#it’s set like a century after S&B

[marvelmusing]

Why can I write 6.5K words of a Darklina x Reader AU (which I still haven’t finished) and that gives me joy, but when I write maybe fifty words of my dissertation it’s not enough and I want to cry?

[fatale-distraction]

If Barcus were an Origin companion/just a companion do you think he'd have any special interactions with any of the other companions?

Okay this one got the fuck away from me so I might have to do a series?????? Idk, let’s see how I feel this weekend.

For the time being, I hope this will suffice! Here’s how the companions would interact with Barcus after certain Act 3 events! (Minus Minthara, because I feel like he is probably so terrified of her that he’s just deadass faint if she acknowledged his existence.)

The companions offering to beat up Wulbren:

Gale: I could always set him on fire...?

B: No, that's alright.

G: Poison his food?

B: No.

G: Freeze his undergarments to his arse?

B: Really, it's—...Actually... ~

Astarion: I'd offer to exsanguinate him, but he probably tastes awful.

Barcus: I…appreciate the sentiment. I think.

Astarion: You’re QUITE welcome. Of course, turning him inside out might also be fun…

B: Please don’t turn ANYBODY inside out.

A: Even Wulbren?

B: Even Wulbren.

A: TSK. You’re no fun at ALL.

~

Shart: ...I know how to make people disappear. Just say the word, and Wulbren will find himself in Shar's embrace.

B: ...Are you a cleric or an assassin...?

S: Don’t worry about it. Just blink twice for yes.

B: No.

~

Lae’zel: Have you decided on a punishment for Wulbren?

B: A what???

Lae’zel: He has betrayed and insulted you. Such behavior must not be tolerated. Might I suggest a beheading?

B: N-no!! I don’t want him DEAD!

Lae’zel: ….A beating, then?

~

Wyll: I understand things are over between you and Wulbren? I am sorry to hear it. I had hoped for a better outcome for you.

B: It’s…well, not alright, but…I appreciate it. Thank you, Wyll.

Wyll: And should you ever feel the need to take Lae’zel up on her offer…well, The Blade stands ready.

B: not you, too…

~

Karlach: so…you’re SURE you don’t want me to punt him into the next century?

B: Quite sure.

Karlach: …damn. That would’ve been fun. Let me know if you change your mind. I’ve got a wicked good leg.

B: I don’t doubt it at all. Thank you, Karlach.

~

Halsin:

Barcus:

H:

B: Please don’t offer to turn into a bear and eat Wulbren.

H: I wasn’t going to.

B: oh…well. Thank goodness for that.

H: -was absolutely going to-

~

Jaheira: I understand you probably don’t want to talk about Wulbren.

B: -SIGHS-

Jaheira: All I’m saying is that there have been some truly absurd suggestions being made.

B: Thank the stones. I completely agree, Jaheira, thank you for being so—

J: Obviously the best punishment would be to lash him to a windmill. It’s only fair that he should suffer as you once did!

B: -SIIIIIIIIIIGHS-

~

Minsc: Boo would like to offer his services in the getting of revenge upon Wulbren.

B: No. I already have everyone else offering, I don’t need help from a hamster.

M: Are you sure? He has suggested that the most suitable punishment would be to have a teeny tiny hole chewed in the toe of all of his left socks.

B: It’s not nece—actually…That’s not half bad. Of course the most sensible suggestion in this group of weirdos came from the hamster…

[aleksanderscult]

What kind of "Alina" did Aleksander want?

I've seen so many different people in this fandom give their own opinion about how did the Darkling wanted Alina to be.

Did he wanted her meek, weak and obedient?

Did he wanted her strong and powerful?

So I took the liberty of creating this post to analyze this issue through his own words, thoughts and actions.

I know how popular the "Aleksander wanted her submissive by the way he put that collar around her" theory is but it doesn't really stand because:

A) we will never know how things would turn out if Baghra didn't approach Alina that particular night but it actually seems that he wanted to take her with him to the north.

“The key to the Shadow Fold is finally within our grasp, and right now, I should be in the war room, hearing their report. I should be planning our trip north. But I’m not, am I?”

He couldn't keep the truth from her forever so at some point of that journey he would definitely spill the beans to her.

B) he forcefully put the collar around her throat because she showed resistance at the worst possible moment. The Darkling had already set the wheels in motion: the King was slowly getting sick and the whole country (and most importantly, their enemies) would know it (so he had to work fast before anybody got any ideas of siege, rebellion or war) and he himself would have to show his true colors and plans. By having Alina slip away and act all dramatically with Mal was a blow to his plan and stomach since not only he had Alina as an enemy now but he fell for her so her rejection hurt him on a personal level.

(that weekend MUST have been the worst of his life)

He didn't want her to take that power unwillingly:

Or steal her powers in a violent manner:

He had little time and little patience. He worked his ass off for centuries and tolerated so much bullshit from the monarchs. He wouldn't allow her to foil his schemes. But it's also interesting how his feelings got in the way too and, therefore, acted impulsively.

But! How did he want her?

Well, the very fact that he grew up around a very strong, powerful and stubborn woman is an answer by itself. Baghra's influence definitely played its part if you look at this from a psychological point of view.

“It seems that most men are after a significant other that will essentially replace their mum.

A recent study by eHarmony has found that 64 percent of men are in a relationship with someone who shares significant personality traits with their mother. Fortunately, it’s totally normal from an evolutionary, psychological standpoint.”

Many studies have shown that plenty of men and women search a partner that resembles their mother and father respectively.

It wouldn't be surprising if Aleksander was the same given how many centuries he spent with his own mother and how much of an influence the latter was to her son in his childhood.

There is an abundant amount of proof in the books that Aleksander wanted Alina to be strong, powerful, to embrace her true self and believed that there was more to her.

He thought of her as someone like him and could see himself in her, no matter how much Alina denied it.

Baghra raised him to value power, so seeing Alina shy away from it is strange and peculiar to him. She has the chance to change everything and she seeks things that are beneath her. Aleksander can't fathom that because he doesn't believe that she's meant for something as simple and pathetic as this.

He chastises her for the choices she makes and the wishes she has. She was destined to shine and be seen and here we are watching a girl trying to hide her potential.

If Aleksander wanted her submissive he would be glad to see her state in the beginning of S&S. She's weak, right? So a perfect victim to have that can't fight him back. But, in fact, he's furious, disappointed and unsurprised with her state.

Aleksander never wanted her meek or weak. He even admired her stubborness:

(there is a sense of admiration and annoyance here)

BUT he never wanted that stubborness and ferocity to be directed against him:

He even thought of her better than the men that surrounded her and believed that they couldn't measure up to her power:

The aftermath of their battle in the chapel is extremely interesting because we see the Darkling showing a genuine admiration for her powers and how quickly she (sort of) mastered them:

It also seemed that he showed understanding for the fact that she wanted to keep her freedom. Now that was a very good reason to fight him in his eyes. Since the Darkling himself believed in freedom and fought for it.

And, of course, he offered her a throne at his side. He didn't mind sharing power as long as she wasn't an obstacle to his plans.

He strongly believed in equality between them and according to the author he envisioned a future with her:

In order to have someone to keep your power under control then that person needs to be as powerful as you.

And then we have him at his most vulnerable state confess that he didn't lie about equality after all:

He talked about equality again and again. His disgust and anger every time he saw her weak from not using her powers was prevalent as well as his admiration every time she used her powers to their fullest.

The only thing in which he found her inferior to him was her knowledge of power. Which is understandable since Aleksander had much more time to understand it, study it and use it.

In RoW, his anger and disappointment for her state continues.

So:

1) He believed that she could rule as Queen and her life in hiding is not right for her.

2) He believed that she was meant to be powerful and strong and stood by that statement many times.

3) Didn't consider her life a worthy life at all.

The only character in the Grishaverse, the one that people keep saying that she wanted her weak, was the only one that wanted the opposite for her and considered her fate disgusting, wrong and tragic.

His plan of having Alina on an equal stand beside him continued in this book as well:

Which means that he wasn't lying when he said that he didn't intend to make a slave of her.

And of course her stubborness was a trait that he found annoying and admiring at the same time. It showcased how strong-willed she really was:

So according to his own thoughts and words, I would say that Aleksander actually admired her fierceness and determination. It showed strength and he found it attractive. In fact, it probably even enhanced his conviction that she was the right partner for him.

But he didn't want that hostility to be directed against him and his plans. Which is not weird at all because what kind of person would like someone to screw up his goals.

In conclusion: Aleksander was actually the biggest fan of "powerful Alina".

[placeholdercornerworks]

In a fit of inspiration at @searivermountain 's , @idanit 's and @a-case-of-the-ace 's AU posts about Jeeves and Wooster living in their respective countries, here are my two (albeit rough and unpolished two cents) about Jeeves and Wooster if they were living in the Kindgom of Italy.

I'm rewinding the actual OG setting by a decade or so as such, we're talking of the turn of the century here, 1898-1912.

First, a few setting points:

• I imagined them living in Turin, initially this was because it tied well with other plot points (Such as chuffy owning his seaside vacation houses(?) on the coast of Liguria and still being able to put Rocky "abroad" in France). Historically you could explain it by saying his parents moved there shortly after the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 because they saw it as a reason of prestige, perhaps some aunts followed suit, so on so forth.

• To elaborate on Rocky, the equivalent of them going to America in S3 of the show would be Bertie residing in Monaco and Jeeves doesn't get sent to scout New York for Rocky's aunt, but rather Montecarlo.

