#and many liberties taken with certain details

[mamamittens]

So I have two things I need to do this week. One being a comm for ceb (got the doc set up and everything, I swear!) and one being zine art (which is technically due May 1st I believe, oof!). And then I have a zine piece i need to write but the deadline for that is a ways off so I'm not concerned about it right now.

And my Oh Shit Sale is still active and will be closed down when my roomies get jobs, which should be within the next week or so.

but this isn't about that.

If you've been squatting about the sidelines for a bit, you may have noticed I've gotten back into pokemon. One character and fic that's build more for the laughs and shenanigans and the other with a Tragic Backstory (TM) that's more about the plot that I've been tooling for the past few weeks.

For Fin, the character with unfortunate history, I've actually written about 4K for. Still lowkey tooling some details but they're down the line honestly and it doesn't feel as dire when I acknowledge that this will be a slow update fic rather than my previous approach where I assume I'll be able to regularly update.

And anyway, I'm wondering if I should start posting it or wait until I have a lot more written for it and risk losing motivation to share it. I've got a few like that where I have a lot written but it's lived exclusively in my head and hard drive for so long it sort of doesn't register as interesting anymore for anyone. which is a little silly given no one but me has read it. Last I checked it was over 100 pages?!? But I think I was skipping around the plot with that too, I don't know. It really has been months since I've looked at it.

And anyway, I figured I'd see what the response was while I turned my actual attention to necessary projects in the short term.

TLDR: Should I start posting chapters of "Lay Down New Tracks", a Pokemon Black/White fanfic featuring Finley, a tragic retired champion of Kanto rediscovering her love of battle after losing her entire team almost a decade ago with the help of the Battle Subway and her support pokemon Platinum (a riolu).

I do have some details I want to iron out more, like integrating sign a bit since Finley is selectively mute.

[fideidefenswhore]

reading alison weir's new novel; she's adapted and altered the primary source material she's clearly using in a way that is...um. something?

[warrioreowynofrohan]

LOTR Newsletter - September 21

Today's reading is very short, a single brief sentence, but the appendices of LOTR and "The Hunt for the Ring" in Unfinished Tales have more context on what is going on in the wider world.

The appendices tell us that Gandalf is still in Rohan attempting to tame Shadowfax.

The the same time, the Ringwraiths ride north from Isengard to the Shire. Saruman's deception of them is very short-lived, as they learn that that he did not just find out the location of the Shire from Gandalf, as he claimed, but has known it for a very long time.

But first, some context about Saruman's dealings with the Shire. Another interesting part of this section is that it shows that the Bracegirdle's (Lobelia's family; that's her maiden name) and the Sackville-Bagginses are already commercially involved with Saruman. It somewhat evokes a mercantile imperialism, where a foreign power gains local allies and clients because it purchases build of their wealth, and uses that as a foundation for intel and political power. His arrival in the Shire after the War of the Ring thus does not come out of nowhere, but builds on existing ties and existing power - the "ruffians" are available for him to use as a paramilitary force because they had already been being used that way by Lotho, but were always Saruman's people.

Saruman had long taken an interest in the Shire – because Gandalf did, and he was suspicious of him; and because (again in secret imitation of Gandalf) he had taken to the ‘Halflings’ leaf’ and needed supplies, but in pride (having once scoffed at Gandalf’s use of the weed) kept this as secret as he could. Latterly other motives were added. He liked to extend his power, especially into Gandalf’s province, and he found that the money he could provide for the purchase of ‘leaf’ was giving him power, and was corrupting some of the hobbits, especially the Bracegirdles, who owned many plantations, and so also the Sackville-Bagginses. But also he had begun to feel certain that in some way the Shire was connected with the Ring in Gandalf’s mind. Why this strong guard upon it? He therefore began to collect detailed information about the Shire, its chief persons and families, its roads, and other matters. For this he used Hobbits within the Shire, in the pay of the Bracegirdles and the Sackville-Bagginses, but his agents were Men, of Dunlendish origin. When Gandalf had refused to treat with him Saruman had redoubled his efforts. The Rangers were suspicious, but did not actually refuse entry to the servants of Saruman – for Gandalf was not at liberty to warn them, and when he had gone off to Isengard Saruman was still recognized as an ally.

So, Saruman already has agents going back and forth between Rivendell and the Shire. The Ringwraiths overtake one of those agents.

When the Black Riders were far across Enedwaith and drawing near at last to Tharbad, they had what was for then a great stroke of good fortune, but disastrous for Saruman, and deadly perilous for Frodo. Some while ago one of Saruman’s most trusted servants (yet a ruffianly fellow, an outlaw driven from Dunland, where many said that he had Orc-blood) had returned from the borders of the Shire, where he had been negotiating for the purchase of ‘leaf’ and other supplies. Saruman was beginning to store Isengard against war. This man was now on his way back to continue the business, and to arrange for the transport of many goods before autumn failed. [Footnote: The usual way was by the crossing of Tharbad to Dunland (rather than direct to Isengard), whence goods were sent more secretly to Saruman.] He had orders also to get into the Shire if possible and learn if there had been any departures of persons well-known recently. He was well supplied with maps, lists of names, and notes concerning the Shire. This Dunlending was overtaken by several of the Black Riders as they approached the Tharbad crossing. In an extremity of terror he was haled to the Witch-king and questioned. He saved his life by betraying Saruman. The Witch-king thus learned that Saruman knew well all along where the Shire was, and knew much about it, which he could and should have told to Sauron’s servants if he had been a true ally. The Witch-king also obtained much information, including some about the only name that interested him: Baggins.  It was for this reason that Hobbiton was singled out as one of the points for immediate visit and enquiry. The Witch-king had now a clearer understanding of the matter. He had known something of the country long ago, in his wars with the Dúnedain, and especially of the Tyrn Gorthad of Cardolan, now the Barrow-downs, whose evil wights had been sent there by himself. Seeing that his Master suspected some move between the Shire and Rivendell, he saw also that Bree (the position of which he knew) would be an important point, at least for information. [Note from Christopher Tolkien: Since the Black Captain knew so much, it is perhaps strange that the had so little idea of where the Shire, the land of the Halflings, lay; according to the Tale of Years there were already Hobbits settled in Bree at the beginning of the Third Age, when the Witch-king came north to Angmar.] He put therefore the Shadow of Fear on the Dunlending, and sent him to Bree as an agent. He was the squint-eyed southerner at the Inn.

This clarifies a lot of the later events in the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring. The southerner at Bree who is staying with Bill Ferny doesn't have immediately obvious significance in the book. How could he be a spy of Sauron, when Sauron has only just learned the location the Shire and has no presence in northwest Middle-earth? But if he was a spy of Saruman, why would he be helping the Ringwraiths? This passage solves the mystery - and shows how much Tolkien had plotted out even events that are completely left out of the book - by placing him as an agent of Saruman who had been captured and subverted by the Ringwraiths. Which also explains how the Ringwraiths knew to go to Hobbiton in particular, and how they knew where Hobbiton was. And they also learned that Frodo Baggins was moving out of Hobbiton.

