#marion babbles

[asolitaryrose]

guess who just downloaded da: inquisition for the first time and is considering maaaybe playing it

[onbeinganangel]

hi! just here to tell you I adore your tarot drabble series so so much! every single one is magical✨ you tell beautiful stories with so few words 💌 I don’t know much about tarot so I was wondering (only if you’d like, of course!) if you could talk about your process in connection to the cards? I would love to know more about how their meanings inspire your writing!!

omg hi 🌳🌳🌳🌳!!!

you are so kind! I have been dragging this series around like my wee dog does his blanket (which is to say, I love it and want to see my task through but also jesus fucking christ why is it under my feet I can’t stop tripping oh fuck ouch bloody! stupid! blanket! aaaaggghh) and it just means the world to me that you are enjoying my teensy little drabbles!

(before I talk out of my arse, I want to say that I know tarot is a very loved, powerful, and special tool and practice for a lot of people. I am by no means a savant and I do it very informally, the way I was taught by my aunties and then later by a group of friends. my practice may not match your practice. such is the way of the world.)

I grew up around a remarkable group of wonderful women that taught me a lot of things, from how to make bread to getting stains out of fabric to — you guessed it — how to read cards. but then I was a teenager for a dreadful little time so I lost that for a while, and for a few years now I have been trying to reconnect to that. my practice is rusty but I love how the cards still feel right, like I know them.

so, back in like march (?) or so, in an attempt to practice and study two things I was feeling very weak at but love dearly, I decided to get back into writing by pulling a card and trying to make something out of it. a lot of tarot has to do with intuition and reading of imagery so whenever I’d start on a new drabble, I would pull out the physical card and let it speak to me. in fact, for the most recent ones, I have been pulling the same cards from two or three different decks and looking at them for guidance (sometimes a different illustration will put more emphasis on something so while I know the meanings of the cards by heart, the deck you use can also influence your reading)

all cards are easier to read when applied to a question/problem/situation (and also you usually pull a few in a reading and they are much easier to understand when together rather than just a lone card), so there is a lot of freedom when writing because I am not necessarily going in with any of that in mind. sometimes I go in with just a pairing and look at the card and see if anything comes to mind, sometimes I throw in an extra prompt or ask myself do I want fluff? angst? smut? or do I want this to be an AU, etc.

for a lot of the cards, I have used them really liberally. so, while the meaning of the card always comes to play — sometimes very obviously, sometimes very subtly — I have been trying to really put the card against the pairing and/or genre, and then let it lead me.

as a quick example (I’ll shut up soon I promise), I wrote this open ending drarry one for The Hermit card, which is traditionally a card that means introspection and isolation but it is also about seeking wisdom and knowledge, despite not quite knowing the way — which is sort of where I got the open ending from! visually, most depictions of The Hermit have him holding a lantern and I actually used this motif very literally for this drabble: as the bright light that sets everything off. the drabble starts with Draco’s magic (“hot and bright”) and ends with Harry’s (bursting into “pure brightness”), so while the meaning of the card is also there, it’s obvious I also took a lot of visual inspiration for it. 

and that’s basically how I go about most of the drabbles! I will pick an element (a lot of the cards have sooooooo much you can take from them, all the little details in the illustrations matter) and come up with a situation and it all snowballs from there. sometimes it’s very hard to keep it at the 100 words. but yeah, that’s it : ) I am not taking myself or the series very seriously, and I lost steam along the way a lot, but it’s been a fun excuse to practice short form, to try out new pairings and study my tarot all at the same time!

thank you for this question and I AM SO SORRY FOR RAMBLING I don’t know how to shut up sometimes oooopsies. anyway thank you thank you, you are really very kind for asking! I hope at least a third of what I just wrote makes sense x

[vahalia-cress]

⸸ 𝔗𝔥𝔯𝔢𝔢 𝔦𝔫 𝔚𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔰 ⸸

The entire afternoon and early evening had been used to prepare the banquet hall as the halls of the Blackthorn Lodge filled with scents of the evening's affairs to begin underway in less time than she anticipated. Trade deals and having two companies intermingling with one another – Vahalia didn’t particularly enjoy hosting lavish affairs but thankfully for her, she had a knack for being able to impress when it was necessary.

Lingering scents of the braised meats and spices filled her with nostalgia, lighting each candle that had been carefully crafted for the occasion and adorning the centerpieces in pops of oranges and reds, browns and harvest colors that fell in tandem with the equinox. Just another thing she held close to her heart with fond memories; blurred as they were over time but no less impactful to her than as they were today.

All that remained would be for the evening to go without a hitch, hopefully, more so that all parties involved would find some measure of benefit to the festivities, if at all else, impactful to set their attentions upon new faces and the prospects of possible business dealings and trades, not just for Vahalia but to all those she had invited as well.

The evening had not yet begun and already the Lady Cress was feeling exhaustion licking at her heels.

Vahalia had been led into the quarters by a familiar face, none other than Marion who Vahalia had paused long enough to have a small chat with before entering to seek out Osric. The travel itself to Coerthas was tiring but simply one she had to make before too long and with the schedule for the day looming further towards the busy hours of the evening, she had chosen to make the most of her time.

Knuckles rapped thrice along the threshold of the wooden door before Vahalia allowed herself to pass through, "Pleasant morning, Osric." she announced, her attention briefly flitting over the interior.

