#just say no to carrying 3 colors in 2024

[elephantbitterhead]

Speaking of knitting, the Xmas sweater has made it in under the wire. This is my recolored & adapted version of the Schoolhouse Press pattern 'Christmas Past.' If you're considering this pattern & want to hear my thoughts on it, feel free to ask. My thoughts are largely negative -- many on-the-fly modifications were necessary to achieve the fit I wanted. I got this pattern because I wanted to see how they did the mitered collar you can see in the top picture. I like the collar, but in the future I'll add it to other sweater patterns that have the shaping I prefer.

[vera-deville]

I Will Say (I'm in Love)

08/04/2023 - 04/30/2024

Pairing: Leona Kingscholar x Reader Word Count: 2,787 Warnings: A fair amount of cursing; Reader's outfit is a dress and is decidedly purple; Reader does go through a little bit of a mental breakdown (I personally blame all the stress of NRC), but I promise it's gonna be alright- Gender: AFAB Tags: @viviennevermillion, @achy-boo, @savanaclaw1996, @otomyoli, @chroniccorvus Notes: This is the second part to this fic, so please check that out before reading this! Rook is basically a fairy godmother (even tho he's a stalker, but we don't talk about that). Oh, and I made a reference to Savanaclaw Rook, because he's been living in my head rent-free and thERE ARE NO FICS ABOUT IT DARN IT-

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

In which Y/N eventually does say that she's in love.

"Shit." Y/N hissed as she swung open the wardrobe door, only to reveal that there were no decent dresses.

"For fuck's sake!" The girl screeched, running her hands through her hair and yanking at it. Only the Great Seven could help her at this point. Did any of them specialize in luck with money? Or even better yet, did any of them specialize in stopping a person from splurging all their hard earnt bribed thaumarks on art supplies?

Grim wasn't even there to help with this whole fiasco!

Who else could she ask for money? Azul? No, that one's too slippery. Kalim? No, that one's guarded by a snake and talks too much. Vil? But that one's...

That one's perfect! He wouldn't be able to resist helping out someone to look fabulous! Besides, Y/N could handle potato insults for a bit if it meant getting a fabulous dress picked out by Vil Schoenheit himself.

And so the Prefect of Ramshackle ran as fast as her legs would carry her, all the way to the house of Pomefiore. It's a pretty name, filled with pretty people, but at this moment, only one pretty person mattered.

"VIIIILLLLL! I NEEEEEED YOUR HEEEELLLLLPPPP!"

That should grab his attention.

And grab his attention it did, because mere seconds later, a tall blonde stormed into the common room, vial of poison ready in his hand for the heathen that dared summon him in such a manner.

But before he could get a word in, Y/N asked, no begged him for help with a dress. And of course, him being the gracious queen he is, he couldn't leave the potato in such a state.

"Coral, though a nice color, would be far too bright for you for this event." Holding up a card of azure up to Y/N's shoulder, Vil decided that also would not do the trick. "Perhaps a glowy yellow brown?" Y/N perked at the fabric Vil held in his hands. It was just a small square piece of fabric, but it looked oh so pretty. Like sand glimmering in the sunlight.

And then suddenly the sun lit sand turned into purple.

A very familiar purple, though Y/N couldn't quite put her finger on it. Scrunching his face in contemplation, Vil nodded to himself before letting Y/N know that she should opt for a dress in that shade of lavender.

Which is how Y/N found herself in a shopping mall, looking high and low for a vaguely familiar shade of purple in a dress that she should have gotten ready long ago. Earlier, Y/N had pondered about who to bring with her (if she chose to bring anyone at all) to the mall to help her find just the right dress. Vil was the obvious choice, but Y/N wasn't sure she wanted to indulge in his kindness more than she already had. Rook was also a good choice, but Y/N didn't feel like admitting anything to him at the current moment (though knowing his nature, he probably already knew everything).

In the end, Y/N went by herself, not confident enough to bring anyone with her. In the hours she had to get ready for her event, Y/N had something of an epiphany. Anxiety was a bitch. No shade of purple seemed to match the shade card Vil had given her. And if she did find a dress in the color, the dress was not one she'd think herself beautiful in. In the off chance that she'd find a dress that was the right shade and style, Y/N would immediately go an try it on - only to despise the way it fit around her body.

This was now the 7th store that Y/N had walked into in hopes of finding the perfect lavender dress that eluded her grasps so.

And right off the bat, there was a beautiful dress. In the same shade Vil had instructed her to buy. In a style that made her heart pick up the pace because it was simply and utterly beautiful. Making a beeline towards the dress, Y/N gently ran her hands through the fabric. Good, it wasn't itchy. She pulled the dress to the side in such a way that she could see the back, but the dress still hung on the rack, and she could feel a heave of relief making its way through her lips. It was just right.

Her heart was racing now, and Y/N couldn't shake the grin off her face, and for once, she didn't even care. Speed-walking towards the dressing rooms, Y/N nearly threw open one of the stall's doors, and locked herself inside immediately. Hanging her purse on a hook, she stripped out her clothes and slipped the dress over her head and down her body.

Except it wasn't going down her body.

It was stuck at her hips.

With a gentle fury, Y/N pulled at the dress, trying to force the thing down her thighs.

It wasn't going down.

Looking back up at the mirror, as though it would be some sort of saving grace, she continued to try to pull the dress down, but no avail.

Eventually, she zeroed in on her eyes in the mirror, and that's when Y/N stopped for a brief moment. She took in her appearance. Dress half worn, frown embedded, sweat glistening, hair frenzied, shoes thrown in some corner, and worst of all: tears beginning to form.

In a moment of rash wrath, Y/N pulled the dress off her, and threw it against the mirror, letting the tears pour out her eyes as she hugged herself and turned away from the mirror.

It's like not a single thing would go her way and it was stupid, worrying this much over a dress, but that wasn't all there was to it. It wasn't just the dress. It was the event, the school, the people, it was the whole world she'd been dropped into.

Aware that she was still technically in a public setting and should maintain at least some semblance of decorum, Y/N kept her sobs and sniffles to herself.

Knock knock.

Whipping her head up, Y/N realized that an employee was knocking on the door, and sniffed once more. Wiping her eyes and her face and wearing the clothes and shoes she originally walked in with, she grabbed her purse and the damned lavender dress, plastered a smile on her face, and opened the door.

No need to burden others with her own burdens.

Except standing outside the door was no employee, but rather Rook Hunt.

Bewildered, Y/N rubbed her eyes again in hopes that she was hallucinating and wasn't actually seeing Rook Hunt right after she had an emotional breakdown.

Sadly, she was in fact seeing Rook Hunt after said emotional breakdown.

"What a magnificent coincidence my dear Trickster!" Rook said as he walked with Y/N out of the dressing rooms of the store.

"Uh, yeah, pretty cool coincidence Rook. What're you doing here?" Y/N asked, trying to move the focus away from her and on to Rook. If he noticed, he didn't make it known. He simply continued to prattle on about a new fashion line from a brand he liked.

The thing about Rook that Y/N enjoyed at this particular moment was how despite the fact that he was here to buy something for himself, he simply followed Y/N wherever she went while occasionally interrupting to ask if a particular garment would look good on him or not. (Y/N was sure he knew that it would look good on him, and that he simply wished to hear someone else say it).

It hadn't been too long since Y/N had returned the lavender dress she'd tried to wear to an employee at the store and had instead opted to accompany Rook to the store that had the new line he was looking for (as a change of pace of some sort). The store itself was very high-end, that much she could tell, and while she'd always had a rough suspicion that Rook was in fact secretly rich, him perusing through everything that caught his eye in the store (which was a lot) without bothering about the prices certainly cemented the suspicion in Y/N.

Mindlessly scanning her eyes through the aisles visible to her as she waited for Rook to emerge from his dressing room, Y/N scrunched her face as she remembered her dressing room incident from earlier. Even though she was feeling a lot better now, it didn't change the fact that she still had no dress, and was running out of time to get ready.

Bam!

The door smack open dramatically with an even more dramatic figure emerging from the depths within.

Rook actually looked really nice. He clearly had a good eye for these things, even if most of those things were taught to him by Vil. Apparently there was a time where Rook was in Savanaclaw, and was something of a diamond in the rough (Vil's words, not hers). Before Vil got used to Rook being...well, Rook, he had given him an atrocious bob cut in hopes of Rook finally leaving him alone.

Spoiler alert, it did not work. In fact, Rook embraced the haircut so much that he hasn't changed it since he first got it, and he certainly hasn't stopped his usual Rook self.

Personally, Y/N couldn't imagine Rook looking any different. But no matter how much she pestered either Rook or Vil for old photos of him from back in Savanaclaw, neither would budge (one because it was too hideous and the other because he simply found it fun to tease her).

"Trickster? Are you alright?" Rook asked Y/N who was lost in thought.

"Hmm?" Y/N hummed, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh yeah, I'm alright. Sorry, I was just thinking about something." Doing a once-over of Rook, she said, "You look great."

Before she could get another word in, Rook slyly side-stepped her and made his way to some corner of the store not fully visible from where she was standing. Confused, Y/N tried leaning over to see where he'd gone, but when she couldn't see anything, she simply turned back and waited for him to come back.

He'd most probably seen something else he wanted to buy and was getting it.

Pulling out her phone, Y/N realized that she had less than an hour to get ready, and sighed. Still no dress. No completed hair or makeup. No nothing.

It was at this moment that Rook popped up in front of her face.

"There you are! Did you find something you wanted to try on-" Y/N asked when she looked at what Rook was holding in his hands.

It was a dress.

It was lavender in color.

It looked beautiful.

"I saw this dress, and I immediately thought that it would suit you so well! Hurry, go try it on~" Rook explained as he shoved Y/N towards the dressing room.

Sputtering, Y/N could only hold onto the dress thrust onto her arms as she was pushed by Rook. Once inside the room, she looked at the mirror.

Sigh.

Here we go again.

Tugging off her clothes, she pulled the dress over her figure with all the time she had.

Not looking at the mirror, she pulled the dress down her thighs. It went down just fine.

Huh.

Running her hands down the fabric and smoothening out any of the wrinkles in place, Y/N finally looked at her reflection. The dress was slightly loose, but not in a bad way. It gave her room to breathe. Besides, it'd probably shrink after she threw it in the wash. Y/N twirled around, watching the movement of the dress closely. It actually looked nice.

Hesitantly, Y/N brought her hand to the lock on the door and after taking in a deep breath, she opened it.

Rook was waiting patiently, and the look on his face when he saw her in the dress gave her some amount of confidence as she walked out.

"You look beautiful."

Y/N knew he wasn't lying. He'd never lie when it came to matters of beauty. But she also knew that he wasn't exaggerating. Rook, as dramatic and odd as he was, wasn't someone to exaggerate beauty. He simply spoke his mind, and that was something she respected about him.

"It certainly is a nice dress, but I can't pay for it Rook. I didn't bring enough." Y/N told him with a sad smile.

"Who said anything about you paying? I have already paid for the dress. All that you need to do is wear it!" Rook stated happily.

Despite being short of money most if not all the time, and bribing NRC's headmaster for payments (which in all honesty were well-deserved, taking into account all the work she did for him) amongst other things, Y/N had a certain respect for money. And a certain pride regarding money too. Especially when her friends were involved.

"Rook, I can't do that. This is way too expensive, and I'm not going to make you pay for it. I can't repay you, so I'm just not going to get this dress."

"Once again, Trickster, the dress has already been paid for. I didn't do this expecting you to pay me back, so don't worry about it, and just look like your prepossessing self."

Y/N could feel her eyes tear up again for the second time that day.

Before Rook could tell her to not ruin her face with tears, Y/N jumped him in a suffocating hug (one not unlike Floyd's infamous hugs) and thanked him profusely. Smiling, he looked down at her and wrapped her in an embrace of his own. She deserved much for everything she did around the school and more, and if this could be even a little helpful, he'd do it again.

"Now, now, don't cry Y/N." At the use of her name, she looked up at Rook's face. "You have something to attend, don't you? You can't do that if you're busy crying in a mall with me, now can you?"

Sniffing, Y/N nodded, and pulled back from Rook, wiping her tears away (luckily there weren't as much as before). "Did Vil tell you I was going on a date with Leona?" She asked.

"A date? With Leona!?" Rook exclaimed, much to Y/N's surprise. "I never thought I would see the day come!"

"Wait, so you didn't know?"

"My dear trickster, how could I have possibly known?"

With one more suspicious glance, Y/N dropped the subject.

"When is your date Trickster?"

"It's in less than an hour from now. Why?"

"And hour!? We have no time left." Rook cried out. Without missing a beat, he dragged Y/N with him out the store and to a salon that was just a few stores down. Sitting her down, he instructed an employee as to what to do with her (he was very particular when he told the employee to have the dress in perfect shape). For a second, he vaguely resembled Vil. This time, Y/N paid for the services herself, not taking no from Rook as an answer.

When all was said and done, Rook stood in front of Y/N, absorbing all the details, trying to figure out of it was all enough. A tiny bit of fuzz was on her shoulder, so he plucked it off smoothly before she could question anything.

"I-Thank you Rook. You have no idea how much this all means to me." Y/N told Rook.

"I would do anything for love to prevail *mon filou. And I would do even more for you." Rook told Y/N.

Smiling at Rook, she said, "You were right. I do like Leona. No, I love him. A lot. And by the looks of it, he likes me too!" Giving him one more hug, Y/N walked away, purse in hand, excited for her date with Leona.

"Ah, young love~ Whatever could be more beautiful?" Rook asked himself in a cheerful voice as he watched Ramshackle's Prefect walk off into the distance, one step at a time to her fairytale ending. Rook felt himself proud of reaching the mall just in time to help Y/N (her purse certainly helped in tracking her down).

That's two lovebirds he's helped today!

Turning back around and wandering through the mall, Rook wondered who he'd be helping next.

Author's Note: As you can see from the dates, I really took my time with this one. When I first started writing this last year, I was planning to write about Leona and Reader's date, or more specifically, how the date was arranged and all that fun stuff, but when I sat down to write today, it just went in a completely different direction. I've never really incorporated Rook into my writings (and if I did, he's there for like three sentences), but unpredictably, he ended up playing a larger role in this fanfic. If you'd like a third part to this where we find out about how Leona and Y/N even ended up agreeing to go on a date with each other, or perhaps we find out who Rook helped or is going to help, feel free to let me know!

