#Crestfallen Merchant

[scarletknightreterns]

‘Oh Brave Soul, won’t you go Hollow?’

—-

Admitedly, I’ve been playing a lot more of Dark Souls then what I’ve been doing art as of late XDD Here is a little comic page of my character (promptly named Cinder) fighting a Giant, and the Crestfallen Merchant watching from his sad, broken-bridged tower. :3333

[patchesenthusiast]

more alt vite!! fin all released chapters hope more come out

i messed up the roman numeral nine LOL

ok ok but if you guys want to read then HERE because i like it very much and it is good the writer is @owlgodarchives she is also very cool

[leaft-the-chat]

patience is a virtue

ft. luocha

content. (s)mut, afab!reader, dubcon, sex toys, blindfold, bondage, imprisonment, implied power dynamic? idk i wrote this when i was horny, 3.5k wc

a softer and slightly longer interpretation of @mirangel's post because that idea was so genius i can't survive on just crumbs-

he's been gone for so long that you've forgotten how to wait, so he teaches you again.

You still remembered the way he kissed you.

The soft velvet of his lips on yours, gentle hands roaming, touching, caressing every inch of your body. He did it so that he’d never forget the feel of you on his long, arduous journeys.

Every time he came back, Luocha decorated you with silk and gold. In all shapes and sizes, each piece costed a fortune. He would never tell you the price, lest you besiege him with a mouthful about spending too much on you, and he would never admit that the thought of you finding out the full value of the garments hugging your body in his stead while he travelled far, far away made him so damn hard.

But that would have to be put on hold for the time being.

“What do you mean, you won’t be back until tomorrow?”

Luocha cursed himself for the blood rushing to his cock at the sight of your crestfallen face. “I’m sorry, dear,” he crooned and wiped a tear off your reddened cheek. How he wanted to ram himself into you against the wall right then and there. “But work is work. I promise I’ll make it up to you when I return.”

He revelled in the way that your brows furrowed. Flawless manicures gripping the bedsheets, wrinkling the frilly, delicate lingerie on your even more delicate frame, tits hard and swollen, eager to be touched. Such a fine specimen you were, tweaked and altered to perfection - all by his own hands.

“You promised,” you whined, thighs clenching, missing his touch, missing the way his big kok filled you up so full and tight. “I didn’t touch myself at all just for you. Need you so bad, I can’t take it anymore…”

Luocha pressed a kiss to your forehead. What an ungrateful fucking brat. It seemed that he’d spoiled you so much that you really thought not fingering yourself for a little was comparable to the blood and sweat he racked, working to lavish you with riches and gold. You were his pretty little girl, but naughty girls needed to be corrected.

His thumb ghosted over your puffy lips. “Tell you what,” he cooed. “You’ve done more than enough, dear, but I need you to do one more little thing for me, alright?”

You hiccuped. “I told you, Luocha, I can’t-”

“No, no, it’s a bit… different this time.” He chuckled. “I know you can do it, love. Just a little more.” He gazed at you. “Please? For me.”

The scene that played out before him was like a script that it was laughable. Your pretty mouth hang open, head trying to process what he just said. They say that eyes were the windows to the soul, well, the moment Luocha looked into yours, he knew that you were fucked out beyond recognition, a dumb slut ready to beg for the mind-numbing drug that was his dick.

“O-okay, then…” You finally managed, and Luocha smiled to himself. He didn’t even have to lift a finger.

“Good girl.”

Luocha kissed you again and got up from the bed. He rummaged through the drawers and hummed a little tune, making sure to take his sweet time before procuring what looked like a blindfold, a gag… a pair of metal handcuffs… and a vibrator.

Your heart dropped to your stomach. “No. No, Luocha, no. I can’t- you can’t-”

“Shh, it’s alright, my sweet.” He sat back next to you and held your hands in his. “I promise I’ll take care of you once it’s over. You just have to trust me, alright? You can do this for me, right, love?” Luocha looked at you pleadingly.

Now you knew exactly why he was a merchant.

“Fine,” you whimpered as the last of your will crumbled under his eyes. “But you better get back the moment you finish your work.”

Luocha smiled, and the heat between your legs nearly went to your heart. Nearly. “Right after work finishes, and not a moment later.”

First he moved your hair out of the way and gently wrapped the white strip of cloth over your eyes, complete with a small bow at the back (he couldn’t help himself, it went perfectly with your cute lingerie!). Next, you felt the cold metal digging into your wrists with a sharp click!

Luocha’s fingers parted your lips open and you unconsciously licked and sucked them in just the way that he liked, made him laugh. “Patience, dear,” Luocha hummed. “We haven’t even started.” Despite your whines, he pulled his digits out and pushed the cold gag in.

A roast pig with an apple in its mouth.

Luocha sneered. You trusted him so much that it was just so cute and so pathetic. Sitting in front of him blind and handcuffed and drooling at the corner of your puffy lips like a dumb bitch. He could pin you down and choke all air out of your lungs. He could sell you to some some cheap brothel, turn you into a free-use fuckmeat for a measly few credits and you wouldn’t even know.

“Beautiful.” he mumbled. He pushed your back on the bed, and spread your legs apart, admiring how the skimpy strings barely did anything to hide your sopping wet cunt clenching around nothing. Once again, you did all the work for him.

Luocha pushed the vibrator into your pussy, erecting a lewd moan from your lips. He hadn’t turned it on and you were already being such a shore. “Still now, love, and follow me.”

Luocha helped you up from the bed, one arm wrapped around your waist. Your legs shook from the cold, foreign object nestled between your walls. Even if you were gagged and blindfolded, he knew you were asking where he was leading you, but all you had for an answer was the sound of creaking wood.

You felt his hands guiding your back against a tight, enclosed space. Was me putting you in the closet? And yet, this familiar scent of wood and flowers…

“I never said that I’d leave you alone at home now, did I?” Luocha laughed before closing the coffin shut.

Pitch-dark, you choked on the inky black of the coffin. The rough wood scraped at your naked skin, which would’ve hurt if it weren’t for the low buzz of the vibrator in your cunt keeping you inches away from passing out.

Luocha made an effort to lug you around, walking, talking to as many people as he could, whether they be business acquaintances or simply people passing by who must’ve thought him a bit off his rockers.

“Interested in these jade charms, sir?”

“I must admit I’m a bit intrigued,” he’d lie through his teeth, urging the storekeeper to ramble more and more on inconsequential trinkets.

“Thank you for your patron, benefactor,” you heard a purr through the coffin - that was very close to the coffin. That was right next to the coffin. Luocha knew this, and instantly flicked the switch, turning the tremble inside you up a few notches. Your knees quivered and you could practically swallow the gag in your mouth.

“Oh, and you surely have heard of our illustrious general, the Divine Foresight? He seldom shows himself in the public, but I do have some pictures of him. Allow me a moment here, my dear benefactor…”

The presence next to the coffin left. Yet before you could sigh in relief, another voice rang, though standing a distance away from you. “…back on the Luofu already…” A loud thud! resonated in front of the coffin - of you - like a sword stabbing a rock. “….must really miss the Xianzhou, hehe!”

You heard Luocha’s deep chuckle. “Simply business dealings, Miss Sushang.”

“…Lot to catch… Earl just released a new flavour of tea that’s absolutely delicious!” The girl squealed and stepped closer. You could hear her more clearly now. “If you’re free right now, wanna try it out? I’m on my break.”