Osric had been seated at the far side of the room, he glanced up from a handful of papers, closing the file resting on the table in front of him, and glanced up offering a small smile as he leaned back before moving to stand, brushing off the front of his slacks. "Good morning, Vahalia. Please – come in, have a seat." He motioned toward the seating across from him. "How was the rest of your...work? Journey -- I'm not quite sure what to label it."

A chuckle loosed as Vahalia shook her head and made her way over to take a seat, "Not quite finished yet but it's getting there. What of yours? You've briefly mentioned your intentions with work but haven't shared your current course. Are you doing well?"

Once the Lady had taken her seat, so too did Osric,  "A work in progress. As it will be for a while -- there are several steps to really...establish much of anything. But things are at least moving forward. It's something. And I'm well enough." He tilted his head to the side slightly. "Can I get you anything this morning...? It's not your estate – but tea and the like I have."

She had considered declining of course without being certain how long the visit would take but she smiled ever so lightly and nodded, "I'll have tea since you're offering." she glanced over the table before cutting her attention back to Osric, "You've been doing well for yourself, how are the twins?"

Osric went about fetching the beverages, his back turned to her for a moment as they conversed, though he glanced over his shoulder while he spoke. "They're good - they've certainly kept me busy, busier than my work has. " He chuckled softly. "Curious little things, I can and can't imagine what it'll be like once they're mobile."

"I'll need far more than a few pairs of eyes on them to be certain. I'm glad they've been keeping you busy. I've missed their babbles since they've left but I'm content in knowing they are safe and well cared for." she hummed in thought for a small moment, "Did you receive an invitation to the dinner this evening? I had Valeria send them while I've been abroad."

He finally set a cup down in front of his company; lemon wedge included. A cup of coffee seemingly for himself.  "Eyes and a few folks who can move quickly I imagine - I've heard there are few things faster than toddlers who have something they shouldn't...I suppose we'll find out soon enough." He sat down quietly a curious look briefly crossing his features before offering a nod and a small smile. "I did. I was planning on attending."

It was upon seeing the tea that Vahalia smiled to herself as she bowed her head to take up the cup, he knew what she liked -- he had been around her enough to know full well how she desired her tea, "Good, I figured there might be some people there worth meeting, especially with your own ventures taking off. I suspect many will be there this evening."

"I welcome and am appreciative of the opportunity. Mine is very much a fledging venture.  I'm sure it will be an interesting evening." He reached forward and set his mug down. "It certainly sounds as though your holdings are expanding by the day...a long way from the company accountant. Not that you were ever just that."

Vahalia tilted her head as she loosed a sigh, "It started as thus. When I had been in Ul'dah before coming into Hadriel's employ back then I didn't think I was going to be on the path that I am today. Priorities shifted quite a lot in the handful -- or more -- of years."

"I don't think any of us thought we would be where we are now when we started with the Wolves, Vahalia. I certainly didn't." Osric glanced past her, past the threshold she had crossed for a long moment before shaking his head with a small smile. "And to say priorities have changed, drastically, in the last few years is an understatement...in the last few months especially."

She nodded in small agreement and she lowered her teacup to the table between she and Osric, "Indeed, which brings me to your doorstep this morning. While you know I'm not the type of woman to simply make social calls for the sake of it, there is a purpose to my visit. I wanted to come and tell you directly, rather you hear it from me and my reasoning than hear it from someone else some time down the line. I have yet to say anything to anyone about it. It's a need-to-know basis."

Osric’s brow furrowed for a moment before it shifted and his eyebrow apexed "...Alright. What is it you have to tell me then...?"

Vahalia slowly tapped her index finger along the rim of her cup before she folded her hands into her lap, "Hakan and I have decided to have a bonding ceremony in Tural before I leave. I've done plenty of thinking and reconsideration of a few things and I want to know if the Cress name will continue. He will oversee the entire estate alongside my sister, Valeria should anything happen to me. He knows of my goals and wishes should anything require his action and he will have the authority to do so. On behalf of Evran, Idalia, and any other children I might sire in the future. He will have a proper position to ensure the children's needs are met and anything they will require throughout their lives and even into adulthood. Should Hakan not be an option at the time, Valeria will fill that role."

Osric stilled - his jaw clenching.

Light golden eyes blinked as Vahalia tilted her head regarding Osric, "What's the matter?"

"I have to ask for permission to bring Evran to Coerthas, and now all decisions regarding Idalia – my daughter – will be yours, his and Valeria’s.  What part do I play in any of this, Vahalia?"

"You asked for permission because it was the right thing to do and it would have been expected of Hakan all the same. I am Idalia's primary caregiver given the circumstances and thus I'm ensuring a failsafe for my children accordingly should anything happen. It would be irresponsible of me not to ensure their future. Had we still been married, that responsibility would have gone to you, and we are not. You legally can not divide my estate unless I make it so. Your part depends on you. None of this is about you or me or what parts we play, that should never be a question. Our parts are to support them, help them grow, and direct them while ensuring their needs are met long after we are gone. None of this changes your role as a father."

Osric laced his hands together, fighting to keep his face as neutral as possible, "They are my life, Vahalia. Helping to support them and making sure their needs are met are my primary concern.  Every decision I have made since I found out about them has been with them in mind. If I knew of any other way to be more involved I would – and I don't want to be in your way. It's a fine line given the circumstances and particularly with this most recent twist."

