#at least that makes more sense for an elephant than a fear of mice

[tigresslanzhu]

BORING!

Miss Crawly: Mr. Moon, why did you make us come in here? This is BORING!

Miss Crawly: OOOOH!

…

Miss Crawly: Now it’s boring with the lights on!

Ash: Miss Crawly, Meena’s dealing with a bad case of claustrophobia and you’re BORED?!?

[randomfandomimagine]

To your rant: AMEN.

(Wrote a part of this to Ace while back but they apparently didn't receive it but I think it needs to be said so)

Honestly at the moment it starts to feel like people request wrong on purpose because they're bored or something and want to irritate people or test if they could get their request across even though it’s breaking their rules... because suddenly everyone seem to get a lot of requests which are breaking the rules. Like whenever I have my spamming events, I get 101 requests which are smut, romantic requests for 13 year old characters whose actors are also 13 and also celebrity requests are common and like those three rules are broken over and over and over again and now everyone else seem to get requests which break their SAME FUCKING RULES all the time. Also the fact that some are like “when your requests are open again, could you write a fic like this?” LIKE NO, REQUESTS ARE CLOSED FOR A REASON, BECAUSE THE WRITER HAS SO MANY REQUESTS THAT THEY NEED TIME TO GO THROUGH THEM BEFORE OPENING THEM AGAIN, AND IT SHOULD BE COMMON SENSE :DDDDD It isn’t like you’re writing only when requests are open.

FYI, WRITERS ARE NOT GONNA ROLL A FUCKING GOLDEN GLITTER CARPET FOR YOU WHICH IS ENTITLING YOU TO REQUEST WHATEVER YOU WANT WHENEVER YOU WANT.

So people please, if you can read all those long stories or binge 50 smaller pieces from a writer at one sitting, you can take time to check out their rules at least if you're gonna request………………… and the same goes for all writers. We. Are. Not. Machines.

And if it won’t go to your thick heads, you can think about what you did and whose fault it is when writers are gone after losing motivation for writing all these fics for you and getting only shit on their faces in return. We don’t even get paid by money, we are paid by feedback, reblogs, you interacting with our writing and btw that's a cheap price for writing your requests. If you continue acting like we’re machines and thinking you can treat us however you want, writers will start dropping out. My motivation to write is finally returning and I'm slowly starting to get back to the rhythm but tbh I’m scared to come back properly because of all these people being rude and breaking rules all the time. Tumblr is becoming a super toxic place and I hate it and I start losing hope that the boat can be turned around, and also started to lose motivation again the next day after I came back even though nothing happened, I just started fearing rudely formatted requests coming at me again, or guilt tripping or people being asses in general. But prove me wrong if you have balls to do that. Turn that boat around. We can all do it together.

We're in a sealed room slowly filling with water, and we have to work together so we can pull the lever to open that one door. But it won't work even if 100 mice (writers + those few who support writers) are pushing one sleeping elephant (readers-only) forward to pull the lever so they wouldn't drown in that room. That elephant has to wake up and help the mice, only that way they can get forward.

Also the fact that people finally got triggered about the fact that I don't feel comfortable to write for HP/Fantastic Beasts for now for obvious reasons :DDDDDDDD I got another last night after I blocked the first one. I can't believe I have such toxic, childish and petty people following me, and same kinds of people are following everyone in this community. People who take us as granted.

I hope things will get better and people learn some manners eventually. Every creator deserves it.

Thank you, Jenni! I know you’ve had to deal with some seriously stupid trolls and people that shouldn’t be allowed on the internet. 

Sometimes it does feel like a few trolls are requesting incorrectly on purpose, I was especially frustrated when I saw Lacey answering some requests that had me going like ‘seriously, people?’ And the fact that people disregard the same rules over and over again (especially on your case) just tells me that they care more about their request being written than your comfort, and that sucks. Those people think they’re entitled to our content forgetting we do this for free!

This part you wrote especially resonated with me, it’s so true:

So people please, if you can read all those long stories or binge 50 smaller pieces from a writer at one sitting, you can take time to check out their rules at least if you're gonna request………………… and the same goes for all writers. We. Are. Not. Machines.

I especially try real hard and reread my rules almost every day to make sure they’re short and concise, that I put bold and colors on the absolute most important stuff and people still don’t read correctly or just don’t care. 

Like, today I got an ask saying ‘what’s a prompt’. Just that. No question mark, no hi, no nothing. First of all, you can read my rules and my posts to know what they are, I linked examples and you can literally search the tag. It feels like a troll tbh...

You’re absolutely right that Tumblr is becoming an awful place for content creators and it’s up to people to start being more respectful and supportive if they want to avoid Tumblr becoming empty. Content creators make this website, not just us writers but also artists and gif makers and we all deserve some love!

And don’t get me started on the HP/FBAWTFT/JKR bullshit, I really have to restrain myself not to reply ‘shut the fuck up anon’ on every single one of your asks. I myself am thinking about not writing for those fandoms anymore because JKR ruined the series for me and I don’t enjoy writing for it as much as I did, so I will probably remove them from my fandoms list. For now I’m on hiatus for those fandoms, so fight me, anons!

*sigh* I hate that whenever we try to establish boundaries people either disregard them or guilt us for them, it really shows that those awful people only care about their requests and nothing else. There’s people behind the blogs, with real lives and problems and emotions! I do hope that things get better myself, if not I might actually quit one day since I keep thinking about it, and I know and I’m not the only one.

[daybreak-academy-fanfic]

Daybreak Academy: Chapter 15

White Day

Summary: In which Strelitzia falls even more in love with Anora, and Ephemer accidentally overshares his thoughts on the headmasters. Word Count: 1,577 First | Previous | Next ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆

The purpose of White Day is to give back what was given to you. The thing was, Anora didn't know how you could repay someone for gifting you a hand stitched plush doll. A card felt stupid, and she barely knew how to sew a button on, let alone create another plushie for a stranger. A stranger, mind you, who only now decided to make some form of contact with her.

Well, at least she knew some things about her perfect stranger. Too bad finding anything that was a creamy white proved impossible. There happened to be patches of daisies scattered about campus, so Anora did pick some of them a day or so in advance. She also managed to find a white marker at the school store (which was now under new management since the debate club fiasco) so she could decorate the last gift bag left from Valentines. Also at the school store, Anora had found a couple white notebooks with a gold embossing on them. She looked for anything to put in the bag so there would be more than just the candy she hadn't eaten yet.

