#How to check if yellow sapphire

[yellowsapphirestone]

Wearing Yellow Sapphire Gemstone Can Give You Miraculous Progress In Life

[taylorswiftstyle]

Out and about | New York City, NY | November 19, 2024

Carolina Herrera ‘Check Pattern Coat’ - $3,290.00 Carolina Herrera ‘Plaid Mini Skirt’ - $990.00 Effy Jewelry ‘Signature 14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Panther Necklace’ - $10.995.00 Louis Vuitton ‘Tambour Watch’ - $54,000.00 Fendi ‘Peekaboo ISeeU Petite Bag’ - $4,400.00 Gucci ‘Horsebit Platform Loafer Slingback’ - $1,500.00

When I tell you how delighted I was to see Taylor in yet another copy + paste (mostly) outfit (Spoiler: It’s the shoes for me). This week, Taylor was spotted out to dinner with friends in NYC, just ahead of her second round of dates in Toronto, ON - her penultimate city stop on the Eras Tour.

This outfit drew my eye for a number of reasons.

The first of course is because I would absolutely employ this outfit into my own fall/winter fashion. An outfit that’s black and white and plaid all over? Yes, sign me up.

The second is because of the fantastic way it slots in neatly in her fashion timeline from her previous ‘candid’ outing at the Chiefs vs Broncos game on November 10. Building a recognizable style and brand takes consistency and repetition! Note the matching patterned outerwear + skirt as the major “moment” which are then grounded by black accessories (top, bag, shoes). The extra kiss is the repeat watch which Taylor notably debuted at the game (watches are an accessory vertical she’s never explored previous).

But mostly, I was so happy to see Carolina Herrera pop up as a designer in Taylor’s rotation again. She’s previously worn CH only sparingly. The most notable times were her at the 2014 Golden Globes and a handful of appearances in CH outerwear in 2014 and 2019. I’ve always been a fan of their elegant, timeless designs so I’m thrilled to see her getting rotation here.

Taylor has had a few statement chains on rotation in the last year or so that often feature similar characteristics. Typically gold with diamond embellishments and a central, front attachment. This particular one is conjoined by two panther heads which kind of remind me of the big cat emblem that are featured on the colourful 1989 2.0 sets by Roberto Cavalli she wears on the Eras Tour.

Over the last year, Taylor has upped her jewelry game and has explored the art of the stack in various categories (necklaces, earrings, bracelets). But one category that is entirely new to her? Watches. In my memory, the only time I can recall Taylor coming close to watches is when they were formatted into different settings like, say, a vintage watch face restrung onto a necklace pendant.

You might remember that Taylor first debuted this particular watch at the Chiefs vs Broncos game on November 10, 2024. That particular outfit feels notably similar to this one for the way it employs a coordinating patterned “set” of outerwear and skirt grounded by black accessories. A very signature / slideshow moment that immediately calls back to one of her recent appearances.

As a personal copy + paste, my preferences would stop at the ankle. While I typically like a more minimal shoe, the chunky loafer style is very recognizably Taylor. It’s a silhouette that is staple for her and is no surprise to me that it’s what she’d opt to style the outfit with here.

Typically, we’ve most seen this style of shoe in the form of a fully enclosed loafer. Perhaps I should see this ‘slingback’ style as a meeting in the middle 😉 I do +1 and appreciate the “sandwich styling” with consistent black accessories that keeps the entire outfit cohesive.

Illustration by Amelia Noyes

[the-hype-on-tv]

Superman shows up at the Hall of Justice as everyone is minding their own business. Flash, Cyborg and Green Lantern are chatting by the cafeteria while Martian Manhunter and Aquaman are watching Hawkgirl spar with Wonder Woman.

The Man of Steel stops by each member and hands them a card and a box, each one decorated accordingly to their themes and likings.

"Happy Valentine's!" his smile flashes as he speaks. Tilting his head and turning to the sides, he then lifts an eyebrow. "Where's B?"

"Didn't show up today," Flash replies, unraveling the pretty lightning themed bow that held his gifted box shut. "Try checking the monitor room."

"He is not here. Perhaps he is patrolling Gotham at this hour." J'onn adds after a quick psychic scan, smiling to see the Oreo dessert that Superman got for him in his gift box.

Kal wishes them all a happy Valentine's day once again, before exiting and soaring to the sky in Gotham's direction. The early night settled in with the melting snow as he held close the last boxes on his strong hands.

"Superman!" a familiar voice reaches him, from the top of a sky scraper. He lowers himself to float near a small figure on top of a gargoyle.

"Hello, Robin! Have you seen Batman around?"

The small boy ties his thick eyebrows in a scowl. They are so much like his father's, Superman chuckles internally at the resemblance.

"Don't worry," he opens a friendly grin to the boy "I brought something for you as well. Jon sends his regards." Handing the smaller box to the boy, a flashy card with an attempted portrait drawn attached to it. Although he pretends he can't, Kal notices the hitch on the kid's heartbeat when he grabs and takes a look at the gift.

A nod as thanking, the boy wonder jumps off and grapples, disappearing into the Gotham night. Kal follows him with his head.

As he faces the dark, a known heartbeat comes behind him, in the shadows. He plays as though he can't hear it, waiting for the sign to acknowledge the Dark Knight's presence.

"Superman." it's broody as always, but not as cold as when they first met. A subtle fondness hides under the growling bat, as the hero swirls around to face it.

"Hey, B." he steps on the gargoyle as the other comes close to it as well. "Happy Valentine's."

"I told you not to wander into my city like that." lifting an eyebrow, the bat claims with his arms crossed over his chest. His gauntlets are dirty, as if he's just out of some punching and kicking criminals. Superman's sapphire eyes meet the cowl lenses with awkwardness as he fidgets with the last box.

It is black and wrapped with a bow with yellow hearts. It's no bigger than his two hands, but it feels like holding his own heart as he sticks it out for his best friend to grasp.

As Batman does so, his face twitches almost unnoticeably for anyone who isn't as close to the man as Superman is. He opens it slowly and gives into the urge to smile, a light smirk pulled on the edge of his lips.

"You shouldn't have." the Knight jokes, lifting up the silly plushies gifted by his friend. It's a Batman and a Superman plushie, but the man soon notices that they are united by some sewn strings on their stubby hands. Something is embroidered on them: Super Friends. The Bat can't help but chuckle.

"I know it's corny, but I thought it was fitting." the kryptonian approaches even more, his grin brighter than the sun itself. Batman traces over the message with his dark gloves, feeling how fresh and homemade these are compared to the rest of the plushies' sews.

He closes the gap between their faces, two figures on the inky skyline professing their closeness to each other. He hadn't even glanced at the clearly bought cards that said "you are my hero" and "be my Valentine".

[nikosaki]

“I want to use specific names for colours/shades but I don’t know many!” Hahaha sakira has got you! If you want to add colour to the objects or stuff in your writing you shouldn’t just write it like this

“Her dress was red” “His eyes were purple”

That makes your writing bland, it dumbs down the readers imagination during reading. Instead describe the colour like this

“Her dress was like a cup of Rooibos tea under a sunlit day”

“His eyes could be compared to that of a raven’s deep violet eyes”

(tip: amethyst is an overused word, there’s a list of other purple words below you should check out)

You can describe colours using objects because it will give shape to the sentence but don’t always go too detailed. If you make one sentence with a lot of adjectives and everything then don’t over use it in the other sentence that’s is.

But remember to use a simile like “as” or “like” if you do use objects.

I already wrote “Her dress was like a cup of Rooibos tea under a sunlit day” so next time when I mention the dress’s colour again I am going to write something like this

“Her garnet dress flowed in the wind”

Why? Because simple sentenced always enchance the writing and gives reader a feeling.

now that we are done with how to write colours let’s see some synonyms!!

white- bleached , colourless , pearly , milky , snowy, ivory , salt , Lacey , linen , frosty, daisy parchment , porcelain, cotton , rice bone

black- ebony, midnight, jade , spider , coal , pitch black, void , empty, sooty , obsidian , metal, onyx , ink , crow

grey- shadow, ash , graphite , foggy, dove , silver , dull, cloud ,slate, iron, smoke, pebble

red- garnet, blush , Merlot , cherry , crimson, rose, sangria, bloody, berry , currant, terracotta, jam , merlot

orange- tangerine , ginger , apricot, autumn , spice , amber, rust, marmalade, pumpkin , carrot , clay, golden , copper , ochre

yellow- gold, canary , light , butterscotches, dandelion, honey , blonde, corn, saffron , ocher, buttermilk

green- beryl , viridescent , olive , emerald , pickle, leafy , sage , lime , pear , mint, mignonette, glaucous

blue- ocean , aqua , cobalt, navy , sapphire, admiral, denim , cerulean, indigo , lapis , peacock, aegean, azure , turquoise, cyan , arctic

purple - amethyst , raven , violet ,lilac , lavender, plum , magenta ,orchid , mulberry, heather, raisin, amaranthine , eggplant , iris , periwinkle

pink- blush , cherry blossom , taffy , peach, flamingo , rosey , salmon , fuscia, rosewood , pale red

IMPORTANT : remember to do GOOD research on shades!! You need to know which one you can use as an adjective and which one is a noun. If it’s a noun turn it into adjective, if it cannot be turned into an adjective then use a simile.

There’s more and if you know put it in the reblogs

[nevertheless-moving]

Stormlight AU Number Three Chapter One, Part One

"Captain? May I speak with you? I had one more thing that I was hoping to discuss. At your convenience, sir."

He turned to see Renarin, still lingering at the edge of the now mostly quiet campfire, stack of clean bowls beside him.

Kaladin barely restrained a sigh of annoyance. He had been planning on checking on the other barrack fires, then maybe getting some actual sleep.

"Of course, Brightlord," he said, stuffing down any irritation.

The prince jumped to his feet, looking nervously at the handful of men, some of whom had pulled out a deck of cards and were either genuinely no longer paying attention to the Brightlord among them, or were doing a very good impression of nonchalance.

Seriously? Kaladin thought, curious despite himself. He just begged to join a darkeyed spear crew, practically in public. Called a shashbranded man 'Sir' in front of a dozen witnesses and the open air. I didn't think he even knew what discretion was.

Kaladin tilted his head to the side, and they moved away from the group, well out of earshot, but Renarin still glanced at the other men in fear.

Talat's sword, the kid was tense as a bowstring again, hands shaking even as they clenched his sides, though they still didn't go for that box of his. A few twisting black spren trailed him. If Kaladin had thought he had been anxious before, then this was a whole other level.

"What do you think it is?" Syl asked, passing overhead, ruffling black and yellow hair. Renarin twitched at the breeze.

"I know some of the other bridgemen were whispering mean stuff about him," she said, examining the prince, "But I don't think he heard, and you said soldiers don't come to their commanding officers about that sort of thing, right? And he looks too scared for that, anyway. Unless they were really being cruel."

With another narrowly repressed sigh, Kaladin led them further away, to an alley between a storage building and an unused barrack, out of both sight and sound.

Something more about his Epilepsy, maybe?

Renarin pulled a sapphire mark out as they left the glow of firelight behind, blue light making the visible tremble of his fingers more obvious. The prince went even further, to the dead center of the alleyway. Even if someone skulking around the corner abandoned all pretenses and pressed an ear to the wall, they would be hard pressed to hear a quiet conversation.

And still, Renarin looked nervously to both of the alley's exits.

Kaladin's heart started to pick up in sympathetic dread. "Soldier?" he finally asked. "You wanted to speak with me?"

The youth flinched, before bowing his head and leaning forward.

"I need your help," he said, staring at the ground.

Kaladin furrowed his brow. "With...?"

"I need your help with—" he cut himself off, seeming to choke on the words. He let out a frustrated sounding grunt.

"We..." The prince opened his mouth, then closed it. His hands also opened and closed at his sides. "You..."

"How— his jaw snapped shut again and even in the low light, Kaladin could see him swallowing several times, before taking a deep breath and setting his jaw.

"You... survived a highstorm. You... healed from that."

Kaladin started at the unexpected line of conversation. Syl crossed her arms in the air, staring Renarin down.

"Yes," he said cautiously. "Not a pleasant experience."

"And you fought off the Parshendi army. When you charged the tower. By yourself."

"My whole bridge fought," Kaladin retorted, slightly offended on their behalf.

Renarin shook his head. "Yes, but you cleared the landing for them. You went ahead. And you won."

Kaladin's heart picked up a bit more.

"Briefly," he said with forced calm. "My men—"

"And you saved my father. From the Parshendi Shardbarer. By yourself... Adolin is still resentful of that, I think."

This time Kaladin said nothing. He hadn't done anything wrong, he reminded himself. Nothing to give away his advantages. His achievements had been unusual, yes. But that was common knowledge. Nothing to panic about when confronted, even by a prince with an unnerving tendency to watch people.

"I wondered... I suspected. But then I saw..."

Renarin looked up, but not at Kaladin. He stared into space, eyes unfocused, then shook his head.

"I saw you breathing in Stormlight," he whispered.

"Oh!" Syl said. "Oh!" She looked at Kaladin, but he wasn't listening to her right now.

A chill ran down Kaladin's spine, and it took everything he had not to move back in the narrow space.

"Breathing in stormlight?" he repeated after a moment, trying to sound confused. Trying, at least, not to sound afraid.

Brightlord Renarin's eyes snapped to his and now he found it very easy to hold himself in place. He didn't think he could move, chill down his back having hardened to ice.

"I saw you. And then I saw it — and I saw it again. A faint glow...you're a surgebinder. I know it. I saw it." The Brightlord's stare, somehow, grew even more intense.

Oh. It's over. It's all over.

"Kaladin! Kaladin!" Syl floated before his face, between Renarin and himself. "It's going to be okay! We like Renarin, remember? Try and calm down — just, just listen to him, alright? I have a good feeling about this."

"I..." Kaladin cleared the sudden dryness from his throat, clenching his hands into fists to try and control his abrupt, almost painful shivers. When had the night grown so storming cold? Why was the cold making it hard to breathe? "Who else knows?"

"No one!" the prince assured him quickly. "I wouldn't — I know it's a secret."

That softened a fraction of the crushing tightness in his chest. But only a small amount.

"What do you want?" Kaladin managed to get out. "What do you want from me?"

