#be in situations were its just not necessary

[magerightsmagefights]

This reminds me of the sentiment I had when I first played the game, when I got to know both Davrin and Lucanis that I thought, "Hmm. These seem like two petri dishes of Fandom Romance, labelled "Blackwall Concept" and "Blackwall Appearance" respectively.

Let me explain.

I am not saying that either Davrin or Lucanis are based on Blackwall, nor that they are Blackwall cut in half. But in terms of story, and particularly the way the first few scenes treat Davrin/Rook vs. Blackwall/Inquisitor, there are a few striking similarities.

Their first scene introduces us to an (assumed) Grey Warden, who is gruff, action-oriented, and will take control of a dangerous situation without hesitation. Through external storytelling (Assan/Blackwall's recruits) we are also told that this man has a gentler, nurturing side to him, and a goal to protect those weaker than him. This man is not awestruck by the protagonist; indeed, he's comfortable issuing orders to them if the situation calls for it. He isn't recruited by any initial attraction to the protagonist; he agrees to join the team because he has a deep-rooted urge to help, to save, and to protect.

As we get more acquainted with this Grey Warden, we learn more about him: he's comfortable and competent in a command structure, no matter whether he is subordinate, superior, or comrade. He likes animals, is generally laid-back, and carves wood in his spare time. He protects the innocent, and admires those who do the same. He's self-sacrificing to a fault, perhaps to a worrying degree, but that's par for the course with Grey Wardens.

Here, of course, the two paths diverge. Davrin is a woodsman in the Dalish sense, with a love for nature and a soft, mischievious side he thought he'd left behind in childhood. Blackwall is, well, Blackwall, and who he appears to be is different than who he is. But that's what I'm talking about. Appearances. Because the first few scenes are how most people get their first impression of Blackwall, they don't know the truth about him.

All to say, everything Blackwall appears to be at the start, Davrin actually is. Everything you thought you were getting from Blackwall, Davrin actually delivers. Gruff, masculine with a soft side, Grey Warden warrior who self-sacrifices. Love for animals, love for those weaker than himself, and willing to cut his own throat to feed the flower of hope.

And then we have Lucanis. He is nothing at all like Blackwall, except that they are middle-aged men with long(ish) black hair and excellent black beards. There's not much else to say.

It's so clean-cut, it feels like a science experiment. If not for DAV's hellish development cycle, I'd wonder if it was deliberate. Here sit our two petri dishes, and between them sits a question: Is it the character concept, or the appearance?

Given the preceding posts, and the general nature of the DA fandom, I think the answer is self-evident. But this is about more than popularity. Blackwall wasn't the most popular Inquisition romance. This is about who the fandom is markedly aggressive to. On its own, the sentiment "Davrin is irrelevant" is, frankly, bizarre. Others have already mention how crucial he is to the main plot, so no need to retread old ground. This isn't even about relevance, because plenty of DA companions are irrelevant to their main games. That's why you can kill, send away, or simply refuse to recruit so many of them in the first place. Davrin is certainly more 'relevant' than Blackwall, and yet there is far more discourse around him. Davrin is far more crucial to the main plot, and yet there is still that constant string of questions about whether he's "really necessary? Do we really have to pay attention to him? So what? He's the least interesting companion, not because he's Black, it's just because he's badly written."

Is he, though?

Is he?

i'm sorry but the "da fandom is a little racist BUT veilguard holds most of the blame for making davrin so irrelevent in the game" excuse is the weakest shit i've ever heard. no actually i genuinely think this is almost exclusively a fandom issue. like i won't argue that the "davrin vs harding choice is reliant on assan" shit john epler pushed was unbelievably racist and i won't argue that there's merit to the fact that it was tone deaf at Best to have the black man's character arc so reliant on his animal companion but i'm sorry you cannot fucking convince me that the "knight in shining armor with a gentle heart and a cute animal companion that takes you out on picnic dates and carves you little wooden trinkets" character is not almost Perfectly Engineered to be the most popular romance option in any game ever and yes i fully believe the only reason he isn't is entirely hinged on the fact that he's black and no amount of whataboutism towards the devs can convince me otherwise

[damned-punk]

Happy Birthday Killer (Killer x Reader)

@gratefulcheeses Kidd Pirate’s Month 2025 🏴‍☠️

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Content Warning: self esteem issues

Content Description: Killer is going through a difficult time following the SMILE incident but you have hope for the future ♡

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Following Killer’s selfless consumption of the failed SMILE fruit, your relationship had changed. You weren’t sure if it was for better or worse, but a metamorphosis had taken place where you were closer but farther apart than ever before. He was still Killer, undeniably the man that you loved, but things were different. It was as though he cared even less about himself than usual, constantly throwing himself into the most dire situations for the most minuscule gain. He worried you and no matter how you articulated this to him, he just wasn’t getting it.

It wasn’t that he’d grown cold or distant, but rather that he was preventing himself from feeling anything toward you. He despised his laugh and that it was the only way he could display his affections for you, he didn’t want to lose you but he didn’t want you to have to live with him like this. He’d said many times that this wasn’t what you signed up for and that he would not fault you for leaving him, it was all too much to bear. Turning to the only other person on earth who might be able to get through to him, you brought the issue to the Captain.

His usual reprieve of being a loud, sarcastic asshole was lost as soon as Killer was brought up. This was just as dire and near to Kidd as it was to you, he’d nearly lost his best friend too. It took days for Killer to even speak to Kidd, the image of him bandaged head to toe and laughing maniacally through tears would never leave you. Kidd of course agreed to help, never shying away from anything that concerned his partner, and instructed you to give them space for the time being.

This was somewhat of a problem as Killer’s birthday was only a short time away and you wanted so deeply for him to relax, even if just for a few hours. You considered coordinating with the crew for a nice dinner and time spent together but it just didn’t seem appropriate. They were rowdy as hell and while letting loose did seem appealing, it wasn’t right for the occasion. Killer had been sleeping in his own cabin since the incident which had been hard in its own right, but it allowed you to prepare in privacy. You lightly decorated and prepared a quiet celebration only to be enjoyed by the two of you, three if Killer wanted Kidd at his side.

It was strange going about things in this manner, Killer was far from delicate but this felt necessary. You’d already had an idea for his gift and wrapped it in a small black box with a blue bow, simplistic and perhaps a bit silly but hopefully something that would bring him even the smallest amount of joy. You’d had it made on an island during one of your last supply runs, ensuring that you saved it for his birthday.

Once things were settled in your cabin, you let Kidd know your plans and he agreed that approaching the celebration in this manner was the best course of action. The crew still showered him with congratulations and gifts, but you wanted to preserve some level of intimacy for time with him that you hadn’t had in a while. You waited until that evening, approaching him after cake had been passed.

“Meet me in my cabin when you’re ready.”, you leant up to speak near his ear, giving his arm a light squeeze for reassurance.

You waited for him on the bed, gift in hand, hoping that he wouldn’t be against spending time alone together. The minutes felt like hours but just as you began reaching the threshold patience, heavy footsteps echoed through the empty corridor just outside your cabin door. They stopped outside for a few moments, likely in an attempt for him to brace himself for whatever you had planned. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t worried, you’d been so patient with him for so long that he wouldn’t be surprised if you were fed up. He reluctantly grasped the door handle and pushed the door open, awkwardly standing in the doorway after closing the two of you off from the others.

“Come sit.”, you held a small smile on your face as you patted the spot on the bed next to you.

He wordlessly obeyed, making his way over to occupy the space at your side.

“Happy Birthday, I hope you like it.”, you stated softly while placing the gift in his hands.

He laughed for a moment, his expression caged by his mask. You studied the way the mask contoured around his skull, your eyes combed over the grooves in the metal from Kidd’s handy work. You hated the mask for what it represented, but it was a part of Killer no less. He seemed to be unsure about opening the box, he felt like he didn’t deserve to receive something from you after so many terrible things transpired on Wano.

After several long and grueling moments, he finally opened the box and lifted the silly present to hang between his fingers. It was a small golden bracelet with the teeniest, tiniest pasta charm. On the back of the charm were your’s and his initials, a small gesture that he could wear and know that you were with him always. Suddenly, his laugher surmounted and his head flew backwards. He did what he could to stifle the sound, his shoulders shaking violently. You wrapped your arms about him, his hands lifting to meet your skin.

