#best baby creche

[lunian]

KARLACH DESERVES THE WORLD AND PEACE AND ALL HUGS PLS

[iturbide]

Poor Naga just… is a bit delicate with Baby Grima. She doesn’t hold them because… what if she breaks them?? What if she holds them wrong and snaps a bone??? They’re so small! And fragile!! Have they been eating enough?? Is it just that divine dragon hatchlings are built different from fell???

(She doesn’t even realise she’s becoming one of Grima’s Mums. Baby Grima gives baby eyes, and they’re suddenly getting headpats and being fed Naga’s best food. The (Adult) Grima’s aren’t even sure how to react.)

I suspect that Naga just...wouldn't know what to do about Baby Grima at first. This is a miniaturized version of a former foe turned tentative ally -- how is she supposed to address that? She knows how to handle Divine Dragon children (she did have Tiki, after all, even if her stint at actual motherhood was comparatively short), what about Fell Dragon children? Honestly I kind of see her starting out as that person who says they hate cats, comes over, and immediately becomes the cat magnet: she tries very hard not to engage and encourage it because, in her case, she just doesn't know what to do.

Yes this will eventually lead to her getting a Baby Grima curled up in her lap like a cat, tail over their nose (and feathers fluttering every time they breathe). And eventually, because she has to do something with her hands, she just...starts petting the baby. And huh, those feathers are actually quite nice. Very silky. She always expected they would be rough or oily, for some reason. And while the bony protrusions are a little spiky, the scales are smooth and quite warm.

And that's probably where Naga starts falling into the parent role without actually realizing she's doing it.

[minecraftian1213]

Din meeting Yoda: ..... Grogu??

Mace: Grogu is a youngling in one of our creches.

~~~~~~~

Din meeting Anakin: Aren't you Luke Skywalker's father?

Anakin: *sweating and backpedaling outta the council chambers so fast* Nope not me I don't know who Padme was with--

~~~~~~~

Din meeting Ahsoka: .... A baby Jedi child.

~~~~~~~

Obi-Wan who spent a year on Mandalore: Is that the Darksaber?

Din: *dumps nearly 30 years of history on the man including the Darksaber*

~~~~~~~

Din upon meeting literally any clone: Boba???

When Din time jumps in fanfiction it’s always a box of chocolates; to both him and the reader.

[evilminji]

My ONGOING "SI-OC Ponderings that my Muse is haunting me with but I may never get around to write" Series!

Because, fuck it, might as well. Maybe it will inspire somebody?

Jedi Youngling! Staring down that double barrel Order 66! FUCK.

Now, see, they don't blame the Clones. They don't even blame the Jedi. Whole lot of "victims of circumstance and our Wrong Place Wrong Time environment" going on. But? Are they gonna lay down and take it? Fffffuck no!

They JUST got this body!

Also?

THESE ARE BABIES.

They, An ADULT, have a god damned MORAL OBLIGATION to save as many of this itty bitty alien babies as they can. They warn the adults, obviously. But they FULLY expect? And are unsurprised? When they DON'T LISTEN.

There is a Force Damned PRECEDENT for that. (May you finally rest in peace now, Master Sifo-Dyas.)

The younglings though? THEY didn't get to make a choice. THEY are innocents. And as the only ADULT with knowledge of what's to come? It's HER moral, ethical, and Force given obligation to PROTECT them until they can do so themselves.

As a Jedi... she has to PICK.

Try to save the adults? Those who willfully chose ignorance AND have the ability to defend themselves? To fight and flee under their own power? Or... save the younglings, the infants and babies. Those whose ignorance is that of the young and still learning? Who CAN NOT fight. Can Not run?

It's no choice at all. And if they truely understood? She can only hope they would command her to do EXACTLY as she is doing. Would demand no less. Consider it UNTHINKABLE to ever choose them.

She searches out the hidden passages. Practices lifting things instead of sword stances. She will need to carry so much. Move so quickly. She KNOWS where the attack will come from... Force willing, if she plans well? The Creches will be EMPTY by the time the soilders arrive.

But for that? She must steal. Redirect. Take things from where they should be. It is easier then it should be. First because no expects true mischief from a child, then? Because a war has begun.

Restriction Bolts of the Temple droids and a simple explanation is enough to gain their assistance. It's illogical not to have a plan, even if you never use it. And through them? "Liberated" data jewels. Already plumbed for all the information they're good for. High end, too.

Perfect.

She wipes them all. Fashion's a belt that, one day, Force willing she might wear as a necklace. Then sets to work coping EVERYTHING about the Jedi. When the temple is lost? Their history should not be.

So long as this string of jewels alone survives.

The Jedi are remembered. Luke with not have to start over from half memories and hearsay. They can learn from the past AND still have it. She puts diaries, prophecies, books the jedi wrote for fun. Various Force sects both past and still alive. Teaching methods. Anything. Everything.

A time capsule.

It HAS to be enough.

She fears it's not. Sneaks into the hall of retired Sabers. Sits. And opens her mind to them all. Please. Please! She knows. She's so, SO sorry. You were done. You EARNED your rest. She would not ask this if youngling were not on the line. If Illum might not become to dangerous to travel too.

....if she did not fear what would become of you, should you stay.

The Sith is coming. He WILL take the temple.

Will you come with me now?

Some do, some promise to die, and die VICIOUS. Swear to blow to deadly shrapnel in the hands of any who dare come for them. Others leave their casings. Willing to come, but not as they were. She apologizes for the indignity, as she stuffs them all in the hidden paths.

Honestly? They muse. They've seen worse. Remember that-? WE DO NOT SPEAK OF THAT. HE WAS TRYING HIS BEST, OKAY?!

And all throughout? One must wonder. What do the other younglings think? That OC is strange? Mad? To be ostracized? No, of course not. She is nice. Listens when they're upset. Does not judge or make every emotion a test. Hugs come readily and her mind FEELS older. Like the Creche Master.

And? If Master YODA can be short? Why not OC? She just lives with them. The other Knights and Master's don't listen to her because she Sees things. It scares them. They SAY they do. But children know the difference, don't they? Between what you promise you'll do... and what you'll ACTUALLY do?

But see, the Creche Master's? Increasingly distracted. Preparing the eldest of their charges for WAR ZONES. It's stressful. The fact that the youngers are quiet? SHOULD raise alarm bells. They KNOW better. But they are distracted.

The ones who DO notice? Are the orphan Padawan. The older initiates. People assigned to "help out".

There aren't enough mind healers. Not enough hands to help around the Creche. It was considered a good idea. Young children are full of uncomplicated Light! Yes, Yoda. They are. But as with Obi-Wan, so too with the Crechelings? Children are NOT here to mend the hurts of their elders. That is NOT their purpose.

They are exposing the youngers to Fear and Grief. Broken bonds and the echos of war. This is NOT good for young force sensitives.

Yet... are THEY not young Force Sensitives? Children too? OC knows they are. And it is a bitterness on her tounge. She does what she can. Because SHE is and adult. They notice too. How can they not? The other children turn to her, she guides them through their day. She gives "projects" and listens to concerns. Walks everyone through meditation.

......runs everyone through the Evacuation Plan? WHAT Evacuation Plan?

Oh.

It... it helps. Having something they are PART of. Doing TOGETHER. Something to combat the growing, creeping, darkness that is not violence and death. This? This is planning. Preparation. It... it feels like have some sense of control again, after everything has become senseless and OUT of control. Yet? It is not DARK. Not seeking to force control on others.

It is just... quietly stepping back.

One foot, then another. Calmly and with grief. Letting go, knowing you have tried, as you leave those who have made their choices to the fates they chose. Silently slipping out the door before the building begins to burn. Just as you warned them. Just as they refused to hear.

It's okay to grieve.

Even those who are still alive.

Of course, Shadows ARE supposed to notice unusual movements. Spies and Falling are a concern. Heeey, little youngling! How's things? Just swinging byyyy~☆ soft interrogation tactics~! Gonna admit to any of the Blatant Theft?

Yes, actually. Good you are here. Saves OC the trouble of trying to figure out who is and isn't a Shadow. Kinda convenient, Master Vos, that it's you. What's the fastest set of ships you could stash at the exit to this and THIS hidden path? By this date?

He's sorry, what?

You heard her.

Tiny youngling, unflinching, staring him down and asking for ships like that's a thing she has any right to do? Why? Well... that depends. Are you actually going to listen, Master Vos, or do you want an answer that will comfort you?

Excuse me.

Do you remember? Master Vos, the suffering of Sifo-Dyas? A temple full of Jedi, a seat upon it's council, yet not a single soul would hear him. Would truely listen. How many Knights? How many Masters? Tell me, Master Vos, exactly how many have DIED for willful ignorance and attachment to peaceful days?

There could not POSSIBLY be Sith. So we will not train or prepare. There can not POSSIBLY be a war, Sifo-Dyas, so be consumed by your fear alone. Die, alone. Let Padawan and peacekeepers be Generals. Because what the Force has shown you? It is happening today.

So we refuse to see it. Cling to the present, Master Vos.

Isn't it so COMFORTING here?

You don't have to know what might be. Don't have to ACT. Can be blind and choose ignorance.

A vision then? He surely concludes. For he is no fool. And the Youngling just looks tired. Eats their meal. Answer the question, Master Vos. Do you remember? Was Master Kenobi's suffering also ignored? How well did that work out. Will you LISTEN or have you already come to your conclusions, and now simply seek information to support them?

