#had a largely new supporting cast to introduce

[age-of-moonknight]

“The Terminal Seconds of Moon Knight,” Moon Knight (Vol. 9/2021), #30.

Writer: Jed MacKay; Penciler and Inker: Alessandro Cappuccio; Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg; Letterer: Cory Petit

[jukeboxsweethearttt]

For Sugar Daddy Rafe maybe reader is insecure about her height or body in general and Rafe notices after a while

NATURAL

SugarDaddy!Rafe x Fem!reader

cw:talks of pregnancy and body insecurity

idea credits to @starfxkr as always

The sun was setting over the Hamptons estate, casting a warm golden hue over the lawn as you and Rafe prepared for a charity event. You stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the elegant dress that had been chosen specifically to accommodate your growing baby bump. Despite the flattering cut and luxurious fabric, you couldn’t help but feel self-conscious.

Rafe’s daughters, Claire, Victoria, and Hannah, were bustling around the house, excited for the evening ahead. They had been nothing but supportive since learning about your pregnancy but you still knew they talked about you having a baby with their father behind closed doors.

You were so happy to be pregnant with Rafe’s baby but tonight, as you looked at your reflection, you felt a pang of insecurity. Your body had changed so much, and it was hard not to compare yourself to the trim, stylish figures of Rafe’s daughters.

Rafe entered the room, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. His eyes lit up when he saw you, but you quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze. “You look stunning, Bunny,” he said, coming up behind you and wrapping his arms around your waist.

You forced a smile, but inside, a knot of doubt tightened. “Thanks, Rafe,” you murmured, leaning into his embrace. “Let’s go, we don’t want to be late.”

The charity event was held at a grand hotel, the ballroom filled with New York’s elite. As you entered with Rafe and his daughters, you couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place. You saw the way people glanced at you, their eyes lingering on your baby bump.

Although, they probably were more concerned about Rafe and your age gap having this baby more than your pregnancy itself.

Throughout the evening, Rafe was the perfect gentleman, introducing you to his acquaintances and never leaving your side. Yet, your insecurities continued to gnaw at you.

During a conversation with one of Rafe’s business associates, you caught a glimpse of yourself in a nearby mirror and cringed. You felt large and awkward, so different from the sleek, sophisticated women around you.

As the night wore on, Rafe noticed your growing discomfort. He gently excused the two of you from the conversation and led you to a quieter corner of the room. “What’s wrong, Princess? You’ve been distant all evening,” he asked, concern etched on his face.

You took a deep breath, feeling tears prick at the corners of your eyes. “I just... I feel so out of place here, Rafe. Look at me,” you said, gesturing to your body. “I’m huge and awkward, and I don’t fit in with these people.”

Rafe’s expression softened, and he cupped your face in his hands. “You’re carrying our child, Bunny. You’re the most beautiful woman in this room. None of these people matter to me. You do.”

Claire, who had been nearby, overheard your conversation and walked over, her face filled with empathy. “You’re amazing, and you’re going to be a wonderful mother. We’re so happy to have you in our family.”

Victoria and Hannah joined as well, nodding in agreement. “We love you, and we’re here for you,” Hannah added, giving you a reassuring smile.

With their support, you felt a wave of relief wash over you. You hadn’t realized how much you needed to hear those words. Rafe pulled you into a tight embrace, his voice soft in your ear. “I’m so proud of you. Every change, every part of this journey is beautiful because it’s ours.”

You leaned into his embrace, feeling a sense of security and love. “Thank you, Rafe. I needed that.”

The rest of the evening passed more comfortably. You started to feel more at ease, focusing on the joy and anticipation of the life growing inside you rather than the changes in your body. Rafe’s unwavering support and the kindness of his daughters helped you realize that you belonged with them, just as you were.

As the event came to a close, you stood with Rafe on the terrace, looking out over the city lights. He held you close, his hand resting gently on your bump. “I love you, Bunny. I can’t wait to meet our little one,” he whispered.

You looked up at him, your heart swelling with love. “I love you too, Rafe. And I’m so grateful for you and your family loving and supporting me .”

In that moment, surrounded by the people who mattered most, you felt truly beautiful and deeply loved. The insecurities faded away, replaced by a profound sense of belonging and the excitement of the future you and Rafe would share together.

[tyttetardis]

Macbeth Donmar Supporter's Zoom Conversation

On the 9th of May 2023 Donmar Warehouse held a Zoom "meeting" for supporters where Michael Longhurst talked about their two newly announced productions - Clyde's and Macbeth. This was a week before tickets went on general sale and before they announced that Cush Jumbo would be playing Lady Macbeth.

At the time it was all, of course, quite exciting since everything they revealed during the talk was brand new info! Most of which wouldn't be known at large until the play was being perfomed (or later). I think only about 80 people participated, most of which I think either worked for the Donmar or were members at much higher levels.

Today it's no longer new information as such, but I thought it might still be interesting to make a post about what was said during this talk :)

Michael first spoke about Clyde's (which I didn't actually listen much too) and then introduced Macbeth as their Christmas show (using the word Christmas "incredibly tenuously") saying the cast was yet to be revealed, but called it a beautiful ensamble piece, and that they were in the process of casting with the cast to be revealed "shortly".

He then went on to say that the casting that was revealed the week before made a bit of a spark - David Tennant coming to the Donmar to play Macbeth :) He mentioned it being directed by Max Webster since Michael was so impressed with how he did Henry V the year before. He said they had a joyful process of going to their favourite actors trying to match slots and titles to the actors that they love - and that they were thrilled that Mr. Tennant was stepping up to the Scottish play - "we felt it was time!"

"He [David] has obviousley given amazing Shakespearean performances - Hamlet, Richard II at the RSC - I, yeah, I think his verse speaking is frankly unparalleled, it's a thing of beauty. He's quicksilver, but he can push himself into the most extraordinary characterisations."

He went on to say that David and Max were deep into discussions about what this production should be. He said there's always Macbeths, but he thought what they would do so spectacularly would be to allow it to be a deeply psychological take on the play (facilitated/inspired by the Donmar's space).

He said they had a very exciting Lady Macbeth who would be announced in a week. He said she was a Donmar alumni who had a great Shakespearean set of works under her belt. He was thrilled to reunite her with David, saying that they had just done a TV series together. "So you can go do some subtle googling, but please don't share it" :P "It's amazing, they are gonna be a fierce combination!"

Someone then asked about whether the show would be streamed to which Michael said they were having conversations about it since there was a LOT of interest and they knew demand for this show with David would be incredibly high. So they would be doing everything they could to get the show streamed, it was their absolute ambition. Not least since it would be amazing to be able to share it with students. So they were in those conversations "as we speak". He later talks about it again - saying that streaming is a way of mass sharing, even if it can't recreate the experience of closeness at the Donmar. That they would try to secure screenings of it since they were aware it would be very popular "It's almost a curse of having such an intimate theatre - that when you program a star like that, it becomes huge".

Choosing to stage Macbeth was down to Michael and Max having a conversation about a short list of Shakespeare plays Max was keen to have a go at and them talking about various leading actors (later he expands on this as Max having had conversations with potential leading actors on which titles they were inspired with/ to perform - sorta like an Actors dating spree, 6 months ago) to decide which one would be the best one for this moment - "David's availibity created this window between two massive screen projects and it felt like the one to grab". Macbeth hadn't been staged at the "Donmar" since 1976 - with the legendary Dench and McKellen version. Michael said he thinks that the Donmar stage is the perfect space for Macbeth since "it allows the director and the lead actor to utterly hold a room of people in a way that'd be thrilling and terrifying, that you can't necessarily do in other spaces". He then said that he didn't think Max was interested in the witches and the supernatural as real entities but rather looking at psychological, trauma related reasons to explore those devices within the play. He also said Max was very passionate about making it very Scottish and that he had already been meeting with Scottish folk musicians to create his ensemble team. Also that he was very interested in Lady M being from outside the Scottish hiearchy - that she's be unafraid to challenge that Scottish status quo.

For Michael it's about "the synergy of an actor who should be playing that character - and that is Mr. David Tennant because he is one of our greatest verse speakers, let alone the greatest Scottish verse speaker".

He said that the production would definitely be a contemporary set. A modern dress Macbeth.

He then said that the reason he wanted to back Max as a director is that he thinks he offers a brand of total theatre that is really exceptional. There was a question about the music used in Henry V, and Michael said he just knew about the Scottish folk music and that music would be a part of the show, and that music is always a big part of Max's shows.

Someone then asked if they consult with scools on what plays they are studying in order to choose what they put on. Michael says they were obviously very aware of Macbeth being part of the curriculum and that being one of the reasons they thought this was "the text. And obviousley with David and his DW background, he brings a huge appeal and accesibility for young people who might find Shakespeare challenging - and you know, being brought into that story by someone they know and love so well is...you know we saw the effect happen on Henry V, 40% of people coming to the Donmar were coming for the first time when we had Henry V on - and it's thrilling to expand that connection, and we know David will do the same".

[isnotwhatyourethinking]

The Warrior & The Healer - Chapter 3

Cassian x Winter Court Healer Reader

Summary: Y/n's healing powers are unparalleled, a gift from the Mother that she wields with precision and care. Sent to Velaris under the guise of a diplomatic mission, Y/n is secretly bound by a darker duty—spying for the Winter Court's ruthless war general, Isarn, to protect her imprisoned mother. But as she works to heal the wounds inflicted by Hybern, a chance encounter with a certain Illyrian warrior changes everything.

Word Count: 5.8K

A/N: sorry this took so long, I had to organize an auction T.T though I loved loved loved diving more into the plot and introducing new characters! hope u like this one, angst and all xx

Warnings: girl can't catch a break, angst, mentions of family abuse, blood, violence, waterboarding, language if you squint, some fluff at the end, sorry if I missed anything!

All ACOTAR rights to the genius of Sarah J Maas✨

Upon arriving at the Winter Court, I was greeted by a too-familiar frigid air that clung to my bones, making me long for the warmth of Velaris, and by a structure before me that loomed like a minatory giant, challenging me with its sheer presence. 

The Hailstone Citadel stood majestically atop a rocky hill, its towering spires piercing the frosty air. Constructed around a grand meeting hall where the leaders of the Court gathered for official events, and made from spotless white marble with delicate veins of silver, its walls shimmered like freshly fallen snow under the pale winter sun. The battlements, adorned with intricate carvings of long-forgotten runes, were fashioned from pale blue quartzite, their surfaces glistening as if perpetually coated in a thin layer of frost. 

Inside, the grand halls were lined with smooth alabaster, casting an ethereal glow that mimicked the natural luminescence of ice. Blue calcite pillars rose to support the vaulted ceilings, their icy hue deepening the castle's wintry ambiance. Even the floors, polished to perfection, reflected the cold beauty of the surroundings, with inlaid designs of glacial stone that told tales of ancient winters. 

I stared at the mythical beasts that welcomed me, standing as majestic statues at the base of the blue pillars, symbols of the Winter Court’s strength and ferocity. Great white glacial bears, their fur eternally pristine like the marble walls, were carved to perfection. Snow griffins and frostfang wolves, their watchful gazes following my every move, guarded the halls with silent vigilance. They had always made me feel so small, as if they might jump and shred me to pieces at any second.

The entire structure exuded an icy aura, both in temperature and in its hauntingly beautiful design, perfectly encapsulating the essence of my court. I was caught off guard by the subtle shudder that thought caused.

As I made my way to the tactical wing, I felt a shiver run down my spine, and not just from the cold: a large group of soldiers greeted me with their imposing presence. Isarn might be playing the role of a vigilant warlord, but the overabundance of soldiers spoke volumes about his paranoia. Still, they were a formidable sight, their uniforms a mixture of elegance and intimidation. Each soldier wore a long, icy blue tunic of thick wool embroidered with delicate silver snowflakes. Over this they wore white, fur-lined cloaks, fastened at the shoulder with silver clasps in the shape of direwolves—the well-known beast form of our High Lord. 

Trying to shake off the thought of what Kallias would do to me if he discovered what I was doing, I shifted my attention back to the formation of the soldiers, the details of their armor gleaming in the pale light, silver breastplates intricately engraved with frost patterns and beasts, polished to a mirror-like finish that reflected the icy surroundings. 

