#bring me my ring wraiths!!!!

[ladysolidor87]

Is anyone else super excited to meet the nine men doomed to turn into the Nazgûl? Do you think we’ve already met some of them in the show? I can’t wait to see how Sauron deceives them and their transition from men into wraiths. I’m sure the show runners will make it deliciously angst!

I can’t wait to see Sauron at the height of his power.

[gloomwitchwrites]

Still in love/obsessed ex-husband

A still in love and obsessed ex-husband can be answered in various ways. I thought I'd make this one a little loosey goosey and stretch the definition of "ex-husband" here a tad bit. I also split "still in love" and "obsessed." My personal HC about these characters actions around those two phrases will certainly vary.

Anyway, here are four quick drabbles on the topic (And thank you for your patience as I fulfill requests.)

Find the Imagines & What If Series Masterlist HERE

Content & Warnings (per the warnings MDNI): reconciliation, fluff, light angst, suggestive themes, swearing, marriage, strained and established relationships, stalking

ao3 // taglist // main masterlist // imagines & what if masterlist

John Price

“I still have it.”

“Have what?” you ask.

“Your wedding dress,” answers John.

“I told you to return it. And the ring.”

John shakes his head. “Couldn’t bring myself to do it. Still in my closet.”

“You don’t want to.”

“No.”

“Why?” you ask.

“You know why, love.”

You sigh. “Did you sign the papers?”

“No,” he answers automatically. “Why would I? When you’re clearly still in love with me.”

“John.”

“You promised me an army.”

“I’ve given you three,” you murmur, thinking of your children with him.

John smiles, and you melt. “We can make number four right here.”

John "Soap" MacTavish

“What’s this?”

“Nothing.”

“Show me.”

You keep your hand behind your back. Johnny grins down at you, one eyebrow raised. Johnny is fast, snagging your arm and bringing your hand into the light.

His gaze drops to the diamond on your finger.

“You still wear it,” he breathes.

“It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Oh, love. It does.” He steps closer, one warm hand cupping your cheek.

You lean into him, not wanting to admit out loud what still holds true in your heart.

“You still love me,” he teases.

“And?” you prompt.

He draws you close. “And I still want you.”

Kyle "Gaz" Garrick

“Signing this won’t change anything. You know this.”

Kyle is right and you hate that he is. Grasping the back of your neck, Kyle threads his fingers through your hair. Twisting. Gripping. Arching your neck.

He draws you forward, lips nearly brushing over yours. “You know I’d burn everything down for you. Walk any distance. I will never be rid of you. Never.”

Kyle’s words are searing. They sit heavy in your chest.

“Do you not feel the same?” He shakes his head. “I don’t believe that.”

The divorce papers are scattered across the kitchen table.

You swallow. “Shred them.”

Simon "Ghost" Riley

Ghost is a wraith.

He watches from the shadows. He knows your every step, who you talk to, and what your day looks like. He has always known. Even before you called him husband—and before that boyfriend—Ghost learned your habits.

He sits. Waits.

You glance over your shoulder with no idea how close he is, trying to find his in. Because he will. He will have you.

The current boyfriend will disappear.

Just like the last one.

Because Ghost made it happen.

All he needs is time and then, he can put his ring back on your finger.

Taglist:

@km-ffluv @glitterypirateduck @tiredmetalenthusiast @spicyspicyliving @childofyuggoth @miaraei @coffeecaketornado @aykxz98 @kayden666 @unhinged-reader-36 @miss-mistinguett @keiva1000 @cherryofdeath @pertinentpostmortem @enfppuff @berarenado @saoirse06 @ninman82 @no-oneelsebutnsu @thewulf @hayleybarnesx @lxblm @ferns-fics @ooldcardigan @beebeechaos @enarien @sw33tsnow @kessi-21 @makayla-666 @lifes-project @burn1ngw00d @heeheehoohoohahahihi @lulurubberduckie @ravenpoe67 @jade1605 @contractedcriteria @lovely-ateez @gingergirl06 @kidd3ath @leed-bbg @blackhawkfanatic @suhmie @tulipsun-flower @ghosts-hoe @jaggersinclair @nomercyforthewarrior

[addictao3]

Poly Hybrid TF141 x Angel Male Reader?

You joined the TaskForce after being transferred out of your old squad. They didn’t really need giant Angels anymore. So you were sent away. You heard about the dangerous TaskForce141. The Dragon Captain, The Werewolf Sergeant, The Harpy Sergeant, and The Lieutenant Wraith. You knew it would be weird, your just joining and such but-

“Jesus fuc-” Sergeant Soap states. You’re a hunk of a man. Practically 7ft tall, large imposing wings with eyes on them, a muscular body(with a slight chub on the stomach). Though your wearing a white cloth over your eyes. Your other ones watch the group like a hawk. Just staring.

“Welcome.” Captain price walks up to you, though you can tell his spikes on his tail are up. Ready for anything. You nod your head.

“Thank you for having me sir.” You say plainly. Your other eyes monitor their expressions. You can see that the tuffs of fur on Gaz’s wings are standing on edge, Soaps claws are slightly out, and Ghost looks like his full form, angry. “I hope we work well together.” You fold your wings back, leaving only two of your “eyes” watching them. You can see them slightly relax.

“You’ll wear the cloth of’en then?” Soap asks. Walking into your space. You look down at him. For you he’s like a puppy(his tail is wagging behind him).

“Ah yes- it’s better for us all.” You say calmly, you don’t want to scare them.

(A while later)

You’ve become a vital member of the team. Becoming closer with them. You bring Captian price flying just to remind him what it’s like. You make nests with Gaz. Go running with Soap. Though Ghost was still cold to you. That changed when you were on a mission.

“[Redacted]!” He rushes into the area, you weren’t answering your comms and- full stop. You were standing in the middle of a battlefield. Enemies strewn around you, just pieces. Though that wasn’t what caught his eyes. It was you, you without your blindfold. He froze as he looked at you. You didn’t- you didn’t have eyes. “[Redacted].” Your wings flow out. Menacingly. Your other eyes watched for enemies and then you saw him. You quickly cover your empty sockets.

“Lieutenant.” Your angel eyes could see him walk closer. They stiffen and the ring on your neck glows. You can a ‘see’ him pull bandages from one of his side pockets.

“Hey. It’s okay- can you er- kneel?” He asks awkwardly. You drop to the floor quickly. Your knees thudding on the blood soaked ground. Slowly your hands are moved from the two empty spaces that once held your eyes. Ghost could see the golden blood that welled in them, not dripping out. He wraps the gauze around your head. Making sure your sockets are covered.

“It was a mission gone wrong.” You say start. “A traitor in our group. He knew I could usually see how his magic was being used. So he took my eyes.” Your voice was soft. “But I thank him sometimes. Not being able to see with these eyes has helped my other ones.” Ghost tapes the gauze down and helps you stand up(okay maybe not helps, he just stands there as an arm rest. What you’re fucking massive).

“[Redacted]… it doesn’t look like our regular kind of eye socket.” He says quietly. “It’s gold.” You laugh.

“Well yeah. I’m an angel. My blood is gold.” You smile at him. “Let’s go hm?” Ghost nods and follows behind you.

After that well it was like he was your shadow. Constantly behind you. Watching your back(knowing that you literally can see behind you.” Now that you had Ghosts seal of approval, everyone else became more… touchy.

Do yall want more chat? DO YALL WANT A PART TWO??!??!!

[mrs-gauche]

Let's talk about the Red Lyrium Idol

(…Because it's not like this thing has been discussed to death over the past ten years, right? 😂 *drops my two cents in the Scrooge McDuck money bin*)

Ah yes… The red lyrium idol. The one thing that's given me a headache since 2018, as I'm still trying to figure out how this damn thing could possibly fit into my bazillion tinfoil theories.

Whether it's the first official DA4 teaser in 2018, the Blue Wraith comic series or the entirety of the last chapter of Tevinter Nights, a lot of the supplementary media and promotional stuff setting up the course for DA4 seems to be centered around the idol. Quite literally, in some cases, like this mural from the first 2018 teaser:

It certainly led us to think that the idol won't just be another McGuffin (or so I hope lol), but other than that, it's still heavely shrouded in mystery…

Which is why I will now make an attempt to unravel this and gather every single bit of information we have on it (so far) and maybe that'll get us closer to some sort of answer in the end (actually, it won't, because this got SO long that I had to split this post in two parts lol No one's going to read all of this anyway 💀)!

Look, I just needed to get this behemoth of a post out before we might get an actual substantial trailer tomorrow and none of this will probably matter anymore. 😂💀

(Note: This whole thing was initially intended to be solely for myself to keep track of any information we've gotten about the idol since DA2. But since it's gotten SO long over the years, I figured why not just rewrite it into a somewhat coherent text and post it on here? :D ......Seriously, it's really, REALLY effing long.)

The Idol's Journey so far

To me, the idol always seemed to be something like "The One Ring" in LOTR. A forged ancient artifact with creepy unknown powers that is said to feel "alive", almost as if it possesses a will of its own, seeing as it has somehow found its way from countless random people, back to (presumably) its former owner. It also appears to be somewhat cursed, given that almost everyone who held it at one point seems to have died or gone mad by now (Yeah, I'm very worried about Varric and Hawke 👀).

Let us start with a quick summary of the journey the idol has made in the span of about 12-13 years (not counting the unknown timespan in which the last chapter of Tevinter Nights takes place):

First discovered by Hawke and Varric in an ancient Thaig in the Deep Roads.

Stolen by Bartrand, who then made a quick trip to Rivain.

Sold to Meredith, who turned it into a sword.

Taken out of Meredith's petrified corpse by Carta dwarves.

Sold again to a Tevinter mage, who brought it to House Qintara in Ventus.

Handed to a secret agent of Fen'Harel named Gaius (who was impersonating Magister Qintara).

Traded away to Tractus Danarius.

Handed to Magister Nenealeus at Castellum Tenebris to be used as part of a ritual.

Picked up by Cedric Marquette after the fortress fell, while trying to escape.

Handed back to Tractus Danarius, who then probably (not confirmed) went to Nevarra to perform another blood magic ritual.

Picked up by a Mortalitasi who (maybe) took it to Tevinter.

(Supposedly!) ended up in a vault under an auction house in Llomerryn in Rivain, where it was (supposedly!) retrieved by Solas.

That's quite the journey… that you wouldn't even know half about if you didn't read the comics or Tevinter Nights. But whereas the book and comics were all published after the first teaser trailer in 2018, after which the idol became the center of the fandom's attention and speculation, it should be noted that a connection to the idol was in fact already made way back in 2014, when people noticed that the image of Solas holding Flemeth's lifeless body at the end of Inquisition was very reminiscent of something else.

...Which brings us to the point of what the idol is even depicting to begin with.

Description

Before I'll start to give my own description based on the models in-game, the teaser and concept art, I'd like to quote the people who've actually seen it in person.

In the last chapter of Tevinter Nights, we are being told three tales by three different people, who all describe the same idol differently.

The Carta Assassin: "A couple hugging, too thin to be dwarves - but it's sitting there, glowing softly like a ruby lit by the grace of the Maker himself. […] It's heavier than you'd think - lyrium's heavier than you'd think, too, but this was heavy even for that. When I hefted it in my hand, it was like it wanted to keep moving, like it was liquid inside."

The Mortalitasi: "An idol crafted from red lyrium, which seemed to show two lovers, or a god mourning her sacrifice. It whispered in our minds when we saw it […]."

The Orlesian Bard/Solas: "He whispered something as he picked it up, tracing his gloved fingers gently along the crowned figure who comforted the other."

The one thing that all of these seem to have in common though is two figures who embrace each other in some way.

Which is interesting, because in all the depictions of the idol we've seen so far, it clearly shows three people instead of two. Granted, the third figure is a bit cramped up in the back of the crowned figure, but what's strange is that not even Solas himself mentions this third figure.