....he wants to. He does. But you're like, four.

OC nods. Fair. She can see the genuine conflict on his face. He HEARD her. But can not let go of what his eyes tell him. The Force is too muddled here. She too, would have a hard time trusting a small child with something so serious. But.... she can not change her path. And neither can he.

May the Force Be With You, Master Vos.

Plan Besh it is.

She is a small adorable child. The Coruscant gaurd are overworked and filled with spite. Who wants caff and bribery~? Do they clock her immediately? Yes. Is this hilarious. Also yes. Who did you kill, small child? We promise not to be mad.

No one, yet. Could change. She would prefere it not. But who knows. Anyway~☆! Do any of YOU caff loving (here have a refill) gentleman happen to know of any asshole Goverment Officals with REALLY fast ships that run primarily of droid piloting? With potentially easily disabled trackers? Not that she, a small child, would be DOING anything with this information!

It's just neat information to know! *innocent blinking of innocence*

Uh huh. And they were decanted yesterday.

That SAID.... they have a list. Oh noooo! They dropped the list! So much effort to pick it up. Hey, kid, could pick that up and definitely not steal it for us? Good baby Jedi. Thanks for the Caff. Tell Vos to stop haunting the lower levels. It's OUR job to hunt criminals for sport, not his.

Yes, sir o7

Of she goes? To the Senatorial Garage. It's mostly droids. Of LOOK! I have this handy little tool! Pop. Pop, pop, pop~! Hey? Wanna fuck over the asshole who doesn't appreciate you, steal this ship, AND save the lives of small children?

BOY WOULD THEY! Says local every droid in the Ship pool.

Great! Just figure out where the trackers are, how to turn them off, and when it's time? Meet a one of these locations for pick up. We're gonna NEED you. Like... actually NEED. Not "I'm throwing my money around on the latest and greatest then not USING THEM FOR ANYTHING" supposedly need. You'll have SO MUCH WORK.

(They're gonna cry in Binary. Omg? Fuckin FINALLY???)

And so... inevitably. The clock ticks down. The drama of adults ramps up. They smuggle a few clone troopers through surgery. Try to warn the others. Know it won't be enough. The momentum is too great. The gears of War will grind over everything.

Like a forest fire... the old has to burn away for new growth.

But like hell is she letting that come at the cost of tiny bodies. Clones trapped in their minds forced to fire upon children. There will be enough horrors this day. This can be on less. They WILL be ready. And... they are.

She sees the council running out. Knows what it means. And she does NOT hesitate. Her signal goes out. Her Padawan helpers dropping everything to BOLT for the Creche and the go bags stored there. They are followed by friends. Who do not understand, but trust them. Who's Master's do not understand, but assume this is some plan they were not told off.

It certainly seems so, when in the distance? They hear the temple gaurds fighting to hold the line. Hear blasterfire. They race down the hidden paths. Are met with droids, loading up food and medicine, leave as soon as each ship has the assigned numbers. Again and again. Senatorial chips mean instant pass into space. Important business, you understand.

The droids will follow, with everything. Including what was nailed down. Probably the nails too.

Might steal the hammers while they're at it.

Next stop? Wild Space.

Explorcorps newest finds. FRESHLY deleted. All points warning already being sent. A Fuck You Very MUCH, Sith-y Pants. You'll not be getting ANY of the Corps workers if THEY can help it. And hey... the Masters and a few knights were a pleasant suprise. Them and their squad of rescue troopers? Almost make enough adults to take care of everybody!

Now all they have to do? Is hide, rebuild, and regrow.

Return when Luke has down his Luke thing.

Who knows... not her. She made a plan and she DID it. Some one else can decide for a while. She's just a kid. Tell her when they get there, okay?

[meanbossart]

Ask compilation: I'm Starting To Think That This Drow Guy Is Kind Of An Asshole Edition.

Probably a Ranger in the hunter subclass. I actually intended to multi-class him as fighter/ranger at some point and make that his official class, but I haven't had time/quite figured out the best build that would still suit him - Ranger makes a LOT of sense with his backstory, arguably more than fighter, but he's still supposed to be a magic-less brick-house with 19 strength who hasn't handled a bow and arrow in 10 years, so I'm not sure where that leaves us LOL

A lot of people have suggested that Berserk Barbarian would fit him well, but I think that implies a lot of other characteristics that do NOT suit him at all so 🤷

HE DIDN'T EVEN GO TO THE CRECHE, and honestly it made the game feel much more immersive to pick one path and stick to it like Halsin suggested, even if I did have to endure the shadow cursed lands without the shiny mace 😂

Probably for the best, it'd be a real shame if the story ended there just because he didn't like Vlaakith's attitude.

But yeah Lae'zel (who, for the record, I adore) never stood a chance in his playthrough. Sorry baby girl.

I'm either uninformed or we have different definitions of what constitutes a crush, but sure I'll play in this space LOL

He's both jealous but also kind of aloof when it comes to things like that. It's yet another symptom of his arrogance, where it seems unfathomable that anyone who has him would be genuinely tempted by someone else. He doesn't mind a normal amount of glance-stealing and flattery, even playful flirting to a degree, but if there's persistence or if his partner seems to seek another person out for things he thinks he should be providing, he feels threatened.

Also, he has a difficult time discerning that "deep emotional connection" does not equal "romantic interest". So, at least immediately after the events of the game, he's more likely to be made insecure by his partners forming deep bonds with others than any throwaway expression of physical desire or fleeting infatuation.

[MORE UNDER THE CUT]

Let me preface this with the (hopefully unnecessary) disclaimer that this murderous dark-elf's opinions are not my own, and that I very much purposefully made a bit of an asshole character because I find that entertaining.

And now that you're hopefully primed for what's coming - DU drow is pretty damn judgemental of people's looks save for the rare times when they give him a good impression right off the bat. He notes people's appearances and makes preemptive assumptions about them without even realizing it. He definitely does not equal beauty to value or prowess (in fact he will very much still mock of you if you seem too concerned with your appearance) but he does prescribe things based on looks.

I don't think he'd take issue with what you're describing, It sounds like a pretty average body, but he would assume that person is weaker and less fit to "keep up with him", basically. Which kind of diminishes interest.

As far as to what he finds immediately attractive, he definitely prefers people who seem physically fit (not more than himself though - gods forbid). But, the caveat to this whole tangent is that once you get past initial impressions, he could definitely come to be sexually attracted to pretty much any type of body attached to the person he's in love with.

Thank you! There was no main event, just the building up of resentment over time and the opportunity she saw opening up when the Chosen's plan came into motion. She definitely didn't always hate him though, they had a fairly close relationship until his obsessive behavior and arrogance became an issue.

Thank you!!!

They call him the/that drow, dark elf, or "big drow" if there's more than one present. In private they might facetiously call him Bhaalspawn if they get tired of referring to him by race.

I'll be honest, I forgot whether or not I found it in his playthrough LOL but if he did stumble across that would be VERY funny. He'd be like "look at these idiots and their fake murder god. What kind of dimwit would worship carnage as a religion. Hey Shadowheart get a load of this-"

HAPPY YOU ENJOY HIM! I think his unique situation overall with having been such a overwhelmingly horrid person and forgetting all about it is my favorite bit. That's kind of vague, I know, but I often think of dreams I've had where I committed a crime or did something horrible, and that immediate feeling of relief and disconnect that follows immediately after waking up. That's kind of what I imagine it's like for him - he knows of the things he did, but he doesn't really. In theory it's all true but that's a truth far too fantastical for anyone to conceptualize even if it's put right in front of your face.

That, tackling the guilt (or lack thereof) of something you genuinely don't feel like you've done and the intricacies of it, that's a fascinating state of mind to explore. I love how many directions you can take that.

For me, having a character who is not good, but is not necessarily pure unadulterated evil, makes for a lot of complex thought experiments and contradictory values. DU drow has a lot of those - things he believes and abides by absolutely except for this specific instance, being contradictory is a pillar of his character and it can be a little challenging to keep up with it - but I'd be lying if I said I don't deeply enjoy that aspect as well all the same.

THANK YOUUUU It took me so long to figure out how to draw Astarion in a way I liked, I'm so relieved that others enjoy it too 😂

Shockingly he did succeed it and was immediately put-off by it, lmao. They wouldn't really develop much of a relationship for a while after that, so at that point DU drow just figured he was trying to get something from him and wrote him off, much as he did with everyone else with the exception of Shadowheart.

He didn't meet her at the Tiefling grove! I didn't even know you could meet her before-hand for the longest time. But he did super, duper kill her at camp of course.

He managed to hide the body and everyone else was none the wiser, huge blood bhaal-sigil on the ground aside lmao. He was a little shocked but didn't feel all that bad about it, kind of resigning to that primal feeling of satisfaction at a job-well-done that overwhelmed him instead. He decided she was too weak to survive out there and he had just spared her the trouble.

[padawansuggest]

Obi-Wan: *16* :(

Qui-Gon: What’s wrong?

Obi-Wan: The creche has gotten lax in recent years.

Qui-Gon: ???

Obi-Wan: Well here we are, looking for little initiate Grogu and his apparent kidnapper initiate Rehn, but no one’s really kicking up a fuss?

Qui-Gon: ?? That’s a good thing? They’re obviously still in the temple, we’ll find them but emotions are best when calm. Helps you concentrate.

