#diamonds and toas

[nicossunshine]

Seventeen by Marina is SO Percy-coded I know he listened to it for the first time and bawled his eyes out and now it’s on every playlist and he screams the words every time

[sunshines-child]

The Candelabra Collection

Ver. 2

[namedafterflowerstournament]

Botanic Tournament : Main Bracket !

Round 5 Poll E

(Clovers and hazel tree)

[m4gp13]

Can we talk about how badly Rick nerfed Jason when he broke IVLIVS at the end of the book it was introduced in? And by nerfed I don't mean the destruction of it held him back in terms of power in any way, I mean in terms of the narrative and particularly his ability to stand against/alongside Percy.

Percy already had five books of context, backstory and time for the reader to get attached so Jason had to do a lot of heavy lifting to not get completely overshadowed but at every opportunity Rick had to let Jason have something to puff him up, it fell flat. Percy had a cool transforming weapon so Rick gave Jason one but then destroyed it in the first book of the series. It reminds me of Rick giving Jason a flying horse in the form of Tempest so he would have his own Blackjack but then Tempest hardly showed up and didn't have a fraction of the established bond that Percy had with Blackjack (also Tempest definitely should have been a giant eagle especially since it was established that Venti can appear as giant eagles).

The worst part about it is that IVLIVS could have been so cool! First of all, ranged weapons are incredibly underused in Rick's books. Clarisse had her electric spear that was relevant for one book but everyone else just has swords or knives, occasionally bows and arrows. It's especially annoying because in most historical military units, Roman and Greek ones included, swords and knives were mostly kept on person as a last resort. In an ideal fight, they never would have been removed from the sheath. The spears should have been enough and most of the time, they were enough. Jason being a Roman demigod could have made him using a spear much more impactful because it would have emphasised the strict and regimented approach the Romans have towards fighting. It would have contrasted with the way the Greeks fight. Since Rick already had the whole arc of Jason deciding he's as Greek as he is Roman, it would have made the whole thing about IVLIVS being both a spear and a sword may more narratively important. The spear represents his Roman side and the sword represents his Greek side.

Second of all, the functionality of it could have been very well-utilised. It's a coin toss. It's inherently random. It would have been cool to see Jason in a fight where he wanted to use one weapon but the coin gave him the other and we would have seen him improvise on the fly, showcasing his years of military experience and the skills that made him a praetor to adapt an ill-suited weapon for the situation and use it effectively because he knows these weapons very well and knows how to use them even in unfavourable contexts. Or you could have it the other way. He wants weapon A, gets weapon B which is much worse for the fight he's in and does poorly, extra points if it draws attention to the Greek/Roman debate he's having. Maybe he wants to use a spear when he's fighting the ghosts at the start of BOO but gets a sword and because of this, gets stabbed by the ghost guy who emphasises how Roman he is. Jason internalises his failure to be Greek (failure to use his Greek sword and fighting style to protect himself against the Romans) and how it caused him to be in danger of 'dying like a Roman' but does character development stuff and heals his wound with the power of believing in himself and realising he can be both Greek and Roman (*cough cough* because I'm a bi!Jason truther his dual identity could have been a great metaphor and parallel to his sexuality *cough cough*).

Lastly, it would have given him something interesting to help him stand out in a cast full of interesting characters with their own 'flair' to make them memorable. Percy obviously has Riptide, Annabeth had Luke's old knife (which she should have gotten to keep), Piper had Katoptris and later on the Boread's sword (which she should have gotten to use more), Frank was the only significant character with a bow and arrow, Leo had his magic toolbelt and Hazel had her spatha (but should have gotten to use it while on Arion a lot more, it's a cavalry sword). And Jason had a sword. Just a regular ass sword. Even Nico's sword had some intrigue because it was made of Stygian iron and it has its kopis shape (idk if that's canon or fanon because it's shaped like that in virtually all fanart of him but I can't remember it being described like that in the books. I could be misremembering this but I have no idea where that idea came from). Jason's already at a huge disadvantage and loads of readers (particularly when the hoo books were being released) just saw Jason as boring and unnecessary.

