#mainly in just being stumped with where to go next

[cy-cyborg]

Tips for drawing and writing amputees: The prosthetic needs something to hold onto

Prosthetics need to be able to hold on to the body.

If you're giving your amputee something similar to 99.99% of modern prosthetics, this will be done through a socket. This is a ridged cup made perfectly for the amputee that holds the prosthetic onto the body. Older prosthetics (mostly anything before the 90's) made the prosthetic socket intentionally tight in spots, which is what held it in place. Some people with sensitive skin still use this style of prosthetic but they've mainly fallen out of use in favour for suction sockets. These sockets create a vacuum seal that holds the prosthetic in place. These can work in two ways, either just by forcing excess air out of the socket and creating the seal that way, or for some legs, sucking that excess air out and into an "ankle" mechanism to offer some extra suspension and padding in the step.

Some prosthetics will also use additional measures as well as suction, such as pin-locks, where the amputee wears a sock with a screw at the bottom that clips into a mechanism at the bottom of the socket, or a prosthetic with movable panels that can be tightened via cables running through the socket.

I've used all of these except the pin lock socket, and they all have one thing in common: The sockets need as much space as possible. For prosthetics using suction in particular, this is to spread out the amount of force being applied to the leg. If all the suction is being applied to the end of the stump, it's going to get sore and could even damage the skin. If that same amount of suction is applied to a much wider area, it's going to feel less intense. Likewise, older prosthetics needed as much space to work with as possible too, as applying tight pressure to a small area as opposed to a larger surface to keep the tension isn't good for your skin or muscles in that spot.

For this reason, the sockets will take up all of the space available without limiting movement, meaning they will go all the way up to the next major joint. An amputee who lost their hand through the wrist will have a socket that goes all the way to their elbow. An amputee who lost their leg through or above the knee will have a socket that goes all the way to their hip.

Sometimes, if an amputation is particularly close to a major joint and there isn't a lot of space left between the stump and the next major joint, prosthetists will opt to immobilise the closest joint and take the socket all the way up to the next major joint. This was something I've actually discussed with my prosthetist. My left leg is amputated below the knee, but I only have a few centimetres of space below the knee. That leg occasionally needs revisions, meaning they take the very tip off of the stump to help correct issues with weird bone growth, scarring, infections etc, but if I get another revision, my leg will be too short to comfortably wear a socket, so my knee will need to be immobilised and my leg will become, functionally, an above knee amputation, despite still having the joint. This is rare, but it happens on occasion, showing that sometimes that need for space trumps even the use of a still functional joint. It's really important.

I wanted to bring this up because I see a lot of people draw sockets on their amputee's prosthetics, but they're much too tiny to be comfortable!

I did mention most prosthetics use a socket, but not all do. Some old prosthetics did not have sockets and were held in place using other methods.

This is a "prosthetic" my prosthetist found in his company's back room. He's not sure when it was made, but together we came up with an estimate of it being made around the 70's for a through-hip amputee (meaning someone who's whole leg was amputated with no stump at all)

It's designed so that the user would rest their hip on the cushion and use the handle to hold it in place and move it in time with their walk. This kind of mobility aid isn't often used anymore (me nor my prosthetist have seen one out in the world), and seems to have faded in use during the 80's as sockets were invented that could better hold onto the hip and pelvis for through-hip amputees and the use of wheelchairs for amputees became less stigmatised.

There's also A new type of prosthetic has been developed called the Osseointegration prosthetic, which also doesn't use a socket either. These are very rare as they are incredibly expensive and still very risky, but these prosthetics bypass the socket and implant the prosthetic directly into the body through a rod planted inside one's stump bone. This rod has a clip at the end of the stump, so the external part of the prosthetic can be removed as needed (and replaced). The reason they are risky though is that they are EXTREMELY prone to infection. I only know one person who had this implanted successfully, but he has to be very careful to keep his leg clean or else it will get infected (and it frequently does, he's constantly on antibiotics). Everyone else I know who got it had to get it removed.

With time these implants will get safer, but we are a very, very long way off from that right now.

[adrienneleclerc]

Just A Bunch of Hocus Pocus

Summary: What i believe your couples costume would be with the F1 Drivers

Warning: spelling and grammatical errors

A/N: Drivers include Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Logan Sargeant, Oscar Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and the newest addition of Daniel Ricciardo. Most of the costumes were my idea but when i was stumped, i used Chat GPT

Charles Leclerc: Since Charles loves Harry Potter, i believe you two would dress up as Harry and Ginny or dress up in Hogwarts "uniforms" in general with the robe, tie, and scarf of your house. Maybe you guys would be Lightning McQueen and Sally because you sent him so many memes comparing him to Lightning McQueen. I also see you guys being Mr. and Mrs. Smith because who wouldn't want to see Charles in a suit?

Lando Norris: You two would dress up as Spider-Man and MJ/Gwen Stacy, depending on which movie or character you prefer. Han Solo and Princess Leia are also on the table, along with Mario and Princess Peach, that way you and the whole Quadrant crew can dress up as character from Super Mario Bros.

Logan Sargeant: You and the American Boy will dress up as Captain America and Peggy Carter, no question about it. Also, you two could dress up as an athlete and a cheerleader since he is, as Alex puts it, so painfully American. But to make it even better, you guys would go as Nathan and Haley from One Tree Hill OR Troy and Gabriella because whats more American than High School Musical?

Oscar Piastri: You two would be Tinkerbell and Terrence after making him watch all the movies with you. Iron Man and Pepper Potts if he wanted to go the superhero route like Logan. But he would also agree to doing a group costume with your friends and going as Numbah 3 and 4 from Codename: Kids Next Door which was one of your favorite cartoons from when you were younger, mainly because Numbah 4 is Australian as well.

Lewis Hamilton: I believe you guys would go as Michael Jackson and Britney Spears from that live performance with the green sparkling dress OR the event photo where Michael was wearing a red shirt and Britney had the leather newsboy cap since Lewis is very fashion forward. The Mad Hatter and Alice is another good one because of how elaborate the Mad Hatter suits are, it would be perfect for Lewis. Also because of your (my) obsession with Criminal Minds, you guys could go as Derek Morgan and Penelope Garcia because who wouldn't want to be his baby girl?

Carlos Sainz: El Matador, el matador!! You guys would go as el Zorro and Elena and would look so cute! Another is Jack Sparrow and Angelica Teach (Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws if you guys want to be a little silly). However, Carlos would absolutely lose it if you guys went as Seth Gecko and Santanico Pandemonium from the movie From Dusk Til Dawn.

Max Verstappen: After you find out that Max hasn't seen the Halloween MASTERPIECE that is Hocus Pocus, you make him watch it with you and you guys dress up as Winifred Sanderson (or Sarah) and Billy Butcherson. You would also dress up as Richard Gere and Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman. I can also imagine you guys going as Hiccup and Astrid from How To Train Your Dragon so Max would be able to dress his cats as your respective dragons

Daniel Ricciardo: Hands down you guys will dress up as Woody and Bo Peep because the man LOVES to dress up as a cowboy. Barbie and Ken in their cowboy outfits is also a choice for your guys' costumes. I think he would love the idea of him being a cowboy and you as a saloon girl like in Westworld

The End

[woso-dreamzzz]

Firsts

Hardersson x Baby!Reader

Part of The Big Adventures Universe

Summary: Your first week at home

You get to come home the day after you're born.

Thankfully, you sleep the entire time though Pernille stays in the back with you just in case. It's a little strange, she thinks. The last time she was home, she was pregnant. Now she has you.

Your name is decided the day you come home and you do little but nap and eat. You're a little devil that first night and wake up on the hour, every hour to cry and feed.

Pernille has to get up because she's practically your walking food source but Magda gets up in solidarity too (though it's mainly to coo in awe at you).

The next day is more active. Magda drives you all to the registry office where they finalise your name and then to the embassies to register you as a citizen of Denmark and Sweden.

You seem to like the car because it sends you to sleep every time but dislike leaving it because you cry and whine until one of them holds you nice and tight.

You seem to like affection though. You're most content in Pernille and Magda's arms and you get all wiggly and weird when you're put in your car seat or crib. Magda can't quite tell yet if you just like their presence or if it's because of their warmth. Either way, she doesn't really care, more than happy to give in to your every need.

She takes a lot of pictures of you, sending them to family members who lament about not being able to visit but promise to book tickets to Germany very soon.

The exhaustion kicks in around day three. You haven't settled since your last feed of the night and Pernille's practically falling asleep in her seat as you suckle at her insistently.

Her eyes slip closed every few seconds and she has to wrench them open each time just in case something happens to you. Magda looks to be in a similar state as she lies on the floor at Pernille's feet, snoring softly before lifting her head when Pernille nudges at her.

"Huh?" She asks groggily," Wha's...Wha's goin' on?" Her words are slurred and she blinks the sleep from her eyes.

"She needs a change," Pernille says, unlatching you and handing you down to Magda.

Magda mechanically takes you, still completely exhausted but still awake enough to hold your properly.

You scrunch up your face in annoyance when she strips you of your babygrow and changes your nappy. It's one of the few things Magda can say that you absolutely hate. You screech loudly and kick out your little, uncoordinated limbs while Magda scrunches up her nose at the smell.

You're a little darling most of the time but she absolutely hates changing you. She thinks it's a fair exchange though. Pernille's barely producing enough milk to keep you full so there's none to express and put in bottles for Magda to use to feed you so Pernille stays as your sole feeder and Magda does the changing.

The little stump where your umbilical cord used to be looks fine when Magda checks it, a habit she has found herself doing ever since the nurse said that there was always a slight chance of infection. She tickles your stomach to distract you as she slips on a new nappy and buttons up your babygrow again.

"There," Magda says," All done!"

She picks you up and brings you into the crook of her neck. You're rooting immediately, trying to suck in her collarbone like it's going to get you milk.

