#heart hunter interactions

[saemi-the-writer]

Heart Hunter - Erwin

Last but not least, Erwin!

The Shop: (neutral) “Oh, are you here to visit Niamh? I can wait with you until she opens if you wish.”

Forest: (serious) “It’s dangerous to go alone MC, let me escort you.”

Forest (night): (pensive) “O Hunter, snare me his shadow! O Nightingale, catch me his strain! Else moonstruck with music and madness I track him in vain!” (*quotes: Oscar Wilde)

Cave: (smiling) “Are you here to explore? With some luck, there might be a treasure in here.”

Cave (night): (surprised) “I wonder from where or whom does all this magic come.”

Docks: (smiling) “If you’re in for a boat ride, I’m your man. I would love to sail for a bit.”

Town Square: (serious) “Sorry but I cannot leave this spot, this is where I have the better view. I must be ready to interfere if troubles arise.”

Community Theatre: (smiling) “It’s been a good while since I last attended theatre. I hope we will spend a good moment.”

Coliseum: (gloomy) “…………”

Red Market: (playful, in disguise) “My duty forbids me to come to such a place… but who am I to say no to the thrill of the forbidden once in a while?”

The Rowdy Raven: (smiling, in disguise) “Their mead is very good; do you want to taste some?”

Market: (disgruntled, in uniform) “I certainly hope those two guards have paid for what they took from that merchant. Otherwise…”

Flooded District: (smiling, in uniform) “Oh, are you here to help? That’s very thoughtful of you!”

Fields: (nostalgic smile) “This reminds me of the time Miomo and I were travelling. I could tell you a lot of stories if you wanted.”

South End: (serious, in disguise) “This area is not safe. Stay close to me, MC.”

The Lazaret: (sad) “*mutters some prayers under his breath*”

Mazelinka’s House: (worried) “Isn’t anyone watching the pot on the fire?!”

Portia’s Cottage: (neutral) “I saw Camio flying over here, would you help me bring him back, please? Before he bothers Portia again.”

Muriel’s Hut: (discomforted) “I’m not sure if I am really welcome here, but I’ll wait with you.”

Asra’s Sanctuary: (smiling) “This place is nice.”

The Palace: (smiling, in uniform) “Good morning/evening MC, do you have business in the Palace?”

Palace Gardens: (amused) “Melchior and Mercedes are in a playful mood today. Don’t worry, I’ll handle them if you’re scared.”

Lucio’s Wing: (tearful) “I- Forgive me, but I need some time alone.”

Interactions

The Shop

Lucio (grinning): Niamh said she has a surprise for me! I can’t wait to see what it is!

Erwin (smiling): Let’s enter and find out.

Portia: (smiling): I really like your cousin’s shop! Do you think she would accept to teach me some magic?

Erwin (smiling): You should ask her. I am sure she would love to do it.

Erwin (neutral): Hello Asra. Are you leaving or coming back?

Asra (in his travelling clothes): I’ve just come back. Hello Erwin.

Erwin (surprised): Oh. Are you friends with Niamh?

Muriel (frowning, upset): We are not friends.

Erwin (neutral): If you break in with dirty boots, you’ll get a bucket of water thrown at your face in retaliation.

Julian (smirking): Can’t be worse than a broken glass bottle or a huge sewing needle pointing at your throat!

Nadia (neutral): Ah, Captain Erwin. Have you seen Niamh?

Erwin (neutral): She’s currently doing a card reading. It should be over soon.

Erwin (smiling): Glad to see your business is thriving, Hummingbird.

Niamh (happy): We had another busy day indeed! Would you like some tea?

Erwin (smiling): It’s been a while since we had tea time together, the three of us.

Réamann (smiling): True. Let’s hope it will be the whole family soon.

Forest

Erwin (smiling): Why, hello there! You’re quite an affectionate wolf, or are you scrounging some of my grilled meat?

Muriel (shocked, whispering): Inanna, what are you doing with him?!

Asra (surprised): Erwin? What are you doing here?

Erwin (neutral): I’m looking for Réamann. Have you seen him by any chance?

Erwin (neutral): That’s a nice sword you have here, Doctor, but way too fragile. If you want to go the distance, you should invest in a better one!

Julian (embarrassed): Fragile?? How come?!

Erwin (concerned): Stop! What if it’s a poisonous mushroom?

Portia: (laughing): Oh, come on! I was joking, Cap’!

Erwin (relieved): There you are, Milady! Are you hurt?

Nadia (smiling): Only the carriage was damaged, thankfully. Thank you for your concern.

Lucio (grinning): I’ve caught that annoying boar! Let’s make skewers out of it!!

Erwin (amused): What did that boar ever do to you to deserve such a grudge?

Erwin (serious): Be careful when you’re on your own here, Réamann. I heard the Courtiers speaking about the forest when they were away from curious ears.

Réamann (shocked): What?... Thanks, Erwin! I’ll keep that in mind!

Erwin (neutral): Did you find everything you needed?

Niamh (smiling): I did. Thanks for coming with me!

Forest (night)

Erwin (pensive): This reminds me of an old poem Miomo read to me, long ago…

Portia: (mischievous): Ooooh? I didn’t know you were into poetry!

Erwin (smiling, blushing): Accept this flower of Yugao please. I hope that you won’t fade as quickly as it or the woman in the poem. I solely wish to cherish what little time we have together.

Lucio (blushing, stunned): I-I… Thank you, Erwin. I will cherish it as much as I cherish you.

Nadia (teasing): My, you’re such a poet, Captain! Why would you hide your talent?

Erwin (blushing): I am not. I blame my mother and Réamann for that.

Julian (laughing): Someone’s been listening to his bard cousin a lot lately!

Erwin (blushing): Réamann talks a lot about this author! So I read some of his books and memorized some of his poems to make him happy, that’s all.

Erwin (crossed): Not. A. Word!

Muriel (shocked): I wasn’t going to say anything!?

Erwin (frowning): You’re going to pester me about it, don’t you?

Asra (mischievous): Who knows~?

Niamh (smiling): It’s a beautiful poem! Do you know more like this?

Erwin (blushing): …*grumbles*

Réamann (overjoyed): Did you just quote-

Erwin (blushing): Yes, I did! Not another word about it!

Cave

Erwin (flirting): I didn’t know you were the swooning type, Doctor.

Julian (blushing): Well, I am grateful you are the catching type, Captain!

Erwin (raising an eyebrow): What are you worried about? That I might drown?

Asra (worried): You could drown, it’s no ordinary pool! Come back!

Lucio (blushing): Wait! When I said carry me, I didn’t mean like that!

Erwin (smirking): You’ll need to be precise about how next time then.

Erwin (focused): Stay close to me, it is getting slippery.

Portia: (smiling): I’ll catch you if you fall!

Nadia (neutral): You seem to know the way, have you been here before?

Erwin (focused): No, but I am used to explore places like this.

Muriel (frowning): …..

Erwin (apologetic): Don’t mind me, I am only passing.

Erwin (smiling): Hello Faust, is Asra around?

Faust: Explore alone!

Niamh (fascinated): These lily pads are huge! Do you think it could bear our weight?

Erwin (serious): Only one way to find out. I’ll go first.

Erwin (nostalgic): It reminds me of some caves we had, back in the South.

Réamann (surprised): You rarely speak of your life in the South!

Cave (night)

Erwin (neutral): Drakr? No, I’ve never been there.

Julian (smiling): I am sure you would like it! We should go there together someday!

Erwin (wary): Is this one of your pranks?...

Asra (awkward): No! There is really a magic snail in there!

Faust: Pretty!

Erwin (smiling): It sure is.

Erwin (grinning, drenched): We’ve got it!

Lucio (grinning, drenched): Yes!! We’re the best!

Portia: (excited): Haha! I knew we would find something in here!

Erwin (smiling): Indeed. You have a very good instinct, Portia.

Nadia (interested): This one looks like Prakran ancient literature writing!

Erwin (surprised): Is it? Strange, some of these look like Southern Runes to me!

Muriel (frowning): What is he looking for?

Erwin (focused): Was it a snail or a slug again?

Réamann (smiling): It’s so beautiful! I think I will do a painting of it once we go home.

Erwin (smiling): I will be looking forwards seeing your artwork.

Erwin (concerned): Be careful, Niamh!

Niamh (smiling, drenched): The water is so clear and refreshing! Come on, swim with me!

Docks

Erwin (blushing, drenched): H-here, take my cape. You are going to catch a cold!

Lucio (grinning, drenched): A cold? Hahaha!! I don’t mind you ogling at me, if that’s what you’re worried about!

Portia: (mischievous): I heard that you knew how to sail?

Erwin (unimpressed): I have a great affection for you, but I won’t help you steal a boat.

Erwin (smiling): I must say that you impress me, Doctor. You’re quite full of surprises.

Julian (smirking): Oh, I am. But you know what would be even more impressive? The two of us as a team!

Erwin (neutral): Need something, Faust?

Faust: Busted! Run!

Erwin (mournful): Niamh used to love walking here since she was a teenager. We used to take strolls together…

Asra (sad): She still loves to walk bare feet in the sand.

Erwin (out of breath, drenched): Is this what you lost?

Muriel (shocked): D-did you dive in just to get it back?!

Nadia (surprised): The Frozen Sea, you say? No wonder you seem so at ease sailing here!

Erwin (smiling): Only when I sail a small boat. I might not be able to steer a huge boat such as yours.

Erwin (smiling): I know that a lot of people just come at this hour hoping to find you here, to listen to your singing.

Réamann (laughing): Oh! That would explain a lot!

Erwin (smiling): Would you like a boat ride?

Niamh (excited): I would love to!!

Town square

Erwin (neutral): Impressive speech, Milady. Allow me to escort you back.

Nadia (neutral): Thank you, Captain.

Erwin (neutral): May I help you?

Muriel (crossed): Just stay away from me.

Portia: (shocked): Phew! The crowd is wild today! Thanks for getting me out of there, Erwin!

Erwin (worried): You’re welcome, Portia. You’re not hurt, are you?

Julian (smiling): Thank you for lending me that cloaking ring of yours, Erwin! It is way easier for me to walk around here with it!

Erwin (raising an eyebrow): You didn’t seem to worry about that before.

Erwin (serious): I’d rather have you by my side than thousands of statues of you here without you.

Lucio (shocked, blushing): O-oh. (I can’t say anything!?)

Asra (smiling): Here, Niamh and I made this for you. Good luck with your work.

Erwin (smiling): Thank you very much, Asra. Say hello to Niamh for me.

Réamann (grinning, holding his Crwth): Thanks for playing along, Erwin! The kids loved it!

Erwin (smirking): “Captain Stone-face” at your service, young Bard.

Niamh (smiling): I am heading towards the Temple district, would you like me to do an offering for you?

Erwin (smiling): Hmm, if you have a prayer spared for me, it would be enough. Thanks.

Community theatre

Erwin (smirking): Julian was very good, but his partner leaves much to be desired. And if I were to get upset over so little, I’d have to switch profession.

Asra (unsure): I can’t tell if you’re being passive-aggressive or not.

Erwin (smirking): Losing your composure already? Tsk! Amateur!

Muriel (raised eyebrow): Is he going to comment all along?

Nadia (surprised): I was not expecting to see you here, Erwin!

Erwin (smiling): After work, I’m just a civilian looking for some entertainment.

Lucio (disgruntled): You hesitated! I saw it!! You flimflam, I’m not talking to you!

Erwin (embarrassed): Alright, sorry! But still, you should really learn to control your temper!

Portia: (laughing): Now, that was some good “Vaudeville”! Let’s go meet Ilya!

