#but alas ….. i must persevere

[rhysnolastname]

I want to go out someplace. To dinner. Or something

[officialspec]

I just want you to know that your weekly reblog of Simply Don’t Mondays brings me real joy and surprise every time.

ADJBFJSJDJSFHJS I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE NOTICED im doing my last class of my degree rn and reblogging I Dont Want To has been helping me push thru my monday tutorials lmfao

[gothcsz]

next chap of thoroughfare has me crying oh so tenderly

[eorzeashan]

me: maybe progressing msq and leveling will help me enjoy ffxiv again 🙂

me, getting dzemael darkhold as a healer with dps who stand in red and 1 commendation: I am Reconsidering ending my sub

[mistermrow]

holy shit school is kicking my butt 💔💔

[yellobb]

Stairs are all fun and games until you need to move stuff up them

[imakemywings]

Analysis of Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth

The Athrabeth is one of those things which spawns endless fandom discussion, but a lot of it seems to misunderstand what's going on in Andreth and Finrod's discussion, which is understandable. There's a lot going on and the language can be difficult. Athrabeth serves two purposes: 1) on a meta level, it is Tolkien exploring the differing fates and beliefs of the peoples of Middle-earth; and 2) on a textual level, Finrod is both having a cultural exchange with and seeking to comfort Andreth about the loss of Aegnor, his brother whom she loved. The two discussions are necessarily tied together, because Andreth's bitterness and anger over the mortal fate of Men (which she believes to be unnatural, imposed on them by Melkor) is tied into her feelings about losing Aegnor.

I want to focus on the relationship we're shown between Andreth and Finrod.

The Cultural Exchange

Finrod first engages Andreth, a wise woman among her people, in a conversation about the beliefs and mythologies of the Beorians. I have often seen Finrod criticized for being condescending here, and while I suppose you could read that attitude into it, I don't. When Andreth accuses the Elves of condescension, of considering Men beneath them, Finrod agrees with her:

"Alas, you speak near the truth," said Finrod. "At least of many of my people; but not of all, and certainly not of me."

He freely admits many Elves wouldn't bother with Men because they do consider them "creatures of less worth." But Finrod is among Men, asking questions about their culture and their belief system, because it interests him. From the very beginning, the story tells us Finrod's interest in Men and their culture is genuine, whether or not Andreth believes that.

Finrod (son of Finarfin, son of Finwë) was the wisest of the exiled Noldor, being more concerned than all others with matters of thought...and he was eager moreover to discover all that he could concerning Mankind.

And he seems to respect Andreth as a keeper of her people's knowledge, even if he doesn't always agree with it. The story very much sets them up both as respected individuals among their peoples, with even the Elves acknowledging Andreth's intelligence and knowledge:

[Andreth] was wise in thought, and learned in the lore of Men and their histories; for which reason the Eldar called her Saelind, 'Wise-heart'.

This exchange between them has always come off as one of deep respect on both sides, to me. It is precipitated by Finrod's grief for the death of Boron, a lord of the Beorians, and his struggle with the seemingly short lives of Men. He and Andreth compare the views of the world of their respective species and share beliefs that each side has in the nature of the world.

A number of things Andreth says Finrod knows are false, because he grew up in Aman, he's met the Valar. But even where he challenges her assertions--such as her belief that Men were not always mortal, but were made so by Morgoth--it isn't done with some effort to triumphantly prove her wrong, but rather advising caution or offering a different perspective.

"Beware of the chaff with your corn, Andreth! For it may be deadly: lies of the Enemy that out of envy will breed hate. Not all the voices that come out of the darkness speak truth to those minds that listen for strange news."

And there is a deep bitterness and resentment that arises around the notion that Morgoth robbed Men of their rightful immortality. It absolutely comes through in Andreth's tone throughout Athrabeth. It must be very easy for mortals to perseverate on this rather than taking mortality as the natural state of being and processing it through that lens. Andreth resents that she is mortal, and she sees her mortality (imposed on her by Melkor) as the reason she could not have Aegnor.

Andreth and Finrod like and respect each other enough to have a discussion/debate like this and still consider each other a friend at the end. Further along, Finrod even suggests Andreth may not be entirely wrong, but is deeply troubled by the notion that Morgoth could be powerful enough to do such a thing. In short, he is listening to Andreth, and while her assertions may not immediately make sense to him, he considers them and how they might impact a person's view of the world.

Andreth too, allows for some flexibility in belief:

"You speak strange words, Finrod," said Andreth, "which I have not heard before. Yet my heart is stirred as if by some truth that it recognizes even if it does not understand it."

While each of them already has their own ideas about the world and their species' relationship with each other and with death and hope, they listen to one another. They aren't simply arguing to prove themselves right--they are having a genuine discussion (which necessitates being willing to oppose each other on some things). Amid the discussion on mortality and the nature of death for Elves and Men, she says this:

"Hope, that is another matter, of which even the Wise seldom speak." Then her voice grew more gentle. "Yet, Lord Finrod of the House of [Finarfin], of the high and puissant Elves, perhaps we may speak of it anon, you and I."

There is some culture clash between them, as some of their views and beliefs are mutually exclusive, but although their discussion gets emotional at some points, it never, to me, feels mean or disrespectful. Here was a clear spot for Andreth to cut off the conversation if she felt talked down to, or upset, but instead she encourages it to continue. They may occasionally get intense with their discussions (Andreth does shed tears at a few points)--and Athrabeth implies in my view that this is not the first of these cultural discussions they've had--but they still like each other.

