#dragon is peak gender envy

[raileurta]

I'm seeing these fics on ao3 where the tfp kids get forcefully turned into a bot and while they're nice I want to see one where Miko turns herself into a transformer on purpose.

Look me in dead the eyes and say she wouldn't absolutely become a predocon if given half the chance. She gets to join the autobots and can be a dragon at the same time? Hell yeah she would do it.

So I'm thinking Miko is on the nemesis for whatever reason then while running around overhears a conversation between Megatron and shockwave. For whatever reason the decepticon leader is looking into how to turn organics into bots. They have successfully achieved it and discuss all the details about it. Once the two leave Miko steals whatever would turn her into a cybertronian and sneak off.

You see for the process to work there needs to be more living metal than the creature's mass. The more metal there is the better the results. After thinking it over for a bit Miko decides to use the apex armor. Just like the eclipse fic this is inspired by she is currently being isolated by the team, probably for the same reason too.

Anyways she feels like this is the way to get back at them and to fix the problem. (Plus she just loves the armor)

I haven't seen any content like this yet but I might do some doodles based on it.

[hymnserendipity]

Nighty confession with Wakasa

Slight smut, no gender mentioned

You and Wakasa have been best friends for years, you always envied his strength when he reunited with the black dragons. He often came up to your room after meetings, and you never knew exactly when but you both liked chatting that way. Of course, leaving the window of your apartment ajar could be dangerous, but you had found a way for that: Your window was connected to a fire escape, which led to yours and other apartments that were empty at the time. The fire escape could be opened with a small semi-hidden mechanism, so you felt safe. He comes in that night, it wasn't very late, but it was two in the morning and he came in placing his uniform jacket on your chair, but you weren't in front of the PC, or even under the covers dozing. Instead, he saw the light on coming from under the bathroom door, and soft moans coming from inside.

Wakasa’s gaze flickered from the chair to your bathroom door. His interest is peaked as he hears your moanings. He slowly walks over to the door, putting his ear close to the door. He can clearly hear the sounds of your moans and a smirked formed on his face. He lightly knocked on the door and spoke in an amused tone.

"Hmmm~ having fun in there?" But you didnt hear that, and you moan loudly while you orgasm and tremble.

Wakasa chuckled as he heard the loud moan, a bit amused. He leaned his head against the door. He spoke again.

"Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself. Having fun all alone?"

"Uf Waka!" You gasp as you exit the bathroom in your messy pijiama, red in the face. "You weren't supposed to hear that!" Wakasa smirked widely, his dark eyes were shining with mischief.

"Oops. My bad." He chuckled as he saw your messy appearance and red face. He clearly had a teasing tone in his voice.

"And here I was thinking you were studying in here or something, not doing...other things." That makes you laugh.

"Can't i pleasure myself?"

Wakasa chuckled, his amused smirk never leaving his face. He leaned his back against the door and crossed his arms.

"Of course you can. I just wasn’t expecting you to be doing that right now." He paused for a bit, then continued.

"And I wasn’t expecting you to be that loud."

"Oh trust me i was holding back so much." Wakasa chuckled again. A smirk still adorned his face as he looked at you, his eyebrow raised.

"Oh really? If you were holding back that much, then I wonder just how loud you can really get." He spoke in a teasing tone, clearly enjoying getting you flustered.

"When i'm being fucked really good i get neightboourhood complains." Wakasa’s smirk widened even more as you spoke, he clearly loved when you were being blunt like this, it was a rare occurrence. He chuckled again.

"Damn, do you happen to scare the crap outta people with your moans?" He pushed himself off the door and started to approach you, his dark eyes full of mischief.

"Can’t believe I didn’t know how loud you can be, and I missed the whole thing. A real shame, I would have loved to hear just how loud you can get."

"Do you think Benkei is still virgin?" You suddenly ask. Wakasa's eyebrows furrowed while he thought about it for a bit. Then a smirk returned to his face, and he shook his head.

"Nah, there's no way. I've seen the way the girls look at him. Even that one from Rokkochi."

"Cool cause i have a crush on him." You were playing with his emotions just to get a reaction. Wakasa's smirk grew wider as you said that. He was clearly enjoying hearing you say that, but he tried to downplay it.

"Oh really now? A crush huh?"

He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, looking at you with his amused dark eyes.

"Are you jelouse?" Wakasa chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. Was he really dumb? Yes, apparently he was. Didn't he understand that he is your real crush?

"Nah, why would I be jealous."

He shifted his weight and smirked again, his gaze never leaving yours.

"It's not like you'll actually confess to him. Will you?"

"Uuuugghhh, ur so stupid u know?" Wakasa He knew damn well that if you confessed to Benkei, there's a good chance he'd accept. That's what frustrated him.

"Stupid huh? Why do you say that?"

"Cause i want you. Always wanted you. And you always just look at me like a friend." Wakasa's smirk faltered and his eyebrows furrowed for a second. Hearing you saying that took him somewhat by surprise. He tried to cover up the surprise with his sarcastic attitude.

"Oh really? You've always wanted me? And what makes you say that?" He was now standing directly in front of you, looking down at you. His amused smirk was slowly turning into a smirk of a different nature. He leaned forward a bit and whispered in your ear.

"And what makes you think I only see you as a friend?"

"What." You froze. Wakasa chuckled as your eyes widen as he leaned in closer. His smirk was still present as he spoke, but his voice was more serious than before and much quieter.

"Why do you think I hang out with you so much? And only you. If I saw you as just a friend, I would hang out with others more."

"I.." Wakasa observed your shocked expression and chuckled as he moved even closer. He leaned his arm against the wall behind you, trapping you between him and the wall. He spoke again, his voice now barely above a whisper.

"So you better stop crushing on Benkei and start crushing on me, got it?" He played. You bury your face in his chest. "I never wanted him. I was trying to make u jelous." Wakasa smirked widely again as you buried your face in his chest. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you even closer to him.

"Is that so? So you were just trying to get my attention then? Couldn't say it to me directly?" He chuckled as he gently buried his face in your hair and spoke in an amused tone.

"You're a sneaky one aren't you. Did you really think I was gonna let another guy take you from me?" Thata made you smirk.

"Oh really?" Wakasa smirked in response. His arms snaked even tighter around you, pulling your bodies together almost completely. He chuckled.

"You seriously think I'd let someone else take you? No way. You're mine, got it?"

"Did you had a plan?" Wakasa chuckled again, enjoying the feeling of your body being pressed against his, the teasing tone was still in his voice as he spoke.

"Of course I had a plan. I always have a plan, you should know that by now."

"Wanna know then... If you tell me you get a kiss." Wakasa smirked widely at your comment. It was a tempting offer, especially since you were so close to him. He paused for a moment like he was considering it, but then smirked more widely than before and spoke in a sarcastic tone.

"Oh yeah? I tell you my plan, then I get a kiss? Sounds like a deal to me." He pulled his face away from your hair and looked down at you. His arms were still wound tightly around you, not letting go one bit.

"So, do we have a deal? I'll whisper my amazing plan to you, then I get that kiss. Deal?"

"Yes." Wakasa chuckled, clearly amused and excited now. He leaned down so that his mouth was level with your ear, speaking in a quiet, suggestive tone. His arms still held you tight against him.

"Alright, here's my plan...." Wakasa paused for a dramatic damn second, his warm breath tickling your ear as he spoke again in a barely audible whisper.

"I would wait until the right moment, when you least expect it. Then I would push you up against the nearest wall and kiss you senseless." Oh, he was dumb. That's it.

"Oh really?" Wakasa smirked. His hands now moved down your lower back, pulling you even closer to him, making sure there's no space between your bodies.

"You bet. I would push you up against the wall and kiss you so hard you'd forget how to speak. And I wouldn't let you go until I'm satisfied."

"Like this?" You whisper in his ear before kissing him passionately. Wakasa was caught by surprise by your kiss. But he quickly snapped out of it and kissed you back with just as much passion. His hands moved up to your hips as he got into the kiss, pressing your body against the wall and trapping you between him and the wall. His tongue swiped against your lips, asking for an entrance which you obliged, before his tongue invaded your mouth. He explored your mouth, his tongue swirling and tangling with yours. He pulled you even closer to him, his body pressing against yours, his tongue dominating your mouth as he continued the passionate kiss. Wakasa completely engulfed your mouth with his own, not giving you even a second to breathe or pull away. He deepened the kiss even more, his tongue exploring every inch of your mouth, making sure you could feel his passion and desire. His hands began to wander from your hips, now gripping your waist and pulling your body even tighter against his.

