#Willorine

[haysaca]

Rivalry yuri consumes op's brain

I finally reached the anticipated Willorine reunion and felt like I needed to dedicate an entire ramble for this cuz even tho I'm SURE this isn't their gayest interaction there was so much buildup to this chapter- Caroline's initial intro, asking Toof to help, Willow's reaction to Toof namedropping her, that darn cliffhanger from the previous chap, HELL EVEN THE DESCRIPTION IS RAISING EXPECTATIONS

It definitely delivered. Witness my descent to madness.

This entire chapter is very much filled with "exes who still want each other" energy and dialogues that you don't even need shipping goggles to see the palpable subtext and Flutterpage (bless her) BEING THE BEST WINGWOMAN EVER.

LIKE UGHHH Willow is trying so hard to ignore her then Flutterpage goes "She's still there" 🥹 she's such a sweetie

Then Willow was skeptical that she'd come all the way there just to see her only for Caroline to say "I do miss you actually,"

SHE AINT EVEN DENYING SHE WANTS THAT COOKIE BADLY

Then she goddamn goes

THATS BASICALLY RIVAL SPEAK FOR "I still love you, do you?" 🙄🙄🙄 That's her entire reason for coming there btw, she legit just came there not just because she misses Willow, but because she misses her DESPERATELY.

THEN WILLOW REPLIES WITH

Translation: "You deserve someone better" like SUREEE in the context of the scene she's insulted that Caroline thinks it'd be a fair challenge given her condition (tho it's pretty endearing she thinks Willow can still keep up) but STILL a part of her self-loathing is thinking she doesn't deserve to be in the spotlight with her rival anymore nor can she even do that because she doubts she'll be able to with a handicap.

BUT OHHHH IT IS NOT OVER YET CUZ GAYORINE BARTLEY IS COMING IN WITH THE

Translation: "Bitch even then, I still want you" THEY ARE MAKING ME BASH MY HEAD Willow pushing her away saying she doesn't have anything to her liking only for Caroline to snatch a random cup (I refuse to believe it had actual tea in it, girl is drinking invisible air) and saying she liked what she had just fine (she doesn't care if Willow's changed, she likes her all the same) AAAAUUUUUUUGJHJ.

THESE BITCHES ARE IN A YEARNING COMPETITION TO SEE WHO PINES HARDER AND FLUTTERPAGE (bless her) IS THE WITNESS!!

I like to think that Caroline's reaction to Willow pointing out the flaws in her ribbon technique was a mixture of emotions, joy that she's still sharp enough in the sports to notice, pride in managing to impress her slightly, and annoyance that she has the gall to call her lazy when she's probably trained more actively and properly than her in the last decade.

Anyways Caroline won the yearning contest cuz Willow was the first to push away.

I think it's pretty interesting how Willow was still trying to help her even when she's pointing out her flaws, albeit the advice is heavily laced with condescending arrogance that she probably knew would anger Caroline.

That seemed pretty intentional too, as she decided to taunt Caroline when it was clear she was going to walk away, even being calm and smiling after it pissed her off. If she hadn't, this encounter would've ended pretty friendly and even pleasant, Caroline would've probably come back some other day to try convincing her again.

But whether or not she knew that doesn't really matter, Willow wanted to push her away all the same, and unfortunately she knew all the right buttons to hurt Caroline's pride.

AUGHHHHHH on second thought a part of her self-loathing was probably thinking Caroline's fixation on her and her techniques would only hinder her growth and prevent her from becoming the star she wants to be 🥹

OR WHO KNOWS MAYBE IM JUST DELUSIONAL 😭😭😭

Wugh whatever. Willow is a character so full of angst and self-loathing and I'm so glad to see the story exploring how it's affecting her and the people close to her pretty thoroughly.

Anyways, patch is peak and I haven't even reached the major conflict, genuinely looking forward to how things go because I KNOW shit gets gayer between these two.

Thanks for reading!

[fishareglorious]

so like. bluepoch published an entire ass willorine article.

the entire thing is under cut if you don't want to take it to twitter.

The Uluru Qualifiers in London have come to a close, but for Arcanists passionate about the Floor Ritual, this is just the beginning. After a decade of silence, the prodigious competitor Charlotte, now competing under the name "Willow," has returned to the stage. In doing so, she not only secured her place in the Uluru Finals but also helped to clear up the smog and bring back our long-lost sunlight.

While Willow has experienced a triumphant return, star competitor Caroline Bartley's journey has been one of meteoric rise from the very start. What drove her to travel all the way to foggy London for the qualifier, and what compelled her to, even as she was defeated, smile and applaud for her former rival?

"Was it the Uluru Finals? Or the Beltane showcase? No … it goes back further. It all started the first time I saw Charlotte compete in person."

The Original Story

Willow was just eleven years old when she claimed her first gold at the Uluru Finals, making her the youngest champion in history. Her mastery of the Floor Ritual—both in her profound understanding of Arcanum and her technical brilliance—was nothing short of perfection. Before her gold-medal performance, Willow was already a promising competitor, but she was only recognized by the most dedicated Floor Ritual enthusiasts. At the time, the emerging favorite for the championship was Caroline Bartley, while many saw Willow despite her history as a skilled competitor, as someone lacking in the emotional depth of Arcanum.

"Right after the qualifier, there was a journalist who made some snide remarks. I'd love to know what their face looked like when they saw Charlotte become our youngest champion," Caroline said, vividly recalling the incident. When Willow remarked that she "remembers how Caroline looked back then," Caroline quipped that she was only thinking about how she would be the one to defeat Willow next time.

