#another would be a big red dragon I have since I was five too. And I would be silly and be like that’s poes girlfriend and she is PFGN

[smokbeast]

poe thoughts and scribbles for my aching soul

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

@ablev92 can't leave the boy hanging with nothing. This is not exactly your idea but something that hopefully will still scratch the itch. 🤍✨

His girl

"It's beyond me how you stomach that guy," Violet breathed out, her body slumping onto the mat. You couldn't help but let out a chuckle. Xaden was desperate to keep her alive. Wasn't hard to see why especially considering that he had so openly brought her to train away from the rest of the group and with the rebellion bunch.

"Less talking more working, give me five more", you tapped Violet's thigh, urging her to do a couple more sit-ups. The girl's muscles were nowhere to be seen. It still was beyond you how she wasn't swept by the wind while crossing the Parapet. She huffed as she pulled up time after time. Then maybe the brain was the better asset to possess. "Rest for a bit, I don't want to see your lunch all over the floor", you threw a water bottle her way that she barely caught, chugging it down in no time.

You let yourself sink to the floor as you too started your warm-up. Itching for a real tassel. You haven't properly fought in a couple of weeks. Even since during one of the patrols you got mixed up in an ambush. You slid down your dragon and injured your shoulder. It was nothing major but the boys were mother hens so you were not allowed to do anything.

"Do you ever fight with him?", Violet gestured to Garrick once more. Your eyes moved over where both Xaden and he threw punches at one another across the room. Shirts were already discarded. But then most of the time these boys trained shirtless. Too much body heat they said. "Shouldn't you only have your eyes set on Xaden? He's a jealous type", you asked her teasingly. Leaning forward to stretch your back. You couldn't see her face but she no doubt was red like a tomato. Violet couldn't hide her emotions for shit. That was another thing Xaden should teach her.

"I thought Xaden was the scary one but...", she breathed. Her yapping was starting to get on your nerves but then Xaden chose you for a reason. The rest of the group would have already broken the girl or she would be crying in the corner. "Don't say it out loud Garrick's ego might explode", you chuckled, reaching to put your hair up into a messy bun. "But do you?", Violet urged. You could understand her fascination this group was quite a sight for sore eyes. "I fought with all of them. Imogen, Bodhi, Xaden, Garrick", you said casually, eyes locking on the person you hoped would finally look your way.

"And you walk off the mat?", you could feel her eyes on you but you were already shrugging your shirt off, leaving only a tight black sports bra on, "Well, I'm standing here, aren't I?", you winked her way as you stepped closer to the mats.

"Looks very fun but I'm borrowing Garrick", you said casually, motioning with your hand for Xaden to step away. The guy simply brushed his hand through his messy hair as he smirked. "I ain't fighting with you", Garrick said coldly, turning his attention back on Xaden as if you weren't standing right in front of him. You could hear oo's sounding all around the room. Even Xaden snickered. "I ain't got all day Riorson, let's...", Garrick grumbled but you struck first, fist colliding with his hand and making him drop his dagger.

"You little...", Garrick bit back as he turned towards you, his big shoulders flexing as he quickly threw a punch of his own. One that you quickly dogged. Elbowing him in his stomach as you turned. It almost looked like a dance as you both swirled around the fight mat. Eyes blazing. You managed to throw him off balance slightly hoping to deliver a final blow with your leg. Unfortunately, it was Garrick we were talking to. He was the best for a reason. His hand quickly wrapped around your ankle as he tugged, your back met the floor as an airy huff slipped past your lips.

"He will kill her", Violet nearly shouted, her knuckles pale as she gripped the water bottle. "Relax, enjoy the spectacle," Imogen mussed. And she wasn't wrong. Everyone had stopped to watch. "He will...", Violet was about to argue more but her eyes caught the smiles painting both of your lips. You had quickly wrapped your legs around Garrick's torso, arm logged in his throat as you managed to turn you both around. Chest heaving for air.

"Want to tap out?", you mussed, leaning closer to him, locking eyes with the man beneath you. Garrick had a proud smirk on his face. You watched him slowly lifting his hand off the mat, fully prepared to walk away from this. But that same hand quickly wrapped around your neck, throwing you off balance as he once again pinned you right beneath him, "Nice try baby", he breathed right by your ear, sending goosebumps down your spine.

"Press harder, I like it", you purred back, making him rare back as you stared at you, "You will be the death of me", he released his grip around you but his warning finger was still pointing at you. "Go fuck it out", Bodhi shouted across the room, making some people laugh. Garrick shot him a death glare. "Be careful, you might be laying beneath him next", you teased back, making Bodhi bite back a laugh as Garrick shook his head.

"Am I off bed rest now?", you asked as you followed him across the gym. "No", he breathed simply, "You're still in pain, your left hand twitched multiple times. It hasn't healed yet", Garrick said plainly as he reached for his water but you quickly kicked it out of reach. Garrick stilled for a heartbeat. The rest of the group was used to you both nagging at each other so almost no one paid you any attention.

"Let me train", you said firmly, only to let out a yelp as Garrick yanked you closer, pushing you against the walk as his frame toward over yours. "I said no", he hissed back. But you knew what this was. You had gone missing that night. They looked for you for two days straight. Well... Garrick did. Against all orders. No sleep. No food. His clothes were damp as he flew over and over. Followed by your dragon. You reached up to cup his face and Garrick instantly closed his eyes.

"I promise you that I'm well", you said softly, "nothing hurts, it's slightly sore, that's all", you tried to reason with this big broody man. "And your fingers", he reached for your palm, you knew what he was looking for, so you quickly moved each of your fingers around. Bending and flexing them. Garrick let out a sigh. "Fine", he breathed. "I can train with Bodhi...", "Like hell is anyone else touching you", Garrick hissed back, making you roll your eyes.

Stepping on your tippy toes you wrapped your arms around his neck, Garrick rose to his full height, making your feet dangle as you held up. His hands instantly reached down to cup your bum as you wrapped your legs around him. "You're lucky that I love you", he muttered as he carried you back to his preferred corner. You gave him your best angel smile that he only shook his head at. "I love you too, thank you for trusting me", you kissed the side of his neck softly, before your eyes darted back to the room. "If you feel..", Garrick started but you cut him off quickly, "Even the tiniest sense of pain I will tell you and we will stop". He nodded at your words, frown disappearing. Violet stood there with her big eyes still on you two. You quickly saluted her. "They're like...", she breathed out, making Imogen let out a chuckle, "Dating, fucking, loving - all of it", the female mused, "Just don't stare too much Garrick doesn't like it". Imogen tapped Violet's shoulder making her turn for the mat that exclusively belonged to Garrick. She knew without having to ask that your roll of training Xaden's girl was now her responsibility.

[danikamariewrites]

First wanted to say I love your stories they are amazing! If possible, I have a request for a xaden x reader that’s preferably fluff. The reader is in the same quadrant as xaden but they aren’t super close. The reader gets hurt and Xaden takes them to the infirmary but the reader starts to freak out because of fears of needles/blood (maybe an anxiety attack?) reader tries to hide it because they are embarrassed but Xaden notices anyway and tries to comfort them. :)

Squeeze My Hand

Xaden x reader

Notes: thank you for requesting this anon bc I’ve been struggling for weeks to write and this gave me my spark back. this was the first thing I’ve finished (happily) in weeks💕

Warnings: blood, stitches, injury, and needles

You couldn’t look down. You’d pass out which would make everything worse. It’s bad enough you can feel the blood seeping down your thigh. The last thing you needed was to see the liquid along with the gash.

Taking deep breaths you laid at the bottom of the Gauntlet, thinking about where you misstepped.

A pair of strong arms scooped you up, helping you to stand. Looking up you see Xaden Riorson’s dark eyes roaming your face. Worry set in on his features, wondering how you’re staying so calm in a situation that would have anyone else writhing on the ground.

“I’ll take her!” Xaden calls out to the Leader. You hadn’t heard a word anyone said in the last five minutes with the adrenaline and blood rushing in your ears.

“Can you walk?” He asked softly, taking you by surprise. “Kind of,” you mutter as you study the color of his eyes. The darkness of them holds the littlest flecks of hazel and gold, making them look kinder up close.

Getting to the stone stairs leading up to school you let out a huff. Without hesitation Xaden picked you up bridal style, careful of the still bleeding gash on your thigh. You suck in a harsh breath at the stinging sensation running up your limb.

“Sorry,” Xaden murmured.

He slowed his pace to not jostle you around as much. Even when you got to the top of the stairs Xaden kept you in his arms. He was warm and gentle with you. The initial shock of your injury had you too occupied to wonder why Xaden was helping you.

Even though you’re in the same Quadrant you rarely talk with Xaden. Like every other girl with eyes at Basgiath, you found Xaden attractive.

As he gets closer to the infirmary you subconsciously grip Xaden’s shirt. Your fist begins to shake, knuckles turning white.

Xaden looks down at you, noticing how bad you’re trembling. The color drained from your face as he pushed through the infirmary doors. Your eyes watch the move of every healer as Xaden places you on an empty bed.

You keep your gaze from the wound, knowing the sight of blood makes you nauseous.

One of the senior Healers comes to inspect your cut, gently moving your leathers to get the full scope of your injury. “You are going to need stitches. I’m going to cut your pants and then clean you up.”

You nod wordlessly at her, your eyes screwed shut. You had hoped that you would not need stitches. Needles are a big fear of yours. You never wanted one near you whether it was to help or harm you. A wild fear to have as a dragon rider, honestly.

Xaden’s hand covers yours, now fisting the sheets. You jump as he softly squeezes your fingers. “What’s wrong?” You open your eyes for the first time since the healer looked at you.

Taking a deep breath you give Xaden a reluctant look. Your cheeks flush bright red in embarrassment. Good Gods, how do you confess your stupid fear of needles to one of the toughest people you know. “Y/n, it’s ok. You can tell me.” Xaden reassures.

“Promise you won’t make fun of me.” You say sternly. Xaden holds out his pinky, “I swear I won’t.”

You give him a small nod. “I don’t like needles. I’ve never had stitches before and I’m terrified.” You hold Xaden’s stare for a long moment. Xaden gives your hand another reassuring squeeze, folding between both of his hands. The roughness of his palms rubbing against the smoothness of the back of your hand felt comforting.

“The Healer will put some numbing salve on your skin. It takes a few minutes for it to work, then you’ll barely feel it. And if you can, squeeze my hand if it hurts.” You blink at Xaden, surprised he is being supportive.

“Thank you,” you murmur, looking down at your lap. The Healer comes back with the supplies and starts applying the salve, just like Xaden said. When you saw the needle you tensed up, your eyes as wide as saucers.

“Relax,” Xaden whispers. Your eyes water as you look at him again. Xaden sits next to you, wrapping his arm around you, letting your head rest on his shoulder. The needle pricks your skin, the Healer working quickly.

You feel the needle every few passes. You squeeze Xaden’s hand, praying this ends soon.

“All done.” The Healer says, covering the stitches with a bandage.

Xaden gently kisses the top of your head. “Good job, y/n/n.” He whispers sweetly. A furious blush rising to your cheeks.

[neonscandal]

Manga With Me: JJK Crackpot Conspiracy That Makes Little to No Difference (While Maybe Making A Big Difference)

At this point, we're all aware that I, as the nerd aunt, watch a lot of my favorite anime with my niece and nephew and, against the better judgement of most adults, that includes JJK. During this rewatch, I noticed something that sparked an Aha! moment and now we all have to suffer that together.

Unrelated since I just wanted a Mahito gif but kinda related. This gif from S2E9 shows Mahito grabbing the red dragon mahjong piece. That of benevolence. 👀

⚠️: Spoiler warning through season 2 of JJK.

Ever since finding out that there are only five more chapters to JJK, I have not known peace. Which means I need to word vomit all the things that have been bouncing around my noodle expeditiously. This hypothesis, while making little impact on the chapters that remain, is still harrowing if you think about it too much, which I clearly have so follow me down this winding path. It's a little long but may be diabolically on point.

BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE

Let's start with what we know:

Curses are formed by the negative emotions humans harbor.

There are two canonically acknowledged events that created huge shifts in the balance between sorcerers, humans, and curses: Gojo's birth as a Six Eyes and Limitless user and Sukuna's awakening when Yuji ate the first finger.

The antiquated way the jujutsu society measures power plateaus at "special grade" which puts Gojo on equal footing with Geto even though power wise they aren't comparable. This is not to call Geto weak but, instead, to show that even in high school, the power scaling was faulty and left layers of nuance out of the equation.

HOWEVER, by the time Megumi, Yuji and Nobara enter Jujutsu Tech, some curses had evolved to verbally communicate complex articulations i.e. Mahito and Jogo.

