#but if its not my ocs i just cannot commit

[barawrah]

all i have to offer today is a tiny beel

[magnificentmicrowave]

panic and malaise are fascinating to me

i cannot describe why but they really resonate w/ me, the religious trauma overtones ("overtones"), the codependency, panic and pleasure, all of that. Just wanted to say I don't even know the story, but I can tell its 1.) fucking great character design and 2.) great incorporation of themes into every aspect form the "divine nudity" of panic to the consistent lack of expression on malaise's face while committing atrocities, constantly mutilating into imperfect body mind and soul.

sorry for the mind vomit, great characters :thumbs_up:

th,, 🥺 🥺🥺 omg this means so much to meee im glad u enjoy them!!

yeah as you noticed i have a little bit of history with religious trauma and codependent relationships, as well as overexposure to shock content as a child and the feeling of apathy that comes with the overconsumption of it (go figure) so they sort of encapsulate all of those feelings for me into one convenient abstract mind art representation package.

my DID brain tends to compartmentalize things weird so i give myself the leeway to feel whatever i want whenever i want with OCs instead of locking myself into any one "idea" which is probably why i have issues makign so many instead of sticking to the ones i do have BUT this specific brand of trauma seems to be pretty consistent in my brain so they'll be sticking around for a bit. probably. no promises

[queen--kenobi]

Wheel of Fortune: Prologue

Story summary: Elayna Reyne often imagines herself being someone and making a name for herself but only in the way young girls do. Unfortunately, when Elayna makes her way to King's Landing as one of Cerelle Lannister's ladies-in-waiting, Elayna finds dreams come with a price. Catching the attention of Prince Aemond may make her someone. But is it the person she wants to be?

Pairings: Aemond Targaryen x OFC (Elayna Reyne), Cerelle Lannister x OFC (Elayna Reyne), OC (Tymon Lannister) x OFC (Elayna Reyne)

Chapter summary: News finds its way to Elayna. Some of it is good but most of it is bad. Elayna learns when it rains, it pours.

Chapter warnings: implied NSFT (wlw action, BDSM themes, D/s dynamics), discussions of domestic violence, some suicidal ideation, and sexual harassment. Also Tymon. Yeah, a lot for a prologue I know.

Author's note: Hi hello it's finally here! I know it's taken 5ever and a day, but it's here! I'm so excited to introduce everyone to Elayna in canon and Tymon as well. I want to thank @writingbylee for being my cheerleader and helping me since day one with Elayna you have no idea how much that means to me. I also want to thank @baba-fett and @emilykaldwen for being willing to listen to me try and figure all this out

Waves crash against the unyielding cliffside.

Elayna sighs. She looks down to the waters below. Jagged rocks stick up from the ocean, the edges sharp and dangerous despite the weathering. Elayna tilts her head. In the dying light, the areas where the rocks cluster almost look like teeth to her, the giant gaping maw of an unknown beast.

What would it be like to die upon those rocks?

What would it be like to kill someone upon the rocks? How long would someone suffer in the blistering sun and salty air? Would they die upon impact, or would it break their back and render them immobile, unable to stop the slow creeping of the Stranger?

She bites the inside of her lip. The pain stops the morbid thoughts, she finds. More and more as of late, her brain keeps coming back to them. They circle her brain like vultures awaiting the dying. Elayna closes her eyes and inhales slowly. Some days, she cannot tell if she wishes to kill or be killed. She thinks it is the latter of the two. She has no true wish to die, only to escape her suffering. Her life has become a prison she cannot escape from no matter how much she tries.

Then again. Is it truly a prison when she has willingly given her captor the keys? When the prison is of her own making?

She exhales. She pauses and rubs her face. 

If only she could talk to Cerelle. If only she could make her see...

“Elayna!”

The familiar voice makes Elayna's hairs stand on end. Elayna wants to ignore him. Maybe he'll go away if she pretends he isn't there. Of course, it has never stopped him before, so why would it now? Slowly, Elayna lifts her head.

Tymon walks towards her. He seems to be in a good mood. A smile graces his features. The wind blows his hair gently. Elayna looks at his eyes. His eyes turn first when he's angry; he can keep the smile up and make it seem genuine even when his eyes make it clear he wants nothing more than to commit an act of unspeakable violence just by looking him in the eye. His jaw betrays him next. 

His smile is always the last thing to go. 

“Tymon.” Elayna tries her best to answer his smile. She tries to force it to reach her eyes. It feels too tight, too fake. A surge of panic overtakes her. What if he sees it's fake? Will he ignore it? Will he pretend to not see it until he can use her lack of enthusiasm against her? What if it provokes his ire? She blinks. Her eyes must show her fear, she can't have that. 

Tymon laughs. When Elayna opens her eyes, she sees him holding his hands up. 

“Woah.” He sounds as if he is calming down a spooked horse, not a human being. She can hear the clear amusement in his tone. Elayna bites down on the inside of her cheek. She cannot sneer at him; no one else is around, and she is too close to the edge of the parapet. Despite her early thoughts, Elayna has no desire to be pushed off the castle.

“I did not mean to startle you. My sincerest apologies.”

“Think nothing of it. I was just under the impression I was alone.”

“One might begin to think you want to be alone.” Tymon stops right beside her. The sleeve of his doublet almost brushes against the sleeve of her dress. Elayna's skin crawls. “I noticed you left particularly early.”

“I needed some fresh air is all.” Elayna looks out towards the sea. “I spoke with Jeyne Marbrand. The incense they use in their Sept must be quite... strong.”

Elayna sniffs delicately as if to prove her point. Tymon lets out a small chuckle. He places his forearms on the low wall. 

“Yes, I have noticed that as well.” Tymon turns his head to the side. His green eyes inspect her. “Where is Cerelle? I thought if I found you, I might find her.”

Elayna swallows.

“Cerelle is talking with one of the Tarbeck daughters, I believe.” Gods above, she hates she knows this. “There's talk of one of them being brought in as one of Tyshara's ladies.”

Tymon hums. He looks back out to the ocean once more. He inches his forearm towards her. Elayna tries to subtly move her arm away. She reaches up and adjusts her necklace before placing her arm down. 

“Mother spoke to me today.” 

“Oh?” Elayna arches an eyebrow. “What did the two of you speak about?”

“Many things.” Tymon fidgets with one of the many rings on his fingers. “Mostly of the future.”

Elayna nods. Within a fortnight, Cerelle and Tymon would be celebrating their eight and tenth name day. The feast tonight kicks off the events to follow. The future looms large over everything now; all the politics and planning finally moving into action. A bitter, acrid taste surges into Elayna’s mouth. For all that Johanna cares about Cerelle, she will also use her, as is the way. A son ensures the line while a daughter ensures treaties and potential comfort in old age. 

She knows what will most likely become of Cerelle, but she has no idea what awaits her. For years, she and Cerelle would joke about having to find two brothers to marry. Naturally, Cerelle would marry the eldest and Elayna the younger. Elayna presses her lips together. She gazes at the far away horizon, feeling as if she herself is as much of a distance away from her own body as the horizon. Those plans... Well. They were no more.

She hears shifting, the rustle of clothes against the stone wall. Elayna forces herself back into her body. She turns her head. Tymon now stands with his back to the wall, facing away from the sea and into the courtyard. He crosses his arms.

“The plan is for you to accompany Cerelle to King's Landing when we leave.” 

“I'm aware.” Elayna tries to keep her tone pleasant. “I'm looking forward to it.”

Tymon turns his head to look at her. He evaluates her for a long moment. 

“Did you hear that from my mother or sister?”

“Cerelle told me. Why?”

Tymon smirks. “Then you don't know the good news yet.”

“Good news?” Elayna huffs a laugh. “Let me guess. Your father found an uninhabited island and named it after Cerelle?”

“Don't be ridiculous.”

“You're right, that is ridiculous. He named it after Tyshara.”

Tymon rolls his eyes. “I am the first born son.”

“Yes, but I've been under the impression islands are she's. On account of them being pretty to look at.” Elayna sees a brief flash of irritation on Tymon's face. “So the good news is not an island.”

“No, it isn't an island. That would be excellent news, but this is better.”

“Better than an island? Hmm. Dalton Greyjoy dying. Ideally a slow and incredibly painful death.”

“Alas. One can only wish.”

“Cerelle is betrothed to a Hightower? Is that it?”

Tymon scoffs. Elayna bites the inside of her lip to keep from giggling. As dangerous as it can be, she does enjoy annoying Tymon. He thinks himself to be so smart, to the point he corrects anyone he deems lower than himself. Yet, somehow, he falls into every single conversational trap she creates. It's almost as if he can't help it; he has to try to make someone else look like an idiot, even at the expense of making a fool of himself. 

The apple never falls far from the tree.

“No. It is not Cerelle marrying a Hightower.” Tymon sniffs almost delicately. Annoyance laces every word. Elayna has no doubt in her mind if she pushes more, she will push too far. Normally, she might relish in the chance to pick a fight. Instead, she decides to play nice. “I'm sure mother has higher ambitions for her.”

“What is the good news, then?”

Tymon looks at Elayna. His gaze feels intense. Elayna looks back at him. 

“Once Cerelle is settled and has found a husband, mother suggested you might come back. With us.”

Elayna's heart doesn't just sink; it plummets. It drops from her chest to her stomach the same way a boulder falls from a cliff. 

“I'm... I'm afraid I don't follow.”

