#have to make new horns though. and get some red shoes.

[seagullcharmer]

sigh. might bring back my terezi cosplay

[verysium]

blue lock boys as assassins (au i guess?), i hope you could include Oli, Yuki and Barou!

anon you have me at crossroads because the very idea of an assassin AU spawns an infinite glitch of possibilities....🤔 like mafia underground syndicate assassin? or like solitary mysterious hitman type of assassin? or even better could this be ninja/shinobi stealth warrior assassin? i'm going give a general description though:

oliver is the laid-back good guy. escorts you to the bar, drinks on him. claps every passerby on the back as if he personally knows them. you think he's alright. not too handsome and just the right amount of ruggedness. he offers you a good time, so you two hit off for the night. and that's where everything starts to go downhill. one shoot-out, intense knife fight, and grueling police chase later, you pant for dear life against the side of a brick wall in some torn up alley because it turns out your one-night stand was actually an assassin for japan's largest underground syndicate.

you grip your broken heel tightly in one hand, body collapsed against the brick cornerstone as you seethe, the condensation of your gasping breath forming tendrils in the cold night. you reach up a hand to wipe the sweat off your face. it comes back red, the meticulous hours of applying your makeup wasted when you see the damning smears of lipstick. this was not the type of fun you signed up for on a friday night.

"oliver, what the fuck was that?"

he laughs sheepishly, cocking his gun back with ease before he lights up a cigarette, palm cupping the flame. he turns, then walks over two bodies without blinking, suede shoes clicking against the cobblestone. you're angry at him, but he doesn't care, wrapping an arm around your waist, nose buried in your hair.

"just a side hustle, sweetheart. come on, let's get you home."

yukimiya is the sweet, unassuming literature student. he came home from university to help his grandmother out over the summer, manning the front counter of her antique oddities shop. you like him. he's awkwardly charming, a little too zealous for the job, but still endearingly kooky. you have him pinned down as the sad poet type. the kind of person who wears the same knitted cardigan every day, complete with horn-rimmed glasses and 1940's gingham elbow patches. he can handwrite a sonnet in less than a minute, gift-wrap your purchases in record time. you let him buzz around you while you make your daily visit to his shop, listening to him talk about the collections of radioactive glassware, the vintage phonograph in the corner, and the rare edition of Gutenberg bibles sitting silently in the old book section.

"you know, you really don't have to do that."

he peers up at you owlishly, dark brow furrowed before you point out the spool of twine in his hand, the way he's carefully folding the newspaper around the edges of the new vase you purchased. he laughs, shrugging off your concerns with a wave. you catch a brief whiff of his cologne, the subtle scent of mint and toluene. maybe a hint of vanillin too.

"don't worry about it miss! gift-wrapping is a free service. i'll even add two complimentary trinkets if you'd like. we have a clearance section that's been slow to sell. you could even take a few for free."

"i'm alright. thanks for the offer though." he nods, fingers delicately tying a bow before he places your vase in a bag, fluffing up the tissue paper on top. you smile to yourself when you see the intricate lettering of the card he snuck in. must've been another one of the love poems he wrote. you know how the saying goes.

roses are red. violets are blue.

by the time you step out the shop, the door chime twinkles in the distance, a peal of bells to signal your departure. from behind the windows and glass paneling, he watches your figure trail down the sidewalk, winter coat fluttering in the wind. his eyes darken beneath the tortoiseshell frame, finger moving down the yellowed pages of his accounting book before crossing off another name. he doesn't even look up when he hears the loud honking and screams, the sound of a body hitting the pavement.

one is dead, and so are you.

barou is probably the most obvious one. very upfront about the work he does. the only caveat is that you can never trace his work back to him. he cleans up way too well. always shoots his targets through the eye because it's less of a mess that way. leaves absolutely no evidence at the murder scene. i picture you as one of the unfortunate victims caught up in the fray. collateral damage, as he likes to call it.

"you know, i've never met someone so equally stubborn and stupid."

you glare at him, throat sore and aching as you scream through your gag, cursing him out in every language in existence. he merely stares down at you, arms crossed and eyebrow arched in amusement. you struggle for a good minute, flopping around like a fish as you try to free yourself from your bonds. how the hell do you go from taking an errand trip to the grocery store to getting kidnapped and tied up in a man's trunk?

"what's that? couldn't hear you from all the noise."

god, you want to strangle him. you heave a breath, swallowing the bitter taste of your own spit when he finally unties the gag, your lungs gasping for air.

"i said...you think i'm the stupid one? you're the one who tied me up!"

"because you wouldn't stop squealing like a pig."

"you were trying to kill me!" he snorts derisively at your comment, his red eyes piercing and haughty. the loud thump of the trunk door closing reverberates throughout the parking garage before you find yourself face first on the pavement, body dumped unceremoniously on the ground. he looks down at you dismissively, wiping the dust off his hands.

"nah, i'd save myself the hassle."

your eyebrow twitches in irritation, jaw dropping at that violation. oh, it was personal now. he deserved capital punishment. strangling would be too merciful. you try to get back on your feet, a task that proves all the more difficult with your legs bound and arms twisted behind your back. he merely waits, as if knowing when you'd finally give up, sinking at his feet in defeat.

"you done?" you nod your head, slumping down into the concrete. your voice becomes small and sheepish by the time you raise your face to look at him.

"can't you just...let me go? i promise i won't say anything." he rolls his eyes, swinging you over his shoulder in one fell swoop, locking the car with a resounding beep. you start to panic when you feel him carrying you to the garage exit, vision swirling with nothing but concrete and the solid sound of his combat boots.

"wait....wait! i swear to god! please just let me go. i won't tell a soul."

"nope. can't have any witnesses." you feel a handkerchief come up at engulf your nose and mouth, the sweet smell cloying and sharp. you start to squirm in his arms.

"wait! no...please! if you touch me again, i'll scream." his grin is the last thing you see in the darkness, sharp canines brushing against the shell of your ear.

"oh, you'll do so much more than scream, darling."

[dark-overlord-of-rainbows]

Drawn Aug 26 2024 If this weren't so long I'd add their personalities here but since it is and I ended up writing it down here anyway I'll just let you read it on the old art. Put off posting this one for a while Since I've only gotten the chance to figure out what they look like once and I did not put any thought into the colours their designs were.. pretty bad tbh. The very first of mine is always gonna have it's issues and I've got other bad first drafts that I haven't posted... but I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, it was pretty egregious. I did want to work on my outfit design as well though, so I put a bit more thought into the details, and used reference for the clothes again* (I had to put belts on my arm to figure out how the wrinkles on Suchai's shirt would work lol) *used to do this more when learning how to draw clothes at first, but I haven't done it in a while and there's a lot of details I didn't really understand still Bunch of other doodles and such too Anyway, design/character notes:

I've mentioned before but Suchai is 4'9"/145cm, and 5'0"/152cm with heels. Pitchaya is 5'5"//165cm

The little bird is back! I've only drawn them once and they still need a name but they're a strawberry finch (or red avadavat, red munia) that can shapeshift. Usually taking the form of clothes/tools when not just a bird I didn't like the old green and a lot of characters I have use similar palettes anyway so I should try to move away from those... but I wasn't gonna change their hair or Pitchaya's eyes so I moved to red/blue/yellow ig. Kitty ended up getting a lot of the yellow that only accents these two, I don't exactly know what another character- Kristian will get yet (I have some ideas though) I haven't said outright 'til now but Pitchaya is a trans boy. His binder has always been visible in his design. Suchai on the otherhand is cis, however: 1. he's sometimes assumed to also be trans and/or gets mistaken as way younger than he is and/or misgendered too 2. honestly both the brothers kinda just. forget he's cis sometimes. Sign of a good ally..? Also a detail from the beginning but Pitchaya's eyes are two colours, although it kinda looks like it could be just shadow. I tried pulling in the dark blue/black instead of using the ink colour to try to make it more obvious but of course it didn't change anything I don't know why I thought it would lol. I've just been drawing it the same way I did before Since Suchai's pants became black I had to change the colour of his gloves and shoes, but he has an alt outfit I haven't drawn of the blacks and browns swapped. Similar situation with his heels turning red here, and will get black heels too. Pitchaya would have a lot more outfits than Suchai. Partially personality reasons, but also it's because it's harder/more expensive getting good quality clothes in Suchai's size (but you know what? at least it exists) Speaking of pants, Suchai's dress pants are scuffed at the knees because he's clumsy as hell. I considered making his horns and mask scuffed as well since he faceplants a lot, but I didn't end up doing it here. Pitchaya's got skinny jeans now, it makes his shoulders and hair look bigger & draw a bit more attention up there I think, though I might need to edit the colours of his pants and shoes further at some point Dress shoes fit with Suchai's new outfit and the vibe I was going for with him but also I needed a pair of shoes for him when he's not in those heels. In universe he needed non-heels because he always yells at Pitchaya for not taking care of his health and he will not be a damn hypocrite in front of that kid! Pitchaya hates sleeves, he will rip them off any clothes or refuse to wear things with sleeves... which is all fine 'til the temperatures hit the negatives* Suchai wears exclusively long sleeves, and in general usually just covers up. He's technically doing better in the summer than Pitchaya in winter, but the man is dramatic. *in celsius I mean, under 32f for the americans…. I'm from Canada though, so I am well acquainted with what would be negatives in farenheit too lmao. I don't know and don't care what the actual extremes are for these characters' weather

[townofcadence]

Artair and Butch? For the kid meme cause I’ve been curious 👉🏻👈🏻

If They Had A Kid

Name: James Taliesin and Avalon Beverly (Fraternal twins!) James goes by Jamie, and Avalon prefers Ava!

Gender: Boy and Girl (for now lol)

General Appearance: Jamie is a pale blond like Artair was as a kid, with blue eyes like Butch's and a button nose. He's fair skinned, with wings, sharp canines, and a tail longer than is practical, which he often trips on. Ava's hair is more honey toned like Butch's, long and tied together with a red bandana (also like Butch's), and her skin is more of a medium shade. She also has a tail, but it's thinner and more prehensile than Jamie's. She also has horns, and likes to wear ballet shoes and a skirt since she has recently taken up dance.

Meanwhile Ava is very rambunctious-- she's energetic and personable, and sometimes likes to get up to mischief. Usually it's relatively harmless, mostly pranks or teasing, but sometimes if someone riles her enough and she loses her temper, she might get into a tussle. She's got a heart of gold though, and most of her losing her temper is about protecting someone she cares about, or an injustice she finds really unfair (sometimes this can include things such as not getting dessert though lol). She has a lot of love for physical pursuits, like dance and gymnastics.

