#nawi talks

[softboiled-egg]

Need more mikoto, John and amane headcanons, the offical content is not enough!!!

[originalartblog]

Question, is there tiny soukoku corruption??????

With big Chuuya around I don't think Tiny would ever need to use Corruption. His tiny gravity manipulation isn't as strong.

But you got it in my head so let's picture it: there is this 3cm-tall dude that faintly glows red and throws deadly baseballs around. He's fast, dangerous, and, again, 3cm tall. Good luck catching, or even spotting him.

It's Chuuya who ends up having to catch him and throw him at Dazai like a ping pong ball so Dazai can nullify him. Or maybe throw Tinyzai at him. Your pick.

and then Tiny rolls over and starts snoring the hurt away because he's Chuuya and he's just built different.

tiny snore

[ntls-24722]

Debu/Simmon punk!

The big issue with sapient mountain cow society is that, inspired by their self-sufficiency and hardiness, their prison and police system are Really Bad, being really arrest/trigger-happy to legitimize authority because if debu/simmons don't like how things are done... they'll literally just walk away out of society to live in the woods.

As a result of being treated like livestock, they embrace "being livestock," donning spiky yokes and accessorized (often fully functional!) saddles to go "control me if you dare." It's supposed to be both humiliating and intimidating, and it also... has a lot in common with in-universe ponyplay. A lot of punks will deny the resemblance up and down with their lives, but real ones know what's up.

Misc lepit doodles.

Bonus: The speech bubbles have two pips/spikes/sources! one for each nostril!

Lepit has some weird shit going on with him relationshipwise. Lepit and Sindeer were dating way before Rinkalla but they were opposites and not in a good way. Lepit was objectively bad with not being emotionally available and just generally ignoring Sindeer's advice and getting himself hurt, but there was also just the fact he can't stand too much physical touch/affection or being even observed. Which just kinda made Sindeer feel completely alone in the whole ordeal (sindeer was also kind of being overbearing at the later ends which only made Lepit stray even farther away). Lepit is just generally really fucking lucky that Sindeer didn't break up with him but still feels guilty that she's still with him

The secret music man is this weird combination of being extremely homosexually theatrical and campy yet having every stereotypical straight man trait there is.

Also, unfortunately the secret music man au is starting to garner some semblance of lore; All these characters have been put there with no memories. But a lot of the villains/antagonists have bonded with eachother because they know that there is something... collectively wrong with them.

Not that they're necessarily broken or wrong in the typical sense but they're looking at what can't be explained about themselves that can't be for good reasons. Music Man is particularly aware that he might've been for evil more than the others because it's more obvious - he doesn't know who built him, but he knows he had to be built for some awful purpose, for what good reason would he be able to devour souls. Music Man was originally getting good with the other villains since he felt connected with them, but due to some new events in his life, he's started to realize that this growing community might not be for the best, and Melon, whom he was closest with, is noticing that he's flaking out.

Also, Sans has all his memories and knows why everyone is there. He's just not telling anyone and acts the exact same. I actually don't know the full extent of what exactly he knows but he sure does Know.

Bonus: JSAB is making a resurgence in my brain and my wires are getting crossed

[xenaizogie]

Hey sugaplum, you hungry? I got a little something for you! Plot? What plot? I tried this time, I really did, to feed you something more than shameless smut, buuttt...here we are lol. Enjoy!!!

3.7k word

A Day In The Life

The sun is brightly shining, the cloudless sky is brilliantly blue. Sounds of the village coming to life outside the palace walls fill the early morning air. The day is fairly warm already, but a steady breeze provides some respite. Breakfast will be wrapping up soon for the Agojie, and you sit soaking up these final moments with your beloved before she must head to the training grounds. You recline on the steps next to Izogie, side by side, her hand in yours. The sunlight is framing her ebony profile, a golden halo surrounding her making her skin seem to glow. Your eyes are drawn to her beauty, a soft smile gracing her lips, her facial features at peace, the stern warrior mask not yet in place. You caress her hand, your fingers draw to hers, mind wandering over all the things they do to you, all the things they make you feel. Her chuckle brings you out of your musing.

“Something on your mind?”

She’s looking at you, smirking, her lips soft and luscious, begging to be kissed by you. You’re staring again, lost in thought of her wonderful mouth. Another chuckle draws you back to reality and finally you meet her gaze.

“Yes…you…” Your eyes are half lidded, shameless as they take her in. Her smirk breaks out into a full-blown grin.

“Will you eat with me at lunch today? I wish to eat in our room.” She requests.

The innocent look she had on her face belying her tone, which was an octave too low. Not quite sultry, but definitely inviting. You return her grin and bob your head yes, not quite trusting your voice as Nawi approached. She smiled and waved to you in greeting before turning to Izogie.

“Good morning, Izogie. My mother wishes to speak with you before the morning run.”

“Good morning, TseTse.” Izogie greets rising from her spot next to you, her hand lingering in yours as she starts to step away.

“Come.”

She’s talking to Nawi, but she is looking at you and it sends an electric pulse straight to your center making you bite your lip to hold in the whimper that threatened to escape. She shoots you another smirk as she takes her leave. Your eyes devour her departing image, visions of this morning still fresh in your mind.

Dawn was just breaking, casting its soft glow around the room. You were pressed flush against Izogie, your back to her front, shades of brown melding together as her arm encircled your waist. Skin to skin from your ankles all the way up to the spot where her lips were placing tender kisses along your shoulder and up the column of your neck. You loved the way you melted into her touch, the way her warm skin on yours made you feel comfortable, made you feel safe. This must be what heaven feels like, cozy and treasured, you could spend eternity in her arms. You feel her smiling against the nape of your neck at the involuntary shiver that courses through your body, and you turn in her arms, gently cupping her face as your gaze meets hers. The kiss that followed was soft and sweet, without any urgency, a gentle greeting filled with love. “I love waking up to you.” she says as you part. The corners of your lips turn up before giving her a radiant smile. She litters your face with kisses before turning to get out of bed and start her day. “Can you stay a little longer” you pout, not yet ready to share her with the world. She laughs, a melodious sound, before turning back towards you in bed…

The sound of the trainees heading out for their run brings you out of your reverie and you turn, hoping to catch one last glimpse of her on her way out. You aren’t disappointed, she catches your eye and throws a smile and a wink your way before disappearing from view. A contented sigh leaves you as you stand, a grin plastered on your face and a bounce in your step, ready to tackle your tasks for the day. The sooner you got done, the sooner you could get back into her waiting arms.  

It didn’t take you long to get halfway through your list, but time seemed to crawl by as you went about your chores, the anticipation has been slowly building inside you. It’s near the midday break and the sun, along with your wayward thoughts, have you seeking out a shade tree to pass the minutes until lunch. You find a suitable one, not far from the Agojie sparring grounds, where you can watch your love manhandling the trainees. Her lithe form is glistening in the sunlight, hard muscles twisting and turning beneath soft brown skin, a thin sheet of sweat covering her body. You find yourself biting your bottom lip, a little moan slipping out, maybe sitting this close wasn’t such a good idea after all. Your already heated thoughts are doing summersaults over each other, the site before you only fueling the visions of you two together in your head. Thankfully the bells soon sound, lunchtime has finally arrived. Izogie dismisses the trainees before sauntering over to where you are seated. She is the epitome of sexy and she knows it.

“Close your mouth, you look like a...”

Your eyes narrow and she cuts out into a laugh as she pulls you to your feet, wrapping her arms around your waist. Her lips are on yours before you can even make a smart remark, her tongue invading your mouth, the kiss fiery and deep.

“I missed the way you taste.”

“Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

You speak at the same time making you both giggle, giddy and slightly breathless from the kiss. It amazes you how even after all this time, Izogie can still make the butterflies in your stomach take flight. Dark eyes flaked with gold are staring down at you, gazing into your soul. They left you with an eager longing, wanting nothing more than to feel her lips on yours again. She leans in towards you, her lips ghosting yours before trailing up to your ear.

“Race you!”

Then she is gone, her laughter trailing behind her as she speeds towards the palace. Your shocked gasp is short lived, and you take off hot on her trail, she knows this the only way she can beat you in a foot race. She slows to a stop near the gate, turning, ready to gloat in her victory, but you keep running, blowing right past her, your eyes on the lunch line ahead. The chase is on again, the few Agojie who can see your mad dash cheering you on. You skid to a halt at the end of the line, an eyebrow raised and a smirk gracing your lips, you wait for her to arrive.

“One day I will beat you.” She grins.

“But not today.” Came your cheeky reply.

You both wash up and grab a bowl, already eating as you make your way to your room. The banter is carefree and adoring on the way there, a mix of teasing and asking about each other’s day so far sprinkled with sultry and knowing looks. She makes it through the doorway first, you follow placing your bowl in hers on the side table by the door. As soon as the bowl has left your hand, Izogie is pulling you to her, warm lips seeking out yours. Her tongue is delving deep in your mouth drawing tiny whimpers from you as she guides you backwards towards the big table in the middle of the room. The backs of your thighs barely graze the frame before she is picking you up, roughly sitting you on the edge. Your excited squeal is swallowed up as she continues to ravage your mouth, sliding her body in between your spread legs closing the gap between you. Your hands slide over her shoulders, locking into place at the nape of her neck while hers grip at your hips. Urgency is radiating off her in waves, in the fervor of her lips and the groping hands now stalking up your thighs, you both know you don’t have long. You tear your lips away from hers to pepper hot kisses along her jaw and down the scar on her neck, pausing at her pulse point, suckling, tongue swirling drawing a low moan from the warrior. Hungry hands spread your thighs further apart, one coming to rest on your hip, the other pressed against your throbbing heat, caressing you through your clothes. Your hips are rolling, you want desperately to increase the pressure, you need more. Just as her fingers were making their way inside your panties…

“Ahem!” Amenza chuckles as she clears her throat from the open doorway. “Izogie, Nanisca requests you.” Another chuckle.