“Don't play dumb with me, Elayna.” Tymon smiles, and for the first time, his smile itself scares her. “Isn't this what you wanted? I would think so, given all the times you have tormented and teased me. Finally, Mother has come to her senses about everything as well.”

“Tymon, I genuinely do not know what you're talking about.”

Tymon sighs. It's one of the most patronizing sounds Elayna has heard. It makes her skin crawl and jaw tighten.

“Mother wants to ensure you and Cerelle have ample time together before Cerelle is married. Once Cerelle is settled, our betrothal will be made official and announced.”

Elayna instantly regrets not jumping off the castle and onto the rocks below. A sour, bitter taste floods her mouth. She stares at him. 

“We're...?”

“To be married. Do keep up, Elayna. I cannot have a wife who is slow on the upkeep.”

Elayna's years of practice prevent her from snarling at him. Her upper lip still twitches. Her jaw clenches. She glares daggers at him. 

“I'm not slow!” She pauses. Tymon gives her a look as if he might hit her should she say more. “I am merely... surprised. I wouldn't have thought I would have been a contender.”

“I thought my fondness for you was evident.” Tymon tilts his head. He almost seems genuinely confused as to why Elayna doesn't understand. “ ‘Tis a good match.”

“Surely there are better matches. One of the Lefford's daughters per-”

Elayna's next words are muffled. Tymon surges forward and kisses her. The beginnings of his beard feel rough and unpleasant against her skin, as do his lips. He takes advantage of her parted lips to try and slip his tongue into her mouth. It feels wet and gross against hers, almost slimy. An unpleasant shiver runs up her spine. Elayna clamps her teeth down on his tongue. She means it as a warning bite.

It works.

Tymon pulls away, fury blazing in his eyes. His smile drops.

“Tymon. I don't... this isn't appropriate!” Elayna hisses. “Nothing has even been announced or made official, you cannot just kiss me like that.”

“I don't care.”

“Well I do. Your reputation may not be at stake but mine is.”

Tymon stares at her, his expression unreadable. Elayna's chest heaves. 

“Why would your reputation be ruined? Everyone knows you are mine and mine alone.” He reaches forward and attempts to touch her face. Elayna jerks backwards and away from him. 

“Tymon.” 

Both Elayna and Tymon turn towards the sound of the voice. Tymon scowls. Cerelle stands on the parapet as well. She looks radiant, the setting sun lighting her in beautiful hues. Cerelle has her father's hair and eyes but everything else about her comes from her mother, down to the cold expression she wears.

“Cerelle.” Tymon greets. His tone matches the coolness of Cerelle's face. “I was wondering where you were.”

“So you thought to seek Elayna out?” She steps forward. Tymon’s upper lip twitches, but he manages to wrangle it under control at the last second. Elayna takes the welcome distraction and begins to put some distance between herself and Tymon.

“Yes, well. The two of you are close.”

He makes it sound almost disgusting. Elayna glares at him. Still, she doesn't say anything, not wishing to draw his attention to her. Cerelle tilts her head. A perfectly curled ringlet of blonde hair falls into her face. 

“Elayna is not my keeper.” She sounds as if she wants to laugh.

“No, but you are Elayna's.” 

Cerelle raises an eyebrow. “Speak plainly. If you have an issue with my relationship with my ladies-in-waiting, say so and be done with it."

Tymon lifts both his hands in the air. He chuckles softly, a sly smirk making its way onto his face. 

“I meant no offense, dearest sister.” He lowers his hands. 

“I take offense to your actions, not your words.” Cerelle steps forward. Her gait remains surprisingly steady. Elayna knows, though. She sees the barely repressed anger and tense jaw, the way Cerelle clenches both her hands into fists for the briefest of seconds before clasping her hands in front of her, the flare of Cerelle's nostrils as she nearly stalks towards her brother. 

“My actions?”

“Yes. Your actions. Mother has made it explicitly clear you are not to be alone with Elayna. Yet you openly defy her and seek out Elayna when I am busy.”

Tymon swallows. Elayna sees his Adam's apple bob. She takes advantage of his surprise and almost scurries over to Cerelle. Cerelle seemingly doesn't react to her presence.

Tymon stares at his sister for a long moment. Cerelle stares evenly back at him, her steely gaze not dissimilar to Johanna’s. Tymon must make some sort of expression because after a long minute, Cerelle's brow furrows. She raises one eyebrow. The left side of her mouth lifts slightly, not quite into a sneer but certainly a scoff. Annoyance rolls off of Tymon. His hands clench into fists for a second before he thinks better of it.

“Very well.” Tymon tries to sound pleasant, as if he's truly deferring to his sister. The blazing storm in his eyes says otherwise. He bows his head. “I shall do as instructed. Do try to not hog all of my future wife's time.”

He turns on his heel and heads towards the other set of stairs. Elayna watches him from her place behind Cerelle. She waits until he disappears from sight to speak.

“Thank you.” Elayna murmurs. She tries to effuse her gratitude into every word. Cerelle tries to keep her steady gaze. Despite her efforts, her expression softens, the hard edges of her jaw easing and forehead relaxing. 

“I cannot rescue you all the time.”

“I know. I don't expect you too.”

Elayna steps forward. Cerelle does as well. 

“Mother wants to see us as well. After she talks to Tymon.”

Cerelle stands torn. Elayna sees it clear as day. Cerelle refuses to close the distance, but with each passing moment, her posture relaxes some. 

Elayna moves first. She steps closer to Cerelle, stopping two paces away. 

“I'm still mad at you.” Cerelle looks away as she speaks.

“I know. I made a mess of things.”

“I'm not going to forgive you easily.”

Elayna steps closer. She could reach out and touch Cerelle if she wants to but opts not to do so.

“How would you like me to apologize?” Elayna looks around for a second. The two of them are alone. “I've been told I have a silvertongue when it comes to apologies.”

Cerelle's stern exterior fully breaks. She blushes. Red rises from her neck to her cheeks.

“Elayna!” She hisses. “Not here.”

“Oh, I wouldn't dream of doing that here.”

Cerelle finally closes the distance between them. She reaches out and loops her arm through Elayna's. 

“We should get back to the feast.” Cerelle lightly traces a finger down Elayna's forearm. “If we don't, they'll come looking.”

“Whatever my Lady desires.”

The look on Cerelle's face sends a pleasant tingle along Elayna's spine. Cerelle hums. Elayna bites the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling victorious. Cerelle's expression no doubt means a delightful night lies ahead of them, one Elayna imagines many women only dream of happening to them. Her own eight and ten name day is still several moons away yet many ladies have taken to giving her womanly advice. She cannot bite or scratch for too much passion may scare her husband, and it is unseemly to mark him with her nails and teeth. He may mark her as he wishes, though. His pleasure must occur; some women say she can experience it while others say she must not. Do not get on top for he will get sick since to do so is an abomination and sin. He must never look at her nether region except for when he slides into her.

All the rules make her want to laugh. While she cannot say she has experience with men beyond a kiss, she doubts the rules. If they are true, men have weak constitutions.

Cerelle never complains about her being on top or whose pleasure comes before the others. Cerelle never cares if Elayna’s mouth finds its way to Cerelle's lips or clit. Truth be told, she seems to enjoy the act quite a lot. Cerelle does prefer Elayna not mark her; Elayna has no qualms about being marked so long as it isn't visible. 

Despite her gender, Elayna finds herself performing more husbandly duties than most men. The only rule existing between them is they must not break their maidenheads. It is the only thing their husbands may have before them. 

Elayna's greed knows no bounds; everything a husband could take is hers except for that one thing. The same goes for Cerelle. She owns everything except Elayna's maidenhead. Elayna can only dream of that happening.

“Perhaps I will need you tonight. I would like to spend time with my boon companion.”

“I am always at your service.”

They begin to walk towards the stairs. Cerelle's grip keeps Elayna close, as if she thinks Elayna would go far. Elayna would never. If she could, Elayna would chain herself to Cerelle. She would put a collar around her neck like a hound and hand Cerelle the lead. She wonders if it would surprise Cerelle but doubts it would; Elayna often kneels at Cerelle's feet and whines like a bitch in heat.

“Behave.” Cerelle squeezes Elayna's arm. Elayna starts. She gazes at Cerelle with wide eyes. 

 “I am!”

“Physically? Yes. Mentally?” Cerelle clicks her tongue. 

“Oh?” Elayna arches an eyebrow. “And where exactly did you learn to read minds?”

“I didn't. I just know yours well.” 

The two of them finally enter the turret. Elayna listens in case someone is coming up the stairs. She sees and hears no one. Before Cerelle can lead them down the stairs, Elayna maneuvers them towards the wall. As soon as Cerelle's back is against the stones, Elayna pounces.

Cerelle's lips slot against hers perfectly. Cerelle squeaks in surprise, which makes Elayna grin into the kiss. Cerelle quickly recovers. Elayna groans when Cerelle digs her fingers into Elayna’s hair. She avoids Elayna's intricate braids, instead opting for the thick, brown curly hair at the base of Elayna’s skull. Those strands of hair being messy can be explained away; her braids falling out of place can't be. Elayna braces herself. She places one forearm on the wall by Cerelle's head. Her other hand rests on the bodice of Cerelle's gown. She wants nothing more than to ruck up Cerelle's skirts and trace the creamy expanse of skin she knows lies under the red silk. Caution makes her stop. Fabrics wrinkle all too easily. 