Erwin (laughing): I’m buying you both drinks after that!

Erwin (smiling): Congratulations for your success, Julian! You were fantastic on stage!

Julian (blushing): It means a lot that you liked it! I didn’t think you were into comedies…

Erwin (laughing): This was completely crazy! I loved it!

Niamh (laughing): They really nailed it for that scene! It was hilarious!

Réamann (smiling): Seems like you need to clear your mind. Let’s enjoy the show together!

Erwin (smiling): Knowing you, I am sure you picked the right play for that.

Coliseum

Lucio (cruel smile): I remember the day I reopened this place. It was so thrilling! That rush of adrenaline!...

Erwin (alarmed): Are you feeling frenetic? Do you want to spar?

Erwin (neutral): Looking good. But you’d be better as a gladiator on a theatre stage than in the Coliseum.

Julian (smiling, dressed as a gladiator): Aw, where’d be the fun in that?

Portia: (confident smile): I was a good pirate, I would have been a great gladiator!

Erwin (concerned): I don’t question your skills, I just wonder if it would have been the best job for you though.

Nadia (concerned): Tell me Captain, when you still lived in the South, were there similar violent games to condemn criminals?

Erwin (neutral): Criminals considered unpardonable were quickly executed after a trial in mine. The duel was an option when the offended party requested for it.

Muriel (angry): You’re no different than him.

Erwin (frowning): I have blood on my hands, that is true. But my duty was and remains to protect helpless people.

Asra (upset): Why didn’t you help Muriel out, back then?

Erwin (gloomy): I could answer you the same question, Asra. Anyway, you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.

Niamh (neutral): So… what happened exactly in there?

Erwin (neutral): You might want to sit, it is a long story.

Réamann (sad): Maybe some criminals deserved what they got there, but their spirits haunting the place ad vitam aeternam isn’t a good thing.

Erwin (neutral): I guess not. Do you have a song to appease these restless souls?

Red market

Erwin (smiling, in disguise): We used to eat these pepper berries raw to keep ourselves from the cold or as a spice. Would you like to try one?

Nadia (smiling): How delightfully spicy! I shall buy some for the cooking staff and myself!

Erwin (amused, in disguise): Look over there, I think you will like it.

Portia: (in awe): (Gasps) What are those?! They’re so cute, so fluffy! I want to pet them!!

Julian (surprised): Erwin?! I swear that all of my purchases are legal!

Erwin (disgruntled, in disguise): Quiet! Don’t blow my cover!!

Erwin (disgusted, in disguise): Some people are sick. Kimochiwarui!

Muriel (gloomy): Tell me about it!

Erwin (taken aback, in disguise): Wait a-! These white roses aren’t ordinary, are they? I think I saw similar ones before…

Asra (unemotional): …

Lucio (curious): I’ve never seen a goldfish like this before, thanks for catching it for me!

Erwin (smiling, in disguise): An Ushanian legend says that goldfishes like this are lucky and brings good fortune if you make them happy.

Niamh (serious): If you wear this ring, your shadow will disappear. It would be good to combine it with your cloaking ring!

Erwin (interested, in disguise): Interesting. I’ll see if I can negotiate for it.

Erwin (shocked, in disguise): Did you pilfer that guy’s merch?!

Réamann (smirking): I didn’t steal anything, I’ve just hustled a hustler!

The Rowdy Raven

Julian (excited): A liquor made from coffee?! Where can I get this treasure?

Erwin (embarrassed, in disguise): What have I done?

Erwin (smiling, in disguise): I never got to taste the mead from the South, how was it?

Lucio (smirking): You didn’t miss much, believe me! I’ll buy you the good booze!

Asra (shocked): Wai- (coughs) Arcana’s sake!! Did you seriously swallow that eyeball?! I was just messing with you!

Erwin (smirking, in disguise): Asra “the great magician” can’t tell the difference between a real eyeball and a fancy candy?

Portia: (shocked): Eeeeek! Please, tell me it wasn’t a real eyeball!! Or you’re just playing me, right?!

Erwin (laughing, in disguise): I was indeed teasing you! Let me apologize with another drink!

Nadia (shocked): Oh! Was it really necessary to knock this man out that way?

Erwin (serious, in disguise): For this kind of nuisances, yes. I recognized him as an infamous pimp.

Muriel (shocked, blushing): Why is my mead so tangy?!

Erwin (neutral, in disguise): I think the waiter got my order mixed with someone else’s, this is black mead when I ordered capsicumel mead.

Erwin (smirk, in disguise): May I help you down?

Niamh (teasing): Catch me, then! On three!

Réamann (smiling): It’s very good! Pour me another glass, please!

Erwin (shocked, in disguise): Réamann, this is not the kind of drink you just chug like that!!

Market

Erwin (neutral, wearing a revealing top): Sorry I kept you waiting. It took longer than I expected to forge this sword.

Lucio (blushing, grinning, horny): No problem~ I quite enjoyed the show~!

Nadia (embarrassed): It would be comforting to hear that you recognized me thanks to your sharp eye, but I won’t force you to lie like that.

Erwin (awkward, sweating a bit): …(coughs) I could lend you my cloaking ring, if you need to.

Erwin (disgruntled): Try that again, and you’ll earn 50 extra lap races and a salary reduction!

Muriel (neutral): He’s actually decent, I guess.

Erwin (neutral): I’ve sharpened some knives of the kitchen staff. Then I forged new ones to replace the damaged others.

Portia: (impressed): Oh, wow! You didn’t have to! Thanks!

Erwin (neutral): This sword is made the Harshenian way, this one is Ushanian and the other is inspired by my old tribe’s weaponsmiths, the Misty Hunters.

Julian (fascinated): I’ve never had the chance to see such swords so close! They look amazing!

Erwin (neutral): Here are your new sickle, and a new set of scissors for Niamh. Was it all?

Asra (smiling): It’s all good! Do you want some pumpkin bread for your break?

Réamann (grinning): I got a discount for this! Do you want some?

Erwin (jaded): How come you always get a discount for everything?

Niamh (smiling): I’ve brought you some tea! It smells wonderful, don’t you think?

Erwin (smiling): It does. Thank you, it’s just what I needed.

Flooded district

Erwin (on guard): I feel like someone is watching me.

Muriel (sad): Maybe I misjudged him.

Asra (shocked): You… you’re not paid for what you are doing here? Didn’t Nadia send you?

Erwin (frowning): I don’t need anyone’s order to go and help people. And I refuse to be paid when this place has been neglected for so long.

Erwin (laughing): How did you even manage to get your rowing stuck like that?

Julian (blushing): You really have strong arms- I mean I REALLY HAVE BAD LUCK!!

Portia: (excited): Woohoo! This is so fun! I’m quite good at this, aren’t I?

Erwin (worried): Yes-yes you are, but please slow down!!

Nadia (ashamed): You… you took a very thoughtful initiative, Captain.

Erwin (frowning): Someone has to.

Lucio (ashamed): Hey, do I- do you need help?...

Erwin (neutral): Yes, please. Take the other side of this plank, we need to move it.

Erwin (smiling): Thank you for coming, small deer. Your music sparked joy for everyone here.

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth): Don’t mention it.

Niamh (unsure): It seemed you needed a little pick-me-up, so I brought homemade snacks and refreshing drinks for you all.

Erwin (smiling widely): Just what we needed, many thanks! Everyone, gather around!

Fields

Lucio (smiling): It’s been a while since we last went out together like this. Do you sometimes miss our mercenary days?

Erwin (smiling sadly): …Yes, I often think about them.

Nadia (impressed): You are an outstanding horseman, Erwin! But you haven’t won yet!

Erwin (grinning): Well prepare yourself to loose, for I’ve never lost a horse race and I don’t intend to start today!

Erwin (smiling): - and after that, we settled in Vesuvia. Then Miomo met Mama, Lucina, and they were married the following year.

Portia: (smiling): Wow! This was such an amazing tale! Thank you for sharing it with me!

Erwin (smiling): You’ve travelled around the world a lot, maybe our paths crossed before.

Julian (grinning): It would be amazing if we did! Although, I doubt I’d forget a face as handsome as yours!

Erwin (smiling): Fûjin seems to like you.

Muriel (blushing): …she is a nice mare.

Asra (mischievous): I wonder which is the swiftest between our respective mounts!

Erwin (amused): Only one way to find out. I challenge you in a race!

Réamann (laughing): Funny how the same story is different depending on who tells it!

Erwin (smirking): I can only imagine how Lucio told you about it.

Niamh (excited): It was wonderful!! Thank you for letting me ride Fûjin, she’s amazing!

Erwin (smiling): You’re a very good horsewoman too. Fûjin doesn’t let just anyone ride her like that.

South End

Erwin (concerned, in disguise): Why are you so obsessed with leeches? Suction cup, bloodletting, even I know these and I’m not a doctor.

Julian (embarrassed): I am not obsessed! They are great for treatments and fascinating, that’s all!

Erwin (smiling, in disguise): You’re very skilled in combat, were you taught martial arts?

Portia: (smiling): I’ve been taught some on my way to Vesuvia by a friend!

Erwin (frowning, in disguise): These eels should never have been brought here. They’re not in their environment, and it’s too dangerous for people.

Nadia (frowning): Glad to see we agree about that. If only Lucio listened to us.

Lucio (smiling): Don’t worry, Erwin! I’ve got your back!

Erwin (embarrassed, in disguise): Why don’t you scream my name louder, then?!

Faust: Knife!

Erwin (surprised, in disguise): Excuse me? Are you asking me to give you one??

Asra (concerned): This is not the safest place for you! What’s going on?

Erwin (neutral, in disguise): Nothing bad, I’m just looking for Julian.

Muriel (frowning): This is my hiding spot. Find yourself another.

Erwin (deadpanned, in disguise): Excuse me. I wasn’t aware it was a private spot.

Réamann (teasing): You’re awfully familiar with the way, Erwin!

Erwin (poker face, in disguise): Your point?

Niamh (curious): Is it true that you were ambushed here?

Erwin (neutral, in disguise): Several times. The captain of the guards is not really welcome here.

The Lazaret

Lucio (remorseful): I would have stopped it if I could, really! But... Please, I don’t want to stay here!

Erwin (glum): I know. Let’s go away.

Erwin (mournful): Don’t hurt yourself, Asra! Let’s go back.

Asra (tearful): It was too late, I tried, I really did!

Julian (sad): So many people died… and I couldn’t do anything to save them.

Erwin (sad): Stop blaming yourself. There’s only so much you could have done about it.

Erwin (mournful): In Harshen, they say that when people die feeling a deep resentment, the place where they died becomes cursed.

Portia: (concerned): Hm, maybe we shouldn’t be here then?

Erwin (gloomy): Yet another place where the shadow of Death hangs over…

Muriel (eyes closed): Plants started growing here though. It might not be completely hopeless.

Erwin (gloom): This place is like Hell on Earth…

Nadia (sad): Alas! Will the ghosts in there ever find peace?

Réamann (crying): …

Erwin (mournful): Let’s go home.

Erwin (gloom): Sorry Niamh. You may be angry at me once you wake up.

Niamh (unconscious): … renascentia tua cinerem …

Mazelinka’s house

Portia: (blushing, sweating): This- this is good, but… Argh!! Water!!

Erwin (laughing): Wait! Drink this instead! If you drink water, it’ll only make it worse!

Julian (surprised): I didn’t know you liked your food so spicy! Don’t ask Mazelinka to add this into her soup though, for both our sake!

Erwin (smiling): It’s just for a snack or a side-dish. I wouldn’t dare to ask her to change her recipe.

Erwin (surprised): This spyglass is amazing! Did you bring it as a gift for Mazelinka?

