#This ended up being much longer than I thought it'd be XD

[slylock-syl]

Hey Syllll! Long time, no chat! I just wanted to get this off my chest before i go ham trying to figure out what i wanna commission from you soon.

I have been reading Undersource for years now, and i think we've both come a long way since then! God, that feels weird to say, i'm not even old enough to drink yet lmao. But! I am old enough to spend my money responsibly now, which is nuts given that my responsible spending is now aimed at getting art of my blorbos LOL.

You've grown as an artist so much since i first started reading- i think that was around... the pirate arc? Not sure! But i do remember the early days of me having discord, during the EKD server category era. But anyways, i know the way you drew our favorite skeletons was different back then, and it's all gotten so much smoother in that time. You're also (at least seemingly) taking way better care of yourself! You've set boundaries, you've set more time for yourself and not the blog, and you're still happily chugging along, after all these years. Not to mention you're working on this side story now, which i'm fairly certain you've been looking forward to for a while.

How's that sleeping though? Do you still have the sleep cycle of an austalian? Can't say i'm any better, im slowly becoming nocturnal again lol. Some things NEVER change.

Anyways. All this to say: im really proud to have been part of this little community for so long. To see the comic and its artist come so far. Even if im not a diehard fan anymore, im glad i can still take a little time every weekend to realize "OH, U/S shoulda updated!" and run over here. Thanks for giving me a good starting point of community on this god damned hellsite.

(Here's to sleepy 5 am "you're great" asks LMAO)

sjksdhLKSDJFHG THIS IS SUCH A SWEET MESSAGE OMG-

Hi Azzy! :D I'm glad you still like my work even after all this time! Thank you for sticking around! :D

I have been taking better care of myself these days! I'm (only sometimes begrudgingly XD) going on daily walks (Pikmin Bloom is really helping with that, I love Pikmin they're so cute), and made some new friends! When I first started this blog I was convinced I had to constantly/frequently produce content, and I time went on I slowly realized that wasn't really viable, so I slowly trimmed down the workloads for better manageability, I'd say it's helped a lot! Even if it may not look like it sometimes XD

There was a point before I adjusted my work schedule where I figured out that I may have been riding a creative burnout for a long while, as when I looked back it felt like my work had begun to visually stagnate. I think at the time I was cramming working on the comic update across only 3 or 4 days (Wednesday/Thursday to Saturday mornings, sometimes down to the wire), with several hours of just constant work (plus any distractions and 3 daily asks) because I was procrastinating so badly X'D I'm still recovering from the visual stagnation, but I'm definitely trying to experiment where I can! I may not be the best at it but I hope I'm improving at least ksjdghLSDGH My current schedule is MUCH more spaced out and much more manageable, spanning Sunday to Friday and broken down into stages for each day, and Saturdays are my designated day off~

As for the side story, it's one I've had around for quite a while and have been excited to finally show off! There were a few people who were interested in it when it was first teased, though I've no idea if they're still around, if they are I hope they're enjoying the story so far as well! 💜

Oddly enough my sleep schedule is no longer on Cthulhu Standard Time SKSDJGHDLG We had a TON of construction going on in the house the past few months and it was way too awkward to sleep with a bunch of strangers either being in or near my room, as well as making a LOT of noise sjkdhgLKSDJG There was a brief section of time where I'd actually go to bed at a "normal" time and get up at like, 9 or 10 am X'D Though it's slowly sneaking it's way into afternoons to 3 or 4 AM after I feed the kitties, kinda like my old college schedule XD

Thank you again for liking my work and sticking around! I really appreciate it!! :D

I may not be anywhere near whatever my "peak" was a few years ago, but I'm still happy to keep going for those who still come around! 💜

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1135 - Initial Thoughts

Spent waaaaaaay too long looking for a gif there XD

but we're back for the last chapter of the year mysteries afoot, but do we expect answers? Well, not anytime soon but there's still a chapter to get through

So let's see what Oda ends 2024 on

Spoilers for the Chapter, Support the Official Release Too

And as it should've been from the start of this cover story, Tama kicks Holdem in the face, citing how much stronger she is now

The Library group (Robin, Chopper, Bonney and Lilith) are reading the now gigantified books, which as theorized is due to the owl there

The owl is translated as Bibelot in TCB, but I have seen them be called Bilbo too

Regardless, he's been here for hundreds of years, is the head librarian and they're the cause of the books gigantifying

Saul also notes that they get the odd newspaper despite not being part of the WG due to Fishermen bringing them, which they take to the library to read

Lilith notes that the owl likely has the 'Rear-Rear Fruit', which I think is rear in the context of child rearing rather than your ass. Making it a 'nurturing owl'

She does make a note that 'even inorganic things grow' meaning that usually the power is used on organic

Robin continues to soak in the library, Chopper asks if there's any medical books as she remembers that there are some but mostly Ohara had history and archaeology books

Saul points out that there are medicine books of Elbaf too, but they are giant sized by default, wonder if Chopper will learn new medicines from Elbaf

By the school lot, Luffy is enjoying the swing, the two kids and Usopp are a bit scared of how high they are swinging though

Nami's quick to beat both of them up, even though as Usopp noted he also wanted Luffy to stop, got caught in the crossfire

The kids rush to Gerd crying, which Luffy reprimands them for since it's shameful for warriors to cry

Sanji defends them noting they were brought up with love and kindness, though is quick to notice that one of the kids has a familiar smirk (a la Momonosuke) while nestled in Gerd's bosom

Luffy's dejected due to Elbaf being peaceful, but Usopp is looking on the positive side

Until Colon comes up witha wooden sword to attack Luffy

Luffy breaks the sword and preps a Gear Third, the Elephant Gun intentionally missing its mark as Usopp reprimands him for going so far on a child

Luffy enjoys that someone has guts, but the rest of the giant children call Luffy out as mean

Seems Colon is the 'delinquent' of the class, skipping school and picking fights, he also calls the other students weaklings but approves of Luffy

Oh wow that mark over Ripley's eye goes ALL the way down

Ripley reprimands Colon for causing a scene, but commends him on his first strike

Oh? Seems the barmaid wasn't Colon's mother, Ripley is! The barmaid is called Mato

Someone, likely Luffy, shows surprise that Ripley's a mother, but commends her for teaching Colon the old ways. Sanji however asks if she's gonna make him apologise for the sneak attack

Additional intrigue, Colon's father is a human, to Sanji's surprise too

Seems one of Ripley's favourite food is Lingonberries, lingonberry sauce is used in the Scandanavian countries as a side to meat, another name for them is Mountain Cranberry since they're similar but grow in the tundra

But anyway, back to anatomical questions, we get no explanation! That being said it means humans and giants can fuck somehow...maybe they did it in the library or something XD

The unnamed father is Ripley's husband informally, she does speak of him with love though, seems Ripley wanted the marriage too since he thought it'd be 'weird' given their age gap, given that he'll grow old much quicker than her

The school group move over to the library, where Robin requests that she stay there a little longer to chat with Saul, she'll reconvene with them later at the feast

Saul notes they'll have plenty of time because giants party for days

Chopper is staying too, so are Bonney and Lilith - who are looking to get a resident permit

Franky meanwhile wants to go check the tree, confirming it's 'an Adam tree', meaning there's more than one

According to Saul there are a few Adam Trees in the world, but this one is likely the oldest

Luffy's okay with both, noting that he's close to his limit without eating

Gerd interjects nervously as we get new threads for the rest of the crew, unlike Rodo she insists she only makes human clothes for fun, while again quietly marvelling at how cute they are

The other batch of Elbaf outfits are all winners, Brook looks similar to Sanji's fit, Jinbe could've gone with going shirtless but each their own, Franky decides to go with the full viking beard now which I am 50/50 on but the rest is cool, and Robin looks delightful and not overly sexualized which is a huge plus

At Ouest Castle (Ouest if you didn't figure out is just 'West') our two cloaked figures are spotted by giant guards

The guards ask if they are with the Straw Hats and request their business

The bandaged woman states they're looking for Loki, the giants wonder why anyone would go looking for someone who caused such disarray

She asks if they will tell her and they say no, in case they help him escape

A sfx of Dododdo happens around the figure, and the light haired giant 'Bog' suddenly starts writhing in pain before falling unconscious

After that display, the figure notes she wasn't asking, and orders them to tell her

That's all we'll get though, as the Giant's banquet begins, officially being welcomed with a grand introduction and reminders of their good deeds towards the giants (and taking down Big Mom, which they didn't do)

Luffy is more in his element now, sitting on a pile of giant meat

The giants cheers to the crew

Another ship sails down as Luffy meets Stansen properly, giving a brief recap on how he was the giant taken to the human auction house (he was captured while napping) that fled with Rayleigh, he was adamant to meet Luffy again when he heard that Hajrudin joined under his banner

Also there's always the welcome panel of Charloss getting decked

Elder Jarul has arrived to the party, the same guy from Big Mom's flashback

Jarul towers over even other giants, being twice the size of Brogy, also his laugh is Boja Ja Ja

Luffy however notices the very clear sword impaled through his head and panics

Jarul says his helmet saved him, even though it's gone straight through...

Anatomy took a hit on this chapter it seems XD

Though half-human and half-giant could be here Buccaneers descend from, who am I to argue with Elbaf's biology teacher? Would like to meet this lucky fellow however, for reasons and notes... Still, a sword through the skull would seem like death, maybe the sword is so wedged in place that it's sealed it all up?

Alas, Oda did not seek to give us any answers to the big twist of last chapter, our Shanks question remains up in the air as the woman in bandages did all of the talking, and torture. If I were to guess, I think she either has an invisible attack or a psychic kind of power. We only know that they're after Loki, implying cahoots or intentions to ally with him.

Colon will likely be our clutch side character of the arc though, the only child with a warrior's spirit it seems. Wouldn't mind seeing Ripley and Gerd throw down too, though that likely has ulterior motives XD

It is a slight worry with how the crew are split again, by the looks of things Robin and Chopper are in the Library with Saul, Lilith and Bonney, Franky is off to inspect the treasure tree, and the rest are at the banquet. It's an opening to get characters to have individual moments but it's also an opening to get jumped by antagonistic forces. In the end it's not the worst thing to end the year on a nice banquet, and everyone's all dressed up in Elbaf gear, now we can go full viking on it for 2025.

[katyspersonal]

I played more SOTE today!! I have mixed feelings because today just happened to be pure RAGE because of my awful skill issue.. but at the same time I feel so ALIVE xD (two parter)

1) So first of all, I got back to Specimen Storehouse to finish whatever was that business with Ansbach and Freyja! She gave an interesting dialogue about how yeah honor and shit but what Radahn would actually like is to live so he could wage war forever 💀 Definitely the character of all time gghguj

2) So I decided to explore a little more of that Church District below before I continue to seek my way to upper area! Turned out that Tree Spirit did NOT die due to a bug..... but it did now. XD

And dropped edgy (literally) sorcery lol

3) NEW NAMED CHARACTER!!!!!!!

Yeah, I've been noticing that this area has Fire Knights with another variant of the head piece! I even had an idea to grind these guys for it, but I just felt as thought it'd be pointless. And I was right! This mask dropped from non-respawning enemy! So yeah, the fire zombies raising in this area were given lore, I was pleased by such amount to detail yet again 🤔

4) So I kept looking for the way back in the Storehouse, but took the turn I did NOT try to take, and ended up in that weird golden-black area on the map that has been making me curious for a while!

5) ....ъ_ъ So, I was running around, surprised by how empty it was, and even questioned whether it was pointless sort of? So I decided to just check the giant flower and.. ..... oh my fuuUCKING God.

6) So it was another time where I kept howling about how awful/unfair/hard/etc this battle was and wanted to quit except I didn't! You see, at first I was playing as usual, and the stage 2 was a surprise. But the LEVEL of my skill issue started to show up at its finest here, because I absolutely could not dodge its briars attacks and I barely managed to heal in time!

I had to die MANY times, learning from my mistakes and just trials what to do and slowly adapting.. You see, it SHOULD have been obvious that hitting the "face" was the most effective, but nope! I only figured many attempts later! Just as how """pointless""" critical hit before phase transition was not pointless at all! At least I learned to 1) block strike attack and roll magic attack 2) that I can't use magic so it'd be better to place all 14 flasks at Crimson 3) figured to summon mimic in a creative way; since it gets summoned in the equipment I had at THE moment of summon but AI can't be trusted with blocking normally, I summoned it while two-handing the weapon so it hits stronger and then got my shield back XD

7) .........

I swear, sometimes I regret not being able to stream, because y'all should have seen my reaction when it turned out that this enemy had THREE stages, not two...... :')

8) I actually died just just JUST the very last moment ;-; I screenshotted it, it is on PS for now, it was SOOO infuriating. I can't even explain how I resisted the urge to scream and throw my controller because that required inhumane willpower. But hell if I didn't feel ALIVE at that moment xD

9) AND I KILLED IT EVENTUALLY FGFGCGGB

^ Got genuinely surprised by this drop!

