#no one is brave enough to execute or seek it out

[vacantgodling]

tbh a lot of people talk about enjoying unreliable narrators but i’m also like… how many books has anyone legitimately read with an unreliable narrator done well

[sharenadraculea]

Planetswap-AU Outline!

Finally manged to finish the backstory-outlines for my planetswap-au!

I Lion El‘Johnson (Olympia): The tyrant of Lochos received a vision that a child from the sky would take his throne and so he ordered his servants to kill the infant. But instead they gave the baby to a huntress, who went on to raise him as a girl. Many years later she meets Calliphone, the princess of Lochos who ran away, and while they slowly fell in love, they started planning the revolution. 

III Fulgrim (Barbarus): Beeing captured by the tyrannical overlord Necare, Fulgrim spent his whole life in a tower on the highest mountain of Barbarus. While beeing forced to work for Necare, the toxic atmosphere slowly but surely did irreversible damage to his lungs. When the Emporer finally came to Barbarus, Fulgrim was closer to death than live, and even after leaving the planet, he is in dire need of medical treatment.

IV Perturabo (Baal Secundus): Perturabos pod was found by the mutants living in the desert and they raised him as one of their own. And seeing their suffering, he wanted to help. And he managed to, building houses and trying to improve medicine. 

V Jagathai Dorn (Inwit): The young Jaghatai was found by the patriarch of the house Dorn. Growing up amongst the feuding houses he soon learned the in and outs of both politics and polite society and became a master of artic warfare. It didn‘t take long for him to conquer the whole world and so he set to the stars, soon having taken over the whole of the Inwit-cluster. 

VI Leman (Prospero): After landing in the desert of Prospero, the planets psykic jackels led the infant to the city of Tizca. Roaming it‘s streets, Leman finally found a home in the cities great library. He learned the place of every book and despite beeing of great help to the people of Prospero, he always felt like a outsider due to his inability to use magic. 

VII Rogal (Cthonia): Rogal was found by one of Cthonias many gang-leaders, who quickly came to treat him as her own son. As the young primarch grew up, he realized what his mother was actually doing and in a fit of rage accidentally killed her. Terrified of what he did, Rogal ran away and hid out until the emporer arrived. 

VIII Konrad (Caliban): There are many strage creatures in the depth of Calibans forest and one of them is the Lady of the Lake. As beautifull as she is deadly and often accompanied by the Watchers in the Dark, she may help those mortals brave or foolish enough to seek her out. But if they are deemed unworthy, they may loose their heart to her. 

IX Sanguinius Khan (Chogoris/Mundus Plannus): Raised by a tribal leader, Sanguinius had a happy childhood until his father was killed by a enemy tribe. Gathering his own army, he set out for revenge and once he tasted blood, there was no going back. With both fear and diplomacy he united the warring tribes of the steppe, attracting the attention of the planets empires who soon managed to capture him. The day of his supposed execution, he killed the local emporer and fought his way back out, soon taking over the whole planet. 

X Ferrus Manus (Terra): Ferrus was raised by the Emporer himself or more accuratly, it was Malcador who did most of it. He traveled the stars ever since he was young and no, the Emporer definetly did not loose a teenage Ferrus, leading to him slaying a necron construct which coated his arms in living metal. 

XII Angron Guilliman (Macragge): Angron was raised by loving parents and had a very happy childhood. Thanks to his empathy-powers he came to greatly care about regular humans and so started to improve live for everyone. He also introduced proper democracy to Ultramar and started adopting every stray cat he meets. 

XIII Roboute (Deliverance/Lycaeus): Roboute grew up in the shadows, always hiding from the prison guards and helping prepare the slaves for the revolution. But it didn‘t work forever and he was caught. The sadistic guards were fascinated by the strange boy who was too big and healed too fast. But even after he escaped and the revolution suceeded, Roboute would never be the same again and still struggles to speak. 

XIV Mortarion (Colchis): When a especially bad drought hit Colchis, multiple children were sacrificed to their god of nature. Little Mortarion was the only one to return, no longer human and never to grow up.

XV Magnus the Red (Nocturne): Nocturne has always been a unstable planet, the myriad of vulvanos and lavafields forcing it‘s inhabitants to constantly move. The young Magnus soon realized that he had the power to controll both fire and the earth itself. He learned how to fight the planets vulcanos and turned the deathworld into a much more hospitable place. 

XVI Horus (Nuceria): Horus was lucky: the high-rider who found him decided to keep him instead of throwing the child into the figthing pits. He grew up in luxury and later used his influence not to improve live for everyone but to have good time, doing drugs and playing gladiator. To him it was just a game, afterall he is a primarch, he wouldn‘t loose. 

XVII Lorgar (Medusa): Lorgar grew up in a secluded monestary high in Medusas mountains. As she got older, she realized that she is not a man, which led to her beeing kicked out of the monestary. Wandering the lands she had to learn who she actually is and find a more healthy relationship to her religion,

XVIII Vulkan of the Russ (Fenris): Vulkan was found by a young dragon, who miraculously didn‘t kill the infant, instead taking care of the young boy. As he got older, his interest in humans grew until he decided to join the nearby human village. Quickly discovering his talent as a smith and warrior -as well as a love for everything shiny- he became the leader of his people.

XIX Corvus Corax (Chemos, kind of): Corvus landed on the planet of Chemos, but they didn‘t stay there for long: harlequins found the infant wandering about and after a bit of godly intervention accepted the infant as one of their own. They learned the harlequins dances and stories, how to use eldar weaponery and about Cegorachs mysterious plans as they travelled the webway. And for the story to advance, they need to leave their adoptive family… at least for now. 

XX Alpharius and Omegon (Nostramo): While they landed on a absolutly horrible planet, they were together. Speaking a language only the two of them can understand, they did their best to survive as so many street urchins did, and maybe improve that hellhole of a planet. 

[summerpearlgirl]

Analysis of the Character Traits of Penelope Bridgerton (nee Featherington)

I have already posted about the strengths and challenges of the character traits that Colin and Penelope share.

Here I will discuss Penelope's character traits of bravery, curiosity and comfort. Spoilers throughout.

1. Bravery

Strengths:

Overcoming obstacles: Bravery allows people to face challenges and overcome obstacles. Penelope is brave when she stands before the Ton at the Butterfly Ball to reveal herself as the writer of Lady Whistledown and beg for the Queen's mercy.

Effecting change: Bravery can lead to positive change and inspire others. Penelope is brave asking Colin for a kiss in S3E2. Penelope also uses Lady Whistledown to help people who have less power in society to make change such as when she saved Daphne from marrying Berbrooke S1 and it is how she intends to write going forward.

Challenges:

Recklessness: Penelope puts herself and those closest to her at risk of ruin by continuing to publish Whistledown. The articles she wrote about the royals (especially in Queen Charlotte) are treasonous and punishable by death. Colin is rightfully terrified of Pen being executed and his family having their assets stripped when the Queen arrives at the wedding breakfast to reveal she suspects a Bridgerton is Whistledown.

Emotional toll: Facing fear and danger takes a toll on emotional wellbeing, leading to stress. Pen has a panic attack and faints at the engagement ball in S3E5 at she faces the fear of Colin not wanting to marry her when attempting to tell him she is Whistledown.

Arrogance: Bravery requires a certain level of belief that you know better than others who have tried before. Pen influencing the Ton to direct business away from the new modiste towards Madam Delacroix was arrogant and negligent. Nicola Coughlan commented that she portrayed Penelope as arrogant in S2.

Nicola Coughlan in Teen Vogue: “I always thought of her like a little like a yo-yo in S1, that she'd kind of go out to say something, but then she had to pull it back. She'd try and be crafty and try and do this, but it was like I've gotta bring it in, and then in S2 I wanted her to have a little bit more of an arrogance about her but misplaced maybe a little bit because she's like the most famous person in London. Nobody knows that she is, and she sort of then convinced herself that her and Colin are having this love story, which they're really not in S2. But in S3, I wanna drift to feel more grounded, more like a young woman and more becoming comfortable with herself.”

2. Curiosity

Strengths:

Learning and growth: Curiosity drives individuals to seek knowledge and experience, leading to personal and intellectual growth. I really enjoyed reading a fanfic where Colin has a long inner dialogue about Pen's curiosity being really sexy. I cannot find it, if anyone knows please comment below.

Challenges:

Social ostracism: Curiosity can be interpreted as intrusive, leading to potential social rejection. Penelope's use of the Lady Whistledown pen name is demonstrative of her fear of people judging her.

3. Comfort

Strengths:

Nurturing: Comforting people create a nurturing and supportive environment, promoting emotional wellbeing in those around them. What Pen says to Colin after Francesca's wedding S3E8 is one of the most comforting things I have heard: “It's not what you do for me that makes me love you. It is your kindness, your empathy, how much you care. Just being you is enough, Colin. I do not need you to save me. I just need you to stand by me, to hold me, to kiss me.”

Challenges:

Dependency: Penelope and Colin's dynamic can be codependent at times. I read Polin fics to indulge my codependency loving heart, but I try to be more pragmatic in real life.

Neglect of self: In an effort to comfort others, comforting individuals may neglect to advocate for their own needs. Penelope flip flops on this aspect, sometimes she is selfless and sometimes she is selfish. It resonates with the argument that Alfred Adler and other psychology texts make which is that a strong need for control could be a maladaptive coping mechanism to compensate for feelings of inferiority, neglect or lack of control in other areas of one's life.