Anora glanced over at her clock and nearly cursed at the time. So far, she could say that the bag could be presented, if she felt like it. The leftover candy filled about a third of the bag, then there were the daisies she had found, and she even happened to find chibi-like stuffed mice who served as spiritual stand-ins for Miss Bianca and Bernard. However, Anora had to meet with Ephemer soon- she had managed to convince her stranger-friend to meet her at the concrete slab, but at this point she might have to take Ephemer with her. Would he be mad at the detour? Glancing at the time again, Anora would just have to hope he could understand.

Meanwhile, Ephemer was rather patiently waiting for Anora at the school gates. He was sitting on the grass, legs folded, and staring up at the sky in amusement. There was a cloud that looked a lot like an elephant- it was slowly starting to morph into a giraffe instead. When Ephemer looked back down, he saw Anora running up to him; she was waving at him with one hand, and the other was firmly holding a goodie bag.

“Aw, you didn't have to get me a gift!” the boy teased as he stood up.

When Anora caught up to him, she shook her head, laughing just slightly at him. Ephemer raised a bemused eyebrow at her.

“It's not for me, then?” he then surmised.

Another shake of her head made Ephemer feel a bit envious.

“Who is it for?”

He didn't get a direct answer, instead Anora gestured for him to follow her. Giving a small shrug, he did so without question- it's not like he wasn't familiar with every inch of the campus anyway. A part of him just didn't expect for her to lead them to a place behind the cafeteria; the space was rather unkempt with shrubs boarding the school wall and a few trees that had been planted eons ago. There was even a decent sized concrete slab that provided cover for some kind of underground electrical system. Why on earth was she bringing a gift bag all the way out here?

Strelitzia's heart stopped when she saw someone with Anora. It then proceeded to go into overtime when she realized that she recognized the boy with her. It was the same boy she had run into before Valentines Day- the one who said his friend didn't bake as often as she did. For a moment, Strelitzia feared that Anora had been the friend he had talked about, but then she shook it away in remembering that his friend had been named Skuld. What was he doing with Anora? She didn't mention bringing someone with her?

“Are you ever going to tell me who that's for, and why you're just leaving it out here?”

“A friend.” Anora hummed, looking back up at the boy with a smile. “Like you.”

Something about the boy seemed to jolt in a small realization- either from the answer itself or from hearing Anora talk. Strelitzia then watched in envy as he put on a million-watt smile.

“I hope they know I'm a tough act to follow!” he even teased without skipping a beat. Anora offered a small laughter as she finished arranging the gift bag. When she stood up, she gave the boy a nod and together they left for the day.

Strelitzia didn't wait to see what Anora had left behind. What she saw made her clench her chest in shock. Anora had left Strelitzia a White Day gift, in thanks for making her Chirithy. The girl sat down on the slab as she went through the bag's contents. Her gasps with each shift of the bag's contents got louder and more surprised as she went on. Anora had put so much thought into the gift bag that Strelitzia found her heart fluttering in adoration.

Was this love?

. . .

Ephemer quickly decided that he enjoyed seeing Anora smile. It was a bit hard to explain, but she was able to smile with her whole face. There was so much joy in her expressions that you almost couldn't help but smile back at her. It didn't even take much to make her smile either. Just seeing the tents set up for the seasonal fair was enough to make Anora's face light up in wonder.

It was Anora who led them around the fair- Ephemer dutifully followed and enjoyed her child-like wonder. They tried a few games and even won some prizes. Ephemer gave them all to Anora; today was all about repaying her for her Valentines gift, after all. As the day wore on, the more Ephemer started to become curious about this girl. When he got them some food, and they sat down in the grass, he finally decided to ask her some things.

“So what's your story?” Ephemer asked. “Everyone's got one.”

Anora, who had been happily nibbling on an oversized lollipop, stopped moving. She refused to look at him. But, unfortunately for her, Ephemer was stubborn.

“A bit shy, huh?” he bemused. “Don't worry, I'll go first!”

This earned him a little side glance of curiosity. He beamed at the off-handed approval, but then something hit him.

“Oh geez,” he then realized, “This is going to be a bit harder than I thought… Where do I start? Oh, um… Oh! I know! Okay, so get this, Ava's not actually my mom- in fact, she's only ten years older than I am!”

Anora raised her eyebrow at him, deliberately giving her lollipop a lick to show her skepticism.

“It's kinda funny, actually,” Ephemer grinned, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. “For as long as I can remember, the headmasters -Ava, Ira, Invi, Gula, and Aced- they were the closest thing I had to a family. I mean, as far as I'm concerned, Ava is my mom. Invi's the aunt that'll slip you some vodka if you ask for it, Gula's a weird mix between a big brother and an uncle, Aced's just one big teddy bear once you get to know him, and Ira's the one that stops everyone from having too much fun. We're a weird family, and we're not perfect either, but it feels just right. You know?”

Suddenly Ephemer jolted in a realization. “Oh wow! I didn't know I could over share like that! I'm so sorry!”

To his relief, Anora gave a small chuckle. But then her smile faded into a frown.

“Usually, things come easily to me.” she quietly admitted. “I hate it. I want to struggle. But when I do, when I can't do something on the first try… I give up. Sometimes, I avoid doing new things. It's dumb...”

“I don't think it's dumb.” came the thoughtful reply from Ephemer. “I think it just means that you know your limits.”

Anora didn't look at him. He made it sound so easy- for her, it felt like beating her head up against a wall. It was an awful feeling. Sensing her discomfort, Ephemer tilted his head.

“What does come easily for you?” he wondered. “Based on your tests scores in the entrance exam, you're a pretty well rounded learner.”

The dark look Anora gave him made the boy sheepishly chuckle.

“I'm not the best example of a teacher's pet.” he admitted. “Every time there's rumor of an interesting student, I go search 'em up in the student records. And, you're free to hate me for this, you were one of the most interesting students this school's seen in awhile. Like, years, awhile.”

This did not help Anora's outlook on him. Ephemer shrunk a little in his spot, knowing that he had stepped well beyond his boundaries- and for once, he was actually admitting to it too. Just when Ephemer believed he was going to get the silent treatment for the rest of the day, Anora calmly said;

“I like skating.”

