#That has nothing to do with the art but it's a solid reminder of why I have acquired absolutely zero maidens

[jontaro-kun]

That one time a pose study (looking at art of pretty women and telling myself I was being productive) turned into Portia

[cosmerelists]

If Other Stormlight Characters Served as the King's Wit

As requested by anon. :)

"The King's Wit" is there to insult people in the king's stead. In this role, Hoid basically gets to stand at the entrance to feasts and make fun of people. It's a good gig for him. But what if other characters had this job?

1. The Stormfather

Stormfather (rumbling with displeasure): You have broken an oath today. Stormfather: You promised your son that you would play "Shattered Plains" with him this afternoon, but you did not. Stormfather: Though you feast for today, my storm winds shall one day scatter your dishonored bones. Elhokar (visibly sweating): Ha ha my new Wit sure is, ah, intense!

2. Kaladin

Kaladin: Ew. Another Lighteyes... Kaladin: Sniff, sniff! Smells like the exploitation of the powerless in here! Kaladin: I can name a dozen men better than you and guess what--they're ALL darkeyed. Kaladin: Nice outfit--did it come free with your ancestral privilege?  Elhokar (muttering to himself): I will not put him in jail again, I will not put him in jail again, I will not...

3. Shallan

Shallan: [sketching] Hapless Lighteyed guest: Is that...me? Shallan: It is! [shows Ideal Self portrait--it's the same person, only their sadness and distrust is gone and they shine with an earnest and honest light, looking out toward their future] Hapless Lighteyed Guest (visibly tearing up): I...It's beautiful. Shallan: Please, go ahead & take it! Elhokar: Shallan-Wit, why is everyone at my feast introspective and crying? Shallan: I'm really good at art.

4. Adolin

Adolin: Wow! You are so brave to put those colors together, and in a style from two years ago ago! Adolin: You are almost pulling it off. 

5. Dalinar

Dalinar: Hello. I could not help but overhear your heated argument, my friends. Dalinar: It reminds me of a tale from the Way of Kings, which I will now quote from memory... Dalinar: ... Dalinar: Aaaaand, they fled. Dalinar: That's the third time that's happened this evening.

6. Ialai

Ialai: [hands hapless lighteyed guest a folded-up sheet of paper] Hapless Lighteyed Guest: W-Where did you get this information about me? And my husband? And my...former boyfriend's sister's cousin? Ialai: [merely smiles] Hapless Lighteyed Guest: W-What do you want? Please! I'll do anything! Ialai: Why...nothing at all. Yet. Please enjoy the feast.

7. Lift

Lift: Mmmm....4. Lift: A solid 6! Lift: Perhaps a 5, but ONLY because of those pants. Lift: Wow! An 8! Wyndle: P-Please mistress, I don't think the job of the King's Wit is to rank the butts of all attendees! Lift: They need to know.

8. Jasnah

Hapless Lighteyed Guest: Ugh, I don't think it's right for the king to employ a heretic as his Wit! Jasnah: It's strange--one might think that your faith in the Almighty would inspire you to strive to be a good man, yet in reality your mother weeps each and every night to have produced a son who loves drinking and gambling more than he loves his children, his wife, or indeed the Almighty. Jasnah: Should you wish to inspire faith in others, perhaps you should try to demonstrate even the smallest reason why yours has produced an iota of good for anyone in this world aside from yourself. Elhokar (across the room, watching): I...am afraid.

9. Lopen

Lopen: Hey, I know you! I got a cousin in your army! Lopen: He always laughs 'bout how weird it is that your officers make the men pay for their own boots 'n' stuff 'cause it's an army not a charity, right? But then your officer son gets an allowance which is funny 'cause that kinda seems like the 'charity' thing that an army isn't! Lopen: We Herdazians tend to use a word to mean a thing, yeah? But you Alethi sure like to make a word mean whatever it is you want!

10. Szeth & Nightblood

Nightblood: Evil. Evil. Evil. Definitely evil. Big evil! Little evil, but still evil. Szeth: You've identified every guest so far as evil, sword-nimi. Nightbood: Yeah, I'm so good at detecting evil! So when does the slaying start? Szeth: I told you. I don't murder entire parties anymore. That is my past, but it does not have to be my future. Nightblood: But you're the King's Wit! You got wit-tle down the evil, right? Szeth: That is not what that means, sword-nimi. Nightblood: ... Szeth: ... Nightblood: People sure do speed up when they have to walk past us, huh? Szeth: I am pretty sure that means we're doing a good job.

[songbirdseung]

not you / nishimura riki

synopsis: out of all the people that could've hurt me, i didn't expect one of them to be you.

warnings: angst and angst and more angst, heartbreaks, toxic behavior, mixed signals, cheating, lmk if i missed anything else.

pairing: riki x reader, takes place in college

wc: 14.7k

With your phone alarm going off, you come out of the bathroom, ready and prepared for the day ahead of you. Numbers on the clock tell you that you have enough time to eat breakfast, brush your teeth then head to your first class of the day. When we say breakfast, we mean coffee and maybe toast bread (if you're lucky) because that's the kind of luxury living in a dorm gets you. Roommates aren't always the best thing ever but lucky you, you did not get the shorter end of the stick. Because of Bahiyyih, she was a year above you but that did not matter since you two seem like long lost sisters. She's definitely one of the reasons why you are currently mentally sane.

Unfortunately, she'll also be the reason why you meet the one that will make your college life a living hell and test that sanity of yours. Being close to her means you come along to her brothers' dancing competitions, being at those competitions also means you meeting Nishimura Riki...

Here's the thing, there was nothing wrong with Riki, when you first met the rest of Huening Kai's dance group members; Riki was the most kind and most welcoming. He was someone who you clicked with so easily, someone who presented himself as if he was so trustworthy... emphasis on 'was'. Because right now, the man standing in front of you is reminding you what 'hindsight' is.

It started during your freshman year, after gaining a solid friendship with Bahiyyih; she wanted to bring you to one of her brother's performances for the school's event. You never minded going to them because you enjoyed musical art in your own time as well. When you went to see these events, you only ever looked at the group as a whole, judging their skills and expertise. That was until you went backstage to see Huening Kai. His group just won first place and you went over with Bahiyyih to congratulate them.

That's when your life was going to start shifting because when you knocked on the door, Riki opened the door with a warm smile, and gestured you guys to enter. "Hiyyih, nice to see you again" he says in a sarcastic tone, showing the close-ness he has with Bahiyyih as well.

"Oh Riki, I love seeing you around" Hiyyih responds back with the same kind of sarcasm. "This is yn, be nice". You looked up at him, and geez did that feel like an effort to do since he was 6ft tall, maybe even more than that. He smiles shyly as he notices how cute your height difference was. "Wow, look at Riki boy being all shy, that's new". one of the other guys say, which you later find out it was a senior named Heeseung.

"Leave him alone guys before he becomes beet red" Huening Kai walks in and greets you after. You look back at Riki who was still opening the door, standing in the same spot. "You okay there, bud?" Kai nudges him; getting him out of his trance. "What? Love at first sight?"

There you have it, your little meet-cute with Riki, it is also the day that marks the teasing shipping by everyone that knew you two. But that did not stop Riki from sticking around, it's like the teasing only egged him on to bother you as well. Since that day, nothing could have prepared you for the antics and shenanigans Riki would add into your life. But you weren't complaining.

"What's going on with you and Riki?"

"Are you two dating?"

"Do you like him?"

You felt like you were being interrogated by your friends at the lunch table. Since they saw that Riki treated you for boba tea and cake, also they noticed how he would constantly do romantic things for you, which you had to try your best to explain how you were friends and that he was just a natural gentleman.

"Yeah, cause any guy would go out of their way to get you things in the middle of the night, offer to run errands for you, and buy you flowers just because...why not?" At this point, your friends were setting you up for failure since they were not letting you rebuttal and debunk their theories.

"Guys, I swear...we are just friends." shoving another spoonful in your mouth and rolling your eyes at your friends. Look, you had no issue with the constant teasing and shipping but sometimes they can push it.

"Oh yeah, then why is he coming over with a bag of goodies like he knows you're on your period today?" turning around, and yes, he was coming over to your table with a black plastic bag filled with necessities. "Hey yn, I picked up some stuff when I went to the convenience with the boys." He hands over the bag and you take it with a smile. "Wait, why did you-"

"I just took notice to your cycle-" Riki stops himself when he realized how shocked you looked and maybe started thinking that he was a psycho. "Oh- OH wait...did that sound weird...I'm sorry." soon after, you had to assure him that it was okay and that you never expected it.

After he leaves, you sit back down and face your friends who had a certain look and smile on their faces. Some of them raising their eyebrows at you, like they want to say "just friends, huh?"

"Don't even start" warning them but the look still remains on their face. Again, rolling your eyes and focusing back to eating lunch before you had to drag your feet to your next class.

Guess what? you have that next dreaded class with him.

Later, you're in your usual seat, re reading the notes in case the professor wants to suddenly have a pop quiz. So focused that you do not realize that he already sat next to you. "Do we have an exam that I don't know about?" eyes leaving the notebook to look at him, one bicep on the table, head held by his palm. He's rocking the same hip hop fit and classic smirk.

"Why do you have to stress yourself out like this, relax yn" taking the book out of your hands and closing it. Before you could say anything, he places it on his desk and looks back at you. "There's no pop quiz or exam, the professor isn't even coming to class."

"What if there's a substitute and they give us a task?" chuckling, he looks at the wall clock and gives you an ultimatum. "In the next 20 minutes, if no one shows up, let's get out of here and just hang?" This was nothing new, Riki has always proposed this idea to you but never got to happen. So, you always just say yes.

Usually after he would give the ultimatum, the professor or the sub with walk in. To which you see the disappointment in his eyes as he slumps in his chair, along with a "I hate this class".

But this time, it has passed 15 minutes and no one else but your classmates have entered the room. For those 15 minutes, Riki has been mentally planning on what he's going to do or where he's going to take you if you both do end up leaving. Why was he even nervous, he's been out with you, multiple times...but in groups.

Another 5 minutes goes by and before Riki could bask in his victory, someone from the faculty comes in. You smirk and rub his back jokingly. He looks back at you and sends you a death glare. "You hate me that much? You can't even spend an hour and a half alone with me?" As he starts pouting, the professor speaks up.

"Your professor won't be able to make it in today, he also did not leave any task or assignment, so you are free to go." now the reactions are switched, your smirk fading and Riki's pout turning into a smile.

Now, you find yourself in the newly opened cafe in the campus. With a very happy Riki. "Now that I think about it, you're stuck with me for 4 years, and maybe even beyond that. You know...after graduation." He sips on his coffee and whips out his phone. "What if I move schools?"

"Then I'll just have to follow you there." Taking a picture of the food and while you were looking out the window, he snaps a quick picture. "You look pretty, yn." its times like this where you start to question if your friends were right and maybe Riki has feelings for you, but you think back to his interactions with other females; he pretty much acts the same towards them...but does he call other girl pretty and take them out to more than just friendly dates?

"Riki, can I ask you something?" You couldn't let this live on anymore, you had to get a straight answer from him, getting the answer to this 'what are we' situation you both were in.

"Sure, anything."

"Even if it might change our friendship?" He pauses but bounces back quickly and proceeds to shrug. "It can't be that bad, shoot"

"Do you perhaps...like me? romantically?" Looking straight at him. "I just...I'm getting mixed signals from you and I-"

"I do"

"What?"

"I really do"

From that moment on, your freshman year was occasionally filled with Nishimura Riki.

In the beginning, everything was molded perfectly into your life, nothing seemed to overlap, had a handful academic stress but had resilience. Riki was the addition that you loved. In the beginning.

The first official date happened a week after that talk, Riki decided to go to your dorm room, which was extremely restricted to males, but somehow, he slipped through the wire and convinced you to go on a spontaneous date. He took you to a park and you two had a picnic and played soccer together. It was a fun time, getting to know Riki and him getting to know you on a different level and for a different reason.

The first kiss was when you were at a little group hang out, Riki and his friends separated from you and the others, only to come back with funny disguises; embarrassing you guys by dancing and singing loudly in the middle of the mall and only promising to stop if you kissed his cheek. Which you were going to do but he moved his face so you could kiss his lips.

The first 'I love you' was when it was spring break for freshman year when Riki had to go back to his hometown to visit his family. When you two were saying your goodbyes, you said the three little words.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the campus, you and Riki found yourselves standing beneath a blossoming cherry blossom tree. It was the last day before spring break, and Riki's hometown beckoned him back to his family.

Finally, with a soft sigh, you looked up at him, your gaze filled with affection and vulnerability. "I love you," you whispered, the words hanging in the air between you like delicate petals.

Riki's heart skipped a beat as he processed your confession, a rush of warmth flooding his chest. He felt a lump form in his throat, overwhelmed by the intensity of his emotions. "I love you too," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with sincerity.

A little fast forward to second year, you were now both sophomores; still going strong as a couple. It been roughly 8 months since you two got together in February, during your freshman year. Now we stand in September, the very first day of your sophomore year. First day was always nerve wracking for you, no matter what because you have too much to look forward to but also so many things to worry about.

But still, your main focus and priority was still to be on the grind, work your butt off to get high grades, do extra-curricular activities, but still making times for friends and loved ones.

And that's what you made sure to do, months passed, and you were one of the few students who were on the top of their classes but still manage to have their own private life, to others; you make it look so easy.

"Got time for your boyfriend, or no?" Putting down your book and then sitting down next to you, Riki had a pout on his face, giving you puppy eyes. "You seem to like this book more than me these days" continuing to sulk until you give in and give him attention for the rest of the day.

"I just have an exam coming up, that's all." You try to reason but nothing ever seems to work for Riki, "I still reach out and keep you updated though" unfazed, he simple places his face to rest on his palm, still facing you with the same pout and puppy eyes. Sighing, putting down your reviewers and pens, asking him what he wants.

"I'm not taking you completely away from your study time, I know how important this is to you but take a break, let's go out and get some snacks, then we can come back here and I can study with you?"

Now you knew your boyfriend, and this man does not study. But somehow, still gets decent grades, far from a failing one. "You? studying, that's funny."

"Hey, I'm turning a new leaf, I want to match my smarty pants of a girlfriend." Rolling your eyes as you pack your things. After zipping up your bag, Riki goes to carry your bag for you, along with his.

You really felt like Riki was meant to be in your life and you were meant to be in his. The two of you just seemed too perfect for one another, as said by many people in your life. The support, love, and genuine care you have for one another was something you rarely see in college couples. Others tried to find a flaw in you two but somehow, nothing seemed to come to the light. Sure, there were small arguments here and there but even for your first big fight, you both never screamed nor yelled at ech other to get your point across. It was all clear and patient communication to fix whatever caused the problem. It was never you vs him, it was always you two vs the problem.

"Seriously, have you ever seen a more inseparable pair? They're like two peas in a pod!" Kai says while gesturing to Riki and You

"I know, right? I'm convinced nothing could tear those two apart." Hiyyih nods in agreement

"Yeah, not even a tornado or a zombie apocalypse could break their bond. They're like the ultimate relationship goals." Jay laughs as he watched you two from the distance.

"Hey, let's not jinx it. Knowing these two, they'd probably take on a zombie horde together and come out unscathed." Heeseung raises his eyebrows but says sarcastically.

-

"Can you calm down; you're stressing me out!" one of the guys on the dance team takes hold of Riki's jittering self. Clearly, he was under stress and pressure to do well in this event. "Yeah Riki, you'll do great, like always" Kai comes up to him and pats him on the back.

"Yeah, but this time, I have a solo part and what if I-"

"You won't. You're literally a born to be dancer and performer." there you are, what Riki needed right now. Walking into the room giving him the biggest hug you could give him but considering the height difference, you were more like a baby bear to him.

"You've got this, Riki. Just remember to breathe and let your passion flow through every movement."

"Thanks, Babe. I don't know what I'd do without you here."

The emcee's voice echoes through the speakers, announcing the next performance. Riki takes a deep breath, centering himself as he steps onto the stage, the spotlight illuminating his figure.

As the music begins to play, Riki's movements are fluid and graceful, his body seemingly moving in perfect harmony with the rhythm. Each step is imbued with emotion, a testament to his dedication and talent.

From the wings, You watch with bated breath, heart swelling with pride as you witness Riki's mesmerizing performance.

As Riki reaches the climax of his solo, the audience erupts into applause, their cheers filling the auditorium with thunderous applause. Your eyes shimmer with tears of joy as you rush forward to embrace Riki backstage, admiration for him overflowing.

"That was incredible, Riki! You were absolutely breathtaking up there."

There was someone in the crowd who thought the very same about Riki...Remember the talk where your friends were joking how nothing could tear you apart? Yeah, the 'nothing' was there at the auditorium.

It's a typical day on campus, with students bustling between classes and the air filled with the hum of activity. Riki is sitting in a lecture hall, scribbling notes furiously as the professor drones on about the intricacies of a science theory. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door, and the professor pauses, motioning for Riki to step outside.