Quote of Colin appreciating Penelope's bravery S3E8:

Colin: “I simply cannot believe that a woman with such bravery loves me. How lucky I am to stand by your side and soak up even a little bit of your light. If my only purpose in life is to love a woman as great as you, then I will be a very fulfilled man indeed.” 💛

[tyrantisterror]

Criticizing the police in a superhero story is kind of straightforward, examples exist, but what about the military in a kaiju story? Like, it's one thing to have the monster be immune to weapons but how do you avoid the usual cliches?

I would say most kaiju movies are pretty critical of the military - and so are a lot of Western giant monsters movies, to a lesser extent. The military is almost always impotent at best in a kaiju movie, rarely accomplishing anything more than stalling for time, and often end up making the situation worse. All the military's actions in the original Godzilla, for example, do nothing but make the monster more pissed off, until his final and most horrible rampage is directly provoked by the military's incredibly thorough and diverse attempt to kill him with every weapon they can think of. That is not a flattering portrayal of the military.

In fact, this trope is so common in the kaiju genre that it wasn't until decades after its inception that people tried to go against it - one of the directors of the 90's Godzilla movies talked about how G-Force in those movies was made because he always felt annoyed as a child that the military never accomplished much, and wanted to have them put up a better fight. Yet even then, MechaGodzilla, Moguera, and the various super xs never win - they come close, but Godzilla proves indomitable in the end.

Victories in kaiju movies overwhelmingly hinge on noncombatants and diplomacy - the happy ending comes from a scientist creating an ingenious invention, or fairies convincing their moth goddess to save our ass, or simply allowing Godzilla to swim off into the sunset when he's done defending his territory from the invasive monster of the week.

Some modern American kaiju pastiches find interesting ways to make the military useful while trying to stick to the themes baked into the genre's bones - Godzilla 2014 has a protagonist who, while in the military, specifically works as a bomb disposal expert, i.e. someone who keeps violence from escalating rather than perpetuate. Said character is drawn as a direct reflection of Godzilla himself in the same movie - heroes defined by their desire to stop a violent situation from exploding rather to destroy for the sake of destroying.

Pacific Rim explicitly focuses on a military organization of pilots in giant robots trying to fend off alien invaders using kaiju as weapons - but in the movie's greatest break from reality, said force is woefully underfunded, stripped to just a handful of robots and pilots. While the Jaegers of Pacific Rim have the trappings of some real world miltiary stuff, I think ultimately they don't resemble the military that much in execution, being more akin to, like, a remnant of an army turned into a guerilla resistance force, and really they make more sense when you take them as a metaphor for the few people actively fighting against climate change in our world (which the movie makes pretty clear is basically the theme, more or less - the aliens are specifically seeking our world out because we've fucked up the environment enough to make it favorable to them). And, ultimately, the Jaegers only manage to get their job done thanks to the help of two very brave scientists.

But, in all honestly, I feel no need to do away with the "cliche" of the impotent military in kaiju flicks. Fuck the military. Show them as incompetent, war-mongering, overfunded and undereffective assholes. Fuck 'em. They get their cocks sucked by every other genre with a budget, they can take a few beatings in the kaiju flicks.

[dtyfp2]

Kingslayer

The Great War

Helen was 7 years old when she first heard the word ‘Kingslayer’.

Of course she had heard it before, but it was the first time it truly registered that these whispers were referring to her brave uncle Jaime.

For an entire week after she was made consciously aware of her uncles most “dishonourable” deed, she locked herself away in the library. She located every account of the slaying and carefully read each.

Word had gotten around of the young Princess’s search, and it surprised Jaime himself when he felt distraught, though he hid it well. He had never wanted his beloved niece to hear such rumours, for her young and innocent mind to be marred by his own deeds. She was pure, and he dirtied her soul.

It didn’t help that he didn’t see her, and his own shame kept him from seeking her out.

Tyrion came to see you on the third day, under the guise of bringing you a meal. Your fingers traced every word you read, and he couldn’t help but smile as you sounded certain words out. He didn’t say anything, instead he looked over your shoulder to help you with the hard words. He didn’t want you to know what ‘execution,’ ‘disgrace,’ or ‘madness’ meant but you wouldn’t be deterred and he figured it was best if he were there to guide you through the mess.

“Uncle Jaime!”

On the 8th day, the Princess Helen closes her books and leaves the library, off in search of her dead uncle. She finds him walking the halls and runs to him, her arms raised so he could catch and lift her up like he always did. He does, without fail, he would always catch her.

“Uncle Jaime, does it bother you when people whisper behind your back? They don’t say very nice things,” you ask him as he sits, allowing you to settle on his lap.

“No, princess, it doesn’t bother me. My actions were my own and I must own up to them, and I do. Their words do nothing to me,” Jaime smiles down at the rosy-cheeked child in front of him as he fixes her hair.

“I heard what they said about you, it bothered me,” you admit to him.

“I’m sorry, dear Helen, I never wanted you to hear such things. I had hoped to protect you from it all but I’ve failed,” Jaime frowns.

“You didn’t fail, uncle,” Helen shakes her head.

“I’ve decided it was a mercy, uncle. A mercy for our people,” you explain. This was something Jaime had never heard.

“A mercy?” Jaime raises his eyebrows.

“They called the king before father ‘mad’. I think he was a very bad king who hurt lots of people. He had to have been stopped, and you were brave enough to stop him. I think you did the right thing,” you tell your uncle, very matter of factly.

Jaime is a little shocked to finally hear these words. He felt vindicated. He was either called ‘kingslayer’ or the topic was ignored all together. He didn’t even talk about it with Cersei, nor Tyrion, or even his own father. Helen didn’t know much about honour and oaths and loyalty, things he had all sworn to Aerys II, but in that way her opinions were refreshing.

“One bad act does not wipe away the good. You are still my brave uncle Jaime,” you declare as you throw your arms around him.

Jaime sighs a breath of relief as he hugs his niece back. All this time, he had worried she’d never look at him the same way again, but his worries had been for nothing.

“Thank you Helen,” Jaime says softly as she raises her head and presses a kiss to his cheek.

“You’re too sweet a princess, too good for any us. The Seven Kingdom’s are lucky to have you,” Jaime tells you as he holds your hands. Sometimes Jaime thought you should be Queen after your father, you might have been the only one to truly deserve the throne in nearly 300 years. You’d bring everlasting peace to the Kingdom’s, and he’d exterminate anyone who dared disturb your peace.

“They’re lucky to have you too,” you remind him.

“Will you escort me to my sewing lessons? I’ve neglected them all week and I think mother will be cross,” you ask him suddenly, with the flippancy only the seven year old mind could create.

“I’d be happy to.”

[sorendeimos]

Monster for Martyr

A fic about the Lupin twins and their turbulent history

Remus John Lupin was born on the tenth of March, 1960. He was born to have hopes and dreams, to a loving mother and father, well off and prepared to give Their son the world.

It is too bad, then, that the Lupins were attacked and had to suffer the tragedy of having not only to bury Remus’ twin brother, Romulus, whom Remus could barely remember now, but to also have a son who’s hopes and dreams are now just as dead.

Remus John Lupin was born to have his aspirations and dreams ripped away.

Remus John Lupin was born to be a Monster, raised to be a Martyr.

The attack was calculated, planned for weeks and weeks and when executed was done with such cold precision it was only believed that a monster or a maniac could carry it out. Fenrir Greyback was both, and so when he attacked the Lupin family, Hope and Lyll were tied up and forced to watch as Their twins, little Remus and Romulus who were attached at the hip and even slept in the same bed since they came out the womb, were made to stand beside each other and be appraised.

Romulus, the older of the two boys by nearly two minutes, was taller, standing in front of his twin with a look of pure hatred. He shielded his brother with his body as Remus cowered behind him, tiny fists tightly gripped in his brothers pyjama shirt and tears running down his plump, unmarred cheeks. Greyback grinned, bending down to be at face level with the boys and speaking rank breath with the stench of rot and decay to the brave twin.

“How’d you like to become like Me?”

“I wouldn’t. It’ll hurt.”

“Oh but not for long. And it won’t cost much.”

The boy, far too smart for his age and stature frowned. He leaned back from the monster disguised as a man, covering his nose, then spoke softly.

“I can’t. I’d miss mommy and Pa. I’d miss Rem. A’sides, you’re a monster.”

Greyback laughed. He stood straight and laughed harder. A maniacal, full bellied laugh that may have been pleasant in a far more civilized man that wasn’t bloodthirsty.

“Well it’s a good thing you don’t get a choice.” Then he changed. The boys screamed, Their parents screamed and cried, begging mercy and pulling at Their restraints.

The boys were made to fight. The one that survived gets to stay. Gets the gift of being bitten. They fought half heartedly, tears and snot streaming down Their little faces and when Greyback had had enough, he bit Them both, infecting Them.

One would survive, the other was a trophy.

————

Remus woke screaming, an agonized sound borne of real world pain and suffering, not a fear drenched fantasy come to life. He panted heavily, his hands popping threads in the sheets he gripped so tightly his knuckles had turned white. As the fear lessened it’s grip, so too did he, allowing him to run shaking hands through his loose curls and down over his sweat drenched face.

He slowly traced his eyes around the room, taking stock of the shadows and the dark memories hidden in them before he got up from the bed and made his way to the fire. He relit it with a muttered spell and flick of his wand from the table in front of it then made toward the bathroom, pausing to note the date on the calendar.

He continued on.

