#lloyd blends in best with nature as well

[froginninjago]

So I was watching ninjago (surprising, I know) and call me an idiot but i just noticed this.

As a kid, I always wondered why the ninja were so colorful. Like, how is this guy dressed in pure white supposed to hide in the middle of the night? And don't get me started on red, which blends in just about nowhere.

It just hit me: What if they weren't MEANT to hide everywhere?

They're meant to blend in with their elements.

Kai, Jay, and Cole don't blend in with the snow. But they aren't meant to.

Zane, Kai, and Jay don't blend in with caves. But they aren't meant to

Cole, Zane, and Kai don't blend in with the sky. But they aren't meant to.

Jay, Cole, and Zane don't blend in with lava or fire. But they aren't meant to.

[justicefanged]

Seldom was his appearance in the life of another under a visage of familiarity and camaraderie――such was not natural of his nature; thus did he resign himself to a simple form of diplomacy: a distantly exchanged trinket on one's namesake day. There was no formal encounter needed this way, no unplanned interaction to disrupt his day; it allowed for pleasantries to exist in the shadows, and that was all he needed.

A mere note:

𝑨 𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒓… 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅.

𝐇.𝐯.𝐕

Attached――a simple sack of ebony, its singular tassel trimmed in a garnet hue. Within rested a volume, bound in a sturdy cover: a simple guide to, well, guidance――structure to one's class, perhaps. Only a jest. But, too, there resided within a flask of shimmering polish, purchased so that the oaf's gauntlets――and other belongings, of course――may survive his rough antics.

Linus hadn't been expecting anything for his birthday. It had never really been much of a celebration for years now, maybe going on a bit of a bender if everything lined up to make it so, but Lloyd had always tried to do something on the day because that's what big brothers did.

So, color him surprised when he found something left for him at the end of a more or less dull day. He knew it wasn't from Lloyd -- they'd met earlier in the morning, making plans to find a good pub when both their schedules allowed for it -- so it wasn't from him.

Eyeing the bag and note for a moment, making an idle pop noise with his mouth as he stalked around the desk until it was right in front of him, it didn't take long for curiosity to win out.

Squinting at the note, it took Linus a little bit longer than he'd ever admit to parse out the words. It wasn't as Saints' damned fancy as some of the scribbles he'd had the displeasure of trying to make heads or tails of, but the blended nature of it sort of threw him for a loop and forced him to reread the short note several times regardless. Fancy people and their fancy letters...

"Huh..."

If he sounded a little baffled to anyone else, that would be correct! Of all the people to find out when his birthday was, and then actually get him stuff for it, Linus sure as hell wasn't expecting it from Hubert. They didn't exactly get off on the best foot.

Opening up the bag now with intense curiosity, Linus scrunched his nose up a bit at the book -- though he supposed he shouldn't be too surprised about that. He flipped through it a bit, lingering on a few pages before he slumped down in his seat and let the open book rest over his face with a belabored sigh. Damn it, he was gonna have to read this, wasn't he? It looked long. Urgh, maybe he could get Lloyd to give him a summary? No, he'd probably get lectured about putting in the effort when it was a gift.

Eventually, the book started to slip off his nose, and Linus scrambled to catch it -- bent a few pages there, oops -- before it could properly fall to the floor. Setting it back down on the desk, the little note following to rest on top of the cover, Linus inspected the other gift he'd been given. A flask! Now, this could be nice! Popping it open and giving it a quick sniff, it was easily confirmed to not be any kind of booze, but it was still something Linus knew how to make better, immediate use of!

"Oho, it's on now, Hubie," he grinned to himself, mischief in his eyes, "Just you wait, I'm gonna return the favor so hard, ya won't know what hit ya!"

[inckx]

Capturing Phoenix: The Unique World of Architectural Photography

Phoenix, Arizona, is a city that captivates with its unique blend of modernity and tradition. This sprawling metropolis, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, boasts a distinctive architectural landscape that mirrors its rich cultural tapestry and dynamic growth. For an architectural photographer, Phoenix offers an intriguing canvas filled with myriad textures, styles, and stories.

The Architectural Tapestry of Phoenix

Phoenix's architecture vividly reflects its history, climate, and cultural influences. From the indigenous Hohokam people's ancient structures to the sleek, modern skyscrapers dominating the skyline, the city presents a fascinating study in contrasts. Each building tells a story, and an architectural photographer in Phoenix is tasked with capturing these narratives in compelling visual form.

Sevecity'sstinct styles mark the city's architectural evolution. The Southwestern adobe homes, characterized by their earthy hues and organic forms, echo the region'sregion'sAmerican and Mexican heritage. These structures blend seamlessly with the desert landscape, creating a sense of harmony and continuity. In contrast, the mid-century modern buildings speak to Phoenix'Phoenix'sr boom and optimism with their clean lines and innovative designs.

The Unique Challenges of Architectural Photography in Phoenix

Photographing architecture in Phoenix comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. While providing stunningly clear and vibrant lighting, the harsh desert sunlight can be unforgiving and create harsh shadows. An architectural photographer must skillfully manage this light, using it to highlight the textures and details of the buildings while avoiding overexposure.

The desert environment also offers unique opportunities for capturing reflections and contrasts. The glass facades of modern buildings reflect the deep blue sky and the rugged mountains in the distance, creating dynamic compositions that juxtapose the built and natural environments. These reflections can add depth and complexity to photographs, making them more engaging and visually striking.

Iconic Structures and Hidden Gems

Phoenix is home to several iconic structures that every architectural photographer must capture. The Arizona State Capitol's copper dome and classical revival style symbolize the state's history and governance. Frank Lloyd Wright'sWright'sn West, nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, is a masterpiece of organic architecture that harmonizes with its desert surroundings. Wright's Wright's local materials and innovative design principles make Taliesin West a must-visit for any architectural photographer.

In addition to these well-known landmarks, Phoenix is dotted with hidden architectural gems waiting to be discovered. The Mystery Castle, built by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter, is an eclectic and whimsical structure made from found and recycled materials. Its quirky design and fascinating backstory provide endless photographic opportunities.

The Burton Barr Central Library, designed by Will Bruder, is another architectural marvel. Its modern design, characterized by extensive use of glass and steel, creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow inside the building. The library's story atrium, with its soaring ceilings and dramatic lighting, is a captivating subject for architectural photography.

Techniques and Tips for Success

To excel as an architectural photographer in Los Angeles and Phoenix, one must master various techniques and approaches. Understanding and manipulating light is crucial, especially given the intense desert sun. When the light is softer and the shadows are longer, early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to shoot. Utilizing HDR (High Dynamic Range) techniques can also help balance the extreme contrasts in lighting.

Composition is another vital element. Architectural photographers must consider the buildings' lines, shapes, and forms, using them to create balanced and visually appealing images. Incorporating elements of the surrounding environment, such as the desert landscape or the city skyline, can add context and depth to the photographs.

Post-processing is also an essential part of the process. Adjusting the exposure, contrast, and colour balance can enhance the images and bring out the best in the architectural details. However, it's important to maintain a balance and avoid over-processing, which can detract from the natural beauty of the structures.

The Rewarding Journey

Photographing architecture in Phoenix is a rewarding journey that offers endless opportunities for creativity and exploration. The city's architectural styles and the stunning desert landscape provide photographers with a rich and varied canvas. Each building, from the historic adobe homes to the cutting-edge modern structures, tells a unique story that can be captured and shared through the lens.

In the hands of a skilled architectural photographer, Phoenix'Phoenix'sgs come to life, revealing their intricate details, textures, and histories. These photographs document the city's cultural heritage and celebrate its vibrant and dynamic spirit. Whether capturing the play of light on a glass facade or the intricate details of a historic landmark, an architectural photographer in Phoenix has the privilege of preserving the beauty and essence of this remarkable city.

[surestayphx1]

Stylish Stays: Hotels That Define Elegance near Biltmore Fashion Park Phoenix

In the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona, where modernity meets luxury, finding a stylish and elegant stay Hotel near Biltmore fashion park Phoenix is a quest for those seeking sophistication and comfort. This guide delves into a curated selection of hotels that embody elegance, offering guests an unforgettable experience in one of Phoenix's most prestigious areas.

The Camby, Autograph Collection

Located adjacent to Biltmore Fashion Park, The Camby stands out with its unique blend of modern design and classic luxury.

Explore the hotel's chic rooms and suites, each designed with meticulous attention to detail and featuring upscale amenities.

Indulge in culinary delights at the hotel's signature restaurant, where innovative dishes and a vibrant ambiance create a memorable dining experience.

Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort

A timeless icon of elegance, the Arizona Biltmore offers guests a retreat of sophistication and charm.

Discover the historic significance of this legendary resort, known for its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and lush gardens.

Unwind in luxurious accommodations, including spacious suites and villas, while enjoying world-class amenities such as championship golf courses and rejuvenating spa treatments.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Nestled amidst lush gardens and citrus groves, Royal Palms Resort and Spa exudes Mediterranean-inspired elegance.

Experience personalized service and attention to detail in every aspect of your stay, from elegantly appointed rooms to exquisite dining options.

Relax and rejuvenate at the award-winning Alvadora Spa, where ancient Mediterranean techniques and modern treatments create a sanctuary of wellness and luxury.

The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix

Synonymous with luxury and refinement, The Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix offers a sophisticated oasis in the heart of the city.

Immerse yourself in opulent accommodations, featuring plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and stunning city views.

Indulge in culinary delights at the hotel's acclaimed restaurants, showcasing the best of local and international cuisine with a touch of Ritz-Carlton elegance.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

A sprawling desert retreat, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa combines luxurious amenities with breathtaking natural surroundings.

Discover spacious guest rooms and suites designed for relaxation and comfort, with private balconies offering panoramic views of the desert landscape.

Enjoy a plethora of dining options, championship golf courses, and a world-class spa for a truly indulgent stay near Biltmore Fashion Park.

The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort

Set against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician epitomizes luxury and grandeur with its exquisite accommodations and unparalleled service.

Experience the resort's exclusive amenities, including a championship golf course, multiple pools, and a lavish spa offering rejuvenating treatments.

Dine in style at the resort's acclaimed restaurants, where culinary excellence meets breathtaking views of the Arizona landscape.

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Monte Lucia

Inspired by the architecture and ambiance of Andalusia, Spain, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Monte Lucia offers a retreat of timeless elegance.

Discover luxurious guest rooms and suites adorned with Spanish-inspired decor and modern amenities.

Indulge in a culinary journey at the resort's restaurants, featuring Mediterranean cuisine and innovative cocktails in a stunning desert setting.

Hotel Valley Ho

A mid-century modern gem, Hotel Valley Ho combines retro chic with contemporary luxury, creating a vibrant and stylish atmosphere.

Relax in spacious rooms and suites adorned with retro-inspired furnishings and modern comforts.

Dive into the hotel's lively pool scene, dine at award-winning restaurants, and experience the vibrant nightlife of Scottsdale just minutes away.

The Scott Resort & Spa

Embracing the essence of desert luxury, The Scott Resort & Spa offers a sophisticated retreat with a touch of bohemian charm.

Experience stylish accommodations featuring vibrant decor, private balconies, and modern amenities.

Unwind at the resort's serene spa, indulge in globally inspired cuisine, and savor craft cocktails at the stylish poolside bar.

Conclusion:

In the realm of stylish stays near Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix, these hotels redefine elegance, offering guests a fusion of luxury, comfort, and impeccable service. Whether you seek historic grandeur, modern sophistication, or Mediterranean-inspired tranquility, these hotels promise an unforgettable experience in one of Arizona's most coveted destinations.

Discover comfort and convenience at Sure Stay Phx in vibrant Phoenix, AZ. Our hotel offers a range of well-appointed rooms, excellent amenities, and friendly service. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our prime location ensures easy access to the city's attractions. Your home away from home in Phoenix.

[sanfranarchi76]

Best San Francisco Architects 

Unveiling the Best San Francisco Architects: Shaping a City's Skyline

San Francisco, a city renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks, has long been a canvas for architectural innovation. From the majestic Golden Gate Bridge to the Victorian-era Painted Ladies, the city's architecture reflects a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and artistry. Behind every iconic building and innovative design are the brilliant minds of architects who have left an indelible mark on the city. In this article, we'll delve into the world of architecture in San Francisco and explore some of the best architects who have contributed to shaping the city's skyline and character.