"I need help," Brightlord Renarin said, hands coming together in front of him, thumbs shifting end over end. "Please... I. Please. You have a spren. The assassin didn't, but you do. She looks like a windspren, but she's something else, right? Something more."

The weight, impossibly, redoubled on his chest. He sucked down a breath, then struggled to take in another.

I knew it. I knew it.

"Kaladin! Kaladin can you hear me?" Syl said, from very far away.

I knew they'd try and take her from me.

He saw the Brightlord 's terrible blue eyes as if from the end of a tunnel, looming above him. At some point he had stumbled back, the soulcast stone wall frigid behind him.

He couldn't fight. If he killed a third dahn, even if he could bring himself to kill Dalinar's son, he'd never know peace again. Bridge four would never know peace. He couldn't attack the prince, who was under Kaladin's protection, possibly twice.

He couldn't run. His men were here. He wouldn't be able to get to them all, not before they came after him.

He couldn't fight. He couldn't run.

He couldn't — he couldn't — he looked desperately for Syl.

She hovered over him, tears in her eyes, mouth moving silently.

He couldn't protect her.

The tunnel closed in around him.

...

"...says this weird shade of orange is the next big color—"

Kaladin blinked in bewilderment. He turned to see Prince Renarin next to him, talking nonsense.

"—but honestly the fabric swatches give me a headache..."

He glanced towards Syl, searching for an explanation, but she seemed enthralled, laying on her front in the air, heels kicked up behind her.

"I hope he moves on as fast from this as he did yellow. He still can't make up his mind about Takamas, though he pretends that..."

There was about two week's worth of pay between them. Two weeks worth of pay for him now, as head of the cobalt guard. A small fortune. Pocket change to a prince.

"Why," Kaladin said, too confused to be anything but blunt, "are you sitting on the ground next to me, talking about fashion?"

The prince startled, scrambling halfway up before kneeling back down, level with Kaladin.

They were on the ground. Why were they on the ground...in an alley?

"I'm sorry!" the youth said. "It's what Adolin does when I... when the world is too much and I leave my head. I wasn't sure what else to do."

Kaladin felt slightly dizzy. He shivered, wrapping his arms around himself involuntarily. Hazy dread started creeping back towards him, like fronds after a storm.

"I'm sorry," Renarin whispered again. "I've done this all wrong. I should have started by showing you, but I was too scared. I'll show you now."

He fumbled with the sphere, in his hand, bringing it close to his face. Then he took a deep breath.

And the light from the sphere went alongside.

Kaladin gaped as the prince glowed in the dark alley.

"I'm a surgebinder too," he said, light escaping quickly as he spoke. "I'm not trying to take your spren, I swear. I'm came to ask your help with mine, and for your help controlling my abilities." He glanced down, and it occurred to Kaladin he might be looking at something, someone, Kaladin couldn't see.

"Glys says that he thinks there's something wrong with him, that my powers are manifesting differently then he thinks he was expecting. I've told him that it's probably me, that I tend to mess things up, but he seemed sure that something happened to him, even if he can't quite remember...and I realized that you..."

He turned watery blue eyes towards Kaladin. "I'm sorry to bother you. There's not a lot of people I can ask for help with this. Please...if you can help him. Help us."

"Oh," Kaladin said, feeling strange. "You're like me."

Renarin blushed, staring at his lap, face illuminated by the last wisps of light escaping his skin. "I'm really not. I'm not a warrior, I can't even wield a Shardblade without..."

Syl hissed beside him.

"I don't like Shardblades," Kaladin said innanely. "I mean, I thought it was because of the death I had seen them deal, but Syl hates them worse than anything."

"I... hear something when I hold mine. Screaming. It hurts. It hurts Glys too, I'm pretty sure, though he won't admit it. I thought it was hallucinations at first, but..."

"I don't — Hm. Actually, I couldn't actually bring myself to touch one, when I had a chance," Kaladin said quietly. "If you want, I suppose, you could summon yours, and I could try to touch it, and if I hear something too, then..."

He regretted the offer almost as soon as he made it but...there was someone like him. A lighteyes, but still.

Renarin sat back, closing his eyes. He reached his hand out to the side, turning away as if braced for blow. He winced when the blade finally dropped into his hands, gritting his teeth.

"It's terrible," Syl whispered. "It's...it makes me angry, so angry, but also...sad?"

Kaladin forced himself to reach forward, not wanting to prolong Renarin's obvious pain. He felt the same as he did every time he saw one of the things, no matter from how far away — that same sense of wrongness, of concentrated injustice. He carefully touched the flat of the blade, and...

Screaming.

He could hear screaming. Inside his head. Syl! She was dying!

It reverberated through Kaladin. His muscles spasmed as that horrible, awful screech shook through him. He pulled back, gasping, looking frantically for Syl. She was crying, and he reached for her with trembling hands, even though he knew they wouldn't be able to touch. She stumbled towards him.

Renarin dismissed the blade, slumping in relief. "So you hear it too."

"Storms! What was that? How did you stand bonding with it?" He cradled Syl in both hands, almost able to feel her, soft as a breeze on his palms.

"It...was a really bad week."

Kaladin barked out a laugh, then pulled himself together.

"Well, either we're both crazy, or...it's a Radiant thing. Something to do with the Recreance, I'd guess."

The corners of Renarin's lips twitched up slightly as he nodded. "That's...I'm truly sorry, I know that was terrible, but it's such a relief —"

"No, I get it —" The cold, the earlier misplaced terror was ebbing in away. Even that horrible scream. In its place, was a feeling that he could best describe as relief. "It's — it feels good to not be alone."

Renarin hummed softly, nodding vigorously in agreement, then tucked his chin to his chest.

If he had to pick a lighteyes to become a surgebinder... well, Renarin was probably the best choice, the least likely to misuse his power of anyone of his class that Kaladin had met. Bizarrely humble, despite his proximity to the throne. It could be a lie of, course, but he didn't seem to have the...entitlement that led other lighteyes into casually committing horrors.

Kaladin studied the prince. At some point he had pulled out that box of his, and was turning it end over end in shifting patterns. Renarin looked up, met Kaladin's eyes, then quickly looked back down, blushing.

Storms, had he really been scared off this man?

Dalinar, an honorable lighteyes if one existed, could be frightening, exuding the sense that he expected the world to move to suit his needs. Zahel may have had a point about Renarin's character, not to mention his willingness to come here the way he did, rather than demand answers on his own turf...

And a radiant Spren chose him, too. Surely, that had to be a good sign, if nothing else? Then again, Syl chose me, so who knows.

"I also forgot a lot," Syl said, and Renarin turned to look at her, eyes wide.

"Oh! You're —"

"Slyphrena," she said, smiling, standing proud on Kaladin's hand. "Honorspren, though I didn't remember that part until kind of recently. I just thought I was a weird windspren, that is when I could string two thoughts together!"

She turned into mist, sneaking up Renarin's arm like clouds over a mountain range.

"Where's your spren? What type are they anyway? They're not a cryptic, are they? Come on, it's been ages since I had someone intelligent to talk to who wasn't a windspren."

Kaladin rolled his eyes.

"Glys?" Renarin asked softly. There was a long pause. "He — uh. He's too nervous to come out right now."

The syl cloud paused at Renarin's shoulder, then shifted back into her female form.

"Huh!" she said. "So he's like you!"

Renarin let out a bemused huff of air. "Yes, yes he is. I thought that might also be a radiant thing, since we're bonded, but..." He looked out of the side of his eyes at Syl who was sitting on nothing, swinging her legs, then back at Kaladin, who quickly tried to school his resting features into something not a scowl.

"This... this is exactly the type of thing I wanted to talk to you about," Renarin said. "There's books on Radiants, but I don't think I could have them all read to me without word spreading. I've been mixing them in with other random subjects, but I don't know what would happen if this got out. The ardents already mutter about my cousin and my father committing heresy, and I'm not nearly as, uh, established as them."

Kaladin nodded, eagerness surprising himself. But damn it, Renarin had asked for his help, and it would be good to talk with someone who knew how Stormlight felt in their veins, maybe spar, if he could get Renarin a different weapon.

Renarin might not be as stocky as his brother and father, but he must exercise, as he clearly had some amount of lithe muscle, now that Kaladin looked closer. He wasn't as young as Kaladin had first thought, and his height would give him reach. How much of his perceived frailness was just because of his family's shadow? How much of his martial ability had been held back by his Epilepsy, now no longer a problem? How much had that sword held him back, once he had the chance to actually fight?

"I train with stormlight sometimes, in the chasms," Kaladin said. "When I can get away. Sigzil, Rock, and Lopen help. If you can convince your father to actually serve on a spear crew, then next time I'll have you join us — the other men might mutter about you getting special training, but well..."

"I'll live. Though I was being honest when I said I wanted to be a soldier, or something close to one."

"I believe you. We'll figure something out — it's not as though my duties allow me to get away often. Most of the time you'll be cleaning boots and drilling spear forms, don't worry."

Renarin nodded, hands turning the box over. "So... those three, they know about you? Who else?"

"All of bridge four," Kaladin admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Or the ones who were there when I charged the tower, anyway...there wasn't really away to keep it secret after that. I was terrified that someone in your army would see. Plus Shen, he was there when I talked more about more powers around the first stew in this camp. Not any of Lopen's cousin's, I don't think. Or the injured recruits. Just the original bridge four, and... now you."

"Oh..."

They sat in silence, Renarin twisting his box around. Kaladin grew briefly distracted following the lines.

"I'm sorry," the prince finally said. "I know you wouldn't have wanted any lighteyes to know. It's one of the reasons I didn't say anything to you when I just had suspicions. I'm truly sorry to have alarmed you like that, I wasn't expecting..." Renarin continued twisting pieces about in an oddly soothing way. "But if I thought someone was coming after Glys... Brightlords have taken a lot from you, haven't they?"

Kaladin grimaced but didn't say anything. He forced himself to look away from the box, he didn't want Renarin to think he was staring. The prince was very perceptive, sometimes.

They sat in silence for a longer time.

"Should I tell bridge four about me?" Renerin asked eventually.

"It's up to you. They're good men, but I understand if its a bit soon for you."

Another long silence. The men were probably wondering what had happened to them, the ones who hadn't gone out for drinks, anyway.

"I don't think I want to, not yet. My abilities... they frighten me." The prince's fingers tightened around the metal cube, knuckles growing white.

"What... what are your abilities? I know there were different orders, which could do different things..."

"Truthwatcher," Renarin whispered. "Or so Glys tells me."

"Windrunner."

A small red light pulsed beneath Renarin's shirt, quickly winking out, and the prince wrinkled his brow. "Huh. Glys is surprised by that for some reason."

"I'm the only Honorspren," Syl said quietly. "The only one who would come. The rest — I can't remember, but they're not here. There were...others. Other types of spren who came through, but not ones like me." She ran her fingers through her hair in an oddly human gesture of frustration.

Renarin forced his shoulders back, tension returning. Kaladin waited while he arranged his thoughts, in the mean time letting himself enjoy watching the shapes that Renarin unconsciously formed and dissolved out of the box's rows.

"I'm not completely sure what I can do. I can grow things. There were some seeds in one of my meals and — they grew, as if a weeping passed in a minute. Some rockbuds outside my window did too. Glys thinks I might be able to do that for people, but I haven't really had the chance to try."

Kaladin's jaw dropped and he couldn't help but reach for the prince, stopping himself just before he grabbed the man's shoulder's. "That's incredible! With stormlight — you could prevent famines with that! And people — you mean you think you could heal?"

Renarin nodded, a few shockspren breaking around him.

"That's incredible," he said, giving into the urge to shake the man's shoulders. "Renarin, that's amazing!"

The prince blinked rapidly, cheeks and ears darkening. "Really? I mean can't Windrunners — you can fly can't you?"

"I haven't... figured out flying. I assumed it was impossible, before I saw the Assassin. But I did figure out wall walking, just earlier today, and I think I can see how that would turn into — it wouldn't really be flying, just sort of...falling sideways. I think I could do it, with practice."

"Wow."

Kaladin shook his head. "People don't appreciate healing as much as they should. My father trained me as a surgeon —"

A wave of melancholy hit him, as it often did when he thought of home.

"That makes a lot more sense then field medicine training that would cover epilepsy."

Kaladin smiled. "Anyway. If you could heal like the Radiants from myths could...I can't express how incredible that would be. The growing crops by itself is..."

Renarin smiled shyly, looking pleased, and Kaladin pressed one last time on both shoulders before drawing back.

"That's not... the only thing I do." The prince looked down. "The other thing I do — well. It feels more like it happens to me, actually. I've been pretending it's my epileptic fits but those actually stopped around when I bonded with Glys."

"I stick rocks together," Kaladin offered. Renarin cocked his head, peeking up through his lashes, and Kaladin sighed. He breathed in a small amount of light, picking up a pebble, then pressed it to the wall.

"Oh!" Renarin said, scrambling to look. "Wow!" He reached for it, but the pebble fell almost immediately.

"Eh. I've tried using it sparring, and honestly its easier just to fight normally."

"But maybe with practice..."

"Maybe. I've gotten some use out of it, but it's not quite as exciting as walking on walls, or as useful as growing crops."

Renarin scrubbed a hand across his face. "My other thing. It's not boring... it's bad. It's. Pretty bad." He breathed out slowly, closing his eyes, and drawing his knees up to his chest.

"Do you ever... get highstorm visions? Like my father?" the prince asked, not opening his eyes.

"A few times," Kaladin said, just as quietly. "You?"

Renarin nodded, than shook his head. "Mine are...different," he said grimly. "And they don't always happen during storms." His hands picked at the cuffs of his pants, then worked to follow the seams of his shining leather boots.

Kaladin waited, but it didn't seem like the prince was going to keep going without Kaladin giving something.

"Mine aren't like your father's either. I understand those are of the past, mine...it's like I was the high storm, I could see the continent moving beneath me. The last was when the assassin came. I...the Stormfather, I think it was him, said 'he was coming.'

Renarin jerked to face him, his eyes opening wide, alight with...hope? "You mean you saw the future?"

Kaladin recoiled on instinct, and he could see the spark die in Renarin's eyes.

Oh. Oh.

"You could call it that," Kaladin said carefully. "Though I feel the Assassin was already, uh, fairly present. More like a warning from an ally, although I don't think the stormfather actually likes me."

