#as much as i love tails got trolled i want my own thing yknow

[antlereed]

i love finding really dope art of deer and stags because it always makes me go absolutely ape. i love me a good antlered creature and im never wrong

[ticktockmyclockworkhart]

Wuh oh!! I've been based and trollpilled

I was one of the people who scoffed at trolls and thought it was dumb. I take the L. I admit I was wrong... at least about the other movies lol, I still think the first movie was kinda weak but damn did they go from kinda weak to kinda peak. They're nothing groundbreaking but they are fun and a lot less annoying than I anticipated them being.

SO bc I love redesigning things I redesigned some characters and will be redesigning more. Below the cut is my thoughts on the designs~

So for the pop trolls as a whole I think their aesthetic is cute, but kinda conflicts with the worldbuilding in the later movies because all the troll tribes EXCEPT for pop have a very cohesive aesthetic related to their music. I like the smurf-y, crafted aesthetic but it doesn't really scream "pop" yknow? But pop is a kinda unique genre in that it can literally be anything as long as it's very popular and mainstream and any genre can become pop so I decided to theme the pop trolls around different kinds of pop.

Also!! Literally so many people give the trolls tails. And I AGREE. Honestly, I'll take as many degrees of seperation from the good luck trolls as possible bc they're scary as hell. No amount of nostalgia is going to change the fact that good luck trolls unsettled me as a kid and unsettle me now. I'm all for embracing more critter-type looks to them since trolls are in a way like fae so let's get quirky w it!!

For Poppy I wanted to commit and go full ham, bubblegum jojo siwa girlypop girly. It fits her existing aesthetic but also generally when we think pop music that kinda upbeat, colorful "girly" music tends to come to mind. She's got full-time legwarmers because YES I agree with her wearing those in the third movie she should wear them literally always. I initially wanted to give her plaid stuff, that sort of 2000s black and pink plaid that was huge but decided against it because black doesn't really fit her vibe. Rock zombie Poppy however...

She's also got a sparkly vest and SO. MANY. BOWS. Her bowtie is actually more of a smaller choker than a tie but I realize I didn't convey that lol. Her crown is also a pearly kind of clear plastic, like the old Disney princess shoes, remember those?

(I love how the third movie really leaned into the toy inspiration aspect of it so fuck yeah I'll lean even harder!!)

And this time she's the one with frosted tips because as Branch said, IT WAS AN ERA!! And I really wanted to stick to the vaguely Y2K theme with her.

For Branch, he doesn't have as much of a committed aesthetic reflecting his complicated relationship with music, but I pushed him into a soft pop-punk aesthetic with what he does have, and maybe a tiny sprinkling, just a hint of grunge... which he kind of did on his own in the og design. And again, I'm all for leaping into as far of a departure from good luck trolls as possible so I ditched his troll hair and gave him long, droopy, probably greasy emo boy hair. Has the added benefit of any time he uses his hair as a tool or weapon it becomes the sickest headbang hair flip. I buy into the theory that due to his trauma and probably depression, Branch only shows his "true colors" when excessively happy and his normal state is kind of permanently muted, but I gave him a streak of the blue as well. Whether it's dyed or not is up to yall lol.

I originally was going to change his clothes, but because the third movie establishes his vest was a gift from Floyd I decided against it. He does wear suspenders under it though, but they can't be seen. Probably has a chain wallet too, the hot topic goblin he is... I did change the color of his pants to black though, and to show how much of a bedraggled recluse he is, I made sure the patches matched colors with his vest to show he's been slowly taking the least visible parts of the vest apart to patch his pants. Poppy, get your man some skinny jeans.

Let me know what yall think!! This is such an EMBARRASSING interest to have lol I'm really putting myself out here with this one... not as bad as my danganronpa days though

[kattimariias]

jasmine flowers

so yknow what snorkmaiden deserves? a gf. i made her one! enjoy a fic about pining.

mobile link

Dear Diary,

Today I found someplace new during my travels. It felt like a different experience than what I've seen so far, most of it's residents didn't feel as-how should I put it-rude? They didn't feel like they were judging me for being a bit distant, infact they respected it. I think I'm thankful for that.

