#all the clans yay!

[hihopelessromantics]

magical balance, anyone ?

another day of fixing Nakba's mistakes ! aka fleshing out the Themes where he didn't

I think each clan’s existence plays a role in maintaining the fabric of reality as it is, and manifesting the magic that exists. Absence or excess causes intense problems and threatens the world. 

As put by my pal @exrolotus!

Goddesses: life 

Demons: death 

Fairies: flora nature

Giants: fauna / tectonic nature 

Human: willpower 

Basic Diagram of Magical Balance

(you can barely see the goddess clan! Just like nakaba!)

The given reason for humanity becoming more magical and the overall magical health of Britannia declining is plot convenience. But this is what I think it should actually be going on there: 

The goddess clan and demon clan both generally exist at a greater distance from humanity compared to the giant and fairy clan, either in another dimension or other place (my mutuals propose, for instance, that the demon realm exists in either Japan or Ireland); this distance representing how they stand on equally powerful and opposite sides of a spectrum. It’s so clear how far apart they are, how clear at first glance the line is between what they represent. I propose that their link to the magical balance between them is more precarious than that between of the giants and fairies, and much more vital to the manifestation of magic itself.

As for the giants and fairies: their clans’ supernatural relationship is easier to understand in that they both have ties to nature. It’s a more tangible concept - how does the environment exist without the earth? Flora without fauna? And when do we ever see fairies and giants going toe-to-toe? 

We see the Giant and Fairy clans join with Diane and King’s marriage. I’m going to dig for meaning and propose that this restored a balance between them that was always meant to be. That, in the same way that Elizabeth and Meliodas met and bonded soul-to-soul, their souls’ union was able to restore an ancient and necessary balance to their own clans. Elizabeth and Meliodas brought the end to an eternal war. I’m gonna say that King and Diane brought an end to an unnatural silence. An absence of a relationship, to parallel the absence of a supernatural union between light and dark, life and death, which, arguably should coexist without a third force (supernatural racism, the goddesses’ genocide agenda, etc.) attempting to eliminate one from existence. 

Drole and Gloxinia’s relationship in canon has mysterious origins. A lot of us seem to be shipping them, and I don’t think they’re wrong from a narrative perspective. Remember the giants’ connection to the earth and the faries’ connection to nature. It makes sense that their clans should have some kind of relationship, instead of not interacting at all. Love between them, whether romantic or platonic, could represent the same thing. I hypothesize that fairies and giants were always close (not necessarily physically!) in ancient times until the Holy War, and upon seeing the devastation and unnecessary death they “split” in order to prevent history from repeating. An angst disagreement, or a solemn and silent withdrawal. Giants, continuing on as some of the greatest warriors in Britannia, overemphasizing it in the hope their strength will continue to protect them and bring them honor and courage. Fairies, isolating themselves from all other interactions, neglecting their warrior skills to the point where they become as they are in nnt, relying on their king to do everything for them and “discarding their honor” in terms of their powers. Unhealthy war, unhealthy peace. 

I propose that the rifts caused by the Holy War are what sapped the magic from Britannia. When the goddesses and demons lose the ability to interact with the world “in-between” them, the magic drains. Etc. Humans, the “odd one out,” adapted. For fun, I think there should be some natural disasters thrown into the mix every now and again, as well as other phenomena which I will describe later. What happens when the ropes on all four sides, holding together the supernatural balance of reality, snap? This whole thing is inspired somewhat by the idea that in a fantasy realm, there is one more sphere of health you have to keep track of. It’s physical health, mental health, and magical health. Neglect your mental health? Uh oh! Neglect your magical health? UH OH. I think that if you’re not in touch with yourself and your powers, well, there are consequences. And something like that on a larger scale is happening to Britannia with two (?) upset balances.  

Thoughts? :D

[bitterclan]

the clan is like 80% gray cats now

[smashwolfen]

Yesterday was a good day for mail!

Not only did I get my Pokemon Center order of a good boy with the free worlds promo card with the pikachu and mew, BUT I GOT A SURPRISE OF SOMETHING IVE BEEN WAITING FORRRRR!!!

MY LEGENDS ARCEUS BEANIES CAME IN IM SO HAPPY AAAAAA!!!! Thanks to that I named my Mabostiff Toque XD

Big shoutout to @cecilioque for making these hats in the first place, you always manage to make such banger attire and items for folks in the PLA fandom and pokemon! I got my dimaond clan and pearl clan sweaters and now the beanies to go with them!! Know that I'm probably not gonna wear any other hats this winter, they're perfectly snug and comfortable XD

I had also ordered a second diamond clan beanie (currently wearing lol) in the goal of trying to embroider on the flower pattern like on Melli's hood, fun little side project once I get the right thread in hand!

Thanks again cecilioque! I can't wait to see what else you come up with!! :D

[sumarmz]

Warrior cats but everything's the same except they're anthromorphic animals and have guns now

[warriors-rewritten-chaos]

Post Arc 1 Interlude- Graystripe's Heartbreak

An original segment following Graystripe's thoughts and adventures after the fight against Scourge and The Coven of Blood. The battle's won, nothing can go wrong now! Right?

Graystripe couldn't believe it. They had done it. The Coven of Blood had been driven from the forest after Firestar had killed Scourge, TigerClan was no more, and peace would return to the forest. He walked with Firestar and Sandstorm the whole way back to ThunderClan, his tail entwined with theirs, feeling happier than he had in moons.

When they reached camp and told those who hadn't gone the news of what had happened, there were cries of celebration and joy and the air filled with excited chatter. Firestar leapt onto the Highrock and his voice cut like a claw through all the noise, giving way to quiet as the Leader spoke. Graystripe felt a sense of pride and joy seeing the tom he loved (loved! the thought still made him giddy) so confident and bright.

"Cats of ThunderClan! And, uh, RiverClan as well!" Mistyfoot gave the young Leader a small nod of gratitude for the inclusion of their small group. "I trust that you all know of our victory against TigerClan and over The Coven of Blood." Firestar continued on, interrupted by raucous cheers that he patiently waited to die down before continuing his address.

"However, as with all battles, there are casualties. And one of the casualties today... was our Deputy, Whitestorm. Whitestorm was many things to many cats. He was a trusted clanmate, an incredible Warrior, a wise mentor, a loving mate and father, and a faithful friend. I believe it isn't an exaggeration to say that he will be deeply mourned by everyone in attendance today. Now, though, it is my duty as your Leader to choose a cat who will take up his mantle as Deputy. Not to replace him, but to continue his hard work for the sake of ThunderClan's continued prosperity."

