#magic swords woo
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nicstylus · 1 year ago
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Art Fight Master Post
(I will re-pin the other masterpost after Art Fight is done)
Art Fight Link: https://artfight.net/~NicStylus
Toyhouse: https://toyhou.se/NicStylus
Carrd: https://nicstylus.carrd.co
Characters
Jason Aequoreus (MotM)
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Jason's Links: Lore Document YT Playlist Spotify Playlist
Zorro (MotM)
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Zorro does not have any links because I've neglected them oops LORE: Zorro used his dark magic too much and got completely turned into a demon. Lucifer (Queen of Hell blah blah blah) fell in love with them, she turned out to be (surprise) a terrible person and they overthrew her. Now they rule the underworld and occasionally assist Jason in his objectives as they are (technically) best friends.
Elflacon (DnD)
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Elfalcon is my (dead :/ ) DnD Character. Since I've played him last though he's gotten a complete glow-up and re-write so here is the new-and-improved Elfalcon. LORE: Elfalcon is a Drow Elf who would be a royal prince if he hadn't been outcast by his family for being cursed. His Drow bloodline takes their lineage very seriously, so when he was cursed to become a Tiefling at night (in hopes that his family would be more accepting of Tieflings) they were outraged and banished him. He has since become a rogue with the intent to slowly whittle away at his families wealth and most valued treasures over time until they seek his assistance with catching this thief and accept him back into the family. At this point though he mostly just steals because fuck his family lol
TheArrowsShadow
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Arrow is my Minecraft Character I'm not actually sure if this counts as an OC, but... I'm submitting him anyway so take that LORE: Arrow is a blind archer (yes, blind.) He prefers Archery over anything else Minecraft related and prefers to hang out with his friends while doing so. Sun (Green hoodie) is his best friend, Breeze (blue hair and horns) is the Mom Friend and Panda (Pink hair) is the Little Sister friend that is completely unhinged. Arrow will match whatever energy you give him, and has the personality of a golden retriever.
Kite
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Kite is my TES Skyrim Khajiit (or Tabaxi if you speak D&D) with the stealth archer build. Kite honestly flips between being male and female in my head so they can be drawn as either or neither or both! LORE: Besides being the last dragonborn (and completely abusing that title) they've joined the Dark Brotherhood and became a Nightingale for the Thieves Guild. Kite enjoys doing trick shots with the bow, consuming every cheese wheel in sight, catching butterflies and decorating NPCs bodies (which may or may not be her doing) and committing unspeakable atrocities upon the townspeople of Falkreath. They're the most proficient in archery and thief skills, whatever that may be, and destruction magic, for some reason. Other than that he pretty much sucks at everything from blacksmithing to healing magic.
TO BE CONTINUED (and updated as I add new characters hopefully)
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swordmaid · 6 months ago
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i am wide awake thinking about that post canon jb au again when I should be sleeping …!!! such is the nature of the jbrainrot…
#the whole setting is jb hanging out in the rock post war#and tyrion became lord of the westerlands / the rock is his but he’s off doing stuff in kingslanding and jaime is just filling in for him#atm . but after tyrion comes back his original plan WAS he’ll get married to brienne right away and they can move back to tarth or be#travelling hedge knights together or whatever brienne wants to do he’s down for it. but the important thing is that he wants to stay with#her .. so he’s using the time they have together currently to court her bc she deserves that at least !!#so jaime goes off trying to court and woo brienne but she just thinks they’re hanging out bc they got relatively close in the war#so jaime being touchy feely isn’t anything new. jaime making innuendos and being kinda flirty isn’t anything new either#but this time he means it LOL he’s like I want to kiss you SO badly and brienne will be like lol silly jaime (:#I was also thinking they’d help rebuild lannisport just bc it’s a time for healing now and it would be good for the people to get to know#jaime and the lannisters in general bc of how they would just used to sit high above the rock looking down on everyone#but now jaime is like. actively helping and being known and being with the people rather than just being that absent distant lord#also he’s thinking he might as well try and foster some relationship with the commoners to his house bc it’s for tyrion anyway#so he’s off doing that and brienne is tagging along bc she does not want to go home yet#she wants to stay with him and she’s helping out as an excuse to stay a little longer but she doesn’t exactly want to leave him#but how do you tell someone that and ignore the big glaring part that she’s actually in love with him and the fact that they both survived#the war is getting her hopeful???? u want her to admit that?? like a normal person??? no..!!#so she’s just staying and helping out bc a) it’s the sensible thing to do b) so she can bask on the sun that is Jaime Lannister#for like a few more days. weeks. maybe a month bc the weather is soooo bad in the stormlands rn 🙄😳#anyway jb hanging out! and everything is going well and good but jaime is now getting popular w the people and he’s also looking quite#rugged and handsome post war now that he’s thirty flirty and thriving and he also has a new scar across his lip that makes his#smirks even more ! rogueish … ! and he looks quite nice with the greying hair 👀 so now there’s gossips around him#not to mention he’s single too and I think if you were one of the heroes who helped win the war they’ll forget the kingslaying#man with no honor business so lo and behold brienne eavesdrops a group of ladies bc she’s a chismosa at heart and they’re talking about a#potential marriage for a lord lannister (!!!) and there’s going to be a big tourney held in Kingslanding for it (!!!)#and brienne remembers jaime mentioning the ought to go to Kingslanding in the next few weeks (!!!) and now she’s remembering jaime IS a#lord though not theee lord of the westerlands STILL a lord from one of the seven houses and he’s single and very eligible for marriage rn#and now she’s realising everything is returning back the way it was before the war where society rules matters and she has her own role as#now the evenstar bc rip selwyn and jaime has his own role too and the court is a whole different battlefield#one that she isn’t equipped in and even though she had found some new confidence in herself bc killing a bunch of ice invisible zombies#with your own magic sword will do that for you she doesn’t think (and she’s being objective not negative) she stands a chance in THAT
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kobaltsoul · 2 years ago
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Wildmother coming in clutch again for Campaign 3!!
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dekariosclan · 21 days ago
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I’m still brainrotting about jealous Gale…I know we love our sweet and goofy wizard, but HEAR ME OUT—
There’s an Astarion line where if you mention another companion as being beautiful/attractive, he’ll say he needs to “keep up with the competition.” SOOO that got me thinking, for an early-romance Tav that might also be romancing another companion(s), what do you think Gale would try to do to “keep up with the competition?” Would he try and sabotage the other companion’s wooing, or would he try to out dazzle/romance their efforts with Tav?
OP this is a fantastic question, but before I can give you my answer, I feel like I need to share my reasoning behind it! (I always have to defend my thesis 😂) So:
One of Gale’s best traits is that he is unwaveringly sweet, open, and honest about his feelings. Gale might’ve insisted on his privvacy when it came to initially sharing info about the orb, but he does not hold back when it comes to his affections and feelings for Tav. He doesn’t ‘play games,’ he’s not cryptic or mysterious, he’s not volatile, he’s not closed off. He’s an open book; and he wants a relationship with Tav that is built on an honest foundation with honest emotions.
All this to say—Gale is not toxic. He is not cruel. We are shown this later in the game, too, if Tav breaks up with Gale and decides to pursue another companion. If Tav lets him down gently, Gale will tell them he ‘would rather see Tav happy with another, than not happy at all.’ He will bow out gracefully.
Or, if Tav chooses to stay with Gale instead? Gale will be overjoyed, surprised that you picked him—he even mentions the ‘stiff competition’!—but he’ll also ask about the other companion’s feelings, about what the breakup will do to them; he is genuinely concerned.
Yes, he indulges in a bit of harmless jealousy and shade-throwing if Tav is flirting with someone else at the Grove party—but we’ll forgive him for it, since his hopes for that night were dashed, and the wine loosened his tongue a bit. (also, we’ll forgive him because we love a sweet jealous jelly bean Gale.)
So all of that said—do I think Gale would try and actively sabotage the other companion(s) wooing Tav?
I do not; I think Gale would find that to be unconscionable.
But, do I think he would try to ‘out romance/woo/dazzle’ the other companion’s efforts with Tav?
Yes. Absolutely. 10,000%.
Not out of any malicious intent to ‘win’ against the others, just out of pure desire to show Tav how much they mean to him. Because when he wants to convey his interest, by the Gods, he is going to do it. He is many things, but he is not coy.
For example, this is the man who, in one single early-romance conversation:
1. Affectionately compares Tav to his beloved cat tressym
2. Says he likes Tav’s stench, and
3. Ends the convo by saying he’d climax so hard for Tav he’d destroy the Sword Coast.
He’s a rizz machine.
So, I can absolutely see Gale trying to do some impressive magic to ‘wow’ Tav. As he himself says, “You know me—my grand gestures can never be grand enough.” Perhaps he starts doing some over-the-top spells in battle that look impressive, but are unnecessary. Or he puts on a light show at nights in the camp just to display his illusory skills. Or he goes out of his way to use magic for simple solutions—like casting Knock when they already have a perfectly good lock picking set they can use, etc.
The irony is that, for all these efforts, the ways that he not only ‘keeps up with the competition’ but actually beats it, in Tav’s opinion, aren’t his grand magical gestures.
It’s when he’s serving dinner portions, and he’ll lessen his own portion just to give Tav more. Or when he goes out of his way to loot literature on topics that he knows Tav is interested in. Or how he’ll say, “May I?” as he takes Tav’s cold cup of tea, enchanting it to the perfect temperature before handing it back.
Or even just how, when Tav comes to talk to him, he visibly brightens, smiles and says “I do enjoy our conversations,” with sincere affection.
Little things, sweet gestures—in the end, that’s what wins Tav over. Because that’s what’s most dazzling of all about Gale.
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watchnrant · 29 days ago
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Agatha All Along Episode 6: Easter Eggs & References
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Tower Reversed
Lilia’s Tarot Readings Are Weaving a Magical Web
Alright, folks, if you’ve been keeping track, Lilia’s tarot card game in Agatha All Along is officially on another level. In Episode 6, while doing a reading at William’s bar mitzvah, she drops “The Tower Reversed.” Now, if you’ve been paying attention to the tarot cards scattered throughout the series—and the promo cards (yes, they did that)—you know there’s more to it than a casual reading.
“The Tower” card? That blue crown we saw Teen rocking at the end of Episode 5? Yep, same one. And we’ve already seen the High Priestess tying back to Jennifer Kale in Episode 2 and the Knight of Wands matching up with Alice Wu-Gulliver in Episode 5.
So, what’s up with the Tower reversed? Well, it’s all about dodging disaster or going through a huge personal transformation—totally fitting for where things are heading in this magical chaos. Trust me, if Lilia’s pulling cards, it’s a sign things are about to go down (or maybe up?).
Early Argento Vibes
A Nod to the Master of Horror
So, in Episode 6 of Agatha All Along, we catch William complimenting Lilia’s palm reading tent, calling it “very early Argento.” Horror buffs, you know the deal—this is a clear shoutout to Dario Argento, the horror maestro behind classics like Deep Red, Tenebrae, and Phenomena. Argento’s influence is all about eerie atmospheres and vibrant, unsettling visuals, and it looks like Agatha All Along is taking a page straight out of his spooky playbook.