The weather was warmer, so I didn't get much practice with my powers. But I could at least admire the scenery for once, which was okay and all-I prefer the winter, obviously. There was something comfortable about my surroundings; the soft green grass, the light beaming towards a field of flowers, and the rivers that quaintly flowed.

Something about that flower field attracted me. I didn't get to see a varied amount of plantlife often, usually being in colder areas and all, so this was almost a new thing to me. Well-more like a revisit of sorts.

I happened to pick a flower with someone else by complete accident. A round troll like creature she was, with hazel eyes and a blonde fringe. Her fur was fluffy and yellowish, and I was stuck looking at her for several minutes; my paw practically stuck on hers and the flower.

We broke our trance and awkwardly apologized, neither of us seemed to know why that happened. I think it's because I personally have never seen anyone like her. She just looked so nice and friendly, like she would never harm me. And I think I'm right in thinking that, because she never did. 

She introduced me to this land, told me it was called Moominvalley, and showed me some of it's famous landmarks and her friends. Throughout it all, I couldn't help but be entranced by her cheerfulness. I mainly feel don't feel in place whenever I'm around people that are definitely more spirited in me, but something about her felt...different. Gentle and sweet, and a little bit firey.

I don't know, it was weird. And I want to see more of it, so maybe the next day will bring something new. I think I'll stay here longer than intended. ~ Vietal

-

Dear Diary,

It's been awhile. It isn't even travel related, but I needed to write this down. It's been a month since I've decided to reside in Moominvalley for awhile, and that likely won't change. I'm not giving up on traveling, that's for sure, but this feels like a main source of comfort. Maybe it's home? I don't think I even know what that truly is.

Anyways, something I SOMEHOW forgot to write last time was the girl's name. Curse my mind sometimes-it's Snorkmaiden. Writing that down feels nice, it's a pretty name. 

But she's why I have to talk about something so off topic. I have spent sometime with her during my stay here, whether that'd be relaxing in the forest, going on little adventures, and flower picking. She made me a flower crown to wear on my hat, and I definitely wear it on occasion. Sunflowers aren't exactly my thing, but I'd do it for her.

I don't know why though-with anyone else, I wouldn't be sure what to do with a gift like that. They put so much work into it, they should keep it! Yet this time I want to keep it with me, even when I leave? Do I even want to leave?

...Okay, maybe I'm rushing this too much. Point is, I think I really like her. I like mostly everyone here, but she seems to be a special case. Even when I go to sleep in my little tent, my thoughts rush towards our conversations. Her (barely visibly, but still) smile, her laughs, her hums, her attention to detail when making things for me. And for me only.

I really love that sort of attention. I think I'll write a letter to thank her.

~ Vietal - Dear Diary,

I won't fill this journal with updates about my weird feelings towards Snorkmaiden, I promise. It's just a huge focus for me at the moment.

Today we held paws. By accident, of course. We were just relaxing by the river, laying under the trees shade together. I've never sat so close to someone before in my life, usually I wouldn't let myself. But of course, things have changed ever since I've been in this valley. Still don't want to leave, I'm not radically different.

Anyways-we were so close, I could feel a bit of her fur brush up on me, and while I couldn't exactly feel it due to wearing long clothing, I felt the urge to touch it. Pet it. Feel it sink into my paws and softly breeze through, taking out a few stray hairs-

-no, no, that's weird. I knew I shouldn't do that. So I just forgot about it, but I had already raised my left paw due to the strong urge. And when I placed it down on the ground, I felt hers. Hers on mine.