“Thank you, (Y/N). I’m sorry I-“, he began to apologize but you stopped him immediately.

“None of that… not tonight. You don’t have anything to apologize for.”, you reassured him, “I love you and I know that we can get through this… Always have and always will.”

“Always have and always will.”, he repeated, tucking your promise into the back of his mind for safe keeping.

There was undoubtedly a lot of uncertainly on these seas but a small part of you was sure that things would work out in the end, no matter what that would look like.

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[ahrianee]

[🌌] It is a curious presentation without a doubt.

Couple: Roboute Guilliman x Rena Caeruleun (Oc)

Warnings: English is not my main language, I'm sorry if there are things that are not understood, I tried to look for several translation sites to avoid mistakes, but surely there will be some, I apologize again

Notes: I'm just writing whenever I feel like it, so this is going to be very messy chronologically, now we're going back to when they were kids.

Summary: Falling on top of someone can't be the worst presentation, right? Of course it is the worst presentation.

A loud whip crack resounds in the room, the younger woman holds back her moan of pain while still keeping her back straight, trying to avoid another blow from the governess.

The older woman's frivolous and bitter face is the only thing she sees right now, her small hands clench trying to forget the pain in her back.

── Lady Rena, keep your back straight, a real lady would never slouch, no matter how exhausted she is ──

This time it is the governess's voice that resounds, scolding the young girl of no more than eight years old, who keeps her back straight but her gaze averted from the woman, another chaste and quick blow resounds.

This time the scream escapes the girl's lips.

── When I'm talking you have to look at my face, Lady Rena ──

Someone so straight and with rules in each of her thoughts, is trying to teach a girl who until now only wanted to be free and play.

── Lady Rena, the Caeruleun family, are noble, that makes you a noble too, you always have to be elegant and graceful with whatever you do. . . If not when you go out to adult life they will eat you and leave nothing of you ──

Her words are buried deep inside her, a thorn that has been stuck and can no longer be removed, that voice, those words, at this age children are so easy to mold. . . And at the same time so easy to break by others.

── Now repeat after me Lady Rena. . . I must be a noble lady, who will not make any mistake ──

── . . . I must be a noble lady, who will not make any mistake ──

── I will always be elegant in any situation ──

── . . . I will always be elegant in any situation ──

── Remember my words Lady Rena, I do this only for your own good, the Caeruleun family cannot stain its honor because you make a mistake ──

The girl can only nod in absolute silence, it is not the first time, nor will it be the last, if the governess showed herself to be someone kind at the beginning, after the first classes, she became what she is now, a strict lady who resorts to physical punishment if necessary.

── I will retire for now, see you next week Lady Rena, I hope to see great progress in you. . . Your family expects a lot from you ──

With that said, the governess leaves the room closing the door behind her, when the footsteps stop echoing in the hallway, the little girl's body falls to her knees against the floor, she raises her hands to her face drying the tears that fall one after another without stopping, she just wants to have fun, be free, and. . . I don't have to continue with these classes.

She remains seated on the floor, while hugging her legs tightly, she should simply give up, and accept that this is how her life will be, she has to be a noble, elegant lady without any fault.

Because in the end, it is as her governess says, they will end up eating her in the social world if she continues acting in such a childish way, crying over these trivial things.

Her thoughts begin to consume her slowly, sitting on that white fur rug that she likes so much, she feels more and more crushed by the words of her governess, everything becomes silent, she is beginning to go around in circles without stopping and getting lost in her thoughts.

Or it was like that until the door to her room slowly opened, Rena raises her hands to her face wiping away the rest of her tears, she couldn't keep crying for these things, she had to be strong, show that they can't step on her so easily, if they wanted a little girl to be perfect, she would be.

[ . . . ]

This time, it wasn't the rays of light coming through her window that woke her up, but the overwhelming number of servants, six to be exact, not counting her personal maid and the head butler, who had entered in a row one after the other.

The head butler is here, extending his arms towards the young girl in her bed, her hair completely fluffed and disheveled from her bad habit of moving while sleeping, Rommel can't help but laugh softly, since the little girl arrived at the house she felt like she complemented the place brilliantly.

── Good morning Lady Rena ──

Rommel's voice speaks softly so as not to scare her, Rena slowly recovers while she is in Rommel's arms, raising her hands to rub her eyes and remove the rest of the sleep that remains.

── Good morning Rommel ──

She says in a low tone, just as she finishes she lets out a yawn, her small body knows that it is early, at least earlier than when she usually wakes her up for her first etiquette class.

Rommel walks calmly with Rena in his arms, along with two maids who follow them from behind, while the multiple servants begin to prepare what he needs for when his young lady returns.

Walking calmly towards the bathroom that they had prepared just a few minutes ago, several bath salts and aromatic herbs impregnate the water with a pinkish tone.

── Why are they making so much noise since morning? ──

The question escapes Rena's lips who begins to feel more and more deserted in this situation.

── Today is an important day Lady Rena, her mother Duchess Ceres must have told her how important today is ──

Rena stares at Rommel in silence, not knowing exactly what he is referring to, it is early in the morning, her little brain is still processing the nice dream she had eating all the sweets she could imagine without worrying about what others think.

She slowly denies it but doesn't ask either, she is not as interested as she should be, the head butler just laughs softly and leaves the young lady of the house on the warm carpet at the foot of the marble bathtub, the aroma is soft and sweet, without a doubt he had taken great care in doing this.

Rommel steps back a little so the maids can approach and begin to undress the young lady. Rena sighs softly, her lower back still hurt, but they hadn't left superficial marks, they had only left internal marks. The governess knows how to hit so that it hurts but doesn't leave a mark after a few minutes.

They gently put her in the bathtub, and begin to soap her jet black hair with that mixture that she likes so much with fruity scents. The girl can't help but start humming at the comfortable sensation that is embracing her, a bathtub with hot water that relaxes her small muscles, and a sweet aroma that doesn't become cloying.

She admits that she loves bathing, she would have liked to bathe alone and enjoy all this in peace, but it seems that today will not be like that. Rommel approaches the bathtub with a calm step after a few minutes, enough to leave the young lady clean and shiny.

One of the maids approaches with a small jar of oil, and begins to spread it on her white skin. Is there always so much preparation? Not at all, the girl blames it on the fact that they keep saying that today is a very important day.

Rommel with a large, fluffy white towel in his hand carefully wraps the little girl, seconds later he carefully lifts her in his arms, for him taking care of the young lady was undoubtedly easier than with the Duke's older children, one certainly too disastrous, and the other simply indifferent, compared to the youth of the young masters, the young lady is undoubtedly the easiest to take care of.

Those old bones remember each of the small wars that the young masters gave her.

── Lady Rena has not said a word for a while. Is everything okay? ──

The girl nods softly, being in Rommel's arms.

── Are the etiquette classes being too hard? ──

And as if it were a sixth sense, Rommel hits the nail on the head with Rena's concerns, but she quickly denies it.

── They are fine, they are not very harsh ──

There are doubts in his words but not enough for the head butler to fully realize, the girl does not have enough courage to tell them that she really feels overwhelmed by all the classes, from the beginning it was like that.

── Madam Minerva, is an amazing governess, she has guided many young ladies until turning them into perfect and charming ladies ──

And here is the reason, Madam Minera's high esteem in the environment of social status, she knows that her parents would believe in her words does not put it in doubt, but there is a glimpse of doubt of a possible, what if they do not believe in her?

And if you think she's just complaining because she's a little girl who's been living a carefree life.

She gently shakes her head and hides in Rommel's chest, covering her face with the towel. The head butler sighs softly. He knows that something is worrying the young lady, but he can't investigate further if she doesn't let him.

[ . . . ]

── But Duchess Ceres said that it had to be a navy blue dress ──

One of the maids says while holding a blue dress with silver details, the opposite one with whom she is arguing is holding a sky blue dress with gold details.

── Duchess Ceres said blue, she did not specify, exact tone, this dress is more comfortable for Lady Rena ──

Rena looks from right to left, the one who is saying that she should wear a more comfortable dress is her personal maid, Juno, younger than the rest of the maids, but also more empathetic, she always thinks about the well-being of her young lady before the rest of the matters.

Rommel joins in the discord, holding a blue dress, with a neutral tone between the two previous ones, Rena who is sitting on the sofa after having her hair combed and organized her short hair in an elegant updo, simply can't take this situation anymore.