I slightly nodded at the formation, heading to Isarn’s office. I raggedly filled my lungs and held my pendant before walking into my cursed fate. No fear. One deep breath. No hesitation. Another deep breath. I knocked once announcing myself, and opened the door.

❄❄❄❄❄❄

Isarn's office bore none of the elegance of the grand halls of the Citadel. The walls were adorned with detailed maps of Prythian, some marked by battle plans. Shelves lined one wall, filled with tomes on warfare, tactics, and the history of the Winter Court. Weapons of all kinds—swords, daggers, and axes—were meticulously displayed, the room was lit by a single obsidian chandelier, its dark crystals casting sharp light across the space. 

In the corner, a fireplace donned with a shiny grease black tile crackled with blue-tinged flames, the firelight casting eerie, flickering shadows across the room. The hearth was decorated with carvings of snarling beasts, and despite the warmth it provided, the fireplace only seemed to add to the cold, merciless atmosphere. A large desk dominated the center of the room, made of dark, polished ebony that looked almost black in the dim light. Behind it sat a high-backed chair, its design as austere and commanding as the man who occupied it. 

Despite his stature, the General's presence was overwhelming, his authority radiating with sheer force. He was a short, chubby male with skin so pale it almost appeared gray, the black ponds of ink he had for eyes missing nothing—a cold, calculating gaze that seemed to see through any facade. His gray hair, balding at the crown, was meticulously combed straight and sleek in a strict military fashion that only added to his stern demeanor. Dressed in the immaculate regalia of a warlord and topped with a prominently displayed black onyx blade, he projected an aura of intimidation and behest. I loathed this visit, though I was looking forward to hearing news of my mother.

"Sit down", he commanded in his screeching voice. 

"I’d rather stand", I spat back. An evil smile crossed his features. 

"Y/N… You’re in no position to negotiate, and I’m not in the mood for insubordination. Sit. the fuck. down". 

Prick.

My back tensed as I reluctantly sat in one of the chairs located in front of his desk, hands still in my pewter cloak’s pockets. 

"I hope, for yours and your mother’s sake, you’re not wasting my time."

I nervously looked at his chubby hands, adorned with rings shaped like bears, tapping rhythmically against his desk. Every other plump finger was wrapped in a band of platinum, a showy attempt to command respect, as if a reminder of his authority had to be displayed at all times, I thought. 

"The Night Court is heavily secured since Hybern’s attack," I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "Thanks to the Ancient One’s powers and the Cursebreaker defending the city, Hybern did not stand a chance." 

Isarn’s expression remained inscrutable as he leaned back in his chair, calculating. "Go on," he pressed, his voice a dangerous murmur.

I took a deep breath, the weight of the pendant around my neck grounding me. "Amren’s powers are… unlike anything I’ve ever heard of. She can seamlessly control mind and body, the Cursebreaker herself was impressed by her skills."

"What about that winged bastard? Did the treacherous High Lord reveal anything useful about their plans against Hybern?" he said in a mocking tone, each word a poisonous blade cutting through the tension in the room. 

I hesitated, the memory of Rhysand mentioning a book to Feyre flashing through my mind. I knew, I knew this was wrong, and I hated the thought of putting the Night Court at risk. But the desperate need to gain leverage gnawed at me. No, I couldn’t reveal this information before negotiating my mother’s release. "Where is my mother?" I asked, trying to shift the conversation.

Isarn’s eyes narrowed, and he stood, moving around his desk with the grace of a predator. "Information first," he said, his voice unyielding.

A power struggle unfolded as he circled me, each step calculated. "Your dear mother is expecting you to fulfill your side of the bargain." He hesitated for a second, carefully measuring his next words to avoid giving anything away. "And the Night Court is not your concern," he added with a tone of casual malice, as if the subject was of little importance to him. 

Interesting.

In a blink, he was beside me, and before I could react, I felt the cold touch of his onyx blade at the nape of my neck. Isarn was faster than I had anticipated, his military training evident in his swift, lethal movement.

I summoned a burst of chilling force to my upper body, just in case, trying to remain grounded. 

"Tell me… what you know," Isarn demanded, slowly pressing the blade harder against my neck.

I felt a warm liquid trickle down my back—he had pierced my skin. The pain was sharp, but the realization of my vulnerability was even more cutting. My wound was healing quickly, though the gash hurt like hell. 

He kept pressing with intent and what felt like... pleasure? I fought back tears until they finally broke. 

"I heard Rhysand and Feyre talking about a book the Ancient One is working on. It could be a weapon, I don't... I don't know anything else." 

Isarn’s smile was victorious as he released the blade from my neck. "A book?" His eyes gleamed with greed. "See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?" he taunted, his voice mocking and triumphant. Then the bastard licked my blood from the tip of the blade, never breaking eye contact. Repulsive, dishonorable, evil shred of a male. 

I forced a gag down my throat and kept an impassive expression on my face to avoid giving him a reaction, but I couldn’t wait to get out of there. I was disgusted, enraged, frustrated and tired. How much longer did we have to put up with this prick? From the moment I was recalled from the Boreal Retreat to the Citadel a few weeks ago, Isarn had made it his personal mission to humiliate me every chance he got. The Commander, Gods only knew how, had managed to convince Kallias to assign me to aid the Night Court, so I hadn't even had time to delegate my duties, and I often wondered how my patients at the Retreat were doing. 

Fortunately, a knock on the door interrupted my torment.

"Sir?" A soldier peeked his head in with hesitation and fear. He had been summoned by the Commander but clearly did not want to disturb him. He knew better than that.

"Alfson. Take the lady here to the lower chambers. Make sure she sees how her mother is being well cared for." Isarn snarled with disdain. Then he pinned me down with his resolute obsidian eyes as he reclined on his desk, their fixed stare anchoring me in place. 

"We are done here. You're to remain in the Night Court until I say otherwise, and you better not try any funny business." He tapped the ebony with his fat fingers, emphasizing the last three words. "I've got eyes and ears everywhere."

"I've got eyes and ears everywhere," I scoffed in my head. Honestly, what was his interest in the Night Court? 

What is your endgame, Commander?

A surge of strength coursed through me, a defiant fire igniting in my chest. While my resilience had always been a silent force, manifesting through actions rather than words, this newfound courage startled me. 

Before I could stop myself, the words tumbled out of my mouth.

"You mean Hybern’s?"

His head suddenly snapped up, a shadow crossing his face. Without warning, his hand lashed out, striking me across the face with a force that sent me reeling. The sting of his platinum rings bit into my skin, and before I could even touch my cheek to ease the pain, his gaze shifted to the soldier. With a slight nod and a silent command in his eyes, he conveyed his next order.

A sudden, searing pain exploded at the side of my head, and my world turned black.

The barren, snow-covered ground crunched beneath our feet as we searched for anything to stave off our gnawing hunger. It had been two weeks since my father had left us to fend for ourselves, his absences a common trial we had learned to endure. The biting wind whipped through my thin clothes, but I barely felt it, my focus solely on survival. 

I ran ahead of her, a small figure stood out a few meters away in the sea of whites and grays around us.

“Mama, look!”

We had stumbled upon a rabbit, its fragile body barely clinging to life. I looked at my mother with young, inexperienced eyes, searching in hers for an answer to the rabbit's pain, though knowing this could be our dinner. 

She knelt beside the animal, examining it with gentle hands despite the harshness of our surroundings. Her eyes, a blend of resolve and sorrow, met mine with a weight that belied her calm exterior. She cupped her hand on my left cheek, a mother's heart breaking at the lesson she was about to teach her little girl. 

"You must choose," she said gently, her voice trembling yet firm as strings of mist came out of her mouth. "Help it get better, or let it go peacefully. The decision is yours, my love."

Her tone carried not just the necessity of our survival, but a plea for understanding. 

I hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on my small shoulders. The rabbit's labored breaths filled my ears, and I felt a pang of empathy for the creature. But the growling of my stomach and the desperate look in my mother's eyes forced my hand. With trembling fingers, I reached out, knowing that this choice meant survival.

I closed my eyes for a moment, gathering my strength, then made the call. 

I snapped the flimsy neck, ending the rabbit’s suffering to provide us with a meal. The act felt heavy, its significance settling deep within me.

My mother’s gaze hardened as she stroked my hair and looked into my eyes. 

"You did good. Sometimes we must do not what our hearts desire but what our needs demand, without fear nor hesitation” 

Her words replaced the feeling of guilt and grief, they had etched themselves into my soul, becoming a cornerstone of my resilience and determination.

I bolted upright on the cold stone floor, my mother's voice echoing in my mind. The nightmare, the memory, had faded, but the longing for her warming presence remained.

As my senses returned, I realized I wasn't in my bed but in a dark, dank dungeon. The chains binding me were a deep, otherworldly blue, shimmering faintly in the dim light. Each link felt like liquid metal solidified into an unbreakable structure, wrapped tightly around my wrists and ankles. The subtle chill from their touch seeped into my bones, sapping my strength with powerful magic. 

I groaned as I tried to reach for the back of my head where an intense headache originated, pounding behind my eyes, likely from the blow Alfson had delivered in Isarn’s office. My vision was still blurry, but as I blinked rapidly trying to clear my sight, the full extent of my situation became painfully clear: I wasn't healing.

I struggled against the chains, my movements slow and sluggish. Each effort to free myself only seemed to tighten their grip. Panic began to set in, my breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps. Then, amidst the silence of the dungeon, a familiar whimpering voice reached me over the ringing in my ears.

Across the cell, through the dim light and shadows, I saw her. She was huddled in a corner, her once-vibrant form now frail and broken. 

No. No, no, no–

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the horror of her imprisonment. Isarn hadn't been keeping her in some quarters as I had hoped; all this time, she had been held captive in a dungeon cell. 

"My child," she murmured. 

It pained me to hear her voice barely audible carrying the weight of all the suffering she had endured.

"Mama," the call came from the bottom of my heart, out to my lips, hoarse and desperate. The sight of her, more than the chains, more than the cold, more than the headache, shattered my core. I fought against the bonds with renewed desperation, my mind racing to find a way to free us both. A thousand questions swirled in my mind, and I could see the same confusion and urgency reflected in my mother's eyes.

I breathed, trying to keep my voice steady, "I've been out assisting the Night Court."

Her eyes widened, a spark of shock briefly flickering through her weariness. I wanted to tell her everything, about the beautiful city of Starlight, the people I had met, the mission I had undertaken, about my mate, but there was no time. The sound of boots echoed faintly in the background, so I continued.

"Mama, I’ve been well, but I can't talk for long," I said, my words hurried. "They're coming."

She nodded, understanding the urgency. Despite her frail state, she reached out to me as if she could hold my hand from a distance. "Bjorn," she said, her voice dry and raspy, "he's been aiding me."

Bjorn. The mention of his name brought a flood of emotions. My uncle, my mentor, the one who had always been there for us. While my father abandoned us, Bjorn had stepped in, teaching me everything I needed to know to survive in this frozen hell. As the Captain of the border forces with the Autumn Court, he had been a figure of fortitude and tenacity, walking alongside me every step of the way, from treating soldiers in makeshift tents to becoming indispensable to the court. He was more of a father to me than my own ever was. 

"He sneaks in when he can... Isarn still doesn’t know," my mother continued in a whisper, forcing a gulp. "He doesn’t know you’re related. It’s our only advantage."

I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. The thought of seeing Bjorn again gave me a glimmer of hope. I had kept it together up to this point but gods knew I needed a lifeline. 

"Do what Isarn says for now, my love. Find Bjorn. He’s been looking for you, too."

My mother fought a cough, struggling to talk. As her eyes met mine, I silently pleaded with her to stop, to save her strength, but she pressed on, defying my unspoken request. 

"He mentioned tensions at the border are growing, and that he’s been looking for a way to undermine Isarn's influence, to exploit his vulnerabilities."

The sound of boots grew louder, the guards getting closer. Panic surged through me, but I held on to my mother’s words. "We’ll get through this," I promised. "I'll find Bjorn." As soon as Isarn grows bored of this hissy fit and sends me back to Velaris.

The Mother must’ve heard my prayers, as two soldiers finally approached the cell’s gate, each carrying a large bucket filled with what looked like water, and two thick linen cloths. This couldn’t be good.

"Rise and shine, ladies," one of them sneered.

Fuck, how long had it been?

The soldiers walked into the cell with a menacing air. "This is a mercy from the General, a little reminder." one of them said, his words dripping with that characteristic malice of Isarn’s personal guard.