“I bet you're good at it.”

Anora held her lollipop a bit tighter as she gave him a small nod. She never thought she was that good, but she did enjoy it. A small smile finally came across her lips as she decided that, once she and Ephemer knew each other better, maybe she'd show him.

[artemis-entreri]

Between a Roc and Hard Ground

[[ Previously ]]

“Who was the wizard whom we’d just called on?” Entreri bit off every word.

“Ah, the bird enthusiast?” Jarlaxle raised both white eyebrows, his smile wide and innocent.

Entreri nodded, his unblinking stare locked upon his companion’s ruby gaze. “Yes. What did you call him? Something… thologist?”

Those ruby eyes wanted to dart out of that awful stare that captured them, but Jarlaxle knew that even the slightest shift would give him away. He held out both hands helplessly – slowly and out very far from his body, the assassin noted.

“…Ornithologist?”

A buzz sounded from the mercenary's hip. Jarlaxle's smile faltered. 

"By every layer of the infinite Abyss," Entreri cursed as he reached for Jarlaxle's belt pouch, but before he could touch it, the flap flew open, and out shot a gold flare straight up to pierce the night sky. Both companions watched with jaws agape, Entreri's balled fists shaking at his side and Jarlaxle absentmindedly buckling his pouch closed again. 

When darkness finally managed to swallow up the flare's light, the assassin whirled on his companion and seized the mercenary by both shoulders. 

"You. Never. Learn. Do you?!" Entreri spat, each word punctuated by a violent shake of the drow. 

"Please, Artemis, spare me," Jarlaxle gasped, his face turning ashen again. "I think I'm having a relapse of earlier..."

"I don't care!" Entreri shouted in his companion's face before pushing him roughly away. Jarlaxle fell clumsily to his rump and immediately doubled forward, clutching his stomach. The pitiful sight dissolved the castigating words hanging at the tip of Entreri's tongue. 

Still, the assassin could not contain his anger. Turning away from Jarlaxle, he roared his fury to the sky, his fists shaking with impotent rage at not being able to throttle the drow, who was already so impaired.

Neither of them expected an answer to Entreri's call. The cry that pierced the sky reverberated so deeply in both of their frames that the assassin's ire drained from him faster than would the heat from his body had he been plunged into an icy lake.

There, above them, was a majestic bird, and Entreri quickly picked out the hooked beak and sharp claws of a predator. By its sleek body and thick neck, he guessed it to be an eagle of some sort, except he hadn't heard of any eagles possessing such a varied plumage. Even bathing fully in Selûne's light, the beast's body was almost indiscernible, so deeply cerulean were its feathers. It was as though the creature was born from the night sky itself, Its august wings unfurling like a birthing shroud sewn with shimmering golden threads, their azure tips merging imperceptibly back into the night. 

Then, Entreri realized, in the short few breaths that he'd spent admiring it, the creature had multiplied more than ten times, perhaps a hundred times, in size, and it was getting bigger at an alarming rate. Another cry from the bird, more a roar than a screech, hammered the assassin's frame with understanding. It wasn't getting bigger, it was getting closer. 

The alarmed man spun to find his companion curled on his side, clutching his stomach and trembling. Entreri could no longer hear Jarlaxle's pained moans, for the air was dominated by a sound that reminded him of a desert sandstorm. 

With no regard for the mercenary who'd begun to retch, nor for the putrid substance that was spilling out of him again, the assassin grabbed his companion underneath the armpits and began dragging him bodily towards the end of the woods. He chanced to look up, seeing nothing but a darkness that even his magically-enhanced vision could not penetrate. Only his finely-honed instincts saved both of them then, for without even knowing why, Entreri tossed his companion forward while kicking himself back. He ended up rolling many more paces than he'd intended, for a great wind buffeted him as though he were no more than a tumbleweed. Nonetheless, he was grateful, for he'd gladly accept his new bruises and scratches in lieu of failing to avoid the gargantuan talons that dug long troughs deep in the hard earth. As he catapulted himself up from his stomach and back onto his feet, the assassin couldn't help but gawk, for in place of the formerly rocky ground were three deep trenches, the least of them wider than the streets on which he'd grown up. 

Entreri shook his head and forced his mind away from envisioning himself as little more than bloody detritus in one of those troughs. Across the crevasses, he spotted his companion, feebly dragging himself towards the forest's edge.

Gritting his teeth, Entreri charged at Jarlaxle, another cry from the monster overhead nearly knocking his legs out from underneath him. When the assassin finally caught up to his companion and seized him by the back of the collar, words thundered across the sky, and Entreri briefly wondered if his lifelong scorning of the gods was less than prudent. He could offer no explanation for the voice, other than that a greater deity had shouted directly at them from their empyrean domain. Still, his body didn't allow his mind any of its resources, as he pulled, hauled and threw the both of them into the cover of the trees.

Once in the "shelter", Entreri regretted his choice immediately, for the thick trunks swayed like mere reeds in the breeze. Still-green leaves were whipped from swaying branches, which came crashing down around the pair. The cyclone ringing louder in his ears than his elevated heartbeat, Entreri dragged his companion to the thickest tree in proximity, tucking both of them as compactly as he could underneath the arching roots. He wanted to squeeze his eyes closed and curl up like his companion had, but he growled and settled for squeezing the skeletal hilt of Charon's Claw. He hardly knew why he bothered, for even the mighty Claw seemed no more threatening than a toothpick to the monstrous avian. Based on what little he'd seen of it, Entreri knew that they were to it as mice were to an elephant.

He couldn't have predicted what transpired next. A tremor so great shook the ground beneath them that Entreri wondered if Toril itself was splitting apart, followed by a gust that peeled the bark off of the trees. The sturdy trunk above them bent away before finally uprooting completely. Again, it was the assassin's finely-honed instincts that saved him and his companion, for he drove Charon's Claw into the tremulous earth until more than half the blade was buried, his strong grip their only anchor as their bodies whipped helplessly like flags of surrender in the relentless gust. Layers from his thick glove peeled away before his eyes in the seemly unending gale, as they did from his vambraces. He didn't bother to try to catch his heavy cloak when it, too, capitulated to the vicious onslaught, nor did he protest when his shoulderguards left his service abruptly. He winced as he felt his skin abrading, but his only other response was to draw the mercenary closer. Jarlaxle hadn't made any sounds, and it wasn't solely the perilous circumstance that prevented Entreri from considering the implications of his uncharacteristically quiet companion.