And that is part of the key to the Athrabeth for me--they are friends.

In the days of the peace before Melkor broke the Siege of Angband, Finrod would often visit Andreth, whom he loved in great friendship...

He comes to her in friendship, and goes out of his way to speak with her about the end of her relationship (whatever it was--the text isn't clear on that) with Aegnor. He opens this talk by asking her about things Andreth is known to be knowledgeable about--paying respect to her wisdom, and regarding her intellect highly enough to even have such a debate. He wants to understand her perspective on the world, and it does shape her reaction to her relationship with Aegnor.

Finally, Andreth, for her part, seems like she would be more than willing to tell Finrod to fuck off if she didn't like him or didn't want to talk or felt like he was being an ass. This is not a soft-spoken person; she is very upfront with Finrod when she wants to be. The fact that she continues to engage him both in the discussion about Mannish beliefs and about Aegnor suggests to me that she also considers him a friend, or at least that she feels generally amiable towards him

Explaining Aegnor's Choice

The other big criticism of Finrod that seems to come out of Athrabeth stems from this effort, which often seems to be a misunderstanding that Finrod is making an argument that Aegnor made the right choice, which is not at all how I read this discussion.

However, before that, I do want to say: Aegnor was not wrong to leave Andreth. There is, to me, an uncomfortable fandom attitude that Aegnor was obliged to stay with Andreth because she loved him, or that he somehow wronged her by choosing not to be in a relationship with her. No one is obliged to be in a romantic relationship they don't want, no matter what the reasons are. That Aegnor loved Andreth does not mean he was forced to be with her. There were other considerations in his life and I don't think it was invalid of him to place those first. Neither is it invalid of Andreth to be bitter about it--especially considering where she starts this discussion.

Andreth, early on, still believes that the reason Aegnor left her is because she isn't an Elf--that she isn't immortal. She talks about how she wouldn't have made herself a burden to him in her old age, how she would have only given him her youth, etc. She is 48 at the time of Athrabeth.

"I was young and I looked on his flame, and now I am old and lost. He was young and his flame leaped towards me, but he turned away, and he is young still. Do candles pity moths?"

You can see here her anguish over her own mortality, which ties irrevocably into her anguish over losing the love of her life. What Finrod tries to tell her is that it was nothing about Andreth that ended it. Aegnor's decisions were not based on his feelings about Andreth or her mortality, but on various cultural factors among the Elves (such as their disinclination to marry during wartime) and his obligations, in his mind, towards the war against Morgoth. Finrod tells her that "if his heart ruled" Aegnor would have run off with Andreth, but that he chose to put his duty above his desire for her.

"Adaneth, I tell thee, Aikanar the Sharp-flame loved thee. For thy sake he will never take the hand of any bride of his own kindred, but will live alone to the end, remembering the morning in the hills of Dorthonion."

He isn't trying to say "Aegnor made the right choice" or "Elves shouldn't marry mortals" but he is trying to give her context for a decision that's already been made. Aegnor is already gone; Finrod is trying to relieve Andreth of feeling that it was somehow her fault, or that she didn't live up to Aegnor's expectations.

"Then why did he turn away? Why leave me while I had still a few good years to spend?"

"Alas!" said Finrod. "I fear the truth will not satisfy thee..."

Here, he gives the explanation about customs of the Eldar and marriage, and about Elves and memory (specifically about how Aegnor, as an Elf, may prefer to dwell in the happiness of their memories rather than proceed to a grim future). Andreth does not seem especially comforted by this. It's understandable. Andreth is very bitter, and not unfairly: She's bitter that her people are mortal while Finrod's are not; she's bitter that this mortality (in her mind) cost her the man she loved; she's bitter that Aegnor left her. Andreth's life has been hard: it's very understandable that she's angry about it. So it makes sense that Finrod's words don't really reach her where she is now. She isn't ready for that; she's still dealing with all of these other feelings. But I do believe that someday, this conversation will mean something to her. Someday, when Andreth is older and has more distance, I think it will mean something to her that Aegnor loved her, and that it was duty, not contempt, that kept him from her.

Finrod does express belief that marriage between Men and Elves is destined to be sorrowful, but this isn't an illogical position from the half of the equation doomed to live on without their partner, or from one of a species who may literally die from grief. Naturally Andreth thinks of how she could have spent her youth with him at least, while Finrod thinks of how much pain Aegnor would have been in as Andreth grew old and neared death.

"I would not have troubled him, when my short youth was spent. I would not have hobbled as a hag after his bright feet, when I could no longer run beside him!"

"Maybe not," said Finrod. "So you feel now. But do you think of him? He would not have run before thee. He would have stayed at thy side to uphold thee. Then pity thou wouldst have had in every hour, pity inescapable. He would not have had thee so shamed."

It is also relevant that they both speak, on this matter, in ignorance. Neither of them has experienced or even seen a marriage of mortals and Elves (none occurs before Finrod's death in Tol-in-Gaurhoth). They are both speaking only from the heart, from what they feel would be true about it. It's also relevant to remember the decision has been made. Finrod is perhaps trying to explain how hard the marriage would have been in part to make Andreth feel better about its nonexistence, because he knows Aegnor will not go back on his choice.

And on some level, Finrod sees that he isn't going to radically change her view on this one visit, and that's when he backs off.

"And what shall I remember?" said she. "And when I go to what halls shall I come? To a darkness in which even the memory of the sharp flame has been quenched? Even the memory of rejection. That at least."