• To move back to Turin, while gents clubs similar to the drones did exist in Italy at the time, it would have been much likely for them to meet at a cafe since many known groups in Italy organized in such way (e.g Varied well known turn-of-century writers often ruinited at the Giubbe Rosse in Rome and the "Macchiaioli" artists often reunited at the Caffè Michelangelo in Florence)

• The Ganymede however would have operated in a way closer to that of gents club.

• Bertie, such as his standing commands, is gonna get promptly shipped to study law at the University of Turin cause I swear it's lowkey a recurrent fact with many of the wealthier authors I studied, it was "the thing" much.

Now, before I get onto miscellaneous trivia and ramblings and such, my two thoughts on their alternative names.

• The direct italianization of Reginald is Rinaldo, which I'd be keen on keeping (alternatively Raimondo has practically the same etymology and derivation), for surname, upon learning that Jeeves derives from Genevieve, which was the patron of Paris, I've decided to give him the surname Parisi, for the sake of the assonance.

• For Bertie on the other hand, the direct italianization of Betram is fucking Beltramo and I am in fact not keeping that so to remain on something similar sounding, he's Bernando now cause calling his Alberto keep the Bertie bit feels weird. As for surname, I'm similarly going of assonance, but with his original surname and as such I'm calling him Vistarini.

And now, miscellaneous trivia, lo and behold!

• Newts, or more specifically, a specie of newts known as the Italian Crested Newt, is more of a thing in central to southern Italy, so Gussy hereby has a thing for eels here in Italy, which were more common in bodies of water in the North.

• Bertie being interested in aviation!!! It was very much the next new thing so he'd often muse to Jeeves about his curiousity towards the inner workings of this jolly contraptions, tried to operate a plane once, crashes it in 50m, but if you were to ask Jeeves he'll succesfully find the right guy with the right plane to give him a ride to give Bertie aerial photos of the city he's much excited about.

• Jeeves seemingly knows every literature known to man and he's ready to counter-prove or counter-quote a statement with an appropriate literary quote. This is more instinctive musing but I feel like Bertie would often make paragons to the plays of Alfieri and Goldoni, or alternatively, Latin stuff and he'd surely have studied it majorly in uni.

• Additionally I think it would be highly funny to have Jeeves and Bertie discuss Parini, il giorno specifically.

• God blast d'Annunzio also cause Tuppy would 100% be keen on comparing is love-unfilled existence to the banes of a d'Annunzio protag, he thinks himself the next embodiment of Andrea Sperelli and Bertie is just "Heh, silly Tuppy"

• This applies generally but lots of theatre going involved, they have stayed over in Milan before to catch premieres at The Scala and one of this baboons surely said they were gonna find themselves a girl like Eleonora Duse

• The cast of the drones routinely gets dragged in honor fencing duels over this or that offence or this or that woman and Bertie is frequently dragged in under the excuse "Oh, come on, the other party has never seen me before, you can go in my stead!", he miserably fucking fails and on the other hand this is another venture in which jeeves excels

[hmspogue]

Outer Banks Season 3 Shot by Shot Trailer Rundown

I do not own any clips or screenshots, all rights to Netflix and the creators.

To say I'm still reeling would be the understatement of the century, let's get into it.

John B: "From the very beginning, it was always Kooks..."

Even though they're set on us prying this orange filter from their cold dead fingers, these first two shots are actually stunning?

"...and Pogues"

Holy hell, we know we have all the ohter Pogues reuniting with their parents after they get back home, so JJ being all alone at this house is actually so heartbreaking.

Jiara nation rise, it looks like Bracelet Touch™ takes place at the empty Maybank house I'm not well.

"Some people with everything..."

Why are season 3's always everyones haircut season in shows like what is the source of this phenomenon?

But Rafe and Barry with the key

This hiding job is on par with JJ throwing pew pillows over it in the church.

Although, kind of think this is them getting ready to try and melt the cross down (which makes me so beyond furious), because off to the side you see the lighter fluid and the muffin tins, then later there's shots of gold.

"...and some with nothing."

The DIVIDE. I actually love the dynamic of Kooks vs Pogues heating up and the two cultures that try and exist on a very small island together. Especially since this season seems to be Kiara centric, her whole identity being called into question about where she falls I NEED IT.

I cannot even begin to express how sad I am that we're probably going to get approximately 3 seconds of them hanging out on Poguelandia because look at them!!! Let them be happy!!!

"That's the way it's always been."

SDHCULAISUEHLWAG JIARA FISHING ISNT JUST A MONTAGE I REPEAT JIARA FISHING WILL NOT JUST BE A MONTAGE.

I LOVE HER SO MUCH YES BABE GO FISHING!!!

Pope and Cleo making a signal fire together. Looks like that scene from the teaser of them walking in the field was probably them trying to scout out a good spot for it.

Jarah B looking fine as hell John B I know that bandana is your father's but i cannot even begin to imagine how disgusting it is at this point I'm sorry-

IM BEING SO NORMAL ABOUT THIS!!!!

I feel like both this shot and the previous one are them being saved by the plane that lands.

(@whitetrashjj the mullet truther, your time has come).

"Until now."

This may be my favorite John B set up narration so far.

Also, like I said, them getting rescued by the plane. Kiara looks almost hesitant? Could be the same shot as above where her and JJ aren't too sure about this plane or the people on it.

MMMMMMMM VERY concerning JJ bike crash. Pope and Cleo (or maybe Kie?) in the back of the truck with a crate.

Okay this is SO intereting to me because Ward with blood all over himself (whatelse is new?), Rafe, and Sarah helping him? I can't tell what's in his hand. But the family dynamics this season are goign to be somehow even messier, I can feel it.

Kiara getting kidnapped and taken to wilderness camp, I'm so not ready for this like. It's for sure the Carrera house in the back, the two shirts say Kitty Hawk Adventure.

For a long time, we all thought this was going to be something they ended the season on, but now it seems like it'll be a plot point in the middle. Thanks to @sun-undone and her unhinged costuming documents, we know that this yellow halter top is after the Carrera anniversary party we got BTS from (with the Jiara gate fight and John B rocking Topper's shit and Mike's "see, this is what I'm talking about, JJ"). We know Kie is seen later witht he Pogues, so Blue Ridge may be a quick, one episode plot mid season.

If they've been holding Blue Ridge over her head the whole season, then John B beating the shit out of Topper at the party is sort of the last straw, I cannot een begin to imagine the fight that he and JJ will have about it????

JJ and Kiara INSIDE the Chateau and a fire being lit OUTSIDE? If someone's trying to burn the house down witht hem trapped inside there will be heLL TO PAY.

IF THE CHATEAU GETS BURNED DOWN IM COMING FOR THE PATES I STG DON'T DO THIS TO ME WHY DO I FEEL LIKE IT WOULD BE MY CHILDHOOD HOME BURNING KJDFLAIUDHFAL??????

I know that Cline talked about having to mentally take Sarah to some very dark places this season and this shot just confirms my theory that I seriously think Sarah's going to kill someone and deal with the emotional consequences of that.

I want this to be feral JJ so badly after Kiara's taken, but, sadly, he's not in the right outfit. Not the first time we've seen machete!JJ though.

We saw this shot in the teaser, but looks like they're climbing up an abandoned elevator shaft. They're in their clothes they have on get reunited with Kie. I think it's from the same abandoned hotel the Pogues (minus Kiara, probably because they're going to save her) are in front of in a different shot.

Andd here it is: the new plot of the season and confirmation they're going after fucking EL DORADO NEXT LIKE.

Important to note this is shot on a plane as well.

Oh the Twinkie, how I missed you.

oh look they remembered a mom besides Anna this season WHY MY EYES WET LIKE THESE REUNIONS ALSO WHILE JJ IS COMPLETELY ALONE. HEYWARD, ADOPT HIM YOU COWARD!

Kiara's relationship with her parents is so askjhfailsuh COMPLICATED because I think they really do love her. And she wants more than anything for them to understand her and they just keep missing each other.

"My father and me..."

This shot is very aesthetically pleasing to me. That's all I have to say about it.

YEAH OKAY AND THEN I STARTED FUCKING WEEPING BECAUSE THIS?????? I CANT BELIEVE THEY PUT BABY JOHN B IN THE TRAILER?????

If they only do baby Sarah and Baby John B I will do something so drastic-

"...the treasure was our way out."

The way he's looking at his father? Like the pride in his eyes? I know this relationship is going to sting so badly with the way the Pates have talked about John B having to reconcile the idealized version of his father in his head with the one that left him for gold.

This is a kid that hasn't been hurt by the world or his father yet and I wanna hug him.

(post will be continues apparently i can only up load 30 images at once)

[thepatchycat]

Hi! For the WIP List Game: Dragon Jedi AU?? I am intrigued

Hehe, that one is inspired by @bubblew0lf1's Dragon!Jedi AU! I adore all of their dragon designs, especially Obi-Wan's, and it got me thinking about a sort of fantasy AU where the Jedi are shape-shifting dragons. I'm not sure it's something that'll ever become a finished thing, but it's been fun to think about.

Rambling and a snippet below the cut :P

This AU's setting would condense most of the notable SW planets into continents/countries/cities on one planet; there wouldn't be any space travel, though technology would probably be better than in a medieval fantasy setting. Dragons are rare and I'm thinking the knowledge of their intelligence and that they can also be people is not well-known (either a closely guarded secret or actively suppressed)--and they're also being actively hunted by the Republic/Empire under the justification that dragons are extremely dangerous (this is Palpatine's fault, and he has far more nefarious reasons for hunting them down). I haven't worked out all the worldbuilding details, but I think the Jedi are a subset of dragons who serve as guardians where they can; recently, though, they've been forced to hide due to being hunted.

