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taylorman2274 · 3 months ago

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Today Is Where Your Book Begins (Chapter III)

A mysterious flyer in the mail invites you to the Witches Guild at the local Renaissance Festival. Unbeknownst to you, the witch that you meet may solve the answers to all your questions.

Content Warning(s): Slight Alice Misportrayal, Amateur Tarot Card Readings

Notes: SAGAU, GN!Reader

Word Count: 1.8k

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Taglist: @bunniotomia; @sarraisme; @chericia;

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Today was a perfect today to be outside. The sun was shining brightly in the sky with a few clouds passing over to provide shade from time to time. The light breeze felt amazing against your skin, cooling your body just enough to stop yourself from sweating. The cap on your head also helps prevent the sun from blinding your eyes.

As for where you were, the sound of medieval music, chitter-chatter, and the sight of tents, wooden billboards, and signs could only suggest that you were in one place: The Medieval Ages.

...

Okay, TECHNICALLY it was called the Renaissance Festival but that doesn't sound as fun to say compared to The Medieval Ages.

You looked back down at the flyer in your hand, wondering why you were here. You don't know why it appeared in your mailbox a couple of days ago, but you can't deny that it drew your curiosity.

...

To Whom It May Concern,

Do you feel like you're stuck in limbo? Are you uncertain about certain events from your past, present, or future? If so, you've been hand-selected for a free tarot card reading performed by Elise, one of our many witches at the Renaissance Festival!

If you choose to accept this offer, come to the Renaissance Festival in two days' time at 5:00 PM. Bring only yourself and nobody else.

See you soon~.

...

Although you do feel embarrassed for going to a tarot card reading to potentially receive the answers to your current problems, not having to pay anything is kind of tempting...

Thus, you're here. The ticket price was a bit expensive to your liking, but inflation would probably increase the price next year. Best to bite the bullet now than treat it later.

After making it past the entrance, you walked over to the 'World Map' the festival had on display. You skimmed over it, trying to find the Witches Guild. Eventually, you found its location near the back corner of the festival grounds and started to make your way over.

Once you reached your destination, you noticed a couple of things. Firstly, the Witches Guild held only a single medieval two-mast umbrella tent. The roof of the tent was a royal purple while the walls were striped with the same purple color as well as white.

Secondly, there weren't a lot of people walking around the tent. If anything, it looked like everybody was doing their best to maintain a large distance, making you look like the odd one out for even thinking of approaching.

Lastly, there was no apprentice witch to be seen.

'Maybe I have to go inside?' you assumed, reaching towards the tent flap.

However, before you could even move the flap, a woman dressed in all black yanked the flap open, startling you to take a few steps back. Her all black attire featured a tank dress and sheer shirt, fishnet arm warmers, and black gloves. She also had pale skin and wore black eyeliner and dark red lipstick.

"What do you want?" she rudely asks you, glaring at you as if you were a disgusting little insect.

The intimidating woman, on top of her rude behavior, turned you timid. "Sorry. Sorry. I had a flyer that mentioned a-"

"Give it," she interrupts, impatiently reaching a hand out.

You quickly gave her the flyer, which she snatched from your grasp. Once she had the flyer, she read it for a couple of seconds before crumpling it up with her fist.

"Wait here," she demands, before heading back inside the tent.

Terrified of what might happen should you not follow orders, you stayed in place for what felt like a minute or two. Eventually, a taller woman strutted out of the tent and gazed upon your meek form.

She had fair skin and long, wavy brown hair that reached her shoulders. She wore a large purple witch's hat that just barely covered her emerald green eyes. A slim-fit purple dress embellished with silver embroidery adorned her body, along with black lace stockings and high heels. Finally, fitted on each of her hands were black gloves with a pale purple trim.

...

Or to make a long story short, SHE WAS SMOKING HOT, HOLY SHI-.

"Hey there, cutie~" she flirted in an angelic voice.

...

Your thoughts were going bonkers.

'RED ALERT! RED ALERT! PRETTY WOMAN CALLED YOU CUTE! I REPEAT! PRETTY WOMAN CALLED YOU CUTE! ENGAGE ALL FORMALITIES! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! ENGAGE ALL FORMALITIES!'

You straighten your back as best you can and quickly fix your hair. "Hello there!" you reach out your hand. "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

...

She giggles in her hand before reaching out to shake yours. "The pleasure is all mine."

...

'...Nailed it.' you celebrated with a silent fist pump.

"Follow me," she gestures with her other hand. She takes you inside the tent, which you gaze at in amazement. Various lamps, patterned drapes, and carpets were decorated all around the tent to give the environment a mysterious ambiance. Your expectations were low at first, but the Witches Guild sure knows how to create an environment!

She guides you to the center of the tent, where a rug is laid out with two cushions on opposite sides. She goes to sit on one side while you go ahead and sit down across from her.

"Anna," she calls out behind her. "Be a dear and wait outside. Make sure no one interrupts us."

The rude woman from earlier appears from behind a drape and swiftly leaves the tent in silence.

"Now, with that out of the way, let's go ahead and get started. Wait here for just a moment."

She stands up and goes behind the drape that Anna emerged from earlier. Before long, she appears with a deck of tarot cards in tow. She's already begun to shuffle the cards as she sits back down.

"What's your name, cutie?" she asks sweetly.

A blush nearly rises to your cheeks as you struggle to give your name in one go.

She giggles. "What a pretty name. My name's Elise."

'God, the things I would let this woman do to me...'

You silently slap yourself. 'Stop it!! Remember, formalities only. No horny!'

Once you have finished collecting your sanity thoughts together, the lovely witch places the shuffled deck on the rug, draws the top three cards, and places them face down in front of you.

"Starting from your left, these cards will tell me about your past, present, and future. I shall explain to you the meanings of these three cards and will answer any other questions you may have. Take your time~."

Nodding, you flipped over the card on your left.

"The Six of Cups," she begins. "This card conveys the meaning of nostalgia, gifts, innocence, and reunions. Does this match with your past experiences?"

You gave it a small thought before nodding in confirmation. "Yeah, it does. I've had a lot of nostalgic things I can look back on."

Elise hums. "Would you like to expand on it?"

"No thanks," you say, shaking your head. "I'm more interested in a problem I'm currently dealing with."

Elise hums again. "Now you have my curiosity. Let me see what troubles you, my dear."

You went ahead and flipped over the second card.

"Oh my!" Elise gasps. "The Page of Swords conveys the meaning of a curious kid, gossip, spies, prying eyes, and truth." She leans forward slightly. "What's piquing your curiosity?"

"Well..." you scratch the back of your head. "It's a bit embarrassing to talk about, but I guess since I'm already here..."

You took in a deep breath. "Have you heard of a game called Genshin Impact?"

Elise politely shook her head.

"Ok, what it is isn't really important. What is important is what happens at the end. The main character gives this grand speech thanking everybody for their help. He even does a fourth-wall break by thanking the player."

"What draws my curiosity is the fact that out of everyone who has played the game, I seem to be the only person whose seen the fourth-wall break. Every video on the internet doesn't show anything about it!"

The whole time, Elise had her eyes closed and a hand to her chin, humming to herself in thought. When she opens her eyes, she asks, "Let me ask you this. If you are the only person who witnessed something, but nobody else has, would you still believe it?"

...

"I mean... I guess..." you threw your hands up. "When I saw it the first time, it didn't feel out of the norm. I'm just confused by this whole ordeal."

"I see," Elise ponders. "Perhaps this last card will help clarify to me the solution to your problems."

Although you seriously doubt it, you may as well finish what you started. You flip over the third and final card. You wait for Elise to explain the meaning of the card to you, but she's gone back to her thoughts. You decide to wait patiently for her to finish.

"I understand it now," Elise says. "The Four of Wands conveys the meaning of homecoming, celebrations, family, friends, and reunions."

You raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Really?" you look back to the card. "I don't see how that answers the question."

"Leave that to me," Elise smirks, holding out her hand. "Place your hands around mine."

Confusingly, you placed your hands around hers.

"Now close your eyes and take deep breaths. Everything will be explained to you shortly."

You do as she instructs, feeling a wave of calmness flow through your body.

"Oh, stars above, guide this lost traveler to their destination so that their questions will all be answered."

Silence echoes inside the tent.

...

Suddenly, you feel a tidal wave of exhaustion crash against your body. You try to recover your senses but are finding it increasingly difficult to do so.

"Shhhhh. Don't fight it," Elise whispers. "Let the stars comfortably guide you where you need to be. She'll take care of the rest."

You didn't have enough time to think about who 'she' was before you succumbed to sleep.

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Alice exits the southeast-side inner room of the Windward Manor, softly closing the door behind her. Aether, who is leaning against one of the columns, makes his way over.

"Did it work?" he asks.

Alice nods. "They're resting just inside. They'll need some time to adjust to the travel."

"And how long will that take?"

"Only a couple of minutes. It shouldn't take too long."

Aether nods, then looks over to the door Alice exited from. Just inside was the person who had guided them on their adventure since the very beginning. Just inside was the person who he had been wanting to meet for just over a decade. Just inside...

...

...was you.

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Author's Notes: Writer's Block almost got a hold of me, but I managed to escape its grasp.

The next chapter is going to be all about Aether and the Reader. I hope you'll enjoy reading that chapter as much as I will enjoy writing it.

#genshin impact sagau #genshin sagau #self aware genshin #genshin self aware #sagau x reader #sagau #sagau genshin #platonic genshin x reader #platonic #gn reader #gender neutral reader #genshin impact

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thatdeadaquarius · 1 year ago

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Hello there, friend I'm here for fluff

OK, this has been on my mind for a while

But like

The reader is just becoming the biggest parent to the Benny's adventure team kids

And the wolfs

We are like a parent of like 27

Knitting and making food brushing razors hair(let's be for real, you would hear a crunch when you brush it)

I'm not gonna lie

Do these kids know what spices are?

Cuz when I think about it

Razor hasn't had shit so he's has the least tolerance for spice

He would probably cry if you feed him a pepper

Bennett has tried spicy food but does go well with it

And not completely sure if fischl has had a spicy food before

But what flavor does mondstadt add to their food??

These kids need the damn flavors

AHDHAKALL FERAL ANIMAL AQUARIUS- ANOTHER PLATONIC ASK AAHHHHGGGGDJJSFHSAK!!!!!

AND ITS YOU!! ITS- ITS- ONE OF THE WRITING RULERS OF SAGAU (FOR ME AT LEAST) <3 !!!!!!!!

You cooking in genshin all anime studio ghibli style looking like food from god (literally): ⬆️

Sun: Reader (you/they/them)

Orbit: Headcanons-ish

Stars: Benny’s Adventure Team! (Bennett, Fischl, Razor), Diluc, mentions of other Mond characters

Comets & Meteors: Content Warnings: mild cussing, & Trigger Warnings: none known.

Please comment if I missed any. /gen

☆

^^ The posts being referenced in ask, (OG Razor ask) (Benny + Razor) and a more direct sequel, a part 2? a part 4 atp?? of this post (Imposter/Not Dark AU + Razor + Diluc) ^^

OMFG

ALRIGHT LISTEN UP BITCHES

SINCE UR IN TEYVAT

YOU GONNA COOK LIKE TEYVAT

AS IN-

SHIT BE SUPER EASY TO COOK, AND MASS MAKE DEPENDING ON COMPLEXITY OF DISH

(So, like Zhongli's special Bamboo Shoot Soup is like getting made... once a year if you read the little desc. for that dish 💀)

AND THEYRE ALL LIKE-

ANIME GORGEOUS FOODS ✨️❤️‍🔥

OKAY SO

PROMO TIME-

U GUYS HAVE TO WATCH THE ANIME "CAMPFIRE COOKING IN ANOTHER WORLD"

Bc that's mostly where this inspo gonna come from to both be realistic cooking + best parts of video game cooking

A guy gets isekai’d and instead of hero powers he just gets the skill of "online grocery shopping" LMAO

and ofc he gets insta gifted whatever he orders and starts making dishes and adding spices and regular stuff you know. like soy sauce.

but the best part is the food in that world is like British medieval soup shit

like barely salted, no spices definitely, no sauces, its barren

so he ends up attracting all kinds of interest that want to eat his cooking ofc

And it gives buffs too!

dw i didnt spoil anything u don't learn in the first episode, but that's just to say that's exactly whats happening here

u DO have to manually collect more ingredients but its so worth it, also u can just buy in bulk or put a commission thru the adventurer guild

tbhhh now that i say that, that could be how u end up drawing in Benny’s Adventure Team even more, bc they just take all ur quests for collecting ingredients around Mond!!