Personality: Jamie is the shy one of the two-- he's kind of quiet, and likes to hide when there's someone he doesn't know around. When he's comfortable though, he's a bit more feral between the two. You might need to keep him from putting random things in his mouth, and he likes to move around on all fours and gargoyle crouch, or stare at people without blinking or hanging upside down because he likes the feeling of a headrush. He's a good kid, and likes clinging to Butch or Artair, often hovering and throwing his arms around their neck and then backpacking. He likes cooking a lot and watching the food bake in the oven with the light on.

Special Talents: Jamie does know how to do basic cooking, and is resistant to heat! He can take the pans out without getting burned (gave Butch and Artair a heart attack the first time lmao). He also likes reading and learning new things, and is pretty quick to pick them up. And he can move incredibly fast when moving on all fours. Ava's headbutt can knock you over, and she's got a heightened sense of balance due to her tail helping adjust her center of gravity more minutely. She's very quick, very strong, pretty accurate, and she's a ferocious biter when she wants to be.

Who they like better: Jamie clings to Artair more when he's keen to learn something, but honestly both kids would probably prefer Butch for the most part. Artair is somewhat the more nurturing parent, but Butch is the fun parent who probably would let them get away with a bit more. He also might be weak to their puppy eyes to some degree. Artair is more resistant because he can feel their ulterior motives lol. But definitely, their favorite is Artair when they get in trouble, since Butch might need time to break away from the cycle he was raised in, so he might be a little more tough when it comes to doling out punishments, where Artair is more even-handed. So they like Butch more, except when they're in trouble lmao.

Who they take after more: They're both a little different from their parents, but I would say Ava and Butch are a lot alike, sometimes to the point they might butt heads just a little if Ava's temper flares--but ultimately, it makes them close and they love each other very much and have a special connection for it. Jamie isn't like either of them, in a lot of ways, but appearance-wise he does kinda take after Artair more, and his natural curiosity is definitely reflective of Artair's own, even if he uses his mouth about it more often, but that's how kids do lol.

Personal Head canon: I feel like I slipped a bunch of them in while talking about them lol. But I think both of their hair will darken naturally as they age! Jamie would end up with a blond closer to Artair, but Ava will almost be the spitting image of Butch. Ava's sharper teeth will come in later when she gets her adult teeth. Jamie's horns are smaller when they do eventually come in, more like lil nubs. Ava likes stealing Butch's bandana and tying her hair up with it, and she'd probably be into games with him like cowboys robbing trains and stuff lol and having butch play the antagonist to battle lol. Jamie would collect rocks and keeps showing any new ones to Artair and Butch, and would request they watch him do amazing feats such jumping over the little bar between the carpet and linoleum lol.

[whumpbump]

Whumpee was just not breaking, much to the frustration and growing interest of Whumper. Whumpee was becoming their new favorite project. All other Whumpees were placed in care of Henchpeople until further notice.

Whumper stayed up all night trying to think and felt like absolute shit the next day. How could they possibly work in this condition? Wait…

10:00pm came and the lights in Whumpee’s cell did not automatically shut off. Instead, a voice came over the loud speaker.

“You have lost the privilege of sleep until you show progression in the direction Whumper is looking for.”

“FUCK YOU!” Whumpee threw an Organization-issued shoe at the one way mirror. As it bounced off, the noise started. A buzzing, like bugs surrounded Whumpee. It made them itch but they would NOT break. They wouldn’t. They couldn’t.

The first night came and stayed for what felt like forever. Breakfast was delivered but Whumpee didn’t feel well enough to eat it. Their stomach felt sour from staying awake for so long. New clothes were delivered through the small window in the door. Paper clothes this time. That could only mean they were seeing Whumper later on for inspection.

They looked at themself in quiet shame as they changed as they saw the true damage of the scratching on their arms and legs from the anxiety of the buzzing. Line after line of red, up and down, side to side, every which way.

They were escorted by force to the examination room where Whumper was waiting by a table with restraints at the ready.

“Ah, Whumpee. A pleasure. If you’d be so inclined to hop up, we can get started. “If you think I’m gonna make this easy-“ Whumpee snarled but before they could finish their quip they were hoisted and slammed onto the table by the orderlies. Restraints snapped into place, Whumpee had to suck in air carefully to resist gasping and looking as weak as they felt.

Whumper admired the scratches along Whumpee’s arms and legs and brushed them gently. “I see you enjoyed my playlist last night. How did you sleep?”

“Oh, great thanks for asking.”

“Hm. A few more nights and we should be seeing the progress I want.”

Tears welled in Whumpee’s eyes but they refused to let them fall. They tilted their head up and breathed deeply.

All day, they had to listen to the buzzing. Whumpee didn’t eat any lunch or dinner. They felt too sick.

10:00pm rolled around and the buzzing stopped. Whumpee sucked in air in excitement as the loudspeaker crackled on. “This is night number two of loss of sleep privilege. This is driven by your own actions and you may regain the privilege at any time.”

Whumpee managed a nasty look at the one way mirror before a new noise started up. This time it was construction. Jackhammers, the sound of drilling, cutting through materials and the like. This was louder than the buzzing. Whumpee walked over to their sleeping space only to remember that any items of comfort - blankets and pillows - were removed during their checkup.

The second night came and went slowly, painfully. Whumpee had a headache and by morning was holding their head as if it would burst without the extra pressure of their arms.

No breakfast was eaten, paper clothes delivered again.

Whumpee could barely hold back the tears but made it through albeit there were no mean quips for Whumper.

Whumpee managed to have some broth for dinner though it was hand fed to them to keep them from passing out. Whumper was pleased by their weakness. Now, for their magnum opus. They knew Whumpee’s headache hadn’t gone away so their most intense soundtrack would seal the deal.

After the 10:00pm announcement, the air horn started. It lasted for just under five minutes before Whumpee began to sob. They couldn’t take it anymore. The noise stopped. Whumpee didn’t.

Gasping for breath, they managed to look up at Whumper who ran in to greet their new broken project.

Whumper smiled down and said “I’m so proud.”

Whumpee attempted to speak but as fast as lightning, a boot was on their throat and Whumper whispered “no no, you don’t talk now.”

Whumpee obeyed.

[gacha99]

I finished the whole event today, and I have to say that it was a really pleasant time! Even though there were still some issues, like the script desperately needing an editor or some kind of spell check, the story as a whole was pretty entertaining. The poster for the event had me thinking that all of the characters would end up working together in some way to steal the Rimet Cup with Melania, and the trailer even makes it seem like they're all together some how, but in actuality it was just one chaotic ass day at the london Museum lol.

I liked that the theme was artistic expression, and how different people will go about trying to express themselves in an oppressive environment, while also showing that something like art can unite people unknowingly even if they never really bump into each other along the way.

Melania, Diggers, Pickle's, and Regulus only had brief moments where they actually saw one another, and half the time it was brief and they didn't even really introduce themselves. But despite that, they still ended up with the same goal in mind: Cause a disturbance at the London Museum during the showcasing of the Rimet Cup to draw attention to what they deem important.

Pickle's on the other hand is the outlier, because he just wanted to spend his time alone studying and reading his philosophy books the whole day lol.

I do have some gripes about the characters, specifically Diggers. I found him to just be really, really annoying and I just didn't think that his contribution to the plot was strong enough. The others all have concrete reasons for why they're in there, but Diggers' reason is kind of strange because it's way too vague.

I was a little disappointed because I hoped that he'd be more of a relaxed, and intelligent hippie, but there were a lot of moments that he just seemed irrational and shoe horned into the over all story. Some people think Regulus is the same way, but I think Regulus wanting to blast music over the speakers of the Rimet Cup event itself would've been a fine enough story, without them tying her involvement with Diggers. And in the end, it just seemed like Regulus did the thing that Diggers wanted to do (But better lol).

I liked how they tied Melania's own character story with the event story itself, that way pausing to do her character story really just feels like a full completion of her character arc. Since this is Melania's banner, it feels more than appropriate that she'd be the one to get the brightest spotlight.

Another great thing I loved was just the pure aesthetics of this event, I mean come on now:

Even the music and main map are just so good and well made for a month long event that might not ever get a rerun. Bluepoch really wanted to make a statement with their first "real" event and it shows, this is like rolling out the red carpet for your first new 6 stars.

All in all I give the event 4 rimet cups out of 5

[felixstudios]

Infodump about Felix

Appearance rambles:

Even though he's covered in enby pride flags, Felix as a character isn't enby. I'm just projecting my pride onto his design since he's one of my main fursonas + he looks amazing in it

The pride flag on his backpack comes from a content pack someone named Trick made for me a long time ago. I asked for the texture to be changed and said surprise me, and that's what I got. I've kept it as his canon design since.

That also inspired me to add more enby flags to his design, which were added in with content packs {except the one on his shorts}.

The shirt and shorts are the ones they are 80% because I literally didn't know what else to wear and 20% because I actually thought it looked cool. Actually, that's... a lot of his outfit.

I got the shoes during ToonFest 2023 when all the previous codes became public. They look terrible on him and do not fit his color palette or aesthetic. I love them <3

He used to be a tall Toon, but I wanted to look closer in appearance to someone else's Toon so I changed him to a medium height Toon. He also used to be completely orange, but I gave him coral legs because I thought it was something I was obligated to do for being high laff because I saw all the high laff Toons with different colored legs. Past me, sweetie, those were elitists... but it's okay because now I love the coral legs and don't think they're an abomination!

Basically, he's very much thrown together from outside influences and I wouldn't change it for anything now because it became his "brand"

OC lore rambles:

So once upon a time a Toon named Ghostly Felix glitched so bad that his immersion in the world was completely broken and he realized he was in a video game. This was exciting at first and he hacked in max everything, cheated to be invisible so he could hilariously kill bosses with just bike horns or something, ETC.

But after a few years he got bored and basically started pondering his existence. So he created a Toon named Felix so he could be invisible and watch him complete the game so he'd have something to do. When just Felix was boring, he made Cap'n Felix, Doctor Felix, Mr. Felix, Judge Felix, Midnight Felix, Spooky Felix, Frozen Felix, Lucky Felix, Fairy Felix, Prince Felix... you get the idea.