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Split Souls
Lilia’s Crystal Ball Teases William’s Dual Identity with a Sneaky Tarot Twist
When Lilia tells William his lifeline is broken in two, take a good look at her crystal ball. You’ll catch a glimpse of William as Billy, rocking his now iconic hoodie and sweater. That’s a nod to his future goth teen look as Billy Maximoff! What’s even cooler? The reflection is upside down, with the Tower and Wheel of Fortune cards inverted behind him. Those tarot reversals are no accident—they’re setting up some major life-altering moments for William. Lilia’s reading hints that his lifeline is split, describing it as “a new you,” but we know it’s a sign of something much bigger—William’s fate as someone who’s destined to hold two souls in one body, creating his dual identity.
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Teen’s Sigil
Lilia’s Crafty Magic at Work
Alright, Agatha All Along fans, Episode 6 just dropped a major witchy bomb—Lilia is the one who cast Teen’s sigil, hiding William’s true identity from every witch out there, including herself. This little spellwork went down right before Billy Maximoff’s spirit took over William’s empty body. So, if you’re wondering why Wanda couldn’t track down her kid in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, this is your answer: the sigil was already in place long before Billy inhabited that body. Lilia’s magic game is seriously next-level, and it’s all part of the tangled web we’re unraveling.
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Radio Echoes
A Throwback to WandaVision’s First Episode
As the Hex is shrinking and William is traveling home from his bar mitzvah with his parents at the beginning of Agatha All Along episode 6, they can hear both Vision and Wanda's voices on the radio. Likewise, the dialogue is specifically from the very first episode of WandaVision and its I Love Lucy/Dick Van Dyke Show homage. This aligns with the broadcasts that were picked up by SWORD agents outside the Hex, as was discovered by Darcy Lewis and Agent Jimmy Woo.
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Alice Wu-Gulliver’s Fate Flip
From Eastview Cop to Agatha’s Victim
In Agatha All Along, we get some juicy flashbacks that show William Kaplan was already connected to every witch in Agatha’s new coven long before the magic hit the fan. During his bar mitzvah, he got a hand reading from Lilia Calderu, and he was apparently a loyal subscriber to Jennifer Kale’s YouTube channel—where magic meets skincare (because who doesn’t love a good mystical exfoliant?). But here’s the twist: Alice Wu-Gulliver, who later becomes one of Agatha’s coven members, was actually the cop on the scene when William’s accident happened, working for the Eastview PD.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the show flips the script. In Episode 5, Alice tries to cast out Evanora Harkness’s ghost from Agatha’s body, sacrificing herself in the process. Agatha, being the power-hungry witch she is, siphons all of Alice’s magic and life force, leaving her for dead. It’s a full-circle moment: Alice witnesses William’s last breath, and years later, Billy Maximoff, reborn in William’s body, ends up watching Alice’s tragic end. It’s a fate-twisting, time-bending move that shows the witchy web Agatha’s been spinning all along.
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Whispers of Billy and Tommy
William Encounters Familiar Voices
Right after William's heart stops beating after the car crash, Billy and Tommy Maximoff's voices can be heard telling each other goodnight right before they disappear as Wanda brought down the Hex in WandaVision. However, Billy was able to find William's body as the closest empty vessel to inhabit, resulting in the split life that was foretold by Lilia at the bar mitzvah. However, there's hasn't been any indication as to what might have happened to Tommy's soul, revealed to be Billy's reason for walking down the Witches' Road.
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Billy’s New Identity Unlocked
A Classic Wiccan Origin Twist in the MCU
Alright, MCU fans, they did it. When Billy wakes up in the hospital in Agatha All Along, he looks down and spots a medical bracelet with the last name “Kaplan.” That’s right—the show is borrowing straight from the comics, confirming that Billy Maximoff’s spirit has found its new home in the body of Billy Kaplan, just like in the original Marvel lore. And those familiar faces? William’s Jewish parents, Jeff and Rebecca Kaplan, are a perfect match for their comic book counterparts.
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William’s Wall of Wonders
Hidden Gems of Magic and Adventure
As Billy explores William’s room, it’s like a trip down the ultimate retro rabbit hole. The walls are covered with posters from magic-infused and adventure-packed classics like Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, The Black Cauldron, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. There’s even a poster for The Goonies—only, it’s oddly titled The Goofballs. Clearly, William had a thing for the magical and mysterious. And judging by his magic-themed bar mitzvah, he was all in on the fantasy vibes. Fast forward three years, and Billy’s transformed the room to reflect his Hex obsession and deep dive into witchcraft lore.
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The Westview Conspiracy
Billy Unveils What Really Happened with the Hex
When Billy shows his boyfriend Eddie his deep dive into the Hex, Eddie drops some serious intel: the Westview incident was officially explained away as an “Avengers training exercise gone wrong.” But Billy’s no rookie—he’s figured out the real story. Thanks to his research and a sharp eye for runes hidden within the Hex, Billy’s convinced that magic—not a superhero blunder—is behind the entire event. Talk about peeling back the layers of a cover-up!
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Guess Who’s Back? It’s Ralph!
Westview’s Ultimate Insider Spills the Tea
In a shady parking garage meetup, Billy’s mystery Reddit contact is revealed, and—surprise—it’s Evan Peters’ Ralph Bohner. You remember him—the guy from WandaVision who got duped into being fake Pietro and Agatha’s puppet husband. Now, he’s left Westview behind, still haunted by the mind games he endured during the Hex. And with this new alliance, it’s clear he’s ready to spill some secrets.
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What Really Happened to Sparky?
The Chilling Backstory You Didn’t See Coming
Brace yourselves—Ralph Bohner drops a bombshell about Sparky, the beloved dog from WandaVision. Remember when Agatha claimed she killed Sparky? Turns out, she forced Ralph to do the dirty work, making him poison the poor pup. It’s a gut-punch revelation that takes Agatha’s villainy to the next level. As if hexing an entire town wasn’t enough, she also made Ralph, under her control, hurt the most innocent of creatures.
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The Soundtrack of the Witches’ Road
Lorna Wu’s Magic Tune Takes Center Stage
In Agatha All Along Episode 6, as Billy digs into the mysteries surrounding the Hex and Agatha Harkness, Lorna Wu’s rendition of the “Witches’ Road Ballad” plays in the background. We first heard it performed in reverse during Episode 4 when Lorna’s daughter Alice and the rest of the coven sang it. But now, for the first time, we’re hearing the actual rock ballad as it was meant to be played. It’s eerie, it’s epic, and it’s the perfect witchy vibe for the MCU’s spookiest storyline yet.
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Billy’s Deep Dive Begins
333 Clues & a Hex of a Search
When Billy kicks off his search into Agatha Harkness, he types “Agatha Harkness Ancient Witch” into Looky and, surprise surprise, he gets exactly 333 partial results. And, if you’ve been paying attention, that 3:33 clock time from Episode 1’s interrogation scene suddenly clicks into place—definitely no coincidence there!
Among the search results, Billy stumbles upon The Macabre Wiki, an encyclopedia “created by two blood witches from Salem” that covers all things that go bump in the night. There’s also a Witchy Resource page that casually drops some intel about ancient witches and warlocks being “not well documented traditionally” (big shocker, right?) and hints that these mystical types have good reasons for keeping their secrets.
But here’s the real kicker—Billy finds an entry on how witches can choose their age and appearance, stopping their aging at will to stay looking thirty-something for centuries. Talk about defying time!
Finally, he hits up Dreadit and finds threads speculating on the Salem Witch Trials (SWT for short). One user points out that there are actual reports of witches surviving drowning and burning. Looks like Agatha’s ancient game of hide and seek is about to unravel, and Billy’s just getting started.
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Agatha’s Dark Digital Footprint
From Salem to Jolene—The Witch Is Everywhere
As Billy dives deep into Agatha Harkness’s past, he uncovers some serious historical tea. He stumbles upon threads in the DreadIt forum—an underground community where users like “witchygirlblack” and “4thlevelwarlock” speculate about witches surviving the Salem Witch Trials. One post even mentions Evanora Harkness’s coven and hints that some of the young children escaped. When user “SamSamwitch” drops an image of Agatha Harkness, Billy follows the trail using Looky image search. What he finds is wild.
The search leads him to the Bellecross Daily Tribune, revealing that Agatha was listed as a missing resident after the Hindenburg disaster. But that’s not all—Billy finds a 1972 surveillance photo on a site claiming to show Dolly Parton with the “real Jolene.” Yep, someone’s suggesting Agatha was the homewrecker behind that iconic song, stirring up trouble with Dolly’s husband.
Digging deeper, Billy lands on Brujapedia, the self-proclaimed “Encyclopedia of Witches.” The site lays it all out—Agatha’s been spotted throughout history, from The Titanic to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1973. And the kicker? She’s got some seriously dark credentials: murdering her coven, possessing succubus powers, and being the only known survivor of the Witches’ Road.
As Billy reads on, Lorna’s Ballad starts playing, and he realizes he’s just scratched the surface of Agatha’s long, twisted legacy. This witch’s been weaving her chaos for centuries, and it’s all right there for anyone willing to follow the digital breadcrumbs.
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Agatha’s Fashion Swipe
Ralph’s Family Reunion Just Got Weird
In Agatha All Along Episode 1, when we revisit the interrogation scene through Billy’s eyes, we finally get the full picture of Agatha’s antics. Turns out, while she was under the spell thinking she was a detective, she was rocking a “Bohner Family Reunion” shirt the entire time. Looks like Agatha’s not above a little wardrobe theft—especially when it involves messing with Ralph’s life even more.
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fangirleaconmigo · 10 months ago
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Geralt x Jaskier Geraskier First kiss, friends to lovers
Geraskier Dancing
When Geralt of Rivia was a child, he begged Vesemir to teach him the kind of dances they performed at court. The answer was always no, but he kept trying.
After the trials, when Vesemir seemed so affected by his eyes, Geralt would widen them and look up at his tutor, pleading.
After all, Geralt thought, what if he rescued a fair maiden, and she demanded that he accompany her to a party? Perhaps she would drag him, giggling and flushed, onto the dance floor. He would be her noble savior, and she would be his grateful maiden.
He didn’t tell Vesemir his reasoning of course. He said that it might be important for royal courts, with kings in them. Wouldn’t it be best if he could fit in? Fencing was similar to dance, so surely Vesemir could handle teaching it.
Vesemir sighed and gave him the same speech he always gave.
"Geralt. You are not training to be a knight. Put that out of your mind. You are a professional. A working man.
Further, you are a mutant now. You will not be greeted with gratitude. You will be lucky to be greeted with the cash that you are promised."
Geralt felt stubborn. Furious. But he knew when to drop the subject.
Vesemir would pat his shoulder and offer him a sweet bread. His eyes always held regret.
Geralt understood him now. After years of hard lessons, he understood. When he thought back on his youth, he felt like a dolt.
The women he saved were traumatized. He was meeting them during the most terrified, violent moments of their lives. They screamed, bled, and threw up. And they all ran. With his bloody sword and ashen skin, he looked little different from the monsters he fought.
At least to them.
And yet?
He still learned how to dance, despite having given up the dream.
It started with Jaskier of course, like most misadventures and novel undertakings. The young bard had just shown up in his life one day and sort of just...never left.
His enthusiasm, energy, and optimism infected Geralt's life, as did the handsome twinkle in his eyes.