Finrod sighed and stood up. "The Eldar have no healing words for such thoughts, adaneth," he said... He took her hand in the light of the fire. "Wither will you go?" she said.

Athrabeth ends on such a tender note, it has always in my mind contributed to seeing the conversation as an overall positive: that Finrod looks forward to seeing Andreth after death, that he places himself--almost tentatively (and what is the meaning of that em-dash, Tolkien?)!--alongside Aegnor in her future. He knows her time on Arda is short, compared to his own, but he doesn't want this to be the only time their souls have together. It ends with his holding her hand in her grief and giving her this blessing:

"Wither you go may you find light. Await us there: my brother--and me."

This is why I've always seen Athrabeth as such an intimate conversation which speaks to a deep level of friendship and respect between Andreth and Finrod. It deals with a lot of emotionally volatile things, which I think makes people inclined to see either of them (Andreth especially) as upset by the conversation, rather than the issues that they are discussing in it. But to me, again, that they were willing to have such a raw, open discussion with each other speaks volumes about how positively they see each other. They are so clearly trying to reach out to one another from two very different places in the world.

"Yes, Wise-woman, maybe it was ordained that we Quendi, and ye Atani, ere the world grows old, should meet and bring news to one another...indeed, that you and I, Andreth, should sit here and speak together, across the gulf that divides our kindreds..."

"Across the gulf that divides our kindreds!" said Andreth. "Is there no bridge but mere words?" And then again she wept.

They don't always make it, and sometimes they wound, but they are trying. And that counts for something.

[tenjikyu]

𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘪'𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 - 𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ SPOILERS FOR KANTO MANJI ARC , no shipping, just a lyric fic explaining how everyone involved is gonna save mikey ( including you !! ) , reader is baji’s gn! twin ( relevant to the plot ) , i was listening to the soundtrack and had this literally play out in my head as the song went, so i hope i do it justice .

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ A/N : im actually so excited about this OMG.

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ IMPORTANT EXTRA NOTES :

manjiro’s lyric lines - purple .

senju’s lyric lines - red .

chifuyu’s lyric lines - blue .

your lyric lines - pink .

takemichi’s lyric lines - green .

irrelevant/background lyric lines - white .

♬ any moment now , your highness .

mikey looks around the “ arena ” that the battle was going to take place in. a speck of wonder crosses the blondes mind.

what was takemichi thinking? why had he returned from the future?

regardless, the sounds of footsteps began to ring through his ears.

♬ be lieve me i know , i’ve suck pretty low .

♬ but whatever i’ve done , you deserved .

♬ ( varien ! )

♬ ( quiet ! )

his mind hazes with uncertainty. manjiro’s body shakes ever so slightly.

no matter what, he must not falter.

he warned them all, to steer clear of his everlasting karma.

alas, they block his desperates pleas out.

♬ i’m the bad guy , that’s fine .

♬ it’s no fault of mine and some justice at last will be served .

♬ ( please listen )

manjiro knows deep down that no matter how hard the beg of him, he can’t return to his original character. things change you in ways you can’t truly comprehend until you’ve lived it yourself.

he wishes for more then anything to run into anyone’s arms.

anyone in toman’s arms would do.

his brothers arms would do. his sisters arms would suffice.

baji’s arms even.

♬ now it’s time to step up or it’s time to stand down .

♬ and there’s only one answer for me .

alas, the blond lifts his head a little higher. after all, doubt gets you nowhere.

he can only look forward, otherwise everyone left alive is at stake.

♬ and i’ll stand up and fight ‘cause i know that i’m right .

♬ and i’m ready , i’m ready , i’m ready .

the tokyo manji flag can be ever so slightly seen with the numerous yet limited footsteps loom closer.

danger is sensed in manjiro’s head.

he can feel it, touch it, caress it all he wants.

but danger halts for nobody.

♬ ready as i’ll ever be .

♬ now it’s time to rise up or it’s time to stand down .

♬ and the answer is easy to see .

only a few hours prior, with all of the next generation of the tokyo manji gang members present, senju stands tall with both you and takemichi by her side.

she knows the blonde will not put up an easy fight, and with so strong yet so little people against their godly force, high morale is a little difficult to seep through everybody.

♬ and i swear by the sword , if you’re in get on board .

♬ are you ready ?

♬ i’m ready ! we’re ready ! ( we’re ready )

senju feels no doubt in her heart that no matter the fear amongst the original members, that they will prevail for the sake of their beloved old leader.

they will pull through for manjiro sano.

♬ ready as i’ll ever be .

♬ are you quite sure we can do this ?

chifuyu leans gently into your side as to lower his voice.

he knows how deeply you treasure mikey.

with how close baji and mikey were, not to mention sanzu also against them, it would be hard for you to fight against someone you considered family .

alas, you only smiles gently at his concern.

♬ together , we will guarantee .

“i’ll be okay, chifuyu. i appreciate your concern.” you reassure him.

you weren’t lying when you said that you appreciated his worries, however you weren’t sure if you would truly be able to land a hit on mikey.

the boy was there for you through thick and thin. with you comforting him through his brothers passing and him returning the favour with your twin brothers death, you felt your heart ache ever so harshly.

regardless, you had to persevere. for mikey’s sake, and for your friends sake.

♬ i’ll make them hear me (now it’s time to redeem or it’s time to resolve )

with manjiro sano , harychiyo sanzu and kokonoi hajime standing in front of the three of you, you felt your body shudder at the blondes glare that was directed at you.