Vahalia emitted a small sigh as she watched him, "I understand that which is why I am sharing this with you. You're as involved as you wish to be Osric and I've never placed blockers before you to keep you from that if you wish. I've never denied you access, I've never told you that you cannot visit them or have them visit you, I've never stated you cannot be a part of their life and it's not as if Hakan is planning to adopt Idalia from under your nose. It's merely a union for legality's sake. It changes nothing aside from it being something in place for future happenstance."

"And why now? What changed for this decision to happen now? He was already involved in everything when we were married. He's Evran's father. What led to this decision at this point?"

"We're two people from noble families, we both know how things like this work. Not that I need an additional explanation of what I've already offered. Nothing has changed, they're nearly seven months old and I'm very active in ensuring their future and that of House Cress. They are additional priorities to the ones I've already had in my lap for many years. I am a mother, it is only natural to worry over them."

Osric exhaled sharply, running his hands over his face before leaning forward and lifting his mug off the table. He took a long sip before considering the contents of the mug for a long moment. "...and *nothing* changes regarding the parenting of the twins?" He looked across as he concluded his statement, "I just want to be absolutely clear – for me, not because you haven't been. Because you realize the perception will change once you bring in a new spouse, yes?"

Vahalia’s brow rose as she watched Osric's body language, eventually her brow coming to knit as he posed his question, "Is that what you're worried about? A bond wouldn't change the parentage of the twins, no. You and I both know that as well as Hakan, not that anyone could change that even if they wanted to. There is no perception to change, the children are as they are and as they will be. Both blessed to have two men who care about them."

 "The parenting, not the parentage. I realize their parentage won't change - can't change. Though I wouldn't put it past some to begin to question-" He scowled, considering the contents of his mug again. "It doesn't matter.  So long as we have an understanding that I am still their father just as much as Belgra -- Hakan is.  So long as that doesn't change, then..." He shrugged. "Things are as they are. You have to do what's best for the twins...And your house. Their house."

She laughed lightly, "So now we are worried about how it might look? Nearly seven new moons after their birth, after a divorce, and we're now worried how it might be seen?" she shook her head in mild disbelief, "Outside of myself, you and Hakan, it is no one's business. The children are protected and always will be by us three."

Osric glanced across at her. "I was more concerned about your happiness at the time - if  that's a conversation we *really* want to get into." He reached out setting his mug down, his elbows resting on the top of his thighs, hands laced together between his knees. "I just never want Evran and Idalia to experience what I did. They have a loving mother - they have loving fathers...they are far better off than I was, but it doesn't stop the concern."

Vahalia seemed to disagree with a small shake of her head, "I do not think me putting things in order for their future is a cause for concern, just as if you were to put fail safes in place for them should anything happen to you. I would consider that a noble responsibility and realization of how the world works to see them well cared for in any event or aftermath. But also going forward in this discussion, I would have you know by the year's end I will be relocating to Black Water Bay. It will be my residence. I wish to leave Valeria the estate in Ishgard so that she may grow her own family in time but also give her more responsibility into the family business and assisting there on behalf of the Household."

He gave a humorless laugh. "Black Water Bay...And how long does it take to travel there from Coerthas?"

She pursed her lips tightly and closed her eyes as she listened to the dry expression, centering herself fully before allowing her golden eyes to open again and resume their steady gaze, looking to avoid leaning into her ire that was coaxed by his tone, "Depends on your method of travel. You can take a boat from Coerthas itself or from Old Sharlayan since the isle itself is between the two in the Bloodbrine Sea. Travel via Airship or cutter would take a few hours as there is a landing nearing completion on the isle itself. Additionally, Aetheryte is the faster method."

Osric stood to make for the cart nearby once more and refill his cup, "Aetheryte would require having visited the island to be attuned to the one present on the island. So it's safe to assume a day or two, or a few hours – depending on whether or not one is traveling by land or sea initially."  He turned back around to retake his seat, “...Something I suppose I'll have to keep in mind since the twins won't be old enough to travel via aetheryte for some time."

"Then visit the island and attune to it. The island would be a wonderful place for them to grow up as well as abroad when they are old enough to travel places on a regular basis. There are farms there and the ports, markets, and people who have residences there. There are several cultures there that come in and leave their mark, travelers that could bestow opportunities for them in the future. It is a far better place than Ishgard. I do not wish to see them shackled. Shackled by society or the consistent need to feel like they need to hide or put pomp and flare front and center."

He gathered his mug as an unreadable expression crossed his face.  He was quiet for a few long moments as his brow furrowed, "I wouldn't see them shackled by society or anything else. I'm not terribly thrilled by the idea of them being so far away either. I understand the reasoning and I'm not thrilled with the prospect."

A sharp gaze watched Osric, that same awkward silence he often carried about him. Vahalia gave Osric a few moments and when he spoke, she sighed gently, "You'd have them stay in Ishgard and the society there to suit your own desires then? It isn't as if you won't be able to see them, nor regularly. Should you wish them to stay with you in the future, it can be arranged and easily with several opinions available. You act as if you'll never see them or that someone is taking them away from you. Every thought and action I have taken has been in their best interest and benefits to their future. Yet you sit and worry only for your own desires, worrying over the little things that need not be a pressing concern."