In this world, Cody and Rex are wardens (possibly heading up a small group of rangers) of a large woody/mountainous area bordering a very rural town far from the center of the Republic; the land was claimed and the town founded by the Mereel-Fett family after unrest in Mandalore forced Jaster Mereel (Jango Fett's adoptive father, Cody and Rex's grandfather) and his clan to leave. Mandalorians have a complicated history with dragons, but Jaster liked to tell stories about Tarre Vizla, a Mandalorian leader long ago who either was close friends with a dragon or was a dragon himself; details passed down through the centuries seem unclear. Jango's never been that interested in the tales, but Rex and especially Cody enjoyed them growing up.

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka moved to the town together pretty recently; I think Obi-Wan runs a bookshop (or maybe a small library? A fusion of the two?), while Anakin works as a mechanic who's teaching Ahsoka the trade as well. Cody likes to read and chats with Obi-Wan when he stops by for books, while Rex brings the rangers' equipment to Anakin and Ahsoka for professional servicing (Rex tinkers a bit himself, but Anakin's a wizard) and they become fast friends. Of course, the friendly neighborhood bookkeeper and mechanics don't tell anyone that they're also dragons, including the Fetts, but Cody and Rex find out the truth eventually.

The only thing I actually started writing for this beyond notes is a scene just after Obi-Wan (in dragon form) fights Grievous (also a dragon but not a Jedi) somewhere deep in the Fetts' protected area. Cody had been doing a sweep/patrol at the time and witnessed at least part of the fight, and he goes to investigate the aftermath.

Warning that it's more gruesome than I usually go, what with blood and a dead dragon. This is just also the most snippable portion of what little I have, I think.

There is a deafening thud, and then— Silence. Cody slowly approaches the edge of the ravine and looks down. A hulking white shape lies still at the base of the rocky slope, red pooling under its gash-ridden body. It’s hard to tell from a distance what precisely killed it, but the lack of motion and abundance of blood suggest that either it’s dead or will be soon. Partially obscured, a smaller brown shape lies behind the great white beast, closer to the river; it seems similarly bloodied and still. Cody feels a pang of sorrow—that one had saved his life, whether intentionally or not. …Better make sure they’re dead, lest any survivors roam too close to town. Cody picks his way carefully down the side of the ravine, shifting between stepping and climbing as needed. When he’s made it to the bottom, he draws his rifle and approaches the white dragon. There is no movement between its sharply defined ribs, and up close Cody can see where the base of its throat has been torn open by—well, horns or claws, most likely. He follows the long neck up to the head, where dull yellow eyes stare sightlessly out from behind a gaping maw. Cody prods its nose lightly with the tip of his rifle. No response. Tempting as it still is to put a bolt in its skull, he’s hunted enough himself to know what death looks like. There’s no need. He steps around the body of the beast toward the visible back of the brown one. One of its wings lies bent at an unnatural angle behind it, and— It’s breathing, quick and labored. Not moving otherwise, but still alive, at least for now.

(Once he works out he's not going to get mauled to death for trying to help, Cody puts his wilderness first-aid skills to use. He still doesn't learn that it's Obi-Wan for a while, though.)

[besideprimroseshade]

ᴳᵒᵈ ⁱˢʰ ᵀʷˢᵗ ˣ ⁱᵐᵐᵒʳᵗᵃˡ ʳᵉᵃᵈᵉʳ CH: 2

CH: 1

"I'm getting excited on the contrary"

TW: Suggestive comments

    Y/N's current alias:

    Ell Clocke

    Alias No. 161

    Date: 1300

    "Why would you pick that book out of all?  I mean, it's nothing more than some fanatic's fantasy.  Nothing worth contemplating about".  He sighs and you shoot back Will you shut up for a few minutes?  I'm trying to read, you know, do something actually productive.  Instead of listening to whatever crap that comes outta your mouth.  Idle chatter should I say?"  He huffs "Ugh!  This is why you dropped out of school, my professors would be sorely disappointed in such a lackluster person like yourself".  You remember what page you're on and set your book to the side "Good thing I don't suck up to professors then, unlike someone here.  People actually enjoy my presence, dunno if you've noticed, but everyone here would kill you if it were legal".  He blanches and mutters something "Y-you're wrong, such a notion is inconceivable.  The people adore me, a brain such as mine surely deserves respect!" you shrug "Tell that to the townspeople, everyone here fucking hates you, and the fact that you with your great brain can't see that your holier-than-thou attitude is the reason why you don't have anyone who would actually care if you died is something..."

    "Wait... are you revealing to me that you wouldn't care if I died?" he freezes, a sort of realization washing over him.

    "Wow, the great mind finally realized.  What did you expect?  Me to cry when you die?  The guy who said that I'll be nothing 'cause I got B's and not A+'s?  The guy who every day told me that my dreams weren't anything, that mom and dad just had me to compare my dullness to your brightness?  You should've been a comedian instead of a scholar, 'cause that's too fucking funny".  Your words cut like the sharpest of ice, frigid and unforgiving.  

    "I... I was joking!  Of course you couldn't take a joke, you're too sensitive..." comes the attempt to shake away the guilt.

  "At least I can feel things��” you quip back.     He takes a furious sip of his tea and coughs it out “W-what curious concoction is this?  This is surely not my tea!”.  Your eyes move to the snow white Persian cat in the corner of the parlor, lazing on her pillow.  Cotton, your mother’s most prized pet, a spoiled cat given as a gift from your father.  “Oh, Cotton peed in the cup, it must’ve slipped my mind to inform you…”

    The memory fades as you fade back to your tea, the faces swirling like the milk in the tea.  “That damned dipshit” you utter before grabbing a broom and flinging open your front door.  Your porch was decently decorated, with starch white paint on the walls and the beams supporting up the thing.  Thankfully the paint did not contain lead, or maybe it did, that might’ve explained why the townspeople avoided you like you were crazy.  A few plants in pots stood in neat rows by the front window, delicate little flowers grown from a variety of seeds.  But now was not the time to admire your handiwork.  Angrily sweeping your front porch and ignoring the clouds of dust that plague your vision.  Your brother never did get his dream…     You learned that for all of his labor, he was only remembered as a pretentious wannabe who tried so hard to make it big in the world of knowledge that he ended up only becoming famous for his attempts.  A local legend of your town.  After centuries of him being dead, you were still petty.       Continuing your furious sweep you barely notice the child staring at you from behind one of the poles.  Only stopping your sweep to take a few breaths, “What do you want kid?” You turn to meet their gaze.  A tiny lanky thing, who probably didn’t even reach your hip, with striking eyes the same shade as the blazing garnet ring your least favorite aunt always showed off.  Thick dark hair that reminded you of ink, silky and black, cut short above their shoulders.  Their outfit prim, with a neat white shirt dark brown pants.  Their ears confirmed that they were a fairy, small and pointed.       “You appear to be angered with something” they observe with a voice so quiet it seemed hardly a whisper.  They stand there, hiding, unsure of whether to approach the curiously angry stranger, or run off back into the forest.  “Just blowing off some steam” you reassure them before leaning your broom against the wall.  “I’m not gonna hurt you, ‘sides, you’d probably be more of a threat to me than vice versa” you admit, watching as their grip on the pole lightens, a few creaks from the wood reverberating off the porch’s roof.  “So uh… what brings you to my place?  Pure curiosity?  Or did I anger a fae?”  You continue, waiting for any sort of reaction.         “I hast stumbled upon your abode by chance, tis an interesting place.  Any sane human would place their home as far as possible from a fairy.  But your abode is right in the middle of our territory.  I can feel the magic everywhere” they respond at last.     

    “I’m not like most humans…” you say, half joking half seriously.  “I can feel that, there is something heavy around you.  Many feelings are wound up inside you, like a boiling pot of stew, ready to bubble over and burn at any second” comes their swift response.  “Thanks for the reading… but I don’t have anything to give ya’ unless you’re hungry for some leftover bread and cheese from this mornings meal” you admit.  They shake their head, “No thank you, my lady said to never trust strangers.  There is no shortage of people willing to take advantage of you”.  You nod slowly “Your lady is right, tis better to be safe then found dead in a ditch I suppose”.       “Shall I call you something?”     “Fae never give out their names”     “That’s right, you’ve got good instincts too”     “Are you going to give me your name?”     “Nah”

    That was the beginning of your encounters with that little faerie.  He never did give you his name, but simply told you that it was similar to a flower.  You ended up telling him your name though, so that he would stop calling you the ‘abnormal human’.  He wasn’t wrong though, normal humans weren’t immortal.  Normal humans didn’t challenge gods in hopes of death.  Normal humans didn’t use their fathers invitation to a school and assumed his identity.  You learned more about your little visitor.  He was a servant of nocturnal fae’s princess.  A little bat fae at the very bottom of the fae hierarchy, raised in luxury.  Trained to serve his lady’s every whim.  What a dreary existence… you thought. 

    In exchange for tidbits about his life you gave him some from yours.  How you challenged a god and got immortality in return.  “You are an idiot” he thought aloud as he took a spoon from one of your cabinets and grabbed a dish labeled for him.  “What is this?” He inquired suspiciously “A treat, leftovers from a friend’s party” you reply.  The little fae sniffed it curiously before digging in.  “Pear…” he said at last before finishing the dessert in a few seconds.       “Someone’s hungry” you grab a few cherries from a basket full of farmer’s market goods.  "That is none of your concern" he comments.  "Damn, you're quick to anger" you slightly tease.