Masterlist

[hunieday]

Oogami Banri 2024 RabbiTV - Episode 3 : From now and forever

Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3

Please note that I am not a professional translator and I'm only doing this to share the side materials to those who cannot access them, if you notice any mistakes please let me know nicely. Enjoy!

(Nakamise Street)

Utsugi Shiro: The hand-kneading pottery was so much fun! Though I didn’t think we’d almost be late to our reservation because of the cream puffs...

Anesagi Kaoru: Traveling is bound to have some accidents! I’m glad we managed to make something in the end. This was my first time trying something like that.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Was that really your first time!? You made such a beautiful teacup, I thought you were used to it!

Oogami Banri: You’re really good with your hands! I think I’ll use the platter I made to serve some side dishes for the president.

Okazaki Rinto: W-We did pretty good for our first time right, Takanashi-san?

Takanashi Tsumugi: Y-Yes! Though I tried to make a teacup like Anesagi-san’s and ended up with a bowl…B-but I managed somehow!

Utsugi Shiro: Okazaki-san’s vase was beautifully made as well.

Okazaki Rinto: It’s… a mug.

Utsugi Shiro: What!? Oops, sorry about that...!

Anesagi Kaoru: Now you can’t cover up your blunder?

Oogami Banri: Utsugi-san, you made a beer cup right?

Utsugi Shiro: Oh, yeah, I thought it would be nice for my evening drinks. I’ve been enjoying an ice cold beer after work lately.

Oogami Banri: I know exactly what you mean! I bet it’s gonna taste even better when you drink from a cup you made yourself.

Okazaki Rinto: You three—Oogami-san, Anesagi-san, and Utsugi-san—are so naturally skilled. I’m a little jealous...

Takanashi Tsumugi: But I’m sure we’ll be impressed with our work when we see the finished products! I can’t wait, Okazaki-san!

Okazaki Rinto: Yeah, Takanashi-san...!

Anesagi Kaoru: Hehe. They said they’ll be ready in about two months. Let’s all take pictures together again once they arrive!

Oogami Banri: Sounds good…! Um, talking about beer is making me crave one. Should we head out soon?

Utsugi Shiro: Sounds good! Looks like there are some food stalls too, let’s go check out the fireworks festival venue.

(Cut to the beach, Night time.)

Takanashi Tsumugi: Amazing…! This spot’s a hidden gem!

Anesagi Kaoru: It really is! There are no buildings blocking the view either. Looks like there aren’t that many people around here.

Oogami Banri: I’m looking forward to the fireworks!

Utsugi Shiro: Hey guys! Sorry for leaving you hanging! I bought all sorts of things for you.

Okazaki Rinto: We’ve got candy apples, chocolate bananas, cotton candy, yakisoba, and grilled squid!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Wow…! Thank you so much! Why does food from stalls always look so appealing?

Oogami Banri: The fact that we’re outside definitely makes it taste better.

Anesagi Kaoru: I still don’t know how you two managed to carry all that food by yourselves.

Okazaki Rinto: Utsugi-san kept buying more and more and just kept going, so we ended up with a lot!

Utsugi Shiro: Ahaha! That’s what makes festivals like these so much fun!

Anesagi Kaoru: Color me surprised. You’re the type of guy who looks more accustomed to city life.

Okazaki Rinto: Yeah, you have more of a “Fireworks? I’ll book a hotel room and watch them from a cool room” vibe!

Utsugi Shiro: Whaaat…Where did that image come from? Oogami-san, please say something!

Oogami Banri: Huh? Me!? Ermmm… let’s just have some beer for now.

Okazaki Rinto: Ah, sounds great! I’ll have a little tonight!

Utsugi Shiro: Count me in.

Anesagi Kaoru: Let’s toast with tea!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes! Cheers!

Oogami Banri: …I’m having so much fun. I’m so grateful to have been able to travel with you guys like this so many times.

Okazaki Rinto: Me too. Connections are important in this industry, not just vertically but also horizontally. We’re not just rivals, we’re also friends who get to bond like this.

Anesagi Kaoru: That’s true. There were so many situations that I wouldn’t have been able to overcome without your support.

Utsugi Shiro: Thank you so much. I’m so grateful to be included in your circle.

Oogami Banri: What are you talking about? We’re happy to have you here, Utsugi-san.

Takanashi Tsumugi: We form the Managers team!

Anesagi Kaoru: Hey, now that sounds fierce.

Takanashi Tsumugi: S-Sorry! I just thought it would be nice if we had a team name or something…

Okazaki Rinto: Managers team sounds cool!

Utsugi Shiro: The Managers’ mission for today is to enjoy the fireworks together!

Anesagi Kaoru: There’s no way you’re getting drunk already…

Oogami Banri: Ahaha! It’s been so long since I just relaxed and watched fireworks. Maybe not since high school...

Okazaki Rinto: Sounds nice. Were you with friends?

Oogami Banri: ...Yeah, with friends. We were heading to the station when the fireworks started, so we stopped to watch for a bit.

Oogami Banri: I remember their beautiful reflection on the sea.

Okazaki Rinto: Today’s fireworks will start near the sea so I’m sure they’ll reflect beautifully, just like that day!

Oogami Banri: Yes! I’m looking forward to it.

Anesagi Kaoru: It’s getting somewhat lively around here. Could it be starting soon?

Takanashi Tsumugi: I feel kinda giddy...!

*Boom!*

Oogami Banri: It’s starting!

Takanashi Tsumugi: It’s so beautiful...!

Okazaki Rinto: They’re so powerful!

Okazaki Rinto: Ta-ma-ya! (1)

Utsugi Shiro: Ka-gi-ya! (2)

Anesagi Kaoru: Look, there’s a firework shaped like a heart!

Takanashi Tsumugi: You’re right! It’s so cute...!

Oogami Banri: Amazing, they’re firing off in different shapes now!

Utsugi Shiro: I’m gonna do my best to make ŹOOĻ become the strongest idol group and take over the world!

Okazaki Rinto: Wow! Did you just make a wish?

Utsugi Shiro: I just felt like shouting something.

Anesagi Kaoru: Utsugi-san, that was wonderful! I’ll do the same.

Anesagi Kaoru: I’ll keep learning and growing as a skilled manager just like TRIGGER continues to grow every day!

Okazaki Rinto: Me too...! I hope I can keep growing stronger as Re:vale’s manager!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Um... And I’ll become even more powerful so I can continue supporting IDOLiSH7!

Oogami Banri: I’ll keep supporting MEZZO" so they can stay true to themselves forever!

Utsugi Shiro: The fireworks were so much fun!

Okazaki Rinto: I feel like I enjoyed them differently than usual, but I definitely gained energy from everyone!

Anesagi Kaoru: Well then, it’s about time for that, isn’t it? The crowd is leaving so let’s do it.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes! The video call is connected now!

Oogami Banri: Could it be...!

(Cut to the i7 Dorms)

Nanase Riku & Izumi Iori: Banri-san!

Rokuya Nagi & Izumi Mitsuki & Nikaido Yamato: Happy-!

Osaka Sougo & Yotsuba Tamaki: Birthday-!

Oogami Banri: Guys...! Thank you! I’m having an amazing time in Atami!

Nanase Riku: Wahh, I’m so glad to hear that! Banri-san, look, everyone from the other groups came here as well!

Anesagi Kaoru: You made it to work on time though, right?

Yaotome Gaku: Of course! We got it all done! Are you enjoying Atami?

Kujo Tenn: Hey, don’t push me. Anesagi-san, thank you for your hard work. I’m glad to see you look refreshed.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Ah, I can see the sea! Anesagi-san, you look like you’re having a lot of fun!

Momo: Okariiiiiin! We’re here too!

Yuki: Yo, how’s the night in Atami?

Okazaki Rinto: It’s amazing! I’m having a great time thanks to you!

Inumaru Touma: Utsugi-san! Are you enjoying yourself?

Mido Torao: You got a great view of the fireworks, right?

Utsugi Shiro: Hey guys! We’re having an amazing time! Let’s come together next time.

Natsume Minami: Gladly. I’ll conquer the food stalls.

Isumi Haruka: I’m definitely gonna have a candy apple!

Izumi Mitsuki: We were talking about how jealous we were of the managers attending a festival, so we’re gonna have one here as well!

Nikaido Yamato: Grilled corn on the cob, fried chicken, grilled chicken skewers, yakisoba, we even got beer! It’s way too good.

Rokuya Nagi: TRIGGER brought a shaved ice machine too. Dessert is perfect now!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I’m glad we brought it! We have plenty of syrup too.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Me and Isumin also made a ring toss mini-game out of cardboard!

Isumi Haruka: This is actually pretty fun! It’s a bit difficult to make the rings though...

Osaka Sougo: I’m working on the BGM with Touma. Of course “Danshi Tarumono! (Matsuri)’ is a must.

Inumaru Touma: I end up humming it unconsciously! Maybe we should just loop it!

Yaotome Gaku: Thanks, you two! “NATSU☆Shiyouze!” and ŹOOĻ’s “BLACK TIGER” also got me pumped up!

Izumi Iori: Natsume-san and Mido-san also helped with the decoration. I must say we have quite the unique drawings over here…

Natsume Minami: Hehe. Here’s a king pudding in a yukata.

Mido Torao: There’s also a pudding wearing a happi coat. (3)

Momo: Leave the drink management to Momo-chan’s team! Yuki the Bartender will make the best drinks!

Yuki: Hello. I’m Yuki the Bartender.

Nanase Riku: We’re having a great time over here as well! Right, Tenn-nii?

Kujo Tenn: Yeah. It’s been a while since the two of us attended a festival together, Riku.

Izumi Iori: Don’t forget the other fourteen people in this room ...Well then, Nanase-san, let’s get to the main topic.

Nanase Riku: Oh! That’s right!

Nanase Riku: Umm, we’d like to express our gratitude to all the managers for constantly having our backs! Let’s start with Momo-san!

Momo: Yeeees! Okarin, you always believe in us and push us to do our best! We are always saved by your reliability. Please continue to be our best manager forever!

Kujo Tenn: Anesagi-san, you’re an indispensable presence as we continue to walk our path. We’d be happy if you continue supporting us as we rise to even greater heights.

Isumi Haruka: You know... Utsugi-san is always there for us no matter what. You’re the reason we are able to do our best. Thank you.

Nanase Riku: Manager, Banri-san, thank you for always being there for us. We will always love you!

Nanase Riku: One, two!

TRIGGER & IDOLiSH7 & Re:vale & ZOOL: Thank you for loving us so much! Please continue to support us in the future!

Oogami Banri: Guys...!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Likewise, thank you so much!! I’ll keep doing my best to support you all!

Anesagi Kaoru: You guys have done so much for us today. I’ll do everything in my power to protect your brilliance.

Okazaki Rinto: I am very proud to be Momo-kun and Yuki-kun’s manager. I will protect you guys with my life!

Utsugi Shiro: I’m truly grateful to have met you. ŹOOĻ is the strongest and dearest existence for me.

Oogami Banri: Thank you so much today. I really love all of you!

Oogami Banri: I’ll continue to support all of you forever and always!

End of Episode 3.

(1) & (2) Traditional words shouted while viewing fireworks.

(3) Happi: Traditional Japanese coat

[thefirstlioveyou]

what clothing styles do you think modern byler would like??🫢

i love this!

first will:

my answer is probably ?? boring for him, but i think it wouldn't be too different tbh. i say this because even today some people's styles take inspo from the 80s. so it's kinda hard to imagine his style looking THAT different you know? i think the major differences would be obviously less 80s-like patterns, more neutral color combinations, less of tucking in shirts, etc.

so for will, i think he'd still continue to wear brighter clothing and slim-fit jeans. here's some quick things i found from pinterest that i can see him wearing today

as you can see, not that different lol. he'd pair band tees with flannels frequently, but other than those he wouldn't be too into graphic tees. he's more simplistic and focuses on layering instead. he loves throwing coats and cardigans on.

accessories, i think he'd have his watch (similar to the one in s5) and a few bracelets to match on both wrists. he'd own/carry a brown crossbody bag for school and just to wear casually that has a couple of pins on them of his interests. he still alternates between belts, and i think he'd own at least 2-3 different pairs of shoes.

now as for mike, i don't think his mom would be AS strict on what we wears, like to the extent of choosing for him at the age of 14-16, in 2024. however, his mom definitely would still comment if his shirts are too 'violent' or 'weird' or 'evil,' but mike would just ignore it lol

but since we don't actually know what he'd wear without karen's say, i'm basing my interpretation off his room(s) and personality. his bedroom and basement are completely covered in nerdy shit and he can rarely go without making some sort of reference to his interests, so i doubt his apparel would be much different! i can only picture the majority of his fashion always representing one of his interests lol, like the nerd he is.

i mean overall, fashion-wise, i don't think he'd care THAT much if i'm being honest. his fits aren't terrible, but nothing stylish and coordinated like will.

contrary to will, he LOVES graphic tees. he must own several shirts based on all his interests lol. outside of those graphic tees, he'd still wear clothing he gets as gifts from family, which mostly consists of polo shirts and button ups.

he wears the shit out of that zip up hoodie, literally his go to jacket. he still wears his watch. he alternates between jeans and shorts. he only wears one pair of shoes.

i think that's really it tbh. they'd have pretty different styles in contrast lol. thank you for the ask!

[verbenaa]

Hi, I'm Chloe! I write both Astarion/Tav and Astarion/Reader fics! ⭒

I also post these works on my archive of our own account, under the username leadii. Feel free to follow along over there as well! Thank you so much for reading my fics, and I dearly hope you enjoy them!

♡ Please note that currently all works posted here contain some form of NSFW content. Minors, please do NOT read/interact! 18+ ONLY ♡

⋆⭒˚.⋆ updated 10/26/2024 ⋆⭒˚.⋆

✧· · ─── ·✧· ─── · ·✧

𝓂𝓊𝓁𝓉𝒾 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇

✧ to eden ao3

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: Rin lays there, her back against the grass as she stares resolutely up at the sky overhead, little drops of dew like tiny diamonds hanging heavy from blades of grass.

