their gaze. While the men are out in the woods looking for Brian, the woman gather in here, asking for help from above. Julie places the tray down on the table, set with a few other plates already. 

She’s been coming to this church since she was a little girl: she grew up under His watchful eye, looking down on her bruised knees from so much praying. When she arrives at the altar she makes the sign of the cross and murmurs something under her breath, presumedly ‘amen’ but it’s impossible to be sure. She goes down on her knees and claps her hands in front of her, blue eyes and swollen lips looking to the sky. Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. She thinks in her head. The hard wood makes her uncomfortable, but she thinks that’s part of what the church is, what religion feels like: uncomfortable, unsettling. She pushes herself harder into it, hoping it leaves a bruise on her knees.

ANYTHING ELSE?

The Wests are a staple of tradition… and boredom. They live in a house by the side of the road with a white picket fence, Mrs. West spends her days at the nail salon catching up on the latest and Mr. West is a generic white middle-aged man who wants to please his ageing house wife. They go to church every sunday and buy everything at the local mall. Julie’s education belonged solely to her mother, who dreamed of her babydoll daughter since she was sixteen. She raised Julie to be feminine: to tidy up the house, to learn how to cook. That last one proved to be one of Julie’s favourite things. She likes to do something from scratch, and the notion that she could put anything in there and no one would know is thrilling. “Oh honey, what is that? Tastes like lemon!”

Mrs. West also paid someone to teach Julie piano lessons. No one in Devil’s Knot knew how to do it so they went to the nearest city every Saturday. Eventually, Julie grew bored of it and, especially, of the teacher, a 20-something year old plump woman who treated her as if she was a child. Of course, the woman couldn’t have known that a mere couple of lessons would be enough for Julie to understand everything she was trying to teach her.

Julie’s performance at school is average. She doesn’t display too much interest in anything, fades into the background with her barely-passing-by grades at the end of the school. It’s not because she doesn’t have the brains: indeed, Julie’s IQ is way above average, bordering on genius, she just doesn’t like to stand out… in any way.

She is the neighbourhood’s resident babysitter ever since she was old enough to take care of herself and someone else. Julie loves children and she will tell you so… and if you ever hear your child crying from the other room while Julie is in there, not to worry… I’m sure she’s taking good care of him.

Her reputation as a responsible and trustworthy teenager is a reputation that means a lot more to her than any level of popularity that she could have longed for at school. Julie is not interested in the social hierarchy of such a meaningless place, laughs behinds the backs of every popular kid and feels a deep satisfaction whenever she remembers how she turned down the direct invitation from the cheerleading squad to join them.

Julie’s family is a very religious one. One of her earliest memories is going to the church, only three or four years old and dressed in pristine white (a ‘tradition’ her mother holds to this day). She never doubted there’s a bigger and stronger presence in the world, bigger than the town and the world but, as she grows older, she’s wondering if that’s Jesus or… someone else. She’s drawn to the old testament God, the ruthless entity who does not forget nor forgive. And, of course, ever since she’s old enough to understand, she’s drawn to… “the other side”. Not that she would ever say anything about it, not that she dared to investigate any further (yet). But there’s no denying the weight she feels in her chest, and how dark it is.

The woods is one of her favourite places in Devil’s Knot. Julie likes to be surrounded by the immensity of it, appreciates how someone can easily get lost and swallowed up by something so beautiful, seemingly harmless. She likes to wander about and there’s a special place by the creek that calms her; she likes to bathe there, feel the ice-cold water against her bare back.

Julie collects things: little things, meaningless things. Dried leaves, old books, dead bugs. She keeps them hidden in a box under the bed. It’s mostly things she finds in the woods… and some things she knows she probably shouldn’t have but the cops never came looking for...

Media inspiration:

Lizzie (2018)

Midsommar (2019)

Gone Girl (2014)

Neon Demon (2016)

Raw (2016)

Killing Eve (tv show)

Sharp Objects (tv show)

[tothewaterhq]

ACCEPTED // TOSCANA LUSHMEADOW

district 6 → stylist → hannah simone  fc

positive traits: Hardworking, Enthusiastic, Cognizant negative traits: Envious, Complicit, Narcissistic

What made your character decide to become a stylist? She’s the older sister of District Eight stylist Umbrielle Lushmeadow and has always been somewhat put-off by the easy success of her sister. In the grand scheme of things, it had been her goal to do styles for the stars and celebrities of the Capitol, not for the Hunger Games. She doesn’t even particularly like the Games. But her brand of designer apparel is beginning to fall obsolete in the Capitol, and she needs a way to stay relevant to the younger generation. And the younger generation likes the Hunger Games.

Describe their style. Cana loves to keep her styles sleek and clean, with edgy pops whenever there’s a chance as long as it’s tasteful. She can be seen out at events only ever wearing little black dresses and 6-inch heels, with her hair straightened flat as a board. This personal style extends to her clients. Many of the celebrities she styles for are the women who never eat anything, leave their enormous sunglasses on at all times, and have only red lipstick as a pop of color. As soon as she started styling for the districts, this concept carried on, though in different capacities. Always black, though more exciting than the heiresses preferred, and always sleek and modern.

biography:

The Lushmeadows were a staple on Capitol red carpets, being well-known among society and popular in tabloids, so the first time their eldest daughter Toscana emerged in front of the cameras was a hit. She was five, and she adored the spotlight.

And not too much later, she had to share that spotlight. It wasn’t that Cana didn’t like having a younger sister. She loved it, actually. Umbrielle was incredibly sweet and fun and the best company she could ask for. It was just that sharing was not a word that was easily added to Cana’s vocabulary. But despite her hesitation to let Umbri use her things and wear her clothes, she adored her little sister.