    That was the last time you saw him that small, he never did grow much taller.  But there was something different about him, not just that he was visibly different.  But he seemed different, bore a different air about him, something sickening, but you could never put a finger on it.  It was unsettling, the curious gleam in his scarlet eyes faded away in favor of a hateful sheen.  His slit pupils constantly in a state of fury.  How he shook off your concern with a glare, was this how your parents felt with you?  His hair was now welcome to dyed streaks of red, a unique choice for sure. 

    You dabbed one of his more severe wounds with a cotton ball.  "Humans can never keep their hands to themselves" you mutter as you rub a salve on his injured arm.  Tone akin to a chiding parent's as you clean and bandage his arm.  "Tut tut, I told you not to play with those mean boys and their toys", the boys in question being men and the toys being weapons.  "You're not my parent dumbass" to which you shake your head teasingly "I know, but seeing you grow up to be such a strong fighter has certainly had some sort of parental affect on me".  He side-eyes you "That's so fucking sweet it's annoying...".  Playfully wacking the top of his head you smile "Language little one..."

"Fuck you" he mutters irritated.

"No one will sadly..." you respond with a sigh.

"I hate you"

"Such is the fate of every parent, I suppose.  Whatever happened to that sweet little faerie I encountered?  Now there's just this crass thing in his place"

   •✧• Centuries later •✧•

    Current Alias

    Hanakoto Y/N

    Orientation went smoothly, you personally didn't care which dorm you were placed in, so long as you'd be left alone for the most part.  You rolled your shoulders back as you stepped up to meet the gaze of the Dark Mirror.  For some reason the Ceremonial Robes felt heavier upon your arms.  As if they were weighing you down... pulling you away from your fate.  Feeling the hundreds of eyes staring at you with a variety of emotions.  The weight of their gaze not helping. 

    You stared at the Mirror as it boomed the familiar words to you that it had to many students before you.

   "The shape of thy soul is..."

   "Tenacious... therefore you are fit for Pomefiore"

    As you walk down the steps to the crowd of Pomefiore students, you hear a scoff.  Turning to face the student you're face to face with some pretty blonde student with tacky violet ends and amethysts for eyes.  "Is there a problem?" you scoff back.  He glares at you before turning back to see what new students would be joining him.  Grumbling about "potatoes".  You take an empty spot between a couple of fellow first years.  "The fuck is his problem?" you mutter glaring daggers at the back of his head. 

    Vil Schoenheit could feel holes being bored into the back of his head, probably from that insolent potato that he just bothered to stare at.  What was their problem?

   The dinner at your new dorm was luxurious, it felt like the dinners that fae had described to you, while the Queen of Briarland was entertaining nobles. There were plates piled high with delicacies, food that you had only read about, it was absolutely delicious, but that damned student from earlier kept shooting you glares.  As if everything you did earned his ire.  Like he was personally offended by your existence...  You were from a family of farmers but damn, his attitude towards you was worse than those falsely compassionately officals that pretended to take pity on the plight of farmers.  The same people that made it possible for them to stuff their faces with rich sauces and soups, those addicting desserts and prized drinks. 

    Not to mention that blonde with the bob who sat next to him kept smiling and complimenting him, lathering on the praise for him until it creeped you out.  You could've mistaken him for your brother, always showering famous scholars that he encountered with so much praise you thought that he was in love with them.  Those crusty old men who sat pondering alongside other crusty men who agreed with their every word.  This guy was more of a devout worshipper than fellow student.  What made him so good that someone would treat him like a god, or perhaps, what made him so rich?  So worthy of being praised, so worthy of being devoted to?  How curious...

    You were currently writing down your record of the first week of school, the classes, the teachers, the many students from all walks of life.  Finishing each sentence with a flourish.  You set your journal down.  You learned that the blonde with violet eyes was some model named Vil Schoenheit.  And the blonde with the bob was Rook Hunt.  Two insignificant people that you'd probably forget in a couple of centuries... or well, that's what you assumed at first...

    Resting your back against the wall you inhale quietly, your mind taking you back to the memories of a bygone era, a bygone you.  "Whatever became of that faerie?" you mutter standing up from your spot.  Stretching your arms you toss the journal into your bag.  You hadn't heard much about him after he left, you never learned his name after all, it was hard to look for someone when you didn't know a basic fact about them.  Did he die in the war?  Did he have a family?  Those questions would continue to go unanswered most likely.  You missed him, that nocturnal fae that you watched grow up, the fae brought up by royalty, a mere peasant by hierarchy's standards.  But status didn't matter to you, and he appreciated that. 

    That was then however, this is now.  Seeing the students rush to classes, take their time chatting with friends, and teachers exchanging lesson plans.  The similar sights of your school back when you were mortal.  You sat by yourself at lunch time, occupying yourself by listening in on the busy chitter.  Sitting silently as you picked at the your meal for today, pondering at the pangs in your chest that struck as you reminisced about a time no longer.  Idly poking at the lukewarm pile of mashed potatoes with your fork, taking small bites of the tender steak.  Too caught up in your memories to savor the flavors of the meat. 

╔══ ≪ °❈° ≫ ══╗

Author's Thoughts

Scarlet-eyed fae - 'A good kid. Deserved better in life'

Vil Schoenheit - 'Nothing worth mentioning, dunno why he's famous'

Rook Hunt - 'desperate, fucking desperate'

╚══ ≪ °❈° ≫ ══╝

A/N: thank you guys for being so patient!! have a wonderful day/afternoon/night :>

[cosmichorrorsarestillnicerthanme]

Hi I saw you asking for Polly abc and wanted to ask if you would do one with Scathach and Nightingale from FGO? If so I will request A, B, F, C, R, S, W, Z please!

Thanks for the Ask Anon! I would like to apologize if this came out wonky though, this is the first time I am trying this so here's to hoping it goes well!

NOW! YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND!!!

A = affection; is anyone more overly affectionate than the others? When it comes to physical vs verbal, who prefers what?

Nightingale is the most affectionate out of the three of you, though it's not in a traditional way. This often leads to her giving the both of you a medical once over every once and awhile.

As for who prefers Physical affection, that is Nightingale.

Verbal affection is something Scathach is much better at when compared to physical. She was a teacher for centuries after all, giving someone praise is something she is quite good at.

B = bed; what’s the sleeping situation like? Are there regular sleeping arrangements - does anyone like to sleep alone?

Sleeping arrangements are rather chaotic with Nightingale often holding both you and Scathach close to her. That, mixed with Scathach’s tendency to sprawl over the entire bed and to toss and turn, has led to some rather interesting moments upon waking up. 

C = comfort; when someone’s feeling down, how do the rest look after them?

When you are down, Scathach and Nightingale tend to give you some space for a while before trying to comfort you due to the fact that Nightingale is a Berserker and that Scathach is not the softest of people. That being said, the both of them are going to help you.

When Scathach is down, the best thing you can do for her is to stay next to her. To try and comfort her the best you can while Nightingale keeps her from running off to start a fight or to hide. She’s the queen of shadows and your lover, she doesn’t believe you should see her like this, but someone always needs a shoulder to lean on, no matter who you are.

When Nightingale is down, the best you and Scathach can do is hold her close, and hold her tight as she tries to set everything straight.

F = fights; are arguments something that happen often? what are they over, and how are they resolved?

Fights are rare, but most of the ones that do happen are related to Nightingale pushing herself too hard. Usually this is resolved by Nightingale being argued down with facts and logic about the body that she had drilled into your heads. Sometimes however, she relents on her own.

R = romantic; is anyone a bit of a sap for their partners?

Not in the traditional sense, after all, Scathach and Nightingale are very much unique women. Though they do have their own special ways of drowning everyone in love and affection.

Whether it be Scathach making rings for all of you that say “I Love You” in the language of runes or Nightingale who gives you and Scathach a little booklet that she will place small stickers on or write in fancy script that tell you both how much she loves you.

S = sharing; is there anyone who’s particularly territorial of their partners?

Surprisingly, Nightingale is the most territorial around you and Scathach, often giving anyone who tries to flirt with either of you a death glare on par with some Noble Phantasms.

W = worthy; how are insecurities handled? Is anyone more self-conscious than the others?

Scathach is the most… not really insecure but… Self-Conscious? She is Immortal and she knows that she will outlast all of you a million times over, sure, she may be able to ignore it sometimes, but it's always there at the back of her mind.

Z = zealous; who was especially eager in their pursuit of the relationship? Was anyone more reserved in their want for it?

No one knew there was a relationship going on until Scathach realized one doesn’t imagine marrying their two best friends if there isn’t some sort of spark there. It was all downhill after that.

[1000dactyls]

So I wanna know, you'd true and honest thoughts on THW I think I remember you saying you didn't want to talk about it? I'm so sorry for this ask, but I'm curious because so much of the fandom doesn't like it, and while I agree everyone sees to have different reasons

there is quite a bit i dont like about thw, but the two most primary reasons are a) the artistic direction and b) the narrative's betrayal of the core themes set up by the first movie

a lot has already been said about the artificial smoothness of httyd3's rendering -- the textural smoothness of the dragons and skin, for one -- but it's the botox injection valka and the other ladies seemed to receive that irritates me the most. coming off the heels of two other movies less hesitant to show signs of aging as a natural process, the flattening of their wrinkles and fat feels shallow to me.