“I have nothing to say to you, just so you know.” She refuses to look over to the place where Astarion lays mere inches from her as she says the words, but it doesn’t stop her from moving her hand to rest it down in the small gap of space between their bodies. 

It’s an offering, if nothing else, though it is one Rin doesn’t know if he will take.

“Well then, I suppose it’s a good thing that you so rarely have anything worthwhile to say.” Astarion’s words carry his usual unaffected haughtiness that has her eyes rolling despite herself, a small huff of annoyance escaping her lips. 

But as she feels the coolness of his skin against her own, clever fingers intertwining with her delicate ones using only the slightest bit of movement she thinks that maybe, just maybe there can also be a little room for hope in whatever this thing between them is.

✧· · ─── ·✧· ─── · ·✧

In which Astarion and Rin learn how to bridge the gap, because maybe all that distance between them isn’t quite so large as they once thought.

A semi-retelling of events; focused on themes of learning trust, intimacy, and perhaps even love.

chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | chapter 7 | chapter 8

✧· · ─── ·✧· ─── · ·✧

𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓉𝓈

✧ air so deep and sweet ao3

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: “You’re just utterly shameless, aren’t you?’ He tsks, “Seducing me away from my work like this." Astarion’s eyes rove your form laying beneath him in reverence, the silken strands of your hair spread like a halo around your face and your dress a mess around your waist.

✧ so that i may dream tonight ao3

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: It was a special torture to be unable to touch him, you decide. You want nothing more than to brush your fingers through his curls as you come, to caress the delicate point at the top of his ears, feel the smoothness of his skin on your fingertips.

It feels absolutely filthy, to be tied up like this, your pleasure left to Astarion’s will as you are powerless to simply lay in wait for whatever he has in store.

✧ venus in furs ao3

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: He’s always imagined you like this in his dreams, he thinks. Naked, dressed in rubies as red as the wine in your silver chalice, blood like pomegranate juice dripping from your lips, staining your mouth to match the red of your blood that colors his own.

✧ opus 4 (nothing compares to the sighs that fall from your lips) ao3

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: “Have I mentioned how absolutely divine you look, darling?”

“Well, you did make the gown.” Your hand tangles in his hair, pressing him closer as you arch into him. He buries his face into your chest, kissing and licking at the skin bared to him above the low neckline.

“It’s quite easy when you have such a lovely muse.”

✧ to bask in your warmth ao3

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: “I’m not the only one who would look lovely with ribbons around my wrists, you know.” Your eyes flick up to his own as you wet your lips at the thought—dear, sweet Astarion writhing below you with the same rosebud hue tracing his wrists to keep him pinned as he is able to do nothing but accept the love and pleasure you have to give him.

“Something you think about often, hm?” His lips quirk up in amusement, his eyes finding your own as he basks in the heat from your warm body tucked into his side, thinly veiled interest present in his gaze.

✧ silver and silk ao3

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: “And we, my dear, have some very urgent business to attend to.” His expression is nothing short of devilish as he practically pushes her inside of the tiny closet and shuts the door behind them both, only waiting a mere moment before wrapping his arms around her waist and lowering his lips to her neck.

“Urgent, Astarion?” She rolls her eyes despite the loosening of her limbs underneath the feeling of his lips kissing down over her collarbone, mouthing at the exposed cleavage of her breasts before he lowers himself to the floor in front of her.

✧· · ─── ·✧· ─── · ·✧

In which Astarion finds it in his heart to help Rin work off some of her frustrations in a variety of ways. 

for kinktober 2024

✧ all my dreaming is only put to shame ao3

𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓎: She’s on a particular fantasy, one involving Astarion and some ribbon wrapped elegantly around her body with a touch only he is capable of as he brings her to her peak again and again and praise falls from his lips, when footsteps near her tent.

Footsteps that Rin is far too lost in her imagination to hear—unguarded and terribly vulnerable—especially when said person does not want to be heard, sneaking through the night with every bit of their prowess.

Her lips open on a silent moan and she's so very near completion when a voice cuts through the night, the exact one she had been fantasizing about.

“Well, now this is quite a surprise.”

✧· · ─── ·✧· ─── · ·✧

In which Astarion walks in on a decidedly private moment, but finds a way to make the most of it.

for kinktober 2024

[lacyjaybird]

For @inukag-week 2024 I'm going to start off with a re-post since I'm late to finding out and didn't have time to make a new one lol guess you guys are getting my favorite one shot instead!

Day 1 theme : Yearning

set during the 3 year separation

"Jealous"

Thunder rolled in the distance as the married couple settled in for the night. “It’s fixing to storm..” Sango muttered, looking worried at the noren as she tucked the twins into bed, their identical faces completely at peace for once. Sitting back on her heels, her right hand was drawn to her pregnant belly as if by a magnet, mindlessly caressing the mound. 

Miroku sighed, setting the cast iron pot on its hook to dry. “You know how he has gotten with the rain recently.” he smiled reassuringly, trying to mask his own worry and calm his wifes. He always worried about his silver haired companion. Especially when it rained. 

The man in question stood in the center of a familiar field by an old worn well. The wind tore at his robes like desperate hands, his alabaster tresses whipping around him like a sentient being. Golden eyes, previously hidden beneath bangs, drew up towards thick black clouds just as the first drops touched the soft downy fur covering the inner cone of his canine ears, making them twitch. Those eyes hid once again, this time by copper toned lids as their owner’s chin remained pointed towards the sky, welcoming the warm torrent. 

“Kagome told me about how all the water in the world stays the same, just goes through a weird cycle and gets used again. “ He thought, embracing the drops as they got fatter and heavier, drenching him in moments. His hair and robes now clung to his body like a second skin. “Maybe..” he thought, clenching his fist. “Maybe the same rain that’s touching my face right now will find her in the future. Maybe.. maybe she’ll think of me.” It was the only thing he held on to nowadays. 

A year and a half ago, during a storm like this, Inuyasha had been reminded of the lesson. Shippo had inquired about evaporation because the tea he had set aside that morning was half empty when he returned that evening. 

“You see..” Kagome began, her teaching voice in full motion. She gestured to the first crude drawing in the dirt. It was of an ocean. “This is representing all the water in the whole world. The sun heats it up and it rises into the sky as vapors,” as she spoke, her fingers moved along the diagram. “ And those vapors build up as clouds. Once the clouds become too heavy, the condensed vapors turn into rain drops and fall back to the earth and replenish the lakes, rivers and oceans!” She had stood up then, her ebony locks dancing as she victoriously placed her fist on her hips. “So.. the water we have now is the same water in your time?” Sango had asked, reviewing the sketches. “Well.. essentially yes.” Kagome laughed, not wanting to try and explain weather patterns and other countries and wind variables. “I guess you can say that!” 

As soon as he had remembered, Inuyasha had gone outside and stood among the droplets. He had a chance to vicariously be with her. Now he stood, jealous of the rain in her time. The rain that got to touch her skin. The rain that was closer to her than his hands had been. The rain that was closer to her than her own shadow. He wished her the best that her world had to give her. It didn’t mean he didn’t wish for her to suddenly appear and tell him how much she had missed him. How she found no happiness without him by her side. How she had been as restless as he. 

So there he was, eyes closed, drenched from ear tip to toe. Maybe.. maybe some of those rain drops would carry him to her in the far off land that was her home. 

500 years later, a young High School third year ran up the daunting steps towards her home, trying to beat the rain clouds that loomed ominously above her. A crack of thunder sent shivers up her spine as she hit the top step and began to feel the warm drops on her navy colored school uniform. As she ran across the shrine grounds, the bottom fell out, completely soaking her in moments. “No!” she cried, feeling defeated in having lost the race. As she went to pass the well house she stopped, a force asking her to cease. And once she did, she closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sky, the drops touching her lips as warm as a pair she saw in her dreams. 

The rain felt like a warm hug, reaching to her soul, wrapping around her like strong tanned arms. A gentle smile played on her lips as she remembered the owners light chuckle, his deep thrumming growl, his pink tinted cheeks as her hand intertwined in his. 

“Kagome!” her mothers voice called from the porch, “Come inside, dear! You’ll catch cold! Dinner is ready! I made ramen!” With one last longing look towards the well, Kagome hurried to her home, thankful for the moment of peace in her usually restless life as she longed for the grouchy owner of a pair of eyes the color of spun gold. 

[nahisummerhold]

Reality vs Technology

@daily-writing-challenge - Aug 2024 - Day 3 - Fatality

Stepping into the dojo, Dinaine owned, Nahi kicked off her shoes, stretching her toes out on the warm butter colored wooden floor, and dropped her bag. Turning to the altar next to the entryway she picked up a candle with her right arm as her left was in the splint she hid, or removed, at ToA and tipped it so the wick would light from the main display. Placing it on a shelf one removed from the Light representation she knelt and focused on the symbol. This was the closest thing to worship the performer ever did but the Lightforged trainer said that no negative energy was to be brought into her space and more than once had just looked at Nahilvi and sent her right back to the altar. It had taken her a great deal of time to learn how to actually let go of anything that traveled with her so she could just focus on the lessons. 

A bouncer at one of the rougher clubs Nahi sang at, the gorgeous (of course she was) fighter and Nahi sat after hours one night at a diner eating the staple of all bar workers, breakfast at 3 am, and over egg whites, spinach and toast the Sin’dorei had agreed to come and check out the workouts the trainer ran during the days. She was promised a good way to stay in shape, so she had expected some sort of yoga or barre class she went to when she took the time. Walking in to see the Lightforged with her arms wrapped around a Shal’dorei’s neck and the man smacking his hand against her forearm. With a nod to Nahi, Dina released the man who shook his head good naturedly, and looked at the performers feet, “Shoes off.” 

Since then Nahi was here at least once a week, in the weeks between Wings & Metal and ToA it had been almost daily even with her healing arm, or maybe because of it. There were many things that she could still practice, like her kicks against the wooden dummy or heavy bag. Being in a space where she was not allowed to carry the turmoil with her was good for her heart, and her body.

Rising she pushed open the inner doors and stopped, a fire red haired gnome ran across the room to slam into her with a hug around Nahi’s legs. “You did it! You came! You are the best!” 

Teebi was not one given to such enthusiasm normally, so Nahi patted her shoulder and looked up into Dina’s pale yellow eyes and the woman just shrugged. “I got your message,” she was going to come to the dojo anyway but she didn’t say that. In her normal way of trying to make sure people knew that they were appreciated, she would never dismiss the personal note from the inventor. 

“I did it!” Teebi released her legs and danced in a little circle hopping up and down. Looking over Nahi and frowning at the splint she considered for a moment, “It won’t matter. You are already dressed too, perfect.” 

For the last year the gnome had come to the gym for research, she said. Never taking a class herself, just taking notes and later taking pictures and vids of the different people there with their permission. Nahi had been a often used model, but try as she might she could never get the gnome to tell her what she was doing, just getting a hand wave and a ‘wait and see’.

Another few bounces and “I did it. I did it… I DID IT!” Before Teebi ran off to the space infront of Dina where a holo projector sat. “Come on silly bones!” 

Nahilvi moved along in the wake of happiness left behind the gnome, if Nahi had used one of her glitter kisses on the smaller woman she could not have sparkled more. She had been sent a black outfit with weird green lines on it with the message, it was a little weird but a confident air was all she needed to make it more of a fashion statement on the streets of Dalaran. “I am coming! Sheesh let a girl get past the door.” The tone was absolutely teasing, she loved this energy, it was like watching performers on the stage again. 

“Getttttt over here!” Teebi patted the holo machine, “You have to see it! I finished the GAME!” Teebi then dipped her head and looked up at the Lightforged who leaned casually against the wall, “Uhm, training program.”  

Another glance to Dina just got earned a noncommittal shrug. “A game?”

The gnome nodded her head excitedly not correcting Nahi. “Come on let’s get you hooked up,” she said and began bending over the machine doing come engineering magic or something. Real magic, what engineers did, Nahi didn’t truly grasp the essence of either not having a gift for either. Bending her shoulders forward with a look of ‘What the fuck?’ to the towering Lightforeged, Nahi stepped up and Teebi turned, “Ready?” “Sure?” She said with a hint of trepidation. Moving into a spot on the floor Teebi pointed at and blinking at the little woman. With a push of a button a projection of Dina appeared right before Nahi, “Watch.” The image began to do fighting moves that the fighter was skilled in, it was amazing. Stepping to the side some to check out how real it was made it flicker out. “No, no! Get back.” Nahi stepped back to the indicated place like a good little soldier, “Alright!” She held her hands up infront of her in submission. “What is it really? Do you just use this to show other people how to fight? Doesn’t seem like a game.” With all the talk of the Radiant Song and the echoes so many people were experiencing, fighting did seem like much of a game to her. Teebi put gloves on her hands, careful with her mended left, it was no longer broken but still weak and Iren didn’t want to actually take the chance of her hurting it again. so she wore the splint as prescribed by the healer. “Just.. UGH.. stop it!” Frustration filled the gnome’s voice. “Practice, training, fun, they don’t have to be separate okay? Even the old, grumpy statue thinks it is cool.” A small chuckle escaped and Dina lifted a single brow.. Man how did people do that? It was so expressive and Nahi could not do it at all. Statue, Teebi called her trainer that because she was bronze in color and stood still often as she observed her students. “Alright, I really want to see what else this cool thing can do.” “Hit it!” Teebi said and Nahi looked at her blankly. The gnome mimicked a punch, “Hit it.. You know? Like you come here to learn? HIT IT!” Looking to the image once more with a puzzled look, Nahi squared up and threw a small punch and the holo flinched. “HIT IT!!!” Teebi yelled at her louder. Shifting her stance just slightly she settled her weight into her hips and tightened her core then threw a well aimed jab. The Dina she was facing brought her hands up defensively and bounced, the holo even had the sound of hooves shifting on a wood floor, then she dipped just slightly to the side to evade the strike. “KICK IT!” 

