#just housing woes xD

[scrawlingskribbles]

it’s been literal Weeks now and that phrase still mocks me at least once daily, when will this oppression end….. x’3c

[cmdonovann]

aaaaaaand here's some books i've been working on for ages! a little colored-paper letter quarto of what i personally consider to be The Definitive Fire Emblem Three Houses Dimilix Fic (as in, this is basically canon to me, lol)! it's "the trappings and the suits of woe" by @cyranonic! (and yes, i made the second copy for you cyranonic, i'll message you once this post actually goes up!)

for some reason the mobile post editor is refusing to let me do links correctly so i'm just gonna copypaste the ao3 link here and fix it later XD anyway go read this fic!!! it's so good!!! https://archiveofourown.org/works/25293748

[heniareth]

Anyways, I ran out of tags, so I’m gonna continue this here! :D

The measurements for Spellpower and mana inefficiency are so cool!!! So spellpower basically encompasses the strength and duration of the spell and mana inefficiency the amount of mana lost as light, sound or heat during the casting of a spell? I love it! It really reframes the way we’d approach spellcasting as having a physical component as well as an intellectual one. After all, those measurements look a lot like something you’d see in P.E. classes, less like something from math classes. I’m guessing there’s an intellectual component to it, and having a solid grasp on the theory of how magic and mana and spellcasting works probably makes the spellcasting itself easier, but it’s not the end of it. In DAI, there’s banter between Dorian and Solas were they talk about how they manipulate the Veil to create magical effects and it does sound very hands-on. So I love that the evaluation method reflects that. You could have your standard high school plot of the 2000s-2010s happening at Kinloch Hold. Nerd mage asks Jock mage if they can help them increase their spellcasting prowess and offer to help them with the theory in return! This is amazing and I’m glad the ask gave way to have you figure out these things.

Also Rhodri tutoring the younger kids. It’s nice that, as far away as she was from her family, she got a chance to still live a bit of family life with the younger apprentices (until Broken Circles. Fuck. The templars. And Uldred).

Also also: the Tevinter letterheads. Oooooooh it’s so cool. An all official-sounding paper and it’s a tercet from one spouse to the other. It wamrs my heart. Also, it says a lot that Rhodri would use this sort of paper. I can imagine Dorian using everything BUT paper with that letterhead except when he absolutely has to XD XD XD XD I also love that Owen gets his own letterhead. Every member of house Callistus is important and has their own stationary. Yes, the nine-year-old is included in this, he absolutely needs his own stationary as well. I love that

I’m cackling over here at Zevran not only organizing this whole bet to get his hands on the tercet (which, oh Rhodri XD XD XD XD Don’t tell this man you wrote a love poem only to then not want to show him XD XD XD XD Also RHODRI IS A POET??? RHODRI IS A POET!!! I remember what you said about Tevinter and the arts (namely that Tevinters don’t really do hobbies or arts & crafts since these are things they could very easily purchase) and the fact that Rhodri pens her thoughts down as a poem sometimes, and especially if those thoughts are about Zevran, surely does things to Zevran’s heart)

...

Where was I? Oh yes. Not only does Zevran organize this whole bet to get his hands on the tercet, but he hides grapes in his pockets. Evil, evil man!! I’m guessing Rhodri doesn’t like grapes (or is it a throwback to that time Zevran was bored on the road and started throwing grapes at Rhodri?) Anyways, what a poem. Unflinching devotion paired with a complicated religious life. That Rhodri decides the Maker doesn’t exist so she doesn’t discharge all of her rage and grief over her friends during Broken Circle at him does things to me. It’s heartbreaking (and practical, I guess, but idk. Maybe getting real angry and screaming at the sky would’ve been a bit cathartic?). I hope Leliana (or Wynne) didn’t do too much poking on the matter. But really, how do you deal with this kind of pain when it’s doen by the servants of “your” god who supposedly left the world to its devices because rational beings were too sinful for him? And, and, Rhodri, as the head of a house is in a similar position to the Maker (although on a much smaller scale); and the Maker fails by most of her standards. What kind of person leaves his place as the head of the house bc he just can’t deal with the people he’s leading?

That Zevran’s faith is something she considers admirable though? That. That gets me. Of course, Zevran knows better than to pressure her on the matter, bless him. But... what an example does he have to set, what an experience does he have to communiacte that Rhodri sees something good about worshipping the Maker. It speaks volume about Zevran’s influence on her, the way he lives his faith and the high regard in which Rhodri holds him. I love it. Simply love it. Zevran probably knows Rhodri’s conflict with the Maker, right? That poem must��ve either sent the biggest grin to his face or made him tearful. Maybe both.

Also: Sēvē and Zēvē XD XD XD XD XD XD XD XD XD XD Marvellous! They should get matching shirts XD XD XD XD Or aprons. This whole family has a wicked sense of humor XD XD XD XD XD XD XD XD

Also!!!!!! The gif lets me imagine Owen so well with the mop of ginger hair, quietly working on his plants (what ARE Rhodri’s favorite plants is the question). I hope he and Rhodri get to spend lots of time in the greenhouse once Rhodri gets back.

This was an amazing read!! I apologize for being late in my answer, but my crops have been watered, fertilized, de-weeded and blessed by these lovely codexes. I also haven’t forgotten about the ones you sent me; they’re in the works. Hoooooo boy, so many great things have come out of this XD XD XD XD XD XD Thank you heaps!!

Hello my wonderful and lovely friend!!! I come, as I am wont to do, with questions for splendidissima Rhodri from the OC Codex prompts:

2. a letter written by your OC’s family member

3. a report written by your OC’s teacher or mentor

4. a letter from your OC to their love interest

Now, I don't know if you will spend these days celebrating or not, but they seem to be busy days for anybody regardless. Please take as much time as you like and pick whichever tickle your fancy. And have some lovely, lovely days. Off I go!

OH HI HEY ! 8D 8D Good to see you and thank you for sending in the prompts!! I had such a great time with these, both of my braincells were working overtime and it was a joy!