You could sense your partner placing a hand on his chin like how he always did. “Alas…” He sighed and stroked the side of the coffin. “Perhaps another time. Duty calls me.”

“Aww, good luck on your business then. By the way, have you heard? That really young boy who’s the lieutenant got beaten up by…”

Luocha pressed the remote, and instantly the vibrations in your pussy doubled. Sushang trailed off into a tangent about something that you didn’t quite register as the hot throbbing between your thighs override your brain.

But it hurt, it hurt so much because the vibrator couldn’t reach deep enough. Luocha had purposefully chosen one that was just a little too small, a tad too short for your deepest places so that you’d keel over for him once he was done. The intense sensations cloaked in darkness crawled and itched all over your skin, and all you could think of was Luocha, Luocha, Luocha, Luocha, Luocha, Luocha-

Suddenly, something hit the back of the coffin and you fell forward. The door cracked open and the tiniest ray of light entered the dark space, but not before you caught sight of a glove hand deftly shutting it close and catching the coffin - you - before it hit the ground.

A muffled voice moaned. “Urgh! …so sorry! …be goi-”

“Excuse me, my friend here-” you listened to thee masculine voice yelp in pain, replaced by a higher, pitchier one, “….like to… box that you’re carrying… C’mon, Chengjie, hurry up so we can return! Just one more til I win the game…”

You were rearranged with grunts and set on the ground again. “Of course,” Luocha replied. “What would you like to inquire of me?” They exchanged words that you couldn’t hear, but Luocha saying “Examine away” was all that you needed to know.

Fingers that weren’t his trailed over the coffin, grazing, touching, caressing the coffin, sighing in admiration as if they could see through the wooden skin of the casket. Your heart thundered in your chest. “The carvings are gorgeous, but why do you, um, carry such a large thing around?”

“Weellll,” Sushang’s voice drawled, “this amazing thing here is called a ‘coughing!’”

“A coffin,” Luocha corrected. “It is used in burial rites, to transport the body of the dead to the other side.”

The stranger voice cried, “You’ve got a corpse in there!?”

“This is merely the…” One of Luocha’s hand met the coffin, while the other pushed the virator up to the max. Your knees instantly buckled. “…Tool. Of my trade.”

Too much. It was too much. You tried to grip the walls for some form of assistance, but it was too late. Your legs gave over, and you tumled to the side with a loud crash.

Silence fell.

“Ah, it seems that one of the bolts had come undone. I can’t expect much more, this coffin has accompanied me for quite some time.”

“…Didn’t you say that you were here last time to deliver this to a business associate?”

“Yes, but they were away from the Luofu at the time due to unexpected matters. This time I have returned to fulfil my promise. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will have to deliver it right away.”

The moment he opened the coffin, Luocha nearly came in his pants. He wondered how the entirety of the Luofu didn’t immediately smell the heavy scent of sex that emanated from the coffin.

There, you were barely hanging on your last thread of sanity, whole body shaking, chin and neck covered in drool with thighs drenched for Yaoshi knows how long. Your hair mussed, sticking to the back of your neck, your frilly laces slipping off for the whole world to see your pert nipples and pink little pussy…

Luocha would’ve taken his time to admire the view if it weren’t for the fact that you were naked in the back of an alleyway.

He removed the vibrator between your swollen hole and placed a soft kiss on your tear-stained cheek. “Not a moment late, yes?” His eyes shone with glee as you fell on your knees and your face nuzzled, whimpering, sniffling his crotch. “Right, you can’t speak. Hold still.”

The moment the gag was off, all that you managed to spew was incomprehensible blabber. “S’ mean…” you whined, sniffling and tugging the crotch of his pants with your teeth. “You’re so mean, Luocha… Kept me waiting for so long… Was gonna die in there…”

Luocha grinned. “I apologize, dearest, work kept me. But all is over. I’m here. I’ll take care of you.”

He unzipped his pants to free his hardened cock. He forced your mouth open, shoving his length in. The feel of your warm and wet throat made him groan. “Take it,” Luocha panted. “Take me so well like that slut that you are.”

Tears brimmed at the corners of your eyes from how rough he was fucking your mouth, but you didn’t - couldn’t - mind. Being left in the coffin with a gag made your jaw sore and itching, and now Luocha was granting you the privilege of treating you with his dick. Each thrust sent shivers down your tortured cunt. You could even feel yourself leaking little by little.

But you were sloppy. Perhaps he’d miscalculated and left you in there for so long that you were actually turning stupid. But no matter. Luocha grabbed a fistful of your hair and yanked your head down, his balls slapping against your chin over and over again.

You gagged at the salty taste of his thick cock fucking your mouth, swollen head slamming against the back of your throat, so rough that your tits spilled out of the lace lingerie and your slick shamelessly watered the ground.

His movements were frantic now, you could tell he was getting close, shaking and twitching in your mouth. He was finally going to shoot his hot load down your-

“Did you really think it would be that easy?”

Luocha pulled his throbbing shaft out and tutted. “Look at you. Were you really going to cum just from getting your throat fucked?” He delighted at the sight of your lips connected to his dick through a flimsy string of saliva as you blindly try to find your way back to his dick, smearing drool all over yourself like a cat reaching for its toy.

His eyes glanced at the small wet spot under you. “Get up.”

You frowned. “H-huh…?”

“I said, get up.” Luocha pulled you up from your wobbly, overstimulated knees and pushed you against the wall, rutting and groaning at the feeling of grinding on your ass.

You could barely hold in the moans threatening to spill out of your mouth when his tip flicked against your sensitive clit. “L-Luocha! Stop it!”

Instantly, Luocha pulled away. “Of course, dear.” His voice dripped with mock disappointment. “You must be far too exhausted to continue. Shame, you’ve bee waiting all day for me, and yet-”

“No!” You cried. “Luocha, please, just put it in!”

You could practically taste the mirth in his voice. “And just what do you mean, ‘put it in?’”

“I wan’ you to put…” You gulped. “Wanna put your cock in, please, want you to fuck me dumb ‘til I can’t walk anymore, can’t think anymore. Please use me and fuck me and fill me to the brim with your cum…”

“Oh, but dearest-” Luocha rubbed circles on your clit, extracting a pleasured yelp from you, “you’re already dumb enough. Who was it that kept whining incessantly about my work like a stupid, spoiled whore?”

You sobbed. “I did.”

“And?”

“’M sorry, Luocha, ‘m so sorry-” Gloved fingers spread open your cunt and prodded at the wet entrance. “I won’t ever complain again, I’ll wait for you, Luocha, I’ll be patient, I’ll be a good girl, I’m sorry, Luocha, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry-”

Without warning Luocha buried his entire length inside you and hit your deepest parts, making you cry out in pain? Pleasure? It didn’t matter anymore, the only thing you knew was that you were filled to the brim with his thick, throbbing cock.

His thrusts were long and relentless, pushing in as deep as he could and pulling out until his tip barely touched your hole, relishing in the way that you whined and clenched around nothing then choking on your own moans as he slammed balls deep inside you again. Luocha thought that the vibrator would’ve loosened you up a bit, but no, you were just fucking tight like it was your first time.

Grunts and moans mixed in the air, set to the wet, squelching rhythm with the occasional smack! on your ass. He crushed you to himself. Clutching you tighter, arm wrapped around your waist, one hand twisting up in your hair. Fucking you like an animal. Hard and fast and unrelenting. Leaving you little time to breathe, to do anything other than surrender yourself to him, to chant him name like a broken, garbled prayer.