Entreri felt his body painfully strike the ground before he'd realized that the windstorm had passed. As he lifted his head, he found himself pinned, inexorably, with absolutely no chance of escape, by a stare that rendered his own steely gaze feeble by comparison. Staring down an ivory beak that was thicker than he was tall were two orbs, blacker than the deepest depths of the Underdark. Yet, within those bottomless spheres, shined an acuity that put the edge of his keen dagger to shame. 

Not mice to an elephant, Entreri realized grimly. Ticks to an elephant.

He didn't know how many thin breaths he drew, paralyzed under the god-like being's gaze. He'd forgotten about his companion, until the drow stirred and managed to weakly lift his head up. Entreri felt rather than heard Jarlaxle's soft gasp, but judging from the sharpening of the light in the monster's eyes, both of them had sensed it. 

"INSIGNIFICANT MORSELS," the creature boomed, its voice causing both companions to cringe away, "EVEN THE BIRD-FRIEND WAS NOT SO IMPRUDENT AS TO BE IMPUDENT BY SUMMONING ONE OF MY STATURE WITHOUT THE PROPER OFFERING! YET I SEE NEITHER ELEPHANT NOR MOOSE, NOT EVEN SO MUCH AS A SINGLE ROTHÉ!”

The gigantic beak clacked, and Entreri couldn't help but imagine his own body falling away in two neatly-cut pieces from it.

"SPEAK! I SHALL GIVE YOU ONE CHANCE TO HUMOR ME, BUT ONE CHANCE ONLY, AND KNOW THAT IT IS GRANTED FROM THAT YOU BOTH LOOK TOO RANGY TO MAKE EVEN A SATISFACTORY MEAL FOR MY BROOD!”

The assassin's dried lips parted, but his even dryer throat refused to emit a sound. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw his companion shakily rise, dipping clumsily into a bow. Whether Jarlaxle was suffering from the same fear that crippled himself or the physical weakness from before, Entreri knew not, but when the mercenary fell back down onto his knees, the assassin's heart fell with him.

And so it ends, thought Entreri. 

"I want one," he heard Jarlaxle whisper, and despite the danger inherent in breaking eye contact with the deadly predator, he had to ascertain with his own eyes whether his companion had lost the last of his wits.

He's completely gone, Entreri thought grimly, when he saw the grin and the nigh-maniacal glint in those ruby eyes.

"WHAT WAS THAT?" thundered the beast.

The drow clumsily struggled to his feet again, and this time, successfully performed his customary bow. 

"My good madam," Jarlaxle began, his hat held to his chest, "I fear that my friend and I were tasked with the unenviable duty to inform your most exalted self that the esteemed Bird-Friend has passed on."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" the monster roared, and Entreri saved from vocalizing the same thing, for he was too busy shrinking away from the boom.

The corners of Jarlaxle's lips did quiver as he fought the urge to wince, but he managed to keep his expression steady. The drow nodded somberly. 

"Alas, it transpired so quickly. We'd received a sending from the good man himself, and as we were on our way to call upon him, we'd received another sending, albeit this one was curtailed. His message was interrupted by some sort of magical interference, and all we were able to discern was his desire to convey his final well-wishes to his 'greatest of friends'." 

The gigantic bird let out a deafening squawk. "INSOLENT INSECTS! YOUR IMPETUOUSNESS KNOWS NO BOUNDS! YOU DARE LIE TO ME?

Jarlaxle's hands were already desperately waving in the air. "We would not dream of it, most esteemed one! Please consider this: it is not mere coincidence that you have graced us with your august presence. It was indeed the Bird-Friend's will!" 

Without thinking, Entreri drew the wand from Jarlaxle's belt pouch, holding it out for his companion to take. However, the mercenary didn't take it, instead grandly swinging both arms to indicate the wand held in the assassin's fingertips. 

"Good madam, do you recognize this?"

The ruffled feathers on that great avian head smoothed as the keen eyes studied the thin stick. Since Jarlaxle clearly had more urgent matters to attend to, Entreri considered personally uttering, “Ornithologist���, but his heart was in his throat. Just when the assassin was certain that he’d regurgitate his heart, the enormous creature finally responded.

"It seems that there is truth in your words. Bird-Friend never allowed that out of his sight." 

Entreri began to breathe a sigh of relief, when another thunderous vocalization knocked the breath out of him.

"DO NOT TAKE ME FOR A FOOL, INSIGNIFICANT PESTS! I KNOW THE VILENESS OF YOUR FEATHERLESS, TWO-LEGGED KIND. DARE YOU TO THINK THAT I WOULDN’T DISCERN THAT YOU ARE NAUGHT BUT MERE THIEVES?”

Entreri wondered if those bottomless orbs were scouring his soul. Nonetheless, he kept his expression vague, and continued to stiffly hold onto the wand. He didn't like it, but had to swallow the reality that it was all in Jarlaxle's hands now.

Again, the assassin thought with disgust.

The mercenary was patting the air, his expression aggrieved. "Nay, good madam, I implore you, do not wrong us so! We bear the noblest of intentions, in conveying the message of a mutual friend. Were we the mere thieves of which you speak, would we have been able to call upon you?"

Jarlaxle had the avian's full attention now, and Entreri wondered if that would grant him enough time to attempt to escape while the monster snapped the drow up whole.

"It is no mere chance!" the drow continued. "Please consider, good madam, was Bird-Friend one who relied on coincidence?"

The large ivory beak parted, and every chord of muscle in Entreri's body tensed. However, to his surprise, the gigantic head cocked, and the beak clacked a few times. The air rushing from each clack felt like a massive ball of wet earth being slammed into his ribs, but the assassin gritted his teeth and held absolutely still.

Above them, Selûne had climbed higher, and Entreri saw the beads of sweat hanging off the back of his companion's smooth scalp. He forced his gaze upon one of those beads, his stare so intense that it was as though he was trying to evaporate it by sheer force of will alone. It was all he could do to prevent his sensibilities from unraveling in the implacable gaze of the monstrous predator.