And for some reason, I blushed. Heavily. I had to use my hat to hide my face just to hide it, but my tail started to thump. And I could already tell she was looking at me weirdly, wondering why I was suddenly acting so strange, until she noticed what was happening. I felt so screwed in that moment and I didn't even know why-I wanted to let go but I couldn't-and then-

-nothing happened much, really. She asked if I enjoyed it, but I didn't know how to respond. But in that sweet voice of hers, sugarlike to me, she asked if I was okay. I still had no idea what to say, other than look at her completely embarrassed.

She told me there wasn't any issue in holding hands. Even if it was considered a romantic gesture, friends could still do it. Close friends usually did, infact. Friends. We were friends. Close friends. I rarely had friends for very long.

This time I hope it sticks.

~ Vietal (and yes, she got the letter, and sent me one in reply. It's one of the few things I think I'll keep with me.)

-

Dear Diary, Things keep getting weirder. Much weirder.

So I do have more friends than Snorkmaiden, though they aren't as close. One of them is Moomintroll, who I think is in a relationship with her. And that seems to be a problem?

I don't know why, but everytime I see her leaning so close to him, I wish that were me instead. We already keep holding hands with each other while on nature walks, is that not enough? That in itself almost sent me into panic!

She talks about him sometimes while we're together. About how kind and brave he is, and how much he loves him. I sit and listen and don't say much, but there's so much I want to say in return. That maybe I could do they same things he does? I mean, yes, maybe. But why would I want to? Just to impress her? 

She's my best friend, I don't need to make impressions.

But I still want to. That's why I climbed ontop of a large mountain a day after, spending most of my time just doing that. I wanted to tell her about this, just so she could hear about it, and be amazed by my efforts. She held both of my hands with that smile of hers, wonder in her eyes. I wanna do it again and again just to see that.

It feels too selfish, though. So I won't.

Sometimes, she rants to me, feeling like Moomintroll's mind just wanders elsewhere when the time is supposed to focus on both of them. Her ears are down, frustration is in greatly in her voice, and she seems kinda lost. Perhaps like I am.

I don't know how to comfort, but I try my hardest during these times. It feels like a part of me breaks whenever she is upset, and that I would wither away if I continued to see her heartbroken. 

Of course, I don't say anything, but instead I give her hugs and feel that fur I deep down wanted to feel more of, but that didn't matter then. It sort of matters now, still.

Somedays we don't spend time with each other, and that's fine. But I can't help but feel odd seeing her do our usual thing, walk around the woods holding hands, with him instead of me. It also shouldn't matter, but it does.

And I hate it. I don't want her to have to constantly pay attention to me, she has a life outside of our friendship! But why do I just wanna do the things they do all the time? Why do I want what Moomintroll has so much when what I have is already good?

Maybe this valley is doing something to me.

~ Vietal -

Dear Diary, It's been a long while, again. I just didn't have the strength to write about things. I've taken a break from Moominvalley, and it's probably for the best. I'm not used to interacting with people a lot, and plus, my feelings towards my own friend was getting weird.

If I stay away from her for awhile, then perhaps those feelings will go away.

~ Vietal - Dear Diary, I'm still in the woods, it's a bit of a long trek.

But I had a dream that shows I just can't get over her. I was in one of Moominvalley's flower fields, similar to the one where I met Snorkmaiden. She was there, as beautiful as ever, and it seems like she was glowing as brightly as the sun.

I ran towards her, but it seemed like I couldn't get to her. The field just kept stretching further and further-even if I was close-she was far from my sight again. But I was determined to get to her, even saying this to myself, and I sprinted full force while outright screaming her name.

I reached a hand towards her, and she reached a hand towards me. But then I was gone, and Moomintroll was there instead.

I woke up, repeatedly saying her name.

Something is wrong with me.

~ Vietal -

Dear Diary, I don't even think this is for travel anymore. I've gotten a separate journal for that, this is just filled with a little bit too much emotional venting right now. I'm still far away from the valley, now in the colder areas I'm used to. But I feel so alone. 

The solitude feels familiar, yet it's what I would rather not have at the moment. I miss waking up and hearing the birds sing, the sense of Moominmama's cooking not too far away, and Snufkin's music on occasion. And of course, even if I act so strange towards her, I miss Snorkmaiden.