One night, after several glasses of wine they shared their most ridiculous childhood dreams. Jaskier admitted that he wanted to publicly rub his success in his family's face, to make their rejection sting less. So Geralt admitted that he'd always stupidly wanted to woo a grateful damsel on a dance floor.
He thought they were just talking nonsense, so he was startled when suddenly, Jaskier was on his feet, woozy and holding out a hand.
"C'mon. Lesgo." Jaskier jerked his curly, disheveled head towards an empty spot on the tavern large enough maybe for one large man.
Geralt refused at first. It was silly. Besides, They were both men. Who would lead?
But Jaskier simply grabbed his hand. When they touched, Geralt found that all of his resistance dissipated like a magic spell. He found himself standing and allowing himself to be dragged. And after they moved a few tables, he found himself touching the small of Jaskier's back and swaying with him.
Why didn't it feel odd? It should have felt odd.
It probably felt fine because they were alone.
They always danced alone.
They would be in a bar that was emptying out, the last drunkards stumbling home. Jaskier would be inviting, leaning against him, words slightly slurring.
Geralt selfishly loved him like that, not because Jaskier would lose his inhibitions, but because Geralt would. Plausible deniability.
"No one is here, Geralt. You won't ruin your fearsome rep--rep--pox on it. People won't see you." Jaskier waved dismissively as he dragged him.
The bard's lips grew pinker when he drank, and his cheeks flushed when they danced.
So Geralt let himself be led into the middle of empty bars, dance halls, and sometimes even just under the stars near a campfire.
"Y'need this for" *hiccup* "d'plomacy." Jaskier tugged him this way and that.
Despite the slurring, Jaskier always moved gracefully, like a swan. He'd sing to himself, lost in the music, touching Geralt with surety, guiding him. His body would be warm and little puffs of his wine soaked breath would drift towards Geralt. The witcher would inhale and try to control the surge of something primal in him awakening from a terribly long slumber.
Jaskier always led.
"I thought you were teaching me to dance with ladies," Geralt complained playfully one night. Jaskier was leading him in a lazy circle under some street lanterns on an abandoned street. Trash and litter was everywhere, left over from the spring festival. Their feet crunched on discarded candy wrappers as they moved.
"I am," Jaskier huffed indignantly, eyes hazy. "You must charm these noble ladies. It's not easy, you know. You must practice."
Geralt bit the side of his mouth trying not to smile. He didn't want to ruin the moment. He was so close to Jaskier, the closest he ever got to stand. "But I'm not learning to lead."
"Oh, s'fine. You'll just," Jaskier gestured, twirling his hand in a circle, "turn it all round." Then it was a rolling motion. "Flip it. Change it backwards. You know what I mean. They'll love it."
It was quiet for a moment, Geralt turned his head and crept closer, so he could secretly smile to himself.
"You already complain they simper around me," he murmured near his friend's ear. "You want to make it worse?"
Jaskier snorted loudly. "They're just trying to get to me, Geralt, you know that. Price of fame!!"
Then he spun Geralt, and all the while, Geralt grumbled, purposely moving stubbornly. "I don't twirl, Jaskier."
Jaskier was wobbly and dismissive. "Y'doing great."
Geralt really did learn during those nights. But they never spoke of it in the morning. Those nights were sacred and untouchable lest they shattered in the light of day.
But one day, they finally, truly paid off.
Geralt wanted to run and tell Vesemir. He'd been right. He had needed to learn the skill after all.
Because one spring day he rescued a beautiful young woman, and she was grateful. She was lovely, truly. Her auburn hair cascaded down her back, caressing her delicate waist.
She had been menaced by a werewolf and run screaming into Geralt's arms, invitation to a ball at the ready. It was just like in his youthful dreams.
The werewolf wasn't such a bad guy to be honest. His name was Gil. And he wasn't so much menacing her as he was trying to say hello and simultaneously coughing. But it was an unpleasant sound to be sure. It was a hacking cough.
Geralt had intervened, having been sent there on an errand by Jaskier. The witcher took Gil aside to speak to him. The werewolf was moving on, anyway. He'd just come to see a picnic of beautiful women that Jaskier had told him about, thinking he would say hello.
Geralt wanted to shake Jaskier. Gently of course. To tell his friend that yes, he had needed help with dancing, but certainly did not need help with finding ladies to rescue. They were lying about everywhere there were monsters. Jaskier wasn't around though, he was nervously flitting around at fittings and lute tunings, preparing anxiously for the dance.
It was silly of course.
And to be honest, the young woman hadn't needed much rescuing. Gil's nose was still sore where she had hit him with her bag.
But nonetheless, when she'd seen Geralt she'd sighed and pretended to be quite helpless.
Geralt carried her to safety on Roach, and she had invited him to a dance that night. They were in Lettenhove, and the dance would be packed with nobles. It was the perfect setup.
Geralt got ready with trembling fingers. He laced on his best armor and slicked down his hair. His stomach was weak just to think of it.
When Geralt arrived, the maiden was there in a stunning gown. She arrived breathlessly, ready for her dance. She batted her eyes and curtseyed.
Geralt bowed slightly, and led her onto the dance floor. After a few moments, her raptured attention began to cool. She was well educated and polite, but Geralt caught her regretful glances towards the handsome young nobles in the corner.
He didn't blame her. He was not a small man, and he was stepping on her toes.
The bloom was very quickly off the rose for the young maiden.
"I'm sorry. My mistake." Geralt muttered at every wrong turn.
If you had asked Geralt as a child, whether the disappointment of a maiden would sting, he would have imagined so.
But it didn't. This was not what he had come for. This was not why his stomach had done somersaults as he had laced on his armor. It was because this party was not just packed with nobles, but very particular nobles from a very specific family.
Geralt glanced up to find him.
Jaskier stood off to the side, close by, clutching a glass of wine, and staring daggers at his cousin across the room. His cousin was a handsome man, if you went in for that kind of thing, though not as handsome as Jaskier. But he was holding court with several ladies.
Geralt excused himself with the relieved young lady who tried to look as though she were not fleeing.
Geralt came up behind Jaskier, and touched his back.
Jaskier did not jump or startle. He must have known Geralt's touch and scent by now. He simply turned and smiled.
"You're here!" Jaskier looked behind him. "And Juliet?"
Geralt shrugged. "I never actually learned to lead."
Jaskier's face fell. "I'm sorry, I-" he looked mortified, "-I don't actually know how to teach dance. I only know how to dance. I was just-"
Geralt cut him off by pulling him into his arms with an 'oof'.
Jaskier startled, leaning eagerly into the embrace. But then he remembered himself and looked around cautiously.
"I don't care if they see," Geralt whispered. "I want them to. Let the miserable bastards gossip until their throats are sore."
The widest, brightest grin he had ever seen blossomed on his handsome bard's face. "Well then." Jaskier straightened his shoulders and cleared a catch in his throat. Let me do this properly."
The bard gently detangled himself from Geralt's arms. Then he bowed at the waist and held out a hand. "Geralt of Rivia? May I have this dance?"
Geralt nodded and straightened his jacket. "You may, Viscount Julian of Lettenhove."
Jaskier held his hand with both of his, but he shook his head and whispered. "No. Viscount Julian is theirs. I am Jaskier. I am yours."
Geralt's heart melted. He did not know how to cope with that, so he just nodded.
The music fell silent, and a new song began.
The witcher and the bard were the first couple out on the floor. It may have started as a way to help Jaskier rub his success in his family's eyes. But almost instantly they forgot all about that. They lost themselves in the movement, the laughter, they only saw each other.
But Jaskier's family saw. His mother. His father. His envious cousins. They all saw that he was loved. That he was talented, famous, and loved.
Geralt didn't think a whole lot about Vesemir that night.
He simply danced. And when the last note on the last song died out, he touched Jaskier's chin. His love's eyes lit up with hope. Geralt didn't want to draw out the suspense, so he pulled him in for a kiss. It was tender and they were sweaty, their hearts beating in their chests.
It felt right. And not because they were alone. It was because they loved each other.
When Geralt visited Vesemir during the winter, he brought up his childhood dream. He would tell the old witcher that he understood now.
Love wasn't something you earned through daring acts. It wasn't something you extracted from terrified women as the price for their safety.
Love was a bard who tried his damndest to fulfill your dreams at the expense of his own.
Love was taking him in your arms and fulfilling his.
Well, Geralt tried to say all that. Perhaps it didn't come out the way he meant. Perhaps he stumbled over his words and grunted some.
But when he pulled Jaskier into the room to introduce him to Vesemir, the old witcher understood.
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banal-lotus-eater · 1 month ago
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[Image ID: A digital painting split into three parts. The middle portion is an abstracted scene of Arthur and Oscar at a church-like bar and the side portions are of mirrors with painted scenes showing previous and future events inside. The mirror frames are etched with various small details which make reference to the themes found in the fic and in the podcast. The left mirror’s scene makes reference to scene where Noel and Arthur hug in the chapter “The collapse” and the right mirror’s scene is an exaggerated version of end of the chapter “The ritual”. endID]
I participated in the Malevolent Big Bang (check out more works @malevolentbigbang) this year with a bunch of other artists! Here is my piece for @crowfeatherquill's fic Final Miles, a post season 5 fic that sees the return of my boys Oscar and Noel. Its so good and I've been chomping at the bit to post this. Also!! Check out the other artist's pieces for this fic on their tumblrs, @gazebodj and @stokiss
(also also @aetheremin beta'd the fic and i think they should get some extra recognition)
Zoom ins/ Timelapse / ranting under the cut!
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Here's the piece cut up into it's thirds with more in-depth image IDs. It has the Mirror sections first then the middle section. Warning, the second mirror has R'lyehian (Cthulhu conlang) text in it.
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[Image ID: The left most portion is of an intricately etched and cast oval bronze mirror. The mirror has a section of music etched on it which are the first few measures of Faroe's theme. The inside of the mirror shows a scene of Noel and Arthur in armor hugging each other on a dark forest's floor. Arthur has a pure yellow cape that wraps around him and behind Noel. endID ]
I really liked this one and it was my first pass at drawing the mirrors. I learned a lot on drawing flur de lis and wasn't as focused on making specific design choices for specific references instead of busying up the design for lack of a better term. The left side was my more experimental/first pass side where I did that one first, learned, and then did the right side using the lessons I learned. Now onto the right mirror (again, this has R'yhlien in it)
[Image ID: The rightmost portion is of the other mirror, an equally intricate etched and cast rectangular mirror. The bottom of the mirror has banners with R'lyehian text on them. The sentences are "Y'ahuaah mg n'ghft'drn (Translated: I wear(lit: use) no mask) and "Mg n'ghft'drn?  Mg n'ghft'drn!" (Translated: No mask? No mask!) The scene inside is of Oscar, Arthur, and Noel crouched in a magic circle. They are all wearing fantasy medieval garb with Oscar in a priestly/cleric outfit, Noel in his armor still, and Arthur in a tunic, pants, and yellow cape. The yellow cape wraps around the scene separating the trio from both Hattie behind them and the viewer. Hattie is in a traditionally witchy outfit and is holding a glowing book while pages fly around her. She has an oversized witch hat that has an eye on the underside and the tail of the hat splitting into a monstrous mouth with a bell hooked on to the mouth’s bottom lip. endID]
woo! Thats a huge ID and I'm sorry. I tried to cut it as much as I did but I am not brief. I may do a seperate post breaking down some smaller details on this haha. Lets move onto the middle.