Most notable though is the crowned female looking figure in the center, which is holding onto the two other figures on each side of the ring shaped object (or it's the two figures holding onto the female?). The figures themselves look rather goulish, deadly or skeletal, with their bone structure clearly visible and all their expressions captured in a mix of horror or torment. The small carved-in lines coming from the middle figure's eye sockets also resemble black tears, much like we've seen on "The Mother" in Awakening.

There's also no sign of clothing, which is all the more apparent on the concept art of the idol, in which the breast of the middle figure is.. much more prominent. lol (We don't make fun of saggy boobs in this house, it's just nature and gravity after all, but for the sake of observation, I will note that they do remind me of Broodmother boobs, too 😂), aside from a hint of what could be a veil on the middle figure's head.

At the bottom of the idol, the lower bodies of the figures seem to fully submerge within its name-giving red lyrium and this "claw" type thing, which is coming off in the shape of crystalline red lyrium spikes at the tail end, though in the concept art and the DA2 model, these spikes were clearly more like red lyrium roots. But either way, the bottom makes it kinda look like it's been broken/ripped off?

We can also see tentacle like features, that remind me of the figures we've seen in the mural in the 2020 teaser and the depiction in the 25th anniversary book that revealed to us what the Archdemons were initially supposed to look like. 👀

I'd also like to point out that in the original concept art of the idol, the ears of the crowned figure look much more pointy to me than in later versions. 👀

There's also this "ring", that I've seen many people connect to how the Veil is often portrayed in Solas' murals.

But if this ring is supposed to depict the Veil, then what could it mean for the crowned figure reaching across to hold that ominous third figure on the "other side"?

And yes, I recognize that this ominous third figure also seems to be missing a left arm, just like another certain main character. 👀

The one thing that stands out the most though, is probably the crown itself. Most people might first associate it with Andraste, when the same shape can be traced as far back as ancient statues of Mythal.

Yeah, there's definitely a pattern here. 😂

That being said…

Connection to Mythal & Solas

Okay, we all know about the theory that Andraste might have been Mythal's previous host, right? We all know about the parallels between Mythal's story, Andraste, Flemeth, etc. And after comparing the idol to Flemeth and Meredith in their moment of death, considering all of the above/following and how old this thing potentially is, I will now make a wild guess here and argue that the idol is in fact depicting Mythal's death.

"He whispered something as he picked it up, tracing his gloved fingers gently along the crowned figure who comforted the other. But I could not make out the words, for I fear they were elven."

Not only does Solas seem to hold sentimental value for whoever the crowned figure is supposed to be, while also talking to it in elven, but the way he describes to "caress" the idol in Tevinter Nights does also seem to mirror how Flemythal was comforting him at the end of DAI.

However, I always thought it was a bit odd how Solas describes the idol as "a figure comforting another", when… tbh, "comforting" would probably be last thing that comes to my mind when I look at this...

"Agony" would be more fitting here, maybe? lol Kinda begs the question of how Mythal was murdered, too, with this being her expression in her moment of death? 👀

Without getting too much into it here, if there's one thing we can take from everything we've learned so far about their past, Solas' relationship with Mythal must've been a rather complicated one, to say the least.

"He did not want a body, but she asked him to come. He left a scar when he burned her off his face."

Solas calls Mythal "the best of the elven gods", calling her "the mother, protective and fierce", and Solas is even described in the designer's notes as "Mythal's oldest friend" who is all about free will, yet if the spirit origin theory is true and Cole's cryptic comments in Trespasser are in fact about them, it was Mythal who gave Solas a body against his will, potentially bound/enslaved him with her vallaslin, and maybe even forced him to act against his original purpose?

"You should have seen me when I was younger. Hot-blooded and cocky, always ready to fight."

Cole: "You didn't do it to be right. You did it to save them." Inquisitor: "Solas, what is Cole talking about?" Solas: "A mistake. One of many made by a much younger elf who was certain he knew everything."

How much of what happened was Solas acting out Mythal's will, or rather, acting out of vengeance and pain in reaction to Mythal's death? How much of it was him acting downright impulsive?

Solas: “Cole is a spirit. The death of the real Cole wounded him, perverted him from his purpose. To regain that part of himself, he must forgive.” Varric: “You don’t just forgive someone killing you.” Solas: “You don’t. A spirit can.”

Or was it Mythal's death itself that "wounded him and perverted him from his purpose", just like he described what happened to Cole?

And what does that say about Mythal then, when she clearly hasn't forgiven her murderers and still strives for vengeance after all this time? What if Solas' own perception of Mythal and all the circumstances surrounding her murder is warped because he was once bound to her? 👀

Anyway. To get back to topic.

So if we assume that the idol is in fact depicting Mythal's death, then that brings us to the next question of why the idol is even made of red lyrium? Or rather, what is Mythal's connection to red lyrium?

We know that red lyrium is tainted blood of a Titan. Mythal was the first to kill a Titan and mine their blood for things we won't get into in this post. So, how did the idol end up in the Deep Roads, anyway? How long had it been there? One thing that's kinda strange to me, is how the DA wiki page about the idol says that it was forged by the dwarves, solely based on the fact that it was initially found in the Deep Roads, when we have no actual evidence for that. We've seen statues of both Mythal and the Dread Wolf in the Deep Road section in Trespasser where the mining of lyrium was undergone, but we don't know if the dwarves even had any part in building them as well.

Would the dwarves forge an idol of the elven deity who conquered them and killed their Titan, if they were somehow forced to do so? We also have to remember that dwarves were and still are the only ones able to actually mine raw lyrium safely, but even the Carta dwarves in Tevinter Nights had to take several precautions in order to recover the red lyrium idol from Meredith's corpse. And even then, many of them still fell shaking or went mad in its presence like Bartrand.

So if it only takes that little exposure to have that much of an effect on someone's sanity, how were the ancient dwarves or anyone even able to create it in the first place? What if the idol was initially made of blue lyrium but was then somehow corrupted?

And if we take one moment to really think about what an idol actually is.

"An object representing extreme devotion and religious worship to a god."

While Solas doesn't think of any of the Evanuris as actual gods, he still seems to hold Mythal at such a high regard that he wouldn't even speak of her at a sacred place like the Temple of Mythal (whether or not that was because he just wanted to withhold any secret ancient knowledge). He's able to fully recite the invocation to Mythal if you bring him with you to her altar. He also looks exactly like the sentinels in Mythal's temple.

I could go on, but generally speaking, there are so many little hints pointing to Solas being a former slave/servant of Mythal that, again, we won't get into here, but it's important to mention when trying to figure out why the idol (presumably) even belongs to Solas.

"The idol's journey is now complete, and it has found its master."

In Tevinter Nights, the Dread Wolf claims that the red lyrium idol belongs to him. He also made sure to punish those who tried to misuse it, going so far as to march in with an entire army of spirits and snapping a guy's neck with his jaw. (Yup, you're better off not to touch the Dread Wolf's stuff for dirty blood rituals, kids.)

"You use my idol carelessly, and in doing so, you threaten all creation."

Additionally, in the last chapter of Tevinter Nights, Charter and other spies conclude that Solas must need the idol for whatever ritual he's planning, while Solas in Bard disguise claims that he's already in possession of the idol now and therefore, I quote, "cannot be stopped". (Though I personally still don't actually buy a single thing about his vivid tale at that auction house, but we'll get back to this later. lol)

And if the idol belongs to Solas, was he the one who created it, or did he order the dwarves or someone else to make it for him? But why would he intentionally make an idol out of red lyrium, anyway? He is fully aware of the dangers and corruption that comes with being exposed to red lyrium and its use. Especially considering that red lyrium is blighted and how he repeatedly expresses great concern over the Blights and gets furious over the Grey Wardens' attempts to preempt them by killing the Archdemons (because he obviously knows more than us).

So, does he know a way to use it without getting corrupted like everyone else? The Seekers of Truth are so far the only ones we've seen to be immune to red lyrium thanks to having their minds touched by a spirit of Faith during their vigil. Could Solas' connection to spirits/his hypothetical spirit origin allow him to use the idol without it effecting him?

But if any of this is true, then l'm again asking myself what even was the purpose of the idol to begin with? Why or when was it created? How does it differ from any other red lyrium, and what could Solas have used it for in the ancient past?

Powers & Effects

So, let's talk about what this thing can actually do (as far as we know).

(Btw, this is the part where I will shamelessly copy a lot straight from the DA wiki, because truth be told, I'm just a German struggling with limited vocabulary and I figured there's simply no way to summarize this any better than the wiki already has. 💀)

Just like any other red lyrium, we know that being exposed to the idol for too long will make you mad/paranoid/possessive/violent, while also grant you special powers, until overuse causes your body to be completely overtaken by red lyrium. It seems to thin the Veil wherever it is currently kept, allowing spirits or demons to interact with the physical world.

It also emanates a song that is slowly turning people who hear it insane.

The Song

"It sings… sick music." "It eats you inside until you're nothing." "It creeps into your thoughts, humming." "They hear a different song. The song behind the door old whispers want opened. They are dead and dark and done." "Songs screaming far away. It wants to wake up but can't remember how."

(- Cole's comments about red lyrium/red templars)

After Bartrand took the idol and left Varric and Hawke to die in the primeval Thaig, he started hearing voices, claiming the idol was "singing" to him. Even after selling it, Bartrand could still hear the idol and was eventually driven mad by its red lyrium.

Three years later, it is discovered that Bartrand had chipped a piece of the idol off and left it in his estate, which causes the house to behave like it was haunted and the Veil was torn.

Then during the "Haunted" quest, Varric himself remarks several times to hear music while walking through the estate, much like the Carta assassin in Tevinter Nights recalled to have heard "music in the wind, like some old song I heard as a kid but can't quite remember" when obtaining the idol from Meredith's corpse.

Important to mention here is that Varric seems to also be the only one in the party able to hear this song.

Varric: "Hey… is that music? Where is that coming from?" Hawke: "In don't hear anything." Varric: "Where is that singing coming from? You hear it, right, Hawke?" Varric: "Where is that voice coming from?" Hawke: "What voice?" Varric: "I can barely hear it… I wish I could make out the words."

Varric also told us that, after Bartrand went mad, he tortured his non-dwarven servants by cutting pieces off them to help them "hear the song".

(And remember, the idol was found in an ancient primeval Thaig in the Deep Roads, sitting on something like an altar, indicating that it was being worshiped by the ancient dwarves as well. Presumably because they too were being influenced by the idol's/red lyrium's song?)

Haunted

During the "Haunted" quest, we learn that the mere presence of a shard of the idol in the estate causes:

"Voices whispering in the walls"

Random objects moving on their own

Apparitions/screaming spirits appear running across the floors

When Varric picks up the piece of the idol, he starts to exhibit the same symptoms of madness Bartrand showed, at which point Hawke can either let Varric keep the piece, or can take it from him with the intent of having Sandal destroy it.

If Hawke asks Anders to diagnose Bartrand in Act 2, he suspects a demon at work, however Bartrand is a dwarf. Instead, he determines that "his mind has been poisoned by something powerful".

In Tevinter Nights, the Carta assassin recalls that, in the attempt to retrieve the idol from Meredith's corpse, most of his colleagues fell shaking and whispering the closer they got to it.

Meredith

After Bartrand sold the idol to Meredith, she reshapes it into her sword Certainty, which does eventually drive her insane as well. It also gives her unnatural powers, such as the ability to animate the statues in the Gallows, and even limited flight capabilities.

(My question is though, were the things happening in that final fight directly caused by the idol or was this just the result of the Veil being already weakened that much by the many terrible things that happened at that place/Kirkwall in general?)

Anyhow, during the final battle at the Gallows, Meredith overuses the lyrium sword, causing it to burst into dust and petrify her into a statue.