She looks from one side to the other, the other three maids who combed her hair are arguing about what jewelry she should wear in this very important situation.

They keep repeating that it is a very important day but they don't say why it is a very important day, at the same time they also repeat over and over that their young lady has to look more perfect than she already looks normally.

The three who were arguing about what dress Lady Rena should wear, quickly turn towards her, scaring her when they put the three dresses in front of her face.

── Let her try all three, we'll see which one looks best on her ──

It seems that this has become a competition in all its splendor, Rena looks at Rommel hoping that he comes to his senses, but he seems to be one of the most excited, if not the most excited, now Rena's pleading eyes seek salvation in Juno, but she is another one whose eyes burn with excitement to see her lady trying on dresses.

── Which one will be the first that Lady Rena will try on? ──

Rommel asks, Rena blinks several times, this situation is becoming more and more implausible, but she can't say no to them in the face of so much burning emotion shining in her eyes.

She takes Juno's dress first, a small victory for the personal maid, the other maid is not entirely happy, and what can we say about the head butler.

Time passes surprisingly slowly for the girl, adjusting the dresses, trying on not only those three that they had initially decided on, now they decided to take out their entire wardrobe and select any dress that was blue, which curiously was a large part of the wardrobe, blue and white dresses predominated in the girl's wardrobe, there was one or another of a different color but it was certainly the minority.

In another of Rommel's discussions with the maids, Rena looks from one side to the other sitting on the sofa completely exhausted, she can't take it anymore, she really can't take it anymore, she looks at the door of the room half open since another maid recently entered with orders from Duchess Ceres on how to dress her daughter.

Rena gets up from the sofa silently taking advantage of the distraction of everyone in the room, to run away seconds later.

Rommel turns his head instinctively seeing how the silhouette of his young lady runs out of the room, surprised, but not by her escape, but by how much she managed to hold out here.

The head butler leaves at a fast pace behind the lady leaving the other two maids in the middle of the discussion.

She is small but that makes her faster and more energetic than this elderly butler.

── Lady Rena! Please come back here! ──

Rommel's hoarse voice resounds as the youngest of the Caeruleun family runs through the halls of her home, small but quick steps are efficient enough to leave behind Rommel, who does not have as much energy as when he was younger.

Rena can't help but let a giggle escape from her small lips, when she gets a significant distance advantage.

She doesn't remember at all what happens today, and even if they had been talking about how important it was, they never said why it was so important.

The gold decorations cover her jet black hair making the accessories stand out more, she doesn't even remember how many pairs of jewelry they had tried on her, the young woman only sighs heavily, she can't help but think that this is the most inconvenient and annoying way to pick up her short hair, apart from the fact that the headband they placed on her this time squeezed her head too tightly.

She lets out a chaste sigh this time, her run for freedom never stopped, she keeps running through the hallways without looking back for a second, she turns right into one of the adjacent hallways, hiding behind one of the short marble pillars with a surprisingly expensive vase decorating the top, she raises her small hands to cover her mouth and thus prevent a gasp of tiredness from escaping, it's normal that she's tired not only physically but mentally as well.

She raises her hands as she slowly takes off all the gold accessories from her hair, then puts them away in her bag, she's not stupid, this is expensive and she can't just throw it anywhere, although this place she's referring to is her home, she's tired to think too much, all she wanted was some time for herself. Was that really what she was asking for?

She hadn't even finished dreaming about that little house made of candy, which is a surprisingly recurring dream in her dream library.

She just wants some time to rest and do the things she likes.

Her small body prepares to slowly stand up again from where she is hiding, she can't help but be glad now, that between her two brothers, she is the youngest and the shortest in stature, being able to hide in small places without being found.

She sticks her head out from behind the marble column a little, and looks to the sides checking that there is no one or any servant who would give her away, then she goes back to hiding again, the burning in her lower back returns, and in turn the voice of her governess returns to her head, in truth, it never disappears, her voice is still present no matter what she does, as if it were going to appear and reprimand her.

“ ── No matter the situation, you have to stay elegant Lady Rena ── “

The voice of her governess is cold and rough, just like the sound of the whips hitting her lower back, the wooden wand that the governess carries everywhere and the one she uses to point things out on the board, has another purpose as well, a very strict disciplinary correction.

Madam Minerva, seems like someone so elegant but she is also just as strict.

Her small trembling hand goes down to the small of her back, noticing the burning in the area, being a perfect young lady from the moment she wakes up, is something of every day for her, I just need a little time for herself, a moment where she can stop being the young lady of the Caeruleun and simply be a girl, run to the garden, hide among the flower bushes or simply climb a tree and rest on one of its branches, she really needs it more than ever.

── Here you are Lady Rena ──

So self-absorbed that she didn't even notice that the head butler found her again.

Rommel extends his arms carefully raising them, he can understand why the young lady is so upset, a girl of only eight years old pressured to do so many things in such a short time, if he could he would give her more time, but education and discipline is as important as she would need especially among noble people.

── Lady Rena, please just go back to your room and let them fix you completely, today is an important day and if Duchess Ceres finds out she will be angry ──

Rena sighs, her mother was going to get angry one way or another, although she is sweet with her she is also certainly very strict when it comes to certain things.

── Come on Rommel, just let me escape for a while, I promise I'll be back for the lunch ──

Rommel sighs and shakes his head somewhat heaviness.

── This time I can't allow it Lady Rena, I'll take her back to her room myself ──

The young woman complains about the head butler's refusal, she starts to get a little upset thinking about everything again, she swears that if she spends so many hours changing her dress and accessories again she would go crazy, she looks from one side to the other looking for a way to escape right now.

Her small eyes shine when she sees the wide open window, at this time they are always open to air out the place, they are on the first floor and if the young woman is not mistaken this window faces the outside patio, just the place she wants to go, she swallows as she escapes from Rommel's arms.

── I'm so sorry Rommel, but I really don't want to go back ──

She says with some sorrow towards Rommel, she knows that she is only doing it for his own good, but for now she just wants to be free, she starts to run with all her strength towards the window, climbing onto the frame of this same one.

And the elegance that Madam Minerva talks so much about went down the drain.

Her eyes looking from one side to the other, seeing the great tree that peeks out from the edge of the first floor, she swallows saliva begging not to crash against the ground and for this to go further.

── I'm really sorry Rommel ──

She apologizes again while flexing her small legs and makes the jump of her life, Overreaction? Maybe, but understand her, she is just a girl that they have been preparing since the first rays of the sun.

── Lady Rena. . .! ──

Rommel's voice is heard in the distance as he jumps towards the tree, colliding with some small branches, but he smiles when his hands grab one of the main branches of the tree, and who would have thought that the flexibility he gained could also be used for this.

Rena blinks several times as she continues to hold on to the branch tightly and begins to try to climb up and sit on the branch, but her plans begin to be ruined by her hands, hands that are slippery from the unnecessary amount of aromatic creams they put on her after the bath.

She lets out a small moan when both of her hands let go of the tree branch.

She closes her eyes tightly and holds her breath, nothing can be worse than this, some bruises and scrapes that she could hide without much trouble for the next gala they want her to attend, the problem would be if her mother finds out, she can't even imagine how angry she would be to see that she is hurt again.

The seconds pass as if they were eternal, and she continues to wait for the pain of the fall but to her surprise it never comes, instead she feels arms holding her small body, she opens her eyes halfway getting used to the sunlight that filters through the leaves of the tree, the first thing she sees are navy blue eyes, she must emphasize, the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen, and seconds later she notices blonde hair.

── . . . Beautiful ──

The girl murmurs without even realizing it.

The young boy calm gaze is mixed with a hint of surprise, and at the same time the corner of his lips rise slightly, he continues to hold her gently without saying anything, she does not know how to react now, and she also assumes that he does not know what to do in this situation either.

It is the longest silence she has ever experienced, but surprisingly it is not uncomfortable at all, maybe somewhat embarrassing, but not uncomfortable, her gaze remains fixed on him without knowing what to do next, she tries to say a word now, but simply goes blank.

The young boy also does not know what to do in this situation, he does not move, still with a firm grip on the young lady who fell from a tree, the seconds pass and neither decides to react, or it was like that until the young man lets out a soft laugh that he could no longer contain in the face of such an implausible situation.

