#my first ask! thank you so much <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[ppeasants]

Hi. I saw you mention something about a villain Wind au and I was hoping that you would share something. Have a nice day

Hi! Thanks for sending in the ask, I'd love to share more! Keep in mind this might be a bit rambly, since this is the first time I've taken these ideas out of my head and put them into writing.

I think the one of the biggest things about this AU is that Wind did not start as a villain. He turned into one throughout The Chain's adventure. He chose to leave his path as a hero, leave his brothers, and become a villain. This adds a lot of connections to the other heroes and a lot more angst, which is why it's so fun.

What is my villain wind even like? I think he's a lot angrier than normal Wind. He channels his usual range of emotions into just one: rage, and his single minded goal. He's a lot more prone to angry outbursts at those around him. He's not afraid to be underhanded, his time as a pirate serving him well, using dirty tactics in fights and easily manipulating others in speech using his childlike face and by easily reading others and learning what makes them tick.

His fighting skills, aside from his already existing speed, get augmented from the skills he learns from the others. His wind magic gets a huge boost, as well as his general magic pool, allowing him to use to as an offensive tool, defensive shield, and overall speed increase, as he zips around (nearly flies) in fights. He also gets back his time stop magic in the Phantom Hourglass (but how he gets it back is another story [he kills Oshus])

So what turned Wind into a villain? There was no one singular event, but a lot of moments which slowly swayed Wind from his path of being a hero.

*cw character death*

In my head, the catalyst for everything is Wind's grandmother dying. He's distraught by it, but after a short funeral, he's basically forced to continue his journey, forced to stay stong, because he's a hero. But being a hero, going on his journey, is what made his grandma sick, is what killed her to being with. He starts to resent being a hero.

*cw end*

Other moments include when Wind learns about Vaati, showing interest in his wind magic, but being told that Vaati is evil. Is wind magic evil? Is he? Another moment is when he says some words of sympathy for his Ganondorf, a man trying to bring back Hyrule. They others tell him Ganondorf is always evil, but Wind just can't get himself to believe it (its an hc of mine that Wind feels sympathy for Ganondorf). There's the idea that he came from a world which shouldn't exist, with no hero (even though he's there), and the ghost of a true timeline in Twilight right in front of him. And, there's the fact that Wind wasn't a chosen hero. He forged his spirit, and the sword, but the Triforce was never really his; he isn't a true hero of courage.

All of these ideas slowly pile up, and Wind gets more and more resentful of himself, of heroes, and of Hylia. It doesn;t help that Wind tries to contact Vaati, and succeeds, and is slowly learning more wind magic from him. From his contact with Vaati, he meets up with the other villains in secret. As they support (manipulate) him, and The Chain gets further and further away from his own ideals, he wants to make one last decision - but he needs to talk to one more person about it.

This all culminates, eventually, into a moment where Wind and Tetra meet up, and they talk. Wind tells her all of the doubts he has, and he says that he thinks he hates Hylia. I haven't fleshed out exactly how their conversation goes, but in the end, they have a big fight, and Wind leaves the Great Sea, hurt, with Tetra no longer on his side and with his mind made up.

The next time they sleep, Wind leaves the group for the villains, and when they wake up, they can't find him, and his gossip stone isn't responding to the slate. Wind is now a villain.

But what is even Wind's goal as a villain? He wants to kill Hylia. Believing her to be the reason that his grandmother was killed, that his world was flooded, that all heroes have to suffer, that Tetra has to be someone she's not, he wants to kill her. In his anger, rage, and single-mindedness, he will stop at nothing to kill her. If his brothers get in his way, he will kill them. The only weak spot he has is his home, the Great Sea. He will never hurt his world, his people.

As a villain, he joins a new group, consisting of Dark Link, Ganondorf (undecided which one), The Lizard, and Vaati. he also has different relationships to the other heroes as they learn he's a villain, ranging from Wind's hatred of them, their hatred of Wind, regret at his turning, and even sympathy and a potential turning of another hero, which Wind is ready to use to his advantage.

In my head, I have many, many, many scenes of this AU, at various points in time, so if anyone has anymore questions about this AU, the relationships between the other heroes, or villains, or other specific scenes, please ask! I'd love to talk more and more about it!

