#particularly when trying to capture small things in the art

[waitineedaname]

that collection of greedlings I reblogged earlier reminded me I should post my own collection of favorite greedling panels, except mine are mostly sillies

[prokopetz]

My retro video game pet peeves:

No, sprite flicker on consoles like the NES didn't look like that. The NES ran at 60fps (and how it managed this on contemporary televisions which technically didn't support progressive scan is a fascinating piece of technical bugfuckery, if you have an afternoon to kill to read up on it), but YouTube downsamples all videos that are below a certain resolution to 30fps, which makes sprites that are flickering at 60fps look weird. The way that sprites sometimes seem to disappear entirely for long periods in NES gameplay footage on YouTube is also usually an artefact of this process – YouTube just happened to exclusively pick frames where the sprite in question is not visible when converting from 60fps to 30fps.

No, not all old-school pixel art was explicitly designed with "CRT fuzz" in mind. While this was often the case for games originally released for non-portable consoles, portable consoles have always had LCD screens (yes, even the original Game Boy!), so CRT fuzz simply wasn't a thing for them. Conversely, while desktop PCs of the era did use CRT monitors, from the mid 1980s onward, PC monitors typically used a variant CRT technology that had a much higher scan rate than contemporary CRT televisions in order to improve legibility of small text; such monitors had pixel sharpness comparable to that of modern LCD monitors, so CRT fuzz wasn't a thing for most PC games, either.

No, the textures on N64 and PS1 games weren't that bad. While these consoles were technically capable of resolutions up to 480p, this was very demanding for them, and rarely used outside of menus and cutscenes; actual gameplay output for games on these consoles typically ranged from 192p to 240p. The textures were of an appropriate size for the gameplay resolution. The whole "razor-sharp polygons with drab, muddy textures" look that pops up in a lot of retro media inspired by games of this era isn't imitating how such games look on their native hardware – it's imitating how they look when played on desktop PC emulators that have to stretch the textures all to hell in order to render them.

Like, I'm not saying these aren't valid aesthetic choices for modern retro games – particularly those that are trying to capture the experience of playing pirated console games on a janky PC emulator – but it's the spurious assertions of greater authenticity that often go with them that get my goat. If you want to slap a CRT filter on a Game Boy Advance title because you like the look of it, be my guest, but insisting that this is "how it was meant to be played" is simply false.

[masonmace]

Pleasure

You feel like a pretzel, eyes watery and thighs shaking as you stare over you, feeling hunted by the look in Kento's eyes. Your lip caught between your teeth, trying to be near silent. One leg raised, knee by your side. His hips slowly pressing into yours, letting out satisfied sighs.

"You like that, sweet thing?" Kento queried with a mocking coo. When you nodded, his hips paused.

"m'sorry! Feels s'good," You whine, reaching to grip at his wrist, which was ever-kindly holding your thighs up. All just allowing further reach into your sopping cunt. Needing some more speed, the intimate movements perfect, but all the same not quick enough.

Maybe he could read minds, because he instantly started going quicker, the squelches growing more prominent. His jaw dropping, his eyelids drooping more. Watching as pure bliss fell over your face. Lip falling from your teeth, letting moans out. Pushing your head further into the bed below you, digging your nails into his skin.

Trying your damdest to hold up a strong facade while you were clearly crumbling like a cookie. Sweet like one, too. His unused hand raising and slowly caressing from your other thigh. His fingertips barely grazing your supple skin-- so soft yet sticky from the mixture of sweat and fresh lotion. His mouth moving to utter just how beautiful you look, and how it's all for him to have and make his.

Had Nanami told himself he wouldn't do such things with a coworker-- nonetheless one who was quite younger than him? Yes, he did. Did he swear to himself that you were a simple hallway crush? Most definitely. But yet again, here he was. The way you dressed today; it was clear you were trying to provoke him.

A small, tight pencil skirt that barely covered you and those see-through black trouser socks you had. With that-- that amazing blouse. The one he'd eventually complimented you on. You only wore it because you knew he loved it.

That loose button, yeah, that's what got him. What had originally revealed the rosy pink lace covering your breasts. Being the last ones at work was helpful, meaning he could hold you on his lap and tell you how fucking perfect you are. Watching as you rocked your clothed cunt against his erection.

Driving home with his hands messing with the skin of your thighs-- he'd always been particularly fond of them. Your thighs reminded him on rising dough whenever you'd wear thigh-highs. All of the waiting to bring you to his home and place you here on his queen sized bed.

"Misser Nanami--," You sob, mind thick with pleasure. Your unoccupied hand falling down to capture his and rise it up to your tit at a quicker pace, whining as he gripped it, gently pinching your nipples. You arch your back against him, rolling your hips at the same pace of his. Much as you wanted to have it raw, he had eagerly put a condom on.

Letting you suck on the pink tip of him before he settled himself between your legs. Burrowed into your tight cunny, groaning, and rolling of eyes. Soon his hand moving to your other tit, gently slapping it and huffing out as he watched it jiggle. Ceasing the bounciness with a strong grip.

Catching you off guard as he slightly lurched over you, slowly losing his composure. Even if you'd lost yours the moment his hand caught your wrist. Watching the way your body jumped with each push hid hips. Slowly feeling you tighten around him.

"Shit, you're going to make me cum," Nanami panted, hands falling down again to gently stroke your throbbing clit. Moans caught in your throat, thighs twitching as you grew nearer.

"Please-- don' stop," You respond, resulting in Nanami's sneer.

"We're not stopping anytime soon, don't you worry," He cooed, slowly pausing to catch his breath before making a fast comeback. Leaving you baffled and absolutely floored. His thrusts hitting that sensitive spot deep inside you. Faster and harder-- yet proving how sweet he felt because of you.

Admiring you like a piece of art. From hickies to red bite marks. To wet spots from sloppy kisses. He made sure you had it engraved in your mind how lovely your skin felt. How much he'd wanted this. How much he craved to have a taste of you.

When for days on end you'd shown him you wanted his touch. Grabbing his hand without warning, "accidentally" brushing against him, getting him coffee and bread in the mornings; you knew his order even if he'd never told you, and always glancing over at him. Sometimes even scooting closer to him, too.

Forcing his urges down for weeks, never giving into his fist and mind. Now he could, his own body shaking as he tries to hold himself back.

------

Not me feeding you guys with this really old, unedited bit. Thought you and it deserved to be acknowledged!

[rubypasha1]

I’m going to be honest and say I had some bad experiences in the Transformers fandom. I wrote fics for it, admittedly very bad but they were my first. Had to learn somewhere. Thing is I enjoyed the writing, actually I loved it and it made me realize my passion for writing fiction.