Owing to spacing and the sheer volume of the answers I'm sticking all this under the cut. I'd apologise but we both know I don't mean it x) x) x)

so o o o 2. A letter written by your OC's family member Here's one from Rhod's younger brother, Owen. Heirs aren't allowed to have favourites, but suffice it to say she and Owen had easy and natural compatibility. He was nine-ish and Rhodri would've been twelve.

The paper is bleached, high-quality Tevinter vellum, bearing a template header in red ink, reading in Tevene rune script, EX SCRIBIO CALLISTANI SPIRI (“From the desk of Spiro Callistanus”). At the top right of the page, the date 13 Justinian, 9:22 Era Drakonis is added in the same wobbly runic script in the rest of the letter. The language of writing is Tevene.

I love you Sēvē,

My birthday was good but sad without you, and thank you for my greenhouse. Mazarin and Evander aren’t allowed inside because they break everything now. Bethann sits with me in there sometimes but not for long. 

School is hard but Tata says it gets easier with time. When you come back we can go together. I think that would make it better. Mazarin and Evander are too loud and they don’t sit with me any more. Do you know any plant spells? Please write all of them down so I can learn them when my magic comes. And please tell me your favourite three plants. Mine are ivy, snake kiss, and butterleaf.

Please write lots more soon.

And I love you, from Owen your brother.

-

Author's notes:

Callistanus- ‘of’ House Callistus, the name given to non-heir family members. An heir is the house, the non-heirs are the members of said house. ‘Callistani is Callistanus in genitive (possessive- I know you know this; clarifying for other potential readers) case. Owen's Tevene name is Spiro, Spiri in genitive form.

The Callistanus/Amell kids did not cope well with Rhodri being taken to the Circle. Not least because they were an arm’s length away when the Kirkwall Templars were beating her to a pulp.  Mazarin and Evander, who already tended to be loud and demanding, became destructive and disruptive, and both of them developed explosive tempers that proved hard to pacify.  Bethann, the youngest and most sensitive sibling, suffered frequent meltdowns that required many years to identify causes for and address.  Owen, the middle child, was always quiet and courteous. The adults in his life, amid attending to his louder, needier siblings, frequently ‘checked in’ on him, and they would have used all the resources they had to attend to any need he might have, but if he said he was doing fine (he always did), they left it at that and assumed he was content to keep to himself. Rhodri had always made a point of keeping him by her side and giving him plenty of one-on-one attention even if he was ‘fine,’ and he soaked that up like a sponge. After she was taken away, though, and the other siblings proved to be very squeaky wheels, there was nobody to fill the gap in those childhood to early teen years. Owen ended up rather neglected, and horribly lonely, and hid it, even lied about it, to everyone but Rhodri for years. Consequently, Owen tends to have a low opinion of himself, and is disinclined to seek out something, however badly he might want it. He does a lot better once Rhodri's back, and certainly once his folks found out (to their unrestricted horror) how neglected he had felt, they did their darnedest to make it up to him as well. But Rhod's return was really what cemented that improvement.

§

On to 3. a report written by your OC's teacher and mentor

I liked this question because I like the idea of there being a very specific, Chantry-determined format to a progress report, filled with formalities that ostensibly show some level of "civility" between the Templars and the mages. Plus, grading system? How do the mages measure success? So many questions!! Thank you for making me think of the answers!! -

The paper is bleached, blank vellum of middle to high quality, with the standard Circle progress report template already written in with black ink. Irving’s handwriting is a neat cursive that is no longer taught in the Circles. -

Date: 7 Eluviesta, 9:21 Dragon

Tutor name and rank: Irving, F.E.

Apprentice name; age; specialisation: Rhodri S. C. Amell// 10 y.o.// Arcane Magic

Progress report number, AYTD: 2

Presenting compliments to the Knight-Commander and having the honour to report:

Following the discovery of lyrium affliction in early Verimensis 9:22, Rhodri Amell has completed three months of compensatory meditation and distraction management training. Spellpower has improved significantly, as has spell duration (Max. 4; 10s per HS); mana inefficiency has also decreased (less est. 2.5, now 5.5). Continuation of the program recommended indefinitely.

Despite her progress, Rhodri’s temper outbursts are increasing in frequency during lessons proper. I reiterate to the Knight-Commander my suspicion that these arise from the elemental damage and consequent pain in her hands from unsafe proximity to trained mana, particularly as her affliction prevents her from wearing the requisite enchanted safety gloves. As per my last reports, I strongly recommend that my apprentice be permitted to use a sylvan branch staff to prevent more of the same; responding to outbursts with punishment has proved manifestly unhelpful and I continue to urge its cessation to the Knight-Commander with the greatest emphasis.

I note that Rhodri continues to tutor beginner students in her free time. E. Delilah has anecdotally mentioned better performance in this cohort in comparison to Delilah’s previous cohort, and has advised willingness to allow my apprentice to shadow her for some classes. With assistance in managing the change in schedule, I anticipate further progress for all concerned.

Reiterating assurances to the Knight-Commander of my highest consideration.

Irving, F.E. 

-

Author's notes on abbreviations and measurements - AYTD: Academic year to date - Spellpower scale is from 0 (not casting) to 10 (Destruction of a single room - HS- healing spell (in this case spell duration measures how long the intended effects persist until the spell is cut off or wears off on its own) - Mana inefficiency scale measures how much unformed mana escapes when a spell is cast, from 0 (no mana lost) to 10 (all, or almost all mana escaped). .

§

And 4: A letter from your OC to their love interest!

The author's notes are long so I'd better just get to it:

The paper is bleached, high-quality Tevinter vellum, bearing a template header in red ink, reading in Tevene rune script, EX SCRIBIO CALLISTI SEVERIN (“From the desk of Severin Callistus”). At the top right of the page, the date 11 Pluitanis, 9:35 Era Drakonis is written in sharp, austere letters, as is the rest of the content. The language of writing is Common, with the exception of the tercet, which is in Tevene.

Dulcis,

I pen this letter to you with all my love and, in adherence to the conditions set by your challenge:

I admit that I stand corrected: pickpocketing is very difficult and is not “something I could do as easily as blinking.” (I will say, however, that hiding grapes in the pocket you were keeping the coins was entirely unnecessary. It feels like those bastard Void fruits are hiding everywhere, now.)