Hot water cascading over scarred flesh, searing into aching muscles and soothing the sharp phantom pains of the bite. After he finished he stood at the mirror, towel slung about his waist, and stared at the bite for what felt like forever. He hated that cursed mark. That horrid pound of flesh that marked him definitively as *other.* He dried off, fixed his hair as much as he cared to (which wasn’t much) and trekked back to his closet to dress. When he turned back to sit, it was to find a body in his chair before the fire.

“You forgot the basic rules of hide and seek, little brother: never stay in one place too long.”

————

Next part will be on ao3, check me out.

[wyldewillow]

♛ → THE RIVERLANDS present(s) WILLOW BLACKWOOD NÉE WYLDE, the DOWAGER LADY of HOUSE BLACKWOOD. when the dragons danced in the sky they thought NO ONE would still fly, but in the blink of an eye, they would all die. the 39-year-old FEMALE who was BRAVE & LOYAL before they saw the first of the flames, is now BITTER & VENGEFUL after seeing the last. they’re often associated with the sound of a pen furiously scribbling at midnight, muffled screaming into a pillow, the feeling of an embrace so tight that it hurts and a black dress swaying in the wind. ( annabel scholey )

STORY

willow is the daughter of lord jasper wylde, also known as ironrod, who was the master of laws to king viserys targaryen and then king aegon targaryen. it was jasper who fought for the law that a son would always inherit before a daughter. he was fiercely loyal to the greens and was later executed on the orders of queen rhaenyra.

she grew up as one out of twenty siblings, and she spent her childhood mostly ignored by her father, who was mainly interested in his sons. after her mother's death, she would throw tantrum after tantrum, seeking her father's attention, but there was nothing she could do to make him notice her. eventually she stopped trying and lived an independent childhood. her septa tried to tame her, but the young lady would go do whatever she wanted. often this led her outside to explore the rainwood. one time, she got so lost that it took an entire day for anyone to find her.

despite being branded as a wild and unruly child, who was frequently punished for her adventures, willow cared deeply for her younger siblings, often acting as a second mother to the youngest children. after the death of her father's third wife, she was chosen to accompany him to king's landing and help with the young children. when he married his fourth wife, she was meant to entertain her and help her with her new role. it puzzled her that her father had selected her of all people. it was only after a couple of moons, willow discovered her father had got it wrong and believed the unruly daughter he had gotten reports about to be her half-sister instead of her, and willow never corrected him. while being a stormlander through and through, she found king's landing and the court exciting, and did not wish to be sent away.

she met a man in king's landing when she was eighteen, and she lost her maidenhead to him. willow ended up pregnant. she tried to hide her pregnancy long enough to procure moon tea, but her father found out and sent her to tyrosh to stay with a trading connection of his, where she was kept confined until she gave birth. the child was taken from her after a rough delivery, and she was never told what happened to them. not even if it was a son or daughter. she spent almost two full years in tyrosh, refusing to leave for a long time in hopes of finding her child who she believed to be somewhere in the city, but she was eventually ordered to leave for the riverlands to marry a stranger.

willow was the third wife of lord samwell blackwood and married him the day after her 20th name day. she quickly became pregnant with their first son, lord hugo blackwood, and gave birth to him on their first wedding anniversary. two years later, she gave birth to a second son, sam blackwood. samwell fell in battle and was slain by the greens only ten days after sam's birth. she had initially given the little boy another name, but changed it to sam shortly after her husband's death as a way to carry on his legacy.

the war took away her husband, her father and many of her siblings. while she was born a daughter of a fierce supporter of the greens, she married a man in support of the blacks. willow chose to remain neutral during the war, not wishing to alienate house wylde or house blackwood, but instead both sides ended up not trusting her. now she believes both the greens and the blacks are equally to blame for the pointless war and its violence. since the war, she has nurtured a strong hatred of house targaryen and those most loyal to the house of dragons.

despite having lived in the riverlands for sixteen years, willow still sees herself as more of a stormlander. home for her remains the ancestral home of house wylde, rain house. she has often wished to return to rain house, but she has remained at raventree hall for her sons and to ensure her stepchildren do not completely take over.

she does not have a good relationship with her stepchildren. when her stepson, ben, was made lord after his father's death, he made his half-sister lady regent instead of her despite the fact that she is the mother of the current blackwood heir. it was a great betrayal in her eyes, and she has never forgiven her stepchildren for it. it has made her uneasy about the security of her children's future and since ben's return to raventree hall, she has explored ways of ensuring her son becomes lord of raventree hall one day.

in 142 ac, she made a deal with lord armaan yronwood and became a spy for him. in exchange for untraceable coin, she is using to further her own plans of her son becoming ruling lord of raventree hall.

PERSONALITY

while willow has always been unruly with a sharp tongue, she did manage to make some friends. if someone wanted to have fun, willow was sure to be invited. but now she has become bitter and grown more serious, her attempts at humour are usually dry remarks or playful insults that are never that playful. she only remains gentle with her sons, the rest of the world only knows her cold facade. she takes actual enjoyment in the pains of others, making it a game to hurt those she does not like. willow likes making everyone as miserable as herself.

while she has kept her faith in the seven, she is also deeply angry with the gods. willow's anger is rooted in the unfair hand she has been dealt by faith by having to give up her child, to marry a man already married twice, giving birth to his sons while very young herself but not his first son, the loss of parents, her siblings, and husband, who was the key to her power, and then being snubbed by her stepson who gave all the power to his half-sister instead of her. and then for many years she believed her son would become lord, never considering marrying again in order to remain at raventree hall with her sons, only for ben to return from the war alive against all odds. the anger that has a hold of her is deep and it is continuously festering.

RANDOM HEADCANONS

it is rare to see willow wear any other colour than black. she has remained in mourning since the war and those she lost to the deadly dance. this mourning is not actually real at this point, it is simply a shield she uses to get away with things.

she was fond of dancing when she was young, but she has rarely been seen dancing for the last fourteen years.

it is a popular belief in the riverlands, especially among the lowborn, that willow is a witch who has the ability to turn into a raven. some nobles believe it as well. while she finds the rumour annoying, she is also known to use it to her advantage.

after discovering that she had become pregnant at age of eighteen, she suffered a moment of absolute desperation, and she went to a woods witch for moon tea. however, while she was there, the witch told willow that she would not live long enough to see her hair turn grey. willow ended up leaving without the moon tea as the old woman frightened her and kept saying things that she did not wish to hear. the last thing willow heard the witch say was: "you will drown in a sea as dark as your heart before your hair turns grey." unbeknownst to willow, this woods witch in king's landing recognised the wylde brooch she wore and had forgotten to take off. the witch ended up telling lord jasper wylde about the pregnancy in exchange for gold.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

bastard child: willow got pregnant at eighteen and was sent away to tyrosh early in her pregnancy to hide away and give birth there. due to a traumatic birth then she never actually saw the child and does not even know if it was a boy or girl. lord jasper wylde, her father and the child's grandfather, made the arrangements for their future and never told willow who had taken upon caring for her child. willow has no idea what has happened to her child but wrongly assumes they are still in tyrosh. their existence is currently only known by the current ruling lord of rain house, but how much the child knows will be plotted! they would be around twenty-one years old. a few ideas: they can be adopted or even passed off as a biological child of a childless couple, they can be a ward of a house in the stormlands or elsewhere, can have a trade or profession of some kind. it would make sense for them to be in the stormlands, but this is not set in stone.

father of bastard child: someone willow hooked up with when she was eighteen and who accidentally got her pregnant. she would not have told him that she was pregnant and had a child, so he would be oblivious to the existence of their child. it does not have to be a romantic connection (will need prior plotting if it is), it could have been one time and mostly been pure desire. they would need to be at least thirty-eight for the timeline to work.

allies: people who are working with willow in her mission to get her son declared the true lord of house blackwood. this can be through bribery, blackmail, but also own ambitions and so on.

enemies: willow has definitely made some enemies over the years ― especially in the past 12 years as she changed significantly after the deaths of her husband and father. so it could be someone who hates her for a very legit reason, maybe some pettiness after she insulted them. she is especially nasty towards the few men who have attempted to court her. this connection could also be linked to her father who was one of powerful and most loyal green supporters as master of law, he is one of the major reasons why the dance of dragons took place in the first place.

childhood/old friends: someone who knew willow before she married samwell blackwood. she was very different as a child and young lady compared to now, so possibly someone who knows that there used to be some softness to her. it could be quite interesting because she wouldn't like being reminded of whom she used to be.

[youraverageauthor]

The loophole

I didn’t want it to end like this nor did I expect this. All of this could have been avoided but here I am lying down into a grass field while bleeding to death. All of this started because of him. The man who killed my friends. Me and my friends Rin, Agathi and Fay had just returned from a quest. We had defeated a dragon and now we went to a nearby city to rest for the day. My friends went and booked a room in the inn to rest. I took a walk around the city. It was a peaceful day. I wanted to surprise my squad with some sweets after managing to complete such a quest and winning so many golden coins. I went to the local bakery of the town and purchased some baked goods and a cake.

As I was returning to the inn a strong smell of iron was surrounding the air. No one was at the reception, so I quickly ran to our room in the inn. The door was broken, I found my entire squad dead and a man was just standing there, hysterically laughing. I quickly ran away, I didn't have the courage to fight him. I was ashamed of myself for not attacking him right there but I just couldn’t. I swore that I’d take my revenge, I wouldn’t let him live after killing the people that I cared about.