IMHO, the unnatural smoothness of movie mimics the hollow feel the third movie's narrative has, lacking the history and depth of the events the characters have lived through and the impact that history has on the characters' physical appearance. the movie instead has a dreamy, hazy quality to it. which would be fine in most movies, but not for a franchise dedicated to the physicality of the characters (which was the whole point of the first movie, that hiccup (and toothless) was visually distinct from the rest of the cast)

so not only is thw ugly to look at compared to the other two movies, it's also a narrative shitshow pitted against the other two movies. like, setting aside the objective masterpiece that the first movie is, how does httyd2 end with "come hell or high water i will always jump after you when you fall" to httyd3's "nah man let's let you go". how did we get here???? by completely assassinating everyone's character

and it's just extremely frustrating because httyd1 was about overcoming differences; that message was the flesh and blood of the series, the franchise's beating heart. httyd1 navigates complicated generational trauma to cease endless bloodshed. httyd3... puts off that conflict into some however many centuries into the future. and then the last 5 minutes of the movie even don't get the departure RIGHT hello???

the only good thing about thw is that john powell got to flex his muscles and compose "once there were dragons" and bring me to tears in 5 minutes and 46 seconds

[lildreamycyclone]

Can I req a fluff spive fic? First kisses perhaps :3c

Okay... I PUT A LOT OF EFFORT LMAO

Daisy Bouquet

(Ship: Spive, Category: Teeth-rotting fluff)

Bive quickly trotted through the park, to the hill nearby, trying not to panic, as she squeazed a messy little bouquet in her sweaty hand. She was very nervous since she decided to confess her feelings to Split. Her heart beated like a golden bell, as she was trembling. Such jitters… As soon the self-proclaimed detective looked up, she saw Split. The centaur sat on a lovely bench, under the white blossom tree. She hummed some silly songs to herself, waiting for her friend to arrive. She looked so adorable, especially when sunlight shone in her glasses. Bive took a sharp inhale, puffed her chest, and walked up the hill. It will be alright. "Umh… H-Hi, Splitsy…" she grined awkwardly, waving to Split. The centaur turned her head and smiled, waving back. "Hello, Bivey! There will be some time before sun sets down… It's always sunset-ional, isn't it?" she giggled, as Bive sat next to her. She noticed that Bive was holding something in her hands. "Oh, what is this?" "T-These are s-some flowers… f-for you…" Bive muttered, looking away, showing her bouquet of daisies. Split's cheeks turned a little pink, as she took the bouquet. "Aww, that's so sweet, Bivey!" She chuckled softly. Hearing her made Bive feel butterflies in her stomach. Split's voice was like a lovely melody… She was now so flustered that she almost forgot why she wanted to meet Split in first place. She just peeked at Split in silence, as the centaur sniffled the bouquet, swaying her legs back and forth. After a while, Bive took a very deep breath. It was time. No more worries. "Y-You know… You a-are a very dear friend… t-to me…" she started carefully, still shivering. Split turned her head in curiosity. "Oh, thank you!" She smiled. "B-But I realied t-that… You are actually… v-very special to me…" Bive looked away shyly. "Y-You are the… kindest, funniest and p-prettiest girl… I-I ever knew…" Split listened to all these words, her cheeks blushing. It was so nice to hear that. She was also very attached to Bive, in fact… "Y-Your laugh warms m-my heart… s-so much… A-And any time y-you smile… i-it feels so wonderful…" Bive's glasses turned foggy. She was panicking, but could not stop speaking. She was so scared she would say something dumb, her heart was beating frantically, her entire body felt so hot… But she did not say the most important thing yet. "A-And well… I-I think… I fell in love with you, Splitsy…" Bive became quiet. She was shaking in mix of embarrasement and anxiety. She took of her glasses with her quivering hands, so she could wipe her tears of fear. Did it sound stupid? Will Split ever treat her the same anymore…? Split's etes shone, as she gasped softly. Bive loved her! Actually, Split also had very special feelings for her… Bive was always caring and protective for her. Some people may think she was crazy… But it was just a lonely soul in beige cloak… "Oh Bivey…" Split gently caressed Bive's hands, stroking the black fuzzy hair on them. Bive turned to Split and sniffled loudly. She looked at the centaur with puppy eyes, if she even had those. "Did you know I also love you?" Split said, smiling blissfully. She leaned very close to Bive, their noses almost touching. Split knew Bive did would not believe her, but the centaur already had an idea how to prove her words are genuine. She slowly closed her eyes… With this, their lips touched. Bive was absolutely shocked by the sudden kiss. She had sparkly fireworks before her eyes, she thought it was a dream… But it was true, it was real. It was the best moment of her life so far. Her entire face was flushed, her eyes melted like ice cream on sun. Oh, she wished it was forever. After a minute that felt like a century, their lips separated, and Bive gasped for air. Her inhale was so dramatic that Split giggled. Bive stood still like a statute, her braincells trying to understand what just happened. "Please. Let's do it again." She said suddenly, making Split laugh again. "As you wish, Bivey!"

JESUS I PUT A LOT OF EFFORT TO IT LIKE HOLY MOLY

[en-whims]

𝄞 ESCAPES | LEE HEESEUNG

[scan creds to ado2re]

the fourth instalment from the “Narratives from the Walkman: a 90’s love collective” series

genres: bff au; fluff; f2l (?); angst | wc: 2.1k | tagging: @yenqa @yjjungwon @sophialosthercardigan @saucyjaeyun

[ 👤 ] SIDE A ; BOY 4 ㅡ LEE HEESEUNG

° ❝ i'll be yours if you'll be mine

'cause i'm lonely, i'm so lonely

if you hold me, i'll be your only

so if you're lonely, no need to show me

if you're lonely, come be lonely with me. ❞ °

[ 🎧 ] SIDE B ; TRACK 4 ㅡ this side of paradise by coyote theory

Skipping one of the most awaited events in high school has always been something you never regretted. When your first best friend left you before even taking you on the dance floor as he promised, you completely shrugged away all thoughts of a happy, magical life in school.

Things seemed easier that way instead of hoping for sparkling lights and glittering dresses, swooshing to and from without anybody to lock your fingers with to grace the night away.

That was until your college decided to throw a graduation ball months before leaving the university behind. You finally felt the hidden regret creeping under your skin.

Still, you stood by your word and chose not to go. Mainly because you didn’t want to awkwardly stand there in a room full of people, hopelessly wishing that Ni-ki will at least surprise you on that night. You wrapped yourself under the comforts of your thick blanket and activated the only source of light in your room, the television.

A few episodes into The Umbrella Academy, you heard your stomach grumble. You had decided to rewatch the show for old-time’s sake, minus Ni-ki’s presence and the galaxy stickers that once sparkled in your bedroom because someone wanted it to be dreamy.

Moping around and doing the things you used to do with him was something you thought would suffice the loneliness you felt since you couldn’t attend tonight’s ball… until you heard your phone ding. Shuffling from your bed, you immediately sat up, unconsciously wishing it was from Ni-ki.

To receive a text saying, “I have too much wine and nobody to drink with,” was all it took for you to know that Heeseung needed your presence as soon as possible. You and Heeseung had been best friends since junior year in college and saying that your relationship with each other was entirely platonic was the biggest understatement of the century.

A few wardrobe changes and confusions later, you finally arrived in front of his apartment; dressed in ‘fancy clothing’, as per his request. It was only when he opened the door, wearing a silky blue button-up and semi-fitted jeans that you realized why he wanted you to fix up as well.

He stood in front of you– dashing, drop-dead gorgeous. Your breath hitched in your throat, and the pounding of your heart made your chest vibrate as you watched him slay in all his simple glory.

A little while ago you thought that it’d be another torturing night of trying to hide your stupid feelings for your best friend, and you weren’t wrong. 

Not with him making you go crazy like this.

“Welcome to my humble home, M'lady.” He joked, pretending to bow while he made space for you to pass through the doorway.

“You weirdo.” You replied, poking his forehead, to which he responded with a whine though it was accompanied by laughter. He closed the door behind you, and you gawked at the transformation of his living room; the vintage throws tucked in a corner, replaced with silk sheets and blue led stars hanging from the ceiling, in the center of the room is a table for two with a candlelit dinner set-up.

“You were supposed to respond with something similar like thank you, my good sir, or something.” He snorted, pausing behind you after he noticed your awestruck pause. “You like it?”

Turning around to face him, you cock your head to the side with a faint smile. “I’m going to have to commend you on this one, Sir.”

Immediately, his lips tug upward into a cute smile, and he wasted no time in getting you both to start digging in and drinking by pulling you along with him to the balcony.

Maybe he was right, he had too much wine with too much alcohol, but even if he did invite a couple more yous over, his stock wouldn’t ever run out. But maybe it was also a good thing that he had you over, with another good thing being… he only asked you and nobody else.

The sound of your glasses clinking seemed to reverberate even in the crowd of things around you, but it seemed to linger a little longer in the air than it originally should’ve. You refused to think deeper, that it’s just because there’s something else with the way you spent time together today compared to before.

“So why the extra stuff?” You chimed up, taking a sip from your drink. Heeseung stared at you from the brim of his own glass.

“Does it matter?” He asked, downing the bitter liquid as he leaned back onto his chair, one arm outstretched as he set his glass on top of the dressed table. “I just want to treat you to something nice once in a while. Also because you haven’t experienced prom so here’s me giving you an exclusive version.”

You cocked a brow. “Is that so?”

“Why do you doubt me so much?”

“No idea,” You chuckled, pursing your lips before downing the liquid with a smile, shaking your head. Heeseung’s eyes flickered up to lock with yours, beady and shiny under the glimmering blue lights.

“You enjoyed it, though?” He asked, gaze lidded and hazy before he gulped, throwing his head back when he felt the alcohol take over his body, prodding his vision into a blur.

