#her special talent is making Message Orbs

[mlpnextgen-bts]

Illumination

Every once in awhile I get this feeling like my character designs are mediocre compared to everyone else's, that's why other next gens and other people's art in general are more popular than mine ( at least I hope it's not that people think I'm bad at character creation or storytelling and has nothing to do with my art )

So I get the want to draw random designs for random characters that I at least hope are more pleasing to look at than the designs I already have. I have no idea if I succeeded here, but whatever here's a new character anyway that I'm quite proud of.

Her name is Illumination Midnight!

[italk2angels-blog]

Many dont understand what a Medium experiences with others. Grateful for this beautiful testimonial..

Yesterday, I had a reading with Beth Lynch.

In the days before the reading, I "set the table" by jotting down questions I had for my daughter and other family members who have passed. I then mentally invited everyone who was interested on the other side to the "party".

My daughter was the first to come through ♥️ and she gave so many incredible validations. She mentioned the shoes that I had just purchased for her youngest daughter, the fantastic report card her oldest daughter received and the quilts a friend had made out of her clothing for her girls among so many other things.

When she first came through she showed wings and Beth asked if I had any connection with feathers. I struggled to find the connection, so we put the topic aside and moved on. Much later in the reading, I showed Beth a photo taken of me shortly after Jess's passing with some orbs showing in it. Beth immediately said "the wings!!!". I've attached the photo here; clearly this was the reference I'd missed earlier.

My Dad & Mom also came through. My Dad always comes through with Jess in readings but connecting with my Mom was extra-special. As an adult, I had a somewhat unfulfilling relationship with my Mom - always wanting that mother/daughter closeness but never able to achieve it. The first thing my Mom mentioned was knitting and crocheting (which I've done ever since I was 10 years old). She sent me some very healing messages, which I am so, so grateful for.

I wanted to thank Helping Parents Heal so much for the wonderful connections you make possible for all of us and Beth for all her amazing talent and beautiful energy.

Lovingly,

Melody Funk

[skylarmoon71]

Leonardo x Reader- Oneshot

“Guys I’m back!” Between school and your track practice, you tried your best to squeeze in time to see your favorite people err...turtles. Mikey jumped up with a wide grin and Donnie offered a small wave.

“Oh Donnie thanks for the advice yesterday, my knees feel much better!” you pulled out a twelve pack of juice boxes handing it to him. He smiled giving a small thanks. “Thank you.” He spoke happily. He was already pulling the first one out.

“I take it ya won your race.” you nod at Raph’s question, and he patted you on the back, maybe a bit too roughly because you stumbled. “Came first place. My third one this week but who’s counting.” you boast.

“I wish we could watch your races, I’d like to see you beat all those other people.” Mikey said.

“I got my brother to tape it here.” taking out your phone you pulled up the video and they all started gathering around to see. With the four of you huddled in a circle, Leo raised a brow when he walked outside. “Are you guys planning another prank.” he asked unimpressed.

“Nah, (Y/N) is showing us her last race.” Mikey says enthusiastically. Leo looked a bit curious now, and when he walked over to take a look you flushed, clicking the button as soon as your race ended.

“O-Oh, look at that I think my battery just died. Maybe next time.” you mutter. Raph sent you a little smirk, and slowly they all started to disperse. Leo looked a bit disappointed, but he didn’t voice it.

“I-I should get going, practice starts in half an hour. I’ll check back in tomorrow. It's my off day.” Just like that you were heading out the lair, and Leo watched you leave.

“Does she hate me or something?” At first he thought he was imagining it, but every time he was around you made it your mission to disappear. He didn’t understand it because you weren’t that way with the others. And he was pretty sure he hadn’t done anything to make you think ill of him. So why were you being so distant?

“You just intimidate her.” Raph states doing push ups.

“Intimidate? Why do I intimidate her? If anything she should be intimidated by you.” Leo defended. He didn’t see himself as an intimidating person.

“Ya so blind it ain't even funny.” That just annoyed him more. Raph was speaking in riddles and it was irritating him. Of course he was way too prideful to come out and ask, so he just walked away.

“You think she’ll ever tell him?” Donnie mutters from the side. They all knew the reason behind your quick escapes, and truthfully it was entertaining to watch, especially since you and Leo were just so bad and being forward about your feelings. Donnie had once insisted they just set you both up, but Raph was adamant on letting you figure it out on your own. He didn’t like getting in the middle of these kinds of situations, or maybe he just wanted to see Leo squirm a bit. Either way, it would play out.

~~~

“Guys check this out!!’ Donnie’s eyes made all of their heads turn. Raph and Leo stopped their little play fight, heading over to the screens.

“It’s (Y/N), she just finished third in her national meet. This is playing live.” Now they were all watching attentively, Mikey cheered when he saw the shot of you running up on the screen.

“And our third place finisher, do you have anything to say to your friends and family.” The reporter turned the microphone to you.

“I’m just really grateful to my family for always pushing me hard, especially my miserable brother.To all my friends old and new, thanks for the endless support.” You were smiling and breathing a bit heavily, clearly still winded from the race.

“Any message for the special someone in your life.” The question made your cheeks slightly flush.

“Oh uh I..” your gaze drifted, but then you looked right at the camera.

“Leonardo, thank you for being my inspiration. '' Leo's eyes were wide, and Raph shoved him playfully. “Oooooo! Our fearless leader’s got an admirer.”

“Well you heard it folks. Thank you again for tuning in and congratulations (Y/N) on the amazing race. “ The reporter moved to other runners, but Leo’s eyes were still glued on the screen. He tried not to read too much into it. But his heart was still pounding in his chest. It’s not like you’d confess to him, yet those words felt far greater than any confession he could imagine.

“I think she broke him brah.” Mikey was poking Leo insistently, but he didn’t budge.

Donnie smiled from his seat. “I recorded it Leo, if you want to watch it again.” Leo’s eye hardened, and he straightened his shoulders, letting out a small sound as he left. It seemed to be his only response lately whenever he got flustered. He still hoped though, that maybe you meant something more. That you wanted something more.

~~~~

“If it ain't Bolt.” you giggle at the nickname, flexing your muscles. “What can I say, can’t keep all this raw talent contained. “

“Shell yeah you can’t!!” After celebrating with your family. Of course you came to hang out with the boys. They were family too after all. You saw Splinter and he walked over with a smile.

“Congratulations (Y/N).”

“Thank you Master Splinter.” With a small bow, he was off, and Mikey was grilling you on the whole experience. Raph was sitting on the couch listening. As you were giving major details, you couldn’t stop yourself from searching out Leo. You knew for a fact they saw the interview, and your blood had been practically pumping since then, and it had absolutely nothing to do with the race. When you were done giving Mikey a rundown, you excused yourself, heading for the one place you could always find the blue eyed leader. You gripped at the metal of your medal in your hands. You were excited to show him it. Stepping through the hall of the training area, you caught sight of him on a mat. He was standing but his eyes were closed. He looked completely concentrated.

“Leo..” usually you never disturbed him when he was meditating, mostly because he could always tell when you were there. His eyes opened slowly and you gave a little wave.

“H-Hey.”

“Hey, I saw your competition. Congratulations (Y/N).” Hearing that from him had a completely different effect than all the others. You blush, fully stepping in. “Thanks Leo.” you never seem to be able to keep your cool when you're in the same room as him, it’s crazy. His eyes watch you. The pretty tint of red on your cheeks. Your wandering eyes. It’s so cute to him, and now he can’t stop himself from asking the question that’s been burning in his mind.

“(Y/N), what you said..I just, I feel like I can’t take much credit for you performing that well. If I’m being honest I was under the impression that you disliked me.”

“W-What! “

Leo chuckles at the look you’re now wearing. “ You run out the moment you see me, I could only assume that’s what it was. Raph also said that you’re intimidated by me, which was even more confusing. “

You really sucked at emotions, you realized that now. With a small sigh, you tucked the medal into your pocket. You’d have plenty of time to show him that later. “Leo I..I am intimidated by you. But not for the reasons you may think.” The look in his eyes urged you to continue.

“When I first met you guys, I’m not gonna lie it freaked me the hell out. I never believed things like this existed and I started questioning a lot. After a while though, I got to know you and your brothers and it showed me that we weren’t very different. You were just like everyone else, maybe even more. Leo to me you’re just so incredible, every night you go out and risk your life expecting nothing in return. You put your family first, you lead your brothers with so much confidence and ease that it just...it amazes me.”

Leo hadn’t looked away since you started talking, and his sapphire orbs were conveying so much. “You amaze me in so many ways and that’s why it's so hard for me to be around me because you do intimidate the hell out of me because I’m terrified that you’ll see right through me and realize just how crazy I am about you.”

“(Y/N)...”

“I really like you Leo.”

There, you finally said it. No more stolen glances or silent wishes. Everything was out there.

He started walking closer, and you kept eye contact, heart pumping briskly.

“I have no idea what I did to deserve someone like you (Y/N), but I’m happy that we actually have mutual feelings.”

“Are you saying that…”

“I thought it was obvious.” He whispered.

“Guess we’re both pretty bad at this.”

He smiles, and the hand that rests on your cheek heats up more than just the skin it’s laying on. The final step makes you inhale, and when he leans down, your eyelids lower. You push unto your toes to balance out the height differences, and Leo’s hand runs down your cheek, to your shoulder as he plants a much awaited kiss to your lips. The little sound you let out is involuntary, and Leo smiles into the kiss, wrapping his other hand around your waist as he pulls you closer.

Your hands even out on his strong firm chest, and your delving deeper and deeper. You’ve been dying to experience this, and you can’t get enough. It doesn’t feel like enough. Leo must be thinking the same. Your lips part and as you’re about to rejoin, Leo opens his mouth slightly slipping his tongue in. You quiver, whining at how great it feels. He invades your mouth with incredible precision, and you try your best to match him. You moan, you can’t help it. This is too good. Leo arm tightens around your form at the sound, still driving you mad with his wet tongue.

Oxygen, that’s the sole reason you part. Leo is reluctant, you can tell, but he needs to get a breath just as much as you. When he separates, your grinning and huffing, quite the same as when you finished your race.

“I guess..I should be glad that I intimidate you, I’ll try to do it more often.” His cheeky response just makes your grin widen.

“I have absolutely no complaints. “

It really wasn’t such a bad thing.

[et-lesailes]

controversy

pairing: chris evans x reader

themes: light angst

word count: 1670

summary: dating chris evans while being a celebrity yourself, you are strongly encouraged to make choices that will benefit your public image. when chris’ latest movie tanks with the critics, your manager insists that one of these choices be breaking up with him.

taglist: @viarogers, @evanstush, @chibi-crazy, @chalamet-evans, @world-of-losers,@songforhema  @sebabestianstan101 @tanyam93 @b-val1@wonderwinchester@little-miss-exo​ @poerebel @bitchbabes-world @gogomez-509

note: requested by @immajustreadwritereblog // thank you for waiting, love! i actually really liked this request because i have a lot of strong feelings and opinions on the rsdr drama and so i had a lot of muse writing this. also, to anyone reading this- if you’re like me and hate sad endings (yes i’m a hypocrite for hating them yet writing one anyways ok i know), let me know if you’d like to see a part 2 ;)

** please send an ask if you would like to be added to my taglist of any chris evans related fics!

You sighed as your eyes skimmed what felt like the thirtieth article you were receiving via text that day, too tired and upset to properly read it. Your manager was spamming you with messages, insisting you call her, but you did not have the strength. You knew everything she was going to tell you; you had been in the business long enough to know how it all worked. It was no secret that the Hollywood life was twisted underneath all of the extravagant parties, lavish mansions and penthouse homes, and exotic vacations. You and your boyfriend weren’t very caught up in that life, anyways-- the two of you were much more simple, enjoying your time in your apartment with his dog, Dodger, and taking trips to visit his family in Boston-- nothing grandiose. Unfortunately, that did not mean you could avoid the gossip, scandal, and pressure that came from being a celebrity.

“Break up with him. You can get back together with him later, when this all blows over, but you can’t afford bad publicity right now. Not with your new movie coming up.”

You’ve read the message from your manager over and over again, feeling disgusted for several reasons. Not just from her suggestion, but because of the fact that this is the life you’re associated with. You chose this life, you chose to deal with these consequences.

You closed your eyes for a few seconds before finally looking at the article more properly. “Netflix’s Red Sea Diving Resort gives Chris Evans a white savior complex,” the title blared, making your eyebrows furrow in annoyance. However, the current problem in your relationship was not because of your image potentially getting ruined due to being in a relationship with the man now surrounded by controversy.

The current problem was that ever since the movie and its negative reviews, Chris had been a different person. The man who used to be constantly smiling, joking around, and showering you with love and affection 24/7 was now far more reserved and quiet, his eyes having lost their slightly mischievous twinkle. You completely understood. As an actress, you knew how difficult it was to be passionate about a project only to have it completely tank; it was especially difficult for Chris because of how hard on himself he was. He was selective with the roles he played-- he picked the ones that stood out to him, that meant something to him rather than going for anything that would give him more fame and success. You remembered how intrigued he had been by Red Sea Diving Resort when he had first heard of the idea, you remembered how excited he was to learn of the conflict and culture and how he hoped he could bring more awareness and meaning to it on the screen. You completely understood why he would act differently, and you understood why he might be slightly distracted from your relationship.

But it had been nearly an entire month since the movie was released, and you still felt as though you hadn’t had a proper conversation with your boyfriend in the same amount of time. You were not exactly happy about this; as his girlfriend, you wanted Chris to be able to communicate with you, to be able to let you help him when he was struggling. You were understanding in the beginning, but it was becoming too much now. You did not want to break up with him for the sake of your image, but rather for the sake of your own sanity. You missed having your best friend, but if he was not going to let you be his best friend, then did you have a choice?

One more chance.

You decided you would give him one more chance. Whether you were doing this to be fair or because you couldn’t let go, you didn’t know, but you didn't want to think about it deeper.

He walked into the apartment back from the gym and you looked up, your heart already stinging. In the past, he would have come straight to you, scooping you up roughly in his arms only to playfully bounce you around and tell you something silly along the lines of, “I like using you for lifting much better than weights, baby girl!” But now, he just came over with a mumbled hello, giving you a somewhat distracted kiss on the head before going into the bedroom.

You took a deep breath, forcing yourself to be patient. Coming over to the bedroom, you asked gently, “How was the gym?”

“Hm? Oh, it was good.”

“What’d ya work on today?”

“Oh, just arms and abs. Nothing special.”

“Are you free tonight? Maybe we could go out, get dinner or ice cream or something, it’s been a while…”

“Ah, I really wish I could babe, but I’m kind of tired today. I’m probably going to call it a night pretty early. But you should go out with some friends or something, maybe see if--”

“Are you serious, Chris?”