If LOTR was a TV show and we were seeing all this happening simultaneous, this would be an intensely suspenseful part of the show, with the Ringwraiths on their way north, knowing where Frodo is, and Frodo still waiting at Bag End for Gandalf and not knowing that there any immediate urgency.

[myfandomrealitea]

I really wanted to ask you about this:

Do you have any advice of how to develop critical thinking and media literacy?

There are many, many ways you can practice critical thinking, evaluation and media literacy. At its most basic, you can access student resources for lower levels of education like earlier high school years and look at the examples and guidance given there. Rehashing this will often give you a good foundation to build off of and apply.

One of the main aspects of critical thinking involves discerning what is fact and what is opinion. A good portion of media analytics is opinion. What is 'bad' by one person's standards is 'sub-par' or even 'great' by another's. Similarly, the majority of fandom space is opinion-based. The main pitfall of fandom spaces is that everyone wants their opinion to be taken as fact, which is where critical thinking and even basic communication begin to fall away.

"I'm right and you're wrong" and "this is the way it should be, if you do it or think differently, you're wrong" are common roadblocks people run into when engaging with things like media analysis and even basic fandom activities like fanfiction.

'Mischaracterisation' is fanfiction is one popular topic, especially here on Tumblr. What people often fail to recognize is the true creative depth of fanfiction and using someone else's pre-existing characters. Characters as they are in the source material may not make the choices or behave in the ways necessary to activate or validate certain plot material or author intentions in fanfiction. Which is, inherently, one of the main points of fanfiction. Exploring the alternate.

While you might immediately recoil and say "he'd never do that!" you then have to sit back and recognise that that's exactly the point. That this iteration of that character is not meant to directly reflect the source material. Its a re-imagining, a re-interpretation. That doesn't mean its bad. Its simply different.

'Mischaracterisation' is only actually applicable in fandom spaces when someone is trying to insist as a blanket fact that a character would do something or behave in a way that blatantly contradicts their canon behavior, opinions, morals and perspective or deliberately interpreting an action in biased bad faith. It is not actually applicable to fanfiction where creative liberty dictates you can do whatever the fuck you want with a character because you're not trying to claim it as part of the source content.

Questions To Ask Yourself

Am I reacting to [media] emotionally instead of rationally? Is my emotional response to [media] blinding me to the rational or critical approach(es)?

Am I allowing my expectations to get in the way of me understanding [media] fully? Am I forming a biased negative opinion of [media] because it isn't meeting my expectations?

Even if I disagree with [media], do I actually understand it? Can I recognise the reasoning behind choices made or actions even if I don't agree with them?

Am I searching too hard to hidden meaning or purpose in absolutely everything? Can I recognise what is simply passive information/detail and what is active information/detail? (E.g; English tutors saying a character's curtains are blue because they're depressed when throughout the literature its passively reinforced that blue is the character's favorite color.)

Even though I disagree with the statement or opinion shown, is it necessary to argue against it? Is there any benefit to making my counter-opinion known or is it simply a no-end argument? Am I just using arguing as a means of release/fulfilment? Am I treating this person poorly because of their opinion/statement?

Resources

Critical Thinking Exercises & Explanations #1 The Critical Thinking Activity Workbook Early Stage Critical Thinking Games Five Media Literacy Activities Six Media Literacy Ideas

[greensagephase]

Speaking of records? I doubt 2099 would have any stores, and I'm sure Miguel could easily make some sorta music to record device...

But I kinda like the idea of them maybe chilling in y/ns universe? And going into a cozy little record shop and browsing and maybe buying too many records but they're just laughing and poking fun at each other's music tastes?

Y/n's like, we've walked around your universe, lemme show you around mine as a thank you for letting me stay with you? And Miguel kinda gets to embrace a slower (aka our time) pace then what he's used too?

Hi, nonnie!! Thank you so much for the ask!! Also, I’m sorry for taking a bit to respond to your ask!! It's been a few days but I’m certain you’re talking about the lovely fanart I reblogged on Monday regarding Miguel’s record player. Life has been a little chaotic these last few days, so forgive me for the delay! 🥺

But okay, I love this ask so much!!!! I’ve never talked about the records situation in Miguel’s universe because sometimes I feel like I go too much into detail lol, but okay, yes!

I doubt records are easily accessible to people on Earth 928, or 928B, or whatever is Miguel’s official Earth number, however, I thought about our own reality and was inspired by that. So, very quickly, I’ll explain my thought process at least within Nonviolent Communication:

I thought about how most of us have digital access to music through our devices, and I imagine it’s similar in Miguel’s universe with all the high tech available to them, however, I know there’s still many people who love CDs, records, and/or cassettes.

Some of these individuals might be on the older side, and remain loyal to these because that’s what they grew up with, among other reasons, but I also know younger generations have taken a liking to them. For example, we’ve seen record players come back in full swing (I personally bought one myself when they first started becoming a thing again) and I think CDs are also still somewhat popular (?), so when thinking about Miguel’s universe, I imagined there might be a possibility that people in this universe also experience(d) similar trends in regards to this.

It’s why in one of the latest chapters I also incorporated cassettes. I included the small detail that that specific cassette player and cassettes belonged to Gabriel, hinting that Miguel also owned/owns some and that cassettes made a return at some point before Gabriel died, even if it was a short one.

Side note: Lowkey, I imagined it was probably when they were older teens. I had this little thought (while writing that scene) of young Miguel and Gabriel riding in a car and having a cassette adapter for it because it was the current popular trend for people their age!

Then, I also mentioned Miguel buying records from his own universe after reader gifted him the record player. So, going along with my line of thinking, I thought there could be a small online market for these kinds of items that are not popular or the norm in Miguel’s advanced society, but it's supported by people who are fond of them (and who might even collect them as historical pieces), allowing for a small online market to exist. So, yeah, this is my reasoning for Miguel being able to buy some records in his universe, but there’s not the same variety nor accessibility there is in our universe within the fic.

Of course, that’s just me taking liberties with such details in my fic, but I tried making it a little realistic to our own reality, and thought it would be a fun thing to add!

But anyway, I LOVE THAT IDEA!!! I have a few moments planned out with Miguel and reader strolling around her universe in future chapters already, but this one…???

!!!

I can already see Miguel searching through tall shelves, his eyes scanning all the titles and being in awe at how many records there are available. He’s probably in a daze at the mere fact that there’s dedicated shops in dulzura’s universe for them tbh, like he knows they exist but seeing and being in one makes him feel like now he knows knows, you know? He’d find artists he recognizes from his own dimension and gets all giddy about the fact that he’s found their records. And of course, being our universe and keeping an eye on him to see his reaction, we notice him - the way his eyes sparkle with delight and the cute little smile of excitement along with the way he picks them up with such delicacy!! 🥺

Okay, I’m def getting carried away here, so I’ll stop myself but nonnie… I have added the idea to the NC folder!! 🙂‍↕️Expect the moment soon, especially with us moving out shortly!! 😊 (I wanna live with Miguel for longer tho😔)

Thank you so much for the ask, nonnie!! I hope you’re having a wonderful day/night!! 🥰🫶🏼

Alondra❤️

[ludiharambasha]

God I hate the late Naruto Shippuden/ Boruto anime style...