Critically, throughout my constant poring over JJK I've gone back and forth on the why this is but the truth is in the rewatch and so is the outlier. The Earth (Jogo), the Forest (Hanami) and the Sea (Dagon) are highlighted to be the product of that which humans have always feared. This is where things get interesting and ultimately disproves one of my favorite fan theories that Dagon is a manifestation of Riko Amanai after death. Ancient curses, undoubtedly Special grade given the widespread fear they're born from and constantly replenished by. Bearing that in mind and with respect to Japan being regularly devastated by natural disasters, we as the readers can infer their relative power but also surmise that it is their age and subsequent fear that they garner that would eventually evolve them to where we see them now.

If Gojo's birth or Sukuna's awakening were the precipice for this evolution, wouldn't Dagon also be a conscious, articulate curse? Even Hanami is still in a middle ground of communicative competence. Notably, this is where the theory is born.

In this moment, Mahito is pleased to call these ancient beings friends. In explaining the way of the world to Junpei, Mahito goes on to say:

"There are spirits known as Special grade potential spirits. Cursed spirits are a culmination of cursed energy leaked from humans. An image of fear shared by the masses, even if not real... can manifest as a powerful curse."

Which we know to be true but... what fear does Mahito represent to be able to rub shoulders with the likes of such insurmountable curses?

It can't be that simple, can it? We've seen the curses yielded by abandoned, spooky and collectively stressful locations like schools and they don't hold a candle to Mahito.

THE MENACE MAHITO

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Fear the day that Yuji Itadori's heart breaks because the ensuing curse or subsequent rampage... his strength has been foreshadowed to be devastating. However, our focus in this analysis recognizes all the above and hypothesizes the origin of Mahito and their inextricable link to one another.

Ideologically, Mahito and Yuji are diametrically opposed in their assessment of life. Not really a spoiler to say that in recent chapters, Yuji's own words completely contrast Mahito's understanding of the world in his curious observation of it. 💡 If you want more insight into Mahito, the first light novel has an interesting vignette into him as a character and his motives that I didn't talk about.

Following the events of season 2, Mahito has deliberately dealt three critical hits to Yuji Itadori's soul. Delights in it, in fact. Junpei, Nanami, Nobara. Out of the ensemble cast of villains, only one character is responsible for all of the most gut wrenching losses in Jujutsu Kaisen (shout out to Mechamaru for that matter, too). It should be said that Mahito's own power, manipulating souls and recognizing the boundaries therein is, in my opinion, integral to the overall story.

Especially since we know, early on, that Yuji, as Sukuna's vessel, is a bad match-up for Mahito. It isn't until recent chapters that we recognize why that is even though it's been spoonfed to us.

Mahito vs. Yuji, Mahito's attempts to transfigure Yuji have no effect except getting into Sukuna's bad graces.

After years apart, Yuji instantaneously recognizes Yuko Ozawa despite massive cosmetic changes. (Massive shout out to the dude dressed as Nanami at Risucon that I nerded out about this with at my booth.) I feel like her introduction isn't for nothing. I assumed we'd see her again because that's how JJK typically rolls but what if she's already served her purpose?

⚠️ Implied spoiler: In later battles, Yuji is able to tune into the soul of his "opponent"

WILD CARD STRETCH: There's someone else in universe who can seemingly see a person's soul and it's Gojo.

ORIGIN HYPOTHESIS

Okay so, after all this, what is the point? Mahito is an anomaly of a curse and for him to have inflicted such big name carnage in terms of the plot shouldn't be ignored either.

At the beginning, I acknowledged the two main events that caused a major shift in jujutsu society as we know it. But in truth, there's one more major event that has been intrinsically woven throughout the fabric of this story. That being the death of Riko Amanai and Gojo's subsequent transcendence.

Due to the shift caused by Gojo's power up, the volume of curses that sprung up became burdensome that summer. Causing a further divide between Gojo and Geto and, ultimately, part of the wedge that sent Geto down his path to destruction. But, if Gojo's birth caused the scales to tip... how could the universe (encompassing sorcerers, humans, and curses) restore balance from an unmitigated windfall of power?

Spawning another aberration: Mahito.

Where curses are typically a byproduct of humans and beholden, in some way, to the conditions of their negative emotions, Mahito doesn't really strike me as something specific enough to be as strong as they are without some significant origin. Jogo, Dagon and Hanami all have physical attributes that are a nod to what they hail from.

While there could be cultural nuance or lore that I don't have access to as a Western reader, Mahito's heterochromia, patchwork skin and, at times, seemingly horse-like legs don't really strike me as a well known allusion to anything else. What if that's the point? What if he's not the product of human fear or negative emotions? What if he's actually the evolution of sorcerer's negative fears and emotions as a subsequent counter balance to Gojo?

EVIDENCE

As the initial fight between Nanami and Mahito unfolds, during his extrapolation of Mahito, is it not weird that even he thinks to compare them?

JJK exposition is typically executed so nonchalantly, in conversations that go right over the reader's head... until the moment it lands. So even offhand comments here and there tend to foreshadow something or someone that becomes critical to the plot:

The Occult Club's conspiracy about spirits on the field making people sick immediately shown to be true when Megumi shows up which demonstrated an existing sensitivity to the supernatural and ultimately ties in to Yuji's gigantic reveal of a back story which suggests even if he wasn't "in the know" he was always doomed for a life in jujutsu society.

Yuji's grandfather, on his death bed, trying to explain to Yuji about his parents falling on obstinate ears. LITTLE DID WE KNOW.

Megumi mutters to himself about Maki (as "Zenin") long before she becomes a pillar in the story, comparing Yuji to her in terms of birth/power. Meanwhile, Maki is cast as a reiteration of Toji and razes hell upon the birth line that created them both (if Itafushi is next gen SatoSugu, Maki is a restorative for Toji).

Megumi talks about Okkotsu being the only second year he respects. Those caught up on the manga are aware of Okkotsu's behemoth importance well beyond his role in JJK 0.

During the juvenile detention center arc, again, Megumi refers to the juvenile who killed a young girl while driving without a license and fan theories suggest that this could very well be the man who killed Rika Orimoto.

Frequently, we get a pin-size remark that casually provides some surface context but it never feels without reason and more than half of these are in the very first episode. It's also interesting that these expository moments are usually handled by largely straight laced Megumi or people like Yuji's grandfather and Nanami. Like Gege can only trust the plot in their overly serious and curmudgeon-y hands 😂

Cut back to Nanami's fight, Mahito's playfully torturous curiosity and taunts are that of someone who knows they've already won. Even as Nanami's cursed energy exponentially increases in overtime, Mahito is simply awed but not deterred from the fight trusting in the inevitability of their strength over that of any human's or sorcerer's.

Even this mirthful moment reminds me of Gojo testing Nobara outside of that apartment complex where he facilitated her first experience with a Tokyo curse. To see if she's really crazy because that's what survives as a sorcerer. But it gives way to another interesting piece of evidence.

In Nanami's assessment of Mahito, he surmises that, despite the strength of the curses it's a child. Relatively "young" compared to the ancient curses of the Earth, the Forest and the Sea and, yet, capable to stand shoulder to shoulder with them. Isn't that odd? Can't just be born of undirected hate. After all, even Mahito's conversation about Love, Hate and Indifference in the scheme of Mahito's origin seems to muddle the fact that most people are satisfied with indifference until possessed by something else... like revenge. A convenient solution Mahito offers Junpei after this exchange and what ultimately set Junpei as a pawn in his larger plan.

Junpei: Don't you think that whoever first said "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference"... must be rotting in hell? There's no way hating people is better than feeling indifferent toward them. The opposite of 'like' is 'hate'. Complicating simple answers for the sake of meaning is such a Japanese thing to do. Mahito: People like wordplay. After all, people can't live without making excuses.

As their fight concludes in a draw, Nanami further exposes a possible timeline for Mahito's materialization which is why I've historically assumed it was in line with Sukuna's awakening but, to scale, that would have precipitated a grossly exacerbated evolution to the unfathomable body count Nanami surmises.

I can't help but note Nanami's reference to greedily enjoying one's growth is also on par with Gojo's attitude about power and encouragement to Megumi to "be greedier". Not only with how he fights but how he lives which is being echoed in the current events of the manga.

After all, nothing is included for no reason.

All things considered, Mahito's impression of their own strength and confidence very much puts me in the mind of Satoru Gojo pre-death of Riko Amanai but especially after his resurrection and mastery of reversed curse energy and optimizing Limitless. Gojo never really loses his playfulness but Gojo also never really gives in to the seduction of his own power quite as much. I mean, until he meets a foe he can go all out against.

So what if, in response to Gojo's insane and unprecedented power up, Mahito is born? What if Gojo precipitates a curse born of unheard of origins, that of sorcerer's negative emotions. A product of sorcerer's jealousy toward his strength, a product of Geto's own envy, a product of Gojo's guilt or shame in being left behind? Is it possible that the timeline Nanami surmises correlates with the events of the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc(s)?

Are Gojo's similarity to Mahito only surface level? In many ways, we've seen where this generation of first and second years are a second chance at resolving that which Gojo and Geto put into action with their own hubris. How similar paths they have walked but where Gojo's cultivation of Megumi in response to his own loss is coupled with the temperament of Yuji's soul and yields different results. There were many points in Gojo and Geto's history where things could have gone differently but their missteps landed jujutsu society where we are now.

But is that enough? Or is Mahito further punishment for SatoSugu's confidence before the fall? One that burdens the first current years as a test of their resolve?

Imagine if SatoSugu had just kissed and made up before. Where would we be now?

SUMMARY

TL;DNR: At the root of everything, including societal collapse, it all traces back to Gojo (and Geto) and, as we've known all along, Itafushi has the power to restore what was lost.

[rannadylin]

Veilguard: Ranna's Rook intros!

Waaaay back in November, I might have posted a time or two about my first Rook? Since then I've been a bit distracted from Tumblr by, uh, playing three more of them. XD I just started the fifth playthrough so I'd better pop in and show some Rooks off before I get too far into this one and forget how to blog again!

Possibly mild spoilers to follow along with pretty pictures and very brief summaries beneath the cut...

Caeda Mercar, Shadow Dragon rogue who romanced Lucanis (alas, yes, she saved Treviso at the expense of her home Minrathous! worth it. She did also flirt a bit with Davrin early on when Lucanis was still being shy about it, but basically I started the game thinking I'd probably romance Emmrich and then Lucanis spited right out of that Ossuary cell and through a gaggle of Venatori in five seconds flat and Caeda went all heart eyes and set her cap for him irrevocably.) Started out more of an archer rogue (usually one of my favorite DA playstyles) but halfway through she started leaning more toward daggers. We'll assume that was her favorite Crow's influence. (Or that Ranna was figuring out how to play XD)

After Caeda I jumped straight back into CC to make...

Veryl Ingellvar, Mourn Watch mage who romanced Emmrich. Whereas Caeda had the first-playthrough honor of just picking whatever dialogue options I felt like at the time, so she had a pretty broadly mixed personality, this one specialized in what, in ages past, we would've called Blue Hawke personality. :-D Very golden-retriever, Miss Positivity, etc. (She reminded me of Violet Itzli sometimes. :-D) I thought she'd be a staff mage but then I fell in love with orb & dagger so she did a lot of that too, though not as much as the yet to come 4th playthrough would...

Next up we have:

Akish Thorne, Grey Warden Warrior who started out sword & board (throwing shields is fun!) and switched to mostly two-hander (when I realized you can still throw the shield even when you're not apparently holding one!). He romanced Bellara (who reminded me of Yolotli Itzli from the moment I met her :-D ...Akish is not exactly Anselm though), and if Veryl was a Blue Hawke Rook, Akish was mostly Red Hawke, except for being a big softie whenever it came to Bel. (Also, for his endgame I played through once with Neve doing the wards on Tearstone and then again with Bellara and...I like that second one better. Oh the narrative parallels between him being a blighted Warden and then seeing Bellara get blighted but survive it too! Also I like Bel better for that part of endgame in general; it's a bit of character development - her moving from seeming more of an innocent to someone who has survived something pretty massive and draws strength from it to save the day in the end! - that she just needs more than Neve does.)

Other than Bellara, Akish's favorite thing in the world is griffons. :-D Also his eyes are supposedly violet though the screenshots make it hard to tell.

I had plans to play an Adaar Inquisitor in DAI but never got around to that playthrough before burnout hit so Akish is my first Qunari OC and I had such fun with him!