Julia Morgan: Pioneering Architect of the Hearst Castle Julia Morgan was a trailblazing architect whose impact extended well beyond the boundaries of San Francisco. Born in San Francisco in 1872, she shattered gender norms in the field of architecture and became the first woman to graduate from the esteemed École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Morgan is most celebrated for her work on the Hearst Castle, a majestic estate nestled on the Californian coast. Her expertise in blending various architectural styles, from Mediterranean Revival to Gothic Revival, is evident in the grandeur of the castle. Beyond the Hearst Castle, Morgan designed numerous iconic buildings in San Francisco, such as the Fairmont Hotel, showcasing her versatility and impeccable design sensibilities.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Influence on San Francisco Frank Lloyd Wright, a name synonymous with architectural genius, contributed significantly to the architectural landscape of San Francisco. Although not a San Francisco native, his influence is undeniable. Wright's principles of organic architecture, emphasizing harmony between human habitation and the natural world, are reflected in many San Francisco homes. Notably, the V.C. Morris Gift Shop on Maiden Lane stands as an architectural gem, illustrating Wright's concept of "organic architecture." The design's fluid lines and integration with the environment make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

The Innovative Legacy of Bernard Maybeck Bernard Maybeck, another influential figure in San Francisco architecture, was known for his innovative approach and love for the Arts and Crafts movement. His masterpiece, the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Berkeley, showcases his mastery in crafting spaces that harmonize with nature and incorporate distinctive, handcrafted details. Maybeck's work has left an indelible mark on San Francisco's architecture, inspiring future generations of architects to embrace both functionality and artistry in their designs.

Sustainable Design Champion: William McDonough In the 21st century, San Francisco has seen a surge in sustainable architecture, and William McDonough is at the forefront of this movement. His Cradle to Cradle philosophy emphasizes the importance of designing buildings and products with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. McDonough's work, such as the San Francisco Federal Building, serves as a beacon for green architecture. The building is not just a government office but a living testament to how sustainable design can be integrated into urban landscapes.

An Icon of Modernism: Richard Neutra Richard Neutra was a visionary architect who introduced the principles of modernism to San Francisco. His designs, characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and an integration of indoor and outdoor elements, have been influential in shaping the city's modern architectural identity. The VDL Research House, though not in San Francisco, is a prime example of Neutra's iconic designs. His work in the Bay Area, like the Largent House, epitomizes the modernist movement's simplicity and elegance.

The Contemporary Vision of Stanley Saitowitz Stanley Saitowitz, a contemporary architect based in San Francisco, is known for his avant-garde designs that challenge conventional aesthetics. His work often involves the use of industrial materials, sharp angles, and minimalist concepts. The Yerba Buena Lofts in San Francisco, a sleek and innovative residential project, reflects his cutting-edge design approach. Saitowitz's ability to fuse functionality with artistic expression has made him a prominent figure in the city's architectural scene.

Renzo Piano and the California Academy of Sciences Renzo Piano, an internationally acclaimed architect, made a significant impact in San Francisco with the design of the California Academy of Sciences. The building, with its undulating green roof, is a prime example of sustainable design that harmonizes with its surroundings. Piano's innovative use of materials and his commitment to ecological responsibility have set a high standard for future architectural projects in the city.

San Francisco's architecture is a dynamic blend of historic landmarks, iconic structures, and cutting-edge designs. The architects who have worked in the city over the years have left an indelible mark, contributing to its ever-evolving skyline and cultural identity. From the timeless elegance of Julia Morgan to the sustainable innovations of William McDonough, the architectural diversity in San Francisco is a testament to the city's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and embracing the rich history of architectural evolution.

As we reflect on the contributions of these architects, we're reminded that San Francisco's architectural journey is far from over. Emerging talents and visionaries continue to shape the city's skyline, each adding their unique chapter to the story of this vibrant and ever-changing metropolis. In the years to come, we can look forward to more iconic designs that will further solidify San Francisco's reputation as a hub of architectural excellence and innovation.

[blueiscoool]

A $3.3 Million Modernist LA Home Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Son

The historic Los Angeles-area home blends indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.

If you’ve been hoping to own a piece of architectural history, now might be your chance.

Derby House—designed by Lloyd Wright, son of famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright—is on the market for just under $3.3 million. Built in 1926 for the businessman James Daniel Derby and his family, the Glendale, Calif. home is best known for its distinctive façade, designed with concrete ornamentation inspired by Mayan architecture.

But the home’s interior is just as stunning. The two-story, five-bed, three-bath house features open living spaces, a hexagonal dining room and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace within its 3,300 square feet. Accents throughout­—such as the garage and fireplace grates, French door grills and closets—mimic the surrounding yucca plants, a nod to Wright’s practice of integrating nature and design, a practice he inherited from his father.

Most of the house is made of concrete, wood and glass, allowing the space to feel light-filled and airy, especially the double-height living room. Purple- and pink-tiled bathrooms lend some color to the otherwise neutral, earth-tone home.

Situated on 1.5 acres of land across four adjacent lots, the house has plenty of outdoor space to enjoy as well. There are traditional patio areas along with an elevated terrace for lounging or dining, and the home looks out onto the neighborhood’s trees and woods.

Wright never quite reached the same level of fame as his father, but he did create some exceptional buildings throughout Los Angeles, such as the Wayfarers Chapel in Palos Verdes and the John Sowden House in Los Feliz. “Lloyd Wright was extremely versatile, much more so than his father,” the late architectural historian David Gebhard told the Los Angeles Times in 1993. “And he was a meticulous craftsman. In some ways, his concrete-block designs have held up better through the years than his father’s better-known work.”

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Derby House previously sold for $2.3 million in 2016 to Jeffrey Sanfilippo, the CEO of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, a nut distributor.

This time, it’s listed as furnished, so don’t worry about finding furniture to match the grandeur of the home itself.

By Tori Latham.

[miraculous-ninjabird]

Ninja Teams and their relative effectiveness Part 2: Kai

Kai+Nya

Overall rating: 8.7/10

(bonus rating 1/10)

Chances of rescue being required: Either 0/10 or 9.6/10 depending on the day

When Kai and Nya work together it can go one of two ways. Like true siblings, they are either one of the greatest and most efficient teams you’ve ever met, or they are an absolute dumpster fire. They know each other well and balance each other's strengths and weaknesses. They are often on the same wavelength. When they are not, there is nothing that can be done to salvage the mission. They can and will end up fighting each other rather than their enemy.

Kai+Zane

Overall rating: 9.6/10

Chances of rescue being required: 3.4/10

Kai and Zane are one of the most effective duos of them all. It's the perfect blend between analysis and impulse based decision making. Kai is good at helping Zane see when things should be done differently and Zane excels at pulling Kai back to make sure he knows what he’s getting into. They know they work well together and they take pride in that fact. The only thing really of note is they have been known to get overconfident in their abilities as a duo, which has led to them ending up in over their heads on more than one occasion.

Kai+Jay

Overall rating: -4/10

Chances of rescue being required: 9/10

While good friends and skilled ninja otherwise, these two make for an exceptionally poor duo. They can never seem to agree on who should be in charge, what the best plan of action is, or even what they are supposed to be doing. Both hyper-competitive and prone to showing off, missions where they should be working together often turn into competitions to see who can get it done faster. Fire risk is worryingly common. They end up captured and in need of rescue more often than they succeed. Trouble seems to follow wherever they go, even on the most mundane of errands. Cannot be trusted when alone and it's a mystery why they are still allowed to work together at all.

Kai+Lloyd

Overall rating 7/10

Chances of a rescue being required: 3/10

A solid pairing, these two know what they are doing. In theory. In reality Kai and Lloyd are so similar that things can quickly get out of hand between them. Kai’s impulsive nature fuel’s Lloyd’s and there is a general lack of brain cells between the two of them. The job gets done, even if it involves a few more heart attack inducing moments than really necessary. They are also both incredibly resourceful, so while they always seem to be getting into trouble, they also are pretty good at getting themselves out of trouble without the help of others.

Kai+Cole

Overall rating 8.5/10

Chances of a rescue being required: 2.4/10

Nothing really of note here. Kai and Cole work well together. Cole is a solid base for Kai and between the two of them they tend to make level headed decisions. On occasion they will but heads, and Kai sometimes succeeds in convincing Cole to do something stupid. Otherwise they are a solid pair that gets things done. The only reason it doesn’t score higher is because Kai and Cole both have other teammates they work together with even better.

Part 1|

[nitrateglow]

What I’ve been watching lately

The Divorcee (dir. Robert Z. Leonard, 1930) [rewatch]

A favorite pre-coder of mine, I am always floored by the sophistication of the direction and Norma Shearer. While Shearer is rather infamous for her mannered acting style, she feels natural in this movie (and super sexy as well). I think it’s still a good contender for her career-best work.

The Party (dir. Blake Edwards, 1968)

I always felt Blake Edwards had a very silent comedy sensibility. You see it in spurts in movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and on a large scale in movies like The Party. I know Edwards loved Laurel and Hardy in particular, but many of the gags in The Party reminded me of Buster Keaton (the scenes of technology gone wrong) and Harold Lloyd (the many social faux-pas committed by the protagonist).

Fist of the North Star (dir. Tony Randel, 1995)

In my experience, live-action adaptations of anime tend to be terrible. That goes double when they’re made in the west. Fist of the North Star was no exception and proved itself a veritable treasure trove of schlocky delights. Malcolm McDowell voices a puppet skeleton! A villainous henchman channeling Joe Pesci in Home Alone delivers lines like, “It ain’t easy bein’ sleazy!” The bad guy (who looks a lot like Anakin Skywalker?? Or was that just me thinking that?) is wooden as hell. It’s a great MST3K picture. Highly recommended.

On Dangerous Ground (dir. Nicholas Ray, 1951)

Some movies are frustrating not because they’re terrible, but because they have such great concepts and elements blended with studio meddling and poor execution. That’s how I felt about On Dangerous Ground. Unlike most, I actually enjoyed the second part of the movie where Robert Ryan’s tough city cop ends up in the frozen countryside to solve a murder. The atmosphere is one of wintry melancholia, augmented by Ryan and Ida Lupino’s sensitive performances. Unfortunately, the tone of the first part-- urban and gritty-- doesn’t match up well with the sadder, slower, more romantic tone of the latter half, making the ultimate resolution feel a bit tacked on.

Mirage (dir. Edward Dmytryk, 1965)

Color me disappointed. To be fair, Mirage might have suffered from hype—I was told it was a lost Hitchcock-style classic and a last hurrah for classic film noir from director Edward Dmytryk (who helmed my favorite 40s noir, Murder, My Sweet), but it came off more as a feature-length Twilight Zone episode with a letdown resolution. Gregory Peck is decent as the amnesiac on the run, while Diane Baker is a bit too wishy-washy to come off as a convincing femme fatale. The prime appeal here is in the eccentric supporting cast: Walter Matthau is a snarky novice private eye, Jack Weston is a cheerful hitman with a hair-trigger temper, and George Kennedy is a merciless heavy who projects genuine menace.

[shananigans402]

1-65 will do, please. Thanks fuck face :)

I knew exactly who this was and I was so tempted to not reply, but your punishment is having to read through all my answers and remember them forever or you fail the friend test. To everyone else, please do not click unless you want to be very bored, my answers are not interesting lol

1. Do you ever doubt the existence of others than you? Nope

2. On a scale of 1-5, how afraid of the dark are you? Assuming 5 is the most, 1. Maybe 2. 

3. The person you would never want to meet? The person who sent me this (jk I’m excited for our eventual meet up where we hit up a strip club first thing 🙏)

4. What is your favorite word? I answered with ‘conniption’ the other day and still have not found a word I like more.

5. If you were a type of tree, what would you be? Already answered this, fruit tree! I also like palm trees, maple trees, and willow trees. I know that’s not the question, I’m just saying random shit now.

6. When you looked in the mirror this morning what was the first thing you thought? It took me a long while to remember where I was this morning. I honestly don’t remember, I was rushing to get ready for an early morning meeting.

7. What shirt are you wearing? My Orlando Strong shirt 

8. What do you label yourself as? Lesbian

9. Bright room or dark room? Bright room

10. What were you doing at midnight last night? Sleeping? Possibly checking on a feverish little beeb who was going through it with her second dose of the vaccine.

11. Favorite age you’ve been so far? No idea. I like various ages for different reasons, but this age so far is not bad. 

12. Who told you they loved you last? Probably my sister 🤷‍♀️

13. Your worst enemy? The person who sent this ask.

14. What is your current desktop picture? The apple pic of Catalina island that changes based on time of day (yes it’s the default, don’t judge me)

15. Do you like someone? Lol yeah I hope so 😂

16. The last song you listened to? Pretty Girl by Hayley Kiyoko 

17. You can press a button that will make any one person explode. Who would you blow up? Definitely @raginage

18. Who would you really like to just punch in the face? I feel like I can only attack Raginage so many times. Can I pick a fictional character? This week I was real mad at Dave in The Darkness. BaBe!​

19. If anyone could be your slave for a day, who would it be and what would they have to do? Lol no one, you’re talking to a person who feels very uncomfortable with anyone doing anything nice for them.