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[Image ID: The middle portion has Oscar sat on a stool at the left of the bar with Arthur across from him. Oscar is glaring at Arthur while Arthur is facing away from him. Behind the bar is replaced with a church window that has a painting of angels amongst the clouds. The angels are mostly all looking towards Oscar and there is a group surrounding him that are fretting over him.  The only exceptions are, an angel hovering over Arthur pointing for him to leave, and an angel on the far right side holding a sword and looking towards the angle in the middle. The angel in the middle is the largest one that stares unreadably down at Oscar while pointing one hand up towards god and the other on their chest with a modified gesture of Benediction. endID]
I did this section last and honestly it was like dessert compared to the other two sections. No hate on those, but I loved painting the angles and clouds :).
And here is the timelapse. Its roughly 2 mins because I had to move canvases in the middle since my computer crashed twice in the middle of painting the right mirror's scene.
ID: A timelapse of the previously described pieces, starting from random sketches of angels to sketches of the scene to finalizing details and rendering. endID]
anyway, more malev stuff probably sometime, i have college to work on tho and midterms are coming up.
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caineinthecorner · 1 year ago
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Hi. I binged like 80 chats in a row and I have opinions(tm) about physical strength and general power stuff of the brothers. Mostly just strength related things, but I tried to cover most of their battle stuff.
Yes I know, yes I know, "they're ranked as siblings by power blabla", but that's LAME. So here are my personal takes mostly for fun. Canon is dead and I ate it.
Also I finished the dividers and general aesthetics of this blog woo
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★ Lucifer.
Generally the strongest, period, can and WILL kill almost anyone without much issue or even second thought
Physical strength, however? He’s not the best, as he doesn’t rely on it at all for battle / conflict
He didn't need it in heaven, after all
(Beel was his brawns and he was already a powerful angel so it never was a requirement)
I don't see him actively working out (anymore, at least), so most of his strength is merely his baseline
His main tactic conflict wise is intimidation.
Cough giving MC death threats cough
Very prideful of himself in battle, obviously
Rarely would ever use any sort of dirty tricks
Would probably prefer to go down the "honorable way"
Target his brothers though and he WILL play every trick in the book with little regard to his pride or his own life
This fuck looks like he knows swordsmanship and is probably the only of the brothers who does so
(except maybe Satan who is learning just to copy / be better than him)
Either that or he knows fancy sword dances for angel rituals he cannot partake in anymore (and doesn't do them anymore)
Diavolo has photos of him doing said dances but his lips are triple sealed since it is a heavily touchy subject
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★ Mammon.
Canonically this man is physically weak (or at least has a weak complexion / scrawny arms)
Probably the most disappointing in terms of strength because he is literally the second born
His saving grace is his unholy speed and dirty tricks, using it to cover his weaknesses / lack of physical strength.
A LOT of dirty tricks and bs magic stuff. So so many. Never ends
He’s the living embodiment of the “random bullshit go!!!” meme
You know Looney tunes? Yeah this man has the Bugs bunny's levels of bullshit
But he has the best stamina out of his brothers (so he can run away from his debts)
Doesn't train because he's already perfect as it is (<- that's his ego talking he can barely pick up the weights at Beel's gym)
Honor is for the dead type of person. Nothing is out of the table in battle
(^ that makes him terrifying to fight against btw)
He either tries to intimidate (imitating Lucifer) or sweet-talk his way out of conflict
It usually just pisses off his adversary more which actually leads to the fights starting, but hey, he tried 乁⁠(⁠ ⁠•⁠_⁠•⁠ ⁠)⁠ㄏ
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★ Leviathan.
Physical strength is shit.
he will get his shit kicked if he tries to brawl with almost anyone
Except maybe the lowest hanging fruit (humans)
Magical or general strength is decent, but he's definitely not the greatest in battle out of the brothers
^ he's kinda insecure about this and he wishes he were stronger (he sulks about it)
Wishes that actual irl battles were like Fire Emblem or strategy games bcs he's actually good in those
Update: I didn't make it clear (mb lol) but I see him as the best strategist of the brothers by far, he just isn't good at front-line action
^ Being away from the front lines keeps the pressure away from him for the most part, and it avoids him getting riled up and acting rash
He once tried to workout with Beel but quickly got overwhelmed because Beel shoved 200kg weights onto him thinking it was an reasonable starting point
So he kinda has trauma(tm) about it
Despite his garbage physical prowess, he WILL start fights and get riled up easily
He goes onto his demon form immediately when he wants to fight
^ bcs his strength isn't great, and he needs any boost he can get
Plus, awful anger management
My man will get onto a fist fight with the demon equivalent of a redditor over anime waifus and he will lose
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★ Satan.
As the literal embodiment of Wrath, he does pack quite a punch and will maul you to death with only his fists. No problems at all
But that's merely his baseline strength (which is a lot) since he doesn’t really train physically
Probably focuses on other areas (read: intelligence) instead of physical strength.
Which is ironic because he could kick Lucifer's ass in a fist fight if he actually trained more
But oh well. Books do be booking
Surprisingly strategic while in fights, although not above Going Apeshit
Funnily enough the least likely of the brothers to enter a fight
Has read The Art Of War and will quote it just to be a smartass
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★ Asmodeus.
Physically? Weak.
Probably the weakest of the brothers, having more or less the strength of a human (and on the weaker side of that).
He doesn’t train whatsoever; Likes his slender figure and muscles “ruin” that.
However, he makes up for it on the "trickster" scale.
As the Avatar of Lust, he will probably go the charm route instead of wanting to directly fight his enemies, or he make someone else do the dirty work for him.
Think of Mammon but make it a bit less scummy, tricks wise.
His go-to is sweet talk.
Something something the Avatar of Lust being physically weak since sex is considered an act of vulnerability and therefore the lowering of one’s guard something something
Something something the poetic narrative of the Avatar of Lust having only power through Communication something something
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★ Beelzebub.
Contrary to Asmo; he does lift for days and can pack quite the punch, being one of the stronger brothers physically despite being one of the youngest.
I don't see him caring much for magic or other types of strength, he is content in packing the punch and has the capabilities to back him up.
Fight wise he will probably punch the problems away
Maybe use one or two tricks he’s learned
Mostly relies on his intuition and gut and it surprisingly works out
Nothing fancy; Dictionary definition of all muscle no brain battle wise
Literally one of the scariest brothers to ever fight he will actually beat you to a bloody pulp
And make a smoothie out of it
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★ Belphegor.
This fucker doesn't lift at all you can't tell me shit
At MOST he'll accompany Beel to the gym and would sleep at the benches
The strength he has is the strength he was born with
Which isn't a lot, but still above human average by quite a lot
More or less demon standard of strength. Maybe a slightly below it
But he's still above most demons by a mile in other regards, mostly magic prowess
He's stronger than Levi because I think it would be hilarious that the dude who sleeps all day is stronger than him
(or you can make him really physically strong just because it'd be funny to see the sleepy dude kick ass)
(either way is funny as shit go ham)
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★ Physical strength chart
Behemoth type strength :
Beel (only barely)
Lucifer
Satan
High / Low above human average :
Mammon
Belphie (low diff w/ mammon)
Levi
Asmo
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★General strength chart
Can kill hundreds no effort :
Lucifer
Satan (If apeshit)
Are not as strong but still terrifying :
Mammon
Beel
Belphie
Levi, Asmo (Tie)
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Note
Hey I realy like your yandere twisted wonderland x kny post(s). Can I ask for the yandere dorm leaders react to (platonic and non-yandere) Tsutako Giyu blocking any of the leaders' romantic advancements toward their tanjirou!reader, because Giyu does not trust the leaders at all? Please and thank you,take care of yourself.
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Tomioka Giyuu Blocking Tanjiro Reader| Yandere Twisted Wonderland
While Tsutako would certainly do that if you were her sibling but what would an average woman be able to do for you against a bunch of magical suitors stalkers. Tomioka is the one who’d really be an obstacle. No one seems to like him, let alone notice him half the time but his words are golden to you and the boys are having quite a lot of trouble getting past him. Giyuu himself may think he’s trash but you are most certainly not. You’re walking perfection and if he’s going to use the placeholder position of Hashira he’s using it to protect you: 
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Idia Shroud
“Whoa!? When did you get here?!”
“A couple minutes ago.”
“Oh…okay then…”
“...”
“...”
“If you bring that device anywhere near (Y/n) I’m slicing your legs off.”
He first thought Giyuu was like him
A fellow loner who could understand his desire to have you
And he found that Giyuu was a loner
Just not one that was friendly to him
And he’s more than aware of Idia’s influence but that won’t matter when Giyuu’s faster than Ortho when it comes to his blade
“A-a worthy opponent h-has entered the chat!”
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Leona Kingscholar
“They won’t have to die fighting that demon king or whatever. Don’t you want that?”
“I want them to be the next water Hashira and if you’re going to get in the way of that I know over 46 pressure points on your body that will temporarily paralyze you.”
He didn’t like him from the start 
He’s expression, his face, all of it infuriates him
Not to mention he really is that much faster than him
Leona’s going to have to try another tactic to get this guy off your back
“Maybe we’re not hearing each other right. How about you put down the sword and then try stopping me?”
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Vil Schoenheit
“You seem really intent on getting in my way…is this jealousy?”
“It's not but you remind me of someone horrible.”
“Oh? Is it yourself?”
“Nope it's a horrible woman named Shinobu Kocho.”
He’s no match for him physically 
But his charisma greatly exceeds Giyuu’s 
Something he’s sure to remind the Hashira of with every chance
But since Giyuu doesn’t seem to sway he’s got to be more conniving
Which should be fine for someone with poisons against a sword
“Hope this isn't your first time playing with poisons because it may be your last.”
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Azul Ashengrotto 
“You might be interested in knowing the future, right? Wouldn’t you like to find out?”
“You sound like a demon.”
“Oh? Am I a handsome one at least?”
“I kill demons for a living.”
“...oh..”
Azul’s own charm doesn’t save him here and it's killing him
He already has to woo you 
and this guy isn’t budging 
The twins won’t bother him 
And he won’t even look at a contract
This octopus is getting desperate
“You won’t like me when I’m cornered Giyuu.”
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Kalim Al Asim 
“What?! Why would you want to leave? I have more of that bread you like!”
“Nice try but we have a job to get to.”
“But how do you plan to do your job when you’re going to get hurt?”
“That shouldn’t matter to a civilian like you!” 
While Giyuu is entranced by the way Kalim seems to like him
He’s sure its a trick 
And he can’t afford to die before giving you his title
“Hey. Don’t leave, we were just having fun!”
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Malleus Draconia
“Why would you leave this place? If you are certain you are going to die, why bring my (Y/n) with you?”
“I’m not bringing them anywhere, this is their decision. Don’t you want to honor their avenging of their family?!”
“Not if it means losing them!”
This is a hard one 
Malleus can actually defeat Giyuu 
But his will is strong as well as his effect on you 
So he can’t be too hasty
But a prince forgets and Giyuu’s in trouble
“If you are going to be such a problem for us, I will just skip to a time where you are not alive.”
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Riddle Rosehearts
“As the queen’s decree you cannot just run off with my subjects or prospective lovers!”