"Ah.." you gently moan. Wakasa smirked into the kiss. He could hear you moan slightly, feeling you melt in his arms as the kiss continued. He wasn't planning on stopping anytime soon, and he wanted you to know that. One of his hands wandered downward, gripping your thigh and lifting it up, pressing it against his hip, bringing you even closer to him. "You had to wait pretty much uh?" Wakasa break the kiss for just a second before moving down to your neck, his lips trailing over your sensitive skin, leaving a trail of soft bites.

"Yeah, I had to wait a really long time. You have no idea how much I wanted to do this to you all this time."

[razzithold]

Big hairy fat men are so attractive to me in the gender envy way because hot damn I want to look like Jack Black so bad. That's peak physical build for me. Oh to be so hairy and warm and friendly and built like a bus. To be built like a bearded kungfoo panda. Mrs. Claus knows what's up being with the big jolly Santa Claus.

I wanna be built like the dwarves in the Hobbit and LotR. They ooze such strength and power and I know people would feel safe to be with them because if you fuck with those dwarves they gonna fuck you up. I wanna be built like Varric from dragon age. I wanna be stocky but have the strength and precision to throw an axe and chop wood and fight dragons. I want to be able to knock someone over with my weight despite me being so much shorter than them. I want to be a living space heater that can keep my lovers and friends warm in the cold because I radiate heat. I want to ooze friendliness and trustworthiness and protect my friends.

Hairy stocky warm men ❣️✨🥹👀🙏

[azuremist]

Loose explanation for all of these btw

Testament: Canon nonbinary and do I even need to say anything else? LOOK at that genderfucked swag. Top hat, sleeveless tux that turns into a cape thing that reveals short shorts and thigh-high boots?? GOD

Ao Lie: Peak sillyman, very cutesy and silly despite literally being a dragon. I am a man in whatever way he is when I’m in a sillyfunny mood.

Amanda: She’s the most boygirl ever to me… Literally thought he was a boy at first glance and her in his suit is just. Chef’s kiss.

Popping Candy Cookie: Unfortunately I AM jealous of this cookie’s gender presentation. It’s the pastel boyness of it all, I think.

Alphonse: AGAIN with the pastel boys! Pastel punk to be specific. AND a sweets lover, just like me fr….. But also he’s still very masc in addition to the pastels, and I love that for him 🙏

Bede: Pastel pink boy… Simply cannot go wrong with it. Plus his eyelashes and curly hair are cute!

Andou: Not ONLY can switch between male and female forms, but IS FAT AND pink AND has cute clothes AND IS A DEMON???? Perhaps the most gender envy character on this whole list

Sawyer: Canon nonbinary concubus / varicubus??? Sign me the FUCK UP! His usual clothes aren’t shown in the picture I chose but GOD I want to dress like that

Ranma: He’s LITERALLY living the boygirl’s dream (able to switch between a cis male and cis female body) and calls it a CURSE smfh… BE GRATEFUL!

Made a gender envy moodboard. Feel free to use as a bingo!

(Middle is yuurivoice’s Alphonse, and bottom left is @/andouilles’ V-Tubing avatar!)

[therianproblems]

Months ago, when gender envy was at its peak on tiktok, i made a joke video about how their "gender envy but it gets weirder" wasn't even close to mine /lh. My "weirdest gender envy source" was a dragon b/c i wanted scales and wings and a tail and if i thought about the fact that i didn't have them for too long I'd make myself sad.

I just recently figured out what being therian is.

You're never gonna guess what type i am /s

Its ok to laugh, i think this is the funniest thing I've ever done jskdk

lol that's cool! :D

[dragonofbalance]

About the Dragon of Balance

Name: Jane Gray Nicknames: Ice Queen of the Temple, Mistress of Sass, Janie, and Killer (Dislikes them, but especially hates the last one) Born: October 22nd Gender: Female Age: 19 - 21 Height: 5'6” Weight: 130 lb Hair: Dark brown hair, near black, short – was shoulder length before being taken into the younger monk's temple. Grows shoulder length and pulled back after a considerable amount of time. Eyes: Brown Skin: Light tan Species: Human Ethnicity: 3/4 Caucasian - 1/4 Native American L/R Handed: Right

Alignment: Xiaolin – Sees herself more neutral despite her close feelings towards the other monks. Takes her role more seriously once balanced. Occupation: Student - Dragon Element: Balance – Controls light and dark energy Favorite Wu(s): Shroud of Shadows and Golden Tiger Claws Move list: -Shadow Claw -Behemoth Form -Luminous Shield

Allergies/Physical Weaknesses: Is barely average on the scale of fitness, thus tires out a lot during training and can be an easy target in battles without her elements and/or wu. Physical Flaws: Lacks upper body strength and tires out quickly due to lack of exercise, prone to burning out quickly. Is also a bit flat chested. Health/Physical Strengths: Can sometimes take hits better than most humans as well as heal quickly, though needs rest to be able to do so. Immunities: When in her other form, she just takes any damage that's taken to her like it was nothing more than a tap. However, it will come back to bite her in the butt once she's out of that form, then it's time to get her serious medical care. Restrictions: She can only use one energy type at a time. Jane also can't fight too long with them due to her pendant reducing a great amount of her dark energy and not being skilled well enough in light energy. Alternate Forms: When her Hei Pendant is removed, it allows Jane to use her dark energy at it's highest peak. It coats her body with it, making her into a shadow-like entity with her strength, speed, and endurance maxed out. However, once in this form, she'll only seek to destroy anything in her path. This form can last as long as an hour or until she runs out of dark energy.

On a scale of 1[weakest] to 5[strongest]

-Starts Off-

Strength: *

Speed: *

Endurance: ***

Charm: **

Intelligence: ***

-After Training Under Chase Young-

Strength: ***

Speed: ***

Endurance: *****

Charm: **

Intelligence: ***

-

Behemoth Form

-

Strength: *****

Speed: *****

Endurance: *****

Charm: (Lacks communication in this form)

Intelligence: ***(Can still think and form strategies, but only once achieving balance. Will be mostly nonexistent otherwise)

Immediate Family: Jody Gray – A single mom working hard to make ends meet both by doing part time jobs and designing websites for small businesses. Distant Family: Travis Gray – Jane's divorced dad. Last saw him when she was about eight. Parenting: Jody was easy going on Jane growing up, letting her have her own freedom and willing to let her make her own choices unless they are clearly dangerous. However, she tended to keep to herself at times like her daughter, namely because she didn't want to stress her baby girl out when times were clearly hard enough for them as well as her own emotional problems. Pets/Familiars: Owned an overly fluffy black cat named Midnight. For the past two years, has been kept by a distant family member of hers. Jane tries to take care of him while at the Temple, but finds it difficult for both her and her cat to adjust, thus returning him with a broken heartedl.

Demeanor/Disposition: Start - Moody, cynical, unhappy. Later - Caring, quiet, observant Personality: Jane can be really pessimistic at times and blunt with her choice of words. While she alienates herself from other people, deep down she really wants to feel close to them just as much as she really does admire the monks despite being annoyed with their antics at times. While there are people she cares about, she just doesn't know how to choose the right words and doesn't know how to express it, given her own experiences with people. After achieving balance, she becomes much friendlier and caring towards the monks, seeing them like her siblings. Goes from the Ice Queen of the Temple to the Mother Hen of the group.

Vice: Envy – Jane sees many of the good fortune that happens to others as well as their strengths, and she is a bit jealous at how they didn't go through the imprisonment or the great burden her powers have given her. Virtue: Diligent – In just about everything she does, Jane tries to do her best at it if she feels like it's important. Whether it's at school, part time jobs, and recently her training, Jane will keep working till she's improved or until she's burned out.