You finally snapped, nothing but misery and annoyance in your eyes as you looked at him. He blinked, clearly more concerned now as he straightened up from where he had been lounging on the bed. “What, baby?” he asked with a frown, and you scoffed, feeling tears stinging at your eyes simply from all the built up stress and frustration from the past month. “Are you really that oblivious? You’re seriously blind to the fact that we’ve practically been nothing more than roommates these days? When’s the last time you’ve even kissed me and meant it?”

He sighed deeply, running his fingers through his hair. “Look, you know it’s nothing to do with you. I’ve just been feeling a little stressed lately. The media’s really been killing me over here, doll.”

If he had told you this a couple of weeks ago, you would have felt sympathy, but not now. “The media’s been killing you for four weeks now, Chris, and I get it. It sucks. But I’m your girlfriend, you’re allowed to vent to me about this stuff, you’re allowed to tell me how you feel! Do you really think shutting yourself in like this and keeping quiet is going to do anything? You used to be so open with me, does that need to change because of a setback?” You sat down next to him, trying to blink back tears; you hated that you cried when you were angry, it really took away from trying to take charge of the situation. “We’re actors, Chris. This kind of thing happens, you know that. And it’s awful, and it makes us feel crappy, but we’re in it together now. You’ll bounce back from this because you’re an amazing and talented actor and you have fans who know that.” You sniffed as you looked away, talking softly, “You have every right to be upset about the situation. But you had no right to toss me aside in the process.” He seemed heartbroken as he listened to you, which only hurt you even more, but you ignored it as you stood up.

“Did you know my manager’s been nagging me to dump you for the past few weeks? Because of how Red Sea Diving Resort turned out?” You scoffed bitterly as you looked away, crossing your arms over your chest. “I could never, ever break up with you for something so shallow. You mean way more to me than some dumb Rotten Tomatoes review. But this, Chris? Ignoring me, shutting me out, wallowing in your self pity-- I think these things are all pretty good reasons as to why I should listen to my manager and end it.” You knew your words were harsh, but perhaps that was what he needed. A slap in the face, like reality often dealt out.

You looked back to him. He was quiet, there was pain  in his eyes. You waited, but he did not say anything. Making a soft noise of disappointment and disgust, you turned around, going into the closet and grabbing a bag, starting to throw clothes inside. This seemed to stir something within him; he immediately stood up with wide eyes, coming over and taking hold of your shoulders. “Baby, please. No. Fuck, I-- fuck, babe, I’m sorry. I’m so, so fucking sorry. You’re completely right.” He turned you around so that you were facing him, nothing but guilt and sorrow in his blue orbs. “And I should have realized it earlier. I don’t know what got into me baby, I’ve just been so damn worked up over this, everything else slipped away…”

His apology meant a lot, but you still couldn’t help but feel betrayed from all the built up tension. “And what if it’s too late for an apology?” you whispered, looking up at him with tears in your eyes. “What if the damage has been done?”

He looked down at you, his own eyes tearing up as he shook his head. “Please. No. No, baby, don’t leave me, I’m done sulking, I’m done being a fucking baby about this. I didn’t even fucking realize how bad it was, I know that sounds dumb but I was so caught up in all of the Red Sea shit. I know that’s not an excuse, but please, please baby, forgive me..”

You took a deep breath, wiping at your eyes. “I need some time, Chris, you really hurt me over the past month. I’ve made the mistake of giving the wrong people a second chance, and I need to think about if you’re the right person.” You could feel your heart tear apart as you saw a tear roll down his cheek; standing on your tiptoes, you wiped his tears as you kissed his cheek. “I’ll call you, alright? I.. I still love you, Chris. I just need time.”

With that, you took your packed bag and walked out of the apartment, forcing yourself not to look back at the love of your life’s face.

[pearlplusau]

Pearl Plus AU- The bright light part 2

Amethyst 8XWJ was one of the earliest to pop up from the Earth’s crust. When she first emerged off the kindergarten walls, she face-planted on the hard ground and was immediately greeted by a fellow quartz soldier, 8XWI. All gems she emerged with were great and fun, but 8XWI was special. When she saw others summoning their weapons, she was able to conjure her own with just one attempt. When she was taught about the Great Diamond authority and how the system works, she immediately adapted to the idea of higher power and understood her purpose of serving to live, living to serve. She was skilled, she was talented, she was… listening and attentive.

“What’s holding you back?” Holly asked in a sympathetic tone, her face twitched from calm to manic. “No idea where My Diamond’s pool is?” She brings back the whip once more, grinning to herself, “Shocker! (pun intended)”

She gripped the handle tighter, amplifying the static and electric current, causing an ear-splitting buzz to ring around the area, and flunged it towards 8XWJ’s arm. “Huh?” before she was able to react, electricity coursed from the handle to the tip and zapped her whole without warning, “Ahhhhh!” she screamed and trashed, but the whip won’t let go!

She kneeled down, and tried to resist! But it was too much, she thought of her comrades, her fellow amethysts losing the battle on Earth! Never will she be able to see them again! She didn’t want to give in, but…her form begged to differ.

The surge of destruction was too much! Being weak from her previous punishment, she couldn’t hold much longer, and…

Poof!

A purple quartz gem clinked as it landed on the platform, clattering as it stayed on its spot. 8XWJ was poofed and retreated into her gem.

Holly Blue Agate was smiling as she set her weapon down and thought to herself. ‘Finally, took care of the annoying purple upper-crust.’

“That takes care of that!” She claimed out loud as she dusted her arms off, and glared to the other gems gasping around her.

“Was that really necessary Holly?” Aquamarine questioned in annoyance, “Poofing gems in the open wide would be lead to…” She held her thought and snapped her fingers, realising her true intentions, “Ohhhh, I get it, you want us to report your little crime to the diamonds so you’ll be able to deliver the message, clever…”

“Yeah yeah, don’t get your hopes up, I know the rules around here.” Holly replied as she slipped the purple gem into her front pocket.

A loud voice boomed from all around the area, “HOLLY BLUE AGATE FACET 2D CUT-22! YOU HAVE BEEN SEEN TO HAVE TEMPORARILY DISABLED AN AMETHYST, PLEASE REPORT TO THE HALL ROOM IMMEDIATELY! YOUR CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR ACTIONS WILL BE JUDGED BY THE GREAT DIAMOND AUTHORITY. HOLLY BLUE AGATE FACET 2D CUT-22! YOU HAVE BEEN SEEN…” the voice repeated the same statement until the blue gem found her way to the hall room.

As she leaves, she glanced at the surrounding gems as they muttered their predictions, different coloured sapphires glanced around nervously and whisper information among themselves, but Holly took no interest in what the future holds, her plan of meeting the Diamonds will be worth all the negative impact on her image.

She went in search of a warp pad, the fastest way to the Diamonds, a white pearl was at the control panel and stated her crimes,

“Holly Blue Agate, you have been reported of dismantling an amethyst out on the open. As you know, you will be sent to the judgement hall and be set on trial by the Great Diamond Authority! Any last words dear?” The pearl asked before giving the confirmation code on the warp pad.

“Why yes Pearl! I look forward to be in the presence of the powerful Yellow Diamond, AND my glimmering diamond of course! This judgement will be a little talk between us don’t you worry.”

“We’ll see about that…” The pearl thought while typing in the code.

Holly was cuffed in glowing white shackles by two Topazes, her eyes widen as this is something unexpected.

“What is this? Handcuffs? Is this really nessasar-” Before she could finish her question, the shackles glowed and bounded Holly in a white bubble. Frozen in time, she was unable to finish her statement, her mouth was wide open but her facial expression remained annoyed.

“Huhu! This new law implemented is really rather convenient for us, don’t you think so Topaz?” The pearl had a smug face of enjoying these minor “punishments” while the topazes were unfazed with the statement. They proceeded by raising a control panel that resembles a joystick and monitored the bubble by sending it to the designated location.

Inside the orb, Holly could still see, but she could not speak, she could not move. The only sense she could control was her sight, but all she saw was the orb heading to somewhere no agate had been before. Her white boots were in uneven positions, this frustrated her, but she cannot do anything about it, she simply stayed frozen,

It was a long journey, but Holly can make out the structures and buildings leading to the black coloured cubed Courtroom. As she gets closer, she realised there’s still a chance the diamonds won’t even attend the trial for a Quartz soldier, she tried to have cold feet as she felt nervous but the atmosphere wouldn’t allow it!

The orb came to a halt, the front of the orb scanned the building’s wall, taking a sample of the colour to match the Courtroom building. The colour dripped down from the top like a small current of black ink being poured over. When the orb was fully covered in Black, it slightly floated up and went through the wall with the sound of electric current zipping through the air.

The black orb enters a dark room, where it finally dissipated away in a cloud of back dust.

“-ary…” She finally finished her sentence hung over her mouth during the entire trip. She sighed and readied herself, wanting to look as best as she could be for the Great Diamond Authority.

The wall opened up a door sized hole, a tense, anxious blue zircon came in mumbling with floating screens around her, she was just a bit shorter but also belonging to Blue’s court by her colouring. She looked around the room and spotted the blue agate, her face contorted in  bewilderment and confusion.

“YOU’RE the one on trial? But you’re an Agate! When the files came in it says two quartz soldiers “roughhousing” in front of the Great Ballroom!” She examined the tall gem and retrieved a hologram picture from her monocle, it shows a purple gem being violently taken hold by the blue gem.

“Why yes! I did took advantage of that amethyst, you see, she had vital information about an issue of a colonisation process and asked me to inform the diamonds!” Holly tried to explain her actions, but Zircon just looked mortified while taking in the information given, she pulled out another hologram screen and typed in the new info.

“The door to the trial room will be accessible any second, do you have any more information to give before we proceed matters and actions to the diamonds?” The lawyer gem urged as she readied her equipment.

“That will be all, surely the diamonds would listen to what I have to say before deciding what to do with me!” Holly spoke with a dab of uncertainty.

The door to the courtroom opened up.

“Let’s go.” Blue Zircon led the way with Holly trudging behind her.

In the dark room, Holly stood on a glowing platform, waiting for the arrival of the three diamonds. A yellow zircon warped to the left of Holly, she took one look at her opponent lawyer and smirked, “New to this huh? First job and you get to defend an abuser? Isn’t that a bit, anticlimactic?”

“Being my first assignment, no, it’s not thanks for asking.” The tone in her reply was not at all thankful nor sincere, but before she could finish, two pearls warped into the room in front of them.

Yellow Pearl was the first to speak, “All rise for the luminous Yellow Diamond!” Yellow warped in and proceed to her throne with an expression of annoyance.

Blue Pearl continued, “The lustrous Blue Diamond.�� Blue warped in and slumped into her throne in…. anger?

Both pearls synchronise for the last diamond, “And the Great, Magnificent, Brilliant White Diamond!” The brightest diamond warped in and shone the room so bright Holly was blinded for a moment, until the diamond dimmed her light and proceed to the throne in the midst of Blue and Yellow.

“Let’s just finish this so we can go back to our duties.” Stated White diamond before starting the trial.

Having the three diamonds present was not as glamorous as expected, in fact, it was intimidating.

The three diamonds stared down at the accused with annoyance and little patience.

It was VERY intimidating.

The yellow Zircon initiated the trial by stating the situation and the actions committed.

“…And so, here we are, at the end of this trial our great leaders will decide the fate of this Agate and end this case.” Yellow Zircon was about to proceed to her points and arguments but the diamonds up there were not at peace with each other.

“Is everything all right my Diamonds?” The lawyer asked with her arms saluting.

But the diamonds took no notice, Blue and Yellow Diamond were silently arguing about the topic beforehand, while White looked like she wants to just zap the accused and get things over with.

“This does not look good….” Blue Zircon whispered to Holly, “Why don’t you just admit your bad choice of actions and get it over with?” She suggested.

“Never! What I did to that gem was for a reason, and that reason will not be wasted from the inconvenience of the diamonds.” Holly protested but took one more glance at the diamonds, Blue diamond looked more unhappy and upset than usual, she looks like she’s trying very hard to hold in her sadness and frustration, Yellow diamond has her outfit to be slightly ruff and off placed, with her electric current leaking from her finger tips, not being her usual strict self. As for White Diamond, She just looked as same as before, her face says, “It would be so much easier to just blast this gem with my powers and have this all done immediately!” And it looks like she’s not having the patience to handle the current situation.

“Fine! Just because this trials wasting out leaders’ time, I’ll just present the information, but not without evidence.” Holly glanced at her pocket and checked the purple gem in place, and went into the confession.

“My Diamonds!” Holly saluted while addressing the leaders, “There is something I would like to confess.”

The diamonds paid little to no attention to the Agate, as they were occupied with their own matters.

Holly could hear some words mumbling amongst them, but could only pick up Pink Diamond’s name and nothing more.

Yellow spoke with a slightly louder voice, loud enough for Holly to get the picture.

“Blue, this is not the time to defend pink and her failing colony! You of all gems should have known her failure was inevitable, why struggle now to try and help her when you could help me convince this to White?” Yellow Diamond whispered, sounding infuriated but also trying her best to lower her voice for the sake of their reputation.

“This is the exact type of behaviour that will led her thinking we don’t trust her! You gave her a chance to prove herself, so you must stick with it!” Blue snapped at Yellow louder than she should, which tipped White into snapping back,

“Enough!” She demanded and glared, both diamonds froze and sat back down.

“Proceed this trivial little judgement so we can get it over with!” The diamond commanded.

“Yess of course My Diamond!” Blue Zircon saluted and summon some holographic files, she fuddled a bit, tried to pull the right file, but ended up dropping them to the floor like paper scattering around everywhere, but worse.

“Deepest apologise, I’ll just….uhhh…” Blue Zircon was dripping more tears than sweat, she tried to collect herself and the files, but she could feel the stares of the three powerful diamonds looming over, her anxiety is building up, it’s reaching the limit, she wasn’t ready for this!

She took on a desperate glance at Holly, hoping someone would help her out, but Holly had other plans in mind.

“My Diamonds!” Holly stood up, addressed and saluted in a clear, articulated voice.

The diamonds glared daggers at her for disrupting the defendant, but it was clear that she had caught their attention.

“I understand that this trial has interrupted your daily schedule, and I know you are all in a hurry of getting back to more important matters, I will be able to speed up this trial if you generously allow me to speak freely for just mere minutes. Hopefully, this can all be resolved as soon as it can be.” Holly explained to the diamonds and hoped that they would agree with her.

The three diamonds exchanged looks of uncertainty, but they also wished to get back to more pressing matters.

Finally White Diamond spoke, “Very well, you are given 5 minutes to prepare your explanation that will be brief and informative, no stuttering and mumbling will be tolerated and if so, you will be executed immediately! We shall have a short recess, Dismissed!”