[canisalbus]

So i remember an ask mentioning your mortal enemy, Felis Atra and their cats, and i thought it'd be fun to draw what Felis Atra's version of your italian dogs would be.

I think they would be called Butter Knife and Flamengo! Butter Knife is not his real name, it's an nickname given by his peers because of how harmless he is. I choose Flamengo because that's the name of Vasco's rival football team here in Brazil, so i thought that was the perfect name :)

Cat Machete was slightly inspired by the Oriental Shorthair cat because of their long noses and thin head shape.

Cat Vasco was inspired by the Scottish Fold cat, because FLOPPY EARS. I gave Flamengo longer ears and orange fur to make him more like his look-alike.

The last doodle is a reference to this ask (https://canisalbus.tumblr.com/post/728923918314946560/me-i-am-machete-ear-fan-number-1-those-ears) and contains the tumblr ask stand-in dog, whose cat version was inspired by the American Curl cat! They have round ears that are slightly floppy outwards.

Final notes: I know cardinal clothes don't come in vibrant blue, but i was ADAMANT on switching Machete's and Vasco's clothing color patterns. I would draw the rest of Butter Knife's and Flamengo's clothes, but i suck at designing cool outfits.

Speaking of outfits, for Machete's iconic void outfit, i figured it would be fun to make it more baggy for Butter Knife, in contrast to Machete's, that looks very tight-fitted. I think it's cute, it kinda looks like a sweater. Also i can't imagine a Machete doppelganger without high heels boots, so those HAD to stay.

Oh, and just to be clear, i'm not like, claiming ownership of these guys or anything. I just thought it would be a fun exercise. Hope you like them!! I love your art and your characters.

.

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

YES! JOIN ME IN THE DELCIOUS DUNGEONS!

[smoosie]

Your 3 part series of The South Downs Cottage are incredible!! I keep coming back to look at them, and my mind keeps spinning with all possible outcomes. It would be amazing if you were planning on part 4… is there still hope somewhere?? For the part 4, for THEM??? It’s devastating and breathtaking at the same time. Gorgeous work!

There you go !

nah jk

or am I ?

[thedeadthree]

-ˋˏ .·:·. ⊱ 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐈𝐋𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐛𝐲 @pavus — day one: 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞.

— 𝐈𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐕𝐀𝐑 . 𝐕𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐈 𝐃𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀 . 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄.

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐀𝐒. 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐒.

— 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 (mutuals can opt in/out via 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 <3):

@loriane-elmuerto, @carrionsflower, @auricfog, @girliefailure, @sunsofdawn

@risingsh0t, @griffin-wood, @lilywatt, @full---ofstarlight, @grapecaseschoices

@tommyarashikage, @shadowsofrose, @shadowglens, @weisshaupts, @queennymeria

@deadrlngers, @d-esmond, @courtana, @gothimp, @wlwaerith

@unholymilf, @aezyrraeshh, @socially-awkward-skeleton, @shellibisshe, @florbelles

@celticwoman, @neonshrike, @cloudofbutterflies92, @adelaidedrubman, @carlosoliveiraa

@pinkfey, @spookyrares, @yharnams, @aceghosts, @confidentandgood

@theelderhazelnut, @leviiackrman, @ellierenae, @anoras, @lavampira

@dialdrunk, @full---ofstarlight, @imogenkol

[cacaocheri]

You should in fact infodump about poptropica, also have you considered doing a DCA Poptropica crossover to unite the interests together?

1) I love you so much dude I hope you're doing well 2) poptropica infodump would take AGES this thing has lore so I will spare you a ramble for now 3) I . HAVE NOT. BUT COULD YOU IMAGINE SUN AND MOON WITH THE BIG BOBBLE HEADS

no? because I can

oh my god they look so much more cursed than I expected I'm laughing my ass off

[blighted-lights]

Hope you have a great birthday dude!!!

AUGHHH THANK YOU THANK YOU <3333 WAS SITTING HERE GRINNING SO HARD MY FACE HURT WHEN I SAW THIS IN MY INBOX, THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!!!

this is so sweet im 😭😭 THEYRE SO CUTE!!!! dad and his daughter,, mom and her son,, i am keeping this in my heart forever and ever. AGH THANK YOU

[good-beanswrites]

john x fuuta ?👉👈 or 090309

I love the dynamic between them all, thank you for the request! I went with an earlier meeting for them (well, one of the first times Fuuta's aware of speaking with John, at least). As much as I joke about Fuuta being starstruck by his strength in the attack, I tried to take a more serious route for the "something to rely on" vibe.