Before I could react, they grabbed us and forced us to the cold stone floor. The first splash of icy water hit my face like a thousand needles, the shock making me gasp for air. The cloth was pressed over my face, and the torture began.

I struggled to breathe as they poured more water on me, each inhalation bringing it into my lungs. Panic and pain overwhelmed me as I heard my mother's muffled cries close by. I fought against the restraints, desperately trying to break free, but the chains held me fast.

Just when I thought I would drown, they stopped. I laid there, coughing and gasping for breath, my body trembling. The soldiers laughed, their eyes savoring their making.

"If you don’t comply with the General’s orders," one of them said, leaning down to whisper in my ear, "or if you dare to question him again, he will personally stab you both with faebane, bathe you in cold water, and leave you out to freeze to death."

The other soldier removed the dark indigo bonds and spat on my face.

“Scum.”

But I ignored it all as I crawled towards my mother, every movement a struggle. "Mama, please," I begged, "stay with me."

Darkness was closing in, my strength fading. The last thing I saw before losing consciousness was my mother’s frail form, her eyes filled with love and desperation. 

I drifted in and out of awareness as rough hands grabbed me, dragging me out of the dungeons. My body felt heavy, my limbs barely responding. Through blurred vision, I saw the dimly lit corridors of the lower levels of the Hailstone Citadel pass by, the cold seeping into my bones.

"Keep moving," one of the soldiers muttered, his grip tightening on my arm.

They hauled me through a hidden exit at the back of the citadel, into the freezing night. The biting wind stung my face, jolting me closer to full consciousness. They dragged me into the bailey, the snow crunching under their boots, until they finally dropped me unceremoniously onto the ground.

I laid there, shivering, hardly breathing. I had to move. Summoning the last of my strength to heal the tightness in my muscles, I pushed myself up, staggering towards the stables I knew were nearby. Each step was a battle as I reached a horse conveniently saddled, its breath visible in the cold air. I had always prided myself on being self-reliant, I’d been taught to never depend on a male for strength or comfort. But now, as my body temperature kept dangerously dropping, I found myself wishing for Cassian’s warmth, his strong arms wrapping around me. I held onto that feeling for solace, while focusing on mounting the animal. 

I urged the horse south, towards the Autumn Court border where I knew Bjorn was positioned. The ride was a blur of icy wind and snow-covered trees. I fought hard to stay awake and to listen to the rhythm of the horse’s gallop—it was the only thing keeping me from slipping back into unconsciousness.

When I finally reached the border at dawn, the outpost where Bjorn was stationed came into view. It was a watchpoint where the soldiers of the Winter Court kept an eye on the shifting lines between territories. Tents erected around a tall brick structure dotted the landscape as far as I could see, blending into the snow-covered ground.

A soldier approached as I dismounted, recognizing me from past encounters at the recovery camps. "Y/N," he greeted, his voice filled with concern as he saw my condition. He helped me unmount, his hands steadying me as I stumbled. 

"I have urgent business with the Captain," I muttered as I could.

The soldier nodded, understanding the urgency. "This way."

He tied the horse to a post and guided me through the site as I made my way to Bjorn's tent. The sounds and faces of the outpost, once familiar and comforting, now felt distant and blurred as if they were fading away. At last, we arrived at Bjorn's tent. The soldier stepped inside first, clearing his throat before speaking, "Captain, someone’s here to see you." I followed, my legs barely holding me up.

Bjorn turned around, shock registering on his face when he saw me. "Y/N," his voice broke, his eyes reflecting a mix of relief and worry. 

I couldn't contain my tears any longer. I ran to him, collapsing into his embrace. He wrapped me around tightly in a fatherly comfort I had longed for since I left for the Night Court.

As we stood there, memories of our time together surged through my mind. I recalled the countless hours we spent in the training grounds, his voice calm and steady as he instructed me on how to hold a blade, how to keep my balance even on treacherous ice. He drilled me in the military structure of the Winter Court, ensuring I understood the hierarchy and strategies that could one day save my life. 

His patience never wavered as he guided me in harnessing my healing powers, teaching me to channel my energy and focus it precisely where it was needed. Every lesson, every word of encouragement had shaped me into who I was today. He had been there for me in my darkest moments, offering his support and wisdom when I needed it most. Our familial tie was forged in those early days of hardship, and it had only grown stronger over the years.

"I thought I'd lost you," Bjorn whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

I pulled back, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. "My mother…" I pleaded, "she needs help."

Bjorn’s face set with resolve. "We’ll take care of her."

He turned and called for the soldier who had brought me to the tent. As the soldier approached, Bjorn drifted to his work table, quickly scribbling something on a piece of paper. He handed it to the soldier. "Take this to Eirik," he instructed. "He’ll know what to do."

The soldier nodded and swiftly left the tent, leaving me sighing with a sense of relief. Bjorn finally faced me, studying me with worry. 

"I look like hell, don't I?" I managed a weak smile.

Bjorn chuckled, a soft, affectionate sound. "You always did have a flair for understatement," he teased, his teal blue eyes scanning me for injuries. He quickly urged me to sit, gently helping me as I sank onto a nearby stool. As he helped me remove my wet cloak, no longer pewter but a light charcoal due to all the dirt, and my boots, he gazed at my wrists where they were still hurt. My powers were almost depleted.

When he took off my boots, he noticed the bargain tattoo. His lips pursed. "Your mother told me about..." He pointed at the tattoo with his chin. "When you left... I couldn't, I haven't forgiven myself. I should've been there for you. I'm sorry." 

I reached out for his arms, like I always did many, many times when I was younger and none of this mattered. 

"You had no way of knowing, and I won't let you carry the guilt of Isarn's doing," I whispered in our embrace.

I took a deep breath and slowly let go, still holding his hands. "I was in the Night Court, sent to work as a healer, but I was spying for Isarn. He..." I looked down at my wrists, cuts from the chains still open, "did not hold back when I returned. The moment I mentioned the King of Hybern, he snapped. I don't get it, why is he so interested in the Night Court?"

Bjorn's face hardened. "Because he’s an ambitious prick. I have spies within Isarn’s close circle. He's working with Hybern. He’s promised him the Winter Court in exchange for his help." 

He saw the blood leaving my face as my heart sank, waves of blame and dread suffocated me. 

Dear Mother. What have I done?

"Is that even possible?"

"The fool is a loyalist. He’d gladly sell his own pathetic life to bring back the days of human enslavement."

Weariness was creeping in. I hadn’t slept all night, though the gravity of the conversation was enough to keep my mind alert. 

"It gets worse," Bjorn continued. "Isarn plans to help Hybern destabilize the Night Court by kidnapping the Cursebreaker. Apparently Hybern wants to use her powers against all humans down the Wall, though we still don’t know how."

"Feyre... But why would Isarn do this?" 

Despite his cruelty, Isarn was a military commander through and through, his loyalty to the Winter Court woven into the very fabric of his being. Betrayal felt out of character.

Bjorn's eyes locked into mine, his demeanor to the brink of desperation. "Isarn has long harbored resentment towards Lady Viviane for commanding the Winter Court armies during Under the Mountain. He felt..." 

The soldier that brought me to the tent interrupted, bringing two steaming bowls of stew, the savory aroma filling the tent. 

"This might not be a feast, but it'll keep you going," he remarked while he offered me a shy smile, approaching me with a bowl.

Ever the overprotective parent, Bjorn grabbed both from his hands, dismissing the soldier with a nod, and continued. 

"He felt small and undermined—no surprises there." He winked at me conspiratorially. I would have laughed at the joke if the guilt within me wasn't drowning me.

"Especially after discovering Lady Viviane's leadership role. His supposed captivity by Hybern was a ruse; he was collaborating with them all along."

I felt a sickening twist in my gut. I lowered my head into my hands, resting them on my legs, overwhelmed by exhaustion and frustration, and unable to process any more information. Telling Isarn about the book had been a mistake. A grave mistake. But I couldn't burden Bjorn with the weight of my call, I'd rather keep him focused on my mother's well-being. Then there's the safety of my mate… I had to fix this. I knew what I had to do. 

"I have to go back to the Night Court." I uttered with a stammer. 

Bjorn's eyes blanked with a resolve that startled me, he’d seen right through me and instantly knew my intentions. He stood up and started pacing around the tent. 

"If you plan to share any information about Isarn and his plans with the Night Court, you need to be prepared, Y/N.”

He was right. If I approached Rhysand and Feyre, laying out everything I knew about Isarn while also proposing a solution, they could not only be warned but might also offer resources and intelligence to our advantage, in a joint effort. A pang of gratitude hit my core when I realized that, in the rush of the moment, Isarn wasn’t too specific with the terms of the bargain. 

A fool, indeed. This might just work. 

I felt a hint of pride in my chest.

"Not bad for an old captain," I winked at him, and replied with a smirk when I shared my conclusion. 

"I'll need to devise a plan that ensures Isarn can't retaliate. If I can present them with a strategy to counter his, they may be able to support us."

Bjorn agreed, his expression serious. 

"Exactly. They have as much at stake as we do."

He slowly leaned towards me, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes, his gaze full of emotion. I knew this moment would come once more, the moment we part without knowing when we’ll see each other again, but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. It seemed like all we had now were these fleeting moments, and there was still so much I wanted to share with him.

"You can do this, Y/N. But remember, you must keep up the facade with Isarn until the very end. Any slip, and he will come down on you hard. On both of you.”

"I understand," I said firmly, taking his calloused hands in mine. 

Then he searched my eyes for the tenacity he'd taught me to maintain in these situations, and found another emotion seeping in instead.

A longing for the male I'd been relentlessly pushing away, leaving him behind at the Night Court.

"Alright, spill it, child. What’s going on?" Bjorn pressed, his gaze unwavering.

I hesitated, my thoughts a whirlwind. I wanted to tell him about Cassian, but how could I explain this to Bjorn when Cassian himself didn't know about the mating bond? Not that I was planning to tell him either. 

The risk of exposing such a deeply personal truth made me feel incredibly vulnerable. Still, I wanted him to know. I needed his guidance and support, now more than ever.

"I..." I started, struggling to find the right words. "There’s someone at the Night Court. Someone... important to me."

Bjorn's thick eyebrows burrowed, but he waited patiently for me to continue.

"I think... I think I've found my mate. He's very well known and a person of trust in the Night Court. He doesn't know though, about the bond."

Bjorn's lips drew a line. 

Oh, Gods. 

I hadn't been this nervous since the first time I met Kallias. I forced a swallow down my throat and continued, the words coming out of my mouth in a hurried tirade like a child who had been caught being naughty.

"I cannot, will not risk this mission for a male I barely know, though," I continued, determination hardening my voice despite the pounding in my heart. "There's too much at stake, and I need to focus on what matters now."

Bjorn’s lips twitched, and for a moment, I saw the familiar glint of mischief in his eyes. 

"So, you’re just telling me now that you found your mate?" he said, a teasing lilt in his voice. "And here I thought you were keeping all your secrets from me."

Despite the tension, a small smile crept across my face as I lowered my chin and looked at my bare foot. "It's not like that."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, I know, child. I’m just teasing. But seriously, a mate? And an important one in the Night Court, no less,” his hands reaching his hips. “You sure know how to pick them."

I mentally sighed as all the light-hearted taunting eased some of the anxiety gnawing at my insides. 

"I didn’t exactly choose this, you know." 

Bjorn’s expression turned more serious, though the warmth didn’t leave his eyes. "I admire your determination, Y/N. And I’m happy for you, really. But you need to be cautious. Especially if he’s a significant figure in the Night Court."

He elbowed me with complicit eyes, "Can I know who this significant other, I mean, figure is?"

I rolled my eyes, tempted to fall into more of his tease but instead I hesitated, thinking about the answer. 

"You’ll know, Bjorn. In time. If everything goes well after Isarn is dealt with. For now, we move forward with the plan."

Bjorn nodded, understanding the boundary. "Fair enough. Just promise me you’ll be careful. And be smart. Remember your training."

"I promise," I said, knowing that I would cling to those words when the moment demanded it. I stood there for a moment, trying to hold on to this precious instant with him. His concern for me was evident, and it mirrored the worry I felt for him. 