Everyone retreated into their own rooms.

(First of all, i would like to thank @marzipanotaku16 for her amazing points and criticisms for making this work better than anticipated, we’ve known each other online and through the magic of steven universe. She’s also the friend that encouraged me to start a blog and share the writing for everyone to read, this blog wouldn’t be here without her.

Anyways, this story took longer to write and it would be concluded at part 3, I have some plans and ideas for more stories that may intrigued y’all but haven't really started drafting yet, so that’s gonna take a while to finish up.

And I would like to remind y’all that this is not completely a pink pearl oriented story, this blog is for me to express my ideas through the power of writing and the internet (lame lol) 

This tells me you read the whole thing, so thank you, dear reader, and have a splendid day, happy reading and enjoy! )

[yfere]

M9 Signature Moves! (Out of Combat Edition)

Part 2, with some scattered commentary.

Fjord

Fjord wants to understand other people even if he’s not the best at it. Meanwhile, he’d like to avoid making himself understood. He doesn’t like scrutiny, or vulnerability. Better to step back behind someone else.

Mask of Many Faces. What he says: I like people watching :) What he means: I like imitating other people’s voices and appearances to cope with my many issues :)

Deception Check. The funny thing is, I’m fairly certain Fjord’s talent for deception comes not through dedicated practice or being a habitual liar/obfuscater so much as having deadpan sarcasm levels that are so God Tier that everyone else has to really work at figuring out whether he’s joking or not at any given moment. “Make a deception check,” Matt says, when Fjord is literally just making a shitty sarcastic joke. The party routinely giving him Doubtful Looks until he has to explain that he really was just joking, he didn’t mean that, why would you think he meant that. Likes to joke sometimes to avoid more uncomfortable emotions. It’s important to him, to keep it together.

Gift of the Depths Magic that helped him cope with the drowning thing. Erroneously assumes it will also help other people cope with their water issues as well.

Help Action The beautiful thing about Fjord, I think, is that oftentimes he will not lead in any particular task. Even the ones where technically, they would benefit by him leading! What he does instead, routinely, is pick someone else for the task, someone better than him (Caleb for history and investigation, Caduceus for insight, Jester and Beau for perception and so on) or even just a person who wants to do it, and he will help them with that task, or at the very least make sure they get help. And his help is always a useful thing to have. It helps him, too, to step back, to get out of the glare of the spotlight.

Beau

Beau is curious, she is intelligent, and she is talented. But as much as she postures, she’s not really as confident in her abilities as she should be by rights.

Extort Truth Don’t. Lie. To. Me. How Beau wants to know things, wants to know them so badly she will go after secrets with the bluntest of instruments, something painfully obvious—and it will work for her. It works when she punches the truth out of people, just as  it works when she threatens not to let you into her library unless you tell her of your sordid past.

Persuasion Check Don’t. Lie. To. Me….please? No, but it’s brilliant how the party relies on her to handle their most fraught social encounters, even though she’s not the most charismatic, even though she’s personally better at lying than telling the truth. Because, despite everything, she’s the most trustworthy of all of them. They believe in her, rely on her, and they should.

History Check Beau might claim she’s more interested in the doodles of the margins of the books she read at the Cobalt Soul than the texts themselves, but at least part of that is posturing. She’s a big nerd who has done a lot of studying of some obscure shit, and she’s always looking around her to see if any of the fuckery they encounter matches up with one of those shitty lessons she had at the monastery. She pays attention, okay?

Acrobatics Check “I parkour.” It’s gotten to the point where she does not actually need to make skill checks to do her parkour magic. Still, nothing beats running your way out of a literal pit.

Caleb

What Caleb says and what he does are two very different things. Maybe once you take all his spell components away, he’ll actually be forced to use language to express how he feels. But who are we kidding. He’ll start muttering in Zemnian and you’ll be right back where you started with him.

Leomund’s Tiny Hut As with much of Caleb’s magic, a love letter to his special people. Says all the things he refuses to. Developed in an obsessive fervor while his friends were kidnapped, and unveiled when they were rescued so no one would be taken in the night again. Someday, he will make them something even better. He believes in a future where he will make them something even better.

Identify Demonstrating succinctly a lot of what makes Caleb a lovely and generous person, and also what makes him a bit of a secret-hoarding asshole. Because he likes doing favors for people, and showering them with gifts, and when you’re poor the gift lies in the identify and the giving, even when technically the item you were giving away was communal property in the first place. But also, when Caleb wants something because he thinks it’s fair for him to have as it was fair for the others to have their things, he will learn what it is, and he will keep it without a word. Jerk! Explain exactly what it is so we can keep the illusion that this is a fair process you’ve set up!

Find Familiar Caleb really loves Frumpkin, and Frumpkin is supposed to be a cat, and supposed to be with him, getting pet. But if Frumpkin has to be something else because you need him to be, he will. If Frumpkin has to scope out enemy territory for you to be safe, so be it. Frumpkin will be your landing pad, he will be the trade that will let a caged creature go free, he will sit in your pocket as a replacement owl, he will sit in the rain in the dark and watch over you while you sleep.

Suggestion Sometimes Caleb doesn’t want to leave things up to chance. Deep down, he doesn’t really trust people, so when he’s uncertain or threatened he’ll substitute persuasion and insight to force someone to do what he needs them to do. Tell us the truth about who you are. Show me any dangerous items you have on your person. Go with us into the water, so you are not left behind.

Nott

Nott wants to go back to being Veth, but in some ways she’s really living her best life right now, causing trouble and learning how to cause trouble doing things she never knew how to do before.

Message She can talk to who she pleases, but she and Caleb get their own private line, where no one else is invited “You can reply to this message, and only I can hear your reply.” One of their first spells together, the beginning of Nott the Brave, the Arcane Trickster.

Disguise Self Nott wants to feel comfortable in her own skin. And she doesn’t feel it with the spell, she feels just the same, but she looks the way she is supposed to, and that’s a step. A painful step, when the son she hugs can feel the wrongness of her through the illusion even as she clings to him.

Tinker Check/Alchemist’s Supplies Nott is nothing if not a smart cookie, creative, and reckless as fuck. She will mess with chemicals and she will mess with acid and she will mess with gunpowder—all things which feature centrally in special moves that never quite go as planned like Fireline and Fluffernutter. She will blow things up—sometimes herself. But that’s the joy of a creative mind, really.

Mage Hand Why disable the trap when you can just set it off at a distance? Explosions are more fun to watch than not-explosions, after all. Also makes you look like a cool motherfucker when you’re in a drinking contest.

Jester

Art, heart, and imagination...that is Jester. What she does is more than just pranks and troublemaking, though--her skills are integral to solving any goal put forward by the M9. And what of her own goals? Time will tell.

Sending Caleb might be good enough with his polymorphs to turn people into other people, but Jester, her art, and her imagination give her an edge in another spell. All you have to do is describe a person to her, good enough for her to do a real nice police sketch, to imagine what the person is like. And she’ll be able to cast a spell that will communicate with them anywhere, even though she’s never laid eyes on them before. A hard spell to wrangle for a natural chatterbox, maybe, but her sheer talent you cannot deny.

Zone of Truth She’s too good of an investigator to really need it for interrogation, or believe it when she does use it for detective work. Zone of Truth, Jester believes, can only be truly relied on when paired with the sacrosanct tradition of Truth or Dare.

Locate Object Woooooow, so she was the only one not to get robbed, huh? Guess who is the most responsible person with money after all? Jester is always looking for things important to other people, whether it be lost coinpurses, seals, or those creepy cloven orbs that Fjord keeps sticking into his body. “Oh, he’s going to be so upset!” she despairs, when she can’t find it. But then she picks up where the key has gone, and lights up with joy. She looks for what’s important to others, before ever looking for what’s important to her (because once you stop stop looking it will hit you in the face)

Forgery Kit The pen is mightier than the sword! At nigh every stage of her adventure with the M9, it has been her immaculate paper trail that has enabled them to accomplish their goals and not end up rotting behind bars. Pulled off some amazing government reshuffling, too. I would fear her as a diplomat.

Caduceus

Caduceus has very set ideas about how the world works, but sometimes his lack of experience with the outside world causes him real problems. He isn’t worried, though.

Insight Check Caduceus is a person Fjord believes with some justification to be a kind of mind reader. He certainly has pretty god-like powers here, and he is both a benevolent god and just. He senses sugar off of you, he will bring you a veggie platter. He senses guilt, he will release you from prison against your will so you can face your wrongdoings in the world. Caduceus knows best--at least Caduceus thinks so.

Divination When Caduceus finds out you have family you’re searching for, he will invoke Melora’s aid to find out if they’re safe out there, or what direction they're headed in so you can save them. Caduceus, aren’t you wondering what happened to your own family? No, he’s not going to cast a spell for that, it’s best if he didn’t question…

Create Food and Water Above all else, Caduceus wants the people he cares about to be eating well. Do his non-vegetarian, pocket-bacon loving friends agree with him on what eating well is? Is the beanpole skinny-ass firbolg eating well himself? Ummmmm…

Nature Check he doesn’t know what that is or how it works, but it sure is pretty. When you think about it, everything is just more territory. Nature is nature no matter where you go. Sure, that man-eating seaweed seems a bit odd, as does the enormous murderous bird.  But when you think about it, can you really be surprised by it?

Yasha

Yasha struggles a lot--with grief, with getting close to people. But in her strange, standoffish way, she is always there when it counts. And she’ll always be there, for her entire life and beyond. She has that kind of loyalty, that kind of drive.

Investigation Check She looks for flowers, and special things, in out of the way places, and keeps them in her book.

Strength Check These arms are worth a lot! A check tailor made for impressing people at circuses, winning arm wrestling competitions, and for chasing tail while saving your friends.

Dexterity Check You can shave your friend with your greatsword. That’s how you keep your legs so smooth and shiny, after all.

Necrotic Shroud It happened again.

[alyssalenko]

OC Asks

@kenshi-vakarian7 challenged me to do this for Alyss Shepard. I didn’t have to do it all, but why the heck not? If you would like to hit me up for other characters, my ask box is always open.

Art by the amazingly talented and sweet @bit-nippy!

What is/are your OC’s nickname(s) and how did it come about? Joker and Kaidan have both called her Al. It's just a shortened version of her name.

What is the color of your OC’s eyes/hair/skin? Lavender eyes, black hair and olive skin.

How tall is your OC? 5'6"

What is a noticeable physical attribute of your OC? Definitely her eyes. You don't see a very light purple that often, and when she uses her biotics they turn blue.

What does your OC normally wear? What would your OC wear on a special night? When she's on duty her BDUs, but if she's off duty her casual wear is generally an off the shoulder shirt (a couple are black with the classic n7 logo) and dark blue denim capris. Sometimes she'll trade the capris for a miniskirt. On special nights she wears dresses. From a little black dress to satin to covered in sparkles, and a pair of strappy black stilettos.

What is one word you would use to describe your OC’s appearances? Feminine

Does your OC have any markings, such as a birthmark or a scar? Tiny scars up and down her arms from cooking through the years

How does your OC talk/what does your OC’s voice sound like? Mostly like Jennifer Hale's in game femshep, lilting and melodic while being in a medium range octave wise. She tries to make sure she enunciates, but also swears like a sailor.

What does your OC’s bedroom look like?  His/her living area? Her bedroom on the Normandy is clean and tidy, with a few knickknacks on her desk and far too many pillows, but she will always find an excuse for more. Come the SR2 she still has knickknacks like a pulsing orb from Eletania, the trinket the asari consort gave her, her old helmet from when she was spaced, her dog tags framed, a screaming husk head, magazines and books on a table, Kaidan's picture on her desk, STILL TOO MANY PILLOWS and model ships. As well as expanding to some art on the walls above the sofa, fish tanks, and a space hamster. She spends most of her time on assignment so at home both bedroom and living areas are tidy, built have floor to ceiling built-ins for books and art.

What does your OC keep in a special drawer? In the nightstand she has a long gold-colored silken rope for shibari when Kaidan decides he wants to tie her up😏

What is your OC’s relationship with his/her mother? Complete mommy's girl--always making sure a shore leave lines up together, sending her little omni messages, call when they can, and share everything

What is your OC’s relationship with his/her father? Her dad died when she was three.

How many siblings does your OC and what is his/her relationship with them? Only child

Who is the mother and/or father figure in your OC’s life? Anderson

What was your OC’s childhood like? Alyss grew up in space, moving whenever her mother's assignment changed. She loved the stars, and ships, and figuring out what made things tick. Her mother tried to give her the best life she could, even leaving her with her grandparents for Junior High and High School.

What is your OC’s strongest childhood memory? Why and how as that impacted him/her? Her mom was on the graveyard/skeleton shift when she was about 5, and she'd woken up from a nightmare. She wandered out of her room and found her mom in the CIC. Hannah took her to the bridge, relieving the pilot and opening the shutters, Alyss on her lap, showing her the stars and pointing out constellations until she calmed. It was part of what instilled her love of space, that she could just look out/up at the stars and be instantly calm, as well as making sure she always wanted to be there for her children like her mother was for her.

What is your OC’s imagination like? Mostly pretty filthy, but her desire to know how things work fueled design and creativity to build something or draw something like it. Not to mention she has been playing the violin since she was four and started composing when she was ten.

How many times did your OC move as a child?  Which area was his/her favorite? She moved whenever her mother was reassigned until she was twelve heading off to Grissom Academy when her mom was on tour with the Einstein, educated on the ships with the other kids. She stayed with her Grandparents on breaks from school in the Mindoir colony. Because of how far removed from bigger cities it was, she could stargaze without interference from the city lights.

What does your OC think of children- either in general or about having them? She loves kids. As a soldier she never thought she'd have any of her own but after the war she and Kaidan settle down and have a little girl and two twin boys.

What kind of mother/father would your OC be? She makes sure that she is the kind of parent her kids can tell anything to and come to her if they have a problem, no judgement, but she knows that she is the parent and isn't trying to be their best friend. She makes sure they're well-mannered and that there are consequences to certain actions, but she loves them so so much.

Who are your OC’s closest relatives? It's just been her and her mom against the world for as long as she can remember.

Who is/are your OC’s closest friend(s)? Her crew especially Kaidan, Joker, Tali, Kasumi and Garrus. But all three iterations of her crew, because if they're not close and have her back what is she even doing?

Who are the people your OC surrounds him/herself with? She wants honest, loyal people around her--people with integrity who she can trust to have her back.

Who are the people your OC dislikes/hates? Saren, Udina, the Council, Harkin, KAI LENG

If your OC has a soulmate, who is it? Kaidan Alenko

Why does your OC and his/her soulmate work so well together? They always have each other's backs and as biotic soldiers they know what the other has been through and what kind of stigmas and obstacles the other has had to overcome to get where they are.