[yonemurishiroku]

Thinking about how much of a cinematic masterpiece Jason’s, Thalia’s, Leo’s, Hazel’s and Nico’s on-battlefield power displays can be.

[dadzawasnumberoneproblemchild]

Crystal's Related To Poseidon (Greek Mythology)

Crystals Related to Poseidon:

Blue Aventurine

Blue Opal

Larimar

Blue Agate

Blue Aquamarine

Emerald

Green Hyalite Opal

Diamonds

Abalone

Ocean Jasper

Sea Pearl

[thishazeleyeddemon]

Percy with sea-longing and growing gills when he's in the water, fingers and toes become webbed and ears warping into fins the longer he's in there. Sometimes he wonders if he's one day going to not turn back

[biancabxtch]

the outsider by marina is leo valdez coded. nothing you say or do can change my mind.

[lavenderfairiez]

I just finished ToA last night and here are some things I don't see nearly enough people talking about, specifically about the end of ToA so if you haven't read it this is your spoiler warning!!!

• Apollo not feeling right in his godly form and uncomfortable around the other olympians (not including Artemis)

• LEO CALLING JO "MOM" 🥺 (and Emmie and Jo in general) BUT HE HAS TWO MOMS NOW I LITERALLY STARTED CRYING ABOUT THIS LAST NIGHT

• Apollo visiting Percy and Annabeth in New Rome!!!

• AND they talk about Jason!!!!!! Annabeth cried herself to sleep

• honestly Apollo's whole battle with Python that shit was so cool

• obligatory fuck Calypso

• REYNA CALLING LEO "HERMANO" 🥹

• Meg standing up to Nero in his throne room!!! I LOVE HER SO MUCH

• Rick's infallible ability to put EVERY. SINGLE. FUCKING. CHARACTER. in a relationship 💀 PEACHES HAS A LOVE INTEREST NOW???????? LET CHARACTERS BE SINGLEEEEE

• HAZEL'S CURSE IS GONE AND SHE CAN JUST LIKE USE HER JEWELS NOW!!! and Frank wants an engraved diamond necklace that says "H+F Forever" I love him so much...

• while we're on the topic of Frank!! WHY DOES NO ONE EVER TALK ABOUT HIS SACRIFICE AT THE END OF THE TYRANTS TOMB??? Like I knew that he would be fine but I still started like tearing up

• THE ARROW OF DODONA!!!

• how completely unaffected Zeus is by Jason's death??? Fuck you Zeus.

• Apollo's new kids at camp!!!

[carmennivis]

“Ehehe, that’s the biggest question on your mind?” Nils couldn’t help himself as a light giggle escaped his lips. Of all things, for that to be the thing on Morion’s mind.. what an interesting man he is. Still, he was more than happy to indulge his curiosity.

“Well… It’s a little bit like casting a spell. Though rather than firing the magic outward, you draw the magic of the stone towards yourself. It does take a bit of conscious effort to start, but after that.. well, it’s as natural as breathing. I don’t even notice it as I shift, besides the change in height.” He explained, voice cheerful and light. “Staying in dragon form requires a lot of energy and magic power though, which is why staying in this more human-like shape is easier.”

As they traveled deeper into the mines, the air became colder and colder, nearing almost sub-zero. This time, it was Nils who spoke up first. “Uh.. Sir Morion, could you maybe answer a curiosity of mine, this time?” He looked up at the man, a slight uncertainty reflected in those crimson, slitted eyes of his. “How.. do the people of your land treat dragons? You didn’t seem to mind me being one and even mentioned that some are worshipped… is that normal, in this.. Elyos place?”

It was hard for him to imagine, having grown up in the land where he did. The animosity between the two species ran deep, but if there were nations out there where there was peace… it gave rise to the slightest feelings of hope in his chest.

Diamonds and Dragons ~

(Nils & Morion) Mission board: Showcase

[chirp-a-chirp]

Court of Darkness: Wedding Headcannons

Description: A few headcannons of the princes and their wedding days with their MC, including the ceremonies, vows, and various traditions they follow and why.