Obi-Wan: ??? Then why did everyone freak out whenever I slipped the guards at the creche boarders???

Qui-Gon: Ahh. That was because toddler you knew a rudimentary way to disguise yourself in the force. I was warned about that when I took you on. I haven’t seen you do it yet.

Obi-Wan: Oh, you mean the hide and seek trick?? *disappears in the force*

Qui-Gon: *immediate panic even tho he’s looking right at him* DONT DO THAT UNDO IT RIGHT NOW!!!

Obi-Wan: Yup, there it is. That’s the panic I’ve been thinking would happen with a missing baby. Well, that explains a lot.

Qui-Gon: *trying to calm his racing heart* Grounded. Forever.

Obi-Wan: That’s also fair.

[jebiknights]

Quinlan's backstory (which is mostly legends canon but I don't think we've gotten much new canon backstory for him) is complicated, and we don't really know how much time he spent in the temple or not and since he doesn't have a new canon backstory I sort of get why he kinda just gets shuffled into Obi-Wans creche clan - HOWEVER

I think there should be more fics of baby Quinlan being forcefully adopted by Obi-Wan and Bant and everyone. They're all still initiates, and Quinlan despite being under the age of 10 is already a Padawan!! Which means he doesn't really need a creche clan, Tholme has been handling all of his education, but he probably takes some initiate classes when on Coruscant. Just them seeing this too young Padawan and being like.... New crechemate let's fucking go! Baby Quinlan would not know how to handle it.

Like not only just so he has connections on Coruscant and friends, I'm also just imagining the trouble they'd talk him into. Sneaking him into the creche for a sleepover. Making sure he knows all the best secret passages in the Temple. Convincing him to use his psychometry to get gossip on their rivals.

Like Quinlan naturally was a bit of a trouble maker, but he doesn't often have accomplices hyping him up and digging the hole deeper with him. Doubly funny because like, Obi-Wan was a pretty rambunctious pre-teen and his other initiate friends were also pretty silly and fun. I just think we're missing opportunities not having more fun with Quinlan's Legends backstory wrt his friendships and relationships within the Order.

[sleepyfan-blog]

Almach's Care

Author’s Note: This is the next part in the Raised on Terra AU! First. Previous. Next. A big thanks to @undeaddream for allowing me to borrow Almach and @kit-williams for letting me borrow Apollo!

Tagged: @egrets-not-regrets @the-pure-angel @sharenadraculea @i-am-a-dragon34 @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

Warnings: dehumanization of infants, dehumanization of infant primarchs Ask me to tag, if there’s something that I missed/bothers you

Summary: A typical day of Almach’s, since he’s been assigned to care for three of the infant Primarchs. 

“Come here, little one. You’re doing so well.” Almach encouraged, a warm smile appearing on the Blank’s face as he watched Primarch Eleven crawl on his hands and knees towards him. He was kneeling down on the very comfortable carpet that lined the room of the Primarchs’ Creche, and didn’t even try to hide the beaming smile, nor the pride in his voice as the tiny Primarch crawled over to him.

The much younger Blank paused for a moment, sitting down and going “Bah!” Reaching out towards Almach with both hands before yawning sleepily.

“Come on, young one. I know that you can get a little bit closer. You’ve done so well so far.” Almach encouraged, still smiling encouragingly at the tiny child. He had no idea how much he would come to adore the posting that he’d been given, but there was nothing else in the entire Imperium he would rather be doing right now, than helping to raise these amazing and sweet children.

Eleven yawned, rubbing one of his dark eyes with a curled little fist before going back onto his hands and knees and crawling the rest of the way over to where Almach was, flopping down next to him and rolling onto his back, waving his arms and feet in the air with a happy little giggle. “Hehehe!”

Almach beamed brighter and he carefully scooped Eleven up, murmuring quietly “You did such a good job, little one.” The Emperor of Mankind had yet to see fit to give them names, and the Sigilite was deferring to Him as to the matter of names. Privately, Almach had begun to ponder nicknames to call his wards, as it left a very bad taste in his mouth to keep referring to them by numbers, rather than to give them some kind of proper name. 

“Abababa!” Eleven babbled cheerfully up at Almach before he shoved his fingers in his mouth, gumming on them industriously. 

“That’s not good for you, little one.” Almlach corrected gently as he carefully pulled the tiny Primarch’s fingers out of his mouth.

A small frown appeared on the tiny Primarch’s face as he tried to shove his other hand inside of his mouth.

Almach patiently blocked him from chewing on his other fingers. He grabbed one of the teething toys and gave it to Eleven “I know… Growing teeth isn’t any fun at all. But biting your won fingers won’t help you either, little buddy.”

“Bababah!” Eleven babbled,s seemingly in response before starting to gnaw on the teething toy, the cooling properties of the toy helping to numb the pain from the infant’s growing pains. 

~

Five was one of the best crawlers of the Primarchs, from what Almach noticed. No, he wasn’t biased towards his primary wards, how dare anyone accuse him of such. Five had been one of the first to start crawling, though Six and One had been close second and third. One and Six also liked to try and bite him, whenever they were out of their cribs and able to freely move about their creche. 

Six would baby growl at him, his blue eyes almost luminous, despite his Blank aura, clearly convinced that he was an Enemy that needed chasing off. It certainly didn’t help that he and the Custodian who was in charge of caring for Six and One did not get along very well, though ALmach tried to be polite and cordial to the powerful warrior, keenly aware that were the two of them to come to blows, he was likely to lose such a fight. One hissed at him, bright green eyes glaring mistrustfully at him from whichever corner he was hiding in.

An amusing thing is that One had to defend whichever slightly darkened corner he was lurking in from a number of his fellow Primarchs, most often Eight, Nineteen and the twins. But, given that those five primarchs were apparently meant to hold secrets, were meant to use stealth tactics, and were to be the spymasters of the Imperium once they were old enough and trained enough, this was not surprising.

Almach had learned to keep a close eye whenever Five was out of his crib - especially as some of the other caretakers were near the door, as Five was very fast and had a penchant for trying to crawl at top speed towards whichever open door, window or open vent cover he thought that he could get through.

Scolding the little one did nothing, as the dark haired baby would just stare impassively up at him with hawk-gold eyes before continuing to do whatever it was that he had wanted to do. Five seemed to be fascinated by Fifteen’s nascent shape-shifting abilities and would sit near his brother and watch him for hours, when he wasn’t trying to escape out of the room at any and every opportunity. 

Almach had asked if he would be allowed to bring his charges out of their room, to broaden their horizons and experiences a little but apparently there was an impending threat to the Primarchs that required that they stay in the most heavily guarded section of the palace at all times until the window of danger had passed.

This had led to Almach sleeping in one of the very comfortable chairs meant for himself and his fellow caretakers whenever he wasn’t awake and caring for his charges, or helping the others wrangle their own charges, as his nightmares when he was away from them as to what might happen… Especially to young Eleven, who had all the makings of the most powerful Blank to ever exist among Humanity… 

He had to stay close, and guard them carefully.To keep both eyes on them and devote every spare bit of energy and care he had to each of his three precious charges, and to aid in the care and raising of their brothers, so that they had the best possible start to life. Not because of the grand destinies awaiting them, but because the galaxy was a cruel and unforgiving place, especially to Pariahs, and he did not wish a fraction of the misery he’d gone through before The Emperor had found and saved him on anyone else.

“Bah!” Five called out, gently poking one of his cheeks with a tiny finger. 

A rueful smile appeared on his face and Almach hummed “I’m sorry, my little Sparrow, was I not paying attention to you? What is it you wanted to show me?”

Five leaned into Almach instead, pressing one small ear near where his heart beat, tiny hands coming up to grab onto the fabric of his shirt, golden eyes closing shut, as a happy sigh left the infant. “Mmm…”

Almach beamed, his heart achingly full of affection as he pressed a fond kiss to the top of Five’s head, one hand coming up to support the little one as he leaned over to one side slightly, snagging a blanket to lightly drape around FIve’s tiny body. “Ah, alright. Naptime I guess.” A yawn left the Blank and he carefully scooped up the little Primarch, walking over to a chair and settling in to allow Five to sleep - Elven and Two were playing with Seventeen, Ten and Fourteen, while Thirteen and Seven quietly parallel played near each other. Four was watching Thirteen and Seven play, grabbing a soft toy and butt-scooted over to seven, placing the plush toy next to the neat pile that Seven had made.

~

“Heeere comes the Thunderhawk! Brrrrrrrrooooowwwmmm… And open your mouth, sweetling! That’s it, it’s breakfast!” Almach cooed as he slowly brought up the spoonful of densely nutritious and carefully balanced baby food up to Two’s mouth, getting the little Primarch to open his mouth.

“Abha?” The Tiny Primarch babbled before the spoon entered his mouth. The little one made a face and turned his head away from Almach, the contents of the spoon smearing across one chubby cheek. 

Almach sighed, gently scraping the baby food off of Two’s cheek with the side of the spoon and tried again with a different colored bit of mashed food. None of it smelled very appetizing to him, but he’d been told by no less than a half-dozen nutritionists who were part of the Primarchs’ medical care teams, that these baby food had been specifically formulated to support their growth and immune health.