♬ prove they can trust me ( and the outcome will hardly come free )

senju grasps your hand lightly, her own brother staring her down like she’s worthless. nothing but a setback in his eyes.

you smiled back at her before you both proudly stood next to takemichi. she had always been your #1 supporter, regardless of history.

♬ i’ll save my home and family .

with all the courage you could muster, you stared back into mikey’s soulless sockets. nothing but heartbreak and fear filled his sorrowful expression.

you knew in that moment, that you needed to rescue your brother.

you had already lost one, you couldn’t afford to loose another.

♬ now the line’s in the sand and our moments at hand .

♬ and i’m ready .

♬ i’m ready .

♬ i’m ready .

with a pool of silence overtaking the battlefield, manjiro sano turns to takemichi hanagaki for the signal.

the signal that a battle was about to commence.

♬ ready as i’ll ever be .

[kaigarax]

The Reason We Exist

Nanami Ryusui x Reader

Quote: “Fall in love with someone because of how you click with them.”

“Why do we exist?” Ryusui asks.

Your humming stops abruptly. You tilt your head to the side, as if debating the question, turning to him, “quite the loaded question you have.”

Ryusui nods.

“Do you really think I’m the right person to be asking?”

“Who else would I ask?”

“Ukyo, Gen, Senku or maybe even Chrome,” you laugh, “afterall, aren’t the five of you supposed to be the ‘Five Wise Generals’ or something?”

Ryusui smiles, “I wanted your opinion.”

“Well, I’m honoured.”

“As anyone would be.”

You lean back, a playful look in your eyes, “I suppose…”

---

“So you’re going to want to put emphasis on the distinction between these two lines here or else it’s going to look like a different letter.” you explain.

Ryusui watches in amusement as you teach Chrome how to write. The brown haired explorer is trying his best to hide a blush when your hand wraps around his own in an attempt to help him get the feeling of writing.

A lesser man would have been jealous of the sight if the object of their affections were getting close with another man, but not Ryusui. Nanami Ryusui is a man who is confident in both his relationship with you (though the two of you were only friends) and in himself. If there was something he wanted then he most certainly would have it.

Besides, Ryusui was fairly certain that Chrome was already fond of a certain village high priestess.

“Oh, so how about this?” Chrome asks.

Ryusui is confident in his perseverance.

“That’s great!” you smile, “now try this one.”

And he is confident in his ability.

Of course, he is not so confident that he believes that everything is already within his grasp. This world, afterall, is not always kind and Nanami Ryusui finds himself constantly torn between his two greatest wants. The world and you.

In an ideal world, he could have both. He would have both.

But, alas, this is not the world of fantasy. This is a reality. A reality of heartbreak and yearning. A world of building and creation where we are forced to either to build the life we hope to live in or create a brilliant place for everyone else. Not yet has Ryusui decided his fate but it is an ending that is quickly approaching. A doom he must soon face for afterall, one can only stay situated in limbow for so long before something goes horribly and terribly wrong.

But for now, he waits. Caught between a rock and a hard place. Between poetry and prose.

Perhaps one day, Ryusui will be able to decide.

Truthfully, though, he fears that he won’t be able to. That everything will eventually come crumbling down and he’ll be left with nothing.

“Oh, Ryusui!” Your eyes light up as you make your way towards him, “how long have you been standing there?”

Ryusui gives you a bright smile, “how truthful would you like me to be?”

“How about~” you hum, “as truthful as you think I believe you to be.”

He chuckles, “then I’ve just arrived.”

“So what brings you here in the first place?”

“I wanted to show you the progress on the hot air balloon but if you’re busy I can always come back later.”

“I’m just about done. Do you mind waiting?”  you ask, giving Ryusui a cute little pout.

“Not at all.”

It’s strange for Ryusui. He’d never once been the kind of person to wait for someone else and yet here he was. Perhaps it was just that there was something different about you.

Ryusui’s first impression of you hadn’t been much. He, like many others, failed to see the brilliance you had. A skill rarely seen in someone so young; a talent most detrimental to recreating this new world; and a gift that Ryusui so desperately covets.

Ryusui let out a deep sigh as he left the meeting room. Well it was more of a small single room house.

His first impression of this New World had been amazing. Everything was up for the taking - but he had been rather short sighted. Ryusui hadn’t stopped to think about how difficult it really would be to reclaim this world.

People were, of course, the most important resource. Without any revival fluid there would be no constant revival which meant there would be no boost in societal development. They were limited to the people already here. Ryusui’s ideas for agricultural development had been shot down by the others and Ryusui didn’t want to push back against the others. It would only divide them.

Instead, Ryusui would have to swallow his pride and wait.

“Don’t worry, you’ve definitely caught Senku’s interest.”

When Ryusui turns he sees you. He thinks he remembers you from when he first made his way out of the stone but he can’t exactly remember. While there aren’t many people there are even less names that he’s bothered to learn.

You’re leaning against the wall of the small hut, your hair pushed back and your eyes gleaming in a way that Ryusui is rather familiar with.

You’re pretty. Very pretty. In fact, Ryusui is wondering how he’s only noticed that now. All women are beautiful but even someone like Ryusui has a type and you seem to fall exactly into it. Your eyes gleam and your smile is soft. Your complexion is pleasant and you seem to stare directly into the soul of the person.

You’re wearing something similar to the other Villagers but the bright red brand around your wrist catches Ryusui’s attention. He thinks it brings out your eyes.

Now, Ryusui isn’t someone that just listens to anyone - even if that person happens to be just his type. Of course, anyone can have good ideas but that doesn't mean that everyone does but that gleam in your eyes catches his interest.