Without a pause this time she kicked out for a lower leg, Dina strongly suggested her students try and not kick much higher so they did not leave their plant leg vulnerable, the suggestion usually coming with their leg being swept from under them to set them on ass or back. The program moved back and then countered, making Nahi scramble to block contact. It was an image so it couldn't hurt her but its form was perfect. “Whoa…” “KEEP GOING!” The gnome was beginning to sound like one of those Army trainers soldiers complained about but Nahi responded and began sparring with the holo. There was a good exchange and Nahi had began to break into a sweat, really devoting her attention to the movements. Her bare feet shifted as she closed her stance to keep her weight squared and she threw a few more punches, sending the power all the way from her back leg, muscles tightening from thigh through to her forearm fist tight but not clenched. All her attacks were countered and the draenei would go on the offensive making duck to the sides, weaving and looking for an opening to come in and catch a vulnerable liver shot. A short kick gave her room to move in again, blocking it with a short swing of her shin in a protective arc, there was no contact but the immersion was so complete she convinced herself there was weight behind it and began a string of driving movements of her knee towards fake Dina’s thighs which two of the three ‘landed’ and a robotic voice called “Break.” Her training gave way to it immediately, protecting herself through the retreat in space, not all Dina taught them was ‘gym muscle’ as she called it. If Nahi was ever in a real fight hand to hand she could at least defend herself. 

With a deep breath she rolled her shoulders to let her spine straighten from the curvature making her body smaller created. “Well done.” Dinaine said, her honeyed voice full of amusement and a hint of pride. “Really Nahi, that was one of the highest levels Teebi’s… training program… has. A few of the others could only get through the mid point.” 

“I told you she could, told you,” the gnome held her hand out and Dina placed a gold in it. 

“You bet against me?” Nahi laughed.

Dina shrugged, “It is a machine, one programmed well though, you are flesh and minds can wander or mistakes are easy to make, even for the best fighters. Your movements are becoming as ingrained to you as your dance moves are, maybe more so as you no longer have to listen to music here to find those patterns combat itself creates.” 

A frown was covered as she wiped her face with a towel Teebi threw at her. “I find music everywhere, just because others can’t hear it doesn’t mean I do not have it in me.” 

“Truth, but the music you are creating when you spar adjusts for the unexpected of opposition.” She hadn’t really realized that stubbornly clinging to a point just to defend a position that you had started to see was actually the weakest side until you argued with a woman that had lived over ten thousand years, so Nahi did not continue that tack.

“This is pretty awesome Teebi, well worth all the pictures you took of…” her eyes narrowed and she looked at the machine. “Wait…” 

Teebi grinned and made an adjustment and the holo became an image of herself but she was in one of Nahi’s more relaxed streetwear looks, patterned loose green pants, a yellow tank cut to expose her midsection, of course, rainbow splattered trainers but her head was covered in a scarf to keep her hair out of her face, something she did often in the dojo. “Holy fuck…” 

Dina spoke slowly, “Language, we guard our tongues in here.”

In her first few months here Nahi would have rolled her eyes but now too much respect and the lessons of the dojo had been instilled along with fighting discipline. “That kicks a.. Butt Teebi.”

“RIGHT????” The gnome took her hands and they bounced in a circle together this time as Nahi would not deny the little woman her celebration. “Now.. do it again! I want it to beat you.” “Pffft, as if…” it probably would but it was programmed to reality, as she now expected it was, there was always a chance. Now, Nahi knew what to expect in the game itself and she was quick to get ready, Teebie changed the image and it was Dina once more, maybe that is just what this level was? She could ask later for now she had an opponent. When she stepped up, the holo bowed to her and Nahi returned it automatically, maybe she had become as programmed as the game was, but maybe that wasn’t a bad thing. This time when they settled in and exchanged the first attempts Nahi broke out a move Dina had just recent taught her. Stepping close and dipping a shoulder to the side to keep the holo from defending infighting effectively, she kicked her feet in quick successions towards the ankles of the larger opponent. The image had to shuffle back to protect herself from being taken out by being tripped, and when her weight shifted back just enough to be off center Nahi, lowered her body more and then exploded her fist upwards directly into where the trainer’s jawline was. Stumbling back the holo did a weaving little movement and as it began to sink to its knees, the machine did not call a break this time and Nahi advanced but when the womanlike figure pitched forward the box called out… FATALITY!

[mysticsparklewings]

Obscutober 2024 Day 2: Littoral 🏖️

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Littoral (adj.)

of or relating to the shore of a lake, sea, or ocean

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Good News, Sparklers: I’m still happy with this as my #Inktober approach so far! 🎉 (Hopefully that continues🤞)

This one definitely turned out more “general beach/ocean” than “shoreline,” but oh well! 🤷‍♀️

Click the "Keep Reading" and we'll talk more about my thoughts/process for this piece (including part of why this word made the prompt-list cut)! ✨

⭐️ Like My Art and Want to see more of it? Here's All My Links! ⭐️

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Well Sparklers, I seem to once again be writing this description (and therefore posting the art) later in the day than expected again today, but y'know I'm still early enough I don't feel such a rush to just get everything done, as was an extremely bad habit for me during Inktober last year...But we're only on Day 2 so it's still very possible I'll end up in that situation at some point later in the month. 😅

Either way, since we covered I think what was left of the background information for my how/whys for October this year yesterday, I think today I'm free to focus just on today's piece.

And I'll start with the admission that one of the primary reasons this word made the cut when I was putting together the prompt list is because I personally find it more amusing than I probably should that "Littoral" can very easily sound like "Literal" depending on your accent/pronunciation; And while I haven't figured one out, I just know there's a delightful pun or wordplay hiding somewhere in that association. 😆

Does that have anything to do with my choice of shapes for the mandala or colors for the background? Not consciously, no. But I mention it just in case someone for some reason finds the idea as funny as I do!

That said, this one is—at least I think—a lot strong on the specific images in the mandala that tie back to the theme than yesterday's. Granted, I probably leaned a little more heavily on general beachy/ocean themes than is really appropriate for a word that's really more about shorelines for multiple kinds of waterbodies...

In my defense, I started working on this one around 2-3 a.m. before I went to bed and was struggling to stay awake for the area between the inner circle of seashells and the round with the tail-fin shapes. What were supposed to look more like fish scales underneath those fin shapes came out looking a lot more like the edges of stacked sand dollars as a result. 😅

That might kinda be for the better though because I think if they did look more like scales, the tail fins might be a little too mermaid-y. Sand dollars probably fit a little better for a shoreline focus. Or, this way they kinda also make me think of like...ridged rocks that you might see either along lake edges, or as like the "drop off" point where the ocean shore "ends" and the deep sea more or less "begins," if that makes any sense.

I also tried something...I want to say "different" but we're only on Day 2, so that feels a bit odd. 😆 But it is something I don't usually do with mandalas when I make them. You'll notice that the round with the tail fins features only 2 additional sea shells, not 4, 6, or 8 as would be more typical for a mandala pattern, and on either side of that same round where you'd expect another pair of shells to be are instead some different wave shapes.

This was just a small experiment in what I'm going to do "non-traditional symmetry" (because "asymmetry" isn't quite right). So far I'm just using Procreate for these, and Procreate's built-in symmetry tools can only be pushed so far vs. an app made more specifically for mandalas, so I was trying to get a feel for where exactly my boundaries with Procreate's tools are. Obviously I didn't get too crazy with it because I was tired, but I did learn a few things and intend to carry them forward.

To that end, for what it's worth, I am considering trying a mandala-making-specific app, but I haven't pulled the trigger just yet. I thought I'd try a couple more with just Procreate and see if I still want to. I have a feeling even if I do try another app, I'll end up tracing over whatever results I get in there in Procreate anyway just to make sure all my Obscutober pieces are stylistically consistent. [That's a me thing, I don't expect anyone else to care about the style consistency even half as much as I personally do.]

I will also say the "splash" shapes that end everything off weren't really what I originally had in mind, but I'm not bothered about it because I think they came out great and give the effect that I wanted really well. 😄

Oh, and before I move on from the mandala part: If you look closer, you can also see I tried just a little bit of hatching on this one. I wanted to "fill in" some more of the mandala lines for visual interest, but I didn't like the solid-fill look in those areas when I tried it. It's still not quite what I wanted but I was too tired to be bothered re-doing it. I'm also not sure how much I'll use hatching (or other "traditional" inking techniques) for the rest of the month, though it is a tool I'll be keeping in my metaphorical back pocket just in case.

This may as well be a good time to mention that not necessarily every Obscutober piece will use white mandala lines; I don't want to overcomplicate my choices too much, but I am planning on allowing black lines as well, if they'll suit that day's themes better. So far we've just had two days in a row where I thought the white worked better. 😉

As for the background: This one is one of the things that motivated me to go with this particular format for this year. I didn't start working on this piece until after the decision(s) had already been made, but during those last couple of days of September when the mandala idea finally started to form, I was going back and forth over the words and landed on "Littoral" again; The idea of having a kind of "island" in the middle surrounded by "water" for the background popped into my brain—Nothing but shoreline all 360º around. 🤗

That wasn't the deciding factor alone, but it was definitely a strong nudge in that direction! This background was also a good "test" in that it pushed me to consider there might be days—like this one!—where it's tempting to color the background less abstractly and more tied to whatever is happening with the mandala lines. Somehow, I hadn't really considering that yet. From that, you can see I decided that some spot color is okay, but for consistency purposes, I am still going to keep it largely soft and abstract. Since I'm toying with the idea of making coloring pages out of the finished mandalas later anyway, if I really want to color right inside the lines, I can worry about that after Obscutober.

Besides, keeping it abstract will be faster anyway; I have a tendency to get way-too-perfectonist when coloring inside of digital lines. 🫠

The longer I think about it, the more there are things I might do a bit differently if I gave the mandala part another go. I am still happy with how this one turned out and think the background is really solid, it's just that usual "hindsight is 20/20" artist problem—Sometimes great ideas for a piece only come after it's already done and you really don't feel like going through the trouble if changing what you have!

Ah well. Maybe I'll have more ideas actually come to me in-the-moment if I can be bothered working on the future mandalas when I'm not falling asleep at my desk. 😆 It still beats being wide-awake because I'm rushing to get it done at all, but it's definitely not the ideal way to be! 😅

In any case, aside from delays in writing this description, I've been enjoying seeing a few people (mostly on Tumblr) decide to try out the Obscutober list for themselves, so the month is off to a pretty decent start as far as I'm concerned! I hope it is for you Sparklers too, or that if it isn't, that things get better soon! 🤞

I'll leave you Sparklers with that for today, and hopefully see you again in cheerful spirits tomorrow. Toodles! 👋

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See the Prompt List

Artwork  © me, MysticSparklewings

Obscutober Concept Inspired by nikolas_tower

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⭐️ Like My Art and Want to see more of it? Here's All My Links! ⭐️

[supop]

What do you think BTS will do next as soloists? Which member has been the most impressive in Chapter 2?

Hi hey hello :) I’ve been MIA for months but I’m surprised to see I’ve still been getting lots of asks. Did you miss me? Did ya did ya did ya? Going by the number of messages in my inbox I’d say, yes :) Sorry for ghosting you guys; I simply got bored with BTS and stopped keeping up with the group as whole. Meanwhile, their solo era has been fun to observe, huh? Some things I expected, other things I did not. I’m sure you’ve all missed supop thoughts. So, without further adieu, here are my guesses for 2023-2024, in no particular order:

Truthfully, I’ve been trying to post for the past 3 days but tumblr is glitching, and none of my posts are saving. Just as I was about to say F it.... if you can read this, then the issue must be fixed, right? This post hasn’t been proofread, so ignore any grammatical errors and the weird use of punctuation. I have a flight to catch soon, so I’ll answer more asks when I land, and as always.... keep it cute~

Individual YouTube channels (starting off with this because there’s been rumors about it for months now; I doubt all members will have one, but I feel like j-hope or Jungkook may go this route. I actually started to believe it when j-hope posted about his new Leica camera a while back. I know he’s into photography, but there’s always a deeper meaning behind everything he does/posts and he’s been carrying that camera around to all the events he’s been attending; maybe it’s just me overthinking, but it’s giving vlog material at the very least. Each member has a YouTube topic channel, but this will likely be a platform for more direct professional/business use where other creatives are featured or personal use for vlogging, trips, unedited material etc. without constant company oversight; aka without every single piece of content being scheduled by bighit/hybe and distributed via weverse; I also wonder if any more of them will get solo shows like Suchwita on the BangtanTV channel)

Individual Twitter accounts (this one seems farfetched, but so were their instagrams at one point; if they do indeed go this route I can eventually see some members leaving it up to the company to handle their respective social medias while others take a more hands-on approach with their fans—since instagram alone already seems like a struggle for some; they can also repost content from instagram which would also give them more individual exposure since the two social media platforms tend to have completely different audiences; it would also be nice for collaborators/brands/media to be able to tag them directly instead of @ the group account; finally, there’s a reason why each member has stuck to uploading all personal content on their respective instagrams since Dec 2021, so expect the group Twitter to become even more desolate than it already is if this does happen)

Individual TikTok accounts (Instagram, YouTube and Twitter....then why not TikTok too? It would make more sense when it comes to promoting their solo music and once again connecting with their respective audiences/fanbases; it only makes sense for solo artists to promote their solo work on solo accounts especially when their music and personalities are all so different; that’s 7 different audiences that should be catered to instead of trying to fit everyone into one big purple-colored box. All 7 members together represent BTS, but no single member is a representation of BTS; there’s a reason why JITB is completely different from anything BTS has released as group, and it’s the same reason why Indigo is so different from JITB; someone who likes JITB may not care for 90% of BTS’s discography and the same would apply to other members’ solo albums that have yet to be released; this is the obvious truth, but armys will continue to delude themselves as if the term bias doesn’t exist.)