Still, Elayna can only be cautious for so long. She inches her hand upward, fingers grazing the underside of Cerelle's breasts. The motion makes Cerelle stop. She digs her fingers hard into Elayna’s hair, her nails nearly digging into Elayna’s scalp. She pulls Elayna's head back. Elayna isn't sure if the sound escaping her mouth is from pleasure or pain. 

“No.” Cerelle's chest heaves. She doesn't look angry, despite her tone. “You aren't forgiven yet.”

Elayna pouts. 

“How am I to be forgiven if you won't give me a chance?”

“You have to earn forgiveness. Me giving you what you want will only reinforce your terrible behavior.” 

“You speak of me as a dog.” 

“Perhaps if you behaved, I wouldn't have to treat you like one.”

“I am not a dog.” Elayna huffs. Cerelle arches a perfect eyebrow. She lets go of Elayna’s hair.

“Oh? What are you then?”

“Is not a dog not enough?”

Cerelle snorts. Despite her derision, Elayna sees the fondness in Cerelle's expression.

“No. You are not a dog. They can be taught manners.” Cerelle hums. A devious smirk appears on her lips. “You're a kitten. You refuse to listen and learn, you act as if you're above the rules, and you believe if you want it, it is yours. However, you don't have the claws nor teeth to back your attitude up.”

Elayna stares at Cerelle, wide eyed. She opens her mouth in an attempt to respond, but no sound comes out. She feels hot, not just her face but her entire body. Her breath comes in short bursts. 

“I...”

“Yes?” Cerelle tilts her head. “You what?”

“You... you...”

“Is my kitten having trouble finding her words?” Cerelle grabs Elayna's chin and forces Elayna to look at her. “Answer me.”

“You're so... so mean.” Elayna whines. She tries to bury her face in the crook of Cerelle's neck to hide her embarrassment. Cerelle's grip on her chin prevents her from doing so. Cerelle clicks her tongue in mock sympathy, a direct contrast to the delight dancing in her blue eyes.

“Behave tonight, and I might just let you find out how mean I can really be.”

She lets go of Elayna’s chin. Her blue eyes meet Elayna’s hazel ones. Cerelle seeks reassurance, from the way she looks over Elayna to make sure what transpired is truly alright to the way she frowns when she sees the small red indentations from her nails on Elayna’s chin. Elayna smiles. She presses her forehead to Cerelle's. Both of them close their eyes. They stay still for a moment, breath falling into line with the other's.

“You promise?”

Elayna opens her eyes and grins. Cerelle's eyes fly open. She stares coolly at Elayna. Elayna tries her best not to laugh. 

“I would be careful if I were you.”

“But what if I want you to make me regret it?”

“Then you cannot complain later.”

The sound of footsteps makes both girls back away from each other. Cerelle smooths out the wrinkles in her dress with one hand while Elayna checks her hair. None of her braids appear to be loose. She tucks the small amount of hair Cerelle accidentally removed from the carefully done hairstyle and stuffs the ends as best she can into her braids and held up hair. The two look at each other. Elayna scans Cerelle and nods. Cerelle does the same for Elayna.

“Shall we join the others?” Elayna offers her arm to Cerelle.

“I think it best.”

In the whirlwind of the feast, Elayna forgets about having to speak with Johanna. She spends most of the night dancing and laughing. No one yet knows of her creeping fate; Elayna takes advantage of this fact. Truth be told, she refuses to imagine what her future looks like. Instead, she decides to enjoy the moment. 

The moment includes Elayna staying with Cerelle as the first night of festivities begin to wind down. They don't even bother to come up with an excuse if they're questioned; it's happened a million times before after a feast and will no doubt happen again. Everyone knows the two are inseparable. 

“Elayna.” Cerelle murmurs from the dark. They lay in bed together, Cerelle pressing up against Elayna from behind. One of her arms lightly rests over Elayna's hips.

“Yes?” 

“You have yet to make good on your promise and apologize to me. Properly.”

Elayna hums. She rolls over to face Cerelle. They both wait for a second.

“I suppose I can.”

*****************

“I don't want to marry Tymon.”

Elayna knows not the hour. She assumes early since the darkness seems almost oppressive. Elayna rests her head just underneath Cerelle's bare breasts. Cerelle sits mostly upright, lounging on some pillows. One of her hands rests on Elayna’s head, fingers gently intertwining into Elayna’s dark curls. 

“You must.” Cerelle gently scratches Elayna's scalp in a comforting gesture. A tinge of sadness colors Cerelle's tone, though. Elayna buries her face into Cerelle's soft curves. She takes a moment to find her words, tasting each one on her tongue. 

“He scares me, Cerelle. He scares me so much. I... I worry he means to harm me.”

Cerelle sighs. The bed creaks. Cerelle brings one hand down and places her fingers underneath Elayna's chin. She tilts Elayna's head up so she can look at her. 

“He would harm you if you were betrothed to another.” Cerelle speaks bluntly. She never minces words when it comes to important things. “I hope Mother and Father realize this. Perhaps this is their way of mitigating damage. If you don't marry, violence is inevitable. If you do marry, mayhaps it will be... limited.” 

“I doubt it.” Elayna frowns. She looks away into the darkness. Cerelle gives her that luxury. “He doesn't love me. He doesn't even like me. He just sees me as an object to own.”

“Most men see their wives like that.”

“I know that! But... I sometimes...”

“You sometimes what?” Impatience bleeds into Cerelle's tone. 

“It feels as if he sees me as little more than a broodmare for prized horses.” 

Cerelle doesn't say anything. She neither confirms nor denies Elayna's accusations. Instead, she takes a strand of Elayna’s hair between her fingers and gently plays with it. Elayna lowers her head. She shuffles up the bed some, intent on placing her head on Cerelle's chest to hear her heart beat.

“I can't save you all the time.”

“I'm not asking that of you.” Elayna huffs. “I can rescue myself if need be. I'm just... I'm frightened, Cerelle.” 

Elayna's whole body trembles. Cerelle shushes her. She places her hand back on Elayna’s head. Elayna tries to relax into Cerelle's embrace; her body refuses to obey her commands. Every part of her tenses. Cerelle sighs. The sheets shift, a whisper of silk, as Cerelle reaches down with her free hand and takes Elayna's hand in her own. 

Elayna waits for Cerelle to say something, anything. She waits for words of comfort. Cerelle stays silent for an uncomfortably long time. Eventually, Cerelle sits up some and presses a kiss to the top of Elayna’s head. 

“Go to sleep, Elayna. We can talk about these matters in the morning.”

****************

Johanna calls for them after breakfast.

Thankfully, the two of them were already decent. Three years of practice means their timing is down to an art. No one ever expresses any suspicion.

“Cerelle. Elayna.” Johanna looks between the two of them. The pair sit opposite Johanna. Elayna’s back stands ramrod straight while Cerelle almost leans back in her chair. “ ‘Tis time to begin looking at the future. The Lord Lannister and I have discussed this, and we have come up with a plan.”

Elayna and Cerelle exchange a look. Elayna raises an eyebrow to which Cerelle blinks. Johanna watches them.

“One of Princess Helaena's ladies-in-waiting injured herself badly, to the point she must retire and go back to her family. Truly a shame what happened to her. Rumors are she is now a cripple. Despite how unfortunate this is, a princess should never be without.” Johanna meets Cerelle's eyes. “I have arranged for you to be one of Princess Helaena's ladies-in-waiting. She needs someone more confident than she, and I know you will serve her faithfully. Elayna, of course, will follow as one of your ladies.”

“We're going to King's Landing?” Cerelle grins. She looks to Elayna, eyes glittering with hope. Elayna grins softly in return.

“Yes.” Johanna nods. “Even though you are one of the Princess's ladies, I do expect you to spend time with your uncle. He will be able to provide valuable instruction. Your father would have sent you earlier, but now I believe you will be able to fully grasp any advice given to you.” Johanna turns her attention to Elayna. Elayna almost wants to shrink back. “You, of course, will ensure Cerelle's comfort and safety. I also think it would behoove you to accompany her when she visits with Tyland. You may learn things as well.”

“Of course.”

“Good.” Johanna places her hands in her lap. “Cerelle. You're dismissed. I wish Elayna to sit with me a while.”

Cerelle and Elayna exchange looks. Elayna doesn't move, even as Cerelle does. 

“Mother.”

“Cerelle.”

Cerelle takes her leave then. Elayna adjusts her position in her chair. 

“Tymon spoke with me.” Elayna watches Johanna. Before she takes a sip, Johanna indicates with a gesture for Elayna to be poured a goblet.

“Did he?”

“He said you spoke to him about a betrothal. Of him and me.” Elayna tries her best not to pout or look too sullen. 

“Your father will accompany us when we go to King's Landing. Jason or I will suggest the idea then.”

Elayna frowns. She leans back in her seat. Johanna sets her goblet down. 

“Elinor. If you would leave us.”

The servant curtsies before leaving. Elayna waits to hear the soft close of the doorway to the servant's quarters. Johanna eyes Elayna. Her hands rest in her lap. 

“Do you not wish to marry Tymon?” 

“ ‘Tis not that! I'm just... I don't mean to question you, but I do not see how I am the appropriate choice.”

“Tymon will need someone who can reign him in once he is in charge. Someone practical who knows the ins and outs of this place.” Johanna takes a drink from her goblet. Elayna tries not to fidget and keep her hands still. “Even if he were not set on you, you are the best choice. Whether you recognize it or not, you are everything but a Lannister in name. ‘Tis time that changes.”