Next up: I just finished playing Rook Number Four:

Arucari "Rook" De Riva. Yes, Rook is short for Arucari. :-D She romanced Lucanis because, um, it appears that he is my Daeran for this game (i.e. I played WOTR 7 times through one summer and romanced Daeran for three of them. Guess I've got at least one more Lucanis romance to go this time around. XD) She is a mage because I missed playing as a spellblade, and a Crow because it is technically the Crow Spellblade specialization, and because I wanted to see how romancing Lucanis with another Crow went. (Conclusion: It went spectacularly! She was such fun.) She was my Purple Hawke girl, always teasing and deflecting with humor anytime things are awkward, but also generally positive beneath that. Also she got extra-large eyes in homage to DA2 elves. :-D Here is a better view of them:

She is an excellent Crow. No one ever expects assassination from anything this cute.

And last but not least...

Linza Laidir is my 5th playthrough, just barely begun! Go Team Dwarf. :-D (Team Dwarven Rogues, to be specific! We gained a Neve just after this screenshot and dear Neve has never looked so tall, being surrounded by Children of the Stone.) Don't know yet if she will be more of an archer rogue or a daggers rogue, whichever lends itself more to Gold and Glory, of course! Not sure yet about her personality (probably swinging between Blue and Red Hawke types? She did beat up everyone in the bar to get Neve Gallus' location, whereas most of my Rooks have talked the bartender down. But I think despite a knack for highly effective violence she's also a sweet little Team Mom who will be teaming up with Lucanis and Bellara for the cooking. And probably romancing Davrin. (Was I inspired by Antoine & Evka's elf/dwarf dynamic? No comment.)

So clearly I'm enjoying Veilguard overall, and from the factions & romances I've played so far, I rank them as follows:

Grey Warden

Crow

Shadow Dragon

Mourn Watcher

And...

Lucanis <3

Bellara

Emmrich

Which. Considering I went into the first playthrough expecting to fall for Emmrich, is interesting to see how it actually played out so far! Also, clearly I need to play a Warden for my third Lucanis romance, right? :-D

[scotianostra]

Happy birthday Scottish TV host and entertainer Craig Ferguson born in Glasgow, on May 17th, 1962.

Ferguson was born in Stobhill Hospital and brought up not far from where I now live in nearby Cumbernauld. He admits to growing up "chubby and bullied" At age sixteen hen left Cumbernauld High School and began an apprenticeship to be an electronics technician at a local factory of American company Burroughs Corporation.

In the early 1980s, Ferguson drummed in punk bands for a few years before a bartending job led him to Michael Boyd, the artistic director of the Tron Theatre. Boyd talked Ferguson into giving acting a shot, which Ferguson soon did, finding the comedy prong of the art too compelling to ignore.

Ferguson soon created an outrageous—and successful—stage character called Bing Hitler. On top of the local success he was experiencing, Ferguson used the experience as a backdrop from which to move into mainstream acting roles.

Craig Ferguson’s first TV appearance came on an episode of the sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf in 1988, and it was enough to get Ferguson to head overseas to the United States for his first role on American TV. The part was playing a teacher in the pilot episode of High (1989), which starred Gwyneth Paltrow and Zach Braff. The pilot wasn’t picked up, though, and Ferguson headed back to Scotland.

Once back in the UK, Ferguson found that roles came sporadically before he landed his own BBC show The Ferguson Theory in 1994 While the sketch comedy show put the funnyman front and centre, it only lasted five episodes.

When Theory was no more, Ferguson packed his bags once again for America. But this time he’d find a lot more success waiting for him than he did years before. When Ferguson joined The Drew Carey Show as Nigel Wick in 1996, his run lasted several seasons and led to the actor becoming a known quantity in the world of U.S. television.

Ferguson’s busy life on TV and the big screen got a lot busier in January 2005, when he took over the late-night comedy series The Late Late Show. Once it found its footing, Ferguson’s show was another hit, earning its first Emmy nomination a year into its run. Mixed in with his work on the show were several high-profile big-screen roles, often voice-over work, in movies like How to Train Your Dragon, Winnie the Pooh and Brave.

Ferguson, who became an American citizen in 2008, is also an author, publishing Between the Bridge and the River and American on Purpose.

On 28 April 2014, Ferguson announced he would be leaving The Late Late Show at the end of 2014, with the final episode airing on 19th December that year.

Ferguson is a recovering alcoholic, sober since 18th February 1992, another Scot who has dealt with his depression, he admits to having considered suicide before giving up the bottle.

In 2017 he released a six-episode web show with his wife, Megan Wallace Cunningham, titled Couple Thinkers. For two seasons from 2021, Ferguson hosted the American game show The Hustler, which airs on ABC.

In 2022, an adaptation of Ferguson's film Saving Grace (2000) was announced as a stage musical in which Ferguson will portray a "villainous banker". It was adapted by April De Angelis from Ferguson's and Mark Crowdy's screenplay, with music by fellow Scot KT Tunstall. In October 2022, the musical was confirmed to run for a limited twelve performances at Riverside Studios from 22 November until 4 December 2022 as an "intimate first run.

The rumor mill has been buzzing that Craig is thinking about returning to the talk show ranks In a recent interview he said;

“I have meetings next week in Los Angeles for a show,” Ferguson said, calling from New England while on vacation with his family. “I’m considering doing a show but I just don’t want to do one every day. I like doing a talk show, but not enough to do it every single day.”

[siobhanbooks]

it's the 1st October so it is officially threshing!!!

reminder that chapter 8 of like daylight does include an scene from Bodhi and Imogen's threshing if you want to go check that out

and under the cut is the scene itself

Threshing - October 1st:

“Okay, you can do this. There’s dragons that like rebellion relics, they can sense the magic in them, we think. They’ll want you. Just look for them and you’ll be okay.” Xaden said. Both of the younger friends nodded as they headed towards the valley that Threshing took place in.

“See you on the other side?” Imogen asked, as they moved to turn away.

“On the other side, Ims.” Bodhi smiled as they began to walk away from each other.

Not long after they’d separated, Bodhi heard a voice behind him, “Ah! The traitor of the year. Or at least the number one traitor. There’s seven of you, right? Seven little Tyrrish bitches running round trying to be riders. As if a dragon would bond with one of you.”

Bodhi turned around, and a few of the cadets from Third Wing had gathered. Each of them were armed. Bodhi was too but they outnumbered him 4 to 1. “You know, 8 marked cadets bonded last year. So…” he shrugged casually, making no big deal and beginning to walk away. Another cadet came up behind him from a different angle, swiping his leg with a blade they’d hidden.

“Not so bold now.” One of them tried to mock him. With blood pouring down his leg and a gaping wound, he swung around pulling the sword strapped to his back free.

He sliced in a diagonal motion, cutting open the arms of the two cadets in the middle. He swung again, sliced a line down the centre of another’s chest. “Who wants to have a go at me then? Because I stared down the back of a dragon throat when I was 16 and lived. Come on, don’t just stare at the Tyrrish traitor,” He taunted, laughing as the blood dripped from his sword. He looked insane but he didn’t really care.

They scurried off and once Bodhi could be sure he was alone, he dropped to his knee, “Fuck,” he whispered, slicing off the sleeve of his shirt, tying on his thigh using a stick as a tourniquet. Using one of his blades, he sawed off the ends until the stick was short enough to walk with attached to his leg.

After maybe half an hour, forty-five minutes later, the most beautiful dragon that Bodhi had ever seen landed in front of him. He’d grown up in Aretia, living in Riorson House, so he was used to seeing dragons from a distance. But to see one up this close was astonishing. All he wanted was to speak to the dragon but he knew that dragons never spoke to anyone but their riders.

”Hi.”

Bodhi looked around for the voice, but he was alone.

”I’m in front of you.”

Bodhi turned back around but in front of him was only the majestic green swordtail.

”Thank you! A majestic dragon for her royal rider."

“What?” Bodhi asked, out loud.

”I’m your dragon, Cuir. I’d tell you my full name but you’re bleeding a little too much for it.”

“I’m fine. I’m Bodhi Durran by the way.”

”I know that. Dragons know all about their riders.”

“Wow, I have a dragon. I’m a rider.”

”Now get on. It’s time to go back and get that leg checked out.”

“It’s fine. I’ve dealt with worse.”

”You shouldn’t have to.”

Bodhi climbed on his dragon’s - Cuir’s - back and settled in for the short flight out of the valley and over to the flight field. As she drew closer, he could see the brown of Garrick’s dragon, Chradh, and the navy of Xaden’s dragon, Sgaeyl. And now he had a dragon, a gorgeous green one who was far more beautiful than theirs. He tried to look but he was still too high to see Imogen’s distinctive pink hair. He wondered what dragon she would have bonded. Maybe an orange or a red. It definitely wouldn’t be a blue or brown. Imogen had always been fiercely independent and wouldn’t ever want to feel like she was copying Xaden or Garrick. Especially Garrick. So there was no way she bonded a scorpiontail either. Imogen was just like that. She always had to be better than the boys. Ever since they were little kids.

Cuir landed and Bodhi stumbled a little as he dismounted. The altitude combined with the blood loss from his leg wound made him a little off balance. ”Careful, Little One.”

”Little One?”

”You are shorter than your cousin. And you two are the royals of your province.”

Bodhi smiled as he headed over to give his dragon’s name to the roll keeper. After he headed over to the healer tent to get his leg sewn up. Imogen joined him, unable to keep the grin off her own face. “I bonded!”

“Of course you did!”

“Her name is Glane and she’s an oranger daggertail and I just love her.”

“Mine is called Cuir and she’s a green swordtail and so beautiful.” Imogen continued to talk about her and Quinn’s dragons as Bodhi’s leg was stitched by a healer cadet. “Ims-” He nudged her as Xaden and Garrick approached.

“You both bonded. I knew you would. Well done,” Xaden said, keeping his voice low as he spoke.

“Tell us about your dragons,” Garrick prompted, wrapping one arm around Imogen and messing up Bodhi’s curls with the other hand.

[galaxyregent]

Oh dear god they multiplied.

So in Berserker's Bride, we only ever see the eldest, Orvar being born. Since I don't know if I'll finish it, I thought I'd provide a spoiler of the other kids. Yeah Dagur and Hiccup have four other kids, much to the chagrin of the world. They're chaos wrapped in smart-ass. Not sure if I mentioned this, but I gave Dagur the family name Eldsen, Eld -don't quote me on this- being a Norse word related to fire- and "sen", being essentially meaning son a common part of Norse surnames. Red hair runs in the family hence calling themselves essentially sons of fire.

It's something of a private joke that Hiccup will look at her kids after they caused trouble and think 1. Her father is definitely laughing at her somewhere, and 2. Why the frick did she have so many kids? Dagur will then walk by without a shirt and she'll get all flustered thinking, "oh right, that's why." Also let's be real back in the day you had a lot of kids because you were expecting at least half to die before reaching adulthood. Hiccup had been content at four, the youngest wasn't intentional. Stupid sexy Dagur, lol. So a bit about each.

Orvar, aka Orvar the Honorable, the oldest, the apple of his family's eyes, of the five the best blend between his parents. Orvar is -mostly-sensible, level headed and decent warrior. Except for one thing. Orvar is TERRIFIED of blood. It may or may not have to with the fact that he was sprayed with an enemies life blood within minutes of being born, who knows. He was conceived shortly after Hiccup defeated the Red Death on the morning Hiccup was given the Eldsen family talon and the pair properly confessed their love. Orvar was then carried through a war with the Outcasts before being born in a dragon pen while his father was beat half to death. He grows to be heir to the Beserker tribe, as he was named by his father after living a month.

Sigrid, aka Sigrid the Sensible, is a as her name suggests, the most level headed of the children, usually the one keeping the rest out of trouble, including her big brother. Another private joke is that each of the children were carried/conceived/born under crazy circumstances. Sigrid was the only one whose conception, pregnancy and birth were pretty uneventful. Hiccup is convinced it's the reason Sigrid is something other crazy. She would be a baby after the time skip when BB tells the story of Race to the Edge. Despite being called the Sensible, Sigrid is the most effective warrior of the children. The others all know that, it's one of the reasons she can keep them in line. But she dreams of love and family, of marriage and children, rather than glorious death in battle.

Laddie, AKA Hiccup Horrendous Haddock IV, AKA Laddie the Mad, Hiccup was pregnant with him-Very Early Stage- during the events of the second movie. Laddie was also born early and weak as his mother had been. Luckily, Dagur had outlawed the casting out of hiccups years before so there was no objection to keeping him. The pair had gone back and forth if they wanted to brand their son with the name but eventually decided, eff the establishment, call him Hiccup and get him prove he was more. Hiccup had gone far despite being a hiccup, she wasn't even the first hiccup in her family to do so. To avoid confusion, they called him Hiccup-Lad or Laddie, for short. Basically Laddie is what happens when you mix Hiccup's inventive genius with Dagur's lack of regard for humanity. He's basically a mad scientist. For the most part he uses the name Haddock instead of Eldsen, since he's set to inherit the Hooligan tribe. Dagur still insist that they hyphen his family name in too.