Soon Luocha’s thrusts came to a close, and sith one final swing of his hips, he emptied his load inside you.

You two stood in place, trying to catch your breath.

He pulled out. White, sticky cum oozed out of you, dripping down your thighs and on the ground. Some might have gotten on the coffin, but you doubted that anyone would notice the extra layer of paint on the already white casket.

But before you could even pull yourself together, Luocha hoisted you up against a nearby wall and lined his hard cock to your entrance again. “Don’t act so surprised,” he purred, “we still have an entire month to catch up on.”

The chimes and jingles of the girl’s bell were drowned out by the bustling market streets. One might think to ask why she was running around red-faced, but this was the Xianzhou Luofu, where the short-life hurried to make the most of their limited time, while the long life, in their eyes, lounged around and watched them with amusement.

Li Sushang, however, hurried to get the hell away from what she just witnessed.

Now she understood why he lugged that giant casket around. Business, her arse! (Oops, sorry, mom-) Oh, Aeons above, that man had managed to fool everyone with his princely face but really, Luocha was just a disgusting, messed-up perve-

“Woah, woah, slow down a bit there, officer!”

Huh?

Sushang snapped back into reality but it was too late. Her hands slipped and she tripped over her prized sword. Before she could tumble to the ground, though, a pair of strong arms caught her.

Sushang gasped in relief, but now her face flushed for a different reason. “Th-thank you, sir,” she croaked. Ugh, what was she doing? A Cloud Knight should be there to help the people, not the other way around!

The man helped her up and smiled. He had a handsome face and wore fancy armour embellished with Cloud Knight motifs. Sushang immediately realized that he must be one of her superiors. “I haven’t seen you around here very much,” he said with the slightest tilt of his head. “Are you a new recruit, miss?”

Sushang straightened up. “Yes, sir, deputy Cloud Knight Li Sushang at your service! I transferred here not too long ago from the Yaoqing so I’m not very familiar with the Luofu, but I’m steadily learning everyday!”

He chuckled. “Your shift is already over, yet you’re still hard at work. Your work ethic is admirable, officer Li.”

“Oh, no, I was just-” Sushang choked on her words. Goddamnit (no, mom, Guinai was to blame! Wait, actually, no, don’t scold her-), that image flashed before her eyes again, ew…

She forced a casual laugh, and gestured to her sword. “Getting… exercise! I got this sword from my ma, and it’s reallyheavy, so I’m still getting used to wielding it - even though I’ve had it my entire life… Oh, anyway, I usually run laps around the ship with it, and-” The man was still smiling, but Sushang felt as though she would crumble under his gaze. “…Yeah!”

“I see.” The look in his eyes was as undecipherable as the characters in the reports that Sushang had to write. “I think you should stop and rest for the day. After all…” He let out an unceremonious yawn. “It is getting rather late, don’t you think?”

“Y-yes, sir!”

Jing Yuan watched the girl leave as she appeared - in jingles and a hurry. The direction that Li Sushang came from… Yes, he had no doubt about it. Jing Yuan would need to keep an even closer watch on this merchant.

Luocha scowled. “Fuck you mean, ‘nuh uh’? I’ve already sanitized the coffin three times, now get going or we’ll be late.”

The entity growled from under the bed and sent out thorny vines to stab Luocha’s arm.

“For the last time, I did not cum inside the coffin!"

if you recognize my writing on reddit then buddy you really need to go touch grass

[ragnvdnir]

─── should the day ever come that we are not together, you will continue to shine like gold, in my memories.

SYNOPSIS (story); after losing his beloved years ago, zhongli was continuously frozen in time. his body was in the present while his heart, mind, and soul was stuck in the past of his golden days. what would he do if he caught a glimpse of his beloved in the present? that same features and mannerisms. would he stay still or finally melt the glacier around him? or, a tale about how a god loved you, a mortal human, and how he lost you as secrets were kept.

SYNOPSIS (chapter); he now goes by the name zhongli in the present. he lives as a funeral parlor consultant. everything was the usual like the day he lost you centuries ago. but wait... is that you in the far distance!?

CHARACTERS; zhongli / rex lapis x gn!reader

WORD COUNT; 1.4k

WARNINGS; none atm, just reincarnation as the concept

NOTE; i know i said that i am in a break because i have been experiencing writer's block, but i just remembered i have an unfinished draft of folklore's prologue in my docs so i decided to challenge myself and finish it. here it is! i cannot guarantee if i can write the next chapter since writer's block is still here. i'll try to finish this story as soon as i can since i am inlove with the plot in mind and i have a lot more of ideas stocked. i hope this chapter's alright though :"DD

TAGLIST; @zuyoo

NOW PLAYING; the lakes by taylor swift “i want auroras and sad prose. i want to watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet 'cause i haven't moved in years, and i want you right here.”

Liyue, The Harbor.

Present,

A glorious and normal day in the harbor: shouts of the merchants filled the place, the little kids running around and playing, animals resting, and so on.

If you were to look back at the Liyue Harbor years ago, you would have concluded that this land has been cultivated… a lot. Liyue constantly grows under Rex Lapis' lead. However, it all changed when the Exuvia fell from the heavens… unalive. After that, the citizens of Liyue believed that their Archon had already passed away. Nevertheless, they continued with their lives as if nothing happened.

What they don't know is that he still lives. He's well and alive. He breathes in and out. He continued his life as a mortal, for years and years.

But,

He is frozen in time.

While his dear land and people continued to change, Rex Lapis stayed the same. He remained in the past. The feelings and sorrows remain in him. Everything remains in him.

He is frozen in time as his crestfallen heart longs for someone. He still spends his days hoping that he would get to find a glimpse of them. Hoping that every misery that happened in the past is all a lie. Praying and wishing that this dear someone would come back to him.

Immortality is a curse.

It is a curse that he will forever loathe. Immortality is a curse because you’ll eventually outlive someone within a short time. It maims the most when you watch them with their skin young and clear and then transitioning from there to having wrinkles and gray strands.

An immortal might have been a mortal's whole life but to an immortal's infinite days, a mortal is just once a part of their world.

But to him, It's not like that. Because he stopped functioning the day he lost the one.

He prayed to wake up one day where he's just a normal human who wakes up beside his beloved. Kissing their lips and swooning over their unmatched beauty that rivaled the stars. He prayed to go back in time where only both of them matter. He wished to go back to that spring as their love bloomed along with the blossoms that even glowed in summer.

That summer love...

He continued to reminisce. Those good old days never seem to fade away from him. He remembers everything all too well. He remembers every memory. But… every memory is not a happy one.

There are some memories he wishes he can’t recall burn it. And there are some he never wants to forget that he wants them pinned in his heart. Those are the good memories he wishes to keep as a secret for it is too sacred that he only wants to share them with the person who’s in that memory.

Being too intelligent and having a memory is also a curse if you turn the tables around. It’s a weight of pros and cons. He loathes it. But he also cherishes it.

He, who lived for the hope of it all.

“Mr. Zhongli!” A call from reality made him go back to his senses. He looked around to search for the one who called him. Then, he spotted Hu Tao waving at him. He cleared his throat before he smiled at the young woman.

“Director Hu, How can I help you?” He greeted her warmly as the girl sat across from him.

“Mora for your thoughts?” Hu tao grinned at him and showed him a penny. Zhongli only shook his head at the girl’s antics. He brought the teacup close to his lips and blew it to lessen the hotness of the tea before sipping a little and turning towards Hu Tao.