Simultaneous groans fill the air as your head falls to Izogie’s shoulder.

“Coming Amenza.”

She pulls back slightly and with her free hand she hooks a finger under your chin and tilts your face up, looking you in the eye as her lips meet yours in a promising kiss. Please stay, it’s on the tip of your tongue when she breaks away, cool air replacing the previous heat of her body, but you know the answer, duty calls.

“Tonight, my love” she whispered before heading towards the door.

Izogie glances back and the sight makes her steps falter. Your head is thrown back, legs still spread, one hand palm down on the table, the other traveling up your thigh headed for your center hoping to ease the ache left in her wake. She is torn, her body takes a step back towards you before she realizes it, but she shakes her head trying to clear it. Tempting as a quickie might be, she knew it was only going to tease her, leave her craving more. No, she would wait so that she could completely immerse herself in you.

“Aht. Mine.”

 The bark snapped your head up, a pleading whimper falling from your throat, but you oblige.

“Yes, daddy” you reply, giving her an innocent doe eyed look.

She’s back across the room in two strides, her lips taking yours in a searing kiss, branding you, claiming you as hers. You didn’t call her that often, but when you did, it always had the same effect on her, igniting something primal deep in her core. She breaks apart with an exasperated groan, taking off at a jog to catch up to Amenza. You are left hot and bothered, chest marginally heaving, still sitting atop the table. You take a few calming breaths, trying to reign in your runaway libido before jumping off the table. You needed to do something to occupy your thoughts and hands, fast. With the last few tasks in mind, you set off to finish your chores.

The rest of the day passes uneventfully, much of your time spent outside the palace picking herbs for the healers. Baskets full to the brim, you head back inside stopping briefly when you catch sight of Izogie. She is in the middle of the training grounds with the trainees in a big circle around her, turning to face each one as she gave instructions. You watch as she gets into position several feet in front of a training dummy, setting her feet then lunging forward landing multiple body blows before decapitating the dummy in one smooth strike. She makes combat look so effortless. You carry on your way smiling faintly, your mind already on the night ahead.

Once the herbs have been dropped off, you head to the bathhouse stopping by your room to grab your favorite lavender soap first, Izogie loves the scent. The temptation to linger in the tepid water is gone without her by your side, so you make washing up a quick affair, eager to be by her side once more. Your body lathered, rinsed, and freshly dressed; you head out of the bath house to the sound of the dinner bells. You spy the trio of warriors, Nanisca Izogie and Amenza, deep in conversation across the courtyard. A sigh escapes you; you have a feeling you’ll be eating dinner without her, but at least this means there should be no interruptions when she does make it home. Your eyes meet across the distance, and she flashes you a grin before turning her attention back to Nanisca. You grab a bowl and sit on the steps eating and conversing with Nawi, doing your best not to gawk at Izogie before eventually retiring to your room for the night.

The sky has darkened, the clouds look like they could burst at any moment, and lightening dances across the sky; a storm is brewing. The door softly opens and closes announcing her presence, but you are lost in thought, staring out the window at the formidable sky. Strong yet gentle arms embrace you from behind.

“You smell so good” Izogie whispers as she litters kisses down your neck and over your shoulders, reveling in the noises that involuntarily slip out of your mouth.

You sink into her embrace, her closeness igniting a passion within you, her hands blaze a trail of fire as they cup and toy with your breasts through your clothes. One hand slid down to grip across your waist, pulling you tight against her while the other circled and pinched at your nipple through the fabric.

“I need you bad” you breathe, your head lolling to the side to grant her lips better access.

Izogie spins you, pushing you against the wall and pinning your hands above your head. You are trapped, her body pressing into yours from knee to chest, but escape is the furthest thing on your mind. Her lips take yours in scorching kiss, tongues dueling wildly, the intensity of it has you moaning into her mouth, her free hand gripping at your throat. She squeezes slightly, sliding a leg in between yours, pressing her thigh into your damp heat. Your body arcs as you grind down onto her, a moan caught in your throat as she tightens her grip. She releases you, her lips kissing a path to your ear, her chest still on yours crowding you into the wall, her hands now on your hips, guiding them up and down her thigh.

“I’m going to make you scream my name.” She murmurs against the shell of your ear.

Thunder rumbles and your body quivers, a lusty moan your only response. One hand is clutching at her shoulder, the other cupping the back of her head holding her in place as she nibbled at your lobe. She eases back just enough to remove your top, your breasts plopping out into her waiting hands. Your hips never cease their rhythm as her hands begin to knead your luscious mounds. Her thumbs graze softly against your pebbled buds sending electric jolts straight to your core.

“I need…” Your words trail off in a gasp as she lifts her leg adding pressure to your grind.

“Tell me what you need love.” She coos, her fingers pinching and rolling your nipples.

You take her right hand and guide it down your body to where you need her most. She doesn’t bother taking your skirt off, simply pushing your panties to the side, two fingers languidly massaging your engorged bud. Her fingers slip lower, dipping in your dripping entrance before returning to your nub, she can feel how much you want her in the throbbing of your clit.

“Inside. Now.”

Lightning flashes as her eyebrow arches and with a growl she takes you hard and fast. Her fingers sink deep and momentarily still, her forehead falling against yours as your walls clench around her, your sticky essence coating her palm. A moan tumbles out as you grind your hips, and her fingers take up a languorous motion, curling deep before sliding out and slamming back inside. She sets a feverish pace, stroking your g-spot, with every thrust. She’s only just begun, and already you are flying towards an orgasm. You grip at her back trying to ground yourself, you want to hold it off, to bask in the moment a little longer, but it is no use, your walls are already spasming and your thighs are clenching hers as she continues to dig you out.

“...’Zo…”

“I know baby…I know…”

The feeling of her fingers deep inside you and the sound of her voice in your ear, always a deadly combination, sends you plummeting over the edge. Your legs are shaking, threatening to give out, your hands weakly grasping at her shoulders, but she doesn’t stop. Her hand is caught between her thigh and your soaking pussy. She could no longer thrust in and out, but her fingers, her fingers, were deep inside your gushing heat fluttering against your sweet spot. Your moans resonate around the room as she whispers praises in your ear, urging you on. Your body shudders as your juices stream over her hand and down her thigh, your entire body trembling, weak as pleasure overtakes you again. Only then does she begin to slow.

Your lips seek out hers in a steamy kiss as she slips out, shudders still coursing through your body as she wraps you in her embrace. Your hands are almost frantic as you pull at her clothes, desperate in your need to feel her skin on yours. She unwraps your skirt and steps back allowing the clothes to fall to the floor. You reach for her greedily licking your lips, but she smirks and grabs your hand, leading you to the bed.

“First, I want to taste you.”

Lightning cracks and thunder vibrates the sky, as fat raindrops begin to pelt the earth. She sits on the edge of the bed, sliding off your panties before pulling you to straddle her lap, both sets of hands exploring every inch of silky skin they could reach. Honied kisses were placed along your collar bone and over your chest as she lay back, drawing you along with her, pulling you up her body until your succulent breasts were dangling right above her face. From one ebony globe to the other, she suckles and swirls her tongue, her hands squeezing at your ass, rubbing your wet pussy over her abs. With a groan you crawl up until your knees are on either side of her head, your glistening mound hovering just a breath above her parted lips. Feathery kisses greet you seconds before she starts to feast in earnest.

Your shins flush against the bed, her elbows hooked around your waist, one palm pressed against your stomach, the pointer finger of the other hand drawing lazy circles around your clit, head buried deep between your thighs, tongue even deeper in your core. A moan is ripped from your chest as she drags her tongue up to replace her finger, her mouth enclosing your aching bud. Sloppily she slurps you up, tongue flicking against your clit, her moans sending vibrations straight to your center. She changes the pace, tongue swirling lazily before popping you out of her mouth, languidly slurping you up over and over.

“Fuuck baaby…”

She is slowly driving you insane, edging you to your peak, you fall forward on your hands, her arms still locked around you. Pleasurable waves are washing over you in a crescendo, she has you wavering on the edge. Bit by bit, the coil in the pit of your stomach has been winding tighter and tighter. She latches onto your clit slowly shaking her head from side to side, humming as she savors your exquisite taste. Your climax blindsides you, forceful as it rocks through you. Body quaking, you scream out in bliss, your juices coating her lower face.

She slips from under while you’re still spasming on your hands and knees, heavy lidded eyes follow her movements as she slips the harness over her hips, a feral gleam in her eye. She steps behind, grabbing you by your thighs pulling you to the edge of the bed, and you whimper in anticipation. Slowly she drags the head up and down your slick folds, thumping the tip against your swollen nub, before sliding up and hesitating at your pulsating entrance.

“Please…”

Inch by inch she presses forward until she is seated fully inside you, a groan falling from her lips as your walls clutch at her length. She sets a steady pace, drawing only halfway out before drilling into you over and over again. A smack to your ass cheek brings a yelp from you as grip the sheets and fuck her back harder. A growl grumbles through her as she seizes your hips.

“Is that how you want me baby?”

Each word accompanied with a thrust as she leans back, stroking even deeper inside you. The force of her strokes sends you to your elbows, your arms no longer able to support you, your moans are almost nonstop.

