#might and magic VIII

[noybusiness]

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era

I'm so exited that we're getting a new Heroes of Might and Magic game next year after so long, and set in the original pre-Heroes V continuity, too! Those games were a huge part of my pre-teen and adolescent years.

In Jadame of all places! Might and Magic VIII: Day of the Destroyer was one of my favorite entries in the series with its particular atmosphere. The Elemental Planes, Escaton's Crystal, the fact your characters could be Dark Elves, Vampires, Trolls, Minotaurs or Dragons...

Please reblog if you either share my excitement or have no idea what Might and Magic is but would like to find out.

[airandangels]

Edward II (one of the more shambolic kings of England) was a fourth son who became heir to the throne only after the deaths of his older brothers. Had the brother immediately before him in the line of succession had better luck (he died of an illness aged only 10, when Edward was a baby), England would have had a King Alphonso.

[littlewebtreasures]

Dragons from Heroes of Might and Magic II (first row), III (second third and fourth row), VI (fifth and sixth row), VII (seventh eight and ninth row) and VIII (bottom row)

[thecheshireprincess]

i know i am so behind on comments, asks, and messages and i am SO SORRY 🥺 i have been only partially present on this app trying to get so many amazing ideas written and published 💕 but rest assured ✨️ this is my happy place and i'm doing well. i do, however, READ all of your comments and i am so blown away by you guys - thank you thank you thank you for being here 🫶🏻

i will make my lack of personality up to you by promising to post all of these completed things between now and Monday (and i will catch up with everything even if i have to be awake for 72 hours straight 🥰):

○ Finality (Kyuma x F!Reader) 🔥

○ You Can Take It (Chishiya x F!Reader) 🔥

○ Kiss the Girl -> The Game Itself Chapter VIII (YES you are really reading that correctly 😱) 💕✨️

○ House of Mirrors (Chishiya x F!Reader) 🔥

○ The Beginning -> Part of the One Look Collection 💕✨️

○ I Warned You (Chishiya x Pregnant!Reader) -> Part Two to I Changed My Mind 💕🔥

○ Princess of Diamonds Part II 💕✨️

quick reminder that you can check out my WIPs here for a description of most of these and the other things i'm working on 🫶🏻 i do update that list about once a week, and you might even find some Easter eggs if you check it 😜

couple FAQs this week:

- Teron is fine, thank you so much for asking 💕🥰 you guys are so kind to us, and i am so grateful

- YES i will still accept requests, literally always ✨️ please just give me grace bc my brain comes up with a ridiculous number of ideas, too. BUT I WILL MAKE MAGIC FOR YOU AS SOON AS I CAN 💕

- yes i have tag lists: everything, one for each series/collection, and one per character; send me a message and let me know what you'd like to be added to 💃🏼

tell me how you're doing and what you're most excited to see? i really love you guys so much, i can't wait to catch up with everything this weekend!

[ai-manre]

The women in asoiaf and their desire to find safety, to make safety, in a world that doesn't empower them to keep themselves safe, in a world oh so cruel to women. In a world that tells them its the men's job to keep them safe.

When she was done, Drogo was frowning. "This is the way of war. These women are our slaves now, to do with as we please."

"It pleases me to hold them safe," Dany said, wondering if she had dared too much. "If your warriors would mount these women, let them take them gently and keep them for wives. Give them places in the khalasar and let them bear you sons." - Dany VII, AGOT

"The time for that is past, my lady," Mirri said. "All I can do now is ease the dark road before him, so he might ride painless to the night lands. He will be gone by morning."

Her words were a knife through Dany's breast. What had she ever done to make the gods so cruel? She had finally found a safe place, had finally tasted love and hope. She was finally going home. And now to lose it all … "No," she pleaded. "Save him, and I will free you, I swear it. You must know a way … some magic, some …" - Dany VIII, AGOT

Again the shouting began. Catelyn sat despairing. She had come so close, she thought. They had almost listened, almost … but the moment was gone. There would be no peace, no chance to heal, no safety. - Catelyn XI, AGOT

Sometimes men went to sleep safe in their beds and were found dead in the morning, all burnt up. Arya didn't really believe that, and anyhow it had all happened a long time ago. Hot Pie was being silly; it wouldn't be ghosts at Harrenhal, it would be knights. Arya could reveal herself to Lady Whent, and the knights would escort her home and keep her safe. That was what knights did; they kept you safe, especially women. Maybe Lady Whent would even help the crying girl. - Arya IV, ACOK

She flew along the river walk, past the small kitchen, and through the pig yard, her hurried footsteps lost beneath the squealing of the hogs in their pens. Home, she thought, home, he is going to take me home, he'll keep me safe, my Florian. The songs about Florian and Jonquil were her very favorites. Florian was homely too, though not so old. - Sansa II, ACOK

He was going to take me home, she thought as they dug the old man's hole. There were too many dead to bury them all, but Yoren at least must have a grave, Arya had insisted. He was going to bring me safe to Winterfell, he promised. Part of her wanted to cry. The other part wanted to kick him. - Arya V, ACOK

"I could keep you safe," he rasped. "They're all afraid of me. No one would hurt you again, or I'd kill them." He yanked her closer, and for a moment she thought he meant to kiss her. He was too strong to fight. She closed her eyes, wanting it to be over, but nothing happened. "Still can't bear to look, can you?" she heard him say. He gave her arm a hard wrench, pulling her around and shoving her down onto the bed. "I'll have that song. Florian and Jonquil, you said." His dagger was out, poised at her throat. "Sing, little bird. Sing for your little life." - Sansa VII, ACOK

"I never knew my mother," Brienne said. "My father had ladies . . . a different lady every year, but . . ."

"Those were no ladies," Catelyn said. "As hard as birth can be, Brienne, what comes after is even harder. At times I feel as though I am being torn apart. Would that there were five of me, one for each child, so I might keep them all safe."

"And who would keep you safe, my lady?"

Her smile was wan and tired. "Why, the men of my House. Or so my lady mother taught me. My lord father, my brother, my uncle, my husband, they will keep me safe . . . but while they are away from me, I suppose you must fill their place, Brienne."- Catelyn VI, ACOK

"I am sorry for all the trouble I put you to," she said, "but I have no need of boats and ships now."

"But it's all to see you safe."

"I will be safe in Highgarden. Willas will keep me safe." - Sansa II, ASOS

"We thank you for your hospitality, my lord," Robb replied. Edmure echoed him, along with the Greatjon, Ser Marq Piper, and the others. They drank his wine and ate his bread and butter. Catelyn tasted the wine and nibbled at some bread, and felt much the better for it. Now we should be safe, she thought. - Catelyn VI, ASOS

I was going to take you home! Her dragons sensed her fury. Viserion roared, and smoke rose grey from his snout. Drogon beat the air with black wings, and Rhaegal twisted his head back and belched flame. I should say the word and burn the two of them. Was there no one she could trust, no one to keep her safe? "Are all the knights of Westeros so false as you two? Get out, before my dragons roast you both. What does roast liar smell like? As foul as Brown Ben's sewers? Go!" - Dany V, ASOS

"The only game. The game of thrones." He brushed back a strand of her hair. "You are old enough to know that your mother and I were more than friends. There was a time when Cat was all I wanted in this world. I dared to dream of the life we might make and the children she would give me . . . but she was a daughter of Riverrun, and Hoster Tully. Family, Duty, Honor, Sansa. Family, Duty, Honor meant I could never have her hand. But she gave me something finer, a gift a woman can give but once. How could I turn my back upon her daughter? In a better world, you might have been mine, not Eddard Stark's. My loyal loving daughter . . . Put Joffrey from your mind, sweetling. Dontos, Tyrion, all of them. They will never trouble you again. You are safe now, that's all that matters. You are safe with me, and sailing home." - Sansa V, ASOS

And there was one girl who took to following her, the village elder's daughter. She was of an age with Arya, but just a child; she cried if she skinned a knee, and carried a stupid cloth doll with her everywhere she went. The doll was made up to look like a man-at-arms, sort of, so the girl called him Ser Soldier and bragged how he kept her safe. "Go away," Arya told her half a hundred times. "Just leave me be." She wouldn't, though, so finally Arya took the doll away from her, ripped it open, and pulled the rag stuffing out of its belly with a finger. "Now he really looks like a soldier!" she said, before she threw the doll in a brook. After that the girl stopped pestering her, and Arya spent her days grooming Craven and Stranger or walking in the woods. Sometimes she would find a stick and practice her needlework, but then she would remember what had happened at the Twins and smash it against a tree until it broke. - Arya XII, ASOS

She thought wistfully of Highgarden with its courtyards and musicians, and the pleasure barges on the Mander; a far cry from this bleak shore. At least I am safe here. Joffrey is dead, he cannot hurt me anymore, and I am only a bastard girl now. Alayne Stone has no husband and no claim. And her aunt would soon be here as well. The long nightmare of King's Landing was behind her, and her mockery of a marriage as well. She could make herself a new home here, just as Petyr said. - Sansa VI, ASOS

Arya did not like the way they kept surprising her. The hooded man was tall, enveloped in a larger version of the black-and-white robe the girl was wearing. Beneath his cowl all she could see was the faint red glitter of candlelight reflecting off his eyes. "What place is this?" she asked him.