“Not necessarily, I was just simply thinking about what I should do for the day. How about you, Director Hu? You seem ecstatic today.” He observed how the young woman seemed livelier than the normal days. Zhongli thought something must have happened that resulted in her mood today and it was getting on his curiosity but he doesn't want to push her to admit what it is if she doesn't want to. But of course, It is Hu Tao.

“You noticed! Aiya! Today is indeed a good day! I got myself a pretty friend!” Hu tao cupped her face. She was gleaming with excitement and it made him smile. He was happy for her. After all, people mostly avoid her because of her business tactics. They find her weird.

Some put up with her despite her silliness like Zhongli, but those people can only be counted on fingers. Zhongli sometimes questions her actions but he brushes it off and still cares for her. So, hearing that she got herself a friend was a big deal to her.

“That’s nice, Director Hu. I am ecstatic for you as well.” He replied.

“Really? You know what, you should meet them! They’re fun and nice!”

“Ah, It’s fine—”

“Then it’s all set! We’ll see you at Wanmin Restaurant later when the cloud strikes at golden hour!” Hu tao stood up and ran off somewhere before he could decline her offer. Zhongli could only sigh at himself and continued sipping his tea.

‘I have no choice, I guess.’ He thought as he stood up from his seat and went back to work in the Yansheng Funeral Parlour. ‘Let’s just get this done.’

—

“Mr, Zhongli! You came! Yay!” Hu tao exclaimed as she was seated on a stool in Wanmin Restaurant. The man merely nodded at her and took a seat beside the girl. Then, he turned towards her.

“So, what is your friend like?” Zhongli started as he browsed the menu. Hu tao sighed knowingly and swung her foot.

“Well, they are fun to be with! They are a jolly and a curious person. A person that is naive in a good way! I am sure you will like them.” She snickered as she covered her mouth while her eyes stared at him with a teasing hint on it. The man could only close his eyes and shook his head at her.

“Oh–! That's them! My friend!” Hu Tao stood up from her chair and waved at the person who was approaching them with a grin.

Zhongli turned towards the direction she was waving at. There, he saw a person with a sequined smile plastered on their face. The person waved back at the excited Hu tao. Seeing this, she shook his shoulder. “Mr. Zhongli! That's my friend! They're pretty, right? You're starstruck, hehe.”

He was starstruck? No, his world halted from revolving.

The ever man who never lost his composure was now having his soft lips parted as he gaped at the sight of the person. His eyes glowed. His heart beating after being buried dead.

The man who was once frozen in time now melts. The glacier ice that surrounded him defrosted as the person neared him every second as if they're the summer sun that changed his forever winter upside down.

As if being drowned for a long time, his breath hitched as the person now stood in front of him.

'That face…'

This caused him to stand on his feet as he gaped at the sight. His eyes blinking in disbelief and lips opening as if trying to say something but no words came out. He was baffled. His mind was in a labyrinth of questions and emotions.

“Hu Tao! Hello—” The person was cut off when Zhongli approached them and raised his hand as he let his fingers touch their face as salt water managed to cascade down a line on his cheeks, leaving a tear stain on his sculpture-like face.

“This face, my dearest love…” His voice shook along with his fingers that caressed their face. A crystalline tear. An eye that tells a lot of memories. The palm of a freezing hand. A heart that cried out.

“(name)?”

Zhongli whispered longingly as his tapestry mended. He was breathless. He came back alive. He was now once frozen. The time passed by for everyone else and he won't know it because by heart, mind, body and soul, he was still there, right where he was left.

Now that a familiar face that he forgot despite his great memory showed up, what would he do? Will he just let the time pass by them again or will he wake up in the daylight after shutting down for centuries as the golden days ended him?

“You're finally back..”

MASTERLIST | NEXT

END NOTE; ill update when i update ig😭 i really want to write but like writer's block is staring at me and i am busier in school since i am in my graduating years already 🥹🤌

© kazu-topia, 2022. do not copy, repost, take heavy inspiration or translate my works.

[runawaymun]

Trick or treat!! 🎃

Happy Halloween!! 🎃🎃🎃

Here's a bit more of the new Partake chapter! :) Blanket shopping!

They finally reach a row of textile merchants and tailors and weavers. Here, every imaginable piece of cloth has been strung out in a maze for potential customers to inspect. Wool from Rhovanion here, Elvish silk over there, thick velvet imported from Gondor a little ways down— more kinds of fabric than Elrond can name. It doesn’t take long to find a merchant selling blankets and cushions. She’s a portly elleth with curly black hair, and when she spots the make of Elrond and Erestor’s clothes, she perks right up and asks if they’re looking for anything in particular. “I am not sure, really,” Elrond says, because now that he is faced with actually making a decision, he feels paralyzed. The elleth takes him by his arm and drags him over to her wares, and Elrond does his best to be polite and listen to her talk about the merits of each piece she pulls out. Erestor rescues him and asks for some space, and the merchant retreats— a little crestfallen— back to her seat.  Once she's gone, Elrond takes a deep breath. He stares at the lines of blankets. Some are woven with simple multicolored stripes. Some sport blocks of yellow and pink. Some have quilted red flowers, or sky blue pinwheels, or deep green leaves. He doesn’t have a clue where to even start narrowing it down. He stands there for what feels like an age. Finally, Erestor nudges his shoulder with his own and asks: “What’s your favorite color?”  “I don’t know,” Elrond admits, because he doesn’t. He must have one, but if he does he has forgotten it. It has never mattered before.

[itsalwayswellattheworldsend]

Book 2 Chapter 22 - Ralph Talks With Bull Shockhead

Text Audio

Synopsis:

Ralph and Bull Shockhead compare world-views.

Summary:

"And are thy deeds so good?" said Ralph. "Are they ill," said Bull, "when they are done against the foemen?" Said Ralph: "And are all men your foemen who pass through these mountains?" "All," said Bull, "but they be of the kindred or their known friends."

When they went on, Ralph rode beside Bull, who was happy and chipper now that he had eaten and drank, and eventually he said: “So, you are a king’s son, master? I thought right from the beginning that you were high-born. These merchants’ scoundrels, and the butchers they employ, don’t know the name of their mother’s mother, and they haven’t heard anything about the one who began their bloodline, and you can see it in the way they act.”[1]

“And do you act much better?” asked Ralph.

“Is it wrong to act against the enemy?”

“And are all men passing through these mountains your enemies?”

“All of them who aren’t of the clan or a known friend.”

“Well, Bull,” said Ralph, “I don’t like how you act at all, robbing men and women of their good lives and selling them into hardship and slavery.”

Bull replied: “Do we do any worse to them than the merchant does to his debtor? Or the lord of the manor to his vassal?”

“Far worse! If only you knew! Those poor people…”

“I don’t know it and can’t know it, even if you tell me, because it is not true. And listen, the life of a bought-and-sold thrall is not so bad; they are often treated kindly and have other thralls working under their whips.”[2]

Ralph laughed. “Which one should I make you, my friend, the boss or the underling?”

Bull reddened, but said nothing.

“Or where should I sell you, so that I can make the most money from my good luck and bravery?” Ralph continued.

Bull looked crestfallen. “No,” he said in a smooth voice, “you wouldn’t sell me, would you? See, I think you’ll be a good master for me. And—” and now his voice suddenly grew sharp, “—if I had a different master, I would certainly kill him, whatever happened.”