"And with that, I would like to introduce the cat who I believe is the most qualified to accomplish this feat. I present ThunderClan's new Deputy, Frostfur." The Senior Warrior's temporary absence from the crowd had gone unnoticed until she reappeared at that moment, stepping up beside Firestar and dipping her head to the assembly. The camp erupted into near-deafening cheers of her name, the loudest voices unsurprisingly being those of her daughters. Cinderspark was literally jumping up and down with joy, while Brightheart shed a few tears of pride for her mother's accomplishment.

"I am deeply honored to have received this role, and will do my best in service of my Clan to honor Whitestorm's memory."

Firestar then went on to announce a few retirements- Speckletail and Dapplelight were joining the Elders, while Beestripe was changing her role to Builder due to strain on her joints making her Scout duties too painful and difficult for her to continue with at her age. When the meeting was adjourned, Graystripe was startled by Mistyfoot flicking her tail against his side to grab his attention. "We need to talk. Now" she said in a grave voice. He was confused but went along, guiding her slightly outside of the camp into the forest.

"Here should be fine," he told her as they looked around to check if they were truly alone. "Now, what did you need to talk to me about?"

"You're in love with Firestar and Sandstorm."

"How did you know?!" Graystripe exclaimed, fur bristling slightly with embarrassment. 'I thought did a good job of hiding it; how could she have noticed?!'

"Literally any cat with functional eyes can see that you are. When Firestar gave the address you spent the entire time looking at him as though he'd hung the moon in the sky. And not to mention that display heading back from the battle."

He sighed, lowering his head in defeat. "Okay, yes, I am. But why does that-" "You know Stars-damned well why that matters right now." Mistyfoot said sternly, cutting him off.

"Graystripe, you joined RiverClan after your kits were born. You're a RiverClan Warrior now, not a ThunderClan one. You cannot live with a paw in both Clans, no matter how much you may want to. You need to make a choice: stay with your kits in RiverClan, or see if ThunderClan will take you back. Make a choice now, before you ruin your life." And with that, she turned and walked back to camp as though their discussion had never happened.

For his part, Graystripe just stood there, feeling as though he'd been struck. He hadn't even considered the eventuality that he and the others would have to return to RiverClan. That is, if Leopardstar would even take them back. He wasn't sure whether she truly had supported Tigerstar's stance on killing half-Clan cats or if she'd just gone along with it to appease him. She was very difficult to read.

But Mistyfoot had been right when she'd said he needed to make a choice. And he knew what that choice needed to be. What it had to be. If he left RiverClan, Willowpaw and Featherpaw would be left without any parent to care for them. And while their aunts would no doubt do their best in his stead (StarClan knows Smallsplash and Breezeripple were nothing but loving to their niblings despite whatever they may have thought of the kits' father) he couldn't leave them alone. He couldn't abandon his family a second time.

No matter how badly it hurt to leave Firestar and Sandstorm. But he knew in his heart that they would support his choice too. They would understand. They always did. He began to solemnly head back towards camp when he was bowled over by Featherpaw, who immediately began to playfully bite his ears with a shout of "in an enemy territory, never let your guard down!". No doubt wisdom instilled in her by her mentor. He felt teeth dig into his tail and caught a glimpse of Willowpaw tugging on it with a small smile on his face. Graystripe just laughed as he shook them off with ease. They were already nearly twice the size of the other RiverClan apprentices at this point, but their father was still bigger than them.

"You're getting so good at this! But you still can't beat your dad! Take this!" He exclaimed, leaping and pinning the two down under his weight and roughly nuzzling them until they were all laughing and purring.

Yes, he knew this was the right choice. Even though he would still be leaving cats he loved behind no matter what.

=================================================

The very next day, Thornclaw came into camp followed by a small platoon of RiverClan Warriors, and Graystripe knew immediately that this was it. Mistyfoot immediately joined the group, and Featherpaw and Willowpaw quickly followed after saying goodbye to their grandmother, aunt, and uncles (which was a weird sentence to say considering that Rainpaw, Sootpaw, and Sorrelpaw were only a few moons older than their niece and nephew). His mother and siblings went up to him after, looking at him with sadness in their eyes.

"You're all really leaving?" Sootpaw asked, ears and whiskers drooping. "Why can't you and Willowpaw and Featherpaw just stay in ThunderClan?"

"Leopardstar tried to kill you guys! She'll probably do it for real next time! Just stay here with us!" Rainpaw exclaimed before Brightheart stepped in and forcibly herded her apprentice away. Graystripe could still hear his brother arguing with her as they left.

Sorrelpaw didn't even try to stop her older brother from leaving. She just rested her head in Graystripe's shoulder, burying her face in his fur. He could feel the tears beginning to soak his fur as she whispered "I'll miss you" before stepping away to follow after Sootpaw as he left as well. Leaving Graystripe face to face with his mother.

Willowmoon nuzzled his head gently, the way she had when he was a kit in the Nursery, even though now she had to lean up pretty far to do so. "I'm so proud of you" she murmured gently. "I want you to know that. We all are." Graystripe began to cry in earnest now, nuzzling his mother back. "I love you, mom." "I love you too, sweetheart."

And she pulled away, leaving him with the last cats he needed to say goodbye to. Firestar looked as though he wanted to embrace him, but seemed to decide not to, given the RiverClan cats still present and waiting for Graystripe to join them. "I love you, I always will" he whispered quietly, so that none but the three of them could hear. Sandstorm just flicked him with her tail, a gesture of casual faux-irritation to hide her own grief and sadness. "Take care of yourself, you mouse-brain." They left too, and now Graystripe was out of time.

He slowly joined Mistyfoot and his children at the edge of the camp. Mistyfoot dipped her head in farewell, and they all turned and left. Graystripe was the last to follow.

He couldn't bring himself to say anything during the trek back to RiverClan. Mistyfoot, Willowpaw, and Featherpaw were talking plenty, catching up on what exactly had happened in their absence and how the Clan was doing things after Tigerstar's death. Graystripe just kept telling himself that this was necessary and that he needed to do this as they reached the entrance to the RiverClan camp. Leopardstar was waiting there alongside Blackclaw. 'He's probably her new Deputy' he thought to himself. He also noted that she seemed more well-fed then she typically did, but he couldn't bring himself to care about that either.

"Follow me" Leopardstar told them in an emotionless tone as she guided Graystripe, Mistyfoot, Willowpaw, and Featherpaw to the Streamspire, presumably to announce their return to the Clan. Once all of them were perched atop the rock, she began to speak.

"Cats of RiverClan, gather by the river for a Clan meeting. As you know, we were recently forced by a violent intruder to do horrible things. Things such as driving out our own Warriors and apprentices who assisted us all in our times of need and who were invaluable members of our Clan. Tigerstar had them punished solely for the mistakes of their parents."