(u have to actively sneak behind their back and whisper to Katheryne that you want to put in other food quests in other guilds tho, silly kids will absolutely go running around Liyue and crazy shit just to have an adventure and do smth for you + eat ur banger food lol)

omfg the first time u barbecue smth???

the wolves, Razor, and Andrius??? Go feral.

Fischl and Benny who were already on their way to u guys to hang out again start booking it thru the woods, dodging hilichurl camps (thatve since settled down and been v peaceful to the wolves + anyone in the woods of Wolvendom after u started living there)

they knowww ur cookin smth fucking amazing

(and u even have some hilichurls and mitachurl that wander close to Andrius’ edge of the woods to shyly beg for scraps,, u give them a portion)

Razor was actually lookin at u like u hung the stars just for him when u gave him a homemade barbecue sauce to put on his food

(u acc may have done that to Teyvatians according to Andrius + the stories u overheard from Springvale…)

ok but the amount of begging u get for desserts like-

No, Razor u cannot have chocolate cake/cupcakes after every meal, u need to take care of ur teeth

(u use ur collection of mora-monster-donations for comms for more ingredients and living supplies like fabric + furniture, u cant afford dental on top of that for ur boy)

Fischl dutifully declares you the “best chef in the kingdom” and writes down all ur recipes (u have them auto-stored in ur settings obv but it cant hurt to have a physical copy, and they look so happy doing it, u don't have the heart to tell them its not necessary-)

Benny insists on both giving u extra ingredients when he takes ur commissions, and giving u handmade trinkets or weapons for the meals!!

No!! He will not take “im good” for an answer!! ur sharing ur home-cave with him, taking care of his best friend Razor, and now feeding him food better than Liuli Pavilion!!! There’s no way he can just take all that and give nothing back!!!!

and theyre not the only ones getting some food tbh

when the knights begin patroling near Wolvendom and slowly all of Mondstadt to search for their “All God”, u break up the beginnings of a fight between 2 confused knights and the now peaceful hilichurl camp at the edge of Wolvendom

U offer some snacks u were going to give Benny’s Adventure Team when they got back (u made little triangle sandwiches, rice balls, etc. finger foods, and u made plenty extra bc u kno their teenage appetites lol)

the knights and hilichurls nearly cried with appreciation, which made for a hilarious sight when the teens actually showed up lmao

ur wearing ur cloak, bc u dont wanna take on that whole “creator of worlds” title just yet, and the kids helped verify u werent anyone suspicious (Benny + Fischl keep ur godly secret, theyre the best like that 🥰)

the knights just swing by for snacks occasionally (they also either pay u in trade or with mora, theyre not bullies)

another person who gets flavored food privileges is the lazy librarian witch herself

u also sometimes pick Razor up from Lisa’s tutoring and bring “the best tea and tea snacks in the world” along with to share with Lisa and him

(she is also fully aware after awhile of meeting u of what u are, and fully believes this is why the food must be enchanted to be so good, but u dont want to be treated super reverently she can tell, so she keeps ur secret too and is just extra flirty when u come by lol)

(Razor refuses to let his pare- Lupical move out of ur cozy cave to the library, so he sometimes hauls u away when Lisa flirts too much LMAO)

…and the moment you've been waiting for.

Yes, Diluc got to try ur food that night he was searching Wolvendom for signs of the god of Teyvat

tbh Diluc was half-convinced that shit was a fever dream.

a bunch of sleepy wolves, a coffee table in the stone colosseum, a giant spirit wolf licking a big plate clean, the wolf-kid glaring at him, and you.

you with gold eyes, staring right thru his soul, like you already know everything there is to know about him, (like the way Kaeya looked at him that night),

like he doesnt even have to introduce himself

and he doesnt, u just lightly smack Razor’s hands until he gets rid of his claymore w/a pout, since Diluc had long since dropped his,

and grab a plate, piling on what leftovers u could, and turn back around from the coffee table to smile at him, patting the cushion-seat beside u for him to join

The giant glowing wolf licks his lips and watches him, the wolf-kid’s creepily watches him, and you, with eyes gold in teh light of a simmering bonfire just past the table, watch him

he just sits down and begins to eat.

its the best food he’s ever had, its his dad’s favorite dish, but not realistically, but the way memory embellishes a dish so much it can never be tasted again, except its right here. in front of him. u pour some wolfhook juice for him, and offer him a napkin to wipe his mouth and eyes

Diluc visits often after that, obviously.

u give him snacks too, and when he lets the staff try some, Adeline will not stop harassing him abt gettin ur recipes/ingredeints so u get him to pay Fischl to get a copy of their recipe book :)

including blank pages for future entries, and Fischl is literally glowing with happiness, would not stop monologuing abt ur food for weeks (send help Oz wants some peace and quiet sometimes)

Oh Diluc absolutely told the Favonius knights he found you. But he’s not saying where LMAO

Jean is actually begging him, Diluc ik u hate the knights but this is an international investigation-

this is the closest Diluc has ever gotten to getting under Venti’s skin.

when he told him this at Angel’s while bartending, he just casually ofc said this, just his smug little smirk, and the anemo god cracked a glass and everything- esp when he said he tried ur cooking??

he's gotta start looking over his shoulder in the city bc not only is Venti stalking him, the entirety of Mondstadt’s citizens are glaring at him in envy everywhere he goes LMAOO

(Venti now has a bar glass or too on his tab to pay off as well)

mans is literally paying u in weapon/artifact materials/mora to make him lunch one day and Venti nearly lunges over the counter

(Diluc purposefully ate it in front of him 💀)

ur food is the ultimate, “u could make a religion out of this!” /ref

like Diluc fully gives u offerings of ingredients he can pay for shipping from other countries + along with regular materials after grinding in domains

does the rest of Mondstadt + the world find out where u are?

only if Diluc lets them tbh. LMFAO

☆

bk trashfire my beloved <3 love ur ideas and stuff, goes without even saying im so sorry i took actually forever to respond :’(

hope u have a great weekend and i did this little side story justice for you

Safe Travels BK Trashfire,

💀♒

If you wanna join a taglist, DM me what for! "Pspspsss, please tag me for [All SAGAU posts, Only SAGAU Language AUs, diff fandom, etc.]!"

(If you ever wanna drop, just DM me! "No more taglists/[specifically this AU/fandom] please!")

♡my beloveds♡

@karmawonders / @0rah-s / @randomnatics / @glxssynarvi / @nexylaza / @genshin-impacts-me / @wholesomey-artist / @thedevioussmirk / @the-dumber-scaramouche / @chocogi / @fallen-starr / @areaderofbooks / @devilangel657 / @esthelily / @justinsomniachild / @nanithefuck / @questionotmystopit / @chinuneko / @silvers-tongue

@kiyomi-uchiha777

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evilwickedme · 2 years ago

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I said I'd never do jumblr content again and yet here I am because this keeps coming up and it's like the only thing I can think about. That said I will not hesitate to turn off reblogs if y'all are horrible in the notes again, and be warned that I will be blocking anybody who supports any of the theories I mention immediately

There is no such thing as a conspiracy theory that isn't antisemitic. There is no such animal

Antisemitic conspiracy theories go back thousands of years. The ones that still have the most hold on culture to this day are the blood libel, and the protocols of the elders of zion

The blood libel was an accusation that would be brought against Jewish populations in Europe often but especially around Passover claiming that we were killing Christian children for ritual purposes, usually to use their blood for baking matza or other nonsense (it is important to me that you know that this is nonsense. It is horrible and damaging but also to the core a ridiculous lie that never at any point made any sense. They just didn't care). Debatably this trope is present in the merchant of Venice. Undebatably Jews were killed because people did and still do sincerely believe this

The protocols of the elders of zion is a fictitious document published in Russia at the very beginning of the 20th century, supposedly detailing the meetings of the Jewish people who secretly run the world. The protocols were almost immediately proven to be a rip off of another document - ah, plagiarism - but that hasn't stopped antisemites from embracing it wholeheartedly (special thanks fuck you to Henry Ford for publishing them in his newspaper, spreading it across the USA). It built on previous antisemitic tropes, from the greedy banker trope (Jews were forced to be money lenders in medieval Europe as it was forbidden in Christianity and Jews weren't allowed to join any guilds, preventing them from making money in any other capacity - the reason why there are so many Jews in Hollywood is identical, but in the early 20th century) to the concept of dual loyalty (i.e. Jewish are loyal to ourselves above all else and cannot be trusted to be loyal to the country where we live, see: modern trope that every Jew is probably loyal to Israel and the subsequent idea that it's okay to ask every single diaspora Jew how they feel about Israel immediately upon meeting them). It's also worth noting that the word cabal, used to denote the shadowy organizations that supposedly control the world, comes from kabbala, which is Jewish mysticism

The idea of lizard people, created by a guy literally named Icke because he is a gross human being, was designed to repackage the antisemitic shadow cabal concept to be supposedly more palatable

Most qanon theories also build on all of this, such as world leaders preying on children (remember pizzagate?)

But more importantly conspiratorial thinking always positions you as the good guy standing against a mysterious "them", an other which is influencing things behind the scenes. The Jew is the ultimate other, and specifically an other that supposedly forms a shadowy world government, controlling everything and yet somehow not managing to get rid of antisemitism (see: protocols of Zion, lizard people, we control Hollywood and the government which is of course conspiring against you). There is no way to decouple the idea of an evil shadowy organization (usually also referred to as a cabal to really hammer it in) from antisemitism and antisemitic tropes

And this means that even supposedly "harmless" conspiracy theories attract antisemites and train people who aren't necessarily rabid antisemites to confirm those kinds of biases. Obviously Qanon and lizard people are antisemitic, but what does the moon landing have to do with Jews? Well, it was Hollywood and the government that faked it, obviously. Hell, even the conspiracy that Taylor Swift is secretly a lesbian and is either still secretly dating or is exes with Karlie Kloss is riddled with antisemitism -

Okay so I need to explain my position on this because I fucking hate this conspiracy theory, and the fact that most people simply won't acknowledge that that's what it is. Firstly, Taylor Swift has stated that she is not gay or considers herself an ally at least three times off the top of my head, and specifically denied that she was dating Karlie Kloss. Secondly, outing people is wrong. Thirdly, the conspiracy theory hinges on the idea that she would be risking her career by coming out, except that she's proven that basically no controversy can come in the way of her career, she's already "come out" as an ally, donated to glaad and the equality act, promoted queer musicians & artists & designers (there was a song in the reputation tour that was dedicated to a gay designer every single night of the tour). So what's stopping her from coming out at this point? Mysterious forces, clearly. The antisemitism in that I've already explained, but also the virulent antisemitism among Kaylor shippers aimed at her husband and at the fact that she converted to Judaism is fucking disgusting

Again: even a supposedly harmless conspiracy theory leads to antisemitism and attracts antisemites

A few years ago I tried to rewatch white collar cause I remembered really enjoying that show as a preteen and after around a season I just couldn't stand it anymore, because all I wanted to do was jump into the universe and yell at Mozzie to shut the fuck up because these conspiracy theories were barely presented as a joke and never challenged even once by any of the characters. When I rewatched that 70s show it also fucking sucked, but at least it wasn't showing up in every single episode. The blacklist focuses entirely on a literal Cabal, that's what they're called

This stuff is so normalized and it's fucking everywhere and it's exhausting. Jews are to this day being murdered over this. I can't change the world by myself, unfortunately, but if you don't have a specific person to blame for your troubles, shut the fuck up. Just shut up. There is no conspiracy against you. Sometimes life just sucks. Or definitely does for the Jews who get shot at over this shit

Again, I'll be blocking anybody who parrots this bullshit in the comments but especially fucking gaylors y'all are one of the main reasons that being a fan of Taylor Swift's music is fucking unbearable. Just accept you can connect to music made by somebody different than yourself it's not that difficult of a concept

#this post brought to you by my burning hatred of gaylors #antisemitism #jumblr #jew tag #jewish history #conspiracy theories #t swizzle #to the people who will inevitably come into my inbox after this and ask me questions about antisemitism: pay me first #ko-fi link is through my bio #gail speaks

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celaenaeiln · 2 years ago

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okay so spoiler but

dick beats the fuck out of bruce in batman 138 for drugging and hurting jason and i’m just like “damn you GO dick”

kinda reminds me of someone telling me that above all else, dick is a big brother

but what do you think about that?