"A place of peace." His voice was gentle. "You are safe here. This is the House of Black and White, my child. Though you are young to seek the favor of the Many-Faced God." - Arya I, AFFC

And Littlefinger was no friend of hers. When Joff had her beaten, the Imp defended her, not Littlefinger. When the mob sought to rape her, the Hound carried her to safety, not Littlefinger. When the Lannisters wed her to Tyrion against her will, Ser Garlan the Gallant gave her comfort, not Littlefinger. Littlefinger never lifted so much as his little finger for her. - Sansa I, AFFC

"As he loved you." Dany stroked the girl's hair. "Say the word, my sweet, and I will send you from this awful place. I will find a ship somehow and send you home. To Naath."

"I would sooner stay with you. On Naath I'd be afraid. What if the slavers came again? I feel safe when I'm with you."

Safe. The word made Dany's eyes fill up with tears. "I want to keep you safe." Missandei was only a child. With her, she felt as if she could be a child too. "No one ever kept me safe when I was little. Well, Ser Willem did, but then he died, and Viserys … I want to protect you but … it is so hard. To be strong. I don't always know what I should do. I must know, though. I am all they have. I am the queen … the … the …" - Dany II, ADWD

Arya's struggle to find a safe place and slowly losing hope over the course of her journey of ever being safe, being unable to trust safety, disbelieving of the very idea that she would be safe.

Sansa's many suitors dangling her safety as a bait to lure her in, her hedging hope after hope on each of them to give her some safety.

Dany who is so desperately yearning for a safe place and person ALL HER LIFE, who has never been kept safe and wants so badly to keep others safe the way she should have been.

Catelyn who'd played by all the rules her society had taught her, every single rule to try to create safety, yet to be betrayed so horribly.

The unsaid promise, the social contract that women should not take up arms and in return they would be protected and kept safe by those around them. They kept their end of the bargain so well, been such good girls and women, and what do they get? That social contract broken in so many ways for all these women.

There is no reward for being a girl, no matter how many promises they make you.

[semiconductorwave]

The Genuine Cyberpunk Ambient Music Playlist Created: October 2015 Last modified: November 2024 Playtime: 4 hours+ Views: 22633

DreamWeb - Sweet Dreams

Crusader: No Remorse - Rebel Base 1 Extended

Fornax Void - Perimeter Sentinel Operations

Ghost in the Shell - Floating Museum

Burn Cycle: Kris VR

Percival Pembroke - Symphony No. 2 in F Minor (Excerpt)

Deus Ex - UNATCO Information (EXTENDED)

Jagged Alliance 2 - Laptop Theme

Fornax Void - VISITOR (EXTENDED)

Deus Ex - UNATCO Headquarters

Percival Pembroke - Dartmouth Basic

Fornax Void - Corporate Intranet Menu Music

In Pursuit of Greed - OST Probe 1

Oscillator - Megapolis - Kurzweil K2000

robocop.mp3

Fornax Void - Termination Protocol

Fallout 2 - Dream Town

Deus Ex - Majestic 12 Labs

Crusader: No Remorse - Mission 15

NECROS - Particle Control (EXTENDED AMBIENT LOOP)

Fornax Void - Cyberspace Database

X-COM Apocalypse - Dawn Over Barrier Walls

DreamWeb - Time Runs Out

Uplink - Serenity

Snatcher - Theme of Jamie

Fornax Void - Lohengrin Systems Consortium

Percival Pembroke - Impression STYLE (for RISC chipset)

Amun Dragoon Mix

Fornax Void - The Future of Void Corp.

Fallout 1 - Metallic Monks

Unreal - Dusk Horizon

Master of Orion 2 - Galactic Theme 3 (EXTENDED)

Lands of Lore 2 - Huline Jungle

Mirror's Edge - Flight

Satoshi & Makoto - Casio CZ-5000 Sounds & Sequences 1

Percival Pembroke - Beneath Apple Manor

Alpha Centauri - Gaia's Landing

Might and Magic VIII - Exploration Theme 1

Eve Burst Error - Room (Marina)

Demolition Man (MEGA DRIVE) - Library

Alpha Centauri - Yang's Planetfall

Waterworld (SNES) - Map Screen (EXTENDED)

Jurassic Park 2 (SNES) - Lethal Gas

Alpha Centauri - Morgan Industries

Fornax Void - Arcology Maintenance Hotline

Waterworld (SNES) - Shop (EXTENDED)

Custom Unreal Tournament Music - Mechanism Eight

Fornax Void - Music for Dystopian Concrete Buildings- more...

[moonslitmuse]

jayvik & the major arcana: an interest check?

i've been obsessed with zines as of late (contributing to two, might help arrange one, have plans of making my own) and since i love tarot (been a reader for 3 years now) i got to thinking, what about a jayvik themed tarot deck and/or zine?

starting with the fool, we have a young and ambitious jayce in s1e1, alone with ideas greater than himself, on a journey to revolutionise technology with magic, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, he seeks upwards and towards a brighter future: a new beginning

by the end, we have the world: a card representing harmony, completion, integration, and coming full circle. in their final scene, jayce and viktor literally merge together to restore the state of their world.

then this naturally led to the thought: what about all the other cards?

0. the fool - as mentioned above, this card has everything to do with naivety, the foolishness that comes from it, ambition, a new beginning. our jayce from s1e1 encapsulates this perfectly.

i. the magician - a representation of having all the tools, of manifestation and inspired action. viktor proves all this to jayce after his trial, having gone through his notebook and calculated everything in jayce's ruined workshop

ii. the high priestess: intuition, the subconscious, cycles of death and rebirth, keeping balance - mage viktor!!!!!

iii. the empress - tbh i thought of saviour viktor bc it ties in well with its themes of nurturing (even if faux) and caring (he literally saves u), but i feel like commune viktor would also do well here considering his goal is to nurture for the unfortunate people of zaun with nature and abundance (but also saviour viktor skin is so pretty...)

iv. the emperor - a card of authority and leadership, s2act3 jayce w his coat, taking control over the plans to get to viktor comes to mind very quickly

v. the hierophant - tradition, a messenger of divine wisdom, conformity: arcane herald suits this well despite his entire thing being going against nature. however, since his solution is to conform to one singular ideal... well!

vi. the lovers - :") representing harmony, a transcending of duality, yin and yang, the final scene fits perfectly too. adding onto that, an alignment of values and the presentation of choices is also to be found in the lovers. (see here for my post about jayce, the s2 ending, and choice)

vii. the chariot - to go forth, the assurance of protection and capability. a card indicating certainty. "you have to crank it"

viii. strength - as its name states: strength. courage, determination. going off the rider-waite deck, the card also shows a tamed lion signifying a control over nature and resourcefulness in a way. the first thing that comes to mind is jayce making his leg brace in the ravine and finally climbing up.

ix. the hermit - viktor in his jayce blankie venturing to down to zaun. im also pretty sure this card was taken inspiration from in the actual show. but anyways, this card is about isolation, introspection, soul-searching. in that case, jayce also fits the bill if we think about him staying in their lab for god knows how long after viktor's "it was affection that held us together" speech waiting for him to come back

x. the wheel of fortune - fate. mage viktor introducing magic to baby jace and dooming the both of them forever, sealing their destiny to intertwine in each other's lives for eternity

xi. justice - s1 act3 councilor jayce in the council room standing up to the board of councillors after he's had enough of them and trying to advocate for zaun's independence. could also be a card of viktor's sweked perception of justice when he was a marionette. "let us do this once again, as partners." or even jayce as he kneels down, hammer in hand, trying to fix things for both viktor and the rest of the world.

xii. the hanged man - a change of perspective, surrender, and letting go. as the card illustration's composition reminds me of it, the scene of jayce reviign viktor in s2e1, but also how it represents a lot of things for both of them here. jayce's betrayal shines a different light on him for viktor, viktor being forced to surrender his humanity, jayce letting go of his ideals, etcetc

xiii. death - change, the shedding of an old self: viktor in that cocoon before transforming into the herald

xiv. temperance - moderation, patience, balance: the only card idk what to assign with none of those words describe jayvik 💀 suggestions... open and welcomed

edit: after rewatching some jayvik clips... i think jayce killing commune viktor could actually work here. he has to have the patience to NOT hold back from doing what he was ordered so that he could have his viktor back, and the animations of (what is theorised to be) the jayces of other timelines in the exact scenario all struggling. and that one timeline where he failed. argh. our jayce can't have that!

xv. the devil - temptations, bad habits, indulgence: commune viktor suspended in the air before jayce had to kill him OR the hexcore

xvi. the tower - destruction, complete total change, disaster: jayce climbing up the cliff in the ruins of post apocalyptic zaun and piltover!!!

xvii. the star - hope, inspiration, purpose: jayce meeting mage viktor "just tell me there's a chance/send me back, i wont fail"

xviii. the moon - doubts, fears, the occult, wild nature, intuition, the subconscious: ravine jayce by the fire and the water OR s1 viktor and the hexcore

xix. the sun - success, joy, enlightenment: astral plane jayce "you were never broken, viktor."

xx. judgement - the name, a call to action, rebirth, absolution: arcane herald viktor in that scene with all the soul farming

xxi. the world - as mentioned above, completion, integration, and coming full circle, but also of travel! the postcanon fics can only increase from hereon (fingers crossed i get to working on mine)

so yeah! given that you can read tarot cards either upright or upside down which changes the meaning, i feel like tying in jayce/viktor/jayvik to the reversed card meanings would also open a lot of room for more interpretations :))

it sounds like a lot of fun to me to analyse these arcs/scenes/etc. from the specific lens of a card and to make art for it, so maybe as a personal project, but also since i love managing and organising stuff, as a collective effort with contributors and everything! poems, meta analysts, prose, illustrators, artists, grpahic designers, it just sounds like so much fun to see how each person would choose to interpret each card :D

with that being said, this post doubles as an interest check for those who see my vision and for those who just love to discuss tarot and jayvik ^_^ and if you have any suggestions at all about anything

i have accounts but don't have the biggest reach on other platforms, so if you're interested and you want to see it happen, feel free to share this around :))

[otterly-darling]

VIII. Plot

The next morning, they were twenty minutes into their triumphant return journey when the ground fell out from under them.