Why does everyone's face look like it's made of gum? Why do they all have the exact same baby face? Like Naruto looks older in the first arc of Shippuden than in the last one! It isn't even accommodating to the evolution of Kishimoto's art, which changed drastically and only improved with time.

This is not me trashing their skills, as these artists are all clearly talented people. I am criticizing the art direction from their executives and managers whose orders they have to follow. They have to be rather minimalist when it comes to coloring and shading, have to lessen the detail of facial features to make the characters easier and cheaper to animate, and have to churn out episodes weekly... like this schedule was bound to make the art deteriorate, but boy, was it sad to witness.

Let's compare

The manga version

The anime adaptation

and the animated reboot

On the surface, the newest version seems more similar to the original than the first animated adaptation. But I think it ultimately fails in capturing the original, and in improving on the adaptation as well.

I am not certain whether this is a fish-eye perspective or a close-up high angle in the manga, but it is used to draw more focus to Sasuke's eyes, as they appear larger in this perspective. Because Sasuke is shaded completely, his eyes and his expression really pop- the eyes against a dark background really stand out. Kishimoto used a very similar composition when Sasuke beats Naruto in VotE1. He uses several techniques to make sure that what is most important is emphasized properly. When Sasuke says "Crush Konoha", we are not only meant to focus on his expression of hatred (which is incredibly important and beautifully conveyed) but on his Sharingan specifically - as a testament to the Uchiha legacy's perseverance- an ideology Leaf tried to crush coming back to haunt it.

While the first adaptation didn't deliver on many of these fronts, it matches his expression of singular hatred and determination really well. His eyes are also disproportionately large and look as if they are to fall out of their sockets, and while there isn't much focus on his Sharingan, Sasuke's emotion is conveyed really well. They also take other liberties, showing Sasuke as "illuminated" by this revelation (the lighting). The color palette is absolutely stunning, with blues and purples (Sasuke) against a yellow and orange background- complementary contrasts. It is not the same perspective but it makes sense. Some liberties were taken, and while I don't think these choices are better than the original, they are far from bad choices.

Now the last adaptation does not emphasize Sasuke's eyes well, nor does it convey the same emotion as the other two. Sasuke just looks confused, and while the other two iterations also have a hint of this emotion, they are mixed with Sasuke's anger, sorrow, and determination. The colors are ALL rather dark, without proper contrast. His eyes wouldn't stand out at all had it not been for the color of his Sharingan that clashes with everything else. The perspective makes no sense, as it is an eye-level perspective, but his nose and mouth are turned downwards.

I wish more thought was put into artistic direction, along with more artistic liberty. This also stems from my being critical of my own art of Sasuke, much worse than any of these three.

[zhongrin]

dear mei and her dearly beloved,

how have you both been? days have been harsher here, and in spite of our hard efforts to overcome these barriers, times have been tougher recently. jiaoqiu appears rather at peace with his condition, but i'm afraid something darker is rotting inside his heart. if only i knew.

on the brighter side, we have been closer than ever these few days, and he seems rather at peace with not running about the place due to his duties; much like he was all those years ago. i'm certain you remember, back when we were in university together. those were easier days, and love was easy to maintain as it was to blossom.

when zhongli would be busy with other duties, i would drag you to the cafeteria to ask you about everything you knew about boys and their likes. you seemed to be rather fond of the fact that i had never been in the company of many, and would often tease me, but answer my incessant questions regardless. beautiful days, those were.

oh, and do you remember that time the four of us were a part of the same team that went to the swamps as a part of our educational tour? best memory ever! zhongli would be so cheesy all the time, always telling jiaoqiu and i to leave you two to your privacies for a while and go 'enjoy our few days of single-ness' and we'd never understand what you meant until one of those days of wandering off resulted in us falling for each other, and you both resulting in a hearty fit of laughter when we told you both about it.

alas, all good days come to an end. although i must say; every day spent thinking about our memories together is a day cherished. jiaoqiu speaks of zhongli often, and hopes you two will drop by some time. he seems to be of the impression that zhongli is an 'old man' who struggles with his vision all the time so he would be able to give amazing tips with his current condition. zhongli would be amused, i bet.

take care, mei. attached with this letter is a tin box of the lotus candies that you both love, made with care by jiaoqiu. he hopes it will be enough an apology for not having dropped by when he was in your city, and is rather disappointed about it. do console him. he refuses to listen to me, and is too nervous to speak to zhongli on his own. i also hope zhongli has been doing well, and wish good luck upon the both of you.

with love, cherry and jiaoqiu.

dear chryseis and jiaoqiu,

i have routed your letter to meirin, but she seems to be particularly taken with some work and house chores at the moment, so i have been given the liberty to reply, i hope you do not mind.

my heart goes out to the both of you. if you ever need any help, please remember that we are always here for you two. it may be hard to initiate such sensitive topics directly, so if you ever need us to become the middleman to kickstart the topic just so you both could talk about it in private afterward, please do not hesitate to let us know.

ah, yes, the olden university days. i am constantly reminded of them whenever i walk the university halls. i find myself seeing us in some of my students as well. looking at it from this perspective, it all feels almost surreal sometimes.

i had no idea you would talk about 'boys and their likes' with mei back then. i'm glad you both could bond and support each other over such topics. but i have to ask, did she ever say anything about myself back then? foolish and young as i was, she must have had a multitude of complaints about me.

i'm afraid the glasses you may have seen in our photos only serves an aesthetical purpose. meirin insists that i wear them sporadically, and my students encourages me to abide by her wishes. after a while, i find myself taking a liking for it as an accessory myself. i do, however, have a few acquaintances who might be knowledgeable about this issue jiaoqiu is facing. let me forward you their contacts when i have the details.

please extend my gratitude to jiaoqiu for the lotus candies. it's not much, but meirin had baked some banana oat cookies the other day. i hope you both will enjoy her latest baking endeavors. i've relayed your message to her, and the following is her reply, which i have transcribed word-by-word: "you think some lotus candies is enough apology? come apologize properly to our faces! …. haha, i'm kidding. wow, i feel mean saying that. i meant, don't worry about it, but be sure to drop in next time!".

lastly, while the good old days may not return, let us continue to look forward to the infinite possibilities of even better days which are to come.

postscriptum. i hope the both of us may reconvene soon; meirin has been cooking more often lately and wanted some guidance from an expert. i think she's just excited to show you the progress of her culinary skills and is itching to catch up with the two of you, but i implore you to entertain her. you have my thanks.

always wishing the best for the two of you, zhongli and meirin

[nervoustimetravelpost]

Jacklust Soulmate AU (where you have a tattoo representing your soulmate some place on your body)

Authors note: This was merely done for fun, and should not be taken too seriously. I decided to take some creative liberties regarding Cygnus, who in this AU is Jacks older brother. And lastly, if anyone has some good ideas for other types of tattoos that Wanderlust and Jack could have, then I would love to hear about them.