Riki furrows his brow in confusion but follows the professor's lead, stepping out into the hallway where a man in a sharp suit awaits him. The man exudes an air of confidence and authority, and Riki's curiosity is piqued.

"Riki, I presume? My name is Hiro Endo. I was at your performance yesterday, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed." Extending a hand

Riki's eyes widen in surprise, his heart pounding with excitement. He shakes Hiro's hand eagerly, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Thank you, sir. That means a lot coming from you. But may I ask what brings you here?"

"I represent one of the most renowned entertainment companies abroad, and I believe you have the potential to be a star. Your talent is undeniable, and I would like to offer you and a fellow member of your dance team an incredible opportunity to work with us."

Riki's heart skips a beat at the mention of such a life-changing opportunity. He glances around, searching for his friend from the dance team, who steps forward with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

"I… I don't know what to say."

"Take a look at these documents. Everything is legitimate, I assure you. This is a chance for you to pursue your passion on a global stage, with all expenses covered and a generous compensation package."

Riki's hands tremble slightly as he flips through the documents, his mind whirling with the magnitude of the opportunity before him. He looks up at Hiro, his eyes shining with determination.

"I'll do it. I'll take the chance."

Hiro's smile widens, sensing Riki's commitment to seize the opportunity before him. With a firm handshake and a promise of further details to come, they part ways, leaving Riki with a newfound sense of purpose and excitement for the future.

As Riki returns to his class, the weight of the decision he's just made settles in his chest.

As Riki navigates the rest of his day, the weight of Hiro's offer hangs heavily on his mind. With each passing moment, the pros and cons of accepting the opportunity to go abroad to South Korea swirl through his thoughts, leaving him torn between excitement and apprehension.

During his next class, Riki finds it difficult to concentrate, his mind wandering back to the conversation with Hiro and the tantalizing prospect of pursuing his passion on a global stage. He imagines the vibrant dance scene in South Korea, the opportunity to learn and grow as an artist, and the chance to make a name for himself on an international level. But alongside the excitement, a nagging sense of doubt gnaws at him.

As the afternoon stretches on, Riki decides to seek solace in the one person who knows him best: Yn. He sends her a text, asking if they can meet up later that evening to talk. With each passing hour, the anticipation builds, and Riki finds himself grappling with the decision of whether to tell Yn about the offer now or wait until it's officially in writing.

On one hand, he wants to share his excitement and fears with Yn, knowing that she'll offer him the support and guidance he needs. But on the other hand, he worries about burdening her with his uncertainties and fears, especially when the offer is still tentative.

As evening falls and Riki meets Yn at their favorite spot-on campus, he takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. He knows that whatever decision he makes, Yn will be by his side every step of the way. And with her unwavering support, he feels ready to face whatever the future may hold.

"Yn, there's something I need to talk to you about."

You look at him, expression a mix of curiosity and concern. Senses the gravity of his words and braces self for what's to come.

"What is it, Riki? You seem… tense."

Riki meets your gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of excitement and uncertainty "A talent agent approached me. He offered me an incredible opportunity to work abroad with one of the most renowned entertainment companies in South Korea."

Your heart skips a beat at Riki's words, a mixture of pride and apprehension washing over you. You knew this day would come, but the reality of it hits harder than anticipated.

"Wow, Riki, that's… that's amazing! Congratulations!" forcing a smile.

Riki reaches for your hand, his touch gentle and reassuring "I know it's a lot to take in, but I truly believe we can make this work, Yn. We've always been so good at communication, and with technology these days, staying connected will be easier than ever. Plus, think of all the opportunities this could open up for both of us."

Your heart aches at Riki's optimism, knowing deep down that your relationship will face challenges you both can't simply overcome with good intentions and video calls. Again, forces a smile, masking your inner turmoil as you squeezes Riki's hand gently.

Softly "Riki, I appreciate your optimism, I really do. But… but we both know that long-distance relationships are incredibly hard. And with your career taking off like this, I… I don't want to hold you back."

Now it Riki's heart to sink at your words, the weight of uncertainty hitting him like a punch to the gut. He had hoped you would share in his excitement, but now he realizes the depth of the fears and doubts.

"Yn, I… I don't want to lose you. You mean everything to me, and I can't imagine my life without you by my side."

Your eyes glisten with unshed tears as you meet Riki's gaze, voice barely above a whisper.

"Riki, I love you. And I want nothing more than to see you succeed and chase your dreams. But… but I can't ignore the reality of the situation. Sometimes love isn't enough to bridge the distance."

Riki's heart shatters at Yn's words, the realization dawning on him that their love may not be enough to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. With a heavy heart, he pulls Yn into a tight embrace, holding her close as they silently grapple with the uncertain future that lies ahead.

"Yn, please… just hear me out. I know this won't be easy, but I truly believe we have what it takes to make it work."

Your gaze flickers with a mixture of longing and uncertainty, heart torn between the love you feel for Riki and the fear of the unknown that lies ahead.

"Riki, I want to believe that too, I really do. But… but how can we be sure? What if the distance becomes too much to bear?"

"Because I know, deep in my heart, that our love is stronger than any distance. We've overcome obstacles before, Yn, and this will be no different. We'll make it work, together."

"Yn, I promise you, with every fiber of my being, that I will do whatever it takes to make this work. I won't let our love slip away, not now, not ever. Please, just give us a chance."

With a trembling breath, you nods slowly, a flicker of hope igniting within you. "Okay, Riki. Okay, let's give it a try."

-

You wake up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, the warmth of Riki's embrace wrapping around you like a cocoon. With a contented sigh, you nuzzle closer to him, cherishing the fleeting moments of peace before the day's responsibilities pull you apart.

-

Hand in hand, you stroll through the vibrant bustle of the campus, the chatter of students and the rustle of leaves creating a symphony of life around you. With every step, you steal glances at Riki, committing the curve of his smile and the sparkle in his eyes to memory, knowing that soon they'll be but distant echoes in your mind.

-

Underneath the shade of a towering oak tree, you and Riki share a picnic lunch, the taste of homemade sandwiches and sweet strawberries a bittersweet reminder of the moments you'll soon leave behind. You laugh and reminisce, savoring the precious hours you have left together before the inevitable goodbye.

-

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, you and Riki steal away to your favorite spot on campus, a secluded bench overlooking the city skyline. In the quiet stillness of the evening, you wrap yourselves in each other's arms, the weight of the impending farewell heavy on your hearts.

With a heavy sigh, you press your forehead against Riki's, the warmth of his breath mingling with yours in a silent exchange of love and longing. In the depths of his gaze, you find solace and strength, drawing courage from the unspoken promise that your love will endure, no matter the distance.

-

In these fleeting moments, Yn finds solace and strength in the love she shares with Riki, cherishing every precious second before they must part ways.

-

The airport terminal buzzes with the energy of travelers coming and going, but for you and Riki, the world narrows to a single, heart-wrenching moment. Hand in hand, you stand amidst the throng of people, your fingers intertwined as you cling to each other desperately, unwilling to let go.

Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as you gaze up at Riki, your heart aching with the weight of your impending separation. His face mirrors your own emotions, etched with sadness and longing.

"I don't want to leave you, Yn. I can't bear the thought of being apart from you."

You choke back a sob, your throat tight with emotion. "I know, Riki. I feel the same way. But… but we have to be strong. We'll find a way to make this work, I promise."

Your words hang in the air like a fragile thread, tethering you together in the face of uncertainty. But as the minutes tick by, the reality of your impending goodbye looms ever closer, casting a shadow over your fragile hope.

It's only when your friend Kai approaches, his expression solemn yet compassionate, that you realize the time has come to part ways. With a heavy heart, you turn to Riki, your eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Guys, it's time. The boarding call has been announced."

Riki's grip tightens on your hand, his heart breaking at the finality of Kai's words. With a trembling breath, he presses a tender kiss to your forehead, his touch a silent vow of love and devotion.

"I'll never forget you, Yn. I'll carry you with me wherever I go."

Your voice catches in your throat as you return Riki's kiss, your heart overflowing with love and longing.

"I love you, Riki. Always and forever."

With one last lingering embrace, you reluctantly release each other, your hearts heavy with the weight of your farewell. With tears streaming down your cheeks, you watch as Riki disappears into the crowd, leaving behind a void that echoes with the echo of your love.

As you watch Riki's retreating figure, you cling to the hope that one day, your paths will cross again, and you'll find your way back to each other, stronger and more resilient than ever before.

The car ride home from the airport is silent, the weight of Riki's absence hanging heavy in the air. You stare blankly out the window, your mind a whirlwind of emotions as tears trace silent paths down your cheeks.

As the car pulls up to your doorstep, your phone pings with a notification. With trembling hands, you unlock the screen to find a message from Riki, accompanied by a selfie that pierces your heart like a dagger. In the photo, Riki's red eyes and tear-streaked face speak volumes, a stark reminder of the pain you both feel in your separation.

Your fingers tremble as you open the message, your heart breaking with each word.

Riki's Text: "Goodbye, Yn. I'll call as soon as I land. I love you, always."

"Yn, we're here for you. Lean on us, okay?" You look up to find Bahiyyih's compassionate gaze, her eyes brimming with empathy. Around her, Jay and Kai stand in solidarity, their silent presence a comforting anchor amidst the storm of emotions.

With a shaky breath, you nod, allowing yourself to be enveloped in the warmth of your friends' embrace.

-

As the third year of college unfolds, you find yourself immersed in a whirlwind of classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities, each day passing in a blur of busyness and routine. But amidst the chaos of student life, there's a quiet sense of contentment that settles over you, a reassuring reminder that even in Riki's absence, your love endures.

In the four months since Riki left, you've thrown yourself into your studies with renewed focus and determination, channeling your energy into academic pursuits and personal growth. The days blur together in a blur of lectures and late-night study sessions, but through it all, Riki's presence lingers like a guiding light, his love a steady anchor amidst the tumult of college life.

Despite the distance between you, your bond with Riki remains as strong as ever, nurtured by late-night phone calls, heartfelt messages, and the occasional video chat. Each interaction is a precious lifeline, a reminder of the deep connection you share and the promise of a future reunited.

As the weeks turn into months, you take solace in the knowledge that despite the miles that separate you, your love knows no bounds. And though the road ahead may be long and uncertain, you face it with courage and conviction, secure in the knowledge that no matter what challenges lie ahead, you and Riki will weather them together, stronger than ever before.

The soft glow of your phone illuminates the darkness of your room as you settle in for another late-night study session. With a tired sigh, you pull up your phone, a smile tugging at your lips as you wait for Riki's familiar face to appear on the screen.

After a moment, his face pops up, his eyes lighting up with a grin as he sees you. "Hey, love," he says, his voice warm and filled with affection.

"Hey, Riki," you reply, your heart fluttering at the sight of him. "How's your day been?"

Riki leans back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "Busy, as usual. But seeing your face makes it all worth it."

You feel a blush creep onto your cheeks at his words, a warm rush of affection washing over you. "You're such a sweetheart," you say, unable to contain your smile.

For the next hour, you and Riki lose yourselves in conversation, sharing stories about your day and trading jokes and laughter. Despite the miles that separate you, the connection between you feels as strong as ever, each moment spent together a cherished reminder of the love you share.

As the clock ticks past midnight, you reluctantly bid Riki goodbye, knowing that another day of classes awaits you both in the morning.

In the bustling cafeteria, you and your friends gather around a table, the lively chatter of students filling the air with warmth and energy. As you dig into your lunches, a familiar face approaches you, a hopeful smile playing on his lips.

"Hey, Yn," he says, his voice tinged with nervousness. "I was wondering if you'd like to grab coffee sometime? Maybe go see a movie?"

Your heart skips a beat at the unexpected invitation, but you offer him a gentle smile. "Thank you, but I have a boyfriend. I appreciate the offer though."

With a disappointed nod, the guy retreats, leaving you to return your attention to your friends. But as you resume your conversation, a question lingers in the back of your mind, like a faint whisper of doubt.

It's Bahiyyih who voices the unspoken concern, her brow furrowed with curiosity. "Hey, Yn, what if someone else likes Riki? What if people start asking him out?"

Your heart clenches at the thought, a surge of protectiveness welling up within you. You take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding, your voice firm yet tinged with uncertainty.

"I trust Riki," you say, your words a quiet affirmation of your faith in your relationship. "And I trust in the love we share. If someone else likes him, well… it's flattering, but it doesn't change how I feel about him."

Later that evening, as you and Riki settle in for your nightly video call, you can't help but share a lighthearted moment with him. With a playful smile, you recount the encounter at the cafeteria.

Riki's laughter fills the screen, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

You chuckle at his teasing remark, feeling a warm flutter in your chest at his words. "Well, he definitely got the wrong idea. But it was kind of funny."

As the conversation winds down, you both find yourselves drifting off to sleep, the comforting presence of each other's voice lulling you into peaceful dreams. With your phones still on video call, you share a silent moment of intimacy, the soft glow of the screen casting a warm halo around your faces.

The next following months were just like that, Riki and you still communicated. Things were different, that's for sure.

Now, you were in your 2 months of the second semester of third year. Riki was now preparing for new upcoming performances, both of ypu had realized that in this time of year, you both are busy and have less time for one another.

As the clock ticks past midnight, you find yourself nestled in the familiar comfort of your dorm room, the soft glow of your phone casting shadows across the walls. With each passing minute, anticipation builds in your chest as you wait for Riki's late-night video call, a nightly ritual that brings you both closer despite the distance between you.

But as the hours stretch on, the silence of the room grows deafening, broken only by the soft hum of the ceiling fan and the distant sounds of laughter from down the hall. With each passing minute, a gnawing sense of unease creeps into your mind, overshadowing the excitement that had filled you earlier.

You check your phone for what feels like the hundredth time, hoping for a message or a missed call from Riki, but the screen remains stubbornly blank, devoid of any notifications. A frown creases your brow as you glance at the time once more, realizing with a sinking feeling that Riki's late-night call isn't coming tonight.

As the minutes turn into hours, you wrestle with a whirlwind of emotions, from disappointment and frustration to worry and concern. Thoughts race through your mind, each one more unsettling than the last. What if something happened to Riki? What if he forgot about your call? What if…?

With a heavy sigh, you push aside the barrage of doubts and fears, choosing instead to focus on the love and trust you share with Riki. You remind yourself that he's likely caught up in rehearsals or meetings, his busy schedule leaving little time for anything else.

But even as you try to rationalize his absence, a small part of you can't shake the feeling of loneliness that settles over you like a heavy blanket. You long for the familiar sound of his voice, the warmth of his laughter, the comfort of his presence.

With a resigned sigh, you resign yourself to another night spent apart, the glow of the phone screen casting a soft halo around you as you drift off to sleep, holding onto the hope that tomorrow will bring the reassurance and connection you crave.

As Riki steps into his apartment, exhaustion weighs heavily on his shoulders, a testament to the long hours spent at dance practice followed by a whirlwind of classes and meetings throughout the day. With a weary sigh, he kicks off his shoes and drops his bag by the door, his thoughts drifting to you, thousands of miles away in Japan.

Glancing at the clock, Riki's heart sinks as he realizes how late it's gotten. It's already well past midnight, and the thought of interrupting your sleep with a late-night video call fills him with guilt.

With a conflicted sigh, Riki debates whether to reach out to you anyway, knowing how much he craves the connection and comfort of your voice. But as he weighs the pros and cons, a sense of responsibility tugs at his conscience, reminding him of the importance of rest and self-care, both for himself and for you.

Reluctantly, Riki sets his phone aside, knowing that the late hour is no time to disturb your sleep. Instead, he resolves to send you a text in the morning, a simple gesture to let you know that he's thinking of you, even when they're apart.

As he settles into bed, the soft glow of his phone casting shadows across the room, he drifts off to sleep, wrapped in the warmth of your memory.

For Riki, the demands of his dance career and rigorous training schedule weigh heavily on his mind, leaving him little time or energy to devote to anything else. Each day is a relentless cycle of rehearsals, performances, and late-night practice sessions, leaving him drained and exhausted by the time he collapses into bed.

As the weeks slip by in a blur of obligations and responsibilities, you find yourself struggling to keep up with the demands of college life while navigating the increasingly distant landscape of your relationship with Riki. Despite your best efforts to stay connected, communication between you has become sparse and erratic, leaving you feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty and longing.

Each day is a delicate balancing act, a relentless juggling of classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities, all while trying to carve out precious moments to connect with Riki. But no matter how hard you try, the distance between you seems to grow wider with each passing day, leaving you feeling increasingly isolated and alone.

The once constant stream of texts and calls has dwindled to a trickle, leaving you yearning for the warmth of Riki's voice and the comfort of his presence. Each unanswered message feels like a tiny dagger to the heart, a painful reminder of the growing chasm between you.

In the quiet moments of solitude, you find yourself haunted by doubts and insecurities, wondering if Riki still cares as deeply for you as he once did. The silence weighs heavily on your mind, casting a shadow over the once bright and hopeful future you imagined together.

