#but I still adore them

[rubikor]

[dairyfreenugget]

NEW OC NEW OC NEW OC

Their name is Ray :3 long ass info about them under read more

They were a commoner immigrant to Hallownest, where they met a noble and eventually got married to him. On his request they left their job, as his family and friends would think he couldn't provide for them both had they stayed employed. They got anything material they could ever want, but the marriage itself wasn't a great one. Their husband was smart and generous, but thought very little of Ray; in his eyes they were naive and stupid, and only there to be his arm candy. A pretty face he enjoyed having around and having sex with but didn't take them seriously.

Ray had very few dreams in life. They were a simple person, though not in a bad way. They've always dreamed of getting married and starting a big family, being a parent is what they've longed for since their young adulthood. They were a bookworm, enjoying all kind of genera but fantasy, adventure, horror and mystery books were always their favourite. They thought about writing their own book one day plenty of times. That's all they've really wanted from life; a loving spouse, a big family, and to enjoy their hobbies on the side.

Their husband, though, wasn't interested in any of it. He belittled their writing and interest in books. He knew Ray wanted a family, but as his older siblings already had children of their own he had no pressure from the family to continue the lineage and neither did he had any interest in being a father, but he had no qualms about leading Ray on and promising them children he was never willing to give them. When that truth came out it was one of the many, many reasons why Ray finally decided to leave him.

After the breakup they took up their old job as a butcher to make ends meet and slowly saved up for a divorce. Eventually they spotted a job offering as a butcher at the White Palace and immediately applied, and to their delight they got the job. The higher pay finally allowed them to get enough money to divorce their ex and afterwards they moved to a better apartment; to make the divorce faster and less of a hassle they let their ex have everything he wanted, they just wanted to get away from him and were more than content in their simple life.

Ray was 38-39 at the time of the divorce, and found getting back into the dating scene very hard. They tried to date new people for a long while but it never worked out and they all but gave up their dream of a family by the time they were in their 40s. Even if they got married right now and had children immediately they would be about 60 by the time their kids were adults, they wouldn't have a lot of time with them left. Ray cussed themself out for letting their bastard of an ex waste nearly two decades of their life.

They'd continue to work at the palace for a few years, they found the job rewarding and made plenty of friends with the staff, though they were especially close with two of their fellow butchers.

(Brief mention of cannibalism in the following paragraph)

One day, the kitchen staff got a special order from the king; he wanted the meat of wyrms that he killed during their attempted takeover of Hallownest to be prepared for food. Many of the staff were weirded out by it and thankfully the king understood and let whoever wanted to to step away from this task. Ray was one of the few butchers that decided to take up his request. The Pale King also showed up on that day to help the kitchen staff, and showed the butchers how to prepare the wyrm meat. It felt a bit disturbing working on something that looked so human, even when they knew it was not. Ray, however, found themself weirdly intrigued and listened to the king intently as he taught them and was even kind enough to answer some of their questions about wyrms.

(No more cannibalism)

They couldn't help sometimes catching glimpses of the king himself, how his arm muscles tensed during work, glittering with sweat and blood. It wasn't often that the king showed off this much of his form, his second pair of arms were usually tucked close to his body and his hard, shiny wyrm scales hidden under layers of clothing, even his tail and legs were usually covered in robes, all to appear as human as possible. Now though, He was scantily clad, with only one sleeveless, short robe.

Ray really couldn't help themself and started whispering to their work friends how attractive he was, the two of them giggling as they did while the third tried to scold them. Only for them to freeze like deer in the headlights when the king spoke, not looking away from his work; "I hope you're all aware that I have much better hearing than humans." They scattered away like rats in that one scene in Ratatouille, and as they did Ray heard the king's warm laugh, though they were too embarrassed to look at him.

Later that day, as they were heading home, Ray would stumble onto the Pale King and decided to approach him to apologise. To their surprise though, he only smiled warmly up at them and gently brushed his tail against their leg. "Do not apologise. I'm flattered, really." And after a moment of pause, seemingly hesitating for a moment, he added; "It's a compliment, especially when coming from somebody as attractive as you." They froze, needing a good minute or two for their brain to buffer after that. Was he...flirting with them?