20. What is your best physical attribute? (showing said attribute is optional) Not this again. Last time I said eyes? Still no pics, sorry

21. If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you look like and what would you do? What would I look like? Do I get to design myself like a sim? I honestly don’t know what I’d do because I doubt the world needs another clueless white man walking around, so maybe just stay at home. 

22. Do you have a secret talent? If yes, what is it? Nope. And my last answer to this was awful. I do think I have a fantastic ability to annoy my friends but in a way that’s just amusing/endearing enough to make them still want to talk to me 😌

23. What is one unique thing you’re afraid of? Unique? Uhm well my two big fears are confined spaces and deep water so a submarine is like my worst nightmare.

24. You can only have one kind of sandwich. Every sandwich ingredient known to humankind is at your disposal. Oh this is going to sound so odd. To be clear, I’ve had better sandwiches, but my go-to is provolone, turkey, roast beef, and spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard. Please don’t judge me.

25. You just found $100! How are you going to spend it? Travel budget for future trips to visit my buds and get into trouble and eat food. I know $100 won’t go far, but it’s something.

26. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world, but you have to leave immediately. Where are you going to go? Well, after my last answer I want to visit my friends! But there are too many people to visit and I only have one ticket. So change of plans. I’m going on a solo trip to Greece. Or Argentina. Or Iceland. Or Bali. Damn, I’m indecisive. 

27. An angel appears out of Heaven and offers you a lifetime supply of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. “Be brand-specific” it says. Man! What are you gonna say about that? Even if you don’t drink booze there’s something you can figure out… so what’s it gonna be? Rabble red blend. Just a solid red wine. Also because @viola-lloyds stole my answer the other day (Juneshine; to be fair I asked her this question but whatever) and I don’t want to copy her.

28. You discover a beautiful island upon which you may build your own society. You make the rules. What is the first rule you put into place? Oh I answered this one, something about respecting others. Yeah, a nice rule like that. Want to establish some healthy communication on this island.

29. What is your favorite expletive? It’s still fuck

30. Your house is on fire, holy shit! You have just enough time to run in there and grab ONE inanimate object. Don’t worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So what’s the one thing you’re going to save from that blazing inferno? But what about my PLANTS. Can they count as loved ones? Probably my laptop, I know that’s lame but like...I have a lot of stuff on here. Or the collection of cards I have that my granddad drew little drawings in, I want to get them all framed.

31. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? To be honest, I don’t know if I’d change big life events in case it altered the trajectory of where I ended up. So idk maybe the ending of Bly, let’s give those lesbians have a happy ending!

32. You got kicked out of the country for being a time-traveling heathen who sleeps with celebrities and has super-powers. But check out this cool shit… you can move to anywhere else in the world! Italy! But wait, let’s get back to this sleeping with celebrities and super-powers bit...

33. The Celestial Gates Of Beyond have opened, much to your surprise because you didn’t think such a thing existed. Death appears. As it turns out, Death is actually a pretty cool entity, and happens to be in a fantastic mood. Death offers to return the friend/family-member/person/etc. of your choice to the living world. Who will you bring back? Oh that’s a really tough question. I always wanted to meet my great-grandma Olga because she seemed like a really awesome lady. 

34. What was your last dream about? I can’t remember, this is bothering me because I wish I could! I’m sorry. My gf recently had a dream where I kissed a dude right in front of her. It made us both very uncomfy lol

35. Are you a good….[insert anything you’d like here]? I hate this question because I can only think of one thing.

36. Have you ever been admitted to the hospital? For surgery, yeah

37. Have you ever built a snowman? But of course!

38. What is the color of your socks? Not wearing any? I was wearing blue ones earlier. Jfc my answers are so boring.

39. What type of music do you like? Lots! I tend to listen to indie, classic rock, and some pop

40. Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? Sunsets!

41. What is your favorite milkshake flavor? Chocolate or a variant (chocolate peanut butter, chocolate caramel)

42. What football team do you support? (I will answer in terms of American football as well as soccer) LA Rams or Seattle Seahawks. I know they’re in the same division. It’s tough. (Please don’t ask me why these teams)

43. Do you have any scars? Yep, mostly from burning myself on ovens. I simply get too excited for my food.

44. What do you want to be when you graduate? I...have graduated? 

45. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Well bestie recently said I have “lesbian hands” and I think that’s code for man hands so maybe that hahaha

46. Are you reliable? I try to be!

47. If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be? How many more times will I watch The Darkness before I learn my lesson? (Related: When does other bestie finally admit to her fetish?)

48. Do you hold grudges? Not typically, no

49. If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature, what new animal would you create? A dog and an otter? Can we domesticate otters? No, a horse and a large bird, create a pegasus and then free travel.

50. What is the most unusual conversation you’ve ever had? Oh god. I don’t even know where to start today tbh. Damie and pokemon and cosycon and looming and feet and [redacted] and developing apps for VP. So many fantastic conversations. 

In real life, probably the time I was at a laundromat in Italy and this guy wandered in with a beer, sat next to me and my male roommate, assumed we were a couple, and proceeded to give us bizarre life advice. I wish I could remember more of it, but it was so odd.

51. Are you a good liar? Hmm I’m okay at it I think, that is, I can convince people I’m serious when I’m actually joking. But I don’t like actually lying if it’s not just teasing someone. 

52. How long could you go without talking? Probably a few days if I had to.

53. What has been you worst haircut/style? The haircut I got before studying abroad! It was too short and I was so sad.

54. Have you ever baked your own cake? For a birthday? No. For fun? Absolutely.

55. Can you do any accents other than your own? Not well, no

56. What do you like on your toast? Butter and/or honey and/or jam

57. What is the last thing you drew a picture of? My beautiful depiction of a scene of chapter one of Private Dancer. 

58. What would be you dream car? An electric car of some sort. I don’t know enough about cars tbh

59. Do you sing in the shower? Or do anything unusual in the shower? Explain. Nope but sometimes I’ll play music and dance and maybe softly sing.

60. Do you believe in aliens? Yep! Definitely 

61. Do you often read your horoscope? Almost never unless someone sends it to me.

62. What is your favorite letter of the alphabet? Already answered, A

63. Which is cooler: dinosaurs or dragons? Dinosaurs! 🦕

64. What do you think about babies? What do I think about them? They’re pretty cool. Just tiny little humans. 

65. Freebie! Ask anything interesting you can think of. I was very nice and let you correct your mistake and submit one after the fact:

In your opinion what is the best thing you can cook, like your speciality? My favorite thing to make is pasta, I started making my own sauce and I’d love to make pasta from scratch sometime.

[snowleopardcatdragon]

The Prairie Style

The Dana-Thomas House is one of the best examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style Houses. The Prairie Style is a style of architecture that was popular in the United States from 1900-1917.

Over the course of the 19th Century, America had emerged as an industrial and financial powerhouse. However, the new nation still lagged behind Europe culturally; the best literature, the best fashion, the best art, all came form Europe. American architects at the Turn of the Century wanted to create a new style of architecture that was distinctly American. Their new nation didn’t have much history for inspiration, but it did have a vast natural beauty.

Architects working in the Prairie Style were trying to find a style of architecture that was distinctly American in general, and would fit into the wide, open spaces of the Mid Western Prairie states in particular. Thus buildings in the Prairie style have an over all long, low profile, wide, low pitched roofs with wide over hanging eaves, long, horizontal bands of window, and little if any surface decoration. Their long, low profiles were intended to blend into the wide open horizons of the plains, and their wide bands of windows were designed to take advantage of the wide open views of the prairies.

These features are easy to see in the Dana-Thomas House. The house’s design hugs the ground, with long horizontal wings that spread out from the main body of the house. The over all horizontal shape of the house is further emphasized by the long narrow brick used in construction; the horizontal courses of the bricks were racked, creating deeper lines that highlight their long lines even more. Above the long courses of bricks are wide bands of windows that create wide, open, glass screens, which continue to emphasis the horizontality of the house, while also being visually lighter than the solid brick work below, making the building seem shorter and closer to the ground. Finally, the house is topped by a low pitched roof with long over-hanging eaves. This long, low roof line helps to visually push the house down and out, making the roof seem to sprawl along the open prairie rather than rise up into the sky.

The Prairie style is itself part of a larger Turn of the Century art and design movement, known as the Arts and Crafts Movement. The Arts and Crafts Movement started in England, where it was part of the Design Reform Movement.

The Industrial Revolution, which began at the end of the 18th century and continued on into the beginning of the 19th century, allowed huge amounts of new objects to be manufactured at a far lower cost and far greater speed than ever before. This made a wide range of goods available to the emerging middle class that they would never have been able to afford a generation ago. Additionally, steam engines, powering trains and ships, allowed goods and people to travel further, faster, and easier than ever before. The buying public of the 19th century had vast array of new things in new styles available to them.

Not all of these new things, however, were well made or well designed. As the 19th century progressed, artists and designers began to call for more attention to good design and good craftsmanship, which they referred to as Design Reform.

The Arts and Crafts Movement was part of the larger Design Reform Movement. It believed that happy craftsmen made beautiful, well made objects, and making beautiful, well made objects made happy craftsmen. The Arts and Crafts Movement focused on simple, well made objects, and rejected the use of machine production, heavy decoration, bright, artificial colors, and faux painting.

Although The Arts and Crafts began in England, it was also very popular in America as well, though American Arts and Crafts designers generally didn’t have the same distaste for machine production. The influence of the Arts and Crafts movement is easy to see in Prairie Style architecture such as the Dana-Thomas House. The colors used in the house are subtle, natural earth tones, the brick is exposed in many places, rather than covered with plaster, and those places that are plastered are painted, rather than covered with wallpaper. Additionally, the wood, both in the furniture and throughout the house, is allowed to be what it is, without carving or paint.

the Prairie Style is influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement, which originated in England, architects working in the style were trying to create a new style of architecture that was distinctly American.

Frank Lloyd Wright is the most well known architect to work in the Prairie Style, but he was not the only architect to work in this style. Other Prairie Style Architects include Walter Burley Griffin, George Grant Elmslie, William Drummond, and Marion Mahony.The Prairie Style is also related to the Craftsman and Mission style, all of which were influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Image 1: The view from the inner court yard, looking at the gallery and conservatory hallway combines the major features of the Prairie Style: over all low profile, wide bands of windows, low pitched roof, and wide overhanging eaves. Photo credited to author.

Image 2:The long, narrow roman bricks and racked horizontal courses emphasize the horizontal line throughout the house. Photo credited to author.

[sykilik101]

Colloyd Week Day 2: Outfit Swap

Colette didn’t know the details, but from what she could gather, Lloyd had lost a bet.

Off on the other side of the campsite, just out of earshot, the swordsman was currently ranting at Zelos and Genis, neither of whom had lost their impish grins for the past few minutes. His expressions ranged from flabbergasted to irate to flustered, throwing his hands every which way as if hoping they would get across whatever point he was trying to make. Clearly it wasn’t working as the other two crossed their arms simultaneously, with Zelos poking a finger out towards the campsite.

Lloyd’s face fell as he scanned the rest of the group, though for what she wasn’t sure. His eyes slid over to Zelos, mouthing something with annoyance before his legs began carrying him forward. A flush adorned his face, his lip tucked between his teeth. It was a look she rarely saw on her friend, and she wondered if maybe there was something she could do to help, but before she could stand up she watched him make his way towards Sheena.

The girl looked up from the book she was reading, wearing a smile that was in stark contrast to the anxious one Lloyd donned. His hand found its way to the back of his head, his lips creating words that looked like they tasted funny in his mouth. In a flash Sheena’s gaze turned from jubilant to confused and eventually to exasperated, shaking her head and mumbling something with a wave of her hand. Lloyd nodded as if he’d expected her reaction, waving apologetically.

The next minute consisted of Lloyd repeating similar interactions with the Professor and Presea, although the Professor looked a bit more annoyed than the other two. He had turned back to Zelos and Genis, both of whom were reduced to snickers with each girl he talked to. Colette watched as Zelos held up a single finger and said something. Lloyd’s shoulders sagged, and slowly his pleading gaze turned to her.

Endless possibilities about what Lloyd could be going through consumed her imagination, and as he slowly approached her she couldn’t decide which one she wanted to believe. She opted to paste an inviting smile on her face, hoping that whatever was troubling him, she’d have a way to help.

“Uh, h-hi, Colette.”

The stutter was uncharacteristic to her normally cheery companion, and she was starting to worry that maybe his situation was more dire than she’d expected. “Hey, Lloyd. Is...something the matter?”

“Well, no, not really. I just...have a weird favor to ask.”

A gleam of optimism sprouted within her, taking solace in the notion that she’d be able to aid him after all. “What is it? If there’s anything I can do to help, just ask.”