With great embarrassment, I enclose a reproduction of the tercetus I so foolishly admitted to writing and frankly, my love, I am starting to think you organised this whole bet so you could get your hands on it.  . In vitae finite stabit Formator ton, et querisit "A Incredule, quemisi exultum mihim offerti?" Et respondit humilite, "Ton Zevran, Sanctus amade" .

I must say, my love, I’m enjoying writing to you even though you’re right beside me. I think I’d like to do this more often– though hopefully with fewer tercetae. Maybe I could hang short missives off your Friday flowers. What do you think?

Also, please let me know if you would like to go to the Sidereal Telescopium tomorrow. Quirina is giving a speech on the upcoming New Constellations Room, and I have many questions for them.

My whole heart to you,

Severin (Rhodri). -

Author’s notes:

Tercetus- a traditional Tevene-style three-line rhyming poem.

A rough translation: At the end of life I will stand before your Maker, and he will ask me "You, Unbeliever, tell me– what worship did you ever offer me?" And I will say, simply and earnestly, "Holy Immortal, I loved Your Zevran."

Rhod’s got a complicated religious life. She started okay; the family wasn’t especially pious but they did Chantry things at the frequency considered respectable. Once she landed in Kinloch Hold, though, her prevailing question, for which never received a satisfactory answer, was: “If the Maker can do anything, and He loves us, why does he let us suffer? I wouldn’t do that, and I’m a child, nto a god.” After Broken Circle, she refused to believe the Maker existed, as a consolation to herself, and to avoid the sort of vengeful blasphemy that gets you hung, drawn, and quartered. There’s something about Zevran’s patient faith, though, and his willingness to offer thanks that he has what he has, however miserable his life has been. It’s impressively staunch, and Rhodri admires that, and treasures the comfort it brings him, enough that she slowly comes around to her idea of a compromise. Said compromise is acknowledging that if the Maker exists, He is as capable at unleashing bitter cruelty as He is at creating boundless joy. Rhod’s not one to praise bad behaviour in anyone, let alone a god who should know better, but by golly He did everyone a good turn when He made Zevran. Maybe age will bring other wisdom, but for now, she lets her love for Zevran be her tentative worship, because it’s the only praise she can offer in earnest. Though idk, what better compliment is there for a creator than someone wholeheartedly adoring their creation?  I like to think it’s enough for the time being. A religious journey isn’t always straightforward but I always found that complications bring their own insights.

I have no idea why Rhodri signs off her letters to Zevvo as ‘Severin (Rhodri).’ They agreed early on never to use the Tevene name to avoid the ridiculousness that comes with similar-sounding names (it gets especially bad when the siblings give him the Tevene-ised nickname Zēvē when they’re already calling Rhodri Sēvē. Agony!) Same deal with Owen signing off letters to her as “Owen your brother”. Must be hereditary.

Also I'm not sure about how ok it is to use Artbreeder generated images what with the art theft things going around now (I'm not sure where it stands on that sort of thing) so I'll leave out the artbreeder portrait I have of Owen. For a face claim, though, this feller here is pretty close (though I grant you Simon Wood is unlikely to be 9yo in this gif). Token ginger of the Amell-Callistus brood, what's up!

[moonspirit]

Hello moonie!!!! First of all happy international holiday (armins birthday duh) hope you’ll pass an amazing day of celebrations with fireworks and banquets🙀💫

Second, I just saw your post about kald inspo pics, do you have some also for the ambassadors’ house? Like outside and inside? I kind of have a hard time imagining what it looks like and how the rooms are disposed (not your fault ofc, i am the slow one XD)

I saw how Anna brought to life Annie’s and Armin’s rooms tho, they were so cute!!! Amazing work!!!

Heeelllo Gaia! I'm very sorry for getting around to this late (2 weeks, honestly 🥲...). I hope you had a good International Armin day too T_Tb

Anyway, thank you so much for asking (and I hope you still wanna know ahaha xD)! Imagining the house Armin & Co live in is one of my favourite things because a lot of VBEOW honestly started with the living spaces. At the same time, weirdly enough, I don't have solid inspiration pictures that I can point to and say "aha, this is what the living room looks like!" xD Much of the visual development lives in my head.

Still, I managed to find some similar ones to help you!

To start with, Anna's beautiful depiction of Aruani's rooms continue to make me want to crawl into the screen to live there, and I'm glad you like it too T^T She deserves all the love and praise for it!

Secondly, I once used Kimi no Nawa stills as a kind of promo thing because a particular shot of the Miyamizu house reminded me very strongly of the Ambassador's house in VBEOW and, well, I can't seem to find the original post but here they are:

Moving on to the interiors though, I always try to describe them to the best of my abilities (sometimes I also hold back because I'm scared of saying "cozy staircase" 3 times in a chapter 🥲 writing woes), but here are some photos I found that might help you imagine them better.

I guess the foyer could look something like this. Though these photos are very modern, so you should just take them and mentally translate them into constructions that are more 1930s appropriate xD Oh and there should be a shoe cabinet somewhere to the right.

The corridors on the boys' and girls' floors would be something like these:

Now, funnily enough, I have several photos of pretty kitchens saved on my phone and I think it's because I just really love kitchens? xD None of these are time-appropriate(?), but they have very Kald-appropriate beautiful views, so you can imagine them being vintage:

(very important author's note: how the kitchen looks is very critical to any story because the kitchen is where they nasty fu-- *gets shot*)

Some other photos I found that could be the living room with the fireplace, the dining room (it has a big window so that's important), and a random bedroom?

Keep in mind tho - it's all wood!

The house is quite *big* because as we learn, it was originally a mansion put to use as a guest-house for government officials. However it remains empty for a long, long time until Aruani & Co arrive from Fort Salta and are given it as a sort of "boarding house" to live in.

VBEOW is a story of how they make it a home, along with the land of Kald :3

Anyway thank you for the interest Gaia, I hope this helped you a bit!