Ralph laughed again and said: “See what I mean? It’s so bad that you would rather be tortured to death (as you surely would be if you killed your master) than to be sold to any master who was exceedingly good.”

Bull held his tongue at that, but eventually said: “Well, whether what we do is good or bad, it is profitable, and sometimes we take those that I wouldn’t part with, once I had them.”

“You mean women?” said Ralph.

“Yeah,” said Bull, “there was one taken recently by my relative, Bull Nosy, which he took to the market at Cheaping Knowe, though I would not have done that once I had her in my arms. She was as fair as a flower, and yet so well-built that she could carry as much as a strong man. Nosy said that when he took her, she didn’t scream or cry, but was patient and quiet, like she intended to take all life had to throw at her and live through it… Master, may I ask you a question?”

“Go ahead,” said Ralph.

“Those beads around your neck, where did you get those?”

“They were a gift from a dear friend,” Ralph answered.

“A woman?”

“Yes.”

“See, this is strange,” said Bull, “I don’t know what it might mean, but this woman was wearing a set of beads exactly like those; did this woman give you those beads? Because I’ll say this, master, that you are nearly as fine a man as she was a woman.”

Ralph sighed, because this talk of the woman and beads brought all of those memories to his mind, so that it was like he was seeing it all happen again: the Lady of the Wildwood being led to her death before he freed her, and their fleeing from the Water of the Oak, and her murder in the wilderness. With all that was happening, these memories had become somewhat dim, but after this sorrow, there was the joy that this man had also seen the maiden, whom his dream had called Dorothea, and that he knew about her captors, because through this Ralph might find her and free her.

Then he said: “No, it was not her that gave them to me, but I would like to find this woman you saw, for she is a friend of mine. So tell me, do you think I could buy her from your relative?”

Bull shook his head. “Maybe, but he might have already sold her to someone who cares more about beautiful women than treasure, and she is more beautiful than most. But, lord, I will do my best to find her for you, because you are a king’s son and a good master, I think.”

“Do that,” said Ralph, “and I will free you, and do whatever else that I can for you.” And with that, he rode forward so that he was out of earshot—for BUll seemed prone to chat and gossip—and it was not long before he heard laughter behind him, as Bull began joking with the merchant’s lads.

Notes:

[1a] Shockhead feels kinship with Ralph because Ralph is a noble. Nobles track their family lineage and remember the stories of their ancestors, since that is what makes them nobles. Shockhead comes from a clan-based culture which places similar value on family history, and he looks down on commoners from Ralph’s feudal culture who don’t know/respect their ancestral lineage. He attributes their behavior (which he despises) to their lack of knowledge in this area, calling them “kinless.”

[1b] Note that the story refers to Bull Shockhead as “Bull,” which I will maintain in my summaries, but in my notes I’ll call him “Shockhead,” since that is his personal name and will distinguish him from another member of the Bull clan introduced later.

[2] Growing up in the (American) south, this is a real argument you hear about why slavery “wasn’t so bad.”

Map:

[oroborosdreadwalker]

Been seeing everyone making posts about quest progression in fromsoft games and about how you should have A quest log, if your that stuck just google it, i wont judge you. Let me tell you a story.

When I first played DS1 i finished the tutorial version of the undead asylum and beat the asylum demon with the nroken straight sword because thats what I thought you had to do, not avoid it and run to the doors at the top left. Got an item i could not use and didnt know how to get the stats to use it, if the boss didnt level me up what does. I find my actual weapon an Axe and the spider shield forgot its actual name(yes my first ever character was a pyromancer with the defult look) wondered why i couldmt of used that on the boss, got my sunny D and unlocked the shortcut back to the bonfire learning "oh this game has shortcuts" got my glove and beat all the enemys in the area, saw there was a door I couldn't get through and died because i forgot about one enemy and didnt heal because i didnt know what button to press. Respawned at the bonfire with no souls, questioned shit for a minute then went back to where i died and saw my souls where there, i have now learnt the punishment for dieing, and that i have one chance to grab them again, because i put 2 and 2 together with the souls i got on my way that id drop them and my other pile would despawn. Finally i get to that grand opening and realise "ooohhhh this was how i was suppost to fight it" so like a dumbfuck I RESTARTED MY FUCKING GAME TO DO IT THAT WAY" learnt about plunging attacks, and had an easier time beating him, but I didnt get the item he dropped before. SO I DELETED MY SAVE AGAIN AND DID IT THE WAY I DID BEFORE AGAIN WHY WAS 16 YEAR OLD ME SO FUCKING CONFUSING! Met the bird and got sent to firelink and finally learnt how to use my souls as they are used to level up, used what i had to boost my strength and vitality, wondered what to do so i talked to the first NPC i saw the crestfallen warrior, and got told theres two bells, ring'em thats its. Wasnt told where just one above one below. Thats was the starr of my DS adventures and taught myself "oh this game doesnt really care about you, you actually have to use your brain and remember this shit. Fuck. And that stayed with me through all the games DS2? Yup kept that in mind once i saw i wasnt going to be told absolutly anything at all until i saw my first lord soul acquired when beating the sinner. Ans realised oh i need more of these 3 kinda held your hand more i find but still got lost at some places and accidently summoned the dancer early because i accidently killed emma becuae i put my controller down for her diolouge and my right bumper got pressed enough to let lopse a heavy attack. Learnt of the consequences of killing friendly NPCs also during this i failed most NPC questlines in all the games, i failed to save solaire so he turned hostile when he found his sun, that one hurt the most, dont remember which on hurt the most in DS2, in 3 i failed greirats questline and got him killed loosing a merchant, and i failed Eileen's questline in bloodborne. Still havent played demon souls yet but want to. And in elden ring i failed Bocs questline, so yes you will fail, but you have to think, the games wont hold your hand want a quest log? Go fucking make one yourself a physical one you can put your finding in so if yoh get stuck or see something you can flip through it to see if its important. I do, ifni can find the ones i made for DS1 ill post a picture of it but im pretty sure I lost that when my second apartment burnt down.

[ladygwyndolin]

Lez% update: have spoken with female undead merchant and reah of thorolund, as well as spoken "to" Anastacia (doesn't count until her voice is restored.) Tomorrow omw to blighttown to kill eingyi and speak to the fair lady and hopefully quelana if all goes well. Might be worth swinging by Dusk and climbing up to Alvina, but I might save it for after Sen's. Griggs, crestfallen, male merchant, and ofc Oscar are all dead thus far. What can ya do!

[dxy-drxxm]

⭐ | COMMISSION VI : Trial of the Deceased

TW: murder (implied), infidelity, mafia event spoilers (if you're not aware), death is implied if you squint

"So, we have ourselves a murder case, do we?"

"Attempted murder. The bastard didn't even finish the job."

"Oh, right. He did use Primordial Seawater, after all..."

Kunimitsu had mixed feelings about... The matter itself. It wasn't as though he was new to all of this— he's quite versed into the business of crimes and 'cleaning people up', to be fair.

But the idea of using Primordial Seawater all due to a simple argument... It reminded him of memories that is best contained from below.

Raising up the letter (which the wife had given them), the informant went through the contents of her written alibi again, brows furrowed in thought.

"She mentioned that he would sneak off every weekend, but she didn't knew how he got Primordial Seawater on her drinks," Navina mused, their grey yellow eyes going through the page. "If I remember correctly, it's very hard to get that from normal stores."

Kunimitsu raised an eyebrow at this, but he was examining their surroundings more as they were going to the direction that they were told to look for by a few... Individuals.