Elayna purses her lips. She bites down on her tongue to keep herself from saying the immediate thought in her mind. Truthfully, she does not want this marriage; she wants no marriage as of now. It is inevitable, she knows. Elayna is acutely aware of this fact. It doesn't ease her mind on the topic. 

Johanna stares Elayna down once more. Eventually, she places her goblet down with a sigh.

“ ‘Tis time for you to grow up.” Elayna nearly flinches at Johanna’s steely tone. “I know of you and my daughter. I have... indulged you both and kept your secret, but it cannot go on any longer. You both have your duties. I will not let our reputation be tarnished because you refuse to give up antics more suited to young girls. Indiscretions like this do not go on for several years nor do they go as far as it has. The time for that is over.” 

Elayna trembles. Fear courses through her body.

“I understand, my Lady. Forgive me.”

“I keep this quiet not for you but for Cerelle.” Johanna’s nostrils flare. “I do not agree with what the two of you have done in the slightest. I recognize the impulse, but it cannot continue.”

Elayna dips her head. She feels frozen, stuck to her chair even though she wants nothing more than to run. Johanna clearly sees it. She leans forward and places a hand on Elayna’s knee.

“If you were a man, it would be done. Cerelle deserves a loyal husband. I meant it when I said you were one of us.” Johanna’s voice softens for the briefest of moments. When she pushes back to her full height, the harshness returns. “But you are not a man. It can't continue.”

“It can't. It won't continue.” The words taste bitter. 

Johanna leans back in her seat. She picks up her goblet again. 

“Good. To prove your commitment and to show you keep your word, you have a task. You are to target Prince Aemond. Find out what he likes, what he dislikes. Learn everything you can about him. Then, you will feed this information to Cerelle. I can't ask for a betrothal outright. The future is too uncertain. I can, however, obtain it other ways. When you come back, you will be betrothed to Tymon and marry him.”

Elayna nods.

“Are we in agreement?”

“Yes.”

“Look me in the eyes when you say it.”

Elayna blinks back tears. She clears her throat and poorly suppresses a sniffle. She inhales. 

Lifting her head is the hardest thing she's ever done. 

“We are in agreement.”

Johanna smiles. It doesn't meet her eyes; it's a socially expected smile. Her lips stay too close together, and her eyes blaze.

“Excellent. You are dismissed.”

[silenceofthewave]

[A SOUNDWAVE ROLEPLAY BLOG]

– This is a multi-verse roleplay and ask blog.

– Soundwave's character is a mixture between TF Prime and TF One. It's frame is consistent with Prime, which means it has the visor, datacables and creature like quality (hence the it/its pronouns).

– This blog does not shy away from shitposting, but don't let that scare you! I enjoy literature RP just as much, and always welcome discussion when opening new threads.

– Feel free to DM me! I am open to DM RPs as well as discussion! I'm here to make friends and have a good time :)

– Author is 24 years old, and does not shy away from NSFW topics. This includes smut, but also extends to violence, robogore, and the like. I understand I interact with minors, and I am always very careful to ensure they are not exposed to anything explicit. If you are interested in explicit RP, it MUST be kept to DMs for this purpose. I also need assurance that you Are above 18+ in order to engage in this way.

– Due to the multiverse nature of the blog, this is also multi-ship! I am willing to consider anyone who has good chemistry with Soundwave, but my otps are MegaSound, SoundOP, StarSound and WaveWave.

- Header image by kibermonakh

[RULES]

– Please put as much effort as I do into our RPs. It's frustrating writing out a big reply only to get a paragraph back. (This ofc does not apply to shitposting.)

– Minors are free to interact, but please keep in mind that I am particular and reserve the right to stop a RP if its veering into territory I'm not comfortable with. (as are you!! and this applies to all RPs)

– Please reach out to me before starting a big thread, and please keep in contact throughout so we can stay on the same page.

– OCs are welcome!

– Please send asks! Soundwave loves them. But, please do not flood my ask box. I assure you, I've seen it, and it will be answered.

– If you want to start an RP through an ask, please make sure we are mutuals. My notifications get flooded very easily and I am currently trying to work out a management system for them.

– To piggyback off that, if I missed a response from you please either Tag me in the comments of the thread, OR send me a DM with the link to your response. Like I said, my notifications are a MESS, and I know it's very likely for me to miss something.

– Since this has been a problem before, please please please don't purposefully flood my notifications. While I am Committed to the Bit, it's very overwhelming and buries replies. I appreciate the humor, but it's one of the few times I'll say something is unnecessary.

[UNIVERSES]

– 1024.14 Tau: The Chaos Verse

Lovingly called The Chaos Universe, this is where Soundwave gets to shitpost for fun and free. Soundwave has never known peace a day in its life in this universe. Soundwave speaks freely, using the typical "Soundwave: [sentence]" format.

Tagged as u 1024.14

Shipped with @/Lord-Starscream

- 1024.15 Tau: Revival

The Revival Universe currently focuses on the journey to bring Soundwave's cassettes back, utilizing Shockwave's cloning techniques. Angst and grief abound, Soundwave finds itself questioning everything thing it knows about itself. Soundwave has gone mute due to the grief of losing its beloved Cassettes, and instead uses others voices to speak. Still, it finds it has trouble voicing its true thoughts and feelings.

Tagged as u 1024.15

Eventually to be shipped with @/dailydoseoflogic

[HEADCANONS]

Soundwave thoroughly enjoys human music and art. It even has a hacked Spotify account and will listen to music while its flying, alone, or even share it with those closest to it.

Soundwave has managed to get itself connected to the internet, and will regularly do internet searches on things it is unfamiliar with. It also enjoys watching movies and videos.

Soundwave has a strong EM field, which it uses to hone its telepathy, and occasionally share emotions it cannot express.

Soundwave is not emotionless. It feels a lot, actually, but cannot express that.

It uses many emoticons to express what it's feeling, all with their own different meanings.

Soundwave's telepathy is touch based.

Before the war, Soundwave was a gladiator with Megatron. It honed its skills and life long friendship with the Decepticon leader in the pits of Kaon. It trusts Megatron with its life because of their shared experiences. Its loyalty to the Decepticon cause runs deeper than politics.

Soundwave loves its Cassettes. It will put itself in the line of fire to protect them, and will protect them even if it means certain death. In the universes where its Cassettes have gone offline, it's extremely vengeful and will stoop to murder to avenge its beloveds.

The Cassettes were built by Soundwave's own servos. A sliver of its spark splits off, and it only has a few days to build a spark chamber, the beginnings of a protoform and install an internal repair system. The process is extremely time and resource intensive, hence why it has not made new Cassettes during the war.

Further headcanons that appear on the blog are tagged as #soundwave lore

[TAGS]

#u 1024.14 - The Chaos Verse

#u 1024.15 - Revival

#Soundwave: <3 - usually used on neat artwork that i, and by extension soundwave, enjoys

#TheWaves - wavewave art, headcanons, general posting

#SoundAmongTheStars - StarSound art, headcanons, general posting

#Soundwave: >:( - usually used in RP to denote displeasure or anger

#Soundwave: Loves Its Cassettes - exactly what it sounds like, mostly artwork ft the Cassettes

#Soundwave: :( - Usually used in RP to denote some kind of sadness

#nightlygreeting - my sign off posts

#admin babbles - i enjoy yapping sometimes

[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 41: A New Beginning?

Masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551758747090944/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc?source=share

Every minute feels like an hour. I sit and wait, sit and wait. The second Finn walks through the door again I hold up a kitchen knife, ready to strike.

“Alright, Finn,” I start off sternly. “Nobody’s told me anything about what the fuck’s going on, so spill it. Tell. Me. Everything.”

Finn swallows and backs up against the wall. “Okay. Okay. I don’t know too much! There was a deal with the priest that if Tommy blows up a train and robs the Russians then he gets Charlie back. Tommy said to wait to hear from Michael in case he finds Charlie. Now please put the knife down!”

My shaking hand lowers the weapon and lets it clatter to the floor. “None of this feels right, Finn,” I murmur distantly. “All of this is forced too fast. The train, the robbery… Haste makes waste.”

Finn pauses and reaches to put a hand on my shoulder. “You alright?”

“I… I’m scared. For everyone,” I choke out.

“You’re taking all of our own stress on yourself, Verena.”

“It’s Charlie!” I gasp. “I cannot calm down when there is a child involved!”

Ring! Ring!

The phone makes us both jump. Finn snatches the receiver and I hang on to every second.

“Hello? Yeah. He did? Yeah. Right away.” He sets the phone down and sprints for the door. “Michael killed the priest! Charlie’s safe now! I gotta go tell ‘em before they blow up the train!”

Thank Christ! Praise the angels, Charlie is safe! Enough with all this talk of sabotage and robbery. The next time I see Thomas I have some select words about this violence! But I can’t be too harsh. The poor man just got his son back- But he doesn’t know yet!

“I’m coming with you!” I jump to my feet and follow Finn to the car.

“No you’re-!” He stops when he sees the murderous look in my eyes. “Alright, fine.”

We jump in the car and burn rubber to speed towards the train tracks. Everything is happening so fast! The only thing keeping me from vomiting is the fact that Charlie is safe. Finn takes a sharp turn and I’m thrown against the window. Through the glass I see the train making its way past the tower. Are we too late?

Finn gets out and we both sprint across the tracks to shout at Arthur.