He looked unsure of what to do with his hands, opting to let one rest on his hip as the other scratched his cheek. One of his feet tapped against the ground, wisps of dust blending with the rest of the dirt on his boots. If restless was made incarnate, Lloyd was it, and it didn’t seem to ease up as he dragged his gaze back to hers.

“I sort of lost a bet with Zelos and Genis, and now I have to wear girl’s clothes.”

She’d expected all sorts of responses, but of all of them, this was far from what she could have predicted. Still, the idea of Lloyd in a dress tickled her fancy, and she covered up her incoming laughter with an endearing curiosity. “I didn’t know you owned girl clothes, Lloyd.”

His eyes narrowed by the tiniest margin, clearly sensing her hidden merriment. It was enough to undo her inner restraints, allowing a giggle to escape her. His face relaxed at this, resting both his hands on his hips. “As a matter of fact, I don’t, which is why I need to borrow some.” Some of his fluster sparked back into his cheeks, his eyes shifting to the side.

Colette tilted her head to the side. Borrow some? From who-

The nature of his predicament suddenly clicked in her head, a pouty blush creeping up on her. “Oh. So...you mean we’d have to trade outfits?”

Saying it aloud seemed to make his apprehension more potent, his mouth twisting in humiliation. “Yeah...something like that.” He turned back to her, waving his palms at her. “But if you don’t want to, it’s okay. It’s kind of a dumb thing to make me do.”

Even in his awkwardness she found an earnestness in his eyes that had drawn her to them for all the years they’d known each other. Deferring to Lloyd was a common occurrence for her, and her desire to see him relieved of his discomfort sent the words to her vocal cords before she had a chance to stop them. “Well, if you really want to, I’m okay with it.”

She couldn’t tell if he looked more surprised or confused at her reply. “Really?”

“Mhm. Besides, it’s not good to go back on a promise.”

“I don’t know if I’d call this a promise…” he mumbled, turning to glare at the duo with the playfully optimistic eyes. Holding up a weak thumbs up caused the pair to exclaim excitedly, whooping and cheering on their own.

Colette giggled once more, still perplexed at this ritual between the boys but amused all the same. “So where should we get changed?”

His already rosy cheeks flourished further as he glanced around the campsite, searching around for wherever the two could exchange clothes. He exhaled sharply as he raised his finger towards a pair of boulders off in the distance. “We should be able to get some privacy behind those.” His face twisted and a wave of apprehension washed over him. “I promise I won’t peek or try to look!”

The concept of Lloyd trying to peek at her as she changed was so unbelievable that she almost collapsed into another fit of giggles, but she imagined her assurance would work better for him than her laughter.

“It’s okay, I trust you, Lloyd.”

xxxxx

It hadn’t taken much effort to slip herself into Lloyd’s outfit, given that he had a few sizes over her. With her arms at her sides the cuffs of his jacket slipped over her hands. Despite his suspenders his pants waist band refused to cling to her hips, forcing her to grasp it to keep them from drooping too far down. It was a miracle she was able to walk from behind the boulder without tripping over, given how large his boots were over her feet. In spite of how silly she felt, deep down she savored the warmth of his clothes around her, as if Lloyd was embracing her, protecting her like he always had.

She was surprised to find the entire group standing before her, sans Regal who was in charge of dinner that night. Genis and Zelos grinned approvingly at her before turning back to Lloyd’s boulder, clearly far more interested in his wardrobe exchange. Presea seemed generally unphased by her appearance, but Sheena held her chin in her hand, head gently cocked to the side.

“It’s kind of big on you, but you actually pull those clothes off pretty well, Colette.”

She meant to move her hand atop her head out of flattery, but the excess sleeve fell over her head and flopped against her ear, adding more fuel to the giggle that had already been bubbling inside. “Hehe, thanks!”

The Professor, however, appeared less than thrilled at their antics. “It’s fine that Lloyd’s clothes cover you well enough, but I’m concerned about how he’s supposed to fit in yours.”

“You know, when you put it that way, I almost don’t wanna see him in Colette’s clothes,” Genis shrugged with a shake of his head.

“Yeah, I’m kinda with you on that one,” Sheena chimed in, resting her hand on her hip.

“Oh, I’m sure it won’t be that egregious,” Zelos chuckled, though his comment did little to assuage the concerned looks of his companions. Rather than acknowledge their lack of faith in him he instead cupped his hand over his mouth. “Hey, Lloyd! You having some trouble over there, bud?”

“I’m fine...I’m just...trying to get this to fit…”

Not knowing which article of clothing he was referring to tickled at Colette’s fancy, though Zelos and Genis were clearly more amused. Between their snickering, Presea looked to the girl. “If Lloyd accidentally damages your clothes, I’m sure I could repair them without any trouble.”

The kind gesture warmed Colette’s heart and pulled the corners of her lips upwards. “Oh, that’s okay, I’m sure Lloyd is being really careful with them.”

“He’d better be, otherwise we’ll have a wardrobe malfunction on our hands, and I don’t think any of us want that.” Genis placed his hands behind his head, rocking side to side.

“Perhaps you or Zelos should go make sure everything fits properly before he comes out,” Raine responded, gently giving the boy a shove on the back with an amused grin.

“Not it!”

Their voices harmonized perfectly, prompting laughter from the rest of the group as they glared each other down. Before either could offer the first argument Lloyd’s voice rang from behind the boulder.

“Guys, I don’t think this is gonna work out.”

Zelos pulled himself away from his staredown with Genis, reviving his previous merriment. “Oh, come on, Lloyd, it can’t be that bad.”

As if to answer him, Lloyd inched himself out from behind the boulder. Colette’s top wasn’t especially snug on her, so Lloyd had some leeway as far as fitting into it, but it still clung tightly to his arms and chest. However, he clearly hadn’t managed to fit his legs into her tights or shoes, standing there pantsless and tugging at the bottom of her top to allow himself some decency.

Colette felt her face go hot, taking an unexpected extra second to take in the sight before looking away. Zelos and Genis howled with laughter, clutching their sides as they fell to the dirt. Sheena made a noise as her face went aflame, covering it and turning to the side. Presea also averted her gaze, though with far less theatrics than the Mizuho native. It was the Professor, however, who was the most incensed at his appearance.

“Lloyd Irving, cover yourself up this instant!”

“I’m doing the best I can, Professor!” He pulled harder at the hem of the top, looking to the cackling duo with shame and fluster in his glare. “Zelos, how long do I have to keep this on?”

I took a few moments for the redheaded Chosen to regain his composure, wiping a tear from his eye. “Well, I would hate for Raine to get mad at me for this, so you can get your clothes back after dinner. Is that alright with you, Colette?” he asked, turning to the girl.

She nodded, still at war with the heat and second-hand embarrassment coursing through her. “Okay.” It was all she could manage to say, still coping with the reality that she and Lloyd had (mostly) traded outfits.

Lloyd looked to her, his grip on her top tightening. “I-I’ll do my best not to mess this up, okay?”

In spite of everything entertaining about the situation, all Colette could do was grin softly. “Okay.”

Seemingly satisfied with this response, Lloyd grit his teeth, meandering towards the campsite. Sighs and residual chuckles resounded as the party watched him trek forward, though all shared a laugh at the sound of Lloyd’s voice erupting. “It’s because I lost a bet, Regal!”

Zelos was the first to begin heading back. “Let’s go get dinner over with so we can put Lloyd out of his misery.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, though some were more at unease than others. As footsteps trekked away from the boulders Colette held her place, rubbing the cloth of the jacket between her fingers. She could still smell his scent in the fabric, still imagining the way the sleeves moved and stretched as he fought. With the others gone she allowed a wavering sigh to escape her. Her eyes closed and snapshots of the ways Lloyd walked, worked, played, and lived raced through her mind. Oxygen tasted sweeter as she pulled his outfit closer, savoring her private indulgence.

“Colette, come on, we’re all waiting for you!”

Genis’s voice ripped her from her reverie, the mental hue of brown eyes vanishing in an instant. Her throat tightened for a moment as she prayed that the ruby tint of her cheeks wasn’t noticeable from afar. The boy stood there curiously, oblivious to her swordsman musings. “Coming!”

The images wouldn’t leave her as the fireplace grew closer, but the sight of her friends focused on making cracks at Lloyd’s predicament gave her blush the perfect camouflage. Between the banter and how much food Lloyd could eat, it was likely she would have more time with his clothing than she expected. A small smile worked its way onto her lips; perhaps she could intervene, stall a little. She didn’t intend to embarrass Lloyd any further, but maybe she could delay dinner from ending right away. Maybe she could keep him close to her, just a little longer.

xxxxx

I actually had a lotta fun with this one. I’m not the most satisfied with some parts, but as a whole, I really like this story.

[bluerosesburnblue]

Alright, finished up the Re:Mind scenario and started Limit Cut (but been spoiled on the secret boss stuff, so there’s, like, no plot things I don’t know about now), so just... some assorted thoughts

Okay, seriously, I’m glad we’re getting a Xehanort side game because what the absolute FUCK is his timeline? Like, actually what the fuck is happening there? When Xehanort meets the Master of Masters, he has silver eyes. Which implies that this is pre-YMX time-travel Nort because Baby Nort in Scala also had silver eyes and YMX has gold. So you’d assume that this scene is between those points. But then Xehanort goes on about his memories and doing things that feel “familiar” and like he has to do them, which would make this post-YMX time-travel shenanigans. So what’s the deal? Were the gold eyes because YMX held a piece of Old Nort’s heart? But if that’s the case, when did Old Nort get gold eyes and why was Xehanort retconned into having naturally silver eyes? Why does he keep flipping eye colors???

I can see why the Luxord and Xigbar scene got cut because oh boy would that have been way too obvious to any KHUx player/Back Cover watcher what they were getting at

I’m so glad that they let Christopher Lloyd ham it up as Xehanort. No idea if Rutger Hauer’s performance was based on his own understanding of the character or a director’s decision, but it just wasn’t Xehanort. I’m sure he gave it his best, I really do, but he embodied a very different tone than every other Xehanort incarnation. Whatever the reason, I think Christopher Lloyd could be very good if Xehanort ever came back, though he was a bit soft for me. Add a little more force to his delivery and I think he’s set

Also on the voice acting, I’m SO GLAD that Haley fixed Vanitas. Holy shit. Not to knock anyone who liked KH3 vanilla’s Vanitas voice, but he sounded like... well, exactly that. A voice. I couldn’t take him seriously because he sounded like someone doing a very distracting, obviously fake voice. The new lines in Re:Mind are a perfect blend of the BBS Vanitas with just a tiny, tiny bit of gruffness and it’s the best he’s sounded yet. So much so that it was jarring when the original scene came in after the fight, but hey. Glad old Vani is back

The two points above lead me to believe that there was a voice direction issue in KH3 and either Re:Mind had a new director or they took feedback, which I appreciate

Did Lingering Will always have those dirt smears on him and I never noticed? I like them. Also liked the effect on the armor shattering. It was just cool to see

I picked the new playable characters every time they were offered just to try them out and... uh... wow it’s a trip to flip between a Level 99 Sora wielding the Ultima Weapon and literally everyone else. And also having different shortcuts. I only died as Kairi and I have no idea if that’s because Xehanort was just a tough fight or I’m very bad as her. She has a great playstyle though! I like how she closes distance, though her dodges are pretty stilted

I’ve seen people saying that Darkness being in Ven confirms the “Ven is Strelitzia’s killer” thing. It doesn’t. It could be a hint, but it’s not confirmation. Especially since Darkness is wandering free outside of Ven as of KHUx’s current updates. Nothing disproving that they’ve been swapping hosts and went from Strelitzia’s killer to wandering around helping Maleficent and then into Ven in what would be a future KHUx update

(I still think the fact that Brain wanted to bring up the Union Leader thing with Ephemer, specifically, seems to point to Skuld since she and Ephemer have a history that Brain knows about and if you found out that a friend’s friend was possibly a traitor, you’d warn them first. Not to mention that Player should not have been with the Dandelions and yet Skuld was the first person on site to save them, which possibly was a point of divergence in the “planned” timeline)

From Vanitas’s new lines, he may be Darkness. And yet, his old lines still indicate that he’s Ven’s darkness. Which got me thinking something wild. No real evidence for this yet, but for some reason I find myself wondering if these “monsters” of Darkness that the Master of Masters mentioned could be a hive mind of sorts. And perhaps they reproduce by planting seeds of Darkness in the hearts of others that “feed off” of the darkness that’s already in there. That would reconcile how Vanitas could be Ven’s “brother” crafted of his darkness, and yet also a separate consciousness

The Sea Salt Trio “reclaiming the Recuscant’s Sigil” was... really dumb. Really, Roxas? Being brought back to life wasn’t good enough? You need to take a magic X, too? You may have been bound to the Organization, but the symbol of your friendship was always the ice cream

Roxas having Reversal was a cute touch. Loved that

The fucking Daybreak Town history mural in Scala ad Caelum reached out and slapped me across the face as someone who’s played KHUx since release day. The way the “BREAK” lingers in the slides was like... ouch. Now make the final Keyblade War missions PLAYABLE so we can see the break!