John’s eyes flicked over Fuuta, sprawled out on his bedding and looking up expectantly.

“Man, you look like shit.”

Fuuta scowled deeper. “I asked for the reason you’re here in the middle of the fucking night, not your opinion.”

“That is the reason I came.”

Somehow, amid all the other things he had to worry about given the horror of the past few days and exile that followed, Mikoto had still found the time to lose sleep over Fuuta’s condition. John had always liked the guy, but he wasn’t in the business of watching over people he didn’t truly care about. He didn’t know what Mikoto saw in him to cause such an overreaction.

Though, with the futon dragged to the bars of the cell, and bathing him in the dim light of the guard’s tower, it was becoming clear that Mikoto’s concern was indeed warranted. Fuuta appeared deathly. The fresh injuries had been bandaged, but there were stains where blood was beginning to seep through. His eye – the one that had survived the ordeal – was bloodshot and rimmed with dark bags. His hair was as tangled as the rumpled hoodie it poked out of.

Fuuta was still staring in anticipation. It took John a moment to understand why. 

“You recognize me.”

“No shit. Mikoto came in here like a fumbling idiot earlier today. He wanted to make sure I was okay or whatever. Like I’d be okay after what happened!” He paused, a clanging from someone else’s cell briefly distracting him. “But you… the way you carry yourself… it’s different.”

“Not that different. I’m here for the same reason.”

The plan was simple. Once Fuuta slept, Mikoto would relax, and everyone would be happy. If it turned out to be his injuries keeping him awake, John didn’t mind crushing Fuuta’s pride and explaining his weakness to the doctor to get more painkillers. If it was noisy neighbors, he’d teach one of those girls a lesson the following day. If the problem was just plain insomnia, well, John’s swinging arm was still completely functional...

“I just want to make sure you’re sleeping.”

“Don’t tell me you’re as disgustingly sentimental as him.”

John’s expression twitched. He didn’t appreciate the condescension. That was Mikoto’s most admirable trait, after all – offering help to others even when he was falling apart himself. He was so selfless, so self-sacrificial. It was no wonder John felt compelled to do the same for him. But Fuuta…

“Ugh, he’s always trying to be buddy-buddy with everyone around here, it makes me sick. Nice words don’t do shit. Look where his friendship with Kotoko got him, eh? That’s what these fools still don’t understand – you need to face these things head-on.”

“Oi, don’t be hard on me just for caring.” He didn’t say it as any sort of gentle encouragement; it was a command, and Fuuta understood. He snapped his attention away from where he’d been peering around the bars. “The world needs more people with that kindness. That optimistic view of life, of others, no matter what – it’s why I’ll do everything I can to save me.”

Silence stretched after the intense comment. Fuuta was looking away again, and John couldn’t read him. When he did speak, his voice came out more defeated than expected.

“Tch. Well. Not all of us have that luxury.”

“Of what?”

“Of you.”

His eyebrows raised.

Cheeks reddening, Fuuta hurried to add, “I mean someone to have your back like that. I wish I could be half as relaxed as that, but I can’t afford to let my guard down. I need to be strong myself, I don’t have anyone else to take care of my problems for me.”

It hit him suddenly, that everything came down to that. Relief washed over him, now that a clear, easy, (and nonviolent) solution had presented itself.

“What if you did? I could take over your little sentry duty for the night.”

“W-what do you –?”

He gestured to where Fuuta was laying. “No need to play dumb. You’ve been keeping an eye on everything, even the other side of the guard’s tower. The sounds from around cell eight have caught your attention. You’re positioned so you can see cell six, but haven’t moved all the way over, because cell ten has easiest access from the right.”

“The others would say it’s pointless, or that they’re handling it. I’m not buying it, though. I don’t care if they say it’s crazy of me to do.”

“I think…” John’s posture softened. “I think it’s very selfless of you.”