But that didn’t stop the bad experiences. Mostly people. I won’t go into detail but for the love of god please don’t ask or encourage a 12 year old, who has clearly stated they are one, to write smut. And don’t send them very explicit, dead dove do not eat fics without at least staying “hey, there’s some messed up stuff in here so just be warned” instead of “Here’s some inspiration!” And constantly asking when smut will be written.

I swear Ao3 saved my creativity. I pretty completely left Wattpad after that, didn’t touch transformers content again till recently this year.

And I’ve made a decision. I’m going to write a transformers fic. Not now, only next year it’s my last year of school and stuff is hectic. But I’m going to write it. To prove to myself I can write a good transformers fic with good characterization. And a reader or oc that has a bit more depth.

Anywho, @ss-shitstorm fic “Breaking Bread” heavily inspired me and actually was the reason I got back into the Ttansforemrs fandom. I highly recommend it it’s one of my new top favorites and has a terrifying attention to detail. Great characterization, hilarious reader insert that’s basically a very stressed out certain magical princess who’s got a knack for science and baking. And a crazy dog. And sassy bird. Who likes Fluttershy. It’s amazing.

Did I mention there’s actual science stuff in it? Stochiometry my nemesis.

And it’s got me thinking about making my own. Maybe more of an oc fic but still written like ny other reader ones.

I’m thinking of doing one where a human is put in a cybertronian body, TFP universe. They have basic knowledge of TFP, watched it but couldn’t remember everything. But they knew enough. Definitely enough o know that cybertron being alive was before the war.

They’re placed in a cybertronian body before the deception uprising. Still around the time where Functionisin ruled and they were in a kind of ‘presenter’/‘video camera’ alt mode.

Except they have anxiety, often freeze up with a panic enduring lack of social skills driven from their natural personality and the fact they’re a human soul shoved into a metal body. Completely alone and forced to adapt to a society that bases value on an alt mode.

The were an artist while human and over time through constant stress and a lack of familiarity with materials on cybertronian, they loose their love of painting and creating art.

But it’s reignited. They find a underground club where mecs and Femmas of many alt modes come together to anonymously submit art ranging from poetry to music and more. And that’s when they find it, a piece of writing that captures their soul. Something so deep and beautiful they feel their own spark reigniting, and they try their hand at creating again. Even if small.

They keep going to the club, building up courage to place art pieces on view. They don’t get much attention, except for a mech who seems curious and stands beside them as they pick apart every little detail.

They talk for a bit. Share a few critics, nothing too crazy. Turns out he’s the one who wrote that lovely piece of writing that inspired them. They turn around, gasping and thanking him for creating something so inspiring-

Megatron stands before them.

Or rather, Megatronus.

The gladiator had just begun his days of battle in the arena but the end was inevitable, the reader knew who he was and fled in terror leaving a confused (and proud, it felt good to know his words inspired at least one person) Megatronus behind.

Readers in a panic, but it doesn’t end there. Their ‘job’ forces them to begin recording the gladiator fights, particularly the rising star Megatronus leading to the eventual meet up of the two again.

But it doesn’t stop there. Soundwave came soon after and, shockingly enough, Ratchet after some unfortunate events (who is far flirtier and leaves the reader thinking “Oh my god he’s so smooth but whyyyyy”)

And it gets worse. Megatronus clearly wishes to se ether atrworks, one of the few along with Soundwave who sees something more than just a waste of time or hobby.

A relationship is formed, tentive on the readers side. They see him and Soundwave less and less like the terrifying deceptions they would become but rather who stood before them. Mechs bashed by a cruel system, they’re creativity forced to writher in their sparks painfully, smothered by a need to fight for the entertainment of others or die by the claws of the system.

They care about them, they eventually realise in horror. And on an unfortunate night they broke down and revealed to Soundwave a horrible truth. War was coming, and they knew what he would become. What All of them would. They beg him, plead to not take things too far. Life was precious, organic or not and taking those of innocents . . .

Soundwave was an outlier himself, but he remained somewhat skeptical. It wa shard to not belive them, the raw emotions they displayed showcased fear and he was good at reading others frames.

The little cybertronian was odd, but intriguing. A friend he had grown to care for, to wish to protect as his closest companion Megatronus insisted, over time. But if there was truth to their words they must know things that could endanger all of cybertron. Soundwave didn’t see himself as a activist nor rebellious but even he couldn’t deny the waters were churning.

Things happen, yada yada yada, reader gets kidnapped and put into stasis just as the war starts and wakes up many years later to the face of a human child se knew very well from a certain TV series.

All out panic ensures

OR, the other fic idea:

Human wakes up as a vehicon . Says “nope”, tries to get away and accidentally becomes the leader of a vehicon rights movement.

The autobots it’s are confused, the decepticons are angry and the reader just wants to get some dogs or cats dammit.

Of course, a dog does gain interest in them. And by that I mean a terrifying metal dragon who decides this trembling little con would be the perfect way to help him attain details on how to resurrect his kin.

He is very mistaken. Reader can’t even be in the same room as one of the deception lieutenants without rattling like a tin can.

Honestly don’t know if it would be a Soundwave or Megatron x reader. Definitely will be friendship developing there. Maybe both? I’m a sucker for tall dark and creepy guys who have a soft spot for tiny

Second idea is just all the vehicons lining up to get names form reader. All very human ones. . “Bill” “John” Matthew” Thomas” “My names already Steve” “Jenny” “Bucket”

And Reader is just stressing cause they’re not running a rebellion or anything. They’re running a daycare for a bunch of guys who do not care about their own safety and lives at all and she constantly has to tell them, no you cannot go to the Autobits the will shoot you on site. No, wanting to sacrifice yourself isn’t a good idea- CANDICE GET AWAY FROM THE FRAGGING WRECKER GOD DAMMIT DO NONE OF YOH UAVE ANY WILL TO LIVE?

Chaos ensures

[hawkland]

Art Masterpost: The Beginning Story by emmbrancsxx0 (@valleydean) Art by sidewinder (@hawkland)

When I saw an endverse story up for claims in this year's @deancashorrorfest — particularly one exploring the beginnings of how it all came to be — I knew I had to get my grubby, greedy hands on it. When I found out it was written by none other than @valleydean, I may have made some hqppy screeching noises to rival Castiel's true voice. Getting to do art for one of my favorite writers is always exciting, if sometimes anxiety-inducing, but I ended up having an absolute blast working on these with Mallory and am really happy with how they turned out. Thank you for being such an amazing partner to work with, and I'm so excited for everyone else getting to read the story now!

