#14/3/2023

[readingabookmostofthetimes]

Happy 2024

In 2023 I read the following books:

Monterosso mon amour, by Ilja Leonard Pfeijfer

The Langauge of Thorns, by Leigh Bardugo

Renegades, by Marissa Meyer

Heartstopper, by Alice Oseman

The Lives of Saints, by Leigh Bardugo

Archenemies, by Marissa Meyer

Heartstopper volume 2, by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper volume 3, by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper volume 4, by Alice Oseman

An Italian Girl in Brooklynn, by Santa Montefiore

Volwassen worden is optioneel, by Marloes de Vries

De woestijndief, by Emmelie Arents

The Mitford Vanishing, by Jessica Fellowes

Wat gebeurde er met David, by Henk Hardeman

Queen of Shadows, by Sarah J Maas

Supernova, by Marissa Meyer

Wees Lucie, by Astrid Boonstoppel

Grijs, by Carlie van Tongeren

Zwaar verguld, by Chantal van Gastel

Over straatfiguren en wegpiraten, by Mijke Pelgrim

Anna K Away, by Jenny Lee

Zorro. The Curse of Capistrano, by Johnston Mcculley

De tweede stem, by Elin Meijnen

Mortal Engines, by Philip Reeve

De meesterdief, by Emmelie Arents

Nick and Charlie, by Alice Oseman

Stewardess Hannah in Parijs, by Petra Kruijt

Stewardess Hannah in Rome, by Petra Kruijt

Sintel en As, by Mara Li

Stewardess Hannah op Ibiza, by Petra Kruijt

The Golden Enclaves, by Naomi Novik

Welkom in Smartpark, by Mirjam Mous

Stewardess Hannah in Reykjavik, by Petra Kruijt

The Iron Sword, by Julie Kagawa

Gilded, by Marissa Meyer

The Syndicate, by Shelena Shorts

Stewardess Hannah in Barcelona, by Petra Kruijt

Stewardess Hannah in Amsterdam, by Petra Kruijt

The Pace, by Shelena Shorts

Stewardess Hannah in New York, by Petra Kruijt

One of us is Lying, by Karen M Mcmanus

Predator's Gold, by Philip Reeve

Stewardess Hannah in Praag, by Petra Kruijt

The Broken Lake, by Shelena Shorts

Stewardess Hannah op Curaçao, by Petra Kruijt

One of Us is Next, by Karen M Mcmanus

Stewardess Hannah in Lissabon, by Petra Kruijt

Wind, by Esther Walraven

The Iron Quill, by Shelena Shorts

The Hour of Dreams, by Shelena Shorts

Penthouse, Lotte Boot

Denken wat je wilt, doe wat je droomt, Gijs Jansen

Empire of Storms, by Sarah J Maas

One of Us is Back, by Karen M Mcmanus

Confessions of a Shopaholic, by Sophie Kinsella

To All the Boys I've Loved Before, by Jenny Han

Ivelle, by Laura Diane

PS. I Still Love You, by Jenny Han

Always and Forever, Lara Jean, by Jenny Han

Anders, beter, by Lisa van Campenhout

The Iron Vow, by Julie Kagawa

[andi-studies]

14/3/2023 • 73/365

spent the day doing coursework, im really over the word count but ive finished historians so all i need to do now is the last tiny bit of content and the conclusion then i can start editing

[royalarchivist]

Foolish: Oh, come on, let me know! I won't even visit, I won't even visit!

Jaiden: Yeah, I mean like, Foolish knows everything! You can't- you can't give one of us information, and not the other! We know the same amount of things as each other!

Foolish: Like I know Jaiden actually has six toes.

Jaiden: [Laughs] Yup, that's- it's true!

Bad: Huh! [Takes out a book and starts writing]

Jaiden: Why are you writing that down, you freak!

[Jaiden and Foolish both crack up]

Bad: Look, you never know what information is gonna be useful!

Jaiden: You fcking weirdo– [She hits him with her Extendo Grip] I'm not going on vacation with you!