It feels like a part of me is missing, even though I wasn't in Moominvalley for extremely long. I guess that's what I get for staying there for an extended amount of time in the first place? I think I should go back.

Hopefully, they won't be angry about my abrupt absence.

~ Vital

-

Dear Diary, After a long journey, I've finally returned, just in time for spring. And what a reunion, it was.

No one was mad at me, thankfully, they were a little concerned about why I left so abruptly, but they presumed it was just because of my nature as a Mumrik. I never explained why I actually left, just went with their assumptions, since I didn't want anyone to know about my weird feelings.

I was a bit hesitant to spend time with Snorkmaiden again, but my mind instantly changed when I heard her outright crying. Our conversations never really delved into that point, but it definitely crushed me. I couldn't bear to hear it upon arriving at her home.

I thought it was my fault, because I just decided to leave her with no explanation. And that just made me feel worse, almost on the verge of tears myself. How could I just do that, and not even think about how she felt about me just up and going? I was so stupid. So shortsighted and stupid-

-it wasn't even about me. She reassured me about that fact more than one time. She was really worried when I left, of course, but she understood that sometimes I just needed to be alone, and explore the world. Understandably so, she was still a bit angry that I didn't say goodbye first, but the fact that she didn't hate me relieved a bit of tension on my end.

Not entirely. The true reason why she was upset is because of Moomintroll being so focused on Snufkin returning, to the point where he didn't really care about what she had to say. She was wondering whether if he actually loved her or not, and my heart was cracked again.

I couldn't tell her if he did or not, I didn't know much about romantic love and how it worked, but for once I spoke. I told her that this time, I would stay. I would continue to be with her, and make sure she's happy. If I got the chance, I'd ask him about why he acted like that, hopefully getting an answer.

I wanted to help her smile again.

I comforted her closer this time, she snuggled close to me and I could feel her fur the way I always wanted to. But that didn't matter, as I closed my eyes and rubbed her back. I could hear her whimpers slow to a crawl, as we just laid there on the bed. Softly gripping onto each other. Cuddling.

It was silent, but a good silent.

~ Vietal

- Dear Diary, It took a bit, but I managed to ask Moomintroll about what happened with Snorkmaiden. He told me that sometimes-he just gets really fixated on Snufkin when waiting for him-and pushes people away, probably a bit too harshly? He doesn't intend to.

The two made up, thankfully, and things went back to normal. Least my idea of normal at this point, which was being weirdly jealous.

Something I thought about is that Snorkmaiden was also a bit fixated on waiting for me. Moomintroll also told me that on the first few days of me being gone, she would look outside her window and await my arrival, while also taking some breaks. She hoped that I would come back soon, up until realizing that I needed some space and that it would take awhile.

So-was it a best friend thing? For us to fixate so heavily on those we were bonded with on a close level? Moomintroll did it, Snorkmaiden did it, I feel like I could do it. I know that Snorks and Moomins hibernate, and since I'll stay this winter, I know I'll wait each passing day for everyone to wake up. But it's still a special case for Snorkmaiden.

I think about her a lot. I dream about her sometimes. I even talk about her to some of my other friends, and I don't think I want to stop. Moominmama and Little My always give me some weird look whenever I do too, and I don't understand it.

Is it annoying? Entertaining? Is there something I'm missing? Why do I love her so much?

...

Oh. -

Dear Diary, Couldn't finish the last one properly. I think I understand things now. From myself, to Moomintroll and Snufkin, to why I keep getting those weird faces. I think...I might feel romantic love towards Snorkmaiden. I think that's why I feel excited when I see her, why I like to hold hands with her, why I like talking and doing anything with her, why I want to be with her forever, and why I want to be like Moomintroll.

I really, really love her. Love her more than the winter, than travels-well-I still love those, but my love for her is something I can't get over. She's so lovely herself, knowing so much about romance, I bet she could really surprise me sometimes.

