#I just wanted to bring up Neera

[ranger-danger]

I love how explicitly the flirting with Davrin is compared to other characters. “Here’s a compliment, I like your presence” Vs “oh my quarry? I’m thinking a grey warden. Maybe an elf. Maybe both…”

[t0ast-ghost]

“Since the Cerritos is statistically the horniest and least romantically committed crew in Starfleet, we have no married officers aboard.”

- Lower Decks S4 EP6

First off if this is referring to just their current time period then yes I’d probably agree BUT since it’s a show and I think the creators were making a clever nod towards other shows I’d like to point out some things

This’ll get long. (Spoilers for TOS, TNG, DS9, & SNW)

TOS:

Both Spock and McCoy are divorced (McCoy twice over)

Whatever was going on between Spock and Chapel ???

Kirk is apparently too committed to the enterprise (yeah definitely the ship… nobod-nothing else) to commit to any of the women that he has definitely fucked

Kirk didn’t commit to Carol Marcus and she had his son

The Shore Leave episode

Theodore Sturgeon’s letter about the Shore Leave episode

Episodes with “Paradise” in their name

Must I bring up Amok Time?

Half the crew is just in love with the ship and all their relationships fail. The one time someone tries to get married their spouse dies

TNG:

Jean Luc is happy as is … Q however

Q is the horniest motherfucker for that frenchman and I’m counting him

Riker

Beverly with the ghost

Oh yeah Jean Luc literally kills two spouses (Crusher and Sisko) he’s actively uncommitting the romantics

The show’s SECOND EPISODE is where everyone gets super horny and fucks each other

Even the “emotionless” android gets some (I cannot blame Tasha one bit, Godspeed)

That’s all I remember from this show

DS9:

JADZIA DAX MY QUEEN

Julian Bashir’s original name was Dr. Amoros. He is doctor dick.

Lwuxana Troi wants Odo so bad but that goop ain’t committing

Whatever is going on between Odo and Quark

Need I mention Garak?

Mirror universe (Kira is about to kiss herself)

Almost every character is dating each other in this show and they made it canon for several but they all fall apart (Except Rom and Leela cause they’re perfect)

The O’Brien polycule… I drew it out but it got more complicated than the O’Briens (basically Julian is best friends with Miles who is married to Keiko. Keiko was on a shuttle while pregnant with Julian and Kira when there was a crash and Julian had to transfer the child from Keiko into either him or Kira, so Kira volunteered. She ends up living with the O’Brien’s while carrying the child and bonds with both of them (to the point both she and Miles think it’s weird). Kira eventually gets with Odo who is Quark’s nemesis and Quark is crushing on Jadzia who is exes with Julian who is (somewhat unknowingly) courting Garak. Jadzia Dax becomes married to Worf but I think her and Sisko have definitely fucked. Sisko is married to Kasidy and enemies with Gul Dukat who reciprocates that but is also fixated on Kira who hates him. Did I miss something?)

Now, I bet they did not count DS9 in their statistics because it’s a station not a ship but also because they’d always win this contest

SNW:

Spock and T’Pring

Spock and Chapel

Spock and Kirk

Other Kirk and La’an

Kirk and Carol ???

(All of them fail that’s why I bring it up)

Pelia has been married to another woman (not canon but it’s gotta have happened, right?)

Whatever was going on between Una and Neera in the court episode

There’s no way Uhura’s in a relationship (they might set her up with Scotty next season but I’d like to see her and Chapel)

The others do not seem romantically committed to other people

Pike’s weird dinner parties

To be honest Lower Decks is maybe the most outright vulgar in its language but most of the time it’s a feel good show about a bunch of best friends. Their captain is married, their CMO and head security officer are in a (happy?) relationship, and third thing here.

I haven’t seen any of Voyager or Enterprise and I don’t think Discovery is that horny/romantically uncommitted

[the-redhead-in-a-dress]

So apparently making PikeUna lists is kind of my thing now...

Missing PikeUna or Pike & Una scenes I really wanted to see in SNW:

(Some of which I think have been really well covered in fanfics already)

Talking about La'an! Pike and Una are close, but she'd never mentioned La'an before she boarded the Enterprise, there's no way Pike doesn't beg Una for all of the gossip, or at least tips on how to approach and befriend this new Security Officer.

Honest conversation about Pike leaving Enterprise & Una following Discovery. After having spent much of that career together, that potentially could have been hurtful, especially as Chris didn't want to ever come back, and contemplated not doing so even when hearing she was missing. And even if it didn't hurt her, I think they need to talk about Pike's head space now he's back (even leaving the whole Boreth and the future thing aside). Make this either take place in sickbay (Una's leg was broken!) or after she's released, but I think having it in sickbay and MBenga being vaguely around, getting to see the two of them and their friendship for the first time would be good.

Talking about Una's revelation that she's Illyrian - We got a cute scene where Pike vehemently rejects her resignation and that heartbreaking moment at the end when Una questions whether Pike would have acted differently if she hadn't saved the ship. YET they don't talk about it!!!!!! That's a big deal, a massive secret that she's hid from him from decades. Chris must have so many questions, his head must he swirling. Una is anxious Chris only likes her still because she saved people. There are some big feelings that need sorting out, I can see them both being anxious about bringing it up, but there should have been a scene where they finally talk about it at some point in season 1. Maybe whilst doing the washing up one night it just comes flooding out.

Pike going to see Una after she almost died and had to be stitched up - A mix of fear that she almost died & anger that she could be so stupid & not seek medical attention earlier. I'd have liked to have this scene either take place in sickbay, or Una coming to the Captain's quarters (without approval to leave sickbay) still hurt but knowing that Pike needs somebody given that members of their crew died. A scene, to show their vulnerability with one another and that they have each other's backs.

Una and Pike trading stories after Spock Amok - Preferably a late night drinking scene, or she swings by for a late night snack in his kitchen. They're both in pajamas eating Brie and drinking wine, leaning against the counter. Pike bumping her arm that got shot with the phaser and Una wincing. She ends up revealing that she and La'an participated in Enterprise Bingo. Pike says he's proud of her and La'an for having some fun.

A fun scene between Neera, Una and Pike just after the trial- Something lighthearted to juxtapose the tension of the courtroom. Neera raises an eyerbow at Una 'seriously this guy?!! Have you seen his hair?!" Pike blushes, Una rolls her eyes. Pike is sheepish when he realises that after forcing Neera to travel across the galaxy to defend Una that he doesn't have anyway to return her to Illyria (it's not like the admirals are gonna let The Enterprise take a detour to that Non Federation colony right now). Neera commenting that unlike Una, his dimples don't work on her when he tries to apologize. Neera shakes her head and says she's already got a lift.

Una's return after the trial, Pike recounting all that she missed - Explaining all the stuff he did (abandon Enterprise against Star Fleet's orders, commandeer a spacecraft, go to Illyria, almost asphyxiate, find Una's old friend and the best civil rights lawyer and haul her ass to Earth...all to save his friend and keep Una in Star Fleet. Una yelling at him that he's so stupid to have risked his entire career, everything he'd ever worked for, for just her. Chris telling her quite frankly he can't do this without her, that he wasn't just going to abandon a friend he's had for decades. If they hadn't talked about her being Illyrian already this scene would be even more important. ALL the feelings need to come out here. It's raw, it's vulnerable, they're both crying, there's another hug.