One thing led to another and they found themself having a sexual relationship with the king, and soon after that with his wife as well. A part of them really couldn't believe that they'd find them of all people attractive. But the two monarchs were sweet and so caring, showing interest in them beyond just their casual sexual encounters. They asked Ray out on dates to get to know them better, they wanted to learn more about them if their meetings were going to be a regular occurance. And, to Ray's surprise, they've found a lot in common with each other. The two listened to them, and did so intently, finding themselves enraptured in Ray's excited ramblings about their ideas for their own book especially. When they ran out of time to hear all of it, they'd ask them to continue the next time they'd see each other.

They frequently lost track of time in their conversations. Books were the main topic that brought them together, and the trio would talk for hours about their favourite novels and authors. But it wasn't the only interests they'd share. Ray loved to gossip with the White Lady, and she made them realise that they loved to be pampered and looking pretty and taking care of themself. The two of them took spa days together very often. She'd invite Ray to her gardens a lot, showing them her plants, and teaching them how to take care of them. Ray even started their own little garden on their balcony, and White Lady was more than happy to help them pick the plants for it. When Pale King talked about his work and inventions, Ray could listen to him for hours. He was so reserved when they first started talking, but now he could go on and on about his interests, and seeing him smile as he showed them something new...it was really no wonder his wife fell for him, Ray thought to themself. But hearing him talk about stories of his past, many of which regarded Hallownest itself, was their favourite thing. But the most surprising thing to them was learning how knowledgeable he was about the animals and how much love he held for them, he was especially excited about showing them his false wyvern Bellatrix and telling them of how he raised him back to health. Ray ended up perusing the royal library's section on fauna and flora for hours after. But of course, the two would also take part in Ray's hobby as well, reading the books they recommended and encouraging them to write their own. And of course, the two would be the first ones to read it. The Pale King even took Ray hunting once, and they'd chat and laugh together as they worked on butchering the kill, before taking it to the royal gardens to cook and eat together with the White Lady.

Their relationship evolved quickly from just casual hook ups to something deeper, though they hadn't put a label on it just yet. It was two years into this relationship that Ray told the two about their dreams of starting a family, and Pale King was more than happy to offer his help in giving them a child. They'd provide for them and the children, and would raise them together too. This pretty much marked them becoming official partners. Ray decided to leave their job as the royal butcher soon after and pursued their dream of being a published writer instead, while the king and queen helped them buy a house closer to the palace in preparation of becoming parents together. After Ray fell pregnant they finally decided to introduce them to Flower and Hornet, who were more than happy to meet them and learn they'll have a baby sibling. Or, well, siblings, as not long after that Ray would learn they were expecting triplets.

Ray bonded well with their partners' children, often spending time with them or all five of them together to get to know them better. Months later, Flower and Hornet would get Ray presents for parents day, and Ray could cry. They did cry. They were more than happy when the duo asked them if they could call them their parent, ren or renny.

Ray really became a part of the family, though that fact was so far kept a secret. They weren't in a hurry to announce it to anyone, knowing the nobility (and the rumours Ray's ex had spread about them within his circle) there certainly would be much discussion and drama about the commoner being welcomed into the royal family. Ray liked their anonymity and they all wanted to ensure a fairly stress-free pregnancy for them. The great five, being the king's and queen's closest friends, were the next to find out. Many of them were already from a commoner background so could relate to Ray's position and made a point to make them feel welcome and included. They especially became close friends with Isma.

But the truth had got to come out sooner or later, and after Ray had stumbled upon their ex and had an argument with him after he had accused them of baby trapping some poor fool, they decided it'd be best to do it now. And if any nobles had a problem with it, they could come to the king directly. So, Ray accompanied their partners to the next ball. They were nervous and felt like everyone was staring at them, especially when they saw their ex and his friends glaring at them, but White Lady, Pale King and their two kids stuck close by them and made them feel more comfortable. That didn't prevent an incident from occurring though, as Ray went to get something to eat they were ambushed by their ex and his group. Pale King would quickly put a stop to the argument, rushing over to defend Ray while White Lady pulled them away and stroked their back as Ray tried their best not to cry. Everyone was staring at them now for sure, so, seeing their state Flower and Hornet approached them and asked if they'd like to take a walk outside with them. It did help to put their mind at ease, and soon Ray was laughing again, the trio making fun of the stuck up nobility together.