But despite the uncertainty that clouds your thoughts, a part of you still clings to hope, holding onto the belief that love has a way of overcoming even the greatest obstacles. You remind yourself that distance is just a temporary hurdle, and that as long as you and Riki remain committed to each other, you'll find a way to weather the storm together.

And so, as the weeks turn into months, you hold onto the promise of better days ahead, trusting in the strength of your love to guide you through the darkness and into the light. For even in the midst of uncertainty, you know that with Riki by your side, anything is possible.

As you take a much-needed study break, you absentmindedly scroll through your social media feed, hoping for a momentary distraction from the weight of your thoughts. But as you idly flick through the photos and updates, your heart lurches painfully in your chest at the sight of a familiar face.

There, amidst the sea of posts and selfies, is a picture of Riki, his arm casually draped around the shoulder of a girl you don't recognize. The image is a stark reminder of the distance between you, a painful testament to the reality of your fading connection.

Your breath catches in your throat as you stare at the photo, your mind struggling to process the flood of emotions crashing over you like a tidal wave. Jealousy, hurt, and betrayal swirl together in a tumultuous whirlwind, threatening to overwhelm your fragile heart.

With trembling fingers, you tap on the photo, your heart pounding in your chest as you read the caption beneath it. "Fun day out with my favorite person ❤️ #love #happyducky"

The words hit you like a punch to the gut, each one a painful reminder of the intimacy and closeness shared between Riki and the girl in the photo. A sense of betrayal gnaws at your insides, leaving you feeling raw and exposed, as if your world has been turned upside down in an instant.

Tears blur your vision as you stare at the screen, your mind racing with a million questions and doubts. In that moment, as you sit alone in your room, surrounded by the suffocating silence of your own thoughts, the pain of heartbreak washes over you like a tidal wave, threatening to drag you under.

With a heavy heart and trembling fingers, you reach for your phone, the weight of the day's revelation pressing down on your shoulders. Despite the ache in your chest, you muster the courage to send a text to Riki, your fingers hesitating over the keys as you struggle to find the right words.

"Riki, we need to talk. Please call me when you get this."

With a shaky breath, you hit send, the message disappearing into the digital abyss as you wait anxiously for a response that never comes. The minutes stretch into hours, but your phone remains stubbornly silent, devoid of any sign of life from Riki.

As you climb into bed, the weight of uncertainty settles over you like a heavy blanket, casting a shadow over the once familiar comfort of your room. Despite your exhaustion, sleep eludes you, your mind consumed with thoughts of Riki and the painful realization of his betrayal.

With a heavy sigh, you curl up beneath the covers, your heart heavy with the weight of unanswered questions and unspoken truths. In the silence of the night, you find yourself grappling with a maelstrom of emotions, each one more overwhelming than the last.

As you drift off into fitful sleep, your dreams haunted by echoes of Riki's laughter and the warmth of his embrace, you can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. But for now, all you can do is wait, the uncertainty of the future looming large in the darkness, a silent reminder of the fragile nature of love and trust.

With a groggy groan, you roll over in bed, your hand fumbling for your phone on the nightstand. The sound of its insistent ringing fills the room, pulling you reluctantly from the depths of sleep.

Groggily, you glance at the caller ID, your heart skipping a beat as you see Riki's name flashing on the screen. Without bothering with a proper greeting, you answer the phone with a sassy tone, your words laced with a hint of annoyance.

"What, did you finally remember you have a phone?"

There's a moment of silence on the other end of the line, and you can almost hear the surprise in Riki's voice as he responds, his words tinged with uncertainty.

"Uh, good morning to you too, Yn. Is everything okay?"

Despite your frustration, a pang of guilt tugs at your conscience at the concern in Riki's voice. With a sigh, you relent, your tone softening slightly as you reply.

"Yeah, sorry. I just… didn't expect to hear from you, that's all."

There's a pause as Riki absorbs your words, his voice gentle as he speaks.

"I know things have been rough lately, but I want to talk about it. Can we meet up?"

As confusion swirls in your mind, you can't help but furrow your brow in disbelief. "What do you mean, meet up? You're in South Korea."

There's a brief pause on the other end of the line before Riki's voice comes through, filled with an unexpected urgency. "Just… open your front door, Yn."

Your heart races with anticipation as you rush to the door, your hands trembling with excitement. With a flick of the lock, you swing it open, your eyes widening in shock at the sight before you.

There, standing on your doorstep, is Riki, a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he holds up his phone in a gesture of greeting. "Surprise," he says, his voice tinged with excitement and relief.

Your jaw drops in astonishment, your mind struggling to process the surreal sight before you. "Riki, what are you doing here? How did you…?"

But before you can finish your sentence, Riki steps forward, enveloping you in a warm embrace that sends shivers down your spine. "I couldn't stay away any longer," he whispers, his breath warm against your ear. "I needed to see you."

Tears prick at your eyes as you return the embrace, your heart overflowing with a dizzying mix of joy, relief, and disbelief. In that moment, as you stand together on your doorstep, the distance and misunderstandings of the past few weeks melt away, replaced by the overwhelming certainty of your love for each other.

As Riki takes in the redness of your eyes, concern etches his features, but before he can voice his worry, you step back, breaking free from his embrace. His eyebrows furrow in confusion as he looks at you, searching your face for answers.

"What's wrong, Yn?" he asks, his voice filled with genuine concern.

You meet his gaze with a sassy smirk, your tone laced with sarcasm. "Oh, nothing. Just stumbled upon a cute little picture of you and your 'favorite person' on Instagram last night."

Riki's expression shifts from confusion to realization, his eyes widening in understanding. "Yn, it's not what you think—"

As you step back into the apartment, the weight of the moment hangs heavy in the air, a palpable tension swirling between you and Riki. But before you can retreat any further, Riki moves closer, his arms encircling you in a gentle back hug. His touch sends a shiver down your spine, the warmth of his embrace a stark contrast to the coldness of your heart.

"Yn, please," he pleads, his voice soft and pleading. "Let me explain."

You stiffen in his arms, your resolve wavering as his words wash over you. Part of you longs to hear his side of the story, to believe that there's a rational explanation for what you saw. But another part of you, wounded and betrayed, hesitates to let your guard down, afraid of the pain that lies on the other side of forgiveness.

With a sigh, you turn to face him, your eyes meeting his in a silent plea for honesty. "Fine," you say, your voice barely above a whisper. "But make it quick."

Riki nods, his expression earnest as he takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what comes next. And as he begins to speak, his words wash over you like a soothing balm, each one a testament to the depth of his love and the sincerity of his regret.

-

Throughout the week, Riki's presence brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to your home, filling the air with laughter and shared memories.

-

One lazy morning, you wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, courtesy of Riki's thoughtful surprise. As you join him at the kitchen table, he presents you with a steaming cup, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Together, you share intimate conversations over the warmth of your drinks, lost in each other's company as the morning sun filters through the curtains.

-

On a clear night, Riki suggests a spontaneous adventure: stargazing in the park. Hand in hand, you make your way under the twinkling sky, laying out a blanket to lie on. As you gaze up at the vast expanse of stars above, Riki whispers secrets and promises, his words mingling with the soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the city. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the universe, you feel closer to him than ever before.

-

In a burst of spontaneity, Riki challenges you to a pillow fight, the room erupting in laughter as pillows fly and giggles fill the air. You duck and dodge his playful swipes, retaliating with your own, your hearts racing with the thrill of the moment. Amidst the chaos and laughter, you share a connection that transcends words, a bond forged in the simple joys of being together.

These moments, filled with laughter, love, and shared experiences, serve as a poignant reminder of the deep connection and affection that binds you and Riki together.

But amidst the joyous reunions and heartwarming moments, you can't help but notice the subtle shifts in Riki's behavior, the fleeting glances at his phone and the whispered conversations that leave you feeling uneasy.

In the midst of a family dinner, you catch Riki sneaking glances at his phone, his brows furrowing in concentration as he types out a quick response to a message. At first, you brush it off as nothing more than the usual distractions of modern life, but as the week wears on, the frequency of his interruptions becomes harder to ignore.

During a quiet moment alone together, you voice your concerns to Riki, your words tinged with a hint of worry. "Is everything okay, Riki? You seem… distracted."

Riki's smile falters for a moment before he offers you a reassuring squeeze of the hand. "It's nothing, Yn. Just some work stuff I need to take care of."

Despite his words, a nagging sense of doubt lingers in the back of your mind, a silent reminder of the uncertainties that have plagued your relationship in recent weeks. But you push aside your doubts, choosing instead to trust in Riki's love and sincerity.

As the week draws to a close, you find yourself unable to shake the feeling of unease that gnaws at your insides. And then, one fateful afternoon, as you innocently reach for Riki's phone to check the time, you stumble upon a series of messages that shatter your world into a million jagged pieces.

With trembling hands and tears in your eyes, you scroll through the messages, each one a damning testament to the betrayal that has unfolded right under your nose. And in that heart-wrenching moment of truth, the painful realization dawns upon you: Riki's distractions weren't innocent after all. He was hiding something from you, something that would irreparably change the course of your relationship forever.

As you hold Riki's phone in your trembling hands, the weight of the truth settling heavily upon your shoulders, you're startled by the sound of the bathroom door opening. With a shaky breath, you quickly set the phone down on the bedside table, your heart pounding in your chest as you scramble to compose yourself.

As Riki emerges from the bathroom, his expression bright and carefree, you force a sleepy smile, pretending as though you've just woken up. "Hey, sleepyhead," he greets you with a warm smile, oblivious to the storm raging within you.

You return his smile with a forced one of your own, your mind racing with a million thoughts and emotions. Despite the urge to confront him, to demand answers to the questions burning in your mind, you hold back, choosing instead to bury your pain beneath a facade of indifference.

As Riki settles onto the bed beside you, his warmth seeping into your bones, you fight the urge to reach out to him, to seek comfort in his embrace. But as you steal a glance at his unsuspecting face, the memory of his betrayal looms large in your mind, a silent reminder of the shattered trust between you.

In that moment, as you lie there beside him, a silent tension fills the air, a palpable barrier that separates you from the man you once loved. And as you struggle to make sense of the turmoil within you, one thing becomes painfully clear: now is not the time for comfort or reconciliation. For now, all you can do is bide your time, waiting for the right moment to confront him and demand the truth.

As the days pass by, you find yourself grappling with the painful truth that hangs heavy in the air between you and Riki. Despite his attempts to maintain a facade of normalcy, his behavior remains unchanged, his frequent disappearances to answer calls or texts a constant source of unease.

Each time he slips away, you can't help but feel a pang of betrayal as you watch him, his smile once meant for you now a cruel reminder of the deception that lurks beneath the surface. And as he returns to the table, his kiss on your cheek feels hollow, a bitter reminder of the love that was lost amidst the web of lies and deceit.

In that moment, as you sit beside him, a silent tension fills the space between you, a chasm of unspoken words and unresolved emotions. And as you steal a glance at his unsuspecting face, a surge of anger and resentment wells up inside you, threatening to consume you whole.

But instead of giving in to the urge to confront him, you bite back the words that burn on the tip of your tongue, choosing instead to keep silent, to bide your time until the moment is right. For now, all you can do is play the part of the oblivious lover, keeping your true feelings hidden beneath a mask of indifference, all the while knowing that the truth will eventually come to light.

I played dumb, but I always knew That you talked to her, maybe did even worse I kept quiet so I could keep you

As the night stretches on, you lie awake in bed, your thoughts swirling in a tumultuous storm of emotions. Beside you, Riki shifts restlessly, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow.

"Yn, what's wrong?" he murmurs, his voice thick with worry.

But you remain silent, your mind consumed by the weight of your own thoughts. You know you should speak up, confront Riki about the truth you've discovered, but the words catch in your throat, suffocated by the fear of what might come next.

Sensing your hesitation, Riki reaches out to gently caress your cheek, his touch a soothing balm against the turmoil within you. "Please, Yn," he pleads, his voice barely above a whisper. "Talk to me. I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong."

But still, you remain silent, your heart heavy with the burden of your secrets. With a sigh, Riki pulls you close, wrapping you in his arms with a tenderness that threatens to undo your resolve.

"Fine," you finally whisper, your voice barely audible in the darkness. "Just… hold me tight until morning, okay?" And with that simple request, Riki pulls you even closer.

In the depths of the night, as sleep claims you in its gentle embrace, you find yourself drifting into a dream so vivid and beautiful that it feels almost like reality. In this dream, you and Riki are together, happy and content, living out a future filled with love and laughter.

You can see it all so clearly: the two of you walking hand in hand down a sunlit aisle, surrounded by friends and family as you exchange vows of everlasting devotion. You can feel the warmth of Riki's touch, the softness of his voice as he whispers words of love and affection into your ear.

Together, you embark on a journey of endless adventures and shared experiences, building a life filled with joy and happiness. You can see yourselves growing old together, still holding hands and stealing kisses even after decades have passed.

But then, in the quiet darkness of the night, reality comes crashing back with a cruel inevitability. As you stir from your dream-induced reverie, your eyes flutter open to the sight of Riki sleeping peacefully beside you, his features softened by the gentle glow of the moonlight.

In that moment, as you gaze upon his sleeping form, a pang of sadness grips your heart, the harsh truth of your situation looming large in the darkness. You know deep down that the future you envisioned in your dream will never come to pass, that the love you once shared with Riki has been tainted by betrayal and mistrust.

With a heavy sigh, you turn away from him, burying your face in the pillow as tears prick at the corners of your eyes. In the stillness of the night, you grapple with the painful realization that the dream you so desperately clung to will forever remain nothing more than a fleeting fantasy, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

In the soft light of dawn, you find yourselves once again at the airport, the familiar scent of departure lingering in the air as you stand on the precipice of another goodbye. But this time, there's a subtle shift in the atmosphere, a quiet sense of resignation mingled with a newfound sense of resolve.

As you watch Riki prepare to board his flight, a bittersweet smile graces your lips, a fleeting reflection of the conflicting emotions swirling within you. You know that saying goodbye to him will be painful, but deep down, you also know that it's the right thing to do.

As you stand at the airport, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between you and Riki, you can't help but feel a sense of urgency bubbling up inside you. With a glance towards him, you catch his gaze, a flicker of confusion crossing his features as he meets your eyes.

"I know, Riki," you say softly, your voice barely above a whisper, but laced with a quiet determination.

Riki's brow furrows in confusion, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words come out. He searches your face for answers, but you simply offer him a small, enigmatic smile, leaving him to grapple with the puzzle of your words.

As Riki boards the plane and takes his seat, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place in his mind. With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, he realizes the truth behind your cryptic message, the weight of his actions crashing down on him like a ton of bricks.

As the plane taxis down the runway, Riki's mind races with regret and remorse, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what he's lost. In that moment of clarity, he knows that he may have let go of the greatest love he'll ever know, all for the sake of fleeting moments of temptation and desire.

And as the plane takes off, carrying him away from you and towards an uncertain future, Riki is left to grapple with the consequences of his choices, knowing that the pain of your goodbye will haunt him long after the plane touches down in a distant land.

As you sits in your car, watching through tear-blurred eyes as the plane carrying Riki disappears into the vast expanse of the sky, a wave of emotions crashes over you like a tidal wave. Tears stream down her cheeks unchecked, mingling with the silent sobs that wrack her body.

Memories of their time together flash before your eyes, each one a bittersweet reminder of the love you once shared and the dreams you two had dared to dream together. But now, all that remains is an empty void, a gaping hole where once there was warmth and affection.

-

Your phone buzzes insistently, pulling your attention away from the conversation with Jay and Kai. You hesitate, your thumb hovering over the answer button, torn between the desire to hear Riki's voice and the fear of worsening fresh wounds.

Jay notices your hesitation and raises an eyebrow. "Who's calling?" he asks, curiosity piqued.

You shrug nonchalantly, a forced smile playing at your lips. "Just someone from school," you lie, the words tasting bitter on your tongue.

Jay frowns, sensing your reluctance to answer. "You gonna pick up or what?" he prods, his tone tinged with impatience.

Your heart pounds in your chest as you weigh your options. You know that talking to Riki will only make things worse, but a part of you still longs to hear his voice, to find some semblance of closure in your fractured relationship.

In the end, you shake your head and decline the call, your hand trembling slightly as you set your phone back down on the table. "Sorry, just not in the mood to talk right now," you mumble, offering your friends a weak smile.

Jay nods understandingly, but you can see the concern etched in his expression. You know that your friends mean well, but there are some things you're not ready to share, some wounds too deep to be healed by mere words.

As the conversation shifts back to lighter topics, you can't help but feel a pang of regret at your decision to ignore Riki's call. But deep down, you know that it's for the best, that some bridges are better left unburned, even if it means sacrificing the chance for closure.