Viewer discretion: mention of child abuse, bodily harm, blood, loss of limbs etc. There is a short mention of characters having scars.

Soulmate tattoos explained:

the tattoos are symbolic and can be anything relating to the soulmate, whether that be interests, hobbies, dreams for the future or for some even their destinies.

They can appear anywhere on the persons body, and the placement also holds symbolic meaning for the impact their soulmate will have on their lives. (like soulmarks on the face means that your soulmate is gonna embolden you, as it is a mark you can't easily hide. While marks on the chest can imply a deep romantic connection that is gonna be immensely important to that person).

They don't usually appear in many colors, as they mostly appear in black, brown or even white. But a select few individuals may have soulmate marks that have a golden color. This is believed to be in relation to the soulmate being a deity or a person of great power who can manipulate 'flow'.

Wanderlust and Jack Roses Tattoos:

Wanderlust:

Wanderlusts soulmark is on the left side of his chest, and reaches down his hip. It depicts a single rose, blooming from his hip to his left bicep. It is surrounded by an enormous bird, with its wings framing the roses head.

For the young deity it is something he is excited about when he asks about his soulmark, especially when his parents tell the story of how they met each other and found out they were soulmates. He is therefore enamored by the idea early on, and treasures his mark with a certain sense of pride, even going as far as to try and walk around without a shirt on when he was little so he could show it off. Much to his parents dismay, despite him arguing that 'how else would my soulmate know, if they can't see it?'.

Wanderlust often speculated what sort of bird it was, and went as far as to read a lot of books about birds. Specifically to look at the pictures. But he never found 'his' bird.

Jack Rose:

Jacks is on his left underarm and hand. It is a black glove tattoo with golden details depicting planets and stars, on his ring finger is a small golden band in the shape of a crown.

Jack would curiously inquire about the marks meaning to his mother, when he found out that others didn’t have the same soulmate mark as him (specifically when he asked to see his brothers, Cygnus' mark, to which he would show him the tattoo placed on the left side of his face). His mother coldly responded that it is a curse and a blemish, which turns powerful coaches into soft and weak-willed fools.

Despite her distaste of the marks, she puts on a sweet front as she assures Jack that she only wants what is best for him. Inquiring that she would never want to see her sons heart broken, as it would only distract him from what truly matters; attaining perfection.

From that day on, Jack would wear gloves at every chance he got as to prove himself a worthy coach to his mother. But there would still be this nagging curiosity in the back of his mind, leading him to strip himself of his gloves when he trains his dancing. In an odd way, it comforts him.

Start of Nightswans abuse:

It is implied that Nightswan knows from the gold markings and the 'planet style' tattoo itself, that it is related to the traveler somehow. But she doesn't act on her suspicion until Wanderlust is appointed as the chosen one and getting his golden crown. Which truly starts Nightswans abuse of Jack, with her anger only intensifying from then on.

First noted by Jack, when his brother Cygnus disappeared for a couple of days after an especially hard quarrel with their mother. Cygnus would later on return, the left side of his face covered by a mechanical looking monocle, his expression solemn and cold. He would only become more distant, as work took up more and more of his brothers time. Cygnus only coming out when he had to discuss with his mother about things in Eternyx regarding architecture and new building projects.

Despite his brothers sudden change, Nightswan seemed elated and more happy than she had ever been at this change.

Jack never got to know what happened, but it instilled a deep fear in his heart that the same thing would befall him too. And his fears were more than justified.

As one day his mother had become incredibly enraged, regarding a run-in with the Traveler. To such an extent that she threatened Jack with cutting off his arm, and made it clear that she found his soulmark an eyesore. Although she doesn’t go through with it, she still takes pleasure in scarring her sons body and by extension his mark over a long period of time. Even going as far as to propose the idea to skin Jacks hand to remove the mark, so he wouldn't have to worry about falling to mediocrity and be scorned by the only people he knew.

But this was merely the beginning.

The turning point:

One day when Jack was training, Nightswan suddenly emerged flanked by two of her trusted minions, once again enraged. As she rambled about the 'bastard' son of the Traveler going about and encouraging mediocrity in the danceverses. And them willingly following his example much to Nightswans chagrin.

While her rambles intensified, Jack continued to train as he tried to keep an ear open to his mother's endless spiel about the fall of the danceverses. To such an extent that he accidentally misplaced a step, making him falter in his stance. This would not have been a problem...if he had been alone, but he wasn't. And as he turned to his mother, he saw her eyes fixed on him full of nothing but hate. But they weren't directed at his face, but at his hand. The hand bearing his soulmark, the hand of which he had forgot to put a glove on.

The next thing Jack knows, is him being apprehended by the two swan minions and his back forced up against the wall. He struggles to get free, and pleads and begs for his mother to give him another chance. Promising her that he won't make any more mistakes. To which she replies:

"I know you won't, my dear cygnet...".

Before he had any time to say anything, he felt a stinging sensation surround his hand, followed by it slowly becoming wet and sticky.

"..."

Nightswan had cut off his ring finger, the one bearing the golden band. Which now laid deserted on the vinyl floor, painting it a deep crimson.

What followed, Jack couldn't remember exactly. He was too lost in the pain and the surreality of it all. But he does remember one thing, as his mother kneeled down to her son, her face sporting a 'motherly' smile which seemed so strange on her sharp features, she stated coldly:

"Because I won't let you".

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This will have to do for now. Sorry for the majority of this being Jack related, but really wanted those parts out of my system before exploring Wanderlusts soulmark more (if that ever happens).

Thank you for reading!!!

Pictures are from pinterest.

[bakerstreetbabble]

Granada TV Series Review: "The Musgrave Ritual" (S03, E03)

Well, here we have a very unusual adaptation indeed! Readers of the original Sherlock Holmes canon will recognize "The Musgrave Ritual" as one of the few stories that actually takes place before Holmes and Watson meet. Right off the bat, this poses some difficulties for writers adapting it for the screen. The story consists largely of Holmes telling Watson about one of his earlier cases "before my biographer had come to glorify me." He tells Watson of cases that have long intrigued Sherlockians:

the Tarleton murders, and the case of Vamberry, the wine merchant, and the adventure of the old Russian woman, and the singular affair of the aluminum crutch, as well as a full account of Ricoletti of the club-foot, and his abominable wife.​

As Holmes tells Watson the story of how one of his former university colleagues, Reginald Musgrave, showed up at his rooms in Montague Street, the story-within-a-story actually becomes a story-within-a-story-within-a-story, leading to double quotation marks within single quotation marks within double quotation marks. So, obviously something different needed to be done with the adaptation.