Magda laughs a little, patting you on the back softly.

Day four and five happen much the same with the three of you trapped in your sweet little bubble at home.

Day six doesn't have much excitement either apart from the Wolfsburg chat blowing up when Nilla finally lets slip that Pernille has had you.

Most of the day is spent on a video call with you propped up on Magda's chest as Pernille shows you off to the camera. Everyone coos and awes over you as you yawn and clench your little fist.

Pernille swipes a finger against your cheek to show off how much you like to eat because you automatically move your face towards the pressure and start trying to root, searching for her breast.

It causes a fresh wave of coos to sound from the phone.

It makes you demonstrate your startle reflex expertly as your eyes go wide and you fling your arms out.

Magda likes to say that she knows you're going to be smart when you grow up just by how strong your instincts are but Pernille's planning on waiting until you're at least strong enough to hold up your own head to make such judgements.

"She's so pretty," Noelle coos from where she's squished between Ewa and Sara on the screen," When can we come to see her?"

"Pernille will come to you guys," Magda says as she holds you a little tighter with a wink to the camera. "We're keeping her to ourselves right now."

"Unfair," Ewa complains," Why can't we get baby love too?"

"Baby love is reserved for her mothers right now," Pernille laughs as she begins to say her goodbyes to everyone.

"How long do you think you can hold them off?"

"Probably until you leave. Frido, though, should probably get told before Nilla blabs to her too."

Magda sighs deeply. "I'll text her later."

"You better hurry," Pernille says," Or you're going to get a very angry phone call later."

On your seventh day at home, you let Magda know how you feel about her taking you from Pernille's breast before you're ready by spitting up all over her back when she tries to wind you.

Somehow, you've even gotten some under her shirt and she can feel the milky mixture slide down her skin.

Half-delirious from sleep exhaustion, Pernille finds this hysterical and laughs until she cries as Magda can do nothing but writhe in disgust.

"Pernille!" She whines," Stop laughing! Hold her so I can change!"

Pernille is still hysterically laughing as Magda feels your spit meet her waistband. To your credit, you're not crying or anything. You're just happily blowing spit bubbles out of your milk as Magda wriggles around.

"I've got her, I've got her," Pernille giggles as she takes you and mops up your face," Go and change. You smell."

"It's her fault!"

"Don't blame, princesse! She's just a baby!"

[dumbkiri]

hi!! how are you? i hope you are having a lovely day and staying hydrated.

i just would like to request a tobio x fem!reader where reader is the younger sister of oikawa and because of the "bad blood" between the two, she gets tired and lectures them about how they should stop their petty fight and, at least, be civilized with each other. (though oikawa is mainly the petty one 😂)

it's a bit messy, so it's okay if you don't decide it or completely change the plot.

btw, i absolutely love your fics!!! and i definitely am a fan of yours!!!

𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬

ᴋᴀɢᴇʏᴀᴍᴀ ᴛᴏʙɪᴏ x ꜰᴇᴍ! ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

The Karasuno Boys volleyball team were excited to be invited to the Karasuno’s Girls volleyball tournament. The tournament was called ‘Spring Days’, it was showcasing the popular teams of Japan and they couldn't wait to see all the cute girls there.

Then they were all smacked in the face when Kageyama offhandedly said that he wouldn’t be there to support the Karasuno girls. 

“What do you mean you’re not going to support them! They always support us!” Hinata shouted at his grumpy teammate. The orange haired male was currently shaking the life out of Kageyama. 

Then Kageyama scowled and began wrestling Hinata as he said, “Because I would be betraying someone important to me. She plays for Shiratorizawa.” 

“Eh?” Hinata stopped shaking Kageyama and just stared at him blankly while being held in a chokehold by said male. Then he whispered so the rest of the boys practicing wouldn’t hear them, “Someone important? Like a girlfriend?” 

“Is that a problem?” Kageyama casually asked, pushing Hinata away. He picked up his drink and started gulping down the water in his plastic bottle. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and shrugged his shoulders, “It’s a good thing I get a free ride there, but don’t expect me to cheer for our school.” 

“We are there to support our team, Kageyama,” Sawamura crossed his arms over his chest and glared down at the young teen with his dad stare, “And if I don’t hear you cheer for them, you will not set for two games- no three games.” 

Kageyama deflated and looked off to the side in thought. You would understand the punishment he was getting and would want him to do what’s best for him. But your attitude was going to be different during the game. “Fine, but if our school faces Shiratorizawa, you’re gonna wish I cheered for her instead.” 

The boys watched as the volleyball nerd went over to the net getting ready to practice some sets. They had no idea what he meant by that and left to join him for practice. 

…..

Saturday came quicker than the boys anticipated, nonetheless they sported the Karasuno jackets and walked into the large stadium with giant smiles on their faces. They all loved the feeling they got walking up to the court, so sometimes it was weird for them to be watching and being the supporting students. 

Kageyama was glued to his phone, messaging his girlfriend non-stop. Hinata would definitely peek over Kageyama’s shoulder, but he would always be pushed away with a hand in front of his face. The boys were seated in the first row and had an amazing view of the court. 

Kageyama was doing perfectly fine until he heard his rival speaking from afar. “Ah, the poor little trashy crows have to play against my amazing little sister. I can only imagine how giant the point difference is going to be.” 

Kageyama looked to his left to see two empty seats. That was until that annoying voice still praising his sister got closer. His dark blue eyes looked up to see brown ones glaring at him. Then another male popped up from behind the curly brown haired person.

 “Ah, Kageyama, you’re here to support [Name] as well?” Iwaizumi asked, walking in front of Oikawa and greeting the stumped black haired male. 

Kageyama bowed his head then said, “No, I’m not allowed to cheer for her or else I won’t be a setter for three games.” 

Iwaizumi sat down next to him and chuckled, “I get it and I’m sure she would as well. Did you tell her?” The older teen got comfortable and looked at his old teammate. 

“I’m afraid she’s going to give the Karasuno girls a hard time if I did,��� Kageyama admitted with his eyes directed hard at the ground. 

A loud laugh caught their attention and Oikawa leaned back into his seat with a smug smile on his face. “[Name] is so going to crush your trashy team solo! If I were you, I would tell your other halves to forfeit now.” 

Iwaizumi elbowed Oikawa’s rib cage causing the male to lurch forward with a holler. Before Kageyama could agree with his rival, his loud teammates came into the picture with heated glares, “What makes your snotty sister so special, huh?” Tanaka shouted while Nishinoya stood behind him with a fist in the air, “Ten bucks, our team does the crushing instead!” 

“Deal!” Oikawa shouted back with one hand holding his side while Iwaizumi shook his head from the lack of awareness these idiots had. The usually grumpy male leaned over to Kageyama and whispered, “You do know that your team is going to make trashykawa super rich after this game?” 

Kageyama crossed his arms over his chest and grumbled back, “I tried to warn them.” 

“Welcome all to the Spring Days tournament where talented ladies from all over Japan showcase their volleyball skills.” 

The female announcer excitedly proclaimed in her microphone. The males couldn’t focus on what she was saying because a new group arrived behind them and this group wasn’t going to go unnoticed. 

“Oh my, is that Oikawa Tooru? The big brother of our baby eagle, [Name]?” 

Kageyama peeked a glance at his rival and saw the instant disgust on the male’s face which caused a bit of happiness to appear on his own face. Kageyama thought this was a perfect karma moment for the smug male. 

“You do well to address my little sister by her last name. Just because she trains with that guy, doesn’t mean you cannot show her or myself some respect!” Oikawa pointed at a very tall third year student. 

Ushijima looked down at Oikawa with his eyes and stated, “Your sister likes the nickname the team gave her and she has all our respect because of her skills. At least she took my advice to join the girls team at Shiratorizawa unlike you. She’s being nurtured if that’s what you care about.” 

“Don’t word it like that, it makes you sound like a pervert! Also that’s because I don’t want to be your teammate! You’re the one that brainwashed my poor sister! I should have persuaded her to spend her time elsewhere!” 

“What, like Karasuno?” Tendou snidely said with a snicker. 

Kageyama could feel the tension from his captain and vice captain as Daichi spoke up with a fake smile on his face. The third year Karasuno male turned around and asked Tendou with that cheap smile, “Something wrong with Karasuno?”

Tendou hummed and shrugged his shoulders, “Ehh~ You don’t really see people with skill choose Karasuno unless they’re rejects,” He looked at the back of Kageyama’s head, “Or useless dreamers.” He stared at the rest owlishly. 

“That’s enough out of your mouth,” Semi joined in and told everyone to focus on the game which is about to start. Everyone had their feathers ruffled up in some way and it was because of their snide remarks to one another. 

“For our first game, we have Karasuno vs Shiratorizawa! Please welcome them to the court!” 

Kageyama pulled out his backpack from under his chair and everyone looked at him suspiciously. He didn’t pay attention to their questioning glares as his eyes were on a girl who looked around the arena for him. Of course, your knees were not covered by your usual white and purple knee pads. 

It only took another minute for you to find him and you ran over to the stands with a giant grin on your face.

 “Tobio, thank you so much for bringing them! I forgot I left them at your place!” You huffed out and sat down in front of his backpack digging in it without any permission. You found your knee pads and took them out with a sigh of relief. “You just saved me from running ten laps back home.” 

“It’s no problem at all,” Kageyama responded with a gentle smile on his face as he admired your look. The rest of his teammates were baffled by the look of his face and how pretty you were. You seemed kind, way kinder than your older brother. 

You slipped your knee pads over your shoes and comfortably on your knees. You looked up at Tobio and blushed at the soft look he was giving you, but you could tell he wanted to tell you something. “Is something wrong, Tobio?” 

“Yes!” Your brother shouted standing up from the bleachers, “He’s not going to cheer for you! But don’t worry, you have me!” 