Lucio (smiling): Well, someone told me it was rude to come empty-handed when invited.

Nadia (relieved): I am glad we reached this house both unharmed. You shall receive a bonus for taking such risks daily, Captain!

Erwin (smiling): I am only doing my duty but I appreciate the gesture, Countess.

Erwin (concerned): Is it really safe to leave this unattended?

Asra (smiling): Mazelinka knows what she’s doing, don’t worry about the soup!

Erwin (neutral): ……… (Should I try and grasp the nettle or just keep waiting in silence?)

Muriel (neutral): ……… (Don’t talk to me, don’t talk to me.)

Erwin (surprised): Niamh! What are you doing here?

Niamh (smiling): Portia invited me, what about you?

Erwin (concerned): I am surprised that Mazelinka welcomes me so warmly despite everything.

Réamann (smiling): Why wouldn’t she? She’s smart enough to figure out you’re not a creep!

Portia’s cottage

Portia: (annoyed): I swear that next time Camio wakes me up like this, I am cooking him for dinner!

Erwin (embarrassed): Please don’t. I’ll do my best so he won’t do it again.

Asra (laughing): Green magic? Maybe Portia can use it, but maybe she just has a green thumb.

Erwin (unimpressed): …..Ha. Ha. Ha.

Erwin (teasing): Good morning Countess, the Chamberlain was worried when told you weren’t in your room.

Nadia (blushing): I just took an early morning walk, Captain. I shall go and put this poor man’s worries at rest.

Erwin (smiling): I was looking for Camio, but he’s the one who found me.

Lucio (smiling): My Camio has always liked you. You are privileged!

Erwin (smiling): I made this brooch for you. Portia’s garden inspired me.

Julian (blushing): O-oh! It’s lovely! Th-thank you!

Muriel (blushing): Pepi refuses to move. What do I do??

Erwin (amused): Keep petting her?

Erwin (neutral): Réa, what have you been teaching Camio?

Réamann (awkward smile): Er… some funny lines?

Niamh (smiling): I wish I had such a beautiful garden and a cute, snuggly cat!

Erwin (teasing): Ask Portia if you can move in.

Muriel’s hut

Muriel (raised eyebrow): What are you doing with my tools?

Erwin (focused): Cleaning and sharpening some of them. You really should take better care of your things!

Erwin (neutral): I know he will listen to you. Just warn him about them.

Asra (concerned): I will, thank you.

Erwin (serious): You’re not really in the position to take offence for not being welcome here. How would you feel if Vlastomil or your mother just barged into your room?

Lucio (ill-at-ease): (shudders) Yeah, right. I see your point.

Erwin (neutral): I can escort you back if you wish to, but I’d rather wait for you outside in the meantime.

Nadia (concerned): It sounds unfair to me, Erwin. My lack of action also makes me guilty of poor Muriel’s case.

Julian (confused): How can you tell that someone is speaking ill of me??

Erwin (teasing): You’ve just sneezed twice.

Portia: (curious): So one sneeze is for good things said about you, two for bad, right? What about three sneezes?

Erwin (teasing): Then, you have a cold.

Erwin (neutral): If you’re not welcome, I can barely imagine how it is for me.

Niamh (saddened): It’s alright, not everyone will love me. I’ll just leave this here with a note.

Réamann (surprised): Why are you giving me those weapons?

Erwin (serious): I know the Courtiers are lurking around and you’re often here. Be prepared for anything.

Asra’s sanctuary

Erwin (smiling): It is really nice and quiet here. Do you mind if I meditate for a while?

Asra (smiling): Not at all. I was about to go out for some shopping.

Faust: Rest!

Erwin (smiling): It’s a very good place to, Faust.

Lucio (grinning): Oh, you’re up! Good! Look at what I bought you! You have to come with me next time!

Erwin (surprised): I wasn’t sleeping- oh! This sword is amazing!

Nadia (smiling): I did not have the occasion to practice meditation with someone else in a while. I had almost forgotten its beneficial effects.

Erwin (smiling): So did I. Thank you for joining.

Erwin (surprised): I fell asleep?! Oh no, you went to pick the groceries alone!

Julian (smiling): It seemed like you needed the rest, don’t sweat it!

Portia: (mischievous): If you’re too tired for the Festival, shall we prepare a slumber party?

Erwin (wry smile): Why not? Let’s welcome Asra with a pillow fight!

Erwin (confused): Is this some kind of peace offering or something?

Muriel (embarrassed): Don’t jump to conclusions.

Erwin (smiling): This place is really cozy. Thanks for inviting me.

Niamh (smiling): You’re welcome. Asra did wonders with this little house!

Erwin (eyes closed): …

Réamann (unsure): Is he meditating or sleeping?

The palace

Lucio (grinning, blushing): I knew this would look great on you! Can’t let my bodyguard walk around in dull clothing~

Erwin (blushing, wearing a new attire): Thank you, Lucio.

Julian (grinning, wearing a wig): Wow, you look like Beowulf like that!

Erwin (confused, wearing his uniform): What are you up to?

Erwin (neutral, wearing his uniform): Some guards misbehaved today, I apologize on their behalf.

Nadia (wry smile): Were they too exhausted after their intense training to apologize themselves?

Portia: (mischievous): I’ll take a break only if you take it with me!

Erwin (smiling, wearing his uniform): Alright, you won. Let’s take a snack in the kitchen.

Erwin (neutral, wearing his uniform): There you are, Asra. Countess Nadia is expecting you.

Asra (smiling): I shall not make her wait longer, then.

Muriel (neutral): …Is Asra around?

Erwin (neutral, wearing his uniform): He’s still with Nadia. You may join them.

Erwin (neutral, wearing his uniform): If you have enough guts to prank the nobles, you should be able to leave Niamh on her own. She’s not a child.

Réamann (concerned): But what if something happens to her and she needs help?

Erwin (smiling, wearing his uniform): Red suits you. You should wear it more often.

Niamh (surprised, wearing a red tunic): You think?

Palace’s garden

Erwin (tender smile): “But I send you a cream-white rosebud; With a flush on its petal tips; For the love that is purest and sweetest; Has a kiss of desire on the lips.”*

Lucio (blushing, stunned): !!!…………………………………………………

*Poem: “The White Rose”, John Boyle O'Reilly

Erwin (nostalgic smile): Niamh’s favourite flowers are yarrows, and Réamann’s are asters. They’ve always loved all kinds of flowers and animals.

Nadia (smiling): How very fitting. Have you ever heard about flower language, Erwin? You would be surprised by what your favourites might mean too.

Asra (sleeping): Zzzzzzz… *snoring slightly*

Erwin (amused): “Happiness hides in small moments.”

Erwin (surprised): Is that Ceres? Réamann was looking for her, he was so worried!

Muriel (blushing): She kept following me around. I’ll bring her back to him.

Erwin (concerned): Sorry about that, Julian! The dogs are back inside now, jump! I’ll catch you!

Julian (embarrassed): O-okay. I guess it’s like some crazy trusting exercise… right?

Erwin (smiling): Seems like Melchior wants to play with you.

Portia: (smiling): You want me to throw the ball, boy? Sure thing!

Erwin (pensive): It was Asra who carved “Niamh” here, wasn’t he?

Faust: Friend lost. Asra sorrowful…

Niamh (smiling): Portia told me to be careful around the dogs, but they’ve been nice to me so far!

Erwin (amused): They probably smell that you’re a good cook. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Réamann (smiling): So? Did Lucio like the poem?

Erwin (laughing): He was speechless and red-faced, I call it a grand victory!

Lucio’s wing

Lucio (blushing, sweating a bit): Erwin? As much as I love hugs, you’re choking me a bit here!

Erwin (tearful): I’m sorry… Please, just five minutes more.

Julian (worried): You’ve been scratching at your hands for a while. Do your scars hurt?

Erwin (sad): My heart aches so much more.

Erwin (gloom): I am indebted to your brother. I will never forget how he saved me that night.

Portia: (shocked): …he did?

Erwin (sullen): You think I should have burnt with him, don’t you?

Muriel (gloomy): I might not like you, but I’ve never wished such a cruel fate for you.

Asra (upset): On your feet, soldier! You still have a family who loves you!

Erwin (sad smile): You’re right… Sorry, Asra.

Erwin (angered): Lucio’s paintings might be tacky, but you reek the opulence of good birth!

Nadia (scornful): Mind your manners, Captain. I shall not forget that.

Erwin (sad): I miss him. Despite everything, I miss him so bad!

Niamh (sad, compassionate): I will join my prayers to yours.

Réamann (upset): You know that we would have been heartbroken if you too had burnt in there that night!

Erwin (sad): I know… I’m sorry.

[kykyonthemoon]

Moonlit

You're on the mission to approach a target at a banquet, and that's all it takes to drive him crazy.

🌻 Rafayel/Xavier/Zayne x F!Reader See Caleb and Sylus's parts here: Full Moon Tags: R16+, suggestive theme, MDNI, possessive, marking and biting, no established relationship This is a request by Xuanlinhh. A/N: This is my first time trying out something like this for L&D, as I don't usually write fic with suggestive theme. So I'm curious to know how I've done with this fic. Feedbacks are always appreciated. After so many titles, I decided to choose "Moonlit", since the moon represents illusion, fear, hidden things. These are the scenarios where he shows another color of his to you. Thus, in all three scenes, there are moonlight all over the place.

Masterlist

Request a fic

𝑹𝒂𝒇𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒍

Your eyes widened when you saw the dress draped over your cotton blanket. It was long past the ankles, the shoulders were slightly bulging and hanging down to reveal the collarbone. The dress consisted of many layers of pastel pink and purple. In the afternoon sunlight, the sequins and pearls attached to it seemed to shine.

“Does he really want me to wear this?” It was a murmur to yourself. The dress was too exquisite, too expensive, too... much at least in comparison to what you would often put in your wardrobe. You did not need to become a princess, just a normal evening dress to blend in and complete the task assigned to you.

Being ignorant about high society or lavish balls, you had asked Rafayel for help. You never expected him to send you such a gorgeous dress.

Indeed, as he predicted, you became the focus of the party as soon as you arrived there.

Each party guest had a mask. Yours arrived in the same color scheme as the dress and was encrusted with opulent pearls and jewels. You wondered why Rafayel was making you look quite distinct. However, you shouldn't have had any reason to doubt him at all when your target moved toward you on his own initiative.

The target of this mission was a high-class profile from another city. Even though you tried your best to focus on the mission, you still wondered if Rafayel came here, or just his work.

The banquet area was adorned with paintings by Rafayel, so it was hard to look at them and not think about him. Had he made it in yet? Would he abandon you here, trapped in a conversation with a stranger?

Using the skill of pretended intimacy in order to obtain information was something you had learned from your training courses. You put a hand on the target's, smiling and talking as if you were fascinated by him. After getting the information you needed, you made an excuse to leave, but it did not appear like things would finish so simply.

He grabbed your wrist and roughly pulled you back to your seat. You shouted, but the music and laughter drowned you out. You aimed at the middle of his face and was about to throw a punch, only to have an arm wrapped over your shoulder and holding your back.

“It seems like this lady doesn't want to be here anymore.”

You knew right away that voice, and that scent were as familiar as a field of wild roses. You turned around and saw Rafayel standing next to you. His hand held your shoulder to help you stand up. Suddenly your heart was filled with joy to see him.

Your target still refused to let go, but when he realized Rafayel's face was not covered by the mask, he knew that was someone he could not meddle with.

He said something to Rafayel in a foreign language and then walked away. You looked at Rafayel, grateful:

“Rafayel…”

Before you finished speaking, you were tugged out of the banquet room by him.