He was constantly amazed at Fuuta’s tendency to react to everything as if it were some world-shattering statement just told to him.

“So?” He prodded before Fuuta’s expression could grow any more wide-eyed. “How about it?”

 “I mean… they told me about the attacks… what you did…”

John set his jaw. No matter how many times it had happened in the past few days, it still stung to see how quickly people turned against him because of the fight. He thought they all had come to terms with each other’s capabilities for violence, but as usual, the moment he showed his true face, the world turned against him.

Of course Fuuta could never relax knowing such a violent and unpredictable person was sitting right beside him through the night. It was a miracle he hadn’t panicked immediately at the sight of yet another cold, towering figure appearing at his door in the middle of the night.

John stretched his right arm across his chest. It looked like his original solution still stood. Fuuta said problems should be faced head-on. Surely he’d understand this was for his own good.

“…Yeah, okay.” Fuuta gave a decisive nod. He beckoned with a jerk of his head. “I trust you.”

“I –” John blinked. “What?”

“You understand me. You understand what it takes to be in a place like this.” His gaze flit away momentarily. “You’re incredibly strong. You’re prepared, and have good instincts, and your confidence is –" Noticing how intently John was listening, he interrupted himself to bark, “but don’t think I couldn’t handle this on my own! It’s only because you offered, and it’s a smart move. I’ll just sleep for a bit, we can take shifts. Wake me in three hours, okay?”

“Fine by me.” A little lying was definitely better than what else he’d had in mind.

Fuuta moved his futon over a few feet so John could settle into his carefully chosen spot on the ground. Everything was all set to begin keeping watch, until a new sound rose up to drown out the other noises in the panopticon – soft snoring from beside him.

He glanced over in disbelief at the instantaneous security Fuuta had sunk into. All the tension had melted away from his face and shoulders. He lay completely at peace.

John had achieved his goal. He should be celebrating. Instead, he couldn’t help heaving a heavy sigh.

How did he end up with two self-destructive idiots to watch over?

[crmediagal]

#38 for the writing ask! elucien please 🥰

#38. “All I wanted was for you to be happy.” by CRMediaGal

"All I wanted—All I've ever wanted since this shit show began—is your happiness, Elain."

She held her breath, an invisible pang that wasn't her own thumping against the underside of her ribs. She had felt that piercing sting before: his personal torture and disquiet. But it had never been quite this powerful.

She forced her gaze upwards, determined to meet the harsh reality that stared directly back at her. He was a thing of beauty—Achingly, terribly beautiful...—a scarred, redheaded, sharply-structured male whom her convoluted feelings had tried to avoid again and again...but to no avail.

He wants my happiness...without any consideration for his own, her mind reckoned, though her heart bruised at how badly this mating bond was tearing apart Lucien's good senses. Surely, he'd feel differently if he could just recognize how unworthy I am were it not for the bond.

Lucien's jaw tightened, his russet eye searching what he perceived as disenchantment. "Is that so hard to believe?" he eventually asked, the question a mere whisper in the darkened foyer of the Town House at Velaris; but the bluntness in his tone—its direct weight caving in on Elain's chest—thickened the heavy silence between them.

She made to blink away the discomfort coiling at her insides. That agonizing longing in his stare was persistent, unyielding. But she didn't deserve his affections. She never had.

It's the stupid mating bond that's responsible for this want. Yet, something else lingered, awaiting her tender care in order to see it bloom. She was too scared to give it a name, but it was far more intense and certain than anything she had ever felt in her life, human or Fae.

No...

The burdensome act of shoving Lucien away had proven itself an impossible task, so Elain settled for roping her arms around herself, pinned between the wall at her back and a warm, strong body that hungered to be touched.

"No," she confessed moments later, hardly able to maintain her gaze, "it's not. I... I believe you."

A heartbeat and a pause. "Then what?"

I've seen your heart, and I'm unworthy of it! she wanted to scream. Instead, her tongue clamped down. And I won't withstand the pain in ultimately losing you! I can't, I can't...

"What have I done?" he softly pushed. But there was an edge there. An irritation to these inquiries that hadn't been there prior. As if all of the male's gentlemanly restraints and patience up to this moment were finally unraveling like a roll of yarn.

"Nothing." Elain's shoulders dropped. "You've done nothing."