Well, on the day Felix reached 140 laff he found Ghostly Felix by a weird glitch. At first Felix thought he was a new Felixverse addition, but realized that Ghostly Felix already had 140 laff and was acting really scared for some reason. Finally, Ghostly Felix spilled the beans about the fact it was a game and how he created the Felixverse

Felix was horrified to find out he was right, and he instantly got pretty bummed out and asked what the point of his existence is.

Eventually, this was his answer: "To have fun. You don't need to spend so long thinking about it or making it complicated- it really is that simple."

Other rambles:

His name is Felix because when I first played TTR, I tried to name him Shaun because that was my name at the time. It was instantly denied, so naive me thought "too many Toons must have that name already" and picked a random pick-a-name. I didn't expect to really get attached to my Toon or particularly care about him, which is also why he's such an obnoxious orange instead of literally any color I actually liked at the time. Well, orange is now my second favorite color because of him and I wouldn't change his appearance for the world.

He's not based off of a TTO Toon. I only remember one Toon I made in TTO, which was a red rabbit named Raboon {"rabbit" + "toon"}. I've already remade Raboon in TTR on a different Toon slot, but I didn't want to be a rabbit in TTR when I was first starting, I wanted to be a cat! So that's why I made a new Toon.

Originally when my Felixverse lore was much more resembling a kid's cartoon {yes the entire old lore that I told literally nobody was retconned lol}, he had a love interest Toon named Felixia. She was an orange cat who, like older cartoons, was basically supposed to be a copy/paste of him except feminine and cutesy. I do not have any Toons named Felixia in any of my TTR or TTCC accounts, but when I used to play Toontown Offline I did make her an unreasonably overpowered SOS Toon who would use marbles that did 200 damage.

Felix's name is actually pronounced in German, meaning that it's pronounced kinda like fae-lix rather than how most people pronounce it to me, which is fee-lix.

Speaking of his name, if it wasn't evident enough already, he was Felix before I was Felix. He basically became my identity online over time.

[dailycass-cain]

2022 Year in Review

2022 was a fascinating year for the character of Cassandra Cain. Like the years prior, the year built off creators who do adore the character. So let's look back at 2022 for Cass.

To start this was the first complete year that the character had an ongoing shared with two other characters in Batgirls. While the covers have been utter gold the story themselves has been divided the fanbase with the portrayal of the three Batgirls involved.

For me, my problems with the book is just the way to incoporate Babs into the series. Make her being Batgirl anytime in the series a MOMENT. Let her flourish as Oracle more here while allowing new fans to open to Cass/Steph as the Batgirls.

Cass has been somewhat coincidental with a character arc compared to say Steph/Babs. She continues to make strides trying to overcome her reading disability (thanks to Basil and Babs).

In truth, the only real hiccup for her character progression was this month's issue (#13) with Lady Shiva. The relationship between the two is always complicated. However, I feel it's forgotten the reasons why Cass/Steph bonded so well together. Their fathers are both monsters.

Lady Shiva and Cass is untapped potential. Instead of the usual "murder mom" cliche tropes that we see with Red Arrow/Shado, Lian/Cheshire, and Talia/Damian I truly feel there is an opening here for the two to be different and respective toward one another.

Likewise, Shiva escaping the trap of being stuck in this dragonlady trope she's been stuck in since the 90s (with Simone, Rucka, Puckett, Hill, and Taylor) being the few who broke those shackles put upon the character.

That is why I hope for 2023 that DC doesn't falter into this simplistic trap. Going for the "troubled" story with the character in Hush along with Young Justice. Focusing on this monster not digging into the layers this character has to give.

That said, Batgirls while having a bumpy start really got going with #9. The writers felt more comfortable with all the characters involved and it wasn't burden to any of the trio.

All I ask for 2023 is ironing out the rogues the Batgirls creators give a few more pathos along with a better motives to for the evils that they do to the city. I feel there's still potential for some of these newbies.

But in truth I want the return of this bastard. David Cain needs to return. While I did love the dimensions he had in Batgirl Vol. 1. I feel maybe a leap into some hard villainy is needed for the character. A fear of him going "soft" due to accidentally loving his daughter.

Or continue on with a "twisted" variant of his love for Cass theme. Something at least.

While Batgirls was middling, Cass found better more memorable appearances outside said ongoing in other places. Some more surprising then others.

I think the two biggest places of these was in Joker ongoing by James Tynion IV that concluded this year and Batman One Bad Day: Two-Face #1.

Both characterizations gave us a more mature Cass (if the younger version in Batgirls scared off longtime readers). One could feel the more "everything is canon" pathos DC started in 2020 with these appearances of Cass here.

This is a Cass that you know can drop someone easily and holds back purposely. She's scary, and it's nice seeing her interacting with characters she hasn't (in canon) for years.

In truth though writer Mariko Tamaki spent most of 2022 shoe-horning Cass into anything Bat-related she wrote this year. I'm enterally 🙏for th at.

Continuing off the story she wrote of the character in 2021's DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration #1.

Tamaki shows in the various appearances (mostly Tec) how she gets Cass (even if it was kind of funny seeing artists drawing various forms of Cass's costume in these issues).

But these weren't the only places Cass showed up in. She was in the "old stand bys" Batman, Nightwing, Robin (Damian and Tim's), and Batman: Urban Legends (never forgetting that page. NEVER because it has many layers to it).

But we had other places you'd never expect Cass in. We had her in the Flash (I still can't believe we got that) and--- SCOOBY DOO?!

Yeah, that is something I wasn't expecting. 😮

But these are nice fun little appearances. Though I feel her biggest "guest spot" other than Batman was here. Which allowed many answers to Jason being the "greatest fighter" of the Bat-Family from Task Force Z.

Though personally I found the appearance "alright". Nothing like Tamaki or Tynion's.

But that was all the tip of the Cass iceberg as she appeared in stuff outside the main comics too. DCeased continues to be a place where I never thought in my wildest imaginations I ever see a Cass like this. Nor ever getting a solo cover of the character (coming next month).

Dark Knights of Steel was the sneakiest Cass appearance ever as I didn't even realize it until someone said, "No she's in the issue." Tom Taylor is such a sneak cause we all now are hype for when she's gonna cut loose.

Then there's Batman: Wayne Family Adventures which gives us SOOO much Cass and an absolute BANGER of a story arc with the character earlier this year.

Probably the most disappointing multiverse Cass appearance was DC vs. Vampires. It started off strong making you think (oh hey Cass has a role in this and OH SHE'S ALIVE) before the second half came in July and whatever progress we had earlier fell off.

But I'll be frank, while DC vs. Vampires was disappointing it was nowhere near the car crash that was Future State Gotham #15-18, which concluded it's alternate future story of Gotham.

This story was a dumpster fire. Probably the worst Batman story of the year and I feel like only a few of us know of its crazy ass tale it gave us. I'm still in shock how everyone was wasted in this ongoing save Jason and Talia.

Jace the freaking co-star of this ongoing comic did NOTHING in that final arc save job and hard to everyone.  Everyone else in the family was equally was a waste and-- if you didn't hate Dick Grayson in Batgirls #7-8 you'll loathe him so much here.

Literally me the entire time reading this arc on Dick.

Quite possibly one of the worst stories Cass was ever involved in. I hate it was so utterly predictable in that regard for her entire appearance in the story.

Then there's the real surprise. The surprise NO ONE saw coming. Bat Wheels. Cassandra Cain is in another cartoon. One aimed at an even younger audience.

Though her costume has allusions to Babs and is kidified. The character is there. We haven't gotten much with the character (three episodes), but she's something else when on.

Some have said she isn't Cass, but other than the costume you can't really say much else because there isn't much layers to the character here save girl teen. But the last episode she appeared in facing off against Harley.

There was a tease to the Batgirl moniker being a legacy role and Cass wasn't living up to snuff. It got under her skin (much like the entire episode Bibi was bullied by Jestah).

Both overcoming the bullying.  It was a really fun episode. I truly hope for a bit more Bibi centric episodes cause that means more Cass. 😋

Young Justice also had Cass but felt more padding characterization that should've been there to begin with. Such as this version of Cass knowing sign language to talk now.

Likewise on the actual show she appeared at Conner/M'ggan's wedding with Babs and okay, if we have a Season 5 she's gotta be Batgirl in it right? RIGHT?!

But yeah, I kind of wish we got the sign language knowledge in her arc from last year. But again, those episodes were stacked, but again that could've saved Artemis some time yelling at Cass's motives in part 2.

All and all, this was another stellar year for Cass. I think the only real "bumps" was #7-8 in Batgirls, Future State: Gotham (which most forgot but I will NEVER FORGET), and DC vs. Vampires being so-- lackluster.

Other than that we got MORE Cass merch with TWO official shirts celebrating AAPI (Audrey Mok for Batgirls aka the pic I started this all with and Jen Bartel on Nightwing).

NOW... If only 2023 gave us some figures or statues. *glares at McFarlane*

And so... #CAINAISSANCE2022 ends with hope. Here's to #CAINAISSANCE2023 continuing the highs started three years ago. So far, it appears we will. Batgirls #14 next month (Cass focused silent issue) and so much more to come it seems.

[weerd1]

ENT Rewatch Starlog, 28 April, 2024: Episode 3.24 “Zero Hour”

The NX-01 races to complete their modifications which will allow them to use their deflector to disable the Sphere they call “Sphere 41” while Archer, Reed, Sato, and MACOs are on Degra’s ship with Jannar the Arboreal, and the Primate council member chasing down the weapon. Dolim the Reptilian has now destroyed the Insectoids escorting him when they questioned him, but Degra’s ship will be no match for the Reptilian cruiser.

Archer has the still reeling Hoshi trying to decrypt Degra’s notes on how to disable the weapon when Daniels appears. He show’s Archer a ceremony seven years in the future, where Archer, Vulcans, Andorians, and Tellarites are about to convene the United Federation of Planets. Daniels warns Archer that he MUST be there for this to happen, so Reed or Sato must destroy the weapon. Archer is not persuaded.

The Sphere Builders begin to accelerate the spatial distortion around Sphere 41, meaning Phlox has to engineer a fix to keep the crew’s brains from unspooling at the neuron level…he will not be able to protect their bodies though, and the fix will only protect their minds for a few minutes. They are ready however, and Mayweather has to use thrusters to get them through, the impulse power being used to power the beam to destroy the sphere.