“And I can’t stand you types.”
“Grr! Off with his head!”
He doesn’t initially have a problem with him
But to see you rely on someone so awkward much taller
It irks him
Even worse he’s warning you about him now
And he can’t have that
“Don’t get in my way unless you want to be beheaded too!"
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hugthepanda12 · 1 year ago
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‘Edred is in control the most in the host body’ 
True, but also consider the followng.
I can’t believe this
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and this
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is the same person xD
I mean, we don’t know enough about Edred. Maybe he HAD some goofy moments in the past. However, taking into consideration how expressive Dimitri is, I do believe all of the silly faces actually are made under Dimitri’s influence. 
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Dimitri lets Edred do whatever he wants because, I think, they both agree how to react in a given situation. For example, when they see these statues, they’re both scared that sight is inapropraiate for Lady’s eyes (chivalry am I righ?)
Additonaly, it would be fun if Edred heard Dimitri’s voice sometimes. Specifically, when Dimitri wants to suggest something. 
Remember when Edred tried to distract Melinda from looking by explaining the mysterious magic behind the awakening of these statues?
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In the screens Edred makes several hand movements and acts pretty awkward. In my mind, this is a rare instance of Dimitri’s mannerism, while the words come from Edred himself. But, I’d like to imagine Dimitri told him to come up with a bluff, Edred started talking and panicked, which resulted intro a rather poor performance.  
Another instance of ‘Dimitri’s taking over’ is presumably in the ship when Edred tried to woo Melinda. 
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These make me laugh, you have no idea
I call these ‘Edred your Dimitri is showing when you flirt’ 
And if my silly idea ‘Dimitri communicates with Edred sometimes’ is somewhat true, I would even take into consideration the possibility of Dimitri being Edred’s wingman xD
Just imagine Dimitri trying to cheer up poor Edred because his love gave him ‘the STARE’ and then suggesting he should remind her of their first date and Edred is immediately like: YES, THAT’S IT! And then he whispers to his sword to do the thing we saw in the episode lol
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Also, I wanted to add that the smile presented in this screen above is an expressio of pride that emerges from BOTH Edred and Dimitri. Maybe it is Edred’s smiling due to the fact he’s sure his plan to make Melinda love him again will come into fruition but my silly brain can’t help but wonder if Dimitri’s also content he is sitting in the first row and whitnessing a romance novel in live action lol
That being said, I’m lookng forward to Dimitri manifesting more often.
(and waiting for Edward to cuss in Russian because why not it would be funny)
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novantinuum · 3 months ago
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Fandom: Steven Universe Rating: Teen Audiences Words: 4.2K~ Summary: Connie clenches her fists at her sides, envisioning a world where she still feels the safe, comforting weight of Rose’s sword strapped upon her back. But instead, it’s the Crystal Gems’ darkest, most forlorn hour... and she’s absolutely useless to them. Is there anything she can do to aid them in this struggle, anything at all? (Or: the beach fight in Reunited, but from Connie's POV.)
Woo, cleared another long-held WIP out of my drafts! I've always been very interested in what the beach fight was like beyond Steven's little mindscape adventure- and also, given her sword breaking, I thought Connie had a lot of potential mental angst to explore in that moment- thus this fic was born.
I highly recommend you read this one on AO3, it has some special formatting I cannot replicate on tumblr.
Enjoy!
___
It’s not that she hasn’t seen a sentient Gem poof before, but there’s something about the raw brutality by which Peridot’s form is torn asunder by Yellow's energy bolts that makes Connie feel outright sick to her stomach. She’s unable to bite back an alarmed yelp as she watches that green, triangular gemstone plummet into the sand, wholly inert.
(Ever the bold knight, Pearl strides in front of her and Lion, brandishing her spear in a wide-sweeping defensive stance.)
“Stop!!” Steven hollers, so loud and with such frenzied intensity that his voice breaks midway through the vowel. He darts forward to address the two Homeworld matriarchs directly, straying away from the safety of the rest of the group… away from the Crystal Gems, away from his dad, and away from her.
Her heart’s re-enacting a high tempo concerto in the confines of her chest, sweat beading at her brow as her mind grasps to understand what exactly he plans to achieve by pleading mercy from the two most powerful Gems they’ve ever faced while at such a strategic disadvantage. Peridot’s down, the house is wrecked, her sword’s been shattered, and worst of all, every last offensive effort they made against Blue alone only managed to knock her to her knees. Love him as she may… what impossible kindness is capable of standing against such ruthless might as this?
“Don’t do this!” he stubbornly continues anyways, and throws his hands in gesture towards his chest. “Listen to me— I’m the one you’re missing! I’m Pink Diamond!”
The militant monarch’s eyes narrow into thin, loathing slits the moment this claim (carrying almost unbelievable consequence, but true nonetheless) passes through his lips into stark reality.
“You…!” she seethes.
Yellow Diamond breaks into a terrifyingly swift sprint towards their party before any of the other Gems can shift even a finger to react.
Steven’s name urgently explodes from between Garnet’s lips, as if her split-second warning (much less a warning coming from someone who’s standing by the splintered wreckage of the house a good thirty feet away from him) would make any difference at all, as if any force in this universe— magical shield or not— could stop such a tremendous, terrifying presence from enacting her merciless judgement once it’s set in motion towards her mark.
The diamond’s foot plummets down upon the nigh-defenseless boy with the sheer unrepentant force of a freight train slipping off the rails.
Connie screams.
__
A boundless eternity passes within the depths of her soul, nestled in that vulnerable space between heartbeats. She watches the dust settle as she leaps off Lion's back, watches that cruel matriarch lift her heel from the massive crater she’s conceived. Still holding her breath as if a mere, misplaced huff of air could permanently shift the course of time in some brand new terrifying way, she locates Steven lying motionless in the sand. His suit jacket is scuffed and dirtied, and one of his arms is contorted in what— from her years of soaking up ambient anatomical knowledge through her mother’s stories about work— appears to be a wholly unnatural alignment.
(One of the Gems— she’s so distraught at this point that her mind is unable to process who— shouts his name, voice laced with an unfettered urgency. As expected, there’s no response.)
And then, with zero warning whatsoever, the waking world around her explodes into chaos.
Garnet bares her gauntlets against Yellow Diamond without even a second thought, shouting with a primal ferocity Connie’s never seen from her before. Pearl and Amethyst and all the rest of the Crystal Gems boldly follow her charge, weaving together their attacks in flawless devotion until practically operating as a single-minded organism. All in all, there’s simply too much happening to reliably follow. Spears, whips, and hammers clash against their towering foes to no success. And how could they? Compared to these diamonds, they’re nothing but fleas scurrying across the shore. They’re outmatched, fighting a battle that’s cursed to be lost. In the end, even the full splendor of the ocean’s might at Lapis’s beck and call fails to land a satisfying blow. Blinking back confused tears, she clenches her fists at her sides— harboring anger at herself (for ruining her weapon, stupid, stupid, stupid), at Steven (why on Earth did he voluntarily put himself in danger by trying to reason with them?), heck, at this whole damn galaxy— and envisions a world where she still feels the safe, comforting weight of Rose’s sword strapped upon her back.
But instead, it’s the Crystal Gems’ darkest, most forlorn hour... and she’s absolutely useless to them.
A strong palm lands on her shoulder, gentle yet urgent in its hold. With great reluctance, she pries her gaze away from the chaos of battle in the distance, the skin around her eyes dampened and puffy.
“Connie, w-we should go,” Mr. Universe says, his voice wavering with barely-contained grief. He glances beyond her for just a second, and she’s almost certain he’s looking at his son, his body crumpled in a broken heap in the sand at the heart of the battlefield. “I can’t let another one of you kids get hurt on my watch.”
He’s already reaching forward to grab her by the arm— too panicked by now to think about such fundamental things like politeness or personal space— when she makes her bold decision.
“No! I can’t leave yet!” she proclaims, brushing his hand away. “There’s still something I can do. And it may be stupid, and dangerous, b-but…” Connie wipes away a sudden wave of tears, matching eyes with her best friend’s dad. She flashes a watery smile. “It’s what he’d do for me, yeah?”
His expression surges with palpable dread as she turns her attention towards the fierce skirmish raging behind them.
“Wait… w-what—?”
She takes off running before he can even finish his question. In any other situation she might feel guilty for spurning his protective instincts— for leaving him in the dust, altogether anguished in his terror, shouting her name with an urgency that downright seizes at her pounding heart, begging her to not throw herself into the chaos of the field— but there’s no time to waste, not here, not ever, not when Steven’s very life may depend on the actions she takes now.
She has to pull him away from all this fighting before he gets crushed in the fray… or worse.
“Someone— cover me!” she cries out, nearing the front lines. Her foot collides with something hard and cold. She gasps, her glance snapping down in an instant. It’s a stray can of soda, unopened, something one of the party guests must’ve dropped while evacuating.
“I see you,” Garnet says, landing in a deep crouch near her. (It would not surprise her at all if the Gem already anticipated what she plans to do, seeing it as the most likely possibility amid a churning sea of choices.) She bares her gauntlets once more, and circles around. “Stay close, and be quick!”
“Connie!” she hears Mr. Universe wail from the sidelines.
She ignores him, though— she has to, least she let the final embers of her resolve be snuffed out by the sheer weight of her fear— and pushes her fragile human form through the thickets of this otherworldly battle anyways, following Garnet’s lead. ‘Cacophony’ is the only word she can think of that truly fits the harrowing scene ahead. There’s no more strategy in her friends’ strikes, no more clever battle formations… only their desperate, desperate defense against the wretched beings who created them. The Crystal Gems who are still standing thankfully seem to be holding their own… but just barely. Pearl’s losing momentum with each slice and slash of her spear, Amethyst and Lapis look like they’re halfway to abandoning all hope, poor Lion is tuckering out after such repetitive use of his concussive roars, and Bismuth’s filled with so much despairing fury towards their opponents (for the harm they’ve caused to this planet… for the harm they’ve just caused to Steven—!) that her footwork has grown rushed and sloppy. In the few seconds Connie’s watching her, the rainbow-haired Gem is almost hit by a direct bolt from Yellow Diamond twice.
Her chest seizes tight with dawning dread. This entire operation is falling apart. They don’t have much time left, do they? She must recover Steven, and fast!
Garnet keeps a watchful eye for any incoming projectiles as Connie skids to a screeching halt next to her friend’s comatose body lying limp in the sand. (And oh, has she never been more thankful to not see blood.) Okay. Okay. Here he is. Now all she’s gotta do is… ferry him to a safe distance. Steeling her core in preparation, she squats down and tries to leverage herself to scoop him right up. Her legs, though… in the midst of her terror, her legs are simply too wobbly to bear his mass, and after one valiant but failed attempt she’s scared she’ll hurt herself (or him!) trying again. Which means… she’ll just have to drag him.
“Sorry—!” she says with a faint hiss of regret as she grasps both of his arms by the wrist and starts to pull him across the battle-swept sands. Sure enough to her suspicions, one of his shoulders definitely doesn’t feel like it’s aligned in its socket right, and she worries that yanking him along like this will only serve to further exacerbate it. Still, what other choice does she have?
What choices do any of them have, all tangled up within the fallout of this thousand year war?