'Tigerstar wasn't the only one who wanted us gone. Who do you think you're fooling, you liar?' Graystripe thought bitterly as Leopardstar continued to speak.

"Therefore, I have fetched them from ThunderClan and will also be granting one of them a new mentor due to Stonefur's tragic passing." She stressed the last two words as Blackclaw and a few other warriors hissed at the mention of half-Clan cats being allowed to return. "And," she continued to the crowd's nervous excitement, "I will also be naming a permanent Deputy. Blackclaw, come up onto the Streamspire."

Blackclaw ascended the large stone with a victorious smirk on his face.

'Fantastic. The worst cat in the Clan is being named Deputy. This feels just like when Bluestar nominated Tigerclaw all over again.'

"Blackclaw, you have been an incredible Warrior with years in service to your Clan. Therefore... I give Featherpaw to you as an apprentice."

Graystripe's stomach dropped and he saw Featherpaw shrink back slightly in horror. Blackclaw had made no secret that he despised the newly revealed half-Clan cats during the time they were prisoners in the camp. 'I can't let this happen' he thought, mind racing. 'He'll hurt her!'

"No!" He exclaimed, jumping between his daughter and Blackclaw before he even thought about what he was doing.

"What do you think you're doing, Graystripe?" snarled Blackclaw as he slid out his claws and bared his fangs. "Are you disobeying your Clan Leader? Again?"

"Stop this at once." Leopardstar's cold voice boomed from behind them. "Graystripe, stand down. Blackclaw will be Featherpaw's new mentor. You have no right to question my decisions on this matter."

"No right?!" Graystripe yowled in rage as he turned to face her. "I am her father! Blackclaw went above and beyond Tigerstar's orders to harm us when we were prisoners, and if you make him Featherpaw's mentor he'll do worse! I won't let you do this!"

The assembled Clan sat in stunned silence as Leopardstar advanced on Graystripe, ears folded back and eyes narrowed. Then, just when Graystripe thought she was about to spring at him to attack, she paused and turned back to the crowd.

She gave a heavy sigh and shook her head slowly in what seemed to be sadness, though her eyes held nothing but cold anger and thinly-veiled distain. "Graystripe, when you begged to join RiverClan, I had hoped that you would live up to the expectations of a good Warrior. That is what Stormstar asked of you, what all of us asked of you. But, while you have been here, you have been nothing but a liability. I have given you chance after chance, but you have failed each time. Though it pains me greatly to do so, your insubordination has left me no choice. Graystripe, I hereby exile you from RiverClan forever. Go wherever you wish, but you will never be welcome in this territory again."

Graystripe felt his heart turn to stone as the assembled cats started shouting in a clamor of voices. 'No. She can't do this. She can't!'

Willowpaw and Featherpaw cried out in horror and tried to run to him, but were blocked by Leopardstar and Blackclaw. Graystripe turned to Mistyfoot, desperate for any aid, but she just looked at him with a sad but resolute gaze. 'I can't help you', she was probably saying. 'No matter how much I wish that I could'. Voleclaw and a few other Warriors began to ascend the Streamspire and grabbed ahold of Graystripe, dragging him to the earth below and towards the entrance to the camp.

Distantly, he heard Featherpaw and Willowpaw desperately crying out for him, telling them to stop, begging Leopardstar to stop this, but she gave no such command and despite his attempts to reach them he was forced back again and again. It was only when the mob began to claw at him hard enough to draw blood and shove him over the border hard enough to hurt that his energy gave out.

He looked up at the angry, spiteful, or indifferent faces of the cats waiting to make sure he truly left, wondering if any of them would change their minds, or if this was just a cruel joke, but as they just stood there staring at him, he finally realized that this was real. There was no going back. He would never see his children again. He turned and mutely trudged away, tears rolling down his face as he listened numbly to the jeers of the Warriors shouting after him. He didn't pay any attention to where he was going. He just kept walking aimlessly, hoping that a bolt of lightning would strike him, or a dog would crush him in its jaws, or that the ground would open wide and swallow him whole.

He wanted to die. He had nothing left to live for. He was truly alone.

=================================================

Graystripe walked for what was probably weeks, only ever stopping when he literally passed out from exhaustion. His paws were definitely bleeding. His pelt was a mess with tangles and thorns. He looked, smelled, and felt dead.

He didn't even remember when it was that he entered ThunderClan territory. He didn't notice. It was only when he woke up in the Medicine Den with Yellowfang, Firestar, Sandstorm, and his mother crowded around him that he realized where he was.

[maaaahri]

Oh no I’m thinking about VtM npcs again

[everydayarsonist]

I’m completely normal about the Yiga Zonai Vehicles I swear

(Hoverdoom MK.3 my beloved)

[carewyncromwell]

“Hey, Dad, look at me: Think back, and talk to me -- Did I grow up according to plan?”

~“Perfect (cover)” by At Sunset

x~x~x~x

animation made with EZGif // my other accompaniment while drawing this

x~x~x~x

Um... “happy” Father’s Day, everybody? 😅 Here’s some Jacob Cromwell content to mark the occasion -- specifically Jacob content that also features his estranged father, Evan Bach!

Those of you who are familiar with Jacob and Carewyn’s backstory are probably already aware that Evan was a pretty poor father. He tried continuously to shape Jacob in his image and only vindicated the opinions of others labeling him as a “delinquent”; he actively plugged out of his daughter Carewyn’s life from an emotional perspective, leaving her to be raised solely by her mother and brother; and worst of all, he abandoned his wife Lane and their children after the arrival of Jacob’s Hogwarts letter, unable to accept that his wife had lied to him about her and their children’s magic for so long and not wanting any part of the Wizarding World he’d have to join to be part of their lives. But at the same time, I never saw Evan as an inherently bad person, so I wanted to explore the generational trauma that both Evan and Jacob suffered through, and how it ultimately shaped them as people.

Evan Bach was the only son of Josef Bach, the son of a German immigrant raised largely by his uncle Jakob after the death of his father in the first World War. Josef learned from an early age how to lie to stay out of trouble with both his uncle and the authorities, and coupled with his chronic alcoholism, this led to him getting involved with a lot of petty crime. Josef’s childhood sweetheart Margie thought that having a family might help coax Josef to stay at home with her more, rather than spend his nights at speakeasies and pool halls, and at first, it seemed to work -- Josef wanted to put on a good face for his wife and newborn son, so he tried to hide his more illicit behaviors from them. Then Britain entered World War II, and Margie was forced to take one-year-old Evan out of Westminster and into the countryside to safety, leaving her husband behind. Soon Josef fell head-over-heels into organized crime, which actually flourished during the Second World War in Britain with most legal authorities having to focus on the war effort, and he soon became very rich working as an “enforcer” for a prominent London gang who participated in dozens of protection rackets. All the while, Josef wrote letters to his wife and son claiming he’d used that Ivy League education he’d convinced Margie he’d gotten somehow to land a job for the British government, and that with the profits he was making as part of the war effort, he’d bought them a huge house on an acre of land that they’d be able to enjoy together once the War was over. For Evan, who had next to no memories of his father aside from what his mother told him, he clung to these written lies enthusiastically, endlessly proud of the man he thought his father was and looking forward to the day that he and his mother would finally get to return home and meet him.