I was left with my lute, two golden coins and the baked goods. I went to a tavern and sat there, trying to figure out how to kill him. I decided to go back to the room we booked in the inn and there was a commotion. The bodies of my dead friends were taken outside for investigation. I went inside and grabbed everything that I could. Some daggers, a sword, some bottles with poison and a small sack filled with golden coins. Some officers tried to interrogate me but I ran away. I had to find him. If only I had returned earlier my friends could have lived…

I was searching for clues about him, luckily I knew what he looked like. Weeks had passed, I visited a lot of towns and villages but I couldn't find any clues. I began to lose hope but then an old lady told me to follow her. She invited me to her house and started telling me about the man. Turns out I wasn't the only one who seeked vengeance, a lot of people did but nobody had the courage to kill him. The lady told me that the man could be found at an abandoned village. I was determined to get there and thanks to the kind old lady I knew the directions. I stayed at her house for the night before beginning my journey to the abandoned village.

I was ready, my inventory was full of different types of daggers and thanks to a wizard the bottles of poison that I was carrying were turned into potions that would hurt him. That man deserved the worst, I won’t only execute him for the death of the people that I cared about, but also for all those poor people that weren’t brave enough to seek their revenge. After a while I found myself in the abandoned city. Every house was covered with tree branches, the roads were surrounded by grass. The place was quite peaceful, you wouldn’t expect to find a killer here. I was slowly walking around trying to find him, without being noticed.

I saw someone in the corner of my eye, I was sure it was him so I followed the person. I followed them out of the city, I saw who the person was. It was him, it was as if he knew I was there. He stopped at an area that was surrounded by grass and a lot of trees. I took out a dagger from my pocket and I attacked him. He surprisingly dodged it and then turned around to look at me. I was shocked, he knew that I was here. He was holding an axe and he was ready to attack, I took out my sword and charged at him. I successfully attacked him but it wasn’t a deep cut. The fight continued for a while, I couldn't land an attack on him and it was getting harder and harder to dodge him. I already had a cut in my arm. He sprinted closer to attack me but I threw a potion at him, it didn’t seem to budge him. I screamed “Why did you kill them?!” . He didn’t reply and just looked at me with a big smile on his face. I was so furious that I threw a dagger at him. He looked at me with an expression of shock , he was injured near the stomach. My energy was being drained as the battle took on, I was injured and so was he. He managed to take my bag and throw it away. I was only left with my sword and he only had an axe. I was severely injured and I didn’t know if I’d make it. I managed to stab him, but he only removed my sword from his chest and stabbed me in the stomach. He proceeded to remove the sword before dying.

I knew that I wouldn’t manage to live, I was slowly walking away. Tears were filling my eyes, I was glad that I managed to kill him, I didn't have the energy to walk anymore so I laid down on the grass field. I smiled knowing that I was going to see my friends. I didn’t feel any pain, only the breeze of the air. I was smiling as I left my final breath before following my friends. The grass covered me.

[magicwhiskers29]

Went through my bookmarks, for some of my favs:

I'll save you again and again and again - SageTheGremlin - G - 5.4k

When the world is destroyed by the Metal Virus, Shadow is sent back in time to try and save Sonic from getting infected. It's going to take a lot of tries, but he's willing to work at it to save him.

IDW-focused time-travel one-shot, with an absolutely brilliant ending which gets me every time

Judge my sins, not my feelings - yellothebeeloved - M - 228.5k

Maybe he's not meant to touch. It's the newest excuse he thought of in hopes that he could prolong the game a little more; a careful ruse to enjoy the bittersweet torture of seeing the days pass them by, while he pretends he doesn't seek azure blue whenever he's restless. At first, all he wanted to do was watch: but now the desire to touch, to have, to affect is at a point where he's not sure whether reaching for Sonic would truly be fruitless.

He wonders that especially when Sonic's eyes light up upon seeing him. When he corners Shadow, when he invades his space and he touches and takes and then excuses it by calling it a fight. Shadow truly wonders then: if only he was brave enough to reach out, what would his grip find? Loose stars or a battle-worn body?

Standing up, he glances at Sonic again, whose eyes have now met his own. There's something heavy in the eye contact, something Shadow doesn't dare name. Neither of them say anything, and yet Sonic's eyes move away from him again, like they did.

Shadow warps away, hiding from the stars once more.

Very long, but one of my absolute favourites. (One of the few fics I have downloaded!) Identity theft, body-sharing and possession, identity shenanigans, and some nice slices of psychological horror with a nice throughline of slowburn Sonadow. I found it looking for aro sonadow fics, and it did not disappoint.

Adjectivizing Thee - SonicStorybook - G - 2.8k

Sonic the Hedgehog thinks he’s got a pretty good idea on what kind of a guy Shadow the Hedgehog is.

Lancelot of the Lake, though? That guy… he has yet to get a pulse on him.

But hey! They do say still waters run deep, and now’s as good a time as any to do a little fishing. Fishing for information!

Technically Lansoni rather than Sonadow, but... Sonadow's kinda relevant anyway, and it's just a lot of fun. The author really knows their Authurian Legand, and clearly had a lot of fun with it here. Sonic's dynamic with Lancelot and just the rest of the world of SatBK is really fun.

Fellow Feeling - Anjubilu - T - 4.0k

There are those who wear their heart on their sleeve and those who wear their heart on their cheek. And then there's Shadow.

Or

Having the DNA of a hivemind species creates problems Shadow tries not to deal with.

Super fun AU with pre-established sonadow where Shadow's emotions carry over to other people sometimes. It's a really good premise, with great execution too

Soft around the edges - fel0ny - G - 4.0k

“Why did you break into my house at…” he glances off to the side to look at the clock, “almost half past four in the morning? Do you have a death wish?”

Sonic shrugs. “I may have a death wish but you have an open window. In the middle of a storm.”

“You ran here in the middle of a storm,” Shadow points out and Sonic can't really argue with that.

or: Sonic can't sleep so the next logical thing to do is to break into Shadow's house.

Super cute QPR (or pre-slash, if you'd like) sonadow late-night conversations. And the stormy night setting is great for atmosphere!

Kiss Kiss Fall In Love - supafroot - T - 3.8k

"Alright, lovelies, the rules are simple." Rouge moves fluidly to the center of the circle, joining Amy. "The goal is to pass the card," she holds up an average playing card, cleverly the Queen of Hearts, "from person to person using only your lips."

This one had me in hysterics at various points. It's great fun. It has some fun with some running gags too, hehe

SONADOW FIC RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE I BEGGGG

Or team dark

[anulithots]

They aren't... uglier emotions per se. The ones I never see in stories. The ones I wish I could write about in my own.

Jealousy and contempt and that wet hot anger at people who don't deserve it. The worry that you're too self-centered. It's not even that irrational of a fear because you have been self-centered before.

Thoughts about the worst outcome. If it's for others that means it's about hurting others. They are reactive, uncontrollable, here within a fraction of a second.

Worry that you may become like your parents in the bigoted/racist/homophobic, transphobic, aphobic sort of way. Sometimes the reactive thoughts are like that. Hopefully they just parrot and fear.

Unreasonable. That's what it is. If I get angry because they perceived me while I attempted something. So small. Somewhat sticky. Like old jelly on my hands. It's been hours. I can't wipe it off with a napkin because that's a sensory thing that sends me over the edge. But it's sticky and on my hands and after a while that's worse.

If I cry and feel awful over little things. Because of my rejection sensitivity, does that make me self-centered? They say not to victimize myself. If I try to comfort myself through everything, if I say that my executive dysfunction requires me to gently guide myself through simple tasks, if I say that I tried the other way for years, and it only works if it's my own. Is that selfish?

And what if I don't remember what they like? What if I want to share what I like and hope they like it too?

What if I never speak a word about it? What if I made myself so small and wanted others to pity me? What if I wanted to hurt myself out of spite so that way the others would notice? What if I read books with wump tropes and hoped that if I got hurt, I could hide it and others might notice?

But I hope they never do. It's always in theory. Spite. What's that like? Have we explored that in a story yet? Am I brave enough to?

What if my emotional regulation, everything I have for navigating my internal world, and little traits when I don't have the words... what if that all comes from copying stories and shows? Do they have something on the traits that they give to villains, so I can know what that feels like?

What if I seek attention? No, actually, what if I'm attention-seeking? What if just asking and thinking about this makes me victimizing myself?

What if only remembering things that interest me makes me selfish?

And what if I never write about it? Because the ugliest feelings and emotions and thoughts can't compare to the uncomfortable ones. The sticky ones. The secret ones that we hate more than the vilest deeds.

You can't be annoying.

[byoungernj]

NYC Marathon: Part 1

9 months isn’t too late for a race recap, right? I had the honor this past November of racing the NYC Marathon for the Brave Like Gabe Organization. NYC was another race that I had registered for in 2020. NYRR did a beautiful job, allowing me to chose which of the 3 following years you’d like to defer your registration to, receive a refund, or donate your fee. I didn’t want to run the year after the pandemic. I didn’t think NYC would be back to full force and I guessed right. 2022 returned the field size to 50,000 runners, many of them apart of the 2020 deferral group. I was hoping my 2:59 in Duluth would get me into the sub-elite field. Even the individual who responded to my submission said I had a very good chance of getting in. But it turns out everyone else who ran fast had the same idea. No fancy pre-race treatment for me. Oh well. 