Now I would have expected the story to be told as a flashback, Holmes telling Watson about one of his cases in the old days. However, the writers chose to get a little more creative: they insert Watson into the story, and the scene is now Holmes and Watson being invited for a little vacation time at the estate of Reginald Musgrave. As the adventure unfolds, the dynamic duo are in the middle of the action, and the tale gets rather entertaining and interesting. Most of the major plot points are imported intact from the source material, as well as large chunks of dialogue from the original. Not the least of these is the "Musgrave Ritual" from the title. (I have removed all of the many quotation marks, for ease of reading.)

Whose was it? His who is gone. Who shall have it? He who will come. Where was the sun? Over the oak. Where was the shadow? Under the elm. How was it stepped? North by ten and by ten, east by five and by five, south by two and by two, west by one and by one, and so under. What shall we give for it? All that is ours. Why should we give it? For the sake of the trust.

As the adaptation unfolds, the mystery is rather engaging for the viewer, but there are some misssteps along the way. The most bewildering choice, I thought, was that Holmes inexplicably spends the first half of the episode wrapping himself in an afghan blanket, as if he is freezing, while no one around him seems to be too cold at all. I found that little detail to be incredibly distracting. Also, Jeremy Brett spends an entire scene holding back laughter, and then erupting into guffaws for...no reason whatsoever.

One might also be surprised (in the original story and in its adaptation) by an adventure in which Holmes solves the case of the mysterious Musgrave Ritual, but seems completely unconcerned by the missing Rachel Howells, who most likely was directly involved in the murder of the butler Brunton. The adaptation solves this problem, to a certain extent, by having the woman's body emerge from the pond, as another servant (with whom Brunton had an affair) discovers the corpse and runs away, shrieking. Considering, though, that the pond had been searched thoroughly at an earlier point in the episode, this doesn't really make a whole lot of sense.

So, is this a faithful adaptation of the story of "The Musgrave Ritual"? Well, yes and no. As I mentioned, most of the story is fairly similar, but there are certainly many liberties taken, rearranging it for ease of storytelling, as well as to have Watson be a participant. Still, it's enjoyable enough to watch, and there are great moments throughout, including a lovely shot of Holmes, Watson and Musgrave at work on the mystery, which I've shared at the top of the post, and a humorous moment when Watson miscalculates the length of a shadow (after Holmes has exclaimed, "The answer lies in trigonometry!").  Overall, an entertaining, if a bit unusual, entry into the Granada canon.

[storyspinner91]

Willow + Lancer + The Oh Hellos = Like Constellations

Ok, a long, long time ago I said I might write up a little explanation post about what Like Constellations, A Million Years Away is. Because if there’s one thing I seem to have a talent for, it’s...getting excited about the intersections of two things that combine to make an extremely obscure niche, lol. So this post is meant to answer: what the heck is this? and why the heck is this? Read on for answers in hopefully not too (buuut probably too) much detail. 

What the Heck is your fic?

Like Constellations, A Million Years Away is a long-form fanfiction that adapts elements of the story of Willow (2022) to the setting (more or less, I’ve taken a few liberties) of the tabletop roleplaying game Lancer, created by Tom Parkinson Morgan and Miguel Lopez. This means that instead of a fantasy world, the characters of Willow are in a far-future science-fiction universe where combat sometimes takes place between pilots of huge, mechanized chassis (think of Gundam or Neon Genesis Evangelion). The fic starts out being a fairly “straightforward” adaptation but is, especially recently, rapidly departing from the narrative of the TV show. Because I’m a huge dork who love structure, it is also structured based on the music of the band The Oh Hellos - specifically, the Anemoi Cycle, 4 EPs titled Notos, Eurus, Boreas, and Zephyrus.

Basically, this means that Willow contributes the characters and certain plot beats; Lancer contributes the setting and influences the tone somewhat; and The Oh Hellos provide the emotional structure and thematic resonances for the piece. I’m being relatively strict with the structure; each chapter is based on a song from the Anemoi Cycle, in order, as indicated by the chapter titles (which are lyrics from the relevant song, or the title in the case of instrumental-only tracks). The one exception to this is chapters 7-8, which both correspond to “New River” from Notos - it just got too unwieldy, and I decided it had to be split up for space. (I suspect the same will happen to chapters 15-16, which may both be “Passerine,” but we’ll see.) And the whole work, which is gonna weigh in around 30 chapters, is divided into 4 books, one for each EP. In Like Constellations, Book 1 focuses on Jade, Book 2 on Kit, Book 3 on Graydon, and Book 4 on Elora.  

If that seems obsessive or red-string-cork-boardy, it probably is. But the plus side is that I feel like I have a really strong sense of where I’m going, at least in broad strokes and thematic terms. I know what the beginning and end of each book are, and many of the key moments in between. So I am very confident that this will be finished.

How and Why did this Nonsense Happen?

First off: I love adaptation and find it fascinating. The shift from one setting to another or (even cooler) one medium to another? A delight. My brain thinks laterally, and it likes to make connections. 

But this was really all a sort of accident. I’d seen a lot of memes when Willow was airing (or just “viewable,” RIP) that compared the group to a D&D party, and I was a little salty because they are clearly playing a game of Thirsty Sword Lesbians.

(That’s not a joke, it’s a game and a great one that would legitimately give you Willow vibes in play, you should go buy it.)

ANYWAY! I was taking a look at Lancer, which is a game where (in the mech tradition) mechs are very personal and can be customized, and I got to thinking, “I wonder whether you could make a mech for each of the Willow characters?” I was just idly scrolling through them when I suddenly saw a mech and thought, “Oh hell yes, that’s Kit’s mech.” 

Here’s where I have to give credit to Parkinson-Morgan and Lopez, because the synergy of illustration and game design in Lancer is astounding. You look at the Metalmark and you (at least I) think, “Yeah, that looks like a great fighter who prioritizes speed and really wants to look cool while doing it,” and that’s exactly what it is in terms of game mechanics. So that was fun to create, and I think Kit would be happy with the mech I built her.

But I still thought, “Well, that’s fun but there’s no way you could really pull off the story of Willow in Lancer’s setting...I mean the whole arranged-marriage aspect alone doesn’t really fit the science-ficti--”

In all [worlds controlled by SSC, the corporation that produces Kit’s mech], their populations are tightly controlled through deep cultural manipulation to generate biome-specific lines of colony seed materiel. The people of these worlds are aware of SSC’s mission; they are freely associated members of the corpro-state, most of whom are as invested in its mission – literally – and are generally unconcerned with SSC’s human experimentation projects. Save for regular, culturally-appropriate samplings of genetic material (a few hairs, a drop of blood, a swab from inside the mouth) and an expectation of arranged coupling, life on Constellar Worlds is unremarkable and quiet.

--Lancer core rulebook, p. 399-400

And at that point, the fic just sort of started to fall into my head. Kit could be the child of a major SSC investor, maybe the head of a subsidiary company. A valuable part of SSC’s horrible eugenics-”light” project (no such thing as light eugenics, kids) trapped not by monarchy but by corporate contracts that predate her birth. Jade could be a ward of the “state” (that here being a corporation). Boorman a former space pirate. Graydon a valuable new gene sample. Elora a totally normal girl but with some unusual computer capabilities. Willow a “paracausal” scientist (”paracausality” is Lancer’s in-world term for totally-not-magic). 