“And us!” Tendou shouted from a row behind. You laughed and pushed yourself up from the floor. You weren’t going to tell them that you didn’t notice them because of your attention to your boyfriend. 

“Is there a reason why you’re not going to cheer for me, Tobio?” You asked with a pout on your face and he stood up immediately to comfort you. You loved this about him, he was pretty shy, but he made sure to keep you happy. 

He looked at his team then to you and explained, “They didn’t believe me when I said that my girlfriend plays for Shiratorizawa and said that if I didn’t cheer for the Karasuno girls then I wouldn’t set for three games.” 

You laughed and gave Kageyama a quick hug pushing him gently back onto his seat, “Eh, don’t worry Tobio. I was just teasing you. I know I will always have your support! Anyways, what’s the bet?” 

“You know about the bet?” Hinata questioned bewildered by your psychic abilities and you scoffed with a smirk on your face as you gestured over to your older brother, “Please, if my brother doesn’t force someone to bet on my skills then he’s not my Tooru.” 

“We bet ten dollars,” Oikawa said and leaned back while Iwaizumi shook his head in exaggeration. 

Then you rolled your eyes and fixed your knee pads a bit while saying, “I would have gone higher, older brother. But that’s okay, I hope to see you all in the finals.” You winked at Kageyama and shouted over your shoulder as you walked away, “I better not hear the both of you talking smack to one another. It throws me off my game!” 

Oikawa sat back in his spot and glared at Kageyama, “Why were her knee pads at your place?”

Kageyama shrugged his shoulders and zipped up his bag. The words from you not even seconds ago being forgotten because of a cruel idea in his head. He was tired of Oikawa and this was for sure going to get him riled up.

Kageyama turned his head and smirked at Oikawa, “Maybe because she spends most of her time on her knees.” 

“I dare you to say that again!” Oikawa shouted while being held back by Iwaizumi who had to hide his blush from his former teammate. He wasn't expecting Kageyama to be that bold!

“I meant what I said!” You shouted, giving a glare at your rambunctious brother.

..........

Thank you for your support and I hope this was a fun read for you because I had fun writing it!!

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

Ican I ask about a thirst (this is my first time requesting one)

With either bucky or Spencer reid where they're finally undressing for sex and the reader has a bunch of tattoos, mainly silly, like a fish where the tail is a foot, or a whale tiptoeing on human legs? Giggly laughter? Sweet loving?

this is actually so cute!

(I do thirsts as slightly more in depth ask replies/ chattery suggestive crap. so it’s kinda like im talking to you directly about your idea and running with it)

READER WITH RANDOM TATTOOS.

im gonna go with bucky (sorry spence)

I so love the idea of it being so casual, so like you’re kissing, undressing each other for your first time together. and bc he hasn’t seen all of you before he hasn’t seen all your tattoos. he’s seen ones on your arms and legs/ where clothes don’t always cover. but not all of them

so he’s taking off your top and looking over you and eyes dart across etc. and he’s like “what’s that?” and he’s nodding to the one on your rib

and bc you’re so used to them you forget they’re there. so your like “what’s what?”

and he goes “that. that drawing” and gestures to it. also he’s asking quite sweetly, like he’s intrigued

and you look down and go “oh” and laugh and say about how it’s a jelly fish with crab claws, or a fish with a foot for a tail (like you said) or idk something. and he laughs and then he’s onto asking about the next one. he has no idea what they even are, but so he’s interested. so you explain again how it’s something random

and maybe you’re trying to initiate things sexually again but he’s still amazed by the cute dumb little doodles. and so he asks more about them and it’s all very sweet and cute and you’re both laughing about it while you share stories of them. explaining how some you regret but some you love

maybe he likes how carefree you are and so you’ll balance each other perfectly

LOVE the idea of it being after sex and you’re cuddling in bed and he’s stroking over your arms etc. and maybe bc you’re warm and the ink lines are more raised

so he’s tracing over one, lining the doodle and he has a really cutely confused look on his face. and he’s trying really hard to work it out but he just can’t

so you go “you’re never gonna guess it” and it’s said sweetly and like you’re amused

he’s like “I just can’t figure out what it is”

so you say “I’ll give you a hint” and then say “it’s an animal”

and that just stumps him completely. “an elephant?”

and you laugh and go “sea animal”

“jellyfish?”

and then you give in and laugh when you say it’s “a whale with legs”

and he does one of those “no”s like its disbelief. and he’s chuckling and lining the next one and says “you might as well put me out of misery and tell me this one now. I’ll never guess it” and it happens to be a ‘normal’ one and you go “no, that one’s just a slice of pizza”

and he does his cute laugh and shakes his head. and you hold his hand over a few more and graze his finger over the tats and explain what they are

[caesarinsalata]

*Ahem*

Uh... So....how about a Part 2?

(I literally accidentally just shat out the next part in the same day 🤣💦)

PART 2

A few days later

“He should be awake by now…”

“Just give him time. Losing a limb is a lot of stress for a small kid.”

“We could only do so much using alchemy, so we'll just have to see when he wakes up.”

“I think I saw him move!”

Edward’s body was so heavy like something was sitting on his chest. His eyes fluttered open as he groaned and made an attempt at sitting up.

“Ed don't move!”

Too late. The moment his muscles strained against his weight, a shockwave of sharp stabbing quickly struck from his stump up through his hip. A yelp caught in his throat as his upper body slammed back down onto the mattress.

“He's going to need more herbs… go transmute some more numbing agent.”

His breathing was shaky. Before he could reach for his wrapped limb, someone grabbed his wrist to stop him. Another stab of pain followed by a deep pulsing sensation assaulted him before he could look to see who it was.

“Who-?”

“You mustn't touch it.”

“Wha-?” Opting to attempt just lifting his head this time, Ed craned his neck to look down at his lower half.

“My….my leg…”. A hitched hiccuping sound came out of Ed's mouth as his eyes grew wide again. He thought it was all a sick trick of the mind or nightmare of some kind. This can't be real! It's gone! Where is it??

“Where is my leg?!” Whipping his head back, Ed shouted and threw a tantrum, the pain getting unbearable as he tossed his limbs around. Blood seeping through the dressings.

“Edward! Ed, stop! You're hurting yourself!”

“Give it back, damn it! My leg! Where is it?!”

Everyone in the room had to hold him down. Unfortunately someone had to put pressure on his upper thigh to stop the wounded limb from being damaged further. The pressure shot another, more intense, bold of pain through him and he wailed.

Shortly after he ran out of air to scream with, the pain became too much and he passed out again. Everyone sighed.

“It's better if he stays asleep for now…”

“I've got the medicine!”

“Hurry and bring it over, we might have to reseal his wound. He threw a fit and about gave himself a head injury.”

Inspecting and redressing his stump, they gave him the numbing agent that should also help with keeping him asleep for a few more hours.

“Why can't we see him!”

“Kids, please, I know it may seem unfair, but he needs to rest. Any more stress and it'll never heal.”

“But brother is all alone in there! He needs someone there when he wakes up!”

“The alchemists that specialize in healing abilities are doing what they can. You have to be patient. You'll just be in the way. I'm sorry…”

Hohenheim was doing everything in his power to keep Al and Winry from barging into Ed's room. It was the boys’ room, but they needed a solitary area for Ed's recovery. Al was moved into Winry's room, when she visited, mainly for moral support.

The kids pouted and were about to cry for the fifth time today and that wasn’t counting the amount of fluids they collectively lost on the day of the incident.

They didn't know what to make of the sounds heard from the throne room. First it was just yelling. The most jarring part of the whole thing was a moment of silence then all they could hear was the scream of pure agony bouncing off the stone walls. Before they could escape the library/play room to even see what it was, Trisha, Ed and Al’s mother, came running in to check on them, not knowing where the scream was coming from.

She had held them as they all shook at the sound of what they believed was Hohenheim letting out a cry and then running by the archway. The curtain in the doorway fluttered at his speed and all the three of them could see was an adult man carrying someone and nothing but blood following after him. An unnerving copious amount of it. Al and Winry didn't register who or what it was until Trisha gasped. In that split second, she could make out an unconscious Ed in Hohenheim's arms.

“Edward…?”

Then it began to make sense to them. Who else could that scream have come from? And Hohenheim looking out of his mind and frantic only meant one thing. Edward was hurt. Bad. Trisha didn't want the kids to see anything so she held onto them as she closed her eyes. Al and Winry couldn't help but stare at the stream of blood creeping in from under the curtain between the stone floor seams.

Needless to say, everyone was traumatized that day, but they didn't appreciate not being able to see Ed to make sure he was actually alive. The only thing they could go on was the kicking and screaming from Ed's room a minute ago. But it was quiet now.

“I hope my brother is okay…”

“He'll be okay, Al… He's too stubborn to die.”

They both looked at each other ready to cry again.

[theanomalystoppingclockman]

He's looking around the shed, his brows furrowed as he tries to see if there is anything useful in the small building.

He sulks when he doesn't see anything, leaning against the pole with an annoyed expression. He huffs," ... Kay, nothin' useful in here so far.... Maybe I could summon my knives?"

His clock eye starts to glow, and he attempts to summon his knives.

Of course, that doesn't work either. His power fizzles out, leaving him empty handed. "Wha- that should've worked! Why didn't it..?"

As he's attempting to figure out what went wrong, he doesn't notice a shadow forming in the corner of the room. The shadow slunk closer, and with it an aura of darkness followed.

Chrono tensed as a voice right next to him spoke up," Ah, you're awake. Good."

His head shot up to the voice's direction, and a yelp of surprise leaving him. There from the shadows stood a being, them glitched and seemingly changing shape. They were flickering between different characters, sometimes looking more dogish, and sometimes mimicking a rainbow monster. They smirked," Did you enjoy your nap?" Their voice seemed like a mixture of voices.