Cana was popular. She designed fashions for school talent shows and often wore her own creations around. Gifts to her friends were pieces that she created, which they always loved because they were one-of-a-kind. At age eighteen, she turned her sights northward, getting even further opportunities within the high life of the Capitol when her best friend Doria shot to stardom as the Next Big Singer of Panem. Doria got free, designer, one-of-a-kind Toscana outfits, and Cana got ins to all the biggest celebrities. She had made it without leaning on the fame of her parents, using her own skills and her own connections to make a name for herself.

For ten years, the Toscana brand was one of the most exclusive lines in fashion. Red carpets were dotted with the sleek, modern gowns emblematic of pieces with her touch. She made public appearances often, received numerous awards, thanked her friends and parents and little sister for their constant support. But there was a little itch in the back of her mind.

Out of what felt like nowhere, her sister’s blog, @umbrielle, exploded on the scene. Cana had thought it was a little pet project, something to keep her busy. A teenage hobby. Suddenly, she was being asked what it was like to have a second fashion guru in the family, how her sister was such a creative genius when it came to the Hunger Games. Had she heard that Umbri was now one of the youngest stylists ever assigned to the Games?

And, as trends tend to do, Toscana brands began to fall out of vogue. They were classics, of course. And they would never truly be out of fashion due to the timelessness of the designs, but words were starting to be thrown around. Inaccessible. Uppity. Elitist. As if the entirety of the god damn Capitol wasn’t elitist. Toscana was now a brand synonymous with rich divorcees with drinking problems. Not the youth.

At age 30, Cana realized she needed to make a severe change. Her target demographic couldn’t be twice her age if she was going to keep going as fast as she wanted. What would be hot, young, trendy? Something that would get her name back in the mouths of A-list celebrities and out of the mouths of their washed-up parents?

So how hard could styling for the Hunger Games be? Umbrielle was doing it, and she hadn’t been designing nearly as long as Cana had. It seemed to be beside the point that Cana didn’t really have a taste for the Games; they were so crude and difficult to watch. Cruel, even. But to voice those opinions would be a death sentence- even someone who had never associated with the government knew that. So despite knowing her complicity in what she knew to be morally wrong, Cana signed up to become the new District Six stylist for the 72nd Games.

In the following four years, Cana has enjoyed designing for the Games, though it hasn’t been as fulfilling as her previous job as a high-profile designer for the stars. She still maintains her separate business, but it continues to plateau despite her attempts to climb again. Each Games she gains a small bump in popularity, and it helps when her tributes make it further, since she has more opportunities for interviews and such. Toscana brands actually received a fairly large boost during the 75th Games, when Orla became a fan favorite, and has been doing well in the year since. Overall, though, Cana is a designer and a businesswoman, and dislikes the title of “Hunger Games Stylist”.

PLAYED BY // ANNA 

[nutsandlightningbolts]

♛ Mine maybe???

[ ♛ ] send me your url and i'll tell you the following;

my opinion on; @dracohime

character in general: I’m honestly tempted to talk about ALL your OC’s. But in the interests of keeping this from becoming an aburdly long post (and that’s by my obscene standards), I’ll keep it to good ol’ Minette. And what a character she is.You know that seeing your FC actually made me watch the first episode of the anime she’s from because she’s ridiculously cute? And yet, that faceclaim disguises a dragon’s wrath. I’ve always loved the... apparently its a trope now... the trope of a small, cute, girl controlling monstrous dragons and using them to great effect on their opponents (or foes). At the same time though, Minette has a soft side as well that plays to her cute appearance. I love the contrasting parts of her that seem to work so well in unison. Minette really does have a lot to offer. She knows the world of business, the world of pokemon, and she seems to have a wisdom about her that she bestows to those she cares about... even if it results in a light smack to the head or a kick to the shin after as a wake-up call.how they play them: There’s so much humour in how you play her, I love it! Snarky humour, deadpan humour, or outright physical humour! It always brings a smile to my face! At the same time, when she gets serious, you really know it. And she likes to drop truth bombs like they’re candy. And then there’s her cute side! Her adoration of dragons is a gift, and her friendships with people are absolutely adorable! Of course, I’m biased in this regard because of her  bond with Clemont! She really does have a good heart, and it balances everything else about her!the mun: RACHEL! Can you give me any insight into what your next OC will be? Just kidding, I’m so sorry! But really! All your OC’s are so wonderfully crafted. You write such great stories for each of them, making me invested in all their struggles, their hopes, their dreams, and making me want to be a small part of it with my own character! Each of your characters has such diverse sets of characteristics that sets them apart from the others. They never feel derivative, and they never feel stale. They’re all people. And that’s the mark of a great writer! Fresh characters, compelling stories, and the way of evoking and invoking such powerful emotions with all of them! And that’s just your latent talent! Beneath that, you’re a kind, intelligent, driven young woman, and your voice is incredible! I’m still in awe of it from the last voice meme you did! You’re a staple of this community, and I hope to see more of you, from Nora, from Rosie, from Celesta, from Minette, and from anyone else you manage to dream up!

do i;

follow them: Of course!rp with them:  Yup!want to rp with them: Always do!ship their character with mine: Mostly friendships with Clemont and all your lovely OCs, though I’m not opposed to Clemont crushing on Rosie. Whether she reciprocates is entirely a matter of chemistry!

what is my;

overall opinion: This blog, and all the other blogs that Rachel creates or has created, are all fantastic and if you’re interested in a great RPing experience, you should always look to one of her OCs! She’s talented, dedicated, kind, has a wicked sense of humour, and you’ll always find something unexpected happening on your dash if you’re following her.

As with my post regarding Devon Rainer, pair any of these OC’s, including Minette (maybe especially Minette if you’re looking for some fun physical humour) up with him for a good time! They’re a package deal! Like wine and cheese, or dragonfire and Devon. Am I allowed to use Devon in his own metaphor? I’m going to anyway, because why not.