Caroline always regarded Willow as her strongest rival, keeping her as an imaginary opponent for every competition she entered. At the time, all Floor Ritual competitors endured grueling training regimens and strict dietary restrictions, which, at times, even took a physical toll on their health and nutrition.

"We had to maintain a strict body weight. When necessary, I'd consume Arcanum-based foods that elicited a sense of fullness … but only kept the hunger at bay," Caroline shared.

Still, setting Willow as her benchmark was her source of motivation. During the interview, Caroline recalled how her coach once told her that Willow could effortlessly remain airborne for over ten seconds. This pushed Caroline to extend her own airtime.

At the time, both Willow and Caroline were young competitors with many opportunities to face each other on the same stage. The media hailed them as two once-in-a-century prodigies in the Floor Ritual, predicting they would usher in "the era of the black and white swans."

However, the following decade saw these two contemporaneous stars take vastly different paths. One rose to the height of fame, sweeping championships across every major event; while the other vanished from the scene, fading from public memory.

These Ten Years

"From the grand stage of the Uluru Games to specialized competitions, I've participated in a variety of challenges. At the same time, with the invitation of the St. Pavlov Foundation, I joined the effort to revise the standards for Floor Ritual competitions."

Since 1900, the St. Pavlov Foundation has undertaken a series of reforms targeting various events in the Uluru Games, including Floor Ritual. Two decades later, guided by Caroline Bartley's professional advice, the rules for Floor Ritual relaxed their emphasis on technical precision in movement, instead placing greater value on the athletes' connection with and expression of Arcanum. The once-daunting issue of nutritional deficiencies and stunted growth among Floor Ritual competitors has been alleviated, replaced by a focus on overall coordination.

"We all love Floor Ritual, so of course, we want to see it get better," said Caroline.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the St. Pavlov Foundation and Caroline, Floor Ritual has shed its outdated conventions and found a new way forward. However, for Willow, adapting to these changes may take time.

"Our sport is moving in a positive direction. I think every Floor Ritual athlete is happy to see these changes, even if it will take some time to adjust," Willow remarked.

Over the past decade, an eerie screeching noise has frequently emanated from the witch's sinister garden—a sound that neighbors attributed to malevolent curses. In reality, it came from Willow's relentless practice of her Floor Ritual. While the scoring standards for Floor Ritual evolved during Willow's absence, her rigorous training ensured she retained the flexibility and agility essential to the sport.

Caroline, with a smile, added: "I never gave up on bringing Charlotte back to the stage … but more importantly, Charlotte never gave up on herself. Witnessing her return to the spotlight has been nothing short of spectacular for all of us and the sport."

A Story Yet to Begin

After securing her spot in the Uluru Finals, Willow prepared herself extensively. Occasionally, her rival Caroline would join her training sessions. According to both athletes, these joint practices were surprisingly enjoyable.

"I suppose I didn't have much of a choice, considering Caroline is one of today's …" Willow hesitated, looking slightly awkward.

"… top competitors in the Floor Ritual," Caroline finished for her. "While the core techniques of Floor Ritual training haven't changed much, Charlotte still adheres to the strict methods of the past. So, it's important that I stop her from being overly hard on herself."

Since her comeback, Willow has devoted almost all her time to training. There were too many rivals to catch up with and so much to learn. She divided her training into two parts: physical conditioning and technical skills. When she felt overwhelmed, she would retreat to her garden to calm her mind. Now, Willow is ready to compete on the same stage with Caroline once again.

When asked about her expectations for the Uluru Games, Willow replied, "To claim the sun once more." Caroline, on the other hand, said that seeing the sun rise again would bring her more joy than winning the championship.

For both athletes, this might be their last Uluru Games. Yet, in this moment, Willow and Caroline seem as eager and nervous as if they were competing in their very first Uluru Games, filled with excitement and anticipation.

It's as if both the hardships and blessings of this competition have yet to leave any lasting marks on them.

[haysaca]

Yearning homosexual mentioned.

[haysaca]

Put Flutterpage on the list of people you should never trust your secrets with

Girl just exposed her to her crush of all people 😭😭😭

Anyways this chapter was honestly so sweet, Flutterpage taking the first steps to help Willow out of the hole she's dug for herself 🥹

She's such a sweetie

URGJHHHHHHHHH her little buzzie 🥹🥹

[haysaca]

Absolutely loving Willow and Toofs dynamic so far

She says with a shit-eating grin 😭

Toof is such a tease, like have you seen the way she keeps politely approaching Willow while still pressing her buttons

EVEN NAMEDROPPING FLUTTERPAGE AND CAROLINE THATS FOUL,, she knows precisely how to treat and tease this sad wet cat like "ive seen enough patients and lesbians to diagnose ur problems girl" she's so EVIL man.

Also the way Willow keeps glancing to Toof when she was dealing with Flutterpage was so cute like

shes silently screaming "AM I DOING THIS PARENT THING CORRECTLY???" Toof definitely looked away to give them a moment, this girl is way too experienced with this stuff 😭

I also love Toof's brief chat with Caroline outside cuz she went "Ooooo you seem to be QUITE familiar with this place, do you visit her OFTEN?" RIGHT AFTER CAROLINE ASKED HER TO HELP WILLOW

SHE EVEN MADE HER LEAVE 😭

God forbid Willorine slowburn yuri because Toof will tease them to death otherwise.

[haysaca]

very excited to finally witness willorine rivalry yuri and Caroline "I want to challenge you again" Bartley in all her gay glory that im fully ready to ignore my pressing responsibilities for this story patch.

[fishareglorious]

2.3 update i think is on feb 20 which means more willorine art life might be good

[fishareglorious]

walking into traffic postponed there’s a new willorine fic in ao3

i <3 public transportation but i also want to kill myself today