The quiet garden was awakened by the footsteps of two people. From behind, you couldn't see Rafayel's face, only his broad shoulders covered in a dark-colored tuxedo with sequins. You had the strange impression that he was furious. Perhaps it was his pressure that caused your wrist to get crimson. He guided you through a labyrinth of plants and stone sculptures.

“Rafayel.”

He only stopped when you called his name, but still did not turn to look at you. You stepped forward to observe him. You took a step forward to study him. A frown could be seen plainly on his forehead as his face pouted.

“Rafayel? What's the matter?"

His gaze grew gloomy. His hand holding yours tightened even more as he pulled it up to touch his cheek.

“…”

His abrupt movement confused you. He buried his face in your palm, took in a deep breath and gave you a bite.

“Rafayel!”

You let out a cry of surprise instead of agony since the bite was rather faint. He took advantage of your vulnerability to wrap his arms around you, forcing your body to touch his.

His lips placed on your palm a kiss where it had just been bitten, then slid down to your wrist. You made an unsuccessful attempt to flee. He gave you another glance, or rather studied every strand of lace and fabric of the garment that embraced your upper body.

“I made a terrible mistake sending this dress to you. Too graceful. Too desirable…”

The moon, round like a silver disk overhead, provided the sole light in the labyrinth. Rafayel continued to rub his face on your hand, his face appearing and disappearing in an instant.

“He touched you here…” Rafayel whispered. He kissed your wrist and palm again, fiercely like a storm.

“You… What are you doing?…”

Your heart beat was so incessant. It might have been an overdose of alcohol that caused your arms and legs to feel so weak. Rafayel let go of your hand, just to rub his head on your shoulder. His fingers sank into your hair, causing your mask to fall off. You caught his heavy breathing close to your ear, his breath caressing your uncovered neck and collarbone.

“What about here?”

Rafayel asked, then he bit your neck, causing your body to squirm in agony.

“N-No! Rafayel!”

You tried to push him away, but the more you resisted, the more Rafayel tightened his hold on you. His lips sucked into your ear.

"Here?"

“I… I was just talking to him… That's all!”

"Good." He said, leaving your neck covered in crimson kiss marks. Moist. Burning. Exposed under the moonlight. "You won't be touched by that filthy hand ever again. Not in the slightest... I promise it."

A crazy thought suddenly crossed your mind. You had never seen this side of Rafayel. It frightened you, and also invited you to explore further.

“What... are you going to do?…” You asked in a daze. With your head whirling, you sought to Rafayel's powerful arms for support.

“With him? You shouldn't be worried about that guy. What you should be worried about is the things that will happen to you right now.”

“Rafayel, you—!”

He nipped you on the neck, then planted another kiss where he could hear your nearly deranged heartbeat—deeper beneath your collarbone.

You took deep breaths. Rafayel straightened up and gazed down at you, euphoric in his arms. The bite marks and kiss marks were intertwined like a work of art he had left on you. Similar to the garment you were donning, they served as a reminder to others that you belonged to no one, but him.

𝑿𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒓

The melodious music led the couples back and forth according to a set pattern. Every step, every movement was perfectly planned. Only eyes were not so easily controlled.

Yes, you had been looking at that man in the white attire ever since the music started and you were escorted to the center. His hair as bright as starlight at night stood out in the ballroom. And no matter where he was, you would find him in a blink. Even with the silver mask covering half of his face.

And, he also looked at you. There was a hint of sorrow and a tinge of rage in his eyes. Did you delude yourself like that? Or was he really looking at you and wishing that the person each of you were guiding through music was the other?

Carelessly, your heel stepped on your partner's foot. You said in embarrassment:

“My apologies… How clumsy I am.”

The man said there was no problem, and you continued dancing. This was the target you must approach for the day's mission. You turned back to face Xavier. He was also leading another person in the dance. Another target.

Due to the importance of this mission, neither you nor Xavier must show any negligence. But in the midst of this lavish masquerade, what you wanted the most was to leap into Xavier's arms. You could dance until dawn, if it was with him.

You forced the stray ideas out of your mind. You needed to focus. Extremely. You turned back to your dance partner, who did not seem to notice anything unusual. You pulled him closer and your hand on his shoulder slid down slightly.

A grin came across his grim mask to greet you. You caught a glimpse of the other side, Xavier's face tightening. Almost at once, his dance partner intentionally fell into his arms.

Fortunately, you had a mask on as well. Otherwise, your unpleasant glance would be visible to everyone in this room, including him.

You leaned your head slightly on your partner's shoulder. But you still kept an eye on Xavier. He was also observing your every move. Every time the other girl became close to Xavier, you did the same thing to your dance partner. This was supposed to be a mission, but it ended up being such a ridiculous competition.

One more dance and you got what you needed from the target. You made up an excuse and sneaked out onto the balcony alone. The starry sky loomed above you, and the aroma of flowers and grass bathed in night dew calmed you down. You removed your mask and set it on the railing. At that moment, a powerful hand was wrapped around your waist and gently squeezed.

You were startled. But immediately, you realized that the hand belonged to Xavier. He was approaching you from behind. He approached you from behind. His breath, which carried the delicate aroma of wine and cinnamon, breathed into your hair, before gradually sliding down the back of your neck, sending you slight trembles.

“Xavier?…What are you doing?…”

The mask he was still wearing tapped against your bare back exposed to the moonlight, causing you to shiver. Gently, Xavier laid kisses on it.

“Xavier!…” Your body was slightly bent, but his hand on your abdomen held you up. His other hand was around your neck, stabilizing you in that posture. A series of hasty kisses covered your back and shoulders. You bit your lip, waiting for him to speak while silently relishing the heated sensation radiating from the places where his lips met.

A little later, the hand holding you eased somewhat. You took that opportunity to turn around to face Xavier.

You could tell, even through the mask, he was hurt. He did not say a word, just looked at you like a puppy abandoned in the rain. You let out a soft sigh, wrapped your arms over his head to remove the mask. You pressed your palm against his cheek.

“Why did you do what you just did…” Your cheeks flushed, and you were certain that your back was now coated with traces of his. Xavier drew you back into his arms, grasping your hips once more.

“This mission…” He paused for a moment. “It's really too much for me.”

“Don't you like it, dancing intimately with such a beautiful girl?”

The scene of him holding someone else in his arms was enough to upset you. But it went both ways to Xavier, who was not able to hold his feelings any longer. To your surprise, he lifted you up and placed you on the railing. You felt guilty for unintentionally triggering Xavier's fury.

"I don't enjoy it one bit." Xavier replied bluntly. “Because, there is only one girl I have my eyes on in this universe and she is right in front of me.” His chilly fingers moved from your hip to your shoulder, then your neck. “I don't want anyone else to touch her.”

Before you could say anything, Xavier clasped your lips in a passionate kiss, sending your head spinning.

“No one else… but me…” Xavier whispered in very short pauses, then buried himself again in your embrace and scorching kisses.

𝒁𝒂𝒚𝒏𝒆

The high society banquet in Linkon City was truly a remarkable event. You also prepared meticulously for that day, as your latest mission needed you to meet a target at that party.

You had done quite well during the first two hours of the event. You looked graceful in a luxurious, tight-fitting black velvet dress, with long sleeves and a thigh-high slit. You spoke, laughed, drank, and danced with your target, and everything went perfectly until you noticed a familiar figure standing in the corner of the room, observing.

The guests were all wearing masks, and from such a distance, you wondered whether you were wrong. He would dislike such events. But you couldn't shake the feeling that you were being watched, attentively, by someone you knew well.

After completing the mission, you sneaked out through the path least noticed. Your feet hurt from dancing too much in high heels. So you pulled them off and wandered barefoot across the calm garden at night. The dew-soaked grass made your feet chilly, but it also provided a soothing and delightful feeling.

You sat and settled by the fountain. You removed your mask and threw it on the grass next to the shoes. Your feet had begun to swell. You stretched them out, placed your hands on the fountain, and elevated your face, allowing the silver moonlight to beam down on you as you felt relaxed and relieved after finishing your work for the day.

The sound of shoes treading on the grass jolted you awake. When you opened your eyes, you saw a figure standing between you and the moonlight, clothed in a flawlessly fitting black tuxedo. That was who you had suspected all along.

“Zayne?”

You called his name, and he took off his mask.

“It's really you!” You exclaimed, happy and astonished. "I didn't think you would attend events like this."

Zayne's face hardened, indicating seriousness. He examined you thoroughly, from your somewhat unkempt hair to the garment that clung to your body, displaying your curves and the bare thigh beneath it. He gently leaned down, one knee resting on the grass. His chilly palm touched your ankle, startling you.

“Z-Zayne!”

He gave you a glance, implying that you should remain still. His large thumb brushed over the irritated skin on your leg. Cool and comfy, as if being iced. You knew it was Zayne using his Evol.

“Seeing me here, are you surprised?”

You nodded; all words had vanished once Zayne touched you.

“I was invited. If I hadn't come, I probably wouldn't have caught you doing—"

He left the sentence incomplete without glancing at you.

"Caught me doing what?"

"…Nothing."

He tilted down and focused on rubbing your feet with all the gentleness that made you feel both comfortable and tickled.

“I think… my foot is fine now.”

Despite the fact that Zayne's Evol should have kept you cold, your body began to heat up. You were about to alter your posture to sit up straight, but he grabbed your ankle.It appeared so little in his massive, covered in scars hands.

"Be still." He whispered quietly. "Where do you want to go with feet like this?"

"I… have to go back to HQs to report for today's mission…" You made up an excuse. As soon as you left the banquet room, you sent all of the information to the headquarters.

"Mission? Is that the reason why you were intimate with that guy?”

Zayne gazed into your eyes. His face did not exhibit much expression, but his eyes were perplexing. Could it be that he was uncomfortable when he noticed you being close to someone else at the party?

Having hit the nail on the head, you pushed forward. You slipped your bare foot forward until it reached his chest.

"Maybe. But that man was really interesting. He's a doctor, too. Strangely, I was more interested in speaking with him than with some other doctors I knew."

Zayne's expression worsened. His hand shifted from your ankle to your foot, gripping firmly.

"Don't mess with me."

A giggle escaped your so red lips. “Or else? What would Dr. Zayne do to me?”

Zayne frowned. He gazed at your foot, which was still on his body. He softly stroked it and said:

"You're drunk."

"It seems so." You laughed again. Your toes started moving purposely against Zayne's chest. He grabbed them and to your surprise, he placed a kiss on the middle of your feet.

“Zayne!?”

You were so bewildered that you almost fell into the fountain. Zayne grabbed your leg and swiftly positioned his other hand behind you to support your back. Suddenly being so close to each other sent you a panic attack. You sensed a fresh scent like snow and wood emanating from his body. The sound of your heart beating was so loud that he could hear it clearly without a stethoscope.

He glanced at you for a minute before carefully returning to his former posture. His hand left your body, leaving you a little dissatisfied. As if reading you, he leaned forward again. One hand clutched the base of the fountain, exactly near to your hip, and almost immediately, you heard the sound of the water freezing, followed by silence. His other hand kept your leg tight to his torso. Long fingers caressed your calf and thigh. You trembled at the cold he delivered, but it was promptly followed by a tingling sensation throughout your body.

"Do you really like talking to him more than me?"

Zayne asked quietly. The hand that was sliding down your thigh came to a halt at the end of the dress's slit and then tightened, prompting you to cry out unintentionally.

Seeing your helpless reaction and crimson cheeks, a satisfied smile appeared from the corner of Zayne's mouth.

“I guess what you mean to say is, no.”