Sadly, while in the country, Margie became very sick and died in the winter of 1943, just before the end of the War. Following his wife’s death, Josef became all the more devoted to his gang life, and soon extortion, arson, and murder became everyday occurrences. Even so, on those few occasions when Josef would speak to his young son Evan on the phone, he’d lie about the weird noises and explosions the boy would hear in the background, saying that he’d be there to pick the boy up when he returned to Westminster and he’d take them home to their beautiful (and completely fictional) house outside the city. When the War was over, though, Evan did not find his father waiting for him at the train station, but instead his great-uncle Jakob -- for Josef, it turned out, had been lying to a lot more people than just his wife and son: he’d also lied to his bosses that he had no wife and children. And in order to keep up that charade, he couldn’t have Evan live with him -- so Josef asked "Uncle Jakob” to pick Evan up and take him in instead. The revelation of Josef’s lies and subsequent abandonment shattered Evan in a way he had trouble articulating to anyone, though he tried to once, when confiding in his future wife, Lane --

“I know what you mean. About your father, I mean. ...My father...wasn’t like yours, really. He was a crook, a liar...a petty criminal, in every way. ...But I know what it’s like, seeing the love other people seem to have for their kids and just wondering, ‘...Why? Why didn’t I have that, why couldn’t I have that? Why does my father have to put himself, and his wants, and his vices, first, instead of his family? Why isn’t he like those parents who, when faced with a tough choice, always choose their kid? ...Why didn’t he choose me...?’”

Not long after, Josef’s lies and crimes finally caught up with him, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment for all of the violent crimes he’d gotten wrapped up in. And so Evan was raised by his great-uncle, who desperately tried to take advantage of his “second chance,” raising the orphaned son of the boy the old man had raised as a son himself, and teach Evan to live an upstanding, honest life. Evan was so haunted by the corruption of his father through his addiction to alcohol, his proclivity toward violence, and his pathological lying that he was determined to be a man who would provide for his family the right way -- one who would be a proper role model for them, who would model the correct way to behave and instruct them about how to do the same. A man who wouldn’t let his son throw his whole life and potential away the way his father did.

Unfortunately Evan’s rosy view of fatherhood was complicated when his son -- named “Jacob” for the man who had largely raised him and had passed away five years previously -- ended up being both a wizard and a completely different person than Evan himself was. For as conventional and people-pleasing as Evan was, Jacob was opinionated and eccentric. For as rule-abiding and respectful of authority as Evan was, Jacob was rebellious and irreverent. For as uptight and conservative as Evan was, Jacob was wild and sometimes even violent, when provoked. Add to this Jacob’s distinct disinterest in any of the classic “father-son” activities Evan had envisioned them doing like fishing, playing catch, and going to sports games, as well as the boy’s frequent “misbehavior” (in truth outbursts of underage magic) that would get him into trouble at school, and Evan honestly didn’t know what to do to alter his son’s course. And because of his departure, Evan never saw just how hard his son worked to get top grades at Hogwarts, only to have his life upended by Lane’s father Charles and his criminal organization R and get locked in a magical portrait for seven years. Evan also never saw Jacob pull off the best, “underdog”-style comeback imaginable and graduate the school he’d been expelled from with honors so as to become a world-renown freelance cursebreaker and magical researcher. Nor did Evan ever see just how loyal, heroic, brilliant and loving of a man Jacob ended up becoming, even without his father there to mold him into what he thought he should be.

But perhaps, in a sad way, that’s the way things had to be. Evan had no desire to be part of the Wizarding World, the place where Jacob felt more complete and “himself” than anywhere else. He had no desire to lie to the people around him or to live a life outside of the straight and narrow path that had helped him move past his father’s tarnished legacy. He’d wanted to give his wife and children what he hadn’t had -- a stable, peaceful, middle-class life in Westminster, where they could just live normal, modest lives and grow into normal, upstanding people with normal, respectable careers. He’d failed in that...and ultimately, Lane -- the woman he loved, who chose him over her abusive family, who he cherished so much for having chosen him, over any other man in the world -- had chosen their son over him. Just as Jacob chose Lane over him...just like how their daughter would’ve chosen Jacob and Lane over him, if she’d had the choice. It’s not like Evan could’ve molded her any better than Jacob, even if he’d tried -- Lane said she was just as “normal” as she and Jacob were. And if Evan had stayed, it no doubt would’ve been out of duress, rather than out of sincere loyalty -- for how could he not resent a woman who he bared his heart and soul to and worked day and night to provide for, only to find out she had lied to him from the very beginning? Would he then only be a pocketbook for his family -- someone to write the bills every month, rather than someone to lead, protect, and guide them in being upstanding members of society? Someone for them to respect, love, and be devoted to, the way upstanding families were supposed to? Was he just meant to accept this life he’d never chosen for himself -- a life where he had to bow to the whims of the rest of his family, just because they had these bizarre, mysterious powers he didn’t have anyway to curb or restrain?

So perhaps Evan leaving ended up being the best outcome for all parties, however cowardly and cruel it was. If nothing else, the Obliviators assigned to keep tabs on Evan after his departure never found any evidence that he tried to expose Lane’s magic or the Wizarding World to any of his friends, associates, or remaining family, or even to the Muggle authorities. He never even made up any stories explaining away his departure to cast Lane in a bad light or absolve himself of blame -- not of her having an affair, nor of her being involved in any criminal activity, impropriety, or abuse. On the contrary, Evan always shut down any accusations of that nature, whenever anyone would suggest them.

“Lane lied to me,” was all he’d ever say. “That’s all it was, and that’s the last I’ll say about it.”

It seemed that, no matter how much Lane’s betrayal had hurt him and how much he resented how their children had chosen to follow her down a path far removed from the upstanding society he’d so wanted them to contribute to, as he did, Evan was an honorable enough man that he refused to tarnish his ex-wife’s name with lies and false accusations. For however poor of a father he was to Jacob, and however justified Jacob might be to hate the man, that honor at least can be respected.