Finally, after the assassin had to shift his gaze to many new beads, the gigantic bird spoke again. However, this time, its voice was akin to a flowing river, rather than a tumultuous waterfall.

"You'd called upon my mate, but he is no more," the creature said. "He was the one that Bird-Friend called 'greatest of friends'."

Entreri dared to look into those dark pools again, and was surprised to find melancholy therein. Jarlaxle apparently saw it too, and to the assassin's shock and disbelief, his unpredictable companion actually approached the great creature, even dared to set his hand upon its deadly beak!

"Aye, good madam, but it is no coincidence that you are here. You see, it was never simply your mate who was his greatest of friends. It was all of you - your mate, yourself, and your brood."

To Entreri's further surprise, not only did Jarlaxle not lose a hand, the great creature even leaned into his touch. Wide lids closed over the colossal orbs, and another silence fell over the trio.

Suddenly, the giant eyes opened again, and the enormous head lifted away. The force nearly swept both assassin and mercenary forward. 

"The magic fades, little ones. The Land of Fate calls me back." The avian spread its enormous wings, and Entreri's heart dropped into his stomach. Visions from another lifetime filled him, of a great red dragon whose lair he'd been dragged into by this very same drow. He wondered why he'd let history repeat itself.

"In return for this kindness, you are welcome in my home, should you ever find yourselves in Zakhara." the great bird said. Then, there was nothing except the wide expanse and the night sky. The creature's voice still echoed, but there was no trace of it except for the troughs it'd clawed in the dirt, and the wrecked forest it left in its wake. 

Well, almost. Before the pair, where the creature had stood a heartbeat before, was a single gigantic azure feather. 

The wand fell from Entreri's fingers as he brought both hands to his face and slowly dragged his palms down his angular features. A shuffling from beside the assassin lifted his head to behold his companion, who was attempting to pick up the gigantic feather.

Entreri pushed himself up onto his rear and scowled at Jarlaxle's back. 

"What are you doing?"

All he got in response was a face full of azure plume.

"Beautiful, is it not?" Jarlaxle cooed, gently stroking the sky-blue vanes and paying no heed to his companion's flailing arms that desperately tried to push away the barbs enveloping him.  

A growl and a "shliss!" answered the mercenary, and the assassin stepped free amidst a flurry of shaved down. Jarlaxle let out a cry of dismay.

"Oh, but why, my abbil? It was perfect!"

"Was," Entreri replied shortly. The scrape of his dagger sliding into its sheathe accentuated the finality of his pronouncement. 

Jarlaxle sighed and gazed regretfully at the formerly perfectly-shaped blue feather.

"What would you have even done with it anyway?" Entreri snapped.

Jarlaxle pointed forlornly at his wide-brimmed hat, which was still missing its characteristic feather.

"It's bigger than you!" the irritated human gestured with wide flung arms.

Jarlaxle simply shrugged. "That hardly matters, especially not now after it's been ruined." Brightening, he added, "At least we know how to get another one!"

Entreri boggled. "You can't be serious."

"Why not? We were invited, after all!"

"Even if I agreed to accompany you to far away Zakhara, which I most certainly will not, I possess no desire to fight a creature that could swallow me whole for the sake of your vanity," Entreri said with a grimace.

To the assassin's chagrin, the drow laughed. "It's no wonder that you possess so few friends, my abbil. When one is invited to call upon another, it isn't a challenge to fight."

"It would hardly be a fight when I would be swallowed whole before I could draw."

"Foolishness doesn't suit you, my friend. We'd be no more than mere morsels for a creature such as that, she even informed us of such! Besides, there is more than one way to obtain a feather."

"Truly, you know how to comfort me. I suppose we could politely beg it to spare us one of its many fine plumes?" Entreri deadpanned.

Jarlaxle laughed again. "Beg? Hardly! I'd think by now you'd have realized that I have a way with women." He winked.

"Women?!" Entreri rocked back onto his heels. "That thing is bigger than Hephaestus! I wish not to attempt to negotiate with such a creature."

Mischief curled up one corner of the drow's lips. "Oh, but she was beautiful, was she not?"

The assassin didn't respond. He was simply grateful that it'd been many bells since he'd eaten.

[[ The giant bird that Jarlaxle accidentally summoned is a Zakharan roc, and, as luck would have it, the biggest variety of one: the great roc. These birds are 120 feet long with a 270 feet wingspan, making their bodies as large as those of adult red dragons (the largest species of chromatic dragons) with a wingspan that dwarfs that of the red dragon. 

Great rocs have been known to speak the languages of humanoid races, but typically they don’t speak Common, but rather the languages of the Land of Fate. I figured that through having a history with the bird scientist, this roc and her family picked up Common.

Unlike dragons however, even Zakharan great rocs aren’t inherently magical beings, so even if she wanted to take on a human form, it wouldn’t be something that she’d be able to enact on her own. Would Jarlaxle truly go there, though...? >_> ]]

[rwby-party]

@dcdsatria​ Hi I saw what you wrote I just haven’t gotten to it yet because tbh I’m not sure what to do besides this lmao

However I have come up with a response

I feel like the best way to combat that would be writing it “correctly” if you will. I always hate to say it like that because it feels more egotistical than I mean it lol. In my writings I’m planning to show a LOT more discrimination toward the Faunus in it. I feel like that’s an oversight rn.

There are a lot of ways to show just subtle racism, and I feel like RWBY has a few of them. Jacques for example saying “We pay them the same amount so their argument is invalid right out the gate” is focusing on one aspect of the problem and not that they may be doing a lot more or be mistreated, or as a whole aren’t considered the same as humans,ect.