"And you're saying that it has the capability of dissolving people who are from Fontaine?"

"Mhm. I've witnessed it myself first hand in court with the traveler," they said, shuddering. "It was... Chilling. And I don't even know where the source of these things came from during Lyney's trial— all the traveler and I know is that Primordial Seawater is manufactured and that they're sold in vials."

... interesting.

I wonder how useful that'll be if I used it agai—

The albino stopped walking for a moment and pulled on Kunimitsu's kimono, causing him to stumble. He caught on his footing and glanced at them, about to ask what they were doing when he saw their expression.

The look of apprehension on their face made him quiet, his head turning to see the scene unfolding before them.

It seems as though they found the client's husband, judging by how he was being way too close to some merchants whose faces were hidden under their clothes. He raised his hand to offer cash to the merchant, to which they trade it off with vials.

And Navina knew what those are.

Pulling Kunimitsu out of sight, he stayed quiet as he watched them dug around for a Kamera. Their focused expression says it all as they retrieved it and faced the two men.

"... I just needed some more of these. I can't have my wife find out about her."

"Oh? Find out about your infidelity, huh? Well, I doubt she would. Has she drank it yet?"

"I don't think so, no. She was angry and went out to consult to her friends. I doubt she had the chance to drink it yet."

Hm... So, he's cheating on her, and then what?

"Hmph. You've been quite reckless, Reynold. What would she think of you? It would be quite terrible if she comes to the court after finding out about your shady deals here."

Their eyes widened at the information, and they raised their Kamera when the two men faced each other. This time, he was being traded a photograph.

Click. Click.

"I doubt it. Anyway, here's that photo you asked— I'm sure you'll have a lovely time getting someone to... Deal with her, if things fall through."

After the exchange, Navina took one last photo of the two separating before facing Kunimitsu, their face awfully pale from what the duo had heard.

No words needed to be explain between them.

A murder is about to occur.

"He's... Planning to kill me by that shady man he's been contacting with?"

"Yes, mrs. Marigold," Navina answered, their face grim as they handed her the photos they took. "Unfortunately, I was not able to record what was being spoken, but... The photos are enough to speak for itself."

They watched as the married woman took the photograph one by one, her expression crestfallen as she saw what they took. And considering their job as well...

"... I see. Thank you so much," she nodded, bowing at them. "Please, I... This will be enough for me to sue him in court."

Navina smiled and nodded, but their expression remained the same.

Kunimitsu didn't understood why at first, but then, it clicked in his head.

They're being reminded of her, back in Liyue.

"If you ever need an attorney, please contact us. We would love to handle this case and bring this matter to light," they said, but Kunimitsu could tell they were simply saying it to convince themselves that it was her.

He hated it.

Why won't you look at him like that?

"I will, if the matter is necessary," the lady chuckled and shook their hand. Standing up, she bowed once again and led the two out, in the promise of returning in a few days time.

As they returned back on the road, the wanderer couldn't help but stare at his lover, an expression unreadable... And yet so full of grief resting on their features.

Nothing was needed to be said, he thought.

After all, I've had the same expression when I saw what became of them that day.

[ravensofdarkwind]

Chapter 4: The Peddler

The next three hours were a blur for our adventurers. Each time one of them attempted to nod off to sleep the peddler would snap his fingers, commanding their attention, before continuing to rant about the price of fleece or that the world wasn’t ready for his bold fashion sense.

Birdie looked up to see Er beginning to reach for his staff, Hesmira silently nodding to egg him on. Birdie panicked, quickly shaking his head to try to dissuade them.

“What are you doing?” The merchant finally asked Birdie. Birdie’s eyes went wide, realizing he couldn’t say what he was thinking. The merchant began to turn his head, starting to follow Birdie’s line of vision.

“I was just!” Birdie paused, desperately trying to think of anything to say. “Letting my friends know I was interested in your wares!” He finished, cringing internally.

The merchant’s eyes widened, conveying the wicked excitement he had for someone to finally say that to him. “Yes! Yes of course, let me see what I have on me!”

The group gathered around the merchant as he began to open his backpack. He unzipped hidden pockets, unfastened loose pouches, until the entire stock of his backpack was on display.

The clothes were a sight to behold; they were the most hideous, moth-eaten, visually appalling clothing any of them had ever seen.

“Now, normally I charge much more than I’m about to now, but I would love to give y’all a discount for letting me hitch a ride to Giant’s Foot.” He pulled out a slightly discolored cape, the only piece of clothing that seemed to be slightly still intact. “This, will be 500 gold pieces!”

The four looked at each other, aghast. Birdie took a deep breath, then walked the small length across the floor while unsheathing his sword and viola to come face to face with the merchant.

“You know, I don’t exactly have a lot of money on me right now, so I wouldn’t be able to afford it at the price you have presented before me.” Birdie paused a moment to let his words seep in. The merchant became crestfallen, lowering the cape slightly in his grasp.

“However,” Birdie continued. “I am an artist, like yourself. How about we make a trade, art for art? My song, for an even further discounted price. Deal?

Birdie began to pull at the strings before the merchant could respond to the offer. The melody began, a playful song that reminded Birdie of where he grew up. From the music came the swirling of lavender magic. It circled the cabin, creating tiny figures of heroic scenes, battles, romances, before choosing it’s final destination in the merchant’s eyes. His eyes glossed over, full of wonder and intoxication from the melody. He nodded a few times, looking at the cape in contemplation.

“Okay, friend! I can sell this to you forrrrrrrr, 100 gold pieces instead! How does that sound?”

Birdie almost stopped playing in astonishment. He only had 13 gold pieces on him. What kind of swindler sold a cape for 100 gold pieces? How could he still be so greedy while charmed to like Birdie?

'It must be a deeply integral part of who he is.' Birdie thought to himself.

Morbek had decided it was his turn to attempt reasoning with the merchant. “Excuse me, good sir, I believe- “

“I don’t believe that offer was to you, idiot.” The merchant snarled, suddenly defensive.

Birdie stopped playing for a second to snap his fingers at the merchant. He whirled around to face Birdie, still enraged his business offer was interrupted. Upon hearing the melody restart the merchant’s body relaxed, a daze taking over his willpower once again.

“Heyyyyy, why are your friends so mean to me? I didn’t mean them any harm.”

Hesmira, curious why the peddler reacted the way he did, picked up one of the long cloaks. “And, how much for this? For me, of course.”

The merchant turned his body once more, obviously aggravated by having to look away from the performance again. “I already told you, that’s 500 gold pieces. Although I don’t think my words got through your thick skull.”

Irritated, Hesmira huffed, composing herself as she lay the cloak against her body. “But, I think this would look cute on me! Don’t you think?” She bat her eyelashes in an attempt to further sway him.

The merchant, still irked, sneered at her before responding. “I think you would look better with nothing on at all.”

Hesmira dropped the cloak in revulsion and stomped off to the furthest corner she could find in the tiny carriage. Er joined her, leering at the merchant.

Morbek snapped his fingers and pointed at Birdie to remind the merchant why he was here. The merchant happily resumed watching Birdie play his piece.

Birdie continued to lazily play the notes, looking around to try to find any way to get rid of the peddler. His attention was caught by Morbek reaching into the merchant’s backpack, pulling out a large leather purse. He watched in horror as Morbek hissed to Hesmira and Er, showing off his winnings to them. Er silently leapt to his feet, making his way over to the backpack to collect his own prize.