When they returned to the ballroom, the Pale King asked Ray out to dance with him.

"Everybody's looking at us..."

"Let them stare. Don't focus on them, just look at me, darling," He tips them gently, "I want everyone here to know how much I love you..." And he leans down to kiss them.

They feel their heart flutter and wrap their arms around his neck, happily kissing back and still locked to his lips as he pulls them back up.

They share a smile together before he pulls them back into the dance, and Ray feels much more relaxed now.

"...Won't they notice my bump like this?"

"It's a good thing. I want them to know they're mine. I'm happy and honoured that you let me be the father, and I can't wait to raise a family with you, my love."

And he takes them into his arms and twirls them around, making them giggle.

After they leave the dancefloor they're immediately scooped up by the White Lady, asking where are her kisses, and kisses them both. Flower and Hornet call them gross and quickly evacuate the premises.

Months later, Ray gives birth in the palace to three healthy and strong baby boys with both Pale King and White Lady by their side. They look so much like them, but with their father's white hair and pale eyes; it's immediately obvious whose children they are. They're overjoyed to meet their boys, and Pale King curls up around the four of them and purrs loudly as he cries. Naturally, Flower and Hornet are the next ones to meet and hold their baby brothers. It's a happy day for everyone.

Ray moved into the palace for a few months before and after the due date so their partners could help them raise their kids. Once the babies are older they will move back to their home, but visit the palace every day to see their family.

When the boys are a few months old Pale King and White Lady decide to propose to Ray and start brainstorming on how to do it. They settle on asking them out on a late night date to a restaurant, they reserve an entire balcony overlooking the city just for the three of them, and at the end of the dinner they ask them the question. Ray is overjoyed and immediately says yes.

They plan the wedding for two years, they're not in a hurry and they want the boys to participate in a wedding. They eventually marry when their sons are 3, it's a very private event with just their family and closest friends, but the date itself is a kingdom-wide celebration. Ray's soul is bonded to to theirs, their life and feelings now forever intertwined together, and they re-cast the kingsoul charm into three segments to show it. Ray takes a moment to get used to being able to feel their partner's feelings and talk with them in their mind, but it's a very nice feeling.

I'll talk about their kids in another post later as this is already unbelievably long, but they have another son when the triplets are around 12 years old. Dewdrop, a little grumpy wyrm who's especially close with his father. And a few years later they have another, this time created through magic so that Pale King can carry this pregnancy. After their kids grow up, Ray decides to move into the palace with their husband and wife and their house is given to the youngest triplet to take care of. He later starts his own family there, and Ray visits their old home often.

[nemisisnemi]

my favorite child, Olive.

[bosesmikas]

nateleia brainrot always stays with u

[fliipside]

yeah

[dragonbackvoyager]

And to complete the art trade with @luqlustra, I drew Beryl and Deimne! Oh my gosh, do I ever love these colorful and expressive characters!!They were a blast to illustrate!

[shimmeringweeds]

Some people enjoyed a meal at the park and left their trash behind >< when there are multiple trash cans not even a minute’s walk away ><

But nature sure gets its retribution, huh. Am I an asshole for hoping they sat right in it ><

[clownsuu]

God I love the insane amounts of d r i p Stanley just casually wears

[chloesimaginationthings]

Abby could befriend any animatronic from FNAF..

[radishearts]

The sun and the sea ☀️🌊

Anyone else wanna join me in thinking about the fact that they pulled opposite motifs ?!?? The horrors of the deep sea in contemporary/modernish time and the joy and brightness of a punk future with the power of the sun. This is so crazy to me. How do they do it !?

Anyways one reblog 1 Stamp for Gem (and pearl can avoid some uh. Well you know, fraud charges)

[zorangezest]

thanks for listening

[giantkillerjack]

Today my therapist introduced me to a concept surrounding disability that she called "hLep".