The fact that it smelled like it tasted of bland vegetables and sadness was simply a result of having the best of the best food available to feed the little ones. They shouldn’t deal with something as stimulating as food spices beyond a little bit of salt for water retention purposes for reasons that he had been assured were very good. Avoiding honey at this age, he did understand… But surely they should get something that tasted a bit better? 

Two was the fussiest eater of his trio of charges. While he would eat as much formula as Almach would let him drink in a feeding, Two had definite opinions on what he was fed from the carefully curated selection of food mashes that were supposed to be fed to the infant Primarchs. “Muh… Muh!” The little Primarch protested, turning his face away as Almach tried feeding him another spoonful of the vegetable mash.

“Come on, it’s good for you, little one? … No? Maybe we will like this fruit mash a little better. It’s sweeter, at least, from what I can smell.” Almach sighed, clearing the spoon of the ground up vegetable paste, and switching over to the fruit-mash. 

Two immediately focused on the paste being offered to him and ate every bite of it, babbling happily between bites. After that, he did have several bites of the vegetable mash before turning away from the spoon once again. Two started trying to escape the feeding chair that Almach had put him in, trying to wriggle his way to freedom.

A sigh left Almach and he carefully wiped the baby’s face and hands before unstrapping him from the feeding chair and putting him down to go play with the brothers who’d been fed in the previous hour. “Alright, there you go, young one. That’s enough food for now, I guess.” He noted down in Two’s food journal what he had eaten, what he had refused, and how much he’d eaten before washing everything up and getting Five’s food ready.

~

“... How did one like you become part of the care team for the Primarchs?” Apollo demanded, his eyes narrowing as he glared down at the Blank, arms crossed over his chest as he watched as the other was attempting to care for one of his charges.

One wasn’t having any of it, however. The tiny Primarch was growling and swatting at him, the three baby teeth that he’d managed to grow in bared in a valiant attempt to be ferocious. One had woken up unexpectedly from his nap and had been crying.

Apollo had been on his way over to care for the little one when the Blank had shown up first, and had attempted to check One’s diaper, in case he needed to be changed. 

“And just what does that mean?” Almach asked, glowring up at the giant golden fucker, trying to avoid angry baby fists in order to care for him. “Mind helping me change One? He needs it, and if he keeps being this noisy, he’ll wake up all of his brothers.” He kept his voice light and calm and quiet, despite the irritation bubbling under his skin. 

“Pariahs aren’t known for their social skills. Move, he dislikes your… Everything, and for good reason, considering how unpleasant you are to be around.” Apollo growled to the mortal blank hip-checking the other out of his way, before reaching into One’s crib.

The infant primarch started to calm down, now that the idiot Blank was out of his immediate sight line.

“See? He’s gone now. I’m here.” Apollo attempted to soothe the still unsettled little Primarch, running a couple of fingers through short blonde hair, ignoring the way that he’d sent the Blank sprawling to the floor. 

“You fucker! That hurt!” Almach hissed in indignation, staggering back up onto his feet. He glowered at the Custodian for several moments, internally debating on whether or not he should respond in kind… But Apollo was currently in the middle of cleaning up One… And the Blank was keenly aware of the fact that there wasn’t a snowball’s chance in hell he was going to win a fight with a custodian one on one. 

The Custodes smirked down at him before saying “Hand me the clean diaper you were clumsy enough to drop, would you?”

Almach’s glare intensified and he viciously picked it up before throwing it at the large gold fucker’s head “Fine, bastard.” 

“Mm, of the two of us, I know who both of my parents were, and had been well-loved by them before being chosen by Him to become one of His Companions. I’m not sure what gutter He found you in.” The Custodian taunted, a cruel smirk on his face as he finished cleaning up One, tossing the dirty diaper at Almach “Dispose of that for me, would you? You are capable of following basic instructions, yes?”

A low, frustrated growl left Almach and he just barely managed to catch the dirty diaper before it opened and caused a larger mess to clean up later. He silently stomped over to where the disposal chute was and threw it away, still scowling heavily, muttering to himself “At least I don’t have a twelve-foot pole shoved up my ass, making it difficult to do the job I signed up for.”

Apollo turned to glare at Almach, his voice glacially cold “And just what do you mean by that? I am following mission parameters. You are the one who has been coddling the -”

“Don’t you fucking start with that again. Human infants need physical touch and to be held regularly, or they will die. It’s been well-documented that infants who don’t receive the physical comfort and care that they need suffer later in life. If they are starved of too much physical touch and affection they will die of loneliness. We are a social species, and that has not been genetically cut away from the infant Primarchs. They are still human. Elevated far beyond what I, as a humble baseline could ever hope to be, but human nonetheless.” Almach growled, his eyes narrowing a little. After his younger sibling had been killed because they had been a Blank and had been caught out at the wrong time… He had sworn that if he’d ever been put in charge of other Blanks in any capacity, he would do his utmost to care for and protect them.

And Eleven had the makings of being an incredibly powerful blank. He would doubtlessly struggle in social interactions with non-Blanks, possibly for the entirety of his life due to the nature of being a Pariah, but Almach intended on giving Eleven the best chance he could to succeed. 

“I do give my charges the touch that they require. You indulge all of the Primarchs far too much. They are meant to be our Lord’s best and greatest generals. To help him in conquering the galaxy and bringing it into the dominion of Humanity. It’s possible that some of them may die during this most Glorious of purposes. Coddling them and being so soft on them will not do them any good in the long run.” Apollo pointed out, shaking his head a little “I did take the same childrearing classes that you did. But coddling them runs the risk of blunting them from being the weapons they are supposed to be.”

Almach ground his teeth together, trying to swallow down the words that beat in his breast. These were children. Infants. Genetically modified and enhanced yes. But that did not make them weapons of war, and treating them as such would only cause far, far more problems down the line. But to say that out loud directly, would get him pulled off of the Primarch Project… And very probably killed or imprisoned. “Just because they are meant to be living weapons, does not mean that is the only thing they can, or should be. Allowing them to become full people will encourage their loyalty to Him, and ensure that they are more useful in a variety of ways, rather than simply as tools of war.” Almach hated, hated referring to the Primarchs as tools, but that is what He viewed them as, and He had said as much.

“... I suppose those points do have merit. I will ponder them. For being a quarrelsome Pariah, I do admit you have moments of cleverness.” The Dread Spear murmured, a thoughtful expression on his face before turning away from Almach, as One had settled back into sleep.

Almach closed his eyes and counted to twenty twice, as the wildly foolish urge to attack the Custodes after the other had turned his back to him clawed at his self-control. He would care for his charges and their brothers to the best of his abilities. He had to keep his temper, if he were to stay on the team caring for them, so he let the Custodes leave without another word.

[marvelstars]

I have been reading time travel post ROTJ Vader fics and it´s been such a treat for me, they have a certain charm and allow for such awesome character work, especially when he goes back to the PT.

Because by all rights post ROTJ Vader is the most unaligned character your will ever find on star wars and at the same time the one who worries the most about the other characters given what he knows and his own experiences with both sides of the force picture his perspective, he understands and wants to protect people he feels a kinship for their experiences, including sith like Count Dooku, Ventress and Maul just as he tries to protect his family and the Jedi Order out of guilt and remorse and because it´s the right thing to do, inspired by his Son example that I want to hug him.

He even has some very complicated and intrincate feelings for Palpatine, as he should, because wether he likes it or not, he spend more than 20 years with him and genuinely liked him for a good period of that time. He was there with him even if they killed each other in the end and that isn´t easy to forget.

One of those fics, the "force of many sights" is one of the best because there Vader comes back as baby Anakin and its just so cute to imagine terribly menacing Vader in the body of a small, cute and even more traumatized kid than he was originally, but more than that, the changes he did to the past there, like getting himself into the creche instead of being trained by Obi-Wan as a way of getting close to Palpatine and convince Dooku of not falling to the darkside, it´s so nuanced and so well thought.

His love and care for Obi-Wan but also his hurt at remembering him abandoning him on mustafar so he avoids developing a close relationship with him this time around while also making sure he is getting over losing his Qui-Gon because he can´t help but worry, he definitely didn´t miss having feelings!! (he says with feeling XD) For this same reason he avoids Padme because he wants her to have a happy and long life without him even if only he will remember their kids :(

This context allows Vader/Anakin to be hurt, afraid and angry over so many of his young experiences but now understood as an adult what was done to him and what he did, like remembering killing the younglings while living with younglings and teaching them how to play hide and seek so they learn how to protect themselves(ouch my heart) or remembering his father figure leaving him to die but without hating or blaming Obi-Wan while also considering him family and loving him so he does his best to protect him from Palpatine, such a fresh take.

All of this mixed with his own mental games with Palpatine´s "mentorship" their "power games" he used to enjoy as Vader, now fully aware of what he is doing, doing his own kind of playing the "innocent victim" being fully aware and angry/sad/afraid of his old mentor, while undoing all of Palpatine´s plans and at the same time fight himself to stay in the light for the mere fact he was a Sith for 20 years and it´s actually hard to get over that without some time to process.

Such awesome reads everytime.

[trashdragon4]

Jedi padawan besties (they're studying btw)

My baby girl Alema again, this time before she became a mando.