I also think it’s pretty implied that Mantle is a faunus ghetto with Ilia’s story. I kinda headcanoned that beforehand so I might be biased lol. That is a good example of 

and while I do see little things, I feel like there needs to be more

In my story (Whenever I get around to writing it lmao) one of the background chars sees one of mine with a faunus after a prom party type thing and is uncomfortable. She asks some of the people running it “I think she needs an escort.” Then the faunus guy promptly replies that he IS her escort. People around them kinda realize that was racist. Imagine if seeing Armed faunus rose fear in humans despite plenty of huntsmen and others it seems carrying around weapons. Imagine faunus being killed by humans in acts of “self defense” and getting away with it.  Imagine police brutality with faunus.  Imagine faunus having trouble getting jobs or work just because they’re faunus. Imagine these faunus being told they don’t work as hard and constantly being nit picked by their bosses at work. Imagine Faunus jobs being threatened for power play.  Imagine jails filled with faunus over little things or things they aren’t even guilty for.  Imagine faunus feeling agony when a faunus actually does something bad, knowing that humans will try to use it to justify their bigotry and that they have to “atone” to them being guilty. Imagine faunus like Ilia putting make up over their faunus traits or just faunus trying to hide their traits because they’re constantly shown as ugly in various media. That human traits are the better, prettier, and superior traits. Imagine faunus parents having to give their children “The Talk” Imagine faunus believing all the hate spewed about them and having little to no self esteem because of their internalized racism. Imagine people refusing to work with faunus. Imagine people unnerved when a faunus walks by them. Imagine humans trying to claim “Reverse Racism” and saying that they’re the ones being oppressed. People saying that humans are superior.  imagine certain types of faunus being seen as exotic. Mixed faunus having the “Best of both worlds.”  Hell, to throw a silly one in here, imagine if common misconceptions about animals applied to faunus as well. People thinking bat faunus are always blind. People thinking elephant faunus are scared of mice, or that Bull faunus are enraged by the color red. People thinking lemming faunus have a high suicide rate or that cat faunus can always land on their feet. ect.

Imagine showing an actual systematic oppression of faunus rather than just 2-3 isolated incidents.

And these are things I still see today. These aren’t in the past. And while not all of them are “Subtle”, a lot are. 

That got a little longer than I intended it to be, but I think you can get what I’m saying just a few lines in lol. 

I also personally feel like with how the WF is getting more radical to the point of a lot of faunus not liking it, there would be other organizations besides the WF arguing for faunus rights. I just feel like that being the only one (Or at least the only big one) is a little weird?.

and like someone else said on that post I made, Blake wasn’t necessarily 100 percent wrong. I don’t think it’s wrong to say that by not speaking, others will speak for you, but the fact that she tried to do the blaming on them was the part that I felt weird about. Just that in tandem with what I said in that rant just made things feel really off.

I don’t really know what to do because I’m a terrible writer with little to no experience writing any stories and haven’t even started my story lmao but I think the best advice would be research and learning from RWBY’s hiccups. Finding out about different types of racism, how other’s have experienced racism, and finding a lot of it (as there are many different ways racism can affect someone) would really help in that sense.

[tipsycad147]

20 Insects & Animals For Making Your Magic Powerful

SL Bear

In the final installment of this series, we’re going to finish up the animal kingdom with insects and mammals. These two vastly different groups have much to lend to our magic. The similarities and differences between these two types of critters and ourselves can illuminate many of our own strengths, weaknesses, and abilities within the craft. I enjoyed this project so much, and I hope all you animal-loving witches out there find it helpful!

Creepy Crawlies

Scarab

Beetles can be solid black or iridescent and metallic colours, hiding a set of wings under their protective armour. Although they spend much of their time combing the earth, they can fly when they need to escape or travel great distances and so embrace both earth and air elements. Most notably, the beetle is a hard worker, toiling with a task until it’s completed. For the particularly unmotivated witch, the beetle or scarab will be a champion for them when they need help finishing a job, and a shiny reminder that you can often find joy in simply completing a job well. Beetles also happen to be great at using their environment and “recycling” elements, so they can be a power animal for any eco-friendly witches.

Dragonfly

Seen as a guide or a sign. The dragonfly may come to you when you least expect it, but it means it’s time to do some soul searching and that someone or something is trying to send you a message. Notice the dragonfly’s colors, which way it flies, if it leads you anywhere and where you are when you see it. These are all clues to the inward journey you need to take to unlock some hidden potential or steer your course. Whatever you do, do not harm the dragonfly!

Grasshopper

If a grasshopper or cricket jumps out of your path, this is a sign of luck and means you should take a risk. If it stays put, it means you should be more grounded and changing things up is not a good idea right now. Although annoying to some, the grasshopper plays a “song” by rubbing its back legs together, so this creature symbolises being proud of being yourself and “singing” loudly, without shame! Wear the symbol of the grasshopper as a lucky charm or whenever you feel you’re losing your sense of self.

Scorpion

Scorpions are ancient guardians, guiding souls to the afterlife. In places where poisonous scorpions flourish, people are afraid to even say their name for fear it may call the critter forth. Although not inherently wicked, the scorpion is aggressive when challenged and should be called on when you need to bring out the big magical guns to protect yourself. Use the scorpion symbol with caution — this is an animal to use when you want to burn bridges, so don’t use when just a little sting will do.

Moth

Creatures of the night, forever searching for the flame. The moth can symbolise a disturbed soul, lost in darkness, hunting for enlightenment and ready to sacrifice itself in the heat of the light. Although similar anatomically to butterflies, moths are considered the opposite symbolically — restless, unhappy, and confused. A good animal to use in curses when you want to upset and confound an enemy and send them reeling from their path.

Spider

On one hand, spiders are masters of construction and organisation. A spider’s web is a thing of beauty and can be baffling to behold. On the other hand, spiders are seen as devious, pulling the strings from hidden safety and ensnaring the unsuspecting. The spider can be used as a divinatory guide for you, showing how all the strands of the web are connected and where there are holes or mistakes that need to be fixed. I suggest astral travel as well and using spider imagery to get to the root of problems.

Great & Small

Elephant

An intelligent, huge mammal that lives within a matriarchal society where mama calls the shots. This is an animal for witch mothers and witches seeking to honour their mothers. Elephants, for some reason, are often portrayed as gentle giants but do not be fooled. They can go into rampages and kill with ease, especially when it comes to protecting their families. Matriarchs guide their herds based on centuries’ worth of knowledge, all of which is passed down from mothers to their daughters. Invoke this animal whenever you’d like to honour the sacrifices of your ancestors or when you feel you need extra strength or wisdom.

Panda

This striking animal is all about the sweet life! Living easy, living comfortably, and just doing whatever comes naturally. In Asian cultures, the panda is revered as a symbol of luck, but also peace, and it’s easy to see why. Pandas do seem lucky, spending all their time munching on bamboo and enjoying shady forests. Whenever you need to de-stress, focus on this animal, draw black and white circles, and meditate on small things that bring you joy.