He blinked, before realization filled him," you- You're the one who kidnapped me!"

They sighed," Yes I did. It was quite easy to do as well... You are terribly unobservant of your surroundings."

"Why you-" He growled, before another realization filled him. "wait, where's Light? I swear if you hurt them-"

They scoffed," You mean that useless anomaly that was hiding in your hood? Please, they weren't worth the effort. They're fine. Besides, what I mainly wanted was you..."

" me? What would you even need me for?", he looked confused.

They smirked," To put it simply, I've heard many things about you... How you go after my kin, all in the name of 'protecting the timelines'.. How you kill so many of us..." They kneeled in front of him," I have been waiting a very long time to meet you."

Chrono tensed,"Yer... Yer an anomaly?"

They clapped," Ding ding ding! You put things together! Wonderful! Really! Not much of a surprise from the Anomaly Slayer.."

"i-... Why did you- why have you been wanting to meet me? Why?", The multiverse traveler was stumped and his voice mirrored it.

" Well, there's plenty of reasons. Amongst several of us anomalies you're pretty well known.. it's like, meeting an infamous individual. I wanted to see if you really were all that... Although, now that I look at you, you're just a weak little creature without a world..."

"wah- hey, I'm not weak!", Chrono protested, him shooting a look at the other.

"oh yes, you are. Your emotions , they make you one of the weakest of the bunch! A weak link in the chain, able to break so easily-"

Chrono jolted forward, the ropes keeping him in place as he shouted," Shut Yer trap already!" He feels anger filling him and he demands," Enough of this! Why did ya kidnap me?! Why are you doin' this?!"

The being grinned sharply, him leaning forward until him and Chrono were eye to eye. He spoke," Isn't it obvious? I thought you were smart enough to figure it out, anomaly slayer....",They put a hand to their cheek, their brow raising ," Unless.. you don't know, do you? About what you really are? It's actually the reason you're in this predicament and why I am doing this in the first place..."

Chrono gives the other a look of pure disbelief," What in tarnation are you talkin' about? Of course I know what I am!"

The being chuckled, his expression bemused," Oh, I very much doubt that... Tell me, what makes an anomaly, hm?"

"wha-.. what makes them?" His brows furrow, caught off guard by the question," i-... They're..." Confusion filled his expression and he couldn't seem to figure out the answer.

The other continues , their voice a fake pitying one," It's ironic really. You hunt us down, killing so many of us, and you don't even know how we come into being?"

"i-", a look of alarm crossed Chrono's expression," Now hold on a minute-" the ex-mailman jumped as the anomaly's clawed hand grabbed his face, their hand covering his mouth.

They snarled, their red eyes glowing brightly," I wasn't finished, anomaly slayer." Their dark aura increased, and it caused a blast of fear to fill the clock man.

Chrono tensed, his mismatched eyes pinpricks. The anomaly then chuckled, enjoying the fear it was putting in him," As I was saying, it's real ironic... You see, I've learned plenty about you... I know more about you then you do yourself even!" Their claws dug into his face, him wincing as pricks of pain came from it," Someone aught to teach you where we anomalies come from! So, that's exactly what I'm going to do... "

They waved their free hand," You see, anomalies are glitches. Made from codes of fallen worlds, or destroyed ones. Depending on the world, we are all very different. And depending on how much of a certain code we have, our looks and memories and personality changes... Do you see where I'm going with this?"

Chrono's eyes are narrowed at the anomaly in front of him, although he is also a bit conflicted and confused. That seemed answer enough to the anomaly," Hm. I see you don't... Well, let me make it clear in your thick skull."

The anomaly slammed Chrono's head into the pole, the multiverse traveler letting out a pained muffled yell. The anomaly grinned cruelly," Your world was destroyed, was it not? By an anomaly? Don't you ever wonder how you survived?"

The impact made a loud crack sound echo in Chrono's head , and pulsing pain soon followed after. His eyes were shut tightly, and ringing was in his ears. The pain was unbearable. Tears formed in his eyes, almost falling but Chrono managed to hold them back.

The anomaly had let go of Chrono, and the goggled man's head fell forward as he let out a pained noise. Chrono was shaking, and his head felt like it was going to explode from the pain.

As the anomaly waited for the clock man to recover, they continued," not just anyone survives a world getting destroyed by an anomaly... Your body would go along with the world you inhabited and fade out of existence... Just like your husband did."

Chrono's head shot up and he snarled," you little-" he's struggling against the ropes trying to break free. The pain was still there, but his anger was managed to somewhat overcome it enough.

The being just raises a brow, his voice condescending," Oh, was that a sore spot for you? You poor thing..." Then they scoffed," ugh, your emotions for him sickens me..."

Chrono is growling, and he snaps," Just get to yer point already! What in the hay are you tryin' ta get at?!" He's ignoring the sharp pangs of pain that are currently shooting through his head.

The being hums," My my, you're an impatient man.. ah, i suppose i could throw you a bone.. You see, as i said your body couldn't have survived... And so you are technically not alive. At least , not in the way you were... Don't you ever wonder why you have powers now when you didn't before? Why you are different?"

Chrono's glare increased, and he's pulling in his binds. He shouts," I- I dunno!" Then some of that anger faded into more of a perplexed one,"... I.. never really... Thought about it I guess.."

The being laughed," Well... I think you should." Then they smirked," And I know exactly why you are so different...."

They leaned closer , their face now close to his. He leaned back with a quite confused expression , them grinning as they spoke," You and I aren't so different, Anomaly Slayer... Both of us beings created from codes, formed together from a world that was destroyed. The only difference is that all your codes came from a singular character in that world, and so was your memories..."

Bewilderment formed on his face before realization filled him again. A a horrified shocked expression formed on Chrono's face," wait, you can't possibly be meanin'-"

" I am, Eddie Dear.", The anomaly looked like it was enjoying this way too much, a giddiness to their voice as they interrupted him," You are an ANOMALY, An imperfect copy of the actual Eddie Dear from that world....."

A horror of sorts filled Chrono, a chill shooting down his spine as the anomaly finished," You are JUST. LIKE. US... And by the end of this I'll make sure you know it..."

[chasmbreach]

I am still on that Underverse analysis high SOOOOOO

This time, it’s the soundtrack. It’s more so just going over the soundtrack and connecting the (pretty obvious) dots between song titles and animation, not much of actual “analyzing” because there’s not much to analyze. But ho BOY the names for each OST reflects what is happening in the animation WELL. Nyx did a phenomenal job with these and I can’t give him enough credit for this.

Uncertainty starts us off with the crew at the city and, indeed, uncertain of the situation and how they should approach. Undyne decides to follow along the human military, but everything is unknown. They don’t know what they are facing.

Wicked Extravaganza and Overdrive are reflective of xMuffet’s and xMettaton’s themes (Insurrect and Guardian Automata). They use similar sounding instruments, so you KNOW who the main character on screen is. Love that.

A Cure for Amnesia plays during xGaster confrontation with Frisk, and Overwriting all the monsters to recover memories from different timelines. Amnesia is where you constantly lose memory, so xGaster recovering all of those memories by force. Ironic how cure is being used here as a positive word in a conflicting situation.

Breaking Point features Frisk running from their consequences and afraid to face them, while xChara’s calls xGaster out, telling him that he’s gone too far with pressuring Frisk to abide to him. Also, you can hear xChara’s leitmotif during his scenes (Overwrite).

Remembrance is a flashback to when Ink first started talking with xGaster, explaining how his vials work (which does set up the how Fresh possess him during that fight). Ink comments in his destroyed doodlesphere that “We’ve come so far that none of this seems real, or feels real.” Everything seems so long ago yet it feels like it happened just yesterday, doesn’t it. Remember how the plan began from simple beginnings? And look where we are now.

I’m not really going to comment on Mismatch and Sweet Sweet Swagger mainly because those are character themes and not episode related. So uhhh there aren’t really dots to connect here to the animation.

Subliminal Gift is an interesting song. Yes the title reflect what is happening, Fresh asking Ink about the gift that isn’t at all useful to him, but the sound design makes me MMMMM. It’s very subtle, but the background music uses similar instruments to (the beginning of) Brushwork and the main theme uses a synth, which does reference early 90s synth computer sound, and also his character theme (Sweet Sweet Swagger).

Now, Prologue is the one that has me stumped. I am genuinely confused by this name and what it could imply, and also the main reason for writing this mini analysis. Why is Prologue the title of the end of 0.7? There are probably a few ways to interpret this, and what I’m going to write is my own thoughts and rambles, but I don't know how accurate it could be.

My best cohesive thought process was that this episode, but more specifically the entire confrontation between Ink Fresh and Error, also serves as a prologue to Phase 3, as mentioned by Ink himself during 0.5, although it also seems a bit on a nose. But that could also just be it. A prologue to Phase 3. It seems the most probable to me and makes the most sense. Core even speaks in a way that made it seems like this is next new mark in this story (and Ink outfit change as well :D)

I would love to see other interpretations and thoughts about Prologue, or if I nailed it on the dot. I wonder tho haha.

[simiansmoke]

@koopzilla

It had been the usual twilight hour - one that DK often spent in a make-shift gym along the ocean shore a few steps shy of one of the kingdom's many boardwalks. To call it a gym was a stretch as it was more of a fallen coconut tree next to its stump, but that was all that was needed to bang out some bench press sets.

One moment he was getting ready to go for a PR with Diddy to spot, but mainly to add more weight onto the tree, and the next - he was being showered in the distant heat of the approaching burning castle. Ah great, what did that bozo want? Catching his little buddy's gaze after shaking loose of the sky scene, DK nods. They had been through this sort of drill before. "Grab Dixie and keep'em outta town. I'm going." Not waiting to hear of any protests, DK turned and raced off with knuckles thundering the salt-washed wooden roads. The city had just started showing signs of awareness to the sky visitors when he reached the bottom of the capital's towering fortress and began to climb.