-

As Riki steps off the plane in South Korea, his heart heavy with the weight of his actions, he is greeted by a familiar face waiting for him by the gate. But instead of the usual excitement and anticipation he feels at seeing her, there's a knot of guilt and remorse churning in the pit of his stomach.

For the first time, he looks at her and sees not just the thrill of their secret trysts, but the pain and betrayal that his actions have caused another. He sees the hurt reflected in her eyes, a silent reminder of the consequences of his actions, and he can't help but feel a pang of regret deep within him.

As she approaches him with a smile, her arms outstretched in greeting, Riki can't bring himself to return the gesture. Instead, he hangs his head in shame, unable to meet her gaze as the weight of his guilt threatens to crush him.

In that moment, looking at her standing there before him, Riki realizes the magnitude of his mistakes. He knows that he can never undo the pain he's caused you, but he also knows that he can't continue down this path of deception and betrayal any longer.

With a heavy heart, Riki takes a step back, distancing himself from the girl he once thought he loved. And as he walks away, leaving behind the echoes of his past mistakes, he knows that the road to redemption will be long and arduous. But for you, and for the chance at a better future, he's willing to take that first step.

-

As the months flew by, the weight of Riki's absence lingered heavy on your heart, a constant reminder of the love you had lost and the wounds that still remained unhealed. Graduation loomed on the horizon, a bittersweet milestone marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Despite your best efforts to move on, Riki remained a lingering presence in your thoughts, his memory haunting you at every turn. It was a struggle to push him out of your mind, to silence the ache in your heart that longed for his touch and his presence.

But as graduation day drew nearer, you knew that it was time to confront the truth, to lay bare the painful reality of your relationship with Riki. With a heavy heart, you confided in your friends, finally revealing the truth that you had kept hidden for so long.

Their reactions ranged from shock to anger to profound sadness, but through it all, they stood by your side, offering their unwavering support and understanding. With their help, you found the strength to stop seeking updates on Riki, to let go of the need to know what he was doing or where he was going.

-

As you browse through racks of dresses with Bahiyyih by your side, laughter and chatter filling the air, your heart skips a beat when you suddenly catch sight of a familiar figure standing just a few feet away. Your breath catches in your throat as you lock eyes with Riki, his expression a mix of shock and desperation.

Time seems to stand still as the reality of the moment sinks in, the air heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. For a brief moment, you're transported back to a time when his presence brought nothing but joy and happiness, but now, all you feel is a dull ache in the pit of your stomach.

Bahiyyih's eyes widen in disbelief as she takes in the scene before her, her hand reaching out to grasp yours in a silent gesture of support. She can see the pain etched on your face, the raw vulnerability that lies beneath the surface, and she knows that this unexpected encounter has dredged up a flood of emotions that you had long tried to bury.

Riki opens his mouth as if to speak, but no words come out. Instead, he simply stands there, his eyes pleading for forgiveness, his heart laid bare for all to see. But you know that forgiveness won't come easily, not after everything that has happened between you.

With a heavy heart, you turn away from him, the weight of his gaze burning into your back as you walk away. As Riki takes a step forward, his instinct urging him to chase after you, Bahiyyih steps in his path, her expression a mix of determination and concern. She places a gentle hand on his arm, her touch a silent plea for him to stop and reconsider.

"Riki, wait," she says softly, her voice tinged with urgency. "I know you want to talk to her, but now is not the time. She needs space, time to process everything. This..you, being back all of the sudden"

Riki's brow furrows in frustration, his heart torn between the desire to make things right and the fear of making things worse. He knows that Bahiyyih is right, that barging after you now would only add fuel to the fire, but it's hard to ignore the ache in his chest, the desperate longing to reach out and hold you in his arms.

Reluctantly, he nods, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he watches you disappear from view. He knows that this won't be the last time he sees you, that there will be other opportunities to make amends, but for now, he'll have to trust that time and distance will heal the wounds that lie between you.

As you sit in your room with Bahiyyih by your side, a heavy silence hangs in the air, broken only by the soft sounds of your breathing. You're not crying, but your mind is elsewhere, lost in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and shattered illusions.

Thoughts race through your mind like a raging river, each one a painful reminder of the walls you had built up around your heart in an attempt to move on from Riki. You had worked so hard to rebuild your life, to find happiness and fulfillment in the absence of his love, but seeing him earlier today shattered those fragile walls like glass.

In that moment, all the progress you had made feels like nothing more than a cruel illusion, a fleeting mirage in the desert of your heartache. You realize now that no matter how hard you try to forget him, to bury the memories deep within the recesses of your mind, he will always have a hold on your heart, a piece of you that can never be replaced.

And as you stare off into the distance, lost in the labyrinth of your thoughts, you can't help but wonder if it will ever be possible to truly move on from him. Will the ache in your heart ever fade, or will it linger like a shadow, a constant reminder of the love you once shared and the dreams that were shattered in its wake?

-

Riki finds himself sitting in Heeseung and Jay's dorm room, his heart heavy with guilt and regret. He knows that he's made a mess of things with Yn, and now he's desperate for advice on how to fix it.

Heeseung, ever the empathetic one, offers words of comfort and reassurance. "Look, man, we all make mistakes," he says, his voice gentle and soothing. "The important thing is that you recognize what you've done wrong and try to make it right. Yn is a smart girl, she'll understand if you're honest with her."

But Jay, ever the realist, isn't so quick to let Riki off the hook. "Come on, Riki," he says, his tone sharp and biting. "How could you let her suffer for months while you did nothing? You can't just waltz back into her life and expect her to forgive you. You've got to show her that you're willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."

Riki winces at Jay's words, knowing that he's right. He's let Yn down in the worst possible way, and now he has to face the consequences of his actions. He knows that it won't be easy, that he'll have to work hard to earn back her trust and forgiveness, but he's determined to try.

With a heavy sigh, Riki nods, his jaw set with determination. "You're right," he says, his voice firm. "I messed up, big time. But I'm not going to let Yn down again. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right, even if it means facing some hard truths along the way."

Jay's sharp gaze fixes on Riki, his expression one of curiosity mixed with skepticism. "What about the other girl?" he asks, his tone cutting through the tension in the room.

Riki's heart sinks as he braces himself to explain the tangled web of deceit and betrayal that he's woven. Taking a deep breath, he begins to recount the events that led him to this point, his words stumbling over the painful truth of his actions.

"I thought I could have it all," he admits, his voice heavy with remorse. "I thought I could keep Yn in the dark while I pursued something with this other girl. But it was all a lie, a foolish fantasy that only ended up hurting everyone involved."

As he speaks, Riki can feel the weight of his mistakes pressing down on him, threatening to crush him beneath their burden. But he knows that he has to face the truth, no matter how painful it may be.

Heeseung listens with a sympathetic ear, his expression one of understanding and compassion. "It sounds like you were in over your head," he says, his voice gentle. "But that doesn't excuse what you did. You need to take responsibility for your actions and make things right with Yn."

Jay's expression remains stern, his eyes boring into Riki with an intensity that makes him squirm uncomfortably in his seat. "You've got a lot of work to do, Riki," he says, his tone sharp. "You can't just expect Yn to forgive you overnight. You need to earn back her trust, and that starts with being honest with her about everything."

Riki nods solemnly, knowing that he has a long road ahead of him. But with Heeseung and Jay's support, he feels a glimmer of hope flicker within him. He knows that he may never be able to fully make amends for his mistakes, but he's determined to try, if only to prove to himself and to you that he's capable of change.

As you step out of the apartment building, your heart skips a beat when you see Riki waiting for you, a hopeful look in his eyes. Your resolve wavers for a moment, the sight of him stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within you.

"I'll walk you to school," he says, his voice gentle and pleading. "I remember how you don't like walking alone."

But you shake your head, steeling yourself against the pull of his words. "I got used to walking alone when you left," you say, your voice firm. "I don't need you to walk me to school anymore."

With that, you turn on your heel and begin to walk away, determined to put as much distance between you and Riki as possible. But to your dismay, he falls into step beside you, his presence a constant reminder of the tangled mess of emotions that still linger between you.

"No matter how far you walk, I'll always follow," he says quietly, his words a whisper on the wind. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right, Yn. Please, just give me a chance to prove myself to you."

You can feel the weight of his gaze burning into your back as you continue to walk, the ache in your heart growing with each step you take. You know that giving in to him would only reopen old wounds, but at the same time, you can't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, there's still a chance for redemption and forgiveness.

As you walk to school, the weight of your emotions threatens to overwhelm you, and you find yourself unable to keep the floodgates closed any longer. With each step, the memories of the promises Riki made before he left come flooding back, taunting you with the bitter taste of broken dreams and shattered trust.

"Remember when you promised that we'd make it work, no matter what?" you begin, your voice tinged with bitterness and hurt. "You said that distance wouldn't be a problem, that we'd find a way to make it through together."

Riki's expression softens, a pained look crossing his features as he listens to your words. "I meant every word of it, Yn," he says, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I know that I messed up, that I let you down in the worst possible way. I'm not asking you to forgive me overnight, but I promise that I'll do whatever it takes to make things right."

But you shake your head, the walls around your heart still firmly in place. "Words are cheap, Riki," you say, your voice tinged with sadness. "You can't just expect me to believe you after everything that's happened. You had your chance to make things right, and you blew it."

Riki's shoulders slump in defeat, his gaze dropping to the ground as he struggles to find the right words to say. "I know that I don't deserve your forgiveness," he says quietly. "But I'm not ready to give up on us yet. Please, just give me one more chance to show you that I've changed."

You pause for a moment, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air between you. As you finally reach the school gates, the tension between you and Riki hangs heavy in the air, a palpable reminder of the chasm that lies between you. With a heavy sigh, you turn to him, steeling yourself for the answer to the question that has been haunting you since the moment you saw that picture on social media.

"What did she have that I don't?" you ask, your voice trembling with emotion. "Was she worth throwing away everything we had?"

Before Riki can respond, you shake your head, cutting him off before he can offer an explanation. "It doesn't matter," you say, your voice tinged with resignation. "I hope she was everything you ever wanted, everything you couldn't find in me."

With that, you turn on your heel and walk away, leaving Riki standing alone at the school gates, the weight of your words echoing in the empty space between you.

As you take your seat next to Jay in class, the sour look on your face doesn't go unnoticed by him. Concern etches his features as he turns to you, his eyes narrowing with worry.

"What's wrong, Yn?" he asks, his voice low and filled with concern.

You hesitate for a moment, unsure if you want to share your troubles with him. But the words spill out before you can stop them, and you find yourself recounting the encounter with Riki on your way to school.

"He walked me to school," you say, your voice tinged with bitterness. "Like everything's fine and we're still together."

Heeseung and Kai overhear your conversation and begin to tease you mercilessly, their laughter filling the air as they poke fun at your discomfort. But Bahiyyih quickly intervenes, shooting them a stern look that silences them instantly.

Jay leans in closer to you, his expression softening with understanding. "Maybe he's being genuine, Yn," he says, his voice gentle and reassuring. "You know how much he cares about you. And besides, he came over to our dorm last night to talk. He seemed really sincere."

You chew on your bottom lip, the weight of Jay's words sinking in as you contemplate the possibility that maybe, just maybe, there's still hope for you and Riki. But despite the flicker of optimism that blooms within you, you can't shake the lingering doubt and uncertainty that clouds your heart. Only time will tell if Riki is truly genuine in his intentions, and whether or not you're willing to take the risk of trusting him again.

-

As you return to your apartment, the events of the day swirling in your mind, you're surprised to find the familiar scent of your favorite flowers wafting through the air. Your heart skips a beat as you step inside, your eyes widening in disbelief at the sight before you.

The entire apartment is adorned with bouquets of your favorite flowers, their vibrant colors filling the room with a sense of warmth and comfort. And lying on the couch, nestled among the blooms, is a beautifully wrapped gift with a note attached.

Your hands tremble slightly as you pick up the note, your heart pounding in your chest as you read Riki's words. In the letter, he pours his heart out to you, apologizing for his past mistakes and expressing his sincere desire to make things right. He promises to do whatever it takes to earn back your trust and forgiveness, begging for another chance to prove himself to you.

My Dearest Yn,

As I sit down to write this letter, my heart is heavy with regret and longing. I know that I've hurt you in ways that words can't even begin to express, and for that, I am truly sorry. I never meant to cause you pain, and yet, my actions have led us down a path filled with heartache and uncertainty.

I want you to know that I've spent countless nights lying awake, haunted by the memories of our time together and the mistakes I've made. I've replayed our conversations in my mind a thousand times over, wishing I could turn back the clock and make things right. But no matter how hard I try, I know that I can never undo the hurt that I've caused you.

And yet, despite everything, my love for you remains unchanged. You are the light that guides me through the darkness, the warmth that fills my soul with hope. I can't imagine a life without you in it, and the thought of losing you terrifies me more than anything else in this world.

I know that I don't deserve your forgiveness, that I've broken your trust in the worst possible way. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right, to earn back the love and respect that I've lost. I promise to be honest with you, to communicate openly and honestly, and to never take your love for granted again.

Please, Yn, give me another chance to show you how much you mean to me. I know that words alone can't heal the wounds that I've inflicted upon your heart, but I hope that with time and patience, we can find a way to move forward together, stronger and more resilient than ever before.

With all my love,

Riki

Tears prickle at the corners of your eyes as you read his words, the weight of his sincerity washing over you like a tidal wave. Despite the pain and uncertainty that still lingers in your heart, a small part of you can't help but be touched by his gesture, by the lengths he's gone to show you how much you mean to him.

But as you look around the empty apartment, the absence of Riki's presence casting a shadow over the room, you can't shake the feeling of unease that settles in the pit of your stomach. Will he keep his promises this time, or is this just another empty gesture meant to placate you?

With a heavy sigh, you set the letter aside and reach for the gift, the weight of it heavy in your hands. Whatever happens next, you know that the road ahead will be long and difficult.

As you carefully unwrap the gift from Riki, your heart flutters with anticipation, unsure of what lies within. With trembling hands, you peel back the layers of paper, revealing a beautifully crafted wooden box nestled inside.

Your breath catches in your throat as you lift the lid, revealing the contents within. Inside the box lies a treasure trove of memories, each one carefully preserved and presented with love and care.

There are photographs, snapshots of moments frozen in time, capturing the laughter and joy that once filled your days together. Each image is accompanied by a handwritten note from Riki, sharing his thoughts and feelings from those cherished moments.

But it's not just photographs that fill the box. There are letters too, pages upon pages of heartfelt words and declarations of love, each one a testament to the depth of Riki's feelings for you. As you read through them, tears prickle at the corners of your eyes, your heart swelling with emotion at the thoughtfulness and effort that went into creating such a meaningful gift.

And then, at the bottom of the box, nestled among the memories, lies a single red rose, its petals still fresh and vibrant despite the passage of time. It's a simple gesture, but one filled with meaning and symbolism, a reminder of the love that still blooms between you despite the trials and tribulations that you've faced.

As you sit with the gift from Riki in your hands, a nagging doubt creeps into the back of your mind, casting a shadow over the warmth and comfort that you felt moments before. Was this all just a ploy to win you back, a carefully orchestrated act of love bombing designed to manipulate your emotions and keep you under his spell?

The thought sends a chill down your spine, filling you with a sense of unease that you can't shake. You know that Riki is capable of great kindness and generosity, but after everything that has happened between you, it's hard to trust his intentions completely.

With a heavy sigh, you set the gift aside, the weight of uncertainty settling over you like a dark cloud. Only time will tell if Riki's gestures are sincere or if they're just another ploy to keep you under his control.

-

On a sunny Saturday morning, Riki wakes up early to prepare for the surprise picnic he's planned for you. He carefully selects all your favorite foods and snacks, making sure to pack them neatly into a wicker basket. With a satisfied smile, he adds a bottle of sparkling cider and a bouquet of your favorite flowers to the mix before heading out to the park. - After weeks of soul-searching and reflection, Riki sits down at his desk with pen and paper in hand. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead, and begins to write. With each word, Riki pours his heart out onto the page, expressing his deepest regrets and sincerest apologies for the pain he's caused you. He bares his soul, laying bare his thoughts and feelings in the hopes of winning back your trust. Hours pass as Riki fills page after page with his handwritten words, his emotions flowing freely onto the paper. When he finally finishes, he reads over the letter one last time, making sure every word is just right. The next day, Riki delivers the letter to you personally, his heart pounding in his chest as he watches you read it. - One evening, as you're scrolling through your social media feed, you come across a post about a movie you've been dying to see. You mention it in passing to Riki, not expecting anything to come of it. But to your surprise, Riki jumps into action, surprising you with tickets to the movie for that very evening. He clears his schedule for the night, ensuring that you have his undivided attention as you enjoy a night out together. As you settle into your seats at the theater, Riki reaches for your hand, his touch sending a shiver down your spine. Throughout the movie, he steals glances at you, his eyes shining with affection. - One evening, as you arrive home from a long day at work, you're greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of your favorite meal wafting through the air. Curious, you follow the scent to the kitchen, where you find Riki hard at work, surrounded by pots and pans. He looks up with a smile as you enter, gesturing to the spread of food laid out before him. "I wanted to surprise you with dinner tonight," he says, his eyes shining with excitement. "I hope you like it."