[atalienart]

I disagree with the Latin stuff and the names. Lucy Sartor and Luna Stellar would sound pathetic to me as well in a more "realistic" not fully fairytale-esque context, just like Gardner and Taylor; or worse, because those are at least actual common surnames. I think it's depending on the language you're writing for. My first language is a romance language, not English, and all the names that try to be clever using Latin sound way more obvious at best and straight up ridiculous at worst to me. Like, say, Harry Potter. It all sounded so silly 6yo me was mocking them with my mother while we read. Of course Remus is called Lupin and of course Snape is Severus and Draco is called Malfoy. Of course xD

I do like the subtlety of names too, and I was just discussing with a friend a few days ago how interesting it is in a mix of narrative and metanarrative way that names are almost always meaningful in fiction, because it seems to create that tension between what is predetermined and what isn't in fiction. Almost as if the character at some point could turn around and look at the writer directly. As if they had the weight of the life they had to live since they were born, worldbuilding aside (obviously not as interesting in the context of actual in-world prophecies and such), and that is precisely the text! Like that one chapter in Nietszche's Zarathustra. "Good and evil, and joy and woe, and I and thou—coloured vapours did they seem to me before creative eyes".

Personally, I don't see a problem with those names. Are they on the nose, sure, but they don't sound pathetic to me. As I said, it's your own language that makes you like them or not. I remember that the minister of magic was called Fudge? (if we're taking HP as an example) and it was translated in the Polish version as Knot (which can come from "knocić", making something really poorly) and I really loved it, it made me laugh. But I wouldn't want them to translate dr House's surname because it would sound really silly. And even if I know what those names mean it's fine, I have another context.

I myself usually either look for names beginning with a particular letter so it's easier to tell the characters apart, or just think what suits them sound-wise. Then I check what the name means and sometimes I get really surprised. Sometimes I go look for names from other languages. With surnames it's similar. I also play with letters or look for words at random. To someone, somewhere they will always sound silly because they'll sound similar (or identical) to some random word. It's how it is. But I also use Latin to name some things and I don't think they are worse because people who know Latin or romance languages will recognise the connection/meaning, that's why I use it. (Shit, I even have a character named Korbin who takes care of ravens xD) I remember a discussion about the Grishaverse and how to Russian speaking people it was just Georgieverse. It's how it is. Sometimes I cringe seeing Polish names used in English books. Sometimes writers use the diminutive version of a name thinking it's a legit normal name. I mean...

I really wonder how would you solve the subtlety issue, taking into consideration that to have a meaning behind the word you need to take that word from an existing language. Like would you think if I named a character Anna Lato it would sound subtle for your ears? "Lato" means "summer" in Polish, it's also a surname. Anna comes from Latin but functions as a normal name. Let's say the character has a sunny personality. Is this subtle enough? To someone somewhere, (probably in Poland) it might still sound silly.

[murfpersonalblog]

IWTV S2 Ep2 Musings - KING LDPDL 🤴🏾

WTF was going on with Louis this episode!? My guy was frikkin FERAL! Jacob! The ACTEURE that you are~! 🤌 Sir Anderson! Eff an Emmy--he's British, someone KNIGHT this man already! 👑

Louis was deflecting AND flexing on Daniel, I could not WITHSTAND the charisma uniqueness nerve and talent!

Daniel was LITERALLY shaking in his boots--call in Dr Fareed again; whatever "medication" y'all gave him is wearing off.

Armand, are you gonna give Daniel a CHOICE my guy?

The LOUMAND of it all--they were SERVIIIIIIING~~~~

These two banter like an old married couple, it's SO GOOD! ^0^

And it's SO EFFING FAKE! XD

Jacob/Louis has unleashed yet ANOTHER persona(lity): this heinous bougie AF trophy wife wench whom I absolutely LOOOOOOOVE. 😭

The pretentious snobbery of it all. <3

Armand and Lestat should be fed to a BLENDER! Stop ragging on my sweet baby Louis for not wanting to lay around killing/sexing all night! Then y'all get mad at him when he sits around the house all depressed, not wanting to go out and do anything but read books!

But Armand confronting Louis was so adorable--thinking they were either insulting the coven, or toying with them/playing hard-to-get.

And Louis talking about how much Armand looked like a BOY playing dressup (just like Claudia)--he's so condescending sometimes, this 33-y/o who had to grow up too soon; vs. an ancient vampire who'll forever look too young. U_U

Oh how the tables have turned; but history still repeats itself!

It's so wild how with Loustat, Les was the one pretending to be a regular human, in his awkward frumpy clothes; while Lou was struggling to hold on to his high class status during their bidding war over Miss Lily ("admiration and emasculation"). But with Loumand, Louis' the one tryna pass as a regular human in his layman clothes, while Armand "masquerades" as Gentleman Death.

Both times, Lou has to contend with the power imbalances of two overpowered vampires outclassing him over & over again. But while Lou was hostile & offended by Les; he's scared & meek with Armand.

He's been humbled & broken down so much, and he knows firsthand what older/ancient vampires are capable of--

--esp. since Armand confronted Louis intending to threaten him (b4 he realized how pretty Lou was and changed his mind, LOL).

But I do wonder how Louis sensed his "ancient power" exactly? Other than Claudia he's only been around Les & Daciana; so how could he tell? (I bet Daciana's as old Armand.) This was something that always irked me in the books, cuz TWMBK weren't sensed by Lestat until Marius brought him right up to them. Is it cuz Les was too young, or TWMBK just didn't bother projecting their presence to anyone?

Cuz we know Armand was always sending out signals with his Mind Gift (but he's a pro at it, ofc).

Sometimes it seems humans can sense the undead better than the undead can; they can just tell something's OFF.

But I'm just curious exactly what Louis was feeling from Arma--oh wait!

Yeah, never mind, stupid question! XD

Lou's REACTION, I cackled. Chile, you know how cute you are, stop acting coy! XD The man was so painfully gorgeous in this episode, like--

HE WEARS WOE LIKE VELVET, Y'ALL. 😭

He wears neck ties like the French in France, y'all! 🤣 LOUIS! You're KILLING me! 😍 The Village is waiting!

Santiago's 100% right--I am COMPLICIT in the misery of others; I just wanna see Louis break down and have a total fit (and kill Daniel while he's at it--UNWORTHY in SanFran, UNWORTHY in Dubai!).