“Of course.” You replied, blinking as you felt equally intoxicated, your vision starting to disrupt as well.

“I’m glad,” Heeseung said, running his palms over his face and then through his hair, making him look like a hot mess as he smiled back up at you. “That’s all that matters.”

You nodded, unable to say anything, but you felt your heart swell at his words. How cutely sexy he looked at that moment— it definitely didn’t help.

“You ever think…” He gulped, licking his lips. “You ever think about what life would be if you didn’t run over me with your pile of books that one autumn day in the library?”

Instantly, you released an amused snort, bursting into a fit of staggered chuckles after hearing the familiar incident. “Way to ruin the mood, Hee.”

“But really,” He laughed, shaking his head.“Who would’ve thought we’d be the best of friends?”

“True. Nobody really saw that coming.”

“It’s safe to say that you could…” He trailed off, squinting his eyes at you from across the table. “Bump me, step on me, grind on me, ma’am.”

You snorted. “Oh. You mean it?”

You both laughed, finding his choice of words hilarious, though it was enough to bring a tinge of crimson onto both of your cheeks. You both refused to point it out. 

Then the candlelit dinner was long forgotten, leftover bites and half-empty wine glasses staying static on top of the dressed table in the center of the room as you and Heeseung decided to slump against one another on his sofa tucked on a corner, a little too tipsy to move.

“Y/n?” He chimed up, your heads were thrown back against the backrest of the sofa. Beside him, you hummed, turning your head lazily. “Can I lay my head on your shoulder?”

“Sure.”

Instantly, he scooted closer towards you, nuzzling his face in the crook of your neck and humming onto your skin.

“I really wish…” He nuzzled closer. “I really wish I could hold you like this whenever I want to.”

“I’m one call away, Hee. You know that.” You said, leaning your cheek against the top of his head.

“I do.” He whined, his tone almost babyish as you could feel the pout of his lips. “But I want it to be more than just this.”

He paused, lifting his head up slightly, resting his chin against the blade of your shoulder as he looked at you with hazy eyes.

“I want to be with you wherever you go. I want to hug you, hold you, and kiss you whenever I want to, rain or shine. I want to hold your hand and take you on cute dates, I want to raise dogs and cats and fish and even elephants with you, I want to be the best boyfriend you’ve ever had, better than those jerks you used to cry over—”

“Heeseung,” You tried to cut him off, a smile starting to creep onto your face, but he didn’t seem to be listening.

“—give you everything that I’ve got because I’m in love with you, I wish I realized it sooner, but I’m such an idiot that I didn’t. And I hate myself because I couldn’t bring myself to tell you if I’m sober and I-”

Promptly, you grabbed his chin and placed a quick kiss on his lips, pulling away and staring at him in the eye just to wait for his reaction.

“How long have you been keeping all this from me, you blithering idiot?” You asked, though he only raised a hand up, using his pointer finger to shakily poke your cheek with a drunken gaze.

“Am I really, really drunk, or did you just kiss me?”

“Both, idiot.” You laughed, shaking your head. You continued to wait for what he had to say, though his finger only traveled down to the plump of your lips from your cheek. He pouted slightly, gaze flickering up from his finger as he blinked at you.

“Can I?” He asked, and even though he was a little drunk and absurd, you felt he was still self-aware. Just a little cuter and bolder than usual.

“You can.” You said, running one hand through his soft hair as you look at him lovingly. “I’m all yours.”

“All mine, huh? What does that make me then? Yours too?” He asked, eyes widening slightly for a moment before he grinned, taking you by surprise when he took you by the chin, muttering against your lips before kissing you deeply.

“Yes. All of you. You and your whiny and clingy ass, your almost triumphant mullet, your ever-changing moods, and the things I have yet to explore about you.” You pulled away, giving your face a small distance as you rested your forehead against his. He smiled as he bit his lower lip, trying to stop himself from smiling too much.

And what you both thought was platonic, wasn’t really that at all. In fact, it never was.

But just like any other memory of yours, it vanished; too quickly even for you to notice. Heeseung hated to admit it, but with both of your feelings in the way, he thought it was best to tell you now than under any other circumstances.

He was bound to leave town in the next few days after graduation. Of course, it was already expected given the fact that you’re both about to leave college and venture out and seek jobs on your own. But to leave so soon left you baffled.

Apparently, one of the companies he applied to a week prior called him back and they wanted your best friend in the heart of a place much far for you to even follow. The last time this happened, he left you for another state with an unkept promise. It was wise to assume that Heeseung would do the same thing, considering his applications were successful.

A 12-hour driving distance from him was the end of something that hadn’t even started. But there was no other way, with him being a favored student from a university, higher demands must be met with a career that’s been chasing him since day one in college.

“You know you can still call me if you need a random getaway.” He whispered. “I may be far but that doesn’t mean I’ll forget about us.”

“You’ll meet new folks there that would potentially replace me.”

“That’s silly and you know that. You’re still my best friend. And you actually might be the one to replace me. I heard Jay’s been trying to steal your attention a lot more than usual lately.” You only glared at him with a lingering fear at the back of your mind that maybe, he was right. Replacements might just be your new norm now.

That was the hardest part of moving forward when you both left yourselves hanging in between random escapades and fleeting memories. You were each other’s best getaway. You both just discovered it. Anywhere with each other always felt like home and an adventure all at once.

But you both have to do away with what’s needed to be done. And with that, Heeseung called it day— a final kiss on your forehead…

a touch of farewell and a see-you-whenever. —

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[goblins-riddles-or-frocks]

What would he have made his priorities after being the king? I mean politically? If he had worked at all that is.

GREAT QUESTION it frankly drives me kind of insane that we never get any hint whatsoever about how he’s running the country while he does briefly take over from S&S through R&R. Like what are his POLICIES!! What is he DOING??

But also, realistically, he is not going to cancel wars with the Shadow Fold threat lol. Like that is only the beginning of a really long and drawn out foreign relations catastrophe. I talked about this a little bit in a different context awhile ago but he doesn’t strike me as a character with a firm end goal… ever. There’s always going to be more to do.

But like a civil war is going to fuck up the country no matter what. So I’d assume, regardless, there’s going to be a fair bit of immediate picking up the pieces economically. He doesn’t at all seem like he cares about public opinion, beyond being scary enough so people know not to fuck with him. So he’d probably have no qualms with making drastic and highly unpopular reforms lol.

We really don’t know enough about his stances but he seems to be primarily: a nationalist, an autocrat, prioritizing military strength, distinctly favoring Grisha interests, and also shdhfgfd against industrialization and technological advancement. He also favors the perceived good of the many over the interests and well being of any individual, and is very happy to make sacrifices of many, many lives to achieve fairly petty goals. He's a fantasy fascist basically.

The books somewhat superficially equate him with Russian revolutionary figures. But I don't think there's enough... actual ideology to back that up very much. And rapid industrialization and transitioning the Soviet Union from a primarily agrarian based economy was itself a key part of it? So... he's not much of a Stalin. If we're trying to sus out his policies I could see him being something of an anti Peter the Great, where instead of forced Westernization, you have an incredibly set in his ways immortal autocrat trying to drag everyone back to the values and traditions of his youth. (Which would also make narrative sense, considering Nikolai, as the Darkling-lite foil, seems to have def been based on some aspects of Peter the Great's youth and interest in innovation, if not his personality)

So for example, he seems like he'd favor isolationism. His idea of "peace" is "don't fuck with me or I'll make my monster filled interdimensional rift eat you." And we know Ravka is in intense debt! I could easily see him seizing the nobility's wealth and using it to pay off any debts owed to foreign countries. And then if anything's left over to stockpile resources towards making Ravka more self sufficient. Maybe even melt the gold and silver out of churches to that purpose.

(I forget which historical figure literally melted down church crosses dfghj but that was a thing! iirc incidentally he also stripped the silver from the currency, absolutely destroying its value...)

By RoW he seems to have embraced the entire like religious propaganda side of things. But in the trilogy proper he seems to hate the church. So resources going to it in any way will probs be diverted. And I could even see him gradually trying to repurpose the buildings for other things. They're on the tail end of a civil war, there's probs a lot of displaced people that could be put there for a start.

S&B meanwhile establishes that he has some pretty distinct opinions about how all the Grisha need to pretend to live like peasants so as not to forget their roots or whatever. I think he *would* enact really harsh regulations and reforms on court life just because he hates it so bad lol. Taxes on parties, insane sumptuary laws for everyone but his favored Grisha soldiers. He's had centuries and centuries to hate changing social norms. I think he'd go nuts if given the opportunity to dictate everything. Generally I think there would be a mix of skyrocketing taxes and reforms to an actual purpose (bolstering the economy and stripping material power from the nobility) but also just to be a petty, temperamental autocrat.

Def also criminalizing dissent and making examples of any opposition immediately. Can't have another revolution threatening his revolution. Again, here I'm annoyed by how little the world is fleshed out, because we get nothing about the nobility. Noble families with any sort of longstanding ties or known friendship with the Lantsovs would probs get executed day one. Stripped of titles and lands etc and then taking those and giving them to his own supporters. (Who are they? Good fucking question! He has one Ivan and then even he fucking dies. But realistically... he would have... supporters?)

He'd probs want to get a firmer grip on West Ravka stat, and maybe invest in some military expansion to control more ports. An issue I forever have with the Grishaverse worldbuilding is that it's just so small? There are only like five countries? Trade and foreign policy just aren't going to Look Like That or mimic a nineteenth/twentieth century vibe if there are only five fucking countries dfghjkl but whatever. Whatever.