“Oh? And how can you know that for certain, little Missy?” Ryusui asks.

You smile in a way that Ryusui finds quite pleasant, “from the subtle expression on his face. Senku’s eyes always widen in the slightest way when something catches his attention.”

“And how did you notice this little snippet of information?”

You move in towards him, a confused look on your face, “doesn't everyone?”

And that’s when he knew.

You were brilliant, you just didn’t know it and that made it even better. Such a rare skill you possess and Ryusui wanted nothing more than to cultivate and possess it.

“(Y/n), what are you doing here?”

“Gen!” You smile brightly, leaving Ryusui’s side and bouncing towards the Mentalist, “are you ready to go?”

“Hello? Ryusui?” you wave a hand in front of his face, “anyone in there?”

“Sorry,” Ryusui gives you his best confident smile, “I was reminiscing.”

“How pleasant~” you hum, “so are you ready to go?”

“Yes! It’s-”

“Oh, Ryusui!” The familiar voice of the Mentalist cuts Ryusui off, “just the person I was looking for.”

“Gen.” greets Ryusui.

The Mentalist grins, sliding in between you and Ryusui, “well don’t you look ecstatic to see me.”

You pout, poking Gen on the side, “and don’t you look ecstatic to see me.”

“Of course I’m ecstatic to see you, (Y/n).” says Gen, turning his back towards Ryusui, “I was just told to look for Ryusui over here. Senku asked me to find Ryusui so they could discuss some things.”

“Of course he did.” You eye Gen suspiciously but he merely smiles in response.

And thus, the great internal conflict.

His curiosity is likely to get the better of him. He knows that he is needed to accomplish a task that heavily affects the development of this world and it gets his blood pumping. Excitement is at an all time high.

Yet, of course, it means that this is another moment he won’t get to spend with you.

He thinks of the excited look he won’t get to see. The sparkle in your eyes when you see something that amazes you.

But, this little conversation with Senku isn’t something he’ll put off. It’s not likely anything that he’ll ever put off. Afterall, doing this brings him one step closer to everything else in this world. And of course that is where internal conflict strikes once again. His want for everything in this world and you.

“Ryusui.” It’s you again, giving him that look, “it’s okay to go.”

“Okay.” He says, though he isn’t sure if the words come from him or not.

You unwrap a red band from your wrist before grabbing Ryusui’s hand and wrapping it around his own.

It’s such a bright red colour. Not something a colour often seen in the New World.

“What’s this for?” Ryusui asks.

You laugh, “to tie your hair up.”

“Don’t you need it?”

“Don’t worry about me.”

“Hey!” Gen speaks up, “what about me, (Y/n)? Do you have a band for me to tie my hair with?”

You ignore the Mentalist, “good luck, Ryusui. Let’s pray that Senku doesn't come up with another crazy plan. Of course, it is always exciting to see what he’ll come up with next.”

He smiles in response.

---

Ryusui had never been the best at construction. Sure, he was in shape but that doesn't mean he was automatically a building genius. His kind of work was usually the kind that revolved around creation rather than construction.

Of course, that didn’t mean that he wasn’t going to help.

It was actually quite exciting for Ryusui. To get the chance to do something he wouldn’t have gotten to do in the world before.

Hammering away at nails and lugging large logs of wood around isn’t the funniest job in the world but it certainly makes one feel accomplished. Most of the villagers have chipped in as which does make the workload pass through faster.

You’re working on the ship today, too. Usually you tend to the farms or help Yuzuriha with the production of clothing. Of course, with the new machine that Yuzuriha has he doubts that she needs as much help as she had before. You do tend to help rebuild statues but with the loss of the revival fluid there doesn't seem to be as much urgency.

“Are you sure that’s supposed to look that way?” You ask.

Ryusui smiles, “of course!”

“I definitely think we should ask Chrome to come and look at this part.”

“Don’t you trust me, (Y/n)?”

“Not even slightly when it comes to building.”

Ryusui places a hand on his chest, “I’m hurt.”

“I’m certain you are. Now don’t do anything while I go and get Chrome. I don’t want you ruining things further.”

“Ruining! I’m wounded.”

You laugh, “I’m sure you’ll get over it quickly.”

Your laugh makes him smile as well.

Listening to your demands, Ryusui keeps his hands and feet frozen. He watches as you meticulously make your way towards where Chrome is instructing people. You walk with your hands to either side of you to better balance yourself though it doesn't seem to help much.

In fact, it doesn't seem to help at all as you place a step a little too close to the edge.

Your balance is quickly lost.

Ryusui quicker though as he runs towards you, grabbing your hand and pulling you into his chest before you can fall.

“Woah there.” Teases Ryusui, “don’t need you falling to your death now do we?”

“Ryusui, we’re barely an inch off the ground.”

Ryusui smiles, “you never know.”

---

“Why do we exist?” Ryusui asks.

Your humming stops abruptly. You tilt your head to the side, as if debating the question before turning to him, “quite the loaded question you have.”

Ryusui nods.

“Do you really think I’m the right person to be asking?”

“Who else would I ask?”

“Ukyo, Gen, Senku or maybe even Chrome,” you laugh, “afterall, aren’t the five of you supposed to be the ‘Five Wise Generals’ or something?”

Ryusui smiles, “I wanted your opinion.”

“Well, I’m honoured.”

“As anyone would be.”

You lean back, a playful look in your eyes, “I suppose, if I had to come up with a reason for our existence I’d have to say that we exist for the sake of others.”