10) I came back at Storehouse, FINALLY, and THIS TRAITOR @val-of-the-north IS NO LONGER MY FRIEND!!!!1

I asked him about this symbol being here since as I said earlier, I assumed that the reoccurring symbol with a fire and a circle on flags and such found here and there represented Messmer and Rellana; an impression I've got because I first saw it in her castle!

....but then Val, this RAT, casually said that it is actually likely another symbol of Messmer: snakes rather than fire. And of course. God of course it makes much more sense. It is all over this Storehouse. Yes we found a shield Rellana used for the ritual to prove loyalty to the Erdtree once here, but the overlapping circles straight up coil like snakes. And yet you TRAITOR never corrected me when I wrongly assumed that the symbol of fire + two circles overlapping meant Messmer and Rellana being allies. Goddamit STOP LETTING ME LOOK STUPID ON PUBLIC *bonks you with the newspaper*

11) So after some running and collecting (got a golden spell that some Fire Knights use), I've found my way out and first ran into some really strong knight that used GRAVITY MAGIC! I attempted to fight him but like, no. Nope. So I left him for later, and Val recommended me to use 'O, Mother' gesture to finally open the secret passage to where I was actually looking.

12) And hoooo boy... I already suspected where this was going because even on the map there were depictions of Golden leaves (on the Finger Ruins) part.

It was THE spoilered area itself!

13) What instantly struck me was that I could SWEAR it had to be the exact same flowers as on the painting of 'healthy' Midra Manse. I did not have a good image as I hit it early by a mistake, so I asked Val to fetch me the image, annnnd....

Look, sure, it could simply be blue curtains and obviously just a 'normal' flora of this realm, so of course it still exists in THE one place Messmer didn't burn, but dead everywhere else. (Here because of Frenzy + no sunlight). But also Hornsent Inquisitors did bully Midra and his followers (which did lead to Frenzied Flame business), and Ymir mentioned something about Marika's roots being placed in madness? Who the hell knows anymore...

14) NOOOOO WAY, WHEN YOU GET TO THIS POINT, A FRAGMENT OF THEME OF MARIKA/RADAGON STARTS PLAYING ;-;

THE IMPACT

15) Definitely visiting this place by myself felt more impactful than simply reading/watching this part of the lore..

16) I got SO angry at the Tree Sentinel though that for the first time EVER I decided to try and fight while on Torrent! And it was so effective that it gave me an idea to not follow further today but go and get that boss' ass from earlier like this! Which was the start of a big waste of time, but perhaps I am getting ahead of myself.. -_-

(Will share in the next post because Tumblr doesn't respect the way I choose to share screenshots for the girls ( @heraldofcrow ))

[starkwub]

(Tw: Starkercest)

Mob boss! Tony and his son, Peter (super out of the blue idea (considering I usually never write mob Au's), but figured I'd write it down ha!)

Just thought of Mob boss Tony allowing Peter, his prized possession son, go out on his own to live life since the boy had been harping about it for ages. Peter wanted to feel like all the other kids in his class. He didn't want body guards or exuberant allowances--nothing.

Tony of course couldn't say no after having done so for years-but that didn't mean he wouldn't be tricky about it.

Peter didn't have to know that he hired people to go to his house and be sketchy--knocking on the door at strange hours of the night or tampering with his window. Perhaps even telling the men to make creeping sounds within the home, just so Peter might feel more afraid of being on his own. He'd get people to stare at him on the streets, or following him after a late night shift at work in a dark hoodie with a jangling set of keys in their pockets so the boy would know they were there.

At first Peter wasn't all too fazed--thinking that it was just another one of 'dad's undercover body guards', but after a while--with his Dad denying the accusations and having not recognized any of the gruff and uneasy looking faced that met his gaze, the paranoia started to set in.

When it got to the point where Peter couldn't sleep for hardly a wink before startling at a creak in the floorboards or a brushing knock at his door--he did the only thing he possibly could think to do in that instance.

Call his Dad.

Sniffling, Peter grappled for his phone in the dark and clicked on his dad's profile, hearing the dial on the other end and then the un-familar beeping.

Why wasn't he picking up?. He always picked up.

It had been nearly 15 seconds before the beeping stoped and then came a sleep-laden voice on the other end.

"What is it baby? It's late, you should be asleep by now."

Peter shivered at the comforting voice and huddled a bit in the bed, pulling the blankets up and over top of his knees.

"Dad I.." He sniffled, looking worryingly at his bedroom door,

"I wanna come home. Just to visit--of course."

When his dad pressed on the topic, wonder why such a sudden thought had crossed his mind at three am, Peter just pouted and wrapped an arm around his knees tightly.

"Haven't seen you in a while s'all.." and suddenly his tone turned sour, "Why? You don't want me there?"

Tony coo'd and seemed to ruffle his bedding on the other side of the phone before speaking in a tone that Peter knew all too well.

"Of course I want to see you baby. Wish you where here right now so all you had to do was knock on my door, crawl into bed, and tell Daddy what's wrong instead of calling from a state that's a million miles away."

Daddy. Peter's heart thumped in his chest wildly at the honorific. It'd been so long..too long, since he'd heard it.

"It's not a million, jeez.." Peter retorted, suddenly remembering back to what it felt like to be with his Dad. His room somehow was always so much warmer than his own, and as he flexed his fingers to feel them stiffen from the chill, he sighed.

"I'll see you tomorrow then? I'm off with this weekend so I'll let them know I can't do any overtime."

"Mm.." Tony hummed, shuffling a bit more, "Alright sweetheart."

They stayed on the line for a few moments longer, and as Peter yawned, now letting his body slip back down to the crappy mattress, he breathed out against his phone.

"Want me to stay on the line?"

Peter nodded sleepily, knowing that his Dad couldn't see it, nor hear it, so he let out a muffled hum of his own, enjoying the subtle deep chuckle that came from his father's throat in response.

-- -- --

There can always be more, but I'm going to stop it here and count it as a win that I've finally written and posted something on here again XD I've been so enamored by the Harry Potter fandom as of late so my mind has taken to straying away from Starker more than usual

Hope everyone is doing okay! :)

[whostarlockeda03]

If someone magically wrote you a fic tailored to your taste, what would it be about? 👀

Hi Anon!

Not gonna lie, this stumped me for a bit XD I like a wide variety of story types, but after much deliberation, I think this is it.

It'd be about a character (probably Ghost or Price for CoD, or Nyx or Prompto for ffxv) who is too used to having to alter parts of themselves to be seen as "worthy" or "acceptable" by other people. They've been told about all the ways they're wrong over the years - "You can't like that, it's a girly colour!" or "You can't just sit around here all day - go outside!" or "Stop fucking crying over it, you're supposed to be a boy." slowly transforming to "Real men don't fucking cry." and "I don't get why you like this show, it's stupid, and not even funny." and "You're such an oddball." and "You look horrible, don't you put any effort into your appearance?" and "You're impossible to make happy." - and they've always tried to alter themselves to appease everyone, hiding their interests, shoving their feelings to back of their mind, adopting whole new personalities around different people just to make sure they liked him. They've done that for so long, that now, when confronted with a trusted person who says they like/love them (romantic or platonic) for them, the way they are, they realise that they have no idea who they really are anymore. There's no sense of self, of their own personality, likes or dislikes, nothing. There's just a collection of different "acceptable" personalities for different people. And even despite having those - despite trying so hard for so many different friends, or family, or co-workers, teammates, senior officers, everyone - they've never let themselves believe they could be loved. Are they still an actual person at all if they don't have any of their own identity? The ensuing crisis would be ugly, to say the least. They don't know who they are anymore, so how could anyone possibly like them that way? But it's not like they can confide this to anyone, is it? They can't tell someone that they're basically faking their way through every single interaction with everyone around them. So instead, they turn the problem over and over in their head when they're alone. But they don't get any closer to figuring anything out. They just end up breaking down into tears when they're alone, followed by a feeling of complete numbness, which they feel even underneath the gloss and veneer of the different personalities they still wear like costumes. Eventually, they can't hide the turmoil anymore. The person who claimed to love them for them finds out what's eating them up inside, and helps them. Trusted person doesn't shy away from finding out their real interests, always being encouraging and considerate with voicing opinions while they figure themselves out. A long while later, they're hit with another realisation - they've found a place where they can be themselves now. They've found people who do actually like them for them, who don't think their interests or cringey or childish or stupid, who don't think they're weak for liking certain colours, or for crying when they're upset. They'd never let themselves believe they could have it, but now that they irrefutably do, they're never letting it go.

Heh, this got a lot longer than I thought it would 😅😅

[gwydionae]

King's Quest Fan Remakes

After talking about them a bit recently, I felt compelled to play through the old KQ fan remakes (1-3 from AGDI and 3 from IA), and I wanted to share my more in depth thoughts for anyone interested in these love letters to the original games.

King's Quest I: Quest for the Crown Remake from AGD Interactive

A lovely update to the original! While clearly the least polished of AGDI's offerings, it's nice to be able to play KQ1 with KQ5-style graphics and voice acting (the original voice of Graham, Josh Mandel, voices him in all four of the games in this post, ftr). There is an option to turn off any chance of softlocking yourself before you even start the game, which is a welcome feature. Puzzle-wise, this one stays the most faithful to the original out of the three from AGDI with a few updates here and there (like that stupid name puzzle! lol). The vocal performances and sound effects can be a bit fuzzy, but I found them enjoyable nonetheless.

Overall a solid fan remake with limited extra bells and whistles!

King's Quest II: Romancing the Stones from AGDI

Easily the most ambitious of the three from AGDI. Pretty much all of the core elements from KQ1 are further polished here - artwork, acting, music, and sound effects. The story and puzzles, however, have been changed enough that the end product is sizably different from the original. In some cases, this is fun and interesting (more lore and character interactions! new and unique puzzles!), but not everyone will enjoy all the changes. I, for example, find the underwater section kind of fun, but the new content around the count... not so much (for reasons I'll avoid due to spoilers, but know they're more mechanical than anything). There's less freedom in when you can do things, the added story making the game far more linear than it originally was. But then I'm sure many would agree that if any KQ game could do with extra content, it'd be 2, so I can't fault them swinging for the fences, even if not every hit was a home run.

All in all, this version of KQ2 doesn't really work if you're simply looking to experience the original game with updated graphics, but it's a fun playthrough nonetheless, and newcomers might enjoy the added lore/story bits. Just be aware that I could probably sum up the original game's story in about two sentences while this one would take far longer. XD

King's Quest III: To Heir is Human Redux from AGDI

If KQ1 wasn't fully polished and KQ2 was a little overworked, then KQ3 is juuuuuust right! (For anyone who knows the game, yes, this is a purposeful pun. XD) The graphics, sounds, music, vocal performances - all are the best yet (though still with some minor hiccups as any fan game is wont to have - the music was sadly cutting out during the climactic sequence for me). It even has a neat little feature where the timer changes color depending on how close you are to being zapped into oblivion that is not only useful but adds a sense of urgency in it's own way (especially if you forgot the item that makes travel a lot easier for like 2 meals I mean what lol). While it does carry over some of the story threads from AGDI's second entry, this game still works well enough on it's own, with the majority of the new content being added in naturally rather than supplanting whole sections of the original. In fact, personally speaking, I think the added content only enhances the game, your encounters with Medusa and the yeti especially getting a nice boost. And the extra lore only helps you feel for the protagonists plight all the more. The ending is a bit drawn out, perhaps, and I may not agree with the order you're supposed to choose the four items in to get the treasure (insert rant here XD), but those are minor nitpicks at best.

This is easily the best of the three, AGDI having perfected their KQ formula at this point. It works as a remake of the original while still adding in a bit of new content that doesn't feel unwelcome. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in giving the King's Quest series a try.

King's Quest III: To Heir is Human Remake from Infamous Adventures

Look. I know that it's not as impressive as AGDI's version. The time limit is laughably long, the spells are impossible to mess up, and some of the clickable areas can be a bit wonky. But I really like this version, ok?? I like the design and voice of Gwydion, I like the storybook quality that the cutscene art has, I like that it feels lonely when it should. And as much as some of the changes in AGDI's version were really nice, I like that it's basically just the original game without extra stuff added in.

This is like AGDI's KQ1 - a really solid remake of a game that gives you the feel of the original but with an updated interface and graphics. It's not as impressive as the one above, but it doesn't have to be. The original KQ3 is an awesome game, so an update of just that can't be bad. It can easily be played as a standalone game, and I will continue recommending this version 'til I die, lol.

[simplylove101]

2024 Horror Challenge: [42/?]

↳“The juice is loose!" Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) dir. Tim Burton

Plot: After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.