Pike explaining the Illyrians' origin secrets that Spock and he found out (see The Illyrian Enigma comic) - I know he promised the Illyrians he wouldn't reveal it, but I figure Una is fair game, it is her heritage after all. Now that Pike has interacted with more Illyrians, and now know's a major historical secret, this would be an opportunity for Una to share some of her more personal experiences as an Illyrian (maybe). Now that she doesn't have to hide. Una is shocked that Pike reveals there may be other Illyrians in Star Fleet, he asks her what she wants to do. Una tells him she just wants to go back and do her job...but there's tension as she's torn between being selfish (focusing on protecting herself and her career) and helping others out there.

Debrief after Subspace Rhapsody - There's no way Una does not tease Chris mercilessly for lying to his girlfriend and being outed about it in song IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE bridge. On a serious note, I think Chris would also want to talk about Una's song 'Keeping Secrets' and what that meant. I think he'd be hurt by the lyrics of her song, that she always felt alone when he was right by her side through their careers. They'd have to have a tough conversation about the fact that Una had to hide, and she felt she had to to protect him, but also the joy now that she doesn't have to anymore. Something to talk about how things have changed now, and that she's figuring who she is now she doesn't have to hide.

Drinks after Boimler and Mariner go back to the future - Oh what a day. Like I know the episode ends with all the Enterprise crew drinking in Pike's quarters. But like, it would be cute to have a scene with Una giving Pike a birthday present and them talking about how they're actually feeling given events of the day. Like Una has to work through feelings that she's suddenly a Star Fleet pinup in the future even though right now a lot of people in the Fleet hate her. She'll joke about them being ahead of the times in celebrating a holiday (his birthday) 200 years before its cool and Chris would look sad. They'll talk about his future, but also what he wants his legacy to be.

I have more but this is already super super long....

[jennycalendar]

briar fic etc etc (ft. a bad dream + jaheira and khalid try and fail to get briar to adhere to party limits)

~~~

Briar jerked awake with a strangled noise and nearly kicked Imoen in the face. Imoen probably would have said something about it, only Briar’s face looked all clammy even in the dark of the mines, her mouth trembling like it had when Gorion had been cut down as she ran, so maybe she was dreaming about that and it’d be a dick move to be a dick to her. Imoen sat up herself and waited for Briar to say something.

Briar didn’t. Just ducked her head, bringing her knees up to her chest. She didn’t seem to notice that she’d woken Imoen up.

“Bry?” said Imoen softly.

Briar flinched. It was the sort of flinch that lasted a few seconds and tumbled down into a case of the shakes. She seemed to be trying to get it under control. “Oh—Immy!” she said, and forced a smile. “Sorry. Weird dream.”

“Wanna talk about it?” Imoen tried, even though Briar literally never wanted to talk about anything serious, ever. Which was fine, fun, the kind of thing that made for a great sister in Candlekeep; Imoen had heard tell of sisters who pulled hair and remembered every grudge, and Briar had never been a sister like that. You pulled Briar’s hair and she forgot about it the next day. She might even laugh if you tried to remind her.

Didn’t feel fun now, though. If Briar was hurting, Imoen wanted to help. But if Briar was hurting, she wasn’t going to say anything about it, so it was just them in the dark with a bunch of strangers while Briar smiled like they were at the carnival. Except they’d just been at a carnival, and it had been real dismal and murder-y. Everything outside Candlekeep seemed real dismal and murder-y.

Briar said, “If you must know, I dreamed that, um, that Jaheira and Khalid, that they broke up and fell out of love, and it was so incredibly sad that it woke me up and now I’m all awake and sad and things.” Which was already really suspicious, even for Briar, but she also said it in the exact same tone of voice she’d said, a few years ago, “No, Gorion, it wasn’t me who ate all those cookies without asking, it was a bird! A bird that flew in through the walls and the window and no one saw it and it definitely existed.”

A bad lie, and also sort of weird that she thought it would work. But Imoen didn’t really know how to push the issue if Briar didn’t want to talk about it. “You know you can tell me anything,” she said.

“I literally already tell you everything,” said Briar. “What more could I possibly tell you?”

~~~

Briar dusted off her front; it didn’t do very much for the gnoll blood, just spread it round more. Neera decided not to tell her. “Good job, Briar!” she said enthusiastically, still thrumming with nerves, a bit. Adventuring could be scary sometimes!

Jaheira’s eyes were flicking between Minsc and Dynaheir like she was thinking about something. Neera composed her expression to one of polite, serious listening. Briar was trying to wipe the blood on her hands off on Imoen’s cloak, and hadn’t noticed yet. Imoen said, “Briar!!” and wiped her bloody hands on Briar’s sleeve in retaliation.

Jaheira didn’t say anything about any of that. She turned towards Briar and said, in that Teacher Voice she used when she was trying to get Briar to learn something (which was always Neera’s favorite part of any day, because it was pretty obvious by now that Briar really wasn’t learning anything), “The party is getting a bit full, don’t you think?”

“What?” said Briar. “Well, yes, if you count Boo as a full-fledged member—”

Jaheira got this look on her face and said, “No. No, actually, I have hit my limit. Khalid, will you take this one?”

Khalid squeezed his wife’s shoulder and stepped forward. “I-I believe my wife is ref-referring to our newest…associate,” he said, nodding towards Dynaheir, “and. Not. Ah. Boo.”

“Oh,” said Briar, “well, we can’t exactly—I mean, Minsc said he has to travel with Dynaheir, and Minsc has a hamster,” gods, Neera was obsessed with Briar’s priorities, “so we can’t leave him out—”

“Briar,” said Khalid, a slight laugh in his voice, “criteria for entry into an, an adventuring party doesn’t usually have anything to do with hamsters.”

“Boo is a miniature giant space hamster, Khalid,” Briar countered. “I feel that that should change things up a bit.”

“A sensible observation!” Minsc boisterously interjected, clapping Briar on the back and nearly knocking her off her feet. “Boo is indeed a vital aspect of our adventures forward! His diminutiveness is more than made up for by his princely valor—”

“Khalid,” said Jaheira, “please handle this expediently; I have already hit my limit and the hamster’s princely valor is testing me.”

“Patience, my love,” said Khalid easily. He turned to Briar. “Parties are comprised of six,” he elaborated. 

“Well, then we’re already—” The penny dropped. “But we can’t send Neera away,” gasped a horrified Briar, wrapping her arms round a startled Neera in a squeezy hug, “Neera’s my best friend! And Immy’s my sister, and it’s not as though I can send one of you off without the other going, and—and—and Minsc has a hamster, Khalid!”

“I-I am very clear on the p-point of the hamster, yes,” Khalid agreed. 

“Seven’s not that much different than six!” Briar pressed.

“I-if we are counting the, the hamster—”

“You said you weren’t counting Boo! You and Jaheira never count Boo!”

Khalid’s brow furrowed, and he said, half to himself, “Did I say directly—?”

“Best friend?” Neera said to Briar. “I don’t think I’ve ever had one of those! Or, I mean, when I was studying back home, but, well, it’s hard to make really long-lasting friendships last when you’re always almost about to blow up or something, so I guess, yeah, actually, possibly never!”

“I’ve never had one either!” Briar confessed, warmly delighted.

“Excuse me?” said Imoen.

“Sisters are like a whole different thing, Immy, you know that,” said Briar. “And it’s not like Neera can’t be your best friend too.”

“Best means best of,” Imoen argued, “which means there’s only one—”

“Best means best of all,” Briar countered, “which means it’s in comparison to a larger group, which means Neera can have two best friends and it can totally be both of us.”

“You are losing them,” said Jaheira to Khalid.