I think it says something about me that my first thought when looking at the empty fountain was “cast Waterga” instead of “hit giant conspicuous objects surrounding fountain that you can lock onto”

There was so much good Riku+Mickey and Riku+Terra content and I���m just so glad that they remembered the other people Riku loves. The way he gets protective over the Replica body because it has “important memories” in it, which I can only imagine were Repliku’s memories of Namine... boy...

Repliku should’ve just taken the goddamn replica. I’m sorry, but the fact that he doesn’t is silly. They have Even! Even, who made them in the first place. You’re telling me that he couldn’t just make another? Or that no other Organization member dropped a replica body when they were defeated??? No less than six members had replica bodies. Obviously Xion kept hers, but that still leaves five that should’ve been there. None of them could be used for Namine? And if Repliku had taken the body that was already pre-programmed to house his heart, they could’ve had an extra fighter for the side of light. Like there’s just no good reason for Repliku to ditch the replica body for Namine unless they really needed to kill him off for RikuNami content

Riku deserved to have a new little brother as much as Sora and Kairi deserved their new siblings. At the very least, Repliku deserved to survive if they were going to bring him back into the plot for KH3

Bless the Guardians all fighting together, even if I would’ve liked Mickey, Aqua, and Xion to contribute a bit more than Reflect. Still, Lea and Aqua team attack with banter? Xion/Ven/Roxas team attack??? Terra/Riku team attack! Very good, this is exactly what the whole ending sequence should’ve been. All of the heroes engaging in weird team-ups with banter

I swear I felt like I was doing something wrong the entire Mickey sequence. He felt like he was making no progress! Why that mouse gotta be so slow!?

The detail of Sora and Kairi’s memories making up the feathers of their team attack! An attack called One Heart! That hug where they cradle each others’ heads! The fact that Sora was so on the ball healing me as Kairi because I sucked! Their hearts intertwining and them coming into being in each others’ arms in the Final World! That’s deep love, baby. Ain’t no drifting apart there

When Chirithy cries I cry. I’d die for that little guy. Even if that’s Ven’s Chirithy and my character from KHUx’s that I’m actually attached to is probably dead

We really got nothing extra about those KHUx ties, which is wild but also I guess understandable since the game’s still updating and we need to keep people playing it. More people would play it if the gameplay system was overhauled and I have a list of ways they could do it, but we all know that’s not gonna happen

Limit Cut definitely feels like it’s just an explanation for the Data Fights + Sequel Bait. So far I’ve beaten Repliku and tested out Luxord, which feels beatable once I get the pattern down enough to do it quickly and also don’t use Ultima Weapon because it just hits cards it isn’t supposed to. I... don’t think my strategy of “spam Rage Form and Ultimate Form to abuse i-frames until the magic bar recharges to heal” was the intended way to do that, but it worked

Also Invi’s robes are normal-colored in the Journal entry so I dunno WHAT’S up with the magenta color in the Secret Video! I also found it funny that the Journal describes all four of the Foretellers it lists as “wearing white robes” even though literally only Ira’s robe is white, Invi’s and Aced’s only have whitish-sections but are predominantly another color, and Gula’s has zero white at all. Goooooood job

[flowerofiris]

Three Houses Quotes

I thought I’d make quotes for Nino based on if she were in Three Houses for real; a few of these are her Heroes quotes, but the majority of them are made on the spot. If I missed any, let me know! I’ll probably go back and add more as well; I’ll put this in my headcanons list for safekeeping!

Dining

Likes: Saghert and Cream, Sweet Bun Trio, Peach Sorbet, Vegetable Pasta Salad, Onion Gratin Soup, Country-Style Red Turnip Plate, Vegetable Stir-Fry, Fruit and Herring Tart, Scrambled Eggs with Vegetables Neutral: Pheasant Roast with Berry Sauce, Beast Meat Teppanyaki, Pickled Rabbit Skewers, Daphnel Stew, Gronder Meat Skewers, Derdriu-Style Fried Pheasant, Grilled Herring, Fish and Bean Soup, Fisherman's Bounty, Fish Sandwich, Two-Fish Saute, Sweet and Salty Whitefish Sauté, Sautéed Pheasant and Eggs, Garreg Mach Meat Pie, Cheesy Verona Stew, Pickled Seafood and Vegetables, Gautier Cheese Gratin, Cabbage and Herring Stew, Fried Crayfish Dislikes: Small Fish Skewers, Bourgeois Pike, Sautéed Jerky, Spicy Fish and Turnip Stew, Super-Spicy Fish Dango (Affected by Sweet-Tooth Week)

“This is really tasty! I'm so glad you invited me, Professor; we should eat together more often!” — Positive “It makes me feel happy to share dinner with others. It's the little things in life that make it nice!” — Neutral “Oh... I'm sorry, I... well, I appreciate the company...!” — Negative

Cooking Together

“I'm so happy you asked me to help you cook! I'll show you what I can do!” — First quote “I prefer baking over cooking, but being able to cook together is really fun!” — Second quote

Choir Practice

“I don't get to sing very often! But I think I'm decent enough at it, maybe!”

Instruction

“Thanks for all of your help! I'll keep working hard!” — Great “I'm doing a great job today, don't you think?” — Great “Hehe...! I did my best, just like I said I would!” — Perfect “You really know how to brighten someone's day!” — Praise “Oh, I... I'm sorry, I'm just not getting it...” — Bad “I... I think I get it... maybe...” — Critique “It's okay to make mistakes like that...? Alright... I'll just try again...!” — Console (Correct)

Group Tasks

“Let's work together!” — First speaker “Don't worry! I'm gonna do my best!” — Second speaker “All done! What do you think?” — Good “We both work really well together! Are you proud of us?” — Perfect

Teatime

“I was never invited to tea back at home! This is really fun!” — Starting teatime in Part I “Sharing a moment like this with you... It really helps take the stress away.” — Starting teatime in Part II “Oh! I really like this kind! Thank you for getting it for me!” — Favorite tea (Sweet-Apple Blend) quote “This tea looks really fancy... did you really get this for me?” — Expensive tea quote “Mmmm... tasty!” — Sipping tea “This is nice...” — Sipping tea “Ah...! A little hot...” — Sipping tea

Part I Quotes “Everyone's been so nice to me... I just hope I can live up to all of the praise.” (Answer: Commend, Nod) “Sometimes I get really scared for everyone. You'll protect us, won't you?” (Answer: Nod, Blush) “I’ve been doing a very good job! Today, I learned how to spell a really big word!” (Answer: Commend) “I had a nightmare last night... It was really scary, but it was just a dream...” (Answer: Chat) “The greenhouse is such a nice place! I could stay and look at the flowers forever!” (Answer: Nod, Chat, Laugh)

Part II Quotes “I've already lived through a terrifying battle, but this war... I'm still doing my best, but I'm scared, Professor.” (Answer: Commend) “I'm tired of seeing death all around me. I've already seen enough death for a lifetime.” (Answer: Nod, Sip tea) “I still really like cuddling with stuffed animals... That's not weird for an adult, is it?” (Answer: Disagree) “My mother... my real mother... I didn't really know her, but I miss her so much.” (Answer: Chat)

“Hehe! You keep looking at me! Is there any reason why?” — Teatime quote “I've been trying to get some exercise. I've been getting better at lifting weapons!” — Teatime quote “What do you think about when you look at me? Are you thinking about how much I've grown?” — Teatime quote, Part II “I know I'm still really short compared to everyone in the monastery, but I don't think that matters too much.” — Teatime quote, Part II “I had so much fun! Thank you, Professor!” — End quote

Gifts and Lost Items

“This is really for me? Thank you so much!” — Positive “Aww, thank you!” — Neutral “Oh, um... well, I, uh... I appreciate the gesture...” — Negative “Oh! Oh! That's mine! I was so afraid I'd never see it again! Thank you so much!” — Lost item quote “Oh no, someone lost this? I really hope you can find whoever lost it!” — Incorrect lost item quote

Class Change

Part I “It was stressful, but I passed!” — Passing a class change exam “I wonder what opportunities this will bring!” — Class change quote “Any change is helpful, no matter what!” — Class change quote Part II “Is this going to be enough to help everyone...?” — Class change quote “If I have to fight, I'll just take it in stride...” — Class change quote

Level Up

Part I “Now, leave everything to me! I know I can do it!” — Increasing 7-8 stats “I feel like I can do anything right now!” — Increasing 5-6 stats “Now I'll be of more help here, even if it's just a little bit!” — Increasing 3-4 stats “No! I don't want to be useless forever!” — Increasing 1-2 stats “I guess I really am doing the best I can!” — Level cap Part II “Even in the face of danger... I'm going to prevail for everyone's sake!” — Increasing 7-8 stats “I think I still like getting stronger...” — Increasing 5-6 stats “Will the growth still be worth it in the end?” — Increasing 3-4 stats “Maybe I really am just slowing everyone down...” — Increasing 1-2 stats "This might just be as good as it gets.” — Level cap

Skill Level

Part I “I'll work even harder now, just for you!” — Increase “You know I'll do my best!” — Increase “Now I'm really starting to shine!” — Increase “Hehe! I knew I could do it! Did you?” — S+ rank/class mastery Part II “Even now, there's room for potential...” — Increase “I hope this will help me.” — Increase “I'm still growing.” — Increase “This is for everyone's sake.” — S+ rank/class mastery

Goal Changes

"I think it should be pretty easy to tell that I should become a Mage! I was trained to be one back in Elibe, so it's only natural that I continue my training here!" Focus on reason to become a Mage. "I thought about it, and I think I would be a lot more of a benefit to everyone if I could heal everyone in the midst of battle! I'd still be able to focus on my talent for Reason, but I'll need a little more training in Faith!" Focus on faith to become a Cleric. "Hey, guess what? A horse with wings is called a pegasus! I bet you didn't know that, did you?... Huh? You did? Then you can see the appeal, right? I'm mostly oriented around magic, but it'd be a great learning experience to train with weaponry!" Focus on lances and flying to become a Pegasus Knight. (More TBA)

Advice Box

(TBA when event starts)

Unit Selection

“Do my best!” — Part I quote. “Don't worry, I'll be okay!” — Part I quote, half HP “No, I... I'll be fine, really...” — Part I quote, low HP “I just want it to be over.” — Part II quote “It'll be okay... I hope.” — Part II quote, half HP “Lloyd... Linus... Jaffar...” — Part II quote, low HP

Victory

“I always do my best!” — Part I quote “Hehe! I guess that's done!” — Part I quote “I did very well!” — Part I quote “We can win this!” — Part I quote “That's it... for now.” — Part II quote “My best was finally good enough.” — Part II quote “Everyone, please stay with me.” — Part II quote

Critical

“I'll do my best!” — Part I quote “I won't lose! Not me!” — Part I quote “I can do this!” — Part I quote “Haaaaaaah!” — Part I+II quote “I don't want this!” — Part II quote “I'm sorry!” — Part II quote “This has to end!” — Part II quote “Oooh! Can you do that again?” — Part I quote when nearby unit gets a critical hit “I hope I can live up to that.” — Part II quote when nearby unit gets a critical hit

[birdlord]

Every Book I Read in 2018

Again, better late than never??

01 On the Town; Marshall Berman - A freewheeling personal and general history of Times Square, which had some great historical tidbits I’d never read before. I think I would have got more out of it if I were interested in Broadway musicals...

02 Stephen Florida; Gabe Habash - A slim little book that follows a college wrestler. One of those books that is described as muscular, when what they mean is brutal. 

03 Green Grass, Running Water; Thomas King - Four plot lines intertwine in a story blending mythology, creation, and modern First Nations people dealing with massive transformational change to their lands. I did sometimes feel like I would have enjoyed it more as an audio storytelling experience. 

04 People who Eat Darkness: The Fate of Lucie Blackman; Richard Lloyd Parry - I don’t often read books like this, but this is essentially a true-crime sort of story, about the murder of a British woman who works as a bar hostess in Japan. Parry covers not just her story, but the whole aftermath, which even pulls in Tony Blair, eventually. 

05 My Brother’s Husband; Gengoroh Tagame - Weirdly, two Japan-related books in a row! Another culture-clash tale, when the Canadian husband visits his deceased husband Ryoji’s single-parent brother. The couple had never been to Japan while Ryoji was alive, and so the story of slow acceptance (helped along by little Kana’s openhearted curiosity) is suffused with sadness. 