Though as we all know now, some part of Meredith seems to have survived somehow, as her… mind(?) or something was shown to now still "live" within the red lyrium somewhere in Kirkwall at the end of Absolution. She (or "it") also seems to have somewhat control over the red templars now, too.

So, how is this possible? What exactly is she now, if it even is herself and not just a manifestation/echo of her memories or something? Could it have something to do with the idol? No one really knows (and we might never find out, if Netflix won't give us a second season, anyway lol), but I do think it's curious how the idol is likely depicting Mythal's death, who didn't actually die either and lived on through the ages as a type of lingering "wisp" clinging to various hosts. 👀

I also want to point out how Solas did suspiciously include Meredith's petrified corpse in his mural in the 2020 teaser as well, placing her right under that ominous upside down figure with the tentacles.

Furthermore, just like Meredith, the idol also seems to be somewhat indestructable. lol After Meredith's sword burst into dust, it regrew inside her petrified corpse (which Solas was apparently also aware of). What's interesting is that it regenerated in Meredith's chest of all places. You know, like, where the heart is supposed to be? 👀

Then there's also this curious line from Anders, when talking about Varric acting strange after obtaining a shard of the idol:

"This thing's magic seems only more potent when broken."

I've mentioned it before, but with the spikes (or roots in DA2) at the bottom part of the idol making it look like it was ripped or broken off of something, you have to wonder if its current state is somewhat broken, even after regenerating.

"Hot-Blooded"

During the Haunted quest, Fenris will remark this:

"Whatever is here is angry."

In DAI, Cole repeatedly comments on how red lyrium feels "very angry" and how it is "less angry when it's cold". We know for a fact that red lyrium emanates a noticeable heat. A corrupted Bartrand is especially weak to cold/ice magic.

While anger is generally associated with heat, I find this aspect particularly interesting, given that red lyrium is tainted blood of a Titan.

And building on that, while still searching for further connections between red lyrium, the idol and Mythal… Remember how the ancient sarcophagus in the Blue Wraith and Dark Fortress comic was used in a ritual, in which lyrium combined with fire of a Great dragon carved lyrium infused markings into Fenris' and Shirallas' skin, granting them special powers.

Not only was this ancient sarcophagus specifically built only for elves, and its design resembling that of Mythal's statues…

…but here we have a case in which lyrium is purposefully "set on fire" by a Great dragon to create "elven super soldiers". Mythal is always depicted as a dragon. And she mined lyrium in humongous amounts.

Again, red lyrium emanates heat. If this was common practice in ancient times, then I feel like it's not surprising that a Titan would eventually be pretty damn angry in reaction to its blood being continuously burned for centuries [insert boiling blood joke here].

So, aside from the red lyrium being blighted, could there be a connection in Mythal burning the Titans' blood? As far as we know, it did take a couple of aeons in which Mythal (presumably) continued to mine (and burn?) the Titans' blood, before the ancient elves sealed the Deep Roads for good, because they discovered something… bad. As Solas himself declares in the vision described at the mural depicting a Titan's death:

"Let this place be forgotten. Let no one wake its anger." "The vision grows dark. An aeon seems to pass. Then the runes crackle, as if filled with an angry energy. A new vision appears: elves collapsing caverns, sealing the Deep Roads with stone and magic." "Terror, heart-pounding, ice-cold, as the last of the spells is cast."

And there it is again. That anger we're talking about. What's so interesting to me, is how this does sort of come full circle with Mythal and the idol after all, since the motivation behind Mythal's actions, even after thousands of years, remains her unwavering desire for vengeance upon the people who betrayed and murdered her, which, in a way, does mirror the same anger/heat that the Titan is emanating from its tainted blood.

And speaking of blood……

A Ritual Blade

In Tevinter Nights, we learned that the idol is able to produce a blade, which is then used as part of a blood magic ritual.

"The Tevinter mage was killing his slaves. […] He had cut the throat of one of them, and then another, catching the blood of his victims on the idol as he made his way around the circle. […] The Tevinter mage raised the idol before him, and I saw a spike of lyrium spring from the base of the idol, so that all at once, it was not merely an idol, but a ritual blade. He slashed his own hand, and a wave of power pulsed through the cavern. It was as though we were the blood, and the cavern was the body through which it flowed, and we fell, all of us, to the ground, our minds pulled into the raw chaos of the Fade by the power of his ritual."

In the end of the Dark Fortress comic, the idol produced another red lyrium sword, that could be fully detached and was then placed onto the before-mentioned sarcophagus, turning Shirallas into a raving beserker that was pretty much invincible as long as he was in possession of that same sword.

While the blue lyrium infused sword that was used in Fenris' ritual simply dissolved in the process, the sword produced by the idol could "regenerate" and was especially resistant to Great dragon fire.

"Unlike the lyrium-infused swords of the so-called Arcane warriors, this sword should survive the ritual."

In the final fight against him, Marquette comments on how Shirallas "feeds energy to the sword from the red lyrium in his veins" and how in turn "the sword heals his wounds".

So in both the comic and Tevinter Nights, the idol/the weapon produced from the idol seems to draw power specifically from the blood of its wielder. It makes me wonder if it was initially intended to be used this way, since we have to remember that it still presumably belongs to Solas, who claims to not practice blood magic, because it seems to make it more difficult to enter the Fade.

Which is ironic, given what the mage in Tevinter Nights did to disrupt the Fade, but also how the Magisters Sidereal used a massive blood ritual to enter the Fade physically.

And oddly enough, in your first conversation with Solas about blood magic, he makes this curious analogy with daggers as an example…

Inquisitor: Every time I've seen blood magic used, it has been for some evil purpose. Solas: I once saw a woman being stabbed in the stomach with a dagger. She died slowly, in angony. It was repulsive. If the Chantry outlawed daggers, would that stop the people from using it? Of course not. […]" Inquisitor: "You don't need to sacrifice a slave's life to make a dagger." Solas: "I suppose it depends upon the dagger."

So… Could Solas be referencing Mythal's death here? Or what if the dagger here is referring to the idol in its blade form? What the heck does he mean by "I suppose it depends upon the dagger"? Was a slave's life sacrificed to create the idol maybe?

But if blood magic wasn't the sole purpose for why it was made, then what else could the idol as a ritual blade be used for?

Which brings us to…

Dalish mythology

According to Dalish legends, Fen'Harel told the Creators and the Forgotten Ones that the Avvar had forged a "terrible weapon", a blade that would end the war between both clans of gods. He told the Creators that it was forged in the heavens, while the Forgotten Ones were told that it was hidden in the Abyss. And when the gods went seeking it, Fen'Harel sealed them both in their realms forever.

Okay. So, let's just assume for a second that the blade in this legend was actually the idol in its blade form. Because hell, what are the odds of having two "super powerful ancient blades that belong to Solas"? lol

If they are in fact the same weapon and the part about Solas tricking the gods is true, why were the Evanuris and the Forgotten Ones so eager to get this thing, to the point that they would fell into a trap?

And with this, I'd also like to point out the level design in the scene in which Flemeth takes Kieran's Old God soul in the Fade. I can't help but feel like the statue of Dirthamen being stabbed in the back with a sword, crying a stream of blood, resulting in a huge pool of blood, as well as a bloody ouroboros symbol on the ground, is a very deliberate design choice. Especially considering the context of this scene with the revelation about Flemeth and Mythal, I'd argue this is all in reference to how Mythal was betrayed and murdered.

Again, the idol could depict Mythal in her moment of death. In the final fresco in the rotunda, the one Solas never finished before leaving the Inquisition, we see a wolf looming over a dragon slain by a blade.

In the last visual of the 2022 cinematic that, going by Varric's narration, could potentially depict the destruction of the Veil, Solas appears to hold something that resembles a blade with a very destinct handle. Additionally, we've since discovered an icon hidden on the Steam page of DA4, that shows a dagger with an identical shape and the same glowy purple as the Dreadwolf title.

So we have the idol in its blade form, the blade Mythal was potentially slain with, the blade Solas is holding in the 2022 cinematic, Solas mentioning a dagger in relation to blood magic and Fen'Harel's blade in Dalish legends.

That's a lot of blades... and a lot of blood. lol

The Hunt of the Fell Wolf

"The Hunt of the Fell Wolf" is the title of a poem that can be found in the Jaws of Hakkon DLC. It tells a story of former Inquisitor Ameridan, his friend Haron and their fight against a demon wolf.

Along with numerous odd things in this tale that could be interpreted as some kind of metaphor (or just the devs messing with us, if you want to know more, please check out this post), it also mentions an "idol of fade-touched stone" in connection to the demon wolf.

The wounded knight in darkness Found within the cavern’s gloom An idol of fade-touched stone, Which could prove the monster’s doom.

In the poem, after a grim fight, the wolf takes Ameridan's friend Haron to its lair, a "labyrinth of winding cave" (which many believe is referring to the Deep Roads, just like the ancient Thaig in DA2 where Hawke and Varric found the red lyrium idol originally) where Haron, oddly enough, also happens to find an idol. What's intruiging though, is that this idol seems to be connected to the wolf in such a way that he can only be defeated if both him and the idol are destroyed and struck down at the same time.

With burning blade, Ameridan And monster met again Whilst elsewhere did Haron valiantly With demon-wards contend.

As demon-stone was shattered, Ameridan struck true: Beast and spirit—both felled at once, Though neither hunter knew.

"Beast and spirit—both felled at once"

Two entities that are connected across two different places… as in the physical body and the spirit maybe?

As in the waking world and the Fade?

So, let's reiterate.

The red lyrium idol belongs to the Dread Wolf. Cole remarks how he can feel that Solas is "in both places". The word "Dread Wolf" itself is an anagram for "World" and "Fade". We've talked about the popular spirit origin theory before, Solas taking a physical form against his will because of Mythal. The whole matter of Solas' "true name" before he called himself Pride. Solas' entire personal quest, which may or may not mirror his own past, a spirit of Wisdom being denied its original purpose, turning into a pride demon ("He wants to give wisdom not orders"). His strange remarks at the end of Cole's personal quest ("We cannot change our nature by wishing"). The fact that Solas makes Cole forget about his true identity, just like spirit!Cole does. The visual portrayal of Solas "consuming" Flemeth's powers at the end of DAI. The way in which Solas doesn't recognize anyone in the waking world as "people", but will vehemently debate you on why spirits should be considered people.

"But the People… They need me." (- Solas to Flemeth at the end of DAI) "Never again." (- Solas after burning the mages who were responsible for Wisdom's corruption) "From this moment, should you ever bind a spirit, your life is mine." (- the Dread Wolf's final warning to the mages in Tevinter Nights)

All of this considered, what could the poem in JOH imply for the connection between Solas and the Dread Wolf/the Dread Wolf and the idol?

"They made bodies from the Earth, and the Earth was afraid. It fought back, but they made it forget."

One theory assumes that the creation of the Veil lead to the separation of the ancient elves' bodies and their souls/spirits, assuming that before the creation of the Veil, the Evanuris somehow made bodies from the Titans/lyrium for spirits to manifest and then enslaved/bound them to their will by marking those bodies with their vallaslin.

But if that's true, then what happened to Solas when he created the Veil?

"He broke the dreams to stop the old dreams from waking. The wolf chews its leg off to escape the trap."

In all the murals, tarot cards and illustrations, the Dread Wolf and Solas are always depicted separately.

What really IS the Dread Wolf? And what is he to Solas?

"It was a beast unlike any I had ever seen. Lupine in appearance, but the size of a high dragon, with shaggy spiked hide and six burning eyes like a pride demon, and it came to us on wings of fire that resolved themselves into a horde of lesser demons."