Thank you as well to @kingdumbass for organizing Horrorfest once again, and creating one of my favorite little Destiel communities on the net. It's always a ton of fun and I love how you keep the server going & engaging year round.

Some rambling comments on the art & my process below the cut.

As usual these were all done in watercolor with a little bit of black & white acrylic pen work for fine details and lines. I used rough/cold press paper for all of these to keep a consistent feeling and because it's always my favorite for doing any portraits and where I want a lot of blending control.

The hardest thing for me was deciding which of the many memorable scenes and moments I wanted to illustrate in the time I had available. I had a pretty clear vision for the title art early on: to show Dean & Cas at the beginning of it all, with a collage of elements of destruction behind them and doing the title text in the "Croatoan graffiti" style. There were a bunch of different reference shots combined for that one: screencaps from 5x04, a later-season shot of Dean & Cas walking together to get their positions how I wanted, etc. My Cas "face" reference was actually from Stonehenge Apocalypse as I wanted him looking a little more human/hopeful than standard s4-5 Cas as he's pretty low on grace but still has a little "angel mojo" left.

(As Mallory commented when I shared it as a WIP, "That's a man who's about to be destroyed!" :D D:)

I'm also really glad I was able to get the painting to Mallory at DC-Con! You can see in the pic that it's pretty big (16"x20") to get all that detail in!

For the next piece, there's a small scene of Dean and Cas on the road under smoke-filled skies, past a "God Saves" billboard that just struck me. I'd just driven out to Pittsburgh and back on the PA Turnpike so used some quick reference snaps I took combined with photos of the hazy skies from the Canadian wildfires earlier this year to get the atmosphere I wanted. I tried to keep some of the same washed-out colors and feeling of the title piece for that, save the color of the sky.

For the rest, I wanted to do one piece each of Cas and Dean at critical moments in their journey through the story. Cas facing himself in the shattered glass of a pharmacy cabinet was a moment I knew I had to try to capture. It reminded me of that amazing shot of Misha in Gotham Knights, with Harvey and the smashed mirror, so that was definitely in my mind as a visual reference.

Cas himself is a combination of some Purgatory screencaps and some out-of-character Misha pics from here and there to get his hair the way I wanted it to look (even if I ended up painting over most of it with interference silver watercolor to create the effect of the shattered glass. Here's an in-progress look:

The Dean rooftop piece is one I'd had in my head as soon as I read the passage in the story, but it was the last piece I tackled. The city in flames behind Dean was pretty much done in one shot as a spontaneous wet-in-wet wash...though it was a little eerie and unsettling working on it this past week with current events playing out on the tv while I painted.

Finally, I really wanted to do a piece showing Dean and Cas as they are near the end of the story compared to how they started out. This one came together in a really fast burst of inspiration - I think one day drawing and two days painting because it's smaller than the others (12"x6") and I wanted it to be really close up and intimate. Drawing:

Poor boys have been through a lot. And it's only going to get worse )-:

Anyway, that's more than enough from me. Have you gone to start reading the story yet? If not, go there now! Bookmark! Read! Leave lots of love in the comments! Reblog and check out the rest of this year's Horrorfest collection while you're there!

[sunshines-child]

emerging from my quasi hiatus bc i need to yell something rq and have no idea where to go, sunny allow me to seek refuge here pls n thank u forgive me i love you :D

-------------------

aight so greek mythology premise; a siren spots a small boat and an even smaller figure in the distance. first catch of the day she thinks, grinning to herself.

she circles the vessel, listening carefully to their gentle humming, considering disguises. head peaking out of the water she sings her best melody in hopes of averting the strangers attentions to her so she can adequately capture their deepest desires.

PLOT TWIST bc i dont feel like being eloquent this early in the morning lol: theyre deaf! and sirens iirc are part of apollos domain or sum and as the god of knowledge in my eyes hes a polygot and this is shared with the sirens to appeal to the biggest demographic of people lol.

anyway she sings and to no affect, sailor feels the water shift underneath them and turns to see the siren (in their real from bc why not) and puts 2 and 2 together and starts to sign. boat person is shook and signs back :D probably unaware of the sirens motives.

ALTERNATIVELY: tis a child! and ig sirens arent particularly picky with those who trespass into their waters, but perhaps she either takes pity, or intends to go about with business as usal but kiddo unknowingly outsmarts her and she amused decides to leave them be, or even better take them in (bc what parents let their kid venture that far) or a secret fourth option.

EVEN MORE ALTERNATIVELY: (and this one can be seperate from deaf boat person) AROACE!!!!!!!!!!!! >:D ive yet to see anything written about sirens luring victims with anything other than the usual ways of persuasion, modes of control, means of deceit and other roads to the soul (ayyy) lemme see someone being lured into a qpr or something lol

TRAGICOMEDY: sailor is suicidal and knows exactly what theyre getting themselves into, and the only thing holding up their backflip from the boat is them getting stuck in the nets. shenanigans ensue where siren helps them to get to her lunch faster. and idk they bond, maybe she talks them out of it bc meals dont taste good when they willingly walk into their traps or maybe its some code of ethics thing.

-------------------

dont u love it when u try to write 2.7 sentences to get the wiggles out but it turns into 7 paragraphs, several arts and a spinoff? my hs english assignments weep in the corner & unwritten wips plot my downfall as i type lmao.

to anyone interested please feel free to run wild with any of these! if you do please tag me @kindred-spirit-93 >:D

sunsprite wreath for the flower of my life x

You may seeks refuge here :)

[original-character-championship]

Bracket C Round 1

Poll 2

Hellion (@transjackkennedy) vs. Jindřiška Kovářová (@mist-the-wannabe-linguist)

131. Hellion (@transjackkennedy)

he/it/xe/rot

hellion is like really pathetic and toxic. he hit someone in the head with a rock and gave them amnesia because he was gay for them. hes canonically queer. he's a town mystery. he's the aromantic agender disabled rep no one wants. he walks out without paying his diner bills. he just took someone's house and left them to die in the woods and NO ONE noticed. he collects playing cards and pool balls. he's just some guy but if you made that guy terribly bad at understanding his emotions and let him nearly kill someone. he commits tax fraud and is the worst person in town,but at least he respects women. not enough to pay his DINER BILLS for them though. fucking asshole.

hellion is a pale humanoid with a horned sheep skull for a head. xe has a red sweater, tan pants, and a long brown coat. xe also has a stereotypical devil tail with a spade tip.