Individual Facebook pages (and lastly, Facebook because all artists need a Facebook page to be able to link their music to their personal Instagram accounts; the BTS official Instagram account has it but when you scroll through you only see JK and RM’s music, which to me isn’t fair to other members who have music under their official Spotify profiles; the members are artists first, right? not influencers, therefore, artistry should be respected in a similar manner)

Opening their comment section on Instagram (limited comments are boring, but i don’t blame them; I’d sure they’re well aware that a select group of their “fans” are unhinged; just look at the way those same “fans” have attacked people who they’ve deemed to be “wrongly” associated with them or people they’ve “accidentally” followed; honestly I’m also worried about the occasional wave of hate/d.threats some members would receive in their comment sections from deranged akgaes; I will never understand not liking someone, yet going out of your way to invade their public accounts or content posted related to them just to spew hateful nonsense or send d.threats about how much you don’t like them; take a breather because it’s never ever that deep. And if you ever feel the need to take it that far towards anyone (celebrity figure or not), then may your pathetic existence quickly reach its expiration date; people also seem to have a lot more balls on instagram, so it’s a good thing Instagram’s safety features are a lot better than Twitter’s—i.e., the report and block buttons def work)

Following more people on Instagram (lol honestly following 0 people isn’t anything new from the celebrity pov and we can all thank Bey for establishing that, but following only your 7 group members is just...meh; are they gonna live as 7 for the rest of their lives? No, but they probably have to keep it this way otherwise there’s a possibility that every single non-bts related account on their following list would be harassed and stalked to oblivion by deranged fans; not to mention as it is, BH/Hybe staff already do such a great job at leaking private info related to BTS, you would think their proximity to such high-profile celebrities would result in ironclad NDAs but I guess not...sigh when will we be free)

Individual brand deals/endorsements (this one is already under way and was really really obvious from the start because we all know “7 or nothing”—not necessarily their bond but the way they’ve been marketed to fans—has always been nothing more than a sales gimmick; seriously not every member will have the skillset that a specific brand is looking for, so let’s let the ones who shine, shine; instead of trying to sell the lackluster ones as a package deal; “buy one get one free” should never apply to people; for the members yet to be announced there’s been rumors of various brands so let’s just wait and see...hopefully no controversial brands are chosen.

Individual fashion global ambassadorships (similar to the above, except I think only the members interested in fashion should get involved in this, but then again, this is the k-entertainment industry we’re talking about, and as of late ambassadorships have become part of the whole “album promo” package deal; either way I’m sure the money is good for BTS, and at the end of the day it’s a win-win; interest or not, the artist gets paid and the brand gets “exposure”) **side note: ambassadorships are cool, but the real deal would be with whichever brand pursues a true partnership with the artist by creating a collaborative fashion line or collection that expresses their artistic vision through fashion and/or even a performance that speaks to the brand’s image. pretty red carpet and campaign pictures are nice, but what the world needs is a tangible piece that can be held or tangible memory that can be seen. I think that’s what truly separates the artist-turned-fashion icon/creative director/business mogul from the rest.

More fashion week appearances (so far we’ve gotten Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermès. I’m glad j-hope didn’t/hasn’t yet? signed with LV otherwise we never would’ve gotten 3 completely different, yet ultimately iconic looks from him in the span of just 3 days; Jimin for Dior; Suga for Valentino; other members may also attend shows for the brands they will be announced as Global/House Ambassadors) **another side note: Hobi wore clothes from LV’s unreleased collection which is rare feat in itself and he was also invited behind the scenes, shown the collection prior to the show, and he entered and exited the venue via a private entrance that was reserved for VIPs. I also saw a photo of Hobi with the Arnaults. Do you know how difficult it is to meet them? You can’t just meet them lol, they’d first have to want to meet you. And Hoseok did that with not 1, but 3 (maybe 4 because 2 of the brothers attended the Dior show) members of the family, including the LVMH CEO himself. It’s not even enough to be a high-profile celebrity; You usually have to have a long-standing working relationship with them or with one of their brands which means their connection with Hoseok must run pretty deep, and they have plenty of trust in him as a global representative. The same thing applies to Hermès. They do no care how rich or famous you are. Before you’re even able to purchase one of their bags directly, you’d have to be a longtime/VIP shopper. Even then getting a bag isn’t guaranteed. You’ll forever be on a waitlist, it could even take years, until you’re invited to purchase one. You also can’t pick and choose which model or color of bag you want lol. Everyone knows about the Birkin, but most are lucky to even be offered a Kelly for purchase. And not only did Hoseok meet with their executives, they also gifted him a Haut à courroies 50 bag (the one in his airport photos upon arrival from Paris) which is one of their largest bags, and is more difficult to secure than a regular Birkin. In short, he got the full VVIP treatment from both rival brands. Who else can relate? With that said, more than an ambassadorship, there could be a j-hope fashion line or a collection of some sort in the works; or perhaps he was doing field research to decide which brand will be in charge of designing his world tour outfits....who knows, only time will tell; as for fashion week there’s still New York, London, Milan, more in Paris, and even Seoul; appearances and shows will depend on the brand)

More solo magazine covers (this also isn’t anything new but even Hybe’s nugu groups with zero impact and lots of payola are already getting solo covers in top magazines, attending fashion week, and having brand ambassadorships under their belts, so it’s ridiculous it took BigHit/Hybe almost a decade to allow bts members the same opportunity)

Vogue, GQ, Hot Ones? video interviews (as much as I love a good magazine interview, there’s nothing better than being able to observe body language; I was surprised when we got GQ’s ‘10 things Jin’, but it only proves that more spontaneous less unscripted interviews where the gp can easily tune in are no longer beyond the realm of possibilities; which means I’m expecting Vogue to come through with any of the following: Life in Looks, 24 Hours with, 73 Questions, Get Ready with, Beauty Routine, etc; more 10 things with GQ; and Hot Ones would be great)

More solo interviews (see tv appearances)

More solo TV appearances w/Korean media (I know that new Mnet program is currently in the works; and I’m kind of hoping for more popular variety shows and broadcasts; anything that would promote their music domestically vs. the fan-targeted content posted on BangtanTV)

More solo TV appearances w/Western media (it’s no secret that Korean media can be restrictive when it comes to artistic expression, so similar appearances at tv programs like late night shows for an interview and performance would be great; just like they’ve done for many years as a group, so it’s ridiculous how they’re not getting a similar promotional rollout for their solo careers)

More solo red carpet appearances (this one technically isn’t a stand alone event, but you can include any activities here that aren’t necessarily centered around them or any of the other ones I’ve listed; like them getting invited to a movie premiere of a friend of a friend’s)

More solo performances (probably minor ones because I really don’t think any of them will put on a performance as major or as lengthy as the scale of Hobipalooza’s headliner setlist and preparation; unless of course its j-hope himself; as for festival performances, there’s of course Lollapalooza, but we also have Coachella, Rolling Loud, Something in the Water, Wireless Festival, Splash Festival, Made in America, The Governors Ball; most of these festivals have a primarily hip-hop/rap-centric audience, so don’t expect vocal line to make any appearances. I can’t speak for Yoongi or Namjoon, but I doubt Hoseok will be interested in doing anything less than a headlining stage. Otherwise expect performances at the usual Western music award shows, year-end Asian music award shows, and South Korea’s music bank/inkigayo)

Solo world tour announcement (we can dream right?)

More solo music collaborations (there’s been many rumors on this one so let’s way and see; hopefully collabs involving actual good music and more collabs with artists that don’t cater to the demographic of bubblegum pop music lovers; seriously enough is enough with the abysmal lyrics and the lack of good production on some of these collabs)

More solo albums (duh! and emphasis on the solo part; as much as I love a good feature or collab, there’s no good reason for those featured artists to be eating you up on your own song, much less album; features should add to the album, not make the album itself—especially when you’re a musician who aims to establish an individual identity and move away from the idea that you’re nothing without bts/without other people propping you up; next: jimin -> suga -> jungkook -> v ; in that order of album release is my guess)

More solo singles/EPs (the 94s; Namjoon has been hinting a lot at releasing new music, so likely an EP; I think Hoseok will also release another album before he enlists, if not an EP; I think they both have more options than other members since they’ve already officially debuted as soloists)

Subunit singles/EPs (once all of vocal line have released their solo albums, i can see BH trying to push for subunits; don’t expect full on albums with only 2 or 3 members on it, but I can definitely see a single or two or more happening; again likely with vocal line)

More OSTs (original soundtracks; again with vocal line)

More individual enlistments (they all technically have until early/mid 2024 to enlist if the tentative 2025 BTS reunion is supposed to happen, but once you taste the high life of individual freedom can you ever really go back to the mundane days of group work? Yoongi has until the end of 2023, Hoseok and Namjoon both have until the end of 2024, Jimin and Taehyung 2025, Jungkook 2027; I’m curious to see—to the absolute horror of armys—if anyone, especially maknae line, will put off their enlistment past 2024....I think Hybe was foolish to announce a “comeback” date; only doing so to calm investors and give themselves an additional 2 years to “ease their dependency on BTS” by bridging the profit gap between them and all their other groups; well if all else fails, i guess they’ll have the company stans to rely on)

or Paired enlistments (again? I really doubt a 2025 reunion will happen simply because a lot of things aren’t adding up at the moment, but if they enlist in pairs it may be a sure sign otherwise. It still makes me laugh how this time last year armys were so sure they’d be getting a bts world tour announcement only for it to be a hiatus + enlistment announcement instead. The signs of exhaustion from the members and lack of effort with the group in all aspects were way too obvious. I will never understand why fans keep deluding themselves. Seriously what group at the peak of success releases an anthology as an album? With only 3 new songs? And the purple warriors ate it right up. They could’ve at least put the demos on streaming platforms. Don’t even get me started on the 3 english songs that took over a year of “convincing” before the members agreed. Lmao my point is bts have never 100% been open about their plans, yet we all know they plan and settle things months in advance. Which means enlistment had likely already been decided on prior to the second leg of the ptd concerts. And yet, they showed no signs of it and acted like everything was swell. Even RM said the 2025 date was tentative; there’s also the Expo 2035 to consider, but after all those infrastructure problems, I’m pretty sure Busan won’t win the bid. People should accept that if the members want to keep doing their thing solo after 2025, then that’s okay. If they come back as a group, then that’s okay too. These days most of them seem happier and lighter being able to do their own thing without being tied down to the rigorous schedules that come with being “7”. So, why pressure them to do anything more as a group just to fulfill the selfish desires and needs of fans?)

Dating news ??? (this isn’t a big deal either and it’s none of our business but all it really takes is one member to open the floodgates of deranged hyperventilated tears; although it’d probably be in their best interests to continue to keep their personal lives private for that very obvious reason)

Grammys attendance (BTS has several nominations, but I doubt all 6 members will attend; j-hope’s Equal Sign was submitted for “Best Song for Social Change”; there’s been hints of a Pharrell collab involving RM; I doubt the Recording Academy will want to miss out on that BTS viewership clout so I expect at least one or two members to attend and maybe we’ll even get a performance from them)

Met Gala attendance !!!!!! (first comes FW....then comes....seriously, j-hope is just wow and this has to be said. I’ve seen the photos/videos from PFW and modeling/posing aside, not only does his entire aura change, but even his etiquette and mannerisms change depending on where he’s at and what he has on. It’s like the outfit and environment molds itself to him. It’s almost as if cameras were created for the sole purpose of capturing his presence. You know how Koreans have this thing of calling someone “Human [insert brand name here]” j-hope is like that but with every brand. As a longtime lover of fashion, it’s rare to see someone be able to digest every style so well. I can actually count on one hand the number of celebrities who are able to pull it off. He fits perfectly in everywhere he goes, and it’s no wonder why every show gave him the best seat in the house next to all their executives and other notable figures in the fashion industry. It’s amazing, not only do brands love him but so did all the photographers/journalists. He gives you something to write about just by simply existing. So it wouldn’t be a stretch to expect the star of this year’s Paris Fashion Week to finally make his Met Gala debut this May, right? Imagine j-hope attends, goes all out and does one of those behind the scenes ‘get ready with me’ videos with Vogue. Do you see the vision? He’s the only member who has a genuine passion for fashion, does his research, looks good in everything he wears, and isn’t just content with wearing whatever a stylist hands him. He’s also the only member who I’ve seen several designers go out of their way to praise. This year’s Met theme is super flexible too and I’m sure there’s lots of brands that would absolutely love to see j-hope ‘The MVP of Fashion Week’ dressed in their designs)

Hope On The Street Comeback (putting this out there just because there’s rumors that people saw him filming something dance related in Paris; what could it be? maybe for his YouTube channel? a MV? maybe LV ad campaigns or commercials of him dancing? one of the models danced at their recent show so i’m sure they’re open to incorporating more of that type of creative expression in their marketing; either way, if the rumors are true, then naturally we’ll find out soon enough because it’s j-hope)

Drama/Movie roles (lead, second lead, or guest appearances; I don’t think any of them will go this route until they’ve at least released a solo album because if they’re actually serious about their solo music careers, it’s much easier to take an established artist-turned-actor seriously, than it is to take an amateur actor-turned-artist seriously—especially in these fragile times of solo uncertainty for many)

Contract renewal announcement (their contracts expire in 2024?, but I don’t think all of them will renew with BigHit/Hybe; I doubt there’ll be any news on this until later this year at the earliest...although there may be leaks and speculation here and there; since solo activities are in full force—besides re-releasing BTS’s entire catalog as vinyls and repackaged special editions—I’m curious to know what other ways hybe plans to milk them during their hiatus in order to keep pumping that BTS money into their new groups and push a BTS successor. Gotta keep those investors happy, right? Hybe has always had a lot of internal issues with their staff and the way things are handled. Hybe has also spent the last two years promoting their plans to “reduce dependency on BTS”, and have been investing in any and every venture, to the point that their slogan “we believe in money” should be changed to “we believe in profit”. If you notice any positive deviations in the company’s usual behavior regarding how the members are being managed, then they’re likely trying to butter them up behind the scenes to get them to renew. I’m also curious about the current status of their contracts, and if any new conditions were added regarding their solo work; I feel like some may have already renewed but, again, I could be wrong; half the members have already sold a portion of their 1.2% in collective hybe shares; all it really takes is for one member to leave the company and I’m pretty sure at least half would follow suit; there’s power in solidarity)

That’s all that comes to mind for now. As for your second question (which member has been the most impressive in chapter 2) if it wasn’t already obvious, the answer is: j-hope. It’s only been 6 months, and between his solo debut, critically-acclaimed album, multiple iconic performances, being the star of Paris Fashion Week, documentary on the way. Who else is doing it like him? He’s been booked and busy since the group’s hiatus was announced, accomplishing all that in just 6 months. He set the bar high for himself and continues to raise it. 2022 was the year of HOPE and there’s no signs of him slowing down in 2023. He deserves all the recognition he’s getting because not only is he the most impressive, he’s also produced the most impressive results overall. Let’s put bias aside and face the facts because anyone who says otherwise is a l-i-a-r.