Desires: To finally not have to second guess everything and everyone around her, letting her guard down and being herself. Despite her cynicism, Jane wants to be close to the people she cares about. Regrets: Leaving the temple and working for Chase for a short time. A few years prior to her story, Jane ran away from home for a week to hang out with Lance. Both events hurt her deeply just as much as it did to the people she loves. Worries: About hurting others and being hurt by others. Conflicts: Wants to connect with others that she admires, but feels that the risk of getting close isn't worth it.

Hobbies/Talents/Skills: Before being locked away for two years, Jane had enjoyed cooking, baking, and drawing. She still knows how to, but is really rusty. Cleaning is even sometimes something she likes to do on her own free will. It gives herself something to do and ease off her stress. Enjoys nature walks, especially in autumn and as it gets closer to the evening. Likes: Alone time, the outdoors, rain, drawing, reading, cooking and cleaning, tea, her cat, scary stories, Halloween, and fall. Dislikes: Drama, being forced to socialize, loud noises, combat, crowds, and sports. Humor: Dry and sarcastic. Can sometimes get a little dark. Pet Peeves: Her personal space being invaded by anyone, hates being touched, and loud voices.

Fears/Phobias: Autophobic. Being betrayed and being abandoned by loved ones. There is also a fear of becoming a monster, like her other out of control form and harm others. Is also slightly Enochlophobic, fear of crowds. Really uncomfortable being surrounding by so many people. Makes it tricky often when hunting for Shen Gong Wu in public areas. Thinks too much of how she wound up hurting so many in her home town.

Pre-Temple Life Summary: Growing up, Jane was content with her life, even with her parents divorce at a young age. Unfortunately, because her mom couldn't support both of them on a small paycheck from the jobs she does, Jane sometimes had to give something up to help bring in money with smaller jobs, limiting her own freedom and chances to form friendships with other kids. Not something that was easy for a girl her age or even something she was required, according to her mother who insisted that earning the money was the parent's job. Through the divorce as well as some failed friendships, Jane became jaded of relationships with other people. It was only her break up with her first and last boyfriend did she become truly cynical of their being a better side to people other than her mom. Despite all this, Jane was happy to live with a great woman such as her mother. However, one day after turning seventeen, everything suddenly changed; Jane's body was engulfed in darkness and began to attack everything in sight. This would have continued had she not run out of energy and had been taken away by mysterious figures. These figures turned out to be Xiaolin monks who have been looking for someone like her. Once at one of their monasteries in the mountains of Asia, their leader believes that she is too dangerous with her uncontrolled powers, thus believes it's wise to confine her from the rest of the world. As time passed, Jane's thoughts constantly returned to her hometown and, of course, her mother. The monks refused to tell her the details of the damage she caused, and she was honestly frightened to find out. Had she killed her mom, the only sort of emotional support she has ever felt that she needed? Or was she still alive? And how was she handling by herself without her daughter? These were questions that Jane wanted answered, but was left haunted by. After two years in her prison, Jane is surprised to hear that there were other high ranked monks that don't share her warden's view on how he's handling her condition, even with the Hei Pendant - a special Shen Gong Wu that was kept and held back a massive amount of her negative energy. These strangers believed that she may have potential to control it and want her to train side by side with the young Xiaolin Dragons, children who were also mastering their elements. Temple Life: TBA

Friends: Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo, Clay, Dojo, Master Fung, and many others that she won't admit feeling close to. Enemies: Chase Young, Jack Spicer, Wuya, Katnappe, Hannibal Roy Bean, and the Heylin Eye. Neutral/Undecided: Lance - While he did break her heart and stab her in the back years later after their break up, Jane still has some lingering feelings for him and he even has shown to care about her. She's still uncertain whether to trust him or not. Rival/Arch Enemy: Dahlia – This Heylin witch is both one of the head members of the cult that is after her and the other monks AND is pretty much the one who is seducing Lance into doing her bidding. Closest To: Master Fung – After her time with the younger monks, once Jane realized she did want to be close to others, Jane soon sought guidance from the elder monk for advice or just someone to talk to that wouldn’t judge her too bluntly. Renai Robinson(OC belonging to Sumer-Breeze on DeviantART) - Always irked by her bubbly nature, she eventually warms up to the Dragon of Nature, especially as her kindness has helped her through her toughest times. Love Interest: Lance –  The two dated back when Jane was only fifteen and him seventeen, the two broke up due to Jane being tired of his hedonistic lifestyle and unfaithfulness. However they cross paths again years later on different sides. While Jane attempts to forget about her feelings and ignore him, Lance makes it clear that he still likes her - in his own, unhealthy way. Hero/Role Model: Her mom – She had to give up her dreams to take care of her daughter, both when she was born and especially after her husband left them. Since she had no college degree, she had to make do with low paying jobs. Jane can't think of anything more sacrificing than someone close to her that had to give all her goals up for one person.

Favorite Color: Midnight blue and silver. Favorite Animal: Cats, but not to the unhealthy level as Katnappe. Favorite Genre: For books, it's mystery, thrillers, and fantasy. Music would be alternative rock. Favorite Food: Beef stew, pumpkin muffins, berries, Smoked Salmon, and fried rice. Favorite Drink: Tea, soft drinks, pumpkin spice latte, and iced tea lemonade. Favorite Book: "K" is for Killer by Sue Grafton.

Least Favorite Colors: Any bright colors, especially pink. Least Favorite Foods: Seafood(though tolerates some fish to a degree), mashed potatoes, and asparagus. Least Favorite Drinks: Milk, alcohol, flavorless sparkling water, and strong coffee.

[crimsonlocks]

CHARACTER SHEET !! REPOST, DON’T REBLOG !!

Stolen from @darkmoondelusion​

BASICS

FULL NAME: Dragon Slayer Ornstein Laurence the first Vicar

NICKNAME: Orn, Ornsty, Orny, Orin, he hates being called by nicknames though Laurence doesn’t have a nickname, he doesn’t even know how he should shorten his name GENDER: Both of them are cis males

HEIGHT: Ornstein is around 2,60 m (8′5) tall Laurence is around 1,70 m (5′5)

AGE: Ornstein’s age is unknown by now, he is probably thousands of years old Laurence is was 36 when he died

ZODIAC: Ornstein is a leo (of course) um, I haven’t determined Laurence’ birthday yet... is there some international fire day?

SPOKEN LANGUAGE: Unknown, whatever it is they speak in the lands of Lordran or Yharnam

PHYSICAL

HAIR COLOR: Ornstein has bright red hair Laurence has auburn hair

EYE COLOR: Green for Ornstein Blue for Laurence

SKIN TONE: both of them are pretty pale, Ornstein has some freckles, but only when the sun shines on them

BODY TYPE: Ornstein is ripped Laurence is scrawny

VOICE: Ornstein’s voice is clearly male, but not as deep Laurence has a canon one DOMINANT HAND: Ornstein is righthanded (that is canon) Laurence is left handed

POSTURE: Proud and composed for Ornstein This is my town and you have to succumb to my rules kind of pose

SCARS: Ornstein has a LOT. It would be easier to ask where he hasn’t scars. Most noteable is a big burn on his left back and shoulder and the scars left by the Chosen Undead. Laurence doesn’t have any notable scars. The old blood was good at healing any injuries or scars.

TATTOOS: None

BIRTHMARKS: Ornstein has freckles

MOST NOTABLE FEATURE: Ornstein has tiny little fangs. And he is tall. And his hair is bright red. Laurence has none... wait are this beastly teeth? Do I spot horns? Is fur sprouting?

CHILDHOOD

PLACE OF BIRTH: Unknown for Ornstein, but probably in the forest outside of Anor Londo Laurence was born in Yharnam

HOMETOWN: Anor Londo for Ornstein Yharnam for Laurence

SIBLINGS: Ornstein doesn’t have siblings by blood, but viewed the children in the orphanage he grew up in as siblings Laurence is an only child

PARENTS: Ornstein doesn’t know his parents Laurence parents were both reputable doctors at Yharnam.

ADULT LIFE

OCCUPATION: Ornstein is a dragon slayer, a knight, a protector Laurence started out as scholar, became a tomb prospector and ultimately made it to the Vicar

CURRENT RESIDENCE: At the end of their story it is Arch Dragon Peak for Ornstein The Nightmare for Laurence

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Both of them are in a relationship

FINANCIAL STATUS: Ornstein isn’t poor, but he isn’t rich either For Laurence, let’s just say, the Yharnam nobles pay a lot for having access to better blood...