Archer and company catch up with the weapon and Dolim, who has already destoryed an orbital science station, but are the only ship to try and stop them. They are suddenly joined in battle by an Andorian cruiser; Shran has tracked them despite the orders of his government and begins to engage the Reptilians while the humans transport onto the weapon and start their sabotage. 

On Enterprise, they have started firing, but the space around the sphere is disrupted enough the Sphere Builders can board the ship and try to disrupt the operation. Phlox remembers the physiology of the test subject they found and instructs the MACOs how to set their weapons to affect the Builders. They are pushing their deadline and already suffering severe skin damage when Tucker succeeds in his attack on the sphere; it implodes and begins a chain reaction, causing spheres to collapse across the Delphic Expanse. The spatial distortions cannot be sustained and the Builder are thrown back into their dimension. 

Reed protects Archer and Sato long enough to complete the sabotage. They return to Degra’s ship while Archer stays to do the last step. Dolim transports to the weapon as Shran destroys his vessel. He fights Archer who dispatches him with one last explosive, and the weapon explodes as Archer races toward the extraction point. 

Later, Enterprise rendezvous with Degra’s ship, only to learn that Archer did not make it. T’Pol assumes command, and with the Xindi hopeful for a new chapter in their history, the Aquatics take the NX-01 back to Earth. Entering the system, they are unable to pick up any hails. Mayweather and Tucker take a shuttlepod down to San Francisco, only to be attacked by three WWII era P-51 Mustangs. Meanwhile, in a Nazi field hospital, a badly burned Archer lays on a bunk, approached by a red-eyed alien in full Nazi regalia. 

Overall a very engaging and exciting end to the Xindi storyline…not allowed to really end because of the head-scratching addition of space Nazis. The tension between the two desperate missions to confront the weapon and the sphere is nicely cranked up at a good pace throughout the episode, and nice to see Archer win a fight (even if he needed a bomb to do it). 

Something I really appreciate here is, as much as some crewmembers are almost forgotten through this season, this episode makes sure everyone has a piece: Hoshi with her decryption; Reed defending her on the weapon; Mayweather’s fancy piloting; Phlox knowing how to defeat the Sphere builders (even some bridge time!). Fits nicely with the Big Three’s efforts on their missions.  

Was glad to see the slightly shoe-horned appearance of Shran too. Always happy to see Jeffrey Combs, and nice to see Shran’s ongoing interaction with Archer, but I am at a bit of a loss as to why there were no, well, Earth ships defending Earth?  I know the NX-02 is still under construction—we heard that just two episodes back—but where is the rest of the fleet? Surely Admiral Forrest has SOME of the Intrepid Class or Delta Class ships in system just in case the NX-01 mission to the Expanse fails?  I almost thought that perhaps the timeline sabotage that we will find out makes Space Nazis happen had already taken effect, but that orbital station WAS there for Dolim to destroy, and that’s a point made later that other stations are only missing AFTER the change. Not sure that all makes any sense to me.

I have walked away from this episode with a New-Trek headcanon though: Surely the potential alliance now with the post-Expanse Xindi means some access to their technology, in particular their “vortex” they use to travel FTL.  Note how much similarity in the picture above there is between that and the way warp effects look in both the Kelvin Timeline and shows like Discovery or Strange New Worlds.

Perhaps THIS is one of the fluid changes to the timeline SNW has canonized as the differences between TOS and the modern shows’ 23rd Century. “Warp Drive” for the SNW 1701 includes Xindi vortex physics, just as I believe the warp drive the Enterprise uses in the ’09 film is enhanced by the telemetry the Kelvin survivors captured of the Narada’s transwarp technology from the late 24th Century. 

We KNOW all these time travel shenanigans have had lasting effects on the prime timeline (like the shifting of the Eugenics Wars from the 1990s to the 2040s); I’m going to say this was one of them.

I do wish the writers (looking at you Berman and Braga) had given a little more space for the denouement of the Xindi saga before plunging us right into this new time travel story…I know it’s tenuously connected, but I’d like to have seen the Earth aftermath now instead of having to wait two more episodes making extensive use of the Paramount back lot. I guess to really complete this rewatch, I have to take those on as well, so as much as I thought this would be my last Enterprise write up, stay tuned for…

NEXT VOYAGE:  The crew of Enterprise show us all Nazis, even Space Nazis, should be punched in “Storm Front Part 1.”  

(Images taken from the main website for @trekcore; I am happy to remove the images if asked.)

[silvergolddraco28]

Variation- Hazbin Hotel Open rp part 2

Looking for Rp partners!

He quickly got into a rhythm as he worked from top down humming to himself until a precariously balanced book tipped over and smacked him on the head. “Father damn it! What the fucking hell?!” the blond cursed rubbing his head while glaring at the book now open on the floor. Red eyes glanced at the text before twisting up in confusion. “Mirriors and opposites…?”

The blond picked up the open book actually looking at the spell and reading it with a frown before the sprawling letters on the page began to glow a bright white. “SHIT!” the male cursed trying to force the book closed with no luck even as he slipped into his demonic form as the bright light reached a fever pitch consuming the entire room. The book snapped shut falling to the ground a twisted red energy leaving it with no sign of the blond except for a scorched piece of cloth that fluttered to the ground.

()()()()

Yellow and red eyes cracked open staring up at the familiar red sky of Hell but the owner of those eyes could feel the fundamental difference even as the wild energy of Hell latched onto him anchoring to his very soul just as it had done when he had Fallen only this time it was far more potent instead of being split between two vessels. ‘Alright get a hold of yourself Lucifer, time to see where in Hell you ended up and start looking for a way back home to Charlie.’ Lucifer thought to Himself as he pushed himself from the ground grimacing when he saw his clothes were basically destroyed by the effects of the spell That had been in that book. ‘For now i think it would be a good idea to take an imp or a sinner like form. Just until i can find out what's different about this Hell other then it having not had a proper connection to its ruler.’ Lucifer determined as he took a breath and changed his form shifting To look more feminine making his white skin take a grey tone, the spots on his cheeks a more pale pink, his blond hair turning black with apple-red streaks, and finally pulling two sets of wings into his back and shifting the angelic white to black. Finally, he pulled his horns back before snapping a simple shin-length black dress with an open back over his form not bothering To make shoes for his hoofed feet. ‘This will do for now…’ Lucifer thought knowing he now looked similar to a winged sinner. With a thought he added a thin well hidden slit in the back of the dress and slipped his tail through it. With a flap of his wings he rose into the air reminding himself that with only on pair of wings he had to flap like a normal bird.

He soon landed on the outskirts of what looked like the Pentagram City he knew but just slightly different, the borders between Overlord territories weren't in ruins and instead five large stadiums were built in them with flourishing neighborhoods. Lucifer felt a twist in his gut as he entered The city feeling a lot less destruction but there was still some sin as the souls Of the sinners walked about. He stopped by a shop displaying the local news.

*”This just in folks our resident Princess of Hell, Emily Starsword, has taken up a pet project of making a redemption hotel!”*

“Michael’s brat is at it again.” a nearby sinner scoffed as the dread in Lucifer’s stomach grew heavier.

‘I didn't fall… Michael did… Fuck!’ Lucifer thought turning away from the tv and making his was though the city to an all-too-familiar hotel with a sign saying ‘Happy Hotel’ from its roof.

He stilled before instinct made him shift towards his left missing the strike of a blade before forming his own blade of pure light burning away his ‘sinner form’ as his horns returned along with his hidden wings as he blocked the next hit locking eyes with black and red eyes set in a face like his own just older and with gold marks on the cheeks instead of red while the natural eye shadow was more of a greyish blue than the purple he had. “Michael,” Lucifer stated in shock.

[pinkiepiebones]

Prompt: Rain's little froggie gets a new friend!

Ghouls do not express themselves like humans do. They do not have mouths, so they can't smile or frown. They do not embrace one another. There are no animal behaviours in them, either- no head butts, no tail wags, no purring. They are regarded by most as stoic entities, as hoofed, mouthless gargoyles given profane animation by Him Below.

But those who have been in consistent ghoulish proximity take note of things. Ghouls tend to cluster in groups of a dozen or so, usually all of the same element, but not always. They have their own body language- a rustling of folded feathery wings against their scaly backs is equitable to laughter. A gaggle, or a flock, or a murder, or a cloister of ghouls (no one is sure what to call a grouping of them) that is standing silently on the ceiling and then seems to break out in vigorous wing shaking, well, they're having a grand time. Aggression is expressed by open wings being raised up, as though the ghoul is attempting to appear taller. Sorrow comes in the clutching of horns.

Joy is another matter all together.

A ghoul's joy is a rare site, but not impossible to witness or feel. Copia knows this. He grew up in the church. He's dating a ghoul. He's seen his band ghouls explode in joy on stage, and though the intricate lighting system and costumes are used to purposefully obfuscate their ghoulishness, Copia knows very well what it looks like for each element. A fire ghoul's skin seems to crack and a deep golden red glow seems to emanate from the cracks, as though the creature's body became embers. They also radiate a very comfortable warmth. Air ghouls fluff up like baby birds and spark with lightning. Earth ghouls blossom all over with little pink flowers not of this world. Aether ghouls look like they just rolled in purple glitter.

Copia finds one of the band ghouls, the one the fans call "Rain," out on the church grounds. Rain is on it's belly in the mud at the edge of the haunted lake, staring at a frog.

Copia smiles. Rain had taken a shine to this particular frog a while ago, going so far as to drag Copia out in the rain early one morning just to introduce him to the tiny amphibian. //KERMIT,// Rain had said telepathically, pointing at the frog as enthusiastically as a ghoul could.

"Hey, you two," Copia says gently so as not to startle either of them. He steps gingerly into the mud; he made sure to throw on some shoes and clothes that he wouldn't mind getting dirty before he travelled outside. He is also carrying a strange plastic box. "How is it going out here? Everyone, uh, good?"

Rain nods a little, not taking it's inkwell eyes off the frog, who croaks. //I HAVE BEEN TELLING KERMIT OF THE UPCOMING TOUR. I AM FEELING HAPPY TO TOUR BUT UNHAPPY TO LEAVE MY FRIEND. HE IS UNHAPPY FOR ME TO LEAVE. BUT I WOULD NOT WANT TO BRING KERMIT ON THE TOUR. I DO NOT THINK A FROG WOULD ENJOY THE TOUR BUS.//

Copia nods. "That's very true, Rain. I don't bring my rats for the same reason. Nothing on the bus for leetle animals to enjoy."