DRAG HIM, LOUIS! Pack this closeted geriatric butch queen TF up!

I have no clue WTF is going on here, but if Daniel hates it, then I LOVE IT; keep pulling humor from HIS pain for a change, yeah!

The SKULL-DRAGGING, jfc!

My guy is UNHINGED, and I'm here for it!

Armand, why are you INTERRUPTINGGGGGG??????? 😩

OOP!

Nevermind me, Armand, put him in his PLACE, yaas!

[laufire]

august reading meme!

BOOKS

Burning Your Boats by Angela Carter. I got through this collection of short stories slowly but surely, and it cemented Angela Carter as one of my favourite authors. The Bloody Chamber will always have a special place in my heart, but each collection had stories that made my imagination run wild and enthralled me with their prose. Some of my favourites were "The Loves of Lady Purple," "Impressions: The Wrightsman Magdalene," or "The Scarlet House."

Olvidado Rey Gudú by Ana María Matute. This is my ASOIAF. What a long, meaty, enchanting tale, seriously. This book is the magnus opus of one of my favourite Spanish authors, and tells the story of the Kingdom of Olar from its birth to its end, over five tumultuous generations. It mixes the grounded medieval setting and outlandish fantastical elements in a very fluid prose, and following the tragic tale of woe in its pages over the last couple of months was a delight.

COMICS

The Cheshire Contract (Action Comics #613-618). I wanted to read the story of Lian going to live with Roy, for Reasons. It's good and fun and short (it occupies a small part of a larger issue, 8 pages each), so if it interests you, go for it.

Batman & Spiderman. This is part of a bunch of crossovers I haven't read, and don't plan to for now, so I was mixing some context, but I read it because Talia was there lol. I don't think DC and Marvel mix well, most of the time, but this little one-shot makes it work.

Jason Todd: Rebirth (2016-2020ish). It... had its moments. Waaaaay too much Lobdell, just as the New 52, but now that I've started the next phase to fall face-first into Cheer, of all arcs... yeah, neither is good lol. But one thing that really appealed to me was the dynamic between Jason and Bizarro; hence the cover. The other highlight was the (tragically few) interactions between Jason and Duke, especially in New Talent Showcase 2017. Give me mooooore, DC!! Other than that... well, there were many things that annoyed the hell out of me (Black Mask's writing, Bruce's EVERYTHING), but let's not get into it lol.

Green Arrow (2001). What a run. I've loved it from beginning to end, really (though a bit through the middle the art horrified me xD). It turned Mia into one of my favourite characters (and in reread, elevated a rareship into an OTP, because it really works for her character :P), which is not rare given that this is clearly where here best arcs are :D. Connor didn't have enough to do, tragically, but he's a great character and I look forward to read more about him; about Dinah&Ollie as well.

Batman: Bane of the Demon. Hi yeah just mentioning this arc to tell you guys about how Ra's apparently keeps cameras in Talia's bedroom :))) he might've been watching as she hooked up with Bane (who he unceremoneously decides she must marry to advance his plans). Let's all kill Ra's.

Batman: Death and the Maidens. A Rucka story, so you know it's good (though not particularly good to Talia lbr... I'm not bothered by *what* happens, I just wish we'd seen more of her perspective, during and especially after -though that's not a mmater of *this* run of course). Bruce's dream journey/possible visions of his parents's ghost were a highlight. Do recommend.

Truth & Justice: Hunted by the Past (#4). Way better than similar "Jason fears becoming the Joker!!!" stories, though that interpretation of the character is never going to be one I agree with. I liked seeing him with the helmet again, and the art is fun. The story gave Jason yet another pre-Robin childhood friend (this one got killed

Green Lantern/Green Arrow: Hard Travelling Heroes. A fascinating read, especially taking it in its context and comparing it to how timid DC is about politics in current comics, IMO. This run was messy and didn't always seem to know what it was doing, and some of what it included or argued feels wrong from a modern perspective, but it dared to take risks and that's always appreciated on my part. My favourite story was the one introducing John Stewart; both for John himself, of course, but also because it was unafraid to write Hal as someone that despite good intentions and despite being a ~heroic character, had racist biases he needed to face and overcome.

Kingdom Come. This is one of those ~iconic comics that feels like a must-read; it's meaty and it raises questions and it's a run you could really sink your teeth into. And I didn't like it at all LOL. It's so... nostalgic and regressive and downright reactionary. Its fluffy epilogue does it no favours, too (other than prompting this post of mine, ig).

No Man's Land. I finally read the whole thing!!!!!! It took me SIX MONTHS!!!!!!!! And speaking of reactionary beliefs añdslfkjasf. But I did like it and enjoyed it far more than Kingdom Come, tbf (except Dixon's issues omg whyyyyy is he everywheeeeere he's so boriiiiiing). Helena Bertinelli is the uncontested star of this event AFAIC, and I won't hear otherwise. Well, Leslie, Barbara and Cass definitely shined too. And Montoya and Essen. Aaaand Harley Quinn has her introduction. And Selina has a lot of fun stealing things and screwing with everyone!!! And Talia gets Bruce to get his head out of his ass!!! Ugh, there's so much I could say about this run. The Renee & Two-Face issue. Alfred's tale of himself as Bruce's squire. Lynx and Batman's brief team-up. The Secret Files and Origins tale about a man named Jason who thinks Gotham is speaking to him, and who thanks Barbara for her service to the city. There is a lot in this arc that I'd gladly rotate in my mind forever. But Helena is my darling and THEE best Bat(man). That is all.

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

Hello!

Or shall I say... BOO!

May I ask for candy apple for Letoile? I just LOVE her...

P. s. this is my first time requesting!

Happy October!

HI! ^^ And BOO XD

You most certainly may! And I have to say I'm intrigued, because I'm... not sure if I've written for her, so this is going to be interesting

Oh! So it's a first time for us both ^^

Happy October

Candy Apple with Letoile

Sadness isn't something that Letoile thinks about too often. Because she is a practical, and logical woman. Naturally she does feel sadness at times, but she prefers not to dwell on such emotions. But that doesn't mean that she'd be compassionless.