While training for Grandma’s I had sustained some sort of knee injury. It had been manageable during the remainder of my build but once I started ramping up for NYC, it came back with vengeance. Due to my insurance and my fall clinical schedule, I wasn’t able to seek any medical care so I gutted it out. (I know, as someone who working in sport medicine I should practice what I preach, but at this point in my life I was surviving day by day.) Luckily NYC was about raising money for BLG and getting to the finish line. I gave myself a very abbreviated build up, running just enough miles to know I would finish the race. I was hoping to raise around $500 but made my fundraising goal $1000 after seeing what the other 14 or so ladies were hoping to raise. Members of the group were from all over the country and Puerto Rico. All of us were inspired by the wonderful human being who was Gabe Grunewald. Though I have no ties to Gabe, I became very invested in her during the last few years of her life. Her husband selflessly shared her final days with the world and I sobbed at the news of her passing.

When thinking of what organization to raise money for, I wanted a small group that I would feel confident in. With BLG I knew all of the money was truly all going to rare cancer research. Once I received word back from the organization, I was on a zoom call with the executive director. She shared what others were doing to raise money, what the expectations were for me (which were different since I had a non charity bib), and ways that they could help me achieve my fundraising goals. I was connected with the group of women and was inspired to hear all about their ‘why's’. I can’t say enough good things about this group. I continue to receive thank you and holiday cards from BLG and felt as though I was truly apart of something bigger than myself.

Getting to race day was nothing fancy. I did a 10 week or so build up where I built miles up to 22. After that run I knew I’d be able to make it to the finish. I sprinkled in some workouts for what would be my goal marathon pace the next serious go around. I was in full internship mode from August to December paired with working on the weekends, so there was little time to commit elsewhere. The nice thing was, I was okay with that. This was finally a marathon without any expectations. Except maybe meeting my fundraising goal. Fundraising is strange. I don't like nagging people or asking for money. But I have some fantastic and selfless humans in my life and I’m happy to say that by race day, I had surpassed my goal. I can’t thank all 29 of you more. 

One of those magical humans lives in Hoboken. A friend of mine sine preschool was gracious enough to let me stay with her for the marathon. (She even drove me to the buses before the sun came up!) I went up to Hobo Friday afternoon and got settled in. Saturday morning would be a quick run than off to the expo. I took the ferry over which put me right infant of the Javits Center. I arrived just before they opened and had fun people watching everyone in line. Some people clearly had been to the expo already, as they were decked out in head to toe NYC Marathon gear. Others were chatting about nerdy runner things. Some looked like they had never been to a running event and were very out of place. Once inside, it was pretty neat to be at one of the very first booths to get my bib. I never took a second to realized though I had not gotten into the sub-elite start, I was still seeded with a very fast race in a field of 50,000 people. Go me :)  I walked around the rest of the expo and spent way to much money on race clothing. Next it would be taking the subway to meet up with the BLG crew at the finish line for a photo.

I met up with another BLG member who was in a boot, but still in the city to cheer everyone on. She had been a long time member of BLG. We attempted to navigate the subway and miserably failed. Long story short, we went the wrong way. Got on a train in the right direction but the wrong one. Then after waiting for a long time, realized that the train we wanted wasn’t running that day. We walked a number of blocks later and then through the park to get to the finish as people were already leaving :( I spent some time meeting the two women overseeing the weekend as well as a few other members. We received this beautiful drawing of Gabe done by the very talented Jacqueline Alnes. The finish line was buzzing with runners and spectators. It was nice to be relaxed and take it all in. But I was getting hungry and hot. I figured out the subway back to the ferry and took the short ride back to Hoboken. 

[arawnsarmory]

The following is a short paper I wrote ages ago about the Henry V we meet in Shakespeare's history plays.

Henry V is a capable king: swift, efficient, and brave. He is of another ilk than either of his predecessors. Not only does he find out and put down a rebellion in one swift motion, but he does so during the early stretch of the play, making it clear that he is much better ready to deal with insubordination than his father. Henry IV had successfully taken the throne from Richard, but in doing so had divided his country: those for and against Richard’s unseating. Henry V however, inherited the throne legitimately. He therefore holds a more respected position than both the taxer and the usurper that he followed.

Henry rose from his teen revelry in the tavern when the need arose, and in taking the throne, doffed his old nature. He became a devout follower of God, knowing it was his duty to serve and rule the country. Thereby, he gained the trust and backing of the court and church as neither Henry IV or Richard had been able to do. As the archbishop said: “The courses of his youth promised it not. The breath no sooner left his father's body, But that his wildness, mortified in him, Seem'd to die too; yea, at that very moment Consideration, like an angel, came And whipp'd the offending Adam out of him, Leaving his body as a paradise, To envelop and contain celestial spirits. Never was such a sudden scholar made; Never came reformation in a flood, With such a heady currance, scouring faults Nor never Hydra-headed wilfulness So soon did lose his seat and all at once As in this king.” While Hal had been aware and ready for such a change, he executes it to such a full degree that he demands near immediate respect.

The Dauphin is a child in comparison: arrogant, demeaning, and overall sub-par. He insults Henry with a casque of tennis balls, and thereafter Henry’s intensity is steeled to tenfold that of either Richard or his late father. The Dauphin thinks to call him but a boy at play in the sending of these tennis balls, and is met for it with a returned volley; one of siege and steel. For the French prince’s rash insult Harfleur was felled and taken. He is to Henry just another Hotspur, yet a quicker tongue than sword doth he have.

Henry is no fool. Though devout in his faith he does not simply trust that he is right and charge in, nor does he cower and play defendant. He does not flee or stay back as Richard had done, nor does he leave command in his officers and princes alone as his father had been forced to do. He leads his host, and by their side he raises morale and the English doggedness. However, he is also smart enough to recognise that he could not continue his French campaign with a drastically reduced force as he had. Thus he marched them on to Calais and to refuge.

“My ransom is this frail and worthless trunk, My army but a weak and sickly guard; Yet, God before, tell him we will come on, Though France himself and such another neighbour Stand in our way. There's for thy labour, Montjoy. Go bid thy master well advise himself: If we may pass, we will; if we be hinder'd, We shall your tawny ground with your red blood Discolour: and so Montjoy, fare you well. The sum of all our answer is but this: We would not seek a battle, as we are; Nor, as we are, we say we will not shun it: So tell your master.” Thus Henry bids the French messenger to say. The French may impede him he says, but nought will halt the English march: be it all of France or all its allies. This is where Henry’s leadership shines through. He will lead his men to Calais or death, so in God and his English does he rest his faith. He goes among them, fights alongside them, and mayhaps could have died alongside them amidst the mud and blood and steel. Thus he holds a greater bond with his people than either of the previous kings.

[musicon]

The Brainchild of The Moonchild: NIKI’s Ode to Self-Discovery

Photo by NME

Album review by Mia Balitaan

In the face of fame and expectations, coupled with identity struggles in her youth and cultural identity, Nicole Zefanya chronicles how she braves the inevitable in our lifetime—change. The Indonesian singer-songwriter, known as NIKI, highlights the nonlinearity of such inevitability, exploring the in-betweens of rediscovering herself through her first full-record album, “Moonchild”. Teenage NIKI embarked on her musical journey on Youtube, posting bedroom pop originals and covers of Taylor Swift songs, Disney medleys, and worship songs. She cemented her place as the “R&B Princess” and “Indonesia’s rising star” with her “young, and puppy love” EP songs. However, NIKI seeks to go beyond the labels the industry has boxed her in and relinquish genres tethered to her name—and “Moonchild” offers just that. 

“Moonchild” is the definition of NIKI’s artistry and metamorphosis. It is a sonic exploration that lyrically ties in with NIKI’s mantra of valuing authenticity over anything, as we witness her take on a genre-spanning sound. “Moonchild” explores R&B, pop, funk, and rap, in an attempt to redefine her artistry, redirect her trace, and highlight her versatility. The concept debut album ingeniously adopts a tripartite structure alluding to lunar cycles, fittingly detailing the metamorphic journey of the titular character, Moonchild, who also serves as a parallel to NIKI herself. However, this tripartite feature is not as evident to the passive listener, providing an opportunity for more reinforcement and clarity in terms of execution. The change in sound is a surprise, shifting from the familiar mellifluous, flowy, and silky melodies in past work to a fusion of mature, somber, whimsical, upbeat, and synth-heavy sound in “Moonchild”. Despite its shortness, the album appears to be a bold and eminent effort to foreground change and self-discovery in a less romanticized light. 

It opens with a strong start, “Wide Open (Foreword)”. With its isolated vocals and slow but heavy synth harmony, a somber and almost eerie atmosphere sets the mood. The foreword takes on sprechgesang (speech voice style) in the first few verses, expressed in a starkly stern tone that fittingly encapsulate a warningly and exhortative message to Moonchild and the listener—to “keep an eye wide open.” It is also akin to NIKI speaking to her younger self and a guiding voice to the listener as one navigates through the album. Emboldening lyricism supported by a slow chord progression and eventual orchestral buildup create a firm encouragement and empowerment, enough to preface the story of the album. The mood is carried over to the first song of Act I (crescent) as the foreword closes with the motif of “Switchblade”. Smoothly connecting the songs is a clever decision that has enthralled me to seek more about the story. The synth-heavy harmony, heavy glitch-pop influence, and NIKI’s breathy but crisp vocals are reminiscent of a switchblade—sharp and gallant. It serves vivid imagery of facing new beginnings with immense courage and faith: “And I'm feeling brave, the winds of change have nothing on this switchblade faith.”