"Good," he replied with a reassuring smile. Bjorn’s blue eyes softened as he pulled me into a tight embrace. The familiar scent of mist and pine enveloped me, grounding me in the moment. 

“Please be strong, petal,” he murmured, his tone carried a hue of anguish. I nodded against his shoulder, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall upon hearing the affectionate nickname he’d given me since I was a child. “I will.”

We pulled back slightly, our hands still clasped together. His rough palms were a comforting anchor in the storm of emotions swirling inside me. I looked into his eyes again and recognized the unspoken devoted love that had always been there. 

"This isn't goodbye," I said softly, squeezing his hands. "Please keep her safe. Who knows, the next time we meet I may bring some allies, Mother willing."

"I'll hold you to that. Now go," he held my chin up gently, with a caress. "Go back to the Night Court and show them what you're made of," his eyes shone with affection. 

With a final nod, I gathered my now somewhat-dry cloak, and some clean clothes and supplies for the journey he'd packed for me. 

Before I walked out of the tent, he called after me.

"He better be good with a sword."

I hid a grin, knowing the answer. "Something like that."

taglist:

@bravo-delta-eccho @yamisuke @randomperson1234sblog @anxious-cactus @lilah-asteria  @darkbloodsly @wirdbeimaufhebengebunden

dividers by @estrelinha-s

[druidwolf21]

Pack bonding

Leman introduces Zad to his wolves, much to sanguinius' distaste.

@jaghatai-khock @cardinalcanis @beckyninja

Another little short story about @jaghatai-khock best little baby boy.

Sorry it's so short! I got caught out by something and I HAD to get this out of my head before my brain melted

"This is freki" Tiny fists balled into thick fur, curling into the textured coat as Zad laughed. His crimson eyes squinted with glee as he ruffled the large canine.

Leman laughed as he held the child, supporting his light weight in one hand as he watched his nephew reveal in the new texture.

"one day, you will be big enough to ride a fenrisian mount, you will be a fine drengr!"

He spun the child in the air and set him on the back of the giant hound. The blonde babe slipped forward, burying his face into the wolf's coarse ruff as he babbled.

"feki feki feki"

"haha! Not quite little warrior, but there will be plenty of time to get that right, come let me show you the rest of the pack!"

Leman strode off towards the stables, his loyal companion padding silently behind him, one ear cocked back to listen to the child as he chattered nonsense and ecstatic noises. Giant paws slunk silently towards the timber building as a instinctive voice whispered into the wolf's mind.

"cub, pup, protect, pack, child"

6 months later

"Enough! stand down"

The 2 beasts stood snarling, saliva drooling from fanged maws as they defended the child stood behind them.

Zadkiel's eyes glittered with glee as he sat behind the wolves, his hands clapping in delight as the hulking mass of muscle and fur bristled at anyone who came too close. Including his own father.

Sanguinius pressed his fingers into his temples, massaging away the incoming migraine.

"am I seriously bargaining with dogs right now?"

His wings puffed in rage and frustration as he once again reached for his son, only to be met with a roar and snap of ivory fangs. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene before him, tactics running through his mind as he tried to deescalate the situation.

His young son sat in a large pile of fallen leaves, hands and face matted with mud and debris as he ran his fingers through the colours of autumn. Reds, oranges and yellows casting warm light on his pale skin as he threw handfuls into the air, smiling as they cascaded around him, settling into his hair and pearly wings. Beside him had slept 2 gigantic fenrisian wolves, the kin of leman russ, assigned guard duty when the primark had to attend an urgent meeting.

"don't worry angel!" The wolf king had laughed. "No one will lay a finger on him!"

"got that right" sanguinius muttered under his breath.

The wolves had lurched to their feet, hackles raised and teeth bared as soon as the angel approached, his gentle coercion and increasing threats doing nothing to dissuade the canines from guarding their newest pack member.

"look I just want to get the muck off my son" he cooed gently, raising his hands up in a calming motion. "My son, my cub"

The beasts exchanged a glance, ears flicking in recognition before turning to look at their young lordling.

"no bath, ick" spat Zad, shaking his head so violently his gold locks bounced across his face. Scarlett eyes squinted in distaste as he poked out his tongue.

"yuck yuck yuck!"

The great angel groaned, throwing his hands up in defeat as the wolves turned back to him, stamping paws and swishing tails as they prowled forward, adamant of setting a protective barrier.

"what's the matter bird? Can't handle a little resistance?"

Sanguinius rolled his eyes as he turned, meeting the merry gaze of his brother as he strolled towards them, branches cracking like wet twigs as he swung his way through the undergrowth.

"Russ, this is entirely your fault, I expect you to rectify it" he hissed, running a hand through his own sunlight hair and wincing as his son threw more leaf litter into his own locks.

The wolf king laughed in response, a deep thrum bouncing through the trees as his large canines flashed in the dimming light.

"he's part of the pack now brother! Who am I to dissuade him from his important business" lemans grinned widened as his nephew found a wet patch of moss and began tearing it into confetti, green mulch splattering across his plush face.

"I swear to terra dog, if you don't sort this now"

The fenrisian waved the threat off, snorting as his normally composed sibling began to unravel at the mess the toddler was making.

"fine fine, I'll get him. But I'm not helping you get him into the bath"

He strode forward, snarling at his 4 legged companions as he did so, his own teeth bared in challenge to their own as he reached into the mulch to retrieve the giggle ball of undergrowth. The wolves reluctantly returned to their haunches, muscles vibrating as they carefully watched their prize lifting into the air under the care of toned arms instinct screaming to obey their alpha, but to protect the young one.

"fenkgerifenkigeri" Zad burbled, waving at his companions as he rose over their heads, laughing as their coarse tongues rasped wet kisses along his bare feet.

"there, easy as" grinned the warrior, cocking a rough grin across his face as he waved the kid in the air, much to Zad's delight and sanguinius' horror. "The little drengr was in serious talks with my brothers, I hope you know what you're doing"

He paced back to the enraged primark, pointedly ignoring his hissed breaths as he bounced the small cherub in his arms.

" little Stormurstjórn, we will be here when you return" he nodded, finally returning Zadkiel to the safety of his father's arms.

Before he could comment how "you were mad if you thought I'm leaving him with you again" Sanguinius' eyes widened in shock at the sudden tenderness in the spacewolf's voice.

Russ leant over, his normally icy glare replaced with a soft eyes and a gentle smile.

"we will always be right here"

[mariacallous]

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in Georgia in the South Caucasus in recent weeks to protest a controversial proposed new law that many fear, if passed, would be the death knell of a once-promising young democracy and drive the country firmly into Moscow’s orbit.

The “foreign agents” law would require organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as “agents of foreign influence.” It is modeled on similar legislation that Russia enacted in 2012 and has used to cast independent media and civic society groups as doing the bidding of foreign governments and to crack down on dissent.

Georgia has been convulsed by bouts of street protests in recent years over the proposed law and other actions by the ruling Georgian Dream party that critics fear could consolidate its power and draw the country closer to neighboring Russia, a deeply unpopular move in the former Soviet nation where an overwhelming majority of the population supports joining the European Union, according to opinion polls.

Georgia was offered long-awaited EU candidate status by the bloc last year, which could be placed in jeopardy if the foreign agents legislation is adopted. In a statement last month, Brussels’s diplomatic service urged the country’s leaders to “adopt and implement reforms that are in line with the stated objective of joining the European Union, as supported by a large majority of Georgia’s citizens.”

On Thursday, Georgia’s ambassador to France resigned in protest over the proposed legislation, becoming the first senior official from the country to do so. “I no longer see my role and resources in this direction: the move towards Europe,” said Gotcha Javakhishvili in a post on social media.

The law was first introduced in February 2023 but was quickly withdrawn in the face of massive street protests in the capital, Tbilisi. It was then reintroduced in April of this year. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who is independent of the Georgian Dream, has promised to veto the legislation if passed, but her veto would likely be overridden by the government’s parliamentary majority.

“It seems clear to me, anyway, they have made a decision to go the path of one-party rule, of shutting down basically all checks and balances on executive power, and this Russian law is the last instrument that they need to put in place,” said Ian Kelly, former U.S. ambassador to Georgia.

The protests this time around are markedly different from earlier iterations, though—but not because of the demonstrators or their demands. What makes the latest round of unrest different is the level of violence and intimidation meted out against protesters and civil society as well as the government’s apparent determination to pass the law, which is due for a final reading on May 13, despite the public outcry and condemnation from the European Union and the United States.

Security forces have used water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas in a bid to disperse crowds of demonstrators in the capital, Tbilisi, while protesters have reported being violently assaulted by groups of men dressed in black in what they say appear to be premeditated attacks.

In recent days, civil society activists, journalists, and their relatives have reported receiving menacing phone calls from anonymous callers threatening them in Georgian and reciting their home addresses in an apparent bid to intimidate them, said Eka Gigauri, executive director of Transparency International Georgia. Gigauri said she had received dozens of calls from unknown numbers in recent days but declined to answer them.

On Wednesday evening, four government critics, including two members of the United National Movement opposition party, were attacked by unknown assailants outside their homes and in the street. Overnight on Wednesday, posters featuring the faces of prominent civil society activists, journalists, and opposition politicians branding them as enemies of the country and foreign agents were plastered near their homes and offices across the capital.

“What happened during these two days is just an unprecedented level of targeting,” said Eto Buziashvili, a former advisor to the Georgian National Security Council based in Tbilisi.

In 2019, when police used water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas to disperse protesters, it sparked a national outcry and further protests calling for snap elections and the resignation of the interior minister, Giorgi Gakharia.

Now, accusations of more sinister tactics are afoot as the role of the unknown assailants dressed in black has drawn comparisons to pro-government thugs known as titushki who were allegedly paid for by the embattled government of Viktor Yanukovych to cause disruption and attack protesters during the Ukrainian revolution in 2014, Buziashvili said.

After a 2003 uprising known as the Rose Revolution, Georgia embarked on a dizzyingly ambitious reform program under the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili, who was then a darling of Washington’s. He sought to stamp out corruption and put the country on a firmly Western trajectory, tilting it away from Moscow, which fought a short but shocking war with Georgia over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in 2008.

Saakashvili was imprisoned in 2021, accused of abusing power while in office. His supporters see the charges as politically motivated.

The Georgian Dream, established by the eccentric Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, came to power in 2012 promising a less confrontational approach to Moscow while paying lip service to the country’s aspirations to join NATO and the European Union.

Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Moscow in the 1990s, served as prime minister for just over a year, stepping down in 2013, but has widely been viewed as the one still calling the shots behind the scenes as the Georgian Dream has undermined the country’s hard-won democratic gains and poured salt on the relationship with the United States.

“The person who seems to be driving all of this is Bidzina Ivanishvili,” said U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speaking about the foreign agents law.

In October, the Georgian government accused the United States Agency for International Development of trying to foment a coup in the country.

The Georgian government’s claims echo similar allegations made by Moscow over the years that have accused Washington of pulling the strings in a series of pro-democracy uprisings in the former Soviet Union known as color revolutions, including in Ukraine.

“I think it’s Russian disinformation. It’s a deliberate effort by Russia to stoke divisions in the country,” said Shaheen, who has a long-standing focus on Georgia.

On April 29, in a rare public address infused with conspiracy theories, Ivanishvili—who formally serves as the party’s honorary chairman—depicted the country as wrestling for its independence against shadowy, unnamed foreign forces, describing Georgia’s nongovernmental organizations as a “pseudo-elite nurtured by a foreign country.”

Although Ivanishvili’s personal wealth is equivalent to roughly a third of the country’s gross domestic product, he is “borrowing from the Orban and Trump playbook, highlighting how the urban elite is running counter to Georgian traditional values,” Kelly said, referring to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In March, a senior member of the Georgian Dream announced a raft of constitutional amendments cracking down on LGBT rights and banning any public efforts to promote same-sex relationships, echoing Russia’s “gay propaganda” law passed in 2013.

In the April speech, Ivanishvili explicitly referenced parliamentary elections set to be held later this year as a motivation for reintroducing the foreign agents law and the anti-LGBT legislation, noting that it would force civil society to “expend the energy” ahead of the vote, saying it would leave them “weakened” and “exhausted.”

Kelly criticized the Biden administration for not taking more concrete steps to deter Georgian politicians from pursuing the legislation. “Right after April 29, they should have started the first round of imposing costs, and the really easy one is, ‘You’re not welcome to get a visa,’” he said.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the violence against protesters on Thursday and called for a “full independent and timely investigation,” but Kelly said that such statements don’t go far enough.