His gaze cut up to meet hers. "That's not what was said, Vahalia. I said I understood your reasoning, it doesn't mean I have to be thrilled with them being so far away. If I was truly only concerned with my own desires then I would be fighting you on the decision to move, which I am not. Am I happy with the idea that they're going to be leaving Coerthas, no. I'm not.  But am I fighting you tooth and nail to keep them here? No, I'm not. I want to be part of their lives and I am going to do whatever I have to do in order for that to happen. Then fact that I just laid down roots in Coerthas as you happen to be pulling yours from it? Yes, it's frustrating and I'm not going to sit here and keep you from doing it if you think it's going to be in Idalia and Evran's best interest."

There was a subtle roll of Vahalia’s eyes as Osric began to play his hand with semantics, "I know what you said and what it means. Your pushback on both matters has been noted and I've figured you might have more important questions or worries at the forefront of your mind than feeling pressed over Hakan's role or a simple move. I'm meeting you halfway, in many cases more than simply half as I've kept the communication going more than what some might have ever cared to provide. I'm not expecting a fight between us because we both know you'd lose that battle based purely on your own desires verses what is in their best interest. Distance is simply distance and at current it does not limit you more than what you, yourself, have chosen to limit yourself with. You were given a choice to stay within the estate or be given back your lands, both of which were opinions you turned down regardless of you being the closest you possibly could be to them. Opinions that you turned down and you chose to station yourself in Coerthas instead. Which I supported either way without fuss."

"My lands were being utilized as the barracks at that point, and it didn't feel like remaining within the estate was appropriate after a certain point.  I am present as often as I can possibly be and will continue to be present as often as I can possibly be given I am not one of your household. I signed everything over to you and to any children that I sired as part of our marriage. I wasn't going to take that back because I failed as a husband."

"Something you could have easily made happen and arranged accordingly if you desired to do so. Have I not been as accommodating to you and your needs as much as I possibly can without having it all backhanded into my face? Even so, as we talk now I'm willing to provide a small residence for you on the isle as yours if and when you choose to visit or stay or even pass through. You need only say the word and I will make it happen."

 "I'm not trying to backh --" Osric stopped himself, setting the mug on the table before exhaling slowly. " – That would be very kind...and very much appreciated. Having a small residence would make visiting more accessible and wouldn't make it feel like I was taking full advantage of your hospitality..." He tilted his head slightly. "It feels like conversations weren't always this difficult between us..."

"We haven't had heavy things such as this to converse over. Both fortunate and unfortunate as it is. I said I would include you in all things regarding the children and me being here today and having this conversation is including you; as much as that one can hope for."

Osric reached up and rubbed his chin as he leaned back. "...As much as one can hope for? I doubt this will be the last conversation regarding the twins there's going to be."

She shook her head, "Part of the territory in being a parent."

His gaze shifted, looking out past the threshold once again for a moment as he had done previously. "I won't deny there is a part of me that thinks about what I'll miss with them on that island but it's what's best for them. So it doesn't particularly matter." He shook his head turning his attention back to her, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You said by year's end, yes? Change is necessary, it's going to happen eventually..."

Vahalia furrowed a brow as she watched him from where she sat, "You won't miss much of anything if you plan on visiting regularly or merely ask to have them visit you which can be arranged. You'd miss no more than you do now with your relocation to Coerthas. As I stated, nothing is barring you from seeing them as much as you'd like and I am happy to arrange travel for them to pay visits to you as well." she lifted a hand to move her hair from her face, "By year's end, yes."

"Of course. I'd argue I already feel like I miss too much as it is, but as has been rehashed plenty - that's my own doing. No need to go over it again." He cleared his throat gently, "I'll likely need to make a trip to the island to attune to the aetheryte in the coming weeks then...the end of the year is approaching sooner than one would think." He quickly licked his lips, gathering his thoughts, "Any other surprises should be aware of? You're getting married, you're moving -- you're not pregnant again are you?"

Vahalia shook her head, "No 'surprises' that would pertain to you. Just know that I'm not here to emotionally maim you. Black Water is much closer to the coast of Coerthas than Ishgard is for travel and -- " furrowing a brow she stared across to him and his additional quip as if he had been lecturing a teenaged daughter, none of which she was, "Not that it would be your business, but no if it is to ease your mind."

He kept a neutral face for a moment before his brow furrowed, "Only in that it would impact the twins." he decided to reach for his mug, taking a sip rather than commenting further.

Vahalia scoffed and she couldn't help but smile shaking her head, "None of which would be seen as a negative impact upon them to have an additional sibling. Once again, should I sire more children that is to be my business and my business to explain to them when they are old enough to retain the information. Do not conflate their well-being with your audacity and self-inserting reason to know. Should that day come, all parties who should know, will."

Osric scowled, setting his mug down. "I know full well it's none of my business if and when you choose to have more children, Vahalia. Especially now. The dynamic with the twins is complex enough as is - I'm involved in their care. I will not nor do I expect to be involved in the care of any additional children. Nor should I be. The only reason I wanted to know was to brace myself for the change. Because would you be as open and welcoming to me coming in and out with a new infant in the home that I was not involved with? Or have these things even been considered?"

She watched him with a speculatory gaze much like a predator upon prey, "You disrespect me so easily." she reminded him, "You ask a question at the current that is not in your business to be asking since if and when I do have more children, that is a discussion I'm willing to have but I won't be criticized for something that has yet to happen. To be clear, I do not and will not thrust a child towards you that is not yours to care for. Quite the reach you make based off of nothing."