Buffalo & Bison

A symbol of abundance and earth. These animals depend on the herd to survive, so are natural symbols of family and grounding. Native Americans hunted the bison for meat and their pelts provided warmth and protection, and so they are seen as an animal with great spiritual importance. Life itself. Call on this generous animal for protection, as a connection to the earth and whenever you perform abundance spells.  

Cow

Sacred in Hinduism, and a guide for mothers struggling with fertility issues. Cows provide milk and meat and are seen as extremely maternal. While it doesn’t seem like a very majestic animal, we depend on the cow for so much (just like our mothers!), and this is a great symbol to turn to when you need a little nurturing yourself. This animal can be called upon when you need advice and cow’s milk can be offered to patrons and spirits.

Coyote

Like the fox, the coyote is seen as a trickster but is also associated with the moon (in the Southwest you’ll often hear them howling in the middle of the night). Coyotes are sly and can convey messages in different ways — often through games — and only the wisest can decipher the coyote’s meaning. Pay attention if you see the coyote in dreams and take note of its actions, but don’t be fooled by it! This animal can be used in magic as a guide when you’re doing spirit work or communicating with ancestors. Draw the image of the howling coyote on yourself during the full moon to learn secrets.

Dog

Animals that live so closely with humans always have varied and rich symbolism, but almost universally the dog is seen as a powerful and loyal guardian. Draw paw prints on your feet and snip a little hair from the tail of your dog to carry in your wallet as a talisman against any enemies.

Goat

As a symbol of virility and lustiness, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more robust animal than the goat. The word horny originates with the goat and with good reason. Horns feature prominently in fertility rituals around the world, and horns are seen as symbols of great abundance (the Horn of Plenty, for example). Use the goat’s image or a pair of ethically harvested goat horns in spells and rituals to spice up your sex life!

Jaguar

Shapeshifter, associated with the moon. The jaguar kills with one blow, and was revered by the Mayans, who wore their skins and erected temples in their honor. The jaguar is an animal to be respected and its spirit can be called on to give one stealth and the ability to throw enemies off their tracks. They are also guides, and can be paired with moonstones whenever you need help or extra power during spellwork.

Lion

The ultimate animal symbol of the sun. The male of this species is draped in a crown of golden hair and is the king of the savannah. Naturally, this animal symbolises strength and can be called on during any trying situation. The female of the species does most of the hunting and caring for the family, in cooperation with other members of her family, so the symbol of the lioness can be used in spells focused on teamwork or overcoming conflict with sisters or female coworkers. I suggest also using the lion symbol in curses when you’d like to damage someone’s pride.

Monkey

These creative, intelligent, happy creatures are perfect animals to call on when you need to laugh. Monkeys are also highly tricky, and evade their enemies by deftly flying through the treetops, swinging from branch to branch. They are depicted in stories as mischievous and make excellent symbolic companions for witches who like to play games with their magic. Keep an image of a monkey on you before a night out with your friends to ensure you all laugh with abandon.

Mouse

A symbol of quiet, and in some cases, death. People fear mice; they are seen as dirty and riddled with disease. I see the mouse as a survivor though. She evades predators, follows humans around because they drop food, and adapts to life all over the globe. Invoke the mouse when you need to move in secret and when you crave quiet. A lot of witches are sensitive to sound and introverted witches find peace through silence. Use the mouse as a guide and a symbol during meditation to focus your stillness and calm.

Pig

Despite what you might have heard, pigs are clean, smart, and form strong family bonds. It seems quite unfair that we use the word “pig” as a derogatory term, when these animals are actually creatures of abundance and joy. Use the pig symbol in your magic to bring happiness and extra wealth to your piggy banks.

Deer & Stag

This is a deeply spiritual animal and is believed to guide searchers of truth on quests of enlightenment. This animal is associated with herb magic, so all witches who use herbs would do well to honour this animal on their altars in some way. Particularly useful animals in astral projection, meditation and spirit work.  

Tiger

The lion’s equivalent in Eastern cultures, the tiger is the king of beasts. Many tales describe the tiger as wildly angry and fierce. This animal is also the symbol of nobility and, horribly, killing a tiger was a way men showed their dominion over nature — by destroying the most powerful animal out there. Instead of trying to tame the tiger, I suggest witches try to embody its best traits: Finding beauty in solitude, moving with grace, and protecting yourself when threatened.

https://thetravelingwitch.com/blog/20-insects-animals-for-making-your-magic-powerful

[sunshinedjh]

The Wolf of The Woods Part Twenty

Word Count: 1703

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Wattpad<<<

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Warnings: violence

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Phil looked behind him to make sure Dan was definitely gone. It might have been a little dramatic making the boy run but Phil knew what he was like, he wouldn't have wanted to leave Phil's side unless they were in mortal danger. And arguably, as Phil gulped turning back around to face the threat, they were.  

'Hello there Phil' 

 Seamus stepped out from behind the bush he'd been using for cover. It was a miracle Dan hadn't seen him really, Phil had spotted him as soon as he gazed over in the right direction. He stood out like an elephant in a room full of mice. 

'What are you doing here?' Phil said coldly. 

'Oh nothing, I was just walking home from school, minding my own business...' 

'Quit the fake kindness Seamus, we all know you don't have a heart' 

Seamus grinned, a horrible toothy grin and edged closer to Phil. 

'Now now Lester, your mummy told me to look after you when you moved here remember?' he said in an bittersweet tone gripping hold of Phil's shirt aggressively. 'I was soooo worried about you last lesson you know? I didn't know where you'd gone, I figured you and your boyfriend had got yourself into a spot of trouble... and judging by your little conversation I just overheard, it seems you have' 

Phil froze. He tried to back away only to find himself drawn in closer to the other boy, the grip on his shirt ten times tighter. 

'H, how much did you hear?' Phil trembled. 

'Oh, enough I can assure you' Seamus smirked 'a werewolf huh? I wouldn't have thought that scrawny little misfit had it in him' Phil was growing angry now. The grip Seamus had on his collar was strangling him now, there was no doubt about it, he just hoped that this didn't have to progress any further.

'Trust you to fall in love with a monster' 

All restraint Phil had been trying to have was ditched instantly. He ripped Seamus's hand from his shirt, a button falling off in the process, and slammed him against a tree. He pinned him there by his shoulders and looked him furiously in the eyes. 