“It’s useless. It’s worse than useless,” he said. “I don’t know if they really take us seriously.”

[asklilmissrarity]

Progress Update on Melodi

Hello, everyone!

Happy New Year!

On December 15th 2023, I made the public announcement that Lil Miss Rarity will receive no further comic updates from me, finally confirming a common theory that I had lost the will to continue creating it. Lil Miss Rarity, just to confirm here, is now public domain and I encourage fan-blogs and will proverbially pass the torch to anyone who would like to take up the mantle.

It wasn't an easy decision to make because of how many times I'd promised I would never stop updating it, and I did in fact have future plans for it (I will be making a video on YouTube describing how I'd planned to continue the story, and how I would have ended it if I ever did).

But in its wake came Melodi, a spiritual successor to Lil Miss Rarity, and I've decided that a story-driven video game with ongoing updates would be the smartest decision, at least for the introduction to the series.

And so along came this twiggy elf. (Important note: Her booby size on her sprite is exaggerated, same as her head size. The in-game art for cutscenes will show more proper body proportions.)

Melodi is now just four directional (diagonal movement) sprite animations away from being a complete character sprite, which means creating a proof of concept will be just a matter of time.

As of today, I have completed:

The intro cutscene for the game, leading to the introduction of Melodi and her teacher, Eliah Sterium (Multiple full color images accompany that cutscene)

Seven unique songs entirely composed by myself (Literally learned how to make music a week ago just for this project)

Four directional movement sprites consisting of 6 frames of pixel animation each direction (Including separating each part to make them usable for other characters' sprites)

Four directional idle animations consisting of 6 frames of animation each direction (Again, making paperdolls to use later for other characters)

A discord server for the ongoing production of Melodi RPG where I'll be answering questions, including answering as the characters from the game similar to the LMR ask-blog

27 (just counted) preliminary sketches to flesh out character designs and have reference for myself

Eliah Sterium's design, making the ladies go gaga

Mountains of lore (a lot of which can be found in the Discord's lore channels)

Personalities for the primary cast of deadbeat magic school students

Art for the title screen

The entire storyboard for Episode 1 and Episode 2

The pricing model for the game (Episode 1 will be a free demo, and all remaining episodes will be bundled together in a $10 purchase)

The "Pet Cwow" option on the Quit Game menu and what happens when you pet him (You'll see)

The entire intro in-engine (Screencapped above with Eliah there)

Many new fans/friends who've introduced themselves in the Discord

And, I have received (on December 31st) my very first negative review of the game, which I will cherish. Someone who knew nothing other than "It's a game about an elf who goes psychotic" and saw the title art said that the game was basically doomed to fail because Melodi has large breasts, to which I replied "Imagine being this fucking butthurt over tits existing" which set him off into an obnoxious and insulting rage that ended with "Enjoy nothing but horny virgins playing your game and ignoring the dog water, generic ass story." A quote that I will never, ever, ever forget, and if I someday make a physical release of the game, I promise you, that quote will be on the back of the box.

There's even more than just all this, I've already sunk tons of hours of time and effort into the production of Melodi and I am super excited to continue.

I want to thank everyone for the support of the game so far, and I hope once people know more about the story and characters, the game sees the same kind of fandom that Lil Miss Rarity once had.

Luv you all

~Jay Tonique

[aceofwhump]

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog!

I decided to make a new pinned post with all the information that is available on my desktop site but that will be more accessible for mobile users. Plus a few extras 😉

So an introduction.

I'm Ace. I started this blog back in February 2018 after seeing a post that referenced the whump community. I had no idea there was such a large community here on tumblr! As soon as I saw that making a whump blog was an option I immediately made one. And I haven't regretted it since. I love this blog, I love this community, and I'm thrilled to be here three years later! 

Here on this blog you'll see lots of gifsets both reblogged from wonderful creators and gifs made by yours truly. I also write fanfics on occasion. You can check out my work on AO3 under the name "aceofwhump" or you can look under my tag "ace writes stuff". That tag will have some stuff not on AO3 too. I also do whump lists for certain characters, trope lists, video clips of good whump, and fanfic recs.

Click on the read more for even more information and important links to things like gifmaking tutorials, my trope tag list, my show/movie tag list, my fanfic masterlist, and more!!!

My favorite tropes are:

Emotional: panic attacks, nightmares, insecurities, feeling inadequate, fear, grief, flashbacks, flinching, emotional breakdowns full of sobbing, emotional outbursts, scar reveals, anxiety, self hatred

Environmental: accidents, natural disasters like earthquakes or storms, hit by a car, collapsed building, falling through ice, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, falls, burns, infected wounds from lack of medical equipment, sickness, being unable to breathe, drowning

Small moments: limping, feeling weak and seeking support, breathing through the pain, moving wrong in a way that aggravates the pain, and the sudden seizing of his body, shaking hands, pressing the heel of his hand against his temple because of a headache, taking a moment to close his eyes because he’s light headed/exhausted/has such a bad headache

Sci-fi: space illness, oxygen deprivation, isolation, being locked in the brig, hull of the ship getting damaged, alien attacks

Injuries: broken bones, gunshot wounds, hidden injuries, bruises, beaten, concussions, collapsed lung, slings, casts, crutches, knocked unconscious, blood loss

Torture/Captivity: Being strung up by their wrists from the ceiling, drugged, chained up, caged, tied to a chair, handcuffed to a pole, interrogated

Comfort/Caretaking: hugging, “Are you okay?”, “You’re safe now”, “I’ve got you”, hand holding, helping to walk, ice packs, covering someone with a blanket, a cool cloth on their forehead to help with a fever, a fever check, touching their face to offer comfort

Magic: magical healing that causes pain, draining of powers, powers that are painful to use, curses

Stoic or defiant whumpees

Team whump

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Long detailed look at how I make my gifs

Gifmaking tutorials:

Gifmaking for Begginers: my ginormous all you need to know tutorial

Another look at how I make a gif

Tips for beginners

Tips on brightening dark scenes

How to get into gifmaking

Photoset dimensions

How to make a layout gifset

Gif speeds

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Links from my desktop blog for mobile users:

My gifs

My whump videos

Ace writes stuff

My Writing Masterlist

Trope tag list

Show list

My Whumptober Masterlists

Fanfic Rec Lists

Blog Archive

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Introducing…

ACEOFWHUMP’S FANFIC MASTERLIST!!

This has been a massive, ongoing project of mine for a while now in which I am endeavoring to catalog and categorize every fanfiction I’ve ever bookmarked. I fear this project will never be complete as I'm always reading and bookmarking new fics but I’m going to share it anyway.

Inside, you will find links and summaries to the fanfictions I’ve read over the years on both AO3 and FF.net. Each fic is sorted by the specific whumpee that they center on. So there’s a page for Danny Williams, for Mike Warren, for Lucifer Morningstar, and many many more. The fics are 90% whump with a touch of fluffy ones thrown in too. This list is based on the fics I’ve read and bookmarked so it leans heavily on my favorite whumpees and my favorite tropes. 

I’ve been working on categorizing every fic by its tropes (so theoretically you could search for say seizure fics or sick fics) but that’s taking me a loooong time because I have to reread every fic in order to determine what kind of categories to make and to look for the specific tropes. So for now you’ll have to make do with the fic summaries and using the search function. When it’s done, each whumpee will have their specific trope categories so you won’t necessarily find the same tropes in each category but it should help narrow down the fics better once I’m done. This is an ongoing project for me.

The list gets updated all the time so check back in every now and then. There might be something new.

I do take suggestions of fics to add to this masterlist but please keep in mind that it may not end up on the list. It's nothing personal I promise. I just can't add every single fic in the world.

Here's the link (note that it opens best on desktop browser because it is large):

[shadowknightapologist]

do yuo have any mcd gene headcanons perchance……

BOY DO I!!! hello my new favorite person enjoy your stay /silly

WARNINGS FOR: referenced child abandonment, sick parent, mild body horror (bad piercing habits), cannibalism, execution, and murder.

prior to being a shadow knight...

gene is afro-dominican (maria is dominican, his father is black).

bisexual demiromantic, he/they, BPD + insomnia (i fear him and laurance are going to become personal conduits /hj silly).

if he'd have had the chance, he probably would have become an artist.

he always loved cats. his childhood pet was a golden tabby molly named apple (after dante bc it was one of his favorite words and gene wanted to make sure he could pronounce it). she was very affectionate and usually rode around on his shoulders while he was patrolling the village and she'd cry at him whenever dante got out of school. very accomplished mouser and gift-giver, much to chagrin of her household. she got sick just before maria did and died the day after gene's execution.

gene was executed at 19 (dante was 13) and is 25 as of season 1. he looks about 21-22.

he looks like his father and he hates it (the design i made is already a little outdated but that's okay i'll figure it out one day).

his full name is eugene alejandro de la cruz.

"eugene" is after his father, but calling him that whether you're aware or not will get your teeth knocked in. the only person who got away with this is his mother, maria, because she was sick (dante, before and after gene's execution, would probably be fine too, but dante never had a reason to call him eugene anyway so).

gene took care of both dante and maria.

gene DID actually work to be headguard, and he was going to be picked fairly. however, he was in competition with an older, well-respected gentleman and panicked—i'm thinking the lord was corrupt and made it so low-ranking guards and villagers were kinda miserable, so with maria getting sick and their father leaving, gene was terrified he'd be unable to properly support them without the rank.

so his first run-in with his magiks was an attempt to manipulate the man into no longer wanting to be headguard so it'd leave gene as the only option. instead, he corrupted his memories so bad that he got severe PTSD and had to step down as a guard completely.

i think that, in addition to memory warping, gene can cast small illusions. this is how dante is introduced to gene's magik—he used to do little shows based on fairytales to help dante sleep.

gene was too busy growing up to bother with crushes or attractions beyond physical/aesthetic attraction and occasional flirting bc he's charming and knows how to read/talk to people. yes this means i'm making the lord's daughter thing largely noncanon!! instead she liked him and he used it to his advantage (not in a gross way) (more like "my family is safest when i'm on your side so that's where i'm gonna be") (unkind, yes; assault-y? no).

after becoming a shadow knight...

gene developed feline qualities after becoming a shadow knight. when passing for a human, this is visible in his eyes. in his usual knight form, he has a tail, the claws, and the teeth. in his more beastly form he basically looks like a fucked-up, zombified big cat.

additionally. shad gave him a nether-born feline mount.

in my headcanon, shadow knights are kept in the nether for 1-3 nether years (26-78 overworld days) so they can start training, acclimating to the realm, and be brainwashed. gene stabilized pretty quickly for newborn shadow knights, especially as magiks user. shad allowed him to leave with supervision after eight months (17 overworld days).

i believe that, in general, spirits suffer memory damage after dying. it's typical and usually fixes itself in the afterlife. however, since gene never got to any afterlife, nothing fixed itself. so when he's reborn, he believes, whole-heartedly, that dante betrayed him. his little brother, his shadow, the one person dante would have done anything for—now the one who tossed gene away, who let them make a public spectacle of his murder.

gene eats his lord, the two senior knights, and the boy who executed him. while he's fighting he takes a few chunks out of people. all in all it's a complete bloodbath. i think he would have done something to keep maria and dante away from a majority of the violence tho, whether that was trapping them in the house or using magic to create some sort of "bubble" so they couldn't hear anything.

gene still hits dante with the "someone has to remember" line, but no one's memory is actively changed (1, because everyone is dead; 2, because gene is still scared of his powers at this time, having not used them a lot; and 3, a part of him is hesitant to inflict that on dante). he leaves the communication amulet with dante and tells him to run.

after that, gene stays with maria for a while. either she dies of natural causes or he kills her himself (considering it a mercy kill).

dante (and maybe shad, but in a different way) is gene's only flaw as a shadow knight. he's the one thing remaining of his old life that gene can't kill, the one thing that makes him act out. gene will simultaneously hurt dante and beat the shit out of any knights that breathe a word about him.

aphmau reminds gene of dante. laurance and aphmau remind him of him and his brother (i'm not doing laurmau i think).

gene handles most of the rebirth process for baby knights. laurance was his favorite due to the unusual circumstances surrounding his turning.

gene is an exalted knight.

gene has tattoos + piercings. the piercings are mostly from him getting bored and just... stabbing things through his body.

in a perfect world, gene forgives dante and makes him a shadow knight with him and they serve shad together. he doesn't know why he hasn't done it yet (he'll say dante needs to suffer the consequences of his actions a little longer, but the truth is some deeply buried part knows and acknowledges that being a shadow knight is torture. he doesn't want that for his dante).

gene considered sasha a friend against his better judgement, up until she fled (he knows considers her a traitor and a coward). vylad is disconcerting and frustrating to him because he's hard to read. vincent is a coward. laurance is both infuriating and, truth be told, a little scary to him. gene isn't a stranger to eating other knights so zenix is straight up just annoying to him.

um this quote makes me think of dante and gene

these are probably so boring and all over the place, i just got excited </3 some may be subject to change bc i fear they're not very interesting!! but we'll see

[niqhtlord01]

Humans are weird: The Spacer’s Creed

 ( Please come see me on my new patreon and support me for early access to stories and personal story requests :D https://www.patreon.com/NiqhtLord Every bit helps)       “Abandon ship, abandon ship; this is not a drill.”