[mistilteinn-magolor]

I FORGOT HOW MUCH I LOVE CHAMPION IRIS' THEME??? WTF THATS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THEMES EVER HELP

[qdbs-writes]

How do you think the Cullens would act around a disinterested crush? Maybe they're fated but reader isn't having it lol

(I love your twilight writing btw thank God someone is still doing it 🤤🤤)

ah it has been many moons since I've gotten a twilight request yay!

Cullen Clan Reacting To Their Crush Being Disinterested In Them

Carlisle Cullen

Being alive for just over 400 years tends to give one a good perspective on life and the bigger picture, and Carlisle sure has a pretty good idea of how all things pan out. So you're not interested in him? That's fine, Carlisle can wait for as long as you need to change your mind.

In the meantime, Carlisle will continue to maintain your friendship and continue to show just how hard he's worked to become the kind caring father figure he is. He knows you'll fall for him, eventually.

Esme Cullen

Obviously, she's not going to stop caring about you just because you don't return her feelings. But she might switch up how she shows her affection.

Rather than flirty winks and suspiciously candle-lit wine tastings, she'll back up to more traditionally motherly affections. Making sure you're eating right, baking cookies, etc. And of course, giving you homemade soup when you're sick is still one of her favourite things to do, no need to stop now.

Edward Cullen

Of course, you're not interested, how could anyone love a monster like him? Who did he think he was, thinking he was worthy of your love? Or so his inner monologue goes.

But it's really not that dramatic, it almost never is, Edward just sprung his crush on you suddenly and it caught you off guard. It was largely the excessively long preamble about how he was an irredeemable murderer that put you off first, but of course, he won't realise that until considerably later.

Rosalie Hale

She's a little relieved actually. All her mortal and immortal life, Rosalie has been aggressively pursued by people she wasn't particularly interested in, so the fact that she can crush on someone who isn't really that interested is a wonderful change of pace.

For the first time ever, Rosalie has butterflies in her stomach, she fumbles with her words when she speaks to you, and she feels like a silly, mortal teenage girl again, begging her mother to let her go to the dance just so she can sneak away to catch a glimpse of someone just like you.

Emmett Cullen

You and Emmett had been good friends for a while so when he casually drops a blissful "We should get married" into the conversation, you initially choke on your drink in laughter.

Emmett's a little heartbroken that you'd laugh at something like that, considering that he was being 100% serious. But since you've known him, the both of you have been constantly cracking up jokes, trying to get on each other's nerves, so no wonder you thought this was another one of his pranks. He decides to take this reaction as a blessing, you have no idea he's actually into you, now he knows he has to work out a different way to confess his feelings for you.

Alice Cullen

She's a little confused obviously, having multiple visions of the two of you in a romantic relationship kind of gave her the impression that it might've been going to come true, but your disinterest says something else altogether.

But the worst part is that those damn visions of you and her together keep coming back, taunting her, luring her in deeper to despair with the thoughts of what might be. It's all getting so intense, so she decides to skip town for a bit, see if that changes anything, or at least helps her clear her head.

Jasper Hale

Oh well, so you're not interested in a romantic relationship, so what? Doesn't mean you can't still be friends. Doesn't mean he can't be the charming Southern gentleman he is. Doesn't mean he can't still pull out chairs or open doors for you. Or send anonymous bouquets to your house. Or leave your favourite snacks in your locker when you're having a rough day. Of course not.

It doesn't mean he can't worry about other people who might want to date you. Doesn't mean he can't scare off people who'd be bad for you. I mean, what else are friends for?

[quitealotofsodapop]

So how does courtnapping work??

"Courtnapping"; a mix of "courting" + "kidnap", is basically the demonic version of a proposal.

When demons were still scattered clans/prides across the mortal realm, it was very difficult for clans to interact without a lot of violence involved. Either because of competition for food, or because someone mistoke a glamoured demon for a mortal animal and starting biting.

What's a prospective lover to do if their beloved's family won't let them near without a fight? Easy; steal their lover away so that they can court them (among other things) in private.

As society grew; "courtnapping" became part of the demonic consciousness as a legitimate dating strategy. It was a loud way of announcing your intentions to the intended's family that you wanted them as a mate, whilst also showing off some muscle/magic.

However, demons are not animals. And if the kidnapped party rejects their captor's affections, it is considered polite to let them go. Only *uncouth* demons dare to lock their beloved away without contact with their family. And only truly vile ones (like Kui Mulang or Sai Tai Sui) keep them as forced spouses.

It's downright expected that a demon whisks away their future spouse - after all, who doesn't want to be swept off their feet?

Among wealthier Underworld clans who've adopted celestial/mortal practices, courtnapping isn't as common. Imperial China-style arranged marriages were the norm for the longest time up until a certain Bull Prince fell in love with an Iron Fan warrior, changing the desire among noble demons towards love matches. Courtnapping is considered a legitimate way of declaring "I object!" to an arranged marriage by giving the bride/groom a second option and a moment to rethink the arrangement.

Some wedding parties even hold a mock courtnappings between the new couple so that they can run off from the festivities and enjoy their honeymoon. Think how Spartan weddings involved the groom "kidnapping" the bride from their own ceremony.

Also because of some hilarious idea sharing with @soniclozdplove, we agree; People were kidnapped by demons so frequently in the Imperial era, not because of demon's eating them - but because of *marriage fraud*.

Think of it like this:

China is under strict Confucian and filial piety ideals. If your parent wants you to marry a specific person, you have pretty much no say in the matter.

Unless.

You just so happen to be kidnapped by a demon who wants to keep you as their legally binding spouse.

Human: "Oh no~ I'm captured by an hunky demon who wants to marry me! Guess I'm going to have to stay here and miss out on my arranged marriage." ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Demon: "And we can no-fault divorce at any time!" Human's Family: "We'll just take them back!" Lawyer: "Actually you can't. It's a legally binding marriage. Unless the captive expresses their rejection or wants to leave; it's legitimate." Human's Family: "Crap. Well, we'll just hire a mercenary or warrior to reverse-kidnap them back!" (*Later...*) Mercenary: "Avast foul demon! I have been sent to reclaim your stolen bride/groom!" Demon, turns to "captive": "Yay or nay, hun?" Human, looks at mercenary: "Ew. Nay. He's older than my dad." Demon, turning on dramatics: "LEAVE THIS PLACE YOU SOLIDER OF FORTUNE! ONLY ONES WITH PURE HEARTS SHALL TAKE THEM BACK!"

Heres a PortSherry comic I feel is very appropriate.

In more serious scenarios, a courtnapping can be faked to safety remove a person in an abusive home. Abusers can't control you if you're behind a giant lumbering demon with a prenup.

DBK got into this in the Tang-era when he and Princess Jade Face were "married". He was just helping her claim her inheritance, since her dad's will would only pay out if she was married (the Underworld Earth-Fox Clan are the "mimicking human/celestial"-trends types). PIF knew of this arrangement, but was still jealous af and nearly blew the whole of Thunder Mountain in her rage (it was how they learned she was pregnant with Red Son).