Princes: Guy, Lynt, Toa

Word Count: ~1700

Guy

Only the most lavish decorations adorn the altar and the church. It’s not as if Guy WANTS this day to be ostentatious—in fact, the pomp and circumstance rather annoy him.

Every floral arrangement, every centerpiece, every bottle of rare wine poured is a demonstration of the value Guy has for MC. Absolute power move on Guy's part to protect MC.

The largest church in Saligia is not spacious enough to hold everyone. Avari nobles, foreign dignitaries, and numerous diplomats spew into hallways and crowd windows outside trying to catch a glimpse of the momentous event. And right now, they see a visibly angry prince at the altar. 

"Nervous sir?" Jasper smiles serenely.

Guy glares at his wristwatch. A perfectly polished black shoe taps impatiently. 30 seconds late. One minute late. Guy’s hand balls into a fist at his side. “I cannot stand this.”

Guy’s younger brothers stand nearby. “Perhaps MC got cold feet! Maybe you should have given her some of prince Lynt’s socks—” Zev’s voice is cut off as the church door opens and MC walks down the aisle. 

“She’s beautiful.” Aquia tries to soothe Guy’s jitters. Besides a stylish wedding gown, MC wears a crown adorned with rubies shining as brightly as her eyes. She walks towards the altar with dignity, a soft but confident smile on her face. Aquia frowns when he looks at his wristwatch. “She’s right on time Guy.”

Guy scowls at Jasper. “YOU gave me this watch. An early wedding present you claimed.”

“Oh, the watch was not properly synced. My apologies.” Jasper looks anything but apologetic. “But your heart flutters more sweetly for MC, doesn’t it?”

Guy returns his gaze towards MC. His eyes now glow tenderly.  

Guy and MC exchange wedding rings—ancient royal heirlooms--embedded with diamonds and rubies. Guy makes a slight modification to the rings—the rubies are spelled to glow brightly to detect nearby poison. This was done after an assassination attempt on MC less than a month before the wedding.  Guy and MC write their own vows (Guy receives help from Jasper and Roy to ensure they would be received well by MC). 

"You are tenacious. Powerful. Loyal. My priceless jewel. I vow to protect you and our future.” Guy pauses for dramatic effect, particularly at a few noble families who have implied their daughters would be viable candidates for secondary wives. “I will have no other queen or wife beyond you—no matter the cost.” 

Towards the end of the ceremony, the priest asks “Are there any objections—”

Guy and MC: “None.”

Priest: “I…was not asking your majesties. I was asking the audience if they—”

Guy: “Even if they object, it does not matter. MC will be their queen. Just as she is mine.” Guy scans the crowd, daring them to contradict him. 

After the ceremony, Guy spends the bare minimal time required with the throngs of people wanting to curry his favor.

“Guy! What about my luggage?” MC asks as Guy carries her in his arms and makes his way towards a private Avari royal villa for their extended honeymoon.

“Luggage is unnecessary.” A smirk forms on Guy’s face. 

“But I’ll need a change of clothes—”

“Clothes are not required. A hinderance, if anything.”

Lynt

In terms of ceremony specifics, Lynt goes along with whatever his parents and various Akedian court advisors suggest. With one caveat.

“Whatever is planned, it must make MC happy.”

“What of your preferences Lynt?”

“Her happiness is my happiness. That is all that matters.” Lynt walks away, having said his peace. He only interjects with planning when MC’s wishes are not being considered. 

The ceremony is held in the Akedian castle courtyard. White petals from an Akedian Olive tree float in the air. The petals swirl in the breeze, surrounding Lynt. A few blossoms land in the prince’s hair in a makeshift halo.  It is a neck-to-neck competition as to who is crying more happy tears before the ceremony—Queen Norah or Tino. 

“Master Lynt is so happy!”

“I know Tino.” Queen Norah sniffles. “Our boy has really grown up.”

“Our boy? I-I would not presume to—”

“You have been with him since childhood Tino. He is such a dear boy thanks to your tender care. He’s as much yours as mine.”