It was a lot quicker to reach the top by kart, but he had more than enough power to clamber up and hoist himself over the edge. "Dad, hey Dad!" He hollered, figuring Cranky would be out and gathering some security to deal with the unannounced invasion. Once he found his balance, he caught a glimpse of his dad a ways off, cross-armed and peeved behind the iron bars of his personal sized cage.

"Yes, yes I'm aware." Sounding more inconvenienced than worried (the old bastard), Cranky squinted down at a device strapped to his wrist and tapped. "-and your response time was far from your last record, might I add!"

"Is this really the time to time me?!" DK huffed, regarding the group of squat invaders in their red rain slickers and hockey masks worked on hooking the cage to a pulley system that would lead it up to the floating base. "Hey! Step a-way from the old man...-!" Having begun his charge forward, and bowling through several minions in the process, he was close to leaping on top of the cage and ripping it open from the top when a rather spikey Koopa slid a spear through the bars to press against the Kong king's cheek. Cranky himself didn't seem to notice, but he was pretty gifted in the art of becoming a statue to the point where he scared the shit out of DK at times walking down a corridor filled with them.

"Stop there! That's as far as you go."

"...seriously?" Poised halfway on one arm, a fist curled tight at the end of the other. "What are you losers doing here anyway? Let my Dad go!"

"All in good time, all in good time." The Koopa assured and gestured toward the platform lowering to the cobblestone roof. "You are wanted in the main hall. We will escort you." As if on command, a few of the shy guys approached DK from all angles.

"Uh huh, right. YEAH right." The Kong snorted, slamming his hands on the ground hard enough to rumble it and cause a few of the poor shy guys to fall over cursing. "Why would I do that for?"

"Forgive the boy, he's a bit on the slow side." Cranky side murmured.

"Because! Bowser has demanded an audience, and if you don't go - your King will!"

A long pause later fraught with a side-long look towards Cranky's cage, DK heaved a sigh of annoyance, gaze dropping to his knuckles. "...fine, I-"

"Just take me up there already, the boy is no negotiator for this kingdom." Cranky interrupted, ornery as always and inconvenienced by the unexpected drop-in.

"Ugh! Can you like, believe in me for five seconds, Dad? I might let you out when I get back!" His fur twitched furiously as the shy guys slid up by his side again. He wanted to slap them all off the platform as they all headed up, but the Koopa's spear still remained in place by the side of his prisoner. The brief flicker of concern in Cranky's eye is the last thing DK sees before turning his head to regard the gap between platform and base that he hopped to and scrabbled up on his back legs.

It wasn't a long walk to whatever the main hall was, but he was a tad pissy when he got there. Mainly because the shy guys thought he needed six different ropes tied around him (like seriously is there one looped around his thumb too?) Standing on his back legs just to upset the little shits holding onto the ropes tied around his wrist (and partially drag them into the air) DK huffed. "Seriously - I said I was coming, dude. What are these even for?"

[charlesandmartine]

Tuesday 28th February 2023

It was a short stay perhaps but we've had a great time on the cattle station with Dave and Kaylee. They were fantastic hosts and despite being incredibly busy were prepared to spend time with us to show how a station works day to day. Today we have had perhaps our longest journey yet. It was 485kms and due to take some 5 hrs so we quit our jobs as cattle station hands and hit the road. The first challenge was to get the Nissan off the station; a move of 3kms to the main highway along an extremely rough red dirt track constructed mainly of mud ruts and potholes. Now let me make it clear to anyone choosing to buy a Nissan X trail. This is an SUV but is definitely not an off road vehicle. We took it extremely slowly sometimes making good progress and other times thinking something important has just dropped off. Much scraping at times too. Anyway Rental cars are able to go places other cars cannot and before long we tumbled out onto the Warrego Highway A2 also named the Matilda Way and on our way to Longreach. Not tempted with chicken racing we pretty soon slipped past the Queensland's Outback Central West sign as we ploughed on North. Then once again we passed through the dingo fence. No-one seems to know which side the dingoes are supposed to be. I'm not too sure the average Dingo knows either. They have been seen both sides I'm told. The route took us through Augathella then Tambo where we stopped for a flat white and a short stroll. Very pleasing town which appeared to have a preoccupation with teddy bears and also boasted a very nice Dennis fire engine built in England but deemed unreliable so it was replaced! Next stop had to be lunch so we pushed on to Blackall. A different place entirely with strong roots with the newly emerging Labour party, somewhat given a push because in the late 1880s employers were dropping the rate paid for sheep shearing and upset about this shearers were clubbing together to do something about this. This was a proud sheep shearing area and on 20th October 1892 Jackie Howe won the World Champion Blade Shearer title for shearing 321 sheep in 7hrs 40mins. Not many people have done that! Also in this fair town was a thing called the Black Stump which is a blackened tree stump upon which early surveyors placed their theodolite on to calculate longitude and latitude readings which were used for mapping the area. Of course this was a replica because like many things in this country the original burnt down.

We continue on along Matilda to Barcaldine and then to our destination Longreach and the Staging Post Motel. We only just made it in time before the 5pm closure of reception. It really is rather nice. The rooms are constructed to look like stables with unashamed use of corrugated iron and oak timbers. Where would Australians be without corrugated iron! Copper piping and upturned buckets are rather eclectic design features. You'd need to see it I suppose but it kind of works. At least the air-conditioning works well, it's still 32 degrees outside at 9pm from a top of 38 degrees this afternoon.

Exciting day tomorrow as we push on to the most western point in our tour, Winton.

[itsbenedict]

Two-Faced Jewel: Thunderbrush 2

The Bird's-Eye View

A conwoman disguised as a noble and the delegation of university students studying her have arrived in the jungle city of Thunderbrush, ruled by ancient dryads and organized crime. Will they manage to stay uninvolved in shady conspiracies? (No.)

Story so far | Session log index | Previous session

Last time, the party made land in Thunderbrush and had a run-in with the local gangs. They also met Quinn Squall, an avian paperboy who offered to (slash was intimidated into deciding to) escort them to a local teahouse in exchange for a scoop on the events in Corolos. However, it seems like the kid might not have been up-front about his intentions...

Quinn leads them to a colorful basket hanging down next to the trunk of Tonnera Mighty, the giant dryad-tree who towers over the city. They're accompanied by an unknown ninja who was following them for undisclosed reasons, and who Looseleaf just sort of... invited along to tea. They pile into the basket, and someone up top begins lifting.

They get a good view of the city on the way up, as evening turns to night, and mechanisms inside Tonnera's jewelery flicker to life and fill the sky with colorful lights. Looseleaf, a grown-up moth who has put away childish things, suffers no temptation to fly at the glowy lights.

Quinn leads them to an actual building- a large one, called the Canopy Primatrium, which tons of people (mainly avians) are coming and going from. A directory lists:

1F: Bird's-Eye View, Smack Dab

2F: Flyways Couriers

3F: Canopy City Council

Quinn leads them to the Bird's-Eye View offices, where a not-very-teahouse-looking place contains a quail receptionist behind a glass window.

"HERE WE ARE!" he says loudly. "OUR CAFE! Where you can get TEA!" "SOMEONE should prepare some TEA for our GUESTS!" The quail gives Quinn a strange look. "Quinn, what are you-" "These IMPORTANT GUESTS should be served some TEA at our TEA-SERVING ESTABLISHMENT," he repeats. "So they can have a NICE CONVERSATION, over TEA!" The receptionist looks at the group in puzzlement. "…One moment," she says, and gets up to head into the back.

Shortly afterwards, a conure avian in a bright green dress invites them to sit down in their seating area, of their definitely real café. She leads them through some offices where people are busy with printing presses and copying down various manuscripts- a normal café thing. They're seating in a lushly-appointed sitting room in the back, which someone less credulous might assume is the woman's office.

She pulls out a memo pad and quill from somewhere, which is a normal thing for a waitress to have, so it's not strange. She takes their order! Saelhen names an obscure elvish tea, intending to stump her, but for some reason she takes it in stride.

(While the order is being prepared, Looseleaf spirit-reads the walls of the building. Apparently, unlike most other structures in Canopy, the Primatrium is built of dead wood from elsewhere. Tonnera, normally aware of everything that happens on her surface, doesn't seem to be able to listen in here.)

The woman comes back with their tea, interrupting Saelhen's idle chat with the ninja, who's a huge elfaboo excited to be talking to real-life Kanzentokai nobility. She serves... wow, yeah, it's actually what she ordered? Apparently this woman is a connoisseur of teas, despite this place not actually being a tea shop.

She introduces herself as Verda Glye, takes out her pen, and... begins asking them a ton of questions about who they are and what they're doing here.

Looseleaf, suspecting nothing, begins telling her all about their recent adventures in Corolos- in particular, her recent discovery of a cure for partial vampirism, in the course of the murder trial. She's very interested and takes lots of notes on the affair, and Looseleaf's rare and special magic.

And then... she's got another question.

^That lady, who accosted them earlier after the fight with the Lichen thugs.

Looseleaf, at this point well-aware that this lady is the press, but intent on kicking hornets' nests... tells Verda just about the entire truth, short of Miriko's actual prior business with them. Chainer just approached them, thinking they were customers, and tried to sell them slaves- and they played along to avoid trouble. Miriko is kind of panicking and shaking with rage at Looseleaf, and doing her best not to let on.

Verda drops some oblique hints that maybe she's threatening to publish an unflattering story, if they're not more forthcoming...

Looseleaf, direct as ever, asks Verda if she's been bought off by the Chains. She takes mock offense, and claims that her sponsors are "considerably more aboveboard", which isn't ominous.

Verda offers to publish a story mentioning their vampirism-cure situation, which should get customers knocking on her door. Saelhen detects that there might be some nasty surprise waiting in tomorrow's headlines, so... she makes a good Find the Right Words roll to suitably intimidate Verda into believing that she's not the sort of person it's smart to make an enemy of, ensuring favorable coverage.