A sigh cut through the air –Osric’s phrasing once again getting him into hot water. "I'm not criticizing and I wouldn't expect that you would it's....never mind." He reached up, running a hand through his hair with a sharp exhale. "And I'm not trying to disrespect you. It's never my intent to disrespect you."

"No you have, otherwise you wouldn't have asked as you did. A callous way to approach it with additional assumptions instead of letting me approach said topic if and when the topic arrives. Assuming I'd thrust other's children upon you when that is one of the last things I would do." she looked to her tea that had grown cold. Standing she adjusted her attire, "I'm imposed upon you long enough this morning, I appreciate your hospitality and sitting with me."

Osric stood moving around the table, "Vahalia wait – that wasn't what I meant. I don't think that you'd do that. What I was saying is that I don't expect the be *allowed* to be involved in the care of someone else's child, not that you'd expect me to. I don't – I understand we're not there and the situation is complex enough as it is, and yes, it was an assumption.  I just – " He sighed once more. "-- I do want this to work...for everyone."

"Allowed or not, it's a strange point to bring up nonetheless. The fact you brought it up at all is yet strange to me as it doesn't seem like something people typically think about given the current topic. I expected more intellectual responses or questions than what you've offered. Fear not, I do plan on letting you know should those changes approach. Albeit slightly more apprehensive now."

His eyes narrowed briefly. More 'intellectual' responses and questions. Osric finally spoke, "As was previously stated, my concern ultimately is the twins and their well-being.  As usual, I've managed to put my foot into my mouth while trying to discuss it. " He took a step back. "As you stated it's ultimately none of my business and hasn't been for months, I only need to know if and when it impacts the twins."

Once more Vahalia’s light golden eyes looked Osric over as she turned, "A conversation that could have been met when it was necessary instead of being interrogated on something that has yet to occur. Your dislike of the news I shared with you this morning caused you to offend me. Me being here should have given you belief enough that I would disclose important things when needed, it is not an open door for you to cross boundaries. " she made for the exit as she rested her hand on the cold knob, "I will see you at dinner this evening."

He frowned, watching her make towards the door. "I was not trying to offend you, and I was not trying to upset you....I am sorry Vahalia and it will not happen again." He sighed again, resigning himself to what had transpired. "...see you at dinner."

Vahalia afforded him a final gaze over her shoulder in his direction as she opened the door to leave, "In the end, intent doesn't matter. Have a pleasant morning, Osric. We'll see you soon, travel safe when you get to it."

Collab w/ @osric-giroux-ffxiv Mention(s): @spirit-speaking - @belgravexiv

[yesstaffnurse1]

Girl’s Best Friend

Edgar looked over with a mixture of fear, resentment and self pity at Marion and her pet dog, Charlie. The nurse grinned at the tied up and gagged burglar cheerfully. “I know this must be a bit embarrassing for you, my friend,” the young woman smiled, “but the police said they would be here in the next hour or so.” Edgar had been shocked when he heard the front door of the house he had broken into, open and a weary female voice downstairs talking to herself. But the fact the house owner was female buoyed him and he soon clattered down the stairs to confront her. What he hadn’t bargained for was Charlie! The black labrador growled gamely at the intruder as Marion shrieked in alarm. Luckily, Edgar had an absolute phobia about dogs. “Keep that thing away from me!” he babbled in panic. “Charlie?” answered the nurse, frowning, “He wouldn’t hurt a….I mean, yes, he is a real guard dog, trained to protect me at all times. You had better give up, pal!” The pale faced Edgar simply nodded continuously. “Yes, yes, I surrender, ma’am,” he babbled, “only don’t let that thing bite me!” Marion made a great play of telling Charlie to “sit!” and then put the terrified burglar into an armlock and walked him back up the stairs to her bedroom where she kept a washing line she hadn’t put up yet. She sat the miserable Edgar on the bed, tied his hands behind his back, bound his ankles and gagged him with a strip of duct tape. After calling the police, the young nurse rejoined her captive with Charlie in tow. “He really wouldn’t hurt a fly,” she told the doubtful looking Edgar, “but he really is a girl’s best friend!”

Sources: retrorope and Nurses Uniforms and Ladies Workwear on Flickr

[fizzyxcustard]

If I could choose any of them I'd choose my beloved Much or maybe Marion (shh I'm ignoring her giving poor Guy false hope) Guy is definitely the prettiest though

I just want to wrap Much up in a protective blanket and love him eternally poor dude

I'm sorry for how much I'm talking about Robin Hood, if it's any consolation my mother my bestie and my workplace has had to listen to me babbling too, I'll shush now 🤣

One more thing then I'll shush lol but my mother had the audacity to say bbc merlin was better than robin hood!

Honestly, don’t say sorry for talking about it. I’m enjoying reading your thoughts.

Much is so lovely, and I think he’s taken for granted a lot in the show. Poor man.

Ummm. Please don’t hate me, but I like Merlin as well. 😬😬

[hmslusitania]

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#5

Unified theory of Indiana Jones and The Mummy? My interest has been piqued 🍿 👀

Okay so I think it goes without saying that these movies clearly take place in the same universe, just off the bat.

That said, we also know that several of the (unseen) previous generation of characters had careers that would've taken them to similar geographic areas -- notably Howard Carnahan and Abner Ravenwood, who were Egyptologists of roughly a similar age.