I could also see him favoring exports over imports. Stopping all trade seems destabilizing af so I doubt he’d go there but seems likely he'd try to decrease any dependency Ravka has on other countries in favor of self sufficiency and isolationism. Maybe taxing imports so bad that it's just not worth it. Regulating the exact details of what can be imported, when, why, etc.

Speaking of the earlier impending foreign relations catastrophe. I think if he’s scary enough he might manage to avoid an all out war on all fronts? Might. Because there’s also a really good case to be made for attacking Ravka while its still weak and reeling from the civil war. But if he’s lucky, the surrounding countries will take a “wait and see” stance. But like there will be consequences eventually. Consider the Shadow Fold an in-universe fantasy nuke in the hands of a power hungry ruler who has zero qualms with any scale of loss of life or just murdering civilians for the lols. He’s proven himself to be unstable and unreasonable so even if there isn’t an immediate declaration of war there is going to be a response to that. No one’s going to be chill!! And like SoC and KoS context tells us that there is parem on the horizon, along with the Grisha super soldiers in Shu Han, the druskelle getting wayyyy more sophisticated and a general trajectory of rapid military industrialization and advancement through out the world. Those are playing pieces that would be on the board regardless, but it’s just going to get so much uglier under those circumstances. And especially with the knowledge and context that the Darkling is completely fucking unreasonable and ready to war crime anyone who looks at him funny.

I guess siding with Fjerda in S&S could hypothetically be advantageous to him here actually? Like we do not know the terms of that alliance at all, and I doubt it would hold for long. But it breaks up the framing of everyone vs Ravka. And opens things up for anyone else to respond by trying to get on his good side against their own enemies. And once again. There are only five countries lmao. So a tense balance of powers situation might be feasible, but I think it would hinge on him not looking like he’s completely insane. Possibly ironic, but the fact that he seems to have only war crimed his own damn country is likely also useful here. Other governments typically don’t care/won’t get involved to a degree of outright declaring war over that. And it leaves some room for arguing that he’s capable of some restraint. So how quickly things go to hell probably depends on whether he goes back on any alliances or makes good on/is cornered into making good on his Shadow Fold threat.

So I don't know, basically I think there's a ton you could extrapolate from his personality, actual world history, and like fascist takeover 101 sdfghj but it's also somewhat unsatisfying to speculate about because it's impossible not to constantly run into thin points in the worldbuilding. But basically I think he would probably rule with an eye for sweeping, harsh reforms, consolidating power, and chipping away at any opposition or potential adversary, with a general decided disinterest in the popularity or lack thereof of any of his policies. And I also think unless someone got him to take a deep breath and chill out for five minutes and relearn the value of diplomacy things would get. how you say. really fucking bad.

This was incredibly unorganized I hope it answered your question at all sdfghj

[loki-cees-all]

Prologue - Take This All Away {TLTGYA - Post!TVA Loki x OFC Longfic}

Cee's Loki Fic Masterlist / TLTGYA Masterlist / A03 Link / Next Chapter

Summary : It’s just a compulsion to steal the TemPad, and it’s just a habit to flee. The timelines have split, the TVA is in disarray, the threat of He Who Remains is insurmountable - and Loki is just so fucking done with it all.

W/c : 816 words

Content / Warnings : Heavy angst

Author's Note : For the lovely and talented @infinitystoner as a result of the Musical Ask Game. Enjoy, my friend <3

⊱ ─ ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ─  ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅  ─ ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ─ ⊰

That was it. That was the final straw. 

The words echoed throughout his mind in an endless loop as his feet carried him along the hallways of the TVA. Sweat and blood clung to his tattered uniform, mercilessly reminding him of his repeated and incessant failures. 

It seemed he would never escape that paradigm as nameless hunters and analysts slammed past him, eager to fix the motion of events he had set into place. 

Loki recognized one or two of them as they barked orders to the others, and he considered screaming at them that there wasn’t a point any longer. 

But they weren’t the same ones as before, were they? And they wouldn’t have listened to him, even if they were.

The image of Mobius’ and B-15's bewildered faces as they took him in, as they tried to decipher the meaning of his warning, still burned into his eyelids. 

With the timelines jumbled together, and with the threat of He Who Remains and his variants staring him in the face, there wasn’t - ironically enough - time to convince them of his worth. Again.

Just when he had been making headway, just when he was finding his footing at long last, the rug was yanked out from under him. Like it was always meant to do.

It was easy enough to bewitch the closest things he had to friends after they’d called for backup. The decision to bewitch them at all so he could escape had been the agonizing one. 

The TVA’s hallways seemed endless, more so than the other times he had been dragged through them under heavy guard. He almost wished to be a prisoner again, to have this not be his problem anymore. 

But it would always be his problem. It was his curse, his pain, his fury - and he was so goddamn sick of it all. 

Eventually, Loki found himself in front of the armory. Time Sticks, helmets and shields were strewn haphazardly across the floor after it was ransacked by Hunters desperate to do their jobs. 

The ones they had been programmed to do. The ones that didn’t matter anymore.

The urge to destroy everything in the room was a massive, vehement one. But it was too much effort, and its effect would be meaningless anyway. 

As Loki turned to drift on, an object in the corner of the room caught his eye. The silver and wood grain stuck out among the black armor on the floor, dropped and forgotten in the midst of the chaos. 

Was it a beacon of hope, or was it another illusion?

His limbs pushed him forward before he even realized what he was doing, and his hands grasped the TemPad before he could stop himself. 

Where would he even go? Dare he try returning to Asgard, his home? But it hadn’t ever been his home. Not really. 

His lungs tightened in his chest as he stared at the most powerful object the TVA had. Loki wasn’t even sure if the TemPad would still work as his fingers tapped mindlessly on the screen.

Maybe he could try Jotunheim. He could probably convince the few remaining Frost Giants to let him lead them back to glory without even breaking a sweat. And it would be so easy…

He cursed and shook his head. That plan would only lead him to the dungeons of Asgard, and Odin would be more than happy to keep him locked there forever under his thumb. Loki would rather be dead than trapped within that particular form of misery. 

Ultimately, he knew it wouldn’t matter where or when he went. In spite of his centuries of painful existence, every decision he made was the wrong one.

Loki believed there was nothing he could do to escape himself. He had tried, many times, to no avail. Each time he had ended up worse than the attempt before, whether by his own flesh or one akin to it. 

But that was before the timelines had broken free. There was no sinister figure calling the shots any longer. Could he try, one more time, to escape that fate?

That question remained unanswerable even as the interdimensional portal opened before him. Its glowing amber reflected off his disillusioned and resigned features as he hesitated.

The absence of crimson around the Time Door did nothing to assuage his fear - it would be a time loop whether he wanted it to be or not.

But this time, he didn’t know where or when he was going, and that was the point. The less he knew, the less he could screw up. 

Perhaps he would try apathy for awhile. Even if it didn’t save him, at least it would be less effort.

And maybe, just maybe, this would be the last time he had to flee. 

Even Loki didn’t believe his own lie as he disappeared through the portal into the unknown. 

⊱ ─ ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ─  ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅  ─ ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ─ ⊰

Tag List : @infinitystoner @sarahscribblesss @lunarnights95

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Cee's Loki Fic Masterlist / TLTGYA Masterlist / A03 Link / Next Chapter

[colormepurplex2]

ColorMePurplex2's Jeon Jungkook Masterlist

RATING: (regardless, this space is not for minors) G - general audience | PG - strong, suggestive language | PG-13 - frequent use of strong language, grittier subject matter | R - large amounts of vulgar language and adult references | MA - strictly for adults 18+ WARNINGS: please do not take these lightly, if it’s listed that means you can expect to encounter it DISCLAIMER: I do not claim to own any part of BTS. All members of BTS are faces and name claims for these stories. Every post is entirely a work of fiction and by no means is meant to be a projection, judgement, or representation of real-life people. Any scenarios or representations of the people and places mentioned in my works are not representative of real-life scenarios.

▻ Make You Mine ↳ Pairing: x f.Reader ┉ AU/Trope(s): A/B/O, Enemies to Lovers ⤜ Genre(s): angst, smut, mild fluff ⤜ Rating: MA Chapters: [2/2] WC: 11,231 Summary: Alphas might rule the world, but Jungkook finds himself being ruled by the need to make you his. Omegas are rare, precious, and pliant. At least, most are. When you present late, well into your twenties, you’re already set in your headstrong ways; a challenge even for a commanding alpha like Jungkook. Add to that the centuries-long feud between your families and the last thing anyone expected was for him to claim you as his soulmate. ⚠️ Angst, shit-talking, praise kink, breed kink, knotting, creampie, marking/claiming Please check the beginning of each chapter for specific warnings.

▻Chasing Shadows ↳ Pairing: x f.Reader ┉ AU/Trope(s): Modern Day Sherlock Holmes, Best Friends Brother ⤜ Genre(s): fluff, smut, angst ⤜ Rating: MA Chapters: [4/4] WC: 21,511 Summary: Your job gets you into trouble sometimes. Who would have thought crime journalism would put so many targets on your back? But, it’s happening again, someone’s threatening you. Only, this time, it’s not just you that’s in the crosshairs. Your best friend, Enola, is out on an assignment and can’t help like she usually does. So, what does she do instead? She sends her brother, Jungkook, armed with a magic bag, a charming smile, and deductive reasoning skills that prove his worth as one of the best PI’s around. With more at stake than ever before, what lengths will you go to in order to connect the dots and catch the bad guy? ⚠️ Death threats, breaking and entering, descriptions of violence, stalker behavior, talk of crime/criminals, oral f receiving, vaginal fingering, protected sex, nipple play, dirty talk, imagery that reflects choking but isn’t, guns, lots of foul language, scare tactics, talk of a car accident from drunk driving, minor injury, mention of blood/wound, an allusion to mild depression/self-reflection Please check the beginning of each chapter for specific warnings.