"You…"

You could feel Zayne's heat wrapping around your legs, in the place where your skin was exposed to the moonlight, then running all over your body. You sat still so he could continue to draw close, his lips gently brushing the corner of your lips provocatively.

“Now you will have to bear the consequences for teasing me.”

[mekanikaltrifle]

'Vamily Spotlight': WoD Brand Team is Taking Art Without Permission

Recently, I was informed by a friend that some work of mine had shown up in the World of Darkness’ official ‘Vamily Spotlight’ section of their latest video. In this they talk about the gameplay reveal of Bloodlines 2 and generally drum up hype for it, which is largely what you expect from company channels when they’ve a new product out. 

There’s a problem with this: I was never informed, or asked. No consent was given to use that work, or any others.

Through some excellent efforts by friends I also found that my work was in two other videos, with the earliest being well over a year ago-- totalling three, and they were up on both Twitch and YouTube.

Now, you’ll note that I’m a professional artist with two separate art degrees and well over a decade and a half of training. I’ve also a basic understanding of copyright and fair use. 

The Vamily Spotlights are little to do with the review and news section of the video and therefore do not really have bearing on the main point of the video. To this end, I’d assume they’re there as a draw to viewers, maybe to see if their or their friends’ work has turned up in these official videos. And nominally that’s a valid tactic for engagement, if you have permission to use these pieces of work.

They do not however have permission, and certainly not from me. 

As of writing, (5th of February 2024) I’ve issued a DMCA request for all three of the videos my work shows up in on both Twitch and YouTube, and takedowns are pending but I would urge people in the WoD tag here on Tumblr to check the available videos for themselves, if they are as concerned as I am. The screenshots of art in the videos they use to spotlight seem to come from Tumblr, as well as whole TikTok videos and other social media posts. If this makes the rounds elsewhere, do check your stuff wherever you are, WoD fans. 

As the videos are also present on the Twitch VOD platform, this means they are actively charging money using our work without permission. I am unsure if their YouTube channel is monetised.

If they use your work for their spotlights, they are making advertisements and revenue off of your work without any reimbursement or prior consent. 

I don’t know if other artists were asked, but I definitely wasn’t, and by now we all know the issues with ‘exposure’ and how that does not keep artists fed or housed. 

And Paradox Interactive, having artists, they should know that you do not take for free from any of us-- at any level of influence or professionalism. The WoD community is not a free for all for companies to pick and choose free art to use like a bowl of cute little multicoloured sweets, it’s a bunch of creative, inspired and crafty people who come together across any edition of the many worlds in the setting to create as is our fair right to do so. Without being taken for granted, and without being cynically harvested for ‘content’. How vampiric. 

Additionally I would like to note that all of my World of Darkness fanworks are based on legacy books; Vampire 20th Anniversary Edition, Mage the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition and Hunter: the Reckoning First Edition most often, though there are appearances from others. You’ll note that not one of these books is the territory of Paradox Interactive or their World of Darkness brand management team-- looks to me like they’ve simply trawled the tag without reading what they’re looking at, which means they certainly didn’t take the time to ask permission to use these works. Not only were these actions tantamount to theft, it was also not even their fanart to begin with. And once again, they’d have known this had they contacted me at all, which they did not. It’s a failure on their part on several levels and not only do I want the videos taken down, I think the community is sorely owed an apology for this frivolous theft of art under the banner of ‘community content’. I didn’t opt in to having my work taken, and it should not have been assumed that it was okay to take my work just because it’s using a tag they also use!

I want everyone to know I have had zero benefit from their use of my work-- no money, no notes and no dialogue. This does not help artists. This does not help the community.

I’m willing to talk about this should anyone want to ask, but this is a gross abuse of artists and creatives’ rights for the sole purpose of gain by the World of Darkness brand team, and I expected better. I know I personally deserve an apology for this at the very least, as well as the WoD team to commit to actually contacting artists and sourcing permission in future-- and to set up an opt-in or out system for whether people want to be featured. I know I don’t, and I never asked to be. My work’s lovely, and they’re right to have said so. But it’s not for Paradox, and it’s not for Outstar or any of the other Brand team.  

It’s for me, and people here on Tumblr who like it. 

I’m disappointed, in PDX and in the WoD Brand team, because they should know far better than this. 

[spittyfishy]

Spring Unsprung has always been my favourite of the eah specials and it is fully because of the tipsy turvy curse lol

[waxrabbits]

somethin silly for a request

transcript under the cut! <3

don't repost!

(walking)

julian: say ... julian: you don't really believe in all that "ghost" nonsense, ... do you? asra: (mild surprise & mischief) asra: i don't know. anything's possible really. julian: !

asra: plus i mean, even so, what's the worst he could do?- asra: -possess you or something? julian: (julian stops walking, visibly nervous) julian: i-i mean .. that's not possible, right-? surely you're just joking. julian: ... you are kidding, aren't you? julian: ... asra? asra: (gone) julian: ah.

[pacing-er]

I can't believe Mashita's canon reaction to Fan Service Yashiki was "You'd look better if you smiled more 😏" He calls Yashiki creepy all the time but he's making advances like a creepy male coworker XD

[louroth]

Lou I'm so sorry for this random thought but I had to leave it out in the open: remember that ask whose premise was a role swap between L and the hunter?

Just, what would they have thought of the 'puppet corpse' the Vicar brought, of her words about a celestial seemingly taking the hunter as their spouse?

"They're what?" Leith's one brow raises in interrogation as they pin the vicar with their stare, dark as night.

"A concubine."

It starts as a mere twitch in Leith's eye, their body perfectly still, hunched as they are over the body of the hunter like a mother of dragons protecting her young. There's a hitch in their breath as their eyes flicker to the hunters dead gaze, and then they start to rumble from deep within their chest, something terrible prowling in there, begging to be let out. Their eyes slowly travel back to meet the vicars, wanting nothing but to wipe the smug smile off her face. Without thinking, Leith flings a knife that grazes her serpentine torso before lodging into a pew. There’s a beat of stunned silence even as the knife rattles and the guards stiffen into readiness.

And then she laughs. Like it's genuinely funny. If Leith had any less self preservation, they'd plunge another knife into the vicars throat and listen to her gurgle, and then they'd laugh, too. They'd laugh and laugh and laugh.

Instead Leith clenches their jaw and hefts the weight of the hunter into their arms silently, as if it's no matter at all; as if their knees aren't buckling and their chest isn't being torn in two. They turn on their heel, walking out. The vicar snickers, stopping her guards with a waggle of her fingers.

She won't hear the promise Leith whispers into the deaf ears of the hunter. But she knows. Leith will stop at nothing to find them again.

------

Leith buries the hunter beneath the tree they once climbed together as younglings, placing a palm against the trunk as if they could bleed it for memories. They kiss the earth where the hunter lay, and [whatever flower you associate with your hunter] begins to grow there the second they do. It breaks what little sanity Leith has left to see the first sprout break through the loose dirt, to then recognizing the bloom, and they rise then, slowly- like a new metamorphosis- they set their jaw and check their knives and then they walk into the forest, one simple goal in mind: to find what's theirs and take it back. Whatever it takes.

[marshmurmurs]

hes eepy

the abyss but what it looks like is based off of the hunters memories. it expands with each death in a vault, taking bits and pieces and building, creating something that should feel familiar to the hunters, something they should want to trust, something that is every so slightly Wrong

sparkly doesnt die in the abyss in the funky abyss au but he is in there fairly willingly and the abyss is able to poke around his head and go shopping for landscaping ideas. helps that he remembers the forest of the abyss fondly

[boygirlctommy]

these three must’ve had the most interesting dynamic

[quietlyblooms]

@ofurizen enters the garden! | ♡

chiyo isn't sure what's more embarrassing right now -- the fact that she can't remember her neighbor's name or the fact that he definitely saw her pass out. though, in her defense, anyone might pass out after encountering their first demon, particularly if they couldn't breathe through most of it. but that thought doesn't make the mixture of emotions in her chest any less unpleasant, nor does it calm the churning of her stomach ( god, she better not get sick on top of everything else ). chiyo still squeezes her eyes shut, pressing palms against her eyelids as if the pressure might do something for her.

it doesn't. figures.

" how'd you get rid of that thing? " the artist tries not to sound as ill as she feels, tries to place the focus anywhere else but on her. " gotta admit i didn't have ' watching my neighbor brawl with a monster ' on my bingo card for this year. "

[listening-to-thunder]

The Luffy vs Zoro Whiskey Peak fight is honestly the most them:

Luffy: Don't make excuses!

Zoro: WTF

Zoro: (after failing to get through to Luffy for about 5 seconds) You shit for brains! Fine then, I'll do the life or death thing too! Better not regret dying!

But then, when Baroque Works tries to take advantage of the situation...

Both: Shut the fuck up!

Zoro: You're in the way!

Miss Valentine: AAAAAAAAAAAA

[saemi-the-writer]

The Arcana Heart Hunter - Niamh

Finally finished this after 1-2 years!! xD Thanks to @pharry for her support and bearing with me! Hope you'll like it!

Interactions under the cut!

The Shop: (smiling) “Hi there, MC! Is there something Asra and I can help you with?”

Forest: (pleased) “MC! Look at all this! Today’s picking has been great!”

Forest (night): (impressed) “Wow, can you see this? It’s beautiful!”

Cave: (pensive, in travel clothes) “Strange, I feel a bit nostalgic here…”

Cave (night): (worried, in travel clothes) “I want to go deeper but I’m a bit afraid… can I hold your hand, please?”

Docks: (smiling) “I like walking along the water, bare feet in the sand. Would you like to join me?”

Town Square: (playful) “It’s crowdy, as usual. Want to take a shortcut?”

Community Theatre: (laughing) “That was fantastic! Let’s watch the next performance together!”

Coliseum: (sad) “…I can still feel the bloodlust emanating from here. It’s awful.”

Red Market: (curious) “There are many interesting artefacts or ingredients. Should I take the risk to buy some?”

The Rowdy Raven: (playful) “Come on MC! Let’s show them a real dance!”

Market: (laughing) “There are so many things I want to show you, but first things first! Let me buy you a pumpkin bread!”

Flooded District: (pensive) “I’ve made pair of shoes that alleviate the weight when you wear them and added another spell so one could walk on the water. Should we try them here?”

Fields: (playful, in travel clothes) “Let’s ride to the sunset! I’ll race you!”

South End: (serious) “This is not very safe… but don’t worry, I won’t let anyone harm you!”

The Lazaret: (shocked) “…it’s calling me?…”

Mazelinka’s House: (smiling) “Look at this huge pot! I need to ask Mazelinka where she got it, it would be of use for family dinners!”

Portia’s Cottage: (pleased) “Portia is a wonderful gardener! Don’t you think her home is as cute as she is?”

Muriel’s Hut: (neutral) “I’ve brought some eels for Muriel, do you think he will allow me to cook them for him?”

Asra’s Sanctuary: (pleased) “Make yourself home! I’m on to prepare the meal.”

The Palace: (smiling, in formal clothing) “Prakran clothing look amazing on you, MC! We should find a gift for Nadia to thank her!”

Palace Gardens: (grinning) “What shall we do? Relax or parkour? Your pick!”

Lucio’s Wing: (frowning) “This place is haunted for sure… and so filthy!! Why hasn’t anyone cleaned it up?”

Interactions

The Shop

Niamh (frowning): You know, usually people use a door to come in and go out of a shop.

Julian (embarrassed): Uh, well, I am not like most people?

Asra (teasing): Niamh~ Look what I brought just for you!

Niamh (laughing): Oh no! Where are we going to store all of them?