So, it would make complete sense to me if, at some point, they were contracted to work on the same project. Whether or not they got along, whether or not they worked well together, is immaterial. The important part is that they both brought their daughters. Now, according to the wikis for the respective franchises, Evelyn (Carnahan) O'Connell was born in 1903, and Marion Ravenwood was born in 1909, and young girls, as Marion would've been, tend to heavily imprint on older girls especially when they're stuck together in a camping situation. And I think Evy, a perpetual baby sister, would've jumped at the chance to get to be the cool older sister type friend.

They would've corresponded after that.

In 1925, Marion writes to Evy about her father's dashing new student who she's fallen hopelessly in love with (and an equally passionate disavowal of the man only a few months later).

In 1926, Evy writes back to tell Marion that she's been part of an expedition to help recover the site of Hamunaptra (leaving out the magic, because that would be just a shade too far; adding the fact she may not have found much treasure but she did find a husband in the post script -- prompting many more questions from Marion).

They write each other about Evy's journey to respectability as an archaeologist and Egyptologist, and her impassioned arguments with another young archaeologist out of the University of Chicago, who Evy pointedly refused to name in any of her letters out of disrespect (the nature of their academic disagreements is simple -- Evy's seen magic with her own eyes and brings a layer of credulity to her interpretation of sites that Indy just cannot fathom. Well. Not yet, anyway).

They write when Alex was born, when Marion moves to Nepal.

In 1933, Evy writes her about the Oasis at Ahm Shere, but she leaves out the part where she died and was resurrected, and the part where the entire oasis was sucked into the afterlife afterwards.

(In 1935, Indy sees Magic in India, and he thinks briefly of his continuing journal publication feud with the British-Egyptian Egyptologist E. O'Connell, and then he locks this information away in a part of his brain he does not touch lest he go mad.)

In 1936, Marion writes her about the search for the Ark, about her father's old student -- a professor now himself -- coming back into her life. She mentions the pit of snakes, being entombed, and the deaths of the Nazi bastards. She doesn't mention the magic, the actual Ark of the Covenant saving their asses. It would sound crazy, after all.

In 1937, they see each other in person for the first time in over a decade by chance at the Cairo Museum. This is before the events of the Last Crusade, so for the moment, Marion and Indy are more-or-less together and more-or-less happy about it. Rick and Evy are there for their standard work reasons, delivering some recently excavated artefacts.

At first, everything goes fine. Evy and Marion recognise each other, and as nearly life-long penpals tend to do, take a moment to remember how to speak to each other in person, but then they're thrilled for the opportunity to do so. The four of them agree to get dinner together and it's at dinner while they're talking about their work that Indy makes the connection between E. O'Connell, academic rival, and Evelyn O'Connell, and Evy makes the connection that Marion's "Indy" is actually that very same Henry Jones Jr who Evy's wanted nothing more than to knock senseless with the Book of Life for over a decade.

In the ensuing loud argument that nearly gets them thrown from the restaurant and during which Rick and Marion decide they're best friends now, both Evy and Indy accidentally reveal their hands as regards magic, archaeology, and the realities therein. They part dinner as wary allies.

The academic detente lasts just until Marion writes Evy about the dissolution of her relationship with Indy and concurrent birth of their son, and then the rivalry's back on.

Frankly, all of them prefer it this way.

(As an additional aside, while he was serving in WWI, Jonathan Carnahan met and befriended {""befriended""} an Australian nurse, who had the mixed fortune to lose all of her father's titled cousins during the war and returned home as the Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher)

1,486 notes - Posted July 8, 2022

#4

I’m assuming that the only reason Christopher Eccleston hasn’t posted anything on Instagram yet is because he’s currently torn between leading a rousing pub cheer of celebration and also being rightly furious about the impending worsening economic problems

1,849 notes - Posted September 8, 2022

#3

I love when you’re plotting a story and you’re like “hm but how does this work out and why is it like this” and you mentally put it down for a second and then without warning the entire Lore of a whole story and world just drops into your head

2,861 notes - Posted April 27, 2022

#2

The contrast between the Byers siblings and the Wheeler siblings will never not be entertaining.

Because like, Jonathan’s all “I would totally give up the girl of my dreams to spend my time looking after my little brother who I love” and Nancy’s like “I would hunt Mike for sport unless someone else was trying to do it, and then I would kill them”

3,266 notes - Posted August 7, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

In other news Washington continues to be Washington

18,455 notes - Posted August 31, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[paige-fierce]

Ello ello

Oh how the TIMES have CHANGED. Let's go through a quickie review of my ever-evolving storyline since we last chatted...which was August 2023?

July-August 2023

Existential crisis is just forming, like a small acorn, dropped from a giant oak tree last autum, cozily nestled under just the right amount of earth...and try as I might to fight the feeling or burgeoning nihilistic turmoil and crippling self-doubt, nature finds a way *out bursts the first sprouting of a tree*

My deepest fear, that I wouldn't know shit about fuck at my new job has come true! I am surrounded by brilliant, kind, wonderful people who are so intimidating in their relevant-to-the-field accomplishments that I barely ask any questions for fear of revealing how much of a fool not only I am, but they have been for hiring me. My personality is all I have now...and that's starting to suffer as a result of basically everything else I post from now til December

My best friend (not drunk girl definition of best friend, but the proper definition of best friend akin to what is described in Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics) goes off the handle in a way that is only worth diving into if I create a spin-off blog dedicated solely to that Game of Thrones-level plot twist that was without a doubt a significant effect modifier in my emotional and mental fissuring this side of 2023. Agnes and Tangerine by Glass Animals are played on repeat.