He didn't want to talk about the Stormfather's accusations about killing Syl. He hadn't even talked to Syl about that.

"He said he was sorry about 'him' coming," Kaladin explained. "And I didn't see the assassin but – Um. Do you..."

Renarin nodded, shoulders slumping and head curling down. It was hard to see, shadowed as he was, but his eyes looked open now, watery and looking into nothingness.

"The images don't always make sense in the moment. At first I thought it was just...madness. The things I see...it would be better if it was just madness. But they always come true. Always."

An agony spren appeared from the ground, reaching for the hem of the prince's pants. Another followed close behind.

Kaladin sat thinking, not wanting to reply hastily and make things worse again.

"Can you guess what my men said, after they found out what I could do?" Kaladin asked slowly.

Renerin shook his head, but the agonyspren at least faded.

"I was terrified that they would think it was alarming. Unnatural. I thought I was cursed for a while...and Skar said, "If it helps you survive, it’s good. That’s all that needs to be said about it." And...that was that."

Renarin clutched his knees closer, starting to rock slightly. "I don't know if my powers can do that," he whispered. "It feels like the visions can't be changed. I don't know how to change them, I barely understand what half of them mean, not until it's too late."

"Maybe...that's part of why there are so many warnings about being wary of telling the future?" Kaladin said. "It would be easy to think they're guarantees, and set yourself up for failure, but if they're more like highstorm predictions..."

"You think?"

Kaladin shrugged helplessly. "I honestly don't know. But I realized that this — what I can do, what we can do — it's not evil, and its not a curse. So... maybe the legends of telling the future are like the stories of the radiants turning against mankind. Too much time has passed, and everything we know now is confused."

"Hm. I don't know," Syl said doubtfully. "I still feel like predicting the future is weird and dangerous."

"Syl!" Kaladin hissed, while Renarin curled in tighter, rocking staying the same speed.

"But," she said, putting her hands on her hips and rolling her eyes, "I like you Renarin, and I'm a tiny piece of God with impeccable taste, so you can't be evil."

Kaladin slapped a hand to his face, but Renarin seemed to unfold at that, blinking rapidly.

"Really? Glys says as far a spren go, you're the ones that are pure Honor."

"Obviously," she said, sounding for all the world like a stuck up lighteyes.

"And you — you like me? You... think I have honor?"

She squinted at him, and he straightened like a soldier awaiting inspection.

"Yep!" She said finally. "You're not as good as my human obviously —"

"Syl," Kaladin hissed again, flushing, but Renarin just nodded.

"—But I like you, so you must be honorable. And my Kaladin can be weird and dangerous, too, so it's probably fine."

"That's—" Kaladin started to protest, but saw how inexplicably cheered Renarin looked and decided to let it go.

"We should probably get back to the others," Kaladin said finally. A wave of exhaustion hit him, and he stumbled to his feet. Storms, he felt like he had just run a marathon. He brushed off flakes of dried crem from the back of his uniform.

Renarin clambered up after him, and he looked...lighter. His hands twisted over the box, but they weren't shaking. He smiled widely at Kaladin, teeth showing, genuine relief and joy and hope crinkling the corners of his eyes. Kaladin couldn't help but pause and smile back.

"You — you won't tell anyone? About me?" Kaladin blurted out, before they fully left the alley. He just — he had to be sure.

Renarin nodded furiously.

"And I won't tell bridge four about you," Kaladin promised in return. "Not until you ready, but... they might guess, if we keep meeting."

"I understand," Renarin said, expression earnest. "And...I really want to talk more. This...just this meant a lot."

"And maybe..." Renarin looked at Syl, then his voice dropped to a hopeful whisper. "If Glys is willing to talk to Syl, they could try and work on the gaps in their memory together, about where they came from."

Kaladin nodded slowly. Storms, I didn't even think... if it could help Syl... maybe I can move the schedule around so I guard Renarin in the evenings, so we can have more time for them to figure it out.

"Thank you," Kaladin said, reaching out a hand and grasping Renarin's shoulder. "I know it wasn't easy coming to me like this."

Renarin ducked his head, tips of his ears red. "Thank you for hearing me out. Sorry I... startled you."

Kaladin rubbed the bridge of his nose. Startled. That was one word for it. A few shamespren fell. Almighty, what would have happened if he had frozen up like that in a fight? He shook away the thought, he couldn't remember ever losing himself like that, it was likely a bizarre and unpleasant fluke.

Though some of his memories of being the wretch were a haze... Regardless, it was probably why he felt so tired now. That and perhaps the lack of sleep.

They left the alley to find Torfin waiting around the corner; Renarin and Kaladin both froze on seeing him.

He saluted, looking guilty. "Sir! Apologies for eavesdropping, Drehy and I were assigned to guard Prince Renarin tonight, and when you and he didn't return, we grew concerned. I moved away as soon as I could tell that...uh. A guard was not needed."

Kaladin crossed his arms, scowling, and Torfin fidgeted, not meeting his eyes.

"...What did you hear?"

"Very little Captain, I swear! The prince wanted to talk more, then mumbles, then you thanked him, then I left, I promise!"

Kaladin relaxed. "I believe you Torfin, and I'm not upset, you were doing your job."

"Of course, sir!"

"I can—" a wave of exhaustionspren fluttered up around him and he staggered; Renarin reached out to steady him.

"You've been working two, possibly three shifts in a row?" Renarin murmured. "Torfin and Drehy can escort me back. We can, uh —" He glanced nervously at Torfin, still standing at attention. "We can talk more another time."

Kaladin nodded, and Renarin let him go.

Getting to his bed was a blur; he was fairly sure he at least mumbled goodnight to the men still by the fire, but couldn't be certain.

"There's someone like me," he whispered to Syl, pulling his boots (not as nice as his old ones) off, barely mustering up the energy to trade his uniform for more comfortable sleep trousers. Storms, it felt good to change clothes at the end of the day. The little things bridgecrew makes you appreciate.

"And there's someone like me!" Syl said, twirling happily. He smiled at her, then was out before his head hit the pillow.

[arcielee]

Our moonlight drive.

Summary: A night drive with your boyfriend. Paring: Modern Aemond Targaryen x Female!Reader Word Count: 700+ Warnings: Modern Aemond fluff to soothe the soul.  Author's Note: This story is dedicated to the lovely, the talented @babygirlyofthevale 💜 This is a drabble, sweet piece inspired by the masterpiece in motion Comet Donati by @inthedayswhenlandswerefew (chapter2, oh my goodness). A big thank you to my darling beta readers for your help! Tags (Tumblr kindred spirits): @aaaaaamond​ @annikin-im-panicin​ @watercolorskyy​ @schniiipsel​ @sylas-the-grim​ @aemondx​ @fan-goddess​ @httpsdoll​ @theromanticegoist​ @hb8301​ @lovelykhaleesiii​ 

Night is coming with its amber smear of burnt oranges and yellows overwhelmed with the purple hue swallowing the last of the day’s light. The route is familiar, a routine drive towards your favorite sweet spot, and the windows are down, letting the cool air knot your hair.

It isn’t far and Aemond parks further back, quickly out and moving to grab your door; you smile with the gesture as he shows that he is firstmost a gentleman, especially when it comes to you. You follow his steps and he reaches for your hand without looking back, knowing fully well that you will take his hand, enlacing your fingers with his own, a perfect fit. 

The ice cream parlor is a town antique, with a window opened for the late night crowd to come by. You order first and he leans against your backside, over your shoulder with the shimmer silver curtain of his locks spilling forward.

You feel the warm rumble when he adds, “She also would like sprinkles on top,” and reaches to take napkins from the dispenser. 

You peer up at him, a warm glow of pleasure that he remembered, that he knows your simple pleasures. 

There is a stone bench that you both straddle, facing one another with your treats in hand; he offers you a spoonful of his ice cream and leans forward to lick your waffle cone. The napkins he grabbed come in handy, helping the failing battle against the muggy night, the sweet spill of sprinkles over the cone’s edge. 

Once done, more napkins are needed to clean up and he takes your hand again, leading you back to the car. 

This is the only time you willingly place yourself in his blindspot, whenever he would drive but Aemond does not seem to mind it. He likes how you play the role of reconnoiter during daylight, but tonight the roads are empty and this allows you to sink comfortably into the passenger’s seat, enveloped in his scent of leather and his cologne, with a hint of smoke, and you enjoy the press of his large palm into the softness of your thighs, his thumb drawing small circles on the outside.

His vehicle is an imported stick shift, sleek and meticulous, allowing him the control he strives for in every aspect of his life. Aemond is careful, calculated, and you see this in the mirrors added, an extension and a reminder to his half vision; he always turns his head fully to check before a lane change, and this allows him a moment to look at you. 

And you are looking back, ever watchful, ever aware of him. In this moment, the blue lumination from the dash gives an iridescent shimmer to the sapphire stone set in his scarred socket, an ethereal glow to the sharp contours of his face.

You feel the warmth return to your cheeks when you see the curl of his lips into a smile that only belongs to you. 

“Do you trust me?” the low timbre of his voice asks. 

And you do, with everything you have to offer, with every molecule wrapped within you thrumming with a loyalty that began from the moment you met. You remember the play of his perpetual smirk, both inviting and enticing, and what you felt bloom with the first kiss shared, sparked from the touch of his soft lips against your own. It is a feeling that grows still, a sense of comfort and safety with his intimate touches, igniting something that you were not aware existed within your heart. 

You keep this to yourself though, and hum your acknowledgement, your grin gleeful. “Where you go, I go,” you remind him. 

He does not turn homewards, but instead his long fingers curl around the wheel to rotate, to follow the vacant weave of road lit by his headlights and the settling nightglow. Aemond looks forward and you can see the dimples that line his cheek; only after he settles into gear does he reach for your hand, bringing it up to his lips for a gentle kiss and nestles the hold onto his thigh. 

Your fingers curl around in response, a perfect fit. 

arcie’s masterlist

[bobamilkk]

Silly lil swap au!!! Steven’s mom is white diamond and the og 3 homeworld gems are the crystal gems!! Greg’s still his dad and most of early season one would be pretty much the same but with a more dysfunctional found family cuz they’re silly like that. The og crystal gems are now villains to be redeemed but in like. Slightly different ways idk man- With the diamonds it’s Pink in White’s place and then blue plays a bit more of an aggressive role than yellow does

-Jasper is the first time he sees a gem poof. It’s similar to the pearl episode but it’s a robot Peridot made instead of a pearl hologram- She gets frustrated with Steven not taking his battle training seriously and gets punched straight in the face because of it. She doesn’t stay in her gem nearly as long as pearl does and Peridot actually helps him when this weird lil robot keeps trying to fight him- The only reason Jasper doesn’t come back in a few hours is cuz she’s embarrassed she got poofed me thinks

-Sapphire comes to earth to use her future vision to see the status of the cluster and properly check on it- She has her group of 3 rubys with her and they manage to poof Jasper in the same manner of Garnet getting poofed by Jasper in canon. Ship chaos happens and Jasper manages to poof 2 of 3 rubies while the last one escapes in the escape pod with Sapphire. Steven bubbles the rubies cuz he’s silly like that and wants to make sure they’re going to be ok

-cue a couple fights later and Jasper gets frustrated that she’s lost a few battles to a lone ruby and a sapphire of all gems and starts pushing the other gems away and preventing them from fighting with her- She goes to attack Sapphire while Ruby’s catching her breath since she’s seemingly defenseless but Ruby jumps in and they fuse and sit there having a panic attack. Jasper stands there in shock for a moment cuz she’s not entirely used to fusion either before going to attack again-Only for Steven to jump in the way and save them

-Ruby’s getting stressed over the cluster and pacing in the barn so Lapis recommends Steven goes to show them what it’s like on earth-Cue Sapphire and Ruby slowly realizing they love each other. Also the frog. Steven shows them what a frog is and Ruby excitedly shows it to Sapphire. Gay people-They don’t fuse as often but like. By future they’re permanently fused?? But for the majority of the main series they only fuse when needed

-Amethyst comes to earth to collect Sapphire!! She has her limb enhancers to make up for her height n stuff- Idk how the baseball episode parallels will work but. They’re there. Somehow!! Garnet also gets to fuse to hide Sapphire since Amethyst wouldn’t expect a fusion idk anymore

-garnet somehow manages to poof Amethyst in her panic and Steven unbubbles her because he’s curious about her limb enhancers and peridot won’t tell her because she’s scared of him knowing too much about homeworld. She traps herself in the bathroom peridot style until Steven manages to make her realize she’s safe here and the cluster is bubbled and she’s allowed to be herself and doesn’t have to be afraid of being shattered for being defective if she messes up even slightly. She gets her peridot arc or smthn

-Greg gets taken to the human zoo like in canon but Pearls there with Holly Blue Agate to watch over the humans and their growth. She was sent there after white was shattered as punishment for failing her diamond and it’s seriously messed her up- She does see them being free tho and helps them escape with Greg without thinking- Steven offers for her to tag along and she hesitates until Holly Agate comes along and she immediately jumps in the ship

-Pearl watches Steven sleep like in canon but it’s. Creepier. It’s habit from the human zoo but she starts to investigate his gem in the process and realizes it’s her diamond aka white. She goes to remove the gem to free her diamond back-Maybe get her status back by having white back-Desperation type beat- only to wake Steven who panics and pushes her away- She panics massively and starts sobbing and calling him her diamond

-Instead of the loud distraction yell of “She’s Gone” from pink Steven- Steven accidentally mind controls pink for a split second and it makes them both tumble back- I don’t know fully how this scene would work tbh I gotta brainstorm more but. Ik white diamond Steven has a different set of powers than canon Steven- He’s got whites mind control powers n shit

-Bismuth takes the role of Spinel in the movie!! Not in the same abandoned sense but in a “you ruined our perfect plan” and wants to kill him for it whether her diamond wants her to or not- she’s silly like that!! She resets the gems like Spinel does and Jasper signs her life to Greg like pearl does- She carries him around n is super protective of him. Ma’am’s ready to kill someone on sight for Greg-

-Post-Corrupted Steven gets silly lil corrupted traits still. 1) his gem is flipped so it’s like a horn now 2) he’s got silly lil underbite fangs 3) spikes on his shoulders so his jacket is tied around his waist so it doesn’t get ripped 4) he’s like. Extra extra tired all the time someone save him

You should send me asks about the au it’d be so sexy of you /j

[maximwtf]

Can you write Villain/tall era! peridot x sapphire! reader? Idk what else to put there but maybe she was with peridot to help her with her research? (like directions, how the experiment would likely turn out etc) ;p

  Peridot  x Sapphire reader

words: 1480

google docs pages: 3

Warnings: none?

opening: A sapphire has been assigned to join Peridot on her research concerning the kindergartens and the cluster on earth. How can you make the stubborn gem listen to you?