Starring: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Jenna Ortega & Willem Dafoe

I feel bad I'm only just now reviewing this movie because I definitely had watched it twice before its release on digital and had more than plenty of things to say about it but oh well. lol I think it's because sometimes I forget to think of the original movie as a horror since it doesn't scare me at all but I adore it just the way it is. That said, while this one didn't scare me too much either, the horror aspect gets a little more heightened with the assistance of Monica Bellucci's character & her powers since it was a little like, whoa dark. lol I kept going back and forth about whether to go see it in theaters or not because people kept being negative about it and saying it'd be a shitty sequel but I decided to let nostalgia win that battle. I was mostly glad I did in a way??? lol As I said, I later watched it again in theaters about two weeks later since my dad really wanted to go see it since he's a big fan of Michael Keaton and I enjoyed parts of it enough to be willing for a round 2. The truth is, yes, it's not as classic as the original movie for a good number of people, myself included (I have seen that some people prefer it though so that's interesting), but I wouldn't say that makes it awful or a waste of time. There were still moments I really liked and I didn't mind paying to see it in the theater at all. As my dad declared at the end of movie, "Well, now that was rather mildly entertaining... But I was a little disappointed. Hmm." I feel like that sums up perfectly what my initial thoughts were. lol I think my core issue with it is the pacing. It feels like it takes a good while to really get going since they certainly take the time to have us play catch-up with Lydia and her family, which didn't really feel needed the way they chose to go about it. Meanwhile, once it does get going, there's like multiple plots going on (Beetlejuice trying to get Lydia to free him, Astrid having her own major storyline, Monica Belluci's character looking for Beetlejuice, etc.) but none of them feel like they're getting the proper time to cook right since it took so long with the exposition, the other characters, and then there's the filler stuff. Now, I love fun filler stuff. I don't hate fun. lol This is a Beetlejuice movie, so you gotta have that. And I know Tim Burton loves a music moment, I do too. You knew there'd at least be one after the first one had the truly classic scene with "Day-O" but it felt like there was too much of that kinda thing in this sequel for me, at least the length of time dedicated to that stuff over plot. I just wish the editor had been able to trim some things down a bit because it managed to feel a lot longer than a basically 90 minutes movie. Anyway, I'm gonna stop being so negative and go back to how there were things I liked about it, despite my complaints. The cast was wonderful, Michael Keaton once again killing it as the iconic Beetlejuice. It did feel like they could have used Jenna Ortega a little better but maybe it's just cuz it kinda felt like they wrote Astrid a little one-note at times. Idk. lol I still laughed plenty and the music choices themselves were fun (Though my dad kept saying "Why did they have to use 'MacArthur Park' for the big moment?? That song sucks" XD) It was nice to be in this wacky world again even with different characters included. Also, no spoilers, but that nightmare sequence at the end was classic horror comedy goodness and I dug it so much. lol There's probably more I could say but I think I'll stop here by saying that even though I wanted to like it so much more than I actually did, I still had fun. It is hardly the worst sequel ever and is deserving of its blockbuster success. I'm glad it didn't get the streaming treatment.

[dhampiravidi]

🍳 our muses are having breakfast at a local food place (Caleb and Pogue @in--noctem, sorry for the anon I'm on the wrong blog xD)

Caleb probably wouldn't've agreed to skip school with Pogue if the night before hadn't left them both feeling so drained and upset. Mr. Parry had had yet another tantrum, smacking his son around while his wife cooked dinner (only stopping to tell them to get out of "her space" in the kitchen). As usual, Pogue teleported straight to the Danvers, glad that his parents didn't do any magic. Because it'd been years since Caleb had realized what Pogue's parents were truly like, he had a plan in place. He set his best friend up with a decent dinner, then called the police (who were familiar with the situation) so that they wouldn't think Pogue had been kidnapped. It always took a while longer than he would've liked to get Pogue to bed. There were bruises and cuts to be treated, and even then, Pogue was far from being OK (not that he was expected to be). On days like those, he had multiple nightmares, so the Danvers had learned to have him sleep in Caleb's room. The boys always ended up under the same sheets together, arms wrapped protectively around each other--but Caleb knew to untangle himself before Pogue woke up and freaked out.

They went out of town to avoid any suspicious adult eyes. Pogue, who had bought a motorcycle as soon as he'd turned 16 (he only waited that long because he knew he had to pass the tests before driving it) apparently found a diner on some day when he'd gone out of town instead of to the Danvers, post-dad tantrum. So, he drove the two of them there. Caleb knew that Pogue probably would've been more physically comfortable using one of their cars, but he didn't want his own mom worrying about them--even if she might not leave her room til the afternoon.

Caleb liked the place as soon as he saw it. The outside was plain, but it was perfectly clean, with bright paint and absolutely no dirt on any of the paneling. "It doesn't look like much, I know...food's not as good as yours, but it's a nice spot," Pogue said quietly, putting his gloves away for the moment. He was surprised to feel a gentle-yet-firm hand on his shoulder, and he looked up to see one of those smiles that made him feel guilty and giddy at the same time.

"Thanks, man." Thanks for bringing me, for letting me come with you this time. Thanks for the compliment--even though you're always silently moaning when I cook us something.

"Yeah." Pogue started off for the front doors, Caleb only a step behind. There was music from the 70s and 80s playing, not enough to be anything but a quiet soundtrack. About half of the place was full, which was interesting for a restaurant's weekday. Pogue sat down in a booth not far from the bar, and Caleb sat across from him. It was all of 5 seconds before a waitress in a pink-striped uniform rolled up, beaming.

"Kiddo! How are ya!?" she cried, beckoning for Pogue to hug her. He did, a sheepish grin on his face as she kissed his cheek.

"Hey, Donna. Donna, this...uh, this is Caleb." He sat back down, and suddenly he couldn't look his friend in the eye. But Donna certainly could. She grinned mischievously.

"Caleb Danvers. Oh yeah, we've heard about you. What are ya in the mood for? Pogue always gets a stack a' cinnamon pancakes, but he says you make the best French toast--"

"Donna--"

"I'm just sayin'. Here, I'll get ya' a menu. Don't worry about what's for breakfast and f' lunch--Jimmy doesn't mind makin' both." Over the next hour or so, Caleb learned that Donna was taking classes to become a dentist's assistant, and she had a little boy named Ricky who thought Pogue was a god because he'd let him sit on his bike once. He also learned that Donna could read people's minds (not literally, he hoped), Pogue came to the diner about once a month (even if his parents weren't being horrible), and that Pogue had told Donna (plus the other two waitresses who knew him) all about Ipswich, minus the magic part.

Both boys left Donna and the rest of that shift a hefty tip--after all, they were the heirs to family fortunes--and took milkshakes and fries to-go. They went to Boston to explore, then had a picnic on the outskirts of Ipswich. Caleb had to keep reminding himself that it wasn't a date, that he was just keeping Pogue company while the other guy took a day.

He liked to think that they'd had enough fun to forget the night before, at least for a little while.

[alexcutecolly]

uuuu i wanna reply to ur last thing as long as i have before but I don’t have a lotta time but i was so excited i have to say things!!

i love being in his tummy alot but plsplspls say you have more thoughts about v.olos intestines i think being squeezed in there would be such a good hug feeling and him enjoying how we feel in there when he rubs us is so cyuuute im rly happy you agree

gotaa tell you that omgomgomg if you end up writing n.aga v.olo with aaaallll the things we talked about ill read it so much!!! uuuu the slow swallows and his hums when he finally gets us down!!! >w< all his attention!!!! being in his tail tummy for a rly rly long time cuz i bet he has a long tail cuz he’s rly tall as a human so uuuuuuu and keeping us in his first stomach longer so he can have extra time with us!!! and uuuu massaging our spot would make him feel so good too!!

this is all i have time for byyyeeeeee

v.olo uwu

Oh you're all good dear anon, take your time! 💕

Mmmmm, I think being inside his small intestine would be a unique feeling for sure, since it'd feel definitely tighter than his belly and remind me of a maze at the same time! Like, as an organ the small intestine is so hecking long, hours would pass without reaching the end, and it would be pretty scary if he didn't reassure us with his words and rubs! x3 also a couple of squeezes every once in a while would be cute, to signify that he didn't forget we're inside of him x3

Omg you're so kind anon! 😭❤️ I'll definitely do my best to at least attempt to write it, even though I make no promises because I tend to chicken out of my writing ideas a lot, lol. Nonetheless, I'd absolutely share the story in case it does see the light of day! 💕

Regardless, I'd still add all the tropes we've talked about! And needless to say, n.aga!V.olo is going to love nomming us, with all the slow swallows first and then the days-long stay in his two stomachs xD He'd take his sweet time with us, it's not like we're going anywhere after all x3 beside the massages I can see him using the spot where we're in his tail as a sort of pillow, not in an annoying or mocking way ofc, but as a way to keep us close to him x3

Also, I picture n.aga!V.olo to be around 10' in height when standing and his tail being of 25'/30' in length or so 🤔 and for some reason, although we gave the m.erman version golden scales, I feel like black scales with golden borders would fit him lovely here! ❤️

[mobolanz]

For the not-so-nice ask game: Betrayal, hate and alone! You may choose the OCs you want to talk about. :3

Okie dokie!:") main babydoll for this one because it's really moving my brain gears to her backstory aaaaaaaaaaa 🤧

betrayal: Has your OC ever been betrayed by someone they thought they could trust? Has your OC ever betrayed someone who trusted them?

Been betrayed: hearing the first sense of security she had telling her maybe she had it coming. Those things that probably happened between her biological family's estrangment to her foster officers' wife finding her tossed in a dark alley. After ONE thing to ask. Ever since she's outright keeping anything she has to say on a leash.Because apperently after what she did both parties instilled in her the mindset that even the bare minimum would be "too much" for her to have a nerve to ask for. That girl to them has rooted evil in her. So she should be thankful for whatever she only had yet to lose.

(then tf did those fuckers take her in for?? If they're bent on the idea that acting sympathetically for someone "cruel", makes the sympathiser cruel themselves too then what are they trying to prove even? I guess It'd be bad for their image to enstrange her themselves too. I'm SO killing them off at like the liberio attack or something. 😀(I say as if I'm not the one writing them xD. At the same breathe I mean it is questionable asf for their image if you consider the condition they gave her to stay and where they made her enroll and work because"they won't tolerate a freeloader" )

But anyway she ends up being so much better then them- finding the soon to be love of her life in a fucked up and weak position after he can no longer go back, who also believes himself to be irredeemable and terrible, treating him tenderly and not demonizing anything about him. (Man I love parallelism 🥹🥹🥹)

Oh yeah... and the catalyst to cause for her estrangment to begin with, her first "love"- she was manipulated by him into sneaking something valuable from her family , something sealed in a box at her father's room specifically.

And I suppose that in a way, it also counts the object being more important to her biological father than her enough to push her out and consider her unforgivable. To spit out that he hated her the whole time and that he's never been more disappointed. She's ended up worse to him than the sister she's meant to replace. Not that there was any genuine personal sentiment, it genuinely was a matter of materialism in his case- he values a slient artifact passed down by the family more than an actual member of said family, and his own blood. But she proved a fear he had lingered by the look in her eyes since she was born- so he's fed up with this girl leeching him dry. (Bro. She's your kid. And you've brought her to a life of extremely sheltered rich upbringing telling her one day she'll have your status. That's in one way or another on you 😭. I say again as if I'm not the one writing this qkfjakdjajfjw )

Betrayed someone: She'd hate that. But wouldn't be a softhearted who put it as a devilish and dubious act that's beyond her- because she doesn't see herself as that great at all after all. she hasn't been placed in a situation that called for it as necessity so she can't say she wouldn't have done such thing. But it only really stings on her heart if you add to the question someone she deeply cares for

It's a luck if she won't lose her composure by then and resort to smacking whoever asks her to.

Tho In a way she feels like she already did, both her first love and her dad. - claiming that the idea that her father prioritized that object over her can be said about herself too. That No matter the pretty words and promises that boy gave her if she'll give it to him (about taking her for him in the future after she spent a lifetime barely knowing much of outside , also not being completely capable to understand the consequences), she apperently "could've said no." She made the choice so she has no place pulling the blame on that boy but on her feelings for him. Prioritized empty promises to feed her greed and focus on what she wanted and doesn't have than her "loving" parent and the lifetime he gave her all in his ability to tolerate and give her chances.( a completely conditional love from someone who took her wish from the former quite too literally - want to get out? Then never come back again. ). Even if maybe he'll allow her back if he'll see how much better she's becoming and trying? he'll forgive her. She's not that stupid anymore and understands the value and weight of things for others, and values the smallest of things on her life knowing her place (like being protected even though someone like her wouldn't wake up to the next day with how weak she is by all means, especially considering where her foster parents put her therefore feeding to that idea of "be greatful for every second you even breathe" to a fault). So she won't rob anyone from their precious again.