From what little we know of the Dread Wolf himself, he only seems to exist within the Fade (that is to say, before the Veil, Solas was already depicted as a wolf, presumably even before his rebellion and before the Evanuris "bestowed" him with the title "Fen'Harel"). In the Mortalitasi's tale in Tevinter Nights, his army of spirits follows the mages back to the waking world, yet the Dread Wolf himself remains in the Fade. In one of the frescoes in the rotunda, Solas portrays the Black City surrounded by the six burning red eyes that resemble those of the Dread Wolf, almost like he's keeping watch over the eternal prison of those he banished. In the Tower tarot card, the Dread Wolf is ominously looming over Solas, almost like it's about to consume him, while in one of the Trespasser murals, it looks more like the Dread Wolf follows his lead. And then there's the DA4 2018 teaser mural, in which they're opposing each other, only seperated by the red lyrium idol in the center of the Veil.

If the red lyrium idol is connected to Solas like the idol in the poem is connected to the wolf, could this be part of the reason Solas is so desperate to find it? Does it possess some kind of spirit? Can the Dread Wolf only be defeated if the idol is destroyed at the same time, just like in the poem?

Where is it now?

So where's the damn thing now?

Well, in my opinion, there are two options.

Option 1) The bard's tale in Tevinter Nights was complete bullshit. lol

Despite Solas trying to convince us that he already obtained the idol in a vault some time ago under an auction house in Llomerryn, it's possible that, much like his whole charade in that chapter, this tale was also entirely fabricated. lol

To make it short, here is a list of arguments for why the "bard's tale" could've been a complete lie:

Solas attended this spy meeting specifically for information on the idol's whereabouts (because he doesn't actually know where it is currently?).

Everything until the last two pages was an act.

Both the Mortalitasi and the Carta Assassin point out several contradictions within his tale.

Upon hearing the other spies assuming that he needs the idol, it would just make sense that he would want them/Charter to believe that he’s now in possession of the idol and “cannot be stopped”, so that they would drop all effort to find it before him.

On the very last page of the book, there's a lists of bullet points of information when Charter is about to write down her report, and it does not explicitly say “He has the idol” but rather just what it looks like, which suggests that Charter didn’t buy his story either.

So if this was all lies, the last known location of the idol would therefore be the unknown person who took it when escaping from the Dread Wolf's spirit army in the Grand Necropolis in the tale of the Mortalitasi.

Meaning that Solas would therefore still be searching for it now. (Which would actually be kind of hilarious, considering how there's likely gonna be a ten year timeskip since DAI, so he would've been searching for the flippin thing for the better part of a decade now. 😂 We know from the end of the Blue Wraith comics that he had followed the idol's path via eluvian, but maybe he just lost track of it at some point? In fact, the last we heard from him, Solas was apparently busy pursuing some Venatori people to get another ancient artifact called the Crucious Stone in the The Missing comic, much like he prevented the Tevinter mage in Nevarra from using his idol. Solas after ten years of searching for the idol was probably like "Oh fuck it, I give up, on to McGuffin Nr 2 then". lmao)

In an interview with the comic writers Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir, they talked about how in their initial draft of Dark Fortress, Solas actually *got* the idol(!!) from two of his agents by using the eluvian located at Nenealeus' place before BioWare stepped in and requested a change. 👀 That version would've explained how Solas was able to track the idol through the eluvian we see at the end. Their own interpretation was that Solas can only overlook a certain radius within the area of where another eluvian is located. Which would actually support the assumption that Solas might've lost track of the idol at some point after Nenealeus left the place… but that's just their interpretation and not official BioWare canon (yet), sooo…. Hm.

Option 2) Solas has the idol now.

So let's assume that the part about him obtaining the idol in Tevinter Nights was actually true and it's now in his possession.

Aside from this, the only thing that could speak for Solas already having the idol in the beginning of DA4, is once again the final visual in the 2022 cinematic.

If this cinematic is in fact playing at the beginning of the game as a general re-introduction to the lore and the last visual is depicting Solas in the middle of destroying the Veil using the idol, then.. well yeah, there it is, in his hand…. at least, for now. Making Solas succeed in the first 10 minutes, I guess? lol

……Unless!

See, a few years ago, I speculated about how the idol might actually be the perfect plot device/motivation for our new protagonist to get involved in the whole Solas deal without even knowing who he is.

Let's say the last visual in the 2022 cinematic is actually showing us a hypothetical scenario, and not something that has already happened/is currently happening. Like, Varric gives this expository narration explaining who Solas is and what might happen if we don't succeed in getting the idol. (Notice how Varric says "And we're the only ones who can stop him" at the end… Like there's still a chance to stop him before this actually happens.) We know from Tevinter Nights that Charter knows that Solas needs the idol for whatever ritual he's planning. And Charter obviously informed the Inquisition/Varric about this as well. So the next logical step for the Inquisition now would be to obtain the idol (whether or not the bard's tale in TN was true) to prevent this ritual at any cost, right?

The comic The Missing re-emphasized that Varric is now in charge of getting people that Solas doesn't know. And this might be where the new protagonist gets recruited by Varric (who is still a spymaster after all) and gets assigned the alias "Rook" for a heist mission to obtain the idol. (And after a very thorough observation of the DA4 reddit leaks from 2023… it looks like Rook might've actually succeeded in this potential quest?)

While we don't know when the stuff in the leaks actually takes place within DA4's storyline, I think it's safe to say that Rook will obtain the idol at some point in the story and that it will play a pivotal role, if the blurb on the Steam page for DA4 is to be believed. lol

As well as what could likely end up being the game's icon, found on the Steam page.

And again, remember how in the Hunt of the Fell Wolf poem, it seemed like Ameridan struck the wolf’s body in the waking world, while his friend Haron killed the spirit (inside the idol?) in the Fade. What could this imply for DA4 then, if we are applying the role of Ameridan, Haron and the wolf in this tale to the Inquisitor, Rook and Solas?? 👀 Is this how we can stop him? The Inquisitor confronts Solas in the waking world, while Rook has to destroy the idol/fight the Dread Wolf in the Fade?

Or could it just be a metaphor for the Inquisitor in DA4 keeping Solas occupied to distract him from Rook, while they can figure out another secret way to deal with him/how to get/destroy the idol?