"THIS IS WHY I DON’T TRUST PATHS," Remus yelled, as they tumbled through a trapdoor that absolutely no-one had seen coming.

They landed in a heap at the bottom of a narrow, glowing tunnel.

Sirius groaned from beneath him. "Plot twist," he mumbled. "Literally."

Remus sat up, checking he still had the Tiara of Truth strapped to his satchel. "You alright?"

"Sirius blinked up at him, slightly dazed. "You're on top of me."

"Observant."

"And it's doing things to my sense of dignity."

"You don't have one."

Sirius smiled, a little crooked. "Not since the cheese."

They untangled themselves and stood, brushing off moss and the last of the tiara glitter. The tunnel pulsed faintly with magical runes, which always boded terribly.

A floating sign materialised ahead of them:

"Side Quest: Feelings & Poorly Timed Magical Reflection Maze. Proceed with Unnecessary Emotion."

Remus read it twice. "Absolutely not."

But Sirius was already walking. "Come on, it might be fun!"

"That’s what you said before we barged in on that troll."

"You’re still holding that against me?"

"You had sharp, doggy teeth, Sirius. I had nothing."

They entered the maze.

Mirrors lined every wall—some wobbly and distorted, some crystal-clear. Each one showed… not quite reality.

Remus paused at one and saw himself—older, softer, smiling like he meant it. Sirius stood behind him, hand casually around his waist.

Another mirror showed Sirius standing alone in a crown of thorns, eyes distant. The tiara flickered on his head, then vanished.

"Okay, no," Sirius muttered, quickly moving on.

Remus caught his arm. "Wait. What did you see?"

"Nothing. One of those magic mirrors that just shows you your taxes."

"Sirius."

But Sirius shook his head. "It doesn't matter. They're just illusions. Bad lighting. Trick glass."

He looked away, voice too light. "Come on. Let’s find the way out before we're forced to confront anything truly awful. Like commitment metaphors."

Remus stared after him, heart annoyingly loud.

He whispered, "Plot development."

From somewhere deep in the maze, the walls whispered back, "We heard that."

@wolfstarmicrofic

[marwyn]

“A sword so fine must bear a name. It would please me if you would call this one Oathkeeper. One more thing. The blade comes with a price. [...] I want you to find Sansa first, and get her somewhere safe. How else are the two of us going to make good our stupid vows to your precious dead Lady Catelyn?”

(ASOS, Jaime IX)

As a crowning tribute to his excellence, often as the prize that rewards his most difficult achievement, the love of a fay is bestowed upon him by the narrator of his exploits. For the purposes of romance the fay exists that she may set a seal upon the hero’s valor and beauty by granting him her favor, or that she may afford an opportunity for him to display his courage by demanding of him an apparently impossible adventure.

(Studies in the Fairy Mythology of Arthurian Romance by Lucy Allen Paton)

But the ambiguity perceived by Mann and Keats to exist in the character of La Belle Dame sans Merci is a subtle one, and a pattern much easier to identify involves the fairy’s conflict with a mortal woman. […] Undine reflects these contrasting facets in the personalities of the water nymph and her mortal rival, Bertalda, and shares with The Magic Ring the conflict between the home, with its secure circle of family and duty, and the exciting world of the imagination and adventure which beckons to the hero.

(La Belle Dame sans Merci and the Aesthetics of Romanticism by Barbara Fass)

This time she dreamed that she was home again, at Evenfall. Through the tall arched windows of her lord father’s hall she could see the sun just going down. I was safe here. I was safe.

She was dressed in silk brocade, a quartered gown of blue and red decorated with golden suns and silver crescent moons. On another girl it might have been a pretty gown, but not on her. She was twelve, ungainly and uncomfortable, waiting to meet the young knight her father had arranged for her to marry, a boy six years her senior, sure to be a famous champion one day. She dreaded his arrival. Her bosom was too small, her hands and feet too big. Her hair kept sticking up, and there was a pimple nestled in the fold beside her nose. “He will bring a rose for you,” her father promised her, but a rose was no good, a rose could not keep her safe. It was a sword she wanted. Oathkeeper. I have to find the girl. I have to find his honor.

Finally the doors opened, and her betrothed strode into her father’s hall. She tried to greet him as she had been instructed, only to have blood come pouring from her mouth. She had bitten her tongue off as she waited. She spat it at the young knight’s feet, and saw the disgust on his face. “Brienne the Beauty,” he said in a mocking tone. “I have seen sows more beautiful than you.” He tossed the rose in her face. As he walked away, the griffins on his cloak rippled and blurred and changed to lions. Jaime! she wanted to cry. Jaime, come back for me!

(AFFC, Brienne VIII)

Connington glanced into the pit. “The bear was less hairy than that freak, I’ll—”

Jaime’s golden hand cracked him across the mouth so hard the other knight went stumbling down the steps. His lantern fell and smashed, and the oil spread out, burning. “You are speaking of a highborn lady, ser. Call her by her name. Call her Brienne.”

(AFFC, Jaime III)

[jilyawards]

The Jily Fandom Rec List 2024 is a compilation of Jily stories our readers want to keep an eye on for this year's awards.

SEPTEMBER

all the king's horses, all the king's men (completed, 7.1k) by @jilyss. Rated G.

As queen, Lily Evans faces the suffocating weight of isolation and loneliness that comes with the crown. The only constant in her life is James Potter, her loyal and ever-watchful royal guard.

it's brighter now (WIP, 21.6k as of 30 Sept 2024) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated T.

“Oh, come on," James says, grinning. "I know you know who I am.” Something strange flashes across her face. “Is that so?” He drops into the open seat across from her and gestures toward his face, smiling widely. “This doesn’t ring any bells?” “Your…face,” she clarifies slowly.

Raising A Kid With My Ex (completed, 74.5k) by @wearingaberetinparis. Rated M.

James Potter and Lily Evans, two Phoenix Radio employees who had secretly admired one another from afar, pretended to be fake exes for their show “Shout Out To My Ex”. When Lily fell pregnant with James’ baby – after a whole lot of drama, disbanding “Shout Out To My Ex” and a breakup – the soon-to-be parents started a new show, named “Knocked Up By My Ex” in which they documented their pregnancy. Now, baby Harry has been born and Lily and James have to learn to navigate the challenges - major highs and some surprising lows - of parenthood together, despite the fact that they haven’t even been together for a year. A whole lot of chaos combined with a whole lot of love makes the perfect recipe for a new show: “Raising A Kid With My Ex”. Their fans’ well-intended advice, of course, might just be the cherry on top (even though some of it is truly completely bonkers). Yet, as James and Lily navigate parenthood together, they have to battle unprecedented forces that are making their journey as new parents a lot more difficult than they had anticipated. A Jily Modern AU inspired by Rachel Lynn Solomon’s “The Ex Talk” and sequel to “Shout Out To My Ex” and “Knocked Up By My Ex”.

crossbow, gun, and magic (and other stories) (oneshot collection, 12.8k as of 30 Sept 2024) by apalapucian. Rated T.

a collection of unrelated stories ft. james, lily, sirius, remus, and (occasionally) peter. so far: i. james, sirius, and lily; modern au ii. in the universe where sirius is the first to know; jily; hogwarts iii. blackevans (old fic rewrite); hogwarts; jily iv. james's last thoughts (old fic rewrite); jily; canon compliant v. order mission at a pureblood party; jily vi. zombie apocalypse au (old fic rewrite); jily vii. lily drunk-proposes to james (tumblr prompt) viii. james gets caught by death eaters (tumblr prompt)

Surface Pressure (completed, 1.3k) by @eastwindmlk. Rated T.

Lily dealing with the weight of her own expectations in 7th year

Partners (completed, 1.3k) by @ohmygodshesinsane. Rated T.

James is the last person Lily expects to visit when she's ill in the Hospital Wing, but the new Head Boy has more than one surprise for her.

Literary Sophistication (completed, 2.5k) by @andromedabooks. Rated G.

A quick Jily bookstore AU from my Tumblr

let me make it up to you (completed, 3.4k) by @kay-elle-cee. Rated E.

Two weeks ago, James left for a mission in the middle of the night without saying a word. Now he's is back, and Lily's not so quick to forgive.

speak now (completed, 1.4k) by @firefeufuego. Rated T.