**Note: Mun’s answer are all to be completely honest. Don’t send url if you don’t want brutal honesty.

[biggoonie]

Rapture #1 by Michael Avon Oeming

Variant cover by Alex Maleev

RAPTURE #1 (of 6)

Michael Avon Oeming (W/A/Cover), Taki Soma (W), Val Staples ©, and Alex Maleev (Cover)

On sale May 27 FC, 40 pages $2.99 Miniseries

After warring for a century, Earth’s greatest champions and villains suddenly disappear, leaving the planet devastated. Like a rapture, the Powers are gone and humanity is left behind to pick up the pieces. Amongst this wreckage, two lovers, Evelyn and Gil, find themselves separated by a continent and will do anything to find each other again. But when a strange being named “The Word” turns Evelyn into a champion with an angelic spear, she finds the force of her love for Gil clashing with her newfound power. Love and destiny collide in what will become the worst breakup—ever.

[eyesonworldcultures]

Do you speak corona? A guide to covid-19 slang Around the world, coronavirus is changing how we speak. Don’t be a “covidiot” - make sure your pandemic parlance is up to scratch.

Hamsteren 

1. To stuff one’s cheeks (verb)

2. Hoarding

Panic buying for beginners

Sign-language interpreters rarely get noticed, let alone upstage the person they're signing for. But during the early stages of the coronavirus epidemic in Europe, a Dutch signer went viral when she translated a government minister’s warning not to hoard food with a pinched nose and rodent-like clawing with her hands. She was signing the word “hamsteren”, which means stuffing food into your cheeks like a hamster, or, as it’s more commonly used, to hoard.

The Netherlands prides itself on frugality and household thrift. So until recently the verb mostly had jolly connotations: annual supermarket promotional events (“de hamsterweken”) rewarded star hamsters who were stocking up on supplies. Germans use a similar word, “Hamsterkauf”. Whereas the English word “hoarding” refers to something secretive, which happens when nobody is watching, “hamsteren” is clearly visible and speaks to the much-celebrated Dutch openness.

Openness has turned to shame as the outbreak advanced. In the Netherlands, as elsewhere, people have “hamstered” in supermarkets as they worried about disruptions to supply chains and being isolated indoors. “Hamsteren is not nice,” Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, said in a press conference; later he called it “retarded”. Shops are calling on people to stop the practice too, and social-media memes ridicule the hoarders. Albert Heijn, a supermarket chain that organises annual hamster weeks, called off the yearly promotion that was supposed to start in April. The Dutch had already filled their cheeks. Sacha Nauta Geisterspiel 1. ghost game (noun)   A football match needs more than 22 players   March 11th was an odd milestone for German football: it was the first ever Geisterspiel, or ghost game in the Bundesliga, German football's top-flight division. As coronavirus was spreading across the country, the city of Mönchengladbach in west Germany decreed that the match against FC Cologne, a Rhineland derby, would now take place without fans. Inside the deserted 54,000-seater stadium the announcer rattled through his usual script: team line-ups, league standings, and then, finally, spectator numbers: “Today, there are none.” The hosts won 2-1, but the victory felt hollow. "It is sport without a heart," wrote Die Zeit, a weekly.Geisterspiele have a long history in football. The word once referred to games so obscured by winter fog that players were reduced to spectres and the ball had to be imagined. The modern usage arose in the 1980s, when footballing authorities banned supporters of lower-league teams from attending specific matches as a punishment for hooliganism. This year, fans barely had time to get used to the coronavirus-induced Geisterspiele before the German football season, like most in Europe, was suddenly suspended.  With no end in sight to Germany's restrictions on mass gatherings Christian Seifert, head of the German Football League, says that Geisterspiele might be the only way to conclude the season. Much is at stake: Germany’s is the world's third most valuable league, and some teams fear that they will go bankrupt if the season is voided. Yet Geisterspiele bring their own problems; during their team’s game against Cologne, hundreds of Mönchengladbach fans defied the club’s appeals and assembled outside, hoping that their cheers would penetrate the empty stadium. In a novel turn of events, the ghost game was haunted by humans. Tom Nuttall

Covidiot

1. Someone who ignores public health advice (noun)   Where there are rules, there are those who break them   Even in a pandemic, many of us are prone to judge others and find them wanting: the term “covidiot” describes any and every person behaving stupidly or irresponsibly as the epidemic spreads. Sometime in early March the word was born, and, almost as fast as the virus spread, so did instances of covidiotic behavior.   The panic-buyers who left supermarket shelves bare of toilet paper and pasta were among the first to earn the title covidiot in Britain, America and elsewhere. Soon, as government lockdowns were put in place, they were followed by those who ignored public health warnings to stay home. These new covidiots held barbecues on beaches, sunbathed in parks and, in one particularly extreme instance, a covidiot wiped his own saliva on goods at a British supermarket. In Florida bull-headed youths on spring break flooded bars and beaches; one shirtless partygoer told news reporters, “If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I’m not going to let it stop me from partying.” The label has also been used to describe those expounding conspiracy theories about the origins of covid-19, and others warning not to get any eventual coronavirus vaccine as being “from the pit of hell”.   At least the term is a democratic one. The label has been applied from the highest office to the lowest. Like the virus itself, no one is immune. Alia Shoaib

你别来我无恙 (nǐbiélái wǒwúyàng)