The following track, “Nightcrawlers,” is one of my favorites and boasts an upbeat R&B feel, accompanied by NIKI’s rap verses and domineering background vocal effects. Here is an outpouring of coaxing into living through and soldiering on despite struggle and failure. The mood shifts in the last track of Act I, “Selene,” with more organic instrumentation. This second single enjoys a funky bassline and heavy jazz influence about sensuality and femininity. NIKI’s intentionality remains evident as she used Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, to describe being brought to great heights and laxity. Frankly, despite being a crowd favorite, the song seems to be out of place in terms of order with the abrupt sound shift and seemingly lack of message parallelism. 

Act II (eclipse) has the opener, “Tide”. We are immersed in a familiar sound as NIKI echoes the grim and somber sound from the foreword, captivatingly brimming with a thick texture and the most dynamic sound and rhythmic structure. NIKI’s powerful vocals, distortions, varied instrumentation, and strong lyricism robustly illustrate the value of standing one’s ground and being aware amid vulnerability. The mood changes in “Pandemonium” as she opts for a mellow, lilting, and subdued sound. The juxtaposition of the title and mood presents an ingenious decision, as NIKI shares that it is about navigating through mental health—akin to the feeling of listlessness amidst mental chaos. In the same vein, “Lose” adopts a slow sound and powerful vocals. The heartfelt ballad with a simple and thin texture tells the story of letting go in favor of self-love. It aptly caps off this phase in which all three songs greatly capture rawness and vulnerability.

The last phase (full moon) is a coalescence of the prior’s charismatic and somber sounds. Beginning with a pop and floaty song, “Plot Twist” provides a sense of reassurance and hope—welcoming and embracing change. The upbeat song illustrates the value of accepting oneself and others as imperative in the journey of self-discovery. “If There’s Nothing Left…” maintains this message as NIKI extends to the listener, a sense of shared hope and relational connection. The R&B track with contrasting strings and raw and intimate vocals is one of my favorites as it feels reassuring and comforting to listen to, where NIKI emphasizes not being alone in such a journey. The album concludes with “Drive On”, sampling a 60s drum rhythm and adopting a still and calming mood. The message is clear—keep driving on and living for the journey. Sonically, it encapsulates what the album is all about: creative exploration of instruments, vocals, and harmonies. 

NIKI continues to prove time and again her creative genius and artistry. Despite minor weaknesses, “Moonchild” is a good incipience that highlights her growth, self-love, and self-discovery.

References

De Leon, A. (2019). A track-by-track analysis of NIKI’s “wanna take this downtown?” EP. Arts + Culture. http://culture.affinitymagazine.us/a-track-by-track-analysis-of-nikis-wanna-take-this-downtown-ep/

Domingo, M. (2020). Review: NIKI releases her long awaited debut album, Moonchild. Summit News. https://summitpsnews.org/2020/09/18/review-niki-releases-her-long-awaited-debut-album-moonchild/

Donelson, M. (n.d.). NIKI biography, songs, & albums. AllMusic. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/niki-mn0003739784/biography

Galang, M. C. (2020). NIKI – ‘Moonchild’ review: Poised, genre-hopping debut from the 88rising star. NME. https://www.nme.com/en_asia/reviews/album/niki-moonchild-review-debut-88rising-2756101

Gwee, K. (2020). NIKI: “In the beginning I was obsessed with being this ‘R&B princess.’” NME. https://www.nme.com/en_asia/features/niki-88rising-moonchild-2020-interview-2752153

Lam, C. (2022). The many lives of NIKI | cover story. The forty-five. https://thefortyfive.com/interviews/niki-zefanya-interview-2022-nicole/

Mier, T. (2020). REVIEW: NIKI’s ‘Moonchild’ breathes life into a world of emotional mystique. Daily Trojan. https://dailytrojan.com/2020/09/11/review-nikis-moonchild-breathes-life-into-a-world-of-emotional-mystique/

Moonchild by NIKI. (n.d.). Genius. https://genius.com/albums/Niki/Moonchild

Ooi, J. (2020). Review: NIKI’s “moonchild” is a short but stellar effort from 88rising’s best artist. Turntable thoughts. https://turntablethought.com/2020/09/13/review-nikis-moonchild-88rising/

[in-for-a-pennyx]

Kinktober 2022: October 6th

Day 6: Prostitution/Sex work

Javier Peña x F!Reader x Gabriella

A/n: This really kicked my ass. I had the idea so clearly in my head but struggled so much in executing it. I'm not happy with it but I've been writing this for like 5 days now and I'm so anal that I can't get ahead with other days if I don't post this. So here it is. I'm suffering and now you'll have to, too! Not beta read. In this house we respect sex work and sex workers.

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 1.5k

Content: M/F/F dynamics, bisexual reader, sex work/prostitution, use of spanish, sexual situations.

|| Prompts by @absurdthirst ||

This is only for anyone 18+ years of age, minors - please do not interact. Only proceed if you're over 18 and have read and understood the content and rating.

“Javi… have you seen Gabriela lately?” you’d asked tentatively one day. Javier had mistaken your tentative tone as accusatory and got defensive. “I told you cariño, I haven’t seen Gabriela or anyone else since we started seeing each other. Where is this coming from?”

To be honest, you hadn’t thought about what you would say next. You’d had a few (many) conversations with yourself and concluded that you were attracted to women as well as men. Well, you were curious enough about it anyway. You’d never slept with a woman let alone kiss one. You’d never been brave enough and none of the other men you’d been with felt safe enough to share your secrets with. But Javi’s different. You feel safe with him. You trust him. 

You didn’t dare to go pick up someone in a bar. What would you even say? Bogotá was a big city but for you and Javi, it was a small one. You were well aware there were eyes on him and you didn’t want to do anything to compromise him. You remembered then he had talked about one of his working girls, how she had comforted him after Carrillo’s brutal warning to Escobar. You hoped it would be less awkward with someone who… someone who knew what was happening. 

This is how you and Javi end up at Gabriela’s door one balmy night. Javi had understandably hesitated at first, but he’s nothing if not open to reason and negotiation. And he is a giver, he cared deeply about you and your needs. If this is what you wanted, he’d do it for you. 

He softly knocks on the door in the way he used to and Gaby opens the door after a moment. 

Gaby remembers the time Javi burst in through her door a long time ago with a quiet hello and an urgent kiss. She smirks at the memory but knows better than to say anything. That was the night that started an unfortunate series of events.

While Gaby is sizing you up, you can see why Javi liked her. She was pretty, her face almost feline and a crop of fiery red hair on her head. She had a mouth that could be a smirk or a smile and you’d want either to be directed toward you. She looked like she understood. What - you don’t know. But you’re sure she did. For a profession that probably needed her to fake it a lot of time, there was a genuine softness on her face. And God did Javi need softness. In a way you were thankful – she let him seek solace in her when he needed it.

Excitement bubbles up in your chest as Gaby invites you both inside. Her room is spacious and awash in the soft glow of a corner lamp. You can see her bed from where you’re standing and it sends another shot of adrenaline through your veins. You’re about to do this, you’re really fucking about to do this. 

Javi introduces you both to each other and you mumble a quiet hello, afraid your voice will betray you if you say anything else. A beat of awkward silence passes and Javi makes to leave when you feel a jolt of panic, feeling as if you’re being dropped off at fucking college for the first time. “No, wait!” you almost shout, grabbing his arm. Your voice comes out high-pitched and Javi's eyes are full of concern when he looks at you. 

You quickly decide that while this is something that you wanted for yourself, you also don’t want Javi to leave. You want him too.

“Stay, please. If you like. If you can” He looks at you and then looks at Gaby, who has a neutral expression on her face. Neither of you would ever impose on her, it doesn't matter if you’re paying her. Javi asks Gaby if it's alright for him to stay, he understands if that crosses a boundary and you agree, you’ll leave if Gaby isn’t comfortable. 

Instead of answering, Gaby gets up from the sofa chair she was sitting on and saunters towards both of you, slotting herself in the middle. Something changes in the air and inside you at that moment. You want Gaby to come closer, you want Javi to come closer. The overwhelming urge to feel them both makes you tremble and you take a shallow breath, afraid to break this trance.

 Gaby holds Javi’s hand and leans in towards you at the same time, her lips almost brushing yours as she susurrates “Bueno. ¿Puedo besarte o qué?” Her warm breath washes over you and you drown in the haze of her perfume, not knowing when you turn your head slightly so your lips brush against hers. 

It’s like a spell has been cast on you. The world narrows down to Gaby’s lips on yours and Javi’s breath in your ear. Kissing Gaby is… different. She’s so soft - her lips like clouds of candy and her skin luxurious. You part your lips willingly and you welcome her in like an epiphany.

You want more – you want to know what she tastes like. Javi tasted like cigarettes, coffee, and the fading burn of the whiskey he slung back at his desk before leaving work. Gaby is cigarettes too but with the mint of the gum she chewed waiting for you and something caramel. The familiar burn of Javi’s mustache is missing and you glide your mouth against Gaby's with ease. You can’t get enough of her plush lips and talented tongue – each swipe of which is sending jolts of electricity through your body. 

Javi looks at you, mesmerised, a new feeling blooming in his chest. Gaby, ever the experienced professional, brings the hand she’s been holding to your neck, welcoming Javi in. Javi strokes your jaw softly and you draw in a sharp breath, gasping at the new sensation. You break your kiss with Gaby and look at him slightly dazed, his warm brown eyes full of revelation. You move in automatically to kiss him as if being controlled by invisible strings that are being fed by the sheer need to kiss and be kissed. 