132. Jindřiška Kovářová (@mist-the-wannabe-linguist)

she/her

Jindřiška, or Jindra for short, is the daughter of the village blacksmith from a small village in Southern Moravia in the 1830s. She and her many siblings grew up around the forge and all were trained in the blacksmiths' art from a young age and Jindra is particularly proud of their trade. But though she loves her home, she longs to get out into the world as a true apprentice like her brothers, and she gets that chance when two rather odd travellers stop by to have their weapons repaired. Monster hunters, they say. Sure, why not - she directs them to a local tormented ghost, and after they help the unfortunate soul find peace and prepare to move on, she decides to join, captured by the promise of adventure. Jindra becomes an invaluable member of the team, as the two are foreigners unfamiliar with local folkloric beasts and human customs alike, she becomes their guide, translator, weapons repairer, and of course a fellow hunter. Things become temporarily a bit complicated on the revelation that one of her new friends is really a vampire and the main reason of their travels is the hope of somehow breaking his curse, but soon enough all three grow to be inseparable companions willing to give their life (if immortality allows) for each other.

A blacksmith by heart and soul, her skill is not limited to the forge and like many other persons of her trade as far as history remembers, Jindra is able to use certain simple spells and hexes, though if anyone asked her, she would deny doing any magic. To her, it's just ""something her da taught her.""

Jindra is almost never seen without her gigantic draft horse Saffron, she loves dance, resorts to making flower crowns whenever she needs to keep her hands occupied and there is no hammer and anvil in sight, has an ever growing collection of colorful ribbons, and as a Catholic, her typical method of facing dangers of the supernatural kind is such - first try the cross, then try the crossbow. She fears few things, but there is one being that is always sure to send chills down her spine. Ever since the tragic loss of a younger sibling, you never find her out in the fields at noon, as she does not want to risk coming face to face again with the one who people call Polednice.

A rather short and strongly built woman with a round face covered with freckles and a long braid of red hair. Typically wears a traditional dress, a way to show where she comes from and to remind her of her home no matter how far she goes. Always wears a little silver cross on her neck, a gift from her grandmother when she was a baby. She considers it her main protective charm.

[joking-suggestions]

a kind of analysis on albedo

I feel like a lot of people mischaracterized albedo a lot since he's an artificial human being and he constantly gets compared to an emotionless robot when, well...he clearly is not.

as a homunculus albedo was created with the intent of following the sample of any other human being, as Wikipedia says:

" A homunculus (UK: /hɒˈmʌŋkjʊləs/ hom-UNK-yuul-əs, US: /hoʊˈ-/ hohm-, Latin: [hɔˈmʊŋkʊlʊs]; "little person") is a representation of a small human being, originally depicted as small statues made out of clay. Popularized in sixteenth-century alchemy and nineteenth-century fiction, it has historically referred to the creation of a miniature, fully formed human. "

this means that those children, except for their peculiarities, were not that different from any other human child.

" That the sperm of a man be putrefied by itself in a sealed cucurbit for forty days with the highest degree of putrefaction in a horse's womb, or at least so long that it comes to life and moves itself, and stirs, which is easily observed. After this time, it will look somewhat like a man, but transparent, without a body. If, after this, it be fed wisely with the Arcanum of human blood, and be nourished for up to forty weeks, and be kept in the even heat of the horse's womb, a living human child grows therefrom, with all its members like another child, which is born of a woman, but much smaller. "

just because albedo was artificially created does not affect his cognitive processing of feelings.

moreover, I think this misconception originated from the fact that albedo is apparently a calm and reserved person. but of course we know that someone relatively calmer isn't necessarily cold-hearted, they just have a subtle way of expressing themselves. an introvert isn't a cold person, do you agree, my introverted fellas?

genshin tries to additionally point out in its special events how albedo is warm at heart and is slowly learning (through the traveler and his personal life experiences) how to open up to others. that's called character development.

Albedo's Artwork - Friendship Lv. 4

" (...) When strolling through Mondstadt, he enjoys sketching and painting all manner of living things, but particularly people in moments of joy. Sometimes, he even gifts his artwork to his unsuspecting models, believing that when a work of art captures a transient moment of enjoyment, it is something worth treasuring. (...) "

I would like to ask you, would a numb and insensitive person gift their sketches to random strangers on the street just to make them smile? or...would such a person try to look after a child? listen up, if klee loves her older brother so much it's because she truly feels at ease with him. taking care of children isn't an easy task, so of course, albedo needs to be emotionally aware of their feelings in order to properly taking care of them.

besides, I think we also have to take into account how he grew up. "childhood" is fundamental when it comes to our adult personality, as phycology teaches us. albedo has likely spent centuries of his existence by his master's side, probably without getting in touch with anyone but her during that time. he was raised with strict rules to abide by, and rigid learning schemes to attend, otherwise he risked arguably to be abandoned by his mother, the only person he looked up to. so, OF COURSE, albedo is so reclusive, that's just how he was used to live after all this time. now that he's finally living a normal life in mondstadt he's slowly learning how to deal with other people too. it's a process, but he's getting there.

and yet, he still puts work first because that's what he has done for the equivalent of a lifetime, to the point he neglects even his own well-being. that's everything that was taught him. albedo is basically trying to accomplish his master's last mission, everyone else in this case is just a distraction. if he gets distracted he might fail, and failure means disappointing everyone and, consequently, being left alone. again. I like to think that, in the end, albedo doesn't approach people much because he's afraid od rejection. albedo is afraid of not meeting people expectations about him, he is aware that he's different from all the normal folks in town, or even in the world.

but, he's changing. he's slowly learning the importance of befriend other people. perhaps, maybe it's part of his mission, too?

albedo does care. a lot. he struggles with expressing his feelings, but the affection of his friends and family is there and he's getting the importance of it.

[morgenlich]

(chinhands) i wanna hear you declaim on the münter painting. what do you love about it?

ooh ok! so! i've talked before about how for me there's artworks i like as an Academic, that i could write a book (or at least a paper) discussing all the Context and Symbolism etc, and then there's paintings i like for aesthetic reasons, and there's not zero overlap, but they're often different categories....