There . The truth, at least. After all, he was blameless in the Cauldron's cruel doing...but her repeated silent treatment and recoiling in his presence, she feared, had left the poor male thinking himself somehow responsible.

Lucien's golden mechanical eye narrowed. "Would you have rather I shoved my way into your life, then? Would that have made a difference?"

Elain frowned. "No—"

"I thought space was what you desired." He gave a flippant wave and sighed, looking away from her at last. Doing so seemed to cause him great agony, though. Slowly, his considerate eyes met hers once more. "That you needed time to deal with your...trauma."

Elain's frown deepened. "I... I've dealt with it. I'm fine."

"Then what?"

When her mouth trembled but continued to not form words, Lucien's Adam's apple bobbed. The silence heightened to a near suffocating pitch.

"All I wanted was for you to be happy, Elain." The words were forced, hushed, as if there were more on the tip of his tongue; more that he would never utter now.

Tears suddenly threatened Elain's vision. "I know...but I... I don't deserve that from you."

He stared at her with fresh confusion. And pain. "I didn't think wanting your happiness was so untoward?"

She jerked. "That's not—"

"You're right." His next words made her throat collapse into the pit of her stomach. "You look at me as if I'm some vile...thing." He made a gesture towards the brutal, unavoidable markings that ran the length of the left-side of his face and his stare wilted. "And I am. You deserve better than the likes of me."

"Lu - Lucien!"

Elain started forward with a quivering hand outstretched, but Lucien denied her reach. In a flash, he whirled on his heel and exited the front door, the quietude of his absence—and heartbreaking parting words—continuing to ring in Elain's ears long after.

[shkika]

Finally got to drawing these two together. Very normal critters with multiple limbs and minds, how fun! (The very normal "Cat" is very intrigued by W1's existence)

I'm absolutely loving the multi-limb/brain creatures W1 is getting to meet OH MY GOODNESS!! AAH!! the tails wrapping around it's leg and the facial expressions on the cat? AH!!

[somegrumpynerd]

They're so lovely, your Honour. Dadmare is king, his boys forever goofy. I refuse to stop complimenting your art-

The one where Nightmare, he HIGHLIGHTED concerning lyrics that he PRINTED OUT to show CROSS. It's so wholesome- he's such a dad and I love it. I love your art, it's so sweet. I love it.

Asdbkjbfjk STOP I'M GOING TO DIE hello 911 somebody's being nice to me on the internet help

Thank you!! <3 You are FAR too kind, I am sending 1 million good vibes directly to your home as revenge >:3c

He just worries! He wants his sons- I mean boys- I MEAN UNDERLINGS to be happy and when he hears one of them absolutely wailing about feeling numb and disappointed he wants to check in. Also he finally learned to use the printer without help and he's taking advantage of it.

It's also important to note this is all Pigeon's fault for having such amazing cool ideas and going feral with me about them, which is how we get things like this

Smooth.

[boughclan-clangen]

hi idk if this is your first ask but your comic is SO PRETTY!!!

also. Goldenpaw. What was up with your eyes on the second page 0-0

thank you so much, that means a lot to hear!! i’ll spare you the ramble i was typing out in response and just say it’s really nice to hear that you and so many other folks are enjoying what i’m making!

as for that second part...

[basketobread]

SO I DID SAY YOU GOT ME OUT OF ARTBLOCK... This is my first time posting my art anywhere 😭 ever 😭 Butttttttt! I hope you like my Lunara doodles!

WHEN I TELL U THERE WERE TEARS IN MY EYES UPON OPENING THIS... OH MY GOODNESS THESE ARE JUST THE MOST ADORABLE AND BEAUTIFUL DRAWINGS EVER... YOUR ART IS TOO BEAUTIFUL NOT TO BE SHARED!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! ❤❤❤❤

[coollyinterferes]

The unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching begins to fill the air. Whoever is coming seems to have brought some company along…

They are getting closer… and closer… and closer…

…and closer…

……until..................

"Goooooood evenin'!!" Comes the loud greeting from a certain blond man. A big smile on his face and all.

"We beg your pardon for our prolonged absence. It was completely beyond our control..." Then adds the gentleman standing by his side, apologizing on behalf of both, offering a genuine smile along with the apology.