Javi’s lips crash into yours and this is familiar. Muscle memory kicks in and you’re more confident now. You know what Javi likes.

 He likes to be kissed soft and bitten hard, he likes teeth that follow pliable lips and a tongue that isn’t shy and his breath to be stolen so he’s panting by the time you break apart. He kisses to commune and it’s never a short conversation.

You can feel Gaby nibbling at the soft spot under your jaw and running her hand down your spine and squeezing your hips while you’re kissing Javi and you feel like you’ll explode from so much touch. 

You’re breathless by the time you break apart from Javi. Gaby’s looking at you with a raised eyebrow and a hint of a smirk on her lips. "So now what do you think?" Gabby teases. 

You respond by pulling her towards you again and kissing her deeply, more confident this time. You can hear Javi’s gravelly chuckle from far away and you can’t believe your luck at being squashed in the middle of these two beautiful people. You want them both. You want Gaby’s soft hands and Javi’s hard hips, you want her teasing tongue and his ferocious fingers, you want her full breasts and his broad shoulders. You want everything they can give you. 

Gaby breaks away for a moment and leads you to her bed. You lock eyes with Javi and he gives you an encouraging nod. Desire is running thick in your veins, encouraged by Gaby’s hand in yours and Javi’s eyes on you. Gaby undresses you slowly, peeling off each item of clothing with perhaps more gentleness than usual. Each revealed part of your body receives an open-mouthed kiss, shooting waves of arousal through your body. She finally slips off your underwear and lays you on the bed. 

Gaby undresses herself, easing her underwear down her hips, and letting it fall down her legs. She steps out of it and stands fully naked in front of you, this total stranger. She’s giving you time to take it all in. You admire her every curve, her lean arms, her pebbled nipples that you want in your mouth, and finally the thatch of soft curls between her thighs that makes heat rise to your cheeks.

You look into her eyes as she climbs on top of you and ever so slowly lowers her body onto yours. Her plush breasts crush against yours and her thigh is pressed up deliciously against your soaking wet sex. Your body turns into a live wire at the contact and you suck in a sharp breath. Your mind is dizzy from how different her body feels compared to Javi’s, or any man for that matter. You can’t get enough of it. The planes of your bodies meld together seamlessly and you drown in the feeling. 

“Dime Javi, ¿qué la gusta?” Gaby purrs with hands exploring, legs – smooth and exposed – touching, bare flesh against bare flesh.

 “Tú, Gaby”, Javi concludes,  “I’m beginning to think she really likes you.”

END

Translation:

Bueno. ¿Puedo besarte o qué? - Well. Can I kiss you now or what?

Dime Javi, ¿qué la gusta? - Tell me Javi, what does she like?

Tú, Gaby - You, Gaby

[captaincryolicious]

You strike like lightning

➳ Baal x gn!reader (mortal/no vision)

➳ Oneshot ; 1.4k

➳ Lots of pining, first meeting ; Probably ooc Baal, reader is afraid of lightning but it's more for plot building and not the main point of focus.

The Raiden Shogun takes an interest in a fearful mortal who enters her nation without permission, but she wasn't expecting the feeling that comes after. [17.O8.2O21]

Zep's Note ; I have no idea what this is.

content under the cut | masterlist

Outlanders didn't belong in Inazuma. 

It was a rule as clear and sharp as the strikes of lightning that cut through the deck of clouds in the grey sky that hung over the islands, brought to life by the Raiden Shogun herself and strictly executed by the Kanjou Commission. The Sakoku Decree stood strong, not many outlanders dared to set foot in the land of eternity, and that was exactly how the electro archon had wanted it to be.

Why was it that her will suddenly wavered when she caught sight of you roaming the small village on Ritou? Why was it that Baal stopped the Shogunate from interfering, lightning striking before their feet as they were about to find you? It was a mystery, even to the archon herself. 

 It wasn't like her at all, to let her cold and indifferent facade falter upon the mere sight of a mortal, but there was something about the way you bravely entered her territory while you feared the roar of thunder that led to her finding herself more intrigued and less opposed to your presence. 

What brought you there? What was your motivation to set foot on the islands where thunder and lightning reigned perpetually? Why were you pushing yourself through the fear implemented by the thunderstorms that traversed the nation daily? 

Who were you? 

Day after day, Baal tried but failed to convince herself to send the Shogunate after you, to end your unpermitted journey through Inazuma. She was the one who commenced the Sakoku Decree in the first place, and you were the perfect example of an outlander who should be expelled from the nation under the watch of said decree. 

Yet, she didn't act, nor did she allow her loyal army to act in her stead.

Weeks passed by, in which her violet eyes regarded your every move from a distance, until one day you found your way to Inazuma City and she impulsively left the confinements of Tenshukaku. And what for? All for a quick glimpse of an outlander who didn't belong there, for a shared glance that stilled all that happened around you but lasted for only a few seconds before she turned away and entered the residence again, harboring thoughts that should not have arisen to begin with. 

She should have allowed the Kanjou Commission to let them fulfill their purpose, to remove you from the nation once and for all, but the Raiden Shogun took no action. 

All she did was watch you as you traveled between the islands, visiting places you weren't supposed to visit. She watched you enjoy the local specialties and befriend the people who lived in the land of eternity. Your path weaved through the surface of Inazuma further and further, you showed no signs of leaving and the God of eternity willingly let you stay. 

She also watched you seeking shelter from the rain on nights that held nothing but darkness and thunder, seeing you tremble in fear when strikes of lightning pierced the sky, when the ground shook with the tremor of the ongoing storm. She saw the way the rain drenched you to the bone, the way your wet hair stuck to your forehead, the way your face was contorted in sheer misery. 

One day, she deemed it enough. 

What was different that specific day? The thunderstorm that washed over the wildlands was the same as all the others, the rain pouring down mercilessly and the wind howling as thunder crashed all around. Nothing was different, and yet this was the day Baal decided to put an end to what had been dragged out for too long. 

— ϟ

It was in a flash of lightning so bright that a woman appeared in front of you, carrying a beauty so electrifying yet cold. Even in the thick curtain of rain cascading from the clouds above, you recognized her in a heartbeat. After all, the woman you saw outside of Tenshukaku had left an imprint in your mind, and you had sworn to remember her face even if you would never lay your eyes upon her ever again. 

The woman was the Raiden Shogun, or so you had been told by an Inazuman citizen quite some time after your brief encounter. 

Why was the electro archon in front of you? 

Thunder shook the ground once more. You flinched, put on edge by the thunderstorm too much to be fearful of the divine woman in front of you. You were an outlander, you didn't belong there, this God was against you and if you weren't scared out of your mind already, her presence would have terrified you. You were unwanted, a trespasser, a–

Clouds parted, thunder stilled, the storm dissolved, all with naught but a short gesture of her hand. That was the last thing you expected, even more so when the woman looked at you, the softness in her violet eyes not matching with the reputation that preceded her far and wide. 

     "Fear the thunder no longer, outlander. For as long as lightning strikes under my command, it will not harm you," she spoke, slowly approaching your shivering form. 

You failed to find any sign of ill intentions as she offered you her hand to bind her solemn promise. For a moment, you found yourself hesitating, and the sheen of doubt that fell upon your shoulders didn't go unnoticed by the archon. 

     "And neither will I," Baal added, the authority slipping from her tone and making way for a voice much softer. "I will not harm you, either." 

Was this real? You had no idea. Yet, you couldn't find it in you to defy her offer, and you slowly brought your hand to meet hers. Maybe the tales that went about the electro archon awakened certain prejudices within you, but the way her hand was warm and soft went against the expectations that lived in your mind. Gently, she pulled you to your feet, your stiff limbs protesting against every movement after being frozen in the same position for so long. But Baal was patient, waited for you to find your balance, waited for you to regulate your fearful breaths as your wet clothes clung to your skin uncomfortably. 

"Why?" you asked her as you stepped out into the open. 

The Raiden Shogun remained silent as she led you over the damp grass, away from the cave you had chosen as your refuge when thunder broke loose earlier that day. Her face was unreadable, you couldn't tell what she was thinking after the simple question you brought out. No answer came for the longest time, and in the distance you could see the skyline of Inazuma.   

Armed men clad in violet armor guarded the path you took as you approached the nation's capital. They didn't move a muscle as you walked past them, but their eyes had a hint of confusion written in them. What a sight it must have been, to see the Raiden Shogun escorting a mortal outlander to Tenshukaku with a rare gentleness and care. 

     "One's thoughts and actions can be as capricious as a storm raging over the wildlands, outlander," Baal spoke quietly, coming to a halt in front of the stairs that led to her residence. She turned around, her eyes roaming over the city below her before her gaze landed on you. "Y/N, allow me to invite you into Tenshukaku. Allow me to talk to you as who I am, and not with the mask of the eternal archon. Allow me to get to know you." 

You were at a loss for words, silenced by her words, by her violet eyes that regarded you solemnly. Was this really happening? It seemed all so unreal, so hard to believe. During your stay in Inazuma, you learned a lot about the Raiden Shogun, who was painted to be a cold and merciless woman. Now she let you in on a side that no one had ever talked about, and it made your heart swell with something you hadn't felt before. 

     "Why?" you asked again, your voice barely a breath. 

She hesitated, the calm look in her eyes faltering for a fragment of a second as she sought for words. Then, she heaved out a small sigh, and told you,

     "Because you strike like lightning." 