As Connie drags Steven off the battlefield towards his house, Garnet circles around the perimeter a few more times, ever-diligent in her role as lookout. She’s grateful for her help. Truly so. It allows her to focus her energy on protecting her best friend instead of constantly having to keep an eye out for stray attacks from the Diamonds. And boy, oh boy— she digs her heels into the sand, spent muscles all but screaming for her to rest, to drop her load and continue on alone— will her body need every last drop of energy she’s got. That’s why relief surges through her heart with all the ferocity of a tidal wave when Mr. Universe’s frantic voice comes into range once again. Because it means she’s here. She’s succeeded. She’s pulled him all the way to his father, halfway off the field.
The exhaustion hits immediately. Huffing for a lungful of air, she drops the half-Gem’s arms to the ground and collapses to her knees. For an extended moment, the unwanted melody of warfare rings through her ears like canon fire. She can’t move. She can’t even breathe properly. She can swear her friend’s dad is trying to say something to her— can feel his hesitant touch brushing against her shoulder in what barely counts as a whisper— but she can’t even manage to distinguish a single word. Her eyes brim with fresh tears, every last sensory input overloaded. It’s all too loud. It’s all too damn heavy. It’s all too—
“Connie,” Garnet slices through the static with astute authority.
She snaps her head up, her eyes flitting between the Crystal Gem leader (currently kneeling at her side) and a still panicking Mr. Universe (clutching his unconscious son’s hand). Her breath settles, slowly but surely. Her fingers twitch, tracing shallow patterns in the sand. The ringing lessens.
“Thank you,” the Gem continues, pushing herself back to her full height. The long skirt of her wedding outfit flares behind her as she glances back towards the chaos of the battle. “For protecting him where I couldn’t. Now stay back, and keep watch. If they poof all of us, promise me you’ll evacuate the beach.”
“I-I… of course,” Connie says, her gaze still wet with terror and barely contained grief. “But y-you… you don’t really think you’ll—?”
Lose, is the word she can’t bring herself to say. Surely you don’t think you’ll lose?
The Gem warrior gives a sharp, almost defeated exhale before grinding her fists within the tempered hard-light of her gauntlets and leaping right back into the fray.
Connie cries out after her, suddenly stricken with a churning feeling of dread (what grim futures did Garnet just witness?) as she scrambles to her feet, arms outstretched towards a self-appointed destiny she can no longer reach. A strangled sob wrests control of her body. If she still had her weapon they wouldn’t be asking her to stay at the sidelines. She’s nothing to them anymore, is she? She’s nothing without that sword. If she closes her eyes she swears she can still feel it… can still feel the perfectly countered weight of its thorn etched handle within her grip… but with it shattered, she’s completely useless out here. Feeble. Organic.
Weak.
“Connie,” her friend’s dad pleads for her attention, his tone warbling with all the wavering emotion of an out of tune guitar. “Connie, please! She’s right. You know she’s right. We have to get off the beach! There’s literally nothing we can do against Gems as powerful as that, we’re just humans.”
Slowly, the last of his words reverberating within her mind, her eyes widen.
“But he’s not,” she breathes, turning her head towards her friend’s still body on the ground.
“W-what are you—?”
She grasps his hand within her own like it’s their final lifeline, gently tracing her thumb along the back of his knuckles. If anyone could swerve the dangerous wake of this conflict into something better, it’s Steven. He’s certainly managed the impossible before.
“Steven!” she calls, her brows threading together in the wake of her thunderous desperation. “Come on, please wake up!”
Hot, messy tears threatening to cloud the edges of her vision, she lets go of his hand. Glances back towards the battlefield. The remaining Crystal Gems aren’t faring well in their war right now. Pearl and Amethyst appear exhausted enough to collapse at any moment, and the Diamonds have pushed the other three to the very extremes of their defensive capabilities. If they have any chance left of winning this encounter, it’s gonna require a miracle of encouragement.
“Come on, Steven,” she calls again, voice dripping with the burden of her pending despair. “We need you.”
No response, yet again.
Her breath ripples through her chest. He… oh stars, is he not healing? From what he’s described in the past about his healing powers, she’s surprised he hasn’t leapt back to his feet with newly restored vigor already. She leans forward, pressing her ear to his chest to listen for a heartbeat.
A harsh shriek ringing from across the sands interrupts her investigation, however— and Connie spins her gaze around just in time to watch Yellow Diamond strike down Lapis Lazuli with a fierce bolt of destabilizing energy right to her chest.
She swallows, already sensing their options eroding away at the wrathful whim of the tides.
Time is truly of the essence here, and much like an hourglass theirs is mighty limited in this state.
Connie stands to her feet once more. With him showing zero signs of pending consciousness, it’s growing harder and harder to ignore Mr. Universe’s intensifying plea for her to leave the battlefield.
“Wake up, please!” she cries, a pitiful final appeal before her inevitable shame-filled retreat.
Her lips screw shut amid her sheer heartbreak, fists clenching at her sides as she silently gapes at her friend’s pale, expressionless face.
We’re supposed to be in this together, remember?
And then…
Connie’s eyes blow wide, her entire body shuddering as she senses a familiar presence dance along the very fringes of her mind like stray raindrops splashing against her cheeks on a late spring day— a wholly recognized sensation, but not an overwhelming one. She gasps. The presence carries with it an instant aura of comfort and affection, as well as a hundred billion panicked questions like ‘what happened’ and ‘where am I’ and by golly, it’s the exact same subtle presence she’s aware of at the very periphery of their mind whenever she’s fused with him as Stevonnie.
“Huh? Steven?”
Her heart’s practically rattling within her rib cage as she feels that ghostly presence flutter within her thoughts once again, speaking in his voice, calling out to her by name.
“Connie, it’s me!”
Holy stars. It’s him. It’s actually him.
She doesn’t know how, but it is.
Her brows shoot up within her lingering confusion. Even though she’s well aware that this is a Gem thing, she’s unable to fully fight off the impulse to search around as if some conscious, flesh-and-blood Steven were somehow standing right next to her, whispering directly in her ear. “Wha- Where are you? How are you do—?”
“I’m not sure, but… I think it’s a classic psychic ghost type situation.”
“Ah, of course!” she exclaims, peering down at his motionless form. She’s heard all sorts of madcap tales about his astral projection powers— about how he used them to speak to Lapis through his dreams when she was stuck fighting for control of Malachite under a mile of ocean, or to drive the body of one of the watermelons he brought to life, or to make mental contact with the Cluster like he did not too long ago— thus it makes sense for this new mode of communication to be some sort of natural extension of that. “So, what’s the plan?”
“The Diamonds won’t listen to me out there, but… maybe I can get through to them here. They’ve gotta know Pink Diamond wasn’t shattered.”
There’s a brief, meek pause before he makes his final request.
“Please protect my body while I’m gone.”
“Got it! Good luck out there, Steven.”
His active presence fades from her mind like the setting sun over the cloudy horizon, taking that comforting aura right along with it. Connie’s form all but deflates as she exhales, her shoulders curling inwards as she wraps her arms around her torso and tries her best to keep whatever remains of her brave facade from cracking in two. Mr. Universe gawks at her, his attention clearly piqued by her conversational mention of his son.
“Wh—” his countenance is pale and streaked with fresh, messy tears, swirling with a conflicting mixture of grief and last-ditch hope— “h-how were you talking to—?”
“He’s okay,” she blurts out, her own voice quavering at the edges as the reassuring realities of this fact wash over her like a cleansing shower on a muggy summer’s day, a blissful salve to her previous strife. “I promise you, he’s okay. He… I think he’s trying to make contact with the Diamonds, like he did with the Cluster.”
His father closes his eyes for a moment and inhales deep and strong, steeling his nerves as he basks in the reassurance of this news. Then, rolling his shoulder back and standing at the ready: “Well, what can we do to help, then?”
“Keep him safe while he tries to work his magic, I guess. Listen, we gotta pull him further back so he’s out of striking distance.”
He issues her a swift nod. “Leave it to me.”
And after all her struggles she must admit she’s kinda jealous at the sheer ease at which he scoops Steven up in his arms, but, well… fair is fair. He’s clearly had fourteen years of practice on that front. The two of them turn tail and run towards what remains of the house, barricading themselves against the foot of the stairs. Connie doesn’t take a full breath until they’re out of range of the worst of it. She helps Mr. Universe set her friend down in the sand, and now that she’s calmed down a little, sets her attention to giving him a full once-over. And thank the stars, his chest is visibly rising and falling now.
Biting down upon her bottom lip amidst her rippling anxieties— sorry, Steven, this has to be checked— she reaches to untuck his dress shirt. A true miracle after the ruthless velocity of the hit he took, his gem is unblemished. No cracks at all, not even a tiny chip. So that means he should be fine, yes? His body’s just conserving energy to heal from the impact? It’s hard to pin down any precise points of improvement, but she swears a little bit more color has returned to his cheeks these past few minutes.
She also swears that the rest of the remaining Crystal Gems must have had a psychic encounter with Steven too, because there’s a tangible surge of renewed vigor that’s taken the front lines by storm. Garnet throws her punches a hair harder. Pearl swings her trident with just a tinge more finesse. Amethyst and Bismuth aren’t holding back their strikes in lieu of focusing on self defense quite as much. Not only that, but the Diamonds almost seem more distracted now, more vulnerable to their coordinated group attacks. (Is this Steven’s doing, she wonders? Has he found a way to weaken them from within whatever weird psychic mindscape his untethered spirit is drifting within?)
But no matter the underlying reason, the evidence surging to life upon this beach is undeniable: slowly but surely, despite every flagrant disadvantage they hold, the tides of this struggle are turning towards their favor.
“I think he’s doing it,” she marvels to Steven’s equally as mystified father, the pair crouched right next to the boy. “I don’t know how, but somehow he’s wearing them dow—”
And then she’s blinded.
Stripped of all coherent thought or word or rhyme.
Helpless of anything beyond peering through narrowed slits with her flattened palm shielding her view as the entire beach is engulfed with a pulse of magnificent pink light.
But no, no… it’s far more than just light. Her encounters with fusion can tell her that much.
It’s a song. A symphony. An entire story told in oscillating waves of light and sound that her organic body isn’t remotely equipped to process the fullest gamut of.
Sucking in a shaky bout of air, Connie tilts her sight to her periphery to follow the light to its source. And in her joy, her heart nearly skips a beat at what she finds. His body may still lie comatose upon these course sands, healing from an impact that surely would’ve killed a less stubborn soul, but Steven’s gem is glowing as bright as a miniature sun. Any lingering signs of injury heal in an instant as this potent aura radiates from his core.
Clear on the other side of the battlefield, the Diamonds are drawn to their knees in awe of this power. Blue falls into hysterics, sobbing an ocean’s worth of tears into her hands… and Yellow— uncharacteristically still and silent— seems so shell shocked by the revelation that she can’t summon even a word of doubt in retaliation.
When Steven’s bold display of might finally fades, there’s zero quarrel on who this struggle’s victors are. Their attackers make no moves to re-engage, and the Crystal Gems remaining sprint across the shore to help each other to their feet. She… stars, she can hardly believe it. They won. Even with half of their company down for the count— two poofed, Steven unconscious, and her shamefully stripped of her sword— they managed the impossible: they held the line against two of Homeworld’s most ruthless matriarchs and survived.
Of course, their battle isn’t quite over. Steven has yet to wake up.