AN// Thank you for the request! I’m looking forward to writing more su fanfics!^^ I’m mainly going to write for Pearl, Peridot, Holly blue agate, Jasper and Yellow/Blue diamond for now!

I’m also not sure if sapphires can see multiple futures or just one, but I think they’d be more useful if they could see many, so that’s what I went with !

Gif by: Me

                    “Watch out!”

You had been assigned to follow and help a peridot on her mission. She had been sent on earth to check on the cluster and to do tests on the old kindergartens. Your job was to make sure nothing goes wrong, and to keep the green gem safe. 

But before the two of you could even warp there, the homeworld warp pad on earth had to be fixed. To do that, the green technician had sent a bunch of  flask robonoids down there. In all of the futures you saw, the warp pad had been fixed, which meant that there was nothing to warn Peridot of. 

You watched from behind as the gem typed something on a screen, mumbling about log dates as she went on. You happened to hear her state her facet and cut number too. Peridot Facet-2F5L Cut-5XG. Unimportant information, but you’d still savour it in the back of your mind. You heard the screen she had been typing on close and the boot of her limb enhancers hit the surface of the warp pad. “The robonoids have finished their task.” She said, indicating that it was time to go on earth for the first time. You made your way on the pad too, standing next to the tall green gem. Your form looked much smaller than her’s, but that didn’t bother you. A bright white light overtook the bodies of you two, moving you to a warp pad you had never stood on before. The blue sky matched you perfectly, alongside with the blue crystal like warps that surrounded the two of you. The stomping noises the peridot had made got your attention. She was making sure the warp pad was properly fixed, but you already knew it was. The robonoids had done a good job on it. 

As Peridot began to write down another log date, your attention started to wander. Her voice and the noises from the screen were just background noise now. Your mind went through multiple futures to see if there was any danger around the area. In most of them, the first visit seemed calm, no danger. A silent gasp left your mouth, not loud enough to alert the working peridot. In a few of the futures a group of gems appeared. You furrowed your brow and kept looking. There was no way that could have been the most possible future. Were you imagining things? 

The sound of Peridot breaking one of the damaged robonoids brought you back to reality. “Peridot.” You said silently, turning to look at her even though she couldn’t see your eye. She seemed to have not heard you, as she walked down the small steps, only to find something that didn’t belong there. “Peridot!” You said a little louder this time. She looked up at you. “There’s something here. We still have time to go.” You said quietly, still unsure if the gems you had seen were here, and if they were, where were they? Even with the uncertainty, it was safer to leave for now. “So it seems. This site may have been compromised.” The green gem said as she got up. With the newly found item in her hand, she stepped back on the warp pad. 

You watched her place a glowing green box on it and then you were off again, soon back on homeworld. 

After this, and throughout the whole mission a group of gems and ‘a Steven’ had been on your backs. They were in all of the possible futures you saw. With your help, she had been able to avoid most contact with the gems, up until she had started to act on her own. The green gem had lost the bottom part of her limb enhancers on one of her legs, and also all contact to homeworld. You were stranded. Telling the green gem that ‘I told you so’ didn’t help. This mission was sensitive, and as much as the peridot seemed to want to change the future, it shouldn’t have been done here. That had ended the two of you in the least likely future, where you got stranded. 

There was one future that you saw. One where this ‘Steven’ was able to fix the homeworld warp pad. And so you had sent Peridot on a mission to get this Steven to the Galaxy Warp, where you were waiting. 

The place was calm, not a noise nearby. Only the sound of waves hitting the sides of the Galaxy Warp. You had located yourself on the homeworld warp pad, sitting on top of it as you waited. 

Soon, a bright light overtook the darkness of the night, and Peridot appeared with the ‘Steven’. They fought for a while, before the green gem got tired of wrestling and levitated the ‘Steven’ in the air. It was asking what the two of you wanted, which she replied to by saying. “I want to get off this lousy Gem-forsaken planet!” Before dropping him on the ground. She did most of the talking, telling the ‘Steven’ why she needed him.

Peridot had placed herself in front of you, knowing you were more precious than her. Your personal rubies had stayed on homeworld, and not that they could come and help anymore either. You had no way to contact home. This mission was supposed to be quick and easy, but you should have seen this coming. 

As of right now, there seemed to be no threats. ‘Steven’ would either be able to fix the warp pad or not, but as of now him fixing it seemed the most possible. You watched him try, but nothing happened. The warp was still broken, and you had no way to go back home. Your mind began to wander through possible futures again. What if that didn’t work, what then? 

Peridot kept yelling at the Steven in the background, which you had grown used to over the time you had spent with her. A lot of complaining. A second silent gasp left your mouth. The likely future was the one where the gems appeared here. In that it either ended with you escaping with Peridot or-  The futures began to mix again as Peridot began to speak of the cluster. And so it happened, the gems appeared right on time. 

Peridot placed herself in front of you, shooting at the gems. Your mind was going through the most likely situations as quick as it could, but nothing seemed to lock in place. Hearing the gems beat up the green gem in the background was when you saw it. They were going to poof her. “Peridot!” You called out, but just a little too late. You watched Pearl place herself behind the green gem as distraction, and when Peridot would turn around, Garnet would finish her. 

You sped up to her, dodging an attack Amethyst had been trying to land on you. Taking a firm grip on the green gem’s hand, you tried to run off the edge of the altar with her, but it was too late. Just as you were able to take a hold of her hand, Garnet grabbed Peridot’s waist which caused her to poof in a matter of seconds. Hearing her gem fall on the ground stunned you, but there was no time to stagger. 

As stubborn as the gem was, and as much as you would have liked to blame her for getting you trapped here, you needed her. Ducking down as the pearl’s spear went over your head, you picked up the green gem and sped to the other side of the arena. After placing yourself on one of the warp pads, your mind found the most peaceful place to warp to. You had to give Peridot time to reform. 

With one last look at the limb enhancers from which smoke rose from, the warp pad under you activated. It consumed you and the green gem in your hand with bright white light, and took you away from harm's way. The gems would be after the two of you, but in a good hiding place you might have just been able to stay for long enough to get Peridot back. She wanted back home just as much as you did. Without the limb enhancers the already failed mission would have been even harder to complete, but you could try. Maybe she would now listen to you. 

Pt. 2 - "Keeping up hopes."

[stalkerofthegods]

Athena Pallas/Minerva Deep dive

To the wisest of the wise, to the goddess that tells us the wisdom, may we all cheer for her, like how men and women and all equal in war would cheer after victory.

Herbs • Olive tree, Tiger lilies, geranium, oak, cypress, Hellebore (Christmas and Lenten rose), and citrus tree, walnuts, pears

Animals• owl, snake, rooster, griffins, horses (she taught men how to tame horses), female lambs, doves (as a symbol of victory), rams, eagles, tigers, leopards, and other cats (could not find why but many were in agreement.)

Zodiac • She was mostly celebrated in June/July so I would say, Gemini, Cancer, and Leo.

Colors • gold, orange, yellow, emerald green, and royal blue

Crystal• bronze, metal, gold, silver, Azurite, Iolite, ruby, star sapphire, turquoise, lapis lazuli, ivory, Amazonite, Iolite, Bloodstone, Clear Quarterrtz, onyx.

Symbols• owls, olive trees, snakes, the Gorgoneion, golden shield, and helmet, serpents 

Jewelry you can wear in their honor• you can veil in their honor

Diety of • knowledge, knowledge in war, crafting, inspiration, strategy 

Patron of• Military, justice, skills, close combat, good counsel, prudent restrain and practical insight, weaving, and spinning, crocheting, the defense of towns, heroic endeavor, and protection agriculture, she is known in the arts as well with Hephaestus, protectress of the phratries and houses, authority of the law, the order in the courts and the assembly of the people, mathematics, strength, asexuality, librarians, peace, judges, protests, metalwork, birds (called the goddess of the birds), teachers

Offerings• She was sacrificed bulls, rams cows, all female except a lamb, it must be a male lamb, Locrian maidens or children are said to have been sacrificed to her every year as an atonement for the crime committed by the Locrian Ajax upon Cassandra (do not do, just here for historic offerings.), Olives, Bread, Grains, Olive oil, Cakes, Olive tree branches, Owl figurines or imagery, Silver jewelry, Honey, Milk, Books, Strategy games, Quality chess boards, Snake figurines or imagery, Fountain pens, Handmade objects, Clay items ( ex- plates, bowls, vases), Yellow and/or white candles, Yoghurt, Daggers, Swords (including small decorative versions), Devotional poems, Studying, Learning something new, Using what you learn as a way of growing and developing as a person, Standing up for yourself, Improving yourself, Owl pellets, Owl decoys for gardens,Work out clothes/gear, Fidget toys for when you’re working, Brain imagery, Spider imagery, Crafts you have made, Certificates/degrees/awards for achievements, Favorite books/books on mythos or Greece, Knitting/crocheting/crafting materials, Needles, Your glasses, Coffee/tea, Nice pens/pencils, Journals/notebooks, Voting stickers/cards, Spears/swords/daggers/helmets, Protest signs, pears, walnuts, Garlic bread, Start a small side business.

Devotional• Read a book, become a librarian as a summer job, or simply check out or return a book, join a book club, host a book club, learn Battle strategies, learn Wars and how they were won, learn What led to wars being lost, read The Art of War by Sun Tzu, learn about Politics,  Democracy in Ancient Greece, learn about Armor and weapons, Catch and release spiders in your home, do Pottery, learn about Cross stitching and knitting, Tutor someone/get tutoring for areas you need help in, Watch TED talks/listen to educational podcasts, Plan out your day/keep a planner, Thinking before taking action, controlling our anger,  Learn new vocab words, Make your notes pretty, Learn study techniques, Take appropriate study breaks, Do projects for Her, Challenge yourself, Learn grounding techniques, Do your homework, Give up things that are unhealthy for your brain (ex-  smoking cannabis, drinking.), work out, Learn basic first aid, take CPR classes, Take care of your body, Go to protests/advocate

Ephithets• will post later, postponed due to motivational issues, will come soon. 

Equivalents (alike but not the same)• neith (Egyptian), thrud (Norse), Minerva (roman), Athena (Greek) 

Alter• I would not put her alter near Heaphestus, be tried to violate her in a myth, I would not put her alter near Aphrodite because they are known to not get along in myths, but things could have changed. She does work well with heroes, so if you worship Hercules or Perseus I would put her alter near them, I would not put her near Arachne and keep her alter away from spider areas, etc. Keep her altar clean and orderly. She does not like the giant Pallas, he tried to ruin her chastity.

Signs they are reaching out• Encounters with owls, olive trees, or feelings of wisdom and inspiration, seeing owls in the day, going to the library more often, staying after school. 

Vows/omans• to stay a virgin forever, and to change her name 

Number• 6 or 7 and 5 (I couldn't find a website that could agree.)

Morals• Morally lawful

Personality• Strong, endearing, respected, smart, confident, practical, clever, a master of disguises, and a great warrior. Brings Harvard teachers to shame. 

Home• Mount Olympus 

Mortal or immortal • Immortal 

Fact• Some say she invented the flute, she invented the plow, and the rake, borrows tools from Zeus to do war saves people when fate counts on it, she repels Ares, some say Athena’s full name is Pallas Athena, but they say she added the name Pallas to hers after she accidentally mortally injured her friend Pallas during a practice session in her youth.  Athena was seen naked bathing, she felt bad for the man, she covered his eyes and made him blind, making him an oracle.

Curses• blindness, more spiders, spilling tea, dyslexia getting harder, losing ur glasses, no one knowing who you're dressed as during Halloween, getting into fights, unjust detentions, no one showing up to class, getting fired as a teacher or librarian (unjustly), dropping books and learning stuff all of the sudden, forgetting materials that you learned on your test, your quizzes and tests get lost.

Blessings• remembering test materials, witty replies in arguments, detentions all of the sudden going away, getting into your dream college, getting into a book club, finding ur books, getting a librarian or teacher or tutor job.

Roots• Greek, near the river Triton born after or in the Titanomachy era.

Friends• Pallas (her friend growing up)

Parentage• Some say Poseidon then she went to Zeus after a dispute and became his daughter, and some say metis and Zeus, some say Hepeastus.

Siblings• Artemis, Aphrodite, the Muses, the Graces, Ares, Apollo, Dionysus, Hebe, Hermes, Heracles, Helen of Troy, Hephaestus, Minos, Perseus, and Porus.

Children• She does not have any romantic lovers, but she has adopted children, who are, Erikhthonios/Erichthonius.

Pet• one white and three dark horse and an owl, (she shares a chariot with Artemis) 

Appearance in astral or gen•  a stately woman armed with a shield and spear, and wearing a long robe, crested helm, and the famed aigis with the the Gorgon Medusa on a shield

Festivals • The cleansing Festival/Plynteria and Kallynteria Festival, the threshing festival/Skira Festival, the festival of Minerva/Minor Quinquatrus, The panatheanaea/Athena Festival, The Vintage festivalOschophoria Festival, the artisans Festival/Chalkeia Festival.

Day • she does not have any day of the week, the 23 of each month, and the first day. 

Sacred places• The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens is dedicated to her, and Athens.

Status• Wisdom goddess, One of the major theoi and goddesses in Greek mythology 

What angers her • If you stop worshiping her, I would clean up and part respectfully and know she understands, she does not like the sudden removal of an alter and the trashing of one.

The music she likes• classical and lo-fi study music.

Planet• Pallas Athene (minor planet) and the Asteroids 93 Minerva and 2 Pallas

Her Tarot cards• queen of swords, queen of wands, justice card, balance card

Remind me of• the saying “hitting the books” and someone actually throwing books, twilight from My Little Pony, Dead Trees (books)

Scents/Inscene • Patchouli, dragon’s blood, musk, indigo, orange blossom, cinnamon, and cedarwood

My opinion • She's cool.