See, the thing is, we have to remember that this is after all, a video game. lol Meaning that, if our protagonist gets to carry around a powerful ancient artifact/weapon, I would assume that this has to be somehow implemented in the gameplay as well. What we can take from the short footage of the 2023 reddit leak, is that Rook might carry the idol (if it really IS the same thing) while still fighting with their own main weapon in combat. So, what if the idol serves as more of a special power tool outside of combat, for example, like the anchor did in DAI, where it can only be used for special occasions? Let's say, the idol in its blade form can't be used in battle but is able to "split" the Veil or reality, like the anchor was able to open and close rifts? Or, if we assume that the idol is something like an ancient phylactery (which btw is my favorite theory and I will talk about in my second post), maybe it can be used as some kind of "tracking device"? Actually, I'm super curious to learn how Rook is even able to carry it like this in the first place, since we know what kind of effect it usually has on people. lol

~~~~~

Anyway, I'll make a hard cut here now and save the rest of this behemoth of a post for a second separate post (because I also just realized that tumblr doesn't let me add any more images 😂💀), so if any of you actually made it this far... thank you for being just as crazy as me about this and I will post the second part shortly after. lol ❤

[heartfullofleeches]

bodyguard reader panicking when yan suddenly has a nosebleed bc they think yan got poisoned but it’s bc yan caught a glimpse of lace when their bodyguards shirt rode up is so funny to me

If there was one thing your boss hated more than betrayal - it was lying about it. Your former colleague would be the perfect example for what happened to those who lied through their teeth; seated in the center of their office tied to a beat up chair with an increasingly more broken jaw. You stood at your employer's side, patiently awaiting their next order as they cleaned the blood off their rings like the loyal soldier you were.

"Y/n? Be a dear and grab my pliers for me out my box? There's still a new molars in the back."

Nodding, you walk over to the chest by the far wall as your boss drops down in their seat, swiping specks of red off the rim of their mug as they bring it to their lips. They watch as you pull the storage key from around your neck; the swell of pride steady in their chest - pleased with the jubilation you would never be on receiving end of their wraith or blade. You dedicated yourself to them as they did you, unpersuade by rival offers of money or frame. You were the perfect companion - they only wished you would open yourself to them more.

Their gaze sets on your back and the curve of your spine as you bend. A wiser person may have brought issue with the cut of their guards shirt showing off their midriff, but your boss wasn't the type bother nor complain. Nine time out of ten, they were pleased with it - until they caught someone else staring. Their eyes follow the roll of your tight shirt against your muscles and the reveal of something intriguing hugging your waist as your belt weighs your pants. Fuchsia frills weaved into the band of the brighter, hotter pink of your underwear. Lukewarm coffee shotguns down their windpipe as the full, floral print is unveiled - near see through stretched thin against your skin.

You down the tools and rush over to your boss' aid as they gasp and wheeze. Noting the flush of their face, you instinctively make a grab for their mug - pitting their face to your bare stomach and the cool fabric of your undergarment. Their lips graze your navel as you squat to check on them.

"Do I need to call the doctor?"

They inhale through their teeth. "I'm fine - I'm fine....just went down the wrong pipe.

You stand; relieved, looking back at your captive curious of their flushed expression. Your body takes one last look at your waist before joining your gaze at the traitor.

"Sweetheart. Please bring me my gun."

[fairytalesofforever]

kept my warmth

for @grishawintergifts @jyovi-04 | kaz/inej | background jesper/wylan

Generally, it does not snow in Ketterdam. 

The city is too damp and not nearly idyllic enough for that; they get sleet, and hail, and ice that makes the streets slick and perilous, but not snow. The first winter that Inej is back on the Wraith, however, it snows not once but twice. 

The first snow is a passing nothing—the Crow Club is quiet, construction on the Six is slowed, a stubborn ache nests itself around Kaz’s knee, and the streets are covered in puddles and slush by noon. The second falls when she’s on shore at Jesper and Wylan’s. 

He almost doesn’t go. It’s a veritable blizzard and snow has piled up around the doors of the Slat and the clubs, and besides, he only tolerates the damp with his collar turned up and his scowl particularly deep. However. It’s the damp or Jesper’s sad, pleading expression, like the farm’s collie when Jordie once stepped on her tail. It’s the damp or Wylan’s resignation, ducking his head to his work, his pen scratching in the silence. It’s the damp or Inej sitting alone by a fire. 

She got back yesterday. He hasn’t seen her yet. 

So he goes. 

He walks past the shoveled front steps of the manor, around the uncleared side path that leads to the kitchen door. This is the one lock they haven’t changed on his advice, which Kaz takes as an invitation to let himself in. The ache is less nested now and more burrowed, and he shifts his weight as he coaxes the lock open, then slips inside. 

There are too many parlors in this damn house, but he makes an educated guess and finds them in the one at the base of the stairs. Jesper is in a high-backed chair with some sort of orange-bronze foliage pattern upholstered on it, the only one facing the doorway, and he whoops when he sees Kaz. “Good thing we didn’t get the whiskey out yet at eleven bells. Is that the cherry wine from the Crow Club?”

The bottle that was hanging quite obviously from Kaz’s hand vanishes as soon as the other two turn to look. “I don’t bring gifts, Jesper.”

“Right. Just your sparkling personality.” Jesper hops up from his chair and lopes over to poke at the fire, throwing up a shower of sparks. 

“Kleincanal is frozen over,” Wylan mentions. 

Jesper perks up at this, for some reason, and worse yet he’s looking at Kaz. “Decided to be snowed in with us, then?”

“Needed explosives,” Kaz says shortly, leaning on his cane and chancing a look at Inej. It’s been two months and then some since he last saw her. She must’ve visited Ravka because her nose is pierced now. A red line of firelight reflects off the thin, gilded ring. More of the light ribbons through her braid, uncoiled over one shoulder, and underpaints her gleaming lashes. They raise slowly as she looks at him, and he can see her taking him apart with her eyes just as he’s doing. Cataloguing the changes. He’s wearing the gloves now, but he’s stopped wearing them when he’s alone in his room. 

“I’m afraid they’ll take me most of the day to make,” Wylan says, twisting in his chair to look back at Kaz over his shoulder. Technically, he’s in a high-collared suit of mercher black, but the top buttons are undone and his ascot is draped over the arm of his chair. “So you’ll have to stay here until after dinner.”

Kaz narrows his eyes. “I never told you what I wanted, merchling.” 

Wylan rolls his eyes. “No. You never do.”

Tired of standing in the doorway, Kaz crosses the room. The only available piece of furniture is the ornate sofa Inej is sitting on. He wishes people would stop trying to out-scheme him, but sits there anyway. 

“You did once,” she murmurs. 

Kaz glances at her. He tries to keep the looks short. Starving men have tendencies to feast and make themselves sick. “Did what, Wraith?”

“Said what you wanted.” She’s staring into the fire, almost whispering. 

You, Inej, you. And he’s trying, for what shamefully little he has to show for it. He wonders if he should take the gloves off now, chance it, shove his hands in his pockets so no one else sees. But Jesper is still standing up by the fire, laughing with his head thrown back the way Jordie used to do. Their da called him a little rooster. 

It’s always harder with Jesper. 

So when one of the maids brings out coffee, he takes the cup in his gloved hands. He drops in several sugar cubes, disguised by sleight of hand. Inej gives him an amused glance that makes him think she could tell. Wylan finds the bottle of cherry wine that has mysteriously found its way onto the drinks cart, despite the fact that Kaz hasn’t risen from his seat. Jesper laughs again and tips his head back. Little rooster. 

Outside, the snow continues to fall. 

The follow the coffee with water and then wine, served in glasses that are each worth enough to make Kaz consider pocketing one at the end of the night. Jesper and Wylan’s joint inability to keep their hands off of each other rears its head shortly after the wine is uncorked, and they give an excuse to vanish upstairs, leaving Kaz and Inej alone in the parlor as an early dark falls. 

“Three ships burned,” she says after several breaths of silence. “It was a long chase.”

“That’s the way,” Kaz replies. The snowdrifts have piled up to the lip of the windowsill and it’s still coming down outside. The Slat may be dry, but it doesn’t keep out the chill like a roaring fire does. 

“I left one of the captains on a sandbar.” Inej continues staring into the fire. Its reflections turn her eyes molten and make her skin glow red around the edges. “He begged. They all do.”

“Should’ve done their begging sooner.”

“And you, Kaz?” Now she’s looking at him. There’s space for a person to sit between them and then some. He should move closer. But this moment feels like it’s made of glass. He won’t shatter it. 

“I don’t beg,” he says. It’s a lie. He would if she asked. But Inej knows he’s a liar and she’s sitting here anyway. She knows and she still came back. 

How many more times?

Maybe he won’t have to keep counting if he fights for this like he’s fought for everything else. Even if he comes out bloodied and bruised, bones shattered, at the end of it all, that’s the way he knows how to win. 

“That isn’t what I meant,” Inej says. 

He knows that too. He doesn’t answer, not really. But he does slip the gloves off. First one, then the other, precise and sharp with his movements—undoing the wrist clasps, pocketing the pair. He drops his bare hand to the seat cushion. It feels like velvet. He can feel it now.

Her eyes track down to it, his fingers splayed out like roots on the green cushion. 

“Renovations on the Emerald Palace,” he says. They’re both looking at his hand now. His pulse is roaring like waves in his ears. Some days Kaz wonders if this sickness won’t die till he does. 

“I haven’t seen it yet,” Inej says softly. He thinks she may have moved closer, silent as always. 

“They tore down the facade. Rollins’ legacy is ash.” This should comfort him. Toppling Pekka Rollins was meant to finally convince the warped and cracked parts of his mind that he wasn’t a helpless child anymore, that he could win even this fight. But all he can see now is his bare hand. Ripped-out roots. 

“What are you naming it?” Inej’s voice is a light from the surface. 

He hasn’t told anyone this yet. There are four people left who would know what it means, and three of them would laugh in his face. He doesn’t want to face that today. “The Silver Six.” 

Inej’s hand slides across to meet his. Their fingers interlock. She has new calluses, places where the skin has split. The roughness helps. 

“So you’re building something new,” she says. Kaz looks up at her, nodding in thought, warm to the touch. Outlined in fireglow. Alive, alive. “And what about watching it burn?”

One day he’ll have more of an answer for her. Today the best they can hope for is to be warm in the heart of a Ketterdam blizzard and to bear one another’s touch without the world spinning. To stay in the present. 

“You’re burning enough for the both of us,” he says.

At that she gives a soft laugh, or it might be the fire crackling. The heat and light are all the same. This is dangerous. Comfort is dangerous. The swelling feeling in his chest is dangerous. 

He wants to say it can’t last. But maybe he can make it last. Maybe that’s what it means to no longer be helpless. 

Her thumb brushes up and down over the top of his, the fine lines of the first knuckle. “Snow means trouble on the sea,” she says. 

“It means trouble in Ketterdam, too.” Kaz’s voice comes out particularly rough. 

“No.” Her thumb is still moving, gentle, alive, alive, alive. “I don’t mind it here.” 

[chiss-ticism]

OC Deep Dive: Judith "Moody Judy" Margolis

🩸Brujah Antitribu. Pack Ductus. Convention of Thorns historian. Anarch infiltrator. Remover for the Black Hand. 🩸

I was tagged [three days ago now, lmao] by @kentuckycaverats. Tysm! 'twas very kind for you to include me :D

🎨Art masterfully drawn by @/crownedinmarigolds!! 🎨

💣 Judy's Main Post. 💥

what common/uncommon fear do they have?

Ghosts! - Camarilla elders? Manageable. - Lupines? Maybe not an easy fight, but manageable with sufficient enough preparation and cold bodies to put between you and them. - Antediluvians? When we get there. But ghosts? I find that the mental image of a battle-hardened, 'Know No Fear' 2x Death Cultist with a fear of ghosts brings me no small amount of joy 😌 "The fuck am I supposed to do against a Wraiths?" She sulks in the far flung recesses of my mind, malding about an explicable inability to punch or politic her way out of the problem.

do they have any pet peeves?

Brujah. The whole clan. Main clan, Antitribu. It hardly matters. Why? She despises the hot-headed, always-needs-to-be-in-charge, 'only I know the way forward'-ness of her broodmates. The Anarchs - helmed in no small part by arrogant ""philosopher kings"" who can't even agree on what it even means to be an Anarch beyond criticisms of the system as-is - are trying to play at the Jyhad two steps behind everyone else. The Antitribu are, by and large... how did Gehenna: Time And Judgement put it? "better suited to stabbing itself in the eye and setting itself on fire than... well, anything of actual value." Those seeking refuge within the gilded cage of the Camarilla aren't even worthy of a passing thought. You see, my friend, you simply have to follow the hot-headed death cultist who, none too dissimilar to an Evil Advisor™, humbly whispers in the ears of Barons and Anarch Councilmembers to get anything of value done! 😌

what are 3 items you can find in their bedroom?

1.) A necklace infused with her sire's ashes. 2.) A three-ring binder full of rough drafts [speeches, dissertations on Cainite history, her attempts at learning other languages, etc.]. It only seems organized to her eye. 3.) A cardboard box overflowing with CDs from the late 90s to the early 2000s.