What are some things your OC admires about his/her soulmate? Kaidan doesn't let anything compromise who he is or what he believes in, always trying to make sure he does the right thing even if it's not always the easiest. He makes her feel like she could take on the world.

How did your OC and his/her soulmate meet? Her first day aboard the Normandy, Anderson had Kaidan give her a tour and it was a case of lust at first sight.

What is your OC’s level of education? High School Equivalent. After Grissom Academy, she enlisted in the Alliance and headed straight to Arcturus Station for training. It took two years and then she was out in the field.

Did your OC participate in extracurricular activities, and if so, what were they? She played biotiball after school and she had orchestra practice before school.

What is your OC’s opinion of school?  What kind of student was s/he? Alyss was a sponge, soaking up the information and she was a pretty good student. All A's except for one B in history (she got A's on the homework, but C's on the tests because the dates always got all jumbled in her head).

What subjects did your OC excel at? Language Arts (reading and writing), science, math, art, languages, biotic applications and practice

What subjects interested your OC? Her favorite subjects were the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, human anatomy and physiology), the arts (orchestra, animations, foods, art) and biotic applications and practice (it was a nice way to blow off steam and improve with her biotics/powers)

What is your OC’s dream job and/or current profession? She is a soldier, and has been since she was eighteen. At 32 she honestly can't picture herself doing anything else.

How is your OC working towards his/her dream job and/or achieved his/her current profession? When she was at Grissom she was under the tutelage of Kahlee Saunders which was how she met David Anderson. After seeing one of her Biotiball matches he brought up the Alliance. She enlisted at eighteen, and went off to Arcturus Station for two years before heading off on her first mission in the field. At twenty two when the Blitz happened everyone knew her name. Then she went through 7 years of N training and after being assigned to the Normandy, she became the first Human Spectre and subsequently a member of the Council (much to her dismay, but she knew she wouldn't be in the field forever)

What are your OC’s thoughts/opinions of his/her current profession? Alyss loves being a soldier, she gets to travel, be out in space, protect people, and have an outlet for her biotics.

What is your OC’s biggest dream? To have a Stradivarius Violin. She would sell her soul for one.

How does your OC react to and handle stress? When she's super stressed she relaxes with Joker and/or the crew or drags Kaidan up to the loft to have her way with him (or the other way around especially when he ties her up--after BAaT he likes to be in control)

How does your OC handle anger? Alyss gets angry and needs to hit something, be it sparring or a wall or a punching bag.

How does your OC handle grief? She tends to bottle it up, it's an unhealthy coping mechanism but being in the spotlight with everyone looking to her means she has to put on a brave face. Only when she's behind closed doors does she tend to let herself cry.

What is your OC’s greatest fear? Failure

What makes your OC happy? Building model ships, star gazing, playing her violin, giving gifts

What kind of sense of humor does your OC have? A very sarcastic one and a very dirty mind...but there is a reason she and Joker are best friends

What are some things that greatly upset your OC? Someone Hurting innocents, superfluous loss of life, suffering, abuse, the Terminus Slavers.

What are some things that annoy your OC? having things/information withheld from her, people being fake with her.

If your OC has them, what are some regrets s/he has? The big one is not telling Kaidan she loved him before her death--if Cerberus hadn’t brought her back, neither would have had a chance to say it. Thessia Falling. The deaths that happened on her watch (Jenkins, Mordin, Thane, Legion). She kept beating herself up over them and wondering if there was something more she could do.

How easily does your OC forgive? It depends on the situation. She forgave Kaidan for Horizon immediately, putting herdelf in his shoes. but she will never forgive Udina for his betrayal or Kai Leng for causing Thane’s death.

What are some of your OC’s vices? Sex, Alcohol, and Gambling--the fun things in life ;)

If your OC experienced trauma, what was it? She was too young to remember her Father dying, but losing Jenkins and Mordin and Thane and Legion and Anderson have weighed heavily on in. But the fall of Thessia as the first world she lost while on the ground, actively trying to save it haunts her.

What secrets does your OC have? When she died over Alchera, she was pregnant. and even though she looks like like she has it together and knows what she’s doing, she’s mostly just winging it and hoping for the best...

What are some of your OC’s morals? She never hurts innocents and tries to save as many lives as possible and unless provoked she will never fire the first shot (except Kai Leng, but that was purely revenge and she let the cocky bastard get close and drop his guard).

What are some of your OC’s motivations? Helping people, protecting her friends and family, and love..

What is the health of your OC? Perfectly healthy and mostly functioning human being...

Does your OC think with his/her head or heart? A little bit of both. She wears her heart on her sleeve but tries to approach things logically and not let her emotions get the best of her--which she doesn’t often succeed at.

What are your OC’s thoughts on death? That she’s seen far too much of it.

What are some of your OC’s strengths? She excels at seduction, gunplay, biotics, the creative arts, and technology and what makes it tick.

What are some of your OC’s weaknesses? She’s over-emotional, guarded, proud and far too sarcastic for her own good...

How does your OC take criticism? Pretty well most days, unless it from someone she dislikes, because she doesn’t take them or their opinions very seriously

What does your OC think of him/herself? She likes to think she’s a genuinely good person and that Kaidan finds her irrisistable (he does).

If your OC could change one thing about him/herself, what would it be? To slap a band-aid on that bleeding heart of hers

What is the general impression your OC gives other people? If one doesn't know her she is equal parts impressive, larger than life, and intimidating.

How emotionally/mentally vulnerable is your OC with other people? If she's let you in, her heart is on her sleeve, otherwise she puts on a brave face and let's everyone think she has it together.

How does your OC display love? She listens and hugs and always makes sure that gifts she gives are meaningful to the recipient.

What are some habits your OC has picked up? She twirls a strand of hair around her finger when she's thinking or nervous. Swearing. Smacking the brim of Joker's hat down. Buffing her fingernails.

What is your OC’s favorite drink? Chai Tea Latte with Soy--non-alcholic, Strawberry Sunrise Cocktail--alcoholic

What is your OC’s favorite food? Garlic Parmesan Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli

What is your OC’s favorite sweet? Snickers, cookies, coconut cake or ice cream

What is your OC’s favorite season? Fall--Halloween is her favorite holiday

What is your OC’s favorite kind of weather? The limbo between fall and summer when it's not quite as hot but the rain hasn't settled in

What is your OC’s favorite book? The Princess Bride and Sherlock Holmes

What is your OC’s favorite movie and/or TV show? The Mummy--movie, Charmed--TV show

What is your OC’s favorite kind music (and song if there is one)? She is a sap and loves love songs. Fallin' In by Lifehouse is her favorite song and she sung it on a surprise Normandy Karaoke Night

What is your OC’s favorite form of entertainment? Besides Kaidan, she loves watching movies with Joker

What is your OC’s favorite color? She likes blues and purples

What is your OC’s favorite scent? Water Lily

What is your OC’s favorite animal? Snow Leopard

What is your OC’s favorite sound? Waves

What is your OC’s favorite time of day? Sunrise and Sunset--she likes the colors

What is your OC’s favorite kind of ice cream? World Class Chocolate or Coconut

What is your OC’s favorite dinosaur? Stegosaurus

[theclosetpoet7]

Story Previews

Hello, it’s been so long since I’ve posted any stories online. I want to thank everyone who has been sending me messages and reviews wishing me well and encouraging me to continue my fics and to keep pursuing my dreams. You guys are the best! I am so sorry that I haven’t been able to give a clear timeline as to when I will be active again. It is highly likely that I won’t be officially active but may come back on a temporary basis every now and then. I am however participating in the sasusakufanzine and am very honored to be able to do so because guys these artists, writers and the whole team are seriously talented people. I miss my tumblr friends and I miss writing. I may post more detailed explanations as to why I’m inactive but it’s just life you know? I think I owe it to my readers to explain myself. For now, I present to you some previews for my ongoing stories, I hope you guys enjoy them! 

Across the Blue Fields

He had woken up to an unconscious Naruto.

He had expected to be dead by now.

He should be.

But he isn't.

It takes him a moment before he is able to push himself off his defenseless position. He notices that his left arm is hanging off his shoulder. It's bleeding profusely. There are several torn ligaments, and tendons that somehow keep it attached. He doesn't understand why he is still able to move at this point. 

He should be dead.

He shouldn't have this much chakra left.

He should be dead.

His lungs shouldn’t be breathing.

He should be dead.

Why Kami? . . .

He wants to die.

Something snaps him out of his dazed condition because he senses someone coming and knows exactly who it is, knows who they are. Sakura has broken the genjutsu. So he does the first thing he could think of, he binds his seal to Naruto's and pushes some of his chakra into him, somehow figuring out how to break the Tsukiyomi seal.

It takes almost all of his life force to accomplish the task. But he is miraculously able to do it, and with minutes to spare. 

And because he is still depending on his adrenaline rush, he runs.

Because he wants to die alone.

He wants to die.

And.

He should be dead.

.

.

. Karin finds him a few hours later.

*

She laughs to herself when she spots his usual chicken butt hair. It was funny how he obviously stood out in a crowd. The mask was completely useless. 

"She's quite beautiful isn't she?"

It takes Sakura aback when Karin suddenly strikes up a conversation with her. Emerald orbs fall on Nakano Aya's midnight blue locks, swaying gracefully as she pads to Sasuke's side and takes his hand in hers, playfully pulling him near the fire to dance. 

She tries to ignore the twitching of her heart at the sight and tentatively clears her throat.

"Yes she is."

Uzumaki Karin turns to regard the petite yet strong kunoichi beside her. It was amazing how completely attuned she was to the emotions of this ex- teammate of Uchiha Sasuke's. And it didn't help that the pinkettte obviously wore her heart on her sleeve.

She distinctly remembers their first meeting. The soft glow of the Sannin's chakra as she shed tears while healing a lowly rogue ninja such as her and this girl’s heart screaming when Sasuke almost took her life. 

At that very moment, Karin knew that Sasuke obviously held a special place in her heart. 

So, as she watches Haruno Sakura watch Sasuke and Aya, her heart bleeds for her own but as well as her friend's.

"I'm in love with Sasuke-kun you know."

Sakura stiffens when Karin's words reach her ears.

"Oh."

"I love him. So much. Too much."

Sakura runs a hand over her arms to warm her up as a cool breeze passes through them, making her silence more deafening.

"To the point that I don't really care if he ends up with me or someone else."

"You're selfless Karin."

The chakra detector shrugs her shoulders.

"Well, I'm not selfless, not completely. Don't get me wrong." 

She adjusts her glasses over her eyes and turns completely red.

"I still want him. Like, I want to be by his side. Heck, I'd marry him right here, right now if I could."

Sakura blushes at the redhead's forwardness.

She recalls a time when she was like this. When she was confident in how much she loved Sasuke.

But now.

She doesn't really know.

She finally turns to look at Karin's face. And if there was such a thing as eye opening and compelling as seeing her face on someone else's, then Sakura would wanna see it.

Because the lines in her friend's brows, and the way she bit her lip and allowed a look of sadness to come across her features is an expression the pinkette is all too familiar with. 

Uzumaki Karin's heart was breaking.

And then a tear unabashedly streams down her cheek.

"But, he looks happy right now."

Her lips begin to quiver.

"He actually looks happy by Nakano Aya's side." 

She wipes the tear from her cheek and pinches the bridge of her nose.

"And I'm happy. I'm fucking happy to see his chakra swell like this. Even if it's not because of me. Even if he was never this carefree and contented when I was travelling with him. "

Sakura begins to understand why Karin was telling her this.

And it is surprising how she was able to find comfort in the most unlikely of people.

"So I've decided that I'll leave tomorrow. I can't take this. I can't possibly compete with her."

"I don't think that's true Karin, of course you can, of course you..."

Karin finally faces her full on.

"Can't you see it Sakura? She is pure, she is new, she is one thing and then everything he could possibly want and need because she isn't tied to anything remotely connected to his past."

Her emerald eyes shone with shock and ultimate hurt that it takes Karin a moment to gather the last bit of courage she has to comfort this girl while at the same time comfort herself.

"Sasuke-kun is finally happy."

Sakura glances at the pair again and regretfully notes that indeed, though Sasuke doesn't have a big smile on, there was a calmness to his expression. He really was happy.

"You're right. But, is there a reason why you are telling me this ?"

Karin puts a hand to her shoulder.

"Because you’re still in love with him. And I want you to know that I understand."

*

Revolution

“Stay with me.”

He wants to erase what he had just said as soon as the words leave his mouth. She is still catching her breath, too drowsy with their recent activity. But he could tell, by the way her breath hitched and the way her shoulders stiffened that she had heard him.

Loud and clear.

He swallows his own saliva as he waits for her acknowledgement and clicks his tongue at the silence that follows.

Fuck.

He shouldn’t have said anything.  

But at the same time, he is curious.

What if…

What if she says yes? . . . “No.”

And that is when he wishes that he could take it all back… the words… his feelings. He almost wants to push her away when...

“Sakura, join me.”

...He utters his second regret.

“Sasuke-kun.”

“Be by my side.”

Then his third…

“Sasuke-kun.”

“Marry me.”

And his fourth

“Sasuke-kun!”

Her arms are around him, pulling him closer as she molds their bodies into one being. He clutches her head to his.

“Stop…onegai?”

He doesn’t allow her to finish, for he pushes her to the bed again and hovers over her. Her eyes sparkled with tears again.

It irks him a bit that she's the one crying when she is doing the rejecting.

Sasuke glares as he looks into her irises.

“Don’t...”

His hand goes to her cheek as she lets her tears fall.

He lowers himself to catch her lips, a habit he seemed to be forming whenever she was around. He pulls away before she could respond.

“You once told me that you’d do anything for me.”

Emerald green eyes widened.

Her lips trembled.

“That's not fair.”

“Sakura”

“...”

“I’m asking you to come with me this time.”

She directs her attention to the ceiling and lets out a sigh. Then, a bitter laugh.

It is a sound he immediately loathes with his entire being.

“There was a time when hearing all this would’ve made me the happiest woman in the world. But…things are different now Sasuke-kun.”

“Different?”

He brushes it off.

“We’re enemies.”

The fact pierces through him, of course he knew that…

But.

“Didn’t you say that you love me?”

He gives her some space. Lifting himself up but still dominating her.

“I do.”

He pauses to look at her again.

“I do love you…so much that I can’t possibly imagine what it would be like to be in a world without you in it.”

He smirks and lowers down to catch her lips when she puts a hand over his mouth.

“But I love Konoha more…”

*

Akai Ito

She gathers him in her arms and takes him to her home without any hesitation.

She gets a dropper and feeds him some milk like he's her baby.