The party takes their leave, giving parting gifts to the ninja (a piece of paper Saelhen calligraphy'd the character "咪" on) and Quinn (a knife! No!!!) on their way out. As they leave, they overhear the receptionist whispering to Verda: "I can't believe you did that and it worked."

Also on their way out, they meet someone heading down the stairs- a very large eagle avian in a fancy modern suit, surrounded by other avians in formal dress.

It's Quinn's uncle, Pinio Squall- Canopy Commissioner, apparently in charge of the treetop city's government. It seems like he's running for reelection or something, as he's performatively friendly and keeps pausing for photo-ops. He expresses his sincere(?) gratitude to the party for helping with his nephew's career in journalism, and says to visit his office if they're ever having trouble in Canopy.

They leave the Primatrium and head back down to find lodgings at the university they came to visit. On the way down... Looseleaf tries spirit-reading Tonnera. She's not too successful- Tonnera's too big, so she only gets the branch they're standing on. Which seems... strong, but slightly unhealthy, like it's holding steady at minimum performance without enough energy to grow. Seems Tonnera doesn't have enough leaf cover as she should to stay healthy.

The ninja takes his leave- but first opts to just ask a few questions directly, since spying covertly doesn't seem to have answered them. He confirms they're not in league with Kudzu- or with Fallen and the Sounds, for that matter. Miriko seems confused- who's in league with the Sounds? They're rabble-rousing anarchists who tend not to be friends with any of the other big players. The ninja... has apparently said too much, and jumps away.

They finally get to campus, and find a locked gate with a wooden lock. Rather than try to pick or break the lock, or go over, they get the attention of a groundskeeper (one of those rock-people), who's been informed of their arrival and lets them in.

He also tells them that Evelyn, the ghost dryad of the school, makes those locks, and can tell when someone tries to break or pick them and sends the Student Council to deal with the intruders. So, good call on that!

They're given a room number, and head up to a dorm suite that's been prepared for them. Inside, they find Oyobi and Orluthe, who headed here earlier.

Or, they find Oyobi and the ALPHA DOOMHOUND.

He appears to be trying to get his werewolf curse under control, and doing some anger-management exercises with Oyobi, who is expertly playing the role of annoying-person-who-pisses-him-off. He apparently doesn't want to lose control and hurt anyone in this form- on the field, everyone's in armor, but it seems like he feels like he needs to be able to confront someone in this form in a noncombat situation. Odd!

Next time: anger management with the ALPHA DOOMHOUND, meeting a ghost dryad, skin parasites, wasps, and a meeting with the headmaster!

[rozinaaa]

I Feel Like A Failure

I think there is a such thing as overpreparing for an interview, to the point where I ended up stumbling through it yesterday (29th May), mainly just to get it out of the way, and also because I went in with a ridiculous amount of expectations, especially since I had literally all month to prepare for it, which feels like a lot of time, to the point that you don't perform well because it's been on your radar for so long that you're eager for it to be done so that you don't have to think about it anymore.

Additionally, I think telling others that you have an interview kinda dilutes it a bit, and they all end up giving you a ridiculous amount of pressure and advice, to the point where the "advice" basically boils down to being a corporate drone with a slither of personality and who doesn't get distracted by just their own thoughts every two seconds.

To be honest, when I did the Zoom interview for the job that I've got now (and will unfortunately no longer be mine by the end of next month due to reasons beyond my control), I literally told no one about it since I didn't really think anything of it, and since I didn't have that much expectations about actually getting the job, so I just went in thinking that it'd be nothing more than getting a little bit of interview experience for other interviews that I'd be invited to.

I think telling no one about that Zoom interview almost a year ago was the best thing that I did, since I was preoccupied with a large celebration the day before that interview (which definitely helped take my mind off it), along with having literally no pressure to do well on it (since no one was aware of it), and that the only "research" I did was looking at the company's website probably about half an hour before the interview itself, just so that I knew what they actually did, and that went better than I expected since I didn't have any high expectations and that I didn't take myself too seriously to the point where I'd end up losing sleep if I didn't get the job.

As a result, it felt more like a casual conversation that lasted for about half an hour, where I told them a bit about myself, and they told me about the job (which, at the time, would initially last for 8 weeks), as well as discussing a few other things with me.

I thought nothing of it, and I got called in for a second interview that would take place a week after the first one, where I went in to see the office and some of the team, as well as seeing their product, and although I didn't really say much in that interview (apart from asking the team a few questions about the software that they made, and being bamboozled with some technical jargon), I sent a follow up email when I got home, as well as a few examples of my work, and again, I had little to no expectations of getting that job (or that I would even get the offer), although I was extremely grateful when I did get it.

Compare this to the interview that I had yesterday, where I gave a presentation (which I think I did well in, since I stuck to the 20 minute time limit and got all of my points across as effectively as possible), but ended up getting stumped with a lot of the questions that they asked, since it wasn't on the extensive script that I had prepared beforehand, to the point where it completely caught me off guard and I struggled to form a reasonable answer on the spot, which meant that I quickly said a simple sentence as a response to get away from that question.

Additionally, I also had ridiculously high expectations (to the point where I'd end up obsessing over the little things about the job), so this might have swayed me a bit, since I ended up putting a lot of pressure on myself to do really well with it.

I researched the company in depth (this is a far cry from my current job at a startup, since the job I was applying for was at a large corporation, so naturally, my expectations are going to be a lot higher the larger and more extravagant a company is), to the point where it almost felt like information overload, as I tried to remember and retain all of the advice given from various people, along with every last bit of information that I could get about the company.

Funnily enough, I've also been in similar situations in the past, where I've had literal weeks to prepare for an interview (to the point where I could literally visualise myself working there, planning my commute and all, as well as having a little bit of banter with the people that I'd be working with) that I actually didn't end up getting the job, to the point where I ended up feeling really disappointed and ashamed of myself, since all of my expectations were shattered.

Ironically, I've got a phone interview with BT tomorrow (for a part time customer service position because I'm that desperate, and having any job is better than being a miserable unemployed lump, plus dealing with customers is a pretty important skill), and I'm not overly fussed about it, since I've had interviews with them before only to never hear back from them, although the last time I had an interview with them, I waited two months for the second round of the interview, and by the time they invited me for it, it was too late, since I had already accepted another job, so I probably might have got it if they decided to get back to me earlier.

This is probably the third time that I've got an interview with BT, to the point where it's starting to feel like a yearly tradition, so I know what to expect with these interviews, and that is to sound decent on the phone (like how you would phone a friend, instead of sounding like a robot that reads off from a script, since they can now use AI to do that), so that the interviewer will feel a lot more inclined to invite you to a second interview to get to know you better, simply because you can speak well on the phone.

If anything, I just want to gain some interview practice from that interview, so if I get called for another round (or if I end up getting the job), that's just a bonus for me, and if that doesn't happen, well, I'll just go on about my day and find something else.

I also think that being called to an interview at such a short notice (i.e. less than a week) gives you enough time to gather some basic information about the company, the role, and how you'd fit in with that, since anything longer than that ends up giving you high expectations about the role and the company itself, to the point where you end up feeling disappointed if nothing goes to plan.

Going back to my main point, I think the main reason why I currently feel like a failure is because I've put a lot of pressure on myself (paired with other people ending up dishing out lots of advice, to the point where it's all they seem to talk about), as well as giving myself insanely high expectations about the job itself, so to be honest, I think all I need to do is to dial it down a bit (or probably a lot), perhaps to avoid taking myself way too seriously.

At this point, literally having any job is going to be better than being unemployed, even if I'm going to end up taking a pay cut to do a part time job instead, which I'd ironically get paid more if I worked full time at that, in comparison to my current (fading) job.

I guess I've been way too hard on myself over the past couple of weeks, and if I hadn't told anyone about the fact that I got laid off, there wouldn't have been an insane amount of pressure to quickly get something lined up by the end of next month, but my vibes pretty much said it all, to the point where I had no choice but to say that I was laid off, just to get it out of my system.

I wonder how the rest of my life is going to turn out, because although I'm going to be 23 in just over 2 weeks, I'm really not in the mood to celebrate the fact that I'll be a year older and possibly worse off than the year before, although over the past couple of years, the Summer time just reminds me of being a moody and borderline unemployed git.

[lewisibarra1512]

My relaunched money saving challenge and the current state of E3

Guess I have some explaining to do, since both polls have already announced Universal as the officially declared winner.

For those who missed out, I did two polls surrounding my future summer vacation plan as to whether it'd be E3 or Universal Orlando Resort in general. And theme park wise, they chose the latter. Many gamers who wanted to visit E3 were pretty much stumped over the fact Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft opted not to partake in future events. Which brought myself into something I'm about to consider doing and fessing up what's been going on. Do me a solid and hit the jump if you're ready!