Zhu Bajie is an odd duck in this case; since he married Gao Cuilan the normal human way, but his instincts told him to steal her away when her family suddenly became hostile towards him. Cuilan didn't really object because she truly loved him, but was upset that contact between her and her family was cut. Even after the couple are legally divorced; Bajie still considers Cuilan his wife - because in a demonic sense, she's still his willing mate. Lots of stories written about the Pilgrims post-Journey have Bajie go back to her so that they can (in human sense) remarry.

Courtnapping still occurs in the modern day; just with a lot of pre-arranged consent involved. Racing, mock-battles, and the spat with between the lovers' parents - demons do love the thrill of the chase after all. But unplanned kidnappings of desired spouses do still happen.

In Red Son and MK's case; they've accidentally been courting each other for a long time. Mostly because they're dorks who don't realise what their rivalry looks like from the outside - especially during the Season 1 era.

Red Son, showing off his plans: "Here is my current brilliant idea for reclaiming our power! Step 1; We engage Noodle Boy and his friends in battle. Step 2: While you two are occupying Dragon Girl and his fathers, I capture Noodle Boy. Step 3: I keep him hidden in my old base in Fire Wind Cave. Step 4: I have full access to the Staff and all of Noodle Boy's magical abilities! It's foolproof!" DBK & PIF: (*share knowing smiles*) PIF: "Dear, I'm glad that you've finally developed an interest in romantic matters - but our current goals do not align with planning a marriage just yet." Red Son, confused: "Huh?" DBK: "And while it would be advantageous if you married Sun Wukong's heir, I feel that tensions between our families are too high to consider even a superficial union." PIF: "It's really sweet that you considered it though." Red Son: (*turns back to planning board, realises that his plan to capture MK resembles a traditional courtnapping*) Red Son, nearly magenta from embarrassment as he tears up the plan: "Err... never mind then."

In season 3 when Red Son saved Mei, Sandy, and MK from the dessert; DBK & PIF weren't mad that they had enemies at the dinner table - but because at a glance it looked like Red Son had stolen himself a spouse without warning them! And he brought some of his spouses family members to hammer out the details!

If the gang hadn't immediately brought up the Samadhi Fire; DBK's next sentence would have been asking them; "What are your intentions with my child? Do we need to provide a dowry? Is there plans for grandchildren?"

Red Son might have died on the spot. XD

[madd-nix]

A twisted reunion 🧟‍♂️

For a Halloween piece, I thought about what I wanted to do, and the idea of "what if Ingo and Emmet reunite, but Ingo's a zombie" came to me. I had a lot of fun with this, even though it included sooo many hands! I love drawing creepy stuff, and I had fun getting the decayed zombie flesh just right.

So, there's five other hands along with Ingo's, so I hope you all can tell who they all are. I really tried to differentiate each of the Pearl Clan members as best I could (including Lian and Gaeric's warden bracelets, giving Gaeric baggier skin since his muscles have decayed, Palina's gray gloves, Irida's blue bracelet, and admittedly, Calaba is a bit plain at the angle that her hand is at but hopefully you can still tell it's her.) So yay! The Pearl Clan members are all helping Ingo reunite with his brother!

Anyway, happy Halloween!

[dantakeyoman]

Hi! I wanna cry out my heart tonight so is it alright for you to make a neteyam x reader where neteyam comes back home after the war but hears that reader is mated/bonded with someone else?

Btw I love your works omg! 🥹

Neteyam Returns From the Metkayina and Falls In Love With You Again After Seeing You (SFW / Comfort)

Reader is Fem! Omaticaya

CW: i'm sorry but i couldn't bring myself to do it :'), i had it all planned out but it was just too sad, i hope you're alright with the change tho, fluffy fluff, simp Neteyam appearance, reader is one too, Lo'ak and Kiri are, yet again, Lo'ak and Kiri, skeezy is when someone is weird or creepy, figured I’d slide some black slang in there

"Someone's excited," Kiri giggles, turning to Neteyam as her and Lo'ak's ikran approached the entrance to the Omaticaya Stronghold.

The boy had had this childlike expression plastered on his face nearly the whole way home, which grew in giddiness the closer the family drew to their forest home.

Even in the earlier days when they had stopped for rest, she clearly remembered how much he mumbled your name in his sleep, as if it were a prayer.

It made her want to swoon and gag at the same time.

He's so hopeless.

"Yeah. We all know what your excited to see," Lo'ak smirked, pulling his ikran closer to Neteyam's, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Or should I say...who?"

Neteyam scoffed, rolling his eyes at their antics.

Ever since their journey started, the teasing had been relentless. So much so that it didn't even faze him anymore.

What's a few more minutes of it anyway?

Seeing you again would be his greatest reward.

Four years of pining and longing would all be worth it. 

The hard days, the cold nights, the times where he felt like he couldn't anymore. You came to him, be it a dream, or a memory, and told him you could.

It was what made him love you so much.

Even if you weren’t there, you were there for him, easing his body, mind, and soul.

Back when he lived with the Omaticaya, you two had a special spot that one would go to if they were sad, mad, tired, or simply overwhelmed.

The other would comfort them, hold them close, say sweet nothings, make the other feel loved. 

It became a regular thing. And now that he was coming back, it was the very first thing he wanted to do with you.

He wanted to feel you run your hands through his hair, he wanted you to trace his glowing freckles, he wanted you whisper how much you loved him into his ear.

Fuck.

“You know what would be hilarious? If she found a mate already,” Lo’ak poorly joked, turning to Kiri.

This quickly brought Neteyam out of his reverie, a nervous frown quickly replacing his smile

Kiri was quick to catch this.

“Don’t joke like that, skxawng!” she scolded, flicking him harshly on the head, earning an angry ow! from him.

“Last I checked, (y/n) was obsessed with Neteyam. She wouldn’t shut up about him. I highly doubt she would ever find someone else.”

But the words went through one ear and out the other.

The thought you would mate with someone else never crossed Neteyam’s mind. But now that it did, it made perfect sense.

Four years was a long time, and you were a beautiful woman.

No doubt some skeezy warrior tried to snatch you up the moment you came of age.

The thought made his blood boil, and his heart wrench.

This couldn’t be the case.

After all he’d been through throughout these four years, the only thing that was keeping him going was the thought of you waiting for him at home.

Now that there was a possibility of you no longer being his, he was truly contemplating turning back.

“Look alive kids. We’re here,” his dad smiled, pulling his ikran to the front of the pack.

“Yay! Home!” Tuk cheered from her spot with Neytiri, earning a laugh from the woman.