I’m sure the haters are gonna say “he only accomplished all those things because he was the first one to release his album”. Well, any of the other 6 could’ve released theirs first, yet here we are 6 months later where some of them still have nothing close to a finished album and are busy idling their time away. Any reason they give for not being in the studio working is an excuse. Not to mention j-hope was working on his solo debut and preparing solo performances while BTS was still active as a group, meanwhile others were what? Taking vacations? Partying? Playing video games? Not that there’s anything wrong with doing any of that. If you want to rest, then by all means rest, but don’t expect to be on the same level or have the same results as someone who consistently works hard like j-hope. Even with the group being inactive it was only j-hope showing up to every award show in the name of BTS (Jin enlisted, but what were the other 5 busy doing)? Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

“Effort plays an important role in trying to stay where I am now. I will always try my best because efforts will never betray me.” — j-hope, 2018; “Efforts never betray you....All my efforts have never betrayed me....Looking back, the efforts I made didn’t betray me, in the end.” — j-hope, 2023

And “j-hope always has a plan”, so it’s only natural for him to never miss out on a golden opportunity to show the world who he is and what he’s capable of doing. It’s one thing to be talented, it’s another thing to have excellent work ethic, strong social skills, the confidence and charisma to pull off anything. Not to mention he’s always super genuine, humble and polite with everyone he meets—and we can’t forget that heart-shaped smile. These attributes go a long way and are invaluable especially when you work in industries as cutthroat as music or fashion where first impressions are always a make or break. That sort of discipline and awareness isn’t built overnight. I’ve seen some videos of j-hope’s PFW interactions (with executives, photographers, and just recently, his bodyguards) and it always makes me go: “wow I want to meet him, I want to talk to him, he seems like a really nice guy, he’s a natural model, he’s super good-looking, I can’t help but smile too”. So, imagine how all those people on the receiving end of his affections feel? Exactly. Hence why j-hope will continue to be invited into those exclusive spaces. His body language is always warm and inviting, he’s good at connecting with people from all walks of life. Even something as simple as a smile or wave is enough to make someone’s day and j-hope gets that. The more time passes, the more obvious it becomes that he’s the main reason BTS even lasted this long as a group. Other members don’t call him “갓이홉” (god j-hope) for nothing. **final side note: even the way j-hope reposted all those photos from local photographers on his IG story is so ¡wow! Lots of celebrities wouldn’t even bother. Not only is he giving them more exposure in such a competitive industry, he’s also letting them know how much he appreciates their work. And some of these photographers often run around FW for free in order to build up their portfolios. Now, you never know who could’ve watched his story, saw those photos he reposted, and offered them a job. It’s little things like that, that go a long way, because guess what? The next time he comes back to Paris the same photographers will be happy and ready to capture him on their cameras. In fact, notice how some of them posted even more photos of him after that repost? Exactly. j-hope should really teach a masterclass on networking and building connections; the first thing on the agenda? Making the best first impressions. The second thing? The subtle art of personal branding. Don’t try to give Bighit/Hybe any credit either because as we’ve seen from some lackluster solo activities and the incredibly botched debut solo album rollouts (especially j-hope’s and especially when compared to the debut of other groups under the same company), thus far, BH/H does not give enough fvcks about BTS as soloists to invest money into them individually. the same way they’re currently doing for their other groups; they might care for some members more than others so a sponsored opportunity or two may come in the realm of that possibility, but they definitely value ��OT7” above all because that’s where they believe the money lies. Ultimately, how each member’s solo career will turn out relies heavily on their ambition, respective goals, personal initiative, the drive to want more and to be more in their own right. They may be at the top as a group, but as soloists they’re just getting started.

I wrote this post about a year ago, and it seems that Hoseok has finally given us an answer. He’s clearly in it for the long haul and plans to have a very long and very flourishing career in both music and fashion; chess, not checkers~

[vidreview]

VIDREV: "The Biggest Lie in Hollywood | Technicolor" by NationSquid.

[originally posted june 15th 2024]

i'm just going to be honest right here at the start so we're all on the same page: i do not think this is a particularly good video. it is by no means bereft of redeeming qualities, but those qualities are massively overshadowed by this essayist's reliance on assumptions, generalizations, and outright bad information. in this review i'm going to talk about both the good and the bad, but understand that i'm not interested in being mean for the sake of meanness, nor am i here to bully or make fun of anyone. at time of writing this video has 90,000+ views, and NationSquid's channel has 390,000+ subscribers. with an audience of that size, i think some measure of critical scrutiny is warranted.

"The Biggest Lie in Hollywood" is about the history of color film in general, and the development of the 3-strip Technicolor process specifically. the "lie" in question is the idea that Technicolor films are truly "in color," because technically they were shot in black and white. this is true by a dictionary's standards, and to NationSquid's credit he does a good job explaining the process that led him to this conclusion. with Technicolor, three strips of monochrome film are shot with red/blue/green filters in front of each; when developed, those monochrome film strips are then dyed cyan/magenta/yellow; when projected on top of each other, the result is the "appearance" of full-spectrum color, despite the fact that no color information was captured on set. basically: Technicolor films aren't "in color" because they weren't shot on color film.

it would be very easy to spend the bulk of this review hammering on that specific technicality. first of all, color information was captured on set. you have three different monochrome frames capturing the relative luminance of a scene as shot through three colored gels. yes, technically even after the dying process those three frames are still monochrome… but they're monochromes in three different hues. it's not a "trick" or an optical illusion that they reproduce color when combined, it's just how light and color work. NationSquid insists several times that this is proof that Technicolor films aren't "in color," that it's actually "your eyes tricking you," but that just is not true. the process is irrelevant; if the end result appears to your eyes to be "in color", then it is definitionally in color. his later furtherance of this supposed presentational deception through the lens of a CRT's phosphor dots at least has a symbolic case in that, if you look close enough, the image is actually a matrix of red green and blue rather than a "perfect" reproduction. but even then, is an old school superhero comic not "in color" if it uses the Ben Day process? are human beings not really "made of matter" because matter's actually just a collection of atoms?

you get my point. but if that were my only complaint, i wouldn't be writing this review. bold assertions aside, his explanation of how technicolor works is generally pretty good. he even reproduces the process through still photography, then later again in CRT video to believably insert himself into an episode of The Brady Bunch. this is cool! i like it when essayists do this! there is a level of technical knowledge here that's impressive and effective. but his faulty thesis carries water for dozens of tiny generalizations that range from odd to annoying to revisionist to outright falsehood. for example, early on he confidently says "you probably think The Wizard of Oz was hand-painted frame by frame to be in color," thus setting up this video as debunking a "popular misconception" that i've never heard anyone say in my entire life, and on this particular subject i've been paying attention for a long time. this moment has the air to me of a formative personal experience from one's youth (ie thinking Oz's color was hand-painted before learning about Technicolor) being misconstrued as an obvious universal experience. could be wrong, but that's my gloss. this is something everyone does sometimes, but your writing is stronger when you pause to reflect on these personal connections any time one makes it into a script to make sure it actually holds up to scrutiny. consider that a running theme of this review.

before we even hit the one minute mark, NationSquid bafflingly states that "no matter how immersive [B&W films] were, absolute suspension of disbelief was never possible. there was always one thing missing… color." it's an easy enough statement to let roll over you when you're still trying to get your bearings through the introduction. it feels like a dangerously impetuous way to start, but lord knows sometimes you gotta oversimplify to write through the opening minutes efficiently. hell, sometimes you even put such flags in as a deliberate trap-- you know, play towards an easy conventional conclusion only to critically re-evaluate it with a more nuanced one later on. i did as much in my recent video about the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials, where i spent significant time praising the show's practical effects before circling back around later to highlight the essential role that digital effects play even in practical effects-heavy productions, and how often we throw digital effects workers under the bus in our haste to praise practicals. now, i personally find the idea that color or lack thereof has any bearing on "suspension of disbelief" to be totally nonsensical, but whatever, sometimes you say wack shit to get where you want to go, and that's probably not even really what the video is about anyway… is certainly what i hoped. but after about thirteen minutes of generally pretty good technical process explanation, the video then jumps into a crash course on early film history which, uh, leaves some things to be desired.

he talks about B&W film as possessing a "degree of separation" which allows viewers to console themselves that everything on screen is make-believe. by lacking the color dimension, you see, B&W denaturalizes its subject and makes it feel less real. perhaps there's an argument to be made there, except NationSquid frames it as though the B&W film experience is inherently less affective due to the absence of color. he never says as much directly, but his conclusion sure seems to be that our experience of media today is qualitatively more nuanced and sophisticated than it was 50 years ago, that people today feel more deeply, experience more vividly the contours of a film's world when it is in color. consider the following paragraph:

It's much easier to watch footage of the Vietnam War in black and white, because it makes the events feel further away. "This is a whole other world, it couldn't happen to me." if you met Elvis in person, you'd probably faint. I would probably faint. But instead, you can watch him in the comfort of your own home. Film and television allow you to feed into your curiosity of what is being shown on screen without the consequences, and with black and white it was even moreso. And it's this exact frame of thinking that allowed black and white pictures to serve as their own form of art in the film world, which prolonged its dominance over color.

citation needed. citation needed. citation needed. if B&W footage of the Vietnam War made it feel further away, how do you explain the massive student protest movements that helped get the draft rescinded and end the war? do people today seem any less prone to distancing themselves from contemporary wars now that their coverage is in color? what "consequences" are we avoiding by watching film and television-- as opposed to what, literally meeting Elvis Presley the man in real life? where's the relevant profundity in pointing out that these are different experiences? is media duplicitous for not bombing us in real life when we watch footage of a bombing? and how is B&W "even moreso" prone to this consequence-free affect when it comes from a time when virtually all film and television was B&W, including all the same kinds of essential journalism we have today? i just want to take a big red pen to that last sentence. what do you mean by "frame of thinking"? what do you mean by "form of art"? what mechanism, precisely, do you think allowed B&W to "prolong" its dominance?

elsewhere there is a discussion of how silent film evolved towards sound and color. nominally this is meant as a comparison point for how other major technological transitions were received, opening the door for what should be an interesting discussion of artistic epistemology. i know that it should be interesting because this era is a special interest of mine, which is why i can't let it slide that NationSquid namedrops Cecil B. Demill and DW Griffith as "innovating the landscapes" of silent cinema (????) and then moves on as if the matter is settled. here's a protip for all you aspiring video essayists out there: if your essay is all about correcting a "popular misconception," make sure you do at least a cursory investigation of all your other inherited conceptions first just in case you're missing an opportunity to add more nuance and context to your discussion. it's not even that Demill and Griffith are unimportant figures, but rather that saying their names alone in 2024 without mentioning, say, Mary Pickford, Dorothy Arzner, Alice Guy Blaché, or any one of the hundreds of women who dominated and defined silent cinema betrays a shallow wikipedia-level understanding of the history at best. you only bring those two up when they're the only two you know about, and at that point you should probably just gloss over the subject entirely for both our sakes.

when discussing the problems of phonograph records desyncing from silent films, NaionSquid hits you with a one-two punch that made me shout out loud in the privacy of my own office:

phonograph records were already popular when silent films were a thing. hell, the technology itself even predates film. i mean, technically, silent film should've never existed in the first place.

what's he saying here? is he saying that because records were a popular media format, no other formats should've emerged? is he saying that it's weird B&W film became popular since records already existed? or is he saying that film should've never been silent because we could have just used records to add sound? the chain of logic he lays out here is strained and confusing, and the succeeding lines provide little clarity. it's weak argumentative writing, a basic undergrad-level "many people say" type approach that permeates this whole middle portion of the essay. on its own, if you lack domain knowledge, you might be able to accept this chain of logic. but me, the special interest haver, the film school goer, i hear all this and i can't help but wonder why he's neglected to mention that silent films usually shipped with bespoke sheet music, and that movie houses employed dedicated musicians to perform them? anyone with more than a few hours of knowledge on silent film will tell you that "silent" is a misnomer, as it was rarely if ever experienced "silently" by the audience. one could, if they were in the mood, connect this to the monochromatic nature of Technicolor and explore how our experience of media is historically contingent to the material reality of extant transformative processes. instead, NationSquid leaves this context out, and the absence screams of well-intentioned ignorance. it indicates a narrow engagement with history that contradicts his philosophical confidence, which is nominally what English classes exist to beat out of you. these are the sorts of over-generalizations that are acceptable in a classroom where you're meant to be learning how to argue, but quickly become dangerous and misleading when they're confidently presented without review to a large audience for profit.

this is not a problem specific to NationSquid, and indeed, many in his comments share my criticisms. i picked this video because i think it's an excellent example of a broader problem that is by no means new, but certainly made worse by contemporary technology and economics. it is extraordinarily easy to presume yourself an expert, and there's only money to be made in pushing forward as fast and as often as possible. my videos take forever to make because i spend a lot of time fine-tuning the script, which is admittedly disastrous for my bottom line and certainly i could stand to speed things up in that regard, be a little less perfectionist, but the fact remains: in the current political economy of digital media, ignorance is profitable because it's easy and there's no one whose job is to say "now hold on, can you elaborate on this point please?"

there are just so many frustrating, unqualified assertions. he comes around to talking about nostalgia for B&W film and people's experiences of it, saying "The printing process, projectors, and screens that were used at the time just weren't as good as they are now." citation needed! "Black and white was just tolerated because of its cost effectiveness." citation needed!! "In other words Technicolor "looks older" because you were watching it on older technology back then" BUT I'M WATCHING IT ON MODERN TECHNOLOGY NOW AND IT STILL LOOKS VERY DIFFERENT! CITATION NEEDED!!!