1. If you don’t come, I won’t come to any harm   Catching an old Chinese expression   People in China often use an old pleasantry, 别来无恙 (biéláiwúyàng), to greet each other after a long time apart. The literal translation is “I hope nothing bad has happened since we last said farewell”. In common parlance the phrase essentially means, “I hope you’ve been well”. It’s respectful, but conveys warmth and care too.   But the term’s ancient origins have new bearing in the time of covid-19. According to “I Ching”, the “Book of Changes”, a book on divination and wisdom from the ninth century BC, the final character of the expression, 恙 (yàng), originally referred to a highly contagious bug that caused acute fever and a rash. In its early usage, then, people used this phrase to ask someone if they have become infected since they’d last met – the expression was uttered partly to wish someone well, partly as a warning to stay away if they were contagious.   This meaning had long passed out of the popular consciousness, but as the outbreak of coronavirus spread, the original use made an unexpected comeback. A new phrase, 你别来我无恙 (nǐbiélái wǒwúyàng) means “if you don’t come, I won’t come to any harm”. This reconfiguring of the old idiom was bandied around as the epidemic moved across China, a means to promote social distancing between friends and family. It was a playful nod to history, with a serious message: if you wish me well, stay away. Frankie Huang

Quatorzaine

1. 14-day isolation period (noun) The French almost make isolation sound romantic The French language helped to give the English-speaking world the term “quarantine”, which derives from quarantaine, meaning a period of 40 days. There are references to its use in French, presumed to be of biblical origin, as early as the 12th century. It was during the plague in the 14th century that Italy used the word quarantena to refer specifically to isolation for reasons of disease. Venetians employed the term to describe the period of time a ship had to wait in port as a sanitary precaution before its crew could disembark. In short, the English language borrowed the word from French and the definition from Italian.

Now the French have dug up another word, quatorzaine, to refer to the 14-day self-isolation period recommended during the covid-19 crisis. “How many pupils are en quatorzaine?” a French radio host asked the education minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer, shortly before he closed down schools in March. “Two doctors en quatorzaine” runs a typical newspaper headline.

The French language lends itself to such linguistic formations: a dizaine, derived from the number dix, means ten of something; a douzaine, derived from douze, means 12. So talking about somebody being en quatorzaine rolls easily off the French tongue. Its anglicised version, on the other hand, would involve referring to somebody being “in quatorzine”. That may appeal for reasons of brevity, but, with time less at a premium these days, it seems unlikely to replace the more long-winded English phrase “in 14-day isolation”. Sophie Pedder

Untore 

1. Plague spreader (noun)    What Italians have learned from plague-themed literary classics   As the world adjusts to life under quarantine, many have sought refuge in the pages of plague-themed literature. Sales of Albert Camus’ “The Plague”, about a disease-infested Algerian town in the 1940s, have soared; one publisher has struggled to keep up with orders.     Italians have also re-embraced two national literary classics.  Alessandro Manzoni’s “The Betrothed”, a classroom staple published in 1827, is set partly in Milan during the plague of 1630.  In it, outsiders suspected of deliberately spreading the disease are labelled untori.  The allegation was previously directed at Jews accused of propagating the plague in 1348.  With the current coronavirus onslaught the word has crept back into use.

The noun untore comes from the verb ungere, meaning “to grease”; unto means “oily”.  In “The Betrothed” the untori supposedly sought to infect as many people as possible with their unguento, “ointment”. The word has now resurfaced in reference to Chinese people accused of bringing covid-19 to Italy, and to lambast the way that many Italians were treated by countries with fewer cases. When China sent medical equipment one headline ran “From untore to samaritan”.  The usage develops as the outbreak spread. The latest untori are the runners who pound the pavement despite the lockdown , and three Red Cross medics who returned from Lombardy, Italy’s worst-hit region, to Puglia in the south only to be harassed by neighbours.  

If Manzoni offers insight into the human instinct to find scapegoats, an earlier classic has some practical advice. In Giovanni Boccaccio’s “Decameron”, ten people isolate themselves in a villa outside Florence during the plague of 1348 and recount stories, some sexually explicit, to pass the time. Fiction continues to offer both inspiration and solace Alexandra Fattal 

Coronaspeck

1. Coronavirus fat (noun)

Some Germans are feeding their fear    German workers ordered to stay at home to help the government flatten one sort of curve have found themselves battling the emergence of another, just above the belt. Home workouts sound great, but the days are long and dull and your latest bout of Hamsterkäufe(panic-buying; lit. "hamster-purchase") has left the fridge gloriously well-stocked. There's always another variety of Ritter Sport to try, oder? Anyway, what's a few kilos between socially distanced friends?

Coronaspeck is the helpful German word for the fat deposited by weeks of stay-at-home grazing. Shoppers in Germany may know Speck as a bacon-like foodstuff, perhaps found on a crisp Flammkuchen or inside hearty Swabian Maultaschen. But its broader meaning corresponds to something like the English "flab". Babyspeck, for example, is the puppy fat that lingers into adolescence; Winterspeck a memento of excessive indulgence in cold months. Best known is Kummerspeck, or "sorrow-fat": think a tear-streaked Bridget Jones devouring tubs of ice-cream in the throes of a break-up.

How can Coronaspeck be combatted? Happily, Germany’s lockdown is a notch more tolerant than those of some neighbours. There is no limit on the number of excursions for exercise or other essential purposes. And if the neologism identifies one of the downsides of the corona-crisis, an older noun may inspire some to meet the challenge. Sitzfleisch (lit. "sitting-meat") can mean one’s bottom, but it is also the ability, much-prized in Germany, to endure or stick something out. The country’s restrictions will not expire until April 19th at the earliest. What better test of a nation’s ability to resist the temptations of the pantry? 