“Then that must mean I exist for you.”

Fall in love with someone because of how you click with them.

[elfruits]

veilguard thoughts and opinions after 6 hours of gameplay!

i expected to not love the dialogue but MAN do i dislike it. the voice direction and writing just feels all wrong so far (except for rook, varric, and morrigan). thankfully around hour 6 it started to improve a bit. praying it keeps getting better because 60+ hours of this will be such a slog. i refuse to give up before collecting all the companions and encountering dorian.

i'm really enjoying the rogue combat though! i've had fun and don't find it too repetitive yet. also the graphics really aren't bad at all. i'm playing on low settings on my steam deck and the environments are still beautiful. unfortunately the soundtrack doesn't hit the same as past games and this REALLY affects the vibe. missing trevor morris and inon zur's compositions :^(

right now i'd rate the game a 5/10. replay value feels limited and i keep oscillating between disappointment, hope, and disappointment again. weirdly it's left me yearning for another da2 playthrough, but alas, i must persevere

[blackholelynn]

I don't want to go to work, but alas I have been cursed with Hot Guy at Work syndrome and must persevere to see him 😔✊

[rosietrace]

Melodic Misconceptions 🎹

Track 29: Impossible potential

Synopsis: Victoria Shard was a former member of the popular idol group [ Poisoner ] from NRC corporations. After discourse with her group leader, Victoria decided it was best for her to leave and pursue her solo career in a record label run by her parents.

It had been half a year since her separation from her old group, and Victoria had never been more successful. But now she has a new problem. She must return to NRC corporations in order to mentor the seven idol groups.

Ellis Clawthorne is a member of [ (Co)-connect ] the most recent group under NRC'S belt. With no experience as an idol, Ellis must persevere in order to succeed and pursue her dreams.

Will both girls be able to adapt to their current situations?

♝•°•══════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══════•°•♝

Author's note: It's been 84 years I know /j

This may seem a bit underwhelming for a return of MM, but given that Tumblr is not so subtly screwing me over, I needed a long-term break

But anyway, thank you so much to everyone who's been patient enough to wait for all these tracks ^^ I know my upload schedule is a nightmare at this point, so I'm really happy to know that you guys are willing to wait for a while for another installment of my Magnum Opus (okay maybe I shouldn't exaggerate, but still)

Hope you enjoy!

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

“Huh. So you're Circe.”

Raising an eyebrow at you, Circe slowly approached. You could tell by his body language that he was most definitely hesitant to even talk to you.

Then again, you just happened to run into him, so it wasn't like you expected to talk to him, to begin with. You just let it slide for a little while.

“And you're very obviously Aguri Harper. Do you legitimately don't remember seeing me after your encounter with Vil and Koral?”

You let that question float around before letting out an awkwardly placed whistle. “Possibly…” you drawled.

Circe frowned but shrugged that off relatively quickly. “Well, forget that I guess,” he said. “Why are you back at NRC Corporations?”

Before you could answer that, Circe answered his own question. “Oh, wait, I'm sure you're here for Victoria.”

You practically begged your body to not betray you at that moment, but alas, you felt your cheeks heat up at the mention of the well-known idol that you occasionally take on a date or two.

Not that she'd consider them dates.

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

That was a lie. Victoria did consider them dates.

She paced around the room, with Zen sitting on the couch in front of her, staring at her with utter bewilderment. Naturally, of course, given that Victoria showed little to no stress unless the situation truly called for it.

So he's guessing that whatever she's stressed about, he's more than sure that the situation called for it.

“Err…. Tori? You feeling okay??” That was probably the dumbest question Zen could ask, but he asked it regardless.

Victoria let out an exasperated sigh, but she wasn't necessarily annoyed at Zen. “It's…. Complicated, Zen.”

His eyebrows raised, lips pursed for only a moment. “Oh yeah? Wanna talk about it?” he gently pats the empty spot on the couch next to him. And in response, Victoria tiredly sat down.

“So, did anything happen?”

“Er…”

“It isn't about the NXDE revival, right? As far as I know, it was a success-”

“It… It isn't about the NXDE revival, Zen.”

Zen's eyebrows furrowed. Not only in bewilderment but also in silent irritation because Victoria didn't get straight to the point like she usually did.

But he'd never get mad at her for something as small as that. So he waited patiently for her to get to the point.

“.... It's about Y/N.”

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

“So, you're telling me that you're just- What, denying that you're in love with Victoria?”

You clicked your tongue in annoyance, “I'm not in love with her.”

Circe looked at you like you just told him the biggest piece of bullshit he's ever heard. And frankly, you had reason to believe that what you just said was the biggest bullshit he's ever heard.

��For an actor, you're surprisingly obvious when it comes to your own feelings,” Circe didn't fight the quiet snort he let out, “No wonder there haven't been any reports about any potential relationships.”

You crossed your arms, folding them over your chest. “How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not in love with your former group member?”

Circe smirked, if only for a moment. “As many times as you want, Harper,” he told you, before walking ever so slightly closer than he needed to be.

Circe already had a busy schedule at the moment, especially with how Koral was managing Poisoner at the moment, so he needed to say what he wanted to tell you in the quickest way he could.

And he needed to do that and leave an impact.

“I think you failed to remind yourself that it's impossible to be in a relationship with an idol like her. I can tell you thought you had a chance, Harper.”

And boy…. He most definitely left an impact.