The fuse has been lit. Lily can almost hear the crackling hiss of it, feel the building burn of it in the air as Sirius takes the reins of the conversation, as drinks are bought and poured down newly dry throats, and eventually as last orders are called and the four of them are standing outside and saying farewell with kisses on cheeks. Sam and Sirius apparate away. Lily and James do not. They stand, eyes fixed firmly on each other, ready to ignite. ‘Not forever, you said?’ James asks, his voice deep and quiet in a way that’s never been hers to hear before now. Follow-up to the lovely kay-elle-cee's 'silence and patience, pining in anticipation'.

crafting chemistry (completed, 4.8k) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated T.

“Is there something that needs to be discussed between the three of us?” Minerva prompts, her eyes narrowing sharply. Lily’s face betrays her first. A bright flush creeps slowly along her cheeks, blooming from her neck upward, as though her skin can’t hide the emotion simmering underneath. She keeps her eyes stubbornly trained on the far corner of the office, anywhere but James. Minerva notices James’s hand, the one that had been habitually running through his hair, freeze mid-motion, his fingers tightening slightly.

under the influence of loss (completed, 2.1k) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated T.

“Like what? You fancy me! Kiss me.” Each time she says it, it’s like a new bruise blooms around his heart, her words pressing on all of them at once. “I can’t!” he shouts, the frustration cracking through. “Because I’ve been drinking?” she demands, a bitter laugh escaping her. “Your chivalry is duly noted, Potter, but I’m giving you a pass here. Just—” “It’s not about that,” he interrupts.

common ground (completed, 3.8k) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated G.

Lily pauses, suddenly aware of James’s intense gaze. “What? Why are you…” Heat rushes to her cheeks, and she hates it. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “Nothing,” he says, shaking his head. “It’s just…it’s a good look on you, Evans.” “What is?” she asks, self-consciously. His grin widens. “Mischief.”

sidewalk chalk, covered in snow (completed, 8.7k) by @gigglesandfreckles-hp. Rated G.

She didn’t mean to get used to any of them. [or: Lily Evans is strictly anti-Marauders...until she isn't. one by one.]

Till Death Do Us Part (Let It Be Quick) (WIP, 39.1k as of 30 Sept 2024) by @wearingaberetinparis. Rated M.

“Till death do us part,” she concluded, all air sucked from her lungs. Her fate signed, sealed and delivered. As the priest spoke his final words, she found herself ensnared in her adversary's gaze, trapped by the weight of it, her mouth opening as she spoke under her breath - almost subconsciously: “Let it be quick.” A Jily Arranged Marriage AU in which Lady Lily never imagined she would fall for the husband she was forced to wed. Inspired by My Lady Jane.

Check out the previous months' recs too: January, February, March || April || May || June || July || August

[bl00dlight]

A Song of Shadow & Flame

CANON Dark! Aemond Targaryen x OC niece Targaryen. | SERIES

All NSFW warnings apply in future chapters.

Word Count ~ 3.5k+

Index

i ● ii ● iii ● iv ● v ● vi ● vii ● viii ●ix ● x ● xi ● xii ● xiii ● xiv ● xv

vii ~ 'Lord of the Tides'

129 AC

VISENYA - DRAGONSTONE

The sky above was grey, as it always was upon Dragonstone. The air thick and cloying, the inescapable stench of salt, smoke and brimstone filled the lungs of all who dared cross upon its stormy threshold. It was always warm here, clammy - even when it rained.

I oft found solace, riding high over the plains of ashen volcanic rock. The sulphuric steam stinging my skin as I let my dragon take me high upon Dragonmount. There I let myself venture upon its edges, discarding my boots and feeling the jagged stone beneath my feet. I enjoy feeling how it cuts and presses into my skin, sometimes I leave bloodied and limping. Though it feels good, feels righteous to have my blood dried upon its rocks, ritualistic. Just as I claimed Silverwing, I shall claim this island as my own one day.

I watch as Silverwing scurries into the large cavern etched into the side of the mountain. She oft goes there, for that is why Vermithor can be found lazing. It is a strange sight, seeing two beasts which strike such fear into the hearts of men, so affectionate with each other. I too have found comfort in their embrace, often falling asleep aside the two beasts as a child, usually as they coiled. My father, Daemon would be the one to find me, to scoop me in his arms and return me to Dragonstone.

Vermithor had taken a liking to me, he was an aloof beast - distant. Yet it was my bond with Silverwing which softened his gaze upon me, allowing me to sit by them both under the torch light, reading. Silverwing had always been the most gentle of the elder dragons, tentative to my thoughts and whims. I needn't say many commands, for she already knows my desires. Many found it odd I had claimed her over Vermithor, thinking his temperament was more aligned with my own. In some ways, I wish I had. There was something terribly revealing about claiming such a docile dragon. Something vulnerable, as though it revealed my own heart to others without any need for confession.

This was my home, not King's Landing - city of piss and rotting teeth. Dragonstone was a place of magic; I can feel it simmering in the air and ground. Sense it when I place my palm on the rocks. That low humming of the hearth of Valyria, of the Targaryen's. Many find it to be a grim place, akin with Harrenhal - though mystified with blood magic instead of a curse.

But it is that which drives me to it, my heart doesn't fear it's darkness nor its danger. For I know within it, for those truly of the blood of the dragon - its darkness is merely there so that our fire may burn brightly. A cocoon of warmth. It is not like the emptied and sullen corpse of Harrenhal, no, Dragonstone is full - it is alive. So, it came as no shock to my mother that I had forfeited my claim to the throne, opting to rule Dragonstone instead and allow my brother, Jacaerys to be her heir.

The realm deserves a King of a kind and just nature; that is not me. My temper burns too hot, and I have no desire to be pulled as a puppet on a string. I have no taste for politics, nor can bear the burden of pleasing the faith. In that regard, I am much like my father, and he was not meant for the throne either.

Daemon, of course was outraged by this notion and doubled down, claiming my willingness to give up the throne proved I was fair enough to sit upon it. But I know that is not true, for if it were - my mother would have refused me. At first, of course she protested but came to see that my heart lies here, not in court. And I shall continue our line, where our House belongs and I shall raise my brothers Viserys, Aegon iii and any child I might have here - amidst the ash and warmth.

My mother has been generous in her patience of me, and my father overjoyed with the notion that I have not wed yet. They are letting me decide who is worthy, and I still have made no choice. Marriage is to be political yes, but I cannot bare marrying and laying with a man I feel little for. I wish to have what my mother and father have, but there is an unlikely chance it seems.

The most promising match's hail from House Stark and Blackwood. Though neither of which please me greatly. In truth, I had wished to marry as mother did, to a Targaryen, to have an ancestral wedding too. Though it seems the God's did not write such a thing within my fate. So, in turn, I wait. I wait to see just where this path of what has felt like endless girlhood shall end. I am but eight and ten, still no marriage or children to speak - some have suggested that I shall take after my great Aunt Saera Targaryen. In truth such a life sounds rather pleasing; fucking lovers then taking off to Lys, pretending to be a maiden to exploit patrons of pleasure houses. Only difference being I would not have to pretend at first.

As I made my way across the stones, I noted the sky dimming slowly, twas time I return home. Even for a Targaryen, nights on Dragonmount can be treacherous. It was no surprise to me that upon my return, more news of dramatics at King's Landing filled my ears. Luke's legitimacy was being called into question as heir to Driftmark by Vaemond Velaryon, on account of Lord Corlys' sudden illness. Of course, we were to be dragged to the capital for his trial. Despite the matter being settled already, it seemed those sniveling Hightower’s were to reconsider claims that had already been declared by King Viserys, though it was no surprise either to hear how my grandsire had deteriorated in years passing. A part of me longed to visit from time to time, though I knew why mother had to leave. Why it was impossible to stay amongst those dens of vipers.

I sat in Lucerys room, my hand entwined with his as he sat upon his bed. The both of us watching as Jace paced back and forth, ranting and muttering.

"Tis an outrage... how can Grandsire let this stand!" Jace paused and turned to us, his face curdled.

"I... do not know." I say softly, contemplating his words.

Jace's face hardens, he scoffs and turns to where Lucerys and I both sit. His finger pointed directly at me," We should not have spent such time away from King's Landing. Mother ought to have trusted us to face them!"

"She has been rather busy brother, rearing us. Tis not her job to entertain the Hightower’s wicked lies and let us spend our lives defending ourselves against them." I can only shake my head at my younger brother's fierce words. For I know he is brave and true, at times Jace can be too stern for his own good.

Jace purses his lips and turns to look upon the view of the bay. I can tell he has no argument against me, so I smile softly and turn my attention to my other brother, who nestles himself upon my shoulder.

"They aren’t lies though... are they?  Even the Velaryon’s think it so. " The silence is broken as Luke's soft voice fills his chamber. His head rising from my shoulder as Jace turns once more.

“Ser Vaemond does not speak for the Sea Snake, brother…” I said, gently brushing his dark hair from his eye.

“But he speaks the opinion many seem to share.” Luke mutters lowly.

 I turn my head to Jace, and both our gazes interlock as we struggle to confirm what our younger brother already knows. The silence continues, and then, Jace steps forward, his tone proud and measured.

"It matters not what they say. The only relevant truth is the fact we are Targaryen's and that Grandsire, and the Sea Snake supports yours and all our claims." Jace beckons, giving Luke a small smile. We both exchange another look before I watch as Jace turns, making his way towards the window once more.