Rain sits up and wipes some of the mud off it's chest. //BUT YOUR RATS HAVE FRIENDS HERE, SO WHEN YOU LEAVE, THEY ARE PERHAPS NOT SO LONELY.// Rain looks up at Copia. //KERMIT IS ALONE. HE TOLD ME.//

The Papa makes a mental note to ask the ghoul called Special about animal-to-ghoul communication and squats down beside the ghoul. "Well, I actually brought something out to show you, I think it might help..." He opens the strange box and tips it for Rain to see inside.

A small spotted frog looks up into the ghoul's eyes.

"Someone found this fella in the poisonous plants garden on the other side of the church's land, and I thought, hey, Rain likes frogs, maybe it would like to meet this one."

Rain reaches into the box with an almost timid gentleness and brings the spotted frog out. It holds the frog close to it's unblinking eyes, perhaps assessing. Then, gingerly, it lowers it's talon. The little frog hops off the ghoul's hand and into the mud in front of Kermit. The two frogs stare at each other, then the spotted one hops, landing on Kermit's head.

Rain looks from it's frogs to Copia. The ghoul's skin shimmers with waves of blue and white, like sunlight on the lake's surface, but more serene. It's hair-like feathers raise and waft as though it is underwater. The smell of saltwater winds fills Copia's senses.

Water ghoul joy.

//NOW KERMIT WILL NOT BE LONELY WHEN WE LEAVE FOR THE TOUR, AND MY UNHAPPINESS HAS EBBED.// The ghoul puts a muddy hand on Copia's shoulder. //THANK YOU SO MUCH, PAPA. KERMIT THANKS YOU AS WELL.//

Copia smiles at the ghoul still rippling with joy. "No problem."

[papercutsunset]

I once broke my glasses on my eyebrow and it hurt like a motherfucker. But I'd say, it's not unlikely for someone to store their glasses in a way they "shouldn't." I put mine in my hair all the time despite potential smudging, hence busting the nosepad off like I did. Honestly, even if there's stuff on the lenses, there comes a point where I can see around some of it. (It's just that cleaning makes me go "Oh! Oh, god, that's so much better!")

I think, if you're writing a character, you need to remember that your character is a person first and foremost. What do they value more than anything in their morning routine? What furniture exists around their bed?

If I exist as a character, for example, what does it say about me that I don't know where my hard case is? That I find the hard case itself too unwieldy for anything other than long-term storage? That my glasses are across the room on a random surface because I don't trust myself not to knock them off the bedpost or windowsill in the middle of the night?

I also don't think it's inherently true that a character will hate people wanting to try on their glasses unless that's a mindset the character is prone to and/or there's a lack of consent present. My friends and I frequently swap glasses, layer glasses over each other, and laugh about how "god, your vision's shit. Get new eyes."

Fixing your glasses is a process that depends on the kind of break. I've broken nearly every pair I've had, including this current one (twice, unfortunately, though the second break was on the nose and easy to fix by repurposing some nose pads from a pair of aviators). If your character wears plastic frames, certain parts might snap; metal/wire frames might bend; and hinges, depending on where they break, might be fixable with screws or glue. Some glasses hold with tape but, let me tell you, taping your glasses back together is kind of a nightmare. It's why I switched to metal frames permanently. (I can bend them back into place. I'm too clumsy. I slapped my hand down on them while changing my shoes backstage during a performance of Beauty and the Beast...) You can get fairly cheap repair kits at dollar trees and grocery stores that might come with appropriately-sized precision screwdrivers (or you might have to go to the hardware store; I use my horn set because I... keep losing my repair kit). That's to say, tape is not the only option for glasses repair; and that's just covering things like nose pads and hinges. There's more you can do.

That does also bring up a recommendation I have for character construction, though: frame typing. Beyond the differences of shape, color, and material, what are your character's reasons for choosing that? If we're going with myself as a character again, I chose my current pair because they resembled the pair I broke mid-migraine and a pair I broke with a glass jar (both tragedies. I liked both pairs). I liked the square-r shape of the former and red of the latter; and, notably, needed to leave the optometrist because they were being real weird about my nose, so I picked a pair, paid, and left.

It comes down to constructing your character as a person and, subsequently, how they treat and view their glasses as an extension of the attitudes you have given them.

Writing Characters with Glasses

Glasses are one of those components in writing that one just knows whether the writer has any experience with or not from the offset. So how do we write glasses-wearing characters or characters with impaired vision?

What is your character's eye strength?

Now, you don't have to know your character's exact diagnoses but you should know what sightedness your character has. Near-sighted means your character has trouble seeing things far way but can see things up close. Far-sightedness means a character can see things better in the distance than they can in before them.

Typically, one eye can be weaker or stronger than another, so a lense may be slightly thicker or slimmer than the other. Myself, my left eye is much weaker than my right.

Wearing Glasses

Typically when you wear glasses, you start to ignore the frames in your peripheral vision, however if you may notice it more if you haven't been wearing your glasses for a while.

Also when you change lenses, your sight is funny for a while. Things, like the fucking ground itself, seem a lot closer which can lead you to feel very disoriented. Its best to break glasses in gradually, in the words of Our Lady, Theresa Manion, "Do not make unnecessary journeys, do not take risks on treacherous roads..."

Glasses can get dirty and smudged very easily and do require cleaning. You may often see somebody wipe their glasses with their shirt tail but this isn't always effective, some fabrics just worsen the issue. Dry tissue paper is the best or a glass cloth. Frames also should be cleaned too.

Glasses tend to fog up when it rains, when you sweat or when you're somewhere steamy or drinking/eating something really hot. It can be a nuisance but it usually won't impair your vision that much.

Glasses can strain your eyes and start to chafe after a while. Long periods of wearing glasses can make your eyes start to ache (it always happens to me) and the best thing to do is just remove them and rest your eyes. The frames can also rub against the tops of your ears or the bridge of your nose.

People who need glasses tend not to remove them very often. If your vision is very bad, you won't be whipping your glasses off at every opportunity like Horatio Caine. If you only need reading glasses or need glasses for specific tasks you, wouldn't wear them 24/7 as it can further damage your eyes (I did this and now I can barely see 4ft ahead of me).

You can do tasks without your glasses but you do feel more cautious, especially if you have difficulty making out details. Glasses usually make you more comfortable in situations.

And as for the whole pushing up glasses when they slip (and they do slip but gradually), there's no right way or wrong way. Personally, I adjust by moving the entire frame between my thumb and forefinger so I don't smudge the lense. But pushing it up by the bar that crosses your nose is also effective.

When you're not wearing glasses

Not wearing glasses isn't delibiltating if your character's sight isn't majorly mad. As I mentioned before, they can still carry out tasks. But not wearing glasses can leave you a little unsure and sometimes disoriented.

Most people can still see without glasses, things just aren't as focused. For me, things get very fuzzy especially if they are far away but I can still make out the shape - for example, I can see how many fingers you're holding up but not your ring. I can do a lot of tasks without glasses.

When you're not wearing your glasses, you do tend to squint which can help you see a little better or tend to lift things to your eyes to see them better.

Characters wearing glasses

If your character loses their glasses in a fight, they won't be unable to fight back. They can likely still see some things.

Glasses hurt when knocked from your face, you can cut or bruise from a blow to the glasses. (it's happened to me which is why I have a massive scar on my forehead).

Your character will likely dislike going to the optician. Getting your eyes looked into by a stranger with a torch is irritating. Buying new glasses is a long drawn out hellish experience.

Breaking your glasses will upset your character, mainly because they're expensive. A character may opt to get the glasses fixed instead of replaced.

Your character will keep their glasses near at all times. Sleeping, they will be in reach. In the shower, they will be somewhere close by. Glasses may your more confident in your ability so they will always be near.

Also your character will likely not store their glasses in a pocket (they can break) or on their heads (your hair can smudge the lenses).

If your character has one of those early 2000s rom-com moments where their glasses are removed so the world can see their "true beauty", yeah that isn't a thing. Now that person can't fucking see.

Also, your character will likely hate anybody grabbing their glasses or wanting to try them on.

[landinrris]

How do you think Drive To Survive is going to portray Lando and Oscar as teammates? Every season they have leaned into rivalry within McLaren, which seems overdone. While I totally believe that like all racing drivers these two want to win more than anything, off track they do actually seem to get along. I think both of them are good at leaving hard feelings on track. Their portrayal of Lando and Carlos seemed so far off? I’m hoping they don’t do that with Lando and Oscar.

I’m sure Daniel coming back will be a big story line. Maybe the Singapore race another since they usually do a Carlos episode? I’d love a McLaren at Silverstone episode. The turn around from the beginning of the year to Silverstone was so dramatic.

Given the overall lack of bombshell moments this season on and at the track, I think DTS is going to unfortunately be more likely to make shit up. I do think the new eps might mirror some of the eps from last season because nothing truly seemed to progress.

My idea for basic episodes (before any trailer comes out) includes:

1. Ep about Mercedes still struggling. Featuring building tensions between Lewis and George. George having a sophomore slump and trying to find his place in the team because Lewis hasn't retired like was probably originally the plan. They butt heads over development.

2. Episode about Ferrari fumbling the bag again. Fred coming in is supposed to be the "savior" for Charles because of their history. Will likely focus on how Charles has a largely rough start to the season and can't get on top of the car (to the point where they tear the car apart looking for a problem that doesn't exist). I could see them talking about how nothing's been the same with team dynamics since Silverstone 2022.

3. Episode about McLaren having an abysmal start to the season. At this point, they'll paint it as everyone is in this together, though there will be doubt that Oscar made the right decision after the chaos and drama of last season (especially since Alpine doesn't look that bad at the start). They'll ignore the fact that McLaren started the season with an underdeveloped car. They'll play up that Lando is having doubts about having signed such a long contract.

4. Episode about Aston Martin and how Fernando's move has shaken things up. They're suddenly at the top of field, faster than the Ferraris and Mercedes. Unclear if they're allowed to give insights into Lance's performance. They may get Fernando saying this team is better than Alpine with team dynamics as an underhanded blow to Esteban.

5. Episode about McLaren's second half of the season and how they've turned it around. They'll celebrate briefly Lando's Silverstone podium because it restores his faith in the team. This is where I could see them creating tension between Lando and Oscar. Now that the car is becoming more competitive, Lando "feels threatened" as Oscar gets closer to him in Qualifying even though he isn't as face in race pace. Flashpoint in Qatar when Lando has a wobble weekend and Oscar takes the Sprint win. Someone will say that really hurt Lando and "the gloves are off."