[min-jpg]

Hi!! Can you do they boys getting kidnapped but its Diluc, Childe, and Kazuha? Thank you!!💗💗

Note: I just want to point out that there's no actual reason on how I choose for the reader to beat up the kidnappers since part 1,, it's totally random as long as I'm trying out different ideas whatever fits ehe. Enjoy! 💖

---

Kidnapped Genshin Boys x Fem Rich!reader pt.2

Part 1 (Kaeya, Zhongli, Xiao)

Characters: Childe, Diluc, Kazuha

Genre: fluff, established relationship, some woman kicking ass action, (TW: mentions of blood and violence)

---

CHILDE

Your boyfriend would definitely try to go head-to-head against the shady group of people who abducted him. The gang accountable must be living under the rock for even considering one of the most dangerous Harbingers as their prey to carry out their schemes.

However, Childe learned that there would be ramifications if he tries to be rash without gathering solid intel first. Having no knowledge of your current circumstances and whereabouts troubled him to the core. They could have already sent out a corresponding group towards you and endanger you if he failed to listen.

Being wealthy is not a foreign concept to Childe as he is also a wealthy man himself. That said, the premonition of being a target for a ransom would not be unrealistic to him. For now, he is glad that he is the victim here instead of having to witness you kidnapped.

"You know, you could've asked me nicely for some money. I might just give it to you, instead of doing all this for my girlfriend's money." Despite being in a position far from desirable, Childe leisurely sat on the chair that he was bound to, crossing his legs. He was making small talks to push away the worst scenarios happening to you. Are you safe? Are you crying? Did they hurt you?

"I don't know who you are to be running your mouth, but you should value your life a little more." Their leader emerged from the group.

Childe's ocean eyes squinted as menace casts upon his pupils, his voice lowered, "Is that so? Ironic, because you guys seem to value money more than your lives."

The head stepped back slightly, "Enough with your empty threats! You should be aware of the current situation you're in. We're not fooling around here."

"I'm not fooling around either."

As sparks were thrown back and forth, you made your way in through the main entrance. Tapping the shoulder that belongs to one of the men, "Excuse me, I need to get to my boyfriend." Your fist sunk into the side of his face when he turned towards you. He collapsed on the ground with a few broken teeth and blood spewing out of his mouth. Moving on to the next adversary in your path, you fought with full faith in your abilities no matter how intimidating they were.

Soon, the leader and people further ahead finally took notice of it. You pave your way towards your boyfriend and eventually, both your eyes meet each other. Childe puffed out a breath of relief when he finally saw you, but also registering the fact that you just took down most of the men with your bare hands.

Kicking away the men who tried to grab you, you then waved enthusiastically at Childe, "Hey girlie, hold still." Rushing right ahead to the leader, you brought your arm near your face, elbow pointing outwards. The sharp edge from your elbow jabbed his throat, causing him to choke and lose balance.

As his reaction dulled, it was your chance to strike again. Thus, you gallantly overthrew their leader and the entire gang by yourself.

After helping Childe, he stood up abruptly and placed his hands on your shoulder with eagerness written all over the face, "I never knew you could fight so well! How about a spar with me right now?" Expect your boyfriend to continuously bug you to indulge in his rampant itch to fight anyone that comes across as a worthy opponent. Though, the real takeaway from this experience was the way your hair clings to your face with sweat as the adhesive and the triumph look in your eyes. It was a rather attractive sight to relish in his taste.

DILUC

Your boyfriend would be infuriated that crooked people like these exist, much less target him to extort money from you. Just another validation to add up on how incompetent the Knights of Favonious is, he thought. Someone will have to clean up their mess, that someone being him. What better way to do that than to follow them to their hideout to seek out the whole organization?

Diluc is renowned for being one of the richest men in Teyvat. Naturally, the group thought they hit the jackpot on not only holding him for ransom, but potentially garnering some money from him as well.

The only concern he carries is your wellbeing. Diluc fears that this incident will affect you mentally. His head started filling up with formulations on ways to resolve this matter without causing any uproar to guarantee your safety.

When the head was introduced to him, he gritted his teeth to suppress every ounce of his might to not reach for his claymore. Diluc still has to prioritize gathering information first regarding the gang. His patrons at Angel's Share are usually the ones providing him with promising intel of any evildoers, but some things are just meant to be obtained by himself.

"Is this the only hideout you have? Quite in a shambles, don't you think?" Diluc's eyes shifted around the dilapidated building, observing the surroundings to know his enemies better.

The leader rolled his eyes, "It wouldn't be so bad once we get some funding from you and your girlfriend." Diluc hummed. Judging from his answer, it is safe to assume that the organization is rather a small scaling one. Defeating them right now will result in uprooting the source once and for all.

As Diluc was about to do so, a lackey of the gang ran frantically towards them, panting labored when he reached and trying to catch his breath. "What is it?" The leader question.

"T-there's... there's someone." He pointed towards a direction with fear layering his voice.

"What? Why are you so scared?" They all glanced towards the spot.

"I swear there was a woman! I don't know who it is, but she took out some of our guys on guard outside."

In disbelief that a woman could have done anything so reckless, the leader trudged to said location. As it is a spot lacking light, the darkness and shadow made it challenging for him to pinpoint if anyone is there. When he moved closer, you crept out behind from his blind spot and kicked the back of his head, causing his head to spin. Your arm lunged forward, gaining a tight hold onto his nape. You put everything into pushing him, his forehead hammered down to the floor. Creating a loud thud, it gave him a concussion.

"Looking for me?" Your foot stamped onto his back, just making sure he stays down.

Everyone, including your boyfriend, had their pupils dilated at the scene. You sighed at the silence, "All of you just messed with the wrong couple." Lifting your foot away, you stomped forward without giving them a second thought. Your arms and legs are all warmed up for many rounds against your foes.

Diluc watched you from afar as you drove your way towards victory. Although he could step in to help, he admits silently to himself that he would like to observe you a little longer. Putting his trust in your calibers to carry you far, his eyes never left your brave figure.

Once you cleared the group, the next thing to do is checking on Diluc. Already unfastening the restrains himself, he walked to you, "That was well executed. Your abilities shouldn't be underestimated. Don't join the Knights though." He stressed the last remark, scoffing. You chuckled and held his hand to guide him out of here, "Thanks. Glad to impress you, Master Diluc. Let's go home."

KAZUHA

Your boyfriend is a rather hard target to impose on for their plans of kidnapping him. His senses are just too refined for an ordinary person to challenge. Basic tactics, such as overthrowing him with the element of surprise have proven to be futile. Thus, Kazuha will always be able to evade falling prey into their hands.

The only way Kazuha could have been kidnapped is through falsifying evidence of you being in a life-threatening situation. Although he has successfully saved his own skin, not the same could be applied to you. Feeling his resolve shaken, what other choices could he have? Prioritizing your safety is the most important thing right now.

Kazuha may have faced similar situations in the past when out in the sea, encountering pirates of other crew aiming for the Crux Fleet's fortune. Being in the position as a captive for ransom is new. He actually found it amusing, rather than having thoughts of blaming you. It is not your fault that you are blessed with wealth. It is the fault of the criminals.

"Ain't you that the kid who's with Beidou? You're part of her crew." The leader questioned his target, to which he was greeted by Kazuha's silence. "Tell you what. You're just like the rest of us. We want to be rich. How about you ask your girlfriend to bring some more money and we'll give you a share as well?"

Kazuha's face darkened, "I don't know what you've heard, but it must be really valiant of you to assume to worst out of the Crux Fleet and myself. I'd appreciate it if you cease lumping me together with criminals like you."

The Crux Fleet does put up with an infamous reputation amongst the Qixing. Perhaps the abductors concluded that Kazuha has a negative conscience just like them, as in upholding a relationship with you to have a taste of your assets. Still, if he tried to talk his way out of it, barbarians like them will never reach a mutual understanding with him. Kazuha shut his eyes, ignoring any further confrontations to preserve his energy as he contemplates a plan.

He was interrupted when he thought he heard your voice nearby, carried by the wind. The others around him did not hear it since it was just something only Kazuha could pick up. Applying full concentration, he managed to form what he heard, "Get out of my way, please, while I'm asking nicely."

Opening his eyes, he turned to stare at the entrance. As if on cue, the door swung open when you kicked it down, announcing your presence. Some men fainted below your feet.

The others instantly reacted by storming towards your direction to stop your advancement. You stood still in your position, taking a mindful deep breath. One thing you learned from Kazuha is to always remain cold-headed before engaging in a fight.

Kazuha wanted to get out of the restraints to rescue you, but instead, you started dishing out few moves against the men.

When you thought you finished with the remaining numbers, their leader was about to declare his victory, "I got you!" Encircling his arm around your neck in an attempt to strangle you, you huffed and grinned towards Kazuha to signal him you have it under control.

You elbowed his stomach and felt him loosen his grip when he winced. Making enough gap between his arm and your neck, you slipped away and swiftly kicked in between his groins. The color drained from his face and tumbled to the ground, passing out in pain, "Hmph, this is what happens when you touch a lady without her permission." You brushed away the hair from your face after an arduous fight.

Jogging towards your boyfriend, "Kazuha!" He brisked towards you as well and held you in his embrace, softly rubbed your nape, "You're giving me plenty of inspirations for a haiku after such a wonderful performance." Kazuha would appreciate you refraining from such a heedless approach next time. He was comforted to see you safe and knowing the threats were nothing more than to use you, his weakness, against him. After witnessing that, Kazuha will be slightly ashamed he even doubted you in the first place, so he trusts that you can watch out for yourself next time.