what do they notice first in a person?

How willing they are to underestimate their allies and opponents! She, in spite of genuinely enjoying the hallmarks of her aesthetic, also uses it as a litmus test for those who're unfamiliar with her positioning as a member of the highly vaunted [and/or feared, depending on who you are] Black Hand or even, simply, as a member of the Boogeyman that is the Sabbat. Dressing [and sometimes behaving] like Jesse Pinkman is not - in most situations - likely to command immediate respect. Do they presume her to be a rowdy neonate who is simply pushing her luck? Noted. Do they treat her with cautious apprehension? Curious...

on a scale of 1-10 how high is their pain tolerance?

I'd wager a solid 7-8, given: - She's dead. While only Ida - her Tzimisce Pack Priest - has completely deadened her nerves, being clinically dead has to count for something. - Black Hand training. - Black Hand training at the hand of Teresita "Godmother of the Damned", a Nosferatu Antitribu who claims residence in Mexico City. A relevant quote for you: "You call neonates and your Black Hand soliders "darling child" (niño querido) and similar endearments as you pinch cheeks, tidy their clothes, and crush the bones of anyone who fails you." [Mexico City by Night, p. 81] (Revised Edition sourcebook.)

do they go into fight or flight mode (or freeze or fawn) when under pressure?

Fight! I wish that I could attribute it to her being a Brujah but, no, she's always been like this. She's always been fond of biting people, too.

what animal represents them best?

A Pit Bull, I'd wager. Not Mr. Worldwide.👨‍🦲

how would a stranger likely describe them?

Knowledgeable. Arrogant. Malicious. Context - Obvious Predator [2 pt. Flaw, V20]: "Your innate Brujah rage always percolates below the surface no matter how hard you try to project an image of calm. Mortals find you intrinsically menacing, and instinctively fear you for the violence you promise to unleash."

do they have any hobbies?

Most of her time is spent tending to co-opting Anarchs or guiding her Pack, but when she has a moment to herself she prefers to spend it: - When the Sabbat has a High Holiday that involves re-enacting historical events or scenes from the Book of Nod, she loves to act as an advisor! - Learning languages. [albeit still in service to the Black Hand.] - Stockpiling of homemade explosives. - Refreshing herself on Cainite history. - Performing Pack Ritae with, well, her Pack. Those Lupines aren't going to dog-tag themselves! - She spends an inordinate amount of time at ""gentlemen's clubs."" 💃

[aceofwhump]

Hey Ace 👋

Do you have any good Rodney whump fics or Ronan whump fics to recommend

I am only like half way through season 2 of Atlantis but I think I spoiled most of the show for myself through the whumpy gifs and videos I see everywhere lol

(P.S may we see a pic of your cat? 👉👈)

Hiya!! Ooh I love Rodney and Ronan whump. Yeah let me see what I can find for ya.

Rodney Whump:

Desperate Measures By: angw Stuck in a mine shaft Rodney has to make a choice to survive.

Four Times Rodney McKay Got Shot Saving the Day By: LinziDay Four times Rodney McKay got shot saving the day and one time he didn't .

Guppy By: GateBiscuit Rescuing McKay from the lost, leaky Puddle Jumper was the easy part. Tag to Grace Under Pressure. Team fic

Reason #1 Why Rodney Likes Food By igiveup101 “Fine,” Rodney gave in, shoulders slumped. “But you’ll be sorry when I’m dying of hypoglycemic shock.” OR Sheppard and the team agree to sit and reflect for a few hours. It goes, predictably, horribly awry.

Soldiering On By: LilRicki In which Rodney gets severely whumped but is still awesome enough to save the team from certain doom.

Candle in the Dark By: Sholio An accident leaves Sheppard and McKay a little too dependent on each other.

Hypoglycaemia By: Alipeeps Hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose is a condition in which the level of glucose sugar in the blood, drops below a certain point... Special request fic written for McKayRocks! Featuring McKay and Shep whumpage in abundance.

Ronon Whump:

Silent Sacrifice by Daring Duo - John, Rodney, and Ronon try to survive after crash landing on an unexplored planet. Their injuries and lack of supplies begin to take their toll as they wait to be rescued.

Red Sands by kirsten999 - Stranded on a harsh, desolate world, John and Ronon learn that merely surviving is only half the fight.

Finding Home by LadyShelley - Free of the Wraith, Ronon must decide if he is going to stay in Atlantis or leave to seek vengeance alone. While still trying to make up his mind, he and Rodney are trapped in one of the city’s towers, and each starts to learn more about the other as they wait for someone to find them.

A Light In Dark Places by LordVaako - Where was Ronon? Carson’s head felt like a boulder had dropped on it. The low ringing in his ears, coupled with a throbbing headache, made him touch his temple. He removed his fingers and inhaled in surprise at the crimson smears. ** Ronon is sent to bring Carson back to Atlantis, but the good doctor wants to spend more time with a village’s healer. When the village is attacked, Ronon and Carson are badly injured. They must rely on each other to get back to the Stargate.

Red Sands by kristen999 - Stranded on a harsh, desolate world, John and Ronon learn that merely surviving is only half the fight.

Febuwhump Day 1: touchstarved By Yesimevil After living for seven years as nothing more than a hunted animal, settling back into a form of society was… difficult, to say the least. Ronon suddenly became overwhelmed with people and things and safety, and no idea what the hell he was supposed to do with any of it, and from his inability to hold a conversation to the alien feeling of a toothbrush in his hand, he supposed that he had, in a way, forgotten how to be human.

Whumptober 2022 day 31: a light at the end of the tunnel By Yesimevil Takes place after Broken Ties. Ronon struggles to recover from the events of the episode, but his friends are there for him.

And yes I'd love to share a picture of my kitty! Her name is Sable and this pic is from the last time I took her outside

[shoshansims]

Grishaverse Lookbook: Inej Ghafa (Part I)

I am so excited for this next character, she is one of my favorites! Inej's lookbook also has three parts. If you have any fictional character requests for lookbooks, feel free to send them! Part one covers everyday through part of the athletic categories. If I made a mistake with attributing the custom content, please let me know. You can find the credits under the cut. ♡

Everyday 01. captain ghafa

clothes: top | jeans | sneakers ♡ @sentate | @helgatisha | @jius-sims accessories: earrings | necklace | watch ♡ @giuliettasims | @glitterberrysims | @joliebean

Everyday 02. the wraith

clothes: top | jeans | boots ♡ @sentate | @ice-creamforbreakfast accessories: earrings | necklace ♡ @giuliettasims | @glitterberrysims

Everyday 03. whatever the night brings

clothes: top | pants | boots ♡ @rimings | @nolan-sims accessories: earrings | watch ♡ @giuliettasims | @joliebean

Everyday 04. shadows

clothes: top | jeans | shoes ♡ @sentate | @helgatisha | @jius-sims accessories: earrings ♡ @giuliettasims

Formal 01. the heart is an arrow

clothes: outfit | heels (under skirt) ♡ @ice-creamforbreakfast | @sentate accessories: earrings | bracelet ♡ @suzuesims | @ice-creamforbreakfast

Formal 02. her own blade

clothes: dress | heels (under dress) ♡ @sentate | @serenity-cc accessories: earrings | necklace | bracelets (left) | bracelets (right) ♡ @giuliettasims | @bradfordsims | @suzuesims

Formal 03. strength

clothes: dress | heels (under dress) ♡ @ice-creamforbreakfast | @sentate accessories: earrings | rings ♡ @giuliettasims

Athletic 01. spider

clothes: outfit | sneakers ♡ saliwa | @jius-sims

Athletic 02. the acrobat

clothes: outfit | sneakers ♡ saliwa | @joliebean

pose credits ♡ @hellosimsulani | @fatalrosecreations | @roselipaofficial

hair credits ♡ @laeska | @enriques4 | @aharris00britney

eyeshadow credits ♡ @crypticsim | @suzuesims

eyeliner credits ♡ @pralinesims | @crypticsim | s-club

eyelash credits ♡ @northernsiberiawinds | @dream-girl

blush credits ♡ @pralinesims | @anonimuxsimmer | @crypticsim

lipstick credits ♡ @pralinesims | @suzuesims | @crypticsim | @orangesimosas

nail credits ♡ @giuliettasims | @joliebean

And finally, content credits for the genetic features ♡ @northernsiberiawinds | @pralinesims | @poyopoyosim

Thank you so much to all the wonderful creators who contributed to this lookbook. ♡

[from-a-legends-pov]

Star Wars Legends Highlight of the Week: Dorset Guards the Fake Falcon

In this feature, a fan will share one thing they love from Star Wars Legends — a book, a comic, an author, a character, a scene, an event, or anything else they want to highlight — and tell us more about it.

If you, too, love Legends, follow @from-a-legends-pov and check out our From a Legends Point of View fanfiction event, where we’ll be bringing together writers (maybe you?) to build a collection of Star Wars Legends fanfiction set during the time of the Original Trilogy. Writer signups are open through June 2 — use our Signup Form to pitch your story concepts (Signup Guidelines available here), and please encourage your favorite writers to participate!

Today’s Legends highlight is a scene from Aaron Allston’s novel X-Wing: Solo Command in which Polearm Squadron pilot Dorset Konnair is guarding the Millennium Falsehood in battle (after working with the Falsehood to mimic a YT-2400 freighter), and we’re talking with WraithFourteen.

Tell us about your Legends highlight. What is it? What’s it about?

My highlight involves a scene in X-Wing: Solo Command where Wedge and other characters are flying a fake Millennium Falcon as bait to lure forces of the main villain, Warlord Zsinj. There’s several notable elements, including a protocol droid wearing a Han Solo mask and clothes because Wedge can’t speak the Wookiee language to Chewie, but my focus is on the single fighter assigned to guard the fake Falcon (called the Millennium Falsehood) here - and how baiting the enemy in this case meant taking on two full squadrons of TIE Interceptors.

What makes this a highlight for you? What do you love about it?

This scene stands out for a few reasons, but especially because it involves Dorset Konnair, a more minor character from the Wraith Squadron trilogy, flying an A-Wing to escort the Falsehood. Dorset was in just three scenes before this — two in Wraith Squadron flying with Kell Tainer, and one in this book depicting her a small, quiet woman with a star-flare tattoo around her right eye and others that are unspecified but also varying shades of blue.

During this scene, Dorset logs at least two kills and outflies the other enemy pilots despite their numbers. Since Rogue Squadron ace Tycho Celchu previously flew an X-Wing in the Falsehood escort role, it’s also subtly impressive that Dorset was selected in the first place. This implies to me that Dorset is a capable minor character who doesn’t brag about it, sort of like Wedge was in the OT movies.

Fellow pilot Myn Donos had interpreted her quiet nature to be a sign she felt out of place as a native of Coruscant, the former Imperial capital. That and her tattoos created a bit of mystery around her even when I first read the novel as a kid.

Do you have a favorite detail or moment?

Going back to the bit where Dorset’s A-Wing detaches from the YT-1300, it reminded me, even when I first read the book, of how small planes would be dropped from a larger one in the late 1940s through mid-1960s. That was mostly done with test planes (like the first supersonic flight depicted in The Right Stuff) but also attempted unsuccessfully with a tiny fighter jet. It helped that I’d seen both that tiny jet and the larger plane that carried it at a museum as a kid.

The YT-2400 shell being dropped away as well also reminded me of how the Apollo program’s rocket had lower sections and rings that were detached along the way to the Moon - an image of that inspired how I envisioned the book scene. (As you’ve probably noticed, I was really into stories of air/space exploration as a kid, and so the pilots were what drew me into Star Wars. I also had a hand-drawn image of the first supersonic plane being released on my wall as a kid, similar to the “you can’t look dignified when you’re having fun” OP.)

To learn more…

If you’d like to read more about Dorset and the Millennium Falsehood, check out X-Wing: Solo Command at your library or favorite bookstore, or read the entry on Dorset Konnair or the Millennium Falsehood on Wookieepedia.

And be sure to check out @from-a-legends-pov and our From a Legends Point of View fanfiction event. Writer signups are now open — access the Signup Form (step-by-step Signup Guidelines available here) as well as our Event Overview and FAQ.

[chaussetteblanche]

just like the wind - III

word count: 1'657 warnings: none

You travel incessantly until you are about a day from Rivendell. Exhaustion clouded your mind as you pressed on, painfully aware of how you must look. You didn’t need a mirror to know that purple bags had made a home beneath your eyes, or that you were as pale as a ghost. Not to mention the new cuts and bruises you’d acquired from a very conveniently times wild-boar attack.

You decide to rest for a short moment and dismount the horse to kneel beside a small river. You splash some water onto your face, trying to wake yourself up. You drink some water before cupping some in your hands and bringing it over to Frodo. As he finishes drinking, you freeze. Someone is standing behind you. 

Your sword it drawn in a flash; tip of the blade pointed at the person’s throat. You let out a breath of relief when you recognize your old friend, Arwen. Your shoulders untense as you sheath your sword.

“I thought that was you,” she smiles warmly. “I apologize, I thought you were-“ you cut yourself off, “never mind.” She pulls you into a warm embrace you happily return. “My friend, I-“ You turn to look at Frodo’s rapidly fading body.

She cuts you off with a wave of the hand, stepping closer to the Hobbit. She chants a song and thought Frodo looks slightly less pale, it is not nearly enough.

“This is beyond me. He needs my father,” she declares, turning to face you. “I shall take him.”

“I will come with you.”

“I am the faster rider.”

“I am aware of that.” You think back to the countless races you’d shared in your youth. “However, I am also aware that you cannot simultaneously ride with Frodo and battle Wraiths.”