Münter's painting (Kirche von Riedhausen) is one that's pretty much only aesthetically interesting to me (although here i should note that Münter was a badass who dealt with a lot of harassment from the Nazis and still managed to hide hundreds of pieces of her own work and works from other members of the Blaue Reiter from them despite having her house searched multiple times!) anyway i could talk about german expressionism as a whole but am less interested in individual paintings or artists in an academic sense asdcfv but anyway

so, the milwaukee art museum is a fantastic museum that really punches above its weight imo, and if you are ever anywhere near milwaukee you should absolutely try to visit it! in particular, they have a really nice collection of 19th and early 20th century german art (which makes sense given that it's a city german immigrants flocked to at the time), and in particular within that, they have a great collection of expressionist works, particularly from Blaue Reiter, the group that Münter belonged to (Kandinsky is another well-known member of the group and they do have some of his works as well!)

Kirche von Riedhausen is actually quite small, even compared to Münter's other works in the same gallery:

though i always find it immediately striking. i simply love the colors tbh, i love when artists and photographers capture moments that last little moment at sunset, just before the sun sinks fully below the horizon....

it's those bits of orange especially, on the church steeple and the tree (though there are fainter bits elsewhere), that really stand out to me. it feels in some ways more impressionist than expressionist, this sort of capture of one specific moment of light....imo it really is the light that's the centerpiece of the painting. i just really love, in art but also in the real world, when the sunset (or sunrise) produces really beautiful bits of light that only happen to catch on a few things--for example, although much of the church is already in blue shadows, the steeple still catches that list bit of fire before twilight.

[enby-ernhardt]

Some things I’d like to see in the KOTOR remake(s), assuming they actually get released. I know some of it is a bit idealistic, but I can dream 😆

More customisation: maybe your character has a larger body, or freckles, or the braided hairstyle but blonde. They’re Twilek, Mirialan, or Zabraki! Non binary! Asexual! Anything goes, babey!!

Improved graphics and animation: ok, this is practically a given, but still. Have you seen characters get killed, then stand back up so they can die properly? Or characters knocked down when frozen getting back up and re-freezing (in that ridiculous pose) 😆. Revan’s dance moves stay, obviously, they’re just smoother.

Companions can roam ship/have schedules: Mostly they’ll be where they are now, but sometimes you’ll find Atton taking a nap, or Mission at the food replicator, and so on. Maybe you’ll even see someone patching themselves up in the med bay after a particularly rough battle.

Seperate the first name/last name fields: Sometimes I find a good first name but want to randomise the last. Also, giving every character my full name whilst trying to stay under the radar is counterintuitive. 😄

Romance: make Carth and Bastila bi, improve Juhani’s romance options (keep her a lesbian though), and add romance to the Kotor 2 characters (and Canderous in K1 because I know some people want that). You should be able to turn them down at any point though if you want.

Hide weapons unless fighting: We’ve all had a character stab themself when meditating or something. Also this

Small decorations: just having little trinkets and stuff appear throughout the game as you complete various tasks. Maybe you could keep one gizka, or pazzak cards/credits stack up as you win more games, or you get a sticker saying “Visit Manaan!”, etc.

Containers say when empty: this one is just here because I’m stupid and can’t remember shit 😆

[K1] Change Tach sound: those seconds between descending into the shadowlands and finding the mute button are the longest seconds of my life. (I know there’s mods, but they aren’t available on console)

[K1] Influence system/relationship changes: It really doesn’t make sense that Carth and Bastila will watch you do something dark sided and just make a small comment before pretending it never happened. Lightside companions should become more wary of you the darker you get, with Bastila giving you more lectures, for example.

[K1] Solo/not mc sections: I really like these sections in Kotor 2, so it’d be nice to have some in the first one too. Maybe someone could deal with the Mandalorian raiders while you’re training as a Jedi, or Canderous does the Genoharadan quest. Or entirely new stuff.

[K1] Change equipment on the Hawk: Also from Kotor 2. It’s very annoying to keep taking characters off the ship just to give them better stuff

[K1] Cutscenes on ship: yet another thing from Kotor 2. Carth asking Bastila how she got captured, Carth and Canderous’ Warrior or Soldier discussion, and Mission asking Bastila about using the force for fun could all easily take place on the ship, along with other convos.

[K2] references to/import data from K1: I’d like to see people talk about the time Revan saved/destroyed Hrakert rift and affected the kolto, or about them being swoop champ, and stuff like that.

[K2] Finished product: all the stuff the Restored Content Mod deals with should be there from the beginning, no need for mods or dlc *cough* Switch port *cough*. I know we’re going to mod the game anyway, but it should be for fun stuff and minor bug fixes, not restoring half the game!

[mmriesoftvat]

Kirara came through Mondstadt with a special parcel for Albedo. It appears to be a casket of tomes, however upon opening it isn't TCG cards that sit inside. Atop a stack of translucid paper sits a letter addressed to him.

[Hello Albedo, I hope my letter finds you well.

I've recently learned about the winter tradition from your region, and right away I thought of you then. If there is anyone I would wish to present with a gift...

... that person would be you. I broke the sentence so you can see what I did there. I hope you like it.

I am eternally grateful for the custom card back you have created for me. It fills me with pride every time my opponents ask me about it. Would that I was as gifted in the arts as you are, I would return the favor more confidently.

The next best thing I could do was to take my Kamera and travel across Sumeru to capture some of my favorite views. You will find them under this letter in the Casket. You can hold onto that as well if you don't have one yet, by the way.

I hope among the pictures you will find something inspiring. And if you ever wish to see these places in person, please come to find me. It would be an honor to escort you personally.

I wish you happy holidays and a good end of the year. As a final note, I want to leave you with a funny line I came up with.

Beryllium, gold, and titanium. When I look at you, I think you're full of it.

Cyno]

Albedo hasn't expected anything from anyone outside of Mondstadt. Most people would've buried their heads and focused on their own circle of friends. On his head, he'd have expected a gift from Sucrose, before making his way to his lab in Dragonspine where he'd spend the next few weeks enjoying the cold and quiet.

He's rather confused when he sees Kirara arrive in Mondstadt. Not just for any random visit, but evidently coming specifically for him. The confusion is evident on his face as he takes the parcel from her, offering up a quick thanks before turning around to open it. He can hear her footsteps retreating with a mumbled you're welcome. He'll apologize later for his rudeness, but right now Albedo's curiosity is going to exceed social norms.

In the small package, Albedo finds several pictures to sift through. There are lots that are already giving him inspiration and muse, along with a desire to travel to Sumeru and explore the landscape. Albedo had been meaning to go there for some time anyway, this would be the perfect chance to go.

Carefully setting the photos aside, he picks up the letter to read it. The confusion melts, replaced with a fondness that he rarely feels. Cyno...

Cyno had certainly been an interesting friend to make, but his humor and care for others had intrigued Albedo. He often finds himself longing for Cyno's company, particularly in moments when the cold makes him remember things he doesn't want to remember.