Actually, while growing up in a noble house made her the way she is. It made her serious and self-sufficient, but it also made her caring. Because she knows how it can be to feel like you're abandoned, like no one cares about you. Which is why she aims to put the welfare of others before her own.

And that is the tragedy in her. She cares for the woes and stumbles of others while trying to bear a burden herself. But this burden she tends to carry through acts of service, because she's not the best at verbalizing emotions or helping others work through their emotions.

The sadness with her is that she's trying to do to others the very things she herself would have needed; to be taken care of.

[ethanjhake]

Tagged by @theworldoffandoming and @weird7habburger Thank you guys for the tags!

Answer and tag nine people you want to get to know better and catch up with!

Favorite color:

Yellow! Specifically warm and glowy yellows, I also love turquoise and violet.

Last song:

Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance

Currently reading:

House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones, the sequel to the better known Howls Moving Castle

Currently watching:

Psych! I'm loving how well all the characters go together and watching their interactions, It's a really good comedy drama XD

Also Leverage! It's characters are also really well written and acted, and it's just a great comfort show.

Currently craving:

Hmmm I could go for a maple bar...

Coffee or tea?

Coffee for me. With cream, but no sugar, please.

Hobby to try:

I've always wanted to try music, maybe learn to play the cello?

Current AU:

Hmm, I was joking around with my wife about a Psych/Dungeon Meshi cross over. I think Chilchuck and Lassiter need to share a drink and bond over the woes of ex-wives and coworkers XD. Shawn and Laios would also make a dangerous pair...

tagging:

@firefletch @secret--psalms--saturn @granny-griffin @the-vermin @eruanna1875 @creatively-storm @awritersbro @enjoliquej @tzarina-alexandra no pressure!

[yourlocalbadgerscales]

I need to be distracted from my house cleaning woes.

What are your favorite rarepairs for marauders, and what are some headcanons for them?

I was asleep when you sent me this lovely ask, but I’ll answer it now! Are you freed from your house cleaning?

I mean, there are such a few rare pairs that I really hate, and I accept most of them and sometimes reblog fanart and stuff for a lot of them… but my favourites might be Sunrose (James x Evan), Sunkiller (James x Barty) and Jegulily. And hear me out on this one, but I kinda see James x Peter when they were kids. I’ll get back to that!

Idk, I just stumbled across this cute post once about how no one understood Evan the way James did and since then I’ve had a soft spot for the ship for them two. The post headcannoned that they always had quite deep discussions about emotions and stuff and when Evan was at his worst and needed a break from the chaos that is Barty, James was who he turned to. And I just melted 🫠

For James and Barty, I headcannon that they’re both bipolar (I kinda hc that Sirius is too) and they might not know their exact diagnosis, but they relate to each other with the struggles it brings and they find comfort in each other. In public they’re crazy and pranksters and sometimes do things no one else will ever understand, and alone they open up and talk and fall in love ✨

Jegulily. This one is mainly because I saw this badass piece of fanart for them once which included kisses and an absolutely stunning Lily who gave me the finger through the screen. I reblog it every time I see it XD

I mean, I like Jegulus (scratch that I LOVEEEEEE JEGULUSSSSS), and Jily will always have a place in my heart, and in a way I think that Jegulily would make sense in canon. Ya get what I’m saying?

Hm, a hc for them… I could kinda see them all being trans? Lily mtf, Regulus ftm or intersex (I haven’t decided yet lol) and James nb. And I also think Jegulus happened first and then Lily joined and it turned out very well in the end ✨

For Peter and James, I think they were childhood best friends long before Hogwarts, and that they did everything together. Who can blame Peter for falling in love with his best friend? I’m not sure if I hc them actually getting together or nah, but in the end it all couldn’t continue. They began Hogwarts and James got a bunch of new friends, and Peter had to adapt to that. Must have been a hard time for him :(

Thank you so much for this ask ✨

[mewtwoandme]

what does it psychically sound like when a mewtwo stubs their toe? Is it words or just a general feeling of agony and woe?

I feel like it would be a mix of their telepathy and physical voice. Like if Mewtwo were to not be paying attention as he walked and accidentally rammed his foot into the doorframe or the side of the couch or wherever lol the only thing you'd hear booming inside your head and echoing through the house would be

"AAAAAUUUUUOOOOWWWWWW FUUUCK!!! GOD DAMMIT! MOTHER F*CKER!!!" XD

[dawnstarranger]

woe, all the even numbered weird asks be upon ye

This is only fair xD

lighter or matches? Matches

which cryptyd being do you believe in? All of them but especially Moth Man

why did you do that? I was left unsupervised

how many water bottles are in your room right now? Just one but its a plastic one that I keep reusing because I'm too lazy to wash my metal one

would you slaughter the rich? Give me a time and place and I'll bring the sharp implements

what kind of day is it? A good one so far!

do you love the smell of earth after it rains Yes!

can you drive? Yes, and I usually enjoy it as long as I'm not driving in a bigger city

what hair products do you use? Shampoo and conditioner and lots of bleach and hair dye

do you say soda or pop? I'm honestly about 50/50 on this one

what type of person are you? A fucking nerd tbh

if we were together on a rooftop, what would we be doing? Listening to music and getting drunk. Unless that's not your thing. We don't have to drink, but if you hate music we can't be friends

a scenario that you’ve replayed multiple times? I think about the first time my partner said he loves me a lot :3

is there dishes in your room? Nope. Maybe the occasional mug, but that's it

do you have a favorite towel? Yes, I have my towel I bought when I moved into a dorm that's soft and nice and then there are the towels stolen from the in-laws house that are not soft and nice lmao

is there a song you know every word to by heart? Literally so many but the one that comes to mind is Labor by Paris Paloma bc I was lucky enough to experience it live recently and will never forget what that was like <3

how many times have you changed your url? If you count the entirety of my time on here, maybe like 4-5 times? This iteration has never had a url change

a soap bar that smells good? I buy a lilac soap from the ren faire that smells amazing

did you have any snacks today? Is a bottle of Guinness a snack

an app you frequently use besides this godforsaken site? I waste way too much time on instagram

you get a free pass to kill anyone, who is it? My lawyer advises me against answering this one :3

favorite holiday film? Beetlejuice and The Adams Family are p good if you count them as halloween-esque

when did you first try an alcohol beverage? lmao I'm told I used to steal sips of homemade beer when I was a very small toddler

can i tag you in random stuff? Yeah!! Go for it, I love being tagged in stuff or getting random asks <3

[superwavesmasher]

Other Head Canons

Mia continues to work for the university that her Grandfather worked at. She's not a teacher but she is head of research into mystical armor. She travels and views different sets of armors passed down through families to make sure there isn't another random mystical armor hanging about.