OMG OMG OMG FR?!

DUDE I'M SO EXCITED TO READ IT!!!

Dick is chill with Batman on everything but the second someone hurts his family?

He'll tear the world apart.

Titans (2008) Issue #29

What matters to Dick the most in the world is his family. He goes absolutely ballistic when someone hurts them and that includes Bruce. And for all the crap Bruce said to Jason? HE DESERVES IT.

Dick is also fully capable of beating Bruce to bits because like Bruce said

Nighwing (2016)

"Your experiences since you went out on your own have made you more than qualified to be your own international strike force of one."

Actually I want to bring up something about the importance of family and the Roma culture.

For the Romani, there is nothing more important than family. In the medieval ages, they migrated from northern India to all across the lands to all over the world but primarily Europe where they were instantly popular. They were excellent metal-workers and basket makers and in a time when these were the most sought after commodities/talents ever, people were completely taken by them. However local guilds resented this type of competition, so they enforced economic punishments on them in order to monopolize customers.

This time period also experienced a lot of religious activities such as the protestant reformation so there was a lot of religious tension. Considering the Romani's fame and success in things like fortune-telling and how they were from another religion, the Church hated them and feared they would change the minds of "proper christians".

The church and guild worked together to push the Roma out of their society and threw vile stereotypes on them that still last to today. The Romani have been prosecuted for centuries.

Okay, why is this important?

It's partly because of these actions, even though the feeling already existed before, that the Roma culture stresses the importance and value of family. Because for them, it's the Roma vs the whole world. They started forming clusters after the persecution where all those who were Romani would be family. Found family.

Dick, being Roma, takes family extremely seriously. He cherishes them, loves them, and refuses to abandon them. He accepts all their mistakes and success because he loves them for who they are.

Dick is the legendary big brother everyone wants to have.

No matter what happens, he will always protect his family and the good. Even if the threat comes from inside.

So for as much as Dick adores Bruce and loves him with every fiber of his soul, he loves Jason just as much too and there's no way he's just going to let Bruce go for what he did to his baby brother. His baby.

Slay king.

Big Brother Dick's always got everyone's back.

#dick grayson #nightwing #jason todd #red hood #bruce wayne #batman #cl anon asks #thanks for the ask!

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leafa-blog · 7 months ago

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DAY 2 BLIND DATE

**** ONLINE CHAOS ****

— How did I get into this trouble? — he said with his hands on his face.

—Didn't you say you wanted to try? — he put his hands on her waist.

— Yes, I said it, but… How did I let you drag me into this? -

— Don't complain! Look, we already have a date, in 3 weeks everything will be ready-

— Oh no… What if I hide under a rock? -

— Stop talking nonsense!... Oh right, now I'm going out with Ichigo, we're going to see a movie, are you sure you don't want to go with us? I wouldn't like to leave you alone -

— No… don’t worry, I’ll be fine, you know I don’t like ruining their dates -

— You don't ruin anything! And if he says something, I just hit him and that's it - he smiled widely.

She laughed at the last thing I mentioned — I know you will, but still, I'm fine, I'm going to finish the essay I have pending and then I'll go to bed, okay? -

— Mmm ok fine, I'll go change then, he'll be back soon -

- OK -

— Have a good time, guys! — he said goodbye to his friends, then closed the door and headed to his room.

He turned on his laptop and began his homework, he looked at the clock, it was barely five o'clock, he continued and continued, when he finished he looked at the clock again, it was seven o'clock, he went to get something to eat, about two sandwiches, a glass with some juice and that was it, he looked in his drawer for his headphones that were shaped like fox ears and opened the application.

— You took a while to connect -

— Sorry, I had homework, and I just finished it.

— Okay, and your friend? I usually hear her singing through the microphone when you log in -

— Oh, don't worry, she went out with her boyfriend, you know, dates and stuff like that -

- Hmm -

— And the others? -

— They've already left, we already have the mission -

— What?! You stayed to wait for me? -

— Maybe we'll go or we won't catch up with them -

- Clear! -

The girl was in her room playing an MMORPG with a group she met in said game, she had been playing for more than six months, the type of game was from the medieval era, they were made up as a group of adventurers or Guild as they called them within it, there were two girls including her and three boys, each in their role, Priestess, Adventurer Swordsman, Ninja Warrior, Assassin Warrior, a Thief Fighter, they had gotten along somehow, and that's why they tried to meet at least in the game three times a week.

— Damn, where did you go?! -

— I'm behind you! -

— Priestess, do something! We need you to heal us! Otherwise, we won't be able to defeat him! -

— Coming! - he made an incantation - ready, wounds healed and power increasing gradually! Go for the dragon! -

— Where the hell are you two? We need help! -

— Idiot, we're on top! Bring him to the center and we'll do a combo! -

The fight continued until the boss fell.

— Yesssss!!!!! — some of them shouted euphorically.

— Young man! Are you still playing?! Go to bed now! - a scream was heard in the background from someone sending one of the members to sleep — Huh? What time is it? - he spoke into the microphone.

— It's already past 12?! -

— Damn, I have to go to school in a few hours!

— Hahaha, that's what you get for staying in high school, kid - one of them laughed.

There was a commotion and then the Ninja Warrior disconnected.

— Shut up, we have a midterm in the afternoon and you haven't even opened the study handouts! - said the Fighting Thief.

— And for what?! It's always the same information! - mentioned the Assassin Warrior

— We make a good team but you are all very noisy - it was the Swordsman's turn.

— Say that again! You better shut up or I'll kick your bedroom door down and get you out of there! -

The girl heard her companion's laughter and couldn't help but feel happy.

— I envy you all so much… you all not only know each other, but you live together.

A giggle was heard . "Not really, it's a pain to put up with these two," the Fighting Thief mentioned.

— And you are a pearl in the sea, aren't you? — he said ironically.

— Shut up! I'm talking to her, where are you taking my piece of pizza?! Let her go! -

— Make me! Ha! -

— You'll see! Come here!!!! - an intermittent offline was observed on the characters of those two.

— See what I'm saying? — his voice sounded as if he were bored?

— Still, it must be great, are you sleepy? -

— If you say so, and no, I'm not sleepy, don't you have classes in a few hours? -

Her giggle was heard . “No, I have until the afternoon too, I sent the essay by mail so I’m free until 11… and you?”

— As these two said, we have a midterm in the afternoon, I've already read the summaries so no problem, it will be easy to pass -

— Sometimes I envy your confidence, I am a bundle of nerves when I am evaluated -

— From what you've told me, you're a good student, why are you worried?

— You remember about my scholarship, right?

— Yes, I remember, but still, you should stop being nervous, that will only make you stressed - she heard a typing - do you want to go on a couple mission? -

— Thank you, you are someone trustworthy, even though I don't know you in person... of course, why not? -

And so they continued in the game completing a mission in one of the caves, there were goblins and both had to rescue the villagers captured by those horrible creatures.

— Holy Light! -

— Perfect! Now enchant my sword -

— Yes! - He extended his staff and performed the spell.

— Share the Pain, Red Winged Soul! - A few more blows and even the goblin champions fell, along with the troll that was in the cave.

Then they both saw the words “Congratulations” on their screens and knew that they had successfully completed the mission.

— I think it's time to go to sleep -

— You're right, it's already 3:00 and you need to rest… -

— You too, see you later -

- Wait! -

- Hmm? -

— It's just that... well, a while ago I said I was going to ask them and I hadn't had the chance-

— What is your question? -

— We've been playing together for a long time now, but I was wondering if one day I could meet them and find out their real names? —

— Mmm, well the reason we don't give our names is because it's hard to socialize if you know who you are, but I think maybe it could work, you could also ask them where do you live? Online games are worldwide, at least we know we're all in Japan -

— I'm in Karakura and you? -

— Kyoto -

There was a sound of disappointment, either it was his imagination or the girl took the answer the wrong way.

— Bu… well, maybe one day I can visit them… huh? I think my partner arrived, I'll leave you, we'll connect the other week -

- Bye -

- Offline -

— Earth calling Orihime! Hell answer! -

— Sorry! I'm sorry -

— Damn, what the hell is wrong with you? You've been in the clouds since Friday, what happened? Is someone bothering you? If so, tell me who it is and left him unrecognizable to his mother! -

The young girl laughed softly, sometimes her friend was very overprotective of her. — No, it's nothing like that... I was just thinking about other things... -

— Are you still thinking about the handsome young man you'll see in two weeks?

— What?.... Rukia-san! - her red cheeks showed the embarrassment she felt — You know very well that I didn't want to get into that - she covered her face.

— What's wrong with it? Well, maybe we don't know what he's like, but I don't think things will go so badly for you... I've heard that Rangiku met a young man named Gin, and now they're both a couple, things went well for them - he put on a smile from ear to ear.

— Rukia-san please don't make it seem like it's the coolest thing in the world, what if it's someone who only seeks to do harm? - just thinking about it makes me tremble internally — I'm stupid to follow you in these things... - she pouted.

— I already told you to calm down, nothing will happen, you'll see that it's just your imagination, these sites are trustworthy! Believe me! -

Orihime Inoue, a 20-year-old girl, studying her third year of industrial engineering, beautiful, fair skin, orange hair, goddess-like silhouette, or so some of her classmates called her; was studying at Karakura University thanks to a scholarship she managed to win, this because her parents could not afford such a place or even higher education.

She had as a partner a short girl, short black hair with blue tones, her eyes were an intense violet, her attitude was always cheerful and sometimes angry, she was studying Business Engineering, just like her boyfriend Ichigo, a tall young boy, very handsome, and they got along very well, for some strange reason and say strange, they both looked too much alike, physical features, hair color, the only thing different was their character, he was cheerful but explosive, she was sweet but naive, even so they had come to have a good friendship since the first year they met.

And it was precisely because of that friendship that she was there, in a mess not knowing what to do, how she got into that situation, the only thing she said was that she was a little envious of her friend's boyfriend, but it was not for the little girl to sign her up without asking her, to a blind date site...

— I must be crazy -

— I would say yes, but since I still don't know why, I can't confirm or deny -

— I don't know whether to laugh or cry with your answer -

— Whatever you think is appropriate -

— Guys! Could you stop chattering and help me!? I'm about to be devoured by this Rock Dragon!!!! - said the Assassin Warrior.

— It's an Elemental Dragon, you idiot - he took out his sword and recited a few lines - Let the blood of the chains join the sword, show the pain and cut its wings - with incredible speed he gave 13 stabs and a last cut managed to weaken the dragon, to almost ninety-five percent of its power - Shit, I couldn't finish it, are you going to stay there or are you going to do something?, stupid cat -

— I'm not a cat, your brain is… -

— Chamois combo strike!!! - and with a sparkling kick he managed to finish defeating the dragon.

— See, it wasn't that difficult?