-

As the morning sun filters through the curtains, you awaken to the sound of your phone buzzing with notifications. Groaning, you reach for it, expecting the usual barrage of messages and emails.

But as you scroll through the notifications, your eyes widen in disbelief at the news that greets you. The message is simple yet profound, a single sentence that rocks you to your core:

"Riki quit his dancing job and came back to Japan for you."

Your heart skips a beat as you read the words again, unable to believe what you're seeing. Could it be true? Could Riki have made such a monumental decision, sacrificing everything he worked so hard for just to be with you?

With trembling hands, you dial Riki's number, your heart pounding in your chest as you wait for him to pick up. When he finally does, his voice is filled with warmth and affection, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that fills your own heart.

"Yn," he says, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "I know that I've made mistakes, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. I love you, and I'll do anything to prove it to you."

Tears prickle at the corners of your eyes as you listen to his words, the weight of his sincerity washing over you like a wave. In that moment, you know that you have a choice to make, a choice that will determine the course of your future.

[ghouldtime]

HI HI HELLO MY NEW FAV COD ACC <33 from my comments you can see how much i love your könig teehee 😚😚 Question ! if he would give them any gifts (ex: birthdays or christmas), what kind of gift would he give? would he give a “just because” gift or naw? to me, i’d think he’d give very thoughtful and hand-made things but i’d like to know your input :33 LOVE YOU!!

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚 AWWWH THANK YOU SO SO MUCH I'm so glad you like my version of him :D

(I'm just assuming the 'them' being 'the person who is closest to him/a Significant other')

König is a considerate, thoughtful gift giver. Because his words tend to fail him and actions speak louder than words, he speaks THROUGH those actions. Giving gifts is actually one of his favorite love languages! He knows he can't be around all the time and it's his way of giving a solid reminder of his affection and care for you.

He's actually someone who hates thoughtless or "useless" gifts. Being given things that you can't use and don't fit you is basically just offloading junk or saying you don't put thought into it or try to consider the person. It's one thing if the attempt is there but usually many people are lacking. He's not one of those.

Before he gets you ANYTHING, he's thoroughly considering it. What do you need? What do you want? What do you like? He always tries to figure out by what you say or even off handed remarks. Usually, casually talking to someone is the best way to find out what gift they need or might want.

Such as someone who mentions that, offhandedly, their old baking apron is a bit stained and dirty and are embarrassed about the state of it as they put it on. Not that he cares, he sees those as indication of it being well used and well loved, but if you seemed so flustered, why on earth wouldn't he make you a new one with fancy pockets and all? He knows how to sew. And he can pick a fabric of your favorite color! And monogram it! (ignore the little crown on the tag, that's just his personal signature)

He's very much someone who gives 'just because' gifts. He doesn't need an occasion to do it. Just going "I saw this and thought of you" is enough of a motivator. Don't always expect a fancy presentation, he'll often just give you things without warning.

The only time he'll REALLY go out of his way to put in extra effort for aesthetics and presentation would be on days personally significant to you and things such as holidays/birthdays where that is usually a given. His gifts will NEVER be low effort, but he'll be putting in that extra touch on those times.

They'll always be personal, clearly thought out, even if it is just a box of chocolates with a handwritten note on top. That being said, he greatly prefers to handmake gifts he gives. "It's the thought that counts" is usually expressed best by him when its something he makes himself. He'll put love into every second he makes it (even if he's saying some not so lovely words if he does something like burning his hand on a hot glue gun, RIP)

Naturally, he has that artistic side, he got it from his mom. He's got a wide range of skills and talents and will pick up new projects and types from time to time. Learning a new skill or art style is absolutely on the table so if you want something, he'll learn, he'll do it. He LIKES learning, he likes getting to find new creative ways to express himself, he likes trying his best and seeing just what he can do. It keeps his hands busy, mind sharp, and it makes you happy! Win-win situation all around.

His most favored craft is certainly creating miniatures and his beloved dioramas - he'll be ecstatic if you share his enthusiasm and WILL make whatever you want. Doesn't care what it is, if you want to paint a detailed scene of unicorns getting their hooves done at a salon, he'll do it. Nothing is too out there, he just wants to make you happy.

But in general, expect plenty of random gifts from him. They're not always going to be the most extravagant but he'll put his heart into it as thanks for sharing yours with him 💚

[maniculum]

Bestiaryposting Results: Yagstong

I almost forgot to do this two weeks in a row. Just a really hectic month over here, sorry.

Anyway, if you want to know what this is all about, you can find out at https://maniculum.tumblr.com/bestiaryposting.

The art below is based on this entry:

And this is the one we're doing next:

Now, art:

@mistressorinoco (link to post here) has done a delightful mix of different animals here, all of which manages to come together into a cohesive whole. See the linked post for details on which features are here and why. I also like the throat sac thing.

@silverhart-makes-art (link to post here) has drawn a fairly striking yet realistic creature -- the mane and tusks are really working for it here. This design, like the above, is highly concerned with making the beast properly adapted to its environment, and you can find out more about that in the linked post.

@coolest-capybara (link to post here) has drawn some adorably goofy-looking creatures. The wideset eyes, the protruding teeth, the downright spherical juvenile there.... I love them. As usual, information on this design's influences can be found in the linked post.

@pomrania (link to post here), collaborating with @theforceisstronginthegirl, has drawn something that is a mashup of "goat", "llama", and "donkey". I particularly like the magical effects around the one tasting the dittany.

@cheapsweets (link to post here) decided to go in a very goat-like direction, and you can find an explanation of why in the linked post. Solid goat-thing there. They also speculate about dittany (I'm not sure why that keeps coming up either), and note that they hope someone else chose to draw the canonically-fat baby Yagstong -- luckily Coolest-Capybara has them covered.

@wendievergreen (link to post here) has done two drawings of this one. It should be noted that in the first drawing, that box is not diegetic -- the beast's lusty nature has been censored. For details on why this design, and some interesting information on dittany, please see the linked post.

So! The Aberdeen Bestiary. We actually have two pictures of this one -- there seem to have been three originally, but one has been cut out of the manuscript.

So very obviously this is the goat, which I think multiple people clocked right away. Say one thing for this illustrator, they can draw a pretty good goat.

The missing image is from the entry for he-goat, which is bafflingly separate from the main goat entry. They're not even next to each other; "goat" is on both sides of f.14 while "he-goat" is on both sides of f.21. This is possibly to do with the fact that the Latin terms chosen are capre and hyrco -- English, to my knowledge, lacks a dedicated term for "male goat" like we have for sheep and cows (i.e., "ram" and "bull" respectively), but Latin has one. So maybe there was some confusion.

Not a lot to add here, but I do like one element of the commentary the people who digitized the Aberdeen Bestiary left: they note that the image of the goat scratching its head with its hoof has nothing to do with anything mentioned in the entry. Maybe the illustrator just saw goats do that and thought it would make a good picture?

[mx-lamour]

Costuming Strahd: Art Addendum

I didn't include any mention of the official Dungeons & Dragons art for Strahd von Zarovich in my previous post, because I had dismissed it outright. There, I said it.

I shall strive to amend my folly in this addendum.

Let's start with that 5e cover:

I generally approve of this representation. No doubt it colored my concept of Strahd's silhouette, since this is the first image of Strahd I came into contact with, some two or three years ago.

The shape of this garb is much like what I was aiming for in my previous post. Strahd is sporting a crisp shirt with stiffened, buttoned cuffs, much like our modern button-downs or blouses spanning back into the mid-1800s. His torso is trim in a fitted vest with standing collar, which easily fits into the category of fantasy-Renaissance. Speculation on from where/when exactly the inspiration comes might be a futile effort; it would find itself at home among the elves in The Lord of the Rings, and I'm not about to dig into that concept work just now.

Actually, what his vest reminds me of most is 15th century brigandine [or tabard (see below), which would cover brigandine or a breastplate, which is why] it's the right length, if nothing else.

Reconstructing History, He's literally Elrond, and some brigandine

I believe I said it's easy to fake good pants, especially when sitting down. This example reinforces my point. His legs are indeed covered, and the result is not garish. Not particularly exciting, but nonetheless successful. You could probably even call them hose if you really wanted to.

His boots are literal extant riding boots, from "early 20th c." England, and honestly I'm so proud of this one-to-one reference.

[Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], although my first thought had been Victorian cycling boots.

The cape draped around his shoulders appears to be quite thin and probably only falls to about his fingertips, since it doesn't drape over the chair cushion and he's not sitting on it. It could look like some kind of military cape. Or maybe even, to drag him back a few centuries again, something Elizabethan.

I'll do a whole thing on capes later.

Moving on...

Early Strahd von Zarovich was definitely Dracula by another name, but later art has been pretty consistently (from what I can see) this other red/blue outfit, with baffling ruby clasps instead of a single pendant around his neck.

That last one has me. To be fair, it's the only one gazing back at the observer... >.>

Look. This garb is sexy. It cannot be understated. While it's not what I'm going for in my own costume foray, this is a fantastic design. Here's why:

The line where blue meets red along his ribcage accentuates his chest. That same red draws the eye down over his crotch, subtly curving to accomodate his thighs. Those chains on his cloak and the sash around his waist are positively drippy, like the source of the Ivlis pouring down to the Tser Pool. The asymmetry of that and his mismatched shoulders gives him such a dynamic slant, something to visually climb back up like handholds on the face of a cliff. And the sash is supple, in direct contrast to his armored hips, solid and stalwart. His limbs are clad in slim nondescript brown, making it all the easier to focus in on his center, in high contrast dotted with solid rubies. The red and blue both, especially together, are blood colors, indicative of veins hidden beneath the skin.

He might be covered from toe to jaw, but this is an intimate costume.

Despite my appreciation for it, though, again, I personally am trying to make something a little less Lord of the Rings. For reasons.

So, let's see what I can come up with in terms of historical inspiration... if anything, lol.

This is going to be fairly stream-of-consciousness. (Not that it wasn't already, I suppose.)

The first thing that came to mind was a kaftan (or zupan?), because they can be fitted through the torso and feature a standing collar and embellished closures up the front. But, kaftans from Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and other areas touched by those cultures usually also have sleeves. I finally found the two illustrations below without sleeves, but they were difficult to track down and I'm not sure how much of what they depict is imaginary. (Although the sword, pouch, and helmet from the first one are definitely from an extant burial site.)

There's also the Polish kontusz, where the arms can be worn out of the sleeves, with the sleeves flipped back, and that can give the illusion of sleevelessness... A lot of examples I found of this particular garment are also open to the waist, which is delightfully provocative, but doesn't resemble the Strahd ensemble.

Examples from Chernigov (Ukraine) and apparently Moldova; a Polish kontusz

I can think of little source material for that long, pointed fantasy hemline, but allow me to grasp at some straws.

The straws in question.

Actually, this brings up a really good point of inquiry. Where does this drapery-between-the-legs situation that modern fantasy seems to be so enamoured with come from?

Tabards would seem the obious answer, but even that, in modern parlance, is used as an umbrella term for a wide range of garments that may or may not have any true basis in reality.

There's also just... loin cloths, I suppose, which can look like a piece of fabric just draped over the crotch and hanging between the legs, but there's usually more to it than that.

At last, after some digging around, I came across the video below. Bless Shad for his contribution to society.

It goes over all the the differences between those various styles of garment usually bearing symbols of allegiance all lumped together as "tabards", and presented me one more vocabulary word with which I was not yet familiar: the scapular.

Alas, monastic garb is my blind spot. Silly that I've played at least five clerics so far.

To summarize, I think the that the shape of the lower part of Strahd's... whatever-it-is... is inspired by a mix of these garments described in the video. It's short like a tabard should be, and has that dip between the legs reminiscent of a scapular.

But, ultimately, this thing is a waistcoat. Not a waistcoat in the Victorian sense; a waistcoat in the mid-18th century sense.

Monk wearing a scapular, and some fancy waistcoats.

Finally, the very-high standing collar on Strahd's waistcoat smacks of a couple things: Russia (again), or the Regency era. Although, in the Regency years, waistcoats became much shorter (ending at the waist) and lengthened up the other way with high standing collars. But, if you were to combine the two waistcoats above and throw in some suggestive high-hip cutouts like a 1980's leotard, you might come out with something that resembles what Strahd is wearing in all that sumtuous art.

The one with the sash really drives the comparison home.

With the initial kaftan comparison and this guy with the funny hair (a Count Vasili, coincidentally) above, Strahd von Zarovich's red/blue fantasy garb is also giving the Motherland, and folks, I already said that I was trying to keep blatant Russia out of Barovia (as much as that garb clearly slaps). But I also recently remembered due to this post that I am a total sucker for Russian pet names, so... who knows.

In the end... do I know what I'm doing? Absolutely not. I'm not sure which of these elements will filter into further consideration for my own Strahd von Zarovich costume, but I'm definitely glad I gave all this a look. Absolutely worth it. Learned a lot. ♡

[jaylleoo14]

TW: BOTMM is a short drabble leading up to Keratoconus Entrapment. Although nothing explicit happens in this drabble be wary that the following will contain such themes/mentions (along with Keratoconus Entrapment): Horror/dark themes, deaths/murders, butchering/gore, unsettling descriptions, kidnapping, gen violence, blackmailing, alcohol, partying, corruption, morphed views of artistic expression, manipulation and gaslighting. All characters are aged up, you have been warned 

This idea sparked while I was listening to an audio and I was like "hmm, i like how ominous and spooky this can be." then suddenly boom, Jade Leech has spawned. So hear me out okay WAIT IM ACTUALLY KINDA SCARED RN BECAUSE SO MUCH IS BEING ENVISIONED IN MY MIND😭🙏 :') Okay but as the ideas kept on racking and stacking on top of each other I started to get a little "oh wow, this is actually starting to sound kinda good tho-" (im envisioning an uncanny Jade rn and i'm scared-)

Have you heard?

Heard of what?

The Mushroom Man who lives down Rocker Lane.

I. From paints to charcoal, to clay to wood. Then to pencil and pen, then back to your roots of finger painting on cardboard.

You've always had this sort of love for drawing. Since you were little you can recall your mother had always talked about how you were such an artistic child. A crafty one at that. Your dad was always telling his friends that his child was always so expressive and imaginative whenever the topic was brought up. Continuing on keeping up with art along your adolescence, to middle school, to then high school, you felt like you knew what you wanted to do. That being why you decided to go pursue an art major.

The university you are going to attend, University of Arts in Atlantica, was where you'd be heading on over next. Its a funny feeling in your stomach really, moving out and all and going to meet new people as you drift away from your old ones. The feelings welt up inside you slowly, feeling a sad weight bringing you down. You'd be staying in a co-ed dorm, at least then you'd be able to hopefully meet new people and make more friends. That's one of the main things you were looking forward to. It's time to look on the positive side here, and as you make your daily affirmations to yourself you bring out your phone to go to your notes app to remind yourself of the good things that happened and what to look forward to.

I saw a man helping his old relative (not sure) down a street earlier. That was really nice.

I saw some black cats cuddling with each other near the grass yesterday

the weather is nice today, it's not too windy and the sun is out high

I was able to pack another box of my stuff, I should go reward myself now

I was able to send in my resume for a job application nearby. I should also reward myself because I did a good job at tending to it.

Oh, that's right. You recently did submit a job application. You submitted it to a bakery oddly enough.

Art comes in many different shapes and forms, and you personally had another interest. That being the culinary arts. For at least once in your life you wanted to experience the working life of a culinary student, and although pursuing it as a career plan wasn't your solid choice - it was one of the options. And thankfully enough, the man there who skimmed through your resume seemed rather gentle about your chances. Hopefully you get the job, I mean you have plenty of experience before as well with handling and decorating foods. That was the main thing you were interested in. Sure you do enjoy baking, but it was the expression of being able to decorate cakes and pastries there that you were more eager to do.

Trey was the person who introduced himself first, claiming that his family owned the business. After the whole process of submission for your intended new job, something blue catches your eye. A natural call of curiosity causes you to divert your eyes a little away from Trey- who was finishing up the bases of what's to expect- and see a tall man through the window of the kitchen door. He had teal short hair, a longer black length of hair tucked behind his ear and his eyes looked rather sharp and lifted from the side. If for just a moment of observation, Trey caught where your eyes were distracted at.

"Oh, well it's still business hours, you know. He's another employee working here as well. If you get the job you'll see him more frequently." He says it so casually, but you would really hope you do get the job. Fiddling your fingers a little, you show a bit of anxiousness but you keep it professional. "What are the chances of me getting hired? I'm really eager to get this position."

A thoughtful look is splayed on his face, his glasses framing them well. "Well your past work seems promising. It doesn't look professional enough for it to display but I'm sure with enough practice it may work. Just wondering though, you're an art student, yes? Do you think you'd manage the hours alongside your classes?"