[goldenpinof]

onlyphans 2024

[chipistrate]

Day 19: Period-Accurate Outfit

Wasn't really feeling this one so I just doodled Charlie and Elizabeth in some cute 80s clothes I found on pinterest<3

Bonus scrapped sketch for this prompt that I just couldn't get to look right;

Not ship art btw- realized it kinda looked like that after "finishing" the sketch but I promise it's not lmao Charlie just likes grabbing peoples arms when she's standing/walking near them

[pineapplefulfillseveryneed]

So May We Start (TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, 14-06-2023) (x)

[mikeywayarchive]

fender: @MikeyWay of @MyChemicalRomance gives us an exclusive look at his new, Limited Edition Jazz Bass and shares what inspired the Silver Flake finish. Head to the link in bio to get one for yourself

[Jun 14, 2023]

[hannie-dul-set]

made a spreadsheet summarizing (most of) my works since 2021. click to see my insanity in numbers.

[jukeboxofjellycat]

[evillittlebirdie]

Salvation (Kar'niss/Tav)

Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine

Once Kar'niss was forced inside the cage, the cleric locked him inside and left him alone. He didn't know how long he stood there, unable to get comfortable no matter how he positioned his legs. The cleric returned with two orcs and a Drow male guard. And within minutes, Kar'niss' cage was loaded on a wheeled pallet. The male guard led the way while the orcs pulled the pallet. 

"This is not necessary," Kar'niss protested as he grabbed the metal bars of his cage. He attempted to get the Drow's attention, "I accept my fate. I will go with you wherever you will take me."

The Drow turned to look at him, and Kar'niss felt his hope rise. Instead, the Drow only looked at him with disgust. He shuddered before looking forward. It was the lost contact Kar'niss would have with a fellow Drow for a very long time. 

Kar'niss did not know how far away he was from Menzoberranzan when the Drow and ogres stopped their travel. His cage was unlocked, and Kar'niss stepped out hesitantly. Kar'niss had lived in the city all of his life. He looked around. The cold, dark subterrane spotted unfamiliar bioluminescent lighting. He could see a body of water in the distance that stretched far beyond his eyesight. They had dropped him off at the border of Northdark. But beyond that, he had no orientation. 

Kar'niss was silent as the entourage left him alone with no weapons or provisions. There was no use in wasting breath.

Gone was his family and his purpose. The only hope he had was twisted with his faith. He could only hope by accepting his punishment that Lolth would take mercy on him one day. Either she would let him die quickly or change him back. 

For days, Kar'niss explored the territory. It didn't take long for him to learn to walk fluidly with his body. That didn't mean he was used to it. He didn't realize how much he missed lying down out of everything. He tried to sustain himself only on lichen and mushrooms, but the bloodlust quickly overcame his senses. He pounced on the first living creature in sight. A frog. And fortunately, there was more where that came from. Kar'niss followed the army of frogs until he arrived at the body of water he saw on his first day. 

After Kar'niss had his fill of frogs' blood, he walked over to the water's edge. It was unhealthy morbidity that prompted the movement. It had been days since he had the luxury of reflection. He leaned down to take a proper look.

Kar'niss knew, abstractly, that the extra eyes were there. It had been an odd, additional sensory input that he had to deal with. But to see the black blinking eyes on his face was to solidify his fate. Kar'niss whimpered before moving his hands along his face. His eye color had changed from carmine to black and sienna. Beyond the physical changes, he looked filthy. He hadn't bathed since the day of the test. He used to take such pride in his hair. He loved to braid it and decorate it with jewels. He would run his fingers through it to soothe himself when unhappy. It was his tiny source of joy, the one bit of self-indulgence his mother did not object to. Now, it was ratty, thin, slick. The exoskeleton on his arms and torso reflected against the water. 

Kar'niss leaned closer to inspect the new ridges of his skin when he suddenly felt his balance waver. His legs lost their footing on the embankment. Kar'niss fell face-first into the water. The shock made him inhale liquid. His body flailed in shallow water before he finally got his footing in the sand. He forced himself up and quickly fled from the water. Drenched and discouraged, Kar'niss retreated into one of the nearby caves. It would be years before he saw his face again.

***

Tav was rather woozy after feeding her vampire spawn and filling up an empty bottle for Kar'niss. She hoped the bottle was enough. She read that driders needed blood every four days. But the literature she read did not specify how much blood a drider needed. If the bottle were not satisfactory, Tav would need to outsource. She was not a blood farm, after all. 