The speaker cut out as the wall it was mounted to burst out in violent flames sending Zengul tumbling to the floor. He tried to get back to his feet but felt a stream of warm green blood run down his face and momentarily blinding him. He wiped his uniform sleeve across his face but a new stream just came down.

He could feel the heat from the flames on the back of his neck as he unsteadily got back to his feet when a pair of hands grabbed each of his arms and hoisted him up.

“Almost there Zengul!” he heard one of his rescuers shout. He tried to look up at his saviors but his eyes were now blurry from the blood still running down his face. Opening his mouth to say something he was surprised to find all that would come out was nothing more than coughs and gasps.

The trio made their way down the corridor as the ship shuddered again. Several pipes came loose and fell next to them but by then the motley group had made it to the escape pod. Zengul heard the door being closed behind them followed shortly by the pressure seal engaging. No sooner had the door sealed was the pod shot out of the escape tunnel and ejected into space.

Zengul could feel his hearts pounding out of his chest as one of the other survivors broke out the medkit from a storage locker.

“Here ya go.” They said as they bandaged up his head and the stream of blood finally subsided allowing him to see again.

“First class engineer Zengul,” he introduced himself to his saviors. The one who had been bandaging him nodded a greeting in return.

“Security officer Muck, deck three.”

The pair looked over at the third member of the escape pod who was cradling their head between their talons.

“What about you?” Zengul asked.

“You will remain silent unless addressed directly.” The third member said rather harshly as they snapped their head around.

Zengul and Muck cast a look between each other as they saw the uniform and rank insignia of the third figure. Unlike their uniforms showing yellow for engineering and grey for security, the third figure wore a bright blue uniform signifying that they were officer class.

With nothing left to say the pair looked out the viewport. The space outside may have been cold, but it was far from empty.

The battle between their fleet and the humans still raged all around them. Energy lances shot out back and forth tearing great chasms in metal hulls while the trails of missiles decorated the space between the two war fleets like the strokes of a painters brush. Zengul watched the engagement quietly when a rather dark notion slowly started creeping into his mind.

“I only count fifteen ships.”

“What?” Muck asked. Zengul pointed to their fleet.

“I only count fifteen ships.” He repeated.

“A good fighting number.” Muck replied, unsure of where his fellow crewman was going with this statement.

Zengul shook his head. “When we started fighting we had twenty seven.”

Hearing this, the security officer looked back at their fleet and silently counted the remaining ships to himself. He did this several times before he too shared the dark thoughts now manifesting.

“Stow your belly aching.” The officer cut in as they pushed Zengul and Muck away from the window. “Our ships will still carry the day and pick us up as soon as the last human ship is a burning husk.”

“They’re turning around.” Zengul spoke up. He pointed at a line of their battleships, several on fire and visibly leaking atmosphere, turning around and beginning to depart the battlefield.

“No.” the officer stammered as more and more of their ships began fleeing the battlefield. “NO!!!!!!”

As the officer smashed his hands against the window in dismay a large shadow passed overhead. The trio retreated away from the window in surprise as the entire escape pod began to shake and rattle as whatever it was had enough mass to have a small gravity field.

Zengul leaned forward and looked up to see the underside of a human warship passing over them in hot pursuit of their retreating fleet. The glare from their engines made him squint in pain as it flared and several plasma lances shot out into the distance. Looking to either side Zengul could see several dozen more human ships all arrayed in a line formation pressing their advantage and firing on the exposed rears of their enemy.

“Stand and fight damn your eyes!” the officer shouted as he worked up enough of a spine to return to the window and push Zengul out of the way. “Do your duty!”

As if in reply to his outcry one of their warships exploded in a violent fireball as its shields collapsed and a plasma lance tore through the engines. Zengul wagered that they had been spinning up their jump engines and the strike from the plasma had destabilized the jump drive setting off a cataclysmic event.

One by one their battleships activated their jump drives and fled the system in bright flashes of light until finally only the human ships remained to sift through what had once been a great navy.

The officer slumped to the floor while Zengul and Muck looked watched the human warships slowly begin turning around and make their way back to the debris field.

“Do you think we can get the micro jets working?” Muck asked. Zengul laughed beside himself and shook his head. “Do you really think an escape pod can outrun a warship?”

Muck opened his mouth but said nothing as he realized the futility of their situation.

“All we can do now is make peace with ourselves and hope our ancestors are ready to receive us.”

The trio sat in silence as the warships drew ever closer until once more the shadow crossed over them. Zengul could not help but feel though that this time it was the shadow of death itself. He closed his eyes waiting for the plasma lances to destroy them.

Seconds passed, then minutes; and yet still nothing came.

Instead of a fiery death Zengul felt the entire escape pod jolt to the side and begin moving.

“What’s happening?”

Looking out the window the crew members saw that the escape pod was now surrounded by a thick green light. While this was concerning, Zengul was more concerned with the fact that they were being pulled through the debris field towards the closest human ship.

“Why aren’t they destroying us?”

“Because they’re savages!” the officer shouted.

They stood back up and began searching the escape pod for something. “They’re going to bring us onboard and kill us in close quarters combat, but we shall fight them until the very end!”

Zengul turned and watched the officer as they ripped a piece of metal off the walls and began swinging it like club. “Do you know how stupid that sounds? Why would they want to do it in person when they can just use their guns?”

“What part of “savages” did you not understand!?!” the officer retorted. “They’ll want to run us through and string us up like wild animals.”

Muck and Zengul exchanged a glance that doubted this notion, but it didn’t matter as the escape pod was finally pulled within the human ship. Looking out the window it appeared to be some sort of large hangar bay. On the far side of the bay Zengul could see rows of fighter craft stowed and ready for use while a growing crowd of humans started to assemble.

“So that’s what they look like.” Muck said as if confirming something. “I always thought they would have been taller.”

While the group was distracted with looking out the window the sudden and loud clanging from the door to the escape pod almost went unnoticed. Zengul turned around at the sound and saw a pair of humans standing outside the pod with plasma rifles trained on them.

Slowly raising his hands to show he wasn’t a threat, Muck and the officer turned around at the confusing gesture and finally noticed the humans themselves.

“By order of the terran military, you all are hereby ordered to surrender.” The lead human said.

“So you’re not going to kill us?” Muck asked hesitantly.

The humans looked between each other confused by the question then back at the group of aliens. “If you surrender you will be treated well as prisoners of war.”

“Lies!” the officer shouted. They brought their makeshift weapon up and both humans shifted their aim to cover him. “We are your sworn enemies! We know you’ll just kill us the first chance you get.”

“Why did you save us anyway?” Zengul asked the humans as they kept their weapons trained on the officer. “You could have just left us out there to die.”

“It goes against the creed.” One of the humans answered.

“The creed?”

The human nodded. “The Spacer’s Creed.”

As if quoting a line of text the human continued “Friend or foe it matters not; left in space to die they shall not.”

“Though if your friend doesn’t put down his weapon we’ll put him down for good.” The other officer spoke up as their trigger finger was centimeters from the trigger.

“Oh him you should kill.” Muck replied dryly, much to the officer’s surprise. Zengul nodded in agreement. “He was just telling us how he wanted to fight you all to the death before surrendering.”

The officer’s eyes went wide in disbelief at the sudden betrayal. It was a moment he did not have long to ponder on as the human weapons opened fire and tore fist sized chunks out of the officer’s body before collapsing to the ground with a wet thud.

“So,” Zengul said as he slowly rose to his feet, “do we need to sign something or will you just take us as prisoners now?”

[vvyvernicus]

Thought I'd share the beginning of a long fanfiction chapter for the Sofia the First fandom! Takes place in the beginning of Season 2 and introduces a new face to the cast. Someone even more infamous than Cedric?

Also just a heads up that it's slightly darker than its upbeat source material. Nothing worse than the darkest Disney movies 🙂

In the magical world of the EverRealm, curses were just as abundant as the magic that created them. Sprouting up from just about any corner of the world. As much as magic benefitted those who lived with it, it was still quite volatile and dangerous in these circumstances. To have one person be affected by a curse was already a serious problem depending on the severity. But a whole town? Civilization?

To be cursed is to be punished. Be that by a divine being or powerful magic. In most cases, the latter is far more common. 

A curse that affected a large land mass was only slightly more common than natural disasters. Even those were often said to be born from magical disturbances. But few people were capable of stopping them solely on their own.

Enchancia was currently under the influence of a widespread curse; nearly the entire kingdom was affected. This was dubbed as the curse of Eternal Night. It was not as harmful as other curses, but still caused unrest within the kingdom. When crops and fauna began to wither, the king knew that he had to take drastic measures to bring sunlight back to the lands.

King Roland the Second was quick to act since day one of this curse. His first order was to send out knights to patrol the kingdom for any signs of foul sorcery. Right after he sent them off, he then turned to someone who specialized in the manner of all things magic. This was of course the kingdom's very own royal sorcerer, Cedric. 

Despite being the kingdom's royal sorcerer, not a lot of people put much faith in him to do things right. Spells going awry was a common occurrence. Of course, he would get things correct eventually, but not until after everyone bore witness to the failures. Thus it was no surprise to him when he was not able to produce results for the root cause of the curse even after a week. 

While the kingdom itself was able to receive imports from its neighboring monarchies and the people were able to take in sunlight by leaving the kingdom's borders, it was still in a state of crisis. With not even the moon or stars illuminating the sky, it sunk the morale of the usually upbeat locals. Not only that but it caused disarray among the commoners who did not have clocks in their homes. The only sort of light that bloomed in the kingdom was the flickering of torches and candles alike.

By the time the two week mark hit, the people's panic continued to grow. Local flora was beginning to die and leaves had begun to fall off trees. Even with the kingdom's best efforts, no one was able to locate the cause of this curse nor knew of a way to stop it. Not even Princess Sofia's assistance was enough to aid the kingdom this time. So King Roland was left with no other choice than to seek help from outside Enchancia.

When other kingdoms became aware of Enchancia's plight, they did their best to offer support and advice. However none could truly do anything in regards to the curse itself. Unfortunately, it was decided that the kingdom was in dire need of a professional to deal with the issue at hand. And there was only one such person who was readily available to be contacted at any given time.

A curse exorcist. That is what they call sorcerers who devote their lives to the study and elimination of curses. There were few who existed in the world, but those who did were dedicated to their craft. One in particular was widely known to have a notably high success rate in vanquishing every curse they came across. Eris the Accursed.

King Roland had just informed this to his family during another dinner illuminated by candlelight. While this was supposed to be a good thing, many appeared skeptical at first. After all, it was not too long ago with their last encounter with a sorceress. She was proven to be a fraud in the end, but it still put a damper on expectations.

The youngest child could only smile at the news. This was no time to be sad after all. If it was a chance to cure the kingdom, how could she not be ecstatic?

“Then that's great! She'll be able to make the darkness go away!” Sofia smiled with excitement as there was finally a promising lead on putting an end to the curse. Her stepfather did not share the same enthusiasm.

“She is still a dangerous woman, Sofia. There is a reason she is called Eris the Accursed. Inviting her into the kingdom may only bring more trouble,” Roland explained to her as the girl's blue eyes went back down to her food.