▻ On Wings of Mist & Memories ↳ Pairing: x f.Reader ┉ AU/Trope(s): High Fantasy, Exiled Royalty, Enemies to Lovers ⤜ Genre(s): angst, smut, fluff ⤜ Rating: MA Chapters: [3/3] WC: 39,753 Summary: You’re a Psion—disguised Field Scribe—of the Golden Kingdom of Bolas, attached to the Front Wing Infantry. After an ambush from the sky rips down the safe walls around you, you find yourself at the mercy of a brutal man, his dragon, and his shadows. ⚠️ Crass language, combat/violence, minor character deaths, talk of war, brief nudity (nonsexual, mostly), sexual references and feelings, flashback minor character death, mild sexual tension, suggestive inner thoughts, lots of sexual tension, crude banter, fingering, kissing, dirty talk, teasing, shadow penetration/sex (it’s exactly what you’re probably thinking it is: fun af), lots of praise, sexual pleading/begging, endearingly awkward sexual tension, shameless flirting, oral m. receiving, shadow clit play, nipple pinching/teasing, v. sex, mild cum play & eating, multiple orgasms, sad feelings/thoughts of the future, fighting, mild violence, implied minor character death, minor character terminal sickness that leads to off-page death, talk of forced bonds, heartache, pregnancy, off-page childbirth Please check the beginning of each chapter for specific warnings.

▻ Now I'm Yours (follow-up to Make You Mine) ↳ Pairing: x f.Reader ┉ AU/Trope(s): A/B/O, Established relationship, Soulmates ⤜ Genre(s): angst, smut, fluff ⤜ Rating: MA Chapters: [2/2] WC: 14,064 Summary: Jungkook is terrible at feelings. He’s possessive, reckless, and most definitely an Alphahole; you were once his sworn enemy for a reason. But, after he claimed you as his mate during your designation celebration, how do you even begin to navigate the dark waters of such a precarious relationship? Especially when there is darkness creeping over the horizon, threatening to blanket your world in permanent shadow. ⚠️Vulgar language, semi-hate sex, fingering, knotting, creampie, discussion of violent acts, drinking, fighting/physical altercation, alpha challenge, knife violence/attack, blood, injury, bond sex, dick licking, slick eating, biting/marking, blood/wound licking, surprise pregnancy Please check the beginning of each chapter for specific warnings.

▻ Shatter With Me ↳ Pairing: x f.Reader ┉ AU/Trope(s): Best Friend's Husband, Surrogacy AU ⤜ Genre(s): angst, smut, fluff ⤜ Rating: MA Chapters: [3/4] WC: ~46,420k (ongoing) Summary: Your best friend, Jiyoon, and her husband, Jungkook, have faced years of hardship trying to start a family. In a last-ditch effort to have their dream life, they seek solace in surrogacy. Wanting to see your best friend smile, you offer to become the bright beacon at the end of the tunnel, giving them what they have always wanted. But what happens when you begin to shine your light on their darkness? Things aren’t always as they seem—happiness can be a façade, shattering under the lightest pressure. ⚠️Crass language, talk of infertility, drinking, very mild bullying and references to cruel behavior/words, talk of surrogacy, at-home medical procedure, genital touching (non-sexual), planned pregnancy, talk of pregnancy termination/abortion, BIG hurt feelings, open palm slapping, accusations of infidelity, rejected/unwanted drunken kissing that could be viewed as dubious infidelity, lies/deceit about fertility, broken marriage, infidelity, talk of divorce/filing for divorce, legal separation, kissing, fingering, cunnilingus, mild dirty talk, mild begging, sex while pregnant, creampie Please check the beginning of each chapter for specific warnings.

▻ Golden Cufflinks ↳ Pairing: x f.Reader ┉ AU/Trope(s): A/B/O, Best Friend's Fiancé, Soulmates AU ⤜ Genre(s): angst, smut, fluff ⤜ Rating: MA Chapters: [1/1] WC: 11,742 Summary: You’ve never given much thought to finding your true mate, firmly believing it’s something that will happen when it happens. But, when you do find him—thanks to a pair of golden cufflinks—it very well could ruin everything. They say not all’s fair in love and war; you just hadn’t expected your best friend’s wedding to be the battleground. ⚠️ Crass language, talk of designation hierarchy, mild talk of misogynistic practices of the past, confessions of cheating(not by main pairing), anger/arguments, kissing, dick sucking, mild cum intrigue, maybe mild breeding kink if you squint, unprotected v. sex, knotting, lots of slick and cum

WIPS: Smoke & Mirrors - mafia, single dad All Night Long - music festival turned fuckfest

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[goodqueenaly]

Feel free to wait to answer until after you finish up the posts on Jaehaerys's reign: if GRRM did a book(s) on J&A's reign in the style of ASOIAF, who would you like to have as the POVs?

How about not a freaking misogynistic sex-obsessed creep of a maester writing two and a half centuries after the fact?

No, honestly I don’t know why, if GRRM was so set on making a “historical” book about Jaehaerys I’s reign, he could not have written from the perspective of Princess Maegelle. He doesn’t even have to have made her a POV character (although I wouldn’t have said no to that, of course): he could so easily have written the majority of Jaehaerys’ reign as Maegelle’s chronicle of her father, somewhere between the Alexiad of Anna Komnena and the excerpted writings of Princess Irulan peppered throughout the Dune series. Why not have Maegelle comment not just on what could have been historically known about her father, but also her own experience with her brothers, sisters, and the other members of the Targaryen court? Why not have Maegelle inspired by the maesterly tradition of histories at the Citadel but also want to prove her own intelligence and insight?

Or if he wanted to go just straight POV, then the character I would have wanted to read most is Alysanne. Maybe I’m biased (lol), but I honestly think she would be the most interesting single figure from whose perspective to tell this story. I think I’ve said before, the point (IMO) of having a raging violent misogynist (like, say, Randyll Tarly) in the story isn’t to just simply say “gee, doesn’t life suck for women of Westeros”, but to explore how those attitudes affect women (not to mention men who do not perform according to the standards of that society, like Sam). Having Alysanne, ostensibly the perfect Targaryen queen, experience and react to that attitude from the man who proclaimed to love her but was in fact a cruel, sexist man would be, I think, the way to allow for Alysanne’s feelings and make her the central figure of focus and sympathy as F&B very much does not.

[howtofightwrite]

Hi! I have a battle scene that takes place on the coast and a few questions concerning the practical positioning. The defending side A 's cavalry are one of their biggest strengths and include a small section of rare transformative horses that can swim and breath under water. They stand on the coast and surrounding fields. If B, on the offense, arrive on the beach on boats how would A position their cavalry and infantry?

I'm not sure if there is any use in having cavalry on the beach facing the offense. Would they likely position their infantry first facing the sea with their cavalry further behind them i.e. where mounted archers can attack from and move around quickly. Depending on the geography could mounted soldiers charge B's troops once they reach the beach? Or would it just be impractical for the horses (the non-fantasy ones).

The setting is Tolkein-similar medieval fantasy with some more advanced technology in the works.

So, the first thing that comes to mind is that transporting horses by sea is notoriously difficult. I'm not an expert on horse transportation, but from what I remember the stress of transport alone can be fatal, on top of that, their legs and lungs are especially vulnerable while at sea. Finally, getting horses ashore without a full port is going to be extremely difficult without modern amphibious landing craft. So, it's not easy for an amphibious assault force (your second faction), to bring cavalry. Somewhat obviously, if their cavalry doesn't involve living horses, some of these problems may not apply. (Either fantasy animals who have no issues with being cooped up on a ship for weeks at a time, or the undead, or something else entirely.)

With all that said, it is possible to transport horses by sea, but it is difficult. Also, it occurs to me, after writing this, that you specify if the second group had cavalry.

The transforming horses (kelpies, or whatever), might not have an issue with being aboard a ship, and may be able to embark and disembark mid-voyage. It's kind of hard to tell. Depending on how far they can clear the water, they might be useful for eliminating enemy landing craft before they can come ashore. You wouldn't even need that many of them to sufficiently cripple an invading force, unless the capital ships were specifically set up to deal with them and protect their their landing crafts. If the assaulting force didn't know about the horses, they may even be able to take out the capital ships before dealing with the landing troops.

I'm not sure how well horses take to sand, but for infantry, quickly moving on beach sand can be a lot more exhausting than you'd expect.

Historically, amphibious assaults, that is to say, attacking from the sea, is an extraordinarily difficult tactic. These forces are especially vulnerable while disembarking. They're likely to still be reorganizing themselves back into their units. They have their back to the sea, meaning they cannot fall back, and they cannot move forces behind their front line. They are stuck with their distribution of forces. And worse, their chain of command is likely to be somewhat disorganized as well. A lot of modern concepts about amphibious warfare are, just that, “modern,” and have been around for slightly over a century.

Spears and pikes are effective anti-cav weapons, so if the invading troops expect a cavalry as part of their initial retaliation, they can prepare for that.

But, I think, absent additional information, the answer on how to position their forces would be to simply send in their infantry immediately, before the invading force was able to finish disembarking, and cut them down, sending their transforming horses out any reinforcements or supports coming from the invader's ships. It's not even a positioning issue in this case, it's just about driving them back into the sea before they're organized and ready to fight.

-Starke

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