抄作业 (chāo zuò yè) 

1. To copy homework (verb) 2. To steal China’s ingenuity without giving credit 

Chinese social-media users think other countries are copying their homework

It used to be that, if you searched 抄作业 “chao zuoye” on Chinese social media, you’d see tales of students plagiarising or cheating on tests: the term means to copy someone’s homework. Chao means to copy, and zuoye means school assignments. But zuoye can also refer to work in a more general sense, which has allowed the phrase to take on a new meaning amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As the virus has spread around the world, the lockdown is slowly being lifted in China and life in some parts of the country appears to be slowly returning to a (new) normal. Many are now watching to see how other countries fight covid-19. “Streets in Malaysia are really copying homework,” says a user on Weibo, a Twitter-like service, alongside a slideshow of public-service posters across Malaysia. The pictures show red banners with public-health slogans printed in white – a stylistic format that Chinese propagandists have used since long before the current pandemic. One Chinese blogger wrote that the National Basketball Association in America was copying the Chinese Basketball Association’s homework, after ESPN reported that the NBA was studying the CBA’s tactics for hosting games during China’s lockdown.

To say another country is copying homework is to be patriotic, but with snark. When another country copies China’s homework, users mean that it’s deploying tactics pioneered by China, without giving credit. This sentiment was particularly prevalent among Chinese Weibo users when Donald Trump labelled covid-19 the “Chinese virus,” drawing attention – and blame – to the global pandemic’s source. As the virus spreads in the West, many commenters on Weibo have called the health crisis facing America an “open-book exam”. As ever, China is keen to be top of the class.  Noelle Mateer

[meldacio]

honestly, i should really take a moment to call out two major reasons why this blog even exists in the way it does. it’s gonna be a loooong post, so i’ll add a cut. but, in short, this blog owes so, so much to @hyperionknight & @meldaciomartyr. and i’m gonna tag like a gazillion people. my bad.

tl;dr i love y’all. my follower’s are beautiful peaches and thank you for making me feel so loved and welcomed. y’all are the best.

okay, y’all, there’s actually three people that are owed credit, but whatevs. so, like, a month ago i was in a super funk. my best friend got me hooked on ffxv because she loves it. she couldn’t decide if i would like prompto or gladio more and i was like “yoooo?? let me dive head first into this thing and report back to you.” (cause gladio and prompto are a pretty even spilt of My Type.) and i thus my journey into being ffxv trash began. as we are prone to do, we started building all these headcanons and asking “what if...??” which quickly turned into our own (off tumblr) rp. it focuses on rebuilding the world after the dawn returns. its a lot of politics and fighting monsters. (we each have an oc that we focus on. her oc is a former ambassador from accordo; my oc is a hunter from meldacio. cause of course she is.)

i like making little aesthetics or moodboards or whatever you wanna call them. especially when i’m mapping out characters. so, my girl sent me a link to @hyperionknight‘s post as we were discussing hunter culture within our little verse. i was, like, instantly smitten. cause it felt so much like the mood we were discussing. beautiful. i’m still in love with that post.

a week or so passes and i’ve created this blog to try and manage my all consuming thirst for this stupid game that was never supposed to take over my life and, yet, here we are. i figured i’d dump some of my location and hunter aesthetics and what not. just babble into the void as you do. 

it’s about this time that i stumbled upon @meldaciomartyr. of course i was like “oh, shit. this is perf??” and i just had so many feelings. there was this sudden need to create an aesthetic for dave. (this is before i had interacted or really had any grasp of the verses any of the muses are involved with. it’s kinda a weird aesthetic in the sense that it’s this weird marriage of the canon verse, my own verse’s dave and light inspiration from the meldacio hunter hq verse dave.) now, i’m super used to existing on the outskirts of any fandom i’m interested in. (y’all, i’m 26; i’ve been on tumblr for nearly a decade. i’ve seen fire and war and all sorts of toxic in fandoms over and over again. i’m used to staying in my lane and really only interacting with the above mentioned friend and almost exclusively in private messages.) so i took a gamble and messaged this lovely muse and asked if i could post an aes featuring their fc. 

that started this slippery slope into me actually interacting with people and becoming more invested in the verses and hc’s y’all pass around. @ciindyaurum left some wonderful compliments in a tag? we’re bros now. i don’t really know ‘em, but i’ve adopted ‘em. i got a sweet message from @croweoftheglaive? honey, let me attempt to consume as much info as i can on your muse and throw an aes at you to show my love. @arachnexdragoon shows up and someone better hold my beer so i can spit out a thing for that babe. @loqis and @meldacioxhq are staples in my notifications, y’all best believe i’m working on stuff for y’all. (some character’s are trickier than others. some grab you by the wrist and tug you down a rabbit hole to a quick aesthetic like sania. i can’t control that.) @thekingsshield mentions bandits and now i’ve got this oc that keeps tugging at my attention. 

i’m a small side blog. i just make (hopefully) pretty or pleasing aesthetics and kinda throw them into the wind. i know i don’t “have” to do anything or you might not think i need to thank you or gush about y’all, but you’re also wrong. i adore y’all and thanks for having me along for the ride. thanks for the promos and the appreciation and the feedback. y’all are always welcome to message me to talk about ideas or whatever. (you’ll probably get an aesthetic out of the ordeal, too!)

[andryuska]

REALLY  LONG CHARACTER SURVEY. RULES. repost, don’t reblog ! tag 10 ! good  luck ! TAGGED. stolen off the dash! TAGGING. @extasiie @moscowsdragon @goodcousin @dearbewildered @inburgundy @anastcsie @bolkonskxya @youngwiife 

BASICS. FULL  NAME : Andrei Nikolayevich Bolkonsky NICKNAME : Andre, Andryushka (and many more, see this post) AGE : mid/late 20s - early 30s BIRTHDAY : November 13, sometime in the late 18th century. ETHNIC  GROUP : White NATIONALITY :  Russian LANGUAGE / S : French, Russian, English, German. SEXUAL  ORIENTATION : Greysexual. ROMANTIC  ORIENTATION : Demiromantic. RELATIONSHIP  STATUS : Verse and year dependent - Married in 1805, single from 1806 - 1809, courting and then being betrothed to Natasha in 1810 - 1811, single again in 1812. Generally dating Natasha in modern college verse, and single in modern verse. CLASS : Titled Nobility HOME  TOWN / AREA : Bald Hills, Russia CURRENT  HOME : Bugocharovo, Russia, as well as various other estates. PROFESSION : Adjutant to General Kutuzov, member of Military Council, Army Officer.