She was quite excited to be home, too.

They swooped into the cave, perching the ikran on the stone ledge before dismounting, the entirety of the clan running towards them, crowding the family.

Shouts and cheers of excitement echoed throughout the cave, the cave happy to see their former Olo’eyktan had returned, hopefully ready for him, or his son, to resume the mantle.

Despite the thick crowd, Mo’at managed to make it to the front of the mantle, along with the new Olo’eyktan.

“Jakesully, oel ngati kameie,” Mo’at nodded, pointing her hand from herself to Jake.

“Mo’at, oel ngati kameie. Olo’eyktan, oel ngati kameie,” Jake did the same, turning to the Olo’eyktan as well.

Once the formalities were out the way, Mo’at smiled, enveloping her family in a large hug.

“Welcome home,” she greeted.

The entire family hugged her back, the children happy to see their grandmother again.

“Grandmother! You will never believe what we have seen! All of the sea animals and the plants! Oh, and the tulkun!” Tuk happily rambled, hanging onto her grandma a little longer as the rest of the family broke away.

“I am sure you will tell me all about it tonight. My, you have gotten big!” Mo’at assured, hugging her granddaughter tightly.

While Neteyam was happy that his family was fully reunited once again, he still found his eyes scouring the crowd, looking for a familiar face.

Your familiar face.

“She is in the healing tent,” Mo’at whispered, recognizing her grandson’s distress.

He smiled, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before running off through the crowd, down the familiar path that always led him to you.

Visions of the day he left flashed through his head, reminding him what he was coming back to.

“Are you sure you have to go?” you tearfully asked, cupping his face in your hand.

“I must. My family will put everyone in the clan in danger if we stay,” he sighed, pulling you in closer by your waist, resting his forehead on yours.

“Well if you must,” you sniffled, quickly wiping a tear from your eye. “Then I support you. I will wait for you, Neteyam. For as long as it takes.”

When he snapped himself out of it, he was already at your tent flap, the piece of cloth the only thing keeping you two apart.

He was about to grab it, but stopped mid-way, hesitating.

What if you had really found someone else to love?

“I will wait for you, Neteyam. For as long as it takes,” your words repeated in his head.

He sighed, steeling his nerves, before yanking open the tent flap, walking in.

“Tsahey! How many times have I told you, Ateyo! You have to be more careful when climbing trees. If you had fell any different, you would have cracked your skull open,” you scolded, smoothing a mushroom salve over a large cut on a young boy’s forehead.

You back was turned, and you didn’t hear the flap sound over the boy’s complaints.

“Hitxoa, (y/n). I tried to be extra careful this time! But a syaksyuk came out of no where and shook the branch!” Ateyo whined, wincing at the sting of the paste.

The air caught in Neteyam’s throat as he got a good look at you, his eyes raking up and down your body.

You had grown so much.

Your hair had gotten longer, your chest had gotten larger, and your hips had gotten slightly bigger, with a slightly deeper curve to them.

It was making something stir in his stomach.

The feeling reminded him of that word he had caught his dad calling his mom once. The one that Neytiri hissed at him for when she realized the children were around.

What was it?

Sexy.

When you stopped rubbing the salve on him, the little boy opened his eyes, only for them to land on the tall, warrior behind you, who gave him a polite wave.

The boy gasped in shock, his eyes growing wide with awe.

He knew exactly who he was, every Omaticayan boy did. 

Neteyam the Warrior, brother to Lo’ak the Warrior. 

Stories of the brothers’ adventures were known throughout the clan. And they practically became legends to the children. 

You cocked a brow, slowly turning around. 

“What are you-.” Your breath hitched when your eyes met that of the warrior before you, his smile growing at the sight of your face.

You had gotten more beautiful, too.

You slowly stood up, looking the boy...no, man, up and down, a dark shade of blue growing on your cheeks.

He had gotten incredibly tall, and beefier, too. 

And with new muscle, came new scars, which now littered his body, in a good way.

In an attractive way.

You would enjoy hearing stories about them as you traced them later tonight.

“Oel ngati kameie, my love,” he smirked, doing the gesture along with it, deeply hoping those words were still true.

The biggest smile you had smiled in four years found their way to your lips as you broke into a run, tackling the poor man in a bear hug.

“My Neteyam! You have returned!” you exclaimed out of pure happiness, throwing your arms around his neck and going on your tippy-toes to kiss him on the lips.

You were no longer tall enough to kiss him normally.

He laughed into it, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you closer to him ( if that was even possible ).

After your display of affection, he felt foolish to think you would ever mate with someone other than him.

As the two of you broke apart, he looked into your beautiful, honey eyes, and smiled as saw they held so much love behind them.

You were looking at him as if he hung the stars right before you.

And he recognized this because this was the very same look he would give you.

When you weren’t looking, of course.

“Look how beautiful you have grown. You must be the most sought woman in the clan,” he smirked, sensually tucking a stray braid behind your ear.

You smirked right back, bringing your hands to rest on his chest.

“Ah, yes. It has come to that,” you playfully sighed, leaning in closer so your mouth lay just outside his ear, bringing your voice down to a whisper.

“But I have saved myself for you.”

Neteyam quietly growled, the stir in his stomach increasing tenfold as he thought of what would happen if he took you to Utral Aymokriyä tonight.

“As have I,” he huskily whispered back, giving your neck a quick peck.

His tone made you shudder, suddenly begging for eclipse to come so you two could sneak off.

“GROSS!” the little, forgotten boy exclaimed from the corner, holding his stomach as if he were about to throw up.

“Disgusting! You’re a warrior! You’re not supposed to like this lovey-dovey stuff!” he groaned, pointing to his mouth and gagging.

“Get out of here!” you scolded, turning around and placing your hands on your hips.

But not before Neteyam pulled you into him, your back resting on his strong chest.

“Yeah. Before I start kissing her again,” Neteyam teased, placing a long, dramatic kiss on your cheek, making you giggle.

“GROSSSSS!” the boy loudly groaned in agony, covering his eyes as he ran out the tent.

The two of you laughed at the boy’s antics before you turned around, wrapping your arms around his neck once more.

You both stayed in comfortable silence, having a silent conversation as you stared into each others eyes, taking in every detail and committing it to memory.

Just in case you two would have to separate again.

“You know,” you started, smirking as one of your hands find it’s way to Neteyam’s hair, rubbing it in the way you remembered he liked.

“I was being serious before. I have saved myself.”

You gave a light tug to some of his hair, and the man let out a strained groan, using every ounce of his strength to keep him from closing his eyes in pleasure.

You massaged his head so well.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to hold you again,” he sighed, tightening his grip around your waist.

You smiled, inching your face closer to his, to the point where your lips were a hair away.