'What did you just say!?' Phil growled, surprising even himself at how intimidating he sounded. 

'I said, that boy is a monster, what are you gonna do about it tough guy?' 

What kind of spineless idiot was he? He was literally pinned defencelessly to a tree, Phil could do literally anything to him and there would be no one around to hear any of it. 

But Phil stopped at that thought. What was he doing? Was he really going to prove his point this way? Dan may not be a monster but right now at that very moment, it was Phil who was being the monster. He let his grip loosen, arms falling hopelessly to his sides. The anger on his face, though still present, was now met with fear. 

'You wanna fight me?' Seamus asked, it seemed it was him who was back to being the intimidating one. 

'Not really' Phil said half heartedly, he was just being honest really. Besides, he didn't really think he had the courage to fight anymore. 

'Well that sure is a shame, we were quite looking forward to some bloodshed' 

'W, what do you mean we?' Phil said uneasily. 

'Oh, how rude of me... psst, boys!' He called. 

Two tall figures darted out from behind a nearby tree. It didn't take a genius to figure out who they were, the ugly laughter that echoed round the forest made it pretty self explanatory. 

'Welcome to the fun' Phil mumbled through gritted teeth as he feigned bravery. 

'Listen up chump' Harvey hissed. 'You're about to get it' 

At that precise moment Seamus decided the grab hold of Phil's shirt again. The tables had turned and Phil now found himself pressed against the tree. 

'If it isss true that you happen to be in a relationship with a monster who turns out to be more of a freak than we thought him to be, then we need to do something about that' Jack spat, now joining the conversation. He was stood slightly behind Seamus, the three of them surrounding Phil in seemingly the best, most intimidating formation. 

'I won't let you hurt Dan' Phil said proudly. 

'Yes, that's the problem' Seamus spoke again 'you won't let us anywhere near the twirp to even find out if he's a threat to us...' 

'Pfftt, a threat? What do you think he's gonna do, slaughter your families?' 

Phil wasn't entirely sure what had make him say such a cocky remark. 

'Who knows what he could do, the kid's a beast! If he really is a godamn werewolf he could kill us all!' Jack said, dramatically.

'What are you going to do to him?' Phil scowled. 

'Whatever we have to' Harvey grinned, edging closer. 'But since the little shit got away, we'll just have get you first and him later' 

Seamus, with his other hand, gripped hold of Phil's neck 

'We won't hurt you to badly though, consider this a warning, of everything that's to come. After all, we've still got to find out if the two of you were really telling the truth about Dan's little predicament.' 

Seamus flashed Phil a grin. Deceivingly ceasing grip on his neck for a moment, of course, he wasn't letting him go or anything. No. He was just getting ready to...

Phil felt the punch hit him square in the jaw. The impact threw him backwards, causing the back of his head to slam against the tree. It should have hurt more. Should have stung and burned with pain. But it didn't. Phil only felt dazed and confused, he'd never hit his head so hard before. He could hear laughter around him and at some point he'd fallen to the floor, but the laughter seemed distant, it felt like it was coming from far away. The pain hit him then. It was agonizing, it drowned out all other senses, he wasn't sure if Seamus and the others were still here. They could have left, or they could have been still there laughing at him, taunting him. Phil didn't know. All he knew was pain. 

Was this how Dan felt when he transformed? No, what he had to go through must be ten times worse. Phil rose slowly to his feet. If Dan could get through the things he did while going through that much pain then Phil could sure as hell get through this. 

The walk home was strenuous. Phil's vision and hearing still impaired even as he was approaching familiar territory. The boys must have left though, as he didn't come across them again. He could only hope that they hadn't gone to Dan. No, they wouldn't Phil was sure, what had they said? They needed to make sure Dan really was a werewolf before doing something about it? Yes something like that. Well, at least he was sure the hit to the head hadn't given him amnesia. 

By some miracle he actually made it home, however it did take him almost two hours longer than usual. His senses had become much stronger again now, though he was nowhere near recovered, the pain in his head still throbbing violently. As he climbed up the ladder he called out the familiar name. 

'Dan' It had sounded much louder in his head but it seemed the quiet tone was all he could manage. 

'Phil?' It seemed as though that weak voice had been enough. Dan was already stood in the doorway as Phil reached the top of the ladder. 

As soon as Phil crossed the threshold Dan threw his arms around him. He didn't want to let go, closing the door with one hand while still draped around the other man. 

'What happened?' Dan pulled away finally 'Are you okay, are you hurt... oh Phil, your eye!' He gasped. 

'Hmm what? Oh, I...' 

Phil reached to touch his face, only to instantly pull away his hands at the pain.

'Who did this to you?' Dan questioned, reaching up to touch the black eye Phil only just realized he had. For some reason it didn't seem to hurt when Dan touched it, his delicate hands caressing the bruise ever so gently. 

'Seamus... gang... they...'

'Wait how did they find us?' 

'I don't know Dan but they overheard everything we were saying down by the lake' Phil said in a surprisingly calm voice, despite the fact he was panicking, despite the fact he was in pain, he still wanted to deliver this news to Dan in the best way possible. The way that would hurt him least. 

'W, what were we saying that was so important any... Oh' 

The realization hit Dan square in the face. Phil was glad that he didn't have to say it, that Dan had come to the conclusion on his own, but that didn't make it hurt any less. 

'Oh Phil...' 

The two embraced again. It was the only way to let out all he emotion they felt in that moment, although it seemed doubtful that any kind of gesture could fully express that amount of emotion. 

'Phil are you okay, your eye looks really bad, if you want I can...' 

'No. Dan, don't worry about me I'm fine. they said they're going to do much worse to you, don't you understand what they want to do to you? They want to hurt you, much more than they just hurt me...' 

'I don't care about that Phil. It hasn't happened yet, we'll find a way to deal with it when it comes but right now I don't care. I only care about you' 

It seemed that even in that moment the two boys cared more for each other than they did themselves. Each of them willing to put the other before them self even in a moment of extreme peril. 

'I, I... I care about you too Dan' Phil smiled up at the brunette, taking hold of his hand and stroking it with his thumb. Dan smiled back at him. 

'Come on, let's go get some rest'