PHYSICAL. HAIR : Dark brown, and kept fairly short. What slightly longer parts there are near the top of his head are significantly wavy, but not necessarily curly. Parted on the left. EYES : Dark brown and very intense, made prominent by dark eyelashes and slight bags underneath.  NOSE : Average and pretty much not notable. One nostril is slightly larger than the other. It has never been broken. FACE : Conventionally handsome, though slightly asymmetrical. He has fairly well defined lines with his cheekbones and jawline ( though the latter is hidden under a short and well kept beard ). His eyes are deeply set and averagely far apart, and dark rimmed as well. He has no laugh lines, but his forehead has a couple wrinkles on it from stress, and there’s a crease between his well-shaped eyebrows that becomes especially visible when he’s troubled by something. LIPS :  Thin and usually pressed into a thin line. He’s usually either neutral or frowning. COMPLEXION : White and pale, but not to the point of being quite noticeable. Has a better tan on his face and hands than everywhere else, on account of wearing a uniform. BLEMISHES : Two small moles on his neck. A small birthmark that’s paler than the rest of him on his left hip, where the bone protrudes a little. SCARS : Some small, faded scars on his arms from childhood roughhousing. Larger scars on his side + back from being wounded at Austerlitz ( he was knocked over the head while carrying the standard into battle, and in lying there, was likely injured further in being trampled or by stray artillery fire. ) TATTOOS : None. HEIGHT : 6′0″. WEIGHT : 170 lbs. BUILD : Fit, but on the thinner side. FEATURES : Generally assertive and adult-looking. His features make him look responsible, though not entirely friendly. As said, he’s conventionally handsome. ALLERGIES : None. USUAL  HAIR  STYLE : Well-kept, and otherwise left as it is. USUAL  FACE  LOOK :  Andrei’s resting expression is a rather annoyed one. He doesn’t naturally smile or frown, but has a neutral mouth, and his eyes give off a very intent sort of apathy and indifference. He looks like he’s bored with everything and has seen it all before, and is irritated to have to experience anything at all. Of course, as soon as someone he likes engages him, or gets him on a topic that he has opinions about, he’ll animate in a very intense way, take on a very perplexed and troubled expression in arguing for what he thinks is correct. He very rarely smiles, and when it does, it’s usually small and somewhat veiled, and often without any real joy. USUAL  CLOTHING : A staple to any of his outfits is black boots and trousers. At home, he usually wears a shirt that’s somewhat open at the collar, and often prefers suspenders to a belt. Most of his shirts are whites or light blues, with minimal patterns, and most suspenders are darker colors, again without a lot of vibrant patterns. He tends to roll his sleeves. In going out, he has a heavy grey coat that’s fairly long, with leather sown into the shoulders for protection against rain and cold. His more formal wear is usually his military uniform, which consists of a green coat darker gold embellishments, occasionally worn with a sash. There are white trousers and a black leather belt to go with these. In terms of accessories, he has a saber and a pistol, both worn off a belt for that specific purpose, though he prefers not to carry these things around with him.

PSYCHOLOGY. FEAR / S : Failure, lacking a proper legacy, appearing vulnerable or weak, being completely isolated and unreachable, being inadequate, intensely emotional discussions... ASPIRATION / S : At first, Andrei wants very hard to define himself as a military commander and to rise to greatness in leadership. After Austerlitz, he makes it a goal to reform the military code as to bring more order to warfare. Once Natasha breaks her engagement to him, however, Andrei wants to punish Anatole on a very low level, and otherwise has not life goals or aspirations, he’s just tired of living. POSITIVE  TRAITS : Intelligent, polite, considerate, loyal, reflective, determined, responsible, trustworthy, committed, thoughtful. NEGATIVE  TRAITS : Irritable, cold, tends to over analyze, doubtful, selfish, easily bored, self-isolating, tends to internalize, unfriendly, condescending, MBTI : INTJ ZODIAC : Scorpio TEMPERAMENT : Melancholic VICE  HABIT / S : Paces relentlessly, escapism via intellectual discourses, doesn’t hold eye contact, clicks / plays with writing utensil ( or whatever is in his hands ), occasionally argumentative on purpose. FAITH : Russian Orthodox, but not strictly devout or heavily practicing.  GHOSTS ? : Undecided. AFTERLIFE ? : No. REINCARNATION ? : No. ALIENS ? : No. POLITICAL  ALIGNMENT : Conservative, and loyal to the Russian Empire. ECONOMIC  PREFERENCE : Used to living with wealth, though largely unconscious of it. He doesn’t care much for luxuries, and instead would rather his money be used for functional purposes and necessities. SOCIOPOLITICAL  POSITION : High class. EDUCATION  LEVEL :  Taught both at home and abroad by his father and a variety of hired tutors. Extremely well-read, and knowledgeable of politics, philosophy, and history. Still has some education to complete in military affairs. His poorest subject is mathematics.

FAMILY. FATHER : Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky MOTHER : Unknown, died when he was young. SIBLINGS : Marya Bolkonskaya EXTENDED  FAMILY : None of note. NAME  MEANING / S : Manly, brave. HISTORICAL  CONNECTION ? : It’s likely that the Bolkonsky family was modeled after the historical Volkonsky family, which had a few Russian generals who would have been Andrei’s age during the course of the Napoleonic wars. Additionally, it’s likely that Andrei was named after his grandfather.