[plain-text version of this post can be found under the cut]

Which is when you - in this case, you are a disabled person - ask someone for help ("I can't drink almond milk so can you get me some whole milk?", or "Please call Donna and ask her to pick up the car for me."), and they say yes, and then they do something that is not what you asked for but is what they think you should have asked for ("I know you said you wanted whole, but I got you skim milk because it's better for you!", "I didn't want to ruin Donna's day by asking her that, so I spent your money on an expensive towing service!") And then if you get annoyed at them for ignoring what you actually asked for - and often it has already happened repeatedly - they get angry because they "were just helping you! You should be grateful!!"

And my therapist pointed out that this is not "help", it's "hLep".

Sure, it looks like help; it kind of sounds like help too; and if it was adjusted just a little bit, it could be help. But it's not help. It's hLep.

At its best, it is patronizing and makes a person feel unvalued and un-listened-to. Always, it reinforces the false idea that disabled people can't be trusted with our own care. And at its worst, it results in disabled people losing our freedom and control over our lives, and also being unable to actually access what we need to survive.

So please, when a disabled person asks you for help on something, don't be a hLeper, be a helper! In other words: they know better than you what they need, and the best way you can honor the trust they've put in you is to believe that!

Also, I want to be very clear that the "getting angry at a disabled person's attempts to point out harmful behavior" part of this makes the whole thing WAY worse. Like it'd be one thing if my roommate bought me some passive-aggressive skim milk, but then they heard what I had to say, and they apologized and did better in the future - our relationship could bounce back from that. But it is very much another thing to have a crying shouting match with someone who is furious at you for saying something they did was ableist. Like, Christ, Jessica, remind me to never ask for your support ever again! You make me feel like if I asked you to call 911, you'd order a pizza because you know I'll feel better once I eat something!!

Edit: crediting my therapist by name with her permission - this term was coined by Nahime Aguirre Mtanous!

Edit again: I made an optional follow-up to this post after seeing the responses. Might help somebody. CW for me frankly talking about how dangerous hLep really is.

Plain-text version:

Today my therapist introduced me to a concept surrounding disability that she called "hLep".

Which is when you - in this case, you are a disabled person - ask someone for help ("I can't drink almond milk so can you get me some whole milk?", or "Please call Donna and ask her to pick up the car for me."), and they say yes, and then they do something that is not what you asked for but is what they think you should have asked for ("I know you said you wanted whole, but I got you skim milk because it's better for you!", "I didn't want to ruin Donna's day by asking her that, so I spent your money on an expensive towing service!") And then if you get annoyed at them for ignoring what you actually asked for - and often it has already happened repeatedly - they get angry because they "were just helping you! You should be grateful!!"

And my therapist pointed out that this is not "help", it's "hLep".

Sure, it looks like help; it kind of sounds like help too; and if it was adjusted just a little bit, it could be help. But it's not help. It's hLep.

At its best, it is patronizing and makes a person feel unvalued and un-listened-to. Always, it reinforces the false idea that disabled people can't be trusted with our own care. And at its worst, it results in disabled people losing our freedom and control over our lives, and also being unable to actually access what we need to survive.

So please, when a disabled person asks you for help on something, don't be a hLeper, be a helper! In other words: they know better than you what they need, and the best way you can honor the trust they've put in you is to believe that!

P.S. Also, I want to be very clear that the "getting angry at a disabled person's attempts to point out harmful behavior" part of this makes the whole thing WAY worse. Like it'd be one thing if my roommate bought me some passive-aggressive skim milk, but then they heard what I had to say, and they apologized and did better in the future - our relationship could bounce back from that. But it is very much another thing to have a crying shouting match with someone who is furious at you for saying something they did was ableist. Like, Christ, Jessica, remind me to never ask for your support ever again! You make me feel like if I asked you to call 911, you'd order a pizza because you know I'll feel better once I eat something!!

Edit: crediting my therapist by name with her permission - this term was coined by Nahime Aguirre Mtanous!

Edit again: I made an optional follow-up to this post after seeing the responses. Might help somebody. CW for me frankly talking about how dangerous hLep really is.

[hyperfixated-homo]

they're literally so fucking stupid

[beddybites]

baby gyomei himejima and his boys

[tubesock86]

hey remember these guys?

[mushro-om]