Once finished reading, Albedo hurries through the streets and back to his small home within the city. He can scribble out a return letter and hopefully catch Kirara before she leaves Mondstadt again.

Cyno. Thank you for your parcel. I hadn't expected a generous gift from you, but I am delighted to recieve one nonetheless. I should make plans to visit you in Sumeru soon. I would love to explore the nation with you and Tighnari, as well as Collei. I'll bring Sucrose with me as well, she's been missing her friend. This letter is short, and I apologize, I am pressed for time. But do expect me within the next few weeks. I will try to get at least a month off so I may come and do research there. I look forward to you showing me around. All my best, Albedo.

Reading it over, Albedo smiles to himself before putting it carefully in an envelope. He doesn't have any gifts to send back, unless Cyno would like some Mondstadt treats? Though...Albedo doesn't have any of those on hand, either. The letter alone will have to do for now. All that's left now is to track down Kirara or someone else to deliver this to Cyno as soon as possible.

[onepunchcatboi]

The Warrior of Light

ARR caps ✦ HW caps ✦ SB caps ✦ ShB caps ✦ EW caps ✦ DT caps

Slowly but surely working on a little website for this boi that I will later link on here, but I thought it'd be good to do a quick landing page-post for him with some fast facts lol

Name: Zorri'to "Kima" Vossu Age: 33 (as of Endwalker) Nameday: July 19 Gender: Non-binary Orientation: Demisexual Height: 5'1" Weight: 120 lbs Alignment: Neutral Good Ancient Name: Nike

Melee: Monk, Ninja, Dragoon Ranged: Dancer Caster: Red Mage Tank: Gunbreaker Healer: Astrologian

Theme Song: Eye of the Storm- ARR-SB Eye of the Storm Reborn- ShB-EW

Relationships Thancred Waters: Brother why art thou like this (affectionate) Urianger Augurelt: Beautiful nerd friend Lyse Hext: Same-brain sister Papalymo Totolymo: The Professor Minlifia Warde: Cinnamon roll too good for this world (cry) Tataru Taru: Den mother of 1000 skills Alphinaud Leveilleur: My incredible son Alisaie Leveilleur: My unbeatable daughter Krile Baldastion: Lovely aunt Estinian Wyrmblood: Adventure buddy G'Raha Tia: Idiot little bother (affectionate)

Romantic Relationship: Y'Shtola Rhul: The Queen, my muse, my mirror, we are opposites, we are the same, I would travel the ends of the world with you, the world may be burning but we will burn brighter to save it

Personality In addition to the living cryptid factor that comes with being the Warrior of Light, Kima is an interesting puzzle when getting to know him. He’s quiet and contemplative but will converse easily enough if you find the right subject. His speech is forward and sometimes insightful, he also cusses like it's a first language. He's never owned more than three books, he can tell you the entire history of the Gyr Abania. He will capture bugs to return outside, he will tear a mans throat out.

While a bit rough around the edges, at his heart he is a kind and sincere person, given to honesty and altruism. He is smart and skilled in trades, but not academically educated. Most of his understanding of aether and the like is through the study of martial arts, so he might not have the right words, but he makes the right connections. He has a fascination with new things and history and loves to learn and explore. He also adores animals and nature, and somewhat frequently runs off on his own to meditate somewhere nice.

He walks with a quiet confidence that comes from both victories and defeats and does not make proud boasts but rather reserved threats, making promises based on past accomplishments. Above all he believes in people and their capacity for good and will try to reach his foe for a peaceful solution if he thinks it possible.

Short History He began life as the second son of a Keeper tribe in the Fringes of Gyr Abania, living on the outskirts of a small village doing their best to keep out of the sight of the Garleans. Like most he knew not his father and for a time his older brother was the only other male of the tribe. Even when not out hunting he was often out exploring, interested particularly in the ruins of the Monk temples left behind after the Mad King’s reign and left to further gather dust after Garlean occupation.

As all Keeper men do, when he came of age he gave to wandering. Eventually he found his way to Ul'dah, were he sought out the Pugilists Guild and came under Hamond’s tutelage. His involvement in Ul’dahs affairs put him in contact with Thancred, and soon after his duties as envoy to General Raubhan, he joined the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Later he returned to to serve the General as well, becoming an Immortal Flame to further the Scions goals. Upon his defeat of the primal Ifrit, he began to be known as the Warrior of Light, the Savior of Eorzea, and many more.

Character Creation Notes

While he began as a sort of self insert/what if Bruce Lee but if cat-boy character, eventually he became his own personality.

Both my girlfriend and I started the game together and somehow flipped the naming conventions of the sun and moon miqote lol So he was originally name Z'orri, and its in a lot of the older screenshots.

For a long time he was renamed to Zorri'to Viryu. But after a while I had realized this meant that his true name was "Viryu", which just never seemed to suit him. Finally after long deliberation he got his final name change lol

[ronaldanthony4]

I’ve created another digital art piece, diving into the world of fan art once more. This time, I’ve featured Dora Márquez, the iconic adventurer of “Dora the Explorer.” She’s the main protagonist and hostess of this beloved television series and has also appeared in spin-offs like “Dora and Friends: Into the City!” and “Go, Diego, Go!” The moment I chose Dora as my subject, I felt a surge of nostalgia and excitement. After all, Dora isn’t just any character; she’s a hero and a symbol of curiosity, kindness, and resilience—a character who’s shaped so many childhoods, including mine.

In my artwork, I decided to portray Dora as the young, lively girl we first met on her early adventures. She’s as curious and spirited as ever, yet I’ve added some hints from her updated design in the 2024 reboot. I wanted to blend the classic Dora with the modern touch that newer generations recognise. Her skin is a warm, dark peach, almost verging on orange, which makes her stand out beautifully against the vibrant jungle backdrop. Her brown bob-cut hair, styled in its familiar way, frames her face with an innocence and energy that feels timeless. Dora’s brown eyes are wide and expressive, capturing that spark of curiosity she’s always had—the very spark that’s drawn children and adults alike into her world of exploration and wonder.

As I painted Dora’s outfit, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction seeing each detail come together. She’s wearing her iconic pink t-shirt, layered over a purple shirt that peeks out subtly from underneath. It’s a small detail, but one that adds depth to her look, connecting her older design with her refreshed 2024 appearance. Her orange shorts bring a burst of brightness to the outfit, harmonising with her yellow sports socks, which peek out from her purple and light pink sneakers. Each colour and element of her clothing feels intentional, designed to embody the cheerful, adventurous spirit that Dora represents.