“Arthur! Wait! Charlie’s safe-!”

Boom!

The explosion knocks me down and I trip on my skirt, tumbling against the cold metal. I lift my head to see shards of steel, rock, and fire rushing straight at me. I feel Finn throw himself over me and we wait for the wave of fire to pass. 

“Holy Christ…” I gasp.

The only thing remaining from the train is its flaming metal skeleton. No one could pick apart any survivors from the rubble. 

Finn helps me up and I see Arthur and John waving from the building. They pull out cigars and despite my urge to return to the house I can’t forget what just happened. These lives did not need to be taken. All of this evil surrounds the priest, whom I hope has witnessed a brutal fate. 

I run back to the car and pull it around for the Shelbys to climb inside. I push the accelerator and Finn tries to explain as we weave through the dark streets.

“Michael killed the priest. He’s got Charlie. He’s headed back to Watery Lane- Slow down!”

“I’m not stopping until I see Charlie!” I say firmly and pull up to the house.

We burst through the door and the sight nearly makes me collapse in relief. Charlie, sweet Charlie, is cradled safely in Ada’s arms. Smiling like nothing ever happened. Michael looks dazed too and Polly knows. She knows the sin he committed to ensure Charlie’s return.

“Charlie!” I cry when Ada hands him to me, immediately resting his head on my shoulder. “Darling boy! We missed you!”

“Daddy?”

I hold back happy tears and nod shakily. “Yes, daddy is on his way.”

He doesn’t know. Doesn’t know how close he came to being taken. I pray that Charlie never remembers this night.

Ada and I take him to the kitchen to be fed. Lord knows when he ate last or if that bastard gave him anything. Charlie takes one bite of bread and starts devouring it. Deep breath, Steenstra. He’s here. He’s here.

“Verena!” Polly yells from the hall. “Bring Charlie over! It’s Tommy!”

I pick Charlie up and race him across the room, swinging him to provoke more laughter. Thomas must be worried sick!

“Charlie, say hi to daddy,” I say sweetly and hold up the phone.

Charlie coos into the receiver and I hear Thomas cry in relief.

“Charlie? Hey, there’s my boy. Are you tired?” Charlie babbles a response and I can tell Thomas must be smiling. “You go to bed now, eh? I love you. Goodnight… Verena?”

I hold the phone to my ear, still bouncing Charlie. “I’m here, Thomas.”

“Thank you.”

“Please come home. He misses you.”

“I will, I will,” he pants. “Bring him to Arrow House.”

“Affirmative.”

Despite Polly’s begging to make me wait until morning, I pack a small bag and instruct Finn to bring a car out for me. I secure Charlie in the front seat and smoothly depart for Warwickshire, a complete contrast to the reckless driving I demonstrated an hour ago. It’s barely dawn when we ride down the driveway and my eyelids feel incredibly heavy. But I never stop. Mary helps me get Charlie settled in bed and I finally sink into a large armchair. With a blank mind and glazed eyes I stare at his bedroom door across the hall. The sun has barely risen…

Ring! Ring!

Thomas?! I flinch out of my sleepiness and fall to the floor. I crawl to the table and grip the phone.

“Hello?”

“Am I right to guess that this is Ms. Steenstra?” A familiar voice asks. “This is Alfie Solomons. Has Mr. Shelby’s son been cared for?”

Solomons. The man Michael told me is the reason Thomas’ original plan failed. The events that transpired to Charlie being put in danger.

“If you know my uncle it must be on bad terms,” I speak darkly, confining all the sharp cusses wanting to fly off my tongue. “Edmund Colon would never be allies with a man who’s obsessed with wealth.”

“He runs a business, same as I.”

“For the people,” I hiss. “My uncle supplies help to those who need it, for a price. He doesn’t cross between sides for profit. He chooses the good side.”

Seconds of silence. “You don’t seem like the type to follow Tommy Shelby around,” Mr. Solomons observes.

“His morals are far above yours. When children are involved we draw the line. You do not. Good day, Mr. Solomons.”

I hang up the phone and collapse on the carpet. No more threats. Charlie is safe. Thomas is coming back. All is well… My eyelids fall shut and my melted thoughts send me off to sleep.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Loud footsteps shake the floor and startle me awake. Floorboards creak next to me and someone shakes my shoulder. I peel my hair away and see Thomas staring at me with wide eyes.

“Charlie?” He whispers.

“Yes,” I answer softly and point to his room. “I don’t know if he’s still asleep. He’s fine. Not a scratch, I made sure.” I get to my feet, trying to wake up. “I’ll be downstairs.”

Thomas squeezes my arm and pulls me into the child’s room. Inside a maid sits playing with Charlie, who looks up at his father with a wide grin. Thomas scoops him up and holds Charlie so tight as if he’ll disappear. Kissing his cheek and trying to control his labored breathing. Just like last night Charlie has no inkling of how relieved his father is to see him.

“Thank God. Thank God,” Thomas murmurs.

“Daddy? Okay?” Charlie asks, confused.

“He’s really happy to see you,” I smile at the heartwarming scene. “Are you hungry, Charlie? Want some breakfast?”

“Yeah!”

“Then you shall have some,” Thomas says and carries him out, down the stairs to the dining room. 

“Are you hungry, Thomas?” I ask while we wait for Mary.

He hugs Charlie again and shakes his head. “I will not rest until everything is tied up. The duchess and I have one last transaction to meet over and then I’m calling a family meeting.”

Mary walks in with a tray for Charlie. He starts eating the cut pears and suddenly Thomas pulls me out into the hall. 

“Thomas wha-?” 

He sits me down onto a bench, kneels down, wraps his arms around me and buries his head in my chest. I go stiff as a board and desperately try to think of what to do with my hands. Push him off? Hug him? Rub his head?

“A-Are you okay?” I stutter.

“Just… Just need someone to tie me down,” he murmurs. “Clear my head.”

The image of the snickering duchess flashes through my memory. “I thought you’d-”

“She’s not you,” Thomas reads my mind. “You want to listen, she just wants to fuck.”

“Oh,” I try to respond to his bluntness. “Okay. Please tell me that after today the duchess is gone?”

Thomas lifts his head to look at me. Those blue eyes that once held worry and fear now stare at me with calmness. “Off to Vienna. To marry, I assume. Jealous?”

My breath hitches. “Jealousy causes viciousness. I try to stay clear of that.” Not exactly a no. 

Thomas’ gaze turns distant and he leans his head down again. “They had him…”

“Shh.” I run my fingers through his soft hair. “Charlie’s alright. He’s safe and sound. He slept like an angel, and has the appetite of a newborn.”

“‘S my fault, I should’ve-”

“Thomas.” I hold his head in my hands and make him look up. “You need to decide. Are you a Peaky Blinder or a father? You know how your father turned out. Do you want to end up like him?”

“No,” he answers quickly.”

“Then stop digging too deep. Dig any further and the foundations will crack.” I pause for a second. “What if you stopped?”

“Hm?” Thomas’ brow creases and he presses his lips together. 

“You and Charlie stay here at Arrow House for good. Where no one’s pointing a gun at you. Away from the violence.”

Thomas lifts his head, standing us both up with his arms still around me. “My life is centered around my family, Verena. If I stay here I’ll be leaving them behind. Violence will always follow me.”

If he keeps this up there will be none of his family left.

Knock knock.

Mary stands at the end of the hall. “He wants you, Mr. Shelby.”

“Thanks, Mary. He’ll be right out,” I call and look back at Thomas with a wise gaze. “Breathe. Charlie’s fine, we’re all fine. God is with us.”

He stares down, mouth slightly gaping. “Verena. Thank you.”

A gentle smile grows on me. “I’ll always listen.”

Thomas takes a second to let me go, as if forgetting he was still holding me, and strides back to the dining room. Is this the beginning of how things fall into place? That I can express my feelings and he will listen for a change? 

A fresh shower is in order to clear my head. As I wander to the bathroom I can’t stop the tsunami of hope rushing into me. Charlie is safe. The company is profiting. Everything is being tied up. Is this the start of something new? Granted, Thomas is right in thinking that violence will always plague the Peaky Blinders. Still… One can have hope.

@meadows5

[romanarose]

2000 followers!!!!

Graphic by @not-a-unique-snowflake-blog 🥰🥰

Wow, I'm in tears y'all I can't believe I'm at 2k!!!!!

I'll be straight up, the 1k celebration was a lot ;-;

And with school, I can't commit to a whole lot especially writing things for people who don't interact with my shit at all. So, I decided to do something specific

My talent lies in series more than one shots. It's where I shine. So I think the celebration will be centered more around my different universes! Acceptable universes will be listened an linked at the bottom.

Here's how to participate!

Fuck Marry Kiss

Pic 3 canon characters or OC's from any universes. If you say "Marc Spector" Specify if its from Seattle or Sunshine. Make sure I know which series bc there slightly different characterizations sometimes. Same with reader. MOST of my readers have a nickname like Little One or Madonna. Example: FMK: IYWBW Santi, Lorenzo, and Puppy Girl reader

2. Bonus chapter or thoughts (or thots)

Ever wanted to know how Zach and Lorenzo fell in love? Ever wondered what Jana and Will's friendship is like? Wanted to see what Guard Dog! Joel and Reader do for fun? Now is your chance! Please be clear if you're looking for thoughts or an organized chapter. Example: Can I please request a scene with how Santi calms down Laci when she has PTSD now that's she's a few years into healing? Example 2: Was wondering if you had some random thoughts of what shows Jake and Sam have watched together over the years?