She gives him a warm bath and snuggles him in thick blankets to fight the cold weather.

Sakura takes care of him.

She takes care of him the same way she always has. And she saves his life again, by slowly nursing him back to health. 

It is a comforting feeling, to be able to find her in this world, to know that she's the same loving and caring person he has always known. 

So he allows her to do what she does best.

Saving him.

One day he wakes up with renewed strength and enthusiasm because it is the first time in days that he's felt like running around.

And.

He smells ramen.

He pads softly into her living room.

Her apartment is small but enough for one person.

Sakura is seated on the tatami mat, her chin on her hand as she rests her elbow on the low table, absentmindedly scanning the channels until she settles on the news.

She still hasn't noticed his presence. So he sneaks under the table in a commando crawl, or "a crawl" his tiny form is capable of doing. Then he settles himself on top of her crossed legs until he's standing and placing his front paws on the table, eyeing the cup of ramen with all the devotion he has.

The pinkette lets out a startled yelp and holds him to her.

"Pug-kun, are you hungry?" 

He wags his tail and reaches out for the noodles once more.

"Eh, but that's my dinner, hold on, I'll get you some milk."

*

Bleeding Heart Series: That Canopy Underneath the Trees

"Since when?"

He is standing there, with his tall frame, arms on either side of her desk. 

"Since when what?" she raises an eyebrow.

"Since when did you start having feelings for me?" . . . Since when Sasuke-kun?

Since the beginning.

She sits amongst a group of Uchiha children, her cherry strands standing out in the crowd of ebony black. Haruno Sakura sits in class, awestruck and anxious about the lesson. It was an extracurricular course; one her mother had encouraged her to attend seeing as how her skills in house-making were incredibly lacking compared to her civilian counterparts. 

It wasn't her fault per se. Kunoichi were trained to master in most of the arts. Just yesterday, she had received second honors for the best ikebana arrangement. However, most of the skills taught to her didn't necessarily cater to being the perfect housewife. And because it was one of the deals she made with her parents when she decided to stray from the merchant life, Sakura didn't really have a choice in the matter. 

Mebuki Haruno still wanted her daughter to grow into the ideal woman. One who can stitch up her husband's clothes and could cook up a good hot pot on a rainy day.

Which is why she is sitting here.

In this class.

A class that was headed by no less than Uchiha Mikoto. 

It was a wonder that she was able to join in. She chalks it up to her mother's persistence. Granted that it was the only class on sewing that was available.

"Just one class. Or two... Just the basics."

She looks down at the material presented to her. And she glances around and sighs when the girls get to work without much difficulty.

Apparently, lesson one for sewing in the Uchiha clan meant attaching the family's signature emblem onto the back of a shirt.

She is grateful to be positioned at the back of the room, nearest to the sliding doors. It meant that no one will be able to see her botch this project and that she will be able to run as soon as the lesson was over.

The young pinkette cuts through the outline and pauses. Wait, was it top or bottom? She shrugs and continues on. It was actually challenging to be able to make it look legit. And because she was sewing the crest onto a shirt on her first try, she considers her finished product not half bad. 

"It's upside down."

The voice catches her off guard. 

Sakura turns to her right and sees one of her academy classmates peaking from the door.

"It's facing up though."

The young boy clicks his tongue and pouts.

"I mean the top part is red not the bottom."

She gasps. 

Looking back, her first meeting with Uchiha Sasuke wasn't all that special. But seeing his childish grin when his mother sweat drops at her unfortunate mistake made her feel like it was okay to not be so perfect considering how he had started talking to her because of her failed attempt.

*

“If you give me a sign."

"I promise, you'll have me."

Uchiha Mikoto's eyes fall on the ring on Haruno Sakura's finger and she knows what it is.

She knows all too well what it means.

'Finally Sasuke-chan.'

She feels her husband stiffen beside her and she tenderly puts a hand over his to calm him down. Then, she looks up and gives him one of the happiest smiles she has ever  shown him. Uchiha Fugaku's own black orbs flicker with understanding at what is about to happen. And he puts a hand to his forehead and closes his eyes. A smirk coming on to his aging face as he shakes his head.

"It's gonna take a lot of negotiating to get ourselves out of this one Tsuma."

The matriarch slips her hand into his and interlaces their fingers.

"I know."

She leans her head on his shoulder and lets out a low giggle.

"That boy, is quite a handful." he murmurs.

Mikoto's hand tightens around his, then she squeezes his hand to give him reassurance.

"Our son is in love. And we're going to fight. We're not going to give up. Right?"

Fugaku looks down at his lovely wife, who has only grown more beautiful over the years. Then, he smiles genuinely.

"Of course not."

The room is silent as all eyes turn to look at the pinkette who had made quite an entrance, one of the door's hinges is broken, while the other one was thrown to the floor. Her heels click on the broken wood, her posture screamed confidence, her left hand is raised above her head as she shows Sasuke her answer. And her eyes, her eyes focus only on him.

Uchiha Sasuke lets out a relieved breath and inwardly pumps up a fist. Then, he faces his supposed bride-to-be and takes her hands into his and quietly tells her.

"Gomen, Yuki. "

Then he lets her go. The young heiress is left stunned as she watches her fiance's body turn away from her. And she breaks, she feels her heart break. And she watches. The raven haired nin steps down from the altar to make his way to his best friend. 

Sasuke goes to Haruno Sakura. Time stood still as they gazed at each others' eyes. 

Her arm is still raised.

It was like she was completely frozen in place.

She meets his eyes.

Just staring into Uchiha Sasuke.

He seemed so far, even when they are only a few feet apart at this point.

And when his steps finally close their distance.

When he is finally close enough to reach.

The young kunoichi lowers her arm and extends it to take his pale hand. Then, she holds it firmly and tilts her head to the side.

"Runaway with me?"

Sasuke just nods. . . . They run.

[the-house-of-the-nine]

Dream: Three wishes they have. For Laz!

[I received three of these, so I will be writing this as a scene, characters who know Lazarius. . .they will understand the references.  If your muse has not met him yet; shame on you, what have you been doing? Get on over here and RP! :D, no seriously, if you have only ever met ‘Nestor Brightsun’ his alias, well the end will make sense.  Enjoy! And seriously come say hello! EVERYONE! Stop being shy!]

The dark chambers of the illustrious Inquisitor was often times a place for quite contemplation and planning.  A place where he would brood and scheme and toil over the various dealings and problems the order faced.  But tonight would be different.  Tonight the candles were lit and the fire hearth was a blaze with a brilliant glow.  There were no windows in the Bastille, so the best they could do was a brilliant bit of magical illusion provided by the Magus.  A window to the outside where a window would have been showed the exterior of his former estate in Tirisfal.

“Ser, a curious message has arrived for you.”  Kross stated calmly as he entered from a veil of white vapor manifesting from the cracks in the saronite stone.

It was a folded piece of velvet like parchment, penned in the most beautiful of hand writing, it read . . . “Dream, had you three wishes. . tell them to me, and Dream”

Lazarius peered upward toward the steward and furrowed his brow.  A canted gaze while the sterling sheathes of his ear covers jingled softly against the various hoops across the lobe.

“Curious indeed.”  crooned the dark eyed man. “And the author of such a bold and mysterious note?”

Kross stood there for a moment as his white reverent orbs cast toward his charge.

“It was left on the doorstep of the antiquities boutique just last night.  It could very well have been from anyone. . .”  he responded in a calm tone.

“Mmm.” Lazarius hummed, nodding his head and smirking. “I suppose Nestor will be responding to this one then?”

The dark venomous orbs would pan back to the letter.  He was of course referring to the fact that most people who had met him in the human capital would know him as ‘Nestor Brightsun’, the alias he took when he was there and running the antique shop.

“Three wishes. . .goodness that certainly seems like an abundance. . .”

There was a slight pause, a thought perhaps as he began to ponder what it was that he could actually want.  Material possessions were useless.  He took what he wanted, and if he did not already have it, he took it anyway.  His wealth and power were already his, and his prowess with magic was something he hardly needed a wish to improve.

“My mother. . .”  he said softly.  “Avarina Kash’ebahl, I would like to speak to her.  Just one last time.  I never knew here as my sisters and brother did.  From what Pyravari and Siida had told me, she was radiant.  Her presence like no other.  A goddess among commoners.  And yet a tender and loving creature that adored her family, and cared for them through all my fathers nefarious deeds.”

He nodded as Kross continued to play stenographer to his dictating Lord. 

“My brother. . .”  his venomous inky pools cast over toward the steward. “He is alive Kross.  I was able to find Pyravari; raised and wandering as a knight controlled by Arthas. . . We were able to pinpoint Siida, free her from that mental prison . . . I know somewhere Valla is alive.  Perhaps after learning we’d all perished he’d given up.  Taken a new alias and moved to a far off place to live alone.  Vari said he was in line to become a Ranger, perhaps even a general.  He was a brilliant archer and huntsman, he must have taken to the wilderness. . . Gods I would like to show him we are whole again.  Bring him into the fold. . .I could use a talented tracker. . .and one that was my brother. . .” 

He smirked and nodded after that.

“One final wish Ser.”  Kross added as it looked like Lazarius had all but completed his thoughts.

“To look Raelyndia in the eye. . .and tell her that I have surpassed her.  Prove that her entire life's work still stands, and that I have improved it, I have perfected it. . . and I have become something more powerful than she could have ever imagined.”  Lazarius slowly reached for a text on hieroglyphic Titan markings, begging to be left alone and starting to act busy.

“Ser you realize these responses are more attuned to your persona. . .”  Kross added as he finished writing.

“Right. . .well then, just put More Money, More Antiques, and More Wine.”  the narrowed eyes of the master peered downward as he waved him off. “Who really cares to know about a simple antique dealer really?”

“Very good Ser. . .”  the old gilnean said in a calm tone.  He would do no such thing.  It was not good for him to deny the Master his truth.  Lazarius spoke from the heart, despite his mastery of deceit.  This would be returned to the author with the answers in tact, and of course, ‘Nestor’s’ money,pretties,and drink at the end.

A very special and love filled thank you to @madame-miersae @eve-daniels & @whatadarkbitch for all being curious what Lazarius’ wishes would be.  Or. . .Nestors HAHA.  So much love to all of you, seriously.  I LOVE getting ASKs.  And you’re all amazing people!

[presleepthoughts]

Power of the Internet 2

Hey, guys :) I wrote a sequel. You should read the first one before reading this. You can find it here.

Summary: Confessing my feelings for Beca - Chloe Beale.

Hope you enjoy it :D

Chloe ran around her apartment frantically, looking for her keys that she knew were hiding somewhere in plain sight. She was running late as usual. She checked her living room, bedroom, even inside the fridge because sadly it happened before then stopped and took a deep breath. She looked around herself and suddenly glanced at the key holder on the wall and deadpanned. 

Of course, the one time she actually placed the keys where they were supposed to be that’s when she couldn’t find them. Shaking off her thoughts, she ripped the keys away and glanced back toward the little puppy standing in the hallway, watching her with the saddest eyes Chloe ever saw. 

“Aw, mommy will be back soon, baba. You’re gonna get you shots tomorrow then we’re going on the biggest walk ever, okay?” She cooed sweetly and opened her door, stepping out into the sun and walking to her car. 

She set up her camera on the dashboard safely and buckled up. Pressing record, she smiled bright into the lenses. 

“Good morning.” She sing-songed cheerfully. “Sorry, if I look a little insane. I couldn’t find my keys this morning and I ran around the house like a maniac, Bella probably thought I was crazy but long story short, I did lock the house.” She held up the keys for proof. 

“Anyway...I’m actually going to take you guys to a very special place today.” Chloe’s tone went up in pitch as her excitement grew. “I’ve been literally begging her for months now to let me see it but she was a tough cookie to crack but as you can probably guess it, I did.” Chloe smirked. “Beca invited me to come to the studio and have a look around! Isn’t that the best? Isn’t she the best?”

She could jump from joy in the driver seat but instead she turned on the engine, preparing to back out from the driveway. “I’m so excited. But first, we’re going to Starbucks to grab her and me a coffee because I just can’t function and then we’re gonna get a tour! I’ll see you in a little bit.” Chloe winked playfully and shot off the recording, and pulled away from her house and onto the highway.

Twenty minutes later, she reached the studio’s security gate and after giving the guy her name, she was let in easily. Beca was already waiting for her in front of the back door, rubbing her hands together. 

Chloe let her eyes wander over her outfit, Beca’s signature black ripped t-shirt with equally ripped black jeans made Chloe took in a deep breath. She looked insanely hot to the redhead. Parking the car, Chloe grabbed her stuff and turned on her camera, focusing on Beca’s frame. 

She skipped the few meters between them and giggled, wrapping her arms around her shoulder but making sure she was capturing the moment. Ever since their first video together, her fans were going ballistic over their relationship even thought, they informed them it was platonic. The fans made up a ship name for them as well, some of them calling them Bhloe which was just weird but Chloe appreciated the pun but her favorite was Bechloe. She liked the sound of that.

“Hey, stranger.” Chloe smiled, squeezing her tightly. Chloe got into a habit of calling Beca stranger after her title vidoe

“Hey, weirdo.” Beca greeted back and circled her arms around her waist, placing her chin on Chloe’s shoulder. This girl waltzed into her life and completely changed it for the better. 

Not trusting herself to not sniff Chloe’s strawberry scented hair, Beca quickly pulled away and a black camera was instantly in her eye of sight. 

“Arg, Chloe, again? You know I don’t like being filmed.” Beca whined but did nothing to shield her face and kept looking at the girl who grinned playfully. 

“Too bad because my - or should I say our fans now loves seeing you.” Chloe purposefully inched closer the device to Beca’s face, laughing when the girl pushed her hand away. “Beca say hi.” 

“Hey.” Beca said awkwardly, switching her gaze between the lenses and Chloe’s eyes. “I still not sure where to look. I feel weird.” 

Chloe smiled sweetly. “Just look at me. You’re fine.” Deep blue orbs met ocean blue ones as Beca already felt calmer. 

“Ar - are you ready for the tour?” Beca asked after a moment of silence and Chloe’s smile returned to its full potential. 

Chloe opened up her door, ushering in Beca first before kicking it close behind her, Bella had the tendency of escaping every opportunity she has to play in the dirt outside. The little puppy barked out loud, waving his tail excitedly and jumping up and down in front of Beca. 

The brunette instantly kneeled down and got attack by Bella, licking every inch of her face she could reach. Chloe smiled fondly at the scene as she quickly grabbed her camera and pointed at the pair. As soon as Beca met Bella, they both fell in love with each other.

“Hey, babyyy...I missed you too. Yeah I did.” Beca cooed uncharacteristically as Chloe circled around them while pouting.