Reason A: My money saving challenge now in effect again - Because of that one incident where I got broke by paying a scammed gift card and failing to buy a tee from online for Christmas (already sold out), I was given a new raise. And the result of me getting it was that I've relaunched my money saving challenge. Here's how it works: By earning even more money to save up other than a raise, I'll be keeping it nice and simple just by selling baked goods and artwork. In example, chocolate cupcakes with edible alien shaped sugar biscuits; the latter having a cute smile. They'll go around for a dollar, since there's nothing to affect me in any way. If successful of making a proft, I can save up even more until 2025 where my future summer vacation plan will revolve around the selected winner. And yes, it's none other than Universal Orlando Resort. With Universal already dominating the theme park market, coupled with the fact I now have a soft spot on it and the Jurassic series (Mainly Jurassic Park and Jurassic World), the Creative team is also under construction down in the Epic Universe site where the new Donkey Kong coaster will take place. We all know Universal Studios Hollywood has its own Nintendo World area with only one ride involving kart racing and beating against a bunch of turds, but I'm not going to experience that. When the race starts, I'd rather be sleeping and pretend I ran out of batteries. Or I could just avoid the dumb drama and take out my Switch by playing a real arcade racer known as Cruis'n blast anywhere. Back to the DK spot. Besides the new coaster themed from the original Donkey Kong Country, the new area will also have a meet and greet section, merchandising and some interactive activities. For the latter, I'm betting on Diddy with a great big hug as a photo op pose while Donkey Kong stands there feeling a bit lonely. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for King K. Rool being confirmed unless Nintendo gives everyone a new DK game, no matter if it's 2D or 3D. Otherwise, I'm blaming that con artist from hell. As my relaunched money saving challenge commences, visiting Universal Orlando will mark the first time I'll be flying to Orlando by giving other parks like Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure a shot. In addition, I plan to stay at a local hotel that's entirely next to Universal's Epic Universe, where I can enter the park as fast as possible. It'll most likely be around $96 just like the Endless Summer Resort series. Or it could just be like Aventura or Cabana Bay at about $140. Fortunately, because of the construction site currently happening, I'll be taking a breather from various sources like YouTube and other Universal themed news until the holidays arrive. That's where I get to have a huge break from it in case anything new happens so I don't get treated with the slow pace. Visiting Universal Orlando for the first time will be an instant success for my money saving challenge, so I plan to keep it nice and simple without jumping in on the inflation scenario. Not going to raise prices, so don't worry. But the one thing I feel worried about is the next part.

Reason B: The unfortunate and declining state of E3 - Back in the 90's, E3 was the go-to source of announcing new and upcoming video games and consoles targeted for a hardcore demographic. Everything since 11 May in 1995 showcased SEGA, Nintendo and Sony; the former of whom backed out of the console wars around 31 March 2001 when Microsoft entered the scene. E3 is based on three words consisting of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, hence the name, where it featured celebrity appearances and game devs explaining how games and consoles worked. It was actually fun and all, and I was already jealous when everyone wanted to enter the expo itself. E3 is currently located in the heart of the Los Angeles Convention Centre, where everything in California seems to grow a big impact beyond the gaming industry. Yes, there were some embarrassing moments revolving Sony's press conference where Kaz unveiled Ridge Racer being played on the PSP and the announcement of Peggle 2 at Microsoft's. At least Hiroshi Yamauchi gave us an inside look at the Nintendo GameCube prior to his retirement and passing, as well as the PS2 kicking into high gear. But other than some… questionable moments, things took a major turn for the worst. In 2013, a Kremling hunting con artist I refuse to say his name publicly shat all over E3 by announcing Nintendo Directs are taking over the airwaves, killing Yamauchi's iconic press conference appearances since the GameCube's unveiling. Nintendo Direct is a name of a web series that centered around an-- uh, games wholly. When the series was launched, there were many views instead of physical press conferences being set up. And that was way back before Covid-19 forced us to stay home. Thankfully, the animation industry kept going while inside the houses and all because there was no sign of live action content on the horizon. This series was followed by State of Play by Sony Interactive Entertainment and Developer Direct by Microsoft Studios. They all made their own until the big 3 decided to cut ties with E3 press conferences. What did E3 and the ESA decided to do next? Try wooing them back with a little help from ReedPop, noted for its array of PAX events. Add a bit of telephones and you've got a plate full of disappointment and annoyance. To my surprise and shock, I was looking forward to my first trip to E3 for this year. But after reading real reports Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft simultaneously not wanting to do with the event in Los Angeles anymore, turned out it wasn't profitable. I felt deeply sick to my stomach people wanted to keep Nintendo Direct on the air and make it permanent so they won't go through a physical press conference nor allowing me to buy an actual ticket. Being a celeb and a game developer simultaneously don't mix well, so having the Direct every February and September while making telephones a household name would possibly open a huge threat towards E3 press conferences. And I believe it's time for me to come out and express my worried statement that yes, E3 is dead and gone.

Oh, yeah. I have another statement I wanna blab it out: The winner is Universal Orlando.

Alright, you can leave now. Show's over. I'm gonna listen to some Raining Blood to help me take my anger out.

[scrawnytreedemon]

Little thing, little thing, Weak and small, I must Admit your pluck impresses Me, but nothing more,

Big eyes, blue eyes, face Like a newborn fawn's, You have no idea what you're Coming up against, and it Shows,

A dance of blades, hardly so, It's like teaching a toddler to Waltz, but I deign myself Nevertheless, because when You rule a world of demons, You get little chance for such Menial prance,

But stay out of my way, you, Run along and play in the Flowers, as befits your kind, I am good, I am kind, but Only for so long, and behind My painted lips, dear, I bear Bloodied teeth,

You, however, are either Stupid, stubborn, or both, You have a word for that Irritant in particular, 'Brave,' I can't help laughing, at the Insistence on bestowing valourance To a trait like that,

But I'm a busy man, a busy, busy Man, and you'll solve yourself Soon enough, either by sense or By impaling yourself, on their Blades or your own, What a lovely thing it'd be, Your sweet ichor drenching so Sacred an edge, defiling both,

So I thought,

But, as destiny would have it, You prove yourself harder to Shake than that, Harder to Lose, like a parasite-- Though I suppose you're more free than That, eh? May-so a gadfly, rather, Yes, I like the sound of that, I must move along, Don't follow me, Not unless you want me to devour You, too, like I did all the other little Boys and girls who strayed too Close,

The weeks pass by with little Complaint, and I'm permitted to Search in peace, I am not, However, a fool, nor to be taken As such, and I know you haven't Stalled, not for a moment, I learned that, a little while ago Now, I think, that you will not Rest, not until you fulfill your Purpose, that purpose so bestowed Upon you, written into your heart Since before time began, That which you mistake for 'love,' My boy, It occurs to me here that we have This alike,

Ha, What idiocy, To compare a snake and a worm,

The insurgence at the bridge Comes like a trip into icy waters, I vow then to have your blood, To gorge myself on every scream, Every drop, until there's nothing Left of you, and my stomach strains, It's all my fault, really: show a man A little mercy and he inevitably thinks Himself your equal! You, I will swallow You, whole or in pieces, Whatever proves least resistent,

Damn it to shit! Pardon my language, But how, oh how, am I supposed to Find that spirit maiden now? Every ray of sunlight seems a flick of Her hair, every glint of dew a sparkle In her eye, the opalescent glimmer of A half-intact Goddess Plume yet Another mirage, yet another mockery Of her manifest glory-- Though perhaps Not so, they were hers once, after all, Either way, I get the feeling you live Like this, too, waiting for magic signs, To see her again, Dear me, it almost sounds like I'm in Love, doesn't it? I'd fall, dear, if just To set you fuming, if only to have you Watch on with horror and a jealousy Greener than your robes, They say Two's company and three's a crowd, And I love a good show, the only Question is, how long will you be Performing?

You dance better, faster, and it sends Me into a rage, You don't even have the goodness to Cast a meaningful glance when I show Myself to you, offer you a sight so lovely, A chance to behold that which is wrought By gods before you die, you spit in the Face of my master and his mother before Her when you harden your gaze as much As you do mine, Tell me hero, what would Din make of you, Turning your nose up at her handiwork? Wrath, indignation so righteous it makes One sick, a retribution so divine it sends Waves of nausea down your spine, Now raise that sword boy! Hit me like You mean it! Surely, boy, you wouldn't Make it so that your goddess chose a Whelp, would you?

Do her justice if not yourself, though I'd Say there's no difference between the Honor of the servant and that of his Master, Glory flows forth as disgrace reflects Back, and you paint a lackadaisical Image, O sacred youth,

You wouldn't need 'bravery', not if You knew your place, not if you Truly bore witness of your security As crusader, paladin, defender just And mighty, There would be no need for this 'Valiant' act, this psuedo-gallance,

I ought not to deign myself to such Lectures, really, I am not your Teacher, and you are not my student, Nor my brother, or my lover, my friend or My son, It's a flaw of mine, really, being so Overcome with setting things straight, It does neither of us good, and I Suppose it must make a pitiful image Of my master, but I cannot help it, Not anymore than your friend can Help speaking of numbers and Probabilities, of walking you through Procedures myriad done a dozen before, I think, sometimes, maybe, if I were of meagre flesh, demonic Or divine need not matter, I'd Be a teacher, You make me ache, a little, I wonder why,

I don't see you, after that, Not face to face, but whenever I can spare time, and you're Out there, clambering among The turf thick and dusty, fingers Knotted in the rope-like vines, I watch-- Distantly, I'd assure, But that would be a lie, and in Truth, there've been many a time Where I'd wait just behind your ear, Where when you fell asleep, Deeming, foolishly so, might I add, That this wretched land would be an Apt place to do so, I'd chase the Monsters from your bedside, Pluck the walltulas from above your Head, and when the weather turned, When a storm would come thundering Down your way, I'd take what I can, And wake you, with many tries, again, Might I add, I don't know how you live, I don't know Why I let you, all I know is that it's Getting late, and you ought to run along, Sky child, Hear your birds can't fly at night,

Time, time, time, even time can be bent, And as I do, you follow me through even Still, How romantic, I'm almost touched, if it Weren't for her and not I, because now Instead it's not only an irritant, but a Detriment, Why, silly boy, do you wish to throw away Your life?

My patience is running out, You're too quick, boy! Things like These take time, can't you see? Can't you understand what it takes To be me?