6. Monza and Singapore double feature with Carlos' back-to-back poles. They'll focus on how Carlos brings Ferrari their only win for the year and it being the only non-rbr win as well. They'll likely focus as well on the dynamic of how Carlos and Lando worked together for it. Will Buxton will say something dramatic about how it's incredible tactical genius (which it is).

7. Episode on Daniel's return and then injury. They'll brush over the Nyck stuff because they brushed over why he was in the conversation last season for the seat anyway. They'll probably touch on Liam's temporary stint. Could see them shoe-horning Red Bull and Checo talk into this ep with all the conversation about who should replace him. Daniel is a pr genius and the constantly changing teammates will be billed as not great for Yuki's development, which is why he isn't considered for the Red Bull seat.

8. General mid-field episode talking about Alpine's and Haas' lackluster season. We may get some actual drama unfolding with Otmar being fired mid-race weekend and why it's a result of the promised 5-year plan and losing Oscar last year.

9. Either an episode about Aston's backward slide or about Williams and what Alex is doing for them. They'll try and hype up Logan at first but end up casting doubt on him by the end of the episode. Buxton will outline the factors that contributed to Logan's first point in Austin, which includes a montage of Charles and Lewis being disqualified.

10. General end-of-season wrap-up where they talk about any loose ends that didn't get covered in the other episodes. Maybe a montage of Max's utter dominance. Maybe some general hijinks and ominous words for next season with 3/4 of the drivers being out of contract.

[jimblejamblewritings]

the american weasley | part 1.

Warnings for the Series: angst because it’s semi-enemies to lovers

Pairing: harry potter x black!reader, draco malfoy x black!reader

Word Count: 0.8k

A/N: I think I’m going to do something different with this series and the cedric series by making it a series of drabbles… I can’t promise I’ll stick to the drabbles, I just want to try something different.

(Series Masterlist)

“Hey, losers! Miss me?”

The entire Great Hall turned when the doors opened. A girl came in wearing a gray uniform skirt that seemed to go higher than the Hogwarts skirts because the waist was still going underneath her cropped navy blazer. A peek of a cranberry tie could be seen under the blazer that matched her cranberry socks tucked into clean oxford shoes. Her entire outfit was accompanied with a stylish wizard cape that clasped at the side near the shoulder in navy with cranberry lining. A brown hand pushed up the brim of her large witches’ hat. 

Immediately, Fred, George, Ginny, and Ron left their table. They ran up to the girl, giving her a giant hug. Harry and Hermione— along with everyone else— had no clue what was happening. But they did know that despite having never seen her before and her brown skin matching none of the pale ones around her, the red hair was undeniable. They were staring at yet another Weasley. You walked over to Gryffindor table with your family. 

“What are you doing here?” Fred asked. 

“Mom and Dad haven’t been recovering very well from the Cruciatus Curse. Healers are starting to think it’s been modified somehow. They transferred them to St. Mungo’s so your favorite cousin is here to st— y’all like to eat this?”

You put the food back on Ginny’s plate. Ginny looked at you. 

“Wait, are you coming here? You’re coming to Hogwarts?”

You nodded. “Either until they get better and we go back or... let’s just say I’m here for now. Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthur signed for temporary guardianship.” 

“This is the best day ever! What house do you think you’re going to be?”

They watched the Ilvermorny colors change to Hogwarts’ grey. All the accents were in white, waiting to receive their new colors. “Don’t know yet, I’m supposed to get sorted with all the tiny ones... where are the first years?”

“Coming by boat. Can we have these uniforms instead?” Angelina asked to no one in particular. Hermione, Alicia, and Ginny echoed sentiments. 

You laughed. “They said I could wear these until next semester since transfer was so last minute.” 

“No, we’re requesting we get these instead.” 

You just smiled and took the food that seemed edible off of Ginny’s plate as your family started introducing you to their friends. Coming to Hogwarts wasn’t under the best circumstances but this year— and unfortunately maybe other school years— seemed like it was going to at least be a good one. The tiny ones entered the Great Hall, following an old woman who gave you a nod at your witch’s hat. You had noticed that nobody else seemed to wear them. 

McGonagall pulled out a scroll. “Before we start the proper sorting, we have a transfer student. Miss Y/N Weasley.” 

You easily parted through the first years to sit on the stool with a talking hat. This was so different from Ilvermorny’s sorting. You remembered when Thunderbird, Wampus, and Horned Serpents’ statutes came to life when you entered the middle of the room. There was a bit of dejection on your part because you thought that Pukwudgie would light up and you’d be one of those special students that got all four statues. In the end, you got over it and picked Thunderbird. But this sorting ceremony had no statues, just a cute little hat. 

“I’m glad you think I’m cute, dear. You’re a lot like the other Weasleys aren’t you, a bit different though. Thunderbird— well you certainly aren’t a Slytherin, not very cunning.”

“Rude.” 

“Hmm. I’d say Gryffindor!” 

You shrugged, figuring as much. A Weasley was a Weasley and one thing you all had was some nerve. Four redheads cheered louder than anyone else in the room as you bounded back over to Gryffindor table. The white accents of your old Ilvermorny uniform turned into red and gold to show off your new house. Sticking to your family, you let them show you everything about Hogwarts. It didn’t take long for you to fit in and get along with everyone. Naturally, you slipped into the friend group that was the famous golden trio. It seemed almost like you had been a Hogwarts’ student your entire life. You really felt as much when you sat down with your new friends at the breakfast table. Dumbledore stood up to make his usual round of morning announcements. 

“And captains, don’t forget to sign up for the pitch in order to host quidditch tryouts. Teams must be decided before the first of next month.” 

You turned to look at Harry sitting next to you. “How different from quodpot is quidditch?”

“What the hell is quodpot?” 

You slumped in your seat. It seemed like the two sports were actually very different which meant you had no chance in joining the Gryffindor team. While Harry was dense with a lot of things, he did manage to pick up on your feelings. You did mention last week or the week before that you used to do sports back at Ilvermorny. 

“I can help you with quidditch if you want? Wood doesn’t hold tryouts till the very last day.” 

You gave Harry a smile, excited to get to work.

PERMANENT TAGLIST:

@venomsvl​ @peaches-n-sunscreen @summerellaz @supernaturallover2002 @sambucky8 @9daykrisr @thebitchinleo @23victoria @scarlets-widow @pagetpagetpagetpaget @lovexnatasha @awesomebooklover17 @1234-angelika @imatrisk @blackreaderatrisk @princess-jules47 @alexloveskili @a-marie-a @siriuslysirius1107

[cilldaracailin]

Rocketman Project

Hello my Tumblr Lovely’s!

Gosh it has been a VERY long time since I have posted anything on my Tumblr let alone a Robyn and Taron story.

This is not a Robyn and Taron story but it is something else that I have been working on since September 5th and while I still have one more thing do to, I am waiting for something to arrive in the post before I can finish it and am too impatient to post what I have been doing.

Anywhoo, I know that makes no sense at all but here we go.

I decided that I was going to knit the orange devil costume from the Rocketman movie but make it a doll so it’s Taron in the Rocketman Devil costume playing Elton John. It is something I have been thinking about for a while but just wasn’t to sure how I was going to go about it as you cannot get a pattern for it anywhere, so I decided to go on a limb and do it myself. 

Now I have a LOAD of photos to go with this but the process I feel is so important because not tooting my own horn here, but SO much work and time has gone into this, but I am so proud of how it turned out!

So, first thing was a pattern. Coming up to Christmas I knit Santa Claus’s and knew I could use that pattern as the basic body pattern so I once I got the wool and the colours I needed, I got the pattern.

So, then it was time to start knitting.

Feet, legs and body first and I decided to make the dungarees that the costume had too, so the body looked like it was wearing the dungarees. Now they are not as perfect as what was in the movie, I realised after that it was more a sleeveless body suit and not dungaree’s per say but it had the desired effect.

Next came the arms and time to stuff the doll.

And because Taron had those shoes to match the costume in the movie, the Rocketman Doll had to have some too! They don’t have heels though. I thought about it but just knitted little booties for him instead.

From here on in I was pretty much winging it. I was using the pattern for some things, but the rest just came from my head and lots of trial and error.

So, the doll needed some clothes. Trousers and a jacket which then also needed the large neck collar and a zip. I figured I would be doing this once, so I was going to do it properly. Which is why he got two pairs of trousers. I had made a pair initially which were flares but when it came to sewing them in, the bottoms were much too big to I made a second pair which fitted much better.

And then with the new pair of trousers which fitted much better.

Next then was his hat. This was tricky as I wanted to get that V effect perfect as it is such an important part of the costume, so I found a pattern for a baby’s hat and followed it, and it created that V shape. It turned out great in the end.

Then next were the two horns. The one on the left is knitted while the one on the right is knitted and stuffed. I had bought some fake flowers and used the bendy stems which were like pipe cleaners and cut them and pushed one into the stuffed horns to create the shape. It worked a treat, and you will see them further down bent into shape.

Now that the main part of the doll has been made, it came down to creating all the decorative parts.

For the ‘flames’ as I am calling them, which on the actual costume that Taron wore were millions of little sequins, I used embroidery thread to sew each flame in by hand. I created the pattern first with a red glittery thread and then one by one added in the colours of the flames. The pattern follows that of the costume along the front, back and arms. Sewing in the thread and flames took so long. Really tedious but so effective once done!

Once all the flames were done, it was time to add some sequins. I started with the bottom of the trousers and sewed them in one by one.

At this stage, I then forget to take photos as I was getting so excited at seeing the whole thing come together. 

I knitted a belt and sewed it in and then sewed in smaller sequins around the belt. I have no photos of that, but you can see it in the finished doll.

I actually ran out of the large red and orange sequins so I have ordered more and these will go along the sleeve edge of the doll. That is the very last thing I have to do but I can’t wait to show him off so I will come back when it is completely finished. This is what I was talking about earlier. I am waiting for them to come in the post.

Once I had all the sequins sewen into the belt and legs, I then started the glasses and face.

Again, I am lacking photos cos I was so excited at how amazing the doll was coming along. I had intended to knit the love hearts for the glasses, but they were turning out way too big, so I crocheted two love hearts instead and then sewed silver sequins around the edge. Using the same bendy material that is like pipe cleaners (that were in the fake flowers) I created the glasses frame. I wrapped it in grey wool and then I used the hot glue gun to glue the hearts to the glasses frame.