No that's a delusion. An arrogant one too of someone that thinks too highly of themselves getting too comfortable far away and thinks they'll have it easy and get rewarded. (Oh gosh parallels fuckkkkkk)

Man where's that "obsessed with those hour long analysis vids on why this character is a Terrible person and it's a teenage girl' post because that'd be a summary-

Sheesh I wrote a whole ass meta here 🤧🤧🤧

hate: What does your OC hate? Why? How do they act towards the object of their hatred?

Okie copy-pasting from previous similar asks I had since it's pretty much the same

I used to say it isn’t as much as dislike as it is either mild irritation or intimidation in case of her superiors… but a close pick would surpsingly be her “foster parents”, haven't picked name for the male officer cuz I planned his existence like... only this week but the woman is named juliet . The resentment is there even if she lies to herself it isn't . Like yes girl reminds herself on daily basis they're the reason she wasn’t tossed longer to die in some dark alley and there are points to the things she said especially in the early days taking evy in about Evelyn’s overly sheltered outlook on the world but

More than once she came to figure both if them, especially juliet -is a mad hypocrite, calling her naïve girl yet turning out quite prejudiced herself, first known instance being her asking evy to come with her for a certain task , and in a tone the girl couldn’t tell was cynical or genuine saying “to see some monsters” (actually even mocking) . One time even muttering under her breathe “if I’m stupid for my lackings back then, what does that make you…?”. Then it’s slowly began with her struggling to surpress a groan of annoyance whenever this lady opens her mouth. They have that inevitable rift as soon as Evelyn’s eyes open to her situation, that maybe she’s not under any better influence after all, and quite ironically the very source indirectly tells her that

Still when it comes to handling it she’s very alert, because who knows what THEY would use against her considering their power position. And since she’s tending to be very aware and understanding of her surroundings, even if being dragged to anger she ensures to at best have immense restraint with it, reminding herself that lashing out would do no good and just stay silent until it passes. Even if she’s visibly shivering. It's a survival instinct in a sense too. To a core of even being angry with herself to being “so easily” driven to that. Should she almost snap, she’d hold it in her throat and pause for a few good seconds, lowering her gaze. One example of why though would be open narrow-mindedness and lack of care for a full context of thingd and outright nasty attitude. With that in mind she keeps herself in check because… maybe the other person has their reasons to act like that? That said both of them display it a lot. It angers her when they talk like that about anyone else... but what about herself?

alone: How does your OC deal with loneliness? Have they ever been completely alone before? How do they act when there's no one around to see them?

She's normalizing it. She already sees anything and anyone she has in life as what she could eventually lose deservingly so in karma if taking for granted- meaning she needs to actually appreciate whatever time she has with them and earn having them around at all, and who is she to argue when it's beyond her control? Because then it'd be her CHOOSING to get upset over what isn't even her bussiness. Because more on the instilled mindsest, "woops you can't always have what you want, accept it :)" meaning it's also nervesome of her to ask more - not being left behind included. Apperently she needs to be taught a lesson except never actually giving her a room to learn anything because she’s just acting out with fear that it’s gonna haunt her because it does, she should dwell on it for the rest of the life that’s probably not gonna be long anyway if she's not relying on anyone and by herself. (But isn't that the same for many people?).

(not to mention especially reiny being on limited time to live due to something he ended up being signed for years before knowing her. 😭)

She indeed have been in a way one or another- isolated upbringing, to being tossed outside out of nowhere exposed to dangers she never heard of, to be taken by people who don't genuinely care for her safety and well being but use her presence for their image, so she can't exactly count on them to really be there for her in case she wants to turn to anyone. They instilled that harmful mindset in her after all, so they won't be there to ease on her once she loses anyone- they'd reply with "life goes on." At best. Probably without even facing her. In complete disinterest like "oh that again? you really learned nothing. "

Then again no matter what that doesn't stop her from crying her eyes and heart out as soon as she's alone at night and thinking about it. And the way it's inevitable, been decided before she could even understand what it's gonna cause her and the surrounding.

Deep psychoanalysis dive onto Evelyn Marianne Auroré D:

Oc asks: not so nice edition

[skyward-floored]

Are important NPCs from every Zelda game jut citizens of IAU? If so it'd be fun to see Kafei and Anju actually getting a happy ending both as adults in a universe. Also most people consider Kafei to be Link's counterpart in Termina, at least partly because he's the first non-Link character you ever play as in an LoZ game, but if you went with that thought and your trend of Links being supers, you could make Kafei a super married to someone normal. Now I'm gonna go dark because these two aren't allowed to be happy in any universe, what if Kafei was one of the first supers that Dark used to test his creations. I know you don't normally do stories focused around anyone outside the Chain, but if you ever did just write ensemble pieces worldbuilding IAU this would be a neat idea to explore.

Also I know in the movie the Incredibles takes place in an AU approximately in the equivalent of the 1950's-60's, is that when it takes place in your IAU? Also if so how long had supers been a staple of society before being made illegal. Like had Hylians lived alongside active supers for 100 years, 200? 1000? Or had it only been a few decades before they decided they were too scared to let supers operate.

Sorry it's the middle of the night and my brain is whirring at 100mph and I just gotta get these thoughts out so my mind can shut up

Yeah I have a lot of npcs just stuck in random places in this au: most of them are regular citizens and things, but a few are supers (like Mikau for example). I actually haven’t gotten to the Kafei part in MM yet, and aside from the manga (which is dubiously canon you know) I don’t know much of what happens at that part, so I’m going to put discussion of him and Anju on hold for now. Those do sound like neat ideas though 👀

Yeah, this au takes place vaguely in the 1950’s-60’s, but since it’s also loz, I’m playing a little loose with specifics and things. It’s mostly just where they are technology-wise— like they don’t have cellphones, or home computers or anything (but they do have tv, wow!) The movies show some higher technology, but most of that is owned by supers or the insanely rich, so obviously not everyone has access to such technology.

I’ll admit I haven’t thought about it! I honestly don’t know how long supers have been around in society. If I had to guess I’d have to say it’s definitely been more than a few decades, probably closer to 100-200 years, maybe longer. It’s one of those things the movie doesn’t go into at all, so I have to sort of guess XD

[phoenixcatch7]

Ladies and gentlemen please welcome to the stage my newest hero forge model!

Good grief this colour scheme fought me.

This is an au (?), a crossover between ff7 and Belle/The Dragon and the Freckled Princess, which takes place half in reality, and half in a futuristic virtual world simply called U, where the main character (Belle) debuts as a singer as a way to process the trauma of her songwriter mother's death. The technology of U enables it to create virtual avatars that 'draw out the user's hidden strengths', whether they like it or not.

As you might have guessed, this is what a young sephiroth stumbles upon, finding an escape from the labs and something captivating he's never heard before - music.

The vr world is always something that's absolutely fascinated me, and the expressive, vibrant, community based world in belle is really different to the normal scifi dystopian armpit of society that it often gets presented as, so of course I loved it immediately. Much closer to the real world comparison of vr chat than what the scifi novels present it as XD.

But the themes of escape and being thus able to process trauma is something else, that I really wanted to explore with sephiroth. I've made a couple of aus already, but this is the first one I've knuckled down and designed.

It's a pretty young sephiroth, starting just before/at the start of ever crisis and the wutai war, but in U he's aged up just enough for people to let him roam unsupervised, as it seemed to do for belle. I'm thinking late teens/vaguely androgenous first year at uni kid.

I made the build a lot slimmer and a bit shorter than his adult self, and all round a much less intimidating figure, less passively scary and off putting. Give this kid a chance to not stand out so immediately. And with the themes of finding yourself, processing trauma, I thought it'd be very interesting to think about how that might present, as reclaiming bodily ownership and autonomy. To this end, I added the tattoos, the sleeve on the arm (I was thinking a wing or animal? But I like the vague patterns, the tattoos most meaningful part is its existence as decoration), and the face markings as a nod to the original belle, who becomes an aunt/mentor figure during the story. And a piercing or two and a couple rings 🤭

The black and white hair, because I couldn't bear to get rid of the white entirely (and he should own it) and as an idea of what his hair might have been without jenova cells - both hojo and Vincent have black hair. Tied back a li'l fancy so he can have some pride and effort in his appearance, expose his face a little more without hiding it behind those awful bangs. I imagine it longer than the model goes, but eh. The eyes... I dithered over slits, or blue eyes, but in the end green is just his colour, you know? But a way to escape those unique pupils, the inhuman, the strange ones, I imagine it's something young him would jump at the chance for. Just to be normal.

The wings, they represent the wings of his safer/seraph true form, with that purple stripe rather than the fade but hero forge doesn't do wing patterns (yet) :(. Coming out of his lower back rather than his ribs like his black wing does, I'd put more but his hair needs some presence XD.

The outfit was a TRIAL but we got there. I wanted something modern and sorta k-pop young idol, but practical to fit his standards. I eventually managed something that struck that balance, I'm a lot happier with it than I thought I'd be! It's something you could see simultaneously on a strobing stage and on a final fantasy battlefield lol. Please imagine as many belts as you want! The headpiece thing is supposed to be one of those head mics, but it didn't convey the vibes so I gave him a proper mic as a prop ^^.

If you look at the gloves (white to og sephiroths black) - and the pendant - you'll see tubes of mako coming in and out of his arms. This is a nod to the fact that he (is heavily traumatised and objectified) was, as far as he knows, made up of mako, a weapon, a tool, made to find the promised land of infinite mako for shinra, charged up with it like a battery, woven into his dna, more cyborg robot than human all his life in the sterile labs. Again, it's ✨self expression through acknowledging and processing trauma✨

I'm also sooooo delighted with the face, the expression, I really am!! I wanted to try and capture a muted wonder and triumph, a brightness in the eyes. He's just performed his first proper song to the roaring applause of the crowds, proving his worth on his own without the labs, without slaying hundreds for a war other people believe in. He's built an identity outside of shinra, and it's good.

I tried to make it look like young sephiroth kinda sorta, but I'm face blind so if you've read this far, tell me how I did XD?

[fizzingwizard]

I stayed up till 5:30 am... and finished Wednesday. hey I'm on vacation i can do what i want lol

thoughts thoughts thoughts (spoilers of course)

I really, really liked the show... I liked it SO much... right up until the last episode.

Which, I gotta be honest, was a total let down. Shouldn't start with the negative first, but sorry, the wound is too fresh xD

The last episode was VERY Harry Potter. Not just because of the whole "her blood is the key" thing, or the Dead Principal thing, or the resurrection of the racist icon thing. All of a sudden, all the students in the school were so buddy-buddy, and so On Task. Everyone got a glib one-liner. Everyone got a chance to be "Cool" and have their "moment."

It was cliche. It went too fast. And then the thing with the necklace! I had completely forgotten about it - had we even seen it once since Morticia gave it to her? But conveniently it can also channel spirits and let them use magic healing powers. Not so farfetched when we consider Morticia is familiar with spirits, and as a powerful witch Goody Addams probably did have lots of healing magic. So I would totally let all that slide if the rest of the episode hadn't been such a bummer.

The boys, for instance. I went back and forth wondering if the monster was Xavier or Tyler (seemed pretty clear it'd be one of them). Each time I started liking one, the show gave me a reason to like the other - and if I liked him, he was probably the monster xP But what that means is, I LIKED BOTH OF THEM. Which means I really did NOT like Tyler ending up just some goon who was, I guess, faking everything he felt for Wednesday? I'm going to guess that that's not the case - that if we get a season 2, we'll find out more, that he and the monster are separate personalities for instance, as it seemed when he threatened Wednesday in the police station. So I hope we haven't seen the end of Tyler and he's redeemed, because he seems like a kid who really needs a break and it just sucks for him to end as some murderous monster. That's such a Marvel thing to do, treat characters like cannon fodder.

And speaking of cannon fodder, although I did enjoy episodes 1-7, I got to a point where the number of characters dying just seemed ridiculous. Game of Thrones gets away with it because it primes you to Love No One. But Wednesday was insisting that relationships are valuable. A story which values interpersonal relationships can't callously kill characters. The mayor dying was such a twist but it didn't really have much impact, even though his son is one of the characters. The therapist dying was messed up. The only way it made sense was if it made a serious impression on Wednesday. It didn't, despite the fact that the therapist seemed like a really good kind of person. I get that the angle was "Wednesday's blinded by her own dislike of the therapist and over-eager to crack the case." That's fine, it just wasn't felt enough, because Wednesday cared much more about being wrong than that the therapist was dead.

That's exactly why Thing being stabbed worked. The attacks which mattered the most happened to Thing and Eugene, as well as the failed attack on Tyler and Enid. Why, because Wednesday gives a damn about them, even if she won't admit it. And with Thing of course she did. So those other character killings were unnecessary.