Cue more happy crying.  

King Liam proudly walks MC down the aisle. She looks ethereal in a gauzy, flowing white dress with light green accents. A few petals from Lynt’s hair float and land on MC. The crowd gasps as Lynt’s eyes pop open and he suddenly walks to the center of the aisle to meet MC and his father. 

“Lynt my boy, what is it?”

Lynt removes his father’s arm from MC’s grasp, replacing it with his. “I am to be with MC for life. Let me be with her.”

King Liam laughs quietly. “I leave my son in your capable hands MC.”

Aaaaaaaaand Tino is now sobbing louder.  

Beyond Queen Norah and Tino, more than a few people have tears in their eyes as Lynt and MC recite their vows. Lynt's vows are based on ancient Akedian marriage vows per his book 2 ending.

Lynt: I will grant you and our kingdom everlasting peace. The greatest joy will be the love we share together. Underneath the green among us, I pledge to give the days of my life to you and you alone.

MC: We will overcome anything as long as we have each other. I pledge my heart unto you, my prince, my lover, my friend.

After the ceremony, there is one request King Liam and Queen Norah have for Lynt and MC during their honeymoon. 

No, it’s not for grandbabies. Though, they wouldn’t mind if that happened of course…

It’s to test out various bedding. No, really. 

In celebration of the newlywed couple, MANY Akedian shops have produced limited time honeymoon themed bed linens, manufactured to be extra soft, comforting, and luxurious. So Lynt and MC try out a new set of bed sheets every night of their honeymoon, one from a different shop per night. 

Lynt has never been more dedicated towards a project. Zzzzzzzzzz.

Toa

Most Qelsan nobles are wary of MC, believing she is Avarian. However, since King Gilbert publicly approves the match (since he knows of her power), they do not openly object.  MC goes out of her way to integrate herself with the Qelsan people. She gets her wedding bouquet and dress from local vendors and works with local bakers to create the wedding cake and royal banquette. Quickly, MC becomes popular with the non-nobility for her thoughtfulness and open approach. Also, Toa is with her as she's working with various merchants, and they spread the word of the lovestruck looks he gives her.

Knight pulls off a miracle. He becomes the wedding planner instead of Toa’s sister Idina.

“It’s my wedding gift to you Toa.” Knight preens. Toa smiles at the strength of resolve Knights shows in making this happen. “It was either that or get you a cat!” 

“Correct choice, Knight,” Toa deadpans. A subtle curve of his lips betrays his amusement though. 

It’s Qelsum—there are SO. MANY. TRADITIONS.

Among those traditions is that the bride is not allowed to see the groom a day before the wedding. A few moments before Toa enters the grandiose royal church, Knight is straightening Toa’s tie. Absentmindedly, Toa’s fingers graze his pants pocket. He feels something not there the previous day. 

Toa finds a piece of chocolate in the shape of a heart. With it is a note from MC. “Soon, love. Until we met again, may this treat satisfy you.”

Toa’s cheeks turn faintly red. He adores how MC gently pushes tradition while keeping him in her heart.  

One tradition MC, with Toa’s support, gets rid of—the wedding ceremony is no longer closed to just top Qelsan nobility. The bakers, florists, and dressmakers that have helped her are allowed to witness the event. 

Idina scoffs that MC’s lack of pedigree and soft heart are readily apparent. A few noble families are aghast but keep their disgruntlement to themselves as King Gilbert does not oppose it.

This move—though not premeditated by MC—solidifies MC as the people’s princess for Qelsum.     

The wedding doubles as a royal procession—MC’s marriage to Toa certifies her as a princess and there are lots and lots of proclamations. Lots of scriptures to be read. The ceremony lasts for nearly two hours. At the 30-minute mark, MC gently grasps Toa’s hand and never lets go. As the wedding ceremony continues, Toa’s hand slowly becomes less frigid. When the officiant finally announces their union as husband and wife, Toa cups MC’s cheeks and kisses her, his hands the warmest they have ever been. 