One little detail I’m particularly fond of is the yellow bracelet she’s wearing on her right wrist. There’s a small blue flower on it, giving the accessory a youthful charm. In my imagination, this bracelet was a birthday present Dora received when she turned four—a symbol of love from her family, a simple but precious keepsake that she treasures. It’s the kind of thing that feels like it carries stories within it, representing her connection to her family, even though she spends so much time outside exploring.

Dora’s kindness shines through in her interactions with others, and I wanted to capture that in her expression. She’s the kind of character who doesn’t hold grudges, not even against Swiper, the sneaky fox who constantly tries to swipe her belongings. Swiper might be a nuisance, but Dora doesn’t let frustration or anger get the best of her. She remains patient, even understanding, and always ready to give others a second chance. It’s one of the things I admire most about her—a rare quality, especially in a world where forgiveness and patience can sometimes feel like weaknesses. Dora shows that these qualities are strengths, ones that make her the beloved character she is.

Of course, Dora’s adventurous spirit goes beyond her kindness. She’s a girl who values her family deeply, though her life of exploration often keeps her outdoors, far from home. Family is her grounding force, her inspiration. She shares bits of her traditions and customs with her friends and viewers, but she does so gently, never forcing her way of life on anyone. She introduces new ideas, food, and language with subtlety, allowing others to appreciate them without feeling pressured. In a way, I wanted my artwork to reflect that spirit of openness and warmth as if Dora is inviting anyone who looks at her to join her on an adventure, to learn a new word, or to try something different.

Her bond with her best friend, Boots the Monkey, is another element that makes Dora special. Boots became her friend after she helped him save his beloved red boots from Swiper. I imagine that moment solidified their friendship, creating a connection that has only grown stronger over time. Though Boots doesn’t appear in this particular artwork, his presence is felt in the way Dora carries herself. She’s not just an explorer but a friend who values loyalty, kindness, and shared experiences. When I look at her expression, I imagine she’s thinking about her next adventure with Boots by her side, ready to face any challenge together.

Sports are a big part of Dora’s life, too. She’s an athlete, with a particular passion for soccer. I can picture her playing with boundless energy, her laughter ringing out as she chases the ball, her eyes focused and determined. She even played on a baseball team with Boots and other friends, coached by her father. It’s touching to think about how her father must feel, seeing his daughter’s enthusiasm and drive. In my mind, that’s the only “job” he’s ever needed—to support Dora in her passions and encourage her to follow her dreams. Soccer, however, is where she truly shines. She’s not just good at it; she excels, embodying the competitive spirit while remaining the same kind-hearted girl we know and love.

Music is another passion of Dora’s, and it’s something I’ve woven subtly into her character as I illustrated her. She’s skilled at playing the wooden flute and the guitar, which adds another layer to her creativity and her connection to her cultural roots. Through music, Dora expresses herself in ways words cannot. I imagine her sitting by a campfire, strumming her guitar and singing softly in both Spanish and English, sharing stories through melodies that reflect her journey and the people she’s met along the way. It’s a side of her that feels deeply personal, a reminder that there’s more to Dora than just her adventurous spirit.

Dora’s bilingualism is one of her defining traits, and it makes her so relatable to children around the world. She’s fluent in both English and Spanish, and she uses this skill to bridge cultures, teaching viewers new words and phrases. She’s like a little teacher, guiding children through the basics of Spanish in a way that feels natural and engaging. She doesn’t just teach vocabulary; she helps viewers see the world through a different lens, one that values diversity and understanding. In my artwork, I wanted to capture that sense of openness and curiosity, the feeling that Dora is always ready to learn and share what she knows. Her role as a translator for characters like Tico and Señor Tucán shows her empathy and understanding, making her not just a friend to her fellow characters but also a bridge between worlds.

As I finished the piece, I took a moment to step back and appreciate the details, the colours, and the expression on Dora’s face. This artwork isn’t just a tribute to her character; it’s a reflection of everything she represents. She’s a character who has grown with us, and who has taught us to be kind, brave, and curious. Dora’s adventures aren’t just physical journeys; they’re journeys of the heart and mind, lessons on how to treat others, and reminders to embrace the unknown with a smile.

In the end, I feel this artwork captures Dora’s essence—a young Latina girl who, despite her youth, embodies wisdom beyond her years. She’s a character who has shown us that heroes don’t always need capes or superpowers. Sometimes, all it takes is a backpack, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to see the good in others. I hope this piece brings a bit of that magic to everyone who sees it, a reminder of the boundless spirit that lives within all of us, waiting to explore, learn, and connect with others. As I sign my name on this digital canvas, I know that this piece will always hold a special place in my portfolio, a tribute to a character who has shaped so many lives, including my own.

[drew-mga2022mi6011]

Conceptualisation | Initial Ideas

Charlie Chaplin

When thinking of the silent medium, there is one thing that particularly strikes a chord within the minds of the general public; silent film. Roundhay Garden Scene (1888) is wildly believed to be the first silent film, with a total runtime of a humble two seconds. Incidentally, the man who would go on to pioneer this era of film and popularise it was born a year layer; Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, commonly known as the world renowned Charlie Chaplin. Due to the nature of his work, Sir Chaplin was considered more than just a comedian or an actor, but a pantomime. Thus, giving me direction to where I could take my research first; mimes.

The art of conveying emotion and a narrative without saying a single word is within the job description of a mime. The ultimate form of silent communication. To pay homage to this idea, I plan to create the final Silent Book using a grayscale palette.

Hamilton (2015) - Lin Manuel Miranda

One can further deconstruct the idea of a mind and boil it down to its fundamental form to gain more avenues to learn from. For example, the study of acting in general would be important, particularly from musical theatre. The word "theatrics" quite literally stems from the exaggerated actions of those participating in plays, dramas and other forms of theatre. However, musical theatre is quite literally the antithesis of the idea of a silent film. The audio, lyricism and sound experience drives the narrative just as much as, if not even more than the acting itself. In order to truly study acting in theatre, one must not look at the speaker themselves, but the actions and reactions of those around them, who do not utter a single word. These actions are meant to supplement the main scene, and without them the play would ring hollow.

Finally, we look to a medium that is limited both by sound, and action. Not quite as old as theatre, but older by far than film; photography. How does one tell a story in one single frame, without any words? Here are some examples.