His words were a little hard for you to hear but you greatly needed it, a set reminder that you really still are an inexperienced culinary artist if anything. However you proceed to give him a determined answer. "Yes, I'll manage. I will uphold my duties responsibly, please consider taking me."

"They seem eager, don't you agree Trey?" Both your attention is turned and directed on the voice who spoke from behind, the teal haired man coming forward. He had a black plain apron on with the logo of a clover on his right chest, a white chef shirt on as the sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. “Eagerness and experience are two separate things. I’ll consider it, don't worry.” 

Not knowing what to say, the teal haired man turns his attention onto you. You both meet each other's eyes and his lips curve more upward to be more inviting and polite. “Oh how rude of me, where are my manners? You can address me as Jade Leech.” He goes over to shake your hand as a formal greeting, and ever since then things have been going alright. Would you look at that, you got the job! And you’ve already moved in, meeting friendly people from all over with wild stories to tell. “Ugh, such an extroverted thing to do. I could never.” Idia’s voice is made metallic through your phone as you tell him about how you plan on going to this frat party to welcome the new incoming people. It was a new time of your life, why not let loose and meet new people? “Your reasoning still stinks. Imagine all the sweaty smelly bodies you’d bump into there. Not only that but eee! So many loud normies! My HP would already max out by the time I get there, definitely not.” 

“Look, I’ll be back soon okay? I want to try and enjoy this night before anything real happens like classes and work.” Bringing your coat on, you sling over a fanny pack over your torso with all the required things for what you can expect at this frat party. “If you don't let me know that you came home safely I’ll be adding modifications into that device of yours.” A simple reassurance is all it takes for him to hang up and with some worn converse shoes you slip out of your room. 

Clink!

Here's to a new school life. Surrounded by other lively participants of party go-ers, you hold a drink of alcohol in your cup. Everyone seems to have a good time, the music is blasting, the people are dancing and enjoying their time, and you have crazy party go-ers here climbing the roofs and pulling crazy stunts. It's quite the impression really. Taking a step outside all the way to where the cars are parked from the frat house, you take a deep breath and catch yourself a breather. Idia was right for the most part, and for this to be your first time at a frat party it was definitely overwhelming. However one thing for sure was that you were able to meet new people and enjoy your time there, just needed a little break is all. 

Little did you know though, that nearby deep in hidden trees and bushes laid a beaten up person. Most likely dead. No, definitely dead. For Jade Leech is always one to ensure that the deal is done. Frat parties, loud music, drunken party go-ers, it was all the perfect set up for him to strike and take advantage of. Who would know if just a person or two went missing? Especially ones who come by themselves. He’s got an eye for people you could say, with the way his eyes are arched up so meticulously. The location was just too good to miss out as well. Here it’s a little more isolated with vegetation growing around, the house being more secluded due to its bigger land. Blood is soaked into the dirt, his smile content that the earth is gaining some nutrition. 

Oh, what a surprise. He sees a familiar figure in the distance leaning up against one of the cars on the dirt path. It’s you. He could strike, but it would cause trouble. You aren’t his target. At least not yet. He can play a patient game, and a patient game he will play. The future awaits many things for the two of you, so until then, enjoy your fresh new life and your new job. You clock in the day following tomorrow, where Jade will surely start to learn more about you. And as much as he will learn about you, you my dear reader, will surely start to learn about him much more than what ordinary people see and know about him behind closed, faux smiled, bloodied doors.

I hope this reaches the right audience, but to all my dark/horror/yandere enthusiasts

just know..... JADE IS A BAKER IN HERE WITH NICE MF ARMS>&lt;

Literally the only thing i was fixated on when I was writing this, I was like "oml yes Jade with them nice buff baker arms anfisdifbfiubwif Trey you arent gonna be alone in this✊🤞." I practically melted just thinking about it while writing this ^^;

[sweetbunpura]

Ok, I think I pinned down why I don't like The SSR Playful Land Outfits after I sat down and chewed on my thoughts for a little bit. So, I thought I'd provide my analysis.

I've stared at Ace for a little bit and realized what I didn't like about his outfit was the hat and the fact he looked like a matador. After a bit, I've gotten a little use to the matador look, but I still don't like the hat. It looks alright in the default card illustration (probably due to the angle) and on his chibi, but it just looks too wide-rimmed on his sprite and in the groovy illustration. And I kinda wish they put the tassels on his waist on Kalim instead. He can keep the belts, but Kalim needs a little visual interest around the waist.

For Kalim, I think it's the color of his coat. I get the popcorn yellow fits with the amusement park aesthetic, but the shade they picked for Kalim is too overstimulating for me (though it doesn't look as bright in his illustrations due to the shading). To me, yellow/gold has always been better as an accent color on Kalim, but I can see why they couldn't really do that since they already went red and black with gold accents with Ace. Also do not like the vampire collar thing he has going on. Ace has this too, but since he has black on the shoulders of his jacket, it's much less noticeable, but the black collar against the bright yellow jacket and the red ruffled ascot makes it glaringly obvious on Kalim. Though, I will say, I do like his hat and earrings. They're cute.

Ortho is probably the one I have the least qualms with out of the thee. His outfit itself is cute, his colors are nice, and the hat is just the right size, plus he looks like a little toy soldier! The only problem is the massive pauldron flaps thing on his arm. That thing is way too distracting and takes up too much visual interest that should be going to his outfit. The hat slightly balances it out, but I still find it distractingly big. Especially in his card's default illustration. Though it's alleviated a little bit in the groovy art with how the art is angled.

And thus concludes my analysis.

(Though, I will say, these three are nothing compared to my least favorite outfit of this event line up:

Lilia.

Sir is overstimulation incarnate with that amount of varying textures and colors. It makes his outfit look cheap and it gives me a headache. He looks like he just walked out of a Party City (which i guess is fitting since this is a Halloween event lmao).)

Honestly yeah, a lot of these colors tend to clash with one another, but if you look at Marionette costumes, they tend to also have a weird amount of clashing colors.

Ace, I get, his does look very matadorish. And the tassles should've gone on Kalim, I see it.

Kalim....that yellow should be darker or something to match the red...

Ortho reminds me of a nutcracker, he looks cool in his solider get up.

And Lilia? Lilia wears whatever he wants to. He's 700 y/o grandpa.

But I do see the problem.

[lifmera]

Hello! The thought and time you put into your matchups really shine through! I'd love to have one with Hazbin Hotel (and Mystic Messenger, if I'm not asking for too much ❤️).

👉🏻INTJ, bigender, attracted to males

👉🏻 I'm keen on law studies, also got a passion for creative writing and poetry. I tend to view things through a philosophical or artistic lens.

👉🏻 Introvert, yet diplomatically social, if needed. No problem to speak my mind, strong morals.

👉🏻Anxious, perfectionist, stubborn.

👉🏻Compassionate, open-minded and believing in people's potential. However, I'm better at giving logical solutions to problems, than comfort somebody emotionally.

👉🏻 Teasing/sarcasm is my biggest love language, followed by physical touch and being artistically inspired by my partner.

👉🏻 Mostly rock or jazzy tunes, the type of person to stick to the same songs for years lol. I also enjoy gothic literature and european cinema.

👉🏻My profile pic is how I would envision my character in the show. So you can also take appearance into consideration XD

Honestly . I know you just submitted but i had to do it. I already have the characters for you!! And thank you so much sweetheart. 🩷

I’ve decided to pair you with…. LUCIFER & JUMIN HAN!

I think he’d love to read your stories!! Please tell him some. He has nothing else to do anyways. Honestly he’d probably ask you to give his ducks some lore.

He’d love to hear your opinion kn things. And if you are blunt with him, he’d appreciate it. He doesn’t need someone who’s gonna beat around the bush with him.

He would also need logical solutions. Its what he tried to do with Charlie, telling her his experience. He’d like your input!

He’d probably blush super hard if you teased him, but he’s also huge on physical touch. If he loves someone, he’ll always be near them, or touching them.

Jazzy tunes and rock for sure!! This man probably listens to those two the most, and to get back at adam.

Gothic literature? Sign him up. European cinema? Lets watch it together.

Honestly, at first you’d remind him of Jihyun, he’d love to see what you think about art, and why you think that way.

He seems like he’d love poetry, so please write some and read them to him. He’d also probably read creative stories of yours to you.

He’d LOVE when you spoke your mind. This man barely gets offended, and has never loved before, he wants to know if he’s doing it right.

He’d also prefer logical solutions, he doesn’t understand why there should be alternatives. You both are very stubborney people as-well!

He’d probably love physical touch. This man genuinely has probably never hugged another human before and at first he didn’t see why, but when you guys hugged, he probably wouldn’t have let go for like a solid 10 minutes.

He love jazz. It’d be something he played in the background of one of your romantic dinners.

European cinema is also something i think he’d enjoy. He’d also probably tell Hyun about it and be like “i think you should do it too.”

~~

I HAD TO DO IT. When I read it the character’s IMMEDIATELY came to mind.

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

Good news, everyone! Excellent news. It turns out Ed Night is good at stand-up comedy. I have been waiting several years now to find this out, suspected but with no way to confirm it. But now I can finally say, I have found a way to artistically justify my decision to watch Roast Battle. Wouldn't have heard of Ed Night otherwise as he's not been on anything else I've seen, and therefore I wouldn't have have seen a very good stand-up show last night. Success! It was all worth it!

Anyway, yesterday was probably my most perfectly planned day if this festival. Look at this:

What a solid few hours. Kept exiting the venues and then going right back in, didn't have to travel anywhere, and four really really strong shows in a row. Eleanor Morton's took a little while to get going and at first I was a bit disappointed in it, but it really built up from a routine about seeing the Edinburgh Fringe as an Edinburgh native, then just kept going, second half better than the first and I loved it by the end.

The other 3 were pretty well perfect, all 3 of them. I'm so glad I saw Sarah Keyworth, after almost skipping them because I saw it filmed for Access Festival. Firstly, it was more than good enough to be worth seeing in person even though I'd heard the material before, same as Nish Kumar and Tom Ballard. Secondly, it's been 8 months and a major Australian championship win since I saw the show, obviously the material has developed. It was so, so much fun to actually see.

As was Laura Davis, they're another one who's so compelling it's just worth getting into the room to experience it up close. This started strong but was another one that really built and by the end was... look, I try to be very sparing with a word like "Kitsonian" and not just compare anything good to him, but that was all I could think of with the way they got complex and poetic in throwing everything in the show back at us at the end. Reminded me of the ending of Impotent Fury of the Privileged pr Something Other Than Everything, in the best way (not in a "Laura was being unoriginal" way, Kitson doesn't talk nearly this much about dead birds so safe to say they carved their own territory). And Tom Ballard was also doing stuff I'd heard before but it sure was worth being in the room for that. Being in the room made me both enjoy it even more, and better understand why a different person might dislike it so strongly. A divisively shouty presence.

I even managed to briefly speak to Tom Ballard after the show, if nothing else just to prove to myself that I could, after the disaster of last week. And it went okay! I wasn't smooth by any means, stuttered at the ground about how I loved his show in Montreal last year and thought this one was even better and big fan of his older specials too and all his stuff, and I absolutely could not look at him while I spoke, but I think I managed to make the words I was saying understood. Managed to sound like a very nervous person who likes him, rather than whatever I sounded like when I met Kitson last week, which was nothing, because I could not remember any words. So I'm glad I managed that improvement. He was very nice, asked me my name, said he appreciated it, a sort of amusing contrast to the on-stage shoutiness.

Then I ran off to the Assembly Rooms to see Josie Long's husband (if the genders were reversed it would be problematic to define her by her relationship to him but I'm pretty sure it's fine this way around, also I'm not 100% sure they're actually married) meticulously document the destruction of arts funding and the NHS across 14 years of Tory rule, via the medium of a musical performed in what appeared to be a circus tent. That's what we some to the Fringe for, isn't it? That is exactly what I wanted out of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It was a lot of fun.

Then back to the Monkey Barrel to see Ed Night, a guy I'd been Googling ever since I saw him on Roast Battle in 2021, convinced that I like this guy and I just need him to release something so I can see to prove it. I've said several times on this blog that I'm supporting his career like it's a sports team, wanting him to get big just so I can see his stuff from Canada. He didn't so I had to go to him, and finally, decision to watch an awful thing like Roast Battle has been justified! I found Ed Night out of it! Seriously I thought he was fantastic, dark and sharp and packed with jokes that you could miss if you didn't pay attention because they fit so clearly into the narrative. And it helped that it was my sort of thing in terms of subject matter, he covered OCD and queer identity and some political stuff and the frustrating mental health system, talked shit about content creator algorithms. At one point he got a Pokemon reference into what I think was a suicide joke - how perfectly tailored to my comedy taste is that? He also picked some more specific targets, like (spoiler alert, I guess, spoiler alert for everything on my blog all the time) going after Tom Binns for a while, earning every bit of that edgy material (edgy, to be clear, just because it's an intense topic to bring up - he didn't try edgily defending him or anything) by being very funny about it.

He hung out somewhere in the general vicinity (not nearly as far, but the vicinity is still impressive) of Dan Rath levels of presenting himself as a fucked up low status character (though it didn't seem like a that much of a character). I remember seeing someone compare his stuff to Frankie Boyle once, which I think is apt, though more personal than I've heard Frankie Boyle get, and obviously not as developed in the craft, but it was that level of dark. I also think Chortle robbed him, with only 3.5 stars, given some of the stuff that's got 4. I'm just relieved that he was good. I got so invested in the idea of him being good, based on so little. Picked one non-famous comedian, several years ago, to decide I bet that guy is good, based on about 8 minutes of the TV show Roast Battle. And it was by no means a guarantee that I'd like him. I feel like this blog must make it seem as though I like pretty much all comedy because I mainly write about stuff I like. When in fact I hear or see plenty of comedy that I dislike, I just try not to be a dick about it online too often. So I'm glad this wasn't like that, because I really hate being wrong.

Then I ran off to the other side of the castle for the first time, to see Natalie Palamides at the Traverse Theatre. This was one I booked because it seemed important to take the opportunity to see in person while I can. I've seen her previous shows - Laid and Nate - on video, and I liked them, could see they were very good, but I also knew I was missing parts of it, because it doesn't translate fully to film, and I just don't have the theatre kid background to appreciate that level of clowning. Also the puppet in Dave freaked me out. I don't like puppets. Also, you know, nudity. Sex scenes (only with puppets). Artistic violence. It left me feeling weird and uncomfortable and wanting to curl up into a ball, in a sort of good but probably overall more bad way. But that left me feeling like I should try harder to develop the ability to appreciate this sort of thing. And I think it's the sort of thing that really needs to be experienced live.

So I went to see Weer live, and I had a great time. It was so much fun, probably helped that the subject matter was lighter, at least at first. More nudity (spoiler alert, I guess, for all of this, in the unlikely event that anyone planning to see Natalie Palamides is reading this) but I was prepared this time! Managed to not turn into quite such a prudish teacher from a movie, at the sight of a body displayed in the name of art. I mean it was still weird, but not quite such a shock as I'd seen it before. The violence was a bit more difficult, but it very quickly got too absurd to be scary. And the puppet stuff was mercifully extremely short.

Otherwise, I thought it was incredibly impressive. I don't have the theatre knowledge to really understand how impressive it was, but I can still recognize something really cool and incredibly complicated done very well. It was fun, it made me laugh, I could not believe the number of (literal and figurative) layers that went into it. It was very, very cool to see, definitely worth taking the chance to go in person.

So that was my day yesterday. Woke up early this morning and thought I'd go through the day. About to go back to town for my last day of shows. Which is fine, I'm not feeling any predictable rising anxiety that the only thing I've been looking forward to for a year is almost over. It's okay, I'll have another little bit in London after this and that's nice as meeting my London friend in person has been one of the best parts of this, sorry that's a weird thing to say given that he reads this. But it's hardly the most overly personal thing I've ever communicated via a Tumblr post because I don't know how to actually talk to people. Except Tom Ballard, I did a great job of talking to him.

And aside from talking to Tom Ballard, yesterday was a slower day for comedian spotting, which was probably for the best (talking to Tom wasn't so much comedian "spotting", as comedian "awkwardly waiting around until everyone else had left after his show"). Jordan Brookes was in the audience at Sarah Keyworth's show. And here's a left-field one - Dominic Maxwell, the dick from The Times who once called Andy Zaltzman "[John Oliver's] left-behind sidekick", was in Natalie Palamides' show making notes for a review. Which I only know because she called attention to that when giving him an audience participation part, she turned it into something quite funny.

Okay, now I'm going into town for the last day. I've saved some of the established Fringe veterans for last - Seymour Mace, Mark Watson, David O'Doherty. Mat Ewins, another one where I thought it important to take the chance to see in oerson since he doesn't translate to recordings well. I didn't divide it up this way intentionally, but the identity-based demographic diversity of my Fringe schedule looks a lot better if you leave out the last day.