DRIVERS LICENSE: Only modern Orn

CRIMINAL RECORD: Does genociding a whole race count? For Laurence, ehehehe... where do I even start?!

VICES: For Ornstein envy For Laurence, hm, wrath I think?

SEX & ROMANCE

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Ornstein is homosexual, Laurence is bisexual PREFERRED EMOTIONAL ROLE: submissive / dominant / switch (both)

PREFERRED PHYSICAL ROLE: submissive / dominant / switch (both)

LIBIDO: It is pretty average for Ornstein. He can get pretty horny, but he also lived chaste for several hundred years, sooo Laurence has a pretty high libido.

TURN ONS: For Ornstein, anyone who is taller than him. And can cook well. Laurence isn’t too sure actually. Mostly people he feels safe with, he guesses.

TURN OFFS: I don’t know yet... I never thought about this. Leaving blank for now. LOVE LANGUAGE: For Ornstein physical touch without talking. He can be rather touchstarved. You better let him sit on your lap. For Laurence, it has to be in privacy, but then he will be clingy.

RELATIONSHIP TENDENCIES: Ornstein is a hopeless romantic and shows this when he is in a relationship with being very devoted to his current partner. Laurence loves his partner unconditionally, but he also wants to keep a certain composure for the outside world, so you mostly will see his sweet side in privacy.

MISCELLANEOUS

CHARACTER THEME SONG: Ornstein shares his song with Smough Laurence has this song. Look up the lyrics. Perfect description of his character. HOBBIES TO PASS THE TIME: Ornstein likes to draw or do parkour. He doesn’t call it parkour though. It is his usual jog. He also likes to play the piano. Laurence passes the time with reading, doing poetry or research. He also likes to listen to Ludwig playing the violin.

LEFT OR RIGHT BRAIN: Wait, wasn’t there proved that there is no difference in that or something? I have no clue ^^’

PHOBIAS: Ornstein has a deep fear of dogs and has some kind of PTSD reaction when it comes to fire (means when he is confronted with fire, the fire is confronted with lightning) Laurence develops some kind of paranoia later in his life. He also has a deeply rooted fear of the Amydgalas, because of a traumatic experience with one.

SELF CONFIDENCE LEVEL: Ornstein holds up a composure that let’s you think he could conquer the world, but in reality he is very very insecure. Laurence’ self confidence level is pretty high. VULNERABILITIES: Ornstein has social anxiety and abandonement issues, often feels worthless and tries to hard to be something that people see in him instead of just himself Laurence is addicted to not only the old blood, but also alcohol and sedatives. He develops paranoia later in his life. He also doesn’t like to hear criticism.

[langwrites]

ABC questions for each character of the letter their name starts with

So this is a long one.

A: Aptitude

Grand Duke Arno Lambert, who has basically reinvented himself to be Lumina’s Duke Consort, really.

1. what are your oc’s natural abilities, things they’ve been doing since young?

Arno is a born healer. As a Trugiln, he’s always been a decent tracker, guide, and hunter when necessary, but his preference is always to care for the people and animals who stumble their way to his home. He’s also pretty good at math.

2. what activities have they participated in?

Arno, back when he was under a different name, used to be a champ at drunken arm wrestling because he was chronically sober.

3. what abilities do they have that they’ve worked for?

Herbalism, rather than healing, was something he had to learn. He also practiced with throwing axes and hammers as melee weapons back in the day, to mixed success.

4. what things are they bad at?

I never said he was any good at throwing weapon. Only that he tried to use them.

5. what is their most impressive talent?

Arno can heal with enough skill—and a touch of divine providence—to revive the recently-dead.  

B: Basics

Here we have Brigid Rime, a villain!

1. what is their hair color?

Her hair is white, which she dyes different colors when the mood strikes her. It’s been a very lovely nigh-prismatic purple before.

2. what is their eye color?

Deep brown. There’s something a bit odd about the way her eyes appear in bright light, though… (Her pupils are actually square.)

3. how tall are they?

About 5’4”.

4. how old are they?

Somewhere between 25 and 32.

5. how much do they weigh?

137 lbs.

C: Comfort

Cirrus, Gabilan’s master-at-arms.

1. how do they sit in a chair?

He prefers to sit in a chair the way chairs are meant to be sat in, and gets a little annoyed with everyone else deciding that “furniture” is the same as “climbing wall.”

2. in what position do they sleep?

Cirrus sleeps on his side or back, occasionally rolling from one to the other and landing squarely on the floor.

3. what is their ideal comfort day?

Cirrus would definitely prefer to spend the day in three major sections: sparring with everyone in Gabilan, then visiting a steam house to relax after a workout, and finally reading a good book late into the night.

4. what is their major comfort food? Why?

Jellied eel, because his mother used to make it. It doesn’t actually taste appealing.

5. who is the best at comforting them when down?

Cirrus prefers to visit the stables and check in with the horses, because he feels more relaxed around them than around his brothers sometimes. Of said horses, his favorite is named Silverstream.

D: Decoration

Dazma Kiltaea, master sorceress. Probably not human.

1. how would they decorate a house if they had one under their name?

Dazma has the correct total lack of taste to appreciate white marble columns in home decorating, in some 40-room manor that was impressive enough before cultural grave-robbing kicked in.

2. how would they decorate their child’s room?

Not her problem. She doesn’t have one of those anymore.

3. how do they decorate their own room?

Gold. So much gold. She wants to be a dragon of yore. She would also like an arcane workshop within easy reach to help with the obtaining of more things her real self missed out on. Also, she’s rather fond of floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

Light hitting the room is like as not to blind visitors.

4. what type of clothes and accessories do they wear?

Picture a woman-shaped swathe of white, blue, and black fabric. Anything past that point is a mystery.

5. do they like makeup/nail/beauty trends?

Trends are for people who care what other people think. Her nails are sharp enough to cut, exactly as she likes them.

E: External Personality

Evander of Oltose, not exactly Mr. Personality.

1. does the way they do things portray their internal personality?

No.

2. do they do things that conform to the norm?

He certainly seems like a model soldier. Obeys orders, never asks questions…

3. do they follow trends or do their own thing?

He kinda tends to go along with the crowd, whatever that might entail.

4. are they up-to-date on the internet fads?

The internet doesn’t exist.

5. do they portray their personality intentionally or let people figure it out on their own?

The latter. Less effort that way.

Interestingly, every thing said by or about him is almost guaranteed to be a lie. Evander’s original personality and identity was entirely overwritten by a creature from the Dreamscape years ago, whose central personality tenet is “Deceit.”

F: Fun

Fiamma of Kingsroad, the Red Shirt of the Royal Kaltekas Army, Magical Operations.

1. what do they do for fun?

Fiamma prefers to organize large parties with friends if at all possible. If not, she used to be the one who kept track of betting pools, card counters, and weighted dice.

2. what is their ideal party?

50+ attendees with free-flowing alcohol, games, and at least one fantastic musical performance. She wants to have a concert.

3. who would they have the most fun with?

She prefers hanging out with people like Zahara, rather than the party poopers of the world like Lumina.

4. can they have fun while conforming to rules?

Yes!

5. do they go out a lot?

Under better circumstances, yes!

G: Gorgeous

The Gumiho, also known as one of the walking, talking Dreamscape dangers.

1. what is their most attractive external feature?

Silky black hair seems to appeal!

2. what is the most attractive part of their personality?

The Gumiho can make any part of its personality attractive, from sense of humor to ambition to the urge to devour human flesh. It’s in its nature as a predatory trickster to adapt to anything that might convince prey to relax. Then come the teeth.

3. what benefits come with being their friend?

Not getting eaten.

4. what parts of them do they like and dislike?

Nothing of note.

5. what parts of others do they envy?

Nothing of note.

H: Heat

Hokide, Dreamscape born-and-raised. Which causes problems.

1. do they rather a hot or cold room?

Cold. Hot rooms have a bad relationship with Hokide’s lack of thermoregulation. His species has a much easier time in the wintry parts of the world.

2. do they prefer summer or winter?

Winter. So much.

3. do they like the snow?

Sort of?

4. do they have a favorite summer activity?

Does “not dying” count?

5. do they have a favorite winter activity?