“Daamn daaddy…”

The pressure inside you is building, it’s almost too much to bear, you feebly crawl forward on the bed. But Izogie stalks your every move, her hips never stop rolling, dirty grinding deep inside you.

“This your pussy daddy…I belong to you…”

She pulls back then slams her hips into yours, sending you headlong into euphoria, your entire body convulsing, her name a chant, screaming from your lips. Higher and higher she compels you on, words rambling from her lips, she’s on the verge of her own bliss.

“You feel soo good…that’s it baby…don’t hold back…”

As if you could, each stroke of her stuttering hips rubbing that spongy spot deep inside, it felt as if she was caressing your soul. Ecstasy explodes around you as you both plunged into a pleasurable abyss. When she calms enough to breathe normally, she slips out of you and out of the harness before climbing back into bed beside you, pulling you into her embrace. You lay with your head on her chest, her heartbeat created a rhythmic sound that soothed your spirit, lulling you further into your peaceful cocoon. Her soft voice guides you as you slip into the dreamscape.

“Sweet dreams, my love.”

A/N: Soo, what do you think?? As always, all feedback is swooned over!!!

[droopycoquette]

Leave Your Mark || Izogie x black!reader

Summary: After witnessing you and the Europeans together, Izogie feels she needs to make her claim on you more known. 

Warnings: established relationship, smut, oral(r!receiving), possessive!izogie, fluff, black!reader, fem!reader, top!Izogie, soft!dom!Izogie

Word count: 3.5k

A/n: Ya’ll I found asmr that sounds exactly like Lashana Lynch (๑>ᴗ<๑) Link

|*|

Your breathing was steady as you stood behind the king’s throne, greeting his guests. Your eyes contained a small glow, the only hint of your emotions. Excitement to see the trial of the young Agojie trainees tickled your skin as your face stayed in an inviting yet regal look. 

“Your Portuguese is perfect, my king,” the man in front of you gleamed, the look of a snake in his eyes. 

“Yes, well,” Ghezo started, motioning to you. “This lovely woman has been of great use to me, her Portuguese is perfect and she is an excellent teacher.”

At that, you bowed your head to him, your heart warmed at his words. As your head rose back up Ghezo nodded his head, a sign he was dismissing you. Your chest thumped at the event that was to take place in a couple of minutes. Your desire to see your love entering your bloodstream through your veins. You rushed to where Ghezo’s wives were sitting, your skirts rustling under you as you sat next to Shante. Quickly, the wives began to talk to you, asking what the King and the two European men were talking about, giggling at the newest palace gossip. 

“Did you know that Kiri, that maid I was telling you about,” Shante began. “Well, she and one of the infantrymen were caught together in the kitchen, and he’s married.”

You gasped, leaning in as she did. 

“And that’s not all, turns out she was also sleeping with the man’s wife,” she giggled. 

You began to giggle at that as well, the rest of the women laughing at Shante’s story, throwing in bits of extra information. Your worry for the trial spiked when you looked at the course they would be running, shivering as you gazed at the long thorns. You cringed at the thought of them and how deep they would puncture the skin. The heat would not help the trainees either. 

“Let us begin,” Ghezo commanded, silencing everyone. 

Your lips stayed still as the great doors opened, dust flying as the Agojie entered. You fought a small smile as you watched Izogie lead the trainees, a battle that you lost quickly as a small grin kissed your lips at the sheen of gloss covering her skin, her ankles wrapped in shells and leather, her face stern and unbending. The same pieces of leather jewelry could be found on her biceps as well, fighting against the muscles as she moved. 

“I’m beginning to think you like her more than you let on,” Shante smirked, her gaze fixed on the trainees. 

“What? Who,” you asked, your interest peaked. 

“Izogie.”

At that your face dropped into a glare, eyebrows furrowing and lips piercing. You kissed your teeth as your point of focus shifted to the trainees. 

“You’re just looking for drama,” you stated, eyes rolling before falling on the commander encouraging the young girls.

The beautiful, muscular woman moved towards you, making you scrunch your skirts up in anticipation. Her thighs flexed as she moved towards you, her bare feet kicking up dust and small pebbles. Her beauty never ceased to amaze you.

“Sure,” Shante muttered. 

You paid her no mind as Izogie turned around and stood at attention, giving you a full view of her back muscles. Her arm could be found in the small of her back while her other one grasped the handle of her blade. As the gun sounded, her arms flexed in reaction, clenching her sword. 

Your attention was broken as the girls screamed in pain, blood seeping through their white tunics. You cringed at their suffering. Watching as some broke free, you felt Shante grab onto you and you gripped back, gritting your teeth at the thorns in the young trainees’ foot. The trial was over in minutes, Nawi claiming victory. As the girl clamored over to the King, Shante shook you in delight at the victory making you giggle. As you looked at the victor, you felt someone’s gaze on you.

Izogie couldn’t help but stare. You’re beauty sparking bursts of joy in her chest. Your garments hugged your body and your jewelry framed your face perfectly. Izogie didn’t know much about dressing, but she did know that you were good at it. Your outfit was proof. She sucked in a breath as your smile came into view, your hair catching the breeze as a couple of strands hit your face. Izogie’s thumb brushed your initials on the handle of her blade, remembering when you smiled as you gave the sword to her. 

“Now, I’ll always be with you when you go into battle,” you had smiled, your muscles straining to hold the heavy object.

Izogie wished to smile as the memory entered her head, but all she could do was bite her tongue and wait till you both were alone. 

|*|

You sighed as the back of your head hit the ledge of the communal bath, your hair tied up in a bun so as not to get wet. The water kissed your skin sweetly, washing away the sweat and dirt the day had brought you. The temperature of the water contrasted with the heat of the day so perfectly causing you to close your eyes and let your mind go blank. The world behind your eyelids went black as you breathed in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Suddenly, footsteps could be heard right by your head, making you snap your eyes open. 

“Someone’s comfortable,” Izogie smirked, standing right over you. 

“My love,” you giggled, turning around to face her. 

Your eyes never left her as she sat on the ledge, her feet dangling in the water. Her white attire for the ceremony had changed to loose garments, one of a citizen of Dahomey. She looked relaxed. A sight very rare, even for you. 

“Come,” she smiled softly, her raspy voice caressing your ear. “Lay your head.”

You quickly complied, your back facing her and your head resting on her perfectly, pillowy thighs. Feeling the skin dip at the weight of your head and the smooth texture on your cheek. She smelled of incense and palm oil. You found comfort in her scent and began turning your nose closer to her thigh, nuzzling the muscly flesh. 

Her hands worked to undo your bun, her fingers expertly navigating your curls. 

“Are you enjoying your time with the two white men,” Izogie asked, her fingers finding your scalp. 

“Malik is mmh,” you moaned, making Izogie chuckle. “Malik is half white. His mother was Dahomey. And it’s-”

Your voice faded out and your eyes close again as you felt her nails digging into your spots, Iogie knew your body so well, she could navigate every inch with her eyes closed.

“You’re amazing,” you breathed. “Have I ever told you I love your nails?”

She began to lightly pull on your hair, tugging only enough to give a nice sensation, not to hurt. 

“Only 3 times a day,” she smiled down at you. 

Your eyes opened and watched as the warrior concentrated on your head massage. Her eyebrows furrowed and her tongue poked out of her mouth slightly, glossing over her top lip. Your attention drifted to her shoulder, where you patched up a stab wound caused by a competition. She smiled proudly that day. 

“When it heals,” she began. “It will be another scar you can kiss.”

“What are you smiling at,” Izogie whispered. 

“You,” you whispered back, your eyes gazing into hers dreamily. 

Izogie stopped breathing, her lips parting slightly and her eyes wide in shock. 

“You didn’t finish what you were saying earlier,” she coughed in an attempt to divert attention from herself. 

“About the white men you mean,” you giggled. 

She let out a small ‘mmhm,’ but refused to look at you. 

“It’s going fine,” you breathed, allowing her to calm down. “Speaking Portuguese has made me a great asset to the king.”

“I can see that,” she agreed, chuckling.

You both were silent after, enjoying the feeling of love and contentment as they swirled around your figures. Your hands came up underneath the commander’s calves as you caressed them, feeling them tighten up at your touch before relaxing. The sound of the water drops dripping from your hand filled your ears. 

“I miss you watching me during sparring sessions,” Izogie sulked. 

“I miss watching you,” you chuckled lovingly, eyes closing.

Izogie reached down to the top of your arm and guided it out of the water, her finger trailing to your hands, before bringing it to her lips. Causing a jolt of electricity to erupt from your abdomen

“And what should we do about that, my princess,” she rasped. 

“Ah, essa mulher,” you moaned, enjoying the pillowy feeling of her lips. Ah, this woman. 

“Oh,” Izogie smirked. “I think I have a couple ideas now.”

You felt her lean down as her breath kissed the cusps of your ear. 

“Portuguese, my love, really? You know what that language does to my body.”

You turned around and placed your crossed arms on her lap, before gazing at her through your eyelashes. 

“That was the idea,” you teased, an innocent look in your eye. 

“Leave.”

Both your heads snapped to the source of the sound coming from the entrance. Nanisca. 

“We just were Meganon,” Izogie sighed quickly standing before lending you a hand. 

“Hello Nanisca,” you greeted as you felt Izogie’s arms around you, helping you out of the pool.

The general only gave you a small head nod, the look of exhaustion telling you that that was the extent of her socialization capabilities. 