“Hey, I didn’t get this kind of treatment. Didn’t you miss me? I’m jealous.” She asked halfhearted hurt tone slipping into her voice. The album Beca was working on for months fastly approached its deadline so the girl worked her butt off, often not having enough time to spend with the redhead. 

Beca looked up from her place on the floor, hands busy patting the puppy who still hasn’t calmed down. “I saw you a week ago. I haven’t seen her in a month. There’s a difference.” Beca commented before smirking. “Plus she’s way cuter than you.” 

Chloe gasped. “How dare you? You take that back, Beca Mitchell. Now!” 

Beca stuck out her tongue at the redhead. “Sorry can’t do. It’s on camera.” 

“You know I edit my own videos, right? I can make you look like a jerk. Or worse...the sweetest person ever.” Chloe threatened jokingly, camera still recording. 

“No, we can’t have that.” Beca played along and with one final kiss on Bella’s head, stood up. “What can I do to change your mind?” 

Chloe tilted her head, pretending to think before a smile blossomed on her lips. “You can be in my Q&A today. I got a bunch of questions about you.” 

“I still don’t get it, dude.” Beca glanced down at the floor. “Why am I such a big deal to your fans? I’m nothing interesting.” 

Unconsciously, Chloe lowered her camera, an unreadable expression on her features. “I’m really sad you can’t see how amazing you are. But it’s okay because I’ll spend everyday telling it to you.”

“Hello, guys and welcome back to my channel. Today I’m joined by the lovely and talented, Beca Mitchell. Say hi, Beca.” Chloe said cheerfully and shook her head when Beca awkwardly waved before averting her eyes. 

The pair were sitting on Chloe’s couch against the wall while the camera was in front of them set up in a tripod. Chloe had her phone in her hand, while Bella took residents on Beca’s lap, sleeping the day away. 

“You guys sent us some questions on Twitter and we’ll do our best to answer all of them.” Chloe glanced at Beca for assurance. “But we probably can’t because you sent us thousands but we’ll try. Anyway, let’s get started.”

“First question. Where did you guys meet?” Chloe smiled excitedly and looked at Beca. “I’ll let you answer this one.” 

“Why?” Beca asked, adjusting Bella’s foot to not dig into her stomach. 

“Because otherwise you won’t talk and I’ll ramble away like I usually do and then it won’t be a joint Q&A. Plus, they want to get to know you as well as me.” 

Beca rolled her eyes but obliged. “Fine. We met at our park but we didn’t really meet that day. You were talking to your camera like a weirdo -”

“As one does.” 

“- then your crazy fans thought we were dating so you messaged me on Twitter and we met in a coffee shop.” 

“And the rest is history.” Chloe nodded. “That’s right. Good job.” She held out her hand for a high-five and Beca reluctantly give her one. 

“Okay, next question. What’s the dumbest way you injured yourself?” Chloe read the question from her phone. “Tripping over my own feet, probably. You?”

Beca looked down at the floor and blushed. “Falling off a couch?” 

Chloe furrowed her eyebrow. “How can you fall off a couch? Were you drunk?”

“No.” Beca sighed. “From jumping up and down.” 

“Beca, everybody’s done that when they were young.” Chloe said.

“I - I wasn’t a kid.”

“How old were you?” Chloe’s features lit up in amusement as Beca tired to dodge answering the question. 

“That wasn’t the question!” Beca shrieked making a laugh bubble out from Chloe’s mouth. 

“Okay, fine I don’t have to say it. But I’m definitely getting the answer out from you once we’re done.” 

Beca rolled her eyes and ran her fingers through Bella’s smooth fur. “Next question, please?”

“What movie can you watch over and over without ever getting tired of?” Chloe said, turning to the camera. “For me, every disney movie ever. No reason, no preference just put it on and I’m yours.” 

“Wow, you’re easy.” Beca teased earning a hard shove from the redhead before answering the question. “I don’t like movies thus I don’t watch them over and over again.”

Chloe pointedly looked at the camera. “Yeah, guys I know. I didn’t believe at first either but sadly it is really true. I tried to take her out to movies or have girls night a couple of times and each time I couldn’t convince her to watch one movie. One! I was miserable.” 

“Hey!” Beca protested, leaning forward slightly but careful not to disturb the sleeping animal. “What about me? You tried to use your puppy dog eyes on me and it took everything in me not to cave.” She turned to the lenses. “She has like a superpower with her eyes. Once you meet her and she looks at you, you’d be struggling to say no to her.” 

Chloe grinned. “But I only use it for good cause, right?” 

“Well, you use it on me everything time we meet to get what you want so no.” Beca grudged.

Chloe’s face fell slightly. “Okay, you make me sound like a terrible person.” 

Beca’s eyes widened as she snapped her head to the redhead and she realized she went too far with her joke. She softened her features and danced her fingers on Chloe’s knuckles on the couch. “I’m sorry. That’s not true, I’m just being a jerk.” 

“It’s okay.” Chloe replied, sending a gentle smile at Beca. She grinned down at her phone when Beca didn’t pull her hand away. “Okay. Are you ticklish?” 

Beca physically shivered at the words before unconvincingly shook her head. “N-no. Absolutely not.” 

Chloe’s eyes twinkled with revenge as she slowly lowered her phone and watched as Beca’s eyes fill with terror. “I don’t believe you. Prove it.” 

“Ch-Chloe, no...I - I have your dog! You can’t do anything to me when I have your dog on my lap. That’s animal abuse!” Beca’s tone grew fearful seeing the predator gaze directed at her and as a last resort, grabbed Bella around her belly and shielded her body from Chloe’s wondering fingers. 

“Beca.” Chloe’s voice were calm and collected but Beca didn’t buy it for a second. “Put my dog down or else...”

“O-or else what?” 

Chloe didn’t bother saying the threat out loud and instead let out a playful war cry and jumped on the Beca and started tickling her mid-section. The girl let out a loud scream and squirmed violently and accidentally releasing Bella from her hold, the puppy landing on the floor. Now that she didn’t have anything to protect herself, she slid down the couch, pulling Chloe with her. 

The redhead was relentless with her torture, straddling Beca’s waist and trapping the girl underneath her. She grabbed her wrists and pinned them over her head, both of them out of breath and breathing heavily. 

Suddenly the air grew thick with tension as both girls were highly aware of their close proximity but nobody moved a muscle. Beca couldn’t believe Chloe’s eyes could been anymore blue but looking at them now...her breath caught into her throat. Chloe’s chest heaved, flickering her gaze between Beca’s mouth and eyes before leaning down slowly and gently pressing her lips to Beca’s. The brunette responded to the kiss and Chloe finally let herself smile. 

Pulling away, Beca buried her face into Chloe’s shoulder and murmured. “I can’t believe we kissed for the first time on camera.” 

Chloe laughed carefully and let Beca’s wrist go, wrapping her arms around her. 

“Don’t worry, I’ll edit it out. Our first kiss should be ours.”

[beckytext]

Okay, so we’re doing this.

The Mary Sue discussion is happening on Twitter again. I don’t know what set it off (this was the first tweet I saw about it; here is my own thread). The points I have made in short are:

1: I think it’s a good thing that teenage girls are imagining stories where they are the awesome center of action;

2: I don’t care if the quality of those stories is bad, because most of the people writing them are still learning to write, and anyway, bad stories on the internet hurt no one;

3: “Mary Sue” is a super gendered, sexist insult that has nothing to do with actually critiquing characters and is instead a way of policing teenage girls, women, and the characters they write.

So to get into it a bit, here is the story of How I Realized Mary Sue Critiques Are Total Bullshit. 

So some history: when I was in sixth grade, Sailor Moon aired in the US for the first time. Needless to say, I loved it, and it had an enormous impact on me. A couple of years later -- somewhere around 1997, seventh or eighth grade -- my family got AOL. Somehow, early on, I stumbled onto the Cartoon Network message boards and discovered other people who loved Sailor Moon, and from there, found mailing lists of yet more likeminded fans. One of those mailing lists held a Sailor Moon fanfiction contest.

(Hey, this got long, so the rest of it is -- as we used to say in the LJ Days of Yore -- behind the cut.)

The thing was, I’d been writing fanfiction in my head for as long as I could remember -- but I didn’t know that was the kind of thing that people actually wrote down. So I did, and my terrible story got an honorable mention, and I was hooked. I spent the next few years of my life living in fandom, creating OCs and spinning epic stories and making friends with other people who did the same. It was awesome.

But the one cloud that hung over it was this attitude I kept running into that all original Sailor Scout characters were Mary Sues -- especially if they were Sailor Earth characters (which, uh, mine was). And not one but several communities sprang up to mock those characters. The characters were written by earnest girls like me, who wanted to be part of the show we loved, to have fun imagining ourselves that way, and to share those stories with other people who were also having fun that way.

Those communities were... well, terrifying. Some mocked line by line, MST3K style; some linked to character profiles with mean commentary. Sometimes they were clever! But mostly they were just kind of nasty. And they all came with lists of rules about what did or didn’t make for Mary Sues. You were never allowed to have a character who was: too powerful, too confident, had a weird hair color (even though canon characters had blue and green hair?!), was named after you, used Earth powers, used star powers, was best friends with any characters on the show, was romantically linked to any characters from the show, could sing well or was otherwise talented, was too clumsy, was too smart, etc, etc, etc. And oh yeah, She Had To Be Flawed.

Viewed in a charitable light, I can understand it. The basic gist of “these are cliches, avoid them” is not a terrible thing. But I was 13, 14, 15 and just starting to share my writing, and that advice was not shared in empathetic ways, and there was not yet much backlash advice of “actually, most writing advice is bullshit, do what you want.” (Which I think we do see more of now, which is a good thing.) I took it seriously. So did my friends. So yes, we worried a lot about Doing It Wrong, which meant that instead of being able to go wild with our imaginations and write the stories that delighted us, we were shrinking into what was acceptable. Trying to write within parameters that other people had set for us, trying not to cross any boundaries into what was Bad and Mockable, treating someone’s kind of mean rules as gospel. (There were literal quizzes you could take, with ticky boxes, to test if your character was a Mary Sue -- score too high on it and you’d better Give Her Some Flaws!)

Okay, so, fast forward a couple of years. One of the best things fandom gave me was contact with other writers my own age, who, like me, were writing both fanfic and original fiction, who had daydreams of being published someday. We shared those stories, too. And because we were young and just learning (hey, did you know it’s okay to be just learning how to do something?!) a lot of them were pretty bad. But we supported each other, and that was the first taste I had of other people reading and enjoying my writing. It was awesome.

But the scourge of Mary Sue Mocking had spread. It wasn’t ever really just Sailor Moon fandom, but the who idea had expanded. Every fandom had its own variety of Mary Sue test, and yes, people began looking at original fiction as well. (And this was well before the days of “Batman is Mary Sue!” counter arguments. Is it clear yet that I am an Old?)

So I’d known for awhile that I felt kind of ooky about the Mary Sue mockery. I’d grown out of Sailor Moon fandom, and into and out of a few others, all of which had their own patterns of Mary Sues (and mockery there of). I was just... increasingly uncomfortable with it. And then one day I ran across another litmus test of the ticky box variety. It was for characters in original fiction.

I thought about my sprawling fantasy epic, the one I’d been sharing online for a few years, the one I had a few friends who’d drawn art for. The one with pretty half-angel boys and angry warrior girls. The one I’d been pouring my heart and soul into. 

Nervously, I took the quiz.

Hooooo boy, was my awesome female OC a Mary Sue. (I just did some googling; I’m not positive but I think this may have been the one I took.) Here are some examples of questions my character “failed” by answering yes:

5. Is your character a teenager?

6. Does your character have a tragic past?

17. Is your character the sole surviving member of some great tragedy, genocide, or the last of a house or species?

23. Was your character adopted, orphaned, a runaway, stolen at birth or in any other way raised by someone who is not the character's own parents.

31. Is your character any sort of nobility or royalty?

33. Does your character have strangely coloured hair, or hair that changes throughout the story? 

35. Are there prophesies about your character? And okay, I’m not going to claim my teenage fantasy epic was a brilliant feat of characterization. I wrote it from roughly ages 16-20; it was a mess. But it wasn’t a mess because my protagonist had survived a massacre of her home as a child and was raised by her grandfather, and also turned out to secretly be a long-lost princess. It was a mess because, you know, I was still learning to write.

And all of those things I ticked off on the quiz? They were staples of the fantasy genre. Because I was writing a fantasy story. And the character ticked off all those boxes because she was the protagonist. It was her story, so of course she was the character of legend; of course she was the survivor of tragedy; of course she was the long-lost princess. The story wasn’t warped around her to make her super special. The story was built around her, because protagonists are supposed to be super special. 

(Yes, even “everyman” protagonists. I mean, which is more reality warping -- the idea that a character who survived a tragedy and was raised to be a warrior ended up leading armies against the oppressors who’d murdered her parents, or the idea that a bland normal dude is going to suddenly fall in with a group where everyone else is super special and unlock his own super special powers that eventually let him save the day? H I N T: he can only do that because he’s also super special, no matter how bland he is. /tangent)

In short (ha, too late!), what it came down to was this: I realized that stories of all kinds revolve around their protagonists. That is, actually, good writing --  no one wants to read a story without decent characters. And if that makes the protagonist special, well, yeah. That’s kind of how stories work. And if the protagonist is a girl, people are going to call her a Mary Sue and hate her for some reason. (H I N T: misogyny.)

So at that point I decided, fuck it, if that’s a Mary Sue, then I’ll read and write Mary Sues to my heart’s content, and defend the rights of everyone else to do the same. Because while I was driven by spite to keep writing, it could easily have gone another way, and gotten me to stop all together. I saw that happen to a lot of my fannish friends back in the day, and that really sucks. Again: learning to write is a process. Being mean to people who are beginners doesn’t actually help most of them, it’s just discouraging.

Bad writing -- at least, when we’re talking about “bad because Amethyst Orbs” and not “bad because Racist Caricature” for example -- doesn’t hurt anyone. Writing is a skill; like any other, it takes practice to get better.

And you can get better if you keep working at it. How do I know?

*points to Bound by Blood and Sand, AKA the fulfillment of my teenage daydream, AKA a book about a teenage girl who is definitely the most special person in her world, AKA a book I freaking wrote that’s published by freaking Random House*

Just sayin’.

Spite is a great motivator. Write the story you want, teenage girls, and fuck anyone who doesn’t like it.

[theforgottenyrealms]

Sessions 12 and 13

12

The party had a long meeting for discussing their options going forward and identifying and distributing their new handful of magic items. Ketta’s priority was getting back to Baldur’s Gate to keep up her undercover role among the Zhentarim and to inform her true boss, Duchess Serena Cinders of the Council of Four, what had been going on. Soulmender wanted to return as well in order to tell Lady Sashenstar about her dead son.