In the corner of my eye, I can see how Luke’s face curdles with discomfort, I turn my head and give him a gentle nod, “You worry too much. All will be well in time.”

“There is much to worry about. I… I do not feel I am right to rule Driftmark, mayhap they are right to challenge me. I know nothing of commanding a fleet.” His dark eyes lower themselves to the ground, Lucerys frowns softly and I can’t help but pull his chin up so that he might look into my eyes once more.

“What do any of us know of our future duties, brother? What does Jace know about protecting the realm, or I about ruling Dragonstone? That is for us to uncover in time. Fuck the treacherous webs our enemies spin, they have their own wants… desires that tempt them. We need not listen, for once we sit upon our thrones their voices shall be too quiet to even hear.” As I let go of his chin, I found the excitement in my tone again. Lucerys face shifts to chuckle quietly and I do the same, he nods giving me a soft glare before rising to his feet to speak with Jace.

I take a moment to gaze upon my two brothers, to see them now growing into men… when it felt like only a moment ago they were mere boys before me. To see how their temperaments became more distinct by the day, gave me a sense of relief for our futures. They were good and brave, it seemed such were rare traits in times such as these. Their dark hair gleamed bronze in the sunlight for a moment, and I was filled with a warmth, a love that I couldn’t quite explain. Though yes, they were my mother’s sons – at times it felt like they were just as much my baby’s as they were hers. How I had held each one upon their birth and ran my fingers across their fat cheeks when they were babes. How, now as they grew into men it was the hard bone of their jaws my fingers would feel beneath them. Such sentiments made my stomach coil with a grief for our youth, for the innocence I felt was being chipped away at by the day. Yet now, seeing them before me, they still appear as the small boys I once held so close, and I knew it would not be very long until I had to let them go.  

●

The trip to King’s Landing was but a short one on dragonback and the Princess Visenya indeed watched her earthly surroundings go from smoky wonders of Dragonstone to the dust filled haze of the capital. She practically felt her stomach reel from the mere thought of the familiar stench, and after leaving Silverwing in the Dragonpits it came as a surprise to all her family that upon their arrival to the Red Keep, none from their own House were there to greet them. Only Lord Caswell appeared before Princess Rhaenyra, approaching her with an understanding gaze. Of course, Alicent and her peculiar spawn would not show the decency of kin, for they weren’t. Not truly. Perhaps by blood, but it seemed that made matters worse given the context of the Blacks return. Still, Visenya thought, it had been six years since last they saw the rest of their family. Six years since the night on Driftmark which led to an even greater rift… six years since he had lost his-

“Sister!” Jacaerys snapped his finger before her face, snickering at the dazed Princess.

Visenya looked up from her entranced gaze, realising she had been staring at the ground below, she looked around to see the bustling of carriages and servants around her. The Princess shifted to her two half-brothers, Jace and Luke standing before her. The glimmer of Rhaenyra and Daemon’s silver hair disappearing into the darkness as they made their way into the keep.

“Mother and Daemon are to have an audience with Alicent, and it seems none of the Hightower’s have made time in their day to greet us. We are on our own.” Jace scoffed, folding his arms as he cocked his head.

Visenya raised her brow, nodding as she began to walk, “Tis a blessing really. I do not wish to ruin such a beautiful day with the look of their sullen faces.” Her head turned as Jace and Luke followed alongside her.

“They did all seem rather grey didn’t they?” Jace jested, chuckling to himself.

The three young Targaryen’s continued forth, making their way up the stairs from the middle bailey and into the halls of the Keep. Visenya spoke once more.

“I’d imagine all the years of conspiring and prayer has meant for little time in the sun. They likely appear as corpses now.” The Princess hollowed her cheeks as she gave a wink to Luke, winning a small giggle from him.

Once they had reached Maegor’s Holdfast, the siblings had branched off, returning to settle in to their childhood chambers. As Visenya reached hers a wave of bitter nostalgia washed over her, she let her fingers glide upon the stone walls observing how it had been kept so similar yet… different to how she had left it. Naturally, she had taken her belongings with her but the furniture and the deep crimson bedding. Yes, it had been left just as it was. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the freshly lit candles, the small dish of water and soap which sat in a silver tray upon her vanity, a small rag draping over the chair. Visenya smiled, knowing the servants had remembered such preferences of hers. Near her bed, sat the small trunk of the few belongings she’d brought from Dragonstone. Upon the mattress itself, lay the scarlet gown and matching slippers.

She sat upon her bed, taking in the smell of damp and mildew. The air around her was quite cold, though a fire crackled. It was likely her chambers had not been used since her departure, from the smell of it – it seemed to not have been cleaned very often either. She settled in, and soon found herself sitting at her old vanity. Admiring how she had grown, how the last time she gazed into this mirror she was but a girl.

The princess had indeed grown vigorously as the years passed. Much like her parents it seemed she had inherited both the mind and body of a dragonrider. Imposing, her body had become – not only to others but to herself. Her form Junoesque, unyielding in its femininity as her hips and breasts were among the first thing to develop suddenly. It seemed almost overnight she had no longer fit into the clothing she once freely adorned, her body changing, aching even. The first time she had gotten her moonblood felt like a life sentence for Visenya, as no more did she feel the same kind of unawareness of her body. The princess had felt like she was now very much a prisoner to her newly found womanhood, she seldom understood why such changes were needed. Why every moon her belly would swell, growing heavy and coil with pain, how she would have to crawl to her mother’s quarters and lay by her side simply to reassure such things were normal. Though, as the years had gone by, she adjusted to such feeling, relished that the pain she felt at times was proof of her fortitude. That no man could endure such sufferance so frequently.

Visenya marveled at her sun-kissed skin, the way her silver hair gleamed now that it had grown even longer than her mothers. She kept it loose, unbound; for she relished in letting her body grow as it pleased, there was no use in taming herself; her hair included. Indeed, did the Princess enjoy herself – for no matter how beautiful a man thought her to be, it was herself which she wished to appease the most. The Princess was strict regarding her standards, unwavering that she would be dressed in the finest gowns, and smell of the richest scents the realm had to offer. Whether it was silk from Dorne or perfumed oil from Lys – she simply refused to lead a life without such beauty within it. Some may think it shallow or indulgent, but Visenya knew it was merely her lust for life which drove her towards such luxuries. She wished to experience everything, wished for a life of sensuality and passion. There was no grey cloud in her sky that was without a silver lining, for she would not accept much less than satisfaction. After all, there was so much suffering in the realm, so much ugliness and brutality. She owed it to every poor soul who died so terribly, to live life as it ought to be lived. Indulging and embracing pleasure and beauty in every way, for so few had the opportunity to.

Such mentality, did however, lead her at times to indulge in the filtrations of men and despite Visenya’s bravado, she was gentle at heart - oft stringing men along rather than shatter their dreams of winning her favor. Such is exactly what her father had told her worried him before their arrival to King’s Landing. He spoke of how difficult it was stopping his inclinations to assault the few men he might find leering at her at Dragonstone. King’s Landing, however, was a different beast and Prince Daemon had no doubt he would be combatting an endless sea of men who might have more lecherous ideas. He had spoken sternly about keeping to herself, not drawing attention to herself beyond what would already be given. That if any man were to approach her, she would deny him.

The Princess of course, found her father’s worry amusing, the few times she had entertained men had only ever ended up with innocent mischief being made, and at times drunken affections… which were oft less innocent in nature.  But she was no fool as to lose her virtue before marriage, for she knew how such a thing impacted her mother and she had promised herself that her virtue was a pleasure in itself. That there is beauty in saving herself for the truest, purest of loves, as there is beauty in indulging in fleshly pleasure. Visenya was positive no man would attempt to accost her in such a manner, for if they did they would face the wrath of her mother and of course the looming threat of her rumoured father, Prince Daemon.

As she prepared herself to leave, she peeled the thick, black riding leathers from her frame, cringing at the particular scent of sweat and dragon that ruminated from them.  Visenya then doused the rag in the bowl of water, using the soap to scrub at any and all places which eluded to such a scent. Soon, she had changed her undergarments, and drew the scarlet shaded gown over her frame; it’s sleeves long and elaborate, intwining string which laced across her structured shoulders. Visenya then pulled a small vile of perfumed oil, from her trunk, dabbing it upon her skin and threading it through her hair. The contents of which filled the room with the smell of heady jasmine and musk, a recent gift from a nobleman in Lys.

As she left her chamber, she was accosted by Jace and Luke. Who swiftly grabbed her wrist pulling her along the corridors as they babbled about going back to the middle bailey to re visit where they trained as children.

 Once they reached those fateful steps, they let go and waved for her to join them in a busy yard below..

“Come. You can watch.” Jace beckoned, Luke stopping upon the steps to look up towards her.

Visenya shook her head, leaning against stone banister upon the mezzanine which overlooked the commotion below. The Princess cocked her head to the side, “I’ve just changed… I have little intention of getting myself filthy once more.”

“Of course…” Jacaerys shook his head, rolling his eyes as he let out an amused scoff, “Suit yourself then.”