Greg hollers out for Garnet and the others, alerting the lot to their position. They waste no time in hurrying towards the house to congregate around them. All the while, she clutches his hand within a vice tight grasp, running her thumb along the back of his palm, hoping… begging… no, yearning for him to be okay. He has to be okay— right?
“Show her to me,” Blue demands, her tone soaked in stalled grief as she hovers over them with all the lingering dread of a bad omen. “I must see her gem with my own eyes.”
“Bismuth,” Garnet warns as the Gem in question moves to shield him with her body. “Let them through.”
Her eyes flare with abject turmoil. “B-but how can you be sure any of this is—”
“Let them through,” she repeats, propping a gemstone laden hand upon her shoulder. “The battle is over. They have no desire to hurt him now.” Then, directed at her specifically: “And give him space, he’s about to wake up.”
Connie swallows hard— a part of her unwilling to let him out of her immediate care given the daunting uncertainty of these circumstances— but then again, Garnet’s not the kind of Gem to knowingly lead them astray. Despite her own tumultuous feelings on the matter, if she says they’re safe, then they’re safe. After all, they won. She won. Despite every last insidious variable working against her— a broken sword, spine-tingling terror, her lack of strength— she served her purpose. She, a mere human, proved her worth on this battlefield of Gems. Drawing in a deep breath of air, she drops her friend’s hand and pulls back with the others.
Sure enough, he’s starting to come back to them, his chest rising and falling with greater frequency and his features scrunching inwards on his face.
Steven’s eyes flutter open, his whole body jolting as he drinks in the unlikely picture of the scene before him… family, friends, and enemies alike clustered together upon the beach they were fighting upon just mere minutes ago… all gawking at him in slack jawed wonder.
“It’s you…!” Blue Diamond breathes in sheer disbelief. “Pink!”
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huckleberrykai · 1 year ago
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choi soobin ~ fight for you
pairing: knight!soobin x princess!reader summary: on your 21st birthday coronation day, you finally get to meet the knight you've been admiring for so long. genre: royal au warnings: uhm. swords? weapons in general, creepy men, girlboss princess Y/N hell yeah word count: 2.4k click here for my masterlist!
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the night was cold. the bitter air nipped at your nose, exposed arms growing goosebumps as you ran out of the heavy wooden doors and away from the warm castle. you were headed to the rose gardens - hoping the sweet smells and beautiful blooms would distract you from the hustle and bustle of the loud party inside.
you loved the music and the pretty decorations, banners hung in your favourite colours to celebrate the occasion. it was your 21st birthday, and as princess of your kingdom that also meant official coronation day - initiating you into your full royal duties. "no more lounging around as a child, princess!" your father had told you in jest.
you never were one to just lounge around though, quietly training with your father's old second-in-command for years. your bedroom faced out onto the knight's training grounds, and so from being a young girl stuck in your room you learned to admire the knights - aspiring to fight just like them. you were very strong, and once you finally got your title you convinced your father to leave the army to you. being his only heir, he didn't have much choice. you had fought before, but only with the rank three knights which you quickly came to realise were better equipped than even rank one.
the king was kind, yet irresponsible to say the least. you knew some of the knights - most having been sent to guard you at least a few times - and the top rank was filled with only his friends. he wanted to reward the people he trusted, which wouldn't have been so bad if they weren't such horrible fighters with huge egos - most being old unreliable drunkards.
they weren't a fan of the idea of you taking over either, spewing the odd, "that little girl? head knight?" and "pretty princess should stick to her day job." you knew better than to take it to heart. besides, once tomorrow comes they'll be back to rank three where they started.
the coronation on the morning of your birthday went well. you received your official sparkling crown - heavy on your head but still delicate, as well as receiving the ancient sword - bestowed upon only the royal army leader. you watched with a smug smirk as the knights laughed at you, but you knew you could take them all to the ground in one swing. no sweat.
the day of celebrations and good cheer continued on, leading you to the party in the evening. dinner was eaten and drinks were flowing, melodic classical music flowing throughout the palace filling it with a magical feeling. you just wished it would have been easier to bask in your celebrations.
all throughout the night you'd been chased by creepy knights, princes and court officials who were desperate for your hand in marriage - seeing you as nothing but a naive girl who needed a husband. you knew they had no interest in you, only seeing you as a piece of meat with money.
your mother was concerned for you, trying to find a suitable husband to help you rule when you become queen one day. she kept pestering until you snapped, feeling unable to enjoy your own party with all of these people she invited.
"mother i am perfectly capable of ruling myself. you'll see. and if i do marry it will be to someone who i choose. not for money, not for land, my choice." you spat. and that was how you ended up in the rose gardens.
you ran to the musicians, thanking them for their beautiful work, and bowed to the maids kindly on your way out, strapping your sword to your waist and running. the cool night air was less of a bother than the sleazy old men trying to woo you. wandering through the gardens and sniffing the petals you finally felt peace seep into your bones, the faint music from the castle wandering into the gardens and echoing around you.
holding a rose between your fingers that had fallen to the floor, you noticed a figure standing at the garden gates. he was clearly a knight, dressed in the royal uniform, so you risked a peek to see if you recognised him. he was one of the rank threes you had fought with before. he was around your age, and you recalled seeing him from your window - always spending extra hours training and becoming stronger. he had excellent form and strength, physique perfect. you had to admit, he was cute too. you honestly didn't understand why he wasn't in rank one already.
"good evening!" you called out to him, walking forwards to see the blank expression on his face. hm, he truly is a professional.
"hello?" you asked, softly but sternly. still no response. you could see he seemed flustered, eyes pointing straight forwards and avoiding your own. "hello." you tried again, clicking your fingers in his face.
"you dare disrespect your princess?" you teased, causing his panicked eyes to meet yours finally. "no! i- i'm sorry but i uh.. i really don't think i'm allowed to talk to you your highness." he rushed, posture still rigid in place. you let out a giggle, your sweet smile making the man in front of you very flustered.
"says who? i'm your ruler~"
his heart was thumping now, but he didn't let it show. his posture was still straight, but you noticed his broad shoulders loosen up a little as he nodded.
"i- uh.. yeah. yeah that's right. forgive me, princess. my sincere apologies." he bowed deeply to you, returning to his stance and meeting your eyes once more. "ah that's all right. you can call me Y/N."
his eyes blew wide at your casual tone. "follow me will you? i'd like someone to talk to." you commented, pointing him to a bench overlooking the gardens.
"but- my duty-" you cut him off quickly. "is to follow the orders of your commander. correct?" he swallowed thickly at your quirked eyebrow and pretty smirk, intimidated yet entranced by your demeanour. he nodded wordlessly, following you to the bench and sitting beside you, albeit not too close.
"i don't mean to impose but shouldn't you be inside princess? oh! congratulations on your coronation, i look forward to you leading our troops." he rambled quickly. you smiled softly at his charm. you'd never have expected a knight as strong as him to be so shy.
"thank you soobin."
he felt like his heart was going to fall out when you addressed him by name. he found himself stuttering over his words. "you- you know my name?"
truth be told, soobin had always admired you. when he first became a knight he was inspired by you - so put down by other people, belittled and called weak - but you got right back up after every blow. strength, beauty, knowledge, skills, he was completely enthralled by you. he never thought he'd even have the chance to speak to you, this surprise encounter rendering him overwhelmed and enchanted.
the moonlight shone on the gems of your crown, but he thought nothing of those compared to the way your eyes sparkled. not even a thousand rubies and diamonds could rival your beauty to him.
"of course i do!" you beamed, pulling him back to reality. "i've seen you around the castle before.. i saw you sneaking sweets to the village children last week," you commented with a giggle. "you have a kind heart soobin."
he smiled warmly, cheeks hot and blushing furiously at the thought of you noticing him. "i'm glad you think so princ- uh Y/N."
a comfortable silence washed over you as the song the musicians were playing came to an end. the next song started, smooth notes relaxing you - causing you to let out a breath you didn't realise you were holding.
"so.. why are you out here? the celebrations are in your honour," soobin wondered, breaking the calm silence with his smooth deep voice, lingering on your mind like honey.
"nobody in there truly cares for me. only my mother's friends and disgusting perverts begging for my hand." you admitted. "i was tired of being chased around like a toy between a pack of dogs." soobin nodded from beside you. he'd noticed your struggle to get your mother off your back, but he was only a knight. he wasn't supposed to interfere with royal business. "all i want to do is train and lead the knights well. it's been my dream for so long... and now i can finally do it so long as my mother doesn't marry me off to some old man across the country."
"if you need help with anything.. i'm here for you princess. i'll do my best to protect you!" he exclaimed. "not that you need my protection. you're a warrior. but- but if you need me i'm here to serve you."
another smile tugged at your lips as you played with the rose between your fingers, still holding it from earlier. "your kindness and loyalty mean a lot to me soobin. and to this kingdom. thank you." your eyes turned away from the delicate pink rose to look at the man beside you. his cheeks were the same colour as the cute flower.
"i admire your strength and skills. my father is a fool." his heart-shaped lips formed a pout and his brows furrowed. gosh he was cute. "how so?" he asked politely.
"when i say i've seen you before, i mean it." you began. "whenever i'm training you're always there at the grounds too. my bedroom window overlooks the area and whenever i look out.. there you are. you work so hard... you're incredible soobin." you told him sincerely. "i truly don't understand how you're only rank three while my father keeps the top ranks for his pigs." you turned back to the flower, twirling it restlessly. "excuse me if i sound like a creep.. but it's a pleasure to watch you train. you're much stronger than you let on. my father is ignorant to knights when they aren't his friends or descendants of his friends, all the rank one soldiers are imbeciles and drunks. you could take them down in one go and look great while doing it. ~"
soobin's jaw hung open at your rant, heart beating even faster and cheeks burning even hotter. his neck was warm and he shuffled in his seat. "th- that's.. thank you- i-" he swallowed nervously.
his brain short-circuited when you reached out to hold the back of his hand which rested atop his knee. "thank you for speaking with me. i should return before my parents send out a search party." you squeezed his hand gently before letting go and standing up, him following quickly. "here." you held out the rose to him.
he searched your face confused, but reached out for it anyway - long slender fingers wrapping around the stem and brushing against your own, sending your heart fluttering. he really was charming.
"i hope to see you again soon Y/N." he muttered quietly, bringing the rose to his cute button nose to inhale the scent. you grinned at his precious bunny-like appearance.
"you will. i promise." your smile was cheeky, and he thought you looked adorable. you reached out to grab his hand properly, giving it a firm squeeze before you ran back to the castle. "goodnight soobin!" you yelled behind you, bolting off through the rose gardens on the trail back up to the castle, leaving behind a very flustered and red knight holding the rose. "goodnight princess!" he yelled back with a wave, praying you heard before returning to his position at the gates.
you had him wrapped around your finger already.
so much so, that when he returned to his chambers that night, he pressed the petals of the rose you'd given him between the pages of his diary for safekeeping.