Ishtani also told the others that she knew where the orb of entropy might be. She had guessed it was Candlekeep, based on the clue she found. But she was reluctant to divulge the info yet because she knew Ketta would relay that to the Council of Four. Ishtani was unsure if they could be trusted.

They all returned to the laboratory and activated the portal, which led, as suspected, back to the small office beneath the Armanci estate. Upon arriving at the library upstairs, they encountered a pretty elven woman who claimed to be Thiala, the Zhentarim agent who had been the mistress of Vincent Armanci for a time. It turned out she had been keeping control of the estate while the Zhents were using it to fix the portal downstairs and get inside the Varcona sanctum. She kept Lady Ryla drugged to make it seem like she was ill, and dismissed all the other servants. Thiala did not seem very intelligent and was impatient to pass along a message from Moritz to Ketta: he needed to see her that evening at the Blushing Mermaid tavern. They asked if she had seen Baldwin, and Thiala said yes, that he had rushed through earlier that day looking very wounded. He hadn’t stopped to speak to her and no one has explained what’s going on. Her job done, Thiala said she was leaving town, since the Watch was looking for her.

The group split up, with Ketta and Neda going off to the meeting with Moritz. Soulmender and Ezra briefly checked in on Lady Ryla to make sure she was alive. She was, and appeared deeply asleep and not likely to wake for several hours. Ishtani and Miri searched the library, and Ishtani found a book with information about Candlekeep. She learned that the fortress is protected by powerful wards, and it’s very difficult to gain entry. Usually a valuable donation of a rare book, worth at least 1000 gold, was required. Or special permission from a person of influence, like a monarch or a renown sage or wizard. Miri found a book about wyverns and how to raise and care for a wyvern hatchling.

Soulmender, Ezra, Nemeia and Miri headed to the Helm and Cloak tavern, intending to find Alex Portyr, the young nobleman who had first told them about the missing Dabron Sashenstar. Ishtani went shopping to pick up some needed gear.

Ketta stopped by the Three Old Kegs tavern, where she left a note in loose brick meant to inform the Council that she had information to tell. Since it was still the afternoon, Ketta and Neda decided to go visit the Basilisk Gate to see if the guards Ketta had bribed for information a few days ago were around. They were, and Warren Waters was in a bad mood, so he was reluctant to talk to her. Finally persuaded, he said he had heard something about a “Reodicris” recently. A strange old man who wore a tall, pointy hat, and who called himself Mr. Bilger, had arrived in town the other day. He wouldn’t shut up about the “magnificent Reodicris” he’d seen flying above the Cloudpeak Mountains. Mr. Bilger left the city again yesterday morning, and Warren didn’t know where he’d gone.

The news about Reodicris was very exciting to Neda, and she was eager to go to the Cloudpeaks as soon as their other business was concluded. When Ketta asked for more details about Reodicris, Neda didn’t want to reveal anything else.

At the Helm and Cloak, Soulmender, Ezra, Nemeia and Miri made a big, noisy entrance, startling most of the upper crust patrons and embarrassing Alex, who was day drinking at the bar. He was despondent upon hearing of Dabron’s fate, and nervous about having to go tell Dabron’s mother. They had several drinks and offered to accompany him to the Sashenstar residence, which Alex accepted. Lady Aurelia Sashenstar was happy to see Alex and a little confused by his odd new friends but willing to accept them. She was in a bad state already with her son being missing for so long, and the news of his death was not surprising to her but still hard to hear. They did their best to comfort her and in gratitude she gave them a gift, a wand of detect magic that she had intended to give to Dabron.

The group, already tipsy, had some more wine at the Sashenstar house. By the time they left they were quite drunk and not making great decisions. They went back to the Helm and Cloak, to the dismay of the fancy bartender there, and drank some more. Alex decided they were his new best friends and wanted to go and have a bar fight in the rougher part of town. He’d heard fights happened all the time in the Elfsong tavern and they all went there (Ezra carrying Soulmender after she passed out).

As evening fell, Ketta and Neda went to the Blushing Mermaid, a very ramshackle looking bar frequented by sailors and other rough crowds. Ishtani had gone there too and perched on a nearby roof to watch the comings and goings. Neda went invisible to be a secret observer of the meeting, sticking close to Ketta’s legs so that the rowdy patrons of the tavern wouldn’t bump into her.

Moritz was in a rented room upstairs and pacing agitatedly when Ketta found him. He said Minetta, one of the lieutenants to the Pereghost (the current leader of the Zhentarim), was on her way. This was very bad news to him – it meant the Pereghost and upper leadership were alarmed by what Moritz had told them about Baldwin and the orb of entropy.

Minetta arrived shortly afterwards. She was a half-elf with a severe expression, a scar across her face, and dark, cropped hair. She was accompanied by two hooded and cloak bodyguards, a half-orc and a human woman, who stood guard in the hallway outside while Minetta talked.

Minetta was a very serious and intimidating woman and explained that the Pereghost was very displeased to hear that Baldwin had both betrayed the Zhentarim and was looking for the orb of entropy, something the Pereghost apparently knew about. However, Moritz and Ketta were not being blamed. Minetta admitted that the Zhentarim leadership took some of the blame for this situation by not vetting Baldwin properly. They’ve been hard up for new recruits in recent years, especially after that thing with the Lords’ Alliance ten years ago, so when a talented magic user came along and volunteered to join them they accepted him without too may questions. It turns out they really knew nothing much at all about Baldwin Morecote, not even where he came from except that he had a vaguely Athkatlan accent, meaning he could come have originated in the nation of Amn.

According to Minetta, the Pereghost had no interest in the orb of entropy and was more concerned with preventing Baldwin from getting it. The artifact is apparently quite dangerous, and the Pereghost fears that if Baldwin acquires it and uses it, it will be quite destructive and noticeable and the Zhentarim will be blamed by all the other great powers of the Sword Coast. Baldwin must be captured and brought to him – and if that’s not possible he should be killed.

Ketta asked Minetta about what the orb of entropy does. Minetta said that the Pereghost hadn’t told her everything and that it was a need-to-know thing, but she was persuaded to tell Ketta that the orb has some history or connection with the ancient empire of Netheril. As a bard Ketta was very familiar with the history of Netheril. It was powerful nation of spellcasters, known for its great flying cities. It had been destroyed two thousand years ago, when one of its greatest wizards, Karsus, had tried to take over the magical Weave and make himself a god. This act disrupted the existence of magic for a few crucial seconds, causing all the flying cities to crash to the ground. All that’s left of Netheril today is a desert wasteland to the northeast. One of those cities, Thultanthar, had managed to survive the fall, by being planeshifted into the shadowfell plane before Karsus’ Folly. It had returned more than a century ago, fully corrupted by the shadowfell. The “shadovar” of that city had tried to reestablish a new Netheril in the decades after, until they gradually became a threat to their neighbors. In 1487, about 5 years earlier, it too had been destroyed in a great magical battle and also crashed to the ground.  

Having given them their new orders to find and capture or kill Baldwin, Minetta departed, saying she was headed to Amn and the city of Athkatla to search for new leads about Baldwin’s past. Ketta and Neda left the Blushing Mermaid and headed for the Elfsong tavern, hoping the others might be there since it was the inn they had stayed at last time they werein Baldur’s Gate.

Ezra, Soulmender, Nemeia and Miri reached the Elfsong where they spotted Kril hiding in the alleyway. Alex went immediately inside so Nemeia followed him. A bar fight was indeed underway inside the tavern. Several adventuring looking types were pummeling each other, surrounded by a crowd of cheering onlookers. Alex immediately dove in, trying to tackle a dwarf. He missed and fell flat on his face, having passed out drunk. Nemeia went to the bar to tell Alyth, the owner, that the nephew of Grand Duke Portyr was unconscious on her floor. Alyth sighed and had her people collect him and put him in a room upstairs to sleep it off. Nemeia convinced the bartender that Alex, her best friend, wanted to open a tab for her. She continued drinking, and made quick friends with a group of adventurers seated at a booth table.

The others went to Kril, who they discovered was crying. He was relieved to see them, having not been sure if they would come back. He also revealed that he had found a group of darkling elders in the city, living in the sewers near the Undercellar. They knew how to do the ritual to make an elder, but they were refusing to do it for him. He wasn’t “cool enough” to join their squad. Kril wanted to know if they could help him convince the elders to change their minds.  

13

Ketta and Neda arrived at the Elfsong, followed by Ishtani, just as Soulmender, Ezra and Miri were going inside with Kril (hidden in Soulmender’s bag). They socialized in the tavern well into the evening. Soulmender, recently recovered from having passed out, resumed drinking and also made friends with the other adventuring party that Nemeia had met. They consisted of a dwarf (Bluster, a barbarian), a delicate, pixie-looking elf (Quanthra, elf druid) and a human man (Locke, a fighter), and called themselves the Sand Fiends (they’re still working on the name). They were very impressed with the party’s stories about going into the Cloakwood.

The dwarf patted Soulmender on the back at one point, telling her about a secret underground tournament that was coming up in two weeks. It was to take place at the Havoc Pits, an arena run in the Undercellar. Normally there were matches held there between people, but for this tournament apparently, they were bringing in monsters that could be fought for prize money.

Sometime during the evening, a halfling courier arrived to pass a note to Ketta. The halfling, attempting to be stealthy, tripped and fell instead, and after handing over the note quickly ran back out.

The Sand Fiends eventually went upstairs to bed, and soon the party made their way up to Ketta’s room. She told them about what had occurred in the meeting with Moritz. Ketta’s theory was that the orb of entropy might have very destructive capabilities, the kind of power that could topple cities. With no other leads besides its potential origin in Netheril, Ketta thought it might be hidden somewhere in the ruins of Netheril, northeast. And that’s perhaps where Baldwin has gone.

Ishtani spoke up, revealing that the orrery had divined that the orb was in Candlekeep, possibly, and that it was a place not easy to gain access too. She admitted they might need help from Ketta’s Council to get inside. Ketta said she was going to meet with Duchess Serena Cinders tomorrow sometime, and she was inviting them all to join her.

The following morning at breakfast downstairs, Kril crawled out of Soulmender’s bag, expressing dismay that the group might be leaving Baldur’s Gate again so soon. They said it might not be for a couple of days, and there was still time to help him with the darkling elders. When asked if there was anything they could do to make them change their minds about Kril, he explained that they had given him an impossible task. He had to kill a terrifying creature that lived in the sewers. It had been bothering them for a few weeks and they wanted to be rid of it. Kril was convinced that they were just sending him to be eaten by the monster. Soulmender calmed Kril and said they would figure out how to kill the beast in a way that made it look like Kril had helped, at least.

The familiar traveling saleswoman, Irva Graytrails, walked in to the Elfsong. She was speaking to her invisible, silent companion, Ernest, and eager for a quick cup of coffee before heading back on the road. The party was thrilled to see her and ready to spend their newly acquired money on her interesting wares. They bought up most of her stock, including an ‘alchemical chicken’. The purple feathered, blue-eyed chicken apparently laid a different kind of magical egg daily. Soulmender paid for the chicken herself and named it Beatrice. It laid a black egg, which Soulmender bit into, causing the darkness spell to be cast on her instantly.

Ketta’s meeting with Duchess Cinders was set for noon, so they spent the morning shopping. Soulmender purchased treats for Beatrice and horse treats. Ketta, Ishtani and Miri bought some better armor at the Dancing Axe store.

At lunchtime they headed to the Three Old Kegs, a very rustic, cozy tavern with a light crowd of patrons inside reading books and enjoying tea. They went to a private dining room in the back, and shortly Serena Cinders and her gnome assistant, Orryn, arrived. Serena was a tall, stately human woman, wearing a mixture of fine clothes and plate armor. She had short, grey hair, a strong jawline, and carried a greatsword at her waist. Orryn was a friendly looking wizardly type, with a long white beard and a bald head.

Serena said she was relieved to see Ketta alive and well, as it had been some time since she’d last heard from her. Ketta explained everything that had been going on with Baldwin and the Zhentarim, including their lead that the orb of entropy was in Candlekeep. Serena and Orryn took in the news gravely. They hadn’t heard about what the orb of entropy was, but the Zhentarims’ concern about it made them equally concerned. Orryn needed to do some more research. Serena concluded that because Baldwin was deemed dangerous even to the Zhentarim, and because he was searching for a powerful, potentially deadly artifact, he should be killed. Orryn, a pacifist by nature, expressed dismay at this idea, saying Baldwin hadn’t really done anything that severe yet and didn’t need to be executed. Serena was unmoved, saying Orryn was always reluctant to do what was necessary.

Furthermore, Serena could provide the group with a writ of entry that would allow them to enter Candlekeep. She told them that the current Keeper of the Tomes, Ulraunt, was a difficult man to talk to. They should be careful how they approach him. Her writ of entry would only go so far and wouldn’t grant them comprehensive access to the entire library fortress.

Serena spoke to the rest of the group, expressing gratitude for their assistance to Ketta. This had earned them a favor from her. Serena was willing to pay them 5000 gold as well, if they were to hunt down and destroy Baldwin.