06 Ghosts of the Tsunami: Life & Death in Japan’s Disaster Zone; Richard Lloyd Parry - And, let’s make it three! When the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in 2011, I remember thinking that the reaction seemed so orderly, so...Japanese. But this examination puts you right in the various affected communities, following different people, including schoolchildren from Okawa primary. Like with the other Parry book above, we hear about all of the grief, ghosts and lawsuits that follow the disaster. 

07 Mademoiselle: Coco Chanel and the Pulse of History; Rhonda K. Garelick - Once she became famous, Coco Chanel built a scaffolding of lies about her past, and the purpose of this biography is to attempt to see the truth behind them. Garelick concentrates heavily on Chanel’s collaboration with the Nazis, which must have been a challenge given that her company still exists, under her name.

08 Kubrick; Michael Herr - “They speak about the dumbing of America as a foregone thing, already completed, but, duh, it’s a process, and we haven’t seen anything yet. The contemplation of this culture isn’t for sissies, and speaking about it without becoming shrill is increasingly difficult, maybe impossible.” Whoa!

09 Call Me by Your Name; Andre Aciman - I did read this after seeing the film, so as usual it was hard to divorce it from the movie experience. 

10 The Left Hand of Darkness; Ursula K LeGuin - A thought experiment about a genderless world, seen from the perspective of an off-planet envoy, who has a range of reactions to the world’s inhabitants. The most enduring section of the book involves a brutal 3-month expedition undertaken by the exiled envoy and a local, a trial by ice, wind and snow. A winter read. 

11 Stamped from the Beginning; Ibram X. Kendi - I don’t think I’d really fully grokked the idea that southern white supremacy built itself in order to prevent an uprising of the black and white underclasses, together. The basic rubric of this book is separating American movements, parties and individuals’ thinking into one of three categories: assimilationist, segregationist or genuinely antiracist. Supporting results like abolitionism does NOT make one antiracist, since support could come those with less pure motivations. I highly recommend this one, though it was copy-edited in a pretty haphazard manner!

12 Witches, Midwives and Nurses: A History of Women Healers; Barbara Ehrenreich & Dierdre English - A short book charting a couple of parallel stories, of women healers in Europe being dismissed as witches, and the masculinization of medicine (particularly midwifery and the medicine of birth) in the USA. 

13 Her Body and Other Parties; Carmen Maria Machado - Short stories skirting the edge of a lot of genres; horror, science fiction, dark comedy. These are women’s stories, that refuse to be dismissed as chick lit. It didn’t connect with me as deeply as it has for some, but I see the appeal. 

14 Look Alive Out There; Sloane Crosley - Largely comedic set of essays by a writer whose earlier work I read, about a decade back. It’s a strange experience, to return to someone who has written memoir that seemed to exemplify that late-2000s era and discover that she - and you - have grown. 

15 Homesick for Another World; Otessa Moshfegh - Moshfegh’s choice of words (not to mention her characters themselves) remain utterly revolting. I often found myself looking up, shaking my head as if to say THIS BOOK. Considerably funnier than Eileen, which was the first of hers that I read. 

16 My Year of Rest & Relaxation; Otessa Moshfegh - After reading this, I found out that Moshfegh basically set out to get her work noticed by populating it with these vile young women. Well, it worked! Your tolerance for unlikeable main characters will be tested by this rich Columbia grad who decides to prescribe herself into a virtual coma within her NY apartment, at the turn of the millennium. And yes, it ends where you think it does. 

17 They Can’t Kill us Until They Kill Us; Hanif Abdurraquabi - This collection of music-related writing is wildly far-ranging, poetic and emotional. For myself, I did find I was more interested in those that were related to bands or musicians I had some experience with myself , which was not always the case. 

18 The Bad Food Bible: How and Why to Eat Sinfully; Aaron Carroll and Nina Teicholtz - If you’re a reader of the food media, most of what’s in here will be familiar to you, debunking fears of meat, GMOs, gluten, MSG. The authors keep their own experience, taste and interests very much in the forefront, which ends up feeling smug and irritating. 

19 The Mere Wife: A Novel; Maria Dahvana Headley - My knowledge of Beowulf is scant at best, but this retelling stood very much on its own two feet, set in a tony suburb and comparing the experience of two very different mothers of two very different sons. 

20 How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays; Alexander Chee - I’m very much On The Record as being against writers writing about writing, but this might just be an exception. 

21 Vancouver Special; Charles Demers - A sort of update on Douglas Coupland’s City of Glass, a book I loved and reread many times. This one has both a more historical bent, and an actual political viewpoint, contrasting with Coupland’s Gen X remoteness.

22 Crudo; Olivia Laing - A rushing frantic little novel, incorporating Trump tweets and Kathy Acker quotes throughout. A difficult read so close to the events described, but I can see this being an amazing window into this weird time, once a few years have passed. 

23 Hits & Misses; Simon Rich - This might also be on the line of “writers writing about writing” but Rich manages to do so in a charmingly self-deprecating way. 

24 2020 Commission Report on the North Korean Nuclear Attacks Against the US; Jeffrey Lewis - Speculative fiction written as a government report, responding, as we all have been doing, to the endlessly unprecedented Trump presidency. It all started with a tweet, of course...

25 A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities that Arise in Disaster; Rebecca Solnit - This book is intended to counter the idea that disasters (“natural” and otherwise) lead people to indulge their worst sides. Solnit looks at the aftermath of some 20th C disasters like the Halifax Explosion, 9/11 and various earthquakes to find examples of people banding together to help the wounded and homeless, even taking the opportunity to create new institutions when authorities fail to do so. A tonic for a world in which disasters are likely to become increasingly common. 

26 How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them; Jason Stanley - When I lived in Scotland in 2010, I went to an anti-fascist rally in Edinburgh, and I remember feeling like those attitudes were closer to the surface over there, where at home in Canada they felt abstract. This book traces how fascist policies lurk within democratic frameworks, and can sometimes metastasize to take over the host. Suffice it to say I was probably wrong then, and I’m definitely wrong now.

[aweebwrites]

Trials of the Heart (H&F)

Warning: Blood, gore, dismemberment

___________

"It's finally spring!" Jay chirped flying out of the side of their cliff home, over the still iced over waters l along the fjord they called home.

"This winter was a little shorter than normal through." Cole says as he walked along the shore, finned tail flicking back and forth as he looked it over.

"By a few days." Kai agrees, perched on Cole's back. "Jay's happy about it so I am too." The Phoenix harpy grinned and Cole smiled a little.

"Alright. Off. I have to break up the ice for Nya then you do your thing." Cole told him and Kai nods, taking air and hovering there as he watched Cole rolled his shoulders.

He pushed himself up on his hind legs then slammed his front ones down, creating an earthquake to shatter the ice along the water.

"Show time." Kai grinned then flew over to Nya's side of the lake end of the fjord and gathered fire along his feathers and him his mouth, much like a dragon.

He then blew it out as he flew around, melting the ice on top and continuing still to warm the water up a bit.

"That should do it. She can swim out and about but the deeper portion of the water will be pretty cold." Kai says, coming to a hover over the water as Cole walked over to the iceless side of the lake area.

"It'll take a few weeks before it's warm enough for her. Skylor should be fine." Cole agrees. "Hey Jay, tell them the good news." He called out to the storm harpy that was doing loopty loops in the air.

"Gotcha!" Jay called out then pulled off a sharp dive then turned last minute, going into the side of the cliff.

"In the meantime, I'm gonna take a quick run to see if all the ice around the edges are broken up." Cole says, turning away.

"Alright." Kai says, watching him take off in a steady gallop.

"Kai!" Said Phoenix blinked at his name then looked towards the large chunks of ice on the colder side of the lake.

He spotted Zane once he raised a hand and waved. Kai chuckled as he flew over.

"Boy you really do blend in with the ice." Kai smiled as Zane slid up on a large chunk.

"Could you do me a favour?" Zane asked quickly and Kai frowned at his urgent tone.

"Sure. What is it?" Kai asked, flying closer to the mer, watching curiously as he held something to his chest then stretched his hand out to show Kai. "Oh. It's your gold. Do you need me to make it into something for you?" He asked, using his taloned foot to take it as he hovered still.

"Yeah. But it's something specific…" Zane says with a light blue flush in his cheeks that had Kai raising a brow.

"Well then… I'm all ears." Kai hummed, intrigued.

Cole on the other hand stood on the other side of the cliff facing, making it to the top rather easily. It gave him a higher view of the water below. It was all broken up. Much further down the channel still had ice but that would melt on its own soon. He turned around then galloped his way down the hill that made the cliff, enjoying the feeling of his hooves hitting the ground, the wind through his much longer hair. It's getting out of control. He should find some way to trim it but…

He thought back to all the times Zane kept running his class through the thick strands of his hair, an adoring look in his eyes. Well. If Zane liked it that much, he would keep it as is. He looked ahead curiously once he noticed Zane and Kai talking. They looked up to see him before Kai grinned and flew off.

"What's that all about?" Cole asked as he slowed to a trot.

"Nothing." Zane immediately dismissed then slid his way further on sure and Cole smiled, kneeling before him and cupping his cheeks.

"You're up to something. I can tell." Cole hummed and Zane only grinned, revealing sharp, pearly whites teeth.

"Maybe… But you're going to have to wait and see." Zane purrs, using his mate as support so he could reach his height.

"Ooooh. A surprise. I like the sound of that." Cole smiled, nuzzling his nose against Zane's as the mer purred happily.

"Good." Zane hummed before they both pressed their lips together, tongues coming into play right away.

Zane's black tongue slid against sharp fangs and further still to strong yet just as sharp molars that weren't that sharp before his change. While Cole had eaten other animals as a normal centaur, most of their diet was plants after all. Now, while Cole would enjoy kelp with him, he very much preferred meat and fish which made his newer, sharper teeth come in handy. On Cole's end, his light green tongue met rows of razor sharp teeth he had to be careful with. While Zane doesn't chew his food, he has this many teeth to allow him to latch on firmly to prey and puncture more lively fish and animals so thoroughly, if they somehow manage to get away, the bite alone is guaranteed to kill them. Their equally long tongues tangled together, their movements slow and savory. That is, until-

"Hey. It's too early for that." Nya called out and they pulled away from each other to blink at the warm water mer as she swum around stretching her fins.

"There's still a week tops before you two get rut brained." Skylor smirked as she allowed herself to float and both cold water mer and Kelpie flushed.

"You're one to talk." Cole huffed as Zane hid his face into his muscular chest, a low whine leaving him as he flicked his tail in embarrassment.

"Cool it. By then we're all slaves to instinct." Jay huffed as he arrived on scene, landing on the shore. "Really, if anyone should be making fun of anyone or complain, it's the Senseis and Lloyd." He says, sitting on the cold sand.

"Which is why we should make sure everything is in order for when they wake up." Kai says, arriving as well, perching next to his mate. "They can awaken at anytime during or after that time for us so let's start planning." He told them and they nodded.

"Alright. Anyone have any clue what waking dragons need?" Nya asked and there was all around silence.

"Boy do we have our work cut out for us…" Cole says drily.

___

"So food's obviously gonna be a thing on the list." Nya says, sitting on the shore with everyone else. "But we can't start stocking up too early and risk spoilage nor can we wait until it's too late and our instincts are mostly in control." She says, tapping a red claw against her arm.

"We start gathering in about 4 or 5 days instead then." Zane suggests and Nya nods.

"Fair enough. I'm just grasping at straws here but since the cold had put them to sleep to begin with, maybe some warmth will help them wake up." Cole suggested.

"So… We make them a fire?" Kai questions.

"That seems impractical since we don't know exactly when they're gonna wake up." Skylor pointed out.

"Well yeah, but they can all spark a fire on their own. Maybe we just leave them supplies to make it." Cole clarified and they paused to think on it.

"Not a bad idea." Jay nods, the others agreeing.

"Ok. Food and warmth. What else?" Nya asked them and they all paused to think.

"Oh! Water!" Jay spoke up with a grin.

"Of course." They huffed, facepalming.

"Alright. Food, warmth and water. Anything else they might need?" Cole listed off and they paused to think on it.

"No. I think that's about it." Kai says, crossing his singed arms.

"Alright. Then- huh?" Cole looked at Zane as he scented the air, eyes narrowed sharply.

Of all of them, Zane had the best sense of smell as he needed it for his time up north while hunting. He narrowed his eyes at the tree line, spines standing on edge along his back down his tail as a low hiss escaped him. That put all of them on guard. Zane's never reacted like this before, not even to the bear that attacked them during autumn. It must be an intruder.

"We'll take a look from above." Kai says seriously as Cole urged Zane in the water fully, just in case.

They took off once Nya nods, retreating to the water as well but still staying close to shore with Skylor. They had an advantage there after all. Soon, Cole could hear them approach and he snorts, dragging his hoof through the sand, ready to attack at any given time.