I crocheted white eyes and added green in the middle for Taron’s eyes of course and then knitted a little button nose and sewed them onto his face and added his glasses.

His mouth was SO hard to get right. I had tried 6 or 7 different types of mouth and even sewed a crocheted one in but it just wasn’t right, so I took it out and then did a single line which was so much better. You can see it in the photo below.

Next, I sewed in the horns and then added sequins to the horn and the hat. One by one sewed them in and added them on. They also took a very long time to do as they had to be sewen in on both sides of they would go sideways and not straight.

Then the very last thing (apart from the remaining sequins) was the feathers. I was sooo excited for the feathers because they make the outfit. I first made a back brace. I suppose you could call it that and it was the same as what they used in the movie for Taron so the feathers could be lifted on and off. Again, I used the bendy pipe cleaners from the fake flowers and turned it into an over the shoulder back brace and then used the orange wool to cover it.

Next, I had to create the feathers. I knew I was never going to be able to create the love heart effect in the feathers. It just was going to be much to hard so instead of worked on getting the shape right instead.

I mapped out the red ones first and using the hot glue gun, glued the feathers to the brace bit by bit. I tried to be methodical about it and use feathers that leaned into the middle to try and create that shape and the red ones worked so very well.

Next, I added two black ones to the front and then turned the whole thing around and added the orange ones to the back.

Then it was just a matter of putting him all together!

And I am blown away by how amazing this turned out! I was not expecting it to be so WOW at the end of this. 

I mean it’s a knitted Taron doll that turned out amazing! 

It will be the one and only knitted Taron doll though I would be so tempted to try and do the crocodile rock scene too, but I might give it a break now. Maybe concentrate on Robyn and Taron first. They need some love after being abandoned for so long

But yeah... I knitted a Taron Egerton Rockeman Doll.

Suze xx

[karahalloway]

Olivia eyed her dark gray and silver gown critically. Even though Liam had seen her more times than anyone else in Cordonia, she still wanted to appear at her best for the new crown prince. After all, this was her moment to finally make him consider a future with her.

Ah, interesting! I see we are starting off with canon whereby Olivia very much has her eyes set on Liam. Will be interesting to see how things change as the season progresses! 👀👀👀

Since he had the heart, she knew she could be just what his life was missing: strength. Her very genetic makeup was overflowing with the attribute.

This... 👌

Her eyes fell upon a rather worn set of papers that were slightly singed in places that she hadn't seen in a few years. Without wondering why she was doing so, she lifted them out.

Maxwell's poem had caught her eleven year old self completely off guard.

Awww...! She kept it after all this time...!

"No!" Olivia snapped. "We're just friends! I don't know why he wrote that!" "A Nevrakis doesn't have friends. She has allies, ones who give more than they receive." She crumbled up the papers that Maxwell had poured his heart into.

Eugh... go stuff it Lucretia... 😒

Once the door was shut, Olivia dashed over to the fireplace and quickly pulled the crumpled papers out. She ignored the burns to her fingers as she quickly patted out the flames. She gently smoothed the wrinkles out as best she could.

🥰

She'd keep it hidden for herself as a trophy of sorts. There was no reason anyone should ever know just how important it was to her. Or that she liked it.

Her attention snapped to the door when she heard Maxwell's name announced. Her amused smile slowly fell when another name was mentioned tied to House Beaumont.

Ahh this is cool! I don't think I've ever read this scene from Olivia's perspective before!

Her gaze swept down the woman's red clad figure. It lingered on the well placed horns.

She really is a devil, Olivia thought. Who else would have the unmitigated gall to wear my color?!

Also, kudos to Riley for choosing the devil costume - a girl after my own (and OC's) heart - no one has time or interest to pretend to be angelic here! 😆

Though she watched Riley with a hint of irritation greet Constantine with a proper non kissing of the shoe curtsy, she could not stop her attention drifting over to Maxwell. He was still acting so out of character. His ramrod posture. The proper tilt to his head. The simple polite smile. She wanted to go over and slap the back of his head to knock the real Maxwell back into place!

Love this! The fact that it might end up being Maxwell's lack of attention that galvanises Olivia to start taking him more seriously!

It has to be her that made him like this. When did it happen? How did they meet? What power does she really have over Maxwell? And why does it look like she and Liam know each other?!

Loving this so much! Her confusion and suspicion is great! 😆

"Great." Riley sent a brief smug look towards Olivia. "Both were very happy to meet me." Olivia humphed. "It looked like you and Liam already know one another." "Funny how looks can be accurate." Riley quipped. "We've met before."

"And where would someone like you possibly meet a prince?" Riley shrugged with a smile. "The usual places." "When?" Olivia snapped, irritated with getting nothing out of this woman. "Once upon a time." Riley teased, thoroughly enjoying this conversation.

Bahahahaha! Go Riley! 🤣🤣🤣 This is SO much better than the convo in canon!

"You should be proud of yourself, Hana. I can't think of too many women who are brave enough to face everyone after such an embarrassing end to their engagement. I mean, to think that after being dumped by some minor earl that you could capture a future king is truly remarkable."

...though this interaction still raises my hackles 😤

The tears filling Hana's eyes gave Olivia the reassurance she needed that she could still cut people down with her sharp tongue as well as she could with the dagger strapped to her leg.

Again, this line... 🙌

"Why don't you like how I'm acting?" He reiterated. "I thought my behavior tonight was pretty appropriate for the most part." "That's what I don't like! Since when have you ever acted like some proper, boring nobleman?" Olivia jabbed her finger into his chest with each word.

😁

Her eyes widened when she finally noticed his suit. It was black and red...Lythikos colors. Had he chosen it on purpose for the Masquerade Ball or was it just a coincidence?

Maxwell nodded. "Of course I do. She's sweet and a lot of fun! Once you get to know her, you'll like her too." His dimples deepened with his warm smile. "Riley's really great." He added. Olivia felt angrier than before she began this conversation. He never says that about other women. I'M the only ONE he thinks is GREAT!

Oh-oh...

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You

(Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis) in a Choices The Royal Romance Crackship AU

Masterlist

A/N This chapter focuses mostly on Olivia's thoughts and actions just as the prologue focused on Maxwell's. The following chapters will show both sides as they begin to see each other more and more during the social season. On a side note, you have no idea how delighted I was to replay Book 1 the other night and notice the colors Maxwell wore to the Masquerade Ball. It was meant to be 😉

Song Inspiration for Olivia: Cold as Ice by Ava Max

Chapter 1

Olivia's chambers, The Royal Palace, Night of the Masquerade Ball...

Olivia eyed her dark gray and silver gown critically. Even though Liam had seen her more times than anyone else in Cordonia, she still wanted to appear at her best for the new crown prince. After all, this was her moment to finally make him consider a future with her.

Who knew when Leo abdicated that this could be the beginning of a dream she'd held onto since she was a little girl?

There was no one like Liam. He was everything good, loyal, and true in her world. His patience and unending kindness was something she herself struggled with, yet admired all the more in him. Since he had the heart, she knew she could be just what his life was missing: strength.

Her very genetic makeup was overflowing with the attribute. It also was filled to the brim with a cold, calculated ruthlessness that few women of the Royal Court possessed. Since Liam's compassion might possibly make him a target, she knew she was the perfect person to protect that rare gift from the ones who would take advantage of it.

She finished brushing her hair, placed a diamond clip to hold her rich red curls in a cascade over her shoulder, and then reached for her locked travel case that held her jewelry she saved for balls and formal dinners.

Her eyes fell upon a rather worn set of papers that were slightly singed in places that she hadn't seen in a few years.

Without wondering why she was doing so, she lifted them out.

Maxwell's poem had caught her eleven year old self completely off guard. After all, she had eyes for no one but the younger prince. Maxwell might have been a good friend and fun playmate growing up, but to actually have him as a significant other...that was...well...

It was something she could never allow herself to contemplate, much less even give a chance. It was a forbidden, almost taboo subject that her aunt spent one of her rare visits harping upon.

She could recall her Aunt Lucretia's reaction to finding the poem a few days after she received it as if the irritating woman was recreating the scene in her room right now.

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

"What is this, Libby?" Lucretia demanded.

"It's nothing!" Olivia felt both embarrassed to be caught with something like that and furious that her aunt had gone through her personal keepsakes. "Maxwell gave it to me."

"Beaumont? The Spare of Ramsford?" Lucretia's eyes narrowed. "Are you encouraging his," she spat out the next word, "love?"

"No!" Olivia snapped. "We're just friends! I don't know why he wrote that!"

"A Nevrakis doesn't have friends. She has allies, ones who give more than they receive." She crumbled up the papers that Maxwell had poured his heart into.

Before Olivia could stop her, Lucretia threw the wad of sentimental drivel into the great room's fireplace at Lythikos.

"You are meant for far greater things than some spare to a dukedom. Your parents intended you to sit and rule over people, not lower yourself for some lesser noble. You might as well dirty yourself with that commoner Constantine allows to live in the palace with his sons. That's closer to Maxwell Beaumont's level in society." Lucretia narrowed her eyes at her niece. "Besides, love makes one weak. It makes a fool out of people. We Nevrakis are never fools. Do you understand?"

Olivia nodded, watching as the poem began to burn along the edges.

"Good." Her aunt rang for one of the servants to have her car brought around and her bags taken. "I expect to never see anything like this in your room again."

Without so much as a farewell, Lucretia swept out of the room.

Once the door was shut, Olivia dashed over to the fireplace and quickly pulled the crumpled papers out. She ignored the burns to her fingers as she quickly patted out the flames. She gently smoothed the wrinkles out as best she could.

She didn't quite understand why Maxwell had given her this. He always acted strange whenever it was July, saying and doing things to get her attention. She just chalked it up to him being simply Maxwell. She also didn't understand why her aunt acted like a noble born from a bloodline almost as impressive as her own was basically a pariah social wise.

All she did know was that she wanted to keep this poem. Nothing would ever come from it, but it was still something that somehow held a great deal of importance to her. She felt almost a sense of pride for being the first girl amongst her peers to receive a love poem from a not so secret admirer.

She'd keep it hidden for herself as a trophy of sorts. There was no reason anyone should ever know just how important it was to her.

Or that she liked it.

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

Olivia found herself rereading Maxwell's old love letter once more. Her lips curved somewhat as she came to the part where he described her hair as a crown of flames that put the beauty of a setting sun to shame. Shaking her head over such foolishness, she slipped it back in her jewelry case.