Lore dump + extra sketches under the cut :)))))))

Putting this in dotpoints so that i have some semblance of order

Alema was raised in the jedi temple

she wanted to become a temple guard and wielded a double sided lightsaber

Zif (the zabrak in the first image) was her best friend

she and her creche mates had a tooka called Lutal

became a padawan at age 13, shortly before order 66 and the end of the war

was on a mission in the outer rim with her master and their troops when order 66 happened

her and one of the clone medics (whose chip malfunctioned) managed to escape via escape pod

they crash landed on an uninhabited planet

where they met my other, yet to be introduced mandos

I have so much more for her and the rest of the gang but i'm gonna call it a night for now, will probably post more about her tmrw.

[anxiety-banana]

star wars things that make me smaddy (sad/mad/happy):

(subtle ahsoka spoilers ahead)

-thinking about lil baby ahsoka falling asleep in plo's arms when she was just a tiny bean

-ezra knowing his parents before they died (unlike half of the chosen one tragedies out there)

-kanan not being around to raise jacen, but he still got to raise ezra and sabine

-ahsoka and sabine's complicated relationship and the fact that they keep coming back to each other because they know. they know they love each other and they know they work best together and they know that in the end they'll always return

-anakin's tiny little hands taking apart and putting back together every appliance obi-wan has

-force ghost anakin watching ahsoka live her life

-force ghost anakin being a proud dad to ahsoka when she takes sabine on as an apprentice and talking to mando and every little thing she does the same as she did when she was a teenager

-seeing little live action ahsoka mannerisms and phrases that just hit you as absolutely perfect ahsoka

-obi-wan getting to find comfort in someone like him; satine seeing this too-smart jedi and going "he's mine"

-watching hera interact with her son

-sabine's little loth cat

-sabine living in ezra's tower

-an ACTUAL TEENAGER PLAYING TEENAGE AHSOKA i'm proud of the casting director

-live action clone wars ahsoka and her baby face

-live action cw ahsoka's voice

-the bulky design of star wars mechanics because that's how it was imagined in the 70's that never changed even though modern technology has progressed

-a room full of force sensitive younglings making their toys float and the creche master having to stop them from "accidentally" throwing them at others

-jacen and chopper's obvious attachment like that droid took one look at the tiny child of mother and decided he had to become the best babysitter in the galaxy

-star wars as a franchise surviving and thriving and growing into such an enormous fanbase with people in production who actually love the characters and love what they're doing

-seventy year olds who watched a new hope when it came out being able to connect with their grandchildren over luke skywalker

-the brotherly affection between all the clones

-the thought of ahsoka learning some jawaese and anakin learning some togruti and them both learning mando'a and UGH they just love each other and they want to be apart of each others' cultures

-ahsoka always sparring with rex and winning for the first time and just absolutely losing her crap

-rex is just so proud

-ahsoka and cody bonding because they're the same rank and they don't feel like they have to perform for each other

-cody stepping back and letting rex become her ori'vod but he was prepared for her. he loves her and she doesn't know it. he always loved her, even if it was first just the thought of her.

-when they get to know each other ahsoka realizes cody is more reserved, but is just as crazy as her own legion and she just feels so at home with him

-ahsoka expresses her anger to anakin, because he understands, but then he reminds her that anger comes from a place of pain and hurt and sadness and she just absolutely loses it because she's so tired

i feel better now thank you for listening have a good day <3

[coruscqte]

dear @lesbianbootheng + @sundays-wing-piercing ask and ye shall receive! i have some answers for you about xiayu under the cut :)

the astral express trio:

- xiayu’s parents! dan heng, stelle and march 7th are probably one of the longer passengers of the express, definitely spend a couple years (read: closer to a decade) still aboard the train with pom-pom, himeko and welt

- (crossing every finger on my hands himeko survives hsr)

- regardless of what happens towards endgame, the three of them are dating for quite a while before dan heng finally actually asks to mate with both of them. stelle and march (obviously) readily accepted. i think march made a bigger deal out of it than the other two intended it to be, but it was a cute little party with their friends to celebrate it.

- (perhaps the luofu races have mating ceremonies? headcanon i suppose)

- im not sure if marriage is a concept in hsr (as we still havent come across any married couples yet) but they have matching jewelry. necklaces, with jade pendants on the chain. for two people who use two handed weapons, rings were out of the question anyway.

-xiayu was wholeheartedly an entire accident. i dont think dan heng ever expected to be able to have children of his own for obvious reasons, it probably never really crossed stelle’s mind, but march mightve had some serious baby fever a few times in those ten years. just because they were cute, not so much because she wanted to raise one.

- but i also think all three of them were pretty okay not being parents because being a nameless is dangerous work. as many times as theyve come home to the express scratched and beaten to hell, it wasnt something they wanted to put onto a child.

- but again, xiayu. she’s an odd little bean. mostly because how she came into existence at all is a bit of an ongoing question even bailu's still stumped over decades later. vidyadhara shouldnt be able to reproduce, yet her running theory is that something about the stellaron + vidyadhara biology interacted and the three of them just got unreasonably lucky.

-(or unlucky, if you ask a very morning sick dan heng)

-i don't care to get into the nitty gritty or even just details of how one child came from three different people, im very handwavey in that sense. easy enough to say dh (for lack of better terms) incubated her egg, she stayed in said egg for another couple months after being “born”ish and pop goes the new vidyadhara baby lol

- egg! i hc xiayu came out of an egg just like any other vidyadhara, but she cracked out of it way earlier because she’s a brand new person. in that in between time thought, she was carried around by the three of them. one of them was always with her, whether on them or in the little nest she stayed in.

- march was no longer allowed to go shopping for xiayu somewhere around a month or so before she was born. himeko was required to go with her if she wanted to buy anything else for the baby — one kid only needed so many things, and march was not the best about staying on topic. or budget.

- stelle was also, naturally, excited. but mostly curious, after all the only vidyadhara child she’d met was bailu, so she was a little concerned itd be different from human children. still, shes the one that assembled the creche and such, as well as sitting w the egg most of the time. the stellaron helped keep it warm.

- i think dan heng was the most worried about xiayu. from the fact that he was the one who incubated her to another fact that theyd created a whole new person together, he was a bit of a nervous wreck. tried not to show it much, failed pretty miserably towards the end of that period.

- xiayu’s egg cracked while march and stelle were away on a trailblaze mission, terribly harrowing moment for everyone involved when dan heng called in a panic. thankfully, she waited to make her proper debut until her moms could be there but dan heng had never been more stressed

- i have a very clear vision in mind of their skin-to-skin session directly after xiayu cracked her egg. gently pulling the shards off their daughter, cleaning her up a little. pulled close to stelle’s chest, warm and so soft. all three of them absolutely in love. there were tears. lots of them.

- so, so small. even with the extra time in her egg she was still smaller than most vidyadhara “newborns”. certainly smaller than dan heng had been — had he ever been that small? as innocent as the little person staring up at him? he doesnt know.

- and a million and one photos taken by march afterwards. she documented all of her achievements and milestones with her trusty camera. she never wants to forget these moments, her first moments as a mom, her first moments with her daughter.

- stelle is so content with her baby. parenthood was something she’d been mostly neutral on the whole process, and yet it seemed like everything they did was worth it. healthy, cooing in her arms, these cute little fingers that all wrapped around one of her fingers with a surprisingly strong grip. oh yes, xiayu was her baby. she’d be up to bat soon enough.

about xiayu:

- xiayu was a terribly fussy baby. never wanted to be left alone, never really wanted to nap, cried probably excessively. but she also babbled plenty, was all too happy to spend some time on her parents hip or to see the stars outside the express. this is why welt coined the nickname nova for her. the way her little eyes would light up in the parlor car seeing space was just adorable.

- dan heng purrs. this is relevant because i think a content xiayu also purrs.

- floppy toddler. likes to scare her parents a little by just going limp whenever. contrary to stelle’s belief, this is not as funny as xiayu thinks it is to her other parents lol.

- stelle likes to toss xiayu in the air. dan heng is not as big of a fan. march im not sure minds, she just loves that xiayu is happy.

- stelle is more of a … hm, a mom who cares a lot but doesn’t smother. likes to let xiayu figure things out on her own, see the world for herself. of course, she always keeps an eye on her, ready to swoop in whenever.

- march is more of an emotional mum. she leads by her heart, as per usual, and xiayu usually goes to her for comfort naturally. ofc she goes to all of them, but if she just wants to be babied, its march she seeks out.

- march and dan heng are usually the ones dressing her, you can tell who did what rather easily.

- dan heng isnt … strict per se (he values xiayu’s autonomy and freedom just as much as he values his own) but he is more worrying than stelle or march. perhaps its because she’s the first new vidyadhara theyve had in literal centuries, or that a fear of the preceptors finding her scares him shitless, or just trying to keep his own fears in line, he keeps her safe the best he knows how — with his tail wrapped around her middle if she wanders too far away.

- (though, xiayu thinks this is hilarious and attempts to run away a lot. it was a curse for her to pick up toddling so quicky)

- she has a raccoon toy that goes with her everywhere lol. his name is caelus 😌

- infinite loop of “goes ask your mom” “go ask your mum” “go ask your dad”

- stelle is called mama, march is mummy, and dan heng is baba in the early years. as xiayu matures it becomes mom, mum and dad.

- auntie himeko and uncle welt! xiayu likes to see the maps and such that himeko works with, and welt usually has a different selection of books than dan heng has. it’s a treat when they visit.

- the four of them live on the luofu until xiayu is about twelve. it’s simply safer to have a baby in a more concrete location, and have a permanent home base. they disembark the astral express for a few years, but promise to return when she gets a little older.