With that, the two boys trotted down the steps, and Visenya looked upon the bustling yard below.  She watched with a hearty smile as her brothers made their way towards the wooden weaponry stand, Jace playfully swinging one of the swords at Lucerys. However, she noted the few people who glared at her brothers and the whispering that occurred in their presence. A slight anger rose in her belly, do these fat old Lord’s and Lady’s have little else to do but gossip?

She waited until a pair had noticed Visenya’s scowling from above, and smiled smugly when swiftly they turned their heads and went about their business. A small gathering had distracted the Princess, as it seemed there to be an on going sparring session in the far corner of the yard. The whipping of long silver hair catching her attention, and she noticed how her brothers had soon caught wind of the action, joining the crowd below.

The silver haired figure was lithe with lean thew and a tall frame all tightly contained in black leathers. He swiftly jostled the sword in his hand with a fine precision, but her eyes caught a familiar sight, that it was Ser Criston whom the figure dueled against. A cunt, though he may be, but a talented fighter indeed.

Criston swung his Morningstar, shattering the figure’s shield. He’s done for. Visenya thought. However, she raised her brow in intrigue as the figure discarded his shield with fierce aggression and then began striking. Perhaps not. She thought again, impressed by his fortitude. One after the other, a flash of steel and light locks before he ducked and turned – it was then when she felt her heart practically fall into her chest. The figures face sharp and aquiline, his skin pale… too pale. That familiar grey.

It was the black eye patch which was tightly fastened over his right eye which gave it away.

Aemond.

He continued on, fighting harshly and fiercely against Cole before finally, winning the duel. Visenya looked at her brothers below, hearing Aemond’s voice mutter something to them both as he had finally acknowledged the two young Princes’. Though something had told her, Aemond was well aware of their presence. Jace looked up at Visenya pleadingly, and it came as no surprise then when she looked back, she noticed Aemond’s gaze follow her brothers upwards.

For what could have only had been a second, they clocked each other. The Princess felt her eyes widen, shock, fear, anger, intrguie, digust; any and all emotion flooding through her in those fateful seconds. He noticed her, he took her in. He knew it was her. She tussled her hair back and looked away, pretending as though she hadn't recognized him.

Aemond narrowed his eye upon the Princess, scanning her briefly. He had only gazed upon her for a second, he tilted his head as if he was contemplating something before his attention was drawn to the incoming drawing of the heavy gates.

Visenya steadied her breath and watched as the gates opened with a heavy moan. If only to make matters worse, the arriving party was another headache in itself... Vaemond Velaryon.

○viii○

[sapphicflower-ao3]

what are ur personal favorite fics? i can be a bit picky and have a hard time finding fics but i love ur writing and i feel like we might have similar tastes based on that :3

i'm sorry it took me like a week to get to this!! i wanted to compile my faves and write notes for each of them... and i went overboard LOL. but thanks so much omg, i'm flattered that you would trust my taste based on my writing!

these are all bkdk obviously :)

i. 'In Case of Fire' - passengerside

post-canon // complete // 11K // E

an absolute MASTERPIECE!!! this author has become a recent favourite of mine, i love the way they incorporate little details into their work and make the mundane so beautiful.

highly recommend all of their other works, especially 'Pacemaker'! so freaking beautiful and fun and the lead up to the confession was a genuine holding-my-breath moment

ii. 'Sun Hands' - yesthisisnarumi

snowboarding AU // complete // 5K // T

i've re-read this one so many times it's SOOOOO good! so fun and so classically bkdk it's insane. everybody say thank you OP for giving us the rival olympic champions to lovers story we needed

iii. 'all that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing' - maxisnotokay

UA compliant // complete // 11K // T

i dont usually read a lot of whump but this was brilliant, im a sucker for this specific trope and for LOVE CONFESSIONS YEASS!!! obvi it has a happy ending bc i wouldnt have it any other way. a good length too :)

iv. 'Spinnin' On Our Feet' - sage_and_cinnamon

High School AU // ongoing // 47K // M

UNDERRATED AS FUCK and my favourite ongoing fic right now. i usually dont read jock x nerd AUs but this fic is so brilliantly funny and charming and heartwarming and it blew all my expectations out of the water and then some. i've been following it for ages and it's been on hiatus for a good while, but it updated recently and when i tell you it was the best day of my freaking life...

v. 'In Perfect Rhythm' - chalk

Band AU // complete // 50K // E

yes how surprising, a band AU fic in my faves list. anyway shut up, chalk is literally godlike in their writing and this fic was SO FUN and scratched all the itches. nothing gets me going more than awkwardly endearing izuku n rockstar katsuki

vi. 'Last Days of War' - antisora

Pacific Rim AU // complete // 44K // M

GENUINELY ONE OF HUMANITY'S BEST PIECES OF LITERATURE???? fuck. i never have the proper words for this fic, but it is SO gripping and the worldbuilding is so tight and their relationship development is so good and the CLIMAX OF THIS HAS BEEN MORE EPIC THAN HALF THE BLOCKBUSTERS I'VE SEEN. i beg you to read this even if you have never watched Pacific Rim. or maybe go watch the movie and get EDUCATED and then read this! i'm begging you, dear reader!!

vii. 'Ingenium' - crandberrycrush

Astronauts AU // complete // 85K // E

guys i love sci-fi sorry lol. this one is another brilliant fic. OP put so much blood, sweat and tears into research and it shows, it is just very intelligent and the plot itself is HEART RACING and GUTTING and THRILLING. there's a lot of POVs and it really fleshes it out, tho ofc bkdk is the main thing. happy ending obvi! it is the space/astronaut drama that i love and adore, just BKDKified now!

viii. 'The Magic in a Mirror' - totallyrottentomatoes

Magic/Circus AU // complete // 80K // E

oh how surprising, a totallyrottentomaoes fic in my faves list. anyone who knows me knows that i rec this fic all the time. it's one of my all time favourites, if not my favourite of all time lol, and it's really because of the writing and the imagery and the characterisation and the relationships b/w all the characters. it's all just so well done and MAGICAL. no joke, if i could print and bind a fic into a book, it would be this one. no notes. perfection. caters to my tastes so specifically. i could go on about this fic forever but i'll shut up for now

also highly recommend 'The Distance Between Suns' by this author - it's a high fantasy epic with TIGHT AS FUCK worldbuilding, brilliantly written, the romance is BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, the payoffs are amazing, etc... this deserves to be published and revered

ix. 'Battle of the Bands' - roadtripwithlucifer

Band AU // complete // 168K // E

look i know i always rec this fic, i just can't help that it's like my favourite thing ever. roadtripwithlucifer and totallyrottentomatoes my BELOVEDS. the humour in this fic is so fucking yummy and brilliant, the writing is gorgeous in typical roadtrip fashion, the stakes are gripping, the climax is thrilling, the romance n yearning is INTENSE, the sex is hot as hell, the ending is so satisfying, just..... the whole package.

and while you're here, read other roadtripwithlucifer works like 'Nothing Else Fills' if you feel like destroying your heart :) an angsty and beautifully written time-travel-to-save-my-kacchan-gone-wrong war AU fic. i love OP's works but her more recent fics (eg. after battle of the bands) have had some of her best writing. i adore it when you can feel how an author has poured their soul into their work, you can always feel it in a roadtripwithlucifer work and it's just the cherry on top

x. 'Scar Tissue' - Loriqod

canon-compliant // complete // 18K // E

loriqod is another author with a characterisation that i fuck with so hard... this one was so full of that Yearning and Tension that i so vibe with. bonus points to the plots focus on bkdk's scars like yes pls more of that <3

anyway i might make a part 2 some other time, these are just the ones i grabbed from my public bookmarks. i have a lot of private ones and some of them i forgot to make public oops

hope u find smth u enjoy!

[smallishcats]

Lils au galactic translations and theories 2!

Previous theory post

Next theory post

Here I am again, I will be translating days 8-14 of @enkays-den and @cannibal-walleye’s silly stupid lils au which I love dearly…

So, as usual, spoilers ahead, I don’t know if I’m gonna go in as much detail as last week’s, but we shall seeeeee

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/4663420

This group of hermits shows a bunch more relationships and oddities that Skizz is learning about, and we learn some… things about Mr. Enigmatic Skizzlypants

Can skizzpulse kiss yet

Day 8: Hypno

VI (6) Intentionally quiet, not shy.

A survivor in general, considering he sails and judging by the stories I heard.

Experienced with combat.

Don’t underestimate anyone here.

-First of all, love Hypno’s boob window Walleye that’s great

-Anyways, Hypno, Joey, and Joel is definitely an interesting trio. Is Lizzie an ocean creature? Maybe she follows them as they sail who knows

-I bet like… $2 that Joey’s first interaction with Skizz involved him flirting… it’s Joey c’mon

-“Don’t underestimate anyone here” is Skittle saying that to himself or does he intend to give this to someone for information? I’m probably overthinking it he’s probably just reminding himself but I’M JUST THINKING

-Are survivors a threat to Skizz? Harder to kill if he’s thinking of that…

Day 9: Martyn

III (3) very arts focused, no mention of fighting, but he definitely has a strong build from something.

Has a strong spirit, very confident.

No special abilities as far as I can tell.

-By the way Skizz writes the definition of polyglot down it makes me think he didn’t know the word beforehand, which it is a weird word so I guess if someone doesn’t know it that makes sense but Sizzle is Sizzle and I feel like he’d know that word… then again, I think too much.