"...BUT! We're back!" And hopefully for good this time…

[blizzardfluffykpop]

Christmassy [12 days of Winter Year #8]

(Tagged as: Wintertime 3)

The group you can request for is THE BOYZ (requests closed for: Sangyeon, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Changmin, Sunwoo, and Eric)

To request; pick a prompt and a member of TBZ, and the specific reader you want it for (if not specified, I’ll make it gender neutral). And if the genre is not specified, it will be fluff.

Completed stories will be posted every odd numbered day of December!

Prompts that are strikethrough have been requested.

Please request!!!

[Requests are closed as of 12/6 - thank you all for helping me close it this early!! 🥺💖🥰]

------

A festive storyteller

“You’re just what I always wanted, a Christmas delight.” 

Making snowmen and failing miserably.

“Did anyone ever tell you that you look beautiful underneath Christmas lights?”

Christmas On and On! (Choose a member’s proposal from the Christmassy mv & send it in~) 

“What do you say to matching pajamas, watching Christmas movies, and hot cocoa?”

First snowfall on the *car* track

“I wish you could come home for Christmas.” “Open your door.”

A Creepmas [supernatural and/or horror themed] party

“Let’s make Christmas cookies together.”

“I don’t want to get ice cream, it's freezing out! We’re going to get frostbite!” “I think it’d be fun.” “Yes, I agree, let’s do it.” (Loosely based off of the Monster House line “...I don’t wanna go inside a monster and I don’t wanna die.” “I say it’s worth a shot.” “Yes, I agree, let’s do it.”).

Make your own prompt!

[charmwasjess]

director's commentary on that truly homoerotically loaded sparring scene in... i wanna say Sitting? but i am not entirely sure and i can't go to check bc ao3 is down again :')

but i am sure u know the one

OH I KNOW ODDLY-EROTIC-YET-PLATONIC FIGHT SCENE

It’s a sparring scene, but in the context of the fic, Dooku has had his shit rocked hard on a mission, he’s still recovering, his lightsaber is damaged so he’s using a borrowed blade, and his confidence in himself is shaken. But he gets Sifo-Dyas up in the middle of the night because he’s going crazy without being able to spar. It’s got to be Sifo-Dyas because Dooku is too embarrassed for anyone else to know how weak he really is. It’s really too soon, but he needs this, he half begs Sifo into it, who goes on to very tenderly kick his ass. 

I wrote it before I ever shipped him with Dooku, so I couldn’t figure out why their dialogue and all was coming out so …suggestive. I chalked it up to Sifo-Dyas’s personality - okay, he’s a playful troublemaker, he’s a bitch, he’d probably flirt with a cardboard box. But I think it’s this mixture of rawness and intimacy, need and response, and the physical play of their bodies and their lightsaber forms. It felt 100% more like writing a sex scene than a sparring scene. And I’d keep that dynamic when I eventually paired them: Dooku is uncomfortable around the idea of sex, not always sure of what he wants or his relationship to his own pleasure, and he relies on Sifo-Dyas taking the initiative to get out of his own head and enjoy their shared physicality. It's a top Sifo/bottom Dooku scene without anybody taking off their clothes.

---

“So exactly how long has it been? Just how wound up are you?”

Dooku turned and gave him a look.

“Oh. That bad?” Sifo-Dyas whistled softly. He passed his own saber from hand to hand and smiled. “You’re going to kill me, aren’t you?”

Dooku moved to take his place across from him, trying to make himself go slow, not rush into it. “I am far from capable of that just now.”

“Oh, good.” His friend sounded cheerful, if a little tired. “We’ll finally be an equal match for once.” Without further ceremony, he fired up the blue of his saber, and brought it into Soresu's opening brace-ready stance, one arm extended, the blade parallel to his cheek. His features took on a cast of half shadow, half ice.

“Don’t be like that. It isn’t true,” Dooku frowned. “And it isn’t kind.”

“All right, you’ll still win as usual, but this time I might make it last a bit longer for you.”

He rolled his eyes. “I meant it isn’t kind to you. You are a strong sword.”

“Thank you for the compliment. I was trying to make you smile.”

“I smile,” Dooku said, not smiling.