Prayers• 

Prayer To Athena by Liz “Morning Dove” La Posta

Oh, wise Athena with your spear and shield, protect me and my family from injustice and harm. Council me with your wisdom so that I may make the best decisions. Grant me success in my endeavors, but keep me humble so that I might not become condescending to others. I thank you for the many times you have guided me on my Path. Share with me your mysteries and I will do my best to follow. Athena my Goddess, I pray this in your sacred name, and I vow to always be your faithful dedicant.

Prayer to Athena for Wisdom

Clear-eyed Athena, unrivaled in wisdom, daughter of Zeus and Metis whose craft and wit excelled among the mighty Titans: Athena, I pray to you. Wise in all things you are, goddess; your cunning and guile are well known. In time of war you have no equal in tactics or in strategy; many armies have you guided to victory. In time of peace your blessings fall on those whose work is of the mind–friend of the philosopher, the scientist, the student. Advisor of kings, patron of clever heroes and bold-hearted adventurers, defender of the thinker, mistress of reason and understanding, goddess to whom a strong arm and a sharp sword are nothing without the sense to wield them well and the insight to know when words are worth more than weapons. Athena, grant me a sound mind and steady temper, bless me with good judgment, show me the long view.

Links/websites/sources •seleniangnosis https://www.theoi.com/Cult/AthenaTitles.htmlhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Athena-Greek-mythology https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athenahttps://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles/athena.html https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Athena.html

https://www.worldhistory.org/athena/#google_vignettehttps://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/goddesses/athena/https://olympioi.com/greek-gods/athenahttps://ilfiorello.com/athena-the-importance-of-the-name/https://www.theoi.com/Cult/AthenaTitles.htmlhttp://www.goddess-athena.org/Encyclopedia/Rituals/Festivals/index.htm ATHENA'S BIRTH ON THE NIGHT OF THE DARK MOON - JSTOR 881 Athene - Wikipedia Athena | Olympian Goddess of Wisdom | Born from Zeus SkullGoddess Gift https://www.crystalvaults.com/goddess-athena/#:~:text=Crystals%20such%20as%20Azurite%2C%20Iolite,Athena%20can%20bring%20to%20you.Athena: Greek Goddess Of Wisdom And Craftsmanshiphttps://www.museandmoonstone.com/blogs/blog/crystals-goddess-athenaThoughtCohttps://www.thoughtco.com › what...What Are the Symbols of the Greek Goddess Athena?numeralgame.64g.ruhttp://www.numeralgame.64g.ru › ...Numerology and ancient Greek myths. Pythagorean numerological number 5. Goddess Gifthttps://goddessgift.com › goddessesAthena: Greek Goddess Of Wisdom And Craftsmanship Number Seven Facts, Symbolism & Meaning - Study.com Holy And Unholy Numbers - Street Directory Athena: Greek Goddess Of Wisdom And Craftsmanshipseleniangnosis travelingthief Titanomachy Definition, Myth & Impact - Study.com Athena Siblings - 1379 Words | Internet Public Library - IPL.org Athena Justice, Mythology Tarot Enamel Pin - LitJoy Crate Inner Goddess Tarothttps://innergoddesstarot.com › go...Goddesses in Tarot: Athenahttps://www.hellenion.org/athena/prayer-to-athena/https://www.tumblr.com/tarotbee

I use resources, I do not own the info, and most deep dives have UPG (that I use in my work.) And I only take some information from sources. I am 14, this is my hobby, I am learning but I spent many hours and days on this, and I am always open to criticism. I have been doing worship for 5 years. Please know you can use the info, I do not sue, but I will take action if this work is used without permission and not put as a resource if used in any work. without permisson and not put as a resource if used in any work, for the public.

[yellowsapphirestone]

Price Of Yellow Sapphire Gemstone

[would-this-pokemon-be-a-friend]

How about dragonite? I know they are big and powerful. But their usually pleasent demeanor and high inteligence keeps that power in check, so would size be the only issue for the big orange softie?

While dragonites do score a D rank, you do have good instinct in pointing out that size is the biggest issue here. Although, their sheer power is certainly something to keep an eye on.

Dragonites are pretty big, needless to say. At seven feet tall, it certainly wouldn’t be impossible to keep a dragonite in your home (there’s human beings that tall, after all). But space isn’t the only issue when you get into a pokémon species this large: think about the food costs, the bed, the transportation, etc. They’re quite heavy too, at over 450 pounds! This size increases the their threat level significantly.

Thankfully, as you pointed out, dragonites are big orange softies. They are described in the pokédex as “kindhearted” (Ruby/Sapphire) and are known to fly over the sea to rescue people from drowning (Gold). That being said, very few humans have interacted with this species (Red/Blue, LeafGreen). They are theorized to live on an isolated island out at sea populated only by dragonites (Yellow, Crystal). At the very least, dragonites are not very used to living among humans Unfortunately, these pokémon are said to be as intelligent as humans (Red/Blue). This brings up some really difficult ethical questions about if it would be just to keep one as a pet in the same way that it would be unjust to keep a human as a pet. Perhaps they should be left to their own agency.

As previously mentioned, dragonites are immensely powerful pokémon. Despite their large build and relatively small wings, they can fly at pretty incomprehensible speeds. The pokédex claims that dragonites are capable of flying around the globe in just 16 hours (Emerald). Doing some pretty simple math, this means that dragonites could fly as fast as 1,556 miles per hour. While we must acknowledge that this is a vast oversimplification, because it is much more likely that it takes them some flight time to build up this speed, it is an indication of unbelievable strength that makes moves like Extreme Speed and Slam even more dangerous. Then you add in moves like Thunder Punch and Fire Punch, which present significant hazards, or high damage moves like Hurricane and Hyper Beam, and you have a pokémon with a truly startling ability to cause destruction. All that being said, they are usually quite calm. They are not, however, completely above having bad days: as the pokédex puts it, “incur the wrath of this… pokémon at your peril, because it will smash everything to smithereens before it’s satisfied” (Moon).

While dragonites are known for their kindhearted nature and intelligence, their size and innate power makes them a force of nature that should probably not be constrained to a human home. Add in the fact that they’re as intelligent as people, and you may have an ethical issue as well. I’m sure one would like to be your friend, though!

[sketchedboba]

"A Green Queen" AU

Chapter V

Mario got off the yellow Yoshi and looked around at the desert land.

He had told Peach that he wanted to take a trip for himself, so that he could learn how to cook meals from different lands. She hesitantly agreed, since she was a bit worried his journey was misguided. All she could do was hope he wouldn't cause any trouble for his brother.

Mario smiled as he checked the map she supplied him and remembered to avoid the Sphinx Prince's palace, for now at least. "Alright! Let's-a go!"

He hopped back on the Yoshi once he fed him some fruit and rode into the desert land.

The sun beat down on him as they trailed, in the distance he spotted a few swaying cacti looking creatures, "What..the-"

Before he could finish, they dug into the ground and began to slither into his direction.

Acting quickly, he lowered his yoshi and waited for the right moment. Once the creature started to raise its head, he ordered the yoshi to leap. They floated down as another tried to strike at the two, but Mario quickly changed direction.

A few more cacti became alerted and headed over to aid the two attacking.

"What the... Been a while since we've had tourists, huh?"

Mario landed the yoshi but they skirted before darting back and forth to avoid the clustering cacti. Their blank stares only made him more uneasy as they swayed.

"ALRIGHT! BACK IT UP!", a voice yelled.

A rover tumbled through the Pokey and grabbed Mario and his yoshi to put into the back seat. The group retreated and the Pokeys swayed and jittered, trying to regroup.

"Woah! Thanks for that!", Mario noted as he sat down properly in the front seat. He turned back to check if everything was ok and the yoshi simply sat down trying to take care of his wounds. "Um, who are you by the way?"

"The name's Daisy! I was just passing when I saw you were in a bit of trouble!", She smiled as she made a sharp turn.

"Oh- Well, thanks! I was just trying to get through to this Kingdom, but I guess it's not easy to get through..", he huffed.

Daisy laughed a bit, "Right! The Pokeys aren't normally this agitated, so a sandstorm probably just ended and they're on edge."

He looked confused, "A bit?! If I'd known, I could've taken at least two on."

"That's the spirit!", She chuckled. "Anyways, where were you planning on going? I could drop you off!"

"Really?! Thanks, I was heading to the Easton Kingdom! I needed a few herbs and vegetables from there!", He yelled as she sped up. The engine riving as she did.

"It's on the way! You're a cook?!"

"Not really.. I-I'm more of a plumber! I fix pipes!"

"Oh shit! Nice, I could use that kind of help at the castle!"

"Wait, you have a castle?!"

Before he could get an answer he saw a large wisp of sand in the distance, despite its slow looking movements, he could tell they were heading straight for it

"Buckle up and put on those goggles!", Daisy ordered. "OH, AND DON'T FORGET THE MASKS! Unless you want sand for lunch!"

Mario nodded and got him and his yoshi buckled up and ready.

"ALRIGHT, HERE WE GO YOU TWO!"

"AAAAAAAAAA!!"

The ship started floating over some rocky terrain. A few statue-like figures were stomping about only to stop and settle into the soil.

Luigi wore a hot pressed dress with a jacket encrusted with green flames along the sides. The skirt part of the dress matched the lime green on the jacket, the lace of the dress shimmering with jewels sewn into it. He adorned a simple yet large crown, several sapphires rung the sides which a few Goombas noted brought a glimmer to his eyes.

He was fiddling with his lace gloves as he waited in the living room and paced. Kamek was giving him a rundown of everything, trying to calm the Queen's nerves.

"How many kingdoms-"

"Four."

"C-Correct, and their former ruler was-"

"Princess Daisy."

"This happened because-"

"Because King Totomesu was tired of being subjected to only his kingdom and overthrew the princess with his army as well as the other kingdoms' rulers coming to a truce to claim him as king."

"Good... So after.. the-"

"They pledged their allegiance to the King, but as he came into power, he fell ill and placed his power and magic into a locket. His son, Prince Khufo, took over as his father passed and harnesses his father's power in the locket."

Kamek blinked, "You've learned this all rather quickly! If you've studied and memorized the rest of the history, you'll be just fine during the meeting!"

Luigi sighed, "I don't know.. making decisions for an entire kingdom?! I can't-"

"You must. You'll do fine! Plus, you're not alone in all of it, the King will be there to help you!"

He face flushed, "R-Right.. Him. Where.. is he?"

"I last saw him in the hot springs room. Probably to think things over, calm some nerves.", Kamek said as he closed his book.

"Hot springs?! At a time like this?"

Kamek raised a brow and grinned, "I WAS going to get him, since we're almost there... But I need to pack some potions just in case anything breaks out!"

Luigi already knew what he was going to say next, but he still cracked a bit of a smile before clearing his throat. "I-I'll go get him!"

"Of course, your majesty. Great thinking!"

The Queen pulled the door in before walking out into the black cobblestone hall. His heels, that he somehow managed, clacked with every step. Spotty moved from their post at the door to follow closely, "Going for a walk, your majesty?"

"Sort of? Do you know where the hot springs are?"

"Oh! They're in a lower level of the ship!"

"Lower level?!", Luigi paused. He'd explored the whole top level, and knew that the ship was large enough to hold a sizeable army, but he didn't know it could go any deeper.

"Yes, your majesty. It's closer to the lava powering and heating the ship, so it makes a good place to put the hot tubs!"

He rubbed his chin for a moment and headed towards his room, "I want to change out of this first, if it's even hotter down there.. I don't want to sweat out this dress.."

Spotty nodded and followed along, "I didn't say it before, but you do look wonderful, your majesty!", The Koopa noted. They became a little bashful waiting for Luigi's response.

The Queen smiled as they walked, "T-Thank you! You're too kind.."

Spotty's face flushed a bit and their tiny tail wagged from Luigi's smile. "I-It's the least I could do, especially since you've been just as kind to me.."

Luigi turned to them and patted their head, his dress flowing behind him as he did. Spotty's head retracted into their shell as a few Goombas passed by on their patrol. Luigi waved to them as they bowed and headed on their way.

Once they walked further down the hall, Spotty lifted their head.

"Is something wrong?"

"The King wouldn't normally... Show much affection for his guards.. W-We know he's proud once we do our jobs right, but you shouldn't..."

Spotty tried to find the right words once he noticed Luigi's immense confusion. They sighed and shook their head, "Nevermind..."

"Are you sure? You can explain it to me later once we get back to the ship."

Spotty nodded.

"Alright, let's go then."

Bowser's head was partially submerged in the steaming water. His nostrils flared and his scales loosened as he was in blissful ease.

Small bubbles floated to the surface from the crack in his shell and he let out a low rumble as his body drifted in the water.

He enjoyed coming in here to get his mind off of things, he was still furious that the human touched his shell, but even angrier that something stirred in him when he felt the vibrations from the tiny palm graze the crack.

It only reminded him of the stupid brother that caused such an injury, but despite it, he couldn't blame Luigi for it.

The more he reflected, the more the feelings ached and confused him. His thoughts only trailed more into thinking about the Princess.

'What do I have to do to make her mine..?'

He huffed, a silly grin plastered on his face as he began to rumble. "What a beautiful..star..", he sighed.

Luigi rushed over, tripping on his shoelace as he looked up at the Koopa guards in front of the door. Spotty helped him up as he dusted himself off. "I-I need to see the King."

"Sorry, your majesty. We were ordered strictly to not let ANYONE pass! Especially you."

"Uh-huh... Let me in."

"Your majesty, we cannot let you in."

Luigi took a deep breath, "Please, let me see the King. It's urgent."

The Koopas looked at each other and one sighed, "Okay, your majesty.....". They started to move aside as their claws pulled the large doors open.

Luigi could spot Bowser's horns sticking out. He heard the doors creak and slowly rose from the hot springs. Steam emitted from his opened scales as he combed his claw through his hair. The streaks of water dripped down his shell, each drop seeping into the crevices of his underbelly.

"Mama mia...", The small plumber gulped.

"What do you want?", He grumbled.

Snapping back into it, Luigi lifted his fist to his lips and cleared his throat. "W-We need to go...to..", he whispered.

A Koopa holding a pile of towels brushed past him, and lifted the pile to Bowser's claw.