She'd gotten used to his overly dramatic professions of love. It at first embarrassed her, but as she grew older she simply took it for what it was: Maxwell saw her attributes and couldn't help himself. Olivia knew what others admired about her. She knew her worth and what her greatest assets were: her sharp mind and her striking good looks.

Why stop the compliments when it was simply the truth?

She noticed the time and quickly finished getting ready. Once her mask was firmly in place, she smiled at her reflection.

There is no way Liam will be able to even think of choosing someone over me.

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

The ballroom was packed with nobles and dignitaries from around the globe. Olivia eyed some of her competition with an amused smile.

It's almost too easy. There's no way these other ladies can possibly compete with me.

Her attention snapped to the door when she heard Maxwell's name announced. Her amused smile slowly fell when another name was mentioned tied to House Beaumont.

Who in the hell is Riley Brooks? And why is Maxwell practically doting upon her?

Olivia meandered through the crowd, keeping the pair within her sights. It was strange that Maxwell had not looked around for a glimpse of her. He always sought her out at these types of events. She'd humor him for a while with conversation and a dance or two. He wasn't a bad sort and she probably was more fond of him than she would ever let on.

But he wasn't acting normal. His dimpled smile was directed only on this mystery woman. He was unusually calm. There was no thrumming with the excitement he typically had for a party. He didn't laugh. He hadn't even made a move to get out on the dance floor nor was he sneaking sweets from the nearby buffet.

Olivia despised change, especially in a man who up to this point behaved in a consistent, outrageous manner.

She also hated the unknown, an unknown who must be a suitor for Liam. Her prince.

Summoning a smile, she made her move once this Riley was talking to Drake.

"Will you excuse us," Olivia said in a syrupy tone that made Drake's eyes widen with shock, "but I must have a word with Lady Riley."

She grasped the other woman's arm and practically dragged her away.

"Hey!" Riley wrenched her arm free.

"You're new here." Olivia somehow managed to remain pleasant.

Her gaze swept down the woman's red clad figure. It lingered on the well placed horns.

She really is a devil, Olivia thought. Who else would have the unmitigated gall to wear my color?!

A devious smile curled Olivia's lips.

"Have you met the king yet?" She asked.

Riley shook her head. "No. Maxwell said he would go talk to him first."

"He did, hmm?" Olivia felt an unusual amount of anger flood through her in hearing that. "Let me give you some advice, since you're clearly not a Cordonian."

Riley only quirked an eyebrow in response. If Olivia was already not so set against her, she'd have admitted she was impressed with Riley keeping her cool.

"When you greet the king, remember to kiss his shoe."

Riley blinked. "Kiss his what?"

"Shoe." Olivia replied. "It is customary for all in attendance to pay homage to our king. We being so far below our monarch," her dispassionate gaze swept over Riley once more, "some more so than others, we all must prostrate ourselves before him."

"I see." Riley mumbled, eyes narrowing somewhat in thought.

Olivia noticed Maxwell approaching. She met his eyes and felt a jolt to her system. It was an unusually guarded look in those ocean blue depths of those eyes of his. She couldn't quite tell what he was thinking.

Feeling a bit off kilter in not seeing the obvious adoration in his gaze, she excused herself from Riley. She glanced back to see Maxwell smiling once more at this interloper. He took her arm to lead her over to the line of nobles waiting to greet Liam and Constantine.

Olivia couldn't find a good enough vantage point inside the ballroom. She slipped outside into the courtyard and made her way over to a set of glass paned double doors that allowed her a perfect view of the dias on which Liam stood.

Though she watched Riley with a hint of irritation greet Constantine with a proper non kissing of the shoe curtsy, she could not stop her attention drifting over to Maxwell. He was still acting so out of character. His ramrod posture. The proper tilt to his head. The simple polite smile. She wanted to go over and slap the back of his head to knock the real Maxwell back into place!

If there was one thing she always knew she could depend on, it was that Liam always did the right thing and that Maxwell was always doing his own thing.

She rather admired that quality in Maxwell. No matter what the consequences might be, he never hesitated in doing what he wanted. If he'd been a touch cruel and ruthless in his actions, she'd have thought that a Nevrakis might have at one time been with a Beaumont. But, his antics were innocent and almost always somewhat endearing.

What made him change?

She scanned the crowd for Bertrand. Was he the root cause of Maxwell's new behavior. When she didn't see that more serious minded duke anywhere, she settled her attention once more on Riley.

It has to be her that made him like this. When did it happen? How did they meet? What power does she really have over Maxwell?

And why does it look like she and Liam know each other?!

Olivia was practically seething. She briefly nodded to Kiara and Penelope when they joined her outside. Their conversation revolved around those in attendance and all the usual bits of gossip. Hana soon came outside to greet them.

She was one of the new women to enter their world. Olivia had investigated her the moment she was mentioned to be visiting Cordonia. She might be a possible contender for Liam. She'd been trained in everything and succeeded beyond what many of the ladies could do. She was gorgeous. She also seemed genuinely kind.

She's weak. Too weak. She won't be an asset to anyone, much less Liam.

If she'd known about Riley, she could have investigated her beforehand too. Now she'd have to go about it during the season.

Riley came outside, smiling brightly at them all, and settled between Hana and Penelope.

"Hello." She said to the others. "Everyone having a good time?"

"Of course." Hana replied, relaxing somewhat. "How did it go with meeting the king and Prince Liam?"

"Great." Riley sent a brief smug look towards Olivia. "Both were very happy to meet me."

Olivia humphed. "It looked like you and Liam already know one another."

"Funny how looks can be accurate." Riley quipped. "We've met before."

Olivia's eyes narrowed. Kiara and Penelope took their cues from her and also glared at this unknown entity.

"And where would someone like you possibly meet a prince?"

Riley shrugged with a smile. "The usual places."

"When?" Olivia snapped, irritated with getting nothing out of this woman.

"Once upon a time." Riley teased, thoroughly enjoying this conversation.

"Cute." Olivia bit out. "Regardless of your relationship with Liam, you don't stand much of a chance with him."

"And why is that?" Riley asked as if they were discussing the weather.

"Look around you. You are surrounded by noble ladies who possess the stature and knowledge one needs to reign over a country."

Olivia gestured towards Penelope and Kiara, explaining their lineage and talents.

"Even Hana has a better chance than you despite her broken engagement."

"Thanks?" Hana grumbled.

Seeing Riley still unfazed with the notion of competing with women so far out of her league, Olivia released her frustrations on Hana.

"You should be proud of yourself, Hana. I can't think of too many women who are brave enough to face everyone after such an embarrassing end to their engagement. I mean, to think that after being dumped by some minor earl that you could capture a future king is truly remarkable."

The tears filling Hana's eyes gave Olivia the reassurance she needed that she could still cut people down with her sharp tongue as well as she could with the dagger strapped to her leg.

Riley had somehow made her doubt that ability for a few seconds.

"Hana?" Riley reached out to comfort the distraught lady. "You don't have to listen to her."

"But she's right!" Tears began to fall down Hana's cheeks. "I should have never thought--"

Grasping her skirt, she fled back into the palace.

Riley whirled back towards Olivia.

"You," she hissed, "are a bitch!"

Olivia puffed up with pride.

Damn right I am.

"For what? Reminding her of her place in society?" She asked with a delighted smile.

Riley eyed Kiara and Penelope. "You're really okay with her talking like this?"

"Olivia's only speaking the truth." Kiara snapped.

Penelope added, "If anyone can't take it, then they don't belong here."

Riley glared at them. "I see."

"Do you?" Olivia needled.

"Oh, I definitely do." Riley replied. "Tell me, what makes you so far above the rest of us?"

Olivia began to explain her status as a duchess and why her chances were so great with Liam.

"He would be stuck with a friend like you." Riley taunted. "Good thing I'm here to save him from having to pick his princess from a bunch of children pretending to be so called ladies."

Before Olivia could respond to that, Riley went after Hana.

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

Later that night...

Olivia caught sight of Maxwell leaving a bedroom that must be Riley's. Determined to find out what was going on, she called out to him.

He paused mid-step and walked towards her.

"Good evening, your grace." He greeted politely. "Did you enjoy the ball?"

Olivia glared at him. "What's wrong with you?!"

He blinked. "Nothing. Why?"

"Because you're acting weird!" She snapped.

"I am?"

"Yes!" She hissed. "And I don't like it."

Maxwell's eyes drifted over her face.

"Why?" He asked.

"Why what?" She demanded.

"Why don't you like how I'm acting?" He reiterated. "I thought my behavior tonight was pretty appropriate for the most part."

"That's what I don't like! Since when have you ever acted like some proper, boring nobleman?" Olivia jabbed her finger into his chest with each word.

Her eyes widened when she finally noticed his suit. It was black and red...Lythikos colors. Had he chosen it on purpose for the Masquerade Ball or was it just a coincidence?

"You don't like proper, boring noblemen?" He asked, a hint of a grin forming upon his lips.

Her eyes lifted once more to his. She was not going to dwell on the fact that her colors suited him.

"Who does?!" She threw her hands up in frustration. "Did she make you do this?"

"Who?" He asked.

"That woman you brought tonight."

Maxwell put his hands in his pockets then propped his shoulder against Olivia's doorframe. He studied her about two heartbeats, then shook his head.

Olivia felt her frustrations quadruple. Maxwell was being unusually quiet for once in his life.

She hated it.

"Where did you find that woman?" She demanded.

"In New York." He replied.

"New York? When did you go to New York?!" She nearly screeched.

"Not too long ago."

Olivia groaned. He was giving her a headache with his evasive answers.

"Riley is House Beaumont's suitor." He told her.

"Yeah, I gathered that. And?" She prodded.

"And since this is her first time in Cordonia, I'm going to do my best to make her visit with us as pleasant as it can be." He explained.

Olivia took an involuntary step back.

"You like her, don't you?"

Maxwell nodded. "Of course I do. She's sweet and a lot of fun! Once you get to know her, you'll like her too."

His dimples deepened with his warm smile.

"Riley's really great." He added.

Olivia felt angrier than before she began this conversation.

He never says that about other women. I'M the only ONE he thinks is GREAT!

"I really need to go talk to Bertrand." He glanced down at his watch, completely oblivious to how upset he'd made her with his comments. "He just got to the palace."

Pushing away from her doorframe, Maxwell grinned once more at Olivia.

"See you around, Liv."

Olivia stood there in shock as he walked away without a backward glance.