[adobe-outdesign]

Have you done opinios for the sv starter evolutions yet? What are your thoughts on Meowscarada? I think it gives more 2nd evolution than final

In my opinion, I think this gen's starters and their evos are pretty strong as a whole, with some good middle evos to boot. I really like Floragato here in particular—I'd almost consider running it with an everstone if Fuecoco didn't exist.

If you read my review of it, you'll recall I found Sprigatito to be nicely designed but a bit generic, with no particular theme to speak of and pretty standard grass-type visuals. Floragato fixes that by standing up (while still retaining stocky, cat-like anatomy) and adding in some darker coloration to hint at its eventual typing, which adds just enough visual spice that it starts to feel more unique.

What I particularly like about it is the yo-yo. It's a simple enough visual, but it's super fun and gives Floragato something unique to it and it alone, preventing it from falling into the "middle stage that only exists to transition between A and B" trap that many middle evos do. More importantly, it hints at its trickster nature that leads into it gaining dark typing and a magician theme when it evolves.

My only visual nitpick, which I'll get into more with Meowscarada, is that the neutral green is completely unnecessary; everything that color could just be the dark green and nothing would be lost. It's particularly bothersome on the front leaf, which suddenly changes color with no reason why. Other than that, however, I think this design is solid.

I remember really not caring for Meowscarada when it was first leaked, but looking at the official art via scans, it's much better than I gave it credit for initially. I think the problem is that it has kind of a janky in-game model, which has a weird mouth and slightly too-round eye shapes that throw it a bit.

Anyway, as a whole, I do think it's got the right idea. Despite it being a magician Pokemon of sorts with maybe some carnival elements, it very specifically reminds of a pierrot (poofy "sleeves", neck ruffles, diamonds over the eyes, small pinched mouth) crossed with a jester (the mask and cheek fur).

I also mentioned in my original review that I hoped they were going for an Iberian Lynx kind of thing, and that ended up being true with the cheek scruff, short tail, and paw shapes. I do wish they worked the lynx ear tufts into the mask, but it's nice to have a lynx Pokemon that actually somewhat looks like a lynx and not a lion.

Visually, Meowscarada makes sense as a final evo; the mask comes from the dark parts of Sprigatito's and Floragato's faces, the cheek fur was always there as were the pink accents, the cape is derived from Sprigatito's neck leaf, etc. It doesn't suddenly change themes or visuals out of nowhere, and everything in the design makes sense as a logical conclusion to the line.

So why don't I feel more strongly about it? I think my big problem is the colors. It has four colors in its palette: pink, green, green, And Green. The "middle" shade of green is unnecessary, and only serves to lower the contrast of the design (this is especially noticeable with the diamonds on the mask, which blend into the rest of it). I also feel like the mask is too big and too rigid compared to the cheek fur, and the perfectly round "cuffs" near the paws make its arms look swollen instead of fluffy.

Here's a small edit I did to try to show what I mean visually (original on right):

I adjusted the mask shape to be a little more jester-like and made the paws dark green with fur cuffs so they parallel the legs visually. I also removed the middle green for higher contrast, and redistributed the pink to put focus on the cape, which is more important to the design than stuff like the paw pads.

I know all that's pretty nitpicky stuff, but it's the nitpicky stuff that kind of throws this design for me and makes me like Floragato more. It's not bad—but it could've been a better with just a bit of refinement and simplification.

As a whole, I'd say the Sprigatito line is pretty strong; it has a clear theme, logical typing, and a clear visual through line. Each stage also has their own unique attributes that make them both stand out and work as a whole. I do think Meowscarada's design could've stood to have a few tweaks made in the color department, but it's otherwise one of the stronger starter lines we've gotten in recent years.

[missmahgenta]

Let’s talk about this for a bit

Winx Club is getting a little reboot, which is something I’m actually quite excited for. Season 8 wasn’t nowhere near as good as the old seasons, but I do consider it a bit of an improvement to its previous seasons (specifically 6 and 7).

So, let’s rant about these designs.

Bloom’s new clothing here reminds me a lot of Stella’s old clothing. While I do like this more neutered shade of blue, I do wish there was a bit of her old cyan somewhere. I like the boots and her little crown, but honestly nothing else really catches my eyes.

She looks pretty, but a bit boring to be honest. In most dubs, Bloom definitely has the least personality of the group, so maybe I was hoping that they did something a bit more crazy with her design.

Also, I don’t know why but I don’t like her purse at all

Stella didn’t change much, but I do enjoy what has been changed quite a lot. Her skirt (which does look like Bloom’s old skirt) looks very good on her, and I’ll be honest, I never really liked her pigtails.

The Boots are nice, her purse is cute, the wings are alright and while I do wish her crown was more visible, I think that it looks good. Overall, she looks very solid.

I feel that there’s something missing with Flora’s new design (at least it’s not her melanin this time around). Not having that stronger and darker shade of pink really makes her new dress look flat. Hell, having a pastel shade of green would have improved this outfit 100%.

The boots are super cute, the purse is boring, the crown is pretty but could use a secondary color. Her wings though are probably my favorites so far.

Overall, I’m not hating this reboot so far. I like the 3D models and they actually look good (you know, unlike all of the previous times 3D was used in this show), and the art style is not making me want to cry (you know, unlike season 8). I don’t want to be super hopeful because of Rainbow’s track record, but I do feel mildly excited for the show and the other characters (I have the feeling that Tecna’s going to be the one that will change the most).

[whorrorgrl]

What I Watched in June

So, this month really wasn't horror heavy. I had a lot of shit to do work-wise and when I did have time of leisure they were mostly filled with non-horror content. Currently I'm stuck on American Housewife (2016) and just finished The Bear (2022); even finished Pretty Smart (2021) and still looking for colorful, corny, laugh-track filled sitcoms that'll give me the impression that my life isn't completely dull at the moment. Any recommendations?

I recently watched a PossessedbyHorror video and realized the many 2000's horror I missed. Felt completely disgusted with myself and made a list I plan to whizz through for the month of July. Sadly soap2day got shut down because people still frown on gatekeeping, so I have to find another way to watch my movies. Any recommendations? They have to be legal! *wink, wink.*

Anyway since it's the summer I want to watch as many camp-related, cabin booking, road trip taking movies I can get my hands on while I die in this German heat. I've overlooked a lot of underrated gems, and hopefully I can make a post about the for those who want some inspiration for the summer.

Anyway, this is what I watched in the month of June.

Night Teeth (2023)

Benny is a college student that moonlights as a chauffeur under his brother's name to make some extra money. He picks up two mysterious women for a night of party-hopping around LA. Seems easy enough. However, he uncovers a dark underworld filled with blood, death, and generations-old rivalry. He has to fight to stay alive before daybreak.

I actually watched this one in May, but I limit my posts to only ten movies and shows since I can only post ten pictures a post, but whatever. June entry.

I'm really glad to see Debby Ryan employed after the god-awful Insatiable (Lauren Gussis, 2018). Something always annoyed me about her that I couldn't put my finger on. It might be that no matter how hard I try, I always see her as that annoying babysitter of that rich family with multiracial kids running around a penthouse with a random lizard. I try to separate the art from the artist, I do. She was pretty good in this movie as the soft-hearted Blaire, a vampire turned in the 70's by Zoe (played by Lucy Fry). Alfie Allen is once again playing some backstabbing asshole, only he goes by Victor this time. The entire movie is politics between humans and vampires when a treaty-like understanding between the races is disrupted. Because of his relation to his brother, Benny is in the middle of it all. I liked the story of vampires and humans - Ryan's narration is perfect for it; she has such a nice voice. The world-building was fine. All the characters are nice. It's a fun movie to watch. Seeing Megan Fox and Sydney Sweeney was a decent treat; it reminds me of all the years we missed to see Fox be the ultimate horror girl so I get a little sad. Fry just has that look of playing some supernatural creature, which is why I guess she's type-casted in movies like Bright (David Ayer, 2017) and Vampire Academy (Mark Waters, 2014). I'd recommend as a drunken, fun watch with some friends. Nothing to write home about. 6/10

2. The Pope's Exorcist (2023)

Starring 2020 Unhinged's Russell Crowe, The Pope's Exorcist is inspired by the real life Gabriele Armorth, an Italian priest, who partook in 100,000 exorcism in his lifetime. Crowe depicts Armorth in the late 1980's who investigates a possession of a young boy in Spain, revealing centuries old conspiracies hidden by the Vatican.

This isn't a classic, but it feels like one. Some of the imagery are inspired by 1973's The Exorcist. It had a solid story, horrific scenes, and a good-enough child actor to play the possessed. It reminds me of what The Nun (Corin Hardy, 2018) could've been. Considering this Italian priest Armorth is a real living being with endless documentations of his exorcisms, this could be a start of a new Ed and Lorraine-like franchise like The Conjuring. I no longer have cable and I live in Europe for the time being, so I'm not sure how this movie's being received in the states. I hope it's well. If the following movies are as good as this one, then I'll keep it on my radar. I liked Russell Crowe in this movie. I know him from Unhinged and thought he was John Goodman in 10 Cloverfield, but he's not, so..

I'd highly recommend this movie for anyone that wants that Conjuring feel. It's not a throwaway exorcist movie. You can tell the storyline was probably thought of for more than a session between coffee breaks. 8/10.

3. The Birds (1963)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Melanie, a rich socialist follows Mitch, a lawyer, to his weekend home in Bodega Bay to play a practical joke on him. Things take a bizarre turn when the birds of the area begin to attack the people.

This is an actual classic and one of Hitchcock’s revered works next to Psycho (1960), which I did watch, and Vertigo (1958). It’s also known for its brutality against actress Tippi Hedren, who plays Melanie Daniels, by the director himself. Melanie is a socialite with nothing better to do than to stalk a man she had an encounter with over the weekend to continue a pun. The movie’s theme from the get-go is birds. Melanie meets Mitch in a bird shop where she impersonates a worker. Mitch knows who she is but plays along as she embarrassingly looks for a species of birds she doesn’t know - or any, for that matter. He leaves and she uses her father’s connection in some position to find out where he lives.

Older movies like this do not give a damn about logistics or how much a character gets away with. It’s very manic pixie but with cigarette holders and 50's transition soundtracks. Everyone and their actions feel like a fever dream, like I’m witnessing another dimension interact in ways that are similar to mine but not quite. How do they say and do these things?

But Melanie is charming and beautiful, so maybe that’s why she’s able to run around town being ridiculous. I can see why it’s well loved. Will I watch it again? Probably not. I think I’d need nostalgia to find this rewatchable and I’m three generations too late to the party. It’s good for a one and done just to say you did, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. I loved the banter between Mitch and Melanie. I liked the ending where a traumatized Melanie clutches onto the once abrasive Lydia Brenner who found it hard to like any of her son's love interest. It brings you back to the beginning of the movie when Melanie says, “Doesn’t she know she gets a daughter?” Something like that. Sometimes I wonder what kind of charm, what kind of placement, a man can have to influence one woman to move from the big city to a seaport to be a teacher and have another not rush back home at the first sign of a bird attack. Venusian for sure.

Overall, I give it a good 7/10. Pretty standard for me.

4. iZombie (2015)

Up and coming cardiologist Olivia "Liv" Moore's life is changed when she's turned into a zombie in a massacre. Now undead, she takes on a job at the morgue to get access to brains, only to find out that she's triggered by the memories of their brains. With this knowledge, she helps Clive Babeneaux, ostracized detective, solve crimes.

I've technically been lying on all these "What I watch..." lists because iZombie should be on them all, including the ones I didn't get to do. Do you know how many times I've rewatched this show? Countless. Every time I do, there's always something new to discover. I am a whore for a good murder of the week/monster of the week, etc. It's exciting and fun, which is why I like Supernatural or Ghost Whisperer. Sure, there's a canonical B plot that happens, but the A plot changing every episode allows you to not get tired of the show. Unlike many shows now-a-days, iZombie doesn't spoon feed you information. It treats its viewers respectfully by not insulting your intelligence. There are always high stakes, the acting is phenomenal, and they don't waste your time. In the later seasons, they become more creative with each episode, dabbling in different types of storytelling. I can't gush about this show enough - I know for a fact I will be making a long, nauseatingly drawn out post on iZombie. Not to mention it has one of the best villain I've watched. They aren't afraid to be ugly, and you don't realize it because it's the kind of show that goes down smoothly. But when you really stop to think about all the topics covered, it's gruesome. The tongue in cheek jokes, the beautifully fleshed out characters, the thick chemistry between the characters - ugh everything.

Almost.

One issue I had with this show was its ending. During its last season, CW had a couple shows that were "big dogs." Legacies, The 100, Jane the Virgin, etc., so iZombie that wasn't ranking in as many views and writers seem to have wanted to wrap it up to clear for space. You could steadily feel the decline in attraction when it came to certain plots that I skip on my countless rewatches. The ending just seemed...there. It was a happy one, sure, but happened off screen and felt like the climax wasn't big enough for the final payoff. It's kind of like building up an entire seven seasons of white walkers and the impending war against them, only for then said war to entail unearned final blows and zero investments when it came to lighting. IYKYK.

I don't know how to better explain it. If you watched it, you know. If you're going to, you'll see. It just felt as if CW was just hurrying up to end the show so that they could free up some time slots. Other than that, 9/10.

5. The Boogeyman (2023)

Directed by Rob Savage, who also did Dashcam (2021) and Host (2020), The Boogeyman follows the Harper family who are still reeling from the recent death of the mother. Sadie and her younger sister Sawyer are alone in their grief, as their father refuses to acknowledge his own pain. He's a therapist who runs his business out of his home. When an troubled, unscheduled patient shows up, he brings with him something dark and dangerous.

I'm so surprised. This was actually good. I went in blind, no trailer viewing, but the name alone already puts thoughts in your head that this might be one of those throw-away movies running off of a fad. Polaroid (Lars Klevberg, 2019), Slenderman (Sylvain White, 2018), Truth or Dare (Jeff Wadlow, 2018), etc. Movies that weed out of a childhood game, folklore, trend, electronic, etc. They're usually decent, nothing that warrants any awards; just fun to watch. Despite the name, The Boogeyman is more than meets the eye. I liked what they did with the use of lighting: fridges, game plays, Christmas lights, a moon ball, the light in the therapist's office. The 'lore of the creature is okay, the horror elements are nice, the camera angles fun and familiar. It'll always confuse me how therapists run their practice out of their home, especially if they have kids. It's similar to Smile (Parker Finn, 2022) to where the entity feeds on the broken and latches on. The creature reveal was also good too and unique, especially that one face grabbing scene. The hint of ghostly entity was a cute addition. I'd recommend giving it a try. They say boogeyman, like, once so you're still grounded in the world without it feeling so cartoonish. 8/10

6. Terrifier (2016)

This slasher film was written and directed by Damien Leone. The movie features sisters Tara and Victoria and friend Dawn who are targeted by a serial killing clown known as "Art the Clown" on Halloween night. The girls try to outrun the mysterious clown who seem to not back down.

So, the second movie was a big deal on my dashboard, timeline, and home page across my social medias. I'm not familiar with anything Leone, but I wanted to watch it to see what all the fuss was about before beginning the second movie. Admittedly, I fell asleep halfway through - but I finished it later on. Some scenes seemed familiar, and I wondered if I'd watched it before, but I doubt it. Aside from the acting, it was pretty decent. Not as amazing as I thought it would be but still decent. I'm not sure what that creature is, but I knew he was unbeatable. There's like two more movies after, so I figured as much. The characters were ridiculous in the choices they made, the deaths were camp (which mean it's just a socially acceptable bad) and the setting was okay. That one lady with the "baby" was a conflicting inclusion, but I still overall liked it. Would I rewatch it again? Maybe not. 6/10.

7. Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Directed by Lee Cronin, this is the fifth installment of the Evil Dead series. Two estranged sisters meet up on a night that all goes wrong. When the children discover a buried book under the slabs of their apartment, it awakens an ancient creature that will wreck havoc on their night.

This was the star of my month. I wanted to watch it the minute it came out, but waited for my boyfriend to visit to start it a month later. I'm not sure why, but this month was very tiring for me and I also slept through half of the movie and had to rewatch it at a later time. The anticipation around it was big, as far as I saw. The opening sequence of the girl rising out of the water in the title sequence was amazing. However....everything else felt lackluster.

The 2013 remake was my introduction to the franchise. I have yet to watch the 1981 or the following movies in '87 and '92. However, the 2013 one was an experience. After going through everything the main character endured in that damn cabin, you, too, just like her, left that movie exhausted. The bathroom scene, the brother scene, the raining blood where everything on that set was red and grimy. That demon did not care what it said; it was going to get a rise out of you. You heard the most vile, deplorable things come out of that girl's mouth and it left a horrific effect on you as a viewer. It was so good. I expected that from 2023's. But they played it so safe. There's this one scene of the eldest daughter chewing on glass and the ridiculous line of "I gotta kill the creepy-crawlies that got inside my tummy."