-Ren, Doc, and Martyn are so silly, Ren has two hands and Doc and Marty will kill eachother for him anyway

-Martyn with a 3 is weird—but also, Skizz hasn’t seen any combat stuff from him. He may not know much combat or he does, and it might surprise Skizz at some point.

-“He definitely has a strong build from something” what does this man do… maybe it’s all the running around stage/j

Maybe he has some weird lore idk Martyn always has that stuff

Day 10: Gem

VIII (8) More skilled than Impulse in combat but no size or resistance advantage.

Probably not experienced in true combat.

Fae magic can only be used if making a deal, has no effect on combat.

Should be careful when speaking to her. 

Can become small and easily sneak around.

Can probably fly.

Impulse would probably kill or die for her.

-Fae Gem! Even without her magic (as long as Skizz chooses his words carefully) she’s ranked pretty high!

-If Skizz wants to take out Gem, he has to deal with dad and sister uh ohhh

I love girldad pulse

-Also, by true combat Skizz means fighting for harm or death according to Enkay, so Skizz doesn’t think Gem would know much on actual killing

-Even with that she’s still an 8, maybe cuz she’s Imp’s daughter Skizz thinks that she is very formidable (she probably is)

Day 11: Cub

VI (6) Seems pacifist, reported to not leave his lab very much.

Nevertheless, intelligent and perceptive.

Unknown how skulk infection could augment or disable vex powers.

Him and Scar kept asking very specific questions and looking at each other when they thought I wasn’t looking. I can’t tell if it’s because of whatever they think my history is or they’re suspicious.

-I love the stupid assistant doodle, I thought it deserved glasses (Enkay was HATING on it (meanie)/silly but I think it looks even more like it’d piss off Skizz)

-For the last sentences, I think scar was just being snoopy and a little suspicious but cub was really trying to figure out what Skizz’s deal was

Or they were actually both on the same page but who knows with the Convex boys

-I love skulk Cub

-Skizzy Wizzy doesn’t know what a firework is presumably, so we need a scene of Skizz seeing a firework show maybe that would make him less suspicious (or more because oh my god they have multicolored fire shooters or smth)

-We’ll see if Skizz ever learns the skulk history, whether that’s Cub’s personal history with the stuff or the actual history of skulk (assuming Skizz again does not know what it is) idk-

Day 12: Pearl

VII (7) Skilled in combat in human form.

Wolf form very large, strong, and fast. Smelling and hearing.

Maybe enhanced senses in human form.

Impulse would probably kill or die for her.

I don’t think I could hurt either of them.

-So the last line… it scares me, because either Skizz likes the daughters and doesn’t want to hurt them, OR because Impulse will kill for them, he can’t touch them

I told this to Enkay and just got-

Evil

-From “I’m not sure what their exact ages are, since they have lils” I don’t know if this has been addressed and I’ve definitely not been told, do lils like… spawn at a certain age? Or do you just gain the ability to summon some at a certain age? Interesting… so if you don’t make it past like age 20 you can’t come back! Dead and gone loser LMAO

-I love the Poppyseed doodle, since these notes are in like ink or pencil or something I wonder if Enkay just doesn’t erase any mistakes, makes it more authentic Skizzy that way

Day 13: Joel

VII (7) Genuinely confident in his abilities.

Strong build, plus sailing requires being good at a lot of different things.

No visible powers, but tanukis are known for having special abilities of any kind.

-As an avid Joel fan (even though I do not talk about him ever) I love the singular Jeremy he would definitely do that

They look like a Jeremy anyway

-I wonder if Joel does have any powers, or if he is just good at combat enough to compensate for that. But Skizz does say that tanukis can have special abilities—whatever they are—so we shall see

-Swizzle I think if you ever touched Joel’s tail he would just try to murder you LOL

Day 14: B

VII (7) Non combatant, usually only in or near the forest and easy to keep an eye on, but still great for spying.

Don’t think the cookie thing was a poisoning attempt, they already knew my allergies by then.

How many creaklings are in this area?

Sprites are very small, again a good spy.

Don’t escape through the woods.

-Skizz planning on escaping at some point? Or is it if he needs to escape, don’t go through the woods? I don’t know the map of the hermit settlement but I feel like there would be woods all around. Probably if skizz needed to escape, his best bet would be the water or even flying out.

But he doesn’t need to escappeeeee idiot…

-I hope there’s a chapter in the fic with lots of Jimmy Skizz interactions cuz he keeps talking about him and I love Jimmy and Skizz

-B’s lils are so cuteeee stupid spider

-Skizz is always gonna be edge around the forests- maybe he’ll try to talk to B? I hope so I love them

-Dude why would the cookie be a poisoning attempt who hurt you Skizzy

Andddd that’s it-

Uhhhhhhhh oh my gosh I RAMBLED sorry guys that’s a lot- uhhhhhhh hopefully I’m not boring…

Skizz what is UP with you

ANYWAYS hope you enjoyed! I’m excited and scared for these next few ones…

Cya in 7 days!

[queenlucythevaliant]

the stories are true

i. Caspian’s nurse told him a story about a dwarf and a talking badger who were best friends.

ii. As Dwarf and Badger returned from a long walk through the wood, Dwarf noticed that a button has fallen from his jacket. Dwarf and Badger retraced their steps in search of the missing button, and together they found five buttons, none of which were Dwarf’s. Dwarf grew angry (as Red Dwarves are wont to do), and eventually returned home in a rage, only to discover the missing button sitting on his threshold. In apology to Badger for the afternoon wasted (and for his temper), Dwarf sewed all six buttons they had found that day onto his jacket and gave it to Badger for a gift.

iii. Caspian did not understand what a talking badger would do with a dwarf’s jacket, but such mysteries of life were best left to grown-ups, like his nurse.

iv. She told him other stories too: centaurs that had conversations with the stars. Giants that built and guarded bridges. A naiad who made a basket of reeds so perfect that it could hold the wind. They were light, almost frivolous sorts of stories: the kind that make good sense to a child.

v. When Nurse left, there were no more stories. Caspian invented his own sometimes, and whispered them to himself while he played with his toys. When his aunt caught him at it, she struck him.

vi. Doctor Cornelius's stories were not like the ones Nurse had told. They were solemn, grand tales that sounded almost like they might have really happened. In his stories, there were two kings and two queens who ruled Narnia together.

vii. Caspian imagined King Peter like a high tower, all straight lines and immovable might. He knew better now than to tell the stories where he might be overheard, but at night he whispered them to himself as he sank into sleep. King Peter, who was like a tower, went off to fight the Giants in the north. Queen Lucy and King Edmund sailed over the sea on a ship to another country. The water was blue like the sky, and it glittered. Queen Susan kept a light burning at home.

viii. Part of Caspian was afraid of not telling the stories. They were like strangers’ hands reaching out to him in darkness. He was afraid of not reaching back, of letting those strangers fall away into the pitch black night.

ix. On the castle’s highest tower, Doctor Cornelius threw back his hood and declared himself the blood of Old Narnia. The stories are true, he said.

x. All of them? Caspian wanted to ask. What about the naiad's magic basket? If dwarves were real, then why shouldn't the old Kings and Queens be real too? And if King Peter was real—if his stone-heavy feet had really trod on Narnian earth— then why shouldn't every fanciful thing he'd ever heard be just as true too? It made Caspian giddy to think.

xi. The night Caspian’s cousin was born, he fled the court with Queen Susan’s horn hanging from his saddle. It made him think of lights in windows as he rode away from the only home he’d ever known.

xii. When he woke, he found himself gazing into the faces of Dwarf and Badger from his nurse’s stories. They were arguing over what to do with him, but Caspian thought, absurdly, are you missing any buttons today?

xiii. They went about the next day, issuing invitations to the Great Council on Dancing Lawn, and Caspian put out his hand to greet centaurs and fauns, talking Mice and talking Bears. Each one of them reached back. No wonder Caspian woke the next morning half-convinced he'd been dreaming.

xiv. King Peter was real too, and there was King Edmund at his elbow. Caspian greeted them, inclining his head and saying in a voice that only trembled a very little, "Your Majesty is very welcome," and it felt like carving his name on the bones of time.

xv. And soon he knew that King Peter really was a tower, facing Miraz with the kind of stalwart might that Caspian had been imagining for years. Queen Susan was a light in the window: her horn had called them all home.

xvi. And Aslan. Aslan. Wonder of all wonders, he was real too.

xvii. Caspian said farewell to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, and it felt like reaching out across the planes to a world he would never see, except for a few minutes— but that wouldn't be for many years yet.

xviii. In the end, Queen Lucy and King Edmund sailed over the sea on a ship to another country. King Caspian was with them.

[bloodied-dagger]

okay this next session is only going to have 2 pieces of music for it. But I think both are pretty damn good

explanations for both pieces under the cut

The Written Betrayal takes place while the party is actively being held at gunpoint and can literally do nothing about it. So y'know. Menacing and shit. Might make the guitar riff this is composed of into a danger motif or something

Three Note Oddity is a piece heavily inspired by Signalis. The opening to the game is actually played in this piece, under three different layers of white noise and four more layers of incoherent babbling. The place this was designed for is actually one big Signalis reference. I don't have time to really explain it. Here's the script I'm reading while playing this piece, if any of you are interested.