The merchant noticed Birdie’s attention begin to waver from the music and started to turn his head to see if the others noticed the same. Birdie began to panic. He started to play again, reinvigorated by the situation. More magic swept through the cabin, pulling the merchant’s eyes back to Birdie’s performance. His eyes were clouded with the stars, enamored by the story Birdie continued to weave.

Birdie looked up once again, making sure that the rest of his companions had finished their thievery. He noticed Er flash the purse he had stolen to Hesmira before snuggling it back into the hiding spot in his feathers.

Content that the others were done, ended his song, bowing politely as the peddler applauded enthusiastically.

“You truly are an artist, sir! I cannot wait to see what you do in Giant’s Foot!” He exclaimed.

All four of them looked at each other, suddenly remembering why they were headed to Giant’s Foot. And that Birdie couldn’t keep up the charm the entire night.

Birdie leaned down slightly to the peddlers’ level, smiling at him before speaking.

“You know, you’ve been a wonderful audience, but I can’t play the entire set list for you, unfortunately.” Birdie said, charming his words coolly. “And, I was wondering, would you be willing to spread the word of my performance?”

The merchant contemplated his words for a moment. “So, you want me to get off, before Giant’s Foot?” He said, slightly dejected.

“Yes! I know, it’ll be very sad for my friends and I to see you go, but I believe you spreading the word as you sell your wares would do us both the most good!”

The merchant looked up with a smile. “But I want to be your friend too! So I’m gonna stay with you until we get to Giant’s Foot, then I’ll spread the word!”

Birdie threw up his hands in defeat. He had worked so hard perfecting that charm when he was first learning magic.

Er and Hesmira started arguing loudly back and forth. Er threw a shove, which Hesmira promptly ignored and steeled herself. She subdued him with a headlock, forcing him to let go of her arms, then throwing him towards the front of the cart cabin. Er landed on his feet casually with a small flutter of his wings.

“That’s enough!” The merchant shrieked. He pulled a wand out of one of his pants pockets and flicked it in a small circle. A short green spark lit off the tip of it, releasing a putrid must that filled the cabin quickly. “Oops.” The merchant whispered, embarrassed.

Hesmira, Morbek, and Birdie began to cough, attempting to breathe through the mist that seemed to smell worse with each passing second.

With a front flip, Er positioned himself perpendicular to the merchant’s backpack, and forcefully kicked it out the back of the carriage. The merchant whirled around, crying out in dismay as he realized what happened.

“You all are assholes! Except you.” he added, pointing to Birdie. “You’re cool. But the rest of y’all! SUCK!”

With one last highly unprofessional gesture that was fairly similar to the bard’s name, he jumped out of the carriage and began to chase his backpack.

Morbek pulled some incense out of one of his pockets and lit it, attempting to stave off some of the mists smell. Er and Hesmira shared a look, then a fist bump, content that their whispered plot went off with only one minor hitch.

The four attempted to get some sleep, mercifully unbothered by other travelers on the road.

-

It was not long past dawn when the carriage driver yelled back to the convicted. “Rise and shine! We’re approaching Giant’s Foot.”

The Rogue Four awoke, miraculously well rested despite the smell that had finally begun to depart from the cabin. They made their respective ways to the front of the cabin to gaze upon the looming walls that surrounded the capital. 

[talldarkandroguesome]

14th of Morning Star, Loredas

I met with the merchant and his daughter. They were clearly of come means.

I explained that I could not possibly access such a handsome gift for the mere assurance of a meeting. I let the father know that our family was not the sort that required bribery, particularly to such extremes. We are not Hlaalu, after all.

He tried to say that they would not take back a gift, since we had come such a way for the intent of meeting, but I refused to give in. Even after the countless appeals for accepting it, I remained firm.

I had to have a representative of the House join us and so once I had finished convincing the father that my not accepting their gift did not mean that we would not consider his daughter, it was simply that I would not allow someone to give up something so precious for the mere honor of meeting with me, Mother arrived to represent the House.

It is not unusual for a family member to be involved, so it was that someone who represented both House and family would come. Mother was the only one who could do so, outside of uncle Urnel, who is obviously far too busy with running our House for such a meeting.

The father seemed very downtrotten upon my refusal to take the jewelry, as if he was assured that I was only trying to spare his family’s loss of face in my words and actions. He told me that I was kind, but he still seems distraught.

Still, the daughter was presented and introductions were made. She looked so uncomfortable in the highly formal skirts that she arrived in. Yet she gave a performance of some Nedic poetry that was simply superb. I was rather taken with her selection and delivery.

Mother and the girl’s father went to speak, as is the custom, and I had my brief solo interview with the girl.

She was incredibly nervous. She seemed unsure what to expect of me. It turned out that she was only a couple decades out of her apprenticeship with her father and felt intimidated by my station and decades of experience.

I tried to commiserate with her by telling her that she looked so uncomfortable in those clothes that it was a shame she could not be rid of them.

Obviously I should have been more clear, for the way she at first took it was that I was being overly forward. I had to clarify that I only meant that she should be in clothing that was more to her comfort level. That she was in far more formal an attire than I was.

It was awkward for a while. I told her that clearly I was nervous, too. It was not wholly true, but I could see her relax a bit once I had said as much. She admitted that she was not used to such high fashion. I asked her if she could do anything at all in the future what it might be.

A brightness entered her face and she was about to speak when she looked crestfallen and gave a very generic answer. I told her that I cared far less about House expectations and whatever else everyone believed I should worry about, I cared more about who someone truly was at their center. I needed to know the truth of who I was potentially going to be broadening my family with. Who I was to spend the rest of our lives together with. I neither wished to find out later we were not truly compatible, nor to trap someone with great potential to do something in this world from being able to do more than maintaining a house, throwing social gatherings, and rearing children. It was, so far as I could tell, a rather dull life if one did not have a passion for it. And I wanted to know that the person I was with I could trust if I wanted to simply get away from it all for a weekend. To know what their interests and passions were, so that I might find common ground or have someone to teach me new things.

As hesitant as the poor girl was, she finally admitted that she was looking to explore the world. She wanted to run her own business. She wanted to see new places and eat new foods. She loved sailing. She wanted to learn how to wield an axe.

I smiled and told her that she sounded like the sort of person who should have every opportunity to do so. Even going so far as to ask her if she truly wanted this union, or if it was merely for her father’s sake.

She admitted that it was her father. They had recently suffered financial losses as a new merchant built a shop across from theirs. That she wanted to make sure that he did not lose this business that he and her grandfather had built from scratch.

I told her that I understood and asked her if she wanted me to agree to a match with her. She said that no, not really. She only wanted to make sure that her father was not going to lose his life’s work.

With a mischievous look, I told her not to worry. I could not, in good faith, make the match with someone who was not interested or felt as though it was a last resort to family troubles. Instead, I would help try and solve the problem. I took down the information on this rival. I have promised that I will see that her family business would be secure for a very long time.

I think I may have an idea of where to test my potential death weavers when the new moon of Masser arrives.

[cyberramblings]

Dark Souls x Warriors

So, it occurred to me today that Dark Souls would be a perfect fit for a Warriors/Musou crossover game. Here are some thoughts in no particular order.

I'm not sure Bloodborne would work as well, since I feel like it has less iconic NPC's, but I'd love for it to feature as DLC, especially at least as a level or two since the environment is the best part. I haven't played Sekiro, but again I suspect it would make for great DLC featuring Mr. Die Twice himself and a level or two.