Stoick Eldsen, AKA Stoick the Steadfast, the name Stoick was actually intended for Laddie, but since he was a Hiccup, they decided to hold off. He was the first child born after the events of the 3rd movie, still not sure how I was approaching that. Also, I never decided if Stoick I died during the second movie in BB but was a consideration. Stoick II is easily the largest of the children, towering over the rest in height and girth. Also, he's a big ol' himbo. While not oe to get in trouble on his own he was always persuaded to adventure by his siblings. Unfortunately, he was the least fleshed out of the kids. Stoick II is set to inherit the Outcast tribe, the one his mother won by right of conquest.

Dagny Eldsen, AKA Dagny the Wild, is the final child born t the couple. Like her brothers, her conception was under unusual circumstances. Something Hiccup simply terms was "a weird night", make of that what you will. Dagur whined that one child was named for Hiccup's father and one named after Hiccup and he felt he deserved one named after him. Hiccup reminded him Laddie's name wasn't because of her but his runty size. Dagur argued it didn't matter and Hiccup threw up her arms, saying fine, if we have another kid it's getting named after you. Dagny came along and Hiccup was slightly worried that Dagur would be annoyed his namesake was a girl, but as usual, Dagur was unperturbed. "We'll call her Dagny." And that was that. Dagny is as her title suggests, a wild-child. She goes on to explore beyond the archipelagos to the mainland, forging trade deals that benefit her brothers' tribes and has a hundred lovers along the way. Regardless of how many kids she has, no two share a father. To be clear, she is the main trouble maker of the family. Dagny very much lived up to her namesake.

Enjoy everyone!

[bunnygirl678]

20 questions for fic writers

i felt like doing one of these lmao

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

30! Which most of them are for Nameless lmao

2. What's your total A03 word count?

304.751, about to go up again lol, probably another 80k in this month, 268,863 have been in 2023, lol. I spent a large portion of time not writing, but after my breakup this year I've started writing frequently again.

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Right now really just pokemon, if something else comes to me I'll write it, I'm working on a dragon ball z fic, but I don't touch it a ton.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

This is sad for me cause they all suck. I wrote them late high school early college, and they're all based on the Avengers movies (although one i think may have been the comics) it's a huge fandom, and I've had them up for 10 years so (god it's been that long already???) All of my good marvel 616 fics are missing, buried in a discord that I don't have access to anymore and word docs from a computer long since recycled

But in order, I feel Salem, Astronaut, Almost Honest, Wicked Games, The Whole World Was Moving But I was Standing Still (God what was with my names then lol)

Please don't read them haha

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to! Sometimes I miss them, but I try to respond when I see them, even a few weeks/months later. I really appreciate comments, and I feel like I've made some friends through them, or at least they comment on stuff I write, and I can reference my other fics to them lol, though they can totally make friends on here or discord, happy to talk to anyone. I've had people tell me I inspired them to write which is seriously the highest honor.

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

ummmm prolly the one where Tony dies after Steve cheats on him, I think that one is 616 based, but don't quote me, or go read it, the writing is...undeveloped, I think at that point I just started writing them, my characterizations weren't great, they got better but none of that is available lol

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Ummmmm maybe Ode to my Soulmate? I can't do sad endings for the most part, my philosophy is real life sucks so I always try to make happy endings, Frank Left has a nice ending, that one gets almost no love, but I adore it.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I'm not good enough/big enough to get hate, lmao. Smaller fandom now, i think there might be some negative comments on the marvel ones but I haven't read those in yearsss.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I'm trying, Oral Fixation is my most recent published, but I'm working on one where Green gives Red a blowie in his Neo Champ uniform from masters, i've been writing that since the neochampion uniforms came out months ago ahha. I'm not great at smut, but I'm practicing, fun fact I learned how to give a bj through fanfics, and used to get compliments all the time in my younger sluttier years lol (Pre-kid haha)

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Not anymore, I used to do 101 dalmatian crossovers lol, i doubt any are published, maybe on fanfic.net but i don't even remember my username haven't touched that since like 2011, i used to do x-men crossovers where various characters would have mutant powers, but i doubt those are published either.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I don't think so? I'm probably too small to get that kind of notice. I always welcome people to steal my aus and write their own fic with it (not copy paste my stuff, but write out the au the way they come up with with their own words)

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I doubt it, but anyone can, I might end up translating one or two when I finally start learning a new language, or maybe improve my output on spanish (i can read it but not write/speak/listen well lmao)

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yeah but this was high school and I don't think we ever posted them, again might be on fanfic.net, but like I don't even remember my username

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

I don't have a favorite, maybe reguri, or 616!stony which i don't read much anymore but will always hold a place in my heart, my oldest ship is probably rougexgambit

15. What's the WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Blood Bank- but only because there is no ending, I'm going to continue that thing for the rest of my life, (at least quarterly updates lol although working on a new chapter now), there's also a reguri one that i wrote like 10k words on after i first started writing again, but it sucks ass, I don't love the plot to rewrite, I've written a lot more better stuff for them

16. What are your writing strengths?

I feel like I do pretty well with hints/twists. Certain characters I'm really good at writing, feel like I've gotten really good at world building, and coming up with off the wall aus. IDK i'm not good at pointing out my strengths.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Everything not listed above? Lol. No, probably missing edits and not noticing them until I'm reading the fic months later, I'm getting better at pacing and general flow, sometimes I overdo it on dialog, and leave out movement. Smut too, but i'm working on everything, the key is to just keep writing, also too many fics going at once,

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I typically don't do it unless I know the language, I'll just put it in english and say they said it in whatever lang. So like for Kalos I just say they're speaking Kalosian lol

19. First fandom you wrote for?

I used to tell stories with 101 dalmatians, but the first I ever actually wrote was from Stargate SG-1, I was like 10ish, I didn't post it, it's long since been trashed, but I was obsessed with Carter/O'neil and wanted them to adopt Cassie (i think that was her name, it's been years since I watched that show), first published is probably x-men i remember writing phoenix's force fics and posting on fanfic, might have done a ginnyxdraco for harry potter. These would be on my old fanfic.net or possibly livejournal, i don't remember,

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

I write all my fics for myself, so i really love them all, and go back and reread them often lol

Unfinished, Under the Alolan Sun and Blood Bank, those are my passion projects, I have fun writing them,

finished, either The Most Expansive Collection of Champion Red Merch in All of Kanto (probably one of my least angsty lol) or How to Beat Champion Red at Something (my silly little ficlet about Red being a picky eater, i just giggle when i reread it)

Ode to My Soulmate is also up there.

[bayisdying]

LUCKY PENNY - CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

A/N: I don't love this chapter but you guys have waited long enough. Let me know what you think.

Tagging the babes: @dragon-kazansky @mrsjaderogers @gracespicybradshaw @cycbaby @callmemana @callsignscupcake @kloofspeaks @notyoursbutlewis @milesdickpic @askmarinaandothers @breadsquash

Lucky owed him - big time.

Not only did she call him of all people, she had given him a monumental task that he couldn't tell anyone else about. Oh she owed him about fifty beers when she got back from this stupid mission.

Especially since he was lying to all his friends, their friends, their friends who included his girlfriend and her husband.

Lying to both Alana and Mickey was hard, because they both knew something was up with him.

"Hey Jake, we are getting out of here early and heading to the beach for some dogfight football, you in?" Javy asked from the doorway.

"Nah, I need to finish some reports."

"Who are you and what you done with the Hangman? Hangman doesn't stay late to do reports." Javy laughs.

"Well you know, I can usually get Lucky to write them for me since we are teaching together but Cyclone decided to send her away."

"You do remember that she was going to be out for her honeymoon right?"

"Shut up Javy, get out of here." Jake tosses a pencil at his friend who walks away laughing.

Jake pulled back up the files he had minimized when he heard footsteps. Lucky had been adament that nobody knew what they were doing, mainly because she knew what the others would do if they knew.

He read report after report, flagging things he found that matched what she had told him. After an hour of being headfirst in these damn reports, he ran a hand through his hair.

"Lucky, what did you get me into?" He asks outloud to nobody but the air.

He compiled all of his findings into a list that was growing by the day. Scrolling through everything made him angrier. If anything happened to Lucky while she was over there? They might think Garcia would be their worst nightmare, but Jake planned on being the dark horse.

-----

While Jake was busy doing his top secret mission and everyone else was down at the beach, Fanboy and Cin were at the Hard Deck with Spicy.

"Jake is up to something." Cin says, the other two nodding.

"He's been paying for all the rounds lately, and usually he puts his beers on other open tabs."

"Hey wait, he does that?"

"That's not important, he's hiding something from us and it's bothering me."

"You don't ever put his drinks on my tab, right Spicy?

"Mickey! Pay attention."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. So what do you think he's up to Cin?"

"I don't know, but he's been staying late in his office and claiming he's doing reports. I know he isn't the best report writer but it has never been like this before. Plus his reports are the same length they usually are, when Lucky isn't doing it for him."

"He's been really on edge at work too, like totally opposite of the cocky asshole we all know and love." Fanboy added.

"We will figure it out." Spicy said, placing a hand over Cin's, "have either of you heard from Lucky?"

"Nope."

"No."

Spicy slides another beer to Fanboy.

"She'll be home soon and she'll help us with Jake. Lord knows she would have already burst down his door and asked by now."

-----

"Whay do you mean it's being pushed back again?"

Dragon flinched a little when she heard the bite in her husband's voice. She knew what he was talking about.

"Just run the damn mission Hermes. I'm running out of patience." Ice slams the phone down and puts his head in his hands.

"How much longer?"

"Hermes says it could be another two weeks, he's doing this to toy with her I know it." He mumbles.

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

"What Rach?"

"You're THE Iceman, you can make the call to pull the mission."

-----

Two nights later, Jake is staying late yet again, waiting for the call from Lucky. She had texted him that the mission was pushed back again and he had seen red. So he had spent even more time in these reports, trying to find anything that could help.

As he waited he opened another report and began to read. All of a sudden he sat up a bit straighter.

"Baylie "Lucky" Steele."

Why was her name on this report? He read further and further until his phone rang.

"Jake."

"Lucky why didn't you tell me what he did to you?"

"You found that report?"

"Damn straight I did."

"Jake it was a long time ago."

"Still, he hurt you and now he's using this power he has over you to do it all over again. What if he purposely hurts you during this mission? Think about what that would do to us. To Mickey. To Ice. To Spicy and Cin."

Silence on the other end.

"That's why I have to do this Jake. I have to run this mission, then I am coming home and bringing everything to Ice. I have to prove to myself and to him that I can do this. Then I can finally put everything in the past."

"Lucky." He sighs, "you damn stubborn woman. I have more than enough information here to bury them all. You don't have to fly this mission, you can just come home."

"You know damn well I can't just come home."

"You could, but you're too stubborn to know when to give up. Please just come home safe. I don't like funerals."

They hung up, Jake sighs heavily. He sees a text from Cin. He responds that he's on the way home, skimming the report once again. A rage growing in him.

"Come on Lucky, come back home."

-----

Ice knew Lucky was going to hate him, but he made the call. Nobody would be going on the mission. Too bad his surrogate daughter is a stubborn bitch, and Hermes didn't quite like being told what to do. A deadly combination.

-----

[wordsandsound14]

Top 20 albums of 2023

So it was a tough year. I think a lot of people have said this and I’ll add to the noise on it. And the damage of the year continues into the next a little bit - it does sadden me that I will have to announce that I am unable to continue releasing music for a little bit because of financial reasons. If I want to campaign these songs and get them out into the world in a meaningful way that could increase my chances of them being heard, I’ll need to hold off since that takes money to accomplish. My last song, "Orion”, got so very little listens while “Yellow” was making headway with almost 1000. So my goal of releasing a song a month for a year will have to be held off until I start again. My hope is to start releasing in the summer when life is more consistent; it could happen sooner, it could happen later. I’ll just have to see how things are. I’ll continue making music in the background as always. I really do want to put these songs out and I can’t tell you how bummed I am that I have to wait longer. I just want to give my best shot at this and this is part of it.