I was listening to the Anemoi Cycle at the time suddenly thought, “Wait, this sort of works, too.” Because the Anemoi Cycle is about having a crisis of belief and questioning the community (particularly, the problematic community) you were raised in. It’s about the need for constant growth, compassion, human connection, and an awareness of the value of material human existence. All of these are themes I think are there in Willow too. So I started outlining and writing and...wrote really fast when I started and have since slowed down, lol. Life has gotten busier in the last several weeks, and now that I’m moving beyond Willow’s plot beats I have to tread more carefully to avoid trapping myself or espousing things I want to avoid. 

But I am very excited to keep working on this story, and I can’t wait to look back on it when it’s finished. If you made it to the end of this long, rambly tumblr post - thank you, please get yourself a cookie for me as thanks for listening to my far-too-verbose thoughts.

[sportyconnect]

The serene beauty of Vermont may seem worlds away from the hustle and bustle of insurance shopping. Yet, acquiring the best and cheapest car insurance in Vermont requires a bit of effort, especially when seeking a balance between cost and comprehensive coverage. Evaluating the Cheapest Car Insurance Providers in Vermont A variety of insurance providers cater to Vermont drivers, each with its unique cost structures. Some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Vermont, according to WalletHub, Bankrate, and NerdWallet are: State Farm: Around $49 per month Geico: Approximately $50 per month Auto-Owners: About $51 per month Liberty Mutual: Roughly $52 per month USAA: Close to $43 per month (specifically for military members and their families) However, the cost can vary depending on the source of information. Thus, comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential, as previously discussed in our articles on the cheapest car insurance in California and cheapest car insurance in Florida. Location's Impact on Insurance Rates The place you call home in Vermont can impact your insurance premiums significantly. Cities like Burlington might have higher rates compared to more rural locations. This pattern isn't unique to Vermont, as our article on the cheapest car insurance in Georgia further elaborates. Balancing Cost and Coverage While hunting for the cheapest policy, one might risk being underinsured. Striking the right balance between cost and coverage is crucial, a concept we detailed in our article on the cheapest car insurance in New York. Like New York, Vermont mandates minimum coverages for drivers. Other Factors Affecting Your Car Insurance Rates Several other factors can influence the cost of your car insurance in Vermont, such as: Your age: Typically, drivers under 25 pay more for car insurance than their older counterparts. Your driving record: A clean record generally means lower premiums compared to drivers with a history of accidents or tickets. The type of car you drive: Your car's make and model can significantly impact insurance costs. Your coverage limits: Higher coverage limits usually translate to higher insurance premiums. Delving Deeper: How Vehicle Type Influences Insurance Rates The car you drive is more than just a mode of transport. It's also a significant factor in determining your insurance premiums. If you have a sports car, you'll likely pay higher rates than if you own a minivan, as discussed in our coverage on the cheapest car insurance in Texas. In Vermont, having a vehicle with advanced safety features could potentially decrease your premiums. Additionally, insurance companies look at the car's age, the cost to repair it, the likelihood of theft, and even the vehicle's color while deciding the premium. Exploring Available Discounts Many insurance providers offer discounts to attract and retain customers. Such rebates might be available for good drivers, students with excellent grades, or people who've taken defensive driving courses. Some providers in Vermont even offer discounts to members of certain organizations or professions. For more on this, you might find our feature on the cheapest car insurance in Michigan insightful. Age and Driving Experience As we've seen, age plays a significant role in determining car insurance costs. As a rule, the more driving experience you have, the lower your insurance premiums tend to be. However, after a certain age, the rates start to climb again. Young drivers, typically under 25, have higher rates because they're considered high-risk. Older drivers, particularly those above 65, might also see their rates increase, as our cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania article discusses. Does Your Driving Record Affect Insurance Rates? The short answer is yes. If you've maintained a clean driving record, you're likely to pay less for car insurance. The opposite is also true.

Drivers with a history of accidents, traffic violations, or DUI charges tend to pay more. If you're wondering how speeding tickets affect your insurance rates, our coverage of the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey offers a detailed perspective. Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Vermont It's crucial to understand the car insurance requirements in your state. Like other states, Vermont mandates certain minimum coverage for all drivers. As per Vermont law, drivers must carry: Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident Property Damage Liability: $10,000 per accident Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident To know more about how these limits work, check out our deep dive into the cheapest car insurance in Colorado. What To Do After a Car Accident in Vermont If you're involved in an accident in Vermont, it's crucial to remain calm and take certain steps: Make sure everyone is safe and call the authorities if necessary. Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact information, insurance information, and vehicle details. Document the scene and take photographs if possible. Report the incident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. These steps are similar to the ones we discussed in our feature on the cheapest car insurance in New York. Tips to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance in Vermont Finding affordable car insurance in Vermont requires some homework. Here are some tips to help you get started: Shop Around: Different insurers offer different rates. Our studies on the cheapest car insurance in Illinois and the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina emphasize this point. Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Safe driving not only protects you and others on the road but also helps keep your insurance premiums low. Bundle Your Policies: If you have multiple insurance policies (home, auto, life), bundling them with the same provider could save you money. Take Advantage of Discounts: Don't leave any money on the table. Ask your provider about available discounts. By taking into account all the factors that we've discussed in this article, you'll be better prepared to find the best, cheapest car insurance that Vermont has to offer. Remember, cheap doesn't necessarily mean good. Prioritize coverage that meets your needs and offers you the best value for your money. In conclusion, finding the cheapest car insurance in Vermont, or anywhere else, involves a blend of research, understanding your specific needs, and shopping around for the best deal. #SportyConnect

[somewhatstacey]

Hey just letting you know maybe you should do some research before you talk shit about people because Anne Rice was a huge supporter of the queer community her whole life and literally said she was agender/genderfluid herself. Her son is openly gay and a trans fan came out and said last year how she and Anne used to send each other letters and how she supported her through her transition in the 90s (which is just 1 of many examples of her being supportive to us).

Not to mention she was heavily involved in the making of the new AMC show before she died so all the big changes and explicit queerness you're so excited about were either her idea or approved by her at the very least. Even before this she had written Loustat as canonically bi characters and wrote a piece detailing what their wedding would be like.

I don't care what your opinion on her is, she was flawed and what she did with fanfiction was fucked up but she changed her mind about it 2 decades ago before she died (hence why there's plenty of fics about IWTV on ao3 that were never taken down).

To say that she wasn't supportive of Loustat or queer fans is simply not true.

I’m well aware of Anne Rice’s track record and her latter more visible/active support for the queer community. Kudos to her.

But I’m an old fan. I was there for the late 90s/early 2000s shitfight between certain creators and fan creators. I was there for the cease and desist letters sent to fanfiction authors that DIRECTLY threatened their IRL jobs and businesses. I was there for the hand wringing over what these amateurs would do to her poor characters.

I was also very aware that, when all this was going down, Rice was busy cozying back up to the Catholic Church.