- given they dont stay long. dan heng is far too paranoid about the preceptors doing something terrible to her, and xiayu isn’t well received by the wider vidyadhara community. people find out eventually that she’s a descendant of dan feng, and hell breaks loose. when she comes home crying one day from lessons that her playmates won’t play with her anymore, dan heng blames himself even if his partners tell him not to.

- jing yuan does enjoy her visits when they bring her around. after all, who could say no to such a cute face? (march concurs. dan heng is worried about the pair of them). a beloved baby under the watchful eye of the luofu’s general.

- bailu is just happy to have another baby vidyadhara around, though the concept is a bit foreign.

- xiayu doesnt call the luofu home, which opens up confusion when introducing herself. the express is her home, moreso than somewhere that didnt even truly accept her.

all about trailblazer xiayu:

- xiayu herself is a bright soul with a great deal of trailblazer branded curiosity about the world around her. she just loves to explore, and has a semi decent sense of direction — its rare that she gets truly lost

- if she were playable, she would be nihility / imaginary. five star, obviously.

- her tone is a little bit deeper than that of march’s , probably alongside the timbre of stelle’s.

- star carver was commissioned by dan heng for her, and march and stelle had some input on it as well. theres a three star motif on the hand grip and on the axe blades themselves. its her birthright and beloved axe, though she doesn’t use it much until she boards the astral express as a proper trailblazer when she’s about twenty.

- never a quiet moment with xiayu. she always has something to say or something to share. bit of a yapper depending on the parent shes with. she and march are usually the ones doing something together, while pompom has probably lost a vase or two in the observatory car to xiayu and stelle working w their weapons. she doesnt really do the whole silence thing well, but it is comfortable with her dad while they work on separate things in the archives.

- i do think dan heng tries his best to teach xiayu about her heritage. whether she dislikes the luofu or not, she does still need to know what his kin do. im not sure if shes terribly talented with cloudhymn magic though, considering shes only been to scalegorge a few times with her father.

- xiayu i dont think considers herself vidyadhara. only for her lifespan, but otherwise chooses not to identify with them first. i think the wider community is split on opinion, but most are just in awe of her existence.

- at twenty, xiayu is considered a full trailblazer, and begins accompanying the current passengers on missions. by this time, stelle and march are both around 50ish, so theyre not always in attendance (similar to welt) but when they can be, they are.

- i think her parents are, understandably, a bit protective of xiayu when out and about on missions. they compromise that she always keeps her phone on if she just Has to go wandering around, but otherwise theyre usually together.

- she is not allowed to touch the archive, even as an adult. only for entries not organization lol

- she does get her own room on the express! big window to space, little window rest for her to sit and more often, nap on.

- i think she takes after march the most, easily. but you can see dan heng in her mannerisms, her quiet thinking at times. its stelle you can see when shes in a fight, those swings are trailblazer brand lol. and perhaps, when she goes about collecting trinkets wherever the express has stopped — akin to stelle’s foraging.

- re: vidyadhara: vidyadhara usually live anywhere from 10 days to aeons know how long. for those aboard the xianzhou alliance, likely children remain a bit younger-minded for longer. xiayu has always considered herself an adult when her parents began treating her as one, so her experiences on the luofu are a bit skewed. to put it simply, she is not particularly happy about some things being age restricted to those a hundred years and over.

- primarily, sushang and bailu are usually the ones accompanying her out and about. this helps her get around these restrictions a lot of the time.

- now, all good things usually come to an end. by the time xiayu is barely forty, march and stelle are already in their 70s. its odd, watching your moms age and grow grey hairs and wrinkles while your father looks nearly the same as he has all forty years youve been alive.

- they return to their old home on the luofu for their twilight years, while xiayu remains on the astral express.

- stelle doesn’t live to see xiayu’s fiftieth birthday.

- (contingent on hsr not removing the stellaron from the trailblazer) the stellaron was already corrupting her since before xiayu was even conceived, and age catching up with her rapidly doesn’t help. she passes away relatively quietly in her sleep at 74.

- xiayu was with her, curled up on her side. she won’t ever forget that moment when her mom didnt wake with her.

- the rest of the family is, obviously, devastated. little spider cracks appear then and there in xiayu, trying to stay positive for her parents. arguably not dissimilar to march, but even she has to admit that things won’t quite ever be the same without stelle.

- march goes later. it’s quiet, when she goes. dan heng is the one to discover her this time. around when she’s eighty six. xiayu is barely fifty five.

- this is where i think xiayu’s brand of whimsy comes in. xiayu has always been between worlds, treated like a short lived person by her immediate family, treated like she’s live centuries by her peers. in that disconnect, xiayu’s mental cracks.

- she calls stelle and march as if they were still alive, just waiting on them to pick up their voicemails. she takes pictures for march, sending texts and just ignoring the error messages. after all the signal is probably just bad, right? she keeps stelle’s original jacket to wear and march’s hair clips, after all, theyll come back soon enough.

- dan heng tries his best to cope for the same reasons. hes known that he’d outlive his partners, but hadnt been really thinking about it until theyd moved back to the luofu. he tries to keep xiayu safe the best he can, to the point of occasionally overstepping. shes not allowed to leave into the mara struck areas without sushang or yanqing, shouldnt be away for too many days. even on the express he has her check in with him or with someone who can contact him.

- its a mess. they both love each other to pieces because theyre all the other has left, but dan heng hasn’t exactly helped much to cope with march and stelle being gone. if anything they just keep feeding into each other.

- but for about fifty years, it was truly joyful. after all, caelus still accompanies her on her travels.

edit: send in writing / art prompts for her if youd like! ill happily do even more brain rotting over her by request lol

[mosses-gate-3]

How does Andis, Salix and Ren feel about kids? Do they like them, or just find them annoying? Are they any good with kids? Would they ever want kids of their own?

Bonus question: Tell us about their kids if they ever have any!

okokok I did do a similar ask a bit ago with Salix & Andy BUT! I have been thinking a ridiculous amount about regale children

Ren I think is surprisingly good with kids. One of their biggest strengths is keeping a calm, neutral outward appearance in stressful situations, and I think that translates over really well to childcare. They enjoy spending time with the kids at the Grove. As for whether they'd actually want kids of their own:

I don't think they and Gale can physically have bio kids together, nor do they want to. But I was thinking about them and children and a thing came to me.

“So you remember the egg from the creche, yes?” “…The one we put in a bag of holding six years ago and forgot about?” “…Well, I'd say it was less a random choice and more a calculated decision made for the good of the egg and our group, but yes - I've been researching and it’s fascinating, really, Githyanki eggs can incubate for extended amounts of time in the Astral plane due to a number of unique conditions and, theoretically, this property extends to pocket dimensions such as those created by a bag of holding. It’s been a dream of mine to study the precise conditions that make this possible for years–" "Gale, love, didn't you say this was urgent?" "Right! Yes. It’s hatching.” “It’s WHAT.”

...And then they go around frantically calling up Lae'zel and the others, and there's an impromptu six-year-anniversary reunion while they try to figure out how the fuck to take care of an egg baby. Featuring Dadstarion... NOT.

After he's safely born they all have a very long conversation about who should keep it. Wyll and Karlach are the obvious first choice but they're dealing with a lot of change at the moment (Wyll's training to become Grand Duke and they're moving back in to Baldur's Gate and aren't in a place for a baby yet.) Lae'zel is still fighting a civil war, Shadowheart has a lot on her plate already, and I wouldn't trust Astarion anywhere near a baby let alone with CUSTODY of one (see previous). So Ren and Gale keep the child and name him Xan. Look into his dead, soulless eyes.

They all try to stay in his life in some way. Lae'zel visits when she can. Shadowheart is like a cool wine aunt who's always around. Astarion is like a cool wine aunt who's never around. Karlach and Wyll, Wyll especially, are practically co-parenting the kid. He's not in the right situation for kids right now but he will be the best damn babysitter this side of Avernus.

But fear not, because in a couple years the two of them will have kids of their own! DAD WYLL LIVES IN MY BRAIN RENT FREE OKAY. I think their names are Talia and Jayden and they're raised very close with Xan, he sees them as his younger siblings and is very protective of them.

Here's Xan and Jayden! Talia is probably behind them. At this point Xan's about 10, Talia is 7 or so, and Jayden is around 4 or 5.

Xan inherited Gale's expressiveness and tendency to gesticulate, and Ren's logical mind and speech mannerisms. I think he's generally very responsible. Other than that he's hardly similar to his parents at all, he doesn't care for academics much and most likely becomes a melee class later. They're very proud of him anyway; it's probably for the better he didn't turn out Mystra's next Chosen or something.

When he gets older he and his siblings set out to become adventurers! Talia is a cleric of no deity in particular (that is a thing you can do I looked it up apparently the power can just come from something you really believe in) and Jayden's a sorcerer (I have Karlach classed as a wild magic barbarian in my playthrough which is where he gets it from.) Xan is a paladin, I don't know which oath, probably Ancients or Devotion. I'm currently working on aged up designs for them, I'll reblog this with them when I'm done.

That's pretty much all I have so far but this is pretty much what I consider canon after the game, at least in Ren's playthrough! I'm sure they'll be excellent parents. Even if they did forget a literal living baby in their bag of holding for SIX YEARS... But it's fine there was a lot going on. Thank god for the weird githyanki physics I made up.