The Date family helps Mia procure most of the bigger sets through their connections with other families with the same historical status.

With Sage's help, she has added immensely to the college's collection and is actively seeking more.

Mia is always going off traveling to somewhere in Japan to find a new armor set.

Later on in my POTS story - Sage starts to join her on these adventures.

After lots of pushing from the guys, Sage starts to try and court Mia right after the TV Series. Never said he was good at it but of all the women in his life - he trusts her the most.

As one can imagine it was an out right disaster at the start but once he got his foot in the door, she accepted and gave back.

Its my head canon they are officially together after Gaiden.

in the POTS universe, Mia's connections through her grandfather and Sage's connections through his family help Cye get in touch with some higher end doctors.

The Date family are not only known for their training techniques and dojo but also their portfolio of medical facilities. He's able to pull the business card out to get Cye what he needs if a doctor is being a pain in the ass.

Sage is your typical rich boy with lots of training on how to be the best warrior but absolutely no real world knowledge and street sense. (thank you canon and early 2000s fanon).

His street clothes in the TV series was his way of "fitting in" with the commoners and he was very proud of it until Kento opened his mouth and said it looked stupid.

He's always wearing expensive shirts, pants, sweaters etc to normal outings and while it's attractive, sometimes its a bit over done. The guys will always tell him this. (except Cye. Cye LOVES it and wants to join buuut money woes. and it's not like he'll ask for help. he's better than that XD)

in my POTS universe, Sage is always out buying Cye the most expensive food, clothing and bed items, etc and its drives Rowen and Cye crazy. Especially Rowen.

Sage's grandmother is the main sensei in the Date Dojo and she has trained all the bearers of the armors now and previously.

She's a little old lady but a force to be reckoned with and will throw you against the wall while in a kimono.

Sage's home is very traditional japanese, he's not used to eastern ways of doing things and was extremely confused and insulted when he had to sleep in a bed at Mia's house.

Cye's actual family home is the same way but his mother did keep that same. Outside the house looks traditional as it's near the kilns the Mori Clan owns but their small cottage is a mix of both. (yes he can throw clay like in the OG series)

Rowen's home is a tiny apartment that doesn't have much. He focuses on needs vs comfort. (you could said he's spoiled when he moves in with Cye officially). He just doesn't care.

He's never had much since his crazy dad and crazy mom all but left him in America.

This is my friends and I fanon but I think I'm going to use it across the board, so here goes: Rowen's parents met in America. His dad was trying to smuggle in some kind of biological element (that wound up being biological warfare "by accident" or so the man says) and he ran into Rowen's to be mother, an investigative reporter. She was wooed by him and all her ethics went out the window. They went into hiding and they got married and had Rowen. They live like a normal family until Rowen's 7 or 8 years old then they split up. His dad goes back to Japan and his mom just goes somewhere unknown leaving Rowen by himself. Rowen is picked up by the SVU squad in NY and is half adopted by Elliot and Olivia. Elliot's family "adopts" Rowen and he grows up there for a few years before he's able to go to Japan with his grandfather. While in NY, Rowen catches onto Elliot's accent and learns english and all that. When he makes it to Japan that's where he finds Strata.

Yes you may infer the insanity that happens when they go to NY during Gaiden. "WHEN DID YOU GET AN ARMOR!? When were you going to tell us you had powers?!" "Elliot, calm down I'm sure it's easily explained".

In my universe Rowen and Cye are a "thing" but nothing really happens until after the black armor. It's more of a they are comfortable around each other kind of vibe and run that way instead of the sexual direction. Sage is the one that's like "..you two going to admit it or do I have to sit here and pretend its not happening? >_>"

Kento is devasted that he didn't act fast enough to "claim" Cye's heart. He thought protecting him above all and fighting for him, etc was enough but it wasn't. (yes insert dramatic fic here). However if you thought he was protective of his best friend before hand - woe be to Rowen if he takes a step out of place. Strata may find himself back in space if he's not careful.

The entire reason Kento went with the ancient to find the others was so Cye wouldn't have to fight alone.

Cye and Kento have known each other for years before the armor. I know Canonly it's Kento and Rowen know each other - that stays the same.

Ryo lives with Mia after everything that happens with Talpa as he's got no where to go. (and lets be real do we want the cinnaroll out on his own in public without supervision XD)

Ryo is extremely cluelesss when it comes to talks of love but I like to think Runa/Luna lived and they got together later.

White Blaze is allowed to stay in the house but Mia forces Ryo to put down a food and water bowl XD and the tiger hates it but she refuses for him to drink out of her sinks.

At some point in my universe (the POTS at least) everyone decides to move back in together at Mia's house to help with Cye (much to his despair). She offers because it's too quiet and everyone hangs out there anyway.

After moving back in together Kento has a hard time accepting that somethings have changed and that Cye can't do all that he used to (in terms of the POTS left over from Talpa). Ryo is by his side helping him come to terms with it and wade through the frustrations of Rowen and Sage when he barges in and makes it worse.

Somewhere down the line Ryo and Kento start to get close and they wind up being a thing. I don't have many Ryo H/C yet T_T.