Khalid pointed out, “Personally, I, I think it something of a feat that I had them for a moment.”

“Mum!” said Briar, turning the world’s largest brown eyes in Jaheira’s direction. “Mum, you wouldn’t deprive me of my best friend, Neera, would you? Or my friend’s hamster? I’ve already been having such a difficult time on the road, and I simply find Neera’s presence so cheerful, and Minsc is abs-o-lute-ly right when it comes to Boo’s utterly princely valor—”

Avoiding Briar’s gaze, Jaheira said to the sky, “I have told you that there is really no need to call me that.”

“I am handling this,” Khalid reminded Briar.

Briar half-pushed, half-pulled Neera in front of her, presenting her to Khalid, and said, “Tell Neera she has to go, then.”

“Wh—”

“Tell Neera she has to go. I won’t do it. If you’re handling this, it’s your call to make, and you as my guardian have to tell my first ever best friend that she has to go off and find her fortune and go back to being alone, and scared, and all by herself—”

“Gorion really did just give you everything you asked for, didn’t he?” said Jaheira.

Khalid said, “Sev—seven really isn’t that much more than six, is it, Jaheira?”

Jaheira flushed and said, “I am not handling this! You are handling this! If you make the decision to give our ridiculous girl what she wants, that is not me making that decision, that is you, you decided on that, and I would like everyone to remember that I had no part in this decision! At all!”

“Oh, you’re the best!” exulted Briar, and all but threw herself at Jaheira. 

“Direct yourself towards my husband if you wish to thank someone!!” objected Jaheira, who did not seem to be trying as hard as she could have to shake Briar off. “And I would like it known in the here and now that this will not be a repeated occurrence!”

“Wasn’t I handling this?” said Khalid, eyes crinkled as he watched Jaheira.

“Yes!” said Jaheira. “You were! You did! Good job!”

“So we’re probably going to have a small circus or something by the time this is all over,” said Imoen to Neera, “but hey, at least you get to stay with us!” She beamed. “I like you too, you know.”

“I know,” said Neera, smiling back. She felt all sparkly, and not just in the wild-magic sort of way. She really hadn’t had friends like Immy and Bry before.

[dgcatanisiri]

The What We Left Behind documentary spitballing the idea of Bashir having joined Section 31 for real (as opposed to the novels opting instead that he joined them to destroy them from within) never really sat well with me, and I think I've finally figured it out.

Bashir may have ended up drawn into that storyline, but it was a storyline centered on him by circumstance more than something that really felt like it was core to his character. Bashir is, at heart, a doctor - he wanted to deal with 31 because he saw it as a cancer in the Federation, a big picture healing, but it doesn't feel like a story that holds JULIAN BASHIR, as an individual, at it's core, that if characters like Sisko or Worf or Riker or La Forge or whoever, had been written into that storyline, it would play out roughly alike.

Like, I mentioned that the novels having him join to bring them down from within at least worked a little better for me, if only because it wasn't about him actually being a part of 31 but trying to take it down, but yeah, I would have liked to have seen his story go in a different direction all the same (but then, I've had a lot of issues with the handling of things DS9 in the novels in the period of time after the Star Trek Destiny trilogy...). It's just easier to swallow over where the documentary was suggesting he'd go.

To me, the natural evolution of Bashir's storyline wasn't doubling down on 31. It's trying to help the other genetically engineered people in the Federation, even trying to help more of them like he did Sarina. Call in to question the Federation's ban on engineering. Tackle the stuff that we saw Neera arguing in SNW's "Ad Astra Per Aspera." This is a uniquely Julian Bashir story, because Starfleet basically gave him a reprieve because he's "a good one," someone who's engineering not only was successful but is useful to Starfleet - meanwhile people like Jack, Lauren, and Patrick are locked away at the institute.

THAT, I say, is the natural evolution for Julian Bashir, because these are people in need, people who need help, and because of his position, he is uniquely qualified to provide that.

With talk of further streaming movies after Section 31 with Georgiou, THIS is a DS9-centric thread I'd like to see followed up on.

[rottencranberry]

like real people do by hozier

@sillylovesongsfest

a slightly suggestive fragment of the maiden neera she/her and her resurrected, insatiable lover vritra they/them.

artwork—summer by pierre bonnard ca. 1898

Hidden within a fog that had thickened the forest, Neera waited with bated breath for her lover. As she tightened the comfort of her cloak, her bottom lip jutted and trembled at the sudden gasp of wind. It was unusual for Neera to be left alone for so long, and doubt began to coat the inside of her stomach. Like an affliction with no cure.

If it was but a fortnight before, she would not have been suffering so—from the fear of the unknown.

The moment now sullied with doubt, Neera turned to leave, but alas! Much like a snake darting to its next victim, a calloused hand latched onto her naive arm and blessed the skin with the lips of her lover. Nibbling with an animalistic desire, Neera felt Vritra graze her frigid spirit with pointed teeth.

“Honey,” Vritra’s voice purred with great fervour, reverberating against Neera’s outstretched hand. Another wet kiss planted itself deep into her palm.

“Vritra!” Neera tsked the warmth of delight that welcomed her beloved. Her legs quivered with relief as the craving for their familiar touch swelled. “Where have you been?”

Although Vritraʼs lips parted, the only answer that came was the flick of their tongue and a cunning grin. Vritra embraced her with their gaunt body, shivering with need as they wrapped their arms around the stifled woman. Neera gasped as the hood of her cloak was abruptly blown away, pulling down to reveal voluminous tufts of black waves that were still wet at the tips. Vritra’s eyelashes fluttered as they breathed in the sticky scent of myrrh—rich and spicy against their twitching nose. They inhaled the curve of her neck like it was a forbidden smoke before shamelessly licking the sap that was Neeraʼs pheromones.

“Vri-!” Neera’s next set of words ceased to exist as Vritra lightly bit down into the side of her neck.

“Neera, do you wish for me to be your fool? If you want—I will plead, no, beg for your attention.” Vritra pulled back before placing a provoked kiss against a strand of Neera’s hair, eyeing her pained expression. They whispered a desperate request, “Please, honey, I need your sweet lips on mine.”

Their lips connected to form a chaste peck—embarrassment suddenly flooding Neera’s veins as she thought back to the unspeakable things that she had to do just to feel the touch of Vritra’s love again. Through a hooded gaze, Neera watched as Vritra fumbled with her cloak, their hands tugging and tearing at the layers that separated the pair. A distinctive, metallic scent wafted towards Neera as she stared down at her own.

Vritra had never once questioned why Neera’s usually well-kept fingernails were now raw and cracked, but it was becoming harder to ignore the hint of dried blood that had stained her fingertips. Much to Neera’s disappointment, scrubbing seemed to be of little use, and she was growing increasingly nervous. How very charming of her lover to play along. Vritra pretended that it was thanks to their efforts alone that allowed them such an experience—another chance at life—that they had crawled restlessly from their grave without aid. Only those on the other side could attest to Neeraʼs mournful cries, and her sinful actions that followed.

“Dear?” Vritra called through a rough, rasping tone. While looking up at their beloved with glowing, crimson eyes that demanded attention, they pleaded, “Must we dwell on the past?”

Even in times such as these, Neera could not help but remember the horrors that continue to creep up from below—the image of beetles feasting and phorid flies scuttling with anticipation. Although they recognized her sullen gaze, Vritra could never bring themselves to ask, especially during their stolen moments alone. Neera did not feel that it was a fleeting sensation. Instead, it was dreadful, how such powerful paranoia sought after her.

“Will you-” Neera swallowed the lump in her throat, “-make me forget?”