"Kar'niss!" Tav called out once she reached the cave. The basket she left earlier in the day was gone. The sight thrilled her. Tav was not sure what Kar'niss needed. But she figured he needed a lantern to leave the cave. Water would quench any thirst. The books would help with boredom while he recovered. And Tav figured that a blanket would keep him warm. 

Tav had another basket with her. This one was smaller. Inside the basket was the bottle of blood and a locket. Arabella's parents gave her a locket in exchange for saving her from Kagha. Tav couldn't bear to sell it, and fortunately, Elminster stabilized Gale's orb before he needed to consume its magical properties. The locket could summon a circle of dancing lights. Kar'niss could find it helpful for when he was hunting. 

When Tav heard the skittering, she smiled. His movements sounded more fluid. Kar'niss was recovering. The drider emerged from the cave and presented himself with a low bow. "Her Majesty's Chosen..." Kar'niss began with a reverent smile. But then, his face paled with anxiety, "No, no, no. Not Her Majesty's Chosen, they said. 'Too much of a mouthful'. But we cannot say the name. They are Absolute." His teeth worried his lower lip, drawing blood quickly.

"Wait, wait," Tav quickly interjected, alarmed at the stereotypy. "You do not want to call me Tav?" She was confused about why Kar'niss had such a difficult time with her title.

"No!" Kar'niss quavered, taking a step back. "To obey we dishonor, but to honor we disobey." 

Finally, the answer dawned on Tav. "You will not call me by my given name."

"Improper!" Kar'niss concurred with a nod, now moving his gaze back to her. 

"Then...what is something you are comfortable with calling me? Something short but respectable," Tav prompted. She wanted to avoid where this was going. She could use a drider as a fighter by her side, but she did not want a slave. 

Kar'niss hesitated before he offered, "Mistress. It's familiar." 

Tav took care not to wince at the title visibly. She certainly had never been addressed a 'mistress' before. It would take getting used to. "We'll work towards Tav. But if you're willing, I'll take 'Mistress.'" 

Kar'niss smiled hesitantly. He raised himself to his full height. His shoulders slumped down as though a weight was lifted off his shoulders. 

Tav glanced down at the bottle of blood. Hoping to lighten the situation and change the subject, she gave an uneasy chuckle. "So I read that driders need blood. We don't have many options for fresh blood..." Tav stopped herself from speaking. Maybe telling Kar'niss that the blood was hers wasn't the best option. "But I was able to get this for you." She offered him the bottle of blood. 

Kar'niss stared at the bottle, his lips opening slightly. Tav could see his fangs peeking out. "They offer blood..." He perplexed. Just like with the haggis, Kar'niss slowly reached forward only to recoil. 

Patiently, Tav kept the bottle in her outreached hand. "I take care of those under my command. You saw my companions. Did they look neglected?"

Kar'niss quickly pointed out, sinking back into a bow, "They are well equipped and serve you satisfactorily. A fair mistress feeds her slaves. They obey or will be shamed. Useless slaves do not  eat ." 

After analyzing Kar'niss' statement, Tav realized how conditional he thought each action was. She wanted to clarify that her companions were not slaves. She would rather have that conversation with Kar'niss than him accidentally spouting out rhetoric in front of Astarion. 

If Kar'niss was any other person, Tav could tell them she would care for any injuries or nourishment. She would then offer two options. They could either leave with no obligation to reimburse. Or, they could stay and pull their weight in one fashion or another. Tav figured Kar'niss would collapse if she offered him that level of freedom. So, as it stood, Kar'niss was her responsibility. 

"If I believe you are without use, I will tell you. Do you think you know more than me?" Tav accused. She hated to be firm with him. Especially when he recoiled even more, almost curling into himself. But she needed to get her point across. 

Kar'niss fretted, "No, no, no. Of course not, Mistress."

"So, to keep you in service, I am providing blood," Tav persuaded him. "Please, take it."

Kar'niss looked at the bottle and then at Tav, much like the haggis. He took the bottle. One of his claws grazed against Tav's hand. It was not sharp like Tav thought. Instead, the claw was dense and smooth, like stone. Kar'niss moved the bottle down to his pedipalps. The bottle caught snugly on the hook of his left pedipalp. 