With that said, I do have a list of albums for you to listen to and a list for my top 50 songs is to soon follow in a different post. The year started out a little rocky with releases but started to fill out by the end and this year had some great albums when things started actually picking up. Some honorable mentions first tho. This will included albums I discovered too late to be part of best of 2022 list, albums that I listened to in 2023 that don’t qualify but I liked, and ones that didn’t make the list but felt like I should mention: Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon / Pool Kids - Pool Kids / Gang of Youths - angel in realtime. / Arm’s Length - Never Before Seen, Never Again Found / Lizzy McAlpine - five seconds flat / JID - The Forever Story / Red Hot Chili Peppers - Unlimited Love / The Wonder Years - The Hum Goes on Forever / Michigander - It Will Never Be The Same / Big Thief - Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You / The Linda Lindas - Growing Up / Gregory Alan Isakov - This Empty Northern Hemisphere / Point Taken - Here / Various artists - Barbie the Album (Best Weekend Ever Edition) / Crown Lands - Fearless / My Kid Brother - Happy.Mad.Weird.Sad / The Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream / Eric B. & Rakim - Don’t Sweat the Technique / Arlie - BREAK THE CURSE / Vines - Birthday Party / Noah Kahan - Stick Season

20. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - The Silver Cord

From the lists I’ve seen so far, a lot of people preferred their other album to this one from this year. I thought Petrodragonic Apocolypse was alright but didn’t really click for me. However, this one feels super unique and captured my attention. There isn’t another album that I’ve heard like this one, which is what I love about King Gizzard in their genre bouncing journey. It chases the 70’s Sci-fi sound and has fun with the idea of making music within that context. I will say that I listened to the shorter version of the album. There are the “regular” versions of songs and the “extended” versions I didn’t get around to trying since they are substantially longer. I do think the regular versions could’ve been longer but none but one felt like it warranted a prog like “extended” length. Regardless, I enjoyed this album a lot and have a great time when listening to it. It’s a journey through space that you’ll never forget you’re on. (Fav songs: Set, Theia, Chang’e)

19. Sam Smith - Gloria

It feels really weird that Sam Smith ranked on my list, no offense to Sam. There were some artists that I was really anticipating their releases and their music didn’t make this list and Sam’s music quality has been inconsistent to me. Don’t get me wrong though, I think this album got slept on. There’s some really good pop songs on here and only two songs that I dislike (Gimme, Who We Love). In all honesty, this album would have placed higher if it weren’t for those two downers. But everything else feels like Sam reinventing themselves and solidifying themselves as a pop artist. They were still making some hits in the past 2 albums but nothing felt like it was really leaving impact. It felt like the songs from their first album were still carrying their success. But Gloria goes to prove that wrong. “Unholy” made records and the other songs here prove that Sam wants to make music. This album is why I still follow this artist. (Fav songs: I’m Not Here to Make Friends, Lose You, Love Me More)

18. The Front Bottoms - You Are Who You Hang Out With

I think what feels funny about this album is that I don’t feel like The Front Bottoms really nailed it here. I feel like they could’ve done better but I also haven’t really heard a lot from them to really compare it to. I stumbled upon this album since I was trying to get all my songs from my old computer hearted on Spotify (didn’t even finish doing that lol). I remembered The Front Bottoms and really liked the songs I did have by them. I gave them a follow and pretty soon there was an album to listen to. However, whenever I go back and listen to it, I enjoy the songs here. I think what happened is that this album isn’t what I expected. They’ve changed a lot, especially when the songs I listened from them are over a decade old. At the same time, I think that’s what I like about it. What I appreciate the most is that they didn’t try to push the envelope on making their music have the feeling that it once was. A lot of bands from the 2000’s will try to pull their former sound into their new sound with varying levels of success but they just let it be. It’s a fun and light hearted record that doesn’t take itself too seriously. They at least made the music they wanted and allowed it to happen in the form that they found it. Give this album a listen and just take it as it is. (Fav songs: Punching Bag, Paris, Not Joking)

17. Spanish Love Songs - No Joy

The funniest thing is that my spouse loves to make fun that Spanish Love Songs lead singer sings the same way for every single song. It’s really apparent when you pay attention to it. But that’s also kinda the pull to their music. Anyways, Spanish Love Songs comes out with follow up to the incredible “Brave Faces Everyone". While they fall a little short, they still manage to capture me on most the songs here. They experiment some and continue to make gut-wrenching lyrics. I do think this one needs time to ruminate; a quick listen doesn’t quite allow it to sink its teeth into you. It works best when you grow attached to each song individually (looks up the lyrics and all) and then put them together again. Then the project feels a lot more complete. What this album does signify to me is that there’s a lot left for this band and I’m really interested in what’s next for the band and how this album will place in their career in the future. I’m usually not a fan of saying I’m excited for next time cause I should be excited for this time but the hinting in this album does do that for me. (Fav songs: Haunted, Clean-up Crew, Here You Are)

16. Susto - My Entire Life

While Susto comes right out of the gate with “Rock On”, the rest of the album is less in your face and asks the listener to pay attention rather than demand it. This southern rock band is one I found in 2022 from Spotify’s discover weekly. I listened to their 2021 release “Time in the Sun” and fell in love with what sounded like southern Jack Johnson. In a way, I can still hear the interoperation but Susto has a bit more to them than just that descriptor. They are self described as “acid country & artisanal rock.” What I feel they achieve the most is that they make music that feels like being in Carolinas, their home being in Charleston. There’s a sunshine prevalent in their music, a local comfort, and a sense of community that all comes together to make an organic experience. Susto isn’t flashy but they make good songs and I’m excited to listen more from them and they have a decent backlog to check out. (Fav songs: My Entire Life, Mt. Caroline, Rooster)

15. Citizen - Calling the Dogs

Citizen also had the challenge of creating an album to follow up their last amazing album, “Life in Your Glass House". That album has the #1 spot on my list in 2021 so there was a lot of expectations on this album. “Calling the Dogs” does something that I was hoping they would do and that was not even try to attempt to create something like its predecessor. It keeps its identity and follows a branching route hinted at in the last record. While it’s not as a monumental album, it does a great job of making high energy short rock songs. Almost like bubble gum rock. It feels like these type of songs were just the songs that were coming out of the band when making this album and they made them instead of fighting it. They’re all memorable, catchy, and fun rock songs to listen to. There’s a driving energy to this album that’s infectious to listen to and they don’t waste a song slot while at it. (Fav songs: Can’t Take it Slow, When I Let You Down, Takes One to Know One)

14. Hannah Wyatt - hummingbird

This is one my classmates from school and I adored her first album and she came out sneaky with this release early in the year. “hummingbird” is a dark, Americana folk album that takes you into the forest during the early night. It almost feels like going back in time and living off the land. It’s a period piece almost. There’s a somber mystery that runs through this album. The violin and acoustic guitar are the backbone of this album and compliment each other terrifically. Hannah is amazing at making a folk album that is one that catches the itch I’m wanting from the genre since singer/songwriter get lumped into folk sometimes. While it’s little lower on my list, it is one of the fuller experiences here. Give her a listen and hopefully she can find her crowd for her endless talent. (Fav songs: Cincinnati, high-water, yakima two-step)

13. Gregory Alan Isakov - Appaloosa Bones

My spouse and I really fell in love with Gregory this year, even though it was just one song that we liked, “Big Black Car”. She told me about the new songs and that there was an album coming out later. We waited with anticipation and, much like Susto’s release, it didn’t stand out right off the bat. It felt underwhelming, especially since Gregory doesn’t release music often. But after I put him in my playlist of recent releases, it started to click and I fell in love with the album. When it was time to take the album off and I pick the songs I like so I can remember them for year end lists, I ended up wanting to pick majority of the songs to add. These are songs to live with and they grow with you the more you listen to them. Gregory made some beautiful music this year and, while it’s pretty on the outside, it is so much lovely on the inside. (Fav songs: Sweet Heat Lightning, The Fall, Mistakes)

12. Foo Fighters - But Here We Are

Every time I talk about the Foos with friends, we almost always state how we aren’t Foo album people and that we just grab the singles. And each time, about half the albums end up being our exceptions of full ones we listen to. In conclusion from those talks, I think what we mean is the Foos mostly make a collection of songs instead of an album and that their non-singles don’t really do much unless the album as a whole works. “But Here We Are” is probably their most cohesive album thematically. We all know about the struggles that Dave Grohl had to endure lately. And while I don’t think this is as lyrically nuanced that I would have hoped, that was never their thing. Dave still wrote some songs that say what they are wanting to say and still conveys the full meaning without having a complex vocabulary. This felt like one of the first Foo albums that it felt like the world was silently anticipating so there was a lot of pressure on this album. I believe the band delivered on making something that still felt like the Foos (even sounding the most Foo as of recently, calling back to early 2000’s sound) and speaking about the band’s sorrows. (Fav songs: Show Me How, Under You, The Teacher)

11. The Maine - The Maine

I actually missed this one when it came out and it was ARTV’s YouTube short that notified me that there was another album out. I honestly thought I was following the band on Spotify. Guess I wasn’t but I am now. Anyways, the comments on the short were all talking up the album as a return for the band and how they have gotten back to making good music. I hadn’t listened to them since 2017 since the previous albums didn’t get much praise. In this album, The Maine prove that they are masters of pop rock and really deliver on it. It is true that they sound like a boy band most of the time but the music is fun and upbeat that who really cares that they sound like One Direction. And I’ll address the elephant in the room for those who know the album. Yeah, “cars & caution signs” should have been the closer and “spiraling” is the worst song on the album and doesn’t really feel like a closer. But it’s not that bad to me. The album goes by quickly and having fun with the album way overtrumps this concern. (Fav songs: I think about you all the time, leave in five, the mood i’m in / jsyk)

10. Ed Sheeran - Autumn Variations

Ed put out two albums this year and the first (“-”) was just alright. There were some decent songs but the promo made it seem like it was an album that was hard to write and subtract was gonna be the “sad” album. It didn’t really deliver on that. Then he surprised released Autumn Variations and didn’t do any PR on it. Just said that he wanted to put these songs out and didn’t want to do the whole music label release stuff. To this day, I still think his first album is his best and there hasn’t really been anything close. This album breaks that for me. It doesn't dethrone “+” but it does feel like a call back to a more authentic Ed. I’m not sure if the two albums were written at the same time or not but these songs feel like the ones he wanted to put out more. I can feel that these are the ones that really speak to him and I hope future Ed can continue along this path of making music that feels this honest. Maybe he can experiment again with hip hop (like hist first single of 2023) but right now, he can be cozy in this album. (Fav songs: Plastic Bag, England, Page)

9. blink-182 - ONE MORE TIME…

blink came out and made of the best reunion records. It’s everything you’d expect a blink record to be as they pull from all the sounds of the career, there’s a song for every blink fan. The punk, to the pop punk, and with the short humorous songs. The more impressive thing is that they did it without it feeling like you already heard it or as a cheap version of their already existing sound. They really went all out and made sure they delivered on their reunion. Everyone seems to be playing at their best and I am pretty impressed with their musicianship here. I will say that I do think they bloated up the track list by having 17 songs and, while none of those songs are bad, they could have cut 2 or three songs (tracks 14-16 come to mind). But that’s the only thing keeping this record back. Give blink a listen, even if you are just here for the reunion since I’m sure it’ll get you to go listen back. (Fav songs: ONE MORE TIME…, MORE THAN YOU KNOW, CHILDHOOD)

8. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Strangers No More

The title of this album comes from the love of music. Drew Holcomb was feeling very holed up after covid lockdown and that feeling was so overwhelming that he went on tour before releasing another record. They did come out with a record in 2019 so there were songs that didn’t much live attention but I think Drew wanted to make songs inspired by coming back to the road. There’s a few songs that were recorded and released during covid that make the track listing but it’s overall a new bunch. What I love most is that I feel the intention behind every song here. There’s not one that feels like it’s phoning it in or doesn’t work. It’s been a while since the band put out a record that is this complete. There’s no dull moment and they are slowly becoming more and more renown within their genre. Each record increases their clout as they continue to chase great songs and this album is another great step forward. (Fav songs: Find Your People, Fly, That’s on You, That’s on Me)

7. Movements - RUCKUS!

Movements is known for being an entry point within the post hardcore genre, making gut punching lyrics with a little softer of a hard rock. Lots of use of space and ambience to pull everything together. And their sophomore album was more of the same but with less hardcore in it. This is more like a straight up rock record. Even with two lead singles, it was a little weird to digest that they were going to change up their sound this much. It’s not even that dramatic of a genre change but it wasn’t something I was expecting them to do. But they nail it. There’s a pounding kick drum as a heart beat with crunching guitars throughout this record. And while the lyrics are toned down just a little bit, they aren’t worse because of it. They fit this style of music better and they still are pretty good. I think they were struggling to find the next direction to go given the singles released in between releases but this was a great direction and gets me excited to what Movements can do and how they will break their barriers. (Fav songs: Tightrope, Lead Pipe, Fail You)