I'm sure I've missed some things, or some things haven't been fully explained because they're set ups for the next seasons. But that's another issue: throughout the show they dropped so. many. clues. So many subplots and hints and connections. I honestly thought, by episode 7, that Goody Addams wouldn't show up again till the next season, because she'd been so underused that I didn't understand how they could fit her in with everything else. And I do think she'll continue to be relevant, even if Wednesday can no longer see her... she might have used the necklace as an opportunity to "possess" Wednesday in the future or something. But anyway, the point is there was so much going on in just seven episodes that it was just impossible for the eighth to be fulfilling. Like Gomez being accused of killing Gates, then it turning out to be Morticia, and then it turned out he was already dying of poison so the fact that he was also stabbed suddenly doesn't matter...? And a love triangle over Morticia, while totally believable, just felt weird when it was so serious instead of comedic...

Thornhill being the master sucks. It felt shoehorned in to make the Gates plot work - which itself felt like a frantic attempt to force a connection between the Gates family and Crackstone (or whatever). I did suspect her pretty much every time she showed up. Her being the Hyde's master isn't the problem - the fact that she went through a total personality change and because Stereotypical Evil Mastermind is.

And of course, Crackstone was just an awful villain. Typical evil baddie who just hates because he can. Don't even have much to say about him, it's just boring to think of.

And Weems! From the start, I liked her so much. I was interested to see whether she was on Wednesday's side because she was Morticia's friend, or despite being Morticia's enemy - or if she was in fact Wednesday's enemy as well. In the end, none of it matters! She's just dead. It's a magic world, so maybe the death won't stick. But they set her up as an interesting player early on with her mysterious shape-shifting into Rowan. At one point I thought she was the monster, and playing multiple roles, including that of the Mayor! Obviously I was way over-thinking it. She's just a principal. Like come on, she's a shape-shifter, use that!!

I expected the Addams family to show up again in the last episode. I expected the mother-daughter drama between Morticia and Wednesday to be a bigger deal. Also stuff that I'm sure will come up again in future seasons. The reason I'm bitter about it is because that stuff coming up NOW might have actually been interesting. I really am so disappointed that the final episode was just Battle of Hogwarts.

All that negativity aside - the reason I feel so strongly is because I loved the show so much until the end! I liked all the characters. I liked that they were building background and complexities for characters like Bianca. Some things did feel forced or confused, but that's okay because there's more time to iron out the details. The best episodes for me were the ones with Addams Family characters: the parents' weekend one, and Uncle Fester showing up. They brought the spooky and the kooky into the show which really helped because without a sympathetic person around, sometimes Wednesday felt less kooky and more just messed up. That's literally why Thing is involved from the beginning.

(Also, I fully expected Thing to be a piece of the mystery. The villain was collecting body parts. What is Thing? A body part. I was initially expecting that when Wednesday solved the murders, it would turn out that Thing was a remnant of someone who was killed decades earlier or even longer by a similar monster or some such. It's not my story so I don't get to call the shots but... felt like a missed opportunity lol)

I loved the dance episode. I loved Wednesday's Wednesday-ness. I didn't feel there was too much romance, so that's something. I loved Enid and wish we got more of her, especially with her cool Werewolf vs Hyde battle, which was the highlight of the last episode. It should have been way more important, imo. Enid should have been more important. The writers clearly knew that, that's why they made her decide to be Wednesday's roommate again without Wednesday even bothering to reach out first. That annoyed me. As much as I support independent Wednesday, she really needed to be the one to make the first move there.

Honestly I could go on and on about all the stuff I liked, if only there wasn't such a bad taste in my mouth after episode eight. XP Sorry to harp on this but it felt like it was written by completely different people who hadn't even seen the show.

What it reminded me of a little was Stranger Things. I was so hooked on the first season. I loved everything about it. Then season two came and the tone was a total departure. It went from horror to sci-fi. I like sci-fi, but I was expecting more horror. So I actually stopped watching. I've been told it's gotten good again, and I keep meaning to watch the rest. But that's what happens when you switch up the tone out of nowhere: people who were watching for that tone disappear.

Wednesday was great because it was quirky with a murder mystery vibe. I didn't expect the action and magic to become so incredibly important in the final episode. It's like the show up and switched genres on me.

I'll end with a few more positives: Wednesday herself is great. (My one issue: torturing Tyler. Yes, he was the monster. But before she figured out it was him, she thought it was Xavier. Would we give her a pass if she'd tied Xavier up and tortured him?? On the one hand, Wednesday is a girl who throws piranhas in the pool for vengeance, so I guess it isn't out of character! On the other hand, that bit was played for laughs. This time, the torture of Tyler, was serious. So it comes off differently. Wait a min, Fizz, you said you were gonna talk positives. *cough) Yeah, anyway, I loved Wednesday and am happy she didn't lose her Wednesday-ness because of falling in love and making friends. Her finale hug with Enid WAS a wonderful part of episode eight. I could forgive the ending a lot of issues because of that hug.

And the Addams family cast were great. Gomez in particular was a hit. Morticia was a little more iffy, but I think it's more due to her and Wednesday having more of a plot to deal with than getting to just be herself. Thing, Pugsley and Fester, loved them.

And like I said earlier, the rest of the characters were fun and promising. I was so happy Bianca didn't turn out a typical mean girl - I just wish she'd had more of a growing friendship story with Wednesday before suddenly becoming all nice with her. And I liked Eugene a lot.

The show just took on soooo much for just eight episodes. Despite that, it was fun almost the entire time. If only it hadn't tripped up so badly in the end. I really wanted to say I loved everything about it.

In sum, I'm not sure if Wednesday Addams deserved this, but... I'm still glad the show exists. xP If there's another season, I'm going to hope the victory of the first season makes the writing staff calm down a little lol and maybe season two's finale will be better balanced.

[thefanficmonster]

i once again crave daylor

hcs of them going on their first date? 👉👈

HEADCANONS COMING YOUR WAY!!

Enjoy 🤗

Pairing: Daniel x Taylor [The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope]

Warnings: Swearing (idk XD)

Genre: Pure FLUFF

- Daniel wasn't the most confident about asking Taylor out

- Hell, it took him a year and a half of watching her date wrong guys and be heartbroken to tell her how he felt about her

- Contrary to what Andrew had said, Daniel wasn't as certain that his feelings would be reciprocated

- With that being said, it'd make sense that it took him a long time to even start thinking about an actual date even though he idealized the thought for quite some time

- Once again, his support system consisted of Andrew and only him cause nobody else knew and he himself wasn't very supportive of himself

- Yeah he still had the audacity to anticipate rejection no matter how nonsensical it was to his best friend and roommate

- Eventually, however, he caved to the repeated persuasions and, although with much stalling and stuttering, he managed to get the question out

- Luckily for him but to no surprise to anyone else, her answer was:

- "Thought you'd never ask."

- She also grinned like an idiot so that was a bonus

- Their first date was the night following that interaction and it wasn't anything fancy but neither of them gave a damn

- They were too lost in conversation about this and that to mind that they were in a diner near the college

- To the diner's credit, it wasn't a complete hole-in-the-wall and was nicely accommodating with the prices to the mostly broke college students in the nearby college

- It was certainly nice that they were the only ones in there apart from one more person sitting at a table on the opposite end, with the majority of the staff in the back, allowing them privacy

- And Daniel and Taylor used it to the max

- Having been friends for a long time, they immediately got a conversation flowing, avoiding that awkward opening to first dates between people who don't know each other

- And they kept up that flow of conversation until it was starting to get quite dark outside, making them realize that they had been at the diner for longer than they thought

- On Taylor's insistence, they each paid for their own food

- "Just a first date, Daniel, I'm not planning to hurt your wallet just yet." She winked at him to let him know she was joking although there was really no need for the indication

- But there wasn't anything jokey about what she said following that

- She said it teasingly, but it made Daniel's blood run cold

- Taylor pointed across the room where a man with sunglasses, fedora and a trench coat that looked silly on him sat

- "Do you think I didn't notice that's Andrew?"

@megandaisy9 @artlovingbre @sparrow-gg @lavadoge @squirreljoe @nyctophiliiiiaaa

[lovinkiri]

Kinktober2020, Day Five

AmericaAU!Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Warning: Phone sex. Dirty talk, cursing.

Yes, I rushed towards the end. Sorry XD @awilddreamerwrites

It was frustrating not having not having Katsuki by your side in general, but the sexual frustration was really getting to you. Katsuki felt the same way. The difference was rather than simple frustration, it was pissing him off. He'd rather be fucking you into your mattress at home than discussing hero work with that damn Deku. But a hero's job is a hero's job.

So when he suggested phone sex, you immediately agreed. I mean, sure, you were a bit nervous. You'd never had phone sex before. But the sensation between your thighs was becoming too much to handle. You wanted, no, you needed his attention. 

As a result, there you lay in your bed that now. You were stripped down in bed, legs pressed together. You were slightly leaned up on your headboard to get a good look at Katsuki. You'd thought be meant regular phone sex?

No.

Katsuki wanted a show.

And as he stared at your dripping cunt, ready for his instruction, you watched his hard cock. God, what you'd do to be on your knees in front of him. The thought caused you to kick your lips absent-mindedly, not knowing Katsuki watching your tongue swiping over those irresistible lips.

"Well? You gonna play with those nipples for me?" He smirked, gently fisting his cock. You blushed darkly and allowed your fingers to tease at your perky buds, rolling them between your fingers. 

Katsuki watched as you flicked at them, lightly tugging. Just like he would. "You miss me that much, Teddybear? Bet you wish those were my hands." 

You gave a quick nod, biting your lip gently. You'd heard him and you wanted to respond, but honestly you couldn't take your eyes off his dick. The bead of precum that threatened to drip down the shaft. Wanting so badly to lap it up like the obedient bitch you were.

"Use your words, Princess." Katsuki gave a small grunt. Pouting softly, you responded. "God, yes.. Miss Daddy so much.." Your voice was like honey to him, sweet and tempting.

Getting impatient, he finally grinned. "Touch that pussy for me, baby." And you wasted no time following orders. Your fingers found your clit, rubbing in quick circles.

He gave a soft growl. "Slow it down. You want to cum? Good girls fucking wait." 

You whined softly, hesitantly slowing down. You watched as he fully pumped his cock with a firm grip, using the white bead of precum as lubricant. "Fuck, Daddy I want it so bad.. I-I can't cum without you.." You whimpered softly. 

He growled softly. "Yeah? Can't get yourself off without me anymore?" He felt pride bubbling up as you mumble out a "Yes, Sir.." and allowed your head to fall back. Just knowing only he could make you feel so good gave him pleasure. 

"I'm gonna take good care of you, alright? I'm gonna make you cum real good." He grunted. You quickly nodded and looked back to his exposed, perfectly sculpted body.

Fuck, he looked good.

Testing the waters a bit, your fingers gently prodded at  your core. His eyes watched with full interest, unable to even scold you. It'd been too fucking long and God, did he need this. Screw the teasing. He just needed to cum because though he wouldn't admit it, it'd been a little harder without you too.

Knowing he wouldn't stop you, you slowly pushed in two fingers. A soft moan left your lips and your eyes lidded. Katsuki watched as your digits slowly disappeared. "Fuck, who's pussy is that?" He questioned, watching you slowly pump  your fingers.

"Ngh.. Daddy's.. It's Daddy's.." You whined, gently grinding your clit into your palm. He bit his lip, doing small twisting motions as he rubbed his cock. "Shit.." 

You quickened your pace, breathing getting heavier. "Fuck, fuck.." You mumbled. You'd both admittedly, but it'd been so longer. And it sure as hell wouldn't be the last orgasms you two would have this night. No. Just the first.

Soon, you were shoved off the edge. The feeling was strong and intense. Your thighs shook. The feeling of pleasure was overwhelming after a long while of being untouched.

Katsuki felt the same way. It was obvious as you watched cum spurt from the tip of his cock, onto his thighs and down the shaft. He pumped his cock through his orgasm, imaging his hand was your dripping wet cunt. 

As you both calmed from your high, he groaned softly. "C'mon. Put on another show for me me, will you?"