From this moment forward, Toa's fingers are never cold. The anxiety that manifests itself in frigid hands dissipates as Toa realizes MC and her love will be a permanent fixture in his life.

During the reception, Toa approaches a piano and starts playing. The song is from a well-known Qelsan opera about love thawing the cold heart of the protagonist. 

To Toa’s shock, MC stands next to him and begins singing. She heard Toa practicing for weeks and wanted to surprise him. She sings along as a perfect counterpoint as her wedding gift to him. 

When the pair end their duet, there is stunned silence. King Gilbert then steps closer and nods his head in subtle approval before leaving. The crowd bursts into applause. 

When the last noble leaves the reception, Toa takes MC to his room and lays her on the bed. “I will dedicate my life to loving you. Always.”

MC: And I will bring sweetness to yours.

[r3pairb0y]

☆ EVERYBODY LOVES ME !

☆ LEO VALDEZ at your service !!

- hiya ! my name's leo valdez ! son of hephaestus and go to camp half-blood !

i use he/him and am bi (“superman” was my gay awakening 🫦😋) i was the main builder for the argos 2 ! (if u heard abt my attack on new rome, I SWEAR IT WAS THE SPIRITS TALKING)

my mom sadly passed in a fire and i’ve gone through a lot of foster homes since. my best friend (and basically sister) piper and i met at wilderness school ! i also met my bf there 😋

also i killed my tia (who was actually the earth?)

also i died once but its okay yall 🤪

some people i know:

@your-local-glowstick - will ! son of apollo, the camp medic and nico’s bf . i end up having to visit him every week 🤭 (sorry will, i guess accidents are also attracted to mcshizzle)

@lightning-boi-superman - jason ! son of jupiter and one of my best friends ! (aka my boyfriend 🤭😋) he has zappy powers and i had to bring him back from the dead 😔

@glammerqueen - PIPES ! MY BFF SISTER FROM ANOTHER MISTER OML !! ILY SM (like a sister) AND I HOPE THE BEST FOR U POOKS :3 (we r both gay together) 😋😋 daughter of aphrodite (obv 😋)

@annie--bell - annabeth! smartest girl ik ! (sorry pipes) dating water boy (he doesnt like when i call him that 😔) and daughter of athena !! kinda like a girl ver of jason… anyways. very coolio :3

@victory-of-the-angels - nico ! son of hades and bf of will !! dudes a little scary, but hella cool. like, he went to tartarus TWICE !! fweaky !! and he can summon skeletons, which is pwetty sigma 😋😋 !

@s0n-of-the-sea - PERCY !! son of poseidon , water boy , and bbg of annabeth :3 he is pwetty kewl… *remembers how he yelled at me after the new rome firing*… eh hes still ok. hes js silly. 🤭

@undxrwxxd - grover ? sorry man, don’t know much abt u . all ik is ur percy’s best man. oh, also that you’re MUCH calmer than coach hedge, that’s for sure.

@the-daughter-of-bellona reyna ! roman and daughter of bellona ! she’s a little scary, and sorta like annabeth, but overall cool. thankfully she didnt kill me or smth 🤭

@artemiss-favourite-hunter - thalia ! jase’s sister and shes a hunter !! a little scary, if i do say so myself (sure i tried to hit on her but whatever)

@meg-mccaffrey-toa - meg ! greek, daughter of demeter. shes a little silly… scary too. she has a little peach demon. 😭

@dazzling-diamonds - hazel ! sister of nico, roman, daughter of pluto ! she has magic gem and gold powers :p oh ! and she knew my granddad in the past… she could’ve been my grandma ���

ooc : hiya ! my main blog is @alexgismyguardianangel /@erosjournal ! thats where i'm mostly online but u can dm me here too !! pls dm if u wanna join the group :D

credits to @strangergraphics for dividers

[max-the-silly-guy]

Ahaha looking at all the old toas fanart and noticed something I hadn't before

The fact that Newton is represented with the king of hearts, and Marlon is the ace of diamonds

I did a bit of research on the meanings behind these in tarot cards, and goddamnit @theizzizzy you thought this through so well😨😥