6. Genesis Owusu - STRUGGLER

Hip-hop/rap and country are two genres that I’m slowly attempting to find my tastes in since the mainstream of either really don’t interest me that much. The trap beats all sound just as the same as another bro country song that’s about beer, Brad, and breasts. Both genres feel redundant so squeezing the bad stuff feels like energy better spent listening to genres that better suit me. But I still like the core idea of either genre and crave the creativity from them. Genesis Owes is a rapper who has broken into my interests with his first record “Smiling With No Teeth”. While that record didn’t blow me away, I was really intrigued by his sound and liked the way he was making music. I could tell that his next steps were going to be in my interest. I wasn’t prepared for the musical fest that he had waiting on “STRUGGLER". It’s rap, it’s rock, and it’s R&B. I’m not sure what else to call it other than a modern funk album but take the disco out. The bass lines in these songs are incredible and that doesn’t even take away from how central of a role the electric guitar plays. And then he raps on top of them too. It’s really an incredible album that has a great vibe to it and he explores his central theme well too. (Fav songs: Tied Up!, Leaving the Light, Survivor)

5. Benny Sings - Young Hearts

I found Benny Sings by one song “Here It Goes”. It was on my year end list of songs for 2021 and I followed him because of it. He was dropping songs at the end of 2022 but I wasn’t expecting an album, I honestly thought he was just a single and EP person but then “Young Hearts” came out and I fell in love. It’s a bedroom pop and easy to listen to but Benny Sings proves that he’s worth listening to with his comforting sound. His sound is so simply done that it really does sound so effortless. But the craftsmanship comes from within and the songwriting on the record is what holds it together as nothing is over the top. He has a way to create songs that have a sense of magic to them that only a songwriter could create even though they have the same tools as you. It’s a charming cute album that goes on repeat and is easy to loop. (Fav songs: Pyjamas, Take Your Time, The Only One)

4. Waterparks - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Waterparks has a very interesting career so far… with an equally interesting fan base. There’s lots of opinions about the band but I usually try to stay away from all the noise to keep my mind at ease. They have, also, slowly become a band I keep up with but don’t wait for their releases. Something about their music stopped clicking and it felt like ego was getting in the way. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY changed that. It truly felt like Waterparks entered with an album ready to say the things they wanted to say and make the music to have the urgency to accompany it. It’s a record that represents what I wanted the band to do again. Except they surpassed the expectations. There’s rap, pop punk, hard rock, ballads, and pop rock. Waterparks wanted to get everything they could that’s under their umbrella and show that that they have it in them still. The added track added on the digital release that does kinda ruin the ending a little but I’ll ignore that because the music is just that good. (Fav songs: BRAINWASHED, CLOSER, FUNERAL GREY)

3. Zach Bryan - Zach Bryan

This was probably the biggest surprise of the year. I hadn’t even heard much of this guy before this year. I got some exposure when the song with Kacey Musgraves came out but I wasn’t sold until the song with Bon Iver was released on a follow up EP. By then, I had seen his album everywhere and being pushed on Spotify a lot. So I thought I would give it a listen. Zach created an album that is music at its core. These songs feel so alive and have so much heart in them. He made these songs without concern for if his numbers would go up and without any PR. And it completely changed the game for country music and, maybe, music overall. And these songs aren’t flashy. There’s not much hook to it and the he opens the album with a spoken word over some guitar. This isn’t even a country album in the modern sense but one that goes back to the more traditional country. It was just about writing songs and telling stories. Good songwriters making music that feels like it came from within. Zach has got my attention. (Fav songs: Hey Driver, Smaller Acts, Jake’s Piano - Long Island)

2. Teenage Wrist - Still Love

These top 3 had a huge battle for the number one spot, especially these top two. I’ll say that maybe “objectively” this album is what I consider the top one. But I have more of an emotional connection with the winning album and my gut told me that it didn’t belong in second. So I welcome you to the best rock album of the year. I first heard Teenage Wrist when listening to Spotify’s discover weekly. That one song (“Stella”) got me to listen to their last album (Earth is a Black Hole) the year after it got released. It got me to follow them and that ended up paying off really well. The band decided to go in the direction of a really solid post grunge sound in a year when I was really craving it. But none hit the spot quite like this one. The keen songwriting and fuzzy amps make for an exceptional album that’s enhanced by collaborations that only add to the project. I can’t explain how much I enjoyed listening to this album and how each song has stuck inside my memory. Give them a listen and give Teenage Wrist the audience they deserve. (Fav songs: Diorama, Sunshine, Still Love)

1. Glen Hansard - All That Was East is West of Me Now

Glen is one of my all time favorite songwriters. His lyrics are raw, ability to coordinate the song with the emotion, and passionate singing make for a folk artist at the core. He has also been experimenting with his sound for the past two albums, one being self produced with more horns and his other being a collaboration of friends live in studio. This was a callback to his career, even calling back to his days with The Frames on “The Feast of St. John”. It was a return to the form in which a lot of people had fallen in love with without retreading the same ground. He continues to write meaningful and beautiful songs that are precisely written. I always look forward to a Glen Hansard release but this one is the type that I live for. The album went under a lot of radars, especially for a veteran act. But my favorite album of the year has already woven itself into my soul. It’s a fine addition to my collection and will be placed along the other high achievements from this artist. (Fav songs: Sure as the Rain, There’s No Mountain, Down on Our Knees.)

[gender-buddies]

Artist Commentary for Phase Five!

We're halfway done with the Gender Buddies project! Below are some notes on each Buddy released for this phase.

Transfeminine and Transmasculine: These two have designs split down two paths - an emphasis on antlers and hooves for the masculine version of Transgender, and an emphasis on fluff and feathers for the feminine version. They’re the Transgender Buddy separated into two new designs. All three of them have features based on rabbits, deer, and birds, some features being more apparent depending on which Buddy it is. This entire set of designs was my absolute favorite to work with and I’m definitely looking forward to making more.

Demiboy and Demigirl: More counterparts, this time based on moths and birds. They're only vaguely moth-like ("demi"-moths) and based on a pollinator and a flower. If I didn't make them moth-like, I wanted to try to make them vaguely mammalian instead. They do have some mammalian characteristics, such as having hair and four limbs with dewclaws on them - this ties in with the demi- aspect of being demiboy/demigirl.

Gender Hoarder: This one was almost a tiny dragon with a hoard of coins, but it felt too obvious to go that route. Instead, I made it a sticky creature that objects can stick to, which can be another way to portray collecting genders. I wanted it to have the Water element since it’s a gooey blob and it only made sense to draw seashells stuck to its body to tie in with that element.

Gxrl: A counterpart to another culturally-inspired design. I made this one a Chinese lantern with the word “Light” written on its body. The nighttime theme ties in with the “darkness” of agender colors and the pink was a good representation of the red that Chinese lanterns have. Instead of the typical gold, I used silver. I think it turned out quite nicely and the glowing orbs around it are a nice touch. I wish I had incorporated black a bit more, but the design limited what colors I used. I think some black beads on the tassel would have helped give it more detail.

Bxy: The other culturally-inspired Buddy, based on a yakhchāl which is an ancient ice house. It’s being carried by a Russian tortoise because I liked the idea of a hardy, slow-moving animal carrying a large object. The clay ice house worked really well to be like a shell for the tortoise. I can never get the feet right when I’m drawing tortoises but I’m trying! The Shadow element actually reflects the dark and cold features these ice houses have and while Ice would have been a very easy and obvious element to give this Buddy, I like the opportunity to expand what the Shadow element can be.

Gendervoid: This Buddy was originally just a simple bat that enjoyed dark caves, which played into the “voidness” of the gender it represents. But I wanted the design to have a few extra elements because even an identity like gendervoid can be multifaceted and complex. I added features that actually make it look like a little wyvern. So it isn’t a bat, but a draconic lookalike. Dragons are super cool and I’ll never hesitate to have at least something dragon-like in each phase of this project.

Libragender: This is based on a kirin! I knew I wanted it to be something mythical and I almost made it a nine-tailed fox but I was so fixated on making it an Earth element since I don’t have a lot of those planned for this project, so I felt that something more horse-like would work better. It has two forms based on two different flags. It sort of shows the “balance” aspect of the Libra sign, having the choice out of two. I always want the more rare Buddies to have interesting gimmicks and two color variants was chosen for this one.

Dulcigender: “Dulce” is a word for “sweet” in many languages in one way or another, so I just had to go with something candy-themed. The wrapped candy on the back looks like a big bow (something “girly” and frilly” and the body is konpeito, a Japanese candy. I think konpeito looks like stars so I gave this design the honor of being the first Lunar Buddy. It has other candy-like features to make it fun, and I added the tiny candy corn critters after I was done with the whole thing just to give it a little more charm.

Orientationgender: This one was made on-the-fly (no pun intended) because I drastically changed the design last minute. It originally was some kind of cosmic teddy bear with stars in its eyes, I guess to relate to attraction, but I couldn’t make it look interesting enough. Instead, I decided it would be a bird of paradise with a mix of features, and a rainbow tail to incorporate all the colors of the flag without it looking like a mess. The ends of the two longest feathers have hearts on them to represent attraction but I didn’t want to go too heavy on the heart motif, since arospec identities can be an orientationgender.

Cosmonautic: I had a giant flying space whale design in mind for a long time and was waiting to find a good place to use it, and Cosmonautic was perfect! I added the dome on its back late in the development phase and thought an enclosed alien environment would help this Buddy stand out in a very unique way. The ghostly fish are just something fun to make it feel like this whale is actually swimming, but through the void of space. If you look closely, there’s a person in the dome, and that tells you just how enormous this creature is. It’s one of my favorite designs.

[august-diehl]

Hi! I've seen that you take requests for hotd, especially for Aemond 😎 Could you please do a Aemond x Reader, where reader is a friend of his sister, but betrothed to another lord? Maybe someone who is mean to her or doesn't really care.

Thank you for taking requests!

Future Wife

A/N: I loved this idea, I hope you like it anon! Italics are flashbacks.

Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Word Count: 2.5K (I’m sorry that is short 😭)

Warnings: angst, violence, suicidal thoughts and fluff (let me know if I missed anything).

Tag List: @aemonds-war-crime.

Masterlist

Being the only handmaiden for Princess Haleana was a true blessing, she was a kind woman and her children were really sweet. You’ve been in Kingslanding since you were a child, being from a minor House in the North made your prospects for marriage almost nonexistent. You were the youngest of seven, having five brothers and one sister. Your sister married really young, and she married well the second son of House Tully so your mother had big expectations for you.

Helena was your best friend, she always confided in you whenever she was feeling scared or happy. Alicent took notice when you came to the Red Keep with your family and requested that you became her daughter’s companion, your mother was ecstatic and left you in Kingslanding. You were sad for being away from your family but you weren’t going to miss the bullying your brothers inflicted upon you for years.

That was another person that you grew really close to, that was Prince Aemond. When his brother and his nephews gave him the pig, he came to you, his sister’s companion, the sweet girl that didn't have the heart to say to him, not because he was a Prince but because you were genuinely kind and you loved him but he didn't know that. When Aemond lost his eye, you were the only one that saw him crying he allowed himself to be vulnerable in front of you knowing that you’d never make him feel less than others.

Years passed and your mother and father were getting impatient due to the fact that no Lord demonstrated interest in you, even though you were doing everything correctly, going to all the balls, giving favours for the knights that asked you for it and behaving as a proper Lady. Except for your relationship with Prince Aemond, everyone knew that he wasn’t fond of anyone that wasn’t his mother and siblings but he treated really well and that didn't stop the gossip around the Red Keep, but all of this stopped when Aemond killed a minor Lord for calling you a whore.

The man was clearly drunk the feast was almost finished, you and Haleana were dancing together, giggling and just being happy. Aemond was watching you and how your beautiful form was moving with the music.

The Lord was laughing a bit too loudly which made Aemond grimace, he hated how boisterous men could get once they had too much to drink. But nothing could make Aemond get in a sour mood, he was watching you the woman he loves since he was a child dancing and being happy.

“...truly a dragon’s whore.” Everyone that was with the man froze, they knew how attached Aemond was to you, and they knew that he heard those words coming from the drunk man’s mouth, he was the only one laughing. He didn't notice the mood changing once he uttered those words so he kept going. “I wonder how many of them she’s bedding.” That was the final straw for Aemond, he banged his fist on the table and the music stopped. You and Haleana were confused.

“Who are you referring to, my Lord?” The tension was thick, everyone was holding their breath waiting to see what Prince Aemond Targaryen would do. The Lord quickly sober up, but that didn't mean that he retrieve his common sense.

“The northern cunt.” The Lord points at you, everyone gasps and Haleana was quick to offer you comfort with a hug.