— Shut up!!! - he roared — damn it how the hell was I supposed to know I activated that trap?! And where the hell is that brat?! -

— Don't call me a brat! Here I am the Ninja Warrior Nnoi… -

— Whatever you say! You could have warned me about that trap! -

— I told you! Didn't you read my message? How are you playing and you don't even know how to use all your settings? -

—Your damn child…! -

— Leave him alone, he's been angry for a week now -

—And what happened? — asked the Priestess.

— Do you remember the partial we said we were going to have? -

— Yes… don't tell me what? -

— Yes, I quit, and now he has to work on an essay and read 200 pages to earn extra credits -

— Oh -

— Hahahahahahaha! And then you say that I'm the idiot who doesn't study hahahahaha what a brave example you give me, old man! -

— Damn brat! Come back here and repeat that! -

— Back to his usual nonsense -

— Guys! I forgot to tell you, a new game has come out and I've read several reviews that it's really good! Do you want to try it and we can go in? -

— What is it? — the youngest asked curiously.

— Ahhh… mmmm - a nervous giggle was heard.

— You forgot, right? -

— Yes.. Sorry!, but I think it is with BBS something like that….-

— BBS? What is that? A song? -

— No! Damn, I'll remember, look it up and send you the details, okay? -

And everyone in their own way answered Yes.

— Do you have time? — the priestess approached the Swordsman.

— Do you need anything? -

— Yes, that's what I'd like to talk to you about, but not in front of the boys.

— Okay, if you want we can go into the rest area and chat, what do you think? -

- perfect -

They both moved to the rest area and after their companions said goodbye and logged off, they continued chatting for a while longer.

— I want to understand you can't tell your friend that you don't like the idea and you just accepted -

She sighed in defeat — Yes, now you understand why I said I'm a fool. I don't know how I let her drag me into this. Honestly, the idea doesn't seem good to me and I'm scared.

The young swordsman sighed imperceptibly but listened to the girl's story then replied

— Look, I'll be honest with you, it's a crazy idea and I think it's stupid that you accepted it without putting up any resistance.

— I know, I know... what do you think? What do you think I should do? -

— When do you say it is? -

— Next week or so she told me, I honestly don't know what to do, I don't want to go but apparently there's a small fine that they charge you if you don't go and my friend paid in advance so I have to go... I'm about to stick my head in a hole - her drama was heard - I don't know what's going to happen but I hope things don't go wrong -

— Do you want me to tell you a little secret?

- Yeah? -

— My friends did the same thing, just like you, they pretended to be me and agreed to everything, so I just have to go on a blind date just like you -

— Are you serious?

— I wouldn't be telling you this if it wasn't true, so I have to show up even if I don't want to -

— Misfortune follows us… we have some friends who love to get us into this kind of trouble -

— You just have to face it. If you don't like it, you turn around and leave. I intend to do that. I'm not going to be there wasting my time with someone here that I don't know and who I've never agreed to go out with. I suggest you do the same.

— I think you're right. In any case, I'll put some pepper spray in my bag. I don't want to run into some fat, old guy pretending to be a young man, so I can end up running away from him. — A nervous laugh was heard.

— You read a lot of fiction novels, right? I think your tastes are in forensics. At what point do dates become that type? There are several platforms, from what I understand and from what these idiots told me, where they are in charge of avoiding these types of scenarios. I think the page where they entered my information has one of these filters. Could it be that or will you soon see on the pages “dumb boy is murdered on his first date”?

— Don't joke about that! -

— I'm just stating the obvious -

— Still… don't say that… well, you clearly guessed my tastes and I hope you're right about the platform -

— Just do what you have to do, if you don't like it, turn around and walk away, say "thank you and I'm sorry", you can even tell her that you didn't mean to be there, that something happened and you leave, cut off your friendship and that's it -

— Nice phrase, I can do the first one, but the second one… how am I going to leave Rukia-san… if it's true that she likes to get into my things, but she's a good girl -

- If you say so… -

— Listening to your answers, it makes it sound so easy -

— It's easy, the problem with you is that you like to meet the expectations of others, I give you some advice, live your life and don't think about others, not everyone will help you when you need it -

- You think? -

— I've only just met you online, and from what I've seen, if you're that type -

— You… Have you been through something similar? -

I only heard typing and the response took a while to arrive.

— I don't go around telling some aspects of my life everywhere… but… I think I can make an exception with this -

— No! Please, if it bothers you, don't tell me anything -

— Even though I say that they are idiots, they are honestly trustworthy people. Before university I was in a group with some classmates who put me in a very complicated situation that almost cost me my last year of study, but in the end it was resolved. I mean that you can't trust everyone... I don't trust everyone.

— I think you're right, my brother says the same thing too, I don't have to be confident and even less try to please everyone -

— Your brother is smart -

— It's the best! - she sighed - I really enjoyed talking to you, I've taken a weight off my shoulders waiting for someone to listen to me, and I appreciate your advice too -

— Well, one more thing, with all this I forgot to tell you, and the others forgot to mention it too, next week we won't be able to connect, we have some activities and we'll be on an exchange at a university outside of Kyoto, so we'll be busy -

— Really? It's a shame, it'll be a long week for me, but that's okay, I'll wait until they come back and Ninja will be out too? -

— Do you really want to play as a couple with that kid? -

Rio nervously — Hehehe you're right, no, I don't want to, he's very good at playing but he's very intense and there are certain comments that make me uncomfortable when he says them -

— Okay then, see you next time -

— Yes, goodbye -

-Offline -

After that, they both left the game. The girl began to think about what he had told her. It was true that she needed to be a little firmer, that is, not always try to meet other people's expectations. She had to think more about herself. She didn't deny that her friend possibly wanted the best, but she also had to respect her decisions. When she said no, it was a no.

Unfortunately, he couldn't cancel the appointment, but he would do what he said: he would go, see the person and tell them that it had been a mistake and that he was grateful for coming. He hoped with all his heart that nothing bad would happen when he did that.

The days passed quickly in the blink of an eye, before she knew it she was ready in a white turtleneck shirt, dark blue skinny jeans, knee-high boots, and a dark beige thigh-length trench coat... she had put on a light makeup, had part of her hair braided in a half ponytail and strands falling over her face, she put on some accessories and in her purse she already had everything she needed for that night, her friend helped her get dressed and gave her a lot of advice on how to have a nice conversation or dinner with her date, clearly the orange-haired girl wasn't happy about what was about to happen yet, but as her brother sometimes said, " take the bull by the horns"...

— I'm excited about what's going to happen tonight! You have to tell me everything in the morning! -

He gave a forced laugh. “I told you the first day and I’ll say it again, this is not a good idea, but because of you I now have to comply.”

— I already told you that everything will be fine, just have faith! -

He thought internally — Yes If I could have the confidence, that you say I should have, I wouldn't be doing this in the first place -

— Well, here is the address, this is the restaurant where he will be waiting for you at eight o'clock, he says he will be wearing a black jacket and black jeans, he doesn't say anything else -

— Are you sure? -

— Yes, sure, it says that what you have to do is that when you get to the restaurant you tell the waiter that you are going with the knight of swords-

—Knight of Swords?-

— I have no idea what he means but that's what he put in the note -

— Okay then I'm leaving, I'll see you later if something happens I'll be calling you... and if you don't answer me I assure you that my ghost will look for you to the ends of the earth! -

— Yes yes yes, leave your drama, go now! - he pushed her out of the apartment.

—And where will you be? - I speak through the door.

— Go now! I'm leaving with Ichigo, he's coming for me in an hour! -

Just as she thought, she would be alone in this mess.

— Good evening, I have a reservation -

— Yes, Miss, in whose name? -

— Ummm… Knight of Swords? - she said embarrassedly.

The girl at the reception changed her face when she heard the name, she looked at her with disdain, a furtive glance up and down... Was it her imagination or was she upset with her for something?

— Follow me - I say dryly

They passed a couple of corridors and a few tables; in the background a beautiful violin and piano melody, it couldn't be, it was her favorite “Here to Stay” by her favorite composer Shiro Sagisu.

He couldn't deny that the place was beautiful, very sophisticated and elegant. After passing a couple of tables with diners, he finally saw the figure of a man from behind through a large window. Immediately his heart began to beat nervously... a slight tremor reached his hands, he encouraged himself internally and walked over to the table, behind the gentleman who was there.

— Young man - the receptionist called - Your companion has arrived -

She saw that he only nodded, and she responded with a " Anything you need just call me " he saw a blush on her cheeks and a smile, when he saw her again her face changed to an apathetic one again he looked up and down and walked away completely ignoring her, What had that been? No idea; returning to the present he sat in the chair in front and looked at the young man.

— Hi… hi – now she understood the receptionist girl, the boy was very handsome and there was no doubt about it, his skin was white to the point of almost looking pale, hair as black as night reaching the height of his shoulders and a rebellious lock falling over his face, green eyes, but not just any green, but deep and hypnotizing ones… — Excuse me… Knight of Swords? – she asked, even more nervous than before.

— Actually… well yes – was it just you or did his voice sound familiar?

She faced him, she didn't know what else to do, he was handsome and all, but still... it wasn't what she wanted... or was it?

— Thank you and I'm sorry -

They both spoke at the same time, staring at each other, remaining silent for an eternal minute…

It couldn't be... or was it even possible? He had learned that phrase from his playmate... perhaps...

— Fourth Sword? -

— Shun Shun Rikka? - he asked as well.

— Yes! You are the Fourth Espada… But how?! … You… You were my blind date? -

— Apparently - he said, then adopted an attitude of complete calm, leaving behind that astonishment that in the end was not even noticeable.

— But… how? I mean, you live in Kyoto… How are you here? -

— You forget that I mentioned that we were going out with the boys, for a University issue -

— That's true, so... They're at Karakura University? Why didn't you tell me? It's the only university in this place -

— I told you that I don't tell every aspect of my life to anyone -

— Yes… but…- and her spirits fell, she thought that despite the time they had been playing, it had been enough for them to consider her at least a friend.

The boy, seeing the young woman's disappointed face, decided to continue. "Hey..." he spoke quietly, hoping that she would hear him. "Don't make that face... I'll be honest, do you remember that I told you that they forgot to mention that we were going to be away for a week?"

- Yeah… -

— They wanted to give you a special surprise, Third Espada, but there was something very important that they also forgot and only realized when we were here -

- What is it? -

— He forgot to ask for your number… -

— What?... - I still didn't understand.

He sighed imperceptibly — What I mean is that with everything we came here to do, they forgot to ask for your number and since I warned you that we weren't going to connect, we assumed that you wouldn't do it too, she entered the game several times to find you but to no avail, so we assumed that it would be difficult to contact you and even less so if we didn't even have your real name -

And then she realized what he was telling her, he was right, she didn't connect again, she wouldn't do it until the entire week had passed. "Oh, I understand... thanks for clarifying for me," and she smiled radiantly at the young man.

There was something that stirred in the boy, that simple smile managed to make his cold heart beat quickly, a long time ago in his high school years he had fallen in love, but he had also been deceived and in the worst way, thanks to that, he decided not to give his heart to anyone again, anyway if you didn't have a heart, there was nothing to give, it was an empty shell as his friend sometimes said, but now, why did he feel so comfortable with her? She was very beautiful without a doubt, however, trusting someone again was not in his plans, but when he saw her sad face for some strange reason he didn't like seeing her like that at all.

- Good night,Are you ready to order? - said the waiter who arrived

— Oh, sorry, I guess not… - in the end he thought that if he was forced to be there, they weren't going to continue with that game any longer, remembering their conversation from last week.

— Please, can you give us about 10 more minutes, we haven't decided yet, thank you -

— With pleasure, sir - and the waiter left the place.

— Are you sure? - she asked doubtfully - last time you told me you were leaving... -

— That was before I knew it was you, do you want to keep chatting? - that vibrant and masculine voice, different from what she heard in the game, mesmerizing, immediately caught her.

— Yes… please – I said, embarrassed and blushing.

— Well, let me introduce myself properly... My name is Ulquiorra Cifer, a 4th year Robotics Engineering student, I'm 22 years old and I like online games, my pseudonym is Cuarto Espada - the drawing of a smile was seen on his face.