You fall into complete darkness, eventually landing harshly on the ground. You can’t see a thing, and all you can feel is the pain erupting over your entire body. It’s too intense- you can’t tell if damage was actually done this time. All the sudden… a harsh series of tones start playing. It’s so loud that you feel your eardrums could rupture. If your head wasn’t hurting before… it certainly is now. VIII, your vision is a mess of warning signs, glitched text, and flashes of static. You can’t see a thing past any of it- not like there’s much to see anyways. It’s pitch black in the room.

A voice, nobody can tell from where, blares out. ‘Achtung!’ it warns. But it’s too late for that. 

Magic boxes with screens begin illuminating all around you.

INLAND EMPIRE - Not magic- CRT monitors.

The room starts swirly. Individual screens of red emerge into a mess of light and sound. You can’t feel where you begin and where your pain ends. You extend beyond yourself, becoming one with the mess of sensory fervor. Everything hurts. Perhaps, this is hell.

It only gets worse. Thoughts, feelings, emotions, pure id, all swirl around in your head until they all merge into one. You can’t feel anything. You can feel everything. It all makes sense now. You understand nothing. You are bound in an endless sea of red, tethering you not only to this world but to those around you- both those you can see and can’t. You’re trapped- drowning- and for a brief moment, free.

But then… silence. The screens turn off, and the sirens stop blaring. It’s surprisingly deafening- almost being as uncomfortable as whatever the hell that was.

Before anyone has the chance to get too comfortable, you hear a crack from somewhere under you. And, just as suddenly as anything else in this accursed place, the floor gives out from underneath you.

[tilskkarishma]

TAROT CARDS (for @lostbyaccident)

Since there is so much to say about the tarot cards, it’s not easy for me to know where to start, but I will provide a rough overview for now. I hope it won't be too long, but I fear it might be. ^^;

Cards can appear upright, but they can also be reversed. This changes their meaning as well. I know that this makes things even more complicated at first, and you can start by looking only at the meanings of the upright cards, for the beginning.

Major Arcana:

These are the strongest cards in the decks. Overall, they describe one's journey from a fool to transcendence (The World). Essentially, it's about becoming one with the universe. Many beginners only work with the Major Arcana cards, but I advise against that, as I believe you won't progress. But that's up to each person.

0 - The Fool: ↑ new beginning ↓ naivety

I - The Magician: ↑ ability to create (talents) ↓ aimlessness

II - The High Priestess: ↑ intuition, magical feminine side ↓ self-doubt

III - The Empress: ↑ growth, beauty, feminine power ↓ arbitrariness, dominance

IV - The Emperor: ↑ stability, discipline, masculine power ↓ abuse of power, perfectionism

V - The Hierophant: ↑ wise advice, quest for meaning ↓ dogmas, manipulation

VI - The Lovers: ↑ loving relationship, heart’s decision ↓ half-heartedness

VII - The Chariot: ↑ determination, courage ↓ impatience, loss of control

VIII - Strength: ↑ inner strength, self-discipline ↓ suppression, violence

IX - The Hermit: ↑ self-discovery, retreat ↓ depression, loneliness

X - Wheel of Fortune: ↑ (positive) change ↓ trapped in a routine

XI - Justice: ↑ wise judgement, responsibility ↓ injustice, revenge

XII - The Hanged Man: ↑ perspective change, passivity ↓ giving up, burnout

XIII - Death: ↑ gradual, quiet change ↓ fear of change

XIV - Temperance: ↑ harmony, inner balance ↓ tendency toward extremes, imbalance

XV - The Devil: ↑ setting boundaries (beware of dependencies) ↓ addiction

XVI - The Tower: ↑ horrible and painful change ↓ escape from reality

XVII - The Star: ↑ clarity, hope ↓ uncertainty, hopelessness

XVIII - The Moon: ↑ dreams, longing ↓ deception, fear

XIX - The Sun: ↑ joy, success ↓ vanity, selfishness

XX - Judgement: ↑ wake-up call, self-realization ↓ self-doubt, difficulty making decisions

XXI - The World: ↑ completion, harmony ↓ perfectionism, obstacles

Lesser Arcana:

Even if you don’t have tarot cards and only have playing cards, you can still use them to lay out the Minor Arcana. No joke. ^^

The numbers themselves also have meanings, and the court cards (Page, King, etc.) have meanings as well. But for now, I’ll just say that these court cards often represent actual people. So, for example, if you draw the Queen of Cups, it could represent a woman you like, someone who's kind to you, etc.

WANDS - Element Fire - Suit: Clubs (energy, lust)

Ace of Wands: ↑ inspiration, energy ↓ lack of energy

Two of Wands: ↑ decision-making, future planning ↓ indecision, stagnation

Three of Wands: ↑ expansion, exploration ↓ obstacles, delays

Four of Wands: ↑ celebration, harmony ↓ instability, lack of foundation

Five of Wands: ↑ competition, conflict ↓ lack of cooperation, chaos

Six of Wands: ↑ victory, recognition ↓ failure, lack of acknowledgement

Seven of Wands: ↑ perseverance, standing up for oneself ↓ defensiveness, overwhelmed

Eight of Wands: ↑ swift progress, movement ↓ delays, obstacles

Nine of Wands: ↑ resilience, endurance ↓ paranoia, exhaustion

Ten of Wands: ↑ burden, responsibility ↓ burnout, being overwhelmed

Page of Wands: ↑ curiosity, new ideas ↓ immaturity, impulsiveness

Knight of Wands: ↑ passion, action ↓ recklessness, impatience

Queen of Wands: ↑ confidence, warmth ↓ arrogance, temper

King of Wands: ↑ leadership, vision ↓ overconfidence, controlling

CUPS - Element Water - Suit: Hearts (feelings)

Ace of Cups: ↑ big emotions, (new) love ↓ emotional instability, being needy

Two of Cups: ↑ partnership, mutual attraction ↓ imbalance, one-sidedness

Three of Cups: ↑ celebration, friendship ↓ gossip, exclusion

Four of Cups: ↑ contemplation, dissatisfaction ↓ emotional withdrawal

Five of Cups: ↑ regret, loss, depression ↓ focusing on the positive

Six of Cups: ↑ nostalgia, childhood memories ↓ clinging to the past

Seven of Cups: ↑ choices, dreams ↓ illusion, confusion

Eight of Cups: ↑ walking away, emotional withdrawal ↓ disappointment, avoidance

Nine of Cups: ↑ satisfaction, contentment ↓ indulgence, overconfidence

Ten of Cups: ↑ happiness, harmony, family ↓ disconnection, unresolved conflict

Page of Cups: ↑ intuition, creativity ↓ emotional immaturity

Knight of Cups: ↑ romanticism, idealism ↓ emotional instability

Queen of Cups: ↑ compassion, emotional balance ↓ over-sensitivity, dependence

King of Cups: ↑ emotional maturity, wisdom ↓ emotional coldness

SWORDS - Element Air - Suit: Spades (thoughts)

Ace of Swords: ↑ clarity, new insights ↓ confusion, miscommunication

Two of Swords: ↑ decision, weighing options ↓ indecision, being stuck

Three of Swords: ↑ heartbreak, sorrow ↓ emotional detachment

Four of Swords: ↑ rest, recovery ↓ burnout, exhaustion

Five of Swords: ↑ conflict, tension ↓ misunderstandings

Six of Swords: ↑ transition, moving on ↓ mental baggage, avoidance

Seven of Swords: ↑ deception, strategy ↓ dishonesty, trickery

Eight of Swords: ↑ feeling trapped, self-imposed limitations ↓ lack of clarity

Nine of Swords: ↑ anxiety, fear, nightmares ↓ self-doubt

Ten of Swords: ↑ betrayal, endings ↓ new beginnings

Page of Swords: ↑ curiosity, investigation ↓ immaturity

Knight of Swords: ↑ action, fast-paced ↓ impulsiveness, recklessness

Queen of Swords: ↑ logic, intelligence ↓ coldness, bitterness

King of Swords: ↑ authority, reason ↓ rigidity

PENTACLES - Element Earth - Suit: Diamonds (finances, material things)

Ace of Pentacles: ↑ prosperity, new beginnings ↓ missed opportunities

Two of Pentacles: ↑ balance, juggling ↓ instability

Three of Pentacles: ↑ teamwork, collaboration ↓ lack of recognition

Four of Pentacles: ↑ stability, security ↓ greed, possessiveness

Five of Pentacles: ↑ loss, hardship ↓ fear of loss

Six of Pentacles: ↑ generosity, giving and receiving ↓ imbalance, selfishness

Seven of Pentacles: ↑ patience, long-term success ↓ disappointment, poor investment

Eight of Pentacles: ↑ hard work, dedication ↓ boredom

Nine of Pentacles: ↑ luxury, independence ↓ insecurity

Ten of Pentacles: ↑ family, wealth ↓ instability

Page of Pentacles: ↑ ambition, learning ↓ naivety

Knight of Pentacles: ↑ dedication, hard work ↓ perfectionism

Queen of Pentacles: ↑ nurturing, abundance ↓ codependency

King of Pentacles: ↑ stability, financial success ↓ greed

I hope it helped you at least a bit. ^^; If you have any question, you can ask me.

Much love ♥

Tilsk