3. Crossovers!

Want two characters from different universes to meet? Have a cross story ship? Think two readers or OC's would be besties? Think a pair of characters would be fun in a different AU? Come on over!

Example (From Fen): Leather and Lace Santi and Laci meet The Wrong Way Joel and Little one

Example 2 (Also from Fen): What if Sam met Becca.

Example 3: I think Angela from Blessed be the Fruit would absolutely love Candy and they should date.

Acceptable universes to ask for fics or crossovers from:

If You Wanna Be Wild (Santiago Garcia x Latina!Reader/OC x Javier Pena) with @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction Sunshine Starlight Sweetheart Brightside (Steven Grant x OC x Marc Spector) Seattle (Marc Spector x Jewish!OC) Leather and Lace Universe (Santiago Garcia x OC, Frankie Morales x AfroLatina!OC, William Miller x Vietnamese!OC, Ben Miller x M!OC) Awakening (Reader x all 4, IronPope, FishBen) Darkness on the Edge of Town (Joel Miller x reader, no age gap) DBF!Joel Miller Holiday Fucks (Joel Miller x reader, large age gap) Pieces from my dark side blog @romana-after-dark are allowed too. I have 2k followers here but Ill want to open the worlds in here to the event.

The Wrong Way (Dark!Joel Miller x reader, Dark!Tommy Miller x reader DDDNE) Guard Dog (Dark!Joel Miller x Dark!reader) Blessed Be the Fruit (Dark!Joel Miller x darkish!reader) Puppy Girl (dark!Joel Miller x reader, pet play) Room's on Fire (Reader x Santiago, Francisco, Will, Ben, FishBen, FishPope)

If you have other ideas, just ask!!!

Spring Break is coming up so im excited to do some of these and my commissions!

I CANNOT thank my lovely followers enough for all this!!! I love writing so fucking much and many have reached out to me about fics being healing for them

so, thank you. I mean it. Man of these stories, like LaL universe or TWW have been healing for me, processing a lot of feelings through them and i pu tmy heart and soul into my stories, so it makes me so happy and proud yall want to read.

[szilverer]

gotta confess that although i decided to give reisz the amnesia trope beam just bc i wanted to start playing before having to settle on their background, i did have a barebones semi-canon backstory for them all along.

its just that. out of all the canon-compliant manners of messing with memories that i came across so far (mostly mentions of irrigo & bottled oblivion). the One idea that i like the most just had to be the most convoluted possible

it wormed its way on the back of my head from the very first week or so when i was thinking about making a seeking alt and came across random unmarked nemesis ending spoilers in the discord.

the idea is reisz as the returned loved one of a nemesis alt, yeah.

naturally, the whole thing didn't work out that well for the two of them in the end..........

(…whenever i make a new Main oc it's like a curse. it doesn't spawn on its own, no. it comes in twos and they always come with an unsatisfying enmeshed relationship from a shared past. so those nemesis spoilers made me point like the dicaprio meme and BOOM second doomed character materialised in my head instantly. and cuz im a simple cliche bastard, a sucker for foils and mimesis whose autism craves narrative patterns, these two would have had inversely parallel developments.)

nemesis is just about the perfect ambition for a seeking alt bc it seems like the natural next step for a ultimately compassionate person that decided to commit their life to a vengeance that did Not pay off (due to the whole. not remembering thing.) so if i do decide to canonize this idea the matter of her current whereabouts is already answered: NORTH. and now that reisz got their first (and last) weeping scar. well. they match <3

i'd be playing events from years past but going north means she doesn't get to do the railway or any of that other stuff, so it fits nicely in the phantom's timeline.

this also would give me two very good explanations for their memory issues:

somehow rebooted themself on purpose bc they simply Couldn't Deal (same reason the… avenger? scourge? went north. they got to watch the beginning of her self-destruction, of course.)

it's an occasionally reoccurring consequence of whatever the hell got done to bring them back to life (i do not know what it was . i know there's cider involved but idrk what cider is.)

the only reason im wary of canonizing this right away is that aside from vague ending spoilers i Do Not Know what happens in nemesis. i Do Not Know if this idea is viable for a pc or if the circumstances of being brought back this way would contradict what a pc can or cannot do.

am in a weird spot that i Need to know more spoilers to check if everything would fit in a way that makes sense, and bc i want to play the ambition someday i don't want to spoil myself by trying to look it up!!1 flops down on the floor.

alas. i promised myself i'd only make an alt once im way into the endgame with reisz, so this boutta be their Schrodinger's Past for a good while. and if i do get to the end of nemesis a year from now and find out it doesn't actually fit, well . that's a problem for future me

[quenchiestcactusjuice99]

Hi! I've just gotten into naruto and I was wondering if you have an fic recommendations based in other villages?

OKAY hi yes. meant to answer this yesterday, oops. Welcome! while currently I am writing and reading in a more DC-focused direction, I definitely still have a lot of Naruto fic recs. because i'm not sure exactly what you're looking for in terms of genre or content, some of these vary widely and might not be what you're after. so! here's some stuff from my AO3 bookmarks. (you do have to be a registered user to read some of these.)

The One Where An OC Moves In With Kakuzu by Tozette is about 10k words and takes place in Ame. it's pretty straightforward, a little cracky, and very enjoyable. this author has a very good grip on Kakuzu's characterization, i highly recommend everything else they've written as well.

a study in demons by saintbedo is 2k words and technically takes place in Kiri. it's a short and bittersweet character study of zabuza.

he wants to be tender and merciful by nithenoel is 40k. it's a time travel fic with Gaara. it's been a long time since I read this one, but i'm certain that at least the majority of it takes place in Suna, if not all of it. i'm a sucker for Gaara-centric stuff, and this fic is all about him trying to repair his relationship with his siblings.

look twice by tciddaemina is about 9k, a soulmate fic with itachi/kisame pre-canon. it's from kisame's perspective, so at least the first part is in Kiri.

denizens of the sands of time by CherShare is 42k, another time travel fic with Gaara but to the Warring States period or directly after the formation of Konoha, i forget. iirc Gaara sort of starts building his own village and adjudicates for the wandering desert clans and stuff, so... technically takes place in early early early Suna? it's tagged Tobirama/Gaara.

To Stay the Tides by TheDroidsYoureLookingFor is 126k and the majority takes place in the Land of Waves. SI-OC and soulmate AU, i think the main pairing is the OC and Kisame. I don't remember how many canon characters come into play here, i think there's a lot of OCs and worldbuilding with Wave and Uzushio and stuff.

I Never Sharpened My Teeth by DrDiabolical is 25k and probably darker than most of the other stuff on this list. it's young Kakashi-centric, in a world where he gets kidnapped to Kiri and experimented on. mind the tags and rating; it's explicit and a lot of stuff happens. But as far as i remember the author tags accurately and clearly.

Steam by Ornery Otter is 62k and it's only on this list because of how much i enjoy it. it's an SI-OC from Yugakure, but only the first few chapters take place in Yu. so this one is maybe disqualified. but i like it a lot so :p

Plasticity by Mixelation is 177k and again, maybe doesn't count? but it's another fic near and dear to my heart. SI-OC gets kidnapped by the Akatsuki, so some of the fic takes place in Ame. this is another author that just writes bangers, and has a killer (ha) grasp on Akatsuki characterizations. i'd recommend pretty much everything they've written too. (there are also nearly endless AUs and spinoffs of this AU that you can find on Mixelation's tumblr, increasing in whackiness and fun as they go).

a dog and a shark walk into a bar by cloudycats is 42k and once more, maybe doesn't count since it doesn't really take place in a village. this is an AU where canon Kakashi wakes up in a noncanon world where he committed the Uchiha Massacre and is partnered to Kisame in the Akatsuki. i really enjoy this one.

Deadbeat. by Tozette is 33k and i just read it today actually. it's an SI-OC who is Kakuzu's daughter. i cannot describe how much i fucking love this fic. whatever youre thinking, its almost certainly better. its on here because it doesn't happen in any big village.

man, i sort of lost the thread with these last 4 recs, they're more like 'doesnt happen in konoha' than 'happens in another village'. anyway! thanks for the ask and I hope these help. feel free to ask for more recs anytime. welcome to the fandom!

Cheers <3

[merwynpersonalhub]

tbh should have asked permission and i will next time but uh..

dumb idea i had i think its silly. uh pawno (the lil guy with the sword) is not mine its @s0ckh3adstudios oc. i oddly think kinger would think pardon (my oc being held by the tail) is a cat and then just..over think things- and also scream bc he forgetting he is holding the "cat" pawno looks like he about to commit crimes and i oddly cannot judge him for it/silly

[sundowning-gods]

Pantheon AU

I’ve had this idea floating around in my head for a while. I guess I better write it down before I forget.

Theologists have been studying an ancient religion with the only evidence of its existence being in old ruins across Europe. Recently, as of 2003, the religion has gained a following once more and has spread worldwide with the rise of the internet. This new development has also caused followers to begin to merge their beliefs with another long death faith with origins in Japan. The name of the religion as well as those of its Gods have been forgotten with time, so researchers have the Gods nicknames to keep track of them. They are listed as follows:

L - God of Justice, Intuition, and Empirical Reasoning. He is assumed to be the religion’s primary God, presuming over the others. Followers of L believe that societal reform must be humanity’s choice, and it cannot be forced by divine intervention. They also believe that humans have a right to choose whether to be good or evil, but even if individuals commit evil in this world, the good will always prevail.