Up, up, up we go, walking in the air, Dancing in a flamelit sky, No better place for a final greeting, a Final meeting, a final waltz, the Last ballet to end it all, You're in your best clothes, worn And thin, and I my best skin, Bearing my finest diamonds, The clanging of pearly sword against a dermis Jet black and glimmering, We're going off like fireworks, We're brighter than all the stars in The night sky,

You've grown so much since then, Since you were that wide-eyed fawn, Scrambling for purchase in Skyview- Temple, you've actually grown out your Antlers, now, a young buck, pride of the Forest, now, Pride of mine, It makes me ache, And I realise, with horror, That I don't want to fight you,

You have made me soft, so soft,

And that is your greatest offense Of all.

—Waltz of the Gemset Deer

[hanafubukki]

not a request but just a bit inspired for other characters roles in the cliche royalty otome au, we have ace who's a theif that wants the crown jewels but then aims for your heart instead, epel the farmer boy who you met due to sneaking out to participate in a festival and finally azul, the cunning merchant and one of the kingpins of the criminal underworld, who wants the position of being royalty, but falls madly inlove for you and now wants a genuine connection and relationship

Hello ☺️🌺🌻,

It’s funny that you bring up the thief, I had a similar idea but didn’t know who to choose it for. Namely because I am biased, so when I think of thief and tomes games, my first thought goes to Lupin from Code Realize. He is one of my favorite charming male leads and I always found him cute and funny with how he tried saving Cardia. But the idea of ace being a thief? and trying to steal your heart? that's adorable.

Cliche! Royalty AU Otome Game: Diasomnia Ver. ,  Ridde Rosehearts Ver.

For Ace Trappola 

He was a famous thief known across many countries for stealing valuable items. 

He would mainly steal and donate it to those in need, but made sure to keep enough for himself and his family.

Now, this thief was smart and he knew how to blend in.

His acting skills was top notch, he could fool even those who had years of experience.

His next goal was to steal the Crown Jewels...from your family. 

Ace had somehow infiltrated the security in the palace. 

and he had chosen to personate a nightshift guard, but he didn't account for you.

You were looking at the Crown Jewels.

Contemplating the pressure of being a royalty, when you noticed him.

you took one look at him and...

“Who are you?”

Ace did not expect you to ask him that, fully expecting you to think he was a guard.

you looked at him and shook your head.

“I know all the guards in this palace. You are definitely not one of them.”

Ace was stumped. 

Now what does he do?

but you took that choice out of his hands, you simply threw the jewels at him.

stating that he could keep it, that he surely must have a reason to steal from your family.

but what really got him?

was when you went, “Choose a better disguise next time Phantom Thief, wouldn’t want to get caught so easily now would you?”

Oh.

Oh? 

Now Ace was interested, he threw the jewels back at you. 

saying he didn't need them, rather he was interested in something else.

Your heart.

Epel, my sweet, feral child. I love you so much especially after your ghost marriage and book 5 shenanigans.

You had escaped from the palace.

You were tired from your royal duties and you just wanted a break.

your kingdom was having a festival and you wanted to attend.

So, like the otome lead you are, you got your maid to cover for you while you went undercover to the festival.

There you stared in wonder before throwing yourself into the festivities.

you were munching on a confection when you heard a commotion. 

a group of men were picking on a...girl? No, it was definitely a guy about your age.

He was going feral and kicking all their butts.

After watching the men run away with their tails tucked between their legs, you clapped in amazement.

Epel was surprised to see you and how you were praying him.

He couldn’t help it. 

he started developing a crush on you.

and you?

you dragged him around with you to enjoy the festival, saying how he should let some idiots ruin it for him.

Yeah, he definitely developed a crush for you.

Maybe...you would love to try the apple products his family sold?

Azul, azul, azul...no matter the franchise, must you be the shady mafia character? the answer is yes.

Azul was famous for being one of the leaders of the criminal underworld. 

He wanted a connection to the royal family.

what better way than blackmailing the royal family or seducing you?

He planned to seduce you because less chances of being poisoned that way. 

So, he set up a place where he can disguise himself as nobility and slowly win you over.

problem was that once he met you, he could help but fall for you.

you completed him, you had invigorating conversations about laws and finances, and the time he saw you connivingly  handled your council.

he couldn’t help but fall for you.

now, he didn't want to just get into power, but because he truly loved you.

now, how to go about stealing your heart?

[barnes-lothbrok]

Against the World

Request by @rachelcarroll1819

Could you do one where the reader is Lagertha younger sister and in a relationship with ivar the boneless( they dont have to be full sister amd she was born a day after ivar and ended up being raised by her sister with the boys) 

I tried ♡

Warnings - mainly fluff, death of family, blood.

Word count - +1k

*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*

It was a cold and stormy night when the doors to the Great Hall were thrown open. Ragnar, who had been stumped in his throne, sat bolt upright, spilling ale into his lap.

He froze, eyes wide at the sight before him. His ex wife stood in the doorway, blood covering her face and hair under her cloak hood with a tiny bundle squirming in her arms. 

Ragnar stumbled towards her as his eldest son Björn stood dutifully next to his mother, looking battle worn himself. 

With shaking hands, he gently pulled the blanket to reveal the baby's face. This wasn't the babe he'd left for dead in the woods, they were smaller and were wailing at him like he'd deeply offended them.  

Revealing the child eased one fear but caused more confusion. Frowning, Ragnar spluttered some incoherent words as he tried to wade through his drunken mind.

Was the baby his? How? How long was a woman with child for again?  

Laughter broke through his thoughts as Lagertha laughed in his face, Björn and a few of their company joining in. 

"By the gods, Ragnar. You are going to cause yourself an injury, " She chuckled "Stop thinking so hard, she is not yours" 

"Then who's she?" The voice of his wife startled him once more.

Aslaug walked through from the back, cradling a bundle in her own arms. Now that was the baby he'd left, the one he'd just been mourning and drowning his guilt for.

Ragnar looked up to the roof, cursing the gods in his mind, for putting him in this situation. He looked between the two loves of his life, staring at each other, appearing as a mirror image. 

Aslaug cradled her precious boy to her chest as he stoically stared up at her. She was a vision of elegance, royalty and grace, a princess.

While Lagertha looked the opposite, as she hushed the screaming bundle in her arms. She was a vision of bravery, bold and regal, a warrior. 

"This is YN" Lagertha smiled down at the baby who began to calm "My baby sister" 

Lagertha looked back up to Aslaug. "I wouldn't be here if I had another choice. My childhood village was attacked by raiders"

She stroked the little one's cheek as she spoke, as if to ground herself, to make sure she was real.

"I've lost so many, they murdered my younger brothers. My mother died protecting her, just hours after she was born" she looked behind her before looking to Aslaug again "who you see before you is all I have left" 

Behind Lagertha and Björn stood only a handful of men and women, all covered in blood and injuries, some worse than others. 

After a few moments and a glance back down at her son, Aslaug spoke with a knowing smile. Before the birth of her son, she had dreamt of a girl but not her own.

"Come sit, warm yourselves. You are welcome to stay as long as you like. Kattegat is your home too" 

There was a sudden commotion of tiny feet hurrying into the hall.

"BJÖRN" a small Ubbe barrelled towards him before a smaller Hvitserk attacked his legs. Sigurd toddled behind his brothers to greet their eldest. 

*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*

As the years passed you grew up with the chaos that was the Ragnarsons. 

Soon after your sister's unexpected arrival, Ragnar and a group of his warriors raided Francia. Many did not return including Ragnar, leaving Aslaug widowed and with four young sons to raise alone.

Lagertha saw an opportunity to make the thriving town of Kattegat like one that many had never seen before. A town ruled by two queens, in order to give subtlety to their families. 

The sons of Ragnar kept their prince titles and in turn you gained the title of princess. 

You were by no means a dainty princess though, no matter how hard Aslaug tried to make you one. 

You were your sister's ward after all. A mini version of her, much to Aslaug dismay.

One girl among four boys, she had hoped you were to be a daughter she always dreamed of. 

While Aslaug tried to teach you to be a proper little lady, Lagertha encouraged your wild side. Often cheering you on as you held a poor Sigurd in a headlock at the breakfast table, for teasing Ivar. 

You were often found covered in mud and muck from play fighting with the brothers, charging after them with sticks or attacking Björn by climbing over him while Ivar attacked his ankles.

Each of you were always careful around Ivar but never left him out, you most of all tried to make him feel included. 

When playing battles you and Hvitserk were his warriors, protecting him while he planned how your team would win against Ubbe and Sigurd, joined by Björn when he was around. 

As time passed play skills would turn into practiced battle skills. 

As you grew older, feelings for Ivar grew too. Having been so close all your lives, it surprised no one when flirty comments were thrown into the mix of playful teasing. How glances and smiles would linger longer than before and the way your cheeks turn blush pink if he made comments or suggested things a little further out of the friend boundaries. 

Your first kiss was shared around the back of the Great Hall. Ivar had become jealous of you sitting in Hvitserk's lap.

It had been the result of a dare by Sigurd for losing a game of Tafl against him. He knew Ivar had a crush on you and that it would make his blood boil and oh boil it did. 

He blamed you for the feelings driving him crazy, for growing beautiful and for being you. He blamed you giving him this urge to kiss you all the time. According to him it was all your fault, he felt this way, to which you yelled back.

"Just kiss me then!" 

After what felt like a lifetime of him frowning at you, he yelled back. 

"Oh, I will!" 

He cupped your cheeks and pulled you into him, his lips crashing with yours before it turned into a heated, messy kiss. Noses bumped, teeth clashed and lips were bitten as each fought for control.

From that moment on your relationship blossomed  from childhood friends to lovers. Unsure of how the others would take the new relationship, the pair keep it secret for a while.

In your minds, it was you and Ivar against the world. 

*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*×*

Unknown to them, the family already knew.

They had all placed bets on when it would happen. 

Hvitserk sat smugly at the table, with a pile of his winnings from gold and jewels to Ubbe's best dagger and Sigurd's lyre with a mountain of food in front of him. 

He had been whispering for weeks in Ivar's ear about taking you as his own, to which he knew Ivar would break.