She happily replied, “Nice to meet you, I'm Orihime Inoue, a 3rd year Industrial Engineering student, I'm 20 years old, my pseudonym is almost always Shun Shun Rikka, but sometimes I use Hime, I like many things but lately I've been into online games.”

And they both extended their hands in greeting.

A pleasant conversation began. They talked about a little bit of everything, her and his tastes in music, art, among other things. They realized that they were both similar but at the same time different, they were like day and night, but for some reason they both complemented each other. He seemed to be bored by everything, but listening to her you could see that he was not distant or apathetic to the conversation. He really liked that she was intelligent even for the smallest things, even her appearance of innocence.

She was in the same circumstances as her companion, she couldn't help but think that her playmate was someone very interesting, apart from being educated and very intelligent, she always assumed it but seeing him face to face was something else, she was still amazed at how fate worked in that coincidence, but there was something that didn't fit her... Something that she felt he was hiding from himself, she didn't know how he would do it but she would find out. Her curiosity always got the better of everything.

They had a delicious dinner, a perfect atmosphere, and the company was certainly pleasant, after that they both shared their numbers and this time they surprised the black-haired man's friends, finally he met Tercero and Sexta Espadas, Nelliel and Grimmjow, their real names, they explained to him that they decided to create a group with matching names, as they were all in a class called Spanish, it was where they liked the name as such they even mention it in the real language. She also introduced them to her friend and her boyfriend Ichigo, there was a rivalry who knows why with Grimmjow and the orange-haired man, but in the end they all got along.

She created a very close bond with the boys, taking advantage of the holidays that came at the end of the cycle, she spent Christmas in Kyoto with them, and as everything happened she couldn't help but fall in love with Cifer, so she plucked up her courage and with the help of Nell and Grimmjow, she declared her love to the young man and he, who was also beginning to have feelings for the girl, accepted, so at Christmas they began their courtship, their relationship was going so well for a long time, that they hoped that after both finished university, they would go to live together in Tokyo prefecture.

Nell convinced everyone at some point after months of asking for it, playing a new online game that had been out for weeks already, she read the reviews and everyone found it interesting, so they left the Medieval Adventure game for a while and were now playing on a completely different field.

— Chain Bat -

—Tear Panther! -

— Declares… Chamois -

— Prayer Saint Teresa! -

A hard battle was taking place in that arid and desert field, with the darkness in the background and its sands of an immaculate color.

— Shit! Where did he go?! -

— Here I am... Grimmjow! - he shouted as he pulled out his sword — Bankai!!! -

— Hahahaha I wanted you to be serious!! Tear it off!! -

— Getsuga Tenshou!!! -

— Sexta, what are you doing? We had to make a plan -

— This is my Fourth plan! - punches, combos his transformation was amazing - Brat where did you go now?! ... Nnoitra do something with that Sado boy! -

— Don't give me orders! I'm just finishing with him! -

— Ahhh! -

— Okay, I beat you Grimmjow, now where did Cuarta go? -

— Were you looking for me? … Dark Zero -

— Damn it! Getsuga Tenshou!!-

— Soten Kisshun! —

A golden shield managed to protect the Fourth Espada, thus preventing his energy level from declining.

— Eh?! Rikka what are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be our ally?! -

— Sorry Shinigami, but I'm part of the Sword Team, infiltrating the enemy was easier than we thought -

— Leave the rest to me, the others go get them -

— Yes! — shouted those in his group.

— Resurrection Second Stage - and a new and powerful transformation managed to show….

— Damn! Now I see two HP of Vitality and Strength? -

— It's time for the fight... Shinigami - he spoke while a green halo came out of his hands — Lightning Spear -

-Congratulations-

— Hahaha this is great! Another victory for the Espadas! - shouted the Fifth Espada Nnoitra energetically

— I haven't managed to defeat you yet, but I know I will soon - said the Shinigami — You surprised me with your double agent act Inoue -

— Thank you very much, Kurosaki-kun, you did well too -

— I told you that you would like this game, Bleach Brave Soul -

— I must admit it's great -

— Yes, who would have thought that you would become good at this, after complaining so much when we asked you to join us, Itzugo -

— For the thousandth time Nell is Ichigo -

— Sorry, I still have a hard time pronouncing Japanese names, Orihime is the exception, her name is easier -

— Yes of course and Grimmjow's name isn't that hard to pronounce or is it? -

— I'm Polish, what did you expect? The name is French, it's basically in Europe. I can pronounce some European names, but not Japanese ones.

— Yes yes, okay, I understand, call me whatever you want -

— So Ichigo, what do you say we play a duel, you against me and see who's the best?

— Don't you get tired of the same thing? You've already fought more than ten battles and they end in a draw? said the young man among them.

— Shut up, brat… -

— Okay guys, we're going to log out... there are still things we need to continue unpacking -

—And how are things Hime? Aren't you bored of living with Bitter Face? -

— Nell …. - the black-haired man warned

— Hahaha, you see, you are just bitter! I am surprised that you have found a girlfriend and one as sweet as Orihime, I thought that you would remain single forever hahaha -

— Oh, that's right! Before we leave, I'm inviting you to our wedding. We're getting married in two months, so you have to come. — She said energetically.

— HUH?!!!!!!!!! -

Everyone was in shock at the news, it was so serious that in the end he was going to get married? And nobody expected that, much less from his friend Ulquiorra.

— Orihime, you just broke the news in the middle of an online game — said her fiancé, a little annoyed.

— It's okay, besides they are our friends… -

— Are you sure? Look at the inbox wall -

And then the girl and the others checked, At what point had the news “Sword Bat marries Princess Hime-Rikka” gone viral and famous? Everyone read it… but… who?

And at that Grimmjow screamed.

— Damn brat! Was it your truth?! You did the same thing months ago in the other game!! -

— What?! You can't keep this news to yourself! Ulquiorra is the most powerful player here, at least they should know that he's already with someone so that no one can take him away from the Princess!!! -

— You bastard! -

And from one moment to the next, despite being online, everyone was happy for their friends, since it was no secret that they made a cute couple.

She took off her headphones and silenced her receiver, and so did the black-haired man.

— I think we'll leave it for a while to process, don't you think? -

— Sure, come here - and he picked her up and carried her to bed - I'm tired, how about we sleep for a while and then continue? -

She laughed softly - it's okay, even though we've been here for a week, organizing everything is exhausting, and who would have thought that today we would be here and together... on a blind date... -

— You said it… - he slowly approached her and kissed her lips, starting with a caress but then intensifying… — you are the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life… -

— You too… I love you Ulquiorra -

-END-

#ulquihimeweek2024 #ulquiorra cifer #ulquihime #orihime inoue

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donatellarose · 1 month ago

Text

— rose

Phillip Graves x f!reader

rated e - 1, 251 words

tags: medieval au, both Graves and reader are assassins from rival factions, brief mention of injury and tending to it, friends to enemies to lovers

prompt: my favorite quotes and moments that I can't get out of my head from These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong with a COD inspired twist.

dividers: saradika graphics

Two rival assassin factions and forbidden love

The Shadows and The 141. Two elite assassin guilds that were always out for blood with each other. Scrambling to expand territory or recruiting numbers. Fighting in the streets or in war rooms over the latest contracts. As heir to the 141 task force, you were no stranger to it.

The last day replayed in your mind on a loop, as if it could somehow explain your current situation and even stranger company.

"I certainly hope you are not going to make me go to the masquerade."

"I'm not going to make you go like a tyrant. But I would strongly prefer if you would go with me."

Your father John Price's words seemed to bounce off the empty walls of the cave where you'd taken shelter from the rain outside. The memory so vivid you could almost feel the silver masquerade mask weighing on your cheekbones, the corset of your midnight blue gown painfully tight.

The masquerade. A networking event where contracts were discussed in back room and deals made with the promise of anonymous safety. You had spotted a familiar face from across the room in the main ballroom. Blonde hair, piercing blue eyes barely hidden under a mask black as night. The Shadow heir, Phillip Graves watching you as if you were the last being on earth. What had begun as a confrontation of whispered words ended in a different battle to prevent wandering eyes from growing suspicious in the middle of the dancing crowd. Forced to circle each other, hands extended but not touching. Words gave way to heated glares and stiff movements until the question had finally fallen from your lips.

"What are you doing here? I gather you are not risking your life just to have a little dance."

"No, my father sent me. He proposes we work together."

Vague words that only meant a common threat and a shared contract. That was all the information Phillip had given, though your meticulous inspection of his features gave no further insight. Your scrutiny had revealed something, a glimpse of the soul behind the name as the words rushed from your lips before you could stop them.

"Do you ever imagine what life would be like if you had a different name?

"All the time. Don't you?"

"Only sometimes. What would I be if I weren't a Price."

"You could be a Graves."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Or we could erase both names and leave this entire Graves-Price blood feud nonsense behind.

Later that night, something was knocking rhythmically on the glass doors of your second floor balcony. Flicking the curtains open with more forces than necessary, a familiar figure lounged on the railing of your balcony. Phillip.

"We really need to upgrade security."

You had rolled your eyes as you stepped out to meet him, but any annoyance faded when you saw the piece of paper with seals from both houses. Shadows and 141. A joint agreement to go after the mercenary that had been plaguing both houses. Only know as Makarov. Someone with so much blood on his hands he made the fresh roses in your windowsill appear a faint pink.

The pair of you had left that night on the covert mission. Which went smoothly until an hour ago. The heavy rainfall hadn't helped as night fell fast while you tracked your target, making visibility near impossible. The rolling thunder had masked the approach of mere bandits. Ordinarily not a threat, but exhausted minds and slow reflexes led to slower reaction times.

The pain didn't come at first, the blade cold and foreign as it wedged in the back of your shoulder. Only when your nerves registered the shock did the sharp agony reverberate outwards. A steady stream of crimson ran down your back throughout the brief fight until Phillip had dragged you into a nearby cave. The still form of the bandits were bare of all its treasures, even the jewelry hidden carefully in coat pockets.

And hence, your current situation. Soaked. Shivering. Suffering.

"Put pressure on the wound."

"I know. Sit. And keep your eyes open."

"I'm not going to sleep."

"Open. Them."

You forced your eyes open as you sat cross legged near the tiny fire, the few embers barely emitting any source of light. A sharp hiss as he pressed his jacket against your back to try to clot the bleeding. You shoulder unconsciously twitched, his hand coming around your arm immediately to hold you still

"I do suggest keeping it down. Would you like a handkerchief to bite?"

"I'll bite nothing unless it's your hand. Raw and detached."

In the silent night, you made out the huffed laugh under his breath as your snappish retort. Had you a mirror, his blue eyes that haunted your sleepless nights were probably rolling skyward as if cursing the heavens that you two had ever met as children. Once friends, even more until the burden of a last name shredded the connection.

"Stay still."

"You're clearly trying to kill me."

"I'm obviously not very good at it becausr you remain alive. So stay still."

"Since when did you care about my life?"

He moved in front of you, a look in his eyes that was so fierce the world could have gone up in smoke and neither of you would have noticed.

"I don't. I hate you."

When you didn't recoil, he kissed you.

Time seemed to stop, as if the very air was scared to disrupt an action that was years in the making. Childhood crushes to harmless flirtation to pure loathing as blood ran thicker than water. Your initial stiffness melted away as you replied to his action in kind. Fingers clinging to his shirt as you closed the distance even more. His warmth seeped into you like a soothing balm, his lips soft amidst the hardness of the nightmarish world that had torn you apart.

In the end, this was all you were. Two hearts pressed as close as they dared, shadows meddling into one by the flickering firelight.

"Marry me. Marry me so we can erase this blood feud between us and start utterly anew."

His words were soft, a faint tremble as if this question had weighed on his heart for years. Hopes and dreams long ago realized but only now confessed. A shaky inhale passed through your lips as your own heart ached with words long ago written by your own hand about the blue eyes sparkling at you.

I wish but for the thing I have; My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.

"I will be free of my name, I take yours."