"I see them. it's just one creature." Jay says, sharp eyes spotting the figure as they keep coming directly towards them before his eyes widened once they walked through thinner coverage. "It's a-"

"Centaur?" Kai finished, surprised.

He wasn't the only one. Centaurs don't live this far up north naturally. Plus, there's a lot of hills and mountains rather than the plains centaurs prefer. Cole should know, he used to be one. That didn't make him any less wary though. Finally, they broke through the tree line and Cole blinked at the centaur that walked through. It wasn't anyone he's met before, that's for sure. She was a very light brown, almost blonde coloured centaur who's coat matched her wavy hair that spilled down her back. She looked around with wide hazel eyes then spotted Cole.

"Oh… You're a centaur…" She says, walking forwards slowly. "But also not?" She says, spotting his finned tail as it flicked back and forth warily.

"Who are you? Why are you here?" Cole asked, getting right to it.

"Oh. I'm Mariah. I…" Tears filled her eyes. "I got separated from my herd. We were escaping hunters…" She whispered as tears fell down her cheeks.

"You're a long way from any nearby plains though." Jay says suspiciously as he swooped down to land.

Apparently that was the wrong thing to do since she reared up with a startled whinny then galloped towards Cole. He tensed, ready for an attack- only to blink when she held onto his arm tightly, whimpering against the back of his shoulder from her shorter statue. Cole… Didn't know what to make of this.

Zane on the other hand… He watched with wide eyes from the water as she held onto his mate's arm, burying her face into his mate's skin. He stared for a moment longer before he released a series of warning clicks and trills under the water that mimicked growls, the broken up ice solidifying again as he glared at the imposing female with icy venom.

"Cold!" Nya's yelp startled him out of his challenging stance.

He watched as both she and Skylor dove under the water before the surface stilled, solidifying into clear ice. His ear fins flattened when he realised that he was the cause.

"What happened Zane?" Cole asked, green eyes focused on him, the worry in them thawing the icy bitterness that took him just now.

"Oh. Sorry. I wasn't paying attention." He apologised with a sheepish smile.

It wasn't a lie but it wasn't the whole truth. He just felt silly for reacting the way he has. Cole loves him and this outsider will be leaving anyways. Speaking of, she turned around to see him, seeing his intimidating teeth and claws then gave a shrieking whinny, shifting to bury her face into Cole's chest, trembling with her tail between her legs. Cole grimaced, looking down at the skittish girl then sighed. They couldn't just tell her to scram. It wasn't in their nature.

"Jay, could you and Kai look around to see if you can find any nearby centaurs?" Cole asked, looking across at him.

"Roger." Jay nods then took off, going after Kai who had remained hidden but only to ambush if necessary.

"You know that harpy?" Mariah asked, looking up at him with wide eyes.

'Isn't that obvious?' Cole thought dryly. "Yeah. He's a friend. Don't worry. We'll find your herd." He says aloud and Mariah smiled widely.

"Thank you for your help!" She says happily, nuzzling against him and Zane sneered, his sharp teeth glinting menacingly as he narrowed glowing arctic blue eyes at her from the water.

For her sake, Kai and Jay better find her herd quickly.

________

"This is bad." Nya says from inside her pool in the cave.

"Yeah. Mariah's presence means that hunters have already mobilised and are closing in." Skylor says with a frown, keeping her company, her sealskin wrapped around Nya's neck to help keep her warm.

"That's bad but it's not what I meant." Nya says, glancing towards the obscure exit onto the beach. "I meant Mariah all but clinging to Cole like that." She clarified.

"Huh? But it's obvious he isn't interested in her." Skylor says with a frown.

"Yeah that may be true but not only has Zane never experienced a challenger who obviously wants to stake a claim, it's really close to that time of the year. You should know. Jealousy and instincts aren't the best mix." Nya says pointedly and Skylor's purple serpentine tail swung from side to side.

"True. Do you think he'll attack?" Skylor asked, resting her chin in her clawed hand.

"Definitely if Mariah keeps clinging to Cole like a parasite. It's just a matter of when." Nya says, nuzzling the warm seal skin around her neck. "I've never seen a cold water mer before Zane and I certainly haven't seen them hostile. I've heard that's when they're most fearsome." She whispered.

"... I've seen cold water mers before him. They aren't as social as Zane is. They're intimidating, even while not paying any creature any mind." Skylor says, recalling a brief trip she had some time ago further up north.

They were all pretty gray scale, varying from dark gray to light with barely visible flecks of colour. They were all pretty big too, not to say Zane was small. He was much bigger than Nya and herself after all. It's just… She slipped into the water, using her legs to tread as she brushed Nya's hair back. They've gotten so used to Zane, to how soft and kind he was. This would be a reminder that Zane is capable of more than they ever thought. Nya looked up at her with her clear blue eyes and she smiled softly, her purple serpentine tail coming around to wrap around Nya's tail. It'll be unfortunate but it might also be a good thing.

_________

Cole sat, completely annoyed on the shore, a hand crafted fire before him… And Mariah glued to his side, preventing him from going in the water and cuddling Zane in his arms, preventing him from watching his relaxed face as he slept soundly, brushing his fingers against his pale cheek…

"It's a pretty cold tonight, isn't it?" Mariah asked with a shiver but Cole couldn't feel it.

The cold didn't bother him at all and as far as he knew, heat is the same.

"I suppose." Cole says, trying not to let his annoyance bleed through into his voice.

He knew it wasn't her fault but dammit he can't leave her out here alone. Centaurs separated from a tightly knit herd go through separation anxiety. It has them searching endlessly for their herd or latch onto a new one- or any creature close to a centaur. It's what helps his former kind integrate into new herds. He frowns, looking out at the iced over water, at the small hole there that was just about large enough for a head to poke through.

This'll be the first time in over a year Zane would sleep by himself. That realisation didn't bode well with him. He hopes Zane would have patience, until Mariah was gone…

Zane on the other hand tried to talk himself down just below the ice. He was just so used to sleeping next to Cole, his body can't even fathom such a feat tight now. At least his species could go days without sleep and still be unaffected but it was a routine he had come to treasure and she was ruining it with her presence! A low warning trill escaped him as his spines flared wider slowly darkening as more of his blue blood pumped through them. He shook his head, trying to shake it off. He knows Cole loves him and would never pick her over him. Knows this more than anything. But the problem lies with that mare touching his mate. A low trill escaped him as he looked up towards the surface with ominously glowing blue eyes. He doesn't share.

____________

Morning came with no signs from Kai and Jay, giving the odd family reason to worry.

"They never take this long to come back…" Cole whispered, looking to the sky. "How long have you been wandering?" He asked the mare who was glued to his side still.

"I've lost track. A few days at least…" Mariah says quietly, pressing even closer and Cole grimaced realising that this might actually take longer than he'd expected.

She's out of luck come a few days. Whether she likes it or not, he'll be returning to the water to mate with his mate. Speaking of, he hasn't been able to see him since she got here. It was time he changed that.

"Wait here." He told her, getting to his hooves and walking towards the water.

"You'll come back, right?" She asked, eyes wide and tear filled.

"Yeah. Don't worry. In just a sec." Cole says, glancing over his shoulder at her then stepped onto the iced over lake.

"Are you sure?" She called out, figuring nervously.

"Yeah. I'm sure." Cole says, irritation blooming.

He doesn't want to be angry at her but he hasn't been able to hold his mate since she got-

"I'll come with you." She says as she got up, trotting over.

"No. You can't. I'm-"

The ice breaking the moment she stepped on it cut off Cole's explanation and she rested back at the ice cold water that splashed against her legs.

"C-Cold!" Mariah stuttered, backing up and Cole facepalmed.

What was this situation even?

"I- I'm sorry. I just… I just wanted to stay with you a little. Just until I can find my pack and I… I'm already such a burden…" She whispered, wiping her tears with the back of her hands and Cole felt a twinge of guilt.

He looked out to the ice, seeing barely visible eyes of glowing blue there, watching their movements.

"Sorry Zane. Maybe later on." Cole says softly then walked out of the water, missing when it immediately froze over. "You're shivering. Let's head back. I'll build another fire." He says, reaching a hand down to help her up.

Mariah sniffled then nodded, taking his hand, not letting it go as she followed alongside him. The temperatures took a steep dip then, frost building up along the bark of the trees. Cole turned back to the frozen body of water once he heard something. It was more like low vibrations coming from the water. He shook it off. He must have been hearing things.

_____

Zane decided the best way to push these feelings back was contact with his mate. A kiss even. Just the thought had him perking up as he used his claws to cut himself a hole so he could pop up through. He pulled himself out of the water partially, his tail still mostly in the hole as he looked around. He perked up even more seeing Cole return from a round of hunting.

"Cole!" Zane called out grinning once his Kelpie mate perked up at his voice and smiled widely, seeing him waiting for him.

He dropped the rabbits he caught and galloped towards the ice- but Zane just wasn't allowed to have good things while Mariah was around, was he?

"Oh? That's your name?" Mariah asked, intercepting his path to him. "I'm sorry. I should have asked earlier. I must seem so insensitive now." She apologized as Zane's happiness faded.

"It's fine. I just have to-"

"So rabbits co-" Mariah had cut Cole off, only to he cut off herself once she ends up tripping on something partially buried in the sand, leaving her to yelp and fall against Cole, both of them ending up on the ground, Mariah half across Cole. "I'm sorry! I'm so clumsy! Are you ok?!" She asked him, sitting in her haunches as Cole sat up, trying not to let his irritation show.

"I'm fine." Cole says quietly.

He looked at the ice once he heard a silent splash, only to find both Zane and the hole gone, as if they never were. Cole didn't like that. It didn't sit well with him how he just took off. He stood then paused once he realised something. Another breath out turned to fog as the temperature plummets further.

"W-w-wow. It g-g-got so c-c-cold all of a sudden." Mariah stuttered, getting to her hooves as she rubbed her bare arms. "It's snowing…" She whispered and Cole looked up seeing the snow drifting down from the pale blue sky.

This was… Abnormal. Cole looked to the frozen solid lake. Was this… Was this Zane's doing?

"Mariah. Head inside the cave." Cole told her and she looked at him wide eyed.

"B-b-"

"Would you rather freeze to death before you ever see your herd again?" Cole asked her, clipped and blunt, unphased as more tears filled her eyes.

"N-no…" She says, looking down then fiddling with her hands.. "It's just…"

Cole straightened, hearing something from the lake, calling him, beaconing him to come. No doubt it was Zane.

"Wait!" Mariah says, grabbing his arm and Cole turned around to finally snap at her, only to find her lips pressed against his.

Meanwhile, it was all Zane could do to control himself. His mind was filled with dark, gruesome things, claws ready to inflict critical damage, teeth itching to sink and rip into flesh. He tried breathing in slowly through his gills, trying to calm his rushing pulse, trying to grasp at control that was slipping through his webbed hands like sand. Logic knows what's best bit instincts are so much stronger, so much harder to fight. He knew if he let it take over, he would take a life. He didn't want to be that kind of mer, didn't want to prove the stereotypes of his kind right. He clenched his fists tightly, trying to prevent his body from preparing to fight, to maim. His mind was a mess. Emotions, logic and instincts all clashing, overlapping. He needed to calm down, needed to escape the source of his dilemma but he couldn't. He refused. He wouldn't leave Cole alone with her . He didn't trust her. Wouldn't trust her. Not with his mate.

He needed, he needed… He lowered his hands from his face, ignoring the blackness of his claws that now extended past his wrist, ignoring the blue of his fins filled with so much of his blue blood, they looked black ignoring the light blue specks of his body that also took on that same colour. He needed his mate. He needed Cole.

A reverberating croon left him as he called for his mate, calling him to come to him. He's the only one that can quiet the storm in his mind right now. It only occurred to him after a moment that it would be hard to hear under thick ice. He swam up then used his tail to break a large portion of the ice before pushing himself up, ready to restart his calls- only to see Mariah with her lips on his mate's.

That was the last straw. Emotions and mainly instincts won, the whites of Zane's eyes turning dark as he gave a hiss of outrage. They turned towards him but Zane was cutting through the ice like it wasn't there, eyes screaming murder as he locked onto the one who dare challenged him.

"Zane?" Cole whispered, stepping back without realising, getting whiplash from the constant flow of shock.

This Zane looks so different. So much wilder… Deadlier…

"Woah! Shit!" Mariah yelled once Zane ricocheted out of the water, coming directly at her.

She then did something that startled Cole: she teleported out of Zane's line of attack.

"That was close." She sighed once Zane collided with the beach but he still looked fearsome and clearly wasn't about to back down anytime soon.

"... How did you do that?" Cole asked quietly, eyes narrowed in suspicion and Mariah looked at him surprised, realising that she blew her cover before she huffed.

"Damn. Ah well. This was boring anyway." Mariah says and Cole's eyes widened as her centaur form faded away to a completely humane one.