Arwen thinks for a short moment before nodding. She lifts him up to place him on her horse. While she does this, you look around your feet for a particular herb. As a child, you were fascinated with herbology. Today, you knew of many plants useful to a Ranger. And Athelas was one of them, a healing plant found in Middle Earth you’d used countless times before on Strider and yourself. You had been applying some on Frodo’s wound every day since you’d separated from Strider, a desperate attempt at keeping the poison from reaching his heart. After locating the plant, you rip off a few leaves and shove them in your mouth, chewing quickly. You wince at the taste and spit out the paste on your fingers. You lather it on Frodo’s wound before nodding at Arwen and mounting your horse.

For most of the journey, you do not see the Wraiths. The optimist in you figures that maybe they wouldn’t reach you before you reach Rivendell. The optimist in you was soon proved wrong.

The first screeches make your skin crawl and your mind race. You start doubting your decision to leave Strider and the promise you’d made to Arwen to keep the Wraiths off her and Frodo as they rode. Fighting the Riders off while on a horse at full speed sounded less and less doable the closer they got. It may not have been your best idea, Strider would agree. He would say it is insane and reckless and would be entirely correct. But it would have to work. The Ring Bearer’s life depended on it.

No pressure.

Your sword violently meets a Rider’s blade when he comes out of the woods from behind you, drawing sparks. You keep hold of the reins with one hand and slash at the Wraith once more. Another rams his horse into yours, nearly making you fall off. You bite back a curse and narrowly dodge a blade aiming for your neck. You swing your sword around, slashing and stabbing, trying to keep them off you and your friends. Further along, you spot the river marking the entrance to Rivendell. A surge of hope flies through you. You’d make it.

Arwen stops in the river, turning around to look at you. You barely dodge a slash aimed at your horse’s legs and join her side as the Wraiths snarl, in an icy voice: “Give up the halfling, she-elves!”

“If you want him, come and claim him!” Always the diplomat, Arwen raises her sword in challenge. Knowing what your friend is about to do; you transfer Frodo onto your horse and head for the castle without waiting a second. You barely have time to hear Arwen begin to chant and the rush of water before you’re out of sight.

Ignoring the indignant cries of the guards, you gallop into the main Hall. 

Lord Elrond gets to his feet as you ungracefully clamber off your horse. You raise your hands slightly, showing surrender, as the guards aim their bows at you.

“My lord,” you address Lord Elrond, panting, “The Ring Bearer, he has been stabbed by a Nazgûl blade. He needs your healing!”

Elrond’s eyes leave yours to find his daughter’s as she steps inside the Hall. He nods once, beckoning you to bring him the Hobbit. You gently pull Frodo into your arms and hand him over to a guard. Him and Lord Elrond hastily walk off. Arwen follows them after squeezing your shoulder and sending you a smile you returned.

Another guard approaches you, asking if he can take your horse to the stables. You agree before asking if Gandalf had arrived yet. He informs you the wizard had arrived a few days ago and gives you directions to find him. You thank him with a smile. 

You suck in a deep breath as you find Gandalf sitting on a balcony next to an old Hobbit, leisurely smoking his pipe. You think of everything you have gone through in the last few days, your blood boiling. He better have a good excuse as to why he had not shown up for the Hobbits and you having to carry that burden. 

“Greetings, gentlemen.” You don’t bother with a polite smile. “Gandalf, may I ask where you have been?” 

The two old men take in your appearance. You raise an eyebrow, almost daring them to comment. You knew you looked like you had been swallowed and then spat back out by Sauron himself, with your ripped, blood-stained clothes, matted hair and countless bruises.

“I was delayed,” Gandalf answers simply, the picture of stoicism. You can feel a nerve twitching in your eye.

“You were delayed?” you ask calmly, forcing yourself to keep your temper in check, even for just a second.

“Yes, I was delayed.” He offers no further explanation, a small, nearly daring smile on his lips. It was a good thing he knew you quite well, for the number of people who would dare get on Ira’s nerves in this manner were very few.

“That was a rhetorical question,” you snap. “Do you have any idea what we went through while you were delayed?” When you see him part his lips, you hold up your hand. “Don’t answer that, wizard,” you spit. “First off, I was thrown off a hill by a Rider. I don’t know if either of you have ever been thrown off a hill, but I shall have you know it is hardly an enjoyable situation. Frodo was stabbed by a Nazgûl blade. I had a fight with Aragorn, and I have not slept a wink in six days, Gandalf. Six days is a very long time. Just minutes ago, I was fighting off Wraiths, again, while galloping on a horse in a forest. Do you know what might have helped in all those situations? A wizard. Yet, after nearly dying about ten times in the span of a week, I find you here, smoking your pipe without a care in the world!” 

You take a deep breath after your rant, pushing some hair back behind your ears. Gandalf nods along to your words, silent. 

“Well, are you going to offer me any explanation at all as to why you were delayed?” you demand. The wizard blows out a few smoke rings before answering.

“I did not ask you to bring the Hobbits to Rivendell, Ira. I asked Strider.” You don’t miss the way Bilbo’s eyes widen at the mention of your name or the way he recoils from you, sitting closer to Gandalf. You resist the urge to roll your eyes.

“Do not play that game with me, Gandalf, you knew damn well he would ask me to come. It was a terribly good thing I went too, for he and the Hobbits might have died if I hadn’t.”

“What a good thing it was that you decided to follow your friend, then,” he smiled. A frustrated sound tears itself from your throat as you walk away, not wanting to hear another infuriating word out of his mouth.

Gandalf leans back in the bench, inhaling deeply on his pipe. Bilbo chuckles. 

“That was certainly something,” he notes. Gandalf nods, humming.

“She is something special.

“You said her name was Ira? Like the,” Bilbo lowers his voice, ”Ira from the legend?” 

“The one and only. Her name is Alice.”

“Oh, that’s a rather sweet name,” Bilbo compliments, “I’m not sure it resonates with her personality, though.”

“Do not be too quick to judge, Bilbo Baggins. And do not believe everything you hear. She saved your nephew. She knows how to be sweet when she wants to be.”

“Of course, you’re right. She is an elf, yes?”

“Half-elf, half-woman,” corrects Gandalf.

“Oh, that explains the temper, then.” 

“What do you mean?”

“She seems more... expressive than most other elves.” Bilbo chooses his words carefully, aware of how the wizard seemed fond and protective of this woman, even after her rant.

“Yes, she has quite the temper. I do not know if being half human changes much indeed, she had not earned the name ‘Ira’ for nothing, after all.”

[cursed-blade-gf]

My Current Commander Decks

So, a few people on here have started to pick up on the fact that, yes, I am a MTG player and a Commander player at that. I genuinely think it’s fun and it makes for a great way of not only making friends, but just being social with people in general, being that I am not only an introvert, but have a massive amount of social anxiety. So, with the ability to not really be able to skirt by it anymore, I figured “why not do a full rundown of the current decks I am running regularly?” Not sharing too many specifics just in case you want to play me eventually, but I do like talking about my current projects.

Shelob Spider Kindred (Golgari)-My current pride and joy. An army of spiders led by my favorite LOTR character, Shelob, Child of Ungoliant. Very fun and nasty deck that grants all of my spiders Deathtouch and the ability to create food copies of creatures my spiders kill.

Atraxa, Grand Executioner(Witch Maw or Everything but Red)-My competitive heavy-hitter. Atraxa holds as one of my favorite commanders in Magic (yes both of them) specifically because she lends to versatility and creativity. My variation on Atraxa, Grand Unifier lends to my love of three things: Phyrexian Praetors, Reanimation, and Edict effects. And before you ask, no. Not all of the Praetors are in here. Vorinclex and the two main villain Jin-Gitaxias cards don’t really fit here and they kinda ruin the fun for everyone else at the table, so I make a point to not run them. But I do have all three Sheoldreds, Elesh Norn (Mother of Machines), and the two sided Jin-Gitaxias and this deck goes to town when it wants.

Sauron, Lord of Reanimation(Grixis)-The first commander I picked up after a several year break. Sauron, Lord of the Rings, satisfies my deep love for two things: Reanimation and Behemoths. This version of Sauron is a 9/9 Trampler with the ability to just bring something out of the graveyard when he gets cast, so this deck is themed out with several ways to not only build an army of (who else?) Wraiths and Nazgul to force a retreat and then slam the Lidless Eye himself onto the field and bring the entire Wrath of Mordor screaming from the grave.

Atraxa’s Pet Hydras(Witch Maw)-To be fair, when I started building this deck, I did not intend for Atraxa to become the commander. However, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. This is an overrun deck. Hydras in MTG are notoriously dangerous because of their power versatility. Most rely on +1/+1 counters to rack up their power, so that’s where Atraxa comes in. Ramping her menagerie’s power to absolutely unhinged levels.

Angels and Assassins(Boros)-My newest banger. Aurelia, the Warleader is a huge pet card of mine and I love seeing her go to work, so I built out a Boros equipment deck for her to show off. Then Assassin’s Creed came out and not only introduced a bunch of solid equipment and gear to suit Aurelia up with, but they also dropped Kassandra, Eagle-bearer, that CAPITALIZES on the Equipment strategy. So this deck has a few alternate commanders that I swap in and out based on who I feel like swinging with that day.

Kitt Kanto Cat Fights(Naya)-There are very few things more fun than goading my opponents into attacking when most of my pod plays fairly passive. But when I have a Lounge singer Cat Druid from New Capenna which is essentially the Roaring 20’s plane and a deck filled with token generators and so many ways to make people fight? You can’t NOT sell me on this deck.

Gonti’s Casino(Sultai)-OTJ granted a lot of fun cards, but Gonti, Canny Acquisitor dropped at just the right time. See, when you play in a high powered pod, sometimes, the easiest way to deal with people’s insane power is to just steal it and use it for yourself and see how they like it. Gonti leans into the roulette that is exiling your opponents cards of the top of their deck and using them for yourself which is always a toss up. However, when Gonti and their rogues gallery is smooth enough to sleight of hand an Aetherflux Reservoir and an Ugin off the top of the deck? Don’t blame me, it wasn’t in MY deck.

Inalla, Archmage of Possibility(Grixis)-My VERY FIRST commander. At the time I got into commander, the Eminence cycle had been out for a bit and I managed to grab Inalla, Archmage Ritualist. Now, at the time, I had no clue what I was doing. I’m much more prepared now and this deck has TEETH. Wizard Tribal with the intention of copying and building out an army of Wizards from time and space to overwhelm and repurpose for not just combat damage, but direct damage. Ever seen someone lose a third of their health by me playing one card? How about me playing that card four times instead?

Ukkima & Cazur/Hollow Knight & Hornet(Sultai)-A 1v1 deck that can also be used in multiplayer. Ukkima, Stalking Shadow was a Partner commander I stumbled upon in one of my precons. What it turned into was a Voltron Juggernaut capable of swinging for lethal in four turns. After building it out, I reflavored the card into Hollow Knight and Hornet for the two halves of the partnership and now, I can show people what it’s like to be the residents of Hallownest.

[gosorsomething]

The Book of Josephine - Chapter 10

Hi everyone, I've published the next chapter of my Warrior Nun spin off. I was honestly overwhelmed with the response from the last chapter! thank you for hearing me out on this one haha

Here's an excerpt! From Chapter 10:

Job 12:12, "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" [Genesis, Part X]

Correspondence File – I.3.2014-11/SHJ/NE

Dear Father Vincent,

A true miracle has occurred in New Jersey. But first—I must confess something to you.

Our reseArch into demonic possession has continueD beyond what I had previously communicated. The miRacle, however, is as follows. I tasked the Codex (and the Novice, keep in mind) with finding a solution to the increased casualties of our sIsters in recent outbreaks. Scouring our history, they discovered the use of divinium tattoos by sistErs in the time of Wn. Marthe to evade possession by wraith demons (Codex CdA 1798 for reference). This method has been tested using both organic divinium sources and divinium from the armor of AdrieL, and it is effective indeed. This conclusion also requires you to learn of other information I have kept from you—my sincerest apologIes for the deceit, but you will find it justified. LaSt year, we recovered the skeleton of a Tarask—yes, that Tarask—from the site of an outbreak in CoLorado. We have cOnfirmed the skeleton to be composed of divinium, vindicating the old records that speculated the metal comes from an oRganic source. The sisters useD the Tarask fossil for their tAttoos, while I chose to use diviniuM from Adriel’s armor for my own—I dislikEd the risk of demonic contamiNation. I suggest you do the same—use the angel’s armor for your own protection. We have enough of the Tarask’s remains left to send for other sisters, should you find this development useful. Results so far have been incredibly promising, as we have tested the tattoos using a demon in our care. Sisters will continue to report on the effectivity of tattoos on field missions. East Outreach leaves for North Carolina tomorrow morning.

Do this as soon as possible, Vincent—The Lord speaks to me in new ways.

Psalm 85:8

Blessings,

Father Isaac, NE-OCS

  In this life or the Next.

Catalogue note - Sister H. Josephine:

Language ambiguous. Flagged for clarity. Neglected to mention discovery and use of the Sclera. Flagged for missing information. Atypical use of script. Flagged for clarity (2).

Response Thread (See):

V.2.2014-12/SHJ/CC

[REDACTED]

I.3.2014-12/SHJ/NE

[REDACTED]

V.2.2015-1/SHJ/CC

[REDACTED]

I.3.2015-2/SHJ/NE

[REDACTED]

-----

Correspondence File – SHJ.17.2014-11/SHJ/NE

Dear Mother Superion,