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

Taglist

🥥: @starry-night-rose @nem0-nee @windbornearchon @fumikomiyasaki @sakuramidnight15 @authoruio

Fellow goobers: @geminiiviolets @oseathepebble @vaporvipermedia @twsted-princess @knights-escort @crazyyanderefangirlfan @celiica @terrovaniadorm (If I forgot to add anyone, pls notify me!)

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

[gusujay]

Haven’t been able to play red dead 2 since last Friday. Going through withdrawal symptoms. My hand yearns for the cold shell of my Xbox controller. My eyes glance longingly at my extra hdmi cable that I keep in my laptop bag as it looks back at me with mourning as it has no Xbox nor tv to connect to. I think about my Xbox as it sits in my cupboard back at home containing the red dead 2 disk and sigh. When will my husband return from the war? Only 4 more days until I get back home. I must hold on. I must persevere. I yearn for the small town in the middle of nowhere I grew up in and know I can never go back. That the semblance of it I get from red dead 2 is the closest taste I can get because there is nothing for me there and I need to go to uni. Am I being overdramatic? Perhaps. But I haven’t heard Charles Smith’s voice in days. I contemplate once again buying the game on steam so that I can play it whenever I want, but alas, it is R1000 (the South African currency conversion of 60 dollars) on steam and I cannot afford to spend that much on a game I already own on Xbox. I should’ve bought it during the Christmas sale on steam when it was way cheaper but I didn’t know then what it would do to my life. I yearn. Gonna start carrying little pictures of Arthur Morgan and Charles Smith in my wallet.

[dragonthusiast]

The urge to start another WIP is getting insufferable but alas, I must persevere

[alcrystallize]

•｡ ✧ Alcryst's Interview

Spoiler Warning: FE Engage Post-Game Events

Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Twice fold did his racing heart beat as his hand trembled over the doorknob to the office. The painful fear of rejection had a stronghold over the second prince of Brodia. A rush of thoughts swiftly ran into the faulty dam of confidence Alcryst had built himself prior to arrival. ‘What if I am not accepted to The Officers Academy?’ ‘Why would an esteemed academy as such desire a poor candidate such as me?’ However, deep down, he knew that he had to be here. If he wanted to become stronger and protect his beloved country and the people he cared for, he must persevere no matter the cost. After all, what would his father tell him? Swallowing his fear, he exhaled once more and opened the door to the room – facing the interviewers sitting at their desk with anticipating gazes.

“Good morning,” Alcryst greeted them with a newfound sense of regality as he crossed over the threshold of the entryway, “my name is Alcryst, second prince of–.” SLAM! "GAH?!“ He jumped aside, surprised by the sound of the door slamming behind him with a force certainly not coming from the painstakingly nervous boy himself. “Has the door always been that heavy? I’m sor–” he started to express his apologies as his leg bumped into a small table, causing the figurine atop it to PLOP! on the floor. “AH? I didn’t see that table there! I’m so, so sorry!” his face reddened with humiliation as he simultaneously bowed and picked up the figurine to place back on the table. Goodness, could he have been digging a deeper hole to bury himself in?

His lips were as dry as the Solm desert when he tried to speak; so, as to not further embarrass himself, he cleared his throat and sat in the chair facing opposite from the interviewers. He closed his eyes and took a small breath once more, recollecting his composure as he straightened his posture and folded his hands over his lap. “… I am Alcryst, second prince of Brodia. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am… ready to begin this interview.”

⌜ ✧。.:*: – What has led you to where you are today? ⌟

He was not certain what kind of question to expect, and certainly, he did not expect one as reflective as this. The Alcryst he was today was far different from the Alcryst he was before the beginning of the war in Elyos, though the similarities between the two remained vast. To this day, he was still not strong enough – not good enough to be a worthy ally and companion to defeat the fell dragon. From his perspective, his strength has grown minimally – only in the face of life or death did he grow with his decisiveness and readiness to protect the people around him; alas, it was not sufficient enough to protect his late father, King Morion. As Alcryst contemplated over the question, a tinge of sorrow revealed itself across his features – averting his gaze to the surface of the table separating him from the interviewers waiting patiently for his answer. ‘Get yourself together, Alcryst! Formulate your thoughts!' he attempted to encourage himself.

“I was born the second prince to Brodia, a mighty country that values its strength and resilience. Those values were instilled in me from an early age by my father – late father… King Morion.” He paused. “… and my older brother, the new king of Brodia, Diamant. He is one of the strongest people that I know.” A small smile peeked out from underneath his solemn expression toward the thought of the person he admired most. “He is powerful and determined, yet kind and leads with an open mind and heart… he always has been. I, on the other hand, have never been able to rise up and be like him or my father. No matter how hard I tried… it hasn’t seemed to be enough, and for that, I paid the price of losing my father in a battle with our neighboring country, Elusia.”

But that was not the end, despite how overwhelming the grief was at the time. He and his brother marched onward with the divine dragon and their companions to defeat the fell dragon. Alcryst was there. He did fight alongside them. And he did win. He could not take that for granted. 