Exploring glaciers to make maps and sketch landscapes. It’s fascinating!

I: In-the-closet

Ismene Nikos, Oceanus’s mother and healer extraordinaire for the Royal Kaltekas Army.

1. what is their sexuality?

Heteroflexible, I think.

2. have they ever questioned their sexuality?

Not especially. Ismene didn’t really think her early life gave her many opportunities to experiment much with her sexuality, and life in the army came to a pretty spectacularly horrible end. After the fallout, she decided none of it was worth the trouble.

3. have they ever questioned their gender?

After speaking with Fithrain and accidentally getting introduced to the concept, yes. After some thinking, Ismene shrugged and came to the conclusion she was a cis woman.

4. would/was their family be okay with them being LGBT?

She doesn’t think they would have been.

5. how long would/did it take for them to come out?

Closest she ever got was explaining to her son that he didn’t have be ashamed of being attracted to some of the village boys instead of just girls. Oceanus, being about seven at the time, never made the connection between his mother’s acceptance in that moment and anything past that.

K: Kill

Keyah, the head of scouting in Gabilan!

1. have they ever thought about suicide?

Yes.

2. have they ever thought about homicide?

Definitely. It’s a part of her job description as a former Army scout, though not exactly a recognized aspect of being a courier.

3. if they could kill anyone without punishment, would they? Who?

Probably people who threaten Gabilan, because she’s done it before.

4. who would miss them if they died?

Her friends in Gabilan, her extended family, and her boss.

5. who would be happy they died, anyone?

No one?

L: Lemons

Lucretia Araceli, would-be knight!

1. what is their favorite fruit?

Cherries.

2. what is their least favorite fruit?

Peaches.

3. are there any foods they hate?

Jellied eels.

4. do they have any food intolerances?

She can’t stand beans, but isn’t intolerant or allergic.

5. what is their favorite food?

Oltosian wheat bread.

M: Maternal

Mitra bint Naviyd ibn Copernicus al-Fulan, one of the people least suited for this.

1. would they want a daughter or a son?

If forced to address the question of children, she’d say one of both. Or neither.

2. how many children do they want?

None, generally speaking.

3. would they be a good parent?

Yes.

4. what would they name a son? what would they name a daughter?

“Omair” and “Fatimah.”

5. would they adopt?

Probably not.

N: Never Have I Ever

Nimbus, schoolmaster of Gabilan.

1. what would they never do?

Get married.

2. what have they never done that they want to do?

Climb to the tallest peak in the Spine and plant a flag there.

3. is there anything they absolutely can’t believe people do?

Read anything written by “S. Burat.”

4. what is the most embarrassing thing they’ve done?

Fell asleep on his desk, directly onto a still-wet document. Woke up with writing all over his face.

5. have they done anything they thought they’d never do?

Yeah: Live to see forty.

O: Optimism

Oceanus of Seabridge, one of our main protagonists.

1. are they optimistic or pessimistic?

Oceanus is deeply pessimistic.

2. are they openly optimistic, throwing it on others?

Nope. And nope.

3. are they good at giving advice?

Absolutely horrible. Most of his advice is phrased in a way that comes off as sarcastic or just blunt even when he’s trying to help.

4. is there anyone in their life that throws optimism on them?

Khalil and Alena both do, but Khalil is the more insistent one by far. Alena is a quieter presence.

5. were they always optimistic?

Fuck. No. And never have been.

P: Personality

Pyrrhos Razen, low-level tyrant.

1. what is their best personality trait?

He would say his business sense and pragmatism are the most useful to him and everyone around him. He’s proud of every moment he gets one over on someone else, and celebrates.

2. what is their worst personality trait?

Complete and utter disregard for human rights. The guy’s a mid-level crime lord, and what scruples he has don’t apply to anyone but himself and Brigid Rime, his partner in crime.

3. what of their personality do others love?

Brigid is most fond of his confidence. Others like the fact that when bought, he stays bought like a good mercenary. Or at least he honors deals made with him personally.

4. what of their personality do others envy?

Confidence, generally.

5. do they hate anything about their personality/about other’s personalities?

Pyrrhos despises indecisiveness and doesn’t understand the point of altruism. Which on its own means he doesn’t understand altruism in general.

Q: Questions

Quillyn, proprietor of the Evening Primrose in the Oltose town of Lysand.

1. do they ask for help?

Not really.

2. do they ask questions in class?

What’s “class?”

3. do they answer questions that make them a little uncomfortable?

Sure, though it’s hard to really put a brothel madam off her game.

4. do they ask weird questions?

Mostly, she’s asked weird questions.

5. are they curious?

Not especially. It’s not a survival trait in her world.

R: Rules

Radovan of Stalmo, Alena’s long-missing biological father.

1. do they follow rules?

Pretty much. He’s a mercenary, so in many ways his life is a series of changing rulesets to go along with employers.

2. would they be a strict or laid-back parent?

As evidenced by his other actual children later on? He’s a laid-back dad insofar as he doesn’t do punishments.

3. have they ever been consequenced for breaking a rule?

No.

4. have they broken any rules they now regret breaking?

“Don’t sleep with the boss.”

5. do they find any rules they/others follow absolutely ridiculous?

He doesn’t understand why anyone would make rules against looting. Don’t they know that’s how bonuses happen?

S: Streets

Sinrajin of Skytear.

1. are they street-smart?

Not especially. One gets the impression he was raised by wolves—in fact, he was raised by spirits. As such, he sees the world entirely differently than the Kaltekans do.

2. would they give money to someone on the streets?

Yes, he would. Spirits don’t have much of a concept of money, really.

3. have they ever gotten in a fight on the streets?

Not once! It turns out that looking like a Trugiln bloodseeker is good street cred, because people assume he’d remove their faces with his teeth if angry enough.

4. has anything happened to them on the streets?

Nothing notable.

5. are they cautious when out?

Not a bit! Someone made the mistake of pointing out that Sinrajin was unlikely to be robbed by anyone unwilling to face the reality that he could probably break them in half, and he runs with that assumption.

T: Truth

Tirane of Queen’s Crossing, the token uninvolved human who is suddenly in the midst of shit.

1. are they honest?

Sort of. She does tend to qualify her statements by admitting she’s not really telling the whole truth, ever, but she does try to do people a good turn.

2. can they tell if someone is lying?

Absolutely. It’s a part of her magic skillset.

3. is it obvious when they’re lying?

She’s not especially good at it, so yes.

4. have they lied about anything they regret lying about?

Nope.

5. have they told truths that have been spread against their will?

Probably.

Y: You

1. how old were you when you created them?

It varies. A lot of these characters have been around since I was eleven or so, and some have been around for less than a month. Such is author life.

2. what inspired you to create them?

I really, really wanted to tell a story.

3. were they different when they were first created?

Oh boy, yeah. Some of them have had total personality flips. Others have been molded to suit their roles. Others stayed mostly the same, or at least their one-word summary did.

4. do you enjoy writing them more than other characters?

Some of them?

5. what’s your favorite thing about them?

They’re all great in different ways. Or despicable. But at least they’re running around in a created world and doing what characters do.

Z: Zebra

Zinnia Veritos

1. what’s their favorite animal?

Songbirds, especially small ones with bright colors.

2. do they like animals?

Yes.

3. cats or dogs?

Cats.

4. what’s their dream pet?

A housecat that won’t eat her bird friends.

5. do they have any pets at the moment?

Nope.

[joyfullynervouscreator]

Leaving Home pt 5

@life-is-righteous

Dori’s leaving

word count: 3k

Dori could have sworn she saw Nori’s distinctive peaks when she went to the market to buy something for their supper, but she shook off the thought. Nori had not come back once these past few years, leaving no word with the ragamuffins that used to come to her backdoor with his presents. Dori had learned a long time ago not to speak to Nori’s delivery boys, though they would usually accept a token of food for the delivery.