Niamh: (grinning) Hey, Portia! Ready for your alchemy lesson?

Portia: (winking) Sure am!

Nadia (smiling): The potion I bought last time did wonders! May I order some more, please?

Niamh (pleased): I am glad to hear it. Give me a minute and I will bring you that.

Niamh (smiling): Here Muriel, to thank you for all the protective charms you made for me and Réa!

Muriel (blushing): Oh, you didn’t have to……… thanks.

Lucio (pouting): How come I can never touch or reach anything that is on the shelves?! Every time, I feel my hand being repelled!

Niamh (teasing): Of course, we put a security spell on them. To prevent theft but also to protect us from the clumsiness of customers too curious for their own good.

Niamh (grinning): Hey there, Réa! Here, I packed up your lunch for today!

Réamann (grinning):Thanks Niamhy! I see you even made a little box for Ceres!

Erwin (smiling): Glad to see your business is thriving, Hummingbird.

Niamh (happy): We had another busy day indeed! Would you like some tea?

Forest

Niamh (pleased): I found plenty of blackberries for my little fox!

Asra (blushing, smiling): Could you make a pie with them, please?

Niamh (neutral): Shouldn’t you be used to this? I mean, you were a mercenary, weren’t you?

Lucio (frowning): The fact that I’m used to it doesn’t mean I have to like it, Niamh!

Niamh (pleased): There are so many yarrows here!

Muriel (wry smile): They attract hummingbirds, indeed.

Portia (smiling): Ilya and I often played pretend. We were children lost in the woods, trying to escape some Evil Witch.

Niamh (smiling): It sounds like you two had a lot of fun! Can you tell me more, please?

Nadia (worried): That song is quite haunting… or are you trying to cast a spell?

Niamh (confused): Haunting, really? This is the first song I’ve remembered without having a headache.

Julian (surprised): There are a lot of normal – I mean standard ingredients in your basket. Are there for cooking, then?

Niamh (smiling): For both cooking and magic. You know, not all ingredients for magic is necessarily fancy or “weird”.

Réamann (curious): Ceres keeps running after a black wolf lately. It’s weird, but I kinda think she has a crush on this wolf??

Niamh (mischievous): Like magician, like familiar!

Erwin (neutral): Did you find everything you needed?

Niamh (smiling): I did. Thanks for coming with me!

Forest (night)

Niamh: (beaming) Look! The flowers are reacting to your magic!! Bravo Portia!

Portia: (shocked) R-really? I did it?

Lucio (saddened): No matter how hard I tried, it was never good enough! Maybe I really have no skills in magic…

Niamh (small smile): The fact that you’re seeing the magic proves it wrong. And it’s never too late to learn, you certainly need another method to do so!

Asra (smiling, blushing): My makeshift wrapping isn’t much, but I know these flowers are your favourite.

Niamh (blushing, surprised): It’s perfect as it is. Thank you Asra!

Niamh (raised eyebrow): “Sometimes”? You chose to live in the forest although you can’t appreciate its beauty?

Muriel (grumpy): I live here because I want to be left alone.

Niamh (smiling): Do you hear this music? Réamann must be near!

Julian (relieved): Ah, good! Now I’ll have the two twins to guide me through this witchcraft!

Nadia (smiling): How beautiful. No wonder your brother loves to spend time here!

Niamh (smiling): He also loves to spend time in the palace’s garden. Thanks for allowing him to!

Niamh (smiling): Would you play and sing “Tir Na Nog” with me? Pleeeeease?

Réamann (grinning, holding his Crwth): Again? Just kiddin’! Of course!

Niamh (smiling): It’s a really pretty poem! Do you know more like this?

Erwin (blushing): …*grumbles*

Cave

Niamh (neutral): These flowers are called “vampire roses”, they are very rare. Most of times, they are brewed for specific potions.

Lucio (smirking): Isn’t there any way to cultivate them instead?

Niamh (blushing): Sorry, I am rambling aren’t I? It’s just that these are so rare magical flora in there…

Nadia (smiling): There is no need to feel ashamed, Niamh. I love listening to your explanations.

Faust: Splash!

Niamh (grinning): Are you inviting me to go for a swim?

Niamh (shy smile, blushing): The cave is not the only one to hold many secrets. I hope my mysterious fox will share them with me someday.

Asra (blushing, avoiding her eyes): In the story, the Little Princess needed to have patience and perseverance before she managed to tame the Fox. Let’s hope it will be the same for you.

Portia (excited): There are so many great stuff to collect here! Maybe there’s a hidden treasure in there too!

Niamh (laughing): It is possible! But then, we must be careful about eventual traps on the way!

Niamh (surprised): Nice plunge, Julian! But give me a heads-up next time, you scared me for a moment!

Julian (embarrassed): Um, yeah sure, it was totally on purpose! Sorry for worrying you!

Niamh (frowning): I’d rather explore alone than have you grudgingly following me!

Muriel (surprised): Er- I...

Niamh (relaxed): It’s nice and quiet here.

Réamann (smiling): True. Perfect place to meditate!

Niamh (fascinated): These lily pads are huge! Do you think they could bear our weight?

Erwin (serious): Only one way to find out. I’ll go first.

Cave (night)

Niamh (sad): Do you hate me because of something I did to you in the past? I’m sorry, even if I can’t remember.

Muriel (gloom): I… I don’t hate you, really. It’s… complicated.

Niamh (focused): There is something hidden there, in these writings. I am sure of it!

Nadia (concerned): Careful not to push yourself, Niamh. It is a long way back to get help.

Portia (surprised): Hey, when you look at it from there, it looks like a huge dragon and a huge phoenix facing each other!

Niamh (mesmerized): !!

Lucio (serious): I’ve seen some of these symbols! Right before the flames… And then…

Niamh (mesmerized): …a familiar face. A voice!

Julian (attentive): You seem disturbed, Niamh. Come with me, we better leave.

Niamh (focused): I’m not sure what… But I’ve been here before, I’m sure of it!

Asra (concerned): Hold my hand, Niamh. Everything will be fine.

Niamh (confused): What was- I’m sure it was a memory! But I can’t tell of what!

Faust: Shiny! Like Niamh!

Niamh (blushing, happy): Oh, Faust! You’re so sweet!

Réamann (mischievous): Ceres says the snail is down the pool.

Niamh (smirk): Then by all means, dive in first!

Erwin (concerned): Be careful, Niamh!

Niamh (smiling, drenched): The water is so clear and refreshing! Come on, swim with me!

Docks

Niamh: (mischievous) There is an elixir I sell back in shop that is called “Mermaid’s voice”. And the name is very fitting for its effect.

Portia: (mischievous) Very interesting! Shall we try it here?

Niamh (smiling): I don’t think the life of a pirate is for me, but I wouldn’t say no to traveling around the world!

Julian (smiling): If I can, I would love to show you around some places.

Niamh (eyes closed, serene): *hums softly*

Muriel (neutral): …

Niamh (embarrassed smile, drenched): Well, it could have been worse?

Lucio (laughing, drenched): Not bad for a first time! But next time, I’ll keep steering the boat!

Nadia (smiling): Thank you for this lovely promenade. I had very good time.

Niamh (smiling): Likewise, Nadia.

Faust: Home?

Niamh (confused): You want to go home, Faust?

Asra (saddened, singing): “Over waves and deep in the Blue, I will give up my heart for you. Ten long years I’ll wait to go by. My love will never die.”

Niamh (emotional): You’ve already found the key to my heart.

Niamh (surprised): Oh, I recognize this song! Asra sang it to me several times!

Réamann (upset): Did he.

Erwin (smiling): Would you like a boat ride?

Niamh (excited): I would love to!!

Town square

Niamh (surprised): Why are people looking at us like that?

Asra (laughing): Not everyone “whistle” like you do, sweetie!

Julian (surprised): Hey!! I almost lost you in the crowd! Don’t slip away like that!

Niamh (embarrassed): Sorry! I thought you were right behind me!

Portia (smiling): Hi Niamh! Need a ride to the Palace or somewhere?

Niamh (smiling): I’d like to make a stop at the floating market, would you mind?

Lucio (smiling): Oh, so that’s the shortcut you used to slip away back then?

Niamh (surprised): “Back then”?...

Nadia (smiling): See? Keep this graceful and powerful walk and repeat yourself that like a mantra and people will naturally move politely off the way.

Niamh (blushing, unsure): I’ll try to remember that.

Muriel (unsure): Would the Temple even let me in if I wanted to go inside?

Niamh (serious): They should. It is a place where everyone should be allowed in!

Niamh (smiling): I am heading towards the Temple district, would you like me to do an offering for you?

Erwin (smiling): Hmm, if you have a prayer spared for me, it would be enough. Thanks.

Réamann (smiling): Hey, Niamh! Do you have some spare time?

Niamh (grinning): Do you need me to sing along or play a role?

Community theatre

Niamh (laughing): Julian fainted wonderfully on stage! I wish I could swoon like that!

Asra (flirting, blushing): Is that a challenge? Or maybe you’re more leaning on the catching side~?

Nadia (laughing): I-I need to catch my breath! This was a masterful piece of art!

Niamh (laughing): Réa and Julian almost killed us in there!

Niamh: (mischievous) Réa told me there was a part where a person in the audience is invited on stage.

Portia: (mischievous) Oho? It would be fun if two were to invite themselves in, don’t you think?

Julian (touched): Thanks for all of your support, Niamh!

Niamh (grinning): Don’t mention it, you were amazing!

Muriel (wary): You’re not going to push me towards the stage, do you?...

Niamh (smiling): Of course not! Let’s just watch and enjoy the show from here!

Niamh (smiling): So? Did I pick the right play?

Lucio (laughing): Oh yes! Say, what was its title again?

Niamh (smiling): Are you helping with the staging tonight or-?

Réamann (relaxed): Nah. Just coming as a spectator tonight!

Erwin (laughing): This was completely crazy! I loved it!

Niamh (laughing): They really nailed it for that scene! It was hilarious!

Coliseum

Niamh (neutral): This structure is at least 600 years old and the violent games were already a thing back then, it’s Vesuvian culture and history. If anything, Lucio had brought back an old tradition.

Nadia (concerned): I am ashamed to admit that I was not aware of such an important point. I was told about it like Lucio had invented the games…

Niamh (serious, holding a book): No wonder we can still feel the bloodlust! It says Count Kaeso, who built the place, used to make human torches as the opening of the games!

Asra (pale, horrified): Ehm, would you mind leaving and speaking about something less morbid?

Niamh (concerned): Come with me, I’ll treat you at my house.

Muriel (sad): …can you cook me some eels?

Portia (curious): Guess you can’t remember the games. Do you think it might become a thing again?

Niamh (neutral): I can’t. Well, it depends on a lot of things. I wouldn’t mind changing the traditions and have less bloody entertainment though.

Niamh (pensive): Fights that are just for show? I didn’t know this could be a thing!

Julian (smiling): It is in Jeodreovar! No one gets hurt, it’s a clean competition where the winner is the most skilled.

Lucio (pouting): What? Don’t tell me you’re going to feel sorry for a bunch of rapists and paedophiles?!

Niamh (ill-at-ease): No, but you can’t expect me to cheer when you say “The only time I participated in the games, I slaughtered everyone in less than 5 minutes” !

Niamh (neutral): So… what happened exactly in there?

Erwin (neutral): You might want to sit, it is a long story.

Niamh (shocked): I went to watch the games? Really?!

Réamann (ill-at-ease): Only twice, and for very specific reasons I’m not sure I can tell you. Don’t worry about that.

Red market

Niamh (furious): Love potions?! How dare they! There’ll be hell to pay!!