FAVOURITES. BOOK : Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes. He thinks it fairly correct in many of its assessments, and himself has little optimism about human nature. MOVIE : Dunkirk (2017) dir. Christopher Nolan 5  SONGS : I Am a Rock - Simon and Garfunkel // The Show Must Go On - Queen // Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters // Tell My Father - Civil War // Miserere Mei Deus - Allegri DEITY : None. HOLIDAY : None. MONTH : None. SEASON : Autumn. PLACE : His study at home. WEATHER : Partly cloudy and somewhat cool. SOUND : Natasha’s voice when she sings. SCENT / S : Vanilla, cold autumn air, pine forests. TASTE / S : Rye bread, white tea with sugar. FEEL / S : Finely spun wool that’s very soft, being held by someone he loves / trusts, cool polished wood, cold marble, clean linens, general smooth, cool or cold surfaces. ANIMAL / S : Snowy owls, barn owls. NUMBER : Three. COLOUR : Blue.

EXTRA. TALENTS : Content analysis, writing academic prose, understanding political problems, organization and planning, debating and arguing, leadership. BAD  AT : Casual conversation and small talk, complex mathematics, handling emotions in a healthy way, comforting others, being supportive. TURN  ONS : Infectious laughs and smiles, unburdened happiness and brightness, private / secret intimacy, possessive talk ( you’re mine / you belong to me / etc. ), gentle and genuine reinforcement. TURN  OFFS : Overdone emotions and extreme acts of affection, publicity and PDA, vulgar talk, idiocy and ignorance. HOBBIES : Reading and writing. TROPES : Byronic Hero, Awful Wedded Life, Intelligence Equals Isolation, The Stoic. QUOTES :  “To spare oneself from grief at all cost can be achieved only at the price of total detachment, which excludes the ability to experience happiness.” - Erich Fromm. // “The majority of the people of that time paid not attention to the general course of things, but were guided only by the personal interests of the day. And those people were the most useful figures of that time.” - Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace //  “It’s not given to people to judge what’s right or wrong. People have eternally been mistaken and will be mistaken, and in nothing more so than in what they consider right and wrong.” - Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace.

FC INFO. MAIN  FC / S : Nicholas Belton ALT  FC / S : Blake DeLong OLDER  FC / S : None YOUNGER  FC / S : None VOICE  CLAIM / S : Nicholas Belton GENDERBENT  FC / S : None.

MUN QUESTIONS. Q1 : if  you  could  write  your  character  your  way  in  their  own  movie ,   what  would  it  be  called ,  what  style  would  it  be  filmed  in ,  and  what  would  it  be  about ?           A1 : Okay, so if I made a movie about Andrei’s life ( it would be sort of a biopic, but it would mostly focus on the wars ) it would be called War Weary and it would be a pretty stylized drama. I’d want to use a lot of symbolic methods for exposition and have mostly just natural sounds, and hold off on an elaborate soundtrack. It would start with the sky at Austerlitz and end with the Borodino wound, so it would kind of go full circle. It would get like three Oscars, I promise. Q2 : what  would  their  soundtrack / score  sound  like ?           A2 : It would be largely instrumental, and done in late classical style. Lots of minor keys and broken chords. It would have to give the impression of thoughtfulness, of never having any stillness, as to represent Andrei’s inability to stop thinking of things. The only really bright part would still have to be slow, and wouldn’t come to the very end. Heavy use of stringed instruments and piano, with some underlying percussion. Dave Malloy would compose it. Q3 : why  did  you  start  writing  this  character ?           A3 : I read War and Peace, and identified a lot with Andrei right at the beginning. That kind of gave me the idea of making a blog for him, but at the time, I wasn’t really in RP at all. After reading the book, I made a blog, and it sat there for a bit before I finally decided to start to actually put effort into it. INTJ solidarity also played a part, and encouragement from others on RP blogs that I did try and bring back later in this past summer. I really don’t make blogs lightly, and I don’t make a lot of them, so it really must have been a strong connection, because here I am, writing Andrei. Q4 : what  first  attracted  you  to  this  character ?           A4 : He’s so disinterested in social situations and other people, like he comes in to Anna Pavlovna’s soiree and just... Does not want to be there at all, basically insults a bunch of people, then goes off and complains about it to his only friend. That’s me. That’s a thing I have done. So yeah, I kept an eye on him since. Q5 : describe  the  biggest  thing  you  dislike  about  your  muse.           A5 : He can be such an asshole sometimes, let me tell you... Like there are reasons behind it, which you can find in numerous headcanon posts, but he can just come off in such a terrible and cold way. It’s especially bad when it’s to the people who are trying to help him / be good to him. it kills me that he pushes them away in favor of just isolating himself instead of dealing with his problems. Q6 : what  do  you  have  in  common  with  your  muse ?           A6 : Lonely. Single. One friend. In seriousness though, all those things, plus some more. We share a personality type and a general cynicism about the world and about other people. Honestly, I probably have a lot of his bad traits, which isn’t great, but hey, if there’s one thing Andrei and I can’t do, it’s change for the better. Q7 : how  does  your  muse  feel  about  you ?           A7 : We would probably be intellectual rivals... I can see us fighting over politics and philosophy, on account of having rather different ideological views. But like, not in an angry way, in a courteous and debating way. I don’t think Andrei would like me, to be fully honest. Q8 : what  characters  does  your  muse  have  interesting  interactions  with ? A8 : ANATOLE KURAGIN  ( blame extasiie, kay made me aware of anadrei ),  Pierre, Natasha, Marya B and Marya D ( especially in my modern college verse ), Sonya ( aka bring on the Angst ), and a whole lot of others. Q9 : what  gives  you  inspiration  to  write  your  muse ?         A9 : Reading War & Peace. There’s a few sections that I go to and reread if I don’t have muse - Andrei’s introduction through to his dinner with Pierre, his return from Austerlitz and the trauma that follows, sections with Natasha, his last conversation with Pierre, and his death. These usually get me thinking in character and it helps to read the source to get the style of prose right. For modern college verse, which I write in a lot, I can usually just go right into it without a lot of inspiration, because college!Andrei and I have plenty of similarities. Q10 : how  long  did  this  take  you  to  complete ?         A10 : I didn’t do it all in some sitting, so I don’t know. A couple hours at least.