"I bet that's handy," Tav pointed out, chuckling at her pun. Oh, Astarion would kill her if he was there. 

Confused, Kar'niss looked at her and then back to his pedipalps. He didn't respond. Tav could see his eyes flickering back and forth. How long had it been since Kar'niss shared a pleasant conversation with someone? And even then, was it a frequent reoccurrence? 

Fortunately for both of them, it was Kar'niss who changed the subject.

"Mistress...they have humbled us with their gifts. I ask them to please take pity on this ignorant creature. Tell this beast what they request as tribute." 

"Ummmm...." Tav was nonplused, unsure how to respond, "No need for tribute. I told you that I didn't need anything. Just get better. Please...rise..." 

Hesitantly, Kar'niss raised his body to his full height. "Yes...of course...I understand. I will serve to the best of my ability. I am contemptible. Once I regain my full strength, I will protect you with my life. No hair on your head shall be mussed, no sweat shall be broken, and no blood shall be shed. Not while I breathe." 

Tav felt her cheeks redden at the proclamation. No one had ever done that for her. She knew that her companions would fight for her, as would she for them. But no one ever vowed in such a way for her. Something uncomfortable shifted in her belly before an odd sense of satisfaction waved through her. 

"Thank you," Tav let out, unknowingly letting out an exhale. She didn't know what to say other than that. It felt lacking, given the depth of Kar'niss' vow. But the locket may show her appreciation. Tav reached into the basket to pull out the locket and showed it to Kar'niss. The drider bent over, inspecting the jewelry.

"I know I gave you a lantern. But I wanted to share this with you as well. It can summon dancing lights. Just an added bit of protection. I also like watching them. It lifts the spirit in this bleak place," Tav told him. 

Kar'niss' breath was taken away at the sight of the locket. "For...for me...But...it's pretty. And pretty things are not for...us...monster..." He shrunk back, repeating the pattern of initially rejecting Tav's offering. "Long ago, long ago...under the spider...Not now. Deplorable, base creature." 

Tav once more played off her comrades, "You saw my companions. The circlets my men wear. Aren't they pretty? They're also powerful."

"You would put me with them?" Kar'niss' eyes widened at that implication. Something in him paused with wonder and then the slightest flash of hope. "I...I can have something that shows I am in your force. So all could know I serve Her Majesty."  

"Yes," Tav affirmed cautiously. She unclasped the necklace. She held the two ends of the chain and gestured Kar'niss to move in closer. Kar'niss acquiesced. Now that Tav and Kar'niss were almost face to face, Tav could take in the lines on his face. At one point, Kar'niss had to be stunningly handsome. She could see it in his cheekbones and facial structure. She took in the scar on his lip and the ridges on his cheek down to his neck. His eyes were piercing, striking. Tav clasped the locket around Kar'niss' neck, brushing her hand against his hair as she did so. Under the grime and oil, his hair could be as white and luxurious as Astarion's. Tav could borrow some pomade and rosemary oil from Astarion to wash Kar'niss' hair. 

Once the locket was secure, Tav stepped away from him. Kar'niss straightened to his full height. He seemed taller than what Tav initially noticed. Maybe it was that drop of happiness Tav was able to give him. He looked at the locket as though it was a holy relic. His hand hesitantly touched the locket in awe. "Thank you, Mistress," Kar'niss breathed out. She could hear the tears in his voice before he finally sobbed.

"Kar'niss!" Tav cried, "What's wrong?"

"You have given us, given  me , everything. Shelter, food, blood, provisions, this beautiful pendant. You have not scorned or punished. I've talked out of turn and been obstinate. I should prostrate myself at your feet. Yet you give and  smile . I am not worthy of this light. Please, Mistress," Kar'niss cried out. His hands went to his face to cover his eyes. He continued to bawl, "I shame you, I shame myself. I shame Her Majesty with unclean, vile, unholy thoughts. If you knew, Mistress, how prideful and selfish this beast is. Rutting, savage, ugly monster. Unfit, unfit!"

It was then that Kar'niss pulled from Tav's company and retreated into the cave.