Lucio (shocked): Uh, Niamh? Wait, at least let me help ransacking it!

Julian (smirking): You could whistle as a signal, then we go for it!

Niamh (embarrassed): Whistle? Maybe we should find something else, because my whistle is (ahem) too distinctive!

Niamh (smiling): Mi- Dear, look at this tiara! Not only would it suit you, but it is also a powerful magical weapon!

Nadia (surprised): Is it? I shall buy it then! Is there anything you would like from this booth too?

Niamh (intrigued): This mask is fascinating me. I don’t know why, but it also looks familiar! Does it remind you of anything, sugar?

Asra (awkward): Well, it looks like Chimaera’s mask. They used to be wanted by some noble houses, but they were considered a hero for many, especially after revealing a human trafficking.

Niamh (curious): Why are those ingredients easier to find here? Like they’re some kind of highly dangerous or illegal substances?

Muriel (neutral): …I’m not sure I am the one you should ask that.

Niamh (focused): I must… resist… temptation!!

Portia (teasing): Oh, well I don’t have to! How much for it?

Niamh (surprised): This mask…! Oh Réa, you shouldn’t have!

Réamann (smiling, Ceres on his shoulder): Allow me to spoil you a little, Niamhy. I don’t have many occasions to do so.

Niamh (serious): If you wear this ring, your shadow will disappear. It would be good to combine it with your cloaking ring!

Erwin (interested): Interesting. I’ll see if I can negotiate for it.

The Rowdy Raven

Niamh (exalted): This was so much fun! Let’s stay for another dance!

Julian (laughing): Of course. But first, we must quench our thirst!

Nadia (laughing): You were amazing, Niamh! You and Réa definitely need to put on a show together at the Masquerade!

Niamh (winking): I’ll think about it. Now, join me for next round, Nadia!

Lucio (smirking): What is it, Hummingbird, are you afraid of dancing?

Niamh (grinning): The real question is: can you keep up with me, Goldilocks?

Niamh (singing): “Come; Taste the wine; Race the blind; They will guide you from the light; Writing noughts 'til the end of time~!”

Muriel (sulking): What am I even doing here…

Asra (smiling, blushing): You sure love to make me twirl, my sweet~!

Niamh (seductive smile): Hope your head isn’t spinning too much already, sugar, because this hummingbird is planning on “dancing” all night long.

Portia (laughing): Can’t hold your liquor, can you?

Niamh (blushing): I feel like I’m floating already!

Réamann (menacing): I didn’t like how he was looking at you. If he ever comes near again, I’ll knock him out!

Niamh (raising an eyebrow): What if this guy was just the waiter?...

Erwin (smirk, in disguise): May I help you down?

Niamh (teasing): Catch me, then! On three!

Market

Nadia (smiling): I am glad you are willing to try spices from Prakra! And I am sure you will love this tea!

Niamh (embarrassed): Thank you very much for the gifts, Nadia. (This tea costs a fortune!!)

Portia (shocked): Uh, you put everything in your bag? After breaking loose like you did in the shops?! How did you fit all of it inside??

Niamh (winking): A good magician never reveals her tricks!

Julian (grinning): You should try these donuts! My treat, to thank you for the bread!

Niamh (grinning): Thanks a bunch, they are delicious! I must find the recipe!

Lucio (confused): Are you sure you wanted all that junk? I could buy you better, more expensive things…

Niamh (grinning): Just watch me, I’m going to use this “junk” like you said and create wonderful things with them!

Muriel (sighing): Niamh, you have plenty of these already. Don’t buy more.

Niamh (blushing): B-but they are so pretty!!

Asra (smiling): Sharing a pumpkin bread with you is a small pleasure in my life that I will forever cherish.

Niamh (blushing, smiling): So do I. Welcome back, Asra.

Réamann (smiling): Here are the blooms I talked to you about, I picked some of them for you.

Niamh (smiling): Thanks a bunch, Deer! I will make enchanted necklaces with them!

Niamh (smiling): I’ve brought you some tea! It smells wonderful, don’t you think?

Erwin (smiling): It does. Thank you, it’s just what I needed.

Flooded district

Muriel (unsure): Walking on the water?! Are you sure about it??

Niamh (smiling): You could walk on thin ice without breaking it with these shoes! Come on!

Julian (unsure): Not that I question your magic but… What if it doesn’t work?!

Niamh (grinning): We fall in the water and might have itching for a week. Nothing too bad!

Portia (grinning): Steering a gondola is easier than I thought! Onwards!

Niamh (grinning): You’re doing great, Portia!

Niamh (neutral): The Aqueduct was already there for that, maybe that’s why we had this major flood.

Nadia (shameful): I- I cannot believe I had not taken that into account back then. I shall look into it in good time!

Lucio (embarrassed): I wasn’t even “alive” when the flood happened! It’s not my fault!

Niamh (serious): Maybe it wasn’t, but it doesn’t mean you get to stand idly about it.

Niamh (unconvinced): I know Count Lucio has the lion’s share for the management failure, but didn’t Countess Nadia impose some Prakran structures although they would not work in Vesuvia?

Asra (awkward): Er… blame the culture clash?

Niamh (pensive): I wish I could remember how it used to be…

Faust: Headaches! Careful!

Niamh (unsure): It seemed you needed a little pick-me-up, so I brought homemade snacks and refreshing drinks for you all.

Erwin (smiling widely): Just what we needed, many thanks! Everyone, gather around!

Réamann (singing):” The water is wide, I can't cross over. And neither have I wings to fly.”

Niamh (singing): “Build me a boat that can carry two. And both shall row, my love and I.”

Fields

Julian (smiling): This has to be one of the best picnic I’ve had! Your cooking is amazing, Niamh!

Niamh (happy): Thank you Julian! And thank you again for the invitation, I really needed to get out of town today!

Portia (blushing): Don’t let go-don’t let go please!! I’m gonna fall!!

Niamh (smiling): No you won’t, I’ve got you Portia! Hang on tight on the saddle, we’re speeding up!

Lucio (grinning): Oh, you are challenging me in a horse race, little hummingbird? Alright! But I won’t go easy on you just because you’re cute!

Niamh (grinning): Not going easy on me? Well thank you, sweet Count!! On three!

Niamh (upset): I AM SO TIRED OF BEING LEFT BEHIND!! OF EVERYONE BABYING ME!! DO I LOOK SO FRAGILE?! WELL, I AM NOT! I CAN HANDLE MYSELF!!!

Nadia (shocked): Oh dear, you had such a heavy heart, my poor Niamh! GIVE HER A BREAK, ALL OF YOU, WHOEVER YOU ARE!!

Niamh (sad): Don’t leave me, Asra, please… Whenever I see you leaving, I fear you won’t ever come back.

Asra (sad): I will always come back for you, Niamh. I promise.

Muriel (surprised): Wait, Niamh! Where are you going?!

Niamh (upset): To my own business! If you’re here only because Asra or Réa asked you to “watch over me” then leave! I’m not a child anymore!!

Niamh (smiling): It’s a lovely story, did you make it up?

Réamann (nostalgic): Only partially.

Niamh (excited): It was wonderful!! Thank you for letting me ride Fûjin, she’s amazing!

Erwin (smiling): You’re a very good horsewoman too. Fûjin doesn’t let anyone ride her like that.

South End

Niamh (surprised): Faust! There you are! I was worried about you, come here!

Faust: Looking for squeeze!

Asra (laughing): Th-that was a great swing Niamh! Now come on, let’s hide at Ilya’s!

Niamh (blushing, holding a big frying pan): I-I panicked! I really didn’t mean to knock him out!

Niamh (saddened): So that’s where so many orphans have found refuge. I shall bring them some food soon.

Muriel (little smile): A homemade meal sounds nice.

Portia (winking): I know you don’t necessarily need protection, but my fists are still ready to strike for your sake!

Niamh (smiling): Thank you, Portia! I feel safe walking with you!

Niamh (neutral): I reduce these items to this size so I can either carry them easily or enlarge them to use them as weapons or tools.

Nadia (surprised): Why, what a surprise! I believed they were unusual jewelleries!

Lucio (smirking): I remember that once, Erwin was caught in an ambush over there. Ten against one. The idiots that weren’t arrested ran with at least a broken limb!

Niamh (surprised): Really? Is that why Erwin keeps using his cloaking ring around here?

Niamh (surprised, holding a huge sewing needle): Aren’t you surprised that I use such items as self-defense weapons?

Julian (grinning): Oh, dear Niamh. You have no idea what Mazelinka can do with a wooden spoon!

Réamann (smirking): Works every time! Let’s go!

Niamh (amused): What do they think they are fighting, Réa?

Niamh (curious): Is it true that you were ambushed here?

Erwin (neutral): Several times. The captain of the guards is not really welcome here.

The Lazaret

Lucio (panicked): Niamh? NIAMH?! SNAP OUT OF IT!!

Niamh (mesmerized): …Veni ad me, invenietis et renascentia tua cinerem…………………

Niamh (mesmerized): “There is nothing in this life but mist, and we are not alive but for a little short spell”…

Julian (worried): Come on, Niamh, let’s get you out of here!

Niamh (shocked): Ouch!! Why did you slap me?!

Portia (worried): Sorry!! But it seemed like you were possessed, I panicked!!

Niamh (worried): What is this voice? Why does it keep calling for me?

Muriel (serious): Don’t listen to it. We must go, now.

Asra (tearful): Don’t listen to it, Niamh! Please, let’s go home, together…

Niamh (worried): Asra?...

Niamh (mesmerized): …

Nadia (worried): Niamh? You’ve been awfully quiet for a while now. Come on, let us go somewhere else.

Réamann (panicked, tearful): Niamh? NIAMH!!! Where are you? Please, come back!!

Niamh (mesmerized): Veni ad me…

Erwin (gloom): Sorry Niamh. You may be angry at me once you wake up.

Niamh (unconscious): … renascentia tua cinerem….

Mazelinka’s house

Niamh (amazed): This soup is delicious! Do you think Mazelinka will accept to share the recipe with me?

Portia (winking): She might give it to you in exchange of something. Maybe the recipe of your soup? They are quite similar!

Julian (grinning): Aaah, nothing’s like Mazelinka’s homemade soup! Look at all of this, so many delicious ingredients!

Niamh (wry smile): Half of these ingredients are magical!

Niamh (thoughtful): Maybe we could open some cooking lessons on request or per month? Maybe Mazelinka could help, I should ask her…

Asra (smiling): It’s a good idea, just be careful to not overload yourself.

Niamh (raised eyebrow): What did Julian ever do to you? You’re awfully rude when you speak of and to him.

Muriel (gloom): …it’s none of your business.

Niamh (smiling): I’ve only met her twice, but I really like Mazelinka!

Nadia (smiling): Portia told me about her too, she sounds like an amazing woman.

Lucio (pouting): When will they arrive? This smells so good, I don’t want to wait any longer!

Niamh (neutral): Eat some saltines in the meantime and be patient.

Erwin (surprised): Niamh! What are you doing here?

Niamh (smiling): Portia invited me, what about you?

Réamann (grinning): Dinnertime have a great atmosphere when the Devoraks are here!

Niamh (grinning): Exactly what I thought! Never a dull moment with them!

Portia’s cottage

Portia (smiling): I’ve only heard of Fairies’ houses before, it’s so fun to make!

Niamh (smiling): Isn’t it? They will look lovely in your garden!

Asra (smiling): We could try to grow some flowers on our balcony, what do you think?

Niamh (excited): It would be great! Wisteria would look amazing with the façade!

Niamh (smiling, blushing): I could spend hours here, this place is just like its owner: warm, welcoming and adorable.