[troublesometrollhunters]

Dawna's Journey

A/N: Guys this took so long XD. Please give me feedback/comments/reblogs if not on the post than anon. Look I proof read it so much now I'm sick of it lmao. I know theres grammer mistakes but If I didn't post it tonight it was never getting posted. Anyways please enjoy this!!! :D

~~~

Dawn stood at the edge of the kingdom. The night was still as the guards had retired for the evening and she was left alone with her thoughts. Standing at the gate she stared beyond the iron bars into the foggy night where the woods were.

 She was steps away from what could be the biggest mistake of her life. By doing this, by going out into the woods to find the cure for one of the dying trolls in the dungeon, she was betraying her families name and their status along with the throne. Her uncle, her mother, her sister, Merlin, Lancelot. All of them would tell her this is wrong. That trolls were the enemy.

 Swallowing thickly, hands glowing to illuminate the night she touched the cold stone of the castle's defense wall before brushing her fingers against the iron bars that kept the trolls and fae at bay. Hissing she pulls her hand away, shaking it to make the sting disappear. Frowning as she stares out at the woods they seem to beckon her. Walking away from the gate and along the wall she goes towards a thick patch of ivy. There hidden behind the plants was a small crack. One she found as a child and still used for situations like this. 

  Slipping into the greenery rough material scrapes against her catching on her clothes but she stays determined scooting through the stone. As Ivy brushes past her face, her boots sink into the soft grass and she edges herself away from the protection of Camelot. Looking back at the castle her hands shook as she stared at her room that overlooked the very land she stood on. She'd wandered the woods many times and explored their wonders but this time was different. This time she wasn't visiting peaceful territory or exploring her magical studies in secret, this time she was going straight to the Gum Gums. She was risking everything and what made her the most nervous about it, was she didn't care. It was the right thing to do. No matter how many people said it was wrong she felt in her heart it wasn't.

 Backing away from the wall, away from her home, she realizes this could be the last time she sees Camelot if she fails. Taking it in, etching every small detail into her mind she sighs. Things used to be different. When Arthur had Gwenivere she breathed life into him and the castle. She made people hope and kept the kingdom together as the war against the Gum Gums raged on. But now the kind queen was gone and Dawn felt keeping the peace fell on her. However, as much influence as she had in the kingdom and over her uncle, Arthur never really listened after he lost his wife. He was too lost in his grief to hear reason. He banished most magic and as Dawn felt the cool air ruffle her hair she knew soon she'd be next. She couldn't fix Camelot. Not by herself but she could try and make her uncles wrongs right. Starting with the trolls he'd locked away.

 Taking one last look, the moon shines silver light over her kingdom protecting her people inside the wall. Clutching her cloak tightly Dawn closes her eyes and runs into the woods, leaving no trace that she'd ever left. She feels the grass squish beneath her feet and the whistling wind almost knocks off her hood as she runs. 

 Magically summoning her silver and gold armor the chainmail echoes in the quiet woods. Her uncle had banned magic but that never stopped Dawn. Her sister did parlor tricks for fun but Dawn craved more. It was in these woods she learned the meaning of magic and through Merlin's notes she taught herself the way of the fae world. The elements were her teachers and she hoped they'd give her mercy tonight. 

  Running faster each step she takes makes a resounding clank that bounces through the trees. Pushing past snagging branches, brambles, and thick underbrush she keeps going only one thing on her mind, getting that troll cure so her friend would survive. What an absurd notion, that she princess of Camelot was friends with a common troll. Smiling as she thought of him she kept pushing on, chest heaving as she thundered through the woods. Stepping over small streams and avoiding roots. 

  White puffs left her mouth as she pushed on. The cold kept her awake and alert even as her legs burned from running so long. Dawn stops, armor now silent as the night returns to its previous stillness.

 Killahead.

The girl swallows nervously and takes a cautious step forward. The bridge was old and full of divine energy, she could feel its power radiating from where she stood. It acted as a divide between the world of trolls and Gum Gums. Gunmar said he owned the whole woods but that was a lie. However, past the bridge there was no doubt that was his land. As she took in deep breaths chest burning she studied Killahead. Cracked stone, worn carvings from centuries ago, and overgrown moss greeted her. A bridge that once ran over a flowing river had been dry longer than Dawn had been alive. She knew this place had power. It held generations of knowledge and stories. It could be the rise or down fall of civilizations.

But unlike the trees and forest Killahead did not talk. It just listened. Cracked stone keeping the secrets of all those that walked past it. Closing her eyes she steps away from the safety of neutral territory and towards the tarnished stone. 

 Reaching out, her hand tightly clutches the side of the bridge. As she rubs her thumb over the side the stone feels smooth from years of being worn down. Stepping onto the Killahead bridge it's uneven with patches of grass slowly taking over the stone. Dawn feels the slickness of moss and dew under her boots and tightens her grip on the side she's holding as she trudges forward. 

 The moon shone above her through the leaves and pausing she tilts her head taking it in as darkness was soon to come. Listening closely, closing her eyes to hear the forest around her it was too silent. She realized someone was following her, that the GumGums knew she was here. Refusing to give up just because she felt fear she stood tall as she crossed the bridge. The branches overhead now choked out any light and it was a miracle she could still see as she made it to the end of the bridge. Standing there taking a deep breath her hand grazed the moss that had taken over Killahead. This was her last chance. To turn back and run. To go back to the castle and ignore her uncles troll business. To allow him to continue what he was doing. But... she could not.

 Filled with determination she takes her first step off Killehad. Heading away from the bridge and into the deep woods she was officially in Gum Gum territory. Her weapon wasn't drawn and it was clear she wasn't an active threat. Though Gum Gums never were ones to pick up on hints, if she had to fight she came prepared but she'd rather leave the woods unscathed.

  Venturing deeper into Gum Gum territory her chainmail echoes through the dense foliage. Low hissing and rustling could be heard from the bushes as scouts watched her. Golden and green glowing eyes all around her as she boldly kept walking. Her hand was now on her hip weapon ready to draw but she hadn't felt the need yet. She was hoping to speak to a general or a higher-up GumGum and somehow barter for the cure but as the growls got louder Dawn knew she'd have to fight. She was waiting for someone to come and address her and the soldiers watching her seemed to understand her silent demand as they kept their distance.

 Hearing something Dawn reacts quickly. Turning boots sinking into the mud as she grouds herself her blade made a distinctive swish before it clanked loudly striking against Gunmars sword. Sparks fly and the temporary bright light causes her green eyes to shine under her cloak. The brute growled in her face and she growled back surprising the GumGum King.

 "You wonder deep in our territory Knight." He hisses. Dawn responds by pressing her sword harder against his. Remembering what the knights had done, she leans back before she puts all her effort into her sword pushing the blade against his forcing him back. Stumbling Gunmar catches himself. His blue eye stares at her cloak as he pauses surprised by the human's strength. Tightening her grip on her sword showing no hesitation that she'd strike again he chuffs unamused. 

  His dark blue eye scans her form but all he sees is a long cloak and the shine of her sword in the dim light. Sniffing the air he chuffs surprised. It was a magical blade. A mage? Hadn't Arthur murdered them all?

 "I don't want to fight. I come seeking your aid." Dawn states tilting her head to look at the GumGum king. He couldn't see her face but he could feel her stare, those green eyes haunted him. This was no normal human. No normal mage. Chuffing he sneers tilting his head.

 "Oh? And why would I help a fleshbag morsel like you?" He snarls beginning to pace around her. Dawn followed his motions watching him closely. He admitted he was curious at what this knight could want at how someone could be so stupid and bold. They were foolish to come here but from the sword skills they showed he could see why they assumed they'd be safe. 

 "Because one of your own is dying and I'm trying-" Dawn starts but Gunmar growls bearing his fangs at her. 

 "SILENCE!" He roars. Dawn closes her mouth and waits. He comes close and sniffs her before huffing hot air in her face unimpressed. She reaches up to keep her hood on not wanting him to see who she really is. If he knew she was Dawna Noble of the PenDragon line it'd be over. He'd send her corpse to Arthur and her friend's life would be lost before she had a chance to win it.

 Rolling his eye, he turns annoyed by her insistent presence. "Go home whelp." He orders. "Humans speak only lies and when it isn't lies it's stupidity. Get out and don't return and you may tell your friends at the Round Table you survived. You are no meal and you're not worth the effort." He huffs waving her off. Dawn stands shocked as he begins walking away. She just ran from the safety of her home to try and save a troll's life and Gunmar doesn't even acknowledge her? He pushes her away like she's just a confused child. Grip tightening on her sword she grits her teeth shaking. She had come too far to turn back now.

 "I'm not going anywhere!" She snaps. Running to stand in front of the Gum Gum king she spreads her arms blocking his path. She's shaking making her chainmail rattle. She'd come so far he couldn't deny her now! "I came here to Gum Gum territory at night! It's important please at least listen to what I have to say." She begs. He looked annoyed and she frowned, lowering her arms. "I need something… and I know your people are the only ones who can give it to me." Stepping closer to Gunmar unafraid and praying for the life of her friend he growls at her. She's about to respond with a growl of her own when a sharp tug from her cloak made her stumble back from the King choking. She was so distracted talking to Gunmar she forgot to watch her back. 

 Tilting her head clawing at the clasp around her neck the Gum Gum prince was behind her and his claws had snagged her cape. He ripped at the fabric chuckling as she gasped for air. Unclasping the cloak knowing it was her life or her identity Dawn turned eyes blazing. The grip on her sword tightened making it glow as her green eyes glared into his red ones. She sneered at the Prince of Darkness teeth bared. He stumbled back in surprise eyes wide as he stared at her armor before staring at her face. Dropping her cloak he stepped closer curious as he sniffed her. Her amor bore Camelots symbol and stepping closer he clearly saw the Noble clans markings in the carvings of her amor. Dawn pushes Bular's face away when he gets to close and he chuckles. 

 "... Dawna? The King's niece? A child?" He laughs but Dawn stays undeterred. Her grip remains on her sword as she points the end at him. He chuckled amused. It seemed she was braver than the rest of her family or stupider. 

 "This child." Dawn says slowly eyes narrowed into slits as she feels anger course through her veins. Her hands burn coursing with energy and suddenly the trees begin to shake as the branches above them shift. Distracted she pushes Bular over with the butt of her sword forcing him against the wet grass. The Moonlight leaked through the trees as leaves swirled around her. Had it been the day she surely would've killed him. But that wasn't her intention.

  She wanted him to see her. To fear her and as her armor shone as bright as the moon GumGums hissed backing up at the glare. "Is not one to be triffled with. I seek something and I'm not leaving till I get it." She states glaring down at Bular. He growls at her, angry she'd knocked him down but she seems unaffected by his silent threat.

 "Like we'd ever help you." Bular huffs pushing her sword away from his face. Dawn puts it back in her sheath and sighs. As she took a deep breath she could see this wasn't working. She needed to switch tactics.

 Thinking back on everything she knew of Gum Gums she paused, she'd need to choose her next words wisely. "I'm not asking for help. That's weak." She hisses. "I'm asking for a fair trade." Dawn finally says. She holds out her hand for the Prince but he snarls, snapping his teeth at her fingers. She pulls her hand away to avoid the bite and rolls her eyes. Turning away from Bular she looks back to Gunmar.

 "You have nothing we want." The troll states uninterested. Dawn hums. No she didn't, did she? What was she expecting? The Gum Gums to reach into their darkened hearts and present her the cure like a gift? This was doomed to end in a fight. 

 Hand on her sword she hums as Bular shifts behind her. The brute huffs as he gets up, bumping her aside as he walks by to get to his father. Both the beasts now glared at her. Dawn wishes she could say she was without fear as they stared at her but she'd come so far she wouldn't turn back now.

   "Leave your wasting our time." Bular says uncaring of her achievements or her power. "Your so skinny we'd choke on your bones." He adds. His father laughs head bomping his son but Dawn shakes anger radiating through her. Eyes turning a dark green she feels the grip on her powers loosen. In a perfect circle around the three of them the grass dies. The two trolls watch as the plants around them begin to wither, roots twisting and cracking as wood split and leaves fluttered down. Then it all turned black rotting away. Facing them her eyes burn with a need to prove herself. The moon shines on her and Dawn's armor reflects it's light showing her power as she stood in the dead grass.

 "Then fight me. In a duel." She demands standing her tallest as she looks at them.

 She wasn't leaving without that cure. She may fall here but she falls with more grace than either of these so called warriors.

 Gunmar leans in close his horns jutting out like a crooked crown as he snarls at her. Dawn snarls back. She. Wasn't. Leaving. Without. That. Cure.

 "... Fine. You wish to die? I will not stop you." Turning Bular and him begin to stalk away. Soldiers surround her and as she draws her blade eyes wide she sees Gunmar pause. The soldiers don't advance or go for an attack. Dawn turns and Gunmar stares at her waiting. She realizes she is supposed to follow. Taking one last look back at Killahead and the safety of the forest beyond she picks her shredded cloak off the dead grass before reclasping it around her neck.

 It seems she got what she wanted.

~~~

  An hour or two must have passed making Dawn fear she wouldn't get back before Daylight. If her bed was empty when the castle awoke they'd send a search party and she'd never be aloud to leave again. Arthur would watch her every move and Merlin… she'd never be aloud to learn another spell. Trudging on through the darkness of the woods fearing that Daybreak was near she felt weak. Her legs were tired from the long trek but she knew it was worth it. She watched as they passed trees with scratch marks in them and trollish sayings and carvings she couldn't decipher. Dawn pauses touching one of the trees and tracing the carving it flashed green and the words changed allowing her to read it. Tilting her head she squints.