“Come on, my love,” Izogie whispered to you. 

You walked out of the bath as quickly as possible, the crisp night air hitting your wet skin, causing you to erupt in goosebumps. Izogie quickly wrapped her arms around you from behind, kissing your shoulder before placing her head on it. 

“Someone’s comfortable,” you mocked. 

“Hush,” she groaned, causing you to laugh. 

You enjoyed the feeling of her weight on you, leaning your head on hers. 

“You know,” Izogie began softly. “I watched you today, with Shante.”

“You were,” you responded, a light air of shock in your voice. 

Izogie’s arms adjusted as she tightened her grip on your waist. 

“I was. And you looked beautiful. All I could think about was the fact that you’re mine. Everyone couldn’t stop staring at you,” she breathed, placing light kisses on the side of your neck. “ I wanted to take you right there, in front of everyone,” 

At her words the electricity came back, jumping between your abdomen and your inner thighs. Izogie noted the change in your breath and how your hands came to cover hers.

“Especially in front of those Europeans. I bet they couldn’t dream of a woman’s lips on another’s,” Izogie allowed one of her hands to wander up to your breasts and the other down to your heat. “Couldn’t imagine a woman’s tongue deep inside the juices of her lover.” 

Her teeth sank into your nape, forcing a small gasp to leave your lips. 

“Izogie plea-” you began before a shriek took over. 

You often forgot how fast Izogie could be, in a matter of seconds she had you thrown over her shoulder, a sharp snap resounding in the air as her hand came into contact with your backside. Her shoulder’s flexed at the new weight but paid no mind as she kept her quick pace, casually walking back to your shared room. Truly it was your room, but somehow Izogie managed to convince the king that you need overnight protection, allowing her to stay with you. 

Izogie smirked as you unknowingly wiggled your hips, searching for the pleasure only she could give you. She gave you another hit, this one a little more painful than the last. 

“Izogie,” you shrieked at the contact. 

The warrior stayed silent as she entered your quarters hidden behind a curtain of silks and linen. Setting you onto the floor and stripping you in no time at all. 

“Wouldn’t want your bed to get wet, now would we,” she breathed, before forcefully kissing you. 

One of her hands caressed your face, her thumb brushing the apple of your cheek while the other, slipped to your hip, forcing you closer. Her tongue lapped at your lips before twirling around yours, saliva and breath mixing. 

“You’re mine,” she groaned. “Yes?”

“Yes,” you gasped, gaze flitting from her lips to her eyes. “Always.”

“Go lay down, princess.”

You moved to obey her immediately, laying down on your padded mat, leaning against your pillows, and spreading your legs. You shivered as your hands came under your knees and held them open, putting yourself on display. Izogie unwrapped her clothes as she kept eye contact with you, walking towards you slowly. Your hooded eyes never failed to make her tingle. 

“I’ve thought about these all day,” she sighed, kneeling down and brushing her fingers against your thighs. 

Your skin buzzed at her touch, the feeling of her burns tickling your skin making you lean into her. 

“Thought about this all day,” she moaned as she dragged two fingers through your slit. “You want me. Don’t you?”

“More than anything. Please,” you begged, your eyes glossing over. 

Izogie cooed at that, she could never say no to you. No matter how harsh she seemed, she belonged to you. She was wrapped around your finger and you were wrapped around hers. Her eyes stayed on you as she moved down to your core, cooing at the way your body rolled against her. 

“Stay still, my love,” Izogie chastised. 

You whined at her command but obeyed nonetheless, wanting nothing more than to feel her lips on you. Izogie continued to tease you, the sharp of her nail softly running up and down your inner thigh, tickling and arousing you at the same time. 

“Please, Izogie,” you whimpered. “Please.”

Her nose nuzzled at your thighs, enjoying their softness, the way they would jiggle when she slapped them. 

“You want my tongue,” she rasped, her hand coming up to flick your nipple. 

“Yes,” you gasped at the stimulation. “Yes, please.”

Izogie dragged the sharp of her nail down your torso, watching as you arched your back into her. A smile graced her face as you gasped when she nibbled at your inner thigh, the soft skin of her arm rubbed against your thigh while she held them close, arms flexing to keep you in place. 

Small whines left your lips as Izogie kissed anywhere but where you wanted her, your calves, your stomach, right above your clit, but never your heat. 

“Come on pretty girl,” she smirked. “Make some noise for me.”

Her tongue felt heavenly as it finally grazed your sensitive nub, the ridges of her tastebuds making your thighs clench and your stomach shake. Your juices licked at her chin as her tongue entered you, lapping at your heat. Her eyes closed as her senses were filled with you, the love she had for you overflowing. The room began to get humid as your bodies rolled against each other. The candles flickering around you, mirroring the feeling in your core. 

Her name left your lips repeatedly causing her to smile against you, her ego being stroked by your every sound and move. Your eyes drifted down to her, her head buried in your core, her back rippling as she flexed and relaxed, keeping you in place as you writhed against her. The sight of her muscles heightened your pleasure, the knowledge of her strength and her ability to break you making you high. 

“So sweet,” she whispered. “Have you thought about this too? Wanting me to taste you and pleasure you.”

You answered with gasps and whines, the desire to kiss her overriding your system. 

“Izogie, please,” you babbled. “Kiss m- ahh!”

“Can’t even string together a sentence,” she teased. “Want do you want princess? Hmm?”

Your look of desperation made her moan into you, her body rolling against the mat. Her eyes were set on you, your eyes rolled back and your mouth permanently open. It was enough to make her cum right there. 

“Kiss me,” you whimpered, looking at her through dazed eyes. 

She couldn’t deny you even if she wanted to. Her body covered yours, her fingers staying between your legs. Your veins were flooded with ice and fire, your stomach quivering at the feeling. The pads of her fingers pressed deeply onto your clit, careful not to scratch you with her nails. Her lips made contact with your skin first, starting at where your shoulders connected with your neck. The softness of her lips strengthening your desire to kiss her. 

“Izogie, I want your lips,” you shuttered. “Don’t you think you’ve teased me eno-ahh.”

A shock wave rolled through you, not as powerful as an orgasm but still strong. 

“Ooh,” Izogie notices. “You feel that? Is my princess close? Gonna give me your cum, yeah?”

Izogie hovered over your face, centimeters away from your lips. You watched as Izogie's lips broke into a soft smile, looking at you with awe. 

“I’m so glad you’re mine,” she whispers, fingers still on your clit.

She kissed you deeply, finally granting your desire. She was heaven incarnate. Everything you’ve ever wished for. Her tongue stroked yours and as oxygen left your lungs, your brain overheated and froze at the same time, toes curling, and thighs clenching around her. Your fingertips dripped euphoria and your tongue tasted of Izogie. 

“That’s it, my love. It’s okay,” she praised. “I want to taste your cum. Will you let me?”

The crescendo of your moans were answer enough for her. She quickly brought her mouth back to her heat, the urgency in her movement contrasting with the smirk on her face. Her tongue rolled around on your clit and her arms began to flex against your thighs.

Like a slow tide, your orgasm continued to cover you, spreading slowly from your core to your chest and out through your limbs. Izogie’s face pressed against you forcefully, her arms bulging with a need to keep you close. The taste of you driving her to want you even more. Her grunts and whimpers caused your fingers to twitch as you came down from the potent high, stomach quivering and eyes shut. 

“How I’ve missed you so,” she whispered as she finally allowed herself to breathe. Her eyes filled with stars while her lips glistened with your essence. 

A thin sheen of sweat had covered both of you giving your skin a glossed look. The candlelight reflected off Izogie’s skin beautifully as she rose up from her stomach and onto her knees. 

“You should stay with me,” you began. “Instead of leaving to these battles.”

“My love, not right now. Let’s enjoy this,” she begged. 

You relented and relaxed into the pillows, your tired eyes gazing at Izogie’s perfect frame as if sculpted by Liza herself. The scars she wore proudly cast shadows on her dark skin and you itched to touch them. You reached for her hands and clasped them together, the texture of your palms bringing a smile to Izogie’s face. Your eyes watched as her gaze trailed down your body before falling on your thighs, her face morphing to one of worry.

“What? What’s wrong, my sweet,” you rasped a sleepy sheen continuing to cloud your eyes. 

“Look.”

You dropped your gaze from her to your thighs and saw what she was worried about. Her nails had left scratches, some deep enough to bleed. You knew that there would be scars later, your heart even jumped at the thought. 

“I’m so sorry my love,” she whispered, leaning back down to kiss the wounds. 

“Izogie, my dear warrior, please look at me.”

She didn’t. Her eyes still on your thighs as she kissed them, switching between the right and the left with no pattern. 

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

Your ears were filled with apologies while your fingers itched with the desire to bring her face back up to you. However, you knew that once Izogie started something it was best not to get in her way, it was a fight you would lose. So you let her kiss you until she was satisfied. 

“I like them,” you stated as she continued to kiss your thighs. “I think they’re beautiful.”

“Stop trying to make me feel better.”

“It’s true. I’ve never lied to you.”

Izogie paused, her dark eyes softening but still looking at you with worry. 

“I’m more hurt by the fact that you haven’t kissed me yet," you quipped.

A light chuckle left Izogie’s lips as her worried face turned to one of disbelief. You smiled back at her lazily, your arms coming up behind you to stretch. 

“I suppose now you have scars that I can kiss,” Izogie commented, a smile on her face as she lightly traced over the new marks. 

“I also have lips you can kiss,” you huffed, pulling on her arm. 

Izogie’s lips quirked into a smirk as she covered your body with her own. You brought your arms up to wrap around her neck. 