I cry almost every day on the train, sometimes going to Rotterdam, mostly on my way home after expertly compartmentalizing my like a bento box of emotions that I sample from throughout the day. After 5 pm is when the soy sauce (my salty tears) flows.

I attempt dating at the encouragement of my roommate, only to find it is fertilizer for the inner unrest eating away at the fibers of my morality.

I do, however, manage to make some friends along the way, in spite of my downward spiral

September 2023

I start Dutch classes as an attempt to quell my inner demons that are pressuring me to assimilate HARDER, better, FASTER, stronger (important note: no one is putting any pressure on me, just myself, per usual) ((now I am curious what the ratio of my accomplishments/successes/moments of overcoming adversity are results of high-functioning anxiety)) (((at the risk of my inner peace and sleep, I PERFORM)))

Work is very much a deep stressor of my life, though I have gotten better about vocating my need for clarity, which releases enough pressure on the valve attached to my sad/scared mind so that I do not explode.

I'm very sad about aforementioned best friend, but coping...we've stopped speaking but it's what I need in order to not be a puddle of weird leftovers from the craft store mixed with beer.

I'm finding it hard to talk to people in a way that's natural. I don't feel like myself. In fact I can't remember the last time I felt this unlike myself. I am so thin and sad...it's pathetic, and almost funny. She used to be mine by Sara Barielles plays on repeat.

I started going to therapy and she's amazing. Can I just become this woman? Is that part of her treatment? She is the stabalizing force I desperately need. Like a kindly-meant slap to the face for a poor sap babbling about nonsense, Marion brings me back to reality.

October 2023

Dutch is coming along fine...Ik denk?? Maar het is heel mogelijk to learn a new language while also learning a new job that essentially has its own language components (and if you count when I randomly use R, that is a language SO)

A reset in the progress with grief-fueled by BFF breakup. Fuck I'm sad.

Mom and godmother come to visit...mixed emotions. I'm not at my best therefore I treat my mom poorly. We have a very important but hard conversation surrounding that. All for the best. Getting old is weird, giving my mom advice is strange ?

I turn 29. Just fast forward me to 30, I'm over being in my 20s. I suddenly understand Jenna Rink's desire to fast forward from 13 to 30 based on the fictional magazine Poise's promotion of being 30, flirty, and thriving.

29, saltier than brine, and crying :,)

Everyone at work thinks I'm 22. I suppose I should be flattered, but it just encourages my suspicion/paranoia that they think I'm a simpleton and personality hire.

November 2023

Jesus this weather sucks. It's cold, it's rainy, and I should be writing melancholic poems or pulitzer winning prose in this kind of weather. Instead I'm NOT working out, I'm sleeping with an absolute fruitcake who brags his intimidation tactics at work and plans to get crown moulding put into his apartment (are you there god, it's me Paige)

I'm making friends with colleagues and other people! I suspect it's because I'm feeling like myself again...She's been lurking, coming out at random moments and surprising those around me. "who is this exotic creature, so odd yet fun, so nice yet blunt, she's attracti--wait what the fuck did she just do with her face?"

Have I mentioned I have a crush on a colleague? His face looks like it was carved by Michaelangelo, he dresses like someone with a good relationship with his parents, and is very serious but always cracks a smile at my jokes. Consequently, I am spinning out over my lust.

December 2023

Halfway through this ragged, damp, brisk month and I'm back in the US...

Somehow what sticks out to me most in the highlights of this month is the fun AF office Christmas party??? All the office personnel who I (very likely, incorrectly) perceived as having sticks up their billen (Dutch, look it up) let the walls comes down and the singing and dancing come out. Karaoke is the great unifier baybeeee

Annnnnnnnnd Florida for 2 weeks...that was nice, but why do I feel an inarticulable sense of dread? I am happy and a bit excited to go back to NL but but but something about seeing both my siblings families and their general stability is not sitting well with me.

[residentsofhollowville]

He laughs and downs another beer. Since when does he drink like this? This isn't a habit of his. Hell, this might not be safe, least of all around a speyeral, but he just can't bring himself to care.

"That tracks. He was always stubborn as a rock. Maybe that new girl will be less of a mudbrain."

He sighs and flops forward, tracing patterns in the well-worn grain of the bar.

"As for me, not much to report. Found Jude with no trouble, then he got mad at me and almost hurt the person I was traveling with. Her name's Marione, by the way. Don't know if you know her, but she seemed like a good egg. Well, she left through one of those funny doors, and then Jude went through a different one a week later and I thought he was dead. Turns out he just got dunked in the Thames."

He's babbling. He doesn't give a damn.

"He mentioned you, actually. Said you bailed him out. So, thanks for that. Even if you are an awful secret-stealing speyeral, you did help my brother, and that counts for something."

A neon green door covered in shifting eye-like fractals and neon cobwebs appears near Jack and opens up hesitantly, Amelie standing in the doorway.

He's immediately on his guard, his hands out as if to defend himself from them, but it doesn't look malicious, not this time. It's not grinning or giggling or trying to deceive him, it's just there, looking almost friendly.

"Why are you here? What do you want?"