Nadia (smiling, blushing): I could not agree more. Portia is wonderful.

Muriel (blushing, embarrassed): Are we allowed to do this?

Niamh (smiling): Portia told me I could take some aromatic herbs, it’s alright. These taste wonderful with eels, take them.

Niamh (happy): Aaaw, are you happy to see me too Pepi?

Julian (relieved smile): Thank Gods you’ve arrived, I couldn’t feel my legs anymore!

Lucio (excited): A swing?! Great idea! I’m going to commission one at once!

Niamh (laughing): Awesome!

Niamh (smiling): I wish I had such a beautiful garden and a cute, snuggly cat!

Erwin (teasing): Ask Portia if you can move in.

Niamh (grinning): You know what’s missing?... A swing!!

Réamann (grinning): Oooh! Let’s make a surprise for Portia then!

Muriel’s hut

Muriel (blushing, embarrassed): Sorry, I didn’t mean to eat all of it so fast!

Niamh (grinning): I guess you liked it, then? Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of it! Let me serve you another plate!

Niamh (surprised): I didn’t know that caring for chickens was such a “sport”!

Portia (laughing): Haha, they can be dangerous gluttons!

Asra (soothing): Muriel may seem aloof and blunt, but I am sure he likes you!

Niamh (concerned): …Are you sure he’s not tolerating me first and foremost for your sake?

Niamh (sad): Asra and Réamann are his close friends, I’m not sure he really likes me. Maybe I should just leave…

Nadia (caring): If he can get along with me, I don’t see how he could not appreciate you. You two should discuss about it calmly.

Niamh (concerned): Is this really alright to do that when he’s away?

Julian (grinning): Who doesn’t love coming home to a nice, warm meal that smells so nice?

Lucio (smirking): This guy’s been rude to you? Let me handle this!

Niamh (sweating): Please don’t! I will handle this myself!!

Réamann (soothing smile, Ceres on his shoulder): I’m sure you and Muriel could be good friends. Just give him time to sort some things out.

Niamh (sad smile): …I believe you.

Erwin (neutral): If you’re not welcome, I can barely imagine how it is for me.

Niamh (saddened): It’s alright, not everyone will love me. I’ll just leave this here with a note.

Asra’s sanctuary

Niamh (asleep): I love you, Asra… *mumbles incoherently*

Asra (emotional): I love you too, Niamh. Sweet dreams.

Lucio (grinning): This festival sounds fun! Are we going together?

Niamh (smiling): Sure! But you’d better change into clothes you don’t mind getting splashed in colours!

Niamh (asleep): *mumbles* I hear the wolf… wait for me, little white fox… *mumbles*

Muriel (amused smile): …

Faust: Hungry!

Niamh (smiling): The meal is almost ready, Faust!

Niamh (smiling): Thanks for the groceries! Please, have a seat, I have some tea ready if you’re thirsty.

Julian (smiling): Don’t mention it. The tea smells very good, is it black tea?

Portia (laughing, covered in colourful powder): We had a blast! Let’s go again next year!

Niamh (grinning, covered in colourful powder): Gladly!

Nadia (surprised): Is this tea lavender flavoured? It is delectable!

Niamh (smiling): Yes, I know you love lavender, so I made a special blend for you!

Réamann (laughing): Everything you made for tea-time is flower flavoured today! Getting into a theme?

Niamh (grinning): Well, it is the “Painted Daisy festival”!

Erwin (smiling): This place is really cozy. Thanks for inviting me.

Niamh (smiling): You’re welcome. Asra did wonders with this little house!

The palace

Niamh (smiling): Sorry for barging in, but I couldn’t wait to bring you this purifiers cutlery!

Nadia (smiling): Your timing is perfect, the outfit I commissioned for you is ready. Please, explain me what makes this cutlery special during the fitting!

Portia (smiling): This shade of blue-green suits you wonderfully!

Niamh (blushing, smiling, wearing a new attire): Thanks! The fabric is so light and soft, it’s more comfortable than I thought!

Asra (blushing, wearing a blue attire): Your name could not be more fitting, Niamh. You are radiantly beautiful.

Niamh (blushing): And your eyes have captivated me, Asra. Will you take me to the ballroom, sweet night traveller?

Lucio (grinning): Is that makeup? Let me try it!!

Niamh (teasing): What’s the magic word?

Julian (smiling, in disguise): I can’t refuse to be your model, but may I ask why?

Niamh (wry smile): Just a little touch of magic to be safe!

Niamh (frustrated): Were you expecting someone else? Sorry that I am not my twin!

Muriel (neutral): Are you just in a bad mood or did something happen?

Niamh (frustrated): Do you mind? I don’t need you or Erwin to escort me every time I come here!

Réamann (stunned, sweating a bit): Was it something I said?...

Erwin (smiling): Red suits you. You should wear it more often.

Niamh (surprised, wearing a red tunic): You think?

Palace’s garden

Asra (smiling, relaxed): Comfy?

Niamh (eyes closed, smiling): Aye, I could get used to it.

Faust: Squeeze!

Niamh (smiling): Aw, feeling cuddly today?

Niamh (embarrassed, blushing): Don’t mock me! It’s my way of whistling!!

Julian (laughing): I’m not mocking you! I find it endearingly cute!!

Niamh (smiling): Did you know there was a magical portal in the labyrinth?

Portia (surprised): Ah, I didn’t! I must add it to my map, where was it?

Niamh (teasing): Did you install this magical portal in the labyrinth because you kept getting lost in it?

Lucio (awkward, sweating a bit): …of course not!

Muriel (eyes closed, neutral): You naturally go to the same tree…

Niamh (neutral): …?

Nadia (smiling): The sound you made when you passed my test in the labyrinth was unexpected. What was it?

Niamh (embarrassed, blushing): It was… my usual way of cheering!

Niamh (happy): I did it! Prooofooweet!

Réamann (smiling, emotional): I’m glad to hear that sound again.

Niamh (smiling): Portia told me to be careful around the dogs, but they’ve been nice to me so far!

Erwin (amused): They probably smell that you’re a good cook. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

Lucio’s wing

Lucio (awkward): Am I being punished or something?

Niamh (serious): Cleaning after your own mess is a good start. Now, keep sweeping the floor.

Nadia (surprised): The place is clean as a whistle! How? Did the servants find the courage to come here?

Niamh (smiling): “A clean home is worth gold” Nadia. I took the liberty to do it.

Portia (laughing): We’re the cleaning dream team! Give me five, scouring pad Queen!!

Niamh (laughing): Where we pass, filth is wiped! Good job, feather duster Queen!

Niamh (singing): “I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace. Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal.”

Muriel (neutral): They’re not twins for nothing. But why is she cleaning the place?...

Niamh (teasing): Take a good look at this, Asra. Here’s what happens when you never sweep the floor!

Asra (embarrassed): Is this some kind of subliminal message? Not everyone is a domestic goddess like you, you know!

Julian (sweating a bit): If there were any ghost here, they were probably exorcised by your scrubbing!

Niamh (frowning): How am I supposed to take that?...

Réamann (laughing): You should add to your shop “clean spirits away” with the fortune-telling!

Niamh (pouting): Not you too!

Erwin (sad): I miss him. Despite everything, I miss him so bad!

Niamh (sad, compassionate): I will join my prayers to yours.

[echosong971]

On The Nature Of Light

“The Light...well, it's a funny thing.

It's unique to each Guardian, the draw of their Light. No two energies are the same. That's why I could pick my brother out from a sea of Stormcallers if I really wanted to show off. I know the crackle of his Arc and the buzz of his Light like I know the weight of his presence, the shape in which he takes up space—it's a signature so electric and so uniquely him. I know it so well that it surprises me when people don't notice him.

But apparently, there's even more to this story. Somethin' I just found out.

See, you spend time with someone for long enough, be intimate with them long enough, and somethin' real funny happens with your Light:

It leaves traces. Imprints.

I go up to my partner and I can feel it. Within the smolderin' furnace of Solar Light radiating from his body, I sense it. It curls through his systems and courses through his mechanical body—a slithering line of Void tanglin' with his Light. It's small, yet its draw is strong. Potent. Heavy. I can feel its presence in my chest like how I feel the snap of a tether when it breaks; it's intrinsic and second-nature, as natural as breathing. I can feel the way his flames interact with it. Instead of swallowin' it, they merely embrace it, envelop it, accept it as if it were one with him.

I found myself wonderin' if he feels it too, that piece of me within him. I wonder if he can feel the mark I've left on what is the closest thing to a soul we have.

Then, I wonder if he's marked me.

I found that if I close my eyes and focus real hard, I can sense it. I can sense the roaring flame within the empty expanse of my Void Light, flickering so brightly within the abyss, refusing to be devoured. Yet the gaping darkness merely cradles it, holds it, kindles it so that it burns for the rest of time.

I can feel the spark of his Light burnin' bright in my chest, warming me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. I feel the imprint he's left on me, the piece of him I carry with me everywhere I go.

I feel the marks our Lights have left on each other.

And I smile.”

- from the journals of Echo-3

[ikkaku-of-heart]

TWO SWORDS!!!!!

LOOK AT WHAT’S IN HER HANDS!!! A SWORD!!

NO!! NOT ONE SWORD! TWO!!!!! 

MY GIRL IS DOING THE TWO-SWORD STYLE HERE!!!!

Ok, so headcanon - Law and Shachi are the ones who initially taught her how to use the sword as a basic weapon because every pirate should know the basics. Per chatting with @goshiikkuburcdo​, Mihawk gave her some additional lessons during the time Law was a warlord because her stubbornness amused him. But she still rarely went with swords as her main weapon

Then Zou happened, and half the Straw Hats ended up traveling with the Hearts to Wano. And along the way Ikkaku, desperate to become stronger for Law so he’d trust her and the crew to help him in future battles, asks Zoro to train her.

And that’s how she learns two-sword style.

[cerealmonster15]

my hxh experience is also very confusing bc i started watching it like 2+ years ago at my partners apartment, but then i think we stopped for a bit / we moved around a bit, and kinda just never got back to it. then a while after we moved in with each other wayyyy later we eventually picked it back up and then this time in dub form bc it's easier for me to focus if i dont have to try and read everything quick enough and also see whats happening jfkldshg so it was like

sub version watched up through like halfway through york new auction arc or whatever

[2+ YEAR LONG GAP???]

picking right back up exactly in the midway spot where we left off, now in dub, i cannot remember Jack Shit and have to keep asking my partner [who has seen/read it before] what's going on and who everyone is every 5 seconds. there are so many characters and i remembered like 6 of them at best fdhjvlksjldhg. killua's grandpa and dad showed up like an episode or 2 after we picked it back up and i was like who are these guys. where did they come from. tbh being told who they were didnt help bc i still didnt understand why or how they were there dfshjfghjgf

[pinky-in-blankets]

"Oh dear.. it's almost February and I still haven't the faintest idea of what to gift my little scaredy cat.."

"It's rather irritating.. what do you even get a Popstar? She receives gifts from her subjects all the time.. So something usual is out of the question. None of my subordinates have any decent gift ideas for a Conjunx Endura, so I'm placed in an annoyingly compromising position."

"Ha! That sounds more like a You problem. I know exactly what I'm gonna end up doing for Cottontail. She'll never see it coming~☆"

"Really..? Because I just overheard you speaking with The Maren about how you have no clue what to do for such a 'Mushy Holiday'. Or was that just my imagination..?"

"Might wanna take abreak from stewing in darkness. All that negativity must've gotten to your brain, big guy. You're totally crazy if you think i had no idea what im doing."

"Funny, Because is that not exactly what you said to me five minutes ago?"

" Shut It Reala-"