Elden Ring has a lot of iconic characters, but I feel like it almost goes the other way and is too big for me to remember specific ones.

Regardless of "why", the real "why" of focusing on DS1-3 is because that's just what I want to do. Oh, also haven't played Demon Souls. Put it on Xbox, cowards.

So first off, I figure there has to be a male and female avatar for each of the three games. Hyrule/FE Warriors also introduce original characters, so perhaps that would fit too, especially if they fill a similar role, but with the original three protagonists appearing as enemies initially.

The point is: the protagonists, like in Hyrule/FE warriors, would be the most versatile ones able to equip multiple movesets. Dark Souls and Warriors are both series known for having varied movesets per weapon.

So, list of Dark Souls 1 movesets:

Axe

Hammer

Greataxe

Great Hammer

Fist

Shield

Spear

Polearm

Scythe

Curved Sword

Katana

Curved Greatsword

Straight Sword

Large Sword

Ultra Large Sword

Piercing Sword

Pyromancy

Sorceries

Miracles

Daggers

Whips

Lantern?

Bow

Crossbow

I figure shields get paired with straight swords, or perhaps any of the one handed-feeling weapons, but it's not a huge deal. I figure we adapt each of the three main magic types into a moveset. I don't think the DLC dark magic is bountiful enough to adapt here, but obviously from 2/3 we have hexes as an additional moveset.

Dark Souls 2 introduces a couple new movesets.

Claws

Lance

Twinblades

Hexes

Greatbow

Now, Dark Souls 2 of course also introduce power stancing. I figure the weapons that fit that motif have it incorporated, like daggers, fists, claws.

I don't think DS3 introduces new weapon types, but it does add weapon arts, which would be needed to inject some more fantastical elements and variety to the movesets.

As for armor, I think you include each of the protagonists in the box art armor, plus options for the starting class armors. I will circle back around if there are any other armor sets that strike me as iconic but are not associated with NPC's.

And the real meat: which NPC's I would include from each game!

DS1:

Solaire, duh

Laurentius - as pyromancer rep

Petrus -MAYBE but he is on thin ice

Ingward - looks cool but maybe just have him as a merchant

Crestfallen Warrior - maybe

Lautrec - his armor is too cool not to

Andre of Astora - maybe, he could wield the hammer

Shiva - cool armor, cool weapons

Siegmeyer - duh

Darkmoon Knightess - her armor is cool and female rep

Gwyndolin - One of the smaller bosses, I think it could work

Priscila - I think you'd have to shrink her but DS sizes have alwyas been wonky

Blacksmith Vamos - Just make him Andre skeleton

Patches - duh

Sieglinde - not essential, but just make her an alternate for Siegmeyer

Ornstein/Smough - They're iconic, just shrink them

Pinwheel - joke character

Artorias - duh

Big Hat Logan - sorcerer rep

Tarkus - The armor

Black/Silver Knight - Just so cool

Havel - duh

Mimic - They're so iconic, there is some move potential

Darkwraith Knight - A little generic but cool design

Oscar of Astora - Too iconic not too include

Gwyn - Seems doable

DS2:

Benhart of Jugo - Just for the sword

Mild Mannered Pate - I think this one is obvious

Gavlan - Not as playable, but as merchant

Lucatiel - the most obvious one

Straid - Maybe as a magic character

Vengarl - In headless form

The Pursuer - he only needs to get shrunk a little

Looking Glass Knight - same

Flexile Sentry - A lot of fun moves possible here

Lost Sinner - looks cool, humanoid

Ruin Sentinel - If you shrink them...

Old dragonslayer - Overlaps with Ornstein but maybe

Velstadt - Looks cool

Dragonrider - A little generic, but nearly already a player

Alva - iconic armor

Fume Knight - player adjacent

Sir Alonne - player adjacent

Burnt Ivory King - Kind of just a big player

DS3 overlaps a lot with 1, but:

Greirat - maybe, unique moveset potential

Siegward - The obvious one, Storm Ruler is cool

Anri/Horace - Maybe as a tag team

Leonhard - Cool hat

Hodrick - Maybe

Vilhelm - Maybe

Gael - duh

Iudex/Champion Gundyr - If you shrink him, maybe. So iconic

Crystal Sage - Sorcerer rep

Abyss watchers - No brainer, summon backup for ultimate

Dancer of the Boreal Valley - Shrink, great design

The Nameless King - Just shrink, so cool

Soul of Cinder - seems like a no brainer

These games tend to only feature a handful of bosses, so we have to be stringent. A caveat could be if we manage to work in several similar bosses as reskins, for example:

Midir/Guardian Dragon/Ancient Wyvern/Gaping Dragon/Oceiros/Sinh/Ancient Dragon/Seath/King of the Storm/Kalameet as reskins

Aside from that, I think the essential non-humanoid bosses of DS1 are:

Asylum/Stray/Firesage Demon - duh, and makes for an easy reskin job

Bell Gargoyles - Seems like this one is a no brainer

Capra Demon - MAYBE

Four Sif - Iconic

Nito - iconic

Queelag - iconic

DS2:

Last Giant/Giants in general - duh

Duke's Dear Freja

Nashandra

DS3:

Vordt of the Boreal Valley

High Lord Wolnir

Yhorm the Giant

Finally, a few locations from each. I'd like to see the hub areas as hub areas, so other than that:

DS1:

Undead Asylum

Undead Burg/Parish

Blighttown

Sen's Fortress

Anor Londo

New Londo Ruins

Painted World of Ariamis

DS2:

Forest of Fallen Giants

Heide's Tower of Flame

Lost Bastille

Earthen Peak/Harvest Valley

The underground areas

Drangleic Castle

Shulva, Sanctum City

Eleum Loyce

DS3:

Cemetery of Ash

High Wall of Lothric

Undead Settlement

Cathedral of the Deeo

Irithyll of the Boreal Valley

Profaned Capital

Archdragon Peak

Kiln of the First Flame

Painted World of Ariandel

Ringed City

Furthermore, Dark Souls would fit the upgrade mechanics of Warriors well. Titanite is already an arbitrary upgrade material, and the ability to infuse weapons would fit well too.

As for iconic armor that isn't starter, box art, or associated with another NPC or boss, definitely the Drangleic, Syan's, and Heide Knight set from DS2 (or make Heide Knight playable). Definitely the silly Xanthous set or an NPC that wears it.

And I think that is all!

[headcanontheshitoutofsoulsborne]

The Crestfallen Merchant and Crestfallwn Warrior were once lovers. Both became crestfallen after they were seperated and thought the other had hollowed and died.

[guiding-moonlight]

[knightscanfeeltoo]

Let's see...

Shiva never gets the flame blade.

Quelaag never gets to speak.

CrestMerchant never gets hollowed. (Which is probably a good thing to him.)

Oscar never gets to be in Lordran.

Jar-Eel never gets to be in the final game.

What else, Fromsoft?!

[empthylee]

突然想畫古城商人(喪志的伯尼斯騎士) P1- "Let me give you a nibble of advice.Don't even consider visiting Anor Londo" "Not in your state. For a century they have tried, and failed.The Knight King Rendal, Black Iron Tarkus, and even Logan himself. You won't stand a chance, kid" "What? You still going to move forward?" "OK fine. Go along if you wish." "I know perfectly well that only to deepen your despair." "I will pick away  your Uchigatana and  the items I just sold for you if you died,gee hee hee hee hee!" P3- * I’LL BE RIGHT BACK