Neera felt Vritraʼs chest heave with excitement, pressing themselves against their lover’s ribcage. While there was a flutter of electricity between them, Vritraʼs heart was still, pumping with infatuation rather than survival. Neera’s hands reached out to touch the face of their beloved, shuddering at how their cheeks were cold yet blushing with desire.

Vritra leaned in, kissing the runaway tears that trailed from their lover’s eyes. “Yes, honey, I will.”

The cloak that once hid Neera away was now unashamed as it spread out underneath the lovers. Neera found herself curling into Vritra’s lips, swallowing the taste of their panting and basking in the feel of their wandering hands. Beneath their entwined bodies, thrived families of bugs and forgotten memories, concealed by the yearning of two animals feeding off one another. The remnants of their forbidden love had dug their way up from the dirt—writhing with an ache so strong.

Despite it all, an innocence blossomed between them, masked by the scent of their vigour and condemned acts. Their lips moulded together before pulling apart, their tongues connected by a thin string of saliva. Although Neera knew it was wrong of her, she could not help but stare into the lascivious gaze of her revenant. Through the night, they kissed with much passion. Like real people do.

[blackjackkent]

Clicking around randomly in our little hell room opened up a new conversation with...someone; I can't really see anyone that we're talking to but it's definitely happening.

I'm getting big vibes of the Gauntlet from DAO.

Say what?

LOL.

Okay, I'm not entirely sure what this means. I'm *assuming* it means you can add extra people to your party beyond the ones you already have? EDIT: Springy has informed me that it's just a last-minute party reshuffle if you want to do one, and also that if you do said reshuffling, someone is going to end up stranded in the hellplane and the game never makes it clear that there's any way for them to go home. XD

So we're not going to change things up here, but I am going to go down the list quickly, because I'm quite amused by some of these as options; Caden really has a pretty narrow list of people he'd actually like to fight alongside and most of them are already with him.

Anomen. Caden met Anomen in BG1 for like a mission and a half and then he was summarily dropkicked out of the party to make room for Minsc and Dynaheir. He was a Super Honorable Paladin guy and he and Caden were pretty bemused by each other at best.

Cernd. Last seen after (according to my liveblog records) handing his son off to unrelated druids and wandering out of the party.

Dorn. Met very briefly in BG1 and was a complete jerk iirc.

Edwin. ???? Fuck that guy.

Haer'Dalis. LOLOLOLOLOL. Can you imagine? Last seen stalking off in a cloud of aggrieved thespian pride after Aerie tossed him to the curb for trying to fight Caden to the death for her heart. I don't know what he would do on being summoned into a hell dimension by Caden, but it would involve a long speech, a dramatic flourish, and the most incredibly stupid actions possible.

Jan. We met this guy once and saw him get carted off to prison; he sat in the journal for quite a while and Caden and I never gave enough of a shit to follow up on it.

Keldorn. Aw. Paladad. If it weren't for the 6-person party limit, Keldorn would be one of the few that Caden would be tempted to pull into this whole mess. He liked Keldorn, in spite of his faults. (That said, we left him trying to recover his broken relationship with his wife and Caden wouldn't want to interrupt that, especially not given how likely it is they all might just die in here.)

Korgan. Literally who? (Wait, was that the evil dwarf that we had in the party for like 0.5s in BG1?)

Mazzy. YAY MAZZY. The only person in this list Caden would unequivocally bring along if the game allowed it. Best halfling fighter buddy, good head on her shoulders, gets along with everyone in the party, and is voiced by Jennifer Hale. 10/10 no notes.

Nalia. Good kid, naive. Caden wants good things for her, but those things do not include fighting at his side in hell.

Neera. Oh god. Neera aggravated Caden to no end on the 3-4 occasions they spoke together, each of which was about 5 minutes at most. Basically all he knows about her is that she has a history of making weird magic shit happen for no reason. Not someone he wants lighting every fuse in the place.

Valygar. We met Valygar for one mission back in the middle of BG2 and Caden liked him well enough but that was a very surreal quest and he really doesn't feel the need to extend the relationship.

Viconia. LOL. Everyone remember the conversation where everyone shouted at Caden simultaneously for like ten minutes?

And then finally, scrolling down the list...

o.o;

Oh.

:'(

I have no intention of either bringing him or abandoning him in a hell plane, but I did click on this with the intention of reloading just to see what happens, because a) Caden could use closure if some is available, as Yoshimo's betrayal was one of the deepest cuts he ever endured and b) that boy is DEAD. So I'm curious how this would be addressed.

:(

I think Caden actually did make this request, not really expecting anything to come of it, but hoping against hope that perhaps Yoshimo's shade could be brought back just long enough for them to...talk? Reconcile? But even the boy with the god of death inside him has limits to what he can command.

[the-rogue-dragon]

@qanedanegros continues from here;

🔥ONLY THE HOUSE OF THE DRAGON COULD TEAR itself apart and each one of the members were paying for it, on both sides. The rooting ambition for power and the position on the Iron Throne had consumed both sides, destroying the dream of Aegon the Conqueror, and bringing down one of the most powerful families of the realm. The ambition of men like Otto Hightower, was the reason they were currently fighting for what has always belonged to Rhaenyra. Yet the actions of the leech, and the behavior of his grandchildren, had pushed them all against each other, and picking sides and alliances. At first, the unwavering Protector of the Realm - a title given by his niece - had been reckless and restless. However, each passing day, each fall, each death, were wearing down the Rogue Prince - who as exhausted as he was - still tried to show himself strong and ready.

But not just the House of the Dragon was wearing itself down, others too, and because of them. Such was the case of his lover, Neera. He brought her with him from King’s Landing, and build a cottage in Aegon’s Garden, to live with her there in the island of Dragonstone, instead of the castle where the royal family lived, and where he would find himself more oft than not making plans for the war, and leading an army of men who had their own interests besides helping take the throne back. Each night - or as many as he could - the Prince would go back to that cottage in Aegon’s Garden, where he enjoyed the company of his paramour Neera, and was brought hours of a very much needed peace and distractions.

However, such life was exhausting her, keeping her stressful about his life, each day he was away, or each night he would not return. The Prince understood this, but he never once thought that it would end this way, with Neera wanting to leave back to Lys. It was like the same day he lost Mysaria, for Dragonstone seemed cursed for Prince. Even if back then it had been his brother’s orders who sent her away, this time it was Neera’s own decision to leave him. The morning was well past into the afternoon, and he had not shown up to the Painted Table, to provide with any input on the war, all he did was send word to Rhaenyra, and the Black Council, that he would not be present that day, without any explanation.

Standing by a pillar in the middle of their chambers, the Prince’s back was pressed on it as he leaned carefully - as if in an attempt not to disturb the young woman who was pacing around the room, picking her belongings. His voice has not been more than a whisper when he reminded her that she didn’t need to leave. Only silence answered him for a moment, and Daemon thought that she hadn’t heard him, until finally her tongue spoke. Eyes lingered over the granite of the floor, as if there was something interesting over there, even though his eyes were blurry, and he was not focusing his attention there. “Your place it’s here with me.” He offered mutely, as if raising his voice would cause her to leave faster. “I know I cannot ask more of you than I already have… but was not your choice to come with me?” Purple-wine eyes glanced towards her, like a kicked hatchling. “Why must you leave me now?”