But that along with her teleportation was a clear sign she wasn't a regular human. She was most likely a witch whom were worse than hunters. They hunted just like the humans did but they keep their catch for their essence, adding it to their spells and potions. Essence is the very source of what made a creature who the are and they use the essence from parts of whatever unfortunate creature they manage to capture until they have no more left, until they're nowhere close to the creature they used to be. Essence is strongest with intense feelings as well... Like pain. Death in the end is the only mercy they receive from their capture.

Considering this witch was able to shapeshift and teleport, it was unfortunate that Wu and Garmadon are asleep. Considering the fact that they are asleep and vulnerable, they had to protect them. But Nya and Skylor are too vulnerable to the cold. Kai and Jay are gone too. Zane is… Cole looked past her at his seething black and blue eyed mate. Zane… He spotted a flash of light then jumped back out of the way, Mariah holding a cruel smile on her face.

"Eyed on me loverboy. No more daydreaming." She smirked as her hands glowed. "And to think such a rare sight like you would be more than interested in a fair centaur maiden, just before breeding season, hmm? Though it's peculiar. My love spell hasn't been working at all, no matter how many times I've casted it though touch. I've even gone as far to actually kiss you. My spells always work. Explain this, creature." She sneered, raising a hand towards him threateningly.

"Love spell?" Cole whispered, eyes wide.

It must be because he's already in love with Zane! No time for that. He needed to get rid of her before she does something terrible. But how? His earth powers can only do so much!

"Nevertheless, Kelpie are a truly rare and powerful source of both spiritual and water essence and I plan on taking you with me." She grinned then yelled as she shot a beam of her magic at him and Cole three his hands up to block- but it never landed.

Cole blinked then looked over his arms, eyes wide to see a wall of ice it seems before him. But this ice was different, darker.

"You pesky fish!" Mariah yelled and Cole's eyes widened.

Zane!

Cole was quick to round the ice, seeing Mariah distracted with attacking Zane, his ice blocking her attacks.

"I'll slit your neck and bleed you dry when I'm done with you!" She yelled at him and Cole narrowed his eyes.

He turned around then put his weight on his front hooves and used his back legs to slam into her back, leaving her to tell as the momentum flung her onto the iced over lake, the impact of her landing cracking the ice. Zane moved like a viper in the grass, sliding back into the water quickly, the small hole in the ice freezing over instantly. Cole watched Mariah from the shore as she slowly got up with a groan, bracing himself for what was to come next. Then it happened. Mariah screamed as she found herself high in the air, ice, water and Zane trailing after her mid air from his jump. Cole didn't flinch seeing Zane's sharp teeth sink into her exposed neck, his claws digging into her flesh as he dropped back into the water with her, disappearing under the surface, ice immediately reforming afterwards.

Zane spun as he dragged her deeper into the water, then pulled away with the chunk of her neck he had bitten into. She immediately brought her hands to her heavily bleeding throat as she began to both drown and bleed to death but Zane wasn't done yet. Not even close. He hissed as he swam in, clamping on her arm, shaking her violently until it ripped off. He immediately closed his strong jaw around the other, digging his claws into her flesh to keep her steady as he ripped it off as well. He hissed at her pale, lifeless face then unhinged his jaw for the final blow. He closed his teeth around the entirety of her neck then ripped it free from her body, spitting it out in disgust then sneered at her remains. 

On shore, Cole saw nothing for a few seconds after Zane disappeared below but then the ice under the water began to turn red. He stood there as it sunk in.

Zane just killed someone.

Cole pressed his lips together before they stretched in a smile. He was oddly proud. He had concerns if Zane had enough of a heart to do it if his life was at risk. He forgot that Zane was perhaps the most deadly of them all. It made him even more proud to call Zane his mate.

"Cole!" The centaur looked up once Jay's voice caught his ears, sewing him a moment after flying quickly towards him.

He landed before him, sending icy sand kicking up in the air.

"Mariah is-"

"A witch?" Cole says, cutting him off and confusing Jay.

"Yeah! But how'd you know?" Jay asked, confused.

"She gave herself away. But we don't have to worry about her ever again." Cole says, smiling as he looked out to the lake.

"How come? Hey why is the lake re-"  Jay cut himself off when everything pieced together.

"Holy shit." Kai says, arriving then as well. "I mean, I should have known with Zane being a cold water mer but damn." He says, landing next to them, holding a large gold circlet in hand.

Cole looked at it confused.

"Hey, where'd you find that?" Cole asked him and Kai looked at the solid gold band in hand.

"Oh this? It's actually yours." Kai says, tossing it to him. "Zane asked me to make it for you. It's a permanent accessory so whenever you're ready, I'll melt the gold shut for good." He says with a smirk as Cole looked over the details in the circlet in awe.

That was clearly them along the middle. Zane on one side and him on the other, their tails laced together on the back and them sharing a kiss on the front. Cole's heart warmed as he smiled at it. It was gorgeous.

"Oh. We've brought company by the way." Kai added and Cole glanced over his shoulder, eyes widening to see two familiar figures.

"Where's the witch?" Ronin asked, glancing up at them from under his conical hat as he walked on shore.

"By now? The Departed Realm." Jay says, gesturing to the lake.

"Woah. Zane did that?" Dareth asked surprised, his head cocked to the side. "Jeeze. I didn't think he had it in him." He says with a grimace.

A section of the ice on the lake collapsed suddenly and the group blinked once a darker blue tail tossed out two arms, a torso and a head, all covered in frost. Kai whistled low.

"Remind me not to piss Zane off." Jay says with a grimace.

Cole was more focused on Zane, watching the mer watch him with only his hair and eyes visible. The cold water mer gave a beaconing croon and Cole gave the circlet back to Kai.

"Hold onto this for me." He humbled then walked towards the water, his eyes focused on his mate.

He didn't care about the lingering blood that gave the water a pink tinge. He only cared about Zane. Cole stood there, face to face with Zane, noticing that he still looked so wild, so dangerous with his gorgeous blues replaced with deadly blacks, his glowing eyes standing our even more when framed by black… But he didn't mind at all. He reached out and cupped Zane's cheek gently, stroking his thumb against his skin. Zane purred, leaning into his touch with closed eyes as Cole smiled softly. They both moved, their lips pressing together as they clutched at each other, missing this, missing each other. With a flick of Cole's tail, they both disappeared below the water.

"Awww. A happy ending." Jay cooed next to Kai as Ronin inspected the remains next to them.

"She mostly bled out but there should still be enough for a decent meal." He murmured to himself, ignoring the arms and head, going straight for the body.

"Are you gonna finish that?" Dareth asked eagerly as he watched his partner bare his fangs.

Ronin paused, glancing over at the half werewolf with wide brown eyes, watching his ears perk up as his tail wagged eagerly. Ronin only huffed and tossed him the closest arm, Dareth catching it in his mouth.

"Wouldn't want you to go hungry. You're annoying when you get all whiny." Ronin huffed with a small smirk, his red eyes glinting.

"While you guys do your thing, I'm gonna check up on Nya." Kai says, walking away.

"I'll come with!" Jay chirps, following after him.

The mercenary and his pet partner watched them go before returning their attention to the all expenses paid meal left for them.

"Well. Bon appétit." The vampire murmured then sank his fangs into the shoulder of the corpse, draining her until the raw wounds she had turned pink, unphased by the audible cracking of bone next to him.

Since they ran into them while tracking down that witch, he'll stick around… If only until after the full moon...

_____________

(Hey! Here we are! Zane is soft boi so it was time to shake things up a bit. Also! Next H&F piece will focus on Cole's powers! Because he does have them. It might take a few other elemental visitors for him to see it though. Who knows! CI is up next so see you when that's done!)

[theimpossiblescheme]

Rules: Answer the soft Q&A’s and tag 5 of your most recent followers and 3 of your biggest fans/fave blog/users! I was tagged forever ago by the wonderful @saferincages—thank you so much, dear! ♥

what’s the smell of your shampoo?: I bounce between a lot of different shampoos to keep my hair healthy (I have really thick, curly hair that’s stupidly high-maintenance, and I don’t always have time to wash it), but right now I’m using a strawberry/blueberry blend.

what’s your aesthetic?: Appreciation of platonic love, gentleness and kindness to everyone, fairy tales and folk legends, packed theaters right before the curtain rises, flowers of every color, raspberry tea and strawberry acai, ever-falling and rising anxiety, flowing Gothic dresses and beautiful haunted castles, urban fantasy with fantastical creatures and everyday magic found everywhere, optimism about human nature and the possibility of redemption, late green and pink spring right before golden summer, warmth and comfort, stacks upon stacks of beautiful and well-loved books, somewhere between Rococo and German Expressionist art, Old Hollywood and campy old horror and science fiction, the well-behaved women who don’t make history, Silver and Bronze Age comic books, electroswing and neon-noir straight out of Bioshock, escapism into adventures and characters, gentle storms outside…

what is your favourite time of the day?: I think I like the afternoon best—there’s the most potential to make something of the day before the sun goes down.

what do you like the most about the beach?: I haven’t been to an beach in over five years (Alaska more has cliffs and rock beds than actual sandy beaches), but I remember very vividly going to visit the Santa Monica pier with my mom and sister when we were visiting California in the fall.  It was way too cold to go swimming or anything like that, but I could have sat on the pier and watched the tide come in for hours.

what do you worry about constantly?: There’s nothing I don’t worry about, honestly—anxiety is a bitch and a half. I used to worry about my grades to the point of making myself sick, but now that I’ve gotten to my final semester of college, I’m even more worried about paying for grad school and finding a job in my chosen field.  I know that acting isn’t exactly a stable workforce, but I would hate myself for the rest of my life if I didn’t spend at least part of my life doing it.

what is a song you’ve cried to before?: “Beautiful Times” by Owl City—it was recommended by @askarkham as a sort of anti-suicide/coping with depression song, and it’s such a beautiful song that can overwhelm you the first time you listen to it.

what are some relaxing tips for your followers?: I would say not to care about what anyone thinks of you, but I know that isn’t always practical.  In our personal and practical lives, there are always going to be people we want to be happy and pleased with us, whether they’re loved ones or employers.  So I would advise making a list of the people you really care about.  Maybe your parents are on there, your partners, your bosses, your siblings, your best friends, your favorite teachers and coworkers… these are the people that really matter.  Everybody else can go fly a kite.  You don’t need the weight of everyone in the world’s approval on your shoulders, so it’s best to narrow it down to the ones you really love and value and let the rest of them go.

what are some things that make you tear up?: Beautiful music, powerful and bittersweet moments in movies and books (I tear up every single damn time at “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” from The Return of the King), posts about recovery and coping with depression and panic, hugs from people I love, accounts of sickness and pain (I have terrible mind over matter and can feel sick very easily), unexpected stress, and feeling like I’ve let people down.

what is your favourite from each of the five senses?: sight: My family and friends coming to see me, either in real life or online| smell: Sugar, lavender, and sandalwood | touch: Dog and cat fur, the warmth of a fireplace| taste: Berries and lemonade, vanilla and cream cheese| sound: Live showtunes and orchestras tuning up

what is one alternate reality you’d want to be in?: Any reality where I’m a successful theater actress and not just a starving artist is great for me.  Although Jess’s idea of a bakery with flowers and good books and food and this beautiful aura sounds perfect as a sidegig.

what are some troubles you face on a day to day basis?: One of the reasons I was really sure I have depression as well as anxiety (I’m on an actual antidepressant now, which is awesome) is that I’m always tired.  No matter how much sleep I get the previous night, I constantly have no energy and thus very little motivation to get up and do things, even if it’s just finishing homework or eating more than one meal a day.  I try to give myself a firm kick in the ass to get things done every day and to be there for my friends here online because they deserve the best, and I need to be the closest to my best that I can be. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

what is one scene of a book that’s made you really sad?: The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander was one of the first times I can remember a book really delivering a huge gut-punch.  Adaon’s death was definitely upsetting because it just seemed so wrong that he’d seen it coming all this time and had so long to come to terms with it, and the really dour Empire Strikes Back-style ending where the day had tentatively been won, but at a great cost.  It was the first time a book I’d read had really tackled the idea of people being both good and evil and the inherent tragedy of that idea—nine-year-old me was really taken aback.  That entire series is still one of my formative influences.

say something to all your followers: You guys are honestly too wonderful.  I know I can be inconsistent and random and engage a little too much in The Discourse than is healthy, and I can disappear for long periods of time without even meaning to.  I know I need to try harder at being more active again, and every single one of you guys have been absolutely lovely.  I can’t express how grateful I am—bless you all.

tagging: @enygmass, @hawkeyesout-punks, @cosetteskywalker, @un-fledged, @songofthesstars, @purplezprout, @katelyn-pace, and @midnightalex12—have fun, my dears!  💖✨🌼