She regretted their last fight, five years earlier, and she missed her little brother, her mithril-heart, that bright spark of mischief that Nori had always had, able to make her laugh even when Amad was dying, only holding on for Ori’s sake. Dori sometimes wondered if it had not been better for Arnóra to have died with less suffering, even if it would have stolen her mother at least six years earlier. She chastised herself for the thought, but she still felt – even if she now realised that Nori’s current lifestyle had always been nigh inevitable – that if Arnóra had died earlier, Nori might not have come to the Guard’s attention quite so soon. That was wishful thinking, she knew, because Nori had told her that their father, under the name Radulf, had taken him on as a protégé many years before Arnóra’s lungs, damaged by the smoke from Smaug’s fire and further harmed by the coal dust from the mines where she worked, had begun to fail her. Sometimes, Dori had envied Nori the time spent with Natfari, whom she had rarely seen herself, but at the same time, she had been aware of the danger his presence posed to their lives. Natfari was always careful, entering their little house quietly, and never in the same disguise, but her Adad did not have the same life as he had enjoyed in Erebor, spending enough time in Guard rotations that he could be home at least every third night.

Dori remembered the day the dragon had attacked, shortly before the Forge Day Feast, when it had been permitted for parents to bring their children to work, to show them what they did for a living. She had begged for WEEKS before Natfari had agreed to bring her with him on Guard duty, having already spent many hours in her Amad’s wire-weaving workshop. When the fire and smoke clouded the hallways, she had been ripped away from Natfári’s hand, but someone she didn’t know had picked her up along with another little girl and carried her out of the inferno and made sure she was fed. Dori had not known at the time that Princess Frís had been her saviour, something she had only realised upon meeting the princess as an almost-adult in Ered Luin. By then, she had been used to hiding her femininity, having learned early on that it was far easier to avoid trouble with Men if they though she was male. Her mother had wept, as they re-stitched clothes to hide Dori’s bust and give her a more masculine shape. The beard alone might have fooled them, but she did not want to give away her identity to other Dwarrow either, and so Dori, daughter of Natfari, had become Dori, First Son of Arnóra.

By now, braiding her hair as a male was second nature to Dori, and she was quite content never to have felt the Longing, because trying to explain her complicated relationship with her own gender would have been more than troublesome. The Sons of Arnóra were fairly well-known, by now, with Ori making himself a name under Master Balin’s tutelage – for which Dori was grateful to her father, towards whom her feelings were even more tangled than towards her brother – and Dori herself had done well as a tailor and lace-maker, especially since she had met Princess Dís. Dís was one of the only ones who knew her true gender, but Dori knew that her friend would take the secret to her grave if need be. Dís had not liked that Dori felt she needed to hide, and sometimes she had invited her to the Royal house while her ‘boys’ – Dwalin, Thorin, Fíli, Kíli, and Balin – were out, in order to let Dori have a safe place to be feminine and pretty. Of course, Dori was always pretty, widely considered the most beautiful Dwarf in Ered Luin, and many had lamented the fact that such beauty was wasted on a male who had no interest in suitors. Dori had giggled when Dís brought her that bit of gossip, delivered in the Princess’ driest tones, but with her eyes showing her mirth.

 When she got home, having shaken off her musings on the past and almost forgotten the possible sighting of Nori, she had received the first shock of the day.

Nori was in her kitchen. Dori dropped her parcels with a shriek, her hands flying to her mouth, but Nori handily grabbed her bags and put them on the table.

“Nori…” Dori had not known what to say, and Nori had simply stood there, looking as though he was unsure whether he should have come. In two steps, Dori had reached him, pulling him into the tightest hug she had ever given him. “You’re alive!” as Nori’s arms hesitantly wrapped around her, Dori inhaled his familiar scent, a mix of leather, mineral oil and something herbal that always clung to his hair.

“Hello, Dori.” When he tried to give her one of his unrepentant grins, Dori had snapped. She had punched him in the stomach, hard enough to make him winded, before she had found her words.

“FIVE YEARS, NORI! FIVE YEARS AND NOT A SINGLE WORD!” She shouted, and she DID NOT care if all of Granite Way could hear her. “YOU COULD HAVE BEEN HURT! YOU COULD HAVE BEEN DEAD!” her breath hitched, but her glare kept Nori seated, looking like he had as a Dwarfling when she berated him for getting in trouble with the Guard. “You could have been dead, Nori, and we would never have known what happened to you!” Dori’s voice lowered to a whisper, a broken sob on her next words, “Nori, you could have been just like Adad, just never coming home…” Dori crumbled. She was surprised when Nori caught her, sliding to the ground with her as he let her sob into his shoulder, stroking her braids gently. Dori’s anger calmed slowly.

Nori had made a pot of tea, just the way she liked it, and silently pushed her cup towards her. Dori’s hands shook, but she lifted the cup and sipped her tea, staring at him in total silence. Nori looked skinny – but Nori always looked skinny – and slightly haggard, as though he had spent months on the road with little rest. Dori winced, but she did not apologise for hitting him, and Nori gave her that smile that meant he knew he had earned her ire and deserved everything she threw at him.

“I’m sorry, Dori.” Nori eventually broke the silence, tracing the edge of his own empty cup with a finger that had a slightly crooked look to it, as if it had been broken and set by someone with little experience. It had not looked like that the last time he was home, Dori was sure. She reached out, covering his hand with hers and stilled its slightly twitchy movement.

“I know, Nori. I’m sorry, too.” Neither of them needed to say more, and when Dori knocked her forehead against Nori’s, he gave her a soft smile and caught her up in a proper kin-blessing. Dori’s shoulders lost the last vestiges of tension, at least until Nori spoke once more.

“I came to say proper goodbye, sister,” his voice was hoarse with unconcealed emotion and Dori stiffened once more.

“What’s wrong, Nori?” she searched his face frantically, but Nori just sighed and pulled her back to rest her head against his.

“I am going on the Quest for Erebor along with the King, Dori.” Dori’s second shock of the day was even more devastating than the first, but her first reaction, a vehement denial, died on her lips when she saw the look in Nori’s eyes.

“Please, Nori.” She begged, “Please, don’t do this.” She knew his answer before he voiced it, however, and just caught him up in a wordless hug. “Thank you for coming back to tell me,” she whispered, her heart breaking into tiny pieces.

“You’ll be good, Dori. Ori will take care of you, and I’ll do my very best to come back to you,” Nori swore. Dori almost believed that he would – in fact – return to her, but she knew her brother well enough to know that even if he used every trick in the book, he was going up against a dragon – not to mention all the dangers he might find on the road between here and Erebor – and she knew that this was his goodbye. Nori did not expect to live long enough to see her again once he left, and Dori knew it.

“I’ll help you pack,” she whispered, and it was a declaration of love. Nori hugged her tighter. When he finally let go, they both wiped away tears, but Nori’s crooked smile had returned.

That’s when Ori entered the house, like a harbinger of doom, and delivered the third shock of Dori’s day:

“Master Balin is going with Uzbad Thorin to Erebor!” he exclaimed, glowing with pure excitement. “I’ve already signed up; I’ll be appointed official scribe! Master Balin says I can earn my Mastery writing the official account of the Quest!” Dori froze. Nori sent a despairing glance towards her, but Dori was speechless in the face of Ori’s excitement. “Nori’s here!?” the journeyman scribe exclaimed, hugging the Thief tightly. Dori screamed.

 When she had yelled herself hoarse, with unexpected but heartily welcome support from Nori’s impressive collection of curses, Dori looked at her brothers, feeling her heart break as surely as a glass orb under a smith’s hammer. “You can’t both leave me behind to wait for news, Nori,” Dori said, dashing away the tears she would not shed. “I expect it from you, but you can take care of yourself, I know. But Ori… please, Ori, don’t go get yourself killed like this too.” Looking at Nori, who – in a rare unguarded moment – gave her the smile he had always saved especially for her as a Dwarfling, her efforts were in wain. The tears began falling, and the next thing she felt was Nori’s slim arms wrap around her as he whispered soft Khuzdul into her ear. On her other side, Ori – who was right that he was an adult, she knew, but that didn’t stop her seeing the Dwarfling she had raised almost as if he had been her child – joined the hug. The three children of Arnóra spent the night curled around each other, looking for some sort of comfort.

 Three weeks later, Dori was signed up as the Quest’s jack-of-all-trades, strongly backed by Dís, who had given her a teary hug when Dori had come seeking her advice and realised that she had only one option, and surprisingly Dwalin. Dori was sad to leave her friend behind, but Dís had all but told her to go with her brothers, and Dori felt grateful to have such an understanding friend.