[questforgalas]

Who Needs a God When I Have You?

Notes: This is how I cope with my uterus throwing a tantrum: Rex being so soft.

Also, this is the first time I've actually put down on paper my OC, Kandri Kendra. She's been in my brain since I was probably a teenager (I'm in my 30s now for context) and to actually be sharing her with you all, even if just a snippet, is both exciting and terrifying. I may bring her out some more, but I hope you enjoy this little tidbit with her

WC: 2.7k

Characters: Rex, OC Kandri Kendra

Tags/Warnings: Menstruation, description of pain (menstrual related), mentions of throwing up (menstruation related), dry heaving (menstruation related), swearing, so much freaking fluff

Tay's Masterlist

For those who prefer Ao3

Kandri Kendra was not a religious woman. No god or gods hung over her head attempting to guide her through life or miraculously providing the answers to the questions swirling around in her head. She never gave the Maker a second thought since she passed through the temple doors all those years ago she doesn’t remember. But as she dry heaved into the toilet once more, she was starting to think maybe she had it wrong. 

“For the love of the force,” she pleaded into the bowl as spit dribbled past her chin. “Maker, if you make this stop, I promise I’ll give you a baby next month.” 

Lies. Pure and utter lies. The idea of a child made her shutter more than the pain stabbing below her stomach, but the Maker or the force or whoever else anyone wanted to believe was out there listening didn’t need to know that. 

As if detecting the desperate deceit of her words, another sharp pang ripped through her lower abdomen, and another surge of nausea rolled through. Another valiant attempt by her stomach at emptying its contents, but it ran out of ammo five tries ago. 

“Ugh, not you too,” Kandri groaned down at her traitorous uterus; the cool metal of the toilet a comfort on her sweating forehead. “We go through this every month. It’s not happening. You don’t have to throw a fit every fuckin’ time.” 

Deep breaths. 

In. 

Then out. 

In. 

Please for the love of the force.

Then out. 

I’ll sneak an extra ration from the mess tomorrow, I promise.

In. 

I will cut you out myself, I swear. 

Then out. 

Time passed. How much, Kandri wasn’t sure. She gave up checking the chrono on her vambrace after an hour of cramps with no end in sight, and that felt as far away as the creche at the temple. Oh, what she would give for those years again. Beautiful, pain free years when her own body wouldn’t throw a tantrum every month. When she could sit there and say, “Hey body, swell day we’re having, huh? Not going to throw any wrenches in it, are we? No? I trust ya!” 

A thought that reminiscing about her pre-pubescent years while her cheek rested against a toilet seat may fall under the category of “New Low'' flitted at the front of Kandri’s mind, and she decided now was probably the best time to try and make it out of here. Dredges of energy laid dormant in her muscles. She called on the force, digging past the exhaustion and the pain, and clambered from the spot on the floor. She half expected to see an imprint of a butt in the tile flooring. 

Another cramp flared to life forcing Kandri to grab onto the edges of the sink beside her. Focus on your breathing. In through the nose. That’s it. The rise of the chest. Slow. Slooow. Out through the, oh force. Oh, that’s awful. 

An unsteady hand grasped the empty glass sitting on the corner, and the mere seconds it took to fill it with water were almost too much for the fried nerves and muscles hanging on by a thread. She didn’t bother looking up into the mirror. She didn’t need to see the sweaty wreck her rosy hair was or how deep the bags under her green eyes were. She could feel it all. The sweat sticking to her shirt. The throbbing in her lower back. The muscles cramping up and down her legs. The desert in her mouth. 

Lukewarm water took care of one discomfort, and maybe there was a higher being watching over this poor performance of a human in a tiny venator fresher because suddenly Kandri found the energy to drag her stone limbs back to her wall alcove of a bunk.

Nearly there. 

The standard issue blanket seemed like a luxury duvet in her eyes, ready to wrap herself and fall into whatever blissful sleep her body would allow. Just one more step and she’d be curled in…

Knock. Knock. Knock.  

“Oh, you have got to be kidding me.” Kandri pounded her fist against the wall. She glanced over. Her chrono read 0300. “Who the fuck could that be? I swear-” She shuffled toward the door. “If that’s Skywalker, I’m putting my lightsaber right through his stomach and slashing him in-” 

The door to the sleepy halls of the Resolute swooshed open.

“Please, no lightsaber stabs. Especially in my general,” Amused honey eyes greeted her. “The paperwork would be a nightmare.” 

Kandri wanted to cry. No, sob. No, completely breakdown and let her body crumble and feel every cramp and pain it has thrown her way the past hours because she knew the man in front of her would catch her before her knees even buckled. Because she knew the arms and hands and fingers that would wrap around her and hold her to the warm body wrapped in his military blacks were the safest place in the galaxy she could be. Would ever be. 

“What are you…?” Kandri trailed off, still stunned by the miracle in front of her. 

“I could feel you,” he simply answered. “Well, not how you can feel me. At least, I don’t think so. I just woke up and knew you were in trouble.” Honey eyes glanced all over her, taking in every inch. “Are you injured? I swear, Kandri, if you hid another injury-”

“I didn’t hide another injury,” Kandri interrupted. “I promise, Rex,” she added on when he quirked an eyebrow at her. “It’s just the joys of being-” her explanation was cut short by a stab in her abdomen that caused her to double over, arms wrapping around her middle as a feeble attempt to stave off the pain. 

Immediately, her space was crowded by Rex’s presence as he smoothly put one arm behind her knees and the other against her back, effectively scooping her into his arms as if she wasn’t six feet tall and rivaled most of his brothers’ muscles. “Shh, it’s ok. I’ve got you. I’ve got you,” he mumbled into her hair. 

Force, he was warm. Warm and comfortable and home. Kandri nuzzled into the soft crook of his neck, near whimpering at the ease merely his presence gave her. Gently, he lowered her onto the stiff mattress of her bunk and wrapped the blanket around her. “Stay here, ner cabur. I’ll be right back.” 

Ner cabur. My guardian. 

“You can call me your personal guardian, Captain,” she’d quipped at him years ago, at the beginning of the war, while she smiled down at him with an outstretched hand and a squad of droids in pieces around her. The squad of droids that had been on the verge of overtaking the captain. The captain who had been laying on the Felucian ground as he grasped that hand held out to him. 

“Nice to meet you, guardian,” he huffed back. 

It became their personal joke. Rex’s guardian having his back whenever Kandri joined the 501st. Rex’s guardian laying droids to waste around them.

Rex’s guardian finding him alone in the barracks, listening as he mourned his brothers. Rex’s guardian laying her head on his shoulder as she cried in the cargo hold. The war went on. Missions passed. Over time, Rex’s guardian protected more than his back on the field. Over time, she protected his heart as well. 

His guardian. 

Kandri didn’t have time to protest as Rex placed a kiss to her temple and walked out of the room. His strong back clad in black retreating away. The venator hummed. Her body ached. Her mind begged for rest. Not long after, dim hallway light flooded in from the doorway once again, and Kandri could feel the tears pricking at her eyes at the sight. 

“Mine should be a little bit more comfortable than the reserves used for the guest quarters,” Rex offered as he held up the long rectangle in his hands. “But before I tuck you in there, do you want a shower?” 

“I’d rather sit through an entire council meeting than move right now,” Kandri answered.

“Alright,” Rex chuckled. The low light of the room did nothing to dim the warmth in his eyes. “Let’s at least change your shirt, yeah? You don’t look too comfortable.” 

“Say that to my uterus.” 

“I’m afraid I can’t change your uterus.” 

“And I thought you clones could do everything,” Kandri teased.

“I’ll happily add it to Kix’s training if you’d like.”

“Sounds reasonable.” 

“Very.” Rex gently kissed her temple again. His favorite spot. Well, one of them. “Be right back.” 

The harsh light from the fresher briefly blinded Kandri, causing her to blink through it, squinting at the offending light. Rex searched the solo cabinet unit for a moment before a victorious “Ah!” left his lips, and he produced a small cloth in hand. The sound of running water drifted through the space before cutting off, and then Rex appeared by her bedside once again, cloaked in darkness with a wet cloth in one hand and a fresh shirt in the other. 

“Alright, off,” he gestured to the current shirt drenched in sweat while he placed the clean one on the end of the bed. 

“If you wanted me naked, Captain, you could-”

“Must be bad if you’re trying to crack jokes at 0330.” 

“They distract from the constant thought of wanting to carve my uterus out.” 

“Not dramatic in the slightest.” Kandri wished she could bottle Rex’s laugh and keep it for eternity. “You may not be up for showering, but you’re covered in sweat, and you can’t tell me you’re comfortable like that. Now, come on. Up and off.” 

“That’s what-”

“Kandri.” 

“If you don’t want my clothes off, you know you shouldn’t use the captain voice.” Slowly, Kandri disentangled from the flimsy cocoon and lifted the clinging shirt over her head. An unceremonious toss landed it near the pack on the floor. 

Rex started on her neck, the wet cloth a blessing against her heated skin, and with soft, reverent strokes, he wiped away the grime. Kandri watched, transfixed by the adoring look fully displayed in her favorite honey eyes. She never cared for the comments that these men were just clones. Never listened to anyone who said, “They’re all just the same.” Because they were wrong. Because they didn’t notice that Kix tanned a little easier or that Echo’s eyes were a whiskey, not a honey, or that Fives’ hair curled a little more on the sides than his brothers’ did. They didn’t notice that Wolffe had a mole on his shoulder or that Cody’s smile quirked to the right. 