“Mmmm.” Aemond drew his sword, and everyone gave him and the Lord room to fight. They all knew that it was an unfair match but Aemond being always honourable wouldn’t simply execute someone without a fair fight.

The Lord draws his sword as well and they started fighting, Aemond was incredible to watch he was quick and precise and in a matter of minutes the man was gutted and drowning in his own blood.

“Anyone that disrespects a Lady in my presence shall meet the same fate.” With that Aemond left the Great Hall, and you took Haleana away from the bloodshed.

He visited you that night in your chambers, Aemond never confessed his love to you. He never tried to kiss you, afraid that if he did you would’ve rejected him. Despite Aemond being a literal Prince his insecurities told him that he wasn’t good enough for you.

“Are you alright?” You ran towards him, you weren’t afraid of his actions but simply concerned for his well-being.

“Yes, that fight was of little challenge.” The two of you shared a laugh, it was true that Aemond’s swordsmanship was known throughout all of the Seven Kingdoms.

“I am only glad that you are alright, but I must urge you to not do such things for my honour. I know that I have it, those words do not anger me.” You knew that Aemond was quite protective of you but you couldn’t have him getting in trouble because of you.

“No one shall insult or question your virtue in my presence.” He puts his forehead against yours, something he has done for years.

“Let’s sleep.” It wasn’t unusual that you and Aemond shared a bed, it was normal for the two of you. But neither one of you ever confessed your feelings for the other, so the thought was that he only saw you as a friend and vice versa.

After this incident, no one would ever question or gossip about your close relationship with the Prince.

You were now sewing with Haleana, due to her personality and the fondness that Prince Aemond held for you the other Ladies didn't want to be near you, but you didn't care Haleana was all the company you needed. Today the Queen and the Hand decided to hold a feast to celebrate the twins’ name day and you couldn’t be more excited.

“What are you wearing tonight, Heleana?” You knew that she didn't care about feasts, but you wanted to see her happy since her marriage with Aegon was less than ideal.

“You should pick a dress for me.” Heleana was thrilled with the idea, she knew that you had great taste and you’d choose a great dress for her.

“Alright.” You got up from the sofa and started looking for a dress, Helena had the most beautiful dresses but she didn't use them very often. You saw a green dress, it came from her uncle Lord Hightower but she never used it. “You should use this one.” You showed it to her, knowing that it wasn’t her style but maybe she’d say yes to her best friend.

“I love it, we should start getting ready.”

That’s what you did, helping Haleana get ready was easy she was beautiful anything looks good on her. You decided to make a nice braid on her hair, she always looked incredible in braids. Once you finished with Haleana you got ready as well, you were excited for the feast maybe Aemond would dance with you this time.

_________________________________

The feast was in full swing when you and Haleana entered it, everyone made space for you and the Princess to get on the main table. Since you were Haleana’s best friend you were allowed to sit with the family. Everyone was there except the King, which you knew that made Haleana sad.

The feast was nice, everyone was talking and laughing after dinner everyone started to dance. You really wanted to dance, but since Aemond killing that Lord all those years ago no other Lord had the guts to talk to you, and Aemond never wanted to dance.

But that soon would change, Lord Boros’ son came in your direction, you knew the Baratheon’s men reputation, they were drunk and horny and often mean.

“May I have the honour of this dance, my Lady?” You were surprised, the future Lord of the Stormsland never even looked at you. You looked at Aemond but he refused to meet your gaze.

“I’d be honoured, my Lord.” He guided you rather forcefully, but you said nothing.

You quickly realised that the man wasn’t a good dancer but you decided to just bear it. The whole time that you were dancing with the Baratheon you could feel Aemond’s eye on you, knowing that he can become over protective of you.

“Have you spoke with your family, my Lady?” You found it odd that the man was asking you this question.

“Yes, they are coming to Kings Landing soon.” You thought that it was odd that your parents were coming, they haven’t seen you since you were a little girl.

“Then it pleases me to inform of our betrothal.” You stopped dancing to look at him, he was deadly serious. “Your parents were more than happy to let it be a surprise, but I could not wait.” He took your hand rather forcefully and kissed it, to anyone looking that could be interpreted as a loving gesture but he was hurting your hand. “The King must approve it, naturally. And we shall be married once your parents arrive.” You couldn’t breathe, he didn't even bother to get to know you. He went straight to your Lord father, you knew that marrying for love wasn’t something that you would have the luxury of but you thought that man would at least be your friend.

That night you cried until you fell asleep, mourning the fact that you would have to leave Kings Landing, leave Haleana and Aemond behind.

________________________________

Lord Boros’ sons was suffocating, he didn't allow you to spend time with Aemond. The only time that you saw him was when Haleana invited him for tea. Aemond wasn’t visiting your chambers anymore, you felt even more heartbroken you already lost your best friend, the man you loved in secret for years.

You loved walking around in the gardens, but ever since the news of your bethrotal you spent even more time here trying to run away from your future husband. Speaking of the devil, he was walking towards you.

“Are you spending time with that Prince?” How did he know?

“Princess Haleana invited Prince Aemond for tea, I am her handmaiden.” You didn't appreciate his tone, he was to become your husband not your owner. Suddenly he grabbed your jaw, really tight.

“The only reason we are to be married is because your family is blessed with sons, not like my useless mother that sired so many equally as useless daughters. You have no fortune, no land and no great name. That one eyed bastard only wants your virtue, did you really think that he would marry you?” His humourless laugh paired with the hatred in his eyes made you truly scared of him. “You’d be wise to know your place.” He released your jaw from his and left you alone, was this man you are to be married? A cruel and a drunk?

The next couple of days he only got worse, he didn't allow you to perform your duties for Princess Haleana, and she probably thought that you abandoned her but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You missed her dearly but you missed Aemond even more, you tried to see him but your future husband put a guard of his to watch your every move so now you only stayed in your chambers, mostly crying.

The doors of your chambers opened, there was your future husband and he was clearly drunk. That was when you were the most scared of him, he slapped you a couple of times and it left bruises on your skin.

“Are you still mopping about? Get it together woman.” He was a mean drunk, and couldn’t see why you were unhappy with this union.

“It is improper for you to be here, my Lord.” You hated how weak you sounded, you weren’t even married to him and he destroyed you already. The statement made him angry, and he punched you. You fell on the floor, you knew that you’d have a bruise around your eye.

“I shall do as I please.” He yelled but he left your chambers, you were thankful for that.

Aemond felt as if his heart was being ripped out of his chest, his father approved the marriage. Alicent saw the hurt on her son’s face, she always thought that the two of you would marry eventually but things don’t work the way we want them to.

Aemond had to see you, his sister was sad for losing you and before you left him forever he needed to see you. When he opened the secret door of your chambers, he saw your reflection in the mirror. You had a black eye and your lip was bruised, and you looked utterly depressed. Once you saw him, you ran towards Aemond and you hugged him tightly.

“I am happy that you are here, I must ask something from you.” You couldn’t spend the rest of your life like this, your future husband was going to kill you eventually. Aemond montioned for you to continue. “Kill me.” You were determined but Aemond could see the sadness on your face. “My parents are to arrive in the morrow, put a dagger on my stomach so I can rest in peace. No one would know that it was you, please Aemond. I can’t marry that man.” You were broken, and Aemond couldn’t bear to look at that, he had to do something.

“I must leave.” He kissed your forehead and left you, you finally broke down.

Aemond went to the only person that could help, his mother. Alicent was writing in her chambers when her son barged in.

“What happened, Aemond?” Her son never done this before, it must’ve been important.

“She can’t marry the Baratheon, mother. She wanted me to kill her, she was bruised.” It killed Aemond to see you like that, but the Baratheons were great allies for the upcoming war they were needed.

“By the gods, I thought the same so I’ve been getting a new marriage bethrotal between the Baratheons and one of my cousins. She is a warrior, no Baratheon would be fool enough to mistreat her.” Aemond signed relieved, knowing that his mother thought the same as him was as if the weight of the world has been lifted off his shoulders.

“Thank you, mother.” Alicent put her son in a tight hug.

“Do not thank me, her parents will be furious by this betrayal. We must offer something in return.” Knowing that her son would never take the first step, she made him do it.

“Then she shall become a Princess of House Targaryen.”

“That is perfect.” Aemond only hoped that you’d accept him as your husband.

_____________________________________

You heard a commotion outside your chambers, you put on a robe and went to investigate. Aemond was dismissing the Baratheon guards, and you were relieved by that. He felt so guilt seeing your bruised face.

“You musn’t worry, mother provided another marriage for that man. You are free of him.” You jumped and hugged Aemond, you were so happy.

“But my parents?” They would be furious, and probably disown you for throwing away such an advantageous marriage.

“I…” He was nervous, what if you rejected him? “I asked my mother to marry us. You are to become a Princess, I am sure that your parents will be more than satisfied with the outcome.” You couldn’t contain your feelings anymore, you kissed Aemond.

“That is all I ever wanted. I love you, Aemond.”

“I love you too, my future wife.” This time Aemond was the one to kiss you.

[infraaa]

Soisawyoudothedragonsnow

Can i get all (or any dragon of ur choice)

So! With that in mind! For the alphabet thing(sfw/sugar) with the letters being

N AND R!!!!!!!!!!

So there- :D

『Ah hell let’s put em all in a pot yeah? Lil skrunks I lub em』

400 Followers Milestone Event — Draconic Five (Pitaya, Ananas, Lotus, Lychee and Longan with… we’ll that’s pretty clear now is it just look above sjdjdka)

Again, from the Sugar List! 🍡 Time to get fluffy!

🍡 N \\ Nicknames :: Who makes the pet names in the relationship? Who usually uses them?

Pit is just all over the place with nicknames. They call you something different each day however it usually falls on the lines of “babe,” “baby,” “babes,” “babeycakes,” etc etc…

They do it because you did it first and was like “huh how cool I got a name 😎”

However they also make up nicknames to annoy the shit out of you.

Like say if you were on your period this is where you would have to get your shoe out to beat them with. They make up period style nicknames that get weirder as the day goes on.

Such as “hey my little red rocket❤️” or “what’s hangin my little blood fountain of goodness?” it gets weird and gross, prepare to fight.

But on a serious note they usually use the pet names because you do. Simple.

~~~~

🍡 R \\ Real smooth, Joe! :: How romantic are they? Are they more cliche or creative?

They’re creative in their own light. They’re… special.

“For you, babe!~” cue the ring of fire that transforms into a heart, a demon popping out of it with a stuffed plush heart that says “u cute” on it.

Holds your hand in public and snuggles up to you on car rides. They purr a lot too, it’s a wonder how people see them as a big tough guy. They’re a teddy bear practically look!

Sets up dates that usually have some kind of entertainment like going to hibachi grills where they cook in front of you, it stimulates his tingling braincells and he loves seeing you laugh.

All in all, very creative and romantic in their own special way. They’re very “I’m original and not like the other dragons,” yk?

“lob you bb ❤️” a lot in texts

🍡 N \\ Nicknames :: Who makes the pet names in the relationship? Who usually uses them?

Ananas wasn’t the first to use them, no. But ever since you called them “honey,” he blushed, pouted, crossed his arms, said “stop,” in a very tsundere type fashion, went to their bedchamber, and melted with the hearts and flowers around them gushing.

They call you their treasure, something that sounds personal and sweet, warm to the touch. They did this after they finally gave into the fact that they liked you.

You primarily use pet names like “your majesty,” in an attempt to poke fun at them, however, Ananas actually takes a liking to this.

Other than the occasional “darling” or “dear,” there really isn’t another nickname they use. They call you by your name if not a nickname.

However there is one other name they have for you, which they use on very special occasions, which is “emas,” or “gold” in Malay.

They love the nicknames you give them, and albeit they aren’t the huge fan of them, Ananas tolerated them greatly. 🧡

~~~~

🍡 R \\ Real smooth, Joe! :: How romantic are they? Are they more cliche or creative?

It can be half and half with them. Ananas can be romantic if they really wanted to be, however, they normally come off as someone from a ghlibi film when they try.

Takes you out on flights and courts you with the finest gold they can find in their hoard, being extremely selective on the gifts they give you. They are also very selective on who prepares your food, how it’s prepared, etc. They want you to have nothing but perfection, which is romantic to them.

They love sunsets because of the colors they emit; the pinks, oranges, purples and yellows and blues, they take you to the highest point on the archipelago just to watch the sun set with you. They may also bring dinner with them along with refreshments and a blanket to sit on if they want to stay with you for a while.

They love nuzzles as well, and while sitting with you they may nuzzle into you while low quiet purring comes from their throat.

Merry Go Round of Life or Dearly Beloved in the background of course, some nice soft songs, leaving you both warm and comfy within the guise of the setting sun.