[scentofdriedflowers]

ok let's start SNW episode 2

wait I need already a second, that little Una's backstory

dishonorable dismissal????! how dare y- the fuuck 'they are greatful for your service', yeah but we will kick you to the curb because we're scared of you and your people, fucking starfleet, Una is one of the best starfleet officer ever you don't dishonorably dismiss her just 'cause you're racist.

this is a good deal, wHaT??! where??!!!

who the hell is this himbo subpar lawyer? did he just pass the space-bar test??! give her a damn good one! Pike hurry up with the ivy league lawyer, she's trapped in the worse law&order episode ever right now!! oooh the lawyer is an illyrian, hell yeah now we're talking!! I already love her!

ooooh what happened between this Neera and Una?! interestiiiing, *please let her be an ex girlfriend*

this whole interaction between them have me like 👀 👀 what on illyrian earth happened between them?!

now I want a full story of Neera and Una 300k thanks

'I'll tell the opposing counsel their deal is rejected' HELL YEAH

'that plea deal was her best shot,' oh no honey Neera is her best shot, gurl watch and learn, fight the laws that are unjust.

20 YEARS?? the fuck?! look, Neera has the best bluff face in the universe or she got it, her face is like 'bring it on bitches I'm ready, instead Una is like 'wha 👁️👄👁️'

'are you being funny? you were never funny' sdfghjkjfdfghjkjhgfdfghjk fun's funeral old friend knows it too 😂 I love these two together I need to know more about their backstory gimmeeee

I love La'an silently seething, frothing at her mouth about to snap if she can't find the one who snitched on her Una! she's like

WHeRE IS iT??!! that asshole...

jesus Batel is kind of a horrible counselor tho technically speaking, why you screaming that loud 'objection' gurl?! I can hear youuu, she needs to binge watch some law and order and take notes.

look at all these pompous people act so affronted when being called out as racist lol I love Neera she demolished them lol

'an affinity for gilbert and sullivan musicals' I fucking knew it Spock would said that sdfghjklkjhfdsdfghjk

I like the fact that Batel wants to fail tho lol I give you that gurl (lol when she was forgetting to object) I like you better

oh sweet La'an 🥹 'Counselor, I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for Una' 😭😭 Una is family 😭❤

excuse me but Neera and La'an exchange was absolutely amazing and important, La'an needed to hear that, I love Neera. And La'an utter relief of finding out she was not the one who unintentionally caused Una's identity leak was wow such a good scene my poor bb was so scared to have been the one 😭

Una backstory is heartbreaking and you could see that she wanted to explain it to Neera too and apologizing and she did, Neera's voice was breaking a bit too. These two give me emotions I love their interactions so much.

lol that admiral calling her toxic was funny, because she's literally the opposite of toxic as an illyrian since she can heal herself and others by exposure lol

Batel reading that starfleet code that practically saved Una and laughing and be like, I lost!

Damn I love Neera and how she speaks, I was like omg she is asking for asylum and bitch it's working, she saved Una and made a damn good point

*whistle* 'First Officer on deck'

I'm sorry but that prolonged hand holding 👀 *cough cough* I wanna know more here, I need Neera back ASAP I love her so much already

her little moment with La'an I cry 'welcome home, it wasn't the same without you' 🥹 these two that are not huggers or extroverts find their way of telling each other how they feel, they're family.

commander Chin Riley is back bitches!! the brain cell holder is back everything is gonna be ok

after all these roller-coaster emotions I propose an Enterprise Bingo match again just to raise the spirits and have F U N

[shangtusianheroes]

Milla's Log 001

She sat down in front of her desk and pulled out her little book, a diary of sorts. Not the kind you keep secrets in or daily events, but alchemical notes. It was kind of her most sacred treasure, it held all of her accomplishments. It was also the last place Carol or Neera would go snooping since none of them could make heads or tails of it. Well Neera might understand some of it on a base level, but Alchemy? That was her gift or curse some might say. No one on all of Avalice knew what she knew and that gift was all do to Brevon. She wondered if Carol would find the irony that her Sister was alive because of Brevon in a way---probably best not to bring it up.

Opening the Book up, she skimmed past her formulas to near the back, hidden away in a neat little section written in the language of her home world, and written in reverse. She was probably the only person who would be able to read it without needing to write it all down properly, and probably the only one outside of Serpentine who could read this writing. Maybe Aaa could translate it? He did work with alot of that tech in some capacity.

She set her recorder down and pressed record picking the mic up to speak, this was mostly in case anything bad happened. So Carol and Neera would know the truth. They'd have a record of everything and with it maybe a way to save her? Or maybe it was just for peace of mind.

" Journal Entry, One the date is--- Month is Chǒuyuè (Month of the Ox), day 28 Year 3 AKS(After the Kingdom stone). If you are hearing this then either, i am in a state where i can not speak or help you. Or, the worst has occurred. I suppose i should apologize for being so silent on the matter. However i ... I do not believe there is anything anyone can do. "

She sighed holding the mic closer

" During the Encounter on the Bakunawa, Specifically during our battle with Serpentine. Syntax attempted to Link with me i believe Serpentine called it a resonance link. At the time we all believed i was able to overcome the effects and fight back. Which is true i was able to stave off the effect. Back then i thought i felt off, but there were bigger concerns so, i kept it to myself. "

She tapped her pen on the table

" I was aware that i was getting Ill after Lilac left but, again what could anyone really do? I know more about whats happening then any of you so if anyone was going to fix it---well it had to be me. Plus Carol had her Sonar to love, neera her new position, and Lilac? She was off discovering herself. So yes i kept this secret--- but now i'll tell you the whole story... everything about myself and... and ..."

She could feel the tears rolling down her face but she didn't want that on the tape. She had to keep going didn't she? this was harder then she thought.

" Why i'm going to keep getting sicker, and possible effects this illness will have on me. "

She sniffed obviously trying to hold her emotions back.

" ... It must have always been there i guess, Syntax only activated it... a Mutagenic Compound... probably similar to what Brevon tried to infect me with back then. Only its purpose was less to make me a formidable enemy and more... to control you, program you, keep you in line. That was what Serpentine had hoped... i did not win that day on the Bakunawa... i only delayed the inevitable. I do not know how long my anti-mutagen will keep me going, but i just want you to all know..."

She was in tears now, full on holding her hands to her face.

" These last 3 years have been everything to me... and i love you all so much! I'm so sorry... i wish, and hoped i could remain.... but sooner or later... i may well become an enemy... i do not know what will happen to the me that exists once the mutagen finishes it's work... i only know. "

She looked at herself in the mirror and despite how brave she wanted to be, she was so scared. She wanted Lilac, Carol, Neera anyone to hold her, and tell her it would be ok. But, she couldn't this time... she was all on her own.

" I will keep fighting till i can't... end Log... "

[dr-drckken]

Day 30: Character Wishlist

1/2. Mike and Sully: I have made this call every year and I don't give a shit I WILL MAKE IT AGAIN! I will make it until someone takes me up on it! Or until two people come together to finally bring THEM together. I am literally staring at the cake toppers of these two fuckers from my nephew's recent birthday. They'd be fun!!! The demon lore is FUN!! There's so much that could be done with the two of them, and they're just sitting there in the vault of untapped potential.

3. Jackson Storm: I can't believe he still hasn't been taken up....the disrespect....to me....personally... look, I know he's an antagonist and I know he doesn't seem to have any good traits within the movie but that was the movie and yOU all are brilliant, talented, creative individuals who could turn him into a dynamic and well rounded character!!! I KNOW IT!!