I won't get into too much detail about what the king of hearts represents, since it's very on the nose about what it represents and fits Newton quite well especially in the context of toas but also I believe hints to an event that's been confirmed will happen in a couple issues

The king of hearts represents deep emotions, (not all deep emotions need to be positive mind you. Anger, frustration, fear and grief also count. Wink wink, nudge nudge) and empathy. Thinking with both your head and your heart, to blend wisdom with compassion. And in this aligns with what we've seen of Newton so far perfectly

Like I said, it's very evident and straightforward with the reasoning behind choosing this card to represent Newton so I won't delve too much into my other more obscure reasonings I found

However I may or may not dedicate another post talking about how I believe this further implies something about Newton killing (most likely) Jr. Rottwood in the upcoming issue of toas

As for Marlon, it gets a lot more complex so just bear with me for a second

The ace of diamonds represents good fortune and success in ALL aspects of life. Which I think fits quite well since Marlon is regarded as a local god. He can have all his desires and wishes come true with the snap of a finger

Clone a thousand blink balls for no reason? Sure, why not. Mess with the literal gravitational pull of the planet? Just as plausible

In most descriptions of the meaning and origin behind this card, there's the constant mention of "a new opportunity coming your way". While in most contexts this is positive, in the context of toas this also be regarded as something negative.

Perhaps a sudden power imbalance between the two? A sudden shift in their dynamic especially after Newton isn't literally being held captive as part of a ransom? It would explain the contrast between these two pieces of fanart, both of which are directly linked

In the second one, Newton is wearing his post #100 outfit and seems a lot more.. cheerful about the entire situation, now oblivious to the puppet strings he's tied to and shown to be downright controlling in a sense.

The fact that Marlon is represented by the ace of diamonds, where one of the meanings is new opportunities opening up, may be a negative factor to Marlon but a positive one to Newton.

..or maybe I'm just going insane and overthinking every single detail I spot who knows

[yonemurishiroku]

I think it's a little unfair that Niko is the only one of the sons of the big three to have a real royal title…

And that 's what came out of my thoughts;

Percy — king of the sea waves, Jason — king of the winds, Thalia — queen of storms, Hazel, — the queen of wealth.

[think it will be separate with the princes and princesses].

The principal fact that it's more common for Nico, among the Big Three's children, to be referred to as a royal is because canonically, he owns the most royal (noble) titles, and Hades' blatant nepotism. Jason is the only other who comes closest to all those Royal-AU-inducing materials of Nico, with his titles of Praetor of Camp Jupiter and Pontifex Maximus. Jupiter, however, hardly favors him, which is a shame. The rest (Percy, Thalia, Hazel) don't possess any royal reference (or at least that I'm not aware of/ it's not widely acknowledged among the fandom).

That is to say: I have reserved the Diamond Princess for Hazel (because her mother is already a queen - Queen Marie) and this will be the hill I die on.

The rest yes thank you.

[aquarius-cookie-jar]

Genuinely don't like playing ToA (last time I played getting diamonds was sooooooo tiring/grindy), but like PEACH COOKIE IS IN THE GAME?!?!

WIBXKSNXOMWOA

CHOCOPEACH LETS GOOOOOOO!!!!!

[randomwriteronline]

hmmm. 3 songs for pre-canister toa mata.

Military Fashion Show by And One. The droning almost monotonous sound gives me a weird feeling, like being resigned to the inevitable. the title and the lines "choose your weapon, time to play"/"choose your weapon, time to go" especially made me think of their training under Hydraxon - being turned into tools to put on display

Valley of the Dolls by Marina and the Diamonds. All about a sense of emptiness, a lingering dread of not feeling like a person. the references to sleep make me think of their stasis, like this is a long unpleasant dream theyre having across eons, all muddled memories and a sense of unfulfillment

Song of the Death Machine by Bruce Haack. Lullaby-like melody, absolutely terrifying. theyre treading a fine line between human sensibility and mindless programmed violence at all times, and in some way theyre horribly aware of that