Who would expect a girl to fall from a tree while he was quietly reading a book? An apple is possible, but a girl is very doubtful.

Fun fact, the boy dropped the book on the ground so he could take the girl with both his arms.

His blue eyes narrowed because of laughter, he could not hold it in any longer, he just laughed without realizing it, Rena's cheeks reddened with embarrassment, she finally manages to react to this cliché situation from the romantic novels that her mother loves to read so much, the boy notices how the young woman moves in his arms, he bends down delicately, putting himself in a position in which she can easily recompose herself without too much effort.

Rena's gaze falls back on the young boy, she looks at him from head to toe analyzing the opposite, expensive fabrics, gold embroidery, well-groomed, he has to be someone from a noble family and as if it were a light bulb on, Rena finally manages to remember why they had been preparing her since the morning, today the son of Consul Konor was coming, she doesn't remember what exactly but that's not important now.

She had fallen directly on top of the son of one of the Consuls of Macragge, her already red cheeks continue to become more and more red from embarrassment.

She swallows silently, and begins to beg for the ground to swallow her and spit her out anywhere but here, she looks down at herself, realizing that she is a mess, her dress wrinkled, with tree leaves, and she doesn't even want to think about how her hair is.

The young boy raises his hand towards her, removing a leaf from her hair, she lets out another soft laugh at this.

── It is a curious introduction without a doubt ──

The boy's voice resonates, soft and gentle, without any hint of mockery in his words.

The young girl does not know how to really react to this situation, she cannot help but become more and more nervous and then run back to her home, a place she wanted to flee so much and now wants to return, irony without a doubt.

The boy lets out a soft laugh, it was without a doubt the most unexpected encounter he had, of the various families he had been visiting with Tarasha and Konor, this one had had an interesting start.

He thought that this was going to be another family that would be willing to give everything to commit their daughter to him, forcing her to act in a way that was appropriate to the situation, but the young woman from the Caeruleun family may have caught his attention, even with the leaf that he took from the girl's hair in his hand, he looks at her and cannot help but laugh again.

At first he wanted to avoid meeting the next family on Tarasha's list as much as possible, after the last three he is a little reluctant to continue meeting young ladies, he still remembers the awkward and one-sided conversation one of those young ladies had with him, she talked so much that he couldn't even speak, well, he didn't talk much at all.

But at least this time it might be something different, he laughs softly again.

── Did something happen Roboute? You seem to be happy for some reason ──

Tarasha's voice brings him out of his thoughts.

── Nothing at all, we should go meet the young lady of this family, shouldn't we? ──

Tarasha notices how something is being hidden from her. At first he had asked for peace and the Duke of the Caeruleun family had offered to go to the garden to relax until her daughter was ready, but now he is looking forward to meeting the young lady. Tarasha knows that this sense of motherhood never fails, but on this occasion she prefers to leave it in favor of her child. It is the first time she sees him laugh since she began to take care of him.

He was never a child of many words, nor did he know how to express himself well socially. For the rest of things he was undoubtedly a prodigy. That aura that he gave off was almost divine, I would say, was also curious, but no one says anything for now.

── Okay, do you remember the young lady name? ──

── Lady Rena, of the Caeruleun family ──

── Well then let's go meet the Lady Rena ──

Tarasha watches as Roboute walks a little faster than usual, she smiles softly , it seems that this boy is really curious about the young girl, the woman hides a laugh behind her hand, to prevent her boy from noticing.

This time it may be a little different than the previous ones.

Here I leave how Rena and Roboute met, and also the reason why Roboute jokes so much about their first meeting.

I wanted to upload something nice after the previous drawing, I hope you like it, and I'm very sorry for the spelling mistakes, I swear I will improve little by little

✨💕

[beloveds-embrace]

Sometimes I wish my brain would shut the fuck up and then it comes up with things like this and I apologise if this doesn't make sense or isnt the best bevause Im at work bit need to get the thought down ; You and rhe boys are together, have been for years. You're another SAS soldier, one of the very best specialising in stealth and sniper shots, but you come from a dodgy background your family having ties to the mafia but you ran away when you were 14 to get away from them and that life, joining the military the minute you turned 18. The boys adore you and would do anything for you and they know all about your family, taking every precaution they can to keep you safe and away from them. Until you're sent on a mission to take down a cartel, one your family has started working with in recent years but you obviously dont know that until you see your brother while doing recon and he sees you and recognises you right away. When taking down rhe cartel, you get seperated from the boys and your brother grabs you determined to take you home and make you pay for leaving your family behind. When the boys finish the mission, their distraught thinking the worst has happened to you until John finds a note you slipped into his pocket before starting the mission the only words on it are 'they found me' and suddenly they have a new, unsanctioned, mission, get you back by any means necessary

The mission had been planned down to the last detail- covert infiltration, silent takedowns, precise shots. You had done this a hundred times before, slipped into the dark and pulled the trigger before anyone even knew you were there. It was what made you one of the best. It was why they trusted you to take point on the most delicate operations. But no amount of training could have prepared you for the moment you turned the corner and saw him.

(Even if you’d had a bad feeling about this mission from the start. Something in your gut twisted and turned, a slow-boiling alarm).

Your brother stood among the cartel men, older, harder, but unmistakable. The years had sharpened him, carved cruelty into his features like a sculptor’s chisel, but the recognition in his eyes was instant. You had once been a ghost to your past, slipping from its grip the moment you turned fourteen, but now it had found you again. His lips curled into something between a sneer and a smirk as he took a slow step forward.

“Well,” he murmured, his voice familiar in a way that made your stomach churn. You need to leave (bitch). “Look what we have here.”

Your body reacted before your mind caught up, gun raising to fire, but you had hesitated. Just a second, barely even a breath- but it was enough. Rough hands grabbed you from behind, yanking your arms back, disarming you in one swift movement. You struggled, twisting violently, but there were too many. You knew, even before the butt of a rifle cracked against your temple and sent your vision spinning, that this wasn’t going to be a simple hostage situation. You knew how your family worked, how your brother worked-

They weren’t going to kill you outright.

No, your brother wanted to make you pay.

The operation had gone exactly as planned- until it hadn’t. The cartel was eliminated, network dismantled, compound set ablaze. But when the dust settled and the smoke rose into the sky, you were nowhere to be found. The moment they realized you were missing, panic set in. Ghost and Soap combed through the wreckage, calling your name through gritted teeth. Gaz scoured the perimeter again and again, checking every fallen body, every possible hiding spot, every scrap of evidence that might tell them where the hell you had gone.

And Price stood still, breath steady, forcing himself to think through the roaring storm in his head. His hand dipped into his pocket on instinct, searching for his lighter, and instead, his fingers brushed against something small and unfamiliar.

He pulled it out, unfolding the scrap of paper, and the world narrowed to the words scrawled in your handwriting.

“They found me.”

His hands clenched around the note so tightly the edges crumpled beneath his fingers. The area fell into silence as the others turned to him, faces drawn tight with anger.

Gaz swore under his breath, throwing his cap aside. “No way in hell this is a coincidence. It’s them, isn’t it? Her family.”

Price exhaled slowly, his grip on the note unwavering. He had been waiting for this day, dreading it from the moment you first told them about the people you had left behind. You had always known they would come looking. That they would never truly let you go. And now, after all these years, they had finally caught up.

The mission was over. The orders were clear- they were to extract, regroup, and report back.

But fuck orders.

This had just become personal.

They weren’t going back without you. Even if they had to tear through every criminal syndicate between here and hell to get you back, they would.

No matter the cost.

[amfstargirl]

Details of half return

The narrative starts with y/n going back to their old house, where they start with reminiscing about memories from their old home. They admire every mark they left in their home when they were a kid not knowing that was the last time they were gonna live and make memories there. It's also a perfect situation where you can relate to Adrianne Lenker's lyrics, specifically in which she says, “standing in the yard, dressed like a kid,” which indicates a moment of nostalgia. To me, this song is highly associated with missing the innocence, youth, childhood, or simply who you were in the past.

 If you're wondering why the reader goes to their old house, it's because it's a way of letting go for them. As they have said in the story that it was a way of letting go and mourning that version of them. Because you can never really let go if you're not mourning/did not mourn even the slightest.They saw it as a necessary step in the process of growing and becoming a new person.