Am I gonna need a separate diary for this? Goodness.

~ Vietal

- Dear Diary, I'm not sure if I can just tell her. I don't even think she feels the same way, since she's with Moomintroll. But it doesn't matter, as long as she can still smile and stay happy with someone she loves.

I'll just have to learn how to deal with this.

On another note, she gave me some flowers today. One of which usually grows during the winter, she says it's a winter jasmine. I don't know what it is, but something about it felt special to me. Maybe it's because she said that one of it's meanings is love?

But she likely meant platonic love. I highly doubt she likes me back, she's still relatively close to Moomintroll. Actually, that reminds me...does he even like her? Romantically?

Whenever I see them walk together, on occasion, he looks a bit uncomfortable. His smiles look a bit forced, he looks a little distracted, and some of his subtle movements seem bothered whenever they come close to each other.

I've seen him more comfortable with Snufkin, whenever I do see them hanging out anyways. Should I do something about this?

...I don't really know how to handle it though, probably not.

~ Vietal

-

Dear Diary, Well, again, been awhile. It's just been the usual, with a bit more understanding towards my feelings. I've been a bit blue sometimes, but Snorkmaiden's presence just automatically makes things better for me. It's strange how love works.

Well, this doesn't have to do with smiles, unfortunately. Somewhat. Turns out I was right about Moomintroll's feelings, and he was starting to force romantic attraction to Snorkmaiden. Their love was geniune at first, it seems? But eventually, it dwindled. It happens.

I hope it doesn't happen to me.

Snorkmaiden told me it was for the better, and she's happy for him. She told me this on the verge of tears, not unlike what happened when I promised her to stay, and even if she tried to act as if this didn't bother her, I could obviously tell.

I did what I did last time, and gave her more physical comfort as she began to let it out. It was hard to listen to, and I wanted to block out the sound of her sobs beating against my heart, but I pushed through, sort of. I cried with her.

I just couldn't help it? But she started to comfort me, we were both trying our hardest to comfort each other, holding each other tightly. Her snout was heavily pressed against my face, and she stopped her tears for a second to blush. For once, I laughed since it looked so funny, and she did too.

The blushing didn't stop for awhile, though, and she seemed a bit awkward. I wondered why, but then I recalled that how her and Moomintroll basically kissed through pressing their snouts together...

...Oh.

I'm not making any advances, though. She needs time to breathe.

~ Vietal -

Dear Diary, Winter is arriving, and now I must say goodbye to my friends in Moominvalley. For one must travel, and the others must hibernate. I won't even be as lonely, knowing that there are winter creatures here.

Thankfully, this time I can tell Snorkmaiden goodbye and not worry her too much. I have a few flowers for her to sleep next to, as well as a letter for her to read when she wakes up. A letter intended to tell her how I feel towards her, a crush aside, and I am ready for our reunion when Spring comes back.

It's the one way I can say those words to her.

~ Vietal -

Dear Diary, On my travels again, I have kept her gifts, including one she gave me before I left. A photo of us we tried taking while lounging around in the woods. It's messy, it's funny, but it has care put into it. I love it

I love her. I wish to see her again soon.

~ Vietal -

Dear Diary, I think I won't write in this one for awhile, because...it feels like a nice way to look back on how things have progressed.

When I came back, I went to her house first and called for her name. I could faintly hear her run down the stairs as fast as she could, and then she leaped into my arms. We span around in circles, giggling, before eventually stopping to look at each other.

We stared. Like how we first met. Both of our paws were hand in hand, and it felt like it was only us.

She said these words to me.

"Vietal...I read your letter. And I am really flattered to know that's what you think of me." She paused, and gently placed the jasmine flower petal on my hat. I gasped a little, yet continued to hold on her free hand. "I think that's what I think of you, too."

I froze, but her warm smile grounded me to reality. It was true.

"I love you."

Not long after, we looked at the valley together; paw in paw, our bodies and heads close together as the sun rose.

I wouldn't have this any better in any other way.

~ Vietal