 "Home…?" She mumbled seeing the deep groves in the tree. Dawn felt she knew this language from a distant memory as if it had been murmered once before as if it'd been read to her. Trying to remember how she knew it, a jab to her back made her hiss.

 Poked with a guards spear she walks away and observes her surroundings closely. Seeing more trolls watching from the bushes, standing guard Dawn realized they had led her into the heart of their territory. Her eyes are wide in wonder as she looks around enamoured. She'd heard such dark stories about the GumGums home but standing here she could only feel the warmth of fellow warrior spirits.

   Tents were set up and huts made from the surrounding trees and rock. Everything was handcrafted in a way Dawn never knew trolls were capable of. Woven branches and carved rock shielded families from the cold as they laid together. Fires raged in pits and the flames made the GumGums eyes reflect as they watched her follow their king.

   Younglings ran around the camp jumping into bushes only to leap out at their friends causing squeals of joy to ring through the camp. Mothers and fathers sat and chatted as they groomed their newborn whelps, licking them clean as they made little squeaks of protest wiggling in their parents grip. Soldiers sparred and played chuffing at one other as they rolled around and smashed their helmets against each other, kits cheering them on. The more she saw the more she began to question her faith and allegiance to Arthur.

 Was this any different than home? They wove intricate baskets of grass that held food and supplies just like the weavers and potters of Camelot. There were some differences such as how and what they wove but the patterns told a story just like her people. Warriors brought back what they'd hunted putting them in piles for all to share similar to the town's trade center. Children played games with each other running around as adults took turns to watch. Was this not exactly like Camelot? Was the way the soldiers behaved any different than Camelots knight barracks or the teens copying the soldiers exactly like young squires? She could almost imagine the GumGums as humans in this light, as a thriving tribe deep in the woods who wanted nothing to do with Camelots culture.

  As she was pushed forward by GumGum spears to keep pace, she stumbled lost in her own thoughts. 

 Stumbling forward trying to wrap her head around the fact that the GumGums weren't all evil she stared up at Gunmar. From this angle walking with his son he almost seemed... human. He could've eaten her or mauled her when they first encountered each other but instead he listened to her pleas and now he was giving her a chance to fight. That was more than what Arthur ever did for her. More than Lancelot believed she could do. Who was the real monster in this war? Was there even a need for war?

 Turning Gunmar meets her gaze and she looks away. She decides to study his camp as this may be her only chance. Looking around taking in the dense foliage and how they'd made it a home she felt eyes on her. Turning whelps watched her curiously blinking owlishly at her. She wonders if they've ever seen a human. Well a live human. Bending down and pausing to wave they ran off squeaking to their mothers. Staring at the troll families who held their children close and their harsh gazes as they glared at the princess, Dawn realized she was the only monster here.

 Bular chuffed amused, making Dawn blush. Of course they'd be scared of her. After all she was the enemy. Getting up and pulling her cloak closer plants nervously bloomed around her and nearby crystals glowed reacting to her emotions. She flushed embarrassed at her lack of control and quickly followed the King of Darkness, curious eyes watching as they left. 

  ~~~

Lead to an arena Dawn pauses in awe. She was standing in the fabled GumGums battle room, she'd only ever heard stories. She never thought she'd see this place. Looking out at the various weapons placed around their training space. There were axes, swords, spears, javelins, maces, and other weapons she didn't recognize. Her green eyes widened in amazement studying the colosseum from the balcony they stood on. It overlooked everything and she was determined to write this down and document it later. The arena was large and wide carved out from the center of the mountain, hidden deep in the core. She could see statues of fallen warriors decorating the rims of the arena. Stone steps carved from years of work circled the colosseum allowing trolls to watch as others spared. She also noticed dents in the walls and wondered about the battles that caused such scars. 

 Running forward Glowing Green crystals jutted from the ground and tapping one, it glowed brightly reacting to her touch. Her heart swelled at the magic in this room, the history. She felt an ancient power in this place and could feel the souls of thousands of trolls who had fallen here. It was exhilarating unlike anything she'd ever experienced. Unlike anything in Camelot.

  "Our rules are simple fleshbag." Gunmar states demanding her attention. Turning away from the balconies edge and focusing on him he snarls from his place on his throne beginning. Skulls decorated his seat and Dawn swallows before meeting his gaze listening closely. "Rule One. Always finish the fight and never hesitate." He states slamming his hand onto an old skull crushing it. Dawn nods aware of this troll custom despite how much she despised it. "Rule Two it must be your blade that ends the fight it can not be your enemies." Holding her sword tightly Dawn understands this. If she lost her weapon she could not use her opponent's to end them.

   Gunmar smirked, leaning forward on his throne of bones as he chuffed in her face. Hot air sent her hood back and made her long hair shift as he leered down at her. "And Rule Three young mage. No magic." He instructs.

 Dawna chokes hearing the last demand. No magic? Since when was that a Gum Gum rule? She was never informed that would be part of the deal. Looking over at Gunmars son she brings her sword close. 

 Bular was at least twelve feet tall and Gunmar fifteen. She was a third their size, maybe half at best.

 Without her magic it would be impossible to defeat either of them. She could fight but she didn't have proper training in dueling only practice from when she copied Lancelot. Not to mention the split swords she'd brought were magic. She'd only have the weak weapon she swiped from the knight hall which to a troll was barely a dagger. She wasn't even sure it could go through a trolls skin. As they watched waiting for an answer, Dawn's hands clenched beginning to glow. She supposed magic would be an unfair advantage but wasn't it unfair to make her fight without it? Magic was apart of her, apart of this place. To deny her such a large part of herself… Trembling she felt sick. Perhaps Gunmar and Arthur shared more than she assumed.

 "Well princess?" Gunmar sneers the title like an insult before smirking, licking his fangs. "What is your decision? Do not waste our time." Dawn shakes. He thinks her a coward, a cheat but she would always keep true to her word. She came here. She had to finish this. Looking at her hands before closing her eyes she takes a deep breath. The glow dies and their left in the dull light of the green crystals. 

  Looking up and nodding Gunmar chuffed staring at her. Sighing, she looked down at herself allowing her armor to fade away. She felt naked without her protection but If they considered magic cheating then she would respect their rules as she was on their land.

  "I do not cheat. I do not need magic to win. And if I fall there's no one to go back to anyways..." Closing her eyes thinking of home she knows either way she wins. She either dies and meets Gwenivere in Avalon or she returns to the castle and saves her friend's life.

  Whispering a prayer to her family and hoping this was not her last night alive Dawn nods. She stands before the King and Prince unarmored and defenceless cept a small blade she held. Gunmar turns and not a moment later an attendant walks in carrying what Dawn feared most. Ravenstone.

 Rare and made from the dust of fallen magic users ravenstone blocked any magic from being used, containing the energy and even stealing it if a mage was around it too long. She holds the stone in her hands when the attendant passes it to her and pauses seeing they were cuffs.

  She swallows as they watch her and closing her eyes she slips them on wearing them as bracelets. Shivering Dawn could feel them working, they would not only block her magic but drain her energy as well. She'd have to be smart in this battle or she'd surely fall. 

  Rubbing the cuffs nervously she feels the intricate runes carved into the stone. They told the story of her kind, the origin of magic. A  zap of electricity goes up her arms making her feel more powerful despite the impediment. "I do not intend to lose." She states boldly. Bular chuffs sword dragging against the ground. Neither did he. Turning towards the arena she begins walking down the stairs, the brute following her.

  It seemed Bular had decided he would be her fighting partner and Gunmar their witness. 

 Waiting at the bottom she paused. Spinning the sword in her hand she stared into the steel looking at her reflection. If she died today she died a hero. If she won it wouldn't be long lived. Dictatuous was running out of time. He needed the cure. Now. 

  Attacking her while she's distracted, Dawn quickly focuses back on Bular, on the battle. Their swords clash against each other creating sparks as they glare at one other. She was tired, had less fighting experience, and was weaker. Smirking Dawn pushed Bular back, she guessed that made this a fair match. 

  Clawing at the ground gaining his footing he snarls and charges at her. Dawn thinking quickly jumps up and flips over him as he swings his sword where she had just stood. Landing she turns holding up her blade as his crashed against hers. He sneered pushing down and she cries out feeling the increasing pressure as he pushes down. Huffing she kicks him back making both of them skid.

 She breathes deeply grip tightening. The battle had just begun and she knew she was outmatched. Shifting her position she glances up at Gunmar. He sat on his throne overlooking their battle, watching amused. His eye met hers and she stares wondering what he must think of her, of his son before Bular crashes back into her, sending her backwards. Hitting the ground she rolls rocks digging into her skin. Her shirt catches and she hisses as the cloth rips open and slashes her flesh making blood spill. The first blood drawn from battle.

  Getting up she stares at Bular. She couldn't get distracted. This wasn't like home, if she lost here she wouldn't get back up again.

  Bular stalks towards her grinning as he dragged his two swords. Taunting her as they scratched deep groves into the floor. In the green light of the jagged crystals his eyes glowed and Dawn saw a blood lust she'd never seen before. Ducking behind a rock as he slashed his swords at her she inches around it before she rolls forward going under his legs aiming at his ankles. Making contact she quickly scrambles up also hitting him in the back right above his kilt. Holding her sword waiting for a counter attack the Prince roars. Snarling he turns, swords hitting her with so much force she's slammed into a wall. Making contact she drops her sword, gasping as she grabs her side. He'd gotten her. Twice now. But so had she. They were even. Grimacing in pain eyes wide in fear she stares up at the warlords son.

 "Look at you. Tiny and weak human. You thought you could best me? I am the son of Gunmar! I am a conquer! And now for your ignorance you shall fall." He states raising his swords above her head. Eyes darting around Dawn smirks. Kicking him in the grocknuts as hard as she can he roars, dropping his swords and whimpering. She grabs her own weapon before charging. Kicking him backwards again she slashes at his chest causing black blood to spill.

 "Miserable human your death will be painful for that!" He threatens as he smacks her away with his arm. Falling back sword clattering as it slips out of her hand once more Dawn groans.

Her breathing is rough as she shakes. Bular picks up his blades and as she kicks back trying to reach her sword his claws dig into her ankle pulling her towards him. He huffs hot air into her face keeping her pinned and she stares at him. He raises a sword but moving her head the blade simply sinks into the ground next to her. He snarls and she snarls back, body burning with pain but brimming with determination. She could not fall.

 Smashing her head against his he hisses in pain, stumbling back as she stands. Blood drips into her eye and her ankle burns from the deep cuts but she still stands tall. "I don't intend to lose." She sneers and he growls at her. Tackling her to the ground Dawn grunts but smirks. He'd pushed her closer to her blade.

 Smiling Bular stared down at her ready to smash her head in right as her sword pierced his side and went straight through his ribcage. She missed his heart intentionally though she wonders how his face would've looked if he had been beaten by such a "weakling" as herself. Smiling as warm blood dripped onto her hands from the wound she'd inflicted she forced him back before climbing on top of him straddling him. Grabbing his horns and pushing his head down she glares down at him huffing.

 "You you you!!!" He roars thrashing but Dawn keeps one hand on the sword threatening to push it all the way through if he didn't listen. The other rested on his horn keeping his head down.

 "Yield Bular. You've lost." Dawn snarls. Their battle was intense and she almost fell but Bulars cockiness had been his downfall. Her hair falls onto his face as she breathes deeply staring into his eyes. Bular chuffs growling at her but her hand remained on the hilt of the sword reminding him she could end him if she chose. She'd done it. Bloody but not broken she'd beaten Bular the Butcher.

 "MY SON!" Gunmar screeches from his throne ready to charge. Dawn turns holding out her hand that'd been on Bulars horn. The GumGum king paused snorting at her boldness. 

"I'll make a deal." Dawn states. "Declare I've won and I'll take off the raven cuffs, I'll heal him, and we never speak of this. And..." She takes a deep breath in blood still dripping from her wounds. "You give me what I desire." Dawn offers. Gunmar chuffs staring at her then Bular. Bular who was covered in blood and beaten by a mere mortal. His son. His legacy. Who was this girl? 

There's a long pause where the only sound is Bular and Dawns wheezing breaths. Dawn and Gunmar stare at each other and finally Gunmar chuffs looking away. 

"You have won." He growls lowly.

"Father!" Bular snaps before roaring at the movement. The pain from the inflicted wound was unlike anything he'd ever felt. Dawn turns eyes wide as she holds the sword still to keep it from hurting him further.

"Silence! You have lost Bular let the witch work!" Dawn nods and ripping off the cuffs she takes out the sword before placing her hands against the wound. His stone was warm despite being rock something she wasn't expecting. The texture was rough and marred threatening to slit her hands open if she didn't work carefully. Black and red stained her hands their blood mixing together and as her eyesight blurred she prayed that after the battle her magic was strong enough to heal him. 

Closing her eyes focusing Bulars breathing and chuffing gets louder as electricity courses through his veins. Dawn feels the wound close under her fingertips slowly and putting more energy into it, more thought the GumGum Prince stares amazed as the rock melts and melds before becoming a small scar against his chest. Almost as if she'd never struck him in the first place. 

Dawn pulls back still straddling him and he stares at her. This small human who just put him on the brink of death only to save him. Who was this human? This Dawna Nobel? 

"... Can I please get the troll cure and go home now?" She begs falling off the dark prince to lay on the ground besides him. They both lay still after their battle, taking deep breaths in.  