4. Chick Hicks: Now y'all got me going on a car rampage here!!! But someone sure as shit better get Chick Hicks before I do. Emma already has to deal with me enough as it is, I cannOT get him!!!! I can't!!! And I am being tested by the gods every time another group of Cobra Kai episodes drop because the desire to get a long term rival who will then bring his evil ways of the magick grand prix to swynlake to piss off said long term rival.....you guys gotta take it away from me !!

5. Mater: I can't not mention him if I'm going on my Cars Propaganda rampage. HE IS PRIME REAL ESTATE FOR THIS ROLE PLAY PEOPLE! Small town country man??? like are you joshin me? he could literally be every one of our transplant girl's hallmark dream man. he needs to be here to humble bitches. i'm TIRED of not having him around.

as you can see this is the part of the task where i am going to bully you all into getting the characters i want around 🔫🔫

6. Peter Pan: look, he's basically the only character from the franchise who hasn't been here and while that is soooooooo fucking funny, seeing as he is the TITULAR role, it's getting a bit silly at this point. right? oh good you agree! so yes, where is he? i think with all the fairy politics going on that he would fit right in that bag, but there's also the fae or just an immortal dude or whatever you could possibly imagine!! i am sat and waiting for him so...chop chop.

7. Merpeople: we have lost many good soldiers this year and think we need to repopulate!! i still love the mermaid lore and would love nothing more than to get another but i am full up, you see. so alas. but YOU, you can!!! i know you want to. getting to write a character who cannot expose themself and has to pretend their a mundus while being one of the more marginalized groups of magicks is soooo good. and as someone with a potential hunter in my group, i can offer you good plots!!!!! promise!!!!

8/9/10. Neera, Aldar, and Bruton: these skeletons.....they compel me....look i want a dragon as much as the next person, they dope as hell okay. i get it. I GET IT. and i think they should be here in swynlake. we have mushu and he deserves friends!!! even if these three arent necessarily here for fun, they can have it as a treat! also i am someone who loved the star wars prequels for the politics, okay, fucking sue me!!! and i think getting to add to the lore of our world through this lens of the order of the dragon is saauuurrr cool. ough, someone better get these cuties. like im literally on my knees begging, you dont understand...

[dragonsfell]

jaheira banter from bg2, part 2.

DO NOT REBLOG. Here's some conversations from Jaheira in Baldur's Gate 2; that I wanted to highlight. I owe the enhanced editions of the originals and play to plan again, but I wanted to share some some the interactions Jaheira had; to see where she came from // i wanted these saved on the blog // a warning that given the age of these games and the edition of D&D they spawn from; fantasy racism was at its height and everywhere and alignments were ever present & very black and white

With Nalia ; a chaotic good human thief/mage

Jaheira: You are quite unused to the pain of battle, are you not? I can see it in your face. Nalia: It shows, does it? I hoped I would be of some help to those less fortunate, but I seem to be quite prone to bruising. Jaheira: You will learn many harsh realities out here, but you will also learn to deal with them. Or you may die. One or the other. Nalia: Thanks for your support... I think.

there's a lot so the rest is under the read more. DO NOT REBLOG.

With Nalia ; a chaotic good human thief/mage

Jaheira: Well, little Nalia, it would seem you have grown quite accustomed to the power you now wield. Nalia: Why do you bring this up now, Jaheira? You have that tone in your voice again. Jaheira: "That" tone? I do not understand what you mean. Nalia: Yes, you do. It's that "time for an unnecessary lecture" tone that means you are about to caution me on the use of the power I have earned. Jaheira: I see. And what do you think the outcome of such a conversation would be? Nalia: Well, I believe that I would tell you I have found my true calling, that you should probably butt out, and that I would really prefer you to refrain from calling me "little Nalia." Jaheira: Determined to do good works no matter what the world thinks, is that the gist of it? Nalia: Yes, that would be the gist of it. Jaheira: Then I agree that the lecture would be unnecessary. I need say nothing. Nalia: You... what? Thank you, Jaheira.

With Neera ; a chaotic neutral half-elf wild mage

Jaheira: I am curious, Neera. What does a wild surge feel like? Neera: It depends. I never know what to expect. The surges are all different from each other. How does it feel when you cast spells? Jaheira: Not the same, I am sure. I may feel wrath if the nature of my spell is violent, or calm if it is for healing. Beneath it all, I feel a oneness with nature that never changes. Neera: Maybe it's not so different after all. Jaheira: Why? You have this sense of oneness when you use magic? Neera: Sort of. My mind becomes part of... something. What, I don't know—I don't think it's nature. The Weave, I guess? Or maybe chaos? But yeah, it's kind of like "oneness," except it seems more like I'm looking at it through a window. When my magic is working properly, anyway. Jaheira: And when it's not? Neera: A wild surge is like that window shattering into a million pieces of glass. Jaheira: That sounds... unsafe. Neera: I don't mind. If you've been indoors a long time, sometimes you like the feel of a cold gust of wind. Jaheira: We are not talking about wind and windows. We are talking about power and your mind. Be careful of that glass.

With Rasaad ; a lawful good human sun soul monk / with player reponses

Rasaad: Are you all right, Jaheira? Jaheira: Why do you ask? Rasaad: You generally seem—at peace. But for a moment there, your expression darkened. Jaheira: I am fine, Rasaad. I was just thinking... Rasaad: <CHARNAME> has told me that's the worst thing I can do. I expect <HE/SHE>'s joking. I think. I hope. What were you thinking of? Jaheira: My husband, Khalid. Rasaad: Ah. I am sorry. I shall leave you to your reflections. Jaheira: No, don't. I could use the company. Rasaad: I'm sorry to say I didn't know Khalid well. Jaheira: Few did. Rasaad: Tell me about him. Jaheira: He could be... difficult. But he was a good man. A strong man. - - - - - 1. Player: He is missed. Jaheira: Dearly missed. Player: I remember when you were separated at Bridgefort. I don't think I've ever seen you so upset. Jaheira: That was a... trying time. And we weren't to have much time after it. Rasaad: I know it is difficult, but try not to focus on what you have lost, Jaheira. Instead, treasure the time you had together. It was a gift from the gods. Jaheira: I try, Rasaad. I try every day. - - - - - 2. Player: He loved you dearly, Jaheira. Jaheira: And I, him. Player: I remember when you were separated at Bridgefort (...) - - - - - 3. Player: A dead man. Imoen: (if present in party) Oh, &lt;CHARNAME>. NO. Korgan: (if present in party) Ye're a cold one, <CHARNAME>, there's no doubtin' it. Jaheira: Is that how Gorion raised you, <CHARNAME>? I think he would be ashamed to see what you have become. Rasaad: Forgive me, Jaheira. I did not mean to cause you discomfort. Jaheira: Nor have you. <CHARNAME>'s the one who reopened the wound. Rasaad: I know it is difficult (...)

[enigmaincrimson]

From her view, she did understand well that Neera would be angry, rightfully so. People shouldn't suffer and die at the hands of fools, especially people like that... woman... and she'd love to drill that knowledge into her head to the point that her mind would break from the pressure.

She'd subtly and immediately start warming the water in the tub to keep it from freezing entirely... but not so much that it would immediately turn to a boil the moment her patient would calm down later.

"So basically, doctor to patient privilege, perfectly understandable. If anyone asks, that's what we'll say."

To be fair, she had no intention of telling them that Neera was that close to death as much as she preferred Neera wouldn't tell anyone how far she went to bring her back like that.

As soon as Neera calmed down, she went back to stabilizing the temperature of the tub... even if it did make the room somewhat steamy as a result.