@kosmicpowers here are my others... if you wind up wanting to read the POTS universe, I can tag you in the beginning if you'd like. Also I hope these are as good as my Cye ones XD

[haledamage]

I went with the Ashenglades Green :3 it's very much Imryth's color at this point, it suits her

(featuring Annun again because he's a ham)

also ran Woe of the Willow and Imryth found herself unexpectedly reliving some trauma

it's fine, it's totally fine. she has the shards of it hanging on her wall now out of spite, she's coping just fine she can't go near that part of the house now because it makes her morgul-wound hurt oof

also shout out to the constable outside Forsaken Inn for looking at a woman older than the curvature of the planet and calling her "young lady"

it genuinely made her day XD

[jojotaxevasion]

Joestars Family Gathering HCs

WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS

Also sorry for not posting in forever and the fact that this just slowly gets worse xd

My dad installed parental controls and turned on exclude all non allowed sites

including tumblr :(((

but I managed to disable it >:D

Johnathan: The Nice Relative

He's the one who hosts the parties because the rest of them aren't willing to have their houses absolutely fucking destroyed

No matter what happens, he smiles and laughs as the rest of the family runs around the mansion, accidentally destroying multiple very expensive things in the process.

As a conversationist, he's very nice to everyone, and always listens to anybody and pretends to not be offended at all.

"Oh! No, it's fine, Its an easy repair!" *Meanwhile in the background, curtains are ripped off, the windows are broken, the rug is on fire, the kitchen table has a leg missing*

oh yeah did I mention he does all of this shit himself

Joseph: The Extremely Strange Relative

Oh boy, this man has seen some shit!

He will always tell tales of his grand escapades at the dinner table, about the time he met a human bubble dispenser, partnered up with *GERMAN SOLDIER*s, found out that his extremely hot mentor was actually his mom which made the entire thing where he looked through the keyhole extremely awkward and fought the three Aztec gods of fitness and their one child whose names happen to be eerily close to names of rock bands.

He then has to fight off everyone else saying that his stories are fake, despite the evidence that proves it.

By the way, all of this actually happened.

"OH WOE IS ME, Y/N!! NOBODY BELIEVES ME WHEN I SAY THAT I SLAPPED THE BAND CARS INTO SPACE WITH MY SEVERED ARM!!!!"

Jotaro: The Quiet Relative

He just sits in a corner and doesn't talk at all.

If someone comes up to him, he just answers their query in an extremely blunt fashion and stops all eye contact.

"Yes Y/N, starfish can walk. Now go away."

Josuke: The Offensive Relative

He keeps cracking adult jokes like he does to his friends.

He also has very controversial opinions, both serious and non-serious.

e.g. Aliens are real (Mikitaka lmao), pineapple belongs on pizza, etc...

As much as you want to laugh at all his jokes and tell him how funny he is, you have to pretend to be disgusted because everyone else is, pepe the frog sadge moment...

"I’VE COME TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT! DIO'S A BITCHASS MOTHERFUCKER! HE PISSED ON MY FUCKING GREAT GREAT GRANDPA! (Johnathan I think) THAT’S RIGHT, HE TOOK HIS NONEXISTENT SPIKY DICK OUT, AND HE PISSED ON MY FUCKING GREAT GREAT GRANDPA! AND HE SAID THAT HIS DICK WAS “sO pOwErFuL” AND I SAID “THAT’S DISGUSTING!” SO I’M MAKING A CALLOUT POST ON MY TWITTER.COM! DIO, YOU GOT A SMALL DICK! IT’S THE SIZE OF STEELY DAN'S STAND, EXCEPT WAY SMALLER! AND GUESS WHAT?! HERE’S WHAT REAL DICK POWER LOOKS LIKE!"

He then proceeds to destroy the entire house and then fix it, before breaking it again.

Giorno: The Talented Relative

Giorno is a man of many talents. Literally.

As the kid of DIO, he was encouraged to be extra special by his biological father after being taken out of his abusive household.

On top of run the biggest mafia family in Italy, he can play the piano and violin, draw realistic stuff far better than the most talented people on Fiverr, cook extremely high-quality food, and negotiate his way out of basically anything thrown at him.

Oh yeah, and let's not forget the infamous SHOVE YOUR EAR INSIDE YOUR FUCKING EAR CANAL-

Although he is talented, he is still super well rounded, and whenever someone complements him, he always tries to downplay his own talent and pulls the uno reverse card and complements their talents.

Overall, super chill, very nice.

"Oh no, what you just witnessed was something that rarely happens, usually I'm way worse than that..."

Jolyne: The Cool Relative

Man, she is C O O L

You look up to her for her high levels of S W A G, something about all that confidence and badass energy oozing out of her like the disappointment of the Hollow Knight community when Silksong is delayed for the 69420th time. (Haha obscure joke)

The fact that she's a basically a vigilante hero just adds to that.

Also gives good but also bad advice about life in general, and helps you with a lot of things.

Yeah not much to say lmao

"You see Y/N, when someone insults you or your parental figures, don't try to negotiate peacefully. Instead, the REAL way to deal with those kinds of people, is to BEAT THE EVERLOVING SHIT OUT THEM-"

Johnny: The Relative Who Lives In The Middle of Nowhere

Bro really lives in the middle of nowhere

As in a farm somewhere in the wheat fields of the midwestern US

He usually doesn't show up half the time, mostly because something weird happened along the way.

"I would ride my tractor here, but apparently I can't do that..."

Jo2uke: I COULDNT THINK OF ANYTHING FOR HIM IM SORRY-

[wildcardaces]

@ruby-static "lost in the caves and scientist woes" edition!

Where poor shawn is scared and meanwhile mai is having a crisis again!

Anna: im just on the overground~ looking for the s t r e a m Fern mentioned.

Shawn, in a cave: THERE ARE EYES EVERYWHERE!

Anna: early morning mood for me.

Shawn: eh? Wait what? Anna is your house the batcave?

Anna: oh its nothing important, i love dropping character growth hints.

Anna is doing the confusing this time! They both have walkie talkies so they can talk to eachother so yippee for continued banter!

Suddenly clay!

Clay @ a caterpillar: a friend!

Anna: this man is a huge fucking dork.

If the island can grow crops then whos to say that theres no cold resistant caterpillars as well?

And the finale!

Mai: oh, you still have that old tag?

Dan: oh, yeah!

Mai: you know i can take it off right?

Dan: oh nah! Its cool.

Mai: oh, alright then but..why?

Dan: dot really likes it. So does a lot of other penguins for some reason...

Mai: OH! THATS COOL-

Poor mai went from "oh shit you kept that?" To "BRO THE MEME IS REAL????" Really fucking quickly. Someone please let this gal have one normal day XD