To her credit, she would later leave it over its stance on queer rights (among other things) but like….my pal. My friend. My mate. You would have had to be a special kind of below-rock dwelling species to not know their proven goddamn history and violent consistent persecution of queer folks. To have her leave the church because she SUDDENLY realised how bigoted it was and have her praised for that bravery? Give me a goddamn break.

But I digress.

I’m not laughing at Anne Rice spinning in her grave over Lestat and Louis finally going on-screen canon because I think she’s a life-long homophobe. I know she’s not. I’m laughing at it because here is a show, written by OTHER PEOPLE, that are taking very obvious liberties with her story and her characters INCLUDING (potentially - hopefully) making them textually/unambiguously queer.

All the same fucking things she viciously disapproved of fan authors doing back in the day to the point that she threatened their IRL assets/reputations/what have you.

Look, I can’t prove that Rice’s vendetta against fan authors was rooted in (short-lived or internal or confused or whatever) homophobia. But a LOT of the works she targeted were unambiguously queer in nature, all while she was chumming it up with the church.

I’m glad she figured her shit out in the end. I’m glad she became a staunch supporter of queer rights. But I have a long memory and she did a lot of fucking damage to queer fans back in the day. Damage that was never properly addressed or repaired in any way.

So, yeah, I’m gonna laugh at the abject irony of her works being told as what basically amounts to corporatised fanfiction and I’m going to gleefully consume the masses of actual fan content that will likely result from its release.

Fandom has come a long way, but we also have long memories.

[astrolovecosmos]

Mars Sign: Causes

What sign and the placement of your Mars Sign can indicate what causes you may fight for or feel passionate about.

Mars in Aries will likely fight in the most direct of ways - verbally arguing or standing up for someone, by leading a strike, protest, or revolution, joining the military, or with their fists. Aries tends to fight for themselves or for their values. Likely to value things like freedom, self-expression, and ability to fight for one’s self or go after success. May also be a sucker for the underdog or anyone who shares the same spirit as them. 

Mars in Taurus will fight by resisting and standing their ground. Taurus might also fight with their wallet or property, supporting businesses or content they believe in. They tend to fight for wants, comfort, or survival. What stirs up their defenses or passion to fight back is when what they own or what they believed they are owed is threatened. While this may sound entitled this can come from a place of fighting for your worth or fighting for what really is YOURS. They can sympathize or help others fight who find what they own, what they hold onto metaphorically or literally is being threatened. 

Mars in Gemini will fight with words! 🗣 A debater, arguer, yeller, persuader, lawyer. What gets them in the mood to fight? A lot. Mars in Gemini is not a sensitive position but they are coming from an intellectual place and with a mind ready to learn but also decide and act. With every new piece of information can their temper rage or subside. It is the meaning behind something that angers them. A lack of freedom to learn, express, have your own thoughts and make your own conclusions will truly be their heated fuel. 

Mars in Cancer fights in the emotional realm or subtly in the background. This can mean manipulation, passive aggression, or the cold shoulder but it can also mean empowering and nurturing the right people, using intuition to avoid or take action, and making connections with others to change their hearts. They may be one who fights with their wallet via donations or supporting a certain business. They tend to fight for those they see as vulnerable. Sympathizes with strong feminine traits or qualities especially around motherhood and children. 

Mars in Leo fights with courage. This can mean standing up or speaking up when no one else will or when they are afraid. Going against the norm, facing fears, risking it all. They tend to sympathize or fight for those who’s power is taken away or who’s voice is oppressed. It is power imbalances or corruption that catches their attention and makes them ready to fight or work. 

Mars in Virgo fights with organization, not missing any important details, through investigative work, concrete plans and structure, and spreading the word. They are a campaigner, the spy, the reporter. What will get them to join the fight? Something that hurts people’s ability to provide or care for themselves and others may get them passionate. Anything that causes disorder or chaos can get under their skin. They may fight for those who are sick, who cannot be independent or work, and any person or group that may seem helpless. *I should note Virgo is associated with the military as in “serving their country” and may fight in this way. 

Mars in Libra fights by trying to make peace or serving justice. This can be quite broad and subjective for a sign famous for objectivity. The unfairness and injustices in the world are what they fight for. You may find them protesting or being part of activist movements for social change. They can be passionate about criminal justice and laws. Their blood boils for those who are unfairly imprisoned or the opposite when those they believe are criminals get off free. This placement which is famous for being the mediator or pacifist on the sidelines can actually be found at the center of many movements and opinions about government and law. 

Mars in Scorpio fights behind the scenes but with the passion and smarts of a super villain or vigilante. In fact becoming a vigilante might be one of the ways they fight for a cause. Mars in Scorpio pulls strings, influences other’s feelings, recruits strategically and charismatically, and takes action in their daily life to make a change. Who do they fight for? Typically those they view as losing their empowerment or who’s very souls are threatened. When personal liberty and human rights are at risk. When your own autonomy, personal power, and being is threatened. 

Mars in Sagittarius fights with knowledge, teaching/enlightening, and storytelling. They are many times on the frontlines of clearing up misinformation or educating others whether it be through journalism, blogging, or by being an expert in a field. Sometimes however they could also promote misinformation depending on what they are fighting for and who they are as a person. Some can have a fiery temper and loud voice to help them in their purpose. They have a lot of energy and spark to put towards a fight or cause. They tend to root for the underdog, for the ignored, and the misunderstood. They have a rebellious side to them and sometimes may join a fight because it is part of the minority. 

Mars in Capricorn fights with laws, business, money, voting, and owning. They fight in the most practical or physical of ways. They put their money where their mouth is. They are highly strategic and realistic in how they join or be part of a cause. Mars in Capricorn can be hesitant to join a fight/cause. Capricorn the sign itself is highly selective, cautious, and associated with strong self-preservation. They won’t join a fight/cause unless they know they can win or make a change. But what are they willing to fight for? Anything that is greatly impactful on society itself. Justice, order, higher standards of living, and economics tend to be causes that might interest them. Causes that help a society function more harmoniously and to prosper is what they likely believe in.

Mars in Aquarius fights with protest, activism, and volunteering! They sympathize with disenfranchised groups and anyone who’s freedom of speech or freedom to be themselves is threatened. Mars in Aquarius tends to fight for groups of people, the collective. The larger the scale the more they may pay attention. Global issues may capture their passion. Their rebellious side can have them joining fringe groups, take on radical beliefs, or be part of a movement because it is against the mainstream. 

Mars in Pisces fights with guilt, manipulation, and illusions. All of this has a negative connotation but it can be a powerful tool even when fighting for something “good”. This is the filmmaker, artist, poet who inspires others through their art. They can be the dark horse when all else fails to capture hearts and minds. Mars in Pisces also fights by being the healer, the safe space, the listener. They sympathize with anyone or any group that appears to be hurting. They can feel sympathetic or passionate about many causes and different groups of people or animals. Any cause or story of a cause that pulls at the heart they will join or feel for.   