 The Present:

Dori looked over the three packs that littered her kitchen table. Nori’s, a little worn from use, but with so many extra pockets and other useful things stitched into the seams that she would never even suggest he replaced it, Ori’s, which was brand-new, and her own, by far the bulkiest. Sometimes, it was good to have her strength, Dori knew, and she had caught the grateful flash in Dwalin’s eyes when she had signed on. The big warrior had met her through Nori, of course, but Dwalin had only challenged her to an arm wrestle once. Nori had suggested it, a drunken wager going round the table of the inn they found themselves in, and Dori had earned the moniker ‘The Strongest Dwarf in Ered Luin’ with as little apparent effort as when she lifted her mug of ale. She smirked at the thought of the look on the Shumrozbid’s face; flabbergasted had been putting it mildly, but she had earned a new kind of respect from Dwalin thereafter. With a sigh, Dori turned her attention to their saddlebags, counting off her completed tasks on her fingers.

She had decided to stitch a supply of gold wire-thread – her mother had been a canny Dwarrowdam, and she had known many things that had been useful when they lived on the surface – into their clothes seams, so they would have money, even if they lost their packs. Most of their food would be in the saddlebags, but she made sure to stuff a bundle of oilcloth-wrapped cram into the bottom of each pack, on the basis that the ponies might run off with their saddlebags.

They’d each have a small blade – Nori had obtained these, and Dori knew better than to ask where he had found three blades of exquisite quality on such short notice – strapped to their belts, which had more holes than necessary, in order to be cinched in when they lost weight on the journey. Dori had been stuffing all three of them full of the richest foods she could get her hands on since they had decided to go, and even Nori now had a small layer of extra padding around his middle.

Dori had – at the urging of Dís – asked young Prince Kíli to help her create extra pockets in her own and Ori’s boots. Nori’s already had such, each boot carrying two small blades cleverly hidden in invisible pockets. The Prince had been so excited about the idea that he had promptly added more pockets to his own and Prince Fíli’s boots. King Thorin had already been gone by then, but Dori would not be surprised if Masters Dwalin and Balin also sported boot pockets when they all met up in the Shire.

All their cloaks had been treated against the weather, and lined with a layer of silk Dori had once bought from a merchant and then never had opportunity to use. The silk would ensure that the cloaks were warm in the cold but not overly hot when the sun shone, and Dori had noticed that Nori had stitched superstitious luck-knots and old traveller’s blessings along the hems. The thought made her smile, an old habit of their mother’s carried on in Nori’s fine stitches. He had learned the knot-language from Natfari, Dori was sure, and she still had some of the frankly beautiful knots he had tied when he was still learning. She had one that spelled her name, with each knot meaning beautiful sister, and it had hung over her bed for many years.

When the packs were as organised as she could make them, Dori turned her attention to that night’s supper and the morning’s breakfast. She had set aside the whole day to get them all ready, handing the key to her shop to Dís for safe-keeping the day before and saying her goodbyes to her neighbours and few friends.

When Ori got home – the lad had been adamant that he would finish his current project and bring the payment along on the quest against unforeseen events as he had called it – Dori was almost done cooking. They waited for Nori to make an appearance, but when it was an hour after normal suppertime, Dori tersely ordered Ori to eat. Her own stomach was in knots, and she could not stop herself from listening for the door – a rather useless occupation, as Nori always oiled all hinges when he came around and could move as quietly as a cat – but Dori tried to eat anyway. When they were done, she was grateful when Ori escaped to his own room, leaving her to fret by herself. Her baby brother needed a good night’s sleep. Dori did not, or perhaps could not, think of Ori without seeing his excitable Dwarfling face superimposed over his adult face, and he would always be her baby brother, even when he woke in Itdendûm and got to meet their father for the first time. When Dori finally went to bed, far later than she had planned, she did not think she could sleep, but sleep found her with surprising speed.

When Dori woke, the first thing she did was check on Nori. She had not heard him come in – a surprise, considering the stench of alcohol that drifted from his very skin as well as the fact that he was accompanied by Bofur, who had probably never even heard the word stealth – and her relief mingled with fury until she was yelling at the two delinquents at the top of her lungs.

Eventually, Dori took pity on them, both dwarrow looking more than a little abashed and definitely hung-over. With a final scoff of contempt, Dori granted them each a token of her mercy: a cup of her secret hangover cure, which made Bofur call her many flattering things and apologise profusely for his drunken state. Nori simply sipped in silence, and ushered the miner out the door with a raised eyebrow at Dori, who huffed, cuffing him gently round the head. Nori grinned, tossing back the rest of his cup and began to check the gear she had packed.

They were delayed by several hours, but Dori knew they could make up the time on the road so she didn’t worry. Nori was – by far – the most travelled Dwarf of all the Company, she knew, and felt surprisingly good about their leaving Ered Luin. Waving back at her neighbours, Dori set off into the sunlight with a slight smile.

Full series on Ao3!

[businessliveme]

Book Recommendations to Turn the Page From 2019 to 2020

(Bloomberg Opinion) –It’s natural this time of year to take a look back at the months past and forward to the days ahead, to think about what made the news and what might shape the future. In that spirit, we asked the columnists of Bloomberg Opinion about the books they read in 2019: What was their favorite? What’s a must-read before 2020 arrives? What would they buy as a gift from their local bookshop? Here’s what they said.

A Must-Read If You Hope to See 2120

Bush fires in Australia caused unprecedented pollution. Europe suffered a record-setting heat wave. Cyclones displaced more than 2 million people in Bangladesh. Venice was flooded by the highest tides since the 1960s. California’s power outages became the new normal. All of which concluded the hottest decade in history, according to the United Nations.

That’s why “The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” by David Wallace-Wells should be everyone’s must-read in 2020. Wallace-Wells provides overwhelming evidence that climate change is the existential threat to humanity. The planet is warming so much, so fast that it will increasingly reduce gross domestic product as much of the Earth becomes unlivable.

Neither despair nor denials are appropriate at this point. “We have all the tools we need, today, to stop it all,” writes Wallace-Wells. — Matthew A. Winkler

Wallace-Wells’s book is a haunting preview of what’s in store for our children and grandchildren if we don’t very rapidly wean ourselves off hydrocarbons. Severe drought, intense heatwaves and coastal flooding will force tens of millions of people to move. And there will be “much more fire, much more often, burning much of the land,” he writes.

Wallace-Wells is clear about who is chiefly to blame. More than half of fossil-fuel-related emissions have occurred in the past 30 years, meaning the planet “was brought to the brink of climate catastrophe within the lifetime of a single generation”

But he’s hopeful, not fatalistic. The task of “unplugging the entire industrial world from fossil fuels” also falls to a single generation. That generation is us. — Chris Bryant

A Must-Read for Embattled Presidents

Since 2019 has been an impeachment year, for me, that means reading about Watergate. There are actually four essential books: Fred Emery’s “Watergate” is the best telling of the story, from President Richard Nixon’s first dabbling with breaking the law all the way through his resignation. The two primary sources absolutely worth reading are the Nixon tapes collected in “Abuse of Power” and the chief of staff’s notes published as “The Haldeman Diaries.” What I’ll recommend, however, is Elizabeth Drew’s wonderful account of what it was like to live through the unraveling of a presidency, reissued as “Washington Journal: Reporting Watergate and Richard Nixon’s Downfall.” That’s the one I’m going to revisit before the Senate trial starts. And, if there’s time, the best Watergate movie, with apologies to the excellent “All the President’s Men,” is the 1999 comedy “Dick.” — Jonathan Bernstein

A Must-Read for Fugitive Financiers

“Billion Dollar Whale,” by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope, is a belter of a financial scandal takedown won’t take you long to read. It’s great fun — more Jackie Collins than forensic Michael Lewis analysis. It can be your guilty secret as you plow through the ever-more unbelievable scams of Jho Low, an ultra-aspiring Malaysian financier who sucks in the great and the (not so) good while ripping off his own country’s sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, with some big assists from Wall Street. A breathless collation of excellent investigative reporting, it shows real life really can be stranger than fiction. With the drama still unfolding in court, you can take a ringside seat as the authorities try to track down our antihero and get Goldman Sachs on the hook. Just try not to snigger at all the Hollywood flakes. — Marcus Ashworth

A Must-Read on the Protest Barricades

The words “Gilets Jaunes” never appear in “La France Qui Gronde” (The France That Grumbles, or Scolds), but the pages of this French volume are filled by the kind of ordinary people who made up the Yellow Vests movement that swept France a year ago.