“… after that, though, I traveled with the Divine Dragon to defeat the Fell Dragon that was threatening the safety of Elyos – of my country. As the second prince to Brodia, I could not stand down – so I fought. I may not have slain nearly as many enemies as my brother or the Divine Dragon – or anyone, really – but I did go out on the battlefield, and we did defeat the divine dragon. Now,” he sat up straighter in his seat from the back of the chair, “I have to become stronger so I can continue to protect my people. My brother, the King. So that is why I am here today with you. I will get stronger, and one step there will be to train here at the monastery.“ 

⌜ ✧。.:*: – What do you believe are your greatest strengths? Your greatest weaknesses? ⌟

”S-strengths?“ As quickly as his façade of confidence rose did it fall when Alcryst was asked about his strengths – let alone his greatest strengths. His mind was engulfed by a whirlpool of weaknesses that plagued him from an early age and continued to roar inside his mind and heart. What strengths did he have? After all that he has gone through during the tumultuous war and the devastating loss of his father, what strengths did he have to prove himself a worthy candidate for the academy? One of his weaknesses, he was tempted to say, was sharing his greatest strengths with others; however, when in doubt, he resorted to remembering what his fellow companions said about him. He may not have always believed in their words, but he could not discount their sincerity when they said it. His crimson eyes flickered from side to side in the midst of thought until he could weave together a comprehensible response.

"I… I want to protect the people I care about. No… I want to protect everyone. I understand how that may not be easily attainable, but I know that I am a work in progress until I am able to do just that. I am eager to train my body and mind so that I can be stronger and smarter on the battlefield. I want to learn more about different strategies and formations so I can maximize my potential during battle.” It was almost as if speaking his goals into existence made them closer and within his reach, even though that was such a silly notion to begin with. “I know I will not always fight alone, and for that, I must be someone who is reliable and be counted on like I would them. There are so many people who are stronger than me… that I must rise to the occasion and not be a burden to them. they do not deserve that from someone like me.”

Then, the conversation turned toward his weaknesses. “My greatest weaknesses? Pardon me, but how much time do we have?” The list was endless, and the last thing he would want to do was bore the interviewers with his aimless rambling. Alcryst sorted through the ideas that immediately came to his mind – bother, burdensome, worthless, useless, unreliable, weak, unlovable – and tiered them into a hierarchy of most significant to the least most significant. Though, this line of thinking was futile as he could not pinpoint only one to be at the top. Then, as if his mouth had been besieged and taken over, he said, “my greatest weakness is that I will never be good enough.” The truth set in amidst the tension thickening in the deafening silence of the room. “I will never be good enough that I will stop training and growing to become stronger. I am not strong enough to protect everyone. I will never look my brother in the eyes and say that we are equal in standing… for he will always be better than me. I am not enough.”

A glimmer twinkled in his eye. “Yet."  

⌜ ✧。.:*: – If a story were to be written about your life, what role would you play? ⌟

"What a boring and dull story that would be,” Alcryst answered without giving the question another ounce of thought. One would normally feel embarrassed thereafter, but that was a feeling that sat with him at nearly all times. To entertain the idea alone of a story written about him was laughable. Throughout the history of Brodia and his lineage of royalty, there have been brutal and fierce kings that were beyond the definition of power that played an instrumental role in building the kingdom into its gloriousness as it stands today. His own father was no exception, and his brother would do more than he could imagine within his new role. If Alcryst had any sort of skill with writing, he could write the most excellent of novels about his father and his brothers – and without a doubt would those two stories be voraciously consumed by everyone across the country – or the world, at that. If the story was about Alcryst? It would be a waste of time to produce it in the first place.

“My life does not deserve a story. It is not interesting, nor is it captivating in any sense of the word. It would be the least engaging piece of text there ever was… because I am nothing to write or read about. On the other hand,” Alcryst waved his hand in the air, “a story about my father or brother… the legacy of their impact on Brodia would be remembered for years and years to come. As far as I would be a presence in their stories, well… I would perhaps be a footnote. I am a Brodian prince, but I am not the Brodian prince – and I never will be one like Diamant.”

Alcryst sighed, on the edge of exhaustion from the interview despite the relief that it had reached its conclusion. He quietly stood up and formally bowed from his side of the table. “It was an honor to meet with you today. I hope… that if there happens to be a spot – and if not, that is fine, as I imagine you have many other more worthy candidates to consider today – but on the off chance, there was… that I can be someone to fill it. I want to get stronger… and I want to do so here."

With that said, he bowed once again and stepped around the chair and toward the entrance. Before he opened the door, though, he faced the small figurine on the table and bowed once again. "I’m sorry, again, for earlier, tiny figurine.”

[widowlurker]

thinking about Thunderbolts

from what little I’ve seen of comic!Taskmaster he’s an absolute troll and a quarter so I think it’s be really funny if Antonia just spends the entire movie being a little shit and we get absolutely no explanation as to how she went from “brainwashed to be a blank-faced weapon by her father” to “Yelena bet you can’t snipe Alexei from a meter away” or sum shit

Also I saw somewhere that apparently she copies the Winter Soldier’s knife flip from catws during Black Widow 2021 (obvi bc that’s Taskmaster’s whole thing) so it’d be really funny if she does it again in Thunderbolts and Bucky notices and is like “who??? taught you that??? did- did i do that??” and tries his damndest to remember if at some point during his time as the winter soldier he taught it to someone. and ofc taskmaster is a little shit so Antonia just vaguely encourages the theory but never clarifies at all

ALSO how Alexei seems to be having a whole thing with pretending like he and Steve were fated rivals with years of history despite these 2 never once being able to interact

Imagine him continuing that with Bucky and Walker

Alexei meeting Bucky and being like “Ah! Captain America’s sidekick! Tell me, how has old Uncle Steve been doing without his antithesis to keep him humble?” and Bucky’s just like “who the fuck are you???”

Alexei taking one look at Walker and being like “A downgrade but alas the rivalry must persevere”

Bucky and Antonia having the “brainwashed assassins/killing machines” look of mutual respect™️