“Kiss me, warrior.”

|*|

a/n: please leave any feedback

[etherealiss]

Midnight Whiskey Confessions.

Izogie x Black!OC

Summary: After a hard day of training, Izogie’s daily whiskey indulgence led her to a face-to-face confrontation with her destiny.

Warning: There’s romantic yearning, good old fashioned pining, some whiskey-induced fluff kisses.

Word count: 4.3k

A/N: For all of my Izogie stans, I see you. This is for you. It is a simple addition into the beautiful pond of writing I’ve seen so far in the tag alone. I hope my contribution is enough. The gif credit belongs to filmreel. Enjoy! 😊

Starry nights spent under the Dahomey skies were beautiful. As the stars danced against a dark blue backdrop, the moon cast her milky white light over the entire village. The townsfolk bathed in her wonderful glow, feeling eternally grateful to see her performance up close.

Around this time, the Agojie—Dahomey’s strongest female warrior brigade—had successfully wrapped up another long day of sword combat with its newest recruits.

Izogie, the head teacher of various combat lessons, took great pride in her reputation of sharpening the senses of each new warrior. They were malleable clay in her eyes.

She was General Nanisca’s firm right-hand. Her relentless spirit in the heat of battle would only add to her legacy. Her brute strength in the daily bouts against the male guards were the talk of the village. Many of the trainees aspired to become like her. Every eye in the village square refused any attempts to make eye contact whenever she sauntered past.

There was a rule spreading throughout the town of how commonfolk were expected to act in the presence of an Agojie warrior.

“The king doesn’t allow us to look upon the Agojie.”

Except there was one person who worked on bending that sacred rule.

Deja was part of the kitchen staff stationed inside of the palace walls. As one of the main cooks on duty, her job was albeit a simple one: feed as many Agojie soldiers and trainees until the night ends. After tedious preparation, she would serve the food alongside another member. But on some incredibly rare nights, she would assume the role alone to scoop up servings into bowls like a well-oiled machine.

Tonight was that kind of night.

The line of soldiers wrapped around the small structure stationed out in the open near the dark red clay buildings. Combat practice ended without a hitch as the women’s stomachs touched their spines from hunger. Without missing a beat, Deja scooped up the portions into the offered bowls, casting a quick upward glance in assurance of its contents making it into their hand before looking back down.

She would usually tune out their passing conversations, respecting the sanctity of the sisterhood’s gossip. Though it was the sound of three distinct voices which made her throw several glances in their general direction.

“Ey, you’ve got to admit it! Nanisca has gotten a bit softer towards Nawi since we scared the Oyo with our tribute!” Amenza laughed, pushing her elbow into Nanisca’s left arm.

The general rubbed her temples with nimble fingers, the weight of exhaustion softening her rough exterior. “She was disobeying direct orders of a plan I set forth. She could have gotten herself killed. Or worse.”

Deja’s eyes flitted towards the third individual standing behind Nanisca and awaited her response with bated breath, not realizing the distraction impacted her usual flawless performance.

“I remember when you would toss me, a little trainee, across the ground if I even parted my lips with an objection. Little Tsetse is clearly buzzing her way around into your heart, Nanisca.”

From Izogie’s lips, she emitted tiny buzzing noises and earned the boisterous laughter of the two women in front of her. It was in Deja’s line they would shed the load of their strong demeanor and embraced the softness of each other’s company.

The sharpness of their spears were replaced by the presence of Izogie’s snide jabs at their obvious character flaws. Even Deja found herself giggling quietly at their banter each time they came around.

Deja’s year-long, one-sided crush on Nanisca’s right-hand ailed her spirits. She couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment when these feelings came to fruition. Or how astute her senses were when Izogie floated across the palace floor. All she knew was the sound of Izogie’s stern voice delivering a command rattled her entire foundation. The more she would sneak glances at Izogie, the stronger her feelings grew. Her only choice was to lock them away inside of a cold gated prison. Above all else, Deja knew the rule.

“The king doesn’t allow us to look upon the Agojie.”

It haunted her beyond reason.

Deja shook her head twice to regain her focus of the task at hand. These feelings belonged on a high shelf from her mind’s reach. It was a danger to her work. And Izogie could never see her as a romantic prospect. Their worlds were light years away from each other. That was the natural order.

As the line continued moving forward, the three women finally landed in front of Deja’s pot with audible growls singing from their stomachs in perfect harmony.

“My favorite part of the day,” General Nanisca said through an easy smile. She handed Deja her bowl, watching her scoop the rice and meat with careful intent. Deja glanced quickly at her hand and offered a silent head bow.

Amenza’s mouth watered. “It is a gift to partake in Deja’s wonderful cooking with our sisters-in-arms. Don’t you agree, Izogie?”

After serving Amenza back her bowl, Deja choked on an inhale once the next hand extended forth her dish in pure anticipation. Her acute senses as a cook failed her. She no longer smelled the many spices she used this morning to prepare for dinner.

The heavenly scent of freshly scooped shea butter mixed with palm oil permeated the air around her in silent waves. It belonged to Izogie. It was her signature scent to command.

Deja tilted her head up slightly, even if it meant bearing witness to the illusion of Izogie standing there with trained eyes focused solely on her.

“Yes. Everyone knows I will only eat on the nights Deja cooks. She knows exactly how I like my meat,” Izogie answered, looking straight ahead at the sweaty cook. Their eyes locked on each other immediately.

It didn’t dawn on Deja that Izogie knew her name. Or how the intonation of Deja’s name rolling from her lips reminded her of freshly poured honey. Knots unfurled in Deja’s stomach upon taking an eyeful of Izogie’s hunky appearance. If she was going to commit to breaking a sacred rule, she would relish the forbidden taste of the bounty before it was snatched away.

Izogie wore her warrior outfit with pride. Her biceps protruded from under the gold band adorned on either side, which was accompanied by a simple shell band. Numerous scars from battle and training alike were dusted across the canvas of her rich dark skin. Two particular scars caught Deja’s attention.

One was imbued on the right side of her neck, extending down towards her collarbone. The second scar was carved above her right shoulder blade. Seeing them up this close made Deja question their existence. If they could talk, they would whisper the many tales of Izogie the Conqueror, the undefeated champion of Dahomey.

The gods took their time with this one, Deja thought.

Izogie licked her lips, a dangerous act to initiate as a warrior. Deja was the first one to break eye contact and forced herself to gaze upon her hand instead. Long nails sharpened to a fine point piqued her interest further. Even after she knowingly broke the king’s only rule, Deja’s courage dissipated. She held the bowl out for Izogie to reach and willed herself into breathing normally again.

What the cook wasn’t expecting was for Izogie’s fingers slowly gliding over hers, delivering the final blow to Deja’s resolve. The painful pang inside of her heart resonated through her bones. These feelings only caused trouble. Deja needed their existence extracted from her body altogether.

“Thank you, Izogie,” she finally spoke, taking heed of the rule by casting her eyes downward. She hoped Izogie wouldn’t see through her facade. Their dance would soon be over after this exchange. “I’m always happy to hear any reviews of my cooking. Your kind words are not lost on me. I’ll strive to make an even better meal tomorrow.”

After tidying up the kitchen area on the training grounds, Deja hurried back to her room. The ticking time bomb of tears was uncertain. But being in Izogie’s presence earlier was the obvious catalyst for their near arrival. Once she entered in the familiarity of those four walls, Deja permitted herself to crumble completely.

Large teardrops clouded her vision, which signaled the commencement of her nightly sobbing session. No one ever told her how intense it was to shoulder unrequited feelings. She never weighed the price of losing her physical strength to be in close proximity of her crush. Her heart never carried this big of a burden before.

On beautiful starry nights like this, Deja was curled up in her bed. Her beautiful dark skin contrasted the green patterned dress she wore as she bathed under the slivers of moonlight. She wished for the gods to take away the beating of her heart.

And soon, sleep washed her tears away.

It was well past midnight as most of the king’s guard was snoring the night away. The halls should have remained quiet. But two hours into her slumber, she woke up to a pair of noisy bare feet stomping across the smooth clay floor. Then, a disembodied voice—the same voice she spent an hour crying over—spoke up in a failed whisper.

“Deja, I request your company at once! You and I must speak now.”

As she stirred from her bed, Deja thought it was still the plot to one of her many vivid dreams. Her headwrap fell off in the middle of her thrashing, revealing her messy shoulder length twists. Usually Deja hid them away, but a touch of sleep convinced her this was part of the dream.

She walked to the cloth separating her room from the hallway and pushed it open with one hand, completely unaware of her heart stuttering at the sight in front of her.

Izogie was still radiant in her warrior attire, but her two machetes weren’t attached to either side of her hips. She was never unarmed during her nighttime patrol. Her oiled black skin shimmered in the fractals of lit palace torches, the forbidden sight meant to be consumed by Deja’s eyes. Her usual hardened stare softened the moment she lay her eyes upon the sleepy cook. Something must have happened.

Deja leaned forward to make sure no one else was awakened by Izogie’s loud announcement, fixing her gaze to the ground. “Izogie? This couldn’t wait until sunrise?”

“Y-Your hair,” she coughed. “I’ve never seen it like this before.”

“Forgive me, but I heard how urgent you were calling for me. Have I done something to upset you?”

“Yes. May I come in?”

Her brisk answer silenced Deja. She held the cloth and stepped to the side to grant Izogie access across her sacred threshold. The faint smell of distilled alcohol wafted past Deja’s nose, piquing her curiosity further. She heard from another staff member, Cerys, about the cases retrieved by the soldiers. Never once did she think about how Izogie would indulge in its rancid taste.