Queen Miranda looked towards her daughter with understanding as she placed a hand against Sofia's back. Sofia was truly a girl pure of heart and always sought to see the best in people. But, like her husband, she too was cautious of this curse exorcist.

“You've always been a very kind girl, Sofia. But as your father says, she is not a person we can trust so easily. We'll just have to hope for the best upon her arrival,” Miranda said in that naturally soothing voice she had that seemed to put everyone in a better mood. At least until the twins added their thoughts on the topic.

“So, is she actually super evil?” James piped up with curiosity. His question had visibly worried his twin sister. Before Roland could answer him, his eldest daughter spoke first.

“She won't try to harm us, will she?” Amber whimpered, thinking about some evil villainess showing up with the goal of taking over the kingdom. It seemed unlikely that would happen, but it was still a cause for concern. 

Roland sighed as he crossed his arms. In his mind he was thinking that this was a risk they would have to take. But to pacify the worried faces of the children, he had to downplay his own concerns.

“As long as you don't go near her alone, everything will be fine. She wouldn't dare to do anything like that with an audience. None of the rumors have mentioned her being so bold,” Roland explained to them which seemed to ease Amber a little. But only more questions popped up.

“Rumors?” the young Sofia spoke up, prompting her stepfather to sigh. He supposed there was no reason to keep these from them. In fact, it would only encourage them to maintain their distance from Eris—should she arrive in Enchancia.

Roland sighed again, realizing there was little point in withholding the truth from them. “Yes, rumors,” he began, his voice lowering as if the shadows themselves might be listening. “The most well-known one is that townsfolk have reported their neighbors going missing after interacting with a woman dressed in a dark cloak…”

Let me know if you have any thoughts!

[pawnshopbleus]

Put Me in a Movie - Chapter Three

Miguel O’Hara x Fem!Reader

Summary - You’re a famous actress and he’s one of the greatest directors of all time. What happens when you get cast in his new movie?

Chapter Two

The buzzing of your phone wakes you up. It’s still dark out when you wake up. You grab your phone and check to see who’s calling you.

“What do you want, Stella? It’s four o’clock in the morning,” you grumbled.

“You promised me you wouldn’t get drunk!”

“I didn’t!” you lied.

“Don’t lie to me. Miguel told me everything.”

You search your mind for the festivities of the night. All you remember is drinking and then lying down on a lounge chair. The events after that seemed like a blur.

“What do you mean ‘Miguel told you everything’?”

“Do you not remember?” Stella asked. When you didn’t answer she continued, “Miguel saw that you were drunk and drove you home. You fell asleep in his car and you weren’t waking up so he had to carry you up to your bed.”

Oh my god. There’s no way that your new boss had to carry you in your drunken state all the way up to your bedroom.

“How did he get into my house?” That was a genuine question that needed answering. Even though he was your new boss he was practically a stranger.

“I let him know where your spare key was,” Stella said.

“Stella, you can’t just let strangers know where a key to my house is. For all I know, he could be dangerous.”

Stella didn’t answer you. All she said was “I’ll let you get some more sleep. You need to be at the table read by two in the afternoon,” before she hung up without another word.

The second time you woke up was at ten o’clock in the morning. You were a bit more rested but your head was killing you. You took some Advil and ate a carb-heavy breakfast. You liked cooking. It brought you peace of mind in the morning before a stressful day.  

The drive to the studio was nerve-wracking. You were sweating even though the air conditioning was on full blast. You felt like you already messed up your first impression with the director. Did Miguel think that you were some spoiled brat that couldn’t handle her liquor? Well, you guess you’ll just have to find out.

The table read was held in a large conference room. There was a long table in the middle of the room with enough chairs for a small army. There were a few people in the room. A man about five foot ten with brown hair and hazel eyes. He seemed pretty friendly and welcoming so you decided to approach him.

He welcomed you with a warm smile and a handshake. “I’m Peter B. Parker. I’m playing James, the American soldier your character falls in love with. I’m a huge fan.”

The two of you talked for quite some time as more people filled the room. Most of the cast and crew came up to introduce themselves to you. You met a few producers and a few minors and supporting characters, the writers of the script, a few heads of departments, and studio executives. The only person that didn’t come up and introduce themself to you was a girl about two or three years younger than you. By no means did anyone have to come up to you and introduce themself to you, but her vibe felt sort of off. She was standing in the corner of the room glaring at you. It took you a few glances to finally make out what she looked like.

She was tall, about a whole foot taller than you. She had fiery red hair and a wildly beautiful face. It was unnatural how beautiful she was. You recognized her as Tasia Wells, the daughter of actress Florence Wells and director William Wells. Tasia started off her career as a runway model but she soon realized that acting is where she could make a mark. She was a pretty new actress having only acted in two films so far. But from what you’d seen she wasn’t half bad.

You gulped as you and Tasia made eye contact. It was for a brief second, but it felt like forever. She looked like she was sending you a message of some kind. The message felt like a warning. The two of you definitely wouldn’t get along.

You asked Peter who Tasia was playing. He said Tasia is playing Rose, an American nurse that falls in love with Peter's character but he obviously doesn’t return the feelings.

Seconds later, Miguel enters the room and everyone falls silent. They all await their master's next order.

He commands everyone to sit in their designated seats. You sat in between Peter and Tasia. She’s even more intimidating closer up.

“Alright, everyone. I think we should start with introductions first. I’m Miguel O’Hara. This is the seventh film that is attached to my name. Don’t fuck it up and make me regret it.” Some people in the room visibly gulped in fear when he said that. Miguel was an intimidating man and you didn’t want to find out what happens if you get on his bad side.

It was time for everyone to introduce themselves. You got the vibe that everyone would be easy to work with except Tasia. This was her introduction, “Hi everyone, my name is Tasia Well, yes Tasia Wells and no, I will not introduce you to my parents so don’t ask.”

You dealt with a lot of nepotism babies in your years working in Hollywood. Most of them were very humble and grateful to work in the same industry as their parents, but sometimes that wasn’t the case. Once in a while, you would encounter nepotism babies that acted like Taisa, arrogant and egotistical. Those were the ones you hated working with.

The script in front of you was pretty thick. It was about one hundred and eleven pages long which meant that the film would run just under two hours. The script was titled To Love . Your character breakdown was pretty simple. You would be playing Polina, a Russian spy who poses as the American nurse, Linda,  during world war two. Polina was very closed off and mysterious and that’s why James, played by Peter, liked her.  

You knew you were going to love playing Polina/Linda. From the first line to the last line, she had you laughing, crying, or questioning yourself. She was such a complex character which made you go outside of your comfort zone. You were used to playing the underdog in most films, but in this one, you were the heroine.

After the table read, a few people stayed back to socialize. You talked to Peter about his wife whom you’d admired for a very long time. Mary-Jane Parker was a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. She’s written about four of your all-time favorite books. Without them, you wouldn’t be the person you were today.

In the corner of your eye, you see Tasia talking to someone. You can’t see who it is unless you turn your head. You decide to risk it and you turn to see who she’s talking to. Miguel looks completely disinterested in the conversation they are having. His arms are crossed and he’s looking at the wall. As if he can sense your gaze upon him, his eyes meet yours. The way he looks at you makes you feel like the only girl in the world. You quickly avert your gaze back to Peter who didn’t notice that you weren’t paying attention.

“Anyways, I better get going. MJ and May are waiting for me at home. I’ll see you soon.” Peter bids farewell and soon enough, it’s only you, Miguel, and Tasia in the room.

You can still hear her voice. It’s a sickly sweet one that makes teen boys go crazy. You almost want to chop your own ears off from the sound of her voice. Is this jealousy talking or your actual feelings?

You leave the room and start to head over to your car. It was getting pretty dark outside and the only form of light was the ones on the outside of the sound stages. You parked by a dead tree and a stray dog that looked like she hadn’t eaten in a few days. She didn’t have a collar and she looked pretty young. You said to yourself that if the dog was still there by the time you were done with the table read then you would take her home with you, and lo and behold the pup was still there.

You bent down and extended your hand out so that the dog could sniff it. The dog wearily came up to you and sniffed your hand. She was a pretty puppy. You didn’t know what kind of breed she was so you would have to take her to the vet to find out. Surprisingly, she let you pick her up and caress her skinny body. Your heart broke for the dog because she was alone. Much like yourself.

“I didn’t know you were a dog person,” Miguel’s distinct voice said behind you. You didn’t hear him approaching you so you jumped out of fear.

“I love dogs,” you said as you looked down at your new puppy. “How are things going with Miss. ‘No, I will not introduce you to my parents’?”

Miguel laughed at your question, “She’s a character but I’ve known her since she was a kid. Plus, I owe her dad a favor.”

“Did anyone actually audition for this film or was it kind of like you filling in roles with people you already knew?” You asked. The dog shifted in your arms.

“More or less. Peter was actually the only one out of the main three to audition,” he added. Miguel wanted to ask you how you were feeling after last night but he thought that it wasn’t the right moment to speak about that. You awkwardly shifted from your heels to the balls of your feet.

You had the feeling that this conversation with Miguel was going nowhere so you told him that you were going to leave now. What’s the worst thing that could happen? He’s already seen you drunk out of your mind and now you were saving a stray puppy.

At home, you gave the dog some water and a bowl of leftover white rice. You looked it up on Google and it was safe for dogs to eat. You let her go outside to use the bathroom before letting her back inside to sleep.

Before you settled down in bed, you received a text message from an unknown number.

“Hope you and the dog made it home safe.” Who could that text be from?

Chapter Four

[amiya-shirou]

Back when I had just finished reading Hitagi Crab I complimented the way NisiOisin used apparently meaningless jokes and retorts as setup for the key scene when you get what the character's deal actually is and they get completely re-contextualized in a way that makes you see the person behind the quirks and the gags, and it's something that's stayed true for the entirety of Bakemonogatari; but in Hanekawa's case, it's the entire novel that was working towards this.

Araragi is still immature, and socially inept - with every encounter he makes during the story he doesn't just grow by virtue of making new experiences, but because all of his illusions, especially those towards women, keep getting shattered. Every girl is introduced through the lens of the superficial knowledge he had gathered of them from afar, and everyone of them is cast in a very specific role: Senjougahara, the frail beauty; Hachikuji, the little kid; Kanbaru, the celebrity; Sengoku, his sister's old friend. Ignoring Hachikuji and Sengoku for a moment, with whom he had a different dynamic due to being a bit older than them (but who still acted outside the box of the "little kid" he had to help, especially Hachikuji, who left him dumbfounded with her aggressive attitude), as idols of the school he initially thought of Senjougahara and Kanbaru as being quite beyond his reach, and the novel focuses a fair bit on how out of guard he was taken by their real personalities, even going as far as saying they're destroying his fantasies. The good part is that he grows out of it, that he falls in love with everything about Senjougahara, not despite her rudeness and strong personality but because of them; he gets along so well and has such long chats with Kanbaru because of her weird sense of humor that mashes so well with his. And yet, even as he learned to see the person behind the facade, there's never a moment when he applied this perspective to Hanekawa. No, it's the opposite: he spends the whole novel hyping her up. A goddess. a saintess. A class president among class presidents. His savior. Someone who knows everything, with no faults, who sees everyone equally, one seen as a monster even by Senjougahara, someone so utterly above him as a human being that clearly the only reason she's helping him is because she must be pitying him as the lowest ranked in their class. The mere idea she might actually like him specifically is alien to him, a fun contrast to the way his love towards Senjougahara is doubted by Kuro due the fact that he's nice towards everyone.

Hanekawa was presented to us, through Araragi's narration, as someone who seemed to be born to be the perfect class president - but NisiOisin doesn't want us to take things as a "matter of fact" kinda deal. We need to see the flip side. Like with Senjougahara, we need to consider what kind of life or circumstances might bring someone to such extreme behaviors. For all her intelligence, seriousness and talents, Hanekawa wasn't born to be the perfect class president - she had to be one. She had to be the perfect daughter.