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you spent the night in your room after returning to your parents, excusing yourself for the night quickly. you decided to reorganise the ranks, since tomorrow would be your first official day as commander.
your thoughts of soobin lingered while you drafted up lists of the new ranks - safe to say his name made the number one spot, as well as some other great fighters who'd been disregarded right alongside him. he seemed to remain in your thoughts the whole night, even as you brushed your teeth. sure, he was attractive and a great warrior, but it was his shy demeanour that you weren't expecting. you had seen his kindness, especially towards the children and elderly around the town - and you couldn't help but coo at the thoughts of his sweet personality. hopping into your smooth silk sheets, you drifted off thinking about his confused pout, slender hands and kind words. oh how you'd like to know him more~
the morning came quickly, and you finally got to face your troops. some did not look pleased at the changes you'd made overnight, groaning about how horrible your decisions were, but you knew you were right to demote them. your knights formed into lines, and your eyes wandered - subconsciously looking for soobin. his breath hitched the second your eyes met.
you stood there looking so powerful - heavy armour and bright sword in hand, yet your delicate tiara still sat atop your meticulously styled hair. the contrast between your sweet innocence and powerful strength awakened something inside him in that moment.
yeah, he was done for.
he zoned out a little while you were making your announcements, assigning leaders to each rank and explaining how things would be working from then on.
"now for rank one. your commander is me, of course," you grinned. "and for my second in command.. choi soobin. he'll also be in command when i'm away on royal duties." you explained, staring straight at him. he felt like a deer in the headlights. him? commander? he swallowed nervously and stepped forwards with the other rank leaders. "thank you your highness." he bowed, making you smile softly. "serve me well hm?" you whispered, only for him to hear, resting a hand on his shoulder while you continued your speech.
yeah, he really was done for.
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sfw taglist: @fairy-of-sugar @subbyjvnnie @mazeinthemoon @n0-thisispatrick @strawberry-kirby @majestyjun @bibibinnie @beom-pyu
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delulu-dekarios · 8 months ago
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My thoughts on Gales proposal:
So I'm honestly not a very big fan of Gales proposal. It seems really weird for him to just spring the question on you with none of his usual romantic and magic flare. Just casually asking if you'll be a part of the Dekarios clan. And he basically doesn't even ask you. You have to ask him if that's what he's asking, and then he goes "yeah I suppose so". Which makes me believe:
A. He wasn't planning on proposing to you then. When he was asking if you'd join the Dekarios clan, it was a casual question. He was like will you come live with me and be integrated into my family. But not like in the married way yet. Just by being committed, significant others who live together. But because you (the player) asks him if that's what he's asking he's like, "Oh my god wait, you will marry me? Then yeah we can get married"
It wasn't his plan to propose then and there. That was sprung on him as much as it was on you. But he loves you and does want to get married to you and therefore says yes he is proposing and THEN gets down on one knee to like make it a real proposal, at least in some way.
B. You guys just survived defeating the netherbrain. No less then 24 hours ago he thought he was going to die. Or perhaps you were going to die. Or everyone on the sword coast was going to die. But you didn't, you somehow all survived and you have "a thousand more days ahead of you". And that has made him realize that he doesn't want to wait for even a moment. He loves you and he gets a chance at life and he wants to spend the rest of it with you. And so I don't really think he was thinking about making the proposal elaborate and romantic and magical. He was just thinking about you and how much he loves you and how he wants to spend the rest of his life with you.
This makes even more sense to me because I remember watching the news one time after a shooting had happened in my town, and the survivors were being interviewed and they said that they had agreed to marry each other while hiding from the shooter. Because that situation made them realize how short and precious life is and how you shouldn't waste a moment. So Gale coming from the most harrowing and life threatening experience of his life, to wake up next to the person who he loves more than anyone or anything he has ever loved in his life, I think it makes sense that he would just blurt it out that he wants to marry you. Even if it is a little out of character for him and his usual over the top romantic gestures.
So while I'm not super happy with the proposal that we got, as I would have loved to see whatever elaborate, magical thing Gale could come up with to both woo and wow us, I understand why it wasn't like that. And I know that probably what happened was the writers at larian weren't super thinking about it when they wrote that, and they just kind of got lazy, but that's personally how I justify Gales proposal.
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nequittezpaswrites · 1 year ago
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We could have seen Barbossa dance
So I was dicking around on the POTC wiki and in doing so discovered one of the early screenplay drafts of Dead Men Tell No Tales written by Terry Rossio, who wrote for all the POTC films, as well as Aladdin, The Road to El Dorado, Shrek, and Treasure Planet. There are some less stellar works in his biography, too, but overall I respect Terry Rossio as a writer immensely. If you listen to his commentary tracks, you can tell he cares and thinks deeply about characters and motivations and telling a good story. And you guys, this early screenplay draft of his--there is some gold in there.
Like, it's flawed, for sure. But it is so much better than the actual fifth film, to which the screenplay bears essentially no resemblance. And you guys, it has so much Barbossa.
Things we were robbed of by not seeing this screenplay come to fruition:
Barbossa getting his leg back
Barbossa dancing to celebrate getting his leg back, and being good at it
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Barbossa falling madly in love* and attempting to woo a lady (*supernaturally induced)
Barbossa reciting poetry in said attempts to woo
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Barbossa being a huge fucking romantic, all dramatic speeches and vows
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^^ He follows that up by destroying Blackbeard's magic sword to prove his devotion
Barbossa cleaning up good
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Barbossa acknowledging that love is madness (correction mine; the screenplay means to say "Marty")
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Barbossa getting married and being a total drama king about it
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I love it so fucking much, you guys. We could have seen Barbossa dance!
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the-pagan-crow · 3 months ago
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Deity Spotlight: Gerðr
AKA Gerð, Gerdr, Gerd, and Gerthr
(Some people translate the ð to a d, and some to a th. We use a d because it has yielded more search results.)
Quick Facts:
Tribe: Jötunn by birth, Vanir by marriage
Domain: Fertility and Abundance
Parents: Gymir and Aurboda
Spouse: Freyr
Child: Fjölnir
Mythologically Backed Facts (VPG)
Gerdr is a goddess of abundance and fertility. She was born a Jötunn, one of the giants, but she is considered a Vanir goddess thanks to her marriage with Freyr (more on their love story in a bit). Both her parents, Gymir and Aurboda, were Jötunns. With Freyr, she had one child, Fjölnir. Fjölnir is said to have become the king of what we now call Sweden, making him the first of the Ynglings.
Gerdr and Freyr's Love Story: One day, while sitting on Odin's throne, viewing the nine realms, Freyr saw a beautiful Jötunn, Gerdr. I have seen sources disagree on if Njord, Freyr's father, or Freyr himself sent Skirnir, but either way, Skirnir was given Freyr's magical sword in exchange for him wooing Gerdr for Freyr.
Skirnir tried to persuade Gerdr into coming with him to meet and marry Freyr, but it is said she refused. Skirnir is then said to have resorted to threats, under which Gerdr agrees.
Once they wed, Gerdr became a Vanir goddess. It is also said that Freyr will die in Ragnarok because he gave up his sword.
My Experiences (UPG)
We love working with Gerdr. She is so sweet! She is a big part of our practice, along with Freyr. For us, she has a very kind and loving energy. We often compare her vibe to a gentle wind rustling through tree leaves.
We take walks with her out in nature, we have a candle for her, and we cook with her! We've found that she really likes shades of green, golden yellow, and certain shades of brown.
She is very understanding and an amazing deity to work with.
As always, if we get anything wrong, please let us know nicely! If you have any questions, feel free to ask!!
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simply-whump · 2 years ago
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The Heavenly Idol (성스러운 아이돌) - Whump List
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Whumpee : Rembrary / Woo Yeon Woo played by Kim Min Gue
Synopsis : Pontifex Rembrary is widely regarded as having the most powerful divine power ever. While he fights against a devil, he gets transferred to a different world. He then finds himself in a small dormitory and possesses the body of Woo Yeon Woo, who is a member of the unpopular idol group Wild Animal. (MDL)
Genres : Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
⚠️TW⚠️ There are talks about suicide in multiple episodes
Warning ! Possible spoilers below!
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Rembrary / Woo Yeon Woo
Ep 1 : Chased, hit by some magic, falls down his horse, attacked, protecting himself with magic, struggling, thrown to the ground, shoulder injured, healed with magic, using magic, stumbling, head spinning, headache — Transported from his fantasy world to our world, screaming, really confused, a bit manhandled — Brought to the hospital — Cuts his palm, heals himself
Ep 2 : Tries to use his powers, gasping in pain, passes out — Looks really tired — Uses too much power, sweating, collapses, passes out, found unconscious, concern for him, wakes up briefly before passing out again (Gif Set)
Ep 3 : Unconscious, concern for him, slapped, heavy lidded eyes, speaking weakly — Coughing — Feeling dizzy
Ep 4 : None
Ep 5 : Using a lot of power, struggling — Knife at his throat, restrained 
Ep 6 : Bag on his head, restrained — Restrained, taken by the police — Handcuffed in an interrogation room — Attacked with a knife, thrown against a wall, stopping the blade with his bare hand, bleeding, struggling, running away, stabbed in the shoulder, crying out in pain, collapses, passes out (Gif Set) — Wakes up on a stretcher, concern for him, heavy-lidded eyes, speaking weakly — At the hospital, bloody, refusing treatment, wincing in pain, hand treated, wincing in pain, concern for him (Gif Set) — Walking with an IV drip, hand and shoulder bandaged, talking bout sad memories — Helped to walk, bumps his shoulder against some furniture, wincing in pain, concern for him
Ep 7 : Under the influence of a spell, has to do everything someone tells him to do, forced to drink, drunk, told to drive a car and to crash, slammed against a car, collapses on the ground, concern for him, (Gif Set), freed from the spell
Ep 8 : Worried for someone, attacked, protecting himself with a magical shield, stabbed in the leg, bleeding, (Gif Set), healing himself
Ep 9 : Falls down some stairs (comedic) — Can’t use his powers, shocked, desperate, blaming himself, teary-eyed — Told to go kill himself if he wants to save everyone, pushed against a wall, angry, has a panic attack, can’t breath, collapses, passes out (Gif Set)
Ep 10 : Wakes up in bed, vision blurry, looking exhausted, depressed, wishes to kill himself to save everyone, worried — Falsely accused of all sorts of horrible things — Covered in flour and eggs — (Flashback) Found unconscious — (Present) Has a panic attack, breathless, holding his chest, half-collapses, heavy breathing, looking exhausted (Gif Set) — Surrounded by paparazzi, has another panic attack, has trouble breathing, saved, saying hurtful things to his loved one — Depressed — Has a third panic attack, has trouble breathing, blaming himself — Manhandled, using his powers, collapses unconscious, concern for him (Gif Set) — Wakes up in bed, heavy-lidded eyes
Ep 11 : Restrained, put to his knees, attacked — Attacked, thrown to the ground, stabbed in the shoulder, falls down the stairs, unconscious, bleeding from the head, (Gif Set), wakes up back in his fantasy world, chained, sword pointed at him (Gif Set) — Back in our world his body is found unconscious, concern for him, hospitalized, oxygen mask, waking up, heavy lidded eyes — Told he has to die for the people to be saved, magic used on him, in pain, collapses to the ground, told to kill himself, feeling betrayed, angry, collapses on his knees, devastated, crying, screaming, sobbing, comforted (Gif Set)
Ep 12 : Thrown to the ground — Hit with a wooden pole, restrained, taken away — Bag on his head, teary-eyed, magic used on him, in pain, his powers are being taken from him, gasping in pain, passes out — Stabbed, collapses, passes out
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