he talks about people "tolerating" B&W film, as if everyone was just sitting around like "yeah Casablanca is cool and all, but it'd be better if it was in color." what is this technological determinist nonsense? who in their own time gets hung up on the absence of a technology that doesn't exist? what do you say of Civil War photography, WWI newsreels, the liberation of fucking Dachau, that it's experientially lesser for being B&W? imagine someone saying 2D film is less "immersive" than 3D and that people merely "tolerated" 2D because it was more cost effective. they'd be laughed out of the room! (unless they're James Cameron in 2007, but none of us are or ever will be again.) people use the technology available to them based on the economic and political conditions of the moment in which they're available. yes, B&W was dominant because it was exceedingly inexpensive compared to color film, but what filmmaker saw that as an abject hindrance? the canvas is your canvas, you work with what you have. yes, theorists argued B&W's superiority over color on aesthetic grounds, just as they argued that silent film was superior to the talkies. but such theorizing was secondary, it was a reaction to and commentary on extant conditions over which they had little to no control. people rationalize the times they find themselves in. we tell stories, and then we tell stories about how we told those stories, and then other people interpret what the stories about our stories tell us about the stories that we told. we are human beings and our experience of art runs soul-deep no matter the medium, no matter the spectrum of senses it encompasses-- if the art hits, it hits. we did not "tolerate" the absence of color, nor was B&W "less immersive" or less friendly to "suspension of disbelief." if it seems so today, that's only because color film has been naturalized and B&W made the novelty. by such ham-fisted terms, you shouldn't be able to suspend your disbelief reading a book because words imperfectly recreate the experience they're meant to evoke. no, see, The Wizard of Oz isn't actually in color, because at one point the film stock was B&W. what do you MEAN this map isn't the territory?! manager, i've been duped!!

and perhaps none of this is intentional. if i were to ask NationSquid if he believes in any of the conclusions i've extrapolated here, chances are he'd give an emphatic no. this is what i mean by "well-intentioned ignorance." it's the easiest thing in the world to skate by on an argument that feels sound to you because it maps to your own understanding of the subject. "it doesn't sound wrong to me, so it's probably not wrong, yeah?" you include single-sentence generalizations that are "basically true" because you read them or heard them somewhere at some point, and you know your source is good so if anyone calls you on it you can be like "well here's what i meant." but the more you rely on these half-remembered quasi-truths, the more your rhetorical scaffolding reveals itself to be unfit for the job of supporting your argument. at that point, all the plausible deniability in the world can't save you from yourself. it stops being about whether you're "right" or "wrong," and becomes something far more elemental and difficult to prove: did you do the work? did you sit with your script and scrutinize it, line by line and without ego, even for just a few minutes? a good essayist knows what they don't know, and educates themself when the opportunity arises (or otherwise omits the topic entirely to avoid looking like an ass to someone with actual domain knowledge). it's impossible to avoid making mistakes in this free-for-all media landscape where editors and peer review are a thing of the past. but this does not abdicate you of the responsibility you have to perform due diligence for the sake of not misinforming your audience, nor does it give you an excuse to presume that you in this moment already know everything you need to know. you don't need to be trying to deceive someone in order to be deceptive. it can just as easily happen as the result of laziness.

anyway, that's this review.

[bylightofdawn]

2023 Wrap Up.

It’s officially New Years in Texas. 2023 has been a weird year for me, one that both dragged and flew by way too quickly. There’s so much pain and awfulness going on the world right now that it’s hard to not dwell on or carry that into 2024 but I’m going to try and keep this relatively light-hearted and positive if only because I want to try and start the New Year on a positive note. For me personally? I didn’t really do anything big or notable but I had some smaller but meaningful victories.

I made a New Years resolution (something I’m pretty vehemently against because I always feel disappointed in myself when I don’t follow through) that I was going to start writing again and I would try and write every day. I didn’t manage every day but boy howdy did I still keep up that resolution. The major project of course being Seeds for the Future which I clocked in at 176,456 words minus I want to say around 10,000 words which I’d previously started like 3 years ago before abandoning it. So we’ll call it 165,000 to make it even-ish.

Holy. Shit. 165,000 in one year. I did not in a million years think I had that in me. And it’s been a wild ride. At points I felt like I was being ridden by a damned demon that was demanding I write this NOW. I was especially busy the first six months or so and then I burned myself out which….completely understandable when you consider your standard basic fiction book is around 70,000+ so I wrote two fucking novels in six months length-wise. But I also wrote a bunch of other stuff. I wrote A Fragile World Between Sharp Teeth which I’m still absurdly in love with. Wrote two whole-ass Witcher fics this month and one Star Trek fic as well as some other WIPs.

By my calculations I wrote -drum roll- 233,383 words in 2023.

223,383 WORDS WRITTEN ARE YOU SHITTING ME

And actually followed through on a New Years Resolution.

I also forced myself out of my comfort zone in little ways. I pushed myself to take action on my health to try and figure out the cause of my chronic pain and while the diagnosis was a bummer as was getting diagnosed with diabetes on top of everything else this year, I am proud that I forced myself to do it. I also did silly things like bleached my hair and dyed it all manner of crazy colors.

I think for 2024 I’m going to try and hold myself accountable for my health. I desperately need to go back to therapy and as much as I hate to admit it, I need to join a gym and strengthen my body. It will be the best thing I can do for my RA if I can help strengthen my muscles and I think it will help with my pain levels. It just...it sounds like so much effort though and it scares me so we’ll see how that journey goes. I’m going to keep plugging away slowly but surely.

I’m also going to keep trying to write in 2024. I have so many fic ideas I want to write. I’m definitely not going to do anymore crazy fucking 100K fics again. It definitely takes a toll on me creatively and not going to lie, after a while it feels like I’m just kinda screaming into the void because the sad truth of the matter is, long-fic will turn readers off and they won’t click or interact with it. And eventually my imposter syndrome reared its ugly head and the last half of this year and trying to finish Seeds has been a slog for the most part and not one I enjoyed.

Now, I’m going to go pour myself a glass of Moscato, eat some stupidly expensive caprese salad and I think edit the first chapter of my Gallahir sequel. I think I might be able to get it up and posted today if I can edit the first chapter tonight. Thank you to all my tumblr buddies, both new and old who have stuck it out with me through everything. I love and appreciate y’all and I am hoping you all have a happier, more kinder year than 2023.

[the-era-of-shadow]

Woah, I made an animatic!

It's been a while since I've done that, eh?

Please do enjoy! And after watching it, if you want some general AU updates, click past the cut below!

So uh, first things first - there's your explanation for where TDTMD Act 2 Chapter 3 is. It'll come out some time in January unless some big autism moment like this happens again, sorry for the wait y'all!

Honestly, like I said in the video's description, I didn't plan for this to take all month - it was originally meant to be for Eclipse's birthday but. Delays happened.

But enough about the month gone past - or even the year gone past! I just KNOW you all wanna know what we have in store for 2024!

Firstly - TDTMD Act 2 Case 01 will still be coming out as it has been! Right now I have 5 planned chapters for Case 01 - and we're like, halfway there! Crazy, huh? But... What do I mean by "Case 01" anyway? Well, you see, TDTMD Act 2 is actually an anthology of sorts! A collection of stories that are all connected by the theme of the Black Arms' effect on PetalBloom - three stories to be exact! Each case is to have 5 chapters each, resulting in Act 2 as a whole having 15 chapters! Quite a lot! But worry not, those who are looking forward to things other than TDTMD, for I am not going to be writing all three cases back to back, no no!

After Case 01 is finished - I've scheduled myself to write a new side story - the FINAL side story for Arc 1! "But Ash, you finished Arc 1 like 2 years ago! Why are you still writing side stories attached to it?", well, mainly because my brain gets on my case about how the writing isn't as good as my newer stuff and how "unbalanced" Arc 1 and Arc 2 are in terms of content - so I'm doing this to make it shush. But also I saw potential still to be found within Arc 1's events, so, yeah! After this post goes up I'm gonna add the name of that side story to the pinned post for hype and all that :]

After THAT - I'm finally gonna go a bit into the catalogue of documented but not written Origins stories listed on the pinned post with The Englishman With The Devil's Eyes. I've been wanting to get to this one for a while now but stuff kept getting in between me and it. But no longer! For after the last Arc 1 side story, Devil's Eyes will finally have it's moment - no matter what! But... I know what you wanna hear...

New Main Stories?? - Yes yes, I hear you. Enough with the Origins and the side stories - when are we getting back to Arc 2 proper? Well aren't you in luck! Being preceded by a short side story oneshot, Mission: FOX FRENZY - the third main installment of Arc 2, will indeed be the next in line after Devil's Eyes! Not to spoil too much, but this one goes out to all you Garrick fans~! 🤭

Beyond That - I have a whole schedule planned that carries to the end of Arc 2 - both officially with the LONG awaited rewrite of Something to Bond Over, and spiritually with TDTMD Act 3 and more importantly, it's corresponding Moonlight Interlude. (what do I mean by that? You'll see~), but if I were to explain the whole of it now, why, this post would be like the new color of the sky! So I'll do it in increments~ All you need to know rn is that I plan to finish Arc 2 this year.

Lastly - The non fic stuff! The most important, I think, is the whole deal with CoC and it's cancellation. I won't go into the why of CoC being cancelled here - but rather, how it effects TEoS going forward. If you were unfamiliar, CoC was to be a webcomic that was a spinoff/crossover with TEoS. It was vaguely referenced in Innate Affiliation - meaning that it needs a replacement. That replacement is... kind of in the works as we speak - I plan to truly start remaking it into the role in February. All I'll say for now is that it's going to be another Sonic AU this time rather than an AU from another franchise. Other than that - I have a special YT video in mind to come out after the Arc 1 side story, won't say what it is yet but, I really hope you'll enjoy it - it's... gonna cost me a pretty penny. Also, this animatic (you forgot that this was the original point of the post, didn't you?) was made completely in Ibis - but after this I'm completely switching over to Clip Studio Paint! I've already been messing around with it since Xmas though - I'm very much willing to show what I've made with it so far! In fact, I think I'll do that on the main art blog later tonight!

I think that's all I have to say! Happy New Years Eve everyone! (Or just New Years if you're one of those time traveling Aussies /silly) Here's to a prosperous 2024!

[jetstarred]

what i listened to in august 2024!

total: 5 albums favs: i lay down my life for you (jpegmafia), nearer my god (foxing), beside myself (basement) click read more for full reviews :3

There Goes The Dream - Modern Color (2024)

Fav song: Night Swim

This album takes the band’s sound in a more bright and upbeat direction which is really pleasant to hear. I love the band’s more melodic and atmospheric songs, but I think this is a good diversifying of their sound. I liked how at times this album sounded like polished garage rock, and at other times it had an almost surfer rock quality to it. I’m also happy they retained some of the noisy texture prevalent in their previous stuff. Big Question felt like a throwback to 2000s rock with how it was structured and mixed but in a modern way that kept it feeling dated. I will say these songs were shorter than expected which led to the album being short overall, which is something I’ve grown to dislike. Overall, while this album went in a direction I love a lot less than Modern Color’s previous stuff, I do think it was a good one and am very excited to see these songs live this fall :)

Rating: 6/10

Beside Myself - Basement (2018)

Fav song: Stigmata

At first listen, I thought all the songs on this album sounded really similar. Almost to the point of making this album sound a little one note. But upon spending more time with it, I’ve found interesting and eye-catching things in each song. Some more than others. I think this album is a good emo revival album, carrying on the genre to the later 2010s when it was kinda dying out. I also think this album is a nice maturation from Basement’s previous album, Colourmeinkindness. The pace is slower, the music isn’t as grand and heavy hitting. It makes this album feel more contemplative, like laying in your bed at night, thinking of all the things that make you sad. Or upset, or just generally discontent with yourself. There’s a lot to appreciate in this kind of mood and honestly I can see myself returning to this album when I’m feeling a bit angsty. I think this would've done a lot for me had I listened to it a few years ago. Better late than never!

Rating: 7/10

I Lay Down My Life For You - Jpegmafia (2024)

Fav song: don’t rely on other men

I really like the rock elements mixing with the industrial and experimental rap. It makes for a sound that includes some of my favorite music things in general. I also really enjoyed the structure of this album, with the lack of choruses and the transitions that made it hard to notice when one track ended and another began. I’ve grown to expect excellent production from Peggy and I wasn't disappointed with this album. Other notes I have are that the samples were used well and the features were PERFECT for the songs they were on. Overall a very solid album I thoroughly enjoyed.

Rating: 8/10

Nearer My God - Foxing (2018)

Fav song: Tapped in Dillard’s

The atmosphere of this album is a bit surreal, feeling very dreamy and melancholic with moments that feel like a spike in panic, or being overwhelmed. The rises in the songs are amazing, making this album feel as if I’m experiencing the ups and downs in living a life devoid of any real joy. I’m incredibly enamored by the more orchestral sound of this album compared to The Albatross. There’s also small electronic elements that add a feeling of childhood nostalgia, which adds to the melancholy. It’s difficult for me to nail down what makes this album feel this way, but I see myself in it in a way that is almost comforting. I don’t know how I feel about the lack of whiny vocals from Connor. I’ve really grown to enjoy them, but Connor still sings beautifully here.

Rating: 8/10

Everything Is Beautiful - Kurt Travis (2014)

Fav song: Sword Art

Instantly I’m enamored by the electronic synths in the opening track, setting up a magical and sort of spacey atmosphere. This album goes through different moods, reflected in the style of music on each song. Some songs stand out more as having more of a rock sound, but they all are kept together by Kurt’s vocals and the synths prevalent throughout the album. I’m really happy that the magical and spacey atmosphere is kept up through the entire album, giving the album a special charm that makes this really fun to listen to. Overall, I really enjoyed this album and I’m excited to hear these songs performed live.