In the old house scene, you can see the memory of the reader, where they see the life they want in the lives of others, making them yearn for that. The space between two windows, reader and their neighbor, indicates or symbolizes their current life (reader's window), while the other mirrors the life they long for (neighbor's window), like a window to their desired reality. So watching the Barbie movies/shows through their neighbor was them actually watching the life they wish for. 

Also, the puppy she found on a random day while she was alone. The puppy is a symbolic object of the reader. As you saw in the first scene where they both first met, it was said that the puppy was just crying for its mother and father, hoping, waiting. (That's eerily familiar, don't you think?) And! The reader named the puppy “Amara,” which, if I'm not mistaken, means forever loved, which she is. Amara was a mirror of y/n's soul. And y/n treated them the way they have always wanted to be treated. 

But Amara is not a mirror to the current reader's soul. Do you get it? Because Amara was the symbol of the past version of them, which means they were the beacon of youth Y/N once had. Amara staying and waiting within the walls of where they both grew up just connects to y/n’s journey of letting go. That is why when the reader saw her, whispered gently to her and reassured her that it was okay, that she could rest now. representing readers' way of saying goodbye to the old y/n and letting them rest. The scarred innocent of their younger self is now free from the heavy pain of the things they went through. 

The scene where the reader “made up” with their mother and the fact that their mother admitted she never hated them that much but couldn't confirm that she didn't entirely hate them is SO important. It was a moment where their mother finally acknowledged her faults and apologized bitterly but with sincerity. She was very honest in that scene, as she knew that was what you needed and wanted. No sugar-coated words, only the truth. Also the fact that they made up, but it was also going to be the last time they would see each other!! Because the reader cut them off on good terms, and that was the final step in making peace with everything that was part of their past. 

Also, if yall were wondering how the reader “moved on” with the Bat family, it was actually the first ever step they took in making peace with their past. As their way of doing it was just accepting. Accepting that they will never see them as family, and they will never be interested in them in any way. (Guess who got clowned.)

And Alfred, who was driven by his own selfish desires. Now we all know that it was Alfred who took care of the reader the moment they got to the manor, so naturally it would be Alfred who first spiraled into yanderism. I like the idea of Alfred; despite wanting what's best for the reader and what makes her happy, he is still a yandere. And that means he still has traits of a yandere, which is what made him come up with a heavily detailed plan. 

[dilfismz]

Playing Dangerous Pt. 1

Summary: You, an American Private Investigator join the games on accident when following a lead. During red light green light your stoic nature catches the attention of player 218.

Pairing: Cho Sangwoo X reader. Eventual Hwang In-ho X reader.

A/N: Holy shit buckle up…this story is an attempt to insert the reader through both S1 and S2 lore. This is gonna be a longggg series- I hope you like part one :)

Warnings: Canon typical violence

The air inside the facility had been thick with unease, but out here, beneath an artificial sky and the watchful gaze of masked guards, fear had fully taken hold. The field stretched wide before you, the sand a deceptive softness underfoot. At the far end, a massive doll stood still, its face turned toward the wall.

A jingle played, light and playful, yet somehow laced with an undercurrent of malice.

“Mugunghwa kkochi piotsseumnida.”

The moment the words left the speaker, the crowd surged forward.

You moved, but only slightly. Unlike the others—some of whom took off in a frantic sprint, desperate to reach the finish line as fast as possible—you walked at a measured pace, your eyes locked ahead, tracking every movement. This was a battlefield, and you treated it as such. Assess, adapt, survive.

Then—

BANG.

A man just ahead of you collapsed, his body hitting the ground with a sickening thud. A moment of silence. Then another shot. Another body.

Screams erupted. Chaos broke loose. Some players froze in shock, while others ran, only to be gunned down mid-stride.

Your body didn’t react.

Panic was the greatest enemy in a situation like this. Emotion clouded judgment, made people reckless. You had been trained to suppress it, to let fear pass over you like a breeze instead of letting it take root.

You exhaled through your nose, planting your feet firmly into the sand. Stay still. Stay alive.

The doll’s head jerked with a mechanical whirr, scanning for movement. Bodies continued to fall, their lifeless forms a growing testament to the game’s brutality.

To your right, someone cursed under their breath. A man—Korean, mid-thirties, sweat beading at his temple. He had dropped into a low crouch the moment the shots started, clearly intelligent enough to realize that survival depended on stillness.

His eyes darted in your direction, assessing. Calculating.

The way he looked at you wasn’t the way others had—there was no shock at your composure, no questioning glance at how you remained unaffected. He saw you for what you were. Someone to stay close to.

Smart.

The robotic voice rang out again.

“Mugunghwa kkochi piotsseumnida.”

You moved. One controlled step. Then another.

The man beside you matched your pace. Others were still scrambling, some frozen in place, shaking from head to toe.

The two of you advanced steadily, never moving faster than necessary, never drawing attention.

As you neared the middle of the field, he finally spoke.

“You’re American,” he murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

You didn’t answer. Not here. Not now.

He didn’t seem to expect a response. His gaze flicked toward the doll, then back to you.

“You’ve done this before.” It wasn’t a question.

Your lips barely moved. “Something like this.”

He exhaled sharply, like that was all the confirmation he needed.

Another round of shots cracked through the air. Someone behind you screamed.

You didn’t look back.

The game continued. Step. Pause. Step. Pause. Each movement calculated, controlled.

With one final stretch to go, the man beside you clenched his jaw. “Name?”

You hesitated. Names meant something. But in a place like this, they also meant nothing.

“Does it matter?”

A ghost of a smirk twitched at the corner of his lips.

“I suppose not.”

Then, as the timer runs out while players cross the finish line the speaker crackles one last time.

“Game over.”

And just like that, you had survived Round One.

⋆ ──── ❍ Δ □ ──── ⋆

The moment all players returned to their quarters the world didn’t breathe a sigh of relief. It erupted.

Players staggered into the spacey room, some collapsing in exhaustion, others trembling so violently they could barely stand. For a few agonizing seconds, the room was silent except for ragged breaths and the distant hum of unseen machinery. Then, like a dam bursting, chaos flooded in.

People screamed. Some dropped to their knees, sobbing openly, their bodies shaking from shock. Others erupted in rage, turning on the masked guards with furious accusations.

“What the hell is this?!”

“You killed them! You murdered them!”

A middle-aged man stormed toward the nearest guard, fists clenched, his face red with fury. Before he could get too close, the guard raised his rifle—not to shoot, but just enough to remind everyone exactly who had the power here. The man hesitated, his rage warring with survival instinct, before he ultimately stumbled back, cursing under his breath.

Not everyone was deterred. A younger player, barely in his twenties, rushed forward. “We’re not your fucking cattle!” he spat, grabbing at the barrel of a gun.

A single, deafening bang rang out.

The shot echoed through the space, louder than it should have been in the high-ceilinged room. The young man dropped instantly, a clean bullet hole between his wide, disbelieving eyes. Blood pooled beneath him, dark against the pristine floor.

Silence.

A ripple of horror spread through the room. Someone choked back a sob. Others instinctively took a step away from the guards.

The enforcers didn’t react. The man in the black mask overseeing everything spoke in a calm, measured voice.

“The rules were explained. If you wish to leave, a majority vote must be taken.”

No one responded. No one moved. The rebellion had died just as quickly as it had started.

And through it all, you stood still.

Unmoved. Unaffected.

This was nothing new. You had witnessed executions before. You had seen men fall lifeless in an instant, had heard the final gasps of the dying. The horror of it had long since lost its grip on you. This game was just a new battlefield with different players.

But you were watching. Studying. The guards, the leaders, the players. Fear was the dominant emotion now, but fear could twist into recklessness or cunning. If you wanted to make it out of here, you needed to anticipate the shift.

“Sangwoo?”

The name pulled your attention.

A man pushed through the crowd, his expression a mix of disbelief and relief. His clothes were slightly more disheveled than the others, his face lined with exhaustion. Mid-forties, you estimated. Messy hair. Looks like life chewed him up and spat him back out.

Sangwoo turned at the sound of his name, his expression remaining impassive. “Gi-hun.”

The man—Gi-hun—exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Holy shit, man. What is this? What the hell did we just do?” His voice was hoarse, cracking slightly.