“Then what are we still waiting for?” you purred.

That was his tipping point.

With a growl, he enveloped your lips in a passionate kiss, and you kissed him back with just as much fervor.

Hooking his hands under your thighs, he picked you up, carrying bridal style as he took you the back way out the tent.

“Neteyam!” you squealed, pulling out the kiss and tightening your grip around your neck, keeping yourself from falling.

“Quiet, my love. Or people will hear us,” he smirked, placing a quick kiss on your lips before running the both of you out the back entrance of the Stronghold.

Sure, you were serious about what you said. But past Neteyam would’ve never been bold enough to actually go through with it.

He had changed in these four years. He had grown confidence.

It was making something stir in you, even more so as you knew your destination would be Utral Aymokriyä.

This is going to be fun.

[f1shart]

🧚 I'M TIRED! ✨

i thought the only thing standing in my way in terms of halloween drawings was motivation and depression.... i never predicted that i'd just get tired of it lol. free me.

💫🧚🔮

tycutio halloween :3 !!

these are about my twilightville au eheh... basically the capps (cappulas) are vampires, the montys (muttagues) are werewolves, and the summerdreams (somberdreams) are the same pretty much but slightly more emo ig. i haven't decided if their silly twilight names are actually canonized in their world or if it's just some silly codename for me to call them… anyway yap time.

the capps and montys were cursed by the fae many years ago to try to quell their feud (which, in this au, spans more generations than in my normal lore/canon), turning them into creatures of the night. however, a side effect of the spell was 'eternal twilight' over veronaville; essentially they still experience a full day-night cycle but twilight is what constitutes the day period, so these guys never really see the sun.

EDIT: i FORGOT that it wasn't the creature spells that had that side effect, but the spell that sent the clans to sleep for a century. an explanation: Contessa, consort (human), and pat were born in the late 18th century. to the fae's relief, the capp-monty feud had settled down a bit since the last generation's reign, but silly contessa and pat end up fighting over consort's affections (lowkey reminds me of something...) until contessa inevitably wins by turning him into a vampire. time goes on, they establish their families, however the feud is still going strong. the fae – specifically oberon this time – in a last-ditch effort to cease the clan war, send them to sleep for 100 years. This is what causes the ~twilight effect~. btw the feud Did Not Stop if you couldn't tell lmao also, everyone wakes up in the 1930s and the third generation is born in the 60s, so yes this is an 80s au ^.^ YAY

a lack of sunlight would have insane effects on the human residents and nature and life and stuff but i haven't thought through that completely yet 😓 one idea i had was that over time the somberdreams gained more crepuscular (animal) features which is why this obie has deer antlers :)

EDIT: WRONG. oberon's antlers were an additional side effect of the sleep spell, not just exposure to twilight 🙄 me forgetting the lore i made up

i was gonna draw all of them but instead i'll give u a bunch of screenshots. hey maybe i'll draw them some other time…

[alien-superst4r]

∞ ANOK YAI is the SETITE

Masters of manipulation and corruption, Setites (clan Ministry) know all seven sins and will bring out the worst out of you. But where people see chaos seekers, Setites actually want to free you from the prison of matter. They want to destroy what trap your soul: the system, its laws and its moral, all false doctrine that you need to forget to transcend to your divine self.

Feeling tempted? They sure know how to have a good time.

Clan 10/13 of my Halloween project (we're almost done omg)

[loudclan-clangen]

Yay! More lore!

They in fact cannot! Leadership is a lifelong commitment in Loudclan. Maybe they could sacrifice all but one of their lives and then just live as a normal warrior, or step down while keeping their lives, but the next leader wouldn't be able to receive their lives until the former leader was fully dead. Same goes for the Lead Healer. When they receive their lives they give up their "normal" life and become inextricably linked to Starclan/The Black Water and that's not something that can be undone.

Yes! Exactly like that! They have to die to see starclan the 1st time, this costs them their "mortal" life, so when they come back they are using their first "divine" life. When they sacrifice a life to speak to starclan they must die again in order to give the current life back, as opposed to giving up the chance of using a future life. This does mean that everytime they come back they come back slightly...different. Nothing major, they're still the same person, just like a different iteration of them. Maybe their favorite prey is different, or their dominant paw changes, minor things that no one but their closest friends and family would notice, but the leader rarely seems to notice the change.

This is going to be very vague, and I apologize for that, but if I was ever to explore one of the other clans in a blog it would be Freezingclan, so I don't want to say anything too definitively and lock myself into something I haven't fully thought out. But the answer is that no one from the other clans really knows? Freezingclan is weird, they've existed longer than all of the other clans, in fact longer than anyone can really remember, and they only decided to take the clan naming system for the ease of everyone else. They meet at gatherings and are generally quite friendly and shockingly generous, but they don't discuss their religious practices with the other clans too much, because it usually only results in confusion and fear. What I can tell you is that Freezingclan's ancestors don't go to the Black Water Pool with the rest of Starclan, as they've never been seen there and Freezingclan predates the discovery of the oil. Based on the logic of why Starclan lives in the oil (it's a pocket of eternal night) it would make sense for Freezingclan's ancestors to live in the depths of the ocean, but since their leaders don't receive lives there's really no way to prove it. It's equally possible that their ancestors just stop existing when they die and that makes the rest of the clans VERY uncomfortable so they've just stopped asking for the most part. Freezingclan certainly believes that they can communicate with them, leaving offerings of prey and herbs on the shore in exchange for plentiful hunts or healthy kits, and their Healers often slip into trances where they speak in strange languages, but no one can agree whether they are just faking it or not.

Okay, so, a lot of this ask touches on stuff that I want to cover later in backstory drops for the founders, but, I'll try to answer everything I can without spoiling anything for that! Wildfirecry is the only one who came from another Clan, he was a healer in Forestclan, which eventually collapsed, leaving him on his own. He met Fiercestripe along the way, she joined up with him, and they made their way to the valley territories. Meanwhile Owlstar and Siltsplash were born and raised in the valley. Generations of rogues, descended from kittypets who were abandoned when the mine closed, lived and died across the valley, of which Owlstar and Siltsplash were two. Owlstar was sort of a folk-hero amongst the rogues, so when he and Wildfirecry got together and decided to form a clan, many others followed. Owlstar asked the studious and strict young Siltsplash to help him keep the clan in line, and they excitedly accepted, becoming his mate and deputy. The mountain was chosen because they were seeing signs of an especially harsh winter, and it's one of the few places where the wind keeps the snow from piling several feet high. Shadedclan and Ghostclan formed for similar reasons, only they disagreed about where they should go to escape the deep snows. They absolutely did leave behind people that they miss/feel deeply guilty for leaving, but those are details for a later post!