Alcohol was known for altering realities.

Once inside, Deja released the fabric and positioned herself to stand in front of the soldier. Her eyes fell again to the red floor. There was a brief silence shared between them, neither willing to break away from it.

Soon, Izogie cleared her throat. “Do you know what you did?”

Deja shook her head slowly, refusing to look up. Izogie blew a large gust of wind from her mouth before letting out a chuckle.

“You looked at me, Deja. You broke the king’s only rule and I deserve to know why.”

She swallowed down the dry bubble in her throat. “I cannot say.”

“You will.”

“Izogie. Please, don’t make me say it.” The tears bubbled to the surface and threatened to fall again.

Her fingers gingerly cupped Deja’s chin, forcing her to meet the pool of chocolate browns she could spend hours getting lost in. The thought of being guided under her slight hand wasn’t lost on Deja now.

Izogie was Deja’s undoing.

“There it is,” Izogie whispered, allowing her shaky thumb to graze the corner of Deja’s lips. She was teetering closer to danger. “The look in your eyes tells me everything I need to know.”

“I’ll get rid of them, Izogie!” Deja blubbered out, fresh tears spilling down past her cheeks. “I’ll banish my heart far away from my reach and never look at you again. If it is my punishment, I will obey.”

Izogie blinked in astonishment and halted her thumb over Deja’s lower lip. She took in Deja’s tears, committing the scene to memory before shutting her eyes for a moment. “Punishment? You thought I came here tonight under the cover of night to punish you?”

“It’s the only reason I can dream you into being in front of me now.”

Izogie opened her eyes. “What do you mean dream?”

Deja brought her hand to Izogie’s wrist, wrapping her fingers around it. “I’ll tell you why I broke the rule. I’m sure you’re dying to know why a second-rate cook took a chance and stole a glance at the general’s best soldier.”

Izogie remained silent as Deja went on. “These feelings inside of me, I can’t quite describe it. All I know is I would like to be in your presence all of the time. I want to feel your fingers caress me and collapse into your warm embrace at the end of the day. I want to be able to make you laugh. I want to be the reason behind your smiles. I want to keep feeding you until you tire of my cooking. I wish to be important to you. I’ll wage a thousand wars and endure punishment from the gods if it means I can look at you. And I don’t want anyone else. My heart desires you. I like you. There, I’ve said it.”

Deja drew out a long breath and dropped her hand from Izogie’s wrist, thinking the dream sequence ended here. But the cloudy haze of sleep robbed her of witnessing Izogie disappear as an apparition. Instead, the real Izogie stood in place with her thick brows raised from shock.

“I am not asleep, am I?”

Izogie shook her head, the same face adorned with pure confusion only few can produce from her.

Before she could explain her way out of the wordy confession, Izogie dropped her hand and fell to her knees. Deja came down to her level and clapped her hands together to slide them in front of her mouth. Whether it was a prayer to the gods or a repentance from the woman she loved, Deja knew everything was ruined.

Her first thought was to shift blame onto the alcohol.

“You drank from the white man’s port, didn’t you?” she questioned, finally scanning Izogie’s eyes for a hint of truth.

Izogie gulped. “It is the only good thing they brought. It is called whiskey.”

“What does it taste like?”

“Bitter at first. Though, I find the taste turns sweeter as you drink more from the bottle.”

“And how much did you drink tonight?”

“Enough to get me here to you.”

General Nanisca’s right-hand was properly intoxicated. She sat in front of Deja, willing to answer any question thrown her way. For the first time ever, the odds shifted in her favor of winning the unofficial war they sparred in.

“Who did you drink with? You couldn’t have possibly had this whiskey drink alone.”

Izogie traced the remnants of the clear liquid with a swipe from her tongue and giggled. Her demeanor was unlike the brute soldier she presented herself as every day. “One of the trainees I brought in from town, Nawi, took a gulp and puckered up her face like a fish. Can you believe it? Finally, I found a way to shut that tongue up!”

“Ey, the poor girl was tricked! She didn’t stand a chance against you.”

“The first rule of training: always obey Izogie,” she patted the middle of her chest, accepting the whiskey’s effects with open arms. “I am Izogie!”

“You are a terribly loud influence,” Deja groaned.

“And you… You are incredible, Deja.”

Deja stared incredulously at Izogie as she swayed side to side, showcasing her drunken smile. She couldn’t understand the depth of Izogie’s reaction.

“The power you exude hasn’t been stolen from you. I can see it,” Izogie said as she steadied herself, eyes holding the cook’s gaze. “How is it that you can stand there and profess your love for me when I’ve come to tell you, the keeper of my heart, that I am rendered powerless against you?”

Deja’s prayer filled hands dropped into her lap, a sigh escaping her parted lips. “Keeper of your heart?”

Izogie crawled forward, resigned to surrender under Deja’s careful, tender touch. She rested her head on top of Deja’s opened hands as the weight of her body relaxed to the floor. Here it was, she experienced the most serene moment of existence. She was home.

“I came here tonight to tell you how I couldn’t hide my feelings any longer. Seeing the way you looked at me during dinner, I was weakened. I win every single challenge thrown at my feet. But for you, I am at your mercy.”

“Izogie, you can’t mean that,” Deja whispered.

“Whether you believe me or not—and I sincerely hope that you do—I have been looking your way ever since you started working at the Dahomey Palace. But you never looked at me. I assumed it’s because you heard of how the townsfolk can never look directly at us,” Izogie paused. “I broke the rules a long time ago when I found myself falling for you.”

Deja pulled her hands from under her crush’s head and fiddled away at her short nails. In the distance, thunder boomed across the sky. The downpour of rain would shower over the village grounds soon. And Izogie’s words were out in the open for Deja to see, but she wouldn’t receive it.

“What does that mean for us?”

Izogie lifted both of her hands and grabbed Deja’s arms. As she tightened her grip, the sharp tips of her nails punctured tiny holes of blood through Deja’s skin. It wouldn’t leave behind any scarred tissue.

“Deja,” Izogie baited her with the likeness of her name rolling off her whiskey coated tongue. She waited so long to hear it from her lips. “I like you. Everything you said in your confession is what my heart desires for us too. You don’t have to banish your feelings away from your heart anymore. I want to be with you. I wish to explore this love by your side.”

“But behind these walls, I am not allowed to look at you. I know the rule. I am not an exception.”

“You are mistaken,” Izogie breathed out a sigh, her hands releasing their hold and returning back to her sides. “The king’s rule only applies to the outsiders. Once you pass through those doors and live within the palace halls, your eyes are free to roam wherever.”

Deja didn’t know that part. “This whole time—”

“We could have locked eyes every waking moment over the past year. There would have been no judgment. And there is no punishment I wish to inflict on you after finally looking at me.”

The air returned to Deja’s lungs once she sucked in a quick breath. There was no special circumstance to a rule given from the inside of a palace. Its existence was nullified. She was free to look at the love of her life without living a life shrouded in shame and tearful regret.

“Then why did you come here?”

“My punishment needs to be delivered by your hand,” Izogie admitted, her teeth sinking into her lower lip. “I should have loved you out loud. You can blame the whiskey if you want, but I wish to make a small, selfish request for my sentence.”

Deja ushered her to continue with a stern nod. “I want to spend a lifetime with you. This time, I’ll be the one waging a war against the gods. If it is my punishment, I will obey.”

She placed both of her hands on Izogie’s face, carefully, allowing her thumbs to rub around the apples of her cheeks. Soft patters of a light rain against the roof drummed away the rest of Deja’s worries.

“Punishments can wait. Nothing in this world would make me happier than being yours.”

Izogie’s smile was a sight to behold. Her happiness was infectious to those in her vicinity. “You were always mine.”

Deja’s fingers traveled down to the side of Izogie’s neck and slid over the mark which caught her curiosity earlier. The smoothness of the scarred tissue beneath her touch was nothing close to what she imagined. Deja held Izogie’s attention, her eyes searching for the unwritten answer among the stars.

“I must be honest about my fascination with your battle scars. They are my favorite part of you. I wish to familiarize myself with the existence of every single one of them. Every story behind them will be mine to carry.”

“Ey. Don’t make such bold statements. You are not under the whiskey’s influence.”

“No. Just yours,” Deja said in the midst of a smile, gliding her fingers along Izogie’s hard collarbone. “Since we’re making our requests known, can I ask you for something before the whiskey’s magic spell wears off?”

“My love, you could ask me to burn the world in your name. I would do anything.”

“My world has already been set ablaze,” she chuckled. “Am I allowed to kiss you now?”

Izogie blinked away her surprise. “Do you really need to ask?”

“I’m giving you the chance to oppose your destiny. I was told a warrior’s consent is the bridge used to build the most sacred bond of trust.”

“Who told you that? Amenza?” Izogie arched one of her perfect thick brows. “Are you aiming to be part of the Agojie?”

“No, no, no. I want you to honor me as the keeper of your heart. Now,” Deja leaned down, maintaining a healthy gap between their lips, “do I have your permission to kiss you?”

Uncontrollable laughter bubbled from Izogie’s mouth and shook her entire body, serving as a reminder of why Deja yearned to be next to her in the first place.

“Yes. A thousand times, yes.”

Deja closed the gap between their mouths in one fell swoop, commencing the drums of their heartbeats together on one accord. Even with closed eyes, their hearts guided the movement of the kiss. There was an insatiable craving stirring inside of her. Maybe it was the softness of Izogie’s lips which coaxed it alive. Perhaps, it brought Deja’s hidden desires off of the highest shelf and delivered it straight into her tattered hands.