It's interesting that even the first time Kuro awakened it wasn't just due to the stress she built up for her family situation, but because she exposed that imperfect part of herself to Araragi. And even more interesting is that, in large part due to always downplaying himself, especially in comparison to her, he keeps up his image of her even after learning all this - even after dealing with the first manifestation of Kuro. He talks about how much she saved him during spring break, how he will never forget her presence and support, how he changed thanks to her; yet never stopped to think about things from her perspective, about how much he might have saved her. In retrospect, as stated in the novel itself, it's pretty simple. A girl from a cold, loveless home, living through the events of Kizumonogatari with him, a vampire who happened to be her classmate, like some story from a romance novel or a shoujo manga? How could she see that as just a normal occurrence? If she was so important for him, why is it so unthinkable for the reverse to also be true? And yet he never notices, rationalizing all the bias she shows towards him, because surely the perfect Hanekawa could never love the imperfect Araragi. He's a mockery of a human, how could the paragon of humanity fall for him?

For how complex the series is, for how complex she is, the reason for her Oddity emerging again was surprisingly mundane: the boy she liked was dating someone else, and he was flaunting it.

Despite all her qualities, despite her role, she is still a teenage girl. She's human. She's not perfect. She doesn't know everything: she only knows what she knows.

[roseeycreates-blog]

when did tenzin get his tattoo in farmer au?

Hi, anon~

Thanks so much for the ask! Honestly, I really appreciate these questions because they get me thinking about stuff I might not have considered~ 🤩

So, Tenzin got his tattoos at 25, and by then, he and Lin were already a thing—Lin was 24. At that point, only the Gaang kids knew about their relationship, though Tenzin's parents had a hunch he was seeing someone. Lin was super supportive of Tenzin during his training. He was feeling the pressure because he was getting older and still hadn’t earned his tattoos. But with Lin's encouragement, he mastered everything and even developed a new technique—the air wheel.

The idea actually came up one day when they were chilling on Lin's farm after she’d finished work. Tenzin and Lin sat under the shade of a large tree on her farm, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the fields. Lin leaned back against the trunk, a content smile on her face as she enjoyed the peaceful moment.

"You know," Lin began, breaking the silence, "I’ve been thinking… Could airbending be useful in farming?"

Tenzin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Hmm, maybe. I suppose the air scooter could help dig or move around."

Lin chuckled, shaking her head. "That’d just make a round hole. I need something that can actually plow the field. Plus, the air scooter takes up too much space."

Tenzin’s eyes lit up as an idea began to form. "What about… an air wheel? It’s like the scooter, but instead of a sphere, it’s a wheel. You could move around more easily, and it’d take up less space. Plus, it might even help with plowing."

Lin’s eyes sparkled with interest. "An air wheel? That sounds like it could work. You should try it."

Over the next few weeks, Tenzin spent his free time at the farm, perfecting the technique with Lin’s help.

Lin was so proud of him. She even attended his ceremony when he got his tattoos. After the ceremony, Tenzin pulled Lin aside, his eyes filled with excitement. "Lin, I was thinking… Maybe I could introduce you to my family today. Tell them you’re my girlfriend."

Lin’s smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Tenzin, this is your day. You should focus on your achievement. We can meet your family another time."

Tenzin looked at her, sensing her hesitation. "Are you sure? I want them to know how important you are to me."

Lin nodded, her smile returning. "I’m sure. But today is about you, and you deserve all the attention. We’ll figure out the right time to meet them. Okay?"

Tenzin squeezed her hand, understanding. "Alright, but I’m holding you to that."

Lin laughed softly, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Truthfully, she was nervous about meeting his family and being introduced to the Air Nation folks, especially the abbots and acolytes.

[snailsrneat]

"You got a reason as to why you're lurking around here?..No? Then I suggest you scram."

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

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Hello, everyone allow me to introduce a new oc to the blog. Drum roll please.

🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

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The Enforcer of Ramshackle, she is known amongst the student body for her anti-social demeanor. Often times getting into both physical and verbal fights with other students. She is hard headed and unapologetic about her controversial views and behavior. Only when around Twyla does she act calm and peaceful.

-----------------------------

This is Elvira Isley. Let me tell you about her.

She is twisted off of Elsa, but she's based actually on multiple different characters.

Namely Poison Ivy (from DC), Gojo Satoru (from JJK), Vaggie (from Hazbin Hotel), and Kirumi Tojo (from Danganronpa).

Poison Ivy and Vaggie I think I took the biggest inspiration for her background and personality.

But for the most part, my idea was ro have someone who could both hold back Twyla's Impulsive nature and allow her to be herself. And I think that kind of supporting role is exactly what I came up with when it comes to Ellie.

Also her name was chosen because the name 'Elvira' means spear and 'Isley' is the same last name as Poison Ivy's.

Short Explanation of what her Role is.

Ellie is the Enforcer of both Ramshackle and N.R.C in general. Her role as enforcer is to just enforce whatever the prefect says to do. Also just as an extra layer of protection. In short she basically just threatens difficult students until they decide to "listen to reason".

Anyway onto the actual character facts.

Ellie or Elvira is fully Ambidextrous, often switching between her right and left hand when writing notes, she also switches her arms for multiple different sports.

Ellie's favorite food is Vegetables, specifically she really enjoys Brussel-Sprouts for some reason?

Her least favorite is anything that is processed, anytime she eats anything that has been through some sort of factory she'll get very sick and while not hospitalization level sick, it can get pretty bad.

She isn't exactly known for having hobbies, but when you get to know her you'll realize that, just like Twyla, she loves to do many things in her spare time.

Including gardening, cooking, reading, crafting, crocheting, and practicing literally any Combat sport.

Speaking of, Ellie is a Prodigy in any and all combat sports. Specifically she likes using Martial arts the most.

She actually uses a staff as a blunt and quick to use weapon for all the students who choose to fight her.

Ellie does suffer from both trypanophobia and Nosocomephobia. Which is the intense fear of needles and Hospitals respectively. The reason as to why is unknown, however whenever she does come into contact with either, like say going to the infirmary, she breaks down into tears from fear.

She, like Twyla, is an orphan. However unlike Twyla, Ellie hasn't ever had any parents.

Which is strange, considering she's also said that she got into the foster care system when she was 7 so you'd think by then she'd have some recollection of who was taking care of her till then...right?

Anyway, She and Twyla met when Twyla was working at the Underground boxing ring.

Twyla beat the shit out of her and gained Ellie's respect as the first, and only person to ever beat her in a fight.

The two have been really close ever since and even though they couldn't stay together because of the system, they still were able to keep in touch online and occasionally play video games together (something Ellie sucks at)

She's also the only person (aside from Grim) to know about Twyla's UM.

Aside from Twyla though, most of her relationship with the canon cast tends to be a bit strained. Especially because of Elvira's attitude and hatred for large groups of people.

But there are a few she does get along with, namely the Savannaclaw trio.

She and Jack are around eachother all the time, given that they’re in the same classes most of the time. And since they have kinda similar personalities and also share a love for sports they tend to hang around eachother more often than not. Occasionally Ellie does teach him a few things about martial arts and such.

Ruggie is also someone Ellie likes to just hang around. She doesn't enjoy talking much, but she loves listening. So she'll just let Ruggie blab about anything he wants and listen whilst also trying help him work. It's very therapeutic for the both of them. Except for the fact that they have to do chores but still.

Leona is actually the one to hang around her rather than the other way around. He likes how quiet she is as well as her aggressive nature. He doesn't talk much but instead he'll just use her lap as a napping spot, and instead of pushing him away she'll just politely scratch his head. Mostly cause it's calming to her.

Besides them though, she is good friends with all of the first years. And both of her Club mates, especially Rook.

Both of them have this sort of weird game of "Who can outsmart the other?" So far Rook is winning with his ability to sneak around but Ellie is starting to catch onto his tricks.

Rook actually does have a nickname for her, that being "Reine des vignes" or "Queen of Vines"

Similarly she has been dubbed as "Seaweed" by Floyd.

Also Vil calls her "French Fry #2" since Twyla is "French Fry #1" And Twyla was the one to dub her "Ellie".

And lastly, She despises Crowley. Like with a passion. The main reason why is simply because she hates sleazy douches like Crowley. But also because he keeps forcing both her and Twyla to do a bunch of bullshit that is his job.

Why don't we listen to some of her Homescreen voicelines?

"I'm fine with following you around for a little bit, but don't expect me to stay if you keep doddling around."

"Have you seen Grim? Twyla lost him and the last time we let him go off by himself he ended up almost burning down Crowleys office with Crowley inside..not that I would mind that."

"Oi! I don't care if you're going to be late to class, running like that in a busy hallway is a one way ticket to crashing and breaking a bone or getting a concussion. Slow down or else"

"What's got you so jumpy?..y'know what I actually don't care."

"Huh, you're not too bad at wielding a staff. Ya' know, Ramshackle doors are always open if you want a couple martial arts lessons."

"If I have to hear another person complain about something stupid to Twyla and ask her to fix it I will bash my skull into a stone wall."

"The next person who litters in front of me is going to have a broken femur and dislocated ankle, I SWEAR TO FU-"

"By the way, don't be scared if a couple arrows start shooting around us. That's just Rook trying to get my attention, something I don't feel like giving to him today."

"Jack and I like going on runs together in the morning. I probably would've been in the track and field club with him if not for the science club."

"Oh Twyla? She and I go back a couple years. Why do you ask?"

"If you keep poking me you'll not like the outcome."

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Taglist:

@Cyanide-Latte

[lumeha]

@eiriee (a beautiful new post for you)

My confusion did indeed come from the fact that the very simply titled Fire Emblem on the GBA is FE7, and more comonly referred to as Fire Emblem Blazing Blade now (thanks to FE Heroes, the mobile game). And, uh, Fire Emblem First Of Its Name (Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light) is (was ?) also available on Switch and somehow my brain went "yeah of course this is totally about FE1", having apparently forgotten that FE7 is. just. named. Fire Emblem. in the West

'cause it's the first game we ever got !

And it was also my first ever Fire Emblem !

With this out of the way...

Do you like strategy ? Do you like cool pixel art ? Do you like a story that is a lot more personal in scope than the usual fantasy story ? If yes, then Fire Emblem is the game for YOU !

... More seriously, Fire Emblem GBA was my first introduction to Fire Emblem as games, and despite some potential criticism of the changes to Lyn's Story, it makes for a great introduction to the game and how it works. In the Western version, the game forces you to go through Lyn's Story as an easy mode tutorial, to teach you the ropes through her personal quest after she finds you, tactician, just. yeah. you were out there. She had to help you. And you decide to help her when you get attacked by bandits.

And that tutorial does give you all the tools you will need to play the game, when, once you are done with Lyn's story, you get introduced to Eliwood, main Lord of the game. And once you've done that, you can go through the story from another point of view, with Hector's mode. Which is a huge plus for me - Hector's mode is harder than Eliwood's, but they didn't just decide to give you the same old, same old - there are a lot of scenes that reveal more of what happened in the story, things you didn't get to see during Eliwood's side of the game.

So you get one really well made tutorial, especially if you don't know how Fire Emblem works as a game (only downside is that it's not skippable for people who know how that all works), and then you get two versions of the same story, from different point of views, with a cool difficulty slide. I like that personally ! that really grabbed me !

An interesting thing about Fire Emblem Blazing Blade, to me, and something that absolutely grabbed me as a teen, is that while the story does end up having beats of saving the world... it is not as grandiose as most of these stories. It starts about a son searching for his father, and it always stays somewhat in the shadows, partly because FE7 is the prequel to FE6 and its much more open war. People just kind of. Don't know what happened. And I think that's compelling.

Another cool feature you can enjoy with FE7 : having so many little guys and gals to pick from and become obsessed with. While most characters don't get a lot of dialogue, you can and will find Your Special Boy Or Guy (mine's Kent he's a boring stick in the mud and yet I love him <3 but also shout out to Renault and Vaida). Fire Emblem is often known for its support system, that allows unit to build relations and let you get fun dialogue between those units, and it has always been one of my favourite feature ! and I really like the FE7 cast and the supports ! Having so many guys and gals to pick from is just a plus for me :D

And finally : ... a bit like the point I made about NES FE, I have to say, but... it's worth checking FE7 just for the pixel art. I find myself loving it, not only because it's really pretty, and I think there's a lot of reason why people make GBA FE Style pixel art, but also because it's a genuine asset for the game as a strategy game. I always find it really easy to read and a really solid asset for the gameplay : the maps can be large, but it's usually easy to spot ennemy units VS your own, and get a sense of what's going on where !

... and yes, the game makes the calculations before combat for you, unlike FE1, which definitely makes it easier to play and find your own favoured strategy :D

So... I hope I've sold you on it ?