"Is that it?", Bowser scoffed. He took the towel and started to wipe his face, "I'm already aware that we're almost at the palace. You didn't need to remind me."

"We should get ready just in-"

"Uh huh, you mean YOU should get ready, I don't see you dressed.", He gawked.

"I was dressed, but I had to come get your stupid,...scaly, ass out of the hot springs!"

"I don't need you to take care of me, Greenie. Besides, you should worry more about how you'll make ME look.", the beast replied. He stammered past him and as he got to the door, he glared down at the guards who kneeled down before him.

"I told you not to let anyone in."

"S-Sorry, your highness! His majesty was persistent in seeing you.."

Bowser took a look back at Luigi, "And you listened? I gave you an order!"

Luigi rolled his eyes and hurried over, "Quit it! I told them to, so i-if you're going to get upset at them. You'll have to get through me first!"

The monster's eyes lit up as Luigi held out his arms to shelter the kneeling Koopas. They slightly glanced at each other in confusion, but kept their heads low just in case.

"Fine.", The beast replied. He took a deep breath and a bit of smoke brushed against the Queen's mustache as he did. Bowser turned away and started down the corridor to the stairs, he didn't want to fight now especially since he could careless about two foot soldiers.

Luigi coughed from the smoke and was quickly swiping it from his face. He looked over his shoulder to see the two guards looking up at him, weary of him.

"Are you two ok?", he said as he reached out both hands to help him up.

The two nodded and reached out hesitantly. One paused, noticing the bandages on the mid section of Luigi's right arm.

He noted the hesitation and trailed his eyes, "Oh, this? Don't worry, it's supposed to seal up in a few days.". Luigi lifted the arm slowly and patted his flimsy muscles, "I'm stronger than I look, a little tug won't hurt! I'll need to gain strength back into it anyways."

He chuckled a bit, putting the guard at ease as they stood up. "T-Thank you. Your majesty..."

"It's fine, really! I just wanted to make sure you two didn't get hurt on my behalf... Unlike the other guy from last week..", Luigi gulped. He remembered himself and Spotty carrying the Dry Bones to his chambers, trying to put it back together before they inevitably fixed themselves.

"I'll help you to your room, my Queen", Spotty chimed in.

"No, I can head back myself, I think. Can you make sure these two get cleaned up?", He retorted and pointed to their scuffed knees.

"But- !"

"I'll be ok..", Luigi smiled weakly. He felt a bit lightheaded from the encounter and just wanted some room to think.

"Yes, your majesty.."

The ship started to descend at the side of the palace, the Troopa spilled out of it slowly as they filed into formation. The Prince of Sarasaland strutted out and planted his behind in front of the fountain, unimpressed. His locket glistened in the sunlight and reflected off of the water.

Kamek appeared at the head of the troops and began to announce, "Now presenting! The King and Queen of the Koopas!"

Bowser stepped down with Luigi's hand in his claw. He waited as Luigi lifted the dress and gently stepped down, "Wow... Tough crowd..", he whispered.

The two made their way down the column, Spotty trailing next to one of Bowser's own guards, and a few murmurs were made as they walked passed.

"Quite the entrance... A bit much, don't you think, Kingy?", Prince Khufo scoffed. He was checking his claws for dirt, unable to really give his attention to the Royals.

"Young Prince, we should just get to talking about a share of the-"

A small claw was quickly placed on Bowser's lips, making Luigi flinch when he saw Bowser's fury.

"You look SO tense and I think you and your husband could use a nice spa day. We'll get to the boring stuff soon."

"We had a deal about-"

"I'm not taking no for an answer, unless you want to feel the wrath of my father and MY magic!"

Bowser grumbled and glared down at Kamek who cleared his throat. "If you don't mind your highness, we should just get to talk about the land distributions, we have-"

"Ew, what is that?! Why is he so old?! Those wrinkles are going to get worse in this heat! Come inside and we'll talk!", the Prince yelped. His paws were shifting the MagiKoopa's cheeks back, trying to diminish the wrinkles.

Luigi chuckled and stopped when he felt Bowser's grip tighten. He looked up at the beast, "He's a kid... in charge of an empire.. this is probably one of the few times he's had non.. threatening allies over? Cut him some slack."

"Slack? What is-.. Non threatening?! Does my army look like a joke to you?!"

"N-No, I just meant, he doesn't know others his age! Geez..". Luigi slipped his hand away from the large Koopa's grip and started up the stairs to the Prince.

Bowser rubbed his temple and clenched his eyes shut, "Think of the Princess... Think of the Princess.."

Luigi slowly walked over slipping a bit as his heels hit the polished marble while he tried to give a welcoming smile, he knelt down to the young Sphinx's level.

His dress puffing around him like a beautiful blooming flower, "E-Excuse me, your highness. We'd love to go to your spa... it sounds like f-fun! Plus Mr. Grumpy could use it..", he winked.

Prince Khufo's face lit up and he bounded onto Luigi. The two tumbled backwards and the Koopa guards immediately stormed the stairs as they saw their Queen in danger.

Luigi quickly sat up, raising his arm to the troops, even seeing Bowser mid-lunge. "I-I'm fine, he was just excited!"

The Prince sat up then backed up a bit, "You folks really don't get out much, huh? It's all battles to you."

Luigi nodded, "They can party, but they're not much for tranquility~"

Prince Khufo snorted, "Well, whatever, let's get going!"

Bowser grumbled as they started toward the palace doors.

"WOOO! What a storm! Are you two good?!"

A pile of sand slowly dusted away as she yelled that. Mario shook off the rest and looked back at his yoshi, "Uh, Are we in the Easton Kingdom?"

"Yeah, I'll drop you off at the cavern market!"

"Cavern?!"

"Yup, we'll be there in a few shakes!"

"Well alright!", he noted. He sat up determined and fixed his sun hat. "If I haven't already said it, thanks for taking us through the desert. If you don't mind me asking, are you perhaps the lost-"

The dune buggie jolted as her foot stepped on the acceleration, Mario held onto his hat, frazzled. He tried to ask again, but was met with several leaves and flora.

"We're here!", she smiled. The mist and leaves cleared slightly, as she slowed into view of a large waterfall with two large Tokotoko statues on each side. Mario's lips separated in awe when he gazed up at the floating brick platforms, topped with spikes and rolling stone surrounding it.

"Is..how do we get closer?"

"Well, if you've made it all the way here, you'll know the only way over there isssss?"

"Oh no.."

"Yup!", She said cheerily. The buggie beeped as she locked it and took out a small red mushroom. "I have some if you need, they're under the seat. I'll see you on the other side!"

Before he could get a word in, she took off. Running to the edge and bounding towards the platform, as she glided, the air became filled with her laughter. Jumping and twirling to avoid spikes and several falling Ganchans. Her heart racing from the thrill of nearly dodging the heavy boulders.

Mario watched, only remembering a similar display from the Princess a few years back. He grumbled a bit remembering the mushroom he had to eat in order to join up with Daisy. "Just a bit more... I'll be there soon Luigi.."

He reached over to her car seat and took up a mushroom, once he ate it he hopped out the side and stared daringly at the course ahead.

His yoshi yawned and hopped out, it ran past him, not before Mario gripped his reigns. The two bounded off, the mustachioed man barely missing the spikes as he opened his legs.

"Hey hey! Slow down!", He yelped. He could feel his stomach churn, yet the feeling of light, cool droplets hitting his face and the bits of sunlight dancing on his pores were worth it.

As he quickly got onto the yoshi, it began to float down towards a Ganchan and bounced off of it before it shuffled it's feet to float downward.

Daisy smiled and crossed her arms, "Cheating much?! Aye there stranger!". She teased.

He rolled his eyes as the landed, "Well, I gotta keep the lil guy fit!"

His yoshi bucked him off and shoved him over as Mario tumbled over.

"Right..~", she mocked. "Anyways, follow me!"

Mario tried his best to wipe the rich soil off of his pants before following her. The three started getting closer to the falls and as he was going to stop her, she went through the watery blanket.

"Is...this safe?! Hey!"

She poked her head through, "It's fine, plus you're going to thank me for getting water on those clothes. The sun'll dry it off!"

"Sun?"

'In a cavern?'

He lifted his sun hat slightly, trying to shelter himself from the water, but to no avail. As he tried to wipe his face, the yoshi shook off right next to him and snickered. "Oh c'mon!"

The yoshi snickered as he walked over to Daisy. Mario opened his eyes to see crystals glowing over small stands. Tokotoko began trading with Shy guys and Koopas, "The residents mostly do trades, but if you have coins then you'll get your worth in gold."

Mario was still in disbelief as he was looking around at the vendors, keeping pace with Daisy, "Wow... Are you also here for some things?"

"Yeah, just a few things. I actually have to get a trade to do myself, so if you'll excuse me", she said as she placed her hair in a ponytail. "Meet back at the waterfall entrance when you're done. Unless this is where we part?"

"uh huh...". Mario bumped into her, still taking in the cavern spectacle. Daisy grabbed his shoulders, forcing his attention as they met eye to eye.

"Waterfall. When you're done. Got it?"

"Yup-"

"Good!", She let go and headed down the row of stands.

The yoshi stopped beside Mario and nudged him slightly. "Yeah yeah, I know... We need the ingredients the professor used to... Ah, I think I see the powder. Let's go!"

A ripple from the murky cream tinted water formed when Luigi's toe was dipped in slightly. He quickly retreated, gripping his towel closer once he felt the water burn it a bit. "Ow!"

Bowser entered the room stretching and groaned, "I doubted you there pipsqueak, but the massage was nice."

Luigi only pulled the towel up further over his chest once he heard a low growl coming from behind him.

"You gettin' in?"

"I-In a moment.. it's a bit too hot still."

Bowser crouched down and dipped his tail in, "this is barely piping. Even Junior's kiddy scales could handle this."

"Well human skin isn't as rugged, plus my arm-"

Bowser grumbled and swiped his tail under Luigi's feet causing the shaking man to slip into the water with a splash.

Luigi flailed for a bit before finding some footing near the rim of the springs. His injured arm was barely able to keep him up on the polished sandstone. "Are you insane?!", He spat.

"You're in aren't you?", Bowser chuckled. "You're welcome."

The Queen began to move his soaked bangs from his eyes, revealing Bowser's snout slightly closer to him. He blinked, almost wanting to push back, yet he stayed as the scarlet eyes peered down at him.

"......Thanks"

"What was that?"

"Nothing, just get in."

Bowser turned his head away as he laid beside the large pool of water. His side profile which revealed little scars on his lower jaw and nose, "Mmm, I don't want to."

"Ok, then do you.. want to talk?"

He grumbled and closed his eyes. Luigi side and turned his back to him.

"You're polite in public appearances, but any other time it's just... Rage and stupidity."

"Stupidity?!"

"I-I meant like .... naive"

Bowser lifted his head and grumbled, "Do you take me for a fool?!"

"No, sorry.."

Luigi began to hear his father's voice begin to stir.

"Do you think I don't understand shit others say?!"

'Do you think this is funny? This is your career and your letting your brother ruin this for you?!'

Luigi slowly sank a bit, "N-No I just-"

"You don't know what -"

'Your Mama and I have done to get you boys a decent life and a good education! You got steady jobs why let your brother-'

"-He drags you around and it was my troops that found out about-"

"LET ME TALK!"

Bowser snapped his jaw shut as he saw Luigi's arm raise to his eyes, his shoulders slumped, and his head drooping. He got up and slowly padded over to him, "I.."

"Look, I don't think you're dumb, just a bit narcissistic", he sniffles. His voice was shaky and little tears rolled down his face. ", You're loud, obnoxious, and the more I think about when I said yes to your LITERAL threat and I see everything.. I-I don't even know how to process it."

Bowser bit his lip, he wasn't sure how to console him and wasn't sure he wanted to. He remembered when any of his kids cried, he'd sit and listen. Getting up, he strode over to the pool, slowly sank in and moved in behind him.

Luigi stiffened, he didn't know what to do, but the tears kept rolling down. "I-I'm... I don't feel.."

"Let's... just talk."

He blinked after hearing those words and took a few deep breaths. He could feel a bit of Bowser's belly rising and retreating as he stammered to breathe.

"would telling you..how I cracked my shell stop you...weird crying?"

"Weird?", Luigi chuckled wiping his tears.

"Your facial hair droops and your eyes bulge, it's gross. Don't get me started on that weird snorting."

He laughed, "Like you haven't cried before!"

"Nope!"

"Uh-huh."

"Do you want the story or not?"

"Yeah..", he smiled. His shoulders relaxed a bit, but he still made sure to cover his scars.

"I was getting ready for my coronation as King. There were lights, a cake, presents, even a rock band playing my written theme song, in my honor . It was epic, of course."

'Theme song?'

"Anyways, the gates finally opened and as I was making my way to the podium to be crowned, the carpet rudely ruined my awesome entrance. I ended up tripping on a hole my claws got stuck in and normally I'd land on my stomach."

"Mhm..", Luigi replied. He cupped a small pool of water into his palms.

"But I was trying to save it with a shell spin and instead of fully landing on my spikes I hit my side and a small crack formed..", he choked. Admitting such a failure caused some heat to rise in his face, a light red glow tinting his scales.

Luigi snorted, "And this was the carpet's fault?"

"Yes! If my subjects had maintained the only thing properly, I wouldn't have ruined such a glamorous piece of art!"

"Right, you consider your shell to be art?"

"My body is a temple, I'm a chiseled creation known as perfection."

".......You have quite the ego..", Luigi added.

The Prince strutted near an entrance across from the two. "Hey you two! I hope I didn't ruin a moment~"

Luigi blinked once he remembered that Bowser was behind him, naked, and quickly swam to his side. "N-No, your highness. We're not-"

"Modesty, I get it. Regardless, I'm glad you two are enjoying yourselves. I actually plan to step out for a bit, the Mudai Kingdom is having a few issues and their ruler wishes to meet on common grounds." His tail swayed with his words as he grinned.

"I'm afraid we can't stay that long while you play King. I only agreed to come this far if matters were dealt with in a couple of hours.", Bowser growled, deterring from the countless marriage comments.

"Ugh, fine. We're doing this the hard way, and right when I was trying to be a good host", he pouted. Shuffling the locket between his claws a dark purple aura surrounded it as his paws waved around it. He was murmuring something causing his eyes to glow with the same magic.