Their lips parted to regain the rhythm of their breathing, but the dance began again as the bitter, intoxicating taste of whiskey on Izogie’s tongue consumed Deja’s thoughts. She slid the tip along Deja’s upper lip, briefly poking it into her mouth once their lips connected.

The warrior learned how much pressure would be necessary to unravel the poor cook, easily stripping her lover of the strength she once possessed. Deja knew her opponent studied the nature of her delighted reactions, especially when she was this close to her target. She broke away from their intense kiss in a heated daze, pressing a series of pecks along Izogie’s jaw and brought them over onto her right cheek.

Izogie went and found the purest source of unrefined sugar disguised as the gorgeous black angel hovering above her. The unsuspected move to shower her face with wet kisses rendered her speechless. She broke out in fits of laughter, enveloping the two lovers in state of unbridled bliss.

The war ended on a mutual agreement to establish new terms for peace. Kissing Deja was Izogie’s new purpose. And Deja promised Izogie a lifetime of learning the stories behind each scar, old and new. The world would go on without them.

And Izogie savored her reward with great reverence.

Deja pulled herself back, finally mustering enough willpower between the two of them. Izogie’s eyes slowly batted open as her signature sheepish grin wiped away any ill thoughts of the day before. The sight of her covered in the various kiss marks earned a nod of approval from the artist herself. Deja loved her new canvas.

“You should prepare yourself for early morning training, my golden warrior. We’ll discuss the parameters of your punishment during my lunch break.”

Whiskey was a truth-telling serum delivered overseas. It was the only thing the traders deemed worthy because of its magical properties of subduing the tongues of even the strongest soldiers.

“And I will obey,” Izogie said. “All I ask is that you will remind me of this moment. When I wake in your quarters a few hours from now, I fear I won’t remember what damage has been done on this battlefield. Or which one of us emerged victorious.”

Deja dragged one finger over her brow and pressed another kiss against the bone with an air of ease. She watched as her love flipped onto her side with closed eyes, nuzzling her cheek against Deja’s thick thigh. The whiskey’s magic spell was slowly lifting. Sleep would come for her soon.

“I promise you, Izogie. I won’t let you forget to collect your spoils from war.”

[unabashedly-faulty]

I took a look at the written journal we started this summer.

We switch in between sentences. Cherry thinks we’re polygragmented. The term seems to fit what we’ve been trying to gather about our system. At least what Stella has been showing us. Me?

Where I’m standing used to be Nakoma. She was born in 2022. The communicator.

When I said our pronouns it was like her looking in. Then the great break happened and she became a trauma part. She’s been with us for 2 and a half years. She been the one doing the things to keep us together. To encourage us. To help us communicate to one another. To communicate us to each other really. And so (someone is typing while I’m here, feels like a younger part gathering or coming to) we are a bit lost. Or I am. I don’t know if I am the new communicator. I do not have a name. But I feel like I am in the front seat.

Hmm she has the word cadence of Nawi from the woman king. Even the way I talk as we type. Is like her.

Wilddddddddd

—

So I don’t know why you’re here either but I will be here to walk with you. Can you give me back my voice? Please

Thank you.

It’s okay. I’ve got you. Thank you for being here. We will figure this out.

Wait are you here from our journal ? 🧐 are you attached in any way to it?

Stella step in. What’s happening here?

I guess I’ll find out later.

Good chat. Good night. 😘

[softboiled-egg]

Guess who’s 20

[originalartblog]

"Can someone go and drag him back?"

Chuuya week - Day 7 - Happy Birthday!

[ntls-24722]

Mostly music man on the mind. here's djmms to stave you off

I wondered if the robot version of hanging by a silk thread would just be his butt hatch opening up to hang on by a rope contraption like this.

And then we just have him as a discord kitten (don't even know what possessed me to make it). That and Sindeer and her mom, Nawi, getting excited about someone getting executed for adultery

Brainstorming Regse and figuring out my least favorite part about character design: clothes. I at least got down a particularity about zebrapeople's clothes - the fronts are usually kept open. Since they keep their arms in a mantis posture, there's not much pressure to cover your chest most of the time.

I figured it out eventually though, and actually remembered to make their(?) facial structure the way it's supposed to be, that and I figured out some of the facial particularities of the other two:

This is Regse, Pua, and Mauli, they're 3 zebraelf mailmen and they keep getting into dumb situations, be it with their own species or when they're off in the wilderness. Zebraelf genders are just their jobs - the reproductive caste is usually two genders for the drones and queens, but are sometimes wholly one gender whether you're either, and the workers are seen as the "in-between" third gender. Masculinity and femininity within workers are usually determined by your job description: Work in nurseries, obstetrics or as parents are typically seen as feminine because of their resemblance to/working alongside the egglaying queen, and most jobs with a lot of travelling or work in hospitality/entertainment is seen as masculine due to its resemblance to drones and their travelling fraternities. With the very drone-like travelling of being mailmen, these are zebraelf butches!

Regse is Pua and Mauli's grumpy boss, but they're all best friends. Pua is a nervous wreck who is unfortunately also an accidental agent of chaos and keeps making mistaken mischief. Mauli is a lot more laid back, and while she outwardly appears as a goody-two shoes, they purposefully cause mischief. Regse sees through her facade though, and chews them both out for whatever dumb shit they did this time

More of the secret music man AU.

It's secret because I can't talk about it, because even I, the creator, don't know what it's about

[babycakesad]

Journal Entry #23 (05/12/2023)

It has been quite a while since I wrote something. Where do I begin? Maybe I should start with the fact that we have a label again. 2 months after we broke up.

I'm typing this while you're sitting in front of me. We haven't talked these past few days but I appreciate na ikaw yung lumapit sa akin. Well, palagi naman but it hit differently today.

May label tayo pero bakit 'di ako masaya? Parang may kulang? Parang may nawawala? 'di ko alam eh. Something's off or maybe nago-overthink lang ako? Baka kasi na-trigger ako? The things that are happening to me right now feel like a pattern. Yung hindi mo ako kausapin kasi hindi ka okay? The last time I experienced it, nalaman ko na lang niloloko na pala ako.

Ang hirap pumasok sa trabaho kasi mabigat yung puso ko pero hindi ako pwede magpakita ng emotion. Gusto ko mag breakdown pero hindi ko magawa. Gusto ko iiyak pero 'di pwede. Ang hirap. Alam mo yon? 'di ako pwedeng 'di maging okay kasi makakadagdag lang yun sa iisipin mo. And ayoko na dagdagan yung problema mo.

You're battling with your own demons, I'm fighting mine as well. Ang hirap. Tapos nawi-weirdan ako sa sarili ko kasi napaka emotional ko the past few days. Nag iisip tuloy ako. Pero sabi ko nga, kung ganun man, 'di ko sasabihin sa'yo. Kasi makakadagdag lang ako sa problema mo.

Ang bigat bigat ng puso ko, AD. Hindi ko alam gagawin ko din. Sa'yo ko gusto yumakap. Sa'yo ko gusto umiyak. Sa'yo ko gusto mag sumbong. Pero 'di pwede. 'di ko magawa.

[flawesomehumanbeing]

Approaching a stranger isn't hard HAHA things that I love so much about myself, mostly I don't think that much just approaching strangers, and it helps me to find new friends, and I'm so grateful that the pandemic sudah samar samar yaah :)

Yesterday, 28 Feb 2023 while waiting at MRT Haji Nawi, I was dancing along while listening to "Don't feel like crying by Sigrid", my mood was super good that night, and there was someone coming, she was wearing a blue hoodie, so when she was sitting, I asked her "kalo sudah jam segini, MRT sepi ya?" "ha?" at first she was a little bit confused wkwk like where the heck that sounds coming from wkwk "sering pulang jam segini naik MRT?" "iya" "introvert atau extrovert?" I randomly asked her personality she was giggling while answering "depends on ha ha ha" "oh so it depends on the person that you're talking to? ketika dengan close friends extrovert, dengan strangers introvert?" "correct!" "ambivert? haha" "kayanya ya hahaha" "alright, namanya siapa?" "Gabriella" sambil akhirnya berdiri "Nadia" (aku dari tadi sudah berdiri) wkwk "dari mana?" "abis main tadi dari PIM3, mau balik ke Tebet"

and then we became friends, we talked about a lot of things, she's a private teacher, SAINS, amazing, and btw she ended up becoming my guide wkwk I was supposed to go to Benhil but since she said if you want to go to Tebet, then you can take Sudirman and then transit at Manggarai not a coincidence, she's going to Depok, so we basically gonna use the same way HAHA

she's pretty good at commuting, she knew exactly where the door gonna be, and where the escalator was, and she counted it well haha she was so excited to talk about the KRL, especially how Manggarai's gonna be built haha she guessed my birth year based on "I'm using Tumblr" HAHAHA

we ran to just catch the train, so we can go home earlier, and it was an exhausting wkwk but I've had so much fun haha anyway, before I arrive in Tebet, I asked for her number HAHA and here is what I've got "Gabriella Introvert MRT"

I laughed out loud as I read it HAHA and btw she said she felt like she was adopted by an extrovert HAHAHAHA

[iwritenarrativesandstuff]

#sorry i saw one too many posts talking about dazai's ''masks'' and how the hides his true self from the ada#and what of it if he still has the potential to hurt others? what of it if he's good at hurting? every day he chooses not to lean into it#not too far at the very least.#isn't kyouk.a skilled at killing? did she not choose not to do it?#i'm not saying dazai's never acting (because it does happen) i'm saying too many people are too quick to brush off-#every non-serious non-mean emotion as ''playing an act''#why would the mean persona not be a fake?? you thought about that??? what biases are you holding here#he makes jokes. he acts silly. he's a drama queen. he loves it.#you know what IS tiring? having to look evil and untouchable and impassive in front of a whole organization every day as a teenager#as soon as he gets to lupin with od.a and ang.o he goes silly mode. heck- when he *met* ang.o it was because he went silly mode.#as soon as chuuy.a is in proximity he starts yelling children's insults and starts stupid competitions#his silly mode is just as integrated into his personality as the capacity to be the scariest most evil person you've seen#they are not mutually exclusive and having the capacity for either does not mean acting of them#as asagiri said in an interview: bsd isn't about change it's about adaptation. kyouk.a has the talent to kill. she just chooses not to.#dazai has the skills to be evil. he just chooses good.