Ahead of France’s presidential elections in 2017, journalists Jean-Marie Godard and Antoine Dreyfus visited a countryside grappling with suicides by farmers who couldn’t keep going, workers in one-industry backwaters whose jobs went to China, and parents and teachers who had given up on bureaucrats and were fixing their crumbling public school. Their frustration caught Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron unaware when his government tried to raise fuel taxes, sending mobs wearing roadside safety vests to occupy French traffic circles. Since then, protests against overbearing, corrupt or indifferent governments have lit up Algeria, Chile, Hong Kong, Iraq, Lebanon and more (the details differ, of course). This book helps understand the discontent in a country that knows something about inspiring revolutions. — Patrick McDowell

A Must-Read for Ruling the Boardroom

My pick: All five “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels by George R.R. Martin as well as the Dunk and Egg novellas and the Fire and Blood prequel. (Technically, they’re one body of work!)

Martin once asked in a Rolling Stone interview, “What was Aragorn’s tax policy?” It wasn’t entirely rhetorical: His point was that “Lord of the Rings” author J.R.R. Tolkien had “a very medieval philosophy: that if the king was a good man, the land would prosper.”

It’s not that simple, of course. Good leaders need more than good intentions. Charismatic heroes aren’t always (or even often) great administrators. Regardless of whether you watched the “Game of Thrones” HBO finale in 2019, if you’re a management geek like me you’ll enjoy reading about Martin’s power-hungry queens and honor-bound knights not only making decisions about love and duty, or dragons and White Walkers, but also about trade embargoes, luxury taxes and the Iron Bank’s singularly aggressive approach to recouping bad loans. The books are also enormously fun, which can’t be said of every leadership tome. And who knows? We may finally get the long-awaited sixth book in 2020. — Sarah Green Carmichael

A Must-Read for the Extremely Ambitious

“Our Man,” a biography of the late American diplomat Richard Holbrooke by George Packer, is a true page-turner, even at more than 600 pages. It is divided into three principal sections, each reflecting a chapter of Holbrooke’s eventful life and America’s geopolitical journey from the 1970s to the early 21st century.

I knew Holbrooke well in his days as a presidential envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. I was serving as supreme allied commander at NATO, in charge of the overall mission of some 150,000 troops, when he came often to Afghanistan. I found Holbrooke highly energetic, full of ideas (both good and bad), extremely self-confident (his abiding characteristic) and utterly ambitious. Until I read “Our Man” and was able to put his vast talent and vaster ego in perspective, I didn’t appreciate how the arc of his career tracked the peak to the essential end of what some have called the American Century. — James Stavridis

A Must-Read for Those Tired of Truthiness

Seymour M. Hersh’s memoir, “Reporter,” takes us back to the golden era of American newspapers, following Hersh’s rise from lowly copyboy to world-renowned investigative journalist. Hersh exposed hypocrisy and deceit throughout the U.S. government — from the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam to Watergate to the Iraq wars — proving that an unrelenting drive for truth can overcome even the deepest duplicity. And as remarkable as Hersh himself is, the book reveals the everyday heroism of his sources, many of them military officers or civil servants who shared information at great risk to their livelihoods and careers. They, as Hersh teaches us, knew that their true responsibility was “to uphold and defend the Constitution […] not the President, or an immediate superior.” — Scott Duke Kominers

A Must-Read for Women Making History, Part 1

It’s 1962, and a young Washington Post reporter is sent to cover the fight for integration at the University of Mississippi. But there’s a problem: She’s black, and no white hoteliers in Oxford will put her up for the night. No matter. She finds a black-owned funeral home — funeral directors make great sources, she notes — and beds down in the mortuary. The result: a page one story spotlighting black Mississippians’ response to James Meredith’s heroism.

Dorothy Butler Gilliam’s memoir “Trailblazer: A Pioneering Journalist’s Fight to Make the Media Look More Like America” is a story filled with insults and triumphs like these. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. As the U.S. heads into an election year with racial justice and women’s rights high on the agenda, our newsrooms remain disproportionately white and male (with predictable consequences for coverage). The media still doesn’t look like America. But history shows that change is possible, with trailblazers like Gilliam leading the way. — Tracy Walsh

A Must-Read for Women Making History, Part 2

Those of us who cover the Middle East — in my case, for two decades, first as a correspondent, now as a commentator — have long known that the finest journalism from the region is the handiwork of the women who work there. That this is not more widely recognized is a travesty that “Our Women on the Ground,” edited by Zahra Hankir begins, at last, to remedy.

It has been many years since I have, at the end of a book, felt compelled immediately to start again from the beginning. On second reading of this superb compendium of reporting by Arab woman, a spasm of envy led me to speculate that the gender of the writers was germane to their excellence: surely my own work could have approached these heights had I, a man, not been denied access to half the population of the region?

Spare yourself such unworthy thoughts and instead partake in the intelligence and depth of insight that radiate from these brilliant journalists. — Bobby Ghosh

A Must-Read for Orwellian Times

The defining book of 2019 focuses on 1984, or more properly, on “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” by George Orwell. Dorian Lynskey’s “The Ministry of Truth,” a biography of the novel, has the zest and momentum of a Stephen King novel, and the piercing clarity and dark sensibility of Orwell himself. It demonstrates that Orwell’s novel, published shortly before his death, is a synthesis of ideas that he had been developing for decades — about human nature, authoritarianism, rage, power, eroticism, memory and, above all, truth.

In the U.S. (and not only there), 2019 was a year in which palpable falsehoods have been stated so boldly, and by such prominent leaders, that it has been difficult to maintain one’s bearings. When tens of millions of people believe things that tens of millions of other people believe to be flatly false, truth has a tough time getting traction. Lynskey ends his book with Orwell’s explanation of why he wrote his novel: “The moral to be drawn from this dangerous nightmare situation is a simple one. Don’t let it happen. It depends on you.” — Cass Sunstein

A Must-Read Along With a History Tome

Historians never tire of insisting that policy makers need to learn more history. Yet they are not, typically, very good at explaining how an understanding of history can make for better choices. That was the great contribution of Michael Howard, the recently deceased British military historian, whose two classic volumes of essays, “The Causes of Wars and Other Essays” and “The Lessons of History,” are my must-read books as 2019 comes to an end.

Howard’s key insight is that history provides no specific answers to particular policy problems. What worked before, in one set of circumstances, may backfire catastrophically when transferred across time and space to a very different context. The value of history is broader. It can expand our knowledge beyond our personal experiences, educate us in the complexity of human affairs and the importance of understanding other cultures, and help us recognize the connections between choices and consequences, between causes and effects.

“The true use of history,” Howard wrote, is “not to make men clever for next time; it is to make them wise for ever.” At a time when the U.S. faces no shortage of disorienting global challenges, that’s a lesson worth remembering. — Hal Brands

The post Book Recommendations to Turn the Page From 2019 to 2020 appeared first on Businessliveme.com.

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Dragon!Miko LET'S GOOOO!!!!!

also what fic is this based on?

I'm seeing these fics on ao3 where the tfp kids get forcefully turned into a bot and while they're nice I want to see one where Miko turns herself into a transformer on purpose.

Look me in dead the eyes and say she wouldn't absolutely become a predocon if given half the chance. She gets to join the autobots and can be a dragon at the same time? Hell yeah she would do it.

So I'm thinking Miko is on the nemesis for whatever reason then while running around overhears a conversation between Megatron and shockwave. For whatever reason the decepticon leader is looking into how to turn organics into bots. They have successfully achieved it and discuss all the details about it. Once the two leave Miko steals whatever would turn her into a cybertronian and sneak off.

You see for the process to work there needs to be more living metal than the creature's mass. The more metal there is the better the results. After thinking it over for a bit Miko decides to use the apex armor. Just like the eclipse fic this is inspired by she is currently being isolated by the team, probably for the same reason too.

Anyways she feels like this is the way to get back at them and to fix the problem. (Plus she just loves the armor)

I haven't seen any content like this yet but I might do some doodles based on it.