Sangwoo didn’t answer immediately. His gaze flickered over the players, the bloodstained floor, the guards standing like statues. Then, he simply said, “A game.”

Gi-hun recoiled, his expression twisting. “A game? People died, Sangwoo! They shot them like—like animals!” He gestured wildly around the room, his breathing erratic. “We have to get out of here. There has to be a way.”

Sangwoo sighed, rubbing his forehead as if already tired of the conversation. “You heard them. There’s a rule for that.”

Gi-hun’s face crumpled, frustration evident. He was barely holding himself together. His gaze flicked over to you, eyes narrowing slightly as if just now realizing you were standing there, silent and unmoved.

“Who’s this?” he asked, turning back to Sangwoo.

“She was in the game with me,” Sangwoo answered simply, as if that explained everything.

Gi-hun took a step closer, squinting at you like he was trying to place your face. “You don’t look Korean.”

You didn’t answer right away. Instead, you let your gaze drift over him, assessing. He was different from Sangwoo—where Sangwoo was calculating and composed, Gi-hun wore every emotion on his sleeve. A liability in some ways, but not necessarily useless.

He hesitated, then extended a hand. “I’m Seong Gi-hun.”

For a second, instinct kicked in. A reflex so ingrained in you that you didn’t even think before responding.

“Agent—”

You cut yourself off.

Your stomach twisted. Idiot. That wasn’t who you were here. You weren’t undercover. You weren’t anyone. You were just another player, a number in this sick game.

Gi-hun blinked, confused. “What?”

You forced your expression back into neutrality. “Nothing.”

Sangwoo’s eyes flickered with something—curiosity? Amusement? It was hard to tell.

You exhaled, recalibrating. When you spoke again, it was clear. “My name doesn’t matter.”

Gi-hun frowned but didn’t press. He was distracted, still shaken by everything that had just happened.

As you looked around the room, players huddled in small groups, whispering, exchanging theories, bargaining hope. Fear was still the dominant force, but desperation was creeping in. People were already strategizing, forming alliances, weighing their odds.

Gi-hun dragged a hand down his face. “Okay. So what now?”

Your gaze swept over the room. The bodies were gone, but the blood remained. The guards stood unmoving, faceless behind their masks. The air was thick with paranoia and exhaustion.

“Now?” you repeated, voice steady.

He nodded.

You looked him dead in the eye.

“We survive.”

A loudspeaker crackled to life, and a disembodied voice resonated through the room. “As per the rules, if the majority wishes to leave, the games will end, and you will all be returned to your previous lives.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Hope. Desperation. Confusion.

A guard stepped forward, holding a sleek black box. “We will now conduct a vote. Press the green button for ‘yes’ if you wish to continue. Press the red button for ‘no’ if you wish to leave.”

One by one, players approached the box. Each decision was projected onto a large screen: a green circle for ‘yes,’ a red X for ‘no.’

You observed silently, analyzing the choices. Fear was a powerful motivator, but so was desperation. Many had debts that shackled them more effectively than any chain.

Gi-hun stepped up, his face a canvas of turmoil. He hesitated, thumb hovering over the buttons, before pressing red. An X flashed on the screen.

Sangwoo was next. His expression was inscrutable, a mask betraying nothing. He pressed green. A circle appeared.

Your turn came. The weight of the moment pressed down on you, but your decision had been made long before. You pressed red.

The votes tallied up, neck and neck, until the final player approached. An elderly man, frail yet oddly serene. He pressed red.

A majority. The decision was made.

The voice echoed again. “The majority has chosen to end the games. You will be returned to your lives.”

Relief washed over many faces. Tears of joy, embraces, whispered prayers of gratitude.

But you remained stoic. This was far from over.

As the guards escorted you all out, Gi-hun approached, his eyes searching yours. “We did the right thing, didn’t we?”

You met his gaze, your voice steady. “Time will tell.”

Sangwoo watched from a distance, his expression unreadable.

The world outside awaited, but the shadow of the games loomed large. The true test had only just begun.

[luckyartdrawer]

100 Follower Milestone!!! Royal AU!!!

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Technically the PT 2 for celebrating due to a tie in the poll. PT 1 here <3

✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨

Here ye, here ye! The newly crowned King Eclipse finally comes down to greet his people!

Created to be the perfect ruler, a nation's answer to repeated corrupt leadership, Eclipse is meant to be the best combination of both logic and care. It seems today True Eclipse graces us today, how wonderful! Though one cannot help but be curious about individually meeting with the nurturing Sun or the analytical Moon protocols...

(vvv Extras and AU lore/Yapping below! vvv)

Without the bright lighting <3

I apologize about the long wait lovelies, life and some art struggles had kept me from completing this lovely fella. Said art struggles being that I just couldn't get this piece to how it looks in my head and I was becoming frustrated with it 😔

So, instead of grinding myself down with stubbornness, I decided to get things as presentable as possible and releasing this silly to the world. I hope in the end this is still satisfying for y'all to see! <3

I had so much I wanted to do but the art was not arting and this has been sitting for too long on the wayside uaghhh-

But that's enough of that! For those of you interested in AU ideas/lore/plot, here's what I cooked up :3

This world takes place in a time where humans and animatronics are both commonplace and recognized as sentient - though it is still a somewhat recent development (around 100 years) for AI sentience to be widely accepted. Tensions between them were dwindling, but at the appearance of the Animatronic King, whispers of worrying conspiracies started floating around the human population...

Eclipse was built by a team of humans and animatronics to solely to rule over the nation. (I have yet to come up with a kingdom name bc I am terrible at them) The kingdom was not exactly failing under its previous rulers, but crime was rampant and outrage was plentiful at how the previous leaders seemed to turn a blind eye to the citizen's pains as long as they had a reason to benefit from it. With a staggering show of community and a great growth in companionship, both humans and Animatronics worked together and overthrew the kingdom, but with no single person able to agree on who will take over, eventually a tense agreement came about building a new ruler...

Eclipse has multiple modes that can be willingly switched out at any time:

True Eclipse mode is when both the Sun and Moon protocols are active, neither taking priority over the other -- see it as if both Sun and Moon are controlling a body at the same time! In this state, their thoughts intermingle rapidly and slight disagreements between the protocols won't be an issue as in this state mitigation is at its easiest, both sides understanding what the other is thinking and feeling to the fullest. They seem to form almost a new personality together, but hints of both sides' quirks peek out, like Sun's habit of rambling and Moon's fidgeting and chewing habits when focused or stressed.

The Sun mode is when the more empathetic AI protocol has taken the lead. This will happen in different ways, such as when the situation calls for a more caring and delicate approach to things, when the Moon AI protocol doesn't wish to be present or allows the singularity, and when the AI itself fights/forces it's way into the front if it absolutely feels as necessary, much like how emotions do.

The Moon mode is when the more calm and calculating AI protocol has taken the lead. This will happen in different ways, such as when the situation calls for a logical and cold approach to things, when the Sun AI protocol doesn't wish to be present or allows the singularity, and when the AI itself overrides its way to the front if absolutely necessary for the betterment of the nation, as sometimes drastic measures must be taken no matter what.

(AKA, Sun, Moon, Eclipse are all one AI, but Sun and Moon are their own protocols, and they combine protocols to make Eclipse!)

Their appearance does not change much between modes! Only their eye colors change, and the only other way to tell if they have switched modes is by their physical and vocal mannerisms:

Sun has a fast voice that's typically upbeat and cheery! He occasionally stumbles over himself as he tends to think faster than he speaks.

Moon has a slow voice that doesn't usually show much emotion and can tend to mumble. There are usually small to long pauses when having a conversation with him, as he tends to calculate what the best plausible response would be.

Eclipse is the most calm sounding, able to project or lower his voice if necessary but otherwise talks at an even speaking volume. His smooth and ready responses make him come across as charming and well put together, no matter how many times he admits otherwise.

Don't let their coded dispositions and stagnant smile fool you! All the modes still can hold the wide array emotions, though some are harder to upset or phase than others. :3

(They like to cover their smile when upset or thinking. Only their eyes/eyelids can move--and I suppose their nightcap too-- to show expression!)

Is there any plans for a y/n or x reader?

Sure, eventually I'll make a fic for it! This was an idea I had for a while but never decided to officially cook up. It'll probably be a while since I have so many fics rn to take care of...

I've had 2 ideas for y/ns butttt I'm leaning more towards one over the other... I have great story ideas for both though!