Hi Nawy. Your tags pass peer review.

putting my hands on your shoulders looking directly into your eyes why are you so insistent that Dazai is faking every emotion every second of every day except when he's acting mean or evil why do you think his dark side is more true than his happier or sillier sides

do you not also have multiple facets you show different people? are we not all beautiful multifaceted individuals? are your actions and reactions not influenced by your emotions and state of mind?

can't he laugh at his own jokes? can't he fondly think of the Agency? can't he be dramatic because he wants to? can't he be surprised by something suddenly happening, even if he knew it would happen? do you not jump when the jack in the box gets out even if you were the one working the mechanism?

why would the mean persona be more real? why would any and all joy be faked? why are you only allowing him misery?

[winxixia]

IMPORTANT

Hi.

Sorry to make this post but I’m very upset about something and I have to tell you. This morning, a lovely follower warned me an Amazon shop is using my stickers from my RedBubble to sell on Amazon, and as you can guess, not only mine but also Catifex and many more (pls reach out to them, ping them here, let them see and join me in this).

There are many shops it seems for those thiefs have no shame. Here is the list of websites the follower shared with me - maybe there is more:

https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Quest-Stickers-Merch-50pcs/dp/B08VH22RJY/ref=sr_1_181?dchild=1&keywords=Dragon+quest&qid=1623622932&sr=8-181

https://www.amazon.com/Stickers-Waterproof-Notebook-Skateboard-Aesthetic/dp/B095BHV2BK/ref=sr_1_109?dchild=1&keywords=Dragon+quest&qid=1623622831&sr=8-109

https://www.amazon.com/Stickers-Motorcycle-Bicycle-Skateboard-Graffiti/dp/B08Y6RYQB8/ref=sr_1_47?dchild=1&keywords=Dragon+quest&qid=1623622761&sr=8-47

https://www.amazon.com/Stickers-Bottles-Waterproof-Computer-Skateboard/dp/B08XW1C629/ref=sr_1_97?dchild=1&keywords=Dragon+quest&qid=1623622831&sr=8-97

https://www.amazon.com/Stickers-Cartoon-Skateboard-Computer-Waterproof/dp/B095L9T15Y/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=Dragon+quest&qid=1623622048&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/Stickers-Bottles-Waterproof-Aesthetic-Waterbottle/dp/B09295PMG1/ref=sr_1_153?dchild=1&keywords=Dragon+quest&qid=1623622882&sr=8-153

I reached out to Amazon and they sent a link to fill a complaint... Yet I need to have a register trademark and I unfortunately don’t... I can only guess it is the same for the other artists who had their art stolen.

Please report if you can and share, this is important!

[bluemoose86]

Thoughts on The Woman King

Spolier-free:

First of all, I loved this movie! And so did the other two people I went with; the three of us literally talked about how we all wanted to see it again after it was over

Great fight choreography, loved getting to see a bunch of women go absolutely feral in battle without them being sexualized or still having to “look pretty.” There’s a lot of close-ups during fights of the Agojie killing people and it’s not pretty, it’s brutal and it’s fucking awesome (the movie is PG-13 though so it’s not overtly gory, which I personally appreciated)

THE ACTING???? On point the ENTIRE movie. Give Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, and Lashana Lynch ALL the awards RIGHT NOW. Viola Davis embodied Nanisca perfectly and was equally impressive in the epic battle scenes and in the emotionally vulnerable scenes. I’ve seen several articles talk about how this was a career performance from her, and she herself called the film her magnum opus. Lashana Lynch stole every single scene she was in. Izogie my beloved. I also enjoyed John Boyega’s portrayal of King Ghezo and Sheila Atim as Amenza

Also I literally had to do a triple take when I found out Thuso Mbedu, who plays 19 year old Nawi, is THIRTY ONE?????? SHE’S ONLY THREE YEARS YOUNGER THAN LASHANA LYNCH???? SHE’S THE SAME AGE AS SHEILA ATIM???? In other pictures she looks older but I am actually 19 and I stg when I found that out, I felt old

And still speaking of the actors, really cool how the majority of, if not all the Black actors in this movie were dark skinned, particularly the women. I read that when the movie was first being pitched, some studios wanted to cast light-skinned and well-known actresses, but the producers refused

The beginning felt a little rough to me in terms of pacing, but the movie hits its stride around the mid-point or so. And trust me, when it starts working, it works.

The script was also a bit weak sometimes, but I thought the performances made up for it

I’ve seen some people online saying the movie glorifies the slave trade or glorifies Dahomey while brushing the kingdom’s involvement in the slave trade to the side, which really confuses me because...it doesn’t? The movie opens with a text-scrolling intro à la Star Wars that literally mentions the slave trade, and several characters in the movie talk about it as well. Nanisca and King Ghezo have a conversation about how Dahomey profits from the slave trade, and how Ghezo’s brother sold their people—including his and Ghezo’s own mother—as slaves for profit. And then it gets more overt when some Portuguese men land at the port city, one of them specifically to buy slaves, and when we go into the city and LITERALLY SEE slaves being chained up, kept in cages, and brought onto the block to be sold. The movie both shows and tells you how awful the slave trade is, and how the people in the movie are impacted by it. At one point, some of the women are captured and prepped to be judged and sold and the entire process is presented as brutal and degrading. I’m seriously convinced that the people who say the movie is “glorifying slavery” have never seen it

Wanted to end this section on a good note lol so I’ll once again say IZOGIE MY BELOVED!!!!! Favorite character without a doubt, also gave off fruity vibes but y’all let me know if you picked up on that too lol

Overall, I definitely recommend this movie and I will 100% rewatch it in the future. Also this movie BETTER win some fucking Oscars or else 😤😤

Spoiler thoughts below!!

Izogie’s death scene was very well done. I kind of guessed they would end up killing her off since they really built her up as a character, but that didn’t lessen its impact at all. Lashana Lynch and Thuso Mbedu acted their asses off (as they did the whole movie, but particularly here). The actual set-up was good too: having Nawi convince her to stay alive so they could all escape together, setting her broken arm and then having to pretend like it was never broken, having her be the only one who actually escaped but deciding that Nawi was right that the Agojie should help each other and trying to go back for her, only to get killed while Nawi is begging her to keep running. Heartbreaking, but that’s what made it so good

By contrast, Nawi’s friend’s death (the Mahi prisoner, I forgot her name I’m so sorry) was not really impactful at all, beyond her dying right after being accepted by the other Agojie who had a problem with her before. I wish they had spent a little more time on both Nawi’s friends as individual characters and their relationship with each other. We barely saw Nawi interact with either of them before they became best friends, and after the Mahi girl died, neither Nawi or her other friend mourned her on screen (I know Nawi had been kidnapped at this point, but the other girl survived and wasn’t kidnapped)

I loved how Nanisca and the other Agojie went to the city intending to just rescue their own but she found out that the slave traders killed Izogie and Nawi was missing and she said “burn it to the fucking ground.” Iconic as HELL and I wish more stories would let their MC react like that

Also loved that the prisoners that Malik freed drowned the slave trader he came with. Fuck you dude

A woman literally getting to kill her abuser? We love to see it

I wish they’d brought up Nawi being an orphan a bit earlier in the movie, since it seemed like it was introduced rather suddenly after she became an Agojie. They could have pretty easily tossed in a line from her parents admonishing her for acting so terribly after they “rescued” her from the orphanage. 

I also really enjoyed Nanisca and Amenza’s relationship! I got kind of gay vibes but the only thing that was explicitly confirmed was how close they are and how much they mean to each other, which I was also happy with. I’m so glad Amenza survived the movie lol

[fandomshatepeopleofcolor]

Finally managed to see The Woman King over the weekend (had to wait for it to be available in my country). It was very enjoyable. I am a bit of a history nerd so I did look up things about Dahomey and Oyo and all but to be honest, this was a historical movie in the same way as various versions of Three Musketeers are a historical movie. There was the real setting and some characters had the names of real people and it referenced the historical events but it was not what the movie was really about. It was about Nanisca and Izogie and Nawi and Fumbe and Amenza and all of their sisters and about the bonds between people and about having to stand for what you know is right, even if it makes your life harder. One thing I appreciated about the movie is that it did not focus on the pain the characters went through exclusively. Like yes, there was trauma and it informed characters' actions and choices but it was not all there was to it. There were so many beautiful dance sequences when these women were shown to enjoy life and just feel and it was wonderful and inspiring. 10/10 would watch again.

Hey thanks for this!

I also made a video for anyone wondering about why you're talking about this.