Okay?

"Open this door like you open your legs, you group slut." A little better, but nothing's topping, "Why don't you come down here, so I can suck your cock, pretty boy."

I just felt like they could've been mean with it. I liked 2013 because of how much of a potty mouth that damn demon was, sent straight from the deepest bowels of hell. This one just didn't do it for me. However, Alyssa Sutherland's cheekbones? That has to earn some points. 7/10

8. Mirrors (2008)

Starring Kierfer Sutherland, surprisingly Paula Patton and even the late Cameron Boyce, Mirrors is a supernatural horror film about Ben, recently suspended detective, who takes on a job as a nightly security guard overseeing a gutted department store after the recent disappearance of the previous guard.

Is this some underrated gem? No. I liked it though, especially the ending. They scored big points on the ending alone. I'm not a pessimist, but I do love an ending where the entity wins. Spoiler. Paula Patton was a surprising actress for me since I'm not really big on her acting. She was decent in this movie, but still an odd surprise. I don't know, it's just something about her face and her reaction to things.

This deals with an alcoholic main character, so there's a plot of him being an unreliable character when he tries to prove the supernatural happenings to his wife, who he has a rocky relationship with already. This plot line always stresses me out; Woman in the Window (the book) made me sad for her.

Honestly, I'll never understand white people in movies. I'm surprised there aren't riots about stereotypes of white people's idiotic curiosity in movies. Why Ben went into that building in the first place is beyond you or my's understanding. Why he touched that mirror in the first place is another. Most of the issues these characters have in all these movies could be chalked up to their curiosity. Not minding their business. But I'm partially grateful for that curiosity anyhow because it moves the plot forward. Just could never be me. The fact that he convinced Anna to go back to that place just to save a bunch of people she did not know? Bizarre. Granted, she didn't have much choice with a gun to her head, but it pissed me off completely because, dude, who told you to explore a destroyed building and go touching shit?

Would I rewatch this again? Probably not. I honestly just watched it because it was on my boyfriend's external hard drive and we'd just finished Evil Dead Rise. It was decent enough but, eh. 6/10

[hoodedchishiya]

Hey! Lately I've seen a lot of these "appreciation" and "positivity" ask posts circulating around from people towards their favorite writers and I've kind of wanted for a while to send in something too. I didn't really want to just go with a copy-paste one though, so I decided to write my own appreciation/positivity/gratitude letter to you. I won't lie, but I was kind of nervous at first about writing it since I don't have the best way with words, but oh well, here goes nothing. I have no idea if you'll even see this or not or if you'll read it, but I wrote it anyways.

First off, I'd like to start my appreciation post with your writing. Dude, you have one of the most dedicated, detailed and thoughtful writing I've ever came across in my life! What you make could be easily called a work of art and I mean every single word of this! One can really tell that you are passionate about what you are doing and let me tell you, you are doing not only a good job, but an amazing one with every piece and thread you write, be it a serious story type one or a silly crack post that makes me cackle every time, everything you write is clearly wrote with dedication to your craft! So yeah, your writing is a solid 100/10, never give up on what you do and what you love, because it's simply amazing. And I swear, every time you posted an OOC announcement saying that you thought that your writing sucked, I was like "Bitch please! If there's one person who's writing could never fail or suck in this whole place, that would be you! So don't you ever say that your writing is bad!", because your writing isn't and has never been bad! In fact, when I first started out and saw the threads you had going on, it was one of my dreams of actually writing with such a good writer like you one day, ngl, you really inspired me! So no matter what, don't ever lose faith in yourself and never give up on your hobby!

Then comes your portrayal of Chishiya. Man, I don't know what you do or how you do it, but I swear to God, you managed to capture the essence of Chishiya in the best way possible! It's like the perfect blend of show!Chishiya and manga!Chishiya and it's as if you are in his head and it's just... Words can't describe it, it's just flawless. It kind of reminded me of the way I used to perceive him in my mind and it's probably what drew me soo much to how you write Chishiya because yeah, you really captured perfectly the essence of his snarky, bitchy and condescending attitude, yet him still being somewhat devoted to those he cares for, that I like soo much about him and it reminded me why I liked Chishiya in the first place. It kinda rekindled my love for him from back when I first watched the show and read the manga. So yeah, no matter how many Chishiyas would be out there, I don't think either of them could ever replace yours and yours will probably remain my favorite one. Again, I don't know how you do it, but just keep doing that thing that makes your Chishi great and never change a thing, because it's already perfect. Thank you for sharing your Chishiya with us and thank you for bringing him to life!

And lastly but not least, I would like to preface my gratitude for our friendship. Yeah, I am someone you know and wrote with. I just want to say a sincere and grateful thank you for being one of my first close friends on here. I remember when I first started out writing on here and I didn't have many friends or people I knew in the community. I was always shy and scared of reaching out to people because I thought my writing sucked and that no one will like me or my Muse, so I was mostly sticking with the people I already knew and were supporting me. At first I was simply watching your writing from afar, just enjoying the interactions between Chishiya and Niragi you had going on, because they made me laugh or be like "Oh my!". I really admired you and looked up to you in a way, as stated before, because I always thought and still think that your writing is spot on. And then, one day, I took the bull by the horns and launched my own attempt at an interaction. I didn't really have much hope for it that you will reply, but to my surprise, you actually did and well, it was fun and slowly it was the beginning of a nice friendship. The dumb stuff we wrote back then still bring a smile to my face to this day and they'll forever be a part of my happy memories in this community. I can only hope you had fun writing with me and enjoying the interactions we created between our Muses as much as I did. So thanks again, from the bottom of my heart, that you accepted me and became my friend.

I know I most likely wasn't the greatest friends out there and most often than not I was probably a handful to deal with, given my very energetic and hyped kind of personality, so I am sorry if I ever said or done something stupid. Even so, I always tried to be there for you and show my support as much as I could, because I truly cherished our friendship. Other than the IC interactions we had, I also enjoyed our little talks OOC too. They weren't very often, that's true, but they still made me laugh and made me happy and every time I look back at them they still make me smile. I know it was mostly my rambling, but thanks for listening to me and talking to me, especially for when I told you about the loss of my furr babies. It was somewhat nice to actually be able to talk about my happy memories with my beloved cats without feeling the need to weep thinking back on them, so thank you for not turning me off and letting me talk about them. And hey, who knows, maybe I was actually right and my dear kitty cat really reincarnated as Nijiro's cat, who knows. Anyways, these were some really nice memories. Oh, and not to forget the times we discussed the dumb shit our Muses did, dude, that was hilarious af! Those truly were amazing times!

So yeah, thanks again for being someone I could call a dear friend and for writing with me both in and out of character! And thanks for everything you do in this community!

Well this appreciation and positivity ask post really turned out to be a very long one. Heh, I guess it ended up being more of a letter I guess. I dunno if you actually read it up to this point, but if you did, I truly appreciate it and I hope it made you smile at least a little bit. Again, I dunno how well I managed to convey what I wanted to tell you since I am terrible when it comes to words, but I did my best. No matter what time will tell and where it will take you, just don't forget that there'll always be someone who cares about you and appreciates you and your work and don't ever let anyone change who you are or the way you write your character!

Yours truly, ~ Just a friendly Tumblr anon

Wowowow, I’m actually speechless.. I don’t even know what to say. After reading this my heart literally feels so full and.. thank you so much 🥺❤️

I’ve been struggling for the longest time to have confidence in my writing and I’m so glad that other people seem to like it. Chishiya means a lot to me and I’m so grateful that people are enjoying the way I portray him.

Once again, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to write all of this. You didn’t have to. I read every word and honestly, it kinda made me tear up.

Thank you thank you thank you 🥺

~Mun ❤️

[sunny-ghost]

Baking [A short story for "The Oakwood Mansion"]

Doesn't contain any spoilers for the main story

Mizuki isn't the greatest at cooking, decent at best. What she makes is edible, at least, and receives fair amount of praise; but it’s nothing extraordinary.

Her baking, on the other hand, is much worse.

Thus, it’s a mystery why she’s decided to bake not only cookies, but cupcakes as well, unable to choose between them. Chocolates would’ve been much easier; she’s made them before. Just melt the chocolate, pour into moulds, and freeze.

But that’s too simple. Although, she’s not sure the end result will be worth making a mess of their kitchen. As long as she finishes and gets cleaned up in time for her grandmother to come home, everything will be fine.

Probably.

Three hours were already spent coming up with a gift, frantically googling recipes – then cycling to the nearest corner shop for a single packet of sugar they lacked, and doing the actual baking. Now, with both trays in the oven she forgot to preheat, she’s forced to confront the mess burning holes into her head from every direction.

Stacks of dishes on top of a broken dishwasher, flour and sugar over the countertop, her hands and clothes, and a bit of spilt cupcake batter. The clock hanging on the wall reads twelve pm, she has roughly two hours before her grandmother comes home. 

It'd been a nightmare trying to convince her to stay out longer with friends; she rarely goes out nowadays. Luckily, her friends agreed, insisting on karaoke and visiting a new art museum that’d opened up in the city. The city that’s half an hour drive away.

Right now, however, Mizuki’s wishing she’d let one of them in on the plan and requested some tips. If she’d sorted this out days ago, then she could’ve asked one of their neighbours to come over and help. 

Her grandmother wouldn’t have minded if she ever did find out, considering how tight-knit the neighbourhood is. Everyone has come over at some point since her grandparents first moved in.

Alas, she handwashes every bowl and utensil in the sink, scrubbing relentlessly. This is worth it, she reminds herself, although if the deserts happen to overcook, she’ll settle with store brought instead. 

Or so she tells herself, knowing full-well she’d just start all over again. It’s going to be worth it.

Only after she takes both trays out of the oven, does she realise she might’ve overdone it. While unsure how long cupcakes and cookies last before expiring, she does know that if she’d hand all of these to Siorus and Hikaru in a large bag or container, they’d never let her live it down.

Maybe Paige will enjoy some – ah, never mind, she doesn’t like cupcakes much, especially red velvet, or choc chip cookies (perhaps she’ll still eat them if Mizuki just removes the chips… okay, no). Alice might try some, albeit she’ll be a little confused by the offering.

With the clutter cleaned up, the countertops practically shining, there won’t be any harm in letting her grandmother know. She would’ve opposed to Mizuki baking in the kitchen alone, due to… previous incidents, but what done is done – so surely, she won’t deny tasting some of her prized goods.

Or, at the very least, let Mizuki share some with her friends when they all get back.

First thing’s first, she has to taste test them. Even though they appear perfect on the outside; the cupcakes are spongey, and the cookies balance on the fine line between undercooked and burnt, she hesitates to take a bite.

Bracing herself for the worst, she tries the cupcake first. The top layer has a solid, slightly crunchy texture, and the flavour has her immediately taking another bite – only for her to choke on it.

She finishes the rest without dying, and moves onto the chocolate chip cookie. It breaks off easily, and is a little too chewy for her liking, but maybe this is an odd one out. 

There’s no telling which are perfect or downright terrible, unfortunately, and she can’t try all of them. So she leaves it up to luck and her own intuition, and neatly packs an equal amount of both treats into a picnic basket, a white cloth laid underneath.

No time to waste, she carries it out the door, praying that Hikaru and Siorus are at the treehouse today. If not, well…

A sudden meow derails her train of thought. Fuku sits in front of her feet, blinking up at her. “Oh, good afternoon.”

Just as she’s about to hurry back inside to grab him a treat, he stands up and walks towards the forest. She hesitates, glancing behind her at her house, then smiles and trails after him.

Carefully stepping around fairy rings and skipping across small rivers, she delves deep into the forest. Venturing this far used to be impossible, goosebumps on her skin, shivers up her spine and voices in her head screaming, “Go back, it’s not safe” made every second a miracle.

Now, it’s quiet.

Fuku guides her through low hanging trees, straight into a branch that hits her every time she comes here. She cups her reddening face, groaning.

Her body senses it before her ears do, goosebumps prickle her skin. A sweet melody fills the air, softly played heart accompanied by piano luring her forward in a trance. She’s heard it on the radio before, “I say a little prayer”.

But instead of Aretha Franklin’s voice, Hikaru sings her heart out; dancing as well, the hem of her dress swaying with her movements. Siorus sits against the treehouse on a red and white picnic mat, radio blaring beside him. He waves to Mizuki.

Who smiles and leans against a tree, watching in awe. This isn’t the first time Hikaru’s broke out into song, always urging them to join in as well – and hopefully, it’s far from the last.

Then, from the corner of her eye, Hikaru spots her and stops singing, though the song continues. “Mizuki, hey!” 

It’s a slight disappointment, not being able to hear more. Siorus turns the radio down, she hopes they’ll bring the song back later. “Hey, I uh… baked you guys something.”

Smile becoming lopsided, she holds out the basket, and Hikaru excitedly ushers her over to the picnic mat. She asks Mizuki how she’s been, as if they didn’t see each other just yesterday. 

The radio buzzes in the background, singers drowned out by her and Siorus’ glee. 

“You made all these yourself?” Siorus asks, taking out a cupcake whereas Hikaru picks a cookie. “They look amazing, do you bake often?”

Awkwardly clearing her throat, Mizuki averts her gaze. “Oh, yeah, all the time. It’s a hobby of mine."

Hikaru’s eyes light up. “Really? Could you teach me sometime? I’d love to learn.”

Uh oh. Heart skipping a beat, Mizuki’s sheepish smile widens as she curls her fingers around grass stems. Both of them in the kitchen at once will create utter chaos, twice the amount of mess from this morning.

Even Siorus appears reluctant, nervously eyeing Mizuki as if to warn her. Alas, releasing her held breath, Mizuki sits up straight – forcing her smile to appear more confident, and says,

“Of course. Whenever you're free.”

[motheatenscarf]

Okay, we're 6 episodes in now and I wanted to wait and make sure the first 3 eps weren't a fluke, but they weren't.

I am really enjoying S2 of TLoVM so far!

It's still good!

S1 had a rough start, but like, pilots are hard. I get it. Selling people on this world and these characters is a lot, setting the right tone is hard. I don't even think they botched it, I think it was just awkward for those first few episodes, but by the end of the Briarwood arc they really proved they can make a worthwhile story out of this with fucking gorgeous animation and solid character work.

S2 continues to impress me in terms of animation, I complained that the one dragon of S1 along with a few undead warg looking things were janky as fuck and looked terrible. Not the case anymore! The Chroma Conclave are CG and they are GORGEOUS, both in design and the way they move, I'm so glad they gave them the attention they need! The Sphynxes looked a little wonky, but in a way that implied maybe they were made of stone, and they're not here for that long anyway, so it's nothing that doesn't work well enough to get you through until they don't matter anymore.

My one nitpicky ultra critical complaint remains what it's always been; character talk too fucking much when they could just shut up and trust their audience to put two and two together.

I know that's like... a petty thing to complain about, but god it annoys me. It shouldn't! It's not like this is trying to be high art or anything! It's a fun dumb adventure story with focuses on action, horror, and comedy, and 2/3 of those it nails every time! It just bugs me that they make crude jokes, they curse, they have gore out the fucking whazoo, they are clearly branding themselves as a Grownup Show For Adults, so the way some of the unnecessary dialogue holds people's hands through scenes like they are small children who don't have any kind of understanding of visual language just... annoys me.

Spoilers below the cut for the most egregious example of this specific gripe;

Okay, so Scanlan being the one to "wound" the Sphynx was something I saw coming a mile away. That's not a bad thing, I've said before if a narrative has done its job, you know what's coming because you've been paying attention to the themes and foreshadowing. I don't remember this being in C1, but I barely remember this part of C1, so that's not saying much, everything between the Briarwood arc and Westruun kinda blurs together for me. But! I knew that it was gonna be Scanlan and that he'd do his bard cutting words shit and wound the Sphynx by reminding him of Osysa. And he did! And it was a sweet moment, I liked that we see the effect it has on the Sphynx as he looks sad and cries. I am a human adult who understands simple emotional cues, I can see he is wounded. The fucking Sphynx does not then with his words need to tell me "You have done what no other has before, you have wounded me; you have wounded my heart." I know that! Scanlan knows that! We saw him crying!

The dialogue that follows is, y'know, clumsy, but I get why they have Scanlan say with his words that he is lonely even though everything in the narrative is beating us over the head about it. But god the whole "Oh, you have wounded me!" thing was just. It irritated me. Just have the Sphynx cry and THEN say, "You must know great love in your life to understand such pain as this." That's it! That's all we need!

It just bugs me!

And it shouldn't!

And I know it!

I'm fully aware how petty I'm being but my god, if you are making a grown up show for adults, trust your audience to be able to discern that a SAPIENT BEING THAT IS CRYING. IS EMOTIONALLY WOUNDED. For FUCK'S SAKE.

Anyway, A- so far, the animation really is amazing and the characters and world are a lot of fun. It's fun! It's fun and worthwhile and good and doesn't try to be anything more than what it needs to be, which is good, I'm just insane and impossible to please.