"Kamek!"

"On it , your highness!".

The MagiKoopa readied his wand as the Prince kept chanting. Khufo took a deep breath and the room filled with the foggy darkness. Kamek shot towards the Prince, but the locket simply absorbed the magic.

Luigi's eyes widened as he rested his palm on Bowser's claw, slowly swimming closer to him. Despite his impatience, he knew fighting with a potential ally would get him nowhere. Besides, he had to keep the green brother safe for now.

"Fine.. we'll wait."

All the magic and chanting stopped, the locket hit Prince Khufo's furry chest, and he happily clapped his front paws together. "Splendid! We can discuss this tomorrow, hm?"

"......Sure", Bowser growled. He hated the wait, since he had other matters to attend to, but eased his scales once he felt Luigi's body slump against his claw in relief.

The Prince padded out with a grin. "My assistant will show you two to the guest room for the time being, ta-ta!"

Luigi felt his face heat up, "He means separate rooms... Right?"

Bowser rolled his eyes, "Yeah, and he even scheduled a visit with your brother!"

"Really?!", He beamed. His eyes glistened in excitement.

Bowser blinked slowly with a smirk on his face. "No."

Luigi frowned only giving Bowser the satisfaction of his little prank, "You cruel turtle..."

Bowser gave a hearty laugh, "The one and only~". He felt a bit of light-heartedness wash over him after teasing the little plumber and the tension eased between them slightly.

Spotty was near the door watching, they frowned seeing Luigi's eyes light up once he splashed the King in revenge.

'He shows the King such kindness.. how do I make him see me?'

[zenrobbins0021]

Across the Galaxy: Chapter 4

Hunter x OC 18+ (warnings will be given before certain chapters)

“Gonky, please!” I pleaded from where I was lying flat on my back underneath the stocky droid, “Please just hold still while I try and figure out this mess.” 

Gonky honked indignantly, shifting on its two thick feet in protest as I dropped the light I had been holding between my teeth, both hands wrist-deep in wires. I swore quietly, turning my head to watch my flashlight roll with the movement of the ship before a familiar boot halted its course. Goggles peered at me as Tech settled on his hands and knees to fully see me struggling underneath their stubborn power droid. 

“I believe this is yours.” Tech handed me the flashlight and I leaned my head out, opening my mouth. His eyebrows knit, recoiling slightly, “I do not think it is appropriate for you to hold a flashlight with your teeth. Perhaps if you could free one of your hands.”

“My hands are currently embedded into Gonky’s insides. If I remove my right hand, he shuts off for God knows how long and if I remove my left, there is a high possibility that I could be electrocuted and then you would have to perform CPR. Would you like to perform CPR on me today, Tech?”

Tech placed the flashlight between my teeth wordlessly and I popped back under the droid, squinting as I worked. 

“What’s she doing?” Omega’s voice joined from above and Tech replied, 

“Iona is currently trying to maximize the amount of power that our droid can store in order to make it easier to charge and utilize during missions.” 

“Why couldn’t you fix Gonky?”

“Because,” Tech’s usually even, pragmatic voice had an edge of amusement to it that I could detect even from my awkward position underneath Gonky. “Iona insisted that she could fix it herself.” “Ha!” I replaced the metal panel and wiggled out from beneath the power droid, switching my flashlight off as I gave Gonky a pat on the head. “That should do the trick. See, I do listen to you sometimes.”

“Selectively.” Tech corrected as he plugged his datapad into the back of Gonky’s main compartment, running diagnostics as he double checked my work. “Congratulations, it all seems to be in order.” 

I beam, hip bumping Omega dramatically, “And all under the half an hour time frame. I’d say that was a job well done.” 

The sound of boots climbing down the metal rungs of a ladder rang as Echo peered down from the cockpit, “We’re approaching the landing zone, if you care to take a look.”

I followed Omega as she scrambled up excitedly, rushing to the front of the cockpit where Hunter was guiding the Marauder smoothly downwards. He turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on Omega first and then me and a small smile tugged his lips. 

“Like the view?” He gestured to the window and I felt the air being sucked out of my lungs at the sight before us. A hill stood majestic and tall, surrounded by a sea of emerald and sapphire with hundreds of rounded homes peppering the sides and tucked into the crevices of rock. Warm yellow lights twinkled as they interspersed between rich vegetation as if they were welcoming the Bad Batch home as their ship lowered to the flat surface of the landing platform. 

A twisted, winding tree spread its limbs in the middle of the zone, sprinkled with magenta and cream flowers in a comforting, homely atmosphere. As the Marauder’s landing gears engaged, I saw dozens of villagers hurriedly push moving carts and cargo out of the way, raising their arms to wave as they recognized the ship. 

“Welcome to Pabu.” Echo patted my shoulder in his usual nurturing way, “Come on, don’t worry about your cargo, we’ll take care of it after you’ve met Shep.”

Omega ran out in front of me and her brothers, beelining for a man who was dressed in a cheery tunic of red and beige with a jolly expression on his face. Beside him stood a little girl, about Omega’s age, and she began to run towards us as soon as she saw the landing ramp lower. 

“Welcome back, boys!” The man called out as the two girls embraced, joyfully giggling and talking over each other in excitement. Hunter stepped forward, shaking the man’s hand firmly before the rest of the clones gave their greetings. “Welcome, welcome, welcome. It feels as though it has been months since you’ve come back to us.”

“It’s been awhile.” Hunter agreed, turning towards me and extending his arm as a silent urge for me to come closer. I make my way past the boys, smiling shyly as Hunter rests his hand on my shoulder for a half second before dropping his arm back to his side. “This is Iona, the medic we talked to you about. Iona, meet Shep, Mayor of Pabu and our gracious host.”

“Iona,” Shep took my hand in both of his, warmly smiling and giving it a gentle shake, “You are as welcome here as family would be. Any friend of Hunter’s is a friend of mine.” He tilted his chin towards the girl who was still being bear-hugged by Omega, a soft tenderness in his voice as he continued, “That is my daughter, Lyana. As you can see, she and Omega are inseparable whenever they come back to visit.”

“I am so grateful to you for opening up your home to a stranger like me.” I say, hoping my words convey the depths of my sincerity, “You have no idea what it means to me.”

“Please,” Shep waved his hand, guiding me along across the landing zone, “Pabu is a place for all who seek refuge and a fresh start. We are more than happy to have you join us.” 

“Got anymore of that seafood, Shep?” Wrecker asked, trailing along behind us as Shep laughed, the movement shaking his belly in a jolly way as he nodded, 

“Believe me, Wrecker, our cook has been busy making all your favorites in anticipation of your arrival.”

The entire walk up the hill, my head was turning left and right as I looked at the homes scattered throughout Lower Pabu and the different species that inhabited them. Children ran in the streets with no concern for their safety as the adults made way for them carefully. Smiles were on the faces of nearly everybody I looked at and there was a certain warmth of peace in the atmosphere that made me feel content and safe just by proximity. Shep’s house was near the top of the hill and overlooked Lower Pabu, giving a wonderful view of the ship docks and rich waves of the ocean that lapped the surface of the beach down below. I leaned my arms against the top of the wall, my eyes fluttering closed. The sounds of the clones and Omega talking and catching up with Shep faded as I let myself relax and focus on the scent of salt and sunshine in the air. 

When I opened my eyes, I saw that Hunter had lingered, allowing the others a few paces in front of us as he looked down at me with a peculiar expression on his tattooed face. Once again, I could tell that he was lost in thought but he didn’t break my eye contact as I turned to face him. 

“What are you thinking about?” I asked softly, lowering my voice so the others couldn’t overhear. 

“Do you like it here, Iona?” 

I frowned, wondering what was on his mind before focusing on his question. “Yes,” I replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more safe and more at home in a place. Not even when I was on my home planet. I just wish-” I stopped myself before I let the words tumble past my lips. Hunter shifted, eyes curious as he waited for me to finish my sentence. When I didn’t, he prompted me gently, 

“You wish what?”

I shook my head, determined not to be the one to let on that I was dreading the Bad Batch’s departure. It was not my place to feel as though they were my family. They were on a different path and I was lucky enough to be rescued and brought to the safe haven that afforded them the luxury of some well-needed rest. Hunter had made it clear that his family came first and that there were no intentions of settling down in one place, not as long as there was danger of running into the Empire. None of the clones had disclosed what had happened between their unit and the Empire exactly, but judging from how protective they were with Omega, I guessed it had something to do with her. 

“It’s nothing.” I push down the wave of sadness that has been pushing past the carefully guarded wall I had built over the past few weeks, threatening to spill over the edge and make me say or do something I would regret. “I think I’m just tired from the trip, that’s all.”

“Iona,” Shep called to me, bringing my attention to one of the rounded homes a few levels down from his. “That will be your residence here on Pabu.”

“Are you serious?” I looked at the mayor incredulously, realizing that I now had a place to call my own and to call home. “That’s mine? All on my own?”

“Of course!” He laughed again, the sound ringing across the stone as he clapped a hand on my shoulder, “I hope you don’t mind but a few friends of mine went in the other day and tidied it up for you. Put some basic cookware, furniture, things like that for you so you have space for your personal belongings.”

I have to blink back grateful tears before I circle my arms around Shep’s middle, overwhelmed by the generosity of his family and his town. Shep gives me a kind smile, understanding crossing his expression as I release him from the embrace. 

“Pabu is your home now and we are your family. I hope with time, you can settle in and feel right at home.”

It was the third day being back on Pabu and already Hunter was dreading his departure. He had received an incoming transmission from Cid with orders to retrieve another bounty within the next week but he had delayed telling the rest of his squad, knowing the minutes were ticking down on the time they had left with Iona. Wrecker and Echo had been busy helping move Iona’s things into her new home and she had been occupied with housekeeping items but still somehow found time for a daily walk with him on the beach. When Omega wasn’t running around with Lyana, she was perched on a bookshelf watching Iona unpack or trotting around behind her, ever interested in what the medic was working on. 

Hunter leaned against the wall, waiting for Iona as the sun began to set, bathing everything it touched in golden rays and warming the stone beneath on the pavement. He turned his head at the familiar sound of a datapad and Tech rounded the bend, pausing when he saw the sergeant. 

“Awaiting Iona?” He asked. Hunter nodded. Tech was silent for a minute before sliding his datapad into his belt, joining his older brother against the wall overlooking the ocean. “I saw that Cid sent a transmission yesterday with information on a new bounty.”

“Ah,” Hunter reached his arm behind his head, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. He should have known that Tech would have found the transmission and wondered why the rest of the squad was not briefed on the mission. “I was going to tell the boys later tonight.”

Tech looked at him thoughtfully for a second, his brown eyes watching Hunter as he faced Iona’s house. The leader’s expression was mild but unable to fully mask the anticipation as he watched the door from the corner of his eye. 

“Are you reconsidering our agreement with Cid?” Tech inquired bluntly.

“I-I’m not sure.” Hunter admitted as he turned his head towards his ever observant brother, “To be honest, things were a lot simpler when we were fighting for the Republic. We had one job, to complete missions, and we were damn good at it. But lately…” His voice trailed off, his eyes clouding over in deep thought. Tech waited a moment before prompting, 

“...lately?”

“Lately I’ve been…reevaluating what it is I want in my life. What I want for this squad.” Hunter let out a low sigh, the weight of the responsibilities of his family settling onto his shoulders as he struggled to verbalize his feelings, “Our priority is Omega now and her safety. But being back in Pabu like this…it makes me wonder if we could ever have more than a life on the run moving from planet to planet at the whim of somebody like Cid.” 

Tech considered Hunter’s words, his own mind wandering to a certain “liberator of ancient wonders” and in that moment, he understood what the sergeant was envisioning for his future. He too had briefly allowed himself the luxury of imagining what life would be like outside the responsibilities and duties of a soldier, maybe settling down in his own home with his own family. Then fear and the sheer impossibility of his imaginings had settled in and he had been snapped back into the reality that they were clones on the run from an ever-growing Empire. Such dreams would remain just that. Dreams. 

The sound of a door activating caused the clones to stand up straighter, refocusing their attentions as Iona walked out, her eyes searching until she saw the two underneath the shadow of the rock and her smile softened. 

“Sorry I’m late, I lost track of the time.” She apologized to Hunter before beaming at Tech, “Hello, Tech. I didn’t expect to see you today!” 

“I am merely passing by.” Tech replied as he gave Iona his customary relaxed smile that Hunter noticed she pulled from him day by day, “Not to worry. You and Hunter will be alone for your walk, as is customary.” 

“Thanks, Tech.” Iona laughed, shaking her head as she watched Tech descend down the stone staircases as he headed to Lower Pabu. She turned to Hunter and it seemed to him that her eyes had gotten to an even deeper shade of blue than usual. He cleared his throat, moving to his routine spot on the outside of the street and they began their descent down to the beach. 

“All moved in?” Hunter spoke first for once, glancing down at the woman beside him as she took two steps for each of his long strides. 

“Just about. I would have finished sooner but Omega and I got distracted at the docks. I think Wrecker is now the sole means of catching fish for Lower Pabu judging off of his most recent catch.” 

Hunter let out a short chuckle; he had seen Wrecker hauling in a fish larger than Omega earlier that morning and the villagers had already begun their work descaling and cleaning it to sell in the market. “They’re going to miss him, that’s for sure.” 

A silence settled between them and Iona looked up at Hunter, her eyes tracing the side of his tattoo before she replied quietly, “They’ll miss all of you.” 

They walked in silence until they stepped off the docks, their feet sinking into the warm sand as they made their way to the harder, wet sand closer to the lapping waves. For a second they stood side by side, the orange harsh glow of the setting sun reflecting off their tanned faces as they basked in the smell of the ocean and seaweed. 

While Iona’s eyes were closed, Hunter took the opportunity to look at her, really look at

her, his dark eyes moving from the loosened curls fallen stray across her bare shoulders, caressing her skin in an enamoring movement. Her dark lashes rested delicately against the ever rounding cheeks now tinged with pink from the kiss of the sun, matching the full lips that were upturned in a contented smile. The ocean breeze drifted over to Hunter, enveloping his enhanced senses with the warm, vanilla, buttery scent that he now associated with Iona. The clone sergeant shifted his gaze a split second before Iona opened her eyes, sighing with happiness as she raised a hand to shield her eyes from the harsh light. 