Idea 1: Y/n is hired to be a Royal Advisor for the king! But wait... This isn't even close to what they signed up for..? They were going to be a simple kitchen hand! How did this happen?! They're too afraid to speak up to the king about it, fearful of getting tossed back into poverty or worse, especially right after being welcomed in and treated to all the lavish living within the castle -- they even have their own room here! Hopefully the king will be merciful as they learn as they work... It's not like they're the only one helping around here, right?

Idea 2: Y/n is hired to be the Royal Jester! They honestly hadn't meant to, but they consider themselves grateful for the position. Free room and free meals? Just by making jokes all the time? A total win!!! It all happened during the celebration towards the crowning of the new King, and said king meandered around town late into the day to enjoy the festivities. He eventually got tired of the constant eyes from his creators that he momentarily slipped into a pub to enjoy being with his people unabashedly. Long story short, a drunk y/n jokingly harassed and goofed around so hard that the King was so annoyingly impressed and tickled that he just had to keep them. They had some guilt about how they acted, but its water under the bridge. Hey, don't blame y/n, they just do what they do best! Jest! And what's a king without a Jester?

DONE... oh my goodness that's so much info... hope that feeds y'all hehe <3

Once again THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I really appreciate y'all and I hope this was worth the wait. :3

🎉🎉🎉

I got a few art things I simply MUST do, so expect those sometimes within the next few weeks, but as always my schedule will be wonky and I keep wanting to start 50 million projects, soooo I stay as the wild card. I do have a lot of life stuff besides college popping up recently and I'm making an effort to be a little less online, but trust that even if there's bouts of silence from me, I will be back hehe >:3

Until next time lovelies! ✨✨✨

[caracarnn]

He liked watching him, for some reason, it settles there inside of him with a calmness that he hadn't felt in a long while. That was a strange feeling considering that Mat didn't seem in any way calm at all. There seemed to be some kind of a torrent there inside of him, filling him, and resting there inside of his eyes. Maybe that pure feeling was something that he wanted to latch onto in spite of how it just might be directed towards him. It might even be anger directed at him, but he supposed that he could handle that, after all he had lived his life with the weight of opposition. And why was Mat angry with him? He supposed it was because he had held him here and yet it could very well be beyond that as well. Maybe it was the leftover feelings that came from within him on account of the Shadow festering there inside of him. That Shadow might very well be desperate to get its hands on him and rip him apart until he - what? Worked for The Shadow? Got himself Gentled? Either one seemed likely. Rand supposed that the Taint simply hadn't been enough.

Although he didn't want that to be the state of where they were at together. He didn't want Mat to say that he was leaving, he didn't want him to walk away from him, and that look in his eyes remaining. Distrust, that's what it was, more than anything. How could Rand even expect him to trust him given everything that had happened? There was likely to be an entire bridge to cross until they were at a place together that could even resemble something like trust. Would Mat allow them the time to cross it?

His train of thoughts gets cut off when Mat speaks about Channelers. So then he was afraid of them. That made the possibility of him revealing himself far less. He didn't want that to be the reason that Mat ran either. The idea that fear would drive him straight from this room was unsettling. He had hidden his entire life, a few more months wouldn't hurt him. His father had told him that it would be necessary to hide from those that came into his life. He had taken that to heart and had never let anyone else know him.

He wasn't entirely sure why it was so important to him to keep Mat here with him. There always seemed to be a battering against the corners of his mind, something aching and blistering, whenever he was on his own. Yet when he had commanded Mat to be sent into this room, things had eased, his mind had become his own again, and it almost seemed like the Taint itself had lessened even though Rand knew how entirely impossible that was. There was no way one person's presence could affect what Madness existed inside of his head, slicking across the surface of Saidin, but it felt almost like it was true.

Taking down a hard swallow, he tried not to make himself a bit too obvious. He lifted his hand, rubbing at the back of his neck as he let out a slow breath. "I suppose that I did but I did have to make sure." he stated with a small shrug, maybe attempting to sound careless about the situation although he didn't think that it came across believable. "If I had let you slip through the city gates without making sure that you weren't a Channeler then what would my people think? What would happen if you had been one and something…unfortunate happened?"

Of course, the words that he said almost made him grimace inwardly. He didn't like the thought that he had to keep up the charade of prejudice against men like him. When had the last time been that a male Channeler, unchecked, had caused a torrent of problem in a lone city? Ones that had not proclaimed themselves the Dragon? He was sure that even the Reds could not tell him otherwise. But he had to lift up the mask just so that Mat didn't peek behind it.

With a thoughtful look, he folded his hands on his stomach as he leaned back in his chair, watching Mat closely. He didn't think that he had caught on, it would be difficult to. Although Rand should be grateful that Mat couldn't Channel, otherwise he would have been able to pick up on the Weaves of Saidin that he had been using to seal this room ever since the Yellows had left. He was glad that the Aes Sedai wouldn't be able to feel his Channeling, otherwise their radars would have been piqued and he didn't want that kind of attention, not when it would become a full out hunt that would no doubt end in war.

"I had to protect myself, and my people." he explained simply because it really was obvious. There was no way that Mat didn't understand that. Even with the effects of that dagger, Cairhien had been in a dire state. That couldn't be argued. Was it still with Rand at its helm? He supposed that it was but it was not something that would make him step away from the Sun Throne and allow someone else to undo the years of progressiveness that he had instilled into law. "I'm sure that's something that you can understand. Since you are afraid of Channelers." He had said that, hadn't he? But maybe Rand was simply gauging whether that had been entirely what he had meant.

Silence stretched on between them, he tried to calm himself and not rush into something that would make him seem weaker than he was. He felt weaker here, insecure even with Mat's eyes on him. The servants would be back soon with the food and Rand would have to assume his usual dignity but for now, the question that rushed through his mind came spilling out. It forced out a flush of color to his cheeks once the words were in the space between them. His eyes lowered, uncertainty danced about his features.

"You aren't leaving, are you?" He questioned, chewing on his lip, his fingers tightening on the others as he waited for Mat's answer. His knuckles had turned white, he felt a bit nervous. Maybe he shouldn't have asked. It was a ridiculous question and Mat was probably going to laugh. What would keep him here? "Maybe you ought to stay a few days just to make sure that you've taken to the Healing?" Any Yellow who heard that would box his ears. It was a good thing there was no one in hearing distance.

the servants left them alone with the clothes, a promise of food, and then silence as mat slowly rose from the bed. feeling a bit unsure with rand still in the room while he dressed. his back turned to him, yes. but he still felt some embarrassment at tossing the blanket aside so that he could get dressed. the clothes might have been the finest things that he had ever put on before. the fabrics thick but soft, not weighing him down. a lightness to them and yet it blocked out the deep cold that had ran through his whole body. he takes a moment to smooth out the shirt he's wearing, looking down at how the legs of his trousers hits the tops of the new shoes. not shined but still a fine leather.

after the brief moment rand has turned around again. he's glad that ths time he looks somewhat like a person. he hadn't felt like one in a long time. but standing here in this room even though it was fine and made up like something that he hadn't seen before, he felt more like himself. no longer straining against the darkness that seemed to live inside of him. did he thank rand for that? that seemed strange, didn't it? after all rand had intended on killing him.

but he had gotten the sisters to heal him. that still seemed to stand out among all of it. being kept here, threatened, he had wanted to heal him. and none of that made any sense together, he knew that. none of it made any bloody sense. but it was exhausting to try and find a way to sort through all of that. he was still tired from all of it, still weakened by whatever it was that the yellow sisters had taken out of his body.

he moves towards him as he promises an answer. something in him tenses as he looks up at him. a heat beating against his head. movement still seems to make him feel dizzy. he swallows harshly, feeling suddenly like rand was going to do something to him. but then he moves past him, sitting on the edge of the bed. and he's explaining himself, keeping to his half promise of answering. none of it really makes any sense. at least not to his worn through mind. he knew that as a king rand had to not only protect himself but his people. but that thought seemed so distant and far removed from him.

he tries to let it settle, trying not to let it get all twisted up inside of him. he turns to look at him then, letting out a heavy breath. he's angry still, at being kept here, being forced to stay in this room. he might not have been mistreated. but the stripping of his freedom had sunk under his skin. a heaviness that he couldn't seem to get out of. but now - light, now he has to wonder if he's free or not. if now that he's made his declaration then it's all over with, it's done and he could leave. but now he's a little seized up in fear, isn't he? because what if he says that he isn't free to go?

he decides to not address that just then. decides that he'll feel things out before he makes that kind of jump. even though rand had gotten the aes sedai to heal him that didn't mean that he trusted him. that didn't mean that he even owed him that in the slgihtest. instead he moves towards him. he considers sitting on the bed but doesn't. in spite of the lightness of his head, the still slightly weak feeling of his body. he looks down at rand from where he's standing now, his eyes moving over his face. what was it that seemed to lurk there behind the storm in his eyes? he wondered if it was something he could dissect, something to tear down a little. a way out.