"It is not as though my name is any less better.It is not as though there is less blood on mine."

You cupped his cheek as if your touch could erase the frown that had grazed Phillip's features at his statement. Though there was a truth to it, his name was just as marred as your own. But, then again...

"A rose is a rose, even by another name.But we choose whether we will offer beauty to the world, or if we will use out thorns to sting."

You laced your fingers with his as you continued on with your whispered words.

"In this life and the next, for however long our souls remain, mine will always find yours. This is my vow to you."

#call of duty x reader #phillip graves

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my-pjo-stuff · 7 months ago

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hypothetically if someone where to write a medieval royalty au where thaluke happened what would be somethings that would be interesting, and in this extremely hypothetical au they've only met like 3 times also how would one hypothetically incorporate swabian food and culture into the hypothetical fic?

Well to start off I'd like to say that I would enjoy it very much if you could send me a link to whatever work you will do in this hypothetical AU. Also I'd like to thank you for giving me an excuse to geek about my culture. ANYWAY ONTO IT ALL, so the easiest, most obvious way to bring in swabian culture would probably be the dialect. However that could only really work if the work was in German, which is props isn't, so the swabian dialect (which is a GERMAN dialect) props won't be able to get to use. After that you could definitely bring in traditional clothing! Now there are a few flavours of swabian based on where you are- I for my part am from the Black Forest, which is why I'll use that as a reference.

You could definitely use inspiration from our traditional clothing, the Schwarzwaldtracht! It's quite the old and traditional thing, the red cap you can see is called the Bollenhut, and women are allowed to wear it after their first holy communion. For men it's the bit stereotypical Lederhosen-ish look.

Ofcourse there's also things like food, in which we have quite the variety. A personal favorite of mine are Käsespätzle. You can imagine it kind of like a German Mac and Cheese but better.. It is made with the traditional Swabian noodles called Spätzle, it is mixed with stewed onions, cheese, bacon and then flavoured with salt and pepper. After that it's backed for about 20-30mins and voila! It's done and in my opinion a great meal! It's unironically one of my favorites and a childhood meal. Some also serve it with a mushroom sauce.

After that we can ofcourse to festivities, which I think this one called Fasnacht will be quite interesting for your AU in terms of romance. You can imagine it a bit like German Halloween, but longer and with a much longer tradition. Fasnacht traditionally is celebrated the week before lent, meaning six weeks before easter. It starts from Schmotziger /The Dirty/ (a Thursday) to the Aschenmittwoch /Ashen Wednesday/. During this week so-called Narrenumzüge happen (lit. translated to Fools Parade). Basically there are these huge parades of so-called Narren (fools), Narren are people dressed up in different costumes as different characters.

Here you have a few! Each village or community has their own kind of Narren, with their own unique costume and "character". They are organized in Narrenzünfte (Fools' Guild). They are basically just communities for everyone dressing up as them, with officials and all. Each Narrenzunft has their own sort of "motto", it is a phrase or word consisting of two parts. One will be said by a Narr (singular of Narren), the other by someone watching the parade. What happens will be that the different Narren will come up to people during the parade, they will then say part of the specific phrase of their village/community and the other person has to say the rest. If they manage to do it they then get either candy, in some cases alcohol and even things like brezels and other foods. They also have so called Narrenhymnen (Fools' Anthem) which, just like the name says, is a anthem for the specific Narrenzunft. Generally this time is considered to be a time to "let go of all rules" and "go crazy". People dress up in costumes to go visit these parades and also go to parties. Imagine just a week of drinking and partying all around. Now ngl this Fasnacht is HUGE with many other things, this kind of Fasnacht is also very much southern. While celebrated around all of Germany, the northern version is much different. I really advise doing your own research or sending me a DM or two if ya have more questions! You can easily have Luke and Thalia meet during this or something akin to Fasnacht in costume! If you want this to be set in swabia itself...well, don't. Genuinly I can only advise you DON'T. German history is an absolute mess even outside of the 20th century. Most our known history was spent fighting each other, Swabia being one of those areas which were conquered and given up and sold etc. genuinely it's a shitshow and if you do not want to get into German history just avoid historical swabia all together. Welp, I hope I was able to help you with this answer !

#pjo #swabia #germany

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fallenwhumpee · 1 year ago

Text

Promise

• Part 1 • Part 2 • Masterlist •

Warnings: Medieval settings, blood, battlefield, dissociation.

"We are not taking that mission!" Healer shouted to Leader, their head stretched back to stare at Leader. "We don't take missions in villages. And this won't be an exception."

"Like it or not," Leader towered over them, putting a hand to their chest to stop them from getting closer. "We don't have any choice in that. We can't abandon our lands to the enemy. We will fight."

Leader watched as the anger got more intense in Healer's eyes.

"You will send us to slaughter! You know we don't do well in the missions involving civilians. The team..."

"No one will visit you after this." Leader cut sharply. "I promise. I won't let my team pull their usual stunts."

"You can't just stop them from taking a blow for some random stranger."

"Have more faith in me. When did I get us into something we can't handle?" Leader tried again. They needed Healer to see their point.

Healer looked at them for one more moment before sighing and averting their eyes. "But I'm not patching anyone after this."

"That's the spirit. Now pack up. We're leaving with the lunch."

Healer nodded, leaving Leader alone. Leader made their way to their room in the guild's barracks. They closed the door behind them slowly, letting their shoulders drop.

"I don't know what should I do," they admitted to the haunting heaviness hovering over them. A moment later, the familiar bone deep feeling of loneliness washed over them, and they had to lean on their desk to stay standing as their strength drained from their body for a moment.

"I can't keep going on like this." They muttered to themselves after it. This was getting beyond their control.

Stopping their thoughts to save their sanity, straightening their stance slowly. They walked over their wardrobe and pulled out a large shield, their sword and armour. They couldn't help but stare at them for a moment before starting to get dressed. The armour over their skin was the only thing that made them feel secure in those days. The only thing they felt like they belonged to.

Not their team.

Despite loving them dearly - and being loved back - Leader was not a part of the team. They were the sword and the shield between them and the enemy, but not a part of it. It was just according to the regulations. Leader couldn't afford to be among the people they were sworn to protect. It never ended well.

Slowly pulling the straps and locking the metal pieces into each other, Leader abandoned thinking altogether. A moment of peace was needed, and they found it relaxing just to do something and not think. They only left their helmet out, putting their long sword to its sheath on their back, placing the very large shield over it. Making sure it's secure, they packed two set of clothes and some water. They were ready to depart.

But their eyes lingered in the big room, checking it for a last time. Their bed was tidy, so the other... They averted their eyes. They forgot nothing. There was no need to torment themselves more.

Stepping out of the suffocating room, Leader felt heaviness linger over them for one more second, but they smiled when they saw their team and ignored the feeling.

"We are ready to depart." Right Hand walked a step forward. "Briefed about the mission. The place looks good for defence. I don't understand why they need reinforcements there."

"They need replacements. And I've heard it's nearing the end. The enemy is giving up. Just need some more pushing."

Leader walked past the team after glancing at everyone, the smile on their face not faltering despite the emptiness pulling their mouth down. They got into their house with one move, the shield messing with their balance a little. It was vast, even for Leader. They had never understood how...

No. Leader wasn't hoping to think about them. Leader had to keep their head there and then. They simply turned to the horizon and rode the horse.

"The battle will be already going on when we arrive," Leader said after they covered a significant distance. "I want you to stay close and work as one unit. You will just hold the defence until another order, either from the general leading the battle or from me. I need you to fight as long as you can, in the other words, do not try something idiotic because none of you will be useful if you're dead."

That gained some chuckles but also nods. Good. Leader needed them to stay alive and well. They made a promise, after all.

The rest of the ride was silent on Leader's part, listening to their comrades and keeping an eye on everything. They only slowed down once they reached the narrow gate, the last lights of sun already departed, leaving them in dark. The battle sounds began to give Leader goosebumps. They felt their heartbeat match with the distant clatter of metal and shouts, their hand instinctively reaching their sword.

The team hid the horses, getting ready to dive into the battle. Without a word, Leader drew their sword, the weight of it familiar in their grip. They blew out a breath and scanned the scene before them. Their focus shifted to their team.

"Stay close," they felt the need to warn.

Without further orders, the team advanced. The disgusting smell of blood-soaked soil once again filled their lungs, the ground beneath them shook. There was nothing, nothing that could distract them from doing what was right. They would not attack, never attack, but they also wouldn't hold back their sword raised to protect.

When Leader's blade met the enemy's for the first time, their focus was absolute, every movement precise and calculated. The clash of metal, the cries of the soldiers, and the roar of battle filled the air, a chaotic symphony that set their heart racing. They moved with a single-minded purpose, their sword an extension of their will, their body.

When their body caught up with their mind, they shifted their focus. Their limbs moved with the will to survive, while they could finally take off their mind from... all of that.

Their eyes found their team, which was holding themselves very well without any help. But Leader could see the telltale signs. Very few civilians were left on battlefield, but their team was already making a safe circle for them, but not as careful as Leader would like.

Still, Leader trusted their team. They trusted and went on, avenging their sword with swift motions. Their one eye was still on their team, and they could see the enemy finding more and more openings.

It was the last straw when they saw Teammate nearly dropped their sword under pressure.

"I hate doing your job," they muttered to the air, taking out their shield. They gripped the shield tightly, their focus shifting entirely to the task at hand. With practised precision, they positioned themselves between their team and the enemy, using the shield to deflect blows and create openings for counterattacks.

Blow after blow made Leader falter, their arms getting heavier from carrying the large shield with one and their heavy sword with the other. Still, they kept their footing as the shield absorbed blow after blow.

When the shield was slammed to their chest by another shield, Leader's breath were knocked out of their lungs, a crack sound lost in the loud clash of two sturdy metal. Leader gasped and relieved the pressure by stepping aside, the motion causing them to lose balance but gain some space. They swung their sword, managing to get under the armour of the enemy general— but also being the victim of the same move.

Their shoulder was stinging, the pain sharp and fresh and distracting, but Leader knew they couldn't afford that. They lunged forward, ignoring the strain they put to their shoulder as the pain only became another chaos in the background.

If it was in more friendlier terms, Leader could enjoy the fight with someone even to their strength, but on the battlefield, it only meant danger. A threat to get rid of. As Leader's sword clashed against their opponent's, their focus narrowed. They couldn't afford to be distracted against such opponent. With swift and calculated movements, they parried and struck, each blow getting harder to maintain.

Despite the burning pain in their shoulder, Leader pressed on, their movements fueled by adrenaline and the instinct to survive. With a final, decisive strike, they brought down their opponent, the clash of metal not banging in their ears for the first time as their sword cut the flesh.

With a weary sigh, Leader glanced around at the scene of the battlefield. The enemy forces were retreating, and the villagers were slowly emerging from their hiding places, cautiously reclaiming their homes. Their team, though battered and worn, stood strong beside Leader, thankfully without any injuries. Years of practised efficiency guiding them, they set up a small camp for their remaining, prioritizing the healing tents and such before finally setting up one for themselves.

Leader slid in without being noticed, a small basin of hot water on their hands. They didn't want to join the celebration outside when they felt so dirty after the battle, and they didn't have the strength to do so. Placing the basin next to their makeshift bed, they took of their armour, pain throbbing with their every move. They ripped the thicker set clothes they brought with them, soaking them with hot water and slowly but tightly wrapping their shoulder. They then wore the other set, hiding the handmade bandages. They didn't look terrible, at least.

Taking the remaining fabric, Leader begun cleaning their armour, the simple and repetitive motion calming their breaths and relaxing their muscles. While tending to their armor for what felt like an eternity, Leader's thoughts were empty, as if the cloth and water could wash away all of their problems. They set aside the cloth foe a moment before they took the shield, the metal gleaming faintly in the dim light of the small gas lamp, the blood over it turning to a dark coloir. They sighed heavily, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling.