[jaxyscreams]

I want to do a cosplay thing or one of those October makeup things & ofc I am indecisive

like,, Ruby of The Sea?? Jester?? Taako?? Akko?? Lydia?? Six test?? Do a fae look for facetober??

[teaandinanity]

Every time an indie otome dev gives me a canonically demi/aspec/enby character it’s like that ‘you are safe now my sweet child’ meme because it really DOES give me life.

[asolitaryrose]

it figures that I have to be extremely social this week (i've been invited to social gatherings almost every evening until next week) when it's the week with:

the Agatha All Along finale - which I will need 4-5 business days to process I reckon

the long-awaited Dragon Age game - 10 years y'all, I cannot believe we're having a new DA game in 2024

The Diplomat S2 - this i'm less pressed about watching but still!! very good show

and a very good friend who bought a last-minute ticket and lands in 2 days

[multimask]

oh shit giving marion one of the amulets...

[bandtrees]

not to toot my own horn or anything but im rereading unpersoned and man... it slaps if I do say so myself

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22057036 simon fans come get y’all juice this fic is my pride and joy of the outlast fandom

[vahalia-cress]

⸸ 𝔓𝔞𝔱𝔥 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 ℜ𝔢𝔡 𝔔𝔲𝔢𝔢𝔫 ⸸

Little hands reached for the plush fox as Vahalia lowered allowing Idalia to grasp her pudgy little hands into the fabric of it. The song of babbles filled the morning air as she spent this moment out along the cabin’s balcony opening overlooking the shoals nearby. With the twins safely within her sphere of comfort, Vahalia attended them in moments where peace lingered.

It was peaceful, for the time being.

Evran held firmly to Vahalia’s thumb, often trying to kidnap it within the confines of his mouth but could never seem to understand why the fleshy wiggly thing fought him at every attempt, poor coordination only landed him the side of his mother’s hand.

A soft knock came to the cabin door and it opened once Bruce had inspected the caller from beyond the other end. A soft exchange of voices was shared and then the visitor entered with her hands nestled into the pocket of her slacks, “The package was delivered and they’re grateful for your assistance in retrieving what remained of the supplies.” Castien spoke.

“Good.” the reply came and Vahalia shifted Evran from her grasp to be handed off to Marion who assisted her. Standing she eventually made her way to Castien, “And my offer?”

“You’ve certainly piqued their interest and they are willing to meet with you. Their partner arrives from Urqopacha in a days time and they’re requesting that they be present as well.”

“Good. We’ll set up a meeting with them.”

“What do you plan on offering them?”

Vahalia bore a small look to Castien with brow perked, “You hadn’t read the missive?”

“No. Little to no reason to; though I was quite curious I thought it best to ask you directly.” Castien chuckled, “You tend to always have a plan.”

“Loosely.” Vahalia afforded her kindness, a small smirk that rested on her cheek enough to flash a small dimple. She made for the trolley that had a collection of drinks, pouring a glass of water for herself and Castien, “I’m proposing seeds, saplings and vegetation from Black Water. We have the means and the folks here seem to enjoy some of the things we take for granted – and vice versa. If it is one thing I have learned during my time here, it is that the Pelu are keen on all sorts of trinkets, baubles – just about anything for Trade. They speak my language so we merely speak theirs in return. It is a matter of wants, needs, and fulfilling a demand abroad.” handing off the cool glass to Castien, the pair partook in their beverage.

“Such things you’ll pass through Black Water from other merchants or –?”

“Homegrown.” Vahalia added, “Hopefully in time when the harvests at the vineyard are complete we can start shipments of the wines from Valnain.”

“A long trek for a ship,” Castien noted.

“Thankfully I have an extra to spare.” Vahalia looked to her glass with a subtle, darkened smirk, “--Or rather, that I will. That’s where the Scorpion comes in.”

Quizical would have been the look Castien would have mustered had she not already been aware of some of Vahalia’s steps; or rather had she not have known the woman at all. Quietly she continued to hydrate herself from the Tuliyollal heat.

“Pearl the Scorpion, inform the captain we’ll be taking the Red Queen at nightfall. I want that ship captured and ready to sail in two days for Black Water. They’ll make any necessary repairs to have it in well-working order for the voyages into Tural in the future. I’ll contact Edalene to let her know they’ll be expecting a new ship to dock in due course.”

Castien simply nodded as she adjusted the linkpearl in her ear, “Anything else I should relay?”

Vahalia fell silent a moment as she peered out towards the large open cabin balcony and along the shoals once more, “Offer the crew their lives in place of their loyalty to me. All those who oppose, ensure they’ll be with their Mistress Whitlock soon enough.”

Castien knew the outcome of those who would decline. She had been present that evening when she, Wren, Cordelia, and Vahalia had captured Ophelia and forced her to pay her dues. That woman had paid a steep price for her betrayal; in blood, life signed on the figurative dotted line. Without hesitation, Castien's hand moved and she activated the pearl to relay the message, crimson eyes following the Lady Cress as she simply went about her business with her children.

She seemed entirely...unbothered.

[lightofherces]

“It’s a love potion! What could possibly go wrong?” - Fred for George or Marion

Witchy Starters|Accepting!

@demagia

“Everything!” George and Marion said at the same time, eyes wide as they stared at him.

“Fred Weasley, I swear to the gods if you make that I’ll sock you!”

[decaflondonfog]

passing hope along after being reminded it’s absolutely true no matter how dark some days may get: whit's fur ye'll no go past ye.