Even their gaze softens around you, on private that is. Soft smiles and pupils that don’t look as sharp, a far more tender side to Ananas that that rarely ever show anyone but you.

🍡 N \\ Nicknames :: Who makes the pet names in the relationship? Who usually uses them?

They call you “Kirei,” and write it out as 綺麗、meaning “pretty” in Japanese. They may also call you “utsuku,” or the first kanji in the word “utsukushii,” written like 美しい、meaning beautiful.

Lotus primarily uses nicknames in private, and they use them often to show affection. You haven’t called them a nickname up to this point, however after your relationship began you tended to call Lotus Dragon… Lotus, shortening it to show familiarity.

Even this though makes them smile. They tell you that you don’t have to put a nickname on them if you don’t want to because even the shortening of their name is enough to show them how you feel.

Eventually you start calling them “love,” which leads them to hug you.

Cherishes every name you give them and will lick your cheek out of happiness.

Often sends you text messages in the morning, telling you to have a good day, to not forget to do anything important, and that they love you. 💙

~~~~

🍡 R \\ Real smooth, Joe! :: How romantic are they? Are they more cliche or creative?

Makes songs for you, sometimes adding lyrics to them. These are played on their mandolin, and they play these songs for you at night when all the servants are sleeping.

Allows you to stay in their bedchambers with them, or in their throne room during the day, where you both sit in comfort, with you oftentimes sitting close to Lotus as they wrap you comfortably in their tail.

Loves the way you smell, and once commanded some of the servants to make them a cologne that smelled like you.

Will hold dinners for you, making sure that all food prepared and all refreshments provided are of purest quality, the most superb pure ingredients that are so fresh you wouldn’t be able to tell if they were the real thing or out of a commercial.

Likes to cuddle and will allow you to touch their horns, a rather sensitive place for all dragons. This is a sign of trust as they hug you with their arms and tail, softly combing their finger through your hair and humming to themselves, letting out soft purrs here and there.

Probably the most romantic out of the five.

🍡 N \\ Nicknames :: Who makes the pet names in the relationship? Who usually uses them?

“Bestie, girlboss, queen, lovely, king, dolly,,,”

you best believe lychee is gonna be the first one to use a nickname with ya.

Loves to call you these names while hugging you from behind. They’re so preppy that they call you these nicknames whether in private or public, they don’t care about what people think about your relationship with them. You’re special to them and if anyone says otherwise they’re gonna get their foot in their mouth.

You are the Angel that they couldn’t kill, so be glad they’re letting you keep your soul. They love it too much to take it.

Wonders if you have a nickname for them as well and often asks you about it with them pink draconic pupils and uwu like smile.

“Baby face.” “What?” “Babyface, because you got a babyface and you’re cute.” “Aww, hehehe! That’s so cute! I love that- wait you think I’m cute?~”

~~~~

🍡 R \\ Real smooth, Joe! :: How romantic are they? Are they more cliche or creative?

They’re def more cliche with showing their love to you, often taking you somewhere on their island that they think is pretty to show you.

Pretty clothes that have but no longer wear are given to you as courting gifts as well as jewelry or makeup.

They may also have these bonding nights with you where they wanna give you makeovers n such, like having a girls night, complete with wine, Facebook or Twitter, face masks with the cucumbers, Madonna, etc.

Also Madonna karaoke, if anyone disagrees on the fact that lychee listens to Madonna I’m quitting-

“MATERIAL GIRL!” Tells you to slay cutely and that they love ya!

Spams you with hearts and flowers bc why not it’s cute

🍡 N \\ Nicknames :: Who makes the pet names in the relationship? Who usually uses them?

okay they’re stiff as hell with nicknames. You started to call them “dear,” just to see how they would react. And they just continued to call you by your name. As your relationship progressed they did start to call you “honey.” Thats about it.

Longan is weird about nicknames. Don’t get too soft with them, they don’t like it.

Prefers you call them nicknames in private as they do so as well. Is very private and doesn’t like to show much emotion.

Calls you pet names when they’re tired, as they don’t realize all the time that they do, plus they when they’re tried, there a lot more docile.

Calls you “princess,” and “my beloved” while cuddling.

Will not admit it no matter what you or the other dragons do but they love to be babied when tired. Call them baby boy when he warms up in cuddling. Will kiss your neck and tell you they love you.

~~~~

🍡 R \\ Real smooth, Joe! :: How romantic are they? Are they more cliche or creative?

No that’s wrong ❌

You think Longan is romantic and caring?? They can get this way… after some millennia. But love is something Longan fears. They’re extremely protective of their heart and will not get attached quickly.

However, if you’re immortal, that’s different.

The fear still lingers though that somehow they will have to outlive you. So they try to be as understanding as possible to make sure you don’t leave them. Key word being try.

Most if not all their knowledge on how to be romantic comes from movies and or books they have read. 

So they are probably the most cliche out of the dragons. Roses, jazz, that shit. Incredibly cheesy and their attempts make you laugh, which makes them confused, but they’re trying, okay? It’s the thought that counts! If it makes you feel better they really like movies and will watch them with you. 🧡

[scotianostra]

The Scottish TV host and entertainer Craig Ferguson was born in Glasgow, on May 17, 1962.

Ferguson was born in Stobhill Hospital and brought up not far from where I now live in nearby Cumbernauld. He admits to growing up "chubby and bullied" At age sixteen hen left Cumbernauld High School and began an apprenticeship to be an electronics technician at a local factory of American company Burroughs Corporation.

In the early 1980s, Ferguson drummed in punk bands for a few years before a bartending job led him to Michael Boyd, the artistic director of the Tron Theatre. Boyd talked Ferguson into giving acting a shot, which Ferguson soon did, finding the comedy prong of the art too compelling to ignore.

Ferguson soon created an outrageous—and successful—stage character called Bing Hitler. On top of the local success he was experiencing, Ferguson used the experience as a backdrop from which to move into mainstream acting roles.

Craig Ferguson’s first TV appearance came on an episode of the sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf in 1988, and it was enough to get Ferguson to head overseas to the United States for his first role on American TV. The part was playing a teacher in the pilot episode of High (1989), which starred Gwyneth Paltrow and Zach Braff. The pilot wasn’t picked up, though, and Ferguson headed back to Scotland.

Once back in the UK, Ferguson found that roles came sporadically before he landed his own BBC show The Ferguson Theory in 1994 While the sketch comedy show put the funnyman front and centre, it only lasted five episodes.

When Theory was no more, Ferguson packed his bags once again for America. But this time he’d find a lot more success waiting for him than he did years before. When Ferguson joined The Drew Carey Show as Nigel Wick in 1996, his run lasted several seasons and led to the actor becoming a known quantity in the world of U.S. television.

Ferguson’s busy life on TV and the big screen got a lot busier in January 2005, when he took over the late-night comedy series The Late Late Show. Once it found its footing, Ferguson’s show was another hit, earning its first Emmy nomination a year into its run. Mixed in with his work on the show were several high-profile big-screen roles, often voice-over work, in movies like How to Train Your Dragon, Winnie the Pooh and Brave.

Ferguson, who became an American citizen in 2008, is also an author, publishing Between the Bridge and the River and American on Purpose.

On 28 April 2014, Ferguson announced he would be leaving The Late Late Show at the end of 2014, with the final episode airing on 19th December that year.

Ferguson is a recovering alcoholic, sober since 18th February 1992, another Scot who has dealt with his depression, he admits to having considered suicide before giving up the bottle.

In 2017 he released a six-episode web show with his wife, Megan Wallace Cunningham, titled Couple Thinkers. For two seasons from 2021, Ferguson hosted the American game show The Hustler, which airs on ABC.

There were stories earlier this year that Craig was going to return to late night television once more in a programme called Channel Surf with Craig Ferguson.

Ferguson is doing his first stand up tour since the 80's,,the Fancy Rascal tour will begin in August.

[mrssnivellussnape]

NOT my gif, creds to original owners

Severus Snape Dressing Up with His Daughter Would Include:

Requested by Anon: ‘hiii, so I know you do snape x reader fics but can you maybe do a head cannon of him playing dress up with his daughter. Its ok If you don’t want to though xo’

An: Of course I can! This idea is so cute ☺️☺️, enjoy! 💕

Pairings: Severus x Reader, mostly Severus x Daughter

Words: 979

- Let’s get one thing straight, this man would do anything for his daughter. Want to create a potion at five years old? He’s down for it. Does she want to learn how to fly on a broom? He’s not too cultured with it, but for his daughter he’d try. Or even if she wanted to watch something on that muggle television Y/n insisted on getting, he’d sit down with her and watch a Disney movie

- When it came to dressing up with her and pretending to be her Prince while she dressed up as a princess, it was no different. In fact, he jumped at the opportunity to see his princess happy

- His daughter was a lot like her mother in many ways, and just like Y/n, it didn’t take much to convince Severus to do whatever she asked of him

- So when his daughter had suggested that instead of the traditional princesses, that the both of them dressed up as fairy warriors who had to save the last of their dying tribe, Severus readily agreed. Yes, his daughter was far more imaginative than both he and Y/n could handle sometimes, and no, she wasn’t opposed to any form of creativity

- She’d sported a shimmery, multicolored pair of fairy wings while holstering a stick that Severus had transfigured into mighty sword capable of only his daughter’s hold. He was instructed to dress up as her best mate, a fairy-elf crossbreed who wore light purple robes and pointed, sparkly shoes

- Truthfully, Severus found it rather cute how imaginative she was, and without any reluctance on his part, he’d changed into exactly what she’d wanted. And for his daughter’s sake, had altered his shoes to the sparkliest, shiniest pair of golden shoes anyone had ever seen (except no one would see them since the students were on break and nowhere near the castle)

- Their battle to stop the dragon - a charmed stuffed toy Y/n had gotten her on their trip to Hogsmeade - was fierce. The dragon had put up a big fight and had even brought allies to help him. The battle was fierce and Severus and your daughter had barely made it out alive, and were very lucky to have survived completely unscathed

- After finishing that and taking a break for biscuits and pumpkin juice, his daughter wanted to play superheros - another thing that Severus had blamed on Y/n and that Telly. But, still, he’d obliged

- Had any of his students seen him, they’d never believe that it was their Professor Snape, clad in bright, red and blue superhero attire with a yellow mask across his face. His daughter found it absolutely funny and Severus joined in with a chuckle of his own before chasing after her. She’d chosen to be a villain instead

- She’d been running and running, trying to get away from her daddy, and she had gained quite a bit of distance. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been paying attention, and instead of successfully getting away, she tripped near the edge of the black lake. She’d nearly fallen in when Severus quickly casted his wand and stopped her in place

- He quickly caught up to her, checking over her and making sure she had no scratches. “Are you alright, sweetheart?” He worriedly asked

- “My hero.” She dreamily replied, clasping her hands together and resting her head on them. At his bewildered look, though, she gently rolled her eyes (ones that were identical to Severus’) and answered, “Yes, daddy. Villains can’t hurt themselves, silly.”

- Severus let her believe that as he picked her up and placed her on his hip. Her reply had been amusing to him and he had to know, “Who taught you that phrase?”

- “Mummy.” She shrugged back, “She always calls you her hero whenever you help her get something from a high shelf, or massage her feet.”

- “You’re very attentive, aren’t you.” Severus felt a sense of pride wash over him when he looked down at her. He smirked at her proud head nod.

- Severus had asked if she was ready to retreat to the castle for a small snack before dinner, but she insisted on one more round of dress up

- This time, his daughter dressed up as a prince, ready to save the poor damsel in distress - aka her daddy. She refused to allow the princess to get her “dress” ruined and decided to pretend to fly over and swoop in to save the day

- Severus was having just as much fun with his daughter as she was with him and it showed by the rare smile on his face. Her mannerisms so frequently mimicked Y/n’s except when she was being serious, then she was exactly like Severus: furrowed brows, upturned lip, and hard eyes. It was funny to see

- By the time the two of them were finished, they were unknowingly joined by three other people. The three bodies watched while they freely played and laughed with one another, Severus’ daughter tackling the imaginary troll and knocking it down as she ultimately saved the imprisoned prince

- “I see you two are having fun.” Y/n interrupted them, smiling merrily at two of her favorite people. “Did you save daddy, ladybug?”

- “Oh!” Their daughter exclaimed, running over to where Severus was still lying on the ground, not paying any attention to Y/n or Albus and Minerva. “Forgive me, your highness, for my recklessness. My lady.” She pretended to repeatedly kiss his hand, earning a collective laugh from everyone

- “I’ll forgive you - this time. Hopefully I won’t need your help fighting off a troll more than once, though.” He mocked a curtsy and picked her up, giving Y/n a chaste kiss on the cheek, and walking back up to the castle with everyone