[angelguk]

get to know me tag

RULES: ANSWER THESE 88 QUESTIONS (mae you cant call it 92 when it’s 88) AND TAG 20 PEOPLE (mini rant: why do these thing always request 20 people to tag. i dont even know ten people pls let me breathe) 

tagged by the literal angel @stormae

tagging: @jseokks / @taeyongbelviso / @floral-misfortune / @angelikidel99 / and who ever wants to do this

THE LAST:

1. DRINK: bitter af lemon tea

2. PHONE CALL: My friend Wanjiru

3. TEXT MESSAGE: there’s no school you think i’ll be outchea at 8

4. SONG YOU LISTENED TO: Don’t Know You by Heize ( i love talent)

5. THE TIME YOU CRIED: like last week wednesday. some shit happened

HAVE YOU:

6. DATED SOMEONE TWICE: nope

7. KISSED SOMEONE AND REGRETTED IT: nope

8. BEEN CHEATED ON: everything here is going to be a no

9. LOST SOMEONE SPECIAL: ??? I don’t know

10. BEEN DEPRESSED: yes

11. GOTTEN DRUNK AND THROWN UP: no nope never i don’t leave the house

TOP 3 FAVORITE COLORS

12. lilac

13. rose gold

14. dusty pink (or millennial pink if you must)

IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU:

15. MADE NEW FRIENDS: I have which is a YAY

16. FALLEN OUT OF LOVE: yep

17. LAUGHED UNTIL YOU CRIED: All my friends are leaving/ moving to different schools because we finished year 11 now so yes I have. I’ve made so much memories with those uglies I’m going to miss them

18. FOUND OUT SOMEONE WAS TALKING ABOUT YOU: nah

19. MET SOMEONE WHO CHANGED YOU: ? I’ve been cooped up in my house so no I guess

20. FOUND OUT WHO YOUR FRIENDS ARE: lmao that was last year and that whole scenario was a mess

21. KISSED SOMEONE ON YOUR FACEBOOK LIST: no

GENERAL

22. HOW MANY OF YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS DO YOU KNOW IN REAL LIFE: all of them I don’t add people I don’t know

23. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS: I had pets!!! Two dogs but we left them in South Africa and two cats but they both passed away :(((

24. DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR NAME: yes (my real name is wack hhh)

25. WHAT DID YOU DO FOR YOU LAST BIRTHDAY: had a lunch/ dinner thing with my family

26. WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP: eight o’ clock 

27. WHAT WERE YOU DOING AT MIDNIGHT LAST NIGHT: finding out tea/gossip i love having late night calls which involve drama

28. NAME SOMETHING YOU CAN’T WAIT FOR: my fucking results for IGCSES 

29. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR MOM: this morning before she left for work

30. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH YOU COULD CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE: my motivation because i’m lazy af and i would love the ability to interact with other people without wanting to literally combust into fucking flames

31. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW: High by Jida

32. HAVE YOU EVER TALKED TO A PERSON NAMED TOM: i have actually never talked to a Tom. there’s no Toms in Africa

33. SOMETHING THAT IS GETTING ON YOUR NERVES: personal stuff about my family

LOST QUESTIONS

34. MOLE(S): i have one on my left ear lobe, one on my chin on the right of my face, another on my hip and one on my right wrist

35. MARK(S): none

36. CHILDHOOD DREAM: ironically it was to be a writer, my parents were really busy while i was growing up so i learnt to read so i could amuse myself. i started writing at 8 i think on my dad’s laptop and he was like “wowww!!!1!! that’s so good!” (it was a piece of shit i couldn’t form actual sentences) so yeah there’s that

37. HAIR COLOR: black as midnight (this is how i was writing in the above ^^ story like i introduced a character with the line: her skin was as white as snow)

38. LONG OR SHORT HAIR: short and i might go shorter because i want to big chop it

39. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON SOMEONE: *laughs* what’s a crush

40. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF: i’m pretty straight forward (sometimes insensitive i know bUT i can’t be everything pls) so i don’t really lie, when i put effort into something i really do do my absolute best, my work ethic (when im not a lazy bitch)

41. PIERCINGS: just the normal ear ring piercing but i want a double helix and an industrial 

42. BLOODTYPE: i really dont know?? not even my mom knows

43. NICKNAME(S): fish (dont ask), fetoes (dont ask), feth (dont ask)

44. RELATIONSHIP STATUS: IM SINGLE AND FREEE

45. ZODIAC: aquarius (i think im more superior to all the other signs and yes im correct aquarians are the best dont @ me)

46. PRONOUNS: she/her

47. FAVORITE TV SHOW: SKAM SKAM SKAM SKAM IM CRYING WHY DID THAT SHOW HAVE TO END I LOWKEY HATE JULIA IM SAD I LOVE SKAM. also skins but i don’t like it as much as skam the only good character is tony and that’s because he’s wild af also effy buts she’s too edgy for me 

48. TATTOOS: i have like 3 planned for when i bounce outta my parents house

49. RIGHT OR LEFT HAND: right

50. SURGERY: i have all my bones and organs in perfect condition thanks

51. HAIR DYED A DIFFERENT COLOR: nope

52. SPORT: tennis

53. VACATION: The one time my parents drove us to Durban for a family holiday!! tHE BEST!! i love sharks and beaches. but most of the time we just came back to kenya because my entire family is here. we haven’t gone on a overseas vacation in a while because my parents wanted to show us the wonders of kenyan tourist attractions (masai mara is really awesome i really saw a lion full up and zebras are gorgeous in real life like them stripes and they are thicc af) 

54. PAIR OF TRAINERS: nike 

MORE GENERAL

55. EATING: haven’t eaten since i woke up probably won’t eat until noon

56. DRINKING: bitter lemon tea

57. I’M ABOUT TO: finish writing a fic i hope i can put up soon. let’s see if my lazy ass cooperates 

58. WAITING FOR: RESULTS CAMBRIDGE GIVE ME MY RESULTS

59. WANT: to rewatch skam so i can cry again 

60. GET MARRIED: actually no. i was with my new baby cousins the other day and i realized marriage and kids are just not for me

61. CAREER: i want to be a forensic psychologist but i might skip that and do something with international relations so i can work with the UN. 

 62. HUGS OR KISSES: HUGS (i have this need to constantly hug everyone i know all the damn time because my nursery teacher Jennifer - a truly wonderful woman i still love her to this day - used to hug me all the damn time and it was one of those tight squeezing hugs. by the all the damn time i mean 24/7)

63. LIPS OR EYES: eyes

64. SHORTER OR TALLER: taller (IM SHORT AND I LOVE BEING PICKED UP HHH)

65. OLDER OR YOUNGER: older. talking to people younger than me makes me feel like i have to be responsible example or some shit 

66. NICE ARMS OR NICE STOMACH: both tbh

67. SENSITIVE OR LOUD: loud people because i am quiet and reserved so yeah

68. HOOK UP OR RELATIONSHIP: relationship

69. TROUBLEMAKER OR HESITANT: troublemakers i’m a true stick to the rules person so i need to be shaken up every once in a while

HAVE YOUR EVER:

70. KISSED A STRANGER: nope

71. DRANK HARD LIQUOR: nope

72. LOST GLASSES/CONTACT LENSES: nope

73. TURNED SOMEONE DOWN: yes

74. SEX ON THE FIRST DATE: noo

75. BROKEN SOMEONE’S HEART: nope (may be idk sometimes i say shit i really shouldn’t)

76. HAD YOUR HEART BROKEN: depends

77. BEEN ARRESTED: nope

78. CRIED WHEN SOMEONE DIED: non

79. FALLEN FOR A FRIEND: nope

(wow look @ my ass i really can’t)

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

80. YOURSELF: *starts laughing really loudly*

81. MIRACLES: i mean miracles? not really? 

82. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: attraction? yes. love? no

83. SANTA CLAUS: i figured out santa wasn’t real when i was four okay

84. KISS ON THE FIRST DATE: yes

85. ANGELS: yes! not really angels but rather spirits but if fucking Michelangelo came down from the heavens and visited me i wouldn’t be surprised (i also believe in demons or evil spirits you can’t think one is real without acknowledging the other) (advice: don’t summon/provoke/fuck with spirits they DON’T CARE and they will HARM YOU) 

86. CURRENT BEST FRIENDS NAME(S): amy, awrad, maryan and wanjeri (i see you looking wanjeri as of now we’re best friends)

OTHER

87. EYECOLOR: my irises are the tone of deep dark mahogany, with swirls of coffee and chestnut dancing within the infinite sea of brown. flickers of gold catch the sunlight within their grasps and make my eyes glow like firelight orbs. (my eyes r fucking brown)

88. FAVORITE MOVIE: Perks of being a Wallflower (i cry every single damn fucking time) Easy A (best chick flick of this generation) Love, Rosie (this damn movie fucked me up i really didn’t expect that) 

[thiccandmentallysicc]

Get to know me:

Tagged by talented/total babe @offansandflames ♡

Rules: answer 92 83 statements (i skipped some boring ones srry), tag whomever you please.

THE LAST. 1. Drink: pabst blue ribbon, yes im white trash 2. Phone call: mom 3. Text message: my bestfriend 4. Song you listened to: keaton henson, to your health 5. Time you cried: erm a lil yesterday but like deep convo tears

HAVE YOU: 6. Dated someone twice?: a relit ciggarette never tastes the same 7. Kissed someone and regretted it?: Not enough to recall at the moment. 8. Been cheated on?: I haven’t taken many partners, so to my knowledge, no? 9. Lost someone special?: Yes 10: Been depressed: :,) 11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: my life from 15-19 tbh, not in the party, neurotypical fashion more along the Wtf Pls exPlain type way or for shits n giggles

LIST THREE FAVORITE COLORS: 12-14. Baby pink and blue, black.

IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU: 15. Made new friends?:Yes if online counts? Very beautiful and enchanting spirits who i already love 16. Fallen out of love?: never do if its real, cuz im a romantic//also think u always care a little for those you really loved 17. Laughed until you cried?: yesterday actually like rllllly good because my girl dropped her entire jug of wine right before opening it. The universe flicked us off dirty. 18. Found out someone was talking about you?: Yeah, some good, some bad, some wild. Idk. 19. Met someone who changed you?: Yes some beautifully, made me fonder, some not so lovely but thats ok (try to make it ok) 20. Found out who your friends are?: I have fucking one bestfriend who i hold to that certain standard shes my lover/ soul mate and weve been through a fucking ride n shes still my number one. If others let me down i find ways to make it bittersweet. 21. Kissed someone on your Facebook list?: yus GENERAL 22. How many Facebook friends do you know in real life?: Idk some r family and people from all the schools i went to. I dont care for facebook much. 23. Do you have any pets?: one black, perfect cat with lil rays of auburn going down her back, i named her clementine. Also 4 dumb n rlly cute dogs live with me. I like one a lot, Luna, shes my princess. (Yes i admit favorites idgaf/ she also knows she’s my fav n takes advantage) 24. Do you want to change your name?: mydad originally wanted to name me Xena (after xena princess warrior) whom i developed an intense crush on later. 25. What did you do for you last birthday?: yo lol i dont know i turned 22 i just had drinks and smoked with my bestfriend 26. What time did you wake up?: didnt check, i usually wake up multiple times n go back to sleep If i can 27. What were you doing midnight last night?: either in my gfs car or just getting home 28. Name something you can’t wait for?: my classes to start again, mini roadtrip to Gainesville and maybe being able to see my little cousin soon. 29. When was the last time you saw your mom?: lik e 2 seconds ago. 30. What is one thing you wish you could change in your life?: sjdufjekwns 31. What are you listening to right now?: Keaton Henson 32. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom?: lol nah not that i remember 33. Something that’s getting on your nerves?: the state of the Union, how 2 get my smol dogs to stop barking, why do ppl have to live w abusers and when will my witch powers allow me to cast them off into The Void, my general discomfort n lack of motivation. To casually name a few ,, 34. Most visited website?: ao3, Tumblr RANDOM SHIT: 35. Mole/s?: lol?? Moles can b cute, i have a few. 36. Mark/s?: plenty, one in particular tho i have on my upper forehead not like harry potter sttle unfortunately, its all hidden near my scalp 37. Childhood dream?: i always wanted to do something that would let me swim with humpback whales in natural habitat ofcourse or track the lives n rituals of wolves and then i was like mayb ill just be aschool counsler, all of which i still kinda wana do. 38. Hair color?: blonde 39. Long or Short hair?: i have medium length hair but i like both 40. Do you have a crush on someone?: I literally always have a crush on someone, idk crushes to me means you make me happy and blushy and if you make me laugh, i crush. 41. What do you like about yourself?: i could say i like how i am when im with someone i love. N that some ppl are able to confide in me, id say my empathy but idk i can be a fuckface too. 42. Piercings?: tongue I got snakebites, industrial, bellybutton, reg ol ear piercings too. 43. Bloodtype?: i dont know o.O 44. Nickname?: cookie monster when i was younger, lali, lion, coocoomanga(my dad) renren, rin, my mom says lil shit endearingly and i got the habit. 45. Relationship status?: basically married 46. Zodiac sign?: Aries 47. Pronouns?: She/they 48. Favorite t.v show?: i binge and am not ashamed, supernatural, classic spongebob, south park, parks n rec, modern fam, a haunting, me and my mom watch ancient aliens 2gether , Steven Universe, Adventure Time, the fucking x files, malcolminthemiddle, etc, my animes as well are all shoved in here in my heart. Naruto/free/haikyuu/oourans host club/ HxH etc 49. Tattos: 5 and one on the way, matching one with my love 50. Right or left hand: Righty most def 51. Surgery?: luckily no 52. Hair dyed in different colors?: I maintain the blonde i had at like six, its naturally dirty brownish? At one point i dyed it platinum tho 53. Sport?: In my anime MORE GENERAL 54. I’m about to?: Finish some arts and crafts for some letters im making (: and then a smol walk 55. Waiting for?: some inspo, 56. Get married?: its not very important to me. But if my partner became passionate about it i would be rite there w em 57. Career?: I’m majoring in psychology/minor in education WHICH IS BETTER? 58. Hugs or kisses?: depends on who but I’m a sap for both 59. Lips or eyes?: Eyes, give me them soulful orbs 60. Shorter or taller?: no preference 61. Older or younger?: You can be a shithead at any age, so no preference. 62. Nice arms or nice stomach?: eh,, not sure to be honest. I love hands and forearms, so i suppose arms? 63. Sensitive or loud?: u gotta be both at least every now and then. Either extreme will be bothersome though 64. Hook up or relationship?: eh past experiences make hook ups generally uncomfortable n left me feeling ace/aceromantic for a good portion of my teen yrs but im not impartial 65. Troublemaker or hesitant: ive calmed down but im not hesitant unless my gut says so HAVE YOU EVER? 66. Kissed a stranger?: yes 67. Drank hard liquor?: yes 68. Lost glasses/contacts?: glasses, yes. 69. Turned someone down?: as a chick in miami ¿¿¿ of fucking course 70. Sex on the first date?: lol yes 71. Broken someone’s heart?: seems dramatic i dont feel like i have sincerely done that, just hurt them. 72. Had your heart broken?: In a way mostly by close friends / family 73. Been arrested?: when i was 15 for dumb shit like trespassing 74. Cried when someone died?: yes 75. Fallen for a friend?: i crush on all my friends because i love alot DO YOU BELIEVE IN: 76. Yourself?: Yes because Rock Lee would want me to 77. Miracles?: i think miracles are a byproduct of a fucking amazing universe. 78. Love at first sight?: i think of it as a magnetic pull n interest not love 79. Santa Clause?: i fucking love christmas, idgaf 80. Kiss on the first date?: yup OTHER 81. Current bestfriend?: @mariekankerr 7 years n countin babe 82. Eyecolor?: blue 83. Favorite Movie?: Lilo and Stitch, Pulp Fiction, The Iron Giant, A Fish Called Wanda, Murder By Death, Knights of the Round Table, mel brooks in general, The Changeling (bt like the oroginal one not w Angelina jolie it came out in like the 90s?) Spirited Away, Clue, Hot Chicks, A Bronx Tale I tag: @shamelesssasukestan @hotmessmuffin @narutoandsasukearecanon and i suck at this so just go for it and tag me so i can lurk on u