[junker-town]

Meet the 7 USWNT roster newcomers, in order of how intriguing they are

New coach Vlatko Andonovski is dealing with some injuries, which means we’re going to see a few new faces for the defending World Cup champions.

New United States women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has named his first squad, and it includes seven players who were not on the World Cup roster. Some of them are familiar faces, but four — Aubrey Bledsoe, Alana Cook, Imani Dorsey and Margaret Purce — have never been capped.

There’s space available for Andonovski to try out some new players due to injuries to Kelley O’Hara, Ali Krieger, Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson and Megan Rapinoe. Alex Morgan is also unavailable due to pregnancy.

The USWNT takes on Sweden in Columbus on November 7, then Costa Rica on November 10 in Jacksonville. Here’s what you need to know about the USWNT newcomers, in order of how intriguing their inclusion is.

CB Alana Cook

Cook might have slipped off the radar of NWSL fans because she skipped the draft to sign for Paris Saint-Germain. The 22-year-old Stanford grad is also eligible to play for England, and participated in a camp with the Three Lionesses last month, though she did not play in a match. Cook previously played for the USWNT at the youth level.

While Cook has impressed at PSG, she’s also had a couple of high-profile errors in Champions League play, which you’d expect from a rookie. She has all the tools to be an elite center back, though. She’s an extremely physical player with solid pace and technical ability, and she has a degree that proves she is much smarter than you.

Cook often looks like a player who is using each of her elite skills one at a time, rather than all together in a fluid performance. If Andonovski can help her connect the pieces, she’ll become a USWNT staple.

FB Casey Short

Jill Ellis was dogmatic about requiring a significant attacking contribution from her fullbacks. She was so committed to this that she ended up leaving Short, NWSL’s best wing defender, out of her World Cup squad. Andonovski has utilized both attack-minded and traditional fullbacks at club level, so it’s not surprising that he found a place for Short in his team.

The question will be if Short factors in Andonovski’s long-term plans. She’s at the top of her game right now, but she will be 33 years old when the next World Cup rolls around. Short might have a tiny window to prove that she’s an irreplaceable part of the back line, rather than a placeholder for an up-and-coming youngster.

FB (???) Imani Dorsey

Ellis’ fullback conversion projects were unpopular with fans, but it appears that Andonovski will be undertaking one of his own. Dorsey has spent the last two seasons playing on the wing with Sky Blue FC, and she was a forward in college, but she’s listed as a defender for her first USWNT call-up.

We know that Dorsey is athletic, hard-working and a good dribbler, but that’s all we have when we try to project whether a move to fullback will stick. Some players pick up new positions well and some flop. Sky Blue is currently searching for a new head coach, so we can’t even guess whether her club team will be on board with the switch.

But Dorsey, talented as she is at running with the ball, has never had great shooting numbers at Duke or Sky Blue. The USWNT would have a fullback shortage even if O’Hara and Dunn were available, but the former might never regain top form because of injuries, and the latter is best used in an attacking role. Andonovski needs to find fullbacks somewhere. Dorsey likely won’t be the last surprising player to get a shot in that role.

FW Margaret Purce

Purce was one of Ellis’ former fullback conversion projects, and she has had minutes in that role for the Portland Thorns, too. But she became a good enough finisher to justify a spot up top this year, scoring eight goals from 37 shots.

Striker is another area of concern for Andonovski. Morgan is out until at least May, if not considerably longer, and Carli Lloyd and Jessica McDonald are 36 and 31, respectively. He’ll need to test out a few new options up top, and Purce was the most obvious first choice for this camp.

Purce might only have one chance to impress Andonovski before he gets a look at younger, shinier prospects, however. College stars like Ashley Sanchez, Sophia Smith and Catarina Macario are already looking pro ready, and could get called into December’s I.D. camp.

MF Andi Sullivan

Sullivan was arguably the last woman out of the World Cup squad, and most assumed that the 23-year-old would be back with the national team immediately after the tournament ended. She played during Ellis’ sendoff matches, and should be a fixture in the team from now on.

After a shaky rookie season under Jim Gabarra in 2018, Sullivan’s career was turned around by the arrival of Richie Burke, who immediately made her the Washington Spirit’s captain and built the team around her. She had a superb season and was arguably the biggest factor in the Spirit’s evolution from basement dweller to playoff contender.

The biggest question about Sullivan is how Andonovski intends to use her. She has played as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder and an advanced playmaker. She could fill in at multiple spots because of her versatility, but Andonovski might have a specific role in mind.

FW Lynn Williams

For whatever reason, Williams and Ellis didn’t really mesh. Her North Carolina Courage teammates were able to navigate the difference in coaching styles between Paul Riley (specific and intense) and Ellis (freedom granting and calm), but Williams could not. So despite dominant performances in NWSL, she found herself out of the USWNT.

Williams was a virtual lock to return to the team under Andonovski. However, the half-winger, half-forward role she plays for the Courage probably won’t exist in his system. We’ll likely find out during this camp if Andonovski thinks she’s a better fit at right wing or center forward.

GK Aubrey Bledsoe

Bledsoe has been excellent for the past three seasons, but it doesn’t make sense to rotate goalkeepers. She has earned a call-up with some sensational performances for the Washington Spirit, but it’s also difficult to see her winning a starting spot in the short term. Alyssa Naeher has done nothing to lose her place, while Adrianna Franch is better than Bledsoe at rushing out if Andonovski wants to play a system with a very high defensive line.

If Bledsoe starts, she probably had a truly exceptional camp.