"If you want the formal answer. Expect to have some odd lingering memories and everything feeling kind of stiff as the muscles tend to freeze up from the restoration process, but that's easily taken care of with therapy and the proper stretches."

She hesitated for a moment as she contemplated the less formal answer. This stubborn panda was her patient in this case, so as long as the agreement they'd keep their discussion between themselves stands, it should be fine.

"Less formally... I wouldn't exactly call it cheating death in this case... since you technically weren't supposed to well... die yet. The injuries were rather extensive, and I might have gone a bit overboard, so any side effects that you might experience would be from me being a little too thorough with making repairs."

"For now, until the risk is over, it is advisable that you do not sleep for the time being... nor will you be allowed to take pain killers until then... and I can tell you from personal experience, you will know when you get there... since it's going to really hurt."

The whole point of the life petal bath was more to ease things through the aftereffects than the actual healing process itself... It should be easy to figure out, she'd suppose.

"I am very sorry about the long exposition. The last time I had to explain this to someone, let's just say they didn't quite take it so well."

Of course, Evelyn knew that Neera would ask that question, especially with all that had happened in a short time. It wasn't every day that she had to explained what things were like from her own viewpoint and it wasn't something she was ready to discuss with Lilac, Milla, or Carol just yet.

She gave Carol a wave goodbye and waited until she was absolutely sure the Wildcat was out of earshot before giving her answer to Neera, asking the moment to crouch down so she wouldn't need to strain herself too much.

"For a short time, that would be correct... Although the cord was still intact, which made things easier. Otherwise, I'd have to start fishing... and that can really go sideways if you aren't careful. Too many displaced souls that aren't too eager to pass on just yet tend to take that as an open invitation, then there's the whole debate with the reapers getting annoyed with me for poking around, and everything else...."

Explaining to Neera that she could see spirits or anything else was going to be difficult, she knew that... but it was still better than leaving her guessing what other things she had done to bring her back to the land of the living and not just the part about her healing what should have been mortal wounds without even leaving scars behind. Maybe she did go a bit overboard and didn't just heal those injuries, but she was in a hurry at the time and wanted to cover all the bases.

If anything, she'd give the Panda's shoulders a gentle squeeze and a rub, trying to stimulate things she wouldn't fall asleep just yet. Until she was sure things had calmed down, it just wasn't a good idea.

"Let's not drop that bombshell on Carol and the others yet... they are going to have enough on their plates with what is going on as it is and getting sidetracked right now is definitely a bad idea."

She did her best to be soothing, even if it was probably clear that she was feeling a little anxious about dropping just that on the still recovering panda.

"But if you need anyone to talk to about this, I am perfectly fine with the idea... and maybe I left out that I didn't just smell the life petals from upstairs..."

Of course, she tended to infodump when she had the jitters... It's not every day she can just open up a little like that.

[sonorous-strings]

Damn.

Sonar rubbed his eyes blearily, trying to will some energy into getting off the couch in his studio. It was getting hard to sleep alone these days. Sonar would be lying if he said he wasn't feeling just a touch uneasy about Carol and Lilac spending the night together, but that was old wounds itching and nothing rational. Carol said the choice made was him over Lilac, after all. She wouldn't just go back on that the moment she had the opportunity, would she?

No. She was too loyal for that sort of thing.

But the main reason was that he just missed Carol. Being here for a few days working past his own trauma was different. There he wasn't sure about anything, how he felt, none of that. Hence the three days before the fourth day when Neera came to light a fire under his dumb ass and he went back. Well... that wasn't the original intent, but that was the outcome nonetheless.

He stood, groaning. Get up early, get shit g-

There was an obnoxious knocking at his door. "Hellooooooooo," came the almost tauntingly singsong voice of his boss, the Illustrious Mayor Zao. "No, I am not coming in. Sonaaaar, are you awake? I want to make sure everything is running absolutely perfectly tonight, so I'm making the rounds!"

If he had a mug of coffee or something he would've thrown it at the door. It was too early. He checked his clock. Well... it was a few hours before the sound check was supposed to start. "Yeah, yeah, I'm up," he called through the door, his voice still scratchy from sleep. "Don't worry your big hat none, my part of the event will be taken care of, no problem."

"That's absolutely wonderful to hear!" came the muffled approval. "The background entertainers make up a large part of the event, you know! And we have to make sure nothing is left below par once your wildcat wife or whatever gets swept off her throne!"

Sonar glared at the door, his fists clenching so hard he cracked a couple of knuckles. No. Don't grab the guitar. Don't fling the door open and send him off like a fuzzy golf ball-

Deep breath. Zao wasn't stupid enough to directly antagonize people like this. He was getting them worked up for a reason. It had to be. Carol would be so pissed off that she'd fight tooth and nail just to tell him "fuck you".

"Yeah, yeah. You can go now." Oops. He actually hadn't intended to sound that murderous. But Zao's sudden nervousness and fading voice accomplished what he wanted anyway, so... win, he guessed? He shrugged, and sighed.

Oh. Right. He was going to meet up with Carol this morning. Probably bringing Lilac along, too. He stretched, cracked his neck, back, all the things that felt good to crack after sleeping on a couch. Then he'd make his way out to the lobby, towards the food court. That's where they usually met up anyway, before and after the shows.

What with Carol being bi, and the kind of people he knew she admired, he could certainly see why she'd love Lilac the way she did. Hell, does. He knew better than to think Carol would simply stop even after what happened just a month or so ago. She'd just... not act on whatever came to mind. She made her decision, and she'd stick to it.

Right?

Maybe he was just a little nervous about more than irrational feelings.

Sitting outside the Lotus Express, he couldn't help but fidget as the clock ticked by. Minutes turning into tens, then an hour. By then he'd finished his breakfast ("Breakfast of champions!" he'd say) and he went for his phone- fuck. He left it in the studio. But with soundcheck soon there was no point making his way all the way back to his studio for the phone, then all the way back. That was almost double the walk alone. The Battlesphere was a big place, definitely bigger on the inside than it looked.

But she still wasn't here. She said she'd be here, right?

"How about we meet up at the mall, sweetie?" he couldn't help but hear intruding into his head. "And we'll figure out what to do from there."

No, stop it. This was not the same. Carol said so.

He checked his phone for the text he'd gotten back. It'd been over an hour and she still wasn't here. "Sorry, something came up, sweetie!" the text read. "Sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but maybe we could do this tomorrow or something?"

Of course, she'd not counted on seeing him soon after that day while on the arm of one of the other so-called "rising stars" in the area. It had felt like the ground had fell from underneath his feet, like he was in free-fall. It was a betrayal. And the way she'd spoken to him, so different from the previous day. There was... scorn in her voice. Like he was out of her league. And the man she was with just laughed and lorded it up like he'd found a great catch. As if he didn't fucking know.

Turned out he wasn't the only one she supposedly loved. And his love was just a stepping stone. Just a way to pass the time until someone better came along. At what? Everything, apparently. "Gold digger" came to mind, even though he wasn't much of anything by then. He would have laughed about his brain coming up with the term if he wasn't so hobbled by the proverbial knife in his heart.

Sonar didn't even make it to the bed when he got home. He just... sat there, on the floor against it, staring into nothing, really. Not good enough. That's all he was. Sub-par. Not worth the effort.

Sonar couldn't help but lean forward, hands clasped together, mouth pressed into his thumbs. Why was this coming to mind? Just because Carol wasn't showing up? Because he had lingering worries about what Lilac meant to her?