They could wash their armour, their sword sloppily, but they could never think of doing that to the shield. Not their shield, the shield, that once belonged to Leader's dear friend, Caretaker. Leader smiled at the imaginary of Caretaker freaking over the possibility of their shield getting Rusty, but Leader's smile soon turned bitter. Caretaker would be freaking out, only if they had been alive...

Just as they were about to pick the cloth again, a voice broke through the silence of the tent.

"Leader?"

Leader glanced up to see Healer standing at the entrance, their expression a mix of concern and hesitation.

"Yes?" Leader replied, their voice as flat as ever.

Healer stepped inside, their eyes scanning Leader's weary form. "I... I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have questioned your judgment earlier. I understand now that you were doing what you thought was best for everyone, and I should've teusted you not to pick up a mission that may compromise the team. You were right on your promise. No one from our team visited me tonight."

Leader stated Healer for a moment, progressing the words. "It's alright," they assured. "I'm just glad that this ended well."

Healer nodded, smiling with relief. "I also wanted to invite you to join the celebrations outside. The villagers are grateful for our help, and they want to thank us."

Leader shook their head slowly. "I appreciate the invitation, but I think I'll pass.."

Healer's expression fell slightly, but they nodded understandingly. "I... Okay... Just know that you're always welcome if you change your mind."

"Thank you," Leader smiled softly. I'll keep that in mind."

With a final nod, Healer left the tent, leaving Leader alone with their thoughts once again. With not much left to do, Leader cleaned the shield while listening yo the celebrations and ignoring their thought before curling up into their bed, the lively chatter outside serving as the lullaby to defend Leader's mind feom nightmarish memories.

#whump #whump writing #leader whumpee #leader whump #medieval settings #battlefield #tw blood #dissociation #implied character death #?

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cozzzynook · 11 months ago

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Medieval Soundrod AU Anon here again. I bring part 2!

Distance sounds of drunken chatter followed by laughter drowned out swarming thoughts that currently filled Soundwave's helm. He carefully tapped his servo on the old wooden table as he gazed into his fizzy drink of engenx. It had been months since he had last seen Hot Rod and he was worried that the red predacon had gotten himself caught by some hunters. The blue mech let out a derry sigh not noticing the look of concern on Megatron's face.

"You're worried about your little Mech-Friend are you?" The large grey mech rumbled as he took a sip of drink before speaking again "I'm sure we would have heard something by now from the hunter's guild...Laserbeak and Ravage have been keeping guard there for weeks."

Soundwave gave another sigh he knew Megatron was right, hunters had the awful habit of bragging about the mecha-animals or predacons they slayed to their fellow hunters. But it did so little to calm his nerves these days so Soundwave just hoped that Hot Rod and his flock just moved deeper into the forest or into the mountains away from any villages. Without saying another word the Blue mech stood up giving a sharp nod for Megatron before heading out the door for some air.

Outside the busy Bar was peaceful, the cool breeze made Soundwave shiver a little forcing him to clamp down his plating as he took a short stroll down the street. Halfway he paused at an ally hearing footsteps followed by shuffling fabric. Soundwave quickly grabbed his knife in case it was a bandit trying to mug him, instead his visor light up as he saw a familiar face emerge out of the darkness of the ally.

"Long time no see handsome." Hot Rod smiled brightly, he wore a long cloak that had a hard time hiding his large golden wings. He was also holding a bundle blankets. "Sorry its been a while...My carrier has been super protective ever since my little brother hatched. Sorry if I worried you"

Soundwave didn't answer instead he pulled Roddy into a hug giving a gentle nuzzle on his helm just thankful he was alright. The pair just hold each other for a while enjoying each other's warmth. "Glad you're alright...I was afraid that someone had hurt you" Soundwave whispered as he transformed his mask away so he could kiss Roddy's helm.

Hot Rod gave a soft smile before pulling away shuffling the blankets he was holding. "I also have something to show you...don't be mad okay?" Soundwave nodded a bit confused but he watched Roddy pull away the blankets. He let out a gasp in Hot Rod's arms was one single egg with deep blue and gold swirls along its shell. "You were sparked? I wasn't aware that was possible" Soundwave spoke as he carefully placed his Servo on the smooth shell, he could faintly feel the soft spark beat of their sparkling. He then gazed lovely at Roddy before placing a gentle kiss on his partner's cheek before pulling them into a protective hug. "My sweet spark I'm not upset, my new mission is to protect you both now and forever." Roddy smiled nuzzling his helm under Soundwave's chin with a gentle purr.

{little Bonus} "Well, should we report the good news to Megatron? I'm sure he will be THRILLED to hear he is going to be an uncle" Laserbeak chirped from his post on the wooden beam. Ravage swayed their tail side to side before giving a pleased purr as they sat on the roof. Turning his attention to their bird companion he answered "Of course, but lets make sure they return to their little 'Lover's nest' before heading back...I want to see Soundwave make a fool out of himself first. Think of it as revenge for removing my favourite pillow the other night." Laserbeak chuckled before taking to the sky to follow the expecting couple.

{Hope you enjoyed the second part and yes Roddy's little brother is Bumblebee :D}

Aaaahhhh i love this!!!!

Baby predacon bee is with optimus crawling all around their den while Roddy is off to unite with his bitties sire!!

Poor Ravage, his favorite pillow must be avenged!

#transformers #predacons #transfromers hot rod #soundwave #hot rod #soundrod #hinted mechpreg #predacon hot rod

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gpuzzle · 3 months ago

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Where's the rant on water wheels. I want the rant. Gimme the rant.

I got some methylphenidate, a coke zero, some hard bop records, and fuck all to do at work. Send it. Disclaimer, this is largely a rant about European Industrial History; if anyone has any sources on like, Indian Industrial History or Ottoman and Arabic Industrial History or others, please send it to me, I would love to read it.

It is the year 1400. Your parents and grandparents lived through hell. You are some pimply teenager who's apprenticing to be a blacksmith. You go to work on what is basically a factory; there's a blast furnace that has bellows that pump in air from the top; there are trip hammers for shaping the tools, there's all sorts of mills for grinding ore into dust. It is all powered by water wheels.

The late medieval world was so much more industrialized than we give it credit for. Once the utter chaos of the early middle ages settled, the great knowledge network known as the monasteries held the keys to the kingdom; the one transnational organization dedicated to passing on knowledge. Meanwhile, the labor in cities, between merchants and craftsmen and those offering services, began to organize and gather capital to establish these industries, for leather, for iron, for wine, for cloth, for paper, for masonry. The structures of the economy were so much more modern than we give them credit for; it's everything else that's basically ripped from the Hellenistic period at best.

Watermills factor into this because they are the basis of all economies alongside windmills, but windmills are not constant and far more expensive, unless you are the Dutch. Every monastery, every hamlet might have a handful; at least one for grains and one for basic cloth fullinh. And it's producing at a higher level than ever before.

We spend years, ages dealing with this nascent if gross industrial production. Precision isn't a quality of those tools. It's why I think people stating the old adage about how the Romans could have invented the steam engine myopic at best. At its core, despite these grand water wheels, these huge leaps, this age where you might see a genuine industrial district on the rivers of Europe, where guilds establish their great artisanal manufactories, you don't have basic machines like the lathe.

The missing parts for that precision are things which the Renaissance really brought to the fore. It's the ability to mass print technical manuals; it's the ability to draw and sketch and mass print very precise depictions of machinery. It's a need - a profound need - to measure the world to its finest detail, which gave rise to the profession of "scientific instrument maker"! There was such a demand for it these craftsmen especializing in ultra precise gear became a class unto themselves!

And you slowly see, over the course of the 17th century and through the 18th century, a scientific approach to these great engineering projects. The first civil engineers are really taking control of what was before unstandardized master mason knowledge and providing us with the exact details. This is happening all over the place. The guilds must become scientific, become academic or die an ignonimious death. And, to their credit, they very much do. It is not for nothing that economics and engineering, to start, become academic objects of study around then.

Water wheels are inescapable and so are their background noises and smells until essentially the very late 1800s, and they anchor so much of life during that point; they are the premier way of making anything that requires force. And yet, much like every aspect of industrial life, they're completely forgotten or even purposefully ignored in some cases. It's such background noise we tune it out, and slowly lose them. Industrial history and archaeology as a whole is just insanely vulnerable because so much of it can just be removed within a minute and never brought back again. The last exemplar of a Barker reaction turbine sits in Puerto Rico where before it was ubiquituous across the US. A ship mill deteriorates in 50 years. And we forget just how automated life was.

I am tempted to say I am like this because I was born in a country where that sort of industrial history is functionally nonexistant. Brazil was deliberately and purposefully handicapped by Portugal for centuries; printing machines here postdate Napoleon. So to seek to comprehend what life was like in ages past it is this vacuum I seem to comprehend first and foremost.

At its core it's probably because I was a giant Anglophile as a kid.

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lemonhemlock · 2 years ago

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I think one of the most frustrating things about both the ASOIAF/HOTD fandom is the inability for people to discuss these characters or books without projecting their own personal/modern sensibilities. I've noticed this a lot with TB so targ nation in general, but they fundamentally hate the world building and lore of a feudal medieval monarchy. They hate tradition, they hate religion, they hate the concepts of honor and duty which is why they can't or won't understand Criston's character if their lives depended on it, they hate anything that can be deemed in anyway conservative, religious, traditional lol, they hate the inheritance laws preferring males, they hate that women have to stay chaste before marriage, they hate arranged marriages, they hate the fact that people care so much about bastards and that bastards cannot inherit, etc. I could go on. Yes, from a modern perspective a lot of these things are now deemed obsolete and uncool, but there were very good reasons for these things AT THE TIME. These people just hate the entire lore that this world is based on and instead of good faith engagement with the lore, they just call anyone who uses the world/lore to logically analyze the text a sexist, misogynist, tradcath, conservative, or whatever. It boggles my mind. Why interact with media, and not just interact with it, but have entire social media accounts dedicated to their hyper fixation and borderline parasocial relationship with these characters/books if they fundamentally hate the world and hate seeing their faves lose as a result of the rules in place. I'm begging these people to go read one of the thousands of fantasy books that isn't set in a rigid feudal monarchy.

This is such a spot-on, insightful comment into how a lot of people interact within this fandom. 👏👏👏 This typology of the late stage social justice internet warrior that fundamentally refuses to engage with the historicity of the story's spatio-temporal setting, i.e. a feudal medieval monarchy of European inspiration, that predates centralization and thus absolutism. Even though Westeros is so very obviously decentralized, many fans do not realize this for some reason and pretend it's an absolute monarchy a la Louis XIV.

Many people, like GRRM, who is a prolific science-fiction writer (!), are attracted to this setting regardless, because of the pageantry (look how obsessed he is with creating house sigils and mottos), the romantic flair + the fact that it's literally the setting of fairy-tales, which inspires in the reader a world of magical possibilities. Of course, the world of ASOIAF is an attempt to shore up the 'realism' of this imagological construct, but medieval fantasy is a genre in and of itself, like there are certain flavours of societal layering and organization that are inescapable, like the rigid social structures, the political rule as the purview of the elites, the importance of religion in everyday life etc.

This is not to say that those aspects are in any way aspirational for a modern person or that we should yearn to go back to those times, only that they are merely characteristics that developed hand-in-hand with the technological advancements and the economic progress of the period. If you have a civilisation whose economy is centered on land ownership as the main source of wealth acquisition, its society is going to look a certain way. Certainly, in Westeros there are some craftsmen and merchants, but there seem to only be a handful of towns throughout the entire continent and, off the top of my head, the mention of guilds and the middle classes are few and far between in the books, so there is no concrete way of determining how consolidated the bourgeoisie is. At the same time, this is absolutely just a story and not a 1:1 recreation of those times, so these gaps are completely understandable, as there only is so much worldbuilding one man can do.