Bewildered, Tav stood there, unsure whether to follow or give him space. The caring part of her wanted to follow him over the practical part of leaving him. Typically, the caregiver won out. And this instance was similar.

Tav stepped to the mouth of the cavern, looking into the darkness. She could see webs in the light. The cave must have been longer than she thought because she couldn't see Kar'niss. She took a few hesitant steps before walking further into the cave. 

[age-of-moonknight]

Variant cover for Scarlet Witch (Vol. 3/2023), #10 by Marc Aspinall.

[darcyolsson]

hi hello im dying to hear all ur sprolden thoughts after todays heartstopper update :)))

first of all i'm obsessed that sprolden is finally (seemingly?) canon after almost a DECADE...... literally the longest con ever. alice really said the gay couple from solitaire will be canon in-text & then have a full comic (and tv show) detailing their relationship and the straight couple from solitaire will be only ambiguously romantically attracted to each other in the source text and then they won't get to be in a relationship officially for another decade. and it will only be in the background of the gay relationship's story. and also they're not straight. and that's how i think all creators should treat their characters, everyone start taking notes

canonically ace tori is legendary for reasons that needn't be mentioned. all accidentally ace coded characters should get to have that. so real of her to get the most emo pride flag too it was truly meant to be

altogether nothing but 10s across the board i love tori & michael forever and ever and ever

[fandom]

Video Games

Week Ending August 14th, 2023

Baldur's Gate 3

Five Nights at Freddy’s

Genshin Impact

Pikmin +2

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Pokémon Violet and Scarlet

Team Fortress 2 +3

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 -1

Splatoon +5

Twisted Wonderland -6

Honkai: Star Rail

Undertale -3

The Sims 4 -5

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild +4

Obey Me! Shall We Date?

Deltarune +1

Ace Attorney -5

Disco Elysium -2

Overwatch

Final Fantasy XIV -7

The number in italics indicates how many spots a title moved up or down from the previous week. Bolded titles weren’t on the list last week.

[royalarchivist]

Bad: Hey, Jaiden!

Jaiden: Yeah?

Bad: How do you feel about a vacation?

Jaiden: A vacation? Wait– I love vacations! Wait– where? Where's this vacation?

Bad: Well it would be a surprise location!

Jaiden: That's even better! I love surprises!

Bad: Yeah! But you'd have to stay there for a while.

Foolish: Oh–

Jaiden: Oh, ok, like how long?

Bad: [After a long pause] A while!

[Foolish and Jaiden laugh]

Jaiden: Yippee! Vacation for a while? Wow!

Bad: Vacation for a while! What do you think?

Foolish: Wait–

Jaiden: For me? Personally? Oh, I would love to go on a vacation for a while.

Foolish: Would it– would it–

Bad: I just– I just remembered Foolish, the uh, bird only talked about other birds, didn't talk about people!

Foolish: Ohhhhhh, I see.

Jaiden: Wait, what? Wait, what are we talking about?

Foolish: The birds and the bees, and the fish.

Jaiden: No, wait– I don't want to meet any bees!

Bad: Oh no, there will not be bees.

Jaiden: Are you trying to set me up with someone?

Foolish: [Laughs]

Bad: Whoa– what the fudge! No! Foolish–!

[bluescribble]

day 14 - castle

[much-obliged-timothy]

Whumptober #14

Day 14 - Baldur's Gate 3 - "Just hang on"

*

As they descended in Cazador’s palace, Astarion felt the whole situation was surreal. 

He had been mentally preparing himself to come back here ever since Tav had agreed to help him kill Cazador. Astarion had spent hours daydreaming about how he would kill Cazador, and what he would say as he did it. The triumph he would feel as that bastard fell lifeless to the ground, freeing Astarion permanently. 

But it was different than he had daydreamed of lately. In his recent ones, Tav was by his side, bloodied rapier in hand and that fierce protection and loyalty in his eyes.

Except the day was here, and Tav was not.

Missing when they awoke in camp this morning. Nothing but the Szarr family ring and a splash of blood on his pillow.

How? Of course Astarion’s siblings told Cazador who he was traveling with and that Tav had stood up for Astarion. Astarion had expected that.

He had not expected his siblings to slip into their camp and abduct Tav as he slept just mere feet from Astarion.