They didn’t notice how Rex’s brow furrowed the same way while forming strategies as it does while he watches holoball. They didn’t notice the way Rex preferred sunsets over sunrises. They didn’t notice how the sun turned his honey eyes into gold. They didn’t notice the relief in his shoulders whenever he spotted her across a battlefield, still up. Still breathing.

But she noticed. 

She would always notice. 

“Did you have your cup on you?” Rex asked as he finished wiping the top of her thigh, finger gently tapping against the knee while he patiently waited for an answer. 

“Yes. And the cramps woke me up before the flow started, so no cleanup necessary,” Kandri answered, the soft smile on her lips matching his. 

“One less thing for you to deal with.” A soft kiss pressed against where the finger had tapped. The cloth joined Kandri’s old shirt in the corner, and Rex reached for the clean shirt waiting at the foot of the bed. “Arms up,” he instructed. 

“Rex, I can dress myself,” Kandri laughed. 

“Just, let me take care of you. Please.” 

Well, how can I say no to that face?

“Better?” Rex asked when the hem met Kandri’s thighs.

“Better,” she answered. 

Rex rested his hands on the mattress, leaning in until the tip of his nose brushed against hers. “Good,” he murmured. A whisper of a kiss touched their lips. Soft. Caring. Adoring. Matching the quiet of the room around them. Kandri would trade every relic in the Jedi temple, every treasure in Coruscant’s treasury, every trinket in the galaxy for her life to be filled with moments like this. With the quiet and the stillness where she can practically hear Rex’s heart beat in the darkness. Where they have the luxury of just being, of drinking in each other’s presence. Of ignoring the realities beyond the door. 

Where they know they’ll see each other at the end of the day. Each day. 

Where they know each goodbye is a “See you later” not a “Please come back to me.” 

But such is not the reality for a clone and a Jedi. 

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” Rex interrupted, each movement of his lips causing them to bump against hers. “But we have a briefing in two hours.” 

“Nope. War’s over. Dooku retired.” Kandri would hold onto this for as long as the galaxy would let her. 

“Is that so? Anti-climatic if you ask me.” 

“Lazy, really.” Kandri brushed her lips against his. 

“And Grievous?” 

“Fell into a bottomless pit.” 

“One hell of a pit.” He brought a hand up, cupping her cheek, brushing his thumb against the skin. “General’s going to be pissed he didn’t get all of the glory.” Honey eyes looked into green.

“Skywalker will get over it.” She held the hand against her cheek, sinking deeper into the feeling. “You’re not leaving, right?” 

“Need any pain killers?”

Kandri shook her head. “Already took some and have extras in my pack.” 

Honey eyes crinkled. “Then no, I’m not leaving. Scoot.” 

Gingerly, stiff muscles and a cramping abdomen scooted to the wall along the bunk. Once Kandri found a position that didn’t irritate the pain more, she looked up at Rex with open arms. “Snuggles.” Grabby hands followed. 

That chuckle she was addicted to escaped past his lips. “Such a hard demand.” The warmth of Tattooine was ice compared to that which was in Rex’s eyes. 

The standard issue blanket draped over Kandri’s body once again, followed by a larger, thicker one. Kandri near purred. 

Finally, Rex lifted up the blankets’ corners and slid in perfectly beside her. “Come here,” he said as he snaked one arm under her waist and the other over, resting his palm between her shoulder blades. “This ok?” 

“Can I slot a leg? The cramps like that angle tonight.” 

“Of course.” Rex maneuvered so Kandri’s leg slid perfectly in between his. Her knee hooked over his calf. “Better?” 

“Better.” 

The venator continued to hum. The room remained still. Peace settled around them. A soft hand rubbed up and down along Kandri’s spine, occasionally kneading into the muscles stiffening along her lower back. Relief audible in the breaths puffed against Rex’s tan neck. 

“Thank you,” Kandri whispered into the dark. 

She felt the gentle tap of a finger under her chin. A command. A plea. “Look up.” And she obeyed, as she always did with him.

“You never have to thank me.” He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Taking care of you is an honor.” 

“Still.” She brushed her lips to the tip of his nose. “Thank you for taking care of me.” Her lips brushed his temple. “Thank you for choosing me.” Lips brushed his cheek. “Thank you for loving me.” Lips brushed his. 

“Ner cabur.” Whispered in the space between. Just for them. Always for them. “You are the greatest gift this galaxy could ever give me.” 

Their lips met. Slow. Unhurried. Savoring. 

Time stood still, the galaxy pausing around them. As if their love was enough to stop it all. To stop the war. To stop the bloodshed. To stop the missions separating them for weeks at a time. To stop the worry and the panic when their com channels remained silent. To stop the frantic check for injuries before each embrace. To stop the “Please come back to me”s. 

“I love you,” Kandri spoke when their lips broke apart. 

“I love you too, ner cabur,” Rex responded. 

Kandri Kendra was not a religious woman. But in the arms of the man she loved, her head nestled into his chest, legs intertwined together, she could certainly believe.

[bareee]

are you planning to ship your tav with any of the companions? youve mentioned that the main 6 he would considsr too young but halsin or someone along those lines? i think the mutual stability in their characters would soften each others edges in a very sweet way but if you plan to keep your tav single i think their friendship would be extremely interesting too! will minthara get killed or added to the party? im so excited to see how all the characters resolve their arcs and how the creche and moonrise and everything else goes :D your art is so gorgeous too!!! the way you draw all of the characters is just so good <333 you really catch all the aspects of them that make people adore this game and thats such an amazing skill to have!!! i hope you have a good whatever it is when you read this!!!!!

Imma try keepin this short…but I doubt it’s gonna be XD

1. ‘Ppreciate ya~ happy ya enjoy my mess XD even though Im always over in the corner muttering about my poor consistency that drives me crazy

2. I’ve said this many times I’m pretty sure as replies to comments lost in the void somewhere, Through the 2 full playthroughs I’ve done, I didnt care to romance cause I couldn’t help but cringe myself even at the gale and Astarion stuff I couldn’t get away from. Im not good at romancy stuff movin so quickly like the game puts ya through,so I was dyin. And ‘in game wise’ Mark is like how Jaheria is, I’ve found thats the best way to put it. He’s gone through enough for himself to handle already at this point in his background story, and the best way to describe it is he’s just tired. Maybe in post game he’ll warm up, I think Imma leave that up to all yal and yer votin’ honestly. I’ve thought about it for a bit now and yal’s choices in Mark’s story I give you directing who he grows close to works well for me as I warm up to these goofballs, course as I said It’d still be more post game when he relaxes with stuff like that depending on what path yal put him on.

3. Kinda related to #2, Half of the main six are too young, not all. Gale is i think literally Mark’s age if not close and if I ignore elves and their age weirdness, Astarion and Shadowheart are fine. If/when the vote options open Mark up more to someone, Wyll,Karlach, and Laezel will never be more than family/kids to him. Nu….

4.We’ll get to Halsin…. I know I say that a lot when he comes up, but ughhh…. I will say I agree him and Mark have a lot they share and can grow together, but the horny side of Halsin drove me insane in the game and really made it where it was hard to talk to him cause the niceness felt so….uggghhh…. I’ll get to it,I’ll get to it, I’m gettin around that part of Halsin that loves to be constantly shoved in front… but aghhhh. Jaheria’s my favorite outta the side peeps obviously XD and Minsc is fun

5. Spoiler, I’m letting yal decide on if Minthara stays around! Wooooo, we’ll get thereeee XD And if yal choose to keep her alive it wont mean other peeps leave like the game does, we’ll see how that goessss. Halsin and wyll and whoever else will stay around of course, Wyll’s adorable and yal ain’t takin em away from me. In my playthroughs I could never go her route officially, never will. Little baby tieflings too cute, I refuse…

Think that’s all of it, woooooo I did ittttt! Hope I make senseeeeee yaaaay

[padawansuggest]

Okay so I don’t actually know the canon relationship Tholme and Quinlan had before he was old enough to leave the creche, but I’m not gonna lie I think that since they both knew he was gonna be Tholme’s Padawan, if not officially yet (tho he could technically officially take him as one as young as 7 while keeping him in-temple till old enough to leave) I think it would occasionally be fitting for Tholme’s many undercover outfits if he could comm a specific line in the temple and have a parent/child convo with Quinlan about Quinlan’s schooling and how good he’s being for his mother (this could be anything from his clan master to if he’s being a pest to T’ra Saa which is always) and tbh it would be a sort of adorable type of cover because he could be like ‘what no my kid is six he’s interested in staying up past bedtime and his best friend’ when someone tries to accuse him of having a padawan or something. They ask for photo proof and he hands them a picture of Quin grinning all big and eager with a grumpy Obi-Wan in an equally grumpy Tholme’s arms all of them covered in glitter and glue and he’s all ‘that was their most recent sleepover. I swear I still blow my nose and glitter comes out’ and it’s just funny for absolutely no reason for me. If someone points out his kid is Kiffar he’s gotta be like ‘no shit my wife is a tree we can’t make babies together man, we went out and grabbed one one day’ and for some reason this is just hilarious to me. Absolute antics.