Kira - God of Death, Justice, and Retribution. He has amassed a large following in recent years due to the youth’s frustration with the ever present corruption in the justice system. They believe the only way to reform society is through divine intervention, and that Kira is their savior who will cut away the evil in society and leave a clean slate for the rest of humanity to build on. His cult is called the Temple of Kira. There are two distinct sects of the Temple, and their beliefs are as follows:

1. Kira is the one true God and all other Gods are false pretenders.

2. The other Gods are real and each have a role to play in the pantheon, but they are not to be worshiped above Kira.

Misa - Goddess of Love and Devotion. She was formerly the Goddess of the Arts and had her own cult following before she was incorporated into the Temple of Kira. Although followers hold her in less authority than Kira, she is still a formidable deity and not to be trifled with. It is said that she made a deal with a Shinigami to be able to see the name and lifespan of any human on Earth. Like Kira, she is also said to be able to enact divine retribution on humans who commit evil acts.

And last but not least: Every Pantheon needs its seasons.

Near - God of Winter, Objectivity, and Solitude.

Mello - God of Summer, Wrath, and Youth

Matt - God of Fall, The Harvest, and Hedonism

Echo (oc) - Goddess of Spring, Growth, and Introspection

All four together represent the cycle of death and rebirth.

On Kira and L

As the two conflicting religions clash, both online and offline, there are some who have begun to incorporate elements of both faiths into their belief system. Some followers even believe that L and Kira might be two faces of the same God. The one connecting thread among the collective tales seems to be that L and Kira are locked in an eternal battle. The “Justice of Law” versus the “Justice of Wrath”. They are often depicted chained together, representing how they are connected by fate.

The Shinigami

The Shinigami or “Gods of Death” are a separate entity from the Pantheon. They aren’t worshiped as Gods but they have just as much of an impact of human lives considering they are tasked with ending them. They operate by their own rules and don’t interfere with the Gods’ duties, and the Gods are not to interfere with them either. Since they live in different realms, it’s rare that they interact at all. However, there are a few Shinigami that are mentioned in religious texts including but not limited to: Ryuk, Rem, Gelus, and Sidoh.

[idledreams4]

"Would you really unfollow someone because they said they had a problem with fictional incest?"

Yes. And I will encourage anyone who thinks that's obscene to either block or unfollow me

I know that fiction isn't reality

These are characters. They do not have feelings, they are not governed by laws or morality, they are objects.

If I told you "hey I think a fork and a spoon should make out" you'd probably be like "weird, but whatever you're into man"

But if I dare say "hey I think Sam and Dean Winchester should make out" suddenly it's "nooooo!!! You can't do that!!!! They're related"

Guess what? The fork and the spoon are related too. They're both utensils.

You only have a problem with the second statement because the characters are human characters. This can apply to any humanoid or vaguely anthropomorphized character. Once something has human traits you forget that it's just an object.

Sam and Dean Winchester exist only in ink, film, and the minds of the creators and fans. They are not out there driving around in a 1967 Chevy Impala, hunting monsters and stealing credit cards to pay for cheap motel rooms.

You cannot police objects, and you cannot police fandom.

And you know what, since the callout post this is responding to brought rp/kink into it, I'm going to do the same:

WHAT TWO CONSENTING ADULTS DO IN THEIR OWN TIME IS NOT YOUR BUSINESS

That's all that should really need to be said, but allow me to continue for those who can't get it through their thick skulls.

Roleplay is FANTASY

What is fantasy? NOT REAL

THINGS THAT ARE NOT REAL ARE NOT HARMFUL

Murder? Rape? Assault of any kind? All harmful when commited by real people.

But me writing a story where Blorbo from Hyperfixation drugs, kidnaps, and brainwashes OC is not harmful because the characters aren't real

A BDSM scene where my partner ties me up and uses whips or flogs on me is not harmful because it is pre-negotiated and has safety measures in place to make sure we are both safe and comfortable.

If two consenting adults agree to roleplay as siblings or step siblings that is no different. If they want to introduce a parent/child dynamic all the power to them. These things aren't harmful because they are not real.

I'm not going to sit here and advocate for actual incest. Absolutely the fuck not. But I am going to keep writing stories about my favorite twins going on little dates, or being horribly codependent thanks to their mother, or just being flat out abusive and terrible to eachother. Why? Because. Its. Fiction.

Make sense now? Are we all on the same page finally?

Oh, before I go actually. Anyone who consumes media portraying incest and immediately thinks "this is ok and I'm going to do it" lacks the ability to critically consume media that the vast majority people have. They are not the average, they are outliers.

Anyone who uses media to justify doing bad things is pathetic, and a coward who can't take responsibility for their own actions ❤️

[idrellegames]

Not an ask. But thank you so much for the aspec representation in Wayfarer. It's so refreshing to see an alloaro character like Veyer that is canonically alloaro and isn't the character archetype that sleeps around a lot and you just hope that they are around but then they eventually gets "fixed" by love. Anyways thanks for being awesome.

I so very rarely see alloaro characters handled with respect in fiction since it's so easy to boil their traits down to "noncomittal person who sleeps around until the right person comes around and fixes them". It's the flip same of the same coin as romantic asexuals, where the character gets boiled down to "inexperienced person who has never had sex until the right person comes around and fixes them."

Sexual attraction and romantic attraction are so often tied together as a single experience. And it is this way for many people, but not for everyone. Just speaking generally as an ace person, my experience is that aromanticism and asexuality are more palatable for non-acespec folks when they're treated as something that goes hand in hand. But being aroace isn't the only way to be aromantic or asexual - there's a huge variety of way people experience attraction and calling treating romantic and sexual attraction as the same thing is a disservice to everyone (even for allosexuals whose sexual orientation may not match up with their romantic one!).

Within the context of storytelling - at least in western writing - there's a narrative demand to meet certain expectations otherwise the trajectory may fall flat and be seen as unfulfilling. A committed relationship that includes both romance and sex is typically the desired end goal with fictional relationships (look at any romantic comedy, even going back to Shakespeare - Shakespearen comedies always end with a wedding). You can also look to the prevalence of the OTP in fandom - there's a desire to see your favourite characters get together in a specific way and to have that relationship come to fruition. And it is quite fun! I don't mean this as a knock against it - I enjoy OTPs myself, I love romance in fiction so much. I love a satisfying romance arc. Most of my OCs for video games have relationships and its a focal part of their character development.

But this does mean that aromantic and asexual people often sit on the sidelines because they don't fit perfectly into that type of story structure. So it can be very difficult to include them. They blur the lines of the format. They make it a little messy. They don't match the expectation.

I think with aromantic characters, too, both writers and audiences don't know what to do with them. There's always this lingering sense of disappointment that romance is off the table, that their arc isn't going to culminate in a committed relationship. Even in the world of IF and gaming, we don't have terminology to classify aromantic characters who can have some kind of relationship with the player character because the terminology is Romance Option (RO) or Love Interest (LI). Wayfarer's character roster is evidence of how much of a stumbling block this is - Aeran and Veyer are included on it as "romances", even though they aren't in the traditional sense (Aeran falls into the "conditional" label, Veyer is in the "tryst" one, but neither of them are technically "romances" in the traditional sense).

As for Veyer themself, they aren't interested in romance. They are in their 60s, they've been around the block a few times, they know what they do and do not want. They know what their life is like and what they can and cannot commit to due to outside factors. They may be smitten with people they find interesting or intriguing, but romance or long-term commitment isn't a part of that.

This doesn't mean that they can't be compassionate or genuinely care about their partners or enjoy their company, they're just going about it in a different way.

[toxooz]

I read your wheel bitten finally after following you for a while and not reading it but HHHHHH god i am so in love with everything abt it. Cannot wait for Ponti to come in bc he's probably my fav out of all your ocs. Do you think its easier to have a set schedule for your comic or just work on it when it feels right?

THANK YOUUUUU im so fukkin ready for Ponti to get here im fuu̴̮͕̻͛̄̌k̴̭̉ĭ̷̳̞ị̵͕̩̋͌͠n̵̡̟̘͊̆ń̷̩̺̭̏͂n̷̤̜̮̽ņ̴̖̲͗̈́̍n̸��̜̍̊ṋ̴̝̫͐̚

but i Have to commit to the buildup in order to have a worthwhile payoff i i haVE TO but he'll be here by next year for sure 🤘 and i usually go by a loose set schedule! I try to have an update about once a month if not every other month and it works out pretty well for me since it gives me time to breath inbetween and draw other things, plus it allows me to train myself to be consistent with it. I owe it to myself and the audience to keep at it at a dependable pace bc if i cant even take it seriously enough then why should anyone else is the way i think about it, but as far as rigid set dates and time I refuse since that opens up the possibility of getting more stressed out about it than anything and that would ruin the point and rush me so i just keep it vague. I try to keep the quality the top priority even if it takes a little longer bc im cursed with that saying 'a good video game is forever good but a rushed video game is forever bad' while i could just go back and redo pages, I'd really prefer to just do it right the first time to the best of my ability. Plus I can see my improvement more linear bc if i go back and redo one page bc i rushed it for the sake of schedule then why wouldn't i redo MORE pages and by then thats just an unbelievable amount of work bc i DO want to eventually have physical copies of the comic so i try to keep myself in check abt the quality :'D

[camelliagwerm]

15 lines of dialogue

Rules: Share 15 or fewer lines of dialogue from an OC, ideally lines that capture the character/personality/vibe of the OC. Bonus points for just using the dialogue without other details about the scene, but you're free to include those as well!