"Prepare to Meet Thy God" (1970) - An Army Photographer

A bomb disposal officer walks to defuse a potentially explosive substance in Northern Ireland. What works about this picture is the composition of a lonely man walking to what looks to be his last mission (luckily, he survived this encounter). This is further accentuated by the sign, "Prepare to meet thy God", a comforting Bible verse to someone, but an omen of death to men like this officer. Unfortunately, this almost cheats in the fact that it does use text to enhance the tone of this picture. However, it could be argued that this photo works regardless of the sign.

The Priest and the Dying Soldier (1962) - Héctor Rondón Lovera

This photo is self explanatory, just like its title. I admire the fact that it needs very little to tell its story; a man on his knees, a priest desperately searching for sanctuary, the weapon cast aside. One could try to dig into the finer details, of the soldier clutching the priest's robes, the soldier kneeling, as if one final prayer to God, the composure of the priest himself. This is truly a beautiful photo, which uses so little to speak volumes.

The Last Atlas Lion (1925) - Marcelin Flandrin

This is a photo taken of a Barbary Lion, presumably the last of its kind. Allegedly, Flandrin shot this photo from a plane. The angle makes the lion look small and insignificant in comparison to the cliffs. The black silhouette against the white sand accentuates its loneliness. Does it know it is the last of its species? Is it walking to its final resting place? No one but the lion himself will know.

This idea of a Silent Book is like a combination of photography - a frozen moment in time - and theatre - action and motion. To capture motion and emotion, using just a few panels (14 pages to be precise) is what I am going to aim to do in this story of mine.

[calixtebeohourou]

Research Assignment 2#:

Walker Evan

Walker Evan was a very important figure in the photography world. He was one of the leading photographers in the history of American documentary photography. Walker Evan is a photographer born in 1903 in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up he was a painter but dabbled in a bit of photography and would take photos of his family and friends with a small camera. Before he was a photographer, he went to New York to become a writer and worked in bookstores while writing stories but he wanted to try and capture his writing through photos. He started taking photographs of European modernism, specifically its formalism and emphasis on dynamic graphic structures and buildings. But when the great depression hit, it was when Evans's Photos started to skyrocket. He focused less on building and more on the American working-class life with their struggles with an exacting frankness. He didn't want to romanticize it as he wanted to keep it the reality. Evans's forthright approach to portraiture and documentary redefined these genres for generations to come and shaped how a nation remembers itself.

As one of the pioneers of documentary style photography, it is interesting to read about Walker as one of the pioneers of this method. The style that he used in his work is incredible to see as he was trying to show the reality of his work through each aspect of his work. The fact that he was born in a much higher class than many of the other workers gave him a chance to see things from a completely different perspective, something I particularly appreciate because he is sympathetic to the struggles of normal people.

Sources: Walker Evans (1903–1975) | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History (metmuseum.org)

Walker Evans Photography, Bio, Ideas | TheArtStory

[tehuti88-art]

1/13/23: r/SketchDaily theme, "Good Luck Charms/Free Draw Friday." (I did Free Draw Friday.)

This week's character from my anthro WWII storyline is Emma Klaus. I was trying to draw a completely different character but she wasn't turning out so I did this. She's not quite how I picture her, but anyway. She's the wife of the second guy from THIS post, in an arranged marriage, though the two end up growing fond of each other and have two sons. There'll be more about her later in my art Tumblr and Toyhou.se.

Regarding her design, you can see I'm awful at braids. This is AFTER a bunch of fixes, too.

TUMBLR EDIT: Emma Klaus isn't a big character, so I don't know much about her outside of what I already went over in her husband, Konstantin Klaus's, entry. Basically, her family want her to marry a nice SS man, though she's rather plain and not too skilled at housework so she never catches anyone's eye. Her family run into an acquaintance of Klaus's and learn that the SS is really pressuring him to get married but he's shown no interest. They make some plans and next thing you know, Emma and Klaus are arranged to be wed. Emma does have to attend an SS bride school first, though, so she'll know how to take care of her new husband and his house. Ah, the nice sexist Nazi Party.

Despite the awkward circumstances of their marriage--they first meet the same day they take their vows--and Klaus's discomfort at his bachelor life being intruded upon so--the two do grow genuinely fond of each other and start a little family. Emma is a devoted housewife (well, aside from one very brief flirtation with Otto Himmel, which is not requited, and which Emma quickly and deeply regrets), and Klaus is faithful, unlike many of his fellows in the SS. Additionally, they both dote on their two sons. It's really an ideal family, aside from the fact that Klaus runs a giant labor/extermination camp.

(Something I just realized, unlike many of my other SS characters, who often engage in what to them is casual conversation but to anyone else would just be extremely morbid and tasteless, Klaus and Emma don't discuss much that goes on in the camp. I imagine they chat about minor work-related quibbles he has with his guards and superiors, but as for the camp itself, Emma isn't interested in hearing, and Klaus isn't much of a talker. I think it's not a subject with which she's entirely comfortable--based on her later behavior, she's not particularly racist, but she's also not concerned enough to protest about it. Klaus and their children are her world, so she pretty much ignores the whole camp aspect of things. She's not a cruel person but she's not that great, either.)

Emma sticks by Klaus even after he's captured and flipped by the Allies to in effect rat out the SS--initially he doesn't do this out of any altruistic or moral obligation, but to benefit himself and his family, by securing their protection and his own imprisonment rather than execution. She sticks by him through his incarceration as well, and when he's released earlier than intended--after about seven years--she's there waiting for him, with their sons. Loyal to the last.

Emma weans the boys off their strict curriculum of Nazi propaganda while Klaus is still in prison. She went along with it to make a good wife, not because she particularly believed in it. She worries that Klaus will be angry, but he'd been starting to distance himself from such beliefs, too. Not only is he starting to see how despicable such thoughts are, but he knows any other SS members out there could be as dangerous to him as his former prisoners or his neighbors--he's a rat, after all. (Uh, both literally AND figuratively.) If they want to fit into a new life at all, they need to get rid of all that.

They take up in a small cottage and Emma is the one to go to work now, as Klaus was crippled in a prisoner revolt and is too reluctant to leave the house lest he incite the wrath of their neighbors who recognize him. Numerous times he wakes from nightmares or else with his crippled leg throbbing; Emma always comforts him without complaint. Numerous times he also expresses guilt over making Emma provide for him--"I'm the one should be providing for you." Emma always reminds him he did care for her and their sons--now, it's her turn. It's a small life, it's a somewhat difficult life at times, but at least they're together.

...I can't think of a decent way to end this entry like I end my longer ones. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Just check out Klaus's entry for some more on Emma for now.

[Emma Klaus 2023 [‎Friday, ‎January ‎13, ‎2023, ‏‎4:00:09 AM]]