Anyway, I often see analysis or commentary being circulated, which are obviously a projection of modern sensibilities, like how there should be no king at all or the Iron Throne is evil or how Westeros should revert to being separate kingdoms because somehow the concept of unifying regions with a common cultural and religious background is automatically bad, always and with no exception. To me these are rather perplexing, but they are so wide-spread that it's not even worth it to try and open up that particular can of worms. Some of these takes don't even make sense if you expand them to their natural implications. Someone has to be the king in a medieval society; it doesn't work like some people envision this - no one chooses to rule and that's that, problem solved? How is society going to be organized then? It's doubtful that the conclusion of the last book will be anarcho-socialism. The Iron Throne consistently cuts kings who are unworthy to sit on it - it's not a symbol that the author intended to be construed as malevolent. Sure, death of the author and all that, but it's not described as mystically quasi-sentient for nothing either. Fragmenting Westeros back into individual kingdoms while maintaining the feudal structure retains the inherent unfairness and inequality of said hierarchy; it's amazing to me how it could be considered progress etc.

To wrap this up, yes, I agree, some people would be much better served if they simply found other fantasy media based on a different time frame. Because it doesn't make sense to become so entrenched in this specific one if you hate the medieval period so much. Again, this is not to say that the Middle Ages cannot be criticised because that's just the way it was back then, they absolutely can, but a lot of criticism shared around is just done in bad faith and with no real desire to understand the historical phenomena at play.

For example, a few days ago, someone commented on one my bastardposts that "just because it was illegal doesn't make it fair", with the implied solution to that conundrum that Rhaenyra should simply be allowed by society to do whatever she pleased. No reflection on why that law/rule was in place to begin with, no consideration of how it would impact the wider community, no proposal as to how one could advance to a society in which all children are considered equal, regardless of their parents' marital status etc. The thought doesn't go beyond "feminism in its modern definition can magically crystallize in any historical period because it is completely divorced from the material conditions of a society".

#ask #anon #anti hotd fandom #bastardposting

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violetlunette · 1 year ago

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Maybe this is just me, but something I miss in portal fantasies—the original isekais—is how the audience was allowed to explore new worlds.

Nowadays, isekais focus mainly on characters which is great as that’s what interest me the most, but they’re always in the same places which is a high shame.

What I love about portal fantasies is the exploration of characters and the worlds. I like seeing new lands, new creatures, etc. That’s why stories like Alice in Wonderland, Narnia, Land of Oz, the Phantom Tollbooth, Harry Potter, and etc. appealed to me. All these had interesting and unique characters with creative worlds to explore, and they were optimistic about showing the readers the world. There was always a feeling of welcome that still makes readers want to go back, even to this day. (And two of those series are over 100 years old! Now that’s impressive.)

Nowadays, the majority of the worlds can all be squished into five places; A world inspired by Tudor / medieval Europe or ancient China or Korea, a “magic” otome school or a JRPG inspired world.

With the latter two we don’t really get to see the world, especially with the first one.

In 90% the stories I’m read which take place in a world inspired by Tudor / medieval Europe have the same main locations:

*The Protagonist’s room

*The room to greet guests

*A small part of the garden for tea parties

*Castle where a ball is being held

**Same places as above, though the castle garden will look more magical

*Castle hallway

*Throne room

*Ballroom

*Village that either looks like a meadeval town or London in the early 1800

*Dress / jewelry / magic shop

*warehouse

*hidden information guild

*Bakery or kitchen if the protagonist cooks

There’s a few more location, but I’m willing to bet that the next story you read with an early Europe inspired world will have five or more of these as main locations.

I’m less familiar with the eastern ones, but I’m sure they basically have the same, just eastern style.

And there’s a reason for that as these stories are ones with a focus on noble politics whether its in an early European inspired setting or eastern inspired court.

These environments are minimal as having a controlled environment allows the readers to focus on the characters and the mental war being waged. Still, what a waste, especially with a fantasy setting with dragons, elves, and dwarves, who’s villages we never get to see and who’s race we barely learn about.

Otherwise, we usually just get the slice-of-life fluff that takes place in a fantasy world. Which I understand, as these were popularized in the 2020s where—things happened. And during that time everyone was burned out, tired, and overworked despite the massive layoffs, so the idea of going to another world and just being able to chill was appealing to the masses. (Especially in countries where most “isekais” were made.) Anyway, the world building here is mainly just fluff or jokes.

There are the “trapped in a game worlds” but those worlds are all the same and dull.

I’m not saying all those are bad but I miss stories where we get to travel and see the world! I miss Magic Knight Rayearth, Fushigi Yugi, Escaflowne, and more. I miss the adventure aspect of seeing a whole new world.

Please don’t misunderstand, I love the “isekai” genre and how it’s being used to dissect certain tropes like main character syndrome, but can we switch out the politics for a good old adventure once in awhile?

#mine #isekai #transmigration #locations #I also miss locations that are drawn #but I'll let that slide since I can barely draw a tree

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a-kitsune-in-camelot · 3 months ago

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Cover art for Chapter 12- The Adventurer’s Guild

Excerpt:

“Ha! Look at this shrimp! Just got here and thinks he should be higher rank!”

A boisterous, deep voice exclaimed from somewhere behind Hiroshi.

“You wouldn’t be the first little guy, but most of us gotta start from the bottom. That’s the rule!”

He frowned in disapproval before turning to see the source of the voice.

It was the largest man he’d ever seen in real life. He was big and burly, wearing clothes that seemed more appropriate for a medieval He-Man than the 1800s-like style he’d seen outside. He even had cropped blonde hair with the bangs held back by a studded leather circlet.

“I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Name’s Reinhardt. I happen to be an S Rank Adventurer.”

“That’s Silver.”

The desk woman helpfully supplied.

Hiroshi nodded to her.

‘Reinhardt? I remember that name.’

“I see. So just because you’re of higher rank you think you’re the best around?”

Reinhardt laughed arrogantly.

“Of course! I’m the only S Rank here. And just so you know, we have a little tradition in this Guild.”

The big oaf leered down at Hiroshi with a big grin, large hands on his hips. He could hear some of the people at the tables groan.

“oh boy…”

“Here it comes…”

“The black moon’s come and gone. That means the Cave Monster’s back, so someone’s gotta go take care of it.”

Hiroshi quirked an eyebrow.

‘That’s right. Those three were the last to join weren’t they?’

His gaze flicked to the bow woman, Gwendolyn, and her companions, recognizing them from his first night in this new world. He smirked mischievously, his tails wiggling though no one could see them.

#a kitsune in camelot #akic #original story #fantasy #ocs #writers on tumblr #writeblr

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starlightsuncrow · 1 year ago

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Finally have a free momence, I was curious what your Starfall is generally about, and how it compares to your GW2 alt universe! And any character differences as well, since you mentioned a few different alts (sorry if you’ve explained this in a post before !)

- @magitechbatt

omg,,,, you want to know about Starfall? Buckle in!! It's gonna be long. I've never got the chance to explain so thank you!! Starfall is an original setting @cheddargoblin and I created, the story's premise is: "Long ago a star fell, and changed the world forever both physically and magically and even in it's current day societies across the world struggle to re-find their place in a world grown more wild and hostile around them."

Medieval-ish fantasy with themes of freedom, change, healing and bonds, a good story about found family and overcoming entirely different kinds of bias and classism.

Gw2 has some shared themes and the setting isn't too far off ! Starfall is darker,cruel though. One big difference tho is Starfall happens mainly in snowy regions! Now onto the characters!

I'll speak about my main two, since the rest are still a big WIP.

In Starfall Crow is an ex-mage hunter who escaped the Guild ( main place where hunters are trained and also big anti mage propaganda between all the things, even if they are mages themselves). In escaping he's constantly hunted, due to being an important figure and...a big weapon that was trained specifically for "purposes" by his mentor. The black arms are tattoos ! Cruel symbol of how many mages you captured/killed and so on. Has to learn to fight his own life of bias and brainwashing to live "outside". He's like a caged dog who finally tasted freedom and will fight for it to death if needed. Closed off with MANY issues, they haven't lost a small spark of naivety and hope though. Big part of the character is the revelation they're a fae ! No, they didn't know it. It's complicated. Hehe's also a "cursed" fae, courtesy of the mentor again. Describing the cursed fae as magical beings who have to survive on blood and magic, since they're made of magic. Without feeding they end being feral beasts who won't ever go back to being sane. They go through addiction and withdrawl usually. He's a fighter and adapts easily, someone give him a break please. He's the struggler but keeps going , a love for freedom keeps him going. Crow in Gw2 is a saltspray who fled from the Jade Wind, searching for a cure or something to help back home. After centuries of disguises he fell into the end of the Inquest and got basically " cursed". Vampirism about blood and magic, for a being like a lesser dragon it's...not fun i'd presume. Got saved by Dragora, lived and learned under Drago's wing and then joined the commander's gang in s2. Revealed their true identity much later during EoD<<< caused some drama. They're Starfall's Crow without the harsh environment they lived in, in gw2 he got a taste of it but not enough to compromise his whole life. Marked by it but doesn't let it control them. He's an exploration of who Crow would have been if he escaped sooner from the Guild.

So both keep that duality of self, same coin, just a little to the side in gw2. Neither of them are too different. Fun story about Cardamomo, he comes from gw2 actually! He's my commander and that's part of his core personality. Never make me think of jokes with characters and pairings because 90% of times they end up happening <<< Cromo happened this way. In Gw2 he's the sylvari commander, a naive and full of wonders sylvari who learnt fast war changes you. Forever.

Cute guy who sees the horrors and comes back angry, frustrated and not much hope and will to fight again, but that's all he knows how to do after all. That's why Gyala and part of Soto hit hard. They're tired, they don't know how to rest. Big trust issues? Or more about they can't let be seen weak and vulnereable. The important thing to know about Momo is that he wasn't Cardamomo at first. He starts as Caoimhe until the Departing. He dies, he comes back. He comes back different. I love the mirror theme so much he IS a mirror. A broken one. Caoimhe died, Cardamomo came back with less memories, some gone forever and a personality made to withstand the trauma just to fight Balthazar. Oops, Caoimhe took too much time to recover and now this commander has two pilots. They're the same guy still! Momo isn't a new different identity, he's more of...some aspects put together to give time to heal. Similar personalities to the point there's no much difference unless you know what to look for ( they have a slightly different behavior and manner of speech). It's like a fragment who learnt to be its own thing, while still following the main purpose of protector.

It's a toughie to describe I'll be honest, if I can finish that fanfic i'm writing maybe it helps understanding it (or i can simply ramble on another post <3) In Gw2 he's a dryad, beings born with a specific purpose ( in this case it's about balance). I'm still working on many details but he keeps the commmander "role" so to speak and absolutely gains the Caoimhe/Cardamomo duality again. Loss is part of his character in many ways too eheh. He's a bit more off putting and warms a bit slower than his gw2 alt though! Playing more on the fact this guy isn't human at all. I've been trying to keep both my ocs' cores for both settings with some modifications but more or less the alts end up being "what ifs" and explorations of a part of the main character that can't be explored easily in the main setting. They aren't as different as I make them sound probably.

Fun fact, dryads and fae are rivals, this didn't stop Cromo happening( one half didn't know, the other didn't care). The main alt i can explain is Dragonheart for Momo! Selkastra ( saltspray is just an appereance change and plays more on Crow being young but still... a dragon) Dragonheart is Momo's champion self? so to speak? That one transformation in EoD but what if we can access to it under circumstances and what if it follows the different aspects too? Otherwordly momo <3 Each aspect affects Momo differently and he acts as consequence too. Physically and mentally. If Aurene is the Prism Dragon, Cardamomo is the prism itself reflecting, each side something different. There's Fae Crow to explain too, but nothing too big changes apart from making him extremely ethereal and fey-like. Not to be mess with, fae are known to bend rules and twist them to their like. Even tho Starfall Fae are...a bit particular. I hope these are enough to answer your questions, which im so so happy u asked!! (it got so long he l p) I'm terrible at summaries but this made my whole day, thank you so much again !! <333

#2000starfall #<<< for summary #sunbat i want u to imagine the biggest hug u can receive bc thats what im doing atm to you tysm for asking and being interested :D

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