Rating: 7/10

[piscesline]

Swept by the wind

{Verse 1}

I am a green paint on a can,

painting the sky with cyan,

then you came and it turned turquoise,

a perfect color a perfect couple,

now I'm looking at it yet hearing noise,

a loud pitch black darkness on the canvas,

{verse 2}

I can't see past my furry,

beyond everything we've been through,

I only see someone who brought terror to the dinning table,

tears in my eyes,

pain in the heart of a genuine love,

{chorus}

lips craving to grace the every surface of your golden skin,

to teeth and throat thirsty and yearning for your blood,

a series of untamed love,

turned into a river making sob,

from comparing you with the dawn,

to burying you in my lawn,

fondness and adoration to rage and fury,

love letters I wrote you on the shore,

to the death threats I sent at your back door,

where did the times go?

after the memories was trimmed,

were we swept by the wind?,

{Verse 3}

Have you noticed the change in my tone?,

once was talking so gingerly,

accompanied with streaming tears with trembling in fear,

transitioned into a no hint of remorse animal,

every word spoken cuts deeper than your sharpest knives,

can you see me as yourself now?,

{Verse 4}

Tell me how do I run when I've got this metal ball chained on my foot,

memories too heavy to carry yet too light to to let go,

Love I was imprinted on,

a tattoo made to last forever,

now I'm begging all the gods to erase it,

{Chorus Version 2}

Shatter me a million more,

curse my name opposite to your swore,

break your solemn promise of love,

I'd take a little more stab,

till I ran out of blood,

still wondering why were we here?,

once in the midst of eternal love,

now in the middle of my midas touch,

where did the times go?,

after the love I hid,

were we swept by the wind?,

{Verse 5}

you turned a blind eye into my bleeding wounds,

I sleep beside you every night,

we're not neighbors but you keep the curtains closed,

Im here next to you not at the next door,

there's no point for the blinds,

I've already heard about your clandestine

crimes,

{Verse 6}

I'll let you put scars on me a million more,

endure things that'll make me sore,

put my heart on the line,

a million little more times,

{Bridge}

And if you had known how much I yearn to scream and shout at your face,

words that only a criminal could say,

be as remorseless animal as you,

hurt your frame and be free of the shame,

break things and break down while begging to you,

to just say something I'd get pleasure and clue,

like they did in the movies,

You'd definitely thought I was insane,

thereby I am evil leaving your favorite shirt a stain,

after getting trimmed by the sin,

were we swept by the wind?,

Author: Piscesline/Avalon

Date: 16th of April, 2024

[truth-01001001-liar]

Heyyy~

I love drawing the flora and fauna from TES games, I absolutely love it. If anyone has any requests on that front feel free to throw an ask at me. This extends to plants, animals, fungi, and alchemy ingredients from any of the scrolls games. I just think they’re neat! :))

ALSO!! I post about my elder scrolls OCs sometimes (there’s info on them under the cut if you’re interested.)

[Making this so it’s not only a TES blog anymore, so you might see me post about other things: like bg3 for example]

(Last updated: 10/3/2024)

The Heros

(Skyrim) Viir/Viiraulor:

Viirautarelor is my LBD and also a Thu’um using alteration/illusion bard. That is to say xe likes to pretend to be people other than hirself for hir own amusement, and for the amusement of others. If you see several different designs for hir this is why. Xe is armed only with hir illusory wit and a kitchen knife. (Hir name should translate loosely to ‘dying trickster’. I ran with the Shezarrine idea, but this time it’s literally just mortal Lorkhan. ish)

(Oblivion) Archcanon Ice Wraith:

My HoK, Wraith, is a spear-wielding, bug-loving, ALMSIVI-enthused, alchemy nerd that makes friends with as many people as possible, and has fallen head over heels in love with assumptions and metaphors. She WAS the Nerevarine once, but didn’t want to be. In an attempt to mimic Vivec, she ended up using Kagrenac’s tools on the heart of Lorkhan to create her own unreal reality. One in which she is never the Nerevarine. This is the reality that all of my other characters live in. She calls it c0da Web. (When written, ‘web’ is the daedric character for ‘w’. Yes… it is a spider pun. This is Wraith so of course it is. Caught in a web of lies… im sorry). Ice Wraith is kind of obsessed with Vivec, and it is kind of a problem.

(Morrowind) J’uhna:

Wraith gave my Nerevarine, J’uhna, his name. In full the name is a mix of Dovahzul, Dunmeri, and a pinch of Ta’agra. It is JUN LUN/LUHN AH VAR, which means both ‘The Life-Light and Moon’ and ‘The Hunter of Leech-Kings’ Lives’. J’uhna is a frustrated, greedy, self-obsessed person who is crafty and annoyingly adept with words. If he likes someone he needs them to be unquestionably loyal, and if he hates someone he needs them to fear him. J’uhna has memories of all of the failed incarnates. He remembers being Peakstar, Conoon Chodala, Erur-Dan, etc. Of course he also remembers being Nerevar. He’s coping with this, but not very well (he’s not entirely convinced that his memories and traumas from his past lives are real).

(Daggerfall) Plink

(ESO) Cirainile/Flowers:

This is my Vestige, an absurdly tall restoration mage who means well, but boasts some of Summerset’s more standoffish body language. He is an altmer born of a noble clan in Alinor which claims (without proof) that its lineage begins with Trinimac. He’s very interested in fabric making, and has a pet rat he calls Rice. His friends call him Nile, or Flowers, for short. (I pronounce his name sorta like ‘see-rye-kneel-uh’. Don’t really know how to write pronunciation out so that’s the best I got sorry :) )

(Battlespire) Daggi:

A powerful dremora from the badlands who is constantly rebelling against Mehrunes Dagon. He likes Nirn a lot. His favorite color is the color purple. I’ll elaborate more on Daggi when I have more energy to write it down.

The Side Bitches

(Skyrim) Ilabael Muhr:

A sweetheart and a plant nerd. Also my LBD’s ex-wife. Ilabael is the child of an exiled ashlander of Erabenimsun, and a kwama miner. She’s from Jora’ruhn—a city built by the Warrior-Poet’s last archcanon on top of the ruins of Vivec.

(Skyrim) Cahnu’ul:

Totally not a reincarnation of Vivec ;). In Skyrim he’s My LBD’s friend. He’s got no idea that he is who he is and if you accused him he’d refuse it. He grew up in Dawnstar, thinks the gods are incapable, and carries Wraith’s axe named Heaven-by-Violence. (Side note: Cahnu’ul exists in every conceivable timeline as a consequence of Wraith’s actions. If you’re curious about the ‘whys’ and the ‘hows’ of the mess that is this oc, feel free to ask. To put things bluntly though, Cahn Hahnu Sul Ul is my oc’s oc.)

(Skyrim) Peynach:

A winged Ayleid whose family lives in Skyrim’s southwestern mountains. My LBD’s friend.

(Morrowind) Morvana-Dar & Yana-La:

Two Khajiiti siblings who are both a part of the Camonna Tong during the events of Morrowind. My Nerevarine’s friends.

(Daggerfall) Snakes-Faces/Thuxisei:

Snakes or Thuxi for short. She’s Plink’s ‘friend’….. with benefits.

(ESO) Ondoth:

A leather working enthusiast and my Vestige’s husband.

(ESO) Zhaari-Sa:

A senche-raht that works odd jobs, and my Vestige’s friend.

Kaj-Mota:

Kaj exists … I love him.. I have no idea when he exists in the timeline tho. He’s pretty so there that. Idk. Big ol floofy man who likes to hunt.

Suna’raleyr & Aniayifir:

Siblings… both merchants and craftsmen. They live in the shivering isles. Ania says they live there for good reasons.. something about it being great for the imagination. They can occasionally be found on nirn, and are the ones who built my Dragonborn’s enchanted lute.

The ‘Wraith Fucked Up Her Old Timeline’ Characters:

Fahlthahrk:

I mean… someone had to do something about that bullshit that Ice Wraith left behind.

Musasanael Shimansilvaar:

Fahlthahrk’s ally. Someone (Azura probably… at least we hope it was Azura) slammed all the failed incarnates—memories traumas and all—together into a body… but … Nerevar himself isn’t there... Elvil Vidron is though. In other words… this is not the nerevarine. This can’t be the nerevarine— it sure was supposed to be, though.

Niryai:

Niryai is not her real name. It’s just what she calls herself. This makes her sound conceited.. she thinks this is funny.

[shop-korea]

THURS - 03 OCT 2024 - 4:27P EDT

SEOUL - 5:27A KST

HDG - BANKS

DEAR - KOREAN - GIRLS - OF - SEOUL,

WHOLE - FOODS - MARKET

INNER LOOP - EXIT - BAYFRONT PARK

TURN - R - AT - ONCE

TURN - L - 3 ST

ON - R SIDE

CORNER - SPOTLIGHT - CINEMA

FORGOT - NAME

SALE - TODAY

6 OZ - HUGE - ORGANIC - POPCORN

SALE - $2.99

YELLOW - TAG - ALSO

BACK - 2 - $0.49 - SPRING - WATER

365 - WHOLE - FOODS - MARKET

ASSUMING - OPEN - CHRISTMAS DAY

COLD - SPECIAL - SPOUT - ABOVE

LOVE - THIS

ELECTROLYTES - STILL - $1.49 - LT

BLUE - WATER - SALE - LOVE - IT

LOOKS - GREAT

ORGANIC - ROTISSERIE - CHICKEN

$11.99

REGULAR - JUST - $7.99

NOT - EBT - OPTIONS - BUT LOOKS

GREAT - LOOKS - DELICIOUS - YES

GOT - MY - BLUETOOTH - CAN'T

WAIT - 2 - TRY - $8 - DARK BLUE

IN - EAR - EARPLUG - AND - YES

AROUND - EARS - 2 - KEEP - IN

PLACE - CAN'T - WAIT - 2 - TRY

GETTING - MY - AMAZON - YES

CODES - ULTRA - MOBILE

GOT - JUST - THIS - AFTERNOON

PANTIES - LIKE - SKIMS

KIM KARDASHIAN - FEELS GOOD

BUT - BULK - PRICES - COLORS 2

FEELS - GREAT

GOT - AFTER - 1P EDT - WITH THE

FASTER - CHARGER - FOR

SAMSUNG - GALAXY - A13 5 G

BATTERY - POWER - 0%

LOVE - THE - MDC - CAMPUS

BUS 9 - 9A - BEST - THERE

ITS - SO - FAST - I - HAVE A

FEELING - DOESN'T - GO 2

DOWNTOWN - MIAMI

ALL - THE - TIME - BECAUSE

QUITE - EMPTY

SO - LOVE - THE - GO - 2 YES

INNER - LOOP

EXIT - COLLEGE - BAYSIDE

TURN - R

SAYS - NE 3 ST - MAYBE

THEN - TURN - R

THEN - COMING - BACK

WENT - 2 - ROSS - 9A - 10P

EXCEPT - FRI - SAT - 8:30A

DAILY - UNTIL - 10P

$39.99 - A - THURSDAY

AGAIN - GOT - OLYMPIA

TRAVEL - SMART

DENMARK PLUS

HAS - TINY - PLACE - 2 - YES

HANG - LIKE - TINY - TRUE

UMBRELLA - SOMETHING

PATENTED - BUT - GUESS

IT - HAS - PROBLEM WITH

UP - AND - DOWN - HANDLE

SOLUTION - WD 40 - SPRAY

THAT - OIL - IMPORTANT - 2

LAPTOP - AND - WHEN YOU

WANT - IT - THICKER

THERE's - A - PLACE 2 HIDE

YOUR - PASSPORT

YOUR - CASH

YOUR - IMPORTANT - IDs

NICE - PLACE - 4 - SMALL

4 COMBINATION - LOCKS

DON'T - GO - 4 - TSA YES

APPROVED

BOTTOM - HAS 2 PUT

THEIR - KEY - CAN - B

BOUGHT - AMAZON - PRIME

SO - GOING - RIGHT - NOW 2

AMAZON - PRIME

STILL - HAVE - 2 - CHARGE

MY - SMARTPHONE - 2 YES

DO - STUFF - ALSO CHECK

MY - NEW - BLUETOOTH

IN - EAR PLUG

UNTIL - 5:50P - HERE TOO

HAVE - LOW - AMOUNTS

RIGHT - NOW - BUT - I'M

HAPPY - JESUS IS LORD

BUS 836 EXP

3:50P - AT - DOLPHIN

P&R - STATION - YES

WILL - SAY - 'LAST - STOP'

DON'T - DESPAIR

TAKE - METRORAIL - 5 MIN

WAIT - AND - 1 STOP

ORANGE - GREEN

SOUTHBOUND - 1 STOP BUT

ITS - A - SUPER - FAST STOP

2 - GOVERNMENT - CENTER

IF - U - WAITED YOU WOULD

HAVE - STILL - B - THERE

BUT - LAST - STOP WHEN

YOU - TAKE - 3:50P - BUS 836

EXP - YOU - WILL - REACH

THE - MAIN LIBRARY YES

FASTER - FASTER - FAST

BIBLE - 'EVERYTHING WORKS

TOGETHER - 4 - OUR - GOOD'

'REJOICE - IN - THE - LORD

GOD - ALWAYS - AND AGAIN

I - SAID - REJOICE'

DR JERRY SAVELLE - SAID

(2024)

SAY - 'I'M - ALWAYS - AT THE

RIGHT - TIME - AT - THE YES

RIGHT - MOMENT'

REMEMBER - WE'RE - NOT

ACCEPTING - ANY - WEIRDO

BUS - DRIVERS - FOR - THE

FUTURE - FREE - FOREVER

NEW - DEMOCRATS

BUSES - 2 DECKS - MALES

FEMALES - RESTROOMS

2 EACH - FLOOR - AND THE

ELECTRONIC - WHEELCHAIR

GOES - 2 - THE - MIDDLE THE

CHAIRS - ALL - MOVABLE

RESERVE - YOUR - SEATS

APP - U - WILL - SEE - WHO

IS - THERE - ORDER - YOUR

FOODS - IN - ADVANCE

AND - FLIGHT - ATTENDANT

UNIFORMS - CONCEALED

CARRY - NOT - EVER COED

BOYS - OR - GIRLS

NO - TIPS - 24 HOURS - SO

FOR - HOMELESS - A PLACE

2 B - 2 - EAT - AND - IF - THE

BUM - IS - ASLEEP - WELL

THE - MOVABLE - CHAIRS

WILL - BRING - THEM TO

OUR - 24 HOURS - SMART TVs

LIKE - 75 INCHES - THEY - GO

2 - OUR - ELECTRONIC - WHEEL

CHAIRS - AS - THEY - STAY YES

THERE - IN - THE - AREA - WHERE

THEY - WILL - SMELL - BETTER SO

OUR - CHAIRS - CAN - B - 2 - OUR

ADVANTAGE - AS - THEY - STAY

INSIDE - OUR - WAITING - TRUE

TERMINALS - AIR CONDITIONED

BULLET - PROOF - AREAS - ALSO

WELL - CONTINUING INDEED

SOMETIME ...

GOING - 2 - AMAZON - PRIME

HYBRID - BUSES - AT - LEAST

NEW - DEMOCRAT

HOTEL - BUSES - 2 - 24/7 YES

COMING ....

MIAMI - FLORIDA ...

♥♥♥♥