[warm-starlight]

Sometimes books are just books. Not to mention that the scene with those books is not in the manga. Considering how many liberties WIT has taken in adapting the uprising I wouldn't say the anime is 100% canon

True, unless a certain detail was added by Isayama's request i think it's just part of an adaptation.

[shigaeru]

I just discovered your art recently and I love your style and composition and expressions and everything? The way you draw Shizuo and Izaya is amazing and I admire the huge project you've taken on with adapting ACI, your comics are so much and I'm so looking forward to seeing your take on certain scenes if you ever get to them. I was staring at some of your pages again the other day and I just noticed that Shizuo still seems to have that scar on his chest from when they first met? Ahh that's just such a neat detail, I'm just generally in awe of all of the little things like that that make experiencing the story again from you, a lot of fun. Anyways, I'm kind of curious if ACI is (still?) your favourite fic and if there are any particular reasons why or why not.

AAAAA that's such a nice message to read, this really brightened my day thank you;;

As for your question, I don't think it is my favorite fic, but it's very high up my list! I don't think I could rank them, actually. I just have some sort of big "fics I utterly love" aquarium and they're all swimming around in there, for various different reasons, tropes, scenarii, writing styles.

But there ARE particular reasons I always come back to it.

it's the most well-paced enemies-to-lovers story I've read. It's a very long book and it never takes shortcuts. It takes all the time it needs to establish the colossal character development they have to go through.

The characterization of Izaya and Shizuo feels ON POINT. They're assholes to each other, to other people, so far in their own head they don't see the big picture, they're very serious about wanting to kill each other. But they've also known each other for 10 years and you can just feel it in every interaction.

The dialogue are snappy and every line calls for the next one (which makes the adaptation job really hard btw because sometimes I HAVE to scrap bits of dialogues for the speech bubbles and 1) it breaks my heart, 2) every line is SO important, I can't scrap a sentence without having to rewrite the whole bit, or its answer, or the joke it announces for 3 chapters later)

The writing is so good. It looks pretty simple at first glance, but the description job is very effective. And more importantly everything's a mesh of foreshadowing and hidden references. The dialogues, the imagery, don't get me started I could write a paper on this. There is SO MUCH stuff you have to read between the lines to catch. Izaya and Shizuo are unreliable narrators, how they interpret the situation, what they take from it, a lot of it is incomplete. I've first read ACI in 2017, and I've read it so many times by now, both for myself and for the comic work, and every time I find something new I had not noticed. It's FASCINATING.

The scenario itself? Chef kiss. The balance between horror, angst, genuinely soft interactions and humor is great, and it's actually THE long fic I can't choose a favorite chapter from. Every chapter has at least one very good thing in it.

This is very summarized (i could go into so much depth, i'm not joking about the paper thing gdjjhfd) and of course there are things I like less in it. Stuff I already worked my way around, and plan to work my way around in future chapters (it's mostly the way sexuality is treated I'm a bit uncomfortable with, but Spoon gave me her authorization to take artistic liberties so *WINK*) What you said about experiencing the story again from me got me emotional, thank you a lot again;;

[3lji]

Hello sweetheart! I’m sorry it’s taken me a little while to reply to this 😭 Thank you so so much for sending it though, and I’m so pleased and flattered that I’m one of your favourites! There’s so many fab tianshan blogs out there heheheh ♥️ here are my thoughts!

TIANSHAN VACATION HEADCANONS:

- I love your idea already. I think maybe being on vacation somewhere is the only time the two of them REALLY let go and relax.

- Tian’s job is hard, I’d imagine - he doesn’t like to bother Mo with the details too much, and if anything he’d rather protect him from it, but he knows it takes a certain toll on his partner. Mo is someone who gives his all with everything I believe, so when he works he works HARD but equally when he’s on vacation he’d really allow himself to relax.

- They’re tentative at first about vacationing together, maybe they go as a group of four to try it out, and when they realise, actually, they’d kinda love to go it alone, they vacation a lot.

- Sometimes it’s just weekends close by - a train ride or a road trip away. And then there are week long holidays, sometimes places they’ve never been where they’re busy, backpacks only, doing as much as they can and falling asleep exhausted in a pile together on the bed. But their favourite vacations are when they do almost NOTHING.

- Sometimes they go to cities they can lazily walk around, holding hands and licking ice creams, Mo raising his hand, entwined with Tian’s, to point at this or that. I think however, Mo would begrudgingly LOVE when Tian books a super luxe getaway.

- They have one of those gorgeous villas with sleeping (and... uh... other activities 👀) places around the house. Beds and hammocks and huge sofas. It opens out onto the beach and they have fresh fruit everywhere.

- Tian would take the opportunity to feed Mo whenever possible, grapes straight into his mouth, little dips and crackers, sweet treats.

- They’d swim together and Tian makes it his life’s mission to make sure Mo is absolutely covered in sun cream (that boy is a RED HEAD OKAY) but Mo thinks he’s taking liberties (he is).

- Because they’re both so relaxed, Mo might let a few things pass he usually wouldn’t 👀 like letting Tian pull him into his lap and cuddle, and not saying a word. Or letting Tian brush his hair as they lie in the shade on the beach.

- The pictures! Oh God!!! We know Tian is a super sneak with his photography and his muse is MO BABEY. There’s pictures (millions) of him happily sleeping in white sheets. Pictures of him with his hamster cheeks full of delicious local food. Pictures of him secretly feeding the local cats he was strictly told NOT. TO. FEED. (He’s a softie, okay)

- I feel they’d sit up at night until late, both sat together and watching the stars. Tian reaches for Mo’s hand and there’s no resistance when he pulls it into his lap and strokes his fingers. They’ve been through years of trouble, and maybe just as much time separated, and they’re just so happy to be together, quiet and peaceful together.

- I think if there’s anywhere Tian would propose it could be one of their favourite vacation spots. One of the ones that becomes a weekly tradition. They know their neighbours and Tian quietly purchased a small villa in a secluded spot for them, with private beach access because Mo loves to swim. Xixi and Jian Yi visit for a week and they stay on a week afterwards to have time to themselves. One night they’re drinking in their little balcony, watching the sun go down and sitting without needing to talk and Tian slides over a little box.

- ‘What’s this, then?’ Mo asks, knowing exactly what it is. He flicks open the lid and tries his best to school his features.

- Tian sits down and takes up Mo’s hand, his own already has his own ring placed on it (of course it does). He’s looking into the sunset, ‘Got it years ago... thought it might be time to make a decent man out of you.’

- ‘I don’t think there’s any chance of the same being said for you,’ Mo retorts.

- Tian would smile and bring Mo’s hand up to his lips, to press a kiss there, ‘No, no, that would be asking too much.’ For a moment, he looks a little unsure, that usual confidence flickering away, ‘What do you say then?’

- Mo flexes his fingers, squeezing against Tian’s in reassurance, trying not to smile, ‘Alright then.’

- You can just imagine the silhouette of them both against the setting sun, Tian leaning over to kiss Mo on the cheek, the gold on their fingers glinting in the disappearing sun.