"protect yourself? from what?" rand's explanation was a clear one, wasn't it? that he didn't want his people to think that he was associated with the shadow, that keeping him here had been his only option. that his arrival here had been a hard thing for him and that he had to understand. blood and ashes, but he wanted to try to understand. he wanted to just accept it with a nod. take these fine clothes and the good hearty food that was coming up soon. he wanted to simply sink into the ease that surrounded him, an attempt at comfort. but he coudln't. he had a million questions. and he was unsure of which answer would settle him at all.

he waits for and to say something. tilting his head to the side as he watches him, waits on his reactions. he feels something ache in his chest. a burn that seems to take over his whole being. he lets out a small breath. but nothing else comes out. he's simply waiting on him. wanting him to be honest with him. but why would he be? he was the king here. there was no reason why he should tell him the truth, why he should just simply allow him into his confidence. but for one reason or another he wanted rand to be different from most people in power. maybe it was the stories he had heard about the young king in cairhien. maybe it was the way people seemed to believe rand had ushered in an age of change?

or was it something entirely selfish. did he want him to be different because he had healed him? because he had made sure that he didn't die. he had nearly died and he had saved him, there were moments like this where the circumstances didn't really seem to matter. no matter how murky they seemed to be. did he want him to be different simply for his sake? he almost laughs at the thought. it was bloody hilarious. he knew nothing about him. they were practically strangers. all he wanted was an answer, an honest one.

"we're all scared of male channelers but --- " he hesitates, not sure what the right words are. he waits a moment as he just looks down at him. he takes another step towards him. he wants out of here. everything screaming at him to not even wait for the bloody food. to get out while he could. to just thank him for the clothes and rush out. rand wouldn't be so ridiculous as to send guards after him, would he? he could just leave. he wanted to more than anything, he wanted to simply leave. now that that ugly dark thing had been detached from him he wanted nothing more than to feel the fresh air on his face, to find freedom for the first time. "--but you already knew i wasn't one. you seemed to know what i needed." because who else would've thought that the yellow ajah could've healed something like that? nothing seemed to make sense to him. but maybe he was overthinking it all. maybe he needed to stop asking questions if he wanted to keep his head.

[tandytoaster]

It's so funny but mostly frustrating seeing the "maybe you weren't evil maybe you were just 15" post circulate tiktok and having every tiktok I see about it be a criticism of it making sure to point out that some 15 year olds were in fact evil.

I talked too much so I put it under a readmore jrkwkcjw

But I think here its universally understood that post isn't about them or for them. Its for the people who Thought they were evil and bad growing up or the people who were acting developmentally appropriate for that age.

I really don't think an ex-teenage bully is going see the quote and feel validated in their behavior. I mean probably some will but I really feel the vast majority of people who were heinous to others either 1. Know they were fucking mean back then and own it (whether that be bettering themselves or just continuing to be mean and just saying theyre an ex mean girl or whatever) or 2. The thought of them being evil had never crossed their mind before reading that in the first place.

My interpretation of the post has always been, its for the people who stay up late at night thinking about and regretting mean or bitchy things theyve done as a teenager that every teenager does. And I feel thats the general consensus here, or at least within the people I follow and follow me.

So its just. Idk weird seeing it be taken in a negative light, like people jumping at the chance to remind us that its not applicable to everyone, seemingly in fear that an "evil" person will see it and have the weight of their sins lifted off their shoulders like theyre forgiven for the harm theyve caused.

It feels so different yet also reminiscent of 2015 tumblr, well intentioned "friendly reminders" that ultimately are unnecessary and a little out of touch.

And I feel like an old man saying tiktok, but I also feel like an ignorant kid saying that i use tiktok as well.

Tiktok and tumblr and definitely very similiar in the demeanor of their userbases but I think from our perspective as long term tumblr users, its jarring seeing a face attached to the actions and opinions of the people on there and it makes it easier to think, "why would you say/do that"

I see a lot of really bad takes on tiktok but most are from uninformed children and teens probably but there's definitely shitty adults on there too. Same can be said for here but I think its easier for us to make that claim about tiktok because its kinda like an "us vs them" mentality.

But then again there is a lot of like. Loser attitude going on over there that I don't see around here. Like people being concerned about whats in style or stuff like that but again thats developmentally appropriate for the most part but also shouldn't be normalized because people should just wear whatever they want whenever they way wherever they want

Tldr I'm frustrated that a large group of people are playing devils advocate about a quote that was meant ( ih my opinion ) to soothe people living with extreme unnecessary guilt

[gabelew]

a quick sketch of sidon's office and the absolute state of his desk

he's doing taxes but like. from the other end i guess. probably. who can tell, really ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ i just know it's something extremely unfun

[deoidesign]

hi, I remembered about the ask about the vampire abilities (time travel, walking in the sun, compulsion) and I need to ask, what are the werewolf abilities?

and Steve own abilities since he can become a giant werebat and being the most convincing conman

Hi there!

So, werewolves can shapeshift into canines of course. But they also heal faster than humans, are stronger than humans, and they have a generally better sense of smell and hearing!

I also like to think they can see in the dark pretty well, too.

Steve specifically has... Well, his stuff is kind of messy. Werewolves and their relation to the moon and its cycle combined with vampires relationship to time led him to being unable to control his time travel, and instead it's forced around the cycle of the moon. This sort of goes with everything. He doesn't need blood to do things, but the werebat is insatiably hungry. It's extremely powerful, but uncontrollable. He doesn't need permission to enter a residence, but he also is incapable of compelling people.

The sort of thematic representation of this is all about his general place in the story as someone who has absolutely no choice, and that frustration of your agency being taken from you.

Him being a 'convincing conman' is a survival tactic, to be honest. It can make the difference between eating and not. With his only real benefit from all this supernatural upheaval being heightened senses, he's just become really observational and is able to read a room and adapt to it immediately. It's about the only thing that's kept him alive, besides the werebat... so really, it's the only thing that's kept the werebat out.

Some of this is admittedly getting into spoiler territory, though, but I do intend to canonize some things! I'm happy to delve more into the specifics once it's happened :)

[neige-leblanche]

i honestly think the stress of my job is bad for my health tbh

[lanternlightss]

Opinion on Decarabian?

decarabian !! good ol deccy

i think he’s really neat !! that he had Good intentions, but the execution of them ,,,, he is above humanity in that he can’t really connect with them, doesn’t really know where to start. i Wish we knew more about him—because his inhuman-ness is so fun to explore about how he thinks of the world and his actions. did he start as a spirit too ?? personification of the storm, similar to makoto and ei ?? humans are so vastly different, each and every one, and he is,, the wind that pushes in one direction.

he reaches out to people in what makes sense to Him. but that does not translate across fully—you’ll die out in that cold, but you are safe, as long as i can see you, hear you, grab you. put your life into my hands and i will guard it. he was overbearing, he refused to let go, and i. wonder. if that made the people feel more like dolls, something to manage, something to study. something, what felt untouchable for so long, sliding pieces across a chessboard. he’s interesting.

decarabian should be given the chance to play the sims game.

[microwaving-tesilid-argente]

thinking again about my fic writing process and how ailette is just completely absent from it. i think she's just too strong, any story with her in it would turn out happy and well. i have too much faith that canon will turn out completely fine and dandy bc like she's in it, of course tesilid will be completely fine. i literally have to redact her out of the story for me to explore any kind of tesilid whump.

[arolesbianism]

I've been playing oni all day again and I'm rotating various dupe hcs in my mind... Might take a stab at designing some random dupes later to fuck around and wait nvm it's past midnight god damnit

[2nfernal3ternal]

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