Suzanne, I hope you are well. I can only imagine how difficult it is to settle into your new responsibilities after the events of last few months. I sympathize with your grief, as I share in my own with the passing of Mother Superion. She was my third Superion, and the most personable I have served. We met many times during her life and wrote to each other several times a year. I want to reassure you that my line is always open—while I cannot speak over the phone, let my voice in writing bring you some comfort should you allow or ask for my guidance or friendship, personally, or if you seek information from the Codex.

Father Isaac has written to Father Vincent of our discoveries. The use of divinium tattoos will be effective in our fight, I believe. May this bring you some security and personal reassurance that you no longer need to feel responsible for putting your sisters in danger—at least that they will be at less risk on field missions. I am confident in the training that you provide them; without the danger of possession, they can rely on your ample guidance to find and defeat Satan in all his hiding places.

I must also inform you that information has been omitted from Isaac’s report, for a reason I cannot determine. When our chapter recovered the Tarask’s skeleton, the Novice discovered that a ring of bone in the eye socket of the demon provides one with the ability to see wraith demons and reveals the presence of Divinium without proximity to the Halo. We have named the ring “Sclera” due to its anatomical position in the Tarask. If you would like to read the reports of our exorcisms using this tool, I would be more than willing to send them to the Cat’s Cradle. If you would like us to send the Sclera itself for examination, I am sure it can be arranged, although Father Isaac was opposed to this idea.

Father Isaac has opened a request thread to all other chapters to send any possible extant uncatalogued records in regard to the death of the Angel Adriel, early OCS history, Areala, and Warrior Nun Cora. As you are aware, the Codex does not contain any of Cora’s records, and it is my belief these records were possibly destroyed by her adversaries. Did this request come from Cat’s Cradle? I can’t find any records of recent correspondence that might require this information. I would be willing to supply what knowledge I can on this subject should Shannon need it. 2 Corinzi 2:11 - ... affinché non siamo raggirati da Satana; infatti non ignoriamo le sue macchinazioni.

Pax tecum,

Codex Sr. Josephine

SHJ.17.2014-12/SHJ/NE

Catalogue Note – Sister H. Josephine: Above letter returned to sender. Sent with new postage 2015-1/CC.

SJY.1.2017-7/SJY/NE

Catalogue Note - Sister J.Y.: Above letter returned to sender. Previous postage opened and resealed with partial text redaction by apparent reader (Unk.). Redacted text (p.2) illegible. No apparent response from Mother Superion 2017-7.

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or start at chapter 1!

[nullcanary]

songfic tag game!

Thank you @lamortwrites for the tag!

tagging: @fenharael @wraith-caller @no-braincells-inc @nnairdav if you feel like playing! If you want to join in, go ahead and tag me :)

Pick a song to accompany each of your fics or as many as you like. This might be the fic's inspiration or just pure vibes that you'd like to share with readers. Tag as many people as fics you feature (or do as you please!)

took me a moment to get to this, but it's been on my mind since you tagged me! while I've only publically posted one of my fics, I've still got several in my WIPs folder that I'm polishing up to post one of these days. I love finding a new song, listening to it on repeat, and diving into an hours long writing spiral.

The Night House (bg3, gortash/durge, explicit, dominate person/throat fingering/blood pacts, m/m, 4.9k)

title: Paranoic Intervals/Body Dysmorphia by Of Montreal

Counting wolves in your paranoiac intervals

Nobody's leaving, nobody is off the beat

You shouldn't try to unpeel my Pavlovian bells

You should be fucking with no one else

Anyone but me is an antipathy

Anyone but me is just your enemy

Only I see you the way you want to see yourself

You should be fucking with no one else

[bonus song]

title: Up To No Good by The Hoosiers

Don't get too comfortable with the man who has no history

Shadows climbing walls hide cracks we don't want other eyes to see

You tell me to shut my mouth, you love the mystery

So he tells you love you now?

Driving you crazy how

Fingers on lips, allow his hands on your hips

You know you shouldn't do this

But there's no turning back

Doctor's Orders (dos2, loshe/doctor|adramahlihk, explicit, possession/masturbation, m/f, 1.9k)

title: Mx. Sinister by I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

Oh you never seem to notice

That my heart beats for you

So I'll open you up

And make yours beat for me too

And I'll get you yet

I've got to make you mine

Worst Impressions (elden ring, varré/tarnished, explicit, gore/torture/drugging, m/f, 2.8k)

title: Flip by Glass Animals

Here's to the one with the smoking stare

Running through my head with a bolo knife

Chopping up the threads made up from looms

Of love and blood and hate and some empty tunes

Mechanics of Affection (bg3, dark urge/gortash look-a-like, explicit, vivisection/masturbation/crisis of faith, m/f, 2.5k)

title: Mongrel Heart by Broken Bells

Would it be wrong

To clamp down on your racing heart, Love?

And if they'd known, what sifted down to be found out?

It's not what you deserve

Love is turning you out

Sliding worry round

I try to warn its waiting game

To bring that specter down

Letter to an Old Friend (bg3, gortash/durge, angst/reunions/memory loss, 1.5k)

title: The Opposite of Loneliness by foyer

I can tell you all the ways that it goes wrong

I can fill you in on everything since you've been gone

Hold your shadow next to mine the shape that you outgrew.

Bootlicker (bg3, tav/gortash, explicit, bootlicking/desk sex/dubcon, m/f, 3.6k)

title: Hatefuck by The Bravery

What would they say now if they saw you in this place?

Naked and breathless, could you live with this disgrace?

Could you live? Could you live? Could you live with this?

And there will be no tenderness, no tenderness

When the Coat Drops (bg3, gortash/durge, angst/loss/emotional breakdowns, 2.9k)

title: Through Me (The Flood) by Hozier

The unemployment of the mouth

The waking up, having forgotten

And remembering again the full extent

Of what forever is

With each grave

I think of loss and I can only think of you

I couldn't measure it

The Black Hound (bg3, gortash/durge, explicit, a/b/o, knotting/praise kink, m/m, 3.5k)

[ this song is so goddamn hot and I will apply it to every ship forever until the end of time end tweet]

title: Fever Moon by Kevin Devine

You're quick sand

And every morning say I won't get stuck again

I work and fight but just sink deeper in the end

But by nightfall baby here I always am

I tie myself in knots

You come and shake me loose

I'm bound up in you

We push til you're through

Lit up with the proof

[currentfandomkick]

It is very important to me that Dan casually comments about how he killed them prior everytime they break ghost ettiquette as summoners and that slowly find out Dan is the Royal Wraith, while Danny is a guardian of boundaries and entryways due to what he chose to focus on in his afterlife.

Make it worse with Dan’s commentary of ‘aw, i was wondering when you’d pull this fuck up again. Always reap what you sow Batshit. Think thats why i took the metal keeping your spine intact last time. Your horror was tasty, especially when you were cut off from all tech to warn your kids. Oracle was a bitch to find, and the mute on guarding her was a fun fight too!’

Just let Dan trigger everyone’s fight or flight every time they make demands for anything by bringing up what they realize he did on another earth, in explicit and excruciating detail.

Hell, you can have had the Green Lanterns getting help from Oa and not getting back in time with the energy from the rings being akin to ‘takes up space but nothing of substance’ version of ectoplasm as its pure will not emotionally charged.

Dan is just matching energy on his side. He’s been bored and these fucknuggets made a point to have his ‘got the better timeline’ self relive their fucking death as the first question post semi-botched and painful summoning. And then tried to force that out of him with haphazard runes that ran on the summoner’s world view? They are getting trauma in return for doing the equivalent of throwing a steaming pile of shit at his face on top of jumping him in a back alley mid-panic attack.

He was enjoying reminiscing.

Important note: every JL member present gets similar responses no matter the question. Dan ain’t saying g shit but dishing out truama.

It is important to me that Martian Manhunter is exempt as he would have stopped this when Danny came in and was Distressed from haphazard summoning and in Pain. So he’s on earth or offworld, just not in the JL tower this is happening in.

If a JLD member catches them while they are midsummon interrogations, let it be Zatanna (was a JL pre JLD in the cartoon, so why not?) and have her be the one to silence the JL and ask Dan what caused him to be sent when the summons asked for the king.

And this? This is where JL get context for the degree of how badly they botched any relations with GK!Danny.

Zatanna is pissed they did this sans JLD member to keep their manners in check, and makes apologies and asks what type of reparations would be accepted by the Ghost King Phantom, watcher of the veil, patron of the Veilborn and reborn, and he who holds the line.

Dan straight up says SHE is allowed to summon himself again after they handle the Ghost Investigation Ward, who are kidnapping and tormenting Infinite Realm denizens, forcibly making vielreborn (liminals) and overall using them as experiment fodder with the intentions to destroy the IR and will take out the mortal realms with them.

The silence from the JL is loud.

Zatanna asks if that issue is why Dan hasn’t left the summon circle, given he can leave as it was not made for him.

“My baby bro asked me to handle this. These assholes went after his death, and the Realms are still out for more than blood after the shit that’s been pulled. I don’t care if this mortal plane goes, but for some unfathomable reason, he does. I’m still team obliteration beforehand and let the vengeance-centric and those who lost fright-mates do worse than take back a pound of flesh for each drop ectoplasm they spilled.”

“That is understandable once and no longer ghost king,” Zatanna phrased carefully. “I am glad you have given us an avenue of actionable apology within our means. Are there any you wish to exclude from this mission?”

“Martian Manhunter—he doesn’t need to see that shit. The rest better get firsthand of what was going down, and better get now why i was sent after these fuckers ignored every diplomatic rule. If anyone else tries to summon my brother that isn’t you, i’ll be coming and i won’t be staying in the circle.”

“Understood!”

prompt for dcxdp fic

GK!danny meets the JL and (due to magic users not being in the room) they offend him by threatening/patronising him or asking insensitive questions like how he died. Danny still wants some contact/alliance to help deal with the GIW, but doesn't wanna deal with mortal idiots rn. So he sends Dan in his place for his "community service" aka redemption arc.

Basically I really wanna see Dan dealing with the magically incompetent league and scare the shit out of them.

Bonus if Danny sends a letter along the lines of "Due to negative prior relations and differing priorities, all further communications will be conducted via my brother, as part of his mandatory community service. I advise against angering him, as he is on probation for genocide of a mortal realm. Good luck."

I just think it would be funny.

[mayhemproduces]

Jay steps through the curtain, making his way down the ramp as the audience cheers at him. Taking his time to soak it in, he finally gets into the ring and approaches Himiko, shaking her hand.

“Let me be the first to say welcome back to MPW, Jay White.” Himiko offers up a slight smile, holding the mic between them. “I’ll cut right to it. Everyone wants to know, what brings you back?”

“Well Himiko,” Jay is all smiles and swagger as he leans into the mic, “thank you. As for what brings me back…well, who’s to say? Maybe it’s something shiny…maybe it’s someone I’ve got some old grudges against…but I’ll say this. MPW is hot, Himiko! It’s popping, it’s happening, it’s the NOW. And King Switch wants a part of that action. I’ve enjoyed my previous experiences, but I think that it’s about time I officially sign on!”

“Happy to have you, I think I speak for the audience here when I say, we’re all excited to see what you do here. Which is funnily enough, my next question. What’s the Switchblade’s first move?” Himiko angles the mic towards Jay again.

“My first move! Ah, well…thankfully I can reveal that. I will be entering this year’s Heist! I know Ospreay already threw his hat in, and I’m here to throw in mine. I plan on being dominant. Aggressive. Assertive. I know a thing or two about these types of tournaments after all. I’m not intimidated. I’m certainly not afraid.”

“You’ll be quite the entry, that’s for sure. There’s a lot of moving pieces in MPW right now. Later tonight we have a big match for the MPW World Championship. The Atlas Championship. Our Stardust Championship. Do you have your eye on these matches? Entering The Heist, I’m sure that tonight’s match between the Wraith and MJF is on your radar.”

Jay nods as Himiko lists off the different belts, tilting his head a bit at the mention of the Wraith and MJF. He holds his hand out for the mic, Himiko handing it over to him. “You know, you bring some great points up. Keep it up. We’ve got some fantastic champions. I think everyone’s got their eyes on MJF and…the Wraith. I’ll be watching very closely. I’ll be taking notes. I know Maxwell. He’s a great guy, when he’s not being insecure and relying on others to secure his spot. I’ve watched Sister Abigail wrestle. She’s intense, she’s powerful, and if I was Maxwell, I’d worry less about watching my back and more about what’s in front of me. Because no one knows what The Wraith is capable of.

As for the rest of the champions, regardless of if they can defend their belts over this weekend or not…well, they’re not escaping my gaze either. I’ve got an old rival or two in the picture right now, you know? I wouldn’t get complacent. I wouldn’t underestimate me. You never, ever know when the Switchblade will strike.”

The Switchblade’s music hits again, as Jay puts up the ‘guns up’. The audience roars for him, as Himiko exits the ring with Jay White following suit after some showboating in the ring.