“Iona-” Hunter paused, unsure how he was supposed to continue but determined to try, “I got a transmission from Cid.” 

Iona stiffened at the mention of the Trandoshan, a shadow flitting across her expression but she remained silent, listening. 

“The boys and Omega and I ship out tomorrow morning, early. We’ve got another bounty to track down and then after that we need to catch up on some work if we’re going to stockpile some credits for the winter seasons.”

“I see.” Hunter tried again, “I know you disagree with me about Cid and I respect that. But I ask that you respect my decision and reasoning for conducting business with her and that you trust me with this.”

“I do trust you.” Iona faced him, her eyes holding his as the sound of the ocean rose and fell in sync with his breathing, “I may not understand why but I do trust you.”

Hunter exhaled the breath he didn’t know he had been holding, relieved at the 

confession of trust that Iona had just expressed. “You still have our comm channels.” He reminded her, “We’re only a comm away.”

“I know. But it’s not the same.” Iona answered as they began to slowly walk the length of the beach together, heading towards the rocks that were worn smooth with the constant barrage of waves. “It’s going to be strange not having Omega around the house.”

“She won’t understand why we have to leave. But we’ll come back, you know. We always do.”

“Don’t you get tired of living on the run? Don’t you wish maybe you could leave it all behind?” Iona’s question was a simple verbalization of the ones that had been torturing Hunter the past few days, out in the open instead of haunting him in his restless dreams. There was something unspoken in the air between them, the underlying question of if Hunter would choose to stay on Pabu permanently and what that would mean for both of them. 

Hunter watched as she reached for his hand, her fingers grasping his lightly as she searched his face for any signs of a reaction to her question. His eyes dropped to her parted lips as she waited nervously before he regained his composure, struggling to rein in his emotions.  “That’s…not an option for a man like me. A clone like me. I’m still trying to find my place in all this and Omega-” “-comes first.” Iona finished as her fingers dropped, sadness flickering in her eyes but understanding as well. “She needs to come first, of course, but I won’t lie and say I’m happy to hear that you’re leaving.” Hunter sighed as the weight settled back between his shoulder blades, wishing silently and miserably that he could take his words back and tell Iona that he and his brothers could stay. But as long as the Empire was after Omega, he could not rest until they had some answers and assurance that she would be safe with them wherever they decided to settle. “You’ll be safe here on Pabu. I heard Shep talking to you about some sort of healing job that he wants you to take. Thought about it?”

“Yes but I was waiting until things settled down before I gave him an answer. It will most likely be a yes but I was waiting to see what the facility looked like. Apparently Lower Pabu’s current healer is ancient and in desperate need for retirement, so I may not have a choice.” 

"You'll have your hands full." Hunter agreed, thinking about the huge population of people that had settled on Lower Pabu. A twinge of concern settled in his chest as he thought about how close to the water and potentially another flood Iona could be while working close to the shore. "You know what to do if you see the water receding, right?"

Iona crinkled her nose as she poked him playfully in the side between chinks in his armor, jabbing his ribs lightly, "What, you're worried about me now?"

"I always think about your safety." Hunter pointed out before adding quickly, "As I do with all members of my squad." "Does this mean I'm a Bad Batcher?" Iona quirked an eyebrow. Although her tone was still teasing, Hunter could see the seriousness in her eyes and the genuine questioning expression there.

"Getting there." He said gruffly, "The boys will put you through an initiation and to be honest, I'm not sure you stand a chance."

"Oh really?" Iona crossed her arms, stopping to face him again. The wind blew a stray curl of hair across her eyes and she whisked it away impatiently, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hunter laughed, holding up his hands as a gesture of peace, "It's nothing personal, it just involves a lot of alcohol."

"So you think I can't hold my liquor?"

"I'm not saying that." "It sounds like you're saying that." Iona challenged, a spark lighting in her eyes and inwardly, Hunter groaned. If there was anything he had picked up about Iona in these past few weeks, it was that she loved nothing more than to prove him and his brothers wrong. Echo had made the mistake of teasing her about not knowing how to use a vibroknife properly and the next day, she had asked Hunter to teach her. She was naturally coordinated so teaching her was not difficult, but his instinctive protective nature made him take it slow with her.

"What initiation did Omega have to go through?"

"Omega didn't go through initiation." Hunter chuckled, "She's only a child. Besides, she shares our genetic profile so she's already in."

Iona studied him for a second, her eyes tracing the tattoo emphasizing his cheekbone as he had noticed she often did when she was deep in thought. Then her lips set in determination and Hunter knew it was all over.

"Tonight. I'll show you. Besides, we have to do something before you all fly out and head back to Ord Mantell." Hunter sighed, running a hand down his face before shaking his head in defeat, knowing better than to argue with her.

"I'll round up the boys. But I'm not carrying you back to your house if you can't hold your alcohol." Iona skipped beside him, looping her arm around his and Hunter was glad she had no enhanced senses, because the movement made his heart stutter for a second.

"You say that now," She said, laughing, "But you know you're going to be the one walking me home anyways."

Hunter knew she was right. He just wished she knew how heavy it weighed on him knowing that tonight was the last time he could make sure she got home safely.

[kouriimei]

FF X Tiduna - Inspired Handmade Bracelet

A handmade bracelet designed specifically for @tidunazine - they're currently hosting a giveaway on Twitter!

Crafted with Tidus and Yuna's both heartwarming and heartbreaking stories in mind, this bracelet is adjustable and features:

🌺 Carved mother of pearls in white and yellow flowers - colors that are symbolic to both Tidus and Yuna 🌺 A Bermuda Blue tear drop and coated Sapphire cut glass that both shine like the colors of the ocean - a motif that can never be forgotten with how blue, deep, and beautiful the waters of Spira are 🌺 Freshwater pearls adorned across the bracelet - how could we ever forget those? 🌺 Light blue cut glass disks to remind us of the fresh, salt water breeze on a sunny day - as sunny as Tidus’s and Yuna’s personalities 🌺 A Miyuki glass bead that’s reminiscent of Farplane pyreflies

Be sure to check out @tidunazine if you love FFX and Tidus/Yuna!

[djarinova]

nail colours they like on you

characters - jean, levi, eren, connie, armin, erwin

a/n - I was thinking about what colours would make jean drop to his knees and then suddenly I was thinking about everyone else too....

jean - RED !!! He loves red nails on you so much, any dark shade of red will literally have him on his knees, he thinks it's so so hot. I have no idea why but I'm so obsessed with the idea of Jean asking you to get red nails the next time you get them done. And he does it weeks before your appointment too. He doesn't even wait for you to ask him what he thinks you should get, he tells you, completely unprompted, when the two of you are lying together on the couch, huddled up watching a movie. He has been completely checked out of the movie, too focused on trying to find the words to bring up your nail appointment and he just whispers in your ear out of the blue.

“babeeee, I know you're getting your nails done soon…I was just thinking that you'd look extra hot with red nails, maybe a maroon shade? or something similar to that? a dark shade, what do you think?”

levi - black. I'm sorry if you feel like this is a basic answer but I can't see levi caring too much about any particular colours, he will always compliment your nails no matter the colour, of course, but if you straight up ask him what he thinks you should get he will always say black. No matter if he's said in the past that a different colour looks amazing on you, or that a different colour suits you the best. He will say black. He thinks it's sexy, and it looks sleek and doesn't stand out too much and I think it's very him.

“tch—you know you don't need to spend your money on that shit. But if you insist on getting them done then at least let me pay—What colour do I think you should get? Black, obviously.”

eren - multi coloured. Eren loves when you get multiple different colours on your nails. His favourite is when you get a different colour on every finger, and he loves when your two hands match each other—the same coloured nails mirrored on each hand. He's never too bothered by the actual specific colours you choose, sometimes he'll suggest a particular colour palette or a specific colour and you'll get 5 different shades of one colour, but generally I think he just likes the variety.

“Yeah, baby? You're getting your nails done soon? Hmm… How about different shades of blue this time? Yk how much I love blue. You could start with a lighter shade on your pinky and then work towards a darker shade like midnight blue, or sapphire on your thumb?”

connie - yellow/gold. This one just makes sense to me and I have no idea why. I think that Connie latched onto this colour after you mentioned one night that you could match your nails to his eye colour, and he just hasn't let go ever since. It made him feel so cutesy and shy when you suggested that, and whenever he sees you in any shade of yellow/gold it makes him blush like crazy. Even though his eyes are more of a hazel colour, he's definitely been told his eyes are quite yellowy/gold before, and it used to make him feel embarrassed but ever since the first time you mentioned wanting to match your nails to his eyes he's been so happy and proud about the colour.

“baby you already know what I'm gonna sayyyy, just look right into my eyes and you'll see the perfect colour for your nails, trust me. And you know I think you look so sexy with your nails done, so if we matched I think I would just about die every time I looked at ya.”

armin - baby blue. It just screams Armin and I can't even explain why. He thinks it's the cutest thing ever, and he remembers when it was a trend online to ask your boyfriend what colour you should get your nails done and he remembers that the “correct” answer was baby blue. You asked him this when it was trending and he couldn't give you a straight answer, just saying that all colours looked pretty on you. He remembers when you teased him and explained that baby blue meant that you were taken/in a relationship and so that has always been his answer ever since. And it doesn't hurt that the colour looks so good on you as well…

“you're getting your nails done again soon, bubba? hmm… I think you'd look amazing with the baby blue nails—the ones you had on our anniversary this year, they were so cute!”

erwin - pink. Again, I have no explanation for this one, I just know it's true. He doesn't mind what shade of pink you choose, although his favourite is one of the brighter pinks—think Barbie or hot pink—he loves these types of shades during summer, or when you're getting your nails done for a party. But he'll never complain about any shade you choose, he just likes to point you towards pink as a general colour, he'll always let you choose the specific shade.

“How about pink, sweetheart? Would you like a more muted shade this time? I think that'd be lovely. A pastel, or maybe even a salmon shade, would look beautiful on you."

[angelsdevils]

A Titan's Heartache: Marcel x Reader

If you want to read the disclaimer please go to the initial Master list for this story.

Warning: Spoilers appear in this. If you do not want to be tagged or don't want to be spoiled please do not read this story

Word Count: 846

Master List | Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 |

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In the year 845, four young adults are chosen to go to Paradis on their first mission. These four young adults consisted of Marcel Galliard who is the leader and the Jaw titan, is 18 years old. Reiner Braun, the Armored titan is 18 years old, Bertholdt Hoover, the Colossal titan, 18 years old, and Annie Leonhart, the Female titan, age 17 years old.

Their first mission is to go to Paradis and bring back the Founding Titan. They were preparing for their leave, and they waved to their parents and the crowd who was cheering for them. They left the Liberio Internment Zone, their departure marked by the gravity of an impending catastrophe. 

As soon as they arrived on Paradis, they set out camp since it was late at night. 

“Okay guys, we aren’t sure how long this mission will last, but we need to act fast if we want to return home quickly,” Marcel stated.  

Reiner brought back some wood while Annie poked at the fire to keep it alive. 

“What’s the plan?” Reiner asked, setting the firewood down, and Marcel laid out a map that he had received prior to leaving Marley. 

“Bertholdt, with your Colossal titan, you will kick down Wall Maria. This will give me, Annie and Bertholdt a chance to sneak in amongst the chaos-” Marcel’s words were cut off as he looked up and saw a titan behind Reiner. 

“Marcel?” Annie asked but Marcel acted quickly, pushing Reiner out of the way. Suddenly, Marcel was grabbed.

“Marcel!” Annie, Bertholdt, and Reiner yelled in shock. They had never been trained to deal with something like this before. Marcel, being quick on his feet, bit his hand hard since he couldn’t reach his knife. Yellow lightning cracked to the ground, and Marcel turned into the Jaw titan.  Marcel managed to get out of the grasp of the titan, biting its head off. He dropped to the ground, and looked at Annie, Bertholdt, and Reiner. 

He saw the titans coming and he grunted, motioning his head, telling them to get on his back. They climbed on his back after putting the fire out. Marcel started to run towards the wall. 

After a few minutes, they outran the titans, and the three got off of Marcel’s Jaw titan. Marcel pulled out of the nape of the Jaw titan. 

“Are you okay?” Bertholdt asked, checking Marcel, and Marcel nodded. 

“I am fine, none of you are hurt right?” 

“Considering we can heal ourselves, we are fine,” Annie said. Marcel nodded.

“Why did you push me out of the way?” Reiner asked, and Marcel looked at him with a soft smile. 

“Because I have the fastest reflexes.”

“But…”

“Listen Reiner, I am sorry.”

“What?” 

Marcel looked at Reiner as they rested.

“You weren’t supposed to get the Armor titan, that was supposed to be Porco. But I wanted Porco to live  a long life, so I sabotaged my brother and influenced their decision to choose you instead,” Marcel confessed. 

Reiner stared in shock, and Marcel couldn’t look at him and things began to get a bit awkward. 

“Guys, we should rest for the plan to work tomorrow,” Bertholdt said nervously. Everyone nodded and they took turns resting to make sure no more stray titans got to them. 

When the sun rose over the horizon, they started to wake up. They went over the plan one last time. 

“Okay so to make sure I understand. Bertholdt will transform into the Colossal titan, break down Wall Maria, and kick it in, and then I will break the gate once fully in. This will give you and Annie a chance to sneak in through the gates,” Reiner went over the plan to make sure he understood.

“That is correct, we will meet up on the boats where they will go,” Marcel said. They nodded their heads. 

They made their move getting closer to the walls. Bertholdt turned into the Colossal and the plan started. He peered over the wall in his Colossal, and kicked the wall in. When he did this hundreds of titans came running in sending people into a panic running for their lives. Marcel and Annie snuck in and ran as well, making sure to stay out of the way of titans getting to the gate eventually. They were kids and were able to get on the boat. They peered at the gate and Reiner burst through the gate before they could close it. Marcel and Annie were a bit shaken up. Even though they knew what they were doing, they saw too many people die, getting eaten by titans. 

After fifteen minutes, Reiner and Bertholdt join in on their boat. They spoke nothing of the walls. They all were silent as the chaos surrounded them. What was probably the most peaceful island was now a battleground with mankind versus titans. Their hearts heavy realizing this was their fault, but that was a secret they would take with them back to Marley, no one would ever find out here that they were the cause.

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