Thank you for the tag @dragonologist-phd! I had to go with Valerius on this one because he is actually the only character where I wouldn't be struggling to find material to choose from.

“In time you will come to understand why I must keep certain parts of myself locked away in Mendevian territory.” — May You Dine Forever

“I'm not your responsibility. Your brother needed — needs you more than I do.” — If She Loves Me, Why Do I Feel All Alone?

“I served Her hunger, not her domain of undeath and as such – I will dedicate to her a feast even she cannot ignore.” — If She Loves Me, Why Do I Feel All Alone?

“You might not be my sister in faith, but there might even be some insight in there you’ll find…enlightening.” — Curiosity

“My word is my bond,” he replies, taking her hand and bringing it to her lips. The reverence in his words come as natural to him as breathing, a new oath to replace the shattered divine bond. “As long as I still draw breath, you will not come to harm with me, nor will I judge for who you are.” — Bloodied Petals

“That sounds like how the chronicles will tell it, certainly. We both know the truth is far bloodier." — My Strength and Comfort

“May your goddess have mercy on your soul, because I certainly won’t.” — Her Grace's Chambers

“If they see me as a monster,  then I will make sure that is the last thing I send their way.” — Savour Its Sweet, Bloody Taste (Chapter 2)

“Hells, Lillanthe! You, especially, should have known. Are you not my damned diplomat?! I should send you to the scaffold for such an oversight.” — Savour Its Sweet, Bloody Taste (Chapter 3)

“You would do well to remember that no one holds dominion over my fate  but me — not Vorlesh, not Pharasma —” a phantom scuttle up his spine. How dare he even utter her name in here “— and certainly not you; and I’d sacrifice a thousand souls or more to keep it that way.” — Savour Its Sweet, Bloody Taste (Chapter 5)

“So I took Iomedae’s way out. Selfish of me, I suppose, to love you so much that I committed heresy and brought shame to my congregation.” — Addicted to the Taste of You(r Blood Red Lips)

“But food is important to me, to my people. Cooking isn’t something we do to survive, but to celebrate the bonds with one another and as a demonstration of trust and service.” — Favourite Food (Owlcatober 2023)

"And now, start praying," her lover had intoned to the Count, "that is, if you have anyone to pray to." — Slow Kisses (Something I Gained Nonetheless (Us) prompt #2)

“But is it so wrong of me to wish to keep something - someone - I hold so dear that I wish to indulge in all life’s pleasures with her, if possible? Is that not what our priests preach?” — Something About You (Something I Gained Nonetheless (Us) prompt #10)

“If you wish to hear your Commander’s recommendation, I believe that a general should always be in view of his forces. An elevated vantage point would suit us well.” — Strategy (Something I Gained Nonetheless (Us) prompt #17)

I'm never sure who to tag for these sorts of things so consider this an open tag :')

[growling]

Tribe Nine vs Last Defense Academy

What are your thoughts

I already kinda spoken about these at length a while back in this post but since new info came out on Tribe Nine (still radio silence concerning THL:LDA) here are my thoughts:

Last Defense Academy:

I don't get the hype. I mean I get it because Danganronpa man make another game that you can pretend is basically Danganronpa 4 if you squint but. Wish we could go back to the days where Kodaka merely alluding to wanting make another Danganronpa game resulted in him getting ratio'd on twitter

From what we know about the gameplay I'll confidently say its not my thing. I don't like strategy games. It looks like Forge of Empires mobile ad

I have a feeling (rare occurence) that it is actually a barely disguised gacha game

It's basically just Danganronpa with extra steps. It's literally Danganronpa but less good. They gotta do something REAL spectacular here in order to convince me they aren't just pandering to all the danganronpa fans left here.

I was wrong about the radio silence bit there actually was a twt post that revealed that there are basically THREE mascot characters. There's a THIRD one. And they all look hideous. Get cum shinigami away from my fucking eyes I hope they die in the prologue after giving the tutorial and we never hear from them again

Moving on to the art. Why are they white. I don't mean the race I mean why the fuck are they #FFFFFF. And I thought raincoders were unnaturally pale it doesn't even look good. All the character design suck except maybe for main boy I think he's fine. Especially the eyesore blue hair girl who approved this she doesn't look official my 10 year old self could make an oc with more aesthetically pleasing colors than whoever created this wretch

Takumi is fine. I could kidnap him. Still not over how he's just walmart Yomi but if he chose peace. Truly, a son, and brother -- I'm an extremely abusive father,

I have irrational levels of hatred towards The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy

Tribe Nine:

This one is actually confirmed to be a gacha game from the start but I can forgive them

As mentioned in the above linked post I just find its premise too funny not to respect. No I'm not gonna play it. However,

The only thing I care about is the superior glory of the character known as Zero. Holy fucking shit words cannot express how much I want him I mean how much he interests me as a character

Look at him. Gorgeos. He looks so much like Makoto. He looks and acts like a makoyomi baby which is crazy that I got like 2 whole ass kids that look like they'd be plausibly mine, and brother, I am an

He's even got a mask. This is fucked. Everything about whatever the fuck he's got going on has been life ruining for me. He's like a honorary blorbo at this point. I hope he's a cyborg of some sorts

I support him in every atrocity he wants to commit. Let baby do a little bit of dictatorship stop stifling his creativity

#1/Kazuma, while he's not Zero, which knocks down his position by a LOT, can take second place. He can have it. Not just because he's affiliated with <3 Zero <3 but because I love these kinda evil henchman type of guys. Loyal deeply cringe manservant lickspittle who's fucking obsessed and borderline gay about it. All my hopes for Kazuma is that he has to say any variation of "on it boss. you got it boss. right away boss. you need to talk to the boss. got a problem with the boss? well if boss says its alright then its alright" pleaaseeeee its not everyday that we get a guy who both thinks that he's the shit and is actually some more powerful guy's lapdog and doesn't mind it. I want him to be gay about it, like, Darkstripe and Fake Zilch levels of gay. I can make him so fucked up. I wanted to include another sentence but my life flashed before my eyes as I typed this I think I shall keep that shit to myself if I value my following

Why is the SHSL impostor here why did nobody tell him that he can stop impersonating Togami already

I don't give a fuck about any of the other guys aside from Zero & Kazuma. I will only ever check out Tribe Nine (on youtube) in order to look at every single scene with Zero and Kazuma and then be done I don't care for the other guys and especially the gameplay

If I had to pick a main character to care about aside from the aforementioned honorary blorbos, like, if I had a gun to my head, I'll pick dollar store Shinigami

[majachee]

The Ballad of Jane Doe but its my oc Weed (it fits his story)... i have too many projects on the backburner but I can add one more I swear—

Like okay I know not a lot of ppl are interested in my cat ocs cuz I agree the monkeys are wayy cooler BUT!!! SOMETHIN SILLY I COOKED UP (uhhh warning for talks of historical human sacrifice and kitty death... and cannibalism but not too graphic just like... kinda talking about the natural science of it. its a dark xenofiction story with biological, historical, and mythological influence...)

In my xenofiction based in the Viking Age, the cats themselves have an outsider look into human religion, and their own beliefs and mythology. Their own beliefs both mirror and differentiate the local human practices.

Human sacrifice was, historically, a thing that many Vikings did. And so the kitty cats see this act of ritualistic murder and adapt it into their own views depending on their reaction.

Weed's Clowder viewed human sacrifice with neutrality, as death was inevitable no matter how unnatural your death was. While they did not partake in kitty cat sacrifice, nor did they enjoy committing acts of violence on other cats; humans were alien to them, and so they interpreted the ritual sacrifices as an alien custom they cannot judge nor understand.

Weed was much more emotionally sensitive, being the the youngest of the group for his first year and a half of life, so he was much more disturbed by the concept of early, senseless death due to his vulnerable state. The other members of his Clowder included his mother and his aunts, great aunts, and maternal grandmother, so much older and more desensitized adults.

It wasn't until the tight-knit family found themselves starving to death in a harsh, seasons long winter that their opinions began to shift for the worst. Weed was the only survivor and he resorted to desperate measures to survive, with the active support and engagement from his mother. Bro committed a Donner Party, basically. There I said it. Of course the youngster with a very different worldview of senseless death would find this very Messed Up, and he lived the rest of his life in dehabilitating grief and regret.

The cats have their own mythos regarding souls and spirituality, specifically surrounding natural taboos rather than strict morality and ethics. Cannibalism in feral cats is rare and cannibalism is taboo in both a spiritual sense and biological sense. Like, do you know how many diseases can spread via cannibalism? Also, it isn't really all that nutritious. If an animal resorted only to cannibalism for all of their meals, they'd be malnourished.

That's ignoring the large amounts of morality issues btw, dont eat eachother its gross 😬

Anyways, due to the spiritual mythology in my story... despite it being a survival tactic with zero murder involved, Weed's soul was negatively affected and took a toll on both his mind and body; causing a dissonance between the two as his body was morphed and corrupted into something haunted and supernatural, and his spirit losing its sense of self and being forced a restless, permanent stay on Earth. His fate would not have changed no matter his intentions or his feelings.

Damn rip Weed... you eat ONE kitty burger—