But it had been such a long, hard day. They’d all been exhausted and fallen into a deep sleep as they got back to camp. 

Foolish. Fucking foolish. Astarion should’ve stayed awake and kept watch. He knew his siblings were lurking about, keeping an eye on him for Cazador. He was a bloody idiot for not anticipating this. But he’d figured he was the prime target.

Now, they moved cautiously through the long chamber, on edge for traps or ambushes. None came as they moved along. 

Astarion had no idea what they’d find down here. He’d never known about the existence of the place, and could only imagine the horrors hidden down here all these years. He had to get Tav out of this hell. 

Then he would kill Cazador for daring to target Tav.

“There,” Karlach said quietly, nodding ahead to another of those magically locked doors. 

They got it open and stepped inside, preparing for whatever they might face. Astarion thought he knew the levels of depravity his master could reach.

Even he was not prepared for this.

The red eyes looked back out at them from the cells, and Astarion was horrified to realize he recognized them. They…they were his victims. His prey throughout the years. People he’d longed believed dead, their lives amounting to nothing more than a meal for a vampire.

But here they were, staring back at him with slow recognition and quick hatred.

“Astarion?”

He knew the voice. Knew it from weeks of traveling together. From hushed conversations as they sat together in camp. From the singing at the campfire that made him feel a sense of home he’d never known.

When he turned, he was surprised he did not fall to his knees. All that kept him up was the shock locking his knees in place.

Tav looked out from behind the bars, dried blood on his neck and clothing. He gripped the bars of his cell, his eyes desperate.

And red.

“No,” Astarion heard himself choke out.

He might’ve stood frozen there for the rest of eternity, but Tav reached his hand through the bars, reaching for Astarion.

Astarion forced himself to stumble forward and clasp that hand, letting out a pained noise at the lack of its familiar warmth. Tav seemed weak and dazed, his body trembling as he fought to keep himself upright.

“I’m sorry,” Tav whispered, trembling harder. “I’m so sorry, Astarion. I fought. I really did. I wasn’t strong enough, and I’m sorry.”

He was apologizing for Astarion’s mistake. Astarion was the one who should’ve protected Tav, and he’d failed. He’d finally found the one person in the entire world who trusted him, believed him, and stood at his side without being afraid to speak up when he felt Astarion was making a mistake. Tav always believed Astarion could be better, but didn’t hold his nature against him. He accepted Astarion’s cold dismissals of others and enjoyment of violence, while still seeing whatever scrap of good was left in him.

And Astarion had failed him.

“I’ll get you out of here, darling,” Astarion said, with much more confidence than he felt.

“The…staff,” Tav said, rubbing his head as if it was in pain. “They said his staff controls the cells.” But then his red eyes widened and looked to Astarion frantically. “The Ritual. Astarion, he’ll kill you. You have to get out of here.”

“As if I’d let him,” Astarion said, but he felt himself spiraling inside. If he completed the Ritual in Cazador’s place now, he would be sacrificing Tav. What was the point of all that power and freedom if he didn’t even have Tav at his side? “Just hold on, my love. I’ll deal with Cazador and get you out of here.”

With luck, the tadpole would grant Tav the power it granted Astarion. The thought of Tav, who was such a free, happy soul, being enslaved to Cazador had Astarion so furious he could barely contain it.

“Just hold on,” he repeated, squeezing Tav’s hand. He forced his usual smug grin. “Wait for me, my sweet. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Astarion?” Tav’s voice was uncharacteristically small. “Astarion, please don’t leave me down here. I don’t want either of us to die down here.”

He was frightened. Astarion was stunned; he’d never seen Tav afraid before.

And it wasn’t just for himself. He was afraid for Astarion, too. 

“I will not leave you,” Astarion promised, dropping the confident, smug mask and looking seriously into those red eyes of Tav’s. “I am going to rip Cazador’s fucking throat out when I’m done listening to him scream, and then I am coming back for you. You have my word.”

And he would make Cazador scream. Scream and beg and cry. He would make Cazador suffer the same terror that Astarion and Tav felt. 

Cazador’s most lethal mistake was targeting Tav. Astarion was going to wreak vengeance like Cazador had never seen in all his miserable centuries.