~~~

 Gunmar held the potion as Dawn smiled. She had a small cut above her eye from headbutting Bular and a gash on her arm and leg from rolling on the ground but she'd done it. She got the cure to save Dictatious. Taking the bottle into her hands Gunmar leaned close.

"Do not let me see you here again." He chuffs. "And do not take this potion lightly. It could destroy my people but I put my trust in you as you've been the only honorable human I have met in some time. You bested my son and for that you will not be underestimated again." Holding the bottle close, feeling the warmth of it's magic through the glass Dawn looks at Gunmar and nods. That was the closet to a compliment she'd ever get from the GumGum King. 

"You have my word Gunmar." Smiling she turns facing Killahead before she fades into the shadows disappearing. 

Sputtering as she falls into one of the many castle halls, Dawn can't breathe as she lays flat on the carpet. Breathing deeply her hands dig into the lush fabric as her eyes go blurry. Groaning light leaks from a nearby window onto her face and she sees it's sunup, sometime in the early morning. Grunting body burning in pain as she slowly gets up she begins to limp down the hall sweat and blood dripping down her face. But holding the potion close she can't bring herself to care about her pain. Heaving in air, she could feel the night and the toll of magic finally catch up to her. However she couldn't quit rest yet. Clawing at the wall as she continues walking she pulls herself forward cradling her prize close. 

~~~

Dawn paused looking around the corner. The guards that were usually stationed for prison duty were gone on shift leave, giving her a window of opportunity. Opening the door that led to the dungeons quietly she sneaks inside to the staircase before closing the door. Staying in the shadows and avoiding the torches she creeps down the stairs careful not to make a sound. Peaking, her head out she sees most of the trolls were resting or trying too. Hacking could be heard and she winces, listening to Dictatious as he continued to cough.

 Walking quietly across the stone floor, trolls don't pay her cloaked form any mind. Standing near his cell she holds the mug of tea and potion close. She'd changed her clothes to look more presentable. She'd also slipped into the kitchens when no one was looking to grab a few things. Holding the potion and tea in her hand she pauses outside his cell. She could study the potion Gunmar gifted her, reverse it. Make a weapon and wipe out the GumGums once and for all. Magic would finally be respected. Arthur would respect her. But...

 Hearing his loud pained coughs Dawn closes her eyes as she pours the potion into the tea. She sticks the cup through the cell bars allowing Dictatious to take it. The hacking stops and Dawn slowly opens her eyes. Dictatious looks at her untrusting and she frowns her hand with the tea shaking.

  "Please it'll help I promise..." She begs him. He blinks before looking at Dawn through the bars that seperated them, all six eyes peering into her soul through the darkness of the dungeon. 

 "... why?" He asks voice barely above a whisper as he forces it out of his raspy throat. He had gotten worse while she was gone but she believed Gunmar had fulfilled his deal as she had hers. That his sickness would be cured once he drank what she'd fought for and that he'd live just as she had.

 "Because this is wrong and I'm sorry. Please..." Dawn continues to offer the cure, cloak hiding her face but Dictatious knew her. She was the King's niece. She was Camelots jewel. She was that girl who would sneak into the woods to learn magic and come down into these dark dungeons to hear the stories he told other trolls to keep their hopes up.

  He sniffed the tea, it was a spicy moss blend that Dawn found many trolls enjoyed. The ingredients in the kitchen were slightly different from what trolls used but she hoped it'd appease him. Dictatious and her were by no means close but she wanted to amend that. They'd met in the woods when she was small, he'd helped her home. And once more he'd seen her practicing magic and had gifted her a troll book about ancient spells. She'd hated trolls for months after Gweniveres passing. She'd hated her magic but then she remembered. She remembered her aunts love and kindness. Her passion for the arts and her interest in magic. She would not let Arthur get away with this if she was still alive. But she was dead so it was Dawn's responsibility now. 

  It helped that Dictatious told stories whenever she came down to explore the dungeons. Although they never directly interacted he showed her not all trolls were evil. Before he got sick he spun tales of his world explaining magic in a way Dawn had never heard before. He was not a beast like Arthur described and she couldn't bear for him to die when he became sick and could no longer tell his stories. She couldn't stand that these trolls were trapped, that so many had died here. But for now all she had to beg for forgiveness was the potion. 

  "..." Dictatious studies Dawn humming as he looks her over. He takes the cup, his hands touching hers. She smiles and he looks grateful as he takes the warm mug. Looking at the princess with glazy eyes he snorts amused. "You are not like your family. You are different..." Dawn tilts her head but he doesn't add on as he chugs the drink. Once done he hands the cup back before curling into a ball on the dungeons cold floor. Dawn stares at him panicked. Had it been poison? Was he dying? Had she killed him? Had Gunmar lied to her?

 "Dic…?" Going to open the cell bars she paused watching his chest slowly rise and fall. Sleeping. The troll was just resting. Sighing and letting out a laugh Dawn falls against the bars exhausted. Chuckling she hugs her knees close. As she looked at Dic slumbering and listened to the rumbling trolls around her, her eyes fluttered. Yes she could use some of that too...

~~~

 Dawn feels a hand on her shoulder. She startles awake looking around confused before she remembers visiting Dic in the dungeons. Groaning she isn't sure when she dozed off but apparently she had.

 "You stayed?" Turning Dawn takes off her cloaks hood and pauses seeing Dictatious look at her. Smiling she stands, excited the potion worked as he looked much healthier. 

 "You're up." She states ignoring his previous remark. Studying him he seemed to be in good health despite the terrible circumstances. Dic hums in response reaching his hand through the bars to touch Dawns face. "Are you well?" She asks ignoring as he poked her.

��"I am but what of you? What happened to you?" Dawn blushes remembering the bruises and cuts all over her face from the duel. She didn't have the energy to deal with them last night. Letting out a chuckle she shrugs it off.

 "Don't worry about it." She responds, muttering a quick spell to heal her injuries. Dictatious watches with wide eyes as the cuts slowly close and the swelling goes down. She still had some light bruising but she looked much better. He had not seen her last night in the darkness of the dungeon but he'd recognized her scent and voice. Plus she was the only human who really came down here other than the Knights. 

 "You are a very strange human." He states crossing his arms. Chuckling Dawn nods. She was indeed different than her family. 

 "Can you walk? What about run?" She questions suddenly. Dictatiouses face scrunches as he tilts his head. What was she planning now?

 "Yes I feel fine now but why?" He asks. Dawn nods at him before she summons her armor. If she'd fallen asleep against the cells in the morning than it had to be dark now.

 "You've been here long enough. All of you. It's time you go home." She states. 

 "Dawna what are you doing?" Dictatious demands grabbing at her arm but she was already walking away from his cell to the center of the room. Making the torches burn bright, light fills the room showing Dawn.   "... You don't know me!" Dawn addresses them and the sound of grating stone can be heard as they turn and shift towards her. Eyes of all shapes and sizes watching the girl speak. "But I believe Trolls aren't evil. And I promise you, neither are humans. I do this because what my uncle Arthur did to all of you was wrong. I do this to show we're not all like him." Dawn fueled by saving Dic holds up her hand and all the cadges glow. Trolls gasp backing away before the locks suddenly click and the doors swing open. They… they were free? "Follow me and I'll lead you home!" Pulling her hood up Dawn runs out of the dungeon towards the castles entrance and the trolls, goblins, stalklings, and gnomes follow. Dictatious pushes past other trolls and rushing out of his now opened cell runs to be in the front right next to her.

 "Dawna this could be your title! This could be everything. Your very life! What are you doing?" He demands pulling on her arm but she just smiles, winking at him. 

 She leads a charge, directing the various creatures through the castle. Bigger creatures pick up smaller or sicker ones to help them keep up. The freed trolls follow behind her trusting the emboldened mage who had saved them. Their thundering footsteps echoing through the castle.

Making it to the front entrance she bursts the door open with her magic, leading everyone out of the castle and through the labyrinth of Camelot cobblestone streets before finally arriving at the gate. Focusing and saying a spell she hoists the iron bars open and they nod at her in thanks before they run. 

 It was early morning and the sun slowly begins to rise but for now there was enough shade for the night creatures to travel safely. Dawna can hear commotion coming from the castle as knights scurry around trying to find the escaped trolls and missing princess. Laughing as she watches the trolls flee, seeing them return home to the woods her chest flutters in happiness. She'd done it. She'd used magic and she'd freed them. 

  Feeling a pull Dawn stumbles almost dropping the gate and pausing she turns.

  "Lets go." Dictatious states yanking at her hand. She blinks surprised before staring at the troll.

  "What?" She asks softly. He pulls again wanting to drag her into the woods with him. With all of them. Some trolls pause on the bridge looking back and waiting for her decision.

 "Come with us. Please." Dawn blinks before she stares at Dictatious. Tilting her head she gazes outward, to the woods and their lush forest. With the freshest of fruits and gorgeous flowers. With friends. With Safety. With Magic. With sparring. And Freedom. She'd have freedom. She feels another pull and hesitantly she takes a step back so she doesn't go running away with them. 

 "My family is here..." She mumbles but she longs to leave with Dictatious. To go to their troll safe haven and explore the troll world. Too read endless books and immerse herself in their culture and magic. Too see what she'd only heard stories about. To become what she could only dream. 

 "You don't belong with them." Dictatious lightly bumps her head with his before squeezing her cheeks. Dawn is confused but laughing she smiles realising he had just given her the equivalent of a platonic troll kiss. He saw her as kin and he wanted her safe. She didn't belong in Camelot anymore did she? Her home was the wild surrounded by trees and magic not cobblestone and iron. But if she stayed she could help and maybe someday she would ascend to the throne and she could fix things. She could repair the damage done by Arthurs anger and she could rule with Gweniveres love. 

  The loud clanking of armor gets closer and Dawn hugs Dictatious feeling his rough stone against her before she pushes him to flee. He runs understanding her decision but at the end of the bridge he hesitates sending her a hopeful glance. He waits but Dawn simply bows a last goodbye and he nods taking off into the safety of the woods. Looking up again about to bring the gate back down Dawn pauses. 

  Gunmar stood at the edge of the woods watching. Tilting her head he nodded slowly at her. He did not trust humans and the Royal Family was at the top of that list but Dawn hoped she had earned his respect. If she ever fell by his hand she hoped it would be a quick merciful death. Something he granted few.

 The iron bars slam down as her magic burned out, separating her from the woods and all that lied beyond. Dawn signs looking away. Once again she was trapped.

~~~

 Gunmar stood at the woods edge peering into the Humans putrid village. He had come to scout and see if Dawna would keep her word. If the potion she won truly was for a troll or if she was lying and planned to use it against them and slaughter his troops. His single eye widened as the gates opened. He growled ready to tear open her throat but paused as a flood of magical creatures poured out rather than the army he was expecting. He could see trolls of all kinds, stalkings, gnomes, and goblins and amongst them stood an unafraid Dawna. They towered over her and had ten times her strength and yet she didn't fear them. They all left and Dawna was alone. Going to turn and leave he paused. Some trolls remained. A cloaked troll had stayed back and now they were clinging to her. Even from the distance he could see they were small and sickly, barley recovered despite the potion it seemed. The troll pulled at her as the others encouraged her to leave with them. Gunmar snorted enraged at the notion they'd invite her into the woods. 

  The girl simply nodded no, trying to urge them to leave. A wise decision on her part. The troll looks up and saw he was running out of time, the light was coming and with it his death if he didn't hurry. He leaves but Gunmar watches him hesitate. The trolls look back and Dawn smiles before bowing goodbye. The trolls run to the shelter of the trees and the princess watches them leave. The gate is about to drop before her green eyes lock onto him. Their gaze meets and she slowly nods to him. The gate slams down separating them before he can respond and he hums watching her run off as knights come. Perhaps if things were different. If she was born a troll or even a GumGum in another life they could've been allies. Maybe even friends. He turns feeling saddened that she chose to remain imprisoned when she clearly could be free. What an odd human.