This was fucking stupid. Carol wasn't like her. At all. She'd been the one to admit first that she wanted marriage. True, he wanted it too, but wasn't quite sure if Carol would go for it, so he didn't really say anything about it. His ex had never gone to that length to tell him how much she loved him. Was easier to say "It'd be nice, but..." though.

He closed his eyes, trying to will this all away. He couldn't help but chuckle, a self-deprecating sound. Only girl to love him so much she wanted to marry him, and he let something stupid like ancient history get in the way, almost catastrophically so.

He wasn't sure he'd ever forgive himself.

You're a fucking idiot, he told himself. She probably got sidetracked by Zao or something, the little furry shit.

He wiped his eyes of the tears he hadn't realized welled up as he moped on Memory Lane and stood, sniffling. No, this wasn't like before. It's not like he'd find Carol on Lilac's arm or something. It'd be okay this time.

He sighed and started walking towards the arena. Might as well get that soundcheck started so Zao wouldn't be on his ass.

[wildcatofgreen]

"You can really visit me whenever you want?" She tilted her head at the feline, hand on her earpod.

The wildcat had a hand at her hip, smile beaming, " 'Course I can! Long as I got this," she shows off that dumb scrunchie again, wrapped around her wrist, "Accordin' 'ta Neera, it's what connects me to you! Or somethin'."

"Then," she blushed, gaze averted, "I guess this isn't the last we'll see of each other, then. At least, not until your wedding."

Carol raised a brow at the mention of it. Felt like Lyli still had trouble processing that bit, the whole marriage thing. And who could blame her, really? To love someone for so long, then to see them get ripped away from your grasp and it wasn't even your fault.

Carol could empathize, but not sympathize. Lyli's pain still tore at her heart, somewhat.

She was lucky to have her as a friend. So damn lucky.

All the feline did was nod, "Yeah. 'Till then, Lyli!"

The dragon walked up to her, embraced her, holding her tight.

...

Felt like the hug that seemingly started this whole mess.

" 'Till then, Carol," always just a little somber. Always had a little regret. It hurt the wildcat, but.

There was not much she could do, but hug her back. Peace made with it all, but stones know some things just never go away. Not really--

"I... I love you."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She...

She...?????!!!!!

...

Fuck!!!

She deepened the hug, head firmly nested in the dragon's shoulder, eyes shut tight, mind only thinking about the here and the now.

"I love you, too, Lyli."

They could never truly be together, but.

It was better to know, than not to.

It lingered, their embrace, for just a couple moments more than it should've. Just another moment longer, just another minute, another second, another--

Carol broke it off, sighing, placing a hand at the back of her head.

Their gazes averted from one another.

Not quite sure what to say or do.

"Well, uhm, yeah!!! Yeah!!!!!" The wildcat took out her gemerald and grasped at her necklace, focusing entirely on her Sony.

The dragon stepped back slightly, as if she'd seen it all before. Presumably did not want to be caught up in the cross fire.

Gemerald pulsating, glowing brighter, and brighter, and brighter.

Before it enveloped the wildcat entirely, and

Blip.

She was gone.

...

And again.

She was alone.

Nothing she could do about it, of course. All her travels wouldn't bring her the kind of kingdom stone magic that Carol had. Couldn't make new friends as easily. Couldn't travel the universe, the multiverse, like Carol could.

Selfishly, Lilac wondered...

If there were multiples of people, multiples of these blue hedgehogs and the like...

Then, maybe...

There was another Carol out there, somewhere. Another Lilac too, even?

It was certainly an interesting thought. She put a hand at her scarf, sighing into it.

Even if there was, it's not like she could ever find them. And that theoretical Carol...

It wouldn't be the same. It wouldn't be her Carol, not really.

Not someone who thought of pet names so easily for her, not someone who who do anything so readily for her, certainly not someone who would transport from Shang Tu to here for her. It almost made her sick to her stomach. That she'd never truly have her own little Cordelia.

She stared up at the starry night sky.

Maybe after all of this, she'd give up all of this adventuring stuff.

Settle down, like Carol is. She'd not have anyone to settle down with, but if she came back to the kingdoms...

She'd have her best friend. That... that was enough, right? She... she didn't need much else...

Damn it.

She always hated being alone. Having her thoughts, all to herself.

Hopefully she can find Merga soon. The trail of breadcrumbs she left...

It wasn't much. But she was getting ever closer to her goal, ever closer to learning more of her people.

With a spin, energy enveloping her, she'd release it all in a boost, dashing away.

---

Gaining her footing, the wildcat began to look around her room... wait.

---

She'd finish cleaning up, at the very least. Put everything back the way it was--though, she did notice that her Mobius Diary was sitting on her desk as well. Terrified her, slightly--did he read through it??? If she didn't tell him about her feelings for Lilac, that book certainly would have. Along with whatever else blabber jabber she wrote in there. Probably embarrassing stuff, too, like how she stole some of his deodorant once. Shuddered at the thought. That secret was dying with her.

But, it wasn't a big deal--just lock it up, easy. Along with the Avalice diary.

She... she debated on putting the scrunchie back, placed around the diary again. Would be fitting, wouldn't it? Be done with the whole deal, place it back where it wouldn't get hurt.

But... she couldn't. It was a part of Lyli--it connected them together, even from so far away. If she put it back now, then what would that say to their relationship? Wouldn't it be disingenuous? As if she never cared about her in the first place.

Grabbed onto her wrist, onto the scrunchie, that memory permeating her mind.

Couldn't help but smile at it. Felt so obvious, how she felt, looking back at it. Almost can't believe she never figured it out before.

Thank the stones Cory didn't figure it out before she did though--boy she'd NEVER hear the end of it. Snickered to herself.

She was thankful.

Cleaned up the rest that needed to be cleaned, made it look how it usually does.

Then, without another word, she'd collapse in her bed, cuddling her husband tight.

"I'll tell you everythin' tomorrow, Sony," she whispered in a sleepy stupor, "I'll tell you just how much I love you."

A warm smile coated her face.

Everything was going to be alright. She just knew it.

[tatiana-starwalker]

Intro Post because that's a thing

Hey !! I'm Beltrame, I run this account and have known how to be the hundred and first wizard for a day and a half at the time of posting, but I'm groovin, yk ?

Obligatory alignments / box-filling section :

TMA Entity : The Stranger

Planescape Faction : Society of Sensation

Titan Quest Mastery mains : Dream / Spirit

Age of Mythology main : Gaia

Baldur's Gate "Safe party" : Baeloth, Neera, Viconia, Shar-Teel, Kagain

Closest Commedia archetype : take a guess 😳😳

Favourite flat rides : Waltzers; Vortex ( Thorpe Park ); Zodiac ( Thorpe Park )

Favourite emoji : 🎠

Because zodiac and mbti are OUT.

I got into it because my partner Jan ( @rowan-duskhaven ) just got into it again, and we're just vibing ! :3

I don't know how the game works, but I do know how to kill kill bite, and read way too deep into a haha funny kids nostalgia game to make it have entirely too much vibe in it. shrimp lore, if you will.

personal info? I'm a tired physics student that has such a specific vibe and aesthetic I bring to the everything. I enjoy graphics design, roller coasters, and old pc games like baldur's gate and titan quest. I'm also * eyes emoji * at the commedia dell'arte at the all the time. please ask me questions about it. please. pspspsps. I'll give you pointers to make a commedia cast into wizards if you want that.

character info? coming soon. I'll update the post or smth when I write it up neatly, I have a wonky notes .txt file as of rn. they're a